Spanning Europa and Asia, Turkey has a unique geography that very few nations have. It offers some of the most notable attractions, including striking architecture, grand mosques, lively bazaars, appetizing cuisine, and delightful ruins. In the last decade or so, it has become one of the most visited countries for a family vacation, a backpacking trip, or a romantic getaway. Apart from this, the country also sees many students coming here to pursue higher education. You must apply for a Turkey visa to enter the country, which is accepted most times. However, there are instances when your visa application is rejected, which is disheartening. Let's look at the reasons for Turkish student visa rejections and what steps to take when this happens.
Reasons for visa rejection
Listed below are the most common reasons for visa rejections.
· Passport status: For a student visa, your passport must be valid for up to 90 days after entering Turkey. If your passport is about to expire sooner than that, your visa application may be rejected.
· Incomplete application form: Your application form may be incomplete as you may have missed filling in some information. In this case, your visa may be denied. So, refrain from leaving any blank spaces and enter all the information as required.
· Incorrect data: If you have intentionally or accidentally provided false information, the chances of your visa getting rejected are high. So, ensure you fill in all details carefully, as even a minor spelling mistake may result in your visa rejection.
· Criminal record: If an individual has a criminal record, entering the country can hamper the safety of the people. If the criminal record is clear, it will not affect the visa. However, in certain instances, it may so happen that your name may be like someone that is already on the entry ban list to Turkey. Though this is not your fault, your visa application can be rejected, and it will take some time to rectify this.
· Supporting documents: For smooth visa processing, you must submit all the relevant documents required by the Turkish Embassy or Consulate. If you miss out on any essential documents or the embassy suspects the credibility of the documents, your visa may be rejected.
· Overstaying in the country: If the visa authorities feel that you may overstay in Turkey and not return to your homeland after the duration of your permitted stay, the chances of your visa getting rejected are very high. For example, if you are applying for a Turkeyvisa from UAE, and the authorities feel that you may not return to UAE after completing your education, they may reject it. So, submit proof of your intention to return to your home country like family, work, home, etc.
· Failure to provide travel/health insurance: You need valid travel and health insurance to cover your entire stay in Turkey. If you cannot submit that, your visa application will be rejected.
· Evidence of sufficient financial resources: You need to submit proof of adequate funds (like bank statements, assets, etc.). to support your education and to live in Turkey. Failure to do this will also result in visa rejection.
· Choosing the incorrect visa type: Citizens of many countries are eligible for evisa, while others must apply for a visa at the Turkish Consulate/Embassy. An e-visa allows you to travel only for tourism, business, and transit purposes. Your visa will be rejected if you apply for an evisa instead of a student visa or select any other type of visa.
· Health reasons: If you don't clear your medical examination or are unable to provide a valid health certificate or have a medical condition that may be hazardous to the country and its people, your visa can be denied.
· Allies with your country: If, for some reason, your country does not have good relations with Turkey, the visa application gets rejected.
Can I apply again if my visa is rejected?
You can apply for a new student visa 24 hours after getting your rejection. If your application is rejected because it was incomplete, you can apply for another visa after rectifying the errors. You will receive your visa in the next three days after applying if all the information is correct.
If you feel your application was unfairly rejected, contact your country's Turkish Embassy/Consulate. It may take several weeks or even months to book an appointment with them, so it is better to apply for a visa before making travel plans.
While visiting the Embassy/Consulate, take all supporting documents to prove that your application should be accepted. If you cannot visit the consulate in person, you can write to them about why you feel your rejection was unfair and include all the necessary evidence.
Note: Your Turkey visa fees are not refunded if your visa application is rejected. In most cases, the Turkish government doesn't reveal the reason for visa rejection.
Conclusion
To avoid visa rejection, ensure that you read and follow all the instructions correctly. If you complete all the formalities properly from start to finish, chances are very high that you will receive your visa on time.
