Visit Canada from Pakistan
Nationals from Pakistan enjoy coming to Canada as visitors, whether to see family, friends, or the country’s great landscapes and friendly people. To come to Canada as a visitor, nationals of Pakistan need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa.
To qualify for a visa, the applicant must:
- Be in good health
- Have a valid passport or other travel document
- Have no criminal convictions
- Have no immigration-related convictions
- Demonstrate ties to home country (i.e., a job, home, financial assets, or family) that are incentives for the applicant to return home at the end of the permitted stay
- Have sufficient funds for the stay (The amount of money needed varies based on how long one stays and whether accommodations are a hotel, friends, or relatives).
There are 2 categories of documents that need to be provided 1) Government Forms and 2) Personal Documents.
- Government Forms that need to be completed are:
- Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM5257)
- Family Information form (IMM5707)
- Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union (IMM5409)
- Use of a Representative (IMM5476)
- Authority to Release Personal Information to a Designated Individual (IMM5475)
2. Personal Documents that need to be provided are:
- Receipt for fees paid to a Visa Office or Visa Application Centre (VAC)
- A photocopy of the information page of a travel document
- Proof of financial means
- Photocopy of marriage certificate/license
- Purpose of travel
- Photocopy of documents pertaining to current immigration status
The applicant may also need a medical exam and letter of invitation from someone who lives in Canada.
Once the fees are paid and the application is submitted, the applicant will receive a letter from the Visa Office or the VAC (Letter of Instruction) confirming the need for biometric data to be provided and directives on where to go. This letter must be presented when going to the Biometrics appointment. Locations where Biometric data can be provided is listed at the following site: https://www.cic.gc.ca/englis/information/where-to-give-Biometrics.asp
* Additional 3rd party fees that applicants may need to pay include educational credential assessments or language testing. Based on the specific circumstances, the instruction guide will outline what fees are required from the applicant.
Things to Keep in Mind!
! All foreign nationals must be admissible to Canada. In other words, applicants from Pakistan must be considered healthy and safe to immigrate.
! Not being truthful on an application, by withholding pertinent information or answering dishonestly is called “misrepresentation” and can result in not only a refusal of the application and but also possibly barring him/her from applying for resident status (inadmissible) for up to 5 years.
Permanent Residency in Canada from Pakistan
The “Express Entry” online system for immigrating to Canada processes applications as quickly as six months. The applicant creates a Profile to apply for Permanent Residence (PR) status and completes the sections, resulting in points being awarded to each category of the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The goal of the point system is to forecast the likeliness of the applicant succeeding in their life in Canada if they were to be granted permanent resident status. Factors taken into consideration for the evaluation are: the applicant’s previous work experience, training, knowledge, and what they have to offer socially and economically. The Government of Canada extends an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent resident status to candidates scoring the highest number of total points.
Pakistani nationals wishing to immigrate to Canada may want to consider the following Express Entry programs:
-
Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Class
-
Federal Skilled Trades (FST) Class
-
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)
-
Provincial Nomination Program (PNP)
-
Family Class
The Federal Skilled Worker (FSW) Class allows Pakistani nationals with training and experience in designated professions to apply for permanent residency in Canada. CRS Points are earned depending on skilled work experience, English/French language abilities, education, proof of funds, admissibility, and other factors (including age, existence of a job offer, and adaptability). Depending on the applicant’s ranking, an ITA to apply for permanent residency will — or will not — be sent to them by the government. ITAs are sent to those with the highest scores.
Nationals of Pakistan applying through this stream must provide evidence of their skilled work experience, as outlined by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system, in one of the following job groups:
- Managerial job (Skill Type “0”) – in areas such as factories, offices, or resorts.
- Professional job (Skill Level “A”) – such as architects, accountants, lawyers, teachers, medical workers.
- Technical job and skilled trades (Skill Level “B”) – such as chefs, plumbers, electricians.
The following process outline is only for applicants seeking to reside in provinces outside of Québec, as that province has its own selection process for skilled workers.
Skilled Work
Nationals of Pakistan, applying for this stream must demonstrate that, they previously gained experience and performed the duties outlined in the lead statement of the NOC description, including all essential duties and most of the main duties for the job (with the same NOC code) that they are seeking to work in upon immigrating to Canada. The previous professional experience must have been paid work (not internships or volunteer service) and gained within the last 10 years, for at least one continuous year of employment.
Note: Both full-time and part-time employment periods qualify, based on the hours earned. Student work experience may also count so long as the work was paid, was continuous and meets other requirements of the program.
Language
Pakistani nationals applying for this stream must take an approved English and/or French language test for reading, writing, listening, and speaking and earn a minimum score of 7 of the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) in all four areas. Note: Results are valid for 2 years after the date of the test results and must be valid on the day of application for permanent residence.
Education
Nationals of Pakistan, with credentials from countries other than Canada, must provide the following for the FSW stream of the Express Entry system:
- From a recognized institution, provide a diploma, degree, or trade apprenticeship certificate proving the completion of study/training
AND
2. From a designated organization, an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) for immigration purposes to show the education is equal to a completed certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution.
Note: If the applicant has completed studies at a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution then a certificate, diploma, or degree must be provided.
Proof of Funds
To settle in Canada, when seeking to immigrate to Canada through certain programs in the Express Entry system, Pakistani applicants must show that they have sufficient funds for not only themselves but also for any family joining them. (For individuals who are already legally working in Canada or have a valid job offer from a Canada-based employer, this requirement is waived).
Admissibility
Any foreign national applying to immigrate to Canada must be admissible to Canada. In other words, the national of Pakistan must be healthy and safe to immigrate. The most common reason applicants are found to be inadmissible to Canada is DUI (drunk-driving). Anyone with a criminal conviction must have been approved for criminal rehabilitation to be granted PR status in Canada.
Other reasons for which applicants may be denied admission to Canada may be:
- Security reasons (i.e., espionage, violence, terrorism, war crimes, previous convictions of crimes)
- Medical reasons (i.e., health conditions that are a risk to the public or cause excessive demand on health/social services)
- Misrepresentation (i.e., providing false information or withholding information related to government decisions)
- Having an inadmissible family member.
Note: Applicants from Pakistan who are seeking to immigrate to Canada through the CEC stream of the Express Entry process are not required to show they have enough money for themselves and their family if joining them because this requirement is waived for individuals who are currently able to legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from a Canada-based employer.
Pakistani nationals seeking to immigrate to Canada through the Federal Skilled Trades (FST) stream of the Express Entry online system, must demonstrate that for the trades work they seek to do in Canada:
- They have previously performed all the duties that are outlined in the lead statement of the NOC description of the skilled trade, including all essential duties and most of the main duties
- The prior skilled trade experience was gained in a paid role with the same NOC code as the job that the applicant is seeking to work in upon immigrating to Canada
- The skilled trade experience was gained after qualifying to independently practice the trade
- The skilled trade experience was gained within the last 5 years before applying
- The skilled trade experience was at least 2 years of full-time work (or an equal amount of part-time work experience)
Language
Pakistani nationals applying through the FST stream, must take an approved English and/or French language test. The tests assess listening, speaking, reading, and writing abilities according to the Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB).
- For listening and speaking a minimum level 5 is required
- For reading and writing a minimum of level 4 is required
The results are valid for 2 years after the date of the test results and must be valid on the day of application for permanent residence.
Education
There is no education requirement for the FST immigration stream, however if an applicant from Pakistan wants to improve their CRS ranking in the Express Entry pool, they can do so by having past education included in the points by doing either of the following:
- Points can be earned for a certificate, diploma, or degree from a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution if the applicant has had prior education in Canada.
OR
- If the applicant has had prior education abroad, points can be earned by having an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) completed by a designated organization, showing that the education earned outside of Canada is equal to either a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution.
Provincial/Territorial Trades Assessment
Pakistani nationals applying to the FST immigration stream will need to have the province/territory where they wish to live assess their experience by the governing body that regulates that trade in the given province/territory. Below is the list of links to websites for each province’s/territory’s specific details about Certificates of Qualification for the trades, as well as outlines of how these certificates can be earned. Based on the outcome of this assessment the Canadian employer might later need to provide the applicant worker with specific experience or training to bridge the gap.
The Canadian Centre for International Credentials provides a comprehensive summary of who regulates the trades for cases where a trade is not found under a provincial/territorial body: https://www.cicic.ca/935/find_an_occupational_profile.canada?search=&cat=1&tp=7.
Proof of Funds
Nationals from Pakistan applying to the FST to settle in Canada, must prove that they have sufficient funds for themselves (and any family member joining them).
More information about financial requirements for the FST process can be found at: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/documents/proof-funds.html
Admissibility
When applying for the FST stream, foreign nationals must be admissible to Canada, considered healthy and safe to immigrate. The most common reason foreign nationals are found to be inadmissible to Canada is DUI (drunk-driving). If applicants have a criminal conviction, he/she must have been approved for criminal rehabilitation to be granted PR in Canada.
Other reasons for which Pakistani nationals may be denied admission to Canada could be:
- Security reasons (i.e., espionage, violence, terrorism, war crimes, previous convictions of crimes)
- Medical reasons (i.e., health conditions that are a risk to the public or cause excessive demand on health/social services)
- Misrepresentation (i.e., providing false information or withholding information related to government decisions)
- Having a family member who is inadmissible
Note: Applicants from Pakistan, seeking to immigrate to Canada through the Canadian Experience Class stream of the Express Entry process, are exempt from having to demonstrate having enough money for themselves (and their family if joining them), to settle in Canada. This requirement is waived for individuals who can legally work in Canada at present or have a valid job offer from a Canada-based employer.
For applicants of Pakistan who have worked in Canada, the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream of the Express Entry process evaluates skilled work performed while employed in Canada. Other areas that the CRS assigns points for are: English/French language abilities, education, admissibility, and other factors (including age, existence of a job offer, and adaptability). The Government of Canada then extends ITAs to the top-ranking applicants in the pool.
Skilled Work Experience
Applicants of Pakistani nationality wishing to apply for permanent residency in Canada through the CEC stream must provide proof that they have done skilled work in Canada in at least one of the following roles, as outlined by the National Occupation Classification (NOC) system:
- Managerial job (Skill Type “0”) – in areas such as factories, offices, or resorts.
- Professional job (Skill Level “A”) – such as architects, accountants, lawyers, teachers, medical workers.
- Technical job and skilled trades (Skill Level “B”) – such as chefs, plumbers, electricians.
Applicants must show that, while legally working in their occupation in Canada, they performed the duties outlined in the lead statement of the NOC description for which they are applying to work in Canada, including all essential duties and most of the main duties.
Note: This experience must have been completed in the last 3 years before applying and total 1 year full-time (or equal amount in part-time)!
Note: The CEC stream does not accept Canadian work experience that the Pakistani national gained while studying, through self-employment or during a co-op term towards the minimum experience requirements
Language
Applicants from Pakistan must complete an approved English and/or French language test to determine whether they meet the minimum communication requirements for the profession or trade intended to work in upon immigrating to Canada, by evaluating Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) levels for reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
The Level 7 (in all 4 areas of testing) is the minimum requirement for NOC 0 or A jobs and Level 5 (in all 4 areas) for NOC B jobs. Test results are valid for 2 years after the date of the test results and must be valid on the day of application for permanent residence.
Education
For the CEC stream there is no education requirement. However, any applicant of Pakistan who wishes to improve their ranking in the Express Entry pool can have additional CRS points assigned to their past education. This can be done in one of two ways:
- If the Pakistani national’s past education was obtained in Canada, points can be earned for completion of a certificate, diploma, or degree at a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution.
OR
- If the Pakistani national’s past education was obtained abroad, points can be earned by having an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) completed by a designated organization, to show that the education is equal to completion at either a Canadian secondary or post-secondary institution.
Note: Nationals of Pakistan, applying to immigrate to Canada through the CEC stream of the Express Entry process, are not required to prove sufficient funds for themselves and any family joining them to settle in Canada as this requirement is waived for individuals who can legally work in Canada or have a valid job offer from a Canada-based employer at the time of applying.
Allowing provinces and territories to select their own immigration candidates based on their own economic needs, the Federal Government allocates an immigration quota to each province and territory. The Provincial Nominee Program gives applicants an opportunity to apply through the province rather than through a federal program (such as the FSW, FST or CEC).
There are 12 provinces/territories offering their own, independent, immigration programs and streams. The criteria and eligibility requirements vary for each, depending on their economic needs and the industries in which they need to fill shortages. Each province/territory offers anywhere from 3-8 immigration streams.
While there are over 50 PNP streams, they can be broken down into the following categories.
International Student Streams – This category of streams allows nationals from Pakistan, who have recently graduated from a Canadian college/university, to apply to permanently reside in the province. Please note that most International Student Streams candidates require a job offer post-graduation.
Express Entry Streams – This category of streams is for applicants from Pakistan who have already created an Express Entry Profile. The applicant must approach the province or territory where they wish to immigrate to, expressing their interest. If the province or territory approves the application, the application will be allocated an additional 600 CRS points, improving the overall ranking significantly. Based on the score compared to other applicants, the province or territory then sends the top-scoring applicants an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR status, nominating them to be a “Candidate” of their Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs).
Semi-Skilled Streams – This category of streams allows for the province or territory to bring foreign nationals to Canada who are semi-skilled in occupations that fall under NOC Levels C and D. While Level C jobs usually require completion of high school and job-specific training (i.e., industrial butchers, long-haul truck drivers, and food/beverage servers), Level D jobs usually provide on-the-job training (i.e., fruit pickers, cleaning staff, oil field workers). This helps the province fill shortages in semi-skilled occupations.
Entrepreneur/Business Streams – This category of streams is for entrepreneurs or investors from Pakistan, looking to create a new business or invest into one of Canada’s provincial or territorial businesses. The eligibility criteria require:
- A minimum net worth
- A minimum investment
- Creation of a minimum amount of full-time Canadian jobs
The amounts for each criterion vary according to the province or territory being applied to.
After the Pakistani national has been nominated by the province or territory, they become “Candidates” and can apply for permanent residency with IRCC. This application must be submitted online or by paper depending on the immigration stream.
Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP)
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) falls under the Express Entry stream. Once the Pakistani applicant has created a Profile in the Express Entry online system, he/she needs to contact the province of Ontario to express interest in immigrating. The Government of Ontario will assess the application based on the skills, education, and work experience of the applicant to determine how they could contribute to the province. If it is determined that this applicant from Pakistan meets all the criteria and that immigration to Ontario would be beneficial to the province, an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency will be sent, nominating him/her as a nominee of the OINP. To apply for the OINP the applicant must submit an online copy.
Websites, with instructions on how to apply for provincial or territorial programs (PNPs) can be found here:
- Ontario (OINP)
Note: For each province/territory to reach their specific immigration targets (i.e., students, skilled workers, business investors, etc.), each has their own streams and, accordingly, their own requirements.
Candidates from Pakistan, who are sent an ITA for the OINP must apply for Permanent Resident status online. However, other provinces/territories may require paper copies.
Paper Based Process
If a paper based copy permanent residence application is required by the province or territory nominating the Pakistani national, then the application goes via a non-Express Entry stream.
The application process for permanent residence, for provinces or territories requiring paper based applications, is as follows:
- Complete and submit the paper application package for permanent residence (which included an Instruction Guide and all necessary government forms), available here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/application-package-provincial-nominees.html
- Complete and submit the Medical Exam, available here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/medical-exams.html
- Complete and submit a Police Character/Clearance Certificate, available here: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/police-certificates/how/pakistan.html
- Pay application fees (including processing fees for oneself and any relative coming with the applicant, Right of Permanent Residence fee, biometric fees, and applicable third-party fees)* at https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/information/fees/pay.asp
- Submit the application with Proof of Payment for all required fees to the location indicated in the Instruction Guide.
Once the fees are paid and the application is submitted, the applicant will receive a letter (Letter of Instruction) confirming the need for biometric data to be provided and directives on where to go. This letter must be presented when going to the Biometrics appointment. Locations where Biometric data can be provided is listed at the following site: https://www.cic.gc.ca/englis/information/where-to-give-Biometrics.asp
* Additional 3rd party fees that applicants may need to pay include educational credential assessments or language testing. The instruction guide will outline what fees apply to the applicant, based on their specific circumstances.
Online Process
If the Pakistani national is interested in applying for permanent residency by obtaining a nomination from a province or territory that offers the PNP via the Express Entry process, he/she has two options for applying:
- The Pakistani national can contact the province/territory and then apply for a nomination through the Express Entry stream. If the province/territory provides a nomination, an Express Entry online profile needs to be created (or existing profiles updated) to show a nomination has been made.
OR
- The Pakistani national create an Express Entry profile as part of the application for permanent residency and shows provinces/territories he/she is seeking to reside there and that a nomination is sought. When a province/territory sends a “Notification of Interest” the applicant can contact that province/territory and applies to the Express Entry stream to await a nomination to the account.
Note: For either process, applicants must pass a Medical Exam and provide a Police Character/Clearance Certificate, which both need to be submitted as part of the application.
Things to Keep in Mind!
! Québec does not have a PNP. Information about their immigration streams can be found at: http://www.immigration-Québec.gouv.qc.ca/en/
! Paper-based, non-Express Entry applications have longer processing times than Express Entry online applications.
! Whichever process Pakistani nationals apply through, they must meet the eligibility requirement(s) of the province/territory that they are applying to reside in.
! Regardless of which process Pakistani nationals apply through, if they receive an ITA they must submit an electronic application for permanent residency.
! All foreign nationals must be admissible to Canada. In other words, applicants from Pakistan must be considered healthy and safe to immigrate.
! Not being truthful on an application, by withholding pertinent information or answering dishonestly is called “misrepresentation” and can result in not only a refusal of the application and but also possibly barring him/her from applying for resident status (inadmissible) for up to 5 years.
Study Permit Application from Pakistan
Pakistani nationals seeking to study in Canada for more than 6 months are required to obtain a study permit. All documents for a study permit application provided by the applicant must be in one of Canada’s two official languages (English or French). If the original document is in neither language, a certified translation is required.
The forms and documents required for the student permit application consist of 1) General Government Forms and 2) Country-Specific Forms. Supporting documents, for both checklists must be provided by the applicant.
Government Forms
1) Document Checklist [IMM5483] – the checklist must be followed and completed.
2) Application for Study Permit Made Outside of Canada [IMM1294] – this application form must be completed online; the generated barcode must be printed and included in the application. Make sure to include email address, otherwise the application may be delayed or refused. Note: If any of the questions from 3 to 6 were answered “Yes” then a Schedule 1 Form (Application for Temporary Resident Visa – IMM 5257B) must be completed, signed, and submitted. Pakistani applicants currently serving (or have served) in a military, security or police organization must attach their résumé, issued by their organization.
3) Family Information Form [IMM5707] – must be completed, signed, and submitted with the application. If applicable, a Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [IMM5409] must also be completed and submitted with the application.
4) Use of Representative [IMM5476] – must be completed, signed, and submitted if the applicant is using or cancelling an Authorized Representative (i.e., Licensed Immigration Consultant or Lawyer).
5) Authorization to Release of Personal Information to a Designated Individual [IMM5475] – this form must be completed if the applicant authorizes Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) and Canada Border Services (CBSA) to release personal information to a 3rd party, someone other than the student themselves.
6) Custodian Declaration [5646]– in cases where the applicant is a minor (under 17 years of age) this form must be completed, signed, and submitted.
Supporting Documents Needed from Applicant
1) Letter of Acceptance from Institution – a letter from the school in Canada that has accepted the Pakistani applicant to its program is required to show acceptance. The letter must be on official letterhead and include: course/program title, tuition fees to be paid, duration/dates of studies, start/end dates, and latest possible date of registration.
2) A Certificat d’acceptation du Québec (CAQ) y MIDI – if the student from Pakistan is applying to study in Québec, this certificate needs to be provided. The school can assist Pakistani applicant with obtaining this document.
3) Proof of Funds/Financial Support – for students intending on staying in Canada less than 1 year, proof needs to be provided to cover the cost (of studies, living expenses and expenses for any other relative accompanying the Pakistani student) for the duration of the stay. For students enrolling in a program that is beyond 1 year, proof of the ability to cover the cost (of studies, living expenses and expenses for any other relative accompanying the Pakistani student), must be provided for 1 full year.
Proof of Funds can be a combination of the following:
- Proof of a Canadian bank account in your name if you’ve transferred money to Canada
- Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) from a participating Canadian financial institution
- Proof of either a student or education loan (from financial institutions)
- Bank statements (going back at least 4 months)
- A bank draft (convertible to CAD)
- Receipt or Letter from school showing proof of paid tuition and housing fees
- A letter from the person or school giving you money or
- Proof of funding paid from within Canada, if you have a scholarship or are in a Canadian-funded educational program
4) Marriage License/Certificate – if married, applicants must provide a copy of this civil document as part of the application.
5) Photos (2) – Two photos, meeting the Visa Application Photograph Specifications, must be provided as part of the application. Those required to submit biometric data are exempt from having to submit paper photos.
6) Other – further required documents are outlined by the responsible Visa Office for Pakistan (Abu Dhabi)
2. Country-Specific Forms & Documents Required for Study Permit Applications (to Schools & Universities) (Abu Dhabi Visa Office)
- Government Forms
- Document Checklist [IMM5483]– the Document Checklist for a Study Permit must be completed.
- Regular Study Permit Questionnaire [IMM5818] or University Study Permit Questionnaire [5957E] – all relevant questions in this 7-page questionnaire must be completed. The appropriate questionnaire can be found at:
- For a Regular Study Permit https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/ircc/migration/ircc/english/pdf/kits/forms/imm5483e.pdf
- For a University Study Permit https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5957E.pdf
- Schedule 1 Form (Application for Temporary Resident Visa) [IMM5257B]– If any “Background Information” questions were answered “Yes” on the Questionnaire, then this form must also be completed, signed, and submitted.
- Family Form [IMM5707] – This form must be completed, dated, and signed.
- Medical Form – in instances where the medical exam has been completed upfront, the application, the e-Medical Form needs to be provided.
2. Supporting Documents Needed from Applicant
-
- Passports – residents of Pakistan, submitting the application through a VAC (Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi) should send a photocopy of the current and previous passports, ensuring the biographic page (with photo) and all pages that are not blank are included.
- Proof of Funds – applicants must provide evidence that they can cover tuition and expenses for at least 1 year (min. CAD$10,000 for living expenses for single applicants; additional CAD$4,000 if spouse/partner accompanying the student; and CAD$3,000 for any dependents). Acceptable proof of funds documents are:
- A Letter of Undertaking & Financial documents from the parent/sponsor
- Name of Parents/Sponsors
- Details of how student’s studies will be funded
- Relationship between sponsor/school and applicant
- Detailed explanation why the person/school is providing financial support
- Evidence of the person’s/school’s ability to fund the education
- Letter of Scholarship or Financial Awards
- Investments
- Income from rental properties
- Bank Statements (covering several months)
- Receipts (if tuition has already been paid)
- A Letter of Undertaking & Financial documents from the parent/sponsor
3. Study Plan (Annex A) – a 1-page Study Plan must be submitted, providing answers to specific questions and any relevant information regarding the application such as the purpose of the studies, the overall educational goal and how the Canada-based program will enhance employment opportunities in Pakistan, the itinerary, and names/addresses of any institutions that the student intends on visiting.
Specific questions that must be answered are found as “Annex A” on the last page at: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/pdf/kits/forms/IMM5814E.pdf
4. Civil Documents – Marriage certificate, Statutory Declaration of Common-Law Union [Imm5409] and/or Birth Certificates (for minors) joining the student in Canada.
5. Custody/Consent Letter – in instances where the student is a minor, traveling with only one parent, the application must include a Proof of Custody or Consent Letter from the Non-Accompanying parent. (The Consent Letter must include a copy of the non-accompanying parent’s civil identity document with signature such as a biographical passport with the signed signature page, a driver’s license, or an identity card to authenticate the signature on the letter.)
Note: Biometrics need to be provided at Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Pakistan or in Canada at a designated Service Canada Office (SCOs). Appointments are required and fees must be paid before attending the appointment. Applicants have 90 days from the date of the letter to submit their Biometrics.
! Applicants should check if the respective office is open, a few days before the appointment and the day of, in case of extenuating circumstances.
Note: Pakistani nationals applying to extend a study permit, may or may not need to provide updated biometric information. Previously submitted biometrics might still be valid. To check whether previous biometric data is still valid, applicants can refer to the status tool at : https://onlineservices-servicesenligne.cic.gc.ca/extapp/termsAndConditions?&lang=en
Student Direct Stream: Expedited Study Permit Processing
Nationals from Pakistan are eligible to apply for a fast-track processing of a study permit, so long as he or she is residing in Pakistan. (Pakistani applicants residing outside Pakistan must apply through the regular stream). The Student Direct Stream is committed to processing student permits within 20 calendar days. To qualify, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Reside outside Canada when applying
- Have evidence of acceptance from an approved post-secondary DLI (and, if applying from Québec, a CAQ from MIDI)
- Able to provide proof of:
- paid tuition for 1st year of study (i.e., school receipt, a bank receipt, an official letter from the DLI, proof of deposit into a repository account for later payment, etc.)
- $10,000 GIC funds for living expenses
- Complete Medical Exam before applying
- Obtain Police Character/Clearance Certificate before applying
- Have most recent schooling transcripts for secondary or post-secondary education
- Have test results for English language skill scores of 6.0 or higher in all 4 IELTS categories. (For French the Test d’évaluation de français (TEF) scores must be 7 in all 4 categories)
NOTE: Not all financial institutions meet the criteria required for the Student Direct Stream. IRCC has approved the following institutions, meeting the GIC requirements for the Student Direct Stream program :
- Bank of Beijing
- Bank of China
- Bank of Montreal
- Bank of Xian Co. Ltd.
- Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
- Desjardins
- Habib Canadian Bank
- HSBC Bank of Canada
- ICICI Bank
- Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
- RBC Royal Bank
- SBI Canada Bank
- Scotiabank
- Simplii Financial
Things to Keep in Mind
! Students from Pakistan wishing to bring their legal partner/spouse for the term, the companion may also be eligible to apply for a Spousal Open Work Permit to work during the time they are in Canada.
! If a student wishes to bring their partner/spouse and children to Canada with them for the duration of their studies, a separate application must be completed for these other individuals and submitted together with the student’s application. The student must indicate the names of the people accompanying him/her, so that the applications of the other applicants are processed at the same time.
The Post-Graduate Work Permit Program (PGWP)
Pakistani graduates of eligible Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada, can apply for the Post-Graduate Work Permit Program (PGWP) which allows them to obtain a work permit to gain work experience in their field.
These Open Work Permits are exempt from requiring an LMIA and allow graduates to work in roles that are classified by the NOC to be Skill Type 0, Level A or B for various employers. Depending on the years of study completed for the graduated program, the PGWP facilitates graduates to work full-time, part-time, and even as self-employed, ranging from 8 months to 3 years. (The work term cannot exceed the validity of the applicant’s passport.)
This program is intended to assist Pakistani nationals who have graduated in Canada, seeking Permanent Resident status through Canadian Experience Class (CEC) stream of the Express Entry program.
Eligibility for the PGWP
To be eligible for the PGWP the national from Pakistan will need to meet the following criteria when applying:
- Held a valid study permit within 180 days of applying for the PGWPP
- Must have temporary status in Canada (or have left Canada after their studies at the time of applying)
- Graduated from an eligible Canadian DLI
- Completion of at least 8 months of studies at an eligible Canadian DLI, resulting in a degree/diploma/certificate from an academic, vocational, or professional training program
- All throughout their completed program(s) of study, which is(are) being submitted towards the PGWPP application, maintained full-time student status in Canada
- Possess a transcript and official letter from the eligible DLI in Canada, confirming the student’s completion of the program of study
Eligible DLIs
Applicants from Pakistan must provide proof of completion of studies from one of the following eligible Canadian DLIs:
- a public post-secondary institution (i.e., a university/college, trade or technical school or CEGEP)
- a private post-secondary institution that operates under the same regulations as public institutions in Québec
- a private secondary or post-secondary institution in Québec that offers programs (900+ hours) leading to either a diploma of vocational studies or attestation of vocational specialization
- a private Canadian institution, authorized by the province to confer degrees (i.e., associate, bachelors, masters, or doctoral degrees) so long as the student is enrolled in a program leading to a degree
Applicants can refer to the Designated Learning Institution List to determine the eligibility of the institution.
! To be eligible for the PGWP, graduates must have completed their program at an eligible DLI. In other words, the studies cannot have been a course/program at a private career college; an English/French as a second language course or program; or general interest or self-improvement courses.
!Post-graduate students from Pakistan are not eligible for the PGWP if:
- They completed their studies at a non-Canadian institution in Canada
- They completed most of the program of study via distance learning
- They were previously issued a PGWP
- They received funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC) such as previous participation in the Government of Canada Awards Program.(This does not apply to Study in Canada Scholarship recipients)
- They obtained the Canada-Chile Equal Opportunity Scholarship
- They participated in the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program
- They participated in the Organization of American States Fellowship Program
Working While Awaiting Results for PGWP
A Pakistani national is eligible to work in Canada without a work permit if all the following criteria are met, in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act – Regulations (paragraph 186 (w)):
- They are or were holders of a valid study permit when applying for the PGWP
- They were enrolled with a DLI as a full-time student in a post-secondary academic, vocational, or professional training program
- They were authorized to work off-campus without a work permit
- They did not exceed the permitted total hours allowed to work
Getting a Canadian Work Permit from Pakistan
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The following streams of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) are available to Canadian employers who would like to submit an LMIA application, to hire a Pakistani national.
- Express Entry – this immigration process offers Pakistani nationals who are skilled workers, skilled trades persons, or who qualify for the Canadian Experience Class to work in Canada. Doherty Fultz provides further details on the programs: Federal Skilled Worker (FSW), Federal Skilled Trades (FSST), Canadian Experience Class (CEC), and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) – ON & BC.
- Academics – The Canadian government welcomes foreign academics to help degree-granting educational institutions meet their staffing and teaching needs. This diversity also allows for new knowledge and expertise to come to campuses across Canada. This program is suitable for Pakistani nationals with at least one post-graduate degree (after a Bachelor’s). Upon being approved, the academic would be employed to teach or conduct research at a Canadian college or university. More information can be found at: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/foreign-workers/academic.html
- Global Talent Stream – Pakistani nationals wishing to come to Canada through this stream must fall into one of two categories:
Category A: The national of Pakistan is an individual with unique and specialized skills, which the employer wants to hire to fill a unique and specialized position where the hiring employer is referred to the program by a “Designated Partner”.
OR
Category B: The Pakistani national is an individual who is a highly-skilled worker, to be hired to fill an In-Demand occupation, as listed on the Global Talent Occupation List. Some of these occupations are:
-
- NOC2147 Computer Engineers (not including software engineers/designers)
- NOC0213 Computer & Information Systems Manager
- NOC2171 Information Systems Analysts & Consultants
- NOC2172 Database Analysts & Data Administrators
- NOC2174 Computer Programmers & Interactive Media Developers
- NOC2175 Web Designers & Developers
- NOC5131 Producer, Technical/Creative/Artistic Director & Project Manager
- (subset) visual effects & video game
- Agriculture – This stream allows Canadian employers to hire a worker from Pakistan for up to 24 months with the workers filling only positions that are considered to be primary agriculture. The work for these occupations is on a farm, nursery, or greenhouse that produces items found on the National Commodity List. Some of these products are: apiary products, fruits/vegetables, mushrooms, flowers, nursery-grown trees, pedigreed canola seed, tobacco, dairy, horse, poultry, swine, among others. If hired through a positive LMIA, the Pakistani worker would be responsible for one or more of the following tasks:
- operation of agricultural machinery
- boarding, care, breeding, sanitation, or other handling of animals, other than fish, for the purpose of obtaining raw animal products for market
- collection, handling and assessment of those raw products, or the planting, care, harvesting or preparation of crops, trees, sod, or other plants for market
- NOC Codes that entail such responsibilities include: 0821, 0822, 8252, 8255, 8431, 8432, and 8611.
Note: Nationals of Pakistan do not qualify for the Seasonal Worker program.
- Caregivers – caregivers of Pakistani nationality can get hired in private residences to provide full-time care for people with medical needs, so long as Canadians and permanent residents can’t be found to meet the needs of the position. The role can be either live-in or live-out and can fall into one of two categories:
1. Caregivers for Children (under 18 years of age). Caregivers from Pakistan who are to be hired for this role would need to qualify for positions like childcare provider, live-in caregiver, or nanny (NOC4411)
2. Caregivers for People with High Medical Needs (65+ years of age and people with disabilities, a chronic or terminal illness). Pakistani caregivers to be hired for this role would need to qualify for positions like registered nurse (NOC3012), Licensed Practical Nurse (NOC3233), or Attendant for Persons with Disabilities, Home Support Worker, Live-In Caregiver, Personal Care Attendant (NOC4412).
Doherty Fultz Immigration can help employers determine the appropriate position and to ensure that a complete LMIA is submitted in accordance with the specific position, thereby increasing the chances for an approval of the LMIA for the Pakistani national.
- High/Low-Wage Stream – Canadian employers needing to fill positions must determine what the hourly wage for the position will be. If the wage is equal to or greater than the median wage of a province/territory then the position is considered a High-Wage Position while a position with a wage that is less than the median wage of the province/territory is considered a Low-Wage Position.
COVID-19 Priority Occupations
The occupations listed below have been given priority across all provinces/territories (except Québec) by the government of Canada, which are considered essential due to COVID-19. Until December 31, 2020 the program is prioritizing these occupations and waiving minimum recruitment requirements for these roles. For LMIAs that are received after January 1st, 2021 these occupations will continue to be prioritized, but will be subject to the usual minimum recruitment requirements:
- 6331-Butchers, meat cutters, and fishmongers-retail and wholesale
- 8252- Agricultural service contractors, farm supervisors, and specialized livestock workers
- 8431- General Farm Workers
- 8432- Nursery and Greenhouse Workers
- 8611- Harvesting labourers
- 9462- Industrial butchers and meat cutters, poultry preparers and related workers
- 9463- Fish and seafood plant workers
- 9617- Labourers in food, beverage, and associated products processing
- 9618- Labourers in fish and seafood processing
The minimum recruitment requirements are not being waived for the following occupations:
- 3012 – Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses
- 3111 – Specialist physicians
- 3112 – General practitioners and family physicians
- 3124 – Allied primary health practitioners
- 3131 – Pharmacists
- 3211 – Medical laboratory technologists
- 3212 – Medical laboratory technicians and pathologists’ assistants
- 3214 – Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists, and cardiopulmonary technologists
- 3219 – Other medical technologists and technicians (except dental health)
- 3233 – Licensed practical nurses
- 3237 – Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment
- 3413 – Nurse aides, orderlies, and patient service associates
- 3414 – Other assisting occupations in support of health services
- 6731 – Light duty cleaners
Meat Processors Two-Year Employment Pilot
The Two-Year Employment Duration for Meat Processors Pilot for positions in meat processing/manufacturing is a newly introduced program of the Low-Wage stream of the TFWP. Pakistani nationals interested in this program must qualify as skilled in one of the following occupations:
- Retail butcher (NOC B 6331)
- Industrial butcher (NOC 9462)
- Farm supervisor and specialized livestock worker (NOC B 8252)
- Food processing labourer (NOC D 9617)
Note: Some jobs require a Medical Exam to be completed prior to a permit being issued.
Note: A work permit cannot be valid longer than the applicant’s passport.
Note: IF the applicant is inadmissible on the grounds of health or security, he or she may qualify for a Temporary Resident Permit (TRP), a process that Doherty Fultz Immigration is well-familiar with.
Note: Health insurance does not have to be purchased before applying. However, it must be bought before coming to Canada, covering the entire term spent in Canada. The insurance must cover medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation.
Things to Keep in Mind!
! As of November 10, 2020 Transport Truck Drivers (NOC7511) are no longer prioritized.
! As part of a 3-year pilot program, Low-Wage positions are now eligible to be hired for a 2-year term instead of the previous 1-year term.
! As part of the Caregiver stream, a minimum of 30 hours per week must be worked to be considered full-time.
! To enter Canada for more than 6 months, the Pakistani national requires not only a valid passport but also a Visitor Visa. The Visa will be issued when the applicant’s work permit has been approved. No separate application is required.
! Applicants should inform themselves about the cost of living in the city and province / territory they wish to reside in before applying since the cost of living varies across Canada, depending on where one settles.
! Labour laws must be followed (in terms of wages and employment practices) regardless in which province or territory the work term will take place. The labour code of the region will determine if an internship needs to be paid or not.
! Employment and labour law standards apply to all Pakistani nationals working in Canada.
! It is up to IEC candidates and their Canadian employer to ensure that the labour standards are met. Inquiries should be directed to the respective provincial or territorial bodies, as needed.
! If a Pakistani national has a legal partner/spouse who they would like to bring with them for the term in Canada, this other person must apply separately for their own visa and permit to visit, study or work in Canada. Accordingly, the partner’s/spouse’s application will be examined independent of the IEC participant.
! Applicants from Pakistan must provide what is called a “Police Character/Clearance Certificate”. Any applicant who (since their 18th birthday) has lived outside Pakistan for 6 consecutive months or more must provide a Police Certificate for each of those countries or territories. If they have concerns, officers may request a Police Certificate at any time. More information about Police Certificates is outlined under the IEC participation eligibility requirements.
Spousal Sponsorship of a Pakistani Partner
Family Class immigration programs aim to facilitate family reunification. Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Canada can sponsor a relative to come to Canada to become permanent residents (PRs).
The Family Class (overseas) or In-Canada Class streams enable the following relatives to be sponsored:
- A Spouse from Pakistan
- A Common-Law OR a Conjugal Partner from Pakistan – and their Dependants
- Dependent Child(ren) from Pakistan – and their Dependants
Information on the following topics may also be of interest
Note: The sponsorship of other Pakistani relatives such as parents/grandparents, an adopted child, an orphaned sibling/niece/nephew/grandchild, or sponsorship of a distant relative is possible through alternate family sponsorship programs.
Requirements for Sponsors
The person wishing to sponsor a Pakistani national under the Family Sponsorship class must meet the following criteria:
- 18+ years of age
- Have status as a
-
- Canadian citizen residing in Canada or
- Canadian citizen residing outside of Canada and intending to return to Canada or
- Permanent resident in Canada
- Not be in prison, bankrupt or under an immigration removal order
- Not be receiving social assistance (unless receiving for disability)
- Able to provide for basic needs of the person(s) being sponsored
- Were not sponsored themselves as a spouse to Canada in the last 5 years
Note: A Sponsor must meet IRCC’s income guidelines and is bound by law to financially support the sponsored Pakistani spouse (and their dependants, if applicable) as of the date the Pakistani national becomes a permanent resident for up to 20 years, depending on their age and how they’re related to the Sponsor.
Requirements of the Pakistani National Being Sponsored
Any foreign national who is being sponsored, in this case from Pakistan, must prove that the eligibility requirements to qualify for sponsorship in the Family Class have been met. The individual(s) being sponsored must complete and submit all relevant forms, documents, and additional information such as Medical Exams and Biometrics.
Based on the kind of family application being submitted further requirements are as follows:
To qualify for sponsorship and applying for permanent residence as a spouse the Pakistani national must meet the following conditions:
- Be 18+ years of age
- Be legally married to the Sponsor
To qualify for sponsorship and applying for permanent residence as a common-law partner (regardless of gender) the Pakistani national must meet the following conditions:
- Be 18+ years of age
- Not be legally married to the Sponsor
- Be living with the Sponsor for at least 12 consecutive months (any time apart should have been temporary and a short-term)
- Provide proof of common-law relationship
To qualify for sponsorship and applying for permanent residence, as a conjugal partner (regardless of gender) the Pakistani national must meet the following conditions:
- Be 18+ years of age
- Not be legally married to the Sponsor, nor in a common-law relationship
- Have been in a relationship with Sponsor for at least 1 year
- Live outside of Canada
- Cannot live with the sponsor in Pakistan or marry the Sponsor due to significant legal and immigration impediments (i.e., marital status, sexual orientation, or persecution)
- Provide proof that they could not live together (i.e., refusals of long-term stays in Pakistan).
Note: Since 2015 IRCC does not accept sponsorship applications for spouses/partners who are under the age of 18. All foreign nationals being sponsored must be at least 18 years of age when the application is received by the Government of Canada.
To qualify for sponsorship and applying for Canadian permanent residence, a dependent child must meet the following conditions:
-
- Must be under 22 years of age and
- Do not have a spouse or common-law partner
- The other parent must agree to the child immigrating to Canada
The dependent child may be either the Sponsor’s own child(ren) or the child(ren) of the Pakistani spouse/partner being sponsored. If this child has a child/ren of their own (the Sponsor’s grandchild/ren), they are also eligible to be included in the sponsorship if the other parent/legal guardian consents to the child immigrating to Canada.
Note: Children over the age of 22 might qualify as “dependants” if they meet both of the following requirements:
1- They are unable to financially support themselves (due to a mental/physical condition)
AND
2- They have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22.
Except for the age, these conditions must be met until the application has been approved.
Sponsorship for Permanent Resident Status
Sponsors can choose one of two paths to bring the Pakistani national to Canada:
OR
Which path to pursue depends on the family situation; how the sponsor and Pakistani national are prepared to spend the next year of processing time. Doherty Fultz Immigration provides a basic guide on how to choose between In-Canada and Overseas sponsorship.
Note: For both paths there is a dual process that must occur simultaneously: 1) the Sponsor must apply to sponsor the relative and 2) the Pakistani national being sponsored must apply for Permanent Residence status. The sponsorship application and the application for permanent residency must be submitted together, at the same time.
If the Pakistani national who is to be sponsored is already in Canada with valid Temporary Resident status as a visitor, a student, or a worker then sponsorship can be made from within Canada. This process is called “In-Canada Sponsorship” and consists of the following steps:
- Complete the sponsorship application package, including all forms (for both the Sponsor and Pakistani national being sponsored) and submitting required documents. If the Pakistani applicant has lived, studied and/or worked outside of Pakistan, he/she may need to obtain documents/records from the other countries to fulfill the requirements of the application. Examples of such records/documents are:
-
-
-
- passport(s)
- birth certificate(s)
- marriage/divorce certificate(s)
- national identification card(s)
- military service document(s)
- other civil document(s)
- etc.
-
-
2. Pay application fees, including processing fees for the Sponsor and all persons being sponsored, the Right of Permanent Residence fee, Biometrics fee, and any applicable Third-Party fees (i.e. Medical Exam & Police Character/Clearance Certificate).
3. Submit the complete application to the Case Processing Centre Mississauga.
4. Send any further documentation if request by IRCC.
5. Attend an interview with IRCC as part of the assessment for PR status eligibility. The Pakistani national being sponsored will be notified of the date and time of the interview in writing. He or she will need to bring with them all documents submitted in support of the application. While interviews are rarely requested for applications submitted through the In-Canada class, IRCC can \request them as they deem necessary.
The In-Canada sponsorship application path allows the Pakistani applicant to work or study in Canada while the sponsorship application is being processed. This could help mitigate financial and social strains. However, if the sponsorship application is refused, the Pakistani applicant must leave Canada when their work permit expires.
Open Work Permit for In-Canada Sponsorship Applicants
Pakistani nationals who are already in Canada and are being sponsored by their spouse or common-law partner, may apply for an Open Work Permit. (This “Open” work permit allows the individual to work for any employer in Canada rather than restricting them to one designated employer.) The application for the permit and the required fee should be submitted together with the Sponsorship application.
To be eligible to submit a work permit application, the Pakistani national must:
- Currently be living in Canada and being sponsored by a spouse or common-law partner (a Canadian permanent resident or citizen).
- Have valid immigration status in Canada as a visitor, worker, or student at the time the application is submitted.
- Not be inadmissible to Canada.
If a Pakistani national’s sponsorship application has already been submitted but without the work permit application, the couple can submit the work permit application as soon as they receive a file number for the sponsorship application.
Note: If the Pakistani being sponsored leaves Canada at any given point while the application is being processed, there is no guarantee that he/she will be allowed to re-enter Canada.
Many family sponsorship applications are done for Pakistani nationals residing outside of Canada. While entry to Canada always remains at the discretion of the CBSA officer for any foreign national, under the Family Class, admissible Pakistani nationals can usually travel in and out of Canada to see their spouse or partner while their sponsorship application is being processed.
Family Class sponsorship applications must be submitted to the visa office in the country where the person being sponsored is originally from (Pakistan) or where s/he has resided legally for at least one year if the Pakistani national lives outside of Pakistan. The process consists of the following:
- Obtain and complete the sponsorship application package, including all forms (for the Sponsor and the Pakistani national being sponsored) and all required supporting documentation. If the Sponsor or the Applicant have lived, studied and/or worked outside of Pakistan, they will need to obtain documents/records from those other countries to fulfill the requirements of the application. Examples of such records/documents are:
-
-
- passport(s)
- birth certificate(s)
- marriage/divorce certificate(s)
- national identification card(s)
- military service document(s)
- other civil document(s)
- Etc.
-
2. Pay application fees, including processing fees, the Right of Permanent Residence fee, Biometrics fee and any applicable Third-Party fees (i.e., Medical Exam & Police Character/Clearance Certificate) for the person being sponsored and all persons being sponsored .
3. Submit the application to the Case Processing Centre (in Sydney, Nova Scotia).
4. Attend to any further requests by the IRCC such as further documentation/records, Biometric information, or completion of a Medical Exam.
5. As part of the assessment for PR status eligibility, the Pakistani national being sponsored is likely to be called to attend an interview with IRCC. After IRCC has received the sponsorship/PR application(s), the Pakistani national will be notified in writing of the requirement to attend this meeting. He/She must bring with them all supporting records and documents for the application. This interview is usually the last step, just before a final decision is made.
Biometrics
Like most other nationalities, a Pakistani applying to move to Canada must provide biometric information in the form of fingerprints and a photo as part of the PR application process.
Note: The submission of biometric information itself must be completed once IRCC has received the combined Sponsorship & PR Applications, at which point the applicant will be provided with an Instruction Letter telling them when and where to attend the appointment. However, the fee for Biometrics must be paid before sending the application (receipt to be included in the application package as proof of payment).
Medical Exam(s)
The application process for Pakistani nationals to be sponsored to come to Canada and be granted PR status, includes the mandatory completion of a Medical Exam. Upon reviewing the application, IRCC will advise applicants when they must have the exam done.
All Medical Exams must be done by an approved Panel Physician; these physicians are located in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore: https://secure.cic.gc.ca/pp-md/pp-list.aspx
Police Certificate(s)
The applicant(s) being sponsored to move from Pakistan to Canada, seeking PR status, must provide what is called a “Police Character/Clearance Certificate” from Pakistan. This document is required to demonstrate that the applicant does not have a criminal record and is admissible to come into Canada. To obtain this certificate in Pakistan, go to: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/medical-police/police-certificates/how/pakistan.html
Note: Police certificate must be provided for any country that the applicant has resided/studied/worked in for more than 6 months. Consult the Instruction Guide for details.
Special Considerations for Sponsoring a Pakistani National as Spouse/Partner
Possible Challenges
- Marriages of Convenience – historically in Pakistan the incidence of marriages based on convenience (not intended to be life-long commitments to one-another, but for purposes of other conveniences) have been higher than average, prompting interviews by IRCC to explore the bona-fide nature of the relationship as part of the assessment of Sponsorship applications. To increase chances for an approved application, Applicants will need to demonstrate that the relationship is genuine and not based on temporary benefits.
- Arranged Marriages – while IRCC is aware of the ancient tradition for pre-arranged marriages, officers still seek to ensure that the relationship is bona-fide and rooted in the intention of being together exclusively long-term. Again, it will be important to demonstrate the genuineness of the commitment when meeting with an officer for an interview.
- Polygamy – while polygamy is practiced in some religious sects and is considered legal in Pakistan, its practice is not allowed in Canada. Both the Sponsor and the Pakistani Applicant cannot be married any person other than one another.
- Underage Marriages – while Pakistani brides can be under 18 years of age according to Islamic Sharia Law, in Canada child marriages are not legal. Accordingly, as of 2015 IRCC requires any Pakistani national being sponsored to be a minimum of 18 years of age when the application is submitted.
For couples wishing to marry in Pakistan, while there are several / traditional cultural ceremonies performed on separate days, the nikaah (official contract of marriage) is the only part that is strictly necessary.
Other Relative Sponsorship Programs
IRCC has created special sponsorship programs for:
- Parent(s)/grandparent(s)
- Adopted child(ren)
- Orphaned sibling(s)/niece(s)/nephew(s)/grandchild(ren)
- Other Relatives
Parents/Grandparents Sponsorship
Known to be very family oriented, it is not uncommon for Pakistani nationals to want to sponsor their (grand)parents to come live with them in Canada. Because there are many foreign nationals interested in doing the same, the process has multiple steps with the effort of facilitating fairness in applying and approvals.
Sponsors must meet the following criteria:
- must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- must reside in Canada
- must be at least 18 years of age
- must have sufficient money to support the person(s) to be sponsored and their dependents (will must provide proof of income to show minimum income requirement)
- must promise to financially take care of the Pakistani person(s) to be sponsored for a set period (called an “Undertaking”), to support the sponsored Pakistani national(s) for 20 years as of the time they become permanent residents and repaying any provincial social assistance that the family members may receive during that time)
The Sponsor and the Pakistani (grand)parent(s) being sponsored must agree that:
- the Sponsor will provide for basic needs of the sponsored individual(s)
- the person(s) being sponsored will make effort to support themselves and their relatives
Both the Undertaking and the Agreement will need to be signed by the Sponsor and the sponsored (grand)parent as part of the application.
Pakistani (Grand)Parent Requirements
For a Canadian citizen/permanent resident to sponsor their Pakistani (Grand)parent, the individuals being sponsored must meet the following criteria:
- the individual(s) must be the Sponsor’s own (grand)parents in Pakistan, related by blood or adoption.
- (grand)parent’s spouses or conjugal/common-law partners in Pakistan are eligible in cases of divorce.
- brothers and sisters qualify if they are dependent children of your parent(s) in Pakistan
- (grand)parents and any dependents from Pakistan must be admissible to Canada
- be able to provide forms and documents as required by the application
- be able to successfully submit required Medical Exams & Police Character/Clearance Certificate and Biometric Data
Note: While a Canadian citizen/permanent resident can’t sponsor their in-laws, they can be a co-signer on the application.
The (Grand)Parent Application Process
- Interest to Sponsor Form is the first step in the application process and is only available online for a restricted time (in 2020 it was October). Sponsors who are applying must note the application number for future reference.
- IRCC randomly selects and sends via email the Invitation to Apply (ITA) to potential sponsors (invitations can’t be deferred).
- Sponsors need prepare and submit the completed application within 60 days of the invitation being sent, consisting of:
- The Sponsor’s Application to Sponsor (Grand)parents and dependents from Pakistan
- The (Grand)Parent(s) Application for Permanent Residence status
- Receipts for payments of all required fees such as the Processing Fees for Pakistani national(s) being sponsored, the Right of Permanent Residence Fee, and Biometrics Fee (paid when submitting the application, paid ahead of the biometrics collection appointment to cover cost of fingerprinting and photos).
- Receipts for 3rd party payments for the Medical Exams & Police Character/Clearance Certificate (police certificates are not required for the application as they will be requested at a later point, however, given unpredictable processing periods it is best to get them as soon as possible; they are usually valid for 1 year).
4. IRCC first assesses the Sponsor’s eligibility to sponsor and then the Applicant(s) Eligibility for PR status.
5. Once approved as a Sponsor, the person(s) being sponsored from Pakistan will be asked to submit their Biometric Data, Medical Exams & Police Character/Clearance Certificates to determine if they qualify for PR status in Canada. They will also receive a letter with information to facilitate them linking their application to the Sponsor’s online application.
6. If the application for PR status for the Pakistani (Grand)parent(s) and any dependents is approved, passports/photocopies of passports, 2 photos and a copy of the receipt(s) for Right of PR Residence Fee must be sent to IRCC.
Upon completion of this, the (Grand)parents will be sent a document stating they have been approved to become permanent residents of Canada. This is called the Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR). IRCC will also issue a Permanent Residence Visa to allow them to enter Canada. These documents have an expiry date, so the sponsored (grand)parents must enter Canada before then.
Note: Duplicate submissions from previous years are not kept; only the last submission is kept.
Note: To avoid completing an outdated form, Sponsors and (Grand)parents should wait until an ITA is received before filling out the form.
Note: If the Sponsor needs to apply for a Citizenship Certificate to prove citizenship, an explanation letter should be provided to explain the delay, as the certificate will likely not be obtained within the given 60 day application time frame.
Note: If a Sponsor is refused, IRCC leaves it up to the family to decide to have the PR application processed or withdrawn. If the application is withdrawn, all fees except the Sponsorship application ($75) will be returned.
Note: Any changes to the Sponsor’s or (Grand)Parent status should be reported via a Web Form. Doing so via mail will not be acknowledged. Changes that warrant attention by IRCC are:
- Changes in phone numbers, mailing addresses or emails
- Marriage/divorce of the Sponsor or a (Grand)parent who is applying/being sponsored
- Birth or adoption of the Sponsor or a (Grand)parent who is applying/being sponsored
- Death of a (Grand)parent who is applying/being sponsored
Note: To be a (Grand)parent’s representative the Form to Appoint a Representative must be completed (signed by the (Grand)parent(s) in Pakistan) and submitted with the representatives Full Name, Date of Birth, Country of Birth, Application Number (if known) and the Pakistani relatives Client ID number (UCI) if known.) This can be submitted along with the application or afterwards via the web form: https://www.cic.gc.ca/english/contacts/web-form.asp .
More information can be found in the Instruction Guide: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5772-application-sponsor-parents-grandparents.html
For Sponsors living in Quebec, please refer to: http://www.immigration-quebec.gouv.qc.ca/en/immigrate-settle/family-reunification/apply/index.html
Parents & Grandparents – Super Visa
Pakistani nationals require a temporary resident visa to enter and stay in Canada. To facilitate the visits for parents/grandparents of a Canadian Citizen or Canadian Permanent Resident wishing to visit Canada, IRCC offers a multiple-entry visa called a “Super Visa”. The purpose of this special visa is to make it easier to re-enter Canada without having to apply for a new visa every time. The Super Visa allows the holder to enter Canada multiple times, staying up to 2 years at a time and is valid for up to 10 years (or until the passport expires, whichever is sooner).
To qualify, the Pakistani national must apply for the visa from outside of Canada and meet the following requirements:
- Must be the parent/grandparent of a Canadian citizen or Canadian permanent resident
- Must have a signed letter from the (grand)child who is inviting the Pakistani (grand)parent, including a promise of financial support for the length of the (grand)parent’s visit
-
- meet the minimum necessary income for themselves, all dependents, as well as the invited (grand)parent as outlined by IRCC: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/application-forms-guides/guide-5256-applying-visitor-visa-temporary-resident-visa.html#incometables
- provide proof of funds by submitting documents such as:
-
-
- a NOA or T4 of the most recent year
- EI stubs
- Employment letter including salary/date of hire
- Pay stubs
- Bank Statements
-
- a list and number of people in the household of the Canadian citizen/permanent resident
- a copy of the Canadian citizen/permanent resident citizenship or PR document
- must have medical insurance from a Canadian insurance company that is valid for the minimum of 1 year from the date of entry into Canada with a minimum coverage of CAD $100,000 (must provide proof of payment, quotes not acceptable)
- not be inadmissible into Canada due to criminal convictions (such as DUI) or other security breaches such as membership in a criminal organization or involvement in espionage, violence/ terrorism, war crimes, crimes against humanity)
- take a Medical Exam (upon receiving the instruction from IRCC, making an appointment with a designated Panel Physician in Islamabad, Karachi or Lahore)
Note: The Officer reviewing the application will consider various factors when determining whether to grant the Super Visa. Of utmost importance is the ability to convince the officer that the (grand)parent is a genuine visitor who will leave willingly at the end of the allowed stay. To help assess this intention, the officer will examine the purpose of the visit, the ties to Pakistan, the family situation, financial conditions, and the economic/political stability of Pakistan at the time of the application.
Note: It is not uncommon for (grand)parents have pre-existing medical conditions. While officers have the right to refuse an application based on medical grounds, the conditions must fall under one of 3 categories: risk to the public health, danger to public safety or excessive demand on health/social services. Depending on the condition and how stable the condition has been, insurance providers can offer coverage for some of these conditions so that its effect on the application is minimized.
To learn more about the adopted child(ren) sponsorship options, see: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/canadians/adopt-child-abroad/processes/choose-process/immigration/eligibility.html
To learn more about sponsoring other relatives, such as an orphaned sibling / niece/ nephew/ grandchild, see: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/other-relatives.html
Other Pakistani relatives (such as an aunt, uncle, or cousin) and that person’s dependants might be eligible for sponsorship if a permanent resident or Canadian citizen meets the following criteria:
- Does not have a living relative who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident AND
2. Does not have someone to sponsor as a spouse/common-law/conjugal partner/ dependent child, from the list above.
To learn more about sponsoring other relatives, see: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/family-sponsorship/other-relatives.html
Things to Keep in Mind
! IRCC is committed to processing applications to allow family reunification, including spousal/common-law/conjugal applications of Pakistani nationals within 12 months. Due to Covid-19 these processing times may have been affected. (Other applications vary depending on the country of origin of the person being sponsored).
! Leaving out information or providing misleading information on an application is considered not being truthful (referred to as “misrepresentation”) and could result in a refusal of the application, making the Pakistani applicant inadmissible to Canada and possibly being barred from applying for up to 5 years.
Renewing Permanent Resident Cards
The PR card is a document used to prove a Pakistani national’s legal immigration status as a permanent resident in Canada, much like a passport or travel document proves one’s citizenship (or lack thereof). This card is a document that allows a Pakistani national with permanent residency in Canada to cross back into Canada by airplane, bus, or ship. The card is issued based on the determination that the requirements for permanent residency (including the minimum 730 days physical presence obligation) are met. Alternatively, if outside of Canada longer than allowed by law, the Pakistani national with PR status must provide proof that they meet an exemption from the PR status requirements. If the Canadian PR card expires or is lost, it does not mean that one loses Permanent Residency status, just as one wouldn’t lose citizenship if a travel document expired or was misplaced.
When applying to renew a PR card, the Government of Canada has specific guidelines for what qualifies as “urgent”. Doherty Fultz can assist Pakistani nationals with urgent application for renewal, to increase chances of an approval at a highly critical time.
While many Pakistani nationals renew their PR cards while living in Canada, Doherty Fultz can assist those permanent residents living outside of Canada with their renewal of the card. For more information, please see https://dfimmigration.ca/renew-Pakistani nationals -pr-card-from-outside-canada/.
Legal Exemptions to the PR Residency Obligation
Because the Government of Canada requires permanent residents to meet its residency requirement (living within Canadian borders a minimum of 730 days within a 5-year period), Pakistani nationals away from Canada for longer than the allowed time may have their Canadian PR status in jeopardy. In other words, if the reasons for the extended absence are not considered acceptable, the PR status could be revoked.
If you meet one of the legal exemptions, such as living with your Canadian spouse outside Canada, you can submit your PR card from Pakistan.
Acceptable reasons for not living in Canada the minimum 730 days in a 5-year term are:
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- Accompanying a spouse/common-law partner or a parent (in the case of a child) who is a Canadian citizen abroad
- Being employed with a Canadian business (or the federal/provincial public service) on a full-time basis abroad
- Accompanying a spouse/common-law partner who is employed full-time by a Canadian business (or the federal/provincial public service) abroad OR
- Humanitarian & compassionate reasons justifying the absence and the retention of PR status
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For Pakistani nationals not living in Canada the minimum 730 days within a 5-year period, IRCC will conduct a Permanent Resident Determination investigation to look into the reasons for not meeting the physical presence obligation. Pakistani nationals with Canadian PR status, who are outside Canada more than 850 days a year, will surely trigger an investigation by IRCC, requiring the completion of a PR Questionnaire. If the Questionnaire is not completed completely or not thoroughly enough, the officer may send another form and require the individual to attend an interview. If the officer is not satisfied with the answers provided at the interview, a judge will interview Pakistani national to determine whether or not to revoke PR status and order a deportation.
To prevent such situations from spiraling out of hand, it is best to keep the time spent out of Canada under 800 days during a 5 year period. It is also important to keep meticulous records (dates, tickets, itineraries, hotel bookings, etc.) of any time spent abroad.
PR Card Renewal and Status Retention Through H&C Grounds
If Pakistani nationals with PR status have good reasons for their extended absence from Canada, causing their inability to meet the physical presence obligation of 730 days in Canada over a 5-year period (not necessarily consecutive), then applying for PR renewal on Humanitarian & Compassionate (H&R) grounds could save the day! Some examples under which H&C would be compelling for the officer to allow PR status despite the applicant falling short on the residency obligations are:
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- Severe injury or illness outside Canada
- Severe injury, illness, or death of a close family member outside Canada
- Caring for a relative or de facto relative outside Canada who is a minor child or who is unable to care for themselves
- Inability to travel back to Canada due to travel restrictions (such as due to COVID-19)
- Applicant’s illness or incapacitation while traveling outside Canada
- Illness, incapacitation, or death of a family member who lives outside Canada
- Court, tribunal, or other legal proceedings outside Canada pertaining to the applicant
- Financial proceedings outside Canada pertaining to the applicant
- Best interest of a child
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To determine whether an application for PR status should be approved based on H&C grounds, the officer decides whether — on the balance of probability — the evidence provided is convincing enough to merit 1) the granting of PR status and 2) an exemption from the physical presence obligation.
Canadian Citizenship
If, at the time of their birth, a Pakistani national’s mother or father was already a Canadian citizen (either from having been born in Canada or having naturalized in Canada), then the Pakistani national is also a Canadian citizen, by descent.
To prove that Pakistani nationals are Canadian, they must file an application for a Canadian Citizenship Certificate. Having this document will allow the Pakistani national to obtain a Canadian passport and allows him/her to relocate to Canada at any time.
High Commission of Canada in Pakistan
Street Address: Diplomatic Enclave, Sector G-5, Islamabad, Pakistan
Postal Address: High Commission of Canada, P.O. Box 1042, Islamabad, Pakistan
Telephone: +92 51 208-6000
Fax: +92 51 208-6900
Business Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. // Friday 8:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Email: [email protected]
Consular Services: Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Email: [email protected]
Visa Services are not provided within Pakistan. For assistance, refer to: Embassy of Canada in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi
Address: Abu Dhabi Trade Towers (Abu Dhabi Mall), West Tower, 9th Floor, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Telephone: +971 (0)2 6940 300
Fax: +971 (0)2 6940 399
General Inquiries: [email protected]
Visa & Immigration: [email protected]
Case Inquiries Form: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/contacts/web-form.asp
1- ask about an application beyond the normal processing time
2- provide additional information for application
3- report technical problems
Services Provided by the Embassy in Abu Dhabi:
- Citizenship services
- Consular services
- General enquiries
- Media relations
- Notarial services
- Passport services
- Visa and immigration services
Preventive measures have been put into place across the world due to the concerns about the spread of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and, accordingly, many offices are encouraging clients to limit in-person visits. Applicants should contact the Government of Canada office nearest them by phone or e-mail before visiting in person. For information on COVID-19, please visit the Government of Canada’s official outbreak page and check our Travel Advice and Advisories.
Visa Application Centres in Pakistan
In Pakistan, there are 3 locations offering Visa Application Centres (VACs) providing services: Islamabad, Karachi & Lahore. VACs can assist Pakistani nationals with the following:
- Study Permits
- Work Permits
- Temporary Resident Visas (known as Visitor Visas)
- Travel documents for permanent residents
- Biometric data collection
Notice: Applicants can no longer submit to the VAC an application for Temporary Residence (commonly known as “Visitor Visa”) in paper format. This restriction is in place until January 31, 2021. Most applications for Temporary Residence must be submitted online via IRCC’s website: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html. (See the IRCC website about any exemptions). For anyone who has submitted a Temporary Residence application in paper to the VAC and who is not eligible under an exemption, the documents will be returned to the applicant.
While the suspension on the processing of Temporary Resident Visa applications has resumed, travel restrictions to Canada remain in place.
Due to COVID-19 outbreak, until further notice, these VACs will be providing limited services until further notice.
Appointments for providing biometric data can only be booked via webform.
Islamabad
Address: Park Road Chattha Bakhtawar, Chak Shahzad, Islamabad
Business Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (due to Covid-19, until further notice) // Monday to Friday
Passport Collection & Walk-Ins
Website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/pak/en/can/attend-centre/islamabad
Notice (July 28, 2020) The Visa Application Centre in Islamabad will re-open for business on Monday, 3rd August and will provide the following limited services until further notice:
- Biometrics collection (only for applicants who have received a Biometric Instruction Letter)
- Return of decision envelopes to applicants (in-person at the VAC);
- Permanent Resident Travel Document intake (via post/courier only) since, in-person submissions at the VAC are not permitted until further notice; and
- Upon receipt of Passport Request Letter from IRCC, in-person submission of Passport at the VAC.
Due to COVID-19 outbreak, the VAC may be implementing additional measures to ensure health and safety of applicants.
Karachi
Address: Bahria Complex IV, 4th Floor, Main Chaudhary Khaliq UZ Zaman Road, Gizri, Clifton, Karachi
Business Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (due to Covid-19, until further notice) // Monday to Friday
Passport Collection & Walk-Ins
Website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/pak/en/can/attend-centre/karachi
Notice (July 28, 2020) The Visa Application Centre in Karachi will re-open for business on Monday, 3rd August and will provide the following limited services until further notice:
- Biometrics collection (only for applicants who have received a Biometric Instruction Letter)
- Return of decision envelopes to applicants (in-person at the VAC);
- Permanent Resident Travel Document intake (via post/courier only) since, in-person submissions at the VAC are not permitted until further notice; and
- Upon receipt of Passport Request Letter from IRCC, in-person submission of Passport at the VAC.
Due to COVID-19 outbreak, the VAC may be implementing additional measures to ensure health and safety of applicants.
Lahore
Address: 20 Ex American Centre Building, Opposite Ganga Ram Hospital, Queens Road, Lahore
Business Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (due to Covid-19, until further notice) // Monday to Friday
Passport Collection & Walk-Ins
Website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/pak/en/can/attend-centre/lahore
Notice (July 28, 2020) The Visa Application Centre in Lahore will re-open for business on Monday, 3rd August and will provide the following limited services until further notice:
- Biometrics collection (only for applicants who have received a Biometric Instruction Letter)
- Return of decision envelopes to applicants (in-person at the VAC);
- Permanent Resident Travel Document intake (via post/courier only) since, in-person submissions at the VAC are not permitted until further notice; and
- Upon receipt of Passport Request Letter from IRCC, in-person submission of Passport at the VAC.
Due to COVID-19 outbreak, the VAC may be implementing additional measures to ensure health and safety of applicants.
What to Bring to a VAC Appointment
When attending a VAC appointment, applicants need to bring printouts of the following items:
- The Email Confirmation with the details of the appointment (sent to the applicant after they have booked the appointment);
- A valid Passport or travel document (must have at least 2 pages blank on both sides);
- The completed Visa Application Form (including 2 photocopies of the sheets with the 2D barcode on it) and all documents that are in support of the application; and
- Receipts for any payments made towards the application (such as Visa or Biometric fees).
For Biometric Appointments:
For Biometric data appointments, along with the previous list of items, applicants must bring the following with them to the VAC:
– The Biometric Instruction Letter (BIL);
– The Notification Letter from the Government of Canada, asking for the Pakistani national’s Passport/documents;
– Two (2) clear photocopies of the Passport biodata page; and
– The VFS Consent Form (2 photocopies).
Please consult the Government of Canada guidelines about the specific requirements for Pakistani nationals.
