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Canada Visitor Visa Invitation Letter: All You Need to Know

Last Update: 12-11-2024

A woman sitting in a cafe with a cup of hot chocolate, wearing a red sleeveless top and resting her chin on her hand.

Tejeswini Murali

writing an invitation letter for Canada

When applying for a visitor visa to Canada, also known as a temporary resident visa (TRV), you might be required to submit a letter of invitation from someone in Canada. While this letter does not guarantee that your visa will be approved, it is an essential supporting document that helps visa officers assess your application.


In this blog, we’ll explain what the Canada visitor visa invitation letter entails, the information it should include, and provide a sample invitation letter for visitor visa Canada to help you draft one effectively.

Table of Contents

  1. What is a Canada Visitor Visa Invitation Letter?
  2. How to Use the Invitation Letter for Canada Visa?
  3. Information to Include in the Invitation Letter
  4. Sample Invitation Letter for Canada Visitor Visa
  5. Tips for Writing an Invitation Letter for Canada Visa
  6. Additional Documents to Include with the Invitation Letter
  7. FAQs About Canada Visitor Visa Invitation Letters

What is a Canada Visitor Visa Invitation Letter?

A Canada visitor visa invitation letter is a formal document written by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to support a visa applicant’s intention to visit Canada. The letter provides details about the visitor’s trip, including the purpose, duration, and how expenses will be managed.

Important Points to Note:

  • Writing this letter does not make the host legally responsible for the visitor.
  • The letter should be truthful and written in good faith.
  • The host sends the letter to the visitor, who includes it in their visa application.

How to Use the Invitation Letter for Canada Visa?

  1. The host should send the completed letter of invitation to the visitor.
  2. The visitor must include the letter along with their visitor visa application submitted to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Information to Include in the Invitation Letter

When writing this letter, ensure it contains the following details about the visitor and the host:


About the Visitor (Person Being Invited):

  • Complete name.
  • Date of birth.
  • Address and telephone number.
  • Relationship to the host.
  • Purpose of the trip.
  • Duration of stay in Canada.
  • Where they will stay.
  • Who will pay for expenses.
  • Planned departure date from Canada.

About the Host (Person Writing the Letter):

  • Complete name.
  • Date of birth.
  • Address and telephone number in Canada.
  • Job title.
  • Status in Canada (citizen or permanent resident).
  • Photocopy of proof of status, such as: Canadian birth certificate (if born in Canada), Citizenship card (if naturalized), PR card or IMM 1000 (if a permanent resident), Secure Certificate of Indian Status (if applicable).
  • Details about family members, such as names and dates of birth of the host’s spouse and dependents.

Sample Invitation Letter for Visitor Visa Canada

Here is a Canada visa invitation letter template for Canada tourist visa:


[Your Full Name]

[Your Address in Canada]

[City, Province, Postal Code]

[Phone Number]

[Email Address]

[Date]


To: Visa Officer

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)


Subject: Invitation Letter for Visitor Visa


Dear Visa Officer,

I, [Your Full Name], am writing to invite [Visitor’s Full Name], my [state relationship, e.g., cousin/friend], to visit Canada from [start date] to [end date].


I am a [status in Canada: citizen/permanent resident] residing at [address in Canada]. Attached is a photocopy of my [proof of status, e.g., PR card or Canadian citizenship card.

[Visitor’s Full Name] plans to stay at my residence during their visit. I will be assisting them with their accommodation and other expenses. The purpose of their visit is [reason for the visit, e.g., tourism, family gathering].


I assure you that [Visitor’s Full Name] will leave Canada before their visa expires. Should you require further information, please contact me at [phone number] or [email address].


Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]

Tips for Writing an Invitation Letter for Canada Visa

  1. Be Honest and Clear: Provide accurate information and avoid any exaggerations.
  2. Attach Additional Documents: Include proof of your status in Canada, such as a PR card or citizenship certificate.
  3. Use Formal Language: Ensure the tone is respectful and professional.
  4. Include All Necessary Details: Follow the guidelines mentioned above to ensure nothing is missed.

Additional Documents to Include with the Invitation Letter

For a strong visa application, the following additional documents can be included along with the letter of invitation:

  • Photocopy of the host’s passport or PR card.
  • Financial documents (bank statements, pay slips, or tax returns) if the host is providing financial support.
  • Visitor’s travel itinerary and proof of ties to their home country (e.g., employment letter, property ownership).

Final Thoughts

A well-drafted Canada visitor visa invitation letter plays a crucial role in strengthening your visitor visa application. Ensure the letter includes all required details and is supported by relevant additional documents to enhance your chances of approval. Use the Canada visa invitation letter sample and template provided in this guide to draft an effective letter.


Planning to visit Canada? Then prepare the perfect invitation letter to boost your visa application and make your dream trip a reality!

FAQs

Does a letter of invitation guarantee visa approval?

No, a letter of invitation does not guarantee that the visa officers will approve the application. It simply supports the application by providing additional details about the visitor’s trip.

Can the host refuse financial responsibility for the visitor?

Yes, the host can write a letter without agreeing to cover the visitor’s expenses. In such cases, the visitor must show proof of their own financial means.

Can a friend write a Canada invitation letter, or does it have to be a family member?

Yes, a friend can write the letter of invitation, as long as they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The relationship between the visitor and the host should be clearly stated in the letter, whether it’s a friend, relative, or acquaintance.

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