cover letter for british passport application

Applying for British citizenship

This advice applies to England. See advice for See advice for Northern Ireland , See advice for Scotland , See advice for Wales

You should check if you’re eligible to apply for citizenship - there are different routes to apply.

Most adults who have migrated to the UK get citizenship by applying to ‘naturalise’.

Applying for citizenship takes time and you will not get your money back if your application is refused.

Check how much it costs to apply

You usually pay £1,330 to apply for adult citizenship or £1,012 for children. If you’re applying for citizenship as an adult you’ll also have to pay:

£50 to do the Life in the UK Test

around £150 if you have to do an English test

You will not get most of your money back if your application is refused - for example, if you’re not eligible or you sent the wrong documents.

You can find out more about the fees for citizenship applications on GOV.UK .

If you’re applying for a child and you can’t afford the fee

You can apply for a ‘fee waiver’. If you get a fee waiver, you will not have to pay the fee.

To apply for a fee waiver, you have to show you don’t have enough income and savings to pay for both the fee and essential costs like food and rent. You’ll need to send documents showing your income and spending for the last 6 months, for example your:

bank statements for all your accounts

tenancy agreement

utility bills

If social services give you money to help you look after your child, you’ll automatically get a fee waiver - you’ll need to send documents to prove this.

You can apply for a fee waiver on GOV.UK .

Check what you need to apply

Before you apply for citizenship, it’s worth preparing what you’ll need. 

When you apply for citizenship through naturalisation, you’ll need to: 

prove how long you’ve lived in the UK

pass the Life in the UK Test 

prove you understand English 

check you’re of ‘good character’ - this means showing you haven't recently broken the law or gone bankrupt

give the names of 2 people who can help prove your identity - these are called ‘referees’

If you're applying for citizenship for your child

You’ll need to make a separate application for your child. 

If your child is under 18 years old, you can apply to ‘register’ them as a British citizen. Registering is a way of applying for British citizenship. 

The application process is easier for children - they don't have to:

prove their knowledge of English 

do the citizenship ceremony

You can check if your child can get British citizenship and what form you should use .

Prove how long you’ve lived in the UK 

You usually need to prove how long you’ve lived in the UK - this is called the ‘residency requirement’.  

You need to prove your residency even if you've done it before - for example, by applying for 'settled status'. 

The length of time you need to prove will depend on your situation.

These are the steps you should follow:

1. Work out when you were in the UK

You should work out exactly when you were in the UK during the last: 

3 years if you’re married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen 

5 years if you’re not married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen

To help with this, you could make a list of the dates you travelled outside the UK by:

checking old calendars

checking travel bookings

looking for exit and entry dates stamped in your passport

You also need to make sure you were in the UK on the same day 3 or 5 years ago as the day you’re applying. If you weren’t in the UK exactly 3 or 5 years ago, it’s usually best to wait until it’s been 3 or 5 years since the date you returned to the UK and then apply. If you were out of the UK for a long time, talk to an adviser .

2. Check what absences from the UK are allowed 

You should check how many days you were outside the UK - if it's over the limit you might be refused. You'll need to separately count these for the:

3 or 5 years you’re providing evidence for in your application 

12 months before you apply

You can be out of the UK for up to 90 days in the year before you apply. If you were away for longer, you could delay applying. This would mean your absence is counted in the 3 or 5 years you’re using in your residence requirement. 

3. Check you have the evidence to show you were in the UK 

You’ll need to give the Home Office your current passport and old passports that cover the time you’ve been in the country. If you have any entry and exit stamps in your passport, check they match the dates you’ve said you were in and out of the country on your application.

Check if your passport has an entry stamp for when you first entered the UK. You might not have one if for example you’re an EU citizen.

If you don’t have a passport with an entry stamp, you’ll need other evidence to show you were in the UK, for example:

payslips and P60s

a letter from your employer or education provider with start and end dates

a letter from a benefits provider like the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) showing when you got benefits

You might also be able to use other evidence, like household bills.

If you don’t have a passport or travel documents because you’re a refugee, the Home Office should accept that you didn’t leave the UK after you arrived.

Pass the Life in the UK Test 

You need to pass the Life in the UK Test before you apply for citizenship. 

The test asks questions about UK laws and the legal system, working and other details of life in the UK. 

You can do the test any time before you apply.

Check if you need to do the test 

You don’t need to pass the Life in the UK Test if:

you’ve already passed it - for example, if you took the test when you applied for 'indefinite leave to remain' 

you’re under 18 or over 65 years old

If you’re aged 60 to 64 and can show you’re unlikely to pass the test before you turn 65, the Home Office might agree you don’t have to do the test. For example, if you're receiving medical treatment for a serious illness.

If you have a physical or mental condition that stops you passing the test, you might not have to do it. You'll need to ask your doctor to confirm that your condition:

is unlikely to change

makes it impossible for you to pass the test - for example, a learning disability or brain injury that stops you remembering facts

You can get a form for your doctor to fill in on GOV.UK. 

Doing the test 

You can do the test as many times as you need to - but you have to pay a fee each time. 

You need to study the official handbook to pass the test. You can also buy an app to practise - search for the official Life in the UK Test app by TSO (The Stationery Office). 

Some colleges offer short courses to help prepare for the test. You'll have to pay a fee to attend.

You can book the Life in the UK Test and buy the official handbook on GOV.UK.

Prove you understand English

You need to prove you understand English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic before you can apply for citizenship. 

Check if you need to prove you understand English

You don’t need to prove you understand English if:

you’re from a country that’s exempt - check which nationalities don't have to prove they understand English on GOV.UK

you have a degree that was taught or researched in English - check how to show your degree was in English on GOV.UK

If you’re aged 60 to 64 and can show you’re unlikely to learn English before you turn 65, the Home Office might agree you don’t have to prove your knowledge of English. For example, if you're receiving medical treatment for a serious illness.

makes it impossible for you to learn English - for example, a learning disability or brain injury that stops you learning the language 

You can get a form for your doctor to fill in on GOV.UK.

Proving you understand English

You'll need to pass a speaking and listening test at an approved centre - you can find a secure English language test provider on GOV.UK.

The test costs around £150. Tests are usually valid for 2 years - if you’ve already done a test, you can check your English language test is still valid on GOV.UK. 

Check you’re of good character 

You usually need to prove you’re of good character before you can apply for citizenship. 

The Home Office look at a range of things to decide this.

For example, the Home Office might decide you’re not eligible if you have:

unpaid taxes in the UK

an NHS debt 

been declared bankrupt

a criminal record

broken a condition of your leave in the last 10 years - for example working or claiming public funds without permission

If you have any points on your driving licence, you must print a summary of your record from the DVLA website and include it with your application.

You should say if you've received any fixed penalty notices in your application. Your good character won't be affected, as long as you've paid them.

It’s important to be honest and include anything that’s relevant to your application - for example, a criminal conviction. If the Home Office finds you've left something out, they might refuse to accept your application.

If you think you’ll have problems with proving you are of good character, you should talk to an adviser before you apply.

Provide 2 referees

You’ll need to give the names of 2 referees on your application. These are people who know you and can help prove your identity. 

Both of your referees should have known you personally for more than 3 years. They must not be: 

your relative

your solicitor or agent 

employed by the Home Office 

They can't be a referee if they've had a criminal conviction in the last 10 years, unless a certain period of time has passed. This is called the ‘rehabilitation period’. For example, the rehabilitation period for a fine is 1 year. You can find the rehabilitation periods on GOV.UK.  

Your referees should include: 

a person who has 'professional standing' - for example, a civil servant of any nationality

a person who is a British passport holder and either has professional standing or is over the age of 25

The Home Office has a list of people they accept as referees - they’re called ‘acceptable professional persons’. 

Before you apply, check the list and the rest of the rules for referees in the nationality guidance on GOV.UK. The list of who can be a referee is under 'Commonly used terms'.

Check your application carefully

It’s important to check you have the right information and documents before you apply. If something is missing or wrong, the Home Office can refuse to accept your application and you will not get your money back.

If the Home Office decide you lied on your application, they might stop you applying again for 10 years.

If you need help preparing your application 

You should talk to an adviser if you need help with completing your application or providing evidence. 

How to apply 

You can usually apply for citizenship online or by post. 

If you’re from the Channel Islands, Isle of Man or a British Overseas territory, you must apply by post.

It's a good idea to send your paper application by recorded delivery, so you can make sure it's delivered.

Find out more about applying if you’re married to or in a civil partnership with a British citizen on GOV.UK. 

If you're not married or in a civil partnership with a British citizen, the way you apply will depend on your current immigration status. You can find out how to:

apply if you have indefinite leave to remain or settled status on GOV.UK

apply if you have permanent residence status on GOV.UK

Submit your documents 

If you’ve applied on a paper form, you’ll need to submit your documents - for example, send your passport with your application.  

If you’ve applied online, you can scan your documents and upload them to your online application - you don’t have to physically send them to the Home Office. 

It’s a good idea to download or print a copy of your finished application for your records.

Book your biometric appointment 

You’ll usually get an email asking you to book an appointment to have your photograph and fingerprints taken. These are called your ‘biometric information’.

You’ll need to book an appointment on the UK Visa and Citizenship Application Service website .

You can check what to bring and if anyone needs to go with you on GOV.UK .

After you’ve applied 

You need to tell the Home Office if you change your personal details during this time. For example, if you change your address. 

The amount of time you wait for the Home Office’s decision will not affect your existing rights in the UK - for example, you can continue to work or claim benefits.

The Home Office will write to you if they need more details about your application. You should reply within 2 weeks if you can. If the Home Office doesn't hear from you by then, they might make a decision on your application based on the information they already have.

UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) will try to make a decision about your application within 6 months, but it might take longer. If you’re worried about a delay, you can:

contact UKVI to check if there’s a problem with your application - check how to contact UKVI on GOV.UK

make a complaint about the delay - check how to complain to UKVI on GOV.UK

Travelling outside the UK before you get British citizenship 

You can travel outside the UK if you’ve applied for British citizenship. You should make sure you can get emails and letters about your application while you’re away. 

Organise a citizenship ceremony 

If your application is successful, you must arrange a citizenship ceremony. These are usually held at your local council. Find out more about booking your citizenship ceremony on GOV.UK. 

Replace or correct a UK citizenship certificate 

You’ll have to pay a fee to replace or correct a UK citizenship certificate. Find out more about replacing or correcting your citizenship certificate on GOV.UK.

Travelling outside the UK after you get British citizenship 

If you want to travel outside the UK after getting British citizenship, you’ll need to apply for a British passport. 

Make sure the details on your current passport are the same as your citizenship certificate. For example, check your name is spelled the same. If any of the details are different, you will not get a British passport.

You can find out more about how to apply for a British passport on GOV.UK.

Register to vote 

Becoming a British citizen means you can vote in all elections or referendums. You can register to vote on GOV.UK. 

If your application is unsuccessful 

If your application is unsuccessful, the Home Office will write to you and tell you why. 

It will not affect your current right to stay in the UK.

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What Documents Do I Need for a Passport?

Applying for a passport requires submitting the necessary supporting documents. First and foremost, they must be original documents or official copies in English or Welsh. You cannot submit photocopies or documents in a foreign language.

So, what documents do you need, exactly? That varies depending on your circumstances and place of birth.

Dive into our guide to know precisely what you must prepare for your UK passport application. Here’s what we’ll cover:

Applicants born or adopted within the UK

Applicants born or adopted abroad, supporting documents for a child’s passport, supporting documents required for a passport renewal.

Apart from all those documents, you must also provide a compliant British passport photo with your application. Prepare one in 3 minutes with Passport Photo Online—just snap a picture with your smartphone, and we’ll take care of the rest!

Explore other helpful articles discussing British passport issues:

• How to Get an Emergency Passport
• Using The Post Office For Passport Application and Renewal
• British Passport Processing Time

Without further ado, let’s review what documents you will need for your passport application.

First-time passport applications and supporting documents

This paragraph discusses the documents necessary for an adult passport application. First-time passport documents for children will be covered later on in the guide.

First-time passport applications always require the most paperwork. Moreover, according to the HM Passport Office’s rules , you must also submit different documents depending on your birthplace (whether it was in the UK or abroad).

Below, you can find the necessary documents you must prepare for your first British passport depending on two scenarios.

Pay attention to your date of birth or adoption—different documents are required for different time frames. Check out the table below to see which documents you should prepare.

Applicants born or adopted before January 1, 1983, must provide only one document: either their full birth certificates or adoption documents.

Applicants born or adopted after January 1, 1983, must provide the three documents from the list above.

Note : If you provide your father’s documents, you must also add your parents’ marriage certificate.

Applicants born or adopted outside of the UK must submit their supporting documents as per their family situation and/or citizenship status. Here’s the list of possible scenarios and the documents that must be provided in each case:

Note : If you provide your father’s documents, you must also add your parents’ marriage certificate showing their wedding date.

Important : If your situation includes any other circumstances (e.g., name change in your birth certificate, marriage, divorce, etc.), you must provide additional documents supporting this information.

Reminder : Until your child is 16, a new passport application must be submitted each time their passport expires as only adult British passports are eligible for renewals—we’ll discuss the necessary documents for that process in the following paragraph.

Remember that when applying for your child’s first passport, you must find someone who can confirm their identity .

Here’s a list of documents parents must prepare for their baby’s first passport:

• A full birth certificate or an adoption certificate
• Proof of your child’s British nationality
• Any valid foreign passport, if applicable
• Any relevant court orders, e.g., parental responsibility

Note : Children aged 12–15 must sign their passport form themselves.

The list includes documents necessary for first-time passports only. For subsequent passports, the child’s old passport must be provided along with any relevant documents (if a change of personal details has occurred). For children under 12, every new passport requires identity confirmation by a third party.

Important : If the passport office cannot recognise your child from the old passport photo, you must provide a countersignatory. See who can sign your baby’s British passport photo .

Renewing your passport requires the least paperwork. The only document that’s universally required is your old passport . Other than that, any further documentation depends on your current situation, e.g., if you’ve changed your appearance drastically, got married or divorced.

Important : If you’ve lost your passport or it got stolen , someone must confirm your identity when applying for a replacement passport.

Most importantly, don’t forget to support your passport application with a compliant passport photo. Passport Photo Online is here to help you achieve the perfect result—be it prints or a digital photo!

What documents are needed to get a passport?

The required documents for a British passport depend on your individual circumstances. Go through our section entitled “ First-time passport applications and supporting documents ,” then check which scenario best describes your situation for a list of mandatory documents.

Do I need my parents’ birth certificate to get a passport?

Yes, in some circumstances, you must provide your parents’ birth certificates to get a British passport. Such situations include being born or adopted in the UK after January 1, 1983, OR being born or adopted before January 1, 1983, with your father born in the UK.

What documents do I need for a passport renewal?

For a standard passport renewal, you only need to provide your previous passport. If some crucial information has changed, you must also provide relevant documents to support said changes. In the case of a lost/stolen passport, please remember that a third party must confirm your identity.

And there you have it—all the information you’ll need in order to prepare the necessary documents for your passport application. As you can see, what documents you need will largely depend on your specific situation.

We hope that this guide has helped you, and we implore you to always consult the official government website for the most up-to-date information. We hope you have fun on your next trip!

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Roxana is a writer with 3+ years of experience. As a Master in psycholinguistics, she blends her passion for language and communication with insights from diverse cultures, making her content resonate with a broad audience.

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Visa Traveler

Exploring the world one country at a time

How to write a compelling cover letter for UK visa (that will impress the ECO)

Updated: September 6, 2023

A cover letter for UK visa is instrumental in persuading the ECO that you meet the visa requirements and have no intention of overstaying your visa. It gives you the opportunity to convince the ECO that you are a genuine visitor and you will promptly return back to your country.

A cover letter is a document to convey additional information that wasn’t asked in the UK visa application. It’s not a mandatory document but by far the most helpful document in increasing your chances of UK visa approval.

Table of Contents

Why do you need a cover letter for uk visa.

The information asked in the UK visa application isn’t enough to convince the ECO that you will return back to your home country after your trip. 

Most questions on the UK visa application are close-ended. They don’t give you an opportunity to explain. 

A cover letter allows you to explain in your own words and be as descriptive as you can. You can use your own format and even use illustrations if needed.

Is a cover letter mandatory for UK visa?

No. A cover letter is not mandatory for UK visa. It’s not even a document in the documents checklist for UK visa.

When I applied for my UK visa, I did not submit a cover letter. At that time, I didn’t know the importance of a cover letter for UK visa. I didn’t feel the need to explain anything additional, so I didn’t submit one. My visa was still approved. 

That’s not the case for everyone. A cover letter will not hurt your chances of approval, it can only help. It gives you an additional opportunity to convince the ECO. 

If I apply again for my UK visa, I would definitely submit a cover letter. 

What should you write in the cover letter?

A cover letter is not a mandatory document for UK visa. So obviously, UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) does not provide any guidelines on what to include in the cover letter.

As you all know, I started this website in 2016. Since then, I have been helping my readers with their visas. I figured that a cover letter was the most helpful for UK visa. 

I have been writing cover letters for my readers. Over time, I learned that a cover letter with a certain format worked the best for UK visa. 

I would like to impart all my knowledge in this article, so you can write the most compelling cover letter for your UK visa. It will not only impress the ECO but will greatly improve your chances of visa approval.

So without any further delay, let’s get started. 

Format of the cover letter

The goal of the cover letter is to convince the ECO that you are a genuine visitor. You must do this in a simple, short and clear manner. ECOs rarely will have time for anything other than what’s asked.

Write your cover letter in simple words as if it’s meant for a 5th grader. If the language is too complicated to read, ECO will not bother to read it. 

Do not use words that people from your country can only understand. ECOs are from the UK and they can only understand the terms that they use in the UK. 

Example: It’s common for people in India to say something like “ please do the needful and revert back to me “. Even though it’s still understandable, saying something like “ please let me know if you need anything else from me ” will help the ECO understand better. 

Remember, a cover letter is not a mandatory document. ECO is doing you a favor by reading it. So, make it easy for the ECO.

Your cover letter should never be longer than two pages. ECOs rarely have time for things other than what’s asked in the application. If you present them with a booklet, they will toss it in the trash without even looking at it. 

Again remember, a cover letter is not mandatory. It should not consume too much of ECO’s time.

To further simplify your cover letter, format it with subheadings, bullets and highlights. This helps the ECO to quickly glance over the letter and read any section that interests them. 

Example:   Instead of writing like this – 

“ I intend to travel to the UK for tourism from 20 June 2021 to 24 June 2021 and I plan to visit various attractions in London such as Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, London Eye, Madame Tussauds, National Gallery, etc. “

Write like this – 

• I intend to travel to the UK for tourism. My travel dates are from 20 June 2021 to 27 June 2021. 
• 20 June 2021: Arrive at Heathrow International Airport at 3 PM. Check-In and dinner.
• 21 June 2021: Visit Buckingham Palace and the Tower of London
• 22 June 2021: Visit Tower Bridge and London Eye
• 23 June 2021: Visit Madame Tussauds and National Gallery
• 24 June 2021: Depart from Heathrow International Airport at 10 AM

Sections in the cover letter

It’s important to break the cover letter into different sections. This helps the ECO quickly glance through the letter and understand the gist of it. If needed, the ECO can read specific sections. Your cover letter for UK visa must contain the following sections.

Section 1: Your previous UK visa refusals

In the UK visa application, there is a question on previous UK visa refusals. It asks about your previous UK visa refusal and its details. This question asks you to explain why your UK visa was refused but doesn’t ask why it shouldn’t have been refused

There is no other place in the application to address your previous visa refusals either. There is the “additional/extra information” area, but it’s only for text and not suitable for formatting or pictures. Therefore, the cover letter is the most appropriate place for addressing your previous UK visa refusal. 

If you are re-applying to challenge your UK visa refusal , include a section in your cover letter specifically for your previous visa refusal. Address your previous visa refusal with evidence, additional information and documentation. 

Keep this section as the first section in your cover letter. Having this section at the beginning of the cover letter will help the new ECO get straight to the point. Otherwise, they may overlook and your efforts of re-application may go to waste.

Here is an example.

Previous UK Visa Refusal

My previous application for the UK visitor visa with GWF number GWF12345678 was refused on 16 March 2021. 

I would like to address the reason for the refusal with additional information and documentation.

Reason for refusal: The sources of the deposit (£850) were not demonstrated by the documents provided.

Explanation: The deposit in question was made on 05-Dec-2020 for the amount of £850. This amount was the yearly bonus from my employer. Yearly bonuses are deposited in the first week of December every year. Please find the attached documentation to prove that these funds are available to me.

Additional Documentation: (1) Bonus slip, (2) bonus announcement email and (3) letter from my employer with details of bonus, amount and dates.

Section 2: Your travel purpose and itinerary

In this section, mention your purpose of visit and proposed itinerary in the UK. The itinerary must be detailed enough but not too descriptive to confuse the ECO. Format it with bullets and/or a table.

Proposed Travel Itinerary

• I intend to travel to the UK for tourism for a total of 7 days. My travel dates are from 14 Oct 2021 to 20 Oct 2021.
• My planned day-by-day itinerary is as follows

Section 3: People traveling with you to the UK

In this section, mention the people that will travel with you to the UK. If you are applying for the visa with your family members, mention their details such as name, passport number and GWF number. 

Each individual must submit one UK visa application. Say if a husband, wife and child are traveling to the UK together, each of them must submit a separate UK visa application. There is no easy way to tie these applications together. 

There is a question in the application asking for travel companions, but mentioning them again in your cover letter will help tie them all together. 

Travel Companions

I will be traveling to the UK with my wife and son. The GWF numbers of my wife’s and son’s UK visa applications are as follows.

Section 4: Your current employment/business or university details

In this section, mention your current employment details. Include details such as the employer’s name, how long you have been working and your current salary.

Employment Details

• I currently work for Samcore Logistics, LTD, Dubai as a product manager.
• I have been working as a product manager at Samcore Logistics, LTD since Nov 2014.
• My monthly salary is 7,000 AED after taxes.
• An original letter from my employer, a leave approval letter and bank statements indicating the salary deposits are attached.

If you are a business owner, mention the details of your business such as your business name, your role in the company, yearly revenue, etc.

Business Details

• I own a construction business in Dubai since 2016. I’m the founder and president of the business.
• The business has been in positive cash flow since its inception with yearly revenue of 300,000 AED.
• A copy of my business registration, business license, bank statements and tax returns are attached.

If you are currently a student at the university, mention your university details along with the program, major and semester details.

University Details

• I’m a full-time student enrolled in the undergraduate program at the University of the Philippines.
• I’m currently in the second semester of my second year with another four semesters remaining to graduate.
• A letter from my university and the fee payment receipts are attached.

Section 5: Your current financial situation

In this section, mention your source of income, savings and the bank statements for your UK visa . 

If you have multiple bank accounts, this section is a good place to talk about it. Explain why you have multiple bank accounts and how they are connected.

Financial Solvency

• I currently have 300,000 INR (approx. 2,900 GBP) in my bank account.
• The source of my savings is my salary from my employer, WinTech Corporation.
• The last 6 months bank statements and payslips are attached.

It’s quite common for many to work in a foreign country and send all their earnings back home for family maintenance or savings. In such cases, you will have to submit bank statements from both countries, but most importantly, mention that clearly in this section.

If you use a broker or third party to send cash back home, errors can occur and transactions may not match. I highly recommend using a money transfer service such as Wise to transfer cash back to your home country.

Section 6: Your sponsorship information

If you are paying for your trip yourself, this section does not apply to you. Have this section in your cover letter only if someone else is paying for your trip. 

In this section, mention your sponsor details, your relationship with the sponsor, what expenses they will bear, etc. 

Sponsorship Details

• My brother is sponsoring my trip to the UK.
• He will bear all my travel expenses while I’m in the UK including accommodation, food and transportation.
• A letter from my brother, his UK residence permit, employment proofs, bank statements, his apartment lease contract and the document to prove our relationship are attached.

Section 7: Your travel history

In this section, mention your travel history. Travel history is very important and highlighting it will only help with your UK visa. Your travel history can include all your previous travels to the UK and other countries. If you have traveled to a country multiple times, mention that country only once.

Travel History

• In the last 5 years, I have traveled to 8 countries for both tourism and business. 
• The countries I have traveled to are Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, UAE, Turkey and Denmark.
• A copy of my visas and entry and exit stamps from all the above countries are attached.

Section 8: Any family members staying back at home

In this section, mention any family members remaining at home during your UK trip. This helps prove your family ties with your country. Family ties indicate that you will return back to your country after your trip. 

Do not include this section if it does not apply to you.

Family Remaining at Home

• I currently live with my wife and two children.
• My wife and children will remain at home during my trip to the UK.
• A copy of my wife’s employment proof and children’s school receipts are attached.

Section 9: Your intention to return back

In this section, mention that you will promptly return back after your trip and the reasons for that. Reasons can be employment, business or attending to family needs. 

Intention to Return Back

• I intend to return to Pakistan after the end of my UK trip on 27 Oct 2021 as I have to report back to my employer and continue at my job on 28 Oct 2021.
• An original leave approval letter from my employer is attached.

Section 10: Any miscellaneous information

If you want to add something that didn’t fall under any specific section above, you can include it here. This could be something about properties you own (economic tie), your rental situation, covid safety precautions, etc.

Miscellaneous

• I currently live in a rental apartment. A copy of my rental contract is attached.
• I own farmland with my wife. A copy of my property ownership document is attached. 
• I assure you that I will follow COVID safety precautions throughout my trip.

A cover letter is not a mandatory document for UK visa. But in my experience, it’s the most helpful document. The goal of the cover letter is to convince the ECO that you are a genuine visitor. Your cover letter must be simple, short and clear. Break the cover letter into sections, paragraphs and bullet lists. Use pictures and screenshots if necessary.

That’s it, folks! Now you know how to write a compelling cover letter for UK visa. This will greatly improve the chances of your UK visa approval. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments below.

WRITTEN BY THIRUMAL MOTATI

Thirumal Motati is an expert in tourist visa matters. He has been traveling the world on tourist visas for more than a decade. With his expertise, he has obtained several tourist visas, including the most strenuous ones such as the US, UK, Canada, and Schengen, some of which were granted multiple times. He has also set foot inside US consulates on numerous occasions. Mr. Motati has uncovered the secrets to successful visa applications. His guidance has enabled countless individuals to obtain their visas and fulfill their travel dreams. His statements have been mentioned in publications like Yahoo, BBC, The Hindu, and Travel Zoo.

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Purchase travel medical insurance for your trip from SafetyWing . Insurance from SafetyWing covers COVID-19 and also comes with a visa letter which you can use for your visas.

06. Get your zero-fee ATM card

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Need more? Check out my travel resources page  for the best websites to plan your trip.

LEGAL DISCLAIMER We are not affiliated with immigration, embassies or governments of any country. The content in this article is for educational and general informational purposes only, and shall not be understood or construed as, visa, immigration or legal advice. Your use of information provided in this article is solely at your own risk and you expressly agree not to rely upon any information contained in this article as a substitute for professional visa or immigration advice. Under no circumstance shall be held liable or responsible for any errors or omissions in this article or for any damage you may suffer in respect to any actions taken or not taken based on any or all of the information in this article. Please refer to our full disclaimer for further information.

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SECOND BRITISH PASSPORT EMPLOYER LETTER REQUIREMENTS

• CURRENT PASSPORT OR PHOTOCOPY
• Application form
• Two passport photos
• employer support letter
• Authorisation letter
• Second Passport Page

Application Form

Employer support letter.

His Majesty's Passport Office requires a letter from your employer to support your application for a Second Passport stating the reasons for it. An Employer Support Letter must be provided for the following passport applications:

• a first time Second British passport
• a renewal of a Second British passport

Important Note

Please note that applicants can only hold a maximum 2 passports at a time, regardless of whether they have expired or not. If you have any undeclared second passports, then you must state these with our team members upon contact and application.

How to write the Employer Support Letter

The letter must be

• In the original hard copy format.
• Printed on letter headed paper.
• No older than one month (as shown by the date).

The letter must contain

The Employer Support Letter should be addressed to His Majesty's Passport Office and must contain:

Your information:

• Full name of the applicant.
• The title/position of the applicant within the company.
• How long they have been employed by the company for (state month and year of joining).

The information of the employer

• Name of the person signing the letter. This person must hold a higher position in the company than the applicant or be a financial controller/accountant.
• Signature of this person.
• Telephone number of this person in case His Majesty's Passport Office has any queries relating to the application.
• Newly-formed companies must be VAT registered.
• You cannot sign the Employer Support Letter on your own behalf if you are self-employed.

A statement explaining the reason for requiring a second passport

For example, that the applicant is required to travel to various countries whilst applying for a visa and thus needs a second passport to travel during it's processing. You must then list at least 6 countries where a visa will be required. Countries might include India, China, Russia, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia etc. It must also state that you will be travelling to these countries in the next few years and confirm that the applicant will return to the United Kingdom after the business trip.

If you have doubts on your eligibility to apply for a Second British Passport, contact Rapid British Passports.

(Company name) ___________________ (Company address) _________________ (Company address) _________________ His Majesty's Passport Office London SW1V 1PN Date__________________(No longer than one month before application) Dear Sir/Madam, This is to confirm that ___________________________ (applicant's first and last name) has been employed by this company as a _____________________ (job title) for ______________(length of employment). He has been in our employment since _____________________(employment start date). _______________________(applicant's full name) is a frequent traveller and therefore is in need of a second passport as we anticipate several trips over the coming years. Several countries that he will be travelling to will require visas and therefore we would request a second passport so he may obtain these visas while he travels. _____________________(applicant's name) will be expected to travel to ________________________________________________________________________________(list 6 countries that require visas) over the next few years. We can confirm that he will be returning to the United Kingdom to resume employment with this company after these trips. Please assist him in obtaining a second passport allowing him to travel. If you require any further information with regards to _______________________(applicant's name) employment with this company, please do not hesitate to contact me on the number below. Yours sincerely, ___________________ (Employer Signature) ___________________ (Employer's printed name) ___________________ (Employer's title) ___________________ (Employer's phone number)

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• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Apply for a UK Passport

Last Updated: October 11, 2022 References

This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff . Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 10,928 times.

Whether you're applying for your first UK passport or updating information on your existing passport, there are several factors to consider before beginning the application process. If you approach your application with the proper documents, acceptable photographs, and important identification information, you can breeze through the process and have your passport in hand in no time.

Gathering Required Documents and Photos

• British citizenship
• British overseas territory citizen
• British overseas citizen
• British subject
• British national (overseas)
• British protected person [1] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
• Contact UK Visas and Immigration if you are unsure if you have British nationality. You can contact them at https://www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-uk .

• Evidence of your parent’s claim to nationality are your parent’s British passport number, full birth certificate, or certificate of registration or naturalization. If you are estranged from your parents or your parents are no longer living, include a note in section 8 of your application detailing your situation. [2] X Research source
• If you were born after 01/01/83, you’ll need your “full” birth or adoption certificate, which includes your parents’ details.

• If you’re changing your national status on your passport, you’ll need a certificate of registration or naturalization or an adoption certificate.
• For all other application purposes and the associated required documents, visit https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-adult-passport/photos-and-documents-you-must-send .
• Use only original or replacement documents. The documents will be mailed back to you once your application is complete. [3] X Research source Photocopies, laminated, or damaged documents will not be accepted. [4] X Research source

• Face forward and look straight at the camera
• Wear a plain expression with your mouth closed
• Have your eyes open and visible
• Do not wear any head coverings (unless for religious purposes)
• Keep your hair pulled back from your face
• Have no shadows on your face or behind you [5] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

• Measure 45 millimetres (1.8 in) tall by 35 millimetres (1.4 in) wide
• Be printed with no border
• Not be cropped from a larger photo or altered by computer software [6] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
• Your application will be delayed and you will have to submit new photos if they do not meet the requirements.
• If you’re applying online, it may be acceptable to use digital photos. The application will instruct you on what type of photo you need. [7] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Filling Out the Passport Application

• A standard first UK passport costs £75.50 if you apply online or £85 to apply in person at a Post Office. [8] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
• Apply for a UK passport online at http://www.gov.uk/apply-renew-passport .
• If you’re applying for a UK passport from overseas, you will need to fill out and pay for your passport online. Follow the overseas passport application process at https://www.gov.uk/overseas-passports [9] X Research source

• Complete the application form using capital letters and black ink. Don’t write anywhere outside the white boxes or the signature borders.
• If you make a mistake, cross it out instead of using correction fluid. If you make more than three mistakes on any line, you will need to fill out a new form. [10] X Research source
• If you use ink that is not black, you may need to re-submit your application. [11] X Research source

• You were included as a child on someone else’s passport
• You are renewing a passport that was handwritten
• You have recently become a British national by naturalization or registration [12] X Research source

• Children between the ages of 12-15 will need to fill out section 6 as well.
• Fill out section 10 for children 11 years old or younger, or for everyone who is not recognizable from their last passport photo
• An adult passport must be renewed every 10 years. [13] X Research source

• If your passport is damaged, fill out section 8 as well. [14] X Research source

• For children aged 12-15, fill out section 6 as well.
• Section 10 must be filled out for children 11 years or younger, or for individuals who are not recognizable from their previous passport photo. [15] X Research source

• Have known you personally for at least 2 years (but not related by birth or marriage, or in a personal relationship with you)
• Be a professional person (who does not work at the passport office)
• Live in the UK (but not at your address)
• Hold a current British or Irish passport

Submitting the Completed Application

• Find a Post Office that offers this service at https://www.postoffice.co.uk/branchfinder (choose ‘Passport Check and Send’ from the drop down list)
• The Passport Check and Send service costs £9.75 on top of the normal passport fee. You can receive a refund if the Post Office makes an error checking your form. [16] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
• You cannot use the Passport Check and Send service if you filled in the form online. [17] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source
• You are less likely to be rejected if you use the Check and Send service. [18] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

• An adult 34-page passport costs £94.75
• An adult 50-page passport costs £104.75
• A child’s passport costs £68.25.
• Cash is only accepted at the Post Office. Do not send cash in the mail.
• Debit and credit cards are accepted at the Post Office or in the mail. If paying with a card through the mail, fill out the following form and submit it with your application: http://www.britishpassportservices.co.uk/payment-form.pdf
• Make out all postal orders to “Her Majesty’s Post Office”. [19] X Research source

• If you filled out your application online, print the final form once it’s completed. Mail the printed application, along with your photos and identification documents, to the address listed on the form.
• If you had an application form mailed to you, use the included pre-printed envelope to mail your documents.

• You can track the status of your application at https://www.gov.uk/track-passport-application .
• Applications will take longer if you are asked to supply additional documents or the photos you submitted are unacceptable.
• Using the Check and Send service is usually faster than mailing the application yourself. [21] X Trustworthy Source Official UK government website Official website for the public sector of the UK government Go to source

Community Q&A

• If there isn’t enough space on the application to fill in your full name, use section 8 of the application to spell it out completely. [22] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don’t write in section 7 of the application. That area is intentionally blank. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Never make travel plans unless you have your passport in hand. It can take 6-8 weeks for your passport to arrive, and you could end up missing your trip. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality
• ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/725206/6.4270_HMPO_Applying_for_your_Passport_Guidance_v24.pdf
• ↑ https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/496333/Posting_Passports_and_Documents_-_redaction_-_final__clean_.pdf
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/photos-for-passports
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/apply-first-adult-passport/apply-for-a-passport
• ↑ https://www.passport.service.gov.uk/overseas/information/usa/first/adult/usa
• ↑ https://www.gov.uk/how-the-post-office-check-and-send-service-works

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Cover Letter for UK Citizenship Application (Naturalisation, Non-EEA)

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How to write a cover letter.

A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. 

It’s a short letter, usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long.

When to include a cover letter

You should always include a cover letter when you apply for a job using a CV. 

You can write it as an email if you’re applying online or print a copy to go with a paper application.

When writing a cover letter, let the employer know you’re keen by showing that you’ve researched the company. Learn more about what they do through:

• their website
• recent news articles
• talking to people you know who work there

Send it to the right person

It's important to try to address your cover letter to someone by name. Check you have the details of the person you need to send it to. 

You'll need their name and preferred title. For example, ‘Dr’, ‘Mr’, ‘Mrs’, ‘Ms’, and their job title. You should also make sure you have the right company name and address, including postcode.

If you do not know their name

If the job advert does not include a name you can check the company website. Try to find details of the head of the department, head of human resources or a recruitment manager.

If you still cannot find a name, you can start your letter with ‘Dear Sir or Madam’.

Introduction

Introduce yourself and explain how you found the advertised job. You can mention the job title, and reference number if there is one. 

If you’re asking about any job openings and not applying to a vacancy, tell them what sort of job you’re looking for. Let the employer see how keen you are to work for them.

Show you're right for the job

Highlight the skills and experience you have that match what the employer is looking for. 

Convince them that you're enthusiastic about working for them. Let them know you share their work values, culture and style.

Give extra information

If you have gaps in your employment history, you could talk about the skills you gained while you were out of work.

If you’ve mentioned on your CV that you have a disability, you might want to talk more about this in your cover letter. Organisations like Disability UK can give you advice on how to do this. You do not have to mention your disability at this stage if you prefer not to.

You can get more help with specialist advice on finding work if you have a disability.

Ending your cover letter

Thank the employer for considering your application. Let them know that they can get more details from your CV, and tell them you're looking forward to hearing from them.

Let them know how they can best contact you. Make sure your contact details are correct on both your cover letter and CV.

Yours sincerely or yours faithfully

If you know the name of the person you’re writing to, you should end the letter with ‘Yours sincerely’.

If you’ve addressed the letter ‘Dear Sir or Madam’, you should end the letter with ‘Yours faithfully’.

Tips for writing a cover letter

When writing your cover letter, remember to:

• write a new one for every job you apply for and make sure it’s tailored to the company and the specific role
• use the same font and size as you do for your CV, so it looks consistent
• make sure the company name and recruiter’s details are correct
• use the right language and tone: keep it professional and match the keywords used by the employer in their job advert
• show you’ve done your research into the job and the company
• highlight your most relevant skills and experience to stand out from other applicants
• back up any statements you make with facts and use the STAR method
• double check spelling and grammar before you send it
• keep a copy of your cover letter as they may ask you about it in an interview

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Take this simple test that will help you understand your digital skills level. When you complete the test you will get a detailed report with a description of your average level. 

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Europass makes it as simple as possible for you to create a Cover letter that stands out and follows the standard structure. You can create, store and share cover letters in 31 languages, choose from different templates to customise your application and share them easily from your Europass Library. Watch quick tutorial video.

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Apply online for a UK passport

Use this service to apply for, renew, replace or update your passport and pay for it online.

This service is also available in Welsh (Cymraeg) .

If your passport is burgundy or has ‘European Union’ on the cover, you can continue to use it until it expires.

How long it takes

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Do not book travel until you have a valid passport - your new passport will not have the same number as your old one.

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You’ll need a debit or credit card to use this service.

It’s £10.50 cheaper to apply for a passport online than by post.

Other ways to apply

You can pick up passport application forms from your local Post Office and apply by post, or use the Post Office Check and Send service .

It takes longer to apply by post than online.

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