How to get a visa in 2025 for Canada?

Introduction:

Pakistani students see canada as one of the top destinations for professionals and for their families who are looking for quality education, career growth, and a better lifestyle. However, one common concern for most applicants is, “How long will my Canada visa take to process in 2025 from Pakistan?” In this blog, we’ll cover the latest visa processing times, factors that affect delays, and tips to speed up the process.

Types of Visa

Before having a discussion about processing times, it is important to understand which visa you are applying for. Each category has a different schedule. Common Canada Visa Types for Pakistani students:

• Study Permit/Student Visa.
• Temporary Resident Visa/Visitor Visa.
• Work Permit/Work Visa.
• Spouse/Family Sponsorship Visa.
• Permanent Residency  / Express Entry, PNP, etc.

If you are a student who wants to apply for a study visa from Pakistan, here is what to expect:

Canada Student Visa Processing Time (2025)

• The estimated time will be from 8 to 12 weeks.
• The earlier you apply through Student Direct Stream (SDS) that is about 4 to 6 weeks.

Visitor Visa Processing Time  – 2025

If you are applying to visit family, want to attend events, or planning to travel as a tourist:

• The estimated time is about 30 to 60 days.
• It may take a little longer during the travel seasons or if your application is incomplete.

Required Documents:

• The invitation letter in case if you are visiting family.
• Proof that you reside in Pakistan, which includes the job, property, etc.
• Financial duties and your travel history.

Spouse & Family Sponsorship Visa

If you want to bring your spouse or family to Canada through family reunification, here is how the process goes: 

• The estimated time for an Outland Spouse Visa is about 9 to 12 months.
• Dependent Children or Parents take about 8 to 24 months, depending on the case.

You have to get the marriage certificate, NADRA records, and photographs ready. When it is proved that the relationship is genuine, this will lead to fast processing for the visa.

Canada Work Permit Processing Time

If you want to apply for a temporary work visa or work permit from Pakistan, here is how the process continues:

• The estimated time is about 10 to 16 weeks.
• If part of a company transfer or LMIA-exempt route, the work visa will be faster.

Must-Have Documents for Canadian visa:

• Job offer from a Canadian company or Canadian employer.
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA ), if required.
• Educational documents for further processing and experience records.

Permanent Residency (PR) Time – Express Entry & PNP

Canada PR is the dream for many Pakistani people. Processing times usually vary depending on the stream:

Express Entry (FSW, CEC, FST):

• Post-ITA Processing takes place around 6 to 8 months after the submission full application.
• The total process includes ECA, IELTS, ITA from 12 to 15 months.

Provincial Nominee Program (PNP):

• Processing times vary by province and immigration. It can take 12 to 20 months from start to finish.

What Affects Processing Time?

Your visa takes longer because of the following factors that influence: 

1. Completeness of your application.
2. Medical exam and biometrics.
3. Background thorough checks that include the family reputation.
4. The time of year when it is peak vs. off-peak can significantly impact the processing time.
5. Changes in Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) policies.

How to Check Your Application Status visa in 2025 for Canada?

After applying, you can:

1. Log in or sign in to your IRCC account.
2. Track detailed progress in “My Applications”.
3. Use the application number to contact support if delays occur during the process. 

Avoid Mistakes That Cause Delays

• Submitting incomplete or incorrect documents on the platform.
• Skipped biometrics or medical exam.
• Not optimizing or updating your profile with the latest information about yourself.
• Not using the checklists provided by IRCC.

Always review your file thoroughly before final submission.

Avoid Unnecessary Delays

In 2025, Canada continues to welcome skilled immigrants, students, and families, but due to higher demand, processing times can easily fluctuate. To avoid unnecessary absurd delays:

• You should start early.
• You can use an immigration consultant (RCIC) if needed.
• You have to keep your documents clean, honest, and updated.

Need Help with getting a visa in 2025 for Canada?

If you are looking for expert help in preparing your visa file, reviewing your Statement of Purpose (SOP), or choosing the right study or work route abroad in a country, Study Global is here for your assistance. Our team specializes in drafting and setting professional cover letters, refining SOPs, and guiding you through the Express Entry process with support.