Invitation Letter for Canada Visitor Visa – Free Template (IRCC)
Use this free invitation letter for Canada visa (Canada): fill it in online, download it as Word or PDF, and follow our step-by-step guide – where to send it, whether it needs notarizing, what to attach and mistakes to avoid.
| Country | 🇨🇦 Canada |
|---|---|
| Document type | Civil status & residence |
| Format | Word, PDF & fill in online |
| Cost | Free |
| Time to complete | about 5 minutes |
| Notarization | Not required |
| Required? | Optional supporting document |
| Upload | With the online TRV application |
What is this letter for?
A letter of invitation from someone in Canada can support a visitor visa (temporary resident visa) application. IRCC suggests it include details about the visitor (name, date of birth, address, relationship, purpose, length of stay, where they will stay and how they will pay) and about the host (name, date of birth, address, job, status in Canada and household size). The visa officer still decides based on the whole application.
Where do you send it?
Send it to the visitor, who uploads it with the online visitor visa application.
Does it need to be notarized?
Not required. Notarization is not usually required for a standard visitor visa.
Step-by-step process
- Agree on purpose and dates with the visitor.
- Write the letter with all IRCC details.
- Attach proof of status and income if paying.
- Send it to the visitor.
- Visitor uploads it with the application.
What you need before you start
- Visitor’s details and passport number
- Your status in Canada (citizen, PR, permit)
- Purpose, dates, accommodation and who pays
How to use this template
- Click each yellow field inside the letter and type your details directly (Enter jumps to the next field).
- Read the text through; the “Edit” button lets you change any sentence.
- Click “Word”, “PDF” or “Copy”, then sign and send.
Free template : invitation letter for Canada visa
Your full name
Street address
City, Province Postal code
Phone | Email
Today’s date
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Visa Office
Re: Letter of invitation for Visitor name
Dear Recipient name,
I, Host name, born on Host date of birth, am a Canadian citizen / permanent resident / work permit holder living at Host address, where I work as occupation. My household includes number people.
I am inviting my relationship, Visitor name, born on Visitor date of birth, living at Visitor address, passport number Passport number, to visit Canada.
The purpose of the visit is purpose. Visitor name will arrive on Arrival date and leave on Departure date, and will stay at my home. Visitor name will pay for the trip / I will pay for accommodation and food.
Please contact me at Phone or Email if you need further information.
Sincerely,
Your full name
Letter variations
Parent visiting for a birth
My [[mother/father]] will visit to help after the birth of our child, expected on [[Date]].
Business visit
[[Visitor name]] is invited to attend meetings with [[Company]] from [[Date]] to [[Date]]; our company will cover accommodation.
Checklist before you send
- ☑️ Visitor and host details
- ☑️ Status in Canada
- ☑️ Purpose and dates
- ☑️ Accommodation
- ☑️ Who pays
- ☑️ Signed
⚠️ Disclaimer: this template is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Always check the requirements of the organization you are writing to before sending it.
🏛️ Official sources
Always check the latest rules on the official website before sending.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Missing the host’s status in Canada.
- ❌ Dates different from the application.
- ❌ No proof of financial support when promised.
Tips before you send it
- Attach proof of your status and, if paying, proof of income.
- Keep dates consistent with the application.
- Super visa invitations have extra requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Is an invitation letter mandatory for a Canada visitor visa?
No, but IRCC lists what it should contain and it can strengthen the application.
Does it need to be notarized?
Not for a standard visitor visa; check if the visa office asks.
What about the super visa?
Super visa letters must include a promise of financial support and proof of minimum income.
Does the letter guarantee a visa?
No, the officer assesses the visitor’s own situation.
Where do I send this letter (invitation letter for Canada visa)?
Send it to the visitor, who uploads it with the online visitor visa application.
Does this letter (invitation letter for Canada visa) need to be notarized?
Not required – Notarization is not usually required for a standard visitor visa.