Studying in the UK is a proud and life-changing experience, but being far from family—especially your parents—can sometimes feel emotionally overwhelming. Whether you miss home-cooked meals, need emotional support, or want your parents by your side during your graduation ceremony, there’s good news:
✅ As an international student in the UK, you can invite your parents to visit you on a Standard Visitor Visa.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to invite your parents successfully, and share some real stories of students who made it happen.
🎯 What is a Standard Visitor Visa?
The Standard Visitor Visa is a short-term visa that allows non-UK residents to travel to the UK for purposes like tourism, family visits, or attending events (like graduation). The visa is usually valid for 6 months.
It’s the ideal visa type if you want your parents to:
- Visit you during your semester break
- Attend your graduation ceremony
- Explore the UK while staying with you
- Support you during a personal or health-related situation
❗ Note: This is not a dependent visa and does not allow parents to live or work in the UK.
✅ Who Can Invite Parents?
If you’re studying in the UK on a Student Route Visa (previously Tier 4), you are eligible to invite your parents. The process is entirely legal, provided you and your parents submit the correct documentation.
📌 Documents Required from You (Student in the UK)
As the student host, your role is to show that you’re legally living and studying in the UK. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Invitation Letter
A formal letter addressed to the UK Home Office, stating:- Your full name and address
- Your relationship with the visitors (parents)
- Purpose of their visit
- Where they’ll stay
- Duration of visit
- E-Visa Copy
A printout of your UK student e-visa or visa approval email. - University Enrollment Letter
A letter from your university confirming your current enrollment and course duration. - Passport Copy
First and last pages of your passport. - Accommodation Proof
- If parents will stay with you: Tenancy agreement or a letter from your landlord
- If staying elsewhere: Hotel booking confirmation
- Financial Proof (Optional)
If you’re contributing to their expenses, share your bank statements or payslips for the last 3–6 months.
🧾 Documents Required from Parents (Home Country)
Your parents must show that they are financially stable, have ties to their home country, and genuinely intend to return after the visit.
Basic Documents:
- Valid passport
- Completed UK Standard Visitor Visa application
- Recent passport-size photographs
- Cover Letter from the parents explaining:
- Their purpose of visit
- Travel dates
- Relationship with you
- Strong intention to return to home country
- Travel itinerary (tentative flight bookings)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Financial & Employment Documents:
🔹 If Employed:
- Latest salary slips (last 3 months)
- Employment letter stating job role and approved leave
- Bank statements (last 6 months)
- ITRs (Income Tax Returns) – last 2–3 years
🔹 If Self-employed:
- Business registration certificate
- ITRs showing business income
- Business bank account statements
- GST filings (if applicable)
🔹 If Retired:
- Pension certificate or slips
- Bank statements showing pension deposits
🔹 Others (Optional but Recommended):
- Property ownership proof
- Affidavit of return intent
- Marriage certificate (if both parents are applying)
💷 Visa Fees and Timeline
- Visa Fee: £127 per parent (approx ₹14,000–₹17,000 INR)
- Processing Time: Typically 15 working days
(Apply 4–6 weeks in advance to avoid last-minute delays)
Parents need to apply online at the official UK government website and attend a biometric appointment at VFS Global.
👉 Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/standard-visitor
🎓 Bonus Tip: Graduation Visitors
If your graduation ceremony is coming up, most universities provide a formal invitation letter for parents. This is an additional supporting document that boosts the visa approval chances—don’t forget to request it from your university.
🎉 Real Success Stories from MDA Students
Adding real-life success stories helps show what’s possible when you follow the process correctly. Here are a few inspiring journeys from students who invited their parents to the UK with support from MDA – My Dream Admit:
💬 Ready to Create Your Own Story?
Whether you want your parents with you for your graduation, emotional support, or just to show them the UK life—you can make it happen with the right guidance and documents.
📞 Contact MDA (My Dream Admit) today to get expert help with:
- Invitation letter drafting
- Document preparation
- Application guidance
- VFS appointment support
✨ Final Words
Inviting your parents to the UK is more than a visa process—it’s about bringing a piece of home to you. With early planning, the correct paperwork, and expert help, you can reunite with your parents in one of the most meaningful chapters of your journey abroad.
Diksha Ahuja Khanna
(Overseas Education Consultant)
