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You just completed the Schengen Visa process and are waiting to secure your visa. But, after a few days, you receive a letter or a notification letting you know that your visa application got rejected. You start panicking because, you have plans in the Schengen region – it could be a holiday, a business visit or for any other purpose. You think to yourself – is it possible to appeal a Schengen visa refusal? The quick answer is yes, you can!

Carefully go through this quick guide to understand how you can appeal if your Schengen visa gets rejected.

What Happens When Your Schengen Visa Gets Rejected?

One of the first things that you will receive after a Schengen visa rejection is a notification. It will be in the form of a letter which meticulously outlines the reasons for rejecting your Schengen Visa Application.

How to Know if You Can Appeal the Rejection?

When you open the rejection letter and read it, you will find it clearly mentioned that you can file for an appeal. However, in order to file the appeal, you will need to pay an appeal fee of 72 pounds directly to the embassy. Additionally, the letter will notify you to attach the relevant document proofs. It will also contain an email address where you can send the appeal letter along with the proofs to complete the appeal process.

If you are facing any issues while filing the form and getting the appointment slots for Schengen visa then our Schengen Travel info team here to help you to succeed your journey.

How to Appeal Schengen Visa Rejection: Step by Step Guide

1). Start the process by first carefully understanding the reasons outlined in the rejection letter.

2). Then, write an appeal letter in which you address each rejection reason in with meticulous explanations or well-supported documents to counter the rejection reason.

3). In the appeal letter, you must include the following:

  • Personal details – full name, date or place of birth, passport information, contact details etc.
  • The date when you applied for the visa and the reason of your visit
  • The date you receive the refusal and the state reasons
  • Arguments why the Schengen visa refusal was incorrect, supported by facts or documents
  • A polite closing with your signature

Note – Make sure that the appeal letter is not extremely long. Instead, keep it brief i.e., within 3 to 4 paragraphs.

4). Supporting Documents to Collect for the Appeal Letter

You will need to submit documents that answer the reason of rejection in the best possible way:

  • Rejected because of finances? Submit the latest bank statements or proof of financial means to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds which will cover your stay in the Schengen region.
  • No Clear Visit Purpose – Submit a detailed travel itinerary coupled with reserved flight tickets, a letter of invitation (if invited) and a cover letter that explicitly explains your reason of visit.
  • Weak Ties to Home Country – Furnish employment contract, proof of owning a property or business, proof of having family members in the home country etc.
  • Lack of Sufficient Travel Insurance – Buy a comprehensive travel insurance policy from a good company which provides minimum coverage of € 30,000. Submit its copy along with the appeal letter.

5). Submit the Appeal Letter – In the rejection letter, you will have the email address where you need to send the appeal letter along with the document proofs. Also, you will be required to pay an appeal fee of 72 pounds to the embassy. Make sure to submit it within the deadline i.e., about 15 to 30 days after receiving the rejection notification.

6). Wait for the Decision – Your Schengen visa rejection appeal will be processed, usually in about 15 days to even a couple of weeks. After that, you will get your visa. If your appeal gets rejected, some countries do allow you to undertake further appeals.

By knowing the exact Schengen visa appeal process and following it may successfully reverse the visa rejection decision. This also allows you to avoid the long process of reapplying for a visa again!

FAQs

What happens if my Schengen visa appeal letter is approved?

After the authorities approve your appeal letter, you will first get a notification after which you will also obtain the Schengen visa which will allow you to travel to the Schengen region!

What to do if my visa application is rejected more than once?

Make sure to thoroughly check if you are meeting all the guidelines of the Schengen visa. Alternatively, you can apply through a trusted partner for fast-track appointments and expert guidance to get your visa successfully.

What is the processing time of a Schengen visa appeal letter?

The standard processing time of your appeal letter for a Schengen visa refusal generally ranges anywhere between 15 days to 2 weeks.