Letter of Invitation to Canada
A letter of invitation is written by someone in Canada — a citizen, permanent resident, or valid permit holder — to support a relative or friend's application for a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization. It tells the visa officer who is inviting the visitor, why, for how long, and who will cover the costs.
The letter does not guarantee a visa and is not legally binding, but it is an important part of a strong application. A clear letter that sets out the relationship, the purpose and dates of the visit, and the financial arrangements helps the officer see that the visit is genuine and that the visitor intends to return home.
Some visa offices may ask for the letter to be notarized. Xpress Notary can notarize your invitation letter after hours, on weekends, or by mobile visit anywhere in Edmonton.
When you might need it
- A relative or friend abroad is applying for a Canadian visitor visa or eTA
- You want to support their application as their host in Canada
- A visa office asks for a notarized letter of invitation
- You are inviting a parent or grandparent (including for a super visa)
What a visa officer is looking for
The officer weighs whether the visit is genuine and temporary. Your letter should make the relationship and purpose obvious, give concrete dates, and be honest about who is paying. Vague or incomplete letters raise questions; specific ones build confidence.
- Your full name, status in Canada, and contact details as the host
- The visitor's full name, date of birth and relationship to you
- The purpose of the visit and how long it will last
- Who will pay for travel, accommodation and living expenses
- Where the visitor will stay while in Canada
What to send with the letter
The letter is stronger when it's backed by proof. The visitor submits it with their application; you typically provide documents showing your status and, where you're supporting the visit financially, your ability to do so.
- Proof of your status: citizenship certificate, PR card, or work/study permit
- Proof you can host or support the visit (for example, bank statements or a letter of employment)
- A copy of the visitor's passport bio page
How it works
- Answer a few guided questions — the document builds as you go.
- Download the print-ready PDF with a branded cover page (emailed to you too).
- Sign it as the instructions explain, and book an appointment for any notarizing or commissioning it needs.
Frequently asked questions
Does a letter of invitation guarantee a visa?
No. The letter supports the application, but the visa officer decides based on the whole application. A clear, honest letter can strengthen it, but it is not a guarantee and does not legally bind you.
Does the invitation letter need to be notarized?
Not always. Some visa offices may ask for a notarized letter, and notarizing it removes doubt about who signed. Because expectations vary by office, notarizing is the safest approach.
Who signs the letter — the host or the visitor?
The host in Canada writes and signs the letter. The visitor submits it with their application. Only the host signs in front of the notary.
Do I have to financially support the visit?
Not necessarily — the visitor can cover their own costs. Just state honestly in the letter who is responsible for travel, accommodation and living expenses.
Can I use this for a parent or grandparent super visa?
This letter provides the invitation portion, but a super visa letter must also include a promise of financial support for the whole visit, the list and number of people included in your family size calculation, and a copy of your proof of status in Canada. The builder doesn't ask for your family size details or a specific promise of support for the whole visit, so you'll need to provide those separately. A super visa also has its own requirements (such as minimum income and medical insurance); check the current IRCC requirements for those.
Can Xpress Notary notarize it quickly?
Yes — we offer evening, weekend, short-notice and mobile notary appointments across Edmonton.