Are you planning to apply for a Canada visa from Pakistan? If you’re unsure about what are the requirements for a Canada visa for Pakistani passport holders, you’ve come to the right place. I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of applying for a Canada visit visa from Pakistan. This guide covers temporary resident visas for Canada, including visitor’s visas, business visas, and student visas. Let’s get started on your journey to Canada!
Required Documents for Canada Visa from Pakistan
- visa application form
- Valid/original passport with 6 months validity
- Copies of old passports
- Photocopy of current passport
- Copy of Nadra issued CNIC
- Two photographs
- Employment letter
- Copy of “B” form for children (in case of traveling with family)
- Last 6 months’ bank statement
- Flight reservation
- Hotel reservation
- Invitation letter (if invited)
- Sponsor’s bank statement (if invited)
- No criminal record
Check the Government of Canada website for detailed eligibility rules based on your visa type. Fulfilling these will boost your chances of approval.
How to Apply for a Canada Visa Online from Pakistan
The fastest and most convenient way is to apply online through the Government of Canada website:
- Create an account at the Canada Immigration portal
- Select your visa application and follow the instructions to fill out the online form
- Upload scanned copies of required documents
- Pay visa and biometrics fees online
- Book a biometrics appointment at Gerry’s Visa and Immigration Services in Pakistan
- Attend appointment and provide fingerprints, photo
- Track application status online and wait for a decision
This digital process saves time versus mailing documents. Just ensure high-quality scans before uploading large files online.
Canada Visa Biometrics in Pakistan
After submitting your online application, the next step is providing biometrics which involves fingerprints, photos, and signatures at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
In Pakistan, the only authorized VAC is Gerry’s which has branches in major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi etc. Book your appointment online at their website and carry:
- Original passport
- Printout of the appointment confirmation page
- Photo ID like CNIC
Biometrics are mandatory and failure to appear can delay processing or even lead to application rejection. So be sure to plan this.
Applying for a Canada Visa from Pakistan via Paper
While the online route is faster, you can still apply via paper if you prefer:
- Download applicable forms from a Canadian website
- Fill out forms with the required information and signatures
- Prepare documents as explained earlier
- Book an appointment at Gerry’s VAC and submit the complete application package along with fees
- Attend for biometrics as per appointment given
- Track application status online or via Gerry’s
This process takes more time than an online application. Consider it only if you face difficulties with scanning/uploading documents digitally.
Applying for Canada Visa from Other Countries
Pakistani citizens living abroad can also apply from their country of residence. Eligibility rules remain the same but procedures may differ slightly based on local immigration policies.
For example, in the USA you can apply through USCIS, in the UK through UKVCAS, and in UAE through TLScontact.
You still need to book biometrics at the authorized VAC in your area. Make sure to check the requirements for your location to avoid any hassles during application.
How to Apply for a Canadian Visit Visa From Pakistan?
- Check Eligibility: Before starting the application process, make sure you meet all the requirements for a Canadian visit visa.
- Fill out the application form: Accurately complete the visa application form with all necessary details.
- Gather required documents: Collect essential documents including your passport, photographs, and proof of funds.
- Pay application fee: Pay the visa application fee conveniently online or at designated payment locations.
- Apply: Submit your completed application along with the required documents to the Visa Application Centre (VAC).
- Schedule biometrics appointment (if required): If biometrics are needed, book and attend an appointment as per the instructions provided.
- Wait for processing: Be patient while your application is being processed. Processing times may vary.
- Receive decision: You will be notified of the decision regarding your visa application—whether it’s approved or denied.
- Plan travel: If your visa is approved, start planning your trip to Canada according to the visa conditions.
How to Apply for Canada Student Visa from Pakistan
To study in Canada, you need a Study Permit which acts as your student visa. Eligibility requires:
- Admission to a designated learning institution in Canada
- Proof of sufficient funds to pay tuition and living expenses
- Proof of English language ability if the course is not taught in English
Along with the standard documents, you must submit:
- Letter of acceptance from a Canadian university or college
- Proof of tuition fee payment or scholarship award letter
- Academic transcripts and certificates
Student visas are usually issued for the duration of the study program with a possible post-study work permit on completion. The application process remains the same as outlined earlier.
How to Apply for a Canada Work Permit from Pakistan
To work legally in Canada, you need a valid Work Permit issued under an LMIA (Labour Market Impact Assessment) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC).
Eligibility criteria include a valid job offer from a Canadian employer who must prove they could not find a suitable Canadian or permanent resident for the position.
In addition to the usual documents, you need to provide:
- Job offer letter from a Canadian employer
- Employment contract
- LMIA approval letter from ESDC
- Proof of work experience, qualifications, credentials
Work permits are usually issued for the duration of the job but you can apply to extend or change employers after landing in Canada.
Canada Visa fee from Pakistan
| Types of Canada Visa | Price/Cost | Process |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Visitor Visa | $100 | 14 Days – 60 Days |
| Canada Tourist Visa | $500 | 10 Days – 60 Days |
| Canada Work Visa | $345 | 20 Days – 90 Days |
| Biometrics per person | $85 | 14 Days – 60 Days |
| Canada Business Visa | $350 | 30 Days – 120 Days |
Canada Visa Processing Time in Pakistan
The processing time for a Canada visa from Pakistan can vary, and there’s no fixed duration. Typically, it takes between 1 to 2 months for the process to be completed under normal circumstances. However, in some cases, it may extend more than three months.
To keep track of your Canada visa application, you can visit the Government of Canada website. Additionally, you can check the latest workload for Canada temporary resident visas through this link.
It’s important to note that official holidays in Canada, such as Canada Day, Christmas, New Year, and others, may slightly delay the processing of your application.
Canada Visa validity from Pakistan
The validity of a Canadian visitor visa depends on the remaining validity of your passport. For example, if your passport is valid for four years, Canada will issue a visa for four years. Similarly, if your passport has eight years of validity, Canada will grant an eight-year visa. It’s advisable to ensure your passport has longer validity before applying for a Canadian visa from Pakistan.
Keep in mind that each visit to Canada allows a stay of up to six months. After your stay, you must exit the country for at least six months before visiting again. Upon arrival in Canada, be prepared to answer immigration officers’ questions regarding your stay. Having a visa does not guarantee entry into Canada.
Canadian High Commission in Pakistan
While visa applications are processed overseas, the Canadian High Commission in Pakistan handles other important functions:
Address: Diplomatic Enclave, Sector G-5, Islamabad, Pakistan
Phone: +92 51 208 0000
Website: www.canada.pk
Services include:
- Providing consular assistance to Canadian citizens visiting/residing in Pakistan.
- Issuing/renewing citizenship, permanent residency, and travel documents.
- Facilitating cultural/educational exchanges between the two countries.
- Promoting bilateral trade and investment opportunities.
- Managing development projects funded by Canada in Pakistan.
Though they don’t directly issue visas, the High Commission remains your point of contact within Pakistan for any Canada-related queries or emergencies.
Best Tips for Canada Visa Approval from Pakistan
To maximize your chances of obtaining a Canada visa, consider these proven tips:
- Provide complete documentation showing strong ties to return like a job, family, property, etc. in Pakistan.
- Have a positive travel history showing you abided by visa rules of previously visited countries like the US, UK, and EU nations.
- If invited, get invitation letters from close family like siblings, or parents instead of distant relatives.
- For business trips, show proof of your established company in Pakistan like bank statements, tax returns, and employee lists.
- Maintain a good employment record and income level higher than basic needs.
- Get admission/job offer letters from reputable institutions in Canada.
- Avoid frequent visa applications which can raise suspicion of misuse.
- Attend the interview if called and be confident, and honest during questioning about your visit plans and ties.