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I am an Indian citizen with a US Green Card and I reside and work in the USA as a university professor. I am planning on applying for a short stay Schengen visa (France) for tourism. The French Consulate with jurisdiction is Chicago.

To apply for a short stay Schengen visa the following documents are mentioned under "proof of socio-economic status":

  • letter of employment in the U.S. confirming your salary, hire date, position and dates of vacation (business registration if self employed) and your last 3 pay stubs (unless downloaded, please bring a photocopy)

  • or letter from your school or university confirming your enrollment status, attendance and expected graduation date

  • For a business trip: please present a letter from your employer or University regarding the purpose of your trip and an official invitation from your hosting company in France

Now, I wish to not ask my university for a letter since I do not need them to know where I am vacationing during "off school" season. I also have a prior long stay French visa (chercheur scientifique) in my Indian passport (2014-2015). I also have sufficient funds and of course plan on having travel arrangements etc. made before I apply for a visa.

This lack of "letter from employer": would it play negatively in the visa process?

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    Does the letter have to say anything about where you are going? Can't you get a "To whom it may concern" letter stating the dates of your "off school" season and that you will be continuing your work as a professor starting on date X? Feb 19, 2017 at 18:56
  • @PatriciaShanahan Inter-departmental politics.... Given the current season of inter-departmental politics that's going around at my university, there is a strong fear that faculty may leave this university and country and go to another country. I suppose it would seem like I am stuck as a result of my passport refusing me free travel.
    – dearN
    Feb 19, 2017 at 19:01

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Yes it can play negatively. If a consular officer is looking for an excuse to deny you, that is a perfect and legitimate opportunity.

The employer letter with vacation dates and declaration that your position is available for you to resume after your vacation is a very strong tie to the home country (in this case USA).

You could also be approved without the letter, even unemployed people do get approved, however it is a good criteria on which to deny you if the officer so chooses. You can't take chances with visas despite you good immigration profile/history.

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  • You provide a really good point of view on the "excuse for denial" aspect. Thank you.
    – dearN
    Feb 19, 2017 at 18:41

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