Always be on the conservative side

[confused_aj]

This just a rant because I've seen number of posts people asking if they should upload this document or that document. My rule is "always be on the conservative side and upload everything you've got".

You will never be penalised for uploading too many documents but your application can easily be refused if you miss one document.

Also, LOE is a tool that not many make use of it. Don't think the visa officer will know your intentions just by looking at your documents. If you feel the visa officer might get confused about something, be on the conservative side and always attach LOE with an explanation.

For example, your passport is about to expire but you plan to apply for a new one while the application is in progress, add an LOE to the same PDF that explains your intentions. If you have a gap in your personal history, don't just write "unemployed"...attach an LOE and explain the circumstances and what were you doing while being unemployed. Never leave any question empty or simply put "Not applicable". If not applicable, explain why it is not applicable e.g. you've never served in a military, write "I've never served in a military".

You've traveled extensively using an old passport or some records (e.g. IELTS) use the old passport number and now you have a new passport? upload both the new passport and the old passport and again attach LOE!

You are not sure if a PCC is required from a country? Apply anyway. If you get it, upload it otherwise upload a proof that you've applied for it and an LOE.

Always be on the cautious side and look for parts in your application that might confuse the person who's looking at it. Being suspicious is part of the visa officer job so don't give them any reason to do so! Explain, Explain, Explain!

Why would anyone take the risk of losing all their hard work when the cost is simply uploading few additional documents?

I wish the best for everyone!

 

[bellaluna]

I think this is good advice, always err on the safe side. IMO, it doesn't hurt, and it makes the agents' and officers' job easier.

 

[ladybug8888]

It's kind of good advice and not. You need to remember that providing to mamy Information, especially when they are not needed, can lead to situation when your Application will become messy and confusing fore the officer. It can then result in longer Processing and worst Case officer will misunderstand your explanation/documents etc. and will take decision, which can be not the Right one for you.

In this situation I would suggest to be not on the safe side but the Right side. Read/ ask questions/double check everything.

We Just need to hold common sense in this World of bureaucracy

 

[OMG_Chakromakro]

It's kind of good advice and not. You need to remember that providing to mamy Information, especially when they are not needed, can lead to situation when your Application will become messy and confusing fore the officer. It can then result in longer Processing and worst Case officer will misunderstand your explanation/documents etc. and will take decision, which can be not the Right one for you.

In this situation I would suggest to be not on the safe side but the Right side. Read/ ask questions/double check everything.

We Just need to hold common sense in this World of bureaucracy

8) Nice thought miss Lady Bug

 

[21Goose]

As with everything else in life, you don't want to do anything excessive. Attaching an LoE makes sense if you want to clarify something confusing - but only if you're actually clarifying it and not raising further questions!

I say this because a lot of people are not very good at communicating succinctly and accurately. You may think you're being very clear, but the person reading the LoE may be even more confused by your explanation.

I was taught something that may be helpful (law school, and I was also a professional journalist (with a large news org) for 4 years)

Marshal your thoughts, write a first draft. Then, go to bed. The next day, read your own letter and see if you can make sense of it. I'm willing to bet you'll want to make a few changes.

After you're satisfied (this may take a couple more drafts), give your letter to someone else. Try and find someone who can understand what you're trying to do, and can ask you tough questions - don't give it to your 12-year old sibling (unless he or she is unusually precocious!). For most of us, this will be a colleague and/or a friend. Make sure you tell them to be brutal with questions - they should NOT hold back or be afraid of hurting your feelings.

Make some more changes, and then compare it with your first draft. If you're anything like me, you'll be amazed at the difference and should be far happier with the final result.

Then, wait one MORE day. After that, read it once more just to make sure you didn't make a tiny little mistake that you skipped over. And when you read it, print it out on paper, double spaced, with a larger font size than usual.

And then you're done.

The entire process can take a week or more, but it's time well spent. You don't want to submit the letter and then remember that one pertinent fact...

 

[moonpat83]

I am sorry but that is not a very good strategy to adept. Only submit documents you have been asked, and only send in a LOE if you have a missing document. Take it from someone who has tested the patience of the VO since a year. If I did not have a certain document i would send an LOE along with proof and a promise to submit as soon as i get it. I think i have sent about 4 LOEs and had about 3 extensions which i think is due to the clarity of the ones i sent them.

 

[CanadaWeCome]

This just a rant because I've seen number of posts people asking if they should upload this document or that document. My rule is "always be on the conservative side and upload everything you've got".

You will never be penalised for uploading too many documents but your application can easily be refused if you miss one document.

Also, LOE is a tool that not many make use of it. Don't think the visa officer will know your intentions just by looking at your documents. If you feel the visa officer might get confused about something, be on the conservative side and always attach LOE with an explanation.

Very good advice +1 to you

 

[CanadaWeCome]

As with everything else in life, you don't want to do anything excessive. Attaching an LoE makes sense if you want to clarify something confusing - but only if you're actually clarifying it and not raising further questions!

I say this because a lot of people are not very good at communicating succinctly and accurately. You may think you're being very clear, but the person reading the LoE may be even more confused by your explanation.

I was taught something that may be helpful (law school, and I was also a professional journalist (with a large news org) for 4 years)

Marshal your thoughts, write a first draft. Then, go to bed. The next day, read your own letter and see if you can make sense of it. I'm willing to bet you'll want to make a few changes.

After you're satisfied (this may take a couple more drafts), give your letter to someone else. Try and find someone who can understand what you're trying to do, and can ask you tough questions - don't give it to your 12-year old sibling (unless he or she is unusually precocious!). For most of us, this will be a colleague and/or a friend. Make sure you tell them to be brutal with questions - they should NOT hold back or be afraid of hurting your feelings.

Make some more changes, and then compare it with your first draft. If you're anything like me, you'll be amazed at the difference and should be far happier with the final result.

Then, wait one MORE day. After that, read it once more just to make sure you didn't make a tiny little mistake that you skipped over. And when you read it, print it out on paper, double spaced, with a larger font size than usual.

And then you're done.

The entire process can take a week or more, but it's time well spent. You don't want to submit the letter and then remember that one pertinent fact...

Fantastic...just the right guide, as i practice myself...

+1 you you too...but forum doesn't accept another within 168 hrs (gave one just above)...so may be next time.

 

[Itsmee]

Trying to bump this up as it is Useful for all 3K+ people filling applications

 

[Itsmee]

Your rant deserve +1

This just a rant because I've seen number of posts people asking if they should upload this document or that document. My rule is "always be on the conservative side and upload everything you've got".

You will never be penalised for uploading too many documents but your application can easily be refused if you miss one document.

Also, LOE is a tool that not many make use of it. Don't think the visa officer will know your intentions just by looking at your documents. If you feel the visa officer might get confused about something, be on the conservative side and always attach LOE with an explanation.

For example, your passport is about to expire but you plan to apply for a new one while the application is in progress, add an LOE to the same PDF that explains your intentions. If you have a gap in your personal history, don't just write "unemployed"...attach an LOE and explain the circumstances and what were you doing while being unemployed. Never leave any question empty or simply put "Not applicable". If not applicable, explain why it is not applicable e.g. you've never served in a military, write "I've never served in a military".

You've traveled extensively using an old passport or some records (e.g. IELTS) use the old passport number and now you have a new passport? upload both the new passport and the old passport and again attach LOE!

You are not sure if a PCC is required from a country? Apply anyway. If you get it, upload it otherwise upload a proof that you've applied for it and an LOE.

Always be on the cautious side and look for parts in your application that might confuse the person who's looking at it. Being suspicious is part of the visa officer job so don't give them any reason to do so! Explain, Explain, Explain!

Why would anyone take the risk of losing all their hard work when the cost is simply uploading few additional documents?

I wish the best for everyone!