3-Month Visa Delay: H-1B Refused After 6 Updates

An H-1B applicant from India is facing a prolonged delay in consular processing. The applicant received a 221(g) administrative processing notice after attending a visa interview in Chennai. The case has now remained unresolved for nearly three months.

The 221(g) notice was issued in November 2025 following the interview. The applicant works for a company that specialises in employer client relationships. Since then, there has been no clear communication about final approval. Uncertainty continues to grow.

Consular officers reportedly sent a detailed questionnaire to the applicant’s end client. The purpose was to verify employment details. The client responded immediately. However, the employer has not received any further communication from the Consulate.

The Consular Electronic Application Center website shows six separate status updates. The case was updated twice in December 2025 and thrice in February 2026. Despite these changes, the status consistently displays as refused. This has added to the applicant’s anxiety.

Immigration experts state that frequent CEAC updates may indicate internal case movement. Sometimes such activity suggests that a decision could be approaching. However, there is no official timeline. Applicants often face long waiting periods under 221(g) processing.

The situation may be complicated by a past F-1 visa issue. The applicant’s F-1 visa was previously cancelled by the Customs and Border Patrol. This incident may be under additional scrutiny during H-1B processing.

The cancellation reportedly occurred at the Point of Entry. The applicant claims it resulted from a CBP administrative error linked to the SEVIS account. Even minor discrepancies can affect future visa applications. Past records are often reviewed carefully.

At present, the applicant can only wait for a final decision. Contacting the consulate is possible but rarely brings clarity. Administrative processing timelines remain unpredictable. The prolonged delay continues to create stress and uncertainty.