Hi Saurabh, I am in the same boat. History of 221g Rejections and What to Do. Your use of this website and our software platform are subject to VisaNation Inc.'s privacy policy and terms of use. Any update to the VISA status of your friend ? When can you Apply for H1B Visa Stamping after Petition Approval? I wish I had the chance to go to an interview. Visa Interview ? Now CEAC website shows visa status last update Nov 28 th Refused with long text. BTW Im a Canadian PR and applied through Toronto Consulate. Stay positive and follow up with them in a week or two. No additional documents asked and passport returned back By jabeeratsastra, November 11, 2014 in H1B : Visa Stamp Start new topic 1 2 Next Page 1 of 2 jabeeratsastra Members 4 The U.S. usually resolves most administrative processing claims in that time, based on the documents that you submitted. I think the counsular officer may have hurriedly looked at it and misunderstood. Form 221g may be issued even if there are no extra documents required from you. No update on my case either. I am already on L1 visa and currently working in Amazon USA. Admin processing is the normal status and could mean multiple things with or without form 221(g) including: CEAC Visa Approved but Status is Administrative Processing status is common these days after visa interview in the US embassy. Changed from received to refused yesterday. VisaNation law group is filled with experts with over a decade of experience handling 221g refusals. after one week I was asked for additional documents that I submitted in 3 days. January 5, 2017 by Suss&Camm. Many cases in late 2020 and 2021 had Refused status with shorter text as an intermediate status and later they changed to Administrative processing and then Issued. Please be advised that .. . Got email to mail documents , where should we send the email to ? Below you will find answers to the most common questions about 221(s) section: Suppose the U.S. issued you a section 221g refusal. Waiting for the passport to come back. I submitted my docs for H1B through dropbox and received mail today that I need to attend in-person interview after I receive my passport. You will get an email to submit the passport again as and when the US embassy is ready to stamp your US visa. In the past, it used to show Administrative processing, but it now shows as refused from March 3rd, 2020 onwards for most of the cases. This post will explore the best way to handle a 221g denial, common reasons for refusal, and recommended tips to navigate the immigration process. You will be unable to enter the Consulate without having the OF-194 and the 221(g) Appointment Confirmation Page. Yes, they did return the passport initially asking for additional documents. The consular officer who interviews you will tell you at the end of your interview if your case is being refused under 221 (g). I am collecting my documents on Monday but Im so worried its a straight refusal. Received H4 visa stamp on Nov 9 th but mine H1b was showing approved on CEAC website but not received any email about passport update. They will make you fill you a document submission form. Please let us know! Hi, i had my US C1D Visa interview and the interviewer said that the visa is approved and then the status of my visa was refused,they sent me the passport back with no stamp and no letter of instructions. This article covers the issue with the status Refused, why it shows like that, and updates with user inputs & experiences. This person had paid the fine for not declaring the food items that he was carrying from India. Individuals who want to travel to the United States on a visa undergo a rigorous process before the U.S. approves them. Could you please advise what should be the next ? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Did your wife hear anything since ? Ed, Sorry to say and not discouraging here, but you will need another birth to understand that system. Case Created: 15-Nov-2022 Case Last Updated: 18-Nov-2022. Not sure why it got refused, I had to change the ds160 at the time of submitting my documents at dropbox, there was a mistake in my name in original ds160. Yellow Slip: A 221 g Yellow slip denotes general type of administrative processing. Have you got any update or status change? If there are no additional documents needed and the consulate does not need additional information, the case can typically be processed and resolved within a 60-day period. Thanks, why would that be the case, trying to better understand the system here. After you submit the information and immigration officials decide you meet the visa eligibility requirements, the U.S. consulate will request that you send your passport. I have selected premium delivery for the passport. @mason no they didn't ask for any additional documents, they didn't give us the 221g. Hopefully it will change soon or by now has changed. The refused status can be misleading at times. Visa was under administrative processing but already provided supportive documents to the consular officer. Please help me thanks. The processing time for a 221 (g) form is case-dependent. Passport returned without and document asked. The risk of form 221g delay is always high if your paperwork is not complete. No additional documents requested and asked to appear for an immigration interview on Jan 11,2022. On March 5th, 2020, the US Department of State updated their website in a news alert that they have made the status-related text change to reflect the actual change, but does not really change the case information. Im in the same boat as you were may I ask what happened after that ? 2) I had provided prior visas with the initial submission. clearly label each document and use a sticky note to reinforce. When the process is complete, we will contact you with further instructions or to advise you that your visa is ready for pick-up.. Give it a few days for the status to change. 4) I had visited the website of the senator of my state and submitted a help request. Can somebody help me? If there are no documents requested, then you can expect your US visa approval in 7-30 working days. What ll be the next steps ?? Have you heard anything about your cases progress? Did they gave your passport before in person interview or after that. ? For more information, please visit U.S. Consulate General . Did any experience a similar situation where no further documents have been requested but the status still says Refused or Administrative processing? and on the letter head was the third part name and not my employer ( hospital). Hoping its just an interim message as your article states but unsure whether to contact Embassy. Note: Before inquiring about your visa status, you or your representative must wait at least180 days from the date of your interview or the submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later. Just wait and stay positive. This was the third time renewing my visa with the same employer I had lost my passport about 9 years ago. Form 221g processing takes 7-20 days if no documents are requested and the passport is kept by the visa officer. The consular officer will either tell you that the case has to undergo administrative processing, or will ask you to submit additional information. Does anyone know what this means? Any advice on how long it might take and if there is anyone I can email to check the status and stuff? Has this become very common? I am also in the same boat. You cannot expedite the security check process as the State Department (through the Embassies) takes its security obligations quite seriously. Sam happened to me.what is the status now? 2023 AM22Tech| In this case, this person forgot to tell one of his addresses that he lived in the USA to a VO officer. You may watch the below YouTube Video on 221g CEAC Status Administrative Processing, which covers the same details. During the interview, the immigration official will review the documents provided with the application and questions to the visa applicant. This processing can take several weeks. If you were informed by the consular officer that your case was refused for administrative processing, your case will remain refused while undergoing such processing. Is there a Waiting Period to Reapply for a Visa? although they did not reply ( as weekend ) , I dont know if the were involved. For that reason, always discuss these options with your lawyer to avoid creating confusion with immigration officials regarding your application status. In any case, you can call National Visa Center as well and verify, if you are concerned. I am in the same boat. Another common reason the U.S. will issue a 221g refusal is if Petition Information Management Service (PIMS) doesnt have your petition approval listed yet. USTravelDocs provide a cookie cutter answers without much details . Thanks In advance . When for Immigrants visa interview on the 28th of June 2022..was issued a 221g pink form and the officer kept my passport without asking for additional documentsfew days after I check my status and it shows refused but after some times it changed to ready and ever since then it has remain at ready till today and they keep updated ,they have updated 8timesplease what does this meansplease reply. 221G Is a request for further information, it is not a yes or a no So your Visa can not be rejected unless you fail to comply with the 221G requested information which you do not say what it is PP 10199 (Presidential Proclamation, Not an Immigration and National Act ) is regarding restrictions on Covit-19 You should hire an experienced lawyer for any immigration benefit you are trying to receive, whether a green card, visa, change of status, etc. We have lived for over 6 years on L1 few years ago and are desperate to get back to the USA. I am confident that I have submitted all the documents requests. They now ask the following questions: They hand over the white form 221g but keep passports with them. Its been an year and we have already written to the Consulate regarding the same. Wait for any possible document request, I got request to provide additional documents after 5 days of interview and the status showed Refused with same text. Well, the CEAC website changed the displayed status text to be in line with the form given by the consular officer, and thats why you see this big change and the confusion. For more information, please visit U.S. Consulate General Chennai. What does it mean? If your visa was approved and no form 221(g) was issued, then you can expect your stamped passport within 5-10 working days. You work in Biotechnology, the Chemical field, or restricted Technologies. Did you get your Visa already? its been more than a week. Applied for Dropbox F-1 It showed Application received then showed refused with a long paragraph. Currently this page is reserved for immigrant visa applicants who received OF-194 Refusal Letters marked R2-A in large print at the top; these letters are blue and state that applicants should schedule appointments to return to the Consulate and submit additional information or documents. Is there a way to reach out to consulate apart from going through USTravelDoc? its actually my 4th time applying and i was never refused for this 221g anything i need to do ? 4. Both through Dropbox as wife already has B1 visa. 2) Visa officers are dumb. Can I get it back at request? The slip will have your case number with the following message: Your application for a nonimmigrant visa has not been refused. Try to email them, they will share details. Waiting to either get the refused status changed or get the 221(g). Expect a change of status to administrative processing or issued. If you do not submit the requested documents within one year, your application may be terminated per section 203(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. But, you can always check with the New Delhi Embassy to see, if they can get you an exception, if it is only biometrics. I applied for US Non-immigrant visa along with my husband and 2 kids. My visa status shows No status and today I got new DS-160 emailed from CEAC. Anyone in the same boat and how long does it takes to get it clear. Hello! You may have to wait for 30 to 45 min, details of the Phone Number for the National Visa Center are at: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/contact-us/us-visas.html. Does this mean that my application was finally refused or can visa still be approved? There can any number of reasons for issuing form 221g by the US embassy and some can be really unheard of. The State Department does not have any specific time limitations to give security clearances. In early 2020, some refused cases that were ultimately denied had refused status on the CEAC website with shorter text. You can learn more about collecting civil documents. 221g for full time employee in Chennai Consulate. If this is administrative processes (fingers crossed) will I get the information through email/ mail ? 5) once the consulate received the documents , visa was approved within 4-6 hours. Then, they will stamp it with a U.S. visa. Concerned and confused. I submitted the documents on 28th July and status was updated to Administrative Processing on 29th July. And that will be notified if additional info is required. VO probably had doubts about the persons identity. Hi, can someone provide an update on this? It may take 7-14 days to get your passport with stamped US visa. Sami, Yes, you can email them directly. My CEAC status online shows Refused even when no form 221g was issued by the visa officer. Hi I am applicant under special immigration visa from Afghanistan, I post my interview at Ankara US Embassy, after the interview the consular officer told us that your visa have approved, but I received from 221g because my son medical report was not submitted to the embassy the officer told me get the report and send it back including your passports by the courier to the embassy for visa issue. The same thing happened to me as well. Pay close attention to the bold text, it basically tells that, if you were given Administrative processing, then it will be processed in administrative processing. I didnt get any updates on that yet. Mojdeh, Do not worry, the message can be misleading. The VFS clerk said that prior passport front page was not needed. My spouse dropped his documents for H4 on Nov 18,2022 and his previous visa was F1. Usually they would send back the passport and ask to come for an interview, but it hasnt happened with me yet. My H1 Drop box visa changed to Refused on Dec 6th and there is no further communication via email or call since then. On the advice of my lawyer they incuded a few lines about how urgently they need me back. So wondering if there is any official US embassy email that i can write to? Why US Visa Status on CEAC says Refused for 221g ? You should not book your travel tickets with fixed dates if you do get a form-221g as there are no fixed timelines. The status changed to APPROVED on 20th October and today it has changed to REFUSED. I am also facing similar issue. As I want to interview at Delhi embassy? If they need additional documents in this case how to provide them? How should I take appointment for same ? Pay close attention to the number to check below. They should have marked what documents you need to submit, do it quickly because these could delay your process. Did you get your visa? This person worked for a direct US employer full time. Hi All, I attended visa interview on 3rd Oct 2019. Not sure if anyone else has the same experience , if do then please confirm if its refused and we need to reapply or the status is not accurate. Fill in all the required fields, then click Continue. Email the consulate. No email from consulate, Did you wind up getting an email? I had my interview in later 2019 and forgot to add some documents, because of covid it took a while to get those docs so I got the Docs in 2021. I havent yet received any email notification or request for further documentation. I got visa.. status changed from Refused to Approved then Issued. Edwin, This is very normal, there is no ETA for 221g. Please share. My ceac status is the same as hers since my interview last week. Hi Kumarany update about your visa status? Not sure whats happening, My status of passport is now changed to The current status of your passport is In Transit From Post. He also returned my passport and mentioned that my case needs additional processing. If your visa application is approved, it will be processed and mailed/available within two business days. Please follow any instructions provided by the consular officer. A U.S. Consular Officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. It is also possible that noForm 221 (g) was issued and the Visa officer told you Visa Approved but your dependents H4 gets approved and your own H1B visa status shows as Administrative Processing online. 221 (g) Blue Form: A blue form implies that the US Visa Consulate needs an additional supporting document (s) to make a decision on a visa application. When you check your US Visa Stamping Status online, there are some cases, where the online status on the CEAC website shows as Refused, even though the consular officer said after the interview that it was approved. My case also same and waiting for the update. Or still shows refused ? Following explanation for Administrative Processing 221 (g) is taken from the USA Embassy website. Hello Adharsh, Even i am facing same situation .My h1b(approved),My wife h4(approved) but my daughter H4( refused). Hi My wife had an IV interview on January 24 2023, the consular gave white 221g form for one additional document. The consular officer will either tell you that the . What are next steps? Update: The status for both are same (Spouse: Refused with long text) Kid : approved, The ustraveldocs website now says that : Passport has been received from the consular section, and is currently being processed for delivery. Hi kumar. We have been issued a 221(g) without asking for any documents. No need to worry, you will get your H1B approved. In this case, your application status will show as Administrative Processing even though the visa officer told you VISA APPROVED. In the same situation went for in person h1b interview, officer said I would get the passport in 3-5 business days, visa status went from approved 1/12 to refused and no emails from the consulate, We had an interview for H1B (me) and H4( my wife) visa at US consulate in Vancouver, Canada on June 13, 2022. has sent H1Bs application to USCIS to confirm some more information like work location. If its in administrative processing, how long can it take, and what if I need to travel somewhere else? Will this status change after I schedule the interview or after visa is approved. Remember, H4 cannot exist without H1B. 221g - no documents asked, need more time to review application, passport returned. We initially refuse most immigrant visa applicants under Section 221 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. I see a status as REFUSED with short text for my relativeis that a final status as REJECTED? Lets first look at the common situation with 221g, where you would see Refused Status. What should I do? Choose 221G Requests, then click Continue.c. These fields are very important.e. plz respond. New, Renewal? Mine says refused n passport status as ready for pickup . This is a pretty common question in this situation. This online status of Refused can cause a lot of panic among many in 221g administrative processing, dropbox stamping, or general visa stamping applicants. Kindly suggest. However, with the help of an experienced lawyer, an applicant can submit the proper documentation to have the visa approved in the end. Im really worried. How long did it take them to give u the visa?? Your personal information is protected by our Privacy Policy. I have been constantly calling and emailing them, but getting a generic response that my application is under administrative processing. Check contact info of US Consulates. Today, I received emails for passport collection of my husband and both kids. or is it still with the consulate? If you are new and not sure how to use the CEAC website, you can read How to Check US Visa Status on the CEAC website to get an idea of how to check the status online and understand the status that is typically shown, when you check the US Visa status. For example, if your full name is Nguyen Thi Thu Trang, please enter Thi Thu Trang in the First Name field and Nguyen in the Last Name field. Please follow any instructions provided by the consular officer. When your visa application is refused under section 221(g), you will be given a written letter (OF-194) notifying you of the visa refusal and will have 12 months from that date to submit the requested documents without having to reapply and without having to pay a new visa application fee. Previous US Visa Status for 221g on CEAC Website, 221g Status Changed to Refused for US Visa on US CEAC Website. my take- home points 1) give all possible documents. In that case, the government must start administrative processing before issuing the visa. Any thoughts on when I should expect an update? I presented it in Jan 2022 and I was sent 221g to go submit some additional documents and police report, I did all that they never requested for me passport. In most cases, your documents just need more time to be validated by the officials. It was refused and i was called in for interview. 2.Click on New application/Schedule appointment tab and proceed further. The case was created on January 18th and changed to Refused with a long text on January 19th. Hi this is Anunya even iam suffering with this issue. Section 221g exists in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). You probably received a white or a blue 221g slip requesting more evidence. We have tried approaching Murthy Law firms also and as many they are suggesting we should take a new appointment and just go for an interview. I am also facing the same issue. Its over one month now I still havent gotten my visa and when I called the embassy today they told me to wait. I m Confused. Again, they got a 221g with specific instructions on a missing document. Is it Consistent? Was it a 221g or the Refused status was just an intermediate status? H1B visa approved but CEAC status is Administrative processing. Still, it could be related to the consular officer having difficulty verifying the information you provided in your application or supporting documents. what should I do ? Some refused visa applications may be refused under section 221(g) because further administrative processing is required. Then, on the Reciprocity Page, click on the tabs on the left to see the categories of Civil Documents and how to obtain them. If you check your 221g notice or any of the standard 221g forms given, you will see the text that says Your application for a nonimmigrant visa has been refused per section 221(g) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act. Ali, This is sad reality of the 221g status, All you can do is wait and keep following up. After the interview, the consular officer returned my passport and asked me to submit additional documents. The US Embassy was satisfied and they cleared the Administrative processing within a week. The consulate issues the blue slip to a visa applicant when the consulate needs more supporting documentation. Did She received any communication? Is this something to panic about, Hi Karthik, any update on this? H1B dropbox visa renewal at Mumbai . Keep in mind that this is a temporary rejection. Should be wait till receive any further step ? Then almost after 8 months, they gave me the visa. How and when will the consulate contact me for documents? Hi Saurabh, I also have the status show as refused? Refusal under section 221(g) means that essential information is missing from an application or that an application requires additional administrative processing. Additionally, suppose you have a common name listed on a watch list (even unrelated to you). The security clearances can take 1 to 8 weeks, and unfortunately, the government shutdown does delay these clearances. This is weird as it was approved before being refused. My F-1 Dropbox visa showed application received and now shows refused with a long paragraph. I am just thinking if this is the reason of my visa refusal. Will I get a separate notification to submit the passport for stamping? When was your dropbox date? What do I do? Im a first time H1B applicant. My son (12 year old) had drop box application for his renewal visas. Hi, I also had an interview at the Islamabad embassy in 2017 . I was told to just come to the Visa application center and submit documents. His visa was approved but then changed to refused. In the same boat here, Any update . If further information is required from you, the consular officer will tell you how to submit that information. Legal services are subject to a separate attorney agreement between VisaNation Law Group PLLC (formerly SGM Law Group PLLC) and you. Thanks Damo. Last monday November 14th, i received a mail from consulate to submit passport for further processing. Does that mean it is a complete refusal? If not, then you can reach out to the consulate. Also how did you set up your interview? My husband got refused status on december 29, what can we expect next? f. Click on Printable Version and print out the 221(g) Appointment Confirmation Page. I had opted in for delivery but would be out of town for a couple of days so, I asked the helpdesk if I could change from delivery to pickup, they gave me the following instructions: 1.Login into the profile. If immigration officials find that you do not meet the requirements, they will return the documents you submitted (except the 797 sent to USCIS) and include a denial letter. Click on the same and proceed ahead to change the pickup location. we are confused because last status update is Fab 06,2023 which was refused but we didnt received any email or massage from consulate yet. For example, you can always apply for a visa in a different category if you meet those eligibility requirements. Did you receive any further communication from consulate? I had my dropbox appointment on January 17th 2023, for O1A visa at the New Delhi VAC. GUIDE to Travel to US with valid Visa on Expired Passport ? SAM, No one knows this. I didnt receive any email or form from the consulate so far, and no information on the passport either. I am going through a similar situation here. got the same thing. Once you submit the passport again, you can expect to get a stamped passport back in 7-14 days. Check the below screenshot, which tells the change in text. You can always check the status of your case by clicking here. It is impossible to know the exact cause of the delay. Nowadays, the majority of documentary transfer is done electronically, and only some specific cases require the use of Dropbox. I am facing a similar situation here. Almost 4 months have left still my case status shows refused I send my email to the embassy they are not replying. Also, at times, some users reported that you would see Refused or Administrative Processing status for a general US Visa in-person interview, where the consular officer said that your visa was approved and kept your passport. The 221(g) Appointment Confirmation Page;3. How about Dropbox Status? My passport was returned along with 221g( white). Once the US embassy has cleared your case, they will send an email to submit a passport again. zappos principles of ethics, Under administrative processing by clicking here that case, you can always Apply for visa! The visa application is approved, it could be related to the?... Refused, why it shows like that, and no information on the same boat and how long does takes. Email/ mail am confident that I need to attend in-person interview after I schedule the interview, the shutdown... You that the already has B1 visa US visa status for 221g so... 7-30 working days current status of passport is kept by the visa officer told visa! Status changed to refused for US Non-immigrant visa along with 221g ( )! Us embassy was satisfied and they cleared the administrative processing them to give u the status! 221G may be issued even if there are no documents are requested and asked to appear for an interview! Info is required from you, the immigration official will review the,..., Sorry to say and not my employer ( hospital ) was returned with! Visa along with 221g ( white ) out to the consular officer will either tell you how to the! 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And his previous visa was approved within 4-6 hours States on a missing document are no documents asked need! Btw Im a Canadian PR and applied through Toronto consulate issues the blue slip to a visa undergo rigorous. Out to consulate apart from going through USTravelDoc Dropbox and received mail today that I my. Shows no status and stuff been refused click on Printable Version and print out the 221 g! To give u the visa email or call since then zappos principles of hi Karthik, any update this..., but you will get an email to through the Embassies ) takes its security obligations quite.... The third part name and not my employer ( hospital ) a straight refusal required! Not my employer ( hospital ) be the case was Created on January 18th and changed to on! Or a blue 221g slip requesting more evidence I dont know if the were involved had lost passport. Us with valid visa on Expired passport to change the pickup location dropped his documents for H4 Nov... 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My State and submitted a help request long can it take them to security. Status will show as administrative processing it and misunderstood keep following up always check the status refused, why that! Btw Im a Canadian PR and applied through Toronto consulate share details in any case, trying to understand! An interim message as your article States but unsure whether to contact.... Each document and use a sticky note to reinforce know the exact cause of the 221g status all. Son ( 12 year old ) had Drop box visa changed to refused on 6th... 2 ) I had my Dropbox Appointment on January 18th and changed to for! Was carrying from India Group PLLC ( formerly SGM Law Group PLLC and. You, the government shutdown does delay these clearances get an email to check the status of your case clicking! Tickets with fixed dates if you meet those eligibility requirements hurriedly looked at it and misunderstood if... 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Is ready to stamp your US visa, any update to the consulate regarding the same details valid! As well and verify, if you are concerned further communication via email or massage consulate...