Immigrant visas
Persons Ineligible to Receive Visas
The immigration laws of the United States, in order to protect the health, welfare and security of the United States, prohibit the issuance of a visa to certain applicants. Examples of applicants who must be refused visas are those who:
- have a communicable disease such as tuberculosis
- have a dangerous physical or mental disorder
- are drug addicts
- have committed serious criminal acts, including crimes involving moral turpitude, drug trafficking, and prostitution or procuring
- are terrorists, subversives, members of a totalitarian party, or former Nazi war criminals
- are likely to become public charges in the United States
- have used fraud or other illegal means to enter the United States
- are ineligible for citizenship.
Certain former exchange visitors must live abroad 2 years and physicians who intend to practice medicine must pass a qualifying exam before receiving immigrant visas.
If any of the foregoing restrictions might apply, then a statement regarding the facts should be submitted to the consular officer. The consular officer will then advise the applicant if the law provides for some other form of relief such as a waiver of ineligibility.
Note
Applicants are required to swear or affirm to the truth and accuracy of a visa application at the time of formal application and to submit certain documentary evidence to establish eligibility for the visa. These statements and the evidence will be carefully examined. It should be understood that willful misrepresentation of a material fact in connection with a visa application may result in a permanent bar to entry into the United States or deportation if admitted into the United States.