Country specific requirements
Pakistan - Additional forms for residents
Pakistan – Instruction(s) for documents
- Identity and civil status documents issued by Pakistan: Documents must bear the name of the applicant, and be endorsed by the government authority responsible for issuance in the district in which the event took place.
- For marriages which took place in Pakistan: The marriage certificate to be submitted is the “Nikkah Nama”. It must bear the Nikkah registry seal as evidence that the marriage has been properly registered by the union council or the relevant government authority in the relevant region. The NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) issued marriage certificate should be included but is not sufficient evidence on its own.
- Divorces obtained in Pakistan: If a divorce has been obtained in Pakistan by a sponsor residing in Canada, submit evidence that either party of the divorce resided in Pakistan for at least one year prior to the divorce. Alternatively, you may submit evidence that either party to the divorce had a substantial connection to Pakistan such as frequent visits, property ownership, and/or active businesses in Pakistan.
- Divorce certificates issued in Pakistan must be issued by the relevant union council or government authority. The NADRA (National Database and Registration Authority) issued divorce certificate should be included but is not sufficient evidence on its own. You must include the Certificate of Talaq issued by the relevant Union council. In the case of Khula, you should also include the decree of Khula issued by the Family Court.
- Non-Muslims should provide marriage and divorce certificates from the relevant authority responsible for registration.
- Affidavits to establish marriage, divorce, death and custody are not acceptable.
- Note: Failure to submit marriage or divorce certificates with conform to the Muslim Family Law Ordinance of 1961 may lead to the delay and possible refusal of your application.
- For applicants under the spousal category: If you were married according to the rites, customs, and/or traditions of this country, please submit printed photos of the principal applicant and the sponsor with relatives and friends. Photos submitted should include photos of the wedding ceremony (signing of the contract or Nikkah) and customary celebrations held afterwards (the wedding reception or the Rukhsati). Photos should also include pictures taken of the principal applicant and the sponsor together on other occasions, either before and/or after the wedding.
- Note: Ensure that all photographs are clearly labelled in English or French with the names of the persons appearing in the pictures, the date the photo was taken, and the occasion or event displayed in the photo.