Canada Tourist Visa from Pakistan 2026 Complete Guide

Pakistani travellers often find the Canada tourist visa process confusing because the application is online, document heavy, and strict about proof of funds and strong ties to Pakistan. Common problems include unclear travel purpose, weak financial evidence, missing forms, and mistakes in uploaded documents.

This guide explains the Canada visitor visa process in a clear and practical way so you can prepare a stronger file, avoid delays, and improve your chances of approval.

What Is the Canada Tourist Visa

A Canada visitor visa, officially called a Temporary Resident Visa, is a counterfoil placed in your passport to show you meet the requirements to enter Canada as a temporary resident. It allows you to travel to Canada and request entry at the border. A border officer makes the final decision on entry and how long you can stay.

What You Can and Cannot Do on a Visitor Visa

Knowing what is allowed helps you prepare your travel plan and avoid issues during travel or at arrival.

Common Allowed Activities

• Tourism and Sightseeing: Travel for holidays, sightseeing, and exploring Canada within a temporary stay.
• Family and Friends Visit: Visit relatives or friends with a clear plan, address, and timeline.
• Short Business Activities: Attend meetings or events where you are not entering the Canadian labour market.
• Short Courses: Take short recreational courses that are not part of a long academic program.

Not allowed on a visitor visa

• Employment in Canada: You cannot work in Canada without the correct work authorization.
• Long Term Study: Degree programs and longer studies usually require a study permit.
• Overstaying: Staying beyond your authorized period can affect future visas.

Who Is Eligible to Apply from Pakistan

IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) notice that whether you are a genuine temporary visitor, who will leave Canada at the end of the visit. A strong application clearly answers why you are going, how you will pay, and why you will return to Pakistan.

• Strong Profile Indicators: Stable employment or business, consistent income, realistic itinerary and strong family or financial ties to Pakistan.
• High Risk Factors: Unclear itinerary, weak funds, sudden large deposits, missing employment evidence, or conflicting information across forms.

When to Apply for Canada Tourist Visa

Apply early because processing times change and some cases need extra checks.

• Recommended Timing: Start preparing documents six to eight weeks before travel and submit as early as possible if you have fixed dates.
• Avoid Non-Refundable Travel Bookings: Use a travel plan and reservations rather than buying non-refundable tickets before approval.

Where to Apply from Pakistan

Most applicants apply online through IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). After you submit your application and pay fees, IRCC issues a biometric instruction letter if biometrics are required. You then visit a Visa Application Centre in Pakistan to give fingerprints and a photo.

Canada Tourist Visa Application Steps

Follow these steps in order. Keep details consistent across forms and documents.

Step 1: Create an Online Account and Choose the Application Route

• Canada allows visitor visa applications through the IRCC Portal or the IRCC secure account. Choose one route and complete the application there so all forms and uploads stay organised.

Step 2: Complete the Online Forms Accurately

• Fill your personal history, employment, travel history, and purpose of visit carefully. Missing details or errors can cause delays or refusal.

Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents in Clear Format

• Upload readable scans. Name files clearly and keep financial evidence and employment proof easy to review.

Step 4: Pay Fees and Submit the Application

• Pay the visitor visa fee online. If biometrics are required, pay the biometric fee to receive the biometric instruction letter.

Step 5: Give Biometrics at a Visa Application Centre

• Book an appointment and visit the Visa application centre to submit fingerprints and a photograph within the deadline in your biometric instruction letter.

Step 6: Track Updates and Respond to IRCC Requests

• IRCC may request additional documents or clarifications. Respond before deadlines to avoid refusal.

Step 7: Passport Request and Visa Stamping

• If approved, IRCC issues a passport request. Submit your passport through the visa application centre for visa stamping and return.

Canada Tourist Visa Requirements from Pakistan

These are common document categories IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) expects. Each item explains what it proves.

• Valid Passport: A valid passport with enough blank pages for travel and stamping.
• Online Application Forms: Accurate forms that match your documents and background history.
• Photograph: A recent photo for identity checks and visa processing.
• Purpose of Travel Evidence: Itinerary, accommodation plan, and visit details that make your travel purpose clear.
• Financial Proof: Bank statements and income proof that match trip cost and duration.
• Employment or Business Evidence: Job letter, payslips, leave approval, or business registration showing strong ties.
• Family Ties Evidence: Family and dependency proof that supports return to Pakistan.
• Sponsor Documents if Applicable: Sponsor letter, relationship proof, and sponsor financial evidence if someone funds the trip.

Biometrics for Canada Visitor Visa

Most applicants must give biometrics, which include fingerprints and a photograph. IRCC links biometrics to your application after collection at the visa application centre.

• Biometrics Validity: Biometrics for temporary residence are generally valid for 10 years, so you may not need to give them again if already provided recently.
• Why Biometrics Matter: IRCC may not finalize processing until biometrics are received, so book a visa application centre appointment quickly.

Documents Required for Applicants Under 18

Minor applicants must show relationship and parental consent.

• Birth Certificate or B Form: Confirms relationship between the child and parents.
• Parents Passports and CNIC Copies: Verifies parent identity and consent.
• Consent Letter and Custody Proof: Required if one parent is not travelling or custody needs to be shown.
• School Letter: Supports the child’s return plan through enrollment and leave dates.
• Sponsor Financial Documents: Shows who will pay for the child’s trip and stay.

Canada Tourist Visa Fee from Pakistan 2026

Fees are paid online and are non-refundable. The standard visitor visa fee is CAD 100 per person. If biometrics are required, the biometric fee is CAD 85 per person. Families applying together have a maximum biometric fee of CAD 170.

Canada Visitor Visa Processing Time

Processing time varies by location and IRCC workload. IRCC updates processing times regularly through its official processing time tool.

• What can Increase Processing Time: Incomplete files, missing minor custody documents, additional background checks, or delayed biometrics.
• Planning Tip: Apply early and avoid non-refundable bookings until a decision is issued.

Disclaimer

Visa rules, fees, document checklists, and processing times can change without prior notice. Malik Express provides guidance using the latest official information available at the time you apply. Final decisions rest with IRCC officers and Canadian border authorities.

If Your Canada Tourist Visa Is Denied

A refusal usually means IRCC was not satisfied about your temporary visit intent or your file lacked convincing evidence.

Common Reasons for Refusal

• Insufficient Funds: Funds do not match the trip cost or the money source is unclear.
• Weak Ties to Pakistan: Employment, business, family, or assets are not strong or not well documented.
• Unclear Purpose of Visit: Itinerary is vague or travel dates do not make sense.
• Information Gaps: Missing history or inconsistencies across forms and documents.

What You Should Do Next

• Read the Refusal Letter: Identify refusal points you must address.
• Strengthen Weak Areas: Improve finances, clarify itinerary, and add stronger ties evidence.
• Reapply with Improvements: Avoid reapplying with the same file without stronger evidence.

How Malik Express Travel and Tours Helps You

Malik Express supports Pakistani travellers with practical, step by step visa assistance.

• Eligibility Assessment: We review your profile and travel plan to highlight risks and improve clarity.
• Complete Document Review: We help organise your file so evidence is easy to assess.
• Form and Upload Guidance: We guide accurate completion of online forms and uploads.
• Biometrics and Timeline Support: We help you understand biometrics steps and meet deadlines.
• Travel Planning after Approval: After approval, we can assist with flights, hotels, and travel insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much bank balance is required for Canada visitor visa from Pakistan

Your funds should match your trip length and expected costs. Stable income and consistent savings usually look stronger than sudden large deposits.

• Is Canada visitor visa single entry or multiple entry

IRCC may issue single entry or multiple entry depending on your case. Visa validity can be up to the passport expiry, but stay length is decided at entry.

• Do I need biometrics for Canada visit visa

Most applicants need biometrics when applying for a visitor visa. If you gave biometrics within the last 10 years, you may not need to give them again.

• Can I apply for Canada tourist visa online from Pakistan

Yes. Apply online through IRCC and then give biometrics at a VAC in Pakistan if required.

• Should I buy tickets before Canada visa approval

It is safer to avoid non-refundable tickets before approval. Use a planned itinerary instead.

• Do Pakistani Citizens Need a Visa for Canada

Pakistani passport holders need a visitor visa to travel to Canada for tourism, family visits, or short business travel. Canada calls this a Temporary Resident Visa, also known as a TRV.

Conclusion

A successful Canada tourist visa application depends on a clear travel purpose, strong financial proof, and convincing ties to Pakistan. Prepare documents carefully, apply early, and submit biometrics on time to avoid delays. If you want support, Malik Express Travel and Tours can help you apply with confidence.