This guide explains how to apply for a Canada visitor visa from Pakistan, step by step: who needs one, which documents help, the official fees, and how biometrics work.
Every year, many families in Pakistan plan a trip to Canada to see relatives, attend a wedding, or explore the country. However, a visitor visa is not automatic, and small mistakes in the file can lead to a refusal. That is why this guide walks you through the official requirements, using information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Please note: this website is an independent information source and is not connected to the Government of Canada. Fees and rules can change, so always confirm the latest details on IRCC’s website before you apply.
Quick answer: how to get a Canada visitor visa from Pakistan
In short, you apply online through IRCC, upload your documents, pay the CAD $100 visa fee and the CAD $85 biometrics fee, and then give your fingerprints and photo at a visa application centre. After that, an officer reviews your file and decides. Above all, you must show that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit and that you can pay for your trip.
Who needs a Canada visitor visa from Pakistan?
Citizens of Pakistan generally need a visitor visa, also called a temporary resident visa (TRV), to travel to Canada. In contrast, citizens of visa-exempt countries usually need only an electronic travel authorization (eTA) to fly. If you hold another nationality or Canadian permanent residence, your situation may be different, so check IRCC’s “Find out if you need a visa” tool first.
A visitor visa lets you come to Canada for tourism, family visits or short business trips. However, it does not allow you to work. If you plan to work, you need a work permit instead, and you should read our guide on Canada work permit requirements.
Canada visitor visa requirements for Pakistani applicants
According to IRCC, every visitor must meet some basic conditions. In addition, the officer looks at your whole situation, not only one document.
A valid passport
IRCC asks for a passport that is valid for at least 6 months from your planned travel date.
Ties to Pakistan
For example, a job, a business, property, financial assets or close family that you will return to.
Enough money
Similarly, you must show you can pay for your stay. The amount depends on how long you stay and where.
Intent to leave
Most importantly, the officer must believe you will leave Canada at the end of your visit.
A clean record
Also, you should have no criminal or immigration-related convictions.
Good health
In some cases, IRCC may ask you to complete a medical exam with an approved panel physician.
Depending on your purpose, you may also need a letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada. For instance, this is common when you visit family or attend an event.
Canada visitor visa from Pakistan: document checklist
Your exact checklist appears in your IRCC account after you answer the questions. Even so, the documents below are commonly requested, and you can tick each one as you prepare it.
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Tip: explain large or unusual deposits in your bank statement. For example, a sudden deposit just before you apply can make an officer doubt your real savings.
Canada visitor visa fees in 2026–2027
IRCC lists the following fees in Canadian dollars. You pay them online by credit or debit card at the end of your application.
| Fee | Amount (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa, per person | $100 | Per person; IRCC lists the super visa under the same fee |
| Visitor visa, family maximum | $500 | For a family of 5 or more applying at the same time and place |
| Biometrics, per person | $85 | Paid together with your application |
| Biometrics, family maximum | $170 | For 2 or more family members applying together |
| Extend your stay as a visitor | $100 | Only if you later apply from inside Canada |
Besides the government fees, the visa application centre may charge for optional services such as courier or photocopies. Therefore, compare the official IRCC fees with our detailed guide on Canada visitor visa processing time and fees.
How to apply for a Canada visitor visa from Pakistan
The process happens mostly online. Meanwhile, keep scanned copies of every document ready, because you upload them during the application.
- Check that you need a visaUse IRCC’s online tool to confirm that you need a visitor visa and not an eTA.
- Gather your documentsThen prepare your passport copy, photo, financial documents and proof of ties, as shown in the checklist above.
- Create an account and apply onlineNext, apply through the IRCC Portal or your IRCC secure account. IRCC accepts paper applications only in specific situations.
- Pay the feesAfter that, pay the visa fee and the biometrics fee online by card.
- Give your biometricsOnce you receive the biometrics instruction letter, book an appointment at a visa application centre as soon as possible.
- Wait for the decisionFinally, if your application is approved, IRCC will ask for your passport so the visa can be placed in it.
Biometrics for a Canada visitor visa in Pakistan
Most applicants from Pakistan must give fingerprints and a photo, called biometrics. VFS Global runs the official Canada visa application centre (VAC) in Islamabad, on Park Road in Chak Shahzad. However, locations can change, so always confirm the current centre with IRCC’s “Find a visa application centre” tool.
According to VFS Global, booking a biometrics appointment at the centre is free. In other words, the only biometrics fee you pay is the CAD $85 government fee in your online application. Optional extras, such as courier or photocopies, cost more.
Be careful: only book appointments through the official VFS Global website or the instructions in your IRCC letter. Never pay an agent to “speed up” biometrics or a decision, because IRCC says no one can guarantee you a visa.
Canada visitor visa processing time for Pakistan
Processing times change often, and they depend on the country you apply from. For this reason, we do not list a fixed number of days. Instead, check IRCC’s official processing time tool on the day you apply, and then add time for biometrics and passport return.
Also, apply well before your travel date. For example, if you are going to a wedding, apply several months in advance instead of a few weeks. You can read more in our article on Canada visitor visa processing time.
How to make your Canada visitor visa application stronger
An officer usually has only a short time to review each file. As a result, a clear and well-organised application makes a real difference.
Explain your purpose
Write a short letter that explains who you will visit, why, and for how long.
Show real finances
In addition, show a steady savings history instead of one large, recent deposit.
Prove your ties
For instance, include a leave approval from your employer and family documents.
Keep it consistent
Make sure names, dates and amounts match across every form and document.
Use your travel history
Likewise, past trips to other countries, with returns on time, can help.
Tell the truth
Above all, never submit false documents. IRCC can ban applicants for at least 5 years.
What if your Canada visitor visa is refused?
A refusal letter lists the reasons the officer gave. According to IRCC, you can reapply when you have new information or documents that address those reasons. On the other hand, sending the same file again usually leads to the same result. Our guide to Canada visa refusal reasons explains the most common grounds and how to respond.
Example (fictional): Ayesha, a school teacher in Lahore, wants to attend her brother’s wedding in Toronto. First, she gathers her employer’s leave letter, six months of salary deposits and her brother’s invitation letter. Then she writes a short cover letter with her travel dates and return plans. As a result, her file clearly shows her purpose, her funds and her reasons to return.
Visiting family in Canada from Pakistan
Many Pakistani applicants visit children, siblings or parents in Canada. In that case, the invitation letter from your relative helps the officer understand your trip. Moreover, if you are the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, the super visa may allow longer visits, so compare both options on IRCC’s website. Our guide on the Canada family visa covers related options.
Avoid visitor visa scams
Unfortunately, some agents promise “guaranteed” visas or offer jobs to visitors. However, a visitor visa does not let you work, and IRCC says no one can guarantee you a visa. If someone offers you a job in Canada, first read our guide on how to verify a Canada job offer.
Canada visitor visa from Pakistan: FAQs
How much is the Canada visitor visa fee from Pakistan?
IRCC lists the visitor visa fee as CAD $100 per person and the biometrics fee as CAD $85 per person. Family maximums apply when you apply together.
Can I work in Canada on a visitor visa?
No. A visitor visa is for visits only. To work, you need a work permit, which has its own requirements.
Where do I give biometrics in Pakistan?
At an official Canada visa application centre run by VFS Global. Check IRCC’s “Find a visa application centre” tool for the current location.
Do I need an invitation letter?
Not always. However, IRCC says you may need one, especially when you visit family or friends in Canada.
How long does processing take?
It changes over time. Therefore, check IRCC’s processing time tool on the day you apply.
Can an agent guarantee my visa?
No. IRCC states that only immigration officers decide, and no one can guarantee you a visa to Canada.
Planning a visit to Canada in 2027?
Send your questions through the WhatsApp button on this page. We can explain the general steps and point you to the official IRCC pages. However, we are not a licensed immigration consultant or law firm, and we cannot guarantee any visa.