DE - International Organization for Migration

EUR-Lex - 52005XG1222(01) - EN
entry conditions referred to in Article 5(1), the validity of this visa shall be restricted to the territory
of that Contracting Party, which must inform the other Contracting Parties accordingly.
V. EXAMINATION OF APPLICATIONS AND DECISIONS TAKEN
The diplomatic mission or consular post shall first check the documents submitted (1) and shall then
base its decision regarding the visa application on these documents (2):
Basic criteria for examining applications
The main issues to be borne in mind when examining visa applications are: the security of the
Contracting Parties and the fight against illegal immigration, as well as other aspects relating to
international relations. Depending on the country concerned, one of these aspects may take
precedence over the other, but at no stage should any of them be lost sight of.
As far as security is concerned, it is advisable to check that the necessary controls have been carried
out: a search of the entry refusal files (alerts for the purpose of refusing entry) in the Schengen
Information System and consultation of the central authorities of the countries subject to this
procedure.
The diplomatic mission or consular post shall assume full responsibility in assessing whether there is
an immigration risk. The purpose of examining applications is to detect those applicants who are
seeking to immigrate to the Member States and set themselves up there, using grounds such as
tourism, business, study, work or family visits as a pretext. Therefore, it is necessary to be
particularly vigilant when dealing with "risk categories", unemployed persons, those with no regular
income, etc. To the same end, fundamental importance attaches to the interview held with the
applicant to determine the purpose of the journey. Additional supporting documentation, agreed
through local consular cooperation if possible, may also be required. The diplomatic mission or
consular post must also draw on local consular cooperation to enhance its capacity to detect false or
falsified documents submitted in support of some visa applications. If there is any doubt as to the
authenticity of the papers and supporting documents submitted, including doubt as to the veracity of
their contents, or over the reliability of statements collected during interview, the diplomatic mission
or consular post shall refrain from issuing the visa.
Conversely, checks shall be reduced where the applicant is known to be a bona fide person, this
information having been exchanged through consular cooperation.
1. Examination of visa applications
1.1. Verification of the visa application
- the length of visit requested shall correspond to the purpose of the visit
- the replies to the questions on the form shall be full and consistent. The form shall include an
identity photograph of the visa applicant and shall indicate, as far as possible, the main destination to
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