Visa Rejections on the Rise Over Suspicious Bank Statements, Immigration Advisor Warns
By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A Nigerian immigration advisor has raised concerns over the increasing number of visa application rejections linked to questionable financial documentation, warning that unexplained deposits and inconsistent income records may not only lead to denials but could also trigger long-term travel bans.
Edward Bowale, a prominent immigration advisor, highlighted the issue in a recent advisory, citing a case where a visa application was rejected after the applicant — who earns ₦200,000 monthly — presented a bank statement showing a closing balance of ₦9 million. The mismatch in financial records was flagged as a red flag by visa officers.
“Proof of funds is one of the most critical documents visa officers scrutinise,” Bowale said in a social media post. “They want to be sure you have sufficient money to support yourself while abroad. But many applications are rejected because of discrepancies that raise suspicions.”
While Bowale clarified that not all applicants submit fake statements, he noted that many include suspicious transactions that undermine their credibility — particularly sudden and unexplained deposits that appear inconsistent with the declared income.
He advised applicants to always attach an explanation letter when their account reflects funds beyond what their monthly earnings would typically support. “If the money came from a side business, gift, sale of property, or other legitimate sources, document it,” he said. “Provide receipts and ensure all information is verifiable.”
Bowale also cautioned against short-term fund inflows intended to mislead visa officers, such as borrowing money to temporarily boost account balances.
“That’s a major red flag,” he warned. “Visa officers may request a reprinted statement when making a decision, and if the balance has significantly dropped, it could lead to rejection or even a five- to ten-year ban.”
For business owners, Bowale recommended including complete company documentation — such as registration details, tax records, and proof of transactions — to support any claims of income.
“A common mistake is not explaining the source of large deposits,” he said. “Submitting your statement without context is risky. Visa officers are trained to spot suspicious activity.”
Bowale concluded with a strong caution to prospective travellers: “These issues come up in visa applications every day. Please take them seriously. Your proof of funds can make or break your chances of approval.”