J-1 Denials

When a consulate turns down a J-1 visa application, there is no way to make a formal appeal, although you are free to reapply as often as you like. If your visa is denied, you will be told by the consul officer the reasons for the denial.

Written statements of decisions are not normally provided in nonimmigrant cases. If a lack of evidence about a particular point is the problem, sometimes simply presenting more evidence can change the result. The most common reasons for denial of an exchange visitor visa are that the consul officer does not believe you intend to return home upon the completion of your program or, if you will be a student, that you have failed to prove you can pay for your education without working.

Certain people who have been refused J-1 visas reapply at a different consulate, attempting to hide the fact that they were turned down elsewhere. You should know that if your application is denied, the last page in your passport will be stamped “Application Received” with the date and location of the rejecting consulate. This notation shows that some type of prior visa application has failed. It serves as a warning to other consulates that your case merits close inspection. If what we have just told you makes you think it would be a good idea to overcome this problem by obtaining a new, unmarked passport, you should also know that permanent computer records are kept of all visa denials.

If your non- immigrant visa application was denied by the consular officer or in the United States, we strongly advise you to contact out immigration law firm. Our experienced immigration attorneys will go over your case with you and inform you whether it will be a good idea to reapply. If you advise you that reapplication is an option, our immigration firm will prepare your consular package and prepare you for your interview. Please contact us now for your free consultation with an immigration attorney.