Applications & costs articles
Visa Ray guides and updates tagged Applications & costs.
Tourist, visitor, business and transit visas explained: a first-time applicant's guide
What a tourist, visitor, business and transit visa each allow, how to choose, how to apply step by step and the mistakes first-time applicants make.
2026-10-23 · 4 min read
Visa refused? How to read the letter, appeal or reapply, and what to avoid
What to do after a visa refusal: read the letter, check deadlines, choose between appeal, review and reapplying, with examples from the UK and Schengen.
2026-10-23 · 4 min read
Apostille, attestation and legalisation: how to prepare documents for a visa abroad (with India steps)
What an apostille is, how it differs from attestation and embassy legalisation, which countries need which, and the steps for Indian documents.
2026-10-23 · 3 min read
Ten common reasons visa applications are refused (and how to avoid them)
Most refusals are avoidable. Understand the most common causes, from incomplete documents to weak ties, and how to prepare a stronger application.
2026-09-15 · 2 min read
How to prove funds for a visa: bank statements, sponsors and common mistakes
Proof of funds is a requirement for many visa types. Learn what counts as evidence, how long money must be held, and mistakes that cause refusals.
2026-09-14 · 2 min read
France raised residence permit and naturalisation fees on 1 May 2026
French residence permit tax doubled in some categories and the naturalisation stamp duty rose to EUR 255. A summary of the new amounts and who is exempt.
2026-09-06 · 2 min read
Canada permanent residence fees in 2026: what you actually pay
Canada raised permanent residence fees on 30 April 2026. A plain breakdown of the processing fee, right of permanent residence fee, family members and other costs.
2026-09-03 · 2 min read