Visitor visa-sponsor's documents; original or scanned

[SidGB]

Hi Moderators/Experts,

My parents are planning to visit me to the UK for few months and I am sponsoring them. I have been informed by my friends that I don't need to send my original documents like bank statements, accommodation proof etc. to my parents by post as soft copy/scanned copy (by email) of sponsor's documents will also suffice. I have spent lot of time trying to find any reference in the www.gov.uk website under "visitor visa" section to confirm if soft/scanned copy (with print outs taken in India) can be used without any luck.

I would appreciate if you could respond to this query please and share the link from the official website for reference.

Thanks a lot

[marcnath]

Hi Moderators/Experts,

My parents are planning to visit me to the UK for few months and I am sponsoring them. I have been informed by my friends that I don't need to send my original documents like bank statements, accommodation proof etc. to my parents by post as soft copy/scanned copy (by email) of sponsor's documents will also suffice. I have spent lot of time trying to find any reference in the www.gov.uk website under "visitor visa" section to confirm if soft/scanned copy (with print outs taken in India) can be used without any luck.

I would appreciate if you could respond to this query please and share the link from the official website for reference.

Thanks a lot

Strictly speaking, those are not even stated requirements. My father in law has just come and all I sent was a letter confirming the relationship and the fact he is will staying with us.
The more important documents are those from back in the home country that will show that they will return home after the visit.

[SidGB]

Thanks a lot marcnath for a prompt response however what has confused me is the extract from the Visitor supporting document guide which states:

"All documents must be originals and not photocopies. Submission of these documents does not guarantee that your application will be successful and you should bear this in mind when making any bookings.

Financial documents showing that you have sufficient funds available. These must clearly show that you have access to the funds, such as:

• bank statements
• building society book
• proof of earnings such as a letter from employer confirming employment details (start date of employment, salary, role, company contact details)
• where a third party (who is either in the UK or who will be legally in the UK at the time of your visit) is providing financial support to you e.g. a business, a friend or a relative, documents to show they have sufficient resources to support you in addition to themselves and any dependant family should be provided"

If I am supporting their visit and need to provide my bank statements, would they be required in original or copy/scanned

[marcnath]

Thanks a lot marcnath for a prompt response however what has confused me is the extract from the Visitor supporting document guide which states:

"All documents must be originals and not photocopies. Submission of these documents does not guarantee that your application will be successful and you should bear this in mind when making any bookings.

Financial documents showing that you have sufficient funds available. These must clearly show that you have access to the funds, such as:

• bank statements
• building society book
• proof of earnings such as a letter from employer confirming employment details (start date of employment, salary, role, company contact details)
• where a third party (who is either in the UK or who will be legally in the UK at the time of your visit) is providing financial support to you e.g. a business, a friend or a relative, documents to show they have sufficient resources to support you in addition to themselves and any dependant family should be provided"

If I am supporting their visit and need to provide my bank statements, would they be required in original or copy/scanned

As they mention, they prefer originals. And if that is the document that will help them make the decision, then it should be.