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, even simple mistakes can get your visa denied.
I have applied for a lot of visas in the last 7 years. I have made a ton of mistakes myself. But over time I have learned to avoid these mistakes. These days, none of my visas are rejected.
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 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 requested the visa officer for a 30-day Visa. I told the visa officer that I had 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 50 countries VISA-FREE with US visa in 2023
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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 Expedia’s 24-hour cancellation policy if you need to.
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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 a 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 had to then upload my complete itinerary. 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 would be staying permanently in Australia as he had 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.
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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 proof such as a 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 which 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.
Exceptions
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.
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05. Mentioning about friends/relatives in the foreign country
Never mention that you know someone in a foreign country. If you do, then you may be asked how you actually know this person. You may also be asked to provide 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 knew anyone in Brazil while applying for his Brazil visa from India. He casually mentioned that he had a friend there that he met through Couchsurfing. The 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.
Exceptions
When you are using a sponsor for your visa application, you will, of course, mention that you know your sponsor. Example: US tourist visa using a sponsor.
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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 need to show proof of hotel reservations for your visa application, just make a few refundable hotel reservations.
Do not mention 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 blacklisting.
If found at the port of entry (immigration at the airport), you might be subjected to arrest, fine, deportation or even a 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 for work and time 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 independence 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 would 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.
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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 opinion, you are better off applying for the visa on your own. As long as you have employment proof, sufficient funds in the bank and decent travel history, 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.
Exceptions
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 for 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 for 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 the United States that most Indian tourists are keen on visiting. Travel agents have some experience in visas for these countries but not Chile.
A travel agent took my reader’s money but couldn’t help when the Chilean 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.
Exceptions
There are a few countries whose visas can only be applied through authorized travel agents. Example: UAE and Singapore.
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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 on 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 on 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.
Exceptions
You would need confirmed return/onward tickets for Visa EXEMPTION and Visa ON ARRIVAL.
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SUMMARY
There you have it! 11 mistakes that can get your visa denied. And the ways to avoid them.
Have you ever made any mistakes that got your visa denied? If so, let me know in the comments below so other readers can learn from it.
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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.
Shantal says
Good day Thirumal, I’ve been denied US visa 3 times in a row. I was working in a restaurant and also own a grocery shop at that moment. I put all that on the form and got denied the same way. In that space of time, I try my best to travel to a small island so they see that I am traveling and returned home. I went to 2 small islands and apply back for my visa the third time and still got denied. So I give them a break for 4 years now thinking if I should try again. On the form, I told them I have my aunt and grandma lives in the state and it was travel agents do my applications and still nothing. What do you think should I reapply when the embassy opens up back to the public?
Thirumal Motati says
Hi Shantal! Even though you weren’t told the exact reason for your visa refusal, I believe it’s for two reasons. One, you did not have any travel history. When you say small islands, I’m not sure if they are considered countries. Travel history means traveling to a bunch of countries, about 5-10 to build the trust that you have no intentions of overstaying. Two, you have relatives in the US and visa officers assume that you might follow their footsteps to become a US citizen, basically “immigration intent”. Since B1/B2 is a non-immigrant visa and if they sense any immigration intent, they will deny your visa.
You gave a 4-year break, which is good. It shows the visa officer that you are not desperate or have immigration intent. Second, you really need to build your travel history. Three previous refuals and without travel history, it’s highly unlikely to secure the visa.
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.