What Factors Could Adversely Impact Your Ability To Secure A Visa To Come To The U.S.?

Many individuals want to come to the U.S. to join their family members that are already here. Securing a visa can be an uphill battle or an impossible effort for some, though.

One main visa disqualifier is a criminal record. Convictions on your record for crimes of moral turpitude may be hard for immigration officials to overlook and issue you a visa. There are other reasons for visa denials, though as well, each of which you can overcome to still secure the visa that you request.

How might my criminal record disqualify me from receiving a visa?

Any criminal offenses, such as fraud, violent crimes and drug ones, fall into the category of crimes of moral turpitude. Immigration officials may be willing to overlook some minor crimes depending on how long ago they occurred, their seriousness and any efforts you’ve made to rehabilitate yourself. Those same officials may not be willing to do the same with other offenses, though.

What are some other common visa disqualifiers?

A variety of other factors may result in immigration officials denying your visa request, including:

• Applying for the wrong type of visa
• Previously entering the country illegally
• Providing inadequate documentation when requesting a certain type of visa
• An applicant misrepresenting oneself in their application
• Having previously overstayed a visa
• Not meeting self-sustaining requirements

Know that immigration officials generally provide you with a description of why they deny your visa application in the letter they send you, letting you know why they did so.

Minimizing the chances of mistakes when applying for a visa

You must be cautious when applying for a visa to come to the U.S. so that you don’t make unnecessary mistakes. Doing so can result in a denial of your visa request. While you may be able to reapply, it can delay the processing of your application.

Some factors, like a criminal history, may make coming to the U.S. impossible no matter what. You may be able to qualify for a waiver in some situations, though. An immigration attorney can provide you with guidance as you look to apply for a visa to ensure that you have the best chances of success.