{"id":352910,"date":"2022-08-19T07:42:53","date_gmt":"2022-08-19T12:42:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/immigration\/visas\/visas-reasons-for-ineligibility.html"},"modified":"2026-05-03T11:31:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T16:31:00","slug":"visas-reasons-for-ineligibility","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/immigration\/visas\/visas-reasons-for-ineligibility.html","title":{"rendered":"U.S. Visas: 6 Common Reasons for Ineligibility"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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U.S. Visas: 6 Common Reasons for Ineligibility<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Meagan Neil, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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A foreign national can be denied a U.S. visa<\/span> if they fall under any of the INA<\/span>\u2019s health, criminal, security, public\u2011charge, labor, or prior\u2011immigration\u2011violation grounds of <\/span>inadmissibility<\/span>. These rules cover issues ranging from communicable diseases and drug abuse to fraud, human trafficking, and past removal orders.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act<\/span><\/a> (INA<\/span>), certain foreign nationals cannot obtain U.S. visas<\/span> for various reasons. Some applicants may still qualify for a waiver<\/span>, which removes the inadmissibility<\/span> ground but does not guarantee visa approval<\/p>\n

Applicants for U.S. visas<\/span> or adjustment of status<\/span> may face challenges, including grounds of <\/span>inadmissibility<\/span>. The INA<\/span> outlines these reasons for visa <\/span>ineligibility<\/span>. The grounds apply to\u00a0lawful permanent resident<\/span><\/a>\u00a0and nonimmigrant <\/span>visa<\/span> applications<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The article outlines the factors that can cause\u00a0ineligibility<\/span> for U.S. visa<\/span> issuance<\/span>. Navigating immigration law<\/span><\/a> and U.S. <\/span>visa<\/span> applications<\/span> can be overwhelming, and facing a visa denial<\/span> can be frustrating and disheartening. An immigration attorney<\/a> near you can guide you through this process and assess whether any waivers<\/span> might help.<\/p>\n

Who Reviews Visa Petitions?<\/h2>\n

The adjudication<\/span> of\u00a0visa petitions<\/a>\u00a0or applications is a two-part process. First, the consular officer<\/span> stationed in a U.S. embassy<\/span> or U.S. consulate determines whether the visa applicant<\/span> is eligible for the visa. This process involves thoroughly reviewing the petition and looking at relevant affidavits. Secondly,\u00a0Department of Homeland Security<\/span> (DHS<\/span>)<\/a>\u00a0officers conduct a screening upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry<\/span> of the foreign national.<\/p>\n

Keep reading for six common reasons someone may be ineligible for a U.S. visa<\/span>.<\/p>\n

1. Health-Related Reasons<\/h2>\n

The Department of Health and Human Services and INA<\/span> are crucial in defining the grounds for inadmissibility<\/span> for public health-related concerns. The United States does not admit a foreign national who has any of the following\u00a0health issues:<\/a><\/p>\n