H-1B Consultancy Reality: Visa Stamping Refused, Stuck in India

H-1B Worker Faces 221(g) Visa Delay

An Indian H-1B worker with nearly 3 years of experience with a consultancy took to Reddit to share their experience. Their visa stamp was refused under 221(g), leaving them without a visa at the end of their contract.

The worker’s visa was put on 221(g) in April 2026. They share that it likely happened because their consultancy did not provide them an employment letter for the client.

The worker only has vendor verification letters, and no proof that they actually work for a consultancy. Despite submitting the letters, as well as nearly three years of timesheets, paystubs, and W2s, their stamping was refused.

Their case has remained in this refused status for the last five months. By now, the worker’s contract with their employer has ended.

This has made the possibility of their stamping being cleared even lower.

Experts have stated that the 221(g) refusal is used when additional verification is needed. The fact that the worker does not have a client letter is the likely reason for it.

Only a direct letter from the client is accepted as proof during stamping.

This situation has left the worker stuck in India for the past five months. Their contract in the US is now over, leaving the only options being to find a new employer, or begin a new career in India.