Canada Visit and Transit Visa for Pakistanis in 2025 – Updated Guide

Planning to visit Canada or just passing through it in 2025? For Pakistani travelers, navigating visa options can be tricky, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. In this detailed guide, brought to you by BilalTravel.com, you’ll find everything you need to know about Canada Visit Visa and Transit Visa requirements, the latest rules, and how to apply step-by-step.

Why Do Pakistanis Need a Visa for Canada?

Canada doesn’t offer visa-free entry to Pakistani passport holders. Whether you're traveling for tourism, family visits, business meetings, or even just catching a connecting flight, a visa is mandatory. In 2025, Canada continues to streamline its application system, but the process remains document-heavy and needs accuracy.

Types of Canadian Visas for Pakistanis

Here are two types of visas Pakistani citizens most commonly need:

Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa – TRV)
Transit Visa (for short layovers at Canadian airports)

Visitor Visa (TRV)

A visitor visa lets you stay in Canada temporarily, generally for tourism, visiting relatives, or attending events. It’s valid for up to 6 months per entry and can be single or multiple-entry depending on your application.

Transit Visa

When passing through Canada on your way to another nation and the layover is less than two days, you'll need a transit visa. It’s free but still needs to be approved before travel.

Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Citizens

In certain cases, you could be considered for a visitor or transit visa, such as:

Have a valid Pakistani passport (6+ months remaining)
Show intent to return to Pakistan
Demonstrate sufficient financial resources
Have no criminal background
Can provide a travel plan and accommodation details

Documents Needed for Canada Visit Visa (2025)

Original Passport (must be valid)
Visa application form (IMM 5257)
Digital photograph as per specs
Bank statement (last 6 months)
Proof of employment or business
Invitation letter (if visiting family/friends)
Flight reservation (tentative return ticket)
Travel insurance (recommended)

Transit Visa Requirements

If you're stopping in Canada en route to another country:

Proof of connecting flights
Valid visa for final destination (if needed)
Passport with at least one blank page
Completed IMM 5257 Form

Note: No visa fee is required for a transit visa, but you must apply in advance and attend biometrics.

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process (2025)

Go to the official Canadian immigration site: Canada.ca/visit
Create a GCKey account
Complete online application forms
Upload scanned documents (PDF format)
Submit the payment (applies solely to a visitor visa)
Book your biometrics appointment via VFS Global Pakistan
Attend appointment and submit fingerprints/photo
Wait for visa processing (track via online portal)

Canada Visa Fee Structure (as of 2025)

Visitor Visa: $100 CAD (~PKR 22,000)
Biometrics: $85 CAD (~PKR 19,000)
Transit Visa: Free

Official VFS Appointment Link for Pakistan

To schedule your biometrics appointment, use the official VFS website for Canada:

https://visa.vfsglobal.com/pak/en/can/

Processing Times in 2025

Visitor Visa: 20–45 working days (average)
Transit Visa: 10–20 days

Tip: Suggestion: Start your application no later than two months ahead of your departure to prevent any holdups.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Even well-prepared applications can get denied. Here are frequent issues:

Incomplete or false documents
Weak financial ties to Pakistan
Insufficient funds for the trip
Missing the purpose of the travel explanation

Final Tips for Success

Make sure documents are scanned clearly and labeled
Explain your purpose of visit honestly
Show financial proof from legal sources
Never submit fake or edited documents
Use only the official IRCC and VFS websites

Conclusion

Getting a Canadian visa from Pakistan in 2025 is manageable if you follow the right steps and provide honest, clear documentation. Whether you’re visiting for pleasure or transiting through Canada, preparation is key. Bookmark Bilal Travel for more visa updates, embassy links, and global travel support.

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How Pakistanis Can Apply for Canada Visit & Transit Visa in 2025 | Bilal Travel