₦airaland Forum

Chimzy09:
Update: Cousin picked up Passport on Friday. Granted 3 months, multiple entry. 1st time applicant.

Please what did he/she do differently? And how long does france visa typically take. I am applying for the first time as well and need all the help I can get.

Thanks!

Congratulations
is the person a frequent traveller?
can you share the document submitted thanks

Chimzy09:
Update: Cousin picked up Passport on Friday. Granted 3 months, multiple entry. 1st time applicant .

Hello @Chimzy09

Congratulations to your cousin! Could you please provide a list of the documents your cousin submitted?
Does your cousin hold any previous visas for the UK, US, or Canada?
Thank you.

Chimzy09:
Update: Cousin picked up Passport on Friday. Granted 3 months, multiple entry. 1st time applicant .

Congratulations!! When did your cousin submit?

Chimzy09:
Update: Cousin picked up Passport on Friday. Granted 3 months, multiple entry. 1st time applicant .

patricia23:
Congratulations!! When did your cousin submit?

May 19.

Marcgrace:
Hello @Chimzy09

Congratulations to your cousin! Could you please provide a list of the documents your cousin submitted?
Does your cousin hold any previous visas for the UK, US, or Canada?
Thank you.

pufframmy:
Congratulations
is the person a frequent traveller?
can you share the document submitted thanks

None of those visas, not a frequent traveler, but has been to Asia and about 5 African countries.. documents will be listed below.

Nanyavikz:
Please what did he/she do differently? And how long does france visa typically take. I am applying for the first time as well and need all the help I can get. Thanks!

Took about 15 business days from submission till the passport pickup - 18 when you include the 3-days holiday earlier this month


Documents
Dummy flight booking
Accommodation (pay at property)
Insurance
Reserved tour tickets (pay later)
Explanation letter
Employment contract/leave letter
3 months payslips
3 months bank statements (personal and savings)
Reference letter from bank
Coloured photocopy of previous stamps in passports
New and old passports with the stamps

Chimzy09:
May 19.



None of those visas, not a frequent traveler, but has been to Asia and about 5 African countries.. documents will be listed below.


Took about 15 business days from submission till the passport pickup - 18 when you include the 3-days holiday earlier this month


Documents
Dummy flight booking
Accommodation (pay at property)
Insurance
Reserved tour tickets (pay later)
Explanation letter
Employment contract/leave letter
3 months payslips
3 months bank statements (personal and savings)
Reference letter from bank
Coloured photocopy of previous stamps in passports
New and old passports with the stamps

Thank you for sharing your timeline. Did you explicitly request for a multi-entry visa or it was just at the discretion of the visa officer?

Also, kindly recommend sites you use for book now, pay later tours. I'm not getting much credible results from Google.

firebreather:
Thank you for sharing your timeline. Did you explicitly request for a multi-entry visa or it was just at the discretion of the visa officer?

Also, kindly recommend sites you use for book now, pay later tours. I'm not getting much credible results from Google.

It wasn’t mine, my cousin’s.
It was at the VO’s discretion.

Tours- Getyourguide dot com or tripadvisor dot com

Hello house, my visa application was refused. Stating that the information regarding the justification purpose and conditions of stay is not reliable.

Could it be the dummy ticket I used?

I currently have a 5 years UK visa.

Is there a way to know the exact reason?

Can I appeal the decision?

maziemeka2024:
Hello house, my visa application was refused. Stating that the information regarding the justification purpose and conditions of stay is not reliable.

Could it be the dummy ticket I used?

I currently have a 5 years UK visa.

Is there a way to know the exact reason?

Can I appeal the decision?

If this is the only refusal condition they stated, it's often ambiguous, so one cannot just pin point a particular reason. However, for anybody to be able to help, kindly answer these questions.

Was it a business visa (e.g. conference) you applied for or tourism?
If it was conference, maybe they couldn't verify your invitation or the conference was too close to when you submitted. If it was tourism, maybe your itinerary is not clear enough/convincing.

Also, what are the documents you submitted?
With the refusal condition they stated, the problem is mostly not from your documents otherwise, they might have also stated that your documents were incorrect or something. They have a specific wording for that (I can't remember right now).

Dummy tickets are usually not a problem but you can also check some of the documents you've submitted more closely.

popone:
If this is the only refusal condition they stated, it's often ambiguous, so one cannot just pin point a particular reason. However, for anybody to be able to help, kindly answer these questions.

Was it a business visa (e.g. conference) you applied for or tourism?
If it was conference, maybe they couldn't verify your invitation or the conference was too close to when you submitted. If it was tourism, maybe your itinerary is not clear enough/convincing.

Also, what are the documents you submitted?
With the refusal condition they stated, the problem is mostly not from your documents otherwise, they might have also stated that your documents were incorrect or something. They have a specific wording for that (I can't remember right now).

Dummy tickets are usually not a problem but you can also check some of the documents you've submitted more closely.

It was tourism

Document submitted.

Business registration document

Personal bank statements ( naira 15,000,000, dollar 4000)

Hotel reservation ( booking.com)

Dummy ticket from wakanow.com

Reference letter from bank

Copies of VISAS travel and return dates.

Property document

Cover letter also stating how much I intend to spend and available funds.

Itinerary stating the days and where I intend to visit and which days.

The only thing I did not include is booking any tour.

I wish I could find out the particular reason.

Pls has anyone book appointment with Tls contact recently for france?

Hello, was anyone able to book an appointment with TLS recently? The next available slot is in September

Check your flight itinerary, travel itinerary and cover letter to see if it tallies. I.e. Cover letter says arrival date 20th June, flight must show arrival 20th June as well and hotel booking must start on the same 20th of June (just an example).

When was your submission date if I may ask?

maziemeka2024:
It was tourism

Document submitted.

Business registration document

Personal bank statements ( naira 15,000,000, dollar 4000)

Hotel reservation ( booking.com)

Dummy ticket from wakanow.com

Reference letter from bank

Copies of VISAS travel and return dates.

Property document

Cover letter also stating how much I intend to spend and available funds.

Itinerary stating the days and where I intend to visit and which days.

The only thing I did not include is booking any tour.

I wish I could find out the particular reason.

maziemeka2024:
It was tourism

Document submitted.

Business registration document

Personal bank statements ( naira 15,000,000, dollar 4000)

Hotel reservation ( booking.com)

Dummy ticket from wakanow.com

Reference letter from bank

Copies of VISAS travel and return dates.

Property document

Cover letter also stating how much I intend to spend and available funds.

Itinerary stating the days and where I intend to visit and which days.

The only thing I did not include is booking any tour.

I wish I could find out the particular reason.

Everything looks fine here.

Booking a particular tour (or not) doesn't really impact the visa outcome. Although, for first time Schengen applicants, especially without 'travel history' (which is not your case as you mentioned Visas and Dates, and you have a valid UK visa), it's usually recommended to go above and beyond. Hence, why people often recommend booking tours or prepaying for some refundable activities.

You didn't mention insurance in your list of documents but I hope you added insurance to your list of submitted document.

However, the only thing I can flag here is the amount in your bank statements. The money you left there is just too much!

In fact, for Schengen visa application, $4,000 would've been enough but it's preferable to show a bank statement in your local currency hence the equivalent of $4,000, which is roughly ₦6,000,000 is fine.

With Schengen visa application, too little or too much money usually works against the applicant even if they can prove the source. Currently, a range of ₦5,000,000 to ₦6,000,000 is best.

Another thing, I like to chip in is, don't leave a round figure in your account when applying. It might come off to the visa officer that you've just left that money there for the purpose of visa application. Instead, aim to have rough figures like ₦5,273,650, ₦6,423,720. Those ones look more relatable.

In my opinion, all your documents are correct.

So, based on this money palaver, the visa officer might be wondering: why do you want to go for tourism in France with that humongous money? Are you planning to enter France and start a new life with the money there?

Those people are evil and once you're a visa applicant from a third-world country, all odds are against you even before you submit.

What I'll advise is:
1. Do more research on this refusal condition and see how you can prevent that in your next application/appeal
2. If you're not confident on it enough, find a travel agent who's experienced in Schengen visas. They might be able to guide you on what to do to avoid refusals in subsequent applications.

popone:
Everything looks fine here.

Booking a particular tour (or not) doesn't really impact the visa outcome. Although, for first time Schengen applicants, especially without 'travel history' (which is not your case as you mentioned Visas and Dates, and you have a valid UK visa), it's usually recommended to go above and beyond. Hence, why people often recommend booking tours or prepaying for some refundable activities.

You didn't mention insurance in your list of documents but I hope you added insurance to your list of submitted document.

However, the only thing I can flag here is the amount in your bank statements. The money you left there is just too much!

In fact, for Schengen visa application, $4,000 would've been enough but it's preferable to show a bank statement in your local currency hence the equivalent of $4,000, which is roughly ₦6,000,000 is fine.

With Schengen visa application, too little or too much money usually works against the applicant even if they can prove the source. Currently, a range of ₦5,000,000 to ₦6,000,000 is best.

Another thing, I like to chip in is, don't leave a round figure in your account when applying. It might come off to the visa officer that you've just left that money there for the purpose of visa application. Instead, aim to have rough figures like ₦5,273,650, ₦6,423,720. Those ones look more relatable.

In my opinion, all your documents are correct.

So, based on this money palaver, the visa officer might be wondering: why do you want to go for tourism in France with that humongous money? Are you planning to enter France and start a new life with the money there?

Those people are evil and once you're a visa applicant from a third-world country, all odds are against you even before you submit.

What I'll advise is:
1. Do more research on this refusal condition and see how you can prevent that in your next application/appeal
2. If you're not confident on it enough, find a travel agent who's experienced in Schengen visas. They might be able to guide you on what to do to avoid refusals in subsequent applications.

Thank you for your response.

I forgot to mention that I got the insurance.

As for the funds in the account. They were not in. Round figure I just rounded the figure.

Secondly there are activities in the account to show the build up of the funds.

In my cover letter is broke down how much the trip would cost me, about 4000 euro for 5 days.

If the funding was suspicious or a problem, I think they would have given it as a reason.

The reason given was the reliability of the justification of purpose documents provided

And reason to believe I would not leave if the visa expires. Which I believe was a result of the justification of purpose.

I don't know if I should appeal the decision or if there is a way to get details of the specific reason for refusal.

firebreather:
Thank you for sharing your timeline. Did you explicitly request for a multi-entry visa or it was just at the discretion of the visa officer?

Also, kindly recommend sites you use for book now, pay later tours. I'm not getting much credible results from Google.

How many days would you advise to put in as a first time applicant for tourism?

Nanyavikz:
How many days would you advise to put in as a first time applicant for tourism?

From what I've read online sha, it's best to have at least 30 days before your intended travel dates.

If you're a frequent traveller and already have some Schengen visas in the past, you could even get your visa in a week but as a first timer, they'll take extra time looking into your documents so if possible send, submit 60 days ahead of your intended travel date.

There's no harm in making the time too long but it can be dangerous to make it short.

...

gateleo:
Pls has anyone book appointment with Tls contact recently for france?

...

maziemeka2024:
Hello house, my visa application was refused. Stating that the information regarding the justification purpose and conditions of stay is not reliable.

Could it be the dummy ticket I used?

I currently have a 5 years UK visa.

Is there a way to know the exact reason?

Can I appeal the decision?

Marcgrace:
Hello @maziemeka2024

I suggest that not booking an orangised tour could have contributed to the stated issue, "The information regarding the justification purpose and conditions of stay is not reliable."

I suspect that. I am thinking of writing an appeal letter and adding some of those as additional document with confirmed ticket.

Does anyone know the appeal process and how it is submitted?

Hi,

Yes, I booked an appointment yesterday. Lagos frequent traveller

gateleo:
Pls has anyone book appointment with Tls contact recently for france?

Hi,

If I may weigh in on the conversation, my biggest concerns would be about your socio-professional situation a.k.a home ties.

In your cover letter, did you elaborate on what will bring you back to Nigeria? eg did you explicitly state the business you do and how important your physical presence is, did you mention your family in Nigeria and any other relevant commitments to bring you home?

Also, it might be a good idea to include your business bank statements and tax receipts (if available) to show the business is functional. If you decide to appeal, this is an area to seriously highlight because it tells them you have something to come back to Nigeria to do.

In my opinion, 4000 euros over 5 days is a lot especially because it will empty one of your personal accounts (you mentioned the 4k USD account). Maybe a more conservative estimate if you decide to re-apply.

Finally, your travel history and how long do you typically spend in other countries can also be a factor to point out to them if appealing eg "from my travel history, you will notice I don't spend more than 10 days at a time outside Nigeria, this is because I have so so so and so commitments to get back to."

All the best with your appeal or reapplication!

maziemeka2024:
Thank you for your response.

I forgot to mention that I got the insurance.

As for the funds in the account. They were not in. Round figure I just rounded the figure.

Secondly there are activities in the account to show the build up of the funds.

In my cover letter is broke down how much the trip would cost me, about 4000 euro for 5 days.

If the funding was suspicious or a problem, I think they would have given it as a reason.

The reason given was the reliability of the justification of purpose documents provided

And reason to believe I would not leave if the visa expires. Which I believe was a result of the justification of purpose.

I don't know if I should appeal the decision or if there is a way to get details of the specific reason for refusal.

...

maziemeka2024:
I suspect that. I am thinking of writing an appeal letter and adding some of those as additional document with confirmed ticket.

Does anyone know the appeal process and how it is submitted?

Hi,

Check page 316 of this thread to see some information on the appeal process. You need to move fast though because you have a short time window to appeal.

Also, does your letter state grounds of appeal? That could give you some insights on next steps.

maziemeka2024:
I suspect that. I am thinking of writing an appeal letter and adding some of those as additional document with confirmed ticket.

Does anyone know the appeal process and how it is submitted?

So, am filling the TLS form to schedule a booking date.
However am a lil confused. Instead of seeing a calendar to select a date, am seeing a form to fill and then submit request. So when /where would i see a date to pick?....
Pls some1 shud clarify b4 i click submit
Am a first time Schengen traveller

Hi,

You will fill the TLS form and submit before you can see the appointment page. Note that if you've been to other countries eg US, UK, Canada, you are considered a frequent traveller even if it is your first Schengen.

All the best with your application!

Malevonent:
So, am filling the TLS form to schedule a booking date.
However am a lil confused. Instead of seeing a calendar to select a date, am seeing a form to fill and then submit request. So when /where would i see a date to pick?.
Am a first time Schengen traveller

VisaZest:
Hi,

You will fill the TLS form and submit before you can see the appointment page. Note that if you've been to other countries eg US, UK, Canada, you are considered a frequent traveller even if it is your first Schengen.

All the best with your application!

Wow thanks for the fast response.
Yes i have been to usa, UK etc.
Good you responded fast.the options are confusing.
I assumed PRIMO is what i shud choose

Do reconfirm pls, b4 i make an error

VisaZest:
Hi,

Check page 316 of this thread to see some information on the appeal process. You need to move fast though because you have a short time window to appeal.

Also, does your letter state grounds of appeal? That could give you some insights on next steps.

Thanks for the response. The letter says I can appeal within 30 days of the decision by filing to the deputy visas or something like that.

VisaZest:
Hi,

If I may weigh in on the conversation, my biggest concerns would be about your socio-professional situation a.k.a home ties.

In your cover letter, did you elaborate on what will bring you back to Nigeria? eg did you explicitly state the business you do and how important your physical presence is, did you mention your family in Nigeria and any other relevant commitments to bring you home?

Dropping a dot (.) here for future reference

Hi,

It appears there's been a slight change to the form. The private visit option would typically mention the UK, Canada and co.

Malevonent:
Wow thanks for the fast response.
Yes i have been to usa, UK etc.
Good you responded fast.the options are confusing.
I assumed PRIMO is what i shud choose

Do reconfirm pls, b4 i make an error

Marcgrace:
Hello @maziemeka2024

Informal Appeal to French Consular Authorities : You can start with an informal appeal ( "recours gracieux" ) to the French consular authorities, within two months after being notified of the refusal to be issued a visa.
This appeal should be in writing, explaining the reasons why you believe the refusal was incorrect and providing any supporting documentation. You must also attach a copy of the refusal letter.

Address the Reasons for Refusal: Your appeal letter should directly address the reasons for the visa refusal as stated in the notification. Provide evidence to counter those reasons.
Write a Clear and Concise Letter: Your appeal letter should be clear, concise, and written in a formal and polite tone. Avoid complicated language and present your arguments logically.

Thanks for this information.

I think this is a good option because the appeal is said to be sent to BP 83609 NANTES CEDEX.

So I might just book a refundable ticket and add any other document to the letter.

Can I deliver this letter to the france embassy with DHL?

firebreather:
From what I've read online sha, it's best to have at least 30 days before your intended travel dates.

If you're a frequent traveller and already have some Schengen visas in the past, you could even get your visa in a week but as a first timer, they'll take extra time looking into your documents so if possible send, submit 60 days ahead of your intended travel date.

There's no harm in making the time too long but it can be dangerous to make it short.

Thanks for responding but my question was how many days should I ideally request for as it’s my first application for Schengen. I was thinking 16 days?

And yes I have been to the UK multiple times and a few other countries. I don’t see where to add that though on TLS to get the frequent traveler benefits.