If you want to invite a friend or family member to the UK on a Standard Visitor Visa, writing an invitation letter can greatly improve the chances of their visa being approved. A well-written letter can help show that their visit is genuine and that they have adequate support for their stay.
In this guide, we’ll explain what an invitation letter is, who can write it, what should be included, and provide a sample letter.
What is a Letter of Invitation?
A letter of invitation is a formal document written by someone in the UK who invites a visitor to stay with them. The letter confirms that the visitor will be staying with the host and can include details like the purpose of the visit, how long they will stay, and who will cover their expenses.
For visitors planning to stay with friends or family instead of booking a hotel, the letter of invitation can help show that they have a place to stay and financial support. This can make it easier to get a UK visa.
When Do You Need a Letter of Invitation?
While a letter of invitation is not required for a Standard Visitor Visa, it can strengthen the application. It’s especially helpful if:
- The visitor plans to stay with friends or family rather than in a hotel.
- The visitor doesn’t have enough funds to cover all the expenses of their trip.
- The visitor has had a visa application denied in the past.
Providing a letter of invitation along with the visa application can help avoid questions or doubts from the UK Border Agency.
Who Can Write an Invitation Letter?
The person writing the letter must meet certain criteria:
- You must be a UK citizen or have permanent residence in the UK.
- You should be a relative, friend, or partner of the visitor.
- You must have your own accommodation (e.g., a house or apartment you own or rent).
- You must have enough space in your home to accommodate the visitor during their stay.
If you won’t be staying at your home for the entire visit, you may need to provide proof of other accommodation, such as a hotel reservation.
What to Include in the Invitation Letter
A good invitation letter should include clear and detailed information about the visitor and their stay. Here’s what you should include:
- Your Information:
- Your name, date of birth, and citizenship/residence status in the UK.
- The address where the visitor will stay.
- Your relationship to the visitor (e.g., friend, relative, etc.).
- Details of the Visit:
- The duration of the visitor’s stay and when they are arriving and leaving.
- The purpose of the visit (e.g., tourism, visiting family).
- Whether you will cover their expenses (e.g., accommodation, food, travel).
- Accommodation Details:
- Information about your home, including the address, type of property, and whether you own or rent it.
- If you rent, include a copy of the tenancy agreement.
- Your Employment:
- Mention your job and employer to show you have the financial means to support the visitor (if relevant).
- Include supporting documents, such as recent pay slips or bank statements.
- Other Important Information:
- Any other details that could help clarify the visitor’s plans, such as travel plans or hotel bookings for parts of their trip.
Supporting Documents to Include
While the invitation letter is important, supporting documents can strengthen the application. Depending on what you include in the letter, you may want to provide:
- A copy of your passport or proof of UK residence.
- Proof of accommodation (e.g., tenancy agreement or property ownership).
- Evidence of your financial means, such as bank statements or pay slips.
- Travel plans or hotel bookings (if applicable).
Who Should the Letter Be Addressed To?
The letter of invitation doesn’t need to be addressed to a specific person. It’s common to write “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir/Madam.”
Sample Invitation Letter for a UK Visa
Here’s a sample invitation letter to help you understand how to write your own. Don’t copy it directly—make sure to adjust the details to fit your situation.
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
[Date]
Application for Standard Visitor Visa for [Applicant’s Name]
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am writing to invite [Applicant’s Full Name] (born [Date of Birth]) to visit me at my home, [Your Address], from [Start Date] to [End Date].
[Applicant’s Name] is my [Relationship to You], and I have known them for [Number of Years]. The purpose of their visit is to spend time with me and to explore the UK. During their stay, they will be living with me at my address. In addition to this, we plan to visit [City/Place Name], where we have made hotel bookings for [Number of Days]. I have enclosed a copy of the hotel reservation and our travel itinerary.
I am a UK citizen and have enclosed a copy of my passport for your reference. I live in a [Type of Property] at the above address and I have included a copy of my tenancy agreement. [Applicant’s Name] will stay in the spare bedroom for the duration of their visit.
I will also be responsible for their expenses, including accommodation, meals, and travel during their stay.
I am employed full-time as a [Your Job Title] at [Company Name], and I have included my recent pay slips and bank statements to confirm that I can support [Applicant’s Name] during their visit.
If you need any further information, please feel free to contact me.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name and Signature]
Writing a letter of invitation can make a big difference in a UK visitor visa application. It helps show that the visit is genuine and that the visitor has a reliable place to stay with enough financial support. If you’re unsure about any part of the process, Law and Visas can assist you with writing the letter and ensuring your application is as strong as possible.
