Getting a visa entails a lot of paperwork. From booking your tickets to having the right travel insurance, there’s a lot to think about when preparing for your trip to Europe. One document you may need for your Schengen Visa Application is called a No Objection Certificate (NOC).
But what is a No objection certificate and how do you get one? Here’s everything you need to know about NOCs.
What is a No Objection Certificate
A No Objection Certificate is a document that’s required by some embassies as part of the Schengen Visa application process. The certificate is issued by your employer and states that they have no objections to you traveling to the Schengen Area country in question for business or pleasure.
The document is issued by an employer to confirm that the employee is allowed to take time off from work for a specified period, that he is in good standing with the company, and that his job will be waiting for him when he returns.
Who needs a No Objection Certificate?
Individuals who are traveling for business or personal reasons may need to obtain a No Objection Certificate. The document is not required for every country or visa type, but having one may show that the traveler is serious about their trip and have all the proper documentation.
Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if a NOC is required for your visa application.
Significance of a No Objection Certificate
By having a No Objection Certificate, the individual applying for a visa is able to show that they have ties and obligations waiting for them back home, making it less likely that they will overstay their welcome in the country they are visiting.
What Should A No Objection Certificate Include?
A certificate of no objection for visa purposes should include several important details, such as:
- The name and contact information of the employer
- The name of the employee
- The dates of travel
- The purpose of travel
- A statement from the employer that says they allow the employee to take time off work and that the employee will have a job to return to after their trip
- A statement confirming that the employee will comply with the country’s visa requirements
- The employer’s signature
Some countries may require additional information to be included on the No Objection Certificate. It is important to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to find out if there are any specific requirements.
How To Get A No Objection Certificate?
The best way to get a No Objection Certificate is to ask your employer for one. Many employers will have a template or standard letter that they can provide to employees. If your employer does not have a template, you can use the following as a guide:
- Request a meeting with your employer to discuss your upcoming travel plans.
- Explain that you will need a No Objection Certificate in order to apply for a visa.
- Provide your employer with the dates of your travel and the purpose of your trip.
- Ask your employer to sign the No Objection Certificate and include all of the required information.
- Be sure to thank your employer for their time and assistance.
It is important to remember that a No Objection Certificate is not a guarantee of visa approval. The decision to issue a visa is up to the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting. However, having a NOC will certainly help your case and increase your chances of being granted a visa.
Types of NOCs
Depending on whether you are an employee or a student, you may need to get a different type of NOC.
- NOC for Employees: This is a letter from your employer confirming that they have no objection to you taking time off from work for travel and that you can afford to take the trip without any financial assistance from the company.
- NOC for Students: This is a letter from your school or university confirming that you are in good academic standing and that they have no objection to you taking time off from your studies for travel.
Universities and employers would usually require a formal application for the NOC, so it is important to give them enough time to process your request.
Sample NOC letter for employees
Most employers should have a template or standard letter that they can provide to employees. If your employer does not have a template, you can use the following as a guide:
Date
Address for the Visa Application Center
Re: No Objection Certificate for Visa
Dear Sir/Madam,
This letter is in regard to Mr. X, who has been employed at our company XYZ since January 1st, 2000. Mr. X has an excellent work ethic and receives a salary of $70,000 per year.
On behalf of company XYZ, I have no objection to Mr. X being granted a Schengen Visa to travel during his approved leave from work. I also validate that Mr. X is able to financially support himself during the trip with his salary from our company. Attached is evidence of Mr. X’s annual income.
If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the phone number or email address below.
Sincerely,
Signature
Name of issuing supervisor
Position of issuing supervisor
Company Address
Supervisor’s e-mail
Supervisor’s Phone Number
Final Word
Obtaining a Schengen Visa can be a long and complicated process with many different requirements. However, by having all of the necessary documentation, including a No Objection Certificate, you can increase your chances of being granted a visa by showing that you have done your research and that you are serious about your travel plans.
Getting a No Objection Certificate is usually a simple process, as long as you remember to ask your employer or school well in advance of your planned travel date. As long as you have all of the required information, there is no reason why you should not be able to obtain a NOC and successfully apply for a visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NOC required for a Schengen visa?
Some Schengen embassies may require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer or school as part of the visa application process. Some, like Germany, have made it an optional document. It is always best to check with the embassy of the country you are visiting to find out if they require a NOC.
Can I go abroad without NOC?
For countries that require them, you most likely will not be able to get a visa without a NOC. Even if it is not required, it is always best to have one as it can only help your application.
Is NOC and leave letter the same thing?
No. Although they are both letters from your employer, a No Objection Certificate is specifically for travel purposes and states that the company does not object to you taking time off for travel. A leave letter is simply a request for time off from work and does not need to mention travel.
How long is a No Objection Certificate valid?
The validity of a NOC for a visa usually depends on the entity that issues it. For example, a NOC from your employer is usually only valid for one year, while a NOC from your school may be valid for multiple years. It is always best to check with the issuer of the NOC to find out how long it is valid.
Do I need a No Objection Certificate for a tourist Schengen visa?
More often than not, you will need a No Objection Certificate for a tourist visa. However, there are some countries or instances that may not require it, so it is always best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting. They will be able to give you the most up-to-date information on the requirements for a tourist visa.
