Ask the Consul
Why was I denied a nonimmigrant visa?
Every day, hundreds of Dominicans apply for visitor
visas. Many are denied under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act. Some applicants who are refused will wonder what more they
could have done. The most common reason for such a refusal is that the
applicant was unable to sufficiently prove that he has a residence outside
the United States that he will not abandon. The law requires
consular officers to view visa applicants as intending immigrants until they
prove otherwise. Intending immigrants are not eligible for most
nonimmigrant visas.
Applicants can prove their foreign residence by
demonstrating that they have ties abroad that will compel them to leave the
United States after a temporary stay. Strong ties differ from country to
country, city to city, individual to individual. “Ties” are the various aspects
of your life that bind you to your country of residence such as your
possessions, employment, and social and family relationships. Consular officers
must decide in a very short time whether someone is qualified to receive a
temporary visa. Most cases are decided after a brief interview and review of
whatever evidence of ties an applicant presents.
214(b) refusals are not permanent. Applicants may reapply
when they believe that they can show further convincing evidence of ties outside
the United States. It may help to answer the following questions before
reapplying: (1) Did I explain my situation accurately? (2) Did the consular
officer overlook something? (3) Is there any additional information I can
present to establish my residence and strong ties abroad?
Unfortunately, some applicants will not qualify for a
nonimmigrant visa until their personal, professional, and financial
circumstances change considerably. Keep in mind that a nonrefundable
application fee is charged each time applicants apply for a visa, regardless of
whether a visa is issued.
For additional information, go to
http://www.usemb.gov.do/Consular/consular-s.htm. | 
