Canada visit visa from Pakistan
Canada is a popular destination for many travelers from Pakistan who want to explore its diverse culture, natural beauty, and economic opportunities. Suppose you wish to visit your relatives, friends, or business partners, attend a conference or an event, or enjoy a vacation. In that case, you must apply for a visitor visa for Canada, also known as a temporary resident visa (TRV).
A TRV allows you to stay in Canada for up to six months but does not guarantee entry. You will still need to meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its related Regulations when you arrive at the port of entry.
A temporary resident or visitor visa to Canada is a multiple-entry visa. It allows you to enter and leave Canada multiple times till the expiry of this visa. In this article, we have discussed all the details related to the process and requirements to get a visit visa for Canada from Pakistan. For further information and guidance, you can contact HSA consultants.
Who can apply for a Canada visit visa from Pakistan?
People who are eligible to apply for a visitor visa to enter Canada are decided according to a certain criteria set by the Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC). People who want to come to Canada must meet that criteria or requirements to get a Canada visit visa. Those eligibility requirements are:
- To have a valid passport
- To be in good health
- Must have no criminal convictions
- Have financial means to support himself
- Have financial ties in your home country like home, job, or financial assets.
- Have intent to go back to your home country.
People who are not allowed to enter Canada
Some people are not admissible to Canada. There are several reasons to deny their entry to the country, including:
- Involvement in the criminal activity
- Human right violations
- Link to organized crime
How to Apply for a Canada Visit Visa from Pakistan
To apply for a TRV, you will need to follow these steps:
Check if you need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA)
Most people need a visa or an eTA, but some only need valid passports. An eTA is an electronic authorization linked to your passport and valid for up to five years, or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. The ETA is typically granted to citizens of visa-exempt countries, streamlining the entry process significantly. You can apply for an eTA online in minutes, costing CAD$7 per person.
A visa is a sticker placed on your passport and is valid for a specific period and number of entries. You can apply for a visa online or by mail, and it costs CAD$100 per person.
Start the Application Process:
Each applicant has to fill out the application for a visitor visa with their personal information and passport number to start the visa process. Applicants can download the visa application form from their official website Canada.ca. The form will ask you for your personal information, contact details, travel history, education, employment, family background, purpose of visit, and other relevant questions. You must also sign a consent form allowing the Canadian authorities to verify your information and conduct background checks.
Gather the required documents for the visit visa application:
To fill out the application form, applicants must gather all the required documents to fill out the form carefully. We have provided a list of related documents in detail. These documents are:
A valid Passport:
The first requirement to get a visa to visit Canada from Pakistan is to have a passport with at least six months of validity and one blank page. Your passport should have no damage or alterations. You should also make sure that your passport matches the information on your application form and other documents.
Copies of all your old or expired passports:
These copies will show your previous travel history and visa applications. You should include all the pages with stamps, visas, or markings.
Passport size photographs:
Another requirement for a Canada visit visa is to have two recent passport-sized photographs with a white background with your name and date of birth written on the back. The pictures should be clear and show your entire face without any glasses, hats, or head coverings (unless worn for religious reasons). The size of the photographs should be 35mm x 45mm.
Proof of purpose of visit:
To get a Canada visit visa, proof of your purpose of visit, such as an invitation letter from a Canadian host, a travel itinerary, a hotel reservation, or a business letter. The proof of purpose should be specific and detailed; it must explain:
- The reason for your visit
- Duration of your stay
- Places you will visit
- Activities you will do
- Contact information of your host or organizer
If you are visiting a family member or a friend, the invitation letter should also include:
- Their relationship to you
- Their immigration status in Canada.
- Their address and phone number
- A copy of their identification document (such as their passport or permanent resident card)
If you are visiting for business reasons, the business letter should also include:
- The name and address of the company or organization you work for or represent in the form of work permit
- The nature of your business in Canada
- The name and address of the Canadian company or organization you will meet with
- A copy of their business license or registration
Proof of your financial means:
You must also provide proof of your financial means to get a visit visa for Canada. The evidence of financial means should show that you have enough money to cover your expenses during your stay in Canada and to return to Pakistan. It can be delivered through bank statements, tax returns, employment letters, or property documents. The money you need depends on various factors, such as the length of your stay, the cost of living in Canada, and whether you will stay with someone or pay for accommodation. As a general guideline, you should have at least CAD$100 per day per person.
The proof of financial means should be recent (within three months) and in English or French (or translated by a certified translator). Suppose someone else is paying for your trip (such as your employer or sponsor). In that case, you should also provide their proof of financial means and a letter stating that they will cover your expenses.
Proof of your ties to Pakistan:
You also have to show proof of ties, which shows that you have strong reasons to return to Pakistan after you visit Canada and that you will not overstay or work illegally in Canada. The proof of ties can include documents such as your marriage certificate, birth certificate of your children, property deeds, business ownership, employment contract, or letters from your family, friends, or employer.
Travel history:
For a Canada visit visa, you must show proof of your travel history. The evidence of travel history should show that you are a genuine traveler who respects the rules and regulations of other countries and that you have no criminal or immigration issues. The proof of travel history can also help to demonstrate your financial means and ties to Pakistan.
A medical examination report:
If you plan to stay in Canada for more than six months or have a medical condition that could risk public health or safety. The medical examination report should show you are healthy and free from contagious or dangerous diseases. You can find a list of approved panel physicians here: https://www.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx
Police character certificate:
A police character certificate from the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) if you are over 18 years old. The police character certificate should show you have no criminal record or pending charges in Pakistan. You can apply for a police clearance certificate online here: https://www.nadra.gov.pk/identity/identity-poc/
Once you have gathered all the documents, upload them carefully. After submitting the supporting documents, book your appointment with a visa application center to provide your biometrics.
Pay the application fee:
After submitting your documents, you need to pay the application fee. You can pay for an application fee online using a credit card, or you can also pay at the visa application center after providing your fingerprints. Biometrics are a way of verifying your identity and ensuring the security of your application. The visa application fee is CAD$100 per person, and the biometric fee is CAD$85 per person.
Submit your application:
The next step is to submit your Canada visit visa application. You can do so online or by mail to the Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi.
Wait for the processing of your application:
The processing time for a TRV from Pakistan is usually between 10 and 35 days. Still, it may vary depending on the volume of applications and the complexity of your case. You will also receive email notifications from the Canadian visa office about the progress of your application.
If your application is approved,
You will receive a confirmation letter and a visa sticker on your passport. You will also receive instructions on collecting your passport from the VAC or having it delivered to your address. The confirmation letter will contain important information about your visa, such as its validity period, number of entries, and conditions. The visa sticker will show the issue date, expiry date, visa type, and visa number. You should carefully check the confirmation letter and visa sticker and report any errors or discrepancies to the VAC or Canadian visa office as soon as possible.
If your application is rejected,
You will receive a refusal letter explaining the reasons for the decision and your options to appeal or reapply. The refusal letter will also indicate whether you are eligible for an administrative or judicial review of your case. An administrative review is when a different officer reviews your application and decides whether to uphold or overturn the original decision. A judicial review is a process where a judge reviews your application and decides whether to keep or overturn the original decision.
Prepare for your trip to Canada:
Ensure you have all the travel documents you need to present at the port of entry, such as your passport, visa, confirmation letter, travel insurance, return ticket, and proof of funds. When you arrive in Canada, you will go through immigration and customs clearance, where an officer will ask you some questions about your visit and inspect your documents and belongings. The officer will then decide whether to admit you based on the information you provide.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, obtaining a visit visa to Canada from Pakistan is a straightforward process that requires careful planning and preparation. Individuals can increase their chances of being granted a visit visa by following the necessary steps and requirements, such as submitting a complete and accurate application, providing supporting documents, and demonstrating strong ties to Pakistan. Additionally, seeking assistance from experienced immigration consultants like HSA consultants can provide valuable guidance throughout the application process. With its stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming multicultural society, Canada offers Pakistani visitors an enriching experience.