Family Visitor Visa from India — How to Apply (2026)

Visiting family abroad — parents visiting children in the US, spouses visiting partners in the UK, grandparents meeting grandchildren in Canada — is one of the most common reasons Indians apply for visas. Family visitor applications use the same tourist visa category as leisure travel, but add an invitation letter from the family member abroad.

The core idea

There is no separate "family visa" category. You apply for a standard tourist visa (Schengen Type C, US B1/B2, UK Standard Visitor, Canada TRV, Australia Subclass 600) and add an invitation letter + supporting documents from your family member. The family member is the host, not a formal sponsor — but their documents strengthen your application significantly.

What the host must provide

• Invitation letter — signed, with host's full name, address, and relationship to applicant
• Copy of host's passport or ID
• Proof of immigration status — citizenship certificate, green card, PR card, H1B I-797, or student I-20
• Proof of address — utility bill, lease, or driving licence
• Bank statements (last 3-6 months) if host is also sponsoring financially
• Employment letter (optional, shows host is settled and working)
• Proof of relationship — birth certificate, marriage certificate, Aadhaar showing family name

Invitation letter template

Date: [DD MMM YYYY]

To,
The Consulate General of [Country]
[City]

Subject: Invitation for [Applicant's Name] — Passport [XXXXXXX]

Dear Sir/Madam,

I, [Host's Full Name], [Citizenship/Status in Country], residing at [Full Address], am pleased to invite my [Relationship] [Applicant's Full Name] to visit me in [City, Country] from [DD MMM YYYY] to [DD MMM YYYY].

The purpose of the visit is [family visit / attending wedding / visiting grandchildren / etc.]. During the stay, [Applicant] will reside at my address above. [I will / Applicant will] be covering all trip expenses including accommodation and daily needs.

[Include a line about employment: I am employed at [Company] as [Role] since [Year].]

I confirm that [Applicant] has strong ties to India and will return at the end of the visit. Attached are copies of my [passport / green card / citizenship certificate], proof of address, and proof of our relationship.

I request your kind consideration of the visa application.

Sincerely,
[Signature]
[Host's Full Name]
[Phone] | [Email]

Country-specific notes

US — Parents visiting children

The US B1/B2 is the standard visa. The child in the US provides an invitation letter + proof of status. The interview asks about ties to India, not the invitation. Chennai consulate has shorter interview waits.

UK — Visiting family

UK Standard Visitor covers family visits up to 6 months. Strong invitation letter + host's immigration status document + proof of accommodation greatly improves approval odds.

Schengen — Family visit

Schengen applications for family visits require the host to provide a "Verpflichtungserklärung" (obligation letter) in Germany or equivalent in other countries. This is notarised in the host country and forwarded to the applicant. Alternatively, a simple invitation letter + proof of host's legal status may be sufficient.

Canada — Super Visa option

Parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens/PRs can apply for the Super Visa — 10-year multi-entry, 5-year stay per entry. Requires the sponsoring child/grandchild to meet the Low Income Cut-Off (LICO) and to purchase medical insurance. This is often better than a standard TRV for long-term visits.

Australia — Sponsored Family Stream

Australia offers a Sponsored Family Stream where an Australian citizen/PR sponsors a family visit. This can require a bond in some cases but gives higher approval odds than the unsponsored Tourist Stream.

Frequently asked questions