While applying for a UK visa you will usually have to attach many supportive documents related to your personal, finances or education. Please remember that there are different types of UK Visas and the purpose of your visit will determine the type of Visa you will require and accordingly the documents you will have to submit might also vary.
According to the Government of United kingdom, all such supportive documents should be originally written in either English or Welsh languages. If they are written in any other language, then they must be accompanied by a full English or Welsh translation, which can be independently verified by the Home Office. Further all such translations should be certified translations.
List of supportive documents that are often submitted along with a UK Visa application
There are many supportive documents that have to be provided along with your UK Visa application. Some documents are compulsory while others are not. List of important documents that are often attached to most successful visa applications include documents such as:
- Valid travel document (national passport or other document that allows the holder to travel internationally)
- Previous travel documents/passports, which show previous travel.
- Financial documents showing that you have sufficient funds available. These must clearly show that you have access to the funds, such as (a) Bank statements, (b) Building society book, (c) Proof of earnings such as a letter from employer confirming employment details (start date of employment, salary, role, company contact details), and, (d) where a third party (who is either in the UK or who will be legally in the UK at the time of your visit) is providing financial support to you e.g. a business, a friend or a relative, documents to show they have sufficient resources to support you in addition to themselves and any dependent family should be provided.
- Confirmation of legal residence, if you are not a national of the country in which you are applying or your right to reside there is not included in your passport.
- Details of employment or studies where you have stated in your application that you are either employed or in full-time studies. This could include (a) a letter from your employer on company headed paper, detailing your role, salary and length of employment, and, (b) a letter from your education provider, on headed paper, confirming your enrollment and leave of absence. Get your education documents translated by the best translation company in UK.
- If self employed: business registration documents confirming the business owner’s name and the date the business started trading.
- Business activities – where you are coming to the UK in order to undertake activities relating to your occupation/employment outside the UK you should submit documents showing what you will be doing in the UK, including any letters from inviting organisations. For example, (a) Any business activities, e.g. letter from your employer outlining the reason for your visit, who you will be meeting and details of any payment/expenses, and, (b) For performances and entertainment visitors, whether you work in this area as a professional or amateur , and what and where you will be performing.
- If you are under 18 years it is strongly recommended that you submit the following information as otherwise it may delay consideration of your application, a Birth Certificate or legal document (such as adoption papers) showing the relationship between you and your parent or guardian. If the concerned document is in Thai, then please ensure that you are attaching a proper certified legal translation as well.
- If travelling unaccompanied or with someone other than your parent(s) you should provide, (a) A signed letter from your parent(s) confirming details of anyone accompanying you, and details of care and accommodation arranged in the UK, and, (b) A copy of your parent(s) or legal guardian’s biographical page of their passport, which includes their signature and passport number if your parent(s) do not have a passport then you must provide another official document which bears their signature.
Documents you should not send unless specifically requested
- if you are applying as a family/group you do not need to provide multiple copies of the same documents
- bank statements or letters issued more than 1 year before the date of application
- driving licence
- notarial certificates
- business cards
- hotel bookings
- flight bookings
- photocopies of bank cards
- credit card statements
- certificates relating to leisure activities
- evidence of car ownership
- travel insurance
- sponsor’s utility bills
- sponsor’s council tax bills