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Canada Visitor Visa invitation letter: Complete guide
Photo of Jan Koelle Jan Koelle
5 min read
Updated on Mar 25, 2024

Seeking a short stay in Canada, up to six months? Whether for tourism, family visits, or business, a Temporary Canada Visa opens doors to Canada's wonders.

In some instances, the Canadian Embassy may request an invitation letter from a Canadian contact.

Fill me in

This guide covers the essentials of invitation letters for Canadian visas, including how to write one.

What is an invitation letter for the Canada Visa?

A Canadian Visitor Visa invitation letter is a written invitation from someone you have a close relationship with in Canada, such as a friend, family member, or business partner.

This individual vouches for your identity and visit's purpose, urging the Canadian Consulate to grant your visa. The letter assures the Consulate of your genuine intentions, confirming you'll depart Canada as required and have financial support if necessary.

Serving as additional proof, this letter can bolster your visa application when properly presented.

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 positive. 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.

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

There is no cost. The person inviting the application to visit Canada writes the letter, and the applicant submits it as part of the Canada Visa application process.

Who can write a letter of invitation for your application?

An invitation letter for a Canadian visa can be iwritten by a close family member (like a parent, sibling, spouse, or child), a friend, or a business partner, especially if you're visiting for business reasons.

The key requirement is that the person inviting you must be a permanent resident or citizen of Canada, not an illegal immigrant or without legal status. They should be in good standing, with stable employment and income, to positively influence the visa decision.

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 in the letter as outlined in this article.

What are the requirements for the Invitation Letter for Canada?

Make sure the invitation letter includes the following info:

Visa applicant/visitor information:

  • Complete name (first 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 the applicant will 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:

  • Complete name (first and last name)
  • Date of birth
  • Contact information (telephone number and email)
  • Exact address
  • Status in Canada (Canadian permanent resident or citizen)
  • 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 their household
  • A copy of their Canadian citizenship card or passport
  • Attach a copy of the Canadian birth certificate if the person was born in Canada
  • 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 financial info (bank statements from the last six months) to prove they are able to host the visitor

Sample invitation letter for the Canada Visa

For a better understanding of a Canadian invitation letter's format and required details, below is a template with placeholders for personal information.

In this template, the “Invitee” refers to the person extending the invitation (host), and the "Applicant" denotes the person being invited (person who is applying for the Canada Visa).

Name of Place in Canada, Date

To the Canadian Embassy in [Applicant Country] [Embassy Address] [Embassy Phone Number]

Subject: invitation letter for Mr./Miss [Applicant’s Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is [Invitee’s Name], I was born on [date of birth]. I am a [status in Canada – citizen or permanent resident] and I live at [address in Canada]. My household has [number of people living in the household] and I work as a [job title at company, location], earning [monthly or annual salary].

Through this letter, I am inviting [Applicant Name], born on [date of birth] and currently living at [address in foreign country] to Canada for a short stay. [Applicant Name] will be staying at [location and address in Canada such as a hotel or host address] from [date of entry] until [date of departure]. I am [Applicant Name's] [relationship such as father, sister, friend, business partner, etc.], and we will be traveling around Canada for [duration in days or months] for [tourism, meetings, etc.]. We're especially looking forward to visit [attraction/event/other in Canada].

[Applicant Name] currently works [enter job title and location], earning [monthly or annual salary] with which they will be able to afford their trip to and stay in Canada. [Applicant Name] is a genuine visitor who will not overstay their visa. Their work obligations in [applicant home country] ensure they are needed back home in due time.

Please see attached a certified copy of my [document proving status in Canada such as passport, birth certificate, or PR card] and my bank statement for the past 6 months.

Feel free to contact me with any further questions regarding myself or [Applicant Name].

I look forward to having [Applicant Name] visit me in Canada.

Kind regards,

[Invitee's Name]

[Address] [Phone number] [email] Signature

If you have more questions about the Canada Visa requirements

Here's more info about the Canada Visa invitation letter from the Canadian government.

Feel free to contact us by online chat or WhatsApp with any questions about the Canada Visa requirements or other travel documents. We're happy to help!

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
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