If you are dreaming of exploring the beauty of Canada, attending special events, or reuniting with loved ones, then a well-crafted invitation letter can be the key to turning your travel aspirations into reality. In this article, we delve into the essential role of Invitation Letters for Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs) and Visitor Records, unlocking a world of possibilities.
Understanding the nuances of invitation letters can be a game-changer in your journey toward obtaining a TRV or Visitor Record. We’re here to demystify the process, share tips, and empower you to present a compelling case to Canadian immigration authorities.
The difference between a TRV and a Visitor Record
A Canadian TRV (temporary resident visa) also known as a Visitor Visa, is issued to citizens of countries that require a visa to enter Canada. It is a sticker that takes up the whole page of your passport. It has an issuance date (date you must arrive in Canada) and an expiration date (this is not the expiration date of your stay in Canada). The TRV is issued automatically when you apply to work or study in Canada for the first time. If you are applying just to visit, then the visa is valid for up to 6 months.
A Canadian Visitor Record is a paper document that is issued when you request to extend your stay in Canada.
The document has an issuance date and an expiration date by which you must leave Canada.
- Letter content for a TRV
If you are inviting someone to come and visit you in Canada, then you are required to write a letter of invitation.
This letter plays a very important part in the application. Not only are you giving personal assurances about someone’s credibility, but you are also confirming the information they have written in their own personal letter of explanation.
The letter should include the following:
- Your name, age, address and telephone number
- Your status in Canada
- Your job title and place of work
- Your relationship with the applicant
- Where the applicant will stay during their visit
- Who will be financing the applicant during their visit?
- Purpose of the trip and length of the stay
- The applicant’s full name, age, address and telephone number
Sometimes, you are required to have this letter. The letter does not need to be more than 1-2 pages. The letter can be handwritten or typed, but it should be signed and dated.
2. Letter content for a Visitor Record
The invitation letter for a visitor record will be slightly different than one for a TRV. It’s different because the invitee is already here in Canada. They are requesting to be authorized to extend their stay, so the invitee is informing IRCC that they will continue to reside with them for the duration of their stay. They will continue to cover their expenses, support them while they remain in Canada, and explain why the applicant needs to extend their stay. You will not need to have this letter notarized. This letter should not be longer than 1 page and, again, can be handwritten or typed but must be signed.
The importance of an invitation letter
The invitation letter is not mandatory. Sometimes it is not possible to get an invitation letter. This will not mean that your application will immediately be refused; however, providing an invitation letter gives purpose to the applicant’s visit to Canada. It gives some gravitas to the application and clearly outlines the reasons for the visit.
It proves to the officer that you have someone who will be supporting you while you visit Canada. This can help to strengthen your application.
