Applying for a UK Visitor visa to invite family for a wedding

advice4321 wrote: ↑

Wed Jun 29, 2022 1:26 pm

Hi All,

I understand this may be common knowledge to some of you, but this is my first time doing this, and I would be really grateful if you could offer some advice please.

I would like to invite my paternal aunt and cousin to visit the UK from Pakistan for my brother's wedding this year.

My aunt and cousin have both visited in the past and returned within their required dates but this was a number of years ago.That helps as a plus! My father has dealt with these things in the past, but is now much older and I have offered to help and am currently oblivious to the requirements and seeking advice.

From googling, it appears I would require a 'standard visitor visa'. Yeah, preferably just 6 months as they haven't been here in a while. That also helps with cushioning the effect of fee loss if not granted.

My questions:
- Do I need to be a sponsor? You don't have to be, but you can be. If so what are the requirements for this? (ie accommodation, minimum salary, savings etc)Evidence of immigration status, proof of address and a letter of invite stating that you would be responsible for their general upkeep and accommodation whilst they're here in the UK. You could also decide to do them a hotel reservation and that takes that burden of proof off you.
- What is the recommended procedure? Do you need to hire someone to do this, or can you just do the application yourself via the gov portal? All by yourself, forms are pretty straightforward, you just need to know their travel history and all.

I live in London, am currently married with children, own my home with space for them, and have savings if this is relevant.

I was born in the UK and have British citizenship (and am a NICOP Card holder) , family members to be invited have Pakistani nationality)

Thank you in advance, please ask if you require any further relevant information.