Published: February 16, 2023
The US visa is a coveted document for its capacity to improve immigrants’ lives. Out of the millions who applied, the US government only issued 493,448 immigrant visas and 6,815,120 nonimmigrant visas in 2022.
Applying for a US visa can take a lot of work and dedication. Sometimes, applicants can also receive a refusal from the consular officer. However, this refusal does not automatically mean their application for an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa ends.
When you receive a visa refusal under Section 221g of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), do not fret. You still have hope for approval.
To increase your chances of immigration success, study the legal implications of Section 221g. Also, investigate the meanings behind the white, pink, blue, and yellow slips.
Section 221g Explained
What is Section 221g?
There could be a multitude of possibilities as to why your visa application is denied . The instance stated under Section 221g of INA is one of the most common.
The visa application refusal under Section 221g expresses that the submission needed more crucial information. Another instance would be that the application is on administrative hold.
It is the consular officer who conducts the immigration interview who will inform the applicant about the refusal. They do so at the end of the interview.
There are several ways to overturn the Section 221g refusal. The actions the applicants should pursue will depend on the color of the slip the consular officer will give them.
Top Reasons for Visa Refusal
An applicant may undergo administrative processing if the consular officer refuses a visa application based on Section 221g. Administrative processing pertains to submitting a visa application to the USCIS for clearing procedures. The maximum allowable period for administrative processing is 60 days from the date of the interview.
If you are experiencing delays regarding administrative processing, it is advisable to seek guidance from immigration lawyers.
Several reasons may trigger administrative processing. Study the following points to avoid this interruption in your visa application:
- Error or lack of clarity in tax or financial documents
- Error or lack of clarity in employer information
- Inadequate evidence of job offer
- Inadequate evidence of relationship for marriage visas
- Incomplete affidavits of support
- Outdated police certificates
Distinguish White, Pink, Blue, Blue, and Yellow Slips
As mentioned earlier, the consular officer will hand over slips if they determine that an application does not satisfy the conditions of Section 221g. Applicants may receive either of the four slips with white, pink, blue, or yellow colorations. Each color stands for specific conditions and legal implications.
Here is a simplified distinction between every slip:
White Slips
The white slip covers visa applicants who falls under the complex category of section 221(g). Consular officers will issue this slip when the applicant does not furnish a complete or satisfactory set of evidence during the visa interview.
When an applicant receives a white slip, their application will require additional processing by USCIS. There is no standard as to the amount and type of documents that an applicant should comply. It will be up to the discretion of the assessing office.
Pink Slips
Applicants who receive a pink slip at the end of their visa interview should undergo administrative processing.
The pink slip applies to applicants whose visas contain suspicious information. A consular officer may find some information doubtful if the applicant expresses ambiguity with their formal qualifications, reasons for visiting, or work conditions.
Applicants should be clear and detailed with their answers during visa interviews to avoid the pink slip. Any inconsistencies in one’s answers may trigger a consular officer’s suspicion.
Blue Slips
Applicants issued with blue slips merely need to submit additional supporting documentation to the consulate. Do not confuse the blue slip with the white slip. Although both of them require the submission of more documents, the blue slip does not fall under the complex category of Section 221g. This case is less severe.
Yellow Slips
The consulate officer may issue a yellow slip to a visa application if they determine that the consulate requires more time to review the submitted documents. In most instances, the consulates need an additional period to review the records because some documents could still be undergoing the validation of certain officials. A delay might have happened while the documents transferred from one office to another.
Appeal for Visa Denial
Unfortunately, it is not possible to appeal a visa denial. US immigration laws do not allow for it. It is ideal for visa applicants to do things right the first time and comply with the requirements.
If you are still planning for your visa application, seeking legal guidance from the start is ideal. The assistance visa lawyers offer can immensely improve one’s chances of approval. The lack of sufficient legal knowledge can be detrimental to one’s immigration.
Other Options
Although appealing one’s visa application is not possible, there are other options that parties can pursue.
Apply for another visa category
When you cannot comply with the conditions stipulated in the slips, then it is best to find another visa route that suits you better.
Seek advice from immigration lawyers to perform this solution without any complications.
Change employee (for work-based visas)
If you are applying through a work-based visa, then it is possible to reapply through another employer. Since this process could entail technical difficulties, it is also advisable to talk with an immigration lawyer before making any decisions.
Seek Competent Immigration Lawyers for Visa Concerns
Working on visa applications can be too technical, especially for individuals without a legal background. If you feel like the processes are overwhelming you, do not hesitate to seek the assistance of immigration lawyers. They have the training and experience to guide you through a successful visa application.
If you are within the Los Angeles area, ALG Lawyers is a reliable immigration law firm near you. We have been in the industry for years, and our lifelong mission has been to help people realize their dreams in the United States as lawful immigrants. We are always open to discussing your immigration and other legal concerns.
(Please note that this article does not create an Attorney-Client relationship between our law firm and the reader and is provided for informational purposes only. Information in this article does not apply to all readers. Readers should not rely on this information as legal advice and should seek specific counsel from a qualified attorney based on their individual circumstances. Thank you.)