Who Needs an Invitation Letter?
An Invitation Letter is for anyone in Canada who wants to invite a family member, friend, or business contact to visit from another country.
You’ll need this letter when someone is:
- Applying for a Temporary Resident Visa (Visitor Visa) to enter Canada,
- Coming to Canada for a family event like a wedding, graduation, or birth,
- Visiting for tourism, a special occasion, or personal visit,
- Attending a business meeting, conference, or trade event.
This letter helps show Canadian immigration authorities that the visit is genuine and that the guest has a reason and support for their trip.
What Is an Invitation Letter?
An Invitation Letter is a written statement from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident that confirms:
- The inviter’s identity, status, and contact information,
- The relationship with the visitor,
- The purpose and duration of the visit,
- Details of where the visitor will stay and who will cover expenses (if applicable).
This letter helps immigration officers assess the visitor’s application and decide whether to grant a visa.
Where Is This Letter Used?
An Invitation Letter is submitted with the visitor’s visa application to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The letter should be clear, specific, and include enough detail to support the visitor’s case.
Why You Need a Notarized Invitation Letter
Although not always required by IRCC, a notarized Invitation Letter adds legal weight to the document.
Notarizing the letter confirms that:
- The information is accurate and truthful,
- The inviter understands the legal importance of the invitation,
- The document can be trusted by Canadian immigration authorities.
Without notarization, IRCC may request additional documents to verify the information in the letter.
How to Complete and Notarize an Invitation Letter
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to writing and notarizing an Invitation Letter:
- Include your full name, status in Canada (citizen or permanent resident), address, and contact details.
- Provide the visitor’s full name, date of birth, passport details, and relationship to you.
- Describe the reason for the visit, planned activities, and duration of stay.
- Explain where the visitor will stay and who will cover the costs (if applicable).
- Sign the letter in front of a notary public, lawyer, or commissioner of oaths.
- Send the original notarized letter to the visitor to submit with their visa application.
Final Note
An Invitation Letter is a key part of the visa application process for visitors to Canada. By writing the letter clearly, having it notarized, and including all necessary details, you help give your guest the best chance at a smooth application process.
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