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Visa stamping

Getting a visa stamped means leaving the country, and you cannot return until it is issued. Plan for it taking longer than the appointment.

H-1BH-4L-1L-2F-1J-1B-1/B-2O-1E-2K-1IR-1/CR-1F2A/F2BEB-1/2/3DVTN

J-1 Exchange Visitor

For exchange visitors including research scholars, professors, au pairs, interns, trainees, and summer work travel participants.

Take to the interview

221(g) and administrative processing

The colour of the slip tells you which of these you are in, and they take very different amounts of time.

White 221(g) Slip - Additional Documents

You are asked to submit additional documents to the consulate. This is the most common and usually the fastest to resolve. The consulate needs specific documents to continue processing.

Typically 2–8 weeks — with no deadline and no appeal.

  • Submit requested documents as quickly as possible
  • Use the document drop-off window at the consulate or mail as instructed
  • Keep copies of everything you submit
  • Follow up after 2-3 weeks if no response
  • Check the consulate website for status updates

Blue 221(g) Slip - Security/Background Check

Your case has been referred for additional administrative processing, typically a security or background check. This is handled by Washington D.C. and the consulate cannot expedite it.

Typically 4–52 weeks — with no deadline and no appeal.

  • Be patient - this process cannot be expedited by the consulate
  • Do not book travel until visa is approved
  • Check ceac.state.gov for status updates using your case number
  • Contact the consulate after 60 days if no update
  • Congressional inquiry may help after extended delays
  • Do not reapply or submit a new DS-160 unless instructed

Green 221(g) Slip - Petition Review

The consular officer is reviewing your petition with USCIS or sending it back for further review. Common for H-1B, L-1, and employment-based petitions where the officer questions the underlying petition.

Typically 4–24 weeks — with no deadline and no appeal.

  • Your employer/attorney should be notified immediately
  • The consulate may send the petition back to USCIS for review
  • Employer may need to provide additional documentation
  • Monitor both USCIS case status and consulate updates
  • Attorney involvement is strongly recommended

General 221(g) Information

Section 221(g) of the INA means your application is incomplete or requires additional processing. It is technically a refusal, but it is not the same as a denial. Most cases are eventually resolved.

Typically 2–52 weeks — with no deadline and no appeal.

  • Keep your passport with you unless asked to surrender it
  • Track your case at ceac.state.gov
  • Maintain all appointment records and documents
  • Do not change jobs or circumstances if possible during processing
  • Consider consulting an immigration attorney for guidance
  • If traveling urgently, request emergency appointment after clearance

Dropbox — renewing without an interview

  • You may qualify for interview waiver if renewing the same visa category and meet specific criteria.
  • Applicants under 14 or over 79 may qualify for interview waiver.
  • A-1, A-2, G-1 through G-4, NATO, and C-2/C-3 visa applicants may qualify.

How it goes

  1. 1

    Schedule Appointment

    Create an account on the US visa appointment website for your country. Pay the MRV fee and schedule your appointment. Consider dropbox eligibility.

    Typically [object Object] days

  2. 2

    Complete DS-160

    Fill out the DS-160 online application. Save frequently, review carefully, and print the confirmation page with barcode.

    Typically [object Object] days

  3. 3

    Gather Documents

    Collect all required documents based on your visa type. Get originals, make copies, and organize in a clear folder.

    Typically [object Object] days

  4. 4

    Medical Exam (if required)

    For immigrant visas and K-1, complete medical examination at a designated panel physician. Results are sent directly to the consulate.

    Typically [object Object] days

  5. 5

    Attend Interview

    Arrive at the consulate on time, go through security, biometrics, and the interview. Be concise, honest, and well-prepared.

    Typically [object Object] days

  6. 6

    Wait for Processing

    If approved, your passport will be sent for visa printing. If 221(g), wait for additional processing to complete.

    Typically [object Object] days

  7. 7

    Collect Passport

    Pick up your passport with the visa stamp from the designated collection point, or receive it by courier. Verify all details on the visa are correct.

    Typically [object Object] days

  8. 8

    Enter the United States

    Travel to the US before your visa expires. Go through CBP inspection at the port of entry. Your I-94 will be created electronically.

    Typically [object Object] days

Appointment waits by consulate

Typical figures, shortest first. Actual availability changes daily — check the consulate's own booking system.

ConsulateCountryTypical wait
MumbaiIndia[object Object] weeks
New DelhiIndia[object Object] weeks
ChennaiIndia[object Object] weeks
HyderabadIndia[object Object] weeks
BeijingChina[object Object] weeks
ShanghaiChina[object Object] weeks
GuangzhouChina[object Object] weeks
ManilaPhilippines[object Object] weeks
LondonUnited Kingdom[object Object] weeks
FrankfurtGermany[object Object] weeks
TokyoJapan[object Object] weeks
SeoulSouth Korea[object Object] weeks
BogotaColombia[object Object] weeks
Mexico CityMexico[object Object] weeks
Sao PauloBrazil[object Object] weeks
LagosNigeria[object Object] weeks
NairobiKenya[object Object] weeks
DubaiUAE[object Object] weeks
SydneyAustralia[object Object] weeks
TorontoCanada[object Object] weeks

At the port of entry

  • Keep documents accessible

    Have your passport, visa, I-797 approval notice, offer letter, and I-20/DS-2019 in your carry-on. Do not put immigration documents in checked luggage.

  • Answer questions briefly

    CBP officers may ask about your purpose, employer, and length of stay. Be honest and concise. Do not volunteer extra information.

  • Check your I-94 online

    After entry, verify your I-94 at i94.cbp.dhs.gov within a few days. Ensure the date, status, and passport number are correct. Report errors immediately.

  • Do not open sealed envelope

    For immigrant visas, you will receive a sealed packet. Do NOT open it. Hand it to the CBP officer at the port of entry.

  • Secondary inspection is normal

    Being sent to secondary inspection does not mean you are in trouble. It is routine for first-time visa holders, certain visa types, and name checks.

  • Declare currency over $10,000

    If carrying $10,000+ in cash or monetary instruments, you must declare it on your customs form. Failure to declare can result in seizure.

  • Declare food items

    Declare all food, plant, and agricultural products on your customs form. Undeclared items can result in fines. When in doubt, declare it.

  • Know your US address

    Have your US address ready for the customs form and CBP questions. This should match what you listed on your visa application.

Emergency / Expedited Appointments

Most consulates offer limited emergency or expedited appointments for urgent situations.

  • Medical emergency requiring travel to the US for treatment
  • Death or serious illness of immediate family member in the US
  • Urgent business travel that cannot be rescheduled
  • Student reporting for a program start date
  • Return to the US with a valid visa that is about to expire
  • Humanitarian reasons

The interview itself

Before

  • Review your DS-160 answers - the officer has this information
  • Know your employer, job duties, salary, and work location
  • Practice answering in English clearly and concisely
  • Organize documents in a labeled clear folder
  • Get a good night's sleep before the interview
  • Dress professionally - business attire recommended
  • Arrive 30+ minutes early for security screening

During

  • Greet the officer politely
  • Answer only what is asked - do not volunteer information
  • Be honest - inconsistencies can cause denial
  • Keep answers brief (30 seconds or less per answer)
  • Speak clearly and maintain eye contact
  • If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification
  • Hand over documents when requested, not before
  • Stay calm even if the officer seems strict

After

  • If approved, you'll be told your visa will be mailed/available for pickup
  • If 221(g), read the slip carefully and follow instructions
  • If denied, ask for the specific reason and if you can reapply
  • Check passport and visa details when you receive them
  • Verify visa type, validity dates, and number of entries
  • Report any errors on the visa immediately

What goes wrong

  • Bringing too many unnecessary documents
  • Over-explaining or giving long answers
  • Not knowing basic facts about your employer or school
  • Inconsistencies between DS-160 and interview answers
  • Appearing nervous or evasive
  • Not having original documents when needed
  • Arriving late to the appointment
  • Bringing electronic devices into the consulate

Passport Collection After Approval

Courier Delivery

2-7 business days

Most consulates use a courier service (DHL, VFS, Blue Dart, etc.) to deliver your passport to a chosen address or pickup point.

Consulate Pickup

1-3 business days after "Issued" status

Some consulates allow direct pickup at a designated window. Check your consulate's specific instructions.

VFS/OFC Pickup

2-5 business days

Many countries use VFS Global or other facilitation centers for document collection.

Check before you travel

  • Visa category matches your petition (H-1B, L-1, etc.)
  • Validity dates are correct
  • Number of entries (single vs. multiple)
  • Your name and date of birth are correct
  • Passport number on visa matches your passport
  • Annotation/petition number is correct
  • No spelling errors or wrong information

If something is wrong

  • Do NOT travel on a visa with errors
  • Contact the consulate immediately
  • Request correction before traveling
  • Most consulates fix errors within a few days
  • Document the error with photos

A visa stamp lets you request entry; it does not guarantee it. Do not book non-refundable return travel until the passport is back in your hands.