When you check your US Visa Stamping Status on the CEAC website online, there are some cases where the status shows as “Refused,” even though the consular officer said after the interview that it was approved.
You may also see the “Refused” 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,” starting from March 2020 onwards for most 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.
Background of CEAC website, US Visa Statuses
The US Dept. of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website is the official website where you fill out the online US Visa Application forms such as DS-160, DS-260 or even check your US Visa Stamping Status. If you have attend a US Visa stamping appointment and waiting for the decision from the US Consular officer, you go to the CEAC Visa Status Tracker webpage to check the latest status.
Depending on the visa stamping status, the applicants see one of the below US Visa statuses
- “No Status”
- “Application Received”
- “Administrative Processing”
- “Approved”
- “Refused”
- “Issued”
If you are a first time US Visa Applicant, when you see the status such as “Administrative Processing” or “Refused” it can be confusing. Let’s dive in to the details around confusion of “Refused” status.
Previous US Visa Status for 221g on CEAC Website
In the past, when you were 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 for exactly how it used to look.
But, starting from March 2020, this status changed and it shows as refused. For comparison, we have picked a case that was in Administrative processing from the past(before March 2020) and how it used to look and how it started to look from March 2020. Let’s look at it in the next section.
Administrative Processing(221g) Status Changed to Refused for US Visa
From early March 2020, the status of the cases that were under administrative processing (221g) changed from “Administrative Processing” to “Refused”, even when there was no real update on their ‘Case Last Updated Date’ or anything else. 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.
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?
Starting from March 2020, the US Department of State changed the status name of “Administrative Processing” and text on the CEAC website to be in-line with the administrative processing, form 221(g) that are issued by the Consular Offier.
If you check the 221(g) notice or any of the standard 221(g) 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:
So, technically, your visa was refused and the online status on the CEAC website also now reflects the same. So, nothing to panic about or worry about.
The text below the actual ‘Refused‘ status on the CEAC website clearly states that if you were given administrative processing, it will continue 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 continue to be processed.
Official Communication on the updated status of “Refused”
On March 5th, 2020, the US Department of State updated its website in a news alert that it had made the status-related text change to reflect the actual change, but it did 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 screenshot below, which shows the change in text. You can check the Official Travel.State.Gov Press Release for CEAC Change
National Visa Center Update on Refused Status Change
We also 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 the National Visa Center as well and verify if you are concerned. You need to have your passport number, date of birth, and case ID to get information 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 know the final status of your visa application based on what you see on the CEAC website. The “Refused” status can be very misleading and you may not know if is still under administrative processing or refused for good.
In the past, it was clear, but since March 2020, this has been very inconsistent. Many users see the “Refused” status as an intermediate status as well before it ends up as approved or issued.
In early 2020, some “refused” cases that were ultimately “denied” had “refused” status on the CEAC website with shorter text. See the screenshots below. But that is not always true. Many cases in late 2020 and 2021, 2023 and 2024 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.
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. You can check the US Visa Dropbox Tracker for some user experiences.
Usually, this status of “Refused” or “Administrative Processing” changes in about a week to 10 days. If not, 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.
Thank you so much. Very valuable information. I was horrified after seeing the status REFUSED. Now I am relieved after seeing this article. Thank you
Cheers !
Hi Mr Kumar,
I am from Hyderabad.
My B1/B2 Visa expired on March 16th 2019.
I have applied for drop box on March 13th 2020 for B1/B2 Visa at Mumbai Drop box location as Hyderabad appointments were not available.
Eventually I received 221g asking me to come for a interview along with my passport and the white 221g form within 1 year.
However I can not travel to Mumbai now and 1 year timeline will be finished on March 17th 2021.
Is it possible to walk in at the Hyderabad Consulate for the interview?
Or can a apply for a fresh Dropbox application again in Hyderabad now saying that I was not refused a Visa earlier?
Please help me
Hi Kumar,
I had a visa interview on Dec 09, 2021, for an O visa at the London US embassy. VO collected I797, my CV, Employment letter, and work profile but returned my passport, issued 221 g with a white slip, asked only my spouse’s CV. And said administrative processing. Am I worried about the time duration? Any idea how long it will take to finish this process?? Can I travel out of England during this administrative process?
Hi Kumar, thank you so much for this info. I almost had a mini hear attack this morning when I saw my status refused.
I summited my documents for drobox at Mumbai VAC on April 28th and today on May 10th around 12pm IST, I saw the status changed to “RESUFED” –
Until last night the status was “Received” so I am really surprised how it went from received straight to refused over night.
I have not received any details or next steps from the embassy and really worried what this could mean. Does this mean this is still in administrative processing? or do i need to provide more info/docs?
Would love to connect with you or anyone who has some info about this or is going through the same experience. Below is my name and email.
Thank you so much,
Vaibhav
Name – Vaibhav Dubey
Email – vaibhav_dubey@hotmail.com
Hello mr. Kumar:
I have applied to the visa 3 months ago. They told us that we will be on administrative processing. It showed refused for a while. Then after 3 months they asked for our passports back to finalized the process. My status showed refused then administrative processing then approved.. then application received then finally refused… does this final refused means really rejected???
Thank you very much for the valuable information!
Hi
I had the interview on 12 February . Consulate officer said to me that my Visa is approved. And they took my passport as well. Haven’t received any slip or case number. And now when I checked the status on CEAC it says REFUSED.
I don’t know what does this mean? When officer said it’s approved then why it’s saying refused on the online status
Tshering,
It is a common bug, that it shows administrative processing, even though they say issued or approved. This is common nothing to worry.
Hi kumar I have also same problem ap after Refused please help me nvc no information about Refused
Sunita,
The link to the page is in above article, check that for the phone number.
Estoy en la misma situación tuve mi entrevista el 12 de noviembre y en consul me aprobó mi visa y se quedaron con mi pasaporte y el 13 del mismo mes me salió en Ceac Rechazado , no he recibido ni una información por parte de ellos y estoy con mucha pena de no saber nada , que desesperación
Hi there! This is the same thing that is happening to me right now! I was worried for my application. It was marked “Ready” then the embassy requested for my passport and then day after they received my passport, my ceac status suddenly became refused. I am waiting for their new email.
Alver,
do not worry, wait for few days. Do update here
Just today, i received a 221(g) refusal
Letter that says certain immigrants are suspended from entering U.S due to presidential proclamation until Dec 31, 2020 along with a passport request letter to be submitted i guess in Jan 2021. Thanks for your post Btw. I am somehow relieved. I hope the pandemic will be over soon. I’m from Ph btw.
Alver,
Good luck for future !
Hello Kumar,
Thanks a lot for your post! It was very helpful.
Sharing my visa experience timeline below, if it would be any help to the community.
Feb 21 – Submitted my application for dropbox.
March 2nd – Picked up my passport, received 221g Blue slip asking me to appear for an interview. No docs were asked. Status on CEAC website was Administrative processing.
March 5th – Appeared for the interview, VO approved my visa. Just standard Q’s were asked. Status on CEAC website was refused.
March 6th – Status on CEAC updated to Administrative processing
March 9th – Status updated to Issued. Waiting to receive my passport.
Joe,
Congrats ! thanks for sharing !
My husband had interview Oct 2019, the officer said he would sent wavier but status never said Admistrative Processing. I called the visa center and told me there was an aplication for waiver so we don’t know what to think any one in the same situation
Alenjandra,
If it was administrative processing, the visa officer would clearly tell that…Also, only status would reflect the new message and long status message.
Hello All
Ceac status was AP till 3rd March.
Status changed as refused on 4th March.
Very next day, status changed as AP on 6th with update.
Good news is that status has been changed as Issued finally.
Thanks Mr. Kumar for his excellent efforts to keep updates. I hope every member will get.
Best of luck.
Saif,
Glad to hear it is Issued ! Congrats !
The status change seems flaky, but Dept of State confirmed that the text of Status was changed in system.
Saludos mi estado se actualizo por el sistema al igual que todos. Recibí correo que enviara mi pasaporte al ceac. Para continuar con el proceso de su visa. Alguien está en la misma situación? Que significa.
Juan,
Please ask in English.
The refused status seems to apply to anyone now even after interview approval right? Anyone got it changed from refused to issued yet? I think they need to differentiate this “refused” status for true AP 221g and temporary AP for approved applications.
Yes, look at my post below.
Sean
Hey Sean when did you finance when for the interview and how long has it been in administration process ? Congrants
Tope,
Interview was on February 14th, our status was placed in AP under 221g and it was in AP up till this whole ”Refused” status debacle occurred. Then it returned to AP and today, Issued.
To clarify, we were subject to AP 221g and we went from Refused to Issued in three days.
To Sean
Wooow big Congrants . Wishing the same For us as well ?.
John,
Yes, that’s the logic. In the past it used to say Administrative processing, now that is gone, so you will see refused..So, not to worry. We have one user shared that it changed. Also, do update, if it changes for you.
My wife and my four years daughter i were interviwed on February 10, 2020. And the counslor said congratulated my wife and daughter and given a yellow paper and took my wife and daughter passports. I check online my daughter visa issued Feb 28/2020 but my wife refused on last update on March 6/2020 i m very shocked . what is the problem ?
Betselot Adane,
If the status shows refused with the long test as in above article, then it is still under administrative processing. But, if you have got a short refused status, then it is different. You would be informed with a letter or at least email, if there was a decision on your case.
Hello,
My H1B case was created on March 3rd and I had my interview on March 4th. The VO mentioned that they need to do additional processing on their end and said it’s going to administrative processing.
On March 4th the case updated to “Refused” with the message saying “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”. On March 5th the case updated to Administrative processing. On March 6th the case updated back to “Refused” with the same message (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).
My current last updated date is March 6th with a “Refused” status. Does it belong to the same case as mentioned in the post or does it mean an actual refusal since the “Case Last Updated” has changed.
Suresh,
If you were told it is administrative processing, it is still the same. They would have given you a slip or something. If it has long text, then do not worry, it is still the text change across the system for the status.
Hello, I had my H1b visa interview on 15th Jan, 2020 at Mumbai Consulate. VO asked basic questions and gave me 221g Yellow slip and requested Client contractual documents. I provided the documents but there is no email information on the documents that would directly reach out to my manager. On 4th March status changed to Refused. I am just wondering what’s going on. It’s 45 days for me and they have not contacted any of my Vendor or Client yet. Is that something i should be worried about?
H1B 221g Yellow sip,
If your case update date has not changed and only text changed, means it is the system wide text change and not the case update, so still in administrative processing.
Hi, I check my ceac status and says refused, right now me and wife are confused because my interview date is 30 of March 2020. Can I still go to the interview ? Though the embassy didn’t send me any email that I should not come again.
What’s your last updated??
Gbenga,
You should not check your status before going to interview, it is not correct. You should go to interview as planned. Do NOT worry about the status you see now…
Hi
I had the interview on 4th March. Consulate officer said to me that my Visa is approved. And they took my passport as well. Haven’t received any slip or case number. And now when I checked the status on CEAC it says REFUSED.
I don’t know what does this mean? When officer said it’s approved then why it’s saying refused on the online status
Hello Akki,
I am also had the same experience and my interview was on 4th march. It is still says refused. Hoping for the best.
Akki,
This means that the your case is in Administrative processing. The intermittent status used to stay administrative processing, so do not worry as long as your passport is still with them. Do update here to community once it changes to issued.
Hi Everyone,
My status has changed to Administrative Processing from Refused, today. Do anyone know how long does it take to get issued? I haven’t received any 221g slip and consular told me that my Visa is approved. So how long does it take to get approved?
Akash,
Can you share a screenshot of what you see at our Forum for our everyone benefit. Would like to say what it says…
Usually, it takes about a week or so.
Everyone,
My status has changed from Administrative Processing to Issued today. I believe, I will receive the passport in 2-3 days.
I have got administrative processing on feb 18 2020 and consular officer gave my passport back and took client letter and LCA . On March 4th the status changed to Refused. On the very next day I received an email to collect the same docs which I gave during the interview.
Does anyone have the similar case please suggest what is happening with my case. Thanks in advance.
KA,
Do you see the refused with the full text under it ? Usually, you would get a decision letter or email at least indicating that the petition is denied. You can try to reach out to embassy on this to get clarity on the decision.
Hello Sir, I applied for B1 Visa and my interview was on 3rd March 2020. The interview goes well and the consular said me that my Visa is approved and kept my passport. On 5th March I checked the Staus online and it says Refused. Same post was there saying “ A U.S consular officer has adjudicated ……………”. I’m confused that the officer clearly told me that my visa is approved but online status shows Refused. What is actually happening??
Sahil,
Don’t worry, it is still in administrative processing, but the intermittent status is confusing for many. If they have passport, it is positive sign, so do not worry.
Dear Sir,
I’ve 1 more question. As you told me in previous msg that its a positive sign, Today I got my passport. There was nothing stamped in the passport but I received a Green Slip in the courier with my passport and the 3rd option is marked on the slip saying “You must appear for an INTERVIEW with a Consular Officer on any working day from 10:30 to 11:00. I’m going to interview again tomorrow. But plz tell me what’s that mean. The consular approved the Visa in 1st interview but didn’t stamped visa on passport and called me again for interview. Plz tell that what’s gonna happen now ??
Sahil,
I am not sure, maybe they want to interview again. Hard to know, stay positive, be prepared and carry all documentation with you.
Dear sir,
Today, on 11th of March I reappear for the Visa again. The counsellor officer ask me few questions and by the end of the interview they told me that dear giving me the green letter back with my passport and he will let me know soon. They did not told me that my case is refused or I am not qualified for the Visa as day works telling to some other people.They justTold me that they are giving me the green letter back with my passport and they will let me know soon. Now what do I have to do like how do I come to know their decision. Thanks.
Sahil,
The slip will tell what they plan to do, if it is refused under administrative processing like 221g. You can only wait for their decision…call or email embassy.
My Document under reivew untill 2019 /7/ 24. Still waiting far approval my life is face with threats if i get approval that will be great far me. Thanks Monawer
Hi my name is bijaya I apply for my spouse on 08/07/2017 I still didn’t get visa last year October 1 they gave interview After that they ask additional document and we submitted on10/23/2019 they says administrative processing you have to wait 180 days and I check 2 days ago u.s.departmentof state I saw immigrant visa application refused then I am thinking they denied I ask my friends they says denied your case and I am so sad . So what I have to do for further.i hope you reply my question thank you
Bijaya,
As the article explains, it is a system wide status text change, do not worry. Unless you get a decision, it is still in administrative processing. You can call National Visa Center Hotline to check.
Thank you so much for this article! My fiancé and I have been beside ourselves the last few days since seeing the refusal status update! It just didn’t make any sense to change it after more than 3 months of being in administrative processing and then all of a sudden it’s refused but no updates or notification sent out to either of us! We have been apart far too long already and I am so glad it wasn’t actually refused as the reason it’s in administrative process was so minor! They have kept my fiancé’s passport for over 100 days and he cannot even visit me right now! Again thank you because I cried when I read this!
Has anyone had experience with the AP lasting over 100 days and still received an approval? They won’t give us any actual information as to why it’s still in processing. The case should be easy and it seems like it must just be sitting in a pile of papers somewhere atm!
Charity,
There are many people waiting for the same for over 180 days too. Check our 221g Tracker.
Charity,
Stay positive ! Cheers !
My fiancé and I are panicking because it says refused, so I don’t understand is it really refused or not?
Esperanza,
If you received the exact status or statement mentioned above in this article, then it’s not an official “Refusal of Visa.” The key statement is “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.” Your status is still in “administrative processing.” The 221g form is the refusal from the consular,
but it doesn’t mean that your visa won’t be approved. (I am not an expert, I am going through this process like you are and this is my understanding). You will just need to wait for an update. I hope this answers your question.
Fortunately, I received an update today, this article reflected what our status was yesterday.
Sean
Esperanza,
If the text says like above, the long text with administrative processing info in it, then it is still in administrative processing…Also, assuming you were given a sheet by Consular officer that tells, it is administrative processing.
My sister and I went to the consulate for the interview and everything was completely fine and they said that both of ours visa is approved and kept our passports but as soon as I check the status online in the night, It show AP for one and Refused for one. I have read this forum but still need assurance of what may happen. I called the callcentre and they said they have no information and we have to wait 90 days. I am depressed when I saw this.
Mohammed,
Do not worry, if they have taken passports, it means that they are processing it. In the past, it used to show Administrative processing for everyone, when they hold the passport, now it shows refused, when in that status. So, do not worry…give it few days, it will be fine…The NVC will give you generic answer and they would not tell you specifics…Be positive.
I went pickup the passports and they have issued 1 visa one of the passports and gave a green slip 221g and the passport without the visa. They wanted me to submit my prior passports. I did today and they said we will let you know once we finish the research and processing. I am left blank now. Is it because I was born in a different country? Has this happened to someone else? Whats the outcome? My whole family is leaving in 12 days and I dont know whats gonna happen.
Mohammed,
it is hard to know the reason, all you can do is stay positive. It could be that there is additional verification or something like that. Stay positive as they have your passports
Hi!
Greetings from Brazil!
I have a strong case to request a L1 Visa but was surprised with Administrative Process and now refused with no proper update. Additionally, i had tried the tourist Visa B1 for my parents just in case they want to visit me, but they were denied. Right after I received a 221g. Do you think this can be related? Thanks you!
Joelen,
No, both are independent. Your parents visas are not directly related to yours. It is very common, I have seen many parents visas getting denied for first time.
I am applying for an immigrant visa and the last update on my case was in October. They asked for additional proof that I cannot provide at the moment. My status said AP and now says refused.
I have 2 questions:
1. Can I cancel my immigrant visa as I changed my plans and do not want to kove to the US? Will it affect future nonimmigrant visa applications?
2. Can I apply for a nonimmigrant visa while my immigrant one is processing as I need to be in USA in summer for a very important event and my immigration case might not be closed by then?
John,
1. Well, you may…I am not sure, if it will, unless it is tied to security clearance or anything as such.
2. You may do that too, there is no restriction as such.
I suggest, you talk to an attorney as these can be tricky with all changes with Trump administration.
Same here, passports were requested on 1st March, passports reached consulate on 3rd, 4th the status changed from admin process to Refused without any change in the dates, 5th March the status changed back to admin process with a change in the date this time. Don’t know whether its a good news or a bad news. Passports is still in the consulate
kk,
As long as the passports are with them, it is good news. Which consulate is it ? Do keep an eye and update the status as you see anything new.
Kumar,
I would like to thank you for this timely manner article. This whole ordeal was an emotional rollercoaster. My fiance called me at 0200 AKST, she is from Russia and 12 hours apart, and informed me of the Refusal notice on her CEAC. She sent me a screenshot; tired as I was, I only saw the “Refused” and I didn’t read the context below until yesterday. I was confused in the manner of this status and the second sentence in the context. The body of the context directly says, that we are still in the Administrative Processing, but with the Refused status, it was confusing. Researching on this matter, I found your article and it clarified in what i assumed was correct.
As of today, we received a new updated status, Administrative Processing: “Your visa case is currently undergoing necessary administrative processing. This processing can take several weeks. Please follow any instructions provided by the Consular Office 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. ….”
This updated statue gave us hope. I wish others on here have received this update as well.
Regards,
Sean
Sean,
Thank you for sharing. I totally understand the panic of everyone. It is good that it changed…Some consulates the change in text is appearing and some it is not…The online system is a mess and confusing many. Stay positive and do update the community here, the outcome for everyone’s benefit.
Kumar,
Talking about an emotional Roller Coaster ride, which is more like a rocket: March 4th, we received the exact “Refused” status as everyone else and as mentioned in this article; March 5th, Administrative Processing, with the current date; and as of today, March 6th, Issued status!!!
Issued Status: “Your visa is in final processing. If you have not received it in more than 10 working days, please see the webpage for contact information of the embassy or consulate where you submitted your application. For more information …”
This is Great News, right? Is this too good to be true?
Could this be a glitch to their system? What are your thoughts?
Sean,
Your visa is issued! Congrats ! No, it is normal processing, nothing different. Usually after interview, the status used to shows as Administrative processing for few days and then it goes to issued for approved cases. Now, with the status of “Administrative processing” gone, it is showing refused to everyone, so people are in panic mode and confused. So, this is a system wide issue, maybe I need to write an article to clarify this… Anyways, your case is approved!
Sean Browning
When your fiance’s inteview date?
Her interview was on February 14th.
After I noted my status changed From AP to refused on 3 march 2020
The embassy emailed me today 5 March 2020 that your application still under mandatory administrative processing be patient and no way to speed up the process
Kumar,
Sure will do, it’s Chennai consulate
-kk
sir we have ceac f3 we in ap since like 4 years from like april 2016 so like all we get refused and we in interview thay give us paper 221g to give them paper and we did and they but us in ap in this march 3 change like all refuesd so now what and i get this massage today like 40 min ago from Embassy
“Dear Sir,
Thank you again for contacting our office. As has been explained, however, your visa application is refused for administrative processing. There has been no change in your case since our last email. As we have noted, you will be contacted at the conclusion of this procedure and there is no additional action necessary on your part.
Please check on the status of your pending immigrant visa application online by visiting the Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
Best Wishes,”
Hi Kumar,
My case was in AP last year they sent it back to USCIS and last month USCIS reaffirmed the approval and status says “sent back to NVC”. Last week NVC sent me letter saying NVC previously completed processing this case and will send it back to embassy in India. Now status says its refused. Please guide!
AV,
It seems to me that the case is still in administrative processing. If you see the case status changed to Refused only recently like March 2nd or 3rd, then this is tied to the above change…You can call National Visa center. We updated the article with NVC details, you can call and confirm
Hi Kumar,
I am in a similar situation too. But I have a different question you might have an answer to. I already have an F-1 visa which is valid for another 5 months. I recently applied for a renewal of my F-1 visa which went into AP.
However I want get back to US urgently. Is it possible to travel back on my existing visa if I ask the embassy to return my passport? My existing visa is on my expired passport which is currently with me, and it does not have any revoked/cancelled stamp on it.
Any thoughts?
Asif1253,
Well, you may, but that is risky…it can raise flags, if it tied to security clearance or anything…as you don’t know…Call embassy or email them and share your situation and seek guidance.
Has anyone’s status changed since being refused?? I am very worried.
Hi, I applied for immigration and am in the administrative processing stage when I was suddenly faced with the word refused. Do you think this could be due to corona virus illnesses and the visas being delayed?
mehrdad,
No, it has nothing to do with corona virus. It is just administrative processing is slow in general.
Thanks for the update, following this –
Thank you so much for this information, when we checked online and saw refused , family members were panicking, headache plus crying. As we researched more and more we noticed that others are having the same issue. . We were relieved. Pray that everyone gets approved !
Latoya,
Cheers !
Even my situation is similar. My case was showing AP from 4 Feb and suddenly on 3rd March it changed to Refused.
I am from Egypt, same case , changed from AP to refuse but last update ( interview date on 3 dec 2019 )
I recieved no emails from us and I didn’t receive any action
I also received 221G and had the same issue. Visa date march 3rd Hyderabad
Same here. status was AP till yesterday. Now it says Refused. It is a relief to know that my case is not the only one. I almost had a panic attack.
Hi i was at work when I saw this REFUSED in a blue ink i almost had heart attack but i had a sharp headache.
Hello AK, same here. It has been a dreamlike thing to visit the United States of America since I was a kid , so when I checked on the visa status website and saw the blue highlighted title that read REFUSED, my mind went blank and my dreams were shattered like a glass that has been smashed against the pavement. Fortunately, I came across this wonderful forum/article full of promising news, my worries and sadness eased a little. Thanks to the uploader, the information is not coming from the US official website though. I assume that the creator of this article has his reliable sources to trust in. Blessings for the creator of the blog and for all the US Visa applicants as well. Carlos Blanco
Same with my case, status changed from AP to refused on 3rd March, last updated is same day of my interview.( interview date 27 feb 2020)
But when I check with my case id, it says issued, which was last updated on 2nd March. Any idea on what’s happening with my case?
Hi! Where are you going to check with your case ID?
Hi,
I was given a case I’d to check the status online which starts with 20……, when I check the status with my case I’d it says as issued and when I check it with the application I’d it says as refused. It’s f2 visa.
Priyanka at which website u have checked your visa is issued… My case is the same as u…now its showing refused…. I don’t understand what’s going on …plz tell me…u can msg me on my email:kuldosanjh@gmail.com
Priayanka,
Not sure why.. Try to email or reach out to consulate to get clarified…
Hi im in the same boat my husband had his interview on feb 5, visa approved by consul, then Feb 13 i received a call from the embassy asking for one more document, i submitted on the 25. Case was on AP March 3 changed to Refuse and the dates has update several times. Any idea on how long its going to take?
Gisselle,
Usually administrative processing timelines are unknown, it can take anywhere from few days to few weeks. Hopefully soon for you, if it simple one.
Priyanka,
Your case is approved, so it changed to issued. The change in status was for administrative processing only…usually the pending cases sometimes show administrative processing too, that’s why you could have seen that..
Hi,
I see that they are updating the dates frequently on my case which is under AP. Do that means that they are actually working on the case?
Gisselle,
Well, it indicates that some activity is going on with your case.
HI, please reply this message,
My fiance went for interview last week for K1 visa in nigeria, the gave him 1 white paper with front and back and did not mark any missing items,. but instead, he used to have a visiting visa, the cancel that visiting visa saying cancelled without prejudice. and returned is passport to him without the K1 but check off administrating processing. When I emailed them saying my concerns last week, they response back that it under admisintrating processing. I also sent letter with him addressing the new presidential ban since I was not sure if that can affect him, so I check the status and notice that it changed to the exact same post you have above, “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. please help clarify. worried and praying this is not refusal. not sure why they would place someone under ap and praying it not refusal
tope,
I am not sure, was your status showing as “Administrative processing” last week ?
Yes my fiancé status was AP last week
I am in same boat. I interviewed on 21st January 2020 with family and consular issued me 221g along with 8 questions only for myself and returned my passport. I received an email to submit all of our passports on 17th February 2020. Suddenly my status was changed on 4th March as refused. I don’t understand the situation. Could you assist me what should I do now?
Saif,
Not to worry, it is just a status text change…Nothing you need to do, keep checking, you can follow up with consulate as needed.
Okay sir , I for one I have the same case , but as you said its the system update u shall wait. Because all of the sudden I sow AP refusal. And my case is K1.
Haruna,
If you were given a sheet saying administrative processing, then you can wait. If they said, there is no administrative processing, then it was refused for other reasons.
Thanks be to you and your update, I almost had an heart attack when I saw it , all I did was crying headache hit me same time , don’t know if I could have made it if my son case was denied, thanks again God is good
Cheers !
My case also K1
My interview was at 23th feb
My case had 2 update
One in 24 of feb , and second in 2th march
But on 3rd march it says refused on website
Iam worry
Arashkin,
If it show the refused with the text of administrative processing in it as we showed in above article, then it is still going on…Do not worry.
My case was always showing “Admin Processing” since December 19, 2019. It had several date changes until January 21st 2020 (all under “Admin Processing”). Today March 4, I check the CEAC website and it says “Refused” with the same last date (Jan 21st)… I hope this is not a denial of a visa. I am still a minor and both of my parents are residents in US, my immigrant visa was an F2A, placed on Admin processing after the interview because I needed to renew my passport.
I was told in the interview that my case was approved, and this was just an extra step required.
Also, I have not yet received emails regarding denial.
Maria,
Nothing to worry, it is just the text change in the status. You will get a letter or at least email indicating the decision, if so.
Hi Kumar,
Today they changed the date, but still same status and same details.
(just wanted to keep you all updated)
Maria,
That’s still positive, if it is the same message with administrative processing full text, instead of the short text of refused as in article.
Hi Kumar,
Thank you for the forum.
I applied for the K1 visa on the 18th of Feb 2020 and i was given a white slip with my passport and additional documents required.
I submitted additional docs on the 21st and I’ve had AP since then. However it changed to refused on the 3rd and as at yesterday 6th it was still refused with shorter text below;
Please advise
A U.S. consular officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. Please see the letter you received at the interview.
For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV.
Temi,
So, for 3rd, it had longer text with refused and on 6th, it was refused with shorter text ? The first one was definitely the system wide change….The second one, if the case updated date has changed and status changed then you need to call National Visa Center or email embassy to confirm. You would usually get notified by email or get a physical copy, if decision changed. Do update your situation for community benefit.
Can someone helped me with that or give me an idea. I applied for I130 for husband in Haiti he was approved. In November 2019 he went for the interview at his interview the consular ask for a dual interview. The dual interview was schedule forJanuary this year botn of us went for the interview everything went well for all the questions they asked. But at the end of the interview the consular returned his passport and said good luck. When I checked on case status after the interview they always said the case is in administrative processes. So on March 5t I checked they said the case is refused.
Bestphephe,
It is the same case as explained above, do not worry, it is still administrative processing.
My case went under Administrative Processing in 13 /jan/2020 in Brazil , i was in Administrative Processing, yesterday suddenly changed to refused.
Sayed,
Nothing to worry, it is a text change in the system, unless you got something like email or physical copy of decision, it is still under Administrative processing.
Sayed,
Have you received any update?
I am also from Brazil.
What kind of Visa did you apply?
Hi Redbus,
Thanks for starting this conversation.
I also have received Refused messaged my interview held on 15 Oct 2019 Mumbai and today it shows refused.
Please let us know if it is Refused and if Yes is there any chance of reapply.
Roshan,
If you were given any paper that says refused under administrative processing and they asked to submit anything, then it is admin processing. Otherwise, very likely it is refused. Yes, you can apply for it again, correcting the issues from past.
Hi Kumar,
any idea of the consulate sends email to the applicant if your visa is approved or refused? If yes, then no email from them would mean the visa is still under process.
Kapil,
Yes, they will actually send a physical copy of the decision as well. Check 221g Sample Refused Notice from Consulate.
Even my status changed to Refused today after 2 weeks of AP
My sister’s case is also showing refused however it was in administrative process since 6months.
Salam . fizza Fatima.
Can u share what doc they were asking?
My one had a mistake in b/c and the visa officer told me to correct it and re-submit. But when I re submitted the passports along with all docs requested, they sent back all my docs and passports. Saying not to resubmit them until they ask for it.
It’s already 1 month gone, now when u mentioned 6 month already gone for ur sister It seems a long way to go for me.
I have one more questions- did they make any comments beside the submitted docs yet ?
Fizza,
Unless you got email confirmation or a letter, it is still admin processing.
I have been checking the CEAC site for about 60 days now and the text change to “Refused” totally threw me off. Not sure if it was a bulk refusal to all or just change in text as suggested in the article here. Anyways , this gives a ray of hope .
Will be eager to see if others had a similar experience at the end of their 60 day period
Hi yash, i have been waiting for 60 days now as well. Did you have your interview in New Delhi consulate? Any ideas how much longer it might take?
Hi Priyanka,
My interview was at the Chennai consulate. No clue on the processing times though.
I/my Employer have received various emails requesting additional documents that I have submitted over the past 60 days, the typical turnaround I have seen is around 3-4 weeks and this date with text change to “Refused” coincided with that estimate.
Priyanka,
There is no SLA for Admin processing, it can take few weeks to few months. you can check 221g Tracker to get an idea
Thanks be to you and your update, I almost had an heart attack when I saw it , all I did was crying headache hit me same time , don’t know if I could have made it if my son case was denied, thanks again God is good
same here, this happened with me as well, its been 4 weeks now since I submitted the docs as asked in 221g, And today since I saw status changed from AP to Refused, with no change in ‘Date Last Updated’, I am kind of confused and blank.
Then came across this article on google which brought down the anxiety a bit, but I am still not sure how authentic the information on this article is, whats the source. CEAC or US consulate should have communicated about this change if they were making this.
Since there is no email communication from the consulate about my visa, I am assuming this is just a text change on the CEAC status page as mentioned in this post.
Kapil,
As we said, there is no official communication on this, but they have rolled out the text and it is same for everyone. No need to panic, you can reach out to consulate as well.
I just wanted to say this also happened to me here in London. So it doesn’t seem limited to specific countries.
It’s interesting that this website is only plave reporting this change and offering some explanation. My guess is if it was an outright refusal, they would have let people now via email too.
Ehsan,
Yeah, it seems like a system wide issue. We could not see any press release by CEAC or Travel Dept on this.
They usually do not do outright refusal for H1Bs and other work visas, they ask for info, drag it for a while and then eventually say refused…So, definitely, this is an issue with online system and we verified as well…
Hi Kumar,
I’m actually awaiting a student visa, so it’s not limited to H1Bs.
My interview was on Feb 20 and it was showing AP unitl yesterday and all of sudden it is showing Refused when I checked it today.
Ehsan,
Got it. Thanks for clarifying.
Same happened for my case as well. Status updated to refused on 3rd march eveng
Sirisha,
Was your status before saying Admin processing ?
yes, it was AP before
Sirisha,
Then fine, it is admin processing. Just the update of text.
Hello Kumar,
I have given interview on 4th march in delhi, visa officer said my visa is approved and did not give 221g or requested documents but when I checked today it says refused. Please tell me if you know what is going on with this.
FYI: My passport has been taken and the status says it is still with US embassy
raghunath,
In the past, whenever a passport is taken, it would show administrative processing, but now that status is not there anymore, so you may see this status. Nothing to worry, I have seen users see Adminstrative processing even after passport is taken for few days. Do update your situation here once you see status changed or you get passport for community benefit.
Same case here. So relieved to see this article. My H1B visa was under administrative processing till yesterday and now it shows as “Refused”. But I received no mail from the consulate regarding the status change.
From Philippines here. Husband interview 2/27/20, Consul approved his visa No 221g given passport was taken by Consul. On Feb. 28 updated to AP, then March 3 to Refused. I cant help it but feel depress..
LaO,
As the article says, it is a text change for the status, not to worry.
I have the same issue with my parents ir5 visa. Interview on 2/27/20 at Ankara US embassy, Consul approved their visas, No 221g given, their passports were taken by Consul. Only my father’s case changed to refused on March 3rd and it seems like the old version of the refuse letters! The passports are still at the embassy.
Fran,
If they have taken passports, nothing to worry.
I had visa interview on 28th Feb And i was given with a tick mark on “Administrative Processing” 221g and from that day itself my visa showing as “Refused”. So Can you please help understand whether the case that updated on march 3rd as “Refused” only comes under admin processing or mine whoch is updated on 28th Feb as “Refused” also comes under admin processing
Srikanth,
When you saw refused on Feb 28th, what was the exact status do you recall ? Did you see text like in screenshot that we have in article before the change ?
Hi Kumar,
The whole description was as below
“A U.S consular officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. Please see the letter you received at the interview.
For more information, please visit U.S Consolate General Hyderabad.”
I called to National Visa Center at 603-334-0888. They told that my visa was refused Under 214b and reason was “Immigrant Intent” and suggested me that I can schedule and go for interview again and at the time I need to prove myself having strong bond outside of U.S.
Srikanth,
Yours is a different case then, it was refused. You can see your Refused status is like in article How to check US Visa Status, which was the old refused status. Also, if you have called and verified then it is refused for sure…
Hello Mr Kumar:
same with me happened. My case is in administrative processing now showing refused and last update was 20 Feb. but on 3rd March, it’s changed from ap TO REFUSED
Thanks for the update. I was really worried of seeing this refused status instead of admin processing . @redbus Just wanted to check again if this Text change in CEAE site is confirmed?
Thanks in advance
Sobana,
Unfortunately, they have not done any press release or anything that explains the change. We are sharing this based on user feedback and our verification, including other attorney’s clarification.
Hi,
I got passport submission last Friday 28th Friday, which I did on same day, It was under AP since then untill, I got first time update and changed date on 2nd March from Interview date. It was still under AP untill 3rd March evening and then changed to Refused, my passport shows still with consulate. Anyone can suggest what to expect now?
Riddhi,
Nothing changed from your side, it is a system level status change, so don’t worry. If you submitted passport, it is positive sign. Do update once you get passport as well for community benefit.
Same here. I was on AP even on 1st march. Today I checked and it its been already 4 hours I was discussing with my whole family out there in US about this.
I’m not sure how authentic this information from ( redbus2us.com) but it definitely reduced a % of my stress.
Lincoln,
As we said, we had many users share the same and we tracked few real cases that had administrative processing that got changed too…Also, we had attorney clarify that it is an update to the system on their language change and status change info.
i am in same boat 221g, until yesterday AP – today date updated with application received – after sometime status is refused.
https://youtu.be/qjubc96cvwo
https://youtu.be/K5-P5zT2Tww
More info by attorneys in USA
Navz,
Thanks for sharing !
My status changed two days later from refused to admin again, seems to be temporary change
Navz,
It is not temporary, it is official. The text will change back to refused. It was updated in press release. See above article, I have updated the official press release link
I got 221 G. No additional information require from me! I applied for H1B which was approved. But they didn’t have my new h1B in the system. Although they had old one.
Interviewer took my DS 160 and passport, and handed my two papers.
1: my rights under h1B in US and he ask me to read and let Him know if I have questions
2: 221 g paper (white) with out any tick marks or Anything manually written.
Last night it was under admin processing and now on refused!
I’m seriously confused as hell on what’s going on. Why approved i797 is not updated in their system. It was approved mid feb!
Please help!
Underworld,
If you were given anything saying 221g, then it is definitely administrative processing. You would get something that explains the denial like sample 221g denial letter after document submission .
It’s 221 g notice. And interview said that they will let you know via email.
Underworld,
Then it is Admin processing and will need to wait. Nothing to worry.
Mine said administration process before now it says refused.
I got a white paper saying after interview saying 221G. He also mentioned that your i797 is not updated in our system.
Underworld,
Then it is still admin processing, not to panic.
I saw the status change from Adminstrative processing to Refused today. Case last updated still shows as interview date.
I am on same boat!
Yes, it happened to everyone. Do not panic, it is a system wide update.
The same problem for me. Until yesterday “A.D.” (7 months) and today “refused”. I am positive now because i saw in this site many cases are in the same situation.
Chris,
Yes. Many have the same. As we wrote, it is a language change.
Kumar,
Thank you thank you for this article. I have the same update except for a 212(a). I have a question, if everything goes well, what message should we expect next if any? will it say “you need to call us or come to the Embassy”? or Visa granted? what can we expect after the “refused”? I’m thinking they would post a message with instructions on how to proceed, am I right?
Thank you soul saver!
When the AP which has now changed to “Refused” is completed, you will receive both text message and an email telling you that your passport is ready for pick up. You can read more about the 221g on USCIS, which links to this system change. I also saw the same AP changing to REFUSE. so please no one should panic about this change. If you were on AP previously as it use to be, then you are still on the same status with the new phrase “Refuse”
Hi Frank,
Can you please share the USCIS link that shows this change ?
Thanks in advance
Walter,
If your visa is approved, you will see a status called ‘Issued’. You can check CEAC Status Meaning