Anyone wishing to come to the U.S. must first apply for a visa to do so — and there are no guarantees that your application will be approved.
There are a variety of reasons why immigration officials may deny your request. You will want to know what these are before submitting your visa application and associated fees.
What are common reasons that visa applications are denied?
A previous conviction for a drug-related or violent offense may result in immigration officials denying your request for a visa to come to the U.S. Any request for a U.S. visa after you’ve been caught here illegally then deported or in which you previously overstayed your visa may also result in a denial. While some offenses may permanently bar someone from ever receiving a visa, others only do so for a set amount of time.
Other instances in which immigration officials may deny a visa request is if an application is incomplete. Similarly, denials can also happen when an applicant applies for the wrong visa or provides consular officials with insufficient information about themselves, their travel or means of support.
Do you qualify to file a Waiver of Inadmissibility?
Immigration officials generally issue visa applicants letters outlining the reasons for the denial of their visas. This information can prove invaluable to you and your immigration attorney if you look to reapply for a visa for a second time.
You may find it necessary to apply for a Waiver of Inadmissibility as allowed under the Immigration and Nationality Act depending on the reason for your visa’s denial. Please read over the additional information on our website about Waivers of Inadmissibility to see if pursuing this option is right for you in your situation.