Receiving a student visa denied letter is disappointing, but it doesn’t mean you have to instantly abandon your study abroad plans. You can always try to apply once more, correcting the mistakes that you did in your first application or improving your situation.

Moreover, if you think that your first application was error-free, and the decision on its refusal was a mistake. You can always appeal to the Austrian embassy within four weeks. 

How to Appeal Visa Denial?

Appealing a decision on your visa application is not a simple thing to do. First of all, you must be very sure that the decision was incorrect, and that there was no reason for rejection.  Secondly, you shall appeal the conduct against the Member State that has taken the final decision on your application.

You shall appeal by writing an Appeal Letter for Visa Refusal. Writing this kind letter is a whole process itself. You must give very strong reasons why you believe your application was incorrectly rejected, and why the decision must be taken back.

Following this article, find further explanations on what an appeal letter is as well as how to write one, and where to submit it when your student visa is denied.

What Should an Appeal Letter Contain?

Here’s a breakdown of everything your appeal letter should contain:

Personal Details –

The letter must contain details about the person writing it, like their name and surname, date and place of birth, passport number, as well as their current address. You strongly advised putting your email address and phone number in the letter as well.

The Date When Your Application was Rejected –

Take care to mention at the very beginning date when you received the rejection letter on your application.

The Reason Why Behind Your Visa Refusal –

Mention clearly, as stated in the rejection letter you received, the reason why you were not granted the visa.

Why do you believe the rejection was incorrect –

Explain why you think your application was wrongly rejected, and why they should approve it. List the reasons, if more than one, why you believe the decision on the denial of your application must be overturned. This is the most important part of the letter so pay attention to it!

Your signature –

After you write your letter, print it and sign it at the end. Letters submitted without signature will turn down.

Where to Submit an Appeal Letter?

In general, you will have the opportunity to submit your appeal letter at the embassy of the country you wish to visit; or the embassy/consulate to which that particular country has outsourced visa submission and processing.

On the other hand, the visa appeal deciding body depends on the country that has rejected the visa. i.e. in Germany; the Administrative Court in Berlin is responsible for deciding on your visa refusal appeal. In Italy is responsible the Administrative Regional Tribunal; in Norway, the Directorate of immigration, in France, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, etc.

Visa Appeal Processing Time :

Waiting times for an appeal letter depend on the embassy of the country you have applied to. Some of them do not notify you of the decision taken on your application in case your appeal is also refused.

Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that your appeal will be successful, but it’s still worth a shot. It’s worth remembering that it can take a further 12 months for you to receive a second decision.

Learn more about How to Apply AUSTRIAN Universities and Requirements for AUSTRIA Student Visa.