Non-Immigrant Visas
Frequently Asked Questions
Am I ineligible for a visa just because I'm missing a document?
Applicants typically present documents such as job letters, bank letters, invitations, property titles, etc. to support their visa application. Since each person has a different personal situation, it is impossible to establish a general list of documents that prove your ties to Georgia.
Consular officers do not issue visas based solely on documents, but instead by weighing a number of factors. If issuing you a visa hinged solely upon your providing a document, the consular officer would have given you another opportunity to present that document. Your application was not denied because you were missing a document, but rather, it was denied based upon the lack of evidence of your ties to Georgia.
But I presented all my documents to the consular officer…
Although documents are helpful in explaining the purpose of your trip and overcoming the presumption of being an intending immigrant, they do not guarantee issuance of a visa. The interviewing consular officer reviewed your documents, along with your interview, in the context of the Georgian political, economic and cultural situation. Depending upon your circumstances, you may not be able to document strong ties until your personal, professional and financial condition change.
Am I ineligible for a visa just because the person I'm visiting in the U.S. stayed illegally?
No. While family patterns of immigration are one of many factors the consular officer considers when adjudicating visas, your case was evaluated based on your personal circumstances and not on those of the person you intended to visit in the United States.
Why was the interview so short? I think the consular officer didn't take enough time to consider my case.
Just as every applicant's case is different, interview times can vary greatly. The interviewing consular officer asked specially formulated questions which are designed to quickly reveal compelling ties to Georgia. Consular officers are trained in U.S. immigration law and have knowledge of local conditions as well as the experience necessary to quickly evaluate a visa application.
Since I wasn't issued a visa, can I have my $131 (the equivalent of US$131 in local currency) back?
The equivalent of US$131 in local currency fee you paid is a non-refundable application fee for processing a visa application regardless of whether you are issued a visa or not.
My sponsor will pay for my trip and is willing to guarantee my return...
Although applicants often have a sponsor who offer to provide plane tickets, accommodation or meals, ultimately applicants themselves must qualify for the visa and not the sponsor. The interviewing consular officer carefully considered your sponsor's willingness to finance your trip during the decision-making process. While a sponsor may be willing to guarantee an applicant's return, he or she does not have the legal authority to force a visitor to return to Georgia. Visa applicants must qualify for the visa according to their own circumstances, not on the basis of a sponsor's assurances.
When can I reapply?
Applicants may reapply at any time. However, we strongly suggest you reapply only if you can provide fundamental new evidence concerning your personal situation in Georgia or if there have been significant changes in your life, such as a change in employment or family situation.
In order to reapply, you must repeat the entire application process: make an appointment for an interview, fill out another application form, include a photo and pay the equivalent of US$131 in local currency application fee. At the time of the interview, provide evidence that shows you will engage only in activities authorized on a visitor's visa and that you will return to Georgia.