Other than the submitted documents, it is up to consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates to determine eligibility on an individual basis on the merits of each case.
Most of the cases refused for H1 visa under section 221g can be just because of some documents are missing or some additional information are required by the consulate. See a sample of 221g document.
What is 221(g)?
Applicants are ineligible under section 221(g) because the applicant failed to bring some information or document, or some further procedure or review by the consulate office or another U.S. government agency must be completed. During the interview the consular will advice you on further steps to getting together the correct documents. Call or visit your nearest US consulate to find out more.
What do the different colors of 221(g) indicate?
- 221(g) Blue Form: A blue form implies that the US Visa Consulate needs an additional supporting document(s) to take a decision on a visa application.
- 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.
- 221(g) Pink Form: A pink form is issued when the Visa officer is suspects the information provided within the petition. This could be related to work, qualification or purpose of visit. Cases like these require additional administrative processing. If you receive a pink form, the visa officer will provide you with a reference ID where you can track the status of each application online.
- 221(g) Yellow Form: A yellow form is issued when the visa consulates need more time to look at the documentation provided by the applicant. Depending upon how extensive this is, the time to revert can fluctuate. These type of cases require general administrative processing to substantiate the document(s).
I received a 221g refusal. What do I do next?
The officer will hand you over a 221g form with instructions and information about the additionally required information.
Follow these instructions for a 221(g) refusal form and provide as per the instructions.
In addition to just the missing documents, another reason could be that the officer/consulate wants to verify your case specifics with concerned authorities before making the decision and such cases can be put under “Administrative Processing”.
If you have been requested to wait until the Consulate contacts you, please do not make an appointment. Your case requires further administrative processing and the Consulate will contact you once this has been completed.
Process for 221g case specific to Chennai India
- If you have applied in Chennai and were issued a 221(g) letter and asked to come back when you are prepared with all the required documents, please do not make an appointment. You may appear at the Consulate on any working Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday in the morning (between 10:00 and 12:00). If your visa was not issued under section 221(g), you are required to fill out a new application form when you reapply.
- If your interview in Chennai is for the same visa and is within one year of the 221g refusal, you will not be required to pay another application fee. However, you are required to fill out a new application form.
- If you have applied at one of the embassies or consulates outside of India, and have been refused under section 221(g) and you are instructed to reapply in Chennai, please make an appointment on the website – www.vfs-usa.co.in to come in for your next interview. You will be required to pay the application fee and to fill out a new application form.
- If your visa was denied under section 221(g) at the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, or the Consulates General in Mumbai or Kolkatta, and you are instructed to reapply in Chennai, you must complete the following steps to be seen for an interview in Chennai.
- Provide your information to the Consulate’s authorized courier agent, VFS.
- After providing your information to one of the authorized offices above, appear at the U.S. Consulate General in Chennai on any working Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Please bring an electronic copy of DS-156 (please click here for a copy of DS -156 form)
Get more information at:
http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/refused.html
