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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:
- Full name
- Address and telephone number
- Job
- Status in the UK (such as immigration status or citizenship)
- Relationship to the visitor
Information about the visitor you are sponsoring should include:
- Full name
- 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 info@woodcocklaw.co.uk.
