A No Objection Letter (NOC) is an official document issued by an employer, school, or university that confirms their awareness and approval of an individual’s planned travel. It certifies that the applicant has been granted leave for the specified period and is expected to return to their responsibilities afterward.
Why Do Embassies and Consulates Ask for It?
Schengen embassies and consulates request it to verify your ties to your home country, such as employment or ongoing studies. This document reassures them of your intention to return after your trip, helping to address concerns about potential overstays.
You may encounter both “No-Objection Letter/Certificate” and “Leave Approval Letter”. They are interchangeable terms for this document, in the context of Schengen visas.
How to Write a No Objection Letter?
The No Objection Letter must be written by an authorized person, such as your employer (HR manager or direct supervisor) or a school/university official (dean, registrar, or head of department). This document must be addressed to the appropriate Schengen Embassy or Consulate handling your application.
The letter must include the following information:
- Date of issuance.
- Recipient: Addressed to the relevant Embassy or Consulate (e.g., the Embassy of Austria).
- Subject line: Clear indication that the document is a No Objection Letter/Certificate.
- Your full name and passport number.
- Purpose of travel: Your employer or school must mention why you are travelling to the Schengen Area (e.g., tourism) as well as your destination (e.g., Austria).
- Leave details: Exact dates you will be gone from work or school.
- Confirmation of return: Assurance that you will return to work or school on a specified date.
- Signature and stamp: Original signature and stamp of a company or school official authorized to issue such document.
If you are employed:
- Employment details: Your employer’s name, your position, job title, and salary, as well as the duration of time you have worked there.
If you are a student:
- Study details: Department you study in, what year you are in, when you will finish your studies, and any other essential information about your studies.
Mistakes to Avoid in No Objection Letters
When drafting this letter, it’s important to avoid common mistakes that can weaken the letter’s effectiveness or create complications in your visa application or other processes. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Incomplete information. Failing to provide essential details, such as your full name, passport number, the purpose of the NOC, your job title, employment start date, or the duration of the NOC, can lead to questions about your eligibility or intentions.
- Incorrect dates. All dates, including the issue date, the duration of the NOC, and any relevant employment or academic dates, are accurate and consistent.
- Inaccurate content. Including inaccurate information, such as false employment details or academic records, can result in visa application rejection and potential legal consequences.
- Missing signatures. If required, ensure that the document is signed by the authorized signatory within your organization or school. Unsigned documents may not be considered valid.
- No proofreading. Errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting can negatively impact the credibility of the Leave Approval Letter.
- Inappropriate tone. Avoid using overly casual or informal language as you must maintain a professional tone throughout the letter.
Need help creating a Leave Permission Letter? Use the following customizable templates or consult a visa expert for tailored advice.
Templates
Employers or school officials can use the templates below to draft a Leave Permission Letter:
Template for Employer
[Date]
To: [Embassy/Consulate Name]
Subject: No Objection Letter
Dear Sir/Madam,
This is to certify that [Mr./Ms./Mrs. Full Name], holding passport number [Passport Number], is currently employed with [Company Name] in the capacity of [Position/Job Title] since [Date of Joining].
His/Her monthly salary is [Salary Amount]. He/She has applied for leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] to travel to [Destination Country] for personal reasons. The company has no objection to [his/her] travel during the approved leave period.
We also confirm that [he/she] is required to resume [his/her] duties on [Date of Resumption] and remains an employee of this organization.
Should you require any additional information or verification, please do not hesitate to contact us at [Contact Information].
Best regards,
[Authorized Person’s Full Name]
[Designation]
[Company Name]
[Signature and Company Stamp]
Template for School
[Date]
To: [Embassy/Consulate Name]
Subject: No Objection Letter
Dear Sir/Madam,
This is to certify that [Mr./Ms./Mrs. Full Name], holding passport number [Passport Number], is a bonafide student of [University/College Name]. [He/She] is currently enrolled in the [Program Name] and has been a student here since [Enrollment Date].
We have no objection to [Mr./Ms./Mrs. Full Name]‘s travel to [Destination Country] for the purpose of [Reason for Travel, e.g., tourism, attending a conference, etc.]. [He/She] has been granted leave from [Start Date] to [End Date] and is expected to return and resume [his/her] studies on [Date of Resumption].
If further information is required, please feel free to contact us at [Contact Information].
Best regards,
[Authorized Person’s Full Name]
[Designation, e.g., Dean/Registrar]
[University/College Name]
[Signature and Official Stamp]
Samples
Here is how a No-Objection Letter for visa applications should look like once it is all filled out:
Sample from Employer
10 December 2024
To: The Embassy of Germany
Subject: No Objection Letter
Dear Sir/Madam,
This is to certify that Mr. John Anderson, holding passport number A12345678, is currently employed with Zenith Technologies Ltd. in the capacity of Senior Software Engineer since 15 March 2018.
His monthly salary is $4,500. He has applied for leave from 20 December 2024 to 5 January 2025 to travel to Germany for tourism and personal reasons. The company has no objection to his travel during the approved leave period.
We also confirm that he is required to resume his duties on 6 January 2025 and remains an employee of this organization.
Should you require any additional information or verification, please do not hesitate to contact us at +1-555-987-6543 or [email protected].
Best regards,
Ms. Clara Williams
HR Manager
Zenith Technologies Ltd.
[Signature and Company Stamp]
Sample from School
10 December 2024
To: The Embassy of France
Subject: No Objection Letter
Dear Sir/Madam,
This is to certify that Ms. Emily Carter, holding passport number B98765432, is a bonafide student of Bright Future University. She is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in International Relations program and has been a student here since 1 September 2022.
We have no objection to Ms. Emily Carter’s travel to France for the purpose of attending a cultural exchange program. She has been granted leave from 20 December 2024 to 10 January 2025 and is expected to return and resume her studies on 11 January 2025.
If further information is required, please feel free to contact us at +1-555-123-4567 or [email protected].
Best regards,
Dr. Samuel Mitchell
Registrar
Bright Future University
[Signature and Official Stamp]
FAQ
Is NOC mandatory for all visa applications?
Not all embassies or consulates require a NOC. The necessity often depends on your visa type, purpose of travel, and your personal circumstances. It’s advisable to check the specific requirements of the embassy where you’re applying.
Can I submit a digital copy, or does it need to be a physical document?
While some embassies accept scanned or digital copies, many require the original document with an official signature and stamp. Verify the submission guidelines of your respective embassy.
What should I do if my employer or school refuses to issue a Leave Approval Letter?
If your employer or school declines to provide a NOC, you can try explaining its importance for the visa process. As a last resort, you may include a written explanation and alternative documents, like a leave approval email, to support your application.
Does leave approval letter guarantee visa approval?
No, a leave approval letter does not guarantee visa approval. It is one of the supporting documents that strengthens your case by showing your intent to return home. Other factors, like financial stability and travel history, also play a crucial role.
Can a self-employed person provide a NOC?
Self-employed individuals cannot issue a traditional Leave Approval Letter. However, they can submit alternative evidence, such as a business registration certificate or a letter explaining their professional commitments.
What happens if there’s a mistake?
Even minor errors, such as incorrect dates or passport numbers, can lead to visa delays or rejection. Double-check all details before submitting the document, and contact the issuing authority immediately for corrections if needed.
Are there alternative documents to a No Objection Certificate?
In some cases, alternative documents, such as a letter of invitation, leave approval emails, or enrollment verification letters, might suffice. Check with the embassy if these alternatives are acceptable.
What is the validity period?
A NOC document is typically valid for the duration of your planned travel dates. However, embassies may have specific validity requirements, such as a document issued within the last 30 days.
When applying for a Schengen visa, along with your Leave Approval Letter, you must also provide the following documents:
- A Valid Passport
- Completed Schengen Visa Application Form
- 2 Recent Passport-Sized Photos
- Schengen Travel Medical Insurance Certificate
- A Round-Trip Flight & Travel Itinerary
- Proof of Accommodation
- Proof of Financial Means
- Proof of Paid Visa Fee