We initially refuse most immigrant visa applicants under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. There is usually no need to worry: it is almost always a temporary refusal.
What is Section 221(g)?
Section 221(g) simply says that we cannot issue your visa until we are sure you are qualified for the visa in every way. With immigrant visas, we almost never know on the day of the interview whether you are truly qualified. So, we will need some time to verify this. Sometimes, we need you to give us additional documents or information. We will let you know, in writing, what we need.
What is "administrative processing?"
Many cases require administrative processing. Each case is handled individually, so we cannot predict exactly how long it will take. However, we will try to give you an estimated time at the end of the interview.
We ask that you not contact us to check your case status until the estimated time has passed.
Will you still issue my visa?
We end up issuing almost all cases that we refuse under Section 221(g). As soon as we determine that you are qualified, we will "overcome" the refusal under Section 221(g) and issue the visa.
If you will issue anyway, why do you refuse in the first place?
The law requires us to adjudicate (issue or refuse) every case on the day of the application. Since we usually are not yet prepared to issue, we must first refuse.
We will not overcome every single person's 221(g) refusal. For example, if we ask you to provide a birth certificate or additional proof of your relationship, and you do not give it to us within one year, your case will remain in refused status. Finally, if we discover that you are not eligible for the visa for some other reason, we will also refuse you under the new, appropriate section of the law.