A Guide to US Visa Approval and Rejection Rate by Country

1. US B-Type Visitor Visa Rejection Rate

Indeed, the B-Type visa is the most popular US non-immigrant visa (NIV). In 2018 a total of 9.98m decisions (out of the total 12.76m decisions) relates to US B-Type visa, inclusive of B1/B2 BCC for Mexican citizens.

Accordingly, the share of B-Type visa in the total NIVs was 78%. Accordingly, 6.81m visas issued, 3.17m applications refused and the B-Type visitor visa refusal rate was 31.82% with the following breakup:

• B1 business visitor visa rejection rate 27.92%
• B2 tourist visa rejection rate 29.54%
• US B1/B2 combination visa rejection rate 32.39%
• B1/B2/BCC combination cards rejection rate 29.56%
• B1/B2/BCV cards (Lincoln Foil) rejection rate 13.34%

What is US B1/B2 visitor visa acceptance rate by country?

The US B1/B2 visitor visa refusal rate is 31.82%, The US visa acceptance and rejection rates varies from country to country. For some countries, the US visa acceptance is as high as 95%. However, for most of the developing countries the US visa acceptance rate is 60-70%.

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2. H-Type Work

During 2018, a total of 701,963 applications decided for US nonimmigrant H-Type work and training visa. Accordingly, a total of 593,191 US H-Type work visa issued and 108,772 applications refused. Therefore, the US H-type visa rejection rate for nonimmigrant work visa as 15.5%. Moreover, during the year, 83,435 decisions waived/overcome. Therefore, the adjusted US visa refusal rate for work visa could be lower than 15.5%. However, as explained earlier, some of the waived/overcome decisions (if not all!) may relate to the preceding years.

US H-Type Work Visa Refusal Rate

• H1B Temporary Worker of distinguished merit and ability other than as a registered nurse 22.24%
• H1B1 Free Trade Agreement Professional 12.55%
• H1C Shortage Area Nurse N/A
• H2A Temporary Worker performing agricultural services 10.59%
• H2B Temporary Worker performing other services 10.87%
• H3 Trainee 24.76%
• H4 Spouse or Child of H1B/B1/C, H2A/B, or H3 15.15%

What is US Work Visa Rejection Rate 2021?

The US H1B work visa rejection rate is 15.5%. US H3 Trainee visa denial rate is 24.76%. Usually there are very few, if any, H1C Shortage Area Nurse visa applications are refused. Therefore, if you are a qualified nurse then there are good chances that you will get the US work visa.

3. F-Type Student

During 2018, a total of 600,164 applications for US student visa and their spouse and children decided. Accordingly, a total of 389,579 US student visas issued and 210,585 applications refused. Therefore, the US F-1 student visa refusal rate was 35%. Moreover, during the year, 73.6K US student visa refusal decisions waived/overcome. Therefore, the adjusted US student visa refusal rate could be lower than 35%. However, as explained earlier, some of the waived/overcome decisions (if not all!) may relate to a previous year.

US F-Type Student Visa Refusal Rate

• F1 Student (academic or language training program) 34.97%
• F2 Spouse or Child of Student 36.62%
• F3 Border Commuter Academic or Language Student N/A

What is US F1 Student Visa Refusal Rate 2021?

The US student visa refusal rate is 35%. In 2018, the US F1 Student (academic or language training program) visa denial rate was 34.97%. The F2 Spouse or Child of Student visa rejection rate is 36.62%

4. J-Type Exchange Visitors

Research scholars and professors around the world wish to visit the USA for acquiring expert learning and training. Therefore, to enable such individuals, the US offers the J-1 exchange visitor visa for participating in programs that promote cultural exchange, especially to obtain medical or business training in the USA.

During the year, a total of 455,983 applications for the exchange visitors and their spouse and children decided. Accordingly, a total of 382,219 US exchange visitor visa issued and 73,764 applications refused. Therefore, the US visa rejection rate for exchange visitors was 16.18%. Moreover, during the year, 44,538 decisions waived/overcome. Therefore, the adjusted US visa refusal rate for exchange visitors could be lower than 16.18%. However, as explained earlier, some of the waived/overcome decisions (if not all!) may relate to a previous year.

US J-Type Exchange Visitor Visa Denial Rate

• J1 Exchange Visitor 15.58%
• J2 Spouse or Child of Exchange Visitor 21.02%

5. C and D-Type Transit Visa

The US C-Type visa is for transit and D-Type visa is for crewmembers. Indeed, the purpose of both these visas is quite similar. Therefore, at times, applicants may be eligible to apply for a C1/D visa, which is a combination of transit/crewmember visa. During 2018, a total of 345,525 applications decided for the transit visa. Accordingly, a total of 311,298 visas issued, 34,227 applications refused. Accordingly, the US transit visa rejection rate was 9.91%. Since a total of 19,075 decisions waived/overcome, therefore, the adjusted US visa refusal rate for transit visa could be lower than 9.91%. However, as explained earlier, some of the waived decisions may relate to the preceding years.

US C and D Types Transit Visa Rejection Rate

• C1 Person in Transit 28.86%
• C1/D Combination Transit or Crew Member 9.16%
• C2 Person in Transit to UN HQs 50.00%
• C3 Foreign Government Official, Immediate Family, Attendant, Servant, or Personal Employee in Transit 5.11%
• Crew Member 11.75%

6. L-Type Intracompany Transferee

During 2018, a total of 181,116 applications for US L-type intracompany transferee visa decided. Accordingly, a total of 153,099 L-type visas issued and 28,017 applications rejected. Therefore, the US visa refusal rate for L-type intracompany transferee visa during 2018 was 15.47%. Moreover, during the year, 16,635 intracompany transferee refusal decisions waived/overcome. Therefore, the adjusted US L-type visa rejection rate could be lower than 15.47%. However, as explained earlier, some of the waived/overcome decisions (if not all!) may relate to the preceding year(s).

US L-Type Intracompany Transferee Visa Refusal Rate

• L1 Intracompany Transferee (executive, managerial, and specialized personnel continuing employment with international firm or corporation) 18.01%
• L2 Spouse or Child of Intracompany Transferee 12.92%

7. A-Type Foreign Diplomats

During 2018, a total of 133,488 applications for US A-Type visa for diplomats and their family and personal staff decided. Accordingly, a total of 113,820 A-Type visas issued and 19,668 applications refused. Therefore, the US visa refusal rate for A-Type visa application was 14.73%. Moreover, during the year, 15,813 decisions waived/overcome. Therefore, the adjusted refusal rate could be lower than 14.73%. However, as explained earlier, some of the waived/overcome decisions (if not all!) may relate to the preceding year(s).

US A-Type Foreign Diplomats Visa Rejection Rate

• A1 Ambassador, public minister, career diplomat, consul, and immediate family 22.14%
• A2 Other foreign government official or employee, and immediate family 13.58%
• A3 Attendant, servant, or personal employee of A1 and A2, and immediate family 44.48%

8. K-Type Fiancé(e)

During 2018, a total of 49,204 applications decided for US K-type fiancé(e) visa. Accordingly, 28,662 fiancé(e) visas issued, and 20,542 applications refused. Therefore, the US visa rejection rate for K-type fiancé(e) visa during 2018 was 41.75%, which is quite high! Moreover, during the year, 11,407 decisions waived/overcome. Therefore, the adjusted US visa refusal rate for the US fiancé(e) visa could be lower than 41.75%. However, as explained earlier, some of the waived/overcome decisions (if not all!) may relate to the preceding years.

Please note: the US K1-K4 visas are more akin to an immigrant visa. These visa applications are first pre-processed in the immigrant operating system. However, once an application is deemed eligible then it is moved to the nonimmigrant operating system. Accordingly, the data reflects processing actions which occurred in both operating systems.

US K-Type Fiancé(e) Visa Rejection Rate

• K1 Fiancé(e) of U.S. Citizen 42.99%
• K2 Child of K1 32.41%
• K3 Certain Spouse of U.S. Citizen 82.35%
• K4 Child of K3 N/A

9. E-Type Treaty Visa

• E1 Treaty trader, spouse, and children 24.51%
• E2 Treaty investor, spouse, and children 24.67%
• E2C Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands investor, spouse, and children 40.91%
• E3 Australian specialty occupation professional 10.96%
• E3D Spouse or child of Australian specialty occupation professional 9.15%
• E3R Returning Australian specialty occupation professional 7.83%

10. US G-Type Visa Refusal Rate

• G1 Principal resident representative of recognized foreign member government to international organization, staff, and immediate family 27.96%
• G2 Other representative of recognized foreign member government to international organization, and immediate family 18.07%
• G3 Representative of non-recognized or nonmember foreign government to 24.62%
• international organization, and immediate family
• G4 International organization officer or employee, and immediate family 11.95%
• G5 Attendant, servant, or personal employee of G1 through G4 and immediate family 37.89%

11. M-Type Vocational Student

• M1 Vocational and other non-academic student 31.60%
• M2 Spouse or child of vocational student 37.22%
• M3 Border commuter vocational or non-academic student N/A

12. NATO

• NATO1 Principal permanent representative of member state to NATO (including any of its subsidiary bodies) resident in the U.S., and resident members of official staff; principal NATO officers; and immediate family 0.00%
• NATO2 Other representatives of member states to NATO (including any of its subsidiary bodies), and immediate family; dependents of member of a force entering in accordance with provisions of NATO agreements; members of such force if issued visas 2.92%
• NATO3 Official clerical staff accompanying a representative of member state to NATO, and immediate family N/A
• NATO4 Officials of NATO (other than those classifiable as NATO1), and immediate family 1.94%
• NATO5 Experts, other than NATO4 officials, employed in missions on behalf of NATO, and their dependents 3.33%
• NATO6 Members of a civilian component accompanying a force entering in accordance with the provisions of NATO agreements, and their dependents 3.89%
• NATO7 Attendant, servant, or personal employee of NATO1 through NATO6, and immediate family 0.00%

13. O-Type Extraordinary Ability

• O1 Person with extraordinary ability in the sciences, art, education, business, or athletics 18.85%
• O2 Person accompanying and assisting in the artistic or athletic performance by O1 16.33%
• O3 Spouse or child of O1 or O2 18.40%

14. P-Type Internationally Recognized Athlete or Artist

• P1 Internationally recognized athlete or member of an internationally recognized entertainment group 14.10%
• P2 Artist or entertainer in a reciprocal exchange program 9.43%
• P3 Artist or entertainer in a culturally unique program 21.68%
• P4 Spouse or child of P1, P2, or P3 18.09%

15. T-Type Victim of Trafficking

• T1 Victim of a severe form of trafficking in persons N/A
• T2 Spouse of T1 28.26%
• T3 Child of T1 28.16%
• T4 Parent of T1 under 21 years of age 30.00%
• T5 Unmarried sibling under age 18 of T1 under 21 years of age 22.73%

16. U-Type Victim of Criminal Activity

• U1 Victim of criminal activity 65.50%
• U2 Spouse of U1 48.21%
• U3 Child of U1 30.58%
• U4 Parent of U1 under 21 years of age 64.36%
• U5 Unmarried sibling under age 18 of U1 under 21 years of age 40.48%

17. US Visa Rejection Rate – Others

• CW1 Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands transitional worker 32.83%
• CW2 Spouse or child of CW1 34.99%
• I-Type Visa for Representative of foreign information media, spouse and children 16.56%
• N8 Parent of SK3 or SN3 special immigrant 53.85%
• N9 Child of N8 or of SK1, SK2, SK4, SN1, SN2, or SN4 special immigrant 33.33%
• Q1 Participant in an International Cultural Exchange Program 10.37%
• R1 Person in a religious occupation 26.81%
• R2 Spouse or child of R1 37.08%
• S5 Informant possessing critical reliable information concerning criminal organization or enterprise N/A
• S6 Informant possessing critical reliable information concerning terrorist organization, enterprise, or operation 100.00%
• S7 Spouse, married or unmarried son or daughter, or parent of S5 of S6 100.00%
• TN NAFTA professional 16.07%
• TD Spouse or child of TN 11.86%

18. US B1/B2 Visa Adjusted Refusal Rate by Country 2018

This section relates to US B1/B2 business and tourist visa rejection rate by country. Accordingly, the information indicates that the greatest number of US B1/B2 visas issued to Chinese nationals. More than 50% of the total (6.8m) B1/B2 US visitor visa issued to nationals of 4 countries i.e. China (18.26%), Mexico (15.38%), India (9.13%) and Brazil (8.55%).

1. China

During 2018, the most number (1.24m) of US B1/B2 tourist and business visas issued to Chinese nationals. Indeed, the US B1/B2 business and tourist visa rejection rate from China is showing an uptrend during the preceding 3 years. Apparently, in 2018, the adjusted US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from China was 17.00%. Moreover, US visa refusal rate from China in 2016 and 2017 was 12.35% and 14.57%, respectively.

2. Mexico

During 2018 US visa rejection from Mexico was 24.93%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Mexico in 2016 and 2017 was 23.49% and 22.50%, respectively.

3. India

During 2018 the US visa rejection rate from India was 26.07%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from India in 2016 and 2017 was 26.02% and 23.29%, respectively.

4. Brazil

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Brazil was 12.73%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Brazil in 2016 and 2017 was 16.70% and 12.34%, respectively.

5. Argentina

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Argentina was 1.73%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Argentina in 2016 and 2017 was 2.14% and 1.79%, respectively.

6. Columbia

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Colombia was 35.11%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Colombia in 2016 and 2017 was 17.79% and (21.93%, respectively.

7. Israel

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Israel was 5.10%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Israel in 2016 and 2017 was 4.09% and 4.88%, respectively.

8. Ecuador

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Ecuador was 31.38%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Ecuador in 2016 and 2017 was 29.18% and 27.95%, respectively.

9. Nigeria

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Nigeria was 57.47%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Ecuador in 2016 and 2017 was 41.44% and 44.95%, respectively.

10. The Philippines

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from the Philippines was 27.07%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from the Philippines in 2016 and 2017 was 27.29% and 25.54%, respectively.

11. Dominican Republic

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from the Dominican Republic was 49.54%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Dominican Republic in 2016 and 2017 was 31.88% and 35.78%, respectively.

12. Poland

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Poland was 3.99%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Poland in 2016 and 2017 was 5.37% and 5.92%, respectively.

13. Russia

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Russia was 14.89%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Russia in 2016 and 2017 was 9.29% and 11.61%, respectively.

14. Vietnam

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Vietnam was 26.20%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Vietnam in 2016 and 2017 was 29.49% and 24.06%, respectively.

15. Peru

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Peru was 28.53%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Peru in 2016 and 2017 was 28.61% and 25.97%, respectively.

16. Costa Rica

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Costa Rica was 9.91%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Costa Rica in 2016 and 2017 was 8.39% and 6.49%, respectively.

17. Turkey

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Turkey was 17.49%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Turkey in 2016 and 2017 was 13.62% and 17.86%, respectively.

18. Hong Kong SAR

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Hong Kong was 4.25%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Hong Kong in 2016 and 2017 was 4.61%% and 3.45%, respectively.

19. Saudi Arabia

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Saudi Arabia was 7.47%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Saudi Arabia in 2016 and 2017 was 4.04% and 5.26%, respectively.

20. Indonesia

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Indonesia was 12.81%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Indonesia in 2016 and 2017 was 11.19% and 10.99%, respectively.

21. SOUTH AFRICA

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from South Africa was 7.31%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from South Africa in 2016 and 2017 was 6.83% and 6.44%, respectively.

22. EGYPT

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Egypt was 32.15%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Egypt in 2016 and 2017 was 28.61% and 34.24%, respectively.

23. PAKISTAN

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Pakistan was 47.89%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Pakistan in 2016 and 2017 was 46.43% and 49.40%, respectively.

24. JAMAICA

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Jamaica was 54.46%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Jamaica in 2016 and 2017 was 35.64% and 46.78%, respectively.

25. THAILAND

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Thailand was 22.17%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Thailand in 2016 and 2017 was 17.82% and 20.15%, respectively.

26. UKRAINE

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Ukraine was 40.97%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Ukraine in 2016 and 2017 was 40.83% and 34.54%, respectively.

27. EL SALVADOR

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from El Salvador was 51.49%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from El Salvador in 2016 and 2017 was 57.12% and 52.97%, respectively.

28. ROMANIA

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Romania was 10.44%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Romania in 2016 and 2017 was 11.43% and 11.76%, respectively.

29. MALAYSIA

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Malaysia was 4.94%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Malaysia in 2016 and 2017 was 3.65% and 3.93%, respectively.

30. GUATEMALA

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Guatemala was 53.62%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Guatemala in 2016 and 2017 was 48.68% and 47.14%, respectively.

31. HONDURAS

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Honduras was 60.32%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Honduras in 2016 and 2017 was 42.76% and 40.35%, respectively.

32. PANAMA

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Panama was 11.71%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Panama in 2016 and 2017 was 12.05% and 11.61%, respectively.

33. JORDAN

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Jordan was 42.62%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Jordan in 2016 and 2017 was 40.34% and 40.06%, respectively.

34. HAITI

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Haiti was 67.59%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Haiti in 2016 and 2017 was 64.52% and 71.44%, respectively.

35. TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Trinidad and Tobago was 19.28%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Trinidad and Tobago in 2016 and 2017 was 22.70% and 22.46%, respectively.

36. URUGUAY

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Uruguay was 4.11%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Uruguay in 2016 and 2017 was 3.14% and 3.19%, respectively.

37. VENEZUELA

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Venezuela was 74.28%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Venezuela in 2016 and 2017 was 40.25% and 42.87%, respectively.

38. LEBANON

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Lebanon was 25.22%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Lebanon in 2016 and 2017 was 25.41% and 31.75%, respectively.

39. BOLIVIA

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Bolivia was 22.19%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Bolivia in 2016 and 2017 was 14.36% and 18.08%, respectively.

40. KENYA

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Kenya was 41.59%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Kenya in 2016 and 2017 was 26.60% and 33.17%, respectively.

41. KUWAIT

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Kuwait was 2.71%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Kuwait in 2016 and 2017 was 4.56% and 8.32%, respectively.

42. BELARUS

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Belarus was 23.26%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Belarus in 2016 and 2017 was 14.87% and 21.69%, respectively.

43. BANGLADESH

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Bangladesh was 40.05%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Bangladesh in 2016 and 2017 was 62.82% and 60.88%, respectively.

44. ETHIOPIA

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Ethiopia was 41.74%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Ethiopia in 2016 and 2017 was 38.13% and 50.30%, respectively.

45. NEPAL

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Nepal was 51.53%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Nepal in 2016 and 2017 was 49.54% and 46.42%, respectively.

46. UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from United Arab Emirates was 3.75%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from United Arab Emirates in 2016 and 2017 was 4.02% and 5.80%, respectively.

47. GHANA

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Ghana was 49.35%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Ghana in 2016 and 2017 was 65.70% and 56.18%, respectively.

48. ALGERIA

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Algeria was 39.26%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Algeria in 2016 and 2017 was 36% and 43.96%, respectively.

49. BULGARIA

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa refusal rate from Bulgaria was 11.32%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Bulgaria in 2016 and 2017 was 16.86% and 14.97%, respectively.

50. KAZAKHSTAN

During 2018, the US B1/B2 visa rejection rate from Kazakhstan was 39.38%. Moreover, the US visa denial rate from Kazakhstan in 2016 and 2017 was 27.55% and 32.81%, respectively

19. US B1/B2 Visa Refusal Rate for VWP Countries 2018

20. US B1/B2 Visa Refusal Rate – Other Countries 2018

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