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.
I am a visa applicant who has applied for student visa (F1) at U.s embassy Ahsgabat. Yesterday, Accidentally I happened to check my visa application status on the this site https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/. When I searched it for may application ID(AA——–) it says : “Your application was refused. Please see the letter or other instructions you received at the interview”. However, on the day of interview (30 NOV) the officer told me that my case was preliminary approved it just needed further administrative processing or further clearances. I have attached a scan of the paper given to me on that day.
Having called Student/Exchange Visitor Visa Center in Washington one Visa specialist told me that I must contact embassy to follow up on my application. Over the phone I was told I have been denied under the section 214-b by the Embassy. Now I do not know what I should do and I am scared to the death because I thought my case and application is clear.
In addition, I have neither immediate family member nor distant family member in the united states, all of my family members live in iran.
however, when I called consulate, I was told that my case is on hold for administrative processing. Now who should I believe????does anyone have a problem like this before?
parvaz:
Your case is in administrative processing only dont worry seeing ur status AS REFUSED in the https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/ website it will show the status of ur interview date on that day your case has been refused and in terms of embassy ur case is in administrative processing, mine is the same case but the only problem is we dont no when can this kind of adminstrative processing comes to end it might take 2 weeks to several months some times, in my case its almost 4 months there is no update till now.
its been almost 7 months for my case..221(g) pink slip new delhi, still no update.
Hi
I am waiting for renewal of my F-1 visa from OCt 10 2012 which is uder 221g . the VO said is due to the research I do and asked to email other documents by e mail. I am wondering why its taking so long when usually ppl get in 23 days and what is the upper limit in waiting , where students have to go back to continue their PhD degrees.
its almost 3 months ( beyond there 60 days deadline) i am not sure what to do there is no way I can contact the consulate and the call centre ppl are of no use…………
any F-1 cases like me waiting for more than 2 months ???
CK,
There is no upper limit on the processing. Were you issued pink slip? Usually background checks are resolved in 3-8 weeks, but some cases can take longer.
Thanks saurabh,
I was given white slip, its really frustrating with the funding scenario and all……
i was hoping if there are any upper limits after which they have to issue the visa irrespective of the processing progress……everytime i call DOS they say ur docs are at the consulate……that does mean my passport is stuck in some corner of the consulate…..
CK,
Unfortunately that’s how their system is. If you want your passport, you can submit an application for the same and get it back. Else they will return it after completing their processing.
hi,
my status shows refused after 24 days..for f1 221g given on d intervew on 14th decembr
Where u have checked the status and you get as refused
?
Hi Guys,
This is for J1 visa applicants (particularly for Lifescience – Ph.D. background)
– I got an exchange program at Johns hopkins univ. I gave my visa Interview at Chennai on Nov 27, 2012.
The Interview questions are as follows,
me- Good morning
VO – Hi man GM, how are you.
VO – give me ur documents
me _ I gave him my passport, DS2019 form and SEVIS fee receipt
VO – Where are you going
me- to JHU
VO- what are you doing here
me – Ph.D. student in Bangalore
VO – what you are going to do there
me- explained about my objectives, purpose of the visit (In just 30 Sec’s)
VO- what about funding
me – showed him the offer letter from JHU (full funding)
VO- Is it inclusive of housing
me – Said NO (though me fellowship will be suffice for staying and other expensives but wanted to be honest I said NO)
VO- How will u manage
me- explained him fellowship will be suffice, moreover my parents can support
VO- He started typing some thing for 2 min, he said am not clear in somethings, we need to review and Issued a pink-slip and asked me to go to counter 31
At counter 31 she took my Passport, DS160 form and she asked my CV, also asked my advisor details, I gave her the offer letter from my PI.
She told these documents are enough It will take 3-4 weeks time.
– from my lab almost in the last 3 yrs 5 people had gone to US on J1, except for one all others got the pinkslip.
My case got cleared and I received my Visa on Jan 2, 2013. I had to wait almost a month.
So, any lifescience Ph.D. aspirants on J1 pinkslips are common and get resolved with in a month unless, you have to prove them that you have decent funding, you will come back after the program (take a letter from ur PI In India that you are enrolled in a Ph.D.program and after completion you will return back). If you have J2 dependent you have to show enough Income sources that u can mange them too… So, finally for pink slips no need to worry, they does some background check (we can’t predict what exactly they check)
for any awaiting canddidates, All the best…
Hii,
I had my H1B stamping interview on 14 Dec 2012, and got green color 221(g) slip.
Consulate officer told me to submit the required documents via email. I alredy sent all documents to USCIS on 20th Dec. Now how can ba check with status?and what is the expected time required for this process? PLs guide me for further processing by my side.
Amitk,
You don’t need to do anything now and just wait for them to complete the processing, which can take up to several months.
Hi Everyone,
Any one got H1B visa , after ( 221g ) Administrative Processing… ( White slip ) .
Please let me know the time period.
Regards,
Madhes
Hi Madhes,
I am in the same boat as well. When did your interview happen? Mine was on the 11/19. Still waiting to hear from them.
-SK
Hi Madheswaran,
Yes i got it, i was told to wait 2 months, already 50 days passed remaining 10 days, waiting for positive. this wait is really frustrating…
Thanks
Nirma
I went to Chennai consulate for my H1B on Dec 13, 2012 and was given 221g white slip.
Submitted all the requested documents along with my passport on Dec 21, 2012 and today (Jan 08, 2013) I received my passport without visa stamp. Does it mean that my application has been rejected or Is it still under Admin Process.
Anyone in this forum has gone through this ?
Thanks,
John
John,
Did they send a letter along w/ the passport? If not, you should call them and ask about the status. You can also check the status here.
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for your response.
There was no other letter or document along with the passport. I have also written to the ‘support@ustraveldocs.com’ to know the reason. Till today the CEAC website shows ‘Administration Processing’ with case created date as 12/12 and last updated as 12/13.
Thanks,
John
John,
Only they can tell what really happened w/ your petition. Usually in case of rejections, the passport is accompanied w/ a denial letter. It is also possible that it is still under process and they have returned the passport and can ask for it at a later stage.
Thanks Saurabh.
Even I too thought the same but wanted to hear it from another mind.
Will keep posted.
hello saurabh,
I want your help/suggestion.
i went to Mumbai consulate general for my H1B stamping on 7th nov. In my case my h1 status was approved last year by USCIS so i came to India for stamping as it had been almost 4 years i had been to home. last year i was arrested for DWI however my charges were dropped to Obstruction of highway which is minor charge. during my interview VO asked me basic questions about my work but he didn’t had any work related issues as it is all genuine. however he asked me about my arrest and i said that i was arrested for dwi however charges were dropped to obstruction of highway. then he gave me 221 g blue slip and said to submit the court docs. I told him i have all the certified copied with me right now but he said i need to submit those to doc drop location after that they will review and let me know within 10-15 working days if they will approve my visa or not. I drop the docs right away and now its been over a month and more than 15 working days, i haven’t heard anything from the embassy yet. I am starting to get worried as i have my job, car, house etc over in US. I have heard cases where it takes months so that’s scary and worst part is the employment as if there no employment then there is no visa!!!!!! also can i apply for B1/B2 visa in mean time my 221g inquiry is pending??
Anish,
There is not much you can do to speed up the processing. Although the officer mentioned 10-15 days, in reality lot of 221g cases take months.
Technically, you can apply for B-1/2, but what’s the purpose of visit? You already had approved H-1 in the past and B-1/2 is a pure non-immigrant visa. So it is possible that your B-1/2 would get denied as you have held H-1 in the past (which is a dual intent visa).
Thanks Saurabh for the reply,
my employers said they wont wait indefinately as it could takes months to get approve and they would start looking for my potential replacement soon. however if my gets visa approved before they hire some one then its all good. anyways one of the reason i want to go is to take care of my belongings, my car etc which is still there also i am paying rents for past 3 months for my apt. I am aware that US embassy doesn’t really care for all these stuff and will most likely reject the b2 visa. its is frustrating to wait if they reject the h1b visa right way then alt east you know what you where you stand instead of wiating for months!!!!
Anish,
It is worth the risk of going for B-1/2 interview w/ pending H-1 221g. If it works out, you will at least have the option of completing those tasks in US.
Also the DWI needs to be mentioned in the DS-160 form for B-1/2. There is another possibility that they reject B-1/2 or issue 221g to get more information on DWI (just like for H-1).
Can your attorney follow-up w/ DOS from US? You can also try contacting your senator (although it has stopped having any meaningful impact off late).
Saurabh,
what is DOS ?? my attorney in US most likely think that there would be revocation flag on my visa considering the time it passed. also during my interview they asked for my court papers only. technically i don’t even have DWI charges as it has been dropped and i have been charged with obstruction of highway.
Anish,
That is Department of State and all consulates report to DOS (this is where most of the processing happens). Since more than 30 days have elapsed, your attorney can contact DOS to know what’s happening w/ the processing.
As for B-1, it is possible they ask for court papers (just like H-1).
hi Saurabh,
I asked my attorney to inquire about my status at DOS, they told him to contact the consulate so he submitted an inqury at the consulate in mumbai last week. which was 58th day after i submitted my docs and this is the reply they send him next day
‘Dear ‘my attorney’,
Thank you for writing to U.S. Visa Service Desk.
We understand that you want to know the status of the applicant ‘My name’
We need to inform you that the you must wait at least 60 days from the date of your interview or the submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.The Consulate will revert you back within 60 days of time.
For further queries, please feel free to call us at +91 120 6602222 or +91 22 67209400.
You may also visit our website www.ustraveldocs.com for more information.
Yours sincerely,
U.S. Visa Service Desk.’
their response was pretty vague but we thought of waiting for this week and if we dont hear then will resubmit the inquiry. what do you think about their response? Also I want to know they did not ask me to submit my original i-797a and passport when i submitted the court docs, usually if they reject the visa then they take the original i-797 and return to USCIS right??
hi Saurabh,
I asked my attorney to inquire about my status at DOS, they told him to contact the consulate so he submitted an inqury at the consulate in mumbai last week. which was 58th day after i submitted my docs and this is the reply they send him next day
‘Dear ‘my attorney’,
Thank you for writing to U.S. Visa Service Desk.
We understand that you want to know the status of the applicant ‘My name’
We need to inform you that the you must wait at least 60 days from the date of your interview or the submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.The Consulate will revert you back within 60 days of time.
For further queries, please feel free to call us at +91 120 6602222 or +91 22 67209400.
You may also visit our website www ustraveldocs com for more information.
Yours sincerely,
U.S. Visa Service Desk.’
their response was pretty vague but we thought of waiting for this week and if we dont hear then will resubmit the inquiry. what do you think about their response? Also I want to know they did not ask me to submit my original i-797a and passport when i submitted the court docs, usually if they reject the visa then they take the original i-797 and return to USCIS right??
Anish,
They don’t always ask for the petition. They don’t need the original petition if they want revoke the petition. I don’t think they will revoke the petition as your charges were dropped. They just want to do the verification for their satisfaction. Your attorney can contact again next week to get the updates.
hi Saurabh,
not a good news from my end, as i have lost my job as its taking too long for my visa to get approve. I want to know if lets say my visa gets approved now then will i be able to go to usa or not? does my employer have to report it that they have to let me go or not? also i am in good terms with my boss and if they manage to keep me on paper for unpaid vacation for couple of months and my visa gets approved then will be able to go to US??
Anish,
If the visa gets approved, you can use this visa and petition only if the employer is still willing to hire you. Once they let you go, they need to inform USCIS about their decision. I would suggest start looking for alternate employment, have them file cap-exempt petition and then appear for visa stamping through that new employer. Don’t entirely rely on the current stamping.
Anish – I know this is very late as your post is more than 5 years old but what happened with your case? I have the exact same issue? DWI reduced to Obstruction I have to submit docs tomorrow.
Hi all,
Applied for B1/B2 ( conference ) , officer said my application looks ok , issued me yellow slip , nothing marked there but Administrative Processing , no more docs are required .
Do you know how long it takes to get the reply of the yellow form ?
Ahmed am also in same situation. did they keep your passport ?
Hi all,
I appeared for H1 visa in 5th Dec and got 221g (pink slip).
The case number they gave me (format: 2012***-***-*) wasn’t giving me any status on the delhi website and it was giving me invalid case number result till date.
But I found this website where it was showing me the right status (pending) and today it showed that my visa has been issued.
https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=o/iS8zDpeAKjMWCuebHqOw==
I hope you guys find this link helpful.
All the best.
My family based (F4) has been kept in waiting under 221g and its now been 3 and half months and I haven’t still recived any update. How do I follow up o stay updated?
The primary reason was may be I and my sister had aged out that is above 21 but according me we are still elligible acording to CSPA o we had FNU before our names? What could it be?
Thank Saurabh
madhav,
I don’t know about F-4.
You recivrd us visa
Hey Saurabh,
I got a 221g white slip on 12/20/2012 at Hyderabad. I was given a case number but when I tried looking it up online it says that no such case exists. Have you ever heard about such a scenario and if yes could you tell me what I need to do to get it updated online?
Thanks
Stuckagainwhy,
Not all cases can be looked up online. The alternate way to track is to call their contact center and provide your information.
Thanks Saurabh,
Do the cases that are not shown online take longer to resolve than to the one which can be tracked? I gave my interview at Hyderabad and this is my third 221g.
Is there any specific reason why some are not tracked online?
thanks.
Stuckagainwhy,
Most of the cases tracked online are the ones where pink slip is issued and they are resolved within 3-8 weeks. Other cases take more time and not all of them can be tracked online. I don’t know specific reason why they cannot be tracked online.
I was in your boat. Try this link, it might workout for you.
https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=o/iS8zDpeAKjMWCuebHqOw==
Dear All,
After my interview, my case was put on 221g, and they have taken my DS2009 and Passport also, now I received an email.. saying your passport is ready for pick up. Will they return DS2009 form along with Passport ? Please rely, thanks.
Prashant,
Are you referring to DS-160 form? Only originals are returned and the DS forms are not returned. If you have the soft copy available you can take another print out for your records.
Hi Saurabh,
I need your kind advise.
1. I appeared for H1B intv on 24 April 2012, New Delhi and it stuck in 221(G). It got reaffirmed on 14-Nov-12. But yet I have not heard so far from New Delhi Consulate. And Currently, I am waiting for their call.
2. Meanwhile, another employer filed my new Petition and I got the approval.
(a) Can you please guide me, which One is better option for Visa Stamping..To wait from New Delhi Consulate Response? Or I may book Fresh Interview on basis of my Fresh Petition?
(b) Is it also possible for embassy to put both petition under 221(G)?
Please revert.
Thanks.
Delhi_24_April,
Call the consulate and ask them about your reaffirmed petition. Tell them that you have the reaffirmed petition w/ you and want to re-appear for the interview. They will suggest you the date/time etc.
I would suggest going w/ reaffirmed petition as it has already gone through 221g mess and has less chances of falling in that trap again. Yes, in worst case scenario both petitions can end up in 221g.
Hi Saurabh,
Greetings & Happy New Year. I am very confused on responses from USCIS. I have already shared the screenshot and softcopy through VFS and their latest responses are as under.
My initial request to USCIS via VFS: My petition is reaffirmed on 14-Nov-12. Please suggest how to proceed forward?
USCIS Response 1: Passport Processing require atleast 60 days.
–My response: Do I need to submit my passport?
USCIS Response 2:
Please note that based on the documents you submitted to us and the information elicited in your interview with an American Consular officer, we were not able to issue you an H1B work visa. Therefore, your application has been returned to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC). Once KCC receives a petition, it returns to the approving office of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) for review and possible revocation. Please direct all future inquiries regarding this case to the approving USCIS office.
–My response: My petition is already re-affirmed. Plz find attached soft copy and status on USCIS website.
Update 3, final update from USCIS: We will contact applicant directly once we receive re-affirmed petition.
–My response: I have already attached soft copy & status from USCIS website.
Saurabh,
Could you please suggest, whats going on here? and how I have the correct status/proceeding information? How I may contact the New Delhi consulate directly?
I am very much lost with the proceedings.
Delhi_24_April,
Yes, there responses are confusing. From their last response it seems they want to receive the reaffirmed petition before proceeding further. I would suggest searching online for other people who have gone through similar process to see what they did.
Saurabh,
I have already shared soft copy & Status from USCIS Website. From where, they are waiting on reaffirmed petition?
Thanks
Gaurav
Delhi_24_April,
What I meant was communication directly from USCIS to the consulate.
There are people on this page who got their petitions reaffirmed and went for subsequent stamping. You can go through their posts.
Hello,
i went to Mumbai consulate general for my H1B stamping on 7th nov. In my case my h1 status was approved last year by USCIS so i came to India for stamping as it had been almost 4 years i had been to home. last year i was arrested for DWI however my charges were dropped to Obstruction of highway which is minor charge. during my interview VO asked me basic questions about my work but he didn’t had any work related issues as it is all genuine. however he asked me about my arrest and i said that i was arrested for dwi however charges were dropped to obstruction of highway. then he gave me 221 g blue slip and said to submit the court docs. I told him i have all the certified copied with me right now but he said i need to submit those to doc drop location after that they will review and let me know within 10-15 working days if they will approve my visa or not. I drop the docs right away and now its been over a month and more than 15 working days, i haven’t heard anything from the embassy yet. I am starting to get worried as i have my job, car, house etc over in US. I have heard cases where it takes months so that’s scary and worst part is the employment as if there no employment then there is no visa!!!!!! anybody with similar situation please i would like to contact them.
I never got 221g in my life. These are baseless fears. Too much of information is bad. Just work on your situation based on the reality. Don’t get swiveled away by blogs.
PD,
And we have several experiences posted on this blog and elsewhere to counter that. The point is one should never be under-prepared for the H-1 interview.
Hi, my visa has been put on ho,d under 221g, after interview on 16th nov. I submitted the documents on 18th but I can’t check anything regarding my case online, but through call, they say that your visa is under process and documents sent to consulate. Please let me know what can i do in this case. Is there someone got visa who has been put on 221g in delh in nov ? ?thanks
Hi, I also have same case, interviewed on 16 nov at delhi consulate, they give pink slip for administrative processing and ask to submit docs, submitted docs on 16 nov only. No update still, even can not check case status online with case number. Please give your email so can update each other if we receive something.
Hi, Jigisha,
sorry to hear that. my email is prashantjain AT ismu DOT ac DOT in and you can found me here as well https://www DOT facebook DOT com/cj DOT prashantjain
hi, jigisha, i received an email to collect the passport..what does it mean…my email…. prashantjainATismuDOTacDOTin and contact: 09934632261
hi there
i was issued 221 g at Kolkata consulate on 8th nov, and submitted documents on 10 nov.
Yesterday, i checked the visa status by mailing at passportstatus at ustraveldocs dot com and got this update:
“The current status of your passport is Ready For Pickup.”
Does this mean that the visa is issued and i can get my passport from Stanley, Kolkata.
Thanks
Pa,
Although they don’t mention about the status explicitly (approval/denial), usually it is approval. They ask to submit passport only when there is a strong possibility of approval.
If I receive 221(g) during my F-1 interview, can I apply on another visa category(H-4) and travel back to the US. I am currently in US on F-1 status
S.
T,
Either thing can happen in this case. I have seen instances when subsequent stamping would be approved, and instances where it would also be put into 221g based on earlier pending 221g. However, IMO it is worth the risk. But will you enroll in school on H-4 after returning to US?
Hi All
I submitted my passport on 23rd october through VFS after 221G case processing and i was told to submit my passport when ever i call the VFS call center the reply is same your documents are received and sent to the consular post. Its been over a month now please tell me if this normal. Is my passport safe with them
Ravi Dwivedi,
Usually they are very careful w/ the passport and other submitted documents. There is not much you can do except to wait for them to complete the processing. If you need your passport in b/w, then you can write to them to return the passport.
Hi Experts,
A very tragic end to my interview. I have gone for H1B visa interview at Mumbai consulate and everything was going well where he asked for BEP letter which i had and showed him with the perfection as I am having B1 visa already expiring in 2019 which also I got after admin processing so this time I was pretty much sure that I will get me visa issued in one go but suddenly VO issued Yellow slip under (221g) without asking any further documents. I am not having First name in my passport so I use FNU instead of it and my main concern here is I am having my passport expiring on 31-07-2013 which is quite near.If they take more than 2 months for Admin processing then it would bring more trouble to me as passport should be valid for minimum 6 months. Can they again issue 221g for my passport expiry and Can I renew my passport in the mean time and give them a new passport for stamping if they ask me to submit the passport?
I don`t know why they have again issued me yellow slip as i have already traveled to US before in 2009 for 1 month on business visa and when i already had Admin processing earlier? Do you think its a name check as my full name is Sarabjeet Singh where I dont have first name on my passport .
Please suggest how to go on from here?
Thanks,
Sarab
Sarab,
You can get the passport renewed while they work on the 221g. Later, when they ask for passport submission, you can submit both passports along w/ a letter explaining the situation. They should stamp it in the new passport then.
Hi All!
I have some important question need to ask, my interview went well and VO, said everything look OK to me, I am satisfied with your answers, your H1B visa needs some admin processing which will take up to 2 months, don’t worry. he kept my passport with them and he gave me 1 booklet for legal rights in usa said read it before you fly and 1 white paper mentioned admin processing but not 221(g), that seems simple photo copied white paper.
Please let me know what are chances i will get visa stamped and is it possible i will get before two months ?
suggestions and prior experience highly appreciated !!!!
the same exact thing happened to me. what happened, did you get it.
Not yet, Still waiting…
I have attended my H1 B interview on Sep 28th 2012 and issued 221g White Slip and till now no response from consulate is there any one in the same boat and any idea when can i get my H1 B visa.
Please help i am having restless nights…
Hi Malathi, Don’t get tensed. Many of the h1b applicants facing same issue. I am waiting since 16 months.
In my case VO did not issued any slip. He clearly told “Visa has been approved” later put into admin process.
-Upender
Nirma,
It can take anywhere from few weeks to several months and final outcome varies from case to case.
Thanks fro reply,
Can you please suggest me for 1 more question.. what are chances of rejection in admin processing and on what basis they can reject? any idea or according to your experience.
I know its hard to know but suggestions
Nirma,
During the processing, they evaluate your case and either approve or reject it. The reasons are mostly similar to those for H-1 petition processing by USCIS. If rejected, they would send the petition back to USCIS along w/ their comments. USCIS will either deny the petition or reaffirm it and send it back to you.
Hi everyone,
I have applied for B1/B2 visa and I had given my interview on 14th nov, new delhi. I received a pink form. Now I am waiting for the status of my visa. My conference is on 14th Dec so I am a bit tensed.
moreover, I am unable to track my passport through the VFS site. PlEASE HELP.
Anshul Jain,
Probably a late reply as the date has already elapsed. In general, pink slips are resolved in 3-8 weeks.
Hi Saurabh,
I attended interview on Oct30th 2012, Consular told ‘your new company needs to be verified’.
Issued me a 221g white slip (ticked administrative processing). Its my first time stamping for US. I never been to USA. I work in IT telecom domain as software developer, has 6+ years of experience.
Its been a month now and there is no response, even my new employer who filed petition also didn’t received any mail. What could be the chances that i will get H1 and how much time it could take?
Please let me know
Thanks and Regards
M
Madhu Mohan,
There is no set processing time and can take few weeks to several months. You need to wait for them to complete the processing. The final outcome varies from case to case.
Hi Surabh,
I got 221(g) White slip from Chennai consulate on 26th Nov 2012 and they returned my passport and all the documents after the interview. Following are the list of documents to send ticked in the 221(g) sheet.
1) My last two years tax return in US
2) Notarized copy of the list of employees working in my petitioner company
3) My roles and responsibilities in the company and project details
4) Last three quarters unemployed list
My employer can provide all the above mentioned documents and Here is my question
1) How long a typical 221 (g) while slip will take for admin processing?
2) What is the percentage of possibility for this case to go through?
Hi Sumash,
Is this an inhouse role and not a consulting one? If so, then what is the basis of all these questions? Your first stamping ? Please let me know and I shall also try to find out the reasons and ways around the questions on the slip.
VV
This is not an internal Project. Project is for a reputed client and I will be directly working for the petitioner to develop customer relationship management strategy and solutions for the end client. This is not a new stamping. I have been in US almost 4 years with L1 status and returned to India 2 months ago due to family emergency. During the visa interview I had mentioned that I will be working for my petitioner. But when they asked if there is any client involved I had to mention my end client name even though I don’t directly work for them. In fact my reporting chain is with my petitioner only and my petitioner is taking care everything. Ultimately a team from my petitioner is working for the customer relationship solutions and implementations for the end client.
Hi VV
This is not an internal Project. Project is for a reputed client and I will be directly working for the petitioner to develop customer relationship management strategy and solutions for the end client. This is not a new stamping. I have been in US almost 4 years with L1 status and returned to India 2 months ago due to family emergency. During the visa interview I had mentioned that I will be working for my petitioner. But when they asked if there is any client involved I had to mention my end client name even though I don’t directly work for them. In fact my reporting chain is with my petitioner only and my petitioner is taking care everything. Ultimately a team from my petitioner is working for the customer relationship solutions and implementations for the end client.
hai sumash
even i have been issued 221g in chennai on dec 2nd 2012
i have also been in came condition right now .. even i have also asked same documents what you mentioned above … can u forward your email id so that i can have an interaction with you …
call me at +91- 9008195959.
Sumash,
1. It can take few weeks to several months
2. It is tough to say and varies from case to case.
Hi Saurabh,
Is there any way where employer can appeal to USCIS, i also got 221G(Pink Slip) in singapore embassy. The list of documents are same as mentioned by Sumash.
My employer is telling that they can’t give all documents to me as it contains lot of confidential information. So what are the ways to get out of the situation?
Can my employer all the documents to USCIS directly & USCIS can direct Singapore consulate. Please reply.
got 221G,
They cannot challenge it. They either need to provide all documents or you can submit what you have along w/ a letter from employer stating the reason for not submitting rest of the documents. Documents need to be submitted to the consulate directly and not through USCIS.
Surabh, Thanks for your reply. Again Quick question. What consulate checks normally during the admin processing?
Will they verify all the employer experience, education, criminal and employer verification during this period? If they are going to check all that I guess it is going to take months. If it is going to be employer check I am sure it should get over in a week. Any insight would be appreciated. Thx
Sumash,
They can do variety of checks. They can check an individual’s background, or check employer’s past record or verify client/project details. It varies from case to case.
Saurabh,
I got 221 (g) from mumbai consulate. Can I submit the required document at any other VFS and How ?
Would there be any impact on my case of I submit to any other VFS
Thanks,
Shivarao
Shivarao,
I don’t know. You can call them and inquire about it.
Hi Saurabh,
I had my B1/B2 visa interview today on 23 Nov,12. They gave me a Yellow 221(g) form and marked admin. processing. They retrurned my passport and they didn’t gave any case number. Is returning passoport is bad news.
Thanks
Rahul
Rahul,
It is neutral news. I have seen instances when no passport is asked initially and the visa gets eventually approved. You will have to wait for them to complete the processing.
Thanks Saurabh. I have a one more question. Can i reapply for same visa.
Rahul,
You mean apply again for B-1/2? You can, but I am not sure if it would any helpful or will meet the same fate of additional processing.
Rahul ,
I’m in the exact same situation , ofecer said my application is fine , got the yellow page , nothing marked but admin process , I can track it online though . it says the same thing “Administrative Processing” ..
can you please update me about your status ? , you got your VISA or not .
Many thanks
My ID got listed on the consulate site on 13th Dec and got my passport with Visa stamp on 21st Dec.
Hi Rahul,
I have the same case as urs for B1/B2 visa, appeared for Interview on 16th Nov 12 @ Mumbai Consulate & give me yellow (221g) slip and marked admin processing.
They will not provide any case number, your case number is same as of DS 160 bar code.
I regularly check my case number on Mumbai US visa consulate site & on 6th Dec 12 my case number shown up on that list. I have submitted my passport & yellow slip to VFS centre on 22nd Dec 12 & got my visa stamped on 27th Dec 12.
So just follow up your DS 160 number on-line & when it appeared on that list, submit your passport & pending letter to nearest VFS centre.
Thanks
Shaan
I got 221 (g) from mumbai consulate. Can I submit the required document at any other VFS and How ?
Would there be any impact on my case If I submit to any other VFS ?
I got 221 (g) from mumbai consulate. Can I submit the required document at any other VFS and How ?
Would there be any impact on my case of I submit to any other VFS
Hi Shivrao,
What are the documents that are required to be submitted for your 221g?
Docs to check company background and project detail
I’m working in Bangalore and planning to attend Visa interview in New Delhi, is it a good idea as already few people for whom our US company processed have got 221g from chennai/hyderabad.
Did you get an answer where you need to submit the documents, is it always in consulate where we have given interview?
I forgot to say he applied in kawiut he is not Muslim and the company from the USA send him a letter of invitation so the officer saw all the papers she said all she needs is to cheack on this company but no paper wad given to him
Hi my friend applied for b1 visa he is a bussines partner with a new company in the USA he went for his interview evey thing went good the officer told him she will call him back need to check on the company but didn’t give him any paper what does the mean and how long what it take, his interview was nov 13 2012
Rania,
His visa is under administrative processing which can take few weeks to several months. Your friend needs to wait for them to complete the processing.
Hi :
My name is Upender attended H1B visa interview on 21-Oct-2011 at Hyderabad US consulate. After the completion of interview the Visa Officer told that “the Visa was approved and will receive the passport in 7 working days”, and did not issue any slip. After 7 working days I called and e-mailed to the U.S Consulate, after 1 month on (15-Nov-2011) I received a call from consulate asking for additional documents, I provided the same on the next day (16-Nov-2011).
Later, on 16-Dec-2011 I received an email & SMS saying “You can collect the passport at VFS office, Hyd”. I reached the VFS office collected and opened my passport, there was no visa stamped on the passport, and I submitted the original I797 document even I did not receive the same.
Again I contacted the U.S consulate and explained the scenario then the consulate official provided me the case no. Case # xxxxxxxx-xxx-x.
From past 12-13 months just following-up with emails/calls. Recently saying that “”We would like to inform you that your case regarding this issue has already been escalated.””
Please advice me.
Thank you,
Upender
HI Upender
I got the same ans when I called the VFS office. Have you heard from them ??? Any idea how long does this escalated process take place???
Thanks
Taz
Hi Taz,
I am keenly waiting for call / e-mail / some communication from consulate. Expecting positive reply soon , bcoz my employer is also following-up on the same.
I feel should be closed soon.
Thanks,
Upender
Hi Upender,
Thanks for writing….Just one request whenever you do get an update on your status…Could you please update on this blog.
Good Luck for the same!
Taz
Hi Upender,
Any luck hearing from them….Please update…
Taz
Sure Taz,
I will update…
-Upender
Thnks
Hi Upender,
Happy New Year!!
Any luck???
Taz
No Friend…, I will post when I get a decision from them..
Upender,
There is not much you can do here except regularly following up w/ them.
Yeah Saurabh , I am doing the same., and expecting soon I will receive some good news.
-Upender
Hi:
Can anyone help me on this status in https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/, not understanding anything with this status.
Status: Application receipt pending
Application ID or Case Number: XXXXXXXXXX
Case Creation Date: 04-Oct-2011
If you have submitted your online nonimmigrant visa application (DS-160),
it has not yet been processed into the visa system. At some locations,
your application will remain in this status until you appear for an interview or until your
application is ready for review. Please see the embassy or consulate’s website for information on the next steps required for visa processing.
– Upender
Upender,
Seems like the consulate has not updated the information in the DHS system. You can contact the the consulate and tell them what you are seeing on the website. Maybe they can help.
Thank you Saurabh, I will contact them.
-Upender
Hi Guys,
Recently I got the email from consulate to submit the passport. Submitted and collected the passport with stamping.
Thank you all for your support.
– Upender
Hi Saurab,
I work in India for a company who has a branch in US. My H1 was applied in Nov 2011 with Client A and it got approved in March 2012. Due to some reason, I didn’t go for stamping for the client A. Later in July 2012, for some opening, my company filed for an H1 amendment in premium with client B & provided me US Offer letter but it got an RFE and later denied (un availability of client letter).
Now, my company is processing another amendment in premium with client C with some bigger role in the project.
Could you please clarify my below questions:
1) Since my H1 was first approved with client A and later amended to Client B but denied. How would it impact my Client C amendment and stamping. Would it cause any issues in the amendment/stamping?
2) If everything goes well and I successfully complete my stamping, can I ask my employer to provide an updated offer based on the bigger role that I am planning to do in US. (Since the position with Client B was a small role, the offer was less in numeric). Does change in salary after stamping require again amendment or LCA filing?
3) In case, my employer is reluctant to increase the offer, can i switch to another employer who is ready to hire me with my expectation and do the amendment?
Thanks,
Need Answer
Need answer,
1. It would not. They would primarily look at documents submitted for C.
2. You can ask for higher salary. No amendment is required as long as work duties do not change substantially. Your attorney can look at old title and new title to know whether the changes are substantial or not.
3. Yes, another employer can file cap-exempt petition for you (aka H-1 transfer).
I interviewed on 24th April and my cases was sent back to review. Today I got the update as under :
“we mailed a notice to you reaffirming the approval of this case and
returned the case to the Department of State for visa processing. For more information,
please contact them directly.”
Can anyone, please guide whats next and what are the chances of my Visa Approval? What this response meant?
Thanx
Congratulations! Sounds like good news. The VO will contact you for another interview (sometimes they take their own sweet time in reverting). They will either issue you the visa or in some cases I hear another 221G. Either ways you have at least got a reaffirmation from USCIS (people interviewed before you are still waiting for an update from USCIS). All the best!
Please do share your experience once all is done. This will give some hope to others on this forum!
Hey Asha/Saurabh,
Can you please let me know, what’s next after reaffirmation approval?
Do I need to make fresh appointment or I need to have some preparation? Do my petitioner has to take some action to move it forward?
I am also keen to know, in-case I have to go for fresh interview, Can I chose another state for the interview or I must have to appear in New Delhi, as all docs, previous interview etc were performed in New Delhi.
Waiting your kind response.
Thanx
The consulate may take their own sweet time in reverting. Sometimes the PIMS may not be updated. Normally, it takes ten days to two weeks between the time the USCIS acts and the PIMS database is updated. Since VFS is the point of contact, would suggest you write to them forwarding your reaffirmation approval. You will have to attend the interview at the same consulate you visited the first time.
Thanks so much Asha for response.
I contacted VFS and they just paste me the status as shown on website. And Irony is that I have forwarded the email received from USCIS website.
What to do next?
Please revert.
Thanks
As I mentioned earlier, the consulate has a record of taking their own sweet time in reverting. Sometimes PIMS may not be updated. The only thing you can do is consistent follow ups with VFS.
Delhi_24_April,
Agree w/ Asha’s responses below.
Hi Saurabh and Asha,
I am continuously following up with VFS, but till no improvement so far. They have started case system and they close it immediately.
Today, they told me, when you got the Reaffirmed Petition then you may book for the meeting.
Can you please guide me, if this is true?
Thanx
Delhi_24_April,
You can ask VFS about the process to schedule the follow-up interview. I don’t think you need to pay the fees again but they can tell you more concretely.
Hey saurabh,
We are towards the end of our family immigration process my parents attended the interview last month and me and my sister didn’t had our names for the fact we are above 21 and so our visa hase been kept in 221(g) b , they were orally informed that as our(me and my sister) dates are not proper so they would once check and communicate with us.
Am I still elligle to get the visa? How much time will it approximately take for the answer/reply?
Thank you.
Madhav,
It is not possible to say whether visa has been approved or not. You will have to wait for them to complete the processing (can take anywhere from few weeks to several months).
Hi Saurabh,
My H1b (Non Masters Quota 2013) got approved last month for the position of an in house Technical Recruiter for a minority owned business in US. I have an MBA in HR/Marketing with an Engineering in Comp Sci Background.
I need to travel to India during the first week of April 2013 due to personal reasons. What should be the necessary documents I need to keep for my profile to ensure successful Visa Stamping. Are there any other concerns I should have pertaining to my stamping like, only 5 months of work before stamping and so on.
Please advise.
VV
VV,
Did your employer submit any documents to USCIS regarding your profile and how it matches the offered position? If yes, then carry same documents. In short, you have to carry documents that show you have necessary education/experience for the offered position.
Thanks Saurabh for the reply. Shall carry the required docs. But would the ‘only 5 month into work’ factor be an issue while stamping?
Thanks
VV
VV,
It should not be an issue as long as you have maintained legal status and have other documents to support your employment. There are folks who apply from outside US and they have never worked for H-1 employer prior to going for stamping. Still they make through the stamping.
Do you mean you have 5 months of total work experience, or 5 months w/ just this employer?
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for the prompt reply. As I would be working from this month till April, that would be close to 5 months of work on my valid H1B status., after which I would require to do stamping from India for the H1b. So I meant 5 months of work on the current H1b Visa. Would that be considered as an issue?
Veena
VV,
It should not be an issue.
Hi Saurabh,
I had my H1B stamping at Chennai Consulate on Oct 17th. I was at the client location for past 1 1/2 years working with my L1 visa. L to H was processed and my H1Bpetition got approved on Sep 12th 2012. I travelled to India in Sep end due to some emergency.
The Visa officer asked me few questions and she said everyting looks very great but she asked me to stop by another counter with pink slip before leaving. When i went to the other counter they collected my Resume and Client letter.
when i asked why i was given pink slip 221g she told me that my B1/B2 visa which is valid for 10 years needs a change in validity and either I can have B1 for an year or B2 for 10 years. I was asked to give my preference.
I am in eight month of pregnancy and I had to ask her this question as to how long will it take to get my passport back. she asked me to check the status online. After explaining her the situation she said there is no other option except to mail to the chennaiAdmin at state dot gov immediately. I did send mail but didn’t get any response. I cannot travel to US after 2 weeks and please let me know how long it might take to get my passport back. Why were they keen on my B1/B2 validity when i went for H1 stamping.
Thanks in Advance.
Kruthik,
Pink slips are usually resolved within 1-3 weeks, but it can take more time as well. If you really want to travel to US and H-1 visa is still under process, then why not return on L-1 and work on L-1 visa for sometime. This may not be an option if the L-1 employment has ended or the L-1 visa has been canceled during H-1 interview.
Thanks Saurabh.My L1B is expired and since I donot have passport with me I cant apply for H4 or travel on B1. My spouse is in US and am stuck here due to this and all my medical history is with the US doctor. There is very less time to take any decision now. I was asked to send email and call OFC but not sure if it will be of some help or not. Still I donot understand why they pointed out on my B1/B2 visa. I checked if there was anything that i could provide rght away before walking out but she said they don’t need anything from me or from my company and the only change they have to make is the validity of B1/B2 and issue passport with stamping but they couldn’t assure me the timeline.
Kruthik,
What specific industry are you working in? Usually they cancel B-1/2 when an applicant goes for H-1 visa stamping as the former is a non-immigrant visa while H-1 is a dual intent visa.
Saurabh,
Renowned IT industry working as a software engineer.
What if the reason/event stated for the application of a business visa has gone. Does the embassy still issue the visa in case of a pink 221g form ?
Hi, My mother in-law had an interview in Dubai and the officer told her she is approved and they can stamp her visa. However, she mentioned that she want to go to US in February and the interview was Sep 30, 2012. The officer has given her a green sheet which requires passport mentioned as required document. How long does she have to send her passport? (since she didn’t have any clearance, does she have 3-4 months time to send her passport for stamping visa?) Thanks
Hi All,
The Pending or Refusal Website link for the Hyderabad Consulate is not working when i put my 221G case number into it =>
//hyderabad.usconsulate.gov/pending-or-refused-visas dot com
Does anyone have any solutions/workarounds ?
Thanks and Regards,
Hie!!
I had my interview for family F4 category visa today but as me(21) and my sister(25)have aged out the appointment scheduled was only for parents.
And in the result of the interview we have been dropped into 221(g).
And as far as I know me and my sister both are elligible according to CSPA act so can anyone please help me as to why we didn’t had our names and why is that our case is dropped into 221(g).
Thank you
Ah Well….Even i got stuck today with the Hyderabad Consulate… 221G for H4…After reading the above posts i feel so nervous,i dont think i will hear from them for another 2 months easily!
I think it is time that tables turn.Instead of us looking at the consulate in fear,its time we look at them in terms of consumers….
Hybd Consulate appears to be appalling.Most other Consulates respond within 2 weeks ( about 10 working days! ).Why is it so bad here , that people havent heard from them in 3 months ! Why dont they realize that people are loosing out on time,job and their loved ones because of the verifications that takes ages to complete.
Moreover. the VISA officers at the Consulate seem to be very rude and disrespectful.I understand that they have a large volume of fraudulent cases at the Hybd Consulate – but till you confirm one you cannot talk to the applicant in an improper manner.
My VISA officer was this Indian-origin chap — and he was busy pointing fingers at me without bothering to go through the documents i gave him.I understand his position, but nothing justifies him standing on my soil and pointing fingers at me out of the nowhere.To be precise he was lost in the W2 Stubs — he did not know how to decipher it and got confused between the Payroll Company and the company my husband works for.I dont know if he was testing me or if he really was that dumb.
I am sure that a VISA officer of purely American origin will deal with the applicants in a more respectful way,whether he denies or accepts the applications.I know it out of personal experience and observation.
Putting aside the decision making that a VISA officer does, i think it is time that people boycott such offices and officers altogether.Let them accept or reject the applications – they have their reasons.But they must treat us with basic manners.
No one deserves to be treated badly till he/she is proved to be against law.The Hyderabad Consulate is the last place people should opt for.Forget long response times,these guys dont even have the basic etiquettes that the US boasts of.
Yes am with you. I had my interview today. Till half way of the interview he was thinking I was there for H4 whereas I have applied for H1. How could he be so dumb head?? Finally he gave me a 221g white slip.
When US has already decided on the H1 Cap every year and approves H1 visas at USCIS why would the consulate reject them?? Won’t these guys trust their own officials at USCIS?? This is really unfortunate.
Hi frustrated,
I understand this now.
I also got 221(g) white slip , 15 days back in hyderabad consulate and they did verification of my client and vendor last week.
But no updateds till now.
And also when i try to check teh sttaus, it says invalid case number.
If you have any idea on this please do share.
Thanks,
Jit
dear all
i m attending an interview for c1d visa last 16th of july . i have got 221(g) pink clip. 2 months is almost over when visa cons let think on my case .
hi JC
2 months is over. how many days it will take to p repair my c1d visa . so many days visa status(www.vfs-usa.co.in) is not updated. i was attend the interview on 16th july from kolkata. please do something on my case.
ABBASUDDIN KHAN
Mohammad Onn Abbas
I have applied for US visa C1D category on 29th of June 2012 I was suppose to join a ship on 14th of July Cape Town South Africa in the capacity of third officer bt aneway I was given a pink slip and they told me the consulate that I ll be gettin it within like 2 weeks and I have like provided them every prove my sailing record as a cadet for 18 months but still I have no news of my visa etc. I have also submitted a letter from the company to them informing them abt my joining and company’s agents in USA. All I want to know is who should I request or who should I approach in us consulate new delhi so that they take my case into consideration and issue me a visa soon.
Hi Saurabh,
I attended the H1B and H4(for my spouse) visa interview at Hyd consulated two months back and ours was put in admin processing. However, I got my passport back with H1B visa stamped on 06-Aug-2012 but my spouse H4 is still in admin processing. Can you please let me know what could be the reason for delaying H4 while issue H1B?
Note: We both had been to US earlier on H1B(me) and H4(my spouse) in 2007 and 2008 year.
RKhan,
It may towards the end of processing, or may be something else. You should contact VFS/consulate about this to get an update.
I contacted them they say it(H4) is still in admin processing. Can I withdraw H4 and reapply for stamping?
Saurabh,
Still H4 visa for my wife is pending admin processing. I have travelled to USA on OCt-2012 and waiting for my wife’s visa(H4) for her to travel. Pls let me know what are the options as my case seems to be very peculiar. Can I seek the help of Senator of my state for my wife’s visa as I am already in USA for more than a month. Are there other options?
Thanks
Saurabh,
Could you please help me.
Thanks
Raja
Rkhan,
Is your’s wife passport w/ her? If yes, then she can re-appear for H-4 stamping and try her luck. Maybe this time they won’t put her in administrative processing.
Hi Saurabh,
My wife’s passport is with the consulate. Also, would it not again get into 221g if she reapply for H4 visa? Please let me know if I can re-apply for the same visa if her current visa is under admin processing 221g. Please help me.
Thanks
Raja
Rkhan,
Either thing can happen. She can again be issued 221g, or this time her visa could get approved. It is up to you whether to take the risk or not. You can search online to see if there are others w/ similar experiences.
Hi Saurabh,
I have approached Senator office and they said they can check on the status and get back. They have contact the Dept of State and waiting for their response. Would they be able to help to get the status and help me as it is just H4 visa of my wife. I understand they cannot help on me getting the visa but however I want this issue to get closed(whether the result is positive or negative). Please let me know.
Thanks
Rkhan,
In that past contacting senator office used to help in speeding the process. However, since then lot of people have been contacting the senators and USCIS/DHS has stopped accelerating the process. I am not sure if they would revert w/ standard response (like its under processing) or a more specific response.
Hi Saurabh,
I have approached Senator office and they said they can check on the status and get back. They have contacted the Dept of State and waiting for their response. Would they be able to help to get the status and help me as it is just H4 visa of my wife. I understand they cannot help on me getting the visa but however I want this issue to get closed(whether the result is positive or negative). Please let me know.
Thanks
Thanks Saurabh. It has been 3 weeks and the senator office told that they should get an update from Dept of state in a week and they will update me. Looks positive and hoping a good answer from senator office.
Hi Saurabh,
Senator office called me and said they checked with DOS but DOS is not sure of my wife’s case and also not sure on what is happending in the admin processing. However DOS said to Senator office that they will need to check with hyderabad US consulate in india to give more details on what is happening in my wife’s case. Also, DOS told to senator office that it will take 2 to 3 weeks to check with hyderabad US consulate and get back.
Now, I am not sure, how come DOS is not aware of what is happening in the admin processing and why should they need to check with hyderabad US consulate. does it mean that my wife’s case got struck somewhere in hyderabad US consulate itself without informing the DOS. My understanding is, all the 221g cases comes to DOS from all consulates across the world. Based on the above details, do you think my wife’s case is going in the right direction and would get resolved soon? Please let me know.
Thanks
RKhan,
I can only guess that its going in the right direction. However, the system is still opaque and not well synchronized. One can only wait for them to complete the processing.
How about re-appearing for H-4 visa stamping now? Maybe that will be speedier.
Thanks Saurabh. To re appear for H4, does my wife need to withdraw the current H4 or can she re appear when the current H4 is in progress. Please let me know.
Thanks
Rkhan,
I have seen examples of both scenarios – person appearing for next interview w/o withdrawing the previous one; and the person appearing for the interview after withdrawing the previous one.
My suggestion would be not withdraw the current 221g and let it continue. If the 2nd stamping goes successful, then you can withdraw this 221g. However, if the 2nd stamping is also put into 221g, then at least you will not lose the number in the processing queue.
Hi Saurabh,
Thanks for your suggestion.
Again, I called the Senator office and they said they have a person(Point of Contact) in DOS to handle visa issues for them. That person in DOS does not have much details from the system. So he is actually going to check with the person in DOS who handles my wife’s case to get more details on my wife’s case. Updates from senator office looks positive. Senator office would update me in one or twoo week’s time. Lets see what happens.
Thanks
Senator office again called me today and said they checked with DOS and got the same reply as Admin processing and waiting is the only option. I was hoping a lot as they were sounding positive. I think the only option is to wait. I am also little worried for reapply for H4. May be I will wait for some more time and take a call on reapplying for H4.
Thanks for your valuable suggestions. When I get the good news I will let you know. Thanks Again
Hi Saurab,
I went for H1x stamping to Hyderabad consulate. Ambiguously my case went into admin processing. I was not given with any slip. Can you tell me is there a way to track the status?
Its been 3 months from the date of appointment.
Thanks in Advance.
Vijay,
You can call VFS and provide them the passport number and HDFC receipt number. They can let you know the status. If the passport was submitted, then you can track on VFS site using the passport number as well, but it is a very generic message.
Thanks Saurabh. Yes, they just said its in Admin processing.
Hi Saurabh,
As we know CEAC site is unavailable currently to check the visa status.
Could there be any logic behind this to reopen it by end of Sep?
My case is still under processing..i wonder how long its going to take? do anybody have any answer? i am non muslim,I guess its TAL .. but still how the departments dealing with it can be so slow in today’s high tech world?
Sandy,
There is no set processing time and can take few weeks to several months.
Hi
I was given Interviews to USA embassy in dhaka 0n 15/02/2012 under F2a categories and after interviews CO gave me a blue sheet along to write down “need to additional processing while it finished to contact you but until their is no phone or mail receive from US embassy please suggest me………
Monwar khan,
There is nothing you can do except to wait. The processing can take few weeks to several months to complete.
are there chances of rejection??? and on what basis they can reject ??
hey everyone
i was attend the interview for c1d visa from kolkata. i have got 221g pink letter. my joining date was over. if i have us visa then only i can apply for the next joining date from my ship. my status was still pending. and my passport return to me by the consulate at the time of interview. they told me that they will call me. but 1 months is over
Abbasuddin khan,
Pink slips are usually resolved within 3-8 weeks. However, if your got into name check (you seem to have a common muslim name), then it can take longer.
hi ,
Sorry i forget to mention,I applied for B1/B2 at New delhi.
Hi Ismail/Saurabh,
https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx
This website is not working since5-6 days.i got 221g pink slip on 15 June 2012 for B1/B2 visa,no docs asked,Indian lady at embassy told visa will be clear in 2-3 weeks.its already 8 weeks now,its still under going processing as per embassy n vfs websites.Passport with embassy.how long it will go on like this?what should i do now?i need my passport to travel for business,i m loosing my business.
Sandy,
Pink slips are usually resolved in 3-8 weeks. You will receive the SMS when the processing is complete and passport is ready to picked up. Other ways to track your application is calling VFS center.
Hey, i was been interviewed (for CR1 Visa) by US cons Dhaka on 14 may 2012, and believe it gone well. after this the CO handed a Green sheet over to me reported for Administrative Processing :(. this guy did not even keep my passport and told they will call me when done. if i search on state department website, it says READY and date of case creation N/A & response date 29 JULY 2012. i do work in a bank and passing real hard time. Till today nobody dint call me from embassy. What is the status of my case? can u pls help me providing some information. i will be happy enough.
Stay well all, and happy times be with us while awaiting.
itszakaria
Hi everybody here,
Applied for visa renewal at the end of expiry of previous visa validity for B1 category- (attending conference).
I have given my interview on August 7 2012 at Mumbai Cunsulate , BKW. I was ask to show my passport only.Returned the passport back No other documents were asked instead Officer handed over to me a Green 221 G letter which says YOUR VISA APPLICATION IS REFUSED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING. and mentions to submit the documents Invitation letter in PDF format and a word document of resume , research ,purpose,funding, name of the employer,travellers, travel. Submitted the documents through mail mentioned in the form on August 8 th 2012.
I am now waitng for my CEAC barcode to appear on the list online .
Another cause of concern is although i have not yet been asked to submit my ppt to vfs centre , I tried to simply tract my passport on vfs website with passport no.It says ….Your passport is under process at us consulate. !
All is very confusing . I any one has experienced similar situation, kindly let me the results of your case .
hi nisha,
check your case status in below link
http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov/refused-or-pending-visa.html
if they ask you to send your passport thru VFS, they will stamp the visa.
Thank you v much JC. Its not yet in the list .A WEEK NOW.
Dear all,
Applied for B1/B2 visa in June
Interview at Mumbai : 07 Aug 2012 (no documents asked including PPT) given Green 221 G letter to submit documents through VFS.
Documents submitted : 08 Aug 2012
Response date: 27 Aug 2012
Passport submission through VFS: 29 Aug 2012
Recieved sms and email : Processed visa application couriered via Blue Dart on 31 Aug
Waiting to check any visa in PPT !!!
Yeah at last I got the Visa. Thank you JC .
Wishing you all of you here good luck.
Hi, nisha
my case is similar to yours..
i have been issued a green letter and i submitted the required documents as email.
i had a query that do they consider the priority on the conference dates.. if they give the visa after the conference dates its not meaningful
Thank you JC
An recieved an email saying that the processed visa application is sent through courier. Good luck all of you here.
Hi Nisha,
Hope you had/are having a nice stay in US. would like to know whether you faced any different sort of check while entering US, Did they ask why you got 221g or the annotation on your Visa “Clearance Recieved”etc??
Hi Nisha,
YEs I also experienced same case of 221g green slip.
I provided all docs to them via Email.. and checking status on Site.
What is the status about ur case as u faced this on August 2012.
I had interview on Dec 14, 2012.
What is VFS site address to check the status that you mentioned above.
Pls Keep me informed about the process and status as I am also worried abt the stamping and process.
Hi,
obtain the status of your case in this link
http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/case_status.html
Hi Mohammed Zakaria,
obtain the status of your case in this link
http://dhaka.usembassy.gov/case_status.html