Visitor visa invitation letter
Commission a letter inviting someone to visit.
Can an invitation or sponsorship letter be commissioned online?
Yes — commissioned by video.O. Reg. 431/20
The letter is commissioned as a declaration by video where eligible. Commissioning the letter does not affect any visa or immigration decision — that is decided by IRCC.
- Video appointment
- Government photo ID
- Drafted letter
How it works with enotarypublic
You bring the drafted letter and the details of the person being invited, verify your identity on camera, and declare the contents before the commissioner.
Does not affect the application: A commissioned invitation or support letter is only a sworn statement. IRCC alone decides any visa or sponsorship outcome.
General legal information for Ontario residents, not formal legal advice.
What this covers
An invitation letter supports a visitor visa applicant by confirming your invitation to visit. We commission the letter so your statement is sworn or affirmed before a commissioner.
When you’d need it
- Inviting family or friends to Canada
- Supporting a visitor visa application
- Confirming accommodation or hosting
- Where a consulate requests it
General information only — not legal advice. Whether this can be completed online depends on the document and the receiving institution; we confirm before you book.
Invitation / sponsorship letters — common questions
Does commissioning an invitation letter affect a visa application?▾
No. Commissioning confirms you swore or declared the contents — it does not affect the outcome of any visa or immigration application, which is decided by IRCC.
Can an invitation or support letter be commissioned online?▾
Yes, where eligible — the letter is commissioned as a declaration by video under O. Reg. 431/20.
What do I need to provide?▾
Valid government-issued photo ID, the drafted letter, and the details of the person being invited.
More general questions are answered on our FAQ page.