The success rate of visa approval depends on many factors. It also depends on the country you are applying for and what proof of documentation you have. But sometimes, simple mistakes can get your visa application denied.
I have applied for a lot of visas in the last 4 years. I have made a ton of mistakes myself. But over the time I have learned to avoid these mistakes. Now, I have no more visa rejections.
Being smart and avoiding these mistakes will spare you time, money and visa denials. So, without further due, let’s look at these 11 mistakes that can get your visa application denied. And the ways to avoid them.
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01. Not following the visa rules strictly
The visa rules are there for a reason. You are supposed to follow them strictly. If not, you are taking chances.
Consulates reject applications that do not follow the visa rules strictly. Even if they accept, they may ask for additional documentation or eventually deny the visa.
Example: If a visa is usually granted for 30 days, don’t try to show a 45-day itinerary and ask for a 45-day visa.
Personal Experience: Thailand Visa on Arrival is only for 15 days for India passport holders. I have heard stories that some were given a 30 day Visa on Arrival on request. So, I decided to take my chances and ask for a 30 day visa. I booked a return ticket in 30 days and hopped on a flight to Thailand.
At the Visa on Arrival in Bangkok, I have requested the visa officer for a 30 day Visa. I told the visa officer that I have heard stories that some were given a 30 day Visa on Arrival. The visa officer told me that the visa rules are strict and they cannot accommodate such requests. He asked me to book a new flight ticket within 15 days of arrival and come back in line.
I had to pay a premium to use the internet at the airport and book a new ticket. This not only wasted my time and money but it was an unnecessary risk. Lesson learned.
Also Read: How to travel 30+ countries VISA-FREE with US visa
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02. Showing return/onward travel by bus/train/boat
Never show your proof of return/onward travel by bus/train/boat. Always show that you will be in and out of the country by AIR.
Visa officers cannot really verify bus/train/boat tickets but they can verify flight tickets if they need to. A flight ticket is a more acceptable form of return/onward travel.
You do not have to actually purchase your return/onward flight tickets for visa applications. You can hold or reserve them. Check out this article for more details on how to get a travel itinerary for your visa application.
For visa EXEMPTION and visa ON ARRIVAL, you must show a confirmed and purchased return/onward flight ticket. You can take advantage of United, Expedia or Orbitz 24-hour cancellation policy if you need to.
Also Read: How to travel 20+ countries VISA-FREE with Canada visa
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03. Showing an incomplete itinerary
Consulates would like to see a complete itinerary. They would like to see the itinerary beginning and ending in your home country or country of residence.
A complete itinerary should be something like Home-Destination-Home or Home-Destination1-Destination2-Home. Example: India–Vietnam–Malaysia–India.
If you are going on a multi-country trip, it would be a hassle to hold/reserve the tickets for the entire trip. In that case, just hold/reserve flight tickets from your home country or country of residence for each destination.
Example: If your trip is India–Brazil-Argentina-Chile–India and you are applying for Chile visa. It would be easier to just show an itinerary India–Chile–India for your Chile visa. You can do the same thing for your Brazil visa by showing an itinerary India–Brazil–India.
Personal Experience: For my Malaysia eVisa, I have uploaded the flight tickets for in and out of Malaysia. My flight tickets were Vietnam–Malaysia–India. The consulate did not approve my visa instead asked me to upload the flight tickets for the complete Itinerary, that is India–Vietnam–Malaysia–India. I have uploaded the complete itinerary after. My visa was eventually approved. I could have saved time by uploading the complete itinerary upfront.
Similarly, a friend of mine has a residence permit in Australia. For his Malaysia eVisa, he showed his India–Malaysia-Australia itinerary. He was asked to upload the full itinerary, that is India–Malaysia-Australia-India.
He had to convince the consulate that he will be staying permanently in Australia as he has a residence permit. He could have avoided the unnecessary back and forth communication and a trip to the consulate by just uploading a complete itinerary upfront.
Also Read: What is Visa on Arrival and how to get it successfully every time
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04. Showing a long itinerary
Always show a short itinerary. An itinerary of 15 days or less is more realistic. Anything longer than 15 days may raise questions such as why you would need that many days.
If you show a long itinerary, you may be asked for additional proofs such as leave approval letter, no objection letter from your employer or proof of additional funds in your bank.
The visas are always issued as per the guidelines. It doesn’t matter how long or short your itinerary is, your visa will be granted for the stipulated amount of days. Showing a short itinerary avoids unnecessary questions and additional documentation.
Example: Say, as per the visa guidelines, a visa is valid for 3 months that grants a 30-day entry. And say, your itinerary for the visa is 15 days. You will still be granted a visa valid for 3 months with a 30-day entry.
Exception: There are some countries that issue visas just for the days you have asked for. Make sure to read the visa requirements. Example: Chile tourist visa.
Also Read: What to pack for international travel
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05. Mentioning about friends/relatives in the foreign country
Never mention that you know someone in the foreign country. If you do, then you may be asked how you actually know this person. You may also be asked to provide with the ID proofs, employment letters or even bank statements of the person you know.
Consulates would like to make sure that you don’t have any contacts in their country that are involved in suspicious or illegal activities.
If asked, just say that you don’t know anyone in that country. You are going there as a tourist to see and explore the country.
Personal Experience: A friend of mine was asked if he knows anyone in Brazil while applying for his Brazil visa from India. He casually mentioned that he has a friend there that he met through Couchsurfing. Visa officer asked him to contact his friend and bring his friend’s ID proof, etc. Even after providing the additional documents, his visa was eventually denied.
Exception: When you are using a sponsor for your visa application, you will, of course, mention that you know your sponsor. Example: United States B1/B2 visa using a sponsor.
Also Read: 15 ways to research visa requirements for any country
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06. Mentioning about Couchsurfing, hitchhiking, etc.
Never mention about Couchsurfing, hitchhiking, backpacking, budget travel, etc. They are all red flags. The visa officers may not be familiar with these concepts and might consider that you do not have enough funds to support yourself.
If asked, simply mention that you would like to go to that country for tourism purposes. If you would need to show proof of hotel reservations for your visa application, just make a few refundable hotel reservations.
Do not mention about Airbnb as well. Visa officers may not be familiar with Airbnb. Airbnb is still in a gray area as not all governments are in favor of it.
FREE eBook: How to travel 56 countries VISA-FREE with a visa from US, Canada, UK, Schengen, Australia, etc.
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07. Mentioning about volunteering, remote work, digital nomad, etc.
Never mention about volunteering, woofing, workaway, house sitting, remote work, location independent, digital nomad, etc. These are all red flags.
A tourist visa is strictly for tourism purposes. Engaging in any kind of remuneration activity without a proper work visa is considered illegal.
If found during your visa application, you might be subjected to visa denial and blacklist.
If found at the port of entry (immigration at the airport), you might be subjected to arrest, fine, deportation or even permanent ban from entering the country again.
Volunteering, woofing and workaway are technically considered as work. You may not be paid for your service, but you are compensated by other means such as free accommodation, free food, etc. Receiving anything in exchange of work and time, it is considered remuneration.
There are countless incidents where travelers were questioned, fined or deported for mentioning at the immigration that they are entering the country to volunteer.
Even if your intention is to volunteer, if asked, just say that you are going there to explore and see the country.
Visa and immigration officers may not know about remote work, location independent and digital nomad lifestyles. These are still in the gray area and have serious tax obligations. Even if you are a digital nomad, if asked, just say that you are there to explore and see the country.
Personal Experience: Someone I know was detained for several hours at London’s Heathrow airport for saying that he will be working remotely during his stay. On his second trip, he was detained again as the immigration officials already had him blacklisted from his earlier trip. He was asked not to open his laptop at all during his stay.
Also Read: 10 tips for happy and successful Airbnb stay
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08. Using a sponsor for your visa application
If you are using a sponsor, the weight of the application is on the sponsor. The success of your visa approval is completely dependent on your sponsor.
Factors such as your sponsor’s track record, legal status, tax obligations, prior visa denials, etc. come into play. If you don’t know your sponsor well, you may be taking the risk.
In my option, you are better off applying for the visa on your own. As long as you have employment proof and sufficient funds in the bank, you don’t really need a sponsor.
Personal Experience: My Singapore visa was denied 3 times. I was never told the reason for the denial. Singapore visa can be applied via VFS Global offices or through a local Singapore citizen. Singapore citizens have access to a system called SAVE, through which they can request visas for their friends and family.
My friend who is a Singapore citizen has requested a visa for me through the SAVE system. It was denied twice and he even made an appeal, which was also denied.
I didn’t have to provide any documentation. No flight tickets, no hotel reservations, and nothing else were necessary for a sponsored visa. The approval success was completely dependent on the sponsor.
If I had applied through the VFS Global office, I have had a high success rate as I would have provided my flight bookings, hotel reservations, bank statements, etc.
Exception: You can use a close family member that you know very well for sponsored visas. Example: Siblings, spouse, parents, kids, etc
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09. Using a travel agent for your visa application
There is nothing wrong with using a travel agent for your visa application. But, most travel agents have never applied for a visa for themselves or never traveled abroad. All their experience is only from applying visas for others. When things do not go as planned, they just give up. They will take your money but will not guarantee that they will get your visa successfully.
In my opinion, you are better off asking help from those who have actually applied for the visas themselves and have actually traveled to that country. They can guide you well through the procedure and help you with the intricate details that you or the travel agents may not be familiar with.
Look up for frequent and long-term travelers from your country on social media and follow their blogs. Seek help from them for your visas. They will help you for free but also educate you on visas and travel.
Personal Experience: A reader of my blog from India has used a travel agent for his Chile visa. Chile is not a country that’s on the radar of many Indian tourists. It’s typically Europe, Dubai or United States that most Indian tourists are keen on visiting. Travel agents have somewhat experience in visas for these countries but not Chile. So, this travel agent took my reader’s money but couldn’t help when Chile consulate asked him for additional documentation. He found my blog and approached me with his situation. Since I have been to Chile before and have applied for my Chile visa myself, I was able to guide him through the process. Finally, his visa was approved and had a great trip to Chile.
Exception: There are a few countries whose visas can only be applied through authorized travel agents. Example: UAE.
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10. Involving in illegal or criminal activities
Do not involve yourself in any illegal activities in your home country or while traveling. This can seriously hurt your chances of visa approvals in the future.
Having any kind of police record can affect your future visa approvals. You might be subjected to deportation and a permanent ban on entering the country.
Personal Experience: This was an incident that was reported on the Thailand visa Facebook group. Someone was arrested in Thailand for possession of drugs. They put a large and clear stamp in his passport saying that he is permanently banned from entering Thailand. This will definitely affect his future visas and travels to Thailand. Since the stamp is huge and clear in his passport, he will have trouble with visas and travel to any country in the future.
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11. Booking non-refundable flight tickets or hotels
This is technically not a mistake that would directly affect your visa result. But it’s a good practice to not book any non-refundable flight tickets or hotels prior to your visa approval.
Never purchase flight tickets before your visa is approved. Always, hold a flight reservation or book refundable hotels.
Personal Experience: A friend of mine booked a non-refundable ticket from India to Brazil. His Brazil visa was denied which he wasn’t expecting. Since his flight ticket was non-refundable, he couldn’t get a refund for his ticket from the airline.
Exception: You would need confirmed return/onward tickets for Visa EXEMPTION and Visa ON ARRIVAL.
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Conclusion
There you have it! 11 mistakes that can get your visa application denied. And the ways to avoid them.
Have you ever made any mistakes that affected your visa result? If so, let me know in the comments below.
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Syed says
Hi sir, with due respect, do I need a police clearance certificate (PCC) for the DS-160 visa at the time of the interview in the Delhi US embassy? I went for PCC to passport office today and they said I don’t need a PCC for DS-160 visa. Please, help me do I need it or not?
Thirumal says
Hi Syed! A police clearance certificate (PCC) is NOT REQUIRED for a US B1/B2 visa. All you need is a copy of your DS-160 confirmation, US visa appointment confirmation and original passport. You can carry minimal documentation such as your employment proofs, financial proofs and old passports (if any).
Syed says
Hi sir, I have the interview for DS-160 at US embassy in New Delhi. Do I need to take pcc bloodgroup and passport size photograph with me the day I have interview in Delhi? I have 31 march interview please let me know as soon as possible. What all documents I should take with me? Do I need also pcc bloodgroup and passport size photograph?
Thirumal says
Hi Syed! Your photo and fingerprints will be captured during your biometrics appointment. You don’t have to carry a passport photo with you. Blood group documentation is not required.
Chiamaka says
Please, I just submitted my visa application to Trinidad and Tobago embassy. I was not interviewed or asked any questions. Is something wrong and how long does it take to get approval or mail?
Thirumal says
Hi Chiamaka! I have never applied for a Trinidad and Tobago visa myself. So I am not sure how long it takes or an interview is required.
Bismark says
Please am Bismark from Ghana and I have refused of UK visa by not having travel experience 2017 and I want to try again. Please what procedure I should pass on this time around?
Thirumal says
Hi Bismark! If your circumstances have not changed since 2017, your visa will likely be refused again. Keep in mind that not only building travel history, but consistent employment, a decent source of income, regular savings, improving family and social ties are also important.
Ebadur says
Hi, I have a UK visa. Can I travel to Schengen country?
Thirumal says
Hi Ebadur! No. You cannot use your UK visa. You need a Schengen visa to enter any Schengen country.
Ankur boruah says
Hey sir, I am soon going to apply for B2 visa. I don’t really have that much finance may be 1 lakhs, but I have a friend who lives in USA. I am going to live with my friend till the stay? Will that be a problem? What prove should I show for my B2 visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Ankur! If you have strong ties with your country, you will not have any problem securing your US visa even though your current savings are small. Also, you do not need to show any documentation for your US B2 visa. Even if you have the documentation, the visa officers will not ask for them. The visa officers make their decision based on your answers in your DS-160 and interview.
Jay says
Hi Thirumal! Good Morning! I hope you are doing good. I’m an Indian citizen currently working in Malaysia on Employment Pass. I am working in Malaysia since 20 months. I have a valid visa till Jan 2020. I got a job offer from a UK company. I’m planning to apply for the UK visa from Malaysia as I’m currently working here and planning to travel from India to the UK.
Can I apply for Visa from Malaysia and travel to the UK from India?
Thirumal says
Hi Jay! Yes. You can apply for your UK visa from Malaysia. You can, of course, travel to the UK from India. There are no restrictions on where you can travel to the UK from.
VISHAL says
Hello! I applied for Romania tourist visa on 20th September 2019. and today is 18th October. Still I have not received an appointment date to submit my documents to the embassy. I called embassy lots of times, but no answer. My journey date is on 15th November. What should I do, as even after 29 days, the status of my visa application still says “Sent for Validation”. Should i wait for an appointment or should i visit embassy without an appointment? Kindly Advice.
Thirumal says
Hi Vishal! I haven’t applied for a Romania visa myself so I am not sure about the process. But in my opinion, 29 days is too long. I suggest visiting the embassy and asking for an update.
Jestin says
Hi, I hope you are doing good. I would like to know if I can use a dummy hotel booking at immigration in Malaysia. My visa is approved, but I do not have a sure travel plan, so I have reserved only one week stay in Airbnb, but a dummy booking from booking.com for the full schedule. Will the immigration officer check the details of confirmed hotel booking?
Thirumal says
Hi Jestin! All you need is a hotel/Airbnb booking for the first few days. If you have a one week booking in an Airbnb, that’s sufficient. You don’t have to show hotel booking(s) for your entire stay.
The immigration officers will not verify your hotel booking. All they want to see is a proof of hotel booking. Carry a print of it or just show it on your phone if asked.
Ehis says
Hello there! I’m getting married in December and I want my wife to go for her wedding/dress shopping in NY. I made an appointment with a bridal shop in NY and they are expecting her. The interview date was in Zimbabwe, her home country. The consulate told her at the interview to go apply in South Africa because they can’t confirm the bank statement. She was asked how long she would stay which she mentioned 10 days. She has the wedding venue confirmation and all fees paid which means she is definitely coming back to get married. She has rescheduled a new appointment in South Africa where they can confirm the bank stamp and statement which is my personal business account and I’m the sponsor her husband. What are the chances of her getting the visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Ehis! Since you aren’t married yet, your sponsorship may not hold much value. Also, her obligation to return back depends on if the venue is reserved on her name and she has paid for it, partially or fully.
grey says
Hello Thirumal. I have filled up the US visa application. My father lives in the US also he has two sons. I only mentioned my father and I did not mention his sons because I do not know them, either have any information about them (they are from a different mother). Do you think it is a problem that I didn’t add them to the application? Any suggestions? Thanks.
Thirumal says
Hi Grey! In my opinion, the person that’s directly related to you is your father and just mentioning him is enough.
Rosie says
Hi, my friend from Jordan applied for the Schengen Visa to travel to Greece. He found out that his credit card denied his hotel purchase. This will stop him to get his VISA to travel? Thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Rosie! Yes, there is a slight possibility. I suggest contacting the hotel to sort out the payment issue. Your friend can request the hotel to keep the booking or use another payment method.
Ameena says
Hi, I applied for a dependent visa to the UK. Unfortunately, in my address, I found a spelling mistake in the place where I live. After submitting my application I recognized it. How I can rectify my mistake?
Thirumal says
Hi Ameena! Since it’s a small spelling mistake and that too in the address, you don’t need to worry. You will be fine.
Stella says
Hi! I am 29 and I am planning to apply for a US tourist visa for a vacation and visit my boyfriend for a week. I am currently a working student and I am graduating next year. Is it better to apply as a student or as an employee? Thank you!
Thirumal says
Hi Stella! It depends. If your primary focus is employment, then apply as an employee. For example, you have a full-time day job and you study in the evenings, then you are primarily an employee. But if you study full-time in a university and work a part-time job or an internship, then you are primarily a student. Then you apply as a student.
JK says
Hi Thiru,
*This is regarding H1B visa interview in Chennai.
*My son Given Name and surname is correctly printed on my son passport.
*My Son passport Father’s surname is not fully printed. (Father’s Given name Printed but surname not printed).
*Could you please advise if any issue for US Visa interview.
Regards,
JK
Thirumal says
Hi JK! This will not be an issue for your son’s US visa interview. It’s a common error in many Indian passports where father names are not complete. It’s fine and it will not affect your son’s visa result.
Ahmed says
Please, I received an email from the German embassy that, I should submit proof of my financial means of stay in Germany (Blocked Account) as a student. And I’m asking if my visa will automatically be granted or not.
Thirumal says
Hi Ahmed! Your application will NOT be automatically approved. You have to respond to the German embassy’s query and submit the requested documents. Only after the embassy receives the requested documents, your visa application process will resume.
Samson emem josephine says
Good day. I have travelled on vacation with my spouse to UAE and my spouse has traveled to UAE five times alone too. We are married with six kids. We are planning to visit Mexico on tourist for 10 days. Our leave letter is dated 1st September to 30th September. We have an appointment with the Mexico consular on 9th September. My question is that I need a sample letter of the following
*Letter stating current salary
*Letter stating the purpose of trip and date of entry and departure?
*Proof of permanent residence in country?
*Details of itinerary activities in which the applicants will take part?
Please kindly note that we were denied France Visa because our purpose and place of stay was not provided. Please kindly treat with urgency.
Thirumal says
Hi Samson! Mexico visa requirements are not as strict as France or other Schengen countries. Mexico consulates and its visa officers are quite generous. Of the 4 documents you have mentioned, you only need the following
(1) An employment letter stating your name, duration of employment, salary and duties and
(2) Proof of permanent residency in UAE
Leave approval letter and itinerary are not required.
Gurpreet Kaur says
We had applied for visa on 14th Aug’19, with the application number our visa was refused with the citied decision that “the information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable”
I am working as a Project Manager for the past 12 years. We planned to travel to Switzerland, Paris and Belgium with my parents. My plan was to travel from 13th sept’19 tickets are already booked. This is our first international trip.
Our Cover Letter had the following
I, holding passport number XXXX along with my parents XXX holding passport number XXXX and XXX holding passport number XXXX would like to travel to Europe from 13th Sept 2019 to 22nd Sept 2019 as tourists. We would like to apply for the Schengen visa for the same.
My Parents dream is to visit Switzerland and see all its beautiful sightseeing places. We have planned our travel itinerary as follows:
Date Wise Itinerary was provided
All documents were submitted as per the checklist, No objection certificate, Salary slips and bank statements and fixed deposits.
What could be the reason for the rejection? Please guide should we reapply or what points we need to take care now for reapplying?
Thirumal says
Hi Gurpreet! Your profile looks good but you haven’t mentioned anything about your parents. It’s difficult to comment without knowing anything about your parents such as their employment backgrounds, sources of income, etc. I will try my best to answer your question based on the limited information you have provided.
Lack of travel history
If you or your parents lack any travel history, it’s difficult to secure a Schengen visa. I suggest improving your travel history by doing trips to countries that do not require any visas.
Lack of family ties
You haven’t mentioned if there is anyone else in your family that aren’t traveling with you. Visa officers can get suspicious if the entire family is traveling without leaving any family ties behind that would bring them back to their home country.
Internal flights and hotels
You haven’t mentioned if you have provided internal flights or train tickets and hotel bookings. If you haven’t, you must provide those as well.
Cover letter
I suggest refining your cover letter to include your purpose of travel, day-wise itinerary, employment background, financial solvency, travel history, family ties and the obligation to return back after the trip.
Appeal instead of reapplication
You can also appeal your visa decision instead of reapplication.
Rachel says
My friend lives in Hyderabad India and I live in the UAE. We planned a trip to Greece to celebrate her birthday in October 2019 for when her leave is approved. 3 of us friends will be going from the UAE and D will be joining us from Hyderabad. All of us who applied in the UAE on separate dates and in different locations got the visa. However, D applied for the Schengen visa and got rejected. Reasons given were
* Your intention to leave the territory of the member state cannot be ascertained
* The information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable.
We provided all the documents as below
– Application Form
– Cover Letter
– Photos
– Schengen Travel insurance
– Email from her line Manager confirming her leave and her return
– Letter from her company approving her leave and NOC of travel
– Salary slips for the past 7 months
– Recent promotion letter to show the reason for return as happy with career progression in the company
– Her Bank statements showing 3-4 lacs savings
– Confirmed tickets (hers from Hyd via the UAE and mine from the UAE nad back – Same flights onward to Greece)
– Hotel Bookings are done by me and a letter from me stating she will be staying with me along with other friends
– My Greece visa copy, passport copy, visa of the UAE, a cover letter requesting for her visa
We are visiting 3 places in Greece, Athens, Mykonos, and Santorini and have shown hotel bookings for all 3 locations but were waiting for everyone to get the visas to book the internal flights and tours as these are all non-refundable also once booked.
The main ticket to and from Greece (and from/to Hyderabad for D) is booked, confirmed and non-refundable.
What else could we provide in the appeal visa request? Any advice?
Thirumal says
Hi Rachel!
Refusal Reason 1: The visa officer either overlooked her leave approval and promotion letters or your friend doesn’t have enough travel history. You haven’t mentioned anything about her travel history and there isn’t enough time to build some anyway.
If you are going for appeal, I suggest providing a NOC document from one of her parents stating that they are aware of their daughter taking a vacation/holiday to Greece. I know this sounds silly in this day and age but consulates in India scrutinize young unmarried female applicants traveling alone or with friends.
Refusal Reason 2: The visa officer either not convinced by the hotel and flight bookings or you weren’t clear enough in the cover letter. If you are going for appeal, I suggest the below
– Book “refundable” hotels on her name. They can be just for her or for all 4 you. But those bookings must be on her name. You can cancel them after her visa approval and continue with the hotel bookings that you already have.
– Refine the cover letter to indicate the purpose of her travel, day-to-day itinerary, travel companions, employment background, financial solvency, travel history and the obligation to return back after the trip.
Other suggestions for her appeal
– Drop the email from her manager. It’s unnecessary as there is already a leave approval letter.
– Unless asked for 7 months, I suggest providing only 3 months salary slips. Too much of documentation leads to VOs overlooking crucial documentation.
– Reduce documentation from your side as well. You can drop your UAE visa and cover letter from you.
Agnes says
Hi! Please urgently need your help. My mother-in-law applied for a tourist visa to the US last Friday and got her visa declined under section 214b. Please do I need to write a letter explaining that she is an honest person and has no intention to stay in the US. Can she take her husband’s will stating that his wife will have the power of attorney on his property and etc. And can someone speak on her behalf? Lastly do we need to write supporting letters? Thank you so much.
Thirumal says
Hi Agnes! Letters and documentation are not necessary for US visa application. Even if she has a letter from you and a will from her husband, the US visa officers will not ask for it. The US visa officers make their decision based on the information entered in her DS-160 and the answers she gave during her visa interview. Therefore, it’s very crucial to enter accurate information in her DS-160.
No one can speak on her behalf. Only if she is physically incapable to attend or speak during the interview, an interpreter is allowed.
I suggest to spend some time and go over her DS-160. Spot all the mistakes that might have lead to her visa refusal. Make sure to fix those issues in her re-application.
Agnes says
Hi Thirumal, great news. My mother-in-law got her us visa approved. All supporting documents were uploaded online. Thank you so much for your advice.
Thirumal says
That’s fantastic! Congratulations to your mother-in-law!
Ekta says
Hi Thirumal! Thanks for the detailed explanation.
Small background.
1) I am an Indian passport holder, shifted to the UK in June month 2019. Resigned from Indian Company in May.
2) Currently employed with UK company, joined in Aug first week
3) No salary slips obtained from the current organization(UK)
I have a small query, I need to visit a conference in the US and my company asked me to file a Business visa for the US. When I saw the list of documents, they are asking for 3 months payslip from the employer but I am employed with the current organization from last one month only. I am currently employed with UK company and it’s been only one month in the UK. Before that, I was in India.
Kindly advise if 3 months payslips are really required for Business visa processing or there is any way around.
Thirumal says
Hi Ekta! You don’t need the payslips. Even if you have them, the chances of you being asked to show them are very slim. US VOs rely solely on the DS-160 form and interview answers. They don’t ask or depend on documentation. So, no need to worry.
Kunle says
Hello, I don’t know if you have any suggestion for me. I am one of the organizers of a conference in the US. I don’t know where to categorize my visa. Is it academic, business or international organization employee? Actually, the head office of the company I work is in the US.
Thirumal says
Hi Kunle! TEMP. BUSINESS PLEASURE VISITOR (B) is the appropriate visa category and BUSINESS & TOURISM (TEMPORARY VISITOR) (B1/B2) is the appropriate visa class for you. Academic (F) is for students and international organization (G) is for diplomats and officials of UNO, WHO, etc.
Vishesh says
Hey! Can you please tell me should I book dummy air tickets and hotel bookings for my FRENCH STUDENT VISA, as it is mandatory to show 3 months accommodation
Thanks:)
Thirumal says
Hi Vishesh! My knowledge and experience are only in tourist visas. I don’t know the requirements and mandatory documentation for student visas.
But for a French (Schengen) “tourist” visa, you should only show a flight reservation (dummy ticket). Even the consulates recommend not to book any flight tickets or hotel bookings prior to the visa approval.
Ams says
Hi Thirumal,
Thank you for the information in your blog.
I am from the UK and my boyfriend is Bulgarian and holds a Bulgarian passport. However, he lives with me in the UK. We wanted to travel to America last year for 5 days however, as you know, he would require a Tourist Visa. We applied in plenty of time, had the holiday booked (could refund so not a problem) and submitted all the required information. However, he was denied the visa on the basis that he did not demonstrate that his intended activities in the US would be consistent with the classification of the non-immigrant visa for which we applied. We had confirmation of outbound and return flight tickets, hotel confirmation for the duration (5 days), bank statements and job confirmation in the UK but this still was not enough. We want to re-apply and try and go to America again. Is there any advice you can give? I’m not sure whether we missed any important information or whether him living in the UK even though he’s Bulgarian would have an impact.
Thank you in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi Ams! What I understand from your boyfriend’s US visa attempt is that he failed to show strong ties with the UK. If he doesn’t have strong ties with the UK, the visa officers would assume that he would remain in the US and will not return back to the UK. In order to prove strong ties with the UK, he must be living in the UK for a few years, must have a full-time job and has a decent travel history. If he lacks in any of these, it can affect his visa result.
Flight tickets and hotel confirmations are not required for the US visa application. Even if the applicant has them, the visa officers will not ask for them during the interview. Therefore, these documents will not help with the visa decision.
Also, visa officers do not ask for documentation on his employment, salary, etc. Instead, they use a variety of sources to verify an applicant’s background. They can verify an applicant’s job, income, etc using these sources. If they are not satisfied with the information they found, they can refuse the visa.
Please answer the below questions so I can give him some suggestions on his reapplication.
– What is his status in the UK?
– How long he has been working at his current employer? Is it a full-time job?
– Has he traveled to any countries other than Bulgaria and the UK?
Subeg singh says
Hello, I was returned from Australia and was illegal for 3 months by mistake and after that, I went to immigration and get 15 days visa and came back to India and there is no any deport stamp and mock any ban stamp on my passport. So can I apply again for Australia, is that possible?
I was returned to India on 14/11/2017
Thirumal says
Hi Subeg! As far as my knowledge goes, Australia has a minimum 3-year ban on visa overstays. There won’t be any stamps in your passport but the information will be in their records. I suggest contacting the Austalia department of home affairs to figure if it’s the right time to apply again.
krishnamoorthy says
Hi Thirumal, I have appeared biometric for UK VISA stamping yesterday and submitted the below documents as described by company’s checklist for UK visa stamping:
1.) COS letter
2.) Appointment letter
3.) Pay Slips with covering letter from our company
4.) Degree certificate and Marksheet
5.) TB screening report
I forgot to submit the online application form for scanning and VFS team also didn’t ask for it. Will be there any chance for refusal if I didn’t submit the online application form for scanning?
Thanks
Krishna
Thirumal says
HI Krishnamoorthy! Document upload is a new feature and it wasn’t there when I applied. So I am not fully aware of how the document upload works. But what I know is that you can upload documents yourself or have VFS staff do that for you. You only have to scan and upload supporting documents and not the application itself. If the VFS staff didn’t ask for your application, then you are fine. No need to panic. It’s probably not required.
Charlotte says
Hi Thirumal, I’m applying for a scholarship in the UK, but have been in the past denied visa entry into the US. If I disclose that during the process of application, will that affect me into not being successful with the entry into the UK? Should I answer yes or no to that question?
Thanks in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi Charlotte! Disclosing your previous US visa refusal will not affect your UK visa result. But failing to disclose it can definitely result in visa refusal. UKVI has access to visa databases of many countries including the US and Canada. They will run a check and will know that you had a US visa refusal. I suggest answering “Yes” to that question and providing the details.
Gagandeep Singh says
Hi Thirumal,
I filled the DS-160 form for B1/B2 from Canada in July 2017 and paid the fee for visa appointment but did not schedule the visa appointment for one year. My question is that will it be considered a visa refusal. I am applying for Canadian express entry. There is a question called have you been refused or denied visa by any country. Should I answer it yes or no.
Thirumal says
Hi Gagandeep! You should answer “No” to that question. Only after the US visa interview, a decision will be made to approve or refuse your US visa. You did not attend your US visa interview yet. Therefore, it’s NOT considered a “refusal”.
Syed says
Sir, I have got my passport issued in Bangalore and Bangalore address is on the passport. I am from Kashmir and Kashmir address is also on the same passport. I left Bangalore past 4 years and I don’t go there. I stay here only now in my home town Kashmir.
Sir, I have to apply a tourist visa for the USA. Do I have to get PC from Bangalore also or from Kashmir only? Please reply to me for this.
Best regards
Syed.
Thirumal says
Hi Syed! Your address in the passport is not relevant for US visa. You will fill in your current residential address in your DS-160. There is no need to get any proofs or documentation from Bangalore for your US visa.
KK says
Question is regarding US B1 interview. B1 application was rejected in March 2019. Again for fresh B1 application, I have already rescheduled interview twice. I just want to reschedule the Bio-metric interview date (second half of day). But for that, I need to reschedule both in order to schedule the bio-metric interview, then again reschedule the interview on the same day.
Rescheduling interview many times affect VISA approval chances?
Thirumal says
Hi KK! No. Rescheduling your interview will not affect your visa result.
There is a limit on how many times you can reschedule your current appointment. If you reschedule too many times, you may exhaust your allowed number of times to reschedule. In that case, you have to pay the fee again to schedule your appointment. But rescheduling your appointment, exhausting your allowed number of times or paying the fee again will not affect your visa result in any way.
Parate Trupti Manik says
4 people are going to the Netherlands. Out of those 4, 1 lady who is having an age of about 58 years has forgotten to submit the bank passbook statement. Can her visa be accepted or rejected?
Thirumal says
Hi Parate! Schengen consulates (including the Netherlands) do not reject visas based on missing documents. If they notice that a document is missing, they will contact the applicant and ask for the missing document.
Aksh says
Hello, I find your suggestions very helping. Please reply back to my query too.
I applied for France Schengen visa on 12th July 2019, and it’s been 16 days I haven’t got my visa. All I am seeing when I am tracking it is under processing. Though my friend who applied along with me got it on 24th. Can you please tell me whether I am in trouble of getting it rejected?. Also, most of my friend got it in 1 week. So I am bit tensed. Please reply back as soon as possible.
Thirumal says
Hi Aksh! It’s difficult to say whether a visa will be approved or denied just based how long it has been pending. Many parameters are involved and sometimes it takes longer to process. I suggest waiting for some more days and then contacting the consulate.
Tam says
Hi, I have obtained USA B1/B2 visa, however, I could not travel to the USA still. I was hoping to travel before the visa is expired.
I’ve recently applied for Canadian Student Visa and as a condition, they have asked have my visa ever been rejected, since it has never happened, I put “No”. However, they have sent me a letter asking they have found that I have applied for USA visa and I have answered “No” to the above question and asking the reason.
I think since I have applied online and I haven’t given my passport to them, they might suspect my USA visa was rejected. I have sent a reply explaining the situation with a copy of my USA visa.
I haven’t misrepresented any regulations as they were concerned. Do you know anything about this situation?
Thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Tam! I have not seen or heard a case like this before. This is a rare incidence. But in my opinion, there is nothing to worry about. Send them a copy of your US visa and explain the reason why you haven’t traveled to the US so far. You should be fine.
Swathik says
Hi Thirumal
I applied for H4 visa for wife and daughter through the Dropbox process and got their Visa. However, upon reviewing them I found that there is a small mark on the photograph of my daughter in her Visa. Would this be a problem while entering the states? She is scheduled to travel within a week and I am not sure if the Visa correction could be done within this time frame.
Your thoughts on this would be highly appreciated.
thanks
Swathik
Thirumal says
Hi Swathik! If the picture is completely unrecognizable due to the mark, I suggest contacting the embassy. But if the mark is small and the picture is still recognizable, then you are fine.
Swathik says
Hi Thirumal, it is only a small mark on the cheek, and the face is recognizable. Thanks for the reply.
Thirumal says
In that case, you are fine. No need to have the consulate fix the photo on the visa.
Bharti says
Hey Thirumal,
I got my Canada tourist visa rejected today. I have received an email stating that they don’t think I will leave the country on time and I don’t have enough funds. Though I have submitted my salary slips, bank statement and INVITATION letter. I mentioned my travelling dates as well as leave letter from my organization. I applied from CHINA as I’m staying in China on a work permit and will be here for the next 5-6 years. My travel history is only for China as I came to China several times on Business Visa for my companies work. However, I did not attach any flight tickets and the hotel bookings as I wasn’t sure about the visa.
In the email, it’s mentioned I can apply anytime and I’m thinking of applying without an invitation letter as I read all your previous comments regarding NOT ATTACHING THE INVITE LETTER is better. But now they’ve rejected and I’m scared that they must have my history in their systems and it will impact my second attempt. And my motive is only tourism nothing more than that. Can you please suggest the best way out 🙁
Thirumal says
Hi Bharti!
1) If you are financially capable to pay for your own trip, do not use invitation letters or sponsors. Invitation letters or sponsorships introduce new people on your application. CIC conducts background checks on them and it can affect your visa result.
2) You have traveled to China several times, but you have moved to China recently, then it can affect your visa result. It’s difficult to show strong ties with a country you just moved to.
3) Business travel is not considered as true travel history. Try to build personal travel history.
4) Your flight reservation and hotel bookings are required for Canada visa application.
5) Your previous visa refusal will remain in the records and it can affect your future visa applications.
Priya D'Souza says
Hi there,
Firstly you are so nice to help out so many people, taking time out like this and putting their minds at ease. I am in a bit of a sticky situation. I am applying from Montreal and am a Canadian PR, going to Italy. In my flight booking the agent from India where my sister lives added my sister to the itinerary and so the Visa officer assessed she is going too. Out of nervousness, I said yes she is flying over from there before really thinking. Now they are asking for an email copy of her Schengen Visa too. What should I do? I feel if I say no they will reject my Visa and I really need to go.
Thirumal says
Hi Priya! I suggest telling the visa officer that your sister decided not to go. They may still ask for a copy of her Schengen visa, but the chances of them asking for it will be lower. You will have to provide an updated flight itinerary without your sister’s name on (just your name and no one else).
Emy says
Hi, I’m a Sri Lankan passport holder and I’m flying to Canada next month (August) as a student. I’m planning to apply for a USA tourist visa from Canada at the beginning of December. Please let me know how I should proceed with the visa process and the mistakes I should be avoiding. Thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Emy! For the procedure, refer to these 3 articles.
– US visa guide
– How to fill DS-160 form online – a step-by-step guide
– How to schedule US visa appointment – a step-by-step guide
Make sure you take several days to fill your DS-160. This is the most important step in your US visa process and you don’t want to mess it up. So, take enough time to fill your DS-160 with accurate information.
Jide says
Hi, I intend to apply for a study visa in Ireland. My challenge is that my organization is unwilling to issue me study leave letter to confirm that I will come back to the job after my study.
I have achieved other requirements. What other way can I convince the visa processing officer that I will return to my own country after my study? Thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Jide! A leave approval letter is a very strong document. No other document can be equivalent to it. You can compensate for the lack of it by being really strong in your employment background, financial solvency and travel history. If you lack in any of these, you have to somehow provide a leave approval letter.
M Lakhote says
Is Singapore consulate accepts SBI bank statement with MOD balance for issuing a tourist visa?
Thirumal says
Hi M Lakhote! I’m not sure what a “MOD balance” is. But, if your home country is India and you are applying for a Singapore visa, then yes, you can use SBI bank statements.
Joel Ninan Varghese says
Hi, I am applying for the UK Tier 4 Student visa and my father’s name is written as “Varghese Ninan M” on his SSLC, Aadhar, etc. Whereas on all my documents including passport etc., except Aadhar, its written “Varghese Ninan”, missing the ‘M’. Would I face Visa rejection?
I had given my fathers name as “Varghese Ninan” on my CAS as I have been maintaining it throughout all the documents.
Thirumal says
Hi Joel! Names are not consistent in Indian documents. Small discrepancies like those you mentioned are allowed. You don’t need to worry.
Vivek A John says
Hi Thirumal, thanks for the information. I will do just that. Let me also some info on the appointment at the VAC and the eventual interview at the USA Consulate in Delhi. It is mentioned in the travel docs site, the applicant just requires to carry documents such as the passport, DS160 confirmation page, payment receipt, etc. My query, doesn’t the applicant also need to carry proof of their financials, intended Itinerary, supporting Documents that show strong intentions of returning back home and other additional support documents to prove their case? Please advise. Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Vivek! While scheduling your appointment, you will make two appointments. One for your biometrics at the VAC and one for your visa interview at the US consulate.
VOs are not asking for any documents these days. They are relying very much on the databases that they have access to. These databases host plenty of information about each applicant. They can verify the applicant’s financial information, employment information and even draw conclusions on whether the applicant has intentions to return back from these databases. There is no documented evidence that these databases exist but may ex-VOs have mentioned about these quite often. The DS-160 is now asking for social media handles, emails and phone numbers used in the last 5 years. You can imagine the level of data they gather which is making the necessity of documentation completely obsolete.
But I still suggest carrying some minimal documentation related to your financials for just in case.
Vivek says
Hi Thirumal, thanks for the reply. After filling up and submitting the DS-160 forms for my wife, daughter & Son, we just noticed his passport expires in Jan2020. As he doesn’t have a clear 6month validity after the proposed return date from the USA, we are applying for a new passport immediately. My question, once we receive his new passport and after filling up a new DS-160 for him only do we have the option editing the old DS-160 confirmation number with the new DS-160 number on the schedule appointment page. The profile we have created on this page is for the main applicant which is my wife with Add family member option for daughter and son. How can the editing be done for the son only? The appointment date at VAC and Consulate are scheduled for the first week of September so the new passport will arrive well before these dates.
Thanks once again in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi Vivek! You can fill a new DS-160 for your son. It’s not an issue. You can then carry the new DS-160 confirmation with you to the interview.
But the issue would be updating your son’s passport details in US Travel Docs. I’m not sure if the system will allow you to update those details without canceling the existing appointment. I suggest contacting US Travel Docs to see if they can help you with this.
Anju says
Hello Thirumal
I have an issue. I have applied for US visa and my biometric interview is on tomorrow (28th June 2019). I just remember that I forgot to add a country detail which I was visited during my layover time in Bangkok. Please give some suggestion about what to do? Can I update the form without change my appointment date? Please guide me.
UPDATE: Hey Thirumal, no need to answer. I solved my problem by retrieving my form 160 and successfully done it all.
Thirumal says
Hi Anju! That’s great! Good luck!
Daniel says
Good day! I applied for Ukraine private visa two times which a friend of mine who is a citizen of Ukraine sent me an invitation twice. But I received the same refusal reason, failure to prove the purpose of the foreigners/stateless intended to stay in Ukraine. I plan to write an appeal. What will you advise me to do at this point? In the letter, she promised to take care of my need. I plan to travel for 2-week rest in Ukraine.
Thirumal says
Hi Daniel! Invitation letters from friends do not work. They cause unnecessary complications and eventually lead to visa refusal. My suggestion is to apply as a tourist. If you are employed, financially able, have decent travel history, you will not have any issues securing the visa. If you don’t have any of these, first focus on building them. Otherwise, your visa will be refused again.
Prabhu says
Hi! Myself Prabhu, I was refused b1/b2 visa for three times.
First time the interview was went good. The visa officer was convinced by my answer. He kept my passport in the approval tray, then he waited for the system information and said sorry you may apply next time. Later I realized that the day before the interview during biometric there the person had found a spelling mistake in my name, (the DS-160 was prepared by the agent), then I went for correction and update in the system. The next day during the interview the updated information has not appeared to the visa officer system, so refused.
The second time I do not know the reason for the first refusal. I thought that US visa will not be issued for singles, so I applied for my entire family. Again refused.
The third time I thought that if the visiting days are more means visa will not be issued, so I said three day visit to the US. Refused again.
Please help me how to proceed further.
Thirumal says
Hi Prabhu! First of all, if you already have a visa refusal and your circumstances haven’t changed considerably, your future visa applications will be refused as well. Repeatedly applying for the same type of visa without any change in your circumstances will lead to a permanent ban and can affect visa applications for other countries.
Second, do not use travel agents. They screw you up and you repent for rest of your life. No one can help you after.
I suggest first asking yourself if you really need to travel to the US. If it’s really not needed, do not apply again. Wait at least two years before applying again. If you really have to travel to the US now, contact me with more information. Without knowing your case completely, I cannot provide you with any guidance.
Camille says
Hi Thirumal! Thank you for giving us informative posts especially about Schengen visas. They’ve been very helpful to me!
I recently applied to Greece via VFS in UAE. I am going to Greece and Spain next month. My main destination will be Greece and will also be my first port of entry. However, the Greece application form has to be filled online and on the number 22(Member States(s) of destination), the system could only let me pick 1 country so I picked Greece and now I’m worried it might cause a problem on my application. Although in my cover letter, I mentioned every detail including my travel to Spain( Dubai-Greece-Spain-Dubai flight itinerary and hotel booking documents)
Should I be worried that I didn’t include Spain in the application form? Will it cause rejection on my visa application?
Thank you for your help. x
Thirumal says
Hi Camille! In my opinion, you don’t need to worry. The online application has a limitation. Moreover, you have made it clear that you will travel to Greece and Spain in your cover letter and provided the flight/hotel bookings. You will be fine.
Vivek says
Thanks a lot Thirumal for the reply. However, my concern was, as we will be submitting the DS160 for both my kids(under 14) apart from my wife, should the presence of both parents be required for submitting the kids forms? Or as my wife is also applying, she can submit their DN160 as well? What is the usual rule for kids under 14, who apply new? Do both parents go the submit forms and take interviews on behalf of the kids?
thanks once again
Thirumal says
Hi Vivek! It depends on the consulate/country but if you are applying for a US visa for your Kids in India, then kids below 14 years of age are eligible for interview waiver. That means, they don’t have to go to the consulate. Their father/mother/guardian can drop off their documents and passports at the visa application center.
While scheduling the interview for your kids, the system will determine if they qualify for the interview waiver. If they do, then you will be provided with instructions on where to drop off the documents and passports.
More details here -> https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/interview-waiver.html
Scenario 1: Your kids qualify for interview waiver
If your kids qualify for interview waiver, your wife will drop off your kids’ documents at the visa application center and she will attend her interview by herself.
Scenario 2: Your kids do not qualify for interview waiver
If your kids do not qualify for interview waiver, your wife will accompany kids to the interview as she will also be going for the interview. It’s not required for both parents to accompany their kids for the interview. Only one parent is necessary.
Ibrahim Almasry says
Does it get any easier after you get the visa for the first time? I got the UK visa for the first time and I will reapply in a couple of months again, does it get any easier?
Thirumal says
Hi Ibrahim! If you use your current UK visa and respect the visa rules such as not overstaying your visa, etc., then you will have a fair chance of approval in your subsequent applications. Using your current UK visa also builds travel history which helps not only in your future UK visas but for all visa applications.
Anisa says
Hi, I am planning to apply for an Irish visa to attend a conference next month. I got my form filled but a family member put my name as the middle name so my name on the VFS appears twice as in Rani Rani Mukherjee Mukherjee. What do I do? I am unable to pay the fee because of this. There is no option to edit.
Thirumal says
Hi Anisa! I have never applied for an Irish visa myself, so I don’t know the application well. I suggest contacting VFS to see if they provide you with a solution.
Fathima K M says
Hi Thirumal,
I am Fathima. I applied for my Canada Student visa on May 30 online SDS category to Banglore VFS and taken Biometric on June 3. On my CIC account, my medical passed on June 20 and got a biometric correspondence from Ottawa on June 21. I had a 7 years gap after my Plus Two and after 7 years graduated from MGU in 2018 with 60% mark. I applied for the Hospitality and Tourism Management course at Cape Breton University, Sydney, NovaScotia, Canada. How long will it take to get a decision on my file? will it be an approval? Please make a suggestion, I am really tensed. Also for rejection, will they update medical status in CIC?
Thanks
regards,
Fathima
Thirumal says
Hi Fathima! My knowledge and experience are only in tourist visas. I don’t have much knowledge in student visas. Normally, Canada tourist visa applications can take up to 30 days for processing.
FATHIMA K M says
Thanks Thirumal! You are having a great heart and appreciate your helping mentality. God bless you and your family.
Vivek says
Hello, I am a frequent business traveller and already hold a valid US visa since 2012 but travelled only once to the USA. I now plan to take my wife and two kids (less than 12years) to the USA on a sightseeing 20day trip. My wife and kids don’t have a US visa and have to apply new. My questions are 1) while applying for them, Do I require to accompany them to the interview? (2) Any other points we require to be aware of before they apply. Just for info, My wife is also a director in our family owned business and both, wife and kids have travelled abroad several times in the past. thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Vivek!
1. No. You cannot accompany them to the interview as non-applicants are not allowed inside the consulate. A caretaker or an interpreter is only allowed if absolutely necessary.
2. Since your wife and kids have considerable travel history and financial stability, they have a fair chance of visa approval. My only suggestion for you is to make sure you take your time to fill their DS-160s without any inaccuracies or errors.
Anita says
It is a college and it’s a designated learning institute. I thought of applying for the VO’s notes but the duration and the cost of getting them isn’t favorable as I am to resume this September.
Thirumal says
The college might have been flagged for visa abuse. Check with other students in that college on their visa experiences.
Anita says
Hi there, I trust this message meets you well. I recently got admission for the fall in Canada. I applied for a study visa and I got a refusal letter on the grounds of my travel history and purpose of visit. I plan on reapplying but I am not too sure of how to respond to the letter. I need some advice.
Thank you
Thirumal says
Hi Anita! My experience and knowledge are only in travel/tourist visas. I don’t have experience in student visas. I will try to respond to your question with keeping tourist visas in mind.
Travel history is not really relevant for student visas. Similarly, your purpose of the visit will be to study. If you were pointed out these two reasons for your visa refusal, there is something wrong with your application. Is the university genuine at all?
Dr K K Goyal says
Dear Mr Thirumal
Thanks a ton for your prompt reply. Your advice is very valuable to us.
Anyway, still, let’s see for the options.
Two more questions please –
1) Should we apply for re-consideration of extension of stay period of our Schengen Visa from 30 days to 60 days from Delhi itself? If yes, how and what’s the fee applicable? ( We will be travelling on 2 July, 19)
2) We hold US visa valid till May 2024 and have also traveled the US two times. So, can we travel to Singapore for 4 days without needingSingapore Visa? (I mean Delhi – Singapore- Delhi or Delhi – Paris – Other places – Singapore – Delhi_
Regards
Dr K K Goyal
Thirumal says
Hi Dr. K K Goyal!
1. I don’t know the procedure for reconsideration of extension. Please contact the consulate or VFS on the procedure.
2. Yes, you can use your US visa to enter Singapore for up to 4 days. It’s called VFTF. In order to use VFTF, you must be in transit to a third country or India.
WORKS: The itinerary Delhi – Paris – Other places – Singapore – Delhi works. Singapore is a transit point on your way back to Delhi.
DOES NOT WORK: The itinerary Delhi – Singapore- Delhi DOES NOT work as Singapore is not a transit point but a destination in this itinerary.
Prerna Gupta says
Hello Thirumal!
First of all, I’d like to thank you for sharing wonderful tips. I live in India and I wish to travel to Europe (Schengen) but I am not sure if I would be granted the visa because of the following reasons:
1. I am single
2. I haven’t traveled anywhere outside India.
3. I applied for the UK visa in 2012 and it got rejected because they said I am single and haven’t traveled anywhere. Also, they think I am coming with an intention to settle in their country despite submitting my employment proofs, income tax returns, etc.
Do you think I should choose a country like Singapore or Thailand first so that at least I have some visas stamped on my passport before I think of going to Europe or the US. However, I have no interest as such to visit South-East Asian countries. I’d rather prefer Australia or New Zealand. I am very confused, from where should I start and how do I go about this whole thing so that I get my visas approved.
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Prerna
Thirumal says
Hi Prerna! You being single is not an issue at all. But not having any travel history at all can pose a problem.
How to increase your chances of securing Schengen visa?
– Provide a “Leave Approval Letter” from your employer. This is a powerful document. This letter must contain the dates of vacation, countries of vacation and the date on which you have to report back at work.
– Plan a short Europe vacation with family. Apply for your Schengen visa along with your family.
How to build travel history?
Make a list of countries that you like to travel. From that list, pick the countries are visa-free or offer Visa on Arrival (VOA) for your passport. Travel those first.
Note: Along with travel history, in my eBook, I provide a complete plan on how to build a strong foundation that lets you secure visas easily. I’m offering a massive discount today for my email subscribers. If you are subscribed to my emails, you will receive the email today with the discount code. If you are serious about traveling, I highly recommend getting the eBook.
K K Goyal says
Hi Thirumal,
You have done a great job for travelers. I am working in Govt of India and plan to visit Europe including the UK from 2 Jul to 29 Aug along with my wife. We would be attending the graduation ceremony of our son pursuing MBA from INSEAD, France on 5th Jul.
I have obtained all the necessary NOC and leave sanctioned for the purpose and have sufficient funds for the tour. We have US visa valid till Nov 2024 and have traveled the US for 12 weeks and 8 weeks earlier.
Unfortunately, we have been issued Schengen Visa for 1.7.19 to 1.10.19 with multiple entry but for 30 days only by France embassy in Delhi.
Further, we have submitted our applications for UK visa in VFS Global, Delhi for Short Term Standard UK Visa on 11.6.19.
Now our concerns are-
1. Given to understand that there is great load on British High Commission for Visa these days because of Holiday season and the Cricket World cup, we fear that the visa may not be issued before our departure (2.7.19)— what should we do?
2. Is it possible to get the Schengen visa stay period of 30 days be extended to say 60 days? If yes, what should we do?
3. Our passports are already deposited for the UK visa.
BTW we have to take the flight on 2 July from Delhi, so as we can comfortably attend the graduation ceremony, the most important purpose of this trip.
Thanks
Thirumal says
Hi K K Goyal!
1. UK visa process takes about 14-30 days. In most instances, it takes about 30 days. The Cricket World Cup can also affect the processing times. You have two options –
(a) Pay the priority visa fee. It takes about 3 working days for them to locate your visa application but they will process your application within 5 working days. Since you still have about 10 working days for your trip, I suggest looking into this option.
(b) Withdraw your visa application. It takes about 3 working days for them to locate your visa application. They will immediately send your passport back without the visa. You will not have a UK visa, but you will at least have your passport in hand to take the flight on the 2nd.
2. There is a possibility to extend the Schengen visa but you have to have a very strong reason. Refer to this article on visa extension and the possible reasons that can work.
3. When planning a combined Europe and UK trip, you must apply for the UK visa FIRST. UK visa takes the longest and there is NO visa status tracking available. Your passport will be at the consulate for about 30 days without knowing the status.
Applying for the UK visa LAST can lead to missing your flights or sometimes missing the entire planned vacation. Since you have already deposited your passports for the UK visa, there is nothing we can do now. I suggest looking into the 2 options I mentioned above. If you plan to pay the priority fee or withdraw your application, contact the VFS Global office in Delhi.
shaun staffen says
Thanks for your answer! But sir, I want to know, are they going to send my passport back to me after the administrative process? Even if the visa is approved or refused?
Thirumal says
Hi Shaun! As soon as they make a decision on your visa, they will send your passport. In most cases, the visa will be approved and there is a reason why they keep the passport. But the only problem is that it can take from few days to few weeks. If you don’t have any international trips coming up soon, then don’t worry. Let them take their time and get back to you with a visa approval.
Ken says
Hi Thirumal,
I recently got denied for B2 visa 2 days ago. I’m an expat (Filipino) single living here in UAE for 4 yrs now and works as an IT in a national insurance company. Been to Australia, UK, Portugal, Spain, France (3x) Italy, Czech Rep and Turkey. I have an apartment which I have a tenancy contract under my name. Been traveling at least twice a year since 2016. Have enough funds to support my travel. The consul only asked me one question “so you work in IT” and I replied “Yes” and was about to say something related to my work then he stopped me and handed me the 214 refusal letter.
I was not given the chance to show documents to show my strong ties here in UAE. What was wrong? Was there any wrong in my Ds160?
I would appreciate your response. Thanks in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi Ken! First of all, the VOs will not ask or accept any documentation. You have to make your best effort to convey the information through your DS-160 and interview.
Secondly, along with your DS-160, the US VOs refer to various databases that contain applicants information. These databases are sourced from governments and third-party agencies. A great portion of your data will already be in those databases, such as your employment, travel history, ownership of properties, etc. I am assuming that there were some red flags in those databases or information in your DS-160 did not match with what they have in those databases. The best way to figure this is to go through your DS-160 multiple times to spot any inaccuracies.
Shaun Staffen says
Hello Thirumal,
I applied for US visa for B1 visa and I submitted all my documents but I was denied in 2010 and now I was invited to a conference then after the interview the consular gave me a paper for section 221g and then hold my passport, Invitation Letter, abstract acceptance Letter and the National, Letter from my Supervisor and my Nation Identity document and then told me that they will get back to me when they are done. It’s almost 2 weeks now I have not heard anything from them and the conference is on the 20th of June and they are still with my passport. What can I do about this? Does it mean I will not get my passport back or what?
Thirumal says
Hi Shaun! If they kept your documents and told you that they need more time to take a decision, then your application is under “Administrative Processing”. Admin processing can take several weeks in some instances. You can check your application status on CEAC or email them for an update. But other than that, you cannot do much.
If you need your passport back for another international travel, I believe, there is a procedure to request your passport back. Please contact the consulate as the procedure is different for different consulates.
Neha Sharma says
Sir, I love your efforts. Keep it up!
Sir, my question is that my mother is applying for B2 visa USA with a sponsor as her son-in-law. My mother has fixed deposit money in her saving account and she also gets a monthly $500 profit. Sir, my question is that how can she show this profit as an income in DS-160 form? My mother is just a housewife and does nothing.
Kindly guide me
Thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Neha! First of all, if your mother is near or over retirement age, her application will not be scrutinized. She will have very high chances of visa approval.
Second, she should select “HOMEMAKER” as her “primary occupation” and skip entering any employment/income details. I suggest her carrying a copy of her income certificate from the bank to her interview.
Urvashi says
None. This would be my first travel outside the country.
Thirumal says
I see. This could pose a problem. You don’t have much time right now, but try to build your travel history in the coming months/years. It will really help in securing visas easily.
wasim says
Hi Thirumal, I want to visit my fiance in Canada. We are not planning to get married soon. What would be the best way to visit her as we do not want any rejections on the visa. Your post has cleared my concepts really well.
Kindly advise if I should go with a tourist visa or visitor visa. And if you suggest any then what would be the best procedure and points to follow.
Thirumal says
Hi Wasim! If you are employed, financially able and have decent travel history, then apply for a tourist visa. You don’t need to mention about your fiance and you don’t need any invitation letters/sponsorships.
Urvashi says
Yes. The interview is scheduled for the same day for all 5 people and the same time.
Can you help me please on how can I casually state about my marriage even if the officer didn’t ask about it?
Can I say I m planning to have a vacation in us before my marriage? But that sounds cliche as I can do that after the wedding too. Please help.
P.S. My brother is sponsoring us (including me) the trip and I have his invitation letter. My brother and sister-in-law both are working professionals in the U.S.
However, I and my parents too have sufficient funds in my account to sponsor self. I have one property 3bhk as Power of attorney in my name – whose loan is still going on my brother and sister-in-law’s name.
Does any of this can help?
Thirumal says
Hi Urvashi! You can only bring up topics that weren’t asked if the VO is willing to listen. It’s just a matter of luck. If the consulate is not crowded, the VO is in a good mood and give you enough time to talk, then you can bring up the topic of your wedding.
Planning a vacation will not help. Like you said, it sounds cliche. Similarly, your brother sponsoring your trip or you having a power of attorney on one of his properties will not help either.
Do you have any travel history? If so, how many countries have you traveled so far?
felix says
I got an offer letter from a Cruise Ship company but they request I apply for a D1 visa and a B1/B2 visa also just for transits and I was denied visa after showing them all valid documents from the company HR sign copy and other Countries have issued me their visas.
Now I am re-applying again because they gave me Denied form subsection 214b which states I can re-apply again and to show my strong ties back home because I have a sister and mom Living in America but my wife and business are back in my home country but I work and live in Uae. so is it ok now I present my bank statements and marriage certificates, land and house property with proof of ownership of my small business back Home or until they ask?
Thirumal says
Hi Felix! You and your family are all over the place and it can be very difficult for you to show strong ties to any of those countries.
US: You have family (sister and mom) in the US. If the VO thinks that you would follow the footsteps of your sister and mom to move to the US, the VO will then refuse the visa. The VO assumes B1/B2 or C1/D are not appropriate visas as they are “non-immigrant” only.
UAE: You live and work in UAE. Other than that you have no ties with UAE. You have a business tie in your home country. You have family split between the US and home country.
Home country: If you were living/working and running your business in your home country, you would have had better chances of approval. But currently, that is not the case.
The only way you can have better odds in the future is to build strong ties with any of those 3 countries. Otherwise, your future attempts may be refused again.
urvashi chavda says
Hi Thirumal. I am a 28-year-old female employee working currently in the IT sector since 3 .5 years. My brother and sister-in-law are in the U.S. since March 2017 on an L1 individual visa.
I have applied for B2 visitor visa along with my parents (mum-dad) and also my sister-in-law’s parents (her mum -dad) in June.
Recently my co-worker was denied a visa stating you are single and work in iT sector. I am worried if I can be denied for the same reason.
Please note :
1. I am soon going to get married 12 Dec 2019 to love of my life but I don’t have any document to prove that as we have just booked a resort for the wedding.
2. I have not yet taken NOC from office as I have not booked any flight tickets and without date of tickets – I cannot confirm my dates of stay.
P.S; I intend to stay in the U.S for 15-20 days (3 weeks) and I have mentioned same in DS-160 form. But the status in DS-160 is single as I’m not married yet.
Can you help me on what I should take care to so that I get the visa approved? as the visa is not approved – tickets not booked – I don’t have NOC with dates – Can I provide them NOC without date or something?
Please help I have the interview in the coming week.
Thirumal says
hi Urvashi! Your parents and your sister-in-law’s parents do not need to worry much. Applicants close to or over retirement age are not scrutinized. But there is a chance that the VO may scrutinize your application. You have to prove that (1) you have strong ties with your country and (2) you have the obligation to return back to your country after your trip.
You will NOT be asked to show any documentation in the interview. Therefore, a NOC document from your employer is not required. You have to make sure you convey all the information in your DS-160 or through your answers during the interview.
During your interview, if the VO is willing to listen, make sure to convey the below information. This will help prove that you have strong ties with your country and you have an obligation to return back.
– Your wedding is finalized and you have already paid for the resort in your country
– Your fiance is currently living in your country
– You have been performing satisfactorily at your current employer and have no plans of leaving
Question
– Did you schedule one interview for all 5 of you?
Ben Sun says
Hi Thirumal, Thanks a for a very informative post. BTW, I am applying for France long-stay visa (under the talent-passport category). In my online application, I mentioned that my wife will be accompanying me. Should my wife start a separate application? Should we both book separate appointments thereafter?
Thank you.
Ben Sun
Thirumal says
Hi Ben Sun! My knowledge and experience are only in tourist short-stay visas. So, I don’t know much about the long-stay visa process. For short-stay visa, you both will fill individual visa applications and then book a single appointment at the consulate/VFS.
Linda says
Hello Thirumal
I have attended a VISA interview on Monday whereas they have rejected without providing any reason. Few questions which they have asked me were Purpose of the trip and where the event is happening and where I work, Annual salary and If I am single or married and If I have ever travelled to any other country before.
I am single and working in an organization and got no plans to move abroad. I have provided strong evidence as my brother is getting married there and my presence is very important. I am planning to re-apply. Could you suggest as in what can be done?
Thanks in advance
Thirumal says
Hi Linda! I’m assuming that you are referring to the “US” visa interview. If there is a blood relative in the US and VO thinks that you may also follow the same route as your blood relative to end up in the US, then VO would refuse the visa. In such cases, proving strong ties with your country itself will not be sufficient. You have to show that you have a “strong” obligation to return back to your country after the trip.
mangesh shelar says
Thanks Thirumal. 🙂
I have tickets and hotel booked there! Should I cancel all? Or can I give my visa application a try by mentioning everything clearly in the cover letter?
Thirumal says
Hi Mangesh! You haven’t mentioned which country visa are you applying for. If you are applying for a US or Schengen visa, so you may be given a chance to explain. But if you are applying for a UK or Canada visa, I suggest not applying right now.
Teetee says
Wow! I love your article. I actually applied for an Italian tourist visa. I’m hoping for a good result. Thank you!
Thirumal says
Hi Teetee! Thanks and good luck for your visa! Let me know when you receive your visa.
mangesh shelar says
Hey, thanks for the valuable information. Seeking your help in my case.
I don’t have Employer NOC because I have resigned from the current company and joining a new company. So for visa application, can I show my resignation acceptance letter and new company’s offer/joining letter?
Will this work? because if I wait for my NOC document it will be late to apply for the visa.
Thanks,
Mangesh
Thirumal says
Hi Mangesh! If you are in between jobs, then it is NOT a good time to apply for visas. You should apply for them before you resign from your job or after a few months of joining the new job.
A job offers or joining letters do not work for visas. You must provide an employment letter which would be an issue if you haven’t started the job yet.
Pallavi C says
Hey! Any thoughts on student residence permits? I’m going to hopefully be studying in Austria soon and have 99% of all my documents ready barring one which will take some time because of technical issues on the police’s end here 🙁
Thirumal says
Hi Pallavi! As a full-time traveler, my experience and knowledge are only in travel visas. I don’t know much about student visas. I suggest looking up for student forums. You may be able to find your answers there.
Olu says
Hi Thirumal! Thanks for all you do and for taking time out to respond to our questions.
I applied for a B1/B2 Non-Immigrant Visa and had a successful interview on the 13th of May 2019. When I initially checked my Visa status, it said your passport is still with the US Embassy/Consulate and it later changed to “document delivery information” without any other Information included.
I have also checked by typing my passport no on the US travel docs website and it says there is no status update available for this passport no.
Today being the 31st of May, I still have the same message on my profile and on the CEAC website it says issued and last profile updated was 16th of May. I have mailed the US consulate severaly and I only get automated responses. I’ve read a lot online, no one seems to really have a solution on what to do. I am a bit confused.
Thirumal says
Hi Olu! Don’t pay attention to those statuses. They are not accurate. Just wait till you receive the SMS or email notification from the courier service. Then you can go and pick up your passport.
At one time, my status read “administrative processing”. I panicked and did a lot of research online as well. Another time, it said “passport at the consulate” for quite a long time. Since then, I stopped paying attention to those statuses and advice the same to my readers.
Narayanan says
Hi, My old expired cancelled passport has been lost. I have the scanned copy of that passport. Also, there were no visa stamps in the old passport. I have the new passport and the old passport number is mentioned in that. I had traveled to Malaysia for tourist purpose with the new passport. For applying for Singapore business Visa, is it required to have the old passport? If I do not have that, whether the visa will be rejected? Also in the future, if I apply for any other country (specially US), whether this will be a problem? Please suggest.
Thirumal says
Hi Narayanan! It will NOT be a problem. It’s expired and cancelled, so it won’t be needed for your visa applications (including Singapore visa). You will only need your current passport for any visa application.
Your old passport is not needed for your US visa as well. But, if your NEW passport is very recent, the VO may ask you to show your old passport as well. This is to see if you have any travel history. Since there weren’t any visa stamps in your old passport, it won’t be of any use anyway. If asked, you can simply say that you forgot to bring for the interview.
Jaffar Sadiq says
Hi, while booking german visa I made one letter mistake in mail id, is there any problem for me anything in coming days?
Thirumal says
Hi Jaffar! You may receive email updates on your appointment and visa status. If your email is wrong, then you may not receive those. I suggest contacting the VFS office to see if they can fix it for you.
Aman Chaudhary says
Hi Thirumal
My wife is working but I have still put her as my dependent since I have surplus savings and she does not.
For the UK Visa, do I need to submit 2 copies of my stamped bank account statements (1 for my wife’s application and 1 for my application) or the one submitted by me for my application will hold valid for her application as well?
Thirumal says
Hi Aman! You have to submit one copy of your bank statement for your application and one copy for your wife’s application.
Lado says
Please do you keep someone’s profile secret and email address?
Thirumal says
Hi Lado! Your email address will NOT be public. Only your name, your question and my response will be public.
Rabia says
I have applied for Canada visa on 28 April with my family. My US visa is also valid still. I’m waiting so any idea how long it does take? 40 days have passed. My travel history is good. So can I write a letter to the Canada visa officer as we have to confirm the tickets? Please advise me.
Thirumal says
Hi Rabia! Canada visa process can take up to 30 days. But 40 days too long. I suggest contacting the CIC on your visa status. You can follow the below steps to contact CIC.
1) Go to the URL (http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/contacts/web-form.asp) and click on “Tell us more”.” from the dropdown.
2) Then select the option “Yes”
3) Then again select “Yes” for the question if the application is being processed OUTSIDE Canada
4) Then select “India –
5) After that, click on “Go to Web form”
6) Then fill in the details and submit.
Shel says
Hi, idk if you can realize this comment but I’m gonna post it anyway. I’m going to India for internship purposes in a month from now. I have the invitation and the job offer letter. I wanted to apply for intern visa. My question is can my family members send the documents to the embassy on my behalf or should I go and give it on my own? And, usually how long will it take to process everything?
Thirumal says
Hi Shel! My experience and knowledge are only in “tourist” visas. I don’t know much about work/internship visas.
Vishal Kumar says
I recently applied for Greece Visa and got rejected by reason 7 & 8. I have received an invitation letter with a period of 30 April 2019 to 12 June 2019. Can I apply again with my this IL? Thanks much in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi Vishal! You haven’t specified the exact reason, so I am assuming you have applied to volunteer (mistake 7) and using a sponsor (mistake 8). For volunteering, you must apply for a different class of visa. It can be a Schengen visa but the class would be volunteer, work, etc. My knowledge and experience are only in tourist visas, so I don’t know much about visas for volunteering.
Ada says
I want to apply for a tourist visa to Canada for me and my one-year-old child. I have no travel history on my current passport. I’m a fashion designer and I run a small business. My husband has a registered company and one residential property. Should I use my bank statement or my husband should be my sponsor? Please, what do you advise? Can I send you an email so I can communicate my progress with you?
Note: We are a newly wedded couple with just one kid and we have no travel history together as a family
Thirumal says
Hi Ada! If your husband will not be traveling with you, then I suggest using your own financial proofs. Introducing your husband as a sponsor on your application can complicate your case.
If he is also traveling with you, you can use him as a primary applicant and he can sponsor you.
Sure, send me an email.
Ranjeet Singha says
Hi Thirumal,
Thanks for providing information regarding visa rules and how to succeed in getting it. I am planning to apply for a tourist visa for Canada as I need to give one exam there for physiotherapy. I am a bit confused about whether it will be accepted or not by the visa officer. I am planning to have a stay for 1 week only. Also, I need to re-enter after say 6-12 months to give a practical exam, so do I need to apply again or not?
Can u tell, Is adding affidavit mentioning that I will return from Canada after giving examination will further any chance for visa approval?
Thirumal says
Hi Ranjeet! Your visa result will depend on whether you have strong ties with your country and your obligation to return back after the trip.
Canada visas are usually issued for 10 years or till the expiration of your passport. If your passport will not be expiring in the next 6-12 months, you can use the same Canada visa for your practical exam as well. You don’t need to apply for another Canada visa in that case.
You will not be asked to provide an affidavit or any such documentation. You can, of course, provide a cover letter stating that you will return back to your country after the exam.
Comfort Joseph says
Hi, I need help. I’m applying for a tourist visa to Canada. What else can I use for my intention of visit other than a conference or seminar? Please help. Thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Comfort! I suggest sticking to just one purpose. If your primary purpose of travel is to attend a conference, then use “conference” as your purpose of travel.
Note: If you use a purpose such as “attend a conference, tourism and family visit”, it can complicate your situation and may affect your visa decision. Therefore, just stick to one “purpose”.
Lakshmi says
Hi,
I am applying for a Singapore Visa. I have doubt as to how an invitation letter should be given from someone who is an Indian working in Singapore on Employment Pass.
Does the invitation letter need to be completely typed or completely handwritten or basic info (name, passport details, address, etc) has to be handwritten and the rest of the document can be typed?
Thanks much in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi Lakshmi! Handwritten letters may not be legible, therefore typed is better. Type your letter in MS Word, print it and then sign it. All information should be typed, except the signature. You can post the original letter or email a scanned copy to the applicant.
JPerez says
Greetings Thirumal!
I have seen your great work by posting a lot of information and sharing your experience to us!
I’m lucky to find your helpful website today, as I am planning to apply for a “Schengen Tourist Visa – under the Visiting Friends and Family” and I cannot stop overthinking and worrying about my documents.
I have recently got married with my Dutch husband and we are planning for me to go to him this year for 60 days (which originally was 90 days, but I said it might raise some red flags to the Visa officer if it’s too long), but reading some of your posts and replies to questions here, is 60 days also considered long even under this type of visa? And even if I’m using a Sponsor that is also my Spouse? (We married just last January this year), he’s got good financial records and stable job with good salary, he also traveled to a lot of countries, are these good brownie points and will make my visa case stronger?
I also saw here that if I plan to apply for a Visa with a Sponsor, the chances of getting approved are majorly up to my Sponsor’s background, does that mean that it doesn’t matter if I have no “particular document showing proof that I will return to my country” (as required in the official website visa checklist of the Netherlands? That’s what makes me really worried, I have good school records (graduated from prestige University) but I don’t really want to give it to the embassy because they stated that they will not return the documents anymore and it’s really difficult to acquire these original documents again, so that means I am done studying and I have experience working for the Government for short time too, but I already resigned and got unemployed for 2 years now, so for now I don’t really have anything (even properties, I’m only going to be 23 this year and I read in some articles that it is not really expected for ages around 20s to show owned properties upon visa application.
Can you please help me? I still have a lot of questions. It would be really great to hear from your insights and maybe talk through email for my other questions.
Thank you so much!
Thirumal says
Hi JPerez! My experience and knowledge are only in tourist visas with “tourism” intent. If you read my “about” page, you will understand that I’m a full-time traveler.
Your intent is to visit your spouse who is a national of that country. Tourist visas for such purposes will be denied as the appropriate visa for such purpose is a “spouse” visa. I don’t have expertize in such matters. Sorry!
Catty says
Hi! I need help.
I have applied for Canada visit visa my visa got refused due to my travel history and purpose of visit. My question is I applied through an agent and he has put Single as my marital status. But I am currently legally divorced.
Can I change my marital status in my second application if I want to reapply? What documents should I submit with the amended application?
And now I’m in a relationship with a Canadian citizen and we are planning to get married in next year. He sent me an invitation letter and he is willing to take care of all my other expenses. Please help!
Thirumal says
Hi Catty! Many countries such as the US, Canada, UK, etc have access to a number of databases where they can verify the facts. So, you must make sure you fill accurate and honest information in your visa application.
Yes, you can change your marital status. Instead of repeating the mistake, you can fix it in your next visa application.
Alice Yonka says
Hello Thirumal
Please, I need your counsel. What can I do now? A few weeks ago I wrote to you about my visa not being approved by Greece embassy. They said “justification for the Purpose” and “your intention to leave the territory”.
I used a tour agency to apply for another visa. I related to them what you said. I told them though I want to go to Spain this time, I’ll have to go through Greece embassy again. They said Spain will fly.
Now I’ve received the decision of the Spanish embassy and they still ticked; though only “justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not approved”.
Please, what can I do? Can I go back to Greece Embassy to make a fresh request or should I use a lawyer to make an appeal at Spain Embassy?
Kindly advise.
Thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Alice! As I mentioned earlier, all Schengen countries will have your records and they will deny your subsequent applications. The solution is not to apply from different consulates. The solution is to look at your visa refusal reasons and fix them. If you don’t fix your visa refusal reasons, your visa application will be denied again. It only makes your situation worse.
Do you know why the purpose of your trip is not justifiable?
Zaheer says
Hi, How are you?
I would like to ask you. I am applying a USA tourist visa for me and my wife. Should we submit one Application?
My Cousin is living there in the USA for the last 35 years. He is sponsoring us.
I am living in Oman, My Hometown is Pakistan.
I am working in a company in Oman.
My Salary Certificate, Company NOC is ready.
And also My Personal Bank statement.
I traveled Many times in Dubai & Georgia.
Could you tell me How much the Bank Statement is Require?
And what is the Visa Chances?
Thirumal says
Hi Zaheer! You each have to submit a DS-160. But you can schedule a single visa appointment for both of you.
Sponsorships do not work. Your visa decision is made solely based on your DS-160 and interview. You can carry your bank statements but you may not be asked to show.
Your visa chances are good. You are employed, financially stable and have travel history. I suggest improving your travel history though.
UN says
Hi, I am currently studying in the UK and planning to apply to Canada on a tourist visa. I also have travel history of Europe i.e Schengen Visa. My cousin is inviting me. He is a Canadian National and I will be staying with him. For 10 days how much bank statement do I need?
Thirumal says
Hi UN! Even if someone is sponsoring you or paying for your expenses, you must still show that you are capable to support yourself financially. This is to make sure that you can support yourself if your sponsor later decides not to.
I suggest showing about $200 CAD a day for hotel, food and other expenses. Therefore, $2,000 CAD for your 10 days trip, excluding the airfare.
Olaniyi michael says
Hello Thirumal,
You are doing a great job here. Please, I am in the process of applying for a Canadian temporary visa so as to be able to travel with wife and my daughter(they do not require a visa, they are both Irish ) for two weeks to Canada. The purpose of this travel is basically tourism and to visit my wife’s friend who just got married last August. I got an invitation letter to the wedding last year and the parents of the bride sent their passport data pages alongside the letter but I was on unable to get time off work at that date so I didn’t attend the wedding, and wife& daughter didn’t travel too.
I hold a Nigerian passport and Irish residency, I have got UK clearance and Schengen Visas and this year to mark our 3rd anniversary we plan to visit Canada and also to use the opportunity to spend time with my wife’s friend and family. What do you think I should do to get a smooth sail applying?
Thank you for your anticipated helpful response.
Thirumal says
Hi Olaniyi! Canada visa application is much simpler and easier than a UK visa. You hold a UK visa, so you already know it. I suggest referring to my Canada visa guide for the application procedure, documentation, fee, processing time, etc. Take a look at it first and get back to me if you have any questions.
Tinu says
Hi Thirumal,
I have an interview for US birth tourism scheduled for July 1st. Unfortunately, I miscarried my baby yesterday May 2nd. I intend to still go ahead with the interview, what do you advise I do considering I would have been 4 months gone if I had not miscarried.
Thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Tinu! Sorry to hear that! Unfortunately, my knowledge and experience are only in tourist visas for the purpose of “tourism”. Your case is quite different and I would suggest consulting an experienced immigration lawyer.
Vivek Date says
Hello, and Thanks a lot for this helpful article.
I have a tricky case for an application for a 60 day Schengen Visa.
I have been a working professional with a Post Grad degree until 2016 and then turned my career towards Music Education, pursuing a course in Hamburg with a National Visa till 2018. Have travelled to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia in the past 9 months and have been working as a freelancer.
I managed to procure most of the necessary documents; an itinerary covering all 60 days with Bus Bookings & Hotel Reservations & funds but have a couple of queries:
a) Being a freelance musician, I do not have a registered entity to show as self-occupied, what could be the best alternative?
b) I have a plan of covering much of EU between Poland & Spain. Do I have to show them the exact itinerary at the time of application?
c) I honestly do not intend to work during my stay there. Do you think including educational documents and past work ex salary slips etc might reassure them?
Thank you very much for your time in reading this and I look forward to your advice.
Thirumal says
Hi Vivek!
a) A proof of self-employed/freelancer registration is not mandatory. But you should provide documentary evidence that you are self-employed, have a source of income, pay taxes, etc.
b) Yes. You have to show the entire 60-day itinerary.
60 days is too long and it would raise questions on why would need so many days, how will you support yourself financially, etc. I suggest shortening your itinerary to 30 or fewer days. This is for the visa application only. If you are given a visa longer than 30 days, then you can use those extra days to travel as well.
c) Your educational and past work experience documents are not necessary. The consulate or VFS may not even accept them.
In order to show that you will not work during your travel in Schengen, you must show enough savings in your bank. These savings must have been accumulated gradually over time. I suggest using a 30 or fewer days itinerary, which would make it easy.
Angad says
Hi
As mentioned my wife is the proprietor. But since we are travelling together I was planning to show the same bank statement in my application as well. Our savings account doesn’t show gradual savings it’s usually money in money out as per requirement. What should I do? Should I just transfer money from current to savings and mention this is withdrawn for the UK trip. I would attach all the other documents like travel documents, tickets to the matches, an invitation letter from my cousin where I will be putting up.
Can I mention it in the covering letter?
Thirumal says
Hi Angad! You cannot use your wife’s bank statements. You have to use bank statements that has your name on it. Even if your wife is sponsoring you financially for the visa, you still have to show your own financial statements.
You can do either option and try to convince the visa officer in your cover letter.
Sola says
Hello Thirumal, thank you for your time and dedication to answering our questions.
I wanted to know if my mum’s status in the US can affect my chances of getting a nonimmigrant visa. I am applying for a US tourist visa and my mum isn’t legal yet in the US. Do I indicate that she’s in the US in my application?
Secondly, I want to ask about the US contact in the application form, if I could use my hotel address since my mum isn’t legal yet. Thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Sola! Your mom’s status in the US may or may not affect your visa decision. It depends on how strong your ties are with your country.
Unfortunately, your mom’s status is like a double-edged sword. If you indicate your mom’s presence in your DS-160, they may dig deep into her status and may refuse your visa on similar grounds. But if you don’t indicate your mom’s presence and the VOs figure that out on their own (from the many databases that they use), they may refuse your visa on the grounds of lying or holding information. If you need concrete answers on this, you should talk to an immigration attorney.
The above explanation holds for the US contact info in your DS-160 as well.
Angad says
Hi
Thanks for the article it was of great help. I am applying for a UK Visa for myself my wife and kid for going to the world cup. I have a letter of invitation from my cousin who stays in the UK. In terms of bank statements, I am self-employed and my wife is the proprietor. Our savings account statements generally don’t have balance as they are withdrawn almost immediately. The current account statements of the proprietorship firm have a lot of transactions but the end balance on the day of the interview may or may not be high. Should I include our investments in both the applications? Also in my application can I include the proprietorship firm statement. What other financial documents should I include?
Thanks in advance for your help.
Thirumal says
Hi Angad! Usually, UK visa officers disregard business bank statements. They assume that business funds are for business purpose unless your trip is for “business”.
If your trip is for “tourism”, you have to supply your personal bank statements as well. If you don’t have gradually growing savings in your account, it can pose a problem.
“Should I include our investments in both the applications?”
You can, of course, include your investments. But they serve the purpose of showing ties with your country. They cannot be used to prove your financial solvency.
“Also in my application can I include the proprietorship firm statement?”
This question is confusing as you earlier mentioned that your wife is the proprietor. You both need to first figure what your roles in the company are. Then it becomes much simpler to address the documentation for the visa.
“What other financial documents should I include?”
If your purpose of travel is “tourism”, you must provide all your business financial documents as well as personal financial documents.
Arhan says
Hi, I have made a mistake in my sister’s UK visa application form.
I wrongly spelled my mother’s name and now I can see the mistake. What should I do now?
In my sister’s passport (mother’s name: Monuara Begum) and in her UK visa application form (mother’s name: Monwara Begum)
Please let me know what should I do now because her appointment date is 2nd May 2019
Thirumal says
Hi Arhan! You can make a manual correction in the visa application form print. Clearly mention the mistake and correction in your cover letter.
Margaret Bbosa says
Hello Thirumal,
I’m a Ugandan Lady married with two kids, am working as a Company Secretary with a big company for 9 years now and ready to sponsor me to attend a conference in Boston, the USA in September. The company has issued me all the necessary documents needed to show the proof that I work with it and already got an invitation from the hosts but they are in India but organized in Boston, USA at The Godfrey Hostel-Boston. But they didn’t give me the contact number, the only the address, contact person and email address; should I use the Tel. No. for the hotel?
2. Is it necessary also to provide my personal bank statement? because the company is the one responsible for my travel.
3. Which other ties do I need to be with apart from my Employment and Marriage Certificate?
Thank you.
3.
Thirumal says
Hi Margaret!
1. I suggest asking for the contact number from your hosts. It’s important you have complete contact information of them.
2. You will not be asked to show any documentation at all. But you can carry a copy of your personal bank statements for just in case.
3. Having travel history will help.
Justina says
Hello, can I change my travel date from the date I submitted at the embassy for a Schengen visa? I was supposed to go for a tour package which I have actually paid for and the tour starts on the 3rd of May, but I have not been called for my passport. If my visa is approved, can I change the dates to 5th of may? Will the change of date affect me at the port of entry since I was supposed to start the tour on the 3rd of May. Thanks, looking forward to your reply.
Thirumal says
Hi Justina! Yes, you can change your dates of travel after your visa is approved. It’s perfectly fine.
Maruf Hossain says
Hi
I have studied your article which is really impressive. I want your advice. I was a student in the UK for a few years. My previous immigration history is good. Before going to England as a student, I had also visited and got the UK visas twice. Once my student visa was also extended within the UK. I never overstayed there and maintained all rules there including doing the part-time job. I have also worked as a journalist for more than 12 years, but now I am running my own business in my country after leaving the UK in 2012. Now I am planning to visit London along with my two minor children and wife. I don’t like to take any risk as I always like to keep my profile smooth and good. I don’t want any refusal on any applications of my kids or wife. I think applying alone, will not be a problem to get a visa for myself. But I am a little bit worried as I want to travel to the UK as a family.
Please let me know your expert opinion and what to do to secure the visa. Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Maruf! When applying for a UK visa as a family, many factors come into play. The two main factors that would help are
– Your wife has her own source of income
– You have a travel history as a family
Avinash says
Hi Thirumal
1> After I been refused to issue visa 2 others colleagues applied for it and they got approved. They are working in this organization since August 2018. My employer used to send an employee every month depending on the requirement in headquarters. So, I don’t think organization is blacklisted.
2> When I applied for the first time the covering letter was not proper since they changed the travel agent and he is completely new to this. While applying for second time we submitted everything as per old travel agent(Travel agent who used to deal with visa process for all employees previously), but still visa got denied.
3> I am single male with software background, I had like 1.5L in my bank account and my trip is completely sponsored by the company.
4> Its been 4 months since I joined this organization and management asking me to apply the visa again by end of May so its been required 3 months payslips and I have it now from current employer.
5> I had traveled to Malaysia for tourism purpose.
Please advice!!
Thirumal says
Hi Avinash!
1> That’s good.
2> If you had a visa refusal already and your circumstances haven’t changed yet, your subsequent applications will also likely be refused. That’s what probably happened in your case. Changing the cover letter may not help in your case.
3> There isn’t much you can do about your status. Try to build gradually growing savings in your bank account, it will help.
4> As I said, the longer you are employed with the current employer, the better it. If you can delay your training a bit longer, try that. If not, go ahead and give it a try again.
5> I suggest improving your travel history. It’s always a good idea to build travel history as you never know when such business travel opportunities come up.
oska says
Hello, I am a Kenyan man with a wife and 3 kids. I work for a security firm as the operations manager and also own a pharmaceutical company that supplies meds to hospitals. My brother who has American citizenship invited me to visit him sometime last year in october. I applied and showed I had strong ties to my country by indicating that I was married and had kids. Plus clearly showed my interests are in Kenya through my work and company. I have only travelled within countries in Africa and I showed that too. Unfortunately I was denied the visa.
My brother told me to reapply this year in March which I did and didn’t change many details but this time I indicated I was the one paying for the trip fully. On both occassions, I went with documents including marriage certificates, kids birth certificates and company documents but was still denied. What might I be doing wrong?
Thirumal says
Hi Oska! Sorry to hear that! It may not be just you, it could be your brother as well.
About you
I don’t see anything wrong in your background other than just lacking some travel history. I suggest improving your travel history. Try to travel to some countries in Europe.
About your brother
VO might assume that you would also follow the same path as your brother. It’s difficult to point out if there is anything wrong from your brother’s side without knowing any details about him. Let me ask a few questions
– How did your brother become a US citizen? What path did he take? Ex: Student, work, etc
– Why didn’t your brother petition you for a green card instead?
ROSHAN K RAJ says
This is how it goes:
I have to do my basics Science course in Caribbean Island for two and a half years and My Clinical Rotation in Baltimore, US. In order to do the clinical rotation in the US, I have to pass a mandatory exam USMLE Step1. To help me prepare for my exam, as most of the students in my college I choose to attend a preparatory course for three months. After completing clinical rotation I will become graduate.
I failed to show strong ties as you said, this is what VO said to me during the interview. Please help me. How can I show strong ties to my home country?
Thirumal says
Hi Roshan! You medical study program is quite complicated. Because of that, it’s really difficult to show strong ties to either Caribbean or India.
Your Medical graduate program is spread between the Caribbean and the US. You already finished the portion of the study in the Caribbean and there is no reason for you to go back to the Caribbean. It’s difficult to convince the VO that you have a reason to go back to the Caribbean.
Similarly, you don’t live, study or work in India. There is no reason to go back to India either. Again, it’s difficult to convince the VO that you have a reason to return back to India.
I ran out of all options. You said that your classmates have also chosen the US for their prep course. Check with them, learn their situation and see how they proved their strong ties to either the Caribbean or their home countries. That would probably give you some clues on how to improve your situation.
Avinash says
Hi Thirumal,
I am a software engineer and recently joined a manufacturing company where they need a developer for their ERP application. Its mother company is in France so I need to go to France for training purpose so I had applied for Schengen Visa (France) on 1st Feb 2019 i.e., within one month I had joined the organization. At the time of the visa interview, I don’t really have any documents associated with the new company except joining orders. So I provided previous company’s payslips and present employer covering letter and invitation from mother company in France, 6 months bank statements, itinerary and its a sponsored trip. I applied for a business visa to France for 12 days. I was been denied to provide visa with the reason “Your intention to leave the territory of member states before expiry of the visa could not be ascertained”.
Within a weeks time(14 Feb 2019) I had applied for visa again and this time I submitted one-month payslip from current employer and rest as usual but still the consulate refused to provide visa with the same reason as above. I had written an email to France consulate regarding this and asked them to provide information regarding any other documentation submission but they didn’t reply. Now my employment is completely dependent on the visa approval.
Again my training has been scheduled to mid-June in France and this time I need to get the visa if not I need to search for a new job. Can you please let me know, is there a chance to get a visa if I submit my visa application in cities other than the one which I had submitted earlier? Previously I submitted at Bangalore VFS and now I would opt VFS center in another city. Does it work out I mean change in the city? Please help me with the information if you really heard such experiences in the past.
Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Avinash! I haven’t come accross a case similar to yours so far. But, I can point out a few areas that I think may have affected your visa result.
1) Your new employer’s visa history: There have been cases where companies exploited visas and therefore, they have been blacklisted. Check with your colleagues
– if anyone else has been denied Schengen business visa before
– was anyone sent to a Schengen country on a business visa to perform work (a work visa is needed in such case)
2) Your new employer’s cover letter: Did the cover letter from your employer say that you have to attend this MANDATORY training and return to your job in India on a specific date?
3) Your family and social ties: If you are a single male, you may be considered as a potential risk of illegal immigration. But if you are strong in other areas such as employment, financial and travel history, you should be fine.
4) Length of your current employment: The longer you are employed at your current company, the better it is.
5) Your travel history: Do you have any travel history at all?
I don’t think applying from another city will help. All Schengen consulates will have your previous records and therefore changing consulates will only complicate your case.
ROSHAN K RAJ says
1. I don’t have any employment or medical practice in India because yet to get graduated.
2. Yes, I do have my DAD’s bank statement but VO didn’t even ask for it during the interview.
3. I have traveled to Paris, Uk, Dubai.
4. NO, I don’t have any relative either in the US or Caribbean Island.
Thirumal says
Hi Roshan!
1. Your current situation and your intention are conflicting. You said that you are “yet to graduate”. But you also said you applied for a US visa to attend a 3-month course. This is conflicting since you are already a student in the Caribbean (haven’t graduated yet) and trying to be a student in the US as well. I understand your intention, but it raises all kinds of red flags. Visa officers might think that you are abandoning your studies in the Caribbean to move to the US. Also, the course is to prep you for the US Medical Licensing. I assume this exam will qualify you to practice in the US? If so, then you have “immigration intent”. Both B1/B2 and F1 are “non-immigrant” visas.
2. US visa officers do not ask for any documentation. They think that documents can easily be created using software these days. They rely on your DS-160, interview and a few databases that contain applicant’s information sourced from third-party agencies, airlines, governments, etc.
3. Your travel history is fine but I suggest adding more countries to it.
4. Ok. This should not be an issue.
You have secured Schengen and UK visas before. That means you do have strong ties with the Caribbean or India. I assume the main reasons for your US visa denial are the ones I have mentioned in point (1) above.
Mariam says
Hello, I once applied for a Netherlands visa and got denied, but that time I wasn’t married! Now that I am married and our marriage is also legalized in Holland now. My husband is planning to look for a visa for me in Holland with a lawyer, then I have to go just to the embassy to get just a stamp if it’s accepted there! Is there anything they’ll need from me in case they accepted? Or that visum will work? It’s a facilitate visa.
Thirumal says
Hi Mariam! My experience and knowledge are only in tourist visas. I don’t know much about spouse visas. You should consult a qualified immigration lawyer.
Bolaji says
Thanks so much for ur support. Please, I have applied for Schengen visa from Nigeria, though my application is for tourism. My flight booking date and hotel book dates are already past due to Easter holidays. Please, I want to know if my visa will still be granted because I met up with all the requirements. Because I can still reschedule both flight and hotel bookings. Thanks for your timely response.
Thirumal says
Hi Bolaji! Usually, if your intended travel dates have already been past, then the consulate would notify you of asking for new dates and bookings. You have the option to withdraw the application or provide with new dates and bookings. Just wait for a few more days and see what the consulate would say.
azira says
Hi Thirumal! This is Azira again. This is an update of my UK visa application. It is has been successful.
After having problems with appointment webpage, I emailed them (UKVI) stated the previous issue ref number. 2 days later, they replied asking me to re-apply again. So I registered again under my husband account and used the column “apply for someone else”. I used internet explorer current version 11. I managed to go through everything. After 20 days of waiting following submission, I received the visa.
Thanks a lot for guiding me and everyone else those in trouble.
Thirumal says
Hi Azira! That’s fantastic and congratulations! Thanks for sharing the information with me and other readers! This information will definitely be useful to others. Enjoy your trip!
Sheng says
Hi Thirumal,
Thanks for your advice for the marital status concern that I’ve asked you. I also noticed in my previous application for my US tourist visa that my primary occupation indicated was MEDICAL/HEALTH and it was a mistake by the travel agent who filled-up my application. Now in my second application, I want to correct my information records and I indicated there my correct occupation which is Marketing Assistant. Is there be a red flag in changing my primary occupation and my marital status in my second application? I also tell the consul during my interview last October for the purpose of my US tourist visa application is for vacation and to visit my American bf and to meet his family in person for the first time. But I was denied for section 214(b).
He already visited here 4 times and his last visit was last December here in the Philippines. What would be my best answer for my purpose in going to the US? Do I still need to tell the same answer like what I did on my first interview? I have a permanent job, a house that I pay monthly, have savings on my accounts. My bf also preparing invitation letter and sponsor letter to mail within the month. Can I show it during my interview that my bf is sponsoring me? I also indicated in my application that I am the one paying for my trip. How can I tell that to the consul even if they ask me a basic question like where I will be visiting and who am I visiting? Please help me prepare for a good answer on my interview and the best answer to convince the consul for my second application.
Thank you so much and looking forward for your best advice.
Thirumal says
Hi Sheng! Using wrong marital status and occupation are red flags. Like I mentioned earlier, those details might have already been in their databases that conflicted with your entries in your application. Such mistakes remain in their records forever and will interfere every time you apply.
The best approach is to be honest. Fill your DS-160 with accurate and honest information. Then give honest answers in your interview. There is no “best purpose” that you can pick which will make the visa officers approve your visa. If such “best purposes” worked, everyone would have secured a US visa.
Go with your purpose of visiting your US boyfriend. Find out from him where you will be visiting him, when and what you will be doing. You will be asked these details during the interview.
sheng says
Hi Thirumal,
Noted on this. What would be the answer I will tell to the consul if they ask me, why I get denied the last time I applied? Should I just answer it with “I feel that I did not elaborate well my strong ties here in my country that I have my work, house and family here for the 214(b) section.”
Thanks.
Thirumal says
Hi Sheng! Yes, that’s the best way to handle that question. Then the visa officer will give you time to explain your ties with your country. Prepare a draft of your answer so you will know what areas to touch on.
sheng says
Hi Thirumal,
I just want to know if do I need to let the documents I received from my US boyfriend sealed (invitation letter, affidavit of support) to just open while on my interview or just prepare and open all of them before I will be going on my interview?
Hoping for your usual assistance and thanks a lot.
Sheng
Thirumal says
You can open and prepare them before the interview. But like I mentioned earlier, you may not be asked any documentation during the interview. VOs depend on verbal answers than documentation.
sheng says
Hi Thirumal good day.
I was denied again for the second time. The VO asked for my purpose and I told him that I am going for tourism and pleasure and to visit my American bf. He questions about my monthly salary income, why it was bigger now compare on what I indicate on my previous application and I answer him that it was my gross monthly income including bonuses and other allowances that I get in my company. But he asked me again for “how much is your basic monthly salary?”. I told him the correct amount and it’s not that really big. I also tell about my ongoing annulment case to make it sure that I will be going to come back to my home country. He did not ask for the changes in my marital status only the changes in my salary. and before he said that I am not be getting the visa again, he said that I will just wait for my annulment to be done and apply again.
– What that means in waiting for the annulment decision, am I not be able to apply again?
– I want to take the risk to re-apply again in June. DO you think I’m just wasting my money because I will be denied again?
Thank you and hoping for your opinion and the best thing I can do for now.
Thirumal says
Hi Sheng! Your case is quite complicated. With such complexity, your visa will likely be refused. I suggest waiting until some of these things settle down, especially your annulment case. You can have your BF visit you in the meanwhile.
ROSHAN K RAJ says
Hi, I’m a medical student studying in Caribbean island. I got the US visa rejected for twice. First time I got rejected for applying B1/B2 visa category at Caribbean US consulate and the purpose of travel was to attend US MEDICAL LICENSING EXAMINATION preparatory course for three months. After a couple of Months, I came back to India and applied for students visa with the same reason for travelling to the US. In both the cases, the visa was denial under section 214(B).
Currently I’m preparing for USMLE STEP 1 EXAM and I need to apply again for US visa in order to attend Clinical Rotation In US. Please help me with your valuable advices. Thank You.
Thirumal says
Hi Roshan! Looks like you failed to show strong ties with either Caribbean or India. Your visa will likely be denied again if you fail to show strong ties to India. Let me ask a few questions, so I can provide you with some guidance.
– Do you have full-time employment or medical practice in India?
– Do you have a continuous source of income?
– What is your travel history other than the Caribbean?
– Do you have any family living in the Caribbean or the US?
AJIT PATIL says
Hi Thirumal,
I have recently joined a new company and my company will not allow me for such long leaves. So I can’t get the Leave Letter from my employer. What should I do in this case?
I have already booked tickets and my Visa appointment in next 4 days.
I’m applying for a Schengen visa for Germany.
Thirumal says
Hi Ajit! Leave approval letter is not mandatory unless the consulate specifically asks for it. It only helps to demonstrate that you have to return to your country after the trip.
That being said, there seems to be a conflict here. You are saying that your company will not allow such long leaves but you are still taking a “long” leave. So, are you leaving/quitting your job to travel to Germany in that case?
Amrita sharma says
Hey! Thanks for this amazing article. Although I have a few doubts.
I applied for my visa on 2nd April for Canada. I had my biometric on the same day in Delhi VFS office and it’s 20th April today and hasn’t got any response although I have been checking the online status pretty much every day.
Just want to ask how long should I wait more since my classes are starting from 6th May and orientation on 1st May. Is it okay if I mail the visa department to speed up the process? Is that completely fine?
Thirumal says
Hi Amrita! I’m not familiar with student visas and their processing times. Canada tourist visas usually take up to 30 days.
Yes, you can contact the visa application center to see if they can expedite your application as your classes are starting soon.
Ola says
Oh my goodness! The statement I submitted was low. I had to because I was told to submit the necessary documents 24 hrs to sit for the biometric. I also submitted a document that shows the payment and all. I’m actually going for a Football program, meanwhile, my spot is been reserved. But since they’re gonna examine from bank to ask the Acc owner, ain’t they going to call the Acc owner so he’ll explain in details the amount left in the bank for the trip. I’m really looking forward to the program. It’s the only hope I’ve got. UK govs should please consider my entry. I don’t want to be denied the visa, it would be so awful ???
Thirumal says
Hi Ola! UK home office will not consider verbal confirmations from applicants. Everything needs to be in the form of documents. They may or may not contact the bank to verify the details. The documents you have submitted will be final.
That being said, it also depends on the purpose of travel. I know you are applying for a tourist visa, but you seem to be either studying, playing or participating in a Football program. I’m not sure what rules apply for such purposes. My experience and advice are only in “tourist” visas with tourism as the main purpose.
Haddy says
Hi Sir! I’m worried I had applied for a short-stay visa on the 2nd of April 2019, via VFS to attend a conference in the Netherlands, which is from the 25th of April to 26th. Still, there is no response from them.
Thirumal says
Hi Haddy! Different consulates have different processing times. You are advised to apply for your visa 3 months in advance, or at least 1 month before the travel date. 3 weeks is not enough time.
Try contacting VFS/consulate to see if they can expedite your application as your travel dates are approaching.
Shamirah says
I used my bank statement because I will support my trip and all. I don’t know if any of my company members applied for Canada previously. I have travel history to Oman, Dubai, Malaysia, Cameroon. And I overstayed on my Malaysia student visa of which the New Malaysian law stated that anyone with an overstay and wanted to clear it was to get 5 years blacklist in Malaysia. And lastly, I don’t know anyone in Canada only that the conference organizer mentioned in the invitation letter that we should list them as persons of contact in Canada.
Thirumal says
Hi Shamirah! Your overstay incident in Malaysia may have affected your Canada visa. It is extremely difficult to confirm though.
Many countries these days share visa and travel records with each other. There are even databases that these countries refer to figure applicants’ visa and travel history. Unfortunately, this incident may affect your other visas as well.
Shamirah says
Greetings, please. I am to attend a convention in Vancouver on 3rd June and I filled my application on 2nd April and it was refused. I provided an invitation letter to the conference, flight ticket bookings, hotel bookings, my pay slips and a letter from my company asking for the visa. I did not write a cover letter and I did not put my employment letter.
My visa was refused based on the purpose of travel and family ties to Canada and to my country. Please, I want to submit again. Help me.
Thirumal says
Hi Shamirah! Looks like your purpose of travel is “business”. In such cases, the weight of the application may fall on the company sending you to the conference as well. If there are any background issues with your company, that can affect your visa result.
Questions
– Did you know if anyone else in your company has been granted/denied a Canada visa in the last couple of years?
– Did you submit your personal bank statements?
– Did you submit your company’s bank statements?
– Do you have any travel history?
– Do you have any visa overstay incidents?
– Do you have any family in Canada?
Nameeta Kulkarni says
Hi Thirumal. Very very useful post this one! Just wish I had come across this and known these nitty-gritties when I applied for my UK tourist Visa in September 2017 (and got rejected).
So I along with my mother wanted to visit my aunt and her family who are settled in the UK and are British citizens and applied for a 6-month multiple entry Visa in August 2017. We approached a travel agent in Mumbai for that purpose, as we believed that this would enhance our chances of procuring the same. Along with the mandatory cover letter, our application carried all the requisite documents, such as an invitation letter by my aunt, her citizenship and tax papers, papers pertaining to my father’s business and assets (as we showed him to be our sponsor), and other particulars such as my tax returns for 3 years and a leave letter by my employer.
Our application was rejected on many grounds, one of them being lack of proof to show the relationship between my mother and her sister, and the other, the visa officer not being satisfied about our return on the stipulated date. (Our travel agent told us absolutely nothing about the need for a detailed itinerary; so although we had stated the purpose as tourism, we did not show bookings or mention dates and places in our application).
Could my age and marital status (28 and unmarried at the time) also have played a part in this rejection? As also the fact that I mentioned I have family there?
Another hurdle is that I am not a full-time employee; I work as a foreign language teacher in a pvt institute, but on a part-time basis. Which means that the payment is as per work available and is variable (so if a stipulated no of hours haven’t been completed, I may not receive payment for that month). As a result, I am not always able to show proof of source of income, as I do not receive salary slips. I am looking to apply for a Canada tourist visa in the next 6 months, and another agent I approached said that I have 70-30 chances of visa approval, also considering my not-so-strong travel history (I have travelled to Dubai and Singapore). What points should I remember before applying for a Canadian visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Nameeta! Yes, age and marital status play a role in UK visas. But if you have strong ties with your home country, age/marital status do not really have much of an impact.
Travel history is extremely important for US, UK, Canada and Schengen visas. Along with travel history, full-time employment, a continuous source of income and strong family ties are important as well.
Part-time employment is not as effective as full-time employment. But if you are strong in other areas (source of income, travel history and family ties), you have a fair chance of visa approval. If you plan to apply for your Canada visa in 6 months, you have enough time to work on these areas, especially (1) source of income and (2) travel history.
Source of income: I know your income is invariable, but make sure
(1) Your income is at least continuous every week
(2) Have your employer deposit your income directly into your bank account (or deposit the check yourself every week)
(3) Grow your savings slowly to a point where it is more than enough for your Canada trip
(4) No large undocumented deposits in your bank account
Travel history: If you hold an India passport, I suggest traveling to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and Indonesia. All these countries issue Visa on Arrival and it’s the best way to gain travel history and visa stickers in your passport. You can also travel to South Korea and Japan. It’s quite easy to secure visas to these countries.
Ola says
Hello! I applied for a UK tourist visa. Just had my biometric yesterday but the problem is that the bank statement I submitted is currently low but I’ve got enough in it now. Meanwhile, it’s just a monthly bank statement and it’s my brother’s. Also, the sponsorship letter I wrote is my mum’s. Want to ask if they’re going to check the current bank balance and if I can finally get my visa approved.
Thirumal says
Hi Ola! You have introduced many people on the application such as your brother, your mom, etc. This can complicate your application as the UK home office conducts background checks on them. They may contact the bank to verify if your brother has an account there, but they won’t get the current balance from them. They rely only on the bank statements that you have submitted.
Elbetel says
I am applying for a schengen visa. But when I am filling the form I just made a little mistake. I fill my surname incorrectly, but erase it and write it correctly. Does it have a problem?
Thirumal says
Hi Elbetel! If you are filling a paper form, I suggest using a new form to fill. I don’t know what kind of pen you are using but I don’t think it’s possible to erase completely.
Paul says
Hi! I am Paul, I know of someone in Nigeria who applied for a study permit visa to Canada in 2006 (about 13 years ago) after gaining admission for a masters degree. His application was rejected on submission of suspected fraudulent statement of account from his sponsor and he was handed over to the Interpol for investigation. He was released after detention though without being charged for the crime. There was no criminal record on that.
The same person eventually traveled to Europe 4 years later for his master’s degree, which he successfully obtained, spent 5 years there and returned home in 2015.
He recently got admission for his Ph.D. in Canada and about to apply to the same embassy here in Nigeria.
* Please what are his chances of obtaining a study permit visa?
* Will the above-explained past record of refusal mare his chances?
There is a question in the application form on whether or not the application has been denied visa in the past, and to explain the reasons why. Should he say yes and explain, or say no and be silent about it?
* After about 13 years of the refusal, are those records still in the embassy’s system? By then there was no submission of Biometrics.
Please, your advice is needed.
Thank you in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi Paul!
* In my opinion, he has high chances of secruring his study visa. His visa was denied 13 years ago but it was not his fault. He was not charged and there was no criminal record shows that the visa denial was not his fault.
* I don’t think so. Like I mentioned about, the visa refusal was not his fault.
* He must say “yes” and explain. If the consulate figures that he had a visa refusal and he answered “no” for the question, then the consulate can use that against him as “lying”. This can have serious consequences.
* Yes. Consulates maintain all previous visa records. There was no biometrics at that time but that shouldn’t be the reason to say “no” to the above question. If the consulate somehow matches his records from 13 years ago, then the consequences can be very serious.
Nishit says
Dear Thirumal, Greetings!
I have applied Belgium Schengen Visitor Visa for my parents based on my Sponsor letter and other required documents like Invitation Letter, Sponsor Letter, Payslips, Belgium Bank Balance, Indian ITR, etc
Also, we have submitted all the required documents and proofs for my parents.
I can see the below status of the application on VFS Website:
English: Your visa application reference number is on hold at the Embassy of Belgium/Consulate General of Belgium. For more information on the same please call on 022- 67866036 between 08:00 to 17:00 hours Monday-Friday except for Consulate holidays.
Today I have received an email with a letter that application is on-hold with the following reason:
List of missing documents:
Please provide proof of additional income, OR from the children in INDIA. You need to have at least 45 euro * 88 days per person.
We have shown a sufficient balance in my parents’ bank account in terms of cash balance less than 1 Lac and FDs of more than 10 Lac.
I have called Belgium Consulate General of Belgium in Mumbai for the inquiry.
They have informed me of the following:
1) There is insufficient cash balance in my parents’ bank account
2) FDs are not valid in terms of required bank balance
3) I am having Belgium Work Permit and Residential Card. Hence I cannot sponsor their visitor visa.
4) I cannot transfer money into my parent account.
5) The only possible option for them to show bank balance is to break their FD and show balance in their respective bank account.
Request to verify my case and guide me to proceed further.
Thirumal says
Hi Nishit! From the “List of missing documents”, I understand that you asked for 88 days entry for your parents. 88 days it too long and it can obviously raise many questions.
1. Even after having a sponsor, the applicant must have his/her own source of income and savings. Many think that they can travel to a country if they have a sponsor. But that is not true. The applicant must be capable to support themselves in the event of sponsor bailing out.
2. FDs, mutual funds and stock ownership cannot be used as proof of financial solvency. A continuous source of income and liquid cash in the bank can only be used as proofs of financial solvency.
3. I don’t agree on that but each country has its own rules. Did they tell you who can sponsor? Only Belgian citizens?
4. Yes. You are not supposed to do that.
5. If that is the only option, then you have no choice.
Suggestions
1. If it’s not necessary, I suggest your parents holding off their travel for a bit. Now that you know, you can work on getting their financial solvency in order before attempting again.
2. I suggest asking for fewer days (max 30 days). 88 days is too long and the consulates might want to make sure your parents have their own source of income and savings. This is to make sure that they can survive on their own in case you decide to not support them.
3. There have been many cases of sponsors not honoring sponsorships. In such cases, the burden falls on the government to help, support and send the visitors back to their home countries. Therefore, consulates make sure the applicants can support themselves in the event of sponsor backing out.
Gopal says
Hi, I have done a mistake while applying for expedited US visa from India. In the tentative date of the journey, I wrote 04/18/2019, while it should be 18th May 2019. But in the description section and supporting documents I wrote and provided proof of my journey on 18th May 2019. And now there is no option to change the date and I find myself helpless in this situation. Can you help me in this situation or advise me what I should do?
Thirumal says
Hi Gopal! If you haven’t scheduled your appointment yet, you can fill a new DS-160 with the correct date of journey. Use the new DS-160 confirmation number while scheduling your visa interview.
If you have already scheduled your interview, you cannot change your DS-160. In that case, just carry proof of your journey to the interview so you can clear it up with the visa officer.
sheng says
Hi Thirumal, I was denied last October 2018 for B2 US tourist visa with 214b. I have work, house/property that I get through a housing loan and my bank statement but they didn’t ask me any documents to present during my interview.
The Marital Status that my travel agent indicated on my first application was Single, and also during the screening on the day of my interview. In one screening window, an officer asked me of my marital status and I said yes “Single” because it’s already indicated there on my application. I’m also using my maiden name in my passport. I have a pending/on-going annulment case.
Does it have a big issue on my second application if I change it into married or do I just select single as indicated on my first application?
I also declare in my application that I am going on a vacation and to visit my boyfriend in the US. Do I need to change it to Married or just select Single, will there be any problem when we apply for the K1 after my annulment and do they not detect that I am declaring my marital status wrong in my previous visa application? Thank you so much and looking forward to your best advice.
Thirumal says
Hi Sheng! The US maintains a bunch of databases that host applicants data sourced from third-parties. Your marital status might already be in their databases as “married” as your annulment case haven’t been finalized yet. The visa officers probably saw that discrepancy and assumed that you were lying.
Changing your marital status to “married” may or may not affect your visa result as it depends on the “comments” from the previous visa officer. If the previous visa officer did not indicate in the comments that you lied about your marital status, you may be able to get away by indicating “married” in your new application. But my advice is to go with whatever is your current marital status.
pankil thakkar says
Hello Sir! I want to go to the US next year with family. My brother in law is a citizen of USA and he sends me a sponsor letter, but he also makes file for his system. It’s ok to give me a US tourist visa for only one month.
Thirumal says
Hi Pankil! Sponsorships do not improve the chances for US visa. You have to demonstrate that you have strong ties with your country and have the obligation to return back after your trip. Full-time employment, continuous source of income, decent travel history, strong family and social ties will help.
kent says
Hi! I am a single mother technically because I’m not married to the father of my child but we are still together but not legally married. What should be my answer in the civil status, I’m applying for US tourist visa, and I know my status will be asked. What should be my answer? Please advise.
Thirumal says
Hi Kent! Probably “CIVIL UNION/DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP” is the most appropriate for your situation.
Kelvin says
Hello there! I recently was refused entry into Ukraine even though I had a visa. The reason was that I didn’t have enough money on me. My question is, is there a chance of me still being able to gain entry let’s say in a months time if I try again with enough money this time around?
Thirumal says
Hi Kelvin! I have not been to Ukraine, so I really don’t know the entry requirements for Ukraine.
A visa is only a travel authorization that allows you to travel to a certain country. A visa is NOT a permission to enter a country. It simply allows you to seek permission to enter a country. The actual permission to enter and stay in the country are determined by the immigration officers at the port of entry.
If the entry requirement for Ukraine is to carry enough cash as proof of financial support during your stay, then you must carry cash on you. And yes, you can try to re-enter with enough cash this time.
Jackee A says
Hi Thirumal, I feel I have a complicated situation on hand as I have been denied student visa by the US embassy here in Nigeria which led to the cancellation (without prejudice) of my 3 months remaining visitor’s visa.
I was given a letter under section 214(b) as the reason for the refusal when I applied for the student visa twice. I guess the refusal could be because I told them I no longer work with my last employer but would want to use this period to study for a 2 yrs course in the US. Also, I told them that I am sponsoring myself with the support of a friend in the US.
I have been in and out of the US twice last year with a maximum stay of 4 months.
Now, I plan to apply for a visitor’s visa but am afraid I might be denied even though I have business ventures with 2 persons based on investing in their business. Is this strong enough as a tie? Can I be issued the visitor visa or should I reapply for the student visa again but choose a course of shorter duration?
Thirumal says
Hi Jackee! Sorry to hear that! It’s unfortunate, but you are highly unlikely to be issued a US visa again due to the 2 below reasons.
Student Visa: Sponsoring yourself and with a friend from the US
You are currently unemployed and can support yourself. This means you have no strong ties with your country. There isn’t anything stopping you from overstaying your visa in the US. There is no obligation for you to return back to your country either.
You also have financial support from your friend in the US. This could raise all kinds of red flags on why a “friend” is supporting you financially. Is this really a friend, a potential business partner, etc.
Visitor visa: Overstay of your previous visa (4 months)
You are technically allowed to stay up to 6 months. But that’s usually for those conducting business, retired parents visiting their children, etc. A tourist staying 4 months in the US raises a lot of red flags. This indicates that you may have involved in remuneration activities, studies, domestic partnership, etc.
Suggestion:
If you like to try again for a study or a visitor visa, I suggest showing strong ties with your country. This could be employment, family or social ties.
Christina says
I work in a healthcare company in Dubai and my mother works in Dubai too. I am from Mumbai, India and recently visited Mumbai for vacation on which I was offered a job by one of the production houses in India. They asked me to complete the Digital Film Making course and the duration is for a year. I can try requesting my current company to provide me with a document if possible.
I got admission into one of the universities in New York and I am applying for the visa from Dubai. My brother will sponsor for my expenses in the US will that suffice? If yes, then what documents are required as he owns a small business in India. Additionally, my mother’s visa for Dubai will expire in the month of Aug this year and she will return to India. Will it be sufficient enough to prove that I have strong ties in India? I have almost 5 years of Customer service experience and nothing into Film making, will this cause an issue? Please guide me as my interview is scheduled in a weeks time.
Thirumal says
Hi Christina! Yes, your brother can sponsor your studies in the US. You may have to show his business, financial and relationship proofs during the interview.
Your mother staying back in India is not a strong tie with India. But the job offer you have which you would need to take after your studies can be used as a strong tie. It works as an obligation to return back to India after your studies in the US.
Your lack of experience in film making can be an issue. You are switching careers and visa officers would like to know the reason for that. Be prepared to explain during the visa interview.
Gautam says
Hi, I am going to Switzerland in July-Aug. I shall be applying for a tourist visa in Qatar as I am a resident of Qatar. However, my travel itinerary will be India-Qatar-Switzerland-Qatar-India or India-UAE-Switzerland-UAE-India. Are these travel itineraries good or is it must for me to travel from the resident country? I would appreciate your early response.
Thirumal says
Hi Gautam! Your current itinerary will complicate your Schengen visa. I suggest providing Qatar-Switzerland-Qatar itinerary for your visa. Since you will not be “purchasing” your tickets anyway, just provide a “flight itinerary” Qatar-Switzerland-Qatar for your visa. If you don’t know how to obtain a flight itinerary for your visa, check my article on how to get a travel itinerary for a visa.
Usman says
Hi sir, you are doing a good job. I have one question. If some company sponsor me for employment what should I have to show them and is it easy to get a visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Usman! If a company offers you employment, you (or the company) will have to apply for a work visa. I don’t know much about work visas as my experience and advice are only in tourist visas.
Damilola says
Please I applied for Australia student visa for the five (5) months, and the visa is not yet out, neither do they respond. Please, what can be the cause of it? Does it take that long?
Thirumal says
Hi Damilola! Unfortunately, I have never been to Australia or applied for Australia visa myself. I really don’t know the processing times for Australia visas that too student visas.
Zahid says
Thanks for the quick response!
I want to know one more thing why do we need to submit hotel and flight bookings when they have clearly mentioned in supporting documents guidance that below mentioned documents with the application are not required?
Section 4: documents you should not send unless specifically requested
This page provides guidance on the types of documents that are not required to consider your application.
if you are applying as a family/group you do not need to provide multiple copies
of the same documents
bank statements or letters issued more than 1 year before the date of
application
driving license
photographs (other than passport photographs required in section 1)
notarial certificates
business cards
hotel bookings
flight bookings
photocopies of bank cards
credit card statements
certificates relating to leisure activities
evidence of car ownership
travel insurance
sponsor’s utility bills
sponsor’s council tax bills
educational certificates (unless specifically listed in section 3)
Thirumal says
Hi Zahid! Hotel bookings and flight tickets are NOT REQUIRED for UK visa application. The documentation list varies from country to country and they do ask for hotel bookings and flight tickets in some countries. Your checklist (section 4) clearly says not to submit the hotel and flight bookings. Therefore, you do not need to submit those with your UK visa application.
Mary C says
Hello! I’m going on a trip to Germany at the end of May and just booked an appointment for a visa at Chicago’s German Consulate. It was really hard to get an appointment because they are really booked. The problem is on the confirmation email for the booking for my appointment a letter in my last name is missing. Everything else (including my passport number) is correct. I’ve been trying to get in contact with someone but the consulate keeps disconnecting my calls after having me on hold for a while. I’m just trying to figure out if that would be an actual problem or because it’s just for booking the appointment it doesn’t matter. Let me know if you have any insights on this! Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Mary! No, it won’t be a problem. It’s only for making an appointment. Details for your visa will be taken from your visa application form. Not from the details you used for booking the appointment. So, you will be fine.
Zahid says
I applied family visit visa as my brother is British citizen however, I mentioned in the application that I would incur all my expenses including ticket and accommodation, etc. and did not consider my brother as a sponsor though I mentioned that I would visit my brother and celebrate Eid (Muslim festival) with him.
Do I still need to provide any supporting documents from brother side like invitation letter, his passport copy, citizen card, etc.?
Thirumal says
Hi Zahid! No. You don’t need to provide any documentation from your brother. But the UK home office may check your brother’s background as part of your visa application. Let your brother be aware of it as he may be contacted for any information.
Ambless says says
Hi, please I and my daughter has been invited (letter of invite ) by my husband who lives in Italy to come live permanently with him. Now, we have submitted all the required documents at VFS Lagos now awaiting a call from Italy embassy. Please do we stand a chance? And is DNA compulsory; if yes: how long will it take for the result to be ready? Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Ambless! I don’t know much about immigration visas. The requirements and procedure for immigration visas are different from tourist visas. I won’t be able to advise you on your visa chances. An immigration lawyer would be the right person to advise you on your visa.
Therin says
Good evening! Thanks for all your useful tips and info! I’m a US citizen and have been helping a friend who lives in France with Tunisian citizenship get a tourist Visa in the US. He is on a student visa in France. I helped him with his DS-160 and to the best of both of our knowledge, it was concise and informative. I did provide him with a letter of invitation.
He had his interview today in Paris and was denied under 214(b). From everything he shared with me the consular focused mostly on his income which is low and how he would pay for the trip. I figured this might be an issue from my research so I had addressed this and provided documentation/information in my letter of invitation about funding his travel. The Consular never provided an option for him to talk about this (that I am aware of). However, as I have read your other responses a letter of invitation does very little for the US visa.
So what can we do now? Can he request another interview or does he need to reapply? What kind of advice can I give him for being able to show he has strong ties house, work, school, friends and would it hurt him for him to say I am paying for it all?
Thanks!!!
Thirumal says
Hi Therin! I’m sorry about your friend! As you mentioned, documentation including invitation letters will do nothing for US visa. There are countries and consulates where such letters are made right outside the consulates. Therefore, visa officers do not believe in such documentation.
It’s extremely important to prove that the applicants are capable to support their travels financially and have strong ties to their countries so they have the obligation to return back after the trip. If your friend’s income is low, I suggest him to wait till his income is better and sufficient to travel to the US.
He cannot request another interview. He has to reapply. He has to fill a new DS-160, pay the visa fee, schedule the appointment and attend the interview again.
It’s quite difficult for your friend to prove strong ties to France as he is a student there. It’s also difficult for him to show ties with Tunisia as he doesn’t work or live there. It’s unfortunate but it’s a tricky situation for him.
You can say that you will be paying for his trip. But sponsorships from friends don’t work. Parents sponsoring children, children sponsoring parents and spouse sponsoring husband/wife usually work. But other relations do not really work.
Ammeet says
Hi Thirumal! Thanks for all these posts, its been very informative and helping a lot of people. Appreciate!
I am planning to apply for my parents USA visitor visa (both retired and above 58), without an agent. I have a fair bit of idea of what documents are required for application and other formalities (after reading your other posts). They have sufficient funds and can sponsors themselves for the trip. And I have few friends in the US who can help plan the trip once the visa is issued, so not opting for any tourist company for this trip. But, I am confused about a few things like, at the time of visa interview would they need following things or not:
1) Booked return flight tickets to USA (around 15-20 days)
2) Hotel bookings of a tourist destination (as we are trying to show this as an independent trip)
3) Medical insurance from any agency (suggest if you know any good one)
And feel free to mention any additional details I might have missed in this post. Thanks again!
Thirumal says
Hi Ammeet!
1. Not required.
2. Not required.
3. Not required.
Flight tickets, hotel reservation and medical insurance are not required for US visa. Your parents will not be asked to show any of these during the interview. They will be asked verbally to tell their dates of travel and itinerary during the interview though.
Even the consulate or the visa offices do not recommend booking flight tickets, hotel reservations or insurance prior to the visa. Some visa applications such as Schengen ask for “held” flight itineraries and hotel bookings. It is a headache to hold flight tickets as not many know how to do that. Travel agents cash on such opportunities from gullible applicants. US eliminated such complexities completely, which in my opinion is a smart move. Therefore, flight ticket or hotel bookings are NOT required for DS-160 or interview.
I suggest your parents having an itinerary. Have them go over it a few times so they can tell their dates of travel and places/actives in the US without much thinking if asked during the interview.
I also suggest your parents carry their retirement documents and financial proofs to the interview.
Tharence says
OK, thanks thirumal, i already send you an email.
Kelvin says
I was refused entry into Ukraine because I wasn’t having enough cash on me but instead on my atm card. My visa was a student visa. I want to know if there is any chance of me going back and gaining entry once I have enough money on me.
Thirumal says
Hi Kelvin! I don’t know about entry rules for student visas. For tourist visas, yes you may be asked to show proof of available funds. You can usually do this by having cash on you or a recent bank statement.
Abdallah says
Thanks, Thirumal! This is so helpful and gives a clear insight.
Question: “does my travel experience have any big impact on the visa app acceptance?”
Apparently, I am planning my first journey to the UK but I am afraid this will impact.
Thirumal says
Hi Abdallah! Travel history definitely impacts your visa applications, especially for the UK, US, Canada and Schengen. If you have no travel history, then don’t apply for the UK visa. Your visa will likely be denied. A visa denial in your record can impact all your future visa applications for UK, US, Canada, etc.
My suggestion for you is to travel to many other countries as possible before applying for a UK visa.
Arabella says
Hello. Me again.
I and my brother will be using my father as a sponsor thus one bank statement from him. But I will be applying before him cuz of some business he has to attend to. When he uses the same bank statement when he is applying will it raise any flag?
Thirumal says
Hi Arabella! No, that shouldn’t be a problem. But like I always warn, sponsorships are complicated and therefore must be avoided.
Arabella says
okay. Thank you
Tharence says
Hi Thirumal
I have some small question wanna ask about. Actually, the next month, I am planning independent travel, meaning without anybody else sponsoring me but myself to Australia for a few weeks. So if I’m applying for an Australian visitor visa again now. Should I write a paragraph such as the cover letter to state what exactly of my purpose and intention for visiting Australia? I don’t have any travel itinerary because I have never been there before. This is my first time and I don’t really know what I should write in it.
I’m so worried for my visa getting denied again since the previous visa was denied before because of employment not tied enough.
Can you give me some advice? Like how should I write a strong submission cover letter? Because currently, I haven’t booked anything yet flight nor hotel, even I don’t have a travel plan itinerary, just plan to stay in the city for whole weeks.
Thirumal says
Hi Tharence! I haven’t been to Australia, so I’m not aware of the Austalia visa process. If a cover letter is accepted, then definitely provide one. Clearly, indicate your dates of travel and your day to day itinerary in your cover letter.
The consulate expects you to know your itinerary. If you have no itinerary then they would assume that you have a different purpose of travel such as working, studying or living illegally. Therefore, it’s very important to have an itinerary for your visa. You can change it after your visa is approved, but you must know what you will be doing in Australia for the visa.
I have templates for cover letters. Send me an email. You can find my email on the contact page.
Temitope says
Hello! Please, I want to make an inquiry on the following.
1. If I pay for my US visa fee 2 weeks after I submitted my application, does it have any effect?
2. Applying as a family (mum and 2 children above 18 years) are we going to speak to the US consulate together or separately?
Thirumal says
Hi Tamitope!
1. You DS-160 will be valid for a while, I think about 6 months. Sometimes it can be really difficult to get appointments in some consulates. Therefore, it’s important to have your DS-160 valid for a long time. US Department of State knows this fact. That is why your DS-160 would stay valid for about 6 months.
NOTE: I know your DS-160 will be valid for longer. I’m not sure if it’s 6 months or longer. I will do some research and update this comment.
2. You will all speak to the US visa officer together. Meaning, you will set up a single visa appointment for the entire family.
grace says
Good day! I would like to ask if you have any idea about the Schengen visa? I am applying for a visitors visa (sponsored), I already submitted my application on their UDI portal. The problem is, I am supposed to put a 90 days length of vacation, but I put a date that is 4 days longer than I have on my reservation ticket. For example, my expected dates of arrival are May 12, 2019, and the return flight is August 12, 2019. But my ticket reservation and travel insurance are only from May 12 to August 8, 2019. Will they still accept my application or do I need to submit another application with the same exact dates as seen on my ticket reservation? Thank you!
Thirumal says
Hi Grace! First of all, yes, mismatching dates in your application and flight reservation can raise questions and eventually lead to denial with reason “no clear itinerary or purpose of travel”.
Second, a 90-day itinerary raises red flags. I suggest using a 10-20 day itinerary, which is more realistic.
Jaybee says
Ok, thank you for your response! I contact my agent back on your reply and he plans to shift my visa registration still 10th of May 2019 and my interview will be on 22nd of May. That means that I did my passport on the 13th of February and I get married on the 4th of May 2019. But I’ve a document and my wedding picture to back it up also with the court agreement form. By the way, I and my wife hope that I’m a little bit ok with that? 2nd will the consulate see my information on my passport that I filled single?
Thirumal says
Hi Jaybee! If you really got married between the time you obtained your passport and applied for your visa, there is no problem at all. Just carry your marriage certificate to the interview.
Nelson says
Sir, thanks for your dedicated services! I am a Cameroonian and I recently moved to Ghana as a refugee due to the present civil unrest in my home town. Before I moved I have been fully employed, I also had plans to study in Canada. So, I recently got admission into the University of Saskatchewan to further my study. I have enough funds in my account to cover up this my trip. I wish to find out from you if applying as a refugee from Ghana will limit my chances of getting a student visa. My wife and children are back in my home country and here in Ghana am not fully employed. What advice can you give me before I launch my application?
Thirumal says
Hi Nelson! I don’t have expertise in study visas. I only have expertise in tourist visas for travelers. But that being said, you may have better chances if you apply from your country. Not having employment is not an issue for study visas. But being a refugee in another country may make the visa officers think that you have intentions of immigration. A study visa is strictly non-immigrant.
Arabella says
okay thank you very much
Jaybees says
I filled single in my passport when I was applying for it on 13/02/2019 and I applied for my visa on 30/03/2019. The agent filled married on my U S A visa form and my interview is on 23/05/2019 hope any problem? Backing it will vital document?
Thirumal says
Hi Jaybees! If you are single and your DS-160 indicates that you are “married”, then it is considered as lying and can have serious consequences. If you already paid your fee and do not want to pay again, I suggest going ahead with your interview. But during the interview, make it clear to the visa officer that your “marital status” is an honest mistake.
Arabella says
Okay, so can I book a next flight itinerary for 2 wks to present and still keep my already booked flight?
If they check the general flight system won’t both flight bookings show up?
Thirumal says
Yes. You can book a flight itinerary just for your visa. 2 weeks is still a lot of a 1-day exam, so it might still raise questions.
Arabella says
Hello. I have a plab 1 exam scheduled for the 27th/6/19 and will be applying for a UK standard 6 months visa but I have already booked a flight of 31 days from the 1st/6/19 to the 1st/7/19 (which I now know is a mistake to do without having the visa yet). For the hotel reservation, most sites can’t do above 28 days so I had to split it 15 days in two hotels. I am unemployed as a fresh medical graduate but will have savings of 3600pounds to show and still be sponsored by my father.
1. Is the 15 days in each hotel a red flag?
2. Is the booked ticket a red flag?
3. My hotel bookings of both added is 1500pounds so is the money that is left enough?
4. Is there any other red flags?
Thirumal says
Hi Arabella! Asking for 31 days of entry for an exam will definitely raise questions. You are unemployed, your father is sponsoring and you will be staying in a hotel for 31 days is an unrealistic itinerary.
1. It is definitely a red flag. Not because you have 2 hotel reservations but 31 days is unrealistic for an exam.
2. No. But again 31 days will raise questions.
3. 3,600 pounds is enough.
4. I’m in touch with another reader whose UK visa application was denied recently. He was planning to sit for PLAB exam and enrolled in preparatory classes in an institute for 10 days. His itinerary was about 15 days and his visa was denied. Looking at the similarities between his case and yours, I highly doubt your application will be approved.
I suggest you change your itinerary to as fewer days as possible. You must be able to convince the visa officers are you will be in the UK just sit in the exam.
mr bah says
I’ve been invited to the USA by my brother to attend his graduation ceremony. I’m a Sierra Leonean and also a businessman. Presently I’m in Dakar to visit some other family members who reside in Dakar. I want to know the possibility of scheduling my interview in Dakar and I also want to know the documents I require for the interview.
Thirumal says
Hi Mr. Bah! You can schedule to attend your US interview anywhere in the world. It is not mandatory to attend in the home country. All you need is your original passport and visa appointment confirmation. You can carry some minimal documentation such as your business proofs and financial proofs.
Jasmin says
Hi Thanks for your answer, its like taking out a needle in my heart…. at least we have confidence and peace of mind now…
Any other tips to ACE our interview next week ..
Thomas Brarud says
Thank you for your reply. I guess i will just have to cross my fingers and hope.
At least i have every other document ready, from bank statements to flight itinaries and so on. I have taken pretty much everything i can into consideration to prove as much as possible. I have the interview in two weeks, so i guess the rest is up to faith and how well i do on the interview.
I have not lost hope yet.
Thank you
Thirumal says
Good luck, Thomas! Let me know how it goes.
Beatrice says
Hi, thanks for your answer much appreciated!
But I have another question. I have someone I know. He is an American pastor and he has a church.
If he wants to invite me like am going to attend the church in the US, what do they need to provide me? Do immigration officers ask how do I know those people from USA church? or they will ask if am I attending the same name church in my country? If I am going like am going to attend church what do those people from USA church need to do? I am still going to show my bank statements and business certificate? Please help me.
And to use this way like I am going to attend church is it easy way? Then to apply myself like am just going to visit?
Thirumal says
Hi Beatrice! They don’t need to provide you with anything. US visa officers do not ask for any letters as such letter are not enforceable.
If you mention that your purpose of travel is to attend the church in the US, the VO will ask you about the people you know in the US church, etc. If your purpose is to actually attend the church in the US, then B1/B2 may not be the appropriate visa category.
There is no easy way. US B1/B2 visa is for tourism or business. If you don’t have a purpose of visit and simply wants to enter the US for ill intention, I cannot help you. US VOs are trained and they can spot ill intentions easily. Sorry I cannot help you anymore!
Jasmin says
Hi Good day!
Me and my husband actually planning to apply for B2 US Visa but we did a small mistake instead of B2 we selected B1/B2 visa and there is no going back and not allowed to change it. Do you think it will be an issue???
And we both are in different nationality I am from the Philippines and he is Indian, but we both are well established here in U.A.E. Abu Dhabi.
Hopefully, you will reply on my message thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Jasmin! That’s perfectly alright. I recommend selecting B1/B2 instead of B1 or B2. US visas are typically issued for 10 years. You may be traveling for tourism now, but your purpose of travel can change in the future. Therefore, B1/B2 is more appropriate.
Mawanda Godfrey says
Thank you so much Mr Thirumal for the countless job you are doing. My question now is, am a Ugandan but does working in UAE for 4years increase my chances of getting a US tourist visa? Will the consulates at US embassy ask for a letter of leave approval as am in my vacation of 2 months at this time? How long will it take to process my US tourist visa? What other documents should I have in preparation for the visa processing? Is it possible to change the status of the visa to a work visa while in the US with in that period of tour? Will the tourist visa be quick to apply online? I will be grateful for the answers thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Mawanda! Not really. Working in the UAE will not improve your chances but having strong ties with UAE would. No, the consulate will not ask for any letters or documentation during your interview. They assess your strong ties and your intention to return back only from your DS-160, interview and other databases they have access to.
The total time for US tourist visa process depends on you as you are the one filling your DS-160 and scheduling the interview. But the visa result is immediate as the VO will tell you whether your visa is approved or denied at the end of the interview.
Changing status may be possible depending on many other factors. But if you have such intentions, the VOs are trained to figure that out even if don’t tell them. B1/B2 is purely for tourism or business.
Thomas Brarud says
Hey man. Great tips, although i wish i read into this before i already applied and paid for my visa appointment…
I mentioned that i had a friend i was going to travel to visit, but pretty much everything else you wrote has been accounted for. I tried to put a lot of weight on the fact that as a traveler i like the safety of having someone to travel to, who can safely guide me around so i can visit and explore as much as possible in the short amount of time in there for. By reserving tickets, and attaching copies to the documents, surely it shouldn’t be too much trouble right?
Thank you
Thirumal says
Hi Thomas! We all have friends in different countries. It’s always a pleasure to meet up with our friends in these countries. But it’s wise to not mention about our friends in the visa applications. It not only complicates the visa process, but it can also lead to visa denials.
As an example, a reader of this blog from India hosted a Brazilian couchsurfer in India. When he applied for his Brazil visa, he mentioned that he will be visiting this couchsurfer (who was his by then). Brazil consulate wanted the couchsurfer’s passport copy, Id, bank statements, etc. It was not only awkward from my reader to ask his Brazilian friend for his passport, Id and bank statements, the consulate ultimately denied his visa. Brazil is one of the easiest visas to get, so my reader has booked non-refundable flight tickets. At the end of the day, my reader couldn’t go to Brazil, couldn’t see his friend and lost a lot of money on flight tickets.
Shammi Devda says
Hi, thanks for the fast reply!
No, I didn’t fill the visa application myself nor did I have a chance to see it I live in a small town I sent it over to my agent in Mumbai.
My flights and hotel were booked by my agent. Flights were refundable for international travel but the domestic sector they booked none refundable. For which I will have to take a loss of 80K.
One hotel they told me is refundable but the other two are not, but they are promising they will get the hotel money back with the least cut.
Me my wife and my 6-year-old kid. My wife is a housewife and I’m a businessman
Yes, all the visas were denied.
No I/we have never overstated in any country.
I have traveled for pleasure in 90% of cases.
I, my wife and kid have traveled with me to Thailand and Europe for a holiday (France). Then cruise around Europe.
I hope I have answered all your questions
Thirumal says
Hi Shammi! In that case, there may be something wrong with your Australia visa application itself. I suggest asking your travel agent for a copy of your application to figure what was the issue.
Virgie A. delos Reyes says
Hi Sir! I have my schedule for an interview with the US embassy on April 1, 2019. I am sponsored by my sister. I’m presently working and have a No Objection Certificate to Travel from my employer. Do I have the chance of approval? I was also granted a multiple entry visa in the Canadian embassy and has been there for one month and a half.
Thank you!
Thirumal says
Hi Virgie! Since you have employment and good travel history, you have high chances. But without knowing your complete situation, it’s really difficult to say anything. Also, documentation is not very important for US visa. US visa officers mostly rely on DS-160, interview and numerous databases that contain applicant’s data.
shammi devda says
Hi, I am pretty sad at the moment my family 20 days holiday plans came to an abrupt halt when the Australian visa was denied to us. I have a good travel history. I was in France and around Europe. About a year and a half back I have traveled many times to China and Hong Kong. Been many times to Thailand. I have been to South Korea and Japan as well.
My travel agent said, “you have a good travel history and with strong documents, your visa is just a formality”. I had booked hotels, activities and internal flights. And my international flight tickets which my agent told me was provided to them.
In addition to my bank history, they provided a cover letter on my business letterhead and license of my business and my income tax returns. And a letter from the travel agent’s company. Still, my visa was denied.
The reason they felt was I won’t be returning back. We were told people with no substantial papers have got the visa. We are devastated and of course, have taken a hit monetarily. Will this rejection affect my future travels? And, why do you think my visa was rejected?
Thirumal says
Hi Shammi! Unless I see your visa application, it’s really difficult to say what exactly was the problem, which made the Australian authorities thought that you will not return back.
If you read this blog post you will understand that I always recommend my readers to apply for visas on your own. Travel agents may or may not have experience. They may or may not have applied for visas for themselves. They make it sound visas are pure “luck”. They put the blame on the authorities saying that they issued visas to applicants with no substantial papers.
Visas don’t work that way. Countries like Australia have very sophisticated systems to verify the applicant’s and agent’s backgrounds. If the agent had a bad history, that might impact the visa result as well.
A few questions for you so I can understand your case –
– Did you fill the visa application forms yourself or your travel agent? Did you get a chance to look at them before submission?
– Did you book any “non-refundable” flights or hotels for this trip?
– When you said “family”, who were all on the itinerary? What are their backgrounds?
– Were all visas in your family denied?
– Did you overstay any of your visas before?
– All those countries you have traveled so far were for business or pleasure?
– All those countries you have traveled were with family or just by yourself?
Merwa says
Hi Thirumal, it’s Merwa again.
I have another problem here. So me and my mother are planning to attend my brother’s graduation and booking the same hotel (as I told you she is my sponsor) but we are planning on getting our appointment on different days and also she will be staying there for two weeks and I will stay there only for one so when she filled her DS-160 she stated that she will be traveling alone and I will do the same too so you think that will would affect my interview make them suspicious?
And another thing is my invitation has arrived and while I was reading it I noticed there has been an error when they were writing it. Even though it clearly mentions that I am attending my brother’s graduation and I am his sister there is a part that says “so we want his mother…..” I think they were using the same paper as my mother’s so what do you think I should do I don’t have enough time to get another one do you think the officer will notice or have a problem with this mistake?
Thirumal says
Hi Merwa! I suggest you both going for the interview together. This can help you in a couple of ways – (1) make your case strong as you are planning to visit as a family, (2) have higher chances for “your” visa approval if the VO grants the visa to your mom since you both are together right there and (3) you both can help each other in answering questions at the interview.
Applying together has advantages. If one visa is approved, they may approve the other as well since you both are traveling as a family. But it also has disadvantages as they may deny both visas if one of them is denied.
Going individually has it’s own merits as well. Since there is no bearing on each other’s applications, there is a higher chance of at least one application being approved. So, it depends on which option you prefer.
VOs do not usually ask for any documentation. They rely on DS-160, interview and numerous database that contain applicant’s data sourced from governments and third-parties. Therefore, don’t worry about the invitation letter. Just carry the one you have.
Sarah says
Hi Thirumal.
I would like to attend a conference in Canada with my 12 year daughter and we have already paid for it. I’m employed and my organization is covering everything while i cover my daughter’s. what advice do you give on how to get visa.
Thank you
Thirumal says
Hi Sarah! If your organization is taking care of your expenses, make sure they provide all relevant financial documentation. You must provide your financial documentation as well since you will be covering your daughter’s expenses. Other than that, there is not much to worry about.
R chowdhury says
Dear
I am going to apply for study visa of south Africa from india. I am showing own fund means own bank statement and certificate.
This money is given my mom.
This fund i will use my educational purposes.
Is that ok?
Thirumal says
Hi R Chowdhury! My expertize is only in “tourist” visas for travelers. I don’t know much about study visas, that too study visa to South Africa. Sorry!
Beatrice says
Hie
Am from malawi..
I need to apply visitor visa to the US but am not employed
But I have registered business in my country and I have fund in my bank
Do they need to see if am paying tax or anything like that ? Or they only need to see my business certificate and my fund in my bank..
And what is the good reason to give when they are asking why I want to visit USA
Thank u
Thirumal says
Hi Beatrice! It is not mandatory to have a job for a US visa or as a matter of fact, for any visa. All you need is a steady source of income and strong ties with your home country.
Since you have a business and all relevant documentation, you are fine.
The visa officers do not usually ask for any documentation. They rely on your DS-160 and interview. They also refer to numerous databases that contain applicants’ data sourced from governments and third-parties. They may already have enough information on your business, income and taxes. But it’s wise to carry all relevant documentation for your business, such as business registration, annual income reports, client contracts, bank statements and tax returns.
Only you know why you are visiting the US. Just tell the same when asked. If you do not have a purpose and you make up something, the visa officers would figure that out easily and it can affect your visa result.
Ruben says
Hi there,
7 years ago i got fined for possession of Marihuana in Norway on my travels. It was a tiny bit (less then 1 gram) but they did arrest me. When applying for the ESTA visa i thought it would be smart to answer the question if i was ever arrested honestly with yes and then the ESTA application was denied.
How can i fix this and make sure i will be granted an ESTA visa so i can visit USA?
surely such a small mistake can’t be the reason i can never come to this country?
Love to hear form you.
gr Ruben
Thirumal says
Hi Ruben! It’s a tricky situation. Countries such as the US refer to numerous databases to check an applicant’s background. They may deny your application if you disclose it. They may deny your application if you don’t disclose it on the grounds of lying in your application (since they have this information in their databases already). Therefore, it’s really difficult to say if this was the reason for your ESTA denial.
Elynie says
Hey, I need your help.
I am applying for my visa next week to got visit a man I met online in Denmark. We have been talking for more than a year now. I am employed and I can surely support myself and I am also starting my masters degree in my home country come August.
However, my worry now is here, you have mentioned that I don’t have to mention that I know someone in the foreign country. He already sent an online invitation letter and I don’t know whether it can be cancelled for the embassy not to see it.
Plus, he is the one sponsoring the expenses to be involved in the journey since he doesn’t want me to spend my money on our first meeting.
How can I go about this while I go to the embassy for the interview? I am scared my reason for the visit is not strong enough but I don’t want my visa to be denied
Thirumal says
Hi Elynie! It’s difficult for the consulate to verify the background of the applicant living in a foreign country. But it’s very easy to verify the background of someone living in their own country. Therefore, If you mention that you know someone in their (foreign) country, the consulate would immediately dig into that person’s background.
My advise is mostly for travelers who are traveling on their own and paying for themselves. There is no need for them to introduce unknown people in their visa applications and deal with complications later. Therefore, I advice my readers to not mention anyone in the foreign country to avoid unnecessary questions and visa denials.
Bhaskar says
Hi Thirumal,
I have a small question for you today. I came across the situation is that due to too dry I could not scan my thumb fingers. Does it make any problem with my visa result? This is for Sweden (Schengen visa).
Would be grateful for any answers. Thank you!
Regards,
Bhaskar
Thirumal says
Hi Bhaskar! It’s really difficult to say how the Swedish embassy would consider lack of one fingerprint. Sometimes the biometric machines are old too and it could be a common issue.
Amit Singh says
I was thinking to get the US and Japan tourist visa, but not actually travelling to any of the places for now. Japan usually give the 5 yr multiple entry visa however, the US gives the 10 yr multiple entry visa. However, I will travel when I’ll get the deal, which occasionally comes.
(1) Will cancelling the itinerary (flight & hotel) attracts any chances of my visa get cancelled?
(2) Suppose if I’ll not travel to the US after getting the visa. After some years (when my B1/B2 is still valid), if I’ll go for any other visa (e.g. L1 or H1) then would it not be in the mind of the visa officer that why he hasn’t used the tourist visa in last 5-6 years?
(3) After my B1/B2 got expired, and I haven’t travelled to the US, then will it create any negative impression on the visa officer’s mind (he took visa from us but haven’t used it) when I’ll go to get another B1/B2 visa after my forst B1/B2 got expired ..?
during the validity of my visa. When I’ll go to get Will, they do not ask this question if I’ll go to get the tourist visa after my first visa got expired? Or may be
Thirumal says
Hi Amit! First of all, do not spam with the same questions again and again. My blog’s spam engine will flag you and you cannot post any more questions.
1. No
2. No. There are no consequences of not using a visa. Actually, consulates love such applicants who don’t run to the airport as soon as they get the visa.
3. No. Refer to the above point.
Amitsingh says
Suppose, if I got the US B1/B2 visa stamped for tourism purpose. Then
(1) If I will not travel to the US in those 10 years for which the visa is granted, then will it create an issue to get me the visa again?
(2) I’m travelling to the US after 5 years of visa stamp. Will it affect my entry to the country?
(3) I’d applied the B1/B2 for tourism purpose. Then after I’m entering in the US for business purpose, e.g. office meeting, then can it create any kind of issue for me?
Thirumal says
Hi Amith!
(1) Actually, the US consulates and border security love those who don’t care to use their US visas. It shows that you are not desperate to go to the US. Same applies to any country in the world. Therefore, you will not have any issues securing a new visa in the future.
(2) Not at all. You can enter the US anytime you want in those 10 years of US visa validity.
(3) Not at all. That is why a “B1/B2” is issued instead of a B2. A B1/B2 is for both tourism and business.
Ann says
Hello,
Nice work you are doing here. I have a valid USA Visa and I plan going to Canada from Houston during my holiday. I want to apply for Canadian visit Visa.
Do you think its wise for me to book my return ticket to Houston before applying and reserve a ticket from Houston to Toronto for the application process or I reserve both my return trip to Houston and return trip to Toronto. Then I pay for the tickets after I have gotten my Canadian Visa.
I plan to take three days off my holiday in Houston to Toronto and go back to Houston before coming back to my home country.
Thirumal says
Hi Ann! A roundtrip from Houston to Toronto just for 3 days can look suspicious. Houston is pretty far from Toronto. Keeping the time and costs in mind it wouldn’t look believable. In my opinion, your country – Houston – Toronto – your country would look more believable.
Sugantha kumar says
Thanks a lot for your reply again, Thirumal.
Out of 150 applications from my company in the past 3 months, only 40-45 people has been issued with VISA. But everyone has stated the same purpose of attending annual user conference!
I’m really confused about the time when should I apply next? Give it a good 6 months gap or in 4 months that comes on May 2019.
Thirumal says
That is only a 30% approval rate from your company. That definitely indicates that your company has been flagged.
If it is not urgent, give it as much time as you can. You don’t want the visa officers to think that you are desperate to go to the US.
Sugantha Kumar says
Thanks for your suggestions, Thirumal.
Here is the only mistake I did during my first visa interview, counsellor asked how long will my trip be and I said not more than 3 weeks. But the DS 160 had 2 weeks filled in it. Later, the second interview was very straight forward and I did not give a chance to commit any mistake.
Also I heard lot of applicants from my company are denied VISA recently. Because previous visitors from my organization has violated the VISA rules of overstaying like 3-4 months in the US every year. (One of the employees who applied for extension had a serious debate with the counsellor as why did he visit the US so often and spent half of every calendar year there. They informed that B1/B2 VISA was violated and H1B is the right visa type for his purpose)
So, before I proceed with application again, just wanted to know is third the best possible attempt to get through US. Because the travel team in my office said, more than three attempts will drastically reduce the chances of getting VISA approved.
Now, I’m thinking of to apply for B2 VISA as a family (Mom/Dad/Uncle/Aunt and then I) saying we are gonna take a tour to the US this summer (Because applying with the help of my company would result negative)
Is my thought right? Or should this also be a problem. (Though we have decent funds in the bank account)
And if it’s a group of 5-6 people, will we be questioned separately or as a group by one counsellor?
– Suganth
Thirumal says
That could be the reason. Your company probably has been red-flagged in their systems and it was popping up everytime you apply. Many offshore companies exploit B1/B2 visas, which are strictly meant for business or tourism.
Since we are not sure if your company has been flagged, let’s check with your colleagues. Did any of your colleagues secure B1/B2 visas (not H1B or L1) recently? If none could secure B1/B2 from your company, that probably confirms that your company is flagged.
You could certainly try for a B2 visa. But I suggest doing a few tourist trips on your own or with family to other countries prior to taking this route. All your trips so far have been for business. A tourist trip to the US can raise questions such as why the US, why not France or Switzerland. You get the idea.
You all (5-6 people) can go together for the interview. It certainly improves your visa chances, but I have seen incidents where some were issued visas and some were denied. It all depends on relationships, group size, purpose, etc.
Aduke says
Good day! I applied for a B1/B2 visa and appointment interview is scheduled for April. My concerns now are; 1. I have no travel history. 2. I work and study (MSc.) part-time. I indicated only work in my application, can I also mention studying if need be at the embassy? 3. How do I prove my strong ties and background with my home country? Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Aduke!
1. Travel history is very important. It shows that you haven’t overstayed your visas and returned home promptly. This builds trust.
2. You must not contradict the information entered in your DS-160. That is why the visa officers sometimes ask the same questions from your DS-160. If you aren’t lying, the answers come out naturally and match with your answers from DS-160. So, if you haven’t mentioned your study in your DS-160, then do not mention it in your interview as well.
3. Generally, strong ties are demonstrated with long term employment, considerable travel history, good financial solvency, strong family and social ties. If you lack in one area, you can compensate by being extra strong in another.
Sugantha Kumar says
Hello Thirumal,
Firstly, I appreciate your efforts on guiding/helping people with their Visa related queries. Keep going!
I too have a concern related to the US B1/B2 Visa, hope you would be able to guide me as well. Here is the case,
I was denied B1/B2 Visa twice! 1st attempt was on June 2018 and second was on Jan 2019.
My purpose of the visit was to attend conference/customer events organised by my employer (product-oriented software company which has an office in the US too). So the trip expenses are also taken care of by them.
1st time I was able to guess the reason for refusal. It was due to no travel history in my passport. But before I went for the second attempt, I travelled twice to the UK (In my 6 months business visa) & to Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia with proper business VISA’s.
In the second interview, the counsellor asked me the reason why I visited so many countries in a short time and I explained clearly that it is all for the same business purpose. Later, she asked about my marital status which played a major role in denial again, I guess. (I said I am unmarried)
I was shocked to hear that my VISA was denied!
Post Jan 2019. I again travelled to the UK, Ireland for business purpose and now extended my UK Visa for 2 years because of frequent travels.
Now, there is one major event coming in the US on June 2019 and is it wise to re-apply for the B1/B2 visa again in May 2019? The only change in my position than the previous interview is, I got a 2 years UK Visa stamped in my passport, but not married yet.
Is my Age (26) playing a factor in getting the VISA approved or is something else that I should prepare to crack my next interview? I am not sure, how can I convince the counsellor to prove my ties to the home country?
Could you guide me, please!
Thirumal says
Hi Sugantha! Sorry to hear that! In my opinion, you have very good ties with your country as you are full-time employed, earn a decent salary, have good travel history, etc. Age is also not an issue either. A few things that might have affected your visa result –
1. There may be something in your background that might be poping up at every visa attempt. US visa officers use a combination of third-party databases to study an applicant’s background, compare with the details provided in DS-160/interview, etc.
My research indicates that these databases provide a decent amount of information on each applicant. It’s really difficult to say what information they have about you.
2. There haven’t been any significant changes in your circumstances since your first visa attempt. A change in circumstances includes applying for a different visa category, change in marital status, etc.
Travel history is not a change. So, visa officers have nothing else to evaluate your case on. So they are relying on the comments by the visa officers from your previous attempts.
Suggestions
1. I have seen a few cases where repeated applications eventually worked. So try again and see what happens.
2. Go through your DS-160 from attempt 1 and 2. Compare them and see if there were any differences. You may be able to find some clues.
3. Go through your interview questions/answers from attempt 1 and 2. Compare them and see if you can find any clues.
Max says
good day Admin, I’m kind of nervous on this, I’m a Nigerian, I graduated last year from the University. I have my best friend who’s longing to see me in the US, on a visiting visa and my visa is been sponsored by her, and I don’t really have a strong account including my parents, but she’s sponsoring me on that. Pls what is The possibility of getting this visa? your help is needed urgently, thanks in anticipation.
Thirumal says
Hi Max! Your friend sponsoring your trip is not a problem. What’s important is (1) your strong ties to your home country and (2) your intention to return back after the trip. You have to somehow demonstrate these two.
Generally, you would need to have strong employment background, travel history, financial solvency, family and social ties. If you lack in one, you can compensate by being really strong in another. Good luck!
garima says
hi
I want to apply for B1 visa for attending a 3 days conference.
i don’t have good income statement to show also, my company is 8 months old. It’s an indian company and i work in here.
But, this trip will be sponsored by a client residing in USA.
They may give their brochure or registration details but not bank statements.
Please help how can i proceed further!
Thirumal says
Hi Garima! You may not be asked to show income statements or salary slips as the US visa officers rarely ask for documentation these days. Your employer’s client paying for your trip is also not a problem. What’s important is your purpose of the trip. What visa officers would like to know is how important it is for you and your employer to attend this conference. If it’s really important, there is nothing to worry. Good luck!
Merwa says
Hello
I was denied an f1 visa 3times four years ago and know my brother, which is in the us, is graduating and am planning to get b2 visa since then I have been learning in my country(Ethiopia) to get my engineering degree and I will be graduating next year my mother is my sponsor so my question is
1 Will my 3 times dinal will affect me now
2 my brother is planning to stay in the us to go to graduate school will that affect me too
3 I have to miss some classes since I’m planning on staying for a week for his graduation would that make it seem like am planning not to continue school and stay in the us permanently?
What are my odds here?
Thirumal says
Hi Merwa!
1. Your 3 previous visa denials may not affect you since (1) your purpose of travel and (2) the visa class you are applying are different now. But that being said, you still have to demonstrate strong ties with your country which may be the primary reason why your previous 3 attempts were denied.
2. F1 visa is purely non-immigrant. If they sense in you any intention to remain in the US after the studies, they will deny the visa. If your brother plans to remain in the US after his studies, it can definitely affect your visa result. The VOs might think that you will follow the same path as your brother.
3. You cannot time your brother’s graduation. Therefore, you may have to miss classes in order to attend your brother’s graduation. Therefore, missing classes should not affect your visa result. But like I mentioned, you have to somehow demonstrate that you have strong ties to your country and have no intention to remain in the US after your trip.
lee says
Hello
I was denied an f1 visa to USA last year like 3times but since after that I have been to UAE and U.K. now I want to apply for a tourist USA visa,my agent is advising me to mention that I knw someone in the USA but I won’t be saying with him,what are my chances and do you think is necessary I tell them I know someone even if I’m not going to the stay in the same states with him?
Thirumal says
Hi Lee! Your circumstances are different now as you have more travel history and applying for a different visa class. Therefore, you have high chances of visa approval.
That being said, do not buy into what agents will have to say. Do not lie on your visa application as it can have serious consequences.
When you mention that you know someone, a background check may be performed on that person. If you don’t know that person well, it can lead to visa refusal. The important thing you need to figure is your “purpose of travel”. If it’s tourism, then you don’t need to mention about this person. If meeting this person is your true “purpose of travel”, then you have to mention about this person even though you don’t intend to stay with him.
KELLY says
Great job my brother God will reward you for being blessing to others.
Thirumal,
My community people residing in USA holds well know conference every year in USA and i am planning to attend this year own mind you i have been denied visa to USA 2 times now, i am a salary earner with 3 kids and wife but am going alone for the conference i don’t have travel history yet.
other times i applied i indicated that i have a brother who actually invited me but was denied can i still indicate i have a brother over there mean while i am going for a conference not visiting my brother.
what is the chances like?
Thirumal says
Hi Kelly! You have to, of course, declare that you have a brother living in the US. Not disclosing any information is considered as “lying” and can have serious consequences.
It’s very difficult to comment on your visa chances unless you know the reason why your previous two visas were denied. If your circumstances haven’t changed since your last visa refusal, it’s highly unlikely that your visa will be approved.
Nirmal Shah says
Hello Thirumal,
I have applied my parents visa for Schengen(Belgium) based on my sponser letter.
Everything from sponser letter , Invitation letter , Cover letter, bank balance , other assets are ok.
But By mistake I mentioned multiple entry for 45 days of trip.
Will it cuase any issue ?
Thirumal says
Hi Nirmal! Long itineraries can raise questions, especially if the purpose is tourism. If the purpose is other than tourism, you must justify long itineraries in your cover letter. Sometimes parents’ help is needed during childbirth, recovering from sickness/accident, etc. So, as long as you justify your long itinerary in your cover letter, you are fine.
Since you have already applied, you can’t do much now. In my opinion, since you have all the documents in place, this should not be a huge issue.
anu says
hi i am trying to apply for my USA visa, can I mention all the countries I visited beyond 5 years or just the countries visited in 5 years. I have more list of countries beyond 5 years.
Thirumal says
Hi Anu! Only the last 5 years of travel history is relevant for US visa. Therefore, enter only the countries you have traveled in the last 5 years.
Azira says
Hai thirumal,
My travel date is 22 may 2019
I started filling up the form on 20 feb 2019
And submitted application online on 12 march 2019
I want to request appointment date on 27 march 2019
Its should be okay, right?
Can i reapply new form using new account n new email. Would it be a problem to UKVI? Will they blacklisted me is i am doing such thing
Thanks
Thirumal says
Your dates seem reasonable to me. I believe (a) the appointment dates are truly unavailable or (b) your appointment dates are restricted based on certain criteria specific to you. The only option, in this case, is to keep trying several times a day to see if any appointment dates open up. If you see a date availability, book it rather waiting for the preferable date. You can update/change your appointment date after.
You can read more on this on UKVI FAQs section.
I don’t think UKVI will blacklist you because you have two applications open. What if you have forgotten your password or lost access to your first email? I believe you can open a new application in such situations. But you may have to pay the fee again.
rahul shah says
If I have visa for hungary a Schengen visa from 24-28March but have air tickets arrival 24march and departure on 29march. will I be allowed or is there any problem?
Thirumal says
Hi Rahul! Are those 24-28 March, your travel dates or visa validity dates. If travel dates, then yes, you can change your travel dates and fly out on the 29th. But if those are visa validity dates, then you have to leave the Schengen area on or before the 28th. Otherwise, you will be fined, penalized or banned from entering the Schengen area again.
azira says
hai Thirumal, this is azira again
i have problem with visa to UK.
i did applied using chrome latest version from laptop
i managed to complete till declaration and BPR collection
when its goes to step booking appointment to submit the all the forms, its written ” no appointment date available at this location ” to all 3 locationa_ Kuala Lumpur, sabah and sarawak
then i emailed to them, that cost me 6 GBP for i email.
they told its technical issue
they asked me to use old version internet explorer version 8,9 or 10
then i did tried version 8 and 10
i could not find/download any computer with version 9
however it is still the same
i just dont know what to do
from the forum online, some suggest refresh or try to log on at specific hour such as 12 midnight where the slot will be released. still no luck
in the email UKVI officer did not mention about reapply.
so, can i reapply again using same account and just forget the previous application.
i heard that need to ask UKVI officer before reapply again once the declaration has been done.
no button for delete application once declaration completed.
please help
thank you
Thirumal says
Hi Azira! One thing I dislike about the UK visa application is that they charge for everything. Anyways, it cannot be a browser issue as not many use IE anymore. From another reader, I found out that the appointment dates usually are available only up to 3 months in the future. What dates are you exactly looking for?
Alice Yonka says
Good morning. Please kindly advise. I applied for a Schengen visa through Greece which was denied in 2017; saying
“The information submitted regarding justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable”.
“Your intention to leave the territory of the Member States before the expiry of the visa applied for could not be ascertained”.
I really need to travel again this year. I have one month leave. Can i apply using another country or do I have to go back to Greece Embassy.
Thirumal says
Hi Alice! Even if you apply from a different country, they will have the records of your previous Schengen visa attempts. So, it doesn’t really matter which country you apply from.
Rizvin Ali says
Hi,
We are a group of 6 who are planning to travel to Singapore. We have made all our ticket bookings and hotel bookings together.
However, since we are staying in 2 different locations, (Kerala & Hyderabad), we are applying for visas separately but using the same common bookings.
Would this be alright or should we apply together from either one of the locations only?
Thirumal says
Hi Rizvin! I suggest applying from one location if possible. This would avoid any unnecessary complications arising from applications in different locations.
Elizabeth says
Can I do visa appointment before required 3months or will my visa application be rejected if I do the appointment before required time.
Thirumal says
Hi Elizabeth! Most tourist visas can only be applied 3 months prior to the travel date. Exception for US visa. What visa are you referring to?
T says
Hello! I had the USA visa before and applied again to renew it because I want to go for tourism. For the visa type I put in the B1/B2 option (because when I looked at my visa in my passport thats the type that was in there) even though I only intended to go for tourism, was that a mistake and would they deny me the visa because of it? I’m not sure if i should have only put the B2 tourism/ medical option and im stressing out over that
I also put ‘No’ when asked if i was ten printed because I couldnt remember if I got it done or not. I am really worried if I did something wrong
At first I got the interview waiver and mailed my documents and now they are sending back my documents and want me to come for an interview.
Please let me know what you think
Thirumal says
Hi T! Usually, B1/B2 is issued even if you have requested a B1 or B2. Since a US visa is issued for 10 years, the US consulates consider B1/B2 as more appropriate. That way, the visa holder can travel to the US on both business and pleasure trips without needing to apply for two separate visas.
They won’t deny your visa because you asked for B1/B2. Like I mentioned above, even if you request a B1 or B2, they usually issue a B1/B2.
If you are not sure whether you were 10 printed before, you can enter “No” for it. They will verify and call for an interview if you weren’t 10 printed before. I assume that’s the case with your application. They want you to come for the interview so they can capture your biometrics.
Josh says
Pls My uncle booked an appointment for me some days ago and I didn’t get an email due to a mistake made when typing and I’ve been given a date for the interview,but I didn’t get an email….does it mean anything????
Thirumal says
Hi Josh! I’m assuming you are referring to the US visa interview. You don’t need the email. You only need a print of your appointment confirmation for your interview.
Zaheer says
Hi I’m planning to go to America with my wife for tourists visa.i want to know this.
Should we both are apply one Application?
And my first cousin lives in Usa last 35 years ago, before 20 years ago he and his children have spent childhood with me. I have old photos for proof,
Now my cousin sending me a sponsorship.
Should i need only one sponsorship me or my wife ?
Or i need separate separate two sponsorships ?
And What is the Visa Chances ?
Please reply
Thirumal says
Hi Zaheer! Both you and your wife have to fill DS-160 form individually. But you both can schedule a single visa appointment. You both will go for the interview together.
When you say “sponsorship”, you mean that your cousin will take care of your and your wife’s accomodation, food and expenses while you are in the US? In that case, it would be one sponsorship for both you and your wife together.
Your visa chances depend on many factors including your ties with your country, your purpose of travel and how well you know your cousin.
I suggest referring to the US visa guide, guide to fill DS-160 and guide to schedule US visa appointment.
Laura says
Hi I am planning to apply for a visa for Pakistan. The process is quite lengthy and expensive. I do have a misdemeanor for urinating in public from 6 years ago. Do you think this would be grounds of getting my visa denied? I do not want to spend $300+ if I know it will instantly be denied.
Thirumal says
Hi Laura! I know that countries like the US, UK, Canada have databases to verify any visa applicant’s background. So, it’s difficult to say if Pakistan has access to such databases. I don’t want to comment on a country’s ability to access such information, so I leave it to you to take the decision.
Jo says
I applied for a tourist visa for Australia and unfortunately it was refused. The details stated that I did not show verifiable evidence to show that I was a student. Therefore, there was not incentive to go back to my country after.
However, I provided proof of myself being an student (enrolment letter, scholarship letter)
It was also suggested that my financial evidence was not clear? Again I sent in personal bank information and my student account where my student finance get paid.
I would like to apply again but I am frightened. Can you please help!
I am a uk resident. I go to a uk university.
Thirumal says
Hi Jo! Enrollment and scholarship letters may not be considered as “current” proofs. Current student proofs can be any of the below –
– A letter from the university/department head mentioning your study, semester, conduct, etc. This letter must be on the university letterhead with the current date and original signature of the head. This letter indicates that “as of now” you are a student at that university/college.
– Any future fee payment receipts that you have. These indicate that you have to come back to the UK to continue your study.
– If you have any internships/fellowships, provide letters from the heads of those companies/departments as well.
When you say “bank information”, is it “bank statements”? You must submit 3-6 months of bank statements with consistent deposits and withdrawals. If you have large deposits or withdrawals, consulate might think that you have manipulated your bank statements for the visa. In that case, provide proofs of those large deposits/withdrawals or explain clearly in your cover letter.
Adrienne Turnbull says
Is it ok if I purchased two one ways instead of a round trip ticket for when I apply for the Schengen Visa and the UK Visa? I’m going on a 7 day Mediterranean cruise. It was cheaper to do two one ways.
Thirumal says
Hi Adrienne! Yes, you can purchase two one way tickets. But highly recommend “not purchasing” your flight tickets before your visa approval. For visa, you should only book/hold flight itinerary. You do not need to purchase them. For options on how to book/hold flight itinerary for visa, check this article.
Evans Garcia says
Hello sir
I’m a student with scholarship(financially sponsored by the federal government of Nigeria)..
In 2017 I applied for tier 4 and we(me and other students) were sent to Uk to study a top up HND course. We got back last year (2018) August. Now they’re sending us back to the UK, same school to complete our BSC top up course.
1. My first issue is that i lost both my parents so I randomly guessed their date of birth during my previous visa as none of my relatives remembered and now I’ve forgotten the date of births I used.
I don’t know what to do now, am stuck at first parents details(DOBs)
2. Can I write two of my fathers name even if I wrote only one of his name the last time because I’m confused which of his two names I wrote.
thank u as I awaits ur swift response
Thirumal says
Hi Evans! You can find your father and monther’s details within “PART 3: FAMILY DETAILS” of your previous UK visa application (PDF). If you can’t find your old UK visa application, then a couple of options for you – (1) Log into your UKVI account and you can retrieve your old application or (2) Check in your computer, emails or files. You may be able to find the PDF.
1. It’s important to use the same details as your previous visa application. But if you can’t, I suggest using random dates. Mention why you had to use random dates in your cover letter.
2. Similar to the above, go with two names. Mention why you had to use two names in your cover letter.
Aduke says
Thank you, will do
Aduke says
Thanks, I do appreciate….it’s not date of birth that has issues, its place of birth that’s different on the two documents.
Thirumal says
I see. I misread your comment, sorry about that. Well, you don’t need to worry about the place of birth. Not too important. But for the other ones, try to contact your nearest US consulate.
Aduke says
Hello, am Nigerian, applied for a tourist visa to the U.S recently, my interview is in few weeks and I would like to make some clarifications;
1. There was a mistake on my DS-160 regarding the Location selected, already refilled it and i read I have to print and bring both the former form and recent form with me to the interview.
2. The place of birth on my DS-160 form differs from the one on my passport. To what extent does this matter?
3. My named sponsor is my fiancee, and i filled other relative in the relationship space. If asked to explain the relationship at the embassy….should I be completely open about it?
Thanks.
Thirumal says
Hi Aduke!
1. First of all, you don’t have to schedule your visa interview in the exact location/consulate you selected in your DS-160. You can schedule to attend your US visa interview in a different location. That’s acceptable.
Second, you can only re-fill a new DS-160 before scheduling your visa interview. Once you schedule your interview, the DS-160 number you entered will be used for that interview. The VOs can reference your DS-160 that way before and during your interview.
Therefore, I’m not sure how re-filling a DS-160 after you have scheduled your interview works. Enquire with your nearest consulate because you are not advised to print and bring your DS-160 since it contains personal and sensitive information.
2. You are supposed to fill your DS-160 with the information exactly as in your passport. If your date birth on your DS-160 doesn’t match with your passport, it’s considered as a mistake and you would need to fix it. Usually, passport number, date of birth and full name are used to look up information in their systems. So, you must make sure all information on your DS-160 match with your information on your passport.
Again, I don’t know how serious the date of birth mistake is. You should inquire with your nearest consulate.
3. Yes, you should be as honest as possible in your answers.
Azira says
Thanks alot. Really helpful information
Azira says
Hi Thirumal
I am Malaysian applying for standard visitor visa for the UK for 9 months.
I going to the UK for clinical training(observationship) for 7 months. My government ministry of health will be sponsoring me and has provided me a letter of financial affidavit stated how much money I will receive per month
My questions are
1. Is that financial affidavit enough, as I don’t have a good bank statement?
2. For the address in the UK. I plan to write the address of the hospital I will go for training. Because the accomodation still in the booking process. The hospital has provided me a room to stay with some rent need to pay per month. Can I use that address?
3. I do have the 10 yr history of traveling. But I do not remember the exact date and year. My previous passport is available and mentioned travelling about 8 years ago. But I cannot remember beyond that 8 years
Thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Azira! One thing that’s unique with the UK visa process is that the UK home office will verify the authenticity of all the documents. That means, they may contact your ministry of health and the hospital you will working/staying.
1. If your ministry of health will be sponsoring your living expenses along with the training fee, you don’t need to worry about your personal bank statements. You, of course, have to submit your personal bank statements, but you don’t have to worry about them too much.
2. Yes, you can. But you may have to provide a letter/receipt from the hospital confirming your accommodation. UK home office will contact them to verify that as well.
3. If you can be accurate for the last 8 years, that should be fine. The 2 years of travel history that you don’t remember, use approximate dates.
Note: I suggest maintaining your travel history in a spreadsheet. You may not need it all the time, but when needed it comes in handy.
Syed says
I will be applying for a US tourist VISA soon. The concern i have is, do i need to disclose my sibling information in the application form. We are not much on talking terms, and im not using him as my sponsor too. I am applying the VISA/tip with self expenses.
Will there be any further questions if i mentioned my sibling information, and what if, if i say i don’t have any sibling in US.
Thirumal says
Hi Syed! In my opinion, you should still disclose your siblings’ information. Even if you don’t mention it in your DS-160, the visa officers’ may figure it out through various databases that they refer to. If they find out that you have your siblings in the US and you haven’t specified that in your DS-160, it can be considered as lying.
Therefore, I suggest specifying your siblings’ information in DS-160. But if at all the topic comes up during the interview, you can say that you will not be meeting them on your trip.
Bradley says
Hi, i just submitted my application for a chinese tourist visa today in the UK, i realised i made a small mistake, i signed all the signature opitons in the application including the section 9.2 where it states a 3rd party helped fill in the form, but i did sign all the sections where i was meant to sign myself, will this affect my visa maybe being denied? I abit worried
Thirumal says
Hi Bradley! That should not affect your visa result. If any questions arise, the Chinese embassy will contact you to clear that up with you.
Ifeoma says
Hello,
I just applied for Uk visa from Nigeria.whats the possibility of giving.thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Ifeoma! UK visa result depends on many factors. It’s highly difficult to predict your result without knowing your situation.
Lawrence jake says
Hi Thirumal,
Good afternoon!
Thank you for your guide it is an awesome one!
I do have a question I am planning to go to Japan how was the VISA application there any idea?
Can you provide tips on that.
Thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Lawrence! I haven’t been to Japan yet and therefore I cannot comment on the Japan visa process. That being said, what I heard from my readers is that the Japan visa process is not too strict and they require the usual documentation (employment proof, bank statements, round trip flight tickets and hotel bookings).
Naya says
Hi Thirumal,
I’m an F-1 student studying in the States and I just applied for a French visa bc I want to travel there for spring break. When I got my biometrics taken at the VFS office, due to my dry skin (because of the cold weather), they couldn’t scan one of my fingerprints. Will this affect my visa application? I am so nervous because I got a non-refundable flight ticket:(
Thirumal says
Hi Naya! You will be fine. I’m quite certain that it won’t affect your visa result. Sometimes the biometric scanners are not clean/efficient either.
Fon Nelson says
Sir,
Last year I got admission into a university in USA to study Bsc in Laboratory sciences, I applied for an F1 visa in November but was denied the visa. In 2019 i got re-admission into the same institution. i recently applied for an F1 visa though not in my home country but in the US embassy in Togo and i was still denied a visa. These two attempts i could only get a reply which says my visa was denied under section 214b, sincerely i cant really say where my fault is. I am thinking of reapplying but i really need your advice. Am still in Togo on a Business visa. my program starts in May of this year. Please i really need your advice on how to go about this. Thanks in advance
Thirumal says
Hi Fon Nelson! The two main criteria that affect your US visa decision are
1) Your strong ties with your home country and
2) Your intention to return back to your home country after your studies
Look into these two and see whether you demonstrate these in any way. If you do, see if you can demonstrate them in a better way.
That being said, the US Department of State has access to a multitude of databases to verify one’s background and other details. So, if your details on your DS-160 or answers in your interview do not match with the information that they already have, it can affect your visa decision.
Lastly, I have seen success with student visa applicants on their 3rd or 4th attempts. So, sometimes the university, consulate, visa officer, and time also plays a role.
Adama says
Hi, I was denied my US B1/B2 visa on 28/2/19. I don’t know why I was denied because I’m a frequent traveler to China. I have been to France, Germany, Belgium and some African countries as I’m a businesswoman.
– The officer asked me why am I traveling to the USA. I answered correctly to the question.
– Where do you want to go to the USA? I said I don’t know much about the USA but I have a hotel I booked and hopefully, the hotel will guide me for tourists visiting.
– She then asked about my marital status. I replied single which is correct.
– She asked whether I have children. I said yes.
– She asked how many and their age. I told her the details.
– She repeats again where in the USA do I want to visit as a tourist. I answer her. She said you must know where you intended to stay, which state, etc. But I don’t know the name before.
So now I want to apply again. Please, can you help out?
Another thing, I have all my business papers and a healthy bank statement but she didn’t even check on them and said sorry, Adama we can’t give you the visa.
The letter she gave me said I didn’t demonstrate any ties to show that I will be back from the USA after my visit. I didn’t accept that because I have my own house, shop, kids, also a good statement of account. So why wouldn’t I come back?
Thirumal says
Hi Adama! Sorry to hear that!
1) First of all, US visa officers do not accept any documents. For them, documents are not verifiable. They pay attention to only 3 things – (1) your DS-160, (2) your answers in the interview and (3) a number of extensive databases that contain the data of the applicants from various sources.
2) This is very important. I see this mistake all the time. Your comment was one large paragraph. I had a hard time reading and understanding it. I decided to ignore and delete it since it was unreadable.
But I took the time to clean it up, rearrange and made your answer readable to me and my readers. The assumption here is “you talk the way you write”. If you do, it can be a huge problem for your visa interview.
Visa officers do not have enough time to understand the applicant. It’s the applicant’s responsibility to be short, clear and direct in their answers. If the visa officers can’t understand you, they will deny your visa and move on to the next applicant.
Same applies to your DS-160. You have to be extremely clear in your DS-160. If you lump everything in large paragraphs with no proper breaks, visa officers will not take the time to read your answers. They will just move on to the next applicant.
3) You must absolutely know where you are going and when. Write down your itinerary and know it by heart before heading to the consulate.
Olusola Deborah says
Hello sir,
Thanks for this awesome write up.
I wanted to ask if one’s mother is an illegal immigrant(Expired Visa) in the US, can someone answer No in the Visa application, where they ask if one’s mother is in the US, would it be traced that the person’s mother is in the US during the interview. what if someone answer yes in the application, would it affect one’s chances of getting a non immigrant visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Olusola! I personally don’t know if the US department of state traces the applicant’s mother’s whereabouts. But if the department of state figures the applicant has lied on the application, it could lead to visa denial, visa cancellation, ban or prosecution. Therefore, I strongly advise against lying on the application or during the interview.
neha says
I am applying for a tourist schengen visa for a travel of 8 days, which my company is sponsoring, but they cant provide the bank statement for confidential reasons, and the visa application centre refused to take my application without the bank statement. what should i do? Will a declaration from my company on reason they cant provide statement work?Please reply urgently, thanks.
Thirumal says
Hi Neha! I suggest providing your personal bank statements instead of your company’s bank statements. Along with that, I suggest providing the following.
– Flight bookings made by your company (shows that your company is paying for your flight)
– Hotel bookings made by your company (shows that your company is paying for your accommodation)
– A letter from your company mentioning that (a) they will be covering all your expenses on your business visit to Schengen and (b) the reason for not being able to provide business bank statements
– A cover letter from you indicating that you have provided your own bank statements instead of your company’s, purpose of visit, you activities during your visit, etc.
If VFS still declines to accept your application, a couple more options for you
– See if your company can provide the statements in a sealed envelope, that way you can’t see them but the consulate can open and see
– Ask your company to mention in the letter that they can provide the bank statements directly to the consulate if asked, therefore the consulate should contact the company if need
Tarek says
Being a holder of one of the worst passports in the world having visited some tough visa-regime nations, I must say this article is quite well written, not the mention the support you’ve been providing for your commenters.
Keep up the good work!
Thirumal says
Hi Tarek! Thanks for your kind words! Readers like you and comments like these always encourage me to do better. Thanks again!
F.Oates says
Hi Thirumal
I am applying for my 14 year old son to gain a visa from Australia for France for a long stay student stay experience. He is staying with French friends of ours for five months. On the online submission form (which I have not yet finally submitted and neither do I have an appointment with the French embassy) I neglected to put his French place of residence and yet I cannot amend the details as i have progressed too far with the form. It says on the help FAQ site that if you make a mistake that I do not need to delete the application form, simply print out a new one and present this with the required documentation but does this mean it is acceptable for it to be hand written? I am not sure whether to delete the entire application/account and start again or whether I will be restricted in re-applying because my son’s details are already in the system. Are you familiar with the French online submission forms and whether a visa will be denied because i have omitted this accommodation detail? Can I print the form and write the address in by hand?
Thanks for your advice.
F
Thirumal says
Hi F.Oates! I suggest continuing with the same application. After you print the completed application, mark the field with a pen where you made the mistake (handwriting is fine). Then supplement that with a letter explaining what mistake was that and the correct information. You can have this letter in a separate sheet of paper or part of your cover letter.
Omitting information may lead to visa denial but not fixing a mistake. You will be fine as long you mark it properly and supplement with a letter/documentation. Hope that helps!
Peter says
Hello Thirumal! Thanks for the great work done for helping us!
I am Peter from Rwanda. I have applied and now waiting for a schengen visiting visa to visit my swedish girlfriend… its been 15 days including weekends without any response from the consulars… or can i wait 15 working days in General?
I am a university student and my father is going to sponsor me during my stay from the 1st of march until 10th march.
as i have provided my information in the application, Invitation letter, itinerary, insurance and flight booking….
are the consulars going to contact my girfriend from Sweden asking more details about me?
Thirumal says
Hi Peter! I’m not aware of the processing time at the Swedish embassy in Rwanda. If it says 15 days, I would assume it’s 15 working days.
Yes, the consulate will contact your girlfriend and may do a background check on her as well. I believe the consulates use third-party companies for that. Therefore, the visa process might take longer than usual.
Abdulrahmon says
Hi Thirumal !
Having read most your comments here I must say I appreciate the way you give quick response to comments.
I am a Nigerian with no traveling experience, I work with an International NGO foundation based in Nigeria. My boss the Founder of the NGO foundation has decided to sponsor me to go attend the Global Philosophy Conference in the USA coming up first week of April this year 2019. The conference is for two days, my boss has booked hotel for me at the venue where the conference will be holding. San Francisco, California.
He has filed my application since last year December 2018 and my interview at Consulate is coming up first week of March. My boss is a frequently traveller.
My question is I have not traveled out of Nigeria before, so what is my chances of getting the USA visa to attend the conference being a first timer??? Your quick response will be highly appreciated. Thanks very much!
Thirumal says
Hi Abdul Rahmon! Not being outside of Nigeria is not negative. A lot of factors play a role in the visa decision, not just travel history. You should be confident in going to this conference in the US. At the same time, you should also be content with not going.
My suggestion is you explain the same thing as you wrote here to the visa officer. Be honest and tell the reasons why you would need to go to this conference and why your boss wants you to go to this conference. Also, tell why you never traveled outside the country.
The thing is, as long as you have answers to the visa officer’s questions, you are fine.
Abdulrahmon says
I never traveled out of The country before because I have no reason to travel, you know you must have a specific reason before you can travel out of the country, more so, the previous company I worked for didn’t have traveling opportunity and going for one conferences or the other outside the country. I joined this present company nine months ago. I hope that doesn’t really matter.
Please kindly reply back. Thanks a lot.
Thirumal says
I suggest not to mention that you joined this current company because your previous company didn’t have any travel opportunities. This sounds like you are interested in traveling to the US more than your company/conference itself. This might prompt the visa officer to question your true intentions. Visa officers are highly trained in this aspect and they can sense any false intentions, desperation, etc.
I suggest you build some travel history. Take some time off and travel to the neighboring countries first. Then venture into countries outside your continent
Abdulrahmon says
okay Thirumal!
I will do as you said.
But I must confess to you that I didn’t left the previous company because it doesn’t have travel opportunities, I left because I needed a better offer, upon joining this present company I wasn’t told I will have opportunities to travel out of the country but I know my boss is a frequent world traveler. I was even surprised when he told me to bring my international passport that he wants me attend a conference in the USA, honestly I wasn’t expecting such at all.
The only reason why I told you that my previous company does have travel opportunities is because you asked me why haven’t I never traveled out of the country before. I was just trying to explain why I never traveled before to you that’s all. But now that you suggest I build a traveling history by visiting neighbouring countries does that means someone that would be going for a conference being sponsored by his company, and that doesn’t have traveling history will not be granted visa?
Mind you don’t forget I told you my boss already made an appointment for me at embassy and he has also paid for the conference and the hotel, because he is a very busy person, so he had to make the preparation for me in order to avoid delay from his own side.
Thanks very much.
please kindly reply back.
Thirumal says
I apologize for misunderstanding your earlier comment.
In your case, travel history shouldn’t be an issue. It’s a business requirement that you attend this conference. Your boss wants you to attend this conference and its much needed for your company. The weight is more on the company than on your personal factors such as travel history.
I suggest doing the interview with confidence. Keep your answers clear, direct and honest. I know you will do well in the interview. Good luck, Abdul!
C S B says
Hi, I have complete documents and joining a tour group. My visa B1/B2 was refused on Feb 14, 2019, because my answer was not appropriate. The question was why you want to go to the USA. I know the answer (Tourism) but I said Not thinking, to celebrate my 62nd birthday and will visit tourist spots, take lots of pictures to show to my family. Then I realized it was wrong. Can I have a second for this mistake? I am a permanent resident in a foreign country .
Thirumal says
Hi CSB! In my opinion, that is not a wrong answer. You explained honestly why you want to go to the US. And, that is what the visa officers would like to hear, your honest reason.
Your visa denial could be due to a different reason. Without looking into your case and knowing your complete situation, it is difficult for me to pinpoint the exact reason.
Did anyone else in that tour group secure their visas successfully?
Pranjali says
Hi Thirumal, I got the schengen bussiness visa. Thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Pranjali! That’s fantastic! Congratulations and enjoy your business trip to Europe!
JOHN says
Definitely an eye opener. I have been refused Thailand visa two times in two years. They put VL on my passport. Next time, if I am going to apply for Thai visa, I am not going through any agents. I will do it myself.
Thirumal says
Hi John! Sorry to hear that! I always recommend applying on your own. You will learn a lot in the process. Good luck!
Shavon says
Hello,
I am a teacher and is currently doing a masters programme. So basically, I am employed as well as I’m doing my studies. I also have a 1-year-old son, I want to travel to the US this Easter with him and my spouse. My spouse already has his visa. I was a visa holder at age 14 -19 years. When that visa expired, I reapplied and was denied. They said I was a minor at the time I applied.
Any advice on what to do this time? Should I allow my spouse and son to go together? Should I go with my son alone? Or should we go as a trio? Suggestions please.
Thanks!
Thirumal says
Hi Shavon! You did not mention whether your son has a US visa already? I’m assuming that he has one, and my answer is based on that.
I suggest going as a trio. Since your spouse and son have visas already, it’s just you who would need to secure a visa. Even if your visa gets denied, they can still go. But securing your visa first will help you all plan your travel well.
In my opinion, you have a strong case for the below reasons –
1. You are an employee and a student. This works very well as a strong tie with your country. You have to return back to your country to finish your studies and also continue your job.
2. You have a history of prior US visas, which will help in your current application. The previous denial shouldn’t affect your current application as the reason for the denial was not completely your fault.
Good luck!
Shavon says
Thank you for the respond. I appreciate it.
My son doesnt hold a visa. Only my spouse. Should we still go together ?
Thirumal says
Well, it’s complicated in that case. Since your intention is to go as a trio, I suggest you all going together.
Twinkle says
Hi,
I’m a salaried employee and applying for my VISA to UK.
My cousin brother has sponsored my trip(tickets, accommodation & everyday expenses etc.) as I will be travelling with his mother(she holds Indian Diplomatic passport). He is posted in London (High Commission of India). My trip will last for 3 weeks.
My only concern was I do not have the required funds in my salary account instead I have those in my Savings account in which the funds are saved by my parents for me. Will that create a problem and question my ability to sustain in the UK?
Also, are there any other tips that you’d like to give me on how should I apply. Will my Visa get approved? A bit scared..
Thirumal says
Hi Twinkle!
1. Usually, sponsorships from parents, siblings and spouse work the best. If your cousin is not directly related to you, it may pose a problem.
2. A 3-week itinerary just for London is too long. It may raise questions. But it depends on your purpose of travel (see the questions below)
3. If your cousin undertakes the responsibility of your expenses while you are in London, your bank statements are not too relevant.
Questions
Is your purpose of travel “tourism” or to “help your aunt as she can’t travel by herself”?
Useful info
I wrote a detailed article on UK visa refusal reasons. Take a look, it answers a lot of your questions.
Twinkle says
Yes, one of the main reasons is that she won’t be able to travel all by herself.
Also, since my cousin has been posted there for 1.5 years now. I haven’t actually got a chance to spend time with him and his family. I have a lot of leaves stacked up, so I thought of staying with them for 3 weeks.
Will the long stay duration actually be a hindrance?
Thirumal says
You can definitely use “helping your aunt in travel” as a reason. But you have to make sure it’s clearly stated in the documents that your cousin supplies. You must also supply documents that confirm your relationship with your aunt and cousin.
Since you are not directly related to your cousin or aunt, you must provide necessary documentation that rules out the assumption of human trafficking or domestic labor.
Three weeks is not a major issue. Make sure you provide a detailed “leave approval” letter from your employer stating the dates of your leave, your purpose of vacation (travel to the UK to help your aunt) and the day on which you will have to report back at your job. This document will reaffirm your intention to return back to your job and home country after your vacation.
Twinkle says
When you say “Since you are not directly related to your cousin or aunt, you must provide necessary documentation that rules out the assumption of human trafficking or domestic labor.”
What all documents do I need to provide?
Thirumal says
Any family photographs that show both of you in the picture will help. Regarding documentation, I don’t have much idea. You can probably provide any documentation that proves your relationship. If there isn’t any, I guess a notarized document/affidavit confirming your relationship should work.
Gemma says
Hi,
I am from Nepal. I recently applied for UK Business visa and now waiting for their response. I am planning to attend the meeting there. I was previously rejected for short-term student visa for a 2 week course, which was fully sponsored. In the box, where it says reason for refusal- I have written “incomplete document” since the reasons for previous denial was- not attaching payslip, consent from parents (although I was 29 at that time) and being unmarried. I think I have got all my information and documents right but I am worried since I was rejected before. Also, at the VFS they have given me a document that says my passport is damaged and may likely to be refused visa. Please let me know what you think about this.
Thirumal says
Hi Gemma! Unlike other countries, UK Visas and Immigration does not communicate or ask for additional documentation if needed. If they can’t find something, they just deny the visa. You have to make sure you provide every piece of documentation and cover letter that supports your application. I need more information inorder to provide you with my feedback. Can you answer the below questions?
1. Is your business trip to the UK sponsored (your current visa application)? If so, who is the sponsor and what kind of documentation did you provide?
2. Who was the sponsor for your 2-week course (your previous visa application)? What kind of documentation did your provide?
3. Is any important information on your passport not readable to due to the damage?
Gemma says
Hi,
Thanks for your reply.
1. Yes, the accommodation is being covered and that is clearly mentioned in the invitation letter. I have shown my bank statement to show that I can cover the travel.
2. Acceptance for the course letter, payment voucher, support letter from my work covering my course fee and daily allowance of 50 pounds, as for the accommodation, I had written that I would stay at my friend’s place. I had given her passport details, her residency card details, electricity/gas bill clearance, support letter from her.
3. All the information is clear and readable. The only thing is the picture is slightly discolored but no issue with my travel to 3 other countries before application.
Thirumal says
Hi Gemma!
1. When you say that the accommodation is covered, you mean, (a) your company agreed to provide a daily allowance? OR (b) actaully booked a hotel for you for those two weeks.
If they agreed to provide you with a daily allowance, that would complicate things for the visa. To keep it simple and clear, I suggest your employer booking a “refundable” hotel on your name for those two weeks. After your visa, they can cancel the booking and provide you with a daily allowance.
2. I think mentioning about your friend wasn’t a good idea. When you introduce a new person in your application, the home office does all kinds of background checks on that person. If there is anything questionable, they deny the visa.
There isn’t anything wrong with your friend. But it obviously complicated your application. This time, just have your employer book a “refundable” hotel for you. They can cancel after your visa approval and you can still stay with your friend. For your visa, just keep everything simple.
3. If the picture is discolored but still recognizable, then you should be ok. If the picture is not recognizable, then the airport authorities or the immigration official cannot confirm that it’s your passport.
Seun says
Hi Thirumal, good job youre doing here…well done.
I’m presently self employed and applying for an Ireland Visa. The requirement on their website didn’t give detailed information on what is needed to submit as self employed, but I am making it clear in my letter that the business is sponsoring the trip. I’m submitting my business registration, statement of accounts and proof that I’m the only sole signatory to my business account. I’m using my business account because it’s more funded than my personal accounts. The only issue here is I don’t have my tax returns up to date, but it was never asked for even in the self employed requirements.
My questions;
1. Do I still need to include my personal accounts statements which is not very well funded like the business? I have salary pay slips I am planning to include, but will this be needed if I’m not submitting my personal account statement?
2. If I provide my business account statements which is quite impressive, my business account registration certificate and client’s invoices, can the tax returns be an issue especially since no emphasis is really placed on it by the Irish Embassy?
3. I intend staying for a month for a tourist visit, you stated not giving more than 15 days itinerary, does this mean I leave out the remaining 15days unexplained? Even though my bookings already showed details for 30days
4. This is my first time ever traveling out, I explained that I have decided to start exploring traveling because it was never a priority until I build my business up to a particular growth state and having achieved that, I decided to start with Dublin. Which is one of the cities of the world I’m planning to explore. Is this too much details and will it have any effect?
5. Apart from my business tie,I have included pictures of my family( dependent and retired father and elder sister) do I need to include their birth certificates showing that we are really family?
I ask too many questions please forgive me. Thank you
Thirumal says
Hi Seun! Apologize for the delay in responding to your comment.
1. Ireland and UK are strict about the purpose of travel. If your purpose is “business”, then you can use your business accounts as proof of financial solvency. But, if your purpose is “pleasure”, then I’m afraid your business accounts cannot be used. Visas usually get denied if it’s unclear whether business funds are available for personal spending.
2. If your purpose is “business”, you can absolutely use your existing business documentation. Tax returns will only strengthen your case but not mandatory.
3. Asking for a 30-day entry will definitely raise questions such as who will run the business while you are away, why you would need 30 days in Ireland, etc. If you already have your flight tickets booked, then you have no choice but to use them.
4. Personal achievements are not given much priority. What matters for Ireland is whether you meet the criteria. Lack of travel history could pose a problem. If you can tweak your purpose to be 100% “business”, then there is a higher chance since it’s a business demand for you to be in Ireland.
5. You may have to enter your family/parent’s details in your Ireland application form. But you don’t need pictures or birth certificates of them.
Questions:
What passport do you hold? I can give you detailed suggestions if I knew your passport.
Thelma says
Thanks for your reply! My friend is sending me an invitation letter from the UK and my uncle in Nigeria is going to sponsor my trip and expenses to the UK.
Thelma says
Hello. i am a Nigerian I want to apply for a UK visa for holidays and I have not worked before. But my sponsor is going to pay for my expenses and I will also use his bank details to apply for the visa. I am getting an invitation letter from a friend in the UK. Please will I be given the visa?
Thirumal says
Hi Thelma! Unfortunately, The UK visa rejections are very high for Nigerian passport holders. Therefore, you must demonstrate strong employment and financial background along with considerable travel history. If you are using a sponsor, you must be able to provide at least the below documentation.
1. A letter from your sponsor undertaking that he/she would arrange your accommodation, transportation and other expenses while you are in the UK
2. Your sponsor’s bank statements for the last 3 months (must indicate employer pay deposits and have no large undocumented deposits)
3. Your sponsor’s British passport’s main page
4. Your sponsor’s British postal poll card
5. Your sponsor’s utility bill
Please note that UK Home Office started doing strict background checks including contacting employers (your’s and your sponsor’s), previous visa rejections, overstays, criminal charges, etc.
In my opinion, if you don’t qualify, it’s better to not apply than getting a rejection. A UK visa rejection will not only affect your future UK visa applications, but also all visa applications for countries that have information sharing with UK (such as US, Canada, China, and many more countries).
Pranjali says
Hi Thirumal, I have got a invitation for a meeting which will be held in Hungary and it is all sponsored by my company. And now I’ll have to apply for a visa. This is the first time I’m applying for a Visa as I have never been abroad.
I have a query that, do they ask for PAN card? I have a spelling mistake in my surname on pan card. And also same mistake is there on my bank account. So while submission of bank statement will there be a problem because of spelling mistake in surname at the time of visa process?
Thank you in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi Pranjali! Schengen visa application doesn’t ask for your PAN card. But they do ask for your bank statements.
Minor spelling mistakes are absolutely fine. If the name on your bank statement is entirely different from your actual name, that could be a problem. But, minor spelling mistakes are not an issue at all.
Pranjali says
Thank you for the quick reply. Actually there is one more mistake I realized today only that, my father name on passport and adhar card has “rao” attached to it like “Ashokrao” and on all other documents like bank passbook, ITR forms and other places like invitation letter, bookings etc it is just “Ashok”. Do you think it will create problem for visa?? What should I do while applying for visa?
Thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Pranjali! In my opinion, it is still fine. Our last name sometimes becomes our initial in India. We also tend to drop our middle names. In my opinion, it’s fine.
If the name on passport is “Ashok” and the name on bank statements is “Sunil”, that’s when you would need to worry. The names are completely different. But, not having “roa” in the name is not an issue.
Note: I suggest making sure the names are same on all documents in the future. It is not an issue for the older generation but your generation and your next generation, it is advised to use the name in “firstname middlename lastname” format everywhere.
Pranjali says
Thank you. I’ll update name in other documents but I’m afraid that I’ll have to apply for visa in few days and these documents will have the name issue. Let’s see what happens.
Thirumal says
You will be fine. If you worried about it, you can also mention the name differences in your cover letter.
Kim says
Hi,
I want to know if I can travel right away to the UK as soon as I receive my UK visitor visa?
thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Kim! Yes. Your UK visa validity starts from the date your visa is approved. Therefore, you can travel to the UK as soon as you receive your UK visa.
Sam says
Hi , i am currently applying for an Ireland conference visa as a student in Ukraine .
1. I have been denied a UK visa last year and this year too i have been denied a B1 visa for a conference . My question is do you think i should state in my Ireland application of the visa denial or i should just ignore it .
2. My fiancee lives in the state and wants to sponsor me on the trip to ireland and do you think it is advicable i use her sponsorship because i am a student here in Ukraine and in Ukraine we are not allowed to work as temporal residents .
Thirumal says
Hi Sam! First of all, you must look into why your UK and US visas were denied. Knowing the reason will help not make the same mistake for your Irish visa.
1. It depends on the question. Is the question specific to “previous Irish visa denial” or “any visa denial”? If “any”, yes you should disclose your UK and US visa denials. Most countries have information sharing with countries they have visa regime with. Ireland might have data of your UK/US denial in that case.
2. When you say “state”, you mean the “US”? This may not work for two reasons. First, she is not living in Ireland. Two, she cannot sponsor as she is not your wife yet.
Anna says
Hello Thirumal,
I am a Filipino citizen and was denied of US VISA twice. I was invited by my employer’s client to their office in order to have an overview on the new process and software to be used in preparation to the upcoming tax season. I am working as a Senior Tax Accountant for an outsourcing company in the Philippines. The following are the points I’m seeing why my VISA has been refused:
1. I’m only working for the outsourcing company for 3 1/2 months.
2. It was indicated in the Questionnaire and Itinerary that I will be staying at the client’s residence during my stay. Do you think it will be safer if I will book a refundable hotel?
3. In the US Visa Questionnaire, there is a question “Have you ever been refused a U.S. Visa, been refused admission to the US or withdrawn your application for admission at the point of entry?” for which the one who answered my questionnaire indicated “NO” but I was already denied once. Do you think it has a material bearing on my second denial?
4. I am Single. 25y/o. Female
I just need clarity and answers to these questions as it is kinda frustrating that you do not know the reason behind the denial. Thank you in advance and have a good day!
Thirumal says
Hi Anna! I’m sorry about your visa refusal. Here is what I think –
1. This is not an issue since it’s a business trip. Sometimes companies send employees on business trips as soon as they are hired. It all depends on the business needs.
2. This might raise questions. Your client has to put you up in a hotel or serviced apartment, not in their residence. You don’t need to book a hotel in advance as US visa officers don’t ask for documentation. But it is safer to mention that you/employer/client will be paying for your hotel.
3. The US Department of State has records of all previous visa attempts. Every piece of information in your DS-160 must be accurate and honest. Indicating “No” to this question might have affected your visa result.
4. Being young, single and female has no bearing on a business visa application. If there is a business need, your employer has to send you to the client’s office. Everything else is irrelevant.
Since your’s is a business trip, make sure you specify that clearly in your DS-160. Also, pay attention to your current employer details and duties.
Questions –
=========
1. Who completed your DS-160? You or your employer?
2. Was your first US visa application also from the same employer?
3. Do you have any travel history?
Suggestions –
===========
1. Since your’s is a business trip, make sure you specify that clearly in your DS-160
3. Pay attention to your current employer details and duties
Akash says
Hi Thirumal,
My company has plans to send me to US for a month to meet a client but they need b1 visa otherwise they will send someone else. So now as I dont want to miss this opportunity I am planning to apply for B1/B2 visa on my own.
Can you please help me out in how should I do it?
Should I say I am a traveler and make refundable bookings to justify that to gain the visa or is there any other way?
Thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Akash! There are two ways to go about it – (1) Have your company sponsor you for a business trip or (2) Apply for a B1/B2 on your own.
For either option, you DO NOT have to make any flight/hotel bookings. US visa application does not require any flight or hotel bookings. You certainly cannot use flight/bookings to justify your trip as well. You would need to have a proper reason to travel to the US, such as sightseeing, attending a conference, family event, etc.
Sarfaraz says
I have applied for my brother for a UK TOURIST VISA on 6th dec . Two week has passes and still we didnt received any response. We contacted the application centre and they replied that the passport is still in the Delhi embassy. We have received back the passports with the granted visa of two other persons who have applied before and after my brother. We really need a help as we are in worry
Thirumal says
Hi Sarfaraz! Unfortunately, UK visa status update/tracking is not really possible. The response you hear mostly is your visa application is still in process. It is not possible to know why your application is taking longer than usual. That being said, there are 3 options for you –
1. Wait for another week. UK visa application process usually takes about 30 days. If you are not traveling anytime soon, I suggest you wait for another week and see what happens.
2. If you will be traveling soon, pay for “Retrospective Priority Visa Service” to expedite the visa application process. You can find the procedure for priority visa service in my UK visa guide.
3. If you need your passport immediately for other international travel, you can withdraw your UK visa application. This will cancel your UK visa application and the embassy will mail your passport back.
Akosua Owusuaa says
I have been denied us B2 visa twice, first was on October, the second was November, in my D’s_160 I stated that, I am married meanwhile I’m single I have now gotten someone to filled for me as his wife, I’m confused now, I want to know how this may affect me, and what can I do to prevent any complications, I’m confused right now ,help a sister, hoping to hear from u soon
Thirumal says
Hi Akosua! First of all, make sure to enter only correct and truthful information in your DS-160. Visa officers are highly trained and they can easily spot any false/incorrect information. But if you have made a mistake in your previous application, you can explain that at the time of interview.
TRUTH says
I got denied under section 214(b). But i am going back after few days because i had more information as per i knew the reasons i got denied. When the consular asked me about my work descriptions, i only said 3-4 words and he said to me: Sorry i can’t grant you visa at this moment. I only said that base on what i heard from people ( don’t escalate your answers) and this goes against me. But i am ready to fill in the space. So what should i tell the consular is he/she asked what has changed since my first application? since i am ready to give full details about what i do for work
Thirumal says
Hi Truth! First of all, the answers during the US visa interview must be clear and concise. Sometimes, just 3-4 words are enough and sometimes you may have to elaborate a bit. It all depends on what your job is and what you have to say.
Second, the visa officers are not too focussed on what you do, rather interested in your strong ties with your home country. That includes your current employment, previous employment, financial standing, family background and travel history. So, it would be difficult to exactly pinpoint that your visa was denied based on the fact that you did not get a chance to elaborate on your employment. But if you feel that way, you can definitely reapply.
When the visa officer asks you, you just have to tell the truth. Tell that the last time, you felt you were not given a chance to elaborate on your employment. You reapplied so you can talk more about your employment this time.
alabi khadijat says
Hi sir, I must commend your effort in both analysis for visa process and prompt reply to questions.
I want to apply for a Schengen tourist visa but I have a phobia for visa denial as I am neither an employee nor self-employed. As a result, there hasn’t been a flow of cash in my bank account but I have a sponsor as my sister. What are my chances of guaranteed tourist visa and what document should I make available for a Schengen tourist visa application? Yes, I have never traveled before. Please help.
Thank you!
Thirumal says
Even though you have a sponsor, you would still need to prove that you have strong ties with your country. Having a job or being a student will help. Your case is quite different and it’s really difficult to know your exact chances of visa approval. You just have to give it a try and see how it goes.
Lily says
hello,
I am planning to apply for Student Visa immediately after my current work Visa expires which is only valid for one year. What are the chances of being granted one because the embassy expects one to return to their country of residence after Visa expires. Thank you
Thirumal says
You haven’t mentioned which country you are referring to. Work visas in countries such as the US have dual intent, whereas student visas are strictly “non-immigrant”. So, applying for a student visa right after your work visa expires may lead to visa denials. Therefore, it all depends on the country.
Eng says
Hi Thirumal,
I have quite a complicated situation and I have been in a continuous state of panic for months now.
I am an Egyptian and my fiance works in the Netherlands, we are getting married in June but I won’t be joining him permanently in the Netherlands because I am currently doing my MBA in Egypt so I need to finish it first. On that basis, I am planning to apply for a family visa to stay with him from June till the end of August before I return back to my fall semester.
Now the problem is that I work in a company in Egypt and it’s not mandatory to be in the office (I can work from home) but when I saw your point on not mentioning anything on remote working I panicked even more because I plan to provide an HR letter as proof that I will be back to Egypt for work.
Is there a probability that I might get asked about how is it possible that I am away from work for 2 months? And if yes how should I answer it? And is it better if I don’t provide proof of employment at all and maybe a letter from the university only that I am enrolled in a study program?
My apologies for being so talkative but I just wanted to deliver to you the whole picture. Thank you
Thirumal says
Hi Eng! Since your fiance works in the Netherlands, I assume he is on a “work visa”. If he is, then he can sponsor a “dependent or family visa” for you. If you apply for a dependent/family visa, you don’t need to provide any employment proofs or ties to return back to your home country.
But either way, I suggest showing a shorter itinerary such as 15-20 days. In most cases, a Schengen visa is granted for 90 days. If your visa is granted for 90 days, you will be able to stay 2 months on it.
Working from home for your company while being in Egypt is not a problem. But, working for your company while being in the Netherlands can be a problem. But if you plan to continue working remotely for your company while being in the Netherlands, do not disclose that information in the visa application. If you go for a short itinerary, the question of working remotely does not even come up. Similarly, do not mention it at the port of entry either.
Reena says
My US VISA appointment letter has 1 letter missing in my last name, and when I contacted the US global help desk, they said that I need to talk to the officials during the biometrics interview. Myy DS-160 & Passport have correct names.
Will this be an issue?
Thirumal says
Hi Reena! As far as I know, the staff at the consulate check the names on your passport and visa appointment letter. If they are too strict about it, they may deny your appointment. Since you were told to talk to the officials during the biometrics appointment, I suggest doing that.
One other option you can try is to cancel and reschedule your appointment. I’m not sure since I haven’t tried this myself, but I assume the application will let you edit the details. This time make sure you fix your name in the “personal data” section and reschedule your appointment. I will do more research on this and will let you know if I figure a better option.
Update: Further research suggests that you don’t need to worry about small spelling mistakes in your appointment letter. As long as your name and other details in your DS-160 are correct, you should be ok. Appointment letter is only to get into the consulate and will not affect your visa decision. Good luck!
Reena says
Hi Sir,
Thanks for your response. I did cancel the appointment once, but the backend team later informed me that I should go ahead scheduling the appointment and talk to the biometrics team, as they are not able to make changes to my appointment letter.
Another observation that I had in my appointment letter is that :
The Applicant name has my full name ( Last name, First name Middle name) but across Appointment Made By , I only have ( First name Last name)
Kindly advice on this please.
Regards,
Varina
Thirumal says
Hi Varina! Go ahead with your interview, it shouldn’t be a problem. My research suggested that it’s nothing to worry about.
Regarding the name difference in your appointment letter, that is how it is for everyone. So, no need to worry about that either. It was like that in my appointment letter too a few months ago. Good luck!
Reena says
Hi ,
I have come across another problem. The travel dates on my DS-160 and my invitation letters don’t match. This is because when I submitted the DS-160 in November, I had given tentative dates for January, but when I actually scheduled the appointment, I realized that there is no appointment available for December at all, and now my appointment is scheduled for January around the same date that my DS-160 travel date is.
My company invitation letter and covering letter are both now showing re-scheduled travel dates for February. What do you think should be done here?
When filling the DS-160, I didn’t have any idea, that I will not get any appointment for another 1 and a half month. Is it alright if I explain to the interviewer this situation and show him/her proof of arrival and return dates of February through invitation/covering letters?
Thanks.
reena says
sorry typing the same answer again as the previous answer missed some of the lines while submitting due to some error:
January 12, 2019 at 7:44 am
Hi,
Just wanted to inform you that my visa was not approved. This was my experience during the interview:
Me: Hello, ma’m. Good morning.
Officer: * Ignores the greeting completely and doesn’t respond>
After 10 seconds:
Officer: Your passport
I hand it over.
Officer : Purpose of visit?
Me: * Briefly explains as advised by company*
Officer: What is your current job ?
Me: * Briefly explains as advised by company*
Officer: How many years of experience do you have at xyz company?
Me: 2 years 6 months
Officer: Have you traveled abroad anytime or would this be the first time?
Me: I haven’t traveled abroad before and this would be the first time
* after 30 seconds*
Officer: Please try again next time and the reason for the rejection is mentioned in this document
* The officer slams the rejection letter on the table in front of me *
I politely thank her and walk away.
I don’t know how I could have made this interview better.
Thirumal says
Hi Varina! Sorry to hear that! Dates and documents do not matter for US visa. What matters is how you present yourself and convince the officer.
That being said, I don’t see anything wrong with your interview except that you lack travel history. Travel history indicates that you do not have illegal immigration intent.
A couple of things to look into –
(1) Go through your DS-160 to spot any incorrect or incomplete information
(2) Build some travel history before you apply again
Franklin says
Sir,
Thank you for sharing your experience with the public. I was issued B1/B2 USA Visa on two occasions the Visa were cancelled at the point of entry twice from two different point of entries on the ground of presumption of immigrant intent. the second Visa cancellation was occured in Atlanta coming from Germany. I was banned for 5years. This banned has affected my Visa applications even though I was formerly a frequent traveler to other Schengen states . Please does it mean I have been blacklisted and if yes what must I do to resolve this problem. Thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Franklin! I believe some countries run the applicants through a complex database to asses the background and authenticity of the application. So, it would be really difficult to comment if your US visa ban would affect your future Schengen visa applications.
Chi says
Good morning,
I have been denied US visa twice under 214b section but I really do not know what am not doing right. Please can you help me because am planning on applying again for a holiday.
Thank you.
Thirumal says
Hi Chi! Applying for US visa repeatedly will only make the situation worse. First of all, try to figure the reason why your visa was denied. Second, apply again only if there is a considerable change in your situation. Send me your visa refusal letter to my email. I can take a look.
Chichi says
Hi Thirumal,
I got a rejection for my US visa on November 14. The letter given doesn’t make any sense as I was going for tourism only. Can I email you the letter to check and give some few advise and also how soon can I apply again as a friend told me I should wait at least 60 days. I applied on my own and made it pretty clear the purpose of my trip. I am in South Africa with a permanent residence. I am from Congo.
Thirumal says
Hi Chichi! There is no time limit on when you can apply again. But applying again will not help unless there is a considerable change in your situation. Sure, you can email me the details and the letter. I can check and see what could be the problem.
Opoku says
My father in Brazil is applying for me. He has sent me all documents he has to. So what must I attach before I can go to the embassy myself?
Thirumal says
Hi Opoku! Sorry, I don’t understand your situation fully. Is your father a Brazil citizen? Is he sponsoring you a Brazil visa?
Ifeyinwa says
I want to travel to Germany on the 30th of November. I just got my visa refused. I went to make an inquiry and I was told I was sent a mail to bring an additional document. I never received such an e-mail so I quickly went to check the application online form I submitted and I noticed a wrong spelling in the e-mail I submitted. Please, how do I go about this appeal?
Thirumal says
Hi Ifeyinwa! I’m not familiar with the Schengen visa appeal procedure. But, I suggest mentioning that you made a mistake and would like to appeal.
Rajan says
i have applied for my US Visa on my own without agent & my interview is scheduled for last week of Dec my question is i have not booked any hotel in Us as i am traveler & my tour schedule will depend on my visa approval,
Is’t compulsory to book hotels
Thirumal says
Hi Rajan! No, flight and hotel bookings are not required for US visa. In DS-160, for the question “Have you made specific travel plans?”, you can select “No” and then just mention your intended dates of travel.
If you are asked in the interview whether you have booked your tickets, you can say that you will book your flight and hotel once you know your visa status.
Jasmin says
I am an Indian citizen and I want to apply for an education visa for Thailand from UK. It requires me to show a 3 month bank statement but I only have a 15-day bank statement because I opened my bank account here 15 days ago. Can I get a visa or not?
Thirumal says
Hi Jasmin! You must follow the requirements strictly otherwise you are taking chances. I suggest providing 3-month bank statements from India (if you have any) along with your 15-day statement from the UK. And then, explain your situation clearly in your cover letter.
Vinod Udharam says
Hi sir, Greetings! I have applied for the US visa individual this time as last time had applied twice with family and got rejected informing why I had not visited other countries. So accordingly, after visa rejection, I visited along with my child to the UK and 9 Schengen regions. However I need to check if I can mention US contact information for my Master Birthday world-renowned spiritual leader, please guide. Also, the last visit was in July 2014 which is just 5 years over. Do we need to mention the previous visit? Please guide. Thanks and regards.
Thirumal says
Hi Vinod! You can mention your spiritual leader as your US contact if (a) he lives in the US and (b) he knows you very well. US consulate can contact your US contact and it’s highly important that your US contact knows you very well.
Yes. You must mention your July 2014 US visit in the “Previous US Travel” section.
solace says
Hi
I wish to apply for US visa, but am quite confused. I am 24 years and a graduate of mechanical engineering. Am a Nigerian, but on an Automobile training presently in Rwanda which could last one year, I want to visit US, but I don’t know how to go about my documentation. I have a registered business in Nigeria ( mechanical engineering firm) and in Rwanda am just only a student, though I have a Rwanda bank account, with my age and having only school tier here in Rwanda, would it be enough to apply for visa ?… I have two years study resident permit. Please guide me … I anticipate your feedback… Thank you .
Thirumal says
Hi Solace! Age and being a student are not at all problems. What’s very important for US visa are (a) a genuine purpose of travel and (b) strong ties with your home country. If you have the 2 below, you have higher chances –
(1) Considerable travel history including travel to visa required countries
(2) Fulltime employment in your home country or country of residence (or) established business with business registration and tax payments
Do you have travel history? How long have you been running your business in Nigeria? Can you provide business registration documents and tax returns?
solace says
I have only visited 3 countries in Africa, that required Visa. I have business registration certificate and tax return. My business is a year old . Do I need to present Nigeria statement of account or Rwanda ??…. Quite confused, and I really want to visit USA .
Raymond says
Good day Thirumal, I want to apply for a visitor visa to Canada. And I don’t know anybody in Canada. Also I have applied four months ago through my agent but was denied.
Thirumal says
Hi Raymond! You don’t need to know anyone in Canada in order to apply for a Canada tourist visa. You can just apply on your own as a tourist. You have betters odds applying on your own as a tourist.
If your Canada tourist visa was denied 4 months ago, I suggest to not apply again. It will be denied again and you could probably be blacklisted for trying repeatedly. Without knowing any details, it could be hard to tell what exactly was the reason for your visa denial.
Williams says
Hello sir! I have recently applied for Schengen visa and the date of arrival in the Schengen Area is 10th December 2018 to 30 December 2018. Stay for 20 days. On my travel insurance, it’s still the same date. I have the same dates on my flight bookings. Will there be any problem with the date I have used to fill the form from 10th to 30th? My flight date is on the 30th as the date of returning back. Should I have booked my flight on the 27 or 28? Please respond to my reply. Thank you and will my visa be approved?
Thirumal says
Hi Williams! There shouldn’t be any problem as you are leaving on the 30th. Your intended number of days will be 21 days (10th Dec to 30th Dec) Usually, you will get a few extra days on the visa, so if you want to leave early or a couple days later, it can still work. Just wait till you get the visa so you will know your visa dates. You can then get your flight tickets accordingly.
hassan says
Hello Mr. Thirumal, Greetings! My name is Hassan, I’m a Lebanese man. I have a girlfriend from Indonesia and she has applied for the visa to come to Lebanon. But unfortunately, it was denied for unknown reasons. I love her so much and we are both suffering because we don’t know what to do! Can you please help us and tell us a good way to get the visa?
Thanks in advance!
Thirumal says
Hi Hassan! No consulate will deny a visa without a proper reason. There has to be some reason why your girlfriend’s visa was denied. Let me ask a few questions to see if I can figure the reason –
1. Did you sponsor her visa or she applied as a tourist?
2. What was her purpose of travel in the Visa application? To see Lebanon as a tourist or meet you?
3. What documentation does the Lebanese consulate ask for?
4. Does she have a continuous source of income?
5. Does she have a considerable travel history?
vedant kadian says
Hi Thirumal, I’m a student and I have decided to attend some conferences, seminars and workshops in the US and many Schengen countries in December. I also have some interviews for my internships and college applications. I’m going to be working for about 1 week in Europe too with the ESO if my interview is successful, though I’m going to travel some with my friends during Christmas and new year.
So how should I apply for the visas? Should I apply for a US visa first and then a Schengen visa? Or should I file them together? I also have invitation letters from the conference and seminar organizers, and also 3 invitation letters from my friends in Europe and US.
My father is sponsoring my expenses as I’m a student. So how should I apply for the visas? And which visa should I apply first? I know all about the requirements, travel, accommodation, itineraries, travel insurance, passport, cover letter, letter of intent, bank statements, sponsor letter. The trip will be nearly 15 days in the US and 15 days nearby in Europe. So total about 30 days. I have an Indian passport.
Thirumal says
Hi Vedant! Here are my opinion and suggestions –
Invitation letters
(1) Do not use invitation or sponsor letters from friends. If those friends are not citizens and can’t provide every documentation that the consulate wants, your visa will be denied.
(2) Invitation letters from conferences, seminars and companies are fine.
US visa
(1) You have high chances of US visa approval since you have a genuine purpose to visit.
(2) Pay careful attention to your form DS-160. Clearly indicate that your father will pay for your expenses in DS-160. Specify your US contact person as your conference organizer.
Schengen visa
(1) Do not use invitation letters from your friends.
(2) You cannot work on a tourist visa. You can, of course, attend the interview on a tourist visa but you have to come back and apply for a relevant visa with work authorization in order to work.
(3) Your best bet is to have the company send you relevant documentation inviting you to go in person for the interview. They should make it clear in the documentation that a work visa and authorization will be applied on your behalf if you are successful in the interview.
Chukwu says
Hi Thirumal, I applied for the UK visit Visa for a meeting. How do I start counting fifteen working days? (1) From the mail received from Sheffield or (2) when the biometric capture was done and submitted or (3) when I submitted online before going for the biometric capture?
Besides, I did not build my the funds in my account as expected, though I have sufficient funds twice as that of my sponsor. I have covering letter of introduction from my sponsor and a letter of invitation from them saying that I will be meeting in the UK on behalf of my sponsor. I had large amounts of deposits into my account twice from my building society (which I am a member of). The building society gave me an introduction letter too.
It is already past fifteen working days from the day I submitted online. No mail or response. What is your view base on your wealth of experience concerning all I narrated?
Thirumal says
Hi Chukwu! You should consider your 15 working days from the day your biometrics was captured and the physical application was submitted (option 2 in your question).
Regarding funds in your bank, if your sponsor is paying for your expenses, then you don’t have to worry too much about your own funds in the bank. If your sponsor is not paying for your expenses, then you must make sure that there are no large deposits in your bank account. If you do, then you must provide relevant documentation explaining the deposits. Since your building society has provided you with a letter explaining the deposits, you should be fine.
One of the biggest challenges with UK visa application is the lack of application status tracking. You either have to wait till you hear from them or pay their customer service to check on the status. I have explained how to contact their customer service in the UK visa guide.
Neelima says
Hi! I am feeling very helpless. Can you please guide me? I have applied for Schengen visa thru France embassy from VFS center Jeddah Saudi Arabia. I’m an Indian passport holder, living in Saudi Arabia with my husband. He applied for Schengen visa before me as I was in India at that time. He got the visa in 3 days. After I came to Saudi we applied for my visa thru the same agent providing all necessary documents, sponsor letter, cover letter 2nd time as they denied 1st time for the reason 8 and 9. I explained in detail in the cover letter that I will be coming back as I have a daughter who is in India with her grandparents right now. What could be the reason for my visa refusal? Do u think I would have got the visa if applied together?
Thirumal says
Hi Neelima! I need more information in order to figure the reason for your visa denial. Can you answer these below questions?
– Who provided the sponsor letter?
– What is the purpose of your travel?
– Did you apply directly at VFS or a travel agent applied on your behalf at the VFS center?
– Did you mention your husband details (name, visa number, etc) in your cover letter?
Aravind says
I have a sponsor letter from my friend.i have applied for two times the two times also denied my Schengen tourist visa . I want to apply once again so what should I do please let me know because I’m the student right now
Thirumal says
Hi Aravind! Using friends as sponsors usually don’t work. Immediate family (brother, sister, parents) or educational institutions is a better option. So, in my opinion, do not apply again with your friend’s sponsor letter. Your application will likely get denied again.
Since you are a student, your best bet would be to apply along with your parents. That way, most of the weight will be on your parent’s applications. Once you travel with your parents, applying on your own will have much better odds.
Shabbir says
Hi! My name is Shabbir from Pakistan. I have applied for the visa for UK 10 days ago with my all business documents, bank statements and sponsor letter from my cousin. He’s a British citizen. I was visiting about 15 countries but not visit Shengen, USA, Australia and UK. It’s my first time applying so please tell me how much chances I have for my visa approval. After 5 days my passport has come back. Please, any idea on my visa is approved or not?
Thirumal says
Hi Shabbir! 15 countries is a good travel history, but if you haven’t had any visas, then I suggest to get some visas as well. If you have submitted all required documents, documentation proof from your cousin, a detailed cover letter, then you have very good chances of visa approval.
Shahbaz Michael says
Hi , Sir
I need your help to get my family visa for USA. m living in Dubai – UAE ( Pakistan National, M civil engineer now handling duties of General Manager in company), since from 2012 & my family is living with me here from last 2 years . i visited , Malaysia,Thailand,Turkey,Germany,Spain,France,Italy, Switzerland,UK, & USA, I have USA valid visa & before i been there once in USA, but this august 2018 i applied for my family (wife+3 children’s )USA visa for 10 days because m going for trade show in Chicago,i attached all required documents what they required & my employer supporting letter also, who will pay all cost of my trip, but unfortunately my family get denial of USA visa , as my family the counselor telling them about last travel & how many countries they are visited before. actually i think that denial is coming due to weak travel history. or what you think about my family denial , please help me out, give me suggestion to how i re-apply again for my family USA visa.
Thanks
Thirumal says
Hi Shahbaz! There could be many reasons for the visa denial for your family. It’s really hard to tell. I can only speculate a few –
Reason: Lack of travel history for your family
Solution: Make sure you travel with your family to a few countries that are not too strict with visas. Then try to get them a Schengen visa before re-applying for the US visa.
Reason: Your employer paying expenses for your family as well
Solution: This is can be a negative thing in my opinion. Even if your employer is ready to bear all expenses for your family, I suggest you make it clear in DS-160 and also at the interview that you are taking your family with you on your own expenses and your employer is only bearing your expenses.
Reason: Mixing work and family
Solution: Taking your family with you while you are going on a business trip can sometimes be looked as negative. Especially, when you have small children or infants. The visa officer might think that your family will be much safer at home than in the US, as only one parent will be available to take care of them during the trip (since you will be away at the conference).
Hashirama says
Good day Sir
What would you consider sufficient funds when applying for a UK visa?
Thanks in advance.
Thirumal says
I would say around 100-150 GBP per day per person is good enough. That being said, having sufficient funds itself is not enough for the UK visa application. A few things to keep in mind –
– Your source of income per month must be higher than your total UK trip expenses. Example: If you are staying for 10 days, then showing about 1000 GBP in your bank is good. But if your monthly income is, say around 500 GBP, then it may raise questions on how you can afford to spend twice your salary on the UK trip.
– Your bank statements should clearly indicate your source of income (ex: salary). If there are inconsistent deposits, it may raise questions.
– Your bank statements should not have any large undocumented deposits. If you deposit large amounts just to show a higher balance in your account, it may raise questions. But, if you had large deposits due to the selling of an asset, etc., you must include relevant documentation (ex: sale deed) and explain in the cover letter.
prerak says
Hey,
I am a student completed my graduation and still pursuing my law currently and working as an intern and from a middle class family (as you mentioned about giving fund details).
I want to apply for US visas (for a personal tour and a solo trip just to meet my girlfriend who is studying in US), have never visited any country before.
I am planning to apply for visas through travel agents (a reputed one) will it help?
If not then please tell me how to go on with the visas.
I really want to go there and surprise her.
Thank you.
Thirumal says
Hey Prerak! In my opinion, being a student can work in your favor. Visa officers would like to see whether you intend to return back after your visit. Since you are currently studying, you will have to come back to continue your studies. This is a strong indicator of your ties with your home country.
Since you are a student, you can use your parent’s income and investments as your financial proofs. Make sure you get a letter from your parents that they currently support you financially and an undertaking that they will bear all your US travel expenses.
Regarding the purpose of your visit, you can be honest and say that you want to go see your girlfriend who is currently studying in the US. Since you do not have any prior travel history, mentioning that you want to go to the US as a tourist can sound suspicious.
Using a travel agent is fine in your case. But, make sure the agent is reputable, knows the procedure very well and has processed many applications successfully.
Lioness says
Thank you Thirumal
Rennel says
Hi Thirumal
Thank you for the advise you provided 🙂
I did get my Visa approved …going to Romania Yippie
Thirumal says
Congratulations! Have a great time in Romania!
Lioness says
Hi
I filed an application for a visa going to Romania for 23 days visiting a friend in october have the invitation letter my host will be sponsoring with accommodation and day to day expenses already bought the ticket as it was required (valid flight ticket )i have supporting documents my bank statement,return ticket ,travel insurance, and invitation letter from my friend I’m worried as my online application there’s missing information however I have filed all documents requested and the date Is approved for an appointment wil that be one of the reason my visa will be denied (missing information on my online application )i filed for a new application with complete and full information should I reschedule for another appointment or cancel and wait for the second application to go through and be scheduled for another appointment ..
Thirumal says
In my opinion, it’s better for you to just go for the first appointment. A couple things to keep in mind –
(1) If they figure that you have a second application pending, then they may ask you about it during your appointment. Just explain the reason why you filed a new application.
(2) If they ask you what information was missing, mention clearly what information was missing. Have the new information on a paper and hand it over to the visa officer to verify.
(3) During the appointment, if the visa officer says that your application is being denied due to missing information, you should immediately interject and explain the situation, your missing information, your new information and the reason for new application.
If your visa is granted, withdraw/cancel your second application.
If for whatever reason, the visa officer denies your first application, keep the second application. In your second appointment, you can explain the facts to the visa officer.
bob says
hi my aunt got married to a pr citizen since 2005 her work permit was up and she had to return to her home country an her husband because off the length of time stay in her home country he does not want to file for her can a relative invite her to visit would that cause any problems for the canadian embassy to grant her a visa to visit
Thirumal says
Hi Bob! First of all, your question is quite confusing as it’s very difficult for me to read. Therefore, I’m assuming a few things and my answer is based on those assumptions.
Current situation: Your uncle is a Canadian permanent resident. But your aunt is on a work visa. Your uncle does not want to file a spouse visa for your aunt.
Question: Can a relative of your aunt sponsor her a Canada tourist visa?
Answer: First of all, sponsorships open up a can of worms. CIC would not only dig deep into your aunt’s background but also into the sponsor’s background. If the sponsor is not a Canadian citizen by birth, it can become much more complicated.
Second, even if a relative of your aunt sponsors her a Canada tourist visa, the CIC will probably have her marriage records (assuming it was a legal marriage). This again creates all kinds of complications.
The best advice I can give is to contact an experienced immigration lawyer specialized in Canada immigration.
Adebare says
Hello, I’m about processing a U.S visa. My uncle would like me to come over for a visit during Christmas. He is ready to send an invitation letter and all. The thing is I’m an undergraduate student. Do I need to worry about my account statement as there is less fund? Can my uncle use his bank statement for me as a sponsor? And what are my chances since I don’t make any employment or assets yet? Hope to hear from you soon.
Thirumal says
Hi Adebare! You DO NOT need an invitation letter for US visa. Even if you have one, the VO will not ask for it. Therefore, an invitation letter and bank statements from your uncle are not needed and they won’t help with your visa result.
The information you fill in your DS-160 and the answers you give during your visa interview will affect your visa result. Funds in your bank will also not affect your visa result since you don’t have a source of income anyway.
Since you are an undergrad student and you have to come back to continue your studies, I think you have a fair chance of visa approval.
Amara says
Please, I was thinking of getting a tourist visa to give birth in Brazil. However, I don’t know if I will get the visa if I happen to appear ‘obviously ‘ pregnant. I really need an advice
Thirumal says
If the consulate notices that you are pregnant, they might ask for a certificate from your doctor that you are OK to travel. Other than that, I don’t see much problem.
Dickson Fabulous Ogbonnaya says
Do US consular ask for itinerary flights ticket for US visa interview,please I need urgent reply because my interview date is fast approaching.thanks
Thirumal says
No. US consulates do not ask for any flight tickets. You don’t need to book any flight tickets or hotels for the US visa.
solace says
Hello
I applied for an Italian study visa , on the visa application form field 19: I filled my occupation : Utility manager, then, in field 20 I am supposed to fill in the address and name of my employer, but I filled in my proposed school address and name, am seriously disturbed. Don’t know if this will lead to Visa denial.
Thirumal says
I do not think that’s a huge problem. If at all the consulate figures the information is not correct, they will simply ask you for the correct information. They will not deny your application on such a small mistake.
Saheed says
Hi
I applied for a visa to France for summer (tourist reasons) and also have a detailed itinerary (my to-do list in France)..unfortunately I applied for this visa less than 15 working days before travel and the instruction says one must apply for visa to France from my country (Nigeria) at least 1 month before travel date. Can this result to a rejection? Although, the visa is still in processing and my scheduled date of travel has passed. What do you think might be the outcome of the decision?? Can I file an appeal if there is visa denial or should I re-apply??
Thirumal says
Hi Saheed! Though your actual travel date has passed, the visa process will continue. That’s why consulates ask the applicants to not purchase the flight tickets before visa approval. In your case, I assume you haven’t purchased your tickets. Either way, when your visa is approved, you can still travel within the visa validity dates. If at all the consulate needs new travel dates and itinerary, they will ask you. But, they will not deny the visa on the fact that your original travel dates have passed.
Ali says
Hi,
I have a plan to visit US this year and like to apply for Canadian visa. My US visa is valid and I have used it before. My plan is to go to US by air and from US to Canada by road. I have booked my return flight ticket from my home country to US. Is it okay to apply like this?
Thirumal says
Hi Ali! Usually, consulates ask for roundtrip (inward and return) flight tickets for visa application. They do not accept other options such as drive, bus, boat, etc. My suggestion is to use a roundtrip fight reservation for you Canada visa. You can check out my article on how to get a flight reservation for your visa application. This flight reservation is only for your visa application. Once you receive your Canada visa, you are free to travel as you like. You can visit Canada by road, there won’t be a problem.
Ali says
Too late now ?
I have applied already
Thirumal says
Well, it should still be fine as you have a planned US trip.
Ali says
Fingers crossed!!! I update you soon I receive my passport.
Divya says
Hi
I am working as a freelancer for last few years. Self employed but no firm to prove the source of income. I have been filing my return for last 8 years and have good savings and investments. I am applying for a schengen visa. What is the best approach for freelancers?
Thirumal says
Hi Divya! Self-employed, freelancing and digital nomadism are all in a gray area right now. Visa officers are not fully aware of these methods of income generation. Since you have been filling your tax returns, it is much easier for you. You just have to mention that you are “self-employed” and show your tax returns plus bank statements. Also provide your client invoices, payment statements, etc.
Employment proof is to determine your strong ties with your home country. Same goes for business ownership. But, self-employment is tricky unless it is location-based.
Gauri Desai says
Hi I’m planning to go to Berlin in the month of August for 28 days as a tourist. I’ll be travelling in and around Berlin. I’m worried about the visa as I’ll be travelling alone.
Thirumal says
As long as you have all the documentation, you should be fine. The two main things are (1) your employment proof and (2) the funds in your bank. Since 28 days to a bit long, you should show enough funds in your bank. Make sure you show a detailed itinerary. Add another 1 or 2 countries to your itinerary if necessary, to make it seem long.
Minette Barretto says
It was really helpful. Great tips for travelers. Thanks for these.?
Thirumal says
You’re welcome, Minette! I’m glad the article was helpful.
shakirah says
Hello
Sir how are you doing, ihave never travelled before do you think ican get UK visa iwant to apply
Thirumal says
Hi Shakirah! Yes, of course! Make sure you have all the required documentation including (1) employment proof and (2) sufficient funds in your bank. The key to getting a visa approved is by making sure you meet the requirements 100%.
Temitope Anthony says
Hello, Great job you doing here.
I have never traveled before and i want to apply for UK visa for visit.
I have my aunt-in-law in the UK who is a British citizen, do you think I should state i am visiting her or i should just apply as a tourist?
Also, is there any implication if am applying alone and not with my wife or kids?
I am gainfully employed and am currently building up funds in my account towards the trip.
Thirumal says
Hi Temitope! Thanks! You have 2 options – (1) get sponsorship from your aunt-in-law or (2) apply as a tourist with an intention to visit your aunt-in-law.
If you seek sponsorship from your aunt-in-law, you may need to provide the following documentation from her side –
– A letter from your aunt-in-law that she would arrange your accommodation, transportation and other expenses while you are in the UK
– Your aunt-in-law’s bank statements for at least the last 3 months. Make sure the employer pay deposits are in the statements and no large undocumented deposits.
– Your aunt-in-law’s British passport copy
– Your aunt-in-law’s British postal poll card
– Your aunt-in-law’s utility bill
If you plan to apply as a tourist, you may need to provide the following documentation –
– A covering letter detailing your purpose, your itinerary, your employment information, financial situation and intention to return back
– Employment letter with details such as the period of employment, current salary, conduct, etc
– Leave/vacation approval letter from your employer
– Payslips from your employer
– Bank statements (make sure the employer pay deposits are in the statements and no large undocumented deposits).
There will not be any implications for you applying without your wife or kids. It actually works in your favor as a strong tie to your home country.
Temitope Anthony says
Thanks a lot. I really appreciate this!.
Shahzad says
I emailed you please check and do the needful
Thanks
Thirumal says
Yes, Shahzad. I received your email. Will respond shortly.
Lucy says
Hello sir….Good evening from Nigeria.
My fiance will be coming down from USA by next 2 months,we will also be having our wedding at the same time here in Nigeria and he will return immediately after our wedding.. Then after that I will apply for a visitor visa,since immigrants visa takes up to 1 or 2 years.. What’s my chances of getting a visa after marrying to a US citizen in my country. Thank you sir.
Looking forward to receive your reply.
Thirumal says
Hi Lucy! I don’t have knowledge in spouse visas for the US. I suggest using an immigration lawyer for your visas. They are trained and have professional experience in spouse visas.
Shahzad says
Hi
My Canadian visa refused 2 times though i have a US valid visa now i am going to apply it again and this time i have an invitation letter from my friend and all the relevant documents
Can you suggest me is it fine to apply a tourist visa for 45 days with PR holder invitation letter
Thanks in advance
Thirumal says
Hi Shahzad! Do you know the reason why your visa was refused? Do you remember if you were missing some documentation, employment proofs, not enough funds, unreliable sponsor, etc? Knowing the reason will help you fixed it and thereby have a higher success rate next time. Just trying a different approach may not help you. Email me if you want me to look into your previous rejections and identify the issues.
Shahzad Husain says
Please send me your email id
Sheela says
Hello Shahzad,
May I know the reason/mistake that u think u did last time. Because I’m also applying for Canada visa, and it would be really helpful.
Thirumal says
Hi Sheela! I will, of course, let Shahzad respond to your query. But, I just wanted to let you know that Shahzad’s visa is now approved. We had back and forth emails and I figured a few reasons that might have lead to his previous visa rejection.
(1) Using an inexperienced travel agent to apply for the visa (My suggestion: Don’t use a travel agent. Apply on your own)
(2) Longer itinerary (My suggestion: Show an itinerary of 15 days or less)
(3) Insufficient funds (My suggestion: Have enough funds in your bank equivalent to at least 200 CAD per day of your itinerary)
Nazia Ashraf says
We are travelling to Turkey tomorrow. All e-visas we’re excepted for the family except my husband 2 weeks ago. His e visa was declined 3 times. We were told to go to the Turkish consulate and only got an appointment a day before travel. When he got there today they said his visa is being rejected and he will not be able to travel tomorrow. They sent an email to the Turkish home office and told him that he will get an answer in 4-6 weeks. Thomas Cook has been of no help. Everywhere we have called have told us, sorry it’s too late. He’s going to have to miss the holiday.
What can be done in this situation as we were never prepared for this? He’s got no criminal record, never overstayed his visas in the past. He’s got a clean sheet.
We are now hoping he will get a visa on arrival at Turkey but need some sort of reassurance of advice on what to do as we are going as a family with 2 little kids.
Thirumal says
Hi Nazia! Sorry to hear that! There must be a strong reason why his eVisa request has been denied thrice. I’m assuming that his passport number has been flagged in the Turkish immigration system. Sometimes, wrong passport numbers get flagged and they cause issues like these. Hopefully, the Turkish home office comes back with the reason.
You haven’t mentioned what passport your husband holds. So, I don’t know if he is eligible for Visa on Arrival in Turkey. If he is, then this could be a better option for him. Even if they can’t issue him Visa on Arrival, they at least have to disclose the reason why they can’t.
Rutuja Mahajan says
Hi sir.
I have applied for schengen visa.
I have submitted the documents.
But in invitation letter I did a mistake in specifying the date. Instead of feb 2019 I have written Feb 2018 will it create a problem?
Thank you in advance.
Thirumal says
Hi Rutuja! Is that “invitation letter” or “cover letter”? Here is what I think –
Invitation Letter
=================
Is that the only date in the entire letter? If yes, the visa officer may assume that the letter is old, from 2018. If not, then I’m sure visa officer will understand that it’s a mistake as all other dates are pointing to 2019.
Cover Letter
============
This letter is something you have written, so I’m sure visa officers will understand that it’s a mistake. You don’t need to worry too much about this.
Richard says
Please, I would like to apply for a student visa to France. I have a guardian who has been sponsoring me through my education and he has accepted to sponsor me on my education in France as well. Please do I also need my own bank statement to support my documents.
Thirumal says
Hi Richard! Student visas work differently than tourist visas. I believe you don’t need to show your own financial proofs. My knowledge and experience are only in tourist visas. Therefore, I suggest checking with your school/university or the embassy for requirements.
Garima says
Hello,
I am planning to travel to Ireland in the month of June for 17 days (2 days for flight + 15 days in Ireland).
1. Is it required to show flight tickets for visa application, it’s not mentioned in their website under visa requirements?
2 If yes, How can we just book the tickets and not actually purchase it?
3. Booking flight tickets through travel agent or own, which is better?
4. All the letters i.e. application letter, itinerary plan, etc. Should be handwritten or typed?
Thirumal says
Hi Garima, here is what you would need to do –
1. If they didn’t ask for flight tickets, do not provide/submit any.
2. If at all they ask you to provide/submit flight tickets, just book/hold the flight reservation. DO NOT PURCHASE your flight tickets before visa approval.
3. Yes, travel agents can book/hold tickets for up to a week. You can ask any local travel agent to book tickets and give you a print of the reservation. If you would like to book/hold them by yourself, refer to this article for more options.
4. Typed. Type all letters, itinerary plans, etc using MS Word or similar program. For application forms, you can type/fill them using Adobe Reader. The only forms that you cannot type are the scanned images for the application forms. Such forms can be handwritten.
Garima says
Thanks for prompt response. :). It’s really helpful. Few more questions
1. I am traveling with a friend and my daughter ( her father is not coming). Does traveling with a child alone makes it difficult to get visa approved?
2. If embassy asks for flight tickets after my documents and visa submissions, what has to be done? I mean do we need to book/purchase ticket then and upload it online or send it through VFS office?
Thanks in advance. 🙂
Thirumal says