South Korea visa approved - VFS Chennai
Hi everyone! Sharing my South Korea tourist visa experience. My visa was approved exactly on the 15th working day. So, based on my personal experience, if your application is taking longer and reaches the 15th working day, I wouldn’t necessarily worry. In my case, it actually turned out to be a positive sign.
My status initially showed “Application Received.” On the 15th working day, it changed to “Under Review”, and within around 30 minutes, it changed to “Approved.”
Coming to the documents — this is what I personally felt was important:
1. Bank statement & financial history
I feel the transaction flow in your bank statement is very important. Avoid sudden or unexplained large deposits just before applying. Your finances should look genuine and consistent.
2. Stable income
Your regular income should be clearly reflected in your financial documents/bank statement.
3. A very clear covering letter
Personally, I feel the covering letter is one of the most important documents. Explain your trip clearly, where you’re going, why you’re going, and what you’re planning to do.
If you are travelling from, say, 1st to 10th September, I would recommend giving a clear day-wise itinerary with the activities planned for each day.
You don’t necessarily have to purchase confirmed flight tickets. You can mention the proposed flight details and flight numbers in your itinerary/covering letter.
Also clearly mention:
Your employment details
Purpose of your trip
Day-wise itinerary
Any special reason for the trip, such as a birthday, anniversary, celebration, etc.
Your previous travel history
4. Travel history
This is just my personal observation, but I feel having a good travel history can definitely be an added advantage. I have previously travelled to countries including the USA, UK, Schengen countries, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Turkey and Ireland, among others.
Of course, having travel history doesn’t guarantee a visa, but in my experience, it can help demonstrate that you have travelled internationally and returned as required.
5. NOC from your employer
If you are employed, I strongly recommend having a proper No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer. Mine was on the company’s letterhead, properly signed and sealed.
6. Salary slips & ITR
I submitted my salary slips and ITR documents. In my case, I provided one year’s payslips and three years of ITRs.
If you are travelling under sponsorship, make sure you provide the relevant financial and supporting documents of the sponsor as well.
Most importantly make everything genuine and consistent.
Your bank statements, income, employment, itinerary, covering letter and supporting documents should all tell the same story. Don’t do any sudden deposits.
And again, this is only my personal experience, not an official checklist or guarantee of approval.
Hope this helps anyone currently waiting. All the best to everyone applying!