If you’re inviting someone from outside Canada to visit Ontario, whether for a personal or professional reason, an invitation letter can help support their visa application. However, to make it official and strengthen its credibility, notarizing the invitation letter is often recommended. This guide will help you understand the Notarization For Invitation Letter Ontario, why it’s beneficial, and how to get it done in Ontario.
What is an Invitation Letter for a Visa?
An invitation letter is a document written by a Canadian resident, inviting a friend, family member, or colleague from another country to visit Canada. This letter often details the relationship between the inviter and the invitee, the purpose of the visit, and information on the inviter’s ability to provide support, if necessary. While the Canadian government doesn’t require an invitation letter to be notarized for a visa application, it can make the document more reliable in the eyes of immigration officials.
Why Notarize an Invitation Letter?
Notarization is the official process of having a licensed notary public verify the authenticity of a document. By notarizing an invitation letter, the notary verifies that the letter’s contents are truthful and accurate as sworn by the inviter. This added verification provides immigration officers with confidence in the document’s legitimacy, potentially aiding the visa approval process for your invitee.
A notarized invitation letter can be particularly helpful if:
The invitee is coming for an extended visit or a specific event that requires documentation.
The invitation involves family visits, professional events, or other special circumstances.
The applicant wants to add credibility to their application, showing the Canadian government that all information has been verified.
Key Elements of an Invitation Letter
To prepare an invitation letter, ensure you include specific details:
Inviter’s Information: Full name, Canadian address, contact information, and proof of legal status (e.g., citizenship or residency).
Invitee’s Information: Full name, address, and details of the invitee’s relationship with the inviter.
Purpose of the Visit: Describe the reason for the invitee’s trip, whether it’s for tourism, a family event, or professional purposes.
Visit Details: Include details like the intended dates of the visit, who will cover travel expenses, and where the invitee will stay.
Adding these elements ensures that the invitation letter meets visa application requirements and provides relevant information for Canadian immigration officials.
Steps for Notarizing an Invitation Letter in Ontario
Draft the Letter: Write the letter with all necessary information. Make sure it’s clear, concise, and includes all relevant details about the invitee and the trip.
Find a Notary Public: In Ontario, there are many registered notaries who can notarize documents. You can look for notary services online or at legal offices, community centers, or local government offices.
Visit the Notary: Bring a valid ID and the invitation letter to the notary. If there are specific instructions for notarizing the letter (e.g., certain formats), ensure the notary is aware of them.
Sign and Notarize: Sign the letter in the notary’s presence. The notary will verify your identity and witness your signature, then add their official seal and signature to the document.
Obtain Copies: Ask the notary to provide copies of the notarized letter for your records. The invitee will need to submit one original copy with their visa application, so keep an extra copy for reference.
Cost and Duration of Notarization
Notary fees in Ontario vary, generally ranging between CAD 10 and CAD 50 per document. The notarization process is usually quick, often taking only a few minutes. However, it’s best to make an appointment in advance to avoid delays.
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