What is a Canadian Invitation Letter?

Study time: 10 minutes

When researching immigration to Canada, you've likely come across the term "Canadian Invitation Letter". This simple document plays a crucial role in the Canadian visa application process and can significantly increase your chances of approval.

What is a Canadian invitation letter?

A Canadian invitation letter is an official document issued by an individual or organization residing in Canada to invite another person to the country.

This letter not only expedites the process of obtaining a temporary Canadian visa but also serves as credible evidence of the purpose of your visit and ensures your return to your home country.

Why is a Canadian invitation letter important?

Facilitates the visa application process: An invitation letter demonstrates that you have a supporting individual or organization in Canada, increasing your chances of visa approval.
Confirms the purpose of your visit: By providing an invitation letter, the purpose of your trip is clearly stated, allowing immigration officers to easily assess your application.
Guarantees your return: An invitation letter indicates that you will return to your home country after the duration of your stay.

Types of Canadian Invitation Letters

In this section, we'll explore the different types of Canadian invitation letters to help you choose the right one based on your specific circumstances. From family and friend invitations to business and study invitations, each type of an invitation letter has its own unique requirements and documents. Join us to learn everything you need to know about the various types of Canadian invitation letters.

Family Invitation Letters

Canadian family invitation letters are categorized based on the relationship between the inviter and the invitee.

This categorization can help you identify the most suitable type of invitation letter for your situation.

Invitation for Parents: This type of invitation is typically used to invite parents to Canada to visit their children.
Invitation for Siblings: Issued to invite a brother or sister to visit.
Invitation for Spouse: A spousal invitation is usually submitted along with a spousal visa application to allow a spouse to join their partner in Canada.
Invitation for Friends: Issued to invite close friends for a visit.
Invitation for Immediate Family: This category includes all immediate family members such as uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Canadian Employment Invitation Letter

A Canadian Employment Invitation Letter is issued by a Canadian employer, company, or institution, inviting an individual to collaborate and confirming their ability to be a valuable workforce in Canada.

The employer must have a legitimate business and specify the duration of the individual’s stay in Canada. A valid employment invitation letter should include the following:

A sample contract between the individual and the institution.
A clear description of the job responsibilities.
The full name of the employer.
The applicant's language proficiency certificate.
Work experience certificates and technical or professional training documents.
A copy of the business license.
The job title and position.
The proposed salary.
The start date of employment.

Canadian Business Invitation Letter

The difference between an employment invitation and a business invitation is that an employment invitation is for an employee who will work for a Canadian company and leave after completing their contract. A business invitation, on the other hand, is for an investor or a visitor who is not seeking employment in Canada but is visiting for business purposes such as business development, purchasing, or attending conferences.

A valid business invitation should include the following:

The relationship between the inviting company and the visitor. This typically involves international business development, purchasing or exporting, ordering products from Canada, attending conferences or trade shows, etc.
The company's address and general information.
The company's registration date.
The work experience of the investor, businessman, or anyone involved in the business event.
The duration of their stay in Canada.
Assurance that the company will cover the invitee's stay and living expenses, although the individual must also prove their financial capability while in Canada.
Confirmation that the individual's primary employment and source of income is in another country.
A declaration of the individual's clean criminal record.

Canadian Tourist Invitation Letter

As previously mentioned, a Family Invitation Letter is a type of tourist invitation specifically issued for close relatives such as family members and friends. This type of invitation is one of the most common ways to apply for a Canadian tourist visa.

A Tourist Invitation Letter is an official letter issued by a resident individual or organization in Canada to invite a foreign person for tourism purposes. This letter serves as credible evidence of the purpose of the trip and ensures the individual’s return to their home country.

Requirements and Contents of a Tourist Invitation Letter

A complete tourist invitation letter should include the following information:

Personal Information: Full names, addresses, contact numbers, and emergency contact information for both the inviter and the invitee.
Relationship between the parties: The nature of the relationship between the inviter and the invitee (family, friends, etc.), and the duration of their acquaintance.
Purpose of Visit: Clearly stating the purpose of the trip as tourism and providing a detailed travel itinerary.
Duration of stay: The expected dates of arrival and departure of the invitee.
Accommodation details: The exact address where the invitee will be staying while in Canada.
Police Certificate: A certificate confirming that the invitee has no criminal record.
Reason for choosing Canada: Explaining why Canada has been chosen as the travel destination.

Canadian Student Invitation Letter

A Canadian student invitation letter is a crucial document required for international students seeking to study in Canada. This letter, issued by a Canadian educational institution or a Canadian resident, serves as proof that the student has been accepted into a Canadian academic program and meets the necessary requirements to study in the country.

Types of Canadian Student Invitation Letters

There are two primary types of student invitation letters:

Invitation Letter from an Educational Institution:
- Issued by a university, college, or school where the student has been accepted.
- Contains details such as the student's name, program of study, duration, tuition fees, and admission requirements.
- Confirms that the student meets the academic qualifications for enrollment.
- Typically includes a letter of acceptance, proof of admission, and information about the study program.
Invitation Letter from a Canadian Resident:
- Issued by a Canadian resident, such as a family member or friend of the student.
- Indicates that the student has a sponsor in Canada who will provide financial support and accommodations.
- Includes information such as the sponsor's name and address, their relationship to the student, a guarantee of financial support, and the provision of accommodation.

Canadian Super Visa and Accompanying Visas

A Canadian Super Visa is a multiple-entry visa designed for parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, allowing them to stay in Canada for extended periods. To qualify for a Super Visa, a valid invitation from a family member in Canada is mandatory.

Super Visa Requirements

Family Relationship: The inviter must be the child, grandchild, parent, or grandparent of the invitee.
Financial Support: The inviter must demonstrate the ability to financially support the invitee during their stay in Canada, covering expenses such as housing, food, and healthcare.
Suitable Accommodation: The inviter must provide suitable accommodations for the invitee.
Police Certificate: The inviter must provide a police certificate.

Benefits of a Super Visa

Extended Stays: Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to 10 years, with individual visits of up to 5 years.
Strengthen Family Ties: This visa offers families the opportunity to spend more quality time together.

Accompanying Visas

To accompany a principal applicant (such as a student or worker) to Canada, a family member can apply for an accompanying visa. These visas are typically granted to spouses, children, and, in some cases, parents.

Requirements for Accompanying Visas:

Valid Invitation: The principal applicant in Canada must issue a formal invitation.
Family Relationship: The applicant must be the spouse, child, or parent of the principal applicant.
Proof of Relationship: Documents like marriage certificates or birth certificates are required.
Medical Examination: A medical examination is necessary.
Proof of Funds: The principal applicant must demonstrate the ability to support the accompanying family member.
Criminal Background Check: The applicant must have a clean criminal record.
Intent to Leave: The applicant must demonstrate that they will leave Canada at the end of their authorized stay.

Validity of Canadian Invitation Letters

The validity of a Canadian invitation letter and the permitted length of stay in Canada depend on the type of visa and the purpose of the visit. Each invitation letter has specific terms and conditions that must be strictly adhered to.

Work Invitation: The validity of this type of invitation is tied to the duration of the employment contract with the Canadian employer. Once the contract ends, the invitation becomes invalid.
Study Permit Invitation: This invitation remains valid as long as the individual is actively pursuing their studies. Upon graduation, the invitation becomes invalid.
Accompanying Visa Invitation: The validity of this invitation usually aligns with the validity of the principal applicant's visa (such as a study or work permit).
Tourist Invitation: The validity is limited to the specific departure date indicated on the invitation.
Super Visa: The Super Visa has the longest validity period, typically issued for 10 years.

Are There Costs Associated with Writing an Invitation Letter?

Writing an invitation letter for someone to visit Canada doesn't typically incur significant costs, especially if you do it yourself for a close relative. However, some Canadian provinces may require a notarized and stamped invitation for official verification, which involves a fee.

Costs of Professional Services

If you choose to use the services of an immigration agency or lawyer to write your invitation letter, the costs will increase significantly. These fees vary depending on the visa type, complexity of the case, the agency's reputation, and the services provided.

What Information Should Be Included in a Canadian Invitation Letter?

The information included in a Canadian invitation letter is crucial and directly impacts the letter's validity. A well-crafted invitation letter can significantly increase the chances of a visa application being approved. While the specific requirements can vary depending on the type of visa and individual circumstances, most invitation letters should include the following:

Applicant’s Information: Full name, date of birth, contact information including phone number and email address, and the exact residential address.
Relationship between the Applicant and the Invitation Letter Writer: Specify the relationship between the applicant and the person writing the invitation letter in Canada.
Intended Destination: Clearly state which province the applicant intends to visit in Canada.
Accommodation Details: Indicate where the invitee will stay, such as in a dormitory, boarding school, guesthouse, student housing, the home of close relatives, etc.
Payment of Accommodation Costs: State how the accommodation costs will be covered, if applicable.
Accommodation Payment Method: Clarify how the accommodation expenses will be paid.
Travel Dates: Provide the exact dates of arrival and departure for the invited individual.
Invitation Letter Writer’s Information: The person issuing the invitation should provide their full name, date of birth, contact information, Canadian address, immigration status (citizen or permanent resident), proof of status (e.g., passport, citizenship card), occupation, family information (spouse, children), and a statement confirming their ability to financially support the guest.

Summary

Grasping the principles of writing a Canadian invitation letter is beneficial, even if you don't need one immediately. You may need to send an invitation to friends or family in the future, or you might work in a company that interacts with many international clients and colleagues.

A Canadian invitation letter can play a crucial role in obtaining various visas, especially those that are more difficult to acquire. A valid invitation significantly increases your chances of a successful visa application and can provide you with greater motivation to immigrate to Canada.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Canadian invitation letter affect chances of getting permanent residency? While a valid invitation can positively influence your application, it doesn't guarantee permanent residency. Even for temporary residency, it's not a definitive factor.

Can students write a Canadian invitation letter? Yes, anyone over 18 who has resided in Canada for at least six months can write an invitation letter.

Is an invitation letter necessary for family members to visit Canada? No, anyone can apply for a tourist visa to visit Canada. However, an invitation letter can increase your chances of getting a visa.

Is it mandatory to include a travel itinerary in a tourist invitation letter? Yes, all the mentioned details are mandatory for any invitation letter. Omitting any information can increase the risk of visa rejection.