The United States, with a population of more than 300 million people is really one of the best places to reside in. The US government offers to both immigrants and citizens what I'll call, a good life. From the health care system, to the educational sector and others, one wouldn't have a reason to think twice when given two options.
Looking at the factors above, you shouldn't be shocked at the rate in which Nigerians apply for the United States visa annually. According to a report by Quartz Africa, Nigeria accounted for over 25% of non-immigrant visas issued to Africans in 2018 alone.
This was the norm, until President Donald Trump decided to clampdown on US visas for Nigerians. Starting from the indefinite suspension of interview waivers for visa renewals for applicants in Nigeria, to denial of visas to immigrants that can't afford healthcare.
While this was made to prevent immigrants from "financially burdening our healthcare system, it is also believed that it'll greatly affect the number of people applying for the United States visa.
Looking at the factors, every potential immigrant should know the reasons why he/she might be denied the United States visa.
Some of them include:
• Lack of travel history
Getting the United States visa as a first time traveller is usually harder than regular travellers. The interviewer will want to know how many countries you've been to and also be assured that you'd return back to Nigeria after getting the visa.This doesn't mean that you can't get the visa as a first time traveller, but your reasons for wanting to travel should be genuine and straight-forward.
• False documents
This is also another popular reason many Nigerians are denied visas to the United States. If you're not able to present original copies of your bank statements, Certificate of Occupancy and other required documents, it'll be difficult for you to get the US visa.Another way this comes to play is if you're applying for a visa after getting rejected due to falsified documents.
• You have a history of visa refusal
What was the reason for your last rejection? It might also affect your next visa application. If the American embassy discovers that you have a history of visa refusals from the US or other countries, they'd probably think that you're desperate to leave Nigeria.So the next time you're denied visa, try seating down to sort out the reasons for the refusal before applying for another.
• Lack of sufficient funds
Travelling to America will be needing a big sum of money, from flight fees to hotel bills and more. You'll have to prove to the embassy that you have enough money to cater for your needs throughout your stay in the US.This is why the embassy will ask you for documents like bank statements, they do not want you to be a burden to the government when you get over there.
• You overstayed your last visa
Overstaying your permitted time in the U.S. can be a serious matter. For example, overstaying by up to 180 days (but less than a year) will attract a three-year bar. If you however, overstay by a year or more, you'll be barred from entering the US for 10 years after departing.Always remember that the embassy will be able to figure out that you overstayed during your last visit, hence facilitating the bar won't be a hard task.
• Lack of home ties
The American embassy will need an assurance that you'll be returning to Nigeria after completing your stay in their country. They'd be needing certain information including your businesses, family, kids and landed properties.These things, they believe will bring you back to home when you eventually get into the United States.
• Inability to explain your source of income
This is also another reason why many Nigerians are denied visa to the United States. You'll be required to explain the source of the funds in your bank statement, and not being able to convince them might make it difficult for you to get into the US.What did I miss? Kindly drop them below as comments so other readers can benefit too. Meanwhile, also see our previous article on 7 easiest ways to travel out of Nigeria in 2020. The tips will help, even if you don't have enough to facilitate the travel.
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