Inviting family and friends to visit you

If you would like to invite a relative or friend to come and visit you in the UK they may require immigration permission to enter the UK as a visitor. To find out if Entry Clearance is required and how to obtain it please visit the UK Border Agency website.

To find out more about making an Entry Clearance application to come to the UK to visit friends or family please see the UKBA website.

When making their application your visitor will need to supply certain original documents and should check exactly what is required by reading the application form and guidance notes. Along with other specified documents your visitor will usually have to provide:

• at least 3 months’ bank statements, payslips, or some other evidence to show that they can pay for the trip and that they have enough money to support themselves without working or getting any help from public funds
• evidence that they intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit (for example, a letter from their employer)
• recent proof of your registration at the University of Essex, this can be obtained from the Registry and is called a Certificate of Registration
• A copy of the photograph page in your passport and a copy of your UK visa or Identity Card if you have one
• a letter of invitation from you, see the guidance below

Your letter of invitation

Write a letter, addressed to the Entry Clearance Officer at the Embassy where your visitor is applying for their visa. Include in your letter:

• the full name and date of birth of the proposed visitor(s) and their relationship to you (parent, friend, etc)
• why they want to come and visit you (for a holiday, to attend your graduation, etc.)
• how long they want to stay in the UK and, if possible, their proposed arrival and departure dates
• where they intend to stay; if they plan to stay with you, give your full address (if you would like your visitor to stay with you in University accommodation you will need permission from your local Accommodation Office, please note this is usually only possible for a maximum of 3 days and may not be possible at all at certain times of the year)
• your own immigration status in the UK (for example, student until 2009)

What to do next

Send your original invitation letter, copies of your passport page and UK visa or identity card (if you have one) and original Certificate of Registration to your friend or relative so they can include them with their visa application. Do not send it direct to the Embassy.

You do not normally need any additional letter from the University of Essex. However, if your visitor is asked for additional evidence please contact Student Support by emailing sso (non-Essex users should add @essex.ac.uk)

More information

Information and guidance on travelling to the UK as a visitor, and the requirements of the Immigration Rules, are available to read on the UK Border Agency website.