As many of you know, Biden signed a Proclamation banning travelers from India to enter US due to the worsening situation with COVID in India on April 30th. To get US visa stamping done during this travel ban period, you need National Interest Exception(NIE) or you need to be part of the Exceptions as listed in the Travel Ban Proclamation.
Many users, applied for NIE using a letter from their company and were able to get the stamping done. But, for some who did not have NIE or it was not clear to the Visa Officer, a 221(g) administrative processing form was issued. In this article, we will review those samples and what they mean, and some context around them.
Before we get into details of 221g, in context of National Interest exception, let’s briefly review what is 221g.
What is 221g form – Refused for Administrative Processing ?
US Consulates, when they need additional information regarding the visa application or need to verify something on their side, they issue a form that says “Your case was refused under section 221(g) of Immigration Nationality Act(INA)“. It is usually called ‘refused for administrative processing’. Depending on the reason for 221(g), you may be asked to submit some documents to the consulate. Sometimes, they do not ask for anything and just say your case requires administrative processing.
If you were to be issued 221g form, there is nothing that you can do. All you can do is wait. There is no estimated time for processing if you were to be issued a 221g form. If it is a simple check, usually the response is quick like few days to few weeks. But, if something is not clear, it can be stuck in that stage for months. You can read more on What is 221(g) for US Visa ?Issues, FAQs
What is 221(g) form issued around National Interest Exception(NIE) ?
Since the US travel ban kicked in, many of the pending visa applications that were in the process received administrative processing 221g forms. Also, many users, who attended US Visa interviews and could not demonstrate that they fall under National Interest Exception(NIE), were issued 221g Forms asking to submit proof that tells they qualify for NIE.
NIE Approval for US Visa Interview Appointment: Since the US Travel Ban started in early May 2021, applicants planning to get visa interview appointments for H1B, H4, or others need to first request for Emergency US Visa Appointment based National Interest Exception. The applicant needs to fall under certain criteria as listed on the Official US Dept of State Website to get NIE.
221g Issued at Visa Interview: If the consulate approves the NIE request, then they can attend the Visa interview. The ultimate decision for issuance of US Visa under NIE is up to the Visa Officer. They would determine the same during the visa interview if the applicant really qualifies for NIE or not. In some cases, when they are not clear, they also issue 221g form at that time as well.
Let’s now look at some samples of the same and what they mean
2 Sample 221g given for H1B Dropbox Submission
Below are the two 221g white forms and slips that were issued by the US consulate for a couple of our users who applied for H1B Visa Renewal using the Dropbox option. This was issued around June 20, 2021. . This does not give any additional information to the user to submit anything. Just says text Presidential Proclamation as a reason.
Sample 221g Issued for H4 Visa Stamping asking NIE of Spouse
Below is the sample 221g form issued at US Consulate in Mumbai for a H4 Visa holder, who submitted for Visa renewal using Dropbox option. In this 221g, it is clear that the user was asked to submit ‘Husband’s Approval NIE‘. The background for this is that, for a dependent holder to get visa under NIE, the principal applicant need to be qualified for NIE.
Sample 221g Issued at In-Person Interview H1B – NIE
Below is sample 221g that was issued at US Consulate in Delhi for H1B Visa stamping. It has Consular officer comments that say, ” Please provide proof of qualification for the current national Interest Exemption“. For this case, the user needs to submit the NIE letter proof that is convincing to the Visa officer.
3 Sample 221g Issued for H1B Dropbox – Proclamation
Below is 3 sample 221g forms that were issued at Hyderabad Consulate for H1B Visa Dropbox submission. Two of them are in white color, the other one is in Blue color. It states that the user needs to submit documentation to the Hyderabad consulate via email to be eligible for further process.
Sample 221g for H1B Regular Visa Appointment – No NIE
Below is a sample 221g form that was given for an H1B Visa applicant at Chennai for Regular Visa Stamping for not having NIE. If you see the below 221g white form, it shows that the applicant got admin processing due to the proclamation in effect and needs to apply after the ban is lifted.
Did you get 221g form due to US Travel Ban or lack of National Interest Exception ? What action did you take ? Share your thoughts and experiences in comments below.
Visa status changed from Refused to Administrative Processing after submitting docs on receiving mail from consulate after Nov 8th, when does it change as Issued ? was anyones visa issued for 221g NIE exception
Hi Shaik,
Can you please share email id you got from ?
Would be helpful for others to search in mails,if missed by anyone.
Thank you
Did you get any email or directly went and submitted the passport.
please let me know your inputs
Thanks
Did anyone receive passport after submitting with 221g, Letter from Consulate PP revocation. My status still shows refused and I have submitted it 2 days back
Did you get any email or directly went and submitted the passport.
please let me know your inputs
Thanks
I got a mail …
Thanks, from which consulate you have processed and you got email from same consulate.
Thanks,
Sridhar Narra
Hi All,
I have been asked to submit my passport post 221(g) form and doc submission.
I have to go to a VFS. Has anyone submitted passport at VFS recently?
Did you get an appointment for VFS or was it a walk in ?
Please help .
Thanks
Hello Rahul,
Did u send any email to them for your 221(g) status ??
(or)
Have they reached you automatically post (8 Nov 2021) ban lift ??
Please reply
Hello Rahul,
Have they reached you via email to submit passport and doc submission for your 221g ??
Did u send email about your 221(g) status to consulate ??
(or)
Did they reach you automatically post (08 Nov 2021) travel ban lift ??
Hi Rahul,
What did consulate team asked you to submit ?
Only passport & 221g slip ? Or any other documents?
When was your visa interview ?
It would very helpful for all,if you can provide more information.
Thank you in advance
Ravi
Rahul,
Did the consulate reach out to you? Or did you email them? Did they give you some kind of letter? Because per the consulate seminar that happened couple days ago. you are not required to book an appointment if you got a 221g due to PP 10199.
Any update on 221g due to PP, was anyone able to dropbox documents today ?
My visa got rejected with saying that “Please submit your passport through VAC after presidental proclamation 10199 is removed.” – what should i do ?..
Since travel ban is lifted, can i go to any VAC and submit my passport –
No update, I tried to email them and waiting on a reply. Did you try to drop documents without an apointment? Or did someone do anything differently? Thanks
i also got the 221(g) for national interest and i have been waiting for six months now in India. once the embassy opens will they call for interview or we have to approach them ? Do we still get the dropbox appointment or go for regular visa appointment ?
Hi Kumar,
The Same happened for us as well, we received a white slip and asked to send passports for stamping post lifting the ban. Any idea if dropping a mail to the consulate will help?…or how can we proceed?
Hey,
Same thing happened to me. Can you send me your contact details at kapiladatiya@live.in so that we can stay in touch?
Hello,
My wife is on the same boat. Received a white slip 221(g) asking to wait until the ban lifts and then reach out to them or they will reach out. With the recent news of travel ban lifting.
Anyone if got any luck please do share or a good way to approach this after the ban lifts. Thank you.
Hey Kapil and Kumar,
It happened to me also in same way. Could you please in touch with me on +1 848 219 3258 WhatsApp.
Thanks,
Siva.
Hi Siva/kapil/kumar
Do you have any update on the visa situation ?
Hi DS,
Did u hear back anything from consulate on this
Not yet. I am not sure what would be the next steps after the ban lifts.
I think if we wait on the consulate to contact us it would take a while. Maybe we should reach out to support India (that might take a while as well). Another option would be to opt for another drop box appointment for the same DS 160 application #.
Did anyone else try something new please comment. thanks.
Hi Varun, How are you going to process once travel ban is lifted ? Are you planning to schedule new appointment with existing DS160 by paying fee ? Please advise if you have any information. Thank you in advance
Hi Varun, Abhishek
Same boat, any idea what steps need to be followed?
Thanks,
Anuradha
No Response yet from the consulate. I dropped them an email. I will let you know if I get a response. Meanwhile if someone else in the same situation and does something different let us know. Thanks
No nothing yet
I am thinking to follow up with an email to supportindia stating the situation and the white slip that mentions (to contact them after the ban lifts). Taking another appointment would significantly delay this I believe since there are no appointments available. Thoughts?
Hi Kumar,
Any update on how to proceed?
Hi Kumar,
I received 221g issued at Hyderabad for Presidential Proclamation on June 8, currently when check the status it says “Refused”.
But I didnt receive any update from the US Consulate, do I need to reachout to them or have to wait till then.
i also received 221g at Hyderabad for Presidential Proclamation on Sep 1, currently when check the status it says “Refused”.I got my passport back today i need to submit documents and request for interview again.
Hi Reetu,
happened same to me. Have you sent documents and requested for interview?
Please let me know whats your status.
Hi Reetu,
What documents are you submitting in-order to schedule the interview?
Hi VijayVarma,
I am in same situation, received 221 g on July 10 due to Presidential Proclamation and returned the passport without stamping. Till now did not get any response.
Did you get any update in your case? Any suggestions how to proceed further?
No update on the case from consulate. Even my company attorney is not sure what steps to be taken to move future. Just waiting for consulate to respond.
Hi Vijay,
Any update on your case?
I also have the same situation, got 221g for presidential proclamation.
What should we do in this case?
Any update guys? even I am in same boat and not sure what needs to be done
This is the response I got from support on Oct 13th:
your visa application was refused under section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act until such time as the PP 10199 is no longer in effect. This determination is made based on your current purpose of travel. If the suspensions are lifted and you want to continue pursuing your visa application, you may contact the Nonimmigrant Visa Unit at support-india@ustraveldocs.com to request that a consular officer reconsider your application.
If anyone has any other info regarding this, please share
Thank you
Hi Rakesh, same situation here, attended an interview on July 20, didn’t received any reply yet, appreciate if you could give me your contact info so that we can stay in touch.
Hi Rakesh,
same thing happened to me could you please Whatsapp me on +1 848 219 3258 to stay in touch.
Hi Vijay,
same thing happend to me, received 221g on PP, can i have your contact info, so that we can stay in touch.
Hi RJ,
Did you get any update on your case ?
Not Yet Kush. can i have your contact info
Hi RJ,
+13476855283
I got the same response as well, i guess we have to wait for the news to be updated officially in travel.state.gov
Same situation received 221g white slip staying no NIE waiting for update
did you write to support and was there any response ?
I got 221g for presidential proclamation 10199, on my H1B visa from Chennai Consulate (drop box appointment). The 221g states that, I submit NIE letter or submit a well document evidence of being exempted from presidential proclamation, 10199. My kid is a US citizen and is currently living the US. I am stuck here in India. I am planning to submit my kid’s proof of citizenship, to prove my exemption from the ban, without a NIE letter. Any thoughts? I appreciate any inputs.
I am in same situation. Could you tell me what you did ? or any updates ?
Thanks
I have not submitted yet. I will update once I have something.
Sure.Thanks
Hey, my visa is issued. I submitted my kid’s proof of citizenship along with few other documents like health insurance card (has my name and kid’s). There is no NIE annotation on mine.
Sure. Thanks
I traveled without any issues, and reached US last weekend.
Hi Maarav, I am in the same situation. How did you submit your kids proof of citizenship and requested them to reconsider your application? I sent an email to support-india@ustraveldocs.com but they replied me that they will contact me if they need further information.
H1b Drop box at Mumbai, got 221g stated as PP ban (as the first screenshot). I just received NIE letter , can i email the letter to Embassy?
Hi Praveen,
Have you received any update for your case? I recently submitted my drop box on 8th July and got the same 221g response.
Thanks,
Satya
Hi Praveen, I wasnted to see if you managed to re-submit your application. If so, could you please let me know the steps you have taken, Thanks in advance!
Hi Praveen,
I am also in same boat. I got NIE letter from my employer today and i don’t know how to submit to consulate. Could you please contact me 9381014064 or contact me on my US whatsapp +1 848 219 3258
Hi Praveen,
I am also in same boat. I got NIE letter from my employer today. how should we send it to consulate could you please contact me on whatsapp +1 848 219 3258 to get in touch or email sivakasigothram@gmail.com
Hi Kumar,
I attended my H1B visa interview on 13th July 21 in Mumbai consulate. I was issued the 221g citing presidential proclamation although I was carrying the NIE document with me and the officer had a look at my NIE documents as well. What should I do further shall I write back to the consulate to reconsider my case or shall I re-apply in some other consulate.
Thanks.
Hi Ishan, How did it went? My wife attended H4 interview with NIE of primary applicant, Consular had a look and said its an application ,not the NIE approval and issued 221g. Any idea what should be my next steps?
Hello Venky,
The same happened with my wife in Chennai this week. Can we connect ? What have you done since the 221g was issued to her ?
My wife got a 221g white slip from the Chennai consulate yesterday since my I797 petition was not found in PIMS. I have contacted my attorney for help and waiting. Hopefully it gets cleared soon. Why was 221g issued in your wife’s case, Amit?
The Same happened for us as well, we received a white slip and asked to send passports for stamping post lifting the ban. Any idea if dropping a mail to the consulate will help?…or how can we proceed?
Hello Venky
Do you have have an any updates on your for the H4 application?
Travelling in the same boat. Can someone suggest me what to do? Wait until the ban is lifted or email to embassy I have NIE letters and my interview is done but passport return due to PP ban asked me to come after that and submit my passport.
Hi Ishan,
Same situation I also had NIE letter andI submitted to consulate but she refused my NIE letter and she gave me 221g white slip (first image of this article). Now what should I do. Any idea about it? Should pay visa fees another time and attend interview? Please any have answer of this question please contact me through my email id: bharatnavadiya96@gmail.com
Hi Bharat,
Any update on your case?
Same situation… waiting for the update not sure what’s the next step
Hello Kumar,
really need your help on this please reply with you comments, i have been stuck in india due to this pandemic i can’t travel to US, currently i am on H1-B Visa which is expiring in 2022 and i got realized that my current passport is expiring on September 2021 which is exactly 2 months from now. And on this same passport i got my visa stamp and i am trying to apply for NIE to travel back to US in august if i got approval.
1. Can i travel with the my current one month expiring passport ?
2. Do i need to renew my passport ? and travel back?
3. If i renew my passport is there any complications while travelling and with my visa?
4. Do i need to go for stamping again?
can you please advise here, it will be really helpful.
“I got realized “
Received a 221g white slip from Mumbai just like the first image in this series (pres proclamation). However I have a US citizen child. I sent an email to support-india ustraveldocs email address with birth certificate details. Is there any other email or phone number I can follow up on?
Did you get any reply?
Did you get any reply ?
I am in the same situation. Did you get any reply? Did you submit your child’s proof of citizenship, passports and requested them to reconsider your application?
Hello, Anyone received NIE approval from Mumbai recently ? If so, when did you apply ?
I applied for NIE on June 14th to Mumbai Consulate and sent 3 reminders so far but haven’t received approval yet.
Hi, any word on your case yet? I applied yesterday, and haven’t seen a lot of success stories or swift action from Mumbai
Hello I’ve appeared for my F1 visa interview at Mumbai consulate on 7th July. After my interview, the consular handed me back my passport with 221g white slip which is the first sample in this web page. I was refused under PP 10199 who pose a risk of transmitting coronavirus. No documents were asked to submit. My university start date is nearing. I’ve emailed the ustravel docs team but no response. What can I probably do at this point? Can I apply for F1 visa again at different consulate? Or will this 221g gets a decision anytime soon? Please share your opinion. Thank you
Hi
I attended VISA Interview (DROPBOX) at chennai location on 4th April. Status changed to Refused on April 15th and My passport returned with 221(g) white requesting Clint letter.
I sent client letter on MAY 5th, But I did not get any response till now. I don’t get any acknowledgement number when I sent mail. Just got below Auto response.
In 221(g) they mentioned Submit this letter with required documents in any of 5 VAC or 6 VFS location.
They check marked ‘ Please Submit your PASSPORT at one of the VISA application center or VFS location.
Can I walk into VAC or VFS location and submit Client letter and Passport.
Auto Reply from Consulate when I Sent client letter on May 5th.
“Dear Applicant,
Greetings from U.S. Consulate General, Chennai.
Thank you for your email. We will update your record with the information provided.
The U.S. Consulate in Chennai is providing limited appointments for routine non-immigrant visa processing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will resume regular visa services as soon as possible, but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. We kindly request that you do not send inquiries about the status of your case during this period.
Thank you for your patience and understanding.”
.
Hi Surendra,
I’m in same boat. On which mail id you have been send mail with NIE letter ?
Hi . Did you follow up and got any response back ?
Hi Kumar,
I have travelled to India in 2nd week of April and submitted my documents in Dropbox for H1B restamping in Chennai. Consulate issued white 221G letter on 3rd May stating to come for an interview once normal services are resumed and Do Not Book an appointment. I’ve called US travel docs support on 30th June and they said I can go for the interview. When I went to Chennai, officer outside consulate told me to book an appointment. I’ve called support again and they said I should he able to see an option in my profile to book follow up appointment and asked me to drop an email, on email I’ve got same auto generated email that normal services are not resumed yet.
Questions-
1) Are Normal services resumed yet? I could see people were in queue with normal appointment.
2) How will I be able to solve this Schedule Follow Up appointment problem?
Hi,
I attended my H1 visa interview at New Delhi on 12th april 2021 and was issued a 221g white slip (to get a medical checkup done by panel physicians) because I had a DUI 10 years ago. I got it done and submitted reports along with my passport on 22nd April but still no update. I work for a government client which comes under critical infrastructure. I also have a letter from client manager as well. Can I request the consulate for a NIE in my case and if yes, how can i do it?
Can someone please advise?
SV.
Hi,
I have 2 questions
1) I’m new F1 holder(visa got in Feb 2021) and come under NIE as my classes start after 1st Aug. I had applied with family and have F2 visa for spouse Can my spouse travel as accompanying derivative with me or I need to apply for NIE for spouse separately.
2) We had a baby in March. When both parents have visa then baby’s visa is guaranteed?
I Applied for my newborns F2 visa on 18th June through Dropbox at Mumbai
Got 221g white slip and another slip that our baby is not eligible for NIE and we should contact after ban lifted.
As I understand if primary visa holders is granted NIE then accompanying derivative is also covered and need not apply for NIE separately. Right?
Then my newborn baby is my accompanying derivative. Why is she given 221g and presidential proclamation slip.
Can I send A NIE request to remove her from 221g because of Presidental Proclamation as I believe she is covered under my F1 and also family separation case.
Kindly clarify
Hi Kumar,
Can you guide me?
I came to Mumbai with my wife and US citizen kid for Dropbox appointment related H1 and H4 visa extension on June 23rd, 2021. My current visa expired on Feb 2020.
I have a approved I-797 petition. We did Dropbox and got refused status on CEAC website on 25th June. We wrote back once to consulate through Support-India and got the same reply saying we are not exempt under PP 10199 which is shocking to me.
Do you have any guess what is going wrong?
Thanks
Shri,
You should write to consulate by attaching the proofs. These usually need to be given by the consulate. Also, reach out to ustraveldocs again, sometimes, they have less trained staff. They are contractors.
Can you please share the email address for the Delhi Consulate. I am facing a similar issue but my DropBox was in Delhi.
My kids are US born and are under 18 years and I am NIE exempt due to that. Do I still need NIE letter from my employer?
Ehtesham,
No, you dont need anything.
Hi Kumar,
I am selected in 2022 H1b lottery, my petition is filed and approved by USCIS, can i go for VISA stamping. Employer comes under waste water treatment category (NIE). Due India ban, i am not clear what to do. I don’t wish to take risk of rejection.
Thanks,
Sagar
Sagar,
You could, if your job duties require your physical presence or if the category falls under the 16 sectors. Check the blog, we have article that talks about this.
you need to work with your employer and get this sorted out.
Some of these are subjective and there is no definitive yes for everything.
Hi Kumar,
I have a query, i am holding valid H1B, currently in India and never been to US.
My visa is valid until Aug 2023 with employer A and now employer B is showing interest to transfer H1B since they have urgent requirement. Employer A is kept calm after my stamping and not clear on travel date so is it a good idea transfer my H1? Is there any issue? Please advise
Venkat,
There is no issue as such. You could transfer if you had stamping already done. Usually USCIS looks for H1B status for transfer. If the company B is willing to go for it, you can try.
If we got the 221g form in the droobox appointment, does that mean we need to again schedule an appointment once the Ban will get lifted and again appear for the dropbox or in person interview?
Jyoti,
Once the ban is lifted, then you can reach out to the consulate to see, if they can reconsider your application and process your application. If you see the forms given, it tells the same to either email consulate or ustraveldocs support.