Family and friends visiting you in the UK

Whilst you are studying here you may want your family or friends to visit you in the UK.  You will need to check whether they need a visa and whether they fit into the General Visitor rules for entry to the UK.  Due to recent changes to the immigration rules there is no longer any right of appeal against refusals for any family visitor who is not visiting a British citizen or settled person in the UK.  This means it is even more important to get it right first time.

You can help them to prepare for entry by completing a draft of the online form which our advisers can check for you before it is submitted.

Your visitors must take out insurance before travelling to the UK to cover health care as they will only be entitled to limited free healthcare in the event of an emergency or accident. Without insurance they may find themselves liable to pay thousands of pounds for treatment.

Family members of European Economic Area nationals should read our pages for: EEA Students and family members.

General Visitor rules

Your visitor will have to show the British immigration authorities they satisfy the following criteria:

1. Genuine visit

The purpose of the visit can be simply to spend some time with you. Your friends or relatives do not need to show they will visit all the sights in London and Edinburgh to qualify as genuine visitors.

2. Duration of 6 months or less

Six months is the maximum time allowed for a visit in any 12 month period. If your visitor wants to come for only two weeks they will still be given a six month entry stamp. It is not possible to extend beyond six months.

3. Intention to leave 

Your visitor must satisfy the immigration officials they will return to their country of residence after the visit. They can show this by showing evidence of their employment, properties, savings etc.

4. Financial support and accommodation

Your visitor will need to show they can cover their living expenses and accommodation together with the return journey. They must be able to do this without working. They can bring their own money or you can support them or a combination of both.

How can I help my visitor to prepare for entry to the UK?

If your visitor does not need a visa then you should just follow steps 2-4.

1. Complete draft of application

a)Most Embassies now require applicants to fill in the online form.  You can find this easily by googling 'UKBA in (name of the country)' eg. UKBA in Pakistan: http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/countries/pakistan/?langname=UK English.  Do not submit the form before you get it checked by the adviser.

b)If you need to complete a paper form  you can download the VAF1A form and use this guidance to complete a draft  and get it checked by the Student Advice Centre. You should not use the VAF1B form as this is only for family members of British citizens or people with permanent residence in the UK.  We recommend you use a browser such as Firefox to view the guidance as it often does not work with Google Chrome.

2. Invitation letter

You should download a sample invitation letter to send to your visitor.  It is not appropriate for the University to write a letter to invite your family or friends.

3. Evidence of your student status

You should provide a current certificate of student status available from SSiD. This will include information about your graduation ceremony if you have completed your studies.

4. Evidence of funds and accommodation

If you are going to accommodate your visitor and cover their living costs you will need to provide 6 months bank statements and evidence of your accommodation eg. tenancy agreement or letter from landlord.  If your visitor is going to make their own arrangements such as a hotel  they will need to provide evidence of this at the time of application.

How can I get the visa form or on line application checked?

If you have completed the on line application you will need to bring your log in details or a print out of the draft so the adviser can check it.  Please bring all your supporting documents to the appointment. You will need to book an appointment by contacting the Student Advice Centre.