Inviting family members
Please note that UKBA will be abolished and will become 2 separate departments within the 'Home Office'. International Student Support will update information and weblinks here as soon as possible, but this will take time while we familiarise ourselves with the new regulations.
If you are expecting a visit from a member of your family or friend, you can send them some documents to support their visa application.
Please note that family or friends who are visiting you must apply on the VAF1A application form. There is also a UKBA Guide to Supporting Documents which your visitor may find helpful in preparing their application.
Please see the information below for more details.
If you are expecting a visit from a member of your family, you can request a letter from the International Student Support team which your relative can include with their Visitor visa application in their own country.
Please note:
• we can only provide these letters for close family members (we cannot provide letters for fiance(e)s, boyfriends, girlfriends, friends)
• these letters are only to be used in Visitor visa applications (they are not suitable for family members applying under the 'Dependant' visa category)
• if you make a mistake in the information on the form, you will be required to submit a new request online
The information you provide will be used to produce the final letter, therefore please make sure you complete the form accurately and provide all the details. Letters will be ready for collection from the Student Services Enquiry desk in the Fraser Building after 3 working days.
As well as the original invitation letter, you are also advised to send your visitor:
- a copy of your passport ID details page
- a copy of your visa (or Biometric Residence Permit)
- an original Confirmation of Student Status letter
If you are expecting a visit from a friend (or fiance(e), boyfriend or girlfriend), you can prepare your own invitation letter which they can include with their Visitor visa application in their own country.
You may find this Visitor example letter useful in preparing your invitation letter.
You will need to send the original letter (not a photocopy or scanned copy) to your visitor. As well as the original invitation letter, you are also advised to send your visitor:
- a copy of your passport ID details page
- a copy of your visa (or Biometric Residence Permit)
- an original Confirmation of Student Status letter