Introduction
Planning to invite a family member or friend to the UK? If they're applying for a Standard Visitor Visa, one of the key supporting documents you may be asked to provide is an Invitation letter for UK visa. This letter plays an essential role in proving the purpose of their visit and confirming their accommodation and financial arrangements while in the UK.
Many visa refusals occur because applicants fail to provide strong supporting evidence. An invitation letter, when done properly, can significantly improve their chances by showing that the visit is genuine and that the applicant has a sponsor or host in the UK willing to accommodate or support them during their stay.
At Salam Immigration, we regularly help clients prepare robust visitor visa applications – including drafting professional and effective invitation letters. Whether you're inviting your parents for a short visit, hosting a friend during a holiday, or expecting relatives for a special event, this guide will explain exactly how the Invitation letter for UK visa fits into the copyright process.
We'll also walk you through:
Who can issue an Invitation letter for UK visa
What details to include
Sample formats
Common mistakes to avoid
Additional documents that strengthen the letter
What is a UK Standard Visitor Visa and Who Needs an Invitation Letter?
A UK Standard Visitor Visa is a short-term visa issued by the UK Home Office that allows individuals from outside the UK (and outside the Common Travel Area) to enter the UK for a range of non-permanent purposes. These purposes include tourism, visiting friends or family, attending business meetings, medical treatment, short-term study, or participating in cultural events. The visa is typically granted for up to 6 months, although it may be issued for longer periods in certain cases (e.g., long-term visitor visas valid for 2, 5 or 10 years, allowing multiple visits within that timeframe).
Who Needs This Visa?
You’ll need a Standard Visitor Visa if:
You are a national of a country that is not visa-exempt for short-term UK visits.
You intend to stay temporarily in the UK for purposes that do not include work or long-term residence.
You plan to visit family, friends, or associates residing in the UK.
Some nationals (such as from the USA, copyright, Australia, or the EU) may not need to apply for a visa before travelling to the UK for short visits. However, others must apply online and attend a biometric appointment at a copyright centre in their home country.
What Is an Invitation letter for UK visa – and Who Needs It?
An Invitation letter for UK visa is a document written by a UK-based host (family member, friend, or business contact) formally inviting the visa applicant to visit them. While not legally mandatory, an invitation letter is a powerful supporting document that can:
Demonstrate the genuine nature of the visit.
Confirm the host’s legal status in the UK and provide their details.
Outline the duration and purpose of the visit.
Show accommodation arrangements and whether the host will offer financial support.
Applicants who are coming to visit a family member, partner, friend, or sponsor should always include an Invitation letter for UK visa in their application. This helps prove that the visit is temporary, and that the applicant has access to safe accommodation and support, thereby reducing the risk of visa refusal.
It is particularly important for applicants who:
Have limited travel history.
Are financially dependent on the sponsor.
Are staying with the host for the full duration of the visit.
Are applying from countries with higher refusal rates.
The UK Home Office examines both the applicant’s intent and the credibility of their ties to the host, making a strong, well-drafted Invitation letter for UK visa crucial to many visitor visa applications.
Who Can Write an Invitation Letter for a UK Visa?
An Invitation letter for UK visa must come from a person who has a genuine connection with the applicant and is legally resident in the UK. The individual writing the letter—referred to as the "host"—must have a clear and verifiable reason for inviting the applicant, and must be able to provide supporting documentation to strengthen the copyright.
The credibility of the invitation letter is directly tied to the host’s legal status, the nature of their relationship with the applicant, and their ability to support or accommodate the visitor during their stay (if applicable).
Eligible Individuals Who Can Write an Invitation Letter:
The following categories of people are generally eligible to write an Invitation letter for UK visa:
1. UK Citizens
British copyright holders can issue Invitation letter for UK copyright friends, family members, or partners abroad.
They must prove their citizenship status and provide documents such as a copy of their copyright and proof of residence.
2. Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) Holders
Individuals who hold permanent residency in the UK can also issue Invitation letter for UK visa.
They should submit proof of their settled status, such as a BRP (Biometric copyright) or Home Office confirmation letter.
3. EU, EEA, or Swiss Nationals with Settled or Pre-Settled Status
Following Brexit, EU nationals must now have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify as eligible hosts.
Their status can be demonstrated through share codes or Home Office emails confirming their rights to remain.
4. Temporary Visa Holders (in some cases)
Individuals in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa, Student visa, or Spouse visa may also write an Invitation letter for UK visa if:
Their visa allows them to reside lawfully in the UK for the full duration of the applicant’s intended visit.
They can provide proof of income, employment, accommodation, and their immigration status.
Note: While temporary residents can issue Invitation letter for UK visa, the Home Office will scrutinise these more closely, especially if the host has limited income or temporary housing arrangements.
5. Sponsors for Business Visits
UK-based companies or organisations can issue invitation letters for Standard Visitor visas where the visit is for business meetings, training, conferences, or collaboration.
The Invitation letter for UK visa should be on company letterhead, signed by a senior representative, and include contact details for verification.
Additional Requirements for All Hosts:
Regardless of immigration status, the host should:
Have a clear, genuine relationship with the applicant.
Be able to provide accommodation details (if applicable).
Submit supporting documents, such as:
Proof of immigration status (copyright, BRP, visa share code).
Proof of address (tenancy agreement, utility bills, council tax).
Evidence of employment or financial support, if they are funding the trip.
Who Cannot Write an Invitation letter for UK visa:
Individuals residing in the UK illegally or without lawful immigration status.
People on short-term visas not permitting long stays (e.g., visitors).
Those with pending asylum claims or uncertain immigration status.
Minors under the age of 18 (unless co-signed by a parent/guardian).
Who Must Meet the English Language Requirement?
The English language requirement is a critical element in moving to the UK. It ensures that migrants can integrate effectively into British society, navigate daily life, engage with public services, and, where relevant, perform their roles in the workplace or educational environment. It is not a universal requirement across all visa routes but applies strictly to certain immigration categories. Below is a detailed breakdown of who must meet this requirement:
1. Family Visas (Spouse/Partner, Fiancé(e), and Parent Routes)
Applicants applying under the family route — especially those seeking to join a British or settled partner — must demonstrate a minimum level of English proficiency.
Spouse/Partner Visa: Applicants must meet at least CEFR Level A1 when applying initially. For extension applications, this rises to CEFR Level A2.
Fiancé(e) or Proposed Civil Partner Visa: English language must be proven at A1 level at the point of application.
Parent of a British Child: This category also generally requires the applicant to demonstrate A1-level English.
Exemptions apply in cases of age (under 18 or over 65), disability, or exceptional circumstances.
2. Skilled Worker Visas
For individuals applying under the Skilled Worker visa route, English proficiency is a core requirement. The UK Home Office mandates that Skilled Worker visa applicants must demonstrate English language skills to at least:
CEFR Level B1 in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
This ensures the applicant can communicate effectively in a UK work environment. The evidence can be provided through:
An approved English language test (e.g. IELTS for UKVI)
A UK degree (or equivalent overseas degree confirmed by Ecctis)
Being a national of a majority English-speaking country
3. Student Visas (Tier 4 General Student Visa)
International students applying to study in the UK at a university or college must meet the English language requirement according to the level and type of course:
For courses at degree level or above, CEFR Level B2 is typically required.
For courses below degree level, CEFR Level B1 may be accepted.
Some institutions assess English proficiency internally, while others require an approved SELT (Secure English Language Test).
Applicants must provide a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS), which confirms the English level assessed by the educational institution.
4. Settlement (Indefinite Leave to Remain - ILR)
Applicants for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) must prove a higher level of English compared to initial visa routes. The standard requirement is:
CEFR Level B1 in speaking and listening.
This requirement applies to most long-term visa holders who have spent the required qualifying period in the UK and now seek copyright. Along with English, applicants must also pass the Life in the UK Test.
5. British Citizenship (Naturalisation)
To naturalise as a British citizen, the English language requirement must be met at:
CEFR Level B1 in speaking and listening.
Applicants must also pass the Life in the UK Test unless they are exempt. Those who already met the English requirement during their ILR application may reuse the same evidence if it's still valid.
How to Write an Invitation Letter for UK Visa
Writing an effective Invitation Letter for UK Visa is a crucial part of the copyright process. It serves as written confirmation that the visa applicant has a genuine reason to travel to the UK and will be supported (if applicable) by someone legally residing in the UK. The Home Office places significant weight on this letter—especially when the purpose of the visit is personal (e.g. visiting friends or family).
To be effective, the letter must be clear, formal, honest, and detailed, covering essential information about both the host and the visitor, the nature of their relationship, and the plans for the visit.
1. Host’s Personal Details
These details prove the identity and immigration status of the individual inviting the visitor:
Full name (as it appears on copyright or BRP)
Date of birth
Nationality
Immigration status in the UK (British citizen, ILR holder, visa holder, etc.)
UK home address
Phone number and email address
copyright number and BRP number (if applicable)
Occupation and employer’s name
Relationship to the applicant (with explanation)
Supporting documents to prove these details must also be attached.
2. Visitor’s Details
The host must include a comprehensive overview of the individual they are inviting:
Full name (as on copyright)
Date of birth
Nationality
copyright number
Address in their home country
Relationship to the host
Reason for the visit (tourism, family, wedding, event, etc.)
Duration of the visit (exact travel dates)
Where they will stay during their visit
Any financial support being provided
3. Purpose and Context of the Visit
This is one of the most important sections. The host must clearly explain:
The reason for the visit (e.g. attending a graduation, spending holidays together, tourism, meeting grandchildren, attending a wedding).
The timeline of the trip, including proposed entry and exit dates.
Any planned activities during the visit.
Whether the visitor has visited the UK before (if so, mention the year, visa type, and return confirmation).
Assurance that the visit is temporary, and the applicant intends to return home before the visa expires.
4. Accommodation and Financial Support
The host should specify whether they are:
Providing free accommodation at their residence (include address and proof of tenancy/mortgage).
Covering the visitor’s living expenses or part of the trip costs (explain how: food, transport, personal expenses).
Assisting in any specific areas, such as flight bookings or local travel.
Proof of the host’s financial stability should be attached—e.g. payslips, bank statements, or employment confirmation.
5. Statement of Assurance
The Invitation Letter for UK Visa must include a clear statement that:
The host will ensure the visitor abides by the visa conditions.
The visitor has no intention of overstaying.
The visit is temporary and purely for the stated purpose.
All information provided is truthful and complete.
6. Signature and Date
The Invitation Letter for UK Visa should end with:
A formal closing (e.g. “Yours sincerely”)
Full signature of the host
Typed name below the signature
Date of writing
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is an Invitation Letter for UK Visa mandatory for a UK Visitor Visa?
No, an invitation letter is not a strict legal requirement. However, it significantly strengthens the copyright by providing evidence of the visitor’s purpose, accommodation arrangements, and ties to the sponsor in the UK.
2. Who can write an Invitation Letter for UK Visa?
Any individual legally residing in the UK (British citizen, settled person, or visa holder) can write an invitation letter. The person must be able to provide proof of legal residence, address, and ability to host or support the visitor.
3. What information must be included in the Invitation Letter for UK Visa?
The letter should include:
Full name and address of the sponsor
Visitor's full name, date of birth, and copyright number
Nature of the relationship
Purpose and duration of the visit
Accommodation details
Sponsor’s willingness to support (if applicable)
Date and signature
4. Do I need to notarise or certify the invitation letter?
No, notarisation is not required. However, printing the letter, signing it, and scanning a copy to be sent with supporting documents can add credibility.
5. Can I invite a friend or does it have to be a relative?
Yes, friends can invite one another. The Home Office assesses whether the visit is genuine based on evidence – not just family relationships. Supporting proof of your connection may be required.
6. What supporting documents should accompany the invitation letter?
Copy of your copyright or BRP (Biometric copyright)
Proof of address (utility bills, tenancy agreement)
Payslips or bank statements
Employment letter (if applicable)
Evidence of your relationship with the visitor (photos, messages, previous trips)
7. Should the letter be sent to the Home Office directly?
No. The letter should be sent to the visitor so they can include it in their copyright as supporting documentation.
8. How long should the visit mentioned in the letter be?
This depends on the visitor’s intentions. Standard Visitor Visas are usually issued for up to 6 months. The duration mentioned should be realistic and align with travel plans.
9. Can multiple people be invited in one letter?
Yes, but you must clearly name and provide relevant details for each person invited. A more effective approach is to write individual letters when inviting multiple people, especially if their circumstances differ.
10. What if the sponsor does not have strong finances?
If the visitor is funding the trip independently, the sponsor can still provide accommodation and support. The visitor must then show their own financial documents proving they can afford travel and daily expenses.
Need Expert Guidance?
If you're unsure how to proceed or need assistance with the application process, Salam Immigration is here to help. From drafting the perfect Invitation Letter for UK copyright preparing a strong copyright, we provide trusted legal support every step of the way.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our immigration experts.