UK visa supporting documents checklist | Evidence of family ties

This guidance provides the details of UK visa supporting documents required for all types of visitor visa applications such as family, tourist, business, marriage, medical, transit etc. Indeed, the UK visa supporting documents helps in establishing the bonafide of a visitor. Accordingly, are critical for clarifying the purpose and the ability to meet the trip cost without recourse to public funds. Moreover, the evidence of family ties and proof of intent to return home helps in establishing the intention of a visitor to return to the Home Country after the completion of the journey. Accordingly, in the light of Appendix V for visitors, the post also provides a checklist of the required UK visit visa supporting documents.

Supporting documents required for UK visitor visa: FAQs

Why supporting documents are required for UK visitor visa applications?

Perhaps, in terms of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules, the UKVI decides a UK visitor visa application on the information provided by the applicant. And any other relevant circumstances at the date of the decision. Accordingly, for making a successful UK visit visa application, it is imperative to provide the required supporting documents. In fact, apart from the supporting documents, an applicant does not have any other means to meet the UK visa requirements. Therefore, supporting documents are critical for a successful outcome of the UK visitor visa application.

What are the required mandatory supporting documents for UK visitor visa application?

Perhaps, for all types of UK visitor visa applications, it is mandatory to provide a valid travel document and translation of documents, which are not in English/Welsh.

What is a travel document for UK visitor visa application?

In fact, for applying for a UK visitor visa applications, all applicants 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. Apparently, 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!

Do applicants need to enclose previous passports or travel documents?

Yes, especially 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.

Why translation of UK visa supporting documents is required?

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

What are the documents required for a standard visitor visa?

Perhaps, depending on the purpose of standard visitor visa and personal circumstances, an applicant may substantiate the application with an appropriate combination of the supporting documents required for the UK visit visa application.

A checklist of UK visitor visa required supporting documents

Travel documents: A valid passport for visiting the UK, in good condition. And have at least one-page blank on both sides. If you have had a UK visa before, but this is in an old passport, send in both of your passports. Your application may be refused if you do not send your passport
Translation of Documents: You can send in any document to support your application but: all documents must be in English. The translated documents must be certified and you must provide original documents and a copy of each document.
Information about your visit: Documents showing any plans you have made, such as tour details/flight details/letter of invitation/evidence of the sponsor’s immigration status in the UK
Current employment: Documents showing the income and employment stated in an application form, such as letter from employer/payslips/tax returns/business registration documents/ business bank account statements
Money (either income or savings): Documents such as: Bank statements / bank books / bank letter / balance certificate / tax returns / crop receipts
Home address: Documents showing where you live, such as Property deed/mortgage statements/tenancy agreements/accountant’s letters/land registration documents
Evidence of assets: Documents showing that you own property or land, such as Property deed/mortgage statements/accountant’s letters/land registration documents
Additional Information: Documents showing your marital statuses, such as Marriage certificate / civil partnership certificate/divorce certificate/spouse or partner’s death certificate and evidence of family members remaining in your home country whilst you travel.
Other documents: If you want to tell the UKVI about any other documents then can send with your application

What if the UKVI asks for more documents?

If the UKVI asks for more documents then an applicant needs to furnish the requisite documents as early as possible. Perhaps, within 28 working days.

What are the additional documents required for UK visit visa?

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.

Checklist of additional supporting documents for UK visit visa!

Marriage visitors: Evidence to demonstrate legally-free to marry and marriage arrangements in the UK
Prospective Entrepreneur: Letter from a registered venture capital
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.
Medical Visitors: A Letter from Doctor in the UK, and a medical certificate
Extension of Medical Visa: Letter from a Registered Medical Practitioner
Work-related training: For PLAB or OCSE Test a letter from the General Medical Council & Nursing and Midwifery Council
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.

Travel documents
Translation of Documents
Information about your visit
Current employment
Money (either income or savings)
Home address
Evidence of assets
Additional Information
Other documents

Documents required to establish the purpose of visiting the UK

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 conference
Performing arts,
Taking a PLAB Test

Therefore, in accordance with the purpose of visiting, an applicant needs to furnish the required UK visa supporting documents.

Is specifying purpose for UK visitor visa does really matter?

Yes, in accordance with Appendices 3-4, a visitor can only undertake permitted activities in the UK. And cannot visit the UK for doing any prohibited activity (V 4.5-10). Therefore, if the purpose of visiting the UK is not clear then an applicant is likely to get a refusal under paragraph V 4.2(c) of Immigration Rules.

Is an invitation letter for UK family visit visa necessary?

Perhaps, visiting the UK for meeting family is quite a frequent reason to apply for a visa application. And most the applicants applying for standard visitor visa for meeting family provide invitation letter, which clearly specifies the purpose of traveling to the UK. However, if a family visitor does not provide an invitation letter then the chances of getting a UK visa are quite low. Therefore, if an applicant intends to visit the UK for spending time with family then an invitation letter is a necessary supporting document to specify the purpose of a UK standard visitor visa application.

Moreover, the Sponsor Letter needs to enumerate the details of the invitation. And also the details of accommodation and maintenance in the UK without recourse to public funds. Accordingly, the UK sponsor needs to provide the required supporting documents for a family visitor visa application:

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

What are the required documents for a UK business visit visa?

Perhaps, 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, a visitor can undertake a host of business activities in the UK. Accordingly, 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 a formal invitation on the letterhead of the organization. And the invitation letter may also state the terms of invitation. If the inviting organization undertakes to sponsor or fund the trip then also need to provide the details in the invitation letter.

Is letter from employer a required documents for UK visit visa?

Perhaps, a letter from the employer in the applicant’s country of residence is quite a useful supporting document for establishing the bonafide of the UK visitor visa applicant. Apparently, not only the employer letter helps in specifying the purpose of visiting the UK but also helps in establishing professional ties to the home country and intent to return home. Indeed, 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.

What if the purpose of visiting the UK is tourism?

For establishing the 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.

What if the purpose of visiting the UK is to get married?

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 for marriage arrangements in the UK.

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 in the UK

The UK visa supporting documents may also include as a letter from a UK Registry Office. Perhaps, the letter may demonstrate that necessary arrangements have been undertaken for the proposed marriage or civil partnership.

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).

UK visa documents for academic visitors

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.

UK visa documents for medical visitors

For applying 6 to 11 months UK medical visa for private medical treatment and check-up, it is mandatory to provide a letter from Doctor in the UK. And also a medical certificate.

A letter from a medical 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.

Documents for UK medical visa extension

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.

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.

UK visa documents for 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.

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)

UK visa documents for 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.

UK visa documents for 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.

Letter from employer

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.

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.

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 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.

UK visa required supporting documents for money and income

An applicant needs to establish that he/she will be able to accommodate and maintain him/herself in the UK without recourse to public funds. Therefore, an applicant needs to provide UK visa supporting documents to establish his/her ability to fund the trip. However, depending on the purpose of the visit, an applicant can use sponsor documents to supplement his/her claim.

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. Accordingly, may furnish any of the following supporting documents with the UK visa application:

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

Evidence of Sufficient Funds (and also the source of 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 for salaried individuals

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.

UK visa documents for self-employed businesspersons

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.

Earnings proof for self-employed individuals

For self-employed businesspersons, an income tax return to demonstrate gross and net income.

Required documents to prove ties and intent to return home

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 relating to:

UK visa home address proof
Evidence of Family Members Remaining in Your Home Country
Evidence of Assets as Proof of Intent to Return Home
Professional and Business Ties to the Home Country
Income from Employment as Proof of Intent to Return Home
Business Ties with the country of residence
How a Student can establish ties to the Home Country?
Child visitors

UK visa home address proof

In the online application form, the applicant needs to provide the details of his/her 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

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 evidence of legal residence.

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 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.

Parents travelling without children and evidence of family ties

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 and 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, proof of family ties is only supplementary evidence for proving intent to return to the home country. Nevertheless, ceteris paribus, the balance of probabilities will work in favour of a married applicant vis-à-vis an unmarried applicant.

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.

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 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 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, 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 a 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.

Proof of intent to return home for 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.

Proof of intent to return home for 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.

What supporting documents are not required for UK visit visa?

There are certain supporting documents, which are not necessary for a UK visa application. Perhaps, these documents are not good and direct evidence of the income and personal bonafide of an applicant. Therefore, it is quite unlikely that these unnecessary documents for UK visa may have any positive impact on the decision. Accordingly, an applicant should usually do not enclose these document, unless an applicant explains the relevance of such unnecessary documents for UK visa application.

Checklist of supporting documents not required for UK visit visa!

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)

Country-specific details:

Moreover, to know the country-specific details of UK visa applications please refer to Egypt, Ghana, India, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE and the USA.