What is Canada Visit Visa?

A Canada Visit Visa, also known as a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), is an official document issued by the Canadian government that allows foreign nationals to enter Canada for a short duration. This visa is typically for individuals who want to visit Canada for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. It is usually valid for up to six months, during which the visitor can explore Canada’s diverse cities, natural wonders, and experience the country’s rich culture. A Canada Visit Visa is mandatory for citizens of many countries, including Pakistan, and it must be obtained before traveling to Canada.

Types of Canada Visit Visa

There are mainly two types of Canada Visit Visas:

1. Single-Entry Visa: This visa allows a visitor to enter Canada only once. After leaving Canada, the visa holder would need a new visa to re-enter the country. Single-entry visas are typically issued for short trips and are suitable for people who do not plan to leave Canada and return multiple times during their stay.
2. Multiple-Entry Visa: A multiple-entry visa permits the holder to enter and leave Canada as many times as needed within the visa’s validity period, which can be up to 10 years. It allows visitors to stay in Canada for up to six months at a time and is ideal for individuals who might need to travel to Canada frequently, such as business travelers or those with family in Canada.

How to Apply for Canada Visit Visa from Pakistan

Applying for a Canada Visit Visa from Pakistan involves several steps. Here’s a detailed guide on how to apply:

1. Determine Your Eligibility: Before applying, make sure you meet the requirements set by the Canadian government, such as having a valid passport, being in good health, having no criminal record, and being able to convince the visa officer that you will return to Pakistan after your visit.
2. Gather Required Documents: Prepare all the necessary documents, including a valid passport, recent photographs, financial proofs (such as bank statements), employment or business proof, and a letter of invitation if visiting family or friends in Canada.
3. Complete the Application Form: Visit the official website of the Canadian visa application center (VAC) and complete the online visa application form. Make sure to fill in accurate details as per your passport and other documents.
4. Pay the Visa Fee: Pay the application fee online or at the designated bank. The fee for a Canada Visit Visa is non-refundable and must be paid whether the visa is granted or not.
5. Submit Your Application: Submit your completed application form along with the required documents either online or through the Canada Visa Application Center (VAC) in Pakistan. For biometrics, visit the nearest VAC for fingerprint and photograph submission.
6. Wait for the Decision: After submission, the visa processing time may take a few weeks. Applicants can track the status of their application online using the tracking ID provided at the time of application submission.
7. Receive Your Visa: If your visa application is approved, you will receive a passport request. Submit your passport to the VAC, where the visa will be stamped, allowing you to travel to Canada.

Canada Tourist Visa Requirements from Pakistan

To apply for a Canada Tourist Visa from Pakistan, you need to provide the following documents:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Canada.
• Visa Application Form: Duly filled and signed.
• Photographs: Two recent passport-sized photographs as per Canadian visa specifications.
• Proof of Financial Support: Bank statements, payslips, or any other proof showing you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Canada.
• Travel Itinerary: Details of your travel plans, including flight reservations and hotel bookings.
• Letter of Invitation: If you are visiting friends or family in Canada, a letter of invitation from them might be required.
• Employment or Business Documents: A letter from your employer, business registration documents, or proof of leave approval for employed individuals.
• Proof of Return: Documents that prove your intent to return to Pakistan after visiting Canada, such as employment contracts, property ownership documents, or family ties.

How much does it cost to apply for Canadian visa in Pakistan?

The cost to apply for a Canada Visit Visa (Temporary Resident Visa) from Pakistan is as follows:

• Visa Application Fee: CAD 100 per person (approximately PKR 20,000, depending on the current exchange rate).
• Biometrics Fee: CAD 85 per person (approximately PKR 17,000), which includes fingerprinting and photo submission.

How Long Can I Stay in Canada as a Visitor?

With a Canada Visit Visa, you can stay in Canada for up to six months. The specific length of your stay is determined by the border services officer at the port of entry. When you arrive in Canada, the officer may stamp your passport and indicate a date by which you must leave. If no specific date is mentioned, you are allowed to stay for six months from the date of entry. It is important to adhere to this timeframe to avoid any issues with your immigration status.

Can I Extend My Canada Visitor Visa Status?

Yes, it is possible to extend your stay in Canada as a visitor, but you must apply for an extension before your current visa expires. This application is referred to as a visitor record, and it allows you to stay in Canada longer. Here’s how you can extend your stay:

1. Apply for a Visitor Record: Submit your application to extend your stay at least 30 days before your current visa expires. You can do this online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
2. Provide Supporting Documents: Include a detailed explanation of why you need more time, along with proof of financial support and any other documents that justify the extension.
3. Pay the Application Fee: The fee for applying for a visitor record must be paid online.
4. Wait for a Decision: You must remain in Canada until a decision is made on your extension request. If approved, you will receive a visitor record indicating your new stay period.

It’s important to note that extending your stay does not automatically grant you the same multiple-entry status as your original visa. You may still need to obtain a new visa if you plan to leave Canada and return during your extended stay.