How can I get a Canada visa from Pakistan?

Getting a Canada visa from Pakistan involves several steps, depending on the purpose of your visit —such as tourism, study, work, or immigration. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you through the Canadian visa application process from Pakistan in 2025:

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🔍 Step-by-Step Guide to Get a Canada Visa from Pakistan:

✅ 1. Determine the Visa Type

Choose the visa that matches your purpose:

• Visitor Visa (Tourist/Business)

• Study Permit (for students)

• Work Permit

• Permanent Residency (PR via Express Entry or PNP)

• Family Sponsorship

• Super Visa (for parents/grandparents)

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✅ 2. Create an IRCC Account

Go to the official IRCC website (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada):
🔗 https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html

Create an account on the GCKey Portal or sign in through a partner login.

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✅ 3. Complete the Application Form

For a Visitor Visa, fill out:

• IMM 5257 – Application for Temporary Resident Visa

• IMM 5645 – Family Information Form

• Use Adobe Acrobat to fill and validate forms (they generate barcodes at the end).

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✅ 4. Prepare Required Documents

Here’s a common checklist for a Visitor Visa:

• Valid Passport (at least 6 months valid)

• Digital Photo (as per Canadian specs)

• Travel Itinerary or Invitation Letter (if invited by a host)

• Bank Statement (past 4–6 months)

• Property/Job/Business proof

• Cover Letter explaining purpose of visit

• Ties to Pakistan (family, job, assets)

• Visa fee receipt

• Police certificate (if needed)

• Medical (for stays over 6 months or some job categories)

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✅ 5. Pay Visa Fee

• Standard visitor visa fee: CAD $100

• Biometrics fee (if applicable): CAD $85
  Pay online via IRCC portal (Visa/Mastercard accepted).

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✅ 6. Submit Your Application Online

• Upload all required documents.

• Review and submit your application.

• Wait for Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL).

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✅ 7. Give Biometrics

• Book an appointment with Gerry’s/VFS Global:
  🔗 https://visa.vfsglobal.com/pak/en/can

📍 Biometrics centers in Pakistan:

• Islamabad

• Lahore

• Karachi

Take your BIL and passport to your appointment.

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✅ 8. Wait for Processing

Visa processing time varies:

• Visitor visa: ~15–45 working days
  You can track your application via your IRCC account.

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✅ 9. Passport Request & Submission

If approved, you’ll receive a Passport Request Letter (PPR). Submit your passport to the nearest VAC (Visa Application Center).

After 7–10 days, you’ll get your passport back with visa stamped.

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💡 Pro Tips:

• Always be honest with your documents and intentions.

• Show strong ties to Pakistan to prove you’ll return.

• Apply at least 2–3 months in advance of your travel date.

• Hiring a licensed immigration consultant (RCIC) may help in complex cases, but isn’t mandatory.

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📌 Most Popular Canada Visa Types from Pakistan:

Visa Type	Description	Processing Time
Visitor Visa	Tourism or Business	2–6 weeks
Study Permit	For Students	1–2 months
Work Permit	Job offer needed	Varies
PR (Express Entry)	Points-based immigration	6–12 months

🔎 Useful Links:

• Apply for Visa: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application.html

• VFS Global Pakistan: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/pak/en/can

• IRCC Login: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/account.html