APPLYING FOR A VISA? HERE ARE 4 IMPORTANT TIPS TO GET YOU APPROVED!

We are no strangers to visa applications. Plus, we perfectly know the struggle especially since we are born in a third world country with only a third world passport — naturally, processes and interviews would always be especially rigorous for us.

But in spite of all the horror stories that you may have heard, seen, or read, getting a visa is still and absolutely achievable! Take it from us!

Helpful tips to increase your chances of getting that approval.

The way we see it, applying for a visa is like dating — you lay out everything and put your ‘best foot forward’, hoping that by the end of it all, the answer will be a resounding YES from the other party. In this situation, we would be your proficient and supportive best friend who will help guide you on this ordeal.

So not only from the experiences that We’ve had but as well as lessons that we've learned from friends, here are the top 4 things that consulates or embassies usually put strict attention to! (For each of these sections, I will provide corresponding steps or workarounds that have worked really well.)

• Accomplish the requirements. This is obviously ‘common knowledge’ but it seems like some people think that skipping out on a few documents is fine — no, it’s not. You can’t expect the embassy officers to say “Oh okay, just come back and submit this and that.” It’s always best to submit ALL the documents at once because most embassies would not even accept your application if it’s incomplete. Avoid wasting your time and effort; do remember that appointments are often hard to get.
  TIP: Make sure your passport is not expiring anytime soon. In addition, submit all the documents in an organized way. It helps to provide a checklist too in order to give the embassy a quick overview that you have prepared everything that’s needed (though at times this is one of the basic requirements).
• Mind the details. Some embassies wouldn’t need an interview since they will merely rely on the documents you submit; given this process, they usually put very specific instructions and it’s vital that you take note of those. (Examples: they would want you to use only a specific kind of envelope, or that you have to staple your photo to the application form and NOT paste it, or they want you to write in blue ink). These steps might seem ridiculous or tedious but you should do it still; don’t slack off and don’t rebel. Make it a point to read the guidelines very well which should normally be on the embassy’s website.
• Only submit authentic documents. Don’t even try submitting fake or ‘doctored’ documents. There’s a high chance that you will not only get denied, but you will also be banned.
• Provide as much evidence as you can. One proof is fine, but if you can give more, then great! It will give them more assurance to the documents that you are trying to prove authenticity or genuineness to. In fact, over delivering is always a good thing for as long as the things that you’re submitting are relevant. And of course, providing originals are always best!
• Show that you are ‘well-traveled’. It can be through travel tickets/bookings or your passport stamps. Even if it’s not one of the requirements, it helps to show them this to send them a message that you have traveled before, that you always came back, and that you have never overstayed abroad.

INTERVIEWS: Your interview can affect the documents you are submitting; but surely, if you are submitting genuine papers, then there’s no need for you to be nervous about this because the questions are always basic: what is your purpose for visiting, how long do you intend to stay, etc. (Though depending on your answers, the visa officer can be more thorough).

At best: remember to be honest and precise when applying for a visa. Simply answer what they ask for. DON’T launch into a full-blown storytelling spree. It’s not necessary for you to give out information when it’s not asked for! (Besides, the officers unfortunately wouldn’t care about your story, no matter how sad or tragic it might be.)

Additionally, wear something presentable (no need to be too formal), arrive early, be confident, and speak in English (or if you’re more comfortable in speaking your country’s language, then feel free to do so — unless the embassy doesn’t allow it).

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