pakistan to canada

Your Complete Guide to Immigrating to Canada from Pakistan in 2025

How to immigrate to Canada from Pakistan as a Skilled Worker, Student or Businessperson

Your Complete Guide to Immigrating to Canada from Pakistan in 2025

Thinking about moving to Canada from Pakistan? It’s a big dream for many, and for good reason! Canada offers amazing opportunities, a welcoming vibe, and a great quality of life. It’s home to a large and vibrant Pakistani diaspora, with significant communities in cities like Toronto, Mississauga, Calgary (where community groups estimate over 35,000 immigrants from Pakistan reside), Vancouver, and Montreal.

However, the Canadian immigration landscape is changing in 2025. The government has reduced overall immigration targets (aiming for 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, down from previous projections) and is putting more focus on applicants already inside Canada. Understanding these shifts is key as you navigate the Canadian immigration pathways for Pakistanis.

Don’t worry, you’re in the right place! This guide is your updated roadmap. We’ll walk through the main ways to make your Canadian dream a reality, reflecting the latest 2025 policies, Canada immigration requirements for Pakistani citizens, application steps, costs, and settling into your new life. Let’s get started!

Immigration to Canada from Pakistan

Why Canada? What's the Big Draw?

So, why are so many people from Pakistan looking towards Canada? Even with policy shifts, it consistently ranks high globally for things that matter: quality of life, top-notch education, reliable healthcare, and a stable economy. Canada actively welcomes skilled newcomers who align with its economic needs.

 

For Pakistani immigrants, Canada often means: 

 

  • Good Jobs: A solid job market, especially if you work in priority sectors like healthcare, tech, skilled trades, or education.
  •  
  • Great Education: Access to world-class universities and colleges (though new rules apply for students).
  •  
  • Diverse Culture: Feel at home in welcoming, multicultural communities.
  •  
  • A Future Path: Getting permanent residency (Canada PR from Pakistan) opens the door to becoming a Canadian citizen down the line.

Getting Your Head Around Canadian Immigration (2025 Context)

Canada’s immigration system is managed by IRCC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada). While the main routes remain, keep the 2025 context in mind: reduced targets and a preference for those already in Canada. The main pathways are:

 

  1. Economic Immigration: Still the largest category (~62% of targets), designed for skilled workers aligning with Canada’s labour needs. Think Express Entry and the PNPs.
  2.  
  3. Family Sponsorship: Bringing family members over who are already Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
  4.  
  5. Study Permits: Coming as an international student, but note the new caps and rules. This route still offers pathways to PR, especially if you gain Canadian work experience.
  6.  
  7. Business Immigration: For those looking to start or invest in a Canadian business.
  8.  
  9. Refugee/Asylum: For people needing protection.

This guide focuses primarily on permanent residency paths, acknowledging the increased advantage for those applying from within Canada in 2025.

Canada Visa Options for Pakistani Citizens

Economic Immigration: Using Your Skills to Move (2025 Focus)

With economic programs prioritized, aligning your skills with Canada’s needs is crucial.

Understanding NOC and TEER Categories

This hasn’t changed: Canada uses the National Occupational Classification (NOC) system, grouping jobs by Training, Education, Experience, and Responsibilities (TEER). Most economic programs target TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3. Knowing your NOC code and TEER level is essential for checking program eligibility.

1. Express Entry: The Main Hub for Skilled Workers (With 2025 Category Updates)

Express Entry remains the primary online system for managing applications under the FSWP, FSTP, and CEC.

 

  • Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Still a key pathway, especially for those applying from outside Canada. Eligibility hinges on points for age, education (ECA required), skilled work experience (1+ year), language skills (CLB 7+), adaptability, and proof of funds. You need 67+ points on the FSWP grid to qualify for the Express Entry pool.
  •  
  •  Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): For qualified tradespersons with 2+ years of experience, lower language requirements (CLB 4/5), and either a job offer or Canadian certificate of qualification.
  •  
  •  Canadian Experience Class (CEC): For those with 1+ year of recent skilled Canadian work experience. No proof of funds or initial education requirement. This pathway benefits significantly from the 2025 focus on in-Canada applicants.
Express Entry visa options

How Does Express Entry Actually Work? (2025 Edition)

The core process is similar, but the draws have evolved:

 

  1. Check if You Qualify: Meet the minimums for FSWP, FSTP, or CEC.
  2.  
  3. Create Your Profile: Submit your details online.
  4.  
  5. Get Ranked: Receive a CRS score based on your profile.
  6.  
  7. Wait for Draws: IRCC holds draws inviting candidates.
  8.  
  9. Category-Based Draws (Major Updates for 2025!): This is where things have significantly changed! While general draws based only on CRS score still happen, IRCC is heavily using category-based draws to target specific labour market needs and policy goals. Getting invited through a category draw might happen even with a lower CRS score than general draws require. To be eligible for these category draws, you generally need at least 6 months of continuous work experience (in the last 3 years) in an occupation listed under that category, plus meet general Express Entry eligibility (including language minimums, usually CLB 7).
  10.  

Here’s a look at the main priority categories for 2025:

2025 Priority Category

Focus / Examples

French-Language Proficiency

Strong French language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking)

Healthcare Occupations

Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, social service workers, etc.

Skilled Trades

Electricians, plumbers, welders, carpenters, construction managers, etc.

Education

Teachers (various levels), early childhood educators, etc. (New!)

Other categories like STEM and Agriculture/Agri-food have also seen revisions (with some occupations added and others removed). The Transport category is no longer listed as a main priority for 2025 category-based draws. Keep an eye on the official IRCC announcements for specific occupations included in each draw.

Who Qualifies For Category-Based Express Entry Selection

Express Entry Category Eligibility Tool

Express Entry: Category-Based Selection

Find out who's eligible for each category:

Who’s eligible for the French-language proficiency category

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have French-language test results that show a minimum score of 7 in all 4 language abilities on the Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC).
  • Meet all requirements in the instructions for that round.

Full details will be included in the instructions for each round.

Who’s eligible for the healthcare and social services occupations category

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience)
    • in a single occupation listed in the table below
    • in Canada or abroad
  • Meet all requirements in the instructions for that round.

Full details will be included in the instructions for each round.

Occupation 2021 NOC code 2021 TEER category
Specialists in clinical and laboratory medicine311001
Specialists in surgery311011
General practitioners and family physicians311021
Veterinarians311031
Dentists311101
Optometrists311111
Audiologists and speech language pathologists311121
Pharmacists311201
Dieticians and nutritionists311211
Psychologists312001
Chiropractors312011
Physiotherapists312021
Occupational therapists312031
Other professional occupations in health diagnosing and treating312091
Nursing co-ordinators and supervisors313001
Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses313011
Nurse practitioners313021
Physician assistants, midwives and allied health professionals313031
Licensed practical nurses321012
Paramedical occupations321022
Respiratory therapists, clinical perfusionists and cardiopulmonary technologists321032
Animal health technologists and veterinary technicians321042
Other technical occupations in therapy and assessment321092
Dental hygienists and dental therapists321112
Medical laboratory technologists321202
Medical radiation technologists321212
Medical sonographers321222
Cardiology technologists and electrophysiological diagnostic technologists321232
Pharmacy technicians321242
Other medical technologists and technicians321292
Massage therapists322012
Medical laboratory assistants and related technical occupations331013
Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates331023
Pharmacy technical assistants and pharmacy assistants331033
Social workers413001
Therapists in counselling and related specialized therapies413011
Social and community service workers422012

Who’s eligible for the Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) occupations category

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience)
    • in a single occupation listed in the table below
    • in Canada or abroad
  • Meet all requirements in the instructions for that round.

Full details will be included in the instructions for each round.

Occupation 2021 NOC code 2021 TEER category
Architecture and science managers200110
Cybersecurity specialists212201
Civil Engineers213001
Mechanical Engineers213011
Electrical and electronics engineers213101
Industrial and manufacturing engineers213211
Geological Engineers213311
Civil engineering technologists and technicians223002
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians223012
Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians223102
Insurance agents and brokers631003

Who’s eligible for the trade occupations category

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience)
    • in a single occupation listed in the table below
    • in Canada or abroad
  • Meet all requirements in the instructions for that round.

Full details will be included in the instructions for each round.

Occupation 2021 NOC code 2021 TEER category
Construction estimators223032
Cooks632003
Construction managers700100
Home building and renovation managers700110
Machinists and machining and tooling inspectors721002
Sheet metal workers721022
Welders and related machine operators721062
Electricians (except industrial and power system)722002
Industrial electricians722012
Plumbers723002
Gas fitters723022
Carpenters723102
Cabinetmakers723112
Bricklayers723202
Construction millwrights and industrial mechanics724002
Heavy-duty equipment mechanics724012
Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics724022
Electrical mechanics724222
Water well drillers725012
Other technical trades and related occupations729992
Concrete finishers731003
Roofers and shinglers731103
Painters and decorators (except interior decorators)731123
Floor covering installers731133
Contractors and supervisors, oil and gas drilling and services820212

Who’s eligible for the agriculture and agri-food occupations category

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience)
    • in a single occupation listed in the table below
    • in Canada or abroad
  • Meet all requirements in the instructions for that round.

Full details will be included in the instructions for each round.

Occupation 2021 NOC code 2021 TEER category
Butchers - retail and wholesale632013

Who’s eligible for the education occupations category

To be eligible, you must:

  • Have accumulated, within the past 3 years, at least 6 months of full-time, continuous work experience (or an equal amount of part-time experience)
    • in a single occupation listed in the table below
    • in Canada or abroad
  • Meet all requirements in the instructions for that round.

Full details will be included in the instructions for each round.

Occupation 2021 NOC code 2021 TEER category
Secondary school teachers412201
Elementary school and kindergarten teachers412211
Early childhood educators and assistants422022
Instructors of persons with disabilities422032
Elementary and secondary school teacher assistants431003

Disclaimer: This tool provides basic eligibility information based on publicly available data. Always refer to the official IRCC website and specific round instructions for definitive requirements.

6: Apply for PR: If you get an Invitation to Apply (ITA) – either from a general or category-based draw – you have a set time (usually 60 days) to submit your full application with all supporting documents.

A higher CRS score improves your chances in general draws, but fitting into a targeted category can provide another strategic route to an invitation. Things like a nomination from a province also give you a big points boost, 600 CRS points to be exact.

Express Entry Program Comparison

Feature

Federal Skilled Worker (FSWP)

Federal Skilled Trades (FSTP)

Canadian Experience Class (CEC)

Target Group

Skilled workers (foreign experience)

Skilled trades workers

Skilled workers (Canadian experience)

Min. Experience

1 yr continuous (last 10 yrs)

2 yrs (last 5 yrs)

1 yr (last 3 yrs)

Experience Location

Anywhere

Anywhere

In Canada

NOC TEER Level

0, 1, 2, 3

Specific TEER 2/3 Trade Groups

0, 1, 2, 3

Min. Language (CLB)

7 (all skills)

5 (Speak/Listen), 4 (Read/Write)

7 (TEER 0/1), 5 (TEER 2/3)

Education Req.

Min. High School equivalent (ECA required)

None required (ECA optional for points)

None required

Job Offer/Cert.

Not required (but adds points)

Required (Job Offer or Cert. of Qualification)

Not required

Proof of Funds

Required

Required (unless working legally in CA w/ offer)

Not Required

Points System

Must pass 67/100 FSWP grid

N/A

N/A

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Your Province-Specific Route

PNPs remain a vital pathway, especially with shifting federal priorities. Provinces nominate candidates based on their specific needs.

 

  • The Big Advantage: An Express Entry-linked provincial nomination still grants 600 extra CRS points, making an ITA highly likely.
  •  
  • How it Works: Apply directly to a provincial stream or get selected from the Express Entry pool by a province. Requirements vary greatly by province and stream.
  •  
  • Which Provinces are Popular for Pakistanis? Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are common choices, each with multiple streams. See the table below for a general idea.

Overview of Key Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Streams

Note: This is a simplified overview. Always check the specific province’s official PNP website for detailed, up-to-date requirements.

3. Other Ways for Skilled Workers

  • Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP): Still an option for the Atlantic region, requiring a job offer.
  •  
  •  Rural/Francophone Pilots: Check IRCC for active pilots targeting smaller communities.
  •  
  • Quebec Immigration: Operates independently.

Family Sponsorship: Bringing Your Family to Canada

This category remains important but is part of the overall managed immigration levels.

  •  
  • Who Can Be Sponsored: Spouse/Partner, Dependent Children, Parents/Grandparents (subject to MNI and often a lottery). Other relatives in rare cases.
  •  
  • Who Can Sponsor: Canadian citizens/PRs (18+, living in Canada, meeting requirements).

Family Sponsorship Options at a Glance

Relationship Sponsored

Key Requirement

Sponsor Income Req.

Processing Priority

Spouse / Partner

Genuine Relationship

No MNI (basic needs)

High

Dependent Child

Age/Dependency Criteria

No MNI (basic needs)

High

Parents / Grandparents

Sponsor Eligibility

Yes (MNI x 3 yrs)

Lower (Lottery)

Other Relatives (Orphaned)

Specific Conditions Met

Yes (MNI)

Varies

Study Permits: Education as a Pathway (With New 2025 Rules)

Studying in Canada is still a potential route to PR, but significant changes took effect in 2025: 

 

  • Study Permit Cap: For 2025, the cap is set at 437,000 permits, a 10% decrease from 2024. Crucially, graduate students (Masters, PhD) are now included under this cap.
  •  
  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL): Most study permit applicants (including those from Pakistan) now must submit a PAL or TAL from the province/territory of their DLI with their application.
  •  
  • Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP): Eligibility became more restrictive as of January 21, 2025. Now, generally only spouses of students in graduate programs (Masters, PhD) or specific professional degree programs (like medicine, law) are eligible for an SOWP. Spouses of undergraduate students are typically no longer eligible. Check IRCC for exact program eligibility.
  •  
  • Other Requirements: Still need DLI acceptance, proof of funds, health/character checks, and to prove intent to leave after studies (for the study permit application itself). SDS remains an option for faster processing if criteria are met.
  •  
  • PGWP: The Post-Graduation Work Permit remains a key benefit for gaining Canadian experience after graduating from an eligible program/DLI. This experience is vital for PR pathways like CEC, especially given the focus on in-Canada applicants.

Business Immigration: Bringing Your Entrepreneurial Spirit

These programs continue, targeting specific types of business people.

  • Start-up Visa Program: For innovative entrepreneurs with designated organization support.

 

  • Provincial Entrepreneur Streams: For those meeting provincial net worth, investment, and job creation criteria.
Comparison of Business Visa Programs Canada
 

Business Immigration Pathways Compared

Feature

Start-up Visa Program

Provincial Entrepreneur Streams (General)

Focus

Innovative, scalable businesses

Starting/buying businesses in a province

Key Requirement

Support from Designated Organization

Meet Provincial criteria (Net Worth, Invest)

Min. Investment

$75k-$200k (VC/Angel) or Incubator Accpt.

Varies by Province (e.g., $200k+)

PR Pathway

Direct PR application

Often Temp. Work Permit -> Nomination -> PR

Location

Anywhere in Canada (except Quebec)

Specific Province

Canada’s Start-up Visa program is unique – it connects immigrant entrepreneurs directly with private sector organizations that have expertise in building businesses.” – IRCC

Refugee and Asylum Claims: Seeking Protection

Canada continues to offer protection based on established criteria.

 

  • Making a Claim: At port of entry or from within Canada.
  •  
  • The Process: Eligibility checks, IRB hearing.
  •  

Important Context: Canada-U.S. Safe Third Country Agreement may impact claims made at land borders.

The Application Journey: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Canada Visa Process Step By Step

The general process remains, but preparedness is key:

 

  1. Figure Out Your Best Path: Research programs considering the 2025 changes (priority categories, in-Canada focus).
  2.  
  3.  Gather Your Documents: Collect everything, including certified translations for non-English/French documents.
  4.  
  5.  Take Language Tests & Get ECAs: Essential for most economic streams.
  6.  
  7.  Submit Your Application: Usually online via IRCC portal.
  8.  
  9.  Pay the Fees: Application, RPRF (if applicable), Biometrics.
  10.  
  11. Give Biometrics: At a VAC in Pakistan.
  12.  
  13.  Get a Medical Exam: With a panel physician.
  14.  
  15.  Wait (Patiently!): Check processing times online (see estimates below).
  16.  
  17.  Get the Decision: Prepare for arrival if approved.

What Documents Will You Likely Need? (General Checklist)

This isn’t exhaustive, and requirements change, but common documents include:

 

  • Valid Passport

  • Language Test Results

  • ECA Report (if needed)

  • Proof of Work Experience

  • Proof of Funds (check program requirements)

  • Police Certificates

  • Personal Documents (Birth cert, Marriage cert, Photos)

  • Medical Exam Confirmation

  • Completed Application Forms

  • Provincial Nomination Certificate (if applicable)

  • Job Offer Letter (if applicable)

  • Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL/TAL) (for most study permits)

  • Certified Translations

Important Note: Always consult the official IRCC checklist for your specific program!

How Long Does it Take? (Estimated Processing Times)

Waiting for a decision can be the hardest part! Processing times often change depending on application volumes and other factors. Always check the official IRCC processing times tool for the most current estimates for your specific application type and country.

Here are some general estimates based on recent data (as of early 2025) for applications from Pakistan, presented in a table for clarity:

Application Type

Estimated Processing Time (from Pakistan)

Express Entry (FSWP, CEC, FSTP, PNP – after ITA)

Around 6 months

Spousal Sponsorship (Outside Canada)

Around 10 months

Study Permit (Outside Canada)

Around 7 weeks

Work Permit (Outside Canada, specific employer)

Around 8 weeks

Start-up Visa

Around 39 months (can be lengthy)

Visitor Visa

Around 10-35 days

Super Visa (Parents/Grandparents)

Around 75 days

Canada Visa Processing Times

Remember, these are just estimates! Your individual application complexity can affect the time it takes.

What About the Costs For Canada Visa?

Canada Visa Cost

Settling In: Life in Canada for Pakistani Immigrants

Making the move is just the beginning! Here’s what to think about for life in Canada for Pakistani families and individuals.

Jobs in Demand in Canada for Pakistani Professional

Aligning with in-demand jobs is more important than ever. Focus remains on:


  • Healthcare: Nurses, Doctors, etc. (Priority Category)

  • Tech: Software Developers, Data Analysts, etc. (STEM Category)

  •  Engineering: Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, etc. (STEM Category)

  •  Skilled Trades: Electricians, Plumbers, Welders, etc. (Priority Category)

  •  Education: Teachers, ECEs (New Priority Category)

  •  Transportation: Truck Drivers (Note: Removed from EE category draws, but still in demand in many regions).

Finding Work & Getting Settled

  • Job Search: Use the official Canada Job Bank, connect with employment agencies for immigrants in Canada, network online (LinkedIn is big!), and make sure your resume format matches Canadian standards. Look into bridging programs if your profession is regulated (like engineering or nursing) to help get your credentials recognized.
  •  
  • Settlement Help: Canada has amazing, free settlement services for Pakistani
  • immigrants in Canada (and other newcomers). These organizations offer help with finding housing, job searching, understanding banking, enrolling kids in school, and connecting with the community. Find services near you on the IRCC website.
  •  
  • Language: Take advantage of free government-funded English (LINC) or French (CLIC) classes to improve your skills. Stronger language skills are also key for better job prospects!
  •  
  • Community: Connect with Pakistani community organizations in Canada. Cities like Toronto, Mississauga, Calgary, Edmonton, and Vancouver have large, active communities with cultural centres, religious organizations, and social groups. This can be a great source of support and connection.
  •  
  • Living Costs & Housing: Research the cost of living in Canada for Pakistani immigrants – it varies a lot by city! Start thinking about finding accommodation early.

Facing Challenges (and Overcoming Them!)

Moving to a new country is exciting, but it has its hurdles. Be prepared for potential challenges faced by Pakistani immigrants in Canada:

 

  • Cultural Differences: Adjusting to new social norms and ways of doing things (Cultural adjustment in Canada for Pakistanis).
  •  
  • Finding the Right Job: Getting foreign credentials recognized and lack of “Canadian experience” can be frustrating (Employment challenges for Pakistani immigrants in Canada).
  •  
  • Language: Even if you speak English, understanding different accents or workplace communication can take time.
  •  
  • Cost of Living: Especially housing in major cities.
  •  
  • Feeling Alone: Building a new social circle takes effort.
  •  
  • Discrimination: While Canada is diverse and has laws against it, discrimination against Pakistani immigrants in Canada can, unfortunately, happen. Know your rights and where to get help.
  •  

How to Tackle Challenges: Use settlement services! Take language classes. Network actively. Connect with community groups. Be patient with yourself. Seek help from organizations that fight discrimination if needed.

Avoiding Visa Problems

How to avoid Canada Visa Refusal

Nobody wants their application refused! Common reasons for Canada visa refusal for Pakistani citizens include:

 

  • Missing documents or incorrect forms.

  • Not showing enough money (proof of funds).

  • Not convincing the officer you’ll leave after a temporary stay (for visitor/study visas – show strong ties to Pakistan).

  • Misrepresentation (providing false info or documents – a serious issue!).

  • Medical or criminal inadmissibility. 
  •  

How to Avoid Refusal: Be meticulous! Double-check everything. Provide all required documents, including certified translations. Be honest and upfront. Clearly demonstrate your funds and ties (for temporary visas). Address any potential issues (like a past minor criminal charge) honestly with explanations or necessary waivers. If unsure, get professional advice before applying.

Finding Your Best Path Forward (2025 Perspective)

Moving to Canada from Pakistan in 2025 requires careful planning, considering the policy shifts. While pathways exist, competition may be higher, especially for those applying from overseas.


Key Takeaways:


  •  Immigration targets are lower.

  •  There’s a clear advantage for applicants already in Canada (students/workers).
  • Aligning your skills with priority Express Entry categories (French, Healthcare/Social Services, Trades, Education) or provincial needs (PNP) is highly beneficial.

  • Study permit rules are stricter (caps, PAL, SOWP restrictions).

Do your homework meticulously, gather documents early, and be patient. Given the increased complexity and focus, applicants already in Canada or those whose skills directly match the new priorities likely have the strongest chances in 2025.

Navigating Canadian Immigration Process

Consider talking to a Canada-based licensed Canadian immigration consultant for personalized advice tailored to the current landscape.

 

Wishing you the very best on your journey to Canada!

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About the author

Amir Ismail is a licensed, recognized, and authorized Citizenship and Immigration Practitioner with over three decades of experience in the immigration industry.

 

Since 1991, Mr. Ismail has been setting new industry standards, providing expert guidance in a wide range of immigration pathways. 

Our solid foundation of over 34 years has made Amir Ismail & Associates a leading immigration consulting firm in Canada, with a strong presence in Pakistan, Dubai, UAE, and the Middle East. 

 

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