A letter of invitation is an important supporting document for people applying for a Canadian visitor visa. This letter is typically required when a person plans to visit Canada for a short-term stay (usually six months or less) for purposes like tourism, family visits, or business meetings. The letter of invitation serves to provide proof that the applicant has a trustworthy relationship with a Canadian resident and that the visit is legitimate. In this guide, we will let you know what exactly a letter of invitation is, who can write it, the requirements it must meet, and how you can go about obtaining one.
What is an Invitation Letter for Canada Visa?
An invitation letter for a Canada visa is a signed document from someone you know well who resides in Canada. It could be a family member, friend, or business partner. The purpose of this letter is to formally invite you to Canada and to vouch for your reason for visiting.
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The letter actually acts as a recommendation to the Canadian Consulate, assuring them that your visit is genuine and that you have no plans to overstay or violate your visa conditions. The person inviting you might offer financial support or accommodation during your stay, which strengthens the visa application. The invitation letter is not a guarantee of your visa approval, but it adds value to your application by providing context and supporting information about your visit.
Who Can Write a Letter of Invitation?
Anyone who knows you well and resides in Canada can write this letter, provided they meet specific criteria. Here’s who can be your invitee:
- Family members: Parents, siblings, spouse, or children
- Close friends: Someone who has a personal relationship with you
- Business partners: If you are visiting Canada for work or business purposes
The important requirement is that the person inviting you must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada. This person must also be in good legal standing and should ideally have a steady source of income.
What Should the Invitation Letter Contain?
To be effective and accepted by the Canadian Consulate, the invitation letter must include detailed and accurate information. This includes three main sets of information:
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- Information about the visa applicant
- Information about the person inviting the applicant
- Additional information (for Super Visa applicants only)
Information About the Visa Applicant
The person applying for the visa should be described clearly in the letter. The following information should be provided:
- Full name (first name and last name)
- Date of birth
- Contact information (telephone number and email)
- Exact residential address
- Relationship with the person inviting them (family, friend, or business partner)
- Purpose of their visit to Canada (e.g., tourism, visiting family, business)
- Duration of the visit (when they will arrive and leave Canada)
- Where they will stay in Canada and how they will finance their stay
Information About the Person Inviting the Applicant
The person writing the invitation letter must include their personal details as well. Here’s what should be mentioned:
- Full name (first name and last name)
- Date of birth
- Contact information (telephone number and email)
- Exact residential address in Canada
- Status in Canada (Canadian citizen or permanent resident), which can be proven with:
- Canadian citizenship card or passport (if the person is a citizen)
- Canadian birth certificate (if the person was born in Canada)
- Permanent Resident card or IMM 1000 (Proof of Landing document) for permanent residents
- Job title and source of income
- Names and dates of birth of close family members (spouse, children, or dependents)
- Total number of people living in their household, including those they have sponsored or are sponsoring
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Specific Information for Super Visa
If the letter is for a Super Visa, which allows parents or grandparents to stay in Canada for longer than six months, additional information is required:
- A written and signed declaration that the invitee will financially support the parents or grandparents during their entire stay in Canada.
- Proof of enough income to support the household, including the visiting parents or grandparents.
How to Get an Invitation Letter for Canada Visa?
Getting an invitation letter is not a tedious process if you have a person in Canada who meets the criteria. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get one:
- Find an eligible invitee
Make sure that the person inviting you is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident with legal standing and sufficient income.
- Communicate your visit details
Discuss with your invitee the purpose of your visit, how long you plan to stay, and where you will stay during the trip.
- Request the invitation letter
The person in Canada will write the letter following the format outlined above, ensuring all required information is included.
- Review the letter
Once the letter is written, review it carefully to ensure all details are accurate and consistent with the information in your visa application.
- Sign and submit
The invitee should sign the letter and, if required, have it notarized. Once signed, the letter can be sent to you either as a scanned PDF (for online visa applications) or as a physical copy (for paper applications).
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- Attach to your visa application
You should attach the invitation letter to your Canadian visa application, along with other necessary documents.
A letter of invitation for a Canada visa is a necessary document that can strengthen your visa application. It provides proof of your relationship with someone in Canada and clears the consulate that your visit has a solid purpose. By following the steps and making sure that all required information is included, you increase your chances of getting a visa successfully.