If you are a British citizen or legal resident and planning to invite your friends or family to visit the United Kingdom, an invitation letter for UK visa is needed. As part of the official supporting documentation, there are strict requirements for the content and format of the letter. In this passage, we are going to talk about what is letter of invitation for visa UK, why we need it, sample UK invitation letter, and how to write a perfect one.
What Is UK Visa Invitation Letter
An invitation letter is written by a UK-based sponsor who sponsors a friend, family member, or partner to visit the country, so it is also known as a sponsorship letter or sponsor letter. The letter is used to support UK visa applications. In this letter, you have to explain the relationship between you and the applicant and demonstrate details about yourself, the traveler, and the travel plan.
Who Can Write the letter of Invitation for Visa?
To make the letter a valid supporting document, the person who writes the letter should:
- be a UK citizen or legal resident.
- know the applicant you sponsor. For example, you are a partner/spouse, relative, or friend of the applicant.
- have a registered home in the UK, either privately owned or rented
- have enough room to accommodate the applicant.
Who Should the Visa Letter of Invitation be Addressed To?
Although the topic of this letter is to invite someone to visit you, it also serves as an explanation to the visa officer about your relationship and the trip. Therefore, it is usually addressed to the British Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) or UK consular as one of the supporting documents for the UK visa application, opening with “Dear Sir/Madam”, or “To whom it may concern”.
Additionally, it is also acceptable when it is addressed to the applicant as if you are talking with him/her. In this case, you should start with “Dear <the applicant’s name>”.
Why Do I Need an Invitation Letter for UK Visa
It aims to prove the close ties between you and the applicant. All necessary details of both parties must be included, so the authority can verify your identity. Moreover, it indicates that the visa applicants will be sponsored or accommodated during their stay in the UK instead of acquiring support from the government. The letter is required for those who visit the UK to:
- visit or join family or friends;
- take a business trip relating to a job or profession, such as attending a conference or business meeting, academic exchange or performance
- carry out a permitted paid engagement
How To Write an Invitation Letter for UK Visa
It might sound difficult to write such a formal letter. That’s not true if you follow our instructions.
First of all, you need to figure out who the letter is addressed to. Although your guest can also read the letter, it is formally written to the UK embassy or consulate officer who reviews the visa application. The tone should be official and courteous. As it remains uncertain who will check the letter, please start with “Dear Sir or Madam”.
Then you should explain the reasons why you want to host the applicant, how long he/she will stay, what he/she will do while staying in the UK, and how the travel expenses are covered. The following information should be included.
- Your full name
- Your date of birth
- Your full address in the UK
- Your phone number
- Your occupation
- Your status in the UK, such as temporary resident, permanent resident, or UK citizen
- The applicant’s full name
- The applicant’s date of birth
- The applicant’s address and telephone number
- The relationship between you and the applicant
- Travel itinerary, including means of transportation, activities, etc.
- Date of arrival
- Date of departure
- Duration of stay
- The purpose of travel
- Accommodation
- Traveling expenses
Last but not least, don’t forget to sign your name at the end of the letter.
Supporting Documents for Letter of Invitation
To verify the information you provide, it is suggested to attach some extra proof. Scanned copies are acceptable. They are:
- your identity document or passport
- proof of your status in the UK, such as temporary or permanent residence card
- proof of home, such as a property ownership certificate, or tenancy agreement
- proof of funds, such as bank statements or payslips (on the condition of providing the applicant with financial support)
- copies of travel itineraries, such as booked air flight tickets
- any other documents to support the visa application
Sample of UK Visa Invitation Letter
To make it simpler to write a perfect UK visa letter of invitation, you can find a sample which is available on the University of Salford Website and the Immigration Advice Service (IAS) website. Depending on who the letter is addressed to, here is one of them. Please fill in the personal details or choose proper information within the brackets “<>”.
Sample UK Invitation Letter Addressed to Visa Officer
<Your Name>
<Your Address>
<Your phone number>
<Your email address>
<Date of writing the letter>
Application for visitor/business/employment visa for <visitor’s name>
Dear Sir or Madam,
I’m writing to invite my friend/family, <the applicant’s name, with date of birth>, to visit the UK and live with me, <your full name, with date of birth>. He/she will arrive on <date of arrival> and leave on <date of departure>, staying for <duration of stay>.
I’m a <temporary resident/permanent resident/citizen> of the United Kingdom>, working as <your occupation>. I am fully able to support his/her travel costs in the UK, including food, transportation, accommodation, and possible healthcare (with my bank statements attached). I’m now living at <your address> which is <privately owned by myself/ private rented> and there is enough room to accommodate <the applicant’s name>.
He/she is coming to the UK for <family gathering/traveling/conference/ academic exchange/performance/ engagement>. We will go sightseeing at some tourist attractions, such as <your traveling plans>.
Attached are copies of my UK passport, property ownership certificate/tenancy agreement, ID, and reservation of air tickets/hotels.
If you need extra information, please feel free to contact me.
Yours sincerely,
<your signature>
<your name>
Sample UK Invitation Letter Addressed to Applicant
<Date of writing the letter>
To: <the applicant’s name>
[the applicant’s Address]
Dear <the applicant’s name (no need to be formally addressed)>,
I’m writing to invite you, my <relationship such as parent, sister, or friend>, to visit me in the UK. We have been planning to take a trip for a long time. When you come here, I will take you to <tourist place, with introducing your traveling plan>. In this case, you will learn more about British culture and enjoy the vivid life here.
I am now living in <your address> and I have a room for you. During your stay in the UK, I will take care of all your expenses, such as transportation fees, cost of meals, medical insurance, and any other personal expenses.
Herewith I am sending proof of my < temporary residence, permanent residence, or UK citizenship>, identity, and work as <your profession> in order to help you apply for a necessary tourist.
Let me know if you need anything else.
Sincerely,
<your name>
<your full address>
< your phone number>
<your email>
<your signature>
Why Should You Notarize the Letter of Invitation?
Although the authority does not require the letter to be notarized, it is recommended to do so for the following purposes.
- Verify the identity of both the host and the applicant.
- Ensure the authenticity of the information provided.
- Ensure the host and the applicant are accountable to the promise in the letter.
- Reduces the risk of fraud.
- Persuade the officer of the credibility of the letter.
FAQ about UK Visa Invitation Letter
Q: How do I invite someone to a UK visa?
A: If he/she is a non-EEA national, then they will need a standard visitor visa to visit you in the UK. If he/she is from a visa-free country, they should present a valid passport or travel document at the port of entry.
Q: Can an invitation letter be sent via email?
A: Yes, but it is also suggested to provide a physical copy, so the applicant can bring it to the officer while attending the interview.
Q: Does a visa invitation letter need to be notarized?
A: No. It is not mandatory but suggested because it will be more reliable. Make sure all the information is authentic and accurate whether being notarized or not.
Q: Is there any required format for the UK visa invitation letter?
A: No. Just use a professional tone and include all required information.
Q: Can I write one invitation letter for multiple applicants?
A: Yes, especially when they are families or traveling together. Please note that details of each applicant must be included in the letter.
Q: Should I submit the original invitation letter for visa or copies?
A: It is suggested to keep the original copy for backup and submit a photocopy, scanned copy, or printout.
Q: Must I write the invitation letter in English?
A: It is supposed to be. If it is written in non-English, please include both the original version and a certified translation which is signed and dated by by the translator.
Summary
An invitation letter for UK visa is usually required when you legally reside in the United Kingdom and planning to invite/sponsor your family, friend, or partner to visit you. In this letter, you have to explain to the visa officer the relationship between you and the applicant and your ability to sponsor them during their stay in the UK. Please include all necessary information in this formal letter and make sure everything is true and accurate. If you have no idea how to write it, we hope our sample UK invitation letter can help you. For whatever you demonstrate in the letter, don’t forget to attach supporting documents to the visa application.
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Erin Lo