The first step for non-citizens to do to obtain the right to enter the United Kingdom is to apply for a visa in hopes of getting it approved.
However, no matter how one might consider this move crucial and therefore exert every effort to get the application right, many fail to do it properly. This is especially true to those who don’t have immigration or visa consultants assisting them. Of course, such experienced consultants offer plenty of help to clients, but others who find them a bit too costly and, therefore, bypass getting one. As a result, those who risk applying for a UK visa by themselves can run across various issues as they try to save money.
Here are the most common visa application mistakes so everyone will know and don’t have to repeat them.
Providing incomplete answers
Afraid to get rejected again because a previous application was unsuccessful? We get it. A failed attempt to obtain a visa can be a deflating experience. But at least you need to be honest if the question was raised: Were you denied a visa application in the past? The immigration department may ask this question not necessarily because it doesn’t know your application history, but whether you are telling the truth or not.
Whether overlooked or deliberate, incomplete answers on the application form can be grounds for visa application rejection. You might have saved money, but in the end, your effort is wasted if you end up failing to obtain a UK visa.
Failure to provide required documents
Supporting your application, like the filled out form, are documents that prove you deserve to be granted a visa. This may include necessary financial proof to support your stay, skill certification, or proof of support from a British citizen or organization.
Failure to deliver them or sending over altered information can delay the review process or even refusal of your application.
Submitting unnecessary documents
One common belief is that the more requirements you submit helps strengthen your case to get your visa application approved. Since there is a list of standard requirements already in place — filled out the form, photos, passport, etc. — you don’t have to provide what’s not being asked. Anyway, in most occasions, immigration officers will ask for supporting documents, should they feel the need to.
Not only supplying unnecessary documents delay the processing as processors scan through which ones are required and which ones aren’t additional documents could trigger questions if inconsistencies are found. For example, if you supplied school and employment records confined within the same period or submitted your tax records on an address different from your proof of address or financial statement from the bank, your documents could raise more questions than reassurance of obtaining a visa.
Failure to pay the right fees or use proper payment methods
Some applicants refer to old records or ask friends who made previous applications and are referred to pay amount that has since changed. Visa fees can change without prior notice, especially those involving additional dependents. Also, more visa application centers no longer accept cash payments.
Such lack of prior information could cost one appointment schedule, and can lead to unnecessary delay and disappointment.
Submission of outdated form
Some visa applications are refused not because of lack of merit, but simply because applicants failed to use the proper forms, or more accurately, the revised ones. Depending on the type of visa being applied for, there are various forms meant for each of them.
One of the typical examples is people use form FLR(M) instead of FLR(O) when making an application as a spouse relying on Human Rights outside the rules.
As UK immigration forms can frequently change, ensure that you have the right and most updated form available. Otherwise, your application would likely be returned to you, but your application fee, often non-reimbursable, not refunded back to you.
Don’t have enough time to process applications
Some applicants inadvertently become overstayers in the UK because they filed their visa extension too close to the expiry date, which does not allow enough time for processing. In a points-based system, applicants are required to have their existing leaves when applying for their new visa application. Without enough time allowance left, visa refusals cannot be appealed, which applicants are forced to apply for new applications from their own countries if they are not banned from making further application.
Overconfidence of the application system
Although enough detail can be found at UK Immigration websites on eligibility, requirements, and procedure of application, each can be a complex and lengthy process. Worse, there are plenty of resources online that provide information that’s no longer applicable and may mislead even the most resourceful of researchers.
Blogs of personal experience, forums that pass around wrong information, and generally acceptable information that’s recently been updated can complicate matters. The information available that needs double checking or worth referring to a competent consultant includes the amount of time to wait, the fees payable, required documentation, and eligibility of applicants.
7. Engaging in unlicensed immigration consultants
Just as people rely on supposed experts in the field of visa application, they still get refused visa because of the lack of foresight and general incompetence of these consultants.
Applicants can get duped by fake certificates and made up testimony of non-existent clients as well as attracted to the discounts on offer for applications of several family members. Although it is possible to launch your visa application without these consultants, many people approach them because they are not too confident doing it themselves, and want to make sure everything is sorted upon submission of application.
Sadly, visas are not guaranteed even when you have immigration consultants, agents and lawyers work for you. The merits of your application and your eligibility are what matters most and the basis of the success or failure of your visa application.
