How difficult is it for freelancers to get visas? Are they denied without a company and without pay

"Can I have a visa without a job?"

This is a problem that many freelancers are most vulnerable to when preparing their exit visas.

For example, you are a freelance designer, who normally takes orders through the Internet; you are a media organizer, who earns money from advertising cooperation, from split platforms; or you are a programmer, translator, photographer, who earns money in a long-term cooperative project.

Freedom of work and good pay, but once you get a visa, the problem is:

• How do you fill out the job on the application form?
• No company. Who's gonna give me a job certificate?
• What if the money comes from different customers and the bank flows are scattered?
• If there was no fixed salary, would the visa officer consider it inadequate?
• Why don't you get a job certificate from a company you know?
  

First, to conclude:

Freelancers are well placed to apply for tourist visas in many countries, and the fact that they do not have an establishment or a certificate of employment in the traditional sense does not mean that they will always be denied visas.

It is not really important that you have a single unit that can be stamped, but can you prove to the visa officer that your profession and income are real, that your means support this trip and that you have a reasonable reason to return on time?

This article contains a practical package of visa material preparation for freelancers, from application forms, income certificates, bank flow, explanatory letters, to application notes in different countries.

What is the visa officer working on?

Many freelancers have one wrong area: they believe that a visa application must have a work place, a formal labour contract and a firm's certificate of employment.

In fact, this is a relatively common set of materials for traditional workers.

For freelancers, visa officials are more concerned with three issues:

Is your income real?

Do you claim to be a freelance designer, and do you have actual client cooperation, project contracts, platform income or any other material that can prove the professional authenticity of your profession?

2. Are you financially capable?

Are you able to cover the cost of air tickets, accommodation, transportation, catering and other expenses during travel?

3. Do you have reasonable grounds for return?

Do you have any ongoing work, client projects, family responsibilities or other matters that need to be dealt with back home after your trip?

These three issues are at the heart of the visa application for freelancers.

Core logic of visa applications:True, closed ring with ties

• Real: Profession, income and partnership can provide reasonable proof.
• Closed: Contracts, platform records, bank flows and tax records can be mutually corroborated.
• With ties: There is a continuous working, family or living relationship in the country.
  

The visa officer does not necessarily require you to have a fixed unit, but needs to understand your real life and financial situation.

In fact, liberal professions have their own advantages.

For example, a designer may serve three long-term clients at the same time, a programmer may have several remote projects, and a media organizer may have both advertising, platform division and business cooperation revenues.

These sources of income can, on the contrary, reflect the continuity of the profession, provided they are reasonably explained.

In the absence of proof of service, what material should replace it?

This is of utmost concern to freelancers.

Traditional workmen apply for visas, which usually provide materials such as company licences, certificates of employment, labour contracts, wages, etc.

However, freelancers do not have a fixed employer and certainly cannot copy the material.

The right approach is to establish an alternative system of proof with material that can prove the true occupation and source of income.

1. Free Job Statement Letter: Recommendations for preparation

This is a very important material for freelancers.

A Free Profession Information Note can be prepared separately.

• In what industries, such as design, programming, translation, photography, self-media etc.
• Since when does a free trade start.
• Through which channels customers or projects are routinely obtained.
• What are the main sources of income.
• The average monthly income is about what.
• Whether there are long-term cooperative clients or ongoing projects.
  

For example:

A freelance programmer can state that he/she has been providing software development services to domestic and foreign enterprises on a permanent basis, mainly through project cooperation, and that the client pays according to the schedule of the project or contract.

A self-merger from the media can show that income comes mainly from the Platform ' s creative proceeds, brand advertising cooperation and business outreach.

The point is not how well you package yourself, but to let the visa officer know what you usually do and how you earn money.

Contract and project agreement

If you have a long-term partner client or are in the process of implementing a project, a certificate may be provided.

For example:

• Client cooperation agreements
• Project service contracts
• Design trust agreements
• Software development contract
• Translation services contract
• Business Extension Cooperation Agreement
  

These materials prove that you do not create a career on an ad hoc basis, but that there is an ongoing working arrangement.

Where a contract involves commercial confidentiality, it may properly shield unsensitive information without prejudice to authenticity.

Invoices, settlements and collection records

If you often earn income through project settlements, you can provide:

• Project statement
• Recording of collection of fees for services rendered
• Legally issued invoices
• Client payment vouchers
  

The role of these materials is to prove that the project actually occurred and to generate real income.

4. Income records of the Platform

If your income comes mainly from the web platform, backstage records can also be prepared.

For example:

If overseas platforms such as Upwork, Liver etc. are used, account income records, trade details, etc. can be provided and translations prepared at the request of the applicant country.

Tax and social security records

If you have a personal income tax payment record, you can search for information through the personal income tax APP.

In addition, flexible employment social security contribution records can be used as supporting material.

Such material can further prove your career and earnings.

It should be noted that the tax and social security situation varies considerably from one freelance to another, and that the absence of a relevant record does not mean that a visa cannot be applied for, nor does it allow for the temporary production of false material for the purpose of applying for a visa.

Recommendation: Free Job Letters as a basis for matching matching, platform records, settlement vouchers and tax records according to their actual situation.

III. How do we prepare the bank? This is the most important part.

For freelancers, the flow of bank water is often more complex than for traditional workers.

Workmen may receive a salary on a fixed basis of 15 days per month, and the flow of water from banks is more regular.

However, freelancers may receive $8,000 from clients this month, $12,000 from two projects next month and $6,000 from the platform next month.

Income is irregular and does not mean it is not real.

The key is for visa officials to understand the source of every important income.

1. How long does it recommend to be prepared?

In general, priority can be given to preparing for almost six months of bank run-off.

If income fluctuations are high or if job earnings are to be shown for longer periods, the preparation of water flows for nearly 12 months may be considered.

The timing is based on the applicant country, visa category and visa centre requirements.

2. What about income fragmentation?

It is recommended that a simple " personal income aggregation " be developed.

For example:

This table does not need to be complex, and the main purpose is to sort out fragmented income.

If the bank has a corresponding transfer record, the payer, the amount and the corresponding item can be properly identified.

N.B.: The matrix is a supporting statement and cannot replace the original flow of the bank or modify the original transaction data.

** Three extra-point moves for freelancers to run.**

Mark main entry source

The visa officer will know which are the customers ' payments, which are the Platform ' s proceeds and which are other income.

Presentation of income on a continuing basis

There is no need to insist that the monthly amount be exactly the same, but that income fluctuations be explained.

Clear funding

Contracts, settlement records and bank entries correspond to the extent possible.

Three common subtractions.

• A large amount of money was suddenly deposited in the immediate handing over of the signature, without any explanation of the source.
• Only certificates of deposit were provided, and no demonstration was given of how the funds had accumulated.
• There is a clear contradiction between bank flows, income statements and tax records.
  

3. How much is a bank balance to cover?

Many people like to ask: how much is it going to cost a freelancer to apply for a Schengen, Japanese, American visa?

In practice, there is no uniform balance standard applicable to all applicants in all countries.

The adequacy of funds usually requires a comprehensive assessment of destination, travel days, accommodation arrangements, airfare costs and the financial situation of the individual.

The initial budget can be used as follows:

Travel budget = projected number of days of travel x daily budget + round-trip transportation + other necessary expenses.

For example, a 10-day plan to leave the country would allow for the estimation of daily expenses based on $1,000 to $1,500 per day, plus air tickets and other necessary costs.

This is only a reference to the individual travel budget and is not an official deposit threshold for any country.

4. What about income and money?

If the customer is paying mainly through micro-credit and the payment of treasures, it can be provided on a case-by-case basis:

• We have to pay the bill.
• The record of the sale of the treasure.
• Platform collection details
• Corresponding customer contracts or settlement records
  

It would be useful to have a clear explanation of the financial flows between the main income and the bank account.

If a portion of the funds remains in a third-party payment account for a long period of time, the relevant account may also be supplemented by a visa requirement.

5. What about spousal or family support?

If your personal income is not sufficient to cover the trip, but the spouse or family is willing to bear the costs, consideration may be given to providing:

• The financier's bank runs.
• Certificate of income of the sponsor
• Proof of kinship
• Statement of costs
• Other material that can prove the authenticity of the financing
  

What is specifically required depends on the requirements of the country of destination.

Do not transfer family funds to their own accounts, without explaining the source of funding, in order to make their flow look better.

IV. Explanation of how the letter should be written? The soul of the freelancer.

If the bank flow is financial evidence, then the explanation letter is the key to all the material.

In particular, freelancers suggested that a personal information letter (Cover Letter) be carefully prepared.

This letter does not need to be long and is generally contained on about one page.

It is suggested that the organizational content be structured along the following five elements.

Paragraph I: Introduction to their profession

To be honest, he is a freelancer.

For example:

I am currently in a liberal profession, providing, inter alia, graphic design and brand visual services to clients, and starting from 2022, I have been taking over projects independently, without a fixed employer or a traditional labour contract.

Paragraph 2: Interpretation of sources of income

Indicate the main sources of revenue and how it will be settled.

For example:

I receive income mainly through long-term client cooperation, project commissioning and online platforms. The related income is settled through bank transfers and platforms, with reference to bank flow, project contracts and income matrices submitted with the application.

Paragraph 3: Description of life in the country Links

This part could provide a real domestic link, such as:

• Real estate or long-term lease relationship
• Spouses, children and other family responsibilities
• Long-term partner clients
• Outstanding project contracts
• Social security contributions
• Other ongoing life and working arrangements
  

Note that not everyone must own property, nor cannot apply for a visa without it.

The focus will be on the real and ongoing life and work linkages within the country, in accordance with its own realities.

Paragraph 4: Description of travel plans and costs

Including:

• The main purpose of the trip.
• Projected travel time.
• How many days are planned to stay.
• Accommodation and transportation arrangements.
• Who will bear the cost of travel.
• The itinerary should be as rational as possible and should not be subject to long travel times with a clearly inadequate budget.

Paragraph 5: Reasons for scheduled return

For example:

As my trip was only a short-term trip, it was necessary to continue with the existing client projects after the completion of the travel and to complete follow-up work in accordance with the cooperation agreement, so it was planned to return on time after the completion of the trip.

This part should be written in the context of the real situation and should not create non-existent projects or family responsibilities for the sake of greater persuasiveness.

** Reference to the freelance interpretation letter template**

An example of a content structure is given below, which should be adapted to the actual situation at the time of its official presentation.

Subject: Integration of Employment and Financial Science

1. Personal Background: Information on personal status and free trade.
2. Income Resources: Presentation of the main sources of income and settlement.
3. Financial Status: Description of bank deposits, income and how travel costs are borne.
4. Ties to Home Country: An introduction to family, work and other real connections in the country.
5. Travel Purpose: A description of the purpose of the trip, the planned duration of the stay and scheduled return arrangements.

It is recommended that English or language accepted by the requesting State be used and consistent with application forms and other materials.

The explanation letter is not written as long as possible, but rather leaves the visa officer not to speculate repeatedly about your career and source of income.

V. What are the differences between different countries with regard to visa clearance for freelancers?

Different countries have different visa regimes and auditing modalities, and freelancers cannot use the same set of programmes when preparing materials.

The destination of interest to several Chinese applicants is summarized below.

1. Schengen visas: focus on income generation and water retention Ring

The Schengen countries of France, Italy and Spain are destinations of greater concern to freelancers.

When applying, a certificate of economic ability, a job description, a travel plan etc. need to be prepared in the light of the actual situation.

In the absence of an on-the-job certificate, his/her career status can be explained through a free-service letter, a cooperative contract, a record of earnings and a bank flow.

Furthermore, the Schengen visa is subject to the correct master country rule, which usually determines the applicant country on the basis of its main destination, length of stay, etc., and the consular post cannot be chosen at will for the sole purpose of the lower requirements of a particular national material.

Japanese visas: confirmation of area and eligibility

Applications for and the manner in which Japanese visas are processed may vary depending on the region, the type of visa and the applicant ' s circumstances.

Some applications need to be submitted through the designated travel agency or agency.

Before applying, the freelancer proposes to confirm whether his/her territory accepts the occupation and what proof of financial competence is required.

It is important not simply to assume that an application cannot be made without a unit, nor to apply material requirements directly to one another.

United States visas: professional completion and face-marking responses are important

United States B1/B2 travel business visas are usually required to complete DS-160 application forms and participate in interviews as required.

If you are a freelancer, you should complete a job information according to the real situation.

For example:

• Self-employed
• Freelancer: Freelancers
• Independent Consult: Independent Consultant
• Content Creator: Content creator
  

On face-to-face, the visa officer may ask:

• What are you doing?
• Where does the main income come from?
• Where do you normally work?
• What's your monthly income?
• What was the purpose of this trip to America?
  

The answer does not require a deliberate recitation of a set of words, but can be a natural and clear explanation of the real situation.

Canada, Australia, New Zealand: material consistency is important

Visa applications from these countries may involve online submissions, additional materials and different forms of background checks.

Freelancers should pay particular attention to the consistency between occupational information, income, bank flow and travel plans.

If the application form is for freelance designers, but the income certificate is based entirely on unexplained individual transfers, further doubts may arise.

It should be noted in particular that the above-mentioned countries have only general preparatory recommendations and do not represent a uniform list of official materials. National policies, visa categories and application requirements may be adjusted at any time, in particular Schengen and Japanese visas, subject to the requirements officially published at the time of the application.

VI. Freelancers apply for visas. Do not step on these pits!

The preparation of the material is, on the one hand, a number of errors in the application process that may equally affect the outcome of the visa.

I: Find a company and get a job certificate.

This is the least recommended thing.

Some freelancers felt that it was not easy to apply without an establishment, and then sought an in-service certificate from the company of acquaintances and even packaged themselves as employees of the company.

But if you do not actually work for this company, this material may constitute a false statement.

Once detected, refusals may, in serious cases, result in a longer-term negative visa record and even affect future eligibility for entry.

No unit is not a problem; it is the fiction of a unit that is the real problem.

Pipe II: To make the water look good, there's a huge temporary deposit.

Visa officials are concerned not only with account balances, but also with funding sources and accumulation processes.

If the balance of the accounts is not high in normal times and a large amount of money suddenly appears before handing over, but no reasonable explanation is provided, this may add to the audit questions.

If there is a real deposit, the source of the funds can be provided in the right way; if it is family support, it should be explained in the light of the circumstances.

Cat three: Contradiction between occupation, income and application

For example:

• The explanatory letter stated that he was a freelancer and that the application form filled out full-time employees of a company.
• It claims to have earned $20,000 a month, but the flow of water from the bank is totally invisible.
• It was stated that it had long-term projects without any record of cooperation.
  

These problems do not necessarily mean that the applicant is a fraud, but they make it difficult for the visa officer to judge the authenticity of the material.

Trail Four: The schedule is exaggerated

If your income is not stable and you plan to stay abroad for two or three months without a reasonable itinerary, this may raise doubts about your economic ability and purpose.

It is recommended that a reasonable itinerary should be tailored to the circumstances of the situation and that travel plans should not be arranged in order to appear to be rich and unsuited.

What if it's been denied?

First of all, don't rush to resubmit it.

It is suggested that the notice of refusal be examined to ascertain the main doubts:

• Lack of economic capacity;
• The sources of income are unclear;
• The purpose of the travel is unclear;
• Insufficient proof of domestic link;
• The application was contradictory.
  

Once the problem has been identified, the material will be supplemented in a targeted manner before a new application is considered.

The mere repetition of the same material does not solve the problem.

VII. Schedule of visa applications for freelancers: pre-preparation for more favourable conditions

If you plan to travel abroad in the coming months, you can follow the schedule below.

2-3 months before departure: financial record-keeping

• Asked about banking flows for nearly 6-12 months.
• This is the first time in the world that the government has been able to make a difference.
• Reconciliation of main sources of income.
• Check the funds in the account.

2. One month before departure: preparation of vocational documentation

• Collating customer cooperation contracts.
• Downloads a record of the benefits of the platform.
• Preparation of supplementary materials such as taxation, social security, etc.
• Production of a personal income matrix.

3. Before signing: completion of application material

• Fill out visa application forms.
• Writing of a free-service letter.
• Prepare personal explanatory letters.
• (d) Collating travel plans and accommodation arrangements.
• Check for consistency between all materials.

4. After signing: timely follow-up of review progress

• Watch out for mail and phone calls.
• Upon receipt of a copy of the letter, the request will be submitted in a timely manner.
• Interviews are required to familiarize themselves with their occupation and earnings well in advance.
  

Before submitting it, it is suggested to ask yourself three more questions:

1. Can a reasonable source of proof be found for each of my major revenues?

Can my letters of explanation, application forms and bank flow correspond to each other?

Do I have any real and specific reasons to return to my country on time?

If all three questions are answered clearly, your material logic is more complete.

Freelance is not a short list of visa applications.

More and more people now opt for a free profession.

There are people who work remotely at home, people who receive orders via the Internet, people who operate from the media, and people who provide professional services to multiple businesses.

The working methods have changed, but the need for travel abroad, family visits and business exchanges has not diminished.

Therefore, it is not considered particularly difficult to apply for a visa because it does not have a traditional workplace.

The visa officer does not want to see an on-the-job certificate with the company ' s official seal, but a genuine, reasonable and mutually verifiable set of personal circumstances.

Freelancers apply for visas, remember these three keywords:

True, closed ring with ties

This is the core logic of freelancers preparing visa materials.

If you are also a freelancer, or if you have friends with you in the media, design, programming, translation, and electronics, it is suggested that this article should be stored first and that you could collate the material against the visa.

I'd like to ask you one last question:

Which country do you want the most? Is it Schengen, Japan, America, Canada, Australia?