My First Time Applying for UK & Schengen Visas (DIY)
Inspired by the helpful folks in a travel group, I felt confident enough to tackle the visa process for my family, even though our case had its challenges. I'm sharing my experience here, hoping it helps others!
1. Which Visa to Apply for First?
Personally, I recommend applying for the UK visa first because:
- The UK application is entirely online. Preparing the physical documents for the Schengen visa becomes simpler.
- While the UK application seems less demanding, it requires thorough financial documentation. If you've meticulously prepared your finances for the UK and succeeded, you'll feel much more confident when applying for the French Schengen visa. Like, 90% success feels real! 😅
2. Visa Application Checklist
For both applications, I mainly followed the French checklist. France provides a very detailed list of required documents, ensuring you've got everything covered. The UK doesn't need flight or accommodation bookings, so skip those. France requires them, so include them. (Note for Form CT07, if travelling with family: We travelled as a family of three, but only one CT07 form was required, representing my dad. We made two copies for my mum and me. The officer advised that one application demonstrating the family is sufficient.)
3. Demonstrate Clear and "Suitable" Financials
Proof that you don't need a massive fortune to get approved, as long as you prepare diligently. My aunt's case (retired, divorced, MYR47,000 in her account, recently travelled to China and Thailand) got approved smoothly! 😊 Just remember to clearly demonstrate your financial transactions, and that the funds are enough to cover your trip.
For instance: My aunt's bank statement showed she withdrew all her pension money in cash each time it was deposited. Rental income went through her daughter. In the cover letter, I explained she lives in a small town and mainly uses cash. I also explained why her daughter received the rental payments (with a rental agreement and authorization letter attached).
4. Cover Letter (Super, Super Important!)
As mentioned, I believe a cover letter is a "must-have" in your checklist. Its purpose: to summarise all the information you've provided to the embassy. With so many documents, a cover letter provides an overview, helping them review and assess your application, and giving you peace of mind (they won't miss or misunderstand anything).
The cover letter is also your space to clarify anything that feels "not entirely clear" in your application, express your desire to travel, and commit to returning. I used Chat GPT, gave it all the information, and asked it to write in an "emotional" tone 🤣
For example:
- Finances: My mum uses multiple banks, and her bank statements have many unlabelled transactions (like donations from the neighbourhood to the temple, which is difficult to explain to the UK or French authorities with no proof 😅). So, I only included one bank statement showing her pension deposits. I explained the expenses as clearly as possible and highlighted each relevant line on the statement.
- Commitment to Return: It seems obvious, but say it anyway! It's better to have too much than not enough. Something like, "I love to travel and I'm fascinated by your country, but I have no intention of overstaying. Life is better in Malaysia, I have my home and family here, why would I stay?" but in a polite and sincere tone ☺️ Just get Chat GPT to craft something.
If you have any special interests or desires related to the country, share them! We travelled as a group of four, and I wrote a separate cover letter for each person, showing we put in the effort. And we really did! 😂
5. Review of VFS and TLS Application Centres
- The UK application was quick and easy. Submit online, get your fingerprints taken, and you're done in under 15 minutes. Plenty of appointment slots available, and rescheduling is flexible (seemingly unlimited?).
- TLS took about 1.5 hours, even though we booked an out-of-hours appointment and it was empty. We paid an extra MYR230 per person for the out-of-hours appointment because the group appointments were fully booked until the end of July. One free reschedule is allowed. 🥲
