A Guide to Required Documents for UK Visitor Visa Applications

This guidance provides the details of required supporting documents for all types of UK visitor visa applications such as family, tourist, business, marriage, medical, transit etc.

Supporting Documents Required for UK Visitor Visa

Indeed, in terms of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules, a UK visitor visa application is usually decided on the information provided by the applicant and any other relevant circumstances at the date of the decision. Therefore, for making a successful application, it is imperative to provide the required supporting documents.

1. Travel Document

Please note, it is mandatory to provide a valid travel document and translation of documents, which are not in English/Welsh. Indeed, a valid travel document means as a national passport or any other such document that lawfully enables the holder to travel internationally. Therefore, the passport of the applicant must be in good condition. And also have at least one blank page on both sides for affixing the visa vignette in case of a successful outcome. Moreover, if an 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.

2. Translation

If the supporting documents are not in English/Welsh then an applicant is required to submit a translation of such documents, along with the copies of the originals. Perhaps, if required, the UKVI may verify the translated supporting documents independently. Therefore, the translated supporting documents with the UK visitor visa application 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

3. Information about the Visit (Purpose)

Certainly, an applicant needs to specify the purpose of visiting the UK. Perhaps, there could be a multitude of purposes for visiting the UK such as meeting family, tourism, attending a business conference etc. Therefore, in accordance with the purpose of visiting, an applicant needs to furnish the required UK visa supporting documents.

General Tourism

Indeed, for establishing the purpose of a tourist visa, an applicant doesn’t require to provide an invitation letter. Therefore, instead of an invitation letter, an applicant can submit a tentative trip plan.

Meeting Family in the UK

Perhaps, visiting for meeting family is quite a frequent reason. Accordingly, most of the applicants applying for family visitor visa needs to provide an invitation letter, which clearly specifies the purpose of the visit. However, if a family visitor does not provide an invitation letter then the chances of success are quite low. Nevertheless, the Sponsor Invitation Letter needs to enumerate the details of accommodation and maintenance without recourse to public funds. Accordingly, the sponsoring family member needs to provide the following documents:

1. An Invitation/Sponsor letter
2. A copy of the British Passport or residence permit in the UK
3. Accommodation details such as Land Registry, Rental Agreement, Mortgage Deed
4. Bank statements of the sponsor for meeting the maintenance cost and trip expenses

Attending a Business Meeting

Perhaps, business visits usually means 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, a visitor can undertake a number of business related activities. Indeed, a formal invitation letter from a business or commercial organization usually suffix the purpose of a business trip. Therefore, if the sponsor is a business entity then needs to provide a formal invitation on the letterhead. Moreover, the invitation letter may also state the terms of invitation such as sponsoring or funding the trip cost.

4. Current Employment

Indeed, the details relating to current employment may be different for Salaried and Self-Employed applicants.

Salaried Applicants: Letter from Employer

A letter from the employer in the applicant’s country of residence is quite a useful supporting document for establishing the bona fide of the applicant. Indeed, not only the employer letter helps in specifying the purpose of the visit but also helps in establishing professional ties to the home country and intent to return home. Accordingly, an employer letter usually outlines the reason(s) and the purpose of visiting the UK. And also details of an employee’s activities in the UK and trip cost and expenses.

Self-Employed Individuals

Self-employed business persons need to furnish documents such as:

• business registration
• any cogent confirmation that the applicant owns the business
• the date on which the company has started operations
• business bank statements
• any other related documents

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.

5. Money (Income or Savings)

An applicant needs to furnish information relating to accommodation and maintenance in the UK. Therefore, an applicant needs to provide documents to establish the ability to maintain without recourse to public funds. However, depending on the purpose of the visit, an applicant can use sponsor documents to supplement his/her claim.

Accommodation in the UK

An applicant needs to provide a verifiable address for staying during the trip in the online application form. Therefore, may furnish any of the following supporting documents with the UK visa application:

1. Sponsor documents: such as land registry, mortgage deed, rental agreement etc.
2. Hotel booking confirmation, travel booking confirmation, travel agent’s confirmation etc.

Sufficient Maintenance 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. However, the evidence of funds needs to be supplemented by the source of income.

• 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. And also payslips, tax registration certificate, tax returns. Moreover, for self-employed businesspersons, an income tax return to demonstrate gross and net income.

6. UK Visa Home Address Proof

In the online application form, the applicant needs to provide the present residential address. Therefore, in order to certify the 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.

UK visa documents for confirming the legal residence

Indeed, if an applicant is not a national of a country from which he/she is applying then only needs to furnish a copy of the document confirming the legal residence. For instance, a Pakistani or an Indian national working in Dubai needs to furnish the UAE’s residence permit as evidence of legal residence.

6. Home Ties and Intent to Return

The Paragraph V4.2(a) of Appendix V for Visitors requires that visitors must prove their genuine intentions to return to the country of residence at the end of their visit. Therefore, it is prerequisite to furnish documentary evidence as proof of sufficient ties to the home country for proving intent to return at the end of the visit before the grant of a visitor visa. Therefore, an applicant can establish sufficient ties to the Home Country for proving intent to return, by providing evidence relating to:

1. Evidence of Family Members Remaining in Your Home Country
2. Evidence of Assets as Proof of Intent to Return Home
3. Professional and Business Ties to the Home Country
4. Income from Employment as Proof of Intent to Return Home
5. Business Ties with the country of residence
6. How a Student can establish ties to the Home Country?
7. Child visitors

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 certificate as evidence of family ties: If a spouse is travelling alone then marriage or civil partnership certificate as evidence of family ties in the home country may help increase the balance of probabilities for the grant of a UK visa.
• Divorce or death of a partner: 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 or death of a partner. And if available then also enclose a copy of the divorce or death certificate
• Parents travelling without children and evidence of family ties: If parents are applying without children then the proof of intent to return home may children birth certificates, family registration form and school certificates
• Affidavit of Guardianship: 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 and proof of intent to return home

Indeed, a number of applicants are single with no children. Therefore, it is not possible for them to prove sufficient family ties to the home country. However, proof of family ties is only supplementary evidence for proving intent to return to the home country. Nevertheless, ceteris paribus, the balance of probabilities work in favour of a married applicant vis-à-vis an unmarried applicant.

Evidence of assets

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. Accordingly, the UK visa supporting documents may include property deed, mutation, mortgage statements, accountant’s letters and land registration to indicate ownership of immovable assets. Perhaps, provision of 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. Usually, property deed, mutation, mortgage statements, accountant’s letters and land registration indicate ownership of immovable assets.

Professional and business ties to the home country

Evidence of income provides information about the affordability of trip expenses and the availability of funds for the visa application. And also help in establishing professional and business ties with the home country. Certainly, 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

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 plausible evidence that an applicant is likely to return to home country after visiting the UK.

Self-Employed Businesspersons

For self-employed businesspersons, it is critical to proving business ties in the home country. Perhaps, ongoing business in the home country is a good proof of intent to return home. Accordingly, a businessperson can furnish documents such as:

• Sole Proprietorship Certificate from Bank or Government
• Partnership Deed
• Memorandum of Association in case of a private limited company
• Business Bank Account Maintenance Certificate
• Tax Registration Certificate
• Annual Income Tax Returns
• 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.

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.

Child Visitors

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 Supporting Documents

Perhaps, if an applicant is not applying for a standard visitor visa, but for any other type of UK visitor visa application then also need to provide additional supporting documents.

1. Marriage visitors: Evidence to demonstrate legally-free to marry and marriage arrangements in the UK
2. Prospective Entrepreneur: Letter from a registered venture capital
3. Academic Visitors: Academics undertaking research up-to 12-months needs to provide a letter from the employer in the Home country, a letter from the Host Organization in the UK. And also a medical certificate.
4. Medical Visitors: A Letter from Doctor in the UK, and a medical certificate
5. Extension of Medical Visa: Letter from a Registered Medical Practitioner
6. Work-related training: For PLAB or OCSE Test a letter from the General Medical Council & Nursing and Midwifery Council
7. Transit visa: Travel booking for an onward journey. And also a clear reason and permission for making the onward journey.

Please note that the aforesaid documents are in addition to the required supporting documents for all types of UK visit visa applications i.e.

1. Travel documents
2. Translation of Documents
3. Information about your visit
4. Current employment
5. Money (either income or savings)
6. Home address
7. Evidence of assets
8. Additional Information
9. Other documents

1. Marriage

If an applicant is applying for a Marriage Visitor Visa then needs to prove that he/she is legally free to marry. And also needs to provide supporting documents relating to the marriage arrangements.

1. 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
2. Marriage Arrangements: A letter from a UK Registry Office to demonstrate that necessary arrangements have been undertaken for the proposed marriage or civil partnership

2. Prospective entrepreneur

If an applicant is applying for a visitor visa then needs to furnish a Letter in support of the application from registered venture capital firms, entrepreneurial seed funds, or government departments. An inability to provide the letter will limit subsequent switching to Tier-1 (Entrepreneur).

3. Visiting Academics

An academics visiting the UK for undertaking research (12-Months Visa), requires to provide a letter from the host organisation in the UK confirming the arrangements for the proposed research or exchange program. Moreover, the applicant also requires to provide a letter from the present employer in the home country (or the country of residence) on the official letterhead of the employer. Certainly, the letter should enumerate the period of exchange or sabbatical. And also provide an outlining of the research that the applicant will undertake in the UK.

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.

4. Private Medical Treatment

For applying 6 to 11 months UK medical visa for private treatment and check-up an applicant needs to provide a letter from the Doctor and a medical certificate.

1. 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.
2. 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.

Extension of Medical Visa

For an extension of stay for private care/medical treatment, an applicant needs to provide a Letter from a Registered Medical Practitioner in the UK. However, only a Registered Medical Practitioner working in a private practice or NHS hospital holding an NHS consultant post or enlisted in the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council can issue a letter. Moreover, the letter must confirm the conditions requiring further treatment and confirmation of payment for any treatment received in the UK.

Organ Donors

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 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

Beneficial Recipient a legal resident in the UK

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.

5. Work-Related Training

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 (PLAB) Test
• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)

Clinical attachment

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.

6. Performers at Permit-Free Festivals

A performer/artist requires to provide an invitation letter from the event organisers of the 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. Moreover, the letter should also state that whether the applicant is working as a professional or as an amateur, and what, when and where the applicant will be performing.

7. Transit Visitors

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

The UK visa supporting documents may demonstrate that the applicant is assured entry into an onward country. For instance, a valid visa, a residence permit, or a green card. In case the applicant is not a resident/national of the onward destination, then needs to provide evidence to demonstrate the reason for travel, such as a holiday booking confirmation.