Bilal got a call from his cousin in Toronto asking him to come for his wedding. He said yes on the spot. Then he sat down to work out how to get a Canada visit visa from Pakistan and realised the process is longer than he thought. This guide walks through the real steps, the documents, the fees, and how long you will wait. No shortcuts, just what IRCC expects.
Does a Pakistani need a Canada visitor visa?
Yes. Pakistani passport holders need a visitor visa to enter Canada. There is no visa on arrival and no eTA for Pakistani passports. The official name is a visitor visa, also called a temporary resident visa (TRV). It is a stamp an officer puts in your passport, and it shows you meet the entry requirements.
Apply on the official Canada visitor visa page only. If someone offers a faster route, be careful.
Before you pay anything, check which places let Pakistani passports in without much paperwork. There is a plain list of visa free countries for Pakistani passport holders on this site, and it changes often.
Who can qualify?
You qualify when you convince an officer that you will leave Canada when your visit ends. The official eligibility rules say you must:
- have a valid passport or travel document
- be in good health
- have no criminal or immigration related convictions
- show ties to Pakistan, like a job, a home, family or money, that pull you back
- have enough money for the stay
That last point is where most Pakistani applications get refused. The officer wants to see that your life in Pakistan is strong enough to bring you back. A bank balance helps, but a job letter, a property record, or family that depends on you helps just as much.
What documents do you need?
One set is mandatory for everyone. The other makes your case stronger.
Mandatory documents
- a clear copy of your passport, valid for at least 6 months from your travel date
- a recent photo that meets the official rules
- proof you paid the fee
Supporting documents
- a letter of invitation from the person in Canada, if you visit family or friends
- proof of your relationship, like a birth or marriage certificate
- bank statements from the last few months
- a job letter and your salary slips
- property documents or other proof you own assets in Pakistan
- a rough itinerary and return flight details
When you apply online you get a checklist made for your situation. Fill it honestly. A clean and complete file is the best way to avoid delays.
Step 1. Create your IRCC online account
The whole application runs through the official immigration portal. You cannot hand a paper form to the embassy for a normal tourist visit. Create a secure account on the IRCC website, answer the eligibility questions, and the system tells you exactly what to submit.
Step 2. Fill the forms and upload everything
You complete the visitor visa form and upload your documents as digital copies. Scan clearly and name each file. A blurry scan of your passport page gets you asked for it again, and that adds weeks.
If you visit family, upload the invitation letter and your proof of relationship here. If you go as a tourist, upload your travel plan and your funds proof.
Step 3. Pay the fees
The visitor visa fee starts at 100 Canadian dollars. You also pay a biometrics fee of 85 Canadian dollars per person. For one adult that is about 185 Canadian dollars, before any VFS service charge. Pay online with a credit or prepaid card.
Step 4. Give your biometrics at VFS
Pakistani applicants give fingerprints and a photo, called biometrics. After you submit you get a biometric instruction letter. Then you book an appointment at a Canada Visa Application Centre (VFS) in Pakistan. The centres are in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi.
Book as soon as you get the letter. Biometrics are valid for 10 years, so if you gave them before for Canada, you may not need to again. Slots fill up, so do not delay.
How long does a Canada visit visa from Pakistan take?
Processing time is not fast. As of mid 2026 IRCC reported roughly 75 days for visitor visa applications from Pakistan, and that figure has gone up in recent weeks. The time does not include the days you wait for a biometrics slot. Plan for about three months from application to visa.
The official IRCC processing times page is updated regularly. Trust that number over any agent's promise of a faster route.
How long can you stay?
Most visitors can stay up to 6 months. At the border the officer decides your stay and may give you less or more. If they want you out earlier they write the date in your passport. If you get no stamp, you can stay 6 months from the day you enter.
Common mistakes that cause refusals
- Applying too close to your travel date. With a 75 day wait, booking a flight for next month invites a refusal.
- Not proving enough ties to Pakistan. Money alone is weak. Job, property and family ties are stronger.
- Uploading unclear scans. Officers need to read your documents.
- Paying an unlicensed agent who promises a guarantee. Only licensed representatives can charge for this, and nobody can guarantee a visa.
- Using an expiring passport. Renew it before you apply.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply without an invitation letter?
Yes, for a tourist visit you do not need one. But showing where you will stay and how the trip is funded makes the case stronger.
Is there a fast track for a visitor visa?
No. There is no paid express route for a tourist visa from Pakistan. A complete application is the only real way to avoid delays.
Can I work on a visitor visa?
No. A visitor visa does not let you work or study in Canada. Working without a permit can get you removed and barred from returning.
What if my visa is refused?
You can apply again with a stronger file, but you must show what changed. The refusal letter tells you the reason, so fix that first.
If you plan a trip soon, start now. See how to check your Saudi visa status online and browse the Lexiber blog for more straight answers. You can also visit the Lexiber home page.
If the UK is your destination instead, the UK visit visa from Pakistan guide covers the online application, the VFS appointment and the fees.
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