Canada Visa RequirementsFor Pakistan passport holders
Pakistani passport holders must obtain a visa to visit Canada, costing approximately $100. Applications are submitted online through Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and processed without an in-person interview in most cases.
Pakistan passport holders require a visa to enter Canada.
Apply online at ircc.canada.ca. Create a GCKey or Sign-In Partner account and complete the application form. Pay the $100 CAD processing fee online. Submit biometrics at the nearest Visa Application Centre in Pakistan, including locations in Islamabad and Karachi. Upload supporting documents including bank statements, employment proof, and travel itinerary.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Biometrics
Required at first application
Current Travel Situation
Pakistan to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada requires Pakistani nationals to hold a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before travel. The application process is primarily online through the IRCC portal, and applicants must provide biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). Processing times typically range from four to eight weeks.
Canada hosts a large and established Pakistani diaspora, particularly in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. Family visit applications are common, and a sponsor letter from a Canadian resident can support the application. Financial documentation demonstrating the ability to support oneself during the visit is essential.
Applicants should note that Canada uses a points-based assessment system and that officers evaluate the likelihood of the applicant returning to Pakistan after their visit. Employment, property, and family ties in Pakistan all strengthen a visitor visa application.
Practical Tips
Submit at least 8 weeks before your intended travel date. Include a detailed letter explaining your purpose of visit. If visiting family, include a sponsor letter with proof of their Canadian status.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a visa required for Pakistani passport holders to visit Canada?
Yes. Pakistani nationals need a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada. The fee is $100 CAD and the application is submitted online through the IRCC portal.
Do Pakistanis need to attend an interview for a Canadian visa?
Most Pakistani applicants do not need an interview. The application is processed online, but biometrics must be submitted at a VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Islamabad or Karachi.
How long does Canadian visa processing take for Pakistanis?
Processing times are typically 4 to 8 weeks for Pakistani applicants. Apply at least 2 months before your intended travel date.
What is the maximum stay allowed on a Canadian visitor visa?
A Canadian visitor visa can allow stays of up to 6 months per visit. The officer at the port of entry makes the final decision on the length of stay.