10/12/2024
Original Question (1 year ago)
"I have been refused a visa to France 2 times even after showing proper documents, home ties, etc., with the reason given as 'justification and purpose not reliable.' I have no travel history. I decided to appeal. Does anyone know of any success stories with this process, particularly without hiring a French lawyer?"
Top Answers
Translated Appeal and Response Timeline:
"Make sure to translate it into French. I sent the documents yesterday."
Reapplication Success After Initial Rejection:
"I didn't end up appealing since I had to write and mail it in French, and the SA postal service is abysmal. Instead, I reapplied and was granted a visa within 4 days. While reapplying wasn't cheap, it was the fastest route. Generally, wait at least 4 weeks before reapplying."
Emphasizing Valid Documentation:
"Try to appeal and ensure all your documents are valid."
Appeal Based on Legal Rights:
"I wrote an appeal letter for my husband (I am an EU citizen) for family reunification. Citing the laws under which he was practising his rights helped us. We mentioned the documents we already provided. Writing by yourself without a lawyer is possible if you carefully reference relevant laws. My husband received a visa within 3 weeks after the appeal."
Inconsistent Decisions and Alternatives:
"My family appealed after being rejected for the same reason. Interestingly, I was approved using the same documents but through a different centre. The reason seemed arbitrary. My family didn’t hear back from their appeal but were eventually approved a year later by reapplying through the German embassy. If you can wait, consider reapplying after 9 months at another consulate."
Appealing vs. Reapplying Considerations:
"I was recently rejected and thought appealing would be better than reapplying. However, appeals take forever. Reapplying with updated documents after a few days or weeks seems faster and more practical."
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Kenyan Citizen
Informal Appeal
The first step is to submit an informal appeal (recours gracieux) to the French Embassy in Nairobi, which is responsible for processing visa applications in Kenya[5]. You should:
Write a letter explaining why you believe the decision should be reconsidered
Include any additional supporting documents
Submit this appeal within 30 days of receiving the refusal notification
Appeal to the Commission de Recours contre les Décisions de Refus de Visa (CRRV)
If the informal appeal is unsuccessful, the next step is to appeal to the CRRV in Nantes, France. This is a mandatory step before proceeding to an administrative court appeal[1][2]. For this appeal:
Submit within 30 days of the visa refusal notification
Write the appeal in French
Send it by post to the CRRV in Nantes
You, a lawyer, or a family member with authorization can submit the appeal
The CRRV will either recommend granting the visa or reject the appeal. If rejected, you'll receive either a written notification or no response within two months (implicit rejection)[2].
Administrative Court Appeal
If the CRRV rejects your appeal, you can file an appeal with the Administrative Court of Nantes within two months of the CRRV decision[1][2]. This process:
Is complex and often requires legal representation
Takes place in a French courtroom and is conducted in French
This may involve a request for suspension of the refusal decision in urgent cases
It's important to note that since January 2023, the Administrative Court of Nantes has served as the first and last instance judge for visa refusal disputes[4].
Tips for Kenyan Applicants
Contact the French Embassy in Nairobi for specific guidance on the appeal process for Kenyan citizens[5].
Ensure all communications and appeals are in French, as this is the required language for the process[1][2].
Be prepared to provide additional documentation or evidence to support your case during the appeal process.
Consider seeking legal assistance, especially for the administrative court appeal, as the process can be complex and conducted entirely in French.
Start the appeal process as soon as possible after receiving the refusal, as there are strict time limits for each stage of the appeal.
Remember, the appeal process can be lengthy and complex. It's crucial to carefully prepare your case and consider seeking professional legal advice to increase your chances of a successful appeal.
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