Applying for a friend to visit Canada

[Mo_Ho]

I want to put forward an application for my good friend to visit Canada. I will be providing her accommodation, food and spending money for the 5 week visit. The issue that we foresee is that she has no previous travel history out of the country nor has a solid financial basis.

She is 26 years old and is full-time employed. She looks after her mother who is mentally ill so hopefully that can be included in the application for a TRV. Any ideas or tips for filing an application and what should be included in the letter of invitation?

Really want to be successful with the application so people with knowledge on this matter please comment.

Thanks,

 

[Mo_Ho]

Also do I need to book/pay for a flight and include this in the application. Part of the document checklist is a flight booking, though what happens if the TRV gets declined, then I am stuck with an airplane flight and lose money.

Please let me know.