Many people dream of visiting Canada, whether to reunite with family, celebrate special occasions, or explore its vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes. However, the visa process can feel complicated. One simple way to make your application stronger is by including a Canada Invitation Letter, written by your Canadian host.

This letter shows Canadian immigration authorities the purpose of your visit, confirms where you'll stay, and reassures them that you'll return home after your trip. 

In this guide, you’ll learn when and how to write an invitation letter for a Canada visitor visa, who can issue one, and see sample letters tailored to different visa types.

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What is a Canada Visa Invitation Letter?

A Canada Visa Invitation Letter is a formal document written by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident inviting you to visit them. It helps Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) understand the purpose of your visit and confirm your accommodation and support during your stay.

The invitation letter usually contains personal details of both the host and the visitor, the reason for your visit, your relationship, and the planned duration of the trip. It is submitted alongside your visa application forms and supporting documents.

An invitation letter improves your chances but does not guarantee a visa. IRCC considers your financial situation, intent to return, and complete documentation when deciding on your application.

Why Include an Invitation Letter in Your Canada Visa Application?

While optional for most Temporary Resident Visas (Visitor Visas), a well-drafted invitation letter can be helpful because it:

• Confirms Your Relationship: Shows the personal or professional connection between you and your Canadian host.

• Clarifies the Purpose: Clearly outlines why you are visiting and what you plan to do in Canada.

• Details Accommodation & Support: If your host is providing accommodation or financial help, it reassures IRCC that your stay is supported.

• Strengthens Your Application: Demonstrates that your trip is genuine, planned, and temporary.

When is an Invitation Letter Required?

For some types of visits, IRCC expects an invitation letter, especially for:

• Family reunions and visits

• Attending weddings, birthdays, or cultural events

• Professional engagements like conferences, workshops, or business meetings

• Medical treatment, if arranged by a Canadian healthcare provider

Types of Invitation Letters for Canada Visas

Visitor Visa Invitation Letters

For short stays to meet family, attend personal events, or for tourism.

Types:

• Tourist Visa Invitation Letter: From a friend or family member hosting you during your trip.

• Family Visit Invitation Letter: To visit close family in Canada.

• Medical Treatment Invitation Letter: Issued by a hospital or clinic for those receiving medical care.

Business Visa Invitation Letters

For professionals attending meetings, conferences, or business visits.

Types:

• Business Meeting Invitation Letter: From a Canadian company hosting the visitor.

• Conference Invitation Letter: From an organization hosting a professional or academic event.

• Training Invitation Letter: For attending workshops, corporate training, or seminars.

Student & Academic Visa Invitation Letters

For educational purposes.

Types:

• Short-Term Study Invitation Letter: For visiting Canadian universities as a guest lecturer, participant, or short-course attendee.

• Academic Conference Invitation Letter: From a Canadian educational institution or conference organizer.

Family Class Sponsorship Invitation Letters

Used in special family situations, though sponsorship and visitor visas are separate processes.

Types:

• Spouse or Partner Invitation Letter: From a spouse inviting their partner for a short visit before full sponsorship.

• Parent/Grandparent Invitation Letter: Used for a regular Visitor Visa or Super Visa.

• Dependent Child Invitation Letter: For minor children visiting parents in Canada.

Special Purposes Invitation Letters

For religious or charitable visits.

Types:

• Religious Work Invitation Letter: For pastors, monks, or religious volunteers.

• Charity Work Invitation Letter: For volunteers attending Canadian charity events or service projects.

Who Can Write a Canada Visa Invitation Letter?

The host must be:

• A Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Financially stable if offering to cover some or all of the visitor’s expenses

• Able to provide their proof of status in Canada (passport copy, PR card, etc.)

• Legally residing at the address where the visitor will stay

What to Include in a Canada Visa Invitation Letter

Host’s Information

• Full Name

• Date of Birth

• Full Address in Canada

• Phone Number & Email

• Citizenship/PR status (attach proof)

• Relationship with the visitor

Visitor’s Information

• Full Name (as per passport)

• Date of Birth

• Passport Number

• Country of Residence

• Relationship to the host

• Purpose of the visit

• Intended arrival and departure dates

Accommodation and Financial Support

• The address where the visitor will stay

• Whether the host will cover accommodation or expenses

• Proof of the host’s financial situation (bank statements, pay stubs, etc.)

Supporting Documents

Attach copies of:

• Host’s Passport or PR Card

• Proof of address (utility bill, lease agreement)

• Financial documents (optional, if offering support)

How to Write a Canada Visa Invitation Letter

Use a Formal and Respectful Tone

Example: “I, Rohan Sharma, residing at 2516 Maple Avenue, Toronto, am writing to invite my sister, Priya Sharma, to visit me for a family vacation.”

Be Specific About the Visit’s Purpose

Example: “Priya will be visiting from December 1, 2025, to December 20, 2025, to celebrate the holidays with our family and visit tourist attractions in Toronto and Vancouver.”

Mention Financial and Accommodation Arrangements

Example: “Priya will stay at my residence, and I will cover her accommodation and daily expenses during her trip.”

Attach Supporting Proof

Always include your ID copy, proof of residence, and optionally, your financial documents.

Sample Invitation Letter for a Canada Visitor Visa

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address in Canada]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]

To,
The Visa Officer
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Subject: Invitation Letter for Temporary Resident Visa – [Visitor’s Full Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, Rohan Sharma, a Canadian permanent resident residing at 2516 Maple Avenue, Toronto, ON, respectfully invite my sister, Priya Sharma (Passport Number: M1234567), a resident of Paro, Bhutan, to visit Canada from December 1, 2025, to December 20, 2025.

The purpose of her visit is to spend quality time with our family during the holiday season and explore key attractions in Toronto and Vancouver. During her stay, Priya will reside at my home at the above address. I will be responsible for her accommodation and daily living expenses.

Please find attached the following supporting documents:

• Copy of my Permanent Resident Card

• Proof of address (Utility bill)

• Bank statement confirming my financial capacity

Priya is a working professional in Bhutan and intends to return to her home country before her visa expires, where she has family and professional responsibilities.

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any additional information.

Thank you for your kind consideration.

Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Full Name]

Sample of Canada Business Visa Invitation Letter

[Company Name]
[Company Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
Email: [Company Email]
Phone: [Company Phone Number]
Date: [DD-MM-YYYY]

To,
The Visa Officer
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Subject: Invitation Letter for Business Visit – [Visitor’s Full Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

We, Maple Tech Solutions Inc., invite Mr. Ramesh Gupta (Passport No. X9876543), Manager at Global Systems Ltd., India, to Canada for business meetings and project discussions from October 5, 2025, to October 12, 2025.

The meetings will be held at our office located at 456 Front Street, Toronto, ON. The purpose of this visit is to finalise the terms of our ongoing software collaboration.

Mr. Gupta will be responsible for his travel and accommodation expenses.

Attached are:

• Copy of our company’s incorporation certificate

• Meeting schedule

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full Name]
[Designation/ Eg: Director, Maple Tech Solutions Inc.]

Sample for Canada Medical Treatment Visa Invitation Letter (From Hospital)

[Hospital Name]
[Hospital Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
Email: [Hospital Email]
Phone: [Hospital Phone Number]
Date: [DD-MM-YYYY]

To,
The Visa Officer
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Subject: Invitation for Medical Treatment – [Patient’s Full Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is to confirm that Mr. Vikram Malhotra (Passport No. Y1234567), residing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has been scheduled for cardiac treatment at our facility, Toronto General Hospital, from November 20, 2025.

The treatment will be under the care of Dr. Andrew Wilson. The estimated treatment duration is two weeks, subject to recovery.

Please find attached the treatment plan and hospital booking confirmation.

We kindly request that his visa application be processed to facilitate timely treatment.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Designation]
[Hospital’s Name]

Sample for Canada Religious or Charitable Worker Invitation Letter

[Organisation Name]
[Organisation Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
Email: [Organisation Email]
Phone: [Organisation Phone Number]
Date: [DD-MM-YYYY]

To,
The Visa Officer
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Subject: Invitation Letter for Religious Volunteer Visit – [Visitor’s Full Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

We, St. Mary’s Church, invite Mr. Sandeep Joseph (Passport No. K9876543), a religious volunteer from Cauca, Colombia, to assist in our annual Christmas charity events from December 10, 2025, to January 5, 2026.

Accommodation will be provided at our parish residence. His daily needs will be supported by the church.

Enclosed are our registration certificate and event program.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full Name]
[Organisation Name/ Eg: St. Mary’s Church]

Sample for Canada Super Visa Invitation Letter (Parents/Grandparents)

[Your Full Name]
[Your Address in Canada]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
Email: [Your Email]
Phone: [Your Canadian Phone Number]
Date: [DD-MM-YYYY]

To,
The Visa Officer
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Subject: Invitation Letter for Super Visa – [Parent’s Full Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, Priya Bansal, a Canadian citizen residing at 100 Lakeshore Blvd, Mississauga, ON L5E 1S2, invite my mother, Mrs. Rekha Bansal (Passport No. R1239876), from Bali, Indonesia, to visit me under the Super Visa program from June 1, 2025, to June 1, 2027.

I will be responsible for her accommodation, daily expenses, and medical insurance during her stay.

Attached are:

• Proof of my Canadian citizenship

• Recent Notice of Assessment

• Copy of purchased medical insurance

Thank you for considering this application.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full Name]

Sample for Canada Short-Term Academic Visit Invitation Letter

[Institution Name]
[Institution Address]
[City, Province, Postal Code]
Email: [Institution Email]
Phone: [Institution Phone Number]
Date: [DD-MM-YYYY]

To,
The Visa Officer
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)

Subject: Invitation for Short-Term Academic Visit – [Visitor’s Full Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing on behalf of the University of British Columbia to invite Dr. Anil Sinha (Passport No. T9876543), a Professor at Delhi University, to participate in our Environmental Economics Workshop from August 15 to August 30, 2025.

The university will provide accommodation on campus and cover workshop-related costs. Dr. Sinha will fund his travel expenses.

Attached are the workshop details and Dr. Sinha’s registration confirmation.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Full Name]
[Designation/ Eg: Director, Department of Economics]
[Organisation/ Eg: University of British Columbia]

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Incomplete host or visitor details

• Vague descriptions like “just visiting”

• Not specifying accommodation arrangements

• Missing proof of the host’s Canadian status

• Poor grammar or formatting

• Forgetting to sign the letter

For more details on why Canada Visas get cancelled, click here.

A Canada Visa Invitation Letter, though optional, strengthens your visitor visa application by clarifying your trip’s purpose, confirming accommodation, and demonstrating your host’s support.

So whether you're strolling through the streets of Toronto, admiring the Rockies in Alberta, or enjoying Quebec's charming towns, your Canadian journey could be unforgettable. With the right paperwork, your dream trip to Canada is one step closer to reality.