Canada Visit visa process and document requirement

Canada Visit Visa Process and Document Requirements for Pakistani Citizens

If you are a Pakistani citizen and wish to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, or business purposes, you need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), commonly known as a Canada Visit Visa. The visa allows you to stay in Canada temporarily for a short duration.

Below is a detailed guide on the process and document requirements for applying for a Canada visit visa from Pakistan.

Step-by-Step Process for Applying for a Canada Visit Visa (TRV)

Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying for a Canada visit visa, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. You must:

• Prove that you intend to leave Canada at the end of your visit (show ties to your home country such as employment, family, etc.).
• Show that you have enough funds to support your stay in Canada, including accommodation, travel, and living expenses.
• Be in good health (you may need to undergo a medical examination depending on your circumstances).
• Not have any criminal convictions or pose a security risk.

Step 2: Gather the Required Documents

To apply for a Canada visit visa, you must provide the following documents:

1. Valid Passport
   • Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Canada and should have at least one blank page.
2. Visa Application Form (IMM 5257)
   • You must complete the Visitor Visa Application Form (IMM 5257). This can be done online or on paper (if submitting a paper application).
3. Photographs
   • Two passport-sized photographsthat meet the visa photo requirements (35mm x 45mm, white background, no borders, and a neutral expression).
4. Proof of Financial Support
   • You need to provide evidence that you can financially support yourself (and any accompanying family members) during your stay in Canada. This can include:
     • Bank statements(recent 3-6 months).
     • Pay slipsor employment letter from your employer.
     • Tax returnsor business registration documents (if self-employed).
     • Affidavit of supportif someone else in Canada is sponsoring your visit, along with their financial documents.

5. Travel Itinerary
   • A detailed travel itineraryshowing your planned travel dates, flight bookings (not purchased tickets), and accommodation details in Canada.
6. Purpose of Visit
   • Letter of Invitation(if visiting family or friends) from your Canadian host, including their full address and status in Canada (permanent resident or citizen).
   • For business visits, provide a business letterfrom your employer or the company you plan to visit.
7. Proof of Ties to Home Country
   • You must prove that you have strong ties to Pakistan and that you intend to return after your visit. This could include:
     • Employment letteror business ownership documents.
     • Evidence of family connections(such as marriage certificate, birth certificates of children, etc.).
     • Property ownership documentsor lease agreements.

8. Visa Application Fees
   • The visa application fee for a Canada visitor visais CAD 100 per person.
   • If you are submitting your application in person at a Visa Application Center (VAC), there may be additional service fees.
9. Medical Exam (If Required)
   • In some cases, if you plan to stay for a longer period or if you have traveled to certain countries recently, you may be required to undergo a medical examination by a panel physician.
10. Cover Letter (Optional but Recommended)
    • A personal cover letterthat explains the purpose of your visit to Canada, your intended stay, and your plan to return to Pakistan.
11. Police Certificate (If Required)
    • If requested by the visa officer, you may need to provide a police certificateto show that you do not have any criminal background.

Step 3: Submit Your Application

• Online Application: The most convenient method is to apply onlinethrough the official website of IRCC (Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada). You need to create an IRCC account, fill out the visa application form, upload scanned copies of all required documents, and pay the application fee.
  • Create an IRCC account: IRCC Account
• Paper Application: If you are unable to apply online, you can submit a paper applicationat a Visa Application Center (VAC) in Pakistan. The VACs are located in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Mirpur.
  • You will need to download and complete the Visitor Visa Application Form (IMM 5257), pay the application fee, and submit the application with all required documents at the VAC.

Step 4: Biometrics Appointment (If Required)

• After submitting your visa application, you may be required to provide biometric information(fingerprints and a photograph). This is mandatory for most applicants applying for a visa.
• You will be notified if you need to provide biometrics and given instructions on how to schedule an appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC)in Pakistan.
• The biometrics fee is CAD 85for individuals and CAD 170 for families.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

• After submitting your application and biometrics (if applicable), the processing time for a Canadian visitor visa can take anywhere from 7 to 30 days, depending on various factors like the volume of applications and additional security checks.
• You may be asked to provide additional documents or information if needed, so make sure to monitor your email for any updates from the visa office.

Step 6: Visa Decision and Passport Return

• Once your visa application is processed, you will be notified of the decision.
  • If your visa is approved, the visa will be stamped on your passport, and it will be returned to you via the Visa Application Center (VAC).
  • If your visa is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reasonsfor the refusal.

Canada Visit Visa Document Checklist

Here is a summary of the documents required for a Canada visit visa application:

1. Valid Passport(with at least 6 months validity).
2. DS-160 or Visitor Visa Application Form (IMM 5257).
3. Two Passport-Sized Photographs.
4. Proof of Financial Support(bank statements, pay slips, affidavits, etc.).
5. Travel Itinerary(flight bookings, accommodation details).
6. Purpose of Visit(Invitation letter, business letter, or other).
7. Proof of Ties to Home Country(employment letter, family ties, property documents).
8. Visa Fee Payment Receipt.
9. Medical Exam or Police Certificate(if required).
10. Cover Letter(optional, but recommended).
11. Additional Supporting Documents(if applicable).

Important Notes

1. Visa Denial: If your visa application is denied, you will be informed of the reason. You can choose to reapply with additional documents or clarification or appeal the decision.
2. Visa Processing Time: Processing times may vary based on your specific circumstances and the volume of applications. It’s advised to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.
3. Travel Restrictions and COVID-19: Keep in mind that travel restrictions due to COVID-19 may affect visa processing and entry requirements. Check the official Canadian government website for the latest updates on COVID-related travel restrictions.