Does a Canadian Visa Invitation Letter Need to Be Notarized?

Updated September 2026. A letter inviting a family member, friend or business visitor to Canada is not automatically required to be notarized. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) lists the information a visitor invitation should contain; for business visitors, it says some visa offices may require notarization. The applicable visa office and document checklist govern your situation.

Start with the official requirements

• Check the IRCC visitor invitation instructions or the business invitation instructions.
• Include the details IRCC asks for, and confirm any additional requirements in the applicant’s personalized checklist or visa office instructions.
• If notarization is specifically required, ask which signature or copy must be notarized and whether an original paper document is needed.

Notarization confirms a particular notarial act; it does not guarantee a visa or certify the truth of the invitation. A standard notarial act in Ontario requires an in-person meeting. Remote commissioning may fit only when the requested document is an oath or declaration and the recipient accepts that method.

Your checklist asks for a notarized invitation? Send us the exact wording or view our notary services.