We are in Canada on Work Permits and we invited our parents here. We just sent - a photocopy (not certified or notarized) of our work permits, bank statements and a formal letter addressed to "Visa Officer, Canadian High Commision, NewDelhi" confirming our invitation to parents to visit us and assuring to provide local hospitality and all assistance dutring their stay in Canada - to our parents who attached the these documents to their visa application (along with other documents required locally from their side -eg their tax papers/bank statement, etc). They got visa without any problems and have just returned to India after 6 month stay with us. Hope this helps and reassures you. All the best.

I have a question on the same note. How much money should they(the parents, who are seeking visitor visa) have in their bank balance to show? Is there any minimum amount?

I don't think there is a minimum set amount. It might depend on various factors such as (1) the visitor's ability to support him/herself during the visit (2) evidence that the visitor is very likely to return to home country after the visit (3) no risk to Canada (4) not likely to seek support from public funds -e.g. health or repatiration support. If the visitor has a "sponsor" who undertkaes to take care of the financial aspects of the visit then Visitor's bank-balance or net-worth may not be relevant. However. practically speaking, it would not harm to show the balance to cover the cost of flights (say INR 50K), travel insurence (say INR 20K for 6 months) and daily expenses (say CAD 50/day equivalent, INR/CAD, for 6 months, INR 70K or so). Thus around 1-1.5 lakh might be a decent amount to show in absence of a letter of undertaking (sponsorhip) from someone in Canada. Naturally, the sponsor should also have funds to back-up the unertaking (evidenced by bank statements/employment letter).

Hi Laksa,
Thanks for your replies. They were really helpful.

Can you please share the invite letter / Letter to the Visa Officer with me, so that it will help me in preparing my letter to send my parents. I have seen couple of sample letters, but it will be helpful to look into yours since it has already gone through the process successfully.

Waiting for your reply,
Thanks,
Anya

Hi Anya, If you have Invitation Letter can you please share with me because I'm also in process of apply visitor visa for my Parents.

Thanks..

Hi Sanjufun.. I do not have the invitation letter from laksa.. But there are couple of them on this website !!

I will try to get it and post it here.. u can search it too..

Hi Anya et al, below is the text of my invite letter. I was away for a few weeks hence the delay in response. Hope it is still useful.

From:
Date:

The Visa Offier,
Canadian High Commission
Immigration Section
7/8 Shantipath, Chanakyapuri
New Delhi 110 021, India


Subject: Invitation to visit Canada to Mr. xxxxx and Mrs. xxxx.


Dear Madam/Sir,


I write to confirm that I have invited my parents, Mr xxxx and Mrs. xxxxx to visit me in Toronto, ON at their convenience.

I undertake to provide them with local hospitality (including accommodation at my home at the above stated address, food, local travel, etc.), bear any additional expenses during their stay in Canada and ensure their safe return to India.

I am residing in Canada on a work-permit and employed as xxxx at xxxxx. I attach copies of my work permit, visa, employment testimonial and bank statements for your perusal.

Please contact me if more information is required in this regard.

Sincerely,

xxxx