A visa refusal to Ukraine does not mean the end of your plans. Find out how to properly challenge the refusal, prepare an effective appeal, and increase your chances of getting a visa

Legal assistance on entry and legalization of foreigners' stay in Ukraine

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Being denied a visa to Ukraine can be an unpleasant surprise for many applicants. However, this does not mean that your trip to Ukraine is impossible. Read on to find out the reasons for the refusal, the appeal process, and tips on how to increase your chances of getting a visa.

Read all about applying for a visa for foreigners to enter Ukraine: the list of documents, visa requirements, and cost in our previous article.

Why can a visa to Ukraine be denied?

Ukrainian legislation provides for 11 main reasons for visa refusal:

1. Threat to national security or public order

2. Risks to public health and rights of Ukrainian citizens

3. Existence of a ban on entry to Ukraine

4. Problems with the passport document (forgery, damage, non-compliance with the sample)

5. Providing false information or forged documents

6. Lack or invalidity of health insurance

7. Insufficient financial support

8. Failure to confirm the purpose of stay in Ukraine

9. Lack of documents on the intention to leave Ukraine before the expiration of the visa

10. Withdrawal of the visa application by the applicant

11. Refusal to provide biometric data (if required)

If a visa is denied, the passport is stamped “Applied for” and the applicant receives a notice of denial.

The process of appealing a visa refusal

If you have been denied a visa, do not despair. You have the right to file an appeal:

1. Where to file an appeal

● To the Embassy or Consulate of Ukraine

● In case of an e-visa - to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine

● Through authorized visa centers

2. Timeframe for consideration of the appeal

● Usually about 10 working days

● In some cases - from one day to 30 days

3. Cost of appeal

● Submitting an appeal letter is free of charge

● A small fee may be charged when filing through a visa center

● The cost of a lawyer's services depends on the complexity of the case

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How to prepare an effective appeal?

1. Analyze the reasons for the refusal: carefully read the official notification of refusal.

2. Prepare an appeal letter: this is a legal document that should contain:

● Reasoned reasons why the refusal was wrong

● Evidence to support your position

● Request for reconsideration of the case

3. Contact an immigration lawyer: professional assistance can significantly increase your chances of success.

4. Gather additional documents: if you can provide additional evidence to support your position, be sure to include it in your application.

5. File an appeal on time: do not delay filing an appeal to avoid missing important deadlines.

Specifics of the appeal for citizens of migration risk countries

If you are a citizen of one of the 70 countries included in the migration risk list, your application may require additional approval by the competent authorities of Ukraine. This may affect the timeframe for consideration of your appeal and require additional documents.

List of countries of migration risk

The list includes the following countries: Algeria, Angola, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Burundi, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guyana, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Vietnam, Papua New Guinea, Djibouti, Eritrea, Egypt, Djibouti, Eritrea, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Comoros, Congo, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Côte d'Ivoire, Lesotho, Liberia, Lebanon, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, russia, South Sudan, Rwanda, and the United States, South Sudan, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Swaziland, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Uganda, Chad, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan.

Is it worth appealing the refusal?

Filing an appeal demonstrates that you are serious about your intentions and can significantly increase your chances of getting a visa. Even if the appeal is rejected, it may be useful in a subsequent appeal to the court.

Tips for a successful appeal

1. Be honest and frank in your appeal.

2. Provide all necessary documents and evidence.

3. Clearly explain the purpose of your visit to Ukraine.

4. Demonstrate your ties to your country of residence (work, family, property).

5. Confirm that you have sufficient financial resources to stay in Ukraine.

Appealing a visa refusal to Ukraine is a complicated but possible process. With the right approach, a well-drafted appeal, and professional legal assistance, you can significantly increase your chances of obtaining a visa.

Do you need professional assistance with appealing a visa refusal to Ukraine? Contact Visit Ukraine's experienced migration lawyers. Our experts will help you prepare an effective appeal and maximize your chances of getting a visa.

We remind you! A foreigner may not be allowed to enter the territory of Ukraine and a previously obtained visa may be canceled. Read what to do in such cases, how to appeal the ban, and why you may be denied entry to Ukraine in our previous article.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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