Switzerland Student Visa Rejection: Reasons and appeals

Are you looking forward to study in Switzerland? Let us tell you not only is admission to one of the Swiss universities is enough, but you will also have to obtain a student visa for Switzerland. International students wanting to enter Switzerland for education would require to apply for a Student Visa. Though the process of obtaining a Swiss Student visa is simple, there are a few reasons which might decrease your chances of obtaining the visa. In this article, we will point out the reasons for Swiss student visa rejection and what are the next steps you have to take.

Switzerland student visa rejection reasons

Submitting a student visa application for Swizterland is never a guarantee that you will successfully obtain the visa. You may have spent days trying to assemble all the required documents, filling the application form, and so on. However, sometimes, for a valid reason your application might get rejected, despite for the fact that you did everything right. Though Switzerland student visa rejection rate is not that high, but still you need to take care of. Here are some of the common reasons why your visa can get rejected: 

1. Criminal Records

The past and current actions of the applicant is an important factor in the decision of the visa officer in issuing a Swiss student visa. The rejection may be because the student is considered a threat to the public policy, public wealth, or internal security of Switzerland. For example, terrorism, drug abuse, child abuse, etc.

2. False or insufficient Travel Document

Anothert reason that might lead to a Schengen Visa application rejection, is the inability to present the eligible travel insurance coverage for the duration of stay in the Switzerland. Student visa Applicants also have to face rejection if they attempt to present false travel documents to the embassy or consulate. 

3. Insufficient Explanation For The Purpose 

Another reason for refusal of your Student Visa is inability to provide the needed justification for your purpose and conditions of the planned travel and stay. If you are unable to provide documents that support the purpose of travel and stay in Switzerland can result in the rejection of the visa. You need to have solid proof to prove your stay.

4. Invalid or damaged Passport

A reason for a visa refusal could be presenting a  passport that is not kept in a good condition. For example, if your passport pages are detaching or missing or when the cover of the passport is damaged etc you will face rejection. Your passport must be valid for the 3 months beyond the planned stay. You must present a valid passport that is older than ten (10) years. Also, note your passport should possess two different blank visa pages.

5. Invalid Letter of Recommendation

Further evidenced reason for a failed Switzerland Visa application is providing a formal letter of reference that is not authenticated by the author. Such cases involve:

• If you fail to offer a formal letter on the original letterhead with the address and contact details of the author issuing it.
• If you fail to present a formal letter issued within the last 3 last months from the application date
• If the stamp and signature of the author are missing from the formal letter.

6. Insufficient Means Of Funds

One of the reasons the embassy might refuse to give you a visa is lacking or insufficient proof of means of existence for the duration of stay in Switzerland. If you miss to possess enough funds in financial statements presented, you might face rejection. You will have to offer financial statements not older than one (1) month from the application date.

7. Lacking to present a Proof of Accommodation

Another reason that might result in your visa rejection is being unable to clearly present the proof that you have a place to stay during your studies in Switzerland. You should have a place to stay in Switzerland during your stay. 

8. Interview Problems

The student visa interview is one of the best chances to impress the visa officers face to face. And it is that first impression that counts. The student’s behavior and appearance at the interview are vital. Your body language, confidence, appearance, etc are important factors in the visa interview. Be prepared and look confident.

What to do if my student visa for Switzerland is rejected?

A visa rejection can never be a hurdle in your dream of studying abroad in Switzerland. You can always try to re apply, correcting the mistakes made in your first application or improving your situation. However, if you strongly belive that your first application was complete and correct, the decision of rejection is a mistake, you can always appeal the rejection. 

How to Appeal a Switzerland Visa Denial

Appealing a decision on your student visa application is not a simple thing to do.You must be sure that the decision made by the visa officers was incorrect, and that there was no reason for visa rejection.  

You should appeal by writing an Appeal Letter for Switzerland Student Visa Refusal. You must give very strong reasons why you believe that the decision on rejetcion of your visa application was incorrect, and why thet should approve the application. Here are the points you need to keep in your mind while appealing 

• The appeal should be submitted within 15 days of the receipt of visa refusal.
• It should be submitted to the Consulate that decided to refuse the visa. 
• It must be an original with the original signature of the applicant.
• It must include the name of the applicant and the reasons why the applicant considers the refusal decision to be contrary to the law. 

The appeal will be reviewed within 35 days from the receipt of the appeal by the Consulate. The result of the review is sent to the applicant by the same Consulate.

You should also read the following articles:

Checklist Before going to Study in Switzerland
Popular Job Sectors in Switzerland
Stay back and Work Permit after Study in Switzerland