Inviting relatives and friends to visit

Relatives and friends can visit you for up to six months while you are studying in the UK. If your relative/friend is a visa national, they must make an immigration application as a ‘Standard Visitor’ in their home country. They will not be allowed to work while they are in the UK, and they must have enough money to support themselves for their entire stay. The university does not sponsor this kind of application.

When to apply

Applications for a ‘Standard Visitor’ visa can be made up to three months before the intended date of travel. For an indication of how long it may take for the application to be processed, please use the UK Visas and Immigration guide to processing times.

Please note that during peak periods it can take much longer for applications to be processed overseas, so you should try to submit your application as early as practically possible, to avoid disappointment.

How to apply

For everywhere apart from North Korea, you will need to submit your application online.

GOV.UK – Applying for a visa to come to the UK

 

When you apply, you must choose the option that best describes why you are coming to the UK, e.g. choose ‘general’ if you’re visiting on holiday.

You’ll need to have your fingerprints and photograph (known as ‘biometric information’) taken at a visa application centre as part of your application.

Documents required for application

Your relative/friend should supply all relevant documents listed on the UK Visas and Immigration website. The following documents are normally required:

• Passport
• Recent photographs
• Bank statements and/or pay-slips going back at least 3 months to prove the applicant has enough
• money to support himself/herself for the duration of the visit
• Evidence of the reason for travelling to the UK (e.g. travel itinerary, accommodation bookings, letter confirming graduation ceremony date etc.)
• Evidence that the applicant intends to leave the UK at the end of their visit. Some examples might be: document confirming employment in home country, document confirming ownership of property in home country, flight bookings etc.

You may also wish to supply your relative/friend with the following documents, for inclusion with their visa application:

• Letter of invitation, written by you. This should include the name and passport number of your relative/friend, their relationship to you, the dates of the visit, where your relative will stay while they are in the UK, and the purpose of the visit (e.g. to attend your graduation ceremony and/or have a holiday). View an example letter of invitation.
• Photocopy of your passport (personal details and visa page)
• Letter confirming your eligibility to attend graduation
• If you will be providing your relative/friend with financial support, you should include relevant bank statements and/or pay slips