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DENIED USA VISA – 7 Most Common Reasons for US Visa Rejections

By Kach Umandap March 7th, 2022 Posted in Guide for Filipinos, Travel Blog, VISA Application Guides No comments

When applying for a visa, many of us get scared of getting rejected. There are many Denied USA Visa stories we hear from relatives or friends. If you want to avoid getting a “NO”, you might want to know common reasons for US Visa Rejections.

DENIED USA VISA Common Reasons for US Visa Rejections
Photo by GotCredit CC BY 2.0

When you get a US Visa, you’ll get interviewed and get the decision afterward. It’s different than getting a Schengen Visa, Canada, or Japan visa as you’ll only submit documents. Getting interviewed is both a pro and a con. A PRO as you can explain your reason for going personally and a CON when you feel too nervous that your answers are all over the place.

Here are the common reasons for visa rejection:

1. Incomplete Application or Supporting Documents

DS-160 Form

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act under section 221g, if you have an incomplete application or documents, you may get denied. A letter will be given stating you are denied under 221(g) and a list of documents you need to submit. Provide them as soon as possible to know if you are indeed qualified for a visa.

You need to fill-up your DS-160 form completely and bring supporting documents during your interviews. It’s better to double-check your application before submitting it. Even though it’s not required, bring many supporting documents as you can because the consul may ask for it.

2. Wrong Visa Category

There are many visa categories if you are applying for a US Visa; whether immigrant or nonimmigrant. If you are there to visit your spouse (who is a permanent resident) and want to eventually live in the USA then you’ll need to get a V visa rather than a B-2 visa for tourism purposes.

Sometimes, the consul officers will ask you questions related to your purpose to the US, and if it’s found out that the reason in your interview and the application are not the same, then you’ll get denied.

3. Immigrant Intent

What Will Happen if You Overstay in USA
David Everett Strickler

Under section 214(b) of the INA, you may get denied if you have not provided strong ties to your home country. This is one common reason for US Visa Rejections. If the consul thinks you will stay rather than leave the US, chances of approval are small.

You’ll need to prove deep ties to your country by showing you have a job or a business to return to, a home, or relationships with family or friends. Consuls will also look at your travel plans, financial resources, and properties to ensure that you will indeed depart the US after your visit. There are many illegal immigrants in their country, they don’t want you to be another one.

4. Inadequate Financial Support

Another common reason for US Visa rejections is not enough funds for your visit. The US government does not want a visitor who will be dependent on them for financial support a.k.a a Public Charge.

This is particularly common for under immigrant visas as you need to have enough money, a job offer in the US, or sponsorship from a resident. Imagine living in the US as a bum, you are ending up as a liability rather than an asset.

As for nonimmigrants, this is particularly checked for those who visit due to medical treatment. For example, your treatment there costs thousands of dollars, but you don’t have enough money. Rather than ending up in debt in the US, you’ll get denied.

P.S. You don’t need to be a millionaire to visit the US; if you have money for the tickets plus maybe USD 200 a day, you could enjoy a vacation there. Some even pass the interview without showing their Bank Documents!

5. Fraud or Misrepresentation

What Will Happen if You Overstay in USA
Nik Shuliahin

If you are found to be falsely presenting facts to the US to receive a visa, then you might be permanently ineligible. This means you will get denied every time you apply as you misrepresented or committed fraud.

This may include not stating you have committed criminal offenses on your application or have infectious diseases. Anybody that also presents fake passports or documents may even get rejected if you are found out by the consul. Avoid this by being honest on your application as well as the interview.

6. Bad Travel History

If you have overstayed or not followed the provisions of your previous visa (working on a tourist visa), may get denied. Those who have stayed for more than 180 days are banned for 3 years. For those who overstayed in one year or more are banned for 10 years. Stays in other countries may be considered too.

To avoid getting a US Visa Rejection because of this, you need to follow the rules of the country you are in. Don’t go beyond your authorized date of stay, too. You can check your travel history or how many days you have left in the US, online.

7. Inconsistencies

Inconsistent answers during the interview with what you have typed in your application form or documents may be a reason for US Visa Rejection. If you are traveling within 10 days as per your application, then don’t mention a month. Should you mention a relative in the DS-160 form, then you also must answer honestly if the consul asks you if you have one. If your parents are sponsoring your trip, submit their financial records, and not yours. Please answer the questions consistently and honestly.

USA Visa

So, those are the common reasons for US Visa Rejections. Avoid negative vibes during your application; you need to think positively (Law of Attraction.) Do your interview with confidence. When you are nervous, the consul might feel you are hiding something or you are being dishonest.

Good luck with your application! If you want me to help you, you can get a visa application bundle that includes a one-on-one practice interview with me!

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Written by Kach Umandap

Founder of Two Monkeys Travel Group. Since 2013, Kach has visited all the 7 continents (including Antarctica) and 151 countries using her Philippines Passport. In 2016, she bought a sailboat and went on sailing adventures with her two cats - Captain Ahab & Little Zissou in the Caribbean for 2 years. She now lives in Herceg Novi, Montenegro where she's enjoying her expat life and living on a gorgeous Stonehouse. She writes about her experiences traveling as a Filipina traveler with a PHL Passport. Also tips on backpacking trips, luxury hotel experiences, product reviews, sailing & adventure travel.