H1B, H4 Visa

I came to the U.S. on a student visa in August 2021. Unfortunately, in June 2022, I made a mistake and got a DUI (BAC 0.18). I pleaded guilty, and the charges were reduced to <0.14 BAC. I completed all court-ordered penalties, including a year of probation and a 16-week alcohol abuse course.

In February 2023, I was approved for OPT and applied for STEM OPT the following year. I was lucky to get selected in the 2023 H-1B second lottery, but my employer decided to file it under consular processing. The petition was sent to USCIS in November 2023.

In January 2024, I received an RFE and responded by March 2024. Thankfully, my H-1B was approved on March 22, 2024. Around the same time, I applied for a STEM OPT extension, but USCIS denied it on May 24, 2024 reason stated was my status has changed to H1-b but I filed my petition on consular process not change of status, due to a system error. I had the option to file a Motion to Reopen (MTR), but my attorney didn’t receive my I-797B copy in time.

Since my 30-day grace period ended, I had to return to India in June 2024. My attorney raised multiple service requests to get my I-797B copy, but USCIS didn’t respond. Finally, in November 2024, I sought help from a congressman. Surprisingly, they were able to get me a courtesy copy(I-797) in just two business days.

I scheduled a visa interview for December 2, 2024, and attended it. The visa officer didn’t even ask for my I-797B copy, even when I offered it. He focused on my petitioner and the position offered.

NOV 26th 2024- VAC done HYD.

DEC 2nd- Visa interview

ME- Greeted VO

VO- Hand me your passport

ME- Handed it over. " Do you need my I-797?"

VO- " I will let you know what I need do not give me your documents."

Me-"OK"

VO- "Who is your Petitioner"

ME- Mentioned the name

VO- " What is your payrate?"

ME- Mentioned

VO- "Is it a client project or your companies project?"

ME- Our company project

VO- " From when are you working for this employer?"

ME- Since my STEMOPT and asked him I had something to show him regarding my STEMOPT Denial

VO-" I have everything here I do not need anything else. anyways you will not be issued a visa today!"

ME- I replied "OK"

Was typing something and proceeded for the next thing about my Master's Degree

ME- Answered about my degree

VO- "What happened in 2022?"

ME- " About the DUI?"

VO-"YES"

ME- Explained him what happened that day and told him that I agreed and cooperated with the cop and did everything they had me to do. 

VO-"Do you have the police department documents with you?"

ME- I handed them over 

VO- checked all the court documents and all the reports I submitted and asked me " Do you have the police report"

ME- "Everything should be in there"

VO- Looked into all the documents and said " I have to look into your case and we will notify if I need anything else"

ME- Handed me over the White 221g slip and marked on requires additional administrative processing. Did not return the passport

VO- "Consulate will contact you if we need any other documents"

ME- Thanked him 

I am confused what should I do next. I was expecting a 221g for the physical panel. He did bring out an yellow form and he mentioned "I need to verify your documentation and I don't think you need the medical test for now" and he put the yellow form a side.  What can I expect now, How many days would it take to get a response from the consulate?

Was it a good sign keeping my passport with them and handing me over a 221g?