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

If you are currently in the UK and wish to invite someone, maybe your spouse or child, you need to provide them with the right documents.

The United Kingdom allows valid visa holders (like student visa holders) to invite their loved ones to the country as their dependant.

If you hold a valid visa, you can invite your civil partner, your unmarried partner (provided both of you have been living together for at least 2 years before your application), and your child who is under 18 years of age, or holds permission to live in the UK.

Other relatives and family members like your siblings, cousins, and friends cannot be invited as your dependant (they can be invited for other reasons).

When you invite someone to the UK, the person needs to apply for a visa, during which he will present all the required documents including proof of your invitation.

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

To invite someone to the UK, you need an invitation letter stating the purpose of their visit, a photocopy of your passport showing the photography page, proof of accommodation, proof of your relationship with your invitee, and your bank statement as proof of your financial capacity, if you are sponsoring your guest’s visit to the UK.

Everything you need to invite someone to the UK

1. Purpose of visit: To invite someone to the UK, you must have a reason for inviting them. Why is your guest coming to the UK – is it for a vacation, to meet family, for work, or for some other reason?

The proposed length of your guest’s stay is also important and should be included in your invite.

1. Relationship: What relationship exists between you and the person – Is the person a friend, family member, or business partner?
2. Financial responsibility: Are you going to sponsor your guests financially when they arrive in the UK?

You need to send your guest an invitation letter and have other documents (showing your relationship with your guest, the purpose of their visit, and proof of your financial capacity) sent to the immigration authorities.

• Invitation letter

Before your guest’s visa is approved, they must provide an invitation letter from you, stating their reason for coming to the UK, and how long they plan to stay.

What should be included in a UK visa invitation letter?

A UK visa invitation letter should include the following:

1. Your details: It must include your full name, address, and contact information.
2. Guest’s information: Your letter isn’t complete without your guest’s full name, passport number, birthdate, nationality, and your relationship with them.

1. Visit details: Clearly say why your guest is coming to the UK (is it for a holiday or a family visit) and how long your guest will stay.
2. Financial support: Mention if you will pay for their stay, where they will stay, and expected daily expenses.

• Proof of accommodation

You need to show that your guest already has a place to stay.

You can present

1. Accommodation booking details: If your guest will be staying in a hotel, show the hotel reservation details. If they will stay with you, your letter should state that your guest is staying with you.
2. Proof of residence: If you own the place they will stay, show a copy of your property papers or rental agreement.

• Financial documents

Another important document on the list is proof of your financial capacity, if you are sponsoring your guest, present any of the following:

1. Bank statements: Provide recent bank papers showing you have enough money to sponsor your guest.
2. Payslips: If you work, provide recent payslips showing your income.
3. Employment letter: This is a letter from your boss showing your job, salary, and how long you’ve worked there.

• Additional documents

You may be required to present additional documents depending on why your guest is visiting.

Documents such as:

1. Business invitation: If your guest is coming for work or business purposes, get a letter from the UK company saying why and how long they’ll work there.
2. Tourist plans: If your guest is a tourist, present their detailed travel plan and the places they want to visit while in the UK.
3. Marriage certificate: If your spouse is the one coming to join you in the UK, show your marriage certificate to prove your relationship.

How much money do I need to invite someone to the UK?

There is no fixed amount of money set by the UK government, but you must demonstrate that you can financially support your guest during their visit by providing proof of your income, accommodation, bank statement, or payslips.

If you intend to invite someone to the UK, you must provide complete documents, an invitation letter containing the purpose of their visit, how long they will stay, who will sponsor their stay in the UK, and who they are to you, a relative, spouse, or sibling.