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what is 221g visa

by Yessenia Lesch Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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Section 221g of the INA
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.” When you submit a U.S. visa application, a consular officer will issue or refuse it.
Mar 25, 2022

What happens if you get 221g?

If you are issued a 221g, you are neither rejected nor accepted for getting a visa to enter the United States. A 221g just places you on hold to request additional information from you about your visa process.

How long does it take to clear 221g?

The processing time for a 221(g) form is case-dependent. In some cases, the processing may take weeks while for others it may take several months. 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.

Is 221 g considered as visa refusal?

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.

How do I know if my visa is approved after 221g?

If form 221(g) is issued with a request to submit more documents, you can expect to wait for the form for more than 8 weeks. If there are no documents requested, then you can expect your US visa approval in 7-30 working days.

Why use 221g white slip?

221(g) White Form: A white form indicates a complex category under 221(g). This slip denotes the need for further processing wherein it is handed over to the USCIS and the decision is finally taken based on the information gained from the USCIS.

How can I submit my passport after 221g?

Go to the nearest CITIC Bank document collection office. Take your 221(g) submission slip, the 221(g) letter given to you at the Consulate General, and all documents requested in your 221(g) letter. If you submit your passport again, then do not remove the sticker pasted on the back of the passport.

What happens after 221g document submission?

Once you drop off the documents, CGI will acknowledge the 221(g) submission slip. CGI will deliver your documents to the consulate. If you have not already submitted your passport, and they complete the processing and determine that you are eligible for the visa, you will be asked to submit the passport.

How do you know if US visa is approved after interview?

At the end of your immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate, the consular officer will inform you whether your visa application is approved or denied. Visa approval - When approved, you will be informed how and when your passport and visa will be returned to you.

How do I know if my visa is approved?

Check the Status of a Visa Application For nonimmigrant visas, call 1-603-334-0888. Or use the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).

How long will administrative processing take?

DOS has stated that their goal is to complete administrative processing within a 60-day period. In recent experience, however, some administrative processing cases may take months. The period of time taken will vary based on individual circumstances. If this happens, the HIO is unable to expedite the clearance process.

Can I get my passport back during administrative processing?

During administrative processing, the consular post retains the applicant's passport. If urgent travel is required, the applicant may request for the passport to be returned temporarily and resume the processing of the visa application at a later time.

How long does administrative processing take us visa?

Please see “Administrative Processing” for further information. If you were advised at the interview that a waiver of ineligibility is required before the visa can be issued, you can expect your application to take between 6 to 8 months to process from the date of the interview.

How long does administrative processing take?

DOS has stated that their goal is to complete administrative processing within a 60-day period. In recent experience, however, some administrative processing cases may take months. The period of time taken will vary based on individual circumstances. If this happens, the HIO is unable to expedite the clearance process.

How long does administrative processing take us visa?

Please see “Administrative Processing” for further information. If you were advised at the interview that a waiver of ineligibility is required before the visa can be issued, you can expect your application to take between 6 to 8 months to process from the date of the interview.

Can I withdraw 221G?

221G is normally issued by a US consulate abroad. Since they are the issuers, only they can withdraw it. As a beneficiary, you can not withdraw a 221G once issued. The employer can revoke the H1B petition (for which 221G was issued) though, in which case you have to go through the entire H1B process again.

Does administrative processing mean denial?

If my application is subject to administrative processing, does this mean my visa application was denied or will be denied? Not necessarily. When an individual is placed in administrative processing, visa eligibility has not been determined.

What is a 221 G form?

It is a basically a piece of paper and it can be in various colors, depending on the consulate and processing they would like to do or information they need to verify.

When is 221g issued ? What are the common reason for 221g ?

A person can be put under administrative processing,also called as 221g, because of several reasons. Some of the most common reasons are:

What does the Department of State (DOS) do after 221g is issued?

Once your visa stamping case is put under administrative processing using 221g, following steps happen:

How long does 221g processing take to resolve and come to a decision ?

There is no set timeline or SLA for 221g processing. It totally depends on the case and it can take as little as a week, or as much as several months. It is very hard to know how much time it will take for them to come to a decision on your visa stamping case. As per US Travel Docs Website, they say that most of the administrative processing cases resolve typically in 60 days, but there is no SLA as such. See below.

When can you follow up on 221g with Consulate or US Dept of State ?

As per US Dept of State, unless it is an emergency like injury, death of family member or something critical, you should not contact them regarding administrative processing before 180 Days. It is kind of long, but that’s what it is.. See below from Dept of State website.

Does delay in 221g processing mean rejection?

Not necessarily. Unfortunately, administrative processing takes time, and one needs to remain hopeful. If one has been asked to submit the passport, then that’s definitely a positive sign. However, if one has not been asked to submit the passport, then it’s not necessarily a negative sign.

What happens in case of rejection with 221g ?

In case the US stamping request is rejected after the administrative processing:

What is a 221 G?

221 (g) is a temporary refusal of immigrant visa issued when the petition is going to be reconsidered and reviewed seeking more evidence. This evidence could be to establish eligibility or requiring further administrative processing. These come in different colors indicating different purposes.

What is a 221 G form?

221 (g) White Form: A white form indicates a complex category under 221 (g). This slip denotes the need for further processing wherein it is handed over to the USCIS and the decision is finally taken based on the information gained from the USCIS.

How long does it take to get a 221 G?

The processing time for 221 (g) varies from case to case. Most of the cases are completed within 60 days or less.

What is Section 221 G?

Section 221 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) prohibits the issuance of a visa when an otherwise qualified visa applicant is found to be missing a specific document, or when a consular officer decides that additional “security clearance” is required. 221 (g) is mainly used by consular officers as a way of providing the visa applicant with another opportunity to supplement their applications to address the insufficiencies in the initial application. Once that is addressed, they overcome the 221 (g) refusal and the visa may be issued.

What Happens After 221 (g) is Issued?

If the Department of State issues an applicant a 221 (g), they will be provided a slip with an assigned case number to their stamping. Usually, the case number starts with the year their interview took place and is followed by their assigned case number. Depending on their case, they will have to submit the respective documents needed to get through their visa application process.

Why is my visa application denied?

An application may be denied because the consular officer cannot determine the applicant’s eligibility to receive a visa since they don’t qualify for the visa category for which they applied, or because the information reviewed indicates the applicant falls within the scope of one of the inadmissibility or ineligibility grounds of the law.

What does a 221 letter mean?

Receiving the 221 (g) letter does not necessarily mean that the visa application has been rejected or the chances of getting the visa are slim. Along with the 221 (g) letter, the consular officer may also supply the applicant with a form that specifies the reasons for the refusal and what further action is required.

What does blue mean on a visa?

Blue: Indicates that additional supporting documentation is required. Once the applicant submits the necessary documents, the officer will review them and decide whether to approve or deny the visa application.

Can a visa officer reconsider a visa application?

The officer will likely reconsider the visa application at a later date, based on supplementary information or upon the resolution of administrative processing, and determine that the applicant is eligible.

Is there a waiting period for a 221g?

The wait time typically differs from case-to-case and the applicant may not be required to take any further action within the waiting period. A longer 221 (g) process does not mean the applicant will get rejected. Some cases take more administrative work than others due to the complexities involved.

What is INA visa?

The Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) contains provisions that may allow a visa applicant who was denied a visa for a particular ineligibility to apply for a waiver of that ineligibility. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) adjudicates all waivers of ineligibility. Waivers are discretionary, meaning that there are no guarantees that DHS will approve a waiver for you. If the waiver is approved, you may be issued a visa.

Who has the authority to approve or deny a visa application?

immigration law section 104 (a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, is given to consular officers at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

Why is my visa denied?

An application may be denied because the consular officer does not have all of the information required to determine if the applicant is eligible to receive a visa, because the applicant does not qualify for ...

What do consular officers look for in visa interviews?

While conducting visa interviews, consular officers look at each application individually and consider the applicant's circumstances, travel plans, financial resources, and ties outside of the United States that will ensure the applicant’s departure after a temporary visit.

Where do I mail a waiver for a K visa?

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Lockbox facility, with few exceptions. Learn more on the USCIS website.

Who can provide information on visa applications?

Certain information can be provided to U.S. sponsors, attorneys representing visa applicants, members of Congress, or other persons acting on behalf of and with the permission of applicants. ALL / ALL /.

Where to contact if you are applying for a visa?

You should contact the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you applied.

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Section 221g of The Ina

  • Section 221gexists in the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). 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.” When you submit a U.S. visa application, a consular officer will issue or refuse it. ...
See more on immi-usa.com

Common Reasons For Refusal

  • Below are some common reasons the U.S. issues a 221g denial: 1. Concerns regarding the documentation you provided in the visa application 2. Photo submitted does not meet the requirements 3. PIMS doesn’t list petition approval 4. You work in a field that is on the Technology Alert List 5. Officer wants to verify if the work project you submitted is correct, primarily if you w…
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Color-Coded 221g Slips

  • After your case goes through further administrative processing, the consulate officer will issue you a color-coded sip. The slip will have your case number with the following message:
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Other Options If You Received A Denial

  • Try not to panic if you receive a refusal notice because you have alternative options. For example, you can always apply for a visa in a different category if you meet those eligibility requirements. If you choose that route, you would not necessarily need to withdraw your pending application. Another option is to apply for the same visa but under a different employer. Is there a waiting pe…
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