Whether traveling to the United States for work, school or to join family, the process can be both costly and time consuming. The process is often worth it to secure a visa, though. Unfortunately, learning that you are ineligible for a visa after months of waiting can be disheartening.
There are several reasons why you might be ineligible for a visa. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — USCIS — can deny anyone for criminal activity or whose medical issues may be potentially dangerous to public health.
Ineligibility due to criminal activity
You could be ineligible if you admitted to or received conviction for committing a crime of moral turpitude. Moral turpitude does not necessarily have a solid definition, so it can be confusing for some people. You might have a better idea of what constitutes crimes involving moral turpitude if you consider some of the following offenses:
- Fraud
- Murder
- Forgery
Trafficking illicit substances is another reason for ineligibility. You do not have to be the one who actually trafficked a substance to be ineligible, either. If your spouse or one of your parents faced a conviction for trafficking, then you might have trouble qualifying for a visa.
Ineligibility due to health concerns
Public health is important to the safety of everyone who lives in the United States. As such, the USCIS may deny a visa applicant who poses a threat to public health. You may be ineligible if you:
- Cannot provide proof of vaccination for certain diseases
- Have a communicable disease, not including HIV/AIDS
- Have an addiction to illicit substances
This does not mean that you have to be in 100% good health to come to the U.S. You may still qualify for a visa if you have a chronic illness or other health problems. Ineligibility for health concerns generally only applies when your health problems would also negatively impact public health and safety.
Securing a waiver
It is not the end of the road if USCIS decides you are ineligible. Depending on your situation, you may be able to secure a waiver of ineligibility. This waiver would allow you to move forward with the visa and immigration process.
Navigating the immigration process is not for the lighthearted. From securing all of the necessary supporting documentation to filling out applications correctly, there are many opportunities to make easy mistakes. Whether you are in the beginning part of this process or trying to apply for a visa waiver, you may find it helpful to first take the time to learn as much as possible about immigration law in Florida.
