Would you like to know if previous visa rejections will affect your future visa application? The answer is YES!
A single visa rejection for whatever reason can affect future visa application. Because visa rejections will always be on your record no matter when and where you do your next visa interview. However, a prior rejection does not put an end to your chance of getting a visa.
Why Does Your Visa Get Rejected?
There are a considerable number of reasons for visa application rejection. Visa application process is very rigorous. There is a check for every details of applicants. This is done with a match against all kinds of documentary evidence.
You must be very careful while filling out your visa application form and answering all the questions during your visa interview.
Listed below are some of the common reasons for visa rejection.
Not Filling The Application Form Appropriately
Your visa application will be rejected if you leave out all the mandatory details. You must make sure that you carefully fill in each detail. Also check the form for any mistakes before making the final submission. You complete your application form with the correct information in all the fields. Because any piece of incorrect information can lead to a visa rejection.
If you are stuck with any blank field, you must read the instructions corresponding to the field. You can also contact your visa counselor if you are stuck at any step.
Violation of Visa Application Rules
The office handling the visa application process and the Ministry of External Affairs have rules for visa applications. All applicants need to follow the regulations while applying for a visa. The immigration department also has a lot of rules related to the documentation process which you must adhere to. You must follow the steps laid down by the department, and produce all the documentary evidence as stated to prevent any instances of visa rejection.
You must check the rules on the embassy or consulate website of the country you intend to travel to. Do not submit fake documents. This can lead to visa rejection and other penalties.
Also Read: How to Choose Which Country to Study Abroad for Masters Degree
Incomplete Travel Details
You must provide your entire travel plan during your visa application process. Several visa applications are rejected due to the applicants submitting incomplete or incorrect travel details. You need to submit the following information to the immigration department to avoid any issues:
- The list of countries you are planning to travel to.
- The timing and the duration of your trip.
- Documents supporting flight, hotel bookings and so on.
Unclear Purpose of Travel
The purpose of traveling to a foreign country is one of the most essential parts of the visa application process. The visa officials will ask deeper questions on the reasons for your trip. You must have a solid reason to support your trip.
It would be best if you tried to produce documentary evidence that shows your travel intent.
Passport Issues
A passport is an important document that you need for traveling to another country. Your visa application will be rejected if you do not have a passport or you have an expired passport. Even if your passport is nearing the expiry date your application will be rejected. Most countries do not accept passports with less than six months expiry date.
You can also be denied a visa if the pages of your passport are full and you do not have a fresh book. Therefore, you must check the conditions released by the country you plan to travel to.
Application Timings
When applying for a visa, you must consider timing. There are different kinds of visas and each kind takes a different processing time. You put into consideration the processing time and apply for a visa at least 45 days before your travel dates. But, if you apply for a visa just a few days before your travel dates, there are high possibilities of your application being rejected.
Insufficient Funds
Traveling to a foreign country requires a considerable amount of money. So, your financial stability and availability of funds to bear the trip’s expenses are important. There are different predefined thresholds from countries to countries. These thresholds also vary based on traveling purpose.
Your visa will be denied if you do not have the required funds in your bank account. For example, you must have around $5,000 to $10,000 in your bank account if you plan a trip to the United States for about 15 days. But, if your bank account does not have these funds, your application will be rejected.
Crime History
You will be denied a visa if you have a criminal record. So, your history in relation to crime can have a dent on the visa application process. Visa application officers will conduct a thorough background check before issuing the visa. That is why you should try to avoid all kinds of crimes, irrespective of the scale.
The Return to the Home Country
When traveling you must show the necessary proof to substantiate that you will be traveling back to your home country once you have completed the purpose of traveling.
This will have an impact on your visa application process. Most visa rejections could be because you overstayed the time you ought stay in your previous visit.
Records in the Destination Country
Your record in the country you are traveling to can hinder your visa application process. Your application will be denied if you do not have good relations with the country for any reason.
Problem with Visa Interview
You must prepare very well for your visa application. The visa interview process is the most important step of the visa application.
The interviewer might reject your visa application if he is not impressed with the answers or not convinced with the reasons for taking the trip.
It is advisable to be transparent and truthful during the visa interview. State every necessary fact about your intended purpose of travel.
Do Embassies Know About Visa Refusal In Other Countries?
Embassies or consulates may or may not have information about previous visa denials in other countries. They can request for the information. Some countries share visa information. Countries in the Schengen area share visa application data.
What this means is that if you are denied a visa in one country, other countries in the area might also know. If you are denied a visa in one country, the other embassies you are applying to will know. Either you share the details or not,
That is why it is important to disclose details of all visa rejections and every travel history when applying for a new visa. It is important you disclose the necessary details because they occasionally request that other embassies verify your details.
Although, If you have a visa refusal stamp on your passport, it may affect your future visa applications. But that doesn’t rule out your chance of getting your visa approved by other embassies.
How to Prevent Visa Rejection
To prevent or avoid a visa rejection requires careful preparation and commitment to the requirements set by the country you are applying to. You can improve your chances of getting your visa approved if you follow these important steps.
Check the Visa Requirements:
One of the important steps to take is to be informed of the visa requirements for the country you want to visit. You can get the necessary information from the official website of the country you are planning to travel to. Get all the important details from the website.
Be Extra Careful When Filling Out The Application Form:
Take your time in filling out the application form. Make sure you cross check your responses to avoid errors. Make sure that all the details which include your name, contact details, medical history, purpose of travel and so on are guinea and are backed up with necessary documents. Ensure you submit all necessary and current documents.
Show You Have Ties to Your Home Country:
You have to show some form of ties to your home country, such as a job, property or family. This will guarantee that you will not run away when you get to where you are traveling to.
Be Prepared For Visa Interview:
If you are expected to attend a visa interview, ensure you are prepared to answer questions regarding your trip and the reason for your visa application. Be truthful and confident in your answering because slight signs of dishonesty may lead to rejection..
Appear For The Visa Interview Well Dressed:
On the day of the interview, appear at the embassy or consulate well dressed and smart. The more composed and alert you are even with your dressing the more confident the consulate or embassy officer will see you.
Also Read: How to Decide Which Country to Apply for Schengen Visa
Conclusion
It is important to follow the above steps. Doing so will increase the chances of getting your visa application approved. If you need clarification about anything, it is advisable to seek help from a visa consultant.
Have you experience visa rejections in the past? How did it affect your visa application much later?
