One of the important documents that one should always endeavor to have ready and well thought out when planning to invite someone to the United Kingdom is the invitation letter. The letter does not really matter as a family member, friend or a business associate, it is simply a request to be granted a visa. But when planning to write such letters, how can you ensure that the intended purpose of meeting the basic standards of the letter and improving the chances of your visitor getting a visa is achieved? In this article, we will guide you step by step on how to write an effective invitation letter for a British visa with the help of sample letters provided in the text during the process. How do I write a letter inviting a friend to the United Kingdom?
What does a Letter of Invitation into the United Kingdom Consist of?
The signed person’s invitation letter for a United Kingdom visa is a legal form that states the facts about the individual who – at the time of the signature – is a resident of the United Kingdom and is trying to invite someone to that country. It is submitted to the UK visa authority in order to assist the invited person’s visa application. These letters form the basis to clarify the nature of the intended visit, while reassuring the authorities, the rationale as to why the person wants to visit and where he/she is going to be lodging.
Categories of Visas That Require an Invitation Letter
The letter of invitation is necessary particularly in regard to such categories of UK visas as:
Visitor Visa: When a person is intending to travel to the UK for the purpose of tourism or recreation.
Business Visa: For people who are invited to the UK for business engagements.
Family Visit Visa: When family members are bonded in ties of invitation.
Student Visa: If s/he is a family member or a friend invited for a student’s graduation or the graduation ceremony.
What is the Purpose of the Invitation Letter with Respect to the UK Visa Obtained?
There are many invites written for visitors to the UK. These forms of letters and files have proven to be very important during the visa application processing times. The letter assures the authorities of the UK that the applicant has genuine business motives for visiting the country and will abide by the visa terms.
Function in the Application Procedure
One of the information requirements for the UK visa application process is the purpose and the host of the intended person to the UK. In this case, the letter of invitation sets forth the time frame and the intention of the host to accommodate the visitor.
Interpreting the Meaning of the Letter
It is also necessary to clarify the relation between the host and the visitor so as to ascertain that the trip was not just some easy means of getting to the UK without proper papers.
Key Elements of a Letter of Invitation for a Uk Visa
There are important elements that should be included in an invitation letter for a uk visa so that it can be acceptable to the concerned visa officers.
Full Name, Address and Nationality
There is a necessity to provide your entire name, home address, phone numbers and nationality. For the people living in the UK, their visa status should also be marked such as, British national or Indefinite Leave to Remain in the UK.
Host’s Occupation
Present how the host relates to the guest and his or her physical and working place addresses If the host is currently an inhabitant of the UK, this is important to a lot.
Reason of Going to UK
Give a comprehensive reason of the need to go to the UK. Whether for leisure, for occasion or a business trip, describe the reasons why the visitor wants to visit the great Britain.
Proposed Date of Arrival and Departure
Indicate all the dates for which the visitor hopes to remain in the UK. This makes the visa issuing authorities know that the trip is intended to be a short visit.
Financial Sponsorship Information If the visitor is going to be economically sponsored during his or her stay, then this should be stated in the letter. Further, indicate whether it will be the visitor’s host or the visitor himself or herself who will carry the financial burden. How to Write an Invitation Letter for a UK Visa Here is a step by step procedure to follow in writing an invitation letter for a UK visa. Step 1: Start with Your Contact Data The first part of the letter includes the name and address of the person writing the letter. If you are a resident of the UK, state your nationality together with your status (British citizen or permanently resident). Step 2: Introduce the Visitor In the next step, the visitor is introduced starting with his or her full names, age, nationality, and passport details. You may also include what relation you bear with the visitor, for example, a relative, a friend, or a partner in business. Step 3: Explain the purpose of the visit. Specify the reason that the visitor is making the trip, including which he may be visiting for a holiday, family reunion, meeting or study, cite the main details of the purpose.
Step 4: Discuss Accommodation and Financial Assistance
Indicate where the visitor will spend their nights while on the visit. If the visitors are going to be staying with you, indicate your address and period of their staying. If you will be providing them with financial help, state how you intend to assist them (travel costs, accommodation costs, etc.).
Step 5: Pen your Signature below the Letter
End the letter with your identity’s signature and add a sentence that bears the accountability of the visitor during the time of their stay.
Tips for Writing an Effective Invitation Letter
Be Clear and Concise. Do not Qualify or Weasel.
Keep your language as elementary as possible. The visa authorities understand everything so ensure that you provide the requisite information and exclude irrelevant embellishments.
Maintain Professionalism in the Language
The letter is addressed to the authorities it is polite to use proper professional language. The letter however should still be personal.
Submission of the Invitation letter – Proofreading
We will send the letter as long as you do not see any grammatical errors and typos upon printing it out. Well drafted invitation letters create favorable first impression.
Effective Tips On How To Avoid Common Errors When Temporally Inviting a Guest from a UK Visa
Omitting the Important Aspects
Omitting important details like the reasons for visiting or the contact information of the hosting person is another most common error. You better check for gaffes.
Using Colloquial Language
The formal tone should not be lost in the letter. Do not use quite informal language or language devoid of warmth or needless friendliness.
Not Supporting with Relationship Evidence
If there is such a relationship with the invitee which is not evident, then send more such documents which make it clear (like photographs, letters etc.).
Supporting Documents To Be Submitted With The Invitation Letter
In addition to the invitation letter, the following documents should be submitted as well in order to substantiate the visa application:
Evidence of Accommodation
Demonstrate that the visitor will indeed have a place to stay. This can be a rental agreement or letter from the inviter guaranteeing that the visitor will stay with the inviter.
Proof of Funds in Required Situations
Where the visitor’s expenditure is to be defrayed by the person inviting the visitor, correct income details should be sent like payslips, bank statements, writer’s sponsorship.
Copies of Passports and Visa Details
Attach a passport and visa copy if got, and the details of the visitor’s passport.
Invitation Letter Example for UK Visa 1
Case 1: Family
Dear [Visa Officer],
The purpose of this letter is to invite my [relation], [Persons Name], a resident of [Country Name], to come and stay with me in the UK for [reason for visit]. To further explain, the visit has the intention of [Explain the Intended Visit] and will be made to [Your Address].
Case 2: For a Friend
Dear [Visa Officer],
I am inviting my good friend [persons name] to the UK during the summer, as she would like to take time off for a holiday there. The dates of the visit will not exceed [X] days and [people’s name] will be residing at [your address].
Case 3: For Business Purposes
Dear [Visa Officer],
It is my honor to extend an invitation to [Persons First Name, & Last Name], who operates as [designation] of [Company] to the uk for business purposes. Specifically, the purpose of the visit will be for [business visits for the purpose of seeing details of the business] and [Name of the hotel or accommodation details] will be available.
Finally, as pointed out in this paper writing an invitation letter for a UK visa is fundamental in the application process. If all these factors are taken care of, and if the correct structure is followed, your visitor may have a better chance of getting a visitor’s visa. Most importantly, professionalism, clarity, and correctness is a must.
FAQs
What if I don’t know the precise financial information of the person coming to visit me?
It’s ok, but try to provide the best estimate, for example, if a visitor is going to pay for the visit try to make this point clear.
May I write a letter of invitation for several visitors?
Yes, it is possible to write one letter for several visitors, but every visitor has to apply for a visa separately.
How long do I have to make an invitation letter to a person?
Make it short and straightforward – a letter of not more than one page is enough.
Is it compulsory to get the invitation letter attested?
No, attestation is not a must except in very special circumstances applied by the visa authorities.
Will an invitation letter help to get a visa?
No, it will not. However, it can be said an invitation letter is one of the most crucial requirements but, there are a number of factors like a traveler’s travel history, income proof etc that determine whether the visa will be approved or not.