How to Write an Invitation Letter for Visitors to Canada

Notary Public
Apr 6
3 min read

If you’re inviting a friend or family member to visit Canada, you may need to provide a letter of invitation to support their visa application. At Affordable Markham Notary Public, we make it easy for you to get your invitation letter notarized or commissioned the same day. Book online or call us to get started!

This guide covers:

What an invitation letter is
When it should be notarized
The difference between a regular letter and an affidavit
Step-by-step instructions with sample formats

What Is an Invitation Letter?

An invitation letter is a document written by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident inviting someone from another country to visit. It helps immigration officers understand:

Who the visitor will stay with
The purpose of the visit
Where they will stay
Whether they have financial or other support during their trip

Note: A letter of invitation does not guarantee visa approval. Visa officers assess the visitor’s application to ensure it meets Canada’s immigration requirements.

Information to Include About the Visitor

When writing your invitation letter, include:

Full name
Date of birth
Address and telephone number
Your relationship to the visitor
Purpose of the trip
Duration of stay in Canada
Accommodation and financial arrangements
Planned departure date

Information to Include About Yourself

You should also provide details about yourself:

Full name
Date of birth
Address and contact information in Canada
Job title
Citizenship or permanent resident status
Proof of status (e.g., Canadian birth certificate, citizenship card, PR card, or IMM 1000 proof of landing)
Family details, such as spouse and dependents

Do Invitation Letters Need to Be Notarized?

Not always, but notarizing your letter can:

Add credibility
Confirm your identity
Strengthen the visa application, especially for higher-risk cases

There are two main formats:

Regular Invitation Letter – A simple letter for most cases.
Invitation Letter as an Affidavit – A sworn statement before a notary for added legal weight.

Option 1: Regular Invitation Letter

What to Include:

Your full name and status in Canada
Address and contact information
Visitor’s full name and date of birth
Relationship to you
Purpose and duration of visit
Accommodation details
Statement of support (if applicable)

Option 2: Invitation Letter as an Affidavit

This version is sworn before a Notary Public, making it a formal legal document. It is useful when:

The visitor has a higher risk of refusal
You want to strengthen the application
Immigration authorities request additional proof

Key Differences:

Include a sworn statement (e.g., “MAKE OATH AND SAY”)
Sign in front of a notary
Notary verifies your identity and applies their seal

Sample Affidavit Format:

I, [Your Full Name], of the City of [City], in the Province of [Province], MAKE OATH AND SAY: I am a [citizen/permanent resident] of Canada residing at [full address]. I am inviting my [relationship], [Visitor’s Full Name], born on [DOB], to visit me in Canada. The purpose of the visit is [reason], and the visit will take place from [start date] to [end date]. During their stay, [Visitor’s Name] will reside at my home. I will [describe financial or accommodation support, if any].