Everyone, from simple, everyday skilled workers to eminent company typists, needs a visa at some point. The acquisition of a visa involves rigorous procedures that are sometimes incredibly tedious. Trying to get a visa can be overwhelming as even the slightest error may delay it or, at worst, cause it to get rejected. Thus, one must constantly avoid mistakes to improve the chances of visa approval as much as possible. Let’s take a look at the ten common mistakes one makes during the visa application process and how to minimize them:
1. Incomplete Application Form
To save time, applying individuals must fill out every application form section. Not only is this unprofessional, but it also renders the application invalid. If any section on the application remains unanswered, it will either get rejected or take an unnecessarily long time to get approved. How To Avoid: Ensure that your application form does not have an “incomplete” status and that all the questions posed during the application are answered correctly.
2. Providing Incorrect Information
Incorrect application details such as wrong names, mistyped nationalities, incorrect job titles and a plethora of other information can hamper your attempt at getting a visa, mainly if supporting documents are provided. How To Avoid: Be sure to re-read your documents to cross-check them against our official supporting documents, such as birth certificates, passports and educational qualifications, to ensure they are correct.
3. Lapse in Financial Assessments
Quite a few countries seek evidence from applicants regarding their ability to support themselves financially during their travel. Insufficient funds or wrong financial documents may lead to visa rejection. How to Avoid: Accurate and recent bank statements can be used, or a sponsor’s financial affidavit can be provided if applicable. Ensure that all financial documents are provided per the guidelines set out by the respective authorities.
4. Submitting a Document Package with Invalid Information
Failure to submit the appropriate documentation or submitting erroneous documents is one of the top causes of visa refusals. How to Avoid: Verify what documents are needed on the official website of the respective embassy or consulate. Procure and arrange your documents to reduce your chances of misplacing something.
5. Disregarding Medical or Insurance Policies Restrictions
Some jurisdictions require applicants to possess specific health insurance policies or pass a medical examination before granting a visa. How to Avoid: Consult the other country’s health and insurance policy requirements. Ready for the required medical examination and ensure adequate and valid travel health insurance.
6. Gaps in Travel History
Weak or inconsistent travel history raises red flags with immigration officials, especially if there has been an overstay in other countries. How to Avoid: When travelling, attempt to use the same passport at all checkpoints. Never overstay a visa and its conditions, as it can harm one’s chances of obtaining a visa
7. Wrong Category of Visa Application
The application can get instantly denied simply for choosing the incorrect category of the visa. For example, one may intend to study or work but attempt to apply for a visitor visa. How to Avoid: Differentiate between each visa type available and choose the one that suits your reason for travel. If you are still unsure, seek assistance from a migration professional.
8. Provide Solid Ties to the Resident Country
People face rejection while applying for a visa because they do not want to provide evidence that they wish to return home after the trip. How to Avoid: Try to submit documents like business or property ownership, employment letters, familial connections, etc., which show a high likelihood that the applicant intends to return home.
9. Weak Visa Interview Responses
Your chances of visa approval could be heavily impacted if you are unprepared, anxious, and give vague statements during the interview. How to Avoid: You should practice your responses to common questions to remain confident in your answers during the interview.
10. Visa Applications Late Submissions
Many applicants submit their visa requests at the latest possible point, so they face challenges with refusals and added stress. How to Avoid: You should apply early as visa processing durations differ by country. Review the estimated processing times and adjust your plans accordingly.
Conclusion
The procedure for applying for a visa requires a lot of planning and attention to detail. Eliminate these mistakes along with being thorough in your preparations and the chances of ensuring a seamless process is smoother. In case of uncertainty, you can always verify the requirements with an expert counsellor for assistance.
