Application Refused Under INA 221(g)

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Overview

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).

Administrative Processing

Some refused visa applications may be refused under section 221(g) because further administrative processing is required. The consular officer who interviews you will tell you at the end of your interview if your case is refused under 221(g) due to required administrative processing. The duration of the administrative processing will vary based on the individual circumstances of each case. Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

Applicants whose cases are refused for administrative processing may reach out to the Embassy/Consulate to check the status of their cases by clicking the link below corresponding to the Embassy/Consulate where they were interviewed:

You may check your immigration visa application status online here. by entering your interview location and your case number.  Please note that your case will remain in refused status unless the consular officer is able to conclude you are eligible for your visa.