Interview outcomes

At the end of a temporary visa interview, your visa is either approved or refused. A 221(g) decision issued when additional documents or further review is required is also legally a refusal, but it may later result in a visa. On this page, you will find what each outcome means, what you can do, how to check your application status, and the rules for reapplying.

• A complete visa application can have only two outcomes: the visa is issued or refused.
• Administrative processing is also legally a refusal decision (221(g)). Once processing is complete, the officer may make a new decision.
• The legal provision on which the refusal is based is usually communicated to you.
• The application fee is not refunded for any outcome.

• Your passport will be returned using the method you selected when scheduling your appointment: free delivery to the designated location or paid home delivery.
• Do not make definite travel plans or buy non-refundable tickets before receiving your passport with the visa.
• Check the information on your visa as soon as you receive it. If any information does not match your passport or is incorrect, contact the nonimmigrant visa unit of the consular post that issued the visa.
• Turkish citizens do not pay a visa issuance (reciprocity) fee. For the status of the visa integrity fee, see 1.4 Fees.
• A visa does not guarantee entry to the United States. The CBP officer at the border makes the entry decision. See 1.9 Entry to the United States.

• This provision applies only to nonimmigrant (temporary) visas.
• It means that you did not sufficiently demonstrate that you meet the requirements of the visa category you applied for or that you have strong ties that will return you to your country.
• Examples of strong ties include your job, home, and relationships with your family and friends.
• H-1B and L visa applicants, their spouses, and minor children are exempt from the presumption of immigrant intent.
• A 214(b) refusal is not permanent. It applies only to that application.
• There is no appeal process. Once the case is closed, the consulate cannot take any further action on that application.
• To reapply, you must complete a new DS-160, pay the fee again, and schedule a new appointment.
• In a new application, you must be able to show significant changes in your circumstances since your last application or new information you want considered.

• If the officer does not have all the information needed to make a decision, the application is refused under section 221(g).
• You will receive a letter showing that the application was refused and specifying which documents are requested. It will also explain how to submit the documents.
• Submit the requested documents as soon as possible and in full. Once the documents are received, your application will be reconsidered.
• If you do not submit them within 1 year from the refusal date, you must reapply and pay the fee again.

• If the officer decides that information about your application is needed from other sources, your case will be placed in administrative processing. You will be told this at the end of the interview.
• The duration varies by case. It may take several weeks or longer. Administrative processing time is not included in appointment wait times.
• Except in cases of urgent travel (serious illness, injury, or death in the immediate family), you are asked not to inquire about your status until at least 180 days have passed since the interview or submission of additional documents, whichever is later.
• Do not send emails during this process. Once processing is complete, a notification will be sent to the email address you entered on the DS-160 form.
• Instructions for submitting your passport are available at ustraveldocs.com/tr/en/221g.
• Your status will appear as "REFUSED" on the inquiry page. Once your passport arrives and the visa is printed, it will change to "ISSUED".
• A 221(g) decision is considered a visa refusal for purposes of U.S. visa and ESTA applications.
• If you have a special hardship, notify the consular post where you applied.
• If Form DS-5535 is requested in Istanbul:
  • complete the form in English
  • attach it to an email in Word format and send it to IstanbulNIVAP@state.gov
  • write your full name and the barcode number beginning with "AA" on your DS-160 confirmation page in the subject line
  • submit the information correctly the first time; it may not be possible to update it after the process begins

1. Go to ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx.
2. Select "NONIMMIGRANT VISA (NIV)" as the application type.
3. Select the location where you applied. For Istanbul, select "Turkey, Istanbul".
4. Enter the number on your DS-160 confirmation page in the "Application ID or Case Number" field (example: AA0045CCCE).

Immigrant visa cases are checked in the same system by selecting "IMMIGRANT" and entering the case number.

• 212(a)(6)(C)(i) – misrepresentation or fraud: Knowingly providing false information that is material to obtaining a visa or admission. This is a permanent bar; you will be refused on the same grounds in every application. The officer will tell you whether you may request a waiver.
• 212(a)(9)(B)(i) – unlawful presence: Those who remain unlawfully in the United States for between 180 days and 1 year cannot obtain a visa for 3 years after departure; those who remain for 1 year or more cannot obtain one for 10 years.
• 212(a)(2) – criminal record:
  • conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude
  • conviction for a drug offense
  • two or more convictions with total prison sentences of 5 years or more
• 212(a)(4) – public charge: The possibility of becoming dependent on government assistance in the United States. It is uncommon with temporary visas; for example, it may apply to people seeking treatment without sufficient funds. It may be overcome with additional documentation showing that you will have adequate financial support in the United States. See 16.5 Public charge.

• A waiver may be requested for some visa ineligibilities. Waivers are granted by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The decision is discretionary; there is no guarantee.
• The consular officer who issued the refusal will tell you whether you may request a waiver.
• To apply, you must meet all visa requirements other than the ineligibility.
• For a temporary visa, the officer who refused you generally must recommend a waiver to DHS.
• Applicants for immigrant visas and K visas, with a few exceptions, send Form I-601 directly to USCIS's lockbox address. According to the USCIS fee schedule, the I-601 fee is $1,050.
• Waiver rules are complex. Consult an immigration attorney.

1. Determine what has changed in your circumstances since your last application.
2. Complete a new DS-160 form.
3. Pay the application fee again.
4. Schedule a new appointment and attend the interview.
5. These steps are not required for a 221(g) decision. You only need to submit the requested document within 1 year.
6. You must pay the fee again whether you apply at the same consular post or elsewhere.

• Visa records are confidential under INA section 222(f). Information is provided only to the applicant.
• In some cases, information may be provided to your sponsor in the United States, your attorney, members of Congress, or people acting with your authorization.
• You cannot inquire about the application of a friend or relative. The applicant must make the inquiry personally.

• Reapplying immediately after a 214(b) refusal without any change in your circumstances.
• Sending frequent emails while administrative processing is ongoing.
• Submitting the 221(g) document after the 1-year deadline.
• Failing to check the name, dates, and visa type on the visa after receiving it.
• Buying a non-refundable ticket before the visa arrives.
• Providing false information in later applications. This may lead to a permanent visa ban.
• Trying to overcome the refusal by "appealing." There is no appeal process for a 214(b) decision.

• Can I appeal a 214(b) refusal? No. You may submit a new application when you believe your circumstances have changed.
• When can I reapply? When you believe there has been a significant change in your circumstances or that there is new information you want considered.
• I received a 221(g) paper. Was my visa refused? Legally, yes. However, a visa may be issued after you provide the requested document or administrative processing is complete.
• How long does administrative processing take? It varies by case. If there is no emergency, you are asked to wait at least 180 days before inquiring about your status.
• Can I get my fee back? No. The application fee is not refunded for any outcome.
• My visa was issued but my name was spelled incorrectly. What should I do? Contact the nonimmigrant visa unit of the consular post that issued the visa.
• Can my attorney inquire about my case? Visa records are confidential. However, some information may be provided to attorneys representing the applicant.

• Application status check (CEAC)
• Visa refusals and explanations of 214(b) and 221(g)
• Administrative processing information
• Embassy – Administrative processing and DS-5535 instructions
• Passport submission after 221(g) (ustraveldocs)
• Visa ineligibilities and waivers
• Form I-601, waiver application (PDF)
• Form I-601 instructions (PDF)
• USCIS fee schedule G-1055 (PDF)