1. Visa Refusals
Rachel Peterson
Visa Services
Bureau of Consular Affairs

2. A Consular Officer Considers…
Qualification under the law based on the specific visa type
Each case on its own merits
Presumption of Immigrant Intent (as applicable by visa type)
214(b)
Fraud considerations, review, if applicable
Ensures applicant has no ineligibilities or must have DHS (Department of Homeland Security) waiver

3. Visa Denials Category One Refusals - Serious
NIV IV
Category One Refusals - Serious
National Security, Criminal, Contagious Disease  
INA 212(a)
Category Two Refusals - Less serious
Most common: Section 214(b) of the INA  N/A
Immigrant Intent
Residence Abroad
Frequent: 221(g) denial  
Information not sufficient to establish visa eligibility
Additional documentation may be required

4. Visa Denials - Additional Information
Applicants told reason for denial orally
and in writing immediately – no one left
not knowing
All denials reviewed by supervisory officer
No visa denial appeal process - Consular
Officers have sole authority by law
The Visa Office in DC reviews advisory
opinions only regarding interpretation of
law, not facts

5. Contacting Us – U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Your first point of contact - the U.S. embassy or consulate where the applicant applied (

6. First contact the embassy/consulate where
Useful Information
First contact the embassy/consulate where
the applicant applied (
Helpful Hints
Include:
Visa applicant’s full name (as appears in PPT), DOB, city/country of birth, and PPT number, and date of last interview
Congressional Contact Information
Send an instead of a letter
Quicker than a letter

7. Contacting Us - the Visa Office
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Public Inquiries Division

8. Where to Find Information
Our websites -
Inquiries from Congressional Staff -
Congressional Inquiries: (202)
National Visa Center: (603)
For complicated cases:
Inquiries from the Public -
Public Inquiries: (202)
National Visa Center: (603)
Other websites: USCIS , CBP