Picture the scenario.
In the coming days you’re due to travel abroad for an important business trip.
So you go through some last minute checks to ensure that everything you need is in order.
Passport? Check!
Suitcase? Check!
Visa? Err…
So now you have to hurriedly fill out your visa application online.
But then, a short time later, you receive notification that your application has been denied.
Denied?
Disaster!
Don’t let this happen to you!
Here’s five of the most common mistakes that visa applicants make and how you can avoid them.
First things first!
Perhaps the most common error that visa applicants make is to not read the application instructions properly.
Usually the application will clearly outline the forms that you must fill out and the paperwork you are required to supply.
And yet, countless visa hopefuls submit their applications with documents missing.
This can lead to significant delays in the processing of your visa.
Read the instructions. They’ll make your life a lot easier!
Every year countless visa seekers have their applications derailed by incorrect passport details.
It’s impossible to overstate the importance of filling out your details correctly.
Simply put, no visa application with incorrect details (such as incorrect date of birth or passport number) will be approved.
That’s why it’s essential to double check your passport details!
And then, when you’ve finished double checking, triple check them!
Many visa applications require candidates to submit passport sized photos. Usually exact requirements for the photos are specified in the application documents.
And yet, submitting incorrect passport photos is a really common mistake that visa seekers make.
Some of the most common issues with passport photographs include:
One recent Visa First customer even used a pillowcase as their white background! Nice try!
Our advice?
Get your passport photos taken by a professional.
Sure, it might cost you a few quid.
But at least you’ll have peace of mind that your visa application won’t be delayed by something as silly as passport photographs.
You can do anything with a smartphone, right?
Well maybe not anything…
Believe it or not, when it comes to visa requests, smartphones can sometimes be more of a hindrance than a help.
It is not uncommon for visa applications to require ‘a copy of an original passport’.
In response, many candidates submit smartphone photos of their passports.
The problem?
Picture quality can vary drastically depending on the smartphone.
And let’s face it. Not everyone is a natural photographer (apologies in advance if any of the below sounds like you)!
It’s not unusual for passport photos to be submitted with the photographer’s fingers captured in the photo, the passport being illegible due to the shadow cast by the smartphone or a background is visible in the picture!
All of these are problematic.
Why?
In most cases, the information contained on your passport must be crystal clear in order for your application to be accepted.
So how can you create ‘a copy of your passport’ that will meet the required standards, without using a smartphone?
Easy! Use a scanner!
The final common mistake that many visa candidates make is to not leave sufficient time to complete their application before the departure date.
It takes time to secure a visa. So instead of leaving your application to the last minute, it’s always safer to apply for your visa as soon as you know you need to travel.
Visa First can help you!
Many people find visa applications to be quite daunting. Visa First removes all of the stress from visa applications! Our experts will guide you through the entire process from start-to-finish.
We specialise in arranging travel visas and work permits for tourists, working holidaymakers and business travellers alike.
And we can boost your chances of a successful visa application – over 99.7% of our visa applications are approved.
It’s safe to say we know visas better than anyone. In fact, we have been the global visa specialists for over 15 years!
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