Can I get a Schengen visa without an interview if I've previously had one?
I've had a Schengen visa issued by the Italian consulate in Chicago, IL in the past (2016). Since the fingerprints are valid for a period of 5 years, do I need to appear for the interview, if I apply for the visa a second time (at another Schengen consulate)? I looked up the consulates' website for various Schengen countries, however, none except the Finnish embassy states anything about processing the application by mail, if you've been fingerprinted in the past 5 years. Has anyone had any experience with an interview waiver (postal application) while applying for the Schengen visa a second time?
Best Answer
Yes, it is possible. Here is the response I got from the German consulate Chicago on Jan 29th 2018:
since we have taken your fingerprints on your last appointment, you may send in your application by mail. Please understand, that the successful transfer of your fingerprints is not guaranteed. In the rare case, that we are not able to import your fingerprints, a personal appearance will still be necessary.
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Can you get visa without interview?
You may be eligible to apply for a U.S. visa without an interview based on your age, or if you are renewing a prior U.S. visa. Effective February 25, 2022, the Consular Section is suspending the processing of non-immigrant visa interview waivers until further notice.Can I apply for Schengen visa twice?
Schengen visas may allow for a single-entry or multiple entries. With a single-entry visa you can enter the Schengen area only once. This is indicated on the visa sticker by "01". With a visa allowing for two or multiple entries you may enter twice or several times during the validity of the visa.Is there a visa interview for Schengen visa?
A Schengen Visa interview isn't only a meeting where you provide supporting documents for a visa application to a visa official of a respective country. Matter of fact, a visa interview is intended for a more in-depth communication between the applicant and the representative of a diplomatic office.Why Schengen visas are refused?
Occasionally, an applicant can be prone to illegal and/or dishonest behavior. Furthermore, some information that the applicant provides may not be per the rules and procedures of the visa application or the country the applicant wishes to visit. This can lead to a visa refusal.REASONS WHY SCHENGEN VISA APPLICATIONS GET REJECTED (Highly requested)
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Answer 2
This is the reply I got from the Swedish Embassy in Washington D.C. last week.
If your Biometric data (fingerprints and pictures) was taken after June 1st 2014, you can just mail-in your application. Starting 07 August 2017, all mail-in applications will be submitted to VFS Schengen application center in Washington DC. Please prepare 2 separate money orders, one for $65 (Visa Application Fee) in favor of “VFS Services USA Inc” and second for $63 (service fee and Return Courier fee) in favor of “VFS Services USA Inc”. Ensure that complete documentation as mentioned on checklist is submitted for processing along with original passport to avoid any delays. The address for mailing in applications is: 1050 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite# 500, Washington DC 20036. • No personal checks accepted • No self-addressed envelopes accepted. If you have not provide Biometric data, you should schedule an appointment to one of the VFS available locations for you to start your application process.
Answer 3
Norway consulate issued me a Schengen visa in 2017. I had to visit VFS center, San Francisco in person for all paperwork and fingerprints. I was hoping that in the future I could apply for a Schengen visa by mailing my documents but for Norway that is not the case. Here is the response I received for VFS:
Date Oct 16, 2017
Dear applicant,
Unfortunately, for Norway you cannot mail-in your application, so you have to appear in person. For more information please visit: http://www.vfsglobal.com/norway/usa/
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