Many people assume that inviting someone to the UK is a simple matter of writing a letter or offering accommodation. In reality, the UK immigration system is more structured and an invitation alone doesn’t guarantee that a visa will be granted. Understanding who can invite someone to the UK and what that invitation involves is important for anyone planning to host a friend, family member or business visitor.
In this article, we explain who can invite someone to the UK, what role an invitation letter plays and what rules and requirements apply. We also outline how to access a free 30 minute consultation with an immigration solicitor if you need tailored advice.
Who can invite someone to the UK?
In principle, anyone who is lawfully resident in the UK can invite someone to visit. This includes British citizens and individuals who hold indefinite leave to remain. People with limited leave to remain may also be able to invite visitors, provided their own immigration status allows them to host someone and they are legally living in the UK.
The key requirement is that the inviter must have lawful status at the time of the invitation. The Home Office will consider the inviter’s status as part of the overall assessment, particularly where accommodation or financial support is being offered.
It’s important to note that inviting someone to the UK isn’t the same as sponsoring them. Most visitors apply for a Standard Visitor visa, which doesn’t require formal sponsorship. Instead, the visitor must satisfy the Home Office that they meet the visa requirements in their own right.
What types of visas usually involve an invitation?
Invitation letters are most commonly used for visitor visas. These may include visits for tourism, family events, short term business activities or private medical treatment. In these cases, the invitation helps explain the purpose of the visit and the relationship between the parties.
Family visits often involve invitations from parents, siblings, adult children or extended relatives. Business visitors may be invited by UK based companies or contacts to attend meetings, conferences or training.
In contrast, work visas and settlement routes usually require formal sponsorship by a licensed sponsor or a qualifying family relationship. A simple invitation letter isn’t sufficient for these types of applications.
What is an invitation letter and what should it include?
An invitation letter is a supporting document provided by the person inviting the visitor. It’s not a mandatory requirement in every case, but it can strengthen an application where the visitor is staying with someone in the UK or visiting for a specific purpose.
A well prepared invitation letter should clearly explain who the inviter is, their immigration status and their relationship to the visitor. It should also outline the reason for the visit, the intended length of stay and where the visitor will be staying.
If the inviter is offering accommodation or financial support, this should be stated clearly. Any information included must be accurate and consistent with the rest of the application, as discrepancies can raise concerns during the decision making process.
Do you have to financially support the visitor?
Inviting someone to the UK doesn’t automatically mean you need to financially support them. However, if the visitor doesn’t have sufficient funds of their own, the Home Office may expect evidence that the inviter can provide financial assistance during the stay.
This might include covering accommodation costs, food or daily expenses. If financial support is offered, the inviter should be able to show evidence such as bank statements, proof of employment or income and confirmation of where the visitor will be staying.
Even where an inviter provides support, the visitor must still demonstrate that they intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit. An invitation can’t override concerns about overstaying or long term immigration intentions.
Does inviting someone make you legally responsible?
A common concern is whether inviting someone to the UK makes the inviter legally responsible for their actions or immigration compliance. In most cases, an invitation doesn’t create ongoing legal responsibility for the visitor.
However, where an inviter confirms they will provide accommodation or financial support, the Home Office may expect those commitments to be honoured. Providing false or misleading information in an invitation letter can have serious consequences, including potential future immigration issues for the inviter.
It’s important to be honest and realistic about what you are offering. Invitations should reflect genuine arrangements rather than attempting to strengthen an application artificially.
Why visitor visas are refused despite an invitation
Even with a strong invitation letter, visitor visa applications can still be refused. This is because the decision focuses primarily on the visitor, not the inviter.
Common reasons for refusal include:
- Insufficient evidence that the visitor will return home
- Concerns about finances
- Inconsistent information
- Doubts about the true purpose of the visit
Where the Home Office believes a visitor may try to work, study or remain in the UK beyond the permitted period, an invitation alone won’t overcome those concerns.
This is why it’s important for the application to be well prepared as a whole, with supporting evidence that aligns with the invitation letter.
Practical steps before inviting someone
Before inviting someone to the UK, it’s sensible to consider the visa category carefully and ensure the visitor understands the requirements. Preparing clear and accurate supporting documents can reduce the risk of refusal.
If you are unsure whether an invitation is appropriate or what information should be included, seeking legal advice from immigration solicitors can help avoid common mistakes. This is particularly important where previous refusals, complex immigration histories or financial concerns are involved.
Understanding your role as an inviter
Inviting someone to the UK can be straightforward, but it’s still governed by immigration rules. Understanding the limits of what an invitation can achieve and preparing carefully can make the process smoother for everyone involved.
Please note that this article is for informational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for legal advice. We encourage readers to contact Osbourne Pinner for case specific guidance.
Start with a free 30 minute consultation at our offices or remotely. You can speak to us on a video call or visit our offices. We are based in Harrow, Canary Wharf and Piccadilly Circus. And if you are based in Manchester (whether that’s in Sale, Bury or Rochdale), our new North based office is close by too. Arrange your consultation by calling 0203 983 5080, emailing [email protected] or using the form below.
