Visa Global
Preparing your next step...
Preparing your next step...
Planning to bring your parents, family members or friends to the UK? Get clear guidance on the Standard Visitor Visa process, supporting documents and the information your visitor may need for their application.
If you live in the UK and want to invite someone from overseas to visit you, the visitor will generally need to apply for the appropriate UK visa or travel permission before travelling.
The application needs to explain the purpose of the visit, the visitor's circumstances and how the trip will be funded. Where appropriate, information about the UK-based host can also help provide context.
Discuss your visitor's applicationFAMILY & FRIENDS
Parents
Mother, father or both parents
Other relatives
Family members visiting the UK
Friends
Friends travelling for a visit
Family visits
Short stays with relatives in the UK
A strong application should present a clear and consistent picture of why the visitor wants to come to the UK, what they intend to do during their stay and why they will return to their home country.
Explain clearly why your parent, relative or friend wants to visit the UK and what they plan to do during their stay.
If the visitor will stay with you, information about their proposed accommodation and the UK-based host can provide useful context.
The application should clearly explain how the visit will be funded and who will pay for relevant expenses.
Employment, family, financial and other circumstances can help explain the visitor's connection to their home country.
The documents and supporting information needed can depend on the visitor's circumstances and the reason for their trip.
If your mother or father wants to visit you in the UK, the application should clearly explain the family relationship, purpose of the visit and their circumstances.
A brother, sister, aunt, uncle or other relative may have different circumstances that need to be clearly presented in their application.
If a friend wants to visit you in the UK, the application should explain the genuine purpose of the visit and the visitor's own circumstances.
If you are inviting someone to visit you, your own information may form part of the supporting picture. However, the visitor still needs to demonstrate that their application meets the relevant requirements.
Get guidance for your visitorHOST INFORMATION MAY INCLUDE
Where your visitor intends to stay during their time in the UK.
Whether you will contribute towards any costs associated with their visit.
Information explaining your relationship with the visitor where relevant.
Relevant documents that help explain the arrangements for the visit.
There is no single checklist that applies identically to every visitor. The relevant information depends on their circumstances, purpose of travel and financial arrangements.
We can help you understand which areas of documentation need attention before your visitor submits their application.
Current passport and relevant personal information.
Clear explanation of why the visitor wants to come to the UK.
Evidence relevant to how the proposed visit will be funded.
Information that explains the visitor's situation in their home country.
Details of where the visitor intends to stay during their trip.
Relevant information from the person they intend to visit in the UK.
A clear process helps you and your visitor understand what needs to be prepared before the application is submitted.
Clarify who is travelling, why they want to visit and how long they intend to stay.
Look at the visitor's personal, financial and family circumstances.
Organise the visitor's documents and relevant information from the UK host.
Review the application for consistency and completeness before submission.
We can help you understand the visitor visa process and identify the areas that need attention before your family member or friend applies.
Talk to Visa GlobalUnderstand the visitor route that may apply to your family's circumstances.
Identify gaps, inconsistencies and areas that may need further supporting information.
Approach the application with a clearer understanding of the information required.
Practical assistance designed around people in the UK supporting overseas visitors.
Some of the questions we commonly hear from people in the UK who want a family member or friend to visit.
Get practical guidance on the UK visitor visa process, supporting documents and the information your family member or friend may need to prepare for their application.