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 got a 221G white with a review checked, the consular said it would take a week. but am not sure what it means and how long it would take
I had an interview on 27 jan 2015. At the end of interview CO give me white paper with no box check.He just write I-864 form in front Of Evidence of Economic Solvency.What that means and if its like re submit I-864 then where to send it??
Do you have EAD..? I have no idea what is I 864
I 864 means Affidavit of Support Forms
I had my interview on dec 3, 2014 in Chennai for H1B renewal. I was requested for resume and passport which I handed over. The status still shows Admin processing…How frustrating!
Paying rent and daycare bills over there while here…ahhh
I had my interview on dec 9, 2014 in Chennai for H1B. I was requested for resume and passport which I handed over immediately. I’m still waiting for my visa…Anyone in same boat?
forgot to mention that I was given the blue form…
Any update on your status?
Nope. I dreamt of hopping into airforce one with Obamas to find my way back to my family in US. What have they done to me 🙂
Hey,
Did you hear back from the consulate ?
Nope
The wait sucks
Guys,
There is active discussion about 221g going on in trackitt website. Please join that thread. you can google trackitt visa stamping-221(g).
A problem without a solution, waiting without a job for this many days is frustrating. I have client letter not in a letter head though but has manager contact details & signature and vendor letter in letter head but I have given 221g blue form. It is been 60 days by tomorrow and no response.
I am also sailing in same boat.. still waiting on it.
Hi
I had my H1b visa interview on Dec 31 and received a blue slip 221g with the additional administrative processing box checked. The interviewer also took my passport and my resume. He asked for my start date and since it was the first week of Jan, he said he would expedite the process (Wrote ‘EXPEDITE’ on the paper he inserted in my passport). How long would the process take in this case? (All forum discussion mentions that the process cannot be expedited…)
Hello all, I would like to share my ongoing H1 B Visa renewal experience here.I have submitted my documents through drop box for my H1 B visa renewal on dec 11 2014. I have got email to collect documents on dec 19th 2014. When i went to collect my docs, my passport had 221 g blue form, asking me to attend the consular interview, with out appointment. I went for interview on Dec 29 2014, VO asked few questions about my employment, I have said my position as research chemist, he stressed again research. He asked my resume and kept my new passport (old one was returned to me), also he said it might take couple of weeks for administrative processing and gave me 221 g blue form again, with no additional docs required option checked. I am still seeing the ceac barcode status as administrative processing. when i was trying to track the passport status, it is showing as: there is no update available for passport number submitted. Guys, if any of you are experiencing similar situation, please do post your valuable inputs.
Thanks
Sridhar
Any update on you case… I got 221G… and nearing 60days .
i have no update dude. still its under AP
Hello Divya,
Did you receive any update on your case?
My wife took our baby to the USA for sponsored medical treatment. I have been longing to visit them twice but denied a visa. The 3rd time l was given a yellow paper written FURTHER ADMINSTRATION IS BEING DONE IN MY CASE n wait atleast 60days for response. What are they investigating since its a non
Hello , i have attended f1 student visa at mumbai consulste on 19 dec 2014, VO gave me 221g GREEN FORM,and told me to submit required documnets via email in pdf and word format.Now , i m preparing the required data to send when can i expect the call / email form the consulate if i submit tomorrow .What are the chances to get VISA ?
immihelp.com/tracker/221g-tracker
follow me on this link . I got 221g for f1 on Nov 24,2014 ,its been a month but i didnt get any reply
follow me on immihelp 221g
Hi,aI apply on b2 visa . I interviewed on 21/12/2014 , and the officer gave me a white slip 221 g and check the box (your application requires additional processing). I check my visa statue on website and it was written refused and the statue update to 21/12/2014 , can this statue changed if it will issue
Hi people,
I had my PA on 19th Dec 2014 and my VISA(H1B) is yet to be approved. I have been given 221G (Blue color letter) with additional administrative processing point checked. And VO dint put check mark against any of the documents to be provided. She dint get any of my documents and gave away my passport also.
What should i do to proceed further.??
Please help me out in this.
Thanks,
Zahir M H.
Hi Sweta –
What is the “non-TAL processing”?
I joined trackitt com – usa-discussion-forums ..
Thanks …
Hello lakshmi. Iam a final year medical student from Karachi. I had my visa interview for 8 weeks elective period on 19th of Nov. I got into administrative process and the VO asked me to email me my resume and that the process would take 3 weeks but he didNOT keep my passport. Within two weeks I got a call from the embassy they told me to submit my passport to the Americam express. I did not ask any further questions and submitted that day only. Its been a week now and i havent received any replies or phone call. What does this mean. Iam quite worried and impatient now.
Did you hear back from the embassy yet? Is this your first 221g ?
Yes. Allahmdulillah ive got my visa for five years . They took a month, and disturbed all my.plans but in the end.. good things come to those who wait 🙂
Write to them they generally reply asking for status. Typically they ask for passport when they want to stamp visa.
Hi Friends, I had an interview for H1-B Stamping on Nov 18th and I was given 221(g) white slip asking me to submit project details document. The VO did not check any of the check boxes, ultimately I received an email on 26th to submit the docs and I submitted on Nov 28th. Customer support says I need to wait for atleast 10 working days to receive some response. What is the usual processing time? Any Idea? Does it depend on the type of document as well?
What docs did they ask you to submit via email? Is your case TAL or non-TAL?
[no external links allowed ]
It would be great if you could post your questions and info there.
They asked to submit project details doc via email. My case in NON-TAL.
Hi SG,
Do you have any update on your status? I have attended today and received the same as you received. Did you sent the required documents via email directly or via dropbox?
Thanks
SD
My Friend got 221g but his visa was approved in 3 days. in my case it is still pending. Although i came for visa restamping.
Is yours TAL or non-TAL admin processing? And what kind of admin processing was your friend’s? If you came for visa restamping, weren’t you eligible for the drop box H1B stamping?
Hi Sweta,
How can we find its TAL or Non-TAL.. I attended the VISA interview on Nov 28th 2014 and I got 221G administrative processing.. VO mention this should take 3 week but now its more that 5 week still waiting. USCIS called the vendor and look like they were happy with response and this happen on Dec 15th 2014 and then status data alone is updated but still it show administrative processes.. Now I’m really worried on next step..Any inputs is appreciated…
Hi,
I was attended visa interview on Sep 25, VO given 221 g – admin process. Still I didn’t got any status, I sent mail to customer support team. They sent response ‘it will take time’.
I have one doubt, if they will cross check with company or attorney?
Where I need to check status for admin process. (Attorney or company)
Thanks…
Hi H1B_221G, have you received any response? Was any check box checked in your 221(G) slip?
Hi,
I didn’t got any mail from uscis.
Administration Process – check box is checked.
I discussed with attorney and company HR, both didn’t got mail.
So, how many days i need to wait, is it any option for this.
Did they keep any of your documents? If yes, what docs did they keep. If not, you might want to ask them what docs they want from you. Are you into research or do you work for other clients?
Hi,
project description and I-797 documents.
I am software engineer and working MNC company.
Looks like yours is non-TAL processing. If they have already taken your documents, that meas they will use those to look deeper into your case. Are you on a full-time job or on contract?
In house project US base small company.( Full time job)
Thank you …
There is active discussion going on about administrative processing on trackitt website. You might want to join that.
can you share link for trackitt website
This forum does not allow us to post external links. Go to trackitt dot com and then usa discussion forums h1b visa stamping 221g. Try to google it and go to the last page. Let me know if you don’t find it.
Hi H1B_221G, in your case they kept the documents on your interview date which is Sept 25th, that means you never happened to submit any documents after that, am I right? If am right then you have been waiting for more than 2 months which means you crossed 60 days. I was told by the customer support that the max time is 60 and with in 60 days the decision will be made. I think you should call customer support and they may escalate your case to the officials.
Hello SG/Sweta,
I called couple of times and they escalated my issue, but no use same response from Support team. However, I will try one more time.
Sweta – What is the “non-TAL processing”?
Thanks…
Hi SG/Sweta
I have joined trackitt forums for following link
[external link spam]
Thanks ..
Hi,
How did you get your case escalated? Did they say they would escalate it on their own or did you ask them to escalate? When was your interview and when did you submit your documents?
non-TAL is when they want you to clarify the relationship between you, your employer and your client. They want to make sure you’re deployed in a genuine project and are fulfilling the non-immigrant worker criteria. They ask for client letter, yours and your employer’s tax returns, etc.
Sweta,
I called customer support team on November and they escalate my issue. Today I called again, so they told me “you already escalated on November so you should wait at least one month”. Interview on September last week
They taken I-797 form and project details.
I’ve submitted all the documents as per 221(g) Blue form. But they have replied and asked me to resend the “Detailed Statement of Purpose” in .doc format.
Can anyone of you please help me with some sample copies?
Thanks in Advance.
Hi Arun,
I had written a page long statement of purpose stating how my education, experience and training has helped me perform my current job duties. I wrote one paragraph about how my Masters degree courses helped me in my current job. But, my attorney deleted all that and only asked me to write 3 lines about what my intention is at my current job. He said that if I write a long SOP, it can raise unnecessary questions.
How long was the SOP you submitted initially? How long did they take to get back to you asking for a more detailed SOP?
Hello,
Question : on getting a blue 221(g) to submit additional document, Is it mandatory to submit the requested documents at Team Stanley Document drop off location ? Or its fine if I just email them ? The Visa officer said I just need to email them and never made a mention of drop box location.
I attended for my H1-B visa interview(First Time, it is NOT a visa extension) at Chennai. The VO issued a Blue 221(g) and requested to submit additional documents through email. He kept my passport though saying that I don’t have to visit the embassy again. I can just email the documents and they will process. However, I received my passport within 2 weeks without stamping. I emailed them all the requested documents within 2 weeks. I just received an automated email saying they received my email and they will start processing my case upon receipt of the requested documents. When I email them asking my status I just got a generic reply.
email is good enough. yes they will give you the standard reply till the visa is approved. can take anywhere from 6 weeks to 12 weeks. need to patiently wait 🙂
Thanks Lakshmi.
Thank you Lakshmi
What you got mail?
You submitted any document?
You submitted passport or dropped your passport?
What you did after you got mail?
Thanks.
When consulate asks for any documents to be sent as email please send it as email. No need to drop. Passport I sent by priority mail (postal mail) to consulate when they asked for it.
Hey Lakshmi,
Just 1 more question. Do you have any idea why did the VO kept my passport during my interview but I got my passport 2 weeks later(Without stamping though). He would have given my passport then and there itself. The passport had 1 more 221(g) in it with just this check box ticked –> “Your application requires additional administrative processing”
Just getting all kinds of horror thoughts 🙂
They kept my passport for 2 months and returned without stamping so I wrote to them. They said that it was likely to take more time and that the passport may be required for other travels. They told me that they would ask for the passport once the processing was complete. So don’t worry. These days processing is taking a while.
Thanks,
And how about document submission letter/Courier submission letter that is available in in traveldocs portal ? I missed to email that. 🙁
Its mandatory if we are required to submit documents at VFS. But, Is that mandatory even if I’m required to just email the requested documents ?
Thanks
After my interview, I received a 221g yellow slip and I was tracking it on the website. After about 6 months they told me to send in my passport. However, they sent me back the passport with another 221g slip and a case number. Did this happen to anyone before? What could be the reason for this?
These people can get away with anything. I have heard similar cases like yours so don’t worry. In my case they kept my passport for 8 weeks and then returned to me and again asked some queries (not as another 221g) and after I sent them they asked for my passport after another 4 weeks amounting to 12 weeks for visa issual
Hi Lakshmi,
I attended interview on 26th September 2014 in Chennai India and my H1B visa on hold and VO given 221 g form, selected check box administration process. However, grace period 60 days over, normally how many days they will take and still now I didnt got any mail from USCIS.
Thanks.
My case went beyond 60 days period. I got it after 90 days. I heard that the recent delay was because of some issues with the server. But not sure. You can write to them asking them about the status of your visa since 60 days are over. Typically they give the same standard answer.
I petitioned a k1 visa from Bangladesh. My fiance interviewed, received 22nd for more information. We both have found it impossible to “create profile” via traveldocs/be website. Have tried various browsers, computers, you name it and still nothing. Error messages vary. Website manager suggested clearing cookies, update java and I still get errors. The information I submit is correct. You know of any remedy? Time is wasting.
Hi Laxmi,
I have attaended for the interview on october 16th, they have issued the white slip and didnot tick any column on the paper. They said I will be getting any email regarding the required docs but still I didn’t get any email from the counslate on the required docs. I appreciate if could let me know your inputs.
Hello,
Same case . My interview date was nov 3,2014 and no updates yet . Did they try to reach your employer or client ?
Thanks
Hello Gopal,
Did you receive any update from them?
Thanks
Typically they would get back to you for documents if they need anything specifically. Quite possible that they have everything that they want. In any case you can just write to them asking if they need any additional documents.
I got my visa (b1) after 3 months , 5 days after my conference date. Bad luck.
Oh thats sad.
Thanks for your reply Lakshmi.
I dont understand their procedure at all.
Shall i write them mail to “support-india@ustraveldocs.com
” as mine was new delhi consulate.
Thanks
I used the email ID given in the slip. My slip had an email ID. Otherwise write to the email ID that you have specified. Please specify your application number.
I guess there was some server problem and that is why my batch of visa approvals got delayed. Typically in 6-8 weeks you should get your visa. The other reason is I applied from Bern, Switzerland since I study there. I heard the US consulates in India are much faster and efficient.
Guys,
I just went through the 221g process at the Delhi Consulate.
I’m a PHD in biomedical sciences from USA applying for H1B.
Visa interview – Sep 17th 2014. Docs submitted same day. No updates after that. Status changed Nov 13th, 2014. Visa issued next day.
Stay positive – the visa is taking this long in Delhi for 221g.
Thanks Aman for your post..
So we can expect that it would easily stretch for 2 months .
Have they contacted your client anyhow ?
Yes, 8 weeks is a standard time frame now.
I’m a scientist so I don’t have any client type of a work.
Ok 🙂
Thanks Aman for the information.
Hi Aman,
Thanks for your post. What kind of documents were you asked to submit? Employer documents or your details such as invitation letter, resume, research work, itinerary, funding info, etc.? I was asked to submit MY details so I’m guessing I was put in administrative processing because my education and job falls under Technology Alert List. Your response would be very much appreciated.
Yes, they asked me for resume, research, itinerary etc etc on that list. I made one document with eveything and emailed it them. I started bugging them 30 days into the process. Around 7 weeks in I got the congressman involved as well. Got the visa in 8 weeks. Not sure if anything helped but you can only try. Good luck.
Aman,
After 30 days, did you follow up with them by emailing them or calling them? What is the procedure to get a congressman involved? Is that done through my company’s lawyer?
I called them always.. Can try to get some more information.
For congressman, reach out to their local office. They usually have a standard way of dealing with such issues. Your company could do it on your part if they have good connections with the local congressman. Then their office can send out an official enquiry to the US consulate in India where your case is pending, requesting an update.
Hi Aman, can you give details on how you got the congressman involved? What exactly did you say and what is the process, how does it work. I would like to reach out to my local congressman.
I got section 221g on Nov 24th, phd in bioinformatics, delhi, submitted docs on nov 28th, I absolutely cannot wait for 80 days, I will lose my job, so please help.
Hello Everyone, I am a medical student I had my visa inteview today in karachi. I was inquired regrading the elective i had got at a Mount Sinai hospital. I answered all the questions. The VO thought that i either had forged the document or i was lying at some point. He asked me about my grades and what my parents do. he has put me in administrative process and RETURNED my passport and has given me a white slip saying that i need to submit my Resume at an email address. I have a good enough CV with many achievements. I am a bit depressed now because he has returned my passport. How much chance do I have? Has it happened to anyone before?
In many cases they return the passport. Don’t worry. They will ask for it when the processing is over.
They have issued white slip to me but no documents asked yet .neither they have contacted employer nor client .its been more than 2 weeks now. Any idea ?
Thanks
Okay thankyou for your response. Basically a lot of seniors from my uni said it has never happened before, its a new thing. Like they have never asked for resume of a student. But he did not reject me . So I still have a chance right ? He told me ill know about it in 3 weeks.
These days they are returning the passport because the admistrative processing is taking longer. Don’t be surprised if it takes a couple of months.
Hello. I got into administrative process and the VO asked me to email me my resume and that the process would take 2 weeks. Today, after two weeks I got a call from the embassy they told me to submit my passport to the Americam express. Does that mean my visa is approved and my administrative provess is complete ?
Khan Have you got you visa?
Yes. Allahmdulillah I’ve got my visa for 5 years. It took a month. But well, its all good now 🙂
Hi,
I got 221g white form on 10 Nov 2014. I’ve applied for F1 student visa. The CEAC status is “REFUSE” from the date of my interview. What is this means? Is my visa is rejected or its been in administrative process? The status is refuse from the very first moment after my interview and still the same till now. Anybody here with the same situation? Help me out here.
Hai,
I am checking the case status in website https://ceac.state.gov/ceacstattracker/status.aspx and for the last one week, i couldn’t check as it displays an err message “Application ID or case number is required” even after the case number is given. Does anyone facing this problem? whats the remedy.
Appreciating your response!
you should select non-immigrant visa type and NOT immigrant visa
Hai Lakshmi,
I have given all the three details – non-immigrant, location and my case number. When i hit enter, the case number gets space out and displays an err message. I am facing this message for last one week only and couldn’t check the case status.
Please advise.
Hi,
I applied for J2 renewal at Chennai consulate but was issued a blue slip stating further administrative processing is needed. Its been 67 days but still under processing. Any kind of hope or way to resolve it will be appreciated.
Friends,
I got a 221G Blue slip for my H1 extn on May 29 and waiting for nearly five months. Anyone is waiting for the same period and is there any option to get in touch base with US Consulate other than WAIT.
221G
Hi I ws interviewd on 5th Nov 14 for h4 visa along wd my spouse’s h1 visa. The VO was very giving strange remarks which we cudnt guess y. After few queries he said ur visa will go under administrative processing. We were not given any paper as 221. The status in track my passport shows same “adminstrative processing”. Any hope??
Hi friends,
I attended H1B Visa stamping interview at Mumbai Consulate in Oct 2014. They took a long interview and after then gave me 221(g) White paper. My case is still in administrative processing.
Before interview I was a student in USA and have my F1 Visa till 2017 but they cancelled my F1 Visa with stamp”CANCELLED WITHOUT PREJUDICE”.
I want to ask you guys as my H1B is still in Administrative Processing and I have not yet completed my Masters degree in USA can I reapply for F1 Visa??????
Hello
I went for H1 b interview on nov 3,2014. They have submitted all my documents including my passport , client letter , tax documents of employer ,797 .
My case updated date has been changed to nov 5,2014 but I did not received any email or updates.
When can I expect any update?
Thanks
I dont think there anything to worry as long as you have been told that your visa is approved. Some times it takes 3-5 days before they mail the passport with visa
They have issued white slip to me but no documents asked yet .neither they have contacted employer nor client .its been more than 2 weeks now. Any idea ?
Thanks
Pallu,
Did you get your visa ? I have been waiting for 75 days now.
Hi Lakshmi,
Even I have been waiting for about 80days. Did you hear anything or has there been any progress in your case?
Naveen
I am also waiting…84 days today…
Dear Friends,
In my case, its been 125 days from the additional docs submitted date and 168 days from the case creation date. And also the case got updated twice before 60 days and no updates since then.
While you were referring the wait period, which days you are referring – whether its from case creation date or docs submission date? Also, did anyone of you get your case updates in the mid of admin processing.
Its little disturbing when i see the forum updated with wait period more than an year or an year and a half. I was in hope that i would get the status in a month since its almost 5 months.
Appreciating your response.
Vijay I was told that every time they update status with you furnishing a new set of documents, they reset their processing clock. You should start counting 6 to 8 weeks from there. I know it is very frustrating. But do we have a choice. The price we have to pay having an Indian passport 🙂 you write to them telling that it is already 125 days.
My wife and I have been waiting for her father’s tourist visa renewal that got stuck for 221g for 17 months.
Hi All,
I have attended my interview today in chennai. She asked my Employee and my Client. Then she asked my I797 Copy and Client letter. She kept those documents with my passport and she gave me blue slip of 221g. In that she selected “YOUR APPLICATION REQUIRES ADDITIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING BEFORE A FINAL DECISION CAN BE MADE” . She didn’t asked for any other documents. I don’t know what will happen!
Did you get your VISA?
Same thing happened to me as well! Did you get your stamping yet?
any reply from them
I had my H1b renewal (extension) stamping interview at Hyderabad, India on Aug 13-14, 2014. I had my first H1b stamping done from the same post last year April 2013) and received the visa ~35 days post interview after administrative processing. I am a Ph.D from biological sciences working as a scientist in US since 8 year (5 years J1 & 3 years H1b). Since I received administrative clearance about 16 months ago, I did not anticipate: 1) my H1b renewal to undergo administrative processing, and 2) even if it undergoes admin processing, I expected it to be faster. Hence, I scheduled my interview for the very next day after landing in India. I was now traveling to India on bereavement leave as my father passed away suddenly in May 2014 & did not attend the last rites because of urgent planned experiments ongoing that time. Now my visa has been under administrative processing for 56 days and I am still waiting. My work is severely affected in the laboratory in US and I am fearing to loose my job. Also I am not able to reunite with my 5 year old kindergartener son who is with my husband in US. I have already changed my flight ticket 4 times in anticipation of visa issuance. Please guide me.
Also to add, I did not have a change of job, or change in visa, or chnge in employer, or change in name…no major changes since last year…still visa has not been issued yet.
Hello,
Did you get approval yet?
No, I did not get the approval yet. Still waiting…58 days as of today post interview.
Pallu I have a similar situation. it is 75 days and no news.
I attended visa interview today and VO issued 221(G) blue form requesting for few more docs but he returned all documents including I797,I-129,passport etc. The USCIS case status still shows decision. I have asked my employer to respond with requested docs.
Anyone on same boat ?
Since, they returned all docs, should I still be hopeful ?
Pls advice, I am into big depression now..
There is hope. We were issued a white slip and after responding to it we received decision in one week. And visa is issued. Don’t worry.
My documents were also returned and I was asked submit more documents by email. I am still waiting for the visa though.
Best wishes for your visa.
Hi Pallu,
I’m exactly in your situation, Ph.D., Research Scientist , second H1B renewal , no change in employer or anything. Went to the interview on Aug 28th and got 221G and waiting since then.
Is there any update on your case?.
Thanks
Sai
No updates till now. It has been over 70days since interview.
Hopefully, we will here something this week . Based on below:
Hyderabad
dratluri79: 24th July, H1B, AP, TAL, 7th October, 8th Oct. received email to submit passport,Issued Oct 14 Hyderabad
hyd221g: 4th Aug, H1B, AP, TAL, email recvd to submit ppt Oct 21
rrr0109: 4th Aug, H1B, AP, TAL, Hyd. No updates yet
pallu78: Aug 14, 2014, H1b renewal, AP, TAL, Hyd; updated Aug 25, 2014.
senapathy : 25 Aug, H1B, AP, 25 Aug, TAL, Hyd (white slip)
VisaStatush1: 25 Aug,AP, 5th Oct, Hyd (221g white slip)
Vamshi 2014: 28th Aug, H1B, TAL, Hyd (221g white slip). The VO said the process would take 2 weeks. No updates yet.
Hi Pallu,
I started sending email to support@ustraveldocs.com, weekly once, since the interview and i used to get usual response like below, but today i got different rsponse. Though the intent of both the messages is “wait till we contact you”, I wanted to check if the change of template is indication of something (besides i crossed 60 days wait period) and did you get similar responses also:
Usual Response:
With regards to your concern, we would like to inform you that, your visa application is under processing at the Embassy/Consulate. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of your visa interview or the submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later. When additional administrative processing is required, the length of processing time will vary based on the circumstances of each case. Also, the status on the website will be updated periodically.
Today’s Response:
Your application is pending under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) for mandatory administrative processing. Unfortunately, there is no definite time frame for this processing as it depends on the individual circumstances of each case. U.S. immigration law requires that additional steps be completed in some cases before a file can be advanced for adjudicative review. The Department of State is continuously working to expedite visas. We appreciate your patience. Please be assured that we will contact you as soon as this processing is complete.
Thanks
Sai
Hi guys,
I’m in the same boat as you. PhD in biosciences in US. First H1 stamping after STEM OPT and stuck with 221g from the Delhi Consulate. Been 45 days since document submission with no update on status. This is crazy.
On my interview 17/09/2014 in Islamabad, Pakistan. They put me on administrative processing session 221G they told me it can take 6 months or years they also gave me green slip to track my case. They kept my passport when I got home from embassy that same day I got call from them that I got my visa and I should come and pick up my passport from embassy. 221g happened to most of my relatives n friends but they got visa within 2-3 days.
Hello Saurabh,
How long a case can take under 221g. Mine has been over 6 months now. I appeared in March 2014. They came to my employer(office) in mod june and after that there has been no update.
Thanks
The longest I have heard of is 2 years. See link: happyschools.com/h1b-visa-stamping-after-2-years-administrative-processing/
Hi Saurabh,
I want to withdraw the 221g with Chennai consulate which was issues in Dec 2013.
Now,i want to withdraw the case.
How do i withdraw the case and how much time will it take?
Saurabh,
can the consulate not withdraw the case, even if requested? Can the consulate ignore the withdraw request
Hi Saurabh,
I Went for stamping on 01 Aug 2014.
VO asked me my company’s and client name after then he asked me for Client letter, LCA, I29 which i provided him. He told me to wait for a while and then he called me and gave back all the documents including my passport and your told me application is on Administrative processing and will contact me if needed. He gave me 221g white slip.
When i check my visa status online:
U.S. Department of State
NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION
Refused
Application ID or Case Number: *********
Case Creation Date: 31-Jul-2014
Status Updated Date: 01-Aug-2014
Your application was refused. Please see the letter or other instructions you received at the interview.
For more information, please visit U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad.
Please help…
Thanks.
Hi Siva,
Me too attended for h1b interview and consulate officer issued me white 221g form tick marking administrative processing.He returned all the documents similar your case.Do you have any updates regarding your case.
Hi Shiva,
I have also attended interview on 15th sept and was given 221g. My status is showing up as undergoing necessary administrative processing in CEAC website.My passports were given to me at time of interview by all company documents were taken by her.she took fingerprints from me and my Husband also. Is it a positive or negative sign.
My father in law has been waiting almost 15 months for his tourist visa to be renewed. It is ridiculous. They kept his passport but since it was taking sooo, we emailed them to have it back. They did give it back obviously without the visa and apparently the process goes on.
Hi Saurabh,
Thank you for your time and sharing very inportant information. I have one question that during the adminstartive process. can i re- submmit/update?
Because my purpose and the location of the VISA ic changed. So can update or change the documents which i shared priviously to US team via email….
Please reply Sir. am not able to get any appropriate answer on this
hi saurabh
i had my f1 visa interview on 16th july and my was visa approved and was not issued any 221g or any other form. she just said i am giving u visa. The thing is i did not get any update on my passport till date and my passport status says: There is no update available….and coming to visa status says : it reads administrative processing….what i do not understand is i was not issued any form then why administrative processing? ….saurabh have you seen this kind of issue before and if so what could be the reason and what am i supposed to do. please reply
Do not worry. It is the terminology they use until they have you pick up the visa.
my F1 visa interview was onn 24th,june,2014. i was asked to submit affidavit of support and a bank statement.its now 30 days since i submitted the required documents and ioly have few days to my admission date.how long do these people take to take action?my case was al;so updated on 13th,july…………what next for me,so frustrated…..
Did you get your visa??
No i have not gotten my visa yet.the waiting is agonizing and so frustrating.Hope to hear from them, soon its been 38 days to date,your prayers.
Hi all,
I got my visa rejection in 2013 and they gave me green paper which was 221(g).After three months the uscis send all the original documents back to me.
Now I want to know that can I reapply for immigration visa to USA?
I have attended h1b interview at delhi consulate, my visa was put in 221G.
Employer had provided all the requested docs, and then VO asked me for re-interview.
VO said that visa has been rejected and gave some lame reason.
It has been more then 3 weeks, but my visa status is still in refused status (last update date still first interview date).
Any idea what should be status once it get finally rejected ?
Hi Rajdeep
My case is same do you have any updates.I also attended on 15 june and they retain my passport and i 797 no updates after that.
Hi,
Did you get back your passport? I am on H4 and they kept my and my kids passport and wanted my husbands I797 copy. He is on H1B and has valid visa stamped. It has been 7 days since I sent I797 to their e-mail reply, no status update yet.
Just wanted to know if you got your passport back if if yes how many days after and is you visa approved?
If your visa is rejected the status should read “refused” and no further action can be taken. Your only hope is to reapply next time with different credentials.
h1b was applied on 01April 2013,
It took long time to know that it was selected in lottery, June
and then got RFE on 20th Sep 2013,
Employed replied and finally it got approved on 28th Dec 2013.
Attended interview at Hyderabad consulate on Feb 4, 2014, and got 221G (white paper)
employer took 2 months time to reply this, 01st April
following question was asked by consular office , and again employer took 20 days to reply.. 25th April.
and now its 01st June, and no ray of hope..
I have already went 1o times to chilkur Balajee and completed 11 rounds.. I also assured balajee that I will make 108 rounds once my visa gets stamped.. but either no help from Balajee yet..
I was interviewed at us embassy in f1 category ,during interview I told them I am maried they changed my category to f3 ,and send my case to national visa centre to hold until priority date become current so at this point what can I do .thanks
Hi all,
Nice to hear from all, I am also sailing in the same ship . I got 221 g white form from London .The VO asked few Questions on my job profile, client….etc ,last she gave 221 g form and said she need more investigation on the client ,no documents asked retained I797 form and client documents and returned the passport. On 221 g form she rounded the passport, ticked the dsc 160,passport size photos, this plus.
I am an Indian working for an MNC company from 8 years, earlier I visited to US for 3 months on L2 visa , and 6 years
back I got h1b stamped in delhi (did not went to USA on personal reasons).
Still now no email nor my status is updated in pdf file.Still now I don’t know what they are want from me.Can anyone suggest me.
Hi Sairam,
When did you attended the interview? Is your visa approved now ?
Hi Saurabh,
Thank you for taking our questions! Let me start with a little back ground on my education/work history in the US. I traveled to the US in 2007 to obtain a Master’s degree in biotechnology, and upon completion I landed myself a job conducting research in a cancer research institute. I initially worked for them using CPT, OPT for about 1.5 years and then they filed for my H1B in May 2011. I worked with them for another 1 year on my H1B (non-profit). Please note that I did not come down to India for stamping because of time constraints. I then moved to another company, again conducting cancer research (for profit) in May 2012 after they got the receipt number for my H1B petition (the lawyer said that using the portability act I could begin working for them as soon as we received a receipt number since I already was on an H1B at the time from my previous employer). My H1B was approved with a starting validity date of 11/1/12. Now, I worked at the company for two years before I could travel to India about three weeks ago for my stamping. My interview was on the 22nd of April 2014. The VO asked me to show how I worked at the new company from May 2012 to November 2012 and I explained to her that the lawyer had advised the company about the portability act and I also told her that I had all the supporting paperwork that spoke about the act. She claimed she wasn’t interested in looking at the paperwork and just asked me to leave behind my passport, new 797 (the company that I work at right now), new i129 documents, updated resume, and my old 797 approval (for the previous organization I worked at). She then issued me a blue 221g form and didn’t ask for any additional documents and the form just has the “Your application requires additional administrative processing before a final decision can be made” box checked. I’m a little concerned because with some searching on the internet I was able to see that the blue form is usually issued when additional documents are required (although she did say that I had provided all necessary documents). Could you please advise on any additional steps I need to take, or should I just sit tight and wait? I’m extremely worried because I have a car, apartment, credit cards, etc that are back in the US and I’m extremely worried that the VO did not ask me for any of my tax documents or anything. Did my immigration lawyer just screw me over by making me start work using the portability act? I apologize for this long drawn out email. It’s just that I am starting to get really worried and I wanted to provide you as much detail as I possibly could. Any information or guidance would be greatly appreciated. Thank you again!
P.S The last time I visited India was in December 2008 – January 2009 while I was still on my F1 visa. Just making sure you have all the information 🙂
Edit: They also kept the supporting letter from the company I worked at which states my role in the company and tasks that I perform, experiments, etc.
Hi Varun,
I’m sorry to hear about your situation. I hope you manage to get the visa and is back in the US. I have a question for you. How could you transfer from non profil to profit and start working immediately? Didn’t you have to wait till october?
Thanks,
Sajeev
hello
my husband has gone for interview for k1 visa in april 27 2014. the consular officer has give him a white 221g letter . in that its just written is insufficient evidence of your intent to marry petitioner with in 90 days of arrival to usa .so you are ineligible for visa under 221g . we saw over status it was administration process for 2 weeks after the status change returned to NVC. we call to nvc they said your case is still in india . then i message to india consulate they said your case is now at nvc they send me a mail and they have given diplomatic pouch no . they said when you will call nvc tell them about pouch no ……what to do now help me
we have all the proof genuine . success me what to do ?????????
how dose us info pass work? do go out usa and coming back usa by info pass?
What is us info pass? may i go out and re-enter in usa by info pass without green card?
Hello,
i had Attended Interview in Chennai Consulate on Aug 27(2013) For H1 B.
i was issued blue slip at time of processing 221g. Still waiting on the updates
I don’t have 1-94 This is Fresh H1 which was picked in 2013 lottery. Is this Eligible for cap-exempt?
Hi Venkat
Is your visa approved ? .. pls help me in sharing ur exprriance with this 221g beast. i also got this last week not sure what’s going to happen. they did not asked any documents they just made tick on admin processing 221g lue slip and took all documents and passport returned. do let me know what was ur case and how it worked for you.
They Said My Case Has been closed . Reapply for Stamping
How much time did they took to give u this information. i hope and pray reapply helps you this time.