UK General visitor visa - visiting an aunt

[fernweh126]

Hi all,

I am planning on visiting my aunt in the UK and have applied under the UK General Visitor visa (an aunt is no longer qualified as a 'family member' so I applied under General visitor). In my application, I have included my aunt's passport page, her recent pay slip, and a letter of invitation that states that she is my aunt and is able to accommodate me.

I am wondering if these documents from my aunt are sufficient? I just basically followed exactly what the official UK supporting documents guide required. I am only planning on staying for a month, purpose of visit: celebrating Christmas/New Year with my aunt and doing some sightseeings in UK.

Thanks for any input in advance.

Edited October 8, 2014 by fernweh126

[theoldgit]

The papers from your Aunt should be sufficient, is she actually sponsoring you?

You will of course need to satisfy the ECO that you are likely to return to Thailand by submitting compelling evidence, job, life and commitments in Thailand etc.

[fernweh126]

The papers from your Aunt should be sufficient, is she actually sponsoring you?

You will of course need to satisfy the ECO that you are likely to return to Thailand by submitting compelling evidence, job, life and commitments in Thailand etc.

Thanks for your thoughts.

Can you define 'sponsor'? Does a sponsor necessarily mean someone who help finance my travels? My aunt is letting me stay in her home during my visit and she is the one who wrote me a letter of invitation. I guess that makes her my accommodation sponsor? I hope the letter of invitation where she confirms that I'm her niece is sufficient for this application. The supporting documents guide didn't mention that I need specific proof (e.g. birth certificates) - and just require the letter of invitation, financial docs, passport pages (my aunt is a British citizen, if that helps).

I am actually studying in US at the moment, so yes, I have a strong case to leave the UK to finish my studies (I have attached my university's official transcript + documents showing that I have legal permission to be in the US).

Edited October 9, 2014 by fernweh126

[theoldgit]

As you mentioned that your Aunt was providing details of her pay slips I'd assumed she was providing financial support, and thus sponsoring you.

If she's only providing accommodation during your proposed visit, then pay slips wouldn't be required, just a note offering you accommodation, maybe throw in details of the accommodation for good measure.

You will need to satisfy the ECO that the trip is affordable, and provide evidence that there are sufficient funds available.

Regarding your studies in the US, evidence of that should suffice, ensure that you provide full details of the studies to date, confirmation that the studies are continuing and are funded, and include details of your accommodation. Leave nothing to chance.

[fernweh126]

As you mentioned that your Aunt was providing details of her pay slips I'd assumed she was providing financial support, and thus sponsoring you.

If she's only providing accommodation during your proposed visit, then pay slips wouldn't be required, just a note offering you accommodation, maybe throw in details of the accommodation for good measure.

You will need to satisfy the ECO that the trip is affordable, and provide evidence that there are sufficient funds available.

Regarding your studies in the US, evidence of that should suffice, ensure that you provide full details of the studies to date, confirmation that the studies are continuing and are funded, and include details of your accommodation. Leave nothing to chance.

My aunt is only providing me with accommodation. I don't have any income as of yet, so my father is helping me finance this trip (I have provided his financial docs + his passport page + cover letter written by him explaining my circumstance). Also, can you give me an example of the "details of accommodation" in the UK that you mentioned? Is it about the size of the house, how many rooms there are, etc? (proving that there's actually enough room?)

As for my studies in the US, my visa docs specified my graduation date hence that should ensure that my studies is still ongoing. I didn't provide my current accommodation details but this is certainly good to know for future application.

[7by7]

.......can you give me an example of the "details of accommodation" in the UK that you mentioned? Is it about the size of the house, how many rooms there are, etc? (proving that there's actually enough room?)

Yes. In her letter she should say how many rooms there are of each type, e.g. 3 bedrooms, one sitting room etc., and say who else lives there to show that there is at least one room for your exclusive use; though sharing with a relative or friend of the same sex is OK.

Though not essential I think it's a good idea, if possible, for your aunt to supply proof she owns the property or a letter from her landlord granting permission for you to stay; whichever is applicable.

[fernweh126]

I didn't realize you need those specific details about the number of rooms and who else is living there (although I did include the other family members that I know in the main application (uncle and cousin) + their passport pages). In the letter, she just wrote that she is able to accommodate me. I hope I wouldn't be outright refused just for not including this detail...

[theoldgit]

My partner has successfully applied for a number of UK Visas, we normally stay with friends and family.

She has supplied letters of invitation which have never included details of the accommodation available or that the houses are owned, it's never been an issue, maybe we've been lucky.

She's never provided passport pages of those inviting us, people offering accommodation are not required to have passports, not everybody has.

As I say maybe we've been lucky.

[bobrussell]

Sods law will mean this application is processed by an ECO who will reject it on the grounds of insufficient evidence of the suitability of accommodation!

When my wife's best friend visited we mentioned the accommodation and the fact that the kids were going to rough it in a caravan in the garden for a fortnight!

I suspect it is not a problem if the rest of the application is solid!

[fernweh126]

Thank you all for your advice and suggestions! I really appreciate it. Just an update: I have just received an email saying I have been issued a visa! (finally I can relax a little) Now, to wait for its arrival by post.

[theoldgit]

Thank you all for your advice and suggestions! I really appreciate it. Just an update: I have just received an email saying I have been issued a visa! (finally I can relax a little) Now, to wait for its arrival by post.

I think you will find that the email says that a decision has been made, it wont actually say that the visa has been issued.

You will know the result when you open the pack containing the passport, good luck and let us know the result.

[fernweh126]

Hm, well the subject of the email specifically says "Your UK visa has been issued." Shouldn't this straightforwardly mean that I've received the visa?

[theoldgit]

Hm, well the subject of the email specifically says "Your UK visa has been issued." Shouldn't this straightforwardly mean that I've received the visa?

I've never seen that before, they used to say "a decision has been made", that's a massive change in policy, and a good one.

[fernweh126]

Indeed! Hopefully they will continue to improve their service. I've heard way too many negative experience about the UK embassy in NY.

[meatboy]

Indeed! Hopefully they will continue to improve their service. I've heard way too many negative experience about the UK embassy in NY.

what a well educated person you are,your going to go along way,your parents can be proud of you.

as i lived in the uk.64yrs.what part are you visiting and dont forget a present for your aunt for xmas day.

turkey,roast pots,brussel sprouts,carrots,peas and gravy my wife wouldnt have any different on xmas day,

oh and leave room for the christmas pudding and custard.

and last but not least pack some woolies.