Often, when assembling the file for a visa application, the requested documents leads to questions or comments, such as “but it’s private!” or ” I don’t see why I would provide this“. Understanding why you have to provide these documents, in addition to calming misunderstandings, also helps building a more complete file. In this article, Oui Immigration lists some of the most frequently requested documents and explains why they are important.
Original passport
Often, when you arrive at the consular stage of your procedure (i.e. the time when you must submit your file to the Consulate of the desired country to obtain an entry visa), you will be asked to bring your original passport… since it is in the passport that the visa will be affixed.
According to the authority, the latter will be kept during the study of the file and this constraint must be anticipated.
Tip: bringing a copy of the identity page, or even the full passport, is always appreciated (or even required) by authorities.
Passport photos
Passport photos are very often requested and must correspond to the standards of the country, which differ: if the common model is the famous “3.5X4.5cm, white background, neutral expression”, the format may vary. For example, India and the United States require photos of a larger format (5x5cm), other countries require colored backgrounds.
In any case, you need original (on photo paper) and recent pictures!
Bank statements/payslips
The purpose of providing these documents is twofold:
- Prove your links with your country of origin, in particular via a job (pay slips ), and reassure the authority that you will come back;
- Prove that you have enough financial resources not to depend on the host country in case of local problems.
Many countries, especially those in the Schengen area, require a minimum amount of money in the bank account to issue a visa. So – no desire here to judge your expenses – the idea is just to prove your financial stability!
Certificate of employment/employment contract
Same approach as the previous point: the goal is to prove that you have regular sources of financial income, and also to prove that you have a strong link to your current country.
Civil acts
Birth certificate, marriage certificate, criminal record extract: these documents may be requested not only to justify the link between you and the persons accompanying you (the so-called “dependents”), but will also be used to justify your links with your current country and that these ties you have there will bring you back.
Warning, authorities can request that these documents be legalized: anticipate this request which may take time, and contact us if you want us to take care of it (oui@oui-immigration.com).
Medical data
Some countries may require medical data, or even examinations, which may seem intrusive: HIV test, blood type, complete medical examination, chest X-ray,….
Again, the reason for this request is very pragmatic: in addition to checking you do not have a contagious disease, for example, countries protect themselves against possible medical expenses that you may cost them once you’re there.
Flight/hotel booking
Again, the goal is to make sure that you will leave the country and not stay there illegally. Giving your return plane ticket and the reservation of the place where you will be accommodated (hotel, private ,…) allows to reassure the authority on your intentions and the logic of your stay.
Tip: depending on the timing, remember to book a changeable plane ticket!
This list is of course not exhaustive: each request is specific and each authority can request specific documents, depending on nationality, type of visa, length of stay, etc. … We have listed here the documents about which we receive the most questions!
It is good to provide many documents, but always make sure they make sense. The idea, again, is to understand the reason behind the request, not to flood authorities with documents that have no logic.
And you, what documents did you find strange to provide when applying for visas?
Contact us! oui@oui-immigration.com
