Canada presents a unique opportunity for Pakistani individuals seeking employment in some of the more advanced economies. Canada is economically strong and also culturally diverse compared to other advanced countries.
Graana.com gives you all the information you need to prepare for a Canadian work visa. Here, we give you the guidelines that will help you gather all the work visa requirements so you can submit an application that is complete and does not cause unnecessary delays. We’ve collected the most essential information to make the application process as smooth and efficient as possible.
Why Choose a Canadian Visa?
Canada is an attractive destination for Pakistani workers for several reasons. Canada is a welfare state which takes care of its citizens. It provides healthcare and education for those who cannot afford it. It has excellent social protection, which makes it very attractive for individuals looking for a stable career.
Secondly, Canada is advancing and expanding its economy rapidly. Canada has a high demand for skilled workers, making it one of the top destinations for people from developing countries where the supply of skilled workers may be high.
Canada is very immigration friendly because of its land size and rapid economic development. Pakistanis can work for a certain amount through a Canada work visa before becoming eligible for permanent residency or citizenship. Canada provides several pathways to becoming a citizen.
If you are considering working in Canada, you may wonder about the application process. Whether you have a job offer from a Canadian company or are actively applying, you should become familiar with the application process to prepare and be confident about your work visa application.
Applying for a Canadian Work Visa
The Canadian work visa is issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). It is not visa free country. You would need to first get a job offer from a Canadian company to become eligible for a work permit. You can apply for an open work permit, which lets you work for any employer in Canada without limitations on the type of job.
Methods to Apply for a Canadian Work Visa
There are two ways to apply for a work visa or a work permit: online or on paper. The paper option, however, is only available for a few eligible applicants and takes much longer. If you wish to use the paper option, check your eligibility first. The online option is the most preferred, and to avoid delays, we suggest applying online. If you choose this option, have the following items ready.
The work permit instructions guide
This important document outlines all the requirements to obtain a work permit. Read this guide carefully as it contains essential information about work permit requirements for different occupations such as doctors, truck drivers, provincial nominees, visiting researchers, media crew, and charitable workers.
Visa office requirements for Pakistani applicants
The instructions guide also provides information on the visa requirements, including the documents needed to obtain the work permit. Some of the requirements are specific to Pakistani applicants, so it is essential to note them and prepare accordingly.
A scanner or camera
Ensure you have a scanner app on your smartphone or a good camera. It will be required for your photograph and to scan various documents for the online application.
A working payment method
Ensure you have a valid debit or credit card to pay the application fee.
Canadian Work Visa Requirements
Canada makes it convenient for applicants to complete the application process step by step through an online account. The work permit requirements vary depending on where you are applying.
For example, if you are in Canada on a different type of visa or your current work visa has expired, you must follow different instructions. But if you are applying for a work visa from Pakistan, then you would need the following documents and forms,
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Completed Form IMM 1295 (Work Permit Application) | Application form for a work permit submitted from outside of Canada. Must be completed, signed, and dated. |
| Completed Form IMM 5707 (Family Information Form) | Form covering information about your family, including spouse, parents, and children. Must be completed, signed, and dated. |
| Valid Pakistani Passport | Passport must have an expiration date of at least one month from departure. Provide copies of previous passports and travel records. |
| Employment Reference Letters | Letters from previous employers on official company letterhead, signed or stamped. Relevant work experiences should align with the job in Canada. |
| Updated Resume | Resume detailing work experience and education history in chronological order. |
| Copies of Education Documents | Copies of diplomas and degrees. If not in English, documents must be translated by an approved professional translator. |
| Police Certificates | Certificates from countries where you stayed over six months, confirming no criminal records. |
| Marriage Certificate (if applicable) | Required if taking spouse to Canada. |
| Birth Certificates for Children (if applicable) | Required if taking children to Canada. |
| Job Offer Letter | Must include job responsibilities and proof that you meet job requirements through education, skills, and work experience. |
| Two Recent Photographs | Photos with name and date of birth written on the back, showing front face with transparent background. |
Fee of Canadian Work Visa for Pakistanis
Once you have determined your eligibility and filled out all the application forms, the next step is to apply by paying the application fee. You must pay the application fee online, so ensure you have a payment method allowing international transactions.
You should ask your bank to allow international transactions if your bank has restricted overseas payments. Ask a friend or family member if you do not have a payment method. You should also check the exchange rate, as it keeps fluctuating. Below are the fees based on the most recent exchange rate. According to the IRCC website, the following are the application fees for work permits,
| Work permit type | Canadian Dollars | Pakistani Rupees |
| Work permit for each person if more than one person is applying | 155 Canadian dollars per person | Approximately 35,000 rupees per person |
| Work permit for a group of performing artists (3 or more artists) | 465 Canadian dollars per group | Approximately 104,000 rupees per group |
| Holder of an open work permit | 100 Canadian dollars | Approximately 23,000 rupees |
| Restoring your status as a worker and getting a new work permit | 355 Canadian dollars | Approximately 80,000 rupees |
Once you’ve paid the fee, your application will be sent. You’ll receive a unique tracking number that you can use to check your application’s status online. You can do this anytime, as long as you have internet access. The application portal will display any updates to your application.
Application Processing Time: Canada Work Visa for Pakistani
Once you have submitted your application through the online portal, the next step is to wait for the visa interview. You will be given a visa date upon which you will need to visit a consulate and give the interview. Pakistan has Canadian consulates in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad. You can choose the one which is most convenient for you.
The processing time for your application may vary based on its strength and completeness. However, the standard processing time is a minimum of two weeks. Therefore, you should wait at least two weeks before making any inquiries regarding your application.
FAQs about Canada Work Visa for Pakistani
1. What is a Canada Work Visa for Pakistani citizens?
A Canada Work Visa, also known as a work permit, allows Pakistani individuals to work in Canada for a specific job or employer legally.
2. Why choose Canada for work?
Canada is known for its strong economy, multicultural society, and high living standards, making it an appealing destination for Pakistani workers.
3. What are the key benefits of working in Canada for Pakistanis?
Canada offers healthcare, education, and social protection for its residents.
It has a growing economy with a high demand for skilled workers.
Canada provides a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship for many foreign workers.
4. How can I apply for a Canada Work Visa from Pakistan?
You must have a job offer from a Canadian employer or an open work permit to apply. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) manages the application process.).
5. What are the two ways to apply for a Canada Work Visa?
Applying online is the faster and recommended option. Some applicants may be eligible for the paper application, but it generally takes longer.
6. What documents do I need for the online application?
- Work permit instructions guide.
- Visa office requirements for Pakistani applicants.
- A scanner or camera for photographs and document scanning.
- A valid debit or credit card for application fees.
7. What are the Canada Work Visa requirements for Pakistani applicants?
- Completed and signed application for a work permit (Form IMM 1295).
- Completed family information form (IMM 5707).
- Valid passport with at least one month until expiration.
- Employment reference letters from previous employers.
- Updated resume with work and education history.
- Copies of education documents, including diplomas and degrees.
- Police certificates for countries where you stayed for more than six months.
- Marriage certificates and birth certificates for accompanying family members.
- A job offer letter and proof of meeting job requirements.
- Two recent photographs with your name and date of birth.
8. What is the cost of a Canada Work Visa for Pakistanis?
The fees for applying for a work permit differ depending on the type of permit. Fees range from approximately 23,000 to 104,000 Pakistani rupees.
9. How can I track the status of my Canada Work Visa application?
After you apply, you’ll get a special number from IRCC. This number is just for you and you can use it to check how your application is doing online.
10. What is the typical application processing time?
While processing times vary, the standard processing time is usually a minimum of two weeks. Applicants must wait at least two weeks before inquiring about their application status.
The above information will help you with your Canadian work visa application. Graana.com has all the information needed to help you reach your desired destination if you want to know about a Malaysia Visa.
