Complete Guide to Canada Visitor Visa for Pakistani Citizens (2026)

Do Pakistani Citizens Need a Canada Visa?

Yes, Pakistani citizens require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, or business.

Canada Visa Requirements

Documents Needed

Essential:

Valid Pakistani passport
IMM 5257 application form
Passport photos
Application fee

Financial:

Bank statements (6 months) - PKR 1,200,000+ recommended
NTN certificate
Salary certificate
Property documents

Employment:

Employment letter
Business registration (if applicable)

Travel:

Travel itinerary
Hotel reservations
Return ticket plan

Biometrics

Required at VFS
Fingerprints and photo

VFS Global Pakistan

Islamabad

Address: Evacuee Trust Complex, F-5

Karachi

Address: Bahria Complex IV

Lahore

Address: Siddiq Trade Centre, Gulberg

Application Process

Create IRCC account at canada.ca
Complete IMM 5257 form
Upload all documents
Pay fees online
Book biometrics at VFS
Submit passport when approved

Processing Times

Type	Duration
Standard	45-90 days
Peak	90-120 days

Common Rejection Reasons

Insufficient funds
Weak ties to Pakistan
Poor travel history
Incomplete documentation

How to Succeed:

Strong financial proof (PKR 1,200,000+)
Property ownership
Stable employment
Clear travel purpose

Visa Fees

Category	Fee (CAD)	Fee (PKR approx.)
Application	CAD 100	PKR 25,000
Biometrics	CAD 85	PKR 21,000
VFS Fee	CAD 35	PKR 8,700

Total: ~PKR 55,000

FAQs

How long can I stay?

Up to 6 months per visit.

Is interview required?

Usually not for visitor visa.

Can I work?

No. Need work permit for employment.

Key Considerations for Pakistani Applicants

Extended Processing Times

Pakistani TRV applications to Canada typically take 45-90 days, with some applications extending to 120 days during peak periods. Additional security screening is routinely applied. Plan to apply at least 3-4 months before your intended travel date.

VFS Global Pakistan Operations

Three VFS centres serve Pakistani applicants:

Islamabad (highest volume, longest queues)
Karachi (Bahria Complex IV — generally faster biometric appointments)
Lahore (Siddiq Trade Centre, Gulberg)

Biometric appointments in Islamabad can be booked 2-3 weeks out during peak season. Karachi and Lahore typically have earlier availability.

Critical Pakistani Documents

NTN certificate from FBR — Required for employed and self-employed applicants
Tax returns for 2-3 years
Property documents — Mutation documents from the district revenue office carry the most weight
Employment letter — Must include salary in PKR, position, tenure, and company NTN number

Financial Thresholds

Recommended balance: PKR 2,500,000+ (approximately CAD 12,000) with 6-month consistent history. HBL, UBL, MCB, and Allied Bank statements are accepted. Islamic banking accounts from Meezan Bank or Al Baraka are also recognized.

Common Rejection Reasons for Pakistanis

Immigration intent — Most common reason. Officers must be convinced you will return to Pakistan
Financial inconsistency — Salary certificate says PKR 100,000/month but bank shows irregular credits of PKR 500,000 — this triggers refusal
Weak travel history — UAE and Saudi Arabia stamps help; no travel history at all is a significant disadvantage
Dependent applications — If your spouse is in Canada on a work/study permit, a tourist visa application faces enhanced scrutiny

FAQs Specific to Pakistani Applicants

Q: Can I apply for Canada visa if I was previously refused?

A: Yes. Previous refusals are not automatic disqualifiers. Address the reasons for previous refusal in your new application with additional documentation.

Q: Is biometrics done at VFS only?

A: Yes, biometrics (fingerprints + photo) must be done at a VFS centre. They are valid for 10 years, so if you gave biometrics for a previous Canada application within the last 10 years, you may not need to do them again.