Your trusted Canadian immigration partner

Canada visit visa from Pakistan: what the Islamabad visa office asks for

IRCC’s Islamabad instructions ask Pakistani applicants for bank statements covering the last 12 months, a CNIC copy and a signed Family Information Form, on top of the standard checklist. Most refusals come from weak funds or unclear purpose, not missing forms.

Written by NextMovePath editorial teamLast updated:


Check my visit visa file before I apply

At a glance

IRCC processing time from Pakistan78 days (Visitor visa (applying from outside Canada))IRCC's current estimate, as of September 28, 2026. Source: IRCC processing times
Where to give biometricsVACs in Islamabad, Lahore and KarachiSource: IRCC: Find a visa application centre
Bank statements the visa office asks forStatements covering the 12 months before you apply, showing the balanceSource: IRCC: Islamabad visa office instructions, visitor visa (IMM 5869)
Extra forms for PakistanFamily Information Form (IMM 5645) and a copy of your CNICSource: IRCC: Islamabad visa office instructions, visitor visa (IMM 5869)
Government feesCAD 100 visa + CAD 85 biometrics = CAD 185 (about PKR 36,200 at CAD 1 = PKR 195.68, 28 September 2026)Source: IRCC: Fee list
Passport validityAt least 6 months from your travel date. Include all old passports.Source: IRCC: Islamabad visa office instructions, visitor visa (IMM 5869)

What documents do I need for a Canada visit visa from Pakistan?

Besides the IRCC online checklist, the Islamabad visa office asks for a Family Information Form (IMM 5645), a CNIC copy, a passport valid 6 months past travel with all old passports, 12 months of bank statements, and proof of your trip’s purpose such as an invitation letter or itinerary.

  • Employed: a letter from your employer granting leave, with your position and current salary.
  • Business owner: commercial registration, tax certificate and at least 6 months of company bank statements.
  • Student: an official letter confirming you are enrolled.
  • Visiting family or friends: a letter of invitation from them.
  • Schedule 1 (IMM 5257 SCH1) if you answered "yes" to any background question.

How much bank balance do I need for a Canada visit visa from Pakistan?

IRCC does not set a fixed amount for visitors. The officer checks whether your funds cover the whole trip and whether the money looks like your own normal savings. Twelve months of steady history counts for more than a large balance that appeared recently.

If someone else pays, the Islamabad instructions ask you to explain how the trip is funded and add their documents, for example a parent’s bank statements or your host’s employment letter, pay slips, T4 or Notice of Assessment.

Large recent deposits with no explanation are a common reason officers doubt funds. If you sold property or received a gift, attach the sale deed or a short explanation with evidence.

Do I need an invitation letter to visit family in Canada?

Yes, if you are visiting a friend or relative, the Islamabad instructions list a letter of invitation as required. It should say who you are, how you are related, how long you will stay, where you will live and who pays. Add a copy of your host’s status in Canada.

Some hosts prefer not to send their personal documents to the applicant. IRCC allows a note saying so, but warns this can slow processing.

Where do I give biometrics in Pakistan?

At a Canada visa application centre in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi. Apply online first, pay the CAD 85 biometrics fee with your application, then book an appointment when the biometrics instruction letter arrives. Biometrics given in the last 10 years may still be valid.

How long does a Canada visit visa take from Pakistan?

The processing time in the table above comes from IRCC’s published data for applicants in Pakistan and changes often. The clock starts when IRCC receives a complete application, so a missing document can add weeks. Do not book non-refundable tickets before you have a decision.

Why applications from Pakistan get refused

These are the grounds IRCC officers most often write in refusal letters for this kind of application. They are typical grounds, not statistics. Fix them before you apply, not after.

  • The officer is not satisfied you will leave Canada at the end of your stay, often because job, property or family ties in Pakistan are not shown.
  • Your financial situation does not show enough money for the trip, or the source of funds is unclear.
  • The purpose of the visit is not clear or is not consistent with the documents.
  • Your family ties in Canada are stronger than your ties in Pakistan, in the officer’s view.
Not satisfied you will leave CanadaInsufficient fundsPurpose of visitFamily ties in Canada and at home
Already refused? Read what your refusal letter means

Visitor visa from Pakistan: FAQ

IRCC decides the type and length of visa. The fee is the same for single and multiple entry, and a visa cannot be valid longer than your passport or biometrics.
Yes. The Islamabad instructions say any document not in English or French needs a certified translation.
The Islamabad instructions warn that false statements or fraudulent documents lead to refusal and a possible 5-year ban from Canada.
Yes, but reapplying with the same documents usually gets the same result. Read the officer’s reasons first and fix each one with new evidence.

Official sources

Get your visitor visa file checked before you apply

Tell us where you are in the process. A member of our team will tell you what is missing or weak in your Pakistan application, before IRCC does.

We only use your details to reply to you. No spam.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Immigration rules, fees and document lists change often. Confirm current requirements on canada.ca or with a licensed Canadian immigration representative (RCIC or lawyer) before you apply.