Perhaps the most frustrating thing that can happen when applying for a visa is having your application denied. When you’re planning a trip and incomplete or invalid paperwork is the only thing standing in your way, it can be extremely frustrating, and leave you wondering what to do next.
Our team of travel experts have been working to help people obtain their visas for years, and have seen visa applications be denied from time to time. To help give you an idea of what to avoid doing when filling out your visa application, we wanted to share some of the most common mistakes people make so that you can steer clear of running into problems.
Top Reasons For Visa Denial
1. Incomplete Information
Incomplete information on your visa application is almost certain to lead to a denial. Hurrying through your application and inadvertently forgetting to sign a form or include a requested document are common mistakes, so make sure that you have all the information you need to thoroughly fill out your application and attach all of the required documents.
For more info about the requirements for different types of travel visas, visit our Expedited Visa Services page and select the country you plan to visit for additional information.
2. Inaccurate Information
Providing false or inaccurate information on your visa application (on purpose or by accident) can result in a denied visa. Even a spelling error can cause your application to be rejected, so please make sure that you’re double checking every detail before submitting it. Ensure that your birthday is correct along with any other personal information. Trust us, taking a little more time to review your application can save you a lot of headaches.
3. Having a Record
Being convicted of a crime may be grounds to have your visa application denied. However, in some cases, depending on what you’ve been convicted of, you may be able to travel where you like without any trouble. It’s important to note that some crimes will keep you from ever being able to visit certain countries, so do your research and check if you’ll be allowed entry into your desired destination. We suggest checking this information before applying for your visa so that you don’t waste your time filling everything out, only to be denied in the end.
4. Applying For the Wrong Type of Visa
When applying for a visa, it’s important that you check to make sure you’re applying for the right type of visa. Depending on your purpose of travel and your destination, you will need a specific type of visa. For example, you may need to obtain a tourist visa, business visa, or work visa. Make sure that you know what kind of visa you’ll be applying for before actually filling out your application. Applying for the wrong visa type can cause delays.
What to Do If Your Visa Was Denied
If your visa was denied, your first instinct may be to panic. But this is exactly what you shouldn’t do. Instead, try to find out why your visa was denied. You can learn more about all the possible reasons why your visa might be denied and what that could mean for you by visiting the U.S. Department of State website. Here, you should be able to get more insight into why your visa application could have been denied in the first place.
If you’ve had your visa denied for any reason, please ccontact a member of our team at Swift. Â In many cases we can help you successfully reapply for a visa before your trip, saving you time and energy. We offer expedited visa services that can help you avoid a lot of the more common mistakes and get your travel documents in order sooner. No matter where you’re going, we’ll get you there!
