Disclaimer: The information listed in this article is not exhaustive. This is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Please contact us at 604 416 0211 or info@jurisnotary.com for more information.

What is a Letter of Invitation to Canada?

A Letter of Invitation to Canada is an affidavit (legal statement made under oath), used to support a foreign traveler’s Temporary Resident Visa (visitor visa) application into the country. 

The invitation letter to Canada helps the IIRC (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada) collect important information about the visit, including: the visitor’s reason for coming into Canada, intended place of residence, means of financial and/or social support during their stay, and more.

The person writing the letter of invitation must be a Canadian citizen or Permanent Canadian Resident, and they must be a friend or relative to the visitor visa applicant. However, a BC Notary Public can assist you with the process of writing a letter of invitation to Canada. 

Is It Mandatory?

A letter of invitation is not a prerequisite requirement of the visa application, but having one prepared can prevent delays to the application. 

It’s important to note that while a letter of invitation can help with the visa application process, it is not a guarantee that the visitor’s application will be approved.

The Canadian visa issuing office may also ask for the letter of invitation to be notarized. If that is the case, rest assured, as Juris Notary is here to help.

How to Write a Letter of Invitation to Canada

When writing a Letter of Invitation to Canada, you should write clearly and concisely. You should also include as many details as possible to help support the visa application.

What are some of the things you should include in your application?

The Person You Are Inviting

In your Letter of Invitation to Canada, you must include the following information regarding the foreign visitor:

  • Complete name, including any middle names.
  • 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.
  • When the person plans to leave Canada.

The Person Writing the Letter of Invitation

In addition, you must include the following information about yourself:

  • Complete name, including any middle names.
  • Date of birth.
  • Address and telephone number in Canada.
  • Job title.
  • Whether you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • A photocopy of a document proving your status in Canada.
  • Details of your family, such as names and dates of birth of your spouse and dependents.
  • The total number of people living in your household, including people you sponsored whose sponsorship is still in effect.

Disclaimer: There are additional documentation requirements for the parent and grandparent super visa.

To learn more about the full requirements of a Letter of Invitation to Canada, please click here.

Juris Notary Can Help

Struggling to write a Letter of Invitation to Canada? We’re here to help.

Juris Notary also offers notarization services for property transfer, wills and estate planning, contracts and more. 

Should you have any questions regarding our services or the notarization process, please feel free to visit our blog, or contact us at 604.416.0211 or info@jurisnotary.com to speak with a legal representative today.