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Why US Visa Status on CEAC says Refused for 221g ? Dropbox ? Visa Interview ?

When you check your US Visa Stamping Status online, there are some cases, where the online status on the CEAC website shows as “Refused“, even though the consular officer said after the interview that it was approved. You may also see the same status after you dropped off documents for US Visa Dropbox stamping or you received form 221g Administrative Processing issued by the consular officer saying that they need to do some administrative processing and kept the passport.

In the past, it used to show “Administrative processing”, but it now shows as “refused” from March 3rd, 2020 onwards for most of the cases. This online status of “Refused” can cause a lot of panic among many in 221g administrative processing, dropbox stamping, or general visa stamping applicants. This article covers the issue with the status “Refused”, why it shows like that, and updates with user inputs & experiences.

How to Check US Visa Status on CEAC

If you do not know, the US CEAC website is the place where you check your US Visa status. CEAC stands for US Dept. of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). If you are new and not sure how to use the CEAC website, you can read How to Check US Visa Status on the CEAC website to get an idea of how to check the status online and understand the status that is typically shown, when you check the US Visa status.

Let’s first look at the common situation with 221g, where you would see “Refused” Status. We will review Dropbox and the general visa interview later.

Previous US Visa Status for 221g on CEAC Website

In general, when you are issued a form 221g for administrative processing, you used to see the status of “Administrative processing” on the US Dept CEAC Website and the text under it used to read like below.

“Your visa case is currently undergoing necessary administrative processing. This processing can take several weeks. Please follow any instructions provided by the Consular officer at the time of your interview. If further information is needed, you will be contacted. If your visa application is approved, it will be processed and mailed/available within two business days. For more information, please visit US Consulate General <City name>”

See the screenshot below on exactly how it looked.

221g Administrative Processing Status CEAC Website
Administrative Processing

We have picked a case that is still in Administrative processing from the past and how it used to look. But, that changed from March 2020.  Pay close attention to the number to check below.

221g Status Changed to Refused for US Visa on US CEAC Website

From early March 2020, many users have reported and we verified as well that most of the 221g Cases’ status has changed to “Refused”, even when there was no real update on their ‘Case Last Updated Date’ or anything has changed. One key thing to note is the text under it has changed. It reads like below now.

“A U.S. Consular Officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. Please follow any instructions provided by the consular officer. If you were informed by the consular officer that your case was refused for administrative processing, your case will remain refused while undergoing such processing. You will receive another adjudication once such processing is complete. Please be advised that the processing time varies and that you will be contacted if additional information is needed. For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV or the website for the Embassy or Consulate at which you made your visa application. For more information, please visit U.S. Consulate General <Consulate name>”

Pay close attention to the bold text, it basically tells that, if you were given Administrative processing, then it will be processed in administrative processing. Also, see the screenshot below with status ‘Refused’, it is the same case number as above.

221g - Status Refused - CEAC Website

You may watch the below YouTube Video on 221g CEAC Status Administrative Processing, which covers the same details

Why has the Status Changed from Administrative Processing to Refused Suddenly?

Well, the CEAC website changed the displayed status text to be in line with the form given by the consular officer, and that’s why you see this big change and the confusion. If you check your 221g notice or any of the standard 221g forms given, you will see the text that says “Your application for a nonimmigrant visa has been refused per section 221(g) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act…”.

See the below screenshots of sample 221(g) forms issued by US Consulates:

221g Refused Text on White Slip
221g Slip given after the visa interview – White color
221g Pink Slip Refused Text
221g Slip given after the visa interview – Pink Color

So, technically, it was refused and the online status now on the CEAC website now reflects the same. So, nothing to panic about or worry about.

The text below the actual ‘refused‘ status on the CEAC website tells clearly that if you were given administrative processing, it will be continued to be processed and you will receive another update on the decision/adjudication once the process is complete. There is nothing to worry about, if you have been issued a 221g, it will be continued to be processed.

Official Communication Travel.State.Gov New Alert

On March 5th, 2020, the US Department of State updated their website in a news alert that they have made the status-related text change to reflect the actual change, but does not really change the case information. As discussed above, it is in line with the 221g sheet given to the applicant, when their case goes to Administrative processing. Check the below screenshot, which tells the change in text. You can check the Official Travel.State.Gov Press Release for CEAC Change

Adminstrative Processing Changed to Refused - CEAC - March 2020 News Relase
CEAC Case Status Change News Alert by the US Dept of State

National Visa Center – Verified Change

We called National Visa Center regarding the status changed and asked about the change. They confirmed that the status text has changed for Administrative processing, but nothing other than that. If you were given a slip for 221g or told by Consular Officer that your case will be in administrative processing, then your case will be processed accordingly.

The status text of the refused for Administrative processing is different from the real refused case, without administrative processing. We cover that below. In any case, you can call National Visa Center as well and verify, if you are concerned. You need to have your Passport Number, Date of Birth, and Case ID for getting info on your case. You may have to wait for 30 to 45 min, details of the Phone Number for the National Visa Center are at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/contact-us/us-visas.html

Actual Refused Status Text on CEAC? Is it Consistent?

It is very hard to say what the exact status you would see on the CEAC website if your US Visa was really refused for good. In the past, it was clear, but since March 2020 and in recent times in 2021, this has been very inconsistent. Many users see the “Refused” status as an intermediate status as well.

In early 2020, some “refused” cases that were ultimately “denied” had “refused” status on the CEAC website with shorter text. See the below screenshots. But, that is not true always. Many cases in late 2020 and 2021 had “Refused” status with shorter text as an intermediate status and later they changed to Administrative processing and then “Issued”. So, it is very hard to say the exact text for real refused cases.

Observed CEAC Status Changes: Refused ( with short text ) >> Administrative Processing >> Issued

The only way to tell, if your case was refused, is if you get a confirmation from Consulate that says, your case is refused. Sample US Visa Denial Letter from US Consulate after 221g

Example of CEAC Status Refused with Shorter text

  • Old Text for Refused: Your application was refused. Please refer to the letter or other instructions you were given at the time of your visa interview. For more information, please visit <US consulate name >
  • New Text for Refused: A consular officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. Please see the letter you received at the interview. For more information, please visit <US Consulate name>
  • See below Refused Status with shorter text, before and after March 20th, 2020.
CEAC Status Refused - Before - After Change 2020
US Visa Refused Case status

US Visa Status for Dropbox shows Refused or Administrative Processing

If you have submitted your documents for US Visa stamping using the Dropbox option for renewals, like H1B Dropbox, then you may see “Administrative Processing” as the status on the CEAC website. Sometimes, due to the issue we described in the article above, you may also see the “Refused” status as well.

Usually, this status of “Refused” or “Administrative Processing” would change in about a week to 10 days. If not, then you can reach out to the consulate. Do not panic, if you see this status.

Also, at times, some users reported that you would see “Refused” or “Administrative Processing” status for a general US Visa in-person interview, where the consular officer said that your visa was approved and kept your passport. Give it a few days for the status to change. If it does not change after a week or 10 days, then reach out to the consulate.

What do you see on your 221g Status on CEAC website? How about Dropbox Status? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

   

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1,708 Comments

  1. Hi,
    We submitted the dropbox documents in India chennai on Jan5th for both myself and for my wife. On Jan 11th, it was changed to Approved for my application (H1B) and for my wife (H4) it was Refused.

    We don’t know the reason why it was Rejected. In general, what are the next steps here.

    Reply
  2. Hello,
    My H1B appointment is at chennai consulate and dropped the documents at Hyderabad and after few days my application was refused at mumbai consulate. Does this happened to anyone? and How to reach out the mumbai or chennai consulate over phone? I tried calling the numbers on website. Is there any other contact numbers?
    Any help is appreciated.

    Thank you

    Reply
  3. Hi, I have attended the H1B interview process on 10th July and VO gave me blue slip and my case was refused under 221g. VO returned my passport asked me to send few docs via email. On 10th Aug I sent all the required docs and on 11 Aug my VISA status changed to Adminintrative process. On 11 Sep I recieved mail to submit my passport. I submitted my passport on 12th Sep. On 14th Sep my status changed to Refused again. Since then no update. Is it common or my visa got rejected. Can someone help?

    Reply
  4. Hi

    My Visa application was “approved” first and now it shows “refused” with the below message :
    A U.S. consular officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. Please follow any instructions provided by the consular officer. If you were informed by the consular officer that your case was refused for administrative processing, your case will remain refused while undergoing such processing. You will receive another adjudication once such processing is complete. Please be advised that the processing time varies and that you will be contacted if additional information is needed. For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV or the website for the Embassy or Consulate at which you made your visa application. For more information, please visit the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai.

    What should I need to do ? where can i go and see the instruction provided by the consular officer ? Please suggest any resolution

    Reply
    • Hi, my visa approved on Aug 14 and still I didn’t get my passport. Online status changed from approved to refused on 14 Sep. I didn’t get any 221(g) slip from the consulate asking for any documents. Please suggest

      Reply
  5. It has been 20 business days since i got apporved after 221g (after 120 days i got approved) and not has been 20 business days it is still saying “approved” with the following message.

    The consular officer has approved your application subject to final processing by the consular section that is necessary to issue your visa. When that processing is complete, the status will change to “Issued”. However, a final screening step must still be completed prior to issuance that could lead a consular officer to conclude that you are not eligible for a visa. If that occurs, the consular officer will notify you that your application has been denied and your status will change to “Refused”.

    what should I do now? I need my passport in a week for work permit application.

    Reply
  6. Hi, my mother-in-law submitted her visa renewal application via dropbox in Mumbai in January 2023. Her passport was returned with a 221(g) administrative slip in Feb 2023, online status said refused. The status was last updated in Mar 2023, where the status remained the same — refused. More than 180 days have passed since the receipt of 221(g). She has not been contacted for additional documents. When we call the consulate or email, they do not provide any update or reason for the status quo. Has anyone else also experienced this? Is there something we can do?

    Reply
  7. Hi, I submitted my B1/B2 renewal application by dropbox on July 24th. The status changed to refused on July 31st and there’s been no update since then..almost 10 days have passed. Anyone been through this? Is this normal processing or I am actually refused?

    Reply
  8. I had dropbox appointment(new Delhi)) for my h1b visa and got appointment for 19th July.
    I had submitted passport and required document(Hyderabad) On 19th.
    I see status refused on 27th July then after didn’t see any update or didn’t get any letter or passport back or Email at.
    how long do we need to wait to get any update or notification ?

    Reply
  9. I have submitted my documents on July 20th for first time Dropbox (previous renewals were in person and all were approved ) and visited USA multiple times since 2013 but case status is showing as refused on July 25th and not received any letter from consular yet.
    And also my kid is 6 years old (2016 born) dependent on me also received case status as refused.
    If anyone has similar experience and get any reply from consular or how to approach visa officer
    Kindly let me know

    Reply
  10. I submitted a family applications using drop box. My spouse and I got our passports back with approved visa. However my son visa status shows refused. I suspect my son is not eligible for Dropbox since his last visa issue date was at 11 and now he is 16. After 14, Dropbox not eligible. So visa got refused I suspect. What is next? Most likely my son has to appear for in person interview. My son passport will be returned back? How long it will take? How they will notify me?

    Reply
      • Hi i also got approved but mentioned that subject to final processing by consular section that necessary to issue a visa to you. It means can i get visa or not

        Reply
    • Hi Venu,
      I am in the similar situation now. Need to connect with you to check what you did after your kids visa refused. Could you please connect with me at damodar.sunani@gmail.com

      Reply
    • Hi Venu,

      I am in the similar situation. My son visa got refused. can u please let me know what happened next steps. My visa has been approved and changed the status to issued. Please email me suresh.garine@gmail.com

      Reply
    • Hi Venu,
      What happened to your son case. Could you please let us know. I am waiting for passport to know what got 221g we got

      Reply
  11. I had previous H4 Visa, so I applied for dropbox appointment for my first h1b visa and got appointment for 17th July.
    I attended the dropbox and submitted passport and required document.
    On 19th I see status refused and didn’t see any update or didn’t get any letter or passport back.
    Do I need to wait for status change or do I get any letter from uscis.

    Reply
    • I am in the same boat and I have seen the status as Approved first and the very next day the status changed to Refused. The status changed on 27th and it is still the same.

      Reply
    • we are in the same boat.
      I attended the dropbox and submitted my passport and documents.
      On 19th July in Hyderabad (my application at new Delhi) I saw status refused on 31st July and didn’t see any update or didn’t get any letter or passport back.
      how long do we need to wait before contact embassy?
      please let me know and we can connect : ravi3nnn@gmail.com

      Reply
      • Friends: I am also on same boat,

        28th July attended the dropbox
        August 4th status shows as refused

        I did not get my passport back or any mail or email communication from consulate,

        Was curious to know what happens next if you got any update? Thanks

        Reply
  12. So I applied for renewal of my B1/B2 visa at the drop box along with my wife.
    We have both been to USA multiple times and my brother is a US citizen. We submitted documents on 20th June and on 1st July my wife’s status was approved however mine says refused.
    I was absolutely shocked as I have a very good travel history as mentioned above. I panicked but then read through the comments here and now I’m just waiting to get an answer or the status to be changed. Maybe they need some more time with my application.

    Reply
    • Hello Maddy,
      Exactly in the same scenario as you. My wife received a approved notification on the tracker and mine says refused. Same scenario where I have been to the US numerous times and we were applying for a renewal. Let me know if you have an update. I am quite nervous right now.

      Reply
      • No update as of now. If you wanna connect, kindly drop me a mail on maddygooner@gmail.com.
        My status on the site says it was last updated on 30th june so almost 10 days have passed till now. Let me know about yours as well.

        Reply
    • Have you received the passport back from the embassy? Was there a reason provided for refusal? My parents are in the same boat. Dropbox appt at Delhi embassy, mom’s approved and passport returned but dad’s refused.

      Reply
    • I had a dropbox in Delhi on July 3rd. On July 6 it showed approved, but today on July 13 it changed to refused. How can I get to know why? or if I am going to get the 221g by post. If yes, which address- the address on my passport or the address I mentioned for sending me if I get approved on the DS-160? I didn’t get any email though. Please help.
      Thanks

      AJ

      Reply
      • You’ll get the explaination when you receive your passport. Most probably the might want you to come in for an interview. It’ll be delivered on the address you gave at the time of application

        Reply
      • Yes. I got my passport back on 18th July with a letter only stating that I need to schedule a follow up appointment for the in person interview however my wife’s visa got renewed without any interview. It didn’t mention anything such as 221g or any specific document that I need to bring in.
        But as of now I have not been able to schedule the follow up appointment from the portal. I have called multiple times and also sent the email but they are telling me to wait as it takes time these days due to increased number of applicants.

        Reply
  13. Hi my H4 stamping refused with 221g. And they are asking for proof of adjustment of status approval of my Husband. My husband never got the GC and he is on H1b. I am very worried on it. Can some one please shed some light.

    Reply
  14. Hi I applied my F1visa via Dropbox on June 21st and today I see refused stautus and i see the following text: DOES THIS MEAN MY VISA GOT REJECTED?

    A U.S. consular officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. Please follow any instructions provided by the consular officer. If you were informed by the consular officer that your case was refused for administrative processing, your case will remain refused while undergoing such processing. You will receive another adjudication once such processing is complete. Please be advised that the processing time varies and that you will be contacted if additional information is needed. For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV or the website for the Embassy or Consulate at which you made your visa application.
    For more information, please visit U.S. Embassy New Delhi.

    But I havnt received any communication.

    Can someone help me on this.

    Reply
  15. Hey Guys,

    I had initial drop box appointment on May 18th and they issued me 221g after a week. I had interview and dropped additional documents on June 5th at VFS New Delhi and my case on CEAC website updated as June 6th. Till now as of today June 15th still it shows as “Administrative Processing”. When I was in interview with Consulate Officer they told me it may take around 7-10 working days. Does anyone of any idea how long it gonna take? if someone in similar boat or want to talk me to feel free to send email vik.vikki@gmail.com

    Reply
    • If anyone can help – As i understand from google search CEAC website is under maintenance. https://ceac.state.gov/CTRAC/Maintenance.aspx

      Mine submitted on 6th June 2023 at Hyderabad for L1A. Ten working days passed… Online CEAC website status shows still “No Status”. Submitted through drop box option. … Any thoughts or update?

      Reply
    • May 18th – Drop Box Appointment
      May 24th – Refused in CEAC website
      May 26th – Received Passport with 221g slip (White and Yellow)
      May 30th – Attended Visa Interview in New Delhi
      June 5th – Submitted all additional docs along with 221g slips to VFS New Delhi
      June 6th – Administrative Processing in CEAC website
      June 16th – Refused
      At point I was so stressed out it because it sounded like may be it go rejected or another 221g but after doing through with all blogs and case studies I found that after completion of administrative processing they send back all do documentation/information to US consulate in India then they start processing again and embassy change status to whatever was the old status in my case it was refused
      June 20th – Bingo, it got APPROVED

      Hopefully this timeline will be helpful to whoever is in the same situation.

      Thanks All.

      Reply
  16. I gait 221g B1/B2 visa and fist time I check status side refused after 5 day latter going to administrative process and after 12 day latter again show Refused status. I gait email my passport is ready butt not show me visa approved or nathin just refused my status

    Reply
  17. Hi,

    My name is Pratik and I had submitted my documents on 24th April and the status of my application chnaged to Refused on 3rd May. I have not received any 221g letter and when i called the consulate customer care they said my application is under Admin Processing
    Any idea on why no 221g letter issued?

    Thanks,

    Reply
  18. Hi I have that same issue I went to my visa renewal on April 5 to the CAS center and they took pictures and my finger prints and that was all I didn’t get a interview appointment or anything they tell me to wait my visa from 6 to 8 weeks, but I check on the CEAC page and appeared today Refused, but I didn’t received any instructions or anything. What can I do someone told me to wait 2 more weeks and check it out again. Because I didn’t received any email or notification

    Reply
    • Whats the update about your Visa…my db appointment was on may 16, case created on 18th and showing refused on 19th..till now I didn’t receive any mail or call

      Reply
  19. Hi I applied my F1visa via Dropbox on May 17th and today I see refused stautus and i see the following text: DOES THIS MEAN MY VISA GOT REJECTED?

    A U.S. consular officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. Please follow any instructions provided by the consular officer. If you were informed by the consular officer that your case was refused for administrative processing, your case will remain refused while undergoing such processing. You will receive another adjudication once such processing is complete. Please be advised that the processing time varies and that you will be contacted if additional information is needed. For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV or the website for the Embassy or Consulate at which you made your visa application.
    For more information, please visit U.S. Embassy New Delhi.

    Reply
  20. Hi,
    My dropbox in mumbai was on may 11 2023. On may 19th 2023, the status says ‘refused’. While I understand that this could be an administritative processing status but havent received any email.
    Also, my wife who is on h4 got approval.
    Please reach out to me at srajanlad@gmail.com if you are in similar boat and want to connect.

    Reply
    • Hi Srajan,
      Thanks for your post. I do in the same boat now. Can we go for H4 stamping while H1B on refused status?
      Thanks in advance.

      Reply
    • Hi all, I had received my passport with 221g. I received it 3/4 days after the refusal status. I went for fingerprinting and received approval on my way back home.

      Tips:
      1. fingerprinting/interview happens on any working day between 11 & 11:30, so pick ur passprt at 10 am sharp and you will save a day. No appointment needed.
      2. Also, fingerprinting area does not allow mobile, bag etc. They provide locker facility. Take money with you.
      (Above is based on my experience at mumbai in may 2023).

      All the best guys.

      Reply
      • Hi Srajan,

        I see the status as apprvoed for me and my wife but it is appearing as “Refused” for our daughter who is 14 year old so not sure since we have not received our passports. We had our last visit in 2018 when she was 9 so believe it will be related bio-metrics as status is showing as administrative process.

        Please advise if you can shed some light.

        Thanks

        Reply
        • hi Anand,

          Krishna here, mine and my wife visa got approved, while my daughter who is 6 year old got visa “Refused”. What happened in your case, received any further update in your case ?

          Thanks,
          Krishna

          Reply
  21. Hi
    I had my Dropbox on 15 may 2023 and my staus was “No Status” but on 18 may 2023 it changed to “Refused” A U.S. Consular Officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. Please follow any instructions provided by the consular officer. If you were informed by the consular officer that your case was refused for administrative processing, your case will remain refused while undergoing such processing. You will receive another adjudication once such processing is complete. Please be advised that the processing time varies and that you will be contacted if additional information is needed. For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV or the website for the Embassy or Consulate at which you made your visa application. For more information, please visit U.S. Consulate General.

    Does anyone know what it means will I get a 221g or for an interview as I didn’t receive any communication email or text from them
    Can someone please help

    Reply
    • I have the similar case also went to appointment on 15th may and got the same status on 18th no communication from embassy.

      Reply
    • I have that status too. But my wife’s h4 got approved. There is no email maybe because of weekend. It could really be admin processing. Cannot say really till the status changes or we get an email.

      Reply
    • I am in same boat . I dropped my documents on 15th for H1b and it is in received on 16th and changed to refused on 17th May 2023. No communication from embassy . I am really worried . How long does it take to get an email? I appreciate your reply.

      Reply
    • Hey,
      Did you receive any reply from embassy?
      I have a similar issue me and my husband submitted our application on May 11, 2023. Our case status is showing refused and it was last updated on May 16, 2023. I spoke with the VFS customer care executive in their records it’s under processing. I am confused, as I have not received any communication from embassy.

      Reply
  22. I tried to Google this message but nothing came up. Anyone else?
    Here is the message that I am getting:

    The consular officer has approved your application subject to final processing by the consular section that is necessary to issue your visa. When that processing is complete, the status will change to “Issued”. However, a final screening step must still be completed prior to issuance that could lead a consular officer to conclude that you are not eligible for a visa. If that occurs, the consular officer will notify you that your application has been denied and your status will change to “Refused”.

    Reply
    • Can you provide your contact details to pdv7715@gmail.com
      My wife is also have similar situation and similar message.

      Reply
    • Was there an update on this? Did you hear back from them? I am curious what the final screening means. Does it mean administrative processing or 221g or something else? Please post if there is any new update.

      Thanks.

      Reply
    • I’m also in the same boat and haven’t received any email on why it was refused yet! Lemme know how are you guys navigating this situation..!

      Reply
      • Hi, mine changed to approved on the May 22nd. Is this administrative processing? Please feedback here if you received any updates ?

        Reply
    • I found this comments section on the page where many people have had the same issue.

      https://redbus2us.com/visas/usa/apply/check-us-visa-status-online/

      It looks like there about a 5-6 days period for the status to change from “Approved” to Issued/refused.

      If it is refused, you probably will be issued another 221g for additional documents.

      Reply
  23. Hi my name is vivian ,we had our interview on May 10 2023 than since my husband was the principal applicant, its a Dv lottery,
    And after the interview we were given a pink paper 221g
    And he put an x across a box which say my husband and I are not eligible due to failure to comply with the us law being that we don’t have valid passports , of which we had
    And he gave us back our passports
    And which we check ceac it’s say the counsellor office has adjusticated and refused your visa interview
    Can we still he call to bring our passports for our visa

    Reply
  24. Hi my application status shows Refused
    With this what is that mean.
    The status text of the refused for Administrative processing is different from the real refused case, without administrative processing. We cover that below. In any case, you can call National Visa Center as well and verify, if you are concerned. You need to have your Passport Number, Date of Birth, and Case ID for getting info on your case. You may have to wait for 30 to 45 min, details of the Phone Number for the National Visa Center are at:

    Reply
  25. Hi All,

    My self is Partha. I have done my H1 VISA interview on 10th May 2023. After that the counselor has given me an yellow slip and in that its mentioned that your application is refused under section 221(g) of Immigration and Nationality ACT.
    And in the down it is mentioned as current passport as admin processing.
    Can some one help me on this and give me more clarity.

    Reply

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