Planning a trip to Canada from Pakistan? You’ll need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly called a visitor visa, before you travel. This guide covers eligibility, documents, fees, processing time, and common refusal reasons for Pakistani applicants in 2026.
Who Needs This Visa
Pakistani passport holders travelling to Canada for tourism, family visits, or short business trips need a Temporary Resident Visa, applied for online through the IRCC portal. Applicants with a confirmed Canadian job offer generally apply through a separate work permit route instead.
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
- 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.
Documents You’ll Need
- 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
- Proof of employment, business ownership, or income
- Evidence of ties to Pakistan
- Invitation letter from your host in Canada, if visiting family
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a Visa Application Centre
Fees
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 any consultancy service charge, and they change periodically — we confirm the current amount before you apply.
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, fluctuating weekly |
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.
Interview Tips
Most TRV applications are assessed on paper/online without an in-person interview. Focus your energy on a complete, consistent, well-documented application rather than interview preparation.
Common Reasons for Refusal
- Weak or unclear ties to Pakistan
- Insufficient funds for the trip
- Incomplete or inconsistent documentation
- Unclear travel purpose or itinerary
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an interview for a Canada visitor visa?
No, most applications are assessed without an interview.
Can I apply again after a refusal?
Yes. We review the refusal reasons and help strengthen your next application.
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