Documents That Cause Delays or Rejections

Background checks are required for most residence permits. They must come from every country where you've lived for a significant period. The definition of 'significant' varies.

Processing times differ by country. Some issue checks in days. Others take weeks or months. FBI checks for US citizens often take longest. Plan accordingly.

Checks expire. Most consulates want them issued within three to six months of your application. A check that took two months to get may only be valid for another month.

Proof of income or savings rarely means just a bank statement. Consulates may want official letters, tax returns, employment contracts, or specific certificate formats.

Bank statements need to show the right things. Account holder name matching your passport. Transaction history. Current balance. Some require stamps from the bank branch.

Income from self-employment or investments requires more documentation. Tax filings, client contracts, dividend statements. The burden of proof is higher when income is irregular.

Documents from one country used in another often need authentication. For Hague Convention countries, this means an apostille. For others, full legalization through embassy chains.

Apostilles certify that a document is genuine. They don't verify the content—just that the signature and seal are real. The issuing authority depends on the document type.

Not every document needs apostille. But when required, submitting without it means rejection. Check requirements for each document type in your application.

Documents not in the local language typically need translation. But not just any translation. Most countries require certified or sworn translations.

Who can provide certified translations varies. Some countries have official translator registries. Others accept translations by accredited agencies. Self-translations almost never work.

Translations add cost and time. Factor this into your timeline. Some translators are backed up for weeks. Rush services cost more.

Health certificates for visa applications often require specific formats. Not just any doctor's note. Forms from approved physicians or clinics.

The scope varies. Some countries want proof you're free of specific diseases. Others want general fitness assessments. The required tests depend on the visa type.

Medical results expire quickly. Typically valid for one to three months. Getting them too early means repeating tests and exams.

Showing where you'll live seems simple but often isn't. Rental contracts may not exist yet. Hotel bookings feel temporary. Staying with friends needs documentation.

Different visa types accept different proof. Some want signed lease agreements. Others accept booking confirmations. Some need letters from hosts with their own ID copies.

The timing matters. Accommodation proof should align with your intended arrival. A rental starting three months before your visa begins raises questions.

Health insurance is required for most visas. But not any insurance. Coverage must meet specific minimums. It must be valid in the destination country. Duration must match your stay.

Policy documents need to clearly show coverage amounts, territory, and validity dates. Generic policy summaries may not be enough. Some consulates want certificates in specific formats.

Travel insurance differs from residency insurance. A policy good for a two-week trip may not meet requirements for a year-long visa. Check what's actually required.

Passports must be valid beyond your intended stay. Six months past your visa end date is common. Some countries require even longer validity.

Blank pages matter. Many countries require two or more empty pages for visa stamps. A nearly full passport may need renewal first.

Damaged passports get rejected. Water damage, torn pages, or illegible information are grounds for refusal. Inspect your passport before building your application around it.