Canada Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens- Complete Guide

Canada is a melting pot of cultures and nationalities, famous for its polite citizens and breathtaking wildlife, landscapes, architecture and high-class universities

If you are a Pakistani who has obtained an international passport and is eligible for the visa application, then you’ll find here a detailed list of Visa information available for you to work, study, vacation or reside smoothly in Canada.

Canada Visa Types, Processing Time & Duration

TYPES OF VISA	PROCESSING TIME	DURATION OF STAY
Work Permits	15 week	6 months – 4 years
Temporary Resident Visa	29 days	6 months
Study Permits	5 weeks	Study duration + 90 days
Permanent Resident Visa	6 – 10 months	5 years

General Requirements for a Canadian Visa

• Completely filled Canadian visa application form
• Valid international passport with at least one unused page for official use
• A recent coloured passport photograph (35 mm by 45 mm)
• Travel itinerary
• Bank statement of the last 6 months
• Children under the age of 16 travelling alone should provide a letter of consent from both parents.

Canada Temporary Resident Visa

• Canada Temporary Resident visa is also known as Canada Visitor visa
• The visa is for individuals who want to enter Canada momentarily
• Based on your purpose for travelling, there are different types of TRV
  • Tourist visa which allows you to enter Canada for tourism purposes
  • Super visa which allows parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents an extended visit
  • Temporary Foreign Workers visa which allows people with a valid job offer from an employer to stay in the country for up to 6 monthsTRV is valid for a period of 6 months.
  • Temporary Resident Permit which allows you into the country for a very short stay (less than 2 weeks)
• You should apply for a temporary resident visa at least three months before the intended travel date.
• If you are visiting Canada for Medical purposes then you would have to provide proof that you have a medical condition that needs treatment or consultation and that your disease is not a danger to public health.

Canada Study Permits

• This visa is issued by Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada  (IRCC) and allows foreigners to study in Canada for a limited time
• Study Permits last for 6 months but can be extended if you change schools or your study program has been extended
• Aside from the general required documents, Study Permit applicants must have a confirmed offer of enrolment from a designated learning institution
• Student Adult Visa holders are allowed to work part-time in the country
• A Quebec Acceptance Certificate must be obtained if one wishes to study in Montreal or the Province of Quebec
• Applicant must also possess a police clearance certificate, be in good health, and prove to the immigration officer that heshe will leave at the end of the authorised period of stay
• Accompanying family members may be included in the study permit, accompanying spouse may be granted an open work permit, accompanying minor children may be able to study at Canadian elementary schools
• Pakistani students are not required to set up a Restricted Bank Account that restricts the amount of money withdrawn monthly while in Canada.
• Study permit visas expire 90 days after graduation. Graduates are allowed to stay in Canada and work for an employer for up to 3 years with a post-graduation work permit (PGWP)

Canada Work Permits

• Canada work permits are intended for professionals that have gotten job offers to occupy key positions in Canadian companies.
• A work permit does not allow you to change your employer.
• There are two types of Canadian work permits:
  • Openwork permit which allows you to work for any eligible employer in Canada
  • Employer-specific work permit which allows you to work according to stated conditions on your work permit.
• Canada work permits can last for a period of 6 months to 4 years.
• Canada work permits can be extended and in some special cases, a permanent resident visa can be applied for.
• Aside from the general documents, you are required to show you intend to leave the country afterwards, that you are able to provide for yourself and family during your stay and you meet health requirements.
• Work permits require verification from the Canadian labour market known as Labour Market Opinion  (LMO).

Canada Permanent Residence Visa (PRV)

• A permanent residence visa is for a non-citizen who has been given a permanent resident status after moving to Canada.
• PRV holders are allowed the liberties and rights of Canadian citizens e.g they can work, live and study anywhere in Canada and are protected by Canadian laws.
• To apply for a PRV you need
  • Prove that you are financially capable of funding your residency in Canada
  • Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
  • Original copies of documents supporting your  PRV application
  • A skills assessments test, proof of English language test e.g IELTS
• Taking loans to boost chances of residency will be investigated by authorities and this will decrease chances of acquiring a PRV.
• Pathways to get a PRV in Pakistan include Skilled immigrants Program (Express Entry), Self-employed Persons Program, Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), Quebec Skilled workers Program  (QSWP) and sponsorship programs

Canadian Visa Fees

VISA CATEGORY	VISA TYPE	VISA FEES (CAD)
Temporary Resident Visa	Electronic Travel Authorization	7
Temporary Resident Visa	International Experience Canada (IEC)	150
Temporary Resident Visa	Temporary Resident Permit	200
Temporary Resident Visa	Visitor visa, including super visa -per person	100
Temporary Resident Visa	Visitor visa – family (5 upwards)	500
Temporary Resident Visa	Extended stay as a visitor – per person	100
Temporary Resident Visa	Restore visitor status	200
Study Permits	Study Permits per person (including extensions)	150
Study Permits	Student Status restoration + new study permit	400
Work Permits	Work permits per person (including extensions)	155
Work Permits	Open work permit	100
Work Permits	Status renewal + new work permit	355
Permanent Resident Visa	Business Immigration (start-up visa, Quebec business immigration, self-employed individuals): Processing + right of permanent residence fee	1540
Permanent Resident Visa	Spouse/ partner processing fee + right of permanent residence	1040
Permanent Resident Visa	Processing fee per dependent child	150
Permanent Resident Visa	Processing fee + right of permanent residence fee	1040
Permanent Resident Visa	Spouse/ partner processing fee + right of permanent residence	550
Permanent Resident Visa	Processing fee per dependent child	150
Permanent Resident Visa	Permit holders class processing fee + right of permanent residence	815
Permanent Resident Visa	Protected person, application fee + spouse/partner fee + dependent child	1250

Canada Visa Application Centres in Pakistan

LOCATION	ADDRESS	OPENING HOURS	TELEPHONE
Lahore	20 Ex American Centre Building Opposite Ganga Ram Hospital, Queens Road, Lahor	9 am – 5 pm	(+)92-51-84393
Islamabad	14-B Sadiq Plaza, G-9 Markaz, Islamabad	9 am – 5 pm	(+)92-51-8439344
Islamabad	Diplomatic Enclave, Sector G-5 Islamabad, Pakistan / PO Box 1042 Islamabad, Pakistan	9 am – 5 pm	(011 92 51) 208-6000 (011 92 51) 208-6900

Commonly Asked Questions about Canadian Visas

What is the waiting period for a Canadian Study Permit?

The waiting period for a Canadian study permit is about 28 days. Pakistani students who have received an admission letter from their choice University are advised to apply 4-6 months prior to resumption.

How do I track my Canadian Visa application?

To track your Canadian visa application from Pakistan  click here or email info.canadaisb@gerrys.com.pk

Where can I download a Canada visa application form for Pakistanis?

You can download a Canada visa application form on www.canada.ca

What is the processing time for a Canada Visit visa for Pakistanis?

The standard processing time for a Canadian Visit visa for Pakistanis is about 35 days.

Can I mail in my Canadian visa application from Pakistan?

Yes, Pakistanis are eligible to mail in their Canadian visa application form. Click here for all the guidelines regarding mailing your Canadian visa application.