Breaking Down the Canada Work Visa Application Process for Pakistani Applicants in 2023

If you’re a Pakistani citizen looking to work in Canada, you may need a work visa. Canada is a popular destination for Pakistani workers due to its strong economy, diverse job opportunities, and welcoming immigration policies.

To apply for a work visa, you’ll need to follow a few key steps. First, you’ll need to determine your eligibility for a work visa. This will depend on factors such as your job offer in Canada, your education and work experience, and your language proficiency.

Once you’ve determined your eligibility, you’ll need to gather the required documents, including your passport, job offer letter, and proof of education and work experience. You may also need to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a photograph.

Next, you’ll need to complete the online application and pay the application fee. You may also need to attend an interview at a Canadian embassy or consulate.

Finally, if your application is approved, you’ll receive your work permit, which will allow you to work legally in Canada. Keep in mind that work visas may have restrictions, such as limitations on the duration of your stay or the type of work you can do.

The Canada Work Visa process for Pakistani tourists

It’s important to note that a work visa is different from a visitor visa or tourist visa. If you’re a Pakistani tourist in Canada and you want to work, you cannot apply for a work visa while in Canada on a visitor visa. You will need to leave Canada and apply for a work visa from outside the country.

To apply for a work visa as a Pakistani citizen, you’ll need to follow these steps:

• Determine your eligibility: Before applying for a work visa, you must determine your eligibility. You’ll need to have a job offer from a Canadian employer, meet the qualifications for the job, and show that you’ll leave Canada once your work permit expires.
• Get a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA): In most cases, your Canadian employer will need to get an LMIA from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). This process determines if there is a need for a foreign worker to fill the job and if there are no qualified Canadians available to do the job.
• Complete the application: Once you have the job offer and LMIA, you can complete the application for a work permit. This can be done online or on paper, depending on your situation. You’ll need to provide your personal information, job offer details, and other supporting documents.
• Pay the application fee: The fee for a work permit application is CAD 155 (approximately PKR 19,000) per person. You can pay this fee online or at a Canadian visa application centre (VAC) in Pakistan.
• Wait for a decision: Once you submit your application, you’ll need to wait for a decision. Processing times vary depending on the type of work permit and other factors. You can check current processing times on the Canadian government’s website.

• Receive your work permit: If your application is approved, you’ll receive your work permit. The work permit will include information such as your name, passport details, employer, and job title. It will also specify the dates you can work in Canada.

Keep in mind that the process for applying for a work visa can be complex, and requirements may vary depending on your situation. It’s important to carefully review the application instructions and seek help from a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant if needed.

Canada Work requirements for Pakistani citizens

To apply for a work permit in Canada as a Pakistani citizen, you must meet certain requirements. These requirements may include:

• A job offer: You must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer. The employer must obtain a positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), unless you are exempt from the requirement.
• Qualifications: You must have the qualifications and experience required to perform the job. Your employer must demonstrate that no Canadian citizen or permanent resident is available to fill the job.
• Language skills: You must be able to communicate in English or French, depending on the job requirements. You may need to take a language test to demonstrate your proficiency.
• Health and security: You must be in good health and not pose a security risk. You may need to undergo a medical examination and provide a police certificate.
• Financial support: You must have enough money to support yourself and any family members who come with you to Canada. This includes the cost of living and return transportation.

• Admissibility: You must not be inadmissible to Canada for reasons such as criminality, health concerns, or violation of immigration laws.

Additionally, you may need to provide various documents to support your application, such as a valid passport, education and work experience certificates, and biometric data.

It’s important to note that work permit requirements may vary depending on the specific job offer and your situation. It’s recommended to seek the advice of a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant to ensure that you meet all the requirements and have the best chance of success in your application.

Canada Work Visa Application Form

The application form for a Canada Work Visa is called the “Application for Work Permit Made Outside of Canada” (Form IMM 1295). Here are the steps to complete the form:

• Download the form: You can download the form from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website.
• Fill in the required fields: You will need to provide personal information such as your name, address, and contact details. You will also need to provide information about your job offer, employer, and occupation.
• Answer the questions: The form includes questions about your travel history, education, and work experience. Answer these questions accurately and truthfully.
• Provide additional documents: You may need to provide additional documents to support your application, such as a job offer letter, LMIA, passport, and language test results.
• Sign and date the form: You will need to sign and date the form to certify that the information provided is accurate and complete.
• Pay the application fee: The fee for a work permit application is CAD 155 (approximately PKR 19,000) per person. You can pay this fee online or at a Canadian visa application centre (VAC) in Pakistan.

• Submit the application: Once you have completed the form and gathered all the required documents, you can submit the application online or by mail to the appropriate IRCC office.

Keep in mind that the application process can be complex, and requirements may vary depending on your situation. It’s important to carefully review the application instructions and seek help from a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant if needed.

Canada Work Visa Photo Requirements

The photo requirements for a Canada Work Visa application are as follows:

• Size: The photo must be 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall (1 3/8 inches wide by 1 3/4 inches tall).
• Format: The photo must be in color and taken within the last six months. The photo can be a digital image or a printed photograph.
• Background: The background must be plain white or light-colored.
• Expression: The applicant must have a neutral expression and the mouth must be closed.
• Eyes: The applicant’s eyes must be open and clearly visible. There must be no reflections or glare on the glasses if the applicant wears them.
• Head position: The applicant’s head must be centered and facing the camera directly. The head must not be tilted, and the face must be square to the camera.

• Attire: The applicant should wear everyday clothing, and any head covering should be worn for religious or medical reasons.

It’s important to note that the photo requirements may vary depending on the specific visa application and the applicant’s circumstances. It’s recommended to review the instructions carefully and ensure that the photo meets all the requirements before submitting the application. If the photo does not meet the requirements, the application may be delayed or rejected.

Passport or Other Travel Document

To apply for a Canada Work Visa as a Pakistani citizen, you will need a valid passport. Your passport should be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Canada, including the date you plan to leave. Additionally, your passport must have at least one blank page to allow for visa stamps.

If you do not have a passport, you will need to obtain one before applying for a work permit. To do so, you can contact the Pakistani government’s passport office or consulate for more information on how to obtain a passport.

If your passport is expiring soon, it’s recommended to renew it before submitting your visa application. This can help avoid delays or issues with your application.

If you have a travel document other than a passport, such as an emergency travel document or a refugee travel document, you may still be eligible to apply for a Canada Work Visa. However, you should check the specific requirements with the Canadian embassy or consulate in Pakistan before submitting your application.

Proof of Accommodation

When applying for a Canada Work Visa as a Pakistani citizen, you may be required to provide proof of accommodation in Canada. This is to demonstrate that you have a place to stay during your visit and that you will not be at risk of becoming homeless or overstaying your visa.

There are several types of accommodation proof that you can provide, including:

• Hotel or hostel reservation: You can make a reservation at a hotel or hostel in Canada and provide the confirmation as proof of accommodation.
• Rental agreement: If you have rented a place to live in Canada, you can provide a copy of the rental agreement or lease as proof of accommodation.
• Letter of invitation: If you have friends or family in Canada who are willing to host you during your visit, they can provide a letter of invitation. This letter should include their name, address, and relationship to you, as well as the dates of your visit and a statement of their willingness to provide accommodation.

• Other accommodation proof: You may also be able to provide other types of accommodation proof, such as a letter from a university confirming your on-campus housing or a confirmation of your homestay with a Canadian family.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements for accommodation proof may vary depending on the type of visa and your circumstances. It’s recommended to check the application instructions carefully and consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant if you have any questions or concerns.

Means of Support

When applying for a Canada Work Visa as a Pakistani citizen, you will need to demonstrate that you have adequate means of support during your stay in Canada. This means that you have enough funds to cover your expenses, such as accommodation, food, transportation, and other living expenses.

There are several ways to demonstrate means of support, including:

• Bank statements: You can provide bank statements or other financial documents to show that you have sufficient funds in your bank account to cover your expenses. The amount of funds required will depend on your length of stay and the specific visa you are applying for.
• Employment letter: If you have a job offer in Canada, you can provide an employment letter as proof of your means of support. The letter should state your salary or hourly wage, the duration of your employment, and the nature of your job duties.
• Scholarship or grant: If you are receiving a scholarship or grant to cover your expenses in Canada, you can provide proof of the scholarship or grant as evidence of your means of support.

• Other sources of income: You may also be able to provide other sources of income as proof of means of support, such as rental income or investment income.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements for means of support may vary depending on the type of visa and your circumstances. It’s recommended to check the application instructions carefully and consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant if you have any questions or concerns.

Travel Itinerary / Flight Booking

When applying for a Canada Work Visa as a Pakistani citizen, you may be required to provide a travel itinerary or flight booking. This is to demonstrate that you have a clear plan for your travel to and from Canada and that you intend to return to Pakistan after your stay.

To provide a travel itinerary or flight booking, you can do the following:

• Book a flight: You can book a flight to Canada and provide the flight itinerary or booking confirmation as proof of your travel plans. However, it is recommended that you do not purchase a flight ticket until your visa has been approved, or you have received a letter of introduction from the Canadian immigration authorities.
• Provide an itinerary: If you have not booked a flight yet, you can provide a detailed travel itinerary that outlines your travel plans to and from Canada. This should include information on your arrival and departure dates, your mode of transportation, and your planned activities while in Canada.

• Other forms of travel proof: You may also be able to provide other forms of travel proof, such as a bus or train ticket or a rental car booking.

It’s important to note that the specific requirements for travel itinerary or flight booking may vary depending on the type of visa and your circumstances. It’s recommended to check the application instructions carefully and consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant if you have any questions or concerns.

Canada Work Visa Travel Medical Insurance

When applying for a Canada Work Visa as a Pakistani citizen, you may be required to have travel medical insurance. This is to ensure that you have adequate coverage in case of a medical emergency during your stay in Canada.

The specific requirements for travel medical insurance may vary depending on the type of visa and your circumstances. However, in general, the travel medical insurance should cover the following:

• Medical expenses: The insurance should cover the cost of medical treatment and hospitalization in case of illness or injury.
• Emergency medical evacuation: The insurance should cover the cost of emergency medical evacuation back to Pakistan in case of a serious medical emergency.
• Repatriation of remains: The insurance should cover the cost of returning your remains to Pakistan in case of death.

• Minimum coverage amount: The insurance should provide a minimum coverage amount of CAD 100,000.

You can purchase travel medical insurance from a variety of sources, such as travel agencies, insurance companies, or online providers. It’s recommended to compare different insurance options and choose a policy that meets your needs and budget.

When submitting your visa application, you will need to provide proof of travel medical insurance. This can include a copy of your insurance policy or a letter from your insurance provider confirming your coverage. It’s important to make sure that your insurance documentation meets the specific requirements of the visa application.

Police Clearance Certificate

If you are applying for a Canada Work Visa as a Pakistani citizen and you are under the age of 18, there may be additional documents that you need to provide. The specific requirements may vary depending on your circumstances and the type of visa you are applying for.

In general, when applying for a Canada Work Visa as a minor, you may need to provide the following documents:

• A birth certificate: This is required to verify your age and identity.
• A consent letter: If you are traveling to Canada without one or both parents or legal guardians, you may need to provide a consent letter signed by the absent parent(s) or guardian(s). The consent letter should include information about the purpose of your travel, the duration of your stay, and the details of the adult who will be responsible for you while you are in Canada.
• Proof of financial support: You may need to provide evidence that you have sufficient financial support to cover your travel expenses and living costs in Canada. This could include a bank statement, a letter from your parents or guardians, or other relevant financial documents.

• Other supporting documents: You may be asked to provide other documents, such as school records or medical certificates, depending on the specific requirements of your visa application.

It’s recommended to check the application instructions carefully and consult with a qualified immigration lawyer or consultant if you have any questions or concerns. Providing accurate and complete documentation is important to ensure a smooth and successful visa application process.

The Canada Work Embassy in Pakistan

The Canadian High Commission in Islamabad, Pakistan, handles all visa applications for Canadian visas, including the Canada Work Visa. The High Commission is located at the following address:

Diplomatic Enclave, Sector G-5 Islamabad, Pakistan Phone: +92 (51) 208-6000

You can visit the High Commission in person to submit your visa application or apply online through the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. It’s recommended to check the specific application instructions for the Canada Work Visa and to ensure that you have all the required documents and information before submitting your application.

If you have any questions or concerns about the visa application process, you can contact the Canadian High Commission in Islamabad by phone or email. The High Commission also provides information and resources on its website to help applicants understand the visa requirements and application process.

Canada Work Embassy in Islamabad

Canada Work Visa Processing Time & Interview in Pakistan

The processing time for a Canada Work Visa application from Pakistan may vary depending on various factors, such as the volume of applications being processed and the complexity of the application. As of February 2023, the estimated processing time for a Canada Work Visa application from Pakistan is around 12 to 18 weeks.

It’s important to note that the processing time can also be affected by factors such as incomplete or inaccurate documentation, delays in obtaining medical exams or police clearance certificates, and the need for additional information or documents. It’s recommended to ensure that you submit a complete and accurate application with all the required supporting documents to avoid any delays in the processing of your application.

In some cases, you may also be required to attend an interview as part of the visa application process. The interview is usually conducted at the Canadian High Commission in Islamabad, and is designed to assess your eligibility for the Canada Work Visa. The purpose of the interview is to verify your information and assess your intentions for traveling to Canada, as well as to ensure that you meet the requirements for the visa.

Canada Work Visa Fee Structure & Service Charges

The fee structure and service charges for a Canada Work Visa application from Pakistan may vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and other factors such as the location of the visa application center and the method of payment.

As of February 2023, the fee for a Canada Work Permit application is CAD $155. In addition to the application fee, you may also be required to pay a biometric fee of CAD $85 if you are required to provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph).

There may also be additional service charges for visa application processing, such as the VFS Global service charge for handling visa applications. The VFS Global service charge is currently PKR 12,000, but it’s recommended to check the current fees on the VFS Global website as they may be subject to change.

It’s important to note that the visa application fees are non-refundable, even if your visa application is refused or withdrawn. Therefore, it’s recommended to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements and submit a complete and accurate application with all the required supporting documents to maximize your chances of a successful outcome for your visa application.

Important Tips for Canada Work Visa

Here are some important tips to keep in mind when applying for a Canada Work Visa from Pakistan:

• Research the visa requirements: Before applying for the Canada Work Visa, it’s important to research the specific visa requirements for your situation. This includes understanding the eligibility criteria, the required supporting documents, and the application process.
• Apply early: It’s recommended to apply for the Canada Work Visa as early as possible to allow enough time for processing and to avoid any delays that may affect your travel plans.
• Submit a complete and accurate application: Ensure that you submit a complete and accurate visa application with all the required supporting documents. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may result in processing delays or visa refusals.
• Prepare for the interview: If you are required to attend an interview as part of the visa application process, it’s important to prepare in advance by reviewing the visa requirements and practicing your answers to common interview questions.
• Purchase travel insurance: It’s recommended to purchase travel medical insurance to cover any unexpected medical expenses or emergencies while you are in Canada.
• Plan your travel itinerary: Plan your travel itinerary in advance, including your flight bookings and accommodation arrangements, to provide evidence of your travel plans and intentions.
• Keep copies of all documents: It’s important to keep copies of all documents related to your visa application, including the application form, supporting documents, and payment receipts.

• Be honest and transparent: It’s important to be honest and transparent in your visa application, as any misrepresentation or fraudulent information may result in the refusal of your visa application and may affect your eligibility for future visas.

FAQs

Conclusion

The Canada Work Visa is a great opportunity for Pakistani citizens who are looking to work and live in Canada. The process of applying for the visa involves meeting the eligibility criteria, preparing the necessary supporting documents, and submitting a complete and accurate application. It’s important to research the specific visa requirements and plan in advance to ensure a smooth and successful application process. By following the tips and guidelines provided, Pakistani citizens can increase their chances of obtaining a Canada Work Visa and fulfilling their professional aspirations in Canada.