Apply for a U.S. Visa

Application Pending Further Action

• Overview
• Other Information

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).

If the U.S. Embassy requested additional information or documentation from you, you must submit those documents following the instructions given to you by the U.S. Embassy on the 221(g) refusal sheet.

Other Information

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 120 days of your visa interview. When additional administrative processing is required, the length of processing time will vary based on the circumstances of each case. You are reminded to apply early for your visa, well in advance of your anticipated date of travel.

Note: Before inquiring about your visa status, you or your representative must wait at least 60-120 days from the date of your interview or the submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later. You can check the status of your application any time at the following website.

Visa ineligibilities and Waiver

If you were informed by the consular officer that your visa could not be issued because you had been found ineligible to receive a visa, but were eligible to apply for a waiver of the ineligibility, please refer to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website for information regarding waiver application procedures.