WorldVisaSupport
Canada Visa from Pakistan (2026)
Pakistani passport holders require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. Canada is a major destination for Pakistani tourists visiting family, students pursuing higher education, and professionals attending conferences or on work assignments. This guide covers everything specific to the Pakistan application process — VAC locations, fees in PKR, document requirements, and what visa officers particularly scrutinise for Pakistani applicants.
Last updated: June 2026
Do Pakistanis Need a Visa for Canada?
Yes. Pakistani passport holders must apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travelling to Canada. There is no visa on arrival and no visa waiver program for Pakistani citizens. The application is made entirely online through the IRCC portal.
Canada Visa Fees from Pakistan (2026)
| Fee Component | Amount (CAD) | Approx. (PKR) |
|---|---|---|
| IRCC application fee (visitor visa) | CAD $185 | PKR 71,000–75,000 |
| Biometrics fee (if applicable) | CAD $85 | PKR 33,000–35,000 |
| VFS service charge | — | PKR 8,000–12,000 |
| Total (approx.) | — | PKR 110,000–120,000 |
All IRCC fees are non-refundable. PKR amounts are approximate and depend on the exchange rate at time of payment.
VFS Global VAC Locations in Pakistan
VFS Global operates Canada Visa Application Centres in Pakistan where you submit biometrics and (when required) your passport:
- Islamabad — primary processing centre for northern Pakistan
- Karachi — serving Sindh and southern Pakistan
- Lahore — serving Punjab and eastern Pakistan
Check current operating hours, appointment availability, and addresses at the VFS Global Canada Pakistan website.
Processing Time from Pakistan (2026)
Canada visitor visa applications from Pakistan typically take 6–12 weeks. Pakistani applications commonly undergo additional background security checks, which can extend processing. During peak periods, total processing can reach 14–16 weeks.
Apply at least 12–16 weeks before your intended travel date. Check current estimates at the IRCC processing times tool.
Documents Required from Pakistan
Core Documents
- Valid Pakistani passport — at least one blank page for visa counterfoil
- Copies of all previous passports
- Digital photograph — white background, 35×45mm, recent
- IMM 5257 application form (completed online)
Financial Documents
- Bank statements — last 6 months from all accounts
- Income Tax Returns (last 2–3 years)
- Salary slips — last 3 months (salaried employees)
- Business registration and FBR tax returns (self-employed)
- Fixed deposit certificates or investment proofs
- Property ownership documents in Pakistan
Employment and Ties to Pakistan
- Employment letter — stating designation, salary, approved leave dates, and that your job will be held upon return
- Company registration and NTN certificate (business owners)
- Property ownership documents — land, house, or commercial property
- Marriage certificate and children's birth certificates (family ties)
- Students — enrolment letter from Pakistani institution
Trip-Specific Documents
- Travel itinerary — flight bookings and accommodation confirmation
- Invitation letter from host in Canada (if visiting family or friends)
- Host's proof of status in Canada (PR card, citizenship certificate)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
What Canada Visa Officers Look For — Pakistani Applicants
Applications from Pakistan face higher scrutiny. Visa officers focus on:
- Strong financial documentation: A stable 6-month bank history with regular salary credits and a consistent balance. Sudden large deposits shortly before applying raise concerns.
- Ties to Pakistan: Property ownership, a stable government or private-sector job, dependent family members, or a business with a track record all strengthen your case.
- Travel history: Prior compliance with visa rules in UK, Schengen, or other countries significantly helps. If you have visited Canada, the US, or other Western countries before without overstaying, include those travel records.
- Purpose of visit: A specific, plausible itinerary — named hotels, booked flights, planned activities — is more persuasive than a vague letter of intent.
- Previous refusals: If refused before, address the reason specifically and submit stronger documentation. Simply reapplying with the same documents will likely result in a repeat refusal.
How to Apply — Step by Step from Pakistan
- Create an IRCC My Account at canada.ca
- Complete the IMM 5257 application form online
- Upload all supporting documents as PDFs
- Pay fees online — CAD $185 (visa) + CAD $85 (biometrics) via credit/debit card
- Receive the Biometrics Instruction Letter (BIL) by email
- Book a VFS appointment in Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore
- Attend VAC — bring original passport, BIL, and VAC service fee
- Track application on IRCC My Account
- If approved, submit passport for visa stamping at the VAC
Official References
- IRCC — Apply for a Visitor Visa (TRV)
- VFS Global — Canada VAC Pakistan
- IRCC — Check Processing Times
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Canada visa take from Pakistan?
Canada visa processing from Pakistan typically takes 6–12 weeks. Additional security checks are common for Pakistani applications and can extend this to 14–16 weeks. Apply at least 12–16 weeks before your travel date.
How much bank balance is required for Canada visa from Pakistan?
Canada does not set a fixed minimum. As a benchmark, show at least PKR 500,000–1,000,000 in stable savings for a 2–4 week visit. More important than the balance itself is a consistent 6-month history without suspicious large deposits.
What is the Canada visa rejection rate for Pakistanis?
Refusal rates for Pakistani applicants are higher than the global average — typically 35–50% for visitor visa applications. The most common reasons are insufficient financial proof, weak ties to Pakistan, and inconsistent application details. A well-documented application with strong ties and stable finances significantly improves approval chances.
Can I apply for Canada visa from Pakistan without a sponsor?
Yes. A sponsor in Canada is not required for a visitor visa. However, if you are visiting family or friends, an invitation letter from your Canadian host with their proof of status significantly strengthens your application. Self-funded applications must demonstrate sufficient personal funds.
Do I need a job offer for Canada visa from Pakistan?
No — a job offer in Canada is not required for a visitor visa. What matters is demonstrating that you have a reason to return to Pakistan: stable employment, property, or family. A current employment letter from your Pakistani employer is one of the strongest documents you can include.