Canada Visa Fees for Pakistanis 2026: Complete Cost Breakdown

If you are a Pakistani citizen planning to visit, study, work, or settle in Canada, the first real question is always the same: how much will this actually cost me? Canada's immigration fees are set in Canadian dollars by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which means the rupee amount you pay depends on the exchange rate on the day you submit your application. This guide breaks down every Canada visa fee for Pakistanis in 2026 — visitor visa, study permit, work permit, Express Entry, super visa, and biometrics — along with the VFS Global service charges Pakistani applicants pay on top of the government fee.

A Canada visitor visa costs CAD 100 (roughly PKR 19,800–20,000), a study permit costs CAD 150 (about PKR 29,700), and a work permit costs CAD 155 (about PKR 30,700). Most applicants also pay an CAD 85 biometrics fee (about PKR 16,800), plus a VFS Global service charge in Pakistan. These are official IRCC government fees and do not include visa consultancy charges.

Canada Visa Fee Snapshot for Pakistanis (2026)

Before we go deep into each visa category, here is the government fee snapshot in Canadian dollars, with the approximate PKR value based on a rate of roughly 1 CAD = 198 PKR (this fluctuates daily, so always check the live rate before paying):

• Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA): CAD 7 — not applicable to Pakistani passport holders, since Pakistan is not visa-exempt
• Visitor visa (single or multiple entry): CAD 100 per person (~PKR 19,800)
• Visitor visa, family of 5 or more applying together: capped at CAD 500 (~PKR 99,000)
• Study permit, including extensions: CAD 150 (~PKR 29,700)
• Work permit, including extensions: CAD 155 (~PKR 30,700)
• Open work permit holder fee: CAD 100 (~PKR 19,800)
• Biometrics: CAD 85 per person (~PKR 16,800), capped at CAD 170 (~PKR 33,700) for a family applying together
• Super visa (parents and grandparents): CAD 100, same as a standard visitor visa
• Express Entry permanent residence, principal applicant: roughly CAD 1,525–1,590 depending on category (~PKR 300,000–315,000)

These figures come directly from IRCC's official fee schedule. Because government fees change periodically — and permanent residence fees specifically increased on April 30, 2026 — always confirm the exact number on IRCC's official fee page before you pay.

Canada Visitor Visa Fee for Pakistanis

A Canada visitor visa (also called a Temporary Resident Visa or TRV) costs CAD 100 per applicant, whether you're applying for tourism, a family visit, or a short business trip. If your entire family — up to five people — applies together at the same time and place, the fee is capped at CAD 500 rather than charged per head.

This fee is separate from the biometrics fee, which almost every Pakistani applicant must also pay, and from any service charge collected by the Visa Application Centre.

If you're extending your stay as a visitor while already in Canada, that also costs CAD 100. If your visitor status has already lapsed and you need to restore it, the combined restoration and visa fee comes to CAD 246.25.

Pakistan is not on Canada's visa-exempt list, so the CAD 7 eTA does not apply to Pakistani passport holders traveling by air unless they already hold a valid Canadian visa or specific exemption — Pakistanis need the full visitor visa, not the cheaper eTA.

For a full breakdown of documents, eligibility, and processing timelines, see our dedicated guide on the Canada visitor visa.

Canada Study Visa Fee for Pakistani Students

The Canada study permit fee is CAD 150 per applicant, and this single payment covers the permit itself along with any future extension you file from inside Canada. In PKR terms, that's roughly 29,700 rupees at current exchange rates.

On top of the CAD 150 permit fee, most Pakistani students also pay:

• Biometrics fee: CAD 85
• Medical examination fee: this varies by the panel physician and is paid separately, not to IRCC
• Study permit compliance requirement: proof of funds to cover tuition and living costs — this is not a government fee but a mandatory financial threshold you must demonstrate

If a student's status lapses and they need to restore it along with getting a new study permit, the combined cost is CAD 396.25.

Because study visa refusals in Pakistan are often linked to weak financial documentation rather than the fee itself, it's worth reading how to prepare a bank statement for your visa application before you submit. We've also put together a full Canada study visa guide for Pakistan 2026 covering eligibility, IELTS requirements, and the current student cap. For general program details, visit our Canada study visa page.

Canada Work Permit Fee for Pakistanis

A Canada work permit costs CAD 155 per person, whether it's employer-specific or open. If you already hold a work permit and are applying for an additional open work permit, there's a separate CAD 100 open work permit holder fee on top of the base charge.

Most Pakistani applicants also pay the CAD 85 biometrics fee, bringing the standard government total to around CAD 240 (roughly PKR 47,500) before any Visa Application Centre service charge.

A few points worth knowing:

• Canada does not technically issue a "work visa" — the authorizing document is called a work permit, and CAD 155 is the fee for it
• Employers sponsoring a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) pay a separate CAD 1,000 employer fee, which is not the applicant's responsibility
• Restoring worker status along with a new work permit costs CAD 401.25 combined
• Performing artist groups of three or more applying together are capped at CAD 465 rather than paying per person

Once you add medical exams, translation of documents, and the VFS service charge, most Pakistani work permit applicants end up spending somewhere between PKR 40,000 and PKR 180,000 out of pocket, depending on their specific case. Learn more about eligibility and employer sponsorship on our Canada work permit page.

Canada Express Entry and PR Visa Fee for Pakistanis

Express Entry is Canada's points-based system for skilled workers seeking permanent residence, and it is the most expensive visa category by far. As of 2026, a single adult applicant typically pays somewhere in the range of CAD 1,525 to CAD 1,590, which already includes the Right of Permanent Residence Fee. A spouse or common-law partner included in the same application pays a similar amount, while a dependent child adds roughly CAD 230 to CAD 270.

Permanent residence fees for several categories increased on April 30, 2026, so the exact figure depends on which stream you're applying under — Federal Skilled Worker, Canadian Experience Class, Federal Skilled Trades, or a Provincial Nominee pathway. Because these numbers are updated periodically and vary by family composition, always verify the current total on IRCC's official fee schedule before paying.

Government fees are only one part of the Express Entry cost. Budget separately for:

• Language testing (IELTS or CELPIP)
• Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)
• Police clearance certificates
• Medical examinations
• Proof of settlement funds, which is a financial requirement, not a fee

If you're weighing Express Entry against a Provincial Nominee Program, our Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program pages compare eligibility criteria and processing times for both routes.

Canada Super Visa and Family Sponsorship Fee

The super visa lets parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents visit for extended periods, and it's priced the same as a standard visitor visa — CAD 100 per applicant. The real cost driver for a super visa isn't the government fee; it's the mandatory Canadian medical insurance policy, which typically runs into the hundreds of Canadian dollars annually and must be purchased before the application is submitted.

Spousal and family sponsorship applications, meanwhile, follow the permanent residence fee structure rather than the visitor visa fee, since the sponsored family member is being sponsored for PR status, not a temporary visit. For a full breakdown of eligibility and the sponsor's income requirements, see our family sponsorship page.

Biometrics Fee and VFS Global Service Charges in Pakistan

Almost every Pakistani applicant — regardless of visa type — must submit fingerprints and a photograph as part of the biometrics requirement. This costs CAD 85 per person, or a maximum of CAD 170 for a family applying together at the same time. Biometrics are typically valid for ten years, so if you've given them recently for another Canadian application, you may not need to pay again.

In Pakistan, biometrics and document submission are handled by VFS Global, which operates Canada Visa Application Centres in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi on behalf of IRCC. VFS charges its own service fee on top of the government fee — this is separate from what you pay IRCC and covers document handling, appointment booking, and biometric collection. VFS also offers optional add-ons like courier return of your passport and a premium lounge service in select cities for a higher fee.

Since VFS updates its local service charges from time to time, check the current fee structure directly on the VFS Global Canada Pakistan portal before your appointment.

Total Estimated Cost: What Pakistanis Actually Pay

Putting the government fee, biometrics, and VFS service charge together, here's a realistic all-in estimate for the most common visa types:

• Visitor visa total: government fee (CAD 100) + biometrics (CAD 85) + VFS service charge — typically works out to roughly PKR 35,000 to PKR 40,000 per applicant
• Study permit total: government fee (CAD 150) + biometrics (CAD 85) + medical exam + VFS charge — commonly PKR 60,000 to PKR 90,000 depending on the medical panel physician used
• Work permit total: government fee (CAD 155) + biometrics (CAD 85) + VFS charge — usually PKR 50,000 to PKR 70,000, higher if an LMIA or translation is involved
• Express Entry PR total: government fee (roughly CAD 1,525–1,590 per adult) plus language test, ECA, medical, and police clearance — commonly PKR 350,000 to PKR 500,000+ for a single applicant once every step is included

These are estimates, not fixed quotes. Your actual cost depends on family size, the exchange rate on payment day, and whether your case needs restoration, translation, or additional documentation.

How to Pay Canada Visa Fees From Pakistan

Canada visa fees must be paid online through your IRCC secure account using a valid international credit or debit card — cash payment at the embassy or VFS centre is not accepted for the government portion of the fee. Here's the general sequence:

1. Create or log into your IRCC secure account and complete the application form
2. Pay the government processing fee online using a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express card
3. Pay the biometrics fee in the same transaction if it applies to your case
4. Download and save the payment receipt — you'll need it for your VFS appointment
5. Book your biometrics appointment at the Canada Visa Application Centre in your city
6. Pay the separate VFS service charge, which is usually collected locally at the centre or through the VFS portal

Keep every receipt until your visa decision is final. If IRCC changes a fee after you've already submitted a complete application, they generally won't reject your file outright — they'll ask you to pay the difference through the additional payment option in the online system.

Is the Canada Visa Fee Refundable?

No. Canada visa fees are non-refundable once IRCC begins processing your application, regardless of whether your visa is approved or refused. This applies to visitor visas, study permits, work permits, and permanent residence applications alike.

There are narrow exceptions — for example, if you paid twice by mistake, or if you withdraw your application before an officer opens the file, you may be eligible for a refund. Refund requests can take up to eight weeks to process, and the funds may take an additional two to eight weeks to reach your account after approval. Given this, it's far more cost-effective to get your documentation right the first time than to reapply after a refusal.

Canada Visa Application Centers in Pakistan: City-Wise Guide

Pakistan has three official Canada Visa Application Centres, all operated by VFS Global. Depending on which city you're in, here's what to expect:

Islamabad: The Islamabad VAC serves applicants from the capital and nearby areas including Rawalpindi. If you're based in Islamabad or the twin cities, our team offers direct Canada visa consultancy and document review support before you book your VFS appointment — see our services page for what's included.

Rawalpindi: Applicants from Rawalpindi typically use the Islamabad VAC, since the two cities share the same visa application centre. Booking early is important during peak season, as appointment slots fill up fast around university intake periods and summer travel months.

Karachi: The Karachi VAC serves applicants across Sindh. As Pakistan's largest commercial hub, Karachi sees high visitor and work permit volumes, so document accuracy at first submission matters even more to avoid processing delays.

Lahore: The Lahore VAC covers Punjab's largest population centre and typically has the highest volume of study permit applications in the country, given the concentration of universities and consultancies in the city.

Multan: Multan does not have its own VAC, so applicants from Multan generally travel to the Lahore centre for biometrics and document submission. Planning this travel in advance avoids last-minute appointment stress.

Other cities (Faisalabad, Peshawar, Sialkot, Gujranwala, Quetta, Hyderabad): Applicants from these cities are assigned to their nearest VAC — usually Lahore, Islamabad, or Karachi — based on VFS's regional catchment areas. Always confirm your assigned centre when booking, since catchment boundaries occasionally change.

Documents Required Alongside Your Fee Payment

Paying the correct fee is only half the process — IRCC won't move your file forward without complete supporting documents. At minimum, most Pakistani applicants need:

• A valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond the intended stay
• Passport-sized photographs meeting IRCC's specific dimensions
• Proof of funds, usually six months of personal bank statements
• A letter of invitation or admission letter, depending on visa type
• A cover letter explaining the purpose and duration of travel
• Travel itinerary and, for visitor visas, evidence of ties to Pakistan
• Biometrics confirmation once completed at the VAC

Missing or inconsistent documentation is one of the most common reasons Canada visa applications from Pakistan get refused — not the fee amount itself.

Common Reasons Pakistani Canada Visa Applications Get Refused

Understanding refusal patterns helps you avoid paying the non-refundable fee twice. The most frequent issues we see include weak proof of ties to Pakistan, inconsistent financial documentation, insufficient explanation of travel purpose, and incomplete forms. We've broken these down in detail in our guide to the top visa rejection reasons, which applies across visitor, study, and work categories.

If you're unsure whether to apply independently or use professional support, our comparison of visa consultant vs. DIY application walks through the trade-offs honestly, including where a consultant genuinely adds value and where it doesn't.

Canada Visa Fee vs Other Popular Destinations

Pakistani applicants often compare Canada's visa cost against other major destinations before deciding where to apply first. On government fees alone, Canada's visitor visa (CAD 100, about PKR 19,800) sits in a similar range to a UK visit visa, while a US B1/B2 visa runs notably higher once the SEVIS and application fee are combined. A Schengen visa is comparable to Canada's fee but often has faster processing for short trips.

If you're deciding between destinations, it's worth reading our country-specific breakdowns for the USA, United Kingdom, Schengen area, and Australia, or our guide on the easiest Schengen country to get a visa from Pakistan if a European route interests you as well.

Beware of Fake Canada Visa Fee Websites

This is important enough to call out directly: only pay your Canada visa fee through your official IRCC secure account, and only pay VFS service charges through the official VFS Global Pakistan portal or in person at the VAC. Scam websites imitating "VFS Global Canada" payment pages have circulated online, asking applicants to wire funds or pay by unusual methods outside the official system. IRCC and VFS never request payment through informal channels, gift cards, or third-party payment links sent by email. If a link looks unofficial, don't enter your card details — verify the URL matches ircc.canada.ca or the official VFS Pakistan domain first.

Why Choose Gac Advisors for Your Canada Visa Application

Getting the fee right is straightforward. Getting the documentation, financial proof, and application strategy right — especially under Canada's tighter 2026 scrutiny on study permits and PR intake — is where most Pakistani applicants actually struggle. Our team works across visitor, study, work, and Express Entry cases, and we stay current on IRCC's fee updates so you're never caught off guard by a mid-application increase.

Beyond Canada, we also support Pakistani applicants heading to the USA, UK, Schengen countries, Australia, and Sweden, so if your plans are flexible across destinations, we can help you compare realistic timelines and costs before you commit funds to any single application. Learn more about our full range of support on the services page, or read more about our team's background on the about page.

How to Get Started

If you're ready to move forward, start with a clear picture of your own case rather than a generic checklist. Review the specific visa category page relevant to you — visitor, study, or work — check the current fee on IRCC's official site, and gather your financial documents early, since proof of funds is usually the slowest part to prepare properly.

When you're ready for guided support, you can contact our team directly to review your documents before you pay any fee, which is the single best way to avoid losing a non-refundable payment to an avoidable refusal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Canada visa cost for Pakistanis in 2026? A Canada visitor visa costs CAD 100 (about PKR 19,800), a study permit costs CAD 150 (about PKR 29,700), and a work permit costs CAD 155 (about PKR 30,700). Most applicants also pay an CAD 85 biometrics fee plus a separate VFS Global service charge in Pakistan.

Is the Canada visa fee refundable if my application is rejected? No. Canada visa fees are non-refundable once IRCC begins processing your application, whether it's approved or refused. This applies to visitor visas, study permits, work permits, and permanent residence applications.

What is included in the Canada visa fee? The base government fee covers IRCC's processing of your application only. It does not include biometrics (CAD 85), the VFS Global service charge, medical exams, or courier charges — these are all paid separately.

Can Pakistanis pay the Canada visa fee in Pakistani rupees? The official government fee must be paid online in Canadian dollars through your IRCC account using an international credit or debit card, which will show as the equivalent PKR amount on your statement. The VFS service charge in Pakistan is typically collected locally in PKR.

Does the Canada visa fee vary by visa type? Yes. A visitor visa is CAD 100, a study permit is CAD 150, a work permit is CAD 155, and Express Entry permanent residence runs roughly CAD 1,525 to CAD 1,590 per adult applicant, depending on the category.

How much biometrics fee do Pakistani applicants pay for a Canada visa? Biometrics cost CAD 85 per person, capped at CAD 170 for a family applying together at the same time and place. Biometrics are generally valid for ten years, so repeat applicants may not need to pay again.

Is there a separate service fee on top of the Canada visa fee in Pakistan? Yes. VFS Global, which operates Canada's Visa Application Centres in Pakistan, charges its own service fee for document handling and biometric collection, separate from the government fee paid to IRCC.

How much bank balance is required for a Canada visitor visa from Pakistan? There's no single fixed number — IRCC expects proof of sufficient funds to cover your trip and return, assessed relative to your travel plan and family situation. Reviewing how to prepare a strong bank statement before applying significantly improves your chances of approval.

Final Thoughts

Canada's visa fees themselves are relatively modest and clearly published by IRCC — the real cost for Pakistani applicants comes from biometrics, VFS service charges, and the supporting requirements like medical exams and proof of funds. Since fees and eligibility rules for 2026 have already changed once this year, always cross-check the live number on IRCC's official fee page before you pay, and never pay through an unofficial link.

If you'd rather not navigate this alone, book a consultation with Gac Advisors and we'll walk through your specific visa category, fee breakdown, and document checklist before you spend a single rupee on a non-refundable application.