Visa issuance decisions are made by State Department employees at U.S. embassies or consulates abroad. INS personnel are generally not involved in these matters. By statute, a consular official has absolute authority to determine the facts that will govern the issuance of a visa and the applicant has no statutory or constitutional right to review or appeal. The regulations do allow, however, for informal review of a consular officer's adverse determination. An individual who is denied a visa must be advised of the specific reasons for the denial and given an opportunity to present evidence to overcome the stated objections.
Applicants can reapply for a visa.
OISS is not able to assist dependents in reversing adverse decisions made by U.S. embassies or consulates abroad.