Visa refused because of bank statement

[TinaFigs]

Hi everyone!

So yesterday, I received a refusal notice. In the notice, it is stated that my visa was refused because even though my mom's bank statement fulfilled the condition of the 28 days, the statement didn't have an evidence of the currency used.
Now here is the thing, I'm currently living in Malaysia as I was a student until June this year and I wanted to continue my studies in the UK because the university I applied to offered me a scholarship.
Anyway, the thing is, since I applied from Malaysia and since my mom's statement was issued by a Malaysian bank (it is stamped with the branch name and the personnel's signature and all), wouldn't it be logical for the ECO to assume that the currency used is MYR? I mean, my dad who also applied for UK visa under the visitor category 3 times, got his visas approved using the exact same format of bank statement!! And the ECO didn't mention anything about this issue.
In addition, when I asked the bank if I can write on the statement the amount equivalent to GBP, the bank informed me that the document will be invalidated. So technically, modifying it for the visa purpose would have been in violation of the bank's TOS.

I was given an option to request an AR but unfortunately, even when I do it, I'm gonna miss my intake (25/09). I've contacted my university and asked for deferral and I've yet to receive a response.
So my question, will the AR do any good?
I feel like the reason for rejection is based on incorrect judgment as my mom's statement has an equivalent amount of 38k GBP and I only need 15k GBP. So my financial condition is technically met and I think I have a valid reason for AR.

What do you guys think?

[sah10406]

Anyway, the thing is, since I applied from Malaysia and since my mom's statement was issued by a Malaysian bank (it is stamped with the branch name and the personnel's signature and all), wouldn't it be logical for the ECO to assume that the currency used is MYR?

Yes. Neither the Rules or guidance say the currency must be specified. The guidance does say you should note the sterling equivalent (see next answer), but an application cannot be refused on the guidance, only on the Rules.

In addition, when I asked the bank if I can write on the statement the amount equivalent to GBP, the bank informed me that the document will be invalidated. So technically, modifying it for the visa purpose would have been in violation of the bank's TOS.

Your bank may be right but the Entry Clearance Officer would not care about that, and indeed the Tier 4 Policy Guidance at paragraph 192 specifically suggests you do that. It says "on the application form" but given that it is a virtual form, it is fine to write it on the statement:

192. If you are using overseas currency, we will expect you to show (in writing on your application form) the closing balance in pounds sterling. We use the official exchange rate on the OANDA website, which can be found at www.oanda.com/convert/classic.

I feel like the reason for rejection is based on incorrect judgment as my mom's statement has an equivalent amount of 38k GBP and I only need 15k GBP. So my financial condition is technically met and I think I have a valid reason for AR.

I agree and I'm sure your university will too. They may well be able to give hands-on advice about doing an AR. It is worth doing to remove the refusal from your immigration history (and from the university's record of sponsored refusals), even if you no longer need the visa in question.

[TinaFigs]

Thank you sah! You made me feel better about my chances. I'll start writing the AR and send it to my university. Hopefully I get a reply on Monday

[Chischis12]

Anyway, the thing is, since I applied from Malaysia and since my mom's statement was issued by a Malaysian bank (it is stamped with the branch name and the personnel's signature and all), wouldn't it be logical for the ECO to assume that the currency used is MYR?

Yes. Neither the Rules or guidance say the currency must be specified. The guidance does say you should note the sterling equivalent (see next answer), but an application cannot be refused on the guidance, only on the Rules.

In addition, when I asked the bank if I can write on the statement the amount equivalent to GBP, the bank informed me that the document will be invalidated. So technically, modifying it for the visa purpose would have been in violation of the bank's TOS.

Your bank may be right but the Entry Clearance Officer would not care about that, and indeed the Tier 4 Policy Guidance at paragraph 192 specifically suggests you do that. It says "on the application form" but given that it is a virtual form, it is fine to write it on the statement:

192. If you are using overseas currency, we will expect you to show (in writing on your application form) the closing balance in pounds sterling. We use the official exchange rate on the OANDA website, which can be found at www.oanda.com/convert/classic.

I feel like the reason for rejection is based on incorrect judgment as my mom's statement has an equivalent amount of 38k GBP and I only need 15k GBP. So my financial condition is technically met and I think I have a valid reason for AR.

I agree and I'm sure your university will too. They may well be able to give hands-on advice about doing an AR. It is worth doing to remove the refusal from your immigration history (and from the university's record of sponsored refusals), even if you no longer need the visa in question.

Guys pls answer this. When is your last date of 28 days rule bank statement?? Apply online day/ appoinment day? Me the apply online day and NOW IM SO WORRIED cos some ppl made it to the appointment day. Pls advise. Will I get rejected

[sah10406]

When is your last date of 28 days rule bank statement?? Apply online day/ appoinment day?

The date of application or any day up to 31 days before the date of application.

Me the apply online day and NOW IM SO WORRIED cos some ppl made it to the appointment day.

It is they who should be worried. Their visa will be refused.

[Chischis12]

When is your last date of 28 days rule bank statement?? Apply online day/ appoinment day?

The date of application or any day up to 31 days before the date of application.

Me the apply online day and NOW IM SO WORRIED cos some ppl made it to the appointment day.

It is they who should be worried. Their visa will be refused.

Have you ever met some people who get accepted because they use the 31 days before application online???

[Chischis12]

Date of application = applied online right????

[sah10406]

Have you ever met some people who get accepted because they use the 31 days before application online???

Of course. The closing balance (day 28) can be anything from zero to 31 days old. See Immigration Rules Appendix C, paragraph 1A(h):

(h) the end date of the ... 28-day periods will be taken as the date of the closing balance on the most recent of the specified documents ... and must be no earlier than 31 days before the date of application.

Date of application = applied online right????

See Immigration Rules, para 34G:

34G. For the purposes of these rules, the date on which an application ... is made is:
...
(iv) where the application is made via the online application process, the date on which the online application is submitted whether or not a subsequent appointment is made at a Home Office premium service centre.

[Chischis12]

Have you ever met some people who get accepted because they use the 31 days before application online???

Of course. The closing balance (day 28) can be anything from zero to 31 days old. See Immigration Rules Appendix C, paragraph 1A(h):

(h) the end date of the ... 28-day periods will be taken as the date of the closing balance on the most recent of the specified documents ... and must be no earlier than 31 days before the date of application.

Date of application = applied online right????

See Immigration Rules, para 34G:

34G. For the purposes of these rules, the date on which an application ... is made is:
...
(iv) where the application is made via the online application process, the date on which the online application is submitted whether or not a subsequent appointment is made at a Home Office premium service centre.

My banks statements stop on 21st july and i did the application online on 24th july. Is this huge problem?

[sah10406]

My banks statements stop on 21st july and i did the application online on 24th july. Is this huge problem?

Pleased read my first reply again!

The closing balance (day 28) can be anything from zero to 31 days old. See Immigration Rules Appendix C, paragraph 1A(h):

(h) the end date of the ... 28-day periods will be taken as the date of the closing balance on the most recent of the specified documents ... and must be no earlier than 31 days before the date of application.

[Chischis12]

My banks statements stop on 21st july and i did the application online on 24th july. Is this huge problem?

Pleased read my first reply again!

The closing balance (day 28) can be anything from zero to 31 days old. See Immigration Rules Appendix C, paragraph 1A(h):

(h) the end date of the ... 28-day periods will be taken as the date of the closing balance on the most recent of the specified documents ... and must be no earlier than 31 days before the date of application.

I read that but still didn't get it. I should be worried now right? :'(

[sah10406]

I should be worried now right? :'(

Worried about what? The closing balance can be dated on the day you apply, or up to 31 days before the date you apply. Yours was dated 3 days before the date you applied. How is that something to be worried about, when it is well within the 31 day limit?

Given your concern and confusion, perhaps it is best if you get one-to-one advice from the international student adviser at your Tier 4 sponsor.

[Sam1990]

Hi everyone!

So yesterday, I received a refusal notice. In the notice, it is stated that my visa was refused because even though my mom's bank statement fulfilled the condition of the 28 days, the statement didn't have an evidence of the currency used.
Now here is the thing, I'm currently living in Malaysia as I was a student until June this year and I wanted to continue my studies in the UK because the university I applied to offered me a scholarship.
Anyway, the thing is, since I applied from Malaysia and since my mom's statement was issued by a Malaysian bank (it is stamped with the branch name and the personnel's signature and all), wouldn't it be logical for the ECO to assume that the currency used is MYR? I mean, my dad who also applied for UK visa under the visitor category 3 times, got his visas approved using the exact same format of bank statement!! And the ECO didn't mention anything about this issue.
In addition, when I asked the bank if I can write on the statement the amount equivalent to GBP, the bank informed me that the document will be invalidated. So technically, modifying it for the visa purpose would have been in violation of the bank's TOS.

I was given an option to request an AR but unfortunately, even when I do it, I'm gonna miss my intake (25/09). I've contacted my university and asked for deferral and I've yet to receive a response.
So my question, will the AR do any good?
I feel like the reason for rejection is based on incorrect judgment as my mom's statement has an equivalent amount of 38k GBP and I only need 15k GBP. So my financial condition is technically met and I think I have a valid reason for AR.

What do you guys think?

Sorry to hear about the refusal..btw did you receive your IHS refund?

[Chischis12]

Hi everyone!

So yesterday, I received a refusal notice. In the notice, it is stated that my visa was refused because even though my mom's bank statement fulfilled the condition of the 28 days, the statement didn't have an evidence of the currency used.
Now here is the thing, I'm currently living in Malaysia as I was a student until June this year and I wanted to continue my studies in the UK because the university I applied to offered me a scholarship.
Anyway, the thing is, since I applied from Malaysia and since my mom's statement was issued by a Malaysian bank (it is stamped with the branch name and the personnel's signature and all), wouldn't it be logical for the ECO to assume that the currency used is MYR? I mean, my dad who also applied for UK visa under the visitor category 3 times, got his visas approved using the exact same format of bank statement!! And the ECO didn't mention anything about this issue.
In addition, when I asked the bank if I can write on the statement the amount equivalent to GBP, the bank informed me that the document will be invalidated. So technically, modifying it for the visa purpose would have been in violation of the bank's TOS.

I was given an option to request an AR but unfortunately, even when I do it, I'm gonna miss my intake (25/09). I've contacted my university and asked for deferral and I've yet to receive a response.
So my question, will the AR do any good?
I feel like the reason for rejection is based on incorrect judgment as my mom's statement has an equivalent amount of 38k GBP and I only need 15k GBP. So my financial condition is technically met and I think I have a valid reason for AR.

What do you guys think?

Sorry to hear about the refusal..btw did you receive your IHS refund?

How do you know if your ihs is refunded?

[Chischis12]

Anyway, the thing is, since I applied from Malaysia and since my mom's statement was issued by a Malaysian bank (it is stamped with the branch name and the personnel's signature and all), wouldn't it be logical for the ECO to assume that the currency used is MYR?

Yes. Neither the Rules or guidance say the currency must be specified. The guidance does say you should note the sterling equivalent (see next answer), but an application cannot be refused on the guidance, only on the Rules.

In addition, when I asked the bank if I can write on the statement the amount equivalent to GBP, the bank informed me that the document will be invalidated. So technically, modifying it for the visa purpose would have been in violation of the bank's TOS.

Your bank may be right but the Entry Clearance Officer would not care about that, and indeed the Tier 4 Policy Guidance at paragraph 192 specifically suggests you do that. It says "on the application form" but given that it is a virtual form, it is fine to write it on the statement:

192. If you are using overseas currency, we will expect you to show (in writing on your application form) the closing balance in pounds sterling. We use the official exchange rate on the OANDA website, which can be found at www.oanda.com/convert/classic.

I feel like the reason for rejection is based on incorrect judgment as my mom's statement has an equivalent amount of 38k GBP and I only need 15k GBP. So my financial condition is technically met and I think I have a valid reason for AR.

I agree and I'm sure your university will too. They may well be able to give hands-on advice about doing an AR. It is worth doing to remove the refusal from your immigration history (and from the university's record of sponsored refusals), even if you no longer need the visa in question.

Please help me, I got told by embassy that my cas has been decided 2 days back yet I still haven't received any "decision" or collection mail until now. Is it a refusal sign?

[Sam1990]

Hi everyone!

So yesterday, I received a refusal notice. In the notice, it is stated that my visa was refused because even though my mom's bank statement fulfilled the condition of the 28 days, the statement didn't have an evidence of the currency used.
Now here is the thing, I'm currently living in Malaysia as I was a student until June this year and I wanted to continue my studies in the UK because the university I applied to offered me a scholarship.
Anyway, the thing is, since I applied from Malaysia and since my mom's statement was issued by a Malaysian bank (it is stamped with the branch name and the personnel's signature and all), wouldn't it be logical for the ECO to assume that the currency used is MYR? I mean, my dad who also applied for UK visa under the visitor category 3 times, got his visas approved using the exact same format of bank statement!! And the ECO didn't mention anything about this issue.
In addition, when I asked the bank if I can write on the statement the amount equivalent to GBP, the bank informed me that the document will be invalidated. So technically, modifying it for the visa purpose would have been in violation of the bank's TOS.

I was given an option to request an AR but unfortunately, even when I do it, I'm gonna miss my intake (25/09). I've contacted my university and asked for deferral and I've yet to receive a response.
So my question, will the AR do any good?
I feel like the reason for rejection is based on incorrect judgment as my mom's statement has an equivalent amount of 38k GBP and I only need 15k GBP. So my financial condition is technically met and I think I have a valid reason for AR.

What do you guys think?

Sorry to hear about the refusal..btw did you receive your IHS refund?

How do you know if your ihs is refunded?

Well the refund is normally made to the card you paid your IHS with.

[Chischis12]

Hi everyone!

So yesterday, I received a refusal notice. In the notice, it is stated that my visa was refused because even though my mom's bank statement fulfilled the condition of the 28 days, the statement didn't have an evidence of the currency used.
Now here is the thing, I'm currently living in Malaysia as I was a student until June this year and I wanted to continue my studies in the UK because the university I applied to offered me a scholarship.
Anyway, the thing is, since I applied from Malaysia and since my mom's statement was issued by a Malaysian bank (it is stamped with the branch name and the personnel's signature and all), wouldn't it be logical for the ECO to assume that the currency used is MYR? I mean, my dad who also applied for UK visa under the visitor category 3 times, got his visas approved using the exact same format of bank statement!! And the ECO didn't mention anything about this issue.
In addition, when I asked the bank if I can write on the statement the amount equivalent to GBP, the bank informed me that the document will be invalidated. So technically, modifying it for the visa purpose would have been in violation of the bank's TOS.

I was given an option to request an AR but unfortunately, even when I do it, I'm gonna miss my intake (25/09). I've contacted my university and asked for deferral and I've yet to receive a response.
So my question, will the AR do any good?
I feel like the reason for rejection is based on incorrect judgment as my mom's statement has an equivalent amount of 38k GBP and I only need 15k GBP. So my financial condition is technically met and I think I have a valid reason for AR.

What do you guys think?

Sorry to hear about the refusal..btw did you receive your IHS refund?

How do you know if your ihs is refunded?

Well the refund is normally made to the card you paid your IHS with.

Did you get the ihs refund??

[Sam1990]

Sorry to hear about the refusal..btw did you receive your IHS refund?

How do you know if your ihs is refunded?

Well the refund is normally made to the card you paid your IHS with.

Did you get the ihs refund??

No

[TinaFigs]

I still haven't received it yet. Supposedly, you should expect to get it back within 90 days.
So if you apply again, you'll need to pay even if your first IHS has not been returned yet.