F1 visa rejection reasons are often cited under INA Sections 221(g), 214(b), and 212 (a). Although the majority of US visa applications are approved, US law has laid out different criteria as reasons for US visa ineligibilities.
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes the visa application assessment process. Under the law, there are various provisions that state the eligibility standards and other conditions which a visa applicant needs to satisfy to gain F1 visa approval.
Apart from these assessment criteria, the act also provides the consular officers overseeing the applications the right to reject them on the basis of their judgment. These rejections, however, cannot be random and must be able to satisfy the US visa ineligibilities.
Here are the three provisions of INASection 221(g), Section 214(b), and Section 212(a)(4), which are the main reasons behind F1 visa rejection.
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Reasons for Rejection of US Student Visa
US Immigration authorities are entitled to reject visa applications under the following sections of INA:
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Section 221(g): Dissatisfaction with eligibility standards
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Section 214(b): Probability of immigration intention
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Section 212(a)(4): Possibility to become a Public Charge
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Section 212(a)(6)(C)(i): Fraud and Misrepresentation
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Section 212(a)(9)(B)(i): Unlawful presence in the US
Among these provisions, the first three including Section 221(g), Section 214(b), and Section 221(a)(4) are the main reasons behind the rejection of the majority of student visa applications.
Section 219 of the act provides the eligibility criteria and provisions stated above are grounds for ineligibility. Among the ineligibility standards, some are permanent and the rejection due to them cannot be appealed against or reviewed, while some can be appealed on the removal of ineligibility. There are some ineligibility standards that can also be waived under special circumstances.
Legal Provisions Behind US Student Visa Refusal
The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) of the country governs the assessment process of visa applicants. The provisions which lead to the rejection of student visa include:
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Section 221(g): Dissatisfaction with eligibility standards
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Section 214(b): Probability of immigration intention
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Section 212(a): Possibility to Become a Public Charge
Section 221(g) on USA Student Visa: Reasons and Action
When a consular officer assesses and reviews the visa application against the eligibility requirements, as stated under Section 219, and finds the applicant not fulfilling them to their satisfaction, it leads to visa refusal under Section 221g.
Rejection Basis
Inability to satisfy eligibility requirements
How to Resolve 221(g)
The rejection can be appealed for revision.
The consular officer may ask for the submission of certain supportive evidence or documents and the applicant may file an appeal for revision of the visa application by fulfilling these requirements.
Section 214(b) on USA Student Visa: Reasons and Action
Section 214b visa rejection is only applicable to non-immigrant visa categories, such as US student visas.
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When a consular officer remains unsatisfied due to the applicant's inability to prove reason, or strong ties with the home country, which shall cause them to leave the US, once the visa purpose is fulfilled and it expires, the consular officer can reject the visa application under this section.
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Strong ties include job, home or family, and friends.
Rejection Basis
Inability to prove intent to return to home country on expiry of the visa
How to Resolve 214(b)
The rejection is permanent on a case-by-case basis.
The visa applicant may review the applications, and reasons and refile a new visa application with corrections. The same application cannot be reviewed again.
Section 212(a) on USA Student Visa: Reasons and Action
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When a consular officer on reviewing a visa application discovers either insufficient finances or an absence of proper Affidavit of Support (US citizen or person sponsors or guarantees visa applicants stay and expenses), then they can reject the application under this section.
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The lack of adequate funds shows that there is the possibility of the applicant becoming a public charge in future to the US government.
Rejection Basis
Possibility of Public Charge
How to Resolve 212(a)
The rejection can be appealed for revision.
The visa applicant needs to resolve the funds' issue, and once they can provide evidence for sufficient funds or proper Affidavit of Support (Form I-134), they may appeal for revision and the consular officer shall consider it.
A student visa application is a laborious procedure that calls for extensive supporting papers. Before you start the application process, make sure you have all of your documents organised. Contact the closest US embassy or consulate as soon as you've turned in the DS-160 form to set up your interview.
Getting an appointment might take weeks, and any delay could jeopardise the commencement of your programme. A visa application may be rejected for a variety of reasons. The explanation will be stated in your visa refusal letter, though depending on the category it might not be very explicit.
Given that seemingly minor points may become the causes of F1 visa rejection, one must pay attention to detail while applying for an F1 visa. Write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com to get queries about US student visas resolved.
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