Chapter 01
What does IRCC require for a Canada visitor visa?
IRCC's official requirements for a visitor visa application are a digital copy of a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months from your travel date), the forms and questions in your IRCC account, the fees, and biometrics. IRCC recommends evidence of travel history, an itinerary, bank statements for at least 6 months and an employer letter, and for family visits an invitation letter and proof of relationship (IRCC).
To be eligible you must show the officer that you have ties to Pakistan (such as employment, home, financial assets or family), that you will leave Canada at the end of your visit, that you have enough money for the stay, and that you are in good health with no criminal or immigration-related convictions (IRCC eligibility).
Forms you may see
| Form | What it is | Who needs it |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor visa application (generated online; the paper version is IMM 5257) | Main application | Everyone |
| IMM 5645 Family Information | Details of parents, spouse, children | As your checklist requires |
| IMM 5476 Use of a Representative | Authorises a representative | Only if someone represents you |
| IMM 5475 Authority to Release Personal Information | Lets IRCC discuss your case with a named person | Optional |
Chapter 02
Document checklists by applicant type (Pakistani applicants)
These lists combine IRCC's recommendations with the Pakistani documents that prove each point. Upload clear colour scans, and add English translations for Urdu documents.
Everyone
- Passport bio page and all used pages with visas and stamps; old passports with previous visas
- Digital photo meeting IRCC specifications
- CNIC (front and back)
- Cover letter: who you are, why you are going, dates, where you will stay, who pays, why you will return
- Itinerary and, if visiting family, the invitation letter
- Bank statements for 6 months with the bank's contact details (IRCC)
- NADRA Family Registration Certificate (FRC) for family applications
Employed
- Employer letter (NOC) on letterhead: designation, salary, joining date, approved leave, confirmation you will resume duty, and HR contact details
- Last 3–6 salary slips
- Salary account statement for 6 months
- FBR tax return and NTN, or Active Taxpayer List printout
- Government employees: departmental NOC
Business owner
- SECP incorporation certificate, partnership deed, or sole proprietorship registration
- Chamber of Commerce membership
- Business NTN and FBR returns for 2 years
- Business and personal bank statements for 6 months
- Business visit: invitation from the Canadian company stating purpose and dates
Student
- Enrolment letter or student card and a leave or holiday letter
- Latest transcript
- Parent's or sponsor's letter of support, income documents and bank statements
- FRC showing the relationship
Housewife or dependent spouse
- Nikah nama (NADRA computerised marriage certificate preferred)
- Spouse's income documents and bank statements
- FRC
- If travelling without the spouse: the spouse's signed letter of support and CNIC copy
Retired
- Pension letter or pension book, bank statements showing pension credits
- Property documents (fard, registry or allotment letter)
- If visiting children: their invitation letter and proof of their Canadian status
Freelancer
- Client contracts and platform earnings history (12 months is persuasive)
- Bank statements showing foreign remittances
- FBR return and NTN; PSEB registration if available
- Portfolio or profile showing your work
Children under 18
- B-form or CRC, and FRC
- If travelling with one parent or without parents: consent letter from the other parent or both parents, with CNIC copies. IRCC lists a travel-authorization letter for minors where applicable (IRCC)
- School leave letter
Chapter 03
What should a Canada invitation letter include?
IRCC says you may need a letter of invitation from someone living in Canada (IRCC eligibility). It does not decide the case by itself, but it explains the trip clearly. Include:
- host's full name, date of birth, address and phone number in Canada;
- host's status in Canada (citizen, permanent resident, student, worker) with a copy of the proof;
- relationship to you, and proof (FRC, nikah nama, birth certificates);
- purpose and dates of your visit, and where you will stay;
- who pays for what (travel, accommodation, daily costs);
- if the host pays: their employment letter and recent bank statements or tax notice.
Chapter 04
How much proof of funds is needed for a Canada visit visa?
IRCC sets no fixed amount. You must show "enough money for your stay", and IRCC says the amount depends on how long you stay and whether you stay in a hotel or with friends or relatives (IRCC eligibility). IRCC recommends at least 6 months of bank statements, with the bank's contact details and proof that the account is yours (IRCC).
Guidance that follows from those rules:
- Match income and balance. A salaried person with PKR 150,000 a month and steady savings is more convincing than a sudden PKR 3 million deposit.
- Explain large credits. Property sale, committee payout or business receipt? Attach the document.
- Show your own and your sponsor's funds separately. If your son in Toronto pays, show his means too.
- Never borrow money "for the statement". Officers check history, and temporary deposits can lead to refusal or a misrepresentation finding.
Chapter 05
Biometrics requirements
Pakistani applicants give fingerprints and a photo at a VFS Global centre in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi (IRCC) after receiving the Biometric Instruction Letter. Children under 14 and adults over 79 are exempt (IRCC). Biometrics given for a Canadian temporary residence application remain valid for 10 years (IRCC). Give them by the deadline in your letter.
Chapter 06
Do you need a medical exam or police certificate?
For a short tourist visit, most applicants are not asked for either. IRCC can request a medical exam or police certificate if your case needs it, and will tell you in your account.
Chapter 07
Requirements for Pakistanis in the UAE or Saudi Arabia
Add your residence visa or Emirates ID, or iqama, with good remaining validity; your Gulf employer letter and salary certificate; Gulf bank statements; and your ties to Pakistan if relevant. Biometrics are given at VFS in Abu Dhabi or Dubai, or Riyadh, Jeddah or Al Khobar (IRCC).
Chapter 08
Before you fly
Once approved, carry the passport with your visa, return ticket, invitation letter or hotel booking, proof of funds or card, and leave or business documents. FIA checks visit-visa travellers for a return ticket, accommodation, funds and a sound profile (FIA FAQ). Use our offloading checklist.
Chapter 09
Frequently asked questions
What documents are required for a Canada visit visa from Pakistan?
IRCC requires a passport valid at least 6 months from your travel date and the forms generated in your online account. It recommends proof of travel history, an itinerary, at least 6 months of bank statements and an employer letter, plus an invitation letter and proof of relationship if visiting family.
Is an invitation letter mandatory for a Canada visit visa?
No, but IRCC says you may need one if you are visiting someone in Canada. A good letter names the host, their status in Canada, your relationship, dates, where you will stay and who pays.
How much money do I need in my bank account for a Canada visit visa?
IRCC sets no fixed amount. You must show enough money for your stay, which depends on its length and whether you stay in a hotel or with family. Show at least 6 months of genuine statements that match your income.
Do I need a police certificate or medical for a Canada visitor visa?
Not usually. Visitors staying 6 months or less normally do not need a police certificate or medical exam, but IRCC can request either if your case needs it.
Do Urdu documents need translation for Canada?
Yes. Documents not in English or French should be uploaded with a translation, so the officer can read them. Upload both the original and the translation.
Chapter 10
How Visit Visa Specialists helps
We build your checklist for your applicant type, check that every genuine document supports your cover letter, and help you present funds and ties clearly. We never create, borrow or "arrange" documents or balances. Service fee: Quote on WhatsApp; the CAD 100 + CAD 85 are paid by you directly to IRCC (Canada visa fee). IRCC alone decides. Read the full Canada visit visa guide for Pakistanis, or see our USA visit visa requirements.
Every fact, checkedSources+
- IRCC, Apply for a visitor visa (2026-08-28): passport valid 6 months; recommended travel history, itinerary, 6 months of bank statements with bank contact and proof of ownership, employer letter; invitation and proof of relationship; IMM 5645, IMM 5476, IMM 5475 (canada.ca, checked 13 October 2026)
- IRCC, Visitor visa eligibility (2026-08-28): ties, will leave, enough money depending on stay, health, convictions, letter of invitation may be needed (canada.ca, checked 13 October 2026)
- IRCC, Biometrics facts (2026-03-30): exemptions under 14 and over 79 (canada.ca, checked 13 October 2026)
- IRCC, When to give biometrics (2026-03-30): valid 10 years for temporary residence (canada.ca, checked 13 October 2026)
- IRCC, Find a visa application centre (2026-08-24): Pakistan, UAE and Saudi VAC cities (canada.ca, checked 13 October 2026)
- FIA FAQ: visit-visa travel conditions (fia.gov.pk, checked 13 October 2026)
We are an independent private agency, not affiliated with any government. Visa decisions are made solely by the relevant authority.
