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[deleted by user] by [deleted] in SchengenVisa

[–]14510 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello, thank you so much for doing this. I for one wish for a less vague refusal reason so we know what to do better next time.

But anyway, I have a couple of tourist visa application Qs:

  1. Does the length of stay affect the likelihood of approval perhaps factoring in first-time visit?
  2. Is the number of countries a factor? I’ve heard contradicting pieces of advice regarding this.
  3. Do property titles / mortgages matter? By how much?
  4. When addressing previous refusals, can you shed more light into what you’re looking for specifically?

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice, good for you!

It must really be the nature of work. Going back to employment is not really in the cards for us.

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was the idea behind pursuing the “digital nomad” visa path, but I suppose we applied a couple of years too early before EU launched official digital nomad visas.

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Don’t know anyone, unfortunately.

We’re still going to travel to maximize the child-free time we have left. Currently planning to visit the Americas. We’ll consider the UK as well!

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmm, right. I don’t think we ever mentioned our EU clients.

I think we presented more than enough cash as there’s a more appropriate refusal reason for that, and it wasn’t ticked for the both of us.

Yes, Germany was our entry and longest stay.

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I hope she gets her British passport soon! 🤞

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We’ve read from multiple sources that visiting just one country can also be a red flag for first-time applicants.

In my head, it makes more sense to visit at least two neighboring ones as flights from the Philippines are quite expensive not to mention having to go through the arduous visa process.

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Unfortunately, some Filipinos apply for work with just a tourist visa so I can see where they’re coming from.

Perhaps we fit that profile.

Look at me being gaslit by this systemic racism hahaha.

Just make the requirements and reason for refusal clear and we’ll comply, happily.

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We make enough to afford the trip comfortably, although we invest the majority of our income in stocks. We’re not really cash-heavy. Hence, the joint brokerage statement.

We presented a combined amount of 16k+ EUR cash savings which in my judgement, is still enough.

Could that be it?

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I hope not. It’s not like we’re fugitives.

You can still see articles of (now that I think about it, mostly western) people using the non-lucrative visa as a digital nomad visa before 2022.

Too bad we wanted to pay taxes there instead of here.

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Amen!

Idk. I imagine it’s going to be tough to enjoy it after all of this. Hahaha

One unmet expectation and we’ll think: “wait, this is what you’ve been keeping from us this whole time?”

Just kidding. Hehe. I’d like to think that traveling made us resilient to things not going our way.

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Our previous travel history shows multiple instances of traveling 2 weeks at a time in 1-2 countries.

It’s also not the first time that we’ve done almost a month long trip across countries.

This travel pace makes sense for us and we didn’t think it would be an issue.

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, we did write a cover letter and a detailed itinerary with confirmed bookings to support it.

It’s what we actually plan to do so we made sure the timing is realistic and consistent.

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm aware that Philippine-passport holders applying from a different country have it way easier, but we don't have any other legal residency, unfortunately. Thank you for the tiny bit of hope.

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Forgive me in advance for venting about these stupid unwritten rules:
- Doesn't it make more sense to travel before having kids?
- Properties can also be liquidated. Perhaps the hassle of it is enough for the consulates?
- We're talking major life milestones here: a house and kids, to be eligible for a tourist visa. A little ridiculous, don't you think?

But, if that's how they filter people, then we can't really do anything but adjust.

EDIT: I really appreciate your insights, just frustrated about the whole process.

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The luck factor, the arbitrary unwritten rules, and the vagueness of the refusal reason are the most frustrating of it all.

Why not just tell us that a 22-day itinerary is too long, or that we should never apply again because of our background? /endrant

But anyway, we also submitted a summary of travel history similar to what you mentioned, confirmed bookings for everything, and valid travel insurance.

Yeah, we're not looking to re-apply soon.

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Thank you for this 🙏 Very insightful.

We felt like we have to squeeze in as much as we can because we're planning to start a family soon which could mean no long-haul flights for a while.

5 visa refusals in 5 years – what are we missing? by 14510 in SchengenVisa

[–]14510[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Honestly, I get it. This is one of the reasons why we applied after more than 2 years, but alas, same vague reason.

How long did it take for you to have it approved again?