More than 31 million tourists visit the United Kingdom every year. It is one of the most historically and culturally rich countries in the world. Apart from tourism, some people also visit the UK for business purposes and some to meet their family and friends. Whatever your reason might be, you may have to apply for a UK visa. The problem arises when you are excited for your UK visit, but you receive a visa rejection from the embassy. In such a situation, you may have to postpone or cancel your plans, which is a big mood killer and can cause a loss of opportunity if you are going for business purposes. But if you are aware of the common rejection reasons and take the right steps to avoid them, you may not have to face visa rejection. Here are some of the common UK visa rejection reasons and solutions.
Inaccurate or False Information
When you are applying for a UK visa, you need to fill out an application form. You will have to provide information including personal data, passport information, trip plans, financial information, etc. If you provide wrong information, it will immediately lead to rejection. Wrong information can be factual errors as well as spelling errors.
Solution: Be extra careful while filling in the form. Double-check spellings before submitting. Do not provide any false information. The information on your application form should match with the information on the documents you provide.
Inappropriate Documentation
Several documents must be submitted while applying for a UK visa. Some of these include your passport, bank statements, NOC from your employer, invitation letter, etc. If any of these documents are missing, you may not receive your UK visa. If any of the documents you submit is fake, invalid, or expired, this can also lead to rejection of your visa application.
Solution: Documentation for your UK visa should be done with care. Make a checklist and ensure that each one has been ticked off before you submit the application form. It is also important to know if a document like your passport is valid. Also, do not submit any fake documents. This is a serious offense and can lead to rejection and a ban from applying again.
Incomplete Application Form
The UK application form has several fields that you have to fill in. A mistake many make is to leave certain fields blank when they do not understand the question or if they think it is not applicable to them. Having blank spaces in your application form can also be a cause of visa rejection.
Solution: Do not leave any blank spaces. If you have any doubts about the right answer, it is best to consult a visa agent who will be able to guide you correctly.
Lack of Ties to Home Country
The UK visa officer should be convinced that you are planning to go back to your home country once your UK visa expires. If you do not submit enough documents to convince the officer that you will return to your country, you are likely to face rejection.
Solution: You must provide proof that you have enough ties in your home country for which you will return after your visit to the UK. For this, you will have to submit documents like property papers, employment contracts, leave letter from employer, letters from family members, etc.
Inadequate Financial Resources
Many people would have got their UK visa rejected due to bank statements. If your bank statements show that you do not have enough money to sustain yourself in the UK, it is unlikely that your visa application will be approved. The visa officer will check if you have enough money in your account to cover expenses like accommodation, meals, traveling, sightseeing, etc.
Solution: Calculate the costs of your visit to the UK and ensure that you have more than that amount in your bank account. You can use the help of a travel agent to know how much exactly your UK visit would cost you. Make sure your bank statements reflect the money you will need in the UK. Along with your bank statements, submitting your salary slips and other financial sources will also be helpful.
Insufficient Evidence of Purpose and Applying for a Wrong Visa
If the reason or purpose for visiting the UK is not clear, this can also cause rejection. Similarly, if you have applied for the wrong type of visa, you are likely to get a visa application rejection.
Solution: Your purpose for the visit should be clear. It could be tourism, business, or visiting family members. You need to provide enough documents to back up your purpose. A detailed itinerary will act as strong evidence for your visit. Also, be clear when mentioning the type of visa. Do not apply for a UK tourist visa when you are visiting the country to attend a business meeting or conference.
Presence of Health Issues
Your UK visa application may get rejected if you have a medical condition that can endanger the health or safety of others. The visa application may get rejected if the visa and thinks that your health problem can cause extended and expensive medical treatment in the country.
Solution: It is important to provide the necessary documentation to ensure that your health issues are not a risk to anyone else’s health. You must submit your medical reports and documents related to the treatment plans you have undergone. If you have an ongoing medical problem, you will need to mention the required treatment plans. You may also have to take UK medical insurance.
Presence of Criminal Record
Having a criminal record is also one of the UK tourist visa rejection reasons. People with a criminal record or those involved in illegal activities will find it difficult to get a UK visa.
Solutions: Do not hide your criminal records. It is best to be truthful about it. You can consult your solicitor who will provide you with the proper guidance about how to proceed with your visa application. You may have to submit a criminal record certificate while applying for your UK visa.
Past Visa Denial or Overstaying in the UK
If your UK visa application was rejected earlier, it may impact your current visa application as well. Moreover, if you overstayed in the UK during your previous visit, this could also lead to rejection.
Solution: In both cases, include a note or letter mentioning the reasons for rejection or overstaying in the UK. Genuine reasons will be considered. Also, it is important to mention the steps you have taken to ensure that it will not happen again.
Applying for a UK visa can be stressful, and a rejection of your visa application can spoil your plans. So, it is necessary to be cautious and avoid the problems mentioned above. If you find the process too complicated, consulting a renowned visa agency will be the safest thing to do. The visa agency will be your guide on applying for a UK visa with maximum chances of approval.
World Visa Information 