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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. If a visa applicant has not established that he or she is eligible for a visa, the consular officer must refuse that application. 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.   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.  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. Visa applicants are reminded to apply early for their visas, well in advance of the anticipated travel date.

What does a visa refusal under section 221(g) mean?

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. When an applicant is refused under 221(g), 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.  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.  When a consular officer refuses a case under 221(g), she or he will convey to the applicant whether the applicant is required to provide any further documentation or information, or whether the case requires additional administrative processing.

Can a refusal under section 221(g) be overturned?

Yes.  If an application was refused under section 221(g) and the consular officer specifically told the applicant to provide documents or information, the applicant should provide a complete response as soon as possible. A consular officer will request additional information when she or he believes the information is relevant to establishing that an applicant is eligible for the visa sought. If the consular officer refuses a visa, but requests additional information, an applicant has one year from the date the visa was refused to submit the additional information. Otherwise, if an applicant does not provide the required additional information within one year, the applicant will have to reapply for the visa and pay another application fee.

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.

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Guide to 221(g) Visa Document Submission Process

A 221(g) letter signifies a temporary visa hold, requiring further documentation. it's crucial to respond quickly by submitting additional documents within a year to prevent application suspension. properly preparing and delivering these documents to the nearest collection office, with the process typically concluding with document return, is essential for moving forward..

Key Takeaways:

• A 221(g) letter signifies a temporary hold for further visa application info, not a denial; prompt response is vital.
• Submit additional visa application documents within one year of 221(g) letter issuance to prevent reapplication.
• Follow precise steps like preparing a submission slip, visiting an LBC office, and keeping copies for successful document submission.

Receiving a 221(g) letter during your visa application process might seem daunting at first glance. However, understanding why you received one and knowing the steps to correctly submit additional documents can greatly simplify the process. Today, we’ll discuss how to address a 221(g) Submission and ensure your Visa Application Hold doesn’t turn into a long-term setback.

What Does a 221(g) Letter Mean?

A 221(g) letter from the U.S. Embassy/Consulate indicates that your visa application has been temporarily placed on hold. This hold occurs because the consulate requires further documentation or information to make a decision on your visa application. It’s a pause, not a denial. The important part is responding promptly and correctly to this request to move your application forward.

How Long Do You Have to Submit Additional Documents?

If you’ve received a 221(g) letter, it’s essential to act swiftly. You have one year from the date of the letter to submit the required documents at the nearest LBC document collection office. Failing to provide the documents within this time frame will suspend your visa application, requiring you to start over and pay all associated fees again.

Steps for 221(g) Document Submission

Step 1: preparation.

Start by downloading and printing a 221(g) submission slip, available here: U.S. Travel Docs . This slip is crucial as it needs to be presented when you drop off your documents.

Step 2: Visit the LBC Document Collection Office

With your 221(g) submission slip, the original 221(g) letter, and all requested documents in hand, head to the nearest LBC document collection office. Make sure everything required in the 221(g) letter is organized and ready for submission.

Also of Interest:

Understanding uscis vs homeland security vs ice: roles and contact guidelines, lost opt card: steps to replace it and maintain legal status, step 3: submit your documents.

At the LBC office, hand over your documents along with the 221(g) submission slip. You’ll receive an airway bill as a receipt – keep this safe as it’s proof of your submission.

Step 4: Document Delivery

LBC takes over from this point, ensuring your documents reach the U.S. Embassy/Consulate securely.

Step 5: Receiving Your Documents Back

After processing, LBC will return your documents and passport to your chosen delivery address. If your visa is issued, your passport will contain it. Otherwise, you might receive another 221(g) letter requesting further information.

Key Takeaways

Facing a 221(g) submission can be a hurdle in your visa application process, but it’s one that can be overcome with careful attention to detail and prompt action. Remember:

• Act quickly to avoid delays in your application process.
• Ensure you’ve gathered all requested documents before heading to the LBC document collection office.
• Keep a copy of all submissions and receipts in case you need to reference them in the future.

Dealing with visa-related documentation can be complex, but understanding the process and requirements can demystify the steps involved and lead to a successful outcome. Always refer to the official immigration sources for the most current and accurate information .

This Article In A Nutshell:

Receiving a 221(g) during your visa application may feel overwhelming. Don’t panic! It’s a temporary hold for more documentation. Act fast – you have a year to submit. Follow instructions keenly, present at an LBC office, and keep receipts. Clear steps await you – it’s a bump, not a roadblock. Stay positive! — By VisaVerge.com

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Decoding 221(g) Notices: The Significance of Each Color for Your Visa Application

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How to Schedule a 221(g) Appointment at a U.S. Consular Post in India

While a visa applicant can be issued a 221(g) refusal for several reasons, it often signals that the consular officer requires more information before making a final determination about a visa application. At certain U.S. consulates, including those located in India, an applicant who was denied a visa under INA 221(g) and needed to appear for an in-person interview was previously permitted to walk in on any weekday at certain stipulated times. Due to the ongoing pandemic, however, walk-in appointments have been suspended indefinitely. An overview of the process for scheduling a follow-up appointment at the U.S. consulates in India is provided here for the benefit of MurthyDotCom readers.

Background on 221(g) Denials

A U.S. consulate might require an applicant to schedule an interview because an updated document is required, or if the adjudicating officer needs to clarify information. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has delayed the resumption of regular consular operations, some applicants have been informed to wait to receive an update from the consulate, while others are advised to schedule a follow-up appointment.

Process to Schedule an Appointment

To schedule a 221(g) appointment, the applicant must log in to their profile on the CGI Federal website. The option to schedule an appointment should be visible on the home screen. Alternatively, the applicant can navigate to the top left corner of the screen and select “Schedule Appointment.” A date and time can be chosen from the available options. There is no fee associated with scheduling a 221(g) appointment at any consular post. Once the appointment is scheduled, the system does not allow the applicant to cancel or reschedule the interview.

It is vital that a 221(g) refusal is dealt with timely and proactively, as failure to submit the required information within one year from the date the denial is received will result in suspension of the visa application.

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US Visa Dropbox Locations India (Form 221g, Fingerprinting)

Dropbox Locations India include Delhi, Mumbai among 11 VFS or CGI centers for form 221g document submission. Open 10 AM to 4 PM Monday to Friday. Appointment required.

US visa application process is managed by third-party service providers and has its offices in various Indian cities. You can drop your US visa documents on any working day.

These offices are called  CGI Document Drop-Off Locations.

Dropbox appointment is required for dropping your documents.

This article will discuss:

How to Drop Documents

Us visa dropbox locations india, form 221g documents dropbox, tracking after dropbox, dropbox eligibility.

Take Dropbox Appointment at your preferred US embassy drop-off location:

• New Delhi Embassy –  drop at New Delhi, Chandigarh, or Jalandhar processing centers.
• Mumbai  – drop off at Mumbai, Pune or Ahmedabad processing centers.
• Chennai  – drop off at Chennai, Bangalore, or Kochi.
• Hyderabad  – Can only drop documents at Hyderabad.
• Kolkata  – should drop off documents at Kolkata.

There is no dropbox as such at the VFS centers. You will visit the center and wait for your turn with a token. Once your token number is called, you will see the person on the window and submit your documents.

• Do not seal the documents in the envelope. Carry them in an open transparent folder .
• VFS will take care of documents once you submit them.

Your friend or relative can submit your documents but it is strongly recommended that you visit yourself.

Parents can submit their kid’s documents. A husband can visit alone and submit both wife and child’s documents.

If you are applying for an H1B visa, you can submit use the H1B document checklist here and the H4 visa checklist here to submit along with your passport.

You can also submit your form 221g documents at same VFS dropbox.

The form 221g slip color like blue, white, pink, green, yellow , etc, and the list of documents requested decides what you need to submit.

VFS center employees are not capable of judging your documents to match what has been requested in your form 221g.

It is possible that you may have a huge bundle of hundreds of pages that may include your employer’s client contracts, client letters and other salary related documents. There is no need to worry as VFS will accept all those bundles of papers.

There is no tracking number issued by the VFS center separately for your documents. You can use your passport number to track your US visa status on the CEAC website .

• You will submit your passport for the US visa stamp with your other visa supporting documents.
• You will get an email from the US embassy if you are required to appear for an interview after Dropbox or fingerprinting.

Some people do get an email for passport collection and when they collect the passport, they have been asked to visit the US embassy for fingerprinting using green color form 221g slip .

If you are eligible for an interview waiver meaning that you do not need to appear for an in-person US visa interview at the US embassy, you can visit any of the above-mentioned locations and submit your visa application.

The processing time varies from 1 day to 6 weeks and you may be called for a visa interview too.

Each US visa Dropbox location in India is open from Monday to Friday, 10 AM in the morning to 4 PM in the evening.

VFS locations are closed on local Indian state holidays in addition to US holidays. Since statw holidays in India can vary a lot, please make sure that there is no holiday on the day you are planning to visit CGI location for dropping off your visa papers or form 221g documents.

Source: USATravelDocs

Form 221g Blue, Yellow, White Reasons – Canada, Mexico, India

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USA Visa Approved but Admin Processing (Form 221g Solution)

8 Sample 221g Forms Issued for Travel Ban, NIE at US Consulates

As many of you know, Biden signed a Proclamation banning travelers from India to enter US due to the worsening situation with COVID in India on April 30th. To get US visa stamping done during this travel ban period, you need National Interest Exception(NIE) or you need to be part of the Exceptions as listed in the Travel Ban Proclamation.

Many users, applied for NIE using a letter from their company and were able to get the stamping done. But, for some who did not have NIE or it was not clear to the Visa Officer, a 221(g) administrative processing form was issued. In this article, we will review those samples and what they mean, and some context around them.

Before we get into details of 221g, in context of National Interest exception, let’s briefly review what is 221g.

What is 221g form – Refused for Administrative Processing ?

US Consulates, when they need additional information regarding the visa application or need to verify something on their side, they issue a form that says “ Your case was refused under section 221(g) of Immigration Nationality Act(INA) “. It is usually called ‘refused for administrative processing’. Depending on the reason for 221(g), you may be asked to submit some documents to the consulate. Sometimes, they do not ask for anything and just say your case requires administrative processing.

If you were to be issued 221g form, there is nothing that you can do. All you can do is wait. There is no estimated time for processing if you were to be issued a 221g form. If it is a simple check, usually the response is quick like few days to few weeks. But, if something is not clear, it can be stuck in that stage for months. You can read more on What is 221(g) for US Visa ?Issues, FAQs

What is 221(g) form issued around National Interest Exception(NIE) ?

Since the US travel ban kicked in, many of the pending visa applications that were in the process received administrative processing 221g forms. Also, many users, who attended US Visa interviews and could not demonstrate that they fall under National Interest Exception(NIE), were issued 221g Forms asking to submit proof that tells they qualify for NIE.

NIE Approval for US Visa Interview Appointment : Since the US Travel Ban started in early May 2021, applicants planning to get visa interview appointments for H1B, H4, or others need to first request for Emergency US Visa Appointment based National Interest Exception. The applicant needs to fall under certain criteria as listed on the Official US Dept of State Website to get NIE.

221g Issued at Visa Interview: If the consulate approves the NIE request, then they can attend the Visa interview. The ultimate decision for issuance of US Visa under NIE is up to the Visa Officer. They would determine the same during the visa interview if the applicant really qualifies for NIE or not. In some cases, when they are not clear, they also issue 221g form at that time as well.

Let’s now look at some samples of the same and what they mean

2 Sample 221g given for H1B Dropbox Submission

Below are the two 221g white forms and slips that were issued by the US consulate for a couple of our users who applied for H1B Visa Renewal using the Dropbox option. This was issued around June 20, 2021. . This does not give any additional information to the user to submit anything. Just says text Presidential Proclamation as a reason.

Sample 221g Issued for H4 Visa Stamping asking NIE of Spouse

Below is the sample 221g form issued at US Consulate in Mumbai for a H4 Visa holder, who submitted for Visa renewal using Dropbox option. In this 221g, it is clear that the user was asked to submit ‘ Husband’s Approval NIE ‘. The background for this is that, for a dependent holder to get visa under NIE, the principal applicant need to be qualified for NIE.

Sample 221g Issued at In-Person Interview H1B – NIE

Below is sample 221g that was issued at US Consulate in Delhi for H1B Visa stamping. It has Consular officer comments that say, ” Please provide proof of qualification for the current national Interest Exemption “. For this case, the user needs to submit the NIE letter proof that is convincing to the Visa officer.

3 Sample 221g Issued for H1B Dropbox – Proclamation

Below is 3 sample 221g forms that were issued at Hyderabad Consulate for H1B Visa Dropbox submission. Two of them are in white color, the other one is in Blue color. It states that the user needs to submit documentation to the Hyderabad consulate via email to be eligible for further process.

Sample 221g for H1B Regular Visa Appointment – No NIE

Below is a sample 221g form that was given for an H1B Visa applicant at Chennai for Regular Visa Stamping for not having NIE. If you see the below 221g white form, it shows that the applicant got admin processing due to the proclamation in effect and needs to apply after the ban is lifted.

Did you get 221g form due to US Travel Ban or lack of National Interest Exception ? What action did you take ? Share your thoughts and experiences in comments below.

Other Articles

96 comments.

Visa status changed from Refused to Administrative Processing after submitting docs on receiving mail from consulate after Nov 8th, when does it change as Issued ? was anyones visa issued for 221g NIE exception

Hi Shaik, Can you please share email id you got from ?

Would be helpful for others to search in mails,if missed by anyone.

Did you get any email or directly went and submitted the passport. please let me know your inputs

Did anyone receive passport after submitting with 221g, Letter from Consulate PP revocation. My status still shows refused and I have submitted it 2 days back

I got a mail …

Thanks, from which consulate you have processed and you got email from same consulate.

Thanks, Sridhar Narra

I have been asked to submit my passport post 221(g) form and doc submission.

I have to go to a VFS. Has anyone submitted passport at VFS recently?

Did you get an appointment for VFS or was it a walk in ?

Please help .

Hello Rahul,

Did u send any email to them for your 221(g) status ??

Have they reached you automatically post (8 Nov 2021) ban lift ??

Please reply

Have they reached you via email to submit passport and doc submission for your 221g ??

Did u send email about your 221(g) status to consulate ??

Did they reach you automatically post (08 Nov 2021) travel ban lift ??

What did consulate team asked you to submit ? Only passport & 221g slip ? Or any other documents? When was your visa interview ?

It would very helpful for all,if you can provide more information. Thank you in advance Ravi

Did the consulate reach out to you? Or did you email them? Did they give you some kind of letter? Because per the consulate seminar that happened couple days ago. you are not required to book an appointment if you got a 221g due to PP 10199.

Any update on 221g due to PP, was anyone able to dropbox documents today ?

My visa got rejected with saying that “Please submit your passport through VAC after presidental proclamation 10199 is removed.” – what should i do ?.. Since travel ban is lifted, can i go to any VAC and submit my passport –

No update, I tried to email them and waiting on a reply. Did you try to drop documents without an apointment? Or did someone do anything differently? Thanks

i also got the 221(g) for national interest and i have been waiting for six months now in India. once the embassy opens will they call for interview or we have to approach them ? Do we still get the dropbox appointment or go for regular visa appointment ?

Hi Kumar, The Same happened for us as well, we received a white slip and asked to send passports for stamping post lifting the ban. Any idea if dropping a mail to the consulate will help?…or how can we proceed?

Same thing happened to me. Can you send me your contact details at [email protected] so that we can stay in touch?

My wife is on the same boat. Received a white slip 221(g) asking to wait until the ban lifts and then reach out to them or they will reach out. With the recent news of travel ban lifting.

Anyone if got any luck please do share or a good way to approach this after the ban lifts. Thank you.

Hey Kapil and Kumar,

It happened to me also in same way. Could you please in touch with me on +1 848 219 3258 WhatsApp.

Thanks, Siva.

Hi Siva/kapil/kumar Do you have any update on the visa situation ?

Hi DS, Did u hear back anything from consulate on this

Not yet. I am not sure what would be the next steps after the ban lifts.

I think if we wait on the consulate to contact us it would take a while. Maybe we should reach out to support India (that might take a while as well). Another option would be to opt for another drop box appointment for the same DS 160 application #.

Did anyone else try something new please comment. thanks.

Hi Varun, How are you going to process once travel ban is lifted ? Are you planning to schedule new appointment with existing DS160 by paying fee ? Please advise if you have any information. Thank you in advance

Hi Varun, Abhishek

Same boat, any idea what steps need to be followed?

Thanks, Anuradha

No Response yet from the consulate. I dropped them an email. I will let you know if I get a response. Meanwhile if someone else in the same situation and does something different let us know. Thanks

No nothing yet

I am thinking to follow up with an email to supportindia stating the situation and the white slip that mentions (to contact them after the ban lifts). Taking another appointment would significantly delay this I believe since there are no appointments available. Thoughts?

Any update on how to proceed?

I received 221g issued at Hyderabad for Presidential Proclamation on June 8, currently when check the status it says “Refused”. But I didnt receive any update from the US Consulate, do I need to reachout to them or have to wait till then.

i also received 221g at Hyderabad for Presidential Proclamation on Sep 1, currently when check the status it says “Refused”.I got my passport back today i need to submit documents and request for interview again.

Hi Reetu, happened same to me. Have you sent documents and requested for interview? Please let me know whats your status.

Hi Reetu, What documents are you submitting in-order to schedule the interview?

Hi VijayVarma, I am in same situation, received 221 g on July 10 due to Presidential Proclamation and returned the passport without stamping. Till now did not get any response. Did you get any update in your case? Any suggestions how to proceed further?

No update on the case from consulate. Even my company attorney is not sure what steps to be taken to move future. Just waiting for consulate to respond.

Any update on your case? I also have the same situation, got 221g for presidential proclamation. What should we do in this case?

Any update guys? even I am in same boat and not sure what needs to be done

This is the response I got from support on Oct 13th:

your visa application was refused under section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act until such time as the PP 10199 is no longer in effect. This determination is made based on your current purpose of travel.  If the suspensions are lifted and you want to continue pursuing your visa application, you may contact the Nonimmigrant Visa Unit at [email protected] to request that a consular officer reconsider your application.

If anyone has any other info regarding this, please share Thank you

Hi Rakesh, same situation here, attended an interview on July 20, didn’t received any reply yet, appreciate if you could give me your contact info so that we can stay in touch.

same thing happened to me could you please Whatsapp me on +1 848 219 3258 to stay in touch.

same thing happend to me, received 221g on PP, can i have your contact info, so that we can stay in touch.

Hi RJ, Did you get any update on your case ?

Not Yet Kush. can i have your contact info

Hi RJ, +13476855283

I got the same response as well, i guess we have to wait for the news to be updated officially in travel.state.gov

Same situation received 221g white slip staying no NIE waiting for update

did you write to support and was there any response ?

I got 221g for presidential proclamation 10199, on my H1B visa from Chennai Consulate (drop box appointment). The 221g states that, I submit NIE letter or submit a well document evidence of being exempted from presidential proclamation, 10199. My kid is a US citizen and is currently living the US. I am stuck here in India. I am planning to submit my kid’s proof of citizenship, to prove my exemption from the ban, without a NIE letter. Any thoughts? I appreciate any inputs.

I am in same situation. Could you tell me what you did ? or any updates ? Thanks

I have not submitted yet. I will update once I have something.

Sure.Thanks

Hey, my visa is issued. I submitted my kid’s proof of citizenship along with few other documents like health insurance card (has my name and kid’s). There is no NIE annotation on mine.

Sure. Thanks

I traveled without any issues, and reached US last weekend.

Hi Maarav, I am in the same situation. How did you submit your kids proof of citizenship and requested them to reconsider your application? I sent an email to [email protected] but they replied me that they will contact me if they need further information.

H1b Drop box at Mumbai, got 221g stated as PP ban (as the first screenshot). I just received NIE letter , can i email the letter to Embassy?

Hi Praveen,

Have you received any update for your case? I recently submitted my drop box on 8th July and got the same 221g response.

Thanks, Satya

Hi Praveen, I wasnted to see if you managed to re-submit your application. If so, could you please let me know the steps you have taken, Thanks in advance!

I am also in same boat. I got NIE letter from my employer today and i don’t know how to submit to consulate. Could you please contact me 9381014064 or contact me on my US whatsapp +1 848 219 3258

Hi Praveen, I am also in same boat. I got NIE letter from my employer today. how should we send it to consulate could you please contact me on whatsapp +1 848 219 3258 to get in touch or email [email protected]

I attended my H1B visa interview on 13th July 21 in Mumbai consulate. I was issued the 221g citing presidential proclamation although I was carrying the NIE document with me and the officer had a look at my NIE documents as well. What should I do further shall I write back to the consulate to reconsider my case or shall I re-apply in some other consulate.

Hi Ishan, How did it went? My wife attended H4 interview with NIE of primary applicant, Consular had a look and said its an application ,not the NIE approval and issued 221g. Any idea what should be my next steps?

Hello Venky,

The same happened with my wife in Chennai this week. Can we connect ? What have you done since the 221g was issued to her ?

My wife got a 221g white slip from the Chennai consulate yesterday since my I797 petition was not found in PIMS. I have contacted my attorney for help and waiting. Hopefully it gets cleared soon. Why was 221g issued in your wife’s case, Amit?

The Same happened for us as well, we received a white slip and asked to send passports for stamping post lifting the ban. Any idea if dropping a mail to the consulate will help?…or how can we proceed?

Hello Venky Do you have have an any updates on your for the H4 application?

Travelling in the same boat. Can someone suggest me what to do? Wait until the ban is lifted or email to embassy I have NIE letters and my interview is done but passport return due to PP ban asked me to come after that and submit my passport.

Hi Ishan, Same situation I also had NIE letter andI submitted to consulate but she refused my NIE letter and she gave me 221g white slip (first image of this article). Now what should I do. Any idea about it? Should pay visa fees another time and attend interview? Please any have answer of this question please contact me through my email id: [email protected]

Hi Bharat, Any update on your case?

Same situation… waiting for the update not sure what’s the next step

Hello Kumar,

really need your help on this please reply with you comments, i have been stuck in india due to this pandemic i can’t travel to US, currently i am on H1-B Visa which is expiring in 2022 and i got realized that my current passport is expiring on September 2021 which is exactly 2 months from now. And on this same passport i got my visa stamp and i am trying to apply for NIE to travel back to US in august if i got approval.

1. Can i travel with the my current one month expiring passport ? 2. Do i need to renew my passport ? and travel back? 3. If i renew my passport is there any complications while travelling and with my visa? 4. Do i need to go for stamping again? can you please advise here, it will be really helpful.

“I got realized “

Received a 221g white slip from Mumbai just like the first image in this series (pres proclamation). However I have a US citizen child. I sent an email to support-india ustraveldocs email address with birth certificate details. Is there any other email or phone number I can follow up on?

Did you get any reply?

Did you get any reply ?

I am in the same situation. Did you get any reply? Did you submit your child’s proof of citizenship, passports and requested them to reconsider your application?

Hello, Anyone received NIE approval from Mumbai recently ? If so, when did you apply ? I applied for NIE on June 14th to Mumbai Consulate and sent 3 reminders so far but haven’t received approval yet.

Hi, any word on your case yet? I applied yesterday, and haven’t seen a lot of success stories or swift action from Mumbai

Hello I’ve appeared for my F1 visa interview at Mumbai consulate on 7th July. After my interview, the consular handed me back my passport with 221g white slip which is the first sample in this web page. I was refused under PP 10199 who pose a risk of transmitting coronavirus. No documents were asked to submit. My university start date is nearing. I’ve emailed the ustravel docs team but no response. What can I probably do at this point? Can I apply for F1 visa again at different consulate? Or will this 221g gets a decision anytime soon? Please share your opinion. Thank you

Hi I attended VISA Interview (DROPBOX) at chennai location on 4th April. Status changed to Refused on April 15th and My passport returned with 221(g) white requesting Clint letter.

I sent client letter on MAY 5th, But I did not get any response till now. I don’t get any acknowledgement number when I sent mail. Just got below Auto response. In 221(g) they mentioned Submit this letter with required documents in any of 5 VAC or 6 VFS location. They check marked ‘ Please Submit your PASSPORT at one of the VISA application center or VFS location.

Can I walk into VAC or VFS location and submit Client letter and Passport.

Auto Reply from Consulate when I Sent client letter on May 5th. “Dear Applicant, Greetings from U.S. Consulate General, Chennai. Thank you for your email. We will update your record with the information provided.

The U.S. Consulate in Chennai is providing limited appointments for routine non-immigrant visa processing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We will resume regular visa services as soon as possible, but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. We kindly request that you do not send inquiries about the status of your case during this period.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.” .

Hi Surendra,

I’m in same boat. On which mail id you have been send mail with NIE letter ?

Hi . Did you follow up and got any response back ?

I have travelled to India in 2nd week of April and submitted my documents in Dropbox for H1B restamping in Chennai. Consulate issued white 221G letter on 3rd May stating to come for an interview once normal services are resumed and Do Not Book an appointment. I’ve called US travel docs support on 30th June and they said I can go for the interview. When I went to Chennai, officer outside consulate told me to book an appointment. I’ve called support again and they said I should he able to see an option in my profile to book follow up appointment and asked me to drop an email, on email I’ve got same auto generated email that normal services are not resumed yet. Questions- 1) Are Normal services resumed yet? I could see people were in queue with normal appointment. 2) How will I be able to solve this Schedule Follow Up appointment problem?

I attended my H1 visa interview at New Delhi on 12th april 2021 and was issued a 221g white slip (to get a medical checkup done by panel physicians) because I had a DUI 10 years ago. I got it done and submitted reports along with my passport on 22nd April but still no update. I work for a government client which comes under critical infrastructure. I also have a letter from client manager as well. Can I request the consulate for a NIE in my case and if yes, how can i do it? Can someone please advise?

Hi, I have 2 questions 1) I’m new F1 holder(visa got in Feb 2021) and come under NIE as my classes start after 1st Aug. I had applied with family and have F2 visa for spouse Can my spouse travel as accompanying derivative with me or I need to apply for NIE for spouse separately.

2) We had a baby in March. When both parents have visa then baby’s visa is guaranteed? I Applied for my newborns F2 visa on 18th June through Dropbox at Mumbai Got 221g white slip and another slip that our baby is not eligible for NIE and we should contact after ban lifted. As I understand if primary visa holders is granted NIE then accompanying derivative is also covered and need not apply for NIE separately. Right? Then my newborn baby is my accompanying derivative. Why is she given 221g and presidential proclamation slip. Can I send A NIE request to remove her from 221g because of Presidental Proclamation as I believe she is covered under my F1 and also family separation case. Kindly clarify

Hi Kumar, Can you guide me? I came to Mumbai with my wife and US citizen kid for Dropbox appointment related H1 and H4 visa extension on June 23rd, 2021. My current visa expired on Feb 2020. I have a approved I-797 petition. We did Dropbox and got refused status on CEAC website on 25th June. We wrote back once to consulate through Support-India and got the same reply saying we are not exempt under PP 10199 which is shocking to me. Do you have any guess what is going wrong?

Shri, You should write to consulate by attaching the proofs. These usually need to be given by the consulate. Also, reach out to ustraveldocs again, sometimes, they have less trained staff. They are contractors.

Can you please share the email address for the Delhi Consulate. I am facing a similar issue but my DropBox was in Delhi.

My kids are US born and are under 18 years and I am NIE exempt due to that. Do I still need NIE letter from my employer?

Ehtesham, No, you dont need anything.

I am selected in 2022 H1b lottery, my petition is filed and approved by USCIS, can i go for VISA stamping. Employer comes under waste water treatment category (NIE). Due India ban, i am not clear what to do. I don’t wish to take risk of rejection.

Thanks, Sagar

Sagar, You could, if your job duties require your physical presence or if the category falls under the 16 sectors. Check the blog, we have article that talks about this. you need to work with your employer and get this sorted out. Some of these are subjective and there is no definitive yes for everything.

Hi Kumar, I have a query, i am holding valid H1B, currently in India and never been to US. My visa is valid until Aug 2023 with employer A and now employer B is showing interest to transfer H1B since they have urgent requirement. Employer A is kept calm after my stamping and not clear on travel date so is it a good idea transfer my H1? Is there any issue? Please advise

Venkat, There is no issue as such. You could transfer if you had stamping already done. Usually USCIS looks for H1B status for transfer. If the company B is willing to go for it, you can try.

If we got the 221g form in the droobox appointment, does that mean we need to again schedule an appointment once the Ban will get lifted and again appear for the dropbox or in person interview?

Jyoti, Once the ban is lifted, then you can reach out to the consulate to see, if they can reconsider your application and process your application. If you see the forms given, it tells the same to either email consulate or ustraveldocs support.

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Visa ineligibilities and waivers.

Refusal under Section 221(g) means that essential information is missing from an application or that an application has been placed on administrative hold. The consular officer who interviews you will tell you at the end of your interview if action on your case is being suspended under 221(g) pending further information. The officer will either tell you that the case has to undergo administrative processing, or will ask you to submit additional information.

If further information is required, the officer will tell you how to submit that information. As part of this process, you will be given a written letter and will have 12 months from the date of your application to submit the requested documents without having to pay a new visa application fee. After one year, an application refused under Section 221(g) is terminated per Section 203(e).

If the U.S. Embassy/Consulate requested additional information or documentation from you, you must submit those documents at a 2Go document collection office . This web page explains how to submit your documents for delivery to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate.

Some visa applications require further administrative processing, which takes additional time after your interview with a Consular Officer. You will be advised of this possibility during your interview. Most administrative processing is resolved within 60 days of your visa interview, but the length of processing time will vary based on the circumstances of each case.

Note: Before inquiring about your visa status, you or your representative should wait at least 60 days from the date of your interview or the submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later. Please be patient. The call center will contact you (at the phone number or e-mail address the Consular Officer verified with you during your interview) as soon as your visa processing is complete.

You may check your immigration visa application status online here by entering your visa case number.

If you were informed by a consular officer that you were found ineligible to receive a visa, but may be able to apply for a waiver of the visa ineligibility, please visit the following link: http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3023/waiver-applications.html or http://www.uscis.gov/i-601 for information regarding waiver application procedures.

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Submitting 221(g) Documents

How to submit 221(g) documents.

The U.S. Embassy or Consulate may give you a 221(g) letter directing you to submit additional documents or information related to your visa application. Your application will be kept on hold at the Embassy or Consulate until you submit those documents.

All documents and information requested in a 221(g) letter should be submitted at the nearest Collection Centre within one year from the date you received the 221(g) letter. Failure to submit the required information within one year will result in the suspension of your visa application. You will be required to submit a new visa application and pay all associated fees in order to continue with your visa application process.

Click here to print a Document Submission Letter. Print 2 copies. Complete the checklist manually.

Go to the nearest Collection Centre . Take your 221(g) submission slip, the 221(g) letter given to you at the Embassy or Consulate, and all documents requested in your 221(g) letter.

Drop-off your documents and the 221(g) submission slip at the Collection Centre . Collection Centre will acknowledge the 221(g) submission slip for you to keep for your records.

Collection Centre delivers your documents to the Embassy or Consulate.

Collection Centre returns your documents and your passport to you at your chosen document delivery pickup location. If issued, your passport will contain your visa. You may also receive a new 221(g) letter.

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