Writing an Invitation Letter for Canadian Visa

An invitation letter is usually needed if you are going to Canada to visit a friend or family member. All you need to do is ask your friend to send you an invitation letter. Send them all the information about yourself and let them write the letter. I suggest that you ask them to mail the letter to you by regular mail, then you can place the letter with the stamped envelope in your application package. The stamped envelope is important because it makes it shows some form of authenticity. However, before mailing out the letter, ask your friend to scan the signed letter and send a copy to you via email. You will use this copy if you do not receive the mailed letter on time. My friends and family have used the scaned copy a couple of times and it has worked for them. However, I suggest that you use the original copy if possible. You may consult the Sample Business Invitation letter for a letter to come for a conference.

When I wrote my first invitation letter a couple of years ago, I did not have a clue about what should be on it. So I went to the Canada Immigration website and I found a guide. You can find the guide here - Invitation letter quide from Immigration Canada.

In summary the following should be on the invitation letter. This list is addressed to the person writing the invitation letter. Simply send them a link to this page all should go well.

Your letter must include the following information about the person being invited:

* Complete name.
* Date of birth.
* The person’s address and telephone number.
* Your relationship to the person being invited.
* The purpose of the trip.
* How long the person you are inviting intends to stay in Canada.
* Details on accommodation and living expenses.
* The date the person you are inviting intends to leave Canada.

Your letter must also include the following information about the person writing the letter:

* Complete name.
* Date of birth.
* Address and telephone number in Canada.
* Occupation.
* Whether you are a Canadian citizen or Permanent Resident
* A photocopy of a document proving your status in Canada. For instance, a Canadian birth certificate if you were born in Canada or a Canadian citizenship card if you are a naturalized citizen. If you are Permanent Resident, you must send proof of your permanent resident status (a copy of your PR card or your IMM 1000 proof of landing).

Sample Invitation Letter

Below is a sample invitation letter. The names on it are ficticious but this format has been used and visas have been issued using this format. There are other formats that can be used. The most important thing is for the information required to be on it. If you have other formats, please send them so that I can share with our readers.

March 27th, 2005

Hello Daddy & Mummy,

As follow-up to our telephone discussion, please take this as a formal invitation to Montreal for a visit. Please plan to come around June 10th 2005 so that you can stay for about 2 – 3weeks and celebrate my birthday with us on 28th ofJune 2005. This will be a great opportunity for you to see your first grandchild, Johnson. All my friends and church members are so eager to see you again.

Love u lots,

OlaLekan Adekoga

GUESTS:
Name: Dr. Babajide Adekoga
Address:.1 salle st, Ebutte Metta, lagos State Nigeria
Date of Birth - May 12, 1940
Telephone: +2348032173333
Relationship: Father.

Name:Mrs. Titilope Adekoga
Address:.1 salle st, Ebutte Metta, lagos State Nigeria
Date of Birth - Aug 12, 1948
Telephone: +2348032173333
Relationship: Mother.

HOSTS:
Name: Mr Olalelkan Adekoga
Address: #102, 234 Sherbrooke Ave, Montreal, Quebec. H4g 2k2, Canada.
Date of Birth: 28th June, 1978
Telephone: 1-514-444-2233
Status in Canada – Citizen
Profession: Computer Engineer, Nortel networks

Name: Mrs. Temitope Adekoga
Address: #102, 234 Sherbrooke Ave, Montreal, Quebec. H4g 2k2, Canada.
Date of Birth: 5th December, 1980
Telephone: 1-514-444-2233
Status in Canada – Permanent Resident
Profession: Accountant, Royal Bank.

Here is another Sample Invitation Letter written to invite a friend