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Unlike other countries, the U.S. has many different types of visas. For example, the country distinguishes between nonimmigrant visas (work visas, visitor visas, student visas, etc.) and immigrant visas (Green Cards). These individual visa categories are each divided into specific sub-categories. For example, the work visa is issued in the categories E, L, H-1B, etc. It is important to consider in advance which category the applicant qualifies for.

Usually U.S. law requires that visa applicants be granted an interview at a U.S. consulate. Once all information on the relevant visa application is submitted, the application can be finally approved or rejected.
The U.S. law contains many provisions about the circumstances by which visa applications are rejected. A visa denial may take place when
- the U.S. consular authorities fail to receive all required documents or information,
- the applicant does not qualify for the visa that was applied for,
- or information has been presented that disqualifies the applicant falls on the basis of so-called grounds of ineligibility  or inadmissibility.
These grounds concern past circumstances, such as drug abuse or crime, that would prevent the applicant from qualifying for the visa that was applied for.  If the visa application is denied, the applicant is usually told the reason for the denial and the relevant law, which provides the basis for the refusal. There are numerous reasons why a visa many be denied (visa ineligibilities). These are found in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). In certain cases of denial, travelers may apply for a so-called waiver, which allows the U.S. visa to be approved under certain conditions.

A visa denial under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) occurs when the consular officer fails to receive all of the information necessary to make a decision to issue the visa by the time of the personal interview. The visa will be rejected accordingly for the time being. A temporary rejection may be issued for two reasons:
- The application is incomplete and additional documents must be submitted.
- A more detailed review (administrative processing) is necessary.
In both cases, the applicant shall be informed of the next steps in advance and shall additionally receive a document with instructions or guidelines detailing further actions to take.

Certain applicants will not generally qualify for a U.S. visa. The reasons why visas may not be granted to certain persons in principle are called the grounds of ineligibility or inadmissibility (visa ineligibilities), and these grounds are listed in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).

Applicants who have a U.S. visa that expired recently or will expire in the near future may under certain conditions participate in the Visa Reissuance Program, which expedites the process of submitting a new application to the U.S. authorities. Under the Visa Reissuance Program the visa application is submitted by mail to the consulate, thereby bypassing the personal appearance requirement.

The Voluntary Service Program is an organized form of volunteer work, which is undertaken by religious or non-profit organizations (with tax-exempt status) with the aim of assisting those in need and/or the poor.  When applying to participate in a voluntary service program, the applicant should specify the beginning and end as well as the duration and scope of voluntary activity. Whether a U.S. visa is required depends on the length of stay or the nationality. Those who wish to participate for more than 90 days must apply for a B-1 visa.

Nationals of certain countries can travel to the U.S. without a visa under the so-called Visa Waiver Program. Travelers are allowed to travel to the U.S. under the Visa Waiver Program for up to 90 days for limited tourist and business purposes. However, you must first ask for an ESTA clearance with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).