What a sponsorship letter is for
The sponsor (host or person paying) writes this letter to say they will cover the applicant’s expenses (accommodation, living costs, return travel) and sometimes to invite them.
What to include
- Sponsor’s details – full name, relationship to applicant, passport/ID number, full address, phone, email
- Applicant’s details – full name, passport number, travel dates
- Destination – country (and city if relevant)
- Undertaking – that the sponsor will cover accommodation, daily expenses, and return travel
- Proof – that the sponsor can afford this (e.g. “I have attached bank statements and employment letter”)
- Compliance – that the applicant will respect visa conditions and leave on time
Tone and format
- Formal (“To Whom It May Concern”, “Yours faithfully”)
- On letterhead if the sponsor has one; otherwise full address and contact
- Signed and dated by the sponsor
Documents the sponsor should attach
- Passport or ID copy
- Proof of address (utility bill, tenancy, etc.)
- Bank statements (e.g. 3–6 months)
- Employment letter or other proof of income
Use our Sponsorship Letter template and our Affidavit of Support if a more formal undertaking is required (e.g. for some US cases).