Super visa invitation letter: what the host must write, section by section

The host child or grandchild writes and signs the letter of invitation, and IRCC sets its contents. Per the officer instructions, it must contain a promise of financial support for the length of the authorized stays, the co-signer’s name and relationship to the host if there is one, a list of everyone in the family-size count with full names and dates of birth, a list of everyone providing income evidence, and a list of the income documents each person submits. There is no IRCC form; a signed one- to two-page letter with the documents attached is what officers expect.

Writing it takes an hour once the income documents are in hand. The parent uploads it with the application.

What must the letter contain?

Five elements, all set by IRCC. Missing dates of birth and an unnamed co-signer are the two gaps officers see most, because the family-size count drives the income threshold.

Who counts in the family size is defined by IRCC’s proof of financial support page: you, your spouse or common-law partner including a separated spouse, dependent children of either of you regardless of custody, the parents applying now, holders of any still-valid earlier letter of invitation from you or your spouse, and anyone you or the co-signer sponsored whose undertaking is still in effect. The applicant’s own dependants are not counted.

How should the letter be structured?

As a dated business letter addressed to the visa office, in numbered sections so the officer can find each required element. The outline below is written in prose rather than as a form, because IRCC does not prescribe one.

1. Heading and date. Your full name, Canadian address, email, and the date. Address it to the Immigration Section of the visa office that handles your parent’s country.
2. Opening. State that you are inviting your parent or grandparent, by full name and date of birth, to visit you in Canada on a super visa, and your relationship to them.
3. Your status. State that you are a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or registered Indian, that you are 18 or over and live in Canada, and that the proof is attached.
4. Promise of support. State that you will provide financial support, accommodation and care for the applicant for the full length of their authorized stays in Canada.
5. Co-signer. If your spouse or common-law partner is co-signing, give their full name, date of birth, status in Canada and relationship to you, and state that they sign below.
6. Family size. List every person in the count by full name and date of birth, with their relationship to you, and give the total. State the minimum necessary income for that family size and the figure from IRCC’s table.
7. Income. Name each person providing income evidence, the tax year or 12-month period used, and the option relied on: either of the two preceding tax years, or the 75% host plus up to 25% applicant option. State the total.
8. Documents attached. List each income document by person: Notice of Assessment, T4, pay stubs, employer letter, bank statements, pension statements.
9. Insurance and accommodation. State that a $100,000 medical policy valid for one year from entry has been purchased and paid, name the insurer, and describe where the applicant will live.
10. Purpose and ties. One paragraph on the purpose of the visit, planned length, and that the applicant will return home, with a sentence on their ties abroad.
11. Closing and signatures. Your signature and printed name; the co-signer’s signature and printed name beneath yours.

Keep it factual. A letter that argues or pleads reads worse to an officer than one that lists.

What income option does the letter rely on, and how is it stated?

Either of the two preceding tax years, or the 75% plus 25% option, as introduced on 31 March 2026. Under the first option, state the tax year used and the NOA line 15000 total. Under the second, state the host’s and co-signer’s income for the most recent year or 12 months, show that it is at least 75% of the threshold, then state the applicant’s income and the combined total. Worked examples are on the income requirement page.

Source: IRCC proof of financial support. The 75% column is calculated from IRCC’s figures.

What should be attached to the letter?

Your status document, the co-signer’s status document, and every income document named in the letter. Attach the insurance certificate too, even though it is also uploaded on its own line. See proof of income documents for what each document must show, and the sample certificate for what the insurance document must name.

What goes wrong, and how do you fix it?

Three common faults. A missing date of birth for a dependent child makes the family-size count unverifiable; list every person. An unnamed co-signer whose income is nevertheless in the file leaves the officer unable to count it; name them and have them sign. A family-size count that omits a parent from an earlier super visa whose letter is still valid understates the threshold; include them. If the letter is already submitted with an error, send a corrected signed letter through the IRCC web form before a decision is made.

SuperVisaDirect is operated by Super Visa Direct Insurance Services, an independent Ontario life and accident-and-sickness insurance agency licensed by FSRA (licence [FSRA-LICENCE]), serving Ontario residents; British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are planned for 2028. Designated licensed agent: Cameron Hayes. We arrange the insurance and do not draft immigration documents or give immigration advice. Email [email protected] or request a callback, Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm Eastern Time.