I have never been interviewed...

Documents I submitted to VFS

... for a visa before. So, even as Anj and I were already preparing for this much awaited trip, this one hurdle remained. I researched, read blogs and prayed over this. On June 11, I submitted the following visa requirements to VFS with a few additional documents in a long brown envelope:

• Duly filled-up Schengen application form on A4 paper
• 2 recent passport-sized photos with white background
• Original passport with photocopy of the first and last pages
• Original bank certificate
• Original Certificate of Employment with position, salary and tenure
• Photocopy of previously issued visas (Chinese visas) 
• Photocopy of other passport stamps
• Travel health certification insurance with a coverage of 45,000 euros  
• Copy of Income Tax Returns for 2014
• Flight Itinerary: Manila to Paris; Galicia to Barcelona; Barcelona to Manila
• Itinerary for the duration of the trip
• Confirmed booking of accommodations
• Original Approved leave of absence
• Photocopy of a property title in my name ***
• A personal letter of request explaining the significance of the trip with a copy of our planned itinerary in Paris, the camino and Barcelona***

My appointment was 8:45 a.m. and I got there just in time. I got a little nervous since the lady who was receiving my documents was looking for a list of places we will be staying in during the camino. I had to explain to her that the auberges do no accept advance bookings and are usually on a first-come, first-served basis. She seemed unconvinced of my answer and had to go to an inner office, presumably to verify what I told her, because a couple of minutes later, she came back to me to accept my documents. I paid the necessary fees which totaled to P4,380. which included the following:

Visa - Php 3,210.00

VFS Logistics Fee – Php 1,070.00
SMS Alert – Php 100.00

After receiving my payment, she gave instructions on what to do next and what to expect. I was to wait for a message through mobile or email to see if the Spanish Consulate will require an interview. I also had to wait a few minutes more for my picture to be taken and for a biometric scan. All in all, I was in and out of the VFS office in 30 minutes. I left the building and hailed a cab to take me to work. And so the wait began...