Are applications kept on file if a visa is not granted ?

Answer 1

Many countries now have electronic lookout files like that of the U.S. Department of State. Alternatively or in addition, consular officers (other than American) place a distinctive code in your passport. Or they may stamp it "visa applied for". With respect to the UK, you can see pictures of sample stamps and coding in the JCWI Immigration, Nationality & Refugee Law Handbook: http://www.jcwi.org.uk/publications/jcwihandbook.html

Many years ago a Middle Eastern acquaintance asked me for visa advice. I gave him only one piece of advice: never lie to the consul. You don't have to volunteer information not asked for (more people have gone to the gallows for volunteering information than for any other mistake) but don't lie.

Some weeks later he rang me back and said he'd been refused, and "What do I do now?". It turned out he'd lied to the US consular officer and been found out. He claimed to have followed the advice of his attorney in lying. I told him his act was now in the computer file and he was out of luck.

Answer 2

I presume you mean US visas.

Yes. The physical application forms are retained indefinitely. The comlete electronic record is also kept indefinitely (records now go back 10 years) and is available worldwide from the moment the refusal is performed.