Letter of No Objection (NOC) for Schengen Visa Application

Planning a trip to Europe comes with a lot of paperwork, from booking your flights to making sure you have the right travel insurance. One document you might need for your Schengen Visa Application is called a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

Here's a straightforward guide covering everything you need to know about NOC letter for Schengen visas.

What is a No Objection Certificate for Indians?

A No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Indians is a letter from your employer, school, or university. This letter confirms that you have work or educational commitments in your home country and that they have no objections to you travelling to the Schengen Area country. It shows authorities that you plan to return to your country after your visa expires.

This document, also known as a No Objection Letter for Visa or NOC, is additional proof, along with your flight and hotel reservations, indicating your intention to fulfil responsibilities in your home country. The NOC letter is not always mandatory, but some embassies may request an NOC as part of the visa application process.

Who Needs an NOC Letter for a Schengen Visa?

There are two kinds of No Objection Letters, depending on whether you are employed or a student:

• NOC for Employees: The employer writes the NOC on behalf of the company for the employee applying for a Schengen Visa. The NOC confirms that the employee has work responsibilities, will return, and can financially afford the trip to Schengen countries.

• NOC for Students: The NOC for students is written by a responsible figure at the university attended by the student, such as the Dean, Registrar, or Head of the Department. The letter states that the student applying for the Schengen Visa is currently studying at the university and is committed to returning to their home country to complete their studies. If a scholarship sponsors the student, the NOC may also mention the financial stability supported by the scholarship.

How to Obtain an NOC Letter from Your Employer or Educational Institution?

Obtaining an NOC letter for a Schengen visa from your employer or educational institution typically involves following a formal process. Here is a general guide on how to obtain an NOC:

For Employees:

• Request in Writing or request a meeting:Write a formal letter to your employer requesting the NOC, or you can request a meeting with your employer. Clearly state the purpose for which you need the NOC.

• Provide Details:Include your name, employee ID, department, and why you seek the NOC. Also, provide your employer with your travel dates and the purpose of your trip.

• Justify Your Request:Explain why you need the NOC and how it will not interfere with your job responsibilities.

• Attach Supporting Documents:Attach any documents or letters from the organisation or institution requesting the NOC if required.

• Submit to HR or Relevant Department:Submit your letter to the HR department or the relevant department per your organisation's protocol.

• Follow Up:Follow up with the concerned department to ensure your request is being processed.

Tip: Obtain a leave approval letter before requesting the No Objection Certificate for a streamlined process.

For Students:

For students, it's important to ask for permission from your professors or adviser to be excused from classes during your travel. Another easy option is planning your trip during university breaks and informing the necessary people about your plans. When you let your adviser know about your travel during a break, getting an NOC from them should be straightforward.

• Write a Formal Letter:Draft a formal letter to the head of your educational institution requesting the NOC. If you are pressed for time, try to make an appointment instead.

• Include Relevant Details:Provide details such as your name, student ID, course, and the purpose for which you need the NOC.

• Mention Duration:If applicable, mention the duration for which you need the NOC.

• Attach Supporting Documents:Attach any necessary documents, such as admission letters or job offers.

• Submit:Submit the letter to the appropriate authority in your educational institution, such as the registrar or head of your department.

• Follow-up:To ensure that your request is being processed and to obtain the NOC in a timely manner.

Tip: Schedule travel during university breaks, if possible, for easier No Objection Certificate approval.

Essential Details in an NOC Letter:

Regardless of whether the NOC letter is from an employer or educational institution, it should contain the following key details:

• Date of Issue: The date on which the NOC is issued or written.

• Personal Information: Full name, passport details, and other relevant personal information of the applicant.

• Travel Details: Purpose of travel, destination within the Schengen zone, and the intended duration of the stay.

• Employment/Educational Details: For employees, information about the current position, job responsibilities, and confirmation of continued employment upon return. For students, details of enrollment, course of study, and approval for the absence.

• Declaration of No Objection: A clear statement from the employer or educational institution stating that they have no objections to the applicant's travel plans.

• Contact Information: Contact details of the person issuing the NOC, including their name, designation, and contact number.

• Organisation's Details: Name and address of the employer or educational institution.

• Signature and Stamp: The official signature and stamp of the issuing authority for authenticity.

• Letterhead: The letter should be on the official letterhead of the organisation.

NOC Samples For Indian Applicants

Sample of the Letter of No Objection for Employees

Please use the following link to access and edit the provided sample.

Sample of the Letter of No Objection for Students

Please use the following link to access and edit the provided sample.

General Tips For Indians

• Be Polite and Professional: Maintain a professional tone in your letter and communication.

• Provide Notice on time: Submit your request well in advance, especially if it involves significant processing time.

• Follow Organisational Protocols: Adhere to any specific protocols or procedures outlined by your employer or educational institution.

• Be Clear and Concise: Clearly state the purpose and details of your request to avoid any misunderstandings.

In Conclusion

The NOC letter for a Schengen visa is important for supporting your visa application. It lets visa authorities know that your travel plans are genuine and you intend to return. Understanding the importance of the NOC letter, following the proper steps, and ensuring you include essential details improve your chances of a successful visa application process.