Visa Guide: Pakistan to Canada

Everything you need to know about obtaining a student visa for Canada.

Disclaimer: This guide reflects publicly available information current to early 2026 and is provided as a starting point for your research. Visa policies, fees, biometric collection sites, and processing times change frequently and can differ by post. Before you spend money or book travel, verify every number and document on the destination country's official immigration or consulate website, or consult a licensed immigration lawyer. GlobalPath does not file applications on your behalf and is not a substitute for official guidance.

Overview

## Who this is for You have a Letter of Acceptance from a Designated Learning Institution (DLI) in Canada and you need a study permit. Pakistan was a Student Direct Stream (SDS) country before SDS was discontinued in November 2024; Pakistani applicants now apply through the standard study permit stream. ## What changed in 2024 to 2025 - SDS discontinued November 2024; standard processing applies for all new applications. - Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) required for most undergraduate and college applicants from January 2024. - Settlement funds raised to CAD 20,635 (single applicant outside Quebec). - A national cap on study permits has reduced approval volumes generally and increased scrutiny of program-fit and intent. ## Application path 1. Receive Letter of Acceptance from a DLI and confirm PAL is issued (or program is exempt). 2. Pay tuition (or first semester) per institution's instructions. 3. Open a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of CAD 20,635 from a participating Canadian bank (Scotiabank, RBC, CIBC, ICICI Bank Canada). 4. Complete IMM 1294 online through your IRCC Secure Account. 5. Pay CAD 150 study permit fee plus CAD 85 biometrics fee. 6. Submit biometrics at the VFS Global Canada VAC in Islamabad, Karachi, or Lahore. 7. Wait for decision; provide additional documents if requested. 8. On approval, receive a Port of Entry Letter of Introduction; the actual permit prints at a Canadian airport on arrival. ## Documentation expectations Pakistani applications historically face higher scrutiny on three areas: source of funds (cash deposits without provenance are flagged), academic continuity (gaps over 6 months need explanation), and Statement of Purpose tied to specific career outcomes. A GIC plus a transparent paper trail for tuition payment plus 6 to 12 months of family bank statements is the cleanest financial package. ## Statement of Purpose Under the post-SDS standard stream, the SOP is the most important narrative document. Tie your specific program at this specific institution to a clear post-graduation career path, ideally with a return-to-Pakistan element or a focused case for why this institution globally is the strongest path for your goals. Generic essays are the leading cause of refusal for Pakistani applicants in 2025 and 2026.

Required Documents

  • Valid Pakistani passport (at least 6 months validity)(Required)
  • Letter of Acceptance from a DLI(Required)
  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL)(Required)Some master's, PhD, and exchange programs are exempt
  • Proof of tuition payment (first year or semester)(Required)
  • GIC of CAD 20,635 from Scotiabank, RBC, CIBC, or ICICI Bank Canada(Required)
  • Statement of Purpose / Study Plan(Required)Most decisive document under the standard stream
  • Academic transcripts (matric, intermediate, undergraduate)(Required)
  • English proficiency test (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, CELPIP)(Required)Most DLIs require IELTS 6.0 to 6.5 minimum
  • Biometrics fee receipt(Required)
  • Study permit fee receipt(Required)
  • Recent passport-size photographs(Required)
  • Medical examination from an IRCC Panel Physician(Required)Required for stays over 6 months from Pakistan
  • Family bank statements (12 months)Strengthens financial picture beyond GIC
  • Sponsor's tax records (FBR returns, last 3 years)
  • Education loan sanction letter
  • Police character certificate from local police stationSometimes requested

Work Rights

Full-time students at a DLI may work up to 24 hours per week off campus during academic terms (raised by IRCC from 20 hours in late 2024) and full-time during scheduled breaks. On-campus employment has no hour limit. After graduation, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) of 1 to 3 years is the main pathway to permanent residence through Express Entry or the Canadian Experience Class.

Quick reference

Processing Time
Post-SDS standard processing for Pakistani study permit applications currently runs 8 to 16 weeks from biometrics submission. Add 2 to 4 weeks for biometrics scheduling at VFS Global and 1 to 2 weeks for GIC and PAL paperwork. Apply at least 4 to 5 months before your program start date; do not assume the previous SDS 4-week timeline.
Application fee
Study permit application: CAD 150. Biometrics: CAD 85. GIC deposit: CAD 20,635 (refundable in monthly disbursements after arrival). VFS service fee in Pakistan: approximately PKR 8,000 to 10,000. Medical exam at a Panel Physician: approximately PKR 10,000 to 15,000. Approximate; verify current amounts on IRCC and VFS Global Pakistan.
Financial Proof
IRCC requires proof you can cover tuition plus CAD 20,635 for living expenses for the first year (single applicant outside Quebec). The cleanest combination is a GIC of CAD 20,635 from Scotiabank, RBC, CIBC, or ICICI Bank Canada plus a tuition payment receipt. Supplementary funds can be shown through 12 months of family bank statements (longer history is stronger), 3 years of FBR tax returns, fixed deposits at Pakistani banks, and education loan sanction letters. Cash deposits without provenance are heavily scrutinised; document the source of every large credit. Approximate; verify the current settlement-funds threshold on the IRCC cost-of-living page.
Student Visa
Temporary Residence

The primary visa type for international students wishing to study in Canada. This visa allows full-time enrollment at an accredited educational institution.

Visit official visa information

Standard
4 - 8 weeks
Expedited
2 - 3 weeks (where available)

Apply at least 3 months before your program start date. Embassy processing times vary by location and season.

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You must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses in Canada for at least one academic year.

Minimum: $20,000 - $40,000

Accepted Forms

  • Personal bank statements (last 3-6 months)
  • Sponsor's bank statements with affidavit of support
  • Scholarship award letter
  • Education loan approval letter
  • Government sponsorship documentation

Explore scholarships to help fund your studies

Required

Health insurance is mandatory for international students in Canada. Most institutions require proof of coverage before enrollment.

Coverage Options

  • University-sponsored health plan
  • Private international student insurance
  • Government health insurance scheme (if eligible)

Estimated cost: $500 - $3,000/yr

During Study
Limited part-time work permitted during term (typically 20 hours/week)
After Graduation
Post-study work visa may be available (duration varies by country)
Restrictions
Must maintain valid student status. Employment must not interfere with academic obligations. Some countries require a separate work permit.

Embassy & Consulate Contact

Contact the nearest Canada embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements and to schedule your visa interview.

Find your nearest embassy

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate of your destination country before applying.