Will a B1/B2 Visa Refusal affect ESTA?
I was found ineligible for B1 / B2 under Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.
Will this in any way affect my eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (as authorised via the ESTA online system)?
If the answer is 'yes' in what way?
I have not been able to find reliable sources to answer this question, so any useful links would be greatly appreciated.
EDIT:
I have been in contact with the US embassy in my country. The information I received was that I am no longer eligible for the ESTA.
During my visa interview for the B1/B2 visa, I mentioned that my intention was to seek contact with companies in the US to apply for positions in my field. I also stated that I had been in contact with a law firm based in the US and at some point was planning to apply for an immigrant visa.
I have since signed a full-time contract with a company based in my country and have also signed a lease for an apartment. Given that I would yet again apply for a B visa, would these fact likely be enough to have my visa application granted?
Best Answer
The best answer anyone will be able to give you is 'maybe', as it will depend a lot on the exact situations - and in particular the reason that your visa was refused.
The US is often relatively strict when it comes to giving B1/B2 visas to people from VWP-eligible countries, and generally will require them to provide a suitable reason why they would not be able to enter the country under the Visa Waiver Program and thus require a visa to be issued. If you do not have a suitable reason for a visa then you will be found ineligible under section 214(b).
Section 214(b) will also be used if the consular staff believe that you were likely to stay in the US longer than you were allowed, planning/likely to work whilst in the US, or likely to break any of the other conditions of the visa. With the information you've given it's not possible to know which of these reasons caused the rejection.
Your best option at this stage is to apply for an ESTA, and CORRECTLY answer the question about having been refused a visa. Based on the actual reason for your visa refusal, your ESTA may or may not be approved. You may find that your ESTA takes longer than normal to be approved/rejected, as it will likely need to be manually processed.
If your ESTA is refused then you have no option but to re-attempt applying for a visa, or give up on your plans to visit the US at this time.
If your ESTA is approved then it's likely you will have no problems when entering the US, although it is possible that the immigration staff will ask you some additional questions based on the reason for your prior refusal. Again, this will depend on the exact reason for your visa refusal, and any notes that the consular staff made on your record about that refusal.
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Can I use ESTA after visa denial?
The short answer is No. There are a number of instances where ESTA is invalidated and a visa denial is one of these instances. When you have a valid ESTA, new travel authorization (requirement that you go back to the ESTA online system and reapply) is required in the followings instances: You obtain a new passport.Do I need an ESTA if I have a B1 B2 visa?
Do I need to apply for an ESTA? If you already have a B1/B2 or any other valid visa and you are traveling for the purpose in which it was issued, you do not need to apply for an ESTA authorization.What happens if my B2 visa is denied?
We always tell people that you should take some time in between applications. If your B2 or B1 visit visas have been denied we would suggest waiting at least six months, and preferably a year, before you reapply. Constantly reapplying does you no good.What reasons would an ESTA be denied?
The most common reasons for rejection of ESTA application In the past, overstayed when visited the US. In the past, worked without required VISA and pointed out from authorities when visited the US. In the past, rejected the entry to the US for some reasons. In the past, deported for some reasons after staying the US.10 Reasons Your US Visa May be Denied
More answers regarding will a B1/B2 Visa Refusal affect ESTA?
Answer 2
Yes, it might. According to https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visa-waiver-program.html a recent visa refusal for any reason could result in denial of ESTA authorization, additional review at the port of entry, or denial of admission to the United States.
See also ESTA validity after a visa denial
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Nataliya Vaitkevich, SHVETS production, Karolina Grabowska, Pixabay