Does an invitation letter need to be notarized?

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada does not require a notarized invitation letter in every case, but many visa offices expect one, and some applicants are specifically asked for a sworn version. Because a refusal costs far more than a notarization, most families choose to have it sworn and sealed.

How much does it cost?

$60 for the first document at our Whitby office, $30 for each additional document notarized, and $40 for the first certified true copy with $20 for each additional. A flat $35 applies if we come to you.

Visitor visa paperwork

Invitation letters and supporting documents, notarized properly.

Bringing family to Canada for a visit, a wedding or a graduation? The invitation letter usually needs to be sworn and sealed — and the documents that go with it often need certifying too. We handle both, evenings and weekends across Durham Region.

Book an appointment or call / text (289) 278-8969

What we handle

The invitation letter

Sworn before a notary and sealed, so the visa office can rely on it. Bring the letter written but unsigned — you sign it in front of us, then we administer the oath and apply the notarial seal.

The supporting documents

Certified true copies of the paperwork that accompanies the application — passports, status documents, bank and employment letters, proof of relationship.

Most people know the letter itself may need notarizing. Fewer realise that the supporting documents are usually submitted as certified copies rather than plain photocopies — which is why it is worth bringing everything to one appointment.

What to bring

Your invitation letter, written in full but left unsigned — you sign it in front of the notary
Valid government photo ID for the person signing (passport, driver's licence, PR card)
Original documents for anything you need certified — we compare the copy against the original
Any wording or checklist the visa office, consulate or sponsor has given you
A list of how many copies you need, so we can price it before we start

If you are not sure which documents need certifying, bring more than you think — certifying an extra copy at the appointment costs far less than a second trip.

What it costs

Invitation letter notarized (first document, Whitby office)	$60
Each additional document notarized	$30
Certified true copy — first	$40
Each additional certified copy	$20
If we come to you, anywhere in Durham	+$35
Booking fee (credited to your total)	$10

A typical package — one invitation letter plus three certified copies at our office — comes to $140. Bring everything to a single appointment and you pay the additional-copy rate rather than starting again.

An important boundary. We provide notarial services only. We cannot draft your invitation letter, advise on what it should say, or tell you whether your application is likely to succeed — that is legal or immigration advice, and it is not provided through notary appointments. If you need help with the contents, speak to a lawyer or a licensed immigration consultant before your appointment.

Common questions

Does an invitation letter have to be notarized?

Not in every case — Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada does not universally require it. But many visa offices expect a notarized letter, and some applicants are asked for one specifically. Since a refusal costs far more than a notarization, most families choose to have it sworn and sealed.

What supporting documents usually need certifying?

Commonly passport and status document copies, bank letters or statements, employment or income letters, and proof of relationship such as birth or marriage certificates. Bring the originals — we certify the copies against them.

Can you write the letter for me?

No. Drafting the letter or advising on its contents would be legal services, which are not provided through notary appointments. Bring the letter already written but unsigned — the signature has to be witnessed — and we will handle the notarial act.

Can the person signing be someone other than me?

Yes — whoever signs the letter must attend and bring their own photo ID. If two sponsors are signing, both need to be present.

How quickly can this be done?

Evening and weekend slots frequently have same-week availability, and most appointments take under 30 minutes. For something urgent, text (289) 278-8969 directly.

What if the document is going outside Canada?

Documents destined for another country often need an apostille after notarization. We handle the notarization step so the document is eligible; Official Documents Services issues the apostille itself, and you file with them directly.

Bring the letter and the supporting documents to one appointment — evenings and weekends across Durham.

Book an appointment

Weekdays 6:30–9 pm · Weekends 11 am–9 pm · Whitby office or a spot near you