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Sample Cover Letters for Schengen Visa Application

Sample Cover Letters for Schengen Visa Application

Applying for a Schengen visa involves various documents, one of which is the cover letter. This letter plays a crucial role as it presents your purpose for visiting, explains your itinerary, and communicates directly to the consulate. Here’s a detailed guide on how to craft a compelling cover letter for your Schengen visa application.

How to Write a Decent Cover Letter for Schengen Visa Application

Sample Cover Letters for Schengen Visa Application

Step 1: Start With Basic Formatting

Firstly, your cover letter needs to have a professional layout:

  • Header : Include your contact information at the top right corner and the date. Below that, write the contact information of the embassy or consulate.
  • Salutation : Always start with “Dear Sir/Madam,” or if you know the name of the consul, you can address them directly.

Step 2: Introduction

Begin your letter by stating your intent:

  • Introduce yourself, mention your nationality, and briefly state your reason for applying for a Schengen visa.
  • Specify the type of visa you are applying for (tourism, business, medical, etc.).

Step 3: State the Purpose of Your Visit

This part should detail why you want to visit the Schengen area:

  • If it’s for tourism, highlight some attractions or events you plan to attend.
  • For business, mention your business contacts and the essence of your visit.
  • If it’s a medical visit, briefly state the medical reason without going into too much detail.

Step 4: Provide Your Travel Itinerary

Giving a clear itinerary offers the consulate clarity on your plans:

Also of Interest:

Sample letters for no objection letter for visa application, schengen visa application form download.

  • Include your arrival and departure dates.
  • List the places you intend to visit, along with accommodation arrangements.
  • For a multi-country visit, highlight the main destination and other countries on your itinerary.

Step 5: Explain Your Ties to Your Home Country

Consulates need to ensure that you will return to your home country after the visit:

  • Mention your employment status, job title, employer details, and the length of your employment.
  • If applicable, mention your family ties, property, or other significant commitments in your home country.

Step 6: Detail Your Financial Means

Prove that you can financially sustain yourself during your stay:

  • State your annual income or provide evidence of savings.
  • If someone else is sponsoring your trip, mention their name and your relationship with them and attach proof of sponsorship.

Step 7: Closing Statement

Reaffirm the purpose of your visit and express your hope for a positive response:

  • Summarize the reasons why you should be granted a visa.
  • Politely request for your application to be accepted, ensuring you sound polite and respectful.

Step 8: Attach Supporting Documents

List the documents you are attaching with your application:

  • Passport copies, bank statements, travel insurance , flight itinerary, hotel bookings, invitation letters, etc., should be noted.

Step 9: Sign off Formally

Use a formal closing such as “Best regards” or “Sincerely,” followed by your full name. If you are sending a hard copy, make sure to sign above your typed name.

Additional Tips:

  • Clarity and Conciseness : Keep your language clear and concise. Avoid overly complex sentences.
  • Customization : Tailor your cover letter to reflect your specific situation. Avoid generic phrases that make your letter sound impersonal.
  • Proofreading : Always check for grammatical errors or typos. A well-written letter makes a better impression.

Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Schengen Visa

Subject: Application for Schengen Visa for Tourism Purposes

Chennai, India March 24, 2023

Embassy of Spain 12, Prithviraj Road Chennai, India

Dear Consular Officer,

I, Priya Singh, a permanent resident of Chennai, India holding passport number P3456789, am writing to request a Schengen Visa to visit Spain for tourism purposes. My planned travel dates are from July 10, 2023, to July 25, 2023.

My visit’s primary purpose is to explore the rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty of Spain, visiting prominent locations like Madrid, Barcelona, and Seville. I am particularly interested in exploring the Prado Museum, experiencing a flamenco dance show, and indulging in the local cuisine.

I am currently employed at Tech Innovations Pvt. Ltd., where I work as a Project Coordinator. I’ve arranged my travel and accommodation details, ensuring I have a structured travel itinerary during my stay. My return to India will follow the completion of my journey on July 25, 2023, as per the travel plan.

Attached herewith are the supporting documents including my employment verification , hotel bookings, flight tickets, travel insurance, and bank statements as proof of my financial sufficiency.

Thank you very much for considering my application. I am looking forward to a favorable response. Should you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Warm regards,

Priya Singh [Full address in India] [Contact Information]

Sample Cover Letter for Business Schengen Visa

Subject: Schengen Visa Application for Business Trip

Bangalore, India March 24, 2023

Embassy of Germany 45 MG Road Bangalore, India

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am Rajesh Kumar, writing on behalf of my employer, Future Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., based in Bangalore, India, to request a Business Schengen Visa for myself. My passport number is A98765432.

The purpose of my visit is to attend business meetings and workshops with our business partner, Green Tech Innovations, located in Frankfurt, Germany, scheduled from April 15, 2023, to April 22, 2023. These meetings are crucial for the upcoming joint venture that we are due to sign, which will significantly benefit both companies involved.

During my stay, I will be accommodated at Hilton City Hotel in Frankfurt, and all my expenses will be borne by Future Enterprises Pvt. Ltd. as per our corporate travel policy.

Enclosed are all pertinent documents, including my itinerary, invitation letter from Green Tech Innovations, company support letter, proof of financial means, hotel reservation, and round-trip flight bookings.

I kindly request a prompt processing of my visa application. Please contact me should you require more information.

Rajesh Kumar [Full address in India] [Contact Information]

Sample Cover Letter for Medical Treatment Schengen Visa

Subject: Application for Schengen Medical Treatment Visa

Mumbai, India March 24, 2023

Consulate of Italy 30, Altamount Road Mumbai – 400026

My name is Aarti Malhotra, and I am writing to apply for a Medical Treatment Visa for Italy. I am a legal resident of Mumbai, India, and hold passport number M1234567.

Based on medical advice, I need to undergo a specialized medical procedure at the Santa Maria Hospital in Rome, Italy. The treatment is scheduled from August 10, 2023, to August 30, 2023, and is necessary due to a condition that cannot be adequately treated in India.

Enclosed herewith are my medical reports, a letter from my doctor in India, and the formal invitation from Santa Maria Hospital. Also attached are my travel arrangements, accommodation confirmation in Rome, and proof of financial means to support my medical and living expenses during my stay.

I trust that you will find everything in order. I appreciate your prompt and favorable consideration of my visa application to enable me to receive the necessary medical treatment.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Best regards,

Aarti Malhotra [Full address in India] [Contact Information]

These cover letters provide a guideline on how to structure a Schengen visa application for tourism, business, and medical reasons respectively. Each letter is adjusted to reflect specific backstories and purposes as per visa type while retaining the professionalism and detail required.

Writing a detailed and clear cover letter can significantly influence the decision on your Schengen visa application. It’s your opportunity to connect with the consulate officials, make a good first impression, and provide a structured overview of your travel plans and intentions. Follow these steps meticulously, and you enhance your chances of visa approval, leading to an enjoyable trip to the Schengen area .

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SAMPLE COVER LETTERS for VISA APPLICATION: Korea, Schengen, Australia

SAMPLE COVER LETTERS for VISA APPLICATION: Korea, Schengen, Australia

By continuing to read this article, you agree to double check with the authorities or other concerned entities for the latest updates.

Employment certificate, financial documents, and income tax return (ITR) are the staples of most visa applications. But there is one document that is usually overlooked — the cover letter.

A cover letter isn’t always a requirement when applying for a visa. However, it’s something that we often recommend to add to your pile of documents, especially if there is no interview and you have some explaining to do.

You see, sometimes, things don’t always fit the mold perfectly. There are cases wherein you can’t provide the exact document needed, but you have a very good alternative. Or maybe you just can’t provide something at all, but you have a perfectly valid reason. Or perhaps you’re traveling with a group or for a special purpose. These instances could probably benefit from a well-crafted explanation to give the visa officer a clearer picture of your situation.

When I apply for a visa, I usually submit a cover letter regardless of whether or not it’s one of the requirements. I always want to give a summary of my application and clarify some aspects that may be prone to misinterpretation.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

What should be in a cover letter?

For me, a good cover letter must be able to provide the following:

  • A short introduction about yourself.
  • Your travel dates and the purpose of your trip
  • If traveling with a group: your companions and your relationship with them
  • If sponsored: your sponsor’s name, your relationship with them, and the reason why they are willing to sponsor you
  • If you’re missing some requirements: the reason why you won’t be able to provide them and the alternatives you are submitting instead
  • If applying for a double entry or multiple entry visa: the reason why you need to be allowed more than one entry
  • A quick rundown of the destinations you will be visiting
  • A quick summary of your travel history (if any), highlighting that you have NEVER violated visa rules in the past
  • A promise to return to your home country in time

Looks like a lot, huh? But here’s the thing: According to a couple of friends who used to work as visa officers at strict embassies, they usually had very little time to assess each application. Hence, if you’re going to make a cover letter, go straight to the point . One page should be enough. The key is being concise — finding the balance between giving enough information and keeping it short and sweet.

Here are some samples. I intentionally used complicated situations to give you an idea how I usually explain them. If they don’t apply to you, feel free to modify these to match your case. Please use this only as a model for your own cover letter. Please do not copy-paste the whole thing without adjustments.

Sample Cover Letter for Australian Visa (Online Application)

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Sample Cover Letter for Schengen Visa

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Sample Cover Letter for Korean Visa

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guest

where to attach cover letter for Australia Visa application?

Yosh Dimen

In my case, I uploaded it under Evidence of Planned Tourism Activities > Others.

Mara

Hello, I will be applying for a Japan visa and will submit a cover letter din. I have a few questions:

  • If I am traveling with friends pero we will be submitting individual applications, do I need to include that in the cover letter na I am with them on this trip?
  • Do you need to submit all your savings account o kahit isa nalang?
  • Plan ko rin sana (dahil nabasa ko sa ibang posts nyo hehe) na payroll and savings account ipasa, pero kung nililipat ko rin naman yung laman ng payroll sa savings, need ko pa ba isubmit yung payroll account?
  • Sa ibang Japan visa application na napanuod ko, nagsusubmit sila ng bank certificate at bank statement. Do I need to do that?
  • If yes, need ko ba explain sa cover letter ko na tinatransfer ko sa digital bank muna yung pera saka ko tinatransfer sa savings account? (kasi baka makita, if may bank statement, na nanggaling sa ganitong account yung pumasok na pera)

sorry habang nagtatype ako nadadagdagan questions ko haha. sana masagot parin. Thank you sa travel guides. Super helpful. :)

This is for Japan ha.

1. You may indicate your companions. Ako I prefer na imention sila to show na travel with friends talaga.

2. OK lang kahit isa lang kung sa tingin mo strong enough ung account na yun. Pwede ring madami if feeling mo di enough ung isa lang.

3. Naeempty ba ung payroll account when u transfer?

4. Bank cert lang naman ang need ng Japan so kahit walang statement, ok lang.

5. If hindi ka magsusubmit ng statement, di na need iexplain kasi hindi lalabas. :)

MJ Fam

I plan to visit Canada and have started my visa application. I selected visit friend for purpose instead of tourism as I would like to be fully honest with my application. My very purpose is to be with my boyfriend and meet his family and friends. Touring comes as a bonus. Would it be fine to add captions or narrations on the pdf document together with our pictures as proof? I also have our hotel and tour bookings and his boarding passes on the two times that he has visited me here in PH. This is the Proof of Relationship section on the application visa.

Ruth

Hello. Any recommendations for Schengen visa assistance agencies?

Try Gazelle Travel and Tours around Ortigas or Constellation Travel in Makati.

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Cover Letter For Schengen Visa: How To Write & Template

Last Updated : 03 May 2024

30-Second Summary

To apply for a Schengen Visa , you must submit several documents, including a Schengen Visa Cover Letter.

Your Schengen visa cover letter should include: contact information, recipient's details & introduction and purpose.

A well-written covering letter can significantly improve your application's chances of approval.

This post will provide a template and tips to help you get started.

You may need to apply for a Schengen Visa if planning a European trip. This type of visa allows you to travel freely within the Schengen Area, which includes 27 European countries.

What Is A Cover Letter For Schengen Visa?

A letter that you write and send with your other Schengen Visa application to the Schengen Embassy or Consulate is known as a "Schengen Visa Cover Letter" (or "Covering Letter").

The letter should give more details about the reason for your vacation and your plans to return to your home country.

The letter serves as your introduction by giving the consular staff at the Embassy/ Consulate a quick rundown of your travel history (e.g., travel dates, employment background, etc.).

So, in short, your cover letter for Schengen visa serves as a brief description of your Schengen Visa application.

Why Do I Need A Cover Letter?

Writing a cover letter for Schengen visa is crucial to communicating with the embassy official handling your visa application.

Sometimes you'll have no opportunities to speak to the visa authorities and provide your details. This is due too many embassies employing the VFS services to collect paperwork and deliver the applicant's passport. 

Therefore, writing a Schengen visa application cover letter explaining things for you is highly advised because immigration officers base their judgments on the documents you provide.

Why Is A Cover Letter Important?

Most documents you must present are official records, making it difficult to show your previous travels clearly.

In other words, your visa application cover letter is the only document that can genuinely tell a tale.

Because the Embassy/ Consulate officers can grasp who you are and why you need a visa, telling a narrative can be a powerful communication technique.

Each week, hundreds of applications are sent to embassies and consulate s.

Sometimes, those in charge of processing a cover letter lack the time and patience to thoroughly examine each visa applicant's file to establish the reason for the trip and the will to return to their country of residency.

This is not to say that they do not thoroughly review your documents. Still, they usually do so to see if they demonstrate consistency. 

Therefore, a perfect cover letter will make things easier for them and ensure a faster  Schengen Visa processing time .

The Basics Of A Cover Letter

To create a compelling Schengen Visa cover letter, focus on details and persuasion. Convince Embassy /Consular personnel of your eligibility for the visa, highlighting the purpose of your travel. 

In this post, we'll share key tips for a standout Schengen Visa application, ensuring success and faster processing. But first, let's discuss essential content for your Schengen visa cover letter.

The purpose of your visit to the concerned Schengen Country.

The days you intend to arrive and leave the nation (flight reservations).

A thorough schedule of your activities within the Schengen Area.

Evidence that you have the resources to support yourself.

Wherever you intend to stay.

Additional Schengen-member countries you intend to visit (if applicable).

If you have a sponsor for your trip, describe your relationship with them and how they will help you (if applicable).

If you cannot submit any required documents, explain why and what substitute documents you provided.

Any additional information you deem pertinent.

If applying for a double entry or multiple entry visa : the reason why you need to be allowed more than one entry.

You can demonstrate the reason for your journey with the supporting/required documentation. 

Important Notes For The Perfect Cover Letter

First, ensure you demonstrate your tourism intent with a detailed travel itinerary . Your visa application cover letter should also include the following :

General tourist attraction reservation tickets (a boat cruise, museum, or festival tickets).

Describe that you are travelling to go sightseeing. Include the names of the places you plan to visit with the exact dates.

You must present proof and include information that shows you plan to travel back to the US (or your home country). Compelling information would include:

An affidavit stating you will return to the US due to business activities.

Copies of your marriage and birth certificates are acceptable proof that you are abandoning your spouse and children in the US.

Copies of your bank statements demonstrating that you have accounts in the US.

A round-trip, fully paid flight to and from the United States.

Before submitting your cover letter for Schengen visa , ensure you demonstrate your intent to return home to a property or residence in the US. Here's a list of visa application documents that prove your US property ownership:

A copy of the title deed to a property that you own.

Copy of your lease agreement.

A affidavit from a relative or friend stating that you live with them.

Lastly, include proof of US employment in your Schengen Visa Cover Letter to assure officials of your intention to return to your job, not seek work in the Schengen Area. Here's a list of visa application documents for proof of employment:

A written affidavit by your employer stating you work for them.

An  employment letter .

Bank statements prove you have a monthly income from a company located in the US.

The most crucial part is to include hard copies of these documents when submitting your Schengen Visa application. These documents will be substantial evidence to prove you will be returning to the US.

Other Types Of Visa Letters

Your doctor must prepare the visa application cover letter on your behalf if you are visiting a Schengen nation for medical care. Your Schengen Medical Visa Cover Letter must include the following information :

Your diagnosis.

Medical history.

The suggested course of therapy for you in the Schengen nation, including its length.

The first thing you should note about the Schengen business visa cover letter is that your employer writes this letter. 

It is more or less the same as the Tourist Visa Cover Letter. Still, here, your employer must state the purpose of your trip and confirm that you are completing business-related duties on their behalf.

Please remember that the Business Visa Cover Letter must be written on your company's letterhead.

When you (the applicant) won't pay for your travel overseas, you'll need a Schengen visa sponsor letter from the person who will. This letter must be signed by that individual (the sponsor). 

It's a crucial document demonstrating you have the resources to support yourself on your journey (for expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, etc.).

An invitation letter for a Schengen Visa often states that you have been invited by someone or some other body who lives in the Schengen Area (or abroad).

For instance:

Suppose you want to visit a friend or family who lives in the Schengen Area. In that case, you must show them an invitation letter for a Schengen Visa that the resident (your friend or family member) of the  Schengen Area  prepared.

Where Should I Submit My Cover Letter?

Now that we've covered how you must write a Schengen Visa Cover Letter, you're probably wondering where you must submit your cover letter for visa application. Here's a list of ways you can submit your Schengen Visa Cover Letter:

A Consulate or Embassy of the Schengen nation you are travelling to.

If the country you wish to visit does not have diplomatic representation in your country of residency, contact the Embassy or Consulate of another Schengen Country.

A company that handles visa applications on behalf of the Embassy or Consulate of the Schengen Country you are visiting.

The Most Common Schengen Visa Cover Letter Mistakes

Effective logical reasoning is essential alongside your cover letter and Embassy/ Consulate interview. Articulate your motivation for visiting the Schengen Area and your commitment to returning home. 

When explaining your plans to return, avoid vague statements like, "I will return to my country of residence since I cannot stay in the Schengen Region." Instead, specify a clear date, such as, "I will return to my country on November 28 as my employer allows a maximum of 4 weeks off."

Include unique trip details in your cover letter, avoiding redundant information like, "I will be travelling to Norway between November 9, 2022, and November 28, 2022, and I will be staying in Hotel Clarion at 20 Ellehammersvej, Copenhagen," when applying for a tourist visa . 

While this information is essential, Embassy/ Consulate officers can verify trip specifics through reservations. Maintain a professional tone, but aim to tell a compelling story in your cover letter for visa application.

Your covering letter should include information regarding your trip that is not included in your other documents.

While Embassy/ Consulate officials understand minor language errors, excessive spelling and formatting issues in your cover letter can convey a lack of care and respect for the application process. 

Pay meticulous attention to spelling, grammar, capitalization, and structure to appear credible and dedicated. Attending to these details shows you as a well-organized, responsible applicant committed to the visa application process.

Specify the document order for your application systematically. 

Begin with the universal requirements (visa application form, passport, insurance, etc.), followed by trip-specific documents (hotel and flight reservations, travel itinerary for tourist visas), and finally, documents based on your circumstances (e.g., employment contract, No Objection Certificate (NOC)).

The specifics and justifications in your cover letter for visa application must correspond to the data and supporting documentation in all other documents you submit.

You risk denying the entire application if you make a statement in your letter that conflicts with or is out of alignment with the documentation you submit to the Embassy or Consulate .

You Can Now Officially Write A Perfect Cover Letter

No matter the Schengen Visa you want to apply for, you can create your visa letter easily after reading this page. Please remember that you can use the sample visa letters as a template. 

It would be ideal if you customized it, though. Nevertheless, you are now fully knowledgeable about writing a letter to embassy for visa request.

Remember if you need a visa consider AtlysBlack to apply for your Schengen visa. AtlysBlack offers expedited visa appointment s and end-to-end management ensuring you don't have to worry about anything.

Government Sources

Our information is sourced directly from government authorities, ensuring reliability. We utilize AI to simplify complex concepts for clarity, and our dedicated team rigorously verifies all details for accuracy. Rest assured, the information you discover here is dependable, as we exclusively rely on trusted sources.

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German mission in US

Frequently Asked Questions

You are permitted to travel to the following European countries with your Schengen Visa :

Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.

You must state in your cover letter that you intend to visit several Schengen nations. In addition, you must give your exact travel dates, your lodging arrangements, the reason for each visit, and a travel agenda.

Writing a cover letter for VFS Global is as easy as it is for the Embassy . Remember that VFS Global is a conduit to connect you with the Embassy . Use the examples above to guide when creating a cover letter for VFS Global (depending on purpose). In any event, keep in mind that every cover letter for a visa follows the same pattern and philosophy.

When writing a cover letter for an Italy visa:

Begin with a formal salutation and introduce yourself.

Explain the purpose of your visit to Italy and provide a detailed itinerary.

Describe your ties to your home country and your intent to return.

Conclude with a polite closing and your contact information.

A visa cover letter should include the following:

Introduction: Start with a formal salutation and introduce yourself.

Purpose of Visit: Clearly state the reason for your visit and provide details about your itinerary, including dates and places you plan to visit.

Ties to Home Country: Explain your strong ties to your home country, such as employment, family, or property, to demonstrate your intention to return.

Closing: Conclude the letter with a polite closing, express your gratitude, and provide your contact information for any inquiries.

Yes, you should include a letter to embassy for visa request with your Schengen visa application. A well-written cover letter can significantly improve your application's chances of approval. It provides an opportunity to explain the purpose of your trip, your ties to your home country, and your intent to return after your visit, all of which can positively influence the visa officer's decision. It's a valuable document for conveying important information and demonstrating your genuine and lawful reasons for travelling to the Schengen Area.

When writing a cover letter for your Schengen Visa application, ensure you include comprehensive details of your entire trip. This should involve outlining the purpose of your visit, dates of travel, accommodation arrangements, and proof of sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses.

Three essential items to include on a cover letter are:

Contact Information : Your name, address, phone number, and email address for easy communication.

Recipient's Details : The name, title, organization, and contact information of the person or entity you address in the cover letter.

Introduction and Purpose : A clear and concise statement of the letter's purpose, explaining why you are writing and what you are seeking or offering.

Yes, a letter to embassy for visa request can be beneficial and is often recommended for visa applications in Europe. A well-crafted cover letter can enhance your application's chances of success. 

Yes, including a cover letter for Spain visa is important. It serves as a valuable tool to provide essential context about your trip's purpose, your connections to your home country, and any supporting information that can strengthen your application.

Including a France visa cover letter is essential when applying for a France visa . This letter serves as a valuable means to provide crucial details regarding the purpose of your trip, your ties to your home country, and any supporting documentation that can bolster your application.

To create a concise cover letter for a Schengen Tourist Visa :

Add your contact info and the date.

Address it to the Embassy or Consulate .

Start with a formal salutation.

Introduce yourself and state your visa purpose.

Provide your travel itinerary and bookings.

Explain your financial means and ties to your home country.

Mention any additional relevant information.

Conclude politely and include your contact info.

Sign the letter.

Keep it well-organized and professional.

AtlysBlack offers expedited visa services for Schengen visa s. AtlysBlack is a visa concierge service that offers end-to-end management as well as expedited services, meaning you will get a visa fast and with little hassle.

Yes, a cover letter is required for a Schengen visa application. The cover letter should clearly state the purpose of your travel and include any pertinent details. Ensure that your cover letter is well-written and concise, as it will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of your visa application.

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A Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa and How to Create One

By Alice Ross | PASSPORT & VISA

  • PASSPORT & VISA » A Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa and How to Create One

a sample cover letter

If you're planning to  travel abroad , in many cases you will need to obtain a visa beforehand. The requirements vary according to your country of origin and your destination. But for a lot of people, the process to be granted a visa can seem daunting and unclear. In this article, we share important tips about visas to equip you with the knowledge to prepare for your international trip. Read on to find out more about how tourist visas work, including a very useful sample cover letter for your tourist visa application.  

What Exactly Is a Tourist Visa?

A tourist visa or visitor visa is an official document that allows you to get in another country. In general, you are likely to need one every time you visit another country. However, this depends on which country you are from and where you are going, as some countries have agreements that allow entrance even without it.

A tourist visa may take different forms: it can be a paper document, although it most often comes as a simple stamp in your passport . Some countries require you to arrange your visa before arriving in the country, while others issue it to you once you land at the airport.

A tourist visa indicates how long you are allowed to stay in the country. It also defines which activities you are allowed to participate in or not while there, such as working and studying.

Other Types of Visas

how long is a passport good for

A tourist visa is the most common and most acquired type of visa. It is usually only valid for a short period of time, commonly ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months.

This is what you will need if you are just planning to visit the country. A tourist visa however doesn't allow you to work and study while you are in a particular country.

Others types of visas include student visas, business visas, media visas, fiancé visas , and many others depending on the place you're travelling to.

Resident visas are also available for those who want to live in a particular country. You will normally need a valid reason to obtain this type of visa, as they tend to be the most difficult to get.

What You Need to Apply for a Tourist Visa

As mentioned above, tourist visa requirements vary with your nationality and your destination, as well as where you make your application. You should always check the instructions application to your specific situation on the relevant embassy or consulate website. Having said that, there are some general requirements and common documents that are needed for most tourist visa applications.

These include:

  • Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the intended period of stay
  • Duly filled out visa application forms
  • Confirmed round-trip tickets
  • Cover letter for tourist visa or letter to the consulate

Top tip: travel insurance for your visa application

Most tourist visa applications require you to show proof of travel insurance coverage for the duration of your trip. We use and recommend SafetyWing as our preferred travel medical insurance provider. It's the most flexible and affordable we've found, starting at just $1.32 per day. They can also provide a visa letter to support your application. If you're looking for more comprehensive coverage, World Nomads is also a reliable and very popular alternative among global travelers. Note: In our experience and to the best of our knowledge, these two travel insurance options fulfill the requirements for most tourist visa applications. However, please make sure to check that they meet the specific criteria applicable to your individual case.

Sample Cover Letter for Tourist Visa Application

sample cover letter for tourist visa application

Via rappler.com

The cover letter or letter to the consulate is necessary for tourist visas that require interviews. This letter needs to explain why you want to visit the country and where you will be staying in the country. It must also outline the intended dates and duration of your stay.

Moreover, this letter is your way to tell the embassy if you are getting a sponsorship from a friend, parents, or a romantic partner who are currently based in that country. It's important to take your time to write your cover letter, although you should also make sure to keep it to-the-point and not too long.

If the trip is going to be  sponsored by someone else , make sure to include the following details in the cover letter for your tourist visa application:

  • The name of the person who is going to sponsor your trip
  • The job or source of income of the person who is going to sponsor you
  • Your proof or relationship (normally pictures)
  • Proof of financial capability of your sponsor
  • The expenses your sponsor will cover

The cover letter is a really important document to provide before your trip. It states every important thing you want to tell the embassy or consulate. Make sure that it mentions and explains every document you've submitted.

To give you a better insight into how to create a cover letter for your visa application, here is a sample cover letter for a tourist visa needed to enter a country:

TO THE HONORABLE CONSUL

EMBASSY OF (Country you're visiting)

<Address of the Consulate>

Dear Sir/Madam:

I, <Your full legal name> would like to apply for a tourist visa to spend a vacation in <name of the country> from <date of arrival> to <date of departure.>

My main purpose for travel is tourism, to see the beautiful sights of  <name of the country> , particularly <name of tourist attractions.> I'm also looking forward to experiencing the culture, tasting the cuisine, and meeting locals to experience everything the country has to offer.

I am employed at <name of the company> located in <location of the company> since <date you were employed> and am currently holding the position of <your job position.> Vacation from work has already been approved for the whole duration of this trip.

During my trip, my <your relationship with the sponsor> <full name of the sponsor,>  who works as <job title of the sponsor> at <place of employment> will sponsor my trip. He/she will cover my accommodations, food expenses, and plane tickets.

Please find the following documents to support the legitimacy of what is outlined in this letter:

  • Passports (including old ones if applicable)
  • Application form, duly dated and signed with passport-size picture
  • Employment and leave certificates showing the date I'm expected to return to work
  • Payslips, tax report, credit card statements, bank certificate & statement of account as proof of income
  • Plane ticket booking reservation
  • Hotel booking reservation as proof of accommodation directly faxed to the embassy
  • Travel insurance with benefits

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you require any further information. I may not be available at all times due to my working schedule or I might be engaged in a mission, but you may still try to reach me at the following:

Of course, the sample cover letter for tourist visa application provided above is only a template and can be modified according to your situation. Again, including this in your travel visa application is very important, so make sure that you take the time to think about what you want to write and to gather all the necessary documents to support the information you provide in your letter.

Do you have any helpful tips or a sample cover letter for a tourist visa application you want to share? Let us know in a comment below!

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Alice Ross, a long-term traveler who left the corporate world to travel the world. I chose to live life on my own phase and live day by day while immersing myself in new experiences, new knowledge, and new people in a different walk of life I met along the way.

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Home > Blog > Guides > Schengen Visa Cover Letter

Schengen Visa Cover Letter

on 22 Nov, 2021

schengen visa cover letter

Guide To The Cover Letter For Your Schengen Visa Application

What is a schengen visa application cover letter.

A Schengen Visa Cover Letter (or Covering Letter) is a document written by you and addressed to the Schengen Embassy/Consulate along with the other documents you are required to submit. 

The letter should provide additional information concerning the purpose of your trip and your intentions to return to your country of residence. 

The letter acts as a personal introduction as it shows to the Embassy/Consulate officers a brief summary of your travel background (e.g., travel dates, employment background, etc.). 

In other words, your cover letter is a summary of your Visa application . 

Your Covering Letter For Schengen Visa Is The First Direct Contact Between You And The Embassy

The cover letter represents a way of communication between you and the embassy officer, in which you are explaining your reasons for your trip and why you should be accepted. 

Please note that some Embassies/Consulates have chosen to outsource the Visa application process meaning that you have to submit your application through an outsourcing company such as VFS Global. 

In this case, your cover letter is your only chance to communicate with the Embassy/Consulate officers and explain your details and the reason why you believe they should grant you a Visa as well as your intentions to only travel and not to overstay your Visa, as they will not be able to see you face-to-face.

This letter is not a mandatory requirement meaning that the applications that do not include it will not necessarily be rejected or delayed. 

However, we strongly recommend and urge you to submit it as it does more than make a good impression on the Embassy/Consulate officers and speed up your Visa application process – Your cover letter can significantly increase your chances of success because it summarises every item you have provided. 

You should submit a Visa application cover letter even if you have been invited by a partner company to the Schengen Region and you are applying for a Business Visa .

The Importance Of The Schengen Visa Cover Letter

The cover letter is an important document as it gives you the chance to introduce yourself and make your travel purpose clear. 

The letter is important for your application because:

● It gives you the opportunity to provide information that your other documents cannot provide.

Most of the documents that you must submit are official documents that cannot clearly highlight your travel background. 

In other words, your covering letter is the only document that can actually tell a story. 

Telling a story can be a powerful communication tool because the Embassy/Consulate officers can understand who you actually are and why you should get a Visa. 

● It helps the Visa officers save time and therefore speed up your application process.

Embassies/Consulates receive hundreds of applications weekly. 

Sometimes, those responsible for processing them do not have time and patience to figure out the purpose of the journey and the intentions to return to the country of residence by analysing all of the documents of each single Visa applicant. 

This does not mean that they do not check your documents carefully but they typically do it to determine if they show consistency. Therefore, this letter can simply make your application process easier for them.  

How To Get A Schengen Visa Cover Letter

Getting most of your Visa application documents depends on bureaucracy/laws in your country of residence/other people that must write and sign your documents. 

The cover letter is the only document that you must write and sign by yourself (together with the Visa Application Form and your day-to-day travel itinerary ).

Once you have gathered all of your documents, you can write the letter on your computer. 

We recommend you write it after you gather the rest of your documents because the letter should include a list of the documents that you are submitting for your application. 

Important: If you are not familiar with this type of letter, you can download one of our templates (please select the one that is the most relevant for your situation) and fill it out following our suggestions. Please contact us for further details.   

Common Mistakes To Avoid When Writing A Schengen Visa Cover Letter

Even though the cover letter should not be very long and must contain only key information about you as an applicant, there are several mistakes that you should avoid making. 

Also, do not forget that the cover letter does not have to be too long and the information on it must match the information on your other documents .  

Not all the below errors can lead to the rejection of your application but your chances of approval may decrease. 

Therefore, we strongly recommend you double-check your covering letter before submitting it so that you can be sure it does not contain one of the following mistakes:

  • Not using logical arguments to explain the purpose of your trip and your intentions to return to your country of residence

Logical reasoning is a powerful tool not only for your covering letter but also during the interview with the Embassy/Consulate officers. 

Make sure you know how to explain the reason as to why you travel to the Schengen Region and your intentions to return to your country of residence. 

For example, “ I want to visit France because I like it ” or “ I want to visit France because it is a nice country ” are not logical reasons as to why you want to visit France (or another Schengen country). 

You should be more specific. For example: “ I want to visit France because I’ve been fascinated by French culture ever since I was a child ”. 

The same rule applies to the explanation of your intentions to return to your country of residence. Writing “ I will return to my country of residence because I cannot stay in the Schengen Region ” is not a logical reason as to why you will not overstay your Visa. 

You can write instead: “ I will return to my country on August 15 because my employer did not allow me to take more than 3 weeks off ” or “ I will return on September 20 because I must attend a vocational training course upon the request of my employer .”

  • Providing the same information that is already outlined by your other documents

One of the purposes of your covering letter is to outline details about your trip that are not indicated by your other documents. 

For example, in case of a tourist Visa application you should not write: “ I will be travelling to France between October 20, 2020, and November 17, 2020, and I will stay at Hotel Lafayette in 23 Rue des Messageries, Paris .” 

Of course, this information is important because it shows relevant details about your trip but the Embassy/Consulate officers can easily understand your trip details by checking your flight and hotel reservations. 

As we mentioned above, you should try to tell a story in your covering letter (even though you have to maintain a professional tone). 

For example, you can write: “ I will be travelling to France between October 20, 2020, and November 17, 2020. I have chosen to spend almost one month in France as I strongly believe that I need time to visit the most important tourist attractions and get to know the French culture. I will stay at Hotel Lafayette in 23 Rue des Messageries because the hotel is located within walking distance of the most important places of interest in Paris.”   

  • Submitting a cover letter that contains spelling mistakes

Not all applicants have an excellent command of English, and the Embassy/Consulate officers won’t judge you if you make some grammar mistakes (especially because it is highly likely that English is not their native language).  

But a covering letter that contains too many spelling mistakes and does not follow some specific layout rules (the way that words are set up on the page) will make the Embassy/Consulate officers believe that you do not have a sense of consideration for the event and are not respecting the application process (which is your Schengen Visa application). 

Therefore, you need to pay attention to the spelling, punctuation, capitalisation, and layout of the letter. 

Please read carefully the two cover letter sample paragraphs below (please note that none of them is a complete sample cover letter and you need a more detailed template/sample in order to write a cover letter for Schengen Visa application):

Sample 1: 

“Dear sir madam I would like to apply at your consulate general for a schengen visa for visit friend in Netherlands.

My name is raji anand. I will be travelling from new delhi to amsterdam between octobr 15 and November 17  My employer has already approved my vacation and leave from work for the duration of 1 months. I hold an Indian passport no xxxxxx and I have attached passport size pictures to these cover letters. please do not hesitate to contact me for more information !Thanking you in advance, Raji anand. ”

“Dear Visa Officer,

I would like to apply for a Schengen Visa upon my intention to visit the Netherlands between October 15, 2020 and November 17, 2020.

My name is Raji Anand and I am an Indian citizen. I will be travelling from New Delhi to Amsterdam to visit my close friend, John Smith, who has also provided a sponsorship letter to support my Visa application as he will be covering all of the expenses for the duration of this trip.

I have attached to this letter the following documents [List of documents] .

Please do not hesitate to contact me for any questions and clarifications.

Raji Anand”

Bad spelling and writing mistakes (like the ones in the first sample) will make you seem less credible and the Embassy/Consulate officers may believe that you do not have a sense of consideration for your application process. 

At the same time, attention to details such as spelling, punctuation, and capitalisation (as shown by the second sample that we provided as an example) will make the Visa officers think that you are an organised and responsible person who put effort into preparing the Visa application.  

  • Not presenting the list of documents you are submitting in order of priority

Show the Embassy/Consulate officers that you are an organised person. 

You should mention the list of documents that you are submitting for your application in order of priority (and not randomly). 

Start with the documents that are mandatory for all applicants no matter their personal situation (application form, passport, insurance, etc.) and then add the documents that are mandatory according to the purpose of your trip (e.g., hotel reservations ,   flight reservations , and travel itinerary – if you are applying for a tourist visa) and the documents that are mandatory according to your personal situation (e.g., employment contract , No Objection Certificate (NOC) Letter from your Employer, payslips , your bank statements , etc. – in case you are employed and you pay the expenses for your trip by yourself). 

For further details concerning the Schengen Visa requirements and the order that you should keep when listing them in your covering letter, please check out this blog post.  

  • Submitting a Cover Letter that does not align to information and facts provided in other documents

The details and reasons outlined within your cover lettering must align to the same information and evidence you have provided in every other document you are submitting. 

If you contradict or state a point in your letter that does not align to the documents you provide to the Embassy/Consulate, you could jeopardise the entire application, which may cause your Schengen Visa to be rejected.

For example, if in your cover letter, you outline that you are travelling to stay with your family who lives in Italy but you do not include an invitation letter or sponsor for accommodation letter from them, then it contradicts the information in your application. 

Another example is that you say you are traveling for tourism but then you have an invitation letter from a business in your documents. Or, when your passport number and other personal details in your letter do not match the details in your other documents.

Confused Where To Start?

If you are confused, worried or stuck, the best next step to take is to Get a Free Consultation .

The session takes 5 to 10 minutes, starts immediately and you will get our advice delivered to your inbox by a Visa Expert within 1-2 hours. This is not a video or phone call, it is just like a live chat, where we can understand your situation better and an expert shares what you should do next.

There is no commitment to use our services at all, we just provide you advice based on our assessment of your situation and give you the next steps you need to follow to get your Schengen visa.

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Cover Letter for a Tourist Visa

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Invitation Letter from a Friend For Visa Process

A cover letter for a tourism visa is a document that supports a visa application by demonstrating that the purpose of the trip is for leisure and recreational activities such as sightseeing or attending events. This letter provides details about the applicant’s planned itinerary, including the places they plan to visit and the activities they intend to participate in.

[Your Name] [Your Address] [City, State ZIP Code] [Email]

[Embassy Name] [Embassy Address] [City, State ZIP Code]

Subject: Application for Schengen visa for tourism purposes – [Your name]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for a tourist visa to [destination country] for a period of [number of days/months] from [date] to [date]. My name is [Your Name] and I am a [nationality] citizen with passport number [Passport Number]. My purpose of travel is to explore the beautiful tourist destinations of [destination country].

I am excited to visit the famous landmarks, indulge in the local culture and try the authentic cuisine. My travel itinerary includes visits to [list some of the popular tourist attractions you plan to visit] and experiencing the vibrant local lifestyle.

During my stay in [destination country], I will be staying at [name of accommodation], which I have already booked for the duration of my trip. I have attached the confirmation of my hotel reservation along with my visa application .

I am currently employed at [name of your employer] as a [your job position] and have been working there for [number of years]. I have attached a letter from my employer granting me the necessary leave for my travel. I have also included my bank statements, which show that I have sufficient funds to cover my expenses during my stay.

Please find enclosed all the necessary documents required for my visa application, including:

Completed visa application form with attached passport-size photographs

Valid passport with [number of months/years] remaining validity

Travel insurance with coverage of [coverage amount]

Confirmed round-trip flight tickets

Hotel reservations

Bank statements

Letter from employer granting me leave

Proof of sufficient funds

I assure you that I will abide by the laws and regulations of [destination country] during my stay and will return to my home country upon the expiration of my visa. I will also make sure that I do not become a burden on your country’s social system.

Thank you for considering my application. If you need any additional information or documents, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

[Your Name]

Subject: Application for a Tourist Visa

I am writing to apply for a tourist visa to visit [destination country] for a period of [number of days] days, from [date] to [date]. I have attached all the necessary documents required for the visa application.

The purpose of my visit is to explore the beautiful sights and cultural heritage of [destination country]. I have been planning this trip for a long time and have always been fascinated by the rich history and scenic beauty of [destination country]. I am eager to experience the local cuisine, learn about the traditions and customs of the country, and immerse myself in the local culture.

During my stay, I have planned to visit popular tourist destinations such as [list of places to visit], attend cultural festivals, and engage in other leisure activities. I have made all necessary arrangements for my travel, including flight tickets, hotel reservations, and travel insurance.

I am currently employed as a [your job title] at [name of employer], where I have been working for [number of years]. I have attached a letter from my employer stating that I have been granted leave for the duration of my trip.

Please find enclosed the following documents to support my visa application:

Valid passport

Completed visa application form

Two recent passport-size photographs

Flight itinerary

Travel insurance

Letter from my employer

Itinerary of my trip

I assure you that I will comply with all the visa requirements and will not overstay my visa. I have strong ties to my home country and will return as soon as my visit is complete.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to receiving a positive response from you.

In summary, this cover letter is intended to support a tourism visa application by providing a detailed itinerary of the applicant’s planned trip, including the dates of travel, the purpose of the trip, and the places and events to be visited. The letter also highlights the applicant’s intent to return to their home country at the end of the trip, and their ability to support themselves financially during their stay. By providing a comprehensive and well-organized cover letter, the applicant can increase their chances of a successful visa application and ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to their destination.

Invitation Letter from a Company For Visa Process

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Sample Sponsorship Letter From Friend for Visa Process

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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

Cover Letter for UK Visa

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

Short Simple and Clear Cover Letter for UK Visa

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

Templates for UK visa by Visa Traveler

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

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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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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Written Samples

10 sample cover letters for a canada visitor visa.

Applying for a visitor visa to Canada involves a meticulous process where applicants must convincingly demonstrate their intentions, financial stability, and reasons for returning to their home country after their visit.

A well-crafted cover letter accompanying the visa application can significantly enhance the chances of approval. It provides a platform to explain the purpose of the visit, detail the applicant’s ties to their home country, and present a clear, coherent narrative to the visa officers.

Canada Visitor Visa Sample Cover Letters

The following samples offer varied scenarios and are designed to cater to different profiles of applicants.

Each sample cover letter is structured to highlight key aspects that are essential in a Canadian visitor visa application: the purpose of the visit, duration, accommodation plans, financial means, and strong ties to the home country.

Sample 1: Family Visit

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to apply for a Canadian visitor visa to visit my sister and her family in Toronto, Ontario. My sister, [Sister’s Name], a permanent resident of Canada, has extended an invitation for me to spend time with her family and explore the cultural diversity of Canada.

I am currently employed as [Your Job Title] at [Company Name] in [Your Country], and I intend to return to my job following a three-week visit. During my stay, I will be residing at my sister’s residence at [Address in Canada].

Enclosed with this letter are my employment verification letter, bank statements, and a copy of my sister’s invitation letter. I assure you of my commitment to abide by all Canadian laws during my stay.

Thank you for considering my application.

Sincerely, [Your Name]

Sample 2: Tourism

I am applying for a Canadian visitor visa to explore the scenic beauty and cultural heritage of Canada. As an avid traveler and a professional photographer, I am particularly interested in capturing Canada’s diverse landscapes and cityscapes.

I plan to visit major tourist destinations including Vancouver, Banff National Park, and Montreal over a period of four weeks. I have made arrangements for my accommodation and have a detailed itinerary, which I have enclosed with this application.

I am self-employed, running a successful photography studio in [Your Country]. I have attached documents confirming my business ownership and financial stability. I have strong familial and professional ties in my home country, ensuring my return post my visit to Canada.

Thank you for considering my visa application.

Sample 3: Attending a Business Conference

I am writing to request a Canadian visitor visa to attend the [Name of Conference] in Ottawa, scheduled from [Start Date] to [End Date]. As [Your Job Title] at [Your Company], attending this conference is a significant opportunity for professional growth and networking.

I have been employed with [Your Company] for [Number of Years] and have enclosed a letter from my employer supporting my visit to Canada. Following the conference, I plan to return to my home country to resume my professional duties.

In Canada, I will be staying at [Hotel Name and Address] for the duration of the conference. Enclosed are my hotel booking confirmation, round-trip flight tickets, and financial documents to support my application.

I look forward to the opportunity to represent my company at this international event.

Sample 4: Medical Treatment

I am applying for a Canadian visitor visa for the purpose of receiving medical treatment at [Hospital/Clinic Name] in [City, Province]. After thorough research and consultations, I have chosen Canada for its advanced medical facilities and expertise in treating [Specific Medical Condition].

Enclosed are letters from my local doctor and the Canadian medical facility outlining the proposed treatment plan and the estimated duration of my stay, which is [Duration of Stay]. I have arranged for sufficient funds to cover all medical and living expenses during my stay.

I am currently [Your Job Title/Status] at [Your Company/Institution] in [Your Country]. I have attached documents verifying my employment status and my intention to return after my treatment.

Sample 5: Visiting Friends

I am applying for a Canadian visitor visa to spend time with my close friends residing in [City, Province]. I have known them for several years, and this visit will be a wonderful opportunity to strengthen our friendship and experience Canadian culture firsthand.

I am employed as [Your Job Title] at [Your Company] in [Your Country] and plan to return to my job after a two-week visit. My employer has granted me leave for this period, as evidenced by the enclosed leave approval letter.

I will be staying with my friends at their residence, the address of which is included in the invitation letter provided by them. I have also enclosed my bank statements and other financial documents to support my application.

I appreciate your consideration of my visa application.

Sample 6: Academic Research

I am writing to apply for a Canadian visitor visa for academic research purposes. As a [Your Position, e.g., Researcher, Scholar] at [Your Institution], I am involved in a project that requires me to conduct field research in Canada.

The research is scheduled for [Duration of Stay] and is in collaboration with [Canadian Institution or Organization]. Enclosed are letters from both my home institution and the Canadian organization, outlining the nature and necessity of my visit.

I have secured funding for my research and stay in Canada, as shown in the attached financial statements and grant approval letters. My ties to my home institution and ongoing research commitments ensure my return after the completion of my research.

Thank you for considering my application for a visitor visa.

Sample 7: Participating in a Cultural Event

I am honored to have been invited to participate in [Name of Event] in [City, Province], Canada, as a representative of [Your Country’s Name] culture. This event is a significant platform for cultural exchange and will be held from [Start Date] to [End Date].

As a [Your Profession or Title related to the Event], I am enthusiastic about showcasing our cultural heritage on this international stage. I am currently employed with [Your Company/Organization] in [Your Country], and they fully support my participation in this event, as evidenced by the enclosed letter from my employer.

My travel and accommodation arrangements have been made, and I have enclosed all relevant booking confirmations. I assure you of my commitment to return to my country following the conclusion of the event.

I respectfully request your consideration for a visitor visa to Canada for this purpose.

Sample 8: Exploring Educational Opportunities

I am applying for a Canadian visitor visa to explore educational opportunities for my higher studies. I intend to visit several universities in Canada to meet with admissions representatives and tour the campuses.

As a recent graduate from [Your College/University] in [Your Country], this trip is crucial for making an informed decision about my future academic pursuits. I plan to stay in Canada for [Duration of Stay] and have arranged my accommodation accordingly.

Enclosed are my academic certificates, travel itinerary, accommodation bookings, and financial documents. I have strong family ties in [Your Country], and I intend to return post my visit to Canada to commence my higher education.

Sample 9: Attending a Family Celebration

I am delighted to be applying for a Canadian visitor visa to attend a significant family celebration, specifically my niece’s wedding in [City, Province]. This event is a cherished opportunity for our family to come together, and I am looking forward to being a part of this joyous occasion.

I am a [Your Job Title] at [Your Company] in [Your Country], and I have been granted a leave of absence for the duration of my trip, as indicated in the enclosed letter from my employer. My stay in Canada will be for [Duration of Stay], and I will be residing with my brother’s family at [Their Address].

I have enclosed my bank statements and other supporting documents to confirm my financial ability to cover my expenses during my stay. My professional and family commitments in [Your Country] assure my return following the celebration.

Sample 10: Short-term Language Course

I am applying for a Canadian visitor visa to participate in a short-term language course in French at [Institute Name] in [City, Province]. This course is integral to my career development as a [Your Job Title], especially considering the growing importance of bilingualism in the global business environment.

The course duration is [Duration], and I have arranged for my accommodation near the institute for this period. I am currently employed at [Your Company] in [Your Country] and have enclosed a letter from my employer supporting my enrollment in this language program.

In addition to the course details, I have included my financial documents and return flight booking to demonstrate my intent to return to my home country after completing the course.

I respectfully request your consideration of my application for a visitor visa to Canada.

Each of these sample letters is crafted to address a specific purpose of visit and to demonstrate the applicant’s strong ties to their home country, ensuring that they return after their visit to Canada.

It’s important to personalize these samples to reflect individual circumstances and to provide all the necessary documentation to support the visa application. A clear, concise, and well-structured cover letter can significantly influence the outcome of the visa

how to write a cover letter visa

How To Write a Cover Letter for Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiancé)

To prepare a K-1 fiancé(e) visa application for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you must complete the required forms, gather supporting documents, and pay fees. It’s not mandatory to include a cover letter in your application packet, but doing so can help keep your application materials organized and make sure you don’t miss any required documents. You can also use the cover letter to highlight anything you want USCIS to know about your visa application. This article explains what a K-1 fiancé visa cover letter is and the elements it should include. There’s also a template you can use to write your own.

Jonathan Petts

Written by Jonathan Petts .  Updated May 17, 2023

What Is a Form I-129F Cover Letter?

You’ll need to file Form I-129F : Petition for Alien Fiancé if you are a U.S. citizen who wants your foreign partner to receive a K-1 visa . Though it’s not required, writing a cover letter to supplement this form can be helpful for USCIS. A cover letter is a document that outlines your application contents and addresses any unusual circumstances you’d like to flag for your application readers.

A cover letter can give your USCIS officer a useful overview of you and your partner’s case. You can also use your cover letter as a personal checklist to make sure you’ve included all necessary documents in your package.

Is a Cover Letter Required for My Form I-129F Application?

USCIS does not require a cover letter for your Form I-129F petition package. However, it’s often beneficial for applicants to include cover letters. A cover letter can help your USCIS officer better understand and evaluate your overall application.

If there is anything unclear about you and your foreign fiancé’s relationship, a cover letter gives you the opportunity to address these concerns upfront. Remember that USCIS only wants to distribute K-1 visas to couples in genuine relationships. If there is anything unusual about how your relationship started or progressed, you may wish to address it with a disclaimer in your cover letter. 

If you call attention to any unusual circumstances in your cover letter, you’ll be able to explain your side of the story in greater detail. By giving USCIS greater clarity on your case, you can make it easier for the USCIS officer to process your application.

What Should My K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Cover Letter Include?

You should begin your Form I-129F cover letter with a heading and greeting. Your heading should provide USCIS officials with your mailing address, your name, and your foreign partner’s name. Your introduction should then explain your reasons for writing this cover letter. Use your introduction to give USCIS a basic overview of your relationship and tell them you are seeking a K-1 visa for your fiancé.

Checklist of Information To Include in Your K-1 Fiancé Visa Cover Letter

USCIS will find it most helpful if you include the following information in your cover letter:

Your contact information

The USCIS address to which you’re sending this letter

Your full name as the petitioner

Your fiancé’s full name as the beneficiary

A note stating which form and visa you are filing an application for

A list of all the supporting documents you’ve included in your package, in bullet points:

You must include evidence of your U.S. citizenship, such as your birth certificate , copy of your naturalization certificate, Form FS-240, an unexpired U.S. passport, or an original statement from a U.S. consular officer verifying that you are a citizen with a valid passport.

You’ll also need evidence that you and your fiancé have legally terminated any previous marriages. For example, you may need to include divorce decrees , annulment orders, or a former spouse’s death certificate.

You’ll need one color passport-style photograph of yourself.

You’ll also need one color passport-style photograph of your fiancé taken within 30 days of filing.

If you or your fiancé have ever changed your name, you’ll need to provide evidence of this legal name change.

You’ll need evidence that you and your fiancé intend to marry within 90 days of their admission into the United States.

Finally, you’ll also need evidence that you and your fiancé have met in person within two years of filing for this visa. Alternatively, you may submit evidence that an in-person meeting would cause extreme hardship or violate strict traditions of your fiancé’s foreign culture.

Your signature and the date

Lastly, you should thank USCIS for their time and conclude your letter. Remember that this cover letter should be the first part of your application package that USCIS sees. You should place it at the top of your overall package before mailing it out to the appropriate USCIS office.

Where To Send Your Form 1-129F Application & Cover Letter

Note that USCIS processes Form I-129F at its Dallas lockbox, so you should mail your application to the address below that corresponds with your chosen mailing method:

U.S. Postal Service (USPS)

Attn: I-129F

P.O. Box 660151

Dallas, TX 75266-0151

FedEx, UPS, and DHL

Attn: I-129F (Box 660151)

2501 South State Highway 121 Business

Lewisville, TX 75067-8003

Note that there is a $535 fee to file Form I-129F. You may pay this fee with a money order, personal check, or cashier’s check. You should make any checks payable to the “U.S. Department of Homeland Security.” When filing at a USCIS lockbox, you also have the option to pay by credit card. To pay with a credit card, you’ll need to file Form G-1450 : Authorization for Credit Card Transactions.

Form I-129F Cover Letter Template

You may use the following template for guidance when writing your USCIS Form I-129F cover letter. However, be sure to edit each field to reflect your own situation. You should replace each [bracketed field] with personalized information. To access an editable version of the Form I-129F cover letter sample below, you may make a copy of this sample USCIS cover letter .

Your foreign partner will be known as the “beneficiary” in this visa petition. You, the U.S. citizen sponsoring your foreign partner, are the “petitioner.” Note that you must be a U.S. citizen to sponsor your foreign partner’s K-1 visa application. U.S. green card holders cannot apply for K-1 visas for their foreign partners.

[Petitioner’s Street Address]

[Petitioner’s City, State  ZIP code]

[Relevant USCIS mailing address]

RE:[Marriage Green Card Application]

Beneficiary:[Immigrant’s Full Name]

Petitioner:[Citizen/Green Card Holder’s Full Name]

To Whom It May Concern:

Enclosed, please find my [K-1 Fiance Visa Application] for [Immigrant’s Full Name], the beneficiary, and [Petitioner’s Full Name], the petitioner and [U.S. citizen/Green Card Holder fiance] of the beneficiary. The following documents accompany and support this application:

Filing Fee Payments

[Check or Money Order] in the amount of [Current Fee Amount] for Form I-129F or  

Form G-1450 authorizing payment of the filing fees for all included forms (credit card charge authorization if you completed one)

[OPTIONAL Form G-1145 (e-notice authorization if you requested them in our system)]

Petitioner’s Form I-129F

[List of supporting documents]

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at [Phone Number].  Thank you very much for your prompt consideration of my [K-1 Fiance Visa Application].

[Petitioner’s Full Name]

[Petitioner’s Signature]

[Signature Date]

Tips for Writing Your K-1 Fiancé Visa Cover Letter

Be sure to write your letter clearly and concisely. Remember that your cover letter is only a summary of your application contents, so you won’t need to write too many details in this letter. You should also use bullet points when listing your included application materials. Using bullet points will help your USCIS officer more easily understand your application throughout the visa process.

Within your letter, you’ll want to mention that the documents you’ve provided throughout your package are accurate and unaltered original documents or photocopies. If you’ve included any certified translations in your package, be sure to mention this too. 

Continue reading and learning!

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A Perfect Cover Letter for Student Visa Application (with Sample)

A Perfect Cover Letter for Student Visa Application (with Sample)

“How to write a perfect cover letter for a student visa application?”

For international students who plan on applying for a Canadian Study Permit , creating an effective cover letter can improve your chances of success.

If you don’t carefully structure and format your cover, it will push IRCC in another direction, which could cause you to lose your application altogether. This is why applicants must follow a specific structure for every aspect of their cover letters.

Many international students ask us for the perfect cover letter for their Canadian study permit application. Letters can be complicated, so make sure you follow these guidelines.

Components of Cover Letter for Student Visa Canada

  • Purpose : The cover letter aims to enhance the chances of success in obtaining a Canadian Study Permit.
  • Structure : The cover letter should be formatted correctly to avoid potential application issues.
  • Components : The cover letter consists of three essential parts: Opening, Body, and Expense/Funds Summary.
  • Types of Cover Letters : SOP (Statement of Purpose) for first-time applicants and LOE (Letter of Explanation) for applicants reapplying after a previous denial.
  • Opening : State the purpose of the letter, include personal and authority/embassy details, and address the letter to the Visa Officer.
  • Body : Begin with a formal greeting, introduce yourself, discuss the purpose of studying in Canada, explain your choice of the Canadian College or University, outline your financial plan, emphasize your commitment to returning to your home country, and conclude the letter with a formal closing.
  • Expense/Funds Summary : Outline expenses, state the amount paid and the funds available in your bank account and include a list of documents attached to the application.
  • Overall Impact : A well-structured and detailed cover letter can positively influence the visa officer’s decision and contribute to a successful Canadian Study Permit application.

What is a Cover Letter?

A cover letter describes why you want to go to Canada, what you intend to do there, and your post-study plans. It also contains information highlighting your academic and professional achievements.

Two basic types of cover letters are required while applying for a Canadian student visa, i.e. SOP (statement of purpose) and LOE (letter of explanation). Essentially, both of these letters are the same but have different themes.

  • Statement of Purpose (SOP) is more for candidates applying for a Canada study visa for the first time.
  • LOE (Letter of Explanation) is for applicants reapplying for a Canada study visa after being denied one in the past).

Components of the Cover Letter for Canadian Student Visa

Your cover letter should be structured in three parts, as shown below:

Part 1: Opening

[Purpose of Letter] [Date]

[Your name] [Your Address line 1] [Address line 2] [Address line 3] [Name of Authority/Embassy you are applying through] [Authority/Embassy Address line 1] [Authority/Embassy Address line 2]

Attn. : Visa Officer Subject : APPLYING FOR A STUDY PERMIT (Canada)

Part 2: Body

To Whom It May Concern or Dear Sir/Madam,

[Introduction]

This section should contain a summary of your education and professional goals.

This section should discuss why you need to study in Canada. You can talk about the higher quality of education and how exposure to a new environment will help you develop knowledge and skills to further your career. Also, mention that you intend to return to your home country and apply what you have learned during your educational program in Canada.

[Purpose of Choosing [College/University Name]]

  • Discuss why you have chosen to study at the Canadian College or University you will attend. You can talk about the advantages of attending this educational institution compared to the ones in your home country. You can also discuss some disadvantages of pursuing a similar education in your home country.
  • Next, disclose if you have already paid tuition for the program you have enrolled in. Also, mention how you intend to pay for tuition and living expenses for subsequent semesters in Canada. Include details on scholarships, grants, or benefits you are receiving from the educational institution.
  • Next, clearly state that you intend to return to your home country after completing your educational program in Canada. Mention any family, business, or property ties in your home country that makes it vital for you to return.

Yours Sincerely, [Your Full name]

Part 3: EXPENSE/FUNDS Summary

This section should be formatted in bullet points. Mention:

Accommodation: [Accommodation expense 1] [Accommodation expense 2] [Accommodation expense 3]

Tuition Fee: [Tuition fee for one year] [Tuition fee you have paid for the first semester] [Payable fee which is available in your bank account]

Next, list what documents the visa officer can expect to find in your application packet. For example:

List of documents and items attached with the application:

  • Cover letter
  • Application form
  • Item 7, and so forth

Read more: How to Prove Family Ties for Canadian Visa Applications?

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Student Visa Cover Letter Sample

Here is a sample cover letter for Canada student visa application.

Applying for Study Permit in Canada June 1, 2022.

Akash Kumar Flat No. 100, Triveni Apartments Pitam Pura, NEW DELHI, 110034 INDIA

High Commission of Canada to India, in New Delhi Visa Section 7/8 Shantipath Chanakyapuri, New Delhi 110 021, India

Attn.: Visa officer Subject: Canadian Study Permit Application

Dear Sir/Madam,

I have been accepted into a graduate program at the University of Waterloo in Canada and will apply for a study permit. I have included my original university acceptance letter with this application.

I am a qualified software developer with six years of experience in India’s IT industry. I have held this position for the last two years at a sizable IT company in New Delhi.

Thanks to the computer science degree I obtained from Delhi Technological University in 2016, I was able to secure a very profitable job. During my studies, I learned how to design and write codes that are used in a variety of software programs worldwide. India’s software development industry is growing rapidly, and as a result, many companies are looking for developers who specialize in specific programming languages. Therefore, I am eager to expand my knowledge and skills by enrolling in an international graduate program.

I chose a graduate program focusing on Programming Languages at the University of Waterloo because it is among the best educational institutions globally for this study area. Many of the program’s professors have contributed to innovative developments in the software programming field. The Waterloo-Kitchener area is also renowned for producing many talented individuals in the computer science field, leading to the region being referred to as Canada’s Silicon Valley. By contrast, my educational prospects in India are pretty limited. New Delhi is a major city with many reputable educational institutions. However, none offer the graduate program I am pursuing. I also believe being immersed in a North American setting will allow me to learn to adapt my skills to multinational companies once I return to India.

I have paid the University of Waterloo CAD 14,000  to cover my fees for my first semester. You can verify this transaction in the attached bank draft with my application.

I have also found accommodation in a dormitory on the university campus. The dormitory’s address is as follows:

Suite #303, Village 1, University of Waterloo 200 University Ave W Waterloo, ON, N2J 4B6, Canada

I have paid my accommodation fees for the first semester. You can contact the University administrator in charge of the dormitory at the following phone number: +1 519-888-4567 ext. 84086

Funds Available

I have INR 8,100,000 or CAD 50,000 in my Indian bank account. You can verify this amount in the bank statement I have supplied with the application package. You can also verify that I have steadily built up these savings from the monthly salary deposits I received from my job at Linus Technologies in New Delhi.

I intend to return to India after completing my graduate program at the University of Waterloo. Both my elderly parents (picture attached) reside in New Delhi, and I plan to take care of them after returning. I also plan to take over managing their rental property in the city. My older brother (picture attached) will be performing this duty while I complete my studies in Canada.

I would greatly appreciate your support in issuing a study permit before August 1, 2022, so I may depart for Canada by August 15, 2022, for my program’s orientation. I have included all the relevant information requested in the original application package. Please contact me at +91 1234-567890 or [email protected] if you need me to submit additional information or documents for my application.

Yours Sincerely,

____[SIGNATURE LINE]____ Akash Kumar

Expense/Funds Summary

Accommodation: First Semester’s Rent: CAD$ 3,500 Payable Rent Amount: CAD$ 3,100

Tuition Fee: First Year’s Tuition Fee: CAD$ 28,000 First Semester’s Tuition Fee: CAD$ 14,000 First Semester’s Payable fee: CAD$ 13,000

Total Bank Balance in my account is INR 8,100,000 or CAD 50,000 .

Note: The documents and other items enclosed with my application are summarized below:

  • Checklist form (IMM 5483)
  • Completed and Signed Application form
  • Supplementary Information form
  • The University of Waterloo provided the letter of Acceptance. (Original + one copy)
  • Payment Receipt for First Semester’s Tuition
  • Confirmation of Accommodation at Village 1 Dormitory at the University of Waterloo
  • Proof of funds (Bank statement from the past six months)
  • Statement from my bank manager describing my financial history.
  • Originals and photocopies of my educational documents.
  • Original IELTS language test results
  • Recommendation letter from my work supervisor
  • Original passport and one copy
  • Pictures of my parents and brother
  • Copy of my Identity Card
  • Six recent photos
  • Police clearance certificate

This sample cover letter can be used as a guide when applying for a student visa in Canada. Always ensure you include all sections and go through your letter for spelling, grammar, and other mistakes before submitting it to the Visa Officer. When writing a letter, be concise but do not omit important details.

Take Professional Help from Licensed Consultants

Many of the applicants for student visas that we assisted are currently enrolled in Canada’s top colleges. Whether it is your first time applying or you have had repeated study permit refusals, we give you visa success in the easiest way.

You can contact our experts here . Our team is led by Keshav Sharma, a licensed and regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant with many years of experience.

I hope this article has clarified your confusion regarding writing a perfect cover letter for a student visa application. Good luck!

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Sample of Letter of Support for Visa Application: Free & Effective

In this article, I’ll guide you through a detailed, step-by-step process to write an effective letter of support for a visa application, including customizable templates to get you started.

Key Takeaways: Understanding the Purpose: Learn what a letter of support for a visa application is and why it’s important. Step-by-Step Guide: Follow a comprehensive guide to writing an effective letter. Free Template: Use the provided template to simplify your writing process. Real-Life Examples: Gain insights from examples based on actual experiences. Tips for Success: Discover key tips to enhance your letter’s impact.

Understanding the Purpose

A letter of support for a visa application is a document that provides additional assurance and details about the applicant.

It typically comes from a friend, family member, or employer and offers insights into the applicant’s character, purpose of visit, and plans during the stay.

Why is it Important?

  • Strengthens the Application: It adds credibility to the applicant’s intentions.
  • Personal Touch: Offers a personalized perspective on the applicant.
  • Addresses Potential Concerns: Helps clarify any uncertainties visa officers might have.

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing the Letter

1. Start with Personal Details:

  • Your name, address, and contact information.
  • Your relationship with the applicant.

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2. Introduction of the Applicant:

  • Full name of the applicant as in their passport.
  • Your personal connection and how long you’ve known them.

3. Purpose of Visit:

  • Clearly state the reason for the applicant’s visit (e.g., tourism, business, family visit).
  • Mention the planned duration and dates if known.

4. Assurances and Support:

  • Confirm your support (accommodation, financial, etc.).
  • Address the applicant’s plan to return to their home country.

5. Closing Remarks:

  • Reiterate your support and confidence in the applicant.
  • Provide your availability for further queries.

6. Signature:

  • Sign the letter to authenticate it.

Sample of Letter of Support for Visa Application

[Your Full Name] [Your Address] [City, State, Zip] [Email Address] [Phone Number] [Date]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to support the visa application of [Applicant’s Full Name]. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Relationship with the Applicant] of [Applicant’s Name] for [Number of Years/Months].

[Applicant’s Name] intends to visit [Country] for [Purpose of Visit], from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During their stay, they plan to [Briefly Describe Activities or Plans].

I would like to assure that [Applicant’s Name] will be staying with me at my residence located at [Your Address]. I am fully prepared to provide for their needs during their visit, including accommodation and financial support if necessary.

I am confident that [Applicant’s Name] will comply with all the visa regulations and return to [Applicant’s Home Country] as planned. Please feel free to contact me if you need further information or clarification.

Thank you for considering this application.

Sincerely, [Your Signature] [Your Full Name]

Real-Life Example

In my experience, a well-drafted letter played a pivotal role in the successful visa application of my friend, Maria. Her purpose was to attend a conference, and the letter highlighted her professional background and the importance of the event in her career, which added significant value to her application.

List of Essential Elements:

  • Clear Purpose: Indicate the specific reason for the visit.
  • Personal Connection: Show your genuine relationship with the applicant.
  • Support Details: Mention how you will support the applicant during their stay.
  • Return Assurance: Highlight the applicant’s intent to return to their home country.

Tips for Success

  • Be Honest: Provide truthful information.
  • Keep It Concise: Stick to relevant details.
  • Professional Tone: Maintain a formal and respectful tone.
  • Proofread: Check for errors before sending.

Comment Request: If you’ve written a letter of support for a visa application or have any additional tips, please share your experiences in the comments below

Related Posts

  • 3 Letter of Support for Visa Templates: Must-Haves
  • Sample Immigration Letter Of Support For A Friend: Free & Effective
  • Sample Letter for Visa Application for Family: Free & Effective

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Q: What is a Letter of Support for a Visa Application?

Answer: A letter of support for a visa application is a document provided by someone who knows the applicant, often a friend or family member, to help strengthen their visa application. 

In my experience, this letter detailed my relationship with the applicant, their purpose of visit, and my assurance of their compliance with visa terms. It made a significant difference in the approval process.

Q: How do I write an effective Letter of Support?

Answer: To write an effective letter of support, include specific details about your relationship with the applicant, the purpose of their visit, and their character. 

When I wrote one, I made sure to emphasize how well I knew the applicant and their reasons for traveling. Keeping the letter concise, factual, and heartfelt is key.

Q: Who should write the Letter of Support?

Answer: Ideally, the letter of support should be written by someone who has a close relationship with the applicant, such as a family member, friend, or employer. 

When I needed one, I asked my brother, who is a U.S. citizen, to write it. His status and our familial relationship added weight to the application.

Q: Is a Letter of Support mandatory for a visa application?

Answer: A letter of support is not always mandatory, but it can be incredibly beneficial. In my case, while it wasn’t required, it significantly helped in demonstrating my ties and intentions. 

It acts as a character reference and can provide additional assurance to the visa officers about the applicant’s credibility.

Q: What information should be included in the Letter of Support?

Answer: The letter of support should include the writer’s relationship to the applicant, the purpose of the visit, the applicant’s intended length of stay, and any assurances regarding adherence to visa regulations. 

When I wrote one, I also included details about my financial support and accommodation for the applicant, which provided further evidence of a well-planned visit

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how to write a cover letter visa

How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

I ’ve read thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of cover letters in my career. If you’re thinking that sounds like really boring reading, you’re right. What I can tell you from enduring that experience is that most cover letters are terrible — and not only that, but squandered opportunities. When a cover letter is done well, it can significantly increase your chances of getting an interview, but the vast majority fail that test.

So let’s talk about how to do cover letters right.

First, understand the point of a cover letter.

The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just your résumé. Managers generally aren’t hiring based solely on your work history; your experience is crucial, yes, but they’re also looking for someone who will be easy to work with, shows good judgment, communicates well, possesses strong critical thinking skills and a drive to get things done, complements their current team, and all the other things you yourself probably want from your co-workers. It’s tough to learn much about those things from job history alone, and that’s where your cover letter comes in.

Because of that …

Whatever you do, don’t just summarize your résumé.

The No. 1 mistake people make with cover letters is that they simply use them to summarize their résumé. This makes no sense — hiring managers don’t need a summary of your résumé! It’s on the very next page! They’re about to see it as soon as they scroll down. And if you think about it, your entire application is only a few pages (in most cases, a one- or two-page résumé and a one-page cover letter) — why would you squander one of those pages by repeating the content of the others? And yet, probably 95 percent of the cover letters I see don’t add anything new beyond the résumé itself (and that’s a conservative estimate).

Instead, your cover letter should go beyond your work history to talk about things that make you especially well-suited for the job. For example, if you’re applying for an assistant job that requires being highly organized and you neurotically track your household finances in a detailed, color-coded spreadsheet, most hiring managers would love to know that because it says something about the kind of attention to detail you’d bring to the job. That’s not something you could put on your résumé, but it can go in your cover letter.

Or maybe your last boss told you that you were the most accurate data processor she’d ever seen, or came to rely on you as her go-to person whenever a lightning-fast rewrite was needed. Maybe your co-workers called you “the client whisperer” because of your skill in calming upset clients. Maybe you’re regularly sought out by more senior staff to help problem-solve, or you find immense satisfaction in bringing order to chaos. Those sorts of details illustrate what you bring to the job in a different way than your résumé does, and they belong in your cover letter.

If you’re still stumped, pretend you’re writing an email to a friend about why you’d be great at the job. You probably wouldn’t do that by stiffly reciting your work history, right? You’d talk about what you’re good at and how you’d approach the work. That’s what you want here.

You don’t need a creative opening line.

If you think you need to open the letter with something creative or catchy, I am here to tell you that you don’t. Just be simple and straightforward:

• “I’m writing to apply for your X position.”

• “I’d love to be considered for your X position.”

• “I’m interested in your X position because …”

• “I’m excited to apply for your X position.”

That’s it! Straightforward is fine — better, even, if the alternative is sounding like an aggressive salesperson.

Show, don’t tell.

A lot of cover letters assert that the person who wrote it would excel at the job or announce that the applicant is a skillful engineer or a great communicator or all sorts of other subjective superlatives. That’s wasted space — the hiring manager has no reason to believe it, and so many candidates claim those things about themselves that most managers ignore that sort of self-assessment entirely. So instead of simply declaring that you’re great at X (whatever X is), your letter should demonstrate that. And the way you do that is by describing accomplishments and experiences that illustrate it.

Here’s a concrete example taken from one extraordinarily effective cover-letter makeover that I saw. The candidate had originally written, “I offer exceptional attention to detail, highly developed communication skills, and a talent for managing complex projects with a demonstrated ability to prioritize and multitask.” That’s pretty boring and not especially convincing, right? (This is also exactly how most people’s cover letters read.)

In her revised version, she wrote this instead:

“In addition to being flexible and responsive, I’m also a fanatic for details — particularly when it comes to presentation. One of my recent projects involved coordinating a 200-page grant proposal: I proofed and edited the narratives provided by the division head, formatted spreadsheets, and generally made sure that every line was letter-perfect and that the entire finished product conformed to the specific guidelines of the RFP. (The result? A five-year, $1.5 million grant award.) I believe in applying this same level of attention to detail to tasks as visible as prepping the materials for a top-level meeting and as mundane as making sure the copier never runs out of paper.”

That second version is so much more compelling and interesting — and makes me believe that she really is great with details.

If there’s anything unusual or confusing about your candidacy, address it in the letter.

Your cover letter is your chance to provide context for things that otherwise might seem confusing or less than ideal to a hiring manager. For example, if you’re overqualified for the position but are excited about it anyway, or if you’re a bit underqualified but have reason to think you could excel at the job, address that up front. Or if your background is in a different field but you’re actively working to move into this one, say so, talk about why, and explain how your experience will translate. Or if you’re applying for a job across the country from where you live because you’re hoping to relocate to be closer to your family, let them know that.

If you don’t provide that kind of context, it’s too easy for a hiring manager to decide you’re the wrong fit or applying to everything you see or don’t understand the job description and put you in the “no” pile. A cover letter gives you a chance to say, “No, wait — here’s why this could be a good match.”

Keep the tone warm and conversational.

While there are some industries that prize formal-sounding cover letters — like law — in most fields, yours will stand out if it’s warm and conversational. Aim for the tone you’d use if you were writing to a co-worker whom you liked a lot but didn’t know especially well. It’s okay to show some personality or even use humor; as long as you don’t go overboard, your letter will be stronger for it.

Don’t use a form letter.

You don’t need to write every cover letter completely from scratch, but if you’re not customizing it to each job, you’re doing it wrong. Form letters tend to read like form letters, and they waste the chance to speak to the specifics of what this employer is looking for and what it will take to thrive in this particular job.

If you’re applying for a lot of similar jobs, of course you’ll end up reusing language from one letter to the next. But you shouldn’t have a single cover letter that you wrote once and then use every time you apply; whatever you send should sound like you wrote it with the nuances of this one job in mind.

A good litmus test is this: Could you imagine other applicants for this job sending in the same letter? If so, that’s a sign that you haven’t made it individualized enough to you and are probably leaning too heavily on reciting your work history.

No, you don’t need to hunt down the hiring manager’s name.

If you read much job-search advice, at some point you’ll come across the idea that you need to do Woodward and Bernstein–level research to hunt down the hiring manager’s name in order to open your letter with “Dear Matilda Jones.” You don’t need to do this; no reasonable hiring manager will care. If the name is easily available, by all means, feel free to use it, but otherwise “Dear Hiring Manager” is absolutely fine. Take the hour you just freed up and do something more enjoyable with it.

Keep it under one page.

If your cover letters are longer than a page, you’re writing too much, and you risk annoying hiring managers who are likely sifting through hundreds of applications and don’t have time to read lengthy tomes. On the other hand, if you only write one paragraph, it’s unlikely that you’re making a compelling case for yourself as a candidate — not impossible, but unlikely. For most people, something close to a page is about right.

Don’t agonize over the small details.

What matters most about your cover letter is its content. You should of course ensure that it’s well-written and thoroughly proofread, but many job seekers agonize over elements of the letter that really don’t matter. I get tons of  questions from job seekers  about whether they should attach their cover letter or put it in the body of the email (answer: No one cares, but attaching it makes it easier to share and will preserve your formatting), or what to name the file (again, no one really cares as long as it’s reasonably professional, but when people are dealing with hundreds of files named “resume,” it’s courteous to name it with your full name).

Approaching your cover letter like this can make a huge difference in your job search. It can be the thing that moves your application from the “maybe” pile (or even the “no” pile) to the “yes” pile. Of course, writing cover letters like this will take more time than sending out the same templated letter summarizing your résumé — but 10 personalized, compelling cover letters are likely to get you more  interview invitations  than 50 generic ones will.

  • ‘I Had a Great Job Interview — Why Haven’t I Heard Back?’
  • How to Answer ‘Tell Me About Yourself’ in a Job Interview

by The Cut; Photos: Getty Images

COMMENTS

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    Business Visa Cover Letter. The first thing you should note about the Schengen business visa cover letter is that your employer writes this letter. It is more or less the same as the Tourist Visa Cover Letter. Still, here, your employer must state the purpose of your trip and confirm that you are completing business-related duties on their behalf.

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    Of course, the sample cover letter for tourist visa application provided above is only a template and can be modified according to your situation. Again, including this in your travel visa application is very important, so make sure that you take the time to think about what you want to write and to gather all the necessary documents to support ...

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    A Schengen Visa Cover Letter (or Covering Letter) is a document written by you and addressed to the Schengen Embassy/Consulate along with the other documents you are required to submit. The letter should provide additional information concerning the purpose of your trip and your intentions to return to your country of residence.

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    Blogger 10 April 2023. A cover letter for a tourism visa is a document that supports a visa application by demonstrating that the purpose of the trip is for leisure and recreational activities such as sightseeing or attending events. This letter provides details about the applicant's planned itinerary, including the places they plan to visit ...

  14. How To Write a Cover Letter (With Examples and Tips)

    Middle paragraph (s) Closing paragraph. Letter ending and signature. Your cover letter should be one page long and use a simple, professional font, such as Arial or Helvetica, 10 to 12 points in size. Your letter should be left-aligned with single spacing and one-inch margins. Show Transcript.

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    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.

  16. Sample Cover Letter for Business Visa

    Open the letter strongly. Be kind with your words. Be prepared. Explain exactly what you will be doing when arriving in the country. Let them know that you know a lot about their company and the job position you are applying for. Use your words carefully. Keep it short and simple. Include your keywords.

  17. 10 Sample Cover Letters for a Canada Visitor Visa

    Sample 1: Family Visit. Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to apply for a Canadian visitor visa to visit my sister and her family in Toronto, Ontario. My sister, [Sister's Name], a permanent resident of Canada, has extended an invitation for me to spend time with her family and explore the cultural diversity of Canada.

  18. How To Write a Cover Letter for Form I-129F (Petition ...

    To prepare a K-1 fiancé(e) visa application for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), you must complete the required forms, gather supporting documents, and pay fees. It's not mandatory to include a cover letter in your application packet, but doing so can help keep your application materials organized and make sure you don't miss any required documents. You can also use the ...

  19. A Perfect Cover Letter for Student Visa Application [Sample]

    This sample cover letter can be used as a guide when applying for a student visa in Canada. Always ensure you include all sections and go through your letter for spelling, grammar, and other mistakes before submitting it to the Visa Officer. When writing a letter, be concise but do not omit important details.

  20. Sample of Letter of Support for Visa Application: Free & Effective

    I am writing to support the visa application of [Applicant's Full Name]. My name is [Your Name], and I am a [Your Relationship with the Applicant] of [Applicant's Name] for [Number of Years/Months]. [Applicant's Name] intends to visit [Country] for [Purpose of Visit], from [Start Date] to [End Date]. During their stay, they plan to ...

  21. Get Cover letter for Visa Application in 5 minutes

    You can look at our cover letter for Schengen visa application article to get an in-depth information. Here is a sample cover letter for Schengen visa. Cover letter created using FlightGen App. Consulate of Germany. House, 9th Floor, Hoechst, 193, Backbay Reclamation, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400021.

  22. UK Cover Letter for Visa Application

    Cover Letter for UK Visa Application Sample. Here is a simple sample you can refer to when writing your cover letter: My name is Stojan Nikola (passport number: NM22330011). I am a Macedonian citizen who lives in Skopje, Macedonia, where I work as a graphic designer and have an income of DEN 50,000.

  23. Sample Cover Letter for Korean Visa Applicants

    Thank you for taking the time to review my application. Respectfully yours, Signature. Your name. 1. Date, Address, & Salutation. In the first few parts of your Korean visa application cover letter, include the date when you plan to submit your visa application, the address of the Embassy, and the salutation.

  24. How to Write an Internship Cover Letter: 9 Tips (+ Examples)

    How to write a cover letter for an internship A cover letter is your chance to stand out from the crowded applicant pool. In this section, you'll learn nine high-impact tips for crafting a cover letter that highlights your professionalism, aspirations, and qualifications. 1. Properly format your cover letter.

  25. How to Write a Cover Letter That Will Get You a Job

    So let's talk about how to do cover letters right., First, understand the point of a cover letter., The whole idea of a cover letter is that it can help the employer see you as more than just ...