Canada Visa Guide for Pakistani Applicants
What Pakistani applicants need to know about the Canada Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) and work permit routes.
Overview
Pakistani passport holders need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly called a visitor visa, before travelling to Canada for tourism, family visits, or short business trips. The application is filed online through the IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) portal and includes biometrics collection.
Applicants with a genuine job offer from a Canadian employer generally apply through a separate work permit route, which usually requires the employer to obtain a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) or use another qualifying program.
Visa Types
- Single-Entry TRV — one entry into Canada, ends once you leave
- Multiple-Entry TRV — the most commonly issued type; valid up to 10 years or until passport expiry, whichever comes first, allowing repeated visits (each stay usually capped at 6 months as decided by the border officer)
- Work Permit — for applicants with a qualifying Canadian job offer, generally requiring employer-side LMIA approval
- Super Visa — a long-validity visitor visa specifically for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents
Required Documents
- Valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond your intended stay
- Completed online visitor visa application
- Recent digital photograph meeting IRCC specifications
- Bank statements and proof of funds for the trip
- Proof of employment, business ownership, or income
- Evidence of ties to Pakistan — property, family, employment, or business
- Invitation letter from your host in Canada, if visiting family (showing their status and relationship to you)
- Travel itinerary or event invitation, for tourism or business visits
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre
Eligibility
IRCC assesses TRV applicants mainly on whether they:
- Have a genuine purpose for a temporary visit
- Will leave Canada by the end of their authorised stay
- Have sufficient funds to support themselves and any dependants during the trip
- Have no criminal or health-related inadmissibility issues
Strong evidence of ties to Pakistan — family, property, steady employment, or a running business — is central to a successful application. Prior travel to countries such as the UK, USA, UAE, or Schengen states can also strengthen a file, though a lack of travel history does not automatically disqualify first-time applicants.
Policies
Canada’s visitor visa policy is set by IRCC and reviewed periodically. Approval rates and processing priorities can shift based on application volumes from different countries. We always check the current IRCC guidance and processing standards before advising clients, rather than relying on outdated figures.
Processing Time
| Applicant Location | Recently Reported Range |
|---|---|
| Pakistan (outside Canada) | Historically among the longer processing queues — recent reports have ranged from roughly 6 to 12+ weeks post-biometrics, though this fluctuates weekly |
| In-Canada extensions | Typically longer than new applications from outside Canada |
Canada visitor visa processing times change on a weekly basis and vary significantly by visa office workload. We check IRCC’s official processing-times tool before giving you a timeline, and recommend applying at least 10–12 weeks before your intended travel date.
Appointment Availability
Canada visa application support in Pakistan is available through VFS Global Visa Application Centres in Islamabad, Karachi, and Lahore, where biometrics are collected. Most of the application itself is completed online through the IRCC portal before booking a biometrics appointment.
Consultation Charges
Our consultation and file preparation fee is separate from IRCC’s government fees (visa application and biometrics). Contact our Sahiwal or Islamabad office for our current service fee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Canada visitor visa fee?
The IRCC application fee is CAD 100 per person, plus a CAD 85 biometrics fee (capped at CAD 170 for a family applying together). These are government fees, separate from our service charge, and can change — we confirm the current amount before you apply.
Do I need an interview for a Canada visitor visa?
No. Most visitor visa applications are assessed on paper/online, without an in-person interview.
Can I apply again after a refusal?
Yes, a previous refusal does not permanently bar you from applying again. We review the refusal reasons and help strengthen your next application.
Important Notes
- Government fees are non-refundable, even if your visa is refused.
- Processing times are estimates, not guarantees, and can change weekly based on application volumes.
- A medical exam may be required depending on the length and purpose of your stay — we advise you if this applies to your case.
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