Free Ontario document template
Invitation Letter for a Visitor to Canada
Use this editable template to organize a clear invitation letter for a family member or friend applying to visit Canada. It follows the information checklist published by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), while leaving room for the facts of the proposed visit.
Draft first and sign only after confirming whether the visa office or intended recipient requires notarization.
What an invitation letter does—and does not do
A person in Canada may write an invitation letter to support a visitor visa application. The host sends the completed letter to the person being invited, who includes it with their application. The letter explains who is inviting the visitor, the relationship between them, the reason for the trip, the intended dates and how the visit will be funded.
An invitation letter is supporting evidence, not a visa, sponsorship approval or guarantee. IRCC states that a letter does not guarantee that a visa will be issued; an officer assesses the visitor against Canadian immigration requirements. Writing the letter also does not, by itself, make the host legally responsible for the visitor after arrival. The host must nevertheless write in good faith, tell the truth and intend to keep any promises made.
Information to gather
About the visitor
- Full name and date of birth exactly as shown on the passport
- Current address and telephone number
- Relationship to the host
- Purpose of the trip and proposed length of stay
- Where the visitor will stay and how expenses will be paid
- The date the visitor plans to leave Canada
About the host
- Full name, date of birth, Canadian address and telephone number
- Job title and relevant contact details
- Whether the host is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Proof of status, if requested by the applicable instructions
- Details about the host’s household or family where the official checklist requests them
- A truthful description of accommodation or financial support being offered
Use exact dates when they are known. If plans are tentative, say so rather than inventing details. Names, passport information and relationships should be consistent with the visitor’s application and supporting documents. Do not include unnecessary account numbers, identity-document numbers or other sensitive data unless the official checklist requires them.
Super visa invitations
A parent or grandparent super visa application has additional requirements. IRCC’s current instructions call for a signed promise of financial support for the duration of the visit and evidence that the host meets the applicable income requirement. A general visitor invitation template is only a starting point; follow the super visa checklist and use its current definitions and income figures.
How to use this template
- Confirm the application type. Ask the visitor which application and visa-office checklist they are following. A family visit, business visit and super visa application may need different material.
- Replace every prompt. Delete bracketed instructions, complete the relevant fields and remove optional passages that do not apply. Never leave blank promises in a signed letter.
- Check the facts together. Compare spelling, dates and addresses with passports, proof of status, travel plans and the application. Explain who will pay for travel, accommodation and daily costs without overstating support.
- Prepare supporting records. Follow the official checklist for proof of Canadian status, relationship, funds or accommodation. The letter should complement those records, not contradict or replace them.
- Confirm the signing requirement. If notarization is required, keep the signature line blank and bring the completed letter and acceptable identification to the appointment.
- Send a clear copy. Give the signed letter and any permitted supporting documents to the visitor securely. Keep a copy of exactly what was sent.
Does the invitation letter need to be notarized?
Not every invitation letter needs notarization. The correct requirement comes from IRCC, the responsible visa office or a specific request sent to the applicant. If notarization is requested, the host normally signs in front of the notary after the notary verifies identity. A notary can witness or notarize a signature; the notary does not decide whether the visitor qualifies for a visa or certify that future travel plans will occur.
Bring the unsigned final letter, valid government-issued identification and any instructions that describe the required notarial act. If more than one host will sign, confirm whether everyone must attend. Tell the notary if the document will be used outside Ontario or if a particular certificate, seal or original is required.
Frequently asked questions
Can this template guarantee approval?
No. It helps organize information, but IRCC alone decides the application. A complete and truthful letter is only one part of the evidence.
Should I promise to pay every expense?
Only state support you genuinely intend and are able to provide. Identify which costs the host will cover and which costs the visitor will cover.
Can I sign electronically?
Check the application instructions and any notarization request. If a wet-ink or witnessed signature is required, do not sign in advance.
What if our facts do not fit the template?
Edit the wording so it accurately reflects the visit. For legal or immigration strategy, obtain advice from an authorized immigration representative or lawyer.
Need a commissioner or notary?
Bring the unsigned document, valid identification and the receiving organization’s instructions. Eligibility for online commissioning depends on the document and recipient.
