LOI (Letter of Invitation) for Canada Visa
If you are involved in getting a visa for a foreign country, you may have come across the term letter of invitation. This is a document required for visa application. Many countries require you to have this including Canada. This letter is supposed to come from a person who is a permanent resident of Canada and is inviting you to visit them in Canada. The following information will illuminate you more about the Letter of Invitation and why it is necessary for a Canada visit visa:
A letter of invitation for visitors to Canada is a crucial document that can significantly strengthen your visa application. It provides Canadian immigration officials with additional context about your planned visit and your connections within the country.
Who Can Send an LOI?
Only three types of people can send a Letter of Invitation:
- A naturalized Canadian citizen can issue an LOI.
- A permanent resident of Canada
- A Canadian citizen by birth
The person sending the invitation needs to be closely associated with the invitee. You must be a relative, a close friend, or a business partner. Only then can a person send an LOI.
Who Can Receive an LOI?
The following people can ask for an LOI for their Canada visit visa:
- Tourists wanting to tour Canada
- Students coming to study in Canada
- People visiting their relatives for a family function
- People on business tours
Why Do You Need an LOI?
Though many are documents attached while applying for a visa, the LOI is one of the most important ones and plays an integral part in visa approval. Here are some reasons why you need an LOI:
- It is accepted by the Canada Immigration Department as a valid document regarding your visa application.
- It solidifies your travel purpose because the letter explains why you want to go to Canada.
- It is proof that you know someone in the country.
- It acts as an assurance that you will not overstay your welcome.
- Since the letter contains official information of all parties involved, it has value.
Obtaining a letter of invitation for Canada visitor visa can greatly enhance your chances of approval. While not mandatory, this document demonstrates to immigration officials that you have a legitimate reason for your visit and someone to vouch for your stay in Canada.
Content of a Canada Visa Letter of Invitation
The following is the list of information that you need to have in the Letter of Invitation for a Canada visit visa:
Invitee (the person for whom the letter is for) Information
- Full legal name (It should match your name on the passport)
- Date of birth
- Complete address, home and personal phone numbers, and email address
- State your connection to the person inviting you
- State the reason for your visit and how long you’ll stay in the country
- State where the invitee will be staying
- State the financial means of the invitee (how they will manage their finances when in Canada)
Inviter (the person who will write and invite the invitee) Information
- Full legal name (your name on your official Canadian documents)
- Date of birth
- Complete address in Canada, home and personal phone numbers, and email address
- Your profession and your office address
- How are you a Canadian citizen:
- If you are a naturalized citizen, then provide details of your citizenship card
- If you are a citizen by birth, your birth certificate
- PR card if you are a permanent resident
- State your relationship with the invitee
- The names and details of the people in your family and other dependents, along with the birth dates
- List the people living in your household and their details, including if they are on a visa sponsored by you
Understanding the Canada visa requirements is essential for a successful application. The Letter of Invitation is just one part of these requirements, which also include financial documents, a valid passport, and proof of ties to your home country.
Some Facts about the LOI
- It is not compulsory to have an LOI to get a Canada visit visa. You can get a visa based on your other documents as well.
- You do not need to pay any money because this letter is provided by the person inviting you to Canada. It’s their responsibility to write and share the letter with you.
- This is a letter with the intent of trust and good faith, so the person who has invited you through the LOI is not legally responsible for you. You are responsible for yourself.
- Many tourists looking to vacation in Canada also get an LOI from people they know living in Canada.
Therefore, if you are looking to visit Canada, consider getting an LOI as a supporting document for your Canada visit visa. It is an important document that can be quite helpful.
