How to Write a Letter of Invitation for a Canadian Visitor Visa

If you’re inviting a friend or family member to Canada, you’ll likely need a Letter of Invitation for a Canadian visitor visa. This letter details the purpose of the visit, your relationship with the invitee, and how you’ll support them during their stay, and the invitee submits it along with their visa application. Below, we walk you through exactly what to include, plus a free sample you can adapt.

Short on time or not sure how to write an invitation letter for your loved one? Let our licensed immigration consultant prepare a professional invitation letter for you. Our fee is only $100, plus the applicable notarization fee. Contact us to get started, or keep reading for a full DIY guide below.

If you’d rather start from a ready-made document, you can also download our free Invitation Letter Template.

Step 1: Format Your Letter of Invitation Professionally

• Use a formal tone.
• Address the letter properly (e.g., “To: The Immigration Officer”).

2. Include the Inviter’s Information

Provide your complete details:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Address in Canada
• Phone number
• Email address
• Your status in Canada (e.g., citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident). Attach proof such as a copy of your Canadian passport, PR card, or visa.

3. Include the Invitee’s Information

Provide complete details about the person you are inviting:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Address
• Phone number
• Relationship to you
• Purpose of the visit (e.g., vacation, attending a wedding, visiting family).
• Duration of the visit (include specific dates).
• Where they will stay in Canada (e.g., your home or a hotel).

4. Specify Financial Support

State whether you will be supporting them financially during their visit:

• Mention any financial assistance, if applicable (e.g., covering accommodation, meals, or travel expenses).
• Include proof of your financial capability (e.g., recent bank statements, employment letter, or pay stubs).

5. Additional Details

• Activities planned during their stay.
• An assurance that the invitee will return to their home country before their visa expires.

6. Close the Letter

Sign off with:

• A polite closing.
• Your handwritten signature (if submitting a physical copy).

Sample Letter of Invitation

[Your Full Name]
[Your Full Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code, Canada]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]

To: The Immigration Officer,
Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Subject: Letter of Invitation for [Invitee’s Full Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to invite my [relationship, e.g., friend, sister], [Invitee’s Full Name], to visit me in Canada from [start date] to [end date].

[Invitee’s Full Name] is a [relationship, e.g., childhood friend], and we have known each other for [number] years. They currently reside at [Invitee’s Full Address] and work as a [profession] at [company, if applicable].

During their visit, I will provide [mention any support, e.g., accommodation at my home located at [address], meals, and local transportation]. We plan to visit local attractions such as [mention places, e.g., Niagara Falls, Banff National Park, etc.].

I have attached a copy of my [proof of status, e.g., Canadian passport or PR card] and recent financial documents to demonstrate my ability to support them during their stay.

[Invitee’s Full Name] will return to [home country] on or before [departure date], as they have commitments such as [e.g., work, family responsibilities, etc.].

Should you require additional information, please feel free to contact me at [phone number] or [email address].

Thank you for considering this request.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[Your Signature, if physical copy]