UK visa application is the most strict and highly scrutinized visa process. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) receives thousands of visa applications every year that do not meet visa requirements.
Once you have a UK visa refusal, it remains permanently in the records of the UK Home Office. Each time you reapply, your previous UK visa refusal comes up. It becomes an unavoidable hindrance to all of your future UK visa applications. Therefore, you must get approval on the first attempt at all costs.
According to national statistics published by the Home Office, the UK visitor visa refusal rate for 2024 was 20%. The countries with the highest refusal rates were Senegal, Bangladesh and Benin with refusal rates over 55%.
This article walks you through the top UK visa refusal reasons. This list should also help if you are reapplying after your UK visa refusal.
Table of Contents
***
Top reasons for UK visa refusal
The top reasons for UK visa rejection are as below –
- Long itinerary
- Unclear itinerary
- Lack of leave approval letter
- Lack of salary deposits in your bank account
- Large undocumented deposits in your bank account
- Exhausting all your savings or spending several times your monthly income
- Lack of travel history
- Lack of a detailed cover letter
- Lack of proper documentation from the sponsor
- Not disclosing any previous visa refusals
- No change in circumstances since your previous visa refusal
Now, let’s take a deep look into each of these reasons and understand how to overcome them in your own UK visa application.
Go through and understand each of these reasons. Analyze your own visa application to figure out what’s lacking and what needs to be done. It should help you build a strong case and get approval on your first attempt.
So, without further delay, let’s get started.
NOTE
The visa refusal reasons in this article are actual reasons given by the UK visa officers in the visa refusal letters. After going through several visa refusal letters from my readers, I put this article together to help you all analyze your own applications and avoid future rejections.
***
01. Long itinerary
REASON
“You have stated that you wish to visit the UK for 1 month”
Be realistic. The UK is small, and you only need a few days to explore. A long itinerary looks suspicious. It looks as if you will be living or working in the UK rather than sightseeing.
The UK is also expensive. You must have enough funds to justify your itinerary.
A 7-10 day itinerary works the best for the UK visitor visa. If you are only visiting London, probably less than 7 days is better.
***
02. Unclear itinerary
REASON
“You did not indicate what you intend to do or where you intend to stay. The plans for this trip are unclear and lacking in detail.”
Specify a detailed itinerary in your cover letter. The itinerary should include the dates, cities and your day-to-day activities in each city.
If your itinerary is too long, attach an additional page to your cover letter.
***
03. Lack of leave approval letter
REASON
“It is unclear if your employer has agreed for you to be away from work for the period of this trip, and therefore that you will return to this employment following this trip.”
Include a leave approval letter from your employer. A leave approval letter is the single most important document that can strengthen your case. It indicates two things –
- You have strong ties with your country
- You have the obligation to return to your country after your UK trip
Your leave approval letter should clearly mention that you have been granted leave to travel to the UK and that you will return to your current job after your vacation.
This letter must be on the company letterhead with the original HR or manager’s signature. You must have your HR or manager write this letter specifically for your UK travel.
If you cannot obtain a leave approval letter, have your employer at least mention your leave details in the employment letter.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I had my employer include my leave approval details in the employment letter for my UK visa. I haven’t seen a single UK visitor visa refusal from those who submitted a leave/vacation approval letter. In my opinion, it really is a strong document.
***
04. Lack of salary deposits in your bank account
REASON
“Your stated monthly income is not reflected in the history of the account”
It is not uncommon to have a UK visa rejected due to bank statements. Apart from your employment documentation, you must be able to show your monthly salary in your bank statements for UK visa.
Make sure your employer deposits your salary directly into your bank account. Your regular salary deposits indicate two things –
- You are genuinely employed and have a steady source of income
- You have genuinely saved up to travel to the UK and not borrowed money from someone
Have your employer deposit your salary directly into your bank account. It’s fine if you have to withdraw cash for expenses, family, etc. But it is important to have your salary deposited directly into your bank account.
If you receive a physical paycheck, deposit the check yourself in the bank regularly every month.
***
05. Large undocumented deposits in your bank account
REASON
“Large credits have been made which are in excess of your stated monthly income”
REASON
“I am not satisfied with the origin of these funds or that they are genuinely available to you”
REASON
“The sources of these deposits are not demonstrated by the documents provided”
As I mentioned in the above reason, it’s not uncommon to have UK visa rejected due to bank statements.
Large deposits in your bank account indicate that you have borrowed money to inflate the numbers in your bank account. Visa officers will not be convinced that the funds in your account are your own and are available for you to use.
Make sure there are no large deposits in your bank account. If you already have large deposits in your account, provide proof of the source of those deposits. Example –
- If you have received money from selling a property, attach the sales deed to the bank statement
- If you have received money from rents, attach the rental agreements from your tenants
***
06. Exhausting all your savings or spending several times your monthly income
REASON
“I don’t find it credible that you would exhaust nearly all the funds available to you”
REASON
“This amount represents over half your declared savings or over x months of your monthly expenditure”
If the total expenditure of your UK trip is more than half of your savings or several times your monthly salary, your visa will be refused. It’s not realistic to exhaust all your savings on one trip to the UK. You would need to preserve at least half of your savings for emergencies.
If your savings are low, your UK visa may be rejected due to insufficient funds. Taking chances and applying for your UK visa will lead to refusal and also affect all your future visa results. So, take a few months to build your savings first.
It is not wise to spend more than 2 times your monthly income on your UK trip. If your monthly salary is low, wait until your monthly salary improves. Ask for a raise or take up a second job. But taking chances will only lead to refusal.
If you have received a gift or bonus from your employer or your sponsor is taking care of your expenses, you are still REQUIRED to show a saving that is more than twice your UK trip expenditure. This is to make sure you can support yourself during your trip in case your sponsor or employer decides not to support you.
***
07. Lack of travel history
REASON
“I am not satisfied that you are genuinely seeking entry as a visitor and that you intend to leave the UK at the end of your visit”
REASON
“I note that you have never traveled to the UK or anywhere else before”
Travel history indicates that you do not have an illegal immigration intent. If you were to stay illegally anywhere, you could have done so already in any of those countries you have been to so far.
Travel history for UK visa is very important. If you do not have travel history, build your travel history first.
Travel to some visa-required countries. The more countries you travel to, the better it is for your UK visa.
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE: I have traveled to over 30 countries so far. I have been to some countries multiple times. I have plenty of visas and stamps in my passport. My travel history helps with my visa approvals.
***
08. Lack of a detailed cover letter
REASON
“I am not satisfied that you have sufficient ties and would, in fact, leave the UK on completion of your proposed visit”
UK visa application forms may not ask for all the details that you want to convey. Therefore, a cover letter is a way for you to convey that additional information and convince the visa officer that you are genuinely seeking entry as a visitor.
Write a detailed cover letter for your UK visa mentioning your proposed itinerary, your financial situation, your travel history, your intention to return, etc.
Your cover letter should be one page or a maximum of two pages. Use bullets instead of paragraphs. The simpler, the cleaner the better.
Keep in mind that the UK visa officers may not be familiar with terminology from your country. Do not use words, designations, addresses, etc. that are not familiar to them.
Visa officers may have lots of work on their plates. So, your cover letter should convey what you want to convey clearly and quickly.
***
09. Lack of proper documentation from your sponsor
REASON
“I am not satisfied that your sponsor will be able to provide maintenance and accommodation during your sponsor trip”
If you are using a sponsor for your UK visa, you must have the following documentation from your sponsor. If you don’t have all of this documentation from your sponsor, you will be risking your visa.
- 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 have no large, undocumented deposits)
- Your sponsor’s British passport’s main page
- Your sponsor’s British postal poll card
- Your sponsor’s utility bill
Just having an invitation letter is not sufficient. An invitation letter is not legally enforceable and such letters will not help unless you provide additional documentation from your sponsor, such as the ones mentioned above.
***
10. Not disclosing any previous visa refusals
REASON
“I am aware that you have been refused a US visa and you do not declare this on your visa application form”
The UK Home Office may have information-sharing agreements with other countries. You must enter only true information and must disclose any previous visa refusals from any country, not just the UK.
Pretty much all the information you provide is verifiable these days. Therefore, not disclosing your previous visa rejections can lead to your UK tourist visa refusal.
***
11. No change in circumstances since your previous visa refusal
REASON
“I note that your were previously refused entry clearance”
REASON
“You are likely to be refused unless the circumstances of your application change”
If your circumstances haven’t changed since your previous UK visa refusal, your visa may be refused again. Multiple visa refusals can lead to blacklisting and a permanent ban. It’s wise not to apply at all rather than dealing with a visa refusal again.
Reapply for your UK visa only if there is a considerable change in your circumstances.
***
The UK visitor visa refusal rate is very high these days. The UK Home Office has been refusing visas more frequently than ever before.
It’s your responsibility to make sure that you are eligible and meet the visa requirements. A UK visa refusal can be an unavoidable hindrance down the line.
If you have been refused due to an error from the ECO or overlooking crucial documentation, you can challenge your UK visa refusal either by reapplication or by filing a PAP.
Have you ever had a UK visa refusal? If you did, what was the reason and how did you overcome it in your re-application?
IMPORTANT: This article is meant for UK visa applicants with “tourism” intent. My knowledge and experience are only in tourist visas. I will only respond to comments from those seeking advice on UK visas with “tourism” intent. I will not respond to comments from those seeking advice for purposes such as study, work, spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, immigration, etc. I don’t have expertise in those matters. You would need to seek advice from immigration lawyers.
38 VISA-FREE Countries for UK BRP/ILR (eVisa) Holders (2025)
Can a US Green Card Holder Travel to UK Without Visa?
How to write a cover letter for UK visa (format included)
Tolulope says
Hi, I’m from Nigeria. I applied for the UK visa in January and got a refusal because I address my sponsor as uncle in the form while my sponsor said he is my brother on the invitation letter. So I re-applied again in May, I didn’t get a response for more than a month, was worried so I sent an email to one of the UK email addresses and after a few hours, I got the refusal letter with no reason for denial. What could be the reason I will like to know the best time to re-apply?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Tolulope! The point of the refusal letter is to tell you the reason for the refusal. Are you certain that there was no reason mentioned at all in the refusal letter? Can you send me a copy?
ismail akinkunmi says
Hi, I need a clarification. I have applied for a UK visa before and I was given one. I traveled for a conference and I returned as indicated on my request. I later applied for a 2 years visa for another conference but, it was delayed. I got the visa after the conference. I was planning to make another visit to the UK to make use of the visa when the Covid was sent in and there was a traveling ban from Nigeria. When the ban was over, I was busy at work because some people have left my working place and I had to cover till there is a replacement. It was during that period that my visa got expired as well as my passport. I have renewed my passport now. To apply for a new visa, will they not refuse me based on the visa I did not use before it expired?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Ismail! It is not compulsory to use a visa. Travel plans change and some can’t use their visas. So you not been able to use your previous visa will not afffect your current visa.
MK says
Hi Thirumal, thanks for your blog post. Was definitely helpful. While I was traveling back from Mumbai to Washington DC a few years ago, the immigration officers told me I did not have a “bonafide” job with my first employer. I was working with a different company when this happened.
They asked me to apply to get my F-1 visa restamped from US Consulate, Mumbai. Which I did. While traveling again, they still asked me to prove that I hadn’t done anything wrong wrt my first employer. I couldn’t contact the guy who had started that company as his contact details were changed by then.
So they did nothing to this new visa but asked me to return from Abu Dhabi (US pre-clearance facility at Abu Dhabi). So I now have a canceled visa (my first F-1), a re-stamped F-1 which I have technically not used, and I’m not applying for a Visitors Visa to the UK for an 8-day trip where I wish to attend a concert and explore London.
What do I do in this case? Do I even apply? Will I even be considered for a UK visa ever? This issue happened in Dec 2019-Feb 2020 and I now work with a firm since March 2020 and have a steady and decent income. Please advise me.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi MK! You will have to explain what happened for questions on whether you have ever been refused entry or removed while entering the country. Answers to these questions sometimes play a significant role in visa applications. So it’s difficult to stay what would be the outcome if you were to apply for your UK visa.
Hassan Raza says
Dear Sir, I completed my master’s degree in the UK in 2012 (September) then I came back to Pakistan. My visa was still valid because it was expired in May 2013 but I came earlier. After 4 months I received email from university for my graduation ceremony. I applied for a visit visa and they refused due to my Bank statement. After that, I did not apply for a UK visa. Now 2022, my wife got admission to the UK for a master’s degree for September intake. I and my 3 kids will apply to the UK as dependants. Does this refusal affect my visa or not?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Hassan! Your visit visa refusal was almost ten years ago, so it should not affect your current visa. But make sure to mention your previous visa refusal honestly in your UK visa application.
Yuvraj says
Hi, my father applied for a visitor visa to the UK but was refused he couldn’t show funds and I only send him sponsorship but not my bank statements. My dad gets around 500,000 rupees per year pension from Govt and got approx 200,0000.00 Indian rupees in bank statement but officer calculated on only 249922.48 Indian rupees and told him not got sufficient money to spend but he missed one digit. Clearly, he got £20k in Indian rupees in his bank account. It’s an admin mistake. They say I got no right of appeal. Is there any way we can ask them to check it again cause it’s their mistake? Please advise.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Yuvraj! You might benefit from a Pre-action Protocol (PAP). Clearly, it’s the ECO’s mistake so your odds of overturning the decisions are very high if you file a PAP. PAP is a simple word document that you will fill out and email them. It’s free. I believe you can do it yourself, If you can’t I know someone who can help. Here is the link to PAP.
Felicia Siameh says
Good evening sir, please sir can I pass through Amsterdam to Heathrow with a Schengen visa of Germany or still have to get a transit visa? Thank you.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Felicia! Yes, you can use your Schengen visa to transit through Amsterdam or Heathrow Airports. Keep in mind, for Heathrow, it’s airside transit only. You cannot leave the airport.
Nupur Sachdeva says
Hi, I’m currently residing in the USA on an F-1 student visa since January 2020. I graduated in December and now I’m working full time. I’m planning to visit my friend in the UK in September and would be applying for a UK visa from America but I’m an Indian citizen. I’m not sure if my visa status would create a challenge for me to get my tourist visa or if I should provide any additional documents to get it approved. Also, how in advance should I apply for the visa to be able to travel in September second week. Thank you!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Nupur! If you leave the US to visit your friend in the UK, you won’t able to get back into the US on your F1 visa since you are not a student anymore. You must be holding an H1B visa in order to return. You can continue to stay in the United States on a status change, but to leave and come back, you must have the appropriate visa in your passport.
If UKVI notices that you do not have the correct US visa to return back to the US, they may assume that you intend to remain in the UK.
Nneka says
I traveled to Dubai in 2007. Now I want to apply for a UK tourist visa, is this enough travel history?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Nneka! Travel history to at least 5 countries will help. But if you are really good in other areas such as your employment, financials, economic and family ties, then you don’t need to worry much about travel history. Your lack of travel history is compensated by the other areas.
Leila says
Hello Thirumal, I’ve read most of the comments but I did not find the same as my situation. I am planning to visit the UK with an invitation letter from my friend/boyfriend. He was previously working in the same country where I am now.
It was stated in his invitation letter that he will support all my expenses (travel, food and accommodation and leisure of course). The issue is, since he is already retired and has no monthly income, he cannot provide below as mentioned in your listed requirements:
“Your bank statements for the last 3 months (should show your employer pay deposits and there shouldn’t be any large undocumented deposits)”
He has huge savings though which he saved from working abroad and he 2 owned houses where he lives and rented the other. Can he still provide his bank statement if it doesn’t generate monthly income anymore?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Leila! The majority of us are employed, so I wrote this article keeping us in mind. But, of course, there are some exceptions and edge cases. That being said, UKVI would consider someone as retired if they have reached the retirement age and not because they don’t have to work anymore. If your boyfriend is retired because he doesn’t have to work anymore, then he would need to prove that his savings and houses earn him a steady income to sustain his livelihood. If he is simply dipping into his savings, UKVI will not be convinced that he should support your trip.
Comfort says
I just wanted to send a message to thank you for this blog. I recently helped my friend/potential bf to apply for a visa to the UK from Nigeria. He has never left the country before but we decided to take the risk and apply anyway. The decision was delayed way over 3 weeks and even missed the potential travel dates (the 1-week red list entry was partially to blame). However, he has just received his 6-month visa. Hooray! the whole process of making sure everything was up to scratch was a little stressful but with the intent studying of your blog, we made it work. Thank you again!!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Comfort! I appreciate the kind words! Congratulations to your friend! I’m glad my blog was helpful. Safe travels to your friend and you both have a great time in the UK.
Adeniyi Olufemi biliamin says
Can a self-employed man use his company bank statements to apply or a personal account?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Adeniyi! If you have a personal account and you pay yourself a salary, that’s much better. If not, you can use your company bank statement but you must write a letter on the company letterhead saying that you have access to company funds for personal use including the UK trip.
Emmanuel says
Hi, I just applied for a UK tourist visa last night. During my application, I selected that I don’t have anywhere to stay though I wrote in the short notes that I will be staying with friends and hotel. I decided to check online to see if this can affect my application. Checking on this page, I also remembered that I did not include that I have been refused a visa to the Netherlands before.
When I made that application to the Netherlands, I was practicing as a dentist in my home country and I had to attend a conference. The reason given for my refusal was not proving enough funds and also not having strong ties in my country. Fast forward, I live in Canada now with my wife who is Canadian and I am also a permanent resident.
Will my past refusal and not stating where I will be staying during my 7 days tour affect my application? I meet all other requirements and I have proof of owning three houses in Canada. Is it a good idea to cancel the application and do everything all over again?
I am no longer practicing as a dentist in Canada and my previous application to the Netherlands stated that I am a dentist and attending an annual dentist conference. Will this affect anything if I do the application all over again and I try I include the refusal? Thank you for your time.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Emmanuel! In my opinion, the two issues you mentioned may not be an issue. Although it’s necessary to mention any previous visa refusals, the information you have provided in the application is enough to demonstrate that you have strong ties with Canada. You own properties there and you are a permanent resident. You haven’t mentioned but I assume you do well financially as well. So, no need to do another application.
Georgette says
Hello, first of all, I’d just like to mention that I do not know how to start my own separate comment so I am using the reply option.
I plan on completing my application this weekend and I hope you can answer some of my concerns.
I’ll start off with a bit of background. I am a full-time student, unemployed and I plan on visiting my English Boyfriend over (hopefully) Christmas and New Year’s. I am applying for a 6-month visa and all my costs are covered by him and his family.
1) Will the money I have in my account have a strong influence on my application even though everything in my trip will be sponsored?
2) Is a 2-month stay way too long? Would 1 or 1.5 months be okay instead?
3) We do not plan on doing many sightseeings or touring around the UK, our plan is just to spend as much time together, how can I write an itinerary or cover plan if my main purpose of the visit is to just spend quality time with him and his family even though if it’s just in their home?
Lastly, I would like to know if you are at all active on Instagram? I would like to contact you there if I have any other questions.
Thank you!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Georgette! 1. Since you have a sponsor, the money in your bank account does not matter that much. But it’s essential to show some money in your bank so that ECOs will be convinced that you can support yourself if your boyfriend decides not to support you once you land in the UK.
2. 2-month is definitely too long. Go for 1 month or less.
3. You can mention that in your cover letter. Not spending much time sightseeing is perfectly acceptable in situations like yours.
Yes. You can find my Instagram in the footer. Keep in mind that I don’t check my Instagram DMs that often. The quickest way to get my response is via email. My email is on my “About” page.
Farrukh says
Hello sir. I am a US Green Card holder with a Russian Passport. I have never been to any visa-required countries before. Overall my travel history is a little short. Do you know my chances of getting a UK visitor visa?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Farrukh, travel history helps but if you have strong ties with the US, you are fine. You hold a US green card, which means you will not jeopardize your path to US citizenship by overstaying in the UK. That’s a strong indicator of ties with the US. In my opinion, you have high chance of securing a UK visitor visa.
Ellen Rose Corpuz says
Hi. I applied UK visit visa and did my Biometric last 14th September 2021. I emailed UKVI and I was informed that they already made a decision with my application but the visa application center where I did the biometric did not contact me yet for the collection of my passport. But before this, I had my first refusal because my residence card is only 1 month valid before I applied. I wanted to know if the first refusal will affect my second application since I have been waiting for my passport for more than 15 working days now even do UKVI informed me that they made already a decision regarding my application.
Further, UKVI told me as well that they don’t know where is my passport now. To whom I should ask where is my passport now? Thank you.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Ellen! It takes a few days for UK embassy to send the passport back to the visa application center. They are also sent in batches, so it can take a few days. When your passport is back at the visa application center, they will notify you that you can pick up your passport. So give it a few more days before enquiring again. Each UK visa is assessed on its individual merit, so your first UK visa refusal will not affect your second visa result unless you made the same mistakes in your second application that you did in your first.
Kelvin says
Hi sir, my visitor UK visa expires in two months. Would I need again invitation letter and the supporting documents from my uncle as he did the first time? He only sent his bills and passport copy but I added my work contract, leave letter, payslips and bank statement. What documents do I need to renew my unexpired visa? Thanks!
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Kevin! Unfortunately, there is no renewal for UK visas. You will have to apply for a fresh visa. If you need to travel soon and your current visa expires by then, you can apply for a fresh visa now. If you plan to travel sometime in the future, apply 3 months before your trip.
You have to submit the same documents again, but your chances are higher this time since you had a UK visa and have a travel history to the UK. Good luck!
James Clark says
Hi, I am from the UK and I am sponsoring my friend in India to come over for Christmas.
1) I have more than enough money in my accounts here and am being paid a salary, so does it matter if my friend has enough money in his account?
2) I’ve put he’s coming to visit me and my family and I’ve put the length of his stay will be 2 weeks over Christmas. Is this ok or too long?
3) If he is self-employed and not employed will this significantly reduce his chances of getting a visa, as he won’t have a leave approval letter?
4) He is also coming to visit a friend in Slovakia and I have put her down as somebody that will be sponsoring our friend also. Should I keep this information or is it not necessary?
5) There is a question – Does anyone rely on you for financial support? What is best answer yes or no?
6) We applied for my friend to get an Australian visa and it was rejected because of lack of ties to his country. I didn’t put his parents information on the form as he lives in an ashram. We have this information for this application, but what do you recommend to do when it asks about refused visa applications.
7) Do you think it’s worth applying, what are his chances?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi James! 1. No. If you are sponsoring him financially, he doesn’t have to meet the salary and savings requirements.
2. Considering all other factors, I suggest keeping his trip to just 7-10 days for the visa. He can stay longer when he actually travels.
3. Yes. Employment is the strong tie one can have with his country. The chances are lower if he is self-employed and much lower if he is unemployed.
4. It’s not necessary. Moreover, mentioning a friend in Slovakia will complicate his case. It will add another set of documentation. If the ECO is impatient, they can simply ignore the documentation and refuse the visa for a silly reason.
5. This question is for your friend. If there aren’t any dependents financially relying on him, the answer would be “no”.
6. From all your questions, I’m noticing that he lacks ties with his country, which would be an issue for this UK visa too. Yes, you will have to mention his Australia visa refusal in his UK visa application.
7. It’s difficult to answer this question unless I know more about your friend. You can email me with more details about your friend, so I can assess his situation and give you a more accurate answer.
Clement says
Hello, I wish I had found your page sooner.
– I am a graduate student at a University in Rome, Italy
– I recently applied for a UK visa on the 9th of September, however, I might have made an error where I chose my expected travel date for 25th September.
– This means my visa is still being processed at the time of my expected travel date.
– The duration of my trip is 14 days, and I aim to visit my aunt.
– I have supplied all the information required, payslips of my aunt, utility bill, invitation letter and bank statement.
– I’ve supplied all documents regarding my status as a student, with letters from my program coordinator and thesis supervisor.
– I also supplied my bank statements, and other documents regarding my scholarship and accommodation.
– I would like to know if the irregular expected travel date can affect my chances of getting the visa.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Clement! No. Your expected travel date will not affect your visa result. If you qualify and meet all the visa requirements, you will receive your visa even if your intended travel dates have passed. From the information you’ve provided, I believe you have a higher chance of visa approval. Visa processing is taking longer these days due to COVID, but you will receive your result soon. UK visas are usually valid for 6 months so you can adjust your travel dates accordingly once you receive your visa.
Nuzeefa says
Hello Thirumal, I am planning to visit the UK with my sister as she is traveling with 2 children all under the age of 10 and one infant of 2 months old (all under dependent visa). The main reason for the visit is to assist with the travel and help her with the move to the UK I will get an invitation letter from my brother-in-law who is already in the UK on a skilled worker visa. For my proof of funds, my mother has given me INR 2 lakh for the trip. Will this be acceptable? Also, what are the chances of the visa getting rejected/accepted in such a scenario? Also, I have had a steady job for the past 5 years. Thank you.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Nuzeefa! Since you are being sponsored, your salary and savings don’t have to meet certain requirements. But any cash deposits that you cannot explain with documentary evidence will raise questions, eventually leading to refusal. I suggest not depositing the cash from your mother. You can keep it in cash form and use it for your travel if you like. But for the visa, that cash deposit will cause issues.
The main important thing is the ties with your country. You have a steady full-time job which itself is sufficient to prove that you have ties with your country. You haven’t mentioned your salary, but if the salary comes into your account regularly, that’s great too.
Along with the sponsorship documents from your brother-in-law, make sure to provide the following as well.
1. Employment letter
2. Leave approval letter
3. Bank statements
4. Cover letter
Kinza says
Hi, I want to visit the UK around December this year with my mother. I am married and my husband is studying in my home country, and I am working full-time since 2019. However, my monthly income is around PKR 50000 (250GBP), I also have a savings account that has almost 22,000 USD in it for the past 2-years. My husband is a foreigner but ever since we got married (October 2019) we have been living with my parents and my father finances us. My father is a government official and has almost 2-million pounds worth of assets, moreover, he will be financing our (myself and my mother’s) trip to the UK.
Furthermore, I have traveled to the UK in the past for education (2017-2019). My parents have also been to the UK in 2019 just to visit. While we visit the UK, my husband will be at my home continuing with his Masters. Other countries that I have traveled to include; Turkey, Dubai and Albania. What are the chances that I will get the visit visa for the UK?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Kinza! Your chances of visa approval are high. You and your mom have been to the UK before, which would work in your favor. You have considerable travel history as well. You are employed and your husband will remain in your home country during your trip, which again would work in favor as a strong tie with your country. Your salary is low, but your savings are good and your father will sponsor your trip, so I don’t see any issues financially as well.
Everything seems to be in your favor. Just make sure to simplify and organize everything so it would be easy for the ECO to assess your application. Good luck!
Ebenezer Ameyaw says
Hi Thirumal, I would like to invite my sister to visit me here in the UK. Having read all your recommendation posts, I would like to find out what are the key documents I should include in the application as the main sponsor.
My next question is that I invited my family friend to the UK 7 years ago and the person refused to return back to the country she came from. Will that affect my chance of applying the visa for my sister this time? Thank you.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Ebenezer! Below are the main documents you would need to provide as a sponsor.
-A sponsor letter indicating that you will arrange accommodation, transportation, boarding and other expenses for your sister while she is in the UK
-Your bank statements for the last 3-6 months (must indicate employer pay deposits and have no large undocumented deposits)
-Your British passport main page (or British Residence Permit)
-Your apartment ownership or lease contract (if providing accommodation for your sister)
-Your utility bill copy
Majority of the time, sponsored visa applications are declined due to issues from the sponsor and not from the applicant. If the person you have sponsored in the past has overstayed, it may affect the visas of anyone you will sponsor in the future. Since 7 years have passed, you should be fine. The only way to find that out is to apply for your sister and see how it goes.
Muhammad says
Hi, I cancelled a visit visa application due to an error I made on the form. The application was for my mother and the biometrics haven’t been done yet. After requesting cancellation and refund online it said I will get a decision within 28 days. Can I still re-apply with a fresh application before?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Muhammad! Since you haven’t given your biometrics and requested a refund, your application is canceled completely. You will need to start over again. You can ignore any of those emails from the canceled application.
Augustine says
Please, I am Augustine from Ghana and am applying for U.K visit visa for 10 days. I will be staying at my mother’s house but will be sponsoring for my own trip, food and flight. I’m working in my country Ghana. I will provide my own bank statement. Will my visa be refused if my mother did not provide her bank statement? Please I need help.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Augustine! If your mother will be providing you with accommodation, then she is considered a “sponsor”. In that case, she must provide her bank statements along with her employment proof, British passport or residence permit, house ownership or lease contract, etc. If she fails to provide any of these documents, your application may be refused. If you are earning a decent income and capable to pay for your own accommodation, I suggest not using your mother as a sponsor. Then you don’t have to provide any documentation from her. After you receive your visa and when you actually travel, you can stay with your mother. It won’t be a problem.
Ankur says
Hi Thirumal, I have a quick question, my friend got his visitor Visa rejected in 2019 due to the lack of funds, now he has got a job offer in the UK, does that refusal have any effect on his new application? Your thoughts, please. Many thanks.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Ankur! No. His previous visitor visa application refusal will not affect his work visa application in any way. His work visa will be assessed on its own individual merit.
TEMI says
Hello Thirumal, would I still need a letter of invitation if I’m sponsoring myself?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Temi! If you are going as a tourist and paying for everything yourself, no need for any invitation.
Ali says
Hi, I’m applying for a visit visa for my mother to come over to the UK from Pakistan. Just want to ask if I state she’s coming to spend time with me and my children and the duration of stay will be 2 months – is 2 months too long? Will they accept that? Also is the family certificate sufficient to show ties to home country eg showing her other children and husband. Finally, the reason why she won’t be paying for her visit – can it be stated on the application that I will be paying for her as she is a housewife and has no regular income. Thanks in advance.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Ali! I think 2 months would raise questions. I suggest anywhere between 15 to 45 days depending on her responsibilities back home in Pakistan. Merely showing that she has other children and her husband back home may not work. But if you can show that she needs to care for her children and husband would work. For example, the children are in school or her husband at work. It’s fine for you to sponsor her trip and undertake all her expenses while she is in the UK. But ECOs would like to see if she can support herself in the UK if you decide not to support her after she lands in the UK. For that reason, it would be essential to show some financial proofs from her side as well. They can be your father’s bank statements, any properties in her name, etc.
Muhammad says
Hi, I am sponsoring my mother to come over from Pakistan to the UK via visit visa.
Please could you clarify:
1. If I mention on the application her duration of stay will be 2 months and the reason for the visit is to spend time with me and my family. Is 2 months too long? Will it be an issue? Bearing in mind the purpose of the visit isn’t for tourism but rather to spend time with family grandchildren. She will be staying with us at our property.
2. In regards to ties to her home country and proof she will return, I will be submitting a family certificate showing my father and the rest of my siblings – 2 unmarried daughters and 17 yr old son. This will be mentioned in the covering letter. Is this sufficient?
3. In regards to financial circumstances. She does not have a bank account but my father does and he has savings of 32k PKR. This was deposited into the account a few years ago from a property sale. Do I still have to provide proof of the property sale?
4. She would be staying in my family home which I own. What should I put for her trip cost?
5. Do I have to provide an adequate accommodation cert to show the property won’t be overcrowded or is that not required for this type of visa.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Muhammad! 1. For the visa, I suggest not going over 45 days for a family visit. But when your mother actually travels to the UK, she can stay with your guys for 2 months or even more since the visa will be valid for 6 months. If your mother is over retirement age, she won’t be scrutinized for staying longer in the UK.
2. Yes. That should be sufficient.
3. Large cash deposits only if shown within the 6-month bank statements need to be explained with evidence. Since the property sale happened a few years ago, no need for any proof of property sale.
4. ECOs expect about £150 a day for tourists staying in hotels. But your mother is not a tourist and will stay at your house. So, about £25 a day would be sufficient in my opinion. For 45 days, it would be about £1,125. You can add more if you will be paying for the flight too.
5. Nothing that sorts is necessary. But you must provide documentation proving that you own your house and hence you do not need to bear any accommodation costs for your mom.
Sam says
Good day! My uk visit visa was rejected last year without a refusal letter or e-mail. Please is their any way for me to know the reason why my visa was rejected?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Sam! You have to call or email UKVI customer service for that. Keep in mind that any calls and emails to UKVI customer service are charged.
Moh says
Hello, I’m from Algeria and I’m going to apply for a UK visa these days. I traveled before to Germany. I have just one problem with my documents that my boss pays me in cash, so every month I put my amount in my bank account. My boss says that he’ll pay me in cash. Do I have a chance to get the visa?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Moh! It’s fine to get paid in cash. You just have to deposit the salary in your bank account regularly. That way, your salary can be shown in your bank account for your UK visa.
Nhi says
Hello! Thank you very much for your information, they have been really helpful. I’m applying for 6 months visitor visa with an invitation letter from my boyfriend, who is British and had a stable job. From my part, I was a student in Poland for 3 years till now and my study is ended on this September. Unfortunately, my Polish residence card will also expire on December. I have travelled to Thailand and a couple of Schengen countries. Do you think that I will succeed in applying for the UK visitor visa? Thank you for reading and I hope to hear about your opinions soon.
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Nhi! Since you are no longer a student and do not hold residency in Poland, you will have difficulty proving your ties with Poland or your home country. Unfortunately, this will lower your chances of UK visa approval.