By Kavita Mistry 
In a Reddit AMA, a career diplomat and Schengen visa officer provided behind-the-scenes information on the visa decision-making process.
The officer has experience working in several embassies and handles up to 200 visa applications every day.
Insights on Visa Decision Making Shared By Schengen Visa Officer
The most frequent justification for denying a visa is the applicant’s weak ties to their homeland.
The likelihood of rejection rises sharply if there is any uncertainty about the applicant’s ability to return home after the trip.
For consular officials, applicants who lack a business, a stable or well-paying job, family obligations, or property ownership raise red flags.
Strong ties to one’s home are essential for demonstrating a desire to return after the trip.
Other common red flags include:
- Fake or unverifiable hotel or flight bookings
- Overambitious or unrealistic travel plans
- Mismatch between financial resources and accommodation choices
Suspicion is raised, for instance, when someone plans to stay in a luxury hotel while displaying little savings or when they are extremely wealthy but book extremely low-cost accommodations.
Inconsistencies alone may result in the denial of a visa, even in cases where the documents are not falsified.
Cover letters are typically overlooked or skimmed when it comes to documentation.
A thorough and truthful letter of sponsorship can be very important, particularly when applying for student visas.
Student Visas Rarely Rejected
If a recognized university accepts the applicant and the necessary paperwork is submitted, student (Type D) visas are rarely denied.
The cascade regime is in effect for long-term or multi-entry visas; longer-term visas are only issued following the applicant’s responsible use of shorter-term visas.
Most applicants receive a visa that is only good for their particular travel period if they don’t have a clear history or pattern of frequent travel.
It is recommended that applicants without real estate or a business provide evidence of a solid and steady job, preferably in the form of an employer letter attesting to their position and authorized leave.
However, depending on the applicant’s nationality, even a strong job may not be enough to demonstrate a desire to return.
The officer made it clear that “religion is never a factor” in response to a question about whether ethnicity or religion influences results.
However, due to regional or diplomatic considerations, certain nationalities are subject to more scrutiny than others, which may have an impact on the visa application process.
Summary:
A Schengen visa officer shared key insights during a Reddit AMA, revealing that weak ties to home country are the top reason for visa denial. Red flags include fake bookings, inconsistent finances, and unrealistic plans. Student visas are rarely rejected if paperwork is correct. Long-term visas require a good travel history. Religion is not a factor, but nationality may impact scrutiny.