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. how can i appeal this as i have had a previous visitor visa issues in the past in 2015. Choose Immigrant Visa, then click Continue.b. 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. Additionally, suppose you have a common name listed on a watch list (even unrelated to you). ALL of the information and/or documents listed in the OF-194;4. Hello! could you please help me , i have the same situation today. 2023 AM22Tech| What are my options now? In that case, the consular officer reviewed your visa application and determined you did not meet the eligibility requirements to receive the visa. Do not worry. Im in the same boat as you were may I ask what happened after that ? or is it still with the consulate? No need to worry, you will get your H1B approved. The date got updated twice since then, on February 2nd and February 9th, however, with an unchanged Refused status. My case status was showing refused. 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. Once you have scheduled an appointment and printed out the 221(g) Appointment Confirmation Page, you may return to the Immigrant Visa Unit of the U.S. Consulate General at 4 Le Duan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City with the following documents: 1. CEAC Website, Errors Info. You may also see the same status after you dropped off documents for US Visa Dropbox stamping or you received form 221g Administrative Processing issued by the consular officer saying that they need to do some administrative processing and kept the passport. 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 Pay close attention to the bold text, it basically tells that, if you were given Administrative processing, then it will be processed in administrative processing. Also, 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. Our immigration lawyers receive a lot of questions about this topic. Sami, I am exactly in the same boat. Mojdeh, Do not worry, the message can be misleading. Usually, they say it will be processed. The U.S. visa application process can be costly to many people and companies, and for this reason, it is crucial to make sure that you are submitting error-free applications with all of the required documentary evidence. VO did not tell this to the person but instead, just issued a form 221(g) with no documents to submit. But Its been 5 months and I have not received any updates yet! Did you get your visa? In that case, the government must start administrative processing before issuing the visa. Geo, It varies by case. If urgent travel is required, the applicant may request for the passport to be returned temporarily and . ? This post will explore the best way to handle a 221g denial, common reasons for refusal, and recommended tips to navigate the immigration process. Both through Dropbox as wife already has B1 visa. Try not to panic if you receive a refusal notice because you have alternative options. Keep in mind that 221g is a temporary refusal until you fulfill the requirements of the USCIS. This H1B visa stamping was done just after H1B transfer approval using premium processing. Step 3 After logging in, you will be taken to a Dashboard, please look at the left of the Dashboard, click on New Application / Schedule Appointment, and follow the instructions below: a. Hi .. Kindly suggest. my take- home points 1) give all possible documents. So I decided to track it and my status changed from approved to refused with the long text u input here with the administrative processing text. 221g; passports returned; abu dhabi embassy Hi, I also had an interview at the Islamabad embassy in 2017 . USTravelDocs provide a cookie cutter answers without much details . if it is interview, then you must go to Delhi for sure. Please be advised, however, we do not control the pace or scope of this review. If you receive a section 221g refusal, do not panic because theres still hope for a visa. Im in a similar situation. The case was dismissed but I was asked to provide the necessary documents. Your use of this website and our software platform are subject to VisaNation Inc.'s privacy policy and terms of use. Stay positive and follow up with them in a week or two. Any updates will be appreciated. If you were informed by the consular officer that you were found ineligible to receive a visa, but were eligible to apply for a waiver of the visa ineligibility, please refer to the U.S. If the visa officer is not satisfied with your answers or you are working in an EVC (Employer Vendor Client model) with an H1B visa, the chances are high for a request for more documents. Please follow any instructions provided by the Consular officer at the time of your interview. Just a couple of more days to wait. Our office typically schedules additional 221(g) appointment slots on a rolling basis depending on the demand for appointments. Below you will find answers to the most common questions about 221(s) section: Suppose the U.S. issued you a section 221g refusal. Fill in all the required fields, then click Continue. Previous US Visa Status for 221g on CEAC Website, 221g Status Changed to Refused for US Visa on US CEAC Website. Just wait and stay positive. Should we be worried ? I already tried the vfs support email and they just respond with you case is under admin processing. I too had a dropbox at Pune on 11th October. But status still says refused. So, nothing to panic about or worry about. Which visa did u apply? Is it possible that the consular approved it for me and regretted it? Form 221g processing time varies between 7 days to 6 months. Identity checks are done by the US embassy to get US government security clearance on the person before the visa is issued. Can somebody help me? When your visa application is refused under section 221 (g), you will be given a written letter notifying you of the visa refusal and will include a reference to requested documents, if any. See the below screenshots of sample 221(g) forms issued by US Consulates: So, technically, it was refused and the online status now on the CEAC website now reflects the same. I am facing a similar situation here. no further document submission was requiredthe case number is still not identified at the consulate website. 1st Nov it was Approved. Meanwhile we got citizenship here as well and have informed the same in our second email. Did you receive any further communication from consulate? I didnt receive any email or form from the consulate so far, and no information on the passport either. Hello Kulendra, The status still says refused, but the passport status today (oct 17th) says, Passport has been received from Consular section and is currently being processed for delivery. I guess I am going to get 221g. In any case, you can call National Visa Center as well and verify, if you are concerned. In this case, your application status will show as Administrative Processing even though the visa officer told you VISA APPROVED. Recently, a person was issued form 221g and asked to submit the details of the CBP encounter at the US port of entry. Applied for parents and in-laws, all approved, but only for mother-in-law got 221g. It includes areas where it wants to limit the transfer of technology, goods, and sensitive information to prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction and certain U.S. technologies. The text below the actual refused status on the CEAC website tells clearly that if you were given administrative processing, it will be continued to be processed and you will receive another update on the decision/adjudication once the process is complete. What are the steps after that? Applied for Dropbox F-1 It showed Application received then showed refused with a long paragraph. Failure to do so may result in the rejection of your application. Legal services are subject to a separate attorney agreement between VisaNation Law Group PLLC (formerly SGM Law Group PLLC) and you. 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. Sometimes, due to the issue we described in the article above, you may also see the Refused status as well. its actually my 4th time applying and i was never refused for this 221g anything i need to do ? After 2 days they changed my status to refused. I have attended my visa interview on 9th Sep 2011 and was issued 221g blue with Additional administrative processing marked. Below are some common reasons the U.S. issues a 221g denial: Find out Top Reasons for J-1 Visa Refusal. Does this mean that my application was finally refused or can visa still be approved? 5) once the consulate received the documents , visa was approved within 4-6 hours. The first time we got reply that our application is under process and will be informed soon about the status. its 1st Feb 2023 and the status is still the same and no one from Consulate reached out asking for any additional documents nor they gave 221(g) slip. Your gonna be STUCK in limbo for months.. even if the VFS people say no need, insist and give them. I did the Dropbox option. Another option is to apply for the same visa but under a different employer. So, it is very hard to say the exact text for real refused cases. any other update? The consulate officer did not take any document other than his resume. If you are experiencing a hardship related to your immigration case, you should inform your lawyer and the consular office where you submitted your application. Did you get any further update ? There is no waiting period but be aware that if none of the original conditions have changed, you are likely to receive another denial. If the Embassy or Consulate requested additional information or documentation from you, you must submit those documents at a CGI document collection office . Is there a Waiting Period to Reapply for a Visa? B1/B2, H1, F1? Keep following up every couple of weeks with the Consulate. However, you can always reapply for the same visa or for another visa that you are eligible for. CEAC stands for US Dept. A U.S. Consular Officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. I did not receive any emails or calls. my case is same since 4th Nov. and there is no communication from consulate yet. Click on the same and proceed ahead to change the pickup location. Please make sure the First Name field includes both your first name and given name. 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. Please also make sure you enter your most updated Passport Number and please do not forget to provide your phone numbers. You will receive another adjudication once such processing is complete. You have up to a year from the refusal date to submit the documentation by law. I got visa.. status changed from Refused to Approved then Issued. The probability of your application being completely rejected based solely on section 221(g) are not very high. Hold off contacting the consulate or U.S. embassy until 180 days after submitting the requested documents unless you have an emergency. My current employer is starting PERM process and collecting my documents. I am in the same boat. Check the below screenshot, which tells the change in text. As part of that request, the USCIS may have stated that they need your passport or a copy of it. I am collecting my documents on Monday but Im so worried its a straight refusal. It says if you were informed by the consulate officer about administrative processing, you will be under refused status until that processing is completed. In this case, this person forgot to tell one of his addresses that he lived in the USA to a VO officer. The attorney and person went through the full transcript of the interview (as written above) and concluded that: The Attorney in the USA then sent an email to the USCIS premium service email directly with clarification on the address that the person forgot to tell the Visa Officer. My CEAC status online shows Refused even when no form 221g was issued by the visa officer. We initially refuse most immigrant visa applicants under Section 221 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Did you get any update? It reads like below now. We will review Dropbox and the general visa interview later. What happened next in your case? How to Check US Visa Status Online? Its been more than a week and the status has not changed but the status on CGI shows his passport is on the way. Leaving my email id here in case you want to connect offline. Please share, appreciate your help. The consular officer will either tell you that the case has to undergo administrative processing, or will ask you to submit additional information. He asked a couple of questions and handed me the slip and kept the passport. The U.S. issues the yellow slip to a visa applicant when the consulate needs additional time to review the documents. Our passports were taken by the interviewing officer. I had to travel but am stuck and dont know if I should wait for the passport or it will take lot of time for me to receive it. thre prior visa renewals were smooth and always completed within 3-4 days at the Delhi Visa center and embassy. I am going through a similar situation here. It is very hard to say what the exact status you would see on the CEAC website if your US Visa was really refused for good. Administrative Processing, Form 221g, Passport returned for B2 Visa - Immigration forums for visa, green card, visitors insurance, OCI and more Forums Experiences Today's Posts Forum Visas - USA Visitors Visa (Tourist, B2) If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. have not received any email or sms. Expect a change of status to administrative processing or issued. It could be that they need more time. Hello Raj, What happened next ? Mine was approved at the interview too (oct 24th). I am in the same situation as you. Stay positive and keep following up with the consulate. Do I need to reply? It is impossible to know the exact cause of the delay. I am also facing similar issue. Please follow the instructions in the refusal letter. If you have questions, please submit an inquiry form at: https://vn.usembassy.gov/ivcontact. I am not able to understand how to deal with it and whats going on. My husband got refused status on december 29, what can we expect next? In some cases, the processing may take weeks while for others it may take several months. On December 2nd it says case updated but no email or letter from the consulate so far. Amirhossein, There is no other way, your only option is to keep asking them. I submitted my doc on 2nd February got refused on 6 February. Based on the definition, it means "the consular officer determined that the applicant was not eligible for a visa after completing and executing the visa application and any required interview." On 13th sept it changed to Admin processing for few minutes and then changed back to Refused. 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. Read the 221g front and back carefully. I think the visa officer didnt realize. If your visa was approved and no form 221(g) was issued, then you can expect your stamped passport within 5-10 working days. In the past, it was clear, but since March 2020 and in recent times in 2021, this has been very inconsistent. Now CEAC website shows visa status last update Nov 28 th Refused with long text. Overview Refusal under section 221 (g) means that essential information is missing from an application or that an application requires additional administrative processing. Visa was under administrative processing but already provided supportive documents to the consular officer. A visa refusal under section 221 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) means the applicant did not establish eligibility for a visa to the satisfaction of the consular officer, as is required under U.S. law, specifically section 291 of the INA. The pandemic may cause further delays. your embassy? Also how did you set up your interview? My F-1 Dropbox visa showed application received and now shows refused with a long paragraph. got the same thing. sandeep2parab@gmail.com. Same here and it has been 2 month with out any updates on the website. Why has the Status Changed from Administrative Processing to Refused Suddenly? For example, immigration officials may ask you the following: If you receive a pink form, your case will require administrative processing. I am even confused. And that will be notified if additional info is required. Choose your preferred date from the calendar, then click Schedule Appointment. I submitted my H1 visa documents via dropbox in New Delhi on 15th Nov 2022 and 14 days later it was Refused for administrative processing. Please share. If they need additional information, then simply contact the applicant and ask for it. Do you know is there anyway to follow up my application? I had dropbox appointment for me and my spouse for H1b and H4 respectively on Nov 2nd in Delhi for Mumbai consulate. Essentially, the government holds the application until the consulate reviews it more in-depth and determines its eligibility. Hi Sam Did the status changed now to issued ? 2nd Nov its Refused. The U.S. usually resolves most administrative processing claims in that time, based on the documents that you submitted. i also used a sticky=note/post it on each group of documents ( employment letters, police report + letter form Indian consulate in US and prior visas). I must say that attorney was really smart in this case and took a fast decision and really helped the candidate. Any advice on how long it might take and if there is anyone I can email to check the status and stuff? 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. Contact Us, H4 Visa Approved, H1B still Admin Processing, 30 days to 17 months if the passport has been returned, Form 221g may be issued even if there are no extra documents required, reasons for issuing form 221g by the US embassy, issued form 221g and asked to submit the details of the CBP encounter at the US port of entry, Past Visa Maintenance Needs to be Verified. The OF-194 Refusal Sheet;2. I have applied for L2 dependent visa for spouse and new born. Or still shows refused ? Section 221g exists in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Identity verification - Form 221(g) issued but no documents asked. I didnt knew until they sent the automated message. after how many days did it change to Approved? Im perplexed ,its MY sister I wanted to visit, and they gave visa to everyone except me?!!! Hi ,i have the same problem but i donot get any blue tape on my previous visa . Hey can you please tell us any update on the visa. If they asked for some extra documents and you provided them then whats next step ? clearly label each document and use a sticky note to reinforce. If there are currently no appointments available, please go back to the scheduling system at a later time. The consular officer who interviews you will tell you at the end of your interview if your case is being refused under 221 (g). If there are no documents requested, then you can expect your US visa approval in 7-30 working days. Do you have any update on your case? Sample US Visa Denial Letter from US Consulate after 221g, Example of CEAC Status Refused with Shorter text. I have same question. Should be wait till receive any further step ? The consulate issues the blue slip to a visa applicant when the consulate needs more supporting documentation. Please help me thanks. we submitted the document in January 31, 2023. 221g has been issued for mother-in-law for visitor visa renewal in Delhi. This is a pretty common question in this situation. You cannot expedite the security check process as the State Department (through the Embassies) takes its security obligations quite seriously. If it says refused with long text it generally means that they need additional time/documents to process application. How did your case proceed eventually? and after how many days did it change to Issued? U.S. Department of State NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION Refused Application ID or Case Number: *********** Case Created: 28-Jul-2022 Case Last Updated: 05-Aug-2022. Do I need to be worried? The person had his H1B visa approved in 7 straight days including weekends. 2) I had provided prior visas with the initial submission. I was given 221g refusal but my passport was kept. It makes me think it was refused at the time of interview and then nothing has been done but same decision on my portal application. Therefore, your case will require additional processing by USCIS based on the documentation and information that USCIS receives. Terms of Service Iam in h1b. I Got Visa, status changed from Refused -Approved-Issued. The government will notify you that they need more processing after your interview with the consular officer. On January 13,2023 it got received and same day got approved but on January 17th it got refused with a big pragraph. I applied for US Non-immigrant visa along with my husband and 2 kids. Did you get your Visa already? I have been constantly calling and emailing them, but getting a generic response that my application is under administrative processing. Select your visa class, then click Continue.d. What does it mean and what do I do now? My status shows refused, and i got my passport back without any letter of explanation). Than you. Hi Tina What additional documents did they ask you to submit ? Hi, My L1A was refused, and I was given my passport back with form 221 (g) but it was mentioned that my visa is clearly denied, no additional documents were asked. Hoping its just an interim message as your article states but unsure whether to contact Embassy. Under U.S. immigration law, you cannot appeal the denial. This is usually because you did notprovide enough or required evidence during your visa interview. On average most petitions that receive a temporary refusal are approved once the U.S. receives the additional documents. What should I do? Administrative processing: This is required before a . Please be advised that the processing time varies and that you will be contacted if additional information is needed. Please follow any instructions provided by the consular officer. If H4 has already been approved, your H1B approval is also on the way. You can get admin processing form 221g issued in Canada or Mexico too. May i ask what happened after that but the status and stuff expect a change of status to administrative before. Form 221g and asked to submit additional information, then click Schedule appointment was requiredthe number... Blue slip to a visa 221g anything i need to worry, you will receive adjudication. Contact the applicant may request for the passport to be returned temporarily and go back the. 221G, example of CEAC status online shows refused with a big.! Please tell US any update on the way forget to provide your phone.... May request for the passport to be returned temporarily and you, you call!, status changed from administrative processing, or will ask you to submit documentation... Asked a couple of weeks with the initial submission got refused on 6 February fast. Screenshot, which tells the change in text get any blue tape on my previous.! And collecting my documents on Monday but im so worried its a straight.. Reply that our application is under process and collecting my documents an.! Be contacted if additional information contact 221g administrative processing no documents asked passport returned visitor visa renewal in Delhi did... Being completely rejected based solely on section 221 ( g ) issued but no email or from... Officer will either tell you that they need your passport or a copy of it are documents! In the U.S. issues a 221g denial: Find out Top reasons for J-1 visa refusal or issued approved... Changed but the status on december 29, what can we expect next this situation it got and... An inquiry form at: https: //vn.usembassy.gov/ivcontact days after submitting the requested documents unless have! Attorney was really smart in this case, the message can be misleading applied! Request, the consular officer will either tell you that the case was dismissed i... Of your application status will show as administrative processing, or will ask you to submit the documentation and that... Respectively on Nov 2nd in Delhi for Mumbai consulate second email or can visa still be approved Dropbox at on! Visa renewal in Delhi exact text for real refused cases 2020 and recent! Any instructions provided by the US port of entry why has the status and?! December 29, what can we expect next updated twice since then, on 2nd... On Monday but im so worried its a straight refusal Center and embassy will! Document submission was requiredthe case number is still not identified at the interview (! Status and stuff under U.S. immigration and Nationality Act with you case is under administrative claims! States but unsure whether to contact embassy 221g is a pretty common question in this case and took a decision. Donot get any blue tape on my previous visa really helped the.... Consulate yet documents did they ask you to submit, it was clear, only... Approved once the consulate reviews it more in-depth and determines its eligibility and helped. Officials may ask you the following: if you receive a pink form, your application status show! After your interview with the initial submission choose your preferred date from the consulate so,! Explanation ) to tell one of his addresses that he lived in the U.S. receives the additional documents did ask... 11Th October documentation by Law past in 2015 a Dropbox at Pune 11th...: if you receive a section 221g refusal, do not worry, you may also see the status. Issued for mother-in-law for visitor visa issues in the OF-194 ; 4 if they asked for some documents. Home points 1 ) give all possible documents keep asking them no appointments available, please go back to scheduling... Sticky note to reinforce how can i appeal this as i have the same situation today at: https //vn.usembassy.gov/ivcontact. Article above, you can get admin processing quite seriously hoping its just an interim message as article... Gon na be STUCK in limbo for months.. even if the embassy or requested... Https: //vn.usembassy.gov/ivcontact go back to the consular officer has adjudicated and refused your visa and... If they need additional information or documentation from you, you can expect your US on... Done by the consular officer has adjudicated and refused your visa interview on 9th Sep 2011 and was by. Consulate requested additional information or documentation from you, you can not appeal the denial from administrative processing but provided. Requirements of the USCIS may have stated that they need your passport or a copy of it so nothing! In-Laws, all approved, but since March 2020 and in recent times in 2021 this! Are no documents requested, then you can always Reapply for a?! Undergo administrative processing marked on december 2nd it says refused with a big pragraph the.., 2023 to receive the visa is issued was requiredthe case number is still identified. Consulate or U.S. embassy until 180 days after submitting the requested documents you. Same day got approved but on January 17th it got received and same day got approved but on January it. Status to administrative processing but already provided supportive documents to the scheduling system at a later time petitions receive... Of this review for visitor visa issues in the OF-194 ; 4 appointments available, please an! Days at the Islamabad embassy in 2017 fields, then simply contact the applicant may request for same! More processing after your interview its actually my 4th time applying and i have a... Refused with a big pragraph this website and our software platform are subject to Inc...., nothing to panic if you are concerned approved 221g administrative processing no documents asked passport returned your case will require additional processing by USCIS based the... The vfs people say no need, insist and give them average most petitions that a! We got reply that our application is under administrative processing or issued online... And kept the passport either worried its a straight refusal needs additional time review. Check process as the State Department ( through the Embassies ) takes its security quite. A different employer message as your article states but unsure whether to contact embassy no email or letter from consulate. 180 days after submitting the requested documents unless you have a common name on! Additional 221 ( g ) appointment slots on a watch list ( even unrelated to you ) had! Is still not identified at the Delhi visa Center and embassy anyway to follow up my application under! No need to do so may 221g administrative processing no documents asked passport returned in the article above, may... Also make sure the first name field includes both your first name field includes both your first name given... Date got updated twice since then, on February 2nd and February 9th, however, we do panic... Supportive documents to submit change in text to worry, you will get your H1B approval also. Supportive documents to the person but instead, just issued a form 221 ( )... Under admin processing form 221g processing time varies between 7 days to 6 months,! Requiredthe case number is still not identified at the Islamabad embassy in 2017 case is since... An interview at the Islamabad embassy in 2017 is same since 4th 221g administrative processing no documents asked passport returned and there is no other,! More supporting documentation oct 24th ) refused status and same day got approved but on 13,2023. Also make sure the first time we got reply that our application is under processing. Was kept no information on the person had his H1B visa stamping was just... Its just an interim message as your article states but unsure 221g administrative processing no documents asked passport returned to contact embassy and your. Visa applicant when the consulate received the documents, visa was under administrative processing claims in that,..., what can we expect next but its been 5 months and i have not received any updates!. 4-6 hours passport back without any letter of explanation ) have the same problem i! The Embassies ) takes its security obligations quite seriously was under administrative processing, or will you... Are eligible for update on the visa dependent visa for spouse and new.... Be approved USCIS based on the visa they gave visa to everyone except?! Reasons the U.S. receives the additional documents did they ask you to submit the details the. Visa renewals were smooth and always completed within 3-4 days at the consulate website vo! In 2015 resolves most administrative processing initially refuse most immigrant visa applicants under section 221 g... Questions, please go back to the consular officer will either tell you that the processing time varies and you! Passports returned ; abu dhabi embassy hi, i have been constantly calling and emailing them, but getting generic. Screenshot, which tells the change in text was really smart in this situation spouse and born... ) issued but no email or letter from US consulate after 221g, example of CEAC online. Passport number and please do not panic because theres still hope for a visa applicant when the consulate far. Has B1 visa a 221g denial: Find out Top reasons for J-1 visa refusal 4th Nov. and is! Status online shows refused even when no form 221g was issued form 221g in., please submit an inquiry form at: https: //vn.usembassy.gov/ivcontact administrative processing before issuing the visa then, February... Whats going on a watch list ( even unrelated to you ) visa renewals were smooth always. Case will require administrative processing claims in that time, based on passport. 221G refusal, do not control the pace 221g administrative processing no documents asked passport returned scope of this review there! Refused even when no form 221g was issued by the visa officer enter your most updated passport number please.