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What Does It Mean To Have A U.S. B1/B2 Visa Canceled Without Prejudice?

"Cancelled without prejudice" means cancellation for a technical reason that won't affect reapplication. Embassy or Consulate stamp for visa mistakes or duplicates won't void other visas or prevent obtaining another visa. For a guaranteed hassle-free US visa application, look no further than Visas for Future. We will confidently lead you through each step of the process.

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When a U.S. B1/B2 visa is Canceled Without Prejudice (CWOP), it means that the individual can apply for a new visa in the future without additional hurdles due to the previous cancellation. It means that CWOP is usually stamped or written on a US Visa to indicate a clerical error or a mistake in the issued US visa or if there is a duplicate visa of the same type on the passport or some other similar reason. 

Common Impacts of having “Cancelled Without Prejudice”:

  • The “Cancelled without prejudice” stamp on an old expired US Visa does not affect the validity of the other US visas on your passport.
  • It does not impact your general US Visa or US entry profile.
  • It does not impact your future of applying for any US Visa.
  • You may not be eligible for drop box stamping for renewals.
  • The “without prejudice” status denotes a procedural matter and not the applicant’s eligibility or trustworthiness, which preserves their ability to visit the United States in the future.

It is crucial for the applicant to provide precise information during the reapplication process and address any issues that led to the previous cancellation.1

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What are the reasons for a US B1/B2 visa canceled without prejudice?

When a US B1/B2 visa is canceled “without prejudice,” it doesn’t necessarily mean that your overall eligibility for obtaining a visa in the future is affected. However, understanding why your visa was canceled can help you avoid similar issues in the future.

Below are some of the common reasons anyone can get a “Cancelled Without Prejudice” (CWOP) stamp or text on their US Visa:

  • Canceled Without Prejudice Stamped on Valid or Expired US Visa by US Consulates
    • During US visa stamping, a “Cancelled Without Prejudice” stamp may be put on your valid or expired US visa by the visa or consular officer. This stamp may be put on any type of visa and is not a denial of your application.
  • Canceled Without Prejudice Written on Expired US Visa
    • When leaving the US, a CBP or TSA officer may write “CWOP” on your passport to indicate that you need a new visa to re-enter the country. This is not common but has been reported at Seattle Airport since early 2022 on expired visa stamps.
  • Mistake or Duplicate Visa
    • If there is an error on your US visa or if it is a duplicate, it may be canceled without prejudice. This can happen whether you are applying for a new visa or if CBP identifies it. In such cases, you will see a stamp indicating the cancellation without prejudice.
  • US Visas No longer valid or usable
    • If a US visa has expired and is no longer valid, a “Canceled Without Prejudice” stamp may be placed on it. The purpose of this stamp is to prevent the visa from being used again in the future and to require the passport holder to obtain a new US visa if they wish to re-enter the country.
  • Damaged Passport or US Visa
    • If your passport or US visa is damaged, the visa officer at the consulate may stamp “Cancelled Without Prejudice” on your passport to prevent fraudulent use of the visa. To issue a new US visa, the US consular officer will ask you to submit a new passport.

Consequences and Effects of US B1/B2 Visa Canceled Without Prejudice

While having a US B1/B2 visa canceled “without prejudice” doesn’t automatically impact your future eligibility, it’s essential to understand the potential consequences and effects:

Immediate Effects:

  • Loss of current visa: You can no longer use the canceled visa to enter the US.
  • Travel disruption: If you had planned travel using this visa, your plans would be disrupted.
  • Inconvenience and cost: You must reapply for a new visa, incurring application fees and processing time.

Potential Future Effects:

  • Increased scrutiny: Future visa applications might receive closer scrutiny by immigration officials, especially if the reason for the cancellation was unclear or involved multiple occurrences.
  • Delays in processing: This increased scrutiny could lead to longer processing times for your future visa application.
  • Negative perception: Even though “without prejudice” means no negative judgment, immigration officials might still question the reason for cancellation, especially if the cause is unclear.
  • Potential impact on other visa applications: While unlikely, a canceled B1/B2 visa could raise concerns for different types of visas like work visas or green cards.

Important to remember:

  • Each case is unique: These are potential consequences, but the impact depends on your specific situation, the reason for cancellation, and how you address it.
  • Transparency is key: Be honest and upfront about the canceled visa in your future application and explain the reason clearly.
  • Consult an immigration attorney: They can assess your situation and offer tailored advice on minimizing potential adverse effects.

While visa cancellations “without prejudice” are minor issues, they shouldn’t be taken lightly. Understanding the potential consequences can help you make informed decisions and navigate the reapplication process effectively.

How to avoid the US visa cancellation without prejudice?

Avoiding a US B1/B2 visa cancellation “without prejudice” entirely is not always possible, as technical or administrative mistakes are sometimes unavoidable. However, here are some tips to minimize the chances:

Before Applying:

  • Do your research: Thoroughly understand the visa requirements and application process.
  • Double-check everything: Carefully review your application form for inaccuracies, typos, or incomplete information. Ensure you’ve included all required documents and submitted them in the correct format.
  • Pay attention to passport validity: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.
  • Seek professional help: Consider consulting an immigration attorney, especially if your situation is complex or you have any concerns.

During the Application Process:

  • Be truthful and transparent: Answer all questions honestly and directly. Do not withhold any information that could raise suspicion.
  • Present yourself professionally: Dress appropriately and be respectful during your visa interview.
  • Avoid unnecessary explanations: Stick to concise and direct answers to questions. Only volunteer information is required.
  • Maintain composure: Stay calm and confident throughout the interview process.

Additional Tips:

  • Keep organized records: Document everything related to your visa application, including the application form, supporting documents, and communication with the embassy or consulate.
  • Track changes in visa policies: Stay updated on any changes in US visa regulations or requirements that might affect your application.
  • Be patient: Visa processing can take time. Avoid pressuring the embassy or consulate for a faster decision.

Remember: Even with these precautions, mistakes or unforeseen circumstances can occur. If your visa is still canceled “without prejudice,” understand the reason, address it accordingly, and seek professional guidance when needed. Following these tips can increase your chances of a smooth and successful visa application process.

What Happens If Your US Visa Is Cancelled?

A canceled US visa means the visa is no longer valid for entry into the United States.

Two main situations can lead to a canceled visa:

1. Revocation: This is the more severe scenario where the US Department of State invalidates a previously issued visa due to a violation of US immigration law or other serious concerns. Reasons for revocation can include:

  • Providing false or misleading information on the visa application.
  • Engaging in criminal activity within the US or abroad.
  • Overstaying the authorized period of stay in the US.
  • Violating the terms of your visa type.
  • Being deemed inadmissible to the US on security or safety grounds.

2. Cancellation: This happens when the visa-issuing authority determines that the visa was issued in error or due to new information that came to light after issuance. This generally does not imply any wrongdoing on the part of the visa holder, but they still cannot use the canceled visa to enter the US.

Consequences of a Cancelled Visa:

  • Inability to enter the US: You will be denied entry at the border if you attempt to use a canceled visa.
  • Difficulty obtaining a new visa: Depending on the reason for cancellation, getting a new visa could be challenging, potentially requiring additional documentation, interviews, or waiting periods.
  • Impact on future immigration applications: A canceled visa could raise red flags for future visa applications or other immigration benefits.

Steps to Take After a Cancelled Visa:

  • Please consult with an immigration attorney: They can help you understand the specific reasons for the cancellation and advise you on your options for obtaining a new visa.
  • Gather evidence to address the reasons for cancellation: If the cancellation was due to an error or outdated information, provide the necessary documentation to disprove it.
  • Be honest and transparent in future applications: Disclose any past visa cancellations and provide truthful information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my B1/B2 visa be Cancelled when I apply for an F1?

No, your existing B1/B2 visa will not automatically be canceled just because you applied for an F1 visa.

How do I know if my US visa has been Cancelled?

To check if your US visa has been canceled, you can use various methods, including checking online portals like CEAC and VOAS or checking for email notifications from the consulate/embassy or the US Department of State.

How many times can I get a B1/B2 visa?

You can apply for a B1/B2 visa multiple times, but each application is reviewed separately, and previous approvals don’t guarantee future success.


  1. Visitor Visa. (2023, December 1). Travel.state.gov. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html []

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James Abel Diego
Written by

James Abel Diego is a content writer at Visas for Future who is an expert in travel and visa policies for Turkey, India, Colombia and Egypt. He is an Education graduate who is inclined with passion in writing informative content. He has been in several training sessions making him more of value in content and fulfilling customer orders efficiently. James maintains his understanding of visa processing by executing real visa orders once per quarter.

Glen Vidania
Managed by Glen Vidania

Glen Vidania is the Content Manager at Visas for Future, a company that offers online visa services for eco-friendly travelers. He is a certified Content Marketer and an experienced academic writer. He writes and promotes content that is informative, engaging, and relevant to the readers. He had work experience and gained skills in writing articles, data entry, SEO email marketing, and guest posting. He is also an expert in applying for visas for Turkey and India.

Glen Vidania
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MLA Style

Diego, James Abel. "What Does It Mean To Have A U.S. B1/B2 Visa Canceled Without Prejudice?." Visas For Future, https://www.visasforfuture.com/what-does-it-mean-to-have-a-u-s-b1-b2-visa-canceled-without-prejudice/. Accessed on 15 October 2023.

Chicago Style

Diego, James Abel. "What Does It Mean To Have A U.S. B1/B2 Visa Canceled Without Prejudice?." Visas For Future. October 15, 2023. https://www.visasforfuture.com/what-does-it-mean-to-have-a-u-s-b1-b2-visa-canceled-without-prejudice/.

Published: 15 Oct 2023 10:49 UTC

Last modified: 23 Mar 2024 20:51 UTC

Reading time: 9 minutes

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