Why was my application refused? The consular officer did not tell me why I did not qualify for the visa?
All visa refusals are governed by U.S. immigration law. The two most common refusals are based on Section 214(b) and Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended. An applicant may also be refused under a provision of INA 212(e) or other immigration law. Whenever a consular officer does not approve a visa, he/she provides the applicant with a written letter that explains the provision of law under which the visa was refused. Note that in many instances, 221(g) refusals are temporary, and the consular officer is either requesting additional information from the applicant or suspending a final decision on the case until administrative processing has been completed.
My application was refused under Section 214(b). I wish to appeal against the decision/ I would like my case reviewed?
A written explanation of the reasons why you were unable to establish your eligibility for a visa will have been handed to you on the day of the visa interview. Reconsideration for a visa can only happen in the context of a new visa interview. Applicants who wish to reapply must follow the same application procedures as before (http://lebanon.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html.) However, we recommend that applicants wait until they are able to present new evidence which addresses the previous grounds of ineligibility. Please note that reapplying is not a guarantee that a visa will be issued.
My application was refused under Section 214(b). If I send in more documents will I receive a visa?
Applying for a non-immigrant visa is not primarily a document-based process. The main issue in determining if an applicant qualifies for a visa is intent, and documents alone cannot establish intentions. In some cases, documents can help establish an applicant's intent to return to Lebanon by showing that the applicant is well established here. In other cases, the circumstances are clear enough that documents are unnecessary. Consular officers are not required to look at documents. . Applicants should be prepared to explain verbally during the interview their purpose of travel and their circumstances in Lebanon.
My application for a nonimmigrant visa has been temporarily refused under Section 221(g). I am required to submit additional documentation in order for my application to be processed. What documents are required?
On the day of your visa interview you will be handed a letter stating the required additional documentation. You do not need to go to the bank to pay another visa processing fee, as long as you respond to the consular officer’s request within one year of your interview date. Simply come back with the requested documents, and the letter, any working day between 08:00 and 11:00 a.m.
My application for a nonimmigrant visa has been temporarily refused under Section 221(g) for required administrative processing. How long does this process take?
Administrative processing usually lasts about 60 days or less, but can take longer in some instances. We realize that any period of wait can be frustrating, and we are sensitive to the fact that the purpose of the nonimmigrant visa program is to facilitate legitimate travel to the U.S. Nonetheless, the Embassy in Beirut, like all U.S. Embassies and Consulates, must adjudicate visas in accordance with the provisions of the law, and, in some cases, this may involve extensive administrative processing.
While we cannot predict when the processing of your case will be completed, please be assured that the Embassy is aware of your concerns and will do all we can to see that it is adjudicated as soon as your qualifications have been verified. When complete, or if additional information from you is needed, you will be notified by our office. If you do not hear from us within a month of your application, you may send an email to BeirutNIV@state.gov to check on the status of your case.
What does a consular officer look for when determining an applicant's entitlement to nonimmigrant status?
We assure you that the Consular Section scrutinizes every application and works hard to issue visas to all qualified applicants. Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. Under Section 214(b) all applicants for nonimmigrant visas are considered intending immigrants and thus not eligible for a nonimmigrant visa until they demonstrate they meet the qualifications. Consular officers are required by law to presume that all applicants are intending immigrants to the U.S and to judge solely the qualifications of the applicants themselves. Each applicant must, on his or her own merits, establish eligibility to receive a U.S. visa. Representations by third parties or supporting documentation cannot establish visa eligibility for an applicant. While we appreciate the information provided by the inviting party in the U.S., what is most relevant to each case is the applicant's situation in his/her home country.
Please know that we do not base visa decisions solely on documentation. Documents can be helpful in establishing proof of employment, evidence of finances or property ownership. Documents, do not however, establish the applicant's visa eligibility. The purpose of the interview is to evaluate the applicant's stated intentions and his personal circumstances.
I am not a Lebanese citizen nor a a legal resident of Lebanon, but I am here now, can I apply for a visa?
Third-country nationals may apply for U.S. visas in Beirut. Applicants for most types of nonimmigrant visas must be able to overcome Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as amended. Under Section 214(b) all applicants for nonimmigrant visas are considered intending immigrants and thus not eligible for a nonimmigrant visa until they demonstrate they meet the qualifications. For example, applicants who say they are going for business, to visit family, or for tourism, must prove that they have a residence in a foreign country that they do not intend to abandon, intend to enter the United States for a period specifically limited duration, and seek admission for the sole purpose of engaging in legitimate activities relating to business or pleasure.
Can you tell me ahead of time whether I qualify for a visa?
Each visa application is thoroughly examined and evaluated on its own merits. Since it is impossible to obtain all relevant facts without seeing your passport and completed application and without conducting an interview to confirm the facts of your case, we are unable to tell you in advance whether you qualify for a visa before your formal application and interview. Information on the website is designed to give general information regarding the visa application process (http://lebanon.usembassy.gov/non-immigrant_visas.html.)
My visa application has been refused. Why can't I get my money back?
The fee that you paid is an application fee. Everyone who applies for a U.S. visa anywhere in the world must pay this fee, which covers the cost of adjudicating your application. As the application form states, this fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you are issued a visa or not. If your application was refused under Section 214(b) and you choose to reapply for a visa, whether at this Embassy or elsewhere, you will be required to pay the application fee again.