You can draft a Letter of Invitation to support a traveller’s temporary resident visa (also known as a visitor visa) to enter Canada. To write a letter, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident inviting your family, friend, or business associate to Canada. 

A Letter of Invitation to Canada affirms that you’re inviting an individual to visit Canada and outlines the purpose of their visit. It also shows that a host will provide the visitor with financial support and/or accommodation. 

Essentially, the letter shows your guest has a genuine reason to visit Canada. It also substantiates the visitor’s intent to return to their home country, demonstrating they’re not at risk of overstaying their visa.

A Letter of Invitation doesn’t guarantee that a visa applicant will be issued a visa. However, authorities consider the letter when deciding whether an applicant meets Canada’s immigration requirements. As such, it can increase the likelihood of your guest’s TRV being accepted. 

When Do You Need a Letter of Invitation to Canada?

You would draft a Letter of Invitation to support a traveller’s visa application to visit Canada. Visitors often require a TRV to enter Canada for special occasions, like birthdays, weddings, business events, and more. 

If you’re a student, you might draft a Letter of Invitation to invite family members to your graduation ceremony or just to visit you during a semester. If you’re inviting a business associate to Canada, they may need a letter to attend an annual conference or other business event

A visa officer reviews an applicant’s TRV application (including your Letter of Invitation) and decides whether to issue them a visa. Authorities carefully assess each applicant to determine whether they meet the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act’s requirements.

Does a Letter of Invitation to Canada Need to Be Notarized?

Having your Letter of Invitation to Canada notarized is best practice, but it isn’t required. Some visa offices require that Letters of Invitation be notarized. Notarization increases the credibility of your letter, increasing the chances of your visitor’s TRV application being accepted. It also demonstrates your dedication to providing accurate information, making your letter more trustworthy. 

You can have your Letter of Invitation notarized online in 7 minutes with NotaryPro. Book an online notary appointment to see how easy it can be!

Information to Include in a Letter of Invitation to Canada

If you’re drafting a Letter of Invitation for a visitor, you’re not legally responsible for them once they enter Canada. Despite that, your letter needs to be truthful; you must keep any promises you make in your letter. 

Writing a Letter of Invitation to Canada is effortless with NotaryPro’s free, customizable Letter of Invitation to Canada template. Ensure that the information in your letter is accurate and that it matches the details in your guest’s application. 

You must outline how you’ll help the traveller during their visit — for example, by buying their plane ticket or providing accommodations. 

You should include the following details about the person you’re inviting:

• Full legal name

• Date of birth

• Address and phone number

• The purpose of their trip

• The length of time they plan to stay

• Their relationship to you (e.g., brother, friend, etc.)

• Where they’ll be staying

• When they plan to leave Canada

• How they will pay for things

Include the below information about yourself:

• Full legal name

• Address and phone number

• Job title

• Date of birth

• Whether you’re a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident

• Your family’s information: the names and birth dates of your spouse and dependents

• A copy of a Canadian status document (Canadian citizenship card or birth certificate)

• A copy of your IMM 1000 proof of landing or PR card (for permanent residents)

• A Secure Certificate of Indian Status or a Certificate of Indian Status (status card)

Additional details to include:

• Embassy/Consulate’s address where the letter is being sent

• The traveller’s arrival date to Canada

• Date of the letter

• The inviter’s employer and years of employment

• The visitor’s passport number and its expiry date

Visitors might need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada, but not both. Before applying for a TRV, visitors should confirm whether they require one to enter Canada. See whether a traveller needs a visitor visa or an eTA to learn what’s required.