French Schengen visa was refused. What are my options?

French Schengen visa was refused. What are my options? - Top view of wooden table with salad bowl and fresh drink arranged with tray of appetizing steak and french fries near menu in cozy cafe

In the past 2 years I was granted 10 Schengen Visas from Belgium, Greece, Portugal, Switzerland and France (in December 2018)

In February 2019 I applied for a French Visa in the USA & was denied with the following reason: "not convinced of your intention to return" to the USA.

The documents & purpose of the trip was the same in December 2018 and February 2019, no difference at all. First visa was approved and I visited France & returned after 7 days, did not of course overstay my visa.

The second visa was refused!

  1. Anyone experience the same situation?
  2. What was the solution?
  3. Should I re-apply?
  4. Apply for another Schengen visa (not France)?
  5. Appeal the decision?


Best Answer

An appeal is long and costly and very unlikely to succeed so I don't see the point here (earlier questions cover this). A fresh applications therefore seems like the only course of action available to visit the Schengen area but applying immediately in the exact same circumstances will attract a new refusal. The consulate is under no pressure to revise or justify their decision.

I think the most promising approach is to apply to another Schengen country but only after waiting several months. You must at all cost avoid giving the impression that you are trying to salvage this trip and circumvent the first decision. Plan a trip to another country, prepare a strong and credible travel plan and follow through on it. Additional short trips to other parts of the Schengen area should bolster your credibility and make it possible to reapply for a French visa in one or two years from now.




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French Schengen visa was refused. What are my options? - Drink With Clear Glass Cup
French Schengen visa was refused. What are my options? - Salad bowl and french fries served on table in cafe



What can I do if my Schengen visa is refused?

You have several options if your Schengen visa is rejected:
  • Apply for a new Schengen visa. ...
  • Apply for a National Visa to a Schengen country. ...
  • Appeal your rejection.


  • What do I do if my French visa is rejected?

    An applicant whose visa has been refused may lodge an appeal against the decision to refuse a visa to the Commission de Recours contre les D\xe9cisions de Refus de Visa, BP 83609 44036 Nantes CEDEX 1, within two months of being officially informed. This appeal must be motivated, signed and written in French.

    What are the chances of getting Schengen visa after rejection?

    IS IT POSSIBLE TO APPLY FOR A VISA AFTER REFUSAL? In 90% of cases, a Schengen visa can be opened almost immediately after refusal, if all the requirements of the consulate are met.



    France Denied/refused/deport to give entry on valid Schengen visa




    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: ROMAN ODINTSOV, Anna Tarazevich, Grape Things, ROMAN ODINTSOV