If you are planning to invite a family member or friend to Canada, you may be wondering how to write a Canada visitor visa invitation letter and what information should be included. A well-prepared invitation letter can help explain the purpose of the visitor’s trip, the relationship between the visitor and the person in Canada, and where the visitor will stay during the visit.
The good news is that writing an invitation letter does not have to be complicated. However, the information should be accurate, consistent with the visitor’s visa application, and supported by relevant documents where appropriate.
This guide explains what to include in a Canada visitor visa invitation letter, who should write it, what supporting documents may be useful, common mistakes to avoid, and how an invitation letter fits into a Canadian visitor visa application.
Important: An invitation letter does not guarantee that a Canadian visitor visa will be approved. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) assesses each application based on the applicant’s circumstances and applicable immigration requirements.
What Is a Canada Visitor Visa Invitation Letter?
A Canada visitor visa invitation letter is a written statement from someone in Canada inviting a person to visit them.
The person writing the letter may be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, or another person legally residing in Canada, depending on the circumstances. The visitor may be a parent, sibling, child, relative, friend, or another person with a genuine reason to visit Canada.
The purpose of the letter is to provide additional information about the proposed visit. According to IRCC, an invitation letter can help confirm that the visitor’s purpose for travelling to Canada is valid.
The letter should be truthful and written specifically for the visitor. It should not contain exaggerated claims or information that cannot be supported.
It is also important to understand what an invitation letter does not do. The person inviting someone to Canada is not automatically becoming legally responsible for that visitor simply because they wrote an invitation letter. However, the inviter should write in good faith and keep any promises made in the letter.
What Should a Canada Visitor Visa Invitation Letter Include?
IRCC provides specific information that should be included in a visitor invitation letter. The information covers both the person being invited and the person writing the letter.
1. Full Name of the Visitor
Start by identifying the person you are inviting.
Use the visitor’s full name exactly as it appears on their passport or travel document. Avoid nicknames or shortened versions of their name.
You should also include the visitor’s date of birth.
2. Visitor’s Address and Contact Information
Include the visitor’s current residential address, telephone number, and other relevant contact information.
The information should be accurate and consistent with the visitor’s visa application.
3. Relationship Between the Visitor and the Inviter
Clearly explain your relationship.
For example:
- Mother
- Father
- Brother
- Sister
- Son
- Daughter
- Uncle
- Aunt
- Cousin
- Friend
If the relationship is not immediately obvious, provide a short explanation.
For example, instead of simply writing “friend,” you could explain how and when you became friends.
If the visitor is a relative, supporting evidence of the relationship may also be relevant. IRCC gives examples such as birth certificates and marriage certificates as documents that can help establish a relationship.
4. Purpose of the Visit
One of the most important parts of the invitation letter is explaining why the visitor wants to come to Canada.
Be specific but straightforward.
For example, the purpose could be:
- Visiting family
- Spending time with children or grandchildren
- Attending a family celebration
- Visiting a friend
- Tourism and sightseeing
- Attending a special event
- Taking a short holiday
The purpose stated in the invitation letter should match the purpose described elsewhere in the visitor’s application.
Avoid vague statements such as “They are coming to Canada for some time.” A clearer explanation is more useful.
5. Planned Length of Stay
State how long the visitor intends to stay in Canada.
For example:
“I am inviting my mother to visit Canada for approximately six weeks, from June 10 to July 22, 2027.”
The dates should be realistic and consistent with the visitor’s proposed itinerary.
IRCC specifically asks for information about the length of the planned visit in an invitation letter.
6. Where the Visitor Will Stay
Explain where the visitor will stay while in Canada.
If the visitor will stay at your home, provide your complete Canadian address.
If the visitor will stay somewhere else, explain the accommodation arrangements.
This information can help make the travel plans easier to understand.
7. Who Will Pay for the Visit?
The invitation letter should explain how the visitor’s expenses will be covered.
For example, the visitor may pay for their own:
- Airfare
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transportation
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
Alternatively, the inviter may provide accommodation, financial support, or both.
If the inviter is promising to cover specific expenses, the letter should clearly state what those expenses are.
Do not promise financial support unless you genuinely have the ability and intention to provide it.
8. Intended Departure From Canada
The invitation letter should state when the visitor plans to leave Canada.
This is important because a visitor visa is for temporary travel. The visitor must satisfy the applicable requirements for temporary entry and should provide information supporting their plans.
For example:
“My sister intends to return to her home country at the end of her planned visit on September 15, 2027.”
The visitor should also provide their own evidence supporting their circumstances and plans outside Canada. An invitation letter should not be treated as a substitute for the applicant’s other supporting documents.
Information About the Person Inviting the Visitor
The invitation letter should also provide information about the inviter in Canada.
According to IRCC, this includes the inviter’s:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address in Canada
- Telephone number
- Job title
- Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
The inviter should also provide a copy of an appropriate document proving their status in Canada. Depending on the circumstances, this could include a Canadian birth certificate, Canadian citizenship document, or permanent resident documentation.
If appropriate, the inviter should also provide information about their family, including the names and dates of birth of their spouse and dependants.
Should You Include Proof of Income?
Whether financial evidence should be included depends on the circumstances of the application and the promises made by the inviter.
If the inviter says they will pay for accommodation, living expenses, transportation, or other costs, it can be sensible to provide evidence supporting their ability to do so when required or appropriate.
Depending on the application, relevant evidence may include employment information, pay records, bank statements, or other financial documents.
However, applicants should not assume that the inviter’s financial documents replace the visitor’s own evidence. IRCC may consider the visitor’s financial circumstances and other supporting documents when assessing the application.
Does the Invitation Letter Need to Be Notarized?
A common question is whether a Canada visitor visa invitation letter must be notarized.
There is no general requirement on IRCC’s standard invitation-letter guidance that every ordinary visitor visa invitation letter must be notarized. The important point is that the letter should contain accurate information and be prepared appropriately for the application.
However, document requirements can vary according to the applicant’s circumstances and the visa office processing the application. Applicants should always follow the personalized document checklist generated for their application.
IRCC explains that visitor visa applicants receive a personalized document checklist based on the information provided during the application process.
Supporting Documents for a Canada Visitor Visa Invitation Letter
An invitation letter is only one part of a visitor visa application.
Depending on the circumstances, useful supporting documents may include:
- Proof of the inviter’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
- Evidence of the relationship between the visitor and inviter
- Proof of accommodation
- Evidence of financial circumstances
- Employment documents
- Bank statements
- Travel itinerary
- Evidence of previous travel
- Other documents requested by IRCC
IRCC notes that proof of relationship can include documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, custody documents, joint financial documents, or other evidence that establishes the relationship.
The visitor may also need evidence showing that they have enough money for their trip and circumstances demonstrating their intention and ability to comply with the conditions of their temporary stay.
Canada Visitor Visa Invitation Letter Sample Structure
A simple invitation letter can follow this structure:
Date
To: Visa Officer
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Subject: Letter of Invitation for [Visitor’s Full Name]
Dear Visa Officer,
I am writing to invite [visitor’s full name], born on [date of birth], to visit me in Canada.
I am [your full name], born on [date of birth], and I live at [full Canadian address]. I am a [Canadian citizen/permanent resident] and work as [job title].
The visitor is my [relationship]. The purpose of the proposed visit is [explain purpose].
The planned visit is from approximately [arrival date] to [departure date]. During the visit, [visitor’s name] will stay at [accommodation address].
The expenses for the visit will be covered by [visitor/inviter/both]. Specifically, [briefly explain who will pay for accommodation, transportation, food, or other expenses].
The visitor intends to leave Canada at the end of the planned visit and return to [country of residence].
I have included information supporting my identity and status in Canada as appropriate.
Sincerely,
[Inviter’s full name]
[Address]
[Telephone number]
[Email address]
[Signature]
This is a general structure rather than an official IRCC form. IRCC states that the invitation letter should be written by the inviter and contain the relevant information about both parties.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A strong invitation letter is not necessarily a long invitation letter. Clear and truthful information is more useful than unnecessary detail.
Avoid these common mistakes:
Making False Claims
Never provide information simply because you think it will make the application stronger.
False or misleading information can create serious immigration problems.
Giving Conflicting Information
The dates, relationship, accommodation arrangements, purpose of travel, and financial arrangements should make sense when compared with the rest of the application.
For example, if the invitation letter says the visitor will stay for two months but another document indicates a planned stay of two weeks, the discrepancy may require explanation.
Treating the Letter as a Guarantee
An invitation letter does not guarantee approval.
IRCC clearly states that an invitation letter can support an application, but the visa officer still assesses whether the applicant meets the applicable requirements.
Writing an Extremely Long Personal Story
The letter should provide relevant facts rather than several pages of unrelated family history.
A professional letter is usually easier to understand when it is organized into short paragraphs with clear information.
Promising Financial Support Without Evidence
If you state that you will pay all expenses, make sure the claim is genuine and that you can provide appropriate evidence if requested.
Does an Invitation Letter Guarantee a Canada Visitor Visa?
No.
This is one of the most important points for anyone searching for a Canada visitor visa invitation letter sample or Canada visa invitation letter requirements.
An invitation letter is supporting evidence. It does not automatically establish that the visitor qualifies for a visitor visa.
IRCC states that a letter of invitation does not guarantee that a visa will be issued. Visa officers assess applications under Canada’s immigration rules.
The applicant should therefore prepare the complete application carefully rather than relying on the invitation letter alone.
Invitation Letter vs. Visa Application
It is useful to understand the difference between these two documents.
The invitation letter is written by the person in Canada and explains the proposed visit and relationship.
The visitor visa application is submitted by the person who wants to travel to Canada.
The visitor is responsible for providing the information and documents required for their application. IRCC’s online process provides a personalized document checklist based on the applicant’s answers.
In other words, the invitation letter supports the application, but it does not replace the application.
What About a Super Visa?
A Super Visa is different from an ordinary visitor visa and has additional requirements for eligible parents and grandparents.
For example, IRCC states that a Super Visa invitation letter from the host child or grandchild must include a promise of financial support and information about the people included in the family-size calculation. The host must also meet applicable income requirements.
Therefore, do not automatically use a standard visitor visa invitation letter for a Super Visa application. Always check the current Super Visa requirements.
Final Checklist for Your Canada Visitor Visa Invitation Letter
Before sending the letter to the visitor, check that it includes:
- The visitor’s full name
- Visitor’s date of birth
- Visitor’s address and telephone number
- Relationship between visitor and inviter
- Purpose of the trip
- Planned length of stay
- Where the visitor will stay
- Who will pay for the visit
- Expected departure date
- Inviter’s full name
- Inviter’s date of birth
- Inviter’s Canadian address
- Inviter’s telephone number
- Inviter’s occupation or job title
- Inviter’s Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status
- Appropriate proof of the inviter’s status
- Relevant family information
- Signature and contact information
Most importantly, check the visitor’s personalized IRCC document checklist before submitting the application.