Canada Visit Visa For Pakistani

Visiting Canada has never been easier! Though our diversity, modern cities and natural beauty make us a popular destination, the visa application process could be considered complex in comparison to other countries. However this article aims at simplifying the steps and demystifying the entire visa application process for Pakistanis to visit Canada as tourists.

Visas for Canada may be obtained by any Pakistani citizen with a valid passport and an application who can demonstrate that he/she is not already in Canada, does not have an existing Canadian application in process and does not fall under the group of persons excluded from immigration by Canadian laws and regulations.

Canada is the ultimate tourist destination for many visa seekers around the world. The number of people across the globe who want to visit this country are increasing by the day. People want to explore Canada because of its exceptional natural beauty, culture, and its well-developed economy. Canada has plenty to offer everyone and it’s one of the most visited countries in the world. Then why wouldn’t you want to visit this country?

Canada Visit Visa For Pakistani

Lauded as one of the most livable countries in the world, Canada usually retains a high ranking on every traveller’s bucket list. From boasting snow-covered mountain peaks and breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls to offering both simple countryside lifestyle as well as meticulously planned cosmopolitan cities, this North American country attracts legions of tourists every year. It is also a top-rated tourist destination among those living in Pakistan. So, if you are planning a trip to the beautiful country, you’ll first need to obtain a Canada Visitor Visa. 

Since the visa application process can be rather overwhelming and may even appear a little daunting for green passport holders, we’ve brought you a detailed guide on how to apply for a Canadian visa from Pakistan for the purpose of tourism.

Unless you are a dual-national and hold the nationality of Canada, the United States or any other country apart from Pakistan, you will most likely have to get a visit visa for Canada to be able to travel there. However, if you are a dual-nationality holder, you may only need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to be able to enter the country. 

Before we discuss the eligibility criteria for Canada Visitor Visa, application requirements and process, let’s take a look at the main types of Canadian visas that one can apply for.

TYPES OF CANADIAN VISAS

These are the different types and categories of visas offered by the Canadian government. 

• Visitor visas
• Work visas
• Student visas
• Business Immigrant visas
• Express Entry Program visas
• Permanent Residence visas

If you are planning to apply for a Canadian visa from Pakistan, you must first figure out which of these visas fit the motive of your visits. If you are only travelling to meet your family members, friends or for recreational purposes, you’ll have to apply for a Canada Visit Visa. On the other hand, if you’re planning to study or work in Canada, you may have to obtain a Student Visa or Work Visa instead. These are also called Temporary Visas. Permanent residence visas, business immigrant visas and express entry program visas are all types of permanent visas where the applicant shows his or her intent to stay in the country for a longer period of time.

You must select the type of visa that best suits your purpose of visit. However, we’ll be focusing on Visitor Visa, which is a Temporary Resident Visa, better known as TRV.

CANADIAN TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISA (TRV)

As the name suggests, these visas are issued to people who want to visit Canada for a short period of time (six months or less). Canada Visitor Visa is usually obtained for the purposes of tourism, meeting family and business etc. You cannot seek a job or join a study program while in Canada on this visa. Similarly, you cannot apply for Canadian citizenship, claim health coverage and other benefits, or apply for any government documents during your stay in the country.

If you have secured admission in a short-term study program that will end within six months, you may apply for a Canadian visitor visa after clarifying your purpose of visit.

TYPES OF CANADIAN TEMPORARY RESIDENT VISAS (TRV)

Here are some of the main categories of Temporary Resident Visas based on the purpose of the visit:

Canada Visitor Visa: It is the most common type of visa people in Pakistan apply for. It is also called Canada Tourist Visa.

Canada Super Visa: This type of visa allows parents and grandparents of Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents to visit their family for up to two years at a time

Canada Diplomatic and Official Visa: Governmental officials and diplomats can obtain this visa to visit Canada for official purposes

Canada Courtesy Visa: This visa is issued to government officials and diplomats who do not qualify for the Diplomatic and Official Visa 

Facilitation Visa: Canadian citizens with dual nationalities who do not have their Canadian passports can enter the country on this visa

Business Persons and Business Delegations Visa: This type of TRV is issued to business executives and delegations who intend to visit Canada to attend seminars, workshops, meetings, conference and participate in trade shows etc.

Dual Intent Visa: This category of visa is issued to people who intend to apply for a permanent resident visa during their stay in Canada.