Visiting Relatives

Anyone who visits Canada must apply from outside the country. If you have a friend or relative visiting you in Canada, he may have to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa. If he is applying for a visa, you will need to write him a letter of invitation. You must be a legal resident of Canada in order to write a letter of invitation. While the letter of invitation does not guarantee a visitor will receive a Canadian visa, a concise and clear letter will help your friend or relative with the Temporary Resident Visa application process

You can help by writing a letter of invitation. The letter should explain how you will help. For example, you may offer to pay for plane tickets or accommodation. A letter of invitation can help, but it does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.

For more information on Visitor Visa, see our Visitor Visa FAQ.