What is a 221(g) form?

A 221(g) form is given by a visa officer to a visa applicant when additional information is required before the visa is issued.

The most common 221(g) denial reasons include:

• The foreign national did not possess a valid passport to travel
• The foreign national did not obtain the required medical exam (immigration physical) or pass the medical exam
• The foreign national did not possess a valid birth certificate
• The foreign national did not possess valid marital documents (i.e. marriage certificate, divorce decree, death certificate, etc.)
• The foreign national did not provide the required passport-style photos
• The foreign national was not able to prove economic solvency via USCIS Form I-864, Affidavit of Support and/or DS-5540, Public Charge Questionnaire
• The foreign national was unable to provide sufficient evidence of the relationship with the petitioner

If a 221(g) request is properly responded to, the visa officer will issue the visa. If the request is not properly responded to, the visa officer will deny the visa and will send a recommendation letter to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) asking the Service to revoke the previously approved petition. It may take the visa officer 6-12 months to send the revocation request.

If your visa is denied, it is important to immediately retain an experienced immigration attorney to help prepare you for the NOIR response. USCIS will only allow a person THIRTY (30) days from the date of the notice to submit a response to the proposed revocation.

For more information on What is a 221(g) denial, an initial consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (281) 777-1236 today. We have two convenient locations in north and south Houston, Texas.

Common Questions We Can Help You With

• What is a 221(g) form in U.S. visa processing?
• What does a 221(g) refusal mean?
• Is a 221(g) visa refusal permanent?
• What happens after I receive a 221(g) form?
• How long does administrative processing under 221(g) take?
• What documents are usually requested with a 221(g)?
• Can I reapply if my visa is refused under 221(g)?
• What is the difference between a 221(g) refusal and a visa denial?
• Does a 221(g) affect future visa applications?
• Can I travel to the U.S. if I receive a 221(g)?
• How do I submit additional documents requested in a 221(g)?
• What are common reasons for a 221(g) refusal?
• Can a 221(g) be resolved without an interview?
• What is administrative processing in visa cases?
• How do I check the status of my 221(g) case?
• Does a 221(g) mean my visa will be denied?
• Can attorneys help with 221(g) visa refusals?
• What is the difference between 221(g) and 214(b) visa refusals?
• How does a 221(g) affect employment‑based visas?
• What should I do immediately after receiving a 221(g) slip?