Using letter of invitation even if coming from visa-exempt UK?

[David2736]

Hi all

I am coming over as a tourist for the first 6 months, marrying, applying for PR, extending stay for another 12 months until PR comes through.

My partner and I were discussing how to improve our chances of being able to enter Canada at the airport. We come up with having a quick letter to explain all the details.

To Sir/madam of Canadian Immigration Control

Re: David2736 of the United Kingdom, passport # 123456789

This letter is to certify that I have invited David2736 to come and stay with me at my home for the duration of his visit. Details below.

• David2736 full name

• DOB June 27,1900

• Living at 123 someplace, london, England.

• The purpose of the trip being to stay as a visitor, to experience my home of Edmonton, to visit and get to know my family and friends to see if we can make a long-distance relationship work before investing any more time or seeking a permanent solution.

• Stay duration just under 6 months. xx-Sept-13 until xx-Feb-14

• Staying the entire duration with me at my home which the mortgage and expenses are covered 100% by myself.

• I understand that should some kind of emergency arise such as a medical problem or needing to fly home, he has a credit card with a available balance of £2000GBP/$3000 CDN

• My partner's full name

• DOB October 10, 19xx

• +1 000 123-4567

• 0001 01 Street NW, Edmonton, AB, Canada (Home owner)

• Employment: Permanent full-time Important Person for the Major Government Body since Aug 1

20xx

• Canadian citizen

You will also be able to find enclosed a copy of the following supporting documents/copies:

• Passport of both the host and the travelling parties.

• Letter proof of host earnings and employment from the employer

• Copy of bank statements from both host and travelling parties.

• Copy of birth certificates from both host and travelling parties.

• Copy of the host's passport stamps that showed I have also travelled to the UK and met his friends and family.

• The visitor's return ticket details and itinerary.

• Copy of the travel policy that covers the traveler so that he plans on supporting himself should a medical issue arise.

Should you require any more information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

My Partner's name & signature

 

[Sweden]

Hi all

I am coming over as a tourist for the first 6 months, marrying, applying for PR, extending stay for another 12 months until PR comes through.

My partner and I were discussing how to improve our chances of being able to enter Canada at the airport. We come up with having a quick letter to explain all the details.

you can if you want to, but it seems a little overkilling... most UK/visa-exempt applicants aren't asked many questions at the border. Just have a return ticket, and some proofs of funds to show that you can support yourself, and it should be all good. Most people are not asked much at the border.
Good luck,
Sweden

 

[frege]

you can if you want to, but it seems a little overkilling... most UK/visa-exempt applicants aren't asked many questions at the border. Just have a return ticket, and some proofs of funds to show that you can support yourself, and it should be all good. Most people are not asked much at the border.
Good luck,
Sweden

I agree with Sweden. Have a return ticket and proof of income/assets in case they ask for them. Looking like you've put too much thought into it can be a bad thing.

I'd probably say I was getting married, though. If questioned about PR plans, I'd admit those too. The reason is that Canada allows visitors to have "dual intent" - both to visit and to apply for PR. (This is quite different from the US, where it is wrong to enter as a tourist if you also intend to apply for PR.) What they want to know is that the visitor will leave if required to, and that they won't work or study illegally. Proof of funds and past compliance with immigration rules is usually enough if you're from a visa-exempt country.

This approach may lead to a bit more questioning, but since you're not doing anything wrong, I think it's the safer one.