How to Write a Letter of Invitation for UK Visa: Step-by-Step Guide

When applying for a UK visa, it is necessary to include an invitation letter in your application. This letter, also known as a sponsorship letter for UK Visa, is typically written by a UK citizen or legal resident inviting a foreigner with whom they have family ties or friendship to visit them in the UK. The letter serves as a confirmation that the host has enough space to accommodate the visitor for the entire duration of their stay in the UK.

The invitation letter can be written in two formats. Firstly, it can be addressed to the visitor, confirming the invitation and the availability of accommodation. Alternatively, it can be addressed to the UK consular officer, confirming the host’s willingness to accommodate the visitor and providing assurance that there is sufficient space for them. Both versions are acceptable for the visa application process.

Why do I Need a UK Visa letter of invitation?

When applying for a UK visitor visa, it is often recommended to include a letter of invitation, although it is not mandatory. For the invitation letter to be valid and considered by the UK consular officer, the host must meet certain requirements:

• Be a UK citizen or lawful permanent resident.
• Have a personal relationship with the visitor, such as a friend, boyfriend/girlfriend, or relative.
• Have a registered place of residence, such as a home or flat.
• Have sufficient space to accommodate the visitor for the entire duration of their stay in the UK. 

How to Write a Letter of Invitation for UK Visa?

Writing an invitation letter for a UK visa may seem daunting, but it is actually a straightforward process. As the host, you simply need to explain why you are inviting the person to stay with you and for how long. If you’re unsure where to start, follow this guideline for writing a letter of invitation for a UK Visa:

Step 1: Decide who the letter will be addressed to, either your guest or the consular officer. The content matters more than the recipient, as the consular officer will review it in either case.

Step 2: Begin by creating a list of the following information:

• Your full name
• Your date of birth
• Your full address and telephone number in the United Kingdom
• Your occupation
• Your status in the United Kingdom
• Visitor’s full name
• Visitor’s date of birth
• Visitor’s address and telephone number
• Visitor’s relationship to the host
• Visitor’s purpose of the trip
• Duration of the guest’s intended stay in the UK (specific dates)
• Details on accommodation and living expenses
• Your signature

Include all of the above information in your letter. Once you have it all written down, you can start organizing it into a formal letter format.

Did you know?

Unconvincing and poorly written invitation letters account for 60% of denied visa applications.

Sample Invitation Letter for UK Visa

In this guide, we provide samples of UK visa invitation letters to help you understand how to write them. When addressing the consular officer, the letter should be more formal, while addressing your guest requires a more personal tone.

There is no strict format for writing an invitation letter, but we offer two samples for UK family visitor visa invitation letters to provide clarity on how to structure them.

Sample I – Letter of invitation addressed to the Consular Officer

Here is a sample of an official invitation letter for a UK visa addressed to the consular officer. It should contain all necessary information and have a formal tone. If you plan to include additional supporting documents, be sure to mention that in the letter.

[Your address in the UK]
[Date]

Dear Sir/Madam,

Subject: Application for Family Visitor Visa for [Name of Family Member]

I am writing to formally invite my [type of family member, e.g., mother, father, etc.] to visit me in the United Kingdom. [He/she] intends to stay with me from [date of arrival] to [date of departure]. The family member I am inviting is [Name], born on [Date of Birth], and is my [relationship, e.g., father or mother].

I am currently employed as a [occupation] at [workplace], a position I have held since [month, year]. I have been a resident in the UK for [number of years], and I am a British [status].

I can confirm that I have adequate accommodation for my guest for the entire duration of their stay. My residence, located at [list your address], is a private rented property, and I have obtained permission from my landlord for my guest to stay with me. I have enclosed the landlord's letter of permission and other supporting documents with this invitation.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]
[Email Address]
[Phone Number]
[Signature]

Sample II – Letter of invitation addressed to the visitor

Here is another sample of a sponsorship letter for a UK visa for family or friends, addressed directly to the visitor. The tone should be friendly and familiar, indicating a close relationship between the host and the visitor.

[Your Address]
[Date]

Dear [Visitor's Name],

I am thrilled to extend this invitation for you, my [relationship, e.g., sister, friend, father], to visit me and enjoy a vacation in the UK. We've often discussed capturing moments together in front of iconic landmarks like [tourist place] or sipping coffee at charming cafes. It's time to turn these plans into reality. Your visit will offer a close encounter with British culture and lifestyle, creating unforgettable memories.

During your stay, I will cover all your expenses, including round-trip airfare, accommodation, meals, medical insurance, and any other personal expenses. You will be staying at my apartment in [address], where I have ample space for your comfort.

Enclosed are the necessary documents to support your tourist visa application, including proof of my status as a resident in Britain since [year], and my affiliation with [workplace or university].

Looking forward to your visit!

Warm regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Full Address]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Signature]

Supporting Documents

 For the letter to be considered by the consular officer, the host should include additional documents along with the Letter of Invitation. While these documents are not mandatory, they greatly support the visitor’s application. The following documents are recommended: 

• A scanned copy of the host’s ID/passport.
• Evidence of their status in the UK.
• Evidence of means of subsistence (if the host will financially support the guest).
• Proof of home / flat ownership or rental contract.
• Flight itinerary for UK visa application
• You may also add any other document that you believe would help your visitor in getting their visa.