International Students - Convocation Letters

Many students wish that their family and friends can visit them while they are still studying at Confederation, especially to attend their graduation ceremony.  To help with that, you may issue a letter of invitation (which can be done after at least six months of study in Canada).   You send your Letter of Invitation to the person you are inviting to Canada; they then submit this letter to the Canadian Embassy or Consulate outside of Canada , when they apply for their Temporary Resident Visa.

Family and friends may or may not need a visitor visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization to enter Canada.  Find out if you need a visitor visa.  Once your family or friends know the visa entry requirements, they may be able to apply on line. Apply for a visitor visa online. In order to be granted a Visitor Visa, family members must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay, have strong ties to their country and clear plans to return home . Your documentation serves as additional support to their application.

Confederation College does not write letters of invitation; you do so yourself.  It is not difficult and the Government of Canada has very clear instructions as to what should be included in the invitation letter; you can review these details here.

Below is a SAMPLE letter of invitation.  Please adjust it to your own needs and circumstances. Immigration regulations are subject to change, so do make sure to check the IRCC website prior to finalizing you letter of invitation.

 

SAMPLE

This document is A SAMPLE ONLY.  Students should customize it for their own purposes.  Visit https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/letter-invitation.html for more information about inviting people to visit you in Canada

Letter of Invitation for Parents to attend Convocation

 [Today’s Date]

[Your Address]

[Your Telephone number]

[Your email address]

RE: Letter of Invitation for my (indicate name of [parents, mother or father or other]).

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is (indicate your complete name) and my date of birth is (dd/month/yyyy).  I am a student at Confederation College and have a valid Study Permit. A copy of my study permit and confirmation of enrolment is attached.

I am writing this letter of invitation on behalf of my parents (mother, father):

  • Mr. (indicate complete name) born on (dd/month/yyyy) and
  • Mrs. (indicate complete name) born on (dd/month/yyyy),
  • Address:
  • Telephone number:

My parents are applying for a Temporary Resident Visa so that they can visit me from _________ to ________________ (indicate dates of expected visit to Thunder Bay).  I am graduating from the (name of program) on (indicate the date of your convocation) and it is very important for me and them, that they attend my convocation.

My parents will stay with me at the address above and they will be responsible for their own financial support for the duration of their visit. 

If you have any questions regarding this invitation letter then please do not hesitate to contact me. Otherwise, I thank you for your attention and your help in issuing my parents their Temporary Resident Visas.

Sincerely,

(Your signature)

(Print your name)