EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
When you apply for a visa to visit Canada, you may be asked to provide a letter of invitation from someone who is currently in the country. This letter will be used by visa officers to determine whether you meet the terms of Canada’s immigration law in order to be issued a visa. It’s important to note that a letter of invitation will not guarantee that you will be issued a visa. It’s also important to note that some visa offices require your letter to be notarized by a notary public.
WRITING A LETTER OF INVITATION FOR SOMEONE ELSE
WHAT SHOULD YOU INCLUDE IN YOUR INVITATION LETTER TO VISIT CANADA?
When you write an invitation letter for your friend or family member who wishes to come to Canada, you must be sure to include the following information about that individual:
Their full name
Date of birth
Address and telephone number
Relationship to the host
Purpose of their trip (e.g. wedding, birthday party, a friendly visit, etc.)
How long they will stay in Canada (it’s best to put their entry date and exit date)
Where they will stay and how they will cover their living expenses
You should also include specific information about yourself as the individual issuing the invitation. You must include:
Your full name
Date of birth
Canadian address and telephone number
Job title
Your status in Canada (i.e. Permanent Resident or Canadian Citizen)
A photocopy of a document proving your status in Canada, such as:
Your temporary resident status (e.g. study permit or work permit)
Your Canadian birth certificate, if you were born in Canada
Your Canadian citizenship card, if you are a naturalized citizen
Your Permanent Resident card or your IMM 1000 proof of landing, if you are a permanent resident
HOW SHOULD YOU FORMAT YOUR LETTER?
Title the letter as “Letter of Invitation for [the name of your guest]: Passport No: [XXX]
You should formally address your letter to “Sir/Madam”
In the body of your letter, be sure to include the information listed above
Note that all of the required documents are attached
Sign the letter with all of your information (i.e. your name, address, phone number, and signature)
DOES MY INVITATION LETTER NEED TO BE NOTARIZED?
You will not know ahead of time if your visa officer will request a notarized invitation letter. As such, many applicants opt to have a notarized copy ready to submit upon request to avoid potential delays in submitting their application. If you wait to submit an invitation letter until the visa office requests you to submit one, your application will be delayed.
WHAT IS A COMMISSIONER FOR TAKING AFFIDAVITS?
A commissioner for taking affidavits may take affidavits and administer other legal oaths, affirmations, or declarations. In order to become a commissioner, individuals must be appointed as a commissioner for taking affidavits or notary public in Ontario.
Our Services
Calver and Associates is a leading provider of Canadian Immigration services in Durham Region. We serve clients in Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, and beyond. Our Registered Canadian Immigration Consultant has over 10 years of experience in Canadian Immigration law and over four years of experience serving those in the Oshawa area.
We can provide assistance with applications for both temporary and permanent residency in Canada. We handle applications for study permits, permanent residency, family class sponsorship, visitor visas, work permits, and Canadian citizenship. We also handle criminal inadmissibility cases by developing remedies for refusal.
