uk visa application letter

Visa Traveler

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How to write a compelling cover letter for UK visa (that will impress the ECO)

Updated: September 6, 2023

A cover letter for UK visa is instrumental in persuading the ECO that you meet the visa requirements and have no intention of overstaying your visa. It gives you the opportunity to convince the ECO that you are a genuine visitor and you will promptly return back to your country.

A cover letter is a document to convey additional information that wasn’t asked in the UK visa application. It’s not a mandatory document but by far the most helpful document in increasing your chances of UK visa approval.

Table of Contents

Why do you need a cover letter for uk visa.

The information asked in the UK visa application isn’t enough to convince the ECO that you will return back to your home country after your trip. 

Most questions on the UK visa application are close-ended. They don’t give you an opportunity to explain. 

A cover letter allows you to explain in your own words and be as descriptive as you can. You can use your own format and even use illustrations if needed.

Is a cover letter mandatory for UK visa?

No. A cover letter is not mandatory for UK visa. It’s not even a document in the documents checklist for UK visa.

When I applied for my UK visa, I did not submit a cover letter. At that time, I didn’t know the importance of a cover letter for UK visa. I didn’t feel the need to explain anything additional, so I didn’t submit one. My visa was still approved. 

That’s not the case for everyone. A cover letter will not hurt your chances of approval, it can only help. It gives you an additional opportunity to convince the ECO. 

If I apply again for my UK visa, I would definitely submit a cover letter. 

What should you write in the cover letter?

A cover letter is not a mandatory document for UK visa. So obviously, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) does not provide any guidelines on what to include in the cover letter.

As you all know, I started this website in 2016. Since then, I have been helping my readers with their visas. I figured that a cover letter was the most helpful for UK visa. 

I have been writing cover letters for my readers. Over time, I learned that a cover letter with a certain format worked the best for UK visa. 

I would like to impart all my knowledge in this article, so you can write the most compelling cover letter for your UK visa. It will not only impress the ECO but will greatly improve your chances of visa approval.

So without any further delay, let’s get started. 

Format of the cover letter

The goal of the cover letter is to convince the ECO that you are a genuine visitor. You must do this in a simple, short and clear manner. ECOs rarely will have time for anything other than what’s asked.

Write your cover letter in simple words as if it’s meant for a 5th grader. If the language is too complicated to read, ECO will not bother to read it. 

Do not use words that people from your country can only understand. ECOs are from the UK and they can only understand the terms that they use in the UK. 

Example: It’s common for people in India to say something like “ please do the needful and revert back to me “. Even though it’s still understandable, saying something like “ please let me know if you need anything else from me ” will help the ECO understand better. 

Remember, a cover letter is not a mandatory document. ECO is doing you a favor by reading it. So, make it easy for the ECO.

Your cover letter should never be longer than two pages. ECOs rarely have time for things other than what’s asked in the application. If you present them with a booklet, they will toss it in the trash without even looking at it. 

Again remember, a cover letter is not mandatory. It should not consume too much of ECO’s time.

To further simplify your cover letter, format it with subheadings, bullets and highlights. This helps the ECO to quickly glance over the letter and read any section that interests them. 

Example:   Instead of writing like this – 

“ I intend to travel to the UK for tourism from 20 June 2021 to 24 June 2021 and I plan to visit various attractions in London such as Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Madame Tussauds, National Gallery, etc. “

Write like this – 

• I intend to travel to the UK for tourism. My travel dates are from 20 June 2021 to 27 June 2021. 
• 20 June 2021: Arrive at Heathrow International Airport at 3 PM. Check-In and dinner.
• 21 June 2021: Visit Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London
• 22 June 2021: Visit Tower Bridge and London Eye
• 23 June 2021: Visit Madame Tussauds and National Gallery
• 24 June 2021: Depart from Heathrow International Airport at 10 AM

Sections in the cover letter

It’s important to break the cover letter into different sections. This helps the ECO quickly glance through the letter and understand the gist of it. If needed, the ECO can read specific sections. Your cover letter for UK visa must contain the following sections.

Section 1: Your previous UK visa refusals

In the UK visa application, there is a question on previous UK visa refusals. It asks about your previous UK visa refusal and its details. This question asks you to explain why your UK visa was refused but doesn’t ask why it shouldn’t have been refused

There is no other place in the application to address your previous visa refusals either. There is the “additional/extra information” area, but it’s only for text and not suitable for formatting or pictures. Therefore, the cover letter is the most appropriate place for addressing your previous UK visa refusal. 

If you are re-applying to challenge your UK visa refusal , include a section in your cover letter specifically for your previous visa refusal. Address your previous visa refusal with evidence, additional information and documentation. 

Keep this section as the first section in your cover letter. Having this section at the beginning of the cover letter will help the new ECO get straight to the point. Otherwise, they may overlook and your efforts of re-application may go to waste.

Here is an example.

Previous UK Visa Refusal

My previous application for the UK visitor visa with GWF number GWF12345678 was refused on 16 March 2021. 

I would like to address the reason for the refusal with additional information and documentation.

Reason for refusal: The sources of the deposit (£850) were not demonstrated by the documents provided.

Explanation: The deposit in question was made on 05-Dec-2020 for the amount of £850. This amount was the yearly bonus from my employer. Yearly bonuses are deposited in the first week of December every year. Please find the attached documentation to prove that these funds are available to me.

Additional Documentation: (1) Bonus slip, (2) bonus announcement email and (3) letter from my employer with details of bonus, amount and dates.

Section 2: Your travel purpose and itinerary

In this section, mention your purpose of visit and proposed itinerary in the UK. The itinerary must be detailed enough but not too descriptive to confuse the ECO. Format it with bullets and/or a table.

Proposed Travel Itinerary

• I intend to travel to the UK for tourism for a total of 7 days. My travel dates are from 14 Oct 2021 to 20 Oct 2021.
• My planned day-by-day itinerary is as follows

Section 3: People traveling with you to the UK

In this section, mention the people that will travel with you to the UK. If you are applying for the visa with your family members, mention their details such as name, passport number and GWF number. 

Each individual must submit one UK visa application. Say if a husband, wife and child are traveling to the UK together, each of them must submit a separate UK visa application. There is no easy way to tie these applications together. 

There is a question in the application asking for travel companions, but mentioning them again in your cover letter will help tie them all together. 

Travel Companions

I will be traveling to the UK with my wife and son. The GWF numbers of my wife’s and son’s UK visa applications are as follows.

Section 4: Your current employment/business or university details

In this section, mention your current employment details. Include details such as the employer’s name, how long you have been working and your current salary.

Employment Details

• I currently work for Samcore Logistics, LTD, Dubai as a product manager.
• I have been working as a product manager at Samcore Logistics, LTD since Nov 2014.
• My monthly salary is 7,000 AED after taxes.
• An original letter from my employer, a leave approval letter and bank statements indicating the salary deposits are attached.

If you are a business owner, mention the details of your business such as your business name, your role in the company, yearly revenue, etc.

Business Details

• I own a construction business in Dubai since 2016. I’m the founder and president of the business.
• The business has been in positive cash flow since its inception with yearly revenue of 300,000 AED.
• A copy of my business registration, business license, bank statements and tax returns are attached.

If you are currently a student at the university, mention your university details along with the program, major and semester details.

University Details

• I’m a full-time student enrolled in the undergraduate program at the University of the Philippines.
• I’m currently in the second semester of my second year with another four semesters remaining to graduate.
• A letter from my university and the fee payment receipts are attached.

Section 5: Your current financial situation

In this section, mention your source of income, savings and the bank statements for your UK visa . 

If you have multiple bank accounts, this section is a good place to talk about it. Explain why you have multiple bank accounts and how they are connected.

Financial Solvency

• I currently have 300,000 INR (approx. 2,900 GBP) in my bank account.
• The source of my savings is my salary from my employer, WinTech Corporation.
• The last 6 months bank statements and payslips are attached.

It’s quite common for many to work in a foreign country and send all their earnings back home for family maintenance or savings. In such cases, you will have to submit bank statements from both countries, but most importantly, mention that clearly in this section.

If you use a broker or third party to send cash back home, errors can occur and transactions may not match. I highly recommend using a money transfer service such as Wise to transfer cash back to your home country.

Section 6: Your sponsorship information

If you are paying for your trip yourself, this section does not apply to you. Have this section in your cover letter only if someone else is paying for your trip. 

In this section, mention your sponsor details, your relationship with the sponsor, what expenses they will bear, etc. 

Sponsorship Details

• My brother is sponsoring my trip to the UK.
• He will bear all my travel expenses while I’m in the UK including accommodation, food and transportation.
• A letter from my brother, his UK residence permit, employment proofs, bank statements, his apartment lease contract and the document to prove our relationship are attached.

Section 7: Your travel history

In this section, mention your travel history. Travel history is very important and highlighting it will only help with your UK visa. Your travel history can include all your previous travels to the UK and other countries. If you have traveled to a country multiple times, mention that country only once.

Travel History

• In the last 5 years, I have traveled to 8 countries for both tourism and business. 
• The countries I have traveled to are Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, UAE, Turkey and Denmark.
• A copy of my visas and entry and exit stamps from all the above countries are attached.

Section 8: Any family members staying back at home

In this section, mention any family members remaining at home during your UK trip. This helps prove your family ties with your country. Family ties indicate that you will return back to your country after your trip. 

Do not include this section if it does not apply to you.

Family Remaining at Home

• I currently live with my wife and two children.
• My wife and children will remain at home during my trip to the UK.
• A copy of my wife’s employment proof and children’s school receipts are attached.

Section 9: Your intention to return back

In this section, mention that you will promptly return back after your trip and the reasons for that. Reasons can be employment, business or attending to family needs. 

Intention to Return Back

• I intend to return to Pakistan after the end of my UK trip on 27 Oct 2021 as I have to report back to my employer and continue at my job on 28 Oct 2021.
• An original leave approval letter from my employer is attached.

Section 10: Any miscellaneous information

If you want to add something that didn’t fall under any specific section above, you can include it here. This could be something about properties you own (economic tie), your rental situation, covid safety precautions, etc.

Miscellaneous

• I currently live in a rental apartment. A copy of my rental contract is attached.
• I own farmland with my wife. A copy of my property ownership document is attached. 
• I assure you that I will follow COVID safety precautions throughout my trip.

A cover letter is not a mandatory document for UK visa. But in my experience, it’s the most helpful document. The goal of the cover letter is to convince the ECO that you are a genuine visitor. Your cover letter must be simple, short and clear. Break the cover letter into sections, paragraphs and bullet lists. Use pictures and screenshots if necessary.

That’s it, folks! Now you know how to write a compelling cover letter for UK visa. This will greatly improve the chances of your UK visa approval. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below.

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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78 Comments

Kiesha says

March 5, 2023 at 8:53 am

Hi Thirumal, I love your articles and it has been really helpful, I applied for my Mums EUSS dependent Visa to travel to the UK which got rejected due to insufficient money transfers. It takes nearly 6 months to get a reply from them sometimes more than that. I need my mum to travel to the UK to be present for my delivery in July so I wanted to apply for a visiting visa. Do you think that would be an issue as I had applied for a dependent visa before? Thank you for your help.

Thirumal Motati says

March 6, 2023 at 2:07 pm

Hi Kiesha! Yes, it can pose an issue. I have seen cases where a visitor visa was refused due to a previous EUSS refusal. ECO assumes that the applicant is taking a different route to gain entry into the UK. So you will have to put more effort into convincing the ECO, through additional documentation and a cover letter.

Ankit Kate says

October 11, 2022 at 1:24 pm

Hello sir, Thanks a lot for the detailed information on the visa process. I am currently working on a Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa and planning to sponsor a visa for my mother-in-law. I have below 2 doubts regarding the same – 1. I currently live in a rented single room in the UK and planning to get a flat on rent in December (when my wife and mother in law would be arriving), so what address should I mention in the application? 2. Is it mandatory to show savings in my mother-in-law’s name if I am sponsoring all the expenses?

October 14, 2022 at 3:14 am

Hi Ankit! 1. To avoid complications, you should mention the new address (flat from December) as the “accommodation” address for your mother-in-law. 2. Yes. This is becoming very important and UKVI is very strict about this. Your mother-in-law must have her own income and savings. If she doesn’t, then the person on which she depends, ex: father-in-law. Also, make sure to show any properties that she owns and family members that will remain in her country during her UK trip.

October 17, 2022 at 8:28 am

Hi Thirumal, thanks a lot for the advice. I just have one more question – My mother-in-law doesn’t have much savings or funds but has a property in her name. But the property papers are in a regional language. Do we need to get those translated into English for application?

October 18, 2022 at 7:02 am

Yes, the papers must be translated into English for the UK visa.

Darshita Gajjar says

September 21, 2022 at 9:04 am

Hello. Thank you for the article. It is very helpful. I have a question about the address required in the cover letter. I am applying from Germany via TLS Application Centre. Based on my knowledge, TLS only collects the biometrics, processes your application and forward it to the UK Visas & Immigration in the UK. So for my cover letter which address should I write under The Entry Clearance Officer?

September 26, 2022 at 3:53 am

Hi Darshita! TLS forwards the application to the local UK embassy or consulate in Germany. So you can address the cover letter to “The Entry Clearance Officer, Embassy of the UK in Germany”. Who you address your cover letter is not that important. The content of the letter is important though.

Raymond says

October 6, 2022 at 9:11 pm

My wife is offering to cover the cost for me and our 3 kids for 5days Christmas holiday. Do I also need to submit my bank statements, as my pay is quite low?

October 7, 2022 at 3:46 am

Hi Raymond! Yes, even if your wife is sponsoring your application, you must provide your own bank statements too. Your income/savings do not have to meet the financial requirements since you are seeking sponsorship. If you have a decent income and can provide bank statements, you should be fine.

August 27, 2022 at 11:51 pm

Hello Thirumal. Thank you for the support and advice in your articles. Please how do I prove that I am related to my brother I am Inviting? I do not have a birth certificate, Is a baptism card sufficient enough as our parents never processed our birth certificates and we are in our 40’s now.

September 1, 2022 at 5:59 am

Hi Sue! Any document that shows your names along with your parents’ names should work. Or any documents that show both your names with matching last names can also be used. But yeah the baptism cards should work too.

Tushar Shah says

August 14, 2022 at 6:50 am

Thanks, your write-up is more than useful. I am applying for a UK visa thru VFS from Pune. To whom should the cover letter be addressed?

August 14, 2022 at 11:55 am

Hi Tushar! You can address your cover letter to the following.

The Entry Clearance Officer The Consulate General of the United Kingdom, Pune, India

There may not be a consulate of the UK in Pune. Your application might be sent to the consulate of the UK in Mumbai or New Delhi. But just using the city where you are applying is fine. Many readers have done that and none of them faced any issues. What’s important in the cover letter is the content, so you will be fine.

Dharshine says

January 28, 2023 at 4:12 pm

Hi Thirumal, I am having a question that is I and my child want to visit the UK for the summer holidays. My husband is an ex-serviceman and he had many properties, pay slip, pension slip everything because of insufficient leave he can’t come with us. But we had a joint account maintaining about 4 lakhs. Is that possible that I and my child can get visas through my husband’s sponsorship?

February 10, 2023 at 11:44 am

Hi Dharshine! Yes, your husband can sponsor your application even though he will not be traveling with you. He would need to write a sponsorship letter and provide all his documents. Similarly, you would need to mention all these details in your cover letter.

Pujan Sinha says

August 13, 2022 at 3:44 am

Hi Thirumal, I intend to apply for UK tourist visa. I have traveled to other countries before however last time there was a refusal from the Netherlands. Do I need to mention the refusal reasons and justify them? Also I had withdrawn my UKVI application once, due to change of travel plans. Should I include these points in the cover letter?

August 13, 2022 at 7:42 am

Hi Pujan! Yes. You must mention your Netherlands visa refusal and the reasons for its refusal in your UK visa application. You don’t have to mention your UK visa application withdrawal. It’s are not a refusal, so no need to mention.

shalini says

August 12, 2022 at 7:51 pm

Hi, I have been to the UK before and came back. The year 2001. Then 2005 I applied for a student visa, I got the visa and went for studies. After a successful year of studying, I apply for leave to remain which it got refused. The reason is the college was closed down. I appeal again. They refused. Then came back home. Now after 10 yrs, I am applying for a visit visa to see my friend. my friend is sponsoring me. Am I supposed to mention that 12 yrs before history in my cover letter. Please advise.

August 16, 2022 at 9:40 am

Hi Shalini! If you are re-applying immediately after a refusal, it helps to mention it in your cover letter so you can address it. But there is no need to mention a refusal that happened 12 years ago in your cover letter. However, you will have to mention all visa refusals, even if they happened 12 years ago, in your visa application form.

saidi adeleke says

August 12, 2022 at 4:42 pm

I am self employed with very good travel history – USA, UAE and 6 European countries. As a self employed is it important that I should submit my personal bank statement while applying for UK visitors visa or I can only submit my company bank statement since I will be sponsoring myself for the trip? PLEASE ADVISE.

August 16, 2022 at 9:52 am

Hi Adeleke! If your self-employment is registered as a business, then you must submit both business and personal bank statements. Your salary deposits must match those bank statements. If you only submit your business bank statements, then you must write a letter on your company letterhead that your business funds are available for personal use.

Jamal Adejare says

December 10, 2022 at 1:29 am

Hi Thirumal, Please I want to ask about running your business on your personal account, but had the business registered, will it be mandated you provide a company account still?

December 13, 2022 at 4:29 am

Hi Jamal! The ideal setup is to have separate bank accounts for your business. But it is not mandatory for your UK visa. If you do a good job of explaining things and providing clear documentation, you should be fine.

Foster Osei Bonsu says

July 27, 2022 at 9:41 pm

Please thank you very much for your education on travelling application. I want to know how lengthy or how many words must the cover letter be on a visit application.

July 28, 2022 at 4:28 am

Hi Foster! I recommend keeping your cover letter to one page or two pages max. A cover letter is not a mandatory document so keeping it to one page has a higher chance of ECO reading it. If it’s too many pages, the ECO may skip reading it.

June 27, 2022 at 1:09 am

Hello, thanks for the great write-up, it’s super useful! Which category should we upload the cover letter to when uploading documents for self-service?

June 27, 2022 at 8:55 am

Hi Mike! It depends on whether you are using VFS or TLS. It should probably go into the “other” category.

Bankole says

May 25, 2022 at 5:01 pm

Thank you very much for the opportunity to learn from your wealth of experience. My organization, that is my office is set to sponsor me to a conference in the UK in August 2022. All expenses as regards the trip are being paid by my office. In this case, what other documents do I attach to my application sir? I do not have a fat net pay because larger percentage of my salary is being deducted to five (5) cooperative societies that I belong to for the purpose of saving for raining days.

May 31, 2022 at 8:29 am

Hi Bankole! From your side, you must show that you have sufficent income and savings to support your trip incase your employer decides not to support you after you land in the UK. Your income and savings doesn’t have to conform to £150 a day requirment since your employer is sponsoring you. So if you have savings enough for a flight back home should work fine too.

May 24, 2022 at 2:57 pm

Hello, my brother is due to apply to come and visit me in the UK. I am a British and will be sponsoring his trip. But he lives in the village and he is a farmer (a cash business and he deposits the money in his bank). He has money in his bank statement equivalent to £1000. how can we prove this source of income please. He is a village man farming and selling in the village and Saturday markets. What documents should he submit?

May 25, 2022 at 6:30 am

Hi Sue! If he can prove that he is a farmer and sells his yield/produce at certain markets, then that should be sufficient. Also, if he owns the farming land, that would really help with his visa. What about his travel history? Has he ever been outside the country?

May 30, 2022 at 11:49 pm

Hello Thirumal. Thank you, how can he prove that he is a farmer, please? Also yes he has been outside the country since 2012 ( 10 years ago). The land he is farming on is our inheritance and the land title is in his name but as an administrator, pending the transfer to his name. Is this sufficient. The letter of administration from the court mentions him as the son of the late.

May 31, 2022 at 8:08 am

Yes. That should be sufficient to prove that the land belongs to him. It also needs to be properly explained in the “extra information” section within the UK visa application and also in the cover letter.

May 23, 2022 at 8:34 am

Hi, I am a single parent travelling with my son to UK on a tourist visa. I have the consent form, divorce decree and cover letter for my travel. I have also included other docs as per your article above. What other documents should I include in my application considering the single parent bit? My appointment is day after tomorrow and I happened to see this page only today.

May 24, 2022 at 6:51 am

Hi ML! Apart from those documents, submit the following for your application. – Cover letter with details of your employment, financial, family and economic ties

Submit the following for your son’s application. – His birth certificate (to prove your relationship) – Consent letter from your son’s father – A sponsorship/cover letter with details about you, your employment, financial, family and economic ties, etc. (since you will take care of his expenses during the trip)

Oladimeji says

May 21, 2022 at 10:54 pm

Please I forgot to include my visit to the Republic of Cyprus when I was asked in my visa application what countries I’ve visited! I wasn’t refused a visa neither was I deported! But the stamps in and out are on my passport! Do I need a cover letter?

May 23, 2022 at 6:23 am

Hi Oladimeji! If you have considerable travel history, for example, 5 or more, then you don’t have to worry about not mentioning Cyprus. If you don’t have good travel history, then cancel your application and fill out a new one. You can get a full refund of the visa fee if you haven’t given your biometrics yet. And the cover letter is necessary either way.

January 31, 2022 at 2:59 pm

Hi, thank you for your helpful subject. I am a Ph.D. student in Canada, and I want to visit the UK over the summer holidays. Also, I have to come back to Canada again to continue my Ph.D. program. What documents do I need to include in my file to show that I am coming back after visiting the UK? Is that sufficient to include my admission letter from the university and my home lease contract? Thank you!

February 2, 2022 at 6:40 am

Hi Alec! An admission letter will not be sufficient. You need proof that you still have a certain number of semesters left and you have pre-paid your tuition for the future semesters. At least 1 or 2 semesters would be fine. A home lease contract also helps.

January 25, 2022 at 12:19 pm

Hello, thank you for such effort you’ve put into this blog site to help lots of people like me. I must confess I have learned alot from the post and reactions after it. I have a couple of questions though.

1. What is the sequence of UK online application for family of 5 going together to the UK for holiday .i.e. who’s application comes first? 2. What is the visa approval success rate for a spouse that is not working at the moment and going with her husband and kids to the UK for holiday? 3. Can the husband sponsor wife’s UK visa application/trip even though she’s employed?

January 26, 2022 at 5:49 am

Hi Sam! I appreciate the kind words! 1. Even though you all apply together, each application is assessed individually. You will have no control over whose application will be assessed first and in which order. The only thing you can do is to mention everyone else as their travel companions in each of your applications, and also in the cover letter. 2. The approvals are high as long as the husband can sponsor her application, prove the relationship and prove that she and her husband have strong ties with their country. 3. Yes, the husband can sponsor his wife’s UK visa application. There is no need for the wife to be working or employed.

December 14, 2021 at 4:25 pm

Hello, with regard to mentioning the Travel History in the Cover Letter. What if my previous passport already expired and got misplaced, hence, I am not able to provide a copy of the stamps for these. Do you think it will still add value or just completely leave out the travel history section? Grateful in advance for your response.

December 18, 2021 at 10:39 am

Hi Jamie! If you can’t prove your travel history, don’t mention it in the application.

December 7, 2021 at 3:51 pm

Hello, I’m employed and I’m a business owner, my bank statement reflects both my salary from my job and profit from my business. My question is what should I attach as proof? Payslips, business license, etc.? Thank you!

December 11, 2021 at 12:08 pm

Hi Julie! You must attach both, your payslips and business license. Also, explain clearly in your cover letter. In the future, separate your accounts otherwise you will continue to face problems with your visas.

November 30, 2021 at 10:56 am

Hi sir, I’m mills a police officer and I intend to travel to the UK for a conference on safety and security by next year. I need guidance on what documents I should attach to it apart from the mandatory requirements. Will it be necessary to add my marriage certificate, car and house paperwork?

December 2, 2021 at 3:44 pm

Hi Mills! Documents proving any kind of ties with your country are essential to make a strong case. Your marriage certificate will prove your family ties and house paperwork will prove your economic ties with your country. So yes, make sure to provide those two. Mentioning your car is not necessary.

October 17, 2021 at 5:02 am

Hello, I am applying for a UK returning residence visa to regain the status of my lapsed ILR. My question is should I write a cover letter with the application, if yes then to whom should I address the cover letter. Please quick response will be highly appreciated.

October 20, 2021 at 5:19 pm

Hi Navid! Unfortunately, my knowledge and experience are only in tourist visas. So I’m not sure if a cover letter is necessary for an ILR application.

Esther says

November 19, 2021 at 12:44 am

Dear THIRUMAL, I applied for a tourist visa to the UK and was approved. The next again I tried and was refused because the first information says I don’t have dependents and that’s because they don’t live with me. Now they live with me and depend on me but I didn’t realize then I should have included a cover letter. And we were all denied. What must I do because the children want to visit the UK on tourism? Thanks.

November 20, 2021 at 12:39 pm

Hi Esther! You already know your refusal reasons. Make sure to fix them in your re-application. Provide proof that you have dependents (family ties) and provide a detailed cover letter. Follow the instructions from this article for the cover letter.

September 28, 2021 at 1:25 pm

Hi Thirumal, I’m doing the application for a UK visa for my parents, both retired, and they live in Albania. Their pension is not a great amount of money and my siblings and I, we all contribute monthly to their financial situation of their living there. I’m covering all their expenses from the start to finish of their visit to the UK. I’ve prepared a cover letter from my part explaining their intention of coming in UK for Christmas and that I’ll be covering everything.

Their visas have been refused 2 times before. Now my concern is “On their cover letter should I explain their pension as an income and that their children give financial support on their living, or should we live this out of the cover letter.

I understand that their pension money only is not enough, and there is a section on the application asking about their salary and other forms of income and how much they spend monthly. this is a bit tricky for pensioners as they will have to spend all their money for their living in my country, and also the extra they get for us. Do we have to explain this in the cover letter? Will this still be an issue for the application?

Just to mention again I’ll be covering their expenses while travelling. They have savings as their own 4000Euro, which they have accumulated while they had worked previously, My mom had a small tailoring shop. Will this be enough for them? Thanks!

September 29, 2021 at 8:53 am

Hi Bruna! The UK visa application is mainly meant for employed individuals. The questions are not quite relevant to retired, students, housewives, children, etc. That’s where the question “extra information” and the cover letter come in handy.

In their cover letters, yes, mention that they rely on both their pension and support from their children. This is quite normal in most countries, so I don’t think it would be difficult for the ECO to understand.

For employment questions, they can mention that they are retired. If that option is not available, they can select unemployed. For the question on other income or savings, they can mention their monthly pension and support from children. It’s ok for the living expenses to be equal to their pension and support. This won’t hurt their visa approval as you will be sponsoring their trip.

For any trip expenses related questions, make sure they put zero for them since they will not personally spend anything on the trip.

Yes, it’s essential to mention all of these in their cover letters and a summary of them in “extra information”.

Yes, 4,000 euros of savings should be enough for them since they will not personally spend anything from their side on the trip. You will bear all their trip expenses.

Lastly, a couple of important things. – Most of the time, UKVI will not scrutinize retired applicants. So, no need to worry about their pension and savings. ECOs will mostly focus on your income and savings as you are sponsoring them. Make sure you have all the documents needed. Also, if you know the reasons why their previous visas were refused, let me know, so I can give your more accurate advice based on that. – Even after explaining everything in the cover letter, a lot of time ECOs make decisions based on the numbers like salary, savings, etc in the application. This is unfortunate, but when this happens, a lot of times, the applicants see success either with a PAP or reapplication.

August 28, 2021 at 9:32 am

Hi, I am from Srilanka, which is a red list country. I intend to apply for a UK visa to drop and settle my one and only son who is starting uni. Do you think a visit visa will be issued?

August 28, 2021 at 11:46 am

Hi H Ali! If your country is on the red list, your UK visa application will not be accepted by the VFS. Even if they accept your documents, UKVI will put your application on hold till Srilanka comes out of the red list.

PRADEEP JALAN says

August 28, 2021 at 7:24 am

For Canada tourist visa applied online; where does the cover letter fit in. Is it necessary only when we apply on paper?

August 28, 2021 at 11:44 am

Hi Pradeep! A cover letter is not mandatory for a Canada visa. But I usually recommend one since it’s the easiest way to convey information that’s not asked in the application. You can provide a cover letter for both online and paper applications. If applying online, you can upload the cover letter for “Letter of explanation of your trip”. Letter of explanation of your trip will be one of the items in document upload.

Quincy says

August 26, 2021 at 9:12 pm

Hello. Nice articles. I’ve been visiting here for more knowledge but I still have some doubts.

1. I am planning to apply for a visit visa, I have my employment contract (25 pages) and also a leave letter from my HR. Do I need to submit both documents or just the leave NOC letter from my HR is fine?

2. Is it also necessary to submit my house rental agreements?

3. Also I have been refused a US visa some years ago which I declared in my application. But do I have to submit a copy of my refusal letter in my UK application and specify this in the cover letter also?

I really need some clarity here and I would appreciate your response. Thanks.

August 28, 2021 at 11:38 am

Hi Quincy! 1. Both the Employment letter and leave approval letter are necessary. Employment letter will have details such as how long you have been employed with them, your salary, job duties, etc. Therefore, you need an employment letter too, not an employment contract. You can have your HR write a one-page employment letter for you. If you need a template, email me. 2. Yes. It will demonstrate your economic ties with your country. 3. No. You do not need to submit your US visa refusal letter. You also do not need to mention your US visa refusal in your cover letter.

Muhammad Sameer says

August 24, 2021 at 5:58 pm

Hey dear, I have a couple of questions to ask related to the UK visit visa application. Considering my family is applying where my father is the head, my mother is a housewife and I am a student. All my queries are stated below.

1) There is a question in the application which says how much money you intend to spend on this trip personally, so what should I write for my father, me and my mom. I cannot put zero in mine and my mum’s because it doesn’t allow it.

2) My father was refused a UK visa back in 2012, The application asks for it but he doesn’t have the refusal letter so what should I write in the application.

3) Me and my mum applied and got the visa last December but we couldn’t go due to red list issues and increased corona cases. So should I mention that in my application on why we didn’t travel even though we had the visa then?

August 25, 2021 at 8:12 am

Hi Muhammad! 1) Even though you are not personally spending on your trip, you must still enter the amount per individual. You can divide the total expense by 3 and enter that amount for each of you. 2) You can simply enter “ECO discretion” or “Do not remember the refusal reasons”. This will not hurt your visa result in any way. 3) Mentioning that you had a visa and could not use it will only work towards your benefit. So make sure to mention it in the “additional/extra information” within your application and also in your cover letter.

August 25, 2021 at 5:57 pm

So for instance, if my father is staying there for two months and me and my mom are going for twenty days so around how much money should I write for me, my mom and my father.

August 26, 2021 at 1:34 pm

I see. That’s a bit complicated. I suggest dividing the total expense by the amount of time spent in the UK by each. From your example, since your dad will spend 60days, you will spend 20days and your mom will spend 20days, divide the total budget by 60%, 20% and 20%. That should work.

August 26, 2021 at 1:38 pm

Actually I am confused on how much should I write for budget of my trip as my sister and brother-in-law in UK would be taking care of our accommodation, food and transport in UK.

August 28, 2021 at 11:48 am

If someone is sponsoring your trip, you will only enter the amount that you personally spend on your UK trip. For example, if they cover your accommodation, food and transportation and you will pay for shopping and souvenirs. Then you will enter the amount you will spend on shopping and souvenirs.

August 15, 2021 at 6:24 pm

Hi Thirumal, my UK visa application was refused. I want to apply again, but I have some doubts, could I contact you in any way, please? I would like to receive advice and help from you. Thanks.

August 16, 2021 at 4:04 am

Hi Mari! Sure. Please send me an email with your questions to [email protected] .

Michael says

August 12, 2021 at 8:44 pm

Hi, my graduation ceremony is in September and I intend to travel for it. Can you help me with how I should tailor my cover letter to the British embassy?

August 14, 2021 at 11:37 am

Hi Michael! Since you will be applying for a visitor visa, you must prove that you have strong ties with your country and you will return back after your trip. Therefore, most sections in this article will apply to your situation except the travel purpose. In the travel purpose section, you will mention that you will be traveling to the UK for your graduation ceremony.

Fathia says

August 2, 2021 at 4:35 pm

Good evening sir, I really like your articles and it has really helped me. My father is about to apply for my visa again. My question is that how do I explain the deposit in my account were gifts from family members. My visa was refused because they were other deposits in my account aside from my father’s deposits (he is the one sponsoring my trip).

August 3, 2021 at 7:31 am

Hi Fathia! If your father is sponsoring and he also deposited cash into your account, he can explain that in his sponsor letter. You can also explain the same in your cover letter. But for other large cash deposits, you must present evidence that the cash belongs to you. I have a detailed article on bank statements for UK visa . This article explains these in detail.

Ofori Bismark says

July 28, 2021 at 4:51 am

Please sir, my brother is in the UK has sent me an invite. I m in Ghana now so what documents do I need before I can apply for the visa?

July 29, 2021 at 5:14 am

Hi Ofori! There is a distinction between INVITATION and SPONSORSHIP. To know what documents you need for the UK visa, you would first need to understand that your brother is simply inviting you to visit him or sponsoring your trip. Below are the documents you will need.

Invitation – Your brother’s UK passport (or his home country passport) – Your brother’s UK residence permit (if he is not a UK citizen) – An invitation letter from your brother stating that he is inviting you to visit him in the UK

Sponsorship – Your brother’s UK passport (or his home country passport) – Your brother’s UK residence permit (if he is not a UK citizen) – A sponsorship letter from your brother stating that you will take care of all your trip expenses including accommodation, food and transportation – His apartment lease agreement – A utility bill on his name

Arinola says

July 17, 2021 at 10:42 am

Good morning sir, I like your articles and it has been really helpful, my question is that what if you are submitting 6 months bank statements and your employers paid you 3 months and owe you 3 months what will you do? Even if you have other transactions running in your salary account, can you still use the accounts? Or if the employer pays the 3months together, can you still use it. Thanks.

July 17, 2021 at 11:22 am

Hi Arinola! If you are getting paid irregularly, you need to explain this in your cover letter and provide documentary proof such as an explanation from your employer.

Nana poku says

May 24, 2021 at 12:07 pm

If you own a property with your uncle can you add that in your miscellaneous with the necessary documents? And if you provided a statement from 2020-2021 in your previous application can you reduce it to 6months in the next application

Do you have to write a cover letter to prove your bank statement or get an attestation from the bank if your employer deposit is not clearly indicated in the bank statement? What do you do when there is a different department that pays salaries of workers of your employer?

Thirumal says

May 25, 2021 at 5:25 am

Hi Nana! Yes, if you co-own a property with someone, you can provide the ownership document as proof of economic tie with your country. Bank statements must be for the latest 6 months. No need for statements from the previous application. The most recent 6 months should work fine.

Bank statements in some countries require an official attestation from the bank. You will know if that’s how bank statements are used in your country for all purposes. If your company name is different from the deposit transaction in your bank statements, you can explain it in your cover letter.

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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

Long Term Visitor Visa 2019 and 2020 Guidance

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

UK Visitor Visa Requirements in 2020

UK Visitor Visa Fee 2020 [Including HIDDEN Costs]

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Letter TEMPLATES FOR

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

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UK Visitor Visa Letter Templates

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UK Spouse / Partner Letter Templates for:

• Joining and Settling with your British Spouse / Partner in the UK
• Entering the UK as a Fiancé(e) to Marry and Settle with your British Partner in the UK
• Extending or Renewing your current UK Spouse / Partner Visa
• Switching to the Partner Route from another Visa Category

Skilled Worker Dependant Visa

Skilled Worker Dependant Letter Templates for:

• Joining your Spouse/Partner who holds a Skilled / Health and Care Worker Visa in the UK
• Extending or Renewing your current Skilled / Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa
• Switching to a Skilled / Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa from another Visa Category

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Indefinite Leave to Remain Letter Templates for:

• Obtaining Settlement in the UK on the Spouse / Partner Route
• Obtaining Settlement in the UK on the Skilled Worker Route

Why you need to include certain Letters with your UK Visa/Settlement Application

Invitation / Sponsor Letter Templates for Visitor Visas

A UK visitor visa invitation letter is for those 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, 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.

Cover Letter and Support Letter Templates for Spouse / Partner / Dependant Visas

Cover letters are the best way to summarise your case and confirm how you meet all of the requirements for your/your partner's or dependant's visa, to the caseworker who will be assessing your application at the Home Office.

• Applicant's Cover Letter
• Sponsor's Letter of Support
• Statement from Third Party (your friends & family)

Templates for Employment/Financial Evidence

Depending on the visa category you are on, or your/your sponsor's financial circumstances, you will need certain letters to evidence your employment or that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependants during your stay in the UK. 

• Letter from your Employer(s)
• Declaration of source of your Savings
• Letter from your Accountant

Accommodation Letter Templates

Living in rented accommodation or a property owned by family/friends?  You will need either a:

• Letter from your Landlord/Lettings Agent
• Consent Letter from your Family member/friend

Other Services you may be interested in:

Fully Tailored Document Checklists

Visa Application & Document 

Checking Service

Full Legal Representation

Frequently Asked Questions about the Letter Templates

Who are these for?

Depending on your and/or your partner's circumstances, you may need to provide declaration, consent or other letters of support with your application.

These templates will save you and your partner’s time, and provide full peace of mind that you worded and structured the letter(s) to satisfy the Immigration Rules.

Are they appropriate for me and/or my partner?

These templates are designed to assist those who want to complete their UK Partner 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 living in your family or friend's accomodation,  or you will be relying on savings to meet the financial requirement.

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.

If you are looking for a more comprehensive template bundle, checkout our ' Tailored Checklist and Letter Templates Pack ' HERE

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Are you ready to start your new journey in the UK for study, business, and employment? If yes, confirm your visa with an authentic cover letter before packing your bags. A cover letter is proof of all the information you submit with an application. 

However, if you are a student, dependent, worker, or joining your family, you need a visa, and to make your application, you need a strong cover letter. A well-written cover letter must claim that your information is accurate and you have a genuine purpose for going to the UK. 

What Is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter is a letter in which you must add all these things you do not write in the application form. You need to write the aim of the visit, your travel plan, educational purpose, or for better job opportunities. Apart from that, submitting a cover letter is not required for all visas so before applying confirm whether you need a cover letter or not.  

Writing a cover letter is a hectic work. Some people write their letters from experienced people. But those who want to write their letter by themselves have a lot of questions regarding requirements, template, and structure. For their ease below a detailed guide is available. 

Who Needs A Cover Letter For Visa Application?

Everyone applying for a visa needs a cover letter for ease. A cover letter makes the application process smooth. Print your cover letter and submit it with your application. Be mindful to submit a cover letter when required; otherwise, do not submit it. Some visas asked for a cover letter, while some did not. 

Visa Types For Cover Letter

There are different visa types for which a cover letter is being used. 

Tourism Visa

Business visa, a student visa or study visa, family visa.

For a travel or tourism visa, mention that you are coming briefly and intend to explore new places in the UK. You must also show your bookings, reservations, and return tickets in advance, proving you will leave soon when your visa expires. Also, mention if you plan to stay longer. 

For a business visa, you must prepare a cover letter stating that you are coming for essential meetings, seminars, and conferences. Further, you need a copy of company documents stating that you are coming for business purposes. 

It would help if you mentioned your educational goals for a study visa in your cover letter. Mention the program you choose and its duration. Also, you must show your previous degrees, such as a bachelor’s or master’s degree. 

A family visa cover Letter visa application UK requires proof of your relationship with your sponsor. Also, you will claim that you will not depend on public funds, you will stay with the sponsor, and you have to show the bank papers to show you can support yourself. 

What To Write And What Not To Write In Cover Letter?

Things to write in a cover letter:

• Add the embassy information and your home country’s name in your application.
• In the second step, give your introduction and add important information:
• Country name and country name
• Your valid citizenship 
• Next, add the purpose of your visit and your plans for your visit. 
• Add the information about your accommodation and financial details, such as how you would survive there and where you would live.
• Add the details of all the documents that you submit with the application.
• In the last step, add contact information, including your phone number or email address. These contact details will help you get the results of your decision. 

Things to avoid in cover letter: 

• Avoid long sentences and large paragraphs.
• Be straightforward.
• Make your application as simple as you can.
• Avoid repetition.
• Try not to add unnecessary details.
• Avoid grammatical mistakes.
• Do not be rude in the letter.
• Be respectful and formal.
• Try to add all the necessary information. 

Different Words Used For Cover Letter

• Covering letter
• Letter of introduction
• Visa letter
• Visa letter to the embassy
• Letter of visa approval
• Letter to immigration visa application
• Purpose of travel letter
• Cover letter for visa application
• Letter to embassy for approval of visa
• Introductory letter for application for visa

Structure Of A Cover Letter?

The Letter visa application UK should be written in a good template, and the structure should be attractive. Follow this pattern to make your cover letter impressive:

• Start your letter with personal information and contact details.
• After that, in the second step, state your purpose for a visit.
• Background information about your home country.
• Tell us a sufficient amount, which would be impressive. 
• Tell me about your maintenance and how you manage your residence and other bookings.
• Enter in the cover letter that you will return.
• Give the original details of all the supporting documents and additional documents. 

In conclusion, a cover Letter visa application UK is crucial to the visa application. It turns your dreams into reality. If you follow the right anatomy of a cover letter, with good writing style, with zero grammar mistakes, no fake information, and a lot of supporting documents you will get successful results. Things that are banned do not use them and things that make cover letters amazing use them. A well-written cover letter can convince the authorities and make your journey easy. In the cover letter, write every accurate detail about yourself, the purpose of your visit, your income, and your accommodation.  

Do I need a cover letter for a UK visa application?

Yes, although it is not compulsory, it makes your application strong if you write accurately. Add correct information and the evidence in detail. Also, write down your purpose for getting this visa, state that your intentions are pure and that you want to come here to achieve your dreams. 

What details are required in a cover letter visa application?

In cover letter, you need to add the following details:

• Name and contact information
• Write why you want to come for tourism, study, work, or other reasons.
• If you are coming for tourism, write about your plans for where you visit, which places you like most, and places you want to explore. 
• Write you have funds to support yourself during your stay.
• Prove that you will return to your country after the expiry of your visa.
• Provide an invitation letter.
• Request for approval.

Can my application be approved with a cover letter?

The cover letter helps in the application process; it alone can not work to approve your application. You also need to make your application strong with all the required details mentioned on it. Provide all the necessary documents that are required in the application, but make sure these are original. The cover letter is like an introductory paper that helps the visa officer understand your application. 

Can I write my cover letter? 

Yes, you can write your letter on your own. Before writing it, consider these essential things:

• Go through some learning tutorials that make this process easy to understand. 
• Download intelligent apps from the Play Store, which is quite helpful. 
• Answer the questions that these apps posed.
• After learning about it, write your letter on these apps and print a PDF. 

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UK Cover Letter for Visa Application

When applying for a UK visa, a well-crafted UK cover letter can significantly enhance your application. It serves as a bridge between your visa application form and supporting documents, providing insights into your travel intentions and establishing your eligibility for a UK visa. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of writing an effective cover letter, ensuring it aligns with SEO optimization and keyword focus.

Who Needs a Cover Letter When Applying for a UK Visa?

Types of uk cover letters, how to write a cover letter for uk visa applications, what not to do in a cover letter for uk visa application, cover letter for uk visa application sample.

Everyone  who applies for a UK visa can submit a printed and signed cover letter attached to their visa application form. While it is not mandatory for all applicants, including a cover letter, provides the Embassy or Consulate of the UK with a clearer vision of why you are applying for a UK visa. It explains in more detail the purpose of your visit and strengthens your case.

Important:  The cover letter explains in more detail the reason and the purpose of your visit to the UK. By submitting a cover letter, the Embassy or Consulate of the UK will have a clearer vision of why you are applying for a UK visa.

The Republic of the United Kingdom offers various visa types , each catering to different purposes. Depending on your specific visa category, you can write one of the following types of UK cover letters:

• Work Cover Letter
• Student Cover Letter
• Family Reunion Cover Letter
• Tourist Cover Letter
• Business Cover Letter

Choose the appropriate cover letter based on your visa application type.

Follow these steps to create a compelling cover letter for your UK visa application:

• Embassy Information : Begin by including the Embassy’s details and the name of the country you are applying from.
• Full name (first and last)
• Passport number
• Citizenship
• City and country of residence
• Professional background
• Purpose of Visit : Clearly state the purpose of your visit to the UK and the duration of your stay.
• Trip Itinerary : Explain your trip itinerary, including accommodation details and how you plan to financially support yourself during your stay in the UK.
• Document List : Mention the documents you will submit alongside your cover letter.
• Contact Information : Provide your personal contact details, including your email address and phone number. This ensures that the embassy can reach you regarding your visa application results.

Avoid these mistakes when writing your UK visa application cover letter:

• Long Sentences : Keep your sentences concise.
• Complex Language : Be straightforward and use simple language.
• Copying : Do not copy your cover letter from other sources.
• Unnecessary Personal Details : Exclude unnecessary personal information.

Here is a simple sample you can refer to when writing your cover letter:

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Create Cover Letter For UK Visa Application in 5 minutes

by Femina | Feb 5, 2024 | cover letter

Do you have any travel plans to UK? If yes, then you most likely need to create cover letter for United Kingdom visa . With your visa application, you must also submit a cover letter, often known as a visa letter or a personal cover letter. Most likely, the reason you came to this page was to get a cover letter for United Kingdom visa.

You may use the FlightGen App to let the AI create your cover letter for UK visa if you need a quick fix.

How to get a cover letter?

If you want to get a cover letter for Schengen visa which is properly structured and used by over 50,000 customers, then you can make one using FlightGen App. All you need to do is answer questions related to your Schengen visa & your cover letter will be created for you in perfect format.

IMPORTANT: You can get any single document at very affordable price, which starts from $3 and another offer is, get all types of visa documents unlimited for unlimited users from 1 account, for which price or subscription starts from $10/month.  FlightGen  offers multiple visa documents, including cover letters, travel itineraries, flight itineraries / dummy ticket, invitation letters, leave letters, and hotel itinerary / dummy hotel booking. Avail this offer as soon as possible!

FlightGen creates a hybrid cover letter which includes both the personal cover letter as well as the travel itinerary which otherwise, would have been another separate document. In fact, this the exact format that we use for all our visa customers.

What Is the Purpose of a Covering Letter When Applying For UK Visa ?

A letter outlining your purpose for visiting UK is known as a cover letter or visa letter and is addressed to the UK consulate. It ought to contain information like your intended stay in the country, your financial records, and any other pertinent papers. The cover letter should provide the Visa Officer with justification for granting your request for UK visa.

The content of a cover letter must be customized for each applicant because it differs depending on the visa application. You cannot use someone else’s cover letter for your visa application without making significant changes to match your unique needs.

Because of this, we advise that you go through each sample (which is provided in the portions that follow) and write your cover letter on a blank page (or have the FlightGen App create one for you!!).

Your covering letter will be your initial point of contact with the Embassy.

Your cover letter will be put on top of all of UK your visa documentation . This is due to the fact that it is the first piece of evidence the visa consulate examines in order to fully understand your application and decide whether or not to grant your visa. You can also speak with the visa officer in person at this location.

By being accurate and clear in your UK visa application while staying impersonal, you can profit from this. A skilled visa consulate will be able to quickly determine whether to reject or approve your visa based on the information in your cover letter.

What Should Be Included In A Cover Letter ?

The information listed below ought to be included in a visa cover letter in the sequence given for effectiveness:

• The location of the UK consulate closest to you, which is simple to find online.
• Clearly state the type of visa requested in the subject line.
• There appear to be extra days in UK based on the start and end dates of the trip.
• Your travel’s objective, which aids the visa officer in comprehending the applicant’s intentions.
• Information regarding the funding source for the trip. This could be the candidate, the candidate’s spouse, a guest, or a business.
• The letter could also serve as documentation for the accommodations.
• Daily travel schedule within UK tourist or business visa. Visa’s for sports, medical treatment and visits are not necessary.
• The visa officer will need information about the applicant’s profession and business background to determine how financially stable they are.
• A list of the supporting materials included with the visa application, allowing the visa officer to evaluate all pertinent data.
• The applicant’s contact details in case more explanation is needed.

The applicant’s visa application will be strengthened and their chances of receiving a visa will rise if you include these crucial details in your cover letter.

The Synonyms Of Cover Letter

There are numerous names for a cover letter, therefore it’s critical to distinguish between them. Common alternatives to a cover letter include:

• Personal cover letter
• Covering letter
• Letter of introduction
• Visa letter to the embassy
• Visa Letter
• Letter to the immigration for visa approval
• Letter of visa approval
• Introductory letter for visa application
• Purpose of travel letter
• Letter to the embassy for visa request
• Cover letter for visa application

These terms are all interchangeable and have the same meaning.

How Should I Write My Cover Letter ?

By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily write a professional cover letter for your visa application using FlightGen:

1.Go through the FlightGen tutorial, which is quite helpful.

2.Get the smart app from Google Play (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS).

3. Answer the basic questions posed by the Letter Wizard.

4. After reading your letter, you can download the PDF for $4.99.

Is a cover letter necessary when requesting visa?

Yes. You will be required to bring a cover letter to the visa facilitation office even if the UK visa laws do not specifically state that one is required.

Sample Cover Letters (Based On Purpose Of Travel)

The format of your cover letter for the UK, we assume you are aware of your visa status and that the type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your trip.

Sample Cover Letter For The Application Of A Tourist Visa To UK

Use the sample cover letter for a tourist visa provided below if your trip to UK is merely for leisure. You need to have a basic trip itinerary and lodging documentation, such as reservations for a hotel or hostel. For additional information about a cover letter for a tourist visa.

You can download the pdf format of the above sample below,  this was generated using our FlightGen App.

Sample Cover Letter For UK Business Visa Application

If you are applying for a business UK visa, your documentation and purpose of visit would differ. Use the cover letter template below, and be sure to customize it to reflect your qualifications.

Sample Cover Letter For UK Visitor Visa Application

If you are applying for an UK visiting visa, you do not need to attach a copy of your travel schedule in your cover letter. For help writing your own visa letter for a visitor visa application, see the sample supplied below.

Sample Cover Letter For UK Medical Visa Application

Use the sample cover letter for UK Medical visa application offered below if you have a medical issue and wish to receive treatment in UK.

Sample Cover Letter For UK Spouse Visa Application

Is your spouse a citizen of UK? If you wish to accompany them, you must obtain UK Spouse Visa, often known as a Spousal Visa. As you are not need to submit a detailed itinerary, the cover letter for this visa is straightforward. Also, your spouse needs to be in possession of UK passport or a residence permit.

You can adjust the example cover letter supplied below to suit your particular needs, or you can use the FlightGen App to produce a cover letter for a spouse visa.

Sample Cover Letter For UK Work Visa Application

Prior to being able to work in UK, you must first obtain UK work visa, which permits you to employment both inside and outside of the area. Below is a sample cover letter for UK work visa.

You can download the pdf format of the above sample below,  this was generated using our FlightGen App .

Sample Cover Letter For UK Student Visa Application

One of the best places to study, particularly engineering, is UK. Additionally, You need UK student visa in order to attend school there. The following is the cover letter format for UK Student visa.

Sample Cover Letter For UK Transit Visa Application

A Transit visa, a kind of short-stay visa, is required while passing through one of the UK’s main airports, such as Heathrow. How to write a visa letter for UK Transit visa is demonstrated in the example below.

What Additional Documents Must Be Provided To Apply For UK Visa?

• Original passport with at least two blank pages and a six-month validity period
• A visa application must be fully completed and signed
• Two recent colour passport photographs that meet standards
• Statement of purpose and precise travel itinerary (Can be created using FlightGen App)
• Bank statements for the last three months, original, updated, and bank-attested (Online not accepted without bank seal on it.)
• Returns on Income for the Previous Three Years (Form 16)
• A flight itinerary (for use in visa applications, use the FlightGen app). For Android and iOS devices.
• Hotel reservations
• Travel Insurance (minimum coverage of EUR 30000) HDFC Ergo offers travel insurance beginning as 300 INR. For other countries, use VisitorsCoverage.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Where should i send my cover letter in order to apply for a visa .

You must bring all of your application materials, including your cover letter, to the visa appointment. Usually, this is carried out at UK consulate or a facility that processes visas, such VFS or BLSS.

When applying for UK visa, how important is a cover letter?

A cover letter is required for every visa application, but visa’s demand much more of one.

Two objectives are met. It gives more information about your travel plans, which makes it easier for the visa officer to accept or (deny!) your visa application.

The data in your papers will first be compared to the data in your cover letter. Your visa application will go smoothly if this is the case.

Only those who are applying for visa’s may speak with the visa officer here. So now is your chance to present a strong case for getting your visa.

Your UK visa application could succeed or fail based on the quality of your cover letter.

What should a visa application cover letter include?

Introduction letters are also known as personal cover letters at times (also known as visa letters).

Its goal is to provide information about your journey to visa officials. After that, they will compare it to your supporting documentation.

Your visa application will be processed swiftly if all the information is accurate.

To obtain your introduction letter as soon as possible, use the FlightGen App.

But, you might draw ideas from the example below if you wish to write one on your own.

Your cover letter will be written for you by the FlightGen App.

What should the major points of my cover letter for UK visa be?

Your cover letter should include your vacation itinerary, dates, and daily plans as well as any paperwork you’ve submitted to get your UK visa approved.

When applying for a visa, which document must I provide with my cover letter?

To get your visa accepted, you must include every document you want to submit. Please detail any further documents you have.

Should I use the same font size and style while drafting a cover letter for a visa application?

No. A typeface that appears ornamental is not preferred; rather, it should be simple and obvious. Utilize two lines or less, suitably spaced apart, with the appropriate line height. The visa officer should be able to read your invitation letter with less difficulty now.

Which cover letter is most effective for a visa application?

The most effective cover letters provide the UK officer with all the information they require for your trip in an easy-to-understand format. The greatest cover letters are created with the FlightGen App in this regard.

What should a cover letter for a visa application include?

The following details, including the itinerary, departure dates, and arrival times, should be included in your cover letter. Please submit any supplementary documentation needed for the issuance of UK visa.

Include contact information in case the consulate needs to get in touch with you.

What common faults should I avoid while writing a cover letter?

The most crucial thing to keep in mind while creating a cover letter is to avoid telling lies or posting false information.

What are the other Travel Visa Documents other than Cover Letter?

The important travel visa documents are:

Invitation Letter for Visa

NOC letter for Visa

Dummy Ticket / Dummy Flight Ticket

Flight Itinerary

Travel Itinerary

Travel Insurance

Proof of Accommodation / Dummy Hotel Booking

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How to Write a Letter of Invitation for a UK Visa

If you wish to act as a sponsor for a visitor to the UK, you may have to write a letter of invitation.

For more information about UK visitor visas and the requirements when applying for one, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert immigration lawyers on  0333 305 9375 , or contact us  online .

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What is a Letter of Invitation?

A letter of invitation (also known as a sponsorship letter or sponsor letter) is a letter written by a UK-based sponsor to support a friend, family member, or partner’s UK visitor visa application.

This is usually because you will need to demonstrate that you have ties to the visa applicant in question and that you will be able to support or accommodate the visitor for the entire duration of their stay in the UK.

The main content of the letter will be you inviting the visitor to stay in your home. Details about yourself, the visitor, and the trip itself should also be included in order to give the fullest and most detailed description of the visit as possible.

In addition, you should also include copies of supporting documents to verify and back up the information contained within the invitation letter.

What Are the Requirements for a Letter of Invitation?

In order for the invitation letter to be taken as valid evidence, you should:

• Be a UK citizen, legal resident, or lawful permanent resident
• Be a friend, relative, or partner/spouse of the visitor
• Have a registered place of accommodation (such as a house or a flat that you rent or own)
• Have enough space to accommodate the visitor for the whole duration of their stay

All of the information included in the letter must be truthful and accurate.

Who Should the Letter of Invitation be Addressed To?

Although the purpose of the letter of invitation is to invite someone to stay in your home, the letter doesn’t need to be addressed directly to the visitor.

This is because the invitation letter is simply a formality intended to convey supporting information such as your personal details, the visitor’s details and details about the visit to the British Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) or UK consular officer.

Therefore, the letter does not need to be written as though you are writing to, speaking to, or inviting the visitor directly.

Instead, it’s perfectly acceptable to write as though you are addressing the ECO, rather than the visitor. If so, then you may wish to start the letter with ‘Dear Sir/Madam’, or ‘To whom it may concern’.

However, you may wish to address the invitation letter to the visitor you are inviting to stay if you wish. This would then be written as ‘Dear <visitor’s name>’.

If you require assistance writing a letter of invitation, get in touch with us today.

What Information Should be Included in the Letter of Invitation?

Basic information to be included in the letter of invitation.

The letter of invitation should ideally contain details about the host, the visitor, and the trip itself.

It should include the host’s:

• Full address
• Telephone number
• Status in the UK
• Relationship to the visitor

In addition to this, it should also include the visitor’s:

• Travel itinerary
• Relationship to the host

The sponsor letter should also give details about the trip itself. The letter should include details regarding the following:

• The length of the stay
• The start and end dates of the stay
• The purpose of the visit
• The accommodation
• Living, travel and other expenses

Additional Information to be Included in the Letter of Invitation

Details regarding the expenses should be outlined by the host. This may be stating that the host intends to fully financially support the visitor throughout the trip, including living and food costs. Alternatively, the invitation letter may state that the host and visitor intend to share costs throughout the trip, or that the visitor intends on paying a certain amount of the costs of the visit.

It may be that you’re unable to provide exact dates of the trip, as you or the visitor haven’t made any firm arrangements yet.

If so, then it’s acceptable to give a rough idea of the number of days or the date in the invitation letter. For example, this may be expressed as ‘I am inviting <visitor’s name> to stay with me for two weeks in August’, or ‘The visit will last for around eight days in November or December’.

In addition, if you and the visitor are planning to stay somewhere other than (or in addition to) your own home, you should include details about this also. This may be written as ‘We are also planning to stay in <location’s address> for three nights from <start date> to <end date>.

When outlining the purpose of the visit in the invitation letter, it may be something as simple as sightseeing, or wanting to spend time with friends or relatives. However, if the visitor is travelling to the UK for a specific reason, such as to attend a specific event or to take a course, then this should be mentioned in the letter.

What Supporting Documents Should be Included with the Letter of Invitation?

In order for the invitation letter to be accepted by the ECO, it should be accompanied by copies of supporting documents to back up the information included in the letter.

For example, these might be documents that prove your status as a UK citizen, or ones that prove that you’re able to financially support the visitor throughout the stay.

Below are some examples of supporting documents you may wish to include with the invitation letter:

• A scan of your UK passport
• A scan of something that confirms your status in the UK, such as biometric residence permit
• Proof of rental or ownership of your home, such as a tenancy agreement
• Proof of financial means, such as bank statements
• Copies of any travel, accommodation or activity plans already arranged
• Any other legal document that will support the visitor’s visa application

There are no specific documents that absolutely must be included with the letter. However, the more documents you include, the stronger the support for the visa application will be.

Sample Letter of Invitation

Below is an example of what a letter of invitation for a visitor visa or family visitor visa may look like. Note that this is only a rough template, and sections may be added, taken away, or edited as needed according to your own personal circumstances.

<Your Name>

<Your Address>

<Your phone number>

<Your email address>

<Date>

Application for visitor visa for <visitor’s name>

To whom it may concern,

This is a letter of invitation inviting <visitor’s name, with date of birth> to come and stay with me, <your full name, with date of birth> in the UK. They will stay with me for <length of stay> at my address in <location> from <start date> to <end date>.

<Visitor’s name> is my <type of relationship here, with length of time known if applicable>, and the intention of the trip will be sightseeing, seeing family and travelling to local areas of interest.

In addition to <visitor’s name> staying in my own home, we will also spend three days lodging at <name of accommodation or place> from <start date> to <end date>. The address of the lodging is <address>.

I am a UK citizen by birth and work as a <occupation>. I fully intend to financially support <visitor’s name> for the duration of the trip, including food, room and board, and travel costs within the UK. I also have more than enough room in my own home to accommodate <visitor’s name> for the duration of their trip.

Please find attached copies of my British passport, tenancy agreement, work ID, and booking details of the lodgings in <location>. I have also enclosed a copy of my bank statement from <date> to confirm that I have the necessary funds to fund <visitor’s name>’s visit to the UK.

If you require any more information from me, please don’t hesitate to get in contact.

Yours faithfully,

<your signature>

<your name>

How Can IAS Help?

If you’re required to write an invitation letter to support a UK visitor visa, it’s important to be clear on what you’re expected to include in it, as well as what supporting documents you will need.

However, if you require any assistance with writing an invitation letter for a UK visa, or if you have any questions about the process, IAS are here to help.

We are expert immigration lawyers who have years’ worth of experience in UK immigration law. We can assist you with any UK immigration or visa issue, including advising you on how to write, format and complete a letter of invitation for a UK visitor visa.

For more information about the services we offer, and to speak to one of our trusted legal advisers, get in touch with us today on  0333 305 9375 , or contact us through our form  online .

We can help you with your immigration issues and queries.

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Invitation Letter for UK Visa

In some cases, UK visa applications require the visa applicant to obtain an invitation letter as part of the application process. This page provides a guide on how to arrange such a letter. If you require further guidance or have any other immigration queries, you can contact Manchester Immigration Lawyers online or call us on 0161 826 9783 .

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• What is a Visa Invitation Letter?

As part of the immigration process in the United Kingdom, some individuals or holders of certain passports may be required to prove that they are travelling to the UK for genuine purposes, and that they intend to leave and can afford to do so by the time their visitor visa expires.

A sponsor letter, also known as a sponsorship letter or letter of invitation, is a written document that outlines the reasons for which the visitor’s visa application is being submitted. The letter must be written by someone who is a friend, family member or partner of the applicant who is permanently based in the UK.

The letter should include details about why the individual wishes to enter the UK, and may require an overview of their accommodation and financial arrangements during the period they intend to visit. Applicants may also be required to clarify certain aspects of their circumstances at home and what type of activities they plan to do during the visitor’s stay.

A visa invitation letter may be a requirement for many visa applications to support the applicant’s case for visiting the United Kingdom.

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Requirements for a letter of invitation for uk visa, who should the letter of invitation be addressed to, what information should you include in the letter of invitation for a uk visa, what supporting documents should be attached to the invitation letter, how to write an invitation letter for a uk visa, sample of invitation letter for uk visa for family / parents, how can manchester immigration lawyers help.

A letter of invitation must be written by the partner, family member, or friend of the person submitting a visitor visa application. This person is considered the applicant’s ‘sponsor’.

Serious legal implications could be incurred if any of the information or evidence provided by the sponsor is inaccurate, untruthful or fake.

In order to be eligible as a sponsor, the individual must:

• Be British citizen, legal resident or lawful permanent resident in the UK
• Be registered at a permanent accommodation in the UK, either as the owner or tenant of a residential property
• Have enough space for the visitor to be accommodated for the duration of their UK visit.

Please note that the requirements may differ according to the personal circumstances of either the visitor or the sponsor. If you have particularly complicated circumstances, the immigration officer has the right to request further information or supporting documents to better understand your case.

A letter of invitation is a letter included with supporting documents as part of a wider UK visitor visa application. Therefore, the recipient of the letter will be a British immigration official processing the visitor’s visa application.

As the details of the entry clearance officer is not predetermined, the letter is best addressed in a formal tone as simply ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘To whom it may concern’.

The sponsor must ensure that they write in a formal tone and write in clear and grammatically correct British English.

Please note that ideally, the letter is not addressed to the visitor, requesting them to visit you. It is easiest to use the template included in this guide, addressed to an immigration official, as the point of the letter is to formally state the details of the visit and to confirm the sponsor’s involvement and support in the visitor’s trip.

If the sponsor writes an informal letter addressed to the visitor and doesn’t clarify the full details required, the letter could be rejected as a supporting document for the application and as a result could cause the full visitor’s visa application to be rejected.

If you require support with writing your letter of invitation, you can call Manchester Immigration lawyers today on 0161 826 9783 or contact us online.

The letter should be clear in confirming the sponsor’s:

• Full legal name
• Full UK address
• Up-to-date contact details
• Job occupation or proof of income/funds
• UK legal status
• Relationship to the visitor

The invitation letter for UK visa should be clear in confirming the visitor’s:

• Home country/address
• Travel itinerary
• Start and end dates of their visit, which must match the dates they are applying to visit in their visitor visa application
• Reasons for visiting the UK
• Accommodation arrangements in the UK
• Booking confirmations or any major anticipated expenses
• Any important financial information, such as their ability to fund their own trip or their plans to share the funding of their trip with the sponsor

As individual circumstances differ with regards to a visitor’s reason for travelling to the UK, including their personal situation at home, which country they are travelling from, and the circumstances of the UK citizen sponsor, the needs of each UK visa application will be relatively unique.

However, in general, each sponsorship letter will require the following documents as valid evidence from the person writing:

• A copy of the sponsor’s British passport or biometric residence permit proof
• Utility bills, tenancy agreement proof, or mortgage statement as proof of address
• Bank statements confirming the sponsor has sufficient funds to support the visitor for the entire duration of their stay
• Work ID of sponsor to provide proof of income, if applicable

Additional documents that will likely be required as part of the application include:

• Flight tickets, travel or accommodation booking details of the visitor showcasing how and where they intend to travel to in the UK. Please note partial evidence may be sufficient if the trip is yet to be fully arranged, so long as the trip itinerary is clearly outlined in the letter of sponsorship
• Original documents of the visitor and family members (if applicable), e.g. their passport
• Proof of relation/relationship between the sponsor and visitor, such as evidence of long-standing friendship, marriage certificates, birth certificates, proof of lineage, etc.

If you, a friend or a family member are struggling to obtain the proper supporting documents to include in your UK visa application alongside your invitation letter, you may require some legal advice or guidance. Manchester Immigration Lawyers can help. Contact us online or call us on 0161 826 9783 .

If you have any questions about UK Visa, our team is happy to assist. Get in touch

An invitation letter for UK visa need not be over complicated. The letter of invitation must be written in a formal, straightforward and informative tone that clearly and simply states the purposes of the applicant’s visit. It does not need to be written in an elaborate, overly fussy way – it just needs to have the relevant information clearly outlined.

Please note that if your letter is vague or unclear, it could be rejected.

Below is a sample letter template that the sponsor can use to structure the invitation letter written by the sponsor.

Sponsor’s full name Sponsor’s full address Sponsor’s telephone number Sponsor’s email address Date

Title: Letter of invitation for the application for a visitor visa for name of the applicant

Dear sir/madam,

I write this letter as a letter of invitation/sponsor letter for name and date of birth of visitor, who will be visiting me in the UK from name of home country of visitor. I am writing this letter as their state relation to visitor (friend, relative etc.)

I am a UK citizen/legal resident of the UK and have been a British citizen/lawful permanent resident since date/year you became a citizen or resident. I am employed full time/part time as a sponsor’s profession at company, or explain your income circumstances e.g. retired, self-employed, unemployed.

I can confirm that during name of visitor ‘s time in the United Kingdom, they will be staying with me/name and date of birth of host at address of registered place visitor will stay. I can confirm the exact dates of their visit are start date to end dates.

The reason (s) for name of visitor ‘s stay are describe the purpose of the visit, e.g. visiting family.

I confirm that I have the financial means to financially support visitor’s name during their stay and fully intend to support them in the United Kingdom. I have included financial statements with this application as evidence. I intend to contribute towards/cover their food, accommodation, travel plans, and leisure expenses. I also confirm they will be accommodated comfortably at my home/other address during their visit.

I have included the following documents as proof of my intention to support name of visitor during their time here in the UK:

List supporting documents.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you require any further information from me.

Kind regards,

Author’s signature

Author’s name

Travelling to the UK is an exciting prospect for most applicants who wish to visit, work or reside in the United Kingdom.

However, visa application processes can be difficult, especially if your personal circumstances are complicated or you have had your visa refused before. We understand how critical it is that the process goes smoothly for you, and that your Invitation Letter as well as the rest of your application is accurate and has the best chances of being approved.

If your circumstances are exceptional, we strongly advise that you request the help of a legal professional to help you with your immigration challenges.

That’s why Manchester Immigration Lawyers are here. Our expert immigration lawyers can support and guide you through your letter of invitation process and with any other immigration matters you require assistance with.

Contact us online today or call us on 0161 826 9783 .

You may be interested in reading about.

Visitor visa uk, family visitor visa uk, family visa uk, spouse visa uk, fiance visa uk, how much do you need as proof of funds for a uk visa.

The visitor and/or sponsor must be able to prove that between them, they have sufficient funds to support the visitor and any dependents for the entire duration of their trip to the UK.

It is therefore essential to ensure the purpose and details of the visit are clearly stated so that the immigration officer can easily conclude that the estimated total cost of the visit are consistent with the available funds of the sponsor/visitor, which will need to be included as supporting documents as evidence in the application in the form of bank statements or other financial documentation.

Does the Visitor Have to Stay at the Sponsor's Home?

No, the visitor does not have to stay in the actual home of the sponsor in order to be approved for a visitor visa, but the address or addresses that the visitor expects or intends to stay at must be clearly outlined in the letter of invitation.

If the visitor has a busy itinerary travelling around the country during their trip, the sponsor can provide their main address and all the relevant documentation to prove the sponsor’s ownership/rental agreement of the property. Then, within the details of the letter, the sponsor can outline the more intricate details of the trip, for example if the visitor is visiting several family members or friends who live in different parts of the UK, or if the travel itinerary includes staying in hotels.

The purpose of the sponsorship letter is to prove the validity of the trip and to ensure no suspicious or illegal activity is intended by the visitor during their trip.

Is the Sponsorship Letter the Same for Business, Family, or Study Visas?

There are many different types of UK visas that require a sponsor or sponsorship letter to be included in the application.

Generally, a sponsorship letter of any kind will follow roughly the same format as the sample letter outlined in this guide, but will require the sponsor to provide evidence in accordance with the visa requirements and purpose, and so the supporting documents and detail included in the letter may differ significantly.

© 2024 Manchester Immigration Lawyer. All rights reserved.

In this article

Writing a Letter of Invitation for UK Visa

Comprehensive guide to writing an invitation letter for your UK visa application, with free samples and tips.

To apply for a UK visa it is required that the applicant submits an invitation letter. A letter of invitation for a UK visa is a letter written by a citizen or legal resident of the United Kingdom, addressed to a foreigner with whom they have family ties or friendship, inviting them to stay over at their house. It is also a confirmation that they have enough room for the visitor, for the entire period of their stay in the UK.

This letter, also known as a sponsorship letter for UK Visa, can also be written to another format. The letter can be written addressed to the UK consular officer, confirming that they are willing to admit an international with whom they have family ties or friendship, and also that they have enough room for the visitor for the entire period of their stay in the UK. Either version is acceptable.

Why do I Need a UK Visa letter of invitation?

Usually, the visa applicant will have to submit a letter of invitation for a  UK visitor visa application . Keep in mind that it is not a must, but it is highly recommended. In order for the letter to be valid and taken into account by the UK consular officer, the host who writes the letter must fulfill the following requirements:

• Be a UK citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
• Be a visitor’s friend, boyfriend/girlfriend or relative.
• Have a registered place (home, flat).
• Have enough room for the visitor during their whole period of stay in the UK.

If you’re unsure about writing an invitation letter yourself, then we can help.

You can order your fully personalized letter here at VisaGuide.World and have it delivered within 24 hours!

Get Help With Writing an Invitation Letter for Now!

How to Order a Customized Invitation Letter for UK Visa?

For an easier and quicker way how to order a UK Invitation Letter, you must follow these steps:

• Choose your package. You can choose two types of packages: the Regular and Express package.
• Finish the applicable fee payment. To finish the payment, you must give your personal details, including your first name, last name, country of residence, email address, and details from your credit card. The payment can be done with a credit card or PayPal.
• Complete the Invitation Letter form. Fill out the form with correct and sincere information about you, your guest, and the dates when your guest will enter and depart the UK. Also, ensure you provide correct information regarding the embassy or consulate to which you submit the invitation letter.
• Submit the request. After you finish the invitation letter form with all the correct information, press complete. After that, we will receive your invitation letter form and provide you with the first draft of your letter.
• Receive your invitation letter in your inbox. We will send you the completed invitation letter form as a PDF within two to three days, depending on the type of package you choose.
• Print the Letter of Invitation. After receiving the invitation letter, you must print it, sign it, and send it to your guest. The guest must take the invitation letter, attach other supporting documents, and submit it to the nearest Embassy of the UK in their home country.

How to Write a Letter of Invitation for UK Visa?

Though writing an invitation letter might sound challenging especially for the host, it is actually a very simple thing to do. If you are the host, you will just have to write down why you are willing to admit this person in your house and how long they are going to stay. However, if you still feel clueless here you have a guideline on how to write a letter of invitation for a UK Visa.

Decide to whom you are going to address the letter, to your guest or the consular officer. It might seem a tricky decision to make, but it does not matter that much. The important thing is what you say and not to whom. In both cases, the consular officer is going to read it.

If you do not know where to start writing a letter of invitation for a UK visa, write the following information in a list:

• Your full name.
• Your date of birth.
• Your full address and telephone number in the United Kingdom.
• Your occupation.
• Your status in the United Kingdom.
• Visitor’s full name.
• Visitor’s date of birth.
• Visitor’s address and telephone number.
• Visitor’s relationship to the host.
• Visitor’s purpose of the trip.
• How long the guest intends to stay in the UK (specific dates).
• Details on accommodation and living expenses.
• Your signature.

Every sponsorship letter for a UK visa must contain the above-listed information. After writing all this information in a paper, then you can start arranging it in the form of a letter and shaping it.

Did you know?

Unconvincing and poorly written invitation letters account for 60% of denied visa applications

Still haven’t written your invitation letter for a visa application?

Our dedicated team of professionals and experts will help you with writing a fully personalized invitation letter and deliver it to you within 24 hours!

Order your personalized invitation letter here

Sample Invitation Letter for UK Visa

In this guideline, we have given some samples of UK visa invitation letters, which you can check and get an idea of how to write it. Remember that if you address it to the consular officer it needs to be written in a bit more official way, whereas if you address it to your guest then it shall be more of a personal letter.

There is no specific method of how to write an invitation letter. However, here find two UK family visitor visa invitation letter samples, so you will have a clearer idea of how to write one.

Sample I – Letter of invitation addressed to the Consular Officer

This is a sample of an invitation letter for UK visa addressed to the consular officer. The letter should sound more official and contain all the necessary information. If you will be including extra supporting documents, do not forget to mention that in the letter.

[Your address in the UK] [Date] Dear Sir / Madam Application for Family Visitor visa: [Name of family member]

I would like to invite my [type of family member, e.g. mother, father, etc] to visit me in the United Kingdom. [He/she] would like to stay with me in the UK from [date of arrival] until [exit date]. The family member I would like to invite is – [insert name, date of birth and relationship to you e.g. father or mother]

I work as a [occupation] at [workplace] since [month, year], and I have been living in the UK for [number of years] and I am a British [status].

I have enough room for my visitor to stay over at me for the whole duration of [his/her] stay in the UK, at [list your address], which is a private rented property at [list your UK address]. I also obtained a letter from my landlord that gives them permission to stay with me during this period. I have attached it and other documents to support my letter of invitation. Please feel free to contact me if you require any additional information.

Yours faithfully Name Email address Phone number Signature

Sample II – Letter of invitation addressed to the visitor

This is another sample of a sponsorship letter for a UK visa for family (or friend), which is addressed to the visitor. Try making it sound more familiar so that the consular officer can notice you two have a close relationship.

Date To: [Visitor’s name] [Visitor’s Address] Dear [Visitor],

With this letter, I would like to invite you, my [relationship e.i. sister, friend, father], to visit me and spend your vacation in the UK. We have talked so many times about taking pictures together in front of the [tourist place] or drinking coffee at [tourist place]. I believe it is about time we make these plans come true. You will also have the chance to meet from close the British culture and experience its lifestyle.

I will be taking care of all your expenses while you are here, including the round trip airfare food, medical insurance, and all your other personal expenses. You will be staying at my apartment in [address] since I have enough room for you.

Herewith I am sending all the required documents for getting the necessary tourist visa from, including documents that prove I am a [status in Britain] since [year], and that I work at / study at [workplace or university].

Sincerely, Host’s name Host’s name Full address Phone Number Email Signature

Supporting Documents

In order for what is written in the letter to be taken into account by the consular officer, it is better for the host to send some additional documents alongside the Letter of Invitation. These extra requirements are not a must, but they are still a huge plus in visitor’s favor. These documents are as follows:

• A scanned copy of the host’s ID/passport.
• Evidence of their status in the UK.
• Evidence of means of subsistence (if the host will financially support the guest).
• Proof of home / flat ownership or rental contract.
• Flight itinerary for UK visa application
• You may also add any other document that you believe would help your visitor in getting their visa.

Letter Templates & Example

Employment Letter Sample for UK Visa: Tips and Examples

Are you planning to apply for a UK visa soon but struggling to create a professional employment letter? Look no further! In this article, we’ll provide you with an employment letter sample that you can use as a template for your own application. Our aim is to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible for you.

By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the necessary information to create a compelling employment letter that showcases your skills and experience to the visa officer. Additionally, we’ve included examples that you can tailor to your specific needs, whether it’s for a job, internship, or self-employment.

We understand that the process of applying for a UK visa can be daunting, especially when it comes to creating an employment letter that meets the visa requirements. That’s why we’ve made it our mission to provide you with all the necessary tools to make the process as smooth as possible.

So, let’s dive in and take a look at some employment letter samples for UK visa applications that you can edit as needed.

The Best Structure for an Employment Letter Sample for UK Visa

When applying for a UK visa, one of the key requirements is an employment letter that confirms your employment status, income and other employment details. This letter plays a crucial role in the assessment of your visa application, thus it is important to have the best structure for the employment letter sample.

The employment letter should be written on company letterhead paper and include key details such as the company’s name, address, and contact details. It should also be signed and dated by your employer or a designated representative.

The heading should clearly state what the letter is for and include your full name and passport number. It should also state the date of your employment start and end date if applicable.

The opening paragraph should ascertain your employment status, including your job title, job description, and the length of your employment. It should also provide information on your monthly or annual salary or hourly wage and confirm if it includes any benefits like housing or transportation.

The next paragraph should include information on your employment verification, including your employer’s address, contact details, and company registration number. It should also highlight how long the company has been trading and the legal status of the company.

The third paragraph should confirm that your employment is real, without any doubts or ambiguity, and is not a sham job set up to support your visa application. It should also confirm that your employment is necessary, essential, and not easily replaceable by any other worker or technology.

To make your employment letter sample for UK visa more credible, you can also add information on how your employment relates to your intended travel to the UK. The final paragraph should end with the signature of the employer or designated representative, their name, and their job title.

Overall, the employment letter should provide a robust and transparent overview of your employment, confirming your job title, salary, and employment verification. Make sure the letter uses clear and concise language with no ambiguity or vagueness. By following this structure, you can increase your chances of a successful UK visa application.

Sample Employment Letter for UK Visa Application

Employment letter for uk visa for work.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to confirm the employment of [Name of Employee], who has been working for [Company Name] for the past [Number of months/years]. [He/She] is employed as a [Job Title] and has consistently performed [his/her] duties with utmost professionalism and integrity.

As part of [his/her] duties, [Name of Employee] is responsible for [List of Job Responsibilities], and [he/she] has demonstrated the required skills and competencies to execute these tasks successfully. [He/She] has also been a valuable team player and has contributed immensely to the success of [Company Name].

It is with confidence that I recommend [Name of Employee] for the work visa to the United Kingdom. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.

Yours sincerely,

[Your Name]

Employment Letter for UK Visa for Business

I am writing this letter to confirm the employment of [Name of Employee] with [Company Name], where [he/she] has been working as [Job Title] for [Number of months/years].

[Name of Employee] is an essential member of our team and has been involved in various business activities, including [List of Business Activities]. [He/She] has also demonstrated excellent communication, management, and leadership skills, which are essential for any business.

I highly recommend [Name of Employee] for the business visa to the United Kingdom as [he/she] will be an asset to any business with [his/her] skills and expertise. Please feel free to contact me for any further information that you require.

Employment Letter for UK Visa for Study

I am writing to confirm the employment of [Name of Employee], who has been working with us for [Number of months/years]. [He/She] is employed as [Job Title] and has been a valuable member of the team.

[Name of Employee] has expressed an interest in furthering [his/her] education and pursuing studies in the United Kingdom. [He/She] has demonstrated determination, hard work, and commitment in [his/her] current role, which are essential attributes for succeeding in academic pursuits.

I recommend [Name of Employee] for the study visa to the United Kingdom as [he/she] has the academic ability, ambition, and motivation to excel in any academic program. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.

Best regards,

Employment Letter for UK Visa for Research

[Name of Employee] has expressed an interest in conducting research in the United Kingdom in [Field of Research], which is related to [his/her] work with us. [He/She] has demonstrated excellent research skills, including data analysis, report writing, and critical thinking.

I highly recommend [Name of Employee] for the research visa to the United Kingdom as [he/she] has the necessary expertise and experience to conduct research successfully. Please feel free to contact me for any further information that you require.

Employment Letter for UK Visa for Collaborative Projects

[Name of Employee] has expressed an interest in participating in collaborative projects with organizations based in the United Kingdom. [He/She] has excellent communication and collaboration skills, which are essential for any collaborative project.

I highly recommend [Name of Employee] for the collaborative project visa to the United Kingdom as [he/she] has the necessary experience, expertise, and skills to contribute effectively to any collaborative project. Please feel free to contact me for any further information that you require.

Employment Letter for UK Visa for Critical Skills

I am writing to verify the employment of [Name of Employee] with [Company Name]. [He/She] has been working as [Job Title] for [Number of months/years] and has been a valuable employee of our organization.

I understand that [Name of Employee] has been identified as possessing critical skills in [Field of Work], which are in high demand in the United Kingdom. I can confirm that [his/her] skills and knowledge are exceptional, and [he/she] has been instrumental in the success of our organization.

I highly recommend [Name of Employee] for the critical skills visa to the United Kingdom as [he/she] possesses the necessary skills and expertise to contribute significantly to any organization in the United Kingdom. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.

Employment Letter for UK Visa for Entrepreneur

I am writing to confirm the employment of [Name of Employee] with [Company Name], where [he/she] has been working as [Job Title] for [Number of months/years].

[Name of Employee] has expressed a strong desire to start [his/her] own business in the United Kingdom and requires a visa to do so. [He/She] has excellent entrepreneurial skills, including creativity, leadership, and risk-taking abilities.

I highly recommend [Name of Employee] for the entrepreneur visa to the United Kingdom as [he/she] has the potential to become a successful entrepreneur and contribute positively to the economy of the United Kingdom. Please feel free to contact me for any further information that you require.

Tips for writing an Employment Letter for UK Visa

When applying for a UK visa, one of the most crucial documents that one must provide is an employment letter. This letter should come from the applicant’s employer and should state their job title, salary, and the duration of their employment. However, there are a few additional tips that one should keep in mind when writing an employment letter for a UK visa application.

Be clear and concise: The letter should be written in a clear and concise manner, outlining the details of the applicant’s employment. The information provided should be accurate and truthful, as the UK authorities may verify the details provided in the letter.

Include important details: Alongside the applicant’s job title, salary, and duration of employment, the letter should also state the applicant’s working hours, contact details of the employer, and confirmation that the applicant intends to return to their home country at the end of their visit to the UK.

Be formal and professional: The employment letter should be written in a formal and professional tone of voice, as it is an official document and will be evaluated with due importance by the UK authorities.

Provide additional supporting documents: An employment letter can be strengthened through additional supporting documents such as the applicant’s payslips, bank statements, appointment letter, and tax return documents. These documents provide further evidence of the applicant’s employment and financial status and can help to strengthen their visa application.

Seek the services of a legal professional: If you are unsure about the content of your employment letter or require additional guidance on your UK visa application, you may want to seek the services of a legal professional. An immigration expert or lawyer can provide you with valuable guidance and support to help ensure the success of your visa application.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your employment letter for your UK visa application is well-written, comprehensive, and provides the UK authorities with the necessary information to evaluate your visa application.

Frequently Asked Questions about Employment Letter Sample for UK Visa

What is an employment letter?

An employment letter is a document issued by an employer that confirms the employment status of an individual. This letter can be used as evidence when applying for a UK visa.

What should be included in an employment letter for a UK visa?

An employment letter for a UK visa should include the individual’s job title, the date they were hired, their salary, the number of hours they work, and any periods of leave they have taken. It should also be on company letterhead and signed by a company representative.

How long should an individual have been employed before an employment letter can be issued?

There is no specific requirement, but it is recommended that an individual has been employed for at least six months before an employment letter is issued.

Can self-employed individuals provide an employment letter for a UK visa?

Yes, self-employed individuals can provide an employment letter as long as it is on their personal letterhead and includes information about their business, such as the nature of the business, the date it was established, and the individual’s role and responsibilities.

Is an employment letter required for every type of UK visa?

No, not every type of UK visa requires an employment letter. However, if an individual is applying for a visa that requires proof of their employment, such as a work visa or a student visa with a work component, an employment letter may be necessary.

Can an employment letter be provided in a language other than English?

Generally, an employment letter must be in English. If it is in another language, it must be accompanied by a certified translation.

How can an individual ensure their employment letter meets the requirements for a UK visa?

It is important to carefully review the requirements for the specific type of visa being applied for and to consult with the employer or immigration advisor if there are any questions or concerns about the employment letter. It may also be helpful to review sample employment letters provided by the UK government or other trusted sources.

Wrapping it up!

And that’s all about the sample employment letter for UK visa! I really hope this article has helped you and clarified your doubts regarding the document and its requirements. If you still have any queries, please feel free to drop them in the comments section. I’ll be happy to help. Don’t forget to visit us again for more useful and informative articles like this. Until then, thank you very much for reading and have a great day!

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How to Write a cover Letter For UK Visa

Sample cover letter for uk tourist visa.

Ready for your journey to the United Kingdom for business or travel purposes?

Are in looking for a well-crafted cover letter for UK Visa to make your application more convincing to the Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) and stand greater odds for an approval? 

Do you find yourself hunting for a sample cover letter for a UK tourist visa?

If you have these questions in your mind, you are in the right place!

In this blog, we’re going to discuss the secret to developing a compelling covering letter for visa application UK . Say goodbye to the uncertainty and anxiety that has lately gripped you while you have been trying to draft a visa cover letter. With professional guidance from our end, you can write a strong cover letter for UK visit visa that would leave a lasting impression on the ECOs.

Table of Contents

What is cover letter for uk visa.

A cover letter for UK visa is a vital document that you should submit with your visa application. Although it is not mandatory, submitting one goes a long way in strengthening your application. A cover letter for UK tourist visa explains the purpose of your visit and portrays your ties to your home country. It also carries other details that significantly enhance the chances of your visa getting approved.

Do you need a cover letter for UK visit visa? Knowing how to present your financial plans, financial stability, and enthusiasm to explore the country can help you obtain the visa faster. Let us guide you in drafting a compelling cover letter for UK visa that can make your application powerful.

What makes your cover letter for UK visa so important?

Wondering why a cover letter is a must for your UK Visa application? Well, when you furnish your details in the UK visa application, you must have noticed that most of the questions are closed-ended. So, there’s not enough scope to elucidate your personal situation and convince the ECO that you are willing to return to your home country after the trip is over. So, without a cover letter for visit visa UK , the chances of your application getting rejected are high.

A well-crafted cover letter for UK tourist visa gives you the opportunity to put forward your explanation. With a cover letter for UK visa, you can justify your stance in a descriptive manner.

Here’s how a covering letter for visa application UK can help you.

• Express a clear intent: A cover letter for UK visa explains the purpose of your visit to the UK, leaving no room for confusion.
• Ties to your home country: In a cover letter, you can demonstrate your strong bond to your home country and family. This convinces the visa officials that you are willing to return and won’t stay back.
• Travel plan details: In a cover letter for UK visit visa application, you can provide detailed insights into your travel plan. Thus, it brings you the opportunity to showcase thorough planning.
• Better communication: A descriptive approach on your end can help you convey additional information that clarifies the concerns of the visa officials.
• Professional approach: A well-crafted visitor visa covering letter for visa application UK expresses your professionalism. It projects you as an organized and serious applicant that can boost your credibility.
• Higher chances of approval: A carefully strategized cover letter puts your profile in a better place to obtain the approval.

Key Information to Include in Your cover letter for UK visa Application

When you write a cover letter for UK visa , it’s essential to include all the necessary details. Remember, this cover letter for embassy serves as your introduction to the embassy during your visa application process.

Typically, a cover letter for UK visa from India should include the following details:

• Introduction to the visa officer
• Purpose of travel
• Travel details (dates, itinerary, accommodation)
• Financial information
• Ties to your home country
• Reasons for not overstaying in the UK
• Previous travel history
• Invitation or sponsorship (if applicable)
• Whether you are applying with any dependent
• Mentioning additional supporting documents
• Gratitude and contact information
• Your signature

Common Reasons Your UK Visa Cover Letter May Face Rejection

Potential grounds of your cover letter for UK visa getting rejected include:

• Incomplete, missing, or inaccurate information in the application
• Lack of clarity, including vague statements and unclear intentions
• Failing to prove your financial stability or insufficient financial proof
• Weak connections in family and inadequate ties to your home country
• Concerns about your return, implying that you may stay back in the UK
• Providing false information or documents to the visa authority
• Non-Compliance with visa guidelines or requirements

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter for UK Visa?

Writing a winning cover letter for UK visa isn’t an easy task. The process can be daunting, but with this blog, you will have a proper guidance to propel to success. Check out our UK visit visa cover letter sample that includes the format, guidelines, and relevant instructions to draft an impressive cover letter.

Guidelines to help you Write Your Personalized Cover Letter for UK Visa

Check out these essential guidelines to write the perfect cover letter for UK visa .

• Be specific and concise Keep your content clear and concise, leaving no scope for ambiguity. The cover letter for UK tourist visa should be succulent and focussed only on the purpose of your travel.
• Follow the format Check out the UK standard visitor visa cover letter sample to understand the right format. Make sure to include a formal salutation, the date, your address, and the details of the recipient properly.
• Transparency and honesty When you draft a cover letter for UK visa, be honest in all your statements. Remember, any inconsistency can lead to the rejection of your visa.
• Focus on financial stability Your cover letter should clearly demonstrate your financial stature. This should convince the visa officials that you can cover the expenses of your trip and return to your homeland.
• Strong family ties Your cover letter for UK tourist visa should express strong ties with your home and family. So, focus on your connections to your home country such as your family, property, business, or employment.
• Professional language The language and pitch you use in your cover letter for UK tourist visa from India largely impact your chances of approval. Use a professional language throughout the letter, conveying your seriousness and respect.

What Format Should You Use In Your Cover Letter For UK Visa?

The format of your cover letter for UK visa defines the first impression on the visa officer. Therefore, choosing the right format is crucial to convey your professionalism, intent, and soft skills. A properly structured format can significantly boost the visual pleasure of your application. This gives you a greater opportunity to get it approved.

Here are the steps to write a cover letter for UK visa along with the recommended format you should follow.

• Include embassy information

At the outset, provide relevant information about the embassy and specify the country from which you are applying.

• Introduction

Introduce yourself comprehensively in the opening paragraph. Include your full name, passport number, details of citizenship, your current city and country of residence, and details about your career or profession. In case your visa was refused in the past, cite the reason for the denial.

• Purpose of visit

Clearly explain the purpose of your visit to the UK in this paragraph. Also, mention your intended duration of the stay. If any of your family members or dependant is travelling with you, mention it in this section. Also, mention your travel history to the UK and whether you visited the country in the past.

• Trip itinerary and financial information

Provide a detailed outline of your itinerary, as demonstrated in the sample cover letter for tourist visa application UK . Elaborate on your trip, specifying your planned accommodations in the country and how you plan to finance your stay. Also, include relevant details about your employment or profession, along with information on your financial stability.

• Mention your supporting documents

In this section of your cover letter for UK visa , include the details of the documents you are submitting along with your visa application.

• Your intention to return back

This is a vital section of your cover letter for UK tourist visa where you need to demonstrate genuine intentions to return to your homeland. If any of your family members are staying back at home, you can include their situation in this paragraph.

• Provide contact information

Conclude your cover letter by sharing your personal contact details. This should include your email address and phone number.

Download Sample Cover Letter for UK Tourist Visa

A well-structured sample can serve as a valuable reference as you draft your cover letter. Download this sample cover letter for UK tourist visa to understand the desired quality, format, and pitch.

Ravi Sharma,

178/B, Picnic Garden Avenue,

Kolkata- 700024, West Bengal, 

UK Visa Application Centre,

123 Embassy Street,

New Delhi, 110001, India

Dear Visa Officer,

This cover letter for visa is in connection to my application for a UK Tourist Visa from India. I am excited about the opportunity to explore the United Kingdom for tourism purposes. I am a permanent resident of India, and my passport number is A1234567. I am currently residing in Kolkata, India, and I work as a software engineer at Accenture.

I hereby mention that my previous UK visa application was denied due to a lack of proper financial documentation. However, I have clearly provided all the details in this letter to make my application compliant with the necessary requirements.

 The purpose of my visit to the UK is purely for tourism and leisure. I wish to explore the rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and scenic beauty in the United Kingdom. The intended duration of my stay is 15 days, and I will be traveling alone on this trip. This is the first time I will be visiting the UK. This will be the first opportunity for me to explore your beautiful country.

I have meticulously planned my trip itinerary, reserving my accommodation at the London Hotel during my stay in the UK. I have adequate personal savings to fund this trip, which I have carefully put aside for this purpose. As a software engineer, I have a stable source of income. You will find the necessary financial documents herewith to validate my financial stability to support myself during the visit. 

Enclosed with this letter, you will find a comprehensive list of supporting documents, including my bank statements, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation bookings. I remain committed to providing all necessary documentation to ensure a smooth and transparent visa application process.

I would like to assure you that I have strong ties to my home country. My wife, Sunita Jha, will be staying back in India during my trip to the UK. This explains why I cannot afford to overstay in the country and remain isolated from people close to my heart.

If you need to reach me for any further information or clarification regarding my application, please do not hesitate to contact me. My email ID is ………………., and you can also call me on …………… over the phone.

 Thank you for considering my application. I am genuinely looking forward to the opportunity to explore the UK and create lasting memories.

Thank you for your consideration and time

Ravi Sharma

  Email Address

Phone Number

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Crafting A Flawless UK Visa Cover Letter: Know The Formatting Essentials

A properly structured cover letter for UK visa can help you obtain your visa faster as you plan to visit the UK. Here are some essential guidelines that will help you format the document to enhance readability.

• Details of the recipient
• Formal greeting and salutation
• Purpose of visit and intention
• Itinerary and finances
• Details of supporting documents
• Intention to return
• Contact information

Additional Tips For Write your Cover Letter for UK Visa

Now that you have checked out the UK tourist visa cover letter sample , here are some tips that should help you write a cover letter as impactful as this.

• Keep your cover letter for UK visa clear and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details
• Proofread and edit the cover letter to remove flaws like grammar and spelling errors
• Maintain a professional and enthusiastic tone throughout the document
• Provide accurate details about your trip, finances, and intentions
• Focus on strong ties with your family members and homeland to ensure your return
• Comply with specific guidelines provided by the embassy

Different types of cover letters to strengthen your UK visa

Check out the different types of cover letters for UK visa that you might need to strengthen your application. 

• Cover letter for UK tourist Visa
• Covering letter for UK business visa
• Cover letter for UK student visa
• Cover letter for UK seasonal visa
• Cover letter for UK dependent visa
• Cover letter spouse visa UK
• Covering letter for family visitor visa UK

Final Checklist For Writing a Cover Letter

Whether you are writing a UK tourist visa cover letter from India or a letter to complement your business visa, here’s the final checklist you must read.

• Address the cover letter for UK visa to the right authority
• Write the letter in a professional tone to enhance quality
• Leave no room for grammar or spelling errors in the letter
• Follow the recommended format in the cover letter
• Mention all the supporting documents and you intent of visit
• Demonstrate your strong ties with your family and country

A cover letter for UK visa explains the purpose of your visit, financial stability, and ties to your home country. It goes a long way in strengthening your visa application and explains your intentions.

You must understand that a cover letter isn’t mandatory. However, writing a cover letter for UK visa for travellers, students, business professionals, and dependents enhances their chances of obtaining approval.

Your letter for UK visa should include the following details:

• Your name and address
• The details of the recipient
• A formal salutation
• The purpose of your visit
• Details of the trip
• Information about supporting documents
• Your intention to return
• Conclusion with contact information

Yes, we highly recommend using a template as a guide to write your cover letter for UK visa . However, take care to customize it to your specific situation. 

In case your previous UK visa application was rejected, address the issue for rejection and justify your stance in the cover letter. Explain how you have rectified these issues or present a change in circumstances to increase your chances of your approval.

While there’s no strict word limit, try to be clear and concise. Ideally, keep it within one page. Make sure to focus only on the key details. This will help you prepare a strong cover letter for your visa application.

Mr. Sugathan

Mr. Sugathan is the founder of Professional Writing Services. He is an Army veteran who served the nation for more than two decades. During his tenure, he was involved in a lot of documentation and secretarial works. He has been drafting letters and documents on a daily basis.

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• 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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UK Visa Sponsorship Letter

Anne morris.

• 10 November 2022

IN THIS SECTION

If you have friends or family members planning to visit you in the UK, they will need to apply for a standard visitor visa before they travel.

Visitor visa applicants are required to complete an online form and submit supporting documentation to evidence their eligibility to come to the UK as a tourist. In addition, it is generally advisable for visitor visa applicants to also submit a visa sponsorship letter in support of their application.

Who can write a visa sponsorship letter?

For visa sponsorship letter to be considered by the consular officer in support of the application, it should be written by a UK citizen or a UK lawful permanent resident. The individual should also have a relationship with the visa applicant, such as being a relative, friend or partner.

The individual should also have a registered place of residence in the UK and have enough room to accommodate the visitor for the entire period of their visit to the UK, unless either they or the applicant can provide clear evidence of alternative accommodation.

What to include in the visa sponsorship letter

While there is no specific, prescribed format for a visa invitation letter, the ‘sponsor’ should consider including the following information in their letter:

• Sponsor’s full name and date of birth
• Sponsor’s full contact details and address of their UK residence
• Sponsor’s occupation
• Sponsor’s own UK immigration status
• Visa applicant’s full name and date of birth
• Visa applicant’s full contact details and address
• Specify the relationship between the sponsor and the visa applicant eg family member
• Reason for the applicant’s visit to the UK, eg to attend a graduation ceremony or a wedding as a guest
• Details of the applicant’s visit plans, including their intended length of stay, accommodation contact details and how they intend to financially support themselves during their stay

While it is not mandatory for a visitor visa sponsor to provide financial support or accommodation for the applicant, if the sponsor is providing such support, the sponsor should make reference to this in the letter. This will require you to detail your occupation and income, as well as the extent of support you will be providing to the applicant during their visit. For example, how much financial support will you be giving, and will you be providing accommodation.

How to write a letter of invitation for a UK visitor visa

As discussed, there is no right or wrong format for a sponsorship invitation letter for a UK visa. That said, the following practical tips will help you to structure and write a letter that will have more impact in supporting a successful outcome for the visa application:

• Ensure the letter is signed by you (the sponsor) and dated.
• Ensure the letter includes up-to-date contact details so that you can be contacted by the UK consular officer in the event clarification is requested.
• Always provide documentation in support, referencing these documents within the contents of the letter. Avoid giving information that you cannot support with documents.
• Be clear and concise in what you need to say, avoiding any unnecessary information that is not relevant.
• Note that the sponsor letter does not need to be legally certified to be valid.

Having drafted your invitation letter, you should send this, together with any supporting documents, to the applicant so that they can include this within their visa application. Do not send your sponsor letter directly to the Embassy.

Documents to accompany the visa sponsorship letter

There are no rules stating what documents you should provide when sponsoring someone to come to the UK, although these could include any of the following:

• 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.

What other supporting documents should the applicant provide?

In addition to a visa sponsorship letter, the applicant will also need to submit documents evidencing their eligibility for a UK visitor visa. This will require them to provide proof of their:

• Ability to maintain themselves during their stay. This will include proof of accommodation and funds for the duration of their visit. For example, hotel booking confirmation and evidence of savings.
• Intention to leave the UK before their leave expires. For example, return or onward travel tickets or evidence to show sufficient funds to cover the cost of the return (or onward) flight, proof of employment, property ownership and car ownership in their home country, evidence of caring responsibilities at home. Evidence of studies if the applicant is a student, with confirmation of the date the student is expected to return.
• Reasons for the trip. The documentation should allay any concerns that the visitor may seek to stay on longer than the visa period.

Applicants are advised to remember that applications are more likely to be refused on the grounds of a lack of evidence, making it important to focus on building up supporting documentation to evidence their intention of returning to their home country.

Note also that if the application is refused, there is no right of appeal for a visit visa. While it is possible to make a new visitor visa application after a refusal, applicants should ensure they address the reasons for refusal, as detailed in the notification letter, in their new application.

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.

Whether you are applying for a UK visa or settlement, or if you have ILR and are looking to apply for a biometric residence permit as proof of your settlement, we can help.

For specialist UK immigration advice, contact us .

UK sponsorship visa letter FAQs

What is sponsorship letter in uk.

A sponsorship letter is used if you are inviting someone to visit you in the UK.

Do I need a sponsor letter for UK visa?

Under Paragraph 35 Part I of the Immigration Rules, visitor visa applicants should provide a letter from their sponsor as proof of their invitation to the UK.

How do I write a sponsor letter for UK visa?

Your sponsorship letter should include information such as your full contact details and details of the person you are sponsoring.

How much money do I need to sponsor a visitor to UK?

The applicant will need to show they have enough funds to cover their needs during their visit. UK immigration rules do not specify what is acceptable in terms of funds, so it is recommended to take advice on the specific circumstances.

Last updated: 10 November 2022

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.

Legal Disclaimer

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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An Expert Guide To UK CoS: Types, Application And Withdrawal

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We are a regulated law firm focusing on results and client satisfaction at the heart of everything we do. We strive to make our clients have a hassle-free journey by communicating clearly and on time, setting expectations rights from the outset and going above and beyond every step of the way.

What is a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS)?

A Certificate of Sponsorship is a virtual document with a unique reference number containing information about the job and the overseas worker's details. It's not a physical document or an actual certificate but merely an electronic record.

In the UK, a CoS is used in the immigration process to validate and support applications for working visas. It's issued by a UK-based employer who is licenced to sponsor workers from outside of the UK.

The certificate confirms that the worker is eligible to undertake a specific job in the UK and that the job meets the relevant conditions for their immigration category. It must be applied for before the overseas worker applies for a visa.

What are the types of certificate of sponsorship?

There are two main types of Certificate of Sponsorship that companies can apply for when sponsoring individuals from outside the UK.

Defined Certificate of Sponsorship (previously known as restricted CoS)

A defined CoS is a type of certificate that is used for sponsoring individuals who are applying for work visas from outside the UK and are subject to immigration controls. These CoS are subject to an annual limit set by the government, which restricts the number of CoS that can be allocated each year by the employer.

Undefined Certificate of Sponsorship (previously known as unrestricted CoS)

Undefined certificates are a type of Certificate of Sponsorship that employers might need if they are sponsoring a migrant worker. They are used for in-country applications, where someone is switching from a different visa to a Skilled Worker visa, or where extensions to existing Skilled Worker visas are being sought.

During the application for a sponsor licence, the applicant has to provide an estimate of the number of undefined certificates they will need throughout the first year of sponsorship.

It is important to note that the number of undefined certificates being asked for initially isn't set in stone. If during the course of the year the employer finds that the requirements have changed and need to increase the number of CoS issued, they can do so by submitting a request through their Sponsorship Management System (SMS).

This flexibility ensures the employer can always meet the sponsorship needs of the company, even if circumstances change or unexpected opportunities for sponsoring migrant workers arise. For this reason, it is crucial for sponsoring organisations to keep track of their undefined certificate usage and adjust their estimates as necessary. This will help to prevent any disruption in the hiring process and ensure the continuous availability of sponsorship certificates for potential skilled workers.

Who needs a Certificate of Sponsorship?

A Certificate of Sponsorship is a requirement for individuals who are seeking to apply for specific categories of UK-sponsored work visas. These individuals need to secure a Certificate of Sponsorship from the employer in order to successfully apply for leave to enter or remain in the UK.

The visa categories that require a Certificate of Sponsorship include, but are not limited to:

• Skilled Worker Visa
• Temporary Worker Visa
• Internship visa or Government Authorised Exchange (GAE)
• Student Visa
• Global Business Mobility Visa
• Minister of Religion
• Seasonal workers
• International Sportsperson
• Scale-Up Visa

This certificate is a crucial component in the work visa application process, validating the individual's eligibility to undertake specific jobs in the UK.

The Employer's Role in the CoS Process

An employer's role in the Certificate of Sponsorship process is to ensure that the immigration rules and regulations are followed accurately, and that the sponsorship of the migrant worker is conducted in a compliant manner. Here are some key responsibilities that employers have in the CoS process:

• Obtaining a Sponsor Licence: Before issuing a CoS, an employer must first obtain a Sponsor Licence from the Home Office. This involves completing an application, providing supporting documentation, and meeting the eligibility criteria set out by the Home Office.
• Assessing the job role: It is the employer's responsibility to determine whether the job role being offered to the migrant worker meets the criteria for sponsorship under the Tier 2 visa category. This includes ensuring that the job is on the eligible occupation list and meets the required skill level and salary threshold.
• Issuing the CoS: Once the Sponsor Licence is obtained, the employer can then issue a CoS to the migrant worker. This involves entering the relevant information into the Home Office's sponsorship management system, including details of the job role, salary, and duration of employment.
• Compliance with the rules: Employers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all the rules and obligations set out by the Home Office as a licenced sponsor. This includes keeping accurate records, reporting any changes to the migrant worker's employment status, and cooperating with any compliance visits or audits conducted by the Home Office.
• Supporting the migrant worker: Employers should also provide the sponsored workers with the necessary support and guidance throughout their employment in the UK. This includes assisting with visa applications, offering training and development opportunities, and ensuring that the working conditions meet the required standards. By fulfilling these responsibilities and ensuring that the CoS process is carried out correctly, employers can help to facilitate the smooth and successful sponsorship of migrant workers under the skilled worker visa category.

By fulfilling these responsibilities and ensuring that the CoS process is carried out correctly, employers can help to facilitate the smooth and successful sponsorship of migrant workers under the skilled worker visa category.

How to Apply for a CoS

Becoming a Licenced Sponsor

Before an employer can assign a Certificate of Sponsorship, they must first apply to become a licenced sponsor. For the sponsor licence application process, the employers must provide proof that they are eligible to become a sponsor and have a genuine need for sponsoring workers.

Here are the steps to become a sponsor in the UK and the CoS application process:

• Obtain a Sponsor Licence: Before applying for a CoS, the company/employer must obtain a Sponsor Licence from the UK Home Office. To do so, the company must meet eligibility requirements and provide the required documentation.
• Access the Sponsorship Management System (SMS ): Once the licence is obtained, the designated user in the company should log into the SMS.
• Request a CoS: The user should then navigate to the appropriate section in the SMS to request a CoS (if not already granted with the sponsor licence). The procedures might be slightly different depending on whether the company needs an "undefined" or "defined" CoS.
• Input Required Information: The user should input relevant details about the job and the prospective employee. This includes information on the role, salary, and the candidate's qualifications, work dates, weekly hours, etc.
• Submit the Request: After verifying all the information, the request should be submitted.
• Wait for Approval: The Home Office will review the request. If approved, the certificate can be assigned to the prospective employee.

Keep in mind that a CoS is not a physical document but a virtual record. Each CoS has a unique reference number, which is used by the employee in their visa application. It's important to ensure all information is accurate, as errors can lead to delays or visa refusals.

Assigning a Certificate of Sponsorship

Once the employer is a licenced sponsor, they can assign a CoS to a foreign worker through the Sponsorship Management System (SMS).

• Log into the Sponsorship Management System: The authorised user must log into the SMS where they can manage their sponsored workers.
• Navigate to 'Create and assign': After logging in, the user should go to the 'Create and assign' option, where they will be allowed to begin the assigning process. They will be asked for details about the route and number of CoS to be issued and then fill in the worker details.
• Confirmation of details: In the next step, the employer should confirm the data they have filled in and then assign the CoS to the respective employee.
• Pay the CoS assigning fee: To successfully complete the process of assigning the CoS, the employer must pay the CoS assigning fee.
• CoS number: After the payment, the CoS is assigned, and a unique CoS number is generated for the sponsored employee's work visa application.

More navigation details are available in SMS Manual 8.

Informing the Employee

Once the CoS is issued, the employer should inform the employee. The employee will need the CoS reference number for their visa application.

The employer should remember that rules for sponsoring foreign workers and issuing a CoS can change, and it's always a good idea to check the latest information on the UK government's official website or consult with an immigration advisor.

The City Legal team has helped numerous employers secure a sponsor licence , allowing them to issue a CoS for their desired candidate.

Legal Implications of a Certificate of Sponsorship

There are several legal implications of a CoS:

1. Compliance with immigration laws: The CoS is a key document that enables foreign workers to apply for a work visa in the UK. The employer must ensure that the CoS is issued in compliance with UK immigration laws and that all information provided is accurate and up to date.

2. Responsibility for the sponsored employee: By issuing a CoS, the employer becomes the sponsor of the employee and is responsible for ensuring that the employee complies with the conditions of their visa, including maintaining the requisite level of skill and salary.

3. Reporting and record-keeping requirements: Sponsors are required to keep records of their sponsored employees and report any changes or issues that may affect the employee's immigration status. Failure to comply with these reporting requirements can result in sanctions or penalties.

4. Renewals and extensions: Sponsors may need to apply for a new CoS if the employee's visa is due to expire or if there are changes to the employee's role or terms of employment. It is essential to ensure that the CoS is up to date and reflects the current circumstances of the sponsored employee.

5. Revocation of sponsorship: If a sponsor fails to comply with the duties and responsibilities of sponsorship, the Home Office may revoke the sponsor licence, which can have serious consequences for the employer, including loss of the ability to sponsor future employees.

How to Withdraw a Certificate of Sponsorship?

A Certificate of Sponsorship that has been assigned can be withdrawn, effectively cancelling it if it is no longer required for the individual. The Sponsorship Management System ( SMS Guide 10 ) provides a simple process to do this.

Here are the steps to cancel a CoS:

• Logging into the SMS: The user needs to log into their Sponsorship Management System (SMS) account.
• Navigating to 'Manage live CoS': Within the SMS, the user should look for the section titled 'Sponsorship duties'. Under this section, they will find the 'Manage live CoS' option.
• Entering the CoS details: In the 'Manage live CoS' section, the employer should input the relevant details of the CoS they wish to cancel. This will typically include the CoS reference number or the individual's personal details.
• Selecting 'Withdraw CoS': After entering the required details, the user should select the 'Withdraw CoS' option.

Following these steps withdraws the CoS, essentially cancelling it. This action should only be taken if the employer is sure that the CoS is no longer required for the identified candidate.

Please remember always to follow the relevant guidelines and rules when managing Certificates of Sponsorship. It is essential to keep up to date with any changes to immigration and sponsorship laws to ensure the employer's actions are compliant.

Important: The Home Office has issued a warning about a potential security concern involving unexpected contact from individuals claiming to be from the Home Office asking for SMS details. Please note that the Home Office NEVER asks for SMS account credentials.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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