13 Common Visa Application Mistakes You Should Avoid

Visa applications involve many processes and require some criteria, too, so you have to be careful to avoid making mistakes that will cost you a lot. A few errors might occur in the process of applying for and registering for a visa, which might delay or terminate your visa application.

To avoid these errors that will cause hiccups in visa application, below are some tips to guide you during your registration.

Common Mistakes in Visa Application

1. Attestation of bank statements

When applying for a visa, you need your bank statements. Your bank statement shows that you are financially stable for traveling, and it plays an important role in the approval or rejection of the visa. “A lot of travelers are often not aware of this, and making sure it’s attested is very necessary,” says Aggarwal.

2. Ensure the availability of documents beforehand

The visa application process involves having all the required documents. Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint MD, BLS International, emphasizes this: “Each country’s tourism website has a country-specific checklist for the documentation.” These documents vary based on the requirements of different countries. They need to be submitted along with the application form. If any of the documents are missing, the visa process may be delayed.

3. Check the status of your passport.

During visa applications, the validity of your visa will be checked. In this case, you have to check the visa status to know when it will expire and when to renew it. “Most countries need a passport with a validity of at least six months from the date of expiration. So, one should check if the passport will expire soon and try to renew it; otherwise, the visa application will be rejected,” says Aggarwal.

4. Make sure to Apply for a visa well before your travels

Before your trip, please apply for a visa because it’s your gate pass.

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5. Apply Early before time

“Every country has a different turnaround time for visa processing, depending on the travel season rush. When you fill out a form at the last minute, it may not follow the checklist properly,” Aggarwal says. He also adds, “Many countries accept visa applications 90 days before your travel. So, applying for a visa beforehand helps you avoid any unforeseen delays.”

“According to the revised Schengen Visa Code, effective 02 February 2020, you can apply for a Schengen visa up to 6 months before your travel date. Particularly this year, with higher demand and limited appointment slots available, we urge applicants to apply for their visa as early as possible,” said the experts from VFS Global.

“Each country has a different timeline for visa processing, and these timelines are mentioned on their websites. You have the information required to apply for your visa well in advance. Be aware that during peak season visa processing can take longer than anticipated, hence apply early,” adds the VFS team.

6. Avoid incorrect details and data mismatch

A huge mistake most people make is not proofreading their information. Many applications are rejected because of wrong details such as name, address, spelling, etc. So it’s important to fill in official details carefully and proofread before submitting your application.

7. Ensure that you fill out all details correctly

Make sure you supply the correct information required. The wrong details will make your application decline.

8. Regarding a Schengen visa

Many travelers typically have a layover in one of the European Union member states. Because it is just a layover, travelers might become confused about the visas. “A Schengen airport transit visa is mandatory for travelers with a stopover in France, Spain, Germany, and the Czech Republic. This mandate has been in place for many years now,” say the experts at VFS Global.

9. Lateness

Once you have been scheduled for a visa interview, the embassy will give you the time and venue for the interview. A significant thing the embassy detests is wrong details and a carefree attitude from applicants. Always arrive at the embassy early enough, at least a few minutes before the scheduled time for an interview. Early arrival will help you settle down and help you prepare for the questions you will be asked.

In all, avoid any distractions that will make you arrive late. Move early enough to skip the traffic on the way.

10. Inappropriate Answers

A terrible mistake most people make is not giving correct answers during the interview. You should have a clue about what the interview will be like, and you should be prepared for the interview questions. Research the kind of questions to expect and prepare the answers to avoid going off track. If you do no know the questions, you will give incorrect answers. When you are clueless, you start fumbling and making lots of errors.

This is why you should familiarize yourself with the common Schengen visa interview questions so you can prepare and give the right answers. Prepare your answers prior to the scheduled date for the interview. To make it easier for you, pen down your answers to help you recall. Don’t use it during the interview, and do not act like you have cramped the answers.

It is worth noting that when asked a question, don’t take long to answer. They might perceive your answer as untruthful.

11. Skipping Questions or giving False Answers

Any time you apply for a Schengen visa, an interview is conducted to get to know you better, and your details will be correctly filed. It’s wrong to skip a question you were asked during the interview, even if it’s tricky. When you give fake details about yourself, it won’t help you because the interviewer will confirm your details on your form.

12. Nervousness

Acting nervous will ruin your interview. You need to be confident during your interview. A bad mood will make you lose your chances, even if your documents are complete and you appear outstanding.

Talking about your achievements and making too much noise is not necessary. Making undue gestures during the interview is also wrong, as it sends a bad signal.

To avoid this situation, it’s advisable to calm your nerves and arrive at the embassy very early. This will prevent restlessness and make you feel comfortable in front of your interviewer. Try to organize your speech; you don’t need too much grammar to impress them.

13. Disagreeing With The Visa Official

Another mistake is arguing with the interviewer. Don’t try to raise your voice or speak rudely to the interviewer. It shows disrespect to the authority and how unofficial you are.

Don’t sound irrational or rude, even if you want to prove a point. Speak calmly and nicely, and speak with respect.

Conclusion

Mistakes can ruin your entire plans, so make sure you do what is needed. When you take note of these mistakes, your visa application will go smoothly.

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Originally posted 2022-07-21 09:47:23.