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Visitors undertaking permitted paid engagements

Business persons in an airport

What documents do you need as a visitor undertaking a permitted paid engagement?

This page contains information about the documents that you may want to provide to support your application to come to the UK as a visitor undertaking a permitted paid engagement.

If you apply for a visa, you should provide these documents with your visa application. If you travel to the UK without a visa, you should bring them with you so that you can show them to the officers at the border.

As well as the general documents described below, you must provide a formal invitation to undertake the pre-arranged engagement, and documents to show that the engagement relates to your:

  • expertise and/or qualifications; and
  • full-time occupation in your home country.

There is more detailed guidance for:

  • visiting examiners and assessors;
  • visiting lecturers;
  • overseas designated pilot examiners;
  • lawyers providing advocacy; and
  • arts, entertainment or sports professionals.

You should provide as many relevant documents as you can to show that you qualify for entry to the UK. If you do not provide them, we may refuse your application.

You must decide which documents will best support your application. We advise you to consider providing documents that contain:

  • information about you
  • information about your finances and employment
  • your accommodation and travel details
  • information about your visit to the UK

You can download our supporting documents checklist from the right side of this page. 

More information

  • I am visiting someone in the UK. Can they give a guarantee for me?

    The person who is 'sponsoring' your visit cannot give a guarantee that you will comply with the terms of your visa, or that you will leave the UK at the end of your visit.

    They can help you with your application and provide you with the relevant supporting documents listed in our guidance, but you must provide these documents to us yourself.