tourist visa requirement to uk

Do you need a visa to go to the United Kingdom?

Jun 25, 2022 • 3 min read

Here's the visa info you need for a visit to Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland © Andrew Merry / Getty Images

Traveling between England , Scotland , Wales and Northern Ireland reveals both the shared culture and distinct local flavors that contribute to the UK . Save for the occasional inconvenience of long lines at passport control and security, entering and leaving the UK was fairly straightforward in the past. Now, due to Brexit, information on visa requirements has changed for EU citizens and immigration restrictions are often on the news in the UK. It's essential to check with your local British embassy, high commission or consulate before leaving home.

What you need to know about visas in the UK

The UK government has a handy online guide to help you check if you need a UK visa . Britain is not a member of the Schengen Zone, so you will need to show your passport when arriving and leaving from a UK border point.

Visas are generally not needed for stays of up to six months for tourism or visiting friends and family. This applies to citizens of the EEA (European Economic Area) nations, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan, Israel, and the USA.

Following Brexit, the EU Settlement Scheme is the system that EU citizens who are already living in the UK need to follow, but there is also a family permit you can apply for if you’re a family member of someone from the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. ​​It lets you come to the UK for up to 6 months. You can work and study, and come and go as many times as you want before the permit expires.

Anyone wishing to work, do business or academic research in the UK will need to apply for a visa, as will students wishing to study for longer than six months. The Youth Mobility Scheme , for Australian, Canadian, Japanese, Hong Kong, Monégasque, New Zealand, Sammarinese and Icelandic citizens aged 18 to 30, allows working visits of up to two years, but must be applied for in advance. Those coming from Hong Kong (if you have a SAR passport), Japan, South Korea and Taiwan must be selected in the Youth Mobility Scheme ballot before they can apply.

Tourists from China, India, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and many other destinations , will need to apply for the Standard Visitor visa . It lasts six months, costs £100 and must be applied for online in advance of travel. A decision is usually provided within three weeks. Applications to extend your stay must be made before your visa runs out, but there are strict limitations. If you know you want to be in the UK beyond six months, it's best to apply for the more costly long-term Standard Visitor visa, which lasts for two (£376), five (£670) or ten (£837) years.

Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born parent may be eligible for Right of Abode , which entitles them to live and work in the UK. You can only get the right to abode through marriage if you’re a female Commonwealth citizen. Commonwealth citizens with a UK-born grandparent could qualify for a UK Ancestry visa, allowing them to work full-time for up to five years in the UK. You should get a decision on your visa within three weeks when applying from outside the UK and the fee is £531.

British immigration authorities have always been tough; you may be required to demonstrate proof of onward travel or an outbound departure date (for example, a flight booking home), and possibly evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself while in Britain.

This article was first published Mar 16, 2021 and updated Jun 25, 2022.

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Explore the UK: Your Guide to UK Visitor Visa

Anne morris.

• 8 April 2024

IN THIS SECTION

There is no specific ‘visit visa’ for the UK; it’s a general term used colloquially to refer to a number of routes, each designed to accommodate the diverse needs and circumstances of international visitors.

Whether you’re planning to visit the UK for a holiday, sampling UK culture or exploring business opportunities, you’ll need to have secured the correct type of UK visit visa to avoid issues at the border, and to start your time in the UK in the best way.

In this comprehensive guide, we explore the various pathways to visit the UK to help you choose the most appropriate route for your needs.

Section A: Standard Visitor Visa

The UK Standard Visitor Visa is a versatile route catering to visa-nationals who wish to enter the United Kingdom for short stays for tourism, business engagements, or short-term study.

1. What is the Standard Visitor Visa

Travellers from designated visa-national countries need a visa to visit the UK for up to six months.

The Standard Visitor Visa accommodates several purposes:

a. Tourism:  For those visiting the UK for leisure, sightseeing, or to see family and friends.

b. Business:  Business-related activities include attending meetings, conferences, seminars, or interviews.

c. Short-term Study:  This visa allows for short educational courses lasting up to 6 months.

d. Medical Treatment:  Visitors may come to the UK to receive certain types of medical treatment.

e. Academic Visitors: Scientists, researchers, academics, senior doctors, and dentists can participate in specific work-related activities as academic visitors .

f. Paid Engagements:  Visitors who are experts in their field can carry out specific paid engagements or events at the invitation of a UK-based client.

The Standard Visitor visa allows stays of up to 6 months, with multiple visits permissible within the visa’s validity period.

2. Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for a Standard Visitor Visa, applicants must prove that they:

a. Plan to leave the UK at the end of their visit.

b. Can support themselves and any dependents for the duration of the trip.

c. Can pay for their return or onward journey and any other costs related to their visit.

d. Have a genuine reason for their visit and will not undertake any prohibited activities, such as receiving public funds, marrying, or entering into a civil partnership.

3. Application Process

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Ensure your trip falls under the activities permitted by the Standard Visitor Visa. Familiarise yourself with the eligibility criteria, such as proving you’ll leave the UK at the end of your visit and can support yourself during your stay.

Step 2: Complete the Online Application

Visit the official UK government website to complete the visa application form (VAF) for the Standard Visitor Visa.

The application fee must be paid online as part of your application process. Ensure you receive a confirmation of payment.

Step 3: Book and Attend Your Biometric Appointment

After submitting your online application, you must book an appointment at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) to provide your biometric information (fingerprints and a photograph).

Bring your passport, a printout of your appointment confirmation, and all the required supporting documents to your appointment.

Step 4: Wait for a Decision

Once your application is processed, you will be informed about the decision. Depending on the service options available in your country, your passport will either be returned to you by mail, or you’ll need to pick it up from the VAC.

Step 5: Prepare for Your Trip

If your visa is approved, check the visa vignette in your passport for any errors and understand the conditions of your visa.

Once you have your visa, you can travel to the UK.

4. Required Documents

Applicants must provide several documents, including:

a. A valid travel document or passport.

b. Evidence of the purpose of the visit (e.g., letter of invitation, travel itinerary).

c. Proof of accommodation and return travel.

d. Financial evidence showing enough funds to cover all expenses during the stay.

The specific documents will depend on the nature of your planned activities. For example, as an academic visitor, you may need to provide evidence from your employer outlining the research.

5. Processing Times

Visa processing times can vary, but applicants should generally receive a decision within three weeks of the visa application centre appointment. However, this timeframe may extend during peak travel seasons or due to individual circumstances requiring further scrutiny.

You can read our extensive guide to the Standard Visitor Visa here >>

Section B: Transit Visa

When your travel plans require you to pass through the UK en route to another destination, you might need a Transit Visa.

1. What is the Transit Visa

The UK transit routes are designed for certain travellers who do not intend to stay in the UK but need to pass through its borders.

A Transit Visa is required if you are passing through the UK to another country, will not go through UK border control, and are from a country that does not have a visa exemption for transit.

You will also need a Transit Visa if you are going through UK border control but leaving the UK within 48 hours, even if you are from a country that normally does not require a visa for short stays. This includes changing airports or leaving the airport for any reason.

2. Types of Transit Visa

There are two types of Transit Visa, catering for different types of transiters: the Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) and the Visitor in Transit Visa.

a. Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV)  This visa is for those who don’t pass through UK border control and only need to change planes. The DATV is suitable for travellers whose layover does not involve leaving the airport’s international transit area. It’s valid for up to 24 hours.

b. Visitor in Transit Visa If your layover requires you to pass through UK border control—for example, to change airports or if you’re arriving and departing by different means (plane to train)—you’ll need this visa. It allows a stay of up to 48 hours and is the right choice if you need to enter the UK briefly.

3. Application and Required Documentation

For both types of Transit Visas, the application process involves:

a. Completing an online application Start this process well before your travel dates. Ensure you select the correct visa type based on your transit needs.

b. Scheduling an appointment You must book an appointment at a visa application centre to provide your biometric information.

c. Preparing your documents Essential documents include a current passport or other valid travel identification and proof of your onward journey. This could be a confirmed flight ticket showing your final destination after transiting through the UK.

d. Proof of visa for your onward destination If the country you are travelling to after your UK transit requires a visa, you must provide evidence that you have this visa.

Please read our detailed guide to UK Transit Visas here >>

Section C: Marriage Visitor Visa

If you plan to come to the UK to get married or enter into a civil partnership without intending to stay or settle afterwards, you’ll need a Marriage visitor Visa.

1. What is the Marriage Visitor Visa

The Marriage Visitor Visa is designed for those who wish to celebrate their marriage or civil partnership in the UK without intending to stay long-term.

The Marriage Visitor Visa is valid for 6 months, and you must leave the UK at the end of this period or before the visa expires.

This visa is for couples seeking to celebrate their union in the UK’s picturesque locales or historic venues.

This could include getting married or registering a civil partnership in the UK, holding a symbolic wedding ceremony in the UK, even if legally married elsewhere.

You cannot switch to another visa category from within the UK on this visa, and employment and access to public funds are not permitted during your stay.

The visa is also suitable for individuals attending a marriage or civil partnership as guests if they come from a country that requires a visa to enter the UK and do not plan to stay beyond six months.

2. Application Process

To apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa, you will need to follow these steps:

a. Online Application Start by filling out the visa application form on the UK government website. This form will ask about your travel plans, personal information, and details of your wedding or civil partnership.

b. Fee Payment The application fee for the Marriage Visitor Visa must be paid online during the application process.

c. Book and Attend an Appointment After submitting your online application, you must book an appointment at a visa application centre. Here, you’ll provide your fingerprints and photograph (biometric information) and submit your supporting documents.

3. Supporting Documents

You’ll need to provide several documents with your application, including:

a. A valid passport or travel document.

b. Provide proof of your relationship with your partner, such as communication records or photos.

c. Details of your wedding or civil partnership plans, including dates and venues.

d. Evidence of your financial ability to cover the trip and wedding expenses, such as bank statements.

e. information about where you will stay in the UK.

f. Proof that you intend to leave the UK after your visit, such as a letter from your employer or education institution.

Please read our detailed guide to the Marriage Visitor Visa here >>

Section D: Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The UK is implementing an ETA scheme for travellers from countries that previously did not require a visa for short stays or transits through the UK.

1. What is Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the UK

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a digital authorisation for visa-exempt visitors, allowing them to travel to and enter the UK. It’s designed to pre-screen travellers for security purposes before they arrive at the UK border.

The ETA is required for visiting and transiting passengers, ensuring that individuals without a visa can still be checked before travelling.

Travellers in the UK under the Creative Worker concession will also need an ETA.

The ETA represents a significant shift in the UK’s approach to managing the entry of visa-exempt visitors, aiming to simplify the entry process while maintaining high security and immigration standards akin to other global electronic travel authorisation systems such as the USA’s ESTA programme.

The rollout is expected to be completed by the end of 2024, when it will include all non-visa nationals, including US, EU, and EEA nationals.

2. Who needs an ETA?

The ETA requirement will apply to nationals from countries that do not need a visa for short visits to the UK or transiting. This includes tourists, business visitors, and individuals in transit to other destinations.

The list of nationalities requiring an ETA is constantly evolving. Travellers are advised to check if their country has been included on the UK’s ETA list.

As of April 2024, the ETA applies to nationals of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Jordan.

All relevant travellers, including children and babies, will need an ETA.

In addition, those coming to the UK under the Creative Worker concession will also require an ETA.

Certain groups, such as diplomats or those with other types of official status, may be exempt from the ETA requirement. It’s important to check the latest guidance to confirm whether you need an ETA based on your specific circumstances.

3. How to Apply for an ETA

Applying for an ETA is intended to be a straightforward, user-friendly process:

a. Application form Travellers must complete the application form, which is available on the official UK government website or through the official app.

The form will require basic personal and contact information and answers to questions related to security and immigration history.

b. Application Fee It costs £10 to apply for the ETA, payable online during submission.

c. Documentation Applicants must have their valid passports on hand when completing the form, and a photograph must be uploaded.

d. Approval and Notification After applying, travellers will receive their ETA approval electronically, typically within three days.

Authorisation is linked to the passport used during the application process. While no physical document is required at the border, it is advisable to save an image of the confirmation to your phone or print out a copy to avoid issues when travelling.

Please read our detailed guide to the UK ETA here >>

Section E: ADS Agreement for Chinese Tour Groups

Chinese citizens planning to come to the UK as part of a tourist group should look at the Chinese tour group visa for streamlined visa application processing.

1. What is the ADS Agreement for Chinese Tour Groups

The Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement is a bilateral tourism arrangement between the United Kingdom and China. Established to encourage and simplify the process for Chinese tourists wishing to visit the UK in groups, the ADS Agreement plays a crucial role in boosting cultural exchange and tourism between the two nations. It facilitates streamlined visa application processes for Chinese citizens touring the UK as part of organised groups.

The ADS Agreement allows Chinese tour groups to apply for UK visas faster and more efficiently than the standard visitor visa application procedure through an accredited process. The visa allows visits of up to 30 days.

This agreement is designed for tour groups with at least five people and is organised by travel agencies approved and recognised under the ADS scheme.

These travel agencies are vetted and authorised by both the Chinese and UK governments, ensuring a high standard of service and reliability.

2. Benefits for Chinese Citizens Touring the UK in Groups

The ADS scheme encourages cultural exchange by facilitating group tours to the UK, allowing Chinese citizens to explore British culture, history, and landmarks.

One of the primary benefits of the ADS Agreement is the simplified and expedited visa application process for group members, making it easier for Chinese tourists to plan and book their UK tours.

The cost of visas and processing fees are also typically lower for ADS tour groups compared to individual applications.

Compared with travelling as an individual, ADS-accredited tour groups provide safety and convenience, with arrangements for accommodation, transport, and itineraries handled by experienced travel agencies.

3. How to Apply through an ADS-Licensed Travel Agent

a. Find an ADS-Licensed Travel Agent Under the ADS Agreement, Chinese tourists interested in travelling to the UK should start by identifying a travel agency in China with an ADS license. These agencies are authorised to organise tour groups to the UK under this specific agreement.

b. Choose a Tour Package Select a tour package that fits your interests and schedule. ADS-licensed travel agents offer packages covering different attractions, cities, and durations.

c. Application Process The travel agency will handle the visa application process on behalf of the group. This typically includes collecting necessary documentation from each traveller, filling out application forms, and submitting the applications to the UK visa authorities.

d. Prepare Required Documents Travellers will need to provide personal and travel documents to the travel agency, which may include a valid passport, completed visa application forms, and possibly additional information depending on the specific requirements of the tour package.

e. Wait for Approval Once the travel agency submits the visa applications, the group must wait for approval from the UK visa authorities. The travel agency will keep the group informed about the status of their application and any further steps needed.

Read our extensive article on Chinese Tour Group Visa here >>

Section F: Summary

Embarking on a journey to the United Kingdom, a land steeped in history and bursting with cultural diversity, requires careful planning—especially when navigating the complexities of visa requirements. The correct visa grants you entry and ensures your trip aligns with your intentions, whether you’re soaking in the sights, diving into business ventures, or celebrating love.

The diverse range of visa options, from the Standard Visitor Visa to the specific provisions under the ADS Agreement for Chinese tour groups, caters to international visitors’ varied needs and purposes.

Understanding the nuances of each visa type can significantly impact your travel experience, ensuring compliance with UK immigration laws and avoiding unnecessary complications.

As regulations and requirements are subject to ongoing changes, staying informed about the latest visa policies and procedures is paramount.

For expert advice and assistance in navigating the complex landscape of UK immigration and visas, DavidsonMorris can help. As recognised specialists in UK immigration, we provide guidance, support, and the most current information to ensure your visit to the UK is planned with confidence and peace of mind. Contact our experts today.

Section G: FAQs about Visiting the UK

Do I need a visa to visit the UK? It depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Many countries are visa-exempt for short stays, but you may still need to apply for a visa if you plan to work, study, or stay longer than the allowed period.

How long can I stay in the UK with a Standard Visitor Visa? The Standard Visitor Visa allows you to stay in the UK for up to 6 months per visit. For certain activities, like academic research or accompanying a child studying in the UK, you may be able to stay longer.

Can I extend my visa while in the UK? Most visitor visas, including the Standard Visitor Visa, cannot be extended. You must leave the UK before your visa expires. However, in exceptional circumstances, such as for medical reasons, you may be able to apply for an extension.

What is the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), and do I need one? The ETA is a new requirement for visa-exempt visitors to the UK designed to enhance border security. The scheme is being rolled out in phases, and visitors from certain countries will need to obtain an ETA before their travel.

How do I apply for a Marriage Visitor Visa? You can apply online through the UK government’s official website. You’ll need to provide evidence of your wedding plans in the UK, prove that you intend to leave after your visit, and show that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay without working.

What documents do I need for a Transit Visa? For a Transit Visa, you’ll typically need your current passport, proof of your onward journey (such as flight tickets), and sometimes a visa for your next destination if required.

Can I work in the UK with a Visitor Visa? No, you cannot take up employment, produce goods, provide services, or do business in the UK if you have entered on a visitor visa. This includes voluntary work and internships.

How can I find an ADS-licensed travel agent for a trip from China to the UK? Both the Chinese and UK governments approve ADS-licensed travel agents. A list of licensed agents is usually available through the Chinese National Tourism Administration or the UK Embassy’s website in China.

What if my visa application is denied? If your visa application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the refusal. You can apply again, but it’s essential to address the reasons for the refusal in your new application.

Where can I get current information and assistance with my UK visa application? For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the UK government’s official immigration website. DavidsonMorris can guide you through the application process for personalised assistance and legal advice.

Section H: Glossary of Terms Related to Visiting the UK

Approved Destination Status (ADS) Agreement:  A bilateral agreement between the UK and China that facilitates group tours from China to the UK through accredited travel agencies.

Biometric Information:  Unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints and photographs, are used for identification during the visa application process.

Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV):  A type of UK visa required by certain nationals who are transiting through the UK without passing through border control, valid for up to 24 hours.

Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA):  A new entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals traveling to the UK, involving a pre-travel authorisation process to enhance border security.

Marriage Visitor Visa:  A visa that allows individuals to get married or register a civil partnership in the UK during a short stay without the intention of settling in the UK afterwards.

Standard Visitor Visa:  A visa for tourists, people visiting family and friends, business visitors, and short-term students, allowing a stay of up to 6 months in the UK.

Transit Visa:  A visa required for those passing through the UK en route to another country, available as either a Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) or a Visitor in Transit Visa.

Visitor in Transit Visa:  A visa for travelers who need to pass through UK border control while on their way to another country, allowing a stay of up to 48 hours.

Visa Application Center (VAC):  Authorised centres where visa applicants can submit their biometric information and supporting documents as part of the visa application process.

Visa Exemption:  A policy that allows citizens of certain countries to enter the UK without a visa for short stays or specific purposes, subject to conditions.

Section I: Additional Resources

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration The official government site for visa applications, immigration rules, and detailed guides on different visa types.

VisitBritain https://www.visitbritain.com/en The national tourism agency provides travel advice, highlights top attractions, and offers planning tools for visitors.

NHS Choices https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/visiting-or-moving-to-england/how-to-access-nhs-services-in-england-if-you-are-visiting-from-abroad/ Information on healthcare services for visitors in the UK, including how to access medical treatment and emergency services.

UK Border Control https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control Guidance on what to expect when arriving in or leaving the UK, including customs regulations.

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/ Shortage Occupation List 2024
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About DavidsonMorris

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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UK Visitor Visa

UK visitor visa is also known as a UK tourist visa, which allows foreign nationals to visit the UK for a short period of up to 6 months.

Contact our immigration lawyers for a free telephone consultation on 020 3744 2797 or complete our enquiry form to discuss your UK spouse visa.

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The UK visitor visa, also known as a standard visitor visa or UK tourist visa, allows foreign nationals to visit the UK as a tourist, for business, for study, and for other permitted activities for a short period of up to 6 months.

Before applying, we recommend checking if you require a visiting visa to the UK; this can be done on the Home Office website . Depending on your nationality, you may be able to come to the UK for up to 6 months without a visa.

To secure a UK Visit visa, you must meet certain eligibility requirements, for example, you must genuinely intend to leave the UK at the end of your stay, and you have enough money to cover the duration of your visit.

There are several types of UK Visit Visa catering for a range of purposes, including the Business Visitor Visa, Family Visitor Visa, Marriage Visitor Visa , General Visitor Visa, Permitted Paid Engagement Visa, and the Chinese Tour Group Visa.

What can and cannot do with a visitor visa

As a Visitor Visa holder, you are permitted to carry out the following activities for up to 6 months in the UK:

• Tourism (e.g., holiday or vacation)
• Get married (assuming you intend to live in another country once you are married)
• Visit family or friends
• Volunteer for a registered charity in the UK for up to a maximum of 30 days
• Transit through the UK to another country
• Carry out certain business activities (e.g., a meeting or interview)
• A school exchange program
• Recreational courses of up to a maximum of 30 days
• Study (courses should not exceed 6 months)
• Complete a placement
• Take an exam
• In your role as an academic, senior doctor, or dentist
• Receive medical treatment

As a holder of a Visitor Visa UK, you will not be able to:

• Do paid or unpaid work
• Access public funds (e.g., benefits)
• Live here by making frequent successive visits
• Get married or enter into a civil partnership, give notice of marriage, or a civil partnership (you must have a Marriage Visitor visa in any of these cases).

UK visitor visa requirements

To make a successful UK Visitor Visa application, applicants must meet the following general eligibility requirements 1 :

• You must genuinely intend to depart the UK at the end of your visit
• You must have sufficient funds to support yourself while in the UK
• You can fund your onward journey, and
• You will not live in the UK by making successive visits using a Visitor Visa.

You may also need to meet other eligibility requirements if you are coming to the UK to study, complete a placement or take an exam, or as an academic, senior doctor or dentist, or for medical treatment. You can contact our immigration lawyers for a free consultation if you want to apply for a UK visitor visa.

Genuine intention to leave the UK

The Home Office will assess your genuine intentions to visit, including your reasons for coming, your prior immigration history, the number and duration of previous visits, your personal and economic ties to your home country, and other factors.

Sufficient support funds

The Home Office does not specify a set amount of money you must have as a visitor to the UK. They will assess the likely cost of your stay (e.g., accommodation, food, travel) and compare this to the amount of funds you have available. They will also consider your existing financial commitments to determine if you are likely to have sufficient funds for your stay here.

Intention not to live in the UK

The Home Office will want to be assured that you are not using the Visitor Visa route as a way of living in the UK by making successive visits. They will check your travel history, the reason for your visit, the length of your intended stay, the number of visits to the UK over the past 12 months (including the length of stay on each occasion), and the time since your last visit, and whether you have spent more time in the UK than in your home country.

Documents required for UK visitor visa

The required documents will depend on the reasons for coming to the UK. You might be asked to provide the below documents:

• Your travel dates to and from the UK
• Your address while in the UK
• A breakdown of the estimated cost of your visit
• Your home address
• How live you have lived at your current address
• The name and dates of birth of your parents
• Your annual income
• Details of any criminal, civil, or immigration offenses
• Your travel history for the past 10 years
• Your employer’s address and telephone number
• Your partner’s name, date of birth, and passport number
• The details of family members you have in the UK
• Tuberculosis (TB) test certificate if you’re visiting for more than 6 months (depending on the country you are traveling from).

How to apply for a visitor visa for UK

To apply for a UK Visitor Visa, you will need to complete the following key steps:

• Check if you need a Visitor visa before proceeding
• Complete and submit a visitor visa application UK online (note: If you are coming to the UK with your family members, each family member will need to submit their own application and pay the required fee)
• Pay the application fee
• Book an appointment at a local Visa Application Centre (VAC)
• Attend your VAC appointment to provide any documents required by the Home Office and have your photo taken and fingerprints scanned (biometrics)

In most cases, you can expect to receive a decision on your Visitor Visa application within 3 weeks.

Can you extend your visitor visa?

The UK Visitor visa is only intended to allow a short stay, however, it may be possible to extend your Visitor visa if it was issued for less than 6 months up to the maximum of 6 months. It will only be possible to extend your Visitor visa beyond 6 months if you are here for medical reasons, as an academic, or if you are a graduate who needs to retake a Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test or complete a clinical attachment. The fee to extend a Visitor visa is currently £1,000.

If your visitor visa is refused

Visitor visas may be refused for many reasons, including if the Home Office believes:

• You are using the Visitor Visa scheme to live in the UK
• You pose a threat to national security
• You have breached the immigration rules in the past
• You have unspent criminal convictions
• You don’t appear to be a genuine visitor
• You don’t have sufficient funds to support yourself in the UK

You will not normally have the right to appeal a refusal of a Visitor Visa. In most cases, we recommend preparing a fresh application that addresses the reason for your refusal. Our immigration lawyers can assist with your new application and ensure it meets the criteria for a successful outcome.

1 GOV.UK: Visit the UK as a Standard Visitor

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i sponsor a visitor to the uk, can i switch from a visitor visa to another visa in the uk, can i get married in the uk on a visitor/tourist visa, reiss edwards awards.

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U.S. Travelers Will Soon Have to Pay to Enter the U.K.

U.S. visitors—as well as visitors from Europe , Australia and Canada —will soon be required to apply for permission to enter the U.K. through a new scheme known as Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA).

The U.K. government is in the process of fully digitizing U.K. borders by the end of 2025—and the ETA scheme will play its part, allowing “individuals, and carriers, with more assurance at an earlier point in time about their ability to travel to the U.K.,” the government said.

The scheme will be in place by the end of this year (2023), and visitors will be required to fill out an online application granting them permission to travel. There will be a small fee included in the application—similar to how the U.S.'s own ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) system works for U.K. travelers.

Here's everything we know.

Will I need a visa to enter the U.K.?

This isn't technically a visa—the ETA system will grant travelers permission to enter the country. You will need to apply for an ETA prior to arrival. If you haven't received permission to travel before arrival, you may get fined.

Travelers from the U.S. will soon need to apply for permission to enter the U.K.

How long will it take to get an ETA?

Travelers will be advised to apply for an ETA at least a few days before their journey. Approval should be granted within 72 hours of application.

How long will an ETA last?

After your ETA has been approved, visitors will be granted permission to stay in the U.K. for six months, whether for business or tourism reasons.

The U.K. government is yet to confirm how often visitors will need to apply for a new ETA, but it's likely to be valid for two years—meaning there's no need to apply for a new one every time you visit within the valid time period.

Visitors with valid ETAs can stay—and travel—in U.K. for up to six months.

How much will an ETA cost?

We don't know yet—but the government has said that the cost will be small. The EU implemented a similar system in 2022, which costs €7. A U.S. ESTA, meanwhile, costs $21.

Who will need to apply for an ETA?

The full list of nations included hasn't been announced yet. We do know that U.S. citizens who don't hold a visa will need to apply for an ETA, as will other visa-exempt nations such as Canada and Australia. European countries are likely to be included, too.  Those traveling from nationalities without a visa-free agreement with the UK will still need to apply for another applicable type of UK visa.

What will I need to apply for an ETA?

You'll need a valid passport , an email address to register with, and to supply the details of your travel, as well as a valid debit or credit card to pay any fees to apply.

To keep up to date with the latest information on the ETA scheme, check the official website for more details as they become available.

This article originally appeared on Condé Nast Traveller U.K.  

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United Kingdom

Travel Advisory July 26, 2023

United kingdom - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.

Country Summary:  Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in the United Kingdom. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, local government facilities, hotels, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, parks, major sporting and cultural events, educational institutions, airports, and other public areas.

There is also a risk of isolated violence by dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to the United Kingdom.

If you decide to travel to the United Kingdom:

• Be aware of your surroundings when traveling to tourist locations and crowded public venues.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and adjust your plans based on new information.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and Twitter.com/Travelgov
• Review the  Country Security Report  for the United Kingdom.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel and return to the United States.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

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Quick Facts

Must be valid for the duration of your stay in the United Kingdom   (If you have onward travel to countries outside the United Kingdom, you should check the passport validity requirements for each additional country on their respective information pages.)

Must have at least one page

Not required for stays less than six months.

Embassies and Consulates

U.s. embassy london.

33 Nine Elms Lane London, SW11 7US United Kingdom Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: +(44) (20) 7891-3845 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Edinburgh, Scotland 3 Regent Terrace, Edinburgh EH7 5BW Scotland Telephone: 013-1556-8315 / from the United States: 011 (44)(13) 1556-8315 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  020-7499-9000 / from the United States: 011 (44)(20) 7499-9000 Fax: 0131-557-6023 /from the United States: 011 (44) 131-557-6023 Email:   [email protected]

U.S. Consulate General Belfast, Northern Ireland Danesfort House, 223 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5GR Northern Ireland, United Kingdom Telephone: 028-9038-6100 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9038-6100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: 01253-501106 / from the United States: 011 (44) 1253-501106 Fax: 028-9068-1301 / from the United States: 011 (44)(28) 9068-1301 Email: [email protected]

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Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

• To enter the United Kingdom, your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay.
• Starting June 2019, U.S. passport holders will be able to use the ePassport Gates upon arrival in the United Kingdom. U.S. citizens who had previously registered for the UK’s Registered Traveller Service (RTS) should now also use the ePassport Gates on arrival in the UK.
• If you are planning onward travel after departing the UK, note that many other countries require at least six months’ remaining validity on your passport to enter. If you are bound for Continental Europe, please see our  U.S. travelers in Europe page for additional details.
• Visas for specific categories of visitors must be obtained prior to travel. Visit the  UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website to determine if you need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. We cannot intervene on your behalf when you apply for a UK visa, nor can we advocate for your admission into the UK if you are denied entry.
• Students and prospective students should visit the  UKVI website  to determine if they need a visa.
• For some U.S. travelers, especially students, an entry stamp is required.  Please consult this website  for more information.
• Unpaid and paid workers, interns, volunteers, charity workers, and temporary workers can find information about obtaining a visa on the  UKVI website .
• Visitors traveling to the United Kingdom to get married, even if they do not plan to reside there, must obtain a visa in advance. See the  UKVI website  for visa information.
• Surcharges apply to certain categories of visas, generally those involving work, study, or residency for more than six months. More information is available on the  UKVI website  and in our Health section below.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of the United Kingdom.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Terrorist groups continue plotting possible near-term attacks in Europe. The UK Security Service publishes specific reasons for any changes in the threat level and recommended actions for the public via its  UK threat levels website .

There is the potential for  isolated violence  related to the political situation in Northern Ireland. The Police Service of Northern Ireland assesses there is a continued threat of violence from dissident groups in Northern Ireland, focused primarily on police and military targets, and may involve the use of  firearms  and  explosives . Tensions may be heightened during the summer marching season (April to August), particularly on and around the July 12 public holiday.

Avoid areas of demonstrations  if possible, and be careful within the vicinity of demonstrations. Demonstrations occur frequently in and around city centers and areas where tourists frequent. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate to violence.

The phone number for  police/fire/ambulance emergency services  is  999  in the United Kingdom and  112  in Gibraltar. You should also use these numbers to report security threats or suspicious packages. Also see information for  contacting police from abroad .

• Be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
• Be vigilant, as  pickpocketing ,  mugging,  and “snatch and grab” theft of mobile phones, watches and jewelry can occur.
• Do not leave bags unattended in restaurants, pubs, hotel lobbies, and parked cars.
• Be alert to other criminal schemes, such as  impostors  posing as undercover police officers and “fining” tourists for bogus minor offenses. A legitimate Metropolitan Police Services officer will never demand an immediate cash payment.
• Use only licensed Black Cabs or pre-ordered car services (minicabs) . Unlicensed taxis or private cars posing as taxis may offer low fares, but in some instances, travelers have been  robbed  or  sexually assaulted  while using these cars. See Transport for London for additional information on cabs and car services .
• Avoid using ATMs that look temporary in structure or location  or are located in isolated areas – they may not be legitimate. Use ATMs located inside a bank branch.

Scams : Before sending any money to individuals you have never met in person, visit the  Embassy London website  for more information about  internet financial scams  and how to protect yourself.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime : Report crimes to the local police at 999 (United Kingdom) or 112 (Gibraltar) and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(44) (20) 7499-9000.

• Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim compensation programs in the United States
• The Victim Support website  is maintained by an independent UK charity to help people cope with the effects of crime
• A Northern Ireland-based independent charity maintains a similar  victim support website
• In Scotland, victims of crime should contact  Victim Support Scotland
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support if you are destitute
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available throughout the country. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance . 

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

• You will be arrested if you bring pocket knives, blades, mace or pepper spray canisters, or any part of a gun into the United Kingdom . Please refer to the UK government publication  Travelling to the UK , which details the items visitors are prohibited from bringing into the United Kingdom.
• Penalties against  alcohol-related  and other  in-flight  crimes committed aboard aircraft to and from the United Kingdom are stiff and are enforced with  prison sentences . Please also see  our information on U.S. customs regulations  covering your return to the United States.
• Controlled Substances: UK law prohibits possession and trafficking of controlled substances and narcotics, including some substances that may be legal to possess under the law of certain U.S. states. More information on controlled substances is available here . Individuals who violate UK drug laws may face penalties including fines or prison sentences.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained in the United Kingdom, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Special Circumstances:

• The legal drinking age in the United Kingdom is 18. Parents and organizers of school trips should read our  Students Abroad website  to help plan a safe and enjoyable experience.
• Scotland’s “drink drive limit” law was amended to a lower level (roughly .05 BAC) and is stricter than the rest of the United Kingdom (roughly .08 BAC). This means that  driving after even one drink  can result in a charge of driving under the influence.
• The United Kingdom has very strict gun control laws, and importing firearms is extremely complicated.  Information on applying for a firearm and/or shotgun certificate can be found on the  London Metropolitan Police Firearms licensing webpage .  Licenses from England or Wales may not be valid in Scotland; please check with the appropriate authorities.  For firearms certificates for Scotland, please check with  Police Scotland .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See our following webpages for details:

• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in the United Kingdom.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:

• UK law requires that all public service providers (except in the transportation sector) make “reasonable adjustments” to ensure their services are available to persons with disabilities.  Nevertheless, code exemptions permit many older buildings to have steps up from the street.
• Getting around in cities may be difficult at times because sidewalks can be narrow and uneven.
• Most London Underground and UK National Rail System stations are not readily accessible for people with disabilities.  Many stations do not have elevators, and have stairways and long corridors for changing trains or exiting to the street. Many UK buses are equipped with lowering platforms for limited-mobility or sight- or hearing-disabled travelers.
• Many taxis have swivel-entry seats or retractable ramps to ease entry.
• Disabled parking permits (known as “blue badges”) are issued by local government councils throughout the country. Visit the  UK government website  for contact information. Some councils may not offer permits to temporary visitors.

The  Transport for London  and  National Rail  websites provide information for passengers with disabilities.

Students:  See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  women travelers .

While medical services are widely available,  free medical care  under the National Health System (NHS) is allowed only for UK residents, certain EU nationals, and some visa holders.

An NHS surcharge is assessed on certain visa applicants at the time of application.  Tourists and short-term visitors will not be assessed the surcharge, but will be charged 150 percent of the cost of any medical treatment they receive from the NHS. Unpaid balances of £1,000 or more can result in being barred from return to the United Kingdom.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills, and U.S. Medicare is not valid overseas.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides  coverage overseas . Most care providers overseas only accept  cash payments . See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

• We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Carry  prescription medication  in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Traveling with sufficient supplies to last the duration of your trip is recommended. Mailing prescriptions is prohibitive and may be delayed or rejected by British customs.

Certain prescriptions available in the United States are classified as a "controlled drug"  in the United Kingdom and cannot be brought into the country without applying for and obtaining a prior license. This includes prescriptions for medical marijuana or products containing CBD and THC.  Please visit the https://www.gov.uk/travelling-controlled-drugs for additional information. 

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended for international travel by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  Road conditions in the United Kingdom can differ significantly from those in the United States.

• In contrast to the United States, UK traffic drives on the left.  Read the  Highway Code  before driving.
• Emergency call boxes  (orange telephone booths with “SOS” printed on them) are found at half-mile intervals along motorways. White and blue poles point in the direction of the nearest call box. Call boxes dial directly to a motorway center. Use these phones rather than a personal cell phone, because motorway center personnel will immediately know your exact location.
• Generally,  pedestrians do not have the right of way  and should not expect vehicles to stop for them.

Many U.S. citizen pedestrians are injured, some fatally, every year in the United Kingdom, because they forget that oncoming  traffic approaches from the opposite direction  than in the United States.  Exercise extra care when crossing streets; remain alert and look both ways before stepping into the street.

Traffic Laws: 

• UK penalties for driving under the influence of  alcohol  or  drugs  are strict and often  result in prison sentences .
• Using a  hand-held cell phone  or similar device while driving is  illegal  in the United Kingdom. Only hands-free phones may be used. You will be  fined , or in the case of an accident,  arrested  and serve time in  prison .
• The speed limit on highways/motorways in the United Kingdom is 70 mph, or lower when posted.
• You will be  detained  and  arrested  if you cannot provide a UK address to receive a subpoena or are about to depart the United Kingdom and have to be brought to court quickly for a motoring offense.
• In Central London, a congestion charge is levied on all drivers who pass through the congestion zone. You will be  fined  or  arrested  if you do not pay the charge. See  Transport for London  for more information about driving in London.

Public Transportation:  Public transport in the United Kingdom is extensive.

• Information on disruptions to London transportation services can be found on the  Transport for London  website.
• Information about the status of National Rail Services can be found on the  National Rail Enquiries  website.
• Bus and train service information in Northern Ireland can be found on the  Translink  website.
• Bus and train service information in Scotland can be found on the  Traveline Scotland  website.

See our  Road Safety page  for more information. For specific information concerning UK driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, refer to the  UK Department for Transport  website or the  Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency  website.

Aviation Safety Oversight:  The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority as being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of United Kingdom’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to the United Kingdom should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at  www.marad.dot.gov/msci . Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website and the NGA broadcast warnings website (select “broadcast warnings”).

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on X (formerly known as "Twitter") and Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in the United Kingdom . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Everything you need to know about Dubai’s tourist visa options

D reaming of a luxurious getaway in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Ras al Khaimah? Before you pack your bags, it’s crucial to know which tourist visa suits your travel plans.

Whether you’re planning a short visit, an extended stay, or multiple trips, the UAE offers various visa options tailored to your needs.

Choose the right visa to visit the UAE

Dubai caters to every traveller with a range of visa options:

• Single entry tourist visa: Valid for 30 or 60 days, ideal for a quick trip.
• Multiple-entry tourist visa: Valid for 30 or 60 days, perfect for frequent visitors.
• Multiple-entry long-term visa: Valid for a whopping five years—your gateway to long-term adventures in Dubai.
• Transit visa: Available for 48 or 96 hours, perfect for a short stopover.
• Visa on arrival: Available for 30 or 90 days depending on your nationality.
• Visa on arrival for Indians: Indian nationals holding a US visa, green card, or UK/EU residence visa are eligible.
• eVisa for GCC residents: If you’re a resident of GCC countries, you can easily obtain an eVisa (GCC citizens enjoy visa-free entry).

What you need: Document requirements for Dubai visa

Applying for a tourist visa? Here’s what you’ll need:

• A recent passport photograph.
• A passport valid for at least six months.
• Valid health insurance for your stay.
• A national identity card for certain nationalities.
• A travel ticket showing your onward journey (transit visa holders must show departure within 96 hours).
• Residence permit for GCC residents.
• Permanent residence card (green card) or UK/EU residence visa for Indian nationals opting for visa on arrival.

How to apply

Getting a visa to visit Dubai, Abu Dhabi or any other city in the UAE is a breeze, thanks to multiple application avenues:

• Government Portals: Apply online through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship ( ICP ) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
• National airlines: Get your visa through services offered by Etihad Airways, Emirates, Flydubai, or Air Arabia.
• Hotels in the UAE: Many hotels offer visa services when booking your stay.
• Travel agencies: Trusted travel agencies in the UAE can handle your visa application.
• Embassies and Consulates: Apply directly through UAE embassies or consulates.

Who’s exempt? Visa-free entry and visa on arrival options

If you’re a GCC citizen, you’re in luck—no visa is required for entry into the UAE. Simply present your passport at the border.

For others, Dubai offers visa-on-arrival options:

• 30-Day visa on arrival: Available for citizens of selected countries.
• 90-day visa on arrival: Available for citizens of certain other countries.

Now that you’re armed with all the information, applying for your a tourist visa to visit the UAE should be a walk in the park.

Read: UAE: What is the new visa amnesty scheme?

Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

How much bank statement is required for UK visit visa

Updated: September 8, 2023

When it comes to how much bank statement is required for UK visit visa, there is a lot of confusion out there. Mainly because UKVI does not provide proper guidelines on bank statements. Not just on how many months of statements, but how much cash should you have, what kind of transactions are allowed, etc.

In this article, you will learn everything about bank statements for UK visit visa.

How much bank statement is required for UK visit visa?

You must submit 6 months of bank statements that clearly show your monthly salary and financial commitments. There must not be any large deposits of cash other than your salary. Total savings must be at least twice your proposed UK trip expenses.

After examining hundreds of UK visa refusal letters from my readers, I have figured that there are a few things that you must definitely satisfy in your bank statements. Let’s look at these in more depth.

BANK STATEMENT FOR UK VISA

The Entry Clearance Officers (ECOs) must make sure that the UK visit visa applicant has sufficient funds to support and maintain themselves for the entire duration of their stay in the UK. Bank statements work as evidence to prove that the applicant has sufficient funds. 

The ECOs pay close attention to the total cost of the trip, monthly income, monthly expenses and any other financial commitments such as mortgage, dependents, etc. They want to see that you are a genuine traveler, you will travel within your means and you will not exhaust all your savings.

The ECOs are primarily looking at the following criteria in your bank statements.

Let’s look at each of these criteria in detail. 

How much money per day do you need for UK visitor visa?

The UK is an expensive country. A hotel room would cost at least £50 per night. Food is about £10-20 per meal. Add transportation, entry tickets to attractions, shopping, etc. So, total expenses can range from £100-150 per day per person.

DAILY BUDGET REQUIREMENT £100-150 per day per person

This £100-150 per day per person is only for the visa. When you actually travel, you can minimize your daily expenses and spend a lot less than that.

How much do you need to earn to get a UK visitor visa?

UKVI does not provide guidance on acceptable monthly income. But, after going through hundreds of refusal letters, I figured that your monthly income must be at least half of your total UK trip expenses. 

INCOME REQUIREMENT Your monthly income must be at least half of your proposed total UK trip expenses

EXAMPLE: Say your proposed UK trip expenses excluding the airfare is £2,000. Your monthly income must be at least £1,000. Anything less than that can lead to ECO assuming that it’s not realistic for you to take this trip.

Make sure your monthly salary is directly deposited into your bank account. This results in a salary deposit transaction in your statements. This proves that you have a consistent monthly income.

If you are paid in cash or check, deposit the cash or check in your bank account on a specific date every month. You can withdraw again from your bank account for your expenses, but that consistent salary deposit every month must definitely be there in your bank account. 

How much do you need to save to get a UK visitor visa?

Apart from monthly net income, your monthly disposable income is also important. Monthly disposable income is basically your savings. If you save too little per month, that’s an indicator that a UK trip is not realistic for your financial situation.

SAVING/DISPOSABLE INCOME REQUIREMENT Your monthly savings/disposable income must be a good percentage of your net monthly income

EXAMPLE: Say your proposed UK trip expenses is £2,000. Your monthly net income is £1,000. Your monthly living expenses are £950. That means you can only save about £50 a month. Even if you have enough savings for your trip, your savings per month (£50) are too small. ECOs will assume that a UK trip is too expensive and not realistic for your financial situation.

How much bank balance do you need to show for UK visitor visa?

You must show that you have sufficient funds in your bank account. As a rule of thumb, you must have more than twice your proposed total UK trip expenses in your bank account. 

FUNDS REQUIREMENT Your funds must be more than twice your proposed total UK trip expenses

EXAMPLE: Say your proposed UK trip expenses excluding the airfare is £2,000. You must have at least £4,000 in your savings. Anything less than that can raise questions and lead to visa refusal.

Again, UK Visas and Immigration does not specify what is acceptable in terms of funds. So this is something I understood from referring to many visa refusal letters. 

What cash saving patterns ECOs are looking for?

You must show that your savings are continually growing and that too consistently. If they are not, then the ECO may assume that you might have borrowed the money to make it look like you saved it yourself. 

EXAMPLE: Say your salary is £2,000 per month. After all expenses, you save around £500 a month. Sometimes more, sometimes less, about usually around £500. You are saving continually but also consistently.

One more thing to keep in mind is that your savings must be large enough or at least a good percentage of your income.

What is funds parking and how to avoid it?

Funds parking refers to borrowing money from someone to show as if it’s your own money. ECOs suspect any large deposits in your bank account other than your salary as parked funds. 

EXAMPLE: Say your ending balance in your bank account has been £4,000 for the last 6 months. That means, your savings haven’t grown at all. This makes the ECO suspect that you might have borrowed money 6-7 months ago just to show that you have sufficient savings in your bank account.

If you had a large cash deposit from the sale of a property, investment, etc., you must provide documentary evidence to prove that it’s your money. 

Also, if you had unexpected expenses such as hospitalization, purchase of property, investment in stocks or fixed deposits, etc. you must explain them properly in your cover letter for UK visa as well. 

What to do if you DO NOT have sufficient funds? 

If you do not have sufficient funds for your UK trip, I suggest the following.

• Delay your trip until you have saved up enough. If you plan to travel to the UK next year, start saving up from now and you will have enough saved up by then.
• Shorten your trip to manage within the funds you have. If you plan to travel for 10 days, shorten it to 7 days or even 5 days. Try to cram in more sightseeing every day so you can manage your 10-day itinerary in just 5 days. 
• Lastly, use a sponsor to cover some of your expenses. Keep in mind that sponsorship from family members and immediate relatives can work well. Sponsorship from unrelated, distant relatives, friends, people who met on the internet, acquaintances, etc. will not work.

What to do if your salary is too low?

Should you put away your dream of traveling to the UK just because your salary is too low? Not really, but here are a few things you can do.

• Delay your trip until your salary goes up. Yearly salary hikes are common in most places. Or ask for a pay raise.
• Shorten your trip to manage within your salary limits. If your salary is £500, then plan to stay only 7 days, not more.
• Use a sponsor. As I mentioned above, sponsorships from family members or immediate relatives work well.

Why do you need 6 months of bank statements?

Bank statements are not just about how much cash you have in your bank. They tell a lot about your financial and personal circumstances. From your bank statements, ECOs can assess your sources of income, financial commitments and current lifestyle. 

This information is extremely important for ECOs to decide whether they can support themselves during their UK trip. At least 6 months of bank statements are necessary to assess this formation. 

If you lay down 6 months of bank statements in front of you, you can clearly see patterns such as your spending habits and saving goals. 

Keep in mind that these 6 months of bank statements must start from the latest and go backward 6 months. Let’s look at an example.

Say you are applying for your UK visa on 14 Nov 2021 and your latest statement was for October. You must submit statements from May to October. 

Does UK embassy verify bank statement?

If UKVI suspects fraudulent bank statements, they can contact the bank to verify the authenticity of the statements. They have built relationships with banks over time and can take the help of third-party agencies to verify such information.

Manipulating or providing fraudulent bank statements will lead to visa refusal and a permanent ban from entering the UK. 

Illegal migration and human trafficking are on the rise. Therefore, ECOs do their due diligence with visa applications. Document verification costs them money and time. There is a reason why the UK tourist visa is the most expensive and time-consuming visa process. 

Is online bank statement acceptable for UK visa?

Yes, online bank statements downloaded from the bank website are perfectly acceptable. Online bank statements are a norm in most countries these days. I assume UKVI has connections with major banks in the world either directly or through third-party agencies. If need be, they can make inquiries and verify the authenticity of your bank statements. 

A mere download of a list of transactions from your account will not work. Your online bank statements must include all the necessary information such as the bank name, bank address, bank phone numbers, full name, address, statement dates, transactions, balances, etc.

If any of the information is not included, you must request bank statements from the bank that include all necessary details.

Keep in mind that providing fraudulent bank statements will lead to a permanent ban from entering the UK.

Do bank statements need to be stamped for UK visa?

If you are applying from a country with high UK visa refusal rates, I advise providing certified bank statements. These are bank statements printed on the bank letterhead, stamped and signed by the bank authorities. Sometimes instead of signing and stamping, a cover letter signed by the head of the bank branch is provided.

Certified bank statements help to convince the ECO that your bank statements are authentic.

What if you have multiple bank accounts, one for salary and one for savings? 

If you have multiple bank accounts, you will have to submit 6 months of statements from each bank or account. If done incorrectly, this could lead to document bloat, which means the ECOs may overlook the most important bank statements. 

Try to use only one bank account for salary, expenses and savings. If you have to use two banks or accounts, mention this clearly in your cover letter so ECOs do not overlook important bank statements.

Do bank statements in foreign language need to be translated for UK visa?

Yes. If your bank statements are in a foreign language, you must provide a certified translation of them in English. If you have several pages of bank statements that need translating, it can get quite expensive. This is usually the case when downloading monthly statements from the bank’s website.

One way to handle this is to ask the bank to print the last 6 months of transactions as one statement. This will remove any repeated information such as bank address, etc. that usually appears on each monthly statement. This will reduce the bank statements to only a few pages. Translating and certifying these pages shouldn’t be that expensive.

Can you show joint account for UK visa?

A joint account is acceptable when both account holders are applying for UK visas together. The income and saving limits must also be doubled in that case. This is usually the case with couples, either both or one of them is earning. Either way, you must explain that your account is a joint account in your cover letter to avoid ECO making any decisions with partial information.

If only one account holder is applying for the visa, the ECO may assume that the applicant does not have sole access to the funds and may refuse the visa. Again, this is a tricky situation and must be clearly explained in the cover letter.

How to show bank statement if you are self-employed?

All the above rules apply to self-employed as well. Make sure to get paid from your clients directly in your bank account. If you earn cash, deposit your cash into your bank account first before using it for personal expenses. You can withdraw later for your expenses.

If you receive small cash several times a month, consolidate all the cash and deposit once a week or month. If you have multiple bank accounts, consolidate them too.

How to show bank statements if you are a business owner?

ECOs assume that business funds are for business purposes and not available for personal use. This is especially true if you are traveling to the UK on a personal holiday trip. Therefore, you must have a clear distinction between your business funds and personal cash. 

Make sure to separate your business and personal accounts. Pay yourself a monthly salary into your personal account. Maintain a consistent financial pattern in your personal account. As a business owner, you must submit your business bank statements and personal bank statements for your UK visa.

Alternatively, you can provide a letter from you or any other business partners that the business funds are available for your personal use. In this case, just your business bank statements are sufficient.

UKVI does not provide proper guidelines on how much bank statement is required for UK visit visa. After referring to hundreds of UK visa refusal letters, I figured that ECOs are looking for certain patterns in your bank statements. ECOs are primarily looking for your sources of income, spending habits, financial commitments and saving goals. These factors are essential for ECOs to decide whether you are a genuine visitor and have sufficient funds for your trip.

There you have it. Everything you need to know about bank statements for UK visit visa. If you have any questions, leave a comment below. I will answer them as soon as I can.

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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288 Comments

abdalla elgazzar says

March 3, 2023 at 11:37 am

Hello, good day! I am eligible for complimentary 6 nights in Four Seasons Hotel London at park lane where I can use their service at no charge due to my eligibility to the employee travel program benefits. I can attach a confirmation letter from Four Seasons London and I think my spending would be 500 GBP for my visit to the UK.

I have income from the company and some regular money from my family and a pension from social insurance all come into my bank account. In the application, it says how much money do you have in savings. What is its meaning? I have 2 saving accounts. Should I add the total amount of money? what documents are required for a short visa application?

I don’t spend much money in my country. This is because I am working in a hotel beside my home about 5 minutes away, so no need for transportation and complimentary dedicated meals at the employee restaurant. I live with my mother in a wonderful home she makes payments for all living expenses so I feel good for my life in Egypt.

Thirumal Motati says

March 6, 2023 at 7:01 am

Hi Abdalla! You can mention that you have 6 nights complimentary at the Four Seasons in your cover letter. Also, attach a letter or booking confirmation from the hotel.

Yes. Add the savings from both accounts and mention that amount in your application. Then mention that you have two savings accounts in your cover letter and provide 6-month bank statements from both bank accounts.

You will have to explain in your cover letter why your monthly expense are low. Provide a copy of house ownership from your mother as well.

December 30, 2022 at 3:59 pm

hi, your blog is quite detailed and helpful, I am a self-employed lawyer, planning to travel to the UK in Feb after my 6-month bank statement is complete. I have been consistently saving and depositing money into my bank account as per standard, however, most of my transactions were in the form of cash deposits about 80% of them, rest are bank transfers. My question is do I need proof for each of that cash deposits? some of them or none of them? Won’t the assumption be enough that my profession is a lawyer and receive mostly cash from hundreds of clients I consolidate them and deposit them 2 or 3 times a month?

December 31, 2022 at 12:22 pm

Hi Ali! Yes, based on your profession, ECO may expect that you would receive payments in cash. But they would also expect to see if you indeed received that money from your clients. I believe you will have some form of proof for the payments received, such as a contract, invoice or receipt. You can attach those as proofs.

Nidhi chugh says

December 22, 2022 at 12:27 am

I want to invite my parents to UK and will sponsor their complete trip. Still, I need to show the bank statements of my father? He runs a cash-based business, however, he has savings in his account. What I should write in the cover letter? He doesn’t have any business registration. Could you please respond, will appreciate :)

December 23, 2022 at 5:55 am

Hi Nidhi! Unfortunately, just showing savings is not enough. He will have to show the source of those funds. It’s difficult to prove if the source of funds is a cash-based business. The best you can do is to provide as much documentation as possible to prove that he runs a cash-based business, the source of the funds in his bank is his cash-based business and he owns properties/investments in his country. This will help convince the ECO that he will return back to his country after his UK trip.

Apart from that, having decent travel history to visa-difficult countries such as UK, US, Canada, Schengen, etc. will help take some of that weight off of his financial requirements.

December 21, 2022 at 9:06 pm

Hi, I am sponsoring my brother and his family for a UK visitor visa. While uploading the documents on VFS, what should I upload in finance evidence as my brother doesn’t have enough money in his account? I am already uploading my bank statements in the sponsor evidence category. Shall I upload my bank statements in finance evidence? Will that work? Or should we also upload his bank statements given there is no saving in his account? Awaiting for your response.

December 23, 2022 at 6:01 am

Hi Nidhi! You will have to upload his bank statements for financial evidence. He doesn’t have to have great savings since you are sponsoring him. But his statements must show a sufficient amount to support himself or buy a ticket back home in case you decide not to support him after he lands in the UK. I’m not saying you will not support him while he is in the UK, but this happens quite a lot. So the UKVI is very strict about the financial situation of the applicant even if they have a sponsor.

December 16, 2022 at 6:28 pm

Hi Thirumal, very well explained. Thank you. I would like to sponsor my mother-in-law to UK. My mother-in-law has a saving account where she has a regular income from rent. She also has a fixed deposit (fd) account. Does she need to show the source of fund for it as well? If so how, because she has deposited in it long back

December 23, 2022 at 8:32 am

Hi Aathi! Well, not really necessary. But it all depends on the ECO. If your mother-in-law’s income from rent meets the financial requirements necessary for her visa, I suggest not showing or mentioning her FD in the application. This will eliminate any questions arising from the source of funds of her FD. But if she will have to mention her FD, I suggest explaining the source of funds for her FD in the cover letter.

Fortunetours says

November 22, 2022 at 9:38 pm

QN1. During applying do I submit only and all original documents or photocopied ones (passport, id)?

QN2. What do you mean by numbers on the bank statements, income tax documents, and invoices?

QN3. Do these criteria apply when applying for tourist visas to other countries like USA, Canada, Australia, And how much is required to be spent in those countries per day?

November 23, 2022 at 4:20 am

Hi Fortunetours! To answer your questions –

Q1. You will submit only “photocopies”.

Q2. If you are employed, your salary should match your employment letter, payslips, bank statements and tax records. For example, your employment letter says that you earn £24,000 per year before taxes. Then your monthly salary slip should reflect that, about £2,000 per salary slip every month. This amount should also reflect in your bank statements, about £2,000 deposited every month and finally, your tax records should reflect your yearly taxable income, which is £24,000.

So in conclusion, if you manipulate or forge documents for the visa, you will be caught. ECOs are trained, so they can analyze the documents and figure out any manipulations. If you have additional income, you will have to have proper documentation to prove that. If not, do not mention that additional income in the visa application.

Q3. No. This is financial requirement applies only to UK visitor visa application.

Teneille Van Der Merwe says

November 5, 2022 at 9:44 pm

Hi there! My visitor visa has been refused. I feel disheartened but going to apply again. I’ve waited 8 weeks for a decision and I am supposed to leave in 4 weeks. I made the mistake of only sending immigration the money in my savings account which is not the same account my monthly earnings go into. In my new application since we can’t make lump sum deposits. Would I show bank statements for my daily account and my savings account (which is with another bank). My mom has offered to sponsor my trip as well. My flights are already booked and paid for. If she is sponsoring part of my trip do I send her bank statements as well as mine? Any help would be greatly appreciated

November 7, 2022 at 5:56 am

Hi Teneille! The numbers you mention in your UK visa application must match your bank statements. Therefore, you must provide all the bank statements related to your claimed earnings and savings. If you have enough earnings and savings, there is no need to use your mom’s sponsorship. If you introduce your mom on your application, you will have to provide a whole lot of documentation including her bank statements and employment (the source of her funds). Therefore, seek sponsorship from your mom only if necessary.

sameera says

October 24, 2022 at 4:22 am

If we have a bulk amount which genuinely transferred to the account and if we can show the source of the fund clearly is that ok to apply for a visit visa using that fund?

November 7, 2022 at 7:43 am

Hi Sameera! Yeah, absolutely. As long as you explain and provide documentary evidence of the large deposit, you will be fine.

September 28, 2022 at 4:59 pm

Hi. Thank you so much for your good information here. I’m on a skilled worker visa, and I have applied for a visit visa for my father-in-law. He is self-employed and we her business provided the following documents in the application: – Bank Statement – Official Business License related to my business – business tenancy agreement for store and storage – Pension/insurance payment confirmation letter

However, the application was refused for the following reasons:

“1)Whilst I note you have submitted various business documents, the documents you have submitted do not demonstrate that your business generates any income. The documents you have submitted do not demonstrate you are in receipt of any income from your business.

2) After reviewing your bank documents, I note the transaction history demonstrates numerous unsourced deposits. The documents you have submitted do not demonstrate the origin of the funds contained in your account or that they are related to your business. ”

I think the decision is unreasonable. As these reasons are proof of each other! I’m going to apply for a pre-action protocol letter. Do you think there is any chance for change in the decision?

October 7, 2022 at 5:38 am

Hi Kana! Even though those two reasons are proof of each other, PAP will usually be refused in such cases. What they would like to see is an intermediary document. For employment, there are payslips. For business, there must be something similar. These can be invoices, receipts, payment confirmations, client contracts, etc. These receipts/invoices work as intermediary documents between business registration and business bank statements. Without these receipts/invoices, the deposits in the business bank account will look like unsourced deposits. And, of course, the business and transaction details must match between all these documents.

Olorunwa Goddey says

September 18, 2022 at 3:57 am

Good job Mr. My company is sponsoring my trip to the UK. Do I still need to provide my bank statement? If I have to, I have two accounts with the same bank. One is for my salary and the other is for my savings. And I have up to a million in naira (personally). What can you advise me on? Thanks!

September 19, 2022 at 2:51 am

HI Olurunwa! Even if you are traveling for business, ECOs emphasize the applicant’s personal circumstances. Therefore, proving your personal financial capability is important. You will have to provide both of your personal accounts. Make sure neither of these accounts has large deposits of cash that you cannot prove with evidence.

Denise says

September 14, 2022 at 5:08 am

Thank you for your informative blog! My husband and I are South African citizens applying for a visa to visit family in the UK in December. We have a joint account that holds our savings but the account is in my husband’s name. We both have access to the account at any time. Should we transfer this money to each of our accounts for now? Or just mention it in our cover letter with proof of the money in the accounts?

September 19, 2022 at 3:16 am

Hi Denise! Do not transfer any cash from your husband’s savings account. This can get complicated and requires explanation and evidence. You haven’t mentioned if you both are employed or just your husband. If you both are employed then you use your salary accounts for each of your applications combined with your husband’s savings account.

Muhammad says

August 23, 2022 at 12:50 pm

Hi, I want to apply for uk visit visa for 6 months from Bahrain ( I am a Pakistani national living in Bahrain). I have a good salary and a regular income. But I do community savings. So my saving is in my community and I can withdraw my money from the head of the community whenever I want. Now I want to travel to the UK in November. so can I just take my money from the community saving and specify in my cover letter while applying that this money is from community savings?

August 26, 2022 at 9:26 am

Hi Muhammad! Just mentioning it in your cover letter will not be enough. You will have to provide evidence. If the community provides any kind of passbook or statement, or even an official letter, you can submit that.

Alexandra says

August 20, 2022 at 6:38 pm

Good afternoon, (I already had a 6-month visa for the UK) if my passport expires in 2026, it is true that I cannot apply for the 5-year visa due to the expiration date. Do I apply for the 2 years? I would like to go there every time I can travel through Europe.

August 26, 2022 at 12:44 pm

Hi Alexandra. No, it’s not true. Also, you have about 4 years on your current passport, so you can apply for a 5-year visa. After your current passport expires, you can still travel to the UK but you will have to carry your current and new passports together. Or you can opt to have then transfer your visa to your new passport for a fee in 2026.

August 3, 2022 at 12:12 pm

Hi Thirumal! I have read your article and you are amazing. I work in Dubai, but my company doesn’t provide NOC to its employees and my salary is $950 but saves $450 every month for the last 6 months. My brother is inviting me to the UK in December. But my residence visa will expire in January 2023. In 2010, I got rejected in Ghana, when he was inviting me and my mom to attend his inauguration ceremony and was given an appeal, but I ignored it.

My question is; 1) Since my UAE residence visa is going to expire in January 2023, is it possible for me to apply in October, with the entry month being December? 2) Do I have to add my bank statement, though he’s sponsoring everything? 3) Do I have to inform them about my last rejection? 4) Since my company is not issuing NOC, can I apply without any rejection?

August 4, 2022 at 9:26 am

Hi Fiifi! 1) If your residence permit is expiring in Jan 2023 and you plan to travel to the UK in Oct 2022, your visa will likely be refused. You will have to first renew your UAE residence permit in that case. 2) Yes. You must add your bank statements even if your brother is sponsoring your trip. This is to prove that you can support yourself in case your brother decides not to support you after you land in the UK. 3) Yes. You will have to mention your previous UK visa refusal in your application form. 4) NOC is not mandatory. But you will somehow have to prove your employment and also that you will still have employment when you return. Usually, this can be done with an employment letter and a leave approval letter. If you can’t either of them, then it can lead to visa refusal.

Saloni says

August 25, 2022 at 1:19 am

Hi sir, thanks for the good information. Kindly guide me. I have a UK visitor visa refusal with the family reason of big transactions. Now I clear all confusion to the embassy officer on a written cover letter but when I apply for the first time, I provided a bank statement of 6 months. Now can I provide 3-month bank statements of savings and current account?

August 26, 2022 at 9:30 am

Hi Saloni! 6-month bank statements are recommended but you can submit 3-month statements too. But keeping in mind your previous refusal on the grounds of large transactions, I suggest submitting 6-month otherwise, ECO may assume that you are hiding something.

Matthew Obayemi says

August 26, 2022 at 12:30 am

Hello Thirumal. Thanks for your insightful responses. In my case, I am self-employed and I have a brother who is a UK resident willing to sponsor my trip. He owns his house and will also accommodate me for the duration of my stay which is 3 weeks, also my flights and maintenance. My monthly income after conversion is about £330 pounds. But over the course of 6 months, I haven’t had sufficient savings for the trip, due to heavy expenses and my brother just decided to invite me over last month. But he is sponsoring my entire trip and providing his bank statements to prove he can afford to. I hope to travel in 2 months, and I’m now looking to save in the next 2 months consistently about £600 of my own money. Will there be any issues with my own financials? Please advise me on what to do. Thanks.

August 26, 2022 at 6:54 am

Hi Matthew! The savings must be consistent over the months. That’s why you will provide 6-month bank statements. If ECOs notice that you haven’t saved for 4 months and suddenly you are saving up your entire salary, it would look suspicious. Since your brother is sponsoring you, you don’t need to meet the financial requirements mentioned in this article. Just make sure your savings are consistent and you will be fine.

Hadeer says

July 20, 2022 at 1:27 pm

Hello, I am applying for a visa for my PLAB 2 exam in November. I currently don’t have a job so I was thinking about a financial supporter or a money gift to support my visit. If the gifted money covers my stay in the UK, will it be a better option than financial support as the money is already in my account? Will I need to provide a 6-month bank statement for my financial provider? If the money stays in my account from now till November that’s about 4 months will this solve my problem.

July 21, 2022 at 6:34 am

Hi Hadeer! Seek sponsorship instead of gift money. Gift money will most likely get your visa refused. Even if you receive gift money and wait out 4 months, still your beginning balance will be high with no monthly income, your visa will likely be refused. I covered all these points in detail in this article. So, your best best is to seek sponsorship from an immidiate family member such as parent, sibling or spouse living either in your home country or in the UK.

Ajeet singh says

July 14, 2022 at 2:37 am

Hello Thirumal, thank you for all your detailed guides and responses. I am planning for a standard visitor visa for my Plab 2 exam in the UK in February 2023. But unfortunately, neither I nor any of my immediate family members have sufficient funds in their bank accounts. My close cousin has sufficient funds in his account and is willing to sponsor me. Will this affect the chances of getting the visa? Is there some specific way to show personal/professional relationship with sponsor? Moreover one of my cousins who is a UK citizen is also willing to sponsor me. Please guide. Your response will be greatly appreciated.

July 18, 2022 at 2:14 pm

Hi Ajeet! You can seek sponsorship from either your cousin in your country or your cousin in the UK. You have to provide proof of relationship. Usually, it’s easy to proof of relationship for immediate family members but for cousins, it can be difficult.

June 26, 2022 at 9:16 pm

Hi, thanks a lot for sharing this valuable information with us. Some questions for your kind support. My elder child is studying in UK on a student visa. We, the parents and the younger child need to visit her under a tourist visa. Q1 If both parents together sponsoring the full trip how should we produce the sponsor letters? Q2 Sponsor letter has to be attached with each application? Q3.Does each application need a covering letter mentioning companions? Q4.Do we need to mention about the child who is learning there in the covering letter?

June 27, 2022 at 9:13 am

Hi Mak! Q1) For your application, you will submit a cover letter and a sponsor letter from your wife. Similarly, for your wife’s application, she will submit a cover letter and a sponsor letter from you. For your younger child’s application, both of you will write one sponsor letter with two signatures. Q2) Yes, especially if both of you are paying for the entire trip. Q3) Yes. Each application must have a cover letter, mentioning the companions, sponsors, etc. Your companion details also need to be mentioned in your UK visa application. Q4) Yes, since you are going to the UK to visit your elder child, you will mention about her in your application and cover letter.

Pavitra Pandey says

June 16, 2022 at 12:49 pm

Hello, your post is very informational. My father is self-employed and earns profit from the shop but in ITR we have to show earnings from interest and FD, etc, How do I prove that income in the visa application? He has FD in 5-6 different banks, Indian post, etc. Do I have to add statements of accounts of all 5 banks? Please help.

June 17, 2022 at 2:09 pm

Hi Pavitra! Primarily you will have to provide his business proofs and 6-month personal bank statement. If the numbers in his ITR are not matching with his business income since it also includes his FD income, then yes, you will have to add statements from all of those 5 banks. But these can be just a one-month statement or bank certificates.

June 12, 2022 at 9:47 am

Hi, thank you for your kind gesture in replying to comments and questions.

Please I’m due to deliver in September and my husband and I want to invite my mother in law over for visiting. I’m on a tier 2 skilled worker visa. We plan to fully sponsor her trip, in my bank account I have about £5,500 and my husband has about £1,500 in his. Please is that enough to sponsor her for 6 weeks?

Also, my husband recently sent about 1,000,000 naira to my father-in-law and my father-in-law decided to send it to my mother-in-law’s account. She’ll be using her bank account statement for the visa purpose, please will that be an issue? My father-in-law is going to write a letter of consent for his wife and also show his landed property too. Just to add my mother-in-law is a housewife so no monthly income. But my father-in-law also doesn’t have a good bank statement to present for her visa purpose.

Please I will need your kind advice on whether we are good to go with my above expectations. Looking forward to your reply, thank you so much.

June 13, 2022 at 5:14 pm

Hi Peace! The savings you and your husband have should be fine for sponsoring your mother-in-law. But depositing cash in your father-in-law’s or mother-in-law’s account would pose a problem. ECOs do not usually like large cash deposits other than their salary. I have explained that in this article.

If your mother-in-law is a housewife and doesn’t have her own income, I suggest using your father-in-law’s bank statements. They don’t need to be perfect since you are sponsoring her visa, but they should not have large cash deposits other than his salary.

Your father-in-law can provide his consent, marriage certificate, bank statements, and land property to prove his ties. Any other proof showing that your father-in-law will remain at home during your mother-in-law’s trip will also help demonstrate her family ties.

Emmanuel says

May 31, 2022 at 8:39 pm

Hi Thirumal,

Here is my circumstance

Closing balance from salary account 3,600GBP Travel expenses (airfare inclusive) = 2,000GBP Personal saving account = 5,200GBP

Visited UK 4 times and USA once;

As a logistics manager. there are funds paid into my salary account for outstations logistics expenses and others by my company. These fund deposits made my account statement looks a bit complicated. What are my chances for a successful application? Is there something I can do about my statement aside using a cover letter for explanation

June 7, 2022 at 10:26 am

Hi Emmanuel! Cover letter is the only option. Make sure you explain all “non-salary” deposits along with documentary proofs. You can also briefly mention about them in your “extra information” section in your UK visa application.

Sowemimo Olajide says

May 29, 2022 at 12:01 pm

I have 4,600,000 in my personal account. My UK trip expenses are 2M. Should I remove the excess from my account or leave it there? Hope it will not be queried.

May 31, 2022 at 7:58 am

Hi Sowemimo! You must leave the excess. Your UK trip expenses must be less than half of your savings. 2M is less than half of 4.6M. So your numbers and balances are correct. If you remove any cash, your total balance will fall. This may lead to your expenses becoming more than half of your savings, which would jeopardize your chances of approval.

KSharad says

May 25, 2022 at 2:29 pm

Hi Thirumal, thanks for sharing very useful info on the UK visa. I am applying for a tourist visa for myself and my wife, whose entire travel costs I will sponsor. We will be traveling to the UK as tourists and also be visiting our daughter who is currently studying in the UK. My queries are: 1) My wife is a homemaker with no regular income but she has savings in a scheduled cooperative bank- would that be acceptable as proof of savings and hence should her application state that I am the sponsor? 2) Should we declare that we will be staying with our daughter, though we may actually opt to stay in a B&ampB when in the place she currently resides? Elsewhere during our visit, she would also be accompanying us. In that case, will an invitation letter be necessary? Many thanks in advance. 3) What documents would be needed from my employer? 4) Will bank statements, payslips and ITR for 3 years be sufficient documents or should property documents also be submitted?

May 26, 2022 at 7:56 am

Hi KSharad! (1) If your wife is a homemaker, do not show her own bank statements. Instead, show your own bank statements for her. Since you both will be traveling together and you will be taking care of her expenses as well, just showing your own bank statements for her would be sufficient. If you show her cooperative bank statement, then the ECO might want to see the source of those funds. Then it can get complicated.

(2) If your income and savings are sufficient enough to stay in a hotel, I suggest saying that you will stay in a hotel/B&b. If you mention that you will stay with your daughter, then you must produce her flat/house lease agreement and utility bill. You can add a letter of invitation from your daughter which will work as proof of your purpose for the trip. You can also add a copy of her passport and UK study visa/residence permit.

(3) You would need a letter of employment indicating your current role, how long you have been employed, your salary, your job duties, etc. And a letter of leave approval indicating your leave details, dates and the date on which you must report back to your job.

(4) If you own any properties, submit those as well. Properties and investments work as economic ties with your country. Similarly, if you are renting, then you can provide a rental contract.

Here is the list of documents you both must provide – Your employment letter – Your leave approval letter – Your bank statements – Your property ownership documents – Your daughter’s birth certificate (proof of relationship) – Your daughter’s passport ID page – Your daughter’s UK visa or residence permit – Your daughter’s university letter or ID (proof that she is studying in the UK) – A cover letter

Provide these extra documents for your wife’s application – Your marriage certificate (proof of relationship) – A sponsor letter from you

May 28, 2022 at 5:05 pm

Thank you SO much dear for the quick, detailed and helpful response! Greatly appreciated!

May 31, 2022 at 7:40 am

You’re welcome!

Farzana says

May 25, 2022 at 11:27 am

Hello, I want to apply for the UK visit visa for my parents from India, my father is self-employed and has separate 5 months of business and personal bank statements with regular profit transfer from business to a personal account, business registration documents, 2-year ITR, 1 property document in regional language and translation to English. My question is 5 months’ bank statement enough or should I wait 1 more month? and how do I provide proof of profit in business?

May 26, 2022 at 7:32 am

Hi Farzana! Having 6-month bank statements helps but is not necessary. So a 5-month bank statement will work fine. You don’t have to show proof of profit in the business. If the business bank statements show a positive balance, that’s sufficient.

May 30, 2022 at 1:32 pm

Hi! I want to apply for the UK visit visa from Pakistan, along with my husband and son who is below 5 years old. I work as a director in my dad’s company. My brother lives in the UK. He is calling us for his graduation. So what documents we should I show? How much bank balance we can show for the UK visa? Can we show a joint account bank statement transferring all our savings into this account? What do you suggest?

May 31, 2022 at 8:24 am

Hi Sara! You can provide your own set of documents for each of your visas and one set, either from you or your husband for your son. You can use a joint account, but the transactions must match between your salary account and your joint savings account. How much balance you need to show depends on how many days you plan to stay, whether you will stay in a hotel, who would sponsor your son, etc.

May 25, 2022 at 9:45 am

Hi, I am a UK resident having a UK Visa till July 2023. I applied for my Wife’s UK Visit Visa but it got rejected due to 3 reasons: I am attaching the decision here can you help me out with reapplying?

I have refused your application for a visit visa because I am not satisfied that you meet the requirements of paragraph V4.2 of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules.

You have applied to visit your husband in the United Kingdom for a period of two months. Your husband is currently resident in the United Kingdom and holds leave to remain valid until 23/07/23. I recognize the importance of maintaining family contact and have carefully considered your application. I have noted the supporting information provided by your sponsor in the United Kingdom. However, in assessing your application I have noted the following:

1) It is your responsibility to satisfy me that your personal circumstances are such that if granted leave to enter, you will comply with all of the conditions attached to any such leave and that you will leave the United Kingdom on completion of the proposed visit. You state that you are a student. However, I am not satisfied that the documents submitted with your application demonstrate your stated circumstances. None of the documents provided with your application demonstrate that you are currently undertaking a course of study. Consequently, I am not satisfied that you have demonstrated that your circumstances are as you have stated. This gives me cause to doubt your intentions.

2) You have not declared any income. You state that you live in a property owned by your father. You have provided a copy of your marriage certificate which was issued on 07/01/22 and confirms that you were recently married on 12/11/21. From the limited information provided, and in the absence of any explanation, I am unable to establish how you are financially supported. Overall, I am not satisfied that you have demonstrated any significant fixed ties that would provide sufficient incentive for you to leave the United Kingdom on the completion of your proposed visit. This, coupled with the presence of your newly-wed husband in the United Kingdom, gives me cause to doubt your intentions.

3) In support of your application you have provided a TB certificate. TB certificates are only required by visa applicants who intend to stay in the United Kingdom for more than six months. No explanation has been provided as to why you have obtained a TB certificate. This gives me further cause to doubt that your intentions are as you have stated.

Given the above, I am not satisfied that your intentions are as you have stated. I am not satisfied on the balance of probabilities that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit as stated by you or that you are genuinely seeking entry as a visitor for a period not exceeding 6 months.

Therefore, your application is refused under Appendix V 4.2 (a) and (c) of the Immigration Rules.

May 26, 2022 at 7:21 am

Hi Robin! Sure I can help with your wife’s reapplication, email me at [email protected] . Keep in mind that she must be able to address the above 3 refusal reasons, otherwise, her visa may be refused again.

May 20, 2022 at 11:27 pm

Hi, thank you for the good work. I’m trying to reapply for Visiting Visa for my mum. I am on a tier 2 skilled work UK visa. I applied the first time and was denied despite all submitted documents and standing as a sponsor. My mum has 2 accounts. Her salary and savings and she moves money from salary to savings ever since. She submitted both statements but was still denied based on the inflow of money which was from her to her.

I want to reapply for her Visa. But I don’t intend to use her account statements anymore.cos am 100% standing as her Sponsor and I have enough funds to Prove this. I also intend to Book a flexible return ticket and accommodation reservation to add to the documents. Accommodation because I stay in ensuite shared house. My question is,

(1) If am standing as a full sponsor, can i apply for her without using her bank Statements? (2) Do you reckon booking a return ticket will aid approval? (3) Again, the said she didn’t meet appendix V 4.2 yet the neglected Appendix V 4.3 which I stated in my letter I was sponsoring fully. How do I coin my covering letter to include a reference to appendix V 4.3?

May 21, 2022 at 7:42 am

Hi Lulu! (1) Yes, even if you are fully sponsoring your mum, she must show some kind of income and savings from her side. This is to make sure that she can support herself in case you decide not to support her after she lands in the UK. I know you won’t but that’s how UKVI thinks. (2) Flight and hotel booking are not required any more. No, they won’t help with approval either. (3) It sounds like the ECO has overlooked her documentation and made a quick decision. Since this is an error on their side, you should look into filing a Pre-Action Protocol (PAP). PAP is free and the outcome can be in your favor.

May 19, 2022 at 8:22 am

Hello, thank you for your article. That is great. I’m going to invite my father in law to visit the UK. He is self-employed. I’m going to support half of his cost. From my side, I know about documents and evidences. But what documents should be provide for finical support? (1) There is no a regular income (there are large deposits in irregular times when there was a contract with the customer) (2) There is one bank account for both business and personal (3) Bank statement is available for 3 month. Before that, there are not enough money in the account (4) Tax returns does not show real income (so I think it is useless) (5) Formal business permit license is available (6) We can provide a tenancy agreement for his store (workplace)

May 21, 2022 at 7:59 am

Hi Rana! (1) Irregular income is the nature of any business and it’s perfectly fine. But he must pay himself a consistent amount into his personal account as salary. This proves that he draws a consistent salary from his business. (2) This will likely impact his visa result. He must maintian separate accounts for business and personal. If has only one account, he can write a letter on the company letterhead that he has access to his business funds for personal use. If there are multiple partners in the business, all of them must sign this letter. (3) 6-month bank statemens are ideal but 3-month bank statements will work fine. (4) Tax returns must match his actual income. ECOs usually try to match the number between invoices/payments, bank statements and tax returns. (5) Great! That’s definitely needed. (6) Great! It can be used as an economic tie. But for personal economic ties, he can show a house/flat rental contracts or ownership of any properties/land.

May 13, 2022 at 2:20 pm

Hi, I want to apply for the UK visit visa with my kids from Pakistan. My sister is a British citizen and has sent us an invitation letter! I have been to the UK in 2018. My father sponsored me back then and now he is partially sponsoring me again though I have a good job with a good salary. My question is can we give 3 months bank statement, as before 3 months we had a large amount credited in our account? So for the safe side can we submit 3 months? I have to travel by mid-june max as my sister is expecting a baby in end June.

May 18, 2022 at 8:08 am

Hi Rija! If you have a good job and income, I suggest not using your father’s sponsorship. Taking his sponsorship will lead to a bunch of additional documentation and unnecessary complication. 3-month bank statements are fine. But if the beginning balance in those statements is too high then it would make ECO suspect that you may have inflated your savings for the visa.

May 12, 2022 at 12:06 pm

Hello, I wanna apply for the UK Skilled Worker Visa, and for maintenance requirements, they mentioned on the http://www.gov.uk that I must have at least £1,270 in my bank account to show I can support myself in the UK at the beginning. Also, I need to have had the money available for at least 28 days in a row. However, they didn’t specify how long the bank statement must be provided.

Could you please let me know for how long the bank statement must be presented? Is one month’s bank statement sufficient, or should it be longer?

May 13, 2022 at 7:29 am

Hi Faz! My knowledge and experience are only in visitor visas for tourism. I don’t have any knowledge of skilled worker visas. I will try to answer your questions as if it was a visitor visa for tourism. UKVI doesn’t specify how many months of bank statements are required. So technically you can submit 1 month or 3 months or 6 months of bank statements. Applicants in 90+ percent of cases submit 6 months of bank statements. I believe 6 months is necessary to clearly see the patterns that the UKVI is interested in. But a 3-month bank statement might work very well too if you are maintaining a clean banking history. But just a 1-month bank statement will not be sufficient to see all the details.

May 19, 2022 at 11:47 am

For skilled work visa and student visa you only need 28 days bank statement. As I showed only 28 days statement and got the student visa on that. I think the rules for visitors are different.

Mubarak Ogundele says

May 10, 2022 at 10:49 pm

Hello! Please I’d like to know if it’s possible for me to use my Nigerian bank e-statement of account to apply for UK Visit Visa in the UAE, I’m currently residing and working in the UAE and I send my monthly salaries back home in Nigeria, this is because I’m unable to open an account here in the UAE. So I’d like to know if it’s possible to use my Nigerian Bank e-statement of account here in the UAE. Thank you for your information.

May 11, 2022 at 9:52 am

Hi Mubarak! Yes. It’s possible to use your Nigeria bank statements for your UK visa from the UAE. It would be easier to provide your ties with UAE if you had a bank account in the UAE. But it’s still fine. You would need to explain this clearly in the “Extra Information” section within your UK visa application and in your cover letter.

May 9, 2022 at 11:02 pm

Hi- hope you’re keeping well.

I would like to invite my father (65) to my graduation ceremony in July. I am in the UK on a skilled worker visa and have been in employment for almost a year now. I aim to sponsor my father’s trip and any other expenses. However, I live in a one-bedroom flat but my brother who is also in the UK is willing to accommodate my father since he has spare rooms.

Another issue is that my father does not have sufficient funds in his account as he is a pensioner. My brother sends him upkeep money each month and can provide proof of this and his payslips. However, he is unable to provide bank statements to support the visa application.

My father has got a property which he put in a family trust( to include his children). Mum passed away but he is in an unregistered marriage with my step mum.

In your professional opinion, how best can l go about making an application for my father considering, that I will be unable to house him but my brother can prove of ties back home and that he does not have enough funds in his bank account? It would have been great for my brother and me to apply as joint sponsors- he is able to support me with other things but bank statements.

Also, do we need to submit his documents (ID/citizenship, mortgage, council tax, utility bills) alongside my documents? What documents do we need to submit to stand a greater chance?

Thank you for your kind support.

May 11, 2022 at 10:04 am

Hi Sena! A one-bed room flat is not an issue since there would still be plenty of room for another person to sleep, like as a couch or something. So it won’t be an issue in terms of visa application. I recommend you sponsoring your father’s application. If you sponsor him, then you can take care of both accomodation and bank statements. But your father will have difficulty explaining the upkeep deposits in his account from your brother. So your brother must provide proof that he has been sending upkeep money to your father. Overall, your father’s application is a bit complicated, so the chances are lower. Sometimes ECOs won’t be able to peice together everything and they may overlook some crucial info or documents. So try your best to explain everything properly in your coverletter.

Ramona says

May 8, 2022 at 4:09 am

Hi. I’m Ramona from Iran. I have applied for and was accepted at a full-time and face-to-face Cambridge CELTA course (lasting from 31st of July to 28th of August) and I have my college admission letter. But since the course is short, the type of VISA I need would be a visitor visa. I have paid for the course (£1500) and I have reserved and paid for accommodation offered by the college. I’m married, but I will go alone. My husband is my sponsor. He’s self-employed and earns good money & has a good turnover. Any suggestions? :( Do you think I need to have a sponsor statement in addition to his bank statement?

May 9, 2022 at 8:30 am

Hi Ramona! Yes, you would need a sponsor letter, proof of your relationship with your sponsor (marriage certificate), his passport, his employment proof and bank statements.

May 7, 2022 at 5:58 pm

Good day, I must commend you for the help you render on UK applications. I want to know if my company can sponsor me for a UK tourist visa application for ten days of vacation as a self-employed. And I also pay myself a monthly salary, which I will be applying with my personal account together with my company account. Thanks.

May 9, 2022 at 8:27 am

Hi Barth! If you try to show your company as a sponsor, it can get quite complicated. Your company will pay for your personal trip, but your company is owned by you and you are the only member. This set up is complicated and it can confused the ECO and ultimately leading to your visa refusal.

If you pay yourself a decent salary, then no need to have your company sponsor your visa application. You will still have to submit your business registration and business bank statements, but that is to show the source of funds in your personal bank statments. You will have much better chances of visa approval this way.

April 27, 2022 at 6:32 pm

Hi and thank you for the elaborate information. My sister and her husband who are both British citizens are jointly sponsoring my trip to the UK. I would like to know how much funds I need to have for a 14 days visit to the UK since I will only be paying for my flight.

They are also providing the below documents.

1. Original copy of Mortgage statement of their property 2. Original copy of Council Tax Demand Notice of their property 3. Photocopy of the biodata page of her UK passport 4. Photocopy of her husband’s biodata page of UK passport 5. Original copy of a joint bank statement 6. Original pay advice slips of the departments they both work for.

April 28, 2022 at 7:48 am

Hi Faith! If you were to sponsor yourself, you would need at least £150 a day. Since your sister and her husband are sponsoring your visa, you must have at least to cover your return flight. Not only that, you will also have to prove that you have strong ties with your country and would return back after your trip.

Sohrab says

April 25, 2022 at 11:53 pm

Hey Thirumal, great article. Sorry to be a pain but I need help with a matter. So up until now my mother-in-law and father-in-law have visited us multiple times in the last 7 years. They got two 6-month visas and one 2-year visa. They now want to apply for their 5-year visa.

They are from Iran and up until now they fully supported themselves (even though in our invitation letter we always mentioned accommodation, food and some leisure costs would be covered by us).

So our concern is Iran’s currency has rapidly declined in value and the source we used to justify the income and savings was: oanda.com and apparently the Home Office is no longer accepting this and is using black-market value (bonbast.com) so my question is what additional documents shall we provide this time to say we would cover their flight, accommodation and anything else they need while in the UK? So we can successfully get another visitor visa for them.

April 28, 2022 at 7:44 am

Hi Sohrab! The documents you would need are – – A sponsor letter – A copy of your passport ID page – A copy of your UK residence permit (if not a UK citizen) – At least 3 months bank statements – House/flat lease/ownership document – A copy of your utility bill

If both you and your wife would like to sponsor your in-laws jointly, then you can provide a jointly written sponsor letter and a copy of your marriage certificate.

Efrain says

April 24, 2022 at 6:10 pm

Hi, amazing post, really appreciate it. I want to ask if I’m working for a startup outside my country as a contractor and being paid with Crypto stable coins, can I use mine for an official a verified exchange like Binance as proof of source of funds? Also, I have savings in a platform like Wise, does that work?

April 25, 2022 at 8:45 am

Hi Efrain! ECOs are usually old-fashioned and prefer proofs from traditional banks. Wise provides statements, so you can use them too. But income in the form of crypto and statements from Binance will not work in my opinion. You can definitely give it a try by explaining it in your cover letter.

CLARA AMENYINOR says

March 27, 2022 at 9:07 pm

Hello, thanks for the great job you are doing here. Please do I have to submit a leave approval letter as self-employed for the UK visitor visa?

March 28, 2022 at 6:27 am

Hi Clara! No. A leave approval letter is only needed if you are employed. It’s not needed for self-employed.

March 24, 2022 at 12:51 am

I am applying for the Youth Mobility Visa. I have 2 bank accounts. My everyday account where I receive my income and spend money, and my loan account. My loan account is where I put all my savings/ most of my work pay check. I have enough money in my loan account, which has a redraw function allowing me to transfer money over for my trip. If I provide a 6 month bank statement for both of these accounts, do you think it will be approved? I have the funds but I’m just worried they may not approve it since it is my loan account. Thanks!

March 26, 2022 at 11:31 am

Hi Laura! You should be fine by providing statements from both accounts. But all the transfers between the accounts must match and there shouldn’t be any large undocumented cash deposits.

frank lucast says

March 22, 2022 at 5:45 pm

I have been invited by the British army for an assessment. I have been told to get a sponsor in the uk. I have been refused a visa to the United Kingdom last two years but just last year was able to visit Germany. I haven’t saved enough after I came back from Germany but since my assessment is on the last day of July, I have planned on saving towards that. What are the required documents my sponsor needs to send to me?

March 23, 2022 at 11:06 am

Hi Frank! You would need the following documents from your sponsor. – Your sponsor’s UK passport or visa – Your sponsor’s bank statements (6-months is preferred but 3-months will also work) – Your sponsor’s house ownership or apartment lease (if staying with the sponsor) – A sponsor letter from your sponsor – A proof of relationship with your sponsor

March 28, 2022 at 9:49 pm

Please good evening, I am really impressed with your detailed analysis. Please my question is: how does one prove that your sponsor is your relative, please by which means can you prove to the entry clearance officer?

March 31, 2022 at 4:50 am

Hi Peter! This can be done by documentation, photos, chat/phone call history, etc. Most preferred is documentation. If you don’t have documentation to prove your relationship, you can use photos and/or chat/phone call history between you both.

March 8, 2022 at 3:42 pm

Hi, I am from Nigeria. I’m trying to apply for the UK visit visa in June as I need to be in the UK for graduation in July. I’m unemployed but usually, get money from my parents either in cash or to my accounts. But I will be paying for the trip myself and I can deposit the amount needed for the trip to my account this month. Will that be okay?

March 14, 2022 at 6:29 am

Hi Amria! Just showing cash in the bank is not enough. You must show the source of those funds and prove that the cash belongs to you. If you receive cash from your parents, you must show that they are the source of your funds. Do not deposit large amounts of cash as that would most probably lead to a refusal. In my opinion, you are better off using one of your parents as your sponsor. You studied in the UK and you promptly returned after your studies. That’s enough for UKVI to trust you. It’s wise not to complicate your financial situation and jeopardize your chances. Just seek sponsorship from one of your parents and you will be fine.

March 5, 2022 at 9:06 pm

Hello Thirumal, thank you for all your detailed guides and responses. Please when filling out the application form, If I have a consistent salary and spend a consistent amount monthly (e.g make $2000 and spend $1000 each month) BUT do not have separate savings account so the balance is just left and accumulated in my salary account? Do I pick YES or NO for the ‘do you have any other income or savings?’ question?

March 14, 2022 at 6:23 am

Hi Anna! You should pick NO for that question. That question would be applicable if you have another source of income, a fixed deposit, investments, etc.

February 23, 2022 at 8:07 pm

Hi! Loved your article, and helped me get a lot of clarity on the visa application process.

I have one question. I applied for a UK tourist visa and my application got rejected due to 2 large deposits in my account. Apart from that my account balance has been pretty stable and has sufficient money to bear all the expenses of the trip but it still got rejected. Those 2 deposits just happened to be done a few weeks before my visa application, and in the refusal letter, they mentioned that the source of those deposits are undetermined. So what kind of justification can I give in this case? I had some cash and just thought of getting it deposited in my account. What should I do?

February 28, 2022 at 9:55 am

Hi Yash! You must explain and provide some kind of documentary evidence to prove the funds you have deposited belongs to you. If the cash you deposited was the cash you withdrew from your account a while ago, you can show the statement from that month and indicate the transaction to prove. If you have obtained the cash in some other way, you must prove that too.

Mitchell says

February 22, 2022 at 11:24 pm

Hi there, heading over to the UK on a youth mobility visa and at the time of application (6 weeks before departure), I don’t have the recommended amount of savings, but will be earning money and getting paid out holidays, etc before I leave, and then pretty much straight into a job in the UK so will be able to support myself with that wage. Will this be okay or do I need to have sufficient savings before leaving regardless of being able to earn money in the UK?

February 28, 2022 at 8:44 am

Hi Mitchell! I’m not aware of the UK youth mobility visa. So I can’t comment on the financial requirement for that type of visa. My experience and knowledge are only in visitor visas for tourism. For a UK visitor visa for tourism, you would need to show sufficient income and savings.

Jaya charn says

February 17, 2022 at 1:16 pm

Hello, You have done nice work here, I’m planning to apply for my father and mother’s visitor visa which will be fully sponsored by me. My father is self-employed and my mother is a housewife(no bank account). My father owns a shop and people pay via cash in India, how do I prove this income? My father has tax returns and profit & loss statements by CA and a business bank account where he pays business bills from and deposits sales from cash and transfers profit to a personal bank account. will just showing these documents be enough? and just uploading the same documents in my mother’s application saying she is financially dependent on my father’s work?

February 20, 2022 at 11:44 am

Hi Jaya! Yes, those documents will work for both your father and mother. You haven’t mentioned the ages of your father and mother, but applications from those above retirement ages are not usually scrutinized, unlike the younger applicants. Proving that they have their own income and ties with their country would be sufficient. Your father can provide his tax returns, business bank account and personal bank account. They can mention in their application and cover letter that your father’s business is cash-based.

February 23, 2022 at 11:01 pm

I’m applying via VFS global for the UK visa. Nothing is mentioned about the bank statements on their website. I have my last 6-month bank statements for financial evidence. Is it fine that the e-statements that I get every month from the bank are sufficient? Or do I have to get them certified from my bank? Everything is mentioned on my e-statement the name, transactions, balance, etc.

February 28, 2022 at 11:06 am

Hi Vandy! E-statements are fine. But if you are from a nation with a high refusal rate, please get them certified by the bank to make them more authentic.

Maleeka Wimalasooriya says

February 16, 2022 at 4:41 pm

Hi, I am applying for the UK visit visa to undertake a clinical attachment. My savings amount up to approximately £4700 and the duration of the trip is 4 months. I have a family member who will be supporting me in case of further financial aid, and also can demonstrate that they have been sending me funds regularly during the past months. I was wondering my financial situation is strong enough to get a positive decision. Should I shorten the duration of the trip to 4-6 weeks?

February 17, 2022 at 5:49 am

Hi Maleeka! Shortening your trip duration is definitely advisable, but if you can justify the purpose of your travel, you shouldn’t have any problem obtaining the visa. I’m not sure what a clinical attachment is, but if you can prove that you would need to be in the UK for 4 months, then there shouldn’t be any problem.

Mohammad Asif-uz-Zaman says

February 9, 2022 at 3:31 am

Hi. I am a retired civil servant from Bangladesh. As a retiree, I don’t have a regular hefty monthly income albeit my investments in different Government securities and Fixed Deposits in Banks, which gives periodical interests. Along with the bank statements, If I submit a certified copy of my Income Tax Return in English, as that encompasses all my assets and liabilities and income, will that suffice?

February 16, 2022 at 5:55 am

Hi Mohammad! UKVI does not scrutinize applicants over retirement age. They understand that retired applicants don’t draw a salary, but they expect a pension or some form of passive income. If your interest income is enough to support yourself, you shouldn’t have any problem obtaining your UK visa.

February 6, 2022 at 8:14 pm

Hi, I visited the uk in 2004 on a 6-month visit visa. But my visit visa (6 months) in 2018 got rejected as I was unable to clarify my spending during my visit. But now in 2022, I want to apply again as all my statements are stable and I own a business now and can clearly bear all my expenses during my trip so my question is can I apply for a 2-year long term visit visa or should I go for a 6-month visit visa. Waiting for a response from you. Thank you.

February 16, 2022 at 6:02 am

Hi Sarah! Yes. You had a 6-month visa previously, so there is no harm in applying for a 2-year visa now. Go ahead.

January 25, 2022 at 12:41 pm

Hi! Great job here. You did justice to the post. Thanks a million. Please I am planning to visit the UK with my family. My wife is currently not working and I will be sponsoring the trip for myself, wife and kids. Though a friend will be accommodating us in the UK during the course of our stay. What is/are the documents needed by my wife and kids to attach to their applications since wife is not working and kids are under 3years old? I look forward to reading from you.

January 26, 2022 at 5:33 am

Hi Sam! Apart from your financial documents, your wife and kids must provide a document to prove their relationship with the sponsor (you). This can be a marriage certificate for your wife and a birth certificate for your kids. If you can afford the trip yourself, I suggest not mentioning your friend or his accommodation. UKVI will consider your friend as a sponsor and this will complicate your application. This is only for your visa application. When you actually travel, you can stay with your friend.

January 8, 2022 at 7:54 pm

Hi Thirumal Motati, I hope you are doing good, I twice applied for a tourism visa before and they both were refused because of my bank statement because it had too much money in it. I work as a manager I have a lot of money and it was my real bank statements, but they refused it because the ECOs were not satisfied with my bank account.

So now I want to apply again but I think I should write them a letter about my previous refusals because it’s said that if I don’t mention my previous refusals I will be banned for 10 years. I want your advice on the best way to apply and get accepted. Please at least give some instructions to write and convince them. THANKS!

January 12, 2022 at 7:19 am

Hi Josh! If your beginning balance is too high, ECOs may assume that you have deposited large amounts of cash to inflate your bank balance for the purpose of getting the visa. In such cases, you would need to provide either 8-month or 1-year bank statements to show the source of your savings or provide documentary evidence to explain, such as a sale of a property.

Ammarah says

December 26, 2021 at 3:42 pm

Hi, I would like to invite my mother to the UK on a visit visa for one and a half months. My mother doesn’t have her own funds to show. As a sponsor, if I show my UK bank account then would it be sufficient? OR my mother still needs to show some funds in her account?

December 27, 2021 at 4:33 am

Hi Ammarah! Usually, your mother would still need to show some funds in her account. Since you are sponsoring her trip, she doesn’t have to have a large savings, just some savings to show that she can buy a ticket back home if necessary. If she doesn’t have a bank account, she can show any properties or investments that she own as her economic ties with her country.

Muthu Vivek says

December 25, 2021 at 5:04 pm

Hi, hope you are doing good. I did my master’s degree in the UK and returned back to India after my course completion in 2020. Now, the graduation day is scheduled to be held on April 2022. I’m planning to go to the UK during that time. Problem is that I’m a full-time stock market trader and I only maintain the minimum balance on the bank while everything else is in the stock market account. My stock market account size is slightly over 20 Lakh INR and the balance for the past 6 months have been around 20 Lakhs as well. Will it be acceptable that I submit my stock market account ledger statement instead of the bank statement? The stock account is highly liquid and I can withdraw money on any given day. Thanks!

December 27, 2021 at 5:06 am

Hi Vivek! Yes, you can use your stock market account along with your bank account for your UK visa. Explain in the “extra information” and in your cover letter why you have provided two accounts, the liquidy options and the source of those funds.

December 28, 2021 at 6:34 pm

Thanks! But, my bank balance would only be a few thousand rupees, around 10 thousand on average while the entire 20 Lakhs is always in the stock market account. Would having such a low balance as 10 thousand on bank account hurt my visa?

December 30, 2021 at 5:34 am

Generally, yes, it would hurt your chances of approval. But if you do a good job of explaining it, then you should be fine. Self-employed and business owners have to do a little bit of explaining to convince UKVI that they are genuine visitors.

If you are weak in one area, you must compensate it with strength in other areas. You have travel history to the UK, which works in your favor. I’m sure you have travel history to some other countries as well. Along with those, see if you can show any physical property ownership in India. Property ownerships are considered economic ties and again, they work in your favor. The idea here is to show the ECO that you have a well-established life in India and you will not jeopardize it by remaining in the UK illegally.

So, explain your job (stock trader) and your financial arrangement (trading account) clearly in your cover letter. Provide all necessary proofs. I have a detailed article on how to write a cover letter for UK visa . Check it out for ideas. Also, in your “Extra Information” section, write the summary of it and ask the ECO to refer to your cover letter for more details.

January 1, 2022 at 5:19 am

Thank you so much. Wish you a fantastic new year ahead.

January 1, 2022 at 8:04 am

You’re welcome! You too have a great new year!

December 22, 2021 at 10:58 am

Hi, we are planning to apply UK visitor visa for our mother, mother-in-law and brother. I am planning to sponsor all 3. Is it better if I submit their application same time and refer each other in their travel companion OR is it better I apply with 1 week gap for each?

What’s the best way so that applications are not rejected as I am a single sponsorer for all 3.

December 27, 2021 at 5:33 am

Hi Priya! I suggest applying all of them together (same time) by referring to each other in their travel companion and cover letter. Even if you apply with one week gap, UKVI will have the records and they can see that you’ve sponsored someone a week ago. So, it’s easier and more efficient if you apply for them same time.

Naveed says

December 1, 2021 at 8:56 pm

I would like my mother-in-law to visit from Pakistan, she is 66 and my question is in relation to bank statements. My mother-in-law does not have a banking account of her own. My father-in-law as head of the family has a bank account. Would my mother-in-law be able to use my father in laws bank statements as evidence of family funds or would you advise she be added to my father in laws account (as joint account holders)? I am sending her a sponsor and covering her full funds, is it best to state that she has no savings or use the family savings as evidence (if possible)?

December 6, 2021 at 10:32 am

Hi Naveed! That would be fine! Since you will sponsor her trip, her financial capabilities will not be scrutinized. So your father-in-law’s bank statement would be sufficient from her side.

Naveed Latif says

December 7, 2021 at 9:00 pm

Thank you for taking the time to respond, much appreciated. Keep up the good work.

Tuhinur Rahman Chowdhury says

November 29, 2021 at 6:50 am

Hello! Thank you for sharing the information and I found it very helpful. I am doing my master’s in the USA and planning to visit the UK the next summer (May-August 2021). I will be staying at my cousin’s house. I am working as a Research Assistant and my salary is over 1200 dollars per month. However, I do not have any savings right now. But, I can save up to 1500 dollars before VISA application. Given the fact that I have my salary and I will stay at my cousin’s house, is there any possibility to get visa or I need to have a huge sum of money as savings? I really appreciate your response.

December 2, 2021 at 12:09 pm

Hi Tuhinur! That should be alright if you can have your cousin sponsor your UK trip. Have him sponsor your accommodation, food and transportation within the UK. That way, your bank statements do not have to meet all the requirements mentioned in this article. About $1,500 in your bank during the visa application should be fine.

Carolann says

November 29, 2021 at 1:26 am

I want to invite my brother-in-law to the UK the issue is he closed his bank account to go to work in France but only stayed there for 3 weeks as he missed his wife and child. He has yet to reopen an account how would this work with providing bank statements? We are going to fully support him can we just not add his bank statements and explain in the cover letter?

December 2, 2021 at 12:05 pm

Hi Carolann! Your brother-in-law should still submit his bank statements. They don’t have to be perfect as you are sponsoring his trip, but they must show some balance to convince the ECO that he will support himself if left alone in the UK. So, you can ask him to re-open his account or open a new one and deposit the cash in it. Give it a month or so and then he can use those statements for the visa.

November 24, 2021 at 3:56 am

Is a sponsor letter and invitation letter the same? I would like to invite my partner but I am worried that they may suspect us to stay in the UK. The only purpose of the visit will be to show my partner around for about 1 week. Is it better to apply as a normal tourist visa or with an invitation letter? Please advise.

November 27, 2021 at 8:31 am

Hi Airy! No. They are different. A sponsor letter is when you are sponsoring someone’s trip. Meaning, you are providing accommodation, paying for meals, transportation and any other expenses in the UK. An invitation letter is to invite someone to come see you in the UK, attend a family event, etc. You are not providing accommodation or paying for anything. An invitation letter reaffirms the purpose of the trip, that is all, nothing more.

You can still invite your partner, but your partner must qualify and meet the requirements for a UK visitor visa. Your partner must prove that they have strong ties with their country and are capable to support their trip financially.

Abiodun Sola says

November 20, 2021 at 6:04 pm

I have been in the UK for 2yrs on a student visa before between 2011 to 2013 and I came back before my visa expires but I’m intending to go for a visit. I run my business account. Can I use only my business account? Please I need more advice on this.

November 21, 2021 at 6:36 am

Hi Abiodun! Yes, you can use only your business account. In that case, you must provide a letter on your business letterhead saying that you have access to your business funds for personal use, especially the UK trip.

Younesn says

November 17, 2021 at 10:09 am

Hi, I’m in the process of applying for a multiple entry visit visa (5 years). I have a British Citizen sponsor. Does the sponsor need to show that they can support any visit during the 5 years? or just talk about the first visit. How best can the sponsor write their letter?

November 20, 2021 at 12:27 pm

Hi Younesn! Just the first visit. But keep in mind if you didn’t have 6-month or 2-year UK visas before, you have fewer chances of getting a 5-years visa on your first attempt.

Hriday says

November 17, 2021 at 8:56 am

Thanks a lot, Thirumal indeed for sharing your expertise & experience. I am planning to travel to Scotland on a tourist visa from 21st Dec to 28th Dec 21.

1. I have my friend whose mother will be my sponsor as the home is in her name! She is going to send me an invitation letter. Would it work? She is a British Citizen.

2. As I have a sponsor for accommodation, meals & all other expenses for my entire stay, does 1.5 Lakh in my saving (which is also a salary account) enough? Should I also attach my Mutual Fund Savings Sheet also? I can deposit 50 K before I put my file (if advisable). Thanks in advance.

November 20, 2021 at 12:35 pm

Hi Hriday! 1. Sponsorship from friends does not work that well. ECOs rely on proof of relationship and it’s difficult to prove the relationship between friends. You can only rely on chat transcripts, email conversations and phone records. Even then, ECOs still don’t get convinced in some cases. 2. Yes. 1.5 Lakh is sufficient. If you have mutual fund savings, you can attach them as economic ties. But do not deposit large sums of cash in your bank account or mutual funds account now, otherwise, you will have to prove the source of those funds.

One suggestion though. If you can hold off for a few months and work on your savings, you can easily sponsor yourself. This will simplify your application a lot and have a higher chance of approval.

Abbasi says

November 14, 2021 at 7:48 am

Dear, I was refused entry and banned for 10 years from the UK. This was before 11 years from now. Should I mention this refusal in new visit visa application or only my last 10 years?

For either the UK or any other country, have you ever been:

Refused a visa Refused entry at the border Refused permission to stay or remain Refused asylum Deported Removed Required to leave Excluded or banned from entry

answer to the above question ever been?

November 15, 2021 at 7:51 am

Hi Abbasi! This question is for any visa refusals in the past, not just in the last 10 years. Therefore, you must mention your previous refusal in your UK visa application.

November 10, 2021 at 7:59 am

Hi, thanks for the great job you are doing here. My question is in the application I need to put the date of entry and exit. What happens if, for example, I put that I will be there for 7 days but when I go I like the place and decide to stay for an extra week. Will that be a problem? Considering that I can stay for 6 months. Will they treat me as a liar?

November 15, 2021 at 8:00 am

Hi Yoyo! That won’t a problem. Asking for 7 days and staying 14 days will not cause any issues with your stay or future visas. What leads to problems is asking for 7 days and staying for 2 months.

November 6, 2021 at 2:49 pm

Hello, If someone has the intention of applying for a visit visa and he is in hurry to apply and :

1- he doesn’t have a bank account, can he provide his payslips for 6 or 12 months? 2- he has a bank account but instead of providing bank statements he will provide a support letter from the bank that mentions the total amount of money in his account.

November 15, 2021 at 8:21 am

Hi Harem! 1. Bank statements are necessary. Just payslips will not work. 2. Along with showing the total amount, transactions in the last 6 months are also necessary. So, just showing the total money will not help either.

February 21, 2022 at 8:32 pm

What, if the person change bank and he has up to 12 payslips and has three months statements of account?

February 22, 2022 at 11:43 am

Hi Felix! In such a case, you can simply submit 3-month bank statements. Or 3 months from the new bank and 3 months from the old bank. Whichever works for you.

November 5, 2021 at 9:03 pm

Hi, thank you so much for such a detailed and helpful article. I am going to apply for the UK visit visa from Pakistan. My brother lives in London and he is a British citizen but he is not sponsoring me. Would it be useful if I attach his Passport copy with my application?

Also, I get paid through Cheque from my job. Do I have to attach copies of the paycheques as well? Thank you in advance.

November 15, 2021 at 8:23 am

Hi Anwar! If your brother is not sponsoring your trip, then no need to mention him. Yes, along with bank statements, you must also provide paycheques.

November 18, 2021 at 12:04 pm

Thank you so much for your reply. I only started my job 10 months ago. Does it matter how long I have had my job?

November 20, 2021 at 12:25 pm

Yes. It matters. Usually, two years or more with the same employer is helpful. It’s fine with 10 months of employment with the same employer but you must be strong in other areas such as family ties, travel history and financial capacity.

Nikki Landicho says

November 5, 2021 at 7:40 pm

Hi sir. This blog is so helpful. I would just like to ask if it is okay that I will only submit 3 months bank statement as I have a sponsor in the UK who will submit her 6 months bank statement and will cover my expenses there in the UK. Thank you so much in advance for considering my question.

November 15, 2021 at 8:25 am

Hi Nikki! Yes, that would be fine since you have a sponsor.

Sharon says

October 31, 2021 at 11:25 am

Hey, I read your blog post and found it to be helpful. I recently moved to the Netherlands so my bank is also recent and I don’t have 6 months worth of evidence. I do have sufficient funds though. I am going to visit my boyfriend in UK. Should continue with the bank statement or should I use my parents as sponsor. Thank you

October 31, 2021 at 1:45 pm

Hi Sharon! If you have at least 3-months worth of bank statements, go for it. Only if you have fewer than 3 months of bank statements, use your parents as sponsors. The reason is when you use a sponsor, your application gets complicated with additional people, their documentation, etc.

November 3, 2021 at 9:09 am

Thank you! I also had to decide to withdraw my previous application (due to errors) but they instead escalated the case but I am worried that I won’t be able to get my passport back to reapply on time again. How long does withdrawal usually take?

November 4, 2021 at 3:09 pm

It can take up to 72 hours for the UK consulate to locate your application package and send it back to the application center. There can be delays from the visa application center as well.

Jerusha says

November 4, 2021 at 6:04 am

Okay, thank you! I also have an additional question to that. So I decided to open two bank account. I have one bank that I opened in September so I have three months’ worth of evidence. My uni put a big sum back into my account all at once I reached (that was refund for proof of living for my visa). In October I decided to open a more local and convenient bank account and deposited a little more than half of that living fund in the new bank account. Can I write a cover letter to explain where the money came from all why I transferred it to a new account? What are the chances they’re gonna see it as unrealistic?

November 4, 2021 at 3:17 pm

Hi Jerusha! It depends on how well you can explain your situation and how much time can the ECO spare to understand your situation. Either way, it’s complex and there is a slight chance and it can lead to refusal.

November 4, 2021 at 9:38 pm

I see! I think I’m gonna stick to showing one bank account and then using my parents as my sponsor. Can you please tell me the requirements for sponsorship? What should I include plus things to keep in mind as well? Will it be an issue if my boyfriend is only providing accommodation but my parents will be funding the trip? Thank you again for your help!

November 5, 2021 at 6:39 pm

I suggest using either your boyfriend or your parents as your sponsor. If you use both of them, it can lead to too much documentation. When you have too much documentation, it’s difficult for ECOs to decide which document is more important. This can lead to overlooking some important documentation.

If you plan to use your parents, use only one. Same explanation as above. It keeps the documentation to a limit and avoids unnecessary complexity. These are the documents you need from your sponsor. – Passport copy – Residence permit (if living in the UK but not UK citizen) – Sponsorship letter – Employment proofs – Financial proofs – Apartment lease (if living in the UK) – Utility bill (if living in the UK) – Proof of relationship

Praneeth says

October 28, 2021 at 10:28 am

Hello Sir, thank you for this great article. I am planning to visit the UK next month as a tourist and I am putting my father as my financial sponsor as I am a student in the US. I was looking into my dad’s bank statements and I found that there is a cheque deposit which was from my sister. My question is if there are any deposits like loans or money from someone, do we have to justify that in our cover letter? Will that be fine?

October 28, 2021 at 4:34 pm

Hi Praneeth! Along with justifying it in the cover letter, you must provide documentary evidence for such large deposits. A loan won’t be an issue because you will have some loan-related documents to provide it. But cash from a friend/family is a bit difficult to prove. One way to handle this is to give it a few months of time so the transaction won’t show up in the 6-month bank statements. Another option is to have your sister write a letter along with her passport copy. This option is not the best, but still better than nothing if you have no other option.

Kyle haas says

October 26, 2021 at 7:24 am

Hello, I am collecting documents for my fiancé’s visitor visa to here in the UK. I’m currently employed and working here as a BRP and hold Canadian citizenship. I’m going to be her sponsor to help pay for her trip. I was wondering how many months of bank statements the sponsor needs to provide?

October 26, 2021 at 8:34 am

Hi Kyle! Sponsors also need to provide 6-month bank statements. Again UKVI doesn’t tell exactly how many months of statements are required, but from my experience 6-months is necessary.

October 22, 2021 at 10:45 am

Hello sir, I am an Indian student studying in the USA and I will be traveling to the UK as a tourist. My father is my sponsor as I am still a student. I have looked at my father’s bank statements and I saw that he took a loan from his PF account about 4 months ago. My itinerary is less than a week. Will that loan or any other higher deposits into the account be a problem? Since my itinerary is short, my expenses are below his monthly income. Also, I am submitting his bank statements, pay slips from the last 6 months, provident funds and an FD certificate as financial documents. Is this documentation enough? Please let me know. Thank you sir.

October 28, 2021 at 4:25 pm

Hi Praneeth! Since your trip expenses will be less than your father’s monthly income, the load won’t be an issue as long as you submit a copy of the loan document. ECOs would like to know the source of the cash deposit. So if you can prove that it’s from a loan and the cash belongs to your father, then it won’t be an issue.

October 29, 2021 at 3:35 pm

Thanks for the reply sir. I am a Ph.D. student in the US and I get a stipend every month. Since, my father is sponsoring my trip, Do I also have to show my bank statements? The transactions are kind of irregular.

October 31, 2021 at 2:02 pm

Yes. Submit your bank statements as well. Since you have a sponsor, it’s fine if you don’t meet the requirements mentioned in this article. This is to just convince the ECO that you can support yourself if your father decides not to support you after you land in the US.

Blessed says

October 21, 2021 at 5:55 am

Hello, this article was entirely useful. I am a student in Canada supported by parents and I plan on visiting the UK for 14 days. I plan on sponsoring the trip with my savings. and I can also prove that I am being supported by my parents here in Canada. The amount in my savings is not double the cost of my trip but it’s greater than the cost would be that be a problem? However, I have saved mostly in cash and have borrowed to a few friends in the past. In the last few weeks, I have collected what is owed from those I borrowed and deposited my cash in my savings account. It’s kind of greater than what usually enters my savings would that be a problem because I feel like they might look at it like I borrowed.

October 21, 2021 at 9:18 am

Hi Blessed! Usually, I recommend students to use their parents as sponsors. You can do that too. In addition to that, you can provide your statements as well. This way, your statements do not have to be perfect and meet all financial requirements. Apart from financial requirements, you must make sure you still have a few semesters to go at your university. This works as a strong tie and it’s very important for your UK visa.

Laura Barid says

October 18, 2021 at 4:06 pm

Hello Thirumal, great blog and comments! I am living in the UK with a BRP and my British husband. I want parents to be able to come to spend the holidays together and meet our new son that will be born at the end of November. However, my parents are currently over the pension age, they don’t have many savings and their monthly income is very low because it’s only my dad’s pension. However, they do have some properties but filling up the form, it asked for yearly cost but nothing about the properties they own where should I put that in savings? Would that be ok? Do you think that I add my husband should be their sponsor if so then what documentation do you recommend us to provide? They have been granted a visa in the past but they were both fully employed by then.

October 20, 2021 at 5:03 pm

Hi Laura! Usually, applicants over retirement age are not scrutinized that much. Moreover, you will be sponsoring their trip, so their savings and income do not matter much. On top of that, they have been to the UK previously and own property in their home country, both indicate that they have strong ties with their home country. So, there is nothing to worry about.

Usually, you will be given a checklist of documents when you submit your application. One of the documents is proof of properties they own. So you will either upload the property ownership document or submit it along with all other documents at the visa application center.

Since your husband is a UK national, I suggest using him as the sponsor. You will have to provide the following documents.

From your husband – British passport – Sponsorship letter – Employment proofs – Financial proofs – Apartment lease – Utility bill – Marriage certificate

From your parents – Proof of retirement – Bank statements – Proof of relation (you and your parents) – Property ownership document – Travel history along with their previous UK visa – Detailed cover letter

Sawaiz says

October 10, 2021 at 7:15 pm

Hi Thirumal, your blog is really helping. I request a little guidance. I’m looking to apply for my grandmother who wishes to visit her son in the UK who is a British Citizen living with his family. Previously she has a refusal of Visit Visa and the circumstances then and now are different because no she doesn’t own any assets in her home country the refusal was merely for the reason of lack of ties with the home country and doubts about the source of funds because we did two transactions on the same date which didn’t satisfy the ECO. Now if I try again for her how can I manage the documentation knowing the fact she had a refusal in 2016. It’s really her wish to once in her life visit her son. Please can you guide me?

October 11, 2021 at 12:14 pm

Hi Sawaiz! I’m assuming your grandmother is over retirement age. If so, her application won’t be scrutinized and has higher chances of approval. If I understood correctly, she owns some property now? If so, that would be sufficient to prove her ties with her country. For the source of income/funds, her son can sponsor her trip and she doesn’t need to provide any financial documents from her side.

You will have to mention the refusal and the reason for it for the question about previous refusals. Other than that, there is no need to explain anywhere else in the application or cover letter. I suggest the following documentation.

From your grandmother – Her property ownership document – A cover letter with details such as itinerary, her ties to her home country, the reason for her to return back, etc.

From her son – Passport copy – British Id – Apartment/house ownership or lease agreement – Utility bill – Financial proofs – A sponsor letter

Charles says

October 8, 2021 at 2:16 am

Hi, first I would like to thank you for this article. I have a question. I recently migrated to the US as a permanent resident and my wife is a US citizen. We would like to visit the UK for tourism. Being that I recently moved and haven’t secured a job yet, my wife would be sponsoring our trip 100%. I want to know if not having a job/income would affect the visa process. Also, do I need to have the required daily spending amount or does it apply to her only considering I just moved here and my account in the USA is less than six months old?

October 11, 2021 at 11:40 am

Hi Charles! Usually yes, not having a job/income affects the visa result. But since you are a US permanent resident, your wife is a US citizen and assuming you have decent travel history, not having a job/income may not be an issue. The daily spending limit applies to your wife as she is the sponsor. Her income and savings must meet the necessary limits for two people.

Simonet says

October 3, 2021 at 9:17 pm

Hello Thirumal, indeed you are doing a good job here. Please I have a question. My wife and myself are planning a visit to the UK for tourism and we are indeed to return back to base, I am a Nigerian and my wife is a Ghanaian we are legally married for years now residing in Ghana.

We have our own registered film production company ltd my wife is the CEO and myself a Director, I have my Ghana work and residency permit and we intend to use our company account for our visa application which my wife owns a signatory to it.

Please is it advisable to use a company statement of account or we should use one personal saving account?

October 4, 2021 at 9:16 am

Hi Simonet! If you pay yourself a salary from your business, then use your personal account. If not, you can use your business account. If you use your business account, you have to submit a letter signed by all parties that you are authorized to use business funds for personal use.

Hummad says

September 25, 2021 at 2:13 pm

Hi, I want to apply for a tourist visa 1st week of October. One of my friends transferred me some funds which in my account from mid of October, now if I will take the statement of account, the avg amount of monthly income will be different because of this amount.

Is this will affect my visa process, one of my colleague’s visa was rejected last year because of the irregular avg amount in the account.

September 29, 2021 at 7:58 am

Hi Hummad! Yes, any large cash deposits will raise questions and can lead to your visa refusal. It’s difficult to provide proof if it was a cash transfer from a friend. I suggest giving it a few months so this particular transaction will not show up in your statement anymore.

Archie says

September 22, 2021 at 1:22 pm

Hello, I will be applying for a standard visitor visa in the coming week now that my country is finally off the red list. I will be staying with a friend who will be hosting/accommodating me. I will, however, be responsible for all my travel and related expenses. I will be providing 6 months’ worth of bank statements.

I have copies of my host’s tenancy agreement, a letter of consent from their landlord, water and electricity bills, a letter from their employer, and proof that we have met.

Do I also need to provide my host’s bank statement and payslip? My host will not be contributing to any of my expenses and has stated this in their invitation letter.

September 23, 2021 at 9:13 am

Hi Archie! No. You do not need to provide your host’s bank statements or payslips. Your host will not be contributing towards your travel expenses, so there is no need for bank statements or payslips from their side. Your host will only be providing accommodation and you are already providing their lease agreement, etc. So you are fine.

Nha Nash says

September 22, 2021 at 10:28 am

Hello. I’d like to ask if it’s possible to submit a bank statement issued after the online application date? Due to the bank isn’t opened in my country because of strict lockdown until 1/10. The longer I wait to submit the online application, the later my bio appointment will be as VACs are overloaded with appointments. I would like to be able to book it soon. What if I submit my online application on 25th September, manage to book an appointment for 15th October and my 6-months bank statement is issued on 5th October? FYI, I have sponsors and their 3 months bank statements are dated before the application date. And is it okay if my sponsors only provide 3 months bank statements instead of 6 months?

September 23, 2021 at 11:00 am

Hi Nha! That’s perfectly fine. You can submit the latest bank statements at your VAC appointment. 3-month statements are fine for sponsors if they are from the UK. If they are outside the UK, I recommend 6-month bank statements.

September 17, 2021 at 12:39 pm

Hi, I am looking forward to filing my tourist visa for the UK. I have few questions to ask:-

1. I don’t have regular income coming into my bank account as my father runs a business and I help him with that. He does not pay me a specific amount every month. 2. My girlfriend is traveling to the UK from the USA on a work visa and hence she will be sponsoring my trip from start to end. She does not have a bank account in the UK. Will her USA account statements be valid for sponsorship.

What documents do I need to submit in this case?

September 18, 2021 at 6:58 am

Hi Jay! 1. Even if you have a sponsor, you would still need to prove that you have sufficient means to support yourself in the UK in case your sponsor decides not to support you after you land in the UK. For this reason, you must prove that you are either a co-owner/partner in the family business or earn a salary from your family business. 2. From my knowledge and experience, sponsorships from immediate relatives work well. Sponsorships from girlfriend/boyfriend have a low approval rate. Bank statements from the US are not an issue for the sponsorship. I recommend the following documentation.

Documents from your side. 1. Proof that you are a co-owner/partner in the family business or earn a salary (to prove that you have ties with your country) 2. Cover letter explaining your purpose of visit, itinerary, financial capabilities, travel history, etc.

Documents from your girlfriend 1. Her passport copy 2. UK work visa 3. Her employment proofs 4. Her financial proofs 5. A sponsor letter stating that she will bear all your expenses while you are in the UK

September 16, 2021 at 11:27 am

Hi, please I just bought a 3-month treasury bill that will mature in December, for this reason, my account balance is low now, I have gotten an opportunity to apply for a UK Visitor Visa in October.

Please do I have to submit proof of the T bill as an attachment to my bank statement or I should cancel the T bill and have that amount credited back to my bank account. Your answer will be very much appreciated. Thank you!

September 17, 2021 at 8:31 am

Hi Mabel! Cash withdrawals or debits are not a problem. It’s the deposits or credits that can cause issues. So, do not have the amount credited back. This can definitely affect your visa result. Since you ready bought the T bill, you have two options – Option 1: Adjust your itinerary in such a way that your current account balance would be enough for your trip. This is the preferred option. Option 2: Provide proof of the T bill along with your bank statement. If the T bill can be liquidated easily, then this option would work as well.

Daniel says

September 22, 2021 at 1:48 pm

Hi, I wanted to ask a series of questions if you do not mind. I want to travel to see my girlfriend in the UK and although I am staying in her accommodation, and food is being provided, she isn’t my sponsor as I am sponsoring myself. I am currently unemployed but have the means to travel with a good sum of money in my account which has been idle for a large period of time. Would that affect my visa application process?

September 23, 2021 at 9:09 am

Hi Daniel! Being unemployed might affect your visa result. You need to prove that you have ties with your country. Employment is one of the strongest ties you can have. If you are not employed, it’s difficult to prove that you will return to your country after your trip.

Mayowa says

September 16, 2021 at 9:15 am

Hello. Thanks a lot for this. I need some clarifications. My father wants to sponsor my trip/visa application. Does his account statement need to also be 6 months with the same stringent conditions? Thank you in anticipation.

September 17, 2021 at 8:36 am

Hi Mayowa! Yes. The conditions and rules are the same for sponsors too. Their bank statements should be 6-months, meet income and saving requirements and shouldn’t have large undocumented deposits.

Adedeji kolawole Oni says

September 14, 2021 at 5:33 pm

I have my own business. What are the requirements I need?

September 15, 2021 at 11:34 am

Hi Adedeji! The income, savings and UK trip expenses requirements are the same for business owners too. For documentation, you will submit your business registration, business bank statements, tax returns and personal bank statements. If you don’t have personal bank statements, you will need to provide a letter saying that you have access to company funds for personal use.

Rabiul Hossain says

September 11, 2021 at 10:35 am

Hi Thirumal, thanks for your nice article on UK Visa. I think it will help many travelers like me to get UK Visa. I have a query. If you would give me an answer, I would be grateful to you. I am 38 years old man from Bangladesh. I would like to apply for the UK visit visa for 7-10 days. I am self-employed. If I show my personal bank account only, will it be ok? Or should I show my both account personal and business accounts Thanks in Advance.

September 12, 2021 at 7:23 am

Hi Rabiul! If you regularly pay yourself a salary, then just your personal account is enough. If you transfer cash into your personal account at irregular times and inconsistent amounts, then you’ll have to provide both personal and business accounts. Otherwise, ECOs will refuse your application on the basis of the source of funds unknown.

September 5, 2021 at 9:38 pm

Hi, I live and work in Dubai as a designer. I’ve been with my company for 3 years and I get salary and commission. My commission sometimes comes in cash. Most times it is transferred to my bank account. I gave someone a loan last year, which he paid back this year via bank transfer. I have him the loan in cash. The amount is around 4 times more than my monthly salary but it was from a bonus I got from a big sale I had. How do I prove that this transfer is a loan payment? Can I get my friend to write a letter saying he has made the payment, sign it and provide his phone number for further verification, if necessary? Thanks.

September 12, 2021 at 8:33 am

Hi Eni! Commission can be explained with a letter from your employer. But the loan to your friend would be difficult to explain. A letter from your friend will not work unless you provide his bank statement, deposit slip, etc from that time, which you don’t since you loaned him in cash. The only solution I can think of is to wait a few months so the deposit will not show up in your 6-month bank statements.

August 27, 2021 at 2:40 pm

Hello, thank you for sharing this resource. I have a few questions regarding my application for a UK visitor visa which is going to be sponsored by my boyfriend who is a UK citizen. He is paying for my ticket, accommodation (I will be staying with him in his home) and he would be taking care of my feeding as well. I would need to clarify the following:

1. He works freelance through his company and pays himself a salary. He is providing me with his personal bank statement which has irregular and sometimes large deposits. Would he need to provide evidence of these large deposits by providing these company statements too? 2. Is he required to provide 6 months of bank statements or is one month enough? 3. Would photographs together suffice as evidence of our relationship? 4. I am presenting my 6-month bank statements however I am a bit worried about the irregularities in my statements. Although it reflects my monthly income I often withdraw most of the cash for investments or payments. I have also recently requested my savings be deposited into my account just in case I would need them for this trip. Would I have to provide additional information to explain the source of funds? 5. I schooled in the UK a couple of years back and I do have an NI number which I provided in the form. Would it be better to disregard it altogether or include it?

August 30, 2021 at 10:27 am

Hi Alex! 1. The rules are the same when it comes to bank statements. If there are large cash deposits, then they need to be explained with documentary evidence. Your boyfriend must explain those large deposits. 2. Usually, 6-months is preferred as ECO will have enough information to work with. But less than 6-months such as 3-months can also work. But 1-month bank statements will not give enough information for the ECO to make a decision. So 1-month bank statements will not work. 3. Yes. But also suggest giving more evidence. The more evidence you can give, the better it is. FB posts, chats, flight tickets or hotel bookings that show both of you can also be used as evidence of your relationship. 4. Irregularities and large deposits in your bank statements may not be an issue since you are using a sponsor. But having clean statements is always better than irregular ones. Also, you can attach your investments. Investments will work as an economic tie with your country. 5. It should be ok. Mentioning NI number will not affect your visa result.

August 26, 2021 at 9:13 am

I want to travel to the UK soon and I have a friend who can help me out with a letter of invitation as well provide funds, and everywhere I have seen it says that a friend can be your sponsor as long as they provide the correct documents but you seem to say otherwise, could you clarify that?

August 26, 2021 at 2:17 pm

Hi Kalua! Yes, friends can sponsor. But the chances of approval are usually lower. As per my experience, denied cases were a lot more than approved for sponsored applications with friends. You can give it a try, but if it leads to a refusal, it will remain permanently in your records. You will have to mention your refusal every time you apply and it leads to more scrutiny.

Rajdeep says

August 26, 2021 at 9:10 am

Hey, I get paid in cash so I don’t have a bank account. I’ve deposited 2000 pounds of my salary in my mum’s account to use for applying for visa purposes. Have her a sponsor who would be paying for the trip. Would there be any issue with that?

August 26, 2021 at 2:12 pm

Hi Rajdeep! This could raise a couple off issues. One, sponsored applications almost always have fewer chances of approval due to the complexities involved. Two, that £2,000 in your mum’s would look like a large cash deposit, which needs to be explained with proof. In my opinion, you are better off opening a new bank account, depositing the cash in it for a few months before attempting for your UK visa.

Rajdeep Bhasin says

August 26, 2021 at 4:59 pm

Would it be okay if attach my salary slips and appointment letter to the application? Also, explain the additional information that because I get paid in cash the situation restricts me from opening a bank account in the country that I am.

August 28, 2021 at 11:25 am

Yes. You can explain in the additional information area and the cover letter. Keep in mind that the applications that do not fall under common criteria are subject to ECO’s own interpretation. Therefore, do your best to explain your situation in simple English, be concise and use proper formatting.

Madhuri says

August 24, 2021 at 3:33 pm

I am working in the UK on Tier 2 Visa, I want to sponsor my parents’ visitor visa. How much bank balance is required to be shown?

August 25, 2021 at 8:03 am

Hi Madhuri! Usually, ECOs expect about £150 per day per person expense. It would be about £300 per day for them. Since your parents will share accommodation, their accommodation expenses will come down to about £200 a day. If you own/rent your current house/flat, that expense would come down further to about £100 a day or so. Calculate your required bank balance based on a £100 a day budget. For example, if they plan to stay 30 days with you, you must have about (30*100)*2 = £6,000 in your bank. This calculation is based on the rule that your trip expenses should not be more than half of your savings.

giovanni says

August 18, 2021 at 10:28 am

Hello, please I would like to find out if I would have to explain my transactions in my bank statement if a company from the UK invites me to the UK and agrees to cover all costs inclusive of flight. What they would have to do?

August 20, 2021 at 8:22 am

Hi Giovanni! Even though the company in the UK is sponsoring your trip, you still have to provide your bank statements. This is to make sure that you can support yourself in case your sponsor decides not to support you after you land in the UK. If you have large cash deposits in your bank account, then yes, you have to explain them with documentary evidence. If you don’t explain, the ECO might deny your visa with a reason “large undocumented cash deposits”.

August 17, 2021 at 8:39 am

Thank you for your help! Is it OK to put only one account for me and my wife, as we are applying for Plab test?

August 20, 2021 at 8:49 am

Hi Bilal! Yes. As you will be sponsoring your wife and you both will be traveling together, you can use your bank statements for both of you.

August 11, 2021 at 4:06 am

Hi Thirumal, I am planning to visit a friend in the UK in two months. I have a question regarding the bank statements. I’m a full-time employee but my salary is relatively low. However, I have a savings account with approximately half the amount required for the trip, plus my bank offered me a loan which is twice the amount I’m planning to spend in the UK. Since the loan amount is very large, will that raise any suspicions? Thank you.

August 14, 2021 at 11:43 am

Hi Vamp! UKVI prefers to see that you have enough money and it belongs to you. Loans need to be repaid and UKVI may not consider that as your own money. I suggest waiting for a few months till your savings grow. Also, a 2-month itinerary will raise a lot of red flags. If it’s your first time applying for a UK visa, keep your itinerary to 10 days or less excluding the 10-day mandatory quarantine.

August 14, 2021 at 3:58 pm

Thank you for the prompt response! I meant that the trip is in two months, not that it’s going to last two months, I’m only planning to stay in the UK for 10-12 days. Also, if the loan needs to be repaid, don’t they see this as a commitment that I have to come back to once my trip is over? I don’t have kids or any ties to my country because I’m only 25 and single, but I don’t want them to think I’m planning to stay in the UK because I’m really not interested in doing that. Thank you!

August 16, 2021 at 4:12 am

Sorry, I misread your original comment. My apologies. A 10-12 day itinerary would work fine. I know you are not going to remaining in the UK, but we have to somehow convince that to the ECO. We can only do that by showing strong ties with our countries, travel history, financial stability, etc. I know cases that were denied due to loan amounts, that’s why I’m hesitant to say that it’s a good idea. ECOs interpret loans differently and may not consider that as a tie with your country. But if you have no choice and have to use the loan amount for your trip, go for it. Make sure to explain it well in your cover letter.

Yaksif says

September 2, 2021 at 11:00 pm

Hello there, I have bought 3 trucks from the UK last year. I am buying an additional 3 which I have started the processes with the company. I requested that I want to visit on a business trip for not more than 10 days which they agreed. But my issue has to do with my bank statement. I have changed banks for the 3rd time due to their services. With my current bank, I have saved with them for just 3 months. With the 2 previous banks, I stopped saving with them for more than 6 months now. But I have very good financial standing with them when I was saving with them. How do I consolidate these bank accounts?

September 3, 2021 at 11:20 am

Hi Yaksif! Changing banks is fine. You just have to show 3 months from the current bank and the past 3 months from the old bank. Mention that you changed banks in the additional/extra information section and in your cover letter. For example, Jun, Jul, Aug from your current bank and Mar, Apr, May from your old bank.

Ayomide says

August 8, 2021 at 11:15 am

Hello, good work you are doing here! My husband and I want to travel to the UK just for tourism this December. Although I still use my parents’ surname (I have not changed my last name to my husband’s name). I hope it won’t cause a problem? We have a marriage certificate to back up our marriage though.

Also, as regards the bank statement, can we use one bank statement or will the two of us have to provide separate bank statements? Please kindly shed light on this. I deeply appreciate it. Thank you.

August 13, 2021 at 2:28 pm

Hi Ayomide! No need to worry about the surname. A marriage certificate should be enough. Regarding bank statements, I suggest using separate statements if both of you have sufficient income and savings. Otherwise, use only one bank statement for both.

August 5, 2021 at 3:14 am

Hi Thirumal, I have a plan to visit someone in the UK and I have some questions regarding the UK visa application, I was wondering if I can reach you in any way (maybe email or something) to ask about some things? I would like some help and advice from you. Thank you for this great article.

August 6, 2021 at 7:54 am

Hi Sulis! Sure, please email me at [email protected] .

July 23, 2021 at 2:54 pm

Good day. I’m a Dr who registered for the PLAB 2 exam about to go for a visa interview. However, my accounts go through multiple deposits and withdrawals not consistent with my salary. I’m am currently employed. I intend to use a sponsor. However, please I’d like to find out if I can submit my application with only my sponsor’s statement of account without using mine. Thank you.

July 29, 2021 at 5:41 am

Hi Ozo! You will have to submit your statements too for the reasons explained in this article. But since your sponsor will take care of all your expenses, your statements will be not be scrutinized. ECO would just need to see that you have enough cash just in case your sponsor decides not to support you once you land in the UK. Therefore, irregular deposits and withdrawals in your account will not be an issue. No need to explain anything about them in your cover letter either.

Kekeli says

July 17, 2021 at 7:43 pm

Is it possible to redraw your salary for other purposes and return it back?

July 21, 2021 at 5:45 am

Hi Kekeli! It’s fine to withdraw your entire salary for a big expense such a medical, education, marriage, etc. But depositing such a large amount back into your account will lead to issues with your visa. You will have to explain, provide the source and documentary evidence for such a large deposit.

July 25, 2021 at 12:52 pm

Hello, please I need some clarifications. My husband is applying for a visit visa with me. He is self-employed but his funds are in his business account and he is the sole signatory. However, he wants to use only his business account because he does not have money in his personal account. Can he do that? How does he go about explaining that?

Secondly, I stayed in the UK for a while a long time ago about 12 years ago, but I can’t remember if I had an NI number and it’s been asked for on the application form. Can I explain that I don’t know if I have one?

Lastly, do I need to explain how I got funds into my investment Account? I have a dollar investment that I transfer part of my salary to. Thank you for all you do here.

July 29, 2021 at 5:28 am

Hi Kate! Your husband would need to write a letter on his business letterhead saying that he is the sole signatory of the business and therefore he can use his business funds for personal use. There is no need to mention NI number. It’s not really necessary. No need to explain the source of funds for investments. You would need to explain the source of funds only for your bank accounts. If you have deposits in your bank account other than your salary, you would need to explain and provide documentation proof if they are significantly large.

September 12, 2022 at 8:24 am

Hi, your information has been very educative. I am a business owner and I want to travel to the UK but I don’t have a business account. Can I use my personal account?

September 19, 2022 at 3:26 am

Hi Funke! Yes. It’s easier if you had separate accounts, but not necessary.

Samson Soneye says

July 11, 2021 at 6:01 pm

1) Please my cousin wants to invite me to the UK, what document she needs to provide as an invitee? 2) She will accommodate me in her house and also responsible for my welfare during my short stay in the UK but I will responsible for my flight tickets.

Do I need to mention her in the application form that she is supporting my expense because she will only responsible for my food during my short stay or it does not need to mention her in the application form that she will support my expenses?

July 15, 2021 at 6:01 am

Hi Samson! If your cousin is going to provide accommodation, food and transportation during your stay in the UK, then she a “sponsor” of your UK trip. You will have to mention in the application that your cousin will be paying for your trip. You will need the following documents from her.

– A letter from her stating that she will take care of your accommodation, transportation and other expenses while you are in the UK – Her bank statements for the last 3 months (must indicate employer pay deposits and have no large undocumented deposits) – Her British passport copy – Her rental agreement and utility bill

Benedicta says

July 5, 2021 at 1:04 am

Hi Thirumal, your information and guide have shed more light on UK visa application. You made it look so easy.

My question is, I live in the UK I am a full-time student and I also work part-time. I have indefinite leave to remain. Can I invite my cousin and 2 children to the UK? She has about £7000 to fund the trip. she is married and she also runs her own business. She was refused in 2017 when my brother invited her to his wedding because she did not explain the money that was paid into her account.

July 6, 2021 at 5:41 am

Hi Benedicta! Absolutely! Use the numbers and examples in the article to calculate the number of days for her trip based on her income and savings. £7,000 is good enough to show for a 14 day trip for her and the kids together. But make sure her income also matches the necessary financial requirement.

Philip says

July 1, 2021 at 8:11 pm

Hello sir. Your article was quite helpful. But I have a question as I want to travel to the UK for visiting. If I sell my stocks and show my profit in my bank account just before 1 month of my bank statement for visiting visa and it is more than twice of my expenses, will they grant me a visa?

July 2, 2021 at 5:33 am

Hi Philip! If it looks like you are manipulating your balances for your visa, then your visa will be refused. But if you can explain it and provide evidence, you will be fine.

June 10, 2021 at 11:30 pm

Hi Thirumal! A. I honestly commend your effort and time in guiding people to a path to success. I would like you to personally guide my UK visa application. You have demonstrated competence and I don’t want issues. How do I reach you?

B. A friend was refused this week on the grounds that she stated that 1. she would spend 2500 pounds (10x her income) and 2. she submitted a bank account without explanation of several deposits. But she never indicated 2500 pounds and never uploaded the said bank statement. I saw her preview myself. Where could the error come from? How can this be appealed?

Thirumal says

June 11, 2021 at 3:24 am

Hi Labi! A. Thanks for the kind words! Email is the quickest way to get hold of me. So, if you need to reach me, simply email me at [email protected] . For personal guidance on your visa application, it depends on the level of involvement needed from my side. I can guide you via email but if you really need handholding, I would need to charge for my services.

B. I’m seeing more of such refusals these days. The refusals are on silly or sometimes unrelated grounds like in the case of your friend. I’m assuming UKVI is doing this deliberately to discourage people from traveling during covid times.

But if your friend likes to challenge her refusal, she can try either a reapplication or judicial review. In her reapplication, she can discuss her refusal, ECOs mistakes, etc. in her cover letter. But again these days, ECOs are overlooking or not paying attention to cover letters. So, a reapplication may also get refused on unrelated grounds.

For judicial review, she needs to email a Pre-application Protocol (PAP) first and wait for UKVI response. If they don’t respond or their response is not what you’re expecting, you can then go ahead with the judicial review which requires hiring a lawyer in the UK. This option can get expensive especially when you involve lawyers.

May 25, 2021 at 3:59 pm

Thank you for the information shared. Kindly advise if the spouse can transfer funds into my account for the trip or I’ll have to provide his statement account as additional proof of fund?

May 29, 2021 at 4:55 am

Hi Ty! You will have to provide his bank statements as proof of funds. Transferring funds is a strict no-no.

May 18, 2021 at 5:04 pm

Hi, I want to apply for the UK visit visa with my family. I have my salary account but I consistently move some of the money to my money market fund investment and cooperative savings. Can I print 6 months each of the salary account, Money Market Fund investment and cooperative saving and submit for the visa?

Note: the bank balance on my salary account will not be twice the UK trip expenses but my Money Market Fund Investment and cooperative saving will be enough to cover more than twice of the trip expenses.

Do I have a chance with this? Kindly advise.

May 21, 2021 at 1:06 pm

Hi Toyin! It depends on the liquidity. Cash in the bank is readily available and can be used right away. Whereas, funds and fixed deposits cannot be liquidated right away, so they cannot be considered. They can be shown an economic tie which will work in your favor as well. But for trip expenses, you must show cash. If your cooperative savings is a form of bank account and money in it is readily available, then you can combine that with your salary account for your visa.

Khayrul says

May 16, 2021 at 11:31 pm

Hi, I received my salary cash in Dubai. Should I deposit myself in a bank account the whole amount of my salary every month on a specific date like 1 to 7 ( first week of month)? The statement won’t show salary credited it will show self/cash deposit. In that case, what’s your best advice for me?

May 17, 2021 at 9:43 am

Ki Khayrul! The best option is to have your employer deposit your salary directly. If that’s not an option, depositing the cash yourself is fine too. You will have to mention in your cover letter and “extra information” area that you receive your salary in cash and you deposit it in the bank yourself. If the amount is the same every month, you won’t be scrutinized.

April 18, 2021 at 11:22 pm

Hello Dear, I got these questions regarding UK Visit Visa which are following:-

I Have read your article and tried to understand as well but still If you can help me that would be great. Highly appreciate.

I am living and working in ABU DHABI United Arab emirates and my Basic salary is 7000 AED. Now My monthly salary is coming through a local exchange here in UAE which reflects in my monthly statement every month too (Salary Credited, 7000 AED ). This is what it says in statement every month, just for you to understand it well.

Now I don’t understand according to your formula 50/30/20, how much Should I spend every month? And how much should be there as savings every month? And how to increase every month at what percentage? Please help me with this.

Note:- I just pay my rent every month and my groceries or dining out etc that’s all I spend. What I mean is out of 7000 AED, can I save a straight 5000 AED every month? So now my question is:-

If my salary is 7000 AED and I spend almost or around 2000 AED (On my rent or groceries ), then the rest of the 5000 AED is still in my account every month because I don’t spend them at all. Is it enough for me to keep in account for continuous 6 months like that? An equal amount or what should I do every month?

Please get me a breakdown for 6 months roughly and how to maintain as per my situation? I really appreciate your article and thanks in advance!

April 19, 2021 at 7:49 am

Hi Muhammad! There are no limits on how much you can save from your salary. That 50/30/20 is a general formula from financial books. It says you must save “ at least ” 20%. That means you can save 20% or more. If you can save 50%, great. If you can save 70%, that’s even better.

For visas, it’s not just about saving, but saving “ consistently “. Here are some examples:

GOOD bank statement ==================================== Your salary is 7,000 AED. Assuming you can save 5,000 AED every month, but consistent .

1st month: Salary – 7,000 AED, expenses – 2,000 AED, saving – 5,000 AED, total in the bank: 5,000 AED 2nd month: Salary – 7,000 AED, expenses – 2,000 AED, saving – 5,000 AED, total in the bank: 10,000 AED 3rd month: Salary – 7,000 AED, expenses – 2,000 AED, saving – 5,000 AED, total in the bank: 15,000 AED 4th month: Salary – 7,000 AED, expenses – 2,000 AED, saving – 5,000 AED, total in the bank: 20,000 AED 5th month: Salary – 7,000 AED, expenses – 2,000 AED, saving – 5,000 AED, total in the bank: 25,000 AED

ERRATIC bank statement ====================================== Your salary is 7,000 AED. Assuming you can save 5,000 AED every month, but unconsistent .

1st month: Salary – 7,000 AED, expenses – 1,000 AED, saving – 6,000 AED, total in the bank: 6,000 AED 2nd month: Salary – 7,000 AED, expenses – 7,000 AED, saving – 0 AED, total in the bank: 6,000 AED 3rd month: Salary – 7,000 AED, expenses – 1,000 AED, saving – 6,000 AED, total in the bank: 12,000 AED 4th month: Salary – 7,000 AED, expenses – 9,000 AED, saving – (-2,000) AED, total in the bank: 10,000 AED 5th month: Salary – 7,000 AED, expenses – 2,000 AED, saving – 5,000 AED, total in the bank: 15,000 AED

An erratic statement doesn’t mean you will not get your visa. You may have an emergency expense, such as health-related, household, etc. That’s what savings are for. ECOs would like to see 6 months of statements, so they can see the transactions and understand your lifestyle. So as a rule of thumb, saving consistently is good for yourself and your visas.

January 26, 2022 at 12:39 pm

In addition to your response and from a personal experience angle. I’ve worked in Abu Dhabi before. I was drawing a 7900 salary. I gave my breakdown like this Expected cost of trip: 6000 out of Monthly salary 7900 Monthly Expenditure Living expenses: 200 Money for family: 180 Ticket: 2200 Total: 2580

6000 – 2580 = 3420 (i.e. I still have 3420 to spend during the trip)

I applied with other documents and visa was issued.

February 2, 2022 at 8:53 am

Hi Sam! Thanks for the info! I’m glad your visa was issued. Have a great trip!

Olaitan says

March 31, 2021 at 8:21 pm

I want to ask a question concerning the UK tourist visa. If I am applying for the UK tourist visa and I have all the right documents like the bank statement, employment letter from my employer and all other documents that is been required. Will they grant me the UK tourist visa?

April 2, 2021 at 6:05 am

Hi Olaitan! Having all documents does not necessarily mean your visa will be approved. Those documents must demonstrate that you have strong ties with your country. A few examples below.

– You have an employment letter but you lack continuous full-time employment for over 2 years – You have decent travel history but you also have previous visa refusals or bans – You have enough income and savings, but you also have large random cash deposits in your account

You get the point. So make sure your documents demonstrate the right things necessary to prove that you have strong ties with your country.

April 2, 2021 at 8:52 pm

Yes, I have strong ties, like I have my bank account statement and land and my job too is very important to me.

April 2, 2021 at 9:12 pm

And I want to ask that I’m working in a company and am earning ₦250,000 monthly and I’m spending more ₦90,000 per month does it going to affect my refusal for the UK tourist visa?

April 5, 2021 at 3:45 am

If you are spending more than your income, you are basically using up your savings. This is not a good thing for your UK visa. ECOs would like to see that you live within your means and your savings are constantly growing.

April 5, 2021 at 7:06 am

My income is 250000 and I’m not spending more than my income. If may ask what you are trying to say is I should not spend more than my salary if that’s what you mean I’m not spending more than it and each month my savings is constantly growing.

April 5, 2021 at 7:23 am

I’m sorry, Olaitan! When you said “spending more ₦90,000 per month”, I miss understood as spending ₦90,000 more than your actual salary. Sorry about that!

You are fine then. You are living within your means and your savings are also growing. Employment and financial wise, you are doing well.

April 11, 2021 at 10:08 am

Hello thirumal, after I applied and upload it online, the 15 working days to collect my international passport have been completed. I got a mail that I should resubmit but I don’t understand why they said I should do that. Can you please help me with that?

April 13, 2021 at 4:35 am

Hi Olaitan! I believe we already discussed this on chat. Hope I was able to clarify your questions. Let me know if you need anything from me.

Jewel Khan says

April 10, 2021 at 6:09 pm

I have a question if you can answer it help me a lot. For my wife and my son, refused UK visa march 2019, I am sending here refused letter Thanks in advance.

Refused reason; March 2019 1. You state the date you wish to visit the UK for 6 days as a tourist

2. You state that you are unemployed. You have stated that you are traveling with your spouse and that he is funding your visit, you have not stated how you are supported. you have provided property documents with your application but these documents do not demonstrate that you drive an income from them. I also note that when your spouse received his visa last October he stated that he had an online business. The documents you have provided do not demonstrate this business or that you or your spouse received an income from such a business. The documents you provided do not demonstrate how you support yourself in Bangladesh and such I am not satisfied that they are an accurate reflection of your financial circumstances in Bangladesh

I am an Italian permanent unlimited resident holder and demanded Italian citizenship 11-2020, I have already traveled to the UK 2 times, My wife was living with me in Italy last 5 years from 2012 to 2017, my son born in Italy in 2015. And my son has unlimited residential permits in Italy as me. But my wife was 2 years resident permit (every 2 years need to renew it).

My wife lived with me in Italy for 5 years from 2012-2017. After constructing a 5-storied building in our hometown, my wife & my son came back to Bangladesh permanently. After that, we visited foreign countries once or twice a year. At last, we visited Thailand on 10/12/2019. Because she stays now in Bangladesh in our won house.

*I have a visit, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand 2 times, UAE, UK 2 times, Spain, Scotland, Saudia Arabia and Italian permanent resident from 2007 until now, I have own business in Italy and Bangladesh also. I have my own house and land and shop and I get handsome amount monthly rent from my house and shop

*My wife has – Italian family visa and was an Italian permanent card, Indian visa, Singapore visa, Malaysia visa. Thailand and the United Arab emirates we travel also Spain in 2014

*My son was born in Italy (a permanent resident card holder), he has an Indian visa, Singapore visa, Malaysia visa. Thailand and the united Arab emirates also

*I have a UK visa I traveled already 2 times in 2018 and 2019 and this time I want to visit with my family. In my wife and son’s refusal letter, the documents and evidence mentioned are a mistake. I will add everything this time. Next month I want to apply again for their visas.

Sir can you explains to me, properly which documents need, as they said in refusal latter. Thank you, sir, sorry for disturbing you.

April 13, 2021 at 4:54 am

Hi Jewel Khan! What I understand from their refusal letter is that there was a discrepancy in the documents that you submitted for your own UK visa and your documents they submitted for their UK visa. Since you are the sponsor and you already hold a UK visa, your sponsor documents must be the same. Whichever documents you have submitted to prove your income for your own visa, you must provide the same documents for your wife and son’s visa as well.

Property documents and travel history can work as strong ties with Bangladesh but they will NOT work as proof of income. Proof of income must be from your side – your business documents and your bank statements from Italy and Bangladesh.

Documents for your wife’s application – Property ownership documents – Relationship documents to prove that you are her husband – Your son’s school fee receipts – Detailed cover letter

Documents for your son’s application – Property ownership documents – Relationship documents to prove that you are his father – His school fee receipts – Detailed cover letter

Documents needed from you for both of their applications – Your business registration documents in Italy and Bangladesh – Your business bank statements from Italy and Bangladesh – Your tax return documents from Italy and Bangladesh – Your Italian residence permit – Your passport copy – Sponsor letter

If you still have more questions, email me or use the contact form .

March 31, 2021 at 1:32 pm

Hi! Thanks for this article. I have three questions:

1. Under income and expenditure, “How much money are you personally planning to spend on your visit to the UK?” I want to ask that does this money includes the cost of airfare, hotel, etc. I saw under the application where they wrote this include the cost of airfare and the rest which negate this article that airfare is excluded.

2. “What is the total amount of money you spend each month”. How do we arrive at a figure for this value because the total amount of money spent each month cannot be the same and equal? What’s is the likely amount of money that is realistic to be spent every month from the salary. Assuming you earn $1,000 monthly. What percentage of this is realistic.

3. If you are applying for a family, how do you pay the fee, will they be grouped in the same application as one, or you apply individually

April 2, 2021 at 5:51 am

Hi Fayo! 1. Previously, there used to be separate questions for each – trip, airfare, accommodation, living, etc. But if there is only one question in your application, enter by adding everything up including airfare, hotel, accommodation, transportation, food, etc.

NOTE: Do not confuse this amount with the calculations I mentioned in this article. These calculations I mentioned in the article are approximate money you must be earning or saved in your bank account for the higher success of approval.

2. You can enter an average or approximate amount that you think you spend everything month on living expenses. Make sure this amount is less than your salary.

Technically, one must be aware of how much they earn and spend every month. It’s a good idea to use an app or spreadsheet to track and calculate these. According to the 50/30/20 rule (taken from financial advice books) – – 50% of your salary should be spent on necessities such as rent, groceries, transportation, etc. – 30% of your salary should be spent on lifestyle such as entertainment, dining out, etc. – 20% of your salary should be saved every month Also, Your rent should never be more than 30% of your salary.

For example, if you earn 1,000 after taxes, at least 200 must go into your savings and you must not spend more than 300 on rent. Rest is for general living expenses and lifestyle.

3. You must pay the fee and apply individually. Each application is reviewed on its own merit. The only way to tie all of them together is by mentioning the passport numbers for spouse/dependents in the application, the GWF number in the additional/extra information section and in your cover letter.

April 9, 2021 at 6:28 pm

Thanks for the previous answer. My questions are; my salary is low, but I have other means of income, my husband does pay me upkeep every month and my business does fetch me profit every month. 1. Can I deposit other incomes to the account where my salary is been paid to? 2. Can the ECOs see this profit, as my monthly income? 3. Can these 2 other sources of income give me more opportunity for my visa approval?

April 13, 2021 at 4:30 am

If your salary is not enough or does not meet the minimum requirements, then you can show the other sources of income. If you do show these incomes, you will have to provide documentation to prove how and why you receive these incomes. 1. I suggest separating these accounts. If you have too many transactions, it can confuse and frustrate the ECO. It can lead to ECO overlooking transactions and documents. 2. The ECO will consider this as your income as well. But it needs to be presented in a clean way for the ECO to understand. Separating the accounts and mentioning them in your cover letter will help. 3. It depends if your salary is enough or meets the requirements. If it does, no need to show the other two sources of income. It will not improve your chances. But if your salary is not enough, you can show the other two to improve your chances.

The goal here is to keep it as simple as possible for the ECO to understand and assess your application. The more you complicate, the more chances of refusal.

Mohammad says

March 24, 2021 at 9:23 pm

How much total expense in pounds for 6 months, 3 months and 2 months?

March 25, 2021 at 3:57 am

Hi Mohammad! Even though the UK visitor visa is valid for 6 months, asking for a 6-month, 3-month or even 2-month continuous stay in your visa application will not convince the ECO. If you really have a purpose that requires you to stay that long, then you must provide all relevant proofs to convince the ECO. The amounts can be lower if you have a sponsor. Only sponsorships from immediate relatives work.

Below are the calculations.

6 months stay: 6 * 30 * £150 = £27,000 3 months stay: 3 * 30 * £150 = £13,500 2 months stay: 2 * 30 * £150 = £9,000

Frank mensah says

March 24, 2021 at 7:00 am

Please am a Ghanian but I leave and work in Saudi Arabia. I receive my salary in Saudi bank but I do all my savings in Ghana bank. Can I use Ghana bank and Saudi bank statements to apply for the UK visa?

March 25, 2021 at 3:47 am

Hi Frank! Yes, you will have to provide both statements in that case. Your Saudi statement will show your income whereas your Ghana statement will show your savings. Since you will be providing too many statements, make sure to mention this clearly in your cover letter, so the ECO will not overlook it.

March 20, 2021 at 2:32 pm

Hello, thank you for the explanation. Why did you remove the airline fee from your calculation? Also, do we have to include the COVID tests as part of our expenses?

March 23, 2021 at 5:12 am

Hi Emmanuel! There are no proper guidelines from UKVI on the daily budget. The £150 daily budget and not more than half of your savings is my understanding from analyzing the documents on the UKVI website and going through hundreds of refusal letters. The airfare is not included because the other half of your savings is for expenses such as flights, airport taxis, medical emergencies, recurring expenses back home, family maintenance, etc.

Yes, in these times, you must also account for COVID tests and quarantine in your expenses.

Pranay says

March 13, 2021 at 5:50 pm

I would like to travel to the UK in the month of May. If citizens of the UK who are my friends sponsor my trip, what documents do I need to submit at the visa office?

March 15, 2021 at 9:21 am

Hi Pranay! Below are some of the documents I can think of. But you must keep the following in mind while using sponsorship.

(1) Sponsorship from immediate relatives (parents, children, spouse, etc.) works well. Sponsorships from friends don’t work and usually lead to visa refusal. (2) Even though your sponsor will support your trip financially, you would still need to prove that you have enough funds to manage the trip on your own, in case if your sponsor decides not to support you after the visa approval. (3) UKVI may run a background check on your sponsor. Any remarks in your sponsor’s profile will lead to your visa refusal. Select your sponsor carefully.

The following are the documents you would need from your sponsor.

– A letter from your sponsor undertaking that he/she would arrange your accommodation, transportation and other expenses while you are in the UK – Your sponsor’s bank statements for the last 3 months (must indicate employer pay deposits and should not have any large undocumented deposits) – Your sponsor’s British passport’s main page – Your sponsor’s British postal poll card (optional) – Your sponsor’s utility bill (optional)

March 18, 2021 at 9:15 am

Thank you Thirumal sir for your reply!

March 22, 2021 at 11:15 am

I have been refused twice, the last refusal was early this month. I want to try my luck again, pls when can I reapply again? I’m using two bank account, salary and business account. How can I combine the two together? Thanks!

March 23, 2021 at 4:44 am

Hi Debby! If your salary is at least half of your total estimated UK trip expenses, you don’t need to show your business account at all. You don’t have to mention your business either and it will help keep your application simple and less complex.

If your salary is low, then you will have to show your business statements as well. In your cover letter, mention that you have 2 sources of income and the statements are attached.

Vinay Kumar says

March 7, 2021 at 1:26 pm

Hello sir, I want to travel to the UK for sports purposes. If I get an offer letter from the club, then how much bank balance should I show. Please I want to know as accommodation and food are provided by the club itself, do all I need to apply is my flight ticket and visa, or more.

March 8, 2021 at 4:42 am

Hi Vinay! Even if you have sponsorship from the club, you would still need to prove that you have a source of income and enough savings for your trip. ECOs have to make sure that the applicant can support the trip in case the sponsor decides not to support after the visa approval.

Che Noel Fuh says

March 5, 2021 at 6:48 am

Hello sir, I am called Noel and I am looking forward to joining the British army but I need a visit visa so as to be able to travel to the UK and attend my assessment for the army. The army usually sends a letter of invitation but I will like to know how I can get my bank statements correctly. I am a student but I do some online investments in cryptocurrency so how can I get these funds registered in my bank account as a salary and do they consider crypto investment as part of a Bank statement? Thanks sir!

March 8, 2021 at 4:34 am

Hi Noel! Unfortunately, crypto investments are not accepted as “investments” due to high volatility, government regulations, etc. You will have to prove a source of income and savings for your visa. If you can’t, you can use a family member as your sponsor.

March 30, 2021 at 11:21 am

Thanks sir but how about being sponsored by a friend in the UK who is not a British citizen, is it possible? An also what documents does my sponsor(my friend) have to send to me to apply for a visit visa because I am coming for an assessment to join the British army?

April 2, 2021 at 5:15 am

Hi Noel! The documentation is not much different for a citizen or non-citizen. If your sponsor is not a UK national, they must provide their passport, UK visa/residence permit, house lease, employment and financial proofs.

Mustansir says

March 4, 2021 at 6:10 am

Please advise, in my 6-month bank statement I have received 2 remittances from my in-laws in the UK, they have given me the amount as a gift, which I have allocated/expended into different capital expenditures and personal uses which is reflected in my bank statement.

Please note: That I already have a regular Job and income – the remittance was a gift. Will this affect my visit visa application – please guide me the way forward.

March 8, 2021 at 4:31 am

Hi Mustansir! If those remittances are large enough, then yes, it can affect your visa application. If those remittances are large enough, you must provide documentary evidence that those are a gift from your in-laws. This requires a letter from your in-laws with the reason for the gift and their bank statement for that particular month showing the debit transaction.

Idera Wunmy says

March 2, 2021 at 10:18 pm

I loan a friend from a separate account and he paid back into the account I’m presenting for the UK VISA application. Can I attach a transaction receipt from the other bank as evidence?

March 3, 2021 at 9:22 am

Hi Idera! Yes, you can. Highlight those two transactions in your bank statements. And, mention this in your cover letter with transaction dates, amounts and screenshots if needed.

Ujjwal says

March 3, 2021 at 8:45 pm

Hello sir, I’m trying to fly to the UK. But I’m confused about the bank statement. Because I opened the account last 4 months. Now I’m in Dubai, it’s a golden opportunity in my life. What can I do? I’m totally confused. Can u guide me sir?

March 8, 2021 at 4:25 am

Hi Ujjwal! The 6 months of bank statements are necessary but not mandatory. If you can prove that you have continuous income, consistently growing savings and no undocumented large deposits, you will be fine.

December 6, 2020 at 11:29 am

I have 8 months tier 2 ICT UK VISA and I want to invite my wife and 1 child on a Visiting Visa for max of 2 months. What documents that I need to submit with both applications and how much fund that I need to show in the bank balance. Do I need to submit any sponsor letter with salary/ and fund details? Please guide me. Thanks in advance for your support.

December 8, 2020 at 5:17 am

Hi Panna! If you are working in the UK, you can look into “dependent” visas for your wife and child. The procedure for dependent visas should be somewhat easier in your situation than a visiting visa. I don’t know much about dependent visas since my experience and knowledge are only in tourist visas. You will have to talk to someone else about that.

If you still prefer to apply for visitor visas, I suggest the following

– 2 months is too long. You will have to reduce their itinerary to 15 days. This is just for the visa. When they actually travel to the UK, they can stay up to a month max. Staying for 2 months can lead to serious problems the next time they apply for a UK visa. – Even though you will take care of their expenses in the UK, your wife must show that she has some kind of income and savings from her side as well.

Your wife needs to provide the following documents for herself and child – Her employment proofs – Her financial proofs – Documents showing the relationships (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc) – Cover letter with detailed purpose, itinerary, etc.

You would need to provide the following documents – Your employment proofs – Your financial proofs – Your passport copy – Your tier 2 visa copy – Your rental agreement of the flat/building where your wife/child will stay – Sponsor letter

Ruchit says

October 8, 2021 at 8:49 am

Hello! Thanks for creating a wonderful resource to understand visa documents which would have been very confusing otherwise. I have few questions regarding my case.

I got refused on March 5 for a tourist visa for the UK, reasons being 1) As I was unemployed back then, no personal ties, 2) Relation with my UK sponsor who was my GF back then, not proved as we had just talked online.

Now circumstances have changed, I have been working since 1 April. I am a doctor in a private hospital. Salary of 47,000 rupees per month. My parents gifted me 5 Lakh rupees in April. And 5 Lakh rupees before I applied for the first time in January, but now it’s beyond 6 month period, do I still have to explain that amount?

My current savings are approx 9 lakh. And I plan to go for 2 weeks to the UK to spend 2 Lakhs. This time I am going to give proper evidence of my relationship with my fiance (who was my GF last time) who is a UK citizen. Any other instructions?

October 11, 2021 at 11:57 am

Hi Ruchit! You don’t need to explain the 5 lakh gift from your parents since it’s beyond the 6 month period and the deposit will not show up in your 6-month bank statements. Considering your current salary, a 2-week itinerary would be too long. For two weeks, your expenditure would 14*£150=£2,100, approx 2 lakhs, which is 4 times your salary. This could alone be a reason for the ECO to refuse your visa. I suggest using a 7-day itinerary, that would be twice your salary which is acceptable. Once you receive your visa and when you actually travel, you can stay 2 weeks without any issues.

November 23, 2020 at 10:58 pm

Hi, I would like to bring my parents for my delivery here (Due in Feb 2021). My work visa is valid until 1st March and is due for extension in Jan 2021. Given the limited validity of my work visa, can I sponsor a visitor visa for my parents? There’s no documents/proof to show that my work visa will get extended as it’s a purely verbal agreement between my employer and me.

Please help. I’m planning to mention the visa start date as 1st Feb 2021.

November 26, 2020 at 5:35 am

Hi Navya! Your work visa validity can pose a problem. You must provide some kind of documentary proof that your employer will extend your visa.

You have to provide your employment and financial documentation for sponsorship. Apart from your work visa, you must show that you have ongoing employment in the UK and you are capable to sponsor your parents. You have to provide a letter from your employer stating that you are employed by them and will continue in the job for a certain period of time. You can have your employer mention your visa extension in the employment letter.

If you apply without your employment letter, UKVI may run a background check on you and contact your employer. This is good because your employer will tell UKVI that they intend to extend your visa. But if UKVI makes a decision without contacting your employer, you may not be able to bring your parents to the UK in time for your delivery. So, I suggest convincing your employer to provide a letter for your parents’ visas. Otherwise, you are taking chances.

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How to apply for Greece tourist visa: A step-by-step guide

Times of India TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Created : Aug 14, 2024, 15:39 IST

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Travelers planning to visit Greece need a Schengen visa. The process includes scheduling an appointment, filling out an application form, submitting required documents, attending an interview, and waiting for processing. Types of … Read more

Travelers planning to visit Greece need a Schengen visa. The process includes scheduling an appointment, filling out an application form, submitting required documents, attending an interview, and waiting for processing. Types of visas available are tourist, business, study, and transit, each with specific documentation and requirements. Read less

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