Applying for a visa is considerably more than a child’s play, as it can be a strict process that requires all required documents and a vigorous check to determine if your visa will be approved. Reasons for visa denial differ from country to country, although there are common reasons why the visa you applied for was denied and this article will cover them.
If your visa application was recently denied or you want to be prepared to avoid stories that touch the heart, here are 10 common reasons why your visa was denied.
1. Incomplete application
Be sure to check the country’s website to see the required documents. Every country has a different set of rules. For example; travel medical insurance is mandatory for Schengen countries. Some countries require vaccination cards, proof of police clearance, and an NDLEA. Be sure to check what each country requires.
You have to fill out your visa application carefully and ensure you provide all the required details. Your personal information has to be accurate. Providing incorrect information and leaving mandatory questions blank is basically you begging for your application to be denied. To be on the safe side, make sure to read the instructions carefully and answer correctly. Do not hesitate to reach out to a visa counsellor if you are confused or stuck on a question.
2. Violation of Rules
Lying in your application when asked how many countries you were denied visas in the past is a violation of the rules and can be a hindrance to your visa application. If you lie about those countries, especially when applying to countries that share border information, your application will be denied again. Your thumbprint helps to store all your information.
There are strict rules for every visa application set by the immigration office managing visa applications and depending on the type of visa you’re applying for, you need to stick to the rules. Every visa applicant has to abide by the rules, and also stick to the rules for the visa documentation process. If you’re determined to get your visa application approved, make sure to follow all the steps and rules and provide every document necessary to aid your visa application.
3. Proof of ties back in your home country.
You must convince the visa officer that you are not running away and that you will be coming back after your trip. This is proven by landed properties, a proof of marriage certificate if you’re married, your children's birth certificate if you have kids or proof of a business that is running in your home country.
Mandatory travel details to include are documents supporting flight and hotel bookings, the timing and duration of the trip and the list of countries you intend on visiting.
4. Unclear Purpose of Travel
The purpose of your travel is the most crucial aspect of your visa application process. The immigration officers of the countries will want to know your reason for wanting to travel to their country and you must have a plausible purpose for travelling. Necessary documents, like evidence of your travel intentions, should be submitted and be available upon request. For example; a job application letter, or an acceptance letter if you are applying for a student visa. If your travel intentions are unclear or the documents appear to be false, your visa application will be denied.
5. Passport Issues
One of the mandatory documents you need to have before starting your visa process is your passport. If you do not have a valid international passport, whether it is nearly expired or expired, your visa will be denied.
If the pages of your passport are full and you have yet to get a new book, your visa will also be denied. It is important to confirm that you have more than six months before your passport expires so your visa won't be denied. Always make sure to research the conditions of passport rules before travelling to any country.
6. Application Timings
For the types of visas that exist, the processing times are always different. Some visas take a few days to be approved, while others can take weeks or even months before you get a reply. As you’re considering applying for a visa, consider the timing to carefully plan other travel details. There are high chances of your visa being denied if you apply a few dates to your travel date. It is recommended to fill out the visa application at least 30 days before your travel date.
7. Proof of Funds
It is important to understand that proof of funds means two things. How you make your money (if you are running your own business or working under someone) and having a good inflow and outflow of money in the account statement. The visa officer will not only check the amount at the end but will also check the history of the account. The visa office wants to know if it’s because you are applying for a visa, then automatically you have thousands of dollars in your account. So do well to build your account statement.
Having enough money to fund your trip is important, as is the person in charge of your visa approval. To aid your visa application, it is essential to have proof of your financial stability to bear the costs of your trip's expenses. If you are unable to provide proof of having the required amount of money in your bank statements, and a stable income of funds, your visa is likely to be denied.
8. Travel and Crime History
It is important to submit your travel history when considering applying to high-target countries. It is not mandatory but it is advised.
A past history of crime can be a definite hindrance to your visa application process. Having a criminal record warrants a visa denial, as the immigration officers will have to conduct a thorough background check to decide if you are eligible for a visa approval.
9. The Credibility of the Sponsor
For people who are unable to provide the required amount of funds, which is a requirement for their visa application process, they can choose to have a sponsor assist them. You must ascertain the reason why your sponsor has decided to sponsor you. The immigration authorities will verify your sponsor’s ID card, proof of occupation, proof of your relationship with the sponsor, and the bank statement, as the sponsor's account must have a good inflow and outflow of money. These questions should be asked beforehand so you can confirm the credibility of your sponsor and reduce the chances of your visa application being denied.
10. Visa Interview Gone Wrong
The interview for your visa processing is the most crucial stage and the most nerve-wracking. You could have prepared in every other aspect and the visa interview can have it all go down the drain so you need to prepare well for your visa interview.
The interviewer is unimpressed with your answers to the questions asked or unconvinced by your purpose for travelling, which are some of the common reasons why your visa might be denied. Be honest, confident, and transparent during the interview, provide answers to all questions asked; and have all travel requirements with you.
A visa is an important and mandatory document to travel to many countries; therefore, you need to take the application seriously to avoid any hindrance to your travel plans. Being aware of this common reason that might cause a visa denial will give you an edge.
Disclaimer: The content on this page is due to my past experience helping people with their visa applications. It is important to note that this is from a personal point of view, as I’m not working with any embassy or consulate. They are general advice based on experience and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes.
