Why UAE travellers get rejected for US B1/B2 visas — and how to avoid it

Dubai: If you’ve applied for a US visit visa and been rejected, you’re not alone. Many UAE residents face denials for B1/B2 (business and tourism) visas every year — often for reasons that can be avoided with better preparation.

According to the US Department of State, most rejections fall under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This rule assumes every applicant wants to immigrate permanently unless they can prove strong ties to their home country.

This is the top reason for visa refusal. If you can’t convince the consular officer that you’ll return home after your trip, your application will likely be denied. Ties can include:

Consular officers look for consistency. If you’ve just changed jobs, show unstable income, or can’t clearly explain your travel plans, your case may appear weak.

Applicants must show they can pay for their trip without outside help. Sudden or unexplained large deposits in a bank account, or low savings relative to the trip’s cost, often raise red flags. Similarly, being unemployed, holding a temporary job, or resigning just before applying can signal weak incentive to return.

The DS-160 form — your online visa application — must be filled out completely and accurately. Missing details, inconsistencies, or typos can trigger a rejection under Section 221(g).

Submitting fake documents or lying on your form is far worse; under Section 212(a)(6)(C)(i), this can result in a permanent ban from entering the US. Always double-check that all supporting documents match your declared purpose of travel — such as your invitation letter, itinerary, or employer letter.

The visa interview often decides your fate. Consular officers expect honest, direct, and consistent answers. Memorised or vague replies can make you seem untrustworthy, flag visa processing firms, reiterating that “speaking clearly, keep your answers short and factual” always help.

If you’ve overstayed a previous visa, worked illegally, or been deported, your chances of approval drop sharply. Overstaying by more than one year can lead to a 10-year ban. Having relatives with US citizenship or residency isn’t a problem on its own — but it can raise concerns if your own ties to the UAE appear weak.

Certain criminal offences automatically make applicants ineligible under Section 212(a). These include drug-related crimes and those involving moral turpitude. Applicants who appear likely to become a “public charge” — financially dependent on the US government — can also be refused under Section 212(a)(4).

The US recently introduced a “visa bond” program that applies to certain countries (Malawi, Zambia, Gambia) with high overstay rates or weak vetting systems. Under this scheme, travellers may be asked to pay a refundable bond of $5,000–$15,000 before receiving a visa.

While UAE nationals are not affected, the move signals tighter scrutiny worldwide — especially for applicants who appear at risk of overstaying. Consular officers are increasingly focused on applicants’ credibility, travel history, and compliance with visa terms.

Visa processing firms often reiterate that a rejection doesn’t mean you can never get a visa — it means you need to make a stronger case next time. Proving stability, honesty, and genuine travel purpose is the key to turning that “denied” stamp into an approval.