A traveler recently took to Reddit to share a frustrating experience after being denied a Schengen visa, despite submitting a full set of required documents, including financial proof, an employer letter, and an official invitation. The incident sheds light on one of the most common hurdles faced by visa applicants — proving strong ties to their home country to assure authorities they will return after their visit.
The applicant, who planned to visit their brother in Norway, received a rejection citing “reasonable doubts as to your intention to leave the territory of the Member State before the expiry of the visa.” This reasoning is among the most frequently cited in Schengen visa denials, often tied to concerns that the applicant might overstay or seek employment abroad.
Despite Complete Documentation, Visa Denied
According to the Reddit post, the applicant provided what most would consider a robust set of documents: a return flight ticket, proof of employment, pay slips, recent bank statements, and a formal invitation letter from their brother, who holds a Norwegian residence permit.
“All the documents were complete,” the applicant wrote. “The only reason for denial was that there were reasonable doubts about my intention to leave before the visa expired. What do I even do now?”
The individual, who intended to travel with their fiancée, said both had prepared carefully to meet all the embassy’s requirements. Yet, the refusal came as a shock — raising concerns about how to demonstrate genuine travel intent in future applications.
Applicant Plans to Strengthen Reapplication
Following the rejection, the applicant began exploring options to strengthen a new application. They are considering including additional documents to help prove stability and commitment to returning home.
Among the new evidence being prepared are:
- Photos from their engagement, establishing family and personal commitments.
- A letter from their fiancée confirming their joint travel plans and her intent to return.
- A vouching letter from their brother in Norway, taking responsibility for their conduct during the trip.
“My brother can write a vouch letter for me, being responsible if I misbehave. My fiancée and I will travel together — she already has a Schengen visa and has traveled back and forth many times. She can also write a statement confirming this,” the applicant added.
The user also sought advice on whether applying through another Schengen country’s embassy or waiting a few months before reapplying could increase the likelihood of approval.
Difficulty in Demonstrating “Strong Ties”
Despite meticulous documentation, the applicant remains concerned about how to demonstrate strong personal and economic ties to their home country — one of the main criteria visa officers consider when assessing the risk of overstaying.
Visa experts often explain that “ties” may include stable employment, property ownership, dependent family members, or ongoing educational commitments. Applicants from regions facing higher visa scrutiny, such as parts of Asia and Africa, often face additional challenges convincing authorities that they intend to return home.
On Reddit, fellow users offered detailed suggestions to help the applicant prepare for a stronger reapplication. Some recommended attaching:
- Employment verification letters with details of the applicant’s role, tenure, and return-to-work date.
- Property or rental agreements, if applicable.
- Proof of ongoing family obligations, such as caring for parents or dependents.
- Tax returns or social security contributions, as evidence of established financial stability.
One user commented, “Even if you have all your documents, visa officers sometimes rely on subjective judgment. Make sure your cover letter clearly explains why you’ll return and what connects you to your home country.”
Broader Context: Common Schengen Visa Challenges
The post sparked a larger discussion online about how visa decisions often rely on discretion rather than documentation. Even applicants with complete paperwork may face rejection if officials feel their travel purpose or return intent is unclear.
Applicants from countries with higher migration rates often face stricter vetting processes, regardless of their financial background or travel history. Some Redditors noted that applying through smaller Schengen nations or providing more detailed personal statements can sometimes improve approval chances.
Moreover, the story underscores the opaque nature of Schengen visa decisions, where reasons for denial are often phrased in broad terms. This makes it difficult for applicants to understand what specific evidence might satisfy consular expectations in future attempts.
What Applicants Can Learn
This case highlights a growing frustration among legitimate travelers who face denials despite following every requirement. Experts advise that applicants should:
- Provide a well-written cover letter clearly outlining the purpose of travel, itinerary, and strong reasons for returning.
- Include tangible proof of ties, such as employment contracts, family documents, and property records.
- Maintain transparency about finances and travel history.
- Avoid last-minute applications, as a longer processing window allows for thorough verification.
For this particular applicant, the path forward likely involves gathering stronger evidence and perhaps waiting a few months before reapplying to demonstrate improved circumstances.
As one Reddit user summed it up: “Getting a Schengen visa isn’t just about showing you can afford the trip — it’s about convincing them that you’ll come back.”