Visiting Canada with an Invitation: The Family and Friends Visit Process

The longing for loved ones in Canada can sometimes be so strong that it disrupts your daily routine, or it can reignite a dream you’ve postponed for years. Whether it’s a son living abroad, a sibling inviting you to their graduation, or a close friend you haven’t seen in years, such an invitation is rarely just a phone call; it sparks a new process filled with hope and plans. Visiting Canada with an invitation is the formal expression of this emotional motivation, and it requires far more preparation than it may seem.

At C&C Education, Visa, and Immigration in Canada, since 2008, we have provided consultancy for hundreds of visa applications from Turkey for family and friends visits to Canada. Our experience shows that when strategically planned, invitation-based visa applications have a high success rate. However, the process does not rely solely on an invitation letter, nor is it a type of application that can succeed with randomly filled forms or incomplete documents.

In this article, we examine in detail what an invitation letter from Canada means, who can send it, how it should be used, and what supporting documents are required.

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What Is a Canadian Invitation Letter and Who Can Send It?

An invitation letter is a common but often misunderstood document in Canadian visa applications. First, it should be noted that this letter is not issued by the Canadian Consulate or any official authority. It does not have to be an officially stamped or government-certified document.

An invitation letter is a written statement from a person legally residing in Canada declaring that they are inviting you to visit for a certain period of time. It helps the visa officer understand the purpose of your trip, see that you have a place to stay in Canada, and be convinced of the genuineness of your application.

Who can send an invitation letter?

●      Canadian Citizens: Individuals holding a Canadian passport have the right to invite you to Canada.

●      Permanent Residents (PR): Individuals with legal permanent residency in Canada can prepare an invitation letter.

A person studying in Canada can also formally invite a friend. However, if they are not a citizen or PR holder, the weight of the letter will be lower.

The inviter’s ability to prove their legal status in Canada (e.g., PR card, Canadian passport, citizenship certificate) and generally having a stable life, regular income, and suitable accommodation increases the credibility of the letter in the eyes of the visa officer.

What Should an Invitation Letter Include?

An effective invitation letter is more than just writing your name and saying, “come for a visit.” It should support the “purpose of travel” section of your visa application while presenting your intentions clearly and convincingly.

An invitation letter has two main sections:

Information About the Invitee (You):

●      Full name

●      Date of birth

●      Address and contact details

●      Relationship to the inviter (e.g., mother, brother, friend, niece/nephew)

●      Purpose of the visit (holiday, special event, birth, wedding, graduation, holiday celebration)

●      Planned length of stay

●      A clear statement of who will cover travel and accommodation expenses

Information About the Inviter (Your Contact in Canada):

●      Full name

●      Date of birth

●      Address and phone number in Canada

●      Occupation and employment status

●      Legal status (citizenship or PR details)

●      Copies of documents proving status (passport, PR card, citizenship certificate)

●      Household situation (number of residents, suitability for accommodating the invitee)

Providing these details clearly, completely, and sincerely reflects the seriousness of your application, shows that it is well planned, and clearly communicates the purpose of your visit.

Types of Visas That Can Be Obtained with an Invitation

Invitation letters are typically used for temporary resident visas. The main visa types in this category include:

Visitor Visa (TRV):Issued for short-term visits to Canada for tourism, family, or personal reasons. Usually allows stays of up to six months. This is the most common visa category, and most invitation-based applications fall under it.

Super Visa:A special visa only for the parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens or PR holders. Super Visa holders can stay in Canada for up to five years per visit and have multiple entry rights for up to ten years. Additional requirements apply (e.g., minimum income threshold, private health insurance).

Important Note: The visitor visa allows only temporary stays. Traveling to Canada on an invitation with the aim of settling permanently is both ethically wrong and a violation of immigration law. Such violations can jeopardize all future visa or residency applications.

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Other Documents Required for the Visa Application

The invitation letter is only one part of the application. The deciding factor is the strength of your personal profile and your documented intention to return to Turkey. The key documents to include are:

●      Proof of Financial Capacity: Recent bank statements, pay slips, property deeds, vehicle registration, rental contracts.

●      Proof of Ties to Turkey: If employed, a letter of leave from your employer and social security records; if a student, a student certificate. Documents showing family ties such as spouse or children.

●      Identity and Passport Details: Valid passport, biometric photo, IRCC application forms, and any records of previous visas.

●      Supporting Documents for the Invitation: Copies of the inviter’s PR card, Canadian passport, employment records, and residence details.

The Value of an Invitation Letter to the Canadian Consulate

While an invitation letter is not technically mandatory, it can be a strong supporting document in the eyes of the Canadian Consulate and visa officers. It helps to:

●      Show that your visit is based on a specific purpose, not a vague or arbitrary reason.

●      Document that you have accommodation arranged in Canada and someone to receive you.

●      Indicate that your trip is backed by a genuine relationship and a planned itinerary.

However, an invitation letter alone is not a guarantee of visa approval. Visa officers primarily evaluate your personal profile, financial situation, travel history, and most importantly your intention to return to Turkey. Even the most persuasive letter will not offset weak supporting documents.

How to Apply for a Canadian Visitor Visa

Although the visitor visa application process may seem complex at first glance, with the right guidance it can be straightforward and reliable. At C&C Education, Visa, and Immigration in Canada, we coordinate this process for you from start to finish.

The application steps are as follows:

1. Strategy and Document Planning:  We begin by analyzing both your situation and that of the inviter in detail. We determine the strongest application strategy and plan the required documents.

2. Online Application Preparation: We create your account on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) online system. All forms are completed accurately and appropriately to prepare your application digitally.

3. Document Upload and Payment: All supporting documents and the invitation letter are uploaded under the correct headings in the system. The visa fee is paid online, and the receipt is added to the file.

4. Biometrics Appointment (Fingerprints): Once the application is submitted, you will need to schedule an appointment for biometrics via the IRCC system. In Turkey, this is done through VFS Global. We help arrange the closest office and the most suitable date.

5. Application Tracking and Result: We monitor the progress of your application through the system. When the decision is made, we notify you and, if necessary, assist with passport return procedures.

   
   

Because even small mistakes such as missing documents or form errors can interrupt the process, every detail must be handled with care.

Common Mistakes in Invitation-Based Applications

Being aware of common mistakes significantly increases the likelihood of success. Frequent errors include:

●      Overreliance on the Invitation: Assuming that the letter alone is enough without proving financial stability or ties to Turkey.

●      Incomplete or Weak Invitation Letters: Missing key information such as duration of stay, accommodation details, or expense arrangements.

●      Failure to Prove Inviter’s Legal Status: Omitting proof of citizenship or PR status.

●      Contradictory Financial Information: Declaring that expenses will be covered by the inviter while showing insufficient funds in the applicant’s accounts.

●      Lack of Proof of Return Intent: Not providing evidence of ongoing employment, studies, family ties, or property in Turkey.

A strong application must be coherent; with both the documents and the story they tell aligning perfectly.

One Step Closer to Your Loved Ones

Spending time with your loved ones in Canada can be deeply fulfilling both emotionally and spiritually. However, achieving this goal requires a well-planned and carefully prepared visa application. The invitation letter is only the starting point the true success lies in the strength of your application, the consistency of your documents, and the professionalism with which the process is managed.

When correctly planned with the right documents and strategy, visiting Canada with an invitation can be a pleasant and smooth process. On this journey to reunite with your loved ones, there is no room for error a single missing document or form mistake can result in months of delay or a refusal.

At C&C Education, Visa, and Immigration in Canada, we approach your application not only as a set of documents but as a reflection of your personal story, your bond with loved ones, and the true purpose of your trip. With the experience we have gained since 2008, we review your application in every detail, address any gaps together, and present it in its strongest form to the Consulate.

If you wish to reunite with your loved ones in Canada, turn longing into reality, and navigate this process with confidence, you can contact us. We will evaluate your specific situation, create the most suitable application plan together, and manage the entire process from start to finish.

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