Okuzeka
Immigration & Visas vocabulary · Decisions, Refusals & Appeals

Refusal

Meaning in immigration & visas, with examples

/rɪˈfjuːzəl/nounCore term

In immigration & visas, refusal means: A negative decision on an application, meaning the visa, permit or status you asked for has not been granted.

In Turkish: ret, vize reddi, olumsuz karar

How it is used

The authorities send a refusal letter or refusal notice explaining the reasons and whether you can appeal. Application forms often ask "Have you ever been refused a visa?" The verb is refuse; in US English you will also see deny and denial.

Example sentences

  1. The refusal letter said the officer was not satisfied that I would leave at the end of my visit.

  2. A previous refusal doesn't automatically mean your next application will fail.

Common collocations

  • visa refusal
  • refusal letter
  • grounds for refusal
  • receive a refusal
  • previous refusal
  • approvalA positive decision on an application, meaning the visa, permit or status you asked for has been granted.
  • appealA formal request to a higher authority or a tribunal to change a decision, such as a visa refusal or a deportation order.
  • reapplyTo make a new application after an earlier one was refused or withdrawn, or after a permission has expired.
  • deny entryTo refuse to let a person into a country at the border, even if they have a visa or come from a visa-free country.
  • visa applicationA formal request for a visa, made up of a completed form, the required documents, the fee and often an appointment to give fingerprints.

More terms: Decisions, Refusals & Appeals

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This page explains English vocabulary for learners. It is not legal advice.