Resourceful travel expert Adodo Eddy Osaman recently offered nuggets of advice for those seeking visas to Canada, America and European countries on how to make their efforts successful.
Explaining why many visa applications often hit the brick wall, he said: “I usually advise people to use sponsors to whom they are dependents. You are a dependent of your parents because they are responsible for you. If you are married, your spouse is your dependent. You are not a dependent to your brother, even if you are related. Your brother has his own dependents – his family. And his resources go to them. A visa officer knows your sibling will not spend such a huge amount on you when he’s got his own dependents to cater to. That is why many people get denied.”
Adodo Eddy Osaman further pointed out that people could travel abroad easily by taking advantage of certain opportunities that could help their visa application.
According to him: “If you are applying for a visit visa, rather than indicating on your visa application that you just want to go see The Statue of Liberty or Eiffel tower (which might almost sound ridiculous to many Visa Officers these days especially with the current global crisis), you could fare better by travelling through Conferences.”
He explained how this could be done: “Find a conference overseas related to your profession, work or academic experience. “For example, if I’m into Tech and want to travel to Germany in December, I can Google – “Tech Conferences in Germany December”. Check if the conference organizers issue visa invitation documents. Mind you, don’t apply to an online Conference. Check if you can afford the conference fees and if they issue refunds in case your visa is denied. If they don’t issue refunds, choose a price range that you know you can afford to lose. The conference organizers would send you invitation documents to help build a stronger profile on your visa application.”
In order to increase the chance of success, he further advised applicants to apply way ahead of their travel date. “I recommend at least three or two months ahead,” he said.
Osaman also pointed out that “having some travel history and ties to your home country helps in your visa application.”