Letter of Invitation Documents

A Letter of Invitation, also known as a sponsorship letter, is often a requirement for application for a UK or Schengen Visa.

Letter of Invitation to live in the UK

The letter must:

• be written by a citizen or legal resident of the UK who is a friend or family member of the applicant
• expressly invite the applicant to stay at the host’s residence in the UK
• be addressed to the either the applicant directly or to the UK Consular Office
• confirm that the host’s residence has enough room to accommodate the visitor for the entire duration of their stay in the UK.

The letter will include the following details:

• Host’s full name
• Host’s date of birth
• Host’s full address and telephone number in the United Kingdom
• Host’s occupation
• Host’s status in the United Kingdom
• Visitor’s full name
• Visitor’s date of birth
• Visitor’s address and telephone number
• Visitor’s relationship to the host
• Visitor’s purpose of the trip
• How long the guest intends to stay in the UK (specific dates)
• Details on accommodation and living expenses
• Host’s signature

Business invitation letter for Schengen Visa

If you are required to travel to a Schengen country for business purposes, you may require a Business Invitation Letter.  This letter must specify the relationship you have with the person you are visiting along with the purpose of your visit and the duration of your stay in the country.  It is prudent to attach a plan or itinerary of your business activities to the letter. Along with this letter, you should also attach a letter from your employer confirming that you are an employee of the company, along with details of your job title, dates of employment, salary and purpose for visit.

University or College Invitation Letter

If you are going to a Schengen country to study at university or college level, you may require a letter of invitation from the university or college.  The institution where you will be studying must send you an acceptance letter, showing a clear invitation for you to join them.  The letter should include all details of where you will stay, your programme of study, the duration of study, and how your studies will be financed. 

Most educational institutions are able to create personalised letters upon request that will cater for your needs.

Hospital Invitation Letter

If you are seeking treatment in a foreign country, you may need an invitation letter from the place where you will receive the medical treatment.  This letter must be from a doctor and must state your medical condition along with the reason why you need to go to that specific medical institution, and the dates of treatment.  The letter should not state that the treatment will be for an indefinite period of time as it is likely to be rejected by the Embassy.  It is prudent for the letter to also state any costs associated with the treatment along with who will be responsible for covering these costs.  Relevant medical details and certificates should also be attached in support of the letter.    

Notarisation

Some Embassy’s may require the letter of invitation to be officially verified.  A Notary can authenticate the document by checking details with the institution or individual who has written it, as well as witnessing or confirming signatures on the letter, and verifying that the document, signatures and details contained within the document are true and accurate.