There is one thing that we have learnt to make peace with about visa processes. It is that they require a lot of documents and only the correct ones, in fact. But there are some that might not be compulsory but act to strengthen your application. One such is the Letter of Invitation. Let us discover more about the Singapore visa letter of invitation.
What is It?
A Letter of Invitation is a document written by someone residing in Singapore. It is the person who is inviting you to visit. Your visa application becomes more significant with a LOI as a supporting document. Especially for visit visas. Such as tourism, visiting friends, etc.
The LOI assures the Singaporean authorities that you have a legitimate reason for visiting and a place to stay during your trip. It strengthens your application by demonstrating ties to Singapore.
What to Write in the Letter?
The letter should clearly include the following:
● Your Details: Full name and nationality of the person being invited, that is, you.
● Purpose of Visit: Clearly explain why you are visiting and your purpose in Singapore. Such as tourism, business meetings, attending conferences etc.
● Financial Support: State who will be bearing the expenses of your trip, you or the inviter.
● Relationship to Writer: How do you know the person inviting you? Mention that. Such as friends, business associates, etc.
● Length of Your Staying: The duration of your intended stay in Singapore should be written.
● Taking Shelter: Briefly mention where you will be taking shelter during your visit.
How to Get a Letter of Invitation?
The letter can be written by someone residing in Singapore who is welcoming you. There isn't one way to obtain a Letter of Invitation for a Singapore visa.
Invitation for Business Visit
If you're visiting for business reasons, the process might differ slightly:
● Contact your business partner/host company: Explain your need for an LOI for your visa application and request their assistance.
● Company letterhead: The LOI is often written on the company's letterhead. Hence adding a professional touch.
● Business details: The letter should mention the nature of your visit (meeting, conference, etc.) and your company's relationship with the Singaporean company.
Invitation from a Friend or Family
● Reach out to your contact in Singapore. Explain your intention to visit Singapore and request a letter of invitation to support your visa application.
● Provide details to your contact. Make it easier for them to write the letter by giving them your full name, nationality, relationship to them, purpose of visit, intended duration of stay, and any accommodation details you have.
● Review and finalize. Once you receive a draft letter, review it for accuracy and completeness. Ensure it covers the points mentioned in the previous response (relationship, purpose of visit, length of stay, etc.
Additional Tips
● Be clear and concise. The LOI should be easy to understand and directly address the purpose of your visit.
● Signature and stamp (if applicable). For business LOIs, a signature from a company-authorized representative and a company stamp (if used) strengthen the letter. Get the letter signed by the inviting person, even if they are a friend or family.
● Maintain professionalism. Regardless of who writes the letter, ensure it uses a formal tone and professional language. Use a professional format with a letterhead if writing on behalf of a company. Keep the tone polite and formal.
● The LOI should include the contact information (name, address, phone number, email) of the person inviting you.
● If the LOI is written well in advance of your visa application, mention the validity period of the invitation.
● Proofread carefully. Take extra care about mistakes in grammar, spelling, or punctuation.
Form V39A
For some countries, Singapore has a standardized "Form V39A" that can be used as an LOI. It's a simple fill-in-the-blanks format that can be used for tourist or social visit LOIs. The Singapore Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) doesn't publicly specify which countries require Form V39A for a Letter of Invitation (LOI) for a Singapore visa. It differs on the basis of your nationality, Singapore’s relations with your country, etc. You can visit the official website or visit the nearest embassy in your country for more information.
Remember! An LOI is a supporting document, not a guarantee for visa approval. But it will certainly strengthen your application due to it showcasing your ties with Singapore. So, prepare all of your documents. Organize them in a folder. You are good to go! Apply for a Singapore visa and we hope you are able to get it. And if you do, Singapore is waiting for you. Safe travels!
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