An invitation letter is a written document issued by either a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident of Canada, or a company headquartered in Canada, to a foreign national seeking to visit the country. It is typically used to invite someone to an event, occasion, or a specific destination or to support a visa application.

Here's a comprehensive guide to invitation letters, covering less-known facts and addressing specific types of invitation letters.

What Is A Letter of Invitation?

Purpose of Invitation Letters

Visa Invitation Letter:

This is a letter written to support a visa application, demonstrating that the inviting party is willing and capable of hosting the visitor.

Event Invitation Letter:

Used to invite someone to a specific event, like a wedding, birthday party, conference, or business meeting.

Family or Parent Invitation Letter:

This type is used to invite family members or parents to visit you or attend an event.

Basic Outline for An Invitation Letter

• Your name and contact information.
• Date and place of writing.
• Recipient's name and address.
• Salutation.
• Purpose of the invitation.
• Date and time of the event or visit.
• Duration of the stay.
• Details about accommodation and financial support.
• An invitation statement, expressing your willingness to host the recipient.



Any additional information required for specific visa applications (e.g., a copy of your ID or passport).

Important Information For Any Invitation Letter

Process For Obtaining A Notarized Invitation Letter

Step 1: Identify the Host

Initiate the process by identifying the individual in Canada who will extend the invitation. This person may be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident, or someone with a legitimate connection, such as a friend, family member, or business associate.

Step 2: Request the Invitation

Engage in open communication with the host and formally request them to furnish an invitation letter. Ensure that you clearly communicate the purpose and expected duration of your visit, along with any specific details that should be incorporated into the letter.

Step 3: Draft the Letter

The host will draft the invitation letter, including crucial particulars such as their full name, address, contact information, and their status as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Moreover, the letter should provide insight into their relationship with you, the reason for your visit, and the anticipated duration of your stay.

Step 4: Visit a Notary Public

Once the invitation letter is prepared, it is essential to take it to a notary public for official notarization. Click here to book your appointment with our notary public to perform this legal certification.

Step 5: Verify Identity

Both the host and the notary public will conduct an identity verification process, which will require presenting valid identification documents, such as a passport or driver's license.

Step 6: Sign and Seal

In the presence of our notary public, the host will sign the invitation letter. Our notary public, in turn, will apply their official seal and signature, thereby certifying the letter's authenticity.

Step 7: Maintain Copies

It is crucial to retain a copy of the notarized invitation letter for both the host and the applicant. These copies are instrumental components of the visa application process.

Step 8: Dispatch the Invitation

Following notarization, the host can send the original notarized letter to the applicant. The applicant will use this document as an integral part of their Canadian visa application.

Step 9: Incorporate into Visa Application

During the visa application process, the applicant must include the notarized invitation letter alongside other mandatory documents. The application can be submitted through the designated channels, whether online or at a visa application center.

Step 10: Await Processing

After submitting the visa application, await the processing by Canadian authorities. The processing timeline may vary depending on the visa type and various factors.

Step 11: Monitor Progress

If necessary, closely monitor the progress of the visa application and be prepared to provide supplementary information or attend an interview if requested by Canadian authorities.

Step 12: Obtain the Visa

Upon approval of the visa application, the applicant will be issued a Canadian visa. At this point, they can proceed with their travel plans to Canada in accordance with the details outlined in the notarized invitation letter.

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CRAFT YOUR OWN INVITATION LETTER

If you're in the process of inviting someone to Canada and require a notarized Invitation Letter to support their Canadian visa application, Notary Public Vaughan is here to simplify the process for you.

An Invitation Letter serves as a critical component of the visa application, providing vital information to Canadian immigration authorities. It effectively conveys three essential aspects about visitors to Canada:

1. Genuine Purpose of Visit

The Invitation Letter underscores that the visitors have a legitimate and well-defined reason for coming to Canada. This is a fundamental requirement to demonstrate the authenticity and necessity of their visit.

2. Assurance of Support

It establishes that there is a host in Canada who is not only willing but also fully capable of offering accommodation and financial support throughout the visitor's stay. This assurance plays a key role in enhancing the visitor's chances of a successful visa application.

3. Intent to Return Home

The Invitation Letter further assures immigration authorities that the visitors have a clear intention to return to their home country after their stay in Canada. This is essential in demonstrating that they are not a risk for overstaying their visa, bolstering the credibility of their application.

You can create and notarize a customized Invitation Letter that aligns perfectly with these requirements, supporting your visitor's Canadian visa application effectively. This ensures that your invitation letter is professionally crafted and legally recognized, thus enhancing the chances of a successful visa application for your guests.

Does An Invitation Letter Need to be Notarized?

Generally, invitation letters do not need to be notarized. However, it can be a significant Step in the Invitation Letter Process

The notarization process plays a pivotal role in the verification of invitation letters, serving multiple purposes that enhance the credibility and security of the Canadian visa application process.

Preventing Fraudulent Invitations

A registered notary public's involvement in this process is instrumental in validating the contents of the invitation letter and confirming the identity of the person extending the invitation. This crucial step acts as a deterrent against fraudulent invitations, safeguarding the integrity of the visa application process.

Assuring Genuine Intentions

Notarized invitation letters offer a level of assurance to Canadian authorities, reaffirming the authenticity of the invitation. By confirming the identity of both the applicant and the host, it assists immigration authorities in assessing the purpose of the visit and whether the visitor genuinely intends to enter the country. This rigorous process helps maintain the security and reliability of Canada's immigration system.

Official Credibility

A notary public's involvement adds an official and legally recognized seal to the invitation letter, enhancing its credibility. It signifies that the stated host composed the letter and is wholeheartedly willing to assume responsibility for the visitor during their stay in Canada.

Streamlining Visa Applications

Notarized invitation letters are particularly crucial in cases where an applicant is seeking a visitor visa or temporary resident visa. These visas necessitate compelling evidence of a legitimate invitation from a host residing in Canada. The notarization requirement streamlines the visa application process, reducing the likelihood of delays caused by incomplete or questionable documentation.

Balancing Genuine Visits and Security

The Canadian government's mandate for notarization seeks to strike a balance between facilitating genuine visits and preventing the potential misuse of the visa system. It ensures that visitors' intentions align with the purpose of their visit and that they have a valid connection to a resident of Canada, reinforcing the overall security and integrity of the immigration system.

In summary, the requirement for a notarized invitation letter serves as a safeguard against fraudulent activities and misrepresentation in visa applications. It helps ensure that visitors have legitimate reasons for coming to Canada and that they are under the care of a genuine host during their stay, ultimately enhancing the overall integrity and security of Canada's immigration system.

Final Points

Translation: If the recipient does not understand the language of the invitation, it may be necessary to provide a translation.

Multiple Invitations: If multiple people are being invited, you can list all the names in a single letter.

Customization: Tailor the letter to the specific needs of the recipient and event.

Response Deadline: Include a date by which the recipient should confirm their attendance or visa application.

Proof of Relationship: For family or parent invitation letters, you may need to provide proof of your relationship, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.

Remember that the exact requirements and formats for invitation letters can vary based on the country, the nature of the visit, and the specific event. It's important to verify the requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate and ensure that your invitation letter complies with their guidelines.