IRCC updates guidance on issuing Temporary Residence Permits (TRPs) to former State Careees.
On December 19, 2025, the Canadian Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) officially updated its guidance for the Temporary Resident Permit (TRP) program specifically for foreign nationals who have previously received care through Canada's child protection system.
According to IRCC, this update aims to clarify the language and review process, and to ensure that applications from this specific group are processed quickly and consistently across the system.
Target groups to be supported
This special TRP policy applies to the following individuals:
- Come to Canada before you turn 19.
- Previously under the legal responsibility of the child protection system managed by the provincial or territorial government.
- But they have never applied for permanent residency or citizenship, or have subsequently lost their lawful residency status.
- In many cases, child welfare agencies have failed to file immigration applications for children while they were in care, leaving some undocumented adults at risk of deportation.
Policy objectives
IRCC stated that the program's goal is to enable immigration officials to balance the humanitarian, social, and security objectives of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA), while also supporting individuals who grew up in Canada but were not at fault for losing their immigration status.
Applications falling under this category are required to be considered for priority review, as directed by the Minister in accordance with paragraphs 24(1) and 24(3) of the IRPA.
Basic conditions for consideration for TRP approval
The principal applicant must meet the following conditions:
- Currently present in Canada, but does not have valid status at the time of application.
- Must have resided continuously in Canada for at least 3 years.
- Having received state care for at least one year (cumulatively) as ordered by court.
- This only applies to those who do not meet the eligibility criteria (such as overstaying their visa, non-compliance with the conditions, or certain health or financial issues...).
Eligible family members residing in Canada may also be considered for accompanying TRP.
Terms and accompanying benefits
- TRP is issued for a minimum of one year.
- If the TRP is valid for six months or more, the holder may:
- Apply for an open work permit.
- Applying for a study permit
- IRCC applies a policy of waiving all fees, including:
- TRP fee
- Work/Study Permit Fees
- Biometric fees
Document processing procedure
- TRP applications must be submitted to the Vancouver Office for Humanitarian Immigration.
- The review process will be prioritized at the Toronto office.
- In cases where the applicant is subject to a deportation order, IRCC will coordinate directly with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) throughout the process.
Policy implications
This updated guidance reflects Canada's continued humanitarian approach to individuals who grew up in the state care system but, due to systemic deficiencies, were unable to achieve legal residency status.
IRCC emphasizes that the TRP remains a discretionary decision, not an automatic grant, and each application will be evaluated based on specific circumstances, risk level, and the overall goals of Canadian immigration law.
Source: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
Date updated: December 19, 2025
