Understanding US visa rejection rates by country is essential for assessing your approval chances before applying. The latest FY2024 data from the US State Department reveals significant variations, with refusal rates ranging from under 2% for some nationalities to over 80% for others. This comprehensive guide analyses the official statistics for B1/B2 visitor visas, F1 student visas, and other categories, helping you understand where your country stands and how to improve your chances of approval.
FY2024 US Visa Statistics: Key Findings
The US State Department processed a record number of nonimmigrant visa applications in fiscal year 2024 (October 2023 - September 2024). According to official State Department statistics, consular sections worldwide handled 14.25 million nonimmigrant visa applications and issued 10.97 million visas—exceeding pre-pandemic levels by over 20%.
What Are the Overall US Visa Refusal Rates in FY2024?
In FY2024, the overall B1/B2 visitor visa refusal rate reached approximately 28%, up from 19% in FY2023. F1 student visa refusals hit a 10-year high of 41% (279,000 applications rejected out of 679,000). H1B work visas maintained low refusal rates at 2.8% due to USCIS pre-approval. Rates vary dramatically by nationality, from under 2% to over 80%.
FY2024 Refusal Rate Summary by Visa Category
Source: US State Department FY2024 Nonimmigrant Visa Statistics and NIV Workload Reports
Which Countries Have the Highest US Visa Refusal Rates?
In FY2024, Laos had the highest B-visa refusal rate at 82.84%, followed by Liberia (79.38%), Somalia (77.02%), and Guinea-Bissau (76.59%). African nations dominate the high-refusal list, with Senegal, Guinea, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Gambia all exceeding 65%. These rates reflect concerns about overstay risk and insufficient ties to home country.
Top 15 Countries with Highest B-Visa Refusal Rates (FY2024)
Source: US State Department FY2024 B-Visa Adjusted Refusal Rates by Nationality
Which Countries Have the Lowest US Visa Refusal Rates?
The United Arab Emirates has the lowest B-visa refusal rate at just 1.46%, followed by Cyprus (2.16%), Romania (2.61%), and Uruguay (2.63%). Gulf states, Eastern European EU members, and East Asian nations generally enjoy the lowest refusal rates. Many of these countries are Visa Waiver Program members or candidates with strong bilateral relations and low overstay histories.
Top 15 Countries with Lowest B-Visa Refusal Rates (FY2024)
How Do Refusal Rates Vary by Visa Category?
Refusal rates vary significantly by visa category. Petition-backed visas (H1B, L1) have low refusal rates (under 5%) because USCIS pre-approves them. Tourist visas (B2) have the highest refusal rates (44%) due to Section 214(b) scrutiny. F1 student visas reached a 10-year high of 41% in FY2024. Business visas (B1) fare better than pure tourism at around 21%.
F1 Student Visa Refusal Rates
The F1 student visa experienced its highest refusal rate in a decade during FY2024. Out of approximately 679,000 applications, around 279,000 were rejected—a 41% refusal rate compared to 36% in FY2023. This represents a significant increase from the pre-pandemic norm of around 25-30%. Factors contributing to this increase include heightened Section 214(b) scrutiny, concerns about "intent to immigrate," and inconsistent adjudication standards across different US embassies.
What Are the Refusal Rates for Major Applicant Countries?
Among high-volume applicant countries in FY2024: India (16.32%), China (25.37%), Mexico (13.87%), Brazil (15.48%), and Nigeria (46.51%). The UK has an 18.03% refusal rate. China's rate has improved significantly from 79% in 2021 (pandemic period) to 25% in FY2024 as consular operations normalised and economic ties strengthened.
FY2024 Refusal Rates: Major Applicant Countries
- Overall B1/B2 refusal rate increased to 28% in FY2024
- F1 student visa refusals hit 10-year high at 41%
- UAE has lowest refusal rate (1.46%), Laos highest (82.84%)
- African nations dominate high-refusal list
- Petition-backed visas (H1B, L1) maintain low refusal rates
For detailed guidance on preparing your application, see our guides on US visa interview questions and answers and B1/B2 visa requirements. For current application costs, see our US visa fees guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the overall US visa refusal rate in FY2024?
In FY2024, the US processed 14.25 million nonimmigrant visa applications and issued 10.97 million visas. The combined B1/B2 visitor visa refusal rate was approximately 28%, up from 19% in FY2023. F1 student visas had a 41% refusal rate, while H1B work visas maintained a low 2.8% refusal rate due to USCIS pre-approval.
Which countries have the highest US visa rejection rates?
In FY2024, the countries with highest B-visa refusal rates were: Laos (82.84%), Liberia (79.38%), Somalia (77.02%), Guinea-Bissau (76.59%), Senegal (74.65%), Guinea (70.25%), Mauritania (70.07%), Sierra Leone (69.36%), Togo (66.60%), and Gambia (66.03%). African nations account for most of the highest refusal rates.
Which countries have the lowest US visa rejection rates?
The countries with lowest B-visa refusal rates in FY2024 were: United Arab Emirates (1.46%), Cyprus (2.16%), Romania (2.61%), Uruguay (2.63%), Papua New Guinea (3.85%), Brunei (4.00%), Oman (4.50%), Qatar (4.67%), Solomon Islands (5.00%), and Taiwan (5.22%). Gulf states and EU members generally have the lowest rates.
What is the F1 student visa rejection rate in 2024?
The F1 student visa refusal rate reached 41% in FY2024, the highest in 10 years. Out of approximately 679,000 applications, around 279,000 were rejected. This compares to 36% in FY2023. The increase reflects heightened Section 214(b) scrutiny, with consular officers focusing more on ties to home country and post-graduation plans.
What is the US visa rejection rate for India in FY2024?
India's B-visa refusal rate in FY2024 was 16.32%, relatively moderate compared to many countries. India has the largest applicant pool for US visas worldwide. For F1 student visas, Indian applicants typically face higher refusal rates due to concerns about post-graduation employment intent. Strong financial documentation and clear ties to India are essential.
Does a high country refusal rate mean I will be rejected?
No, individual applications are assessed on their own merits. Country statistics reflect aggregate patterns, not individual outcomes. Applicants from high-refusal countries can succeed by providing exceptionally strong evidence of ties to home (employment, property, family), clear travel purpose, solid financial documentation, and consistent interview answers. Preparation is key regardless of your nationality.
Why do some countries have such high refusal rates?
High refusal rates typically result from: historical patterns of visa overstays from that nationality, political or economic instability making return less likely, limited formal financial documentation systems, weaker economic ties compelling return, and sometimes geopolitical concerns. These are aggregate factors—individual applicants who address these concerns effectively can still be approved.
Where can I find official US visa refusal statistics?
Official statistics are published by the US State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs. Visit travel.state.gov and navigate to Visa Statistics under U.S. Visa Law & Policy. The department publishes annual B-visa adjusted refusal rates by nationality, NIV workload by category, and detailed tables with issuance and refusal data. Professional immigration solicitors can help analyse how these statistics apply to your specific situation.