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-1B H-4 L-1 L-2 F-1 J-1 B-1/B-2 O-1 E-2 K-1 IR-1/CR-1 F2A/F2B EB-1/2/3 DV TN

221(g) and administrative processing

The color 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

Renewing Without An Interview (Limited)

Since September 2, 2025, most interview waivers have ended. The main remaining exception is for adults renewing the same full-validity B-1/B-2 visa (or Border Crossing Card) within 12 months of its expiry. Rules can change and each embassy applies them - check the embassy or consulate website before you apply.
Since September 2, 2025, the interview waivers for applicants under 14 or over 79 no longer apply - applicants of any age now generally need an in-person interview. Check the embassy or consulate website for current rules.
A-1, A-2, G-1 through G-4, NATO, and C-2/C-3 visa applicants may qualify.

How It Goes

1
Schedule appointment
Create an account on the US visa appointment website for your country. Pay the MRV fee and schedule your appointment. Most applicants now need an in-person interview - check whether the narrow interview waiver for B-1/B-2 renewals applies to you.
Typically 1-365 days
2
Complete DS-160
Fill out the DS-160 online application. Save frequently, review carefully, and print the confirmation page with barcode.
Typically 1-3 days
3
Gather documents
Collect all required documents based on your visa type. Get originals, make copies, and organize in a clear folder.
Typically 3-14 days
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 3-14 days
5
Attend interview
Arrive at the consulate on time, go through security, biometrics, and the interview. Be concise, honest, and well-prepared.
Typically 1 days
6
Wait for processing
If approved, your passport will be sent for visa printing. If 221(g), wait for additional processing to complete.
Typically 2-14 days
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 1-7 days
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 1-180 days

Appointment Waits By Consulate

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

Consulate	Country	Typical Wait
London	United Kingdom	Typically 1-6 weeks
Frankfurt	Germany	Typically 1-6 weeks
Tokyo	Japan	Typically 1-4 weeks
Seoul	South Korea	Typically 1-4 weeks
Sydney	Australia	Typically 1-4 weeks
Toronto	Canada	Typically 1-4 weeks
Dubai	UAE	Typically 2-8 weeks
Beijing	China	Typically 4-20 weeks
Shanghai	China	Typically 4-16 weeks
Guangzhou	China	Typically 4-16 weeks
Manila	Philippines	Typically 4-16 weeks
Bogota	Colombia	Typically 4-20 weeks
Mexico City	Mexico	Typically 4-24 weeks
Sao Paulo	Brazil	Typically 4-24 weeks
Nairobi	Kenya	Typically 4-20 weeks
Chennai	India	Typically 8-40 weeks
Hyderabad	India	Typically 8-40 weeks
Lagos	Nigeria	Typically 8-40 weeks
Mumbai	India	Typically 12-52 weeks
New Delhi	India	Typically 12-52 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 you are carrying more than $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.

K-1 fiance(e) visa