As you know, America, the land of opportunity, is the destination for many people around the world. Every year millions of people apply for U.S. visas. And with this, a small mistake can be a big hindrance in the visa approval process. Avoid commonly made mistakes during the visa process so that you don’t have any delays experiencing the joys of America and the American dream. Accordingly, there are various determining factors in obtaining a U.S. visa.
Here are the top reasons why your visa request may be denied:
- Being Unprepared
Do your due diligence in preparing for the visa process. Data on the visa process and interviews are widely available on the internet. Government sites are also reliable resources that contain information to assist you every step.
- Applying for the WRONG Visa
The eligibility and requirements may differ depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Double-check that you are indeed applying for the proper visa. Make certain that you can fulfill the requirements and meet the conditions for that particular visa. Don’t make pre-assumptions on your eligibility for a certain visa just because you fit the criteria for another visa. The standards differ with each visa.
- Providing Incorrect or Insufficient Information
Completing all forms accurately and being fully prepared with all requirements, required documentation, and verification forms can help expedite the process. Having unverifiable or inaccurate information can lead to increased processing times or visa denials. Don’t let a small oversight lead to delays in obtaining your visa.
- Being Overly Confident During the Interview
Being too assertive on all aspects of the visa process or expressing extreme confidence in a visa approval during the interview can make you appear presumptuous and arrogant as if you the U.S. is required to provide you with the visa. Try not to present yourself as a ‘know-it-all’ or ‘wise guy.’
- Giving Too Much Information
As you can expect, you will be asked an array of questions. Your responses should be well thought out, but keep them concise and simple. You don’t need to divulge irrelevant details that don’t pertain directly to the inquiry, nor should you voluntarily give up information that isn’t requested. This can lead to more questions or raise red flags and suspicions that would have otherwise not arisen.
- Being Disrespectful to the Interviewer
It is very important to be respectful, even if the interview may seem tedious or tiresome. You can do this by expressing courtesy toward the interviewer and be respectful of the authority they represent.
- Ineffective Communication
Sometimes, the language barrier, various accents, dialects, or unfamiliar lingo may confuse you. Don’t hesitate to ask the interviewer for an interpreter or to repeat, explain, or slow down. Effective communication can help avoid potentially significant misunderstandings and misinterpretations.
As I promised, here’s some bonus information that you may not know about:
Most applicants want to know their chances of approval before proceeding to apply. With this in mind, I came up with a list of documents you may need to help convince the consular officer that you qualify for the visa.
The information I will discuss is for reference only and is not an assurance of approval of your visa application. Again, it is the decision of the U.S. immigration officer whether to approve or deny your visa application.
Here are a few suggested items to have:
Travel History
Suppose you have previously visited countries outside your home country and have not overstayed or have followed your allowable stay provided by the juristic immigration. In that case, you are more likely to establish a trust with the immigration officer that you will not overstay during your visit to the U.S.
Employment History
If you are entering the U.S. on a work visa, you should be able to speak to your previous work history and why you qualify for the job duties you intend to complete while in the U.S.
Family
If you are entering the U.S. based on familial ties, having evidence of the relationship is extremely important. If you are requesting entry for a tourist visa, examples of family obligations in your home country that you need to return to can include having elderly parents who need your presence to take care of their needs and the obligation to take care of your child/children, especially when they are still going to school.
Property and Personal Asset
If you are applying for a visa that requires your intention to return home at the end of the period of authorized stay, individuals are less likely to overstay their visa in the U.S. if they own a home, have property, or have large amounts of funds in investment accounts in their home country. While financial assets are sometimes required to establish the ability to support the visit, evidence of property and financial assets should also be provided as evidence of the applicant’s connections to the home country. Evidence can include ownership of real estate property, or business, among others.
Community Involvement
If you are applying for a visa that requires your intention to return home at the end of the period of authorized stay, individuals are less likely to overstay their visa in the U.S. if they show evidence that they currently participate in their community. This may help convince the consular officer that you are happy with your involvement or obligation in specific community activity and you are likely to return to your home country for this reason.
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