UK Travel visa denied due to bank statement (frivolous reasons cited)

Question

I applied for a UK visa (visitor) from India to attend an academic competition in London. The organizer provided the participants with an invitation letter. For my visa application, I used my father's bank statement.

My first visa application was denied due to inconsistent bank history, the reason why it was inconsistent wasn't explained. On my second try, I attached airlines tickets (both ways), accommodation details (it had been present in the first attempt, but was conveniently ignored) and two other bank statements from my father's different accounts along with the account that was used previously. Like in the first application, I attached copies of his Income Tax details (current).

However, even after making these changes my application was again denied. On further frivolous grounds:

1. That my studies would be ongoing when my visa expires - while accepting that my university has confirmed that I am a bona fide student they felt my studies would not extend to 6 months, which was the duration of the visa.

2. That the new accounts presented showed deposits entering my parents' accounts that had not appeared on the Income Tax ledger. It is important to note that the said Tax details were for 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, the most current tax details going back three years had been provided. The transaction so pointed out was for December 2017, the assessment year for which would be 2017-18, which has not yet come to pass. Furthermore, the amount mentioned was for arrears, which is very common for government employees, who receive lump-sum payments.

Both my attempts have not only affected me financially (the cost of the application was around INR 8,000 and INR 9,000 approximately), it has also affected me mentally as my participation in the International Rounds was crucial for my team (who have interestingly all received a positive response, even when I had cited their application as well). I wanted to know steps if any that can be taken to:

1. Ensure that this matter be rectified, without incurring any financial cost.
2. Make changes for my future application.
3. Ask for a financial statement of my dad that has not been delivered to me, which has been kept back without any statement as to the reason.

I have attached my rejection letters along with my question.

Answer 1

First I strongly recommend reading this excellent answer. Not only it explains the same issue as yours, but it also has additional points worth considering regarding reapplying.

There is also a generic answer about bank statements here. It is a long one, but very well written and contains lots of useful information, including sponsored applications.

Specific to your case is another answer on a similar topic (yes there are plenty):

On the other hand, borrowing money from family is not forbidden per se but you still need to document your own income thoroughly and account for the sudden cash deposit. The problem here is that it looks a lot like you obtained money just to make yourself look richer than you really are and increase your chances of getting a visa. Also, the consulate wants to know that you (and your family) obtained the money legally, i.e. that you are not involved in criminal activities, money laundering, etc.

Another reason - and this is why I'm writing it as an answer instead of dumping links in comments - is that you probably think of this paperwork as being similar to Indian government bureaucracy. Which, in my experience, is that you are required to bring a lot of papers, which are time consuming to get, but would mostly be ignored when your paperwork is reviewed, and many are hardly even relevant.

Based on a lot of feedback, this is not how the UK consulate works. They pay a lot of attention to the paperwork submitted and are very good in sniffing out inaccuracies. For example they explicitly mentioned the unexpected deposit which are not explained by ITR or by anything else. Explaining those issues is your responsibility.

Note that they are under no obligation to issue a visa. Again, this is different from the case where you WILL get your government paperwork anyway, they would just annoy you with more requests of useless documents. There is no "right to visa" - it is a privilege which you need to prove you'd qualify for.

Answer 2

Relax. Don't be so defensive and don't shift the blame to the ECO and don't judge the legality of their actions on a mere refusal. They know their country's laws much more than an applicant does.

Once you have calmed down and come out of this state of mind simply go hire services of an immigration specialist and let them build your cause for you.

You have mentioned that your father has sizable assets so i assume having some consultancy won't be a dent on your pockets. I believe everything you're saying is true and you are a legitimate visitor but you are not being able to make a strong case for it in front of the ECO.

So stop digging yourself in further and take some help that you can easily afford.