Mistakes to avoid in your visa application

Student visa rejections can be tough to deal with, especially when you are about to begin your study-abroad experience.

Getting a student visa can be tricky, and it might get frustrating to handle all the requirements, but with professional guidance, you can be supported to do this with ease.

If your student visa application has been rejected, you first need to understand the reason. Analysing the mistakes you might have made is also essential to improve your chances of getting a visa.

Here are the common visa mistakes to avoid:

Incomplete application

You should prepare well before you go through the visa interview. You have to fill out the application form correctly and submit the related documents, like academic transcripts.

Also read: Do international universities help students with the visa process?

Inadequate language proficiency

Showing language proficiency is an essential step in obtaining a student visa to study abroad. The interview is conducted in English. A lack of communication with the interviewer can create a negative impression.

The student visa interview process aims to check students' eligibility and objectives for studying overseas. So practise your English language skills, comprehension, pronunciation, and fluency. 

Ignoring deadlines

When you apply for a visa but do not submit it within the specified deadline, it is a major mistake. The processing authorities do not have time to review the application if you apply for a visa at the last minute. Further, it may lead to the rejection of visa applications. 

You have to know the duration of the application process timing for different countries so that you won't miss the deadline for application submission. You can check how long it generally takes for processing, and plan the date to submit your application accordingly. 

Also read: Do we really need a consultant for a student visa?

Inadequate research

Before applying, be aware of the visa types, requirements, and application processes in different countries. If you do not research enough for the application process, it may cause a problem in the visa verification. 

For example, if you are looking to obtain a student visa for France, you should research enough to know about the three types of visas available for international students. 

• Short stay visa for less than 90 days course term
• Temporary long-stay visa (VLS-TS) for 3 to 6 months course term
• Extended stay visa (student visa) for master’s and bachelor’s courses 

Further, you should also analyse the France student visa requirements, such as an acceptance letter from a university in France, an EEF Admission Certificate, visa fee payment receipt, sufficient proof of funds, proof of residency in France, medical health insurance documents, and a valid passport.

If you analyse different countries' application processes, it will help you learn about visa fees, deadlines, and application forms.

Poor interview preparation

The purpose of the visa interview is to check the student's eligibility and assess the applicant's intention to go abroad. Generally, the visa interview questions are based on your educational background, chosen academic field, financial support and targeting goals after completing the course. 

Through the interview process, the processing authorities determine your ability to move abroad. It would be best if you prepared well for the interview to get a visa to study abroad. Else, you may not be confident to attend the interview.

Also read: How to start your study abroad process with Edvoy

Overlooking passport expiry dates

Before entering a new country, you must check the validity of your passport. You need to ensure that your passport is valid for at least the duration of the visa.

Also read: Can I apply for a student visa if I have a 9-year gap in studies?

Criminal record or security concerns

Having even a small criminal record will affect your visa application process. Your destination country's authority assesses your application, including security and background checks. If you have any such criminal records, they may think you pose a security threat and decline your visa. 

Misinterpretation of immigration policies

Follow the immigration policies and rules. Every country’s embassy has its set of rules and regulations. You should know their guidelines and policies before applying for a visa. These embassies evaluate all the documents you provided. If they find any fake details or malfunctions in your document, they can reject your visa application. 

You can avoid these mistakes by seeking professional counselling from study-abroad experts. You can check how to choose a good study abroad consultancy. 

Planning your accommodation

Some countries require your accommodation's travel plan before providing a visa. According to their requirements, ensure you stay at a college campus, student hostel, or private house.

Insufficient proof of funds

All countries require students to have enough funds to manage their living expenses, including transportation, food, and accommodation. For example, in Germany, you must have a defined standard amount in your account for the cost of living expenses to study or work. Having insufficient proof of funds is a common mistake you should avoid.

Neglecting health

You should fulfil the medical requirements of the host country to get a visa. Some countries and their visas may require you to pass medical tests. If you pass those medical tests, your application may be allowed. 

You can avoid visa rejection by submitting the necessary medical documents, such as medical certificates and vaccination records. Health concerns play an essential role in the visa process.

Ignoring professional help

Not seeking professional help might have a chance of visa rejection. Ultimately, you can seek professional guidance to learn about immigration policies. They can help you prepare documents such as:

1. Statement of Purpose (SOP)
2. Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
3. Letter of Motivation (LOM)
4. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Also read: What facilities are provided by the study abroad consultants?

Certain countries, such as the UK, the USA, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and Germany, require these documents. You can get a hassle-free application process while getting professional counselling from Edvoy to study abroad.

Talk to an Edvoy Counsellor, and start your journey today.