UK Letter of Invitation

Explore the wonders of the United Kingdom – a country rich in history, with lots of different cultures, and plenty of chances for success. In our newest guide about moving to the UK, we look at how to write a letter inviting a friend, family member, or partner to visit on a UK visa.

What is a letter of Invitation?

A Letter of Invitation, sometimes called a Sponsorship Letter, is a vital paper crafted by a sponsor residing in the UK to endorse someone’s UK visitor visa request. The aim of this letter is to show that the sponsor has connections with the visa applicant and can offer support or lodging during their time in the UK. Generally, the letter invites the visitor to stay at the sponsor’s home, while also offering key information about the sponsor, the visitor, and the planned trip. It’s important to include additional documents to confirm the details mentioned in the letter.

Requirements for a letter of Invitation

To ensure the validity of the invitation letter, the inviting individual must fulfill certain requirements.

1. Must be a UK citizen, legal resident, or lawful permanent resident.
2. Should have a genuine relationship with the visitor, such as being a friend, relative, or partner/spouse.
3. Must have a registered place of accommodation, such as a house or flat which they rent or own.
4. Accommodation should have enough space to accommodate the visitor throughout their stay

Remember, it’s crucial to provide truthful and accurate information in the letter.

Addressing the letter of Invitation 

In terms of addressing the invitation letter, the inviting individual isn’t required to address it directly to the visitor. Instead, the letter serves as a formality to offer supporting details to the Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) or UK consular officer. You can commence the letter with “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern” to address the Entry Clearance Officer. However, if you prefer, you can address the letter directly to the visitor, using “Dear [visitor’s name].”

Supporting Documents

It’s important to supplement the information in the host’s letter with supporting documentation. Although there aren’t specific documents mandated, including more evidence strengthens the support for the visa application. Here are a few examples of supporting documents the inviting individual may consider including:

• Scanned copy of the inviting person’s UK passport
• Evidence of their status in the UK (such as a biometric residence permit)
• Documentation demonstrating rental or ownership of residence (like a tenancy agreement)
• Proof of financial capability (such as bank statements)
• Copies of booked travel, accommodation, or scheduled activities
• Any additional legal documents supporting the visitor’s visa application

Sample Letter of Invitation

For the host:

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

For the visitor:

• Full name
• Travel itinerary
• Relationship to the host

Furthermore, the host should furnish information regarding the trip, including the duration of stay, commencement and conclusion dates, the purpose of the visit, arrangements for accommodation, and anticipated expenses covering living, transportation, and other aspects.

Keep in mind that the host must adjust and customize the template based on their personal information as well as the specifics of the visitor and their travel plans.

No Official Government  Invitation

It’s worth noting that the UK immigration system differs from certain other countries, such as Poland, where hosts receive an official invitation letter as part of the standard visa application process. In contrast, the UK does not mandate a formal invitation letter issued by a local government office from hosts within the country. While some nations necessitate an official invitation, the UK focuses more on the applicant’s ability to demonstrate the purpose of their visit, their ties to their home country, and their intention to abide by visa regulations. Therefore, applicants for UK visas should focus on presenting comprehensive documentation supporting their application, rather than relying on a formal invitation letter. This approach ensures that the application process aligns with the UK’s immigration policies and requirements.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, a Letter of Invitation is a crucial document for endorsing someone’s UK visitor visa application, demonstrating the sponsor’s connection with the applicant and their willingness to provide support during their UK stay. While specific requirements exist for the inviting individual, such as UK citizenship or residency, the letter should be tailored to include essential details about the trip and the relationship between the sponsor and the visitor. Supporting documents, rather than an official government invitation, play a pivotal role in strengthening the visa application. By adhering to these guidelines, applicants can navigate the UK immigration process successfully.