Irish Visa Refusal Reasons Guide
Understanding common visa refusal codes and how to avoid them. This comprehensive guide helps you prepare a stronger visa application for Ireland.
Most Common Refusal Codes
FOBIDRINCO
Key Success Tips:
- Submit complete documentation - missing documents are a top refusal reason
- Provide 6 months of bank statements showing stable finances
- Demonstrate strong ties to home country (job, property, family)
- Ensure all information is consistent across documents
- Include sponsor's complete financial documentation if applicable
Common Refusal Codes Explained
F
Finances - evidence provided is deemed insufficient or incomplete
Financial documentation provided does not adequately demonstrate ability to fund the trip or is incomplete
Required Documents:
- •6 months up-to-date bank statements showing regular income
- •Proof of employment with salary confirmation letter
- •Evidence of regular income and financial stability
- •Letter from employer confirming employment and salary
- •Bank statements from sponsor/reference (if applicable)
- •Explanation for large deposits or irregular transactions
Tips to Avoid This Refusal:
- ✓Ensure bank statements cover 6 full months
- ✓Show consistent income and spending patterns
- ✓Explain any large deposits or withdrawals
- ✓Demonstrate funds align with your stated income
- ✓Calculate and show you have €50-100 per day for your stay
OB
Obligations to return to home country not shown
Insufficient evidence of ties to home country that would ensure return after visit
Required Documents:
- •Employment contract or detailed letter from employer
- •Business registration documents (if self-employed)
- •Property ownership documents or rental agreements
- •Family ties documentation (marriage certificate, birth certificates of children)
- •Evidence of ongoing commitments (lease agreements, loan documents)
- •Social welfare payments or pension documents
- •Evidence of dependents in home country
Tips to Avoid This Refusal:
- ✓Provide multiple types of ties (employment, property, family)
- ✓Include evidence of ongoing responsibilities requiring your return
- ✓Show established roots in your home country
- ✓Demonstrate you have reasons to return (job, family, property)
- ✓Include evidence of previous international travel and timely returns
R
Reference/Accommodation issues
Problems with sponsor, reference, or accommodation documentation
Required Documents:
- •Hotel booking confirmation for entire duration of stay
- •Letter of invitation from sponsor/reference in Ireland
- •Proof of sponsor's legal status in Ireland (passport, visa, work permit)
- •Sponsor's financial documentation (3-6 months payslips, bank statements)
- •Proof of sponsor's accommodation and ability to host
- •Evidence of genuine relationship with sponsor (photos, correspondence)
- •Utility bills in sponsor's name
Tips to Avoid This Refusal:
- ✓Ensure sponsor provides complete financial documentation
- ✓Include proof of sponsor's accommodation capacity
- ✓Demonstrate genuine relationship with sponsor
- ✓Sponsor must have good immigration standing in Ireland
- ✓Provide detailed accommodation plans for entire stay
ID
Insufficient Documentation
Missing, incomplete, or improperly formatted documentation
Required Documents:
- •All non-English documents translated by certified translator
- •Original documents with security features (not photocopies for critical docs)
- •Family status certificate from government registry
- •Death certificates (if claiming deceased spouse/parent)
- •Complete supporting documentation per visa category requirements
- •All pages of passport including blank pages
Tips to Avoid This Refusal:
- ✓Submit original documents, not photocopies
- ✓Translate all documents to English using certified translator
- ✓Include all required documents for your visa category
- ✓Check www.irishimmigration.ie for complete document checklist
- ✓Ensure all documents are current and valid
INCO
Inconsistencies in information supplied
Contradictions or mismatches in information across different documents
Tips to Avoid This Refusal:
- ✓Ensure employment details match across all documents
- ✓Verify income stated matches bank statements
- ✓Check dates are consistent across all documents
- ✓Ensure personal details (name, DOB) match exactly on all documents
- ✓Review application form matches supporting documents
OC
Observe the conditions of the visa
Concerns that applicant may not comply with visa conditions (duration, purpose, not working)
Tips to Avoid This Refusal:
- ✓Clearly state specific purpose and duration of visit
- ✓Provide detailed itinerary matching stated purpose
- ✓Show strong ties to home country ensuring return
- ✓Demonstrate understanding of visa conditions
- ✓Provide evidence supporting stated purpose of visit
PF/PR
Public Funds/Public Resources concern
Risk that applicant may become burden on Irish public resources
Tips to Avoid This Refusal:
- ✓Demonstrate strong financial self-sufficiency
- ✓Show comprehensive evidence of ties to home country
- ✓Provide proof of health insurance coverage
- ✓Include evidence you will not need public services
- ✓Demonstrate you have sufficient funds for entire stay
CP
Current Permission
Issues with current visa or permission status
IH
Immigration History
Concerns based on previous visa or immigration history
How to Appeal a Visa Refusal
Deadline
Within 2 months of the date of refusal letter
Submission Method
In writing only (email or fax will not be processed)
Send Appeals To:
The Visa Appeals Officer
Visa Section
Immigration Service Delivery
6-7 Hanover Street
Dublin 2, D02 W320
Ireland
Requirements
Must fully address all reasons for refusal with additional supporting documentation
Important Notes:
- Include photocopy of supporting documents with appeal
- Quote Visa Reference Number on all correspondence
- Submit any additional supporting documents not provided with original application
- Clearly address each refusal reason separately
- Provide new evidence, not just explanations
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