Did you know, more than 126.12 million tourists visit Australia every year? This country, which is also a continent, has fascinated people all around the world, due to its rich natural resources, gorgeous landscapes, beautiful beaches, interesting wildlife, cosmopolitan cities, and amazing culture. But before one decides on the best time to visit Australia, it is important to get a visa for the country. Short-term visitors need to apply for a tourist visa or a visitor visa. While it is necessary to submit several supporting documents along with the visa application, not many know about the letter of invitation. Here is a detailed account of what the invitation letter for tourist visa to Australia entails.
What is a Letter of Invitation for Australia Tourist Visa?
The letter of invitation is a supporting document that a visa applicant submits along with the visa application. This letter is written by the host who resides in Australia and is required for short-term visas like tourist visa, visitor business, or business visa. The host must address the invitation letter to the visa/immigration official at the Australian Embassy or Consulate.
What is the Purpose of the Letter of Invitation for Australia Tourist Visa?
The main purpose of the invitation letter for Australia tourist visa is to convince the immigration official that the visa applicant will leave the country before his/her Australia visa expires. The letter writer becomes the applicant’s guarantor. The letter reinforces that the reason for the person’s visit is genuine and establishes where the person will stay and whether the host would financially support him/her.
Who is Eligible to Write a Letter of Invitation for Australia Visa?
The invitation letter for Australia visa can be written by the following people:
- Â Australian citizens: Those who reside in Australia and have an Australian passport.
- Â Permanent Australian Residents: Foreigners residing and working in Australia with a permanent resident visa.
- Â Legal Residents: People who have long-term legal visas like student visas, work visas, etc.
- Â Business Associates: Individuals associated with Australian business organizations.
What are the Key Elements of a Letter of Invitation for Australia Visa?
The letter of invitation is a formal letter, and hence, it is important to follow a proper format. Before checking out the Australia visa sample invitation letter, look at the important details that one needs to include in this letter.
Details of the Host/Inviter: The letter should begin with the details of the host or the letter writer. Personal details like full name, address, contact details, occupation, etc., should be included. The person’s immigration should also be mentioned, i.e., whether he/she is a citizen, permanent resident, or a legal resident. The letter writer should establish his/her relationship with the visa applicant at this point.
Details of the Applicant: The letter should have all the details of the visa applicant. This includes his/her full name, birthdate, full address, passport number, etc. The details provided in the letter should match the information on their passport.
Purpose of Visit: Once the details of the inviter and the invitee are established, the next comes the purpose of the visit. For a tourism or visitor visa, the reason for visiting can be exploring the country as a tourist, visiting family, or attending a business meeting or conference. Along with the reason, the duration of the visit and the dates of arrival and departure should also be mentioned.
Accommodation Details and Financial Support: The letter should also mention the accommodation details of the visitor. The inviter should mention whether the invitee would be staying at his/her house or at a hotel. If the host is planning to fund the person’s trip, this should also be mentioned in the letter.
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What are the Supporting Documents for Letter of Invitation for Australia Visa?
Along with the invitation letter, the letter writer will have to submit some supporting documents.
-  Proof of Citizenship/Residency: This could be the copy of the inviter’s passport or citizenship certificate (in case of an Australian citizen) or permanent or legal visa copy.
- Â Proof of Resident: The host needs to prove that he/she has a residential property in Australia. This could be owned or rented property. Apart from having property, the host should ensure that he/she has enough room to accommodate the guests.
- Â Proof of Relationship: This may be required in some cases. This could be a birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.
- Â Proof of Finance: If the letter writer is going to support the visitor financially during his/her stay in Australia, he/she must provide proof of enough financial resources. This will be in the form of bank account statements.
Sample Letter of Invitation for Singapore Visa
Here is a template for invitation letter for Australia visa that can be used to write one after making the necessary changes.
(Name of Host)
(Address)
(City, State, ZIP Code)
(Phone Number)
(Email Address)
(Date)
To: Australian Department of Home Affairs Immigration Office Address
Subject: Invitation Letter for Tourist Visa for (Name of the Visitor)
I am (name of the host), a citizen of Australia, since the last 10 years, working as a senior associate in an IT company. I am writing this letter to invite my sister (name of the invitee) to visit me in (name of the city, Australia). (Name of the invitee) is a citizen of (name of the country) and planning to stay with me for (duration).
After I shifted to Australia, my sister and I have met only a few times. This trip is our attempt to spend time with each other for a longer duration. During her visit, she will be staying at my house. I have a 4 BHK house, which is occupied by me, my husband, and two kids. We have plenty of space to accommodate my sister in our home during the duration of our stay.
During her stay in Australia, I would be taking her around the city. Also, I would support her financially as well.
I have attached the following documents to support this letter and the visa application process:
Passport copy
Address proof (rental agreement)
Bank statements of last three months
Thank you for your time and consideration. I am looking forward to my sister’s visit, and I hope that her visa application is approved at the earliest. You can contact me at the details provided above if you need additional information.
Yours Sincerely,
(Name of the Host)
(Signature of the Host)
Tips for Writing a Letter of Invitation for Singapore Visa
- Â As the letter of invitation is a formal document, the tone of the letter should also be formal and professional.
- Â Keep the letter short and crisp. Refrain from over explaining. However, it should have all the necessary points.
- Â All the details mentioned in the letter should be accurate. Avoid making spelling or factual errors.
- Â Do not forget to sign the letter at the end.
Conclusion
A letter of invitation may not warrant Australia tourist visa approval, but it does enhance the chances. So, before making a list of things to do in Australia, adding the letter of invitation in the list of documents for Australia visa will be a good idea.
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