Bringing your Family & Friends to Canada for Convocation
If you are completing your studies at uLethbridge, we encourage you to invite your friends, family and loved ones to attend your convocation ceremony when that day comes!
For more information about uLethbridge Convocation and upcoming ceremony dates, please visit the University of Lethbridge Convocation page.
Convocation is a traditional academic ceremony attended by graduating students and their family and friends. Graduates wear caps and gowns and receive their degrees, diplomas, or certificates. It is an event to recognize excellence and celebrate your academic achievements.
If your friends/family are planning to come to Canada to celebrate your accomplishments and attend your convocation ceremony, they may be eligible to apply to come to Canada as a Visitor.
- In their visitor application they must include supporting documents from themselves AND from the person they will visit in Canada (you, as the student). Providing supporting documentation for your friends/family does not guarantee that they will be approved, but it is a vital component of their application.
- When inviting family/friends for convocation, you need to calculate the length of time they will be in Canada and include proof of funds/financial support in their application to illustrate your/their ability to cover all living expenses and associated costs for the duration of their stay in Canada.
- We also recommend that they also include evidence of the ties to their home country - things that will bring them back home after their visit to Canada.
What you need to know before you apply
Depending on the country/territory that your family member/friend is a citizen of, they will need to apply for either a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV / "Visitor Visa") or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter Canada as a visitor.
Applicants from temporary resident visa-required countries, who are travelling to Canada by any method of travel (land, sea, air), will need to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV), unless they are:
- Eligible for an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), or
- A United States citizen or permanent resident
Applicants from temporary resident visa-exempt countries, who are travelling to Canada by air can apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization
To determine which entry document your friends/family member(s) will need, use the IRCC online tool.
If your friend or family member needs to apply for a Temporary Resident Visa, they will submit their application through either the IRCC Secure Account or the IRCC Portal. We recommend they apply through the IRCC Secure Account.
If your friend or family member needs to apply for an eTA, they will submit the application through the IRCC online form.
Supporting documents for your family/friend's application may include:
Copy of your valid Study Permit or Work Permit
Proof of Relationship: Such as a copy of your marriage certificate (for spouse/common-law partners) OR birth certificate (for parents)
Copy of your valid Passport/Travel Document
Letter of Invitation: Written by you and included in your family/friend's application to IRCC. The International Centre does not write letters of invitation on your behalf, but we have a sample letter below to help you get started.
Your letter should be clear, concise, and honest. We recommend that you include all specific requirements listed on IRCC's Letter of Invitation page.
** Some visa offices require Letters of Invitation to be notarized by a notary public. **
Graduation Invitation Letter from the International Centre
Request your Graduation Invitation Letter here.
Note: The Graduation Invitation Letter should be used in addition to your Letter of Invitation, not in place of it.
Proof of Finances: Showing sufficient proof of funds to cover their travel to Canada and living expenses for the duration of their stay.
If you are supporting your friends/family financially while they will be in Canada, you must provide proof of your own financial documents in their application to IRCC.
On January 1, 2024, IRCC updated their financial requirements. We recommend that you review that information to ensure you have sufficient funds to support yourself and your friends/family.
(Address of Processing Embassy)
Dear Visa Officer,
RE: Letter of Invitation in Support of TRV Application of Damilola Awosoga
I am writing this letter of invitation in support of my sister, Damilola Awosoga, and her application for a temporary resident visa to Canada. She was born on December 14, 1986 and she lives at 10 Bode Thomas Street, Lagos, Nigeria. Her phone number is: +234 692-5643
I am currently a 3rd year student at the University of Lethbridge in the Faculty of Arts and Science. I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science. You can see my Confirmation of Enrolment letter attached. My date of birth is January 15, 1989 and I currently reside at 27 Berkeley Place West, Lethbridge, Alberta. My phone number is 403-587-2697 and I can also be reached at joseph.awosoga@uleth.ca.
My sister will be visiting me from September 15, 2025 (arrival date), to October 1, 2025 (departure date) to celebrate my recent engagement. She will be staying with me and I will be covering the cost of her room and board during that time. Damilola will be paying for her flight and ground transportation to Lethbridge.
Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have regarding my sister, Damilola Awosoga, or myself. I thank you for considering my sister’s application.
Sincerely,
Joseph Awosoga
Request Assistance from an International Student Advisor
This information has been written by a Regulated International Student Immigration Advisor (RISIA) in accordance with the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations. The information provided is subject to change at any time. While we will endeavor to update this page regularly, please always see the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website for the most current information.