In this article, we address what the Letter of Invitation is for and how to make it the most effective if you do need to submit one as part of your UK visitor visa supporting documents.

According to Home Office figures , for the year ending March 2024, a total of over 2.5 million UK Visitor Visa Applications were submitted. The rate of successful applications was 71% (just over 2 million from the total submitted). This still leaves a significant total of over half a million refusals (21% of all applications the Home Office received for the same year). While there are several factors the Home Office will consider when assessing any visa application, the most common reason for refusals, is the lack of sufficient evidence that applicants submit to support their case. This is particularly prevalent when it comes Visitor visas where there is no fixed set of supporting documents that will be applicable for every individual's case i.e. their specific reason(s) for visiting and their personal circumstances, What are the general Requirements for a Visitor Visa? As well as having a valid passport/travel document for the duration of your trip, the Home Office will also require you to sufficiently demonstrate that you are coming to the UK as a 'genuine visitor' i.e. you are coming to the UK for a short stay, and will then return to your country of origin/residence once your trip has ended. Therefore you will need to clearly evidence: The purpose of your visit to the UK (which will need to be a permitted activity in accordance to the type of visitor visa you are applying for) That you will leave the UK when you finish your visit You have sufficient funds for your travel from and to return back to your home country You will be able to financially support yourself and your dependants during your stay You are not attempting to establish permanent residence in the UK or make it your primary residence by frequent or consecutive visits How do you Prove that you meet the Requirements? The Entry Clearance Officer needs to be satisfied that the Applicant has provided relevant documents that demonstrate they meet each requirement and prove their specific circumstances which have been outlined in their completed application form and covering letter (if one has also been provided).

Get our Easy to Use UK Visitor Visa Letter Templates! Want ready made and easy to use letters to support your UK Visitor Visa Application?

Confused about whether to apply for a Fiance Visa or Marriage Visitor Visa for your partner to join and marry you in the UK? Find out the key differences between the two to better decide which one is most suitable for you.

People want to visit the UK for many reasons and require a visa to do so. Learn the main reasons why visitor visa applications get rejected.