Writing an invitation letter for a Canadian visitor visa: what to include, with a template

If a relative or friend is applying for a Canadian visitor visa to see you, they will often ask you for a letter of invitation. It is a short document, but a vague or inconsistent one can do more harm than good. Here is what IRCC asks it to contain, a template you can adapt, and the mistakes to avoid.

What the letter does, and what it does not do

Your letter explains the visit from your side: who you are, who you are inviting, why, where they will stay and who pays for what. It supports the application. It does not replace your guest's own forms and evidence, especially the documents that show they will return home, such as a job, studies or family responsibilities.

What IRCC asks you to include

About the person you are inviting:

• full name and date of birth;
• address and phone number;
• your relationship to them;
• the purpose of the trip and how long they plan to stay;
• where they will stay and how they will pay their expenses;
• when they plan to leave Canada.

About you, the host:

• full name and date of birth;
• address and phone number in Canada;
• job title;
• whether you are a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident, with a photocopy of proof of status, such as a Canadian birth certificate, citizenship card or PR card;
• details about your family: the name and date of birth of your spouse or partner and of your dependants.

For a super visa, the letter must also include a promise of financial support for your parent or grandparent during their stay, and the list and number of people counted in your family size.

A template you can adapt

Re: Letter of invitation

I, [your full name], born on [date], residing at [address in Canada], phone [number], employed as [job title], am a [Canadian citizen / permanent resident of Canada]. A copy of my proof of status is attached. I live with [name and date of birth of spouse or partner, and of dependants].

I am inviting [guest's full name], born on [date], residing at [address], phone [number], who is my [relationship], to visit Canada for [purpose] from [arrival date] to [departure date].

During the visit, [guest] will stay [at my home / at this address]. [Name] will cover [expenses], and [name] will cover [other expenses].

Signed in [city], on [date].
[Signature]
[Your full name]

Make it specific

"Tourism" or "family visit" tells an officer very little. "My mother will stay with us from March 1 to April 15 to help after the birth of our first child" says who, why and when, in a way the rest of the file can confirm.

Be just as precise about money. If you provide room and board and your guest pays for the flight and personal expenses, say so. Avoid "I will pay for everything" unless it is true and your documents support it.

Check it against the rest of the file

Before you sign, compare the letter with your guest's application: names, dates of birth, travel dates, where they will stay and who pays. If your letter says two weeks and the form says two months, the officer will notice.

IRCC's page on invitation letters does not require notarization. What matters is the content. Your guest uploads the letter with their application, along with the copy of your proof of status.

For the rest of the application, see our guide to visitor visa documents and our visitor visa page.

Frequently asked questions

Can I invite a friend, not a family member?

Yes. Explain how you know each other and why your friend is visiting.

One letter for several guests, or one each?

One letter can cover several guests if it gives each person's details. If their dates or reasons differ, separate letters are clearer.

Does a letter of invitation guarantee the visa?

No. It is one piece of supporting evidence. The officer decides based on the whole application, including your guest's own situation.

Official sources

Official pages consulted on October 11, 2026:

• IRCC — Letter of invitation for visitors to Canada