Letters Of Invitation To Visit Canada
Letters Of Invitation To Visit Canada
Most people wish to spend more time with close family members. When they live in another country, such visits pose unique challenges. The Canadian governments recognizes the importance of family. Consequently, a process exists to bring close family members to Canada to visit longer than a normal visitor. Letters of Invitation, or invitation letters, are a broad term that includes Letters for Visitor Visas and Letters for Super Visas. As the name suggests Visitor Visas involve a short-term visit. Super Visas are unique as they allow a parents and grandparents to visit and stay in Canada for up two years. A Letter of Invitation strengthens an application for entry in either case. The immigration lawyers at Kahane Law Office assist clients from across Canada help bring family to visit from around the world.
Why You Need Invitation Letters
We always suggest obtaining a Letter of Invitation (Letter) before applying for a Visa to enter Canada. The Immigration Refugees Citizenship Canada (IRCC) often requests invitation letters along with the applications and other required documents.
Although the Letter does not guarantee approval of the Visa it strengthens the application. Ultimately, it is at the discretion of the immigration officer in accordance with the law whether such an application is approved. Hence, the more thorough the application the increased chances for a Visa.
In addition to the Letter, the applicant must prove social and economic ties to his or her home country. Strong ties underscore the likelihood the applicant plans to eventually leave Canada. The intention of this process does not include a strategy for Canadian immigration.
- Examples of economic ties include bank statements, proof of financial investments, a letter of employment, and/or proof of property ownership.
- Examples of social ties include evidence that family members back home depend on them for financial or other support, proof that they must return home in order to meet work or social obligations.
Who Write and Issues Letter Of Invitation?
Picking the best person to write a letter to bring in family remains an important part of the process. We help pick the best one for your situation. Foremost, a Citizen or Permanent Resident qualifies to write a Letter for family members. In addition, a Letter may be given to a friend or acquaintance, though no relationship proof is required.
Purpose Of Letters Of Invitation
Invitation letters must be written in good faith. The applicant submits the Letter with the Visa documentation to the Canadian Embassy or a consulate outside Canada.
Depending on the type of Visa application the Letter may need to be much more detailed. In the case of a Super Visa, for example, the Citizen or Permanent Resident must always provide more information about themselves. In addition, financial support and income proof are other additional documents required in cases of Super Visas.
Responsibilities Of A Person Issuing An Invitation Letter?
Writing a Letter does not make a person legally responsible for the invitee in any manner. This process includes none of the legal responsibilities of sponsorship status. In other words, this mean you are not legally responsible if the invitee violates laws and regulations in Canada.
Where To Send The Letter Of Invitation?
The Letter (notarized, if required by the Visa Office) should be sent to the person invited to Canada. The person must then send the Letter to the Canadian embassy or consulate outside of Canada when he or she applies for a Visa. above all, is the importance of picking the correct place to apply from. Keep in mind there are different types of Visa requiring varying degrees of documentation. As part of our service, we assist you in picking the correct one.
Contents Of A Letter Of Invitation
A key part of providing invitation letters to the Canadian government is ensuring that it contains all the relevant information. Presenting this information correctly helps your goal of securing a Visa or Super Visa. For example, always ensure that it includes the following information:
Information about the person invited:
- complete name;
- date of birth;
- address and telephone number;
- relationship to the person;
- purpose of the trip;
- how long the person plans to stay in Canada;
- where the person will stay, and how he or she will pay for their stay in Canada; and lastly
- when the person plans to leave Canada.
Information about the person writing the letter:
Further, the letter needs to contain information about the writer. For example, it should contain the following information about the person writing the letter:
- your complete name;
- the current address and telephone number you have in Canada;
- your date of birth;
- job title;
- whether you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
- a photocopy of a document proving your status in Canada, such as
- a Canadian birth certificate,
- a Canadian citizenship card,
- a copy of your PR card or your IMM 1000 proof of landing, if you a permanent resident;
- details of family, such as names and dates of birth of spouse and dependents (it is mandatory for the parent and grandparent Super Visa); and lastly
- the total number of people living in your household, including people sponsored whose sponsorship is still in effect (it is mandatory for the parent and grandparent Super Visa)
Lastly, please Note: For invitation letters for the parent and grandparent Super Visa only, the family member must also provide:
- a written and signed promise of financial support for his or her parents or grandparents for their entire stay in Canada, and
- proof that his or her income meets or is above the low-income cut-off (LICO) for the total number of people, including the visiting parents or grandparents.
Kahane Law Helps With All Your Immigration Needs
If you want to invite a family member or friend to visit you in Canada connect with our team today. We help clients who need assistance securing Visas and Super Visas. We help with drafting, editing, planning and more. In addition, we have the experience to assist you drafting a compelling Letter of Invitation and reviewing the application and supporting documents to ensure your family member and friends increase the likelihood of entry. For fastest service, please email us at email us directly here. Alternatively, feel free to call us anytime. Call the immigration law team at Kahane Law Office in Calgary (403) 225-8810 or also in Edmonton at (780) 571-8463.
The content on this article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute specific legal or professional advice of any kind.