Canada entry requirements for Pakistan passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Pakistan passport holders need a visa to enter Canada in 2026. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival or eTA option for Pakistani citizens. Plan ahead: processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa application Apply for a visitor visa | Pakistan passport holders need a visitor visa before traveling to Canada. Submit your application online through the IRCC portal, pay the $100 CAD processing fee, and upload supporting documents like your travel itinerary and financial proof. Processing times vary — apply at least 8 weeks before your departure.Apply for visitor visa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada. Canadian immigration does not require 6 months of validity beyond your departure date, but airlines may enforce it — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Border officers routinely ask for proof that you will leave Canada before your visa expires. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or onward ticket ready. If you don't have one, you may be denied boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address and contact info works. Not always checked, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | You need to demonstrate you have enough money for your stay — bank statements, pay slips, or a sponsor letter. No fixed minimum, but expect questions if you can't cover accommodation and daily expenses. | Recommended |
Visa required — no exceptions
Pakistan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival or an eTA for Canada. You must apply for a visitor visa (TRV) before you travel. Start the process at least 2–3 months before your trip.
Biometrics are mandatory
All Pakistan applicants aged 14–79 must give biometrics (fingerprints and photo) at a VAC. This is a separate step after submitting your online application. Book your appointment as soon as you get the instruction letter.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visitor visa online
Go to the official Canada visa website (IRCC) and create an account. Fill out the application form, upload your documents (passport scan, photo, financial proof, travel itinerary), and pay the CAD 100 fee (about PKR 20,000). Processing takes 2–8 weeks depending on your home country.
2
Attend a biometrics appointment
After submitting your application, you'll get a Biometric Instruction Letter. Book an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC) — in Pakistan, these are in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi. Bring your passport, the letter, and pay the biometrics fee (CAD 85). Your fingerprints and photo will be taken.
3
Wait for visa decision
Once biometrics are done, your application is processed. You can track status online. If approved, you'll receive a visa sticker in your passport (either by mail or pick-up at the VAC). The visa will show your allowed stay duration (usually up to 6 months).
4
Arrive at a Canadian port of entry
When you land at any Canadian airport (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, etc.), go to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa sticker. The officer may ask about your trip purpose, accommodation, and funds. Answer honestly. They'll stamp your passport with the date you must leave by.
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay6 months
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Standard visitor visa for tourism or family visits.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay6 months per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years (based on passport validity)
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
Allows multiple entries; same fee as single entry.
Super visa (for parents/grandparents)
Max stay2 years per entry
ValidityUp to 10 years
CostCAD 100 (~USD 75)
For parents/grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents; requires private health insurance.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 116) for employer compliance fee
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) for principal applicant
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment.
Apply retirement visa
No specific retirement visa; options via Super Visa or permanent residence
Varies
Varies
Canada does not have a dedicated retirement visa. Retirees may use Super Visa (for parents/grandparents) or apply for permanent residence through family sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Standard fee for single-entry visitor visa. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Same fee as single entry, but allows multiple entries within validity. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Biometrics feeRequired for most applicants; includes fingerprinting and photo. | CAD 85 (~USD 64) |
| Stay extensionFee to apply for extension of stay as a visitor. | CAD 100 (~USD 75) |
| Overstay fine per dayPenalty for overstaying visa; no maximum cap specified. | CAD 200 (~USD 150) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Canada
Transit visa required
Pakistan passport holders generally need a transit visa to change planes in Canada, even if staying airside.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US visa may transit without a visa under certain conditions (e.g., same-day connection).
- Holders of a valid Canadian visa do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) · Vancouver International Airport (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedTyphoidConsiderCOVID-19 (primary series + booster)Essential
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is low but present in summer months.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
General food safety is high; risk minimal with standard precautions.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Toronto
Canada Immigration Centre - Toronto
25 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 200, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For in-person inquiries, appointments may be required. Check IRCC website.
Vancouver
Canada Immigration Centre - Vancouver
1148 Hornby Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2C3
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Appointments recommended; bring all documents.
Practical information for PK travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.38 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
Processing times vary, but typically 2 to 8 weeks. Apply well in advance of your planned travel. You can check current processing times on the IRCC website.
Yes, you can apply for an extension before your current status expires. The fee is CAD 100. You must show you still meet the requirements (funds, no intention to work illegally). Overstaying can affect future applications.
Yes, Pakistan passport holders need a visa even for a transit stop at a Canadian airport. There is no transit visa exemption for Pakistani citizens.
You can reapply, but you must address the reasons for refusal. Common reasons: insufficient funds, weak ties to home country, incomplete documents. Consider consulting an immigration consultant or lawyer.
No. A visitor visa only allows tourism, visiting family, or business meetings. You cannot work or enroll in a course longer than 6 months. For work or study, you need a separate permit.
At any Canada Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi. You must book an appointment online after receiving the Biometric Instruction Letter.
The visa application fee is CAD 100 (about PKR 20,000). Biometrics cost an additional CAD 85 (about PKR 17,000). Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is refused.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.