My First Time Applying for UK & Schengen Visas Independently
Thanks to lurking in a travel group, I felt confident enough to apply for visas for my family, even with what I considered a slightly complicated case. I'm sharing my experience for anyone who might find it helpful.
1. Which Visa to Apply for First?
In my opinion, apply for the UK visa first because:
- The UK application is entirely online. Preparing the paper documents for the UK application streamlines the paperwork for the Schengen visa application.
- Although the UK application requires fewer documents, the financial section needs to be very carefully prepared. If you've meticulously handled your finances for the UK visa and are approved, you'll feel much more confident when applying for the French visa. Almost a 90% chance of approval!
2. Document Checklist
I followed the French visa checklist for both applications. The French checklist is more detailed, ensuring you have everything you need. The UK doesn't require flight or accommodation bookings, so don't include them. France requires them, so include them! (Note for Family Form CT07: We traveled as a family of three, but only one original CT07 form was required for my father as the primary applicant. We included two copies for my mother and me. The police advised that only one person needs to apply to demonstrate family status.)
3. Transparent and "Appropriate" Financial Proof
This proves that you don't need incredibly strong finances to be approved if you prepare well. My aunt's case (retired, divorced, 250 million VND in her savings account, recently traveled to China and Thailand) was approved smoothly. Just remember to demonstrate transparent cash flow and that you have sufficient funds to cover your travel expenses.
For example, my aunt's bank statement showed she withdrew all her pension money in cash each month. Her daughter received her rental income. In my cover letter, I explained that she lives in a small town and primarily uses cash. I added the reason for her daughter receiving her rent (with a rental agreement and authorization letter).
4. Cover Letter (Extremely Important!)
As mentioned above, I consider the cover letter a must-have. Its purpose is to summarize all the information you've provided to the embassy. Because you're submitting many documents, the cover letter gives them an overview for easier review, ensuring they don't miss or misunderstand your information. This offers reassurance.
The cover letter is your chance to explain anything "unclear" in your application, state your desire to travel, and commit to returning. I used Chat GPT, briefed it on all the information, and asked it to write with an "emotional" tone.
Examples:
- Finances:
My mother uses multiple banks, and her statement has many unclear transactions (like receiving donations from the neighborhood to send to the temple, which I couldn't explain to the UK or French officials, as there's no documentation). I only submitted one bank statement showing her pension income, explaining each transaction accordingly and highlighting each line.
- Commitment to Return:
This is obvious, but it's better to include it. Something like, "I love to travel and adore your country, but I have no intention of staying. I have a better life in Vietnam with my home and family, so why would I?" But in a polite and sincere tone. Just let Chat GPT do its thing!
If you have any passions about the country or any desires, share them. We traveled as a family of four, and I tailored each cover letter instead of using a template, showing we put in effort, which we did!
5. VFS and TLS Review
- UK: Quick and easy. Apply online, go for biometrics, and you're done in under 15 minutes. Not crowded, so many available slots and flexible rescheduling (seemingly unlimited?).
- TLS: Total time was around 1.5 hours, even with booking outside of regular hours when it was very quiet. Cost an extra 1.2 million VND per person for out-of-hours booking because the group appointments were booked through July. One free reschedule.
