Top Reasons Why Your US Visa May Be Denied

Clearing all the official procedures for securing a US visa is not easy. No matter how keenly you have followed them, your dream of visiting the United States of America may suffer a setback if the consular officer finds you ineligible. The officer will test your suitability for the applied visa in accordance with the U.S. Immigration Law. If your application is lacking something or is found violating the set rules, your visa will be denied. A US visa for Philippine passport holder may be denied for several reasons, including insufficient ties to their home country, incomplete documentation, or previous visa violations. You will be termed as “ineligible” for the applied visa as per the US Immigration Laws.

Here are the top most reasons for a visa to the USA rejections.

Rejection due to unclear intention of a visit

All non-immigrants applying for a visa for whatsoever purpose have to declare their intention of visit to the U.S. It is the responsibility of the traveler to apply for the specific visa and abide by it during the stay. In no way, can they use a visitor visa for employment purposes or vice versa which is why the U.S. Immigration Law has segregated visas under different categories and made it compulsory to clarify the intention of a visit for all visa types. Applicants need to produce enough proof by which the consular officer can be convinced. Let’s say, you are applying for a B2 visa, which is issued for tourism, visits, and medical purposes, to prove you will stick to the visa rules, the US Embassy will need the following evidence:

• The reason of travel, whether pleasure or medical treatment
• Your intention to stay in the U.S. only for the authorized period
• Documents to prove that you can meet the expenses on your own. If you are on a sponsorship, then details of the person or agency sponsoring the trip. The reason the consular officer demands evidence of sufficient funds is to ensure that you do not start working in the U.S. or resort to earning money the fraud way once you have run out of money.
• Strong ties with your home country such as a job, house, apartment, property, and a family

Along with these evidences, carry plane tickets, including return tickets, and details of your itinerary plans, bank statement, and employment proof as well when attending the visa interview. Lacking any one of these documents will result in the rejection of your visitor visa.

Visa rejection because of false information

Hiding your past and providing false information will result in the rejection of your US visa application. The U.S. government strictly prohibits false information on visa applications. Lying about personal details, hiding past crimes or convictions, or failing to disclose previous visa refusals can lead to denial and possible legal action. There is no point in hiding about your past because the US Embassy can find out everything about you. So better be honest and reveal every minor and major thing that can cause hindrance in securing the visa.

Visa rejection due to past immigration violations

While U.S. immigration law allows visa extensions, many overstay and violate the rules. If you have overstayed before, the consular officer may hesitate to grant a visa, viewing you as a violator. Depending on how long you stayed illegally, you could face a ban of three to ten years. You will also need to prove that you have learned from your mistake and will follow visa rules.

Visa refusal due to other reasons

The U.S. government will never allow foreign nationals to enter their country if they find the immigrant may pose a serious threat to the physical and mental health of their citizens. Applicants who are afflicted with a contagious disease such as tuberculosis will face rejection. The medical list on which a visa can be denied is quite lengthy, but the authorities have removed HIV from it. Visa is also refused to people who are addicted to drugs and are involved in drug peddling. If he or she is has been deported from the U.S. in the past, or is caught at the airport with drugs, visa refusal is sure for such people.

From past criminal activities, and history of drug abuse, to deportation, violations of immigration rules, and submission of false information on the US visa application, a visa can be rejected, refused, or denied on many grounds. When the applicant is found ineligible. The chance of securing a visa is nil. However, the Immigration and Nationality Act has the waiver of ineligibility clause to reapply for a visa. Whether you are applying for the first time or re-applying, let a professional visa consultant in Dubai handle the responsibilities on your behalf.

Procedure to Check Visa Rejection Reasons: Read to Learn More

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Incomplete Application/Incomplete Supporting Documentation

1. A visa rejection under Section 221(g) of the INA means the applicant did not provide a complete application or missed required documents. However, this does not mean a final refusal, as you can still submit the missing information before a decision is made.
2. If your application is incomplete, you will receive a letter detailing the missing documents. You have one year to submit them; otherwise, your case will be dismissed, and you must reapply, including paying the visa fee again.
3. Additionally, under this section, the embassy or consulate may decide to investigate your application further by conducting additional security checks or inquiries, frequently through another agency. Most administrative processing is finished within 60 days of the visa interview. However, if the case is sent to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) or another agency,

Visa Qualifications and Immigrant Intent

Only people applying for temporary, nonimmigrant visas can be denied under this part of visa law. Getting turned down for a visa under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act means the applicant did not convince the consular officer that they qualify for the nonimmigrant visa requested and that they have strong connections to their home country and do not plan to immigrate to the US.

When it comes to strong ties, the applicant can best demonstrate they do not intend to overstay in the US if they:

1. Are employed
2. Are married, engaged, or in a relationship
3. Own property (house, land, etc.) in their home country
4. Have children they are the legal guardian of
5. Have good relationships with family and friends

The applicant is not capable of appealing a review of this disentitlement. However, because this is not everlasting, the applicant may reapply if they feel that there have been key amends in their situation. If reapplying, the visa fee must be paid again, and a new interview appointment scheduled.

Public Charge

A visa application that is denied under section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration & Nationality Act indicates that the consular officer determined you were extremely likely to become reliant on the US government for subsistence & financial assistance when in the US, known as a “Public Charge.” Because it is not an enduring ineligibility, this can be surmounted under certain conditions.

Those Who Apply for the Immigrant Visa

1. Those who applied for an Immigrant Visa & were barred entry to the US under section 212(a) (4) of the Immigration & Nationality Act may reapply should they give an Affidavit of Support from an entitled sponsor. This document shows that a US resident accepts responsibility for financially supporting the immigrant during their stay in the US. The Affidavit should include the sponsor’s bank statements or pay stubs demonstrating their ability to provide support.
2. Some visa types do not need an Affidavit, so you must prove you will not burden the US government financially by:
3. Showing your own funds through bank statements, pay stubs, etc.
4. Providing a job offer in the US
5. However, providing these does not guarantee visa approval, since the consular officer decides if the financial evidence overcomes the ineligibility. The officer determines if the support shown is adequate.

Those Who Apply for the Non-Immigrant Visa

Those applying for the nonimmigrant visas who had been barred entry to the US under section 212(a) (4) of the Immigration & Nationality Act are required to demonstrate that they can support themselves financially during their time within the country. The consular officer in fact will revise your paperwork & decide whether you have ample funds to overcome the inadmissibility or not.

Myths Behind US Visa Rejection

Applying for a US visa is tough. But we tend to get more nervous when we hear people talking about some weird things. It is crucial to double-check every detail before submitting your US B1 visa application because errors or missing information could result in a denial. These are a few myths you must ignore while applying for a US visa.

Once Rejected, you can Reapply Again

There are chances your visa may be rejected. But that doesn’t mean you cannot re-apply again. The chances of getting rejected may be because of financial reasons or may be due to the consulate didn’t find the interview that convincing.

Based on Valuable Properties

While applying for a US visa, it’s not necessary to show or provide documents based on properties like land or stock certificates. However, if you provide proof of owning a property then there are higher chances of getting your visa approved.

Having a Criminal Record

If you’ve committed a crime, then getting a US visa depends on the type of crime you’ve committed and the severity of the crime. A minor crime is fine however, if high, then the chances of your US Visa Denied are a no-no.

Family History of Members Entering USA as Illegal Immigrants

Your visa will be denied if there is a recent history of your family members entering the country illegally. . It makes sense but the chance of this happening is quite less.

Being a Young and Single Woman

US Visa Rejection has nothing to do with being a single or a young woman. As long as you have a smooth interview and all the necessary paperwork, you should be good to go.

Lying 

It is best to say the truth and nothing but the truth during an interview. The interviewer is experienced enough to catch you if you’re going to lie during your interview.

Not having a 6-Digit Bank Account

If you don’t have a 6-digit bank account, you are still fine to apply for your US visa. Make sure that you provide your financial documents to let the embassy know that you can take care of your own.

Avoid Scammers or Fixers

US embassy has neither scammers nor fixers. If an unknown person approaches you by promising to get you a US Visa then avoid them at any cost.

Providing False Documents

No country in the world tolerates false documents provided for visa application. The same applies to US visas. Providing False Documents to get a US visa from Dubai is a serious offense that can result in application rejection and legal consequences. Submitting any false document shows your intentions are not clear. Hence, if the embassy can’t trust the document you provide, then they have every right to reject your visa.

Having a Pending Immigrant Petition

There are chances that you’ve already applied for a US tourist visa and don’t know whether the visa is approved or denied. During such a case, it is best to inform the interviewer about this situation which can speed up your visa process.

Fraud and Misinterpretation

Fraud and misinterpretation are one of the visa rejection reasons. If you try to get a visa via misstating facts/carrying out deception, the visa application will get denied under section 212(a) (6) (C) (i) of Immigration & Nationality Act. Masking that you have family within the US or were found guilty of crimes earlier is considered as fraud. This is a permanent ineligibility, so no visa will be provided regardless of how many times you apply.
If there is an option to request an exception to the ineligibility, the consular officer will recommend you do that.

Unlawful Presence in US

If denied entry under section 212(a)(9)(B)(i) of the INA, it means your visa was rejected due to unlawful presence in the US.

You either:

• Stayed in the US past the expiration of your authorized period of stay without extending your stay, or
• Entered & remained in US sans obtaining the needed authorization from Customs & Border Protection.
• If you have been present in the US unlawfully for over 180 days yet below a year, you will not receive a visa for 3 years post departing the US. Conversely, if you stayed in US illegally above 1 year, you will be incapable of getting a visa for a complete 10 years post leaving the US.

Other Ineligibilities

1. Additionally, to the aforesaid reasons for US visa denial; there are additional health-related grounds which can make someone disqualified. Specifically, those with these health conditions might not be given a visa
2. An applicant diagnosed with a contagious illness that is a public health concern.
3. An applicant who has a physical or mental illness, along with associated behavior, that has posed or could pose a danger to their own or others’ property, safety, or wellbeing, and this behavior is likely to recur or lead to further harmful actions.
4. An applicant is determined to be a drug addict or abuser.

Criminal & Related Grounds

Any non-citizen who has ever been charged with criminal conduct, homicide, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, genocide, money laundering, etc., is viewed as ineligible for admission to the United States.

Security & Related Grounds

Any non-citizen deemed a security risk by the Attorney General or a consular official will be denied entry, especially if suspected of violating laws, attempting government overthrow, or engaging in terrorism.

Miscellaneous

The subsequent groups are also incapable of obtaining a visa:

1. Individuals entering the US with the intention of engaging in polygamy,
2. A guardian accompanying someone who is barred from entry,
3. A foreign national who aids in kidnapping,
4. And previous citizens that gave up their citizenship to avoid paying taxes

Ineligibility Waivers

The INA permits visa applicants who were denied for a precise reason to request a waiver of that cause. Should the waiver get approved; the applicant may be capable of obtaining a US visa. However, the Department of Homeland Security chooses whether to support a waiver for every applicant.

When the visa is refused, the applicant will be informed about the reason & whether they can actually apply for a waiver. A consular officer also offers instructions on ways of requesting a waiver. In general, to get a waiver approved the applicant must meet these conditions:

1. Have an ineligibility for which a waiver is available.
2. Aside from the single ineligibility, be entirely qualified for the visa in every other respect.
3. For any nonimmigrant visa, a consular officer must advise the applicant to the DHS for the waiver.
4. In the case of an immigrant visa, an applicant must confirm the waiver pertains to their precise situation.

Reapplying for a US Visa in Case of a Rejection

If your visa ineligibility is temporary, you may reapply if your circumstances change. The consular officer will determine if you qualify for the visa.
If it’s permanent, but a consular officer recommends a waiver, you may still have a chance to obtain a visa. During US visa reapplication, always address the earlier ineligibilities or errors with clear instances of changes or explanatory circumstances for strengthening your visa application.