Visa Rejection: Common Reasons & How to Avoid Them

A visa rejection or denial refers to an applicant's visa request to enter the country being rejected by immigration authorities. Once the visa application is submitted, officials may take time to assess and process the request. They thoroughly verify the details entered and documents uploaded by the applicant.

After doing careful analysis, they decide whether to approve or reject the visa request. If it is rejected, then there are multiple reasons for visa rejection, such as improper documentation, insufficient funds, etc. The official will send out an email explaining the visa rejection reason in detail.

Applicants can appeal the decision by submitting proof. If the official finds the supporting documents effective, they can accept the visa request. If not, applicants will need to apply for a visa again after some time.

Also Read: How to Avoid Schengen Visa Rejections?

• Understanding the tourist, visit, or super visa rejection reason is crucial for a successful application process. Below are some of the common reasons for visa rejection or refusal.

Incomplete or Incorrect Application Form

One of the popular reasons for visa rejection is incorrect information in the application form. Depending on the purpose of the trip, applicants need to fill out the visa application form. If the information entered in the visa form is incorrect or does not match the submitted documents, then authorities can reject the visa.

How to Avoid This

• It is crucial to check visa application forms thoroughly to avoid visa rejections due to incorrect information.
• While submitting the visa application form, ensure that all the information matches the submitted documents.
• Another crucial tip is to provide clear and concise answers to the visa application questions.

Lack of Proper Documentation

If you have gotten a student visa refusal or other visa category refusal, it may be due to incorrect or incomplete documentation. Applicants need to submit the documents with the application form based on the applied visa category.

The document's requirements may vary depending on the country’s immigration rules and regulations; for example, Australia's subclass 190 visa was rejected due to improper documentation.

How to Avoid This

• One way to avoid visa rejections due to documentation is to check the visa guidelines on the country's official website.
• Another tip to avoid visa rejections due to documentation is to arrange all the documents in a systematic order as specified by the authorities.
• It is recommended that the original and copy of documentation be kept while visiting the immigration office or centres.

Unclear Purpose of Visit

Another common visitor visa rejection reason is the unclear purpose of the visit. You can travel to a foreign country for many reasons, such as business, travel, studying, etc. However, during the visa process, it is essential to state your intention to travel properly. If you are unable to clarify your reason for visiting the country, it could lead to visa refusal.

How to Avoid This

• To avoid this, it is best to present a detailed itinerary outlining your daily activities in the country.
• Another tip to avoid unclear purposes is to attach the invitation letter from friends and family if you are visiting them.
• If you are in the country for business activity, then provide evidence of a business conference, meeting, etc. in the visiting country at the time of visa application.

Violation of Visa Rules

Each immigration department has announced certain guidelines for obtaining a visa. Your visa will be denied if the documents you submit are discrepant or you do not comply with the rules. Here are some of the best reasons for the rejection of Canada visas and US visas.

How to Avoid This

• One crucial tip to avoid violating visa rules and regulations is to ensure compliance with visa-specific conditions such as work, tourism, etc.
• Another crucial tip is to strictly adhere to the visa validity and duration of stay within the country.
• If you need to extend your stay in the country, you must carry out the visa extension process prior to the expiry date.

Invalid or Expired Passport

If you are wondering why a visa gets rejected, here is an important reason. If you provide an expired passport, or it is about to expire, or there are no pages left for visa stamping, it can lead to visa rejection. Some countries require a passport with at least 6 months left till expiry, so read the guidelines.

How to Avoid This

• Check expiration dates proactively, and ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.
• If your passport is about to expire, renew it at least 9–12 months before expiry to avoid last-minute delays or travel disruptions.
• If the passport is damaged or lost, then consult authorities for a replacement before applying for visas or travel.

Incorrect Visa Category

Another crucial reason for visa rejection is the incorrect visa category. Applying under the wrong visa category, e.g., applying for a tourist visa instead of a work or study visa, can lead to rejection. Each visa type has distinct eligibility criteria and mismatched applications are typically denied.

How to Avoid This

• One way to avoid visa rejections due to incorrect categories is to thoroughly research visa types on the official immigration website of the destination country before applying.
• Another tip to avoid visa rejections due to an incorrect category is to seek professional advice if you are unsure about the appropriate visa for your purpose.
• It is recommended that you cross-check your application details with the requirements of the chosen visa category to ensure alignment.

Criminal Record

Immigrating to another country is not that simple; in fact, every country has very strict immigration policies to ensure that criminals and offenders do not enter.

Countries deny visas to individuals with undefined criminal records or serious convictions for national security and public safety reasons. Example: USA Section 212 A visa rejection due to possible public charges and convictions.

How to Avoid This

• It is best to declare any past convictions or charges at the time of visa application, as non-disclosure could result in a ban from the country.
• It is best to consult immigration lawyers to explore options like rehabilitation certificates or special permits for minor offences.
• Obtaining a character certificate from the local police department could help in avoiding visa rejections due to criminal record.

Application Timing

Submitting a visa application in a timely manner is also crucial for avoiding visa rejection. The immigration department has a timeline for rejecting visas. If the applicant does not submit their application within the specified time, it could lead to visa rejection. Furthermore, if your visa process takes longer and your travelling date gets crossed, your visa will automatically be rejected.

How to Avoid This

• Check the official embassy or consulate website for current visa processing times for your country and visa category.
• Submit your application at least 4–8 weeks before your planned departure to account for potential delays.
• Confirm your itinerary only after receiving the visa to ensure validity and avoid automatic rejection due to expired timelines.

Insufficient Funds

Many countries require you to show proof of a defined amount of funds in your account before you travel. If you do not have enough money, you will be refused a visa. The fund requirement may vary depending on the visa type, such as an employment visa or a visitor visa. You must check the official website to know the fund requirements.

How to Avoid This

• It is crucial to provide a copy of the bank statement when submitting a visa application to showcase substantial funds.
• If your trip is sponsored, then it is advisable to attach a sponsorship letter along with other supporting documents.
• If you have a regular income, then it is advisable to provide salary slips, tax returns, etc.

Incorrect Travel Itinerary

One of the most common reasons for a tourist visa rejection is an unrealistic travel itinerary. Immigration authorities obsessively review itineraries to ensure they are in accordance with the visa's intentions, timeframe and the means by which the applicant would be able to afford it. Travellers can also file tourist visa refusal appeals if they have strong supporting evidence after rejection.

How to Avoid This

• It is best to outline the specific destination and cities you are visiting, ensuring logical travel routes and realistic timelines.
• Attach flight tickets, hotel reservations and tour bookings to validate your itinerary.
• Ensure your itinerary matches the visa type, e.g., tourism and does not exceed the permitted stay period.

Poor Ties in Home Country

Visa rejections often occur if applicants fail to demonstrate strong social, financial, or professional connections to their home country. Immigration authorities require proof that you will return after your visit, e.g., a stable job, family dependents, etc.

For instance, USA Section 214 B visa rejection is for strong ties in the host country. It means the consular office would not believe the applicant leaving the country after their stay.

How to Avoid This

• It is essential to provide employment letters or tax returns to verify a stable job and obligation to return.
• If you are a family man, then include the details of dependents such as spouse, children, etc and their reliance on your presence and income.
• Attach deeds, rental agreements, or business ownership documents to prove rootedness in your home country.

Insufficient Travel Insurance

Many countries require proof of valid travel insurance as part of visa applications. Insufficient coverage, e.g., low financial limits, missing critical benefits like medical emergencies or repatriation, can lead to rejection, as it raises concerns about potential costs to the host country’s healthcare system or the applicant’s inability to handle emergencies.

How to Avoid This

• Check the embassy’s website for mandatory coverage amounts, specific benefits and minimum validity periods. For instance, after the refusal of a Schengen visa, apply again with a travel insurance plan with medical coverage of €30,000.
• It is crucial to ensure that a travel insurance policy must cover the entire duration of your stay, including potential delays.
• It is best to purchase overseas travel insurance from providers recognised by the host country’s immigration authority.

Also Read: Schengen Visa for Indians

Past Travel History

If your travel history is unfavourable, it can lead to a visa rejection. If you have overstayed in a country after your visa has expired, been rejected for a visa before, or violated the rules of a country, getting a visa is tough. For example, the chances of US visa approval after rejection are low if you have overstayed in another country.

How to Avoid This

• If you overstayed a visa due to emergencies, submit proof and a letter explaining the circumstances.
• Declare prior visa denials in your application and include a statement explaining how your situation has changed.
• It is best to emphasise on trips where you adhered to visa conditions.

Health Issues

Visas can be denied for applicants with medical conditions that are seen as public health risks, or that might burden the host country’s healthcare system. For example, Australian subclass 189 visa rejection reasons are applicants unable to meet the character and health requirements.

How to Avoid This

• Check the embassy’s website for mandatory vaccinations, such as yellow fever, medical tests, or health declarations.
• Submit a clean bill of health from a certified physician for high-risk destinations or visa types.
• Include a signed statement from your physician confirming your ability to travel, participate in planned activities and return home as scheduled.

Also Read: Australia Visa for Indians

Often, people have questions like “If my visa is rejected, can I apply again” or “Visitor visa 600 refused, can I apply again?” The answer is that applicants can reapply for a visa after rejection. Here are crucial steps applicants need to take after visa rejection.

Understand Visa Rejection Reason

The first step is to understand the visa rejection reason thoroughly. The official specifies the rejection reason with a clause or section in the email or visa letter, such as USA Section 212 B visa rejection or 214 B visa rejection reason, etc. It is important to understand these sections in detail to know the exact reason.

Gather Supporting Documents

Once you have completely understood the visa rejection reasons, it is important to gather documents contradicting the reasons. If you think the reason specified contradicts the supporting document, you can always appeal the decision. Further, at the time of appeal, you can also present additional documents to support the case.

Rectify All Prior Mistakes

If the appeal does not work, you have to apply for a visa again by submitting a new application. When submitting an application, make sure to correct all the past mistakes. Thoroughly review the visa application form before making a final submission.

Knowing all about the reasons for visa rejection is essential to avoid potential visa delays and rejections. These are some of the common visa rejections. By being aware of these visa rejection reasons, you can enhance your chances of visa approval.

In addition to this, travellers also need to buy international travel insurance to safeguard their trip. Some countries, like Schengen countries, have mandatory travel insurance policy requirements.
Failure to provide overseas travel insurance with medical coverage can lead to visa rejection. Furthermore, travel insurance plans also offer protection against various unforeseen emergencies such as loss of passport, flight delays, etc.

TATA AIG offers various travel insurance plans that are customised based on your unique travel needs. For instance, we offer Schengen travel insurance, which covers emergency medical treatment, hospitalisation and accidental injuries. Furthermore, we also offer coverage for baggage delay, flight delay and much more.

We also offer a refund for the visa cost in case you get a visa rejection. Secure your trip with our affordable overseas travel insurance, starting at ₹24.8 per day.

Also Read: Travel Insurance For Schengen From India