H-1B Applicant Waits Weeks After Unexpected 221g

A recent H1B visa applicant in India recuoonted his agitating experience after his visa application status changed automatically from “approved to refused” under 221g administrative processing.

The candidate had a Dropbox appointment on February 25, and his visa status reflected as approved by February 27. But for more than a month, there was no further update. No matter how many emails were sent, how many times customer care was called, and how many requests were made on the websiite, there was total silence.

And then, on March 28, his case status abruptly became refused under administrative processing. When he contacted customer care, they told him that he would receive an email with more instructions but could not give a timeline. Weeks have passed since then and he is still waiting for an update.

Most H1B petitioners have experienced the same delays over the past few months, waiting weeks or even months, for a decision. Without a set frame for administrative processing, anxiety is high.