What Are the Common B1/B2 Visa Rejection Reasons

An article on The Economic Times says that the visa refusal rate for India increased 6.5% between 2006 and 2016, to reach 26% in 2017. 

Every year, thousands of applications reach the USCIS, but only a lucky few get the opportunity to enter the US. Others get their visa refused due to some mistake made during the application process.

In case you too have faced disappointment due to visit visa rejection, here are the most common reasons for refusal.

Applied for the Wrong Visa Type

When you’re filling in the DS-160 application form, you are given many categories and sub-categories of visas to choose from. If you select the wrong visa type here, you are most likely to face rejection. So, make sure you have enough understanding of the B1 and B2 visas and their differences before you apply.

Provided Inaccurate Information

The US Department of State does not take misrepresentation or fraud lightly. If the consular officer finds any discrepancy in the documents furnished, your chances of getting the visa will be quite slim. It will also severely impact any future applications for a tourist visa.

Any missing or incomplete paperwork can also be a crucial factor in the B1/B2 visa getting denied. When this happens, the visa refusal will occur under Section 221(g), giving you a second chance to complete the documentation. 

History of Refusals

In case you were denied a visa in the past, due to a criminal conviction, drug abuse or more than two criminal offences at the same time, you are likely to be denied the B1/B2 visa. Section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) applies to such cases and will be mentioned on the Refusal Letter.

For people who have overstayed their visa on previous US trips, Section 212(a)(9)(B)(i) will be applicable. This will also lead to visa rejection.

Unable to Overcome Intending Immigrant Obstacle

Section 214(b) of the INA states that every individual who applies for a US visa is presumed to be an intending immigrant. To change this opinion of the USCIS, you will need to prove that your trip is temporary, you have the required funds to sustain yourself during the duration of stay and there are social and economic ties that will compel you to return to your home country.

In case you are unable to convince the consular officer of these things, your visa will most certainly be rejected.

Being Over Confident During the Interview

While it is good to be confident, but aiming to outsmart the consular officer is a recipe for disaster. If the interviewer observes a sense of arrogance in your tone, they may go into the minute details of your application. This is where many applicants falter and face B1/B2 visa rejection. So, you need to be calm, honest and clear in your answers. 

Also, a person who reaches late for the visa interview, is dressed unprofessionally and gives a rather casual vibe is likely to be denied the visa. 

What to Do After Visa Rejection?

After you have understood the reason for visa denial, start off with remedial measures or the reapplication process, whichever is required.

For people denied the B1/B2 visa under Section 221(g), the colour of the 221(g) slip provided will dictate the actions to be taken. In all other cases, you will have to go through the application process once again and pay the fee again as well.

During the subsequent visa interview, make sure you explain any significant changes in your social or economic circumstances that led to the rejection in the first place.