Canada Visitor Visa Document Checklist for Pakistanis (2026)

Last checked: October 2026

Pakistani passport holders need a Canada Visitor Visa, also called a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), to visit Canada for tourism, family visits or short business trips. Pakistanis are not eligible for an eTA. Most refusals happen because of weak or missing documents, so this checklist explains what to prepare before you apply.

Note: Dream Visa Guide is a free informational website. We do not process visa applications. Always apply directly through the official IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) website.

Quick Facts

• Visa fee: CAD 100 per person
• Biometrics fee: CAD 85 per person (usually valid for 10 years)
• How to apply: Online through the IRCC portal, then give biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VFS Global)
• Processing time: Varies; check the current time on the IRCC website before applying
• Stay: Usually up to 6 months per entry, decided by the border officer

For full visa types and fees, see our Canada Visa Guide.

1. Identity and Application Forms

• Valid passport: Scan all pages that have stamps, visas or notes. Your passport should be valid for your full stay.
• Old passports: If you have travel history in an old passport, include it.
• Digital photo: Must meet IRCC photo specifications.
• CNIC copy
• Family Information form (IMM 5707): Usually required for visitor visa applicants. Fill in every family member, including those not travelling.
• Online application form completed in the IRCC portal

Tip: After you answer the questions in the IRCC portal, it creates a personal document checklist for you. Always follow that list, because it can differ from person to person.

2. Financial Documents

The visa officer must be satisfied that you can pay for your trip and that you will return to Pakistan.

• Personal bank statement (usually the last 6 months) with the bank’s stamp
• Bank maintenance or balance certificate
• Income tax returns (FBR) and your NTN, if you have them
• Property documents, if any
• If someone is sponsoring your trip: their bank statement, a sponsorship letter and proof of your relationship

Avoid: Large sudden deposits just before applying. Officers can see this as “funds parking”, and it is a common refusal reason.

3. Proof of Ties to Pakistan

This is one of the most important parts. You must show reasons to come back.

• Employees: Employment letter (with designation, salary, joining date and approved leave), recent salary slips
• Business owners: Business registration, NTN, chamber of commerce certificate, business bank statement
• Students: Enrolment letter from your school, college or university
• Family ties: Family Registration Certificate (FRC), marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates

4. Purpose of Visit Documents

• Cover letter: A short letter explaining why you are going, how long you will stay, who will pay, and why you will return
• Travel plan: Dates and cities you will visit (do not buy confirmed tickets before the visa)
• Hotel booking (for tourists)
• Invitation letter (if visiting family or friends). See our guide on how to write a visa invitation letter.
• Host’s proof of status in Canada (copy of Canadian passport, PR card or valid permit)

5. Other Documents (If Asked)

• Travel history: Copies of previous visas (UK, USA, Schengen, UAE, etc.) help your case
• Medical exam: Usually not needed for visits under 6 months, unless IRCC asks
• Police certificate: Not usually required for a visit visa, unless IRCC asks
• Translations: Any document in Urdu must have a certified English translation

Step-by-Step: How to Apply

1. Create an account on the official IRCC website.
2. Answer the eligibility questions and get your personal document checklist.
3. Fill in the forms and upload all documents as clear scans (PDF).
4. Pay the visa fee (CAD 100) and biometrics fee (CAD 85) online.
5. You will receive a Biometric Instruction Letter. Book an appointment at a VFS Global centre in Pakistan.
6. Give your fingerprints and photo.
7. If approved, IRCC will ask you to submit your passport for the visa stamp.

Common Reasons for Refusal

• The officer is not satisfied you will leave Canada at the end of your stay
• Weak financial history or unexplained large deposits
• Purpose of visit not clear or not believable
• Little or no previous travel history
• Missing documents or information that does not match across forms

If refused, you can apply again with stronger documents. You can also request your GCMS notes to see the officer’s reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Pakistanis get a Canada eTA?
No. Pakistani passport holders need a Visitor Visa (TRV), not an eTA.

How much bank balance do I need?
There is no fixed official amount. You must show enough money for your trip and a stable financial history that matches your income.

Do I need to give biometrics again?
Biometrics are usually valid for 10 years. If yours are still valid, you may not need to give them again.

Can I work in Canada on a visitor visa?
No. A visitor visa does not allow you to work in Canada.

Read more country guides in our Visa Guides section.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. Visa rules, fees and document requirements can change at any time. Always confirm the latest information on the official IRCC website (canada.ca) before applying. Dream Visa Guide is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or any visa centre.