invitation letter for husband to visit canada

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• How to Write an Invitation Letter for Canada Visa?
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An invitation letter to Canada is required for a few visa categories, including tourist visas, business visas, and family reunion visas. It will improve the chance of getting a visa. At the same time, it is a necessary part of the requirements for other visas. This blog will explain an invitation letter, the visa applicants who need it, how to write one, FAQs, and samples of invitation letters to Canada .

Table of Contents

How to Write an Invitation Letter for a Canadian Visa?

Typically, a letter of invitation Canada sample is from someone in Canada who understands the purpose of your visit and confirms your honesty. If a Canadian citizen or resident sends you an invitation letter, it can simplify your Canada short-stay (Temporary) visa application process.

When writing a Canada visa invitation letter , you must follow certain steps to write an effective invitation letter for a Canada visa. Here are the steps to writing an effective Canada invitation letter:

• Date of birth
• Contact information (email and phone number)
• A valid address in Canada
• Residential status as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (Canadian Passport or Canadian citizenship card, birth certificate if born in Canada, or a copy of the Permanent Resident card or the IMM 1000)
• Information about their job in Canada
• Names and birthdates of dependents and their residing close family members
• The total number of individuals living in their household, including individuals they have sponsored and those whose sponsorship is still in progress.
• Present address
• Phone number
• What the applicant’s purpose in visiting Canada is
• Relation between the visa applicant and the host
• How long the applicant will stay in Canada
• The accommodation and financial means of the guest
• The dates the guest will enter and leave Canada
• Begin by introducing yourself as the host and extending a polite greeting.
• Describe the planned activities and places the visitor will see during the visit. If possible, provide a rough itinerary.
• Make sure to state your commitment to supporting the visitor during their stay and your understanding of their responsibilities.
• For added authenticity, sign and notarize the letter.
• In addition to your Canadian ID, passport, or any proof of your immigration status in Canada, include any supporting documents you may have.
• As English and French are Canada’s official languages, make sure the letter is written in these languages.
• Verify that the information provided in the letter is accurate and complete by reviewing it for accuracy and clarity.

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Sample Invitation Letter to Canada for Parents

A sample letter of invitation to Canada for parents is provided below. You can make the necessary changes, and use it for your “visitor visa for Parents Canada” application.

To whom it may concern,

January 5th, 2021

Re: Letter of invitation for my parents (John Travis and Jannet Travis)

This is to verify the support I will provide to the Temporary Resident Visitor Visa application of my parents. My father, John Travis (born April 2, 1962, passport number K12345678), and my mother, Jannet Travis (born May 3, 1970, passport number K12345678), live at

Hauptbahnhof,

Europaplatz 1,

10557 Berlin,

Their home phone number is 123-789-654

I am an international student studying an MA in English literature at Dalhousie University. I completed my BA studies at McGill University in 2019. I would like to invite my parents to participate in the graduation ceremony, which will be held on July 11, 2022, in Halifax.

They intend to stay with me for about 3 weeks at my house from July 9 to 31st, 2022.

They will be booking their flights to leave Germany on July 6, 2022. Accommodation and food expenses will be covered by me totally; however, they will cover the other expenses of the trip on their own.

You are kindly requested to find the attached copy of your passport and study permit. My date of birth is December 10, 1991. I live at 3446 Huffington Ave West, Halifax, Nova Scotia, M3E 4Z5. My phone number is 702-456-159-357, and my email address is [email protected] .

You are highly appreciated in advance for considering my parents’ temporary resident visa application.

Thomas Muller Schmit

Video description 

List of eligible countries for eTA. 

IRCC website to apply for an eTA

Canada Invitation Letter Sample for Visitor Visa

This “sample invitation letter for visitor visa Canada” allows you to get familiar with a common standard letter to increase the possibility of receiving the visa.

Below, you can see a “Canada visitor visa invitation letter sample.” Make the necessary changes, and use it for your “letter of invitation for visitor visa” application.

Ontario, July 27, 2020

To the Canadian Embassy in Beijing, China

19 Dongzhimen Outer St, Chaoyang, Beijing, China

+86 10 5139 4000

Subject: Invitation Letter for Mr. Jin Jin

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is Jin Ling, I was born on January 10, 1991, and I am from Toronto. I am a Canadian citizen, and I live in Suite 1450, 220 Laurier Avenue W., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

My household has no one living with me, and I work for M&Tech, earning C$ 25.000.

Through this letter, I am inviting Jin Jin, born on August 25, 1995, and currently living at 17 Dongzhimen Outer St, Chaoyang, Beijing, China, to Canada for a short stay. Mr. Jin Jin will be staying in Suite 1450, 220 Laurier Avenue W., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, from July 30, 2020, until November 30, 2020. I am Jin Jin’s brother, and we will be visiting and touring around Canada for two months in different locations.

Jin Jin currently works as an engineer, earning C$ 3500 with which he will be able to afford the stay in Canada. Jin is a genuine visitor who will not overstay his visa. His work obligations in Beijing R&D have been extended, and Mr. Jin is needed back to work as soon as he returns from Canada.

You are kindly informed to find the certified copy of my Permanent Residence card and my bank report for the past 6 months.

You are also requested to contact me should you have any further questions regarding myself or Mr. Jin Jin.

I look forward to having Mr. Jin Jin visit me in Canada so we can spend time together and visit Canada.

Kind regards,

Suite 1450, 220 Laurier Avenue W., Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

+1 613-789-3434

Ling [email protected]                  

The photo below provides another sample of writing an invitation letter for a Canada visa:

Canada Super Visa Invitation Letter Sample

Canada Super Visa allows foreign grandparents and parents to spend extended periods with their grandchildren in Canada. An invitation letter is required for the Super Visa if the parents or grandparents plan to stay longer than six months.

The following is a Canada super visa invitation letter sample . Using it for your Canada super visa application is easy. You can make the necessary changes, and use it.

Dear Sir or Madam,

This is to verify that my grandparents, Mr. Hamza Akbari and Mrs. Ayeza Abbasi, will be visiting me from January 5, 2023, through April 15, 2023, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. They are the residents of Iran, Islamic Republic, and are retired as teachers from the Department of Education.

My grandfather, Hamza Akbari, was born in Tehran, the capital city of Iran, on February 14, 1953, and my grandmother, Ayeza Abbasi,  was born on June 20, 1955, in Isfahan City. They are both Iranian citizens and live at the following address:

Apartment 25

Golestan building

Azadi Avenue 126

Tehran, the capital city of Iran

Postcode: 3154117451

Their phone number is: 0098 32-23-49-23

They will be staying with me in the city of Halifax until April 15, 2023, when I will take them personally to the Porters Lake Waterdome airport to fly to Iran. They will be visiting to stay with me during the Nowroz, Persian New Year, and my birthday. They will also attend my marriage ceremony which will be held in the local church. They are looking forward to seeing my marriage ceremony as I had lived with them for four years during my Bachelor’s degree. You are kindly informed that we will be visiting our relatives in Vancouver and Toronto on the weekends and paying a visit to other tourist attractions in the country.

My address is:

2811 Lower Water St

Halifax, NS, Canada

My phone number is:

1.833.888.1011

My cellphone number is:

902.407.6847

You are kindly informed that I am a translator working for Wise Advertisement in theri business and foreign relation department. I live on my own in a rented apartment on 2811 Lower Water St in Halifax. My name is Ali Akbari, and I am 30 years old. I was born on December 12, 1991 in Isfahan, Iran, and I am a permanent resident of Canada, where I have lived for the past five years.

As mentioned before, I live on my own, and have only sponsored my parents two years ago. They left Canada on the scheduled date.

Best regards,

(Signature)

Canada Business Invitation Letter Sample

You must provide an invitation letter to apply for a Canada business visa and build business ties with your partner. The Canadian company’s name, contact information, and official letterhead must be used in this letter. Any previous business relations, such as sales, MOUs, and contracts, should be mentioned in the letter if appropriate. Furthermore, the company’s goals for the visit should be explained to the guest.

The following is a Canada business invitation letter sample for companies and corporations. Use this “business letter format Canada” to apply with more confidence.

Martin Jacobs

The CEO of Wise Technical Mining Advancement, LLC

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Date: 20th May 2022

Ahmad Najib Ehsan

Mining Dubai . CO.

Subject: Letter of business invitation to attend an Exhibition on technological Advancement

I intend to invite you on behalf of  Wise Technical Mining Advancement, LLC, to participate in our exhibition of new technologies in Vancouver on June 13 2022.

It will be our pleasure to have you as one of our guests and introduce the new technologies and advancements in the mining field as you have always been one of our good clients for a long time. You are nicely requested to visit as early as possible so we can provide the best hotel as early as possible. You are requested to inform us if you are coming or not.

We hope you honor us with your presence and develop another sale of Mining equipment to the United Arab Emirates. The last contract was beneficial for both companies and the nation.

Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely Yours,

Martin Jacobs, CEO

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Invitation letter for canada, canada sponsorship letter.

Family members seeking permanent residency can obtain a Canada Sponsorship Letter from a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. During the sponsored person’s initial settlement in Canada, the sponsor uses a letter of visa sponsorship to commit to providing financial and emotional support. Obtaining this letter proves that the sponsored person will not require social assistance upon arrival for family sponsorship programs, including spouse, common-law partner, parent, and grandparent sponsorships. A letter of sponsorship is not typically needed for student or visitor visas, as it primarily pertains to family reunification cases.

The following is a letter of sponsorship sample. Make the required modifications before using it.

December 15, 2021

Ahmad Izmir

220 apartment, İstiklal Avenue, Istanbul, Turkey

+90357-753-258

Subject: Sponsorship letter for Erdogan Izmir

My name is Ahmad Izmir, currently residing in Istanbul at the mentioned address; and I am a citizen of Turkey.

This letter is to verify that I, Ahmad Manfred, confirm my sponsorship for Erdogan Izmir, supporting my relationship with the student as the father. Erdogan Izmir will be studying at Sherbrooke University for the duration of four years. He will be visiting Canada for years during a BA program from September 2022 to November 2024.

You are kindly requested to find the attached list of documents and bank statements as proof of my financial capacity to sponsor my son and support Erdogan Izmir for a minimum of CA$75.000. These funds will replenish and cover his expenses, including food, rent, tuition fees, clothing, transportation, and others.

You are kindly requested to contact me, for I will gladly extend my help in the best possible manner.

Ahmad [email protected]

Canada Invitation Letter Sample to a Close Friend

Can a friend sponsor you to Canada? Indeed, friends cannot sponsor you as they can a family member. Still, they may be able to provide a support letter or invitation letter to help you enhance your visa application if you plan to visit Canada for a short time.

The following is an invitation letter for a Canada visa to a close friend. For visa applications, you can modify, and use it.

This is to verify that Kıvanç Ulusoy will be visiting me from May 20, 2023, through September 1, 2023, in Quebec, Canada. Kıvanç is a close friend whom I met four years ago before the COVID-19 pandemic in Turkey. He hosted me for two weeks in his own house in Istanbul and showed me the whole area. We also visited Germany together the following year. He will be coming to visit me in my home in Quebec city.

My guest, Kıvanç Ulusoy, was born in Istanbul, Turkey, on August 16, 1989, to an originally Arab father named Adel Yousef and a Turkish mother named Hande Özdemir. He holds an EU passport and lives in Istanbul as a tour guide at the following address:

Apartment 22

Navastia building

Libadiye Caddesi,

His phone number is: 0090- 666-3387-9321

We will be visiting a Turkish festival being held in Quebec and Kıvanç Ulusoy will have the cancer to introduce the Turkish culture and traditions to the Canadian people. Then, we will enjoy mountain climbing. My friend also will look at the tourism opportunities of Quebec city and consider bringing Turkish to the city as tours.

69 Saint Louis Street,

Québec, QC.

+1- 312-693-448-

I am an English and French teacher working in Quebec school. I won my 2-bedroom home at 69 Saint Louis street,G1R 3Z2, Québec, QC. and live alone there. My name is Charlie Jackson, and I am 35 years old. I was born on April 17, 1983 in Vancouver British Columbia and I am a Canadian citizen.

As I mentioned, I live alone in my house and have never sponsored anyone.

Signature (The host’s, not the guest’s)

Who Needs an Invitation Letter for a Canada Visa?

You don’t require an invitation letter if you are eligible for a Canada eTA. Who needs an invitation letter to a Canada visa ?

• A tourist who does not qualify for a short-term visa for Canada.
• Canada super visa applicants.
• Visitors to Canada for business purposes without a short-stay visa.

Who Can Write an Invitation Letter for a Canada Visa?

Who can send me an invitation letter to Canada? These people can:

• A close friend
• A business partner

Tips for Writing an Invitation Letter for a Canada Visa

To write a sample letter of invitation to Canada , you need to:

• Information about the trip, the host, and funding should be provided, proving the host’s financial ability.
• Make sure the name on the letter matches the official documents.
• Ensure the host’s signature matches their official one in Canada and state the address and postal code correctly.
• Include the new address and the reason for the host’s relocation in the letter.
• Provide entry and departure dates and evidence that the visitor is returning.
• Provide evidence, like a job contract or leave letter, that the visitor is connected to their country.

Can I Apply to Canada Without an Invitation Letter?

Can I get a visa for Canada without an invitation letter? Yes. If you don’t have a letter of invitation , you can apply for a visa to visit Canada. Invitation letters are sometimes helpful in visa applications but are not always required. Your conditions and the type of visa you are applying for will determine whether you need one. An invitation letter from a Canadian host can enhance your application for visitor visas, such as tourist or business visas. Some visas require specific invitations or sponsorship letters, such as family sponsorship programs.

Invitation Letter for a Canada Visa Expiration

After your host writes an invitation letter to Canada sample for you, you need to check it grammatically and present it as a part of your application. However, like most documents, they have an expiration date. If your invitation letter Canada is over two years old, it is considered ancient or antique. You would better renew them and get a new one.

Do You Have to Notarize the Invitation Letter for a Canada Visa?

Depending on your nationality, duration of stay, hots’ conditions, and background, the officer might require you to notarize the letter. You will know this during the visa interview. Preparing a notarized one in advance would be better to save time.

What Countries Might Need a Canada Invitation Letter?

In countries with a high rate of visa application rejections for Canada, submitting a Canada invitation letter may be beneficial. Applicants from historically high rejection rate regions often need to submit an invitation letter. These countries are:

Note: Mentioning the list of the above countries doesn’t mean that all applications from these countries will get rejected. It means that the residents of the above countries need to be extra careful with their application.

Let’s Sum Up…

In this blog, we explained all the general information you need about the Invitation letter for a Canada visa. We explained why you need an invitation letter for a Canada visa, the groups that need it, how to write one, and the information you should include.

If you have some experience, please write it in the comment section. Your comments let the readers choose better and avoid mistakes. Conveying your experiences as comments is a great help for applicants.

Visa fees and costs vary depending on the type of visa and your circumstances. Current fees can be found on the government’s official website.

Yes, hosts are required to sign an invitation letter for Canadian visas.

A visa or entry permit is still required if you are invited to Canada.

You can send an invitation letter by email, but you will need to submit a physical copy for certain applications.

If you are a Canadian citizen or resident, you can get an invitation letter from them. During your visit, they should provide details about your relationship with them and the purpose of your visit.

If an international student is legally allowed to host visitors in Canada, they can write an invitation letter that clarifies the purpose of the visit.

Visas are legal documents issued by governments allowing entry into a country, while invitation letters invite people to visit. Invitation letters support visa applications, but they are not visas themselves.

• Published by
• September 1, 2020

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41 Comments

Hi. Your blog comes incredibly in handy. Could you please do a favor by telling me how I can prove my relationship with a sibling?

Thanks for your kind feedback. To prove the applicant’s relationship with the resident in Canada (that would be you), the applicant should submit some documentation. For instance: A birth certificate, An official document that recognizes them as your siblings, and a copy of the inside back cover of your passport in which their name is detailed.

My cousin wants to travel to Canada, and he asked if I can send him an invitation letter. Now I see it’s not possible. Thanks.

Can I send an invitation letter to my cousin for a Canada visa?

We are afraid the invitation letter only involves immediate family members.

Hi, is it required to write an invitation letter to my boy friend?

Hello there. Thanks for leaving a comment on our website. A person with the following features needs an invitation letter: 1. The applicant wants to visit Canada for tourism. He/she is not free of Canada short-stay visa. 2. The visitor is going to apply for a Canada super visa. 3. The applicant is visiting Canada for business purposes. The visitor is not free of Canada short-stay visa.

Hi there, I am just wondering if I can send an invitation letter to my siblings and/or my nephew for a visit visa? Thank you in advance for your answer. Best,

Dear Nazanin You are kindly informed that you can send your siblings an invitation letter and It might be possible to send your nephew one if they are to visit as tourism or visiting you. However, make sure all the details all included in the letter. Best regards.

The sample of the letters you have provided here are very helpful, thank you.

I want to invite my boyfriend in Canada and I am on study permit. we are in relationship for last five years. Could you please help me in writing a invitation letter for him.

Dear Aman You are kindly informed that the blog will be updated soon and you can use the sample letters to write one yourself.

Hi, I would like to send an invitation letter to my friend, how and where to send the letter of applications?

Dear J.Harvey Thank you for asking your question from Visa Library You need to write the invitation letter and send a scanned copy to your friend. You can send it through What’s App or Gmail, choices are yours. But the scanned need to have good quality. The timing is when your friend applies for the visa and submit all the required supporting documents to the IRCC. I hope you received your response. Best wishes

Hi, thanks for your blog I’m planning to send an invention letter to one of my friends, I was wondering if it is even possible to do this or not. the other problem is that I’m currently a student and I don’t have a job, does it make the worth of the invention letter less or not

thanks in advance

Dear Sir/Madam Thank you for your question You are kindly informed that you can write an invitation letter for your friend and state that your friend will be staying with you or wants to see you. But you should know that the Canadian authorities are strict about a visitor visa to see a friend and it is not as easy as the visa to visit your relatives. Best wishes

Hello , I prepared invitation but do I need to send to noterizu.

Dear Flora You often do not need to notarize the invitation letter unless the officials in the foreign country the applicant is living might require the letter to be notarized.

Hi for purposes of visiting for an end of life ceremony for my father, Can I (international student in Canada) write an invitation for my husband to visit Canada to get a TRV? Also, my sister is a Canadian Citizen, is is better we have an invite letter from her as well? Please let me know. Thanks.

Dear Nadia Siddiqi You are kindly informed that you can write the invitation letter and the purpose of visit is strong and it is likely to convince the officer to issue the visa. If your sister is working, you can mentioned her in your letter as the financial supporter.

Hi, For applying for visitor visa to canada for my parents should i include both of there details in one invitation letter or in 2 different letter?

Dear PARAS CHAUDHARY You can include both your parents in one invitation letter. The sample of the letters provided give an example that both parents are mentioned in one letter.

Hello, We are just temporary residents (student & owp) can I invite my parents and my husband’s parents and his siblings to come since I will be giving birth this April 2022? Do I need to show proof of income?

Dear Hazel Thank you for your questions. You should know that IRCC has a ton of applications to process and they have become strict over visitor visas. But you can increase your relative’s chance of receiving the visa by an invitation letter. It does not seem necessary that you provide proof of income but indicate the place your relatives will stay with proof and proof of their income. The emotional part that involves childbirth could be a good justification to work on to convince the officer to issue the visa. Congratulations on your baby.

I need to invite my Fiancée to come and visit me in Canada for a short stay. I’m a permanent resident. If you don’t mind, have some questions.

First question. Which of the following is better?: 1- To show my bank report only. 2- To show bank reports for both of us

Second question. In the section of her employment status, do I have to mention her salary or just her job title would be enough?

Third question. Can I mention that she will be staying in a hotel or so as we will be visiting more than one place during her stay?

Dear Kermel Thank you for your questions. We wish you and your fiance a very good time in Canada. The answer to your questions is as follows in order: 1. It seems showing the bank report for both of you is better and you prove to the officer the financial capability to cover the expenses and it might convince the officer that your fiance will leave Canada if the salary is high enough.

2. As explained, mentioning the salary doesn’t have any harm so you would better mention it.

3. You should mention the place she will stay most of the time or the place she sleeps for nights. If she will be staying in the hotel, provide booking proof. You can also provide details of the places you visit but in short not details to shorten the letter. Good luck and have fun

Dear Kermel We are so sorry if your comment was deleted. You are kindly requested to write it again. Thank you.

I would like to invite an entertainer to Canada, how do I write a letter for that?

Dear Ish You can use the sample of the letters provided in the article and include the relevant information of your entertainer. You should also write about the reason you want him/her to visit. Good luck.

hello is it possible that i can invite my grandkids to come visit me in canda ? ages 5 ? how abou5 the mother who will accompany him?

Dear Adette Yes, you can invite your grandkids to visit you in Canada and an invitation letter would help to a great extent so they receive the visa. Good luck.

Hi, Can I send an invitation letter to my sister and her family (husband and 3 kids) for visit visa for the summer vacation here? How much fund they have to show in the bank to spend here and I will be taking care of their shelter and food. Please advise.

Dear Rifas It is highly recommended that you write an invitation letter to your sister. If not, it is unlikely they will receive a visa to enter Canada. If you provide food and shelter, they would better have enough to cover their expenses for the duration of stay and going back.

Yes, they do have funds that can be used during vacation and back home too. I also send a sponsor letter to them. They are applying online as a family, my sister doesn’t work and brother-in-law is the one working. who should write the cover letter ? or both for their applications they have write two cover letters? Please advise

Dear Rifas The main applicant (your brother-in-law) can write the cover letter and explain the purpose of visit and the costs

Hi, can i send an invitation letter to my sister inlaw (brother’s wife) & kids? how do i proof of my relationship with them.

Yes, you an send an invitation letter. A family photo can prove the relationship.

Hi, can my aunt write me a letter of invitation? But what do I present as proof that we are related?

If there is no such thing, can my fiancé write the letter of invitation instead but include in his letter that I will be staying with my aunt? And with that being said, does my aunt have to write a 2nd letter of invitation to support my fiance’s letter regarding the address where I would be staying?

Yes, your aunt can write the letter. Do you have a photo together? Sometimes it might not be needed to prove the relationship but if you do, it will be better.

Hi, what if I want to sponsor my brother but I am a US Citizen. Do I need to make a Letter of Invitation?

Yes, if your brother is a US resident and you want to help him move to Canada, you may need to give him a Letter of Invitation, also called an Invitation Letter. This letter is an important part of the Canadian immigration process, especially if your brother is asking for a Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) to come to Canada.

You should put the following things in the Letter of Invitation: Your full name and contact information. Your home address in Canada, if you have one. A copy of your US passport and proof that you are a US citizen. Information about your bond with your brother, such as his name and how you are related to him. The reason for the visit, such as a family get-together, a holiday, or a special event. The amount of time your brother plans to stay in Canada. Information about your financial situation and how you’ll help your brother while he’s in Canada, including how much money you’ll give him. An invitation for your brother to visit you in Canada, including the dates of the visit.

If necessary, a promise that you will help your brother with money while he is there. Any other information that might help your brother’s visa application, like his ties to his home country and his plans to go back after the trip.

It’s important to be clear and honest in your Letter of Invitation, since Canadian immigration officials will read it. Your brother should give a copy of this letter to the visa office when he applies for a visa.

Canada Solved

Letters of Invitation for Canada Visa: A Simple Guide

Imagine you’re preparing a warm, inviting Canadian cabin for guests—only, in this case, your guests are navigating the visa process, and the cabin is your letter of invitation.

This document might seem as complex as assembling a log cabin in a snowstorm, but fear not! Our guide is here to light the fireplace and show you how to craft a cozy and compelling letter of invitation for a Canada visa.

Whether it’s for family , friends , or business associates , we’ll ensure your invitation letter is as welcoming as a Canadian hug.

Let’s dive in!

What Is An Invitation Letter For a Canada Visa?

Getting a Temporary Canada Visa means that you will be visiting Canada for a short period, usually 6 months or less. 

The visit can be for different purposes such as tourism, visiting friends or family, business and so on. 

In some cases, the Canadian Embassy where you are applying will request an invitation letter to Canada from someone you know there.

An invitation letter for a visitor visa in Canada is a simple signed letter from someone you know well in Canada inviting you to the country. 

This person can be your friend, family, or business partner . Still, it must be someone with whom you have a close relationship and who can verify your identity and purpose for visiting Canada.

The invitation letter is a plea from this person in Canada asking the Canadian Consulate to give you a visa and allow you to enter the country. 

It also guarantees from the person inviting you to the Consulate that you are not giving false information about your intentions to enter Canada.

It also includes that you will leave Canada and stay within your visa and that they can support you financially if you cannot.

This letter of invitation will serve as further evidence of why the Canadian Consulate should give you a visa to go to Canada. 

It is an addition to the rest of the application and can strengthen your case if it meets the requirements.

What Are Invitation Letters Used For?

There are a few reasons why IRCC may ask you for a notarized letter of invitation with your visitor visa application.

However, most often, it will be to verify that the information you’ve included in your application is accurate and truthful. 

The fact that a close friend or family member will write the letter will also help verify your application’s authenticity.

More specifically, invitation letters will help the visa officer to confirm:

• The reasons why you wish to visit Canada
• You will adhere to the conditions of your visitor visa
• You will have enough money to support you during your stay
• You will leave Canada at the end of your stay

The person writing the letter may also need to get the letter notarized to strengthen the document’s authenticity.

Who Can Write An Invitation Letter For a Canadian Visa?

As mentioned, an invitation letter for a visa can be written by anyone you know well. 

It can be a close family member such as a parent, sibling, spouse, child, and so on, a close friend or a business partner if you visit Canada for business.

The critical requirement in any case is that the person sending the invitation letter is a permanent resident or a citizen of Canada. 

The person inviting you cannot be an illegal immigrant or not have legal status in Canada. 

They must have a good standing status , job and stream of income to increase the chances that their letter will positively impact the Canadian Consulate’s decision to give them the visa.

What Are The Requirements For The Invitation Letter For Canada?

The invitation letter for the Canada Visa must meet a few requirements in terms of the information that it should contain. 

The person writing the letter must include all of the details below, or it is a risk that the Canadian Consulate will not accept the letter, and even worse, it can end up hurting your chances of getting the Canadian visa. 

There are three sets of requirements:

• The information of the visa applicant;
• The information of the person inviting the applicant;
• Specific information for the Super Visa .

The Information Of The Visa Applicant

The invitation letter must include the following information about the visa applicant:

• The full 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 the applicant will stay in Canada and how they will pay for their stay;
• The date when the person will arrive in Canada and the date they will leave ;

The Information Of The Person Inviting The Applicant

The Canada invitation letter must have this information on the person who is inviting the applicant to Canada:

• The exact address in Canada;
• Status in Canada (Canadian permanent resident or citizen) through providing a copy of their status such as:
• Canadian citizenship card or passport if the person is a citizen;
• Canadian birth certificate if the person was born in Canada;
• Copy of their Permanent Resident card or the IMM 1000 (Proof of Landing document) if they are a permanent resident;
• 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, including people that the person has sponsored or whose sponsorship is still in effect).

Specific Information For The Super Visa

The Super Visa allows parents and grandparents to visit their children or grandchildren for longer than 6 months.  

Because this visa is valid for longer than other Temporary Resident Visas, additional information in the letter is required besides the one mentioned above. 

So, for those children and grandchildren inviting their parents or grandparents to Canada, they must also include the following:

• A written and signed declaration that you will financially support your parents or grandparents for their whole stay in Canada;
• Proof that you have enough income for the total number of people living in your household, including for the visiting parents or grandparents.

Notarizing The Invitation Letter

The invitation letter should be signed and dated by the person who is inviting the applicant, and if necessary and required by the Canadian Consulate, it should also be notarized. 

The letter must not be submitted as a separate document from the rest of the application.

Instead, the applicant must submit the letter to the Canadian Consulate when they submit the rest of the documents.

If applying online, a scanned PDF version of the letter should be attached to the online application. 

If submitting a physical application, the letter should be printed, and a copy should be included with the rest of the documents.

What Are The Important Things To Consider?

While preparing an invitation letter for a Canada visa, ensure that the credentials and contact information of the person writing the invitation letter for you are reported correctly and without spelling errors. 

The immigration authorities will closely verify the identity of the writer and will reach the person for proper confirmation. 

Phone number, email address and every contact information must be correctly penned. 

The signature of your host should be identical to the authentic signature they use in Canada. This applies to all your contact information and the purpose of your visit. 

Make sure the information provided in the invitation letter on your behalf is legit .

Sample Invitation Letter For Canada Visa

To have a clearer picture of what a Canadian letter of invitation should look like and what kind of information it should include, you can see a full written letter below with blank spaces where the personal information should be included.

The person inviting the applicant is referred to as “Inviting Person”, while the person being invited is referred to as “Applicant” in the sample below. 

This sample can be used for any occasion and by any person as long as the relationship is specified and the requirements above are fulfilled.

After that, we have included a completed letter from one person inviting their friend to stay in Canada for reference.

Name of Place in Canada, Date

To the Canadian Embassy in (Country Name)

(Embassy Address)

(Embassy Phone Number)

Subject: Invitation Letter for Mr./Miss (Applicant’s Name)

Dear Sir/Madam,

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

Through this letter, I am inviting (Applicant’s Name), born on (date of birth) and currently living in (address in Foreign Country), to Canada for a short stay. (Applicant’s Name) will be staying in (location and address in Canada, such as a hotel or your house) from (date of entry) until (date of departure). I am (Applicant’s Name) (State relationship such as brother, sister, friend, etc), and we will be visiting and touring around Canada for (duration in days or months) in different locations.

(Applicant’s Name) currently works (enter job title and location), earning (monthly or annual salary) with which they can afford to stay in Canada. (Applicant’s Name) is a genuine visitor who will stay within their visa. Their work obligations in (Name of a foreign country) extend, and (Applicant’s Name) are needed to return to work as soon as they return from Canada.

Please see attached a certified copy of my (Documents proving my status in Canada, such as my passport, birth certificate, or PR card) and my bank report for the past 6 months.

Feel free to contact me with any further questions regarding myself or (Applicant’s Name).

I look forward to having (Applicant’s Name) visit me in Canada so we can spend time together and visit Canada.

Kind regards,

(Inviting Person’s Name)

(Phone number)

(email)                                                                                                              Signature

Real Life Example Of An Invitation Letter For Canadian Visa

Toronto, September 10, 2018

To the Canadian Embassy in Costa Rica

Subject: Invitation Letter for Miss. Natali Franco

My name is Micaela Abasto; I was born on March 5, 1983, and am from Toronto, Canada. I am a Canadian permanent resident, and I live at 2623 Bayfield St. My household has 2 people living in it (my husband and son), and I work as an Insurance Officer at Toronto International Insurance, earning CAD$89,000 per year.

Through this letter, I am inviting Natali Franco, born on August 10, 1985, and currently living in San Jose, Escazu in Costa Rica, to Canada for a short stay. Natali will stay in my house from April 5 until May 5, 2019. I am Natali’s childhood friend, and we will visit and tour around Canada for 1 month in different locations.

Natali currently works as a bank clerk at the Bank of Costa Rica, earning CAD$55,000 per year, with which she can afford to stay in Canada. Natali is a genuine visitor who will stay within her visa. Her work obligations in Costa Rica have extended, and she needs to go back to work as soon as she returns from Canada.

Attached is a certified copy of my Permanent Resident Card and bank report for the past 6 months.

Feel free to contact me with further questions regarding Natali Franco or me.

I look forward to having Natali visit me in Canada to spend time together and visit the country.

Micaela Abasto

2623 Bayfield St., Toronto, Canada

(email)           

Can You Use A Notarized Invitation Letter From A Previous Visit To Canada?

Canada’s travel regulations are both detailed and specific. A common query arises around reusing notarized invitation letters from previous visits.

You should know that Canadian immigration laws require attention to detail, particularly regarding notarized invitation letters. 

The answer to whether you can use a notarized invitation letter from a previous visit to Canada is multifaceted. 

It largely depends on current policies, the nature of the visit, and the specific circumstances surrounding the initial invitation.

Consulting with Canadian consulates or immigration lawyers is often necessary for accurate information. 

Regulations and requirements can change, and a notarized, once-valid letter might no longer be acceptable. 

Keeping abreast of the latest rules and guidelines ensures travellers can navigate the process efficiently.

Lastly, it’s essential to recognize that each case can be unique. 

While some travelers may have successfully reused a notarized invitation letter, others may find that doing so leads to complications. 

They are complying with the latest immigration rules and seeking professional advice when in doubt, ensuring a smoother travel experience.

Does A Notarized Invitation Letter In Canada Get Expired After A Visit?

Notarized invitation letters in Canada do not have a standard expiration date . However, their validity may be limited by the intended purpose and duration of the visit. 

The notarization process ensures the letter’s authenticity, but its effectiveness may diminish over time or based on specific circumstances.

The validity of a notarized invitation letter largely depends on Canadian immigration or visa requirements. 

If the purpose of the visit is for tourism, business, or a short-term event, the letter’s validity might be limited to the duration of the stay. 

Once the visit is complete, the letter may no longer be considered relevant for future travels.

Notarized invitation letters may have a specific validity period indicated by the sponsoring party or the Canadian authorities for specific visa applications. 

In such cases, the letter would only be applicable during that period. 

However, if no explicit expiration date is mentioned, the letter’s relevance may be subject to the discretion of the immigration officer processing the visa application.

To ensure the effectiveness of a notarized invitation letter, it is essential to review the visit’s specific purpose and visa requirements carefully. 

If the letter does not expire, it’s best to obtain a fresh, notarized lette r for subsequent visits or if the purpose of the visit changes significantly. 

By doing so, travelers can avoid potential complications and ensure their documentation remains legally valid and up-to-date.

What Is An Invitation Letter For A Business Visit To Canada?

A business invitation letter is required for people who apply for a Canadian business visa. 

Always ensure you receive a business invitation letter from the official letterhead of the Canadian company or the company representative. 

The purpose of your visit must be drafted in the invitation letter. 

The people who require a business invitation letter are the following:

• Business conference attendees
• Business partners
• Business Investors
• Employees who come to Canada to get job training in the Canadian subsidiary company

What Is The Vital Information To Be Included In The Business Invitation Letter?

• The complete name and contact details of the business guest
• Details and complete address of the company
• The designation/ job title offered by the company
• Business ties between the guest and host company
• Purpose of the visit and duration of stay
• Date and details of departure

What Are The Benefits Of Using An Invitation Letter From A Previous Visit?

Using an invitation letter from a previous visit can offer several advantages, streamlining the process for future travels and interactions with Canadian authorities.

✅ Established Relationship

An invitation letter from a previous visit demonstrates an established relationship between the visitor and the inviting party. 

It can be particularly beneficial for frequent travellers, reflecting a history of legitimate and credible visits.

✅ Credibility and Trust

A previously notarized invitation letter conveys credibility and trust. 

Canadian authorities may view it as a reliable document, reducing the need for extensive scrutiny during subsequent visa applications.

✅ Time and Cost Efficiency

Reusing a notarized invitation letter saves time and money.

Instead of reusing the entire notarization process, travellers can present the previously notarized and valid letter, simplifying the visa application or entry process.

✅ Consistency in Information

Travellers can use the same invitation letter from a previous visit to ensure consistency in the information provided. 

It can enhance the overall transparency and coherence of the travel history and intentions.

✅ Familiarity with Procedures

Having experienced the process previously, travellers may feel more familiar with the required procedures and expectations, leading to a smoother and less stressful experience during subsequent visits.

✅ Potential for Multiple Entry Visas

Repeatedly using a notarized invitation letter can strengthen the case for obtaining multiple entry visas. 

Consistent and genuine visits encourage authorities to grant more extended visa validity periods.

✅ Show Genuine Intentions

Using a previously notarized invitation letter can demonstrate genuine intentions for visiting Canada. 

Consistency in travel plans and clear reasons for visits can bolster the visitor’s credibility in the eyes of immigration officials.

✅ Faster Processing Times

Familiarity with a previously notarized letter may lead to faster processing times for visa applications. 

Canadian authorities may expedite the review process, as they know the document’s authenticity.

And just like that, with the fireplace crackling and the snow outside tamed , you’ve mastered the art of the Canadian visa invitation letter.

This guide aimed to simplify the process, making it as enjoyable as planning a get-together with loved ones.

With your letter ready to go, you’re not just inviting someone to cross borders; you’re opening a door to experiences and memories in the great Canadian landscape. Remember, the perfect invitation letter is the first step in a journey of a thousand miles.

Happy inviting!

But wait, there’s more! You might also be interested in the following:

Freelancer Visa in Canada: The Ultimate Guide

• Types Of Visas In Canada: Explained

Student Visa In Canada: The Ultimate Guide

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How can I help a family member or friend apply to visit Canada?

If your friend or family member wants to visit Canada, they must apply to the Canadian visa office responsible for his or her country or region. A visa officer will review the application and decide whether to issue a visa.

You can help your friend or family member by writing a letter of invitation . It should explain how you will help the person. For example, you may offer to pay for plane tickets or accommodation. A letter of invitation can help, but it does not guarantee the person will get a visa.

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Detour to Canada

How to Write a Letter of Invitation for a Visitor Visa Application to Canada

Do you need to write a letter of invitation for a family member or a friend applying for a visitor visa to Canada? If you’re not sure what to write, here’s a guide on how to make one and an actual sample that I used when I applied for my mother’s visitor visa. I also included a template that you can use so you don’t have to start from scratch. 

DISCLAIMER:  This article is not meant to substitute professional advice. Information was gathered from both the author’s actual experience and  IRCC’s website. To verify the most-up-to-date information, check www.canada.ca.

DISCLOSURE: This post contains an affiliate link by Grammarly. That means when you sign-up for a free account or upgrade to Premium using my link, I get a small commission but without extra cost to you.

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What’s a letter of invitation, 3 things you should know before writing an invitation letter, what to include in the invitation letter for a visa to canada, sample letter of invitation.

If you’re in Canada and you have a family member or friend applying for a visitor visa to Canada, IRCC usually requires that they submit a letter of invitation from you. In case you’re not familiar with IRCC, the name stands for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada. It’s the government department that processes immigration requests, and that includes visitor visa applications. 

There are two different kinds of a visitor visa to Canada: the visitor visa, and the parent & grandparent super visa. Super visa is a “special” type of visitor visa where the holder is allowed to stay in Canada for up to 5 years straight. For a typical visitor visa, holders can only stay a maximum of 6 months straight. But both visas are valid for up to 10 years. In this post, I’ll only talk about the visitor visa .

A letter of invitation for a visitor visa to Canada is simply a letter where you write all the information that IRCC needs to know about:

• Your family member or friend that you’re inviting to visit Canada, and
• You, your family, and your household members.

You might be asking, “how do I write a letter that will guarantee a visa approval?”

The first thing you should note about a letter of invitation is that it won’t guarantee that your family member or friend’s visa to Canada will be approved. IRCC will assess the person, not you, who’s applying for the visitor visa. It’s your family member or friend’s responsibility to submit proofs that they meet Canada’s immigration laws. And while a letter of invitation is required, it’s not the basis of whether a visitor visa to Canada will be approved or not.

So, there’s no need for you to stress so much about writing one. Just make sure to include all the details required by IRCC and be honest.

Second, writing a letter of invitation does NOT mean that you’re legally responsible for those you are inviting. So for example, if your friend whom you invited comes here as a visitor, and then he overstays illegally, IRCC won’t come after you. Your friend will be the one to pay for whatever fine he needs to settle. But because you’re a good friend, just try to make sure this never happens.

And lastly, you don’t have to prove in the invitation letter that you can financially support the person you’re inviting. You don’t need to show that you’re employed, or how much you’re earning. We did anyway just in case.

But to be clear, it is your family member or friend who should prove to IRCC that they have enough funds to pay for their expenses here in Canada. Even if you write in your letter that you’ll provide for their housing and meals, they need to prove that they have their own money. And that money is enough to pay for their expenses during their visit to Canada. Most importantly, they must prove that they’ll return to their home country and not do anything illegal, like working or overstaying. Otherwise, IRCC might not approve their visitor visa application. 

So, what information should you include when you’re writing a letter of invitation for someone applying for a visa to Canada?

I’m quoting here the exact information from IRCC’s website which you can verify here .

When you write your letter of invitation, “you must include this information about the person you are inviting :

• complete name,
• date of birth,
• address and telephone number,
• your relationship to the person,
• the purpose of the trip,
• how long the person plans to stay in Canada,
• where the person will stay, and how he or she will pay for things, and
• when the person plans to leave Canada.

And then, “you must include this information about yourself :

• address and telephone number in Canada, 
• whether you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, 
• a Canadian birth certificate, if you were born in Canada,
• a Canadian citizenship card, if you are a naturalized citizen, or
• a copy of your PR card or your IMM 1000 proof of landing, if you are a permanent resident,
• details of your family, such as names and dates of birth of your spouse and dependents (this is mandatory for the parent and grandparent super visa ), and
• the total number of people living in your household, including people you sponsored whose sponsorship is still in effect (this is mandatory for the parent and grandparent super visa ).”

If you’re wondering, “is there a format or template from IRCC that I can use?”. 

I couldn’t find one from IRCC’s website itself. But I’m sharing with you here the actual letter I wrote for my mother when she applied for her visitor visa in December 2019. Her visa got approved after one month. 

But using this letter as your template doesn’t guarantee that your family member or friend’s visa will get approved. Again, as I’ve said already, IRCC will assess the person, not you, who’s applying for the visitor visa. It’s your family member or friend’s responsibility to submit proofs that they meet Canada’s immigration laws.  

So, without further ado, here’s the sample letter of invitation. 

You can also download the PDF file with a template that you can use.

Thanks, awesome!

Your sample letter of invitation and template is on the way. If you don't see it in your Inbox, try checking your Junk folder. Or message us at [email protected].

Final Words on Writing a Letter of Invitation for a Visa to Canada

As mentioned in this post, a letter of invitation is among the required documents that your family member or friend needs to submit for their visa application to Canada. You should be the one to write and sign this letter. And in some cases, IRCC might ask you to notarize it. If this is the case, then you must send the notarized letter to your family member or friend. Then he or she must then send this letter to the Canadian embassy or consulate outside of Canada when he or she applies for a visitor visa.

In my mother’s case, IRCC didn’t ask us to notarize the letter. 

Before you write the letter, remember these 3 things:

• The letter of invitation doesn’t guarantee visa approval.
• Even if you wrote the letter, it doesn’t mean you’re legally responsible for the person you’re inviting.
• And, if you’re the one writing the letter of invitation, you don’t have to show any financial proofs. 

So while the letter of invitation is required, IRCC’s decision to approve the visa application of your family member or friend will not be based on this letter. IRCC will assess the documents to be submitted by the visa applicant. These documents must prove that 

• your family member or friend has enough money to pay for their expenses while in Canada, 
• and that they will return to their home country as they promised.

I hope that this post, along with the sample letter and template, helps you to write your letter of invitation for your parents, siblings, or friends’ visa application to Canada. Best of luck with their application! 

About the author:

JK Legaspi is a permanent resident of Canada since 2018. She and her family lives in the beautiful Niagara Region. As the founder of Detour To Canada, she aims to help aspiring and future immigrants reach their Canadian dreams by sharing her family’s own immigration and newcomer story. 

Publishers note: This post was updated to reflect updated information on March 25, 2023.

Do you have some questions about visiting Canada? Ask them in the comments section.

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6 thoughts on “How to Write a Letter of Invitation for a Visitor Visa Application to Canada”

https://instantjobinterviewtools.com Heya i am for the first time here. I came across this board and I in finding It really helpful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to provide one thing again and aid others like you helped me.

Another great post! Your blog is very straightforward and clear. Very helpful indeed!

Thank you, girl! Happy to be helpful 🙂 Best of luck to your parents’ visa application 🙂

Hi, this is by far the best post and sample I have read very clear. although, in my case, I will be supporting my mother’s stay here in Canada. that means I need proof of funds right?

Hi Hayam, thank you so much for your kind comment 🙂 If your mother is applying for a visit visa, she is the one mainly responsible for her finances here so she should be able to prove to the visa officer that she has enough funds on her own. If you will be supporting her financially, she still has to have money on her own. In this case, you can show proof to the visa officer of your financial condition although as far as I know this is only optional. You can double check these info from IRCC’s website to be sure as I only based my answer on oir personal experience. Thank you 🙂

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How to Write an Invitation Letter for Canada Visa Correctly (Sample Included)

There are many reasons you may be applying for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to Canada. It could be to visit friends or family, for tourism, or business.

It is a good idea to include an invitation letter with your canada visa application, even if immigration, refugees, and citizenship canada (ircc) does not ask for it..

The letter should be written on company or personal letterhead and include: contact information of the person extending the invitation; their relationship to you (friend, relative); how long they will host you; what financial commitments they will make during your stay; where in Canada they live; and more.

We’ve gone through the details of what a Canada visitor visa invitation letter is and added sample invitation letters as well. Read on!

What is an Invitation Letter for Canada Visa?

Who needs an invitation letter to visit canada, who is qualified to write an invitation letter for canada visa, what should a canada visitor visa invitation letter contain  , does the invitation letter for canada visa need to be notarized , how to send the canada visa invitation letter, how to submit the canada visa invitation letter, is the person inviting legally responsible for the visa applicant , letter of invitation canada sample, letter of invitation – canada sample template for parents, family members, friends, and other visitors, frequently asked questions (faq) on invitation letter for canada visa, final words: invitation letter, canada.

A Canada visitor visa invitation letter is a simple letter written and signed by someone you have a close relationship with within Canada, inviting you to the country. The person can be your relative, friend, or business partner, but you must have a close relationship with him or her, and they should be able to vouch for your identity and the purpose of your visit. 

Whether you are applying for a Canadian temporary resident visa or a business visa, a letter of invitation can strengthen your application.

The person inviting you is basically guaranteeing the Canadian Consulate that you are not giving false information about your reasons to enter Canada, that you will not overstay your visa, and that they can provide you financial support if you can not. However, the invitation letter does not guarantee your visa approval.

Most people intending to visit Canada will not need an invitation letter for a Canada visa. People who are qualified or eligible for an eTA (electronic travel authorization) do not need to include an invitation letter in their application.

Citizens of other countries apart from the United States travelling to Canada have to apply for a paper visa at Consulates or Canadian Embassies. Most of these applications will not require an invitation letter, but applicants are asked to present one in some cases. 

The invitation letter only strengthens the visa application with a Canadian citizen , permanent resident, or temporary resident (such as a student) backing. It does not guarantee visa approval. 

As stated earlier, anyone close to you that resides in Canada can help you write an invitation letter for a Canada visa. The person can be a close relative or friend and must meet the following requirements:   

• The person inviting you must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
• The person could also be a temporary resident in Canada with legal status, such as an international student inviting their family or friends for their graduation.
• He or she cannot be an illegal immigrant.
• He or she must have good standing status in Canada. 
• The person should have a job and stream of income, if they are finally responsible for your visit. This will increase the chances of their letter yielding a positive result. 

An invitation letter for a Canadian working visa application must come from the Canadian host company. The letter should be written by a representative of the company.

Business visitors who would require a letter of invitation from a Canadian company can be:

• Existing or potential buyers.
• Conference visitors.
• People who are coming for training at the company’s Canadian premises from overseas. 

The invitation letter for the Canada Visa has to contain some information to be accepted. If the person does not include all the required details, the Canadian Consulate may not accept the letter, and it can even end up hurting your chances of getting the visa. The requirements are in three sections: 

• The visa applicant’s information.
• The information of the person inviting the applicant.
• Super visa invitation letter (specific information, if applicable).

Let’s discuss them one after the other.

1. The Visa Applicant’s Information

The person writing the invitation letter for Canada visa must include the following information about you:

• Your full name (first name, last name, and any middle names);
• Date of birth;
• Your contact information (the current address you are applying from, your telephone number, and email);
• The relationship you have with the person inviting you (brother or sister, friend, nephew, etc.)
• How long you intend to stay in Canada
• The purpose of the trip to Canada (e.g., family visit, work, tourism, etc.)
• Where you will stay in Canada and how you plan to pay for your stay;
• The date you will arrive in Canada and the date you plan to leave.

2. The Information of the Person Inviting the Applicant

The person writing the invitation letter for Canada visa must include the following information about themselves:

• Their full name (first name, last name, and any middle names);
• The date of birth;
• Contact information- their exact address in Canada and a telephone number and email they can be reached. 
• Their status in Canada (Canadian citizen or permanent resident) 
• Canadian citizenship card or passport if the person naturalized as a citizen, i.e., swore an oath;
• Canadian birth certificate or citizenship certificate if the person was born in Canada;
• For permanent residents- photocopy of their Permanent Resident (PR card) or the IMM 1000 (Record of Landing document).
• Their job title
• The names and dates of birth of the close family members and dependents of the person sending the invitation letter.  
• The total number of people living in the person’s household, including people that the person has sponsored for permanent residence previously or those who are still being sponsored.  

3. Super Visa Invitation Letter (Specific Information, If Applicable) 

What is a Super Visa? It is a visa that allows parents and grandparents to visit their children or grandchildren for a period longer than six months. Since the visa’s validity is longer than that of other Temporary Resident Visas (TRV), the super visa invitation letter must contain some additional information to the ones above. 

Children and grandchildren who are inviting their parents or grandparents to Canada have to include the following in the super visa invitation letter: 

• A declaration written and signed by the child or grandchild that they will provide their parents or grandparents financial support throughout their entire stay in Canada;
• Evidence that the child or grandchild have enough income equal to or above the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) to provide for the total number of people living in the household, as well as the visiting parents or grandparents.

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In some cases, the person inviting you has to notarize the letter of invitation in Canada. However, there’s no way you can tell if the visa officers will ask for a notarized invitation letter. But, it is better to be safe and have a notarized copy prepared and ready for submission in case they request it. 

These can help you:

• If you are asked to submit your biometrics as part of your visa application, then the person inviting you to Canada should notarize the letter before sending it to you. You can check if you need biometrics by selecting your country and age.
• If you’ve had any problem with the Canadian authorities previously, you should also have your invitation letter notarized.

A Commissioner for Oaths or a Notary Public will have to sign your letter or a certificate attached to the letter for your Canada visa invitation letter to be notarized.

The person inviting you to visit Canada should sign and date the letter to make it more official. After this, they can scan it and email it to you. If the Canadian Consulate requests the letter to be notarized, they should do this before sending it. 

However, a notarized letter may need to be mailed. Mailing is pretty slow, causing the letter to take longer to arrive. So, in this case, they should not send the notarized letter by regular mail. Instead, they should mail the letter through a service that tracks the letter to prevent it from getting lost.

After receiving the invitation letter, there’s no need to submit it separately from other documents. Instead, if possible, you should submit it when you submit your initial Canadian visa application. Do not wait till the visa office requests you to submit an invitation letter before you do, as this can delay your application.

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The writer of the invitation letter is not legally responsible for the person they invite. Visitors are held responsible for their actions once they arrive in the country.

The letter of invitation only helps convince or assure the immigration officers that the visitor has a genuine reason to visit Canada and has financial support (if applicable) and a place to stay.

To give you a clearer picture of everything we’ve discussed, we’ve added an image of a complete letter from a person inviting their close family friend to stay in Canada. 

Below is a template of an invitation letter for Canada visa. The italicized words indicate where the person will write the personal information. You can follow this template and include your information:

The Canadian High Commission (Address of the Embassy) (Country of the Embassy)

SUBJECT: Letter of Invitation for (Full Legal Name of Applicant as noted on their passport)

Dear Visa Officer,

My name is ( Full Legal Name of the Person Inviting ) and I am the (relationship to the applicant – daughter, son, brother, sister, spouse, friend, etc.) of ( Full Legal Name of Applicant) . I am a ( current status in Canada – citizen, permanent resident , international student), and I live at (complete Canadian address ). My household has ( total number of people who live in the home ), and I work as (job title, company, and location ), earning (monthly or yearly income).

This is to confirm that I am inviting (Full Legal Name of Applicant) , born on ( date of birth ) and currently residing at (the exact address of the applicant ) to Canada for a temporary visit. I will be hosting ( Name of Applicant ) at my residence from ( date of arrival ) till (departure date).

( Name of Applicant ) has strong economic, financial, and family ties to their home country, (Name of Country). He/She currently works ( job title and location ), and earns ( monthly or yearly income ) with which they will afford to stay in Canada. (Name of Applicant) is a legitimate visitor who will not overstay their visit in Canada. He/She has visited (Name of other countries the applicant has visited – the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, etc.) in the past and returned back to their home country.

Kindly find attached a copy of my ( Proof of status in Canada – Canada citizenship certificate, Canada birth certificate, PR card, study permit, work permit, etc. ) and my bank statement for the past six months. [Note: You do not need to provide your bank statement if you will not be financially responsible for the applicant during their visit to Canada.]

Should you require any additional information, you may reach me via my contact information provided below.

(Signature) (Full Legal Name of the Person Inviting the Applicant) (Phone Number) (Email Address)

You can invite someone to Canada by writing and providing them with a letter of invitation for their Canada visa. Then, they will have to apply to the Canada visa office for a Canada visa at their country of residence. A visa officer will review their application and decide whether to issue a visa or not.

No, an invitation letter is not required when applying for a Canadian visa. There’s no need for one if the government does not request it. However, it is recommended that you include a letter of invitation to your Canada visa application, if possible; as this could increase the chances of your visa approval

You can write an invitation letter for Canada visa by yourself. Just look for a template of a good invitation letter on the internet as a starting point to make it easier for you. Also make sure you include the required information as per IRCC guide .

Proof of the relationship is the evidence that confirms your relationship with the applicant – for example, a birth certificate, an official document that names the applicant as a relative, etc. 

No, Canada does not have a fiancé visa category. Canadians who wish to sponsor their foreign fiancé for permanent residence will need to be married first before applying through the spousal sponsorship category. Alternatively, the fiancé can apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV).

Now that you know what an invitation letter for Canada visa is and how to write one don’t forget to include all the necessary information in the letter to prevent any ambiguity.

Remember that providing a letter of invitation from a resident of Canada is not a guarantee that your Canada visa will be approved. However, it certainly helps to provide one.

What if you followed all these steps and your Canada visa was not approved? Learn about the chances of getting a Canada TRV after refusal .

Charee Oisamoje is the founder of CanadaWiz. She leads the editorial team, which is comprised of subject matter experts that aim to create well-researched, highly detailed content related to studying, working, immigrating, and settling/living in Canada as a newcomer.

Charee's personal experiences as a Canadian immigrant and her professional competencies make her uniquely qualified on the subject matter.

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Guide 5256 - Applying for a visitor visa (temporary resident visa)

Use this guide to apply for: visitor visa, transit visa, super visa

Table of Contents

Before you apply, step 1. gather documents, step 2. complete the application, step 3. pay the fees, step 4. submit the application, what happens next, income table, temporary resident visa application photograph specifications.

This is not a legal document. The explanations and definitions are not legal definitions. In case of a discrepancy between the language in this document and the relevant legislation or regulations, the legal text in the legislation and regulations prevails.

For legal information, consult the following documents:

• Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations

Application package

This application package has:

• an instruction guide, and
• the forms you need to fill out.

The instruction guide :

• has information you must know before you submit your application, and
• explains how to fill out the forms and gather your supporting documents.

Read the instruction guide completely and then fill out each of the applicable forms.

The forms are designed with questions that will help the processing of your application.

Symbols used in this guide

This guide uses these symbols to draw your attention to important information:

Important information that you need to know to avoid delays or other problems.

Where to get more information.

Note: Tips that will help you with this application.

Who may use this application guide?

Use this application guide if you wish to apply for a temporary resident visa from outside Canada.

Note: The processing time of an application may vary from one visa office to another. Find out more about application processing times .

Who are Visitors?

Visitors are persons who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada, and are legally authorized to enter Canada to:

• visit Canada on holiday (vacation),
• visit family,
• conduct business, etc.

Visitors are restricted in length of stay and subject to various conditions.

Do I need a Temporary Resident Visa?

Persons who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada may require a visa to enter Canada. The requirement for a visa also applies to temporary residents who are transiting in Canada. Find out if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa .

If you do not require a visa to enter Canada, you may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). Find out if you need an eTA .

What is a Temporary Resident Visa?

A Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), also referred to as a visitor visa, is an official document issued by a Canadian visa office that is placed in your passport to show that you have met the requirements for admission to Canada as a temporary resident (either as a visitor, a student, or a worker).

What are the requirements you must meet for a TRV?

You must show the officer that you meet the requirements of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) and the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations and that you will be in Canada for a temporary stay.

You must also:

• satisfy an officer that you will leave Canada at the end of your stay,
• show that you have enough money to maintain yourself and your family members in Canada and to return home,
• not intend to work or study in Canada unless authorized to do so,
• be law abiding and have no record of criminal activity,
• not be a risk to the security of Canada,
• provide any additional document requested by the officer to establish your admissibility, and
• be in good health (complete a medical examination if required).

What if I was previously granted permanent resident status?

If you have ever been granted permanent residence or landed immigrant status in Canada, you may still be a permanent resident. We cannot issue you a TRV if you are a permanent resident.

You may instead want to apply for Travel Document (Permanent Resident Abroad) . If you meet the requirements for a travel document, you can return to Canada as a permanent resident.

If you no longer want to be a permanent resident, or if you know you do not meet the requirements to keep your permanent resident status, you can voluntarily give up (renounce) your permanent resident status in order to apply for a TRV.

Voluntary Renunciation of PR status applications must be sent in a separate envelope by mail to the visa office .

We recommend that you apply for Voluntary Renunciation of your PR status first, and apply for your TRV once you receive the approval of your Voluntary Renunciation.

Entry to Canada

Family member definitions.

Your family members include your spouse or common-law partner, your dependent children and any children that are their dependent children.

Refers to either of the two persons (any gender) in a marriage legally recognized in the country in which it took place, as well as in Canada.

Proxy, telephone, fax, internet and similar forms of marriage where one or both parties were not physically present are not considered as valid spousal relationships under the Regulations nor are polygamous marriages. For more information, consult our policy on the legality of a marriage .

Refers to a person who is living in a conjugal relationship with another person (any gender), and has done so continuously for a period of at least one year. A conjugal relationship exists when there is a significant degree of commitment between two people.

This can be shown with evidence that the couple share the same home, support each other financially and emotionally, have children together, or present themselves in public as a couple.

Common-law partners who have been in a conjugal relationship for at least one year, but are unable to live together or appear in public together because of legal restrictions in their home country or who have been separated for reasons beyond their control (for example, civil war or armed conflict) may still qualify and should be included on the application.

We assess your child’s eligibility as a dependant based on how old they were at a specific point in time, called the "lock-in date" . This is usually the date we received your application. To see if your child qualifies as a dependant, we consider the age of your child on the lock-in date , even though your child’s age may change during processing.

Your child or the child of your spouse or common-law partner can be considered a dependent child if that child meets the requirements below on the lock-in date :

• They’re under 22 years old , and
• They don’t have a spouse or common-law partner

Children 22 years old or older qualify as dependants if they meet both of these requirements:

• They have depended on their parents for financial support since before the age of 22, and
• They are unable to financially support themselves because of a mental or physical condition

With the exception of age, dependants must continue to meet these requirements until we finish processing your application.

Not sure if your child is a dependant? Check if your child qualifies by answering a few questions .

If your child’s age was locked in on or before October 23, 2017, a previous definition of dependent children may apply.

Refers to children of dependent children of the applicant and those of the spouse or common-law partner, if applicable.

Do I have to apply separately for my family members?

Family members must complete their own application forms. However, you may submit your applications together online or at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) and use one payment receipt for the total amount.

Your spouse or common-law partner and children must meet all of the requirements for temporary residence in Canada.

Are there medical requirements?

If you plan to work, visit or study in canada for six months or less:.

You usually do not need a medical exam.

If you plan to work, visit or study in Canada for more than six months:

You will need a medical exam if you:

• in any of these countries or territories
• in the one year immediately before the date you want to enter Canada. ( This applies even if you are a citizen of a country that does not need a visa to enter Canada. )

Regardless of the length of time you are in Canada, you will need a medical exam if you wish to work in one of the following fields:

• a designated occupation, such as the field of health services or with children. Examples of designated occupations include hospital staff, clinical laboratory workers, patient attendants in nursing and geriatric homes, and medical and dental students admitted to attend Canadian universities;
• to work in agricultural occupations, you will need a medical exam if you have lived in certain countries or territories .

You and your family members may need a medical exam to come to Canada. Find out more by checking the Medical examination requirements for temporary residents .

You may either:

• have an upfront medical exam by contacting a Panel Physician; or
• wait until your application is reviewed and medical instructions are given to you by the visa office.

Get the instructions to complete the medical exam.

When medical results are submitted up front, routine cases benefit from faster processing since we do not have to ask for them at a later date. This is done at your own cost and does not influence the final decision on your application. If you have an upfront medical exam, you must submit proof that you completed the medical exam with your application. Failure to do so may result in processing delays.

Biometric (fingerprints and photo) requirements

You may need to appear in person to have your fingerprints and photograph (biometric information) taken at a biometric collection service point. If your family members are also applying, they may need to appear in person to have their biometric information taken as well.

If you’re in Canada as a visitor and you apply for an initial study or work permit, you need to give your biometrics. As of December 3, 2019, you need to give biometrics when you apply from within Canada . You can go to a designated Service Canada location .

Find out if you need to give biometrics .

Note: If you need to give biometric fingerprints and photo, you do not need to include paper photos with your application.

How often do you give your biometrics

You only need to give your biometrics once every 10 years . You don’t need to give your biometrics again until the 10-year period expires.

If you gave biometrics in the past as part of an application for a visitor visa, work or study permit and they are still valid , you don’t need to give them again for this application.

Find out if your biometrics are still valid and when they expire by using the Check Biometric Status Tool .

When to give your biometrics

If you submit your application online or by mail..

You can give your biometrics after you:

• pay for and submit your application and biometric fees, and
• get a biometric instruction letter (BIL) that will direct you to a list of official locations you may choose from.

You must provide your biometric data promptly after receiving the instruction letter inviting you to do so.

If you submit your application in person at a visa application centre (VAC)

You may be able to book an appointment in advance to give your biometrics at the same time that you submit your application at a VAC. If you can’t give your biometrics when you submit your application you will have to make an appointment at the VAC to give them at a later date.

Where to give your biometrics

You need to book an appointment to give your biometrics at one of these official biometric collection service points .

We’ll start processing your application after we get your biometrics.

Can I work or study during my stay in Canada?

Visitors are not allowed to work or study in Canada unless they are authorized to do so under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations . In many cases, a work or study permit will be required.

A temporary resident may also take a program of study up to six months duration without having to obtain a study permit.

Information about the parent and grandparent super visa

About the super visa.

The multiple-entry super visa allows parents and grandparents to

• enter Canada multiple times
• stay in Canada for a period of 5 years on each entry

Who may apply for a super visa?

To apply for a super visa, you must either be the parent or grandparent of a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada.

You cannot include your dependent children in this application. If your spouse or common-law partner want to come with you, they also need to submit an application.

How do I apply for a super visa?

To apply for a super visa, you need to submit an application to a visa office and provide

• You must also include your host child or host grandchild’s family composition (dependents, including spouse, children or other relatives that are financially dependent on your host child or host grandchild).
• If your child or grandchild does not have a paper copy of their notice of assessment, they can view (and print) their tax returns as well as other personal tax information using the Canada Revenue Agency’s My Account online service. To register or login, visit My Account .
• the most recent copy of the child or grandchild’s T4 or T1
• an original letter from child’s or grandchild’s employer stating their job title, job description and salary
• a letter from an accountant confirming annual income, if self-employed
• proof of other sources of income (for example, pension statement, investments)
• evidence of the parent or grandparent relationship to the Canadian citizen or permanent resident you wish to visit (such as a birth certificate, baptismal certificate or other official documents naming you as parent or grandparent)
• More information on approved insurance companies outside of Canada will be available in the coming months.
• be paid in full (quotes aren’t accepted)
• covers health care, hospitalization and repatriation
• provide a minimum coverage of $100,000, and
• be valid for each entry to Canada and be available for review by a border services officer, upon request

After you apply, you will also need to undergo a medical examination and provide proof of the results.

You will be required to appear in person to have your biometric fingerprints and photo (biometric information) taken at a biometric collection service point .

Visa-exempt applicants

You are not required to pay the application processing fee or provide your biometrics.

If your application is approved, you will be directed to apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). You will be provided with a letter that you will show to a border services officer upon arrival to Canada.

What must my child or grandchild do to meet the low income cut-off minimum?

You child or grandchild’s income must meet or exceed the minimum necessary cut-off, as identified annually in the income table .

In the letter of invitation , they must calculate their family size. This factor determines the amount of income required to provide care and support for you and your spouse, if applicable.

How to calculate family size:

• their spouse or common-law partner
• their dependent children
• any person they may have sponsored previously and for whom the sponsorship agreement and undertaking are still in effect
• your spouse or common-law partner, if you have one
• They add together the number of persons covered by steps 1 and 2. The total represents their family size.
• They look at the LICO in the income table in this guide to determine if they meet the minimum required for their family size.
• To demonstrate that they meet the minimum income required, your child or grandchild may include one of the documents listed in the document checklist (IMM 5484).

If your child or grandchild does not meet the LICO minimum, their spouse or common-law partner can assist by also providing a letter of invitation with one of the documents listed in the document checklist (IMM 5484).

What documents are required?

If you are outside of Canada, use the Document Checklist [IMM 5484] ( PDF , 1.12 MB ) to assist you in gathering the required documents to submit your application.

Some visa offices may require additional supporting documents specific to your country. For further information, check the Application for a Visitor Visa page.

If you are inside Canada, you must use the Document checklist – Applicants in Canada [IMM 5721] ( PDF , 0.91 MB ) to gather the documents required to submit your application to the Case Processing Centre – Ottawa (CPC-O) .

Minors travelling alone

Minors (under 18 years of age) travelling alone or with a person other than their parents or legal guardians should have a letter of authorization, preferably in English or French, signed by both parents or legal guardians. It should also include the name of the adult who will be responsible for the children in Canada.

Minors travelling with only one parent or legal guardian should have a letter of authorization, preferably in English or French, from the non accompanying parent or guardian.

Translation of documents

You must include the following along with any document that is not in English or French:

• the English or French translation; and
• an affidavit from the person who completed the translation (if they are not a certified translator ).

Translations may be done by:

• a person who is fluent in both languages (English or French, and the unofficial language); or
• a Canadian certified translator (a member in good standing of a provincial or territorial organization of translators and interpreters in Canada).

If the translation isn’t done by a Canadian certified translator, the person who completed the translation must provide an affidavit swearing to their language proficiency and the accuracy of the translation.

The affidavit must be sworn in the presence of:

• a notary public ;
• a commissioner of oaths ; or
• a commissioner of taking affidavits .

Authority to certify varies by province and territory . Consult your local provincial or territorial authorities.

Outside of Canada:

• a notary public

Authority to administer oaths varies by country . Consult your local authorities.

Note: An affidavit is a document on which the translator has sworn, in the presence of a person authorized to administer oaths in the country where the translator is living, that the contents of their translation are a true translation and representation of the contents of the original document. Translators who are certified in Canada don’t need to supply an affidavit.

Certified true copies

To have a photocopy of a document certified, an authorized person must compare the original document to the photocopy and must print all of the following on the photocopy:

• “I certify that this is a true copy of the original document”;
• the name of the original document;
• the date of the certification;
• the name of the authorized person;
• their official position or title; and
• their signature.

Who can certify copies?

Only authorized people can certify copies.

Important information: Certifying of copies must not be done by the applicants themselves nor by an applicant’s parent, guardian, sibling, spouse, common-law partner, conjugal partner, grandparent, child, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew or first cousin.

People authorized to certify copies include the following:

Authority to certify varies by province and territory. Check with your local provincial or territorial authorities to learn who has the authority to certify.

Outside Canada:

Authority to certify international documents varies by country. Check with your local authorities to learn who has the authority to certify in your country.

Filling out the application

The following are the forms that must be filled out and submitted:

• Application for Temporary Resident Visa  [IMM 5257]  ( PDF , 0.56 M B )

Family Information (IMM 5707 or IMM 5645)

• Document Checklist  [IMM 5484]  ( PDF , 1.12 M B )
• Document Checklist – Applicants in Canada  [IMM 5721]  ( PDF , 0.91 M B ) , if applicable
• Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union  [IMM 5409]  ( PDF , 0.78 MB) , if applicable
• Use of a Representative  [IMM 5476]  ( PDF , 1.53 M B ) , if applicable
• Authority to release personal information to a designated individual  [IMM 5475]  ( PDF , 1.52 M B ) , if applicable

Note: You may be required to complete additional supporting documents upon request of a visa officer.

Be complete and accurate

Complete all sections. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not Applicable” or “NA”, except for your name (last name and given name[s]). Refer to questions 1 and 2 under “ Personal Details ” section for further instructions. The application must be signed and dated.

If your application is incomplete it may be rejected and this will delay the processing of your application.

If you need more space for any section, print out an additional page containing the appropriate section, complete it and submit it along with your application .

Application for Temporary Resident Visa (IMM 5257)

Who must fill out this application form.

This form must be completed by each person applying for a Temporary Resident Visa to visit Canada.

Fill out the form

You must answer all the questions on this form unless instructed otherwise.

Download and fill out the form on a computer.

You also have the option to save your form and fill it out later.

Note: Filling out the form on a computer is easier and reduces mistakes that can slow down the application process.

Read and follow the questions below to help you fill out the form.

• Visitor visa : official document issued by a visa office that is placed in the passport which allows you to seek entry to Canada.

Note: To obtain a transit visa you must provide specific evidence of your travel itinerary from your transportation company or travel agent.

Personal Details

Type your family name (surname) exactly as shown on your passport or travel document (even if the name is misspelled). Do not use initials.

Note: If you do not have a family name on your passport or travel document, enter all your given names here and leave the given name field blank.

Type all of your given names (first, second, or more) exactly as shown on your passport or travel document (even if the name is misspelled). Do not use initials.

Note: If you do not have a given name on your passport or travel document, leave this field blank. Do not enter “*”, “Not applicable” or “NA”.

Nick names or Alias

Check the box to tell us if you have ever used any other name. This could include your birth name, maiden name, married name, nick name, etc.

If you checked “ Yes ”, type any other family name that you have ever used.

If you checked “ Yes ”, type any other given name (first, second, or more) that you have ever used.

Choose your gender ( F -Female, M -Male, U -Unknown or X -Another gender).

Note: If you choose a gender identifier that is different than what you currently have or have had on your Canadian temporary resident document (visa, electronic travel authorization, work permit, study permit or visitor record), you need to complete the Request for a Change of Sex or Gender Identifier (IRM 0002) form and send it with your application. You also need to complete this form and send it with your application if you’ve never had a Canadian temporary resident document but you intend to apply for one and you identify with a gender that is different than what appears on your foreign travel document or passport. No supporting documents are required.

Enter your date of birth. If your entire date of birth is unknown, please use ‘ * ’ (star sign or asterisk) to fill in the spaces for the year, month or day, where applicable.

Note, if your city, town, country or territory of birth is indicated in your passport or your travel document, please record it as it appears in the document.

Choose your country or territory of citizenship. To be a citizen of a country or territory means that you were either born in that country or territory (in most cases) or have been granted citizenship by that country or territory. If you are a citizen of more than one country or territory, choose the country or territory that issued the passport you will be using for this trip.

Choose the correct information:

• The name of the country or territory you live in, if you have been lawfully admitted to that country or territory.
• Permanent resident
• Protected Person
• Refugee Claimant
• Other: You must fill out this section if you chose “ Other ” as a status.
• The dates (From – To) you have been living in your country or territory of residence.

Check the box to tell us if during the past five years, you have lived in any other country or territory other than your country of citizenship or your current country or territory of residence (indicated above) for more than six months?

If you checked “ Yes ”, choose the correct information:

• The name of the country or territory you lived in;
• Other: You must fill out this section if you chose “ Other ” as a status;
• The dates (From – To) you were living in that country or territory.

Check the box to tell us if you are applying from the country or territory you live in.

If you checked “ No ”, choose the correct information:

• The name of the country or territory where you are applying from;
• The dates (From – To) that you have been living in that country or territory.

If you are not a citizen of the country or territory where you are applying, you must send proof of your legal status in the country or territory you live in when you submit your application.

• Choose your current marital status from the list below: Annulled Marriage This is a marriage that is legally declared invalid. An annulment can also be a declaration by the Catholic Church that the marital union did not have a binding force. Common - Law This means that you have lived continuously with your partner in a marital-type relationship for a minimum of one year. Divorced This means that you are officially separated and have legally ended your marriage. Married This means that you and your spouse have had a ceremony that legally binds you to each other. Your marriage must be legally recognized in the country where it was performed and in Canada. Separated This means that you are married, but are no longer living with your spouse. Single This means that you have never been married and are not in a common-law relationship. Widowed This means that your spouse has died and that you have not re-married or entered into a common-law relationship.
• Enter the date (year, month and day) you were married or you entered into your current common-law relationship.
• Type the family names and given names of your current spouse or common-law partner.

If you are in a common-law union, you must also fill out the Statutory Declaration of Common-law Union [IMM 5409] (PDF, 863 KB) form and include it with your application. If you are married, you must send a photocopy of your marriage licence or certificate with your application.

Check the box to tell us if you have ever been married or in a common-law relationship. If you checked “ Yes ”, enter the following information:

• All family names,
• All given names,
• Date of birth,
• Common-law, or
• Dates (From – To) for which you were in the relationship with your former spouse or common-law partner.
• Choose your native language (mother tongue).
• Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you have taken a test from a designated testing agency to test your abilities in English or French.

Type your valid passport or travel document number exactly as shown on the document. Make sure there is no space between each number or letter.

From the list, select the name of the country or territory that issued your passport or travel document.

Enter the date your passport or travel document was issued.

Enter the date your passport or travel document will expire.

For this trip – Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you are using a passport issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Taiwan that shows your personal identification number.

For this trip – Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you are using a National Israeli passport.

Note:  There must be at least one blank page other than the last page available on each passport. If applying from outside Canada, refer to the responsible visa office for your region. If applying from inside Canada, a physical copy of your passport is not required at this time, and may be requested at a late date.

Venezuelan passport holders

You may need to complete extra steps when you fill out your application .

If the printed expiry date on your Venezuelan passport has passed

If the printed expiry date has passed and you’re applying for a visitor visa, study permit, work permit or to extend your stay as a temporary resident in Canada, follow these steps:

• Add 5 years to the printed expiry date shown on your passport and enter it in the expiry date field of the application form.
• Include a letter of explanation with your application stating: “I am a Venezuelan national with a Venezuelan passport, which has been extended for 5 years”.

Warning: If your passport is still expired after adding 5 years to the printed expiry date, your passport is considered expired. You’re not eligible to submit an application with that passport.

National Identity Document

Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you have a national identity document.

Enter your national identity document number exactly as shown on the document.

From the list, select the name of the country or territory that issued your national identity document.

Enter the date your national identity document was issued.

Enter the date your national identity document will expire.

Check “Yes” or “No” to tell us if you are a lawful Permanent Resident of the United States with a valid alien registration card (green card).

Enter your valid alien registration card (green card) document number exactly as shown on the document.

Enter when your alien registration card (green card) document will expire.

Contact Information

Type your current mailing address (where information should be mailed). Make sure you include the following information:

• Post Office Box (P.O. Box) number, if you have one. If you do not have a post office box number, you must type the street number,
• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit,
• Street number (No.). If you did not type in a P.O. Box number, you must type the street number,
• Street name. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive, etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.),
• City or Town,
• From the list, choose the country or territory of your current mailing address,
• Province or State,
• Postal code or zip code,
• District, if it applies to you.

All correspondence will go to this address unless you give us your e-mail address.

If you wish to have a representative who can conduct business on your behalf, you must give us their email and mailing addresses in this section and fill out the Use of a Representative ( IMM 5476 ) form.

Check the box to tell us if the address you live at is the same as your mailing address. If “ No ”, type the following information:

• Apartment (Apt.) or Unit, if it applies to you,
• Street Number (No.),
• Street Name. Do not abbreviate words (Street, Avenue, Boulevard, Drive etc.) except for directions (NW, SE, W, etc.),
• Country or territory,
• Postal Code or zip code,

Check the correct box to tell us if the telephone number is from Canada, the United States (US) or Other (any other country).

Choose the type of telephone:

• Residence (home)
• Cellular (cell or mobile)
• Business (work)

Type your telephone number including the country code, area or regional codes, etc.

If you have an extension number, write it after your phone number under “Ext.”

Check the correct box to tell us if your other telephone number is from Canada, the United States or Other (any other country).

Check the correct box to tell us if the facsimile (fax) number is from Canada, the United States or Other (any other country).

If you have one, type your facsimile (fax) number, including country code, area or regional codes, etc.

If you have one, type your e-mail address using a format similar to the following: [email protected]

Note: Make sure you check your email regularly. Any emails sent to you by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will end in:

• “@cic.gc.ca”,
• “@canada.ca”, or
• “@international.gc.ca”.

Please add these to your “safe senders” list in your email program and check the junk mail folder in case important emails get filtered. If we find that your email address does not work or no longer exists, we will communicate with you by mail. By giving us your e-mail address, you are hereby authorizing us to send your correspondence, including file and personal information electronically to this address.

Details of Visit to Canada

• Short-term studies (course or program of six months or less)
• Returning student
• Returning worker
• Super visa — Parents and grandparents
• Other (medical visit, transit, etc.)
• Family Visit

Note: If you selected “ other ” in question 1a), provide details in 1b)

• Provide details.

Enter the dates (From – To) that you plan to stay in Canada.

Type the amount of funds (money) in Canadian dollars that you have available to you during your stay in Canada.

Type the following information about the person(s) or institution(s), including schools you intend to visit during your stay in Canada:

• Name (includes the name of a person or a name of an institution)
• Relationship you have with this person or institution (friend, family, co-worker, etc.)
• Their address in Canada (street number, street name, city or town and postal code).

Check the box to tell us if you have any post-secondary education (including university, college or apprenticeship training).

Examples of post-secondary education:

Training completed in a specific trade, such as carpentry or auto mechanics.

Training in a profession that requires formal education but not at the university level (for example, dental technician or engineering technician).

Academic degree awarded by a college or university to those who finished an undergraduate curriculum; also called a baccalaureate. Examples include a Bachelor of Arts, Science or Education.

Academic degree awarded by a graduate school of a college or university. You must have completed a Bachelor’s degree before a Master’s degree can be earned.

Highest university degree usually based on at least three years of graduate studies and a thesis. Normally, you must have finished a Master’s degree before a PhD can be earned.

If you checked “ Yes ”, give us full details of your highest level of post-secondary education:

• Enter the dates (year and month) you attended the institution
• Field(s) of study (mechanics, social sciences, medicine, etc. )
• School or Facility name
• City or Town
• Country or territory (choose from the list) and
• Province or State.

Employment (Work or job)

Enter the following information about your employment for the past 10 years. If you are retired, give information about the 10 years before your retirement.

Current activity or job

Give details about your current activity or job :

• dates (year and month) you have been working at your current job,
• activity or job, or a brief description of your position. If you do not work, describe what you are currently doing (retired, not working, going to school, etc. ),
• name of the company, employer or facility where you work,
• Province or State, if it applies to you.

Previous activity or job

Give details of your previous activity or job for the past 10 years. If you are retired, include the details about the 10 years before your retirement.

If you need more space, print out another page of the form, fill in this section and submit it with your application.

Background Information

All questions in this section must be answered or the application will be considered incomplete and will be returned.

Check the box to indicate if:

• you or any of your family members have ever had tuberculosis of the lungs or been in close contact with a person with tuberculosis within the past two years.
• you have any physical or mental disorder that would require social and/or health services other than medication during your stay in Canada.
• If you checked “ Yes ” to any of the above questions, provide details and the name of the family member, if applicable.

Note: Refer to the Family Members definition in this guide.

Check the box to indicate if you have ever:

• remained beyond the validity of your status, attended school without authorization or worked without authorization in Canada.
• been refused a visa or permit, denied entry or ordered to leave Canada or any other country or territory.
• Applied previously to enter or remain in Canada.
• If you checked “ Yes ” to one of the above questions, provide details.
• been arrested for, or
• been charged with or convicted of any criminal offence in any country or territory.
• Check the box to indicate if you have ever served in any military, militia, civil defence unit, served in a security organization or police force (including non-obligatory national service, reserve or voluntary units).
• If you answered “ Yes ” to question 4a), please provide your dates of service and the countries or territories where you served.

Check “ Yes ” or “ No ” to indicate if you have ever been a member or associated with any political party, or other group or organization which has engaged in or advocated violence as means to achieving a political or religious objective, or which has been associated with criminal activity at any time.

Check “ Yes ” or “ No ” to indicate if you have ever witnessed or participated in the ill treatment of prisoners or civilians, looting or desecration of religious buildings.

To complete your form:

Once the application is completed, click on the “Validate” button located at the top or bottom of the form. This will generate a barcode page (page 5 of 5) – see image below. If this application form is completed on a computer and printed, you must place the barcode page on the top of your application (or if applying as a group, each individual application package).

Note: This barcode page will not appear if you fill out your application by hand.

If you are 18 years of age or older , you must sign and date in the boxes provided at the bottom of the page.

If you are less than 18 years of age, your form must be signed by one of your parents or a legal guardian.

Note: By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have provided is complete, accurate, and factual. If you do not sign and date the application form, it will be returned to you.

Who needs to complete this form?

This form must be completed by each person, 18 years of age or older, applying for a Temporary Resident Visa, a study or work permit outside Canada.

Which form needs to be completed?

You must complete the Family Information form (IMM 5707 or IMM 5645) listed in the application package for your country.

Family Information (IMM 5707)

Write the personal details about:

• Check “ Yes ” if you were physically present at the marriage ceremony
• Check “ No ” if you were not physically present at the marriage ceremony
• Check “ Yes ” if your spouse was physically present at the marriage ceremony;
• Check “ No ” if your spouse was not physically present at the marriage ceremony.
• your parent 1 (mother or father); and
• your parent 2 (mother or father).

Check “ Yes ” or “ No ” to indicate if the person will accompany you to Canada.

Write: Family name and given name(s) (as shown on passport or travel document), name in native language (if applicable), date of birth, country or territory of birth (as shown on passport or travel document), present address (e.g. street name and number, city, country, postal code), marital status, and present occupation (job).

If a person is deceased, write “deceased” under “Present address”, and write the city/town, country and the date they died.

If not currently employed, please indicate if that person is retired, studying, etc.

You must answer all questions. If a section does not apply to you, write “Not applicable” or “N/A”.

Note: If you do not have a spouse, a common-law partner or conjugal partner, read “ Note 1 ” at the end of Section A, then sign and date the declaration.

Section B - Children

Write the personal details about your children. It is very important that you list all of your children even if they are already permanent residents or citizens of Canada, regardless of age or place of residence. This includes:

• married children;
• adopted children;
• children of your spouse (step-children) or common-law partner;
• any of your children who have been adopted by others; and
• any of your children who are in the custody of an ex-spouse, former common-law partner or other guardian.

Write: relationship (e.g. son, adopted daughter), family name and given name (as shown on passport or travel document), name in native language (if applicable), date of birth, country or territory of birth (as shown on passport or travel document), present address (e.g. street name and number, city, country, postal code), marital status, and present occupation (job).

If a person is deceased, indicate this under “Present address”, and write the city/town, country and the date they died.

If you require more space, please either add lines to the form by pressing the + button to the right or attach a separate sheet with the additional information.

Note: If you do not have any children, check the box “ I do not have any children ” and read “ Note 2 ” at the end of Section B, then sign and date the declaration.

Section C - Declaration

Sign and date in the sections provided.

Note: By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have given is complete, accurate and factual. If you do not sign or date the form, your application will be returned to you.

Important information: Once you have filled out the form, click on the “ Validate ” button located at the top of the form. Missing information will be identified by a pop up when you press the “Validate” button. You should fill out your forms on a computer and validate them electronically to reduce mistakes and help you submit forms that are complete.

Note: This form will not produce a barcode when it is validated.

For more information about the “validate” button, visit the Help Centre .

Family Information (IMM 5645)

• If you are married and you were physically present at the marriage, choose “married – physically present” in the marital status box.
• If you are married and you were not physically present at the marriage, choose “married – not physically present” in the marital status box.
• If you are married and your spouse was physically present at the marriage, choose “married – physically present” in the marital status box.
• If you are married and your spouse was not physically present at the marriage, choose “married – not physically present” in the marital status box.
• your mother,
• your father.

Include: full name, relationship, date of birth, marital status (married, single, widowed, common-law, divorced, separated, annulled marriage), present address and occupation (job), and if they will come with you to Canada by checking “ Yes ” or “ No ”.

If a person is deceased, write “deceased” under “Present address”, and write the city and the date they died.

Note: If you do not have a spouse or a common-law partner, read “ Note 1 ”, then sign and date the declaration at the end of Section A.

Write the personal details about your children. It is very important that you list all of your children even if they are already permanent residents or citizens of Canada. This includes:

Write full name, relationship, date of birth, marital status (married, single, widowed, common-law, divorced, legally separated, annulled marriage), present address and job, and if they will come with you to Canada by checking “ Yes ” or “ No ”.

If a person is deceased, indicate this under “Present address”, and write the city and the date they died.

Note: If you do not have children, read “ Note 2 ”, then sign and date the declaration at the end of Section B.

Section C – Brothers and Sisters

Write the personal details about your:

• brother(s),
• half-brother(s) and half-sister(s), and
• step-brother(s) and step-sister(s).

If a person is deceased, write this under “Present address”, and write the city and the date they died.

Section D – Certification

Sign and date the boxes at the bottom of the page.

Note: By signing, you certify that you fully understand the questions asked, and that the information you have given is complete, accurate and factual. If you do not sign or date the form, your application will be sent back to you.

Use of a Representative (IMM 5476)

Who may use this form.

Fill out this form only if you:

• are appointing a representative;
• need to update contact information for your previously appointed representative; or
• are cancelling a representative’s appointment.

If you have dependent children aged 18 years or older, they must fill out their own copy of this form if a representative is also conducting business on their behalf.

Who is a representative?

A representative is someone who:

• you have appointed by completing the IMM 5476 form;
• gives advice, consultation, or guidance to you at any stage of the application process; and
• has your consent to conduct business on your behalf with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).

You are not obliged to hire a representative. We treat everyone equally, whether they use the service of a representative or not.

For more information, see: Use of a Representative .

Notify IRCC about any changes

You must use this Web form to tell us if any information changes regarding the person you authorized to represent you on your application.

• an application processing fee;
• a biometric fee.

Find out if you need to give biometrics .

Use the table below to calculate the total amount of fees to be paid (all fees are in Canadian dollars). The processing fees must be included with your application. If you or your family members are required to provide biometric information, the biometric fee should be paid at the same time and the same way as the processing fee in order to avoid delays in processing your application.

Note: You may be required to pay fees in local currency.

Single or multiple entry temporary resident visa

The same fee applies to both types of visas. We’ll decide which visa to give you based on your application.

Find out more about the difference between single and multiple entry visas .

Fees are subject to change at any time.

Note: Make sure that you are eligible before you pay, and gather all the documents requested before you submit the application.

The fees will not be refunded, regardless of the final decision. For example, being found ineligible for a temporary resident visa is part of the processing; the fees will not be refunded. If you apply again, you will have to pay another processing fee and if applicable, another biometric fee.

Visa-exempt visitors applying for a super visa:

If you are a citizen of a country where you do not require a visa to visit Canada, you do not have to pay any processing fees. However you will have to satisfy all other requirements to obtain a super visa.

Find out if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa .

How to pay the fees for your application

To pay your fees for your application you’ll need:

• a valid e-mail address;
• access to a printer (you’ll need to print the receipt),  and
• a credit card, Debit MasterCard ® or Visa ® Debit card.

Visit the link below and follow these instructions to pay:

• Go to Online Payment .
• At the end , click on the button to print the IRCC official receipt with barcode. Print two copies.
• Keep the second copy of the receipt for your records.

Incorrect fee payment

Incorrect fee payments may delay processing of your application.

Payment issue – No fee included

We will return your application.

Note: We will start processing your application after you return your application with the fees.

Payment issue – Not enough fees included

We will return your application and tell you of how much to pay.

Note: We will start processing your application once you return your application with the correct fees.

Payment issue – Overpayment

• start processing your application, and
• send you a refund.

Note: You do not have to ask for a refund, it will be done automatically.

Payment issue –Required biometric fee not included

• tell you the fee amount and how to pay it.

Note: We will continue processing of your application after you send the missing fees.

Where do I apply?

You may send your application to a Visa Application Center (VAC) that serves your area or apply online .

If I need to give my biometric fingerprints and photo, where do I go?

Outside Canada and the U.S.: At one of Canada’s Visa Application Centers (VAC) locations around the world.

In the United States: At one of many Application Support Centers across the U.S.

In Canada: Starting December 3, 2019, you can go to a designated Service Canada location .

At the port of entry: Asylum claimants, and applicants for work and study permits who are eligible to apply at the port of entry.

Consult the list of biometric collection service points .

If, for some reason, you can’t provide your biometric information (photograph and/or fingerprints) or if you need more than the 30 days, please contact us and be prepared to provide a detailed explanation.

In Canada: As of December 3, 2019, you can go to a designated Service Canada location .

Submit the document checklist

Make sure you complete the Document Checklist [IMM 5484] and include it with your application forms and supporting documents.

What should I submit with my application?

Make sure you complete the Document Checklist  and include it with your application forms. Make sure you include all the supporting documents listed on the Document Checklist .

If your family members are also applying for TRVs, you can include your whole family's applications in the same envelope.

If you are a permanent resident (PR) overseas, and have decided to renounce (relinquish) your permanent resident status, you must submit your application for PR renunciation [IMM 5782]  ( PDF , 1.59 M B ) in a separate envelope from your Temporary Resident application.

Temporary Resident applications may be submitted through a Visa Application Centre (VAC) or online, while the PR applications must be sent by mail separately to the visa office.

The application process

Completion check.

Once you have submitted your application, we will check to make sure that:

• you have properly completed and submitted all of the required application forms;
• you have paid the application processing fee; and
• you have sent all requested supporting documentation.

If your application package is incomplete:

• we will return it to you;
• we will not create a file; and
• we will not keep a record until you have submitted a complete application.

Note: To avoid processing delays, pay your biometric fees at the same time as your application processing fees, using the same method of payment.

Review for decision

Your application will undergo a detailed review by an officer. The officer will consider all the information and documentation you have provided, and will assess it and will decide if an interview is necessary. If so, you will be informed of the interview date, time and place.

If your application is refused, any original documents, including your passport if submitted with your application, will be returned to you with an explanation of why your application was refused.

Note: If we suspect that fraudulent documents were submitted, they will not be returned.

If your application is approved, any original documents, including your passport if submitted with your application, will be returned to you with the requested visa.

Visa-exempt visitors applying for a super visa

If your application is approved, your passport and documents will be returned to you with a letter of introduction.

Arrival in Canada

A valid Temporary Resident Visa is not a guarantee of entry into Canada. An officer at the port of entry will decide if you still meet the requirements for admission when you arrive.

If there has been a change in circumstances between the dates of your application for a visa and your arrival in Canada, or if subsequent information is given which was not originally available to the visa office, you may be refused entry.

When you arrive in Canada, the officer at the port of entry will determine whether you may enter Canada and how long you may stay. You must leave Canada on or before the date set by the officer or have your status extended by an officer in Canada. The stamp placed in your passport by a Canadian official is generally valid for a period of six (6) months unless another duration is specified by the official.

Parent and Grandparent super visa

If you applied for a super visa on or after June 22, 2023, your visitor status is valid for 5 years on each entry to Canada. See How long you can stay in Canada for more information.

You must leave Canada on or before the date set by the officer or apply to extend your stay before your status expires. It is your responsibility to maintain valid visitor status. If you enter Canada on or after June 22, 2023, and you have a stamp in your passport with no handwritten date, or if you have no stamp, you are allowed to stay for 5 years.

As a super visa holder, it is important to

• renew or maintain your health insurance while in Canada and on re-entry
• make sure your passport is valid while you’re in Canada

Note: for applicants who provided their biometric information as part of their application, when you arrive at the Canadian port of entry, the officer will:

• check your travel documents and compare you to the photo taken at the time of your application, and
• may ask you to proceed to a secondary inspection line where your fingerprints will be compared with the fingerprints that were taken at the time of your visa application.

What you can do to help processing

There are certain things you can do to help make sure your application is processed as fast as possible:

• submit all documents and information we have asked for with your application
• pay your application and biometric fees (if required)
• provide your biometrics as soon as possible (if required)
• mailing address;
• telephone numbers;
• facsimile number (fax);
• e-mail address.

Things that delay processing

The following may delay processing:

• unclear photocopies of documents;
• verification of your information and documents;
• a medical condition that may need more tests or consultations;
• a criminal or security issue;
• consultation is needed with other offices in Canada or abroad.

Current processing times

You can check current processing times on the Application processing times webpage.

Checking application status

See Check application status to find information on how to view your current status.

If you can’t view your current status, you may Contact Us to learn about your current status . To obtain details on how to remove your application status information from the Internet, visit the “ Frequently Asked Questions ” (FAQ) section.

Protecting your information

Your personal information, including biometric fingerprints and photograph, if given:

• may be shared with other Canadian government institutions as well as foreign governments as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act ,
• will be available to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) employees who need to see it in order to provide the services to you, and
• will not be disclosed to anyone else except as permitted under the provisions of the Privacy Act .

You can find more information about the protection of your data by visiting the Help Centre .

Find out more about the protection of your biometric information.

Quality Assurance Program

Our quality assurance program randomly chooses applications for a special review. If chosen, we will ask you to attend an interview with an IRCC official to:

• verify that the documentation and any other information you submitted is accurate,
• verify that your application has been completed properly.

Note: We will notify you in writing if your application is chosen.

Online services

For more information about the programs offered by IRCC, visit Immigration and Citizenship .

If you need help, you can find answers to your questions by visiting the Help Centre .

Income Table 2024

Your child or grandchild may use the following income scale to assess their ability to meet the income requirements.

Provide two photos meeting the requirement of the Visa application photograph specifications . On the back of two photos, write your name and date of birth.

Note: if you are required to provide biometric fingerprints and photo, you are not required to include paper photos with your application.

How-to video

Find out if you are eligible

Page details

(403) 265-6641

Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants

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Are you ready, to find the way to successful immigration, it all starts with a one-on-one consultation with a canadian immigration expert., or call us at  (403) 265-6641.

Frances Murry Wipf, Maria Georgina Rico Espinosa, Diane Monaghan & Mona Bakhtiari are members of the College of Immigration & Citizenship Consultants

Verify Status with the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants

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Canada Visitor Visa invitation letter: Complete guide

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.

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:

• Status in Canada (Canadian permanent resident or citizen)
• 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!

Related Articles

Toronto Airport Departure Guide: Start your journey from Canada with ease

Canada Visa rejection: Common reasons and how to avoid it

Check Canada visa status: Track your application

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Inviting Your Family

Invitation Letter

If you are inviting your family to visit you, you can write them a letter of invitation to accompany their Temporary Resident Visa (i.e. Entry Visa) application.  Please note:  Immigration Canada requires the individual issuing the invitation to write the letter; McGill cannot write this letter on your behalf.  

Here is a Sample Invitation Letter  for reference.

In addition to the information required by Immigration Canada  , you can also include a copy of your Study Permit as well as any other evidence that you are a student at McGill (e.g. copy of student card, proof of enrolment from Minerva).

Inviting your Spouse:

If you are inviting your spouse to stay with you during the duration of your studies, he/she may be eligible apply for an Open Work Permit based on your full-time student status, valid Study Permit and program/level of studies.

Inviting Dependent Children:

More detailed information about inviting your family - including dependent children and childcare options - can be found on our Bringing Family website .

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letter of invitation

• Thread starter nunu
• Start date Apr 10, 2015

Full Member

hello everyone, I want to send a letter of invitation to my mom to visit me in canada . I am not working at this time and i am stay at home mom while my husband is working ,he has some properties and we have a joint bank account.my question is should this letter of invitation is from him(as he is working) to invite his mother in law or it should be from my side and include my husband's decleration that we both will undertake to provide assisstance to my mom and bear her expences. Thanks  

Hero Member

nunu said: hello everyone, I want to send a letter of invitation to my mom to visit me in canada . I am not working at this time and i am stay at home mom while my husband is working ,he has some properties and we have a joint bank account.my question is should this letter of invitation is from him(as he is working) to invite his mother in law or it should be from my side and include my husband's decleration that we both will undertake to provide assisstance to my mom and bear her expences. Thanks Click to expand...

hoping_canadian

charmainefrances

nehamerchant

Star member.

nehamerchant said: @ charmainefrances wonderful , but I think you should provide T4 for 2014, it ought to available by now. rest is superb. and further would you get it notarized. too many people talking of notarized. will you get deceleration of support on oath signed and stamped by notary? Click to expand...

charmainefrances said: Yes my aunt got her visa after a week. It's multiple as well. I saw a sample invitation letter just like yours too but it's too formal for me... hehe! So I made a different one just like a "Maalaala mo kaya" kind of thing Click to expand...

hi friends, is it necessary to get letter of invitation and decleration of support notarized? @hoping_canadian and @charmainefrances did u got your letters notarized and how old your cases are.  

charmainefrances said: I did not include the 2014 T4 since we applied in Oct. last year. I did not notarize any of the requirements we submitted. The letter you'll submit with signature is I think enough. Plus your passport copy. Click to expand...

nehamerchant said: hi friends, is it necessary to get letter of invitation and decleration of support notarized? @ hoping_canadian and @ charmainefrances did u got your letters notarized and how old your cases are. Click to expand...

Submitted application to VFS Philippines: Nov. 5,2014 Received the Visa: Nov. 13, 2014 Since I was in the Philippines during that time , I filled up the forms myself and printed my T4's and other requirements online and my husband's too... Wrote the letter of invitation the same day (Nov.5) I personally submitted the application to VFS.. The person who helped us just put the application in one plastic envelope... Did not ask me to notarize anything... Maybe because I was there personally...  

Desi_Canadian