How do I sponsor a visitor to the UK

Months back, when I wanted to sponsor a close friend to visit me in the UK, I expected the process to be rigorous, but thankfully, it wasn’t.

However, it was entirely different from applying for a visa yourself – in this case, there are two people involved: you, the host, and your invitee.

And, both of you need to play your parts perfectly.

As the host, I provided all the necessary documents and support to help my friend secure his visa and the same applies to you.

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If you wish to sponsor a visitor to the UK, follow the steps below.

Can I sponsor someone to visit me in the UK?

As a legal resident, you can sponsor someone to the UK. To do this, you need to write a sponsorship letter and show that you have enough money to cover their stay.

You also need to provide proof that you live in the UK and that you have a genuine relationship with the visitor.

Your visitor will then use this information to apply for a UK visitor visa.

How do I sponsor a visitor to the UK?

To sponsor a visitor to the UK, ensure that you are eligible to sponsor someone.

Not every UK resident can sponsor a visitor to the country.

This is simply because, when you’re inviting someone to the UK, whether it’s a friend, family member, or business associate, you’re taking on a significant role in their visa application process.

It’s not just about sending an invitation letter; you have to play more role – ensure your visitor has everything needed to successfully get a visa.

Step 1: Check if you are an eligible sponsor

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) have requirements a resident must meet before they’re eligible to sponsor a visitor to the UK.

Who is eligible to sponsor a visitor to the UK?

To sponsor a visitor to the UK, you must

• Be a UK resident, either a citizen or hold a valid visa.
• Provide proof that you have enough financial resources to support the visitor during their stay – this is important.
• Have a genuine relationship with the visitor (family, friend, etc.).
• Know the right visa for your visitor.

The visa type your visit needs can be a Standard Visitor Visa for tourism, a Family Visitor Visa for visiting family members, or a Business Visitor Visa for business-related trips.

Types of visitor visas in the UK – that your visitor can choose from

Your visitor can apply for any of the following UK visitor visas – their choice will be based on the purpose of their visit.

• Standard visitor visa: This visa is suitable if your visitor is coming to the UK for tourism, leisure, or to visit friends.
• Business visitor visa: This is the right one if your visitor is coming for business-related activities like meetings, conferences, or training.
• Family visitor visa: This visa is designed for family members of UK residents or citizens who wish to visit their relatives for a short period.

During my time, my friend applied for the standard visitor visa.

Step 2: Check your visitor’s eligibility

The person you wish to sponsor must also be eligible to be sponsored to the UK.

They must:

• Intend to visit the UK for a short period (up to 6 months).
• Be willing to leave the UK at the end of their visit.
• Be ready to support themselves financially if you’re not funding their stay.
• Show proof of ties to their home country (e.g., job, family) that will motivate them to return.

Step 3: Provide a sponsorship letter

You need to write a sponsorship letter. This is a formal document showing that you’ll support the visitor during their stay.

I provided one for my friend during his visit and it made his visa application easier.

The letter should include:

• Your full name, address, and contact information.
• The visitor’s full name, relationship to you, and the purpose of their visit.
• Details of the visitor’s planned stay (dates, accommodation).
• A declaration of your intent to cover the visitor’s expenses if necessary.

Step 4: Provide the required supporting documents

Along with the sponsorship letter, you should provide:

• A copy of your passport or visa.
• Proof of your financial ability to support the visitor (e.g., bank statements, pay slips).
• Proof of Employment or Income (e.g., employment letter, tax returns).
• Proof of Residency in the UK (e.g., council tax bill, utility bills).
• Details of the visitor’s planned stay (dates, activities, etc.)
• Proof of your relationship with the visitor (e.g., photos, correspondence).
• Details of your accommodation (e.g., rental agreement, utility bills).

In the same fate, your visitor needs to provide the following documents:

• Valid passport.
• Visa application fee payment receipt.
• Passport-sized photographs.
• Sponsorship letter from the UK sponsor.
• Proof of relationship with the sponsor.
• Financial documents proving self-sufficiency or sponsor’s financial support.
• Proof of accommodation in the UK.
• Travel itinerary.
• Proof of ties to home country (e.g., employment letter, property ownership).

These documents are needed to apply for a visitor visa for your visitor.

Step 5: Your visitor submits their visa application

To apply for a visitor Visa, your visitor should:

• Complete the online visa application form on the UK government website.
• Pay the visa application fee – the receipt of payment will be attached to the visa application.
• Submit all the required documents for a visitor visa.
• Schedule and attend a visa appointment where they will submit biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph).

Upon completing the biometric process, the visa will be processed and issued to your visitor.

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With the visa, your visit can visit the UK.

Sponsoring a visitor to the UK – what you must never forget as a sponsor

When you are sponsoring a visitor to the UK, they become partially your responsibility.

As the sponsor, it’s your job to make sure they have what they need to come here and have a good time.

Your responsibilities as a sponsor mean more than simply providing an invitation letter or financial support for their trip.

You need to help them apply for their visa and make sure they understand what they need to do.

Once they’re here, you also need to help them with things like accommodation –  a place to stay and getting around.

If there’s any trouble, you should be ready to lend a hand – that is what sponsors do.

In addition, their actions during their stay can affect you – if they break the terms of their visa or overstay, it could lead to complications for you as the sponsor

At the end of the visit, ensure your visitor goes back to their home country or place of residence to avoid overstaying their visa.

During my friend’s visit, I made sure he left 24 hours before his visa expired.

This was my effort to avoid any issues with the immigration authorities.

How much money do I need to sponsor a visitor to the UK?

To sponsor a visitor to the UK, there isn’t a specific amount of money required. However, you should have enough funds to cover their expenses, like accommodation, food, and travel, during their stay.

As a rough estimate, having around £1,000 to £1,500 per month for the visitor should be enough.

What documents do I need to invite someone to the UK?