Canada Skilled Worker Visa for Pakistan Application Steps

Introduction

Canada continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for skilled professionals from Pakistan who seek better job opportunities, higher living standards, and permanent residency.

The Canada Skilled Worker Visa (Express Entry) is a points-based immigration system that allows qualified Pakistani citizens to apply for Canadian Permanent Residence (PR) based on their skills, education, work experience, and language ability.

This step-by-step 2025 guide explains eligibility criteria, required documents, application cost in Pakistani Rupees, visa processing details, and how to apply safely through official channels.

What Is the Canada Skilled Worker Visa (Express Entry)?

Express Entry is an online immigration management system by the Government of Canada that handles PR applications for three main federal programs:

Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP)
Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP)
Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

For applicants living in Pakistan, the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) is the most common and suitable route.

Eligibility Criteria for Pakistanis (2025 Update)

To qualify for the Canada Skilled Worker Visa, Pakistani applicants must meet the following conditions:

Requirement	Details
Work Experience	Minimum 1 year of continuous full-time paid work (or equivalent part-time) within the last 10 years in a skilled occupation (NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3).
Education	At least a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Must obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) from an approved agency (like WES).
Language Proficiency	Must take IELTS General Training or TEF (for French) and score at least CLB 7 in all sections.
Age	Ideal age: 18–35 years for maximum CRS points.
Proof of Funds	Must show sufficient funds to support yourself and dependents in Canada.
Admissibility	Must pass medical and security checks.
Minimum Points	67 out of 100 on the FSWP eligibility grid.

Documents Checklist for Pakistani Applicants

Before applying, prepare the following documents carefully:

Valid machine-readable passport (minimum 6-month validity)
CNIC copy
Passport-size photographs (per IRCC specs)
Educational certificates and transcripts
ECA report from WES or other IRCC-approved agency
Work experience letters (job title, duties, duration, salary)
IELTS General Training results
Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) from Pakistan and other countries (if applicable)
Medical report from IRCC-approved panel physician in Pakistan
Proof of funds (bank statements, investment certificates, etc.)
Employment offer/reference letter (if applicable)
Biometrics and digital signature

Cost and Fees (in Pakistani Rupees – PKR)

Item	Cost (CAD)	Approx. Cost (PKR)
Application Fee (main applicant)	950	190,000
Right of Permanent Residence Fee	575	115,000
Dependent Child Fee	260	52,000
Biometrics Fee	85	17,000
IELTS (General Training)	300	60,000
ECA (WES or equivalent)	250	50,000
Medical Examination	200	40,000
Police Certificate	–	1,000–2,000
Proof of Funds (single applicant)	13,800	2,760,000

Estimated Total Cost (Single Applicant): Around PKR 3.2 million, including all required fees and proof of funds.

Step-by-Step Visa Application Process

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Visit the official IRCC eligibility tool to confirm your qualification under the FSWP.

Step 2: Get Educational Credential Assessment (ECA)

Apply through WES Canada or another approved agency to verify your degree equivalence.

Step 3: Take IELTS (General Training)

Book your IELTS test at AEO Pakistan or British Council test centers.

Step 4: Create Express Entry Profile

Register on the official IRCC Express Entry portal and enter your details (education, experience, IELTS score). You’ll receive your CRS score.

Step 5: Wait for Invitation to Apply (ITA)

If your CRS score meets the current cutoff, you’ll get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for PR.

Step 6: Submit Full Application

Upload all documents, pay fees, and submit your medical and police reports online.

Step 7: Biometrics

Provide biometrics at Gerry’s Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi.

Step 8: Get a Decision

Most applications are processed within 6 months after complete submission.

Where to Apply in Pakistan

Submit your Express Entry application online via:
👉 IRCC Official Website

Visa Application Centres (VACs) in Pakistan:

Islamabad: 14-B Sardar Abdul Rehman Road, G-6/1
Lahore: 20 Ex-American Centre Building, Shahrah-e-Aiwan-e-Sanat-o-Tijarat
Karachi: 43/1/D, Razi Road, PECHS Block 6

All PR applications are processed by IRCC Canada, not the Embassy directly.

Processing Time (2025 Estimate)

Stage	Approx. Duration
Document Preparation	1–2 months
IELTS & ECA	1–2 months
Express Entry Profile Creation	Immediate
Waiting for ITA	1–6 months
Application Processing (after ITA)	~6 months

Tips to Improve Your CRS Score

Aim for IELTS 8.0+ for maximum language points
Apply through a Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) (+600 CRS points)
Include your spouse’s IELTS and education
Get additional experience in in-demand NOC categories
Keep your documents error-free and updated

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I apply for the Canada Skilled Worker Visa from Pakistan?
You can apply online via the IRCC Express Entry portal and submit all documents digitally.

2. How long does it take to get PR?
The average time is 6–12 months, depending on CRS score and application completeness.

3. Is a job offer required?
Not mandatory, but it boosts your CRS points significantly.

4. Can I include my family?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your PR application.

5. What’s the age limit for Express Entry?
There’s no strict age limit, but 18–35 years receive maximum points.

6. How much money is required for settlement?
A single applicant needs PKR 2.7–3 million. Families require higher proof of funds.

7. Where can I do my medical test in Pakistan?
Medical tests are available at IRCC-approved clinics in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi.

8. Can I work in Canada while waiting for PR?
You can work only if you hold a valid temporary work permit.

Final Thoughts

Applying for a Canada Skilled Worker Visa from Pakistan (2025) is a straightforward and transparent process if you follow the official steps.
With the right preparation, accurate documents, and a strong CRS profile, Pakistani professionals can successfully achieve Canadian Permanent Residency and start a prosperous new life abroad.

Always apply through official IRCC channels — avoid shortcuts, fake consultants, or document fraud to protect your future in Canada.