10 Reasons Why a Passport May be Denied

Are you travelling outside the country for the first time? Before you can do that, you need to have approval from the Home Office. Surely, you’d want the process to go smoothly. However, the approval process, especially in countries like the UK, can be a bit strict and time-consuming.

That’s why people who are in a rush apply for citizenship by investment. They will have to invest in a country and maintain it throughout their stay. In return, they can visit the country and get their passport with citizenship in no time. In the UK, for example, tier 1 investor visa programs can guarantee you a passport within 4 weeks.

But if you’re not in a rush and want to go the traditional way, there are some things you need to know. This article helps you understand the various reasons why your passport may be rejected. By understanding this, you can avoid such situations and prepare to fly as scheduled. Following are some common reasons for passport application rejection.

1. Your Visa Category is not Clear

The kind of visa you have is an important aspect that authorities look for. Different regulations are applicable depending on your visa category. For example, if you have a tourist visa in the UK, you’re only allowed up to 6 months of stay while the same is different for a business visa.

The categories vary per country, but generally, there is a visa for tourists, students, and businesses. 

2. Providing Incomplete Information

When you’re applying for a passport, you need to fill out an application form with the necessary information. In the United States, you need to fill out Form DS-11 and present proof of citizenship through valid identification. 

You’ll save a lot of time if you get all of that information right the first time. Your passport application will be refused if any information is missing or incorrect. The worst part is you will have to start the process again.

3. Providing Unclear Signature

When filling out the papers to apply for a passport, every detail counts, including your signature. The government can reject your application if it discovers a discrepancy in your signature. Make sure you sign everything correctly in the designated spot and nowhere else.

4. Not Providing the Right Proof of Citizenship

It is not within your discretion to determine whether the documents you submit are relevant. The form instructions include a list of needed documents. If you don’t have the original file, you should get it before applying. Usually, this is a common reason for a delayed approval of passport applications.

While some papers can be accepted if they are notarized or certified, others cannot. All the specifications of the accepted documents are listed in the form. You can clarify your doubts from officials if you’re unsure of the document’s eligibility. 

5. Incorrect or Missing Payment

If you have missed the payment, your passport will be denied. This can happen even after providing all of the necessary information and papers. There are also cases where passports are denied because of an incorrect amount being paid.

If you’re writing a check, make sure that the amount is correctly written. There is also a processing charge, and, if you’re asking for faster service, there will be extra fees. Make sure you double-check everything, especially those additional fees, and include it all.

If you’re paying by card, they will have to ask for your driver’s license. That’s why you’ll have to carry it with you before paying.

On the other hand, if you’re paying with cash, make sure you have the exact amount. In some places, they only accept an exact change. You need to be prepared for such circumstances so keep in mind the possible fees you need to pay.

6. Not Following Guidelines for Passport Photo

There are certain guidelines you need to adhere to when it comes to your passport photo. If you did not meet these guidelines, it’s highly likely that your passport will be denied. 

Today, you can submit a digital copy of your photo so there’s no hassle in printing a physical copy. However, there are still some requirements for your photo to be accepted. In most countries, you need to have a white background and have your eyes open. You also need to clear your face of any hair and not have anything covering your face.

There’s also a specification of the photo’s correct size. In the US, you need a 2×2 inches photo. On the other hand, to get accepted for a UK trip, your photo should be 6.5 x 7.8 inches in size.

Specific requirements for a photo also include not having any shadow behind you. To make sure you’ve covered all guidelines, you can visit the country’s tourism website and review its rules. It’s also advisable to go to an authorized passport picture vendor to follow the dos and don’ts of passport photos.

7. Not Following Correct Specifications for Photocopies

You need to submit a photocopy of the documents required for a passport. If those copies don’t match the criteria, your passport application will be rejected. 

A standard size paper (8.5 by 11 inches) is usually the accepted size for the photocopies. Don’t shrink papers for copies. It’s fine to enlarge them, but it’s better to replicate them at their original size. 

Photocopies should not be marked, labelled, or written on. Lastly, make sure the copies are clear and legible. Unreadable copies can result in a passport refusal.

8. Using a Different Colored Ink

Sometimes, it’s the little things that get you rejected for official documents. And one of these things, however illogical it may seem, is the use of wrong coloured ink.

You’ll notice when filling out the form that it mentions that you must use a blank ink pen. Some forms require you to use a red or blue pen. 

Usually, they are written in red ink. If it’s not, people often overlook this. That’s why you need to make sure that you’ve read the instructions thoroughly. 

9. Minors Travelling Without Parental Consent

While you can acquire a passport even under the legal age, you can’t travel alone without parental consent. Usually, you need to be 18 years and above to get permission to travel without a guardian. Some will allow you to travel if you are 16 and above. It’s best to check with your government guidelines to know which age they consider as legal.

Minors should be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to apply for a passport. A valid ID for both the minor and the parent is required so make sure you bring yours.

If only one of your parents is available, you need to present a notarized written approval from your other parent. And if you’re raised by a single parent, you should bring proof of sole custody.

10. Legal Issues

A passport application may be denied due to several legal reasons. For example, in the US, if you are in child support and you owe $2,500 or more, your passport won’t be accepted. You need to settle your outstanding balances through the appropriate state agency. After that, they need to inform the Department of Health and Human Services about this. 

Similarly, you need to have all your debt paid before you can go to the UK.

It can take a while to get cleared of debts so you need to plan ahead of time.

What to Do if Your Passport Application Gets Denied?

If your passport application is denied, you should first look into the cause of the denial. If your application was refused because of inaccurate documents, you have three days to fix the error and reapply. If you believe there’s a mistake, you can file a grievance to the appropriate office. They will, then, investigate the situation and address it immediately.

Before you apply for a passport, you should know the reasons for passport denial. If you refer to this article as a checklist, there’s a high chance that your application will be accepted with ease. Make sure you avoid the situations listed above. More importantly, you should be careful with the documents that you provide.