Invitation letter for UK Visa – Standard Visitor Visa

This post was most recently updated on May 29th, 2019

How to write an Invitation Letter for UK Visa?

An Invitation Letter for UK Visa is one of the documents that an intending visitor to the UK will use to show the reason for their visit. Although an invitation letter can be very useful, it is not required for obtaining a visitor visa to the UK. It is, however, a good idea to send one to your guest to make their application as robust as possible.  Writing an invitation letter for a UK visitor’s visa can be challenging if you do not know what to write.

To write a good letter, what is important is to ensure that all the required information is in the letter. There is no specific method or style once all the required information is visible in the letter. This letter is sometimes referred to as sponsorship letter for UK visa

In summary, the following should be on the invitation letter.

Your letter should include the following information about the person being invited:

• Complete name.
• Date of birth.
• The person’s address and telephone number.
• Your relationship to the person being invited.
• The purpose of the trip.
• How long the person you are inviting intends to stay in the United Kingdom.
• Details on accommodation and living expenses.
• The date the person you are inviting intends to leave the United Kingdom.

Your letter must also include the following information about the person writing the letter:

• Complete name.
• Date of birth.
• Address and telephone number in the United Kingdom.
•  Occupation.
• Your status in the United Kingdom
• A photocopy of documents proving your status in the United Kingdom and financial Status.

Find a list of documents required for visa application here

Writing an Invitation Letter is just one piece of the puzzle, your guest may need help with Visa Application or Interview.

To whom do you address your Invitation Letter for Visa

Invitation letter for visa purposes can be addressed to either the guest (the person you are inviting) or the Consular Office, Embassy or Visa Application Center. In most cases, the letter will be given to the guest to attach to their application for a visa. This means that whether you address the letter to your guest or the Embassy, you will still send the letter to your guest.

 

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Sample Invitation Letter for UK Visa written to a friend

Below is a sample invitation letter for UK Visa. The names on it are fictitious but this format has been used and visas have been issued using this format. There are other formats that can be used. The most important thing is for the information required to be on it. Remember that this is just a sample and we are not in any way connected to the British High Commission.

The following sample invitation letter is written for a friend. You could use the same format for a parent, parents, cousin, uncle or business partners. All you need to do is adjust the text as it suits each situation.

Do not forget to send a scanned copy of your passport. You do not have to notarize the letter.

 How to get a UK Visa

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Sample Invitation Letter for UK Visa written to a father

As a British Citizen or anyone who has an eligible status in the UK, you are entitled to have a guest visit you from different parts of the world. Many students come to the UK to study from all over the world, these students often need to have their parent or other relatives visit them. Find below a sample invitation letter written by a Naturalized British Citizen who wants his father to visit him in the UK.

Please take note that you can use the same format to invite a mother, uncle, brother, sister, grandparents. All you have to do is adjust the letter to reflect the different relationships. If your situation is different, simply state your case and let your guest present himself. In some cases, you may mention something about your guest but that is not necessary. This letter is just a document that shows that your guest really has a reason to come to the UK.

 The sample below is just one format for an invitation letter. There are very many other formats. You may choose to write the letter directly to your guest. In both cases, however, it is your guest that you send the letter to.

 

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Sample Formal Letter of Invitation for Standard Visitor Visa to the UK written to a husband and wife

Below is a sample letter of invitation. The names on it are fictitious but this format has been used and visas have been issued using this format.

Moses is a 35 year old accountant that lives in Stevenage UK. On his last trip to Hong Kong 4 years ago he met Cindy and Dave (Kenyan citizens) who are also accountants attending the same conference that Moses went to attend. They have been corresponding since then over Facebook and phone calls. This year Cindy and Dave decided to visit Moses in Stevenage Uk.

Here is a sample formal invitation letter that Moses would write to invite Cindy and Dave to UK. This particular letter is addressed to the Consular Officer rather than to Cindy and Dave. All the necessary information are included in the letter. This letter forms one of the supporting documents for the visa application.

Do not forget to send a scanned copy of your passport. You do not have to notarize the letter.

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 Sponsorship Declaration to accompany invitation letter for UK visa.

It is possible that you may want to invite a family member or friend who is not in the position to sponsor themselves to the UK or you have simply chosen to sponsor their trip as a gift. If this is the case, it is advisable to fill out a sponsorship declaration form which can then be attached to the invitation letter for UK visa application. You may also choose to write a sponsorship letter.

Once the sponsorship declaration is filled and signed, send them to your guest. (Here is the form again)

How should the Invitation letter for Visa be delivered?

There is no stipulated way of delivery for your letter of invitation. You can mail it to your guest or scan it and send via email. Some countries however, require that the letter be notarized. In this case, you have to find a way to get the original copy to your guest. In USA, Canada and United Kingdom, a scanned copy of the invitation letter for visa can be sent.

What happens next? After you send the Invitation Letter?

You guest would add the letter to their Visa Application package. They would then submit the application package to the British Embassy in their country or to a visa application collection company (depending on the company). They would pay the visa application fees and wait for an interview with the visa officer at the British Embassy. The procedure for issuing a standard UK visa differs from country to country. What I have provided is just a general overview.

Here is a suggestion of how much the visa fees are as at 2019 according to UK government site.

A Standard Visitor Visa costs £95.

The fee for a long-term Standard Visitor visa depends on its length:

• 2 years – £361
• 5 years – £655
• 10 years – £822

Other Invitation Letters for UK Visa

• Here is another sample invitation letter for parents
• Graduation Invitation Letter

Now check out our Ultimate Visa Interview or Application Kit.