UNCLASSIFIED (U)

9 FAM 403.10

(U) NIV Refusals

(CT:VISA-1850;   10-16-2023)
(Office of Origin:  CA/VO)

9 fAM 403.10-1  (U) Statutory and REgulatory Authorities 

9 FAM 403.10-1(A)  (U) Immigration and Nationality Act

(CT:VISA-1;   11-18-2015)

(U) INA 214(b) (8 U.S.C. 1184(b)); INA 221(g) (8 U.S.C. 1201(g)).

9 FAM 403.10-1(B)  (U) Code of Federal Regulations

(CT:VISA-1;   11-18-2015)

(U) 22 CFR 41.121.

9 FAM 403.10-2  (U) In General

(CT:VISA-1850;   10-16-2023)

(U) The determination of an NIV applicant's classification and eligibility for a visa is your statutory responsibility and may not be delegated to any other officer (except as provided in 22 CFR 41.111(b)) or to a member of the clerical staff.

9 FAM 403.10-2(A)  (U) Visa to be Issued or Refused

(CT:VISA-1649;   11-17-2022)

a. (U) An NIV must be issued or refused in all cases once an application is executed, except when the Secretary has ordered you to discontinue issuing visas under INA 243(d).  See 9 FAM 403.2-3 for the definition of "making a visa application."  The visa refusals must be based on legal grounds; that is, on the provisions of INA 212(a), INA 212(e), INA 212(f), INA 214(b), INA 214(l), INA 221(g), INA 222(g), or some other specific legal provision.  A quasi-refusal (e.g., P6C, P6E, etc.) may not be used as the sole ground for a refusal.  See 9 FAM 302 for grounds of ineligibility.  See 9 FAM 601.12 for a discussion of INA 243(d).

b. (U) You should only make a formal finding of ineligibility in the context of a visa application or revocation of an existing visa.  A “hard” refusal code entry should only be placed in the Consular Lookout and Support System (CLASS) if you are denying or revoking a visa.

9 FAM 403.10-2(B)  (U) Grounds for Refusal

9 FAM 403.10-2(B)(1)  (U) Applying Grounds for Refusals and Ineligibilities

(CT:VISA-1764;   05-01-2023)

a. (U) Establishing Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status:

(1)  (U) INA 214(b) provides that every visa applicant is presumed to be an immigrant until the applicant establishes to your satisfaction eligibility for a nonimmigrant status under INA 101(a)(15)You must make a finding that an applicant does or does not meet the eligibility requirements for the classification sought and therefore is or is not a nonimmigrant under INA 101(a)(15).  An INA 214(b) determination cannot be waived.

(2)  (U) However, INA 214(b) is not a permanent ineligibility.  The fact that a visa applicant was unable to establish qualification for a nonimmigrant status at one time does not preclude such an applicant from qualifying for a visa later by showing a change in circumstances.

(3)  (U) For more information on applying INA 214(b) see 9 FAM 302.1-2, Presumption of Immigrant Status- INA 214(b).

b. (U) Grounds of Ineligibility:

(1) (U) Grounds of Ineligibility Not Applicable to Nonimmigrants:  Certain grounds of ineligibility do not apply to some nonimmigrants.  For example, some nonimmigrants are exempt from the provisions of INA 212(a)(3)(D) (membership in a totalitarian party), INA 212(a)(5)(A) (labor certification requirements), INA 212(a)(5)(B) (unqualified physicians), INA 212(a)(5)(C) (uncertified health care workers), INA 212(a)(8)(A) (ineligible for citizenship), and INA 212(a)(10)(A) (practicing polygamists).

(2)  (U) Grounds of Ineligibility Not Applicable to A and G Applicants: INA 102 provides broad exemptions from grounds of ineligibility for “A” and “G” applicants, except domestics and personal employees.  Upon a basis of reciprocity, INA 212(d)(8) also provides broad exemptions for foreign government officials in transit.  These are not in the nature of waivers or other discretionary acts; they provide statutory immunity from ineligibility under the special provisions.  INA 212(d)(8) does not provide exemption for INA 212(a)(3)(A), INA(a)(3)(B), INA(a)(3)(C), or INA(a) (7)(B).

(3)  (U) Recommending Waivers: For applicants found ineligible under non‑exempted provisions of INA 212(a), you have discretionary authority under INA 212(d)(3)(A) to recommend to DHS a waiver of the specific ground of ineligibility.

c.  (U) Failure to Appear, Withdrawal, or Abandonment:

(1)  (U) Applicant Who Fails to Appear for Interview:

(a)  (U) No Show Cases: If an applicant has failed to make a visa application as delineated in 9 FAM 403.2-3, enter as a case remark: "No Show case: Application was never made per 9 FAM 403.2-3" and delete the case from the NIV system.  The case must not be refused.  Deleted cases will no longer be available in the consular section’s NIV application database, but they may be found in the CCD using the Deleted NIV Applicant Full report under the Nonimmigrant Visa tab in the CCD menu.  

(b)  (U) Executed Application Cases: If an applicant who is not eligible for interview waiver fails to appear for an interview but has met the requirements for making an application per 9 FAM 403.2-3, refuse the case under INA 221(g) with case notes explaining that the applicant met the requirements for making an application but failed to appear for an interview. 

(2)  (U) Applicants Refused If Application Withdrawn: If an applicant withdraws a visa application while it is pending adjudication, you must refuse the case under INA 221(g) with case notes indicating why the action was taken.  You must not delete the case.

(3)  (U) Applicants Refused If Visa Abandoned: If the case has been adjudicated (print authorized), but not printed, and the applicant later abandons the application, deciding not to travel, you must refuse the case under INA 221(g) with case notes indicating why the action was taken.  You must not delete the case. 

(4)  (U) Reactivating Cases: See 9 FAM 403.10-4(A) below for information on reactivating cases refused under INA 221(g).

9 FAM 403.10-2(B)(2)  (U) Refusals of Out-of-District Applicants

(CT:VISA-1649;   11-17-2022)

a. (U) 221(g) Refusals: You must adjudicate all applications based on the applicant's circumstances rather than refusing them under INA 221(g) solely because the applicants are out-of-district.  Refusing an applicant simply because the applicant is out of district is a missed opportunity and a waste of your and the applicant's time. 

b. (U) 214(b) Refusals of Out-of-District Applicants:

(1)  (U) Refusing an applicant under INA 214(b) solely for out-of-district reasons is not appropriate.  INA 214(b) requires that the applicant demonstrate both entitlement for a specific visa classification and absence of immigrant intent (see 9 FAM 401.1-3(E)).  You can still determine whether the applicant qualifies for a particular visa class, and an out-of-district applicant has immigrant intent.

(2)  (U) Certainly, an out-of-district applicant may alert you to possible fraud or, at the least, forum shopping.  In addition, it may be more difficult for an out-of-district applicant to overcome the burden of proof.  However, you should not refuse an applicant solely because they are applying outside of the consular district where they typically reside.

(3)  (U) In addition, most NIV applicants must establish that they have a residence abroad that they do not intend to abandon.  That residence need not be in the country where they are applying.  It is incorrect to refuse an out-of-district applicant solely because their ties are to a different country abroad.  However, if the applicant is applying for a visa category that requires that they demonstrate a residence abroad that they do not intend to abandon, and the applicant is unable to do so, you should refuse the case under 214(b) because the applicant has not demonstrated that they qualify for the visa for which they applied.

(4)  (U) Some nationalities are residents of countries where no U.S. consular services are available and have specific posts designated for their applications with appropriate language-trained officers.  When consular managers are concerned about document, language, and translation barriers, they should advise the public and prospective applicants that lack of a common language could negatively affect an application.  Consular sections may want to use this language on their websites:  "Applicants from outside this office's consular district may apply for visas.  However, you should be aware that language difficulties and interviewing officers' unfamiliarity with local conditions in other countries may make it more difficult to demonstrate your qualifications for a visa here than in your home district or at a post designated for your application." 

9 FAM 403.10-3  (U) Refusal Procedures

9 FAM 403.10-3(A)  (U) Refusal Cases

(CT:VISA-1300;   06-07-2021)

(U) When an applicant is found ineligible to receive a visa, you must take the steps listed in notes 9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(1) through 9 FAM 403.10-3(C) below.

9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(1)  (U) Inform Applicant Orally and Return Certain Documents

(CT:VISA-1850;   10-16-2023)

a. Unavailable

b. (U) You must return to the applicant all documents not pertinent to the refusal or indicative of possible ineligibility.  Letters and other documents addressed to a consular officer or the post should be scanned into the case record and then destroyed.

c. (U) The way visa applicants are refused can play an important role in relations between the post and the host country, as well as to the United States’ image to the applicant and the broader population.  You should be courteous and must be careful not to appear insensitive.

d. (U) Explanations of why a visa could not be issued need not be lengthy.  You should explain the law and the refusal politely and in clear terms, providing a citation of the legal section relied upon.  Use of jargon or obscure terms can create confusion, frustration and, often, additional work in the form of congressional and public inquiries.  An example: In a case involving a refusal under INA 214(b) for insufficient ties, it is essential that you tell the applicant that the reason for the refusal is that they have not persuaded you that they will return to their country.  Fitting a certain demographic profile ("young", "single", etc.) is not grounds for a visa refusal.  In an INA 214(b) refusal, the denial must always be based on a finding that the applicant’s specific circumstances failed to overcome the intending immigrant presumption.  Written INA 214(b) and INA 221(g) refusal letters are more than mere formalities; they can be an effective method of conveying information to the applicant.

e. (U) You must not encourage or discourage the visa applicant to reapply, even if you believe that eventual issuance of a visa is likely or unlikely.  You should make clear to applicants that they may reapply if they believe they genuinely qualify since there is no formal appeal of an NIV refusal.  Efforts to control reapplications must not unduly restrict applicants' ability to reapply, although they may be warned that applicants who have not yet had the opportunity to apply may be scheduled before they are rescheduled.

f.  (U) Exceptions to Notice Requirement:  INA 212(b) requires you to promptly notify the applicant in writing in most cases involving an INA 212(a) refusal.  However, this requirement may be waived under certain circumstances.  Only the Department may grant a waiver of the written notice requirement.  Furthermore, although INA 212(b) also exempts findings of ineligibility under INA 212(a)(2) and INA 212(a)(3) from the written notice requirement, we expect that such notices will be provided to the applicant in all INA 212(a)(2) and INA 212(a)(3) cases unless:

(1)  (U) We instruct you not to provide notice;

(2)  (U) We instruct you to provide a limited legal citation (i.e., restricting the legal grounds of refusal to INA 212(a)); or

(3)  (U) In response to a request, you receive permission from us not to provide notice.

g. (U) INA 212(a) and INA 214(b) Refusals After Oral Approval or an INA 221(g) Refusal:

(1)  (U) If the applicant was told at the interview that the visa would be approved, but you later determine that the applicant is ineligible under INA 212(a) and/or INA 214(b), then you must inform the applicant orally and in writing of the refusal, unless an exception to the notice requirement applies.  See 9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(1) paragraph f above for information about exceptions.  You should generally contact the applicant and explicitly state the provision of the law under which the visa was refused.  You are not required to have the applicant return to the consular section.  You must notify the applicant promptly by sending the INA 212(a) and/or INA 214(b) refusal letters described in 9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(2) below;

(2)  (U) If the applicant was informed orally at the interview about a 221(g) refusal, this initial INA 221(g) refusal meets the requirement of 9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(1) paragraph a above that you inform the applicant orally of the refusal on another ground.  You therefore do not need to call the applicant back in again for an additional refusal under INA 212(a) and/or INA 214(b)You must notify the applicant promptly by sending the INA 212(a) and/or INA 214(b) letters described in 9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(2) below unless an exception to the notice requirement applies.  See 9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(1) paragraph f above for information about exceptions; and

(3)  (U) If the applicant disputes the INA 212(a) or INA 214(b) finding and wishes to offer additional evidence, then you should consider that evidence and offer a follow-up in-person interview.

9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(2)  (U) Inform Applicant and Attorney in Writing

(CT:VISA-1649;   11-17-2022)

(U) In any NIV case involving a refusal under any provision of the law, you must provide the applicant and any attorney of record a written refusal.

(1)  (U) 214(b) Refusal Letter:  In the case of an NIV refusal based on 214(b), NIV units are required to provide applicants with the Department-approved letter appropriate for the applicant’s circumstances.  The prescribed refusal letters are found at 9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(3) below.  9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(3) paragraph a below contains the refusal letter appropriate for those applicants being denied for lack of a residence abroad.  9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(3) paragraph b below contains the refusal letter appropriate for those visa classes subject to 214(b), but not the residence abroad requirement.  

(2)  (U) 221(g) Refusal Letter:  For an INA 221(g) NIV refusal, you may draft the refusal letter in the way you deem appropriate and without Department approval.  However, the letter must:

(a)  (U) Explicitly state the provision of the law under which the visa is refused;

(b)  (U) Not state that the denial is “pending”, “temporary”, or “interim” or that the case is suspended, although it may reference further administrative processing of the case;

(c)  (U) Neither encourage nor discourage the applicant from reapplying; and

(d)  (U) Include the following language:  

      Please be advised that for U.S. visa purposes, including ESTA (see ESTA website), this decision constitutes a denial of a visa.

(3)  (U) 212(a) NIV refusals:  You may draft the refusal letter in the way you deem appropriate and without Department approval.  However, the letter must:

(a)  (U) Explicitly state the provision of the law under which the visa is refused, unless instructed or authorized to do otherwise by the Department;

(b)  (U) Neither encourage nor discourage the applicant from reapplying; and

(c)  (U) Inform the applicant whether a waiver is available.

(4)  (U) Alternatively, for INA 212(a) refusals, you may elect to use the optional refusal letter found at 9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(3) paragraph c below, or you may choose to modify the letter as necessary.  If you use a modified version, the letter must meet the criteria listed above.

9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(3)  (U) Refusal Letters in 214(b), 221(g) and Other Cases

(CT:VISA-1117;   07-21-2020)

a. (U) Refusal Letter for Denials Under INA 214(b) for Applicants Who Fail to Establish Ties

Dear Applicant:

This is to inform you that you have been found ineligible for a nonimmigrant visa under Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.  A denial under Section 214(b) means that you were not able to demonstrate that your intended activities in the United States would be consistent with the classification of the nonimmigrant visa for which you applied.

While nonimmigrant visa classifications each have their own unique requirements, one requirement shared by many of the nonimmigrant visa categories is for the applicant to demonstrate that he/she has a residence in a foreign country which he/she has no intention of abandoning.  Applicants usually meet this requirement by demonstrating that they have strong ties overseas that indicate that they will return to a foreign country after a temporary visit to the United States.  Such ties include professional, work, school, family, or social links to a foreign country.  You have not demonstrated that you have the ties that will compel you to return to your home country after your travel to the United States.

Today’s decision cannot be appealed.  However, you may reapply at any time.  If you decide to reapply, you must submit a new application form and photo, pay the visa application fee again, and make a new appointment to be interviewed by a consular officer.  If you choose to reapply, you should be prepared to provide information that was not presented in your original application, or to demonstrate that your circumstances have changed since that application.  

Sincerely,

Consular Officer

b. (U) Refusal Letter for Denials Under INA 214(b) for Applicants Who Fail to Qualify for Reasons Other Than Failure to Show Ties: 

Dear Applicant:

This is to inform you that you have been found ineligible for a nonimmigrant visa under Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.  A denial under Section 214(b) means that you did not meet the requirements of the classification of the nonimmigrant visa for which you applied.

Today’s decision cannot be appealed.  However, you may reapply at any time.  If you decide to reapply, you must submit a new application form and photo, pay the visa application fee again, as applicable, and be interviewed by a consular officer.  If you choose to reapply, you should be prepared to provide information that was not presented in your original application, or to demonstrate that your circumstances have changed since that application.  

Sincerely,

Consular Officer

c. (U) Optional Refusal Letter: You may use the following Optional Refusal Letter to inform an applicant of a 212(a) refusal. 

Dear Applicant:

This office regrets to inform you that your visa application is refused because you have been found ineligible to receive a visa under the following section(s) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The information contained in the paragraphs marked with "X" pertains to your visa application. Please disregard the unmarked paragraphs.

__ Section 212(a)(1) health-related grounds.

__ Section 212(a)(4) which prohibits the issuance of a visa to anyone likely to become a public charge.  Specifically, your visa was refused on this ground because:

          __ the consular officer determined that you require a sponsor to submit an

                       affidavit of support under INA 213A and that the affidavit of support does not

                       meet the INA's requirements; and/or

          __ the consular officer, after considering the totality of your circumstances as

              required under INA 212(a)(4)(B), concluded that you were more likely than

              not to become a public charge.

__ Section 212(a)(2) which prohibits the issuance of a visa to anyone who has committed a crime involving moral turpitude.

__Other____________________________________________________________

 

Waiver

__You are eligible to seek a waiver of the grounds of ineligibility.

__ No waiver is available for the grounds of ineligibility.

Sincerely,

Consular Officer

9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(4)  (U) Enter Refusal Data into NIV System

(CT:VISA-1764;   05-01-2023)

a. Unavailable

(1)  Unavailable

(2)  Unavailable

b. Unavailable

c.  Unavailable

d. (U) Remarks attached to a case reside in the CCD and are accessible to consular sections worldwide, as well as to certain partner agencies, such as CBP at POE.  Your notes must be written in a professional manner that can be clearly understood and that are legally valid.  Avoid using post-specific notations, non-English words, non-standard abbreviations, and making irrelevant remarks.  If the refusal seems counterintuitive, you should comment on the factors that led to the refusal. 

9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(5)  (U) Explore Possibility of Relief

(CT:VISA-1300;   06-07-2021)

(U) Waivers are not available for INA 214(b) ineligibilities, but the applicant is free to re-apply for a visa.  INA 221(g) refusals require the applicant to wait for the results of additional administrative processing or comply with a request for additional documentation or information within one year of the visa interview.  If the case involves a Category I refusal, you must explain whether administrative relief (a waiver or other means, such as parole) is available.  9 FAM 303.3-3(B)(1) contains a list of lookout codes and states whether the codes are Category I or Category II.

9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(6)  (U) Additional Procedure When Refusing Applicants Who Possess a Valid Form I-94, Arrival and Departure Record

(CT:VISA-1649;   11-17-2022)

a. (U) In addition to recording the refusal electronically, officers, especially consular officers in Canada and Mexico, should take additional steps in certain cases involving applicants who might seek to take advantage of the automatic visa revalidation provisions of 22 CFR 41.112(d) but who are not eligible to do so due to their unsuccessful visa application.

b. Unavailable

(1) Unavailable

(2)  Unavailable

c.  (U) You may only revoke an unexpired visa if the grounds set forth in 22 CFR 41.122(a) and 9 FAM 403.11 are present.

9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(7)  (U) Indicating Nonimmigrant Visa Refusals in Passports

(CT:VISA-1764;   05-01-2023)

(U) Do not place a stamp indicating “application received,” or any other marking in an applicant’s passport in connection with a visa application.  Consular officers in Canada and Mexico should ensure they follow the procedures in 9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(6) above for refusing applicants who may have been eligible for automatic visa revalidation at POEs.

9 FAM 403.10-3(B)  (U) Procedures in Cases Refused for Advisory Opinions or for Other Reasons

(CT:VISA-1839;   09-27-2023)

a. (U) AO Requested:

(1)  (U) If the Department’s opinion has been requested, a visa may not be issued until the opinion has been officially rendered and communicated to the requesting consular section.

(2)  Unavailable

(3)  (U) The consular section should use a tickler system as a reminder to send the Department a follow-up request for a response after a reasonable period has elapsed.  If you determine, based on the Department’s AO, that the applicant is ineligible under a provision of INA 212(a), 214(b), or some other specific legal provision, you must formally refuse the applicant under the pertinent section of the law.  Under no circumstances may a resolution of the question of eligibility be made before the Department’s AO is received.  See 9 FAM 403.10-3(C) below and 9 FAM 403.10-3(B) paragraph a(1), above.

b. (U) Other Reasons: You should also refuse the visa under INA 221(g) and  make clear case notes in other situations where the applicant has formally applied, but whose admissibility cannot be established without additional evidence, further clearance, a namecheck, or some other reason. 

9 FAM 403.10-3(C)  (U) Quasi-Refusal Cases

(CT:VISA-1649;   11-17-2022)

a. (U) Applicants in quasi-refusal cases should be dealt with as described in 9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(1) and 9 FAM 403.10-3(A)(2) above.

b. (U) A quasi-refusal, by definition, is not a refusal.  It is not a determination of eligibility.  You cannot conclude a case by entering a quasi-refusal; you must enter a “hard” refusal or issue the visa.  You may not deny or revoke a visa based solely on “quasi-ineligibility.”  If an applicant applies for a visa, the applicant’s eligibility must be definitively resolved. 

c.  Unavailable

d. (U) You May Enter a Quasi-Refusal in Only Two General Cases:

(1)  (U) If you obtain derogatory information outside the context of an application or revocation; or

(2)  Unavailable

e. (U) Officers must enter a hard refusal code (i.e., not a "P" hit) to ensure the consular section's’ workload statistics are accurately calculated.

f.  Unavailable

g. (U) On occasion, an applicant may learn informally of a possible ineligibility.  If, after being informed of the apparent ineligibility, the applicant decides not to make a formal application, then that situation does not constitute a formal refusal, and it must not be reported as such.  A quasi-refusal entry, however, may be appropriate.  If so, the consular section must enter the name of the applicant into the Consular Lookout and Support System (CLASS) as indicated in 9 FAM 303.3.

9 FAM 403.10-4  (U) Overcoming or Waiving Refusals

(CT:VISA-1300;   06-07-2021)

(U) INA 291 places the burden of proof on the applicant to establish eligibility to receive a visa.  However, the applicant is entitled to present evidence to overcome a presumption or finding of ineligibility.  It is the policy of the U.S. Government to give the applicant every reasonable opportunity to establish eligibility to receive a visa.  This policy is the basis for the review of refusals at consular offices and by the Department.  It is in keeping with the spirit of American justice and fairness.  Regarding cases involving classified information, the cooperation accorded the applicant must, of course, be consistent with security considerations, within the reasonable, non-arbitrary, exercise of discretion in the subjective judgments required under INA 214(b) and 221(g).

9 FAM 403.10-4(A)  (U) Reapplication Procedures

(CT:VISA-1764;   05-01-2023)

a. (U) Previously refused visa applicants may reapply any time, using the same procedures as first-time applicants.  See 9 FAM 403.2-6(A) for more information on managing applications from previously refused applicants.

b. (U) Reactivation of Case Refused Under INA 221(g):  An applicant who has been refused under INA 221(g) need not complete a new NIV application form or pay the machine readable visa (MRV) fee again if less than one year has elapsed since the latest refusal.  When the requested information is submitted by the applicant or the necessary clearances received, you should note the new information or results of the clearance process, and issue or refuse the visa.  If one year or more has elapsed since the latest refusal, the applicant must submit a new Form DS-160 and pay the MRV fee again for the case to proceed.  If the cause of the delay leading to the 221(g) refusal is a lack of U.S. Government action or U.S. Government error the period of reapplication is extended indefinitely.  Hence, the MRV fee is not charged again when the application is pursued.

9 FAM 403.10-4(B)  (U) Overcoming Post Refusals

(CT:VISA-1764;   05-01-2023)

a. (U) You should find that an applicant has overcome an NIV refusal under INA 221(g) in two instances: when the applicant has presented additional evidence that allows you to re-open and re-adjudicate the case, or when the administrative processing on a case is completed.  An NIV applicant missing a Form I-20 when applying for an F-1 visa, for instance, should be refused INA 221(g) pending presentation of that certificate (see 9 FAM 403.10-3(A) for guidance on INA 221g refusals).  When the applicant returns with the document, you should overcome the previous refusal, allowing the case to be adjudicated.

b. (U) Similarly, if an applicant refused under INA 212(a)(4) later presents sufficient evidence to overcome the public charge ineligibility, you should process the case to completion. 

c.  Unavailable

d. (U) In general, you should not find that an applicant has overcome a refusal under INA 214(b) in the same application.  Most INA 214(b) cases are refused because the applicant has not convinced the officer of their intent to return abroad after their stay in the United States, as required under INA 101(a)(15)(B) (see 9 FAM 402.2-2(C) and 9 FAM 302.1-2(B)).  As such, the only way to reassess the applicant's eligibility would be for the applicant to reapply.  In this situation, you should create a new case in the system.

e. (U) However, Overcome/Waive (O/W) may be appropriate for INA 214(b) cases when a supervisor believes the INA 214(b) refusal was in error; for example, if you did not believe the applicant fit the standards of the NIV classification for which they had applied (see 9 FAM 302.1-2(B)(1)).  If a supervisor overcomes such a case, they should discuss it with the refusing officer and take personal responsibility for the case.  See 9 FAM 403.12-2 for adjudication review procedures.

9 FAM 403.10-4(C)  Waiving an NIV Ineligibility

(CT:VISA-1850;   10-16-2023)

(U) There is no waiver available for refusals under INA 214(b) and INA 221(g).  DHS has the authority to waive most other IV and NIV ineligibilities.  INA 212(d)(3)(A) waivers in NIV cases require an initial waiver recommendation from you or the Department.  See 9 FAM 305.1 through 9 FAM 305.4 for information about IV and NIV waivers.

UNCLASSIFIED (U)