Immigration Corner | What should go into an invitation letter?

Dear Ms Powell,

My cousin wants me to visit Canada to attend her wedding in December. She wants to write an invitation letter, but we are not sure what to write. Can you tell us the things to put in the letter that my application can be successful?

- AT

Dear AT,

December weddings are always wonderful in Canada. If you are looking to submit an application for a temporary resident or visitor's visa, you will need to submit an application to the Visa Application Centre nearest you immediately.

There are several documents that you should submit with your application in order for your application to be successful. The wedding invitation should be accompanied by a detailed invitation letter. The letter should include information about the person or persons who are inviting you, as well as details about you, the person being invited. Bear in mind that this letter will be used to help the visa officer to make a decision on whether or not to grant the visa. Therefore, it is important that it is well written.

You should consider consulting a Canadian immigration lawyer to prepare the application on your behalf. You will need to provide detailed information about yourself and your cousin.

 

Information to include in the Letter

 

The invitation letter must contain the following about you, the person being invited:

- Complete name, as shown on your passport;

- Occupation;

- Date of birth;

- Passport number, date issued and date of expiry;

- Address and telephone number and email address;

- Relationship to the person you are visiting;

- The purpose/reason for the trip;

- How long you intend to stay in Canada;

- Details on accommodation and living expenses;

- Source of funding for the trip, including who is paying for the trip.

The letter should also include information about the person or persons that are inviting you:

- Complete name as shown on Canadian passport/ permanent resident card;

- Email address, telephone number and address in Canada;

- Occupation and place of work;

- Status in Canada - whether Canadian citizen or permanent resident;

- Whether or not the person is providing accommodations and transportation.

The letter should be signed in the presence of a notary public.

Proof of assets and family ties to Jamaica is very important when making an application for temporary residence or a visitor's visa. Therefore, you must include information such as proof of dependent family members in your home country. You need to provide evidence that you will be motivated to return home at the end of your trip.

You should also include your financial documents such as a bank statement, proof of investments and a job letter. The job letter should include your job title, salary, whether you are employed full time or part time and vacation details. Other documents that you should include are a copy of your house or land title, proof of ownership of a motor vehicle, and anything else to show that you can afford the trip and that you have strong ties to your home country.

This information is only a guide. Additional information or supporting documents may be necessary depending on your personal situation. If you have been denied a visa before, then you should examine the letter received from the Canadian Embassy as it should outline the reasons for previous denial. Ensure that you are now able to provide proof that you are able to overcome the obstacles of your previous application.

- Deidre S. Powell is a lawyer, mediator and notary public with an office located in Ontario, Canada. Her areas of practice are in immigration, real estate, commercial and administration of estates. Submit your questions and comments to info@deidrepowell.com Subject line: Immigration. Telephone: 613.695.8777/ 876.922.4092. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/jamaicanlawyer and on Twitter.