Introduction
A visa rejection is disheartening, this we know. The most important thing to do when confronted with bad news, however, is to remain calm, as there are always a variety of reasons for visa denial. However, the quality of German adjudication is very good, so most rejections are justified.
This article is going to cover some basic reasons as to why you may have been rejected for a German work visa and give some insight into how to rectify the situation.
Reasons For Rejection
As stated above, there are many reasons you can be denied entry into Germany, and it’s important to understand what the reason(s) given mean(s). The rejection letter should state categorically why you were rejected and if not, the first thing you need to do is consult the relevant authorities.
Here are some of the most common reasons for a German work visa denial:
Insufficient proof of purpose
Essentially this means you failed to convince the visa officials of valid reasons for you wanting to live and work in Germany. This can come from:
- Not submitting all the required documentation
- Submitting irrelevant documentation
- Not providing the correct aeroplane ticket, hotel reservation, or any transport information, or you cancelled them
- You submitting an invalid work contract
- You have an inconsistent time constraint between your intended stay and your leave from work/school
There are of course others, but these are the main reasons.
Falsified/Invalid Documentation
Apart from having an invalid visa, which will get you nowhere fast, submitting false/forged, or simply invalid documents, will get you an immediate denial.
A valid visa must be valid for at least another six months, and have at least two blank pages for the German visa.
If you haven’t submitted any false documents, and the visa officers claim you have, you may appeal the decision.
Insufficient Funds and Insurance
Applying for a German visa requires submission of proof of necessary funds, to ensure that you can fund your journey, your stay, and your return. If you cannot do this, your application will be rejected.
Insurance is also incredibly important and you must obtain adequate travel health insurance with a minimum coverage of at least €30,000 per person for the entire duration of your stay including travel.
Your application will 100% be denied if you do not have insurance.
What to do if you’re denied
It’s completely understandable to be frustrated at the prospect of having all your hard work denied, but there are a few options for you given this particular outcome.
Also, while there isn’t a set period of time that you must wait before reapplying, it is strongly advised to wait at least 30 days to ensure you have all your concerns dealt with, and if need be have all your new and updated documentation with you.
Appeal or Reapply
In some cases, you have the option to appeal the immigration authorities’s decision, and there will usually be instructions in the rejection letter regarding your specific appeal process.
Following this, you should correct any issues or deficiencies mentioned in the rejection letter and reapply, making sure to provide additional documentation or clarification if needed.
Seek other employment
If your rejection is due to a lack of qualifications or experience, or if it’s tied to a specific job offer, consider either gaining more relevant skills or experience or simply exploring alternative employment opportunities with different employers, respectively.
You could also attempt to apply for a different type of visa, but if your specific job offer requires a specific type of visa, this may not be feasible and you may have to explore the other options listed above.
Conclusion
It’s vital you keep well informed throughout your application process, and be patient, persistent, and determined in pursuing your goal of working in Germany.
Always ensure you follow the proper protocol and guidelines laid out before you, and consider consulting immigration lawyers, and connecting with local communities, expat groups, or professional networks in Germany.
Written by Simon Carletti, PR and Creative Supervisor
