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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 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.

221g Administrative Processing Status CEAC Website
Administrative Processing

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.

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?

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:

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, 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

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 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.
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. 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.

   

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1,726 Comments

  1. Sharing my experience as I had a weird one. This was my first H1B stamping.
    Feb 22nd: sent my docs to Ottawa through Canada post in Canada
    Feb 24th: Delivered
    Tracking showed “No Status” for two weeks
    Mar 10th: Application Received
    Mar 14th: Refused (long text)
    Mar 16h: Interview request email
    Mar 28th: Interview
    Mar 28th PM: Administrative Processing
    Mar 29th AM: Issued.

    The office had thought I had overstayed my OPT (without applying for STEM extension, even though I had applied for it, it was approved and I had sent my STEM extension card with my application material). Interview experience:
    Appointment at 8.30. Went to the window for interview around 9 am
    Me: Good morning ma’am
    VO: Good morning, What is your status in Canada
    Answered
    VO: Where do you work
    Answered
    VO: What is your day to day responsibilities
    Answered
    VO: What is your salary
    Answered
    VO: Can I have you LCA
    Provided
    VO: Have you overstayed your visa
    Me: I don’t think so
    VO: What about your OPT. Did you ever apply for STEM extension? The EAD card is not proof that your application was approved.
    Me: Gave the I-797 approval notice for my STEM extension
    VO: thank you. your visa is approved.

    Reply
    • Hi Janam,

      how were you able to schedule an in-person interview so quickly? I don’t see the dates in Toronto available for next 4-5 months.

      Thank you
      Pankaj

      Reply
    • Hi Janam,

      Did you receive 221g in the passport return package? For me I do not see any 221g in my return package, I received back just the passports , the photos and the supporting docs I kept were also not returned , did you also get a similar return package, Could you please provide some clarity please

      Reply
    • Hi Janam,

      Did you get a 221g letter along with your passport return package? also did they return back the photos and the supporting documents you sent them along with the passports in the return package?

      Reply
  2. Sharing my experience
    21-Mar submitted documents – H1b Dropbox Chennai
    22-Mar application received
    28-Mar Refused

    Waiting for further updates

    Reply
  3. My journey below.

    Visa: H1b
    21-mar submitted documents in dropbox – chennai
    22-mar Status change to Application Received
    28-mar Status changed to Refused

    Waiting for further communication. I have my wife and kids in US and it has been anxious waiting for Visa. I don’t know when I will see them.

    🙁 I’ll try to document my experience here as it unfolds.

    Reply
  4. hi i need help on this please. I submitted a dropbox for B1/B2 my renewal of my visa here in manila philippines.
    Thru CEAC March 17 application received
    Check again in CEAC March 22 Application received
    Check again in CEAC March 23 “REFUSED” down below are the text for 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.”

    until now the date and the STATUS are still in REFUSED what do i do now can i call the USEMBASSY or just wait?any help will highly appreciated

    Reply
    • Hi, Did you know the reason why we’re we not granted the waiver and called for in person interview? What docs are they asking you to bring for the in person interview.

      Reply
  5. Hi I submitted the docs via Dropbox on march 8 2022.
    On march 15th I got an update saying passport is ready for pick up. But the case status is refused. Has anyone faced this situation?

    Reply
      • login to the DS-160 portal to get further updates. They have asked me to come for in person interview and I scheduled through the portal.

        Reply
        • Hi Manoj

          I am in the same boat as you sent my application for H1B and H4 stamping to Ottawa but got an email that passport is returned and have to go for in person interview , did they let you know what is the reason and why are we not provided interview waiver

          Reply
        • Hi Manoj – Thank you for the information provided so far. I am in similar boat.
          My status says refused as of today. Can you please tell me how did you schedule in-person interview since I don’t see any date available.
          P.S. I am still waiting for more details, so not sure if the interview date time comes along with the letter.

          Reply
    • Manoj,
      The online status can be misleading at times. Check the passport once on if there is stamping or not. Sometimes, they call for in-person interview.

      Reply
      • Hello Kumar,

        I had a dropbox on 7th March and later on 17th, the status changed to “Refused” and since then the same status till today. Today when I check through the passport tracking link (http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-passporttrack.asp), the status shows as “Passport Status :
        Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery”.

        Unable to understand wha’s going on?

        Any idea?

        Reply
      • Hi Kumar I recently submitted my application for H1B and my dependants H4 for Dropbox in Ottawa the applications status turned refused , and in a couple of days got an email with the consular comment “interview required , passport returned” when I collected the passport back I did not have any 221g slip in the package, but all of our old H1B stamp that I got from Vancouver for a year from my old employer on which I never travelled to US due to COVID restrictions on that visa stamp I see a big black seal saying cancelled without prejudice other than that there is nothing else in the returned package , is it still considered 221g , Could you please clarify also are you able to see the reason being called for interview

        Reply
    • Hi Manoj

      Did you send to Ottawa ? did you receive the passport with the visa stamped although the case status showed you refused?

      Reply
  6. Hi. I sent my passport for H1B visa stamping to the Ottawa consulate which was delivered on Feb 24th. The tracker showed “no status” until March 10th, which is when it changed to “Application Received”. The status then changed to “Refused” on March 14th. I read a lot about “refused” which does not mean it is rejected but denied but I am still worried if I will receive the visa stamp and if so, how long will it take from here for them to stamp and send the passport back to me.

    Reply
        • Hello I am in same situation. I send my documents for renewal and I checed today its refused but I didn’t get any e-mail. When did they contact with you?

          Reply
        • Hi Janam,

          How did they contact you? in email or by phone? and did they say any reason why are they calling to appear in-person? In my case I chose the consulate as Halifax , but the Courier in receipt automatically chose Ottawa and my status is now showing refused , did you face a similar issue?

          Reply
          • Hi. So, in my case they though I had overstayed my OPT. Which I had not but maybe some system glitch so they asked me for an in-person interview. They notified me by email (about the in-person interview requirement, not the reason). I completed my interview yesterday and the visa was issued. They asked for my LCA and STEM approval notice to prove I had not overstayed my visa (EAD card does not wor)

          • Hi. So, in my case they thought I had overstayed my OPT. Which I had not but maybe some system glitch so they asked me for an in-person interview. They notified me by email (about the in-person interview requirement, not the reason). I completed my interview yesterday and the visa was issued. They asked for my LCA and STEM approval notice to prove I had not overstayed my visa (EAD card does not work)

          • Hi, What happened ultimately? My case is exactly same as yours where I selected halifax but was asked to send to Ottawa and now it says refused.

  7. My visa is E3 and the interview finished on 25th January 2022 in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. We got a DS5535 form after the interview. The ceac shows refused (long text) on 8th February. And still remains the same to this date. Does anyone know how long it takes for the consulate to return our passports? And why its being delayed. Does anyone else have this same experience.

    Reply
  8. Can somebody please tell me if this Refused online status and delay also happening with h1b or its just happening for only h4 and b1/b2?

    Reply
  9. Hi, i drop my passport under dropbox kolkata centre on 8th and 14th i see the status as Refused. I applied for h4 stamping and the only difference this time is that my husband which is on h1 didn’t go stamping with me. Do i really need to worry? How long shall i wait before i contact consulate?

    Reply
  10. Urgent help needed.

    B1/B2 Visa renewal via Dropbox shows application received on 10th December and remain like that till December 23 when status changed to Administrative Processes. We waited till 26th of January and it showed Refused but the passport was held. Then it shows lasted updated on 10 February but status remain refused until 14th February the status changed back to administrative processes with long text . I am worried does it mean that it will be issues after this changes ( Received – Administrative Processes – Refused – and back to Administrative Processes with Long text?? guys comment as i am being pained inside of me

    Reply
  11. My experience:

    Jan. 10 – Interview (Montreal)

    Jan. 10 – Status REFUSED

    Feb. 4 – Status READY

    Feb. 10 – Status ISSUED

    Feb. 14 – Received my passport.

    The status can be misleading. I emailed the Consulate when my status was “refused” and they mentioned it was under administrative processing. It took me a month to receive my passport from the day I went for my interview.

    Reply
  12. Hello
    We have interviewed on feb7 2022 diversity immigrant visa .
    Consular said u will got ur passport after one week but the main applicant case is showing refused n derivaties is ready.
    Consular dont asked for any additional document or not issue 221g.
    What would happen in this case can anyone help us .

    Reply
  13. Hello there,

    I have been in Djibouti trying to reissue a K-1 visa for like 6 months, and after months of the embassy playing with us they said that AP completed in my case and I can drop off my passport.

    Anyway, I dropped off a new passport because my old only had a 2-year extension stamp on it and now they told me that my new passport triggered a new round of AP, does that mean I’m gonna be in AP again for months because I changed my passport? Or is it a another type of administrative processing? It has been a month since this another administrative processing started!

    Reply
  14. Query about 221G process (J1 visa renewal)

    27 December: Interview and 221G. Passport returned and was asked to submit documents.
    4th January: Submitted all the documents. (Online status: Refused)
    22nd January: Asked to submit passport in nearby VAC. Submitted on the same day.
    24th January: Online status changed to Administrative processing.

    I have not heard back anything as of now. The online status has also not changed. Can anyone point out what is going on? When can I expect a decision? It has been one week now since the passport drop-off. I am getting a bit anxious.

    Reply
  15. Previously, I had a B1/B2 visa which obtained as an international student in Canada. It expired last year in November. So I applied for B1/B2 and sent necessary documents and my expired passport (which had the previous visa) and the new passport. It was delieverd to the Consulate on January 18th. Today (January 25) when I checked the status it says administrative processing – FYI now I am a Canadian PR. However, I did not receive any email or letter from the US Consulate. Now my question is my passport is with the Toronto consulate and I may need the passport…any idea what can I do? or anyone in the same boat?

    Reply
    • Application & Documents Sent: 17th January
      CEA Status as “Application Received”: 25 January
      CEA Status as “Administrative Processing”: 25 January
      CEA Status as ” Issued”: 26 January
      Stamped Passport Received at doorstep: 27 January

      Reply
  16. Hello,

    I went for my interview (Montreal) on January 10th. The VO mentioned everything looked good and took my passport.

    I recentl went to check the status which was last update the day of my interview and it says refused (long text).

    Anyone have the same situation?

    Reply
    • Hello there, My wife is in same situation. VC said that her Visa is approved and took her passport and said they will ship the same day but after couple of days later, I see the text Refused. Not sure what’s going on. Have you got any update?

      Reply
    • Hello I had the same issue , My interview was on 24 Jan, officer said looked good and took my passport and since then my status was refused. I have to wait for 10 days and see.

      Reply
    • I have the same situation. I had my interview at the US embassy in London. The consul said I’ll be issued a visa in 2-3 weeks time and he took my passport. Upon checking the status online, it said Refused. I’m so confused.

      Reply
        • My status changed today (Feb. 3) to “Ready” the message read:

          Your case is ready for you to schedule an interview at the U.S. Consulate General in Montreal. If you have already scheduled an interview appointment, please prepare your documents as directed in your appointment letter and appear at the Consulate on the appointed date and time. Otherwise, please wait until you have been notified of your interview appointment. Additional information about how Immigrant Visa interview appointments are scheduled can be found at: http://nvc.state.gov/interview
          For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV.

          I’m hoping I don’t have to travel to Montreal to attending another appointment.

          I sent an email and received a response a week and half later, they mentioned that my case was in “Administrative Process”

          Reply
          • Hi M,

            I went for my interview yesterday in Montreal and the interviewing officer told me everything was fine and collected my passport. Later in the day I checked the status on CEAC and it says REFUSED (quite surprising). Has your status now updated to ISSUED? Would be grateful for your feedback. Thanks

      • Hi there. Have received your passport back. I have the same status as yours. they got my passport and after a few days, the status changed to refused.

        Reply
      • I had the exact same thing with the London embassy.
        26th Jan had my interview and was told it was all good and that I’d get my passport back within 7 days
        28th Jan status said Refused
        1st Feb it changed to ‘Administrative Processing’
        Nothing since!

        Reply
      • Have you had it back yet my partner had his interview 1st Feb got refused untill sent 1 document in from acro sent it same day I emailed last week they Saif its under review and then today changed from refused to administrative processing qe are due to fly to America on 26th 🙁

        Reply
    • Hi Farida, Facing the same problem here. Was your visa stamped when it was returned to you? Any update on this would be very helpful

      Reply
  17. Went to embassy and was told that because of my visa (L1-B) my documents will have to be reviewed and I just drop them off along with completing DS 5535.
    January 12 – Interview and drop off documents (status – refused with long text)
    January 13 – CEAC Status – Administrative Processing
    It’s now January 19, 2022 and it has not been updated since.

    Reply
  18. The VO said my visa was approved on Jan 13th. My passport is ready for pick up on Jan 18th but the CEAC still says it’s in administrative processing. Any thoughts about this?

    Reply
  19. I have received this email after 6 months of administrative processing:
    Dear Applicant:

    We are pleased to inform you that we have processed your nonimmigrant visa application. Please submit your passport along with your DS-160 confirmation page (if already returned to you) through the courier location that you have selected while scheduling your visa interview so that we can complete your case.
    Please present a copy of this message along with your passport.
    ….
    However when I check the ceas website it is still unchanged from the first day (administrative processing-refused). Should I wait for my status to get updated in ceas or is my visa approved? Can anyone answer? It is going to cost me a lot to travel to the embassy/

    Reply
    • Nima,
      Sometimes, the online status can be very misleading and not accurate. Also, for your case, it will not change until they have issued your passport. So, do not worry and submit the documents.

      Reply
  20. Hi, I m PR of canada. I went for interview for USA visa nd they said visa is approved & they kept my passport & when I received my passport there is no stamp in my passport nd no letter in the envelope.

    What can I do?

    Reply
  21. My Mom had an interview 10/15/2021 ,she was refused under 221g asking for more documents,10/22/2021 we sent the documents 11/15/the status change from refused to ready for interview, after that last update change but still in the same AP can can someone help me please 🙏

    Reply
  22. Sharing my recent H1B visa experience at hyd consulate.

    Oct 18 – Attended Biometric at Kolkata
    Oct 20 – Attended Interview at Hyd. VO said visa approved and qualified for NIE
    Oct 21 – Application status showed as ‘Refused’
    Oct 28 – Status changed to ‘Admin processing’
    Nov 1 – Status changed to ‘Issued’
    Nov 3 – Received passport.

    Reply
    • Hi,

      I had my interview on 29th Oct and the VO said we are processing your request with NIA exception. But no update since then, the status in CAEC is administrative process and the updated date keeps changes every two days but the status remains as administrative process.
      Anyone is going through the same thing ?

      Regards,
      Satish

      Reply
        • Hi Madhu,

          My status has changed to issues on 16th Nov, guess you need to wait but eventually it will be issued. I had to wait for 10 business days to see the status changed from administrative process to issued.

          Reply
      • Hi, I had drop box on Jan 18th. All of sudden the status changed from administrative processing to refused on feb 7th. Refused status was there hardly for half hour and changed back to administrative processing. The field “case last updated ” changed to feb 7th. Not sure what’s going on. No communication so far.

        Reply
    • Hi, I had an interview 24-11-21 the officer consular said me the missing documents I sent documents to embrassy always in status refused I sent message to immigrant Visa answer me we will proceed with your visa petition

      Reply
  23. h1B dropbox: Mumbai Oct 18
    Status changed to refused: Oct 27
    Passport is in transit from post for the last 3 days.

    Have not received any letter or any other information from the consulate. What could refused status + passport being returned mean?
    Does it usually take this long for passport to be delivered?

    Reply
    • Hello SK,

      Did you get an update on your status Refused (on ceac.state.gov) + Passport being returned (on cgifederal.secure.force.com)? Did you get your passport back? Was the visa actually refused or it was stamped or there were any further instructions? The information would be highly appreciated!

      Thanks and regards, JNP

      Reply
  24. I have attended interview on 26th October and Vo said we are processing your request with NIA exception, But in the portal the status is “Refused “.

    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 Hyderabad.

    Reply
  25. I’m in similar situation, had my first time H1B visa interview on Oct 6 and it’s been 20 days and no update. The VO mentioned we will review and get back to you. Ceac says refused and last updated on Oct 6 and cgifederal says document delivery info. I tried calling and emailing consulate and they keep saying it’s in ongoing processing and can’t expedite. Do we have any rough estimate how long does it take these days to pick up the passport with visa?

    Reply
  26. My mom had her interview in mx and she was told on the spot she approved. Then a few days later was refused and sent a blue form with her passport. The paper said they needed original papers which we sent out on the 11th of this month. Checked on CEAC and it says the status was last updated on the 19th but it still says refused? Does anyone know what this means? we are very anxious wanting my mother to come home.

    Reply
  27. Ok If anyone from LK is here, the process mentioned above is the same. However for some reason embassy seems to be interviewing everybody who uses Drop Box option.
    I applied to renew my mothers VISA –
    First nine days – CEAC showed as ‘No Status’
    On 10th Day it turned to ‘Refused’ – with long text
    On 11th morning received a call asking to come to embassy, later in the evening received a mail confirmation on the same.
    On 12th Morning – Interview and they confirmed the VISA and gave some photocopied notice confirming the same, CEAC changed to ‘Administrative Processing’
    on 13th day – CEAC Status changed to ‘Issued’

    Reply
  28. Hi Kumar,

    My wife & Kid attended H4 interview at HYD on 27th SEP 2021. VO asked my wife to pick up passport and the CEAC status today is also “Refused”. Bit worried and wondering what should be my next action? Also the CGI federal document delivery status doesnt say anything.

    Thanks in advance

    Regards,
    Santosh

    Reply
      • Thanks Kumar. Below is one comment i saw in Telagram, posting it here for everyone’s visiblity.

        Every one who has attended interviews specifically in last 3-4 weeks in Hyderabad are undergoing 221g, this is very unfortunate
        Even for h4 interview, even if the VO say visa is approved it is showing refused online and is not moving for at least 2-3+ weeks. Very limited cases we see as approved in this group. That too dropboxes who has submitted in September first week got in October 3 week now
        For in person interview I think absolutely no movement

        Reply
  29. hi guys,

    I had my H1b visa appointment on Oct 1st, the officer said my visa was approved.
    while checking the ceac status:
    Oct 1st – Oct 8th “Refused” long text
    Oct 8th – Oct 12th “Administrative process”
    Oct-12 my status changed to “Application received”
    Oct-13 “Administrative process” long text
    Any one had the same status??

    Reply
    • NS,
      It means that they sent your application or petition info to USCIS to verify the approval based on what you presented at Consulate to check if they both match.

      Reply
  30. Dear Kumar or anyone that can help,

    I had my interview 2weeks ago they kept my passport but did not say I was approved. On Friday my long refused text on CEAC changed to the shorter one. Does this mean I am denied for good or do I still have a chance? What happens to most cases like this are they ultimately denied or approved? Please help me.

    Reply
  31. My husband in August 2021 wavier I 601 and I 212 was approved in September 2021 need more documents 221g. How long does it take to hear back. Plus the case was expedite was approved

    Reply
  32. Hello,
    I had my interview 11 days ago at the embassy in Brazil. They kept my passport. Today it changed from the long refused text to the short one. Does this mean I am really refused and not in administrative processing? Or can it still change to issued?
    Has anyone experienced being approved after it changing to the shorter refused text? Please help me. I’m so confused and scared because of this

    Reply
  33. Do not worry. Here is my case.

    Visa category : F2
    Visa interview date : 23.09.2021 (Hyderabad)
    At the end of the interview , the officer took the passport.

    Status check on CEAC website on 16.09.2021 to 22.09.2021 : REFUSED
    Status check on CEAC website on 23.09.2021 to 28.09.2021 : Administrative Processing
    Status check on CEAC website on 28.09.2021 to 01.10.2021 : Issued
    On 02.10.2021 , I received a message that my passport is ready to pick up. I got my visa.

    Reply
    • Spouse of US citizen case:
      Did my interview on 25 of October, 2021,
      I was asking for my husband domicile,
      We submit his domicile on 2 November 2021, but case still shows refused, and the dates was updated form 25 October to 4 November
      Kindly, what does it means

      Reply
    • This make me feel better my interview was on October 25
      Is been 3 weeks and today I just check and was refused I hope next time is a good news thanks for the info 🙏

      Reply
  34. What is mean when write in ceac status short text consular officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application just chenged from long text to short text i really don’t know

    Reply
  35. What is mean write in ceac status
    A US consular officer has dismissed and rejected your visa application. Please see the interview letter. For more information, please visit the US Embassy in Ankara.

    Reply
  36. I had my H1b interview on SEP 22nd
    VO took my passport and fingerprints and was not given any 221G forms and didn’t confirm anything about visa approval and asked me to wait for a week for update ..

    My case has been moved from refused to administrative processing with in one day and next I day got NIE approved email from consulate but still my case is in administrative processing . ..

    Did any one facing similar situation ??

    Reply
  37. Hi I apply my renew C1d visa on 15 September 2021 next day they update aplication aproved and next day they update refused and after 4 days they update Administrative processing what that mean it will be issued or any problem please help me my question thanks

    Reply
  38. I had my H1B visa Interview on September 20th, 2021 and the VO took my fingerprints and said visa approved with NIE. Also kept my passport. Soon after the interview I checked the status and it showed as Refused. I was not given any slip or was told about 221 g.

    Not sure what happened.

    Reply
  39. Request for guidance –

    As part of recent H1 + H4 renewal dropbox appointment in Chennai, my H1 visa was issued whereas my wife’s H4 visa was refused. She received a 221g form to appear for an in-person interview upon resumption of regular consulate appointments.
    We have a USC and have her vaccinations and wellness checks coming up. Is there anyone who encountered a similar situation and also have successfully overcame this. Please advise. Appreciate all your support in advance.

    Reply
  40. Hi Everyone,
    Here is my F2 Visa experience.
    Hope it will help those people who are seeking the support / Guidelines

    1. I have attended the Visa Interview on 19th Aug 21. VO took my passport and asked for the fingerprints. I wasn’t given any slip. When opened the CEAC site to see the update the status was “REFUSED”(i checked just an hour after the Interview). Was so upset and didn’t understand what has happened as VO took my passport but the status says something.
    2. Status remained the same for 3 days. on 23rd Aug, it got changed from REFUSED to ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING
    3. Again on 1st Sep 21, staus updated but was same: ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING. and on 2nd Sep 21, status updated to ISSUED. I have received my passport with VISA STAMP on 3rd Sep 21.

    I understood from my experience that the status immediately after the interview will be always REFUSED. So do worry and wait for the status update after 3 business days. if you are not given any slip, the VISA process may be completed in 2 weeks. but though the slip is given or not, make sure to check your email as they may request the additional documents while our case is in Administrative Processing.
    If you don’t get the update within 10 business days, start checking with the consulate customer care or email support@ustraveldocs.com

    All the best !!

    Thanks & Regards,
    Jyothireddy K

    Reply
    • Hi Joythi

      My case also similar to your case.

      VO took my passport and fingerprints and didn’t confirm anything about visa approval and asked me to wait for a week for update ..

      My case has been moved from refused to administrative processing with in one day and next I got NIE approved email from consulate but still my case is in administrative processing . I wanted to know is this the same way for you as well .. I mean did you receive your NIE approved email before your case moved from administrative processing to Issued

      Reply
    • I also attended f2 interview on 2nd nov .vo took my passport and gave me one booklet .still my visa status is refused.did any one get this type of booklet

      Reply
  41. Hello, my interview was on 11th of August. It was refused due to some missing documents which I provided on the 30th of August.
    Not the status is still showing same as refused but the ‘date update’ says 03 September. Does that mean that its fully refused or is it still in processing? Anyone experienced similar situation??

    Reply
  42. Has anyone ended up having a successful turnaround on their case status after being put into Refused (first long text) and then Refused (short text)? We’re stuck there now and getting a lot of feedback from others that it means it’s been denied. No email or anything from embassy communicating it.

    Reply
    • My case is exactly the same, I did not receive any communication but the long text has been reduced to short text now. Really confused if it has been completely refused it I still stand a chance.

      Reply
    • Any update on your case?

      I’m in the same refused long text right after interview changed to short text refused 2 days later!!
      They kept the passport!!

      Reply
    • Hi i have same situation just before couple days change from long text refused to short what is mean don’t know if you have any update let me know please

      Reply
    • Krista I am in the Same Boat at VO Interview time it was told that My Visa is Approved and they gave me approved slip and asked me to collect my passports in 4 to 5 business days and when I check my Visa Tracker page about status it was showing long Refused text waited for 1 week and the mailed Consulate they responded saying my visa is refused under 214b, waiting to receive my passports back

      If any one in the same boat let me know.

      Mail From Embassy :
      We regret to inform you that you are not eligible to receive a non-immigrant visa under the statutes of Section 214 (b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act. A denial under Section 214 (b) means that you were not able to prove that the activities you were trying to carry out in the United States would be consistent with the classification of the non-immigrant visa that you applied for.

      • There is no waiver available on the grounds of your ineligibility. 214 (b)

      We inform you that this decision cannot be appealed. If you decide to reapply, you must make a new application, pay the visa application fee, and make a new appointment to be interviewed by a consular officer.

      Respectfully,

      Reply
  43. Hi,
    Kindly help me with the below. how long should i wait to get the latest staus??
    Thanks in Advance.

    I have appeared for an F2 visa on August 19th, 2021.
    VO officer didn’t say anything but mentioned the NIE word.
    She kept my passport with her and also took my fingerprints, but when I checked the status, it shows 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 Hyderabad.

    Reply
    • Hi,
      Kindly help me with the below. how long should i wait to get the latest status??DId anyone had same exp at Hyderabad consulate

      I have appeared for an H1B visa on Sep1th, 2021.
      VO asked me about NIE I answered him but he was not convinced.he kept my passport with her and also took my fingerprints,and said me that he is giving 221g under NIE. but when I checked the status, it shows 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 Hyderabad.

      Reply
    • I had interview in March 2021 and the concil approved the k1 visa and told me they kept my passport will send me with visa by mail after week but then i check the status write refused i contact with embassy they said me under review and still the last date updated 7 Sep 2021

      Reply
  44. Hi. We had visa interview on 19th july and after interview vo kept our passport and original i-797 and gave 221g white slip with no document required. After that time case status shows refused. We sent many emails to different email but standard response that our case is under administrative process. But how long we have to wait?

    Reply
  45. Thank you for this post. I attended my visa renewal interview on the 22nd of July, 2021 after which the officer approved my case and told me to expect my passport within 2 to 3 weeks. On getting home, I checked the status on the CEAS tracker website and was perplexed to see the status as REFUSED with the long text as mentioned above. I began panicking but after coming across this post, I became calm. I kept monitoring the status which remained the same. I sent a message to the Toronto visa office where I had my interview and I was told the case was refused under 221g and it is currently under administrative processing (I never received any slip after my interview and my passport was retained). I decided to call the USATRAVEL.GOV customer care number to ask about the status of the application. I was told it was pending administrative processing (at least not refused). Frome the CEAC website I was almost certain that my case was not worked on as the days turned to 1 week and then 2 weeks and 4 days. I kept sending messages to the visa office and I kept getting the same templated response. I had already booked my return flight using the 3 weeks turnaround time the officer gave me. I suspected that my case was forgotten seeing that the last date the status was updated was the day of the interview. I decided to go to the consulate to ask what’s going on and made them realize that I have to travel back in 1 week. The security officer was kind enough to make a call to the interview office. I was told that the case is currently under administrative processing and would receive a response before the end of the week. Later in the day, I checked the status on the CEAC website and saw that the status was updated to administrative processing. The next day it was updated to issued which made me very happy.

    My advice to anyone in the same situation is to keep checking the status online, call the USTRAVEL.GOV inquiry line, and if you can go to the consulate if no movement after the timeline given by the interviewer.

    I wish you all the very best!!

    Reply
    • I have lil bit same situation. We had interview on 19th july and vo kept our passport and original i-797 and gave 221g white slip,no document asked. Case status still shows the same refused. We did email and call but standard response that your case is under administrative process . What should we do?

      Reply
      • Sorry to hear this. It can be quite frustrating to be in limbo. Did the officer give any specific timeframe that you should expect your passport? Based on a previous experience of someone close to me, after the 221g slip was given, it took about 3 weeks to get a response and the visa. It appears today makes it a little over 3 weeks since you appeared for the interview. You may want to visit the consulate you had your interview and talk to someone. I hope you hear back from them very soon. All the best.

        Reply
        • I had drop box appt on Aug10th.
          Status as changed to ‘REFUSED’ with short text – A consular officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. Please see the letter you received at the interview.

          Within 1 hour, it changed to Administrative processing. In the blog, it was understood that Refused with short text is actual ‘Refused’.

          Please let me know.

          Reply
    • Hi,
      Could you please confirm the email IDs which you have used for a follow-up?
      My case is similar to yours but the F2- VISA application. It’s been 8 working days but no status change from 23rd August.
      Just wondering, how you have sent a message to Visa Officer? need your help, request you to ping the more information on my email ID jyothi.kethireddy1204@gmail.com
      I have done many follow-ups via Support UStravel.com and also to customer care, but they are just asking me to wait until i receive an email or any notification from them,

      Thanks & Regards,
      Jyothireddy K

      Reply
    • I think I’m facing the same problem here but thank you for your helpful comment!

      Can you please give me the the USTRAVEL.GOV inquiry line number?

      Reply
  46. embassy saying me submit passport and medical report near VAC centre
    but i take appointments to VAC centre ..No slot available to submit document …
    Plz tell me when open slot open VAC centre 221g slot

    Reply

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