After entering the United States and deciding to settle here in Nashville, non-citizens need to apply for visas in order to stay in the country. To many applicants’ surprise, their visa applications are denied. This is often due to a misunderstanding of this country’s immigration law.
The federal government assumes that applicants will understand the myriad of requirements and regulations that must be met in order to qualify for a visa. Anyone who has applied for a visa knows that it can be a complex and frustrating process. If an individual does not have a firm grasp on the English language, the process can seem even more convoluted.
Visas can be denied for a variety of reasons. One of the more common reasons is missing documentation. Yet another reason is that an applicant failed to apply under the appropriate category.
In some of the categories, the distinctions are minute, and it can be easy to choose the wrong one. Other people are denied a visa because they fall into one of the grounds for ineligibility or inadmissibility such as drug use or a criminal history. An individual might be able to appeal the decision, but it would not be advisable to attempt to do so without representation.
For those who have not yet applied for a visa, it would be advantageous to contact a Nashville immigration law attorney before proceeding since nothing short of an individual’s future is at stake. The lawyer will focus on ensuring that the application is filled out correctly and all relevant documentation is included. It would also be useful to have someone prepare the individual for any required interview in connection with the application.
Source: travel.state.gov, “Visa Denials“, Accessed on Nov. 28, 2016