Guidelines for inviting international guests | Convocation | Seneca Students

When you invite a friend or family member to visit you in Canada, citizens of certain countries require a valid Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. If a valid TRV is required, you will need to send your friend/family member supporting documents. They must include these documents in their TRV application. People who do not require a TRV may require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) to travel to Canada.

Please refer to www.cic.gc.ca for the most up-to-date Canadian immigration information as regulations are subject to change.

Letter of invitation

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has a guide for you to follow.

This is only a guide. You are required to write the invitation yourself and your letter must be written in English. In some cases, the letter may need to be notarized.

Additional information to include with your letter

Proof of convocation ceremony:

• A Graduation Letter from Seneca
• The event website URL or a printout showing the details (i.e., date and location) for the upcoming Seneca convocation. 

Proof of social and economic ties:

Your visitor(s) must provide proof of economic and social ties to their home country as part of their application.

• Economic ties include bank statements, proof of financial investments, letters of employment, proof of business ownership, proof of property ownership, etc.
• Social ties include evidence that family members back home depend on them for financial/social support and that they must return home after their visit to meet these obligations

After writing your letter of invitation

You can send your visitor(s) your letter of invitation to include with their visa application. They will need to apply for their visitor visa at their nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC).

Please contact your regional visa office to confirm local requirements including required documentation and application procedure.