Ok, the results are in.
My visa application was refused. However, the REASONS they refused it are actually not all that bad and I'm not too upset about it. The letter is 2 pages and too long to type verbatim but in a nutshell they refused it for 2 reasons.
1. Lack of evidence that I have sufficient funds for the 5 days.
2. I didn't have a letter of employment from my employer stating that I not only worked there but that I would still work there upon my return.
That's completely fair and I'm not too annoyed about that decision. Ironically, this letter made no use of the word "deception" and I am still assuming that I am not banned because they didnt mention it on this letter. The officer did say "I acknowledge that you stated your previous refusal..." and then he went on to briefly go into what happened.
I'm slightly annoyed because on my application, I made a note of the fact that my employer didn't have an official letterhead immediately available to make official documents. I included a phone number and that if they needed to verify my employment and vacation, they could call. I've seen immigration officers make phones calls to verify information so I don't see why this wasn't done. Also, if they had any reason to believe the number was fake, they easily could have done a google search (I'm an assistant manager at Domino's Pizza) and cross referenced the number on the website. I realize that its my responsibility to get a LETTER but I told them why I didn't have one and I don't see how a letter is any more credible than a phone call to the place of employment. The lack of financial documents I can completely understand because I don't have a bank account (on purpose) because I hate banks and I only use my credit card for bills.
My friend wants to still ferry over, bring the letter of refusal, bring a letter from my employer and our cash and then just be very upfront with the IO and explain that we would have re-applied had we had time. I'm not sure if I want to do this, it seems like a huge hassle but he wants to. My only worry is since he doesn't have HIS letter with the reasons, we don't know if his will be denied for other reasons. But we'll see. As of right now, we're sticking to Schengen. I understand the Brits are deciding to err on the side of caution but seriously they are a bit paranoid. I realize that I have to establish ties in America but I was born and raised here in Southern California and I know only ONE person in all of the UK and we are not even close friends. I'm not from a third world country, nor am I poor or impverished so I don't see why I'd have to go to such lengths to prove I won't overstay and/or work. The dates on the payslips I submitted were within one week of me mailing the app so clearly I was still employed. But they made their decision, and I'm fine with it. Its a lesson learned. I'll just have fun in Holland.
