Application Pending Further Action and Submitting 221(g) Documents in China

When applying for a U.S. visa from China, the consulate may sometimes require additional documents from you before they can make a decision. When essential information is missing from an application or an application has been placed on administrative hold, such a refusal is made under section 221(g). Once you provide the necessary information, they can resume the processing of your application.

There may be several scenarios:

• Interview waiver:
  If you applied through a visa interview waiver and the consular officer determines that you need to have an interview, your passport and the application will be returned. You will additionally receive a letter instructing you to schedule an appointment. You will not have to pay the application fee again.
  
  
• Administrative processing:
  After the interview, your case may be placed in administrative processing. The processing may take a few days, a few weeks, or even months. The length of the processing will vary based on the circumstances of each case.
  
  
• Submitting 221(g) documents:
  Once you have been interviewed, if the consular officer feels that additional information is required, he/she will give you a letter explaining what needs to be submitted and how you should submit it. The documents can either be submitted by email or in person. If an original document is required, that must be submitted in person.
  
  You have 12 months from the date of the 221(g) refusal to submit the requested documents. After that, your application will be terminated per Section 203(e) and you will have to apply all over again, including another visa fee.
  
  
  • Email:
    If you are instructed to send electronic copies via email, please follow the instructions provided in the letter.
    
    
  • In Person:
    If you need to submit original documents, please follow the steps outlined below:
    1. Download the Document Submission Letter and print. Complete the information manually.
       
       
    2. Visit the nearest CITIC Bank document drop off location and submit:
       • 221(g) submission slip
       • 221(g) letter given to you by the consular officer
       • All documents listed in the letter. Do not submit any documents in a sealed envelope.
         
         In case you required to submit your passport again, make sure not to remove the sticker pasted on the back of the passport.
         
         You can’t use Premium Delivery Service for this, as it is meant only for the return of your documents.
         
         
    3. CITIC bank will give you a copy of your airway bill. That will serve as a receipt for your documents.
       
       
    4. CITIC bank will deliver your documents to the Consulate General.
       
       
    5. Once processed by the Consulate General, CITIC Bank will return your documents and passport to your chosen document delivery pickup location. If you are issued a visa, it will be stamped in your passport. Otherwise, you may receive a new 221(g) letter, in which case you would have to follow the procedure all over again.

Check Status

Before you inquire about your visa status during additional processing, you must wait for a minimum of 60 days from your interview date or the submission of supplemental documents, whichever is later.

Check application status

Once 60 days have passed, you can inquire about your case status:
Beijing
Chengdu
Guangzhou
Shanghai
Shenyang: English Chinese