Can I use cash savings alone to meet the MIR?

Yes — Category D of Appendix FM-SE permits a sponsor to rely on cash savings alone, provided the minimum savings threshold is met. The calculation is: cash savings minus £16,000 (excluded) divided by 2.5 equals the annual income equivalent. To rely on savings alone to meet the £29,000 MIR, the sponsor needs a minimum of £88,500 held in their name for at least 6 consecutive months. Combined salary + savings is also permitted under the top-up route — the savings shortfall is (£29,000 − salary) × 2.5 + £16,000. Evidence requires 6 months' bank or building society statements and a letter from the institution confirming source and continuity.

What is the 5-year recoverable maintenance undertaking?

For Settlement / Family route applications, the UK sponsor's undertaking under paragraph 35 of the Immigration Rules is legally binding for 5 years from the date the applicant is granted leave. Under the Social Security (Immigration and Asylum) Consequential Amendments Regulations 2000 (SI 2000/636), if the sponsored individual claims public funds during this period — Income Support, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, PIP, and most local authority assistance — those funds may be recovered from the sponsor personally. The Department for Work and Pensions, HMRC, and local authorities routinely pursue recovery. The 5-year undertaking does not apply to visitor route applicants.

What evidence should I enclose with the sponsor letter?

For visitor route applications: 6 months' bank statements demonstrating the sponsor's ability to support the visit; proof of UK status (British passport, BRP, eVisa share code, EUSS application number); relationship evidence (birth certificate, marriage certificate, family photographs); accommodation evidence (deeds, mortgage statement, tenancy agreement with landlord consent, council tax bill). For Settlement / Family applications: all of the above plus Appendix FM-SE Specified Evidence for the MIR — 6 months' payslips, employment contract, employer letter, P60 for Category A; SA300 / SA302, accounts, business bank statements for Category F; statements demonstrating receipt for Category C/D; 6 months' savings statements and source letter for Category D.

What happens if the visa is refused?

For eligible refusal categories — typically Settlement / Family applications — the applicant may apply for Administrative Review (AR) under Appendix AR of the Immigration Rules within 14 days of refusal. AR is a paid review by a different Home Office caseworker, with no fresh evidence permitted. For ineligible categories (most visitor refusals) or where AR is exhausted, the remedy is judicial review in the Administrative Court (Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber for immigration JRs), governed by the pre-action protocol and a 3-month limitation period. Most refused applicants in the United Kingdom will benefit from professional advice from an OISC-regulated adviser or immigration solicitor before pursuing AR or JR.

Can I sponsor more than one applicant at the same time?

Yes — there is no statutory limit on the number of UK visa applications a sponsor may support. However, multiple concurrent sponsorships affect the credibility of the financial undertaking and the MIR assessment. UKVI caseworkers will assess the total financial commitment against the sponsor's declared income and savings. For Settlement / Family routes with the MIR, multiple sponsorships effectively compound the financial requirement. Our Expert template captures prior sponsorships in a dedicated field — full disclosure is the safest approach.

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UK Visa Sponsor / Invitation Letter

Draft a UK visa sponsor or invitation letter for a visitor visa under Appendix V of the Immigration Rules — or for a settlement / family visa under Appendix FM with the Minimum Income Requirement framework. The letter incorporates the paragraph 35 Immigration Rules financial undertaking, the paragraph V 4.3 third-party support compliance for visitors, the accommodation confirmation, and — in Expert mode — the full Appendix FM-SE Specified Evidence framework with the £29,000 Minimum Income Requirement (in force since 11 April 2024), the £88,500 savings-alone alternative, the 5-year recoverable maintenance undertaking under the Social Security (Immigration and Asylum) Consequential Amendments Regulations 2000, and the Administrative Review (Appendix AR) framework.

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Dr. Sanjay Kumar Patel

47 Oakridge Avenue, Beckenham, Kent BR3 5RT

07710 552 814

sanjay.patel@nhsemail.net

4 June 2026

The Entry Clearance Officer UK Visas and Immigration

Home Office

RE: Sponsorship and invitation in support of Mrs. Lakshmi Devi Patel

Family Visitor visa · 15 August 2026

Dear Sir or Madam,

Sponsorship and invitation letter in support of a UK visa application.

I write as the UK-based sponsor of Mrs. Lakshmi Devi Patel (date of birth 6 November 1962; passport number M9384726) in support of their application for a Family Visitor visa under Appendix V of the Immigration Rules. I am a British citizen (evidence: British passport number 537249108), and I am the applicant's son. I confirm that the invitation, the purpose of the visit and the undertakings set out below are genuine and that I am willing and able to provide the support described.

1. Sponsor identity and UK status. I am Dr. Sanjay Kumar Patel of 47 Oakridge Avenue, Beckenham, Kent BR3 5RT. I am a British citizen; evidence of my status is provided in the form of British passport number 537249108. My relationship to the applicant is that of son.

2. Applicant identity and purpose of visit. The applicant is Mrs. Lakshmi Devi Patel (DOB 6 November 1962), holder of passport number M9384726, of 14 Ashok Nagar, Sector 12, Gurugram, Haryana 122001, India. The applicant intends to travel to the United Kingdom on or about 15 August 2026 and to depart on or before 20 October 2026. The purpose of the visit is: Family visit to attend the wedding of the applicant's granddaughter (my daughter), Ms. Priya Patel, scheduled for 25 August 2026 at St. George's Church, Beckenham. The applicant will also spend time with her three grandchildren and rest at my address before returning to India.

3. Financial undertaking — maintenance and accommodation. Pursuant to paragraph 35 of the Immigration Rules, I expressly undertake to provide full maintenance, accommodation and travel within the United Kingdom for the duration of the applicant's lawful stay in the United Kingdom. I confirm that the applicant will not have recourse to public funds within the meaning of paragraph 6 of the Immigration Rules. I have sufficient resources to meet this undertaking and bank statements and / or evidence of income for at least the past six months will be enclosed with the application. Under paragraph V 4.3 of Appendix V of the Immigration Rules, third-party support of a visitor is expressly permitted where the decision-maker is satisfied that the support is genuine, available, and will be provided for the duration of the visit. The support I provide satisfies these requirements.

4. Accommodation. The applicant will be accommodated at my address: 47 Oakridge Avenue, Beckenham, Kent BR3 5RT. The accommodation is suitable for the applicant's needs and meets the standards required by the Immigration Rules. I confirm that the property is not overcrowded within the meaning of the Housing Act 1985 (England and Wales) or the equivalent provisions in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

6. Accommodation detail. Property tenure: owned outright. Number of bedrooms: 4. Council tax band: F. Current household members: My wife (Dr. Anjali Patel, Consultant Anaesthetist); our three children aged 14, 11 and 8..

7. Relationship evidence. The evidence enclosed in support of my relationship to the applicant comprises: Birth certificate of the sponsor (showing applicant as mother); marriage certificate of the sponsor's parents; family photographs spanning 2010-2026; the applicant's prior visit visa stamps in her passport.

8. Applicant's prior UK travel / visa history. The applicant has previously been granted UK Standard Visitor visas in 2018, 2020 and 2023, complying fully with the conditions on each visit and returning to India on or before each visa expiry date.

6. Sponsor undertaking — 5-year recoverable maintenance and public funds. I expressly acknowledge that, under the Social Security (Immigration and Asylum) Consequential Amendments Regulations 2000 and the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, any sponsor undertaking I give in respect of a settlement / family route applicant is legally binding for a period of 5 years from the date of the applicant's grant of leave. If the applicant receives any public funds during this period, those funds may be recovered from me personally. I confirm that the applicant will have no recourse to public funds within the meaning of paragraph 6 of the Immigration Rules and that I personally will meet all maintenance, accommodation and travel costs. In the event of refusal, I acknowledge that Administrative Review (AR) under Appendix AR is the prescribed remedy for eligible categories, with pre-action protocol applicable before any application for judicial review.

Prior sponsorships: I have not previously sponsored any other immigration application. This is my first sponsorship.

I confirm that the contents of this letter are true and accurate to the best of my knowledge and belief. I understand that knowingly making a false statement in support of an immigration application is a criminal offence under section 26(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1971. This letter is governed by the law of England and Wales. I should be grateful if you would consider this letter and the enclosed evidence in the determination of the application.

Yours faithfully,

SIGNED

Dr. Sanjay Kumar Patel

son of the applicant · 4 June 2026

Date: ____________________

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What Is a UK Visa Sponsor / Invitation Letter?

A UK visa sponsor or invitation letter is an open letter from a person resident in the United Kingdom — typically a British citizen, a holder of Indefinite Leave to Remain (Settled Status), an EU Settlement Scheme holder, or a current visa holder — written in support of an overseas applicant's UK visa application. The letter does three things at once: it identifies the sponsor and provides evidence of UK status; it sets out the applicant's identity, the purpose of the visit, and the intended dates; and it gives a written undertaking under paragraph 35 of the Immigration Rules to provide maintenance and accommodation (or specified categories) for the duration of the applicant's lawful stay. For visitor applications under Appendix V, the letter is the prescribed evidence under paragraph V 4.3 that third-party support is genuine and available.

For settlement and family visa applications under Appendix FM — spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, fiancé(e), parent of a UK child, or adult dependent relative — the sponsor letter is more demanding. It must demonstrate the British or settled status of the sponsor, the genuineness of the relationship, the suitability of the accommodation, and — critically — that the sponsor meets the Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) of £29,000 gross per annum, in force since 11 April 2024. Applications made before that date continue to be governed by the transitional MIR of £18,600 with child add-ons of £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child. The cash-savings alternative requires a minimum of £88,500 held for at least 6 consecutive months — the first £16,000 is excluded and the remainder is divided by 2.5 to produce the annual income equivalent.

For Settlement applicants, the sponsor undertaking is legally binding for 5 years from the grant of leave under the Social Security (Immigration and Asylum) Consequential Amendments Regulations 2000. Any public funds claimed by the applicant during this 5-year period may be recovered from the sponsor personally by the Department for Work and Pensions, HMRC, or the relevant local authority. UK sponsors must therefore approach the undertaking carefully — for an adult dependent relative or other long-term settlement applicant, the recoverable maintenance period is a material commitment. Our template captures all four layers — sponsor identity, applicant detail, paragraph 35 undertaking, and (in Expert mode) the Appendix FM-SE specified evidence — in a single, UKVI-ready letter.

What's Covered in This Template

Our UK Visa Sponsor / Invitation Letter template generates a complete UKVI-ready open letter aligned with Appendix V (Visitor) and Appendix FM (Family) of the Immigration Rules.

Sponsor Identity & UK Status

British citizen, Settled Status (ILR), EU Settlement Scheme (Pre-Settled or Settled), or current UK visa — with evidence (passport, BRP, eVisa share code).

Applicant Identity & Visit Purpose

Name, DOB, passport number, overseas address, visa route (Standard Visitor / Family Visitor / Business Visitor / Spouse / Adult Dependent Relative / Child of Settled Person).

Paragraph 35 Financial Undertaking

Written undertaking under paragraph 35 of the Immigration Rules to provide maintenance and accommodation (or specified categories) for the duration of the lawful stay.

Paragraph V 4.3 Third-Party Support (Visitor)

Express compliance with paragraph V 4.3 of Appendix V — third-party support permitted where the decision-maker is satisfied it is genuine, available and will be provided for the duration.

Accommodation Confirmation

Accommodation at sponsor's address or alternative — with confirmation that the property is not overcrowded under the Housing Act 1985 (England & Wales) or equivalent Scottish / Northern Irish provisions.

Public Funds Restriction

Express confirmation that the applicant will not have recourse to public funds within paragraph 6 of the Immigration Rules.

Appendix FM Minimum Income Requirement (Expert)

£29,000 from 11 April 2024 across Categories A (salaried), F (self-employment), C/D (non-employment), or D (cash savings); with transitional pre-April 2024 £18,600 + child add-ons.

Cash Savings Alternative — £88,500 Minimum (Expert)

First £16,000 excluded; remainder ÷ 2.5; minimum £88,500 for savings alone; minimum 6 months' holding period.

Appendix FM-SE Specified Evidence (Expert)

6 months' payslips, employment contract, employer letter, bank statements (Category A); SA300 / SA302, accounts (Category F); savings statements (Category D).

5-Year Recoverable Maintenance Undertaking (Expert)

Express acknowledgement of the 5-year recoverable maintenance period under the Social Security (Immigration and Asylum) Consequential Amendments Regulations 2000.

Accommodation Detail (Expert)

Property tenure (owned, mortgaged, rented, family member), number of bedrooms, council tax band, household members, relationship evidence enclosed.

Administrative Review (Appendix AR) Framework (Expert)

Express acknowledgement of the AR framework for eligible refusal categories, with pre-action protocol applicable before judicial review.

How to Create a UK Visa Sponsor / Invitation Letter

Follow these steps to draft a UKVI-ready sponsor letter for any UK visa application.

1
Confirm Your UK Status and Relationship
Enter your full legal name, UK address, email and phone. Select your UK immigration status (British citizen, Settled / ILR, EU Settlement Scheme, current visa) and provide evidence (passport number, BRP, eVisa share code). State your relationship to the applicant — UKVI caseworkers cross-reference this against the applicant's declared relationship and any relationship evidence enclosed.
2
Identify the Applicant and the Visa Route
Enter the applicant's full legal name, date of birth, passport number, and overseas address. Choose the visa route — Standard Visitor (Appendix V, up to 6 months), Family Visitor (Appendix V, visiting UK resident family), Business Visitor / PPE (Appendix V), Spouse / Partner (Appendix FM, Settlement), Adult Dependent Relative (Appendix FM-ADR), or Child of Settled Person (Appendix FM). Set out the purpose of the visit and the intended arrival and departure dates.
3
Give the Paragraph 35 Financial Undertaking
Select the scope of your financial undertaking — full (maintenance + accommodation + travel within the UK), maintenance only, accommodation only, or shared. The letter generates the paragraph 35 written undertaking and incorporates the paragraph V 4.3 third-party support compliance for visitor routes. Confirm the accommodation address — at your address or an alternative — and select the governing UK jurisdiction (England & Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland).
4
Add Appendix FM MIR Evidence (Settlement Routes — Expert)
For Settlement / Family applications, choose the Appendix FM route (spouse / partner, fiancé(e), parent of UK child, adult dependent relative) and the MIR evidence category — Category A (salaried 6+ months), Category F (self-employment), Category C/D (non-employment income), Category D (cash savings ≥ £88,500), or combined salary + savings top-up. Enter your gross annual income and savings amount. The letter generates the corresponding paragraph with Appendix FM-SE Specified Evidence references.
5
Complete Accommodation, Relationship and Compliance Detail (Expert)
In Expert mode, set out the property tenure (owned, mortgaged, rented, family member), number of bedrooms, council tax band, and current household members. List the relationship evidence enclosed (birth certificates, marriage certificate, family photographs, correspondence). Summarise the applicant's prior UK visa history (previous grants, compliance with departure dates, any refusals). Acknowledge the 5-year recoverable maintenance undertaking, the no-recourse-to-public-funds restriction, and the Administrative Review (Appendix AR) framework.

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Legal Considerations

A UK visa sponsor letter is a legally significant document — knowingly false statements are a criminal offence, and Settlement undertakings create 5-year personal financial exposure. Care is required.

This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. UK immigration is a specialist field — consult an OISC-regulated UK immigration adviser or a qualified UK immigration solicitor for advice tailored to your circumstances. Complex Settlement / Family route applications, prior refusals, and combined-income MIR cases benefit materially from professional input.

Reviewed for England & Wales / Scotland / Northern Ireland under the Immigration Rules

Appendix V — Visitor Visa Framework

Appendix V of the UK Immigration Rules governs visitor visa applications. The legal test is whether the applicant is a "genuine visitor" — paragraphs V 4.2 to V 4.8 set out the eligibility requirements. Under paragraph V 4.3, third-party support is expressly permitted where the Entry Clearance Officer is satisfied that the support is genuine, available, and will be provided for the duration of the visit. A UK sponsor letter is the prescribed evidence of third-party support. There is no separate sponsorship undertaking form for the visitor route — the undertaking is incorporated into the sponsor letter under paragraph 35 of the Immigration Rules. The letter should be accompanied by 6 months' bank statements from the sponsor and any other documentary evidence of the sponsor's ability to support the visitor financially.

Appendix FM — Family Visa Minimum Income Requirement

Appendix FM governs family / settlement visa applications — spouse, civil partner, unmarried partner, fiancé(e), parent of UK child, and adult dependent relative routes. The Minimum Income Requirement (MIR) was increased to £29,000 gross per annum from 11 April 2024 (replacing the previous £18,600 base with child add-ons of £3,800 for the first child and £2,400 for each subsequent child). Applications made before 11 April 2024 continue to be assessed under the transitional MIR. Income is evidenced under Appendix FM-SE (Specified Evidence) Categories A (salaried 6+ months with the same employer), F (self-employment), C or D (non-employment income), or D (cash savings). The cash savings alternative requires at least £88,500 held in the sponsor's name for a minimum of 6 consecutive months; the first £16,000 is excluded and the remainder is divided by 2.5 to produce the annual income equivalent. The Migration Advisory Committee has reviewed the MIR and may recommend a reduction to £23,000-£25,000 in 2026; at the date of this template the £29,000 threshold remains in force.

5-Year Recoverable Maintenance Undertaking

Under the Social Security (Immigration and Asylum) Consequential Amendments Regulations 2000 (SI 2000/636) and the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, any sponsor undertaking given in support of a UK Settlement / Family visa applicant is legally binding for a period of 5 years from the date of the applicant's grant of leave. If the sponsored individual claims any "public funds" within the meaning of paragraph 6 of the Immigration Rules during this 5-year period — including Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing Benefit, Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment, and most local authority assistance — those funds may be recovered from the sponsor personally. The Department for Work and Pensions, HMRC, and local authorities routinely pursue recovery. UK sponsors should treat the undertaking as a material financial commitment.

False Statements and Administrative Review

Knowingly making a false statement in support of a UK visa application is a criminal offence under section 26(1)(c) of the Immigration Act 1971, punishable by up to 6 months' imprisonment or an unlimited fine, or both. The sponsor signs the letter on the basis of their personal knowledge and may be prosecuted for any deliberate inaccuracy. In the event of refusal, Administrative Review (AR) under Appendix AR of the Immigration Rules is the prescribed remedy for eligible refusal categories — a paid review of the original decision by a different Home Office caseworker, with no fresh evidence permitted. For ineligible categories or where AR is exhausted, the pre-action protocol for judicial review applies, with claims brought in the Administrative Court (Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber for immigration JRs). Both routes carry strict time limits — AR must be applied for within 14 days of refusal; JR within 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Draft Your UK Visa Sponsor Letter Now

Use our free template to draft a UK visa sponsor or invitation letter compliant with Appendix V (Visitor) or Appendix FM (Family) of the Immigration Rules. Paragraph 35 financial undertaking, paragraph V 4.3 third-party support compliance, accommodation confirmation, Appendix FM Minimum Income Requirement framework (£29,000 from 11 April 2024 or transitional £18,600 + child add-ons), £88,500 savings alternative, 5-year recoverable maintenance undertaking, and Administrative Review (Appendix AR) framework — all in one UKVI-ready open letter.

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