Lost or damaged your Canadian visa sticker? Here's your complete replacement guide.
On This Page You Will Find:
- Complete process to replace your damaged or lost TRV sticker from outside Canada
- Exact fees, forms, and documents needed for successful replacement
- Smart alternatives that could save you time and money
- Common mistakes that delay applications and how to avoid them
- Professional tips for complex situations involving changed circumstances
Summary:
Discovering your TRV sticker is damaged, lost, or stuck in a stolen passport can feel overwhelming, especially when you have travel plans to Canada. This comprehensive guide walks you through the exact replacement process from outside Canada, including the mandatory $30 fee, required VAC visit, and essential documentation. You'll learn when replacement is actually necessary (hint: sometimes it's not), step-by-step application procedures, and insider tips to avoid common delays. Whether you're dealing with a new passport, theft, or damage, this guide ensures you get your replacement TRV sticker efficiently and correctly.
🔑 Key Takeaways:
- You don't always need to replace a valid TRV sticker - carrying both old and new passports works
- Replacement costs $30 plus VAC fees and requires an in-person visit
- Police reports are mandatory for lost or stolen passport situations
- Only paper applications are accepted for TRV sticker replacements
- Changed circumstances may require additional forms and documentation
Maria stared at her torn passport in disbelief. The corner where her Canadian TRV sticker was attached had been completely shredded in the washing machine - a casualty of her rushed laundry session before an important business trip to Toronto. With her flight just two weeks away, panic set in. Sound familiar?
If you've ever found yourself holding a damaged passport, discovered your TRV sticker peeling off, or worse, realized your passport with a valid visa has been stolen, you're not alone. Thousands of travelers face this exact situation every year, and the good news is that replacing your TRV sticker is more straightforward than you might think.
But here's what most people don't realize: you don't always need a replacement. Sometimes, there's a simpler solution that could save you both time and money.
Understanding When You Actually Need a TRV Replacement
Before diving into the replacement process, let's address the elephant in the room: do you really need a new sticker?
The surprising answer: Not always.
If you've simply gotten a new passport but your old passport with the valid TRV sticker is still intact, you have options. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows you to travel with both passports - your new one for identification and your old one containing the valid TRV sticker.
This dual-passport approach works perfectly as long as:
- Your TRV sticker hasn't passed its expiration date
- The sticker itself isn't damaged or peeling
- Your old passport is still readable (even if expired)
- You're comfortable carrying two passports while traveling
Think of it like having an old driver's license with a valid parking permit - you'd carry both until you could transfer the permit to your new license.
However, if any of these situations apply to you, replacement becomes necessary:
- Someone stole your passport containing the TRV
- You've lost your passport entirely
- The TRV sticker is damaged, torn, or illegible
- Your passport is significantly damaged (water damage, torn pages, etc.)
- You prefer the convenience of having everything in one passport
The Real Cost of TRV Sticker Replacement
Let's talk numbers, because this affects your budget and timeline.
Mandatory Government Fee: $30 This is the "Verification of Status" processing fee that goes directly to IRCC. You must pay this online before submitting your application, and the receipt becomes part of your application package.
Visa Application Centre (VAC) Fees: Variable Here's where it gets tricky. Each VAC sets its own service fees, which typically range from $25 to $85 depending on your location. Some VACs also charge additional fees for:
- Document review services
- Courier services for passport return
- Premium processing (where available)
Total Expected Cost: $55 to $115
The process typically takes 2-4 weeks, though this can extend during peak travel seasons or if additional documentation is required.
Step-by-Step Replacement Process
Step 1: Pay the Government Fee First
Navigate to the IRCC website and pay the $30 Verification of Status processing fee online. This isn't optional - you cannot proceed without this receipt. Print multiple copies; you'll need one for your application and should keep extras for your records.
Pro tip: Pay this fee as soon as you realize you need a replacement. The online payment system occasionally experiences downtime, and you don't want this delaying your application.
Step 2: Locate Your Nearest VAC
Unlike many immigration processes that can be handled online, TRV sticker replacement requires an in-person visit to a Visa Application Centre. There are no exceptions to this rule - even if you're dealing with a medical emergency or mobility issues, you'll need to contact the VAC directly to discuss accommodation options.
Use the IRCC website's VAC locator tool to find your nearest center. If you're in a remote location, you might need to travel significant distances. Some applicants have had to fly to neighboring countries where VACs are located.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documentation Package
This is where attention to detail becomes crucial. Missing or incorrect documents will delay your application by weeks.
Essential Documents for All Applicants:
- Your $30 fee payment receipt
- Your new passport (if applicable)
- Completed consent forms (provided by the VAC)
For Damaged Stickers/Passports:
- Your original passport containing the damaged TRV sticker
- Clear photos showing the damage (take these before submitting your passport)
For Lost or Stolen Passports:
- Official police report (must be translated to English or French if in another language)
- Copy of your previous passport's biographical page (if available)
- Any documentation proving your previous TRV validity (email confirmations, travel records, etc.)
Translation Requirements: All documents not in English or French must be professionally translated. The translation must include:
- Translator's certification
- Translator's contact information
- Declaration that the translation is complete and accurate
Step 4: Handle Changed Circumstances
Here's where many applications get complicated. If anything about your situation has changed since your original TRV was issued, you may need additional forms.
Common Changed Circumstances:
- New job or employment status
- Different address or contact information
- Changes in family composition (marriage, divorce, new children)
- New travel purposes or duration
- Financial status changes
Potentially Required Forms:
- IMM 5257: Application for Temporary Resident Visa (if significant changes occurred)
- IMM 5707 or IMM 5645: Family Information Form (depending on your country)
- IMM 5257B: Schedule 1 for potential inadmissibility issues
The decision to include additional forms depends on your specific situation. When in doubt, it's better to over-document than under-document, as incomplete applications face automatic delays.
Navigating Complex Situations
Multiple Passport Scenario
Some travelers hold multiple passports from different countries. If your damaged TRV was in your secondary passport, you might wonder if you can switch to your primary passport.
The answer: Yes, but you'll still need to go through the replacement process. IRCC needs to verify your identity and transfer the visa authorization to the new passport, regardless of which passport it's being transferred to.
Emergency Travel Situations
What if you need to travel urgently and can't wait 2-4 weeks for the replacement?
Unfortunately, there's no expedited processing for TRV sticker replacements. However, you have a few options:
- Contact the VAC to explain your emergency - they sometimes offer premium services
- Consult with an immigration lawyer who might identify alternative solutions
- Consider postponing travel if possible
Business vs. Personal Travel Considerations
If you're traveling for business, your employer might be able to assist with expediting the process or covering additional fees for premium services. Some companies have relationships with immigration consultants who can navigate complex situations more efficiently.
Common Mistakes That Delay Applications
Mistake #1: Incomplete Fee Payment Some applicants pay only the government fee and forget about VAC fees, leading to rejected applications.
Mistake #2: Poor Quality Photos If you're documenting damage, ensure photos are clear, well-lit, and show the damage from multiple angles. Blurry photos lead to requests for additional documentation.
Mistake #3: Assuming No Additional Forms Are Needed Many applicants submit only basic documents and ignore changed circumstances, resulting in processing delays when IRCC requests additional information.
Mistake #4: Inadequate Translation Using Google Translate or informal translations instead of certified professional translations results in automatic application rejection.
Mistake #5: Not Keeping Copies Always keep copies of everything you submit. If documents get lost in processing, you'll need to restart the entire process without copies.
Alternative Solutions and Workarounds
The Two-Passport Strategy
As mentioned earlier, carrying both passports often eliminates the need for replacement entirely. This works particularly well for:
- Frequent travelers who don't mind the extra document
- Situations where the old passport is still in good condition
- Short-term solutions while waiting for replacement
Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) Consideration
If you're from a visa-exempt country and only obtained a TRV due to specific circumstances, you might now qualify for an eTA instead. This electronic authorization is faster, cheaper, and doesn't require physical stickers.
However, this only applies if your circumstances have changed to make you eligible for visa-exempt travel.
Working with Immigration Professionals
When to Seek Professional Help
Consider consulting with a regulated immigration consultant or lawyer if:
- Your circumstances have significantly changed since your original TRV
- You're dealing with potential inadmissibility issues
- You have multiple passports or complex travel history
- You've been refused visas in the past
- You're facing tight travel deadlines
Questions to Ask Professionals
- Can my situation be resolved without full TRV replacement?
- Are there any alternative visa categories I might qualify for?
- What's the realistic timeline for my specific case?
- Are there any red flags in my application that could cause delays?
Planning Your Next Steps
Immediate Actions (Today)
- Assess whether you actually need replacement or if the two-passport solution works
- Pay the $30 government fee online
- Locate your nearest VAC and check their current processing times
- Begin gathering required documents
This Week
- Schedule your VAC appointment (if required)
- Get professional translations for any non-English/French documents
- Take clear photos of any damage (before submitting documents)
- Prepare additional forms if your circumstances have changed
Before Submitting
- Double-check all documents against the requirements checklist
- Make copies of everything
- Confirm VAC fees and accepted payment methods
- Plan for potential follow-up requests from IRCC
What Happens After Submission
Once you've submitted your application, the waiting begins. IRCC will:
- Verify your identity and previous TRV validity
- Review any changed circumstances
- Process the sticker transfer or replacement
- Return your passport(s) through the VAC
During this time, avoid making travel plans, as processing times can vary significantly based on your location and the complexity of your case.
Preventing Future Issues
Passport Protection Strategies
- Use passport holders or protective cases
- Keep passports in secure, dry locations
- Make copies of all important pages
- Consider travel insurance that covers document replacement
Digital Backup Systems
- Scan all passport pages and visa stickers
- Store digital copies in cloud storage
- Email copies to yourself from multiple accounts
- Keep printed copies in separate luggage when traveling
Replacing a damaged or lost TRV sticker might seem daunting initially, but it's a well-established process that thousands of travelers navigate successfully each year. The key is understanding your options, preparing thoroughly, and allowing adequate time for processing.
Remember, sometimes the simplest solution - carrying two passports - eliminates the need for replacement entirely. But when replacement is necessary, following this step-by-step guide ensures you'll have your new TRV sticker efficiently and correctly.
Whether you're dealing with washing machine mishaps like Maria or more serious situations involving theft or loss, the path forward is clear. Take it one step at a time, prepare your documentation carefully, and soon you'll be ready for your Canadian adventure once again.
The most important thing to remember? Don't panic. This is a solvable problem, and with the right approach, you'll have your travel documents sorted out sooner than you think.
FAQ
Q: Do I really need to replace my TRV sticker if I have a new passport but my old one with the valid visa is still intact?
Not necessarily! This is one of the most misunderstood aspects of TRV management. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) allows you to travel with both your new passport and your old passport containing the valid TRV sticker, as long as the sticker hasn't expired and remains legible. This dual-passport approach can save you the $55-$115 replacement cost and 2-4 weeks of processing time. However, you'll need to carry both documents when traveling and be prepared to explain the situation to border officers. This solution works perfectly for business travelers or anyone comfortable managing two passports. You only need replacement if the sticker is damaged, your old passport was stolen/lost, or you strongly prefer having everything in one document for convenience.
Q: What's the complete cost breakdown for replacing a TRV sticker, and are there any hidden fees I should know about?
The total cost typically ranges from $55 to $115, but here's the detailed breakdown: First, there's a mandatory $30 "Verification of Status" government processing fee paid directly to IRCC online - this is non-negotiable and must be paid before submitting your application. Second, Visa Application Centre (VAC) fees vary by location, typically ranging from $25-$85. Some VACs charge additional fees for document review services ($15-$25), courier return services ($20-$40), or premium processing where available ($50-$100). Translation costs aren't included if your documents aren't in English or French - budget $75-$150 per document for certified translations. Unlike online applications, there are no payment plan options, and all fees must be paid upfront. The $30 government fee is non-refundable even if your application is rejected for incomplete documentation.
Q: What documents do I need for different scenarios - damaged sticker, lost passport, or stolen passport?
Document requirements vary significantly based on your situation. For all scenarios, you'll need your $30 fee payment receipt, your new passport (if applicable), and VAC-provided consent forms. If your sticker is damaged but you still have the passport, bring the original passport with the damaged TRV and clear photos showing the damage from multiple angles. For lost passports, you'll need an official police report (professionally translated if not in English/French), copies of your previous passport's biographical page if available, and any documentation proving your TRV validity like email confirmations or travel records. Stolen passport cases require the same documentation as lost passports, plus any additional evidence of the theft. If your circumstances have changed since the original TRV (new job, address, marital status), you may need forms IMM 5257, IMM 5707, or IMM 5645. All non-English/French documents require certified translations with translator credentials and contact information.
Q: How long does the replacement process actually take, and is there any way to expedite it for emergency travel?
Standard processing time is 2-4 weeks from the date you submit your complete application at the VAC, but this can extend to 6-8 weeks during peak travel seasons (summer months and winter holidays) or if IRCC requests additional documentation. Unfortunately, there's no official expedited processing for TRV sticker replacements, unlike some other visa services. However, you have limited options for urgent situations: contact your VAC directly to explain your emergency - some locations offer premium services for an additional $50-$100 that may slightly reduce processing time. Some VACs can flag urgent cases for faster document return once processed. If you're traveling for business, your employer might have relationships with immigration consultants who can navigate the process more efficiently. The harsh reality is that if you need to travel within 2 weeks, you may need to postpone your trip or explore whether you qualify for alternative travel documents.
Q: What are the most common mistakes that delay TRV sticker replacement applications, and how can I avoid them?
The top five mistakes that add weeks to processing time are entirely preventable with proper preparation. First, incomplete fee payment - many applicants pay only the $30 government fee and forget VAC fees, leading to immediate rejection. Second, poor quality damage documentation - blurry photos or unclear images of damaged stickers result in requests for additional evidence. Third, ignoring changed circumstances - failing to include updated forms when your job, address, or family status has changed since your original TRV triggers automatic requests for additional information. Fourth, inadequate translations - using Google Translate or uncertified translators instead of professional certified translation services results in automatic rejection. Fifth, not keeping copies of submitted documents - if paperwork gets lost in processing (which happens more often than you'd think), you'll need to restart the entire process. To avoid these pitfalls, create a checklist, pay all fees upfront, use professional photography for damage documentation, honestly assess any life changes, invest in proper translations, and photocopy everything twice before submission.
Q: Can I switch my TRV sticker to a different passport if I hold multiple citizenships, and what special considerations apply?
Yes, you can transfer your TRV sticker to a different passport, even if it's from a different country, but you'll still need to complete the full replacement process - there's no simple "transfer" option. This situation is more common than you might think, especially among business travelers who hold multiple passports for visa-free travel to different regions. You'll need to submit both the passport containing the damaged/lost TRV information and the new passport where you want the replacement sticker placed. IRCC will verify your identity across both documents and may request additional documentation proving the connection between your different citizenships. Processing time may be slightly longer (3-5 weeks instead of 2-4 weeks) as officers need to verify multiple identity documents. Some travelers use this opportunity to switch to their "stronger" passport - one that provides better visa-free travel options. However, be prepared to explain your multiple citizenship status and travel patterns, as this sometimes triggers additional background verification steps.
Q: What happens if my circumstances have significantly changed since my original TRV was issued - new job, marriage, or different travel purpose?
Significant life changes can complicate your replacement application and may require you to essentially reapply for a new TRV rather than just replace the sticker. IRCC considers changes in employment, marital status, financial situation, criminal record, or travel purpose as potentially affecting your eligibility for temporary residence. If you've gotten married, divorced, had children, changed jobs, moved countries, or your travel purpose has shifted from tourism to business (or vice versa), you'll likely need to complete form IMM 5257 (Application for Temporary Resident Visa) along with supporting documentation proving your continued eligibility. This can include new employment letters, updated bank statements, marriage certificates, or revised travel itineraries. The processing time increases to 4-8 weeks, and the evaluation becomes more thorough. However, minor changes like address updates within the same country or small salary increases typically don't require additional forms. When in doubt, it's better to over-document than risk a rejection for incomplete information. Consider consulting with a regulated immigration consultant if you're unsure whether your changes are considered "significant" by IRCC standards.
