Inviting Guests To Canada As An International Student

International students in Canada can invite their family members to visit them, including their spouse, common-law partner, and dependent children. To do so, they can write a letter of invitation to accompany their family members' Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) or Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) applications. Citizens of certain countries may not need a TRV, but as of November 10, 2016, most visa-exempt persons require an eTA. Additionally, international students can invite their parents to visit on a Temporary Resident Visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization. It is important to note that the invitation letter must be written by the individual inviting the family members, and the university or college cannot write it on their behalf.

International students inviting parents

International students in Canada are allowed to invite their parents to visit them. To do this, students can write a letter of invitation to accompany their parents' Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application. This letter must be written by the individual issuing the invitation and cannot be written by the university or college on behalf of the student. The letter should include the following information:

• The complete name, date of birth, address, and telephone number of the student
• Job title
• Whether the student is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Photocopy of a document proving the student's status in Canada, such as a birth certificate or citizenship card
• Details of the student's family, including the names and dates of birth of any spouse and dependents
• The total number of people living in the student's household, including any sponsored individuals

In addition to the letter of invitation, students can also include a copy of their study permit, as well as any other evidence of their student status, such as a copy of their student card or proof of enrolment. It is important to note that the student is not legally responsible for their parents once they arrive in Canada, but the letter of invitation should still be written in good faith, with truthful and accurate information.

While inviting parents to visit, international students can also bring their spouse or common-law partner to Canada. The spouse or partner may be eligible for an open work permit based on the student's full-time status, valid study permit, and program/level of studies. This open work permit allows the spouse or partner to work for any employer in Canada without requiring a specific job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment. However, certain occupations, such as jobs in schools or hospitals, may be excluded unless a medical examination is provided.

International students inviting a partner

International students in Canada can invite their partners to the country, but there are some requirements that must be met. Firstly, it is important to note that only permanent residents or citizens of Canada can invite someone to the country. This means that international students cannot directly invite their partners. However, there are ways for international students to have their partners join them in Canada.

One option is for the international student to apply for a spousal open work permit for their partner. This allows the partner to work for any employer in Canada and does not require a job offer or a Labour Market Impact Assessment. The validity of this permit is usually the same as the validity of the student's study permit. However, it is important to note that some occupations, such as jobs in schools or hospitals, may be excluded unless a medical examination is provided.

Another option is for the partner to apply for a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA). The visitor visa is a temporary resident visa (TRV) that allows the partner to travel to Canada. The eTA is an electronic authorization that serves the same purpose as a TRV for citizens of certain countries. However, it is important to note that obtaining a visitor visa can take a long time, so proper planning is necessary.

To support the partner's visa application, the international student can provide a letter of invitation. This letter should include the student's complete name, date of birth, address, and telephone number in Canada, job title, and proof of status in Canada. Additionally, the letter should include the purpose of the partner's trip and the planned duration of their stay. It is important to note that writing a letter of invitation does not make the student legally responsible for their partner once they arrive in Canada. However, the letter must be written in good faith, with truthful information and intentions.

In summary, while international students cannot directly invite their partners to Canada, they can facilitate their partner's entry by providing the necessary documentation and supporting their visa applications. It is always recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Inviting someone on a visitor visa

International students in Canada can invite someone to the country on a visitor visa. However, it is important to note that the person issuing the invitation must be a permanent resident or citizen of Canada. This means that international students cannot invite someone to Canada unless they have permanent residency status.

To invite someone on a visitor visa, the host must provide a letter of invitation. This letter should include the complete name, date of birth, address and telephone number of the host in Canada. It should also mention the host's job title and whether they are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Additionally, the host must provide a photocopy of a document proving their status in Canada, such as a birth certificate or citizenship card.

The letter of invitation should also explain how the host plans to support the visitor during their stay. For example, the host may offer to pay for plane tickets or accommodation. It is important to note that a letter of invitation does not guarantee that the visitor will be granted a visa. The visitor must still apply for a visa and demonstrate that they meet the basic requirements, such as having valid travel documents and proof of funds to support their stay.

In addition to the letter of invitation, the visitor may also need to provide other supporting documents, such as proof of their relationship to the host, their travel history, and their financial stability. The specific documents required may vary depending on the individual case, so it is important to refer to the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship (IRCC) guidelines for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Inviting someone on a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV)

International students in Canada can invite friends and family to visit them in the country. Citizens of certain countries require a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. A TRV is a travel document that is placed in the visitor's passport and is used to enter or re-enter Canada. It does not give any status inside Canada and is usually issued for the same length of time as the visitor's study or work permit.

If a valid TRV is required, the international student should send their friend/family member supporting documents. These documents need to be included in their TRV application. People who do not require a TRV may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to travel to Canada and should bring supporting documents with them. US citizens and lawful permanent residents of the US do not require TRVs or eTAs.

Some visa offices may require that the letter of invitation be notarized by a Notary Public. The international student must provide a copy of their marriage certificate if they are inviting their spouse, an official letter of enrolment (for current students), a letter from their employer confirming their job (for post-graduation work permit holders), and proof of their available funds (if they are paying for their friend/family member's visit).

Additionally, the invited friend/family member must provide proof of economic and social ties to their home country. 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, or proof that they must return home after their visit to meet their social obligations to their family members or community.

It is important to note that the processing times for applications outside of Canada are generally longer, and more documents may be required. Therefore, it is recommended to apply for a TRV well in advance of travel and to be cautious about booking non-refundable travel plans before receiving the TRV.

Requirements for an invitation letter

To invite someone to Canada, the inviter must be a permanent resident or citizen of Canada. If you are an international student and do not meet these criteria, you cannot invite someone to Canada. However, if you are a permanent resident or citizen, you can write an invitation letter to strengthen the applicant's case for a visa. This letter is not a guarantee of visa approval, but it can support the applicant's request.

• The letter must be truthful and written in good faith.
• It should include the complete name, date of birth, address, and telephone number of the person inviting the applicant.
• The inviter's job title, status as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and proof of their status in Canada, such as a birth certificate, citizenship card, or PR card, should be provided.
• Details of the inviter's family, including the names and dates of birth of their spouse and dependents, are mandatory for the Super Visa and must be included.
• The total number of people living in the inviter's household, including any sponsored individuals, should be mentioned.
• Information about the applicant, such as their complete name, date of birth, address, telephone number, and relationship to the inviter, must be provided.
• The purpose of the applicant's trip and the intended duration of their stay in Canada should be specified.
• For the Super Visa, which allows parents and grandparents to visit for more than six months, the inviter must include a written and signed declaration of financial support for the entire stay, along with proof of sufficient income.
• The invitation letter should be signed and dated by the inviter and, if necessary, notarized as per the Canadian Consulate's requirements.

It is important to note that the invitation letter is just one part of the visa application process, and the applicant must meet all other requirements set by the Canadian government for their visa type.

Frequently asked questions