Canadian Invitation Letters: A Step-By-Step Visa Application Guide

Renowned for its popularity among tourists and a thriving hub for business opportunities, Canada attracts visitors from around the globe. For individuals planning to visit Canada, especially for tourism or business purposes, obtaining the appropriate visa is crucial. One essential requirement in the visa application process is the invitation letter. 

In this article, we will find out the details of a Canadian invitation letter, its purpose, format, and the necessary information it should include.

What Is Invitation Letter For Canadian Visa?

Understanding The Canadian Invitation Letter

A Canadian invitation letter is a formal document issued by a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident inviting an individual to visit Canada temporarily. It serves as an assurance to the Canadian immigration authorities that the visitor has an appropriate purpose for their trip and intends to return to their home country after the Canada visit.

Do You Need An Invitation Letter To Visit Canada?

When planning a visit to Canada, many travelers wonder if an invitation letter is necessary. While an invitation letter document is not a mandatory requirement for all visitors, having one can greatly enhance the chances of traveling to Canada.

The invitation letter will play the role of additional supporting documentation to boost your visa application to the Canadian Consulate, further justifying the reasons why you should be granted permission to visit Canada.

Having a Canadian Invitation letter to boost your visa success rate

What Are The Canadian Invitation Letter Purposes? 

The invitation letter plays a vital role in the Canadian visa application process as it serves multiple purposes:

• Supporting Documentation: The invitation letter acts as supporting documentation for the visa application. It provides evidence of a valid reason for the visit and demonstrates that the applicant has reliable contact in Canada.

• Proof of Relationship: If the visitor is planning to visit family or friends in Canada, the invitation letter helps establish the existing relationship between the invitee and the Canadian host. It can include details about the relationship, such as family ties or long standing friendships.

• Business Engagements: For individuals traveling to Canada for business purposes, the invitation letter should outline specific business activities, such as meetings, conferences, or negotiations, and mention the duration of the stay.

Who Can Write an Invitation Letter for Canadian Visa?

As mentioned, an invitation letter for visa can be written by anyone you know well. It can be a close family member such as a parent, sibling, spouse, child, and so on, a close friend or a business partner if you are visiting Canada for business.

The crucial criteria in any situation is that the individual delivering the invitation letter be a permanent resident or a citizen of Canada. The individual inviting you cannot be an illegal immigrant or not have legal status in Canada. They must have a high standing status, as well as a job and source of income, to improve the likelihood that their letter will influence the Canadian Consulate's decision to grant you the visa.

Does my Canadian Invitation Letter need to be notarized?

Some visa officers may request that a notary public notarize the letter. Because there may be no prior notice of whether the letter has to be notarized, many people choose to maintain a notarized copy ready for submission, preventing delays.

You won't know ahead of time if your visa officer would require a notarized invitation letter. As a result, many candidates prefer to have a notarized copy ready to present upon request to minimize any delays in their application. If you wait until the visa office requires that you send an invitation letter, your application will be delayed.

Where to Submit the Canada Letter of Invitation?

The letter is sent by the visitor to the embassy or consulate, together with the visa paperwork file. The host must scan it and provide it to the visitor, who will then submit it along with the other supporting papers on the day of their appointment at the embassy or consulate.

The Requirements For Invitation Letter To Canada 

Writing A Letter Of Invitation For Canadian Visa 

The requirements for a Canada invitation letter depend on the purpose of your visit and the type of visa you are applying for. While there is no specific template for an invitation letter, there are certain key elements that should be included to ensure its effectiveness. 

Here are the common requirements for an invitation letter to Canada:

• Host's Information: The letter should clearly state the full name, address, phone number, and email address of the host in Canada. If the host is a Canadian citizen, their citizenship status can be mentioned. If the host is a permanent resident, their permanent resident card number should be provided.

• Visitor's Information: The invitation letter should include the full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport number of the visitor. It is important to accurately present the visitor's personal details.

• Purpose of Visit: Clearly specify the purpose of the visit to Canada, whether it is for tourism, attending an event, or engaging in business activities. Provide specific details about the planned activities, such as attending a conference or visiting family and friends.

• Duration of Stay: Mention the intended duration of the visit, including the start and end dates. It is important to ensure that the dates mentioned align with the visitor's travel itinerary and any other supporting documents.

• Relationship to the Host: If the visitor is visiting family or friends in Canada, the invitation letter should establish the existing relationship between the host and the visitor. 

• Financial Responsibility: It is helpful to mention in the invitation letter whether the host will be financially responsible for the visitor during their stay in Canada. This can include providing accommodation, transportation, and daily living expenses. Alternatively, if the visitor will be responsible for their own expenses, this should be clearly stated.

• Intention to Return: Emphasize the visitor's intention to return to their home country. This can be supported by mentioning strong ties to the home country, such as employment, property ownership, or family commitments.

• Contact Details: Include the host's contact information, such as phone number and email address, to establish communication between the Canadian immigration authorities and the host if needed.

Inviter must provide full information in the Canadian Invitation Letter

Sample Invitation Letter For Canadian Visa 

To gain a better understanding of the format and content of a Canadian invitation letter, we have provided a complete written letter below. Please note that personal information should be inserted in the designated blank spaces. The person extending the invitation is referred to as the "Inviting Person," while the person being invited is referred to as the "Applicant." 

This sample can be customized for any occasion and by any individual, as long as the relationship is specified and the aforementioned requirements are met.

[Your Name]

[Your Address, Date]

[City, State, ZIP]

[Phone Number]

To the Canadian Embassy in (Country Name)

(Embassy Address)

(Embassy Phone Number)

Subject: Invitation Letter for Mr./Miss (Applicant’s Name)

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is (Inviting Person’s Name), I was born on (XX.XX.XXXX). I am a (status in Canada – citizen/permanent resident) and I live in (address in Canada). 

I am writing this letter to extend an invitation to (Applicant's Name), who was born on (XX.XX.XXXX) and presently resides at (address in Foreign Country), to visit Canada for a short time. (Applicant's Name) will stay at (specific location and address in Canada) starting from (date of entry) until (date of departure). As (Applicant's Name)'s (state relationship), we plan to explore various destinations across Canada and engage in sightseeing activities for a duration of (specific number of days or months). I believe this trip will be an enriching experience for both of us, allowing us to strengthen our bond and create lasting memories.

The duration of (Applicant's Name)’s visit will be from [start date] to [end date]. We have carefully planned your itinerary to ensure the time in Canada and have included several highlights of the region, such as [mention specific attractions or destinations planned for the visit].

As a host, I want to assure you that I will take full responsibility for (Applicant's Name) stay in Canada, including accommodation, transportation, and other related expenses. 

Please find attached supporting documents, such as my Canadian citizenship certificate [or permanent resident card number: XXXXXXX], which demonstrates my status as a resident of Canada.

Please feel free to contact me for any further information about myself or (Applicant's Name). 

I look forward to welcoming (Applicant's Name) to Canada and enjoying memorable moments together. Thank you for considering my invitation!

Kind regards,

(Inviting Person’s Name)

(Address)

(Phone number)

(email) 

Note: This is a sample letter, and it should be customized based on the specific details of your situation. Ensure that all the required information is accurately included before submitting the letter.

It is recommended that travelers prepare Canadian invitation letters before visiting Canada

A well-drafted Canadian invitation letter is a valuable document in the visa application process, providing evidence of a genuine purpose for a visit and establishing a reliable contact in Canada. Aspirants should ensure that the letter contains all the necessary information mentioned above and is signed by the host. It is always advisable to consult the official Canadian government websites or seek legal advice for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa requirements and the invitation letter process. 

At Canada Immigration Services, we help travelers to register for a Canada ETA in the fastest way. Travelers can check your eligibility before starting your application at the link here. Besides, we also provide several add-on services with Travel insurance to assist your trips in Canada. Hope you have a great journey to Canada!