Do Invitation Letters Need to Be Notarized?

If you’re inviting a friend or family member to visit Canada, you’ve likely come across the term “invitation letter.” But an important question many people ask is: “Do invitation letters need to be notarized?” While not always required, there are certain situations where notarization is highly recommended—and in some cases, even mandatory. Let’s break it all down.

What Is an Invitation Letter?

An Invitation letter is a formal letter written by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. It supports a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) application for someone who wants to visit Canada. This letter provides the immigration officer with details such as:

• The purpose of the visit

• The relationship between you and the visitor

• The visitor’s planned length of stay

• Where the visitor will stay during their visit

• Who will cover the visitor’s expenses

This document helps immigration officers assess whether the visitor has a genuine reason to come to Canada and will return home after their trip.

Is Notarization Always Required?

The simple answer is no—not all invitation letters need to be notarized. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) does not require a notarized letter in every case. However, this depends heavily on which visa office your guest is applying from.

In some countries, local visa offices require the letter to be notarized as part of their documentation checklist. For example, applicants from countries like India, Pakistan, Nigeria, or the Philippines may be required to submit a notarized invitation letter.

That’s why it's important to check the specific visa office instructions on the IRCC website before submitting an application.

Why Should You Notarize the Letter Anyway?

Even if it's not a requirement, getting the invitation letter notarized adds credibility to your visitor's application. Here’s why:

• A notary public verifies your identity and ensures that the document is signed under oath

• It shows that the information in the letter is truthful and legally acknowledged

• Visa officers may take the application more seriously when the letter is notarized, especially if the applicant is from a country with strict documentation standards

In short, notarizing the letter can make a strong impression and improve the chances of approval.

Invitation letters do not always need to be notarized, but doing so is often a smart move. Some visa offices require it, and in other cases, it can still help strengthen the visitor’s application by showing that the letter was signed and verified by a legal professional.

Book Your Notarization Today

If you're unsure whether your letter needs to be notarized, we can help you figure it out. We make the process easy and affordable. Our services start at $25 per seal, and we even offer online appointments for your convenience.

Get a peace of mind knowing your document is handled by professionals.