There are different reasons why the US Department of State may deny a visa to immigrants who request it.
Following the visa applicant's interview with a consular officer at a US embassy or consulate, the Department of State reviews the relevant information and makes a decision on whether to approve or deny the application. Although most requests are approved, the US government has certain standards that warrant denying a request.
One reason the application may be denied is due to a lack of information to determine whether or not the applicant is eligible or does not qualify for the visa category applied for.
Likewise, the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes that, if the information reviewed indicates that the applicant has grounds for inadmissibility or illegibility, their application must be denied. For example, current or past actions related to criminal activity.
The Department of State, through the Office of Consular Affairs, enlist each of the reasons an applicant may be denied a visa, according to the INA:
- You did not fully complete the visa application and/or did not provide all required supporting documentation – INA section 221(g)
- You did not establish eligibility for the visa category being applied for or you exceeded the presumption of being an immigrant with intent
- You were convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude
- He was convicted of a drug violation
- Has two or more criminal convictions for which the total prison sentence was 5 years or more
- You failed to provide an adequate affidavit of support when one was required; therefore denied under public charge
- Falsified a material fact or committed fraud in an attempt to receive a visa
- Previously overstayed time in the United States
However, a visa denial or being declared ineligible does not mean it is permanent. Some of these criteria can be resolved, by the same applicant or by the petitioner. However, there are cases where the ineligibility is permanent.
In this way, in the event that the visa is denied, the applicant is generally notified of the section of the law that prevents the admission of their application. Information is also provided to applicants on how to apply for the ineligibility waiver.
In the following link you can consult the complete information (in English), on the reasons why a visa application can be denied according to the INA: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/
