7 Hilarious Mistakes People Make When Applying for a Visa

You’d be surprised what people do when applying for visas — from writing love letters to immigration officers to using baby photos on documents. Let’s dive into some of the most entertaining (and avoidable) blunders we’ve seen in visa applications.

1. Submitting a Passport Photo... from 10 Years Ago

One applicant actually submitted a photo from their high school yearbook — complete with braces and all. Not only did it get rejected, but the embassy thought it was a prank.

2. Writing Emotional Essays to Visa Officers

Visa officers are not therapists. Pouring your heart out about your childhood dog or failed relationships isn’t part of the required documentation.

"I just wanted them to know how badly I needed a fresh start. And I thought adding my favorite poem would help." — Anonymous applicant

3. Leaving Blanks Because They 'Didn't Feel Like It'

Leaving sections blank and saying, “they can call me if they need it” is not a strategy. It’s a guaranteed rejection.

4. Submitting Fake Bank Statements Printed from MS Word

Yes, some people literally typed out their own statements and hoped the consulate wouldn’t notice. They did.

5. Misspelling Their Own Name

Somehow, the pressure of applying makes people forget how to spell their own names. Double-check everything before you submit.

6. Listing Their Friend's House as Their Embassy

One applicant listed a residential address in Kasoa as the 'USA Embassy' on their application. Creative? Yes. Smart? No.

7. Uploading a TikTok Dance Video Instead of Documents

This might take the cake. Instead of their proof of funds, someone uploaded a clip of their latest TikTok. At least the officer had a laugh.