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what is administrative processing for h1b visa

by Jazmin Goodwin V Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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If during the visa interview the consular officer discovers information that contradicts the content of the previously approved H-1B petition, your case will end up in administrative processing.

Administrative processing takes place after the visa interview, and refers to visa applications that undergo additional review or security clearances outside of “normal” visa processing times.

Full Answer

How long does h1b administrative processing take?

60 daysProcessing times are unpredictable. According to the U.S. Department of State, most administrative processing cases conclude 60 days or less after the visa interview. However, the average wait time for administrative processing can vary depending on where the consulate is located.

What comes after administrative processing?

Upon completion of the case-specific administrative processing, the consular officer might conclude that an applicant is now qualified for the visa for which he or she applied. Alternatively, the officer may conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa.

What does it mean when your US visa is under administrative processing?

Administrative processing, also known as Security Advisory Opinion (SAO), is the time period during which visa applications undergo additional review outside of the “normal” visa processing times. Administrative processing takes place after the visa interview.

Does administrative processing mean denial?

0:001:16Administrative Processing | What does it mean to get a refusal ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAdministrative processing what does it mean to get a refusal under section 221g. At the end of theMoreAdministrative processing what does it mean to get a refusal under section 221g. At the end of the interview a consular officer will inform the applicant. Whether or not their visa application has

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.

Is Refused same as administrative processing?

A visa application under “administrative processing” will be deemed “refused” unless and until the application is overturned.

Is administrative processing random?

Administrative Processing may be applied randomly to international students and scholars from certain countries and/or from certain fields (usually STEM fields) who are applying for a visa. The U.S. Embassy/Consulate may request a security clearance of anyone, prior to issuing an initial or extension of visa.

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.

What happens if my administrative review is successful?

If you request an administrative review and your request is successful, but you are granted a longer period of immigration permission than you applied for, you will be required to pay an IHS for each additional half year of immigration permission. Refunds should be made to the card you used to pay the fee.

How much time does it take for administrative processing for US visa?

within 60 daysMost administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of the visa interview. When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case.

How do I know if my US visa is approved?

Check the Status of a Visa Application To check on the status of your U.S. Visa application: United States: Contact the National Visa Center (NVC) at 1-603-334-0700 for immigrant visas. For nonimmigrant visas, call 1-603-334-0888. Or use the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).

What does ready mean after administrative processing?

What does “ready” status mean? This means that your application has passed the initial screening and an interview will be scheduled shortly. What does the “Return to NVC” code mean? This indicates that there was a problem while processing your application and it has been sent back to the National Visa Center.

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.

Does administrative processing mean 221g?

Section 221g of the INA Suppose your application is missing essential and relevant information for the consular officer to decide. In that case, they can deny it until further administrative processing and additional evidence are collected.

What happens when consular officer informs applicant of administrative processing?

Alternatively, the officer may conclude that the applicant remains ineligible for a visa. When administrative processing is required, the consular officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case.

What is administrative processing information?

Administrative Processing Information. There are only two possible outcomes for complete and executed U.S. visa applications (absent a visa sanction against a country under Section 243 (d) of the Immigration and Nationality Act). The consular officer will either issue or refuse the visa.

What happens if a visa is refused?

If an application was refused and a consular officer indicates administrative processing is required, processing times can vary based on individual circumstances. If an applicant’s situation presents a unique hardship, please inform the consular section where the visa application was made.

Can a consular officer determine if an applicant is eligible for a visa?

However, in accordance with Department procedures, a consular officer may determine that additional information from sources other than the applicant may help establish an applicant’s eligibility for a visa. In such cases, refused visa applications warrant further administrative processing.

Can a consular officer reconsider a visa?

It is possible that a consular officer will reconsider a visa application refused under 221 (g) at a later date, based on additional information or upon the resolution of administrative processing, and determine that the applicant is eligible.

How long does it take to get a passport after an H1B interview?

After the H1B Visa interview at the US embassy in Delhi, India, the Visa officer took my passport and told me Congratulations, your visa is approved and I will get the passport in 2-3 days.

What happens if the visa officer is not satisfied with your answers?

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.

Why did VO send documents back to the US?

Since the visa applicant forgot to mention all his US addresses clearly, VO sent the documents back to the US for verification.

How long does it take to get a 221g?

Form 221g processing takes 7-20 days if no documents are requested and passport is kept by visa officer. Form 221g can take anywhere between 30 days to 17 months if passport has been returned and employer documents are requested.

How long does it take to get a passport back?

Once you submit the passport again, you can expect to get a stamped passport back in 7-14 days.

How long does it take to get a security clearance?

The security clearances can take 1 to 8 weeks, and unfortunately, the government shut down does delay these clearances.

Where is the 221G issued?

US embassy form 221g white issued by US embassy in New Delhi. Form 221g may be issued even if there are no extra documents required from you. Usually, the documents list is printed by default and the visa officer will cross it down.

What is a 221 G visa?

At the interview, the consular officer may have issued a 221 (g) notice. 221 (g) refers to the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) section 221 (g). If you have received a § 221 (g) notice, it is considered a visa denial. However, it does not necessarily mean that the decision is final. For future reference, if you have ever received a § 221 (g) visa refusal it is a technical visa denial, so if you are asked in the future if you have been denied a visa, the answer is yes. Just provide an explanation as to being placed in administrative processing. A § 221 (g) notice may or may not ask for additional information or documentation. If you received a § 221 (g) notice and your notice does not request anything from you or your petitioner, don’t panic. The consular officer can request documents later on as well. Sometimes they issue a notice requesting additional documents/information at your visa interview. Sometimes they email a request for additional information soon or even many months after your interview. Other times, they won’t ask for anything at all. There isn’t a one size fits all, so if you heard from a friend of a friend that their case went one way, it doesn’t mean your case will follow the same path. It is not unusual for the consular officer to request documents previously submitted to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). They may even ask for something that was not previously submitted to USCIS. If your case is in administrative processing because the consulate needs to verify your petitioner and/or job-related details, coordinate with your petitioner to respond to any requests from the consulate in a timely manner.

What to do if your case is in administrative processing?

If your case is in administrative processing because the consulate needs to verify your petitioner and/or job-related details, coordinate with your petitioner to respond to any requests from the consulate in a timely manner. 2. Information obtained from you during the interview contradicts facts in the H-1B petition.

Can consular officers ask for documents?

Sometimes they email a request for additional information soon or even many months after your interview. Other times, they won’t ask for anything at all.

Is it normal to be nervous at a visa interview?

Being nervous at your visa interview is normal. Not knowing the specific job title in the petitioner’s H-1B filing, or where you will be working, or what you will be doing, and how much you will be getting paid to do it, is absolutely – unequivocally, not normal. You must know the specifics of your job and they must match the details in the approved H-1B petition. In addition to the above, you must be able to confidently answer questions about how you applied for your job; what the job interview process was like; who you will report to at your H-1B employer; and what your qualifications are. There is no excuse for not knowing those details. The consular officer’s job is to make sure that you are who you say you are, but also to confirm the underlying facts of the USCIS approved I-129. If during the visa interview the consular officer discovers information that contradicts the content of the previously approved H-1B petition, your case will end up in administrative processing. If the contradiction cannot be cured, the consulate will deny your visa application and send the approved H-1B petition back to USCIS with a recommendation that your H-1B approval be revoked. If you leave the consular officer confused, the chances of curing the confusion before the case is sent back to USCIS for revocation is slim. If you’re a person that doesn’t interview well, practice before you go. Think of all the different types of questions you could be asked at your interview, and write out responses so you can get your thoughts together. Read over your notes several times before your interview day. Preparation is the mother of success. And no, you should not take your notes to the interview.

What is the I-129 form?

Once the LCA process has been completed, the employer can proceed to submit the H-1B petition by filing the I-129. Form I-129 is officially known as the Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker. The employer must be sure to include the employment letter with the position’s exact duties, dates of employment, detailed description, salary offered, position requirements, contact information, etc.

What documents are included in a foreign employee's supporting documents?

The foreign employee’s academic qualifications, training certificates, membership documents, resume, and letter of support must also be included as part of supporting documents.

Can I change my status on my I-129?

Change of Status: Once the I-129 is approved, the USCIS will update your I-94 record to indicate your new visa class to H-1B status. With this, you can take up your new job position as an H-1B visa holder. This is only available to those that are already under a valid nonimmigrant status such as O-1, J-1, or L-1 status.

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