Skip Global Navigation to Main Content
  •  
Skip Breadcrumb Navigation
Skip Left Navigation
Termination
 

Can visa applications be reinstated?

Immigrant visa applications that are left inactive for a year are subject to termination procedures in accordance to the provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Visa applicants are advised to be timely in their responses and action to avoid termination of their application and eventual cancellation of the visa petition.

A Notice of Termination of Registration is sent if, after one year, the beneficiary fails to:

  1. Apply for an immigrant visa despite official notification from the National Visa Center or the Embassy to apply or respond to Packet 3;
  2. Show up for the visa interview without any prior written advise; or
  3. Take further action on his/her visa application that had been refused under INA 221(g) or due to lack of documentation.

Beneficiaries, however, may request reinstatement of their immigrant visa applications if, within a year of the termination notice, they are able to satisfactorily explain that their failure to pursue the application was for reasons beyond their control. Otherwise, visa applications will continue to be subject to cancellation procedures in accordance to U.S. immigration laws and regulations.

If applicants are not responsive despite a termination notice, a Final Notice of Cancellation is sent. The visa petition and its supporting documents are then purged.