logo
Canada Visitor Visa invitation letter: how to family or friends?
iVisa
3 min read
Updated on Dec 19, 2023

The Canada Visitor Visa is a temporary resident visa to visit Canada for tourism, business, or to visit friends and family. A letter of invitation is not mandatory for the application, but it can make the process smooth in the visa office if a friend or family member is going to visit you. You must be a Canadian citizen or have a residence permit to do this and provide some details.

We know it is uncommon to write letters these days, so we’ll provide further information to help you follow Canada's immigration law.

Fill me in

Everything You Need to Know about the Canada Invitation Letter

This simple, signed letter appeals to the visa office in favor of the traveler applying for a Visitor Visa; it also reinforces that the applicant is not giving false information about their intentions to enter Canada.

The invitation must include the details such as the address and telephone number of the Canadian citizens or residents and the friend or family member’s information.

Get your Canada Visitor Visa here..

Who can send you a letter of invitation from Canada?

It must be a Canadian, a naturalized citizen, or a country resident who writes the invitation letter. The person must know the traveler who intends to visit Canada, being a family member, close friend, or business partner.

What are the information and supporting documents required for the letter of invitation?

The invitation letter must include details about the visa applicant and the person living in Canada. You must have the following information on hand to write the letter of invitation:

Visa applicant’s information:

  • The complete name (first name and last name)

  • Date of birth

  • Contact information (telephone number and email),

  • Exact address

  • The relationship that the applicant has with the person inviting them

  • The purpose of the visit to Canada

  • The duration of the visit

  • Where will the applicant stay in Canada, and how will they pay for their stay

  • The date when the person will arrive in Canada and the date they will leave

  • Copy of proof of financial support (bank statements from the last six months)

The information of the person inviting the applicant:

  • The complete name (first name and last name)

  • Date of birth

  • Contact information (telephone number and email)

  • Exact address

  • Status in Canada (Canadian permanent resident or citizen)

  • The job title

  • Names and dates of birth of close family members and dependents (spouse or common-law partner and children)

  • The total number of people that live in your household.

  • Attach a copy of the Canadian citizenship card or passport

  • Attach a copy of the Canadian birth certificate if the person was born in Canada

  • Attach a copy of their Permanent Resident card or the IMM 1000 (Proof of Landing document) if they are a permanent resident.

  • If you are the sponsor, provide proof of financial support (bank statements from the last six months)

Is an invitation letter mandatory for a Visitor Visa to Canada?

The letter of invitation is not mandatory. Still, it can be requested in some cases or make the application process more accessible for a family member or friend visiting you. The letter works as proof of the visa applicant’s travel purpose.

Can I apply for a Canada Visitor Visa without an invitation letter?

Yes, you can. You don’t need a letter of invitation to apply for the Canada Visitor Visa. You must provide your travel details and meet all the requirements to get this visa.

Can a friend send me an invitation letter to visit Canada?

Yes, a friend or family member can write a letter of invitation. They just need to provide the required information above in the letter.

How much does an invitation letter cost for family members and friends?

There is no cost. The person inviting the relatives to visit Canada writes the letter, and they add it to the application process.

Disclaimer
  • iVisa is NOT affiliated with any government agency. This site does not provide legal advice and we are not a law firm. None of our customer service representatives are lawyers and they also do not provide legal advice. We are a private, internet-based travel and immigration consultancy provider dedicated to helping individuals travel around the world. You may apply by yourself directly on the various government websites. The source of information: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/immigration-citizenship.html

Stay in touch!

Join our newsletter to receive the best traveling tips

Thanks! Please check your email and confirm you want to join our Newsletter.

© 2014-2024 iVisa.com. All rights reserved. iVisa and iVisa logo are registered trademarks of iVisa.com.

en flag English
$ USD
Intercom Chat