Have you ever wondered “What happens if you get denied a US Visa”? Getting that refusal letter can come like a jab through your heart, but that is not the end. The consular officer decides if your application will be accepted or denied, usually based on whether important documents/information is unavailable or if further evidence is needed.
In this blog post, I’ll reveal why some applications are denied under sections 221(g), 214 (b), and other sections of the Immigration and National Act. Having received a rejection myself under the Immigration and National Act 221 (g), I understand how you may feel. However, don’t feel discouraged – you can reapply. You may be unable to appeal the Visa denial, but you can reapply. I will also reveal tips and strategies you can implement in your reapplication to increase your chances of approval.
Now let’s explore what happens if you get denied a US ViSA and what you can do about it to increase your chances in your next application.
What Happens if You Get Denied a US Visa?
If you’re found ineligible for a visa on temporary grounds, you may be able to reapply in the future however, if you are permanently ineligible, you’ll be requiring a waiver to reapply. Application fees will be needed to reapply unless the refusal was on the grounds of missing or incomplete documentation (INA 221(g))
If you’re able to reapply, don’t sob and feel discouraged because of the refusal. What you need to do at this stage is to put in a better application to get approval. Here are some steps you can take when you get denied a US Visa:
1. Analyze where you went wrong
Analyzing where you went wrong after a Visa denial involves reviewing your application with a fine-tooth comb. It is not possible to appeal the decision, but you can reapply in the future. Usually, the reason for denial is indicated by the visa officer and there could be several reasons for this such as missing documents, incomplete applications, and security concerns, all under sections 221 (g) of the Immigration and National Act (INA). Another very popular reason for denial is an applicant’s inability to prove strong home ties to their home country or insufficient funds to support their stay in the USA (INA 214 (b)). After you have identified the reason for the denial, proceed to the next step.
2. Put in a Stronger Application
After identifying where you might have made mistakes, improving your application is paramount to increasing your chances of approval. To strengthen your case, you will need to provide compelling proof of ties to your home country and financial stability. Some recommended proof of home ties include:
- a job – you may require a letter from your employer stating that you are on leave for a defined period
- school enrollment documents – showing evidence that you are currently studying in your home country
- rental agreement with your landlord
- evidence that you have traveled abroad several times and returned
- family – your spouse or children that you would not leave behind in your home country
Ensure all necessary information is included to avoid repeated mistakes. It is also worth noting that as much as an applicant can always reapply after denial, chances decrease after every denial, so you want to make sure there are no mistakes on your second attempt. While the applicant will not get back the money he or she paid for his visa application, a thorough, complete application increases your chances of approval on the second attempt. Prepare meticulously, fix any errors, and present a stronger case for consideration.
3. Prepare again and Interview with Confidence
One of the crucial determining factors as to whether you will get approval is the 3-minute interview with the consular officer. You need to be prepared for this part as the consular officer’s decision will be dependent on if you present more convincing information. If you were denied previously on the grounds of home ties, go to this interview with the documents proving that you have all intent to return to your country after your Visa expires in the US. Ensure that these documents are well arranged, so if you need to provide them during that interview, you’re not scrambling, looking for the exact document to present.
Approach the interview with confidence, knowing the consular’s decision hinges on the evidence you provide. With thorough preparation and a confident demeanor, your chances of a successful visa application increase.
4. Have a Backup Plan
Lastly, while reapplying for a visa is one way to go, I’ll advise that you consider alternative ways to achieve your goal of traveling to the U.S.A. Having a backup plan implies that you can consider other countries or research other routes that can lead to the U.S. through intermediary countries like Canada. Obtaining a Permanent Residence from Canada for instance, can serve as a means to achieve your goal of relocating to America. Don’t be discouraged, reapplying is a good way to go but explore other alternatives and keep pursuing your aspiration.
How soon can I reapply for U.S. Visa after refusal?
After a U.S. Visa rejection, the simple answer is that you can reapply as soon as you rectify the reasons why you were refused in the first place. There’s no fixed waiting period, but it’s paramount that you rectify the reasons for denial before reapplying. Rushing into a new application without sorting out the concerns raised by the consulate will likely result in another rejection. I understand the urge to put in an immediate reapplication but it is better done right or not done at all.
If you were denied on the grounds of ineligibility, you’ll need to qualify for a waiver before you can reapply for a Visa. If you were denied on the grounds of home ties, you will need to provide documents – like the ones earlier mentioned – to show your intent to return to your home country.
Take your time to understand why your application was refused using the steps outlined above, and make necessary adjustments. Once this is done, you can proceed to reapply.
How to check Visa rejection reasons
To figure out the reason for the Visa rejection, go through the communication sent to you by the embassy or consulate. Usually, the letter will identify the grounds for the denial. It’s your responsibility to review this document carefully to understand the reason(s) highlighted by the immigration authority. If you go through this document and you’re still unsure of the grounds for rejection, consider reaching out to the embassy you apply for clarification. In some cases, consular officers may make certain statements during your interview that will give you an idea of the refusal reason. You must understand why your application was denied to put in a better application on your subsequent attempt and increase your chance of approval.
Chances of getting U.S. Visa after rejection
After a U.S. visa rejection, you can reapply for a visa depending on the grounds for your refusal. There’s no limit to the number of times you are allowed to reapply for a U.S. visa after rejection however, you must address the grounds for refusal before reapplying and I’ll tell you why. This is because each time you reapply, the chances of you getting approval reduce. Hence, getting it right on your second or third attempt is too important to ensure that you still have a high chance of getting approval.
Ensure that your subsequent application is well-prepared and has all the documentation required. Additionally, you can consider seeking guidance from Immigration consultants and experts to ensure that your application is fool-proof.
B1/B2 Visa rejection reasons
B1/B2 visa rejection could happen for various reasons and I’ll highlight some of them below:
- Insufficient proof of home ties
- Submitting an incomplete application or lacking requisite documents
- Previous immigration violations
- Not meeting the Visa requirements
Also, it is worth mentioning that when a B1/B2 visa is rejected, it is rejected for different ineligibility reasons. These ineligibility reasons may be temporary or permanent. If your refusal is based on temporary ineligibility reasons, then you can reapply after making the necessary corrections. However, applicants with permanent ineligibilities will be requiring a waiver from the Department of Homeland Security to reapply.
To sum it all up, here’s what needs to happen if you get denied a U.S. visa. While it may seem frustrating, it’s important to keep your cool. Analyze, rectify mistakes, prepare well for your interview, put on a confident demeanor, and also consider alternatives to achieve your goal of traveling to the U.S.
