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Family or friends visiting the UK

Find out what you need to do to support your friends or relatives visa applications if they wish to visit you in the UK

Inviting visitors

  • The university cannot write an invitation letter for your visitor.
  • You are responsible for writing your own invitation letter.
  • UK Immigration Rules do not require a letter from the university.
  • Your visitor cannot be refused a visa just because the university didn’t provide a letter.

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How can I help my visitor to get a visa?

Tell your visitor to:
  • Contact their nearest British Embassy or High Commission for the required documents and processing times.

You can give your visitor:

  • Proof of enrolment at the University of Hertfordshire ((Student Status Letter).
    • Request this from a Hub.
    • It takes 5 working days.
    • It must be dated within 1 month of their visa application.
  • A copy of your passport photo page and your current visa.
  • A personal invitation letter from you explaining. Sample invitation letter:
    • Your relationship
    • Why they are visiting
    • Details of their trip
  • Evidence that your visitor has enough money for their stay.
  • Advice to get travel and medical insurance, unless their country has a healthcare agreement with the UK.

ℹ️For more information, see the Home Office website. You can watch a video  applying for a UK visitor visa.

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Graduation Ceremonies

  • If you or your guests need a visa to attend graduation, you can request a visa support letter during graduation registration.

ℹ️The Exams and Awards team can only provide this letter — they cannot give visa advice.

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Contact Us

Student Immigration Team (Advice)

Student Immigration Team (Advice and Compliance)

Today 2pm - 3:30pm
Wednesday drop-in at DeHav Hub
Ask Herts (Hutton Hub), College Lane