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Samples of cover letters for a UK visitor Visa

When applying for a UK visitor Visa, your cover letter is an opportunity to show your recipient why you qualify. The best format for writing a cover letter is as follows:

678 Lincoln Road

United Kingdom

Allowance is $500

I will like to leave for the UK on April 10th, 2012  and will return to my country on May 10th. My finance Mr. Tom will be paying all the expenses associated with the trip which includes my accommodation, airfare and living expenses. I have attached to this letter all the documents needed to get an approval.

Entry clearance officer

Reason for Visit

I miss my son and I wish to visit him. I also wish to explore the beautiful city of London.

My Background

I live in Karachi, Pakistan with <mention family members here>. I am a housewife.

I live with my husband, Tariq Zafar Khan, in Karachi. He runs his business of ***. He is also applying for a visit visa, so he could travel with me to London for this trip.

My Eldest Son

My Second Son

<Details of the second son were mentioned here>.

<Details of the daughter were mentioned here>.

Karachi to London: ** **** 2018

London to Karachi: ** **** 2018

Duration of Trip

I will buy confirmed tickets when I am granted the visa. I have mentioned the estimated cost of airline booking in this letter.

Accommodation in London

I will be staying in London with my son, Dr. Naseer Khan. He has a two-bedroom flat. He and his wife are more than happy to host me and my husband.

Financial Sponsor

My trip will be completely sponsored by my son, Dr. Naseer Khan.

Cost of Trip to Me

The total cost my trip to me will be zero, as it will be paid for by my son.

Estimated Cost of Trip

Traveling in the UK £200

I would be grateful if I am granted the visa to visit the UK and to see my sons. Please feel free to contact me if need be.

***** ****** ****.

Passport number: ***

Computerized National Identity Card number: ***

Email: ***********”

“[Your address in the UK]

Dear Sir / Madam

I work as a [occupation] at [workplace] since [month, year], and I have been living in the UK for [number of years] and I am a British [status].

Phone number

To: [Visitor’s name]

Host’s name

Phone Number

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why is a cover letter important, is it worth applying for an irish passport.

A Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa and How to Create One

My Mother’s Cover Letter for Visit Visa Application

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

How to write a compelling cover letter for UK visa (that will impress the ECO)

Updated: September 6, 2023

A cover letter for UK visa is instrumental in persuading the ECO that you meet the visa requirements and have no intention of overstaying your visa. It gives you the opportunity to convince the ECO that you are a genuine visitor and you will promptly return back to your country.

A cover letter is a document to convey additional information that wasn’t asked in the UK visa application. It’s not a mandatory document but by far the most helpful document in increasing your chances of UK visa approval.

Table of Contents

Why do you need a cover letter for uk visa.

The information asked in the UK visa application isn’t enough to convince the ECO that you will return back to your home country after your trip. 

Most questions on the UK visa application are close-ended. They don’t give you an opportunity to explain. 

A cover letter allows you to explain in your own words and be as descriptive as you can. You can use your own format and even use illustrations if needed.

Is a cover letter mandatory for UK visa?

No. A cover letter is not mandatory for UK visa. It’s not even a document in the documents checklist for UK visa.

When I applied for my UK visa, I did not submit a cover letter. At that time, I didn’t know the importance of a cover letter for UK visa. I didn’t feel the need to explain anything additional, so I didn’t submit one. My visa was still approved. 

That’s not the case for everyone. A cover letter will not hurt your chances of approval, it can only help. It gives you an additional opportunity to convince the ECO. 

If I apply again for my UK visa, I would definitely submit a cover letter. 

What should you write in the cover letter?

A cover letter is not a mandatory document for UK visa. So obviously, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) does not provide any guidelines on what to include in the cover letter.

As you all know, I started this website in 2016. Since then, I have been helping my readers with their visas. I figured that a cover letter was the most helpful for UK visa. 

I have been writing cover letters for my readers. Over time, I learned that a cover letter with a certain format worked the best for UK visa. 

I would like to impart all my knowledge in this article, so you can write the most compelling cover letter for your UK visa. It will not only impress the ECO but will greatly improve your chances of visa approval.

So without any further delay, let’s get started. 

Format of the cover letter

The goal of the cover letter is to convince the ECO that you are a genuine visitor. You must do this in a simple, short and clear manner. ECOs rarely will have time for anything other than what’s asked.

Write your cover letter in simple words as if it’s meant for a 5th grader. If the language is too complicated to read, ECO will not bother to read it. 

Do not use words that people from your country can only understand. ECOs are from the UK and they can only understand the terms that they use in the UK. 

Example: It’s common for people in India to say something like “ please do the needful and revert back to me “. Even though it’s still understandable, saying something like “ please let me know if you need anything else from me ” will help the ECO understand better. 

Remember, a cover letter is not a mandatory document. ECO is doing you a favor by reading it. So, make it easy for the ECO.

Your cover letter should never be longer than two pages. ECOs rarely have time for things other than what’s asked in the application. If you present them with a booklet, they will toss it in the trash without even looking at it. 

Again remember, a cover letter is not mandatory. It should not consume too much of ECO’s time.

To further simplify your cover letter, format it with subheadings, bullets and highlights. This helps the ECO to quickly glance over the letter and read any section that interests them. 

Example:   Instead of writing like this – 

“ I intend to travel to the UK for tourism from 20 June 2021 to 24 June 2021 and I plan to visit various attractions in London such as Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Madame Tussauds, National Gallery, etc. “

Write like this – 

• I intend to travel to the UK for tourism. My travel dates are from 20 June 2021 to 27 June 2021. 
• 20 June 2021: Arrive at Heathrow International Airport at 3 PM. Check-In and dinner.
• 21 June 2021: Visit Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London
• 22 June 2021: Visit Tower Bridge and London Eye
• 23 June 2021: Visit Madame Tussauds and National Gallery
• 24 June 2021: Depart from Heathrow International Airport at 10 AM

Sections in the cover letter

It’s important to break the cover letter into different sections. This helps the ECO quickly glance through the letter and understand the gist of it. If needed, the ECO can read specific sections. Your cover letter for UK visa must contain the following sections.

Section 1: Your previous UK visa refusals

In the UK visa application, there is a question on previous UK visa refusals. It asks about your previous UK visa refusal and its details. This question asks you to explain why your UK visa was refused but doesn’t ask why it shouldn’t have been refused

There is no other place in the application to address your previous visa refusals either. There is the “additional/extra information” area, but it’s only for text and not suitable for formatting or pictures. Therefore, the cover letter is the most appropriate place for addressing your previous UK visa refusal. 

If you are re-applying to challenge your UK visa refusal , include a section in your cover letter specifically for your previous visa refusal. Address your previous visa refusal with evidence, additional information and documentation. 

Keep this section as the first section in your cover letter. Having this section at the beginning of the cover letter will help the new ECO get straight to the point. Otherwise, they may overlook and your efforts of re-application may go to waste.

Here is an example.

Previous UK Visa Refusal

My previous application for the UK visitor visa with GWF number GWF12345678 was refused on 16 March 2021. 

I would like to address the reason for the refusal with additional information and documentation.

Reason for refusal: The sources of the deposit (£850) were not demonstrated by the documents provided.

Explanation: The deposit in question was made on 05-Dec-2020 for the amount of £850. This amount was the yearly bonus from my employer. Yearly bonuses are deposited in the first week of December every year. Please find the attached documentation to prove that these funds are available to me.

Additional Documentation: (1) Bonus slip, (2) bonus announcement email and (3) letter from my employer with details of bonus, amount and dates.

Section 2: Your travel purpose and itinerary

In this section, mention your purpose of visit and proposed itinerary in the UK. The itinerary must be detailed enough but not too descriptive to confuse the ECO. Format it with bullets and/or a table.

Proposed Travel Itinerary

• I intend to travel to the UK for tourism for a total of 7 days. My travel dates are from 14 Oct 2021 to 20 Oct 2021.
• My planned day-by-day itinerary is as follows

Section 3: People traveling with you to the UK

In this section, mention the people that will travel with you to the UK. If you are applying for the visa with your family members, mention their details such as name, passport number and GWF number. 

Each individual must submit one UK visa application. Say if a husband, wife and child are traveling to the UK together, each of them must submit a separate UK visa application. There is no easy way to tie these applications together. 

There is a question in the application asking for travel companions, but mentioning them again in your cover letter will help tie them all together. 

Travel Companions

I will be traveling to the UK with my wife and son. The GWF numbers of my wife’s and son’s UK visa applications are as follows.

Section 4: Your current employment/business or university details

In this section, mention your current employment details. Include details such as the employer’s name, how long you have been working and your current salary.

Employment Details

• I currently work for Samcore Logistics, LTD, Dubai as a product manager.
• I have been working as a product manager at Samcore Logistics, LTD since Nov 2014.
• My monthly salary is 7,000 AED after taxes.
• An original letter from my employer, a leave approval letter and bank statements indicating the salary deposits are attached.

If you are a business owner, mention the details of your business such as your business name, your role in the company, yearly revenue, etc.

Business Details

• I own a construction business in Dubai since 2016. I’m the founder and president of the business.
• The business has been in positive cash flow since its inception with yearly revenue of 300,000 AED.
• A copy of my business registration, business license, bank statements and tax returns are attached.

If you are currently a student at the university, mention your university details along with the program, major and semester details.

University Details

• I’m a full-time student enrolled in the undergraduate program at the University of the Philippines.
• I’m currently in the second semester of my second year with another four semesters remaining to graduate.
• A letter from my university and the fee payment receipts are attached.

Section 5: Your current financial situation

In this section, mention your source of income, savings and the bank statements for your UK visa . 

If you have multiple bank accounts, this section is a good place to talk about it. Explain why you have multiple bank accounts and how they are connected.

Financial Solvency

• I currently have 300,000 INR (approx. 2,900 GBP) in my bank account.
• The source of my savings is my salary from my employer, WinTech Corporation.
• The last 6 months bank statements and payslips are attached.

It’s quite common for many to work in a foreign country and send all their earnings back home for family maintenance or savings. In such cases, you will have to submit bank statements from both countries, but most importantly, mention that clearly in this section.

If you use a broker or third party to send cash back home, errors can occur and transactions may not match. I highly recommend using a money transfer service such as Wise to transfer cash back to your home country.

Section 6: Your sponsorship information

If you are paying for your trip yourself, this section does not apply to you. Have this section in your cover letter only if someone else is paying for your trip. 

In this section, mention your sponsor details, your relationship with the sponsor, what expenses they will bear, etc. 

Sponsorship Details

• My brother is sponsoring my trip to the UK.
• He will bear all my travel expenses while I’m in the UK including accommodation, food and transportation.
• A letter from my brother, his UK residence permit, employment proofs, bank statements, his apartment lease contract and the document to prove our relationship are attached.

Section 7: Your travel history

In this section, mention your travel history. Travel history is very important and highlighting it will only help with your UK visa. Your travel history can include all your previous travels to the UK and other countries. If you have traveled to a country multiple times, mention that country only once.

Travel History

• In the last 5 years, I have traveled to 8 countries for both tourism and business. 
• The countries I have traveled to are Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, UAE, Turkey and Denmark.
• A copy of my visas and entry and exit stamps from all the above countries are attached.

Section 8: Any family members staying back at home

In this section, mention any family members remaining at home during your UK trip. This helps prove your family ties with your country. Family ties indicate that you will return back to your country after your trip. 

Do not include this section if it does not apply to you.

Family Remaining at Home

• I currently live with my wife and two children.
• My wife and children will remain at home during my trip to the UK.
• A copy of my wife’s employment proof and children’s school receipts are attached.

Section 9: Your intention to return back

In this section, mention that you will promptly return back after your trip and the reasons for that. Reasons can be employment, business or attending to family needs. 

Intention to Return Back

• I intend to return to Pakistan after the end of my UK trip on 27 Oct 2021 as I have to report back to my employer and continue at my job on 28 Oct 2021.
• An original leave approval letter from my employer is attached.

Section 10: Any miscellaneous information

If you want to add something that didn’t fall under any specific section above, you can include it here. This could be something about properties you own (economic tie), your rental situation, covid safety precautions, etc.

Miscellaneous

• I currently live in a rental apartment. A copy of my rental contract is attached.
• I own farmland with my wife. A copy of my property ownership document is attached. 
• I assure you that I will follow COVID safety precautions throughout my trip.

A cover letter is not a mandatory document for UK visa. But in my experience, it’s the most helpful document. The goal of the cover letter is to convince the ECO that you are a genuine visitor. Your cover letter must be simple, short and clear. Break the cover letter into sections, paragraphs and bullet lists. Use pictures and screenshots if necessary.

That’s it, folks! Now you know how to write a compelling cover letter for UK visa. This will greatly improve the chances of your UK visa approval. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

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78 Comments

Kiesha says

March 5, 2023 at 8:53 am

Hi Thirumal, I love your articles and it has been really helpful, I applied for my Mums EUSS dependent Visa to travel to the UK which got rejected due to insufficient money transfers. It takes nearly 6 months to get a reply from them sometimes more than that. I need my mum to travel to the UK to be present for my delivery in July so I wanted to apply for a visiting visa. Do you think that would be an issue as I had applied for a dependent visa before? Thank you for your help.

Thirumal Motati says

March 6, 2023 at 2:07 pm

Hi Kiesha! Yes, it can pose an issue. I have seen cases where a visitor visa was refused due to a previous EUSS refusal. ECO assumes that the applicant is taking a different route to gain entry into the UK. So you will have to put more effort into convincing the ECO, through additional documentation and a cover letter.

Ankit Kate says

October 11, 2022 at 1:24 pm

Hello sir, Thanks a lot for the detailed information on the visa process. I am currently working on a Skilled Worker Tier 2 visa and planning to sponsor a visa for my mother-in-law. I have below 2 doubts regarding the same – 1. I currently live in a rented single room in the UK and planning to get a flat on rent in December (when my wife and mother in law would be arriving), so what address should I mention in the application? 2. Is it mandatory to show savings in my mother-in-law’s name if I am sponsoring all the expenses?

October 14, 2022 at 3:14 am

Hi Ankit! 1. To avoid complications, you should mention the new address (flat from December) as the “accommodation” address for your mother-in-law. 2. Yes. This is becoming very important and UKVI is very strict about this. Your mother-in-law must have her own income and savings. If she doesn’t, then the person on which she depends, ex: father-in-law. Also, make sure to show any properties that she owns and family members that will remain in her country during her UK trip.

October 17, 2022 at 8:28 am

Hi Thirumal, thanks a lot for the advice. I just have one more question – My mother-in-law doesn’t have much savings or funds but has a property in her name. But the property papers are in a regional language. Do we need to get those translated into English for application?

October 18, 2022 at 7:02 am

Yes, the papers must be translated into English for the UK visa.

Darshita Gajjar says

September 21, 2022 at 9:04 am

Hello. Thank you for the article. It is very helpful. I have a question about the address required in the cover letter. I am applying from Germany via TLS Application Centre. Based on my knowledge, TLS only collects the biometrics, processes your application and forward it to the UK Visas & Immigration in the UK. So for my cover letter which address should I write under The Entry Clearance Officer?

September 26, 2022 at 3:53 am

Hi Darshita! TLS forwards the application to the local UK embassy or consulate in Germany. So you can address the cover letter to “The Entry Clearance Officer, Embassy of the UK in Germany”. Who you address your cover letter is not that important. The content of the letter is important though.

Raymond says

October 6, 2022 at 9:11 pm

My wife is offering to cover the cost for me and our 3 kids for 5days Christmas holiday. Do I also need to submit my bank statements, as my pay is quite low?

October 7, 2022 at 3:46 am

Hi Raymond! Yes, even if your wife is sponsoring your application, you must provide your own bank statements too. Your income/savings do not have to meet the financial requirements since you are seeking sponsorship. If you have a decent income and can provide bank statements, you should be fine.

August 27, 2022 at 11:51 pm

Hello Thirumal. Thank you for the support and advice in your articles. Please how do I prove that I am related to my brother I am Inviting? I do not have a birth certificate, Is a baptism card sufficient enough as our parents never processed our birth certificates and we are in our 40’s now.

September 1, 2022 at 5:59 am

Hi Sue! Any document that shows your names along with your parents’ names should work. Or any documents that show both your names with matching last names can also be used. But yeah the baptism cards should work too.

Tushar Shah says

August 14, 2022 at 6:50 am

Thanks, your write-up is more than useful. I am applying for a UK visa thru VFS from Pune. To whom should the cover letter be addressed?

August 14, 2022 at 11:55 am

Hi Tushar! You can address your cover letter to the following.

The Entry Clearance Officer The Consulate General of the United Kingdom, Pune, India

There may not be a consulate of the UK in Pune. Your application might be sent to the consulate of the UK in Mumbai or New Delhi. But just using the city where you are applying is fine. Many readers have done that and none of them faced any issues. What’s important in the cover letter is the content, so you will be fine.

Dharshine says

January 28, 2023 at 4:12 pm

Hi Thirumal, I am having a question that is I and my child want to visit the UK for the summer holidays. My husband is an ex-serviceman and he had many properties, pay slip, pension slip everything because of insufficient leave he can’t come with us. But we had a joint account maintaining about 4 lakhs. Is that possible that I and my child can get visas through my husband’s sponsorship?

February 10, 2023 at 11:44 am

Hi Dharshine! Yes, your husband can sponsor your application even though he will not be traveling with you. He would need to write a sponsorship letter and provide all his documents. Similarly, you would need to mention all these details in your cover letter.

Pujan Sinha says

August 13, 2022 at 3:44 am

Hi Thirumal, I intend to apply for UK tourist visa. I have traveled to other countries before however last time there was a refusal from the Netherlands. Do I need to mention the refusal reasons and justify them? Also I had withdrawn my UKVI application once, due to change of travel plans. Should I include these points in the cover letter?

August 13, 2022 at 7:42 am

Hi Pujan! Yes. You must mention your Netherlands visa refusal and the reasons for its refusal in your UK visa application. You don’t have to mention your UK visa application withdrawal. It’s are not a refusal, so no need to mention.

shalini says

August 12, 2022 at 7:51 pm

Hi, I have been to the UK before and came back. The year 2001. Then 2005 I applied for a student visa, I got the visa and went for studies. After a successful year of studying, I apply for leave to remain which it got refused. The reason is the college was closed down. I appeal again. They refused. Then came back home. Now after 10 yrs, I am applying for a visit visa to see my friend. my friend is sponsoring me. Am I supposed to mention that 12 yrs before history in my cover letter. Please advise.

August 16, 2022 at 9:40 am

Hi Shalini! If you are re-applying immediately after a refusal, it helps to mention it in your cover letter so you can address it. But there is no need to mention a refusal that happened 12 years ago in your cover letter. However, you will have to mention all visa refusals, even if they happened 12 years ago, in your visa application form.

saidi adeleke says

August 12, 2022 at 4:42 pm

I am self employed with very good travel history – USA, UAE and 6 European countries. As a self employed is it important that I should submit my personal bank statement while applying for UK visitors visa or I can only submit my company bank statement since I will be sponsoring myself for the trip? PLEASE ADVISE.

August 16, 2022 at 9:52 am

Hi Adeleke! If your self-employment is registered as a business, then you must submit both business and personal bank statements. Your salary deposits must match those bank statements. If you only submit your business bank statements, then you must write a letter on your company letterhead that your business funds are available for personal use.

Jamal Adejare says

December 10, 2022 at 1:29 am

Hi Thirumal, Please I want to ask about running your business on your personal account, but had the business registered, will it be mandated you provide a company account still?

December 13, 2022 at 4:29 am

Hi Jamal! The ideal setup is to have separate bank accounts for your business. But it is not mandatory for your UK visa. If you do a good job of explaining things and providing clear documentation, you should be fine.

Foster Osei Bonsu says

July 27, 2022 at 9:41 pm

Please thank you very much for your education on travelling application. I want to know how lengthy or how many words must the cover letter be on a visit application.

July 28, 2022 at 4:28 am

Hi Foster! I recommend keeping your cover letter to one page or two pages max. A cover letter is not a mandatory document so keeping it to one page has a higher chance of ECO reading it. If it’s too many pages, the ECO may skip reading it.

June 27, 2022 at 1:09 am

Hello, thanks for the great write-up, it’s super useful! Which category should we upload the cover letter to when uploading documents for self-service?

June 27, 2022 at 8:55 am

Hi Mike! It depends on whether you are using VFS or TLS. It should probably go into the “other” category.

Bankole says

May 25, 2022 at 5:01 pm

Thank you very much for the opportunity to learn from your wealth of experience. My organization, that is my office is set to sponsor me to a conference in the UK in August 2022. All expenses as regards the trip are being paid by my office. In this case, what other documents do I attach to my application sir? I do not have a fat net pay because larger percentage of my salary is being deducted to five (5) cooperative societies that I belong to for the purpose of saving for raining days.

May 31, 2022 at 8:29 am

Hi Bankole! From your side, you must show that you have sufficent income and savings to support your trip incase your employer decides not to support you after you land in the UK. Your income and savings doesn’t have to conform to £150 a day requirment since your employer is sponsoring you. So if you have savings enough for a flight back home should work fine too.

May 24, 2022 at 2:57 pm

Hello, my brother is due to apply to come and visit me in the UK. I am a British and will be sponsoring his trip. But he lives in the village and he is a farmer (a cash business and he deposits the money in his bank). He has money in his bank statement equivalent to £1000. how can we prove this source of income please. He is a village man farming and selling in the village and Saturday markets. What documents should he submit?

May 25, 2022 at 6:30 am

Hi Sue! If he can prove that he is a farmer and sells his yield/produce at certain markets, then that should be sufficient. Also, if he owns the farming land, that would really help with his visa. What about his travel history? Has he ever been outside the country?

May 30, 2022 at 11:49 pm

Hello Thirumal. Thank you, how can he prove that he is a farmer, please? Also yes he has been outside the country since 2012 ( 10 years ago). The land he is farming on is our inheritance and the land title is in his name but as an administrator, pending the transfer to his name. Is this sufficient. The letter of administration from the court mentions him as the son of the late.

May 31, 2022 at 8:08 am

Yes. That should be sufficient to prove that the land belongs to him. It also needs to be properly explained in the “extra information” section within the UK visa application and also in the cover letter.

May 23, 2022 at 8:34 am

Hi, I am a single parent travelling with my son to UK on a tourist visa. I have the consent form, divorce decree and cover letter for my travel. I have also included other docs as per your article above. What other documents should I include in my application considering the single parent bit? My appointment is day after tomorrow and I happened to see this page only today.

May 24, 2022 at 6:51 am

Hi ML! Apart from those documents, submit the following for your application. – Cover letter with details of your employment, financial, family and economic ties

Submit the following for your son’s application. – His birth certificate (to prove your relationship) – Consent letter from your son’s father – A sponsorship/cover letter with details about you, your employment, financial, family and economic ties, etc. (since you will take care of his expenses during the trip)

Oladimeji says

May 21, 2022 at 10:54 pm

Please I forgot to include my visit to the Republic of Cyprus when I was asked in my visa application what countries I’ve visited! I wasn’t refused a visa neither was I deported! But the stamps in and out are on my passport! Do I need a cover letter?

May 23, 2022 at 6:23 am

Hi Oladimeji! If you have considerable travel history, for example, 5 or more, then you don’t have to worry about not mentioning Cyprus. If you don’t have good travel history, then cancel your application and fill out a new one. You can get a full refund of the visa fee if you haven’t given your biometrics yet. And the cover letter is necessary either way.

January 31, 2022 at 2:59 pm

Hi, thank you for your helpful subject. I am a Ph.D. student in Canada, and I want to visit the UK over the summer holidays. Also, I have to come back to Canada again to continue my Ph.D. program. What documents do I need to include in my file to show that I am coming back after visiting the UK? Is that sufficient to include my admission letter from the university and my home lease contract? Thank you!

February 2, 2022 at 6:40 am

Hi Alec! An admission letter will not be sufficient. You need proof that you still have a certain number of semesters left and you have pre-paid your tuition for the future semesters. At least 1 or 2 semesters would be fine. A home lease contract also helps.

January 25, 2022 at 12:19 pm

Hello, thank you for such effort you’ve put into this blog site to help lots of people like me. I must confess I have learned alot from the post and reactions after it. I have a couple of questions though.

1. What is the sequence of UK online application for family of 5 going together to the UK for holiday .i.e. who’s application comes first? 2. What is the visa approval success rate for a spouse that is not working at the moment and going with her husband and kids to the UK for holiday? 3. Can the husband sponsor wife’s UK visa application/trip even though she’s employed?

January 26, 2022 at 5:49 am

Hi Sam! I appreciate the kind words! 1. Even though you all apply together, each application is assessed individually. You will have no control over whose application will be assessed first and in which order. The only thing you can do is to mention everyone else as their travel companions in each of your applications, and also in the cover letter. 2. The approvals are high as long as the husband can sponsor her application, prove the relationship and prove that she and her husband have strong ties with their country. 3. Yes, the husband can sponsor his wife’s UK visa application. There is no need for the wife to be working or employed.

December 14, 2021 at 4:25 pm

Hello, with regard to mentioning the Travel History in the Cover Letter. What if my previous passport already expired and got misplaced, hence, I am not able to provide a copy of the stamps for these. Do you think it will still add value or just completely leave out the travel history section? Grateful in advance for your response.

December 18, 2021 at 10:39 am

Hi Jamie! If you can’t prove your travel history, don’t mention it in the application.

December 7, 2021 at 3:51 pm

Hello, I’m employed and I’m a business owner, my bank statement reflects both my salary from my job and profit from my business. My question is what should I attach as proof? Payslips, business license, etc.? Thank you!

December 11, 2021 at 12:08 pm

Hi Julie! You must attach both, your payslips and business license. Also, explain clearly in your cover letter. In the future, separate your accounts otherwise you will continue to face problems with your visas.

November 30, 2021 at 10:56 am

Hi sir, I’m mills a police officer and I intend to travel to the UK for a conference on safety and security by next year. I need guidance on what documents I should attach to it apart from the mandatory requirements. Will it be necessary to add my marriage certificate, car and house paperwork?

December 2, 2021 at 3:44 pm

Hi Mills! Documents proving any kind of ties with your country are essential to make a strong case. Your marriage certificate will prove your family ties and house paperwork will prove your economic ties with your country. So yes, make sure to provide those two. Mentioning your car is not necessary.

October 17, 2021 at 5:02 am

Hello, I am applying for a UK returning residence visa to regain the status of my lapsed ILR. My question is should I write a cover letter with the application, if yes then to whom should I address the cover letter. Please quick response will be highly appreciated.

October 20, 2021 at 5:19 pm

Hi Navid! Unfortunately, my knowledge and experience are only in tourist visas. So I’m not sure if a cover letter is necessary for an ILR application.

Esther says

November 19, 2021 at 12:44 am

Dear THIRUMAL, I applied for a tourist visa to the UK and was approved. The next again I tried and was refused because the first information says I don’t have dependents and that’s because they don’t live with me. Now they live with me and depend on me but I didn’t realize then I should have included a cover letter. And we were all denied. What must I do because the children want to visit the UK on tourism? Thanks.

November 20, 2021 at 12:39 pm

Hi Esther! You already know your refusal reasons. Make sure to fix them in your re-application. Provide proof that you have dependents (family ties) and provide a detailed cover letter. Follow the instructions from this article for the cover letter.

September 28, 2021 at 1:25 pm

Hi Thirumal, I’m doing the application for a UK visa for my parents, both retired, and they live in Albania. Their pension is not a great amount of money and my siblings and I, we all contribute monthly to their financial situation of their living there. I’m covering all their expenses from the start to finish of their visit to the UK. I’ve prepared a cover letter from my part explaining their intention of coming in UK for Christmas and that I’ll be covering everything.

Their visas have been refused 2 times before. Now my concern is “On their cover letter should I explain their pension as an income and that their children give financial support on their living, or should we live this out of the cover letter.

I understand that their pension money only is not enough, and there is a section on the application asking about their salary and other forms of income and how much they spend monthly. this is a bit tricky for pensioners as they will have to spend all their money for their living in my country, and also the extra they get for us. Do we have to explain this in the cover letter? Will this still be an issue for the application?

Just to mention again I’ll be covering their expenses while travelling. They have savings as their own 4000Euro, which they have accumulated while they had worked previously, My mom had a small tailoring shop. Will this be enough for them? Thanks!

September 29, 2021 at 8:53 am

Hi Bruna! The UK visa application is mainly meant for employed individuals. The questions are not quite relevant to retired, students, housewives, children, etc. That’s where the question “extra information” and the cover letter come in handy.

In their cover letters, yes, mention that they rely on both their pension and support from their children. This is quite normal in most countries, so I don’t think it would be difficult for the ECO to understand.

For employment questions, they can mention that they are retired. If that option is not available, they can select unemployed. For the question on other income or savings, they can mention their monthly pension and support from children. It’s ok for the living expenses to be equal to their pension and support. This won’t hurt their visa approval as you will be sponsoring their trip.

For any trip expenses related questions, make sure they put zero for them since they will not personally spend anything on the trip.

Yes, it’s essential to mention all of these in their cover letters and a summary of them in “extra information”.

Yes, 4,000 euros of savings should be enough for them since they will not personally spend anything from their side on the trip. You will bear all their trip expenses.

Lastly, a couple of important things. – Most of the time, UKVI will not scrutinize retired applicants. So, no need to worry about their pension and savings. ECOs will mostly focus on your income and savings as you are sponsoring them. Make sure you have all the documents needed. Also, if you know the reasons why their previous visas were refused, let me know, so I can give your more accurate advice based on that. – Even after explaining everything in the cover letter, a lot of time ECOs make decisions based on the numbers like salary, savings, etc in the application. This is unfortunate, but when this happens, a lot of times, the applicants see success either with a PAP or reapplication.

August 28, 2021 at 9:32 am

Hi, I am from Srilanka, which is a red list country. I intend to apply for a UK visa to drop and settle my one and only son who is starting uni. Do you think a visit visa will be issued?

August 28, 2021 at 11:46 am

Hi H Ali! If your country is on the red list, your UK visa application will not be accepted by the VFS. Even if they accept your documents, UKVI will put your application on hold till Srilanka comes out of the red list.

PRADEEP JALAN says

August 28, 2021 at 7:24 am

For Canada tourist visa applied online; where does the cover letter fit in. Is it necessary only when we apply on paper?

August 28, 2021 at 11:44 am

Hi Pradeep! A cover letter is not mandatory for a Canada visa. But I usually recommend one since it’s the easiest way to convey information that’s not asked in the application. You can provide a cover letter for both online and paper applications. If applying online, you can upload the cover letter for “Letter of explanation of your trip”. Letter of explanation of your trip will be one of the items in document upload.

Quincy says

August 26, 2021 at 9:12 pm

Hello. Nice articles. I’ve been visiting here for more knowledge but I still have some doubts.

1. I am planning to apply for a visit visa, I have my employment contract (25 pages) and also a leave letter from my HR. Do I need to submit both documents or just the leave NOC letter from my HR is fine?

2. Is it also necessary to submit my house rental agreements?

3. Also I have been refused a US visa some years ago which I declared in my application. But do I have to submit a copy of my refusal letter in my UK application and specify this in the cover letter also?

I really need some clarity here and I would appreciate your response. Thanks.

August 28, 2021 at 11:38 am

Hi Quincy! 1. Both the Employment letter and leave approval letter are necessary. Employment letter will have details such as how long you have been employed with them, your salary, job duties, etc. Therefore, you need an employment letter too, not an employment contract. You can have your HR write a one-page employment letter for you. If you need a template, email me. 2. Yes. It will demonstrate your economic ties with your country. 3. No. You do not need to submit your US visa refusal letter. You also do not need to mention your US visa refusal in your cover letter.

Muhammad Sameer says

August 24, 2021 at 5:58 pm

Hey dear, I have a couple of questions to ask related to the UK visit visa application. Considering my family is applying where my father is the head, my mother is a housewife and I am a student. All my queries are stated below.

1) There is a question in the application which says how much money you intend to spend on this trip personally, so what should I write for my father, me and my mom. I cannot put zero in mine and my mum’s because it doesn’t allow it.

2) My father was refused a UK visa back in 2012, The application asks for it but he doesn’t have the refusal letter so what should I write in the application.

3) Me and my mum applied and got the visa last December but we couldn’t go due to red list issues and increased corona cases. So should I mention that in my application on why we didn’t travel even though we had the visa then?

August 25, 2021 at 8:12 am

Hi Muhammad! 1) Even though you are not personally spending on your trip, you must still enter the amount per individual. You can divide the total expense by 3 and enter that amount for each of you. 2) You can simply enter “ECO discretion” or “Do not remember the refusal reasons”. This will not hurt your visa result in any way. 3) Mentioning that you had a visa and could not use it will only work towards your benefit. So make sure to mention it in the “additional/extra information” within your application and also in your cover letter.

August 25, 2021 at 5:57 pm

So for instance, if my father is staying there for two months and me and my mom are going for twenty days so around how much money should I write for me, my mom and my father.

August 26, 2021 at 1:34 pm

I see. That’s a bit complicated. I suggest dividing the total expense by the amount of time spent in the UK by each. From your example, since your dad will spend 60days, you will spend 20days and your mom will spend 20days, divide the total budget by 60%, 20% and 20%. That should work.

August 26, 2021 at 1:38 pm

Actually I am confused on how much should I write for budget of my trip as my sister and brother-in-law in UK would be taking care of our accommodation, food and transport in UK.

August 28, 2021 at 11:48 am

If someone is sponsoring your trip, you will only enter the amount that you personally spend on your UK trip. For example, if they cover your accommodation, food and transportation and you will pay for shopping and souvenirs. Then you will enter the amount you will spend on shopping and souvenirs.

August 15, 2021 at 6:24 pm

Hi Thirumal, my UK visa application was refused. I want to apply again, but I have some doubts, could I contact you in any way, please? I would like to receive advice and help from you. Thanks.

August 16, 2021 at 4:04 am

Hi Mari! Sure. Please send me an email with your questions to [email protected] .

Michael says

August 12, 2021 at 8:44 pm

Hi, my graduation ceremony is in September and I intend to travel for it. Can you help me with how I should tailor my cover letter to the British embassy?

August 14, 2021 at 11:37 am

Hi Michael! Since you will be applying for a visitor visa, you must prove that you have strong ties with your country and you will return back after your trip. Therefore, most sections in this article will apply to your situation except the travel purpose. In the travel purpose section, you will mention that you will be traveling to the UK for your graduation ceremony.

Fathia says

August 2, 2021 at 4:35 pm

Good evening sir, I really like your articles and it has really helped me. My father is about to apply for my visa again. My question is that how do I explain the deposit in my account were gifts from family members. My visa was refused because they were other deposits in my account aside from my father’s deposits (he is the one sponsoring my trip).

August 3, 2021 at 7:31 am

Hi Fathia! If your father is sponsoring and he also deposited cash into your account, he can explain that in his sponsor letter. You can also explain the same in your cover letter. But for other large cash deposits, you must present evidence that the cash belongs to you. I have a detailed article on bank statements for UK visa . This article explains these in detail.

Ofori Bismark says

July 28, 2021 at 4:51 am

Please sir, my brother is in the UK has sent me an invite. I m in Ghana now so what documents do I need before I can apply for the visa?

July 29, 2021 at 5:14 am

Hi Ofori! There is a distinction between INVITATION and SPONSORSHIP. To know what documents you need for the UK visa, you would first need to understand that your brother is simply inviting you to visit him or sponsoring your trip. Below are the documents you will need.

Invitation – Your brother’s UK passport (or his home country passport) – Your brother’s UK residence permit (if he is not a UK citizen) – An invitation letter from your brother stating that he is inviting you to visit him in the UK

Sponsorship – Your brother’s UK passport (or his home country passport) – Your brother’s UK residence permit (if he is not a UK citizen) – A sponsorship letter from your brother stating that you will take care of all your trip expenses including accommodation, food and transportation – His apartment lease agreement – A utility bill on his name

Arinola says

July 17, 2021 at 10:42 am

Good morning sir, I like your articles and it has been really helpful, my question is that what if you are submitting 6 months bank statements and your employers paid you 3 months and owe you 3 months what will you do? Even if you have other transactions running in your salary account, can you still use the accounts? Or if the employer pays the 3months together, can you still use it. Thanks.

July 17, 2021 at 11:22 am

Hi Arinola! If you are getting paid irregularly, you need to explain this in your cover letter and provide documentary proof such as an explanation from your employer.

Nana poku says

May 24, 2021 at 12:07 pm

If you own a property with your uncle can you add that in your miscellaneous with the necessary documents? And if you provided a statement from 2020-2021 in your previous application can you reduce it to 6months in the next application

Do you have to write a cover letter to prove your bank statement or get an attestation from the bank if your employer deposit is not clearly indicated in the bank statement? What do you do when there is a different department that pays salaries of workers of your employer?

Thirumal says

May 25, 2021 at 5:25 am

Hi Nana! Yes, if you co-own a property with someone, you can provide the ownership document as proof of economic tie with your country. Bank statements must be for the latest 6 months. No need for statements from the previous application. The most recent 6 months should work fine.

Bank statements in some countries require an official attestation from the bank. You will know if that’s how bank statements are used in your country for all purposes. If your company name is different from the deposit transaction in your bank statements, you can explain it in your cover letter.

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Sample Letter for UK Tourist Visa Application (2019 Cover Letter Template)

In this article, we are going to discuss how  you can write your UK visitor visa supporting letter in 2019.

This is because your goal is going to be the same whether you are applying for a UK, US, Canadian or a tourist visa for another country – to convince the person deciding your application that you will return to your home country and not overstay .

This is one of the most helpful things that you can do to increase your chances of a successful UK visitor visa application .

After all, the Home Office caseworkers are very suspicious people and you should do everything that you can to persuade them that you are a ‘genuine’ and ‘credible’ visitor.

There is no one set letter template that can be effectively used for all UK visitor visa applications since every application is different and unique to your own individual circumstances.

There are different aspects that your visit visa supporting letter should discuss and we will discuss each of them in turn:

• An introduction / summary of your visit visa application
• List of documents that you are including
• The purpose of your visit
• Why you will not overstay your UK visa
• The dependants that you will be applying with (if any)
• Your ability to adequately maintain yourself during your UK visit
• Whether your sponsor meets the sponsor requirements (if you have one)
• Confirmation that you are not using frequent and successive visits to make the UK your main home (if relevant)
• Potential weaknesses in your application
• Contact details of other relevant persons

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 1

Introduction/Summary

My name is [NAME] and I am [NATIONALITY] . I am applying from [COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE] and I am applying for a standard [6 month/2 year/5 year/10 year] UK visitor visa.

In discussing that I am a genuine and credible UK visitor visa, this letter will cover:

• A list of the supporting documents that have been submitted alongside this supporting letter

The purpose of my visit

• Reasons why I will comply with the terms of the visa and why I will  not overstay
• Information relating to  dependants applying with me (delete if appropriate)
• My ability to adequately maintain myself [ and any dependants (if relevant) ] during intended UK trip
• Information relating to my sponsor (delete if appropriate)
• Why I am not using frequent and successive visits to make the UK my main home [( if relevant )]
• Potential perceived weaknesses in my application
• Contact details of other relevant persons you may wish to contact

Why is this section important?

This section provides a clear outline of the things that Home Office caseworkers are most interested in.

By providing a clear and relevant structure , you are immediately letting the Home Office caseworker know that you have a good understanding of the Immigration Rules as they apply to visitor visas.

It also makes it easier for the Home Office caseworker to read. The clearer and easier you make it for the Home Office caseworker, the happier that they will be.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 2

List of included documents

In support of my UK visitor visa application, I have included the following documents:

The Home Office tend to lose documents quite often, unfortunately.

By stating that you list a certain documents, the Home Office caseworker will then know that the document may have indeed been lost on the way.

This increases the likelihood of the Home Office caseworker getting into contact and asking for the missing document .

By having something similar to the above table, you again increase the clarity and ease of reading for this cover letter.

The Home Office caseworker will be able to refer to this table to quickly identify the relevant document when considering your application and it will again provide good impression.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 3

The main purpose of my visit is to [INSERT ONE SENTENCE SUMMARY] .

[Discuss what you intend to do in the UK in more detail here]

I am fully aware of the permitted and prohibited activities found in Immigration Rules Appendix V: visitor rules .

Example Itinerary #1

The main purpose of my visit is to attend my niece’s university graduation .

The following is my itinerary and includes the likely costings of the UK visit:

23rd May (Day 1)

Hopefully, I will be flying to London Heathrow from Bangkok, Thailand. As evidenced by the attached return flight tickets and return flight ticket receipts (Appendix 8 and 9), the cost of return of this flight is £884.

24th May (Day 2)

I will be picked up at the London Heathrow by my sister and will stay at her accommodation, 22b Iverson Road, London, NW6 2HE for two nights.

Please see the attached letter of support from my sister, which has been labelled Appendix 11.

Whilst I expect that I will spend around £30 on airport food, I will incur no costs for accommodation.

25th May (Day 3)

I will attend my niece’s graduation on this day, which is the main purpose of my trip to the UK.

The graduation is taking place at the University of Leeds campus.

We will travel from my niece’s accommodation in London to the University of Leeds by train, the expected cost of which is £80 for a return train ticket (see Appendix 13).

In support of these plans, please see the attached letter from my niece’s university (Appendix 5), confirmation of my niece’s graduation (Appendix 4) and the letter of support from my niece (Appendix 7).

Since the graduation is scheduled to finish at 11.30am, this will give us plenty time to enjoy a nice meal at our favourite restaurant, ‘Almost Famous’ in Leeds.  I will have £50 set aside for this meal.

Once we have arrived back in London, I will again stay at my sister’s accommodation, which will mean that I will incur no extra costs with regards to accommodation.

26th May (Day 4)

My last day is expected to start early in the morning as my sister will drive me to London Heathrow in time for my 8am flight back to Bangkok.

I have set aside £30 for food and drink at the airport.

The total expected cost for this trip is therefore £190 for my 4-day trip, not including the return flight tickets that I have already paid £884 for.

In light of my personal savings account at Appendix 17 that shows savings of £12,200 (as converted by oanda.com), it is therefore clear that I can adequately provide for myself during my 4-day visit to the UK.

Example Itinerary #2:

The main purpose of my visit is to attend my niece’s university graduation.

The purpose of your visit is a key consideration when deciding whether the Home Office should grant your UK visitor visa application.

The clearer that your purpose for visiting the UK is, the more genuine and credible you will appear to be .

Because of this, it is therefore helpful if you are able to use this letter of support to clearly discuss your plans and the costs associated with the UK trip .

In this section of the letter of support, it will be good if you cross-reference your stated intentions with evidence that you submit in your application.

For example: I will be taking the train on the 25th May, 2020 from London Heathrow to Leeds train station, which will cost £80. Please see appendix 13 that shows this .

It will also be good to get letter of supports from family or friends that supports your stated intentions.

For example, if you are visiting a specific family member or friend in the UK, a letter of support from them will also be helpful to include.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 4

Why I will not overstay the UK visitor visa

I fully intend to return to [my home country OR make an onwards journey to COUNTRY] before my UK visitor visa expires.

I have a good life back home and I would absolutely not want to trade it for a life as an outlaw in the UK.

The following are reasons that I would you to consider when deciding my application:

#1 My good immigration history

My unblemished UK immigration history is one indication that suggests that I am likely to comply with the terms of the UK visit visa and return to my home country prior to the visa expiration.

Example : “In 2012, I was issued a UK visitor visa for 6 months (see appendix 13 which is a copy of page 34 of my attached passport). In 2015, I was also issued a UK visitor visa (see Appendix 14 which is a copy of page 36 of my attached passport. In all of the above instances, I left before the expiration of the visa. I also complied with all of the visa conditions.”

#2 My family ties to my home country

My family back home is another strong indication that I will return to my home country prior to the UK visitor visa expiring.

[Discuss family members back home here, especially if they are dependant on you].

Example : My son, Jeremiah (13 years of age) and my daughter, Jodie (15 years of age), will stay in my home country of Bangladesh during my 9-day trip to the UK. Please see their attached passport scans at Appendix 8 and 9. During my UK visit, Jeremiah and Jodie will be cared for by my husband, Andy Jones, as evidenced by my husband’s letter of support at Appendix 14, which includes a copy of his passport at Appendix 15.

#3 My financial and economic ties to my home country

My financial and economic ties to my home country are other factors that strongly suggest that I have no reason to trade my life in [HOME COUNTRY] with a life as an illegal alien in the UK.

My assets and income are discussed in more detail below, under the sub-heading ‘My ability to adequately maintain myself in the UK’.

#4 Other links with my home country

Example : I am currently studying a degree at Chiang Mai University, Thailand. Please see the attached letter from my university at Appendix 6 that confirms this. Please also see the attached term dates for my course at Appendix 7 that confirms that my intended trip to the UK is not during term-time but rather during the summer holidays.

The main reason why visit visa applications are refused is that the Home Office are scared that you will use the UK visitor visa to enter the UK,  disappear and overstay your visa illegally .

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 5

Dependants I am applying with (if relevant)

As stated in the online application form, I am applying with child dependant(s), [NAME(S) AS STATED IN PASSPORT(S), AGE(S) & THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO YOU] .

Obviously, if you are not applying with any child dependants, you can ignore this sub-heading .

However, if you are applying with child dependants, it is important that you are fully aware of the additional requirements that will apply.

In summary, you must show:

#1 That you (or your sponsor) will be able to adequately provide for any child dependants that are also applying for a UK visitor visa.

This is obviously linked with your ability to adequately maintain yourself – i.e. by the showing of assets and income.

In order to maintain a clear structure for this letter of support, you should make sure you sufficiently discuss your finances in the subheading ‘My ability to adequately maintain myself during the UK visit’ below.

#2 That all duties of care obligations with regards to child dependants will be met

Simply showing sufficient financial assets and income will not always suffice.

If, in light of all the circumstances, it is not clear how the child’s welfare will be looked after in the UK, it is likely that the application will be refused .

Like many UK visa applications, the child’s welfare is of an extremely high importance .

#3 That parental consent is given

Parental consent is a requirement for children’s UK visitor visas.

This requirement is usually satisfied where the visit visa applications are made on behalf of a child, although i t is important that you are aware of the situations where the requirement will not be met .

If you are divorced with your child’s other parent, the parent with sole responsibility or legal custody must provide parental consent, which can be met via a letter of support.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 6

My ability to adequately maintain myself during the UK visit

I confirm that I can adequately maintain myself [as well the dependants who are applying with me] . To support this, I will now discuss my sources of income and financial assets.

#1 My sources of income

#2 My assets and/or cash savings

#3 My on-going financial commitments

Example : I am employed as a journalist for The Daily Paper Company in Pakistan. I receive a gross annual salary of PKR 3,000,000 and I have permission from my employer to have paid leave for the week that I will be visiting the UK (see Appendix 8, which is a signed letter from my employer). For clarity, PKR 3,000,000 equates to 15,102 pounds sterling, as stated by the closing spot exchange rate found on www.oanda.com . As evidenced by my attached bank statements (see Appendix 3), I saved a total of PKR 1,500,000 over the past 8 months to help fund my UK visit. This is the equivalent of £7,550 pounds sterling. I also own my own house in Pakistan. Please see the attached documentation (Appendix 11-13) for 12 Wahdat Road, Lahore. The property’s worth, as stated on zoopla.com, is PKR 13,000,000 (Appendix 14).

It is crucial that you are able to convince the Home Office caseworker that you have sufficient resources to maintain and accommodate yourself adequately for the whole of your planned visit to the UK.

This includes the additional costs associated with applying with any dependant children.

If the expected cost of the visit is high when compared to your overall resources (or your sponsor’s overall resources), then questions may be raised regarding the genuineness of your intentions .

Unlike a UK spouse visa , there are no set rules regarding the amount of funds that you (or your sponsor) will need to show.

For example, there is no rule saying that an income of £10,000 is required or cash savings of £5,000 or more.

Instead, the Home Office caseworker will look at your circumstances (and your sponsor’s circumstances, if you have one) and your stated intentions and then make a decision based on that.

At the very minimum, it is clear that you have to prove that you can afford:

I) The cost of travelling to and from the UK ;

II) Any costs associated with applying with dependant children ;  and

III) What you say you intend to do in the UK (e.g. shopping or visiting a family in London).

There are a few points to note regarding evidencing assets and income .

Firstly, both your supporting letter as well as the documents that you submit should make the source of cash savings clear.

If your personal bank account shows a sudden and relatively large injection of cash into your bank, this may seem suspicious.

Secondly, you should make it clear that you can access  to the cash savings.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 7

My sponsor (include this sub-heading only if you have one)

I am being sponsored by [ SPONSOR’S NAME ], who is my [ RELATIONSHIP TO APPLICANT ]. As evidenced by the attached documentation, [ SPONSOR’S NAME ]’s [ASSETS/INCOME] is more than enough to adequately provide for myself [and my dependant children who are applying with me] during my stay in the UK.

I can confirm that the relationship between [ SPONSOR’S NAME ] and I is genuine. Please see the attached documentation regarding this, as well as the attached letter of support from [ SPONSOR’S NAME ] that confirms [ HIS/HER ] intention to sponsor me.

• Whether the relationship is personal or professional
• How you met,
• Where you first met,
• How often you meet,
• How often you communicate with each other]

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 8

Why I am not using frequent and successive visits to make the UK my home (include this sub-heading if you have previously been issued a UK visitor visa only)

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 9

Potential weaknesses in my application

Include this section only if there are any potential weaknesses in your application.

I recognise that [ REASON 1 ] can raise doubts about the genuine and credibility as a visitor.

[Discuss this here and explain why that should not adversely affect your UK visitor visa application]

I recognise that [ REASON 2 ] can raise doubts about the genuine and credibility as a visitor.

Example : In 2016 I was previously refused a UK visitor visa on the grounds that I was not able to adequately show that I can maintain myself. Please see appendix 3, which is a copy of this refusal letter. It was unfortunate that important financial documents, such as employer pay slips and bank statements, were not received by the Home Office – hence not being able to show that I could have adequately maintained myself. In any event, one month after receiving the refusal letter, I submitted another UK visitor visa application. Fortunately, the Home Office received all of the supporting documents and my UK visitor visa application was swiftly approved. In light of this, my previous UK visitor visa refusal should not adversely affect this application as not only have I shown adequate funds to cover my trip to the UK in this application, but the reason for the previous refusal does not apply to my case.

It is important to directly address the potential weaknesses of your application.

This is because Home Office caseworkers are trained specifically to identify weaknesses in applications.

SUB-HEADING NUMBER 10

Relevant contact details

I can appreciate that you may want to contact my friends and family.

If you would like to do so, the following are some friend and family member’s contact information:

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 1], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 2], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 3], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 4], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

[FAMILY OR FRIEND NAME 5], [RELATIONSHIP TO ME]: [PHONE NUMBER & EMAIL]

If you would like to contact any other individuals or organisations and I have not provided their contact details, please feel free to get in touch and I will be more than happy to provide them.

In some cases, the Home Office caseworker may want to contact relevant third parties in your application in order to validate information to help decide whether they think you are a genuine and credible visitor.

Hopefully you found this article helpful.

Spending time writing a comprehensive covering letter is certainly a worthwhile activity as it is the best place for you to discuss relevant pieces of information in detail.

When writing the covering letter, remember:

• Using simple, straightforward English is best .
• Try to keep the contents of your supporting letter as relevant as possible
• When you can, cross-refer to documentation throughout your supporting letter
• As long as the structure of the letter is clear, it is worthwhile discussing different aspects of your application in great detail .

Related Articles

The Ultimate UK Visitor Visa Guidance for 2020

Long Term Visitor Visa 2019 and 2020 Guidance

What are the documents required for a UK Visitor Visa? (2019 Document Checklist)

UK Visitor Visa Fee 2020 [Including HIDDEN Costs]

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Applying for a UK visa can feel like a challenging task, but creating a cover letter for a UK visa doesn’t have to be. Whether you're planning a visit, a tour, or studying in the UK, having a solid cover letter for a UK visit visa, UK tourist visa, or UK student visa is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through crafting a perfect cover letter in just 5 minutes, and we’ll even provide a handy cover letter for a UK visa sample to get you started.

Why You Need a Cover Letter for a UK Visa

A cover letter for a UK visa is a crucial part of your application. It helps visa officers understand your travel plans and adds context to your documents. Whether it's a cover letter for a UK visit visa for a short trip, a cover letter for a UK tourist visa for a vacation, or a cover letter for a UK student visa for your studies, a well-written cover letter can really make a difference.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Your Cover Letter

• Introduction:  Start with a simple introduction. Mention your name, the purpose of your visit, and the type of visa you are applying for. For example, “My name is Jane Doe, and I am applying for a UK tourist visa to visit the beautiful sights of London.”  
• Travel Details:  Clearly describe your travel plans. Include your travel dates, places you will visit, and where you will stay. This helps the visa officer understand your itinerary.  
• Purpose of Visit: Explain why you are visiting the UK. If it’s a cover letter for a UK visit visa, mention if you're visiting family, friends, or tourist attractions . For a cover letter for a UK student visa, explain your course of study and why you chose the UK.  
• Financial Information: Provide details about how you will finance your trip. Mention your employment status, and any financial support from sponsors, and attach proof of funds. Include any additional information such as sudden transfers in your account, previous rejections, and explanations for them.  
• Conclusion: End your letter by expressing your commitment to follow the visa regulations and your intention to return to your home country after your visit.

Cover Letter for UK Visa Sample

Here’s a cover letter for a UK visa sample to help you get started:

[Your Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, ZIP Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

UK Visas and Immigration [Visa Office Address]

Dear Sir/Madam,

My name is [Your Name], and I am writing to apply for a [type of visa: visit/tourist/student] visa to the UK. I plan to travel from [start date] to [end date], and my purpose for visiting is [brief explanation: tourism, visiting family, studying, etc.].

During my stay, I will be visiting [mention places] and staying at [mention accommodations]. I have included my travel itinerary as part of my application.

I am currently employed as [your designation] at [your employer’s name] since [your date of joining], and I have attached my bank statements to show that I have enough funds to support my trip. Additionally, I have included a letter from my employer granting me leave for the duration of my visit.

I assure you that I will follow the visa rules and return to [your home country] once my visit is over. Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Contact Number] [Your Email Address]

Creating a cover letter for a UK visa—whether it's for a visit visa, tourist visa, or student visa—can be straightforward if you follow these steps. The aim is to provide a clear and honest overview of your travel plans and financial situation. Use the sample cover letter for a UK visa provided as a template, and you'll have your cover letter ready in no time. Safe travels!

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Applicant’s Cover Letter Sample For UK Visit Visa/Tourist Visa Application

Applicant’s Cover Letter Sample For UK Visit Visa/Tourist Visa Application

Take a look at this applicant’s cover letter sample. Basically, a cover letter states the purpose of your travel, planned travel dates and duration of stay in the UK, itineraries, proof of travel funding, if you have a sponsor, state your relationship to the sponsor and the circumstances of such. You may also want to add explanations regarding some of the supporting documents you want to be highlighted for easy understanding on the part of the Entry Clearance Officer.

I hope the sample I have gives you an idea of how you write yours.

Good luck with your application and I hope you’d get the most precious visa vignette stamped on your passport page!

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excellent guidance, Thank you

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UK Tourist and Visit Visa – Cover Letter Example

This UK immigration legal help cover letter can be used to support a UK tourist or visitor visa application. What is a cover letter? Cover letter, template letter, legal template and submissions letter are just some of the names used to describe the most important application document. Our lawyers prefer to call this a cover letter and have done so for more than 17 years. Your cover letter is what really sets your application apart from all others, and a good one will detail everything important about your application. It will include your background information and details about how you meet specific immigration rules, tackling any complicated issues head-on. Entry clearance officers and Home Office decision makers will always consider all additional information contained within a well-written cover letter. As the most powerful weapon in any reputable immigration lawyer’s armoury, everything you detail therein can make or break your application. This legal help template has been prepared by and is currently used by our experienced Immigration Lawyers to make successful tourist and visitor visa applications for our clients. The letter contains red text. The red text indicates where you are required to provide information. All you need to do is enter the required information and that is it, you won’t need to do anything else other than to remember to add the letter to your other application supporting documents. It really is that simple!

Create Cover Letter For UK Visa Application in 5 minutes

by Femina | Feb 5, 2024 | cover letter

Do you have any travel plans to UK? If yes, then you most likely need to create cover letter for United Kingdom visa . With your visa application, you must also submit a cover letter, often known as a visa letter or a personal cover letter. Most likely, the reason you came to this page was to get a cover letter for United Kingdom visa.

You may use the FlightGen App to let the AI create your cover letter for UK visa if you need a quick fix.

How to get a cover letter?

If you want to get a cover letter for Schengen visa which is properly structured and used by over 50,000 customers, then you can make one using FlightGen App. All you need to do is answer questions related to your Schengen visa & your cover letter will be created for you in perfect format.

IMPORTANT: You can get any single document at very affordable price, which starts from $3 and another offer is, get all types of visa documents unlimited for unlimited users from 1 account, for which price or subscription starts from $10/month.  FlightGen  offers multiple visa documents, including cover letters, travel itineraries, flight itineraries / dummy ticket, invitation letters, leave letters, and hotel itinerary / dummy hotel booking. Avail this offer as soon as possible!

FlightGen creates a hybrid cover letter which includes both the personal cover letter as well as the travel itinerary which otherwise, would have been another separate document. In fact, this the exact format that we use for all our visa customers.

What Is the Purpose of a Covering Letter When Applying For UK Visa ?

A letter outlining your purpose for visiting UK is known as a cover letter or visa letter and is addressed to the UK consulate. It ought to contain information like your intended stay in the country, your financial records, and any other pertinent papers. The cover letter should provide the Visa Officer with justification for granting your request for UK visa.

The content of a cover letter must be customized for each applicant because it differs depending on the visa application. You cannot use someone else’s cover letter for your visa application without making significant changes to match your unique needs.

Because of this, we advise that you go through each sample (which is provided in the portions that follow) and write your cover letter on a blank page (or have the FlightGen App create one for you!!).

Your covering letter will be your initial point of contact with the Embassy.

Your cover letter will be put on top of all of UK your visa documentation . This is due to the fact that it is the first piece of evidence the visa consulate examines in order to fully understand your application and decide whether or not to grant your visa. You can also speak with the visa officer in person at this location.

By being accurate and clear in your UK visa application while staying impersonal, you can profit from this. A skilled visa consulate will be able to quickly determine whether to reject or approve your visa based on the information in your cover letter.

What Should Be Included In A Cover Letter ?

The information listed below ought to be included in a visa cover letter in the sequence given for effectiveness:

• The location of the UK consulate closest to you, which is simple to find online.
• Clearly state the type of visa requested in the subject line.
• There appear to be extra days in UK based on the start and end dates of the trip.
• Your travel’s objective, which aids the visa officer in comprehending the applicant’s intentions.
• Information regarding the funding source for the trip. This could be the candidate, the candidate’s spouse, a guest, or a business.
• The letter could also serve as documentation for the accommodations.
• Daily travel schedule within UK tourist or business visa. Visa’s for sports, medical treatment and visits are not necessary.
• The visa officer will need information about the applicant’s profession and business background to determine how financially stable they are.
• A list of the supporting materials included with the visa application, allowing the visa officer to evaluate all pertinent data.
• The applicant’s contact details in case more explanation is needed.

The applicant’s visa application will be strengthened and their chances of receiving a visa will rise if you include these crucial details in your cover letter.

The Synonyms Of Cover Letter

There are numerous names for a cover letter, therefore it’s critical to distinguish between them. Common alternatives to a cover letter include:

• Personal cover letter
• Covering letter
• Letter of introduction
• Visa letter to the embassy
• Visa Letter
• Letter to the immigration for visa approval
• Letter of visa approval
• Introductory letter for visa application
• Purpose of travel letter
• Letter to the embassy for visa request
• Cover letter for visa application

These terms are all interchangeable and have the same meaning.

How Should I Write My Cover Letter ?

By following these simple steps, you can quickly and easily write a professional cover letter for your visa application using FlightGen:

1.Go through the FlightGen tutorial, which is quite helpful.

2.Get the smart app from Google Play (for Android) or the App Store (for iOS).

3. Answer the basic questions posed by the Letter Wizard.

4. After reading your letter, you can download the PDF for $4.99.

Is a cover letter necessary when requesting visa?

Yes. You will be required to bring a cover letter to the visa facilitation office even if the UK visa laws do not specifically state that one is required.

Sample Cover Letters (Based On Purpose Of Travel)

The format of your cover letter for the UK, we assume you are aware of your visa status and that the type of visa you need depends on the purpose of your trip.

Sample Cover Letter For The Application Of A Tourist Visa To UK

Use the sample cover letter for a tourist visa provided below if your trip to UK is merely for leisure. You need to have a basic trip itinerary and lodging documentation, such as reservations for a hotel or hostel. For additional information about a cover letter for a tourist visa.

You can download the pdf format of the above sample below,  this was generated using our FlightGen App.

Sample Cover Letter For UK Business Visa Application

If you are applying for a business UK visa, your documentation and purpose of visit would differ. Use the cover letter template below, and be sure to customize it to reflect your qualifications.

Sample Cover Letter For UK Visitor Visa Application

If you are applying for an UK visiting visa, you do not need to attach a copy of your travel schedule in your cover letter. For help writing your own visa letter for a visitor visa application, see the sample supplied below.

Sample Cover Letter For UK Medical Visa Application

Use the sample cover letter for UK Medical visa application offered below if you have a medical issue and wish to receive treatment in UK.

Sample Cover Letter For UK Spouse Visa Application

Is your spouse a citizen of UK? If you wish to accompany them, you must obtain UK Spouse Visa, often known as a Spousal Visa. As you are not need to submit a detailed itinerary, the cover letter for this visa is straightforward. Also, your spouse needs to be in possession of UK passport or a residence permit.

You can adjust the example cover letter supplied below to suit your particular needs, or you can use the FlightGen App to produce a cover letter for a spouse visa.

Sample Cover Letter For UK Work Visa Application

Prior to being able to work in UK, you must first obtain UK work visa, which permits you to employment both inside and outside of the area. Below is a sample cover letter for UK work visa.

You can download the pdf format of the above sample below,  this was generated using our FlightGen App .

Sample Cover Letter For UK Student Visa Application

One of the best places to study, particularly engineering, is UK. Additionally, You need UK student visa in order to attend school there. The following is the cover letter format for UK Student visa.

Sample Cover Letter For UK Transit Visa Application

A Transit visa, a kind of short-stay visa, is required while passing through one of the UK’s main airports, such as Heathrow. How to write a visa letter for UK Transit visa is demonstrated in the example below.

What Additional Documents Must Be Provided To Apply For UK Visa?

• Original passport with at least two blank pages and a six-month validity period
• A visa application must be fully completed and signed
• Two recent colour passport photographs that meet standards
• Statement of purpose and precise travel itinerary (Can be created using FlightGen App)
• Bank statements for the last three months, original, updated, and bank-attested (Online not accepted without bank seal on it.)
• Returns on Income for the Previous Three Years (Form 16)
• A flight itinerary (for use in visa applications, use the FlightGen app). For Android and iOS devices.
• Hotel reservations
• Travel Insurance (minimum coverage of EUR 30000) HDFC Ergo offers travel insurance beginning as 300 INR. For other countries, use VisitorsCoverage.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Where should i send my cover letter in order to apply for a visa .

You must bring all of your application materials, including your cover letter, to the visa appointment. Usually, this is carried out at UK consulate or a facility that processes visas, such VFS or BLSS.

When applying for UK visa, how important is a cover letter?

A cover letter is required for every visa application, but visa’s demand much more of one.

Two objectives are met. It gives more information about your travel plans, which makes it easier for the visa officer to accept or (deny!) your visa application.

The data in your papers will first be compared to the data in your cover letter. Your visa application will go smoothly if this is the case.

Only those who are applying for visa’s may speak with the visa officer here. So now is your chance to present a strong case for getting your visa.

Your UK visa application could succeed or fail based on the quality of your cover letter.

What should a visa application cover letter include?

Introduction letters are also known as personal cover letters at times (also known as visa letters).

Its goal is to provide information about your journey to visa officials. After that, they will compare it to your supporting documentation.

Your visa application will be processed swiftly if all the information is accurate.

To obtain your introduction letter as soon as possible, use the FlightGen App.

But, you might draw ideas from the example below if you wish to write one on your own.

Your cover letter will be written for you by the FlightGen App.

What should the major points of my cover letter for UK visa be?

Your cover letter should include your vacation itinerary, dates, and daily plans as well as any paperwork you’ve submitted to get your UK visa approved.

When applying for a visa, which document must I provide with my cover letter?

To get your visa accepted, you must include every document you want to submit. Please detail any further documents you have.

Should I use the same font size and style while drafting a cover letter for a visa application?

No. A typeface that appears ornamental is not preferred; rather, it should be simple and obvious. Utilize two lines or less, suitably spaced apart, with the appropriate line height. The visa officer should be able to read your invitation letter with less difficulty now.

Which cover letter is most effective for a visa application?

The most effective cover letters provide the UK officer with all the information they require for your trip in an easy-to-understand format. The greatest cover letters are created with the FlightGen App in this regard.

What should a cover letter for a visa application include?

The following details, including the itinerary, departure dates, and arrival times, should be included in your cover letter. Please submit any supplementary documentation needed for the issuance of UK visa.

Include contact information in case the consulate needs to get in touch with you.

What common faults should I avoid while writing a cover letter?

The most crucial thing to keep in mind while creating a cover letter is to avoid telling lies or posting false information.

What are the other Travel Visa Documents other than Cover Letter?

The important travel visa documents are:

Invitation Letter for Visa

NOC letter for Visa

Dummy Ticket / Dummy Flight Ticket

Flight Itinerary

Travel Itinerary

Travel Insurance

Proof of Accommodation / Dummy Hotel Booking

We are best in our business

+61 458 655 695.

HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER FOR UK VISA APPLICATION

Getting around the complex procedure of obtaining a UK visa can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to crafting the perfect cover letter to accompany your application. Whether you’re seeking entry for tourism, business, or study, your cover letter serves as a crucial introduction to your application. Crafting a meticulously written cover letter can tip the scales between visa approval and rejection. Here, we’ll explore the essential ingredients of an effective cover letter for UK visa, and the specific nuances to consider for different types of visa applications.

The Anatomy of an Effective Cover Letter for UK Visa 

A cover letter for UK visa isn’t just a formality – it’s your personal statement, often the first impression the consular officer will have of you. Crafting an impressive letter involves several key components:

Personal and Contact Information

Start your cover letter with your name, nationality, and current address. Include your contact details, such as your phone number and email address, for the Visa Officer’s convenience.

Purpose of Your Visit

Clearly state the purpose of your visit, whether it’s for tourism, business, family visit, or any other category. Elaborate on the reason for your trip, the itinerary, and mention any invitations you may have from individuals or organizations in the UK.

Background and Ties to Your Home Country

Provide a brief history of your travel background, including previous visits to the UK and other countries. Detail your employment status, ties to your home country, and any responsibilities that ensure your return, such as property ownership, family, or ongoing educational pursuits.

Financial Means

Demonstrate your ability to support yourself throughout your stay in the UK. This includes providing bank statements, salary slips, and other financial documentation specifying your income, savings, and any financial assistance you may receive.

Accommodation and Maintenance in the UK

Outline your planned accommodation in the UK or any arrangements you’ve made for this. If you’re staying with a relative, friend, or in a hotel, provide the relevant details.

Intention to Return

Reiterate your intention to return to your home country at the end of your visit or after pursuing your studies. Citing strong ties, as mentioned earlier, supports this aspect of your cover letter.

Supporting Documentation

Mention any additional documents you’re including in your application to substantiate the information provided in your cover letter. This could range from flight itineraries to employment letters, and should be organized and listed for reference.

An important rule to remember is to keep your cover letter concise and to the point. It should not exceed a single page in a standard A4 format, with clearly organized sections and a professional tone throughout.

Crafting the Perfect Introduction

Your introduction should include a polite salutation; for instance, “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” State the purpose of your letter immediately to provide clarity and set the right tone for the rest of the content.

Finance Matters and the Road to Viability

The financial section is often a make-or-break for visa applications. Ensure all presented financial data is easily verifiable and offers a clear picture of your financial situation. Highlight your financial stability and capacity to cover your expenses without recourse to public funds in the UK.

The Quintessence of Proof and Corroboration

Reinforce your claims with solid evidence, using documentation to support every statement in your cover letter. This evidence should be consistent with the expectations and regulations set out by UK Visas and Immigration .

Types of UK Visa Cover Letters

Each category of visa application requires different approaches to the cover letter’s content. Here’s how to tailor your letter to three common visa types.

Tourism Visa

For a tourism visa, focus on your proposed activities and demonstrate that you’re a genuine visitor with intent to return. Provide your complete itinerary, including flight and hotel reservations, and any planned excursions. Mention how this trip fits within your longer-term travel plans.

Business Visa Cover Letter

When applying for a business visa, elaborate on the professional reasons for your trip. This could include meetings, conferences, or other business engagements. Also, include an invitation letter from the UK company or organization you’re visiting as a vital support document.

Study Visa or Tier 4 Student Visa

In the case of a Tier 4 Student Visa, your cover letter should emphasize your academic goals and the benefits of studying in the UK. Describe your course, plans post-graduation, and elaborate on any scholarships or sponsorships. A letter of acceptance or sponsorship should be included as a supporting document.

Family Visit Visa

For a family visit visa, highlight your connection to the family member in the UK, the duration of your visit, and any important events you plan to attend. A formal invitation from your UK relative should be among your supporting documents.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Ensuring the success of your visa application also means avoiding common mistakes:

Providing Irrelevant Information

Every detail included in your letter should directly support your application. Irrelevant information can clutter your cover letter and detract from your case.

Inconsistencies with Other Application Elements

Any information or claims in the cover letter should match the facts in your application form and supporting documents. Discrepancies can raise red flags and jeopardize your application.

Neglecting to Proofread

A cover letter with typos, grammar errors, or incorrect facts reflects poorly on your attention to detail. Always proofread your letter, and if possible, have a third party review it for clarity and correctness.

Concealing Negative History

Be transparent about any past visa refusals, travel bans, or criminal history, if applicable. While it’s not necessary to go into detail, it is important to address these circumstances honestly and succinctly.

Final Words of Encouragement

Approaching a UK visa application with a precise and informed mindset can significantly boost your success chances. Your cover letter tells your story, so create it thoughtfully.

Craft a standout cover letter by balancing substance and brevity. Provide solid, verifiable details with proper documentation, all in a clear, structured format.

Remember, your visa cover letter should advocate convincingly but professionally. Maintain a formal tone, steer clear of overly emotional language, and stick to the facts that support your case.

Use these insights to draft a compelling UK visa cover letter. Pay attention to your visa’s requirements and ensure all components are in order to navigate the application process confidently towards approval.

Sample UK Visa Cover Letter

[Your Full Name]

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Email Address]

[Phone Number]

To the UK Visa Application Centre,

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to support my UK Tourism Visa application for a trip to the United Kingdom from [Start Date] to [End Date]. My aim is to explore the UK’s history, culture, and landscapes.

I have planned visits to key sites like the British Museum, Tower of London, Stonehenge, and a West End show. Attached are my itinerary, hotel bookings, and flight details.

I’ve organized my finances to cover all expenses without relying on public funds. I’ve included bank statements, employment letter, and pay slips to show financial stability.

To prove my intent to return, I’ve shared details of my employment, property, and family commitments. All information aligns with my application form.

I’m excited to visit the UK and will abide by its laws. Thank you for considering my application.

[Attachment List]

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Letter TEMPLATES FOR

Uk visa & settlement applications, letter templates for.

UK VISA & SETTLEMENT

APPLICATIONS

Our Professionally written Letter Templates will help you to put together essential Cover Letters, Sponsor Statements, Declarations or Consent letters for your UK Visa or Settlement Application .

Our Templates have been used in hundreds of successful client cases .

Each template has been designed to:

• Include all of the critical details that are relevant to your case
• Provide suggestions on what to include in your letter
• Easily fill in your and/or your sponsor's personal information

UK Visitor Visa Letter Templates

Visitor Visa Letter Templates for:

• Inviting Family Members / Friends / Partners to visit the UK
• Carrying out permitted Business activities e.g. to attend meetings, conferences, training etc
• Musicians, Artists and Entertainers to perform at festivals and events
• Visiting schools/universities for potential studying in the UK

UK Spouse / Partner Visa

Letter templates.

UK Spouse / Partner Letter Templates for:

• Joining and Settling with your British Spouse / Partner in the UK
• Entering the UK as a Fiancé(e) to Marry and Settle with your British Partner in the UK
• Extending or Renewing your current UK Spouse / Partner Visa
• Switching to the Partner Route from another Visa Category

Skilled Worker Dependant Visa

Skilled Worker Dependant Letter Templates for:

• Joining your Spouse/Partner who holds a Skilled / Health and Care Worker Visa in the UK
• Extending or Renewing your current Skilled / Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa
• Switching to a Skilled / Health and Care Worker Dependant Visa from another Visa Category

Indefinite Leave to Remain

Indefinite Leave to Remain Letter Templates for:

• Obtaining Settlement in the UK on the Spouse / Partner Route
• Obtaining Settlement in the UK on the Skilled Worker Route

Why you need to include certain Letters with your UK Visa/Settlement Application

Invitation / Sponsor Letter Templates for Visitor Visas

A UK visitor visa invitation letter is for those coming to visit family or friends in the UK, to provide information about the planned visit, such as the purpose of the visit, the length of the stay, and where they will be staying.

The invitation letter should also include information about the relationship between the UK resident sponsor and the visa applicant.

Cover Letter and Support Letter Templates for Spouse / Partner / Dependant Visas

Cover letters are the best way to summarise your case and confirm how you meet all of the requirements for your/your partner's or dependant's visa, to the caseworker who will be assessing your application at the Home Office.

• Applicant's Cover Letter
• Sponsor's Letter of Support
• Statement from Third Party (your friends & family)

Templates for Employment/Financial Evidence

Depending on the visa category you are on, or your/your sponsor's financial circumstances, you will need certain letters to evidence your employment or that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependants during your stay in the UK. 

• Letter from your Employer(s)
• Declaration of source of your Savings
• Letter from your Accountant

Accommodation Letter Templates

Living in rented accommodation or a property owned by family/friends?  You will need either a:

• Letter from your Landlord/Lettings Agent
• Consent Letter from your Family member/friend

Other Services you may be interested in:

Fully Tailored Document Checklists

Visa Application & Document 

Checking Service

Full Legal Representation

Frequently Asked Questions about the Letter Templates

Who are these for?

Depending on your and/or your partner's circumstances, you may need to provide declaration, consent or other letters of support with your application.

These templates will save you and your partner’s time, and provide full peace of mind that you worded and structured the letter(s) to satisfy the Immigration Rules.

Are they appropriate for me and/or my partner?

These templates are designed to assist those who want to complete their UK Partner visa process themselves, but need to know how to put together supporting/consent letters to address specific aspects of the application, for example, if you are/will be living in your family or friend's accomodation,  or you will be relying on savings to meet the financial requirement.

How do we use the letter templates?

The letter templates have been structured and designed so that it is easy to incorporate your personal information and situation.

It will be clearly marked where you will need to enter/confirm further info,  in each template.

For example:

Sponsor's Name  has been employed by Company Name  as a Job Title  since DD/MM/YYYY .  

His/Her salary is £ XX,XXX per annum, and he/she has been paid this level of salary since his/her employment commenced.

Is there a the Money Back Guarantee?

No,  Refunds are not available for our Letter Templates once you have downloaded them. 

The onus will be on you: 

• To decide and purchase the correct template(s) that is/are appropriate for your case
• Include the correct/relevant information in your actual letter(s). The templates only provide the structure and suggestions of the wording to use in your respective letter.

How Long will it take to receive my Template?

Immediately after purchase. 

Each template is a Microsoft Word Document which comes in a downloadable Zip file.

If I buy a Template, am I allowed to ask you questions about my application?

No, if you would like specific advice about your Visa application, We also offer a 25 minute consultation service for £120 which you can book here .

What format will the letter templates be in?

They will all be in Microsoft Word format packaged together in a Zip file.

Is there a discount if I buy several templates together

No. We have made each individual template as affordable as possibe.

If you are looking for a more comprehensive template bundle, checkout our ' Tailored Checklist and Letter Templates Pack ' HERE

Related Articles

How to Prepare and Organise your Visa Documents like a Legal Professional

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eVisa: Proof of Immigration Status in the UK going fully digital from 2025

What Letters do I need to include with my UK Visa Application?

What Documents do I need for FLR M?

UK Spouse Visa Document Checklist: What You Need for Your Application to be Successful

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How to write a detailed Cover Letter for UK Standard Visitor Visa

What is a Cover Letter for Visa?

A cover letter is an integral part of any visa application. It is a letter written by the applicant to express any personal intent in convincing the ECO (Entry Clearance Officer) that you are a genuine and credible applicant. In applying for UK Visa, it is rare that they will interview an applicant. A cover letter will be very useful in highlighting points and providing more information regarding the application.

What is a UK Standard Visitor Visa?

A UK Standard Visitor Visa is a Visa a foreign national need to acquire if they wish to visit the UK for up to short period of time or up to 6 months. You can check here if you need a visa . Tourism, visiting family members or friends, medical visit or short courses of up to 6 months fall under Standard Visitor Visa.

How to write a detailed Cover Letter for UK Standard Visitor Visa?

A compelling Cover Letter should be well sections or headed for easy understanding. It should include the following information about you and your circumstances.

• Introduction and travelling companions’ details if you have any . A quick introduction of yourself, and the purpose of the letter is always an easy and clear way to start. It will give the Clearance Officer an overview of you, as the applicant. This is also the best part to tell about your travel companion (if you have any) who will apply the same time as you.
• Reasons why you want to obtain UK Standard Visitor Visa . Examples for reason for visiting could be, tourism or visiting family and friends. It is very important to elaborate the reasons to make it easier for the case worker to understand. If you are visiting for tourism you can put things like ” I would like to visit UK as it has been always in my dream to explore the beautiful sights of London. I would also like to take the opportunity to celebrate my wife and I’s 10th year wedding anniversary.”. For family visit you can then say ” The main purpose of my visit is spend some time with my sister. I would also like to attend my niece’s graduation. Whatever your reasons are just put it here and be honest with it.
• Your Financial Situation . To prove you are a genuine visitor, showing evidence of your finances is a critical part of you application. Although you are submitting all the necessary documents with the application, it is still very important to highlight the means of your trip. If you have any deposits or any other source of income that’s not part of your salary then this is the best place to explain it. Money from parents, family members or from selling some belongings, its all good only if you can explain it. your caseworker don’t want any unexplainable money.
• Intention and Reasons to return to your country of origin . This is also known as your strong ties to your home country. The Home Office would like to know you won’t overstay. To prove this you should be able to see your intention to go back to your country of residence. Work, family members, properties under your name, studying, businesses you own, are all good reasons to leave the UK after your intended visit.
• Travel History . Another good way to show you are a genuine visitor is to highlight your previous travels. It will give them the impressions that this trip is with good intention. You can say “Travelling is always something I like to do. I work really hard and going to different places is a way for me to recharge and enjoy life. In the last 5 years I have travelled to 5 countries, some with families and some of them were spent with friends. Attached is the copy of all my visa stamps”. It’s completely up to you to mention all or a few of those countries you have visited in the past.
• Itinerary . This needs to be realistic financially and should coincide with your purpose of travel. If you say you’re travelling to the UK to spend some time with your family, it should show in your itinerary. Be mindful of your bank balance. Although there is no specific amount of money needed for a tourist visa, it is important that your itinerary is believable. You can’t say you’ll be eating out at 5* restaurants every day and not having enough money for it.
• Sponsor Details (if applicable). If this travel is self-sufficient, then this doesn’t apply to you. A sponsor is someone who will cover all or some expenses of your trip. It could be a family member who will finance you while you are in the UK, or a friend who will let you use his/her place for accommodation. Whoever is going to sponsor you should include their name and their relation to you. They have to specify what are they willing to sponsor you with and their status in the UK. If the sponsor will provide you with accommodation, then they’ll have to submit their Tenancy Agreement if they are renting or Proof of Ownership if they own the property. If someone is sponsoring you financially then their Bank Statements is necessary. They have to specify in their Invitation Letter that amount they are willing to spend on you.
• List of included documents (Optional). You’ll see the sample of my cover letter here that I didn’t include a list of included documents, but I know most people do. I felt like it will take up so much space from my cover letter. What I did though was create a separate page for my list of documents, this also serves as my table of contents. I’ll say this part is completely up to you.

That’s it guys! I believe all these informations will help you get that Visa you so much deserve. Don’t forget to check out my 7 Best Things to do in London , when you arrive. Have fun on your travels!

This can also be use with any visa application to other counties as long as you edit the details accordingly.

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How to Write a cover Letter For UK Visa

Sample cover letter for uk tourist visa.

Ready for your journey to the United Kingdom for business or travel purposes?

Are in looking for a well-crafted cover letter for UK Visa to make your application more convincing to the Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) and stand greater odds for an approval? 

Do you find yourself hunting for a sample cover letter for a UK tourist visa?

If you have these questions in your mind, you are in the right place!

In this blog, we’re going to discuss the secret to developing a compelling covering letter for visa application UK . Say goodbye to the uncertainty and anxiety that has lately gripped you while you have been trying to draft a visa cover letter. With professional guidance from our end, you can write a strong cover letter for UK visit visa that would leave a lasting impression on the ECOs.

Table of Contents

What is cover letter for uk visa.

A cover letter for UK visa is a vital document that you should submit with your visa application. Although it is not mandatory, submitting one goes a long way in strengthening your application. A cover letter for UK tourist visa explains the purpose of your visit and portrays your ties to your home country. It also carries other details that significantly enhance the chances of your visa getting approved.

Do you need a cover letter for UK visit visa? Knowing how to present your financial plans, financial stability, and enthusiasm to explore the country can help you obtain the visa faster. Let us guide you in drafting a compelling cover letter for UK visa that can make your application powerful.

What makes your cover letter for UK visa so important?

Wondering why a cover letter is a must for your UK Visa application? Well, when you furnish your details in the UK visa application, you must have noticed that most of the questions are closed-ended. So, there’s not enough scope to elucidate your personal situation and convince the ECO that you are willing to return to your home country after the trip is over. So, without a cover letter for visit visa UK , the chances of your application getting rejected are high.

A well-crafted cover letter for UK tourist visa gives you the opportunity to put forward your explanation. With a cover letter for UK visa, you can justify your stance in a descriptive manner.

Here’s how a covering letter for visa application UK can help you.

• Express a clear intent: A cover letter for UK visa explains the purpose of your visit to the UK, leaving no room for confusion.
• Ties to your home country: In a cover letter, you can demonstrate your strong bond to your home country and family. This convinces the visa officials that you are willing to return and won’t stay back.
• Travel plan details: In a cover letter for UK visit visa application, you can provide detailed insights into your travel plan. Thus, it brings you the opportunity to showcase thorough planning.
• Better communication: A descriptive approach on your end can help you convey additional information that clarifies the concerns of the visa officials.
• Professional approach: A well-crafted visitor visa covering letter for visa application UK expresses your professionalism. It projects you as an organized and serious applicant that can boost your credibility.
• Higher chances of approval: A carefully strategized cover letter puts your profile in a better place to obtain the approval.

Key Information to Include in Your cover letter for UK visa Application

When you write a cover letter for UK visa , it’s essential to include all the necessary details. Remember, this cover letter for embassy serves as your introduction to the embassy during your visa application process.

Typically, a cover letter for UK visa from India should include the following details:

• Introduction to the visa officer
• Purpose of travel
• Travel details (dates, itinerary, accommodation)
• Financial information
• Ties to your home country
• Reasons for not overstaying in the UK
• Previous travel history
• Invitation or sponsorship (if applicable)
• Whether you are applying with any dependent
• Mentioning additional supporting documents
• Gratitude and contact information
• Your signature

Common Reasons Your UK Visa Cover Letter May Face Rejection

Potential grounds of your cover letter for UK visa getting rejected include:

• Incomplete, missing, or inaccurate information in the application
• Lack of clarity, including vague statements and unclear intentions
• Failing to prove your financial stability or insufficient financial proof
• Weak connections in family and inadequate ties to your home country
• Concerns about your return, implying that you may stay back in the UK
• Providing false information or documents to the visa authority
• Non-Compliance with visa guidelines or requirements

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter for UK Visa?

Writing a winning cover letter for UK visa isn’t an easy task. The process can be daunting, but with this blog, you will have a proper guidance to propel to success. Check out our UK visit visa cover letter sample that includes the format, guidelines, and relevant instructions to draft an impressive cover letter.

Guidelines to help you Write Your Personalized Cover Letter for UK Visa

Check out these essential guidelines to write the perfect cover letter for UK visa .

• Be specific and concise Keep your content clear and concise, leaving no scope for ambiguity. The cover letter for UK tourist visa should be succulent and focussed only on the purpose of your travel.
• Follow the format Check out the UK standard visitor visa cover letter sample to understand the right format. Make sure to include a formal salutation, the date, your address, and the details of the recipient properly.
• Transparency and honesty When you draft a cover letter for UK visa, be honest in all your statements. Remember, any inconsistency can lead to the rejection of your visa.
• Focus on financial stability Your cover letter should clearly demonstrate your financial stature. This should convince the visa officials that you can cover the expenses of your trip and return to your homeland.
• Strong family ties Your cover letter for UK tourist visa should express strong ties with your home and family. So, focus on your connections to your home country such as your family, property, business, or employment.
• Professional language The language and pitch you use in your cover letter for UK tourist visa from India largely impact your chances of approval. Use a professional language throughout the letter, conveying your seriousness and respect.

What Format Should You Use In Your Cover Letter For UK Visa?

The format of your cover letter for UK visa defines the first impression on the visa officer. Therefore, choosing the right format is crucial to convey your professionalism, intent, and soft skills. A properly structured format can significantly boost the visual pleasure of your application. This gives you a greater opportunity to get it approved.

Here are the steps to write a cover letter for UK visa along with the recommended format you should follow.

• Include embassy information

At the outset, provide relevant information about the embassy and specify the country from which you are applying.

• Introduction

Introduce yourself comprehensively in the opening paragraph. Include your full name, passport number, details of citizenship, your current city and country of residence, and details about your career or profession. In case your visa was refused in the past, cite the reason for the denial.

• Purpose of visit

Clearly explain the purpose of your visit to the UK in this paragraph. Also, mention your intended duration of the stay. If any of your family members or dependant is travelling with you, mention it in this section. Also, mention your travel history to the UK and whether you visited the country in the past.

• Trip itinerary and financial information

Provide a detailed outline of your itinerary, as demonstrated in the sample cover letter for tourist visa application UK . Elaborate on your trip, specifying your planned accommodations in the country and how you plan to finance your stay. Also, include relevant details about your employment or profession, along with information on your financial stability.

• Mention your supporting documents

In this section of your cover letter for UK visa , include the details of the documents you are submitting along with your visa application.

• Your intention to return back

This is a vital section of your cover letter for UK tourist visa where you need to demonstrate genuine intentions to return to your homeland. If any of your family members are staying back at home, you can include their situation in this paragraph.

• Provide contact information

Conclude your cover letter by sharing your personal contact details. This should include your email address and phone number.

Download Sample Cover Letter for UK Tourist Visa

A well-structured sample can serve as a valuable reference as you draft your cover letter. Download this sample cover letter for UK tourist visa to understand the desired quality, format, and pitch.

Ravi Sharma,

178/B, Picnic Garden Avenue,

Kolkata- 700024, West Bengal, 

UK Visa Application Centre,

123 Embassy Street,

New Delhi, 110001, India

Dear Visa Officer,

This cover letter for visa is in connection to my application for a UK Tourist Visa from India. I am excited about the opportunity to explore the United Kingdom for tourism purposes. I am a permanent resident of India, and my passport number is A1234567. I am currently residing in Kolkata, India, and I work as a software engineer at Accenture.

I hereby mention that my previous UK visa application was denied due to a lack of proper financial documentation. However, I have clearly provided all the details in this letter to make my application compliant with the necessary requirements.

 The purpose of my visit to the UK is purely for tourism and leisure. I wish to explore the rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and scenic beauty in the United Kingdom. The intended duration of my stay is 15 days, and I will be traveling alone on this trip. This is the first time I will be visiting the UK. This will be the first opportunity for me to explore your beautiful country.

I have meticulously planned my trip itinerary, reserving my accommodation at the London Hotel during my stay in the UK. I have adequate personal savings to fund this trip, which I have carefully put aside for this purpose. As a software engineer, I have a stable source of income. You will find the necessary financial documents herewith to validate my financial stability to support myself during the visit. 

Enclosed with this letter, you will find a comprehensive list of supporting documents, including my bank statements, travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation bookings. I remain committed to providing all necessary documentation to ensure a smooth and transparent visa application process.

I would like to assure you that I have strong ties to my home country. My wife, Sunita Jha, will be staying back in India during my trip to the UK. This explains why I cannot afford to overstay in the country and remain isolated from people close to my heart.

If you need to reach me for any further information or clarification regarding my application, please do not hesitate to contact me. My email ID is ………………., and you can also call me on …………… over the phone.

 Thank you for considering my application. I am genuinely looking forward to the opportunity to explore the UK and create lasting memories.

Thank you for your consideration and time

Ravi Sharma

  Email Address

Phone Number

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Crafting A Flawless UK Visa Cover Letter: Know The Formatting Essentials

A properly structured cover letter for UK visa can help you obtain your visa faster as you plan to visit the UK. Here are some essential guidelines that will help you format the document to enhance readability.

• Details of the recipient
• Formal greeting and salutation
• Purpose of visit and intention
• Itinerary and finances
• Details of supporting documents
• Intention to return
• Contact information

Additional Tips For Write your Cover Letter for UK Visa

Now that you have checked out the UK tourist visa cover letter sample , here are some tips that should help you write a cover letter as impactful as this.

• Keep your cover letter for UK visa clear and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details
• Proofread and edit the cover letter to remove flaws like grammar and spelling errors
• Maintain a professional and enthusiastic tone throughout the document
• Provide accurate details about your trip, finances, and intentions
• Focus on strong ties with your family members and homeland to ensure your return
• Comply with specific guidelines provided by the embassy

Different types of cover letters to strengthen your UK visa

Check out the different types of cover letters for UK visa that you might need to strengthen your application. 

• Cover letter for UK tourist Visa
• Covering letter for UK business visa
• Cover letter for UK student visa
• Cover letter for UK seasonal visa
• Cover letter for UK dependent visa
• Cover letter spouse visa UK
• Covering letter for family visitor visa UK

Final Checklist For Writing a Cover Letter

Whether you are writing a UK tourist visa cover letter from India or a letter to complement your business visa, here’s the final checklist you must read.

• Address the cover letter for UK visa to the right authority
• Write the letter in a professional tone to enhance quality
• Leave no room for grammar or spelling errors in the letter
• Follow the recommended format in the cover letter
• Mention all the supporting documents and you intent of visit
• Demonstrate your strong ties with your family and country

A cover letter for UK visa explains the purpose of your visit, financial stability, and ties to your home country. It goes a long way in strengthening your visa application and explains your intentions.

You must understand that a cover letter isn’t mandatory. However, writing a cover letter for UK visa for travellers, students, business professionals, and dependents enhances their chances of obtaining approval.

Your letter for UK visa should include the following details:

• Your name and address
• The details of the recipient
• A formal salutation
• The purpose of your visit
• Details of the trip
• Information about supporting documents
• Your intention to return
• Conclusion with contact information

Yes, we highly recommend using a template as a guide to write your cover letter for UK visa . However, take care to customize it to your specific situation. 

In case your previous UK visa application was rejected, address the issue for rejection and justify your stance in the cover letter. Explain how you have rectified these issues or present a change in circumstances to increase your chances of your approval.

While there’s no strict word limit, try to be clear and concise. Ideally, keep it within one page. Make sure to focus only on the key details. This will help you prepare a strong cover letter for your visa application.

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Mr. Sugathan is the founder of Professional Writing Services. He is an Army veteran who served the nation for more than two decades. During his tenure, he was involved in a lot of documentation and secretarial works. He has been drafting letters and documents on a daily basis.

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UK Visa Sponsorship Letter

Anne morris.

• 10 November 2022

IN THIS SECTION

If you have friends or family members planning to visit you in the UK, they will need to apply for a standard visitor visa before they travel.

Visitor visa applicants are required to complete an online form and submit supporting documentation to evidence their eligibility to come to the UK as a tourist. In addition, it is generally advisable for visitor visa applicants to also submit a visa sponsorship letter in support of their application.

Who can write a visa sponsorship letter?

For visa sponsorship letter to be considered by the consular officer in support of the application, it should be written by a UK citizen or a UK lawful permanent resident. The individual should also have a relationship with the visa applicant, such as being a relative, friend or partner.

The individual should also have a registered place of residence in the UK and have enough room to accommodate the visitor for the entire period of their visit to the UK, unless either they or the applicant can provide clear evidence of alternative accommodation.

What to include in the visa sponsorship letter

While there is no specific, prescribed format for a visa invitation letter, the ‘sponsor’ should consider including the following information in their letter:

• Sponsor’s full name and date of birth
• Sponsor’s full contact details and address of their UK residence
• Sponsor’s occupation
• Sponsor’s own UK immigration status
• Visa applicant’s full name and date of birth
• Visa applicant’s full contact details and address
• Specify the relationship between the sponsor and the visa applicant eg family member
• Reason for the applicant’s visit to the UK, eg to attend a graduation ceremony or a wedding as a guest
• Details of the applicant’s visit plans, including their intended length of stay, accommodation contact details and how they intend to financially support themselves during their stay

While it is not mandatory for a visitor visa sponsor to provide financial support or accommodation for the applicant, if the sponsor is providing such support, the sponsor should make reference to this in the letter. This will require you to detail your occupation and income, as well as the extent of support you will be providing to the applicant during their visit. For example, how much financial support will you be giving, and will you be providing accommodation.

How to write a letter of invitation for a UK visitor visa

As discussed, there is no right or wrong format for a sponsorship invitation letter for a UK visa. That said, the following practical tips will help you to structure and write a letter that will have more impact in supporting a successful outcome for the visa application:

• Ensure the letter is signed by you (the sponsor) and dated.
• Ensure the letter includes up-to-date contact details so that you can be contacted by the UK consular officer in the event clarification is requested.
• Always provide documentation in support, referencing these documents within the contents of the letter. Avoid giving information that you cannot support with documents.
• Be clear and concise in what you need to say, avoiding any unnecessary information that is not relevant.
• Note that the sponsor letter does not need to be legally certified to be valid.

Having drafted your invitation letter, you should send this, together with any supporting documents, to the applicant so that they can include this within their visa application. Do not send your sponsor letter directly to the Embassy.

Documents to accompany the visa sponsorship letter

There are no rules stating what documents you should provide when sponsoring someone to come to the UK, although these could include any of the following:

• A scanned copy of your passport or ID to confirm your identification
• Evidence of your immigration status in the UK, such as a visa
• Proof of your residence in the UK, such as a mortgage statement or tenancy agreement
• Proof of funds where you undertake to financially support the applicant during their stay in the UK, such as bank statements or pay slips
• If you are arranging accommodation for the applicant, you will need to provide evidence of this in the form of a letter from the landlord/agent, or confirmation of a bed and breakfast/hotel booking
• If the visit is for a special family occasion, for example, celebrating a wedding, birth or important anniversary, consider including an invitation giving details of the event, as well as when and where it is to take place
• Any other document that you believe will help the applicant in getting their visa, for example, a short travel itinerary of the places you plan to visit together in the UK.

What other supporting documents should the applicant provide?

In addition to a visa sponsorship letter, the applicant will also need to submit documents evidencing their eligibility for a UK visitor visa. This will require them to provide proof of their:

• Ability to maintain themselves during their stay. This will include proof of accommodation and funds for the duration of their visit. For example, hotel booking confirmation and evidence of savings.
• Intention to leave the UK before their leave expires. For example, return or onward travel tickets or evidence to show sufficient funds to cover the cost of the return (or onward) flight, proof of employment, property ownership and car ownership in their home country, evidence of caring responsibilities at home. Evidence of studies if the applicant is a student, with confirmation of the date the student is expected to return.
• Reasons for the trip. The documentation should allay any concerns that the visitor may seek to stay on longer than the visa period.

Applicants are advised to remember that applications are more likely to be refused on the grounds of a lack of evidence, making it important to focus on building up supporting documentation to evidence their intention of returning to their home country.

Note also that if the application is refused, there is no right of appeal for a visit visa. While it is possible to make a new visitor visa application after a refusal, applicants should ensure they address the reasons for refusal, as detailed in the notification letter, in their new application.

Need assistance?

DavidsonMorris are experienced UK immigration specialists offering guidance and support to individuals in relation to their UK immigration status and making Home Office applications. We can advise on the eligibility criteria you will need to evidence and the process you will need to follow for your application. We can also help where you have dependants applying for permission to join you in the UK.

Whether you are applying for a UK visa or settlement, or if you have ILR and are looking to apply for a biometric residence permit as proof of your settlement, we can help.

For specialist UK immigration advice, contact us .

UK sponsorship visa letter FAQs

What is sponsorship letter in uk.

A sponsorship letter is used if you are inviting someone to visit you in the UK.

Do I need a sponsor letter for UK visa?

Under Paragraph 35 Part I of the Immigration Rules, visitor visa applicants should provide a letter from their sponsor as proof of their invitation to the UK.

How do I write a sponsor letter for UK visa?

Your sponsorship letter should include information such as your full contact details and details of the person you are sponsoring.

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

The applicant will need to show they have enough funds to cover their needs during their visit. UK immigration rules do not specify what is acceptable in terms of funds, so it is recommended to take advice on the specific circumstances.

Last updated: 10 November 2022

Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.

She is a recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.

Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator , and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals

• Anne Morris https://www.davidsonmorris.com/author/anne/ Using CCTV as Evidence at a Disciplinary UK
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As employer solutions lawyers, DavidsonMorris offers a complete and cost-effective capability to meet employers’ needs across UK immigration and employment law, HR and global mobility .

Led by Anne Morris, one of the UK’s preeminent immigration lawyers, and with rankings in The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners , we’re a multi-disciplinary team helping organisations to meet their people objectives, while reducing legal risk and nurturing workforce relations.

Legal Disclaimer

The matters contained in this article are intended to be for general information purposes only. This article does not constitute legal advice, nor is it a complete or authoritative statement of the law, and should not be treated as such. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of writing, no warranty, express or implied, is given as to its accuracy and no liability is accepted for any error or omission. Before acting on any of the information contained herein, expert legal advice should be sought.

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A Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa and How to Create One

By Alice Ross | PASSPORT & VISA

• PASSPORT & VISA » A Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa and How to Create One

If you're planning to  travel abroad , in many cases you will need to obtain a visa beforehand. The requirements vary according to your country of origin and your destination. But for a lot of people, the process to be granted a visa can seem daunting and unclear. In this article, we share important tips about visas to equip you with the knowledge to prepare for your international trip. Read on to find out more about how tourist visas work, including a very useful sample cover letter for your tourist visa application.  

What Exactly Is a Tourist Visa?

A tourist visa or visitor visa is an official document that allows you to get in another country. In general, you are likely to need one every time you visit another country. However, this depends on which country you are from and where you are going, as some countries have agreements that allow entrance even without it.

A tourist visa may take different forms: it can be a paper document, although it most often comes as a simple stamp in your passport . Some countries require you to arrange your visa before arriving in the country, while others issue it to you once you land at the airport.

A tourist visa indicates how long you are allowed to stay in the country. It also defines which activities you are allowed to participate in or not while there, such as working and studying.

Other Types of Visas

A tourist visa is the most common and most acquired type of visa. It is usually only valid for a short period of time, commonly ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months.

This is what you will need if you are just planning to visit the country. A tourist visa however doesn't allow you to work and study while you are in a particular country.

Others types of visas include student visas, business visas, media visas, fiancé visas , and many others depending on the place you're travelling to.

Resident visas are also available for those who want to live in a particular country. You will normally need a valid reason to obtain this type of visa, as they tend to be the most difficult to get.

What You Need to Apply for a Tourist Visa

As mentioned above, tourist visa requirements vary with your nationality and your destination, as well as where you make your application. You should always check the instructions application to your specific situation on the relevant embassy or consulate website. Having said that, there are some general requirements and common documents that are needed for most tourist visa applications.

These include:

• Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay
• Duly filled out visa application forms
• Confirmed round-trip tickets
• Cover letter for tourist visa or letter to the consulate

Top tip: travel insurance for your visa application

Most tourist visa applications require you to show proof of travel insurance coverage for the duration of your trip. We use and recommend SafetyWing as our preferred travel medical insurance provider. It's the most flexible and affordable we've found, starting at just $1.32 per day. They can also provide a visa letter to support your application. If you're looking for more comprehensive coverage, World Nomads is also a reliable and very popular alternative among global travelers. Note: In our experience and to the best of our knowledge, these two travel insurance options fulfill the requirements for most tourist visa applications. However, please make sure to check that they meet the specific criteria applicable to your individual case.

Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa Application

Via rappler.com

The cover letter or letter to the consulate is necessary for tourist visas that require interviews. This letter needs to explain why you want to visit the country and where you will be staying in the country. It must also outline the intended dates and duration of your stay.

Moreover, this letter is your way to tell the embassy if you are getting a sponsorship from a friend, parents, or a romantic partner who are currently based in that country. It's important to take your time to write your cover letter, although you should also make sure to keep it to-the-point and not too long.

If the trip is going to be  sponsored by someone else , make sure to include the following details in the cover letter for your tourist visa application:

• The name of the person who is going to sponsor your trip
• The job or source of income of the person who is going to sponsor you
• Your proof or relationship (normally pictures)
• Proof of financial capability of your sponsor
• The expenses your sponsor will cover

The cover letter is a really important document to provide before your trip. It states every important thing you want to tell the embassy or consulate. Make sure that it mentions and explains every document you've submitted.

To give you a better insight into how to create a cover letter for your visa application, here is a sample cover letter for a tourist visa needed to enter a country:

TO THE HONORABLE CONSUL

EMBASSY OF (Country you're visiting)

<Address of the Consulate>

Dear Sir/Madam:

I, <Your full legal name> would like to apply for a tourist visa to spend a vacation in <name of the country> from <date of arrival> to <date of departure.>

My main purpose for travel is tourism, to see the beautiful sights of  <name of the country> , particularly <name of tourist attractions.> I'm also looking forward to experiencing the culture, tasting the cuisine, and meeting locals to experience everything the country has to offer.

I am employed at <name of the company> located in <location of the company> since <date you were employed> and am currently holding the position of <your job position.> Vacation from work has already been approved for the whole duration of this trip.

During my trip, my <your relationship with the sponsor> <full name of the sponsor,>  who works as <job title of the sponsor> at <place of employment> will sponsor my trip. He/she will cover my accommodations, food expenses, and plane tickets.

Please find the following documents to support the legitimacy of what is outlined in this letter:

• Passports (including old ones if applicable)
• Application form, duly dated and signed with passport-size picture
• Employment and leave certificates showing the date I'm expected to return to work
• Payslips, tax report, credit card statements, bank certificate & statement of account as proof of income
• Plane ticket booking reservation
• Hotel booking reservation as proof of accommodation directly faxed to the embassy
• Travel insurance with benefits

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you require any further information. I may not be available at all times due to my working schedule or I might be engaged in a mission, but you may still try to reach me at the following:

Of course, the sample cover letter for tourist visa application provided above is only a template and can be modified according to your situation. Again, including this in your travel visa application is very important, so make sure that you take the time to think about what you want to write and to gather all the necessary documents to support the information you provide in your letter.

Do you have any helpful tips or a sample cover letter for a tourist visa application you want to share? Let us know in a comment below!

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Alice Ross, a long-term traveler who left the corporate world to travel the world. I chose to live life on my own phase and live day by day while immersing myself in new experiences, new knowledge, and new people in a different walk of life I met along the way.

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Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application

Maximized Schengen visa success with effective cover letter, free sample and expert tips.

If you are in the process of applying for a Schengen Visa , you may have noticed that are asked to submit a Cover Letter.

The Cover Letter for Schengen Visa applications is an important requirement, and knowing how to properly write one could affect the outcome of the visa application.

What is a Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application?

The Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa is a necessary part of your visa application because it is a way to introduce yourself, the reason why you want to travel to that specific country, as well as to communicate with the visa officers who are handling your application.

Please note that the Cover Letter should be addressed to the Embassy or Consulate of the country you will visit, even if you are applying through a visa application center, such as VFS Global.

In the Cover Letter for a Schengen Visa, you have to convince the Consular staff that you are suitable to receive a visa for the country you intend to visit.

What Information to Include in a Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application?

When you write a Cover Letter for your Schengen Visa application, you have to include details of your entire trip including:

• The reason why you want to visit a Schengen country .
• The dates when you intend to enter and depart.
• A planned itinerary of your activities in the Schengen Area.
• Where you will stay once you enter the Schengen area.
• All the countries you intend to visit.
• The status of your employment.
• If you were unable to submit any of the required documents, give an explanation of why that is.

Sample Cover Letters for Schengen Visa

Below, you will find a sample Cover Letter for a Schengen Tourist or Visit Visa, a Schengen Business Visa ,  as well as for a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa which will give you an idea of what to include on your own Visa Cover Letter.

Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Schengen Visa

Netherlands Embassy in New Delhi

6/50 F, Shantipath

Chanakyapuri

New Delhi – 110021

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing this letter to apply for a Schengen visa to visit the Netherlands from the dates May 20 to June 10, 2019. I am traveling alone and the main reason why I want to visit the Netherlands is tourism.

I would like to visit the popular tourist attractions in the Netherlands, such as the Van Gogh Museum, the house of Anne Frank, as well as the Keukenhof gardens to see the Netherlands’ most popular flower – the tulip.

During my stay, I also want to visit Germany from May 29 to June 5 to visit my sister who lives in Dusseldorf, where I will stay at her house. Then, I will return to the Netherlands, where I will explore the Hague before I leave the country.

I am employed at the [name of company/organization] where I have the position of [job position]. I have worked here for X years, and I have an annual salary of XX. My employer has given me a No Objection Certificate for my trip, which you will find enclosed.

I intend to finance my own trip, and I have also enclosed proof I have the necessary financial means to cover my stay.

Below you can see a planned itinerary of my activities :

Supporting visa application documents I have enclosed with this letter:

• The completed Schengen Visa Application Form
• My passport
• My flight and train ticket reservations
• Schengen Visa Travel Health Insurance
• Hotel reservation receipts (Amsterdam and Hague)
• Letter of Invitation from my sister in Dusseldorf
• No Objection Certificate from my employer
• My Bank Statements from the last six months

I hope you find that the details I have provided in this letter are adequate for a favorable reply to my application. Thank you for your time, and do not hesitate to contact me should you need further information.

Best regards,

Alan Shilmani

[Full address in India]

Sample Cover Letter for Business Schengen Visa

If you are applying for a Schengen Business Visa, it is your employer who has to write the Cover Letter on your behalf. It must be written on the company’s letterhead.

March 20, 2019

New Delhi, India

I am writing this letter to request a Schengen Business Visa on behalf of [applicant’s full name] with the passport number XXXX.

Through this letter, I would like to confirm that [applicant’s full name] is employed at our company [company’s name] where he works as [job title or position]. [The applicant] has been working in our company for [X number of years], and needs to travel to the Netherlands to visit our partner company [partner company’s name] during the dates April 20 to April 30, 2019.

During his visit at [partner company’s name] in the Netherlands, [the applicant] will be engaged in the following duties:

• Attending meetings
• Negotiating a deal between the companies regarding [XYZ]
• Giving a presentation
• (Any other tasks that you will have to do during your trip)

[The applicant] will stay at the [hotel name/other accommodation], and the expenses will be covered by our company (if applicable).

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any additional questions.

Thank you for your time,

[Name of employer/supervisor along with siganture]

[Position or job title of employer/supervisor]

[Email address of employer/supervisor]

[Phone number of employer/supervisor]

Sample Cover Letter for Medical Treatment Visa

If you are traveling to a Schengen country to receive medical treatment, your doctor has to write the Cover Letter on your behalf. The Cover Letter for a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa has to include the following information:

• Your detailed diagnosis
• Your medical history
• The nature and duration of the proposed treatment you will receive in the Schengen country

I am writing this letter to request a Schengen Medical Treatment Visa on behalf of my patient [applicant’s full name] with the passport number XXXX.

[Applicant’s name] is diagnosed with [XYZ] and needs to receive [XYZ] treatment at the [medical facility name] in the Netherlands.

[Detailed diagnosis]

[Medical history]

[The nature and duration of the proposed treatment you will receive in the Schengen country]

I hope you consider the information I have enclosed in this letter to be satisfactory for my patient’s Schengen Visa application.

Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Thank you for your time.

[Name of the doctor along with siganture]

Where should I submit the Cover Letter for Schengen Visa?

Depending on what country you are applying from, you can submit the Schengen Visa application at:

• An Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you are visiting.
• The Embassy/Consulate of another Schengen country, in case the country you want to visit has no diplomatic representation in your place of residence.
• A visa application agency, to which the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen country you are visiting has outsourced visa applications to.

Keep in mind that if you’re going to visit multiple countries, submit the application at the Embassy/Consulate of the country you will visit first.

What other documents should I submit along with the Cover Letter for Schengen Visa?

When you submit your application for a Schengen Visa, along with the Cover Letter, you have to submit several other supporting documents , such as:

• Your passport, which must be valid for at least another six months
• Passport-size pictures, in line with Schengen visa photo requirements
• Your flight itinerary or reservations
• Proof of accommodation in a Schengen country
• No Objection Certificate from your employer/school
• Letter of Invitation from a relative or company in the Schengen country you are visiting, depending on the purpose of travel
• Proof of paid Schengen Visa Fees
• Your Bank Statements from the last six months

Read more: How to write a cover letter for Germany Student Visa Application?

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How to Craft a Compelling Legal Cover Letter for Lawyers: Tips and Examples

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In this fiercely competitive job market, where the number of law graduates and the movement of established lawyers is ever-increasing, the significance of a well-crafted legal cover letter cannot be overstated. Whether you’re a fresh graduate or a seasoned solicitor seeking a new challenge, your cover letter is your first opportunity to stand out.

There’s constant movement in the legal job market. The 2023 Legal Trends Report explored lawyer satisfaction and discovered lawyers in mid-sized firms are more than twice as likely to have left a job in 12 months than lawyers in smaller firms and five times more likely to be planning to leave a job in the next six months.

If you want a legal career, standing out from the crowd, irrespective of your starting point, is very important. It is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of how a well-crafted legal cover letter for lawyers will elevate your chances of being engaged in the role you seek, whether it’s a training contract, vacation scheme, paralegal position or lawyer.

Your legal cover letter must be persuasive, allowing you to present your case to the prospective employer. It’s your chance to articulate why you are the best fit for the role and set yourself apart from other applicants.

Legal cover letter examples

Many online resources help you create your legal cover letter and your CV. A quick search will uncover many options. However, be very careful when using these. Ensure you delete any Americanisms and change the style and language to be more in keeping with the UK.

There are a limited number of examples of UK cover letters for lawyers. However, two worthy of comment are from aspiring barrister Arooj Zahra Sheikh, who helped land eight mini-pupillages.  

Eight excellent examples are on a Harvard University portal . They contain all the elements of an outstanding legal cover letter for lawyers—just remember to revise the US layout and terminology!

Use these samples as your crib sheet to craft excellent legal cover letters.

Understanding the basics of a legal cover letter

More than just a means of delivering your legal CV, your cover letter is your introduction. It’s the first thing your prospective employer will see and, most likely, read. Therefore, it’s crucial to structure it like a good story, with a compelling beginning, a detailed middle, and a strong end. If you do not spend the time and craft a compelling, professional legal cover letter, you may not have bothered applying for the job at all.

Your legal cover letter allows you to talk about yourself and the role you’re applying for and explain why you would be an ideal fit. It allows you to briefly outline your legal experience and skills and draw attention to the wealth of information in your CV, which you should always attach.

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How to become a freelance paralegal: advice & tips, best ai legal tools for 2024: claude, gemini, copilot, and more, 7 tips to reduce solicitor stress levels, buying guide: the best laptops for solicitors in 2024, critical components of an effective legal cover letter.

Structure your legal cover letter like a good story with a beginning, a middle and an end. Start with a strong opening, explaining who you are and why you are pursuing the position you are applying for. In the main body of your letter, expand on your legal qualifications and expertise. Keep it short; refer to your attached CV for more detailed information.

After outlining your legal qualifications and expertise, explain why your legal work experience, pro bono work, legal education , or specialisation in certain legal practice areas make you an excellent fit for the role. This is your chance to showcase your strengths and make the reader feel confident in your competence.

Your ending should express your belief you are the right candidate for the position. You must also invite the reader to get in touch with you to discuss the position further. Tell them here if you intend to follow up by phone or email with your prospective employer. Finally, thank them for their time and attention. A little gratitude can go a very long way.

What to include in your legal cover letter

The recipient’s address is one of the most crucial elements of your legal cover letter. Before you start writing, take the time to identify the recipient and their position. This allows you to address them personally in the opening salutation of your letter, a much more effective approach than the generic ‘Dear sir or madam’ or ‘To whom it may concern’. This personal touch can make the recipient feel valued and integral to your application process.

Your legal skills and legal experience are essential. Explain the stage you have reached in your legal career thus far and where you see your future in the law. Your future vision should align with the role on offer.

Next, explain why your experience to date, including any legal internships, makes you the ideal candidate for the position. Provide a brief overview of your current career. Include references to your academic and vocational journey, such as your law degree, LPC or SQE. 

If you have been involved in an area relevant to the position offered, like legal research , legal analysis or legal writing , make sure you highlight that. Again, keep it brief. You can expand on your experience in your CV, but you must include enough information in your legal cover letter to encourage your prospective employer to read more.

As you approach the close of your cover letter, include why you are the ideal person for the advertised position. Include the phone number where someone can contact you. Most of all, say “thank you” for the opportunity.

Common mistakes to avoid in legal cover letters for lawyers

There are some critical “don’ts” when you prepare your legal cover letter.

• Never make fake claims about your qualifications or experience . If you’re successful, you’ll be quickly discovered – and probably sacked!
• Avoid the use of jargon. The recipient knows all about the jargon, and it won’t impress!
• Don’t over-promote. While the reader will want to know about your background, avoid writing lengthy passages about yourself. Over-promoting yourself can be off-putting and may disqualify you from consideration. Respect the reader’s time by being concise and to the point, ensuring that your cover letter is a respectful length.
• Don’t forget to focus on your suitability for the position. Failing to explain why you’re a perfect fit for the role will likely disqualify you from consideration, even if you have an impressive legal CV.
• Don’t waffle! Be clear, concise and to the point.

Additional tips for standing out

Nothing is worse than a prospective employer receiving a poorly worded, meandering, and grammatically flawed legal cover letter. Here are some tips to make sure your cover letter stands out:

• Use professional yet engaging language. This shows that you are competent and an excellent communicator.
• Do your homework on the law firm to whom you’re applying. Read their website and speak to anyone you know who works there, is a client, or has a professional relationship with them. Demonstrate your commercial awareness.
• If you have any awards or recognitions, make sure you mention them. These might be the deciding factor between two equally qualified candidates.
• Mention your competencies. If you excel at something relevant, mention it.
• Proofread and spellcheck your legal cover letter. This may seem common sense, but make sure your spell-check language settings are set to English (United Kingdom). You can even have MS Word read your letter to help you check for typos!
• Try to keep your letter to one A4 sheet.
• Make sure the font is large enough to read but not so large as to force a multiple-page letter—and don’t use Comic Sans!
• Use the same font in your legal CV as in your legal cover letter.

Final thoughts on how to write a legal cover letter for lawyers

In a crowded legal job market, there’s no better way to outshine the competition than an excellent legal cover letter. Ensure you’re putting your best foot forward with your future employer by: 

• Making it personal.  Customise your cover letter at every step to the firm you’re applying to—from the tone to the specific skills you detail.
• Keeping it brief.  Cover letters for lawyers are a one-page summary to let your prospective employer know that you’re a candidate they should talk to further. You want to give them enough information to draw them in but not overwhelm them and risk losing interest.
• Showcasing your strengths.  Focus on the positives, and don’t be afraid to highlight how your past experiences make you uniquely qualified.

While finding a new legal job in a competitive market isn’t exactly easy,  staying resilient  and adaptive will lead you to success. By crafting a great cover letter, you’re more likely to be noticed in this—and any—job market.  And, no matter what job you’re applying for, knowing technology can help set you apart—both when job hunting and once you’re working at your new firm.

If you’re a law student and want a head start, you may be able to get free Clio access via Clio’s Academic Access Program (CAAP) at your law school.  Learn more about CAAP here .

Legal Cover Letter FAQs

Do law firms read cover letters.

In a competitive job market, hiring managers at law firms read cover letters to help determine which candidates may be the best fit. A well-written legal cover letter can entice the reader to review your resume—and, hopefully, invite you for an interview—by showcasing how your experience and skills align with the role. 

We published this blog post in August 2024. Last updated: August 19, 2024 .

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