General Visitor Visas

If you want to invite a relative or friend to come and visit you in the UK and they do not hold EEA nationality, they may need to apply for a General Visitor Visa before they can enter the UK. To find out if Entry Clearance is required and how to obtain it please visit the UK Border Agency (UKBA) website.

When to apply

A General Visitor Visa application can be made up to 3 months before the intended visit date. The visitor should check the guidance provided by the British Embassy (or other Visa Application Centre) their home country for specific details about when to apply.

At busy times it can take much longer for applications to be processed. Visitors should allow enough time to prepare the application and apply before travelling to the UK. Click here UKBA guidance on processing times for applications.

How to apply

The visitor should apply for a General Visitor Visa at a British Embassy, High Commission or other Visa Application Centre. For contact details, the application form and notes, refer to the UKBA webpage for your country.

Family or friends visiting the UK can apply using applcation form is VAF1A

Evidence needed for application

The person applying should provide the documents listed in the application form (see above) and guidance notes and also check with the British Embassy (or other Visa Application Centre). The following documents are normally required:

• 3 months’ bank statements, payslips, or other evidence to show they can pay for the trip and have enough money to support themselves without assitance or working.
• Evidence that they intend to leave the UK at the end of their visit (for example, letter from an employer, or evidence confirming commitments returning to to at the end of the visit).
• Proof of your enrolment at Durham University (see below).
• A letter of invitation from you (see below) (this is not always required - check by contacting the British Embassy or Visa Application Centre).
• Copies of the photograph page in your passport and your UK visa or Biometric Residence Permit (ID card), if you have one.

Invitation letter

You must provide the person applying with an invitation letter from yourself, addressed to the Entry Clearance Officer at the Embassy where the application is being made. It should include the information set out below and you should send your invitation letter to your friend or relative (NOT the Embassy), with the following documents:

1. A copy of your passport page and UK visa or identity card (if you have one)
2. A letter from the Ceremonies Unit which confirms the expected date of your graduation ceremony (see below)
3. A letter from SPA confirming that you are an enrolled student (see below)

Details to include in your invitation letter:

• The full name and date of birth of the proposed visitor(s) and their relationship to you (parent, friend, etc)
• Why they are wanting to visit you (for example to attend your congregation, holiday, etc.)
• How long they want to stay in the UK and, if possible, arrival and departure dates
• Where they intend to stay during their visit - for example if they are staying in hotel accommodation you could provide any details of the accommodation booking. If they plan to stay with you, give your full address, but remember to check that you have consent from your accommodation provider first!
• Details of your own immigration status in the UK (for example student visa until 31st January 2013)

Use the General Visitor Visa invitation letter template below to help you:

• Visitor Visa Invitation Letter Template (last modified: 20 May 2011)

Confirmation from the University

A formal letter of invitation from the University is NOT required or necessary.  The only letters that the University can provide you with are letters which can either confirm your enrolment on your course or expected date of graduation.

Durham University Ceremonies Unit can provide an official letter which confirms that you have been invited to attend a graduation ceremony and you can include this as a supporting document for your letter of invitation. To request your letter, click here and complete the online request form.

The Student Planning & Assessment (SPA) office can provide you with a letter to confirm that you are an enrolled student: verification.requests@durham.ac.uk

If your family want to join you on a more permanent basis while you are studying then they may be able to apply for a Dependant Visa. Click here for more information.