Immigrants who enter Canada with a temporary visa often take this step for varying reasons which may include business, tourism or visiting loved ones. This type of visa will allow you to stay in Canada for a minimum of 6 months.

Immigration officers are eager to know if an applicant will be ready to return to their country once their visas expire. This is because many have refused to go back home and this has become a major concern to the authorities.

At times, the Canadian embassy will ask for an invitation letter before allowing you into the country. This letter should be from a family member or friend that lives in Canada. The purpose is that the immigrant will have no other option but to stick to the agreement. instead of deciding to stay and looking for jobs without a permit.

Here are some of the most important things you need to know about the Canada visa invitation and the best way to get it.

Invitation letter

This letter must be signed by a family member, business partner or friend. Such an individual will be able to validate your claim and allay any fears regarding providing fake information on your intentions of visiting Canada.

Apart from that, they will prove that they can support you financially and ensure that you leave immediately your visa expires.

It should be noted that getting a letter of invitation doesn’t automatically imply that you will be issued a visa. It will only double your chances if you’re found eligible.

The person writing the letter of invitation must either be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of the country.

Immigrants from certain countries are expected to ask for a notarized invitation letter. Make sure that make arrangements for this early on.

Information about the visa applicant

These are the information that must be prepared by the applicant:

• Purpose of visiting Canada
• Personal information (full name and date of birth)
• Current address
• Period of stay in Canada
• Financial expenses
• Contact information (telephone number and email)
• Relationship with the person inviting you
• Place of accommodation
• Information about the invitee
• Date of leaving Canada

The person inviting you needs to provide the following information:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Home address in Canada
• Contact details (phone number and email)
• Job title in Canada
• A duplicate copy of the proof of their status in Canada

Citizens:

• An individual that was born in Canada or naturalized as a citizen should provide a birth certificate or citizenship certificate.

Permanent residents:

• PR Card
• A Record of Landing (IMM 1000), verification of status or confirmation of permanent residence.
• The number of people living in a household where you will stay.

How to submit your invitation letter

Waiting to receive a request for submission from the visa office may lead to unnecessary delays during your visa application. It best to submit it along with your visa application to Canada.