Visa Denials

The United States is an open society.  Unlike many other countries, the United States does not impose internal controls on most visitors, such as registration with local authorities.  In order to enjoy the privilege of unencumbered travel in the United States, aliens have the responsibility of proving their intent to return abroad before a visitor or student visa is issued.  Our immigration law requires consular officers to view every visa applicant as an intending immigrant until the applicant proves otherwise.

Section 214(b) is part of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). It states:
Every alien shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status...

Additional information about visa denials or ineligibilities can be found on the Department of State website.