Is There an Interview for a Schengen Visa Applicant?

Are you a Schengen visa applicant? Then you must have had this question in your mind- Is there an interview for Schengen visa? The answer is yes. Apart from a few exceptional cases, all schengen visa applicants have to attend an interview. A visa interview is held by the embassy/consulate to verify your credentials. Moreover, your intention to travel to the country is thoroughly scrutinised. Would you like to know more about the visa interview? Who can apply and who can’t? Read our blog to find out the details.

Do you Need to Give an Interview for a Schengen Visa?

A Schengen visa is of different types. It is given out for various purposes. Is there an interview for schengen visa? It depends on the type of visa you are applying for. 

Applying for a Short-Stay Schengen Visa (less than 90 days)

If you plan to stay for less than 90 days in any Schengen country (For example, Germany, France, etc), and you are a first-time applicant you will have to attend an interview. 

Purpose of Travel (first-time applicant)	Interview Requirement
Tourism (For example, visiting countries like France)	Yes
Medical treatment in any Schengen country	Yes
Seasonal worker (less than 90 days)	Yes
Meeting family or friends in any Schengen state	Yes
Undertaking short-term business activity	Yes

Frequent Traveller Applying for a Short Stay Schengen Visa

Is there an interview for schengen visa? Those who have previously received a schengen visa, and have not broken any visa rules may not have to clear a visa interview.  In this case, the consular officer has the final say whether an interview is required or not.

Purpose of Travel (first-time applicant)	Interview Requirement
Tourism	Possible
Medical treatment in any Schengen country	Possible
Seasonal worker (less than 90 days). For example,	Possible
Meeting family or friends in any Schengen state	Possible
Undertaking short-term business activity	Possible

Note- Contact the embassy, consulate, or visa facilitation agency to verify.

Applying for a Long Stay Schengen Visa (more than 90 days)

Is there an interview for schengen visa? A visa interview is mandatory for applicants planning to stay for more than 90 days in any Schengen country. There are no exceptions. This is because a long-stay visa permits you to get residency status in the country. 

Purpose of Travel	Interview Requirement
Study (longer than 90 days)	Mandatory
Search for employment in a Schengen country	Mandatory
Work (For example, a Singapore work visa)	Mandatory
Set up a business	Mandatory
Work as a Digital Nomad (For example, those applying for a working holiday visa in Australia)	Mandatory

Is There Any Interview for Schengen Tourist Visa Applicants?

Yes. Indian nationals visiting a Schengen country for the first time have to attend the interview. Irrespective of the country you are visiting, a visa interview is held. During the visa interview, the visa official will verify your credentials and your purpose of travel. If you clear the interview, a tourist visa will be handed out to you.

Can I Get a Schengen Visa Without an Interview?

Yes. You can get a Schengen visa without an Interview if you fall under both categories:

1. You are a frequent traveller – You have previously received a Schengen visa, have not violated any rules, and have a strong travel history.
2. You are a short-term visa applicant– You are applying for a tourist visa or a short-term business visa. 

Is there an interview for schengen visa? A visa interview in these cases is still possible. The embassy/consulate can request an interview anytime. On the other hand, a long-stay visa applicant must attend the visa interview.

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Can a Visa Be Approved Without an Interview?

No. If the embassy/consulate has called you for a visa interview you need to attend the same. A visa interview is mandatory. Those who do not show up for the interview, or refuse to attend it will not be given a visa. The visa application process is not taken forward without the interview. Hence, approval is not possible.

30 Common Questions Asked During a Schengen Visa Interview (tips to answer these questions are also provided)

Now you know the answer to your question- is there an interview for schengen visa? A visa interview is a part of the visa application process. Below we have provided some of the common questions that are asked to Schengen visa applicants.

1. Have you ever travelled to a Schengen country before? If yes, briefly share details of your last visit, including the locations, activities, and approximate dates.   Those who have previously visited a Schengen country need to explain about their recent trip. Be specific about the locations visited, activities undertaken, and the dates of the travel. First-time travellers can answer no to this question. 2. Which Schengen country are you planning to visit, and what is the main reason for your trip?   Tell the interviewer about the country you want to visit, and the itinerary you have planned. You also need to tell them the purpose of the. For example, tourism. 3. What do you know about the destination you’ve chosen to visit in the Schengen area?   Tourist visa applicants can explain about the places they want to visit. If you are a work visa applicant you can explain about the work oppertunties in the country. Those applying for a student visa can explain that they intend to study.   4. What is the primary purpose of your travel to the Schengen region? Your intention to travel is questioned. Student visa applicants must clearly state that their intention to travel is education, not settlement. A tourist visa applicant can explain the reason for travel is just to explore the country or visit family or friends. 5. Are you planning to seek employment while visiting any Schengen countries?  Each visa has its restrictions. Hence, if your visa comes with work restrictions state that you have no intention to work. For example, going on a vacation. State that you cannot leave your family, or property to work abroad.   6. When do you intend to travel to the Schengen area, and have you finalized your itinerary?  Tell the visa officer about the date of travelling to the selected country. Several organisations assist in illegal migration. Therefore, the interviewer wants to know that you are the one who has made the necessary arrangements. You need to answer honestly and tell the official about your schedule, and the round-trip tickets you have purchased. 7. Where do you plan to stay during your trip to the Schengen region?   A tourist visa applicant can explain about the hotel bookings. Similarly, if you are applying for a student visa you can explain whether you have secured an on-campus accommodation or an off-campus accommodation. A work visa applicant can explain the rent agreements.  8. Why are you requesting a Visa for three months instead of a shorter duration?    A Schengen visa permits you to enter other European countries. Therefore, explain the countries or places you are intending to visit.  9. What assurance can you provide that you will return to your home country before your Visa expires?   Give reasons to return to their home country. This can be a work obligation or family ties. The visa official wants to ensure that you will return to India before your visa expiry. 10. How will you handle your plans if your visa application gets denied?   Here you can explain the steps you will take in case of a visa refusal. For example, you can say that you will identify the reason for the visa rejection, and reapply. 11. What is your estimated budget for this trip, and how have you prepared financially? Tell the consular officer that you have the funds for your trip. You need to explain about the budget. You must be confident that you will complete the trip within the available budget.  12. Who is financing your trip, and how have you arranged the funds for your travel?  Do not find this question offensive. Instead, answer the question in a calm manner. If your parents have funded your education or trip explain the same. Details of the sponsor must be provided. 13. What is your current occupation, and can you share details about your job, employer, and salary?   You can explain the details of your current employment like the company name, your destination, and the salary you receive. Self-employed individuals can explain about their company and the industry they are engaged in. 14. How have you managed to get leave from work for a three-month trip?   Short-stay visa applicants (for example, tourists) can explain the leave they got from the employer. Demonstrating proof of the same is essential. The conditions of the leave must also be explained. 15. Do you have a letter of leave approval from your employer?   Employed persons must present their leave approval letter. You need to print it out before the interview. Those who are not employed will not be asked this question. 16. What is your monthly income, and how does it support your travel plans?   Self-employed individuals need to state the company profits. Others can state their monthly income. An unemployed person looking for work (job seeker) can state the funds they have to cover their expenses for the duration of their stay. 17. What is your highest educational qualification?  Is there an interview for schengen visa applicant? The answer is yes. When you are asked this question, explain about the highest educational qualification obtained. This can be a university degree.  18. Do you own any property in your home country, and if so, what type of property is it?   The interviewer wants to assess whether you have anything of commercial value in India. Therefore, you can answer it with a yes or no. You need to explain the type of property you possess. 19. Do you have family or friends living in the Schengen area? If yes, will you meet them during your trip?   A genuine response of the names and addresses of the people you want to visit must be presented. The plans to meet them, and how you are planning to surprise them can be explained. 20. Have you secured travel insurance that covers illness and emergencies during your trip?   To get any Schengen visa you need to have travel insurance of at least EUR 30,000. Provide details of the travel insurance you have obtained. For example, the name of the company, and if the insurance is valid in other Schengen states as well. 21. Can you provide your bank statement as proof of financial stability for this trip?   Present proof that you are financially stable. You need to provide your documents like your bank statements, and ITR details. This question is asked to ensure that you can cover your expenses abroad. 22. Are you married, and if so, will your spouse accompany you on this trip? If not, why?   Answer this with a yes or no. Married individuals need to present details of their trip. For example, the date of marriage, anniversities, and the reason why their spouse is not accompanying them. 23. Are you travelling alone, or is someone accompanying you?    Answer with a yes or no. If someone is traveling with you explain their relationship with you. This can be a family member, a friend, or a relative.  24. Do you have children? If yes, can you share their age, occupation, and marital status?   Applicants with children need to explain the age of their children, marital status, and occupation. Make sure you know these details to answer the question on the spot. 25. Why do you need a three-month Visa, and could you consider a shorter trip if required? Explain that you cannot visit all the places you want quickly. However, if necessary you can shorten your plans. 26. Can you provide details about the academic program you will be attending and why you chose this particular institution? This question is targeted to the student visa applicants. You need to explain why you have selected a particular course and university. You can also explain the career opportunities you will have after completing your course. 27. What are your future plans after completing your studies in the Schengen country? This question is also for a student visa applicant. iIsthere an interview for schengen visa? Yes. There is. You can explain your future education plan or employment plans.  28. How do you plan to use your newly acquired skills upon returning to your home country, and how will they contribute to your career goals? This question is again only asked to a student. If you are a student you need to explain how will you use your education abroad to bring growth to India. Otherwise, you can explain about your career plans. 29. Can you elaborate on your company and describe your role in its business operations, especially in relation to your trip to the Schengen area? This question is asked to a self-employed person. Self-employed individuals can explain how will they conduct their business operations in the new country, The contributions they will make during their Schengen trip can be specified. 30. What specific medical treatment are you seeking in the Schengen country, and why is it necessary to receive it there? This question is only asked to individuals seeking medical treatment. You need to explain your illness, and why can’t you get the treatment in India. The reasons for getting medical treatment abroad can be explained.

Want to know more about the visa interview questions asked? Watch this video:

10 Tips for Answering Schengen Visa Interview Questions

is there an interview for schengen visa? The answer is yes. If you are preparing for a Schnegen visa interview these are some tips you should keep in mind. 

1. Be organised– Before attending the visa interview ensure that you have gathered all the necessary documents. You need to bring them along with you for the interview.
2. Dress appropriately– You need to dress professionally for the interview. Avoid casual dressing.
3. Ensure that you have done your research- Research in advance about the country you are travelling to. For example, know about the language, culture, and customs of the country beforehand.
4. Be financially stable– The consular officer will most likely check your financial documents. Therefore, you need to be financially stable before sitting for the interview or even applying for the visa, Your documents to prove financial stability will be asked.
5. Practise– Practice your answers to the most asked question related to the visa you have applied for.
6. Confidence– You must be confident while answering the questions. You should not fumble, or give vague answers.
7. Clear intentions– Make sure your purpose of travel is clear. That is, you should not look for employment while applying for a tourist visa.
8. Be honest- Always answer the questions honestly. If any discrepancy is found, your application wil be rejected.
9. Stick to the point– Do not exaggerate the answers, and stick to the point
10. Know that the interviewer is just doing their job– The visa interviewer is just doing his/her job. Therefore, take the questions positively, and answer accordingly.

What is the Dress Code for a Schengen Visa Interview?

Is there an interview for schengen visa? Yes. There is, however, the good news is that there is no dress code for the interview. The only thing is, you need to ensure that you are dressed professionally, Avoid doing the following things-

1. Do not dress casually. For example, avoid baggy clothes, sweatpants, etc.
2. Avoid heavy accessories such as long jewellery. 
3. Avoid wearing provocative clothing, or clothing that is offensive 
4. Don’t wear excessive bright clothing. Instead go for neutral colours like white, grey, or blue.

How Can You Get the Schengen Visa Interview Appointment

Is there an interview for schengen visa? Yes. There is. You can book a Schengen visa interview by following the steps below:

1. Visit the official website of the embassy/consulate for visa appointment booking. You can also visit websites like VFS Global (the official partner for Schengen visa interview booking).
2. Next, register, log into your account, and enter your personal information, and travel details.
3. You will be shown the earliest available dates. From the calendar provided, you can choose your date of interview appointment, and book the same.
4. Lastly, pay your visa application fee, and submit the form 
5. Now, you only need to visit the visa application centre on the date of your appointment

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FAQs

We hope you now have the answer to your question is there an interview for Schengen visa? Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey! Is there any interview for schengen tourist visa