Visit Visa to UK

joepubli

Hi

I wondered if any of the ex pats (Nick?) have had any experience of visas for Indian family/friend visit refused. The immigration officer is apparently not satisfied that their "true" intentions are to only visit[ie they might stay on!] because of their financial circumstances in India are modest and the evidence shows that they finance a trip from their income at this time.

I have invited a cousin and her husband to visit me. They are of modest means and are leaving their two kids behind in India whilst they visit us for a couple of weeks - hardly some one who will fail to return given the kids!

As a UK based sponsor I have provided a letter stating that I will pick up all the costs and demonstrated ample ability to do so by providing bank statements.

Does the above mean that to visit UK as a guest of a British Citizen a foreigner must show that they have ample means of their OWN (based on tax documents) so one can only invite rich members of family?

If any of the High Commission (this was in CCU) bods come to this forum some clarification would be welcome.

many thanks
joe