Canada Visa for Pakistan Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Canada as a Pakistani citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the Temporary Resident Visa application: required documents, current fees of CAD 185, processing times of 8-15 weeks, and strategies to improve your chances. Thorough documentation and strong ties to Pakistan are essential for approval.

Visa Application process

Applications must be submitted online through the IRCC website or on paper through VFS Global.1 Online applications are recommended for faster processing.

Create Online Account

Register for a GCKey account or use your Sign-In Partner on the IRCC website to start your application.1

Complete Application Forms

Fill out the Visitor Visa application (IMM 5257) and Family Information form (IMM 5645). Provide complete and accurate information about your travel plans, employment, and finances.

Pay Fees

Pay the CAD $100 application fee and CAD $85 biometrics fee online.2 You will receive instructions for providing biometrics after payment.

Provide Biometrics

Book an appointment at a VFS Global centre in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi.4 Bring your passport and biometric instruction letter. Fingerprints and photo are collected.

Submit Supporting Documents

Upload all required documents including bank statements, employment letters, and evidence of ties to Pakistan. Ensure documents are clear and complete.

Wait for Processing

Processing times are currently 8-15 weeks.3 You can check your application status online. You may be asked to provide additional documents or attend an interview.

Visa Application Steps

1. Create Online Account
2. Complete Application Forms
3. Pay Fees
4. Provide Biometrics
5. Submit Supporting Documents
6. Wait for Processing

Visa Fees breakdown

Fee Type: Amount	Visitor Visa Application: CAD $100	Biometrics: CAD $85	Family Maximum (5+ people): CAD $500	Total cost for a single applicant is CAD $185.2 VFS Global may charge additional service fees for optional services.

What you need to prove

The visa officer must be satisfied that you:

Have a genuine purpose for visiting Canada temporarily
Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
Have strong ties to Pakistan that will ensure your return
Will leave Canada at the end of your authorized stay
Are admissible to Canada (no criminal or health inadmissibility)

Required documents

Valid Passport
Visitor Visa Application (IMM 5257)
Passport Photos
Biometrics
Proof of Financial Support
Employment Evidence
Ties to Home Country
Travel Plans

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Canada • At least two blank pages for stamps; • Must not be damaged or altered; • Include old passports with previous travel history] (Tip: Previous travel to Western countries significantly strengthens your applicationKeep expired passports as they demonstrate positive travel history)

Visitor Visa Application (IMM 5257)

Complete the visitor visa application form online or on paper • Personal information and travel history; • Family information form (IMM 5645); • Purpose of travel and itinerary; • Employment and financial details] (Tip: Apply online for faster processingAnswer all questions completely and honestly)

Passport Photos

Two recent passport-sized photographs meeting IRCC specifications • 35mm x 45mm with neutral expression; • Taken within the last 6 months; • White background with clear face visibility] (Tip: Use a professional photo service to ensure compliance)

Biometrics

Fingerprints and photograph taken at a designated collection point • Collected at VFS Global centres in Pakistan; • Centres available in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi; • Fee of CAD $85 per person; • Valid for 10 years once collected] (Tip: Book your appointment promptly after submitting your applicationBring your passport and biometric instruction letter)

Proof of Financial Support

Evidence that you have enough money to cover your trip • Bank statements for the last 4-6 months; • Proof of employment or income; • Tax returns for the past 2 years; • Property valuations if applicable] (Tip: Show consistent income and stable savingsAvoid large unexplained depositsInclude fixed deposits and investments)

Employment Evidence

Documentation proving your employment status • Letter from employer on company letterhead; • Include position, salary, and length of service; • Approved leave for your travel dates; • Business registration if self-employed] (Tip: Stable employment of 2+ years strengthens your applicationSelf-employed applicants should provide business bank statements and contracts)

Ties to Home Country

Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Pakistan • Property ownership documents; • Family certificates showing spouse and children; • Ongoing business commitments; • Educational enrolment if applicable] (Tip: This is critical for Pakistani applicantsShow compelling reasons why you must return to Pakistan)

Travel Plans

Details of your planned activities in Canada • Purpose of visit; • Cities and attractions you plan to visit; • Approximate travel dates] (Tip: Do not book non-refundable flights until visa is approvedHave a clear, realistic itinerary)

Optional documents

Invitation Letter | Medical Examination | Police Clearance Certificate

Invitation Letter

Letter from your host in Canada • Host's full name and Canadian address; • Relationship to the applicant; • Host's immigration status in Canada; • Details of the planned visit; • Whether host will provide financial support] (Tip: Include copy of host's Canadian passport, PR card, or citizenship certificateHost should include their contact information)

Medical Examination

Medical examination by a panel physician • Required if staying longer than 6 months; • May be required based on health or travel history; • Must be conducted by IRCC-approved physician] (Tip: Wait for IRCC instructions before booking medical exam)

Police Clearance Certificate

Criminal record check from Pakistan • Certificate from National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA); • May also need certificates from countries where you lived for 6+ months] (Tip: Wait for IRCC instructions before obtaining police certificates)

Comparison

Fee Type	Amount
Visitor Visa Application	CAD $100
Biometrics	CAD $85
Family Maximum (5+ people)	CAD $500

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
40%	Insufficient Ties to Home Country
30%	Insufficient Financial Evidence
15%	Weak Travel History
10%	Incomplete Application
5%	Inconsistent Information

40% - Insufficient Ties to Home Country

How to avoid: Show strong ties through property ownership, stable employment of 2+ years, family obligations (spouse, children), and financial roots in Pakistan.

30% - Insufficient Financial Evidence

How to avoid: Provide 6 months of bank statements showing consistent income. Include tax returns, employment letters, and property valuations. Avoid large unexplained deposits.

15% - Weak Travel History

How to avoid: If possible, travel to other countries first to build travel history. Consider visiting countries with easier visa requirements to establish a track record.

10% - Incomplete Application

How to avoid: Double-check all forms are complete. Include all required documents. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.

5% - Inconsistent Information

How to avoid: Ensure all information is consistent across forms and documents. Review your application before submitting.

Frequently asked questions

How long can I stay in Canada on a tourist visa?

You can typically stay for up to 6 months. The exact duration is determined by the border officer when you arrive. Check your passport stamp for your authorized stay date.

Can I work on a Canada tourist visa?

No, the Temporary Resident Visa does not permit any form of paid or unpaid employment in Canada. You would need a work permit for any type of work.

How long does Canada visa processing take from Pakistan?

Processing times currently range from 8 to 15 weeks for Pakistani applicants. Apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.

What is the Canada tourist visa fee for Pakistanis in 2026?

The application fee is CAD $100 per person, plus CAD $85 for biometrics. Families of 5 or more pay a maximum of CAD $500 for the application fee.

Do I need to provide biometrics?

Yes, most applicants need to provide fingerprints and a photo at a VFS Global centre. Biometrics are valid for 10 years once collected.

What happens if my visa is refused?

You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons. You can reapply with improved documentation or request your GCMS notes to understand the detailed reasons for refusal.

Can I extend my stay in Canada?

Yes, you can apply to extend your stay before your authorized period expires. Apply at least 30 days before your status expires to maintain your legal status while waiting for a decision.

Apply for Canada tourist visa online

Sources

IRCC - Visitor Visa

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/apply-visitor-visa.html

IRCC - Application Fees

https://ircc.canada.ca/english/information/fees/fees.asp

IRCC - Processing Times

https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/times/

VFS Global Canada - Pakistan

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/pak/en/can/apply-visa

At a glance