Follow these simple strategies to take the sting out of applying for a visa and avoid visa rejections

Although we are fast moving towards a world where it is very easy to get a visa for some countries, and where many destinations are visa-free or offer visa-on-arrival for visitors from Pakistan, there remain other nations for which the visa application process remains a cause of great anxiety.

This is because a visa rejection is like a blot on your copybook, and there is the risk that it will crop up in later applications as well.

While these can usually be explained away, it is worth taking the trouble to avoid some basic mistakes that could cause your visa application to be rejected. Make sure you keep these tips in mind when applying for a visa.

Do Ensure That Your Application Is Complete

An incomplete application is one of the most frequent reasons for visa rejection. Make sure that there are no documents missing, no fields left unfilled, and that you provide all necessary information.

In fact, every visa application comes with its own set of instructions to help you fill the form, and it makes sense to first carefully read these instructions. You can go one step further and print out a dummy form, and fill that before filling in the actual form. It will help you keep all the information you need ready before filling the form, whether online or physically.

Do Follow The Rules

Failing to adhere to the rules and regulations set by the immigration authorities might also cause a visa rejection. Do not provide incorrect, misleading or vague information or try to manipulate the system.

Do Offer Complete Travel Details

Many visa applications require you to provide details of the destinations you will be visiting, what, in general, you will be doing, and often your accommodation details. Filling in a vague itinerary or insufficient details can raise suspicions and might be grounds for visa rejection.

Do Clearly State The Purpose Of Your Visit

Whether you will be travelling for tourism, business, education, or work often determines the type of visa you need to apply for, so first make sure you’re filling the right application. Clearly articulate why you need to travel, and provide supporting documents as required. Failure to justify why you need the visa can result in loss of credibility.

Do Ensure Your Passport Passes Muster
Visa rejections can also be caused by issues with your passport, including damage, a lack of blank pages, and expiration. Make sure your passport has at least two blank pages for visa stamps, and is valid for the dates of your travel.

Do Show Proof Of Sufficient Funds
Every country wants to know that you will be able to cover your expenses while on their soil. This helps reassure them that you will not seek unauthorised employment to support yourself. Provide bank statements, salary slips and sponsorship letters. Some countries also require you to take travel insurance of a certain amount to cover all emergency scenarios.

If you feel uncertain about filling out the visa application, take the help of a reputed travel agent to ensure that your visa application goes through at the first shot.

You will still have to pull together all the details and documentation required, but an experienced agent will be able to ensure that there are no gaps in the application.