SPANISH VISA REFUSAL: WHAT TO DO NEXT?

A visa refusal is always unpleasant, but it’s not the end of the road. Many people, after receiving a visa refusal, immediately despair, thinking it’s an obstacle on the way to their dreams. However, the truth is, a visa refusal is just a part of the process, and in most cases, there is a way to fix the situation.

Today, I want to share useful tips with you on what to do if you’ve been refused a visa, and how to avoid such situations in the future.

Why Might You Be Refused a Visa? 4 Main Reasons

Before panicking, it’s important to understand why exactly you were refused a visa. The reasons can vary, and very often, the refusal is not your fault. Let’s take a look at the most common reasons for visa refusals:

1. Applicant Errors
The most common reason for a visa refusal is mistakes made by the applicant. Issues may relate to documents: you might not have submitted all the required documents, or submitted them late, made mistakes in the application form, or filled in incorrect details. For example, if the insurance policy lists the wrong number of days or if your bank statement doesn’t show the minimum required amount, this can lead to a refusal. Errors can also occur if you submit forged or unreliable documents.

2. Consulate or Inspector Errors
Yes, even inspectors can make mistakes! Sometimes a consular officer may overlook important details or misinterpret information in the documents. For example, in one recent case, a client’s application was refused because the consular officer failed to notice that they still had 60 days remaining on their Schengen visa. The error was discovered later, and as a result, we appealed and the visa refusal was overturned. This shows how sometimes even a small mistake on the part of the inspector can result in a refusal.

3. Changes in Legislation or Internal Policy
Immigration policies and regulations can change, and this can affect the visa application process. For example, last year, there were changes to the rules for obtaining student visas to Spain. New insurance requirements and changes to the list of approved educational institutions might have led to a refusal. Such changes can also occur due to political or economic circumstances in the country.

4. Insufficient Preparation or Underestimating Requirements
Sometimes a refusal is not due to errors in documents, but rather due to insufficient preparation or underestimating the requirements. For instance, applicants may overlook small but crucial details like the required amount of funds in their bank account, the validity of their insurance, or documents proving their ties to their home country. All of this affects the decision, and even if the application seems perfect, such minor details can make all the difference.

What to Do After a Visa Refusal? A Step-by-Step Guide

If your visa is refused, don’t panic. In fact, there are several actions you can take to fix the situation and increase your chances of obtaining a visa in the future. The key is not to give up and to act quickly.

1. File an Administrative Appeal
If the refusal occurred for a formal reason (such as an inspector's mistake or oversight), you can file an administrative appeal. This is a process where you resubmit all the documents, but this time, taking into account the mistakes noted in the refusal decision. You have one month from the date of the refusal to submit an appeal. It’s crucial that your documents are prepared more carefully than the first time to avoid repeating the same mistakes.

2. Judicial Appeal
If the administrative appeal doesn’t yield results, the next step is to file a judicial appeal. This is a longer and more complex process, but it can lead to a positive outcome. In some cases, a judicial appeal can take up to a year, but if you believe the refusal was unjust, don’t be afraid to take the case to court. It’s important to have an experienced lawyer who can help prepare all the necessary documents and arguments.

3. Apply for a Visa in Another Schengen Country
Sometimes it may make sense to apply for a visa to another Schengen country, rather than Spain. For example, countries like France, Italy, Germany, or Greece may have slightly less stringent requirements, and your chances of approval might be higher. If you were refused a visa specifically for Spain, this strategy can be helpful.

4. Reapply with Improved Documents
If your visa was refused due to document errors, you can gather everything again and reapply with improved preparation. It’s possible that you overlooked something important or made mistakes in your initial application. The key is to carefully double-check all documents, correct any errors, and submit them with a fresh application. It’s important to be confident in your success to avoid repeated refusals.
How to Prepare for a Visa Application and Avoid a Refusal?

It’s always better to avoid refusals than to fix them later.
Here are some important tips to help you prepare for your visa application and minimize the risk of a refusal:

1. Check Your Documents Multiple Times
This is probably the most important rule! If you’re filling out the documents yourself, make sure to double-check everything. It’s best to have another person (a specialist or a friend) review them — a fresh perspective can help catch any mistakes. Each document must be precise and meet the consulate’s requirements.

2. Ensure All Documents Are Up-to-Date
A refusal often occurs because some documents are outdated or don’t meet the requirements. For example, the insurance must cover the entire duration of your stay, and your bank statement must show enough funds in your account. Ensure that all your documents are current at the time of submission and remember to update them before applying.

3. Be Prepared for Additional Requests
Be ready for the consulate to request additional documents or clarifications. If you’re missing something, don’t panic. It’s impressive to consular officers if you’re prepared to provide the missing documents promptly. This will help you make a good impression.

4. Psychological Preparation
Your attitude towards the process plays a crucial role. Often, if a person is mentally preparing for failure, it can affect their actions and the outcome. It’s important to be confident in yourself and your documents. If you’ve prepared everything thoroughly, believe that the process will go smoothly.

What to Do If You Are Left Without a Visa and Can’t Return to Your Country?

1. Register as “Sedentario”
If you find yourself in Spain without documents, you can still legalize your stay. Spain has a program called “sedentario,” which allows people who are in an irregular status to legalize their stay if they can prove they have stable employment, means of support, or family members in the country.

2. Marriage or Civil Union
If you are in an irregular status but are in a relationship with a Spanish citizen, you can legalize your status through marriage or registration as a "pareja de hecho" (civil union). This is possible even if you are in the country illegally. After a year of marriage, you can apply for a permanent residence card.
Conclusion: Don’t Give Up, There’s Always a Solution!

A visa refusal is not the end of the road. Remember, a positive outcome can follow a refusal if you approach the situation with patience and attention to detail. File appeals, fix mistakes, and believe in your success. In Spain, there are always solutions, even if it seems like all the doors are closed.

Don’t hesitate to seek help from professionals who can guide you through the process, help you avoid mistakes, and increase your chances of a successful visa application. Our company is always ready to assist you through this process with minimal difficulties.

Don’t lose hope, and remember — sometimes overcoming challenges makes the journey to your dream especially valuable.

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