Visa Denials, Delays, and Administrative Processing

Students applying for an F-1 (student) visa work directly with a U.S. consular office under the guidance of the U.S. embassy and the Department of State. The consular officer determines the suitability of the visa based on regulations, evidence provided by the applicant, and current U.S. policy. This can lead to delays, Administrative Processing, or denials. For more information on visa denials, refer to the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

You can find several tips on applying for a visa here.

Administrative Processing and Denial under INA Section 221(g)

If you receive a denial notification marked under INA section 221(g), it can mean:

Your visa application was incomplete or needed further documentation.
Your application requires Administrative Processing.

If your application is incomplete, submitting the required information may lead to approval. The embassy or consulate will provide a letter detailing what is needed. If Administrative Processing is required, you will be informed of the next steps. This process can add a 3 to 6 month delay to your visa issuance. More details can be found on the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ webpage about Administrative Processing.

Understanding Administrative Processing

Administrative Processing may indicate that additional security clearance is needed. This is often the case for student visa applicants at Austin Peay. The clearance is typically related to work in STEM fields or the applicant's country of citizenship.

Fields of study commonly associated with Administrative Processing include:

Conventional Munitions
Nuclear Technology
Rocket Systems
Robotics
Chemical, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Engineering
Information Security
And more

Importantly, Administrative Processing does not guarantee denial; it indicates a delay while security clearance is completed. You may need to work with your department to defer admission during this time.

Denial under Section INA 214(b)

Denial under INA 214(b) is the most common reason for F-1 visa denials. It indicates that the consular officer felt one or more of the following applied:

Failure to establish non-immigrant intent.
Insufficient connections to the applicant’s home country.
Inability to prove temporary stay in the U.S.
Insufficient proof of funding.
Lack of intent to study.

Denial under 214(b) can often be overcome with additional evidence. For further guidance, refer to the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ page on Visa Denials.

Who Can Help with a Visa Denial?

Overcoming a visa denial can be challenging and typically involves submitting additional documentation as requested by the consular officer. While engaging legal counsel is possible, it is usually not recommended. If you choose to seek legal assistance, consider an attorney certified by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).

International Student Services cannot expedite or influence visa decisions. We cannot contact embassies on behalf of students. If additional information is needed during Administrative Processing, we can assist your academic department in providing it.