The cost of obtaining a Canadian visa from Pakistan depends on the type of visa, associated fees, and additional expenses like document preparation or travel agency services. Below is a breakdown of the costs for common visa types, focusing primarily on a visitor visa (Temporary Resident Visa), as it’s the most frequently applied for, along with other visa categories. All fees are based on information from official sources and reliable web results, converted to Pakistani Rupees (PKR) where applicable, using approximate exchange rates as of the provided data (1 CAD ≈ 209.77 PKR - 1 Canadian Dollar equals 209.77 Pakistani Rupee as of July 2025)
1. Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
This visa is for tourism, visiting family, or short-term business trips.
- Visa Application Fee: 100 CAD (≈ 21,300 PKR)
- This is the base fee for a single-entry or multiple-entry visitor visa.
- Biometric Fee: 85 CAD (≈ 18,105 PKR) per person
- Biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are mandatory for most Pakistani applicants. A family of 2 or more applying together can pay a maximum biometric fee of 170 CAD (≈ 36,210 PKR).
- Total for One Person: 185 CAD (≈ 39,405 PKR)
- Family Group Fee (if applicable):
- For a family of up to 5 members applying together, the visa fee can be a group rate of 500 CAD (≈ 106,500 PKR), plus the biometric fee (max 170 CAD).
- Additional Costs:
- Visa Application Centre (VAC) Appointment Fee: Some sources mention an additional appointment fee for biometrics, around 25,000 PKR per applicant.
- Travel Agency/Consultancy Fees: If using a service like Yugo.pk, expect an assistance fee of 60,000 PKR per applicant, separate from embassy fees.
- Document Preparation: Costs for translations, notarizations, or obtaining documents like bank statements or police certificates vary but can range from 5,000–20,000 PKR.
- Proof of Funds: You must show sufficient funds to cover your stay in Canada (e.g., 1,000,000 PKR bank balance for solo travelers or 2,500,000 PKR for families, as per Yugo.pk guidelines). This isn’t a fee but a requirement for visa approval.
- Processing Time: 10–35 days, though it can take up to 106 days for Pakistani residents. Apply early to avoid delays.
2. Study Permit (Student Visa)
For Pakistani students accepted into a Canadian educational institution.
- Study Permit Fee: 150 CAD (≈ 31,950 PKR)
- Biometric Fee: 85 CAD (≈ 18,105 PKR) per person, unless applying as a family (max 170 CAD).
- Total for One Person: 235 CAD (≈ 50,055 PKR)
- Proof of Funds (as of September 1, 2025): You must show at least 22,895 CAD (≈ 4,876,635 PKR) for living expenses, plus first-year tuition fees and travel costs.
- Additional Costs:
- IELTS exam (if required): ≈ 40,000–50,000 PKR.
- Medical exam (if required): ≈ 10,000–20,000 PKR.
- Consultancy fees: 35,000–100,000 PKR, depending on the agency (e.g., Trips.pk charges 35,000 PKR for file preparation).
- Acceptance letter from a Canadian institution: No direct cost, but application fees to universities/colleges vary (≈ 100–500 CAD).
- Processing Time: Around 12 weeks, but apply early to avoid missing study deadlines.
3. Work Permit
For those with a job offer or business-related travel.
- Work Permit Fee: 155 CAD (≈ 33,015 PKR)
- Biometric Fee: 85 CAD (≈ 18,105 PKR) per person.
- Total for One Person: 240 CAD (≈ 51,120 PKR)
- Additional Costs:
- Job offer documentation: Costs for attestation or employer letters vary (≈ 5,000–15,000 PKR).
- Medical exam (if required): ≈ 10,000–20,000 PKR.
- Proof of funds: Similar to a visitor visa, you need to show ties to Pakistan and sufficient funds (e.g., 1,000,000 PKR bank balance).
- Consultancy fees: 35,000–60,000 PKR, depending on the agency.
- Processing Time: Around 17 weeks, subject to delays due to job type or global factors.
4. Permanent Residence (PR) via Express Entry
For those applying for immigration (e.g., skilled workers).
- Application Fee (Principal Applicant): Varies by program, typically 1,365 CAD (≈ 290,745 PKR) for Express Entry, including Right of Permanent Residence Fee (RPRF).
- Biometric Fee: 85 CAD (≈ 18,105 PKR) per person or 170 CAD for families.
- Additional Costs:
- IELTS exam: ≈ 40,000–50,000 PKR.
- Educational Credential Assessment (ECA): ≈ 200–300 CAD (≈ 42,600–63,900 PKR).
- Medical exam: ≈ 10,000–20,000 PKR.
- Proof of funds: Varies by family size (e.g., 13,757 CAD ≈ 2,930,241 PKR for one person).
- Consultancy fees: Can exceed 100,000 PKR for complex applications.
- Processing Time: 6–12 months, depending on the stream.
Key Notes
- Exchange Rate Fluctuations: Visa fees are in Canadian Dollars (CAD), and PKR equivalents depend on the exchange rate. Check current rates before paying.
- Non-Refundable Fees: Visa and biometric fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.
- Online Payment: Fees are paid online via credit/debit card through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal or VAC.
- Biometric Appointment: After paying fees, book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (e.g., VFS Global in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad). Delays in scheduling are common for Pakistani applicants.
- Document Requirements: Costs for obtaining bank statements, employment letters, or translations vary. Ensure documents are in English or French, or include certified translations.
- Agency Services: Using agencies like Yugo.pk, Trips.pk, or Rehman Travels can simplify the process but adds significant costs (35,000–60,000 PKR).
- Proof of Funds: For visitor or study visas, you must show sufficient funds in your bank account, which isn’t a fee but a critical requirement. For example, 1,000,000 PKR for solo travelers or 22,895 CAD for students.
- Official Source: Always verify fees on the IRCC website (www.canada.ca) or contact a VAC, as fees may change.
Estimated Total Costs (Per Person)
- Visitor Visa: 39,405 PKR (185 CAD) + 25,000 PKR (appointment) + 60,000 PKR (agency, if used) ≈ 124,405 PKR without proof of funds.
- Study Permit: 50,055 PKR (235 CAD) + 40,000–100,000 PKR (IELTS, medical, agency) ≈ 90,055–150,055 PKR, plus 4,876,635 PKR proof of funds.
- Work Permit: 51,120 PKR (240 CAD) + 15,000–60,000 PKR (documents, agency) ≈ 66,120–111,120 PKR, plus proof of funds.
- Permanent Residence: 308,850 PKR (1,450 CAD) + 50,000–200,000 PKR (IELTS, ECA, agency) ≈ 358,850–508,850 PKR, plus proof of funds.
Recommendations
- Budget Range: For a visitor visa, budget 100,000–150,000 PKR per person, including fees, appointments, and agency costs. For study or work permits, budget 100,000–200,000 PKR, plus proof of funds. PR applications may require 400,000–600,000 PKR.
- Apply Online: Use the IRCC portal to save on agency fees, but ensure all documents are complete.
- Check VAC Locations: Visit VFS Global centres in Karachi, Lahore, or Islamabad for biometrics. Contact them at +92-51-8439344 or email [email protected].
- Plan Ahead: Processing times vary, and biometric appointment delays are common. Apply 2–3 months in advance.
- Verify Fees: Check the IRCC website for the latest fee updates, as rates may differ over time.
- Avoid Overpayment: For families, ensure you pay only one family biometric fee (170 CAD) or group visa fee (500 CAD) where applicable.
If you need specific guidance on a visa type or assistance with the application process, let me know! For detailed fee structures, visit https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-fees.html.