uk visit visa financial support letter

• Letter of Invitation for a UK Visa: How to Write One & Examples [2024 Update]

Table of Contents

What is a letter of invitation for a uk visa.

A letter of invitation, also known as a sponsorship letter, is a key document in many UK visa applications that helps to clarify the purpose of the visitor’s trip and to demonstrate their accommodation and in some instances financial arrangements. This document is vital for providing assurance to border control officers about the genuineness of the visitor’s intent, addressing one of the more ambiguous criteria of UK visa applications.

How A Letter of Invitation Helps Your UK Visa Application

The primary function of the invitation letter is to detail the visitor’s planned activities in the UK, whether they are coming to stay with family , attend business meetings, or participate in other formal engagements. It should explicitly mention the relationship between the host and the visitor, the duration of the stay, and who will be responsible for the visitor’s expenses. If the visitor will be staying with the host, this should be clearly stated to potentially prevent the need for additional proofs like hotel bookings.

However, depending on what is specified in the invitation letter, the applicant may still be required to present further evidence, such as proof of hotel reservations and sufficient funds for the duration of their visit, to support their application.

The letter should be comprehensive and include details about both the host and the visitor , their relationship, and the specifics of the trip. Including supporting documents like the host’s proof of address or ID can also lend credibility to the claims made in the letter.

While the letter itself is not the sole determinant in the visa application process and is not mandatory, the absence of a well-prepared letter of invitation could cast doubt on the visit’s legitimacy and lead to visa denial, especially in family visits where the applicant is staying with family members or in business visits where the applicant is visiting work associates. It is, therefore, essential to ensure that the letter is detailed, accurate, and aligns with the overall purpose of the visit, as outlined in the visa application.

Who Needs a Letter of Invitation and Who Should It Be Addressed to?

A letter of invitation can play a crucial role in the application process for a Standard Visitor Visa to the UK. While not mandatory, including such a letter can significantly strengthen an application by providing additional assurance to the UK Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) about the purpose and conditions of the visit. This is particularly advantageous for applicants who may not have extensive funds or pre-arranged accommodation, as it can help mitigate the risk of visa denial due to financial scrutiny or doubts about the visit’s intent.

For those planning to stay with family or friends, or if financial resources are limited, a letter of invitation can prove essential. It reassures the ECO that the visitor has a place to stay and means of support, reducing the likelihood of entry issues upon arrival. It is advisable for travellers to carry this letter when travelling, as border agents might request to see this document to verify the details of the stay before granting entry into the UK.

Regarding addressing the letter, it should be noted that the invitation letter is intended for the ECO rather than the visitor. The primary purpose of this letter is to outline supporting details such as the personal information of the host and visitor, and specifics about the visit, thereby facilitating the visa application review process by the Home Office . It should therefore be formally addressed to the ECO, typically starting with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘To whom it may concern’. This approach underscores the official nature of the correspondence and aligns with the formal requirements of visa application documentation.

While it might seem more personal to address the letter directly to the visitor, such as ‘Dear [Visitor’s Name]’, this is generally not necessary unless specifically desired by the host for personal reasons. The official and most effective format is to direct the letter to the authorities reviewing the visa application, ensuring that the tone and content are appropriately formal and informative. For example by addressing the letter to “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern”. 

Requirements and Eligibility for Writing a Letter of Invitation for a UK Visa

When writing a letter of invitation for a UK visa, it is essential that the author meets specific criteria to be considered a valid sponsor . Firstly, the sponsor must be living in the UK lawfully. This requirement is crucial as it confirms the sponsor’s legal status to support a visa application.

Secondly, the sponsor must have a personal relationship with the visa applicant, such as being a friend, relative, partner, or spouse. This relationship must be verifiable, as the Home Office requires proof to ensure the authenticity of the relationship. It is important to document how the sponsor knows the visitor in the letter to avoid any ambiguity or issues during the visa application process.

Moreover, the sponsor must provide details about the accommodation they will offer to the visitor. This includes specifying whether the property is owned or rented and ensuring the space is adequate for the duration of the visitor’s stay. If the visitor plans to stay at different accommodations during their visit, such as a hotel during a weekend trip, this should also be clearly outlined in the invitation letter.

The person writing the letter must be fully informed about the contents and be prepared to verify any details if questioned by immigration authorities. Ensuring the information provided in the letter is accurate and truthful is imperative, as any discrepancies can undermine the visa application.

Eligibility to write an invitation letter also extends to those who have sufficient space in their residence to accommodate the visitor comfortably. The Home Office considers these practicalities when assessing the invitation letter as part of the visa application process. Therefore, the sponsor should be prepared to provide proof of accommodation and its suitability for the visitor’s stay.

Essential Information to Include in a Letter of Invitation for a UK Visa

Sponsor and visitor details.

The letter should start by clearly outlining the host’s full name, address, telephone number, occupation, and legal status in the UK, whether as a citizen or permanent resident. It should also confirm the host’s relationship to the visitor, which needs to be verifiable to satisfy Home Office requirements.

Similarly, the visitor’s full name and the nature of their relationship with the host should be detailed. This helps in establishing a personal connection and the credibility of the visit’s intent.

Trip Details

Comprehensive information about the trip must be included:

Dates of Visit: While exact dates are ideal, approximate dates can also be provided if the travel plans are still being finalised. For example, stating that the visitor is invited for a two-week stay in a specific month suffices if exact travel dates are not yet available.

Purpose of the Visit: Clearly state whether the visit is for tourism , family time, attending a specific event, or another purpose. If the visitor is coming for a specific event or activity, this should be mentioned explicitly.

Accommodation Details : Outline where the visitor will stay during their visit. If the visitor will stay with the host, details of the host’s home should be provided, including the address and the type of property (owned or rented). If an alternative accommodation is planned for part of the stay, such as a hotel, details should also be included.

Financial Arrangements

The letter should detail how the visitor’s living and travel expenses will be handled. Options include the host covering all expenses, sharing costs, or the visitor managing their own expenses. If the financial arrangements vary during the visit, each phase should be clearly outlined.

For instance, if the host will cover accommodation and daily expenses but the visitor pays for their own travel, this division should be clearly stated. 

Additional Considerations

Honesty is crucial in the invitation letter. If there are any unique arrangements, such as the visitor staying elsewhere for part of their visit, these should be openly stated. 

Supporting Documents to Include with a Letter of Invitation for a UK Visa

When submitting a letter of invitation as part of a UK visa application, accompanying it with the right supporting documents is essential. These documents validate the information presented in the invitation letter and enhance the credibility of the visa application, ultimately assisting the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) in making an informed decision. Here are the key documents that are generally recommended to be included:

• A copy of the host’s UK passport or biometric residence permit. 
• Documents such as a mortgage statement or tenancy agreement.
• Recent bank statements or other financial documents that show the host has sufficient means to support the visitor throughout their stay. 
• Copies of itineraries, flight tickets, or bookings for events or activities if already arranged.

Scanned Copies vs. Originals: It is generally acceptable to provide scanned copies of these documents rather than originals, which ensures that all necessary information is provided without risking important personal documents.

Comprehensive Documentation : While there is no fixed list of documents that must be included with every invitation letter, the more evidence provided, the stronger the visa application will be. 

Writing a Letter of Invitation for a UK Visa: Sample Templates

When drafting a letter of invitation for a UK visa, it’s crucial to ensure that it contains all the necessary details to support the visa application effectively. Below are three sample templates that illustrate how to structure such a letter, each tailored to slightly different circumstances. These examples should serve as a guide to creating a personalised invitation letter that includes specific, essential information about both the host and the visitor.

Sample 1: Comprehensive Invitation Letter

Your Name Your Address Your Phone Number Your Email Address Date

Application for Visitor Visa for [Visitor’s Name]

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to invite [Visitor’s Name, with Date of Birth] to stay with me in the UK from [Start Date] to [End Date] at my residence in [Location]. [Visitor’s Name] is my [Relationship], and we plan to engage in sightseeing and visiting local areas of interest during their stay.

In addition to staying at my home, we have arranged to spend three days at [Name of Accommodation or Place] from [Start Date] to [End Date], located at [Address].

I am a UK citizen by birth, employed as an [Occupation], and fully intend to support [Visitor’s Name] financially throughout their visit, including accommodation, meals, and internal travel expenses. I have ample space in my home to accommodate them comfortably.

Attached are copies of my British passport, tenancy agreement, work ID, booking details for additional lodging, and a recent bank statement (from [Date]), verifying my financial capability.

If you need any additional information, please feel free to contact me.

Yours faithfully, [Your Signature] [Your Name]

Sample 2: Standard Visitor Visa Invitation

Invitation letter for [Applicant’s Name]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I hereby extend an invitation to [Applicant’s Name and Date of Birth] to stay with me at [Host Address] from [Start Date] until [End Date]. [Applicant’s Name] is my [Relationship], known to me for [X] years, and their visit aims to include sightseeing and visiting family across the UK.

During their stay, we will also spend a few days in Brighton at [Hotel Name], from [Start Date] to [End Date]. Please find attached the ticket reservations and accommodation booking confirmation copies for your reference.

I am a UK-born citizen, residing in my three-bedroom home which I rent, and am employed full-time as an [Profession]. Enclosed are my recent pay slips, bank statements, and a holiday request confirmation from my employer, which substantiate my financial readiness and accommodation arrangements.

If you need any further information, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Yours faithfully, [Your Name and Signature]

Sample 3: Simple and Direct Invitation Letter

Sponsor’s Name Sponsor’s Address Sponsor’s Phone Number Sponsor’s Email Address Date of Writing the Letter

Application for Visitor Visa for [Applicant’s Name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

Please accept this letter as my formal invitation for [Applicant’s name and Date of Birth] to visit and stay with me in the UK between [Start Date] and [End Date] at [Host’s Address]. The purpose of [Applicant’s Name]’s visit is [Description of the Visit’s Intention].

As a UK citizen working as a [Profession] at [Company], I will cover all costs related to [Applicant’s Name]’s stay, including food, accommodation, and travel within the UK. My [Type of Property] is fully prepared to accommodate them comfortably for the entire duration of their visit.

Please find attached [List of Supporting Documents].

Should you need more details, please contact me at your convenience.

Yours faithfully,

[Author’s Signature]

[Author’s Name]

These templates provide a framework for creating a personalised letter of invitation that aligns with the requirements of the UK visa application process, ensuring that all necessary information is clearly communicated and supported by appropriate documentation.

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Sample Letter for UK Tourist Visa Application (2019 Cover Letter Template)

In this article, we are going to discuss how  you can write your UK visitor visa supporting letter in 2019.

This is because your goal is going to be the same whether you are applying for a UK, US, Canadian or a tourist visa for another country – to convince the person deciding your application that you will return to your home country and not overstay .

This is one of the most helpful things that you can do to increase your chances of a successful UK visitor visa application .

After all, the Home Office caseworkers are very suspicious people and you should do everything that you can to persuade them that you are a ‘genuine’ and ‘credible’ visitor.

There is no one set letter template that can be effectively used for all UK visitor visa applications since every application is different and unique to your own individual circumstances.

There are different aspects that your visit visa supporting letter should discuss and we will discuss each of them in turn:

• An introduction / summary of your visit visa application
• List of documents that you are including
• The purpose of your visit
• Why you will not overstay your UK visa
• The dependants that you will be applying with (if any)
• Your ability to adequately maintain yourself during your UK visit
• Whether your sponsor meets the sponsor requirements (if you have one)
• Confirmation that you are not using frequent and successive visits to make the UK your main home (if relevant)
• Potential weaknesses in your application
• Contact details of other relevant persons

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 1

Introduction/Summary

My name is [NAME] and I am [NATIONALITY] . I am applying from [COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE] and I am applying for a standard [6 month/2 year/5 year/10 year] UK visitor visa.

In discussing that I am a genuine and credible UK visitor visa, this letter will cover:

• A list of the supporting documents that have been submitted alongside this supporting letter

The purpose of my visit

• Reasons why I will comply with the terms of the visa and why I will  not overstay
• Information relating to  dependants applying with me (delete if appropriate)
• My ability to adequately maintain myself [ and any dependants (if relevant) ] during intended UK trip
• Information relating to my sponsor (delete if appropriate)
• Why I am not using frequent and successive visits to make the UK my main home [( if relevant )]
• Potential perceived weaknesses in my application
• Contact details of other relevant persons you may wish to contact

Why is this section important?

This section provides a clear outline of the things that Home Office caseworkers are most interested in.

By providing a clear and relevant structure , you are immediately letting the Home Office caseworker know that you have a good understanding of the Immigration Rules as they apply to visitor visas.

It also makes it easier for the Home Office caseworker to read. The clearer and easier you make it for the Home Office caseworker, the happier that they will be.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 2

List of included documents

In support of my UK visitor visa application, I have included the following documents:

The Home Office tend to lose documents quite often, unfortunately.

By stating that you list a certain documents, the Home Office caseworker will then know that the document may have indeed been lost on the way.

This increases the likelihood of the Home Office caseworker getting into contact and asking for the missing document .

By having something similar to the above table, you again increase the clarity and ease of reading for this cover letter.

The Home Office caseworker will be able to refer to this table to quickly identify the relevant document when considering your application and it will again provide good impression.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 3

The main purpose of my visit is to [INSERT ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY] .

[Discuss what you intend to do in the UK in more detail here]

I am fully aware of the permitted and prohibited activities found in Immigration Rules Appendix V: visitor rules .

Example Itinerary #1

The main purpose of my visit is to attend my niece’s university graduation .

The following is my itinerary and includes the likely costings of the UK visit:

23rd May (Day 1)

Hopefully, I will be flying to London Heathrow from Bangkok, Thailand. As evidenced by the attached return flight tickets and return flight ticket receipts (Appendix 8 and 9), the cost of return of this flight is £884.

24th May (Day 2)

I will be picked up at the London Heathrow by my sister and will stay at her accommodation, 22b Iverson Road, London, NW6 2HE for two nights.

Please see the attached letter of support from my sister, which has been labelled Appendix 11.

Whilst I expect that I will spend around £30 on airport food, I will incur no costs for accommodation.

25th May (Day 3)

I will attend my niece’s graduation on this day, which is the main purpose of my trip to the UK.

The graduation is taking place at the University of Leeds campus.

We will travel from my niece’s accommodation in London to the University of Leeds by train, the expected cost of which is £80 for a return train ticket (see Appendix 13).

In support of these plans, please see the attached letter from my niece’s university (Appendix 5), confirmation of my niece’s graduation (Appendix 4) and the letter of support from my niece (Appendix 7).

Since the graduation is scheduled to finish at 11.30am, this will give us plenty time to enjoy a nice meal at our favourite restaurant, ‘Almost Famous’ in Leeds.  I will have £50 set aside for this meal.

Once we have arrived back in London, I will again stay at my sister’s accommodation, which will mean that I will incur no extra costs with regards to accommodation.

26th May (Day 4)

My last day is expected to start early in the morning as my sister will drive me to London Heathrow in time for my 8am flight back to Bangkok.

I have set aside £30 for food and drink at the airport.

The total expected cost for this trip is therefore £190 for my 4-day trip, not including the return flight tickets that I have already paid £884 for.

In light of my personal savings account at Appendix 17 that shows savings of £12,200 (as converted by oanda.com), it is therefore clear that I can adequately provide for myself during my 4-day visit to the UK.

Example Itinerary #2:

The main purpose of my visit is to attend my niece’s university graduation.

The purpose of your visit is a key consideration when deciding whether the Home Office should grant your UK visitor visa application.

The clearer that your purpose for visiting the UK is, the more genuine and credible you will appear to be .

Because of this, it is therefore helpful if you are able to use this letter of support to clearly discuss your plans and the costs associated with the UK trip .

In this section of the letter of support, it will be good if you cross-reference your stated intentions with evidence that you submit in your application.

For example: I will be taking the train on the 25th May, 2020 from London Heathrow to Leeds train station, which will cost £80. Please see appendix 13 that shows this .

It will also be good to get letter of supports from family or friends that supports your stated intentions.

For example, if you are visiting a specific family member or friend in the UK, a letter of support from them will also be helpful to include.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 4

Why I will not overstay the UK visitor visa

I fully intend to return to [my home country OR make an onwards journey to COUNTRY] before my UK visitor visa expires.

I have a good life back home and I would absolutely not want to trade it for a life as an outlaw in the UK.

The following are reasons that I would you to consider when deciding my application:

#1 My good immigration history

My unblemished UK immigration history is one indication that suggests that I am likely to comply with the terms of the UK visit visa and return to my home country prior to the visa expiration.

Example : “In 2012, I was issued a UK visitor visa for 6 months (see appendix 13 which is a copy of page 34 of my attached passport). In 2015, I was also issued a UK visitor visa (see Appendix 14 which is a copy of page 36 of my attached passport. In all of the above instances, I left before the expiration of the visa. I also complied with all of the visa conditions.”

#2 My family ties to my home country

My family back home is another strong indication that I will return to my home country prior to the UK visitor visa expiring.

[Discuss family members back home here, especially if they are dependant on you].

Example : My son, Jeremiah (13 years of age) and my daughter, Jodie (15 years of age), will stay in my home country of Bangladesh during my 9-day trip to the UK. Please see their attached passport scans at Appendix 8 and 9. During my UK visit, Jeremiah and Jodie will be cared for by my husband, Andy Jones, as evidenced by my husband’s letter of support at Appendix 14, which includes a copy of his passport at Appendix 15.

#3 My financial and economic ties to my home country

My financial and economic ties to my home country are other factors that strongly suggest that I have no reason to trade my life in [HOME COUNTRY] with a life as an illegal alien in the UK.

My assets and income are discussed in more detail below, under the sub-heading ‘My ability to adequately maintain myself in the UK’.

#4 Other links with my home country

Example : I am currently studying a degree at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. Please see the attached letter from my university at Appendix 6 that confirms this. Please also see the attached term dates for my course at Appendix 7 that confirms that my intended trip to the UK is not during term-time but rather during the summer holidays.

The main reason why visit visa applications are refused is that the Home Office are scared that you will use the UK visitor visa to enter the UK,  disappear and overstay your visa illegally .

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 5

Dependants I am applying with (if relevant)

As stated in the online application form, I am applying with child dependant(s), [NAME(S) AS STATED IN PASSPORT(S), AGE(S) & THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO YOU] .

Obviously, if you are not applying with any child dependants, you can ignore this sub-heading .

However, if you are applying with child dependants, it is important that you are fully aware of the additional requirements that will apply.

In summary, you must show:

#1 That you (or your sponsor) will be able to adequately provide for any child dependants that are also applying for a UK visitor visa.

This is obviously linked with your ability to adequately maintain yourself – i.e. by the showing of assets and income.

In order to maintain a clear structure for this letter of support, you should make sure you sufficiently discuss your finances in the subheading ‘My ability to adequately maintain myself during the UK visit’ below.

#2 That all duties of care obligations with regards to child dependants will be met

Simply showing sufficient financial assets and income will not always suffice.

If, in light of all the circumstances, it is not clear how the child’s welfare will be looked after in the UK, it is likely that the application will be refused .

Like many UK visa applications, the child’s welfare is of an extremely high importance .

#3 That parental consent is given

Parental consent is a requirement for children’s UK visitor visas.

This requirement is usually satisfied where the visit visa applications are made on behalf of a child, although i t is important that you are aware of the situations where the requirement will not be met .

If you are divorced with your child’s other parent, the parent with sole responsibility or legal custody must provide parental consent, which can be met via a letter of support.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 6

My ability to adequately maintain myself during the UK visit

I confirm that I can adequately maintain myself [as well the dependants who are applying with me] . To support this, I will now discuss my sources of income and financial assets.

#1 My sources of income

#2 My assets and/or cash savings

#3 My on-going financial commitments

Example : I am employed as a journalist for The Daily Paper Company in Pakistan. I receive a gross annual salary of PKR 3,000,000 and I have permission from my employer to have paid leave for the week that I will be visiting the UK (see Appendix 8, which is a signed letter from my employer). For clarity, PKR 3,000,000 equates to 15,102 pounds sterling, as stated by the closing spot exchange rate found on www.oanda.com . As evidenced by my attached bank statements (see Appendix 3), I saved a total of PKR 1,500,000 over the past 8 months to help fund my UK visit. This is the equivalent of £7,550 pounds sterling. I also own my own house in Pakistan. Please see the attached documentation (Appendix 11-13) for 12 Wahdat Road, Lahore. The property’s worth, as stated on zoopla.com, is PKR 13,000,000 (Appendix 14).

It is crucial that you are able to convince the Home Office caseworker that you have sufficient resources to maintain and accommodate yourself adequately for the whole of your planned visit to the UK.

This includes the additional costs associated with applying with any dependant children.

If the expected cost of the visit is high when compared to your overall resources (or your sponsor’s overall resources), then questions may be raised regarding the genuineness of your intentions .

Unlike a UK spouse visa , there are no set rules regarding the amount of funds that you (or your sponsor) will need to show.

For example, there is no rule saying that an income of £10,000 is required or cash savings of £5,000 or more.

Instead, the Home Office caseworker will look at your circumstances (and your sponsor’s circumstances, if you have one) and your stated intentions and then make a decision based on that.

At the very minimum, it is clear that you have to prove that you can afford:

I) The cost of travelling to and from the UK ;

II) Any costs associated with applying with dependant children ;  and

III) What you say you intend to do in the UK (e.g. shopping or visiting a family in London).

There are a few points to note regarding evidencing assets and income .

Firstly, both your supporting letter as well as the documents that you submit should make the source of cash savings clear.

If your personal bank account shows a sudden and relatively large injection of cash into your bank, this may seem suspicious.

Secondly, you should make it clear that you can access  to the cash savings.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 7

My sponsor (include this sub-heading only if you have one)

I am being sponsored by [ SPONSOR’S NAME ], who is my [ RELATIONSHIP TO APPLICANT ]. As evidenced by the attached documentation, [ SPONSOR’S NAME ]’s [ASSETS/INCOME] is more than enough to adequately provide for myself [and my dependant children who are applying with me] during my stay in the UK.

I can confirm that the relationship between [ SPONSOR’S NAME ] and I is genuine. Please see the attached documentation regarding this, as well as the attached letter of support from [ SPONSOR’S NAME ] that confirms [ HIS/HER ] intention to sponsor me.

• Whether the relationship is personal or professional
• How you met,
• Where you first met,
• How often you meet,
• How often you communicate with each other]

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 8

Why I am not using frequent and successive visits to make the UK my home (include this sub-heading if you have previously been issued a UK visitor visa only)

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 9

Potential weaknesses in my application

Include this section only if there are any potential weaknesses in your application.

I recognise that [ REASON 1 ] can raise doubts about the genuine and credibility as a visitor.

[Discuss this here and explain why that should not adversely affect your UK visitor visa application]

I recognise that [ REASON 2 ] can raise doubts about the genuine and credibility as a visitor.

Example : In 2016 I was previously refused a UK visitor visa on the grounds that I was not able to adequately show that I can maintain myself. Please see appendix 3, which is a copy of this refusal letter. It was unfortunate that important financial documents, such as employer pay slips and bank statements, were not received by the Home Office – hence not being able to show that I could have adequately maintained myself. In any event, one month after receiving the refusal letter, I submitted another UK visitor visa application. Fortunately, the Home Office received all of the supporting documents and my UK visitor visa application was swiftly approved. In light of this, my previous UK visitor visa refusal should not adversely affect this application as not only have I shown adequate funds to cover my trip to the UK in this application, but the reason for the previous refusal does not apply to my case.

It is important to directly address the potential weaknesses of your application.

This is because Home Office caseworkers are trained specifically to identify weaknesses in applications.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 10

Relevant contact details

I can appreciate that you may want to contact my friends and family.

If you would like to do so, the following are some friend and family member’s contact information:

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 1], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 2], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 3], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 4], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 5], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

If you would like to contact any other individuals or organisations and I have not provided their contact details, please feel free to get in touch and I will be more than happy to provide them.

In some cases, the Home Office caseworker may want to contact relevant third parties in your application in order to validate information to help decide whether they think you are a genuine and credible visitor.

Hopefully you found this article helpful.

Spending time writing a comprehensive covering letter is certainly a worthwhile activity as it is the best place for you to discuss relevant pieces of information in detail.

When writing the covering letter, remember:

• Using simple, straightforward English is best .
• Try to keep the contents of your supporting letter as relevant as possible
• When you can, cross-refer to documentation throughout your supporting letter
• As long as the structure of the letter is clear, it is worthwhile discussing different aspects of your application in great detail .

Related Articles

Visitor Visa UK Application Form 2020 [45 things you NEED to know before submitting]

The Ultimate UK Visitor Visa Guidance for 2020

What are the documents required for a UK Visitor Visa? (2019 Document Checklist)

Long Term Visitor Visa 2019 and 2020 Guidance

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• How Do I Get an Invitation Letter for UK Visas?
• Europe Visas

If you’re planning to visit the UK, you might need an invitation letter. This letter can help your visa application by proving that someone in the UK is inviting you and will support your stay. Whether you are visiting for business, family, or personal reasons, an invitation letter is crucial. Here, we will tell you how to write an invitation by showing you sample invitation letters for UK visas.

Table of Contents

How Important is an Invitation Letter for UK Visas?

A UK invitation letter is very important because it provides proof that you have a reason to visit the UK and that someone is there to support you. It shows the visa officer that your visit is genuine and that you have a place to stay, which can strengthen your application.

Invitation Letter for UK Visa for Family

If you’re visiting family, the invitation letter should come from your relative in the UK. It should mention your relationship, the reason for your visit, and how long you plan to stay. This letter helps show that you have close ties to someone in the UK. Here is a detail of a sample:

Sample Invitation Letter for UK Visa for Family

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, Postal Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

UK Visa Application Center

[Visa Application Center Address]

United Kingdom

Dear Sir/Madam,

Re: Invitation for [Family Member’s Full Name] to Visit the UK

I am writing to invite my [relationship, e.g., mother, father, sister, etc.], [Family Member’s Full Name], who resides at [Family Member’s Address], to visit me in the United Kingdom for a period of [duration, e.g., 2 months] from [Proposed Arrival Date] to [Proposed Departure Date].

The purpose of [Family Member’s Full Name]’s visit is to spend quality family time together, explore the UK, and celebrate [any specific event, e.g., a family reunion, birthday, etc.]. During their stay, we plan to visit several local attractions and participate in family activities.

[Family Member’s Full Name] will be staying with me at my residence at [Your Address] for the duration of their stay. I confirm that I will cover all their expenses, including travel, accommodation, and daily subsistence.

I am [Your Full Name], currently residing in the UK as a [Your Occupation] with a valid [visa type, e.g., work visa, student visa, etc.]. I have been living in the UK for [duration of stay in the UK]. [Family Member’s Full Name] is my [relationship], and we have maintained regular contact despite the distance. This visit will strengthen our family bond.

Provided that you require any further information or documentation, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email Address].

We trust that this information will be sufficient to issue a Visitor Visa for [Family Member’s Full Name].

Thank you for your assistance.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Signature]

[Your Printed Name]

Is an Invitation Letter Required for a UK Business Visa?

For a business visa, an invitation letter from a UK company or business partner can be very helpful. It should state the purpose of your visit, details about the business meetings or events you will attend, and confirm that they are inviting you.

Here is a sample of the UK business invitation letter :

[Your Position]

[Company Name]

[Company Address]

Re: Invitation for [Visitor’s Full Name] to Visit the UK for Business Purposes

I am writing to confirm that [Visitor’s Full Name], [Visitor’s Passport Number], who is employed as [Visitor’s Job Title] at [Visitor’s Company Name], is invited to visit the United Kingdom for business purposes from [Proposed Arrival Date] to [Proposed Departure Date].

The purpose of [Visitor’s Full Name]’s visit is to attend business meetings and discussions with our team at [Company Name], located at the above address. During their stay, they will be engaging in the following activities:

-[Detail Activity 1, e.g., attending project meetings]

– [Detail Activity 2, e.g., conducting business negotiations]

– [Detail Activity 3, e.g., visiting our headquarters]

[Visitor’s Full Name] will be accommodated at [Hotel Name] located at [Hotel Address] or will stay with us at our company’s provided accommodation. We confirm that [Visitor’s Full Name]’s expenses, including travel, accommodation, and daily subsistence, will be covered by

[Company Name] is a [Brief Description of Your Company] established in [Year], specializing in [Industry/Field]. We have had a business relationship with [Visitor’s Company Name] for [Duration of Business Relationship]. This visit is critical to our ongoing projects and future collaborations.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. We trust that this information will be sufficient to issue a Business Visitor Visa for [Visitor’s Full Name].

Yours faithfully, [Your Signature] [Your Printed Name] [Your Position]

Invitation Letter for UK Visa for Parents

When inviting parents, the letter should include your personal details, your parents’ details, the purpose of their visit, and the duration of their stay. It’s important to mention that you will provide accommodation and support during their visit.

Invitation Letter for UK Visa for Mother

An invitation letter for your mother should be detailed. It should state that you are inviting her, the purpose of her visit, and how long she will stay. Also, include details about where she will stay and how you will support her.

Invitation Letter for UK Visa for Parents During Pregnancy

If you want your parents to visit during your pregnancy, explain this in the letter. Mention your due date and how they will help you during this time. This helps the visa officer understand the importance of their visit.

Is an Invitation Letter Required for UK Tourist Visa?

Yes and No. An invitation letter is not strictly required for a UK tourist visa, but it can be very beneficial. The invitation letter serves as additional proof of the purpose of your visit. It should come from someone you know in the UK and include details about your relationship, the purpose of your visit, and where you will stay. It helps visa officers understand that your visit is genuine. Read the Visa Library articles to learn about UK visas .

What Documents Do I Need to Invite Someone to the UK?

To invite someone to the UK, you will need to provide several documents to support the invitation. Here are the key documents required:

• Proof of Legal Status in the UK : Copies of documents proving the host’s legal status in the UK, such as a passport, residence permit, visa, or work permit, or proof of permanent residency or citizenship.
• Proof of Accommodation : Evidence that the host can provide accommodation, like a Tenancy agreement or mortgage statement. Recent utility bills or council tax statements showing the host’s address.
• Financial Documents : Proof of the host’s financial ability to support the visitor, including recent bank statements (at least 3 months), pay slips or employment contracts, and other relevant financial documents showing sufficient funds.
• Proof of Relationship : Documents that establish the relationship between the host and the visitor, such as birth certificates if inviting family members, photos, emails, or other communications showing the relationship if inviting friends.
• Visitor’s Passport Copy : A clear copy of the visitor’s passport, including the personal information page and any previous UK visas.
• Travel Itinerary : A tentative itinerary of the visitor’s travel plans, including flight bookings, is optional but may be helpful.
• Proof of Return : Evidence that the visitor intends to return to their home country, such as return flight tickets, proof of employment or educational commitments in the home country, and evidence of family ties or property ownership in the home country.

What are the Requirements for an Invitation Letter for a UK Visa?

An invitation letter for a UK visa should meet certain requirements to be effective. Here are the key elements that should be included:

Personal Information of the Host

• Date of birth.
• Address in the UK.
• Contact details (phone number and email address).

Personal Information of the Guest

• Passport number.
• Address in the guest’s home country.
• Relationship to the host.

Purpose of the Visit

• Clear explanation of why the guest is visiting the UK.
• Detailed description of planned activities during the stay.

Duration of the Visit

• Exact dates of the intended visit.
• Confirmation of the guest’s intended departure from the UK.

Accommodation Details

• Where the guest will stay during their visit.
• Assurance that the host will provide accommodation.

Financial Support

• Statement of financial support if the host is covering the guest’s expenses.
• Details of the host’s financial capability to support the guest (if applicable).

Host’s Legal Status in the UK : Proof that the host is legally residing in the UK (e.g., copy of passport, visa, or residence permit).

• The host’s handwritten signature.
• Date the letter was written and signed.

How Much Bank Balance is Required for a UK Visa?

For a Standard Visitor Visa, applicants typically need to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay in the UK. This includes accommodation, food, and any other expenses. The amount can vary:

• For a Short Stay (up to 6 months), you will need approximately £1,000 – £1,500 per month of stay.
• Living expenses include £1,334 per month for up to 9 months if studying in London and £1,023 per month for up to 9 months if studying outside London.
• For tuition fees, you need proof of sufficient funds to pay for the first year of tuition fees or the entire course if it is less than a year.
• For work visas (Skilled Worker Visa), applicants must show that they have sufficient funds (ranging between £1,270 to £2,000) to support themselves when they arrive in the UK. At least £1,270 for personal maintenance if the employer is not providing maintenance support.

How Much Money Do I Need to Sponsor a Visitor to the UK?

When sponsoring a visitor to the UK, you need to demonstrate that you have enough funds to cover the visitor’s living expenses, typically around £500 – £700 per month. If you are providing accommodation, include evidence of this, such as a tenancy agreement or a letter from a landlord.

Here is a complete breakdown:

• 1 Month Visit: £1,000 – £1,500 for general expenses + accommodation costs.
• 3 Month Visit: £3,000 – £4,500 for general expenses + accommodation costs.
• 6 Month Visit: £6,000 – £9,000 for general expenses + accommodation costs.

Is a 3-Month Bank Statement Enough for a UK Visa?

Yes, a 3-month bank statement is usually sufficient. It should show regular income and sufficient balance to cover your and your visitor’s expenses during their stay.

Who Can Write a UK Visa Invitation Letter?

Inviting someone to the UK typically involves ensuring that the invited person has a valid reason to visit and that their stay will be supported. Here’s an overview of who can invite someone to the UK and what is generally required:

• British citizens if they provide proof of their citizenship like a copy of British passport or citizenship certificate.
• Individuals with Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) if they provide proof of their residency status with a copy of their ILR card or a letter from the Home Office.
• People residing in the UK on a valid work visa (e.g., Tier 2 General, Skilled Worker visa) if they provide a copy of their visa, proof of employment, and financial documents.
• International students studying in the UK on a valid student visa if they provide a copy of their student visa, a letter of enrollment from their educational institution, and financial documents.
• Spouses or partners of British citizens or residents with valid residency status if they provide proof of their relationship, such as a marriage certificate, and documentation of their residency status.

How Do I Write a Good UK Visa Invitation Letter?

To write a good invitation letter, be clear and precise. Include all relevant details about yourself, the visitor, and the visit. Ensure it is well-structured and free from errors. Supporting documents should be included to strengthen your case.

To write an invitation letter for a UK visa, you must:

• First, begin with the host’s details, followed by the guest’s details, purpose of the visit, duration of stay, and conclude with closing remarks and the host’s signature. The letter should be clear and to the point so avoid unnecessary information.
• Second, clearly mention why the guest is visiting the UK (e.g., tourism, family reunion, business meetings).
• Next, specify the exact dates or the duration of the guest’s intended stay. State where the guest will stay during their visit and confirm that the host will provide accommodation. If the host is supporting the guest financially, include details of how the host will cover the guest’s expenses.
• Then, provide evidence of the host’s legal status in the UK (e.g., a copy of the passport, visa, or residence permit). The letter should be signed by the host to authenticate it.
• Finally, Include copies of supporting documents such as bank statements, proof of accommodation, and proof of relationship. Make sure the letter is straightforward and avoids any ambiguous statements.

Note : Check for any spelling or grammatical errors before finalizing the letter. Also, you should write in a formal tone, as it is an official document and make sure all details about the host and the guest are accurate and complete.

An invitation letter can significantly enhance your UK visa application by providing proof of the purpose of your visit and support during your stay. Ensure your letter is detailed, accurate, and includes all necessary documents to improve your chances of getting a visa. For further inquiries, you can use our free consultation services .

Yes, you can send it directly to the embassy or provide it to the visitor to submit with their application.

Yes, an invitation letter can be sent via email. Make sure it is signed and includes all necessary details.

Yes, but having an invitation letter can strengthen your application by showing the purpose of your visit.

Yes, a friend can sponsor you if they have the means to support your stay and provide accommodation.

• Published by
• July 13, 2024

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Letter TEMPLATES

For   uk visitor visas.

LETTER TEMPLATES 

FOR UK VISITOR VISAS

Letter Templates for UK Visit Visas to:

• Invite Family Members/Friends/Partners to visit the UK
• Carryout permitted Business activities e.g. to attend meetings, conferences, training etc
• For Musicians, Artists and Entertainers to perform at festivals and events
• Visit schools/universities for potential studying in the UK

Our Professionally written Letter Templates will help you to put together essential Invitation Letters, Sponsor Statements, Declarations or Consent letters for your UK Visit Visa Application .

Each template has been designed to:

• Include all of the critical details that are relevant to your case
• Provide suggestions on what to include in your letter
• Easily fill in your and/or your sponsor's personal information

Why you need to include certain Letters with your Visa Application

Invitation / Sponsor Letter Templates for Visitor Visas

A UK visitor visa invitation letter should usually be provided when coming to visit family or friends in the UK, to provide information about the planned visit, such as the purpose of the visit, the length of the stay, who will be funding the trip, and where they will be staying.

The invitation letter should also include information about the relationship between the UK resident sponsor and the visa applicant.

Visitor Visa Invitation Letter Templates

UK Visitor Visa Invitation Letter

to invite your Spouse / Civil Partner

£19.97 £40

to invite your Boyfriend / Girlfriend

 to invite your Parent or Sibling

Templates for Employment/Financial Evidence

Depending on your and/or your sponsor’s financial circumstances, you may need certain letters to prove that you have sufficient Funds/earn adequate income to financially support yourself and any dependants during your visit to the UK.

• Letter from your Employer
• Declaration of source of your Savings
• Letter from your Accountant

Financial / Income Letter Templates

Letter from Employer Template

(for Applicant or Sponsor)

£9.97 £25

Other Services you may be interested in:

Visa Application & Document 

Checking Service

Full Legal Representation

Frequently Asked Questions about the Letter Templates

Who are these for?

Depending on the reason for your visit, you may need to provide an invitation/sponsor letter to provide the reasons and details about your trip.

These templates will save you time and provide full peace of mind that you writte and structure the letter(s) to satisfy the immigration rules.

Are they appropriate for me?

These templates are designed to assist those who want to complete their UK visa process themselves, but need to know how to put together supporting/consent letters to address specific aspects of the application, for example, if you are/will be staying in your family or friend's accomodation,  or your family/friend wil be funding some/all of your trip.

How do we use the letter templates?

The letter templates have been structured and designed so that it is easy to incorporate your personal information and situation.

It will be clearly marked where you will need to enter/confirm further info,  in each template.

For example:

Sponsor's Name  has been employed by Company Name  as a Job Title  since DD/MM/YYYY .  

His/Her salary is £ XX,XXX per annum, and he/she has been paid this level of salary since his/her employment commenced.

Is there a the Money Back Guarantee?

No, Refunds are not available for our Letter Templates, once you have downloaded them. 

The onus will be on you: 

• To decide and purchase the correct template(s) that is/are appropriate for your case
• Include the correct/relevant information in your actual letter(s). The templates only provide the structure and suggestions of the wording to use in your respective letter.

How Long will it take to receive my Template?

Immediately after purchase. 

Each template is a Microsoft Word Document which comes in a downloadable Zip file.

If I buy a Template, am I allowed to ask you questions about my application?

No, if you would like specific advice about your Visa application, We also offer a 25 minute consultation service for £120 which you can book here .

What format will the letter templates be in?

They will all be in Microsoft Word format packaged together in a Zip file.

Is there a discount if I buy several templates together

No. We have made each individual template as affordable as possibe.

Related Articles

What Documents do I need for a UK Visitor Visa?

How do I Prove I can Afford My Trip to the UK when Applying for a UK Visitor Visa?

How to write a Letter of Invitation for a UK visitor visa Application

Should I Apply for a Fiancé(e) Visa or a Marriage Visitor Visa?

Reasons why UK Visitor Visa Applications get Refused

How to Apply for a Visitor Visa to visit the UK

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A guide to writing a Letter of Invitation for a UK Visitor Visa

The Letter of Invitation for a UK Visa, also known as a Sponsorship Letter for a UK Visa and as a Sponsor Letter, allows an individual to sponsor their friend, partner, or family member to come to the UK as part of their Standard Visitor Visa application. Please note that the letter does not guarantee entry into the UK, as the applicant for the visa must also meet other requirements.

The individual sponsoring the person visiting the UK must write the Letter of Invitation themselves. Alternatively, they could download a template, but they would still have to fill in the details themselves.

We shall tell you the important information you need to know about the letter, and how you can go about writing one. 

Who can write a Letter of Invitation for a UK Visa?

There are certain requirements that you must meet if you plan on sponsoring and hosting someone to stay with you. 

The requirements are:

• That you are a UK citizen, or a lawful permanent resident
• Related to the person you are sponsoring, or are their friend or partner
• Have a registered place to stay in the UK that you own or rent (a house or flat)
• Enough space in your home to accommodate your visitor

How do I write the letter?

First, you will need to address the letter to the Home Office, not the person you are sponsoring. This is because an Entry Clearance Officer or UK Consular Officer will be dealing with the application, and so will need to read the letter to ensure everything is in order. 

Since you will not know the name of the person reading the letter, you can choose to start the letter off with: ‘to whom it may concern’.

Ensure that your letter is written in a formal, official tone that is suitable to be read by a government official.

What should be included in an Invitation Letter for a UK Visa?

In your letter, you should include the following information about yourself:

• Address and telephone number
• Status in the UK (such as immigration status or citizenship)
• Relationship to the visitor

Information about the visitor you are sponsoring should include:

• Relationship to you
• Length of stay and travel itinerary 
• Purpose of visit
• How their expenses will be covered

There may be other details you will need to include. For example, if you and your visitor are going to be staying elsewhere during their trip, then you will need to include the address of where you are staying and the dates you will be staying there for. 

All of the information you include must be completely truthful and accurate. If there are any inaccuracies, then the applicant’s Visitor Visa application will be refused.

Do I need to include supporting documents?

When you send your letter to the Home Office, you will also need to include supporting documents. 

The documents you will need to include with your letter are:

• Your valid UK passport
• Evidence of your status in the UK (such as a biometric residence permit)
• Proof of ownership or proof that you rent your home (such as a mortgage statement, letter from the landlord, or a tenancy agreement)
• Evidence that you have the financial means to support your visitor (such as a bank statement)
• Copies of travel, accommodation and or activity documents showing your plans

You do not need to send your original documents, scanned copies will be accepted. 

What reasons can someone use a Visitor Visa for?

As you outline in the Invitation Letter for a UK Visa the reason for the visit, you should know what counts as a valid reason to use the Visitor Visa. 

It can be used for more than just a visit to friends and family or tourism.

The visa can also be used for:

• Attending an event
• Taking a short course for up to 30 days
• Carrying out research for academic, scientific or any other purpose
• Undertaking a Permitted Paid Engagement , such as giving a lecture or performing as a musician
• Volunteer for up to 30 days
• Take an exam or study
• Attend meetings or interviews
• Medical reasons
• School exchange programmes

Additionally, the visa allows you to work remotely from the UK; however, it cannot be the main reason for a visit. 

How we can help

If you or someone you know wants to visit the UK, then we can help.

Our team of immigration experts can assist you with the drafting of an Invitation Letter for a UK Visa, as well as guide you through every step of the application process for a Standard Visitor Visa. 

Arrange a free 10-minute consultation to discuss your needs with a member of our team. After this, you can arrange a longer consultation that can last either 30 minutes, or an hour.

The team member you initially talk to will act as your point of contact in the company, and you can ask them any questions you may have. 

Get in touch with us today if you need any help with a Visitor Visa or the Invitation Letter for a UK Visa. 

Ready for assistance?

If you have any questions, or want to book an appointment with one of our legal experts, contact Woodcock Law today. Call us on +44 (0)20 7712 1705 or email [email protected].

Woodcock Law & Notary Public is the combined trading name of Woodcock Law Limited (Co. No: 12080697) and Woodcock Notary Public Limited (Co. No: 12085976). Woodcock Law Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (registration number 664924).

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Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor

Apply for a standard visitor visa.

If you need a Standard Visitor visa, you must apply online before you travel to the UK and attend an appointment at a visa application centre.

The earliest you can apply is 3 months before you travel.

You must meet the eligibility requirements and only do permitted activities .

Depending on your nationality, you may not need a visa to visit the UK. You can check if you need a visa before you apply.

You can apply for a Standard Visitor visa, or if you visit the UK regularly you can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa instead.

Apply online

Once you’ve started your application you can save your form and complete it later.

If you’re applying with family members, each person must have their own application and pay the fee. They need to attend their own appointment at a visa application centre.

You can apply on behalf of your partner and child, if they cannot apply for themselves.

Your application will not be accepted and you will not get a refund if you have the right of abode in the UK (for example you’re a British citizen). You need to apply for a certificate of entitlement instead.

Continue your application

You can sign back into your application if you’ve saved it. 

Find out how to sign in to your account .

Long-term Standard Visitor visas

You can choose to apply for a long-term Standard Visitor visa if you visit the UK regularly. This visa lasts 2, 5 or 10 years. You can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.

If you’re under 18 years old when you apply , your long-term Standard Visitor visa will only be valid for up to 6 months after you turn 18. You cannot get a refund on the fee.

You may be given a shorter visa than requested if UK Visas and Immigration ( UKVI ) believe you cannot meet the eligibility requirements for the duration of the visa you applied for.

You will not get a refund of the application fee if you get a shorter visa or if your application is refused.

Your visa may be cancelled if your travel history shows you are repeatedly living in the UK for extended periods.

Documents and information you’ll need to apply

You must have a passport or travel document that is valid for the whole of your stay in the UK. There must be a blank page in your passport for your Standard Visitor visa.

You’ll need to provide the following information in your online application:

• the dates you’re planning to travel to the UK
• where you’ll be staying during your visit
• how much you think your trip will cost
• your current home address and how long you’ve lived there
• your parents’ names and dates of birth (if known)
• how much you earn in a year (if you have an income)
• details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you may have committed

Depending on your circumstances, you might also need to provide:

• details of your travel history for the past 10 years
• your employer’s address and telephone number
• your partner’s name, date of birth and passport number
• the name and address of anyone paying for your trip
• the name, address and passport number of any family members you have in the UK
• a certificate proving that you’ve had a tuberculosis ( TB ) test if you’re visiting for more than 6 months

You need to provide additional documents if you’re visiting the UK:

• as an academic
• for certain paid engagements or events (a ‘permitted paid engagement’
• for medical reasons

You must provide certified translations of any documents that are not in English or Welsh.

Proving your identity and providing your documents

As part of your online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre. Allow time to attend your appointment, as the visa application centre could be in another country.

At your appointment, you’ll need to:

• prove your identity with your passport or travel document
• have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken
• provide the required documents that show you’re eligible for a Standard Visitor visa

The visa application centre may keep your passport and documents while processing your application.

How long it takes to get a decision

Once you’ve applied online, proved your identity and provided your documents, you’ll usually get a decision on your visa within 3 weeks.

You can check to see if you can get your visa decision faster .

You’ll get an email when the Home Office has made a decision on your application . This will explain what you need to do next.

If you need to change or cancel your application

If you need to change something in your application after you’ve sent it, contact UKVI .

You can ask to cancel your application . You’ll only get your fee refunded if the application has not been processed yet.

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Essential Letter of Support for Visa Application Template

In this article, I’ll guide you through a detailed, step-by-step process to write an effective letter of support for a visa application, including customizable templates to get you started.

Letter of Support Generator

*Disclaimer: This is a tool to assist in drafting a letter. Ensure all information is correct and seek legal advice if necessary before submitting any official documents.

Key Takeaways: Understanding the Purpose: Learn what a letter of support for a visa application is and why it’s important. Step-by-Step Guide: Follow a comprehensive guide to writing an effective letter. Free Template: Use the provided template to simplify your writing process. Real-Life Examples: Gain insights from examples based on actual experiences. Tips for Success: Discover key tips to enhance your letter’s impact.

Understanding the Purpose

A letter of support for a visa application is a document that provides additional assurance and details about the applicant.

It typically comes from a friend, family member, or employer and offers insights into the applicant’s character, purpose of visit, and plans during the stay.

Why is it Important?

• Strengthens the Application: It adds credibility to the applicant’s intentions.
• Personal Touch: Offers a personalized perspective on the applicant.
• Addresses Potential Concerns: Helps clarify any uncertainties visa officers might have.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing the Letter

Trending now: find out why.

1. Start with Personal Details:

• Your name, address, and contact information.
• Your relationship with the applicant.

2. Introduction of the Applicant:

• Full name of the applicant as in their passport.
• Your personal connection and how long you’ve known them.

3. Purpose of Visit:

• Clearly state the reason for the applicant’s visit (e.g., tourism, business, family visit).
• Mention the planned duration and dates if known.

4. Assurances and Support:

• Confirm your support (accommodation, financial, etc.).
• Address the applicant’s plan to return to their home country.

5. Closing Remarks:

• Reiterate your support and confidence in the applicant.
• Provide your availability for further queries.

6. Signature:

• Sign the letter to authenticate it.

Sample of Letter of Support for Visa Application

[Your Full Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to support the visa application of [Applicant’s Full Name]. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Relationship with the Applicant] of [Applicant’s Name] for [Number of Years/Months].

[Applicant’s Name] intends to visit [Country] for [Purpose of Visit], from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During their stay, they plan to [Briefly Describe Activities or Plans].

I would like to assure that [Applicant’s Name] will be staying with me at my residence located at [Your Address]. I am fully prepared to provide for their needs during their visit, including accommodation and financial support if necessary.

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] will comply with all the visa regulations and return to [Applicant’s Home Country] as planned. Please feel free to contact me if you need further information or clarification.

Thank you for considering this application.

Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Full Name]

Real-Life Example

In my experience, a well-drafted letter played a pivotal role in the successful visa application of my friend, Maria. Her purpose was to attend a conference, and the letter highlighted her professional background and the importance of the event in her career, which added significant value to her application.

List of Essential Elements:

• Clear Purpose: Indicate the specific reason for the visit.
• Personal Connection: Show your genuine relationship with the applicant.
• Support Details: Mention how you will support the applicant during their stay.
• Return Assurance: Highlight the applicant’s intent to return to their home country.

Tips for Success

• Be Honest: Provide truthful information.
• Keep It Concise: Stick to relevant details.
• Professional Tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone.
• Proofread: Check for errors before sending.

Visa Application Checklist Generator

Related posts.

• 3 Letter of Support for Visa Templates: Must-Haves
• Sample Immigration Letter Of Support For A Friend: Free & Effective
• Sample Letter for Visa Application for Family: Free & Effective

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a Letter of Support for a Visa Application?

Answer: A letter of support for a visa application is a document provided by someone who knows the applicant, often a friend or family member, to help strengthen their visa application. 

In my experience, this letter detailed my relationship with the applicant, their purpose of visit, and my assurance of their compliance with visa terms. It made a significant difference in the approval process.

Q: How do I write an effective Letter of Support?

Answer: To write an effective letter of support, include specific details about your relationship with the applicant, the purpose of their visit, and their character. 

When I wrote one, I made sure to emphasize how well I knew the applicant and their reasons for traveling. Keeping the letter concise, factual, and heartfelt is key.

Q: Who should write the Letter of Support?

Answer: Ideally, the letter of support should be written by someone who has a close relationship with the applicant, such as a family member, friend, or employer. 

When I needed one, I asked my brother, who is a U.S. citizen, to write it. His status and our familial relationship added weight to the application.

Q: Is a Letter of Support mandatory for a visa application?

Answer: A letter of support is not always mandatory, but it can be incredibly beneficial. In my case, while it wasn’t required, it significantly helped in demonstrating my ties and intentions. 

It acts as a character reference and can provide additional assurance to the visa officers about the applicant’s credibility.

Q: What information should be included in the Letter of Support?

Answer: The letter of support should include the writer’s relationship to the applicant, the purpose of the visit, the applicant’s intended length of stay, and any assurances regarding adherence to visa regulations. 

When I wrote one, I also included details about my financial support and accommodation for the applicant, which provided further evidence of a well-planned visit

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Getting a visitor visa for family and friends

This advice applies to England. See advice for See advice for Northern Ireland , See advice for Scotland , See advice for Wales

Your friend or family member can apply for a visitor visa so they can visit you in the UK. Visitor visas are usually for up to 6 months.

Bringing your partner to the UK to get married or register a civil partnership

Your partner can’t use a standard visitor visa to come to the UK to get married or register a civil partnership.

If you and your partner want to live in the UK after you get married or register a civil partnership, check if they can apply for a partner visa .

If you and your partner don’t want to stay in the UK together, your partner can come to the UK on a marriage visitor visa. This means they’ll have to leave the UK within 6 months. Check how to get a marriage visitor visa on GOV.UK .

Check if your visitor needs a visa

You’ll need to check if they need a visitor visa on GOV.UK if you don’t already know - it depends on their nationality.

If your visitor doesn't need a visa, they might need to get an electronic travel authorisation (ETA) before they travel to the UK. You can check if your visitor needs an ETA on GOV.UK .

Some visitors can scan their own passport at an ‘eGate’ instead of speaking to an immigration officer. Check who can use the eGates on GOV.UK .

If they can't use an eGate, they should still be prepared to explain why they’re visiting when they get to the border. If the Border Force thinks they might try to stay longer, they can refuse them entry

If you’re helping your visitor apply for a visitor visa

They’ll have to apply online .

Make sure your visitor puts their information in where it asks for the applicant’s details .

After you fill in the form, the visitor will need to have their fingerprints and photograph taken at a visa application centre. Check where their nearest visa application centre is  before you apply, because it might be in a different country.

The online form asks you some questions to get to the visa you need. 

If you need more support with your application 

You should consider getting specialist advice if you’re unsure about the application. It might cost you money but it can save you time and hassle. Your local Citizens Advice can either help you or let you know where to get expert advice.

Documents you’ll need to include

You’ll need to include documents that support their application when you send it off. The online form will give you guidance on what to include, but here are some things to keep in mind.

If your documents aren’t in English or Welsh, you’ll need to provide certified English translations of your documents with the originals. Each translation has to include:

confirmation from the translator that it’s an accurate translation of the original

the date of the translation

the translator's full name and signature

the translator's contact details

Prove they’ll be returning to their country after their visit

You could show proof your visitor has a job or studies to go back to in their home country. You can also show they have family who depend on them in their home country.

Prove there’s enough money for the trip

You’ll have to provide evidence to show that the visitor’s trip can be afforded, whether it’s being paid for by them or by you. 

If the visitor is paying for themselves, they’ll have to include documents proving that they can afford it, for example bank statements or payslips.

If you’re paying for their visit (eg for their flights and accommodation), you’ll need to prove that you can afford the visitor’s trip as well as your own costs - for example your rent, mortgage and general expenses.

an estimate of how much the trip will cost - this needs to be as accurate as possible

proof of your income and where you work, for example payslips or an employment contract

proof that you have enough money to pay for the visitor’s stay, for example recent bank statements

proof that you’re in the UK legally, for example a copy of your passport or visa

Prove you have a genuine relationship

You’ll have to show how you’re connected to the person visiting you.

If the person visiting you is a friend, boyfriend or girlfriend, you might need to give stronger proof they’ll be returning to their country after their visit.

If your visa is refused

You can read the government’s guidance on reasons for refusing visas on GOV.UK, if you're concerned the visa you're applying for might be refused.

You can’t usually appeal if the visitor visa is refused. It's quicker and easier to apply again. Make sure you deal with the reasons your first application was refused.

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Page last reviewed on 30 January 2024

• Real Estate

Sample Letter of Financial Support for Visa

• Letter of Support Template
• Letter of Financial Support Template

A Letter of Financial Support For a Visa is a document that is supposed to be used in situations when an individual is applying for a visa and is required to present proof of the sponsorship they will receive while traveling. The purpose of the letter is to inform the visa officer about the sponsor and the financial support they will provide to the visa applicant.

Alternate Names:

• Letter of Sponsorship For a Visa;
• Sponsorship Letter For a Visa.

This letter must be written by the sponsor and addressed to the visa officer (or another authorized representative of the embassy/consulate). To make sure the letter meets all of the requirements and will be accepted, the sponsor can use a Sample Letter of Financial Support for a Visa Application which is available for download below .

Generally, the sponsor is required to attach to the letter additional documents that will prove they have finances to support the visa applicant, such as a bank statement. Failing to include these documents might lead to a situation when the letter will not be considered sufficient evidence, therefore the visa applicant might be denied a visa.

Still looking for a particular template? Take a look at the related samples and templates below:

• Invitation Letter for U.S. Visa Template ;
• Letter of Financial Support Template ;
• Sample Letter of Financial Support .

Download Sample Letter of Financial Support for Visa

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

How much bank statement is required for UK visit visa

Updated: September 8, 2023

When it comes to how much bank statement is required for UK visit visa, there is a lot of confusion out there. Mainly because UKVI does not provide proper guidelines on bank statements. Not just on how many months of statements, but how much cash should you have, what kind of transactions are allowed, etc.

In this article, you will learn everything about bank statements for UK visit visa.

How much bank statement is required for UK visit visa?

You must submit 6 months of bank statements that clearly show your monthly salary and financial commitments. There must not be any large deposits of cash other than your salary. Total savings must be at least twice your proposed UK trip expenses.

After examining hundreds of UK visa refusal letters from my readers, I have figured that there are a few things that you must definitely satisfy in your bank statements. Let’s look at these in more depth.

BANK STATEMENT FOR UK VISA

The Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) must make sure that the UK visit visa applicant has sufficient funds to support and maintain themselves for the entire duration of their stay in the UK. Bank statements work as evidence to prove that the applicant has sufficient funds. 

The ECOs pay close attention to the total cost of the trip, monthly income, monthly expenses and any other financial commitments such as mortgage, dependents, etc. They want to see that you are a genuine traveler, you will travel within your means and you will not exhaust all your savings.

The ECOs are primarily looking at the following criteria in your bank statements.

Let’s look at each of these criteria in detail. 

How much money per day do you need for UK visitor visa?

The UK is an expensive country. A hotel room would cost at least £50 per night. Food is about £10-20 per meal. Add transportation, entry tickets to attractions, shopping, etc. So, total expenses can range from £100-150 per day per person.

DAILY BUDGET REQUIREMENT £100-150 per day per person

This £100-150 per day per person is only for the visa. When you actually travel, you can minimize your daily expenses and spend a lot less than that.

How much do you need to earn to get a UK visitor visa?

UKVI does not provide guidance on acceptable monthly income. But, after going through hundreds of refusal letters, I figured that your monthly income must be at least half of your total UK trip expenses. 

INCOME REQUIREMENT Your monthly income must be at least half of your proposed total UK trip expenses

EXAMPLE: Say your proposed UK trip expenses excluding the airfare is £2,000. Your monthly income must be at least £1,000. Anything less than that can lead to ECO assuming that it’s not realistic for you to take this trip.

Make sure your monthly salary is directly deposited into your bank account. This results in a salary deposit transaction in your statements. This proves that you have a consistent monthly income.

If you are paid in cash or check, deposit the cash or check in your bank account on a specific date every month. You can withdraw again from your bank account for your expenses, but that consistent salary deposit every month must definitely be there in your bank account. 

How much do you need to save to get a UK visitor visa?

Apart from monthly net income, your monthly disposable income is also important. Monthly disposable income is basically your savings. If you save too little per month, that’s an indicator that a UK trip is not realistic for your financial situation.

SAVING/DISPOSABLE INCOME REQUIREMENT Your monthly savings/disposable income must be a good percentage of your net monthly income

EXAMPLE: Say your proposed UK trip expenses is £2,000. Your monthly net income is £1,000. Your monthly living expenses are £950. That means you can only save about £50 a month. Even if you have enough savings for your trip, your savings per month (£50) are too small. ECOs will assume that a UK trip is too expensive and not realistic for your financial situation.

How much bank balance do you need to show for UK visitor visa?

You must show that you have sufficient funds in your bank account. As a rule of thumb, you must have more than twice your proposed total UK trip expenses in your bank account. 

FUNDS REQUIREMENT Your funds must be more than twice your proposed total UK trip expenses

EXAMPLE: Say your proposed UK trip expenses excluding the airfare is £2,000. You must have at least £4,000 in your savings. Anything less than that can raise questions and lead to visa refusal.

Again, UK Visas and Immigration does not specify what is acceptable in terms of funds. So this is something I understood from referring to many visa refusal letters. 

What cash saving patterns ECOs are looking for?

You must show that your savings are continually growing and that too consistently. If they are not, then the ECO may assume that you might have borrowed the money to make it look like you saved it yourself. 

EXAMPLE: Say your salary is £2,000 per month. After all expenses, you save around £500 a month. Sometimes more, sometimes less, about usually around £500. You are saving continually but also consistently.

One more thing to keep in mind is that your savings must be large enough or at least a good percentage of your income.

What is funds parking and how to avoid it?

Funds parking refers to borrowing money from someone to show as if it’s your own money. ECOs suspect any large deposits in your bank account other than your salary as parked funds. 

EXAMPLE: Say your ending balance in your bank account has been £4,000 for the last 6 months. That means, your savings haven’t grown at all. This makes the ECO suspect that you might have borrowed money 6-7 months ago just to show that you have sufficient savings in your bank account.

If you had a large cash deposit from the sale of a property, investment, etc., you must provide documentary evidence to prove that it’s your money. 

Also, if you had unexpected expenses such as hospitalization, purchase of property, investment in stocks or fixed deposits, etc. you must explain them properly in your cover letter for UK visa as well. 

What to do if you DO NOT have sufficient funds? 

If you do not have sufficient funds for your UK trip, I suggest the following.

• Delay your trip until you have saved up enough. If you plan to travel to the UK next year, start saving up from now and you will have enough saved up by then.
• Shorten your trip to manage within the funds you have. If you plan to travel for 10 days, shorten it to 7 days or even 5 days. Try to cram in more sightseeing every day so you can manage your 10-day itinerary in just 5 days. 
• Lastly, use a sponsor to cover some of your expenses. Keep in mind that sponsorship from family members and immediate relatives can work well. Sponsorship from unrelated, distant relatives, friends, people who met on the internet, acquaintances, etc. will not work.

What to do if your salary is too low?

Should you put away your dream of traveling to the UK just because your salary is too low? Not really, but here are a few things you can do.

• Delay your trip until your salary goes up. Yearly salary hikes are common in most places. Or ask for a pay raise.
• Shorten your trip to manage within your salary limits. If your salary is £500, then plan to stay only 7 days, not more.
• Use a sponsor. As I mentioned above, sponsorships from family members or immediate relatives work well.

Why do you need 6 months of bank statements?

Bank statements are not just about how much cash you have in your bank. They tell a lot about your financial and personal circumstances. From your bank statements, ECOs can assess your sources of income, financial commitments and current lifestyle. 

This information is extremely important for ECOs to decide whether they can support themselves during their UK trip. At least 6 months of bank statements are necessary to assess this formation. 

If you lay down 6 months of bank statements in front of you, you can clearly see patterns such as your spending habits and saving goals. 

Keep in mind that these 6 months of bank statements must start from the latest and go backward 6 months. Let’s look at an example.

Say you are applying for your UK visa on 14 Nov 2021 and your latest statement was for October. You must submit statements from May to October. 

Does UK embassy verify bank statement?

If UKVI suspects fraudulent bank statements, they can contact the bank to verify the authenticity of the statements. They have built relationships with banks over time and can take the help of third-party agencies to verify such information.

Manipulating or providing fraudulent bank statements will lead to visa refusal and a permanent ban from entering the UK. 

Illegal migration and human trafficking are on the rise. Therefore, ECOs do their due diligence with visa applications. Document verification costs them money and time. There is a reason why the UK tourist visa is the most expensive and time-consuming visa process. 

Is online bank statement acceptable for UK visa?

Yes, online bank statements downloaded from the bank website are perfectly acceptable. Online bank statements are a norm in most countries these days. I assume UKVI has connections with major banks in the world either directly or through third-party agencies. If need be, they can make inquiries and verify the authenticity of your bank statements. 

A mere download of a list of transactions from your account will not work. Your online bank statements must include all the necessary information such as the bank name, bank address, bank phone numbers, full name, address, statement dates, transactions, balances, etc.

If any of the information is not included, you must request bank statements from the bank that include all necessary details.

Keep in mind that providing fraudulent bank statements will lead to a permanent ban from entering the UK.

Do bank statements need to be stamped for UK visa?

If you are applying from a country with high UK visa refusal rates, I advise providing certified bank statements. These are bank statements printed on the bank letterhead, stamped and signed by the bank authorities. Sometimes instead of signing and stamping, a cover letter signed by the head of the bank branch is provided.

Certified bank statements help to convince the ECO that your bank statements are authentic.

What if you have multiple bank accounts, one for salary and one for savings? 

If you have multiple bank accounts, you will have to submit 6 months of statements from each bank or account. If done incorrectly, this could lead to document bloat, which means the ECOs may overlook the most important bank statements. 

Try to use only one bank account for salary, expenses and savings. If you have to use two banks or accounts, mention this clearly in your cover letter so ECOs do not overlook important bank statements.

Do bank statements in foreign language need to be translated for UK visa?

Yes. If your bank statements are in a foreign language, you must provide a certified translation of them in English. If you have several pages of bank statements that need translating, it can get quite expensive. This is usually the case when downloading monthly statements from the bank’s website.

One way to handle this is to ask the bank to print the last 6 months of transactions as one statement. This will remove any repeated information such as bank address, etc. that usually appears on each monthly statement. This will reduce the bank statements to only a few pages. Translating and certifying these pages shouldn’t be that expensive.

Can you show joint account for UK visa?

A joint account is acceptable when both account holders are applying for UK visas together. The income and saving limits must also be doubled in that case. This is usually the case with couples, either both or one of them is earning. Either way, you must explain that your account is a joint account in your cover letter to avoid ECO making any decisions with partial information.

If only one account holder is applying for the visa, the ECO may assume that the applicant does not have sole access to the funds and may refuse the visa. Again, this is a tricky situation and must be clearly explained in the cover letter.

How to show bank statement if you are self-employed?

All the above rules apply to self-employed as well. Make sure to get paid from your clients directly in your bank account. If you earn cash, deposit your cash into your bank account first before using it for personal expenses. You can withdraw later for your expenses.

If you receive small cash several times a month, consolidate all the cash and deposit once a week or month. If you have multiple bank accounts, consolidate them too.

How to show bank statements if you are a business owner?

ECOs assume that business funds are for business purposes and not available for personal use. This is especially true if you are traveling to the UK on a personal holiday trip. Therefore, you must have a clear distinction between your business funds and personal cash. 

Make sure to separate your business and personal accounts. Pay yourself a monthly salary into your personal account. Maintain a consistent financial pattern in your personal account. As a business owner, you must submit your business bank statements and personal bank statements for your UK visa.

Alternatively, you can provide a letter from you or any other business partners that the business funds are available for your personal use. In this case, just your business bank statements are sufficient.

UKVI does not provide proper guidelines on how much bank statement is required for UK visit visa. After referring to hundreds of UK visa refusal letters, I figured that ECOs are looking for certain patterns in your bank statements. ECOs are primarily looking for your sources of income, spending habits, financial commitments and saving goals. These factors are essential for ECOs to decide whether you are a genuine visitor and have sufficient funds for your trip.

There you have it. Everything you need to know about bank statements for UK visit visa. If you have any questions, leave a comment below. I will answer them as soon as I can.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

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LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

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288 Comments

abdalla elgazzar says

March 3, 2023 at 11:37 am

Hello, good day! I am eligible for complimentary 6 nights in Four Seasons Hotel London at park lane where I can use their service at no charge due to my eligibility to the employee travel program benefits. I can attach a confirmation letter from Four Seasons London and I think my spending would be 500 GBP for my visit to the UK.

I have income from the company and some regular money from my family and a pension from social insurance all come into my bank account. In the application, it says how much money do you have in savings. What is its meaning? I have 2 saving accounts. Should I add the total amount of money? what documents are required for a short visa application?

I don’t spend much money in my country. This is because I am working in a hotel beside my home about 5 minutes away, so no need for transportation and complimentary dedicated meals at the employee restaurant. I live with my mother in a wonderful home she makes payments for all living expenses so I feel good for my life in Egypt.

Thirumal Motati says

March 6, 2023 at 7:01 am

Hi Abdalla! You can mention that you have 6 nights complimentary at the Four Seasons in your cover letter. Also, attach a letter or booking confirmation from the hotel.

Yes. Add the savings from both accounts and mention that amount in your application. Then mention that you have two savings accounts in your cover letter and provide 6-month bank statements from both bank accounts.

You will have to explain in your cover letter why your monthly expense are low. Provide a copy of house ownership from your mother as well.

December 30, 2022 at 3:59 pm

hi, your blog is quite detailed and helpful, I am a self-employed lawyer, planning to travel to the UK in Feb after my 6-month bank statement is complete. I have been consistently saving and depositing money into my bank account as per standard, however, most of my transactions were in the form of cash deposits about 80% of them, rest are bank transfers. My question is do I need proof for each of that cash deposits? some of them or none of them? Won’t the assumption be enough that my profession is a lawyer and receive mostly cash from hundreds of clients I consolidate them and deposit them 2 or 3 times a month?

December 31, 2022 at 12:22 pm

Hi Ali! Yes, based on your profession, ECO may expect that you would receive payments in cash. But they would also expect to see if you indeed received that money from your clients. I believe you will have some form of proof for the payments received, such as a contract, invoice or receipt. You can attach those as proofs.

Nidhi chugh says

December 22, 2022 at 12:27 am

I want to invite my parents to UK and will sponsor their complete trip. Still, I need to show the bank statements of my father? He runs a cash-based business, however, he has savings in his account. What I should write in the cover letter? He doesn’t have any business registration. Could you please respond, will appreciate :)

December 23, 2022 at 5:55 am

Hi Nidhi! Unfortunately, just showing savings is not enough. He will have to show the source of those funds. It’s difficult to prove if the source of funds is a cash-based business. The best you can do is to provide as much documentation as possible to prove that he runs a cash-based business, the source of the funds in his bank is his cash-based business and he owns properties/investments in his country. This will help convince the ECO that he will return back to his country after his UK trip.

Apart from that, having decent travel history to visa-difficult countries such as UK, US, Canada, Schengen, etc. will help take some of that weight off of his financial requirements.

December 21, 2022 at 9:06 pm

Hi, I am sponsoring my brother and his family for a UK visitor visa. While uploading the documents on VFS, what should I upload in finance evidence as my brother doesn’t have enough money in his account? I am already uploading my bank statements in the sponsor evidence category. Shall I upload my bank statements in finance evidence? Will that work? Or should we also upload his bank statements given there is no saving in his account? Awaiting for your response.

December 23, 2022 at 6:01 am

Hi Nidhi! You will have to upload his bank statements for financial evidence. He doesn’t have to have great savings since you are sponsoring him. But his statements must show a sufficient amount to support himself or buy a ticket back home in case you decide not to support him after he lands in the UK. I’m not saying you will not support him while he is in the UK, but this happens quite a lot. So the UKVI is very strict about the financial situation of the applicant even if they have a sponsor.

December 16, 2022 at 6:28 pm

Hi Thirumal, very well explained. Thank you. I would like to sponsor my mother-in-law to UK. My mother-in-law has a saving account where she has a regular income from rent. She also has a fixed deposit (fd) account. Does she need to show the source of fund for it as well? If so how, because she has deposited in it long back

December 23, 2022 at 8:32 am

Hi Aathi! Well, not really necessary. But it all depends on the ECO. If your mother-in-law’s income from rent meets the financial requirements necessary for her visa, I suggest not showing or mentioning her FD in the application. This will eliminate any questions arising from the source of funds of her FD. But if she will have to mention her FD, I suggest explaining the source of funds for her FD in the cover letter.

Fortunetours says

November 22, 2022 at 9:38 pm

QN1. During applying do I submit only and all original documents or photocopied ones (passport, id)?

QN2. What do you mean by numbers on the bank statements, income tax documents, and invoices?

QN3. Do these criteria apply when applying for tourist visas to other countries like USA, Canada, Australia, And how much is required to be spent in those countries per day?

November 23, 2022 at 4:20 am

Hi Fortunetours! To answer your questions –

Q1. You will submit only “photocopies”.

Q2. If you are employed, your salary should match your employment letter, payslips, bank statements and tax records. For example, your employment letter says that you earn £24,000 per year before taxes. Then your monthly salary slip should reflect that, about £2,000 per salary slip every month. This amount should also reflect in your bank statements, about £2,000 deposited every month and finally, your tax records should reflect your yearly taxable income, which is £24,000.

So in conclusion, if you manipulate or forge documents for the visa, you will be caught. ECOs are trained, so they can analyze the documents and figure out any manipulations. If you have additional income, you will have to have proper documentation to prove that. If not, do not mention that additional income in the visa application.

Q3. No. This is financial requirement applies only to UK visitor visa application.

Teneille Van Der Merwe says

November 5, 2022 at 9:44 pm

Hi there! My visitor visa has been refused. I feel disheartened but going to apply again. I’ve waited 8 weeks for a decision and I am supposed to leave in 4 weeks. I made the mistake of only sending immigration the money in my savings account which is not the same account my monthly earnings go into. In my new application since we can’t make lump sum deposits. Would I show bank statements for my daily account and my savings account (which is with another bank). My mom has offered to sponsor my trip as well. My flights are already booked and paid for. If she is sponsoring part of my trip do I send her bank statements as well as mine? Any help would be greatly appreciated

November 7, 2022 at 5:56 am

Hi Teneille! The numbers you mention in your UK visa application must match your bank statements. Therefore, you must provide all the bank statements related to your claimed earnings and savings. If you have enough earnings and savings, there is no need to use your mom’s sponsorship. If you introduce your mom on your application, you will have to provide a whole lot of documentation including her bank statements and employment (the source of her funds). Therefore, seek sponsorship from your mom only if necessary.

sameera says

October 24, 2022 at 4:22 am

If we have a bulk amount which genuinely transferred to the account and if we can show the source of the fund clearly is that ok to apply for a visit visa using that fund?

November 7, 2022 at 7:43 am

Hi Sameera! Yeah, absolutely. As long as you explain and provide documentary evidence of the large deposit, you will be fine.

September 28, 2022 at 4:59 pm

Hi. Thank you so much for your good information here. I’m on a skilled worker visa, and I have applied for a visit visa for my father-in-law. He is self-employed and we her business provided the following documents in the application: – Bank Statement – Official Business License related to my business – business tenancy agreement for store and storage – Pension/insurance payment confirmation letter

However, the application was refused for the following reasons:

“1)Whilst I note you have submitted various business documents, the documents you have submitted do not demonstrate that your business generates any income. The documents you have submitted do not demonstrate you are in receipt of any income from your business.

2) After reviewing your bank documents, I note the transaction history demonstrates numerous unsourced deposits. The documents you have submitted do not demonstrate the origin of the funds contained in your account or that they are related to your business. ”

I think the decision is unreasonable. As these reasons are proof of each other! I’m going to apply for a pre-action protocol letter. Do you think there is any chance for change in the decision?

October 7, 2022 at 5:38 am

Hi Kana! Even though those two reasons are proof of each other, PAP will usually be refused in such cases. What they would like to see is an intermediary document. For employment, there are payslips. For business, there must be something similar. These can be invoices, receipts, payment confirmations, client contracts, etc. These receipts/invoices work as intermediary documents between business registration and business bank statements. Without these receipts/invoices, the deposits in the business bank account will look like unsourced deposits. And, of course, the business and transaction details must match between all these documents.

Olorunwa Goddey says

September 18, 2022 at 3:57 am

Good job Mr. My company is sponsoring my trip to the UK. Do I still need to provide my bank statement? If I have to, I have two accounts with the same bank. One is for my salary and the other is for my savings. And I have up to a million in naira (personally). What can you advise me on? Thanks!

September 19, 2022 at 2:51 am

HI Olurunwa! Even if you are traveling for business, ECOs emphasize the applicant’s personal circumstances. Therefore, proving your personal financial capability is important. You will have to provide both of your personal accounts. Make sure neither of these accounts has large deposits of cash that you cannot prove with evidence.

Denise says

September 14, 2022 at 5:08 am

Thank you for your informative blog! My husband and I are South African citizens applying for a visa to visit family in the UK in December. We have a joint account that holds our savings but the account is in my husband’s name. We both have access to the account at any time. Should we transfer this money to each of our accounts for now? Or just mention it in our cover letter with proof of the money in the accounts?

September 19, 2022 at 3:16 am

Hi Denise! Do not transfer any cash from your husband’s savings account. This can get complicated and requires explanation and evidence. You haven’t mentioned if you both are employed or just your husband. If you both are employed then you use your salary accounts for each of your applications combined with your husband’s savings account.

Muhammad says

August 23, 2022 at 12:50 pm

Hi, I want to apply for uk visit visa for 6 months from Bahrain ( I am a Pakistani national living in Bahrain). I have a good salary and a regular income. But I do community savings. So my saving is in my community and I can withdraw my money from the head of the community whenever I want. Now I want to travel to the UK in November. so can I just take my money from the community saving and specify in my cover letter while applying that this money is from community savings?

August 26, 2022 at 9:26 am

Hi Muhammad! Just mentioning it in your cover letter will not be enough. You will have to provide evidence. If the community provides any kind of passbook or statement, or even an official letter, you can submit that.

Alexandra says

August 20, 2022 at 6:38 pm

Good afternoon, (I already had a 6-month visa for the UK) if my passport expires in 2026, it is true that I cannot apply for the 5-year visa due to the expiration date. Do I apply for the 2 years? I would like to go there every time I can travel through Europe.

August 26, 2022 at 12:44 pm

Hi Alexandra. No, it’s not true. Also, you have about 4 years on your current passport, so you can apply for a 5-year visa. After your current passport expires, you can still travel to the UK but you will have to carry your current and new passports together. Or you can opt to have then transfer your visa to your new passport for a fee in 2026.

August 3, 2022 at 12:12 pm

Hi Thirumal! I have read your article and you are amazing. I work in Dubai, but my company doesn’t provide NOC to its employees and my salary is $950 but saves $450 every month for the last 6 months. My brother is inviting me to the UK in December. But my residence visa will expire in January 2023. In 2010, I got rejected in Ghana, when he was inviting me and my mom to attend his inauguration ceremony and was given an appeal, but I ignored it.

My question is; 1) Since my UAE residence visa is going to expire in January 2023, is it possible for me to apply in October, with the entry month being December? 2) Do I have to add my bank statement, though he’s sponsoring everything? 3) Do I have to inform them about my last rejection? 4) Since my company is not issuing NOC, can I apply without any rejection?

August 4, 2022 at 9:26 am

Hi Fiifi! 1) If your residence permit is expiring in Jan 2023 and you plan to travel to the UK in Oct 2022, your visa will likely be refused. You will have to first renew your UAE residence permit in that case. 2) Yes. You must add your bank statements even if your brother is sponsoring your trip. This is to prove that you can support yourself in case your brother decides not to support you after you land in the UK. 3) Yes. You will have to mention your previous UK visa refusal in your application form. 4) NOC is not mandatory. But you will somehow have to prove your employment and also that you will still have employment when you return. Usually, this can be done with an employment letter and a leave approval letter. If you can’t either of them, then it can lead to visa refusal.

Saloni says

August 25, 2022 at 1:19 am

Hi sir, thanks for the good information. Kindly guide me. I have a UK visitor visa refusal with the family reason of big transactions. Now I clear all confusion to the embassy officer on a written cover letter but when I apply for the first time, I provided a bank statement of 6 months. Now can I provide 3-month bank statements of savings and current account?

August 26, 2022 at 9:30 am

Hi Saloni! 6-month bank statements are recommended but you can submit 3-month statements too. But keeping in mind your previous refusal on the grounds of large transactions, I suggest submitting 6-month otherwise, ECO may assume that you are hiding something.

Matthew Obayemi says

August 26, 2022 at 12:30 am

Hello Thirumal. Thanks for your insightful responses. In my case, I am self-employed and I have a brother who is a UK resident willing to sponsor my trip. He owns his house and will also accommodate me for the duration of my stay which is 3 weeks, also my flights and maintenance. My monthly income after conversion is about £330 pounds. But over the course of 6 months, I haven’t had sufficient savings for the trip, due to heavy expenses and my brother just decided to invite me over last month. But he is sponsoring my entire trip and providing his bank statements to prove he can afford to. I hope to travel in 2 months, and I’m now looking to save in the next 2 months consistently about £600 of my own money. Will there be any issues with my own financials? Please advise me on what to do. Thanks.

August 26, 2022 at 6:54 am

Hi Matthew! The savings must be consistent over the months. That’s why you will provide 6-month bank statements. If ECOs notice that you haven’t saved for 4 months and suddenly you are saving up your entire salary, it would look suspicious. Since your brother is sponsoring you, you don’t need to meet the financial requirements mentioned in this article. Just make sure your savings are consistent and you will be fine.

Hadeer says

July 20, 2022 at 1:27 pm

Hello, I am applying for a visa for my PLAB 2 exam in November. I currently don’t have a job so I was thinking about a financial supporter or a money gift to support my visit. If the gifted money covers my stay in the UK, will it be a better option than financial support as the money is already in my account? Will I need to provide a 6-month bank statement for my financial provider? If the money stays in my account from now till November that’s about 4 months will this solve my problem.

July 21, 2022 at 6:34 am

Hi Hadeer! Seek sponsorship instead of gift money. Gift money will most likely get your visa refused. Even if you receive gift money and wait out 4 months, still your beginning balance will be high with no monthly income, your visa will likely be refused. I covered all these points in detail in this article. So, your best best is to seek sponsorship from an immidiate family member such as parent, sibling or spouse living either in your home country or in the UK.

Ajeet singh says

July 14, 2022 at 2:37 am

Hello Thirumal, thank you for all your detailed guides and responses. I am planning for a standard visitor visa for my Plab 2 exam in the UK in February 2023. But unfortunately, neither I nor any of my immediate family members have sufficient funds in their bank accounts. My close cousin has sufficient funds in his account and is willing to sponsor me. Will this affect the chances of getting the visa? Is there some specific way to show personal/professional relationship with sponsor? Moreover one of my cousins who is a UK citizen is also willing to sponsor me. Please guide. Your response will be greatly appreciated.

July 18, 2022 at 2:14 pm

Hi Ajeet! You can seek sponsorship from either your cousin in your country or your cousin in the UK. You have to provide proof of relationship. Usually, it’s easy to proof of relationship for immediate family members but for cousins, it can be difficult.

June 26, 2022 at 9:16 pm

Hi, thanks a lot for sharing this valuable information with us. Some questions for your kind support. My elder child is studying in UK on a student visa. We, the parents and the younger child need to visit her under a tourist visa. Q1 If both parents together sponsoring the full trip how should we produce the sponsor letters? Q2 Sponsor letter has to be attached with each application? Q3.Does each application need a covering letter mentioning companions? Q4.Do we need to mention about the child who is learning there in the covering letter?

June 27, 2022 at 9:13 am

Hi Mak! Q1) For your application, you will submit a cover letter and a sponsor letter from your wife. Similarly, for your wife’s application, she will submit a cover letter and a sponsor letter from you. For your younger child’s application, both of you will write one sponsor letter with two signatures. Q2) Yes, especially if both of you are paying for the entire trip. Q3) Yes. Each application must have a cover letter, mentioning the companions, sponsors, etc. Your companion details also need to be mentioned in your UK visa application. Q4) Yes, since you are going to the UK to visit your elder child, you will mention about her in your application and cover letter.

Pavitra Pandey says

June 16, 2022 at 12:49 pm

Hello, your post is very informational. My father is self-employed and earns profit from the shop but in ITR we have to show earnings from interest and FD, etc, How do I prove that income in the visa application? He has FD in 5-6 different banks, Indian post, etc. Do I have to add statements of accounts of all 5 banks? Please help.

June 17, 2022 at 2:09 pm

Hi Pavitra! Primarily you will have to provide his business proofs and 6-month personal bank statement. If the numbers in his ITR are not matching with his business income since it also includes his FD income, then yes, you will have to add statements from all of those 5 banks. But these can be just a one-month statement or bank certificates.

June 12, 2022 at 9:47 am

Hi, thank you for your kind gesture in replying to comments and questions.

Please I’m due to deliver in September and my husband and I want to invite my mother in law over for visiting. I’m on a tier 2 skilled worker visa. We plan to fully sponsor her trip, in my bank account I have about £5,500 and my husband has about £1,500 in his. Please is that enough to sponsor her for 6 weeks?

Also, my husband recently sent about 1,000,000 naira to my father-in-law and my father-in-law decided to send it to my mother-in-law’s account. She’ll be using her bank account statement for the visa purpose, please will that be an issue? My father-in-law is going to write a letter of consent for his wife and also show his landed property too. Just to add my mother-in-law is a housewife so no monthly income. But my father-in-law also doesn’t have a good bank statement to present for her visa purpose.

Please I will need your kind advice on whether we are good to go with my above expectations. Looking forward to your reply, thank you so much.

June 13, 2022 at 5:14 pm

Hi Peace! The savings you and your husband have should be fine for sponsoring your mother-in-law. But depositing cash in your father-in-law’s or mother-in-law’s account would pose a problem. ECOs do not usually like large cash deposits other than their salary. I have explained that in this article.

If your mother-in-law is a housewife and doesn’t have her own income, I suggest using your father-in-law’s bank statements. They don’t need to be perfect since you are sponsoring her visa, but they should not have large cash deposits other than his salary.

Your father-in-law can provide his consent, marriage certificate, bank statements, and land property to prove his ties. Any other proof showing that your father-in-law will remain at home during your mother-in-law’s trip will also help demonstrate her family ties.

Emmanuel says

May 31, 2022 at 8:39 pm

Hi Thirumal,

Here is my circumstance

Closing balance from salary account 3,600GBP Travel expenses (airfare inclusive) = 2,000GBP Personal saving account = 5,200GBP

Visited UK 4 times and USA once;

As a logistics manager. there are funds paid into my salary account for outstations logistics expenses and others by my company. These fund deposits made my account statement looks a bit complicated. What are my chances for a successful application? Is there something I can do about my statement aside using a cover letter for explanation

June 7, 2022 at 10:26 am

Hi Emmanuel! Cover letter is the only option. Make sure you explain all “non-salary” deposits along with documentary proofs. You can also briefly mention about them in your “extra information” section in your UK visa application.

Sowemimo Olajide says

May 29, 2022 at 12:01 pm

I have 4,600,000 in my personal account. My UK trip expenses are 2M. Should I remove the excess from my account or leave it there? Hope it will not be queried.

May 31, 2022 at 7:58 am

Hi Sowemimo! You must leave the excess. Your UK trip expenses must be less than half of your savings. 2M is less than half of 4.6M. So your numbers and balances are correct. If you remove any cash, your total balance will fall. This may lead to your expenses becoming more than half of your savings, which would jeopardize your chances of approval.

KSharad says

May 25, 2022 at 2:29 pm

Hi Thirumal, thanks for sharing very useful info on the UK visa. I am applying for a tourist visa for myself and my wife, whose entire travel costs I will sponsor. We will be traveling to the UK as tourists and also be visiting our daughter who is currently studying in the UK. My queries are: 1) My wife is a homemaker with no regular income but she has savings in a scheduled cooperative bank- would that be acceptable as proof of savings and hence should her application state that I am the sponsor? 2) Should we declare that we will be staying with our daughter, though we may actually opt to stay in a B&ampB when in the place she currently resides? Elsewhere during our visit, she would also be accompanying us. In that case, will an invitation letter be necessary? Many thanks in advance. 3) What documents would be needed from my employer? 4) Will bank statements, payslips and ITR for 3 years be sufficient documents or should property documents also be submitted?

May 26, 2022 at 7:56 am

Hi KSharad! (1) If your wife is a homemaker, do not show her own bank statements. Instead, show your own bank statements for her. Since you both will be traveling together and you will be taking care of her expenses as well, just showing your own bank statements for her would be sufficient. If you show her cooperative bank statement, then the ECO might want to see the source of those funds. Then it can get complicated.

(2) If your income and savings are sufficient enough to stay in a hotel, I suggest saying that you will stay in a hotel/B&b. If you mention that you will stay with your daughter, then you must produce her flat/house lease agreement and utility bill. You can add a letter of invitation from your daughter which will work as proof of your purpose for the trip. You can also add a copy of her passport and UK study visa/residence permit.

(3) You would need a letter of employment indicating your current role, how long you have been employed, your salary, your job duties, etc. And a letter of leave approval indicating your leave details, dates and the date on which you must report back to your job.

(4) If you own any properties, submit those as well. Properties and investments work as economic ties with your country. Similarly, if you are renting, then you can provide a rental contract.

Here is the list of documents you both must provide – Your employment letter – Your leave approval letter – Your bank statements – Your property ownership documents – Your daughter’s birth certificate (proof of relationship) – Your daughter’s passport ID page – Your daughter’s UK visa or residence permit – Your daughter’s university letter or ID (proof that she is studying in the UK) – A cover letter

Provide these extra documents for your wife’s application – Your marriage certificate (proof of relationship) – A sponsor letter from you

May 28, 2022 at 5:05 pm

Thank you SO much dear for the quick, detailed and helpful response! Greatly appreciated!

May 31, 2022 at 7:40 am

You’re welcome!

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How do I Sponsor a Visitor to the UK?

The UK Visit Visa or Standard Visitor Visa makes the visitor eligible to stay in the UK for a maximum period of 6 months. UK Visit Visa can be issued for shorter periods also. The UK Visit Visa is meant for those who travel to the UK for tourism, to visit members of a family who are in the UK, or for medical treatment or professional purposes.

For more information on how to sponsor a visitor to the UK, including what you need to do to be eligible for it, how to apply, and expert advice for your application, reach out to us today on  0333 305 9375  or contact us online.

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Overview of the UK Visit Visa

As a prospective visitor to the UK, there are several requirements you will need to meet before you are permitted entry into the country. Primarily, Home Office entry clearance officers are most concerned with ensuring that only those who are genuine and credible visitors are given entry. Another aspect of the checks carried out by the Home Office on visitors to the UK is to ensure that they have both accommodation and sufficient money while they are here.

This category of visitors may qualify for any of several visa types which include: General Visitor Visa, Family Visitor Visa, Child Visitor Visa, Business Visitor Visa including Visas for doctors, dentists and academics, Sports Visitor Visa, Entertainer Visitor Visa, Prospective Entrepreneur Visa, Private Medical Treatment Visa and Approved Destination Status (ADS) Visa are replaced with the UK Visit Visa.

In this article, we will outline the evidence required to show that a third party can sponsor a visitor to the UK.

Eligibility Requirements to Sponsor a Visitor to the UK

Third-parties who wish to invite their friends and relatives to the UK on a visit visa are required to:

• have a genuine professional or personal relationship with the visitor.
• Ensure that their visitors are not, or will not be, in breach of UK immigration laws at the time of decision or the visitor’s entry to the UK.
• To provide support to the visitor for the intended duration of their stay
• Note that the sponsor does not have to be based in the UK, they can be outside (in which case the second of the three requirements above does not apply).
• To prove that they have enough funds available to adequately support themselves and anyone normally dependent on them, as well as the visitor.

Supporting Documents to Sponsor a Visitor to the UK

The documents required to sponsor UK Visitor Visa include:

• Proof of accommodation and the sponsor’s bank balance.
• Also, the sponsor should provide a letter of invitation for the trip to be undertaken by the visa applicant.
• The letter of invitation should be following Paragraph 35 Part I of the Immigration Rules.
• As proof of accommodation, the sponsor is required to furnish evidence of the residential property where the visitor will be staying during his UK visit.
• The sponsor may also provide the latest bank statement to prove that he/she can maintain the visitor during his/her stay in the UK.

Main Legal Aspects of the UK Visit Visa

Those who want to visit a family member in the UK can apply for a UK family visitor visa. The applicant for a UK family visitor visa should be outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland. The applicant should also meet all other eligibility requirements. Those who have a UK family visitor visa can stay in the UK for up to 6 months.

Don’t let the process of sponsoring a visitor to the UK overwhelm you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get started on your journey.

UK Visit Visa Application Procedure

If the applicant is a visa national or they have chosen to apply for a Standard Visitor visa before travelling to the UK, they must:

• Pay to submit a Standard Visitor visa application online; and
• Attend an appointment at a Visa Application Centre to provide their biometrics (fingerprints and photograph) and documents.
• They should upload their documents online before attending the Visa Application Centre to avoid added fees.

The earliest they can apply is 3 months before their intended date of travel.

Standard applications take 15 working days (3 weeks) from when they attend their appointment at a Visa Application Centre. They should also allow an extra week for their passport to be endorsed with an entry clearance vignette (visa sticker).

They may be able to pay extra to upgrade their application to the priority service (5 working days) or super priority service (end of the next working day). Please check what services are available directly with the Visa Application Centre they apply through.

UK Visit Visa Application Requirements

The visa applicant should meet the following requirements:

• The visitor should be able to understand English.
• The UK Visit Visa applicant should produce proof of his/her confirmed return ticket as well as confirmed hotel booking.
• The applicant should show a clear reason for his/her visit to the UK and should also show his capability to support his/her dependents along with himself/herself.
• The applicant should keep ready all the documents that are necessary to apply for UK Visit Visa.

Supporting Documents Required to Acquire a Visit Visa to the UK

Those who apply for UK Visit Visa are required to submit the following documents:

• Filled up a manual application form or the completed online Form from the Visa4UK website
• Two colour photographs taken within the last 6 months
• A passport. Should be valid for 3 more months from the date the applicant plans to leave the UK after the visit. The passport must have one blank page for the Visa.
• Bank statements or payslips for the last 6 months to prove that the applicant is financially sound to meet all expenses during his/her stay in the UK.
• Document to show where the applicant will be staying during his/her visit to the UK
• Detailed travel itinerary including how, when and what the applicant plans to do in the UK, dates of travel, places he/she will be visiting, details of booked tours, details of arranged meetings, festivals that he/she will be attending, etc.
• Tuberculosis Test Results
• If the applicant will be staying with a friend or family member during his/her visit to the UK, a letter of invitation should be submitted. The host must be either a UK national or a legal resident of the UK.
• Receipt confirming payment of Visa fees
• Certified translations of documents that are not in either English or Welsh
• Applicants who are under the age of 18 should submit a birth certificate and adoption papers, if applicable. In case those under 18 are travelling alone or with somebody other than parent or parents they are required to produce a signed letter from the parent confirming details of the person who accompanies the minor and should also submit a copy of the biographical page of the passport of parent/legal guardian.

Financial Requirements To Sponsor a Visitor to the UK

Those who apply for UK Visit Visa should prove that they have sufficient funds to manage all reasonable expenses in connection with their UK visit without accessing public funds. The expenses include:

• Their onward/return journey, expenses incurred by dependents and the costs of specified activities like private medical treatments.
• In cases in which the visit is sponsored by a friend or family member, the sponsor documents should show that the travel expenses, living expenses and accommodation costs will be covered by the sponsor.
• The supporting documents to be enclosed by the applicant include bank statements, pay slips, dividend vouchers and tax documents.
• The applicant need not show that he/she has a prescribed level of funds to meet living expenses, travel expenses and costs of accommodation.

Who can Write a Sponsor Letter?

The consular office can consider a visa sponsorship letter in support of a visa application when the letter is written by a UK citizen. The letter can also be written by a lawful UK permanent resident. The resident is required to have a well-defined relationship with the visa applicant. They could be relatives or friends, or partners.

The UK resident should have a registered place of residence in the UK. They should also have enough room to accommodate the visitor to which they issue an invitation letter. They must cater for their visitor in terms of accommodation for the entire period of their visit. The only exception to this is when the visitor can provide clear evidence of alternative accommodation.

Our team of immigration experts has extensive experience in helping sponsors like you bring visitors to the UK.

How to Write a Sponsor Letter?

The process of writing a visit visa sponsor letter is not that complicated. Especially if you already have experience in writing sponsor letters, either for a visit visa or a visa to any other country.

The letter should be short and clear, giving all the necessary information on the sponsor’s identity as well as the expenses of the applicant that they will be covering, and their relationship. Do not give any information that you cannot support with documents, which you have to submit alongside the letter of sponsorship.

Structure of a Sponsor Letter

• The letter should be addressed to the staff of the embassy with the opening salutation ‘Dear sir/madam’. Next, give your name and other personal details as to where you live and what you work, the reason why you are writing the letter and for whom.
• Give information on the expenses you are going to cover and how you will be doing that. Give the dates when the trip of the applicant will take place, and if he/she will be staying over at your place in one of the Schengen states, mention that, giving the address of the place.
• If you will be spending time with the applicant, while in Schengen, it would be nice if you wrote just a few words on the places you are planning to visit together, kind of like a short one-paragraph travel itinerary.
• Do not forget to mention that you “have attached supporting documents” to the letter of support you are sending. Sign the letter at the end, under your name. Do not leave out details like the date when you wrote the letter.
• Despite the guideline given above, you need to take into account some small pieces of advice when writing the letter. Below find the ultimate tips on how to write a sponsorship letter for a Schengen visa.
• Do not make it too personal – it is one thing to explain in the letter your relationship with the applicant, and another to tell throughout the whole letter how much you have missed them, love them, and want to see them. The consular officer does not care about that, he just wants to make sure you will be paying the expenses of the applicant. Besides, such details will make the letter longer, which you are strongly advised not to do.
• Do not give unnecessary details – above we advised you to explain why you are sponsoring the applicant, as well as to give details on the expenses you have to cover. However, do not go way too much into details giving unnecessary information such as, where you will be eating breakfast each day and how much each breakfast will cost you. The consular officer is not interested to hear that. Instead, just show the available amount of money that you are sponsoring the applicant with, and explain the expenses he or she will be able to cover with that money, i.e. accommodation and food.
• Do not make it too long – as we said a few times now, try to avoid unnecessary information and keep your letter short and clear. The consular officers do not have the time, nor the wish to read a two-page letter, which could have instead been shortened to a few paragraphs.

Another important thing you shall not forget, aside from your name, occupation and home address, take care to also submit your phone number and email, so in case of need, the embassy will be able to contact you and you will have the chance to clarify any of the information if needed.

Supporting Documents for the Sponsor Letter

There are no general rules guiding what documents sponsors providing an invitation letter should submit. Inviting someone to live with you in the UK may require the following documents:

• A scanned copy of your passport or ID to confirm your identification
• Evidence of your immigration status in the UK, such as a visa
• Proof of your residence in the UK, such as a mortgage statement or tenancy agreement
• Proof of funds where you undertake to financially support the applicant during their stay in the UK, such as bank statements or pay slips
• If you are arranging accommodation for the applicant, you will need to provide evidence of this in the form of a letter from the landlord/agent, or confirmation of a bed and breakfast/hotel booking
• If the visit is for a special family occasion, for example, celebrating a wedding, birth or important anniversary, consider including an invitation giving details of the event, as well as when and where it is to take place
• Any other document that you believe will help the applicant in getting their visa, for example, a short travel itinerary of the places you plan to visit together in the UK.

If you’re looking to sponsor a visitor to the UK, our team of immigration advisors is here to assist you.

How IAS Can Help

Sponsoring a visitor to the UK or acquiring a UK visit visa can be a reasonably daunting procedure. There are a handful of documentation submissions to be done which may prove time-consuming as you progress.

If you require any assistance with your visit visa application such as if you’re unsure or uncertain about the application method and what you need to do to be granted a visit, IAS can help.

We are a formidable team of professional and knowledgeable immigration lawyers who have years’ worth of experience working in UK immigration law. We have helped countless people overcome hurdles to come and settle in the UK, and we can help you to do the same, too.

For more information about how to sponsor a visitor to the UK, including what you need to do to be eligible for it, how to apply for a visit visa, and expert advice for the application, reach out to us today on  0333 305 9375  or contact us online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the visitor visa valid.

It is usually valid for 6 months. i.e you are allowed to stay up to 6 months at a time.

What is the processing time for a UK visit visa?

This can take up to a month. It usually depends on the time and place of application.

Can I work on a visitor visa?

No. This is not permitted.

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UK Visa for PLAB/UKMLA: Financial Sponsorship Documents

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Getting a UK visa for PLAB/UKMLA is a mammoth task for many international medical graduates (IMGs). It is very confusing sometimes regarding what financial sponsorship documents you have to gather and how should you present your case.

Let’s try to break it down!

Let’s look at the IMMIGRATION RULES

Financial sponsorship documents in your UK Visa application is one of the core things to get straight. Before commencing, let’s take a look at a few paragraphs of  Appendix V: Immigration rules for visitors :

V 4.2 The applicant must satisfy the decision-maker that they are a genuine visitor. This means that the applicant: (e) must have sufficient funds to cover all reasonable costs in relation to their visit without working or accessing public funds. This includes the cost of the return or onward journey, any costs relating to dependants, and the cost of planned activities such as private medical treatment.

And also for people who may not have sufficient funds of their OWN:

V 4.3 A visitor’s travel, maintenance, and accommodation may be provided by a third party where the decision-maker is satisfied that they: (a) have a genuine professional or personal relationship with the visitor; and (b) are not, or will not be, in breach of UK immigration laws at the time of decision or the visitor’s entry to the UK; and (c) can and will provide support to the visitor for the intended duration of their stay.

V 4.4 The third party may be asked to give an undertaking in writing to be responsible for the applicant’s maintenance and accommodation. In this case, paragraph 35 of Part 1 of these Rules applies also to Visitors. An applicant will normally be refused where, having been requested to do so, the applicant fails to provide a valid written undertaking from a third party to be responsible for their maintenance and accommodation for the period of any visit.

In plain English, a visitor, if a visitor can’t support own self, can have a financial sponsor and the sponsor will have to give an undertaking in writing that they will support the visitor financially. And on top of that, naturally, the sponsor will have to provide proof that they themselves have enough funds for maintenance of any costs that may arise for the visitor during the entire trip.

Who can be my financial sponsor?

To reiterate the rule –  “a third party where the decision maker is satisfied that they have a genuine professional or personal relationship with the visitor” . Yes, the relationship with the third party is important. But, nowhere in the rules, it is stated that it has to be an immediate family, as parents or sibling. So, it can be anyone who you can prove that you have a professional or personal relationship. It can be a business even, not a person, if you can prove you have a professional relationship with them. But, that being said, it’s easier to prove that you have a personal relationship with your immediate family.

It’s always better if you,  yourself,  can be your financial sponsor. But for you to become your own financial sponsor, there are a few tick-boxes to fill.

What makes a financial sponsor suitable?

The sponsor should have the ability to prove that they are  financially stable . I can’t emphasize enough on  financially stable.  It doesn’t mean the   amount of money  they have in the bank account, it is not only the amount of money they earn every month. It’s the proper balance among money in the bank, money spent and money earned.  The whole nine yards!

To break it down:

• [Important]  They have  a stable income  (from a job or pension or business)
• [Important]  They have ‘ enough liquid asset ’ i.e readily withdraw-able cash in a bank / financial institution which is being maintained for at least 6 months.
• [Optional] They have  other forms of assets  (Land/ house/ car – fixed asset) to put more emphasis on their statement of being financially stable.

How much should the sponsor have in their account?

The burning question.

It depends on how much you’ve shown  your total cost of the trip  will be. Your cost of the trip again depends on how many days you are showing your visit will be.

The more days stay you state in your application, the more expenses you will have to show. The more expenses you show, the more you will have to have in your/your sponsor’s account.

In my opinion, your whole expense should not be more than 1/3rd of the liquid assets your sponsor has to show in their bank account. That being said,  the question remains-  how do I calculate how much money I’ll need to show?

How can I calculate my cost of the trip?

Let me just show you my breakdown of the cost of the trip. I showed  my stay of 30 days,  and the cost of my trip was broken down as follows:

N.B. It's a good idea to add that "others" expense as that shows your planning well for your visit.

Now I want to make some more points:

• It is highly discouraged by the UK Visa office to pay for a plane ticket or any accommodation  before  obtaining your visa, so logically these should go into your expected expenses during your stay in the UK.
• And if you haven’t paid your PLAB/UKMLA 2 course yet (i.e you will pay on arrival), I would suggest to not add that to your expenses. Ideally, you should’ve paid ahead of time as you’ve already booked a spot (as in the PLAB/UKMLA 2 exam itself). Some academies take cash, but you shouldn’t add as I said before, since it is expected that you’ve already paid for it.
• If you provide any provisional booking for your plane ticket or accommodation (e.g. booking.com, kayak.com), make sure the cost in the breakdown matches as it is in the booking.

You can just put your expected dates (as you’ve mentioned in your travel itinerary in your cover letter) in  skiplagged  to find out a reasonable price for air-tickets. You can round it up. And for accommodation, the cost is variable, and it depends on where you have shown you’re going to stay.

Just remember one golden rule,  things should be similar as per the papers you’re submitting.

What financial sponsorship documents should I provide?

If you are self-sponsoring the trip.

If you state  in your visa application  that you  ARE EMPLOYED , you  MUST explain your own financial circumstances  with the following papers:

• Proof of regular income [Important]
• Bank Statement for the last 6 months [Important]

I can not emphasize enough how important this is to  explain your own financial circumstances  if you state that you are employed.

You still can add a third party as a sponsor if you are employed. It is very acceptable as your financial circumstances may reflect that you yourself are not capable of funding this trip, even though you are employed.

If you are NOT sponsoring the trip

If you are  NOT EMPLOYED , you still can add your work experience certificates which mention your termination date, if you had worked before. If you are not earning anything now, your financial circumstances hardly matter. Be careful when putting this info in the online application.  They should make sense.

What financial sponsorship documents should my sponsor provide?

Here also the uniqueness of every case makes it quite impossible to give one single guideline on financial sponsorship documents. But let’s talk generally what a sponsor should provide-

• [Important]  Bank statement for the last 6 months (6 months isn’t mandatory but highly recommended)
• [Optional] Solvency Certificate
• [Important]  Proof of regular income
• [Important] Letter of support
• [Optional] Affidavit declaring financial sponsorship
• [Optional]  Papers related to proving fixed assets (If any is mentioned)

The rule to follow –  always adds up what you’re stating, with official papers . Just because you mentioned and explained something in your cover letter/letter of support doesn’t mean anything, if any official paper doesn’t back it up.

Here,  UK Visa Guidance: Supporting Documents , you will find my cover letter and see what other papers I attached with my visa application.

1. Bank Statement for the last 6 months

Most of the banks have their automated system of providing their customers with the bank statement. Previous 6 months statement is needed and as I have mentioned earlier, this should be the money that is readily withdraw-able i.e liquid asset. If the money is not in any conventional bank rather in any other type of financial institution, that can also be shown, as long as proper papers with accurate explanations are made.

For example, savings can be in bonds/saving certificates. They are seen as readily withdraw-able cash at any moment, and thus a copy of the said bond/saving certificates along with a letter from the financial institution should serve the purpose too. And, importantly, any big transaction in the aforementioned account should be explained in the letter of support by the financial sponsor, which is discussed below.

2. Solvency Certificate

This is a letter issued by the bank or any financial institution stating explicitly how much money the account holder has, in which accounts, and how the institution thinks he is solvent enough to sponsor you for your UK trip. This letter comes along with the bank statement if you ask the bank officials about this. Here is an example.

You can  download a PDF copy  of this here.

DISCLAIMER : The above template of a solvency certificate is what my financial institution agreed to follow. For different banks, they have their own template and they may not be willing to follow exactly what it is here.  It’s alright . As long as they are providing a “Solvency Certificate” or a “Certificate of Investment”, that serves the purpose. Make sure the paper has the following things:

• Logo of the Bank / Institution
• Contact details of the Bank / Institution
• Official Memo no with the date the certificate is being issued
• Account holder’s name
• Date of opening of the account(s) (Since when it was active)
• Amount of money in the account(s)
• Signature and details of the authorized individual.

3. Proof of regular income

This can simply be an income certificate in the official letterhead. Or, again, a letter from the bank ascertaining monthly flow in an account from a source like pension, business, investment or anything that brings money into the account regularly. Or if it is evident in the bank statement, there’s no need of letter from the bank, but the income certificate from the source, in that case, will be required.

The income tax return will also serve the purpose of proving regular income if the monthly/yearly income is mentioned there. This is useful if the monthly income is irregular like in a business. Bottom line, any official paper which demonstrates the monthly flow of money under the name of the sponsor, will do.

Note that, the amount of regular income shown should reflect the circumstances of the sponsor’s and his dependents. For example, if someone earns £50 per month and runs a family of 5 people and says they are capable of giving you £3000 for your visit- it doesn’t sound believable without further explanation of their previous employment and how they have accumulated their savings. And these explanations of circumstances should be explained in the letter of support.

4. Financial Sponsorship Letter

This letter is basically your sponsor discussing their circumstances to the entry clearance officer regarding the financial base they have, and how they can provide you with the sponsorship for your UK visit. Most of the explanations about money should be here to make your cover letter less cluttered. Here is my father’s letter of support –

My Sponsor’s (Father) Letter of Financial Support

Date To Entry Clearance Officer UK Visas & immigration

Re: Letter of support for my son, —–Full Name—-, DOB –/–/—-.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, —SPONSOR’S NAME—, am a —–occupation—–. My son, —-YOU—- is intending to sit in PLAB Part 2 examination in Manchester, UK on —–PLAB/UKMLA 2 DATE—–. I will be his financial guarantor for his visit to the UK for this purpose. His details are as below:

Here my dad explained his sources of regular income and the number and relations to the dependents on him. (In my case it was dad, mom, and me)

Here my dad explained his sources (e.g. savings) of his liquid assets (deposit in a bank/ saving certificates).

Please note that I can withdraw this amount any time I want as per the bank rules. A Solvency Certificate with the details of the account is issued from the bank and attached for your consideration. I also own the following land assets. The translated copies of the record of rights/deeds of the land assets marking the type and amount of land is attached to the application. The present market value of the land assets in the locality is added for your kind perusal.

I have already paid the booking fee of —Yours—- PLAB/UKMLA Part 2 examination along with the course fee for PLAB/UKMLA 2 preparatory course in —-Your course’s name and address—. For his visit to UK, he intends on spending a total 2300 GBP  (I showed my duration of stay for 30 days)  which includes:

I am capable and willing to provide my son, —Your name—-, financially for his UK trip. I have attached the following documents for your consideration.

1. Affidavit of Financial Sponsorship to my son. 2. Solvency Certificate. 3. Income Certificate. 4. Translated copy of the deeds / record of rights of the land assets that I own.

Thanking you,

(Signature) ___________________

—-Name—- —Occupation—-

P.S. All BDT to GBP conversions were taken from the rate in https://www.oanda.com/currency/converter/ on DATE [1 BDT= 0.0___ GBP].

Please note that the conversions are to be done from the  www.oanda.com . Make sure wherever in your application you talk about any amount of money, you don’t forget to convert that to GBP according to the current rate in that mentioned website.

5. Affidavit of financial sponsorship

Having an affidavit signed in the presence of a notary is  NOT  mandatory. But some are of the opinion that it solidifies your application, even though there is no documented proof.

The abridged version of the letter of support, excluding the explanations of the transactions and other circumstances, including the number of assets and their values, written in legal stamp papers, signed in the presence of an advocate will serve the purpose. Remember to take 1 copy passport-sized photos of you and your sponsor’s for the affidavit.

6. Papers related to proving fixed assets

A fixed asset can be so many things- land, house, car, jewelry, etc. There are professional evaluation services who can evaluate the asset for you and give you the proper documentation to prove how much it is worth. These can then be attached with your visa application. Or if you present other documents like deeds/record of rights of land assets, the price will be mentioned there or you can put an estimated value in the affidavit as it will be signed in the presence of an advocate, thus making it  legal .

And all the documents you are submitting, if any of it is  NOT in ENGLISH  (even a single seal, NOT logo), you have to translate and notarize it. These translation centers will be able to provide you with the affidavit of financial sponsorship too according to the pattern of your country’s own.

Common ERRORS & FAQs

My sponsor has transferred all the money after printing the statement before even i got the visa. will it be a problem.

Yes. The visa officer may check with your financial institution and when they are considering your application the bank account will have no money then. If you have already done it, the best solution would be to deposit it all back and stay hopeful.

I transferred the amount I need from my sponsor’s account to my account

There is no absolute harm if you do that. But the problem is not explaining the credit in your account from your sponsor’s account. Both statements have to be explained well in this case. On the other hand, if the financial sponsor has stated they will support you, they can even not transfer the money. Just follow the above guidance to prove their sponsorship.

I am unemployed now, but I will travel liquidating all of my savings

That also doesn’t portray that you are financially stable. If you say that you are unemployed, it is always a good idea to show a financial sponsor for your trip.

I will sponsor my trip completely, but my father/someone else will pay for my ticket

Well, they can. But in that case, his circumstances should be explained too. He can add a letter of support stating as to how he can pay for that and also how he supports other dependents on him with documentary evidence of his income and savings,  as stated above.

What if I do not add a letter of support?

It’s always a good idea to add a letter of support from your sponsor. That makes your cover letter less cluttered, and explanations of things are easier this way.

What is ‘Funds Parking’?

Making a large deposit in a bank account just prior to your application is a big red flag. Even if the money comes from a well-explained source, chances are it will be seen as “funds parking” which proves little to no connection to the local economy, thus not a  genuine visitor.  It’s always a better idea to wait for a few months after the transaction has happened.

Do I have to explain my OWN finances?

If you state in your application that you are employed, you  MUST  explain your own financial circumstances with your income certificate/payslip and your OWN bank statement. If it’s evident that you can’t support this visit by yourself from your financial circumstances then comes the sponsor and explanation of theirs.

Can I show my uncle/father-in-law/family friend as my financial sponsor?

I think I have already answered that. Just a statement about how they are close to you i.e.  personal relationship  and show all the things that are stated above.

How do we explain the transactions that are in the bank statement?

Simply explain the big transactions one by one, where it came from or where it went and provide the evidence of that. For example, if someone bought a car, obviously there should be documents to prove how much was the car, thus the debit from the account can be explained. In the same way, if someone sells anything, the appropriate documentation to prove that credit should also be added.

If I have the money to sponsor myself, do I need to show a financial sponsor?

That’s the best case if you are employed, taken a leave from your workplace for the purpose of taking PLAB/UKMLA 2, have your own account that you have to maintain for a quite a long time, and have sufficient balance in it. But still, you can add a sponsor to strengthen your case. Absolutely no harm in that.

My sponsor’s account is there for a long time, but there’s no activity in the account.

No problem at all. If the source of the money can be explained by the sponsor – savings from a job, business or earned by selling property, jewellery, etc then it is well and good.

Final Thoughts

In the end, the basic thing is to prove to the entry clearance officer that you have access to enough funds for your trip to the UK for the time you have mentioned in your application. And all the papers you have added accounts for the claims that you made in your cover letter or throughout your application. Despite this long discussion, if you have any queries, there is always a helping community in social media. ASK AROUND. You will definitely find someone who was in your shoes and can give you proper guidance.

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Documents Required for UK Visitor Visa

Anne morris.

• 23 August 2020

IN THIS SECTION

When filing an application for a visitor visa with UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI), there are numerous documents that you will need to submit to evidence your eligibility. Failure to provide adequate or required documentation risks your application being delayed or refused. The following guide for visa applicants examines the eligibility criteria and the documents required for your UK visitor visa application.

What is the UK visitor visa?

If you are national of a non-European Economic Area (EEA) country or Switzerland and you would like to visit the UK for the purposes of business or pleasure you will probably need to apply for a standard visitor visa.

In particular, you will need to apply for a standard visitor visa if you would like to visit the UK for the following reasons:

• For leisure purposes, such as going on holiday or visiting family
• For a business trip, such as attending various meetings
• To take part in a sporting or creative event
• To undergo private medical treatment

If you are granted a UK visitor visa you will usually be permitted to stay in the UK for a period of up to 6 months. However, in the event that you intend to visit the UK regularly over a longer period, you can apply for what’s known as a long-term visitor visa that lasts for either 2, 5 or 10 years. Under a long-term visa you can stay for a maximum of 6 months on each visit.

That said, even where you are granted a long-term visitor visa, you will not be permitted to undertake paid employment in the UK or enrol on a full-time course of study. Further, under any type of standard visitor visa, you must not intend to access medical treatment other than private medical treatment, or to marry or form a civil partnership, or to give notice of this in the UK.

What are the eligibility criteria?

The rules relating to the UK visitor visa are set out under Appendix V of the Immigration Rules. These rules set out, amongst other things, the standard eligibility criteria for all non-EEA visitors.

To be eligible for a visitor visa you must satisfy the following requirements:

• You will leave the UK by the end of your permitted stay
• You have enough money without recourse to public UK funds to support and provide accommodation for yourself
• You can pay for your return or onward journey

You will also need to provide proof of the purpose for your visit, for example, the nature of any business or tourist activities, not least because you will need to satisfy UKVI that you are genuinely seeking entry to the UK for a purpose permitted under the visitor route.

Where you are applying for a long-term visitor visa, you will also need to demonstrate that you will not reside in the UK for extended periods through frequent or successive stays, or try to make the UK your main home.

Which documents are required for the UK visitor visa?

First and foremost, when submitting an application for a UK visitor visa, you will need to provide UKVI with a current passport or other valid travel document. This is a mandatory requirement. You will need a blank page in your passport for your visitor visa, and your passport should remain valid for the entire period of your stay in the UK, ie; for up to six months.

You may also want to provide any expired passports or travel documents to evidence your previous travel history, especially where you are applying for a long-term visitor visa and don’t want to risk being perceived as an applicant who is likely to use a visitor visa in an attempt to set up home in the UK.

You will also need to provide documentary evidence in support of the purpose for your visit, as well as each of the eligibility criteria, namely that you will leave at the end of your visit and you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in the UK, as well as for your return or onward journey.

Purpose of your visit

The nature of your visit to the UK will determine the nature and extent of the documentation that you will need to provide here. As a starting point, you should provide a detailed travel itinerary.

If you are coming to the UK for the purpose of undertaking business activities, you will need to provide documentary evidence of your employment or occupation outside the UK, for example, a letter from your employer that specifies the business reason for your visit. You should also provide any letters from inviting organisations, and so on, to evidence your attendance at any meetings or conferences, etc.

By way of further example, if you are coming to the UK to undergo private medical treatment, you will need to prove that you suffer from a medical condition that requires private consultation or treatment in the UK and that you have made or paid for arrangements for a consultation or treatment.

As such, you will need to provide a letter from your doctor or consultant in the UK that includes details of the condition requiring treatment or consultation, the estimated cost and duration of treatment and details of where that treatment or consultation will take place.

You will also need to demonstrate that you have enough money to pay for all of this, in addition to supporting yourself during your stay in the UK, and for your return or onward journey (see below).

Intention to leave

As part of the criteria for any temporary visa, you must show an intention to leave the UK at the end of your visit. As such, you will need to provide documentation of any personal, professional and economic ties outside the UK, including confirmation of your legal residence, as well as details of any employment or studies where you have stated in your application that you are either employed or in full-time education.

This could include an official letter from your employer, printed on company headed paper, detailing your role, salary and length of employment or a letter from your education provider confirming your enrolment and leave of absence.

Sufficient funds

In respect of proving that you have sufficient funds to support and accommodate yourself while in the UK, you will need to provide proof of earnings or savings by way of wage slips and/or bank statements etc.

You may also rely on evidence that the necessary financial support will be provided by a third party. You can prove this with a written undertaking from your ‘sponsor’ ie relative, friend, business associate. There must however be a genuine personal or professional relationship and the financial support has to be available to you for the duration of your planned stay in the UK.

There is no set threshold or level of funds required to prove you have enough money to live on during your stay in the UK, but it is sensible to calculate and be able to show that the funds you are relying on, such as income and/savings, are sufficient to cover your existing financial commitments as well as the likely costs you will incur while in the UK without undertaking paid employment or accessing public funds.

The evidence of funds must also include the cost of your return or onward travel arrangements and any costs relating to dependants who will be travelling with you to the UK.

Document formats

All documents submitted in support of an application for a UK visitor visa must be originals rather than photocopies. They must also be in English. If any documentation is not in English, you must provide the original and a full translation that has been independently verified.

Each translated document must contain the following:

• confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
• the date of the translation
• the translator’s full name and signature
• their contact details

It is also important to remember that even where documentation is submitted in the correct format, this does not necessarily guarantee your application for a UK visitor visa will be successful. Much will still depend on whether UKVI is satisfied that you have met all of the eligibility criteria and that the stated purpose for your visit to the UK is legitimate.

UKVI will assess your credibility and intentions to visit the UK based on the information contained within your application and the documentation submitted in support. Needless to say, UKVI must be satisfied that you are a genuine visitor based on all of this evidence in its totality.

If you refuse to give biometric information, your immigration application will be rejected and it could lead to your deportation from the UK.

How to submit the documents required for a UK visitor visa

Having submitted your online application for a visitor visa from outside the UK, you will be given instructions on how to file your documentation in support. Typically, you will be required to make an appointment at a visa application centre in your country of residence to provide your biometric information, ie; a scan of your fingerprints and digital photograph of your face.

At the appointment, you will also need to submit the necessary documents. The document checklist in your application will explain what to provide.

In the event that you fail to provide one of the recommended documents, this is not, of itself, an automatic ground for refusal, but any failure to provide sufficient evidence in support of your application may lead to a finding that you have not met all of the eligibility criteria.

Please note, some visa application centres may need to keep your passport and other documentation while they process your application.

Refused visitor visa application?

In the event that you fail to submit the necessary documentation in support of your application for a UK visitor visa, or the documents that you submit are not in the correct format, you run the risk of your application being delayed or refused by UKVI and your application fee being non-refundable.

Needless to say, in the event that an applicant for a UK visitor visa is caught submitting falsified documents, or you have otherwise provided false or incomplete information to UKVI, this will constitute a ground for refusal.

If the application is refused, there is no right of appeal against a refusal of a visit visa. The notification letter will detail the grounds for refusal. It is possible to make a new application for a visit visa, but applicants should ensure their new submission addresses the reasons for refusal through, for example, additional information, documentation and evidence.

Documents to travel with?

Even if you are successfully granted a UK visitor visa, this does not necessarily guarantee that you will be allowed into the UK. You may still be refused entry by border officials in the event that they are not satisfied that the reason for your visit is genuine, or that you plan to engage in activities that are prohibited under this route.

As such, in addition to the documentation submitted in support of your application for a UK visitor visa, you should always carry with you some documentary proof of the purpose for your trip.

By way of example, a tourist should have proof of where they are staying, with whom and any travel itinerary, whereas a business visitor should provide proof of any meetings or other business-related activities that they plan to undertake.

It is also sensible to carry some documentary evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in the UK and that you intend to return to your country of residence. Again this should include proof of your earnings and any savings, as well as evidence of any personal, professional and economic ties to your country of residence.

Need assistance?

DavidsonMorris are experienced UK immigration specialists offering guidance and support to individuals in relation to their UK immigration status and making Home Office applications. We can advise on the eligibility criteria you will need to evidence and the process you will need to follow for your application. We can also help where you have dependants applying for permission to join you in the UK.

For specialist UK immigration advice, contact us .

Last updated: 20 August 2020

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

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About DavidsonMorris

As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Read more about DavidsonMorris here . 

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The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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• International

Student Visa - Supporting Documents

Student Visa

As part of any visa application you make in the UK, you need to provide various documents as evidence to support the application. Which documents and evidence are needed for your Student visa application will depend on your circumstances. We advise that you prepare your supporting documents as early as you can.