Every month veritas the team is being approached by clients to assist them with a UK visa refusal and appeal. Following the changes to the settlement route introduced previously this visa category has a rather high refusal rate. Similarly, visitor visas are probably the most commonly refused visa applications. The reasons for refusal vary from case to case however insufficient documents seem to be the most common issue. We would like to share our wisdom and made you aware of common pitfalls:
1. Understanding of the rules and requirements
The rules and requirements are constantly changing and at VERITAS THE TEAM , we follow the UKBA news and constantly update ourselves on the changes to the regulations. The team has worked in immigration field for several of years in UK and in INDIA but we know that the law is constantly evolving and it is vital for us to stay ahead of those changes. From our experience we know that the lack of full understanding of the rules often leads to an incorrect/incomplete application being submitted.
If you are submitting your application always check the immigration rules and the guidance. Relying on information from the past might not be the best approach. Read the rules carefully and once you understand the process you should be ready to start working on your application.
2. Documents
This one shouldn’t need much explaining, everyone knows that original documents must be submitted in support of the application. However, as you probably know the UKBA website only provides generic documents check list which are not tailored to the applicant’s specific circumstances. There is no such thing as “One fits ALL in immigration”. If your friend/brother/cousin submitted an application using exactly the same documents this does not mean your application will be successful too. Entry Clearance Officer (ECO) reviews the forms and supporting evidence and makes a decision on the basis of the information in the bundle. He/she will not nessarilly call or email you to ask questions regarding your case. If the circumstances or your situation is not clear to them they will refuse the case without any further queries. They believe that you are responsible to provide them with all the necessary documents/information to allow them reach a decision swiftly.
3. Accuracy
Accuracy is the key to success. Again, fairly obvious point but surprisingly this often is a reason which leads to an application being rejected. Always fill in the form carefully and double-check all the information. Make sure you are consistent when providing information in your personal statements.
4. Using correct form and paying the fee
Again, this is as simple as that. Using incorrect form or lack of completed Appendixes is likely to lead to a refusal but also loss of the fees paid. The immigration authorities will not refund you the fees paid even when you pick the wrong immigration category. The Visa centre puts the onus on the applicant to make sure the form and the fees paid are correct.
5. Agents – you get what you paid for
Don’t let the price be only factor in your decision making process. As with every service, you get what you pay for.
There are many advisors and consultants in the UK and overseas providing UK immigration advice. There are highly reputable providers with excellent track record who will guide you through the process and deliver on their promises. However, we saw many examples of poor quality of work, which resulted in loss of money and precious time. Not to mention those cases where the client had to leave the UK because of incompetent advice received from their advisor/solicitor. It is important to pick the right person for you. You are likely to spend at least few weeks working with them to prepare your application so it is important that you have a good working relationship. Make sure you speak to few reputable agensts or consultant, get quotes and pay attention to how quickly they respond (this will be a clear indication of the speed of service you are likely to receive). Plus, if the agent/consultant does not ask questions about your situation and promises you visa without seeing documents/knowing your circumstances. Don’t make a decision solely on the price. Some agents undercut the price to make a sale but are you really sure you want THE CHEAPEST service ?
6. Advice from friends/family
We all value advice and recommendations received from friends and family. They are trying to help you through this stressful time and offer a valuable assistance. However, unless your friend/family member is a qualified immigration expert/lawyer fo immigration field / solicitor/advisor on the UK immigration law, Veritas the team would recommend that you do your own review of the law/get an expert to at least review your application before submitting it to the UKBA/Visa Centre.
7. Deception – even a small inconsistency in the application can have a big impact on the final outcome
Make sure that your details in the form are correct and ALWAYS be honest in your statements. We stress to the client’s that deception / misleading statements can lead to a 12 months to 10 years ban as per the section 320 7 (A) and 320 7 (B). Plus, once the information is found to be inconsistent it will be more difficult to obtain an approval in the future.
8. Advice provided by the UKBA staff
Be weary of the information you receive over the phone especially when the person does not want to disclose their full name. The staff answering calls at the UKBA General Enquiry line are not qualified to provide immigration advice. They are only authorized to answer simple questions that are straightforward and don’t relate to any particular cases. As we know from our own experience the advice received is often inconsistent or just simply wrong. The same can apply to ‘helpful’ staff at the ports of entry.
9. Presentation
We know from experience that the presentation is important. We submit clients’ application in a plastic bundle with a cover letter explaining under what immigration rules you apply and how our client meets the requirements. The cover letter can be used to address any concerns/issues or unusual circumstances, which will help an ECO to reach a decision on the case.
10. Copies
Before you send your documents to the Visa Centre/UKBA always make copies of all documents and passports for your records. This is in case you need any of the documents after the submission. Also, some of the documents such as forms/letters of support will be kept by the authorities and it is important if the application is unsuccessful and you wish to appeal.
It is best to get it right the first time around so preparation and planning in advance is important. Do your research and spend time looking at the rules and requirements? If in doubt, seek professional advice. It will save you time and if you appointed a reputable agent/solicitor they should put you at ease and assurance that the process with go smoothly.
Goodluck www.visarejection.com
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