There’s a science to visa application success, just like every other thing in life, and if applied, the likelihood of getting a visa is assured.
It is not as people sometimes approach it, with the attitude of uncertainty, like it’s a matter of trial and error. Visa application success can be determined to the letter, because just like the saying, “there’s a method to the madness”.
Indeed there is, and it is hinged on four main factors including:
- Financial solvency
- Economic stability
- Social ties
- Travel history
Here’s a brief overview of each of these factors.
FINANCIAL SOLVENCY
This simply refers to your capability to take care of your financial obligations.
So in considering this factor you should ask these questions:
- Do I have the money to go through the entire visa application process and the ensuing travel if I am issued the visa? If your answer is yes, the next question would be..
- Do I have the documents to show that I have the money?
- Do I have documents to show the source(s) of this money?
- How much money is considered as sufficient funds for the visa I am applying for?
ECONOMIC STABILITY
Your economic stability borders around your livelihood. The considerations here would be your occupation or employment and your lifestyle. The considerations would be:
- What you do to earn money.
- How long you have been employed or in business.
- Other sources of income you may have.
- If you earn enough to pay your bills and pay for your visit abroad.
- If have the documents to show your source(s) of livelihood?
SOCIAL TIES
This is a check of your connection, involvement to and/or relevance in various spheres of your life. The considerations here would be your family, community and other contributions. The questions you should ask are:
- Do you have people you answer to or who are dependent on you n your family?
- Do you have responsibilities or obligations in your community?
- Do you hold a position or stakes in an organization such as an association or other groups?
TRAVEL HISTORY
Your travel history is definitely a booster to your chances of success, but where there’s none, you can still succeed when you apply. So, if you have visited any other country for one purpose or another and returned, then it may count towards the success of your visa application.
The considerations here would be:
- Which country(s) you visited.
- The length of your stay.
- The purpose of your visit.
- If you left promptly after your visit.
Before you set out to apply for a visa to any country, first consider each factor objectively and assess yourself by answering the questions honestly. If the answers are satisfactory in line with the visa category and the country’s requirements, then you may proceed with your application. If not, then make a plan on ways you can improve on the factor(s) that may be lacking.