US Visa Denials, Refusals & Rejections: What to Do Next

After months of preparation, receiving a US visa denial can feel like a major setback. While rejection rates for work visas are around 10%, that still means thousands of applicants are stopped short. What makes it harder is how unpredictable it can be.

Even with the right documents and a strong job offer, rejections happen, sometimes because of a minor job title mismatch or a perceived issue with intent. The good news is, most denials can be fixed, reversed, or prevented with stronger documentation.

At Deel Immigration, we’ve helped hundreds of professionals and HR teams recover from rejections by improving filings, clarifying intent, and guiding them through smoother reapplications.

This guide breaks down the three stages where denials typically occur, and how to move forward if it happens to you.

What is a visa denial (and what it is not)?

A visa denial means a government authority reviewed your petition or application and concluded that you didn’t meet the eligibility criteria. This decision is typically made by either:

• USCIS, when reviewing your petition (Form I-129, I-140, etc.)
• A US consulate, during your visa appointment
• CBP (Customs and Border Protection), at the US port of entry

Not all problems in the process count as a denial. If your petition is returned due to an error like a missing form or incorrect fee, that’s a rejection. It means the application was incomplete and couldn’t be processed. You can usually fix the issue and refile.

A refusal, on the other hand, happens when a consular officer puts your case on hold. If they need more documents, such as a job verification letter, the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officer may issue a request and move your case into “administrative processing.”

Unlike denials, rejections, and refusals are often reversible.

The three stages where denials are most likely to happen

There are three key stages where a US work visa application can face hurdles. Knowing what can go wrong and when can help you pre-empt issues or recover faster. The stages include:

1. During USCIS petition review

This is the first formal review of your application. Your employer submits a petition (like Form I-129) to USCIS along with supporting documentation.

Denials at this stage usually stem from incomplete documentation or insufficient proof that the candidate meets the criteria for the visa type. For example, an O-1 visa petition must satisfy at least three criteria; if USCIS believes only two are met, it will issue a Request for Evidence (RFE) or even a Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). RFEs are somewhat common, and NOIDs are much less common. However, they both allow you to strengthen your petition and give you your best shot at an approval.

Deel’s immigration experts frequently work with both employers and applicants at this stage to preempt weak points, gather additional information, help draft robust responses to RFEs or NOIDs, and refine the application based on previously successful filings. A dedicated immigration advisor supports each case through to the end.

This level of preparation is one reason Deel Immigration has maintained a 98% visa approval rate. It’s also how Deel helped Quinn Litherland, founder of Authentic, after he faced petition review delays using other platforms. He turned to Deel for support, and the team quickly reviewed his background, gathered documents, and managed his end-to-end petition filing workflow.

With constant access to an all-rounder immigration team, his visa was approved in just three days.

2. Visa appointment (Consular interview)

After USCIS approval, you attend a visa interview at a US consulate or embassy. This is where officials check if you’re admissible and if the visa should actually be issued. Denials at this stage typically arise when applicants fail to convincingly demonstrate temporary intent (especially under section 214b), raise security concerns, or present inconsistent documentation.

Since this part of the process relies heavily on how you present your case, it helps to go in fully prepared. Deel Immigration supports applicants with personalized coaching from former visa officers in the immigration team who know how consular decisions are made. They help candidates communicate their intent clearly, address potential red flags, and walk into the interview with clarity and confidence.

3. Denied at the US border (port of entry)

Finally, visa holders may still face denial at the port of entry when arriving in the US. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers review all documentation, such as approval notice (Form I-797), Form I-20 (for F-1 holders), or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 holders), and assess whether you’re entering for the purpose and duration approved in your visa.

Even with a valid visa, unclear employment arrangements, past immigration violations, or missing supporting documents, such as an I-797 or employment contract, can trigger a denial. This type of denial is different from having your visa rejected. You still have the visa, but you’re blocked from entering on it. If you’re turned away, consult your immigration attorney for next steps.

Understanding common visa denial codes

Visa denials aren’t always permanent, but the reasons behind them matter greatly, especially when the rejection is tied to specific legal codes. Here are the most frequently cited grounds:

Denial under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act

Section 214(b) is one of the most common reasons for denial, especially for nonimmigrant visa categories like the H-1B or O-1. Under this rule, visa officers must presume every applicant has immigrant intent unless proven otherwise. This means that even if your petition is approved and your credentials are strong, failing to demonstrate ties to your home country or a clear intent to return can lead to rejection.

Denial under section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act

Section 212(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act covers a broader range of ineligibility grounds and usually signals deeper concerns, such as prior immigration violations, criminal records, or medical inadmissibility. These denials can carry longer-term implications and often require legal support to navigate.

For cases flagged under 212(a), Deel’s legal team works directly with clients to review the denial notice, assess if waivers are possible, and build the right follow-up strategy for future applications.

Refusal under section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act

Section 221(g), on the other hand, is not a final denial but a temporary refusal known as “administrative processing.” It typically means the consular officer needs more information before making a decision. It could involve additional documents, employer clarifications, or a security clearance. While these cases can feel uncertain and prolonged, they are often resolvable.

To reduce back-and-forth and speed up outcomes, Deel Immigration helps applicants and employers coordinate documentation, respond to embassy requests, and track progress across consular systems in real time. This kind of structured support often makes the difference between delays and approvals.

Move past a denial with Deel Immigration

A visa denial can feel like a setback, but it doesn’t have to derail your entire immigration journey. Most denials are procedural or documentation-related, and in many cases, a stronger second attempt is all it takes to turn things around.

At Deel, our immigration specialists help refine and strengthen your case, focusing on areas that may have triggered an RFE or NOID. We guide you through the reapplication process and connect you with former visa officers who understand what reviewers look for.

Ready to try again? Let’s make sure your next application is the one that gets approved. Schedule a free consultation with our immigration team today.