This relates to 
UK visa supporting documents and proof of intent to return home. Accordingly, the post explains the importance of supporting documents for a successful decision and how to prove ties to home country UK visa? Perhaps, proving intent to return to home country in accordance with Paragraph V4.2(a) Appendix V of Immigration Rules is critical for a successful outcome. And also an insight relating to tourist, business and UK family visa supporting documents. If an applicant is travelling to the UK for a particular purpose such as marriage, medical, prospective entrepreneur, work-related training, performers at permit free festivals, and transit then the applicant also needs to furnish a few additional documents. Accordingly, the post also explains UK marriage visa supporting documents, transit and child visitor visa UK supporting documents
UK Visa Supporting Documents Checklist | Evidence of Family Ties
Accordingly, the post has three sections. The first section relating to UK visit visa guide to supporting documents. Perhaps, the section not only provides a UK visa supporting documents list but also highlights and explains their nature and function. The second section explains how to Proof of Intent to Return Home. Perhaps, after reading the section the reader may understand: how to prove ties to home country UK visa? Lastly, the third section explains the additional supporting documents for a specific purpose of visiting the UK.
UK Visit Visa Guide to Supporting Documents
Appendix V of the Immigration Rules, clearly states that UK visitor visa applications are decided on the information provided by the applicant and any other relevant circumstances at the date of the decision. Accordingly, for the success of an application, it is imperative to attach necessary supporting documents. The overarching purpose of UK visa supporting documents is to clearly endorse the bonafide of an applicant.
UK Visitor Visa Supporting Documents Checklist
Usually, a generic UK visa supporting documents checklist may include the following types of documents:
- Original Valid Passport
- Translation of Documents in English or Welsh
- Purpose of Visit: Sponsor’s Invitation Letter and Financial Support
- Accommodation in the UK
- Residential Address in the Home Country
- Documents Confirming the Legal Residence
- Ownership of Immovable Assets
- Evidence of an Applicant’s Employment and Business
- Evidence of Sufficient Funds and Earning’s Proof
Travel Documents: Original and Valid National Passport
All visitors are required to provide a valid travel document such as a national passport or any other such document that lawfully enables the holder to travel internationally.
The passport must be in good condition and have at least a one-page blank on both sides.
Previous Travel Documents
If the applicant has had a UK visa previously, but this is in an old passport, then it is advisable to enclose the current as well as the previous passport with the application.
UK Visa Supporting Documents Translation
It is important to note that for documents that are not in English/Welsh, an applicant is required to submit a translation of such documents, along with the copies of the originals. The translated documents are required to be verified independently and must enumerate:
- translator’s confirmation that the translated document(s) are an accurate translation/account of the original non-English/Welsh documents;
- the date on which the translation has been done;
- full name and signatures of the translator.
Purpose and Information About the Visit
Perhaps, for a successful decision, it is critical to furnish a verifiable document relating to the purpose of visiting the UK. And also documents showing any plans the applicant has made for the UK trip.
Invitation Letter: UK Visa Supporting Documents Family Visitor
One of the major reasons for travelling to the UK is meeting family members. Therefore, if an applicant intends to visit the UK for spending time with family then an invitation letter provides the purpose of UK standard visitor visa application. However, both the applicant and UK family member must ensure that the contents of the invitation letter are clear, correct and verifiable. Most noteworthy: usually the caseworker contacts UK family member. And also asks some basic questions about the proposed UK trip. An applicant must ensure that the contact details of the UK host/sponsor are same and correct both in the invitation letter and the online standard visitor visa application form.
Sponsor’s Invitation Letter for Family Visitor Visa
If a family member or a friend has invited the applicant then Sponsor Letter must enumerate the details of invitation. Accordingly, the details may include whether the applicant will be staying with the host in the UK and will the host be providing any financial support to the applicant or not.
Purpose of UK Business Visitor Visa
The usual purpose of a business visitor visa UK is to attend a meeting or a conference, negotiate a business deal, an export or import contract etc. However, depending on the nature of the business, there are a host of business purposes permissible under the rules. However, a formal invitation letter from a business or commercial organization suffix the purpose of the trip.
Sponsor Invitation Letter for Business Visitor Visa
If the sponsor is a business entity then a formal invitation on the letterhead of the organization. Moreover, the invitation letter may state the terms of invitation. If the inviting organization undertakes to sponsor or fund the trip then also state in the invitation letter.
Supporting Documents Needed for UK Tourist Visa
For establishing a purpose of a UK tourist visa, an applicant doesn’t require an invitation letter. For tourism purpose, an applicant may submit a tentative trip plan. The trip itinerary may include a list of places and sights that an applicant intends to visit.
Accommodation in the UK
Accommodation in the UK is important as an applicant needs to provide a UK address in the online application form. Certainly, an applicant needs to provide a verifiable address, where he/she will stay during the trip.
UK Visa Supporting Documents for Accommodation in the UK
For family visitor visa an applicant may provide sponsor accommodation details. And also hotel booking if the applicant is not staying with the UK sponsor.
Usually, for tourist and business visitor visa supporting documents showing UK accommodation and travel details. Accordingly, these documents may include Hotel booking confirmation, travel booking confirmation, travel agent’s confirmation.
Residential Address in the Home Country
In the online application form, the applicant needs to provide the details of his/her present residential address. Therefore, in order to certify present residential address in the home country, an applicant may furnish a copy of:
- property deed
- mortgage statements
- tenancy agreements
- land registration documents
Moreover, in the case of joint-family or living with family, then also an affidavit from the family member, who is the owner of the property.
Documents Confirming the Legal Residence
Most of the applicants don’t need to furnish such documents. However, if an applicant is not a national of a country in he/she is applying from then needs to furnish a copy of the document confirming the legal residence. For instance, a Pakistani national working in Dubai needs to furnish the UAE’s residence permit as an evidence of legal residence.
Ownership of Immovable Assets
These documents help in establishing the economic and social credibility of an applicant. Accordingly, an applicant may furnish supporting documents relating to the ownership of immovable assets. Usually, UK visa supporting documents relates to residential and commercial immovable assets. However, some applicants may also have agricultural property. Usually, property deed, mutation, mortgage statements, accountant’s letters and land registration indicate ownership of immovable assets.
Evidence of an Applicant’s Employment and Business
The online application form asks about the employment status of an applicant. Therefore, an applicant needs to provide the details relating to employment. Accordingly, an applicant needs to enclose UK visa supporting documents relating to income and employment.
Self Employed Businessperson, Agriculturalists, Landlords
Self-employed businessperson needs to furnish documents relating to business registration, confirming the business owner’s name and the date on which the company has started operations. And also business bank statements.
In the case of an Agriculturalist or landlord details of the income generating property is critical. And also income tax registration certificate, property tax receipts etc.
Salaried Individuals
An Employment Letter from the applicant’s employer on company letterhead, detailing his/her role, salary and length of employment. And also pay slips, tax registration certificate, tax returns.
Students
A student may provide a Letter of Study from the educational institution. Usually, the letter is on the letterhead of the educational provider. And also confirms the enrollment of the applicant and sanction of leave of absence.
Evidence of Sufficient Funds
Financial documents demonstrate that an applicant has ample and sufficient funds available for undertaking a journey to the UK. The financial documents must unequivocally show that a claimant has access to the funds.
UK Visa Supporting Documents Bank Statements
Perhaps, savings in the personal bank statements is the most convenient and popular method for demonstrating the availability of funds for the trip to the UK. Usually, the bank statement should cover a period of the preceding six months. However, applicants can attach bank statements for a longer duration. Moreover, any documents relating to funds such as bank statements, bank books, bank letter, balance certificate may not be more than one month old from the application date i.e. the date on which an applicant submits the application and does the biometrics at the UK visa application centre.
Earnings Proof
Letter from the applicant’s employer confirming the details of employment. The details may include: starting date of employment, role, salary, contact particulars of the company/business entity. For self-employed businesspersons, income tax return to demonstrate gross and net income.
Supporting Documents for UK Business and Professional Work Visa
When the purpose of visiting the UK is to undertake activities relating to professional work then it is important to furnish documents confirming the nature of activities in the UK. Such documents may also include any invitation letters from UK business.
For any business activities, a letter from an employer outlining the reason(s) for the proposed visit, which the applicant will be meeting and details of payments and expenses in this regard. For performances and entertainment visitors, a letter mentioning that whether an applicant is working as a professional or as an amateur, and what, when and where the applicant will be performing.
Child Visitor Visa UK Supporting Documents
It is important to determine a child’s relationship with his/her parent or guardian. Therefore, applicants under the age of 18 years need to submit Birth Certificate or a legal document – such as adoption papers.
If the child is travelling unaccompanied or with someone other than the parent(s) the applicant needs to give:
- a signed letter from a parent establishing the details of anyone else accompanying the applicant. And also details of care and accommodation arranged for in the UK;
- a copy of parent(s) or legal guardian’s biographical page of the passport, which includes parent’s or legal guardian’s signatures and passport numbers if a parent(s) do not have a passport then the applicant must provide any other official document that bears the signatures of the parents.
Additional Information
Documents showing applicant’s marital status, such as Marriage certificate, civil partnership certificate, divorce certificate and spouse or partner’s death certificate.
Unnecessary Supporting Documents for UK Visitor Visa Application
There are certain supporting documents, which are not necessary. Perhaps, these documents are not a good and direct evidence of the income and personal bonafide of an application. It is quite unlikely that these unnecessary documents may have any positive impact on the decision. Therefore, an applicant should usually do not enclose these document, unless an applicant explains their relevance in the application.
- multiple copies of the same document- if applicants are applying as a family/group
- bank statements or letters issued more than one (1) year before the date of application
- notarial certificates
- photographs
- business cards
- driving licence
- photocopies of bank cards such as Debit and Credit Cards
- credit card statements- as it shows the expenses and not income
- documents relating to leisure activities
- evidence of car ownership
- travel insurance
- sponsor’s utility bills
- sponsor’s council tax bills
- educational certificates (unless specifically listed/required)
Reasons to Return to Home Country | Documents to Show Family Ties
The Paragraph V4.2(a) of Appendix V for Visitors requires that visitors must prove their genuine intentions to return to the home country at the end of their visit. Therefore, it is prerequisite to furnish documentary evidence as a proof of sufficient ties to home country for proving intent to return to home country (at the end of the visit) before the grant of a visitor visa.
Genuine intention to visit
V 4.2 The applicant must satisfy the decision maker that they are a genuine visitor. This means that the applicant:
(a) will leave the UK at the end of their visit;
Evidence of Family Members Remaining in Your Home Country
A family is a basic unit of society, therefore, it is important to furnish reasonable proof of family ties for UK visa. Documents to show family ties usually relates to partner and children.
Marriage or Civil Partner | Proof of Intent to Return Home
If a spouse is travelling alone then an evidence of marriage or civil partnership certificate may help increase the balance of probabilities for the grant of a UK visa.
Divorce or Death of a Partner
In case of divorce or death of a spouse, in terms of Paragraph 3.6(b) of Appendix V, an applicant is liable to disclose the material facts. Therefore, an applicant should furnish requisite information about divorce and death of a partner in the application. And if available then also enclose a copy of the divorce or death certificate.
V 3.6 An application will be refused where:
(b) material facts have not been disclosed, in relation to their application or in order to obtain documents from the Secretary of State or a third party provided in support of their application.
Children | Proof of Intent to Return Home
If parents are applying without children then the proof of intent to return home may also include:
- children birth certificates
- family registration form
- certificate of enrolment and studies from the educational institution i.e. school certificate
If parents are leaving children under 6-12 years then needs to furnish an affidavit of guardianship. Usually, an affidavit from a close relative such as a sister or brother fulfils the requirement.
Unmarried or Single Applicants | Proof of Intent to Return Home
A number of applicants, who apply for a UK Visitor Visa, are single with no children. Therefore, it is not possible for them to prove sufficient family ties to the home country. However, it is important to understand that proof of family ties for UK Visa is only a supplementary evidence for proving intent to return to home country. Nevertheless, ceteris paribus, the Balance of Probabilities UK visa will work in favour of a married applicant vis-à-vis an unmarried applicant.
Professional and Business Ties to the Home Country
Evidence of income not only provides information about the affordability of trip expenses and availability of funds for the UK visa but also help in establishing professional and business ties with the home country. If an applicant is adequately employed or running a successful business in the home country then he/she has sufficient reasons to return to the home country after the end of the trip.
Income from Employment as Proof of Intent to Return Home
An applicant can furnish the evidence of income from employment. Perhaps, the easiest way is to enclose the monthly payslips for the last six months. And also bank statements in which the applicant receives the monthly salary. Moreover, can further supplement his/her work credentials by providing the appointment or employment letter, tax returns, bank account maintenance certificate, evidence of annual bonus or increment, promotion letter etc. An effective prove of employment in the home country is a plausible evidence that an applicant is likely to return to home country after visiting the UK.
Business Ties and Proof of Intent to Return Home
For self-employed businesspersons, it is critical to proving business ties in the home country. Perhaps, an ongoing business in the home country is a good proof of intent to return home.
Accordingly, a businessperson can furnish business registration documents. Usually, the business registration supporting documents for UK visit visa are:
- sole proprietorship certificate- usually bank certificate includes such endorsement for business accounts
- partnership deed
- Memorandum of Association in case of a private limited company
Bank and tax details of the business such as bank certificates, tax registration certificate and annual income tax returns. These support documents are good proof for establishing business ties in the home country. Depending on the nature of the business, an applicant can supplement the evidence with:
- Import and Export License
- Registration with the Local and National Business Chamber
- Registration with Trade Bodies and Associations
- License from Government such as Trade or Custom’s Licence etc.
Evidence of Assets as Proof of Intent to Return Home
This mainly relates to immovable assets such as residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural property, especially for landlords and agriculturalists, who are generating income from property rents and agricultural produce. Provision of a clear and adequate information relating to the ownership of the property increases the balance of probabilities. However, if the evidence is meaningless then it may reduce the chances of granting a visitor visa.
Additional UK Visa Supporting Documents for Specific Purpose
Since Standard Visitor Visa covers a number of purposes for travelling to the UK. The most common purposes are visiting family, tourism and business meetings, which entails furnishing of mandatory documents, usually a passport, and supporting documents, relating to evidence of employment (or Studies), finances and bank statements, sponsor documents, evidence of family members, with the visitor visa application. However, for specific purposes, along with the supporting documents, an applicant is required to furnish Additional Supporting Documents for justifying the specific purpose of visiting the UK.
Marriage Visitor Visa UK Supporting Documents
As explained above, if an applicant is applying for a Marriage Visitor Visa then in addition to the usual supporting documents required for UK Visitor Visa, an applicant needs to furnish additional supporting documents.
Legally-Free to Marry
In case an applicant in the past has remained married, or in a civil partnership then the applicant needs to give documents to demonstrate that the applicant is legally free to marry or form a bond of civil partnership again.
Marriage Arrangements
Evidence such as a letter from a UK Registry Office to demonstrate that necessary arrangements have been undertaken for the proposed marriage or civil partnership.
Prospective Entrepreneur
A prospective entrepreneur is required to submit a Letter in support of his/her application from one or more than one registered venture capital firms that are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) in the UK, entrepreneurial seed funding competitions, Her Majesty’s government departments. An inability to provide the letter will limit subsequent switching to Tier-1 (Entrepreneur).
Academic Visitor Visa UK Supporting Documents
An academics visiting the UK for undertaking research (12-Months Visa), requires furnishing additional supporting documents with the Standard Visitor Visa Application.
Letter from the Employer
The visiting academic requires a letter from the present employer on the official letterhead of the establishment, enumerating the period of exchange, sabbatical, or outlining the research that will be undertaken during the visiting period;
Letter from the Host Organization
a letter from the host organisation in the UK confirming the arrangements for the proposed research or exchange program; and
Medical Certificate
Applicants, and their accompanied Dependant Family Member(s), from countries listed in Appendix T Part 1, are required to furnish a valid medical certificate issued by an authorised medical practitioner as listed in Part 2 of Appendix T of the Immigration Rules.
Additional Documents for UK Visa on Medical Grounds
For applying 6 to 11 months of private medical treatment visa UK, it is mandatory for an applicant to provide:
A Letter from Doctor
A Letter from Doctor or a Certified/Authorised Consultant in the United Kingdom detailing the conditions that necessitate/require treatment and consultations in the UK, costs estimates and indicative time duration of the treatment, details of the treatment centre where the prescribed treatment is expected to take place.
Medical Certificate
For applicants applying for an eleven (11) months visa, who are residents of countries listed in Appendix T Part 1 of Immigration Rules, the applicants must provide the required valid medical certificate duly issued by medical practitioners listed in Part 2 of Appendix T of the Immigration Rules.
For further information please refer to Long-Term Private Medical Treatment Visitor Visa UK.
Medical Visa Extension UK
For an extension of stay application for private care/medical treatment, applicants are required to provide a Letter from a Registered Medical Practitioner.
Who can issue Letter for Medical Visa Extension?
A Registered Medical Practitioner working in a private practice or NHS hospital either holding an NHS consultant post or enlisted in the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council.
What must the Letter Confirm?
The Letter must confirm the conditions requiring further treatment in the UK and payment of Costs of any treatment so far received in the UK.
Organ Donors UK Visa Supporting Documents
In addition to the documents required for Private Medical Treatment, it is mandatory for organ donors to provide a letter confirming:
- Genuine Intentions of the Organ Donor – that the organ donor genuinely intends to donate an organ to a particular individual with whom the organ donor has a personal or genetic relationship;
- Endorsement of a Confirmed Match – an endorsement that the organ donor is a confirmed match to the identified individual, i.e. the recipient, OR is in the process of undergoing further tests for establishing that he/she is a confirmed match;
- the date of the proposed transplant;
- name of the medical institute/hospital where the proposed operation/tests are to be conducted;
It is mandatory that the letter above is from either one of the followings:
- a lead nurse or a coordinator of NHS Trust’s living donor kidney transplant team;
- a registered medical practitioner who either holds NHS consultant post or appears on the specialist register of the General Medical Council;
Organ donors also need to submit a document clearly stating that the beneficial recipient is a legal resident of the UK. This can be proved by enclosing a copy of the British passport or residence permit of the recipient. If the recipient is applying with the Organ Donor, then the recipient needs to provide personal details. These details may include the name, nationality and date of birth of the recipient.
Work Related Training UK Visa Supporting Documents
For work relating training visa, a letter from the General Medical Council & Nursing and Midwifery Council is required to confirm the arrangements for the following tests:
- Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board Test;
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination Test.
For an unpaid clinical attachment or dental observer post following confirmations are mandatory:
- a written confirmation to take up the offer;
- confirmation that an applicant has not previously undertaken the activity in the United Kingdom.
Performers at Permit Free Festivals
For visa application, a performer/artist requires an invitation letter from the event organisers of permit free festival(s) confirming dates of the performances and details of payments that an applicant will be receiving for taking part in the event.
UK Transit Visa Supporting Documents
The Transit Visitors needs to demonstrate the confirmation of an onward journey from the United Kingdom. The onwards journey may be within 24 hours of arrival in the UK for Direct Airside Transit or 48 hours of the applicant’s arrival in the UK for Visitor in Transit such as:
- travel booking confirmation (can be in the form of an email or a hard copy of the tickets);
- confirmation from a travel agent.
Evidence to demonstrate that the applicant is assured entry into an onward country that the applicant is travelling to, for instance, a valid visa, a residence permit, or a green card.
In case the applicant is not a resident or national of the onward destination, then the applicant needs to provide evidence to demonstrate the reason for travel, such as a holiday booking confirmation.
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Related: UK visitor and temporary visas: Standard Visitor Visa UK, C Visit Business Visa UK, Long Term Visitor Visa UK, UK Medical Visa, Marriage Visitor Visa UK, UK PPE Visa, Parent of a Tier 4 Child Visa, Short Term Study Visa, Child Visitor Visa UK Requirements and Short Term Student Child Visa UK. And also UK Visit Visa 2018, Switch Visitor Visa UK, UK Visitor Visa Cancelled, UK Visit Visa Extension, UK Visit Visa Eligibility Requirements, UK Multiple Entry Visa Rules, UK Visitor Visa Sponsor Documents and UK Visa Refusal Reasons
Perhaps, to know more about UK Visa and Immigration please refer: UK Priority Visa Service, UK Settlement Visa Processing Time, UK Tourist Visa Processing Time After Biometrics, UK Visa Delay Reasons, UK Visa Reapply or Appeal, UK Immigration Appeal Waiting Time and UK Visa Appeal Solicitors
