A letter of invitation is a document from someone in Canada — often a family member, friend, or business contact — inviting a visitor to come to Canada and, typically, offering some description of the support or hosting arrangement involved. It is not a mandatory form for most visitor applications, but it can be a genuinely useful supporting document, particularly for family visits, and is sometimes specifically requested for certain applications such as a Super Visa.
What it does and doesn't do
A letter of invitation does not guarantee that a visitor visa or entry will be approved, and it is not a legal sponsorship or financial guarantee in the way a formal sponsorship undertaking is. Its purpose is to support the visitor's application by giving the visa officer a clearer, more credible picture of the purpose of the visit and the relationship between the host and the visitor.
What a strong letter typically includes
The host's full name, address, and status in Canada (citizen, permanent resident, or valid temporary status); the visitor's full name and relationship to the host; the purpose and expected dates of the visit; details of where the visitor will stay and who will cover which costs during the visit; and the host's signature and contact information. Some hosts also attach supporting documents, such as proof of their status in Canada or proof of income if they're offering financial support.
Common mistakes
Vague statements about the relationship or purpose of the visit, missing contact or identity details for the host, and letters that read as a template rather than a genuine, specific account of the relationship all weaken a letter's usefulness. A letter of invitation supports an application; it doesn't replace the visitor's own documentation of their ties to their home country, financial means, and travel history, all of which remain central to most visitor visa assessments.