Understandably, applying for a U.S. visa can be nerve-wracking. It’s important to understand that the U.S. government has the discretion to either approve or deny visas, and it’s an unfortunate reality that denials do happen. Before you apply for a visa, you should familiarize yourself with some common mistakes people make that can lead to a denial to ensure you avoid them down the road. Please continue reading to learn how an experienced New Jersey Immigration Lawyer can help safeguard your interests.
What Are the Common Reasons for Visa Denials?
When a foreign national wants to live and work in the U.S., they must obtain a visa. To obtain a visa, the law generally requires the applicant to be interviewed by a consular officer at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. After all relevant information has been reviewed, the application is either approved or denied, based on the standards established under the law. Although the vast majority of visa applications are approved, U.S. law sets forth various standards under which a visa application can be denied.
In many cases, applications are denied because consular officers don’t have all of the information they need to determine if the applicant is eligible to receive a visa, because they don’t qualify for the visa category for which they applied, or because the information reviewed indicates the applicant falls within the scope of one of the grounds of inadmissibility or ineligibility. It’s important to understand that your current and past actions, such as criminal activities, for example, may render you ineligible for a visa.
Another common reason for visa denial is failing to demonstrate that you can support yourself financially during your time in the country. During the application process, the government aims to confirm that you have enough funds to cover your expenses as they don’t want to become a public charge. You may face a visa denial if you have overstayed a temporary visa in the past, the consular officer may assume that you will likely violate your new visa if approved.
What Should I Do if My Visa Application Is Denied?
In the unfortunate event that your visa application is denied, it’s imperative to carefully review the denial letter to understand the specific reason for the rejection. You cannot appeal a visa denial, but you can reapply for a visa if you have new information or your circumstances have changed. To reapply, you will need to complete a new application, pay the applicable fees, and schedule a new interview with a consular officer.
Nevertheless, the most important step you can take after a denial is to connect with a qualified immigration lawyer who can assess your situation, advise you on the best course of action, and help you navigate your legal options. Connect with the Law Offices of Aditya Surti, LLC, today to learn more about what we can do for you.
