USA Visa Refusal Rate 2021 & Approval Rates: In-Depth Analysis

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of USA visa refusal rate in 2021 and approval rates, shedding light on the factors that influence the outcome of various visa applications. We’ll cover the most common reasons for visa denials, explore the rejection rates for popular visa types such as B1/B2, H2A, H2B, F1, and J1, and analyze recent trends in visa approval rates. This information is essential for anyone planning to apply for a US visa or seeking to better understand the US immigration process.

1. US Visa Rejection Rate 2021

Nonimmigrant Visa Statistics 2018-2021

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In FY2021, US non-immigrant visas (NIVs) such as B1B2 visitor, F1 student, H2A work, C1/D transit, and J1 exchange visitor visas saw 3,148,323 applications decided. With 356,240 denials and 2,792,083 NIVs issued, the acceptance and rejection rates were 88.68% and 11.32%, respectively.

US Visa Acceptance Rate 2020

In FY2020, 5,361,338 NIV applications were decided, resulting in 1,348,128 denials and 4,013,210 issuances. The success and refusal rates for US visas in 2020 stood at 74.85% and 25.15%, respectively.

US Visa Refusal Rate 2019

During FY2019, 11,734,505 NIV applications were decided, with 2,992,437 denials and 8,742,068 issuances. Consequently, the approval and denial rates were 74.50% and 25.50%, respectively.

US Visa Approval Rate 2018

In FY2018, US foreign service posts issued a total of 9.5 million immigrant and non-immigrant visas, including B1/B2/Border Crossing Cards. Nonimmigrant visas comprised nearly 95% of the visas issued by US embassies and consulates. In 2018, 12.76 million decisions were made for NIVs, resulting in 9 million issuances and 3.73 million refusals. The acceptance and rejection rates in 2018 were 70.53% and 29.25%, respectively.

For latest details, please refer our post on US Visa Acceptance Rate 2022.

Analysis of Year-over-Year Trends

The year-over-year data indicates fluctuating trends in U.S. non-immigrant visa acceptance and rejection rates. For instance, the acceptance rate significantly increased from 70.53% in FY2018 to 88.68% in FY2021. Several factors could contribute to these changes:

• Policy Shifts: Changes in U.S. immigration policy can greatly affect acceptance rates. Stricter policies might account for lower acceptance rates, while more lenient policies could result in higher rates.
• Economic Conditions: The state of the U.S. economy can influence the number of visas issued. A strong economy often means more visas as the demand for labor increases.
• Global Events: Events like the COVID-19 pandemic can have an outsized impact on visa issuance due to travel restrictions or changes in international relations.
• Application Quality: The overall quality and credibility of applications submitted can also affect acceptance rates. A year with exceptionally well-prepared applications might see a higher acceptance rate.

Understanding these factors can provide valuable insights into the shifting landscape of U.S. non-immigrant visas.

Chances of US Visa Approval

The chances of US visa approval depend on several factors including the type of visa you’re applying for, your personal circumstances, and the quality of your application. Adequate documentation and preparation are key to improving your odds.

US Visa Chances Calculator

Though there’s no official US visa chances calculator, several online platforms offer tools that claim to estimate your chances based on various criteria. However, these should be taken with a grain of caution as only consular officers can accurately assess your eligibility.

Top Reasons for US Non-immigrant Visa Denials

Understanding the common reasons for visa denials can help applicants avoid potential issues during the application process. Here are the top reasons for U.S. visa denials:

1. Inadequate documentation: Incomplete or incorrect documentation is one of the leading causes of visa denials. Ensure all required documents are submitted, accurate, and up-to-date.
2. Insufficient financial resources: Applicants must demonstrate they have adequate financial resources to cover their stay in the U.S. Failure to provide sufficient proof may result in denial.
3. Misrepresentation of information: Providing false or misleading information on a visa application can lead to denial and potentially result in a permanent ban from entering the U.S.
4. Criminal history or security concerns: A criminal record or suspected involvement in terrorist activities may result in visa denial based on security grounds.
5. Immigrant intent: Nonimmigrant visa applicants must prove their intent to return to their home country after their temporary stay in the U.S. If consular officers believe an applicant intends to immigrate permanently, the visa may be denied.
6. Prior visa violations: Previous violations of U.S. immigration laws, such as overstaying a visa or working illegally, can lead to visa denials.
7. Health-related issues: Certain health conditions, particularly contagious diseases, may result in visa denial due to public health concerns.

By addressing these common issues and ensuring a thorough and accurate visa application, applicants can improve their chances of obtaining a U.S. visa.

What Are the Chances of Getting US Visa After Rejection?

It’s natural to wonder, what are the chances of getting US visa after rejection? Rest assured that many applicants find success in subsequent attempts by addressing shortcomings of their previous applications.

2. B1/B2 Visa Approval Rate 2021

What Percentage of US Visas are Approved?

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In 2021, B1 business visas had an 88.49% acceptance rate, while B2 tourist visas had a 58.25% approval rate. B1B2 combination visas had an 83.20% acceptance rate. B1/B2/BCC combination cards and B1/B2/BCV cards (Lincoln Foil) for Mexican citizens had approval rates of 96.18% and 91.13%, respectively. In 2018, the US B-Type visitor visa refusal rate was 31.82%.

Analysis on Different Types of Visas

The variance in approval rates between B1, B2, and combination visas can be attributed to several factors. B1 visas, commonly used for business travel, tend to have a higher approval rate. This could be because applicants for business visas are often backed by companies and have a well-defined purpose for their travel. On the other hand, B2 visas are primarily for tourism and may have a more diverse applicant pool, which could contribute to a lower approval rate.

External Factors Affecting Approval Rates

It’s important to note that external factors, such as changes in U.S. immigration policy or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, can also play a significant role in visa approval rates.

Comparison with Past Years

When compared to the 31.82% refusal rate in 2018, it’s evident that there has been a significant shift in B-Type visitor visa approvals. This could be indicative of changes in application quality, policy, or other external factors.

Chances of Getting B1/B2 Visa

The chances of getting B1/B2 visa depend on the purpose of your visit and how well you meet the qualifications. Business travelers often have higher approval rates compared to tourists.

3. H1B Denial Rate 2021

H1B Approval Rate 2021

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In 2021, the H1B work visa had a 92.85% acceptance rate, while the H1B1 work visa had a 97.84% approval rate. H2A agricultural worker visas had a 95.60% acceptance rate, and H2B non-agricultural worker visas had a 94.15% approval rate. H3 trainee visas had an 85.84% acceptance rate, and H4 visas for spouses and children of H-Type visa holders had a 95.51% acceptance rate. In 2018, the overall US H-Type visa rejection rate was 15.5%.

H1b Visa Interview Success Rate

The success rate for H1B visa interviews can vary from year to year and between U.S. consulates. It can also be influenced by a range of factors such as the applicant’s credentials, the quality of the application, and even geopolitical considerations.

It’s worth noting that approval rates for H1B visas have faced fluctuating trends, impacted by changing U.S. immigration policies. For instance, under the Trump administration, policies were implemented that increased scrutiny on H1B applications, which affected approval rates. Under the Biden administration, some of these policies are being revisited, but the situation remains fluid.

4. US F1 and F2 Visa Rejection Rate 2021

What Percentage of F1 Visa Gets Rejected?

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In 2021, the US F1 student visa had an 80.16% acceptance rate and a 19.84% rejection rate. The F2 visa for spouses and children of students had an acceptance rate of 67.66% and a rejection rate of 32.34%. In previous years, the F1 student visa acceptance and rejection rates were as follows: 68.81% and 31.19% in 2020, and 74.62% and 25.38% in 2019. The F2 visa acceptance and rejection rates were 67.17% and 32.83% in 2020, and 70.37% and 29.63% in 2019. In 2018, the F1 and F2 visa rejection rates were 34.97% and 36.62%, respectively.

F2 Visa Approval Chances in 2023 and 2022

If you’re looking into F2 visas for dependents of F1 visa holders, it’s crucial to keep an eye on policy changes that could affect your F2 visa approval chances in 2023 or F2 visa approval chances in 2022. The guidelines can change annually, so stay updated.

Special Circumstances: India and F1 Visas

For those applying from specific countries, like India, the chances of getting US visitor visa from India could vary based on bilateral relations and specific consular policies. Additionally, how does having a B1/B2 visa impact your chances of getting an F1 visa? Holding a B1/B2 visa may demonstrate your credibility and travel history but could also raise questions about your intent to return to your home country.

5. Other US Visa Rejection Rate 2021

What is Visa Acceptance Rate in 2021?

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Here is a summary of US visa acceptance and rejection rates for various Non-Immigrant Visas in 2021:

J1 and J2 Visa Rejection Rate 2021

In 2021, the J1 Exchange Visitor visa boasted a 91.63% acceptance rate, with an 8.37% rejection rate. Conversely, the J2 visa, designated for spouses and children of exchange visitors, had a 94.13% acceptance rate and a 5.87% rejection rate. For context, the overall US visa rejection rate for exchange visitors in 2018 was 16.18%.

C1D Visa Rejection Rate (U.S. Transit Visa) 2021

The U.S. transit visas—C1, C2, C3, and D—had varying acceptance rates in 2021: 85.21%, 40%, 97.02%, and 95.09%, respectively. Particularly, the C1/D combination visa had a high acceptance rate of 97%.

L1 and L2 Visa Success Rate 2021

The L1 Intracompany Transferee visa had an impressive 94.16% acceptance rate and a mere 5.84% rejection rate in 2021. Its counterpart, the L2 visa for spouses and children, performed similarly with a 95.90% acceptance rate and a 4.10% rejection rate.

K1 Visa Approval Rate 2021

The K1 Fiancée visa had an acceptance rate of 82.22% and a rejection rate of 17.78%. For the K2 visa intended for children, the acceptance rate stood at 96.15% with a rejection rate of 3.85%. Notably, no applications were decided for the K4 visa in 2021.

US Visa A1 Refusal Rate 2021:

• A1: 93.93% acceptance, 6.07% rejection
• A2: 93.26% acceptance, 6.74% rejection
• A3: 84.88% acceptance, 15.12% rejection

E1 and E2 Visa Approval Rate 2021

• E1: 94.21% acceptance, 5.79% rejection
• E2: 92.51% acceptance, 7.49% rejection
• E2C: 100.00% acceptance
• E3: 96.65% acceptance, 3.35% rejection
• E3D: 97.54% acceptance, 2.46% rejection
• E3R: 98.73% acceptance, 1.27% rejection

US G1 Visa Denial Rate 2021

• G1: 91.37% acceptance, 8.63% rejection
• G2: 91.09% acceptance, 8.91% rejection
• G3: 96.61% acceptance, 3.39% rejection
• G4: 96.95% acceptance, 3.05% rejection
• G5: 78.30% acceptance, 21.70% rejection

M1 and M2 US Student Visa Rejection Rate 2021

• M1: 78.26% acceptance, 21.74% rejection
• M2: 74.24% acceptance, 25.76% rejection

NATO Visa Acceptance Rate 2021

• NATO1: 100.00% acceptance
• NATO2: 99.23% acceptance, 0.77% rejection
• NATO3: 100.00% acceptance
• NATO4: 100.00% acceptance
• NATO5: 100.00% acceptance
• NATO6: 98.22% acceptance, 1.78% rejection
• NATO7: 100.00% acceptance

O1 Visa Approval Rate 2021

• O1: 91.95% acceptance, 8.05% rejection
• O2: 92.88% acceptance, 7.12% rejection
• O3: 93.23% acceptance, 6.77% rejection

US P1 Visa Rejection Rate 2021

• P1: 95.51% acceptance, 4.49% rejection
• P2: 92.86% acceptance, 7.14% rejection
• P3: 79.04% acceptance, 20.96% rejection
• P4: 94.64% acceptance, 5.36% rejection

T1 and T2 Visa USA Acceptance Rate

• T1: 94.12% acceptance, 5.88% rejection
• T2: 92.51% acceptance, 7.49% rejection
• T3: 96.55% acceptance, 3.45% rejection
• T4: 87.88% acceptance, 12.12% rejection
• T5: 100.00% acceptance

S-Type Informants

• No S5, S6, or S7 visas were issued in 2021.

U-Type Victim of Criminal Activity

• U1: Victim of criminal activity; 2021 acceptance rate: 63.59%, rejection rate: 36.41%.
• U2: Spouse of U1; 2021 acceptance rate: 69.06%, rejection rate: 30.94%.
• U3: Child of U1; 2021 acceptance rate: 74.19%, rejection rate: 25.81%.
• U4: Parent of U1 under 21 years of age; 2021 acceptance rate: 93.33%, rejection rate: 6.67%.
• U5: Unmarried sibling under age 18 of U1 under 21 years of age; 2021 acceptance rate: 83.33%, rejection rate: 16.67%.

USA Visa Refusal Rate 2021 for V-Type Spouses and Children of Permanent Residents

• V1: Spouse of a lawful permanent resident alien (LPR); 2021 acceptance rate: 95.76%, rejection rate: 4.24%.
• V2: Child of a lawful permanent resident alien (LPR); 2021 acceptance rate: 97.63%, rejection rate: 2.37%.
• V3: Derivative child of a V1 or V2; 2021 acceptance rate: 96.55%, rejection rate: 3.45%.

Q-Type Cultural Exchange Program

• Q1: Participant in an International Cultural Exchange Program; 2021 acceptance rate: 79.03%, rejection rate: 20.97%.

I-Type Representative of Foreign Information Media

• I: Representative of foreign information media, spouse, and children; 2021 acceptance rate: 93.05%, rejection rate: 6.95%.

R-Type Religious Occupation

• R1: Person in a religious occupation; 2021 acceptance rate: 85.36%, rejection rate: 14.64%.
• R2: Spouse or Child of R1; 2021 acceptance rate: 79.98%, rejection rate: 20.02%.

US NAFTA Professional Visas

• TN: NAFTA professionals; 2021 acceptance rate: 90.21%, rejection rate: 9.79%.
• TD: Spouse or Child of TN NAFTA Professionals; 2021 acceptance rate: 96.37%, rejection rate: 3.63%.

Special Immigrants

• N8: Parent of SK3 or SN3 special immigrants; 2021 acceptance rate: 66.67%, rejection rate: 33.33%.
• N9: Child of N8 or of SK1, SK2, SK4, SN1, SN2, or SN4 special immigrants; 2021 acceptance rate: 50.00%, rejection rate: 50.00%.

US CW Visa

• CW1: Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands transitional workers; 2021 acceptance rate: 94.56%, rejection rate: 5.44%.
• CW2: Spouse or Child of CW1; 2021 acceptance rate: 95.56%, rejection rate: 4.44%.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the U.S. visa system is complex, with each visa category having its own set of criteria and considerations that can influence the outcome of an application. However, understanding the recent trends in visa acceptance and rejection rates can provide valuable insights for future applicants.

6. Adjusted U.S. Visa Acceptance Rate by Country 2021

Adjusted Approval Rate – B-Visas Only by Nationality Fiscal Year 2021

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In 2021, the U.S. visa acceptance rate by country varied significantly across different nationalities, with some having a rate as high as 95%. For most nationalities, the US visa acceptance rate by country was over 75%.

U.S. Visa Acceptance Rate by Country 2021 (More than 90%)

In 2021, the US visa acceptance rate by country exceeded 90% for the following countries:

• Argentina: 97.69%
• Papua New Guinea: 96.55%
• Peru: 95.89%
• Mexico: 95.77%
• Dominican Republic: 95.67%
• Croatia: 95.35%
• Japan: 95.31%
• Israel: 95.08%
• Hong Kong S.A.R.: 94.72%
• Indonesia: 94.17%
• Austria: 93.71%
• Suriname: 93.58%
• Trinidad and Tobago: 92.95%
• Malaysia: 92.79%
• Guatemala: 92.74%
• Tanzania: 92.73%
• Ethiopia: 92.48%
• The Bahamas: 92.09%
• Costa Rica: 92.03%
• Panama: 91.71%
• Norway: 91.35%
• Uruguay: 91.18%
• Eswatini: 91.11%
• United Arab Emirates: 91.07%
• Estonia: 90.91%
• Montenegro: 90.70%
• Zimbabwe: 90.69%
• Singapore: 90.28%
• Mauritius: 90.08%

U.S. Visa Acceptance Rate by Country 2021 (More than 80%)

For the year 2021, the acceptance rate for US visas in certain countries fell within the 80% to 90% bracket.

• Philippines: 89.80%
• Namibia: 89.29%
• Albania: 89.22%
• Greece: 89.14%
• Slovakia: 89.13%
• Bolivia: 88.70%
• Vietnam: 88.68%
• Qatar: 88.31%
• Great Britain and Northern Ireland: 88.03%
• Malawi: 87.88%
• India: 87.75%
• Azerbaijan: 87.73
• Honduras: 87.62%
• Macau: 87.50%
• Kosovo: 87.49%
• Taiwan: 87.35%
• Nicaragua: 87.28%
• New Zealand: 87.26%
• Barbados: 87.07%
• Serbia: 86.73%
• Paraguay: 86.67%
• Chile: 86.58%
• Saudi Arabia: 86.57%
• Turkey: 86.30%
• Brazil: 85.75%
• Australia: 85.73%
• Cyprus: 84.91%
• Ukraine: 84.85%
• Slovenia: 84.81%
• Ecuador: 84.32%
• Italy: 84.14%
• Latvia: 84.09%
• Lithuania: 84.09%
• Czech Republic: 83.76%
• Oman: 83.55%
• Finland: 83.49%
• Zambia: 83.46%
• Belgium: 83.43%
• Antigua and Barbuda: 83.34%
• Hungary: 83.33%
• Malta: 83.33%
• Belarus: 83.19%
• Togo: 83.02%
• Romania: 82.97%
• St Lucia: 82.53%
• Ghana: 82.51%
• South Africa: 82.33%
• Portugal: 82.14%
• Korea, South: 81.97%
• Kuwait: 81.82%
• Spain: 81.71%
• Bulgaria: 81.60%
• Poland: 81.52%
• Nepal: 81.28%
• Switzerland: 81.08%
• Jamaica: 80.87%
• Grenada: 80.37%

U.S. Visa Acceptance Rate by Country 2021 (More than 70%)

In 2021, countries such as El Salvador, Morocco, France saw a US visa approval rate ranging from 70% to 80%.

• El Salvador: 79.37%
• Morocco: 79.15%
• Madagascar: 78.18%
• Bosnia-Herzegovina: 78.16%
• France: 77.79%
• Bahrain: 77.52%
• Dominica: 77.15%
• Egypt: 76.19%
• Libya: 75.74%
• Burkina Faso: 75.45%
• Germany: 75.18%
• Tunisia: 75.08%
• Iceland: 75.00%
• Liechtenstein: 75.00%
• Netherlands: 74.72%
• Cabo Verde: 74.68%
• Cote D`Ivoire: 74.67%
• Sri Lanka: 74.66%
• Belize: 74.64%
• Venezuela: 72.78%
• Colombia: 72.25%
• Russia: 70.58%
• Bangladesh: 70.09%

US Visa Acceptance Rate by Country 2021 (More than 50%)

In 2021, the US visa acceptance rate by country was between 50% and 70% for the following countries:

• Denmark: 68.89%
• Gabon: 68.75%
• Thailand: 68.18%
• Turkmenistan: 68.00%
• Benin: 67.95%
• Pakistan: 67.47%
• Samoa: 67.42%
• Mozambique: 67.25%
• Vanuatu: 66.67%
• Kenya: 65.14%
• Senegal: 65.05%
• Rwanda: 65.04%
• Cambodia: 64.38%
• Sierra Leone: 64.30%
• Central African Republic: 63.64%
• Iraq: 63.52%
• Guyana: 63.24%
• Armenia: 62.93%
• Democratic Republic of Congo: 62.64%
• Jordan: 61.91%
• Algeria: 61.60%
• Uganda: 61.30%
• Burma: 60.60%
• Sweden: 60.54%
• Mongolia: 60.43%
• Cameroon: 60.07%
• Ireland: 60.00%
• Gambia: 59.70%
• Sudan: 59.10%
• Kazakhstan: 56.71%
• Bhutan: 56.67%
• Nigeria: 56.22%
• Kyrgyzstan: 56.00%
• Syria: 55.96%
• South Sudan: 54.29%
• Haiti: 54.13%
• Uzbekistan: 54.02%
• Tonga: 53.33%
• Kiribati: 50.00%
• Lesotho: 50.00%

U.S. Visa Acceptance Rate by Country 2021 (less than 50%)

In 2021, the US visa acceptance rate by country was less than 50% for the following countries:

• Palestinian Authority Travel Document: 49.20%
• Canada: 48.19%
• Lebanon: 47.79%
• Cuba: 47.31%
• Burundi: 46.77%
• Liberia: 45.83%
• Yemen: 45.70%
• Eritrea: 44.04%
• Fiji: 43.36%
• Tajikistan: 42.76%
• Angola: 41.48%
• Guinea: 38.74%
• Niger: 38.61%
• Guinea-Bissau: 37.50%
• Mali: 37.04%
• Georgia: 36.96%
• The Republic of Congo: 36.18%
• Moldova: 33.63%
• Maldives: 33.33%
• Somalia: 33.33%
• Iran: 33.19%
• Afghanistan: 27.91%
• Chad: 27.23%
• Comoros: 26.32%
• Equatorial Guinea: 25.87%
• China: 20.91%
• Mauritania: 16.86%
• Djibouti: 11.66%
• Laos: 10.14%
• North Korea: 0.00%

7. Adjusted Refusal Rate – B-visas Only 2018

Adjusted Refusal Rate – B-visas Only by Nationality Fiscal Year 2018

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In 2018, the US visa refusal rate by country varied among different nationalities. Below, we provide the rejection rates for the top countries during that year.

1. China: 17.00%
2. Mexico: 24.93%
3. India: 26.07%
4. Brazil: 12.73%
5. Argentina: 1.73%
6. Colombia: 35.11%
7. Israel: 5.10%
8. Ecuador: 31.38%
9. Nigeria: 57.47%
10. Philippines: 27.07%
11. Dominican Republic: 49.54%
12. Poland: 3.99%
13. Russia: 14.89%
14. Vietnam: 26.20%
15. Peru: 28.53%
16. Costa Rica: 9.91%
17. Turkey: 17.49%
18. Hong Kong SAR: 4.25%
19. Saudi Arabia: 7.47%
20. Indonesia: 12.81%
21. South Africa: 7.31%
22. Egypt: 32.15%
23. Pakistan: 47.89%
24. Jamaica: 54.46%
25. Thailand: 22.17%
26. Ukraine: 40.97%
27. El Salvador: 51.49%
28. Romania: 10.44%
29. Malaysia: 4.94%
30. Guatemala: 53.62%
31. Honduras: 60.32%
32. Panama: 11.71%
33. Jordan: 42.62%
34. Haiti: 67.59%
35. Trinidad and Tobago: 19.28%
36. Uruguay: 4.11%
37. Venezuela: 74.28%
38. Lebanon: 25.22%
39. Bolivia: 22.19%
40. Kenya: 41.59%
41. Kuwait: 2.71%
42. Belarus: 23.26%
43. Bangladesh: 40.05%
44. Ethiopia: 41.74%
45. Nepal: 51.53%
46. United Arab Emirates: 3.75%
47. Ghana: 49.35%
48. Algeria: 34.85%

This data reveals that the US B1/B2 visa rejection rates differ significantly across countries. Travelers should be aware of these rates when applying for a US visa from their respective countries.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

US Visa Rejection Rate by Country

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For further details please refer U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs for detailed information on different visa categories, application procedures, and requirements.