Any person planning to travel to the US must undergo a visa interview process at the US embassy/consulate. As part of the visa interview process, the US Consular officer reviews all the submitted documents and information and decides whether to approve or reject the visa for that individual.
If the US Consular officer does not have clarity about a document or any aspect of your application and they are not convinced to approve the visa, they may issue a visa refusal form 221(g) and inform the applicant regarding the same and inform, if additional documents need to be submitted.
This article will review all the details around US visa refusal under section 221(g), what administrative processing is, what to expect, how long it can take, what the color of the 221g form indicates, and other common FAQs.
What is 221(g) in the context of US Visa Stamping?
When the US Consular officer determines that additional processing is required before deciding on your US visa issuance, they issue a letter that reads, “Your visa application has been refused under section 221(g) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act(INA)…“. This letter is called 221(g) Form or 221(g) Administrative Processing Form.
Depending on the US Consulate, this US Visa refusal 221(g) letter can be printed on different paper colors, such as yellow, green, pink, blue, or white. The US Visa refusal letter 221(g) form will have additional instructions on what the US Consular officer expects to do or expects the applicant to submit.
Below is an example of a US Visa Refusal Form 221(g) issued at Hyderabad for H1B Visa recently in December 2024
Why is a US Visa Refusal Form 221(g) issued? Common Reasons?
The US visa applicant may be issued a US Visa Refusal form 221(g) in a few scenarios. There is no comprehensive list of reasons for issuing 221(g). Below are some of the common reasons the visa applicants can get it:
- Background Check or Security Screening: If the US Visa applicant has a common Muslim name or is working in an industry like pharmaceutical, biotech, engineering, etc., that’s there on TAL (Technology Alert List) or has a name that matches with any security lists that US Department of State has, they may be issued a 221(g) form.
- Employment Check: If the applicant is applying for a US work visa, they want to ensure their employment is genuine. Usually, in scenarios where the visa applicant is working for a consulting company and the officer wants to ensure that the submitted client/project information is correct or wants to check if the submitted details about the employer are accurate, the US consular officer may issue the 221(g) administrative Processing form.
- Dropbox Applicants (Visa Renewals): If an applicant is applying for US Visa renewal using the Dropbox option, they may be issued a US Visa Refusal 221(g) form indicating that they need to attend the in-person appointment. In this case, the consular officer wants to talk to the applicant. Sometimes, it is also given for submitting additional documents.
- Petitioner Information Management Service(PIMS) Not updated: The Consular officer can also issue the 221(g) form if their systems are not updated for whatever reason and they need to verify the same. The Consular Officers use a PIMS system to get all the work visa-related petition information from USCIS for various visa types. The Consular officer puts the visa processing on hold until the data is updated for them to verify.
- Consular Officer Needs Time to Understand: They may issue a 221(g) if the consular officer needs time to understand more about the applicant or the area of expertise of the visa applicant and what they are seeking a visa for. For instance, if the applicant is a researcher in nuclear physics and the visa officer has limited knowledge in that area, the visa officer may issue 221(g) to understand more about the applicant and their purpose before issuing the visa.
- Past US Visa History: If the visa officer finds any inconsistencies with the information presented by you and it does not match with past visa history of the applicant either approvals or refusals, then the applicant may get 221g.
- General Administrative Processing: Sometimes, there may be cases where the Consular officer believes some additional details have to be verified or checked with their internal systems, then they may issue the 221(g) for general administrative processing. Usually, if they expect something from the applicant, they will ask the applicant and indicate it in the form or email them. If not, then it is something internal, and they do not give specific details.
Sometimes, the visa officer can issue 221(g) for the applicant, even if the reason is not directly related to the applicant. It could be for a simple reason, such as the Visa Officer’s computer suddenly crashed and cannot be used while you are at the interview. Instead of letting you wait, the office can choose to issue a 221(g). There can be any reason, the officer most of the times will let the applicant know or email the applicant, if something is needed from them.
Received 221(g) form, Passport Returned Without Stamping?
When you get a 221g form for administrative processing, your passport will be returned without visa stamping. It is a standard process and nothing to be concerned about.
Your passport was returned to you without the visa stamping because the US Consular officer could not verify all the facts or documents, and it needs additional processing on your case. After you submit the documents or they do additional processing on your case, you will be asked to submit your passport if the consular officer believes they can issue you the US Visa.
US Visa Renewal or Dropbox Stamping: 221g with passport returned.
If you received the 221g form during Dropbox submission for US visa renewal, your passport would have been returned without stamping. In this case as well, there is nothing to be worried about. It is a standard process for them to return the passport without stamping and suggest the applicant’s next steps, such as attending a personal interview, giving biometrics, or submitting more documents or proofs.
Below is the screenshot of a 221g form issued for the Dropbox visa stamping. If you look at it closely, it suggests the applicant attend an in-person interview and carry additional documents such as a “copy of the current petition/visa.”
Next Steps after you get a US Visa Refusal 221(g) Form?
Once your US visa stamping case is put under administrative processing and you are issued a form 221g, below are the next steps that you can expect to happen:
Step 1: Issuance of 221g Form on a White or a Different Color Sheet: The visa applicant is given a white or different colored sheet of paper by the US Consulate officer which reads “”Your visa application has been refused under section 221(g) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act(INA)…“. Different color slips are issued for various reasons by different consulates. There is no standardized color code all the consulates follow. The 221(g) slip or sheet of paper will have your case number, usually the Consular Officer would write it.
Step 2: Submit Documents, mentioned in 221g Slip: If the consular officer wants certain documents or information for processing, they will ask you to submit the documents in person or via email. These can be submitted electronically or through the dropbox. The issued slip will have information about the required documents and how to submit them. The processing will not start until all the documents have been submitted.
Step 3: Processing Time, Waiting time: After you submit the documents, if they were requested by the consular officer in the 221g form or via email, you need to wait for them to process your case. There is nothing you need to do, you need to wait. There is no estimated time or Service Level Agreement(SLA) time for 221(g) cases.
Step 4: Submit Passport or Visa issuance Decision: Once the processing is complete on your case, and the visa officer determines that you are eligible for the US visa, then you will be asked to submit the passport(if they have not collected it during the interview). After you submit the passport, they would issue your US Visa and glue it in the passport. If, for some reason, the visa officer believes you are not eligible, then they will return the documents and give the applicant a denial letter. Check out Sample 221g US Visa Denial Letter.
You can add your case at community based tracker at 221g Tracker
How long does 221(g) Administrative Processing Take?
There is no set timeline or an SLA for 221g administrative processing. It depends on the case complexity and the reason for getting a 221(g) refusal letter. It can take as little as a week or as long as several months.
Usually, if the consular officer asks for a simple documents or needs to do any minor verifications in their systems, it can be resolved quickly. But, if they need to verify your info across security databases, or contact other agencies or companies, it can take much longer.
The official guidance from the US Consulates/ Embassy, as it appears on the USTravelDocs.com India website – 221g page, is that each case is different and processing time depends on that particular case. They say most of the cases in 221g administrative processing should be resolved within 180 days from the date of the interview.
See the below screenshot from their website.
When can you follow up with the US Consulate/Embassy on your 221g Case?
As per the US Dept of State, unless it is a travel emergency due to a serious illness or injury, death of a family member, or something critical, you should not contact them regarding administrative processing before 180 Days. If you have submitted documents after the issuance of 221(g), then you need to wait 180 days from that submission date before you can contact the US Consulate/Embassy.
Below is the screenshot of the actual guidance on the USTracelDocs Website as per US Consulates/Embassy
How to Check the Status of 221(g) Case on the CEAC Website?
You can check the status of your 221(g) case on the Consular Electronic Application Center(CEAC) website. While this may not be updated every day or every week, this is the only avenue for applicants to check the status of their case before they hit the 180 days mark to contact the consulate.
- Visit the CEAC Web page
- Click on the Application Status section, depending on the type of your application, either immigrant or non-immigrant. See the below screenshot.
- If you applied for F1, H1B, H4, L1, L2, you fall under Non-immigrant.
3. Enter the details of the location, application id or case number, passport number, and first 5 letters of your surname/family name and enter the captcha. Below is the screenshot of what all fields you must complete.
4. You will get the status of your 221(g) case at the end. Depending on the processing, it can show as refused, approved, or issued. See the below screenshot on how the status would look like for refused case of 221(g), when they are processing the case.
How to follow up on your 221(g) Case with US Consulate?
As per the US Dept. of State guidance, you cannot contact the US Consulate or Embassy before 180 days regarding your 221(g) administrative processing from the day of issuance of the 221g form. But, many applicants do follow-up on their case before they reach 180 days in a very professional tone. While you may or may not get a response, it is worth a shot to try after a few weeks from the date of issuance of your 221(g) form.
The process of contacting the US Consulate is different in each country. In some countries, they provide an email on the Consulate/Embassy website, in some countries, you must go through the US Visa Globals Support Services Provider such as CGI.
For instance, in India, they have completely removed the ability to contact the US Consulate/ Embassy directly using email for 221(g) cases. They have introduced the concept of completing a form for your need. You are asked to email the US Visa Globals Support Services Provider contact email support-india@usvisascheduling.com.
You must check the US Embassy/ Consulate website in your country and see, if there is a direct option to contact the consulate. If not, you should email the relevant outsourced services provider such as CGI to their standard support email address and request for support indicating your emergency or if you have completed the 180 days and still have not heard back from the Consulate. You can also try to call the US Embassy/Consulate for more info.
Also, if you are working in US, then you can email your Senator and ask them for help. However, this should be done only if it has been pending for 180 days or more. Again, there is no guarantee.
You may interact with the community by joining the Telegram Group for 221(g)
Can I expedite 221g Administrative Processing? Premium Processing?
The US Department of State does not have an option to expedite the processing of your 221(g) case. There is nothing you can do before 180 days. If there is an emergency travel need, you must submit the requet by attaching all the relevant proof and email the consulate or the global support services provider such as CGI requesting to expedite. It is up to the discretion of the US Consulate/ Embassy to process the same.
Unlike USCIS premium processing, there is no premium processing option for 221(g) cases with US Department of State. You just need to wait. The wait can be long, but it is what it is…
Very long delay with 221(g): Can I sue the US Govt. and file Writ of Mandamus?
If the delay in the processing of your 221(g) administrative processing is unreasonable, then you can file a Writ of Mandamus. Basically, what you are doing is suing the US Govt. saying that they have not done their work properly on time and it has impacted your life. Unreasonable delay is very subjective and you may consider anything around 6 to 8 months unreasonable. The longer the delay, the more unresonable.
Filing a Writ of Mandamus Lawsuit will help you get a decision on your 221(g) case, but it does not increaes your chances of approval or gurantee the approval of your case. It can take anywhere from 3 months to 4 months to get this Mandmanus Lawsuit to have some effect on your case.
Depending on your case, attorneys can charge a lot of money. They can charge anywhere from $3000 to $10,000 based on your case.
221(g) Final Decision – Visa Denied
Depending on the type of US Visa you applied for, the US Consular officer will make a decision on your case and communicate the decision to the applicant. A letter or email will be sent to the applicant stating that the Consular officer cannot issue the visa to the applicant as they do not meet the requirements for the visa as per the Immigration and Nationality Act(INA).
In some 221(g) cases for visa types like H1B, the petition related to the H1B and a memorandum explaining the decision is sent to USCIS for further review and revocation as applicable. Below is the screenshot of a sample final refusal/ denial letter and an email sent to the applicant after the initial 221(g) refusal form.
Below is the sequence of events that usually happen after the denial decision is made for an H1B Visa.
- Consulate will send the H1B petition back to USCIS for reconsideration along along with their comments with a memorandum explaining their decision.
- All the original documents will be returned to applicant, except for I-797, which will be sent to USCIS
- Once USCIS receives the petition, they will send a notice of receipt to the petitioner.
- USCIS will review the petition (this could take 2-3 months or more) and either issue a NOIR (Notice of Intent to Revoke) or NOID (Notice of Intent to Deny). The petitioner will be given certain days (30-60 days; actual days given are mentioned in the NOIR/NOID) to respond.
- Based on the petitioner’s response, USCIS will finally reinstate the petition or deny it.
- If the petition is reinstated, then USCIS will send the document to the concerned US consulate, which in turn will get in touch with you to appear at the consulate. This overall process can take many months and not much can be done.
Common FAQs
Not necessarily. Unfortunately, 221g administrative processing takes time, and one needs to remain hopeful. If one has been asked to submit the passport after submission of documents or after the interview, then that’s definitely a positive sign.
Sometimes, the US Visa officer may want to verify something on their end and may not need any information from you. This is very common and nothing to be worried. Every case is different and the processing time totally varies by case and cannot say.
Also, you can check out our 221(g) tracker that has anonymous data with users like you, who added the details for community benefit. Waiting for the 221(g) response from US Consulate can be very painful. To help everyone be informed on average processing time and other similar cases, we have built an easy way to track for users their 221(g) status and let the community have an idea on the timeline as well. It is fully anonymous. Please add your case to the 221(g) Tracker.
What do you think of the way 221(g) administrative processing is done? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Hi
Received Blue Slip asking for SOW on 23rd October and yet to respond to 221G. However i checked my Case Number today and its showing status as Issued. My Passport was returned to me during PAI. Whether i am missing something or its usual to get the status updated wrongly in the Site?
answered in forum.
I had my H1B Visa Interview on 25th Oct 2019
Interviewer asked me questions like, employer, client location, annual pay, asked me to show my paystubs, client letter, employment letter, vendor contract letter, I-787 ( where my Change of status was pending due to converting from CPT to H1B). After the interview I got a White slip 221g with Admin processing, all my documents I showed during the interview were returned to me including passport.
Its been 2 weeks since interview, I have not received any email nor the employer or client for any verification or any additional documents to submit yet.
I have been worried cause of the delay.
sca,
221g is a black box, all we can do is wait…stay positive…
I have been reading others questions on here, I am disappointed to see that if Passport was collected during interview means chances are less. Although I have all the documents needed, I have no idea why I am being kept under Admin processing from past 3 weeks. I keep checking my mails, checking my employer and even client if they have received any mail regarding my verification to go forward.
It is making me restless.
Not collected * sorry typo
Ah too late 🙂 already responded…stay positive…
sca,
I am only imagine the anxiety you are going through…wish there was a better way…sometimes, good people get impacted, while fishing for bad actors in the system…stay positive.
No, I do not think that is true…look at it logically, if the interviewer intend to give you visa, they will hold the passport and ask you for info…if not keen on it, then they give the passport back…In any case, stay positive.
It has been 2 months since the day of the interview. I have sent an email to the ustraveldocs regarding my concern about couple of weeks ago. All I got was an automated reply stating that my application is still in Admin processing.
I am clueless on what next to do and what I would hope for 🙁
sca,
Unfortunately 221g is a black box, all we can do it wait…Hope for the best.
Hi Kumar,
It has been over 3 months since my Interview at Hyderabad US Consulate (received 221g , no passport collected, no extra docs were asked to submit).
I even reached them via email to know the status of my application which is under Admin processing. I got an automated reply that I would get response in 1-2 business days, though its been a week.
Would you suggest me to contact them via Phone, as I do not posses any response via email?
sca,
I wish I had a better answer. Sometimes, they say you need to wait for 180 days…this is a black box. You may try to call them or email them again after waiting for a week or two…
My H1b approved under consular processing and I went for interview on 25th October. VO asked for various documents (Paystubs, Support letter and Client letter) and kept it with her. Got 221g after the interview saying my case requires administrative processing. Today I received my passport along with all the submitted docs and 221g form (same as the one received during interview). If anyone has recently gone through admin processing, please share your experience, it can be really helpful.
Thanks
Was there any update on your 221 g ?
No update yet. My employer told me that client verification was completed around November 7th. It’s been a month since verification and no update yet.
Hi, today my passport was returned after 10 days along with with a 221g sheet which says your application requires more administrative processing (. The same sheet was given to me at interview) .what does it mean? Do i need to wait for more further processin. . or it means that my visa is denied and I need to resubmit my application?
Vicky, What color slip was it ? Post it on forum with the copy, maybe we can review and suggest. In general, 221g is black box, you would need to wait…
Went for H1b visa interview in Chennai consulate. The consular said putting you in administrative processing and retained the passport and said not to worry will get the passport in a week. I did not get any slip.
Should I be concerned?
Does administrative processing mean getting a slip?
Help needed guys! Any thoughts?
Hello Newtoforum! I have been put in the same situation on Oct 23rd. What happened since then? Did you get your passport back? How long did it take?
HI Kumar Thanks a lot for all the inputs. I have my own question I was on OPT and my H1b visa was approved in may 2019 for three years and My H1b stamping is denied in mumbai (After 221g) recently. Will i fall under cap excemt category? If YES will my previous rejection impact on new interview?
Thanks
Sri
Hi Kumar,
My wife went for H4 visa stamping (F1 to H4 visa stamping) on August 26th, 2019 in New Delhi Consulate, Vo asked for my H1b petition and said your visa is approved, you will get your passport in 2 weeks. Now its more than 2 weeks, When I am checking online on website it is saying administrative processing. Today I called US Dept of State at Washington, DC @ + 1 (202) 647-4000 or + 1 202 663 1225 and told them her passport number. They told me 221 G is issued on her application and no documents are required for her petition. Do you have any idea how much time it will take to get her passport back from the US embassy?
This is totally unknown. We have some who got in few weeks, some waited for months. The good part is that they have the passport, so you should hear soon in few weeks. Do update here once you hear back. You can check out 221g tracker to get idea of timelines.
Hello,
I would really appreciate if you can answer this. I made a mistake in DS160 for ‘previous work’ section. While taking a gap year after graduating from high school, I worked as a government official as a substitute. I thought this was not actually considered as a real “work” as I was not a regular employee, so I said “no” to the previous work section.
However, I told that I traveled and tutored during the Visa interview when the consul asked me what I did during my gap year. I got 221(g) refusal, and I am asked to fill out the questionnaire, and there is a question about my previous work. Should I say that I made a mistake in DS-160, and report my previous work as a substitute?
Thank you so much.
What you said in interview, should match in what you filled in DS-160. You need to clarify and submit the documents…You could mention what you explained that it was . not actual work as regular employee and submit proofs of the same…
Yes you should. Working during the gap is a positive point for you anyway
I Received ‘221g-Blue’ in my H1b interview (New Delhi) by asking list of documents. It has to submit via provided email in Blue Slip only.
my Question is all the list of documents size is around 70MB (Pdf docs) , an email can’t upload more than 25 MB…so can I send an email by providing Documents in Drive (link) ? or any alternate ?
Thanks in Advance.
Veena.
Reduce the size of pdf documents. There are free conversion websites, google it. Content remains the same. Hope this helps
can u please update what happened to ur case? I am in the same situation
The consulate ask for my passport , I sent both old and new one -after 7 weeks they send my passports back and still on AP
Is that mean new passport new entire admin process ?
Could be, hard to say. 221g is a black box.
HI Kumar Thanks a lot for all the inputs. I have my own question I was on OPT and my H1b visa was approved in may 2019 for three years and My H1b stamping is denied in mumbai (After 221g) recently. Will i fall under cap excemt category? If YES will my previous rejection impact on new interview?
Thanks
Sri
Hi Guys,
I gave my interview on the 10th of April 2019 and was told that “your visa has been approved. We will stamp your passport and send back in 3-4 days”. I got the DS-5335 email next morning.
I have a career changing conference to attend in May 2019. Is there any instance / case where the visa was approved after DS-5335?
-Moiz
Hi Moiz,
My husbands interview was in April at Islamabad and somewhat similar situation we got questionnaire also 24 hour after, any updates for ur case?
Assalamu aleikum.
Yes. I got my visa stamped ALHAMDULILLAH. I had to submit additional information in the DS-5335 form and my passport was returned to me. I was later asked to submit my passport again via VFS and they sent it back with the visa stamp.
There may be a delay if they are reviewing the information you submitted and they should get back to you soon. Keep your faith in ALLAH ALMIGHTY. Dua helped me a lot.
-Moiz
Moiz,
Can you share more details on the DS-5335 form and how long was the timeline, it will help others as well.
Sure Kumar,
Here are the case details with timeline:
10th April – Visa interview
11th April – Mail from visa office – Your application for a nonimmigrant visa has been refused under Section 221(g) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.
*submitted my DS – 5335 documents, with all other details that were requested*
*I then left the rest to ALLAH ALMIGHTY and prayed*
25th April – Request to submit Passport to U.S. Consulate (email)
*Sent passport via VFS*
3rd May – Your passport has been collected from the visa office (email)
*collected my stamped passport from VFS office*
– I hope this helps.
-Moiz
Thanks Moiz for sharing the details !
I was in US from 2011 to 2016 for my MS and PhD Studies. I had to come back to my home country in mid-2016 due to some serious domestic issue. However, I kept working on my PhD research from my home country. In June 2018, I applied for F-1 visa at Karachi Consulate in order to defend my PhD dissertation at my US University. It is to be noted that, during all the time between June 2016 and June 2018, I kept my full-time student status intact by registering for required minimum credit-hours at my US University. The Consulate kept my passport after the visa interview and asked me to submit additional documents which I did the next day. It’s been 10 months since then and my case is till in AP. I have now started going into depression as my 7 and a half-years painstaking study is at stake.
Hi
I am really worried about my case.
Case:- CR1
Interview:- 13/November/2018
Office took my passport and I received 221(g) slip. The officer didn’t mention any documents to submit, the officer just told to wait for 2 to 4 weeks. But my ceac status was on ready.
On 5th March 2019 ceac status changed to administrative processing and the last updated is 13 March 2019
Please kindly tell me what does it mean?
Hello Basit
I am in a similar boat. I had my interview on 28th Dec. My caec status was last updated on 18th Jan and since then there has been no progress made on my case. I received a yellow form (it doesn’t mention 221 (g) anywhere. I also wasn’t asked to submit any documents. What was the color of your 221 (g) slip and did it mention 221 (g) anywhere?
Hello,
I received a blue slip 221(g).
In that they have asked to submit the
scanned documents in word format.
Please let me know how to scan and submit it in word format.
Thanks Abhay
Mithun,
During my Visa interview consular general supplied me 221g white sleep mentioned that supply Singapore police clearances. On 20 December, I submitted 221g requested documents to VFS Global center.
So, please let me know another how many weeks or month need to give me respond.
221g does not have any SLA…it can take few days to few months, everything varies by case…so all you can do is just wait…
Hi, I’m in s similar situation and the petition was sent back to uscis. Can you please let me know if you have any updates on your application? Your response will be of great help.
Hi Ramya,
I’m in same scenario, please let me know what is the current status of your case
Hi All,
Had Visa interview on 19th June at Chennai.
Given 221g Blue and haven’t asked for any documents from me, reached out to client on 03rd July.
I got Email from Chennai Embassy to submit the passport on July 19th (Just the passport and the printout of the Email).And have submitted my passport on 23rd July at Chennai VAC they said you will get a response in 2-3 business days but it’s been 7 working days I have no response.
And on website it’s showing still under Admin Process their is no update from 19th June the day i took interview.
I’m worried now please let me know if anyone came across same situation.
Hi sumanth
Any updates?We are in the same boat,submitted pp on 31st july at chennai and no update till now,case is under admin processing from the day of interview
Hello my C1D visa got pending need additional documents .pcc and company address from 2012 to present .I submitt all doc with pass port and cdc waiting for their reply
Hi
My name is Javed
I had a interview on 21th may and vo said my application has approved and when i check my status next day said admistration process status then 8th of June vo send me email asked me all my documents and details which I have email them on same date I applied for p3 Visa which is entertainment and atrist visa all my colleagues got there visa on 6th June except me it’s really frustrating cz I have show start 22nd June and have to travel it’s been a month now please could anyone tell me what’s happening ur answer will be appreciated
I was asked to pick up my drop box at DHL office today. Only to be handed a white letter with 221g. I already booked appointment for July, 2018. What could have been the problem? I do not know. Can somebody help me out with likely problems?
where u issued the visa?? same happened to me but i have not gone for interview.
I sent documents as mentioned in the 221g form through email . But the case number VO wrote is not in the same format that works on the ceac website. Will the email will be forwarded correctly ? I got the reply that documents received.
Please let me know
Your Comment I have traveled to America thrice and qualified for drop box. I went for a pick up only to have my documents returned with white paper that indicates I need to schedule another interview but with an instruction not to pay another fee. What could be the reasons?
did you have a name change ??
Hello Rotimi,
How did it go with you? I also got a white paper (no case number, no documents required to submit) that just says i should schedule another interview but to not pay another processing fee. Kindly update me on your experience. Thanks
Hi Susan I have similar issue, please how did yours go?
Hi Rotimi how did your application go? I have same issue at the moment
I went for my interview again since 2016 after they told me they are sending back my documents to USCIS for approval. I went this time and the Consular Officer asked me to bring all the Birth Certificates of my siblings, W2s and my Medicals which was not ready as at the time i went. All the documents, they are requesting i have them now but still the medicals is not in. What should i do?
Hi,
I’m in a similar situation and I would like to know if there is any progress in your case. My petition has been sent back to uscis as well. Did your petition get approved? Can you please tell me how long it took for uscis to respond after you got 221g? Please help. Your inputs will be highly helpful.
Thanks,
RH
Hi RH,
What happen to your case I’m in same scenario.
Hi Srikar,
did you get any updates on your case, I’m also in same scenario since Aug-18
Hi RH,
I am also in the same boat, could you please let me know your case status.
Me and my wife got US visa last year, but my wife was expecting at that time so we were not able to travel. After few months I got blessed with baby girl and then I applied for her visa too. She was eligible for Drop Box and I followed all the steps and submitted all necessary docs. Now the status of visa changed to Administrative Processing after 10 days. Does anybody have the same experience?
I was appeared for my F1 visa interview by January 16th but due to some sort of administrative processing (221G) I could not joined my university which I was intended to, so I defer my admission from spring to fall, 2018. Now since my SEVIS Id is changed and issued a new I-20, I got a call from visa consulate to reappear for an interview with my new I-20 and all relevant documents. Please let me know whether anyone have been through similar situation and share their experience. Why this interview is all about?
Did you get your visa? My admission was deferred for Fall 2018 because of 221G. Haven’t seen any update on CEAC website as well.
Yes, I got that, last week.
In my case, I received a new I-20 with same SEVIS id. It’s been over 170 days of administrative processing. I don’t understand what’s going on with my application. Anyway, congrats on your visa 🙂
I am in a similar situation. Did you ever get your visa after the administrative processing?
Hi Expert,
I went for my H1 interview in December and was given 221 g (white slip). I submitted all the documents in Feb and then I received below email on 17th April.
Your case is currently on hold under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) pending submission of your passport. The requested passport should be submitted through any of the drop box facilities at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-loc-documentdropoff.asp
I then submitted the password and still haven’t heard anything back.
Can you please guide me on this?
I am just sharing my experience back in 2015:
I am French and Venezuelan (dad french, born in France, mom venezuelan, lived 10 years in Venezuela). I went for interview to get an F1 visa for a Petroleum Engineering M.S., fully funded by an assistantship at the Paris consulate.
{ Context: Previous to that F1 visa I had used two J1 intern visas in 2012 and 2014. I was very confident and calm since each previous J1 visa that I had got, the interview took less than a minute and they always approved without hesitation.}
For my F1 interview, it was also very short… My number was about to be called and I noticed that the lady called a guy and they started reading the screen for a couple of minutes. They started calling other people after me. Suddenly the lady calls my number, I go there still very calm (despite that red flag) and she only asks me one question : “do you hold Venezuelan citizenship” (I had always disclosed my dual citizenship in their website while applying for interview and had specified France and Venezuela”). I answered “yes”. Then she replied “ok, when do you start school?”. I answered: ” August 15 2015″. She thought about it for a couple of seconds and replied: “your visa will take a little longer to be approved” and handed over a while slip. At the time I did not understand what was going on and I said “ok thank you” and left with my white slip.
Going out I read that my visa was REFUSED under 221g: further administrative processing and all the jargon they use. I almost fainted, I had my dream M.S. with a scholarship and they were threatening to take it all away for no good reason at all. I think I recall that the while paper asked for a resume and other stuff that I already provided. I sent the resume the same day. Had no answer whatsoever. Checked the website every single day at least 30 times a day to see if my visa status was approved. I even got job interviews and was about to take a job in Paris. Suddenly it got approved, 85ish days after my interview and like 4 days before class start date.
Now I graduated from my MS with 4.0 and am on OPT with a big company in H-Town. Just applied for H1. Guess what? I am not going out to stamp my OPT, dont want to risk going through this torture again.
Bottom-line: there is hope after 221g. They really don’t hesitate to just refuse your visa. If they issue 221g is because they don’t want to refuse your visa but their stupid laws and internal policies makes them act like that. I later found out that actually Obama had just declared Venezela “a threat” in January 2015, and there is a pretty extensive list of corrupt Venezuelan officials that are forbidden to enter the US. I am guessing that they were checking if I was related to government (which I am not). Also, Petroleum Engineering is in the TAL, specially my research is directly applicable to nuclear engineering…
Good luck everyone. Keep you hopes high (unless you’re from those fake consultancies or applying multiple times for H1).
My H1b is approved.When I went for stamping got yellow slip for project details,but my consultancy don’t have any project details to show.Is there any way we can transfer our petition to different consultancy.Please help
Hello guys , I need help , I came India for mr h1b extension stamping ,I was qualified for drop box , I drop my doc on 19 March , on 21 March , they returned my passport with green slip (221g) asking me for interview from mubai consulate .
Do I need any special documents from employer ; I work at client locations through my employer, it’s a full time job for physical therapist.
If any one went through same problems; pls give me advised will be appreciated
Hello
My interview was on 6th sept 2017
Case created : 5th sept 2017
Case Last Update: 12 Sept 2017
6-Sept-2017 In Interview, VO took my passports and told tht i will get it back in 3-5 days. Since then i m stuck in AP.
17-Nov-2017 Passports were returned,with a green slip. No Stamping.Status AP
28-Feb-2018 CEAC status still shows Administrative Processing.
REPLY TO EMAILS :
Your application is refused under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for mandatory administrative processing. Unfortunately, we cannot expedite or give an estimated timeframe. U.S. immigration law requires that additional steps be completed in some cases before a file can be reconsidered for adjudicative review. We appreciate your patience.
Please be assured once again that we will contact you as soon as the processing of your case is complete. You can also check the status of your visa at https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/
______________
Is there any hope that my visa case is alive?
Its almost 6 months, should i wait further?
PLEASE REPLY,
THANK YOU.
i am waiting from 6 April 2017. my case is still under administrative process..but on march 14 2018 they email me that i have to submit PCC, medical and passport
Thanks for replying
Looks like a good sign. And a ray of hope for me.
By the grace of the almighty may you get your stamping soon.
Hello navtish,
What happend next?
Did you get your visa?
Pls reply it might help
Hi
Have you got your passport stamped.
Did you got your visa am also in same boat attended interview on 4 th April 2018 till now no updates my employer is small
Hi Santhosh,
did you get any updates on your case, I’m also same scenario.
Hello..
I received the same email is there any hope please kindly help me. thanks
No not yet still waiting, did they forgot about my application
What about your case
Hey huzifa bhaiiii, Hope you are doing well, I would like let me know to you about my process, it’s almost the same situation is your are/were.
Can we talk personally
Hi saurab,
I got 221g blue slip on 3rd March 17, vo asked to submit project documets. I submitted on 18th March 17. But unfortunately my case was sent back to uscis on 20 June 17. Till now my employer didn’t hear back anything from USCIS. Is there any way to know the current Status?
I have attended visa interview in Hyd US Consulate and issued 221g slip mentioned as Administrative process.Its one year complete no update and my i797 document expired on dec 2017.It will impact on Administrative process.Please need your input.
Hi,
Me and my wife appeared for stamping of our approved H1B and H4 in the New Delhi consulate on Oct 6 2017. We were handed a white 221g with a list of docs and our passports were returned to us. My company (the petitioner) sent all requested documents to the consulate on Oct 20 2017.
For a long time there were no updates. Then on Dec 19 we got an email from Ustraveldocs to submit our passports. We submitted our passports on Dec 20.
The status on ceac has always been Administrative Processing but the ‘Case Last Updated Date’ was changed once to Dec 28.
Once we had submitted our passports the passport tracker used to say something like “Passport is with Embassy/Consulate”, but now it says “There is no status update for the passport number submitted”.
I was hoping that once they asked for our passports they would process the application soon, but there hasnt been any update. Is there anything i can do except wait?
I email/call ustraveldocs every other day.
My husband got interviewed on 2dec 2017,and they give him 221 g, and we submitted all the documents twice but now again they give us same letter (221g) with a passport, my husband and me , so much stressed , can somebody explain something plz,
Give me reply plz
is there any update on you case ? did you got your visa stampped?
I had an interview on 9th jan visa officer told me your visa is approved on next day I have received a mail asked for additional information on 11th I hv receives my wife n daughter passport with 10year visa I hv send e-mail on 12th I received my passport with green letter for visa officer Wii contact you via email can you help me wt they means as I am the main applicant
Hi,
I am from India and working in a MNC and having H1B Visa. I travelled officially once to US and again travelled unofficially means not informed to company/sponser and travelled to US for 2 weeks and came back to India. Now my H1B Visa is expired, and my company filing H1B Visa extension/renewal through premium processing. So Is USCIS or Visa Officer may ask any questions on my unofficial US trip or any RFE or any rejections may happen? Kindly suggest on this….
I am a experienced traveler Previously I been US, Canada, UK and Europe, including twice I have 10-Years multiple visa of B1B2 USA and it’s expired in June 2017, and after expiry on November 27, 2017 I applied for renewal of my visa along with my and minor daughter’s fresh visa applications.
After a long interview visa officer informed us that our visa is refused but technically our visa applications are in pending and surprisingly she kept our passports, and tells me to wait for outcome within 2 days, meanwhile she give me my payment slip and an 221(b) white slip without writing anything on it, she just mark on embassy’s email ID for any additional contact.
Now as per online tracking our Visa applications are on AP.. then after 2 weeks i email embassy and they inform that my case is still in pending AP and once its complete they will inform me.
Is anyone have same story… what is the reason for all that, finally after AP did you get Visa stamp or refused the visa. Please shear your experience or guide me why it’s happened with me.
Anonymous:
Hi all i have below query–
I have a approved petition till 2020.
I was eligible for drop box and i submitted all the docs , I received the passport back without stamping and no slips.
Few days later I got a email from Mumbai counsulate given below
Dear Mr. XXXX,
Greetings from the U.S. Consulate General Mumbai.
Your application was refused under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for mandatory administrative processing. Your visa application will be reconsidered when administrative processing is complete. At this time, you are required to visit the Consulate General on any business day from 10:30am to 11:00am bring a copy of this letter and your passport. You do not need to schedule an appointment.
Please note that the consular section is not open to the public on the second and last Wednesdays of each month.
We will contact you as soon as we complete administrative processing and are able to reconsider your visa application.
Sincerely,
Consular Information Unit
U.S. Consulate General Mumbai
Please let me know if is it for interview or what ? let me know if anyone got similar letter and if yes what action you too.
TIA
This is a green slip option.
You must be called either for fingerprint verification or an interview. This might be a good sign.
I got this slip too,with other opt marked and now i am stuck in AP for more than 3 months.
Pls pray for me.
@Hufeza,
I prey that u get your vusa soon.
And did you reply me that my case is a green slip?
I got email from counsulate to come fir interview but word ” your application is refused ” in email bothering me, please suggest
Nothing to worry actually.Word REFUSED is commonly used in 221g cases/slips
@Hufeza,
Thanks , Yes you are right i got green slip in wife’s passport. It asked for FP.
We went to FP and today CEAC says ” Visa issued” , is that looks good ?
Me and my wife got US visa last year, but my wife was expecting at that time so we were not able to travel. After few months I got blessed with baby girl and then I applied for her visa too. She was eligible for Drop Box and I followed all the steps and submitted all necessary docs. Around 1 month late, I got her passport back with white paper inside the packet along with all the docs I submitted (My visa and my Wife’s visa copies, both passport copies, my daughter pic for Visa) and that white paper states that “We are unable to process your visa at this time, as we require your presence at the embassy. Your case has been suspended under section 221 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act until the below indicated process is completed.
Interview, Along with Parents (means interview of my child who is 4 months old and mine and my wife) They have also asked us to bring our passports along.
Can you please suggest what this actually means and what should we do now. If possible can you please also suggest what kind of questions can be asked in such interviews ?
@Sujeet
What is the progress of your application?
Did u got your visa stampped?
Any update ?? I am in same stage.
My husband got letter yesterday and that’s what they said’your case has been refused under 221g please bear with us while ur case undergoing process , we’ll contact u as soon as possible, plz someone tell me , we still have some hope or not, I’m so worried, plz if someone know let me know, I’ll be so happy and appropriate ur help.
I am a experienced traveler Previously I been US, Canada, UK and Europe, including twice I have 10-Years multiple visa of B1B2 USA and it’s expired in June 2017, so after expiry on November 27, 2017 I applied for renewal of my visa along with my and minor daughter’s fresh visa applications.
After a long interview visa officer informed us that our visa is refused but technically our visa applications are in pending and surprisingly she kept our passports, and tells me to wait for outcome within 2 days, meanwhile she give me my payment slip and an 221(b) white slip without writing anything on it, she just mark on embassy’s email ID for any additional contact.
Now as per online tracking our Visa applications are on AP.. then after 2 weeks i email embassy and they inform that my case is still in pendding AP, once its complete they will inform me.
Is anyone have same story… what is the reason for all that, finally after AP did you get Visa stamp or refused the visa. Please shear your experience or guide me why it’s happened with me.
pls how did it go, were you given the visa and what question were you asked.
thanks
I provided h1b dropbox docs in Mumbai on 22nd Nov
Got 221g so provided fingerprints on 30th Nov
Its 7th business day and not updates as of yet.
Dont know whats causing the delay.
Have heard one more case same as mine but was approved so I dont know whats causing this issue. Had to cancel my flight too.
I am on same boat…I submitted documents on 20 Nov but still there is no update. Did they return your passport?
Yes, so sequence of events were
Nov 22 – Dropped off Docs
Nov 28 – Got email to collect passport with 221g
Nov 29 – Embassy closed
Nov 30 – Provided Fingerprint with Passport. Was told will get it back in 3 -4 business days
No update since then
Did they ask for any other documents? Actually same happened with me as a part of first 221g they asked me to appear for interview then during interview they give me yellow slip with the list of documents and returned my passport.. I believe in your case you should get your visa soon because they didn’t ask for additional documents
I am also in same boat. Dropbox document on 24th nov, got green slip for interview and the attended interview at mumbai consulate on 4th dec. Got another green slip ans vo told they need to verify some more info and still no update.
They didnt ask for any documents from me.
There were a lot of people who got 221g only for fingerprints.
For me, am still waiting on AP since 2 and a half weeks.
My Wife attended h1b interview at Chennai Consulate on November 24,2017 after she had dropboxed’d her application . All documents were submitted promptly during the interview but Passport was not collected by VO saying they need to verify her Employment details and will take a while.
My question is : 1. Can she still keep her h1b (221G curently) active and simultaneously go for H4 stamping based on Husband’s h1b?
2. If H4 gets stamped (without any probs) can she do the COS in US for H4 to H1b with new Petition?
3. If 221g gets cleared , can she travel back to India get her original H1b stamped?
What are her options ? please advice? Thanks
I am in the same boat .Can you update what happened to her visa and did she get H4 or H1?
Here are most recent timelines for Delhi.
Nov 16th
Visa Interview
Visa type – B1/B2
Got 221(g) yellow letter
Passport returned to me.
Nov 24th
Asked to submit passport
Nov 30th
CEAC status changed to issued
Dec 4th
Passport delivered in hand via courier with 10 years visa
Ron
Ceac status still shows AP but passport status changed from ‘with the embassy/consulate’ to ‘no status update available’. Does this change mean anything?
I attended visa interview on 16th of November got 221g white slip ,after a week got a call and was asked for supporting documents to hydfpu@state.gov . I have not get any reply back not even automated message , I am worrying now about documents received or not .Resent the documents again today. Did any one got reply after submitting the documents to hydfpu@state.gov ? .
Sorry to hear that. Dont get panic. make a call to support desk and they have your information on their system. Ask them to verify that email id or any other option they have it.
Good Luck.
Hi Harsha, I am in same position as I was asked to submit additional docs and got call from consulate after1 week and submitted required docs.. unfortunately I didn’t receive any reply from.. Any progress of yours?
Hi Kumar,
Did you get any updates on your case, I am also in the same case my interview was 02-08-18 and documents submitted on 22-08-18 no updates yet, could you please share me your exp, my email id jaganerp@gmail.com. Still i am waiting for updates.
Hi Harsha, I also sent my documents to HydFPU@state.gov and did not get auto reply but one lady called me and said they have received my documents. I have attended my interview on Jan 5th,2018 but my case is still in AP. Whenever I called customer case they are saying that my case is still with consulate and it’s under processing. I have no clue what’s going on with my case.
What type of visa?
H1-B
Hi Harsha, did you get any update on your case?
Hi Harsha,
Did you get any updates on your case, I am also in the same case my interview was 02-08-18 and documents submitted on 22-08-18 no updates yet, could you please share me your exp, my email id jaganerp@gmail.com. Still i am waiting for updates.
Hi Harsha,
could you please update your case status, i’m also in similar scenario
Hello
Yesterday I got a blue slip for my b1 visa application. I was asked to submit some documents along with my resume.
I have sent that but later I found that I made a typo while writing my work experience years.
Can I send documents again? or what should I do?
Any update on this . Because even I faced a same problem
I have an Approved H1B petition and this was valid from 2015 to 2018.But During visa stamping got 221 and petition went for USCIS for revoke.Please let me knw if petition get revoked by USCIS.Still i am eligible for CapExempt??.
Yes you are still eligble for cap exempt but it should be through different employer…When did you recieve blue slip ? and did they ask for additional documents? if yes have you submitted required documents?
Thanks Ashish.I got the white slip from Mumbai consulate on Sept 2016.Asked project descriptions,Company Revenue docs,Employees info.But They didnt submit any doc.So on july 2017 Mumbai Consulate sent petition back to USCIS for revoke.
Hello,
Me My wife ane 2 childern had our interview on 6th Sept.2017.
VO said your visa is approved, you would get back your passports in 3-5days.
But unexpectedly it stuck in AP.
Then after waiting for about 70 long days, on 19th Nov 2017 i received all my passports with a Green Slip. The option marked on the slip says “Your application requires ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING.This office will contact you via e-mail.”
Ofcourse, I am waiting for the e-mail.
But suggest me what does the returning of my passports means?
Does it happend to anybody else?
Thank you.
Doesnt mean anything actually. Its a normal process to send the passport back when AP takes longer. Dont worry just be patient and look out for email from them. And check your status at ceac.
AOA, huzefa brother did you get your visa, same happened with me please
Hi ,
I have got 221(g) and requested that to submit additional documents.
My employer submitted all required additional document to chennaiH&L@state.gov. is this right way to submit ?
If it is mentioned in 221g notice to send documents through email then it is right way. Just follow the instructions given with 221 g notice.
I have an Approved H1B petition and this was valid from 2015 to 2018.But During visa stamping got 221 and petition went for USCIS for revoke.Please let me knw if petition get revoked by USCIS.Still i am eligible for CapExempt??.
I qualified for Dropbox option and submitted my documents on 23rd October. After more than two weeks, I got 221g on Nov 6th asking me to come to Embassy for Fingerprints.
Gave fingerprints on Nov 7th and waiting since.
Asked the VO – how long will it take? She said one week.
I will keep you posted.
Hi,
Any updates on this?
Yes, good news!
Visa got Issued on 13th Nov and today when I tracked there was an update “Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery”.
I had to postpone my tickets thrice. My latest (changed) flight was on 16th Nov at 1:30AM but I was not sure that I will get the passport tomorrow (15th Nov) so postponed it to Friday.
Congrats buddy…..What was the status earlier? Was it ” Administrative processing”?
Thanks Ashish! Got my passport today.
Yes, it was “Administrative Processing” and they needed my finger prints. I guess my passport got renewed, that’s why they needed it.
Good luck!!
Let me know if there are any other questions I can answer.
Congrats buddy, I also got email to submit passport. Status is still AD. Hopefully wait is over now.
Hi , I have applied for b2 visa , consular officer said visa is approved, same day status is ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING. Do everyone gets this status ?
Recently we came to India to visit family. On 01Nov17 we attended visa interview in Delhi embassy. VO asked some standard question (employer,job details etc) and in the end gave 221g white slip. VO said “Submit these docs and you will get your visa”. We have submitted all the docs next day (i.e 02 Nov17). Last updated date for my ds 160 on CEAC is 03Nov17.
Visa interview: 01Nov17 (got 221g white slip )
Documents submitted: 02 nov17(i797,i129,resume,project details, educational docs)
Case last updated date: 03nov17 (only for my ds160, not for spouse and kid)
my i140 is approved and i work for non consulting US employer
We have return flights next weekend. Wanted to check if someone is in same boat or if someone can shed some light on how long this will take.
Hii
My interview was on 27th Oct and Dan gave me same white slip for documents and I submitted does on 29th Oct. Today is 10/11/17 it’s still underprocessing. And I contacted d embassy but dey cannot do anything about it so we just have to wait.
@Surbhi thanks for responding! Is your case pending with Delhi consulate? What documents they asked for? Wish you luck.
Hi,
I am on the same boat…Did you hear back from consulate? What is the status in ceac visa status web site?
No update on my case. When was your interview? What documents they asked?
@ggn…I submitted documents through drop box then after 2 weeks they sent me a blue slip and told me to attend in person interview then I went mumbai consulate then VO gave me a yellow slip for documents – 1 year payslip, account statement, offerletter, MSA, Client contract, project description, technical description and project status.
@ggn17 … any updates on your case?
I received a 221g Blue slip since my project was internal (In house) and Visa Officer asked for additional documents. Now I got a client name which can be amended in LCA. Can I withdraw my last interview and go ahead with new 797 /I-129 form? {Or} I have to submit additional documents related with my internal project only without client name amendment.
Keenly looking for your advise.
I received a 221g Blue slip since my project was internal (In house) and Visa Officer asked for additional documents. Now I got a client name which can be amended in LCA. Can I withdraw my last interview and go ahead with new 797 /I-129 form? {Or} I have to submit additional documents related with my internal project only without client name amendment.
Keenly looking for your advise.
Hi Ani,
can you please update your case status, I am also in same scenario.
@ Anirban,
can you let me know what did you do in your case?
I have same status.