The United Kingdom is a global hotspot for many reasons. People of all ages from all over the world visit this English nation for which they apply for a UK visitor visa. This exclusive visa is an arrival consent given by the visa authorities. Applicants have to submit their request to the UK embassy in their home country along with all documents asked for. The maximum period for which this visa can be granted is 6 months. Visitors are allowed to apply 3 months before their planned travel. The official government website that oversees this visa request advises that applicants must thoroughly if the purpose for which they want to visit the country is permitted under a visa request or not. Now, the medium through which one explains their ‘purpose’ is a statement of purpose (SOP) written by the applicant in their own voice. In this blog, we’ll talk about the Statement of Purpose, how to write it, along with some actionable SOP writing tips.
What is SOP for UK Visitor Visa?
An SOP for UK visitor visa is a request letter that highlights important details about the travel plans of the individual/family/group that wish to visit the United Kingdom. This document must draw up information of two particular kinds. First, highlight the why, when, where, and how of wanting to come to the UK. To simplify, specifically talk about the reason that has motivated you to apply for this visa, follow it with the dates of your travel, the entire itinerary, management of finances to cover all your expenditures, as well as the points that compel you to return to your own country after the validity of your current UK visitor visa is expired. Secondly, paint a caricature of your life in your country of origin. This can be your personal details, family information, brief on the nature of the bond you share with your loved ones, professional life, monthly/yearly income of your personal self as well as your family, etc. Apart from these, the SOP for UK visitor visa has to be presented formally as it is one of the official documents of your visa profile. With the help of our best SOP writers, we have gathered and written all the minute and major details that will help you write an impeccable SOP.
Purposes for which a UK visitor visa is valid
- Business Meetings, events, set-up, company invites, etc.
- Visiting family and relatives
- Minor children visiting family (below 18yrs.)
- Education (for 6-month courses only)
- Prospective Entrepreneurship
- Sports
- Entertainment Purpose
- Medical Treatment
- Volunteer Work (30 days max.)
- Transit
- Student Exchange Programs
Steps to writing a foolproof SOP for UK visitor visa
Introduce Yourself– Begin writing your visitor visa sop by stating your full name, passport, and country of origin. Move on to the purpose of writing this statement and express that you are applying for a visitor visa for a certain reason. Simultaneously write the number of days or months for which you want a visitor visa to be granted to you. In this brief introduction, you can also talk about why this trip is important to you. It is okay to express your emotions in your writing but do not exaggerate your sentiments. The word limit of your introductory paragraph should not exceed 150-200 words.
Details of your host- Most visitor visas are requested after a person is invited by someone already residing in the UK. This can include colleges/universities, family members, friends, MNCs national companies, etc. In your application, all details associated with your host are to be written clearly. Elaborate on their name, occupation, whether they are a permanent resident or visitor in the UK, the formal or informal relationship you share with them, etc. It is better to express the quality of your relationship as well so as to add authenticity to your claims.
For example, “Being the same age, my cousin and I shared a great bond. We were thick as thieves as our personalities and interests were similar. When my cousin moved to the UK with her family, I missed her dearly and we tried to stay in touch as much as we could. Now, when we are both professionally secure in our lives, my cousin has expressed a genuine desire to meet me so that we can strengthen our bond like earlier.”
The intention of visiting UK- The purpose for which you want to come to the United Kingdom should be genuine. Clearly write down the intention that you want to fulfill with this visit. If there are some personal or professional advantages that you hope to gain from this trip then elaborate on them as well.
For example, My company XYZ, which operates in the field of Digital Marketing is organizing a yearly training program which teaches employees like me the advanced marketing tools and techniques. This year, I have been selected to partake in this event which will be arranged by DigiMarConUK on (Date). My company expects me to benefit from this event so that I can employ its learnings at my post in my company to contribute to its success.”
Travel Plan- A visitor visa is granted for a very specific period. The more precise details you give of your schedule in the country, the better chances there will be of your UK visitor visa being accepted. Plan out an itinerary yourself and add crucial details from it in your SOP for UK visitor Visa. In case you have formal evidence that can account for your travel plans such as booked tickets, scheduled meetings, or other planned events then you can make them a part of your sop. This will ascertain that you have planned this trip for a reason and want to make the best use of your time in the country.
Accommodation Details- It is vital to state your accommodation arrangements for your temporary stay in the UK. It can be the residence of the person who has invited you, a hotel, resort, or inn, a property that you might have rented, etc. Whatever the case, you must let the officers know in your SOP for visitor visa that you have decided on your final plan and have attached its confirmation along with your visa profile.
Financial Worth in Home Country- An abroad trip sure comes with lots of expenditures that require a certain kind of money to be spent. Everyone can’t afford international travel and stay. The visa officials too are interested in knowing whether your financial worth allows you to fulfill all kinds of expenditures. For this, you have to let them know your standard of living by writing about your bank details, savings and investments, precious ornaments, the value of properties owned by you, vehicles that you use, etc. Moreover, talk about your and your family’s occupation and the monthly/annual remuneration you all generate. Give exact numbers for the amount that you save and spend. If there is more than one source of income then that too can be a part of your write-up.
Finance arrangements for travel to UK- You can make a rough idea of the amount that is required for your excursion. Let the visa authorities know how you are planning on covering all your expenses. In your SOP for a UK visitor visa assure the officials that under no circumstances whatsoever, you will be a liability to the UK society of government as you are more than capable of covering all your costs. In case your trip is being sponsored by a third person or the host itself, then also you have to specify all the expenses that will be covered by them. It can be related to your travel fare, living expenses, food requirements, recreational activities, etc.
Motive to return Home– Do not trivialize the importance of this point. Provide solid reasons that propel you to return to your home country. Professional obligations, close family members, and other kinds of responsibilities are usually the primary reasons that applicants provide.
SOP writing Tips for UK standard visitor visa
- Brainstorm through your purpose of visit and write it effectively.
- Talk about the documents that you have submitted with your visa request.
- Check the official visa website for any updated information.
- Use clear and crisp words instead of difficult dull language.
- Show genuine enthusiasm for your intent to visit the UK.
- Cover all points without missing anything out of your own will.
- Grammatical errors can be the reason for the turndown of your application.
Eligibility to apply for UK visitor visa
- A valid travel document/passport that clearly shows your home country.
- A minimum of two blank pages in your passport.
- Be capable in proving that you will exit UK on the promised day and date.
- Strong finances to cover all expenditures for you and your dependents.
- Give assurance of having no intention to permanently migrate to the UK.
- Applicant should have no intention to work in the UK while staying there.
- Individuals with criminal history that cannot be justified cannot apply for UK visitor visa.
- Possess all required documents.
- Return Tickets if applicable.
Conclusion
For applicants who have dedicated genuine efforts to their SOP for UK visitor visa, it will not be difficult to secure an entry permit. Similarly, applicants who do not adhere to any format or the SOPs that do not meet the expectations of visa officials are sure to be rejected. Avoid any form of ambiguous writing and try to meet the writing as well as content requirements of a visitor visa SOP. If you are facing issues about what to include and not to include in your application that too with careful academic writing style then you can contact Professional SOP Writers to craft your document.
We, at Contentholic provide the best SOP Writing Servies in India. Many visitors have taken our help in getting their SOP done and successfully toured the United Kingdom. Therefore, make a decision right
