Essentially, a Letter of Invitation demonstrates that you’re inviting someone to visit Canada and that they have a genuine reason for visiting. It outlines the purpose of the trip and shows that a traveller will return to their home country without overstaying their visa. In the letter, a host typically indicates that they will provide their visitor with accommodation and/or financial support. 

It’s important to note that a Letter of Invitation doesn’t guarantee that a visa applicant will be issued a visa. However, authorities consider the letter when deciding whether an applicant meets Canada’s immigration requirements. 

Why Does Someone Need a Visa to Enter Canada?

Visitors from certain countries require a visa to enter Canada by plane, car, bus, train, or cruise ship. In some cases, travellers may also need a visa for other reasons, depending on their circumstances.

Before applying for a visa, it’s essential to check the official IRCC requirements to confirm which type of travel document is required. A traveller will either need a specific visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) — but never both. 

To learn more about common travel visas and how to apply, see our guide on Preparing a Letter of Invitation to Canada. 

Situations Requiring a Letter of Invitation to Canada

A Letter of Invitation can be used to support a number of different visa applications, for a variety of circumstances. While the letter itself doesn’t guarantee a visa, it provides important context to support a traveller’s visa application.

Types of Visas Requiring a Letter of Invitation

You can draft a Letter of Invitation to support a few types of Canadian visa applications, including the following: 

• Temporary resident visa (also known as a visitor visa)

• Super visa

• Transit visa

To learn more about when each of the above visas is required and how to apply, see our Preparing a Letter of Invitation to Canada guide. 

Circumstances Requiring a Letter of Invitation

You may need to draft a Letter of Invitation for a variety of situations in life; we’ve outlined some of them below:

Inviting Family and Friends to Canada

• Inviting relatives or friends for special occasions such as:

• Birthdays

• Weddings

• Anniversaries

• Hosting parents or grandparents for extended visits

• Inviting family members for caregiving purposes or major family events

Students Inviting Family to Canada

• Inviting family members to attend a graduation ceremony

• Hosting relatives or friends during a school semester

Inviting Business Contacts to Canada

• Inviting an existing or potential buyer, investor, or business partner

• Hosting attendees for trade shows, conferences, or training sessions

• Bringing employees from overseas offices for meetings or projects

Other Special Events:

• Welcoming guests for Canadian cultural or sporting events

• Inviting participants to charitable, religious, or community gatherings.

Letter of Invitation in the Visitor Visa Review Process

Once you’re done writing the Letter of Invitation, you’ll need to send it to the person you’re inviting to visit in Canada. A visa officer will then review their visa application (including your Letter of Invitation) and decide whether to issue a visa. Each application is assessed carefully to determine whether an applicant meets the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act’s requirements.

Again, a Letter of Invitation does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a visa. An immigration officer makes the final decision after reviewing the visa application holistically. 

Letter of Invitation for Business Visitors to Canada

If your company is preparing a Letter of invitation for business associates, it should be written by a representative of the company. The company representative should be someone who is authorized to sign official documents. Some companies may also have designated personnel for issuing these letters.

The Government of Canada recommends providing two original copies of the letter. One to submit in the visitor’s visa application, and the other to present to border officers upon arrival in Canada. Companies should also allow sufficient time for visa processing, as timelines can vary. You can check the current IRCC processing times to plan accordingly.

Letter of Invitation for Students in Canada

If you’re a student from abroad studying in Canada, you may want to invite family or friends to visit you. To be eligible to write a Letter of Invitation, you must have completed at least six months of studies in Canada.

When preparing the letter, you must include the details of your invitation and supporting documents to strengthen your visitor’s visa application. Required supporting documents will vary, depending on whether you’re currently enrolled in school or have completed graduation requirements. See the documents you’ll need for each situation below.

If you are currently enrolled in school, you’ll need:

• A photocopy of your passport

• A copy of your study permit and a current Confirmation of Registration Letter

• Your study permit should be valid for the duration of your guests’ stay in Canada

• Your official transcript

If you have completed your degree requirements, you’ll need:

• A photocopy of your passport

• A copy of your post-graduation work permit and/or study permit, and a current Confirmation of Registration Letter

• At least one of your immigration documents should be valid for the duration of the time that your guests intend to stay in Canada. You will also need to include your official transcript

• Your official transcript

Does a Letter of Invitation Need to be Commissioned?

Having your Letter of Invitation to Canada commissioned is best practice. Some visa offices require an authorized official, like a notary public, to sign your Letter of Invitation. It’s best to contact the Canadian visa office in your visitor’s country to check if this is required.

Signing your letter with a notary gives it more credibility, increasing the chances of your visitor’s visa application being accepted. It also demonstrates your dedication to providing accurate information, making your letter more trustworthy.

Book an online appointment with a notary to have your Letter of Invitation commissioned in 7 minutes from anywhere. 

Details to Include in Your Letter of Invitation to Canada

If you’re drafting a Letter of Invitation for a visitor, you’re not legally responsible for them once they enter Canada. Despite that, your letter needs to be truthful; you must keep any promises you make in it. 

You must outline how you’ll support your guest during their visit — for example, by buying their plane ticket or providing accommodations. Ensure that the information in your letter is truthful and that it matches the details in your guest’s application.

Include the following details about the person you’re inviting:

• Full legal name

• Date of birth

• Address and phone number

• The purpose of their trip

• The length of time they plan to stay

• Their relationship to you (e.g., brother, friend, etc.)

• Where they’ll be staying

• When they plan to leave Canada

• How they will pay for things

Include the information below about yourself:

• Full legal name

• Address and phone number

• Job title

• Date of birth

• Whether you’re a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident

• Your family’s information: the names and birth dates of your spouse and dependents

• A copy of a Canadian status document (Canadian citizenship card or birth certificate)

• A copy of your IMM 1000 proof of landing or PR card (for permanent residents)

• A Secure Certificate of Indian Status or a Certificate of Indian Status (status card)

Additional details to include:

• Embassy/Consulate’s address where the letter is being sent

• The traveller’s arrival date in Canada

• Date of the letter

• The inviter’s employer and years of employment

• The visitor’s passport number and its expiry date

Supporting Documents for Your Letter of Invitation

In addition to a Letter of Invitation, you can provide your visitor with supporting documents to strengthen their visa application. Send your visitor the following documents to support their visa application:

• A copy of your passport

• A copy of your permanent resident card

• Proof of relationship (e.g., a copy of your marriage certificate if the visitor is your spouse)

• Proof of Canadian citizenship

• A Letter of Employment

• Proof of finances if you’ve stated you’ll support the visitor (e.g., pay stubs)

• Proof of accommodation (if not at your home, a hotel reservation confirmation)

Draft a Letter of Invitation to Canada Today

Now that you know how to draft a Letter of Invitation to Canada, it’s time to get started! NotaryPro offers a customizable Letter of Invitation template, so you can complete your letter in no time. Just fill in the required fields, and have a legally sound letter delivered to your inbox.

Once you’ve completed your letter, you can meet with a notary public online to have it commissioned in minutes. Attend your notary appointment from anywhere with Wi-Fi, from any device with a camera, including your smartphone. Book a future appointment or enjoy instant service today!