221g - Light at the end of the Tunnel!
Questions
Did you receive a 221 g after your visa interview ?
Was your passport kept or was it returned ?
Passport was kept but visa not approved - How long will it take ?
Passport was kept and visa was approved - It's been more than a week ?
Passport returned - What now ?
Dealing with Uncertainty
Grappling with these questions and the uncertainty of it, while working from home in your home country and staying sane is not easy. I went through a similar experience quite recently, checking the status 2-3 times every day. Best thing is to find a way to de-stress and keep things going on your work front and family front. When else would you get so much time with your family, and that too a paid one? So, enjoy the time you have with family and have faith that things will work out! It has for so many of us at the other end of the tunnel!
If you are unable to keep your mind calm or it is affecting your sleep - Then I recommend taking the spiritual route - Meditate, do some pranayams/breathing exercises, take a breathing/meditation workshop over a weekend, go visit some temples or go travel/hike - There is so much to discover in your country. All of these help keep your mind sane. Periods of uncertainty build unusual strength in oneself, so you can tackle or advise when similar challenges show up later on. There is tremendous personal growth being offered here while you wait for the visa to be issued - Know this and use your time well!
Signs of Progress towards the Light!
Scouring through the forums and trying to understand the "signs" of progress, I saw a pattern and it fit with my case and seems to have fit with others cases. I didn't find an article or blog that clearly identified the stages or signs of progress in the 221g tunnel - So decided to write one myself.
Let me walk you through my understanding with some useful references and together we can grow in our collective understanding on the light at the end of this 221g tunnel (feel free to comment and share your question or insights):
STAGE 1: Dropbox + Passport Returned
If you are here, it is straightforward - You dropped your passport and docs and got an email a few days later saying your passport is returned. Except that, you may be given a slip in your passport and asked to come in for an interview. You can go for interview any day at the time specified on the slip.
STAGE 1b: Interview/Dropbox + Passport Kept
If you are here, you can jump directly to STAGE 4. Also, if at the interview, the VO said your visa is approved - Then it usually seems to take less than 2 weeks to get the visa in hand. The CEAC status may show administrative processing - It is just tech speak for your visa is on its way (not 221g for sure). For some folks, after approval, it takes a couple of days. Again, don't panic if its taking you more than a week - There are far worse situations you could be in esp. with 221g. Just relax and enjoy time with your family!
STAGE 2: Interview + 221G + Passport Returned
If you are here, don't panic. First thing is to record the entire conversation you had with VO and see what was being asked, where was the emphasis on - This will give you some clues to understand why you may have gotten the 221g and will also help you send supporting documentation later on.
Did you get an email to send documents to them ? If yes, then carefully read through and submit all documents including any additional docs you think may be useful. It is good to be thorough here - Think back to the interview you had, where was the focus area - Maybe you could provide additional documentation there ? Also, last but not the least - Loop in a trusted attorney to help you write a good response to the questionnaire.
STAGE 3: Passport Requested
Two cases here:
1. Maybe the consulate kept your passport but issued a 221G
2. Maybe the passport was returned as in STAGE 2 but now you got an email saying "Passport Requested" from the consulate. The body of the email will have a sentence like this:
"This is in reference to your visa application. Please submit your passport at the VAC or VFS office at the earliest for further processing of your case."
Great news! This means the consulate has the intent to move forward with your case and/or has cleared some necessary background checks with your company or DOS (esp. if your passport was returned earlier). If you are in case 1 of STAGE 3, please refer back to STAGE 2 or the VO must have given you clear instructions on the documents requested. Follow through that instruction.
Another point to note - Based on what little data I have seen, stage 2 to stage 3 can take anywhere between a month to 4 months - So there is some wait time here.
STAGE 4: Tracking your status
Once your passport is with the consulate and you have submitted all the docs, now the real tracking starts. If you did not receive a 221g, the VO said your visa is approved, you may still go through 4.1 to 4.6 (but skip STAGE 3). This period can be between 1 week to 1 month based on what I saw on the forums.
There are 3 different places to track your visa status. They all provide useful information:
a) CEAC: This is a no brainer and the most important status to track.
b) CGI: This is another good place to check your status.
c) Passport Status: You can get an automated email notifying of your status by emailing
Let me share here some clear signs of progress on the way to getting your visa issued. These signs are more probabilistic than deterministic. That is, if you see any of these updates, it is quite likely that your case is progressing based on the available data - Although there is no guarantee that it will get issued in a month. Based on my observation, there is a strong correlation between some of these signs and issual of visa (esp. 4.3,4.4 and 4.5). But like they say, correlation is not causation.
4.1 Passport Status says "Passport is with the consulate" - This is in the case where you had to submit your passport after 221g. This is basic, the passport is with the consulate, i.e. at the right place.
4.2 CEAC shows a "case last updated" date right after the passport was submitted.
4.3 Passport Status changes to "There is no update available for this passport" - This is usually a positive sign, as something has changed at the other end and the case has moved closer to the light. Usually, within a week other status updates start happening.
4.4 CGI status changes to "Document Delivery Information: " - Fantastic, this is a clear sign that your passport is being transferred to VFS and for most people on the forums, CEAC status date also changes in a few days.
4.5 CEAC "case last updated" date changes for the second time after you had submitted your passport or after your visa interview. This is the penultimate step to you have your visa in hand.
4.6 CEAC status changes to "issued". That's it - Now it's just a couple of days until your passport is in hand. The light is shining bright now at the end of the tunnel!
From 4.1 to 4.6 - It can take anywhere from 1 week to 1 month - So this is the time of patience, titiksha or forbearance (One of the 6 wealths, shat sampathi - Having these wealths is a sign of a that personality that is more centered, happy and calm even in adverse situations).
For me personally, it took me 4 days after drop-box to get my passport back with 221g (STAGE 1). Had my interview in a few days after and hit STAGE 2. And 40 days after my visa interview, I was asked for passport (STAGE 3) and within a day I hit 4.1 and 4.2. After a week of 4.2, I entered 4.3. 4.4 and 4.5 happened within 5 days of 4.3. 4.6 happened a day later. 4.4 and 4.5 happened on the same day for me. So in summary, stages 4.1 to 4.6 took me 12 days.
All the best with your 221g journey, and comment with any questions or insights! If you really want to discuss a situation - Feel free to email at 221glight at gmail dot com
REFERENCES:
When I was in the waiting period between 4.1 to 4.6 - I would always be on the look out for people with similar situation to where I was in my tunnel travel. Here are some representative references that you can use to further validate or bring your mind to a state where you know that that things are progressing in the right direction:
1. Document delivery information being a positive sign: https://www.immihelp.com/experience/257126-Mumbai-Consulate-case-status.html
2. CEAC "case last updated" date change being a positive sign: https://www.immihelp.com/experience/257126-Mumbai-Consulate-case-status.html
3. Passport status change sign: https://www.immihelp.com/forum/usa-h1b-h4-visa/160664-there-is-no-status-update-available-for-passport-number-submitted
4. Passport status change sign: https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/548017-ceac-status-no-update-but-ustraveldocs-updated/#comments
5. Nice article on someone's journey on 221g with all the signs: http://221gprocess.blogspot.com/2017/02/221g-2017-experience.html
6. Ongoing tracker on trackitt (quite informative): https://www.trackitt.com/usa-discussion-forums/h1b/1142373633/timeline-for-passport-receipt-for-dropbox/page/444
Did you receive a 221 g after your visa interview ?
Was your passport kept or was it returned ?
Passport was kept but visa not approved - How long will it take ?
Passport was kept and visa was approved - It's been more than a week ?
Passport returned - What now ?
Dealing with Uncertainty
Grappling with these questions and the uncertainty of it, while working from home in your home country and staying sane is not easy. I went through a similar experience quite recently, checking the status 2-3 times every day. Best thing is to find a way to de-stress and keep things going on your work front and family front. When else would you get so much time with your family, and that too a paid one? So, enjoy the time you have with family and have faith that things will work out! It has for so many of us at the other end of the tunnel!
If you are unable to keep your mind calm or it is affecting your sleep - Then I recommend taking the spiritual route - Meditate, do some pranayams/breathing exercises, take a breathing/meditation workshop over a weekend, go visit some temples or go travel/hike - There is so much to discover in your country. All of these help keep your mind sane. Periods of uncertainty build unusual strength in oneself, so you can tackle or advise when similar challenges show up later on. There is tremendous personal growth being offered here while you wait for the visa to be issued - Know this and use your time well!
Signs of Progress towards the Light!
Scouring through the forums and trying to understand the "signs" of progress, I saw a pattern and it fit with my case and seems to have fit with others cases. I didn't find an article or blog that clearly identified the stages or signs of progress in the 221g tunnel - So decided to write one myself.
Let me walk you through my understanding with some useful references and together we can grow in our collective understanding on the light at the end of this 221g tunnel (feel free to comment and share your question or insights):
STAGE 1: Dropbox + Passport Returned
If you are here, it is straightforward - You dropped your passport and docs and got an email a few days later saying your passport is returned. Except that, you may be given a slip in your passport and asked to come in for an interview. You can go for interview any day at the time specified on the slip.
STAGE 1b: Interview/Dropbox + Passport Kept
If you are here, you can jump directly to STAGE 4. Also, if at the interview, the VO said your visa is approved - Then it usually seems to take less than 2 weeks to get the visa in hand. The CEAC status may show administrative processing - It is just tech speak for your visa is on its way (not 221g for sure). For some folks, after approval, it takes a couple of days. Again, don't panic if its taking you more than a week - There are far worse situations you could be in esp. with 221g. Just relax and enjoy time with your family!
STAGE 2: Interview + 221G + Passport Returned
If you are here, don't panic. First thing is to record the entire conversation you had with VO and see what was being asked, where was the emphasis on - This will give you some clues to understand why you may have gotten the 221g and will also help you send supporting documentation later on.
Did you get an email to send documents to them ? If yes, then carefully read through and submit all documents including any additional docs you think may be useful. It is good to be thorough here - Think back to the interview you had, where was the focus area - Maybe you could provide additional documentation there ? Also, last but not the least - Loop in a trusted attorney to help you write a good response to the questionnaire.
STAGE 3: Passport Requested
Two cases here:
1. Maybe the consulate kept your passport but issued a 221G
2. Maybe the passport was returned as in STAGE 2 but now you got an email saying "Passport Requested" from the consulate. The body of the email will have a sentence like this:
"This is in reference to your visa application. Please submit your passport at the VAC or VFS office at the earliest for further processing of your case."
Great news! This means the consulate has the intent to move forward with your case and/or has cleared some necessary background checks with your company or DOS (esp. if your passport was returned earlier). If you are in case 1 of STAGE 3, please refer back to STAGE 2 or the VO must have given you clear instructions on the documents requested. Follow through that instruction.
Another point to note - Based on what little data I have seen, stage 2 to stage 3 can take anywhere between a month to 4 months - So there is some wait time here.
STAGE 4: Tracking your status
Once your passport is with the consulate and you have submitted all the docs, now the real tracking starts. If you did not receive a 221g, the VO said your visa is approved, you may still go through 4.1 to 4.6 (but skip STAGE 3). This period can be between 1 week to 1 month based on what I saw on the forums.
There are 3 different places to track your visa status. They all provide useful information:
a) CEAC: This is a no brainer and the most important status to track.
b) CGI: This is another good place to check your status.
c) Passport Status: You can get an automated email notifying of your status by emailing
| passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com with the subject line being your passport number. |
Let me share here some clear signs of progress on the way to getting your visa issued. These signs are more probabilistic than deterministic. That is, if you see any of these updates, it is quite likely that your case is progressing based on the available data - Although there is no guarantee that it will get issued in a month. Based on my observation, there is a strong correlation between some of these signs and issual of visa (esp. 4.3,4.4 and 4.5). But like they say, correlation is not causation.
4.1 Passport Status says "Passport is with the consulate" - This is in the case where you had to submit your passport after 221g. This is basic, the passport is with the consulate, i.e. at the right place.
4.2 CEAC shows a "case last updated" date right after the passport was submitted.
4.3 Passport Status changes to "There is no update available for this passport" - This is usually a positive sign, as something has changed at the other end and the case has moved closer to the light. Usually, within a week other status updates start happening.
4.4 CGI status changes to "Document Delivery Information: " - Fantastic, this is a clear sign that your passport is being transferred to VFS and for most people on the forums, CEAC status date also changes in a few days.
4.5 CEAC "case last updated" date changes for the second time after you had submitted your passport or after your visa interview. This is the penultimate step to you have your visa in hand.
4.6 CEAC status changes to "issued". That's it - Now it's just a couple of days until your passport is in hand. The light is shining bright now at the end of the tunnel!
From 4.1 to 4.6 - It can take anywhere from 1 week to 1 month - So this is the time of patience, titiksha or forbearance (One of the 6 wealths, shat sampathi - Having these wealths is a sign of a that personality that is more centered, happy and calm even in adverse situations).
For me personally, it took me 4 days after drop-box to get my passport back with 221g (STAGE 1). Had my interview in a few days after and hit STAGE 2. And 40 days after my visa interview, I was asked for passport (STAGE 3) and within a day I hit 4.1 and 4.2. After a week of 4.2, I entered 4.3. 4.4 and 4.5 happened within 5 days of 4.3. 4.6 happened a day later. 4.4 and 4.5 happened on the same day for me. So in summary, stages 4.1 to 4.6 took me 12 days.
All the best with your 221g journey, and comment with any questions or insights! If you really want to discuss a situation - Feel free to email at 221glight at gmail dot com
REFERENCES:
When I was in the waiting period between 4.1 to 4.6 - I would always be on the look out for people with similar situation to where I was in my tunnel travel. Here are some representative references that you can use to further validate or bring your mind to a state where you know that that things are progressing in the right direction:
1. Document delivery information being a positive sign: https://www.immihelp.com/experience/257126-Mumbai-Consulate-case-status.html
2. CEAC "case last updated" date change being a positive sign: https://www.immihelp.com/experience/257126-Mumbai-Consulate-case-status.html
3. Passport status change sign: https://www.immihelp.com/forum/usa-h1b-h4-visa/160664-there-is-no-status-update-available-for-passport-number-submitted
4. Passport status change sign: https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/548017-ceac-status-no-update-but-ustraveldocs-updated/#comments
5. Nice article on someone's journey on 221g with all the signs: http://221gprocess.blogspot.com/2017/02/221g-2017-experience.html
6. Ongoing tracker on trackitt (quite informative): https://www.trackitt.com/usa-discussion-forums/h1b/1142373633/timeline-for-passport-receipt-for-dropbox/page/444
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ReplyDeleteHi after u submitted your passport, was your status refused till the it changed to issued?
ReplyDelete