Invitation & Sponsor Letter for Visa UK

A sponsor letter for a visa in the UK is a document where a UK resident supports a visa applicant. This guide covers what it is, who can write it, and essential details to include.

Key Takeaways

• A sponsor letter (or invitation letter) supports a UK visa application by confirming the visitor’s intent, accommodation, and financial backing. It strengthens the applicant’s case but is not always mandatory.
• A UK citizen or legal resident should write the letter with a verifiable relationship with the applicant, such as a relative, friend, or business associate. The sponsor must provide proof of their identity, UK residency, and financial capability (if supporting the visitor financially).
• The letter should cover key information such as the visitor’s relationship to the sponsor, the purpose and duration of the visit, accommodation details, and financial arrangements. Supporting documents (e.g., passport, proof of residence, financial statements) should be attached.
• These can be personal (for family or friends) or business-related (for work meetings, events, or engagements). Some visa types, like the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa, require a formal invitation from a UK-based organisation.

What is a Sponsor Letter for a UK Visa?

If you plan to visit the UK, you must demonstrate that you are a genuine visitor coming for a permitted activity and will leave at the end of your stay.

A sponsor letter, or an invitation letter, is a formal document confirming support for a visa applicant. It provides essential details about the visit and helps establish the genuineness of the applicant’s travel intentions. The terms sponsor letter and invitation letter are often used interchangeably, so in this article, they refer to the same document.

An invitation letter is usually written by someone familiar with the visa applicant and can be used for both business and personal visits. It serves as supporting documentation demonstrating the applicant’s eligibility to visit the UK.

This letter is usually required when a sponsor—such as a friend, relative, business associate, or educational institution—provides your travel, maintenance or accommodation. It outlines the visitor’s planned activities in the UK, such as staying with family, attending business meetings, or participating in formal engagements. It can also specify the support the sponsor provides, including financial assistance, travel, or accommodation for the visa applicant.

While an invitation letter is not always a mandatory requirement, it can strengthen a visa application, mainly if there is any doubt about the genuineness of the visit. Including one can help provide additional assurance to the visa officer reviewing the application.

Which UK Visitor Visas Consider a Sponsor Letter?

Several UK visa routes use sponsor letters, though the requirements can vary depending on the route. Typically, visitor visas such as :

Standard Visitor Visa

For a Visitor visa, a supporting letter is beneficial when staying with friends or family in the UK. This letter should:

• Detail the relationship between the visitor and the sponsor.
• Confirm accommodation arrangements during the stay.
• Explain the purpose of the visit and planned activities.

For business visits, an invitation letter from the UK company or organisation hosting the visitor can strengthen the application by outlining the nature and purpose of the visit.

Business Visitor Visa

• For a Business Visit visa, a sponsor letter is recommended when attending events, conferences, or professional meetings in the UK. The invitation should be issued by the event organiser or hosting organisation, confirming the applicant's participation.

Permitted Paid Engagement Visa

For a Permitted Paid Engagement visa, a formal invitation letter is required from a UK-based organisation. The letter must:

• Confirm the specific paid engagement the applicant will undertake.
• Demonstrate that the activity falls under the permitted professional categories, such as:
  • Examining students
  • Delivering lectures
  • Performing as an artist, musician, or entertainer

Who Can Write the Sponsor Letter?

The sponsor letter should be written by a UK citizen or a UK lawful permanent resident who has a verifiable relationship with the visa applicant. This could be a relative, friend, partner, or business associate.

Additionally, the sponsor should:

• Have a registered place of residence in the UK.
• If providing accommodation, offer evidence of sufficient space to host the visitor for their entire stay.
• Clearly document their relationship with the visa applicant to ensure transparency and avoid any issues during the visa application process.
• Provide proof of their identity and legal status in the UK, such as a British passport or residence permit.

The UK Home Office requires proof to verify the authenticity of the relationship between the sponsor and the visa applicant. Providing clear and accurate information in the sponsor letter helps prevent misunderstandings and strengthens the visa application.

What Should a Sponsor Letter Include?

There is no specific prescribed format for a visa sponsorship letter, but it should include clear and relevant details about the financial, travel, or accommodation support being offered to the visa applicant. Requirements may change, and additional documentation may be needed depending on individual circumstances. Always check the official UK government website for the most current requirements, or consider arranging a consultation with QC Immigration if you need assistance.

Types of Sponsor Letters

Business Invitation Letters

A business invitation letter is issued by a UK company, institution, or business contact to support a visa application for business-related visits. It should include:

• The purpose of the visit (e.g., attending meetings, conferences, training, or negotiations).
• The duration of the visit and itinerary details.
• Any sponsorship commitments include covering travel, accommodation, or daily expenses.
• Confirmation from the UK business or employer, preferably on company-headed paper.

Personal Invitation Letters

A personal invitation letter is written by an individual based in the UK (friend, family member, or partner) inviting a visa applicant for a visit. It should include:

• The relationship between the applicant and the sponsor.
• The purpose of the visit (e.g., holiday, family gathering, wedding, or special event).
• Accommodation arrangements include staying at the sponsor’s home or hotel booking details.
• A commitment that the sponsor will support the applicant throughout their stay, if applicable.

If the trip is sponsored, they must also demonstrate their ability to accommodate or financially support the visitor for the entire duration of their stay in the UK. This document is particularly crucial for UK visitor visa applications, as it helps strengthen the applicant’s case for approval.

Example Information to Include in a Sponsor Letter

1. Sponsor’s Personal Details

• Full name and date of birth
• Full contact details and UK address
• Occupation
• UK immigration status

2. Relationship Between the Applicant and Sponsor

• Clearly state the nature of the relationship (e.g., family member, friend, employer, or business associate).
• If applicable, provide evidence of the relationship (e.g., birth certificates, correspondence, or photos).

3. Purpose of the Visit

• Outline the reason for the visit (e.g., holiday, business trip, family gathering, academic event).
• Provide supporting details to demonstrate that the visit is genuine.

4. Accommodation and Duration of Stay

• Clearly mention whether the visitor will stay with the sponsor or make other accommodation arrangements.
• Specify the intended duration of stay and who will cover any related expenses.

5. Details of the Support Provided

• Clarify what type of support is provided (financial assistance, accommodation, or travel expenses).
• Specify if the support extends to any dependents accompanying the applicant.

6. How the Support is being Provided

• Detail how the sponsor will cover travel costs, accommodation, or financial expenses.
• If financial sponsorship is involved, provide an estimate of the amount being contributed.

7. Proof of the Sponsor’s Financial Capability

• Demonstrate that the sponsor has sufficient funds to support themselves and the visa applicant.
• Attach relevant financial documents (e.g., bank statements, payslips, or tax returns).

8. Sponsor’s Legal Status in the UK

• If the sponsor is a UK citizen or resident, provide proof such as:
  • British passport
  • Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or residence permit
  • Valid UK visa or work permit

Supporting Documents for Your Sponsor Letter

When submitting a sponsor letter for a UK visa application, it’s important to provide supporting documents that confirm your legal status and ability to support the applicant. These documents help demonstrate the authenticity of the sponsorship and strengthen the visa application.

Whenever possible, digital images of original documents should be used instead of copies.

Here are the key documents to include:

• Proof of identity – A valid UK passport or other official identification.
• Legal status in the UK – A biometric residence permit, visa, or residence card.
• Accommodation details – A mortgage statement, tenancy agreement, or recent utility bills as proof of residence.
• Financial evidence – Bank statements, payslips, or tax returns to verify your financial ability to support the visitor.
• Travel plans (if available) – Copies of flight tickets, hotel reservations, or any pre-arranged itinerary.

Providing comprehensive and relevant documentation will enhance the credibility of your sponsor letter and improve the applicant’s chances of visa approval.

Invitation Letter for UK Visitor Visa

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

To:

Entry Clearance Officer
[Embassy Name]
[Embassy Address]

Subject: Invitation for [Visitor’s Full Name]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally invite [Visitor’s Full Name, Date of Birth, Nationality] to visit the United Kingdom from [Start Date] to [End Date]. The purpose of this visit is [state the reason—tourism, family visit, attending an event, business engagement, etc.].

[Visitor’s Name] is my [Relationship—e.g., parent, sibling, friend, business associate], and we have known each other for [X years]. During their stay, they will be residing at [Your Address] with me. Alternatively, we have also made accommodation arrangements at [Hotel Name or Other Accommodation], from [Start Date] to [End Date], located at [Hotel Address].

I am a UK [Citizen/Permanent Resident] and currently employed as a [Your Profession] at [Company Name]. I will be covering all expenses for [Visitor’s Name] during their stay, including accommodation, meals, and travel within the UK. If they are covering their own expenses, please replace this statement with: "[Visitor’s Name] will be financially responsible for their trip, and I have attached proof of their financial capability."]

I have attached the following supporting documents for reference:

• A copy of my [British Passport/Residence Permit]
• [Tenancy Agreement or Proof of Address]
• [My Latest Bank Statement]
• [Flight or Accommodation Booking Details]
• [Employment Letter/Business Invitation (if applicable)]

If you require any additional information, please feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.

Yours faithfully,
[Your Signature]
[Your Full Name]

Get Support With a Sponsorship Letter

If you are applying for UK entry clearance—whether for yourself or as a sponsor—you may need to include a sponsor letter with the UK visa application. While not always mandatory, a well-prepared letter can strengthen the application and help demonstrate the visitor’s genuine intent.

Our guide and template are designed to help you meet the requirements for an invitation letter. However, if you need expert assistance with drafting your letter, completing the visa application, or understanding the required supporting evidence, our team is here to help.

Book a UK visa consultation with our experienced immigration specialists for tailored guidance and professional support.