What Is a Letter of Invitation?
A Letter of Invitation is a personal document written by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident inviting someone from another country to visit Canada. It serves to:
- Show the relationship between the host and the visitor
- Clarify the purpose and duration of the visit
- Assure Canadian immigration authorities that the visitor has ties to their home country and will return after the visit
- Demonstrate that the host can support the visitor, if necessary
Note: The letter does not guarantee the visa will be granted. Visa decisions rest solely with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Who Needs to Provide It?
You may need to write a Letter of Invitation if:
- You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and
- You are inviting someone who needs a TRV to visit Canada, such as parents, siblings, or friends.
What to Include in the Letter
Here’s a checklist for the host in Canada:
About the Host:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Canadian address and phone number
- Occupation
- Status in Canada (citizen or permanent resident)
- Copy of passport or PR card
- Proof of income (optional but helpful, especially if you are financially supporting the visitor)
About the Visitor:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Address and phone number
- Relationship to the host
- Purpose and length of visit
- Where the visitor will stay
- Who will pay for travel and expenses
Additional Information:
- A clear statement that the host is inviting the visitor
- The intended dates of the visit
- A promise that the visitor will return home at the end of the visit
- Signature and date
Helpful Tips
- Always check the local visa office’s instructions – some regions may ask for specific formats or notarization.
- Supporting documents (e.g., your proof of income, residency status) are very helpful.
