Upvote:4
Immigration uses a process where they assume that you intend to permanently immigrate to the UK, seek employ or go on the dole... and then, allow you to present data that proves otherwise.
That’s why proof of ties to your home country is so important. For instance suppose you are running a serious political campaign for a seat in your state legislature. That’s an excellent “tie” because nobody does that and emigrates.
Likewise it helps if you are on a career track with a job, own a home, have a family, have elder-care duties, and other social obligations back home.
A sponsor does more harm than good. When the keystone of your application is a “sponsor letter”, it means you don’t have anything better to lead with, which says the application is very weak. Further, depending on the context, a “sponsor letter” can suggest illegal activity, such as “working under the table” for the sponsor or friend.
If you are attempting to use a “visitor visa”, which is largely for tourism, your case is particularly weak since COVID-19 is taking all the fun out of tourism.
Upvote:13
If you are not working then it doesn't make any sense to have a "leave letter". There is nobody to give you one. It is not necessary. Of course you have very little chance of getting a visa while unemployed.
Upvote:14
The purpose of a ‘leave letter’ is to help demonstrate ties to your home country and a compelling reason to leave the UK at the end of your visit. The options you have if you no longer have employment to return to include a) defer your trip until you have a new job and can get a leave letter, or a contract showing a confirmed start date; or b) prove other ties eg dependent family. This question might be helpful with the latter How to prove that you have significant ties with family in your home country?