Move From Pakistan to Canada With Licensed Immigration Consultants
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Choosing to immigrate to Canada is an important and personal decision. RightWay Canada Immigration Services supports individuals and families in Pakistan who are pursuing permanent residence, study or work opportunities, family reunification or another Canadian immigration pathway. Our role is to make the process clearer, more manageable and carefully prepared from the beginning.
Our team of licensed Canadian immigration consultants is regulated by the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) and works in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements. Since 2016, RightWay Canada has assisted 3,393 clients from Pakistan and earned multiple industry recognitions, along with a strong reputation reflected in positive client reviews.
Every immigration case is different. We take the time to understand each applicant’s circumstances and goals, assess the available options and provide clear guidance on eligibility, required documents and the steps ahead. Our support goes beyond completing forms, helping applicants approach the process with greater clarity and confidence. Book a consultation with a licensed immigration consultant to discuss your individual situation. Information about our services and pricing is available on our fees page.
Pakistan to Canada Spousal Sponsorship
Applicants applying for spousal sponsorship from Pakistan must follow the country-specific IRCC instructions alongside the standard sponsorship application checklist. These instructions set out the additional forms, identity and civil-status documents, and relationship evidence that may be required for an application involving Pakistani nationals.
For Pakistan applicants, the country-specific requirements include additional IMM forms, registered Nikkah Nama documents, divorce or Khula documents, limits on the use of NADRA certificates, and labelled wedding or relationship photographs.
Required IMM
Applicants from Pakistan must complete the following country-specific forms where applicable:
- Supplementary Information – Your Travels [IMM 5562]
- Required for the principal applicant.
- Required for all family members included in the application who are 18 years old or older.
- Authorization to Disclose Information [IMM 5536]
- Required for anyone included in the application who is a Pakistani national and over 18 years old.
- Details of Military Service [IMM 5546]
- Required for anyone included in the application who has ever:
- held a high-ranking or senior official government position, or
- served in the military, army, defence, or police unit, including National Service.
- Required for anyone included in the application who has ever:
If IMM 5546 applies, submit a copy of all pages of the person’s military card or booklet, including blank pages.
Civil Documents
Identity and civil status documents issued by Pakistan must:
- show the applicant’s name
- be endorsed by the government office responsible for issuing the document in the district where the event took place
IRCC does not accept affidavits to prove:
- marriage
- divorce
- death
- custody
Marriage Documents
For marriages that took place in Pakistan, submit a copy of the Nikkah Nama.
The Nikkah Nama must include the Nikkah registry seal to show that the marriage was properly registered by the union council or the proper government office where the marriage took place.
A marriage certificate issued by the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) may be included, but it is not enough on its own to prove that the marriage is valid.
Non-Muslim applicants should provide marriage certificates from the government office that registers marriages.
Divorce Documents
If a sponsor living in Canada got divorced in Pakistan, include proof that either party to the divorce:
- lived in Pakistan for at least one year before the divorce, or
- had a substantial connection to Pakistan, such as frequent visits, property ownership, or active businesses there
For divorces filed in Pakistan:
- divorce certificates must be issued by the proper union council or government office
- include the Certificate of Talaq issued by the proper union council
- a NADRA divorce certificate may be included, but it is not enough on its own
- for Khula, also include the decree of Khula issued by the Family Court
Non-Muslim applicants should provide divorce certificates from the government office that registers divorces. If marriage or divorce certificates do not comply with the Muslim Family Law Ordinance of 1961, the application may be delayed or refused.
Additional Documents
If the marriage was performed according to Pakistani rites, customs, or traditions, submit photos of the principal applicant and sponsor with relatives and friends.
Photos should include:
- the wedding ceremony, including the signing of the contract or Nikkah
- customary celebrations held afterward, such as the wedding reception or Rukhsati
- the principal applicant and sponsor together on other occasions, either before or after the wedding
All photographs must be clearly labelled in English or French with:
- the names of the people in the photo
- the date the photo was taken
- the occasion or event shown
Pakistan to Canada Citizenship by Descent
A person born in Pakistan may have a Canadian citizenship connection long before they ever apply for a visa or immigration program. This is common in Pakistani-Canadian families where a parent became Canadian, returned to Pakistan, married abroad, had children outside Canada, or continued living between both countries for family, work, education, or long-term personal reasons. In many of these cases, the question is not only whether someone can move to Canada in the future, but whether they may already have Canadian citizenship through a parent.
Pakistan has deep and active family ties with Canada, shaped by decades of immigration, dual citizenship, family sponsorship, travel, and children born abroad to Canadian citizens. Many Pakistani-Canadian families maintain close connections between both countries, which can make citizenship status important later in life for passports, relocation plans, children’s status, education, or family decisions connected to Canada.
For Pakistan-born applicants, proof of citizenship is often the step that confirms whether a Canadian connection is legally recognized. This review can be especially important in families affected by Canada’s updated citizenship by descent rules under Bill C-3, including situations where the Canadian parent was also born outside Canada. In those cases, an older family connection to Canada may be worth reviewing carefully before deciding the next step.
Pakistan to Canada Express Entry
Pakistan is an important source country for permanent residence through Canada’s Express Entry system. From 2021 to the first quarter of 2026, IRCC data shows 16,085 admissions of permanent residents under Express Entry for Pakistan, showing the pathway’s continued relevance for Pakistani professionals and skilled workers planning to move to Canada.
For applicants from Pakistan, the strength of an Express Entry profile often depends on how clearly education, skilled work experience, and language results are documented. A completed Educational Credential Assessment, approved language test results, consistent employment records, and proof of funds where required can help support both CRS competitiveness and application credibility after an invitation to apply.
A Pakistan-focused Express Entry approach should review the applicant’s CRS score, occupation, education history, work experience, language potential, and possible provincial nomination options together. This helps applicants understand where they are competitive, where improvement may be possible, and how to prepare a stronger permanent residence application.
Pakistan to Canada PNP
Pakistan is an important source country for skilled immigration to Canada, and the Provincial Nominee Program can be a practical pathway for applicants whose occupation, experience, or settlement goals align with a province or territory. Through the PNP, provinces and territories can nominate candidates who have the skills, education, work experience, and intention to settle in that province or territory.
For applicants from Pakistan, choosing the right provincial stream is often the most important part of the strategy. Occupation, work history, education, language results, job offer, previous Canadian study or work experience, and family or settlement connections can all affect whether a province is a realistic option. Clear employment and education documents are also important because provincial programs often assess whether the applicant’s background matches local labour market needs.
Some PNP streams are linked to Express Entry, while others use a non-Express Entry process. IRCC confirms that an Express Entry provincial nomination can add 600 CRS points, which can significantly improve a candidate’s chance of receiving an invitation to apply. A Pakistan-focused PNP plan should compare both options, identify suitable provincial streams, and prepare consistent supporting documents before applying for a nomination.
Pakistan to Canada Study Permit
Applicants applying for a Canada study permit from Pakistan must follow the Islamabad visa office instructions in addition to the standard study permit checklist. These instructions are listed in the Islamabad Visa Office Additional Document Checklist — IMM 5829.
For Pakistan applicants, IMM 5829 includes additional instructions on academic records, a study plan, proof of financial support and the source of funds, sponsor documentation where applicable, and other supporting documents required by the Islamabad visa office.
Required Forms
Applicants from Pakistan must follow the Islamabad Visa Office Additional Document Checklist in addition to IRCC’s standard study permit requirements.
Country-specific checklist:
IMM 5829 provides additional document instructions for study permit applicants from Pakistan. It includes specific requirements for educational records, proof of funds, passport and immigration-status documents, national identity documents, study-history gaps, and evidence of ties to Pakistan. These requirements supplement the standard study permit checklist and help applicants prepare their supporting documents in accordance with the Islamabad visa office instructions.
Financial Evidence
IMM 5829 includes specific financial-document requirements for study permit applicants from Pakistan. Applicants should provide clear evidence that sufficient funds are available for tuition, living expenses, and other study-related costs in Canada.
The financial documentation should include:
- bank statements covering the previous 12 months;
- documents explaining the source of any large or recent deposits;
- evidence showing a stable and reliable source of funds;
- financial documents from a parent or sponsor, if applicable;
- supporting information when funds are held in a joint or business account;
- proof of tuition payment, if tuition has already been paid;
- official evidence of any scholarship, award, or other financial assistance.
The source of funds is particularly important. Large or recent deposits should be supported by documents showing where the money came from, and sponsored applicants should provide sufficient evidence to establish the sponsor’s financial capacity and relationship to the applicant.
Study Gaps & Employment History
IMM 5829 asks applicants from Pakistan to explain periods when they were not engaged in full-time studies. These gaps should be supported with documents showing what the applicant was doing during that time.
Applicants should provide:
- employment letters for periods of work;
- documents showing self-employment or other professional activity, if applicable;
- a clear explanation for periods of unemployment or other gaps;
- supporting documents that help establish the applicant’s activities during the period outside full-time education.
The information provided should be consistent with the applicant’s overall education and employment history. Any significant gaps should be clearly explained and supported wherever possible.
Ties to Pakistan
IMM 5829 asks study permit applicants from Pakistan to provide documents or information demonstrating their ties to Pakistan. These ties help show the applicant’s ongoing connections to their home country.
Supporting evidence may include:
- family ties in Pakistan;
- current employment or business activities;
- property ownership or other significant assets;
- financial commitments or responsibilities;
- professional, educational, or community connections;
- other documents showing reasons to return to Pakistan after completing studies in Canada.
Applicants should provide evidence that is relevant to their individual circumstances. The documents should be consistent with the applicant’s study plan, financial information, and overall personal and professional background.
Pakistan to Canada Visitor Visa
Applicants applying for a Canada visitor visa from Pakistan may need to follow the Abu Dhabi visa office instructions in addition to the standard temporary resident visa checklist. These instructions are listed in the Abu Dhabi Visa Office Instructions — IMM 5853.
For Pakistan applicants, IMM 5853 includes a passport-copy requirement for residents of Pakistan applying through the Visa Application Centres in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi.
Visa Office Instructions
Pakistan visitor visa applicants may need to follow the Abu Dhabi Visa Office Instructions in addition to the standard temporary resident visa requirements.
Relevant visa office instructions:
IMM 5853 includes additional instructions concerning passport copies for applicants using Visa Application Centres in Pakistan, financial support, CAN+ applicants, business travel and self-employed applicants.
Applicants should also provide a copy of their most recent Gulf residence visa if it is not attached to their current valid passport.
Passport Copy Instructions
Residents of Pakistan applying through the Visa Application Centres in Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi must provide copies of their current and previous passports.
The copies must include:
- the biographical information page; and
- every page containing a visa, stamp, marking or other information.
A copy of the current passport must be included with each application, even when the original passport is also submitted.
Financial Support and CAN+
Applicants should provide financial documents showing that they can pay for their visit to Canada.
Applicants who do not qualify under CAN+ should provide:
- bank statements covering the previous three months;
- recent pay slips or proof of other income; and
- documents showing savings, investments, property or other assets.
If another person is paying for the visit, the application should include:
- a signed letter confirming the financial support;
- a copy of the person’s identification;
- evidence that the person has sufficient funds;
- an explanation of the relationship between the applicant and the person providing support; and
- details of the expenses that will be covered.
The financial support documents should be dated within three months of the application.
Applicants who qualify under CAN+ may not need to provide financial evidence when they submit proof of qualifying previous travel to Canada or a valid United States non-immigrant visa.
Business and Self-Employment Documents
Business visitors should provide:
- a letter from their employer explaining the purpose and expected duration of the trip;
- details of the Canadian company or organization they plan to visit;
- confirmation of who will pay the travel expenses; and
- an invitation letter from the Canadian business or organization describing the planned activities.
Self-employed applicants and business owners should provide:
- a valid trade licence or business registration document;
- personal bank statements covering the previous three months;
- evidence of their ownership or role in the business; and
- documents showing that the business is active.
