Visit Visa Refusals – Most Common Reasons
Entry Clearance Office may refuse to grant a visit visa to an applicant on the basis that the applicant has not complied with the rules and regulations. Any individual who plans to come to the UK for a short period (i.e. less than 6 months) can apply for a visit visa. There are several reasons for refusal. However, depending on the nature and available evidence, the decision can be challenged and may be overturned.
A refusal on any visit visa will remain on the Home Office records. It is important to submit a well prepared application for a visit visa to maximize the chances of approval.
A refusal does not mean you are barred from entering the UK or you are barred from re-applying. However, an applicant must ensure that no false or misleading information/evidence is provided otherwise, he/she will be banned from entering the UK for a period of 10 years.
Some of the common reasons for refusal of a visit visa are as follows:
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate that they are a genuine visitor. In addition, applicants must satisfy the eligibility requirements. They must not extend their stay (upon entering the UK) and the purpose of the visit must be in line with the visa category.
Suitability Requirements
Home Office may reject an application for a visit visa on discretionary grounds. They may deny the visit visa if the person is facing deportation and poses a threat to the society of UK.
Another ground is if the person has committed a criminal offence and is sentenced to imprisonment.
Intention to Return Home After the Visa Expiry
One of the requirements for the visit visa is for applicants to return to their home country and not overstay their visa. Applicants must prove that they intend to leave the UK by demonstrating existing and future commitments at their home country.
Applicants will be denied a visa if they fail to provide evidence relating to their intention to return to their home country.
Inadequate Funds
It is mandatory to meet financial requirements to gain entry to the UK. An application will be rejected if the applicant does not have sufficient funds to maintain themselves and if they fail to provide evidence of having access to such funds. Example of such evidence includes (but not limited to) bank statements, payslips, and income from other sources to prove the availability of ‘sufficient funds’.
Purpose of the Visit
A visit visa is open to applicants who intend to come to the UK for tourism, business, study, medical treatment, etc. Applicants must provide accurate information about the purpose of their visit and submit relevant evidence to minimise the chances of refusal.
False Information
As mentioned above, if false evidence and/or information is provided to the Home Office with Applicants’ application, their application will not only be rejected but they may also be banned from entering the UK for 10 years.
Breach of Immigration Law
Another common reason for visa refusal is the breach of immigration rules. The applicant must not have violated the immigration law or the rules of immigration status at any time.
Failure to Submit Documents
If sufficient supporting evidence is not provided with the application, then the Home Office may refuse the application. For instance, failure to submit important documentation such as a passport, proof of identity or proof of availability of sufficient funds leads to the rejection of a visa application.
