Schengen Visa Refusal: Does it make sense to appeal?
My visa got denied by the Greek embassy in Abu Dhabi for the reason below: the information submitted regarding the justification for the purpose and conditions of the intended stay was not reliable.
Does it make sense to appeal for this?
I have no idea why they denied my application while my friend got hers. We applied together and submitted the same documents, booked hotels and tickets. My purpose is a tour for 6 days.
Here are the documents I submitted:
- Schengen visa application form (Greece)
- copy of my passport recently renewed valid from 16/05/2015 to 15/15/2017
- copy of my UAE visa valid 2017/05/13
- 3.5 x4cm photo in white background
- RSA travel insurance with a coverage of Euro 30,000 from 02/10/2015 to 10/10/2015
- 6months NBD bank account statement with a nice balance (original with bank stamp)
- No-objection letter from my employee stating my position, salary, date of my recruitment.
- Booked hotel & ticket fares with itinerary details
Best Answer
The decision to make an appeal offers pros and cons. The 'pros' are obvious: there is a chance the refusal will be reversed and the issuing post will be instructed to provide the visa. Some of the 'cons' are not so obvious...
- Appeals often attract a fee and it can be expensive. In the case of Switzerland for example, an appeal costs more than a fresh application;
- Appeals take a long time for a decision to be handed down. This means that the original premise may no longer be valid. For example, an application to attend at trade show in three weeks time will no longer have a viable premise after that time, and if the appeal runs for twelve weeks then the refusal will be upheld.
- Appeals are generally conducted by a ministry in the member state, so most of your important documents will need to be translated. It also means you will not be permitted to attend the hearing;
- More importantly, you will not get to listen to the opposing arguments.
Remarks: Refusals can become emotive! A number of refused applicants see the appeal process as a way to 'clear their name'. This can (and often does) backfire when the appeal is dismissed. If the original decision is upheld, you will have lost time and money and matters will be worse. A safer and more expeditious way to 'clear your name' may lie in making a high-quality, well-founded fresh application.
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Can I apply for Schengen visa after refusal?
A common question newly rejected individuals and couples ask is \u201cCan we apply for a Schengen visa again after rejection?\u201d The answer to this question is always yes. Therefore, instead of appealing your rejected Schengen visa (or if your appeal fails), you could simply apply for a new Schengen visa.What can I do if my Schengen visa is refused?
If your Schengen Visa is refused, you will receive a form that indicates the time you have to appeal the decision. If you do not appeal within this time frame the decision won't be reversed.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.Can I appeal if my visa is rejected?
There is no appeal process. If you feel there is additional information that should be considered related to the visa decision, or there are significant changes in your circumstances since your last application, you may reapply for a visa.Schengen Visa Appeal Process and Letter for Refusal (Europe Visa)
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
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