221g white paper

[wt4visa]

Employment Verification Letter

After 5 months, my case got updated first time yesterday(08/22), however this afternoon I have received a mail from Hyderabad consulate asking "Please submit a letter of Proof from the company stating that there is a job waiting for you with the same petitioner in the US" .

I work in EVC model and did anyone else or person you guys know received a similar letter and do we have to provide client letter in addition to Employment verification letter? I have been working remotely for the client and have all the latest pay stubs.

Recap of my case:

Interview date: March 19th 2013, VO said visa approved, retained passports and I 797 and handed over white 221G and have replied to a basic questionnaire.

This is my 3rd H1 stamping and 3rd admin processing as well, but was never asked anything like this before. Have been living in U.S. since 2001.

Thanks!!

[tahersub4t]

Employment Verification

After 5 months, my case got updated first time yesterday(08/22), however this afternoon I have received a mail from Hyderabad consulate asking "Please submit a letter of Proof from the company stating that there is a job waiting for you with the same petitioner in the US" .

I work in EVC model and did anyone else or person you guys know received a similar letter and do we have to provide client letter in addition to Employment verification letter? I have been working remotely for the client and have all the latest pay stubs.

Recap of my case:

Interview date: March 19th 2013, VO said visa approved, retained passports and I 797 and handed over white 221G and have replied to a basic questionnaire.

This is my 3rd H1 stamping and 3rd admin processing as well, but was never asked anything like this before. Have been living in U.S. since 2001.

Thanks!!

Though its not common, but it is possible. So don't worry. It's just that your visa has been in process for more than 5 months now, US Embassy wants to verify if you are still employed and did not loose job.

I think it would be better if you submit below,
1. Most recent pay stubs (atleast 2 months).
2. Employer verification letter from your employer for which you applied for stamping (Dated not more than 15 days).
3. Active Purchase Order between your client and your employer for your position or Client Letter from the client stating you are still working for the client (Dated not more than 15 days).

** This is not a legal advice. I am no expert.

[ajay4pals]

DOS Call

I called Department of State today regarding the status of my case and I was told that my application is still in the administrative processing stage but that the Hyderabad consulate is requesting my passport. I was also informed that the passport was requested on 08/22/2013. I told the DOS visa specialist that I didn't receive any message or email from the consulate regarding this, to which his response was that it's odd that I wasn't intimated and that I should contact the consulate regarding this. He reiterated that the case is still in the administrative processing stage.

Any idea how to contact the consulate? They have a couple of phone numbers but they furnish automated messages, that's it.

Thanks,
Aj

Tahersub4t,

Thanks for the encouraging words. My port of entry is Houston, TX. I am a little worried because even my immigration attorney told me that the visa will be issued (probably with some delays), but the actual problem could be at the POE. He told me that they might take me for a secondary interview mostly, and there is a remote chance that they might detain me for some time.

Ajay

[USER553]

Hi All,
I was interviewed at New Delhi May 20, and my status first got updated on August 16 and second time on August 22, and it is still showing "Administrative Processing". I applied for H1b renew and I had F1 before.
Can anybody suggest what does that mean?
Thanks.

Updates are reallly good & specially in Delhi Consulate. As they only update when they had something in background. So dont worry soon your visa will be issued& most likely in 2-3 weeks

[mask728]

I called Department of State today regarding the status of my case and I was told that my application is still in the administrative processing stage but that the Hyderabad consulate is requesting my passport. I was also informed that the passport was requested on 08/22/2013. I told the DOS visa specialist that I didn't receive any message or email from the consulate regarding this, to which his response was that it's odd that I wasn't intimated and that I should contact the consulate regarding this. He reiterated that the case is still in the administrative processing stage.

Any idea how to contact the consulate? They have a couple of phone numbers but they furnish automated messages, that's it.

Thanks,
Aj

Hi Aj,
we have another friend on this forum who just this week went through the same issue. DOS said he should be getting called for submitting passport but he didnt get any calls/emails. Just yesterday he got called even though his case still shows administrative processing. Call the consulate at this #. it takes you straight to a rep and let them know. most likely you'll be asked to submit too. either way once DOS stated that you should be submitting PP, i think your wait is over. Hopefully next week you'll get your passport with visa stamped

Consulate - zero four zero six six five eight six thousand and options one two one one

Good luck

- - - Updated - - -

Updates are reallly good & specially in Delhi Consulate. As they only update when they had something in background. So dont worry soon your visa will be issued& most likely in 2-3 weeks

Hi bro, I hope this is true. My case was updated on May30th, June6th and then AUgust 12th, 16th and just today 23rd. I was hoping frequent updates would mean i'll get my PP with visa today. Unfortunately that didnt happen. I really really hope it gets resolved next week....FYI I am waiting for exact 12 months now..

[mask728]

After 5 months, my case got updated first time yesterday(08/22), however this afternoon I have received a mail from Hyderabad consulate asking "Please submit a letter of Proof from the company stating that there is a job waiting for you with the same petitioner in the US" .

I work in EVC model and did anyone else or person you guys know received a similar letter and do we have to provide client letter in addition to Employment verification letter? I have been working remotely for the client and have all the latest pay stubs.

Recap of my case:

Interview date: March 19th 2013, VO said visa approved, retained passports and I 797 and handed over white 221G and have replied to a basic questionnaire.

This is my 3rd H1 stamping and 3rd admin processing as well, but was never asked anything like this before. Have been living in U.S. since 2001.

Thanks!!

I have friends who have their own companies. They have seen this behaviour from the Consulates. They wait for approx 6 months and once everything is over they contact the employer (lucky for you they asked you to submit something) and confirm if you still have a job. If they say Yes, they issue your visa. I think this is also another misuse of the admin processing but oh well......So yes, submit proof that you are currently still employed and you should be good.

good Luck

[wt4visa]

I have friends who have their own companies. They have seen this behaviour from the Consulates. They wait for approx 6 months and once everything is over they contact the employer (lucky for you they asked you to submit something) and confirm if you still have a job. If they say Yes, they issue your visa. I think this is also another misuse of the admin processing but oh well......So yes, submit proof that you are currently still employed and you should be good.

good Luck

Thanks tahersub4t and mask728!!

I am just confused what to submit. Just a simple employment verification letter saying employment is in good standing and we want to keep him or a detail letter with client name, location, dates and attach a client letter as well.

[ajay4pals]

mask728,

Thanks for the info. I tried to call them, but the second option two you have mentioned is for Mumbai consulate, not Hyderabad. If I opt for Hyderabad consulate, I just get an automated message. Doesn't even prompt for further options.

It's a shame that they do not have a direct number to reach a representative at the consulate.

Hi Aj,
we have another friend on this forum who just this week went through the same issue. DOS said he should be getting called for submitting passport but he didnt get any calls/emails. Just yesterday he got called even though his case still shows administrative processing. Call the consulate at this #. it takes you straight to a rep and let them know. most likely you'll be asked to submit too. either way once DOS stated that you should be submitting PP, i think your wait is over. Hopefully next week you'll get your passport with visa stamped

Consulate - zero four zero six six five eight six thousand and options one two one one

Good luck

- - - Updated - - -



Hi bro, I hope this is true. My case was updated on May30th, June6th and then AUgust 12th, 16th and just today 23rd. I was hoping frequent updates would mean i'll get my PP with visa today. Unfortunately that didnt happen. I really really hope it gets resolved next week....FYI I am waiting for exact 12 months now..

[tahersub4t]

VFS Help Desk

mask728,

Thanks for the info. I tried to call them, but the second option two you have mentioned is for Mumbai consulate, not Hyderabad. If I opt for Hyderabad consulate, I just get an automated message. Doesn't even prompt for further options.

It's a shame that they do not have a direct number to reach a representative at the consulate.

VFS Help desk : (91-22) 6720 9400
Options:# 1 2 2 3 5 (one at a time, and this will take you to live person). This is for emergency appointments but I did not find any other way to reach to a live person, you can speak to them about your case but I doubt if they will be able to help you out. They can at the least provide you consulate number.

And this number is same for all indian consulates.

[tahersub4t]

Employment Verification

Thanks tahersub4t and mask728!!

I am just confused what to submit. Just a simple employment verification letter saying employment is in good standing and we want to keep him or a detail letter with client name, location, dates and attach a client letter as well.

1. For format of verification letter, looks for samples online dude. Your client is ready to give your letter if yes then good if not then you can show active purchase order.
2. Recent Pay Stubs.
3. Letter from your employer.

Since they have asked for verification of your employment with your petitioner, you employer should ideally provide you this letter unless they specifically asked for a client letter.

[tahersub4t]

Finally wait has come to an END !!!

Hello (As Salaamu Alaikum Wr Wb) All,

I received 221(g) white form with nothing written on it on May-03-2013 (Friday) at Hyderabad and my visa was issued this Friday - 08/23/2013. Clearance Date is AUG-19-2013. It took almost 3 months 15 days for processing after I submitted my documents, more details below.

Brief overview of my case for your reference,

Interview Date: MAY-03-2013
Interview Location: Hyderabad
Visa Class: H1B, I-140 approved.
Employee Type: Full Time Employee

I went to Visa Interview with my wife.
I was asked very basic questions, interview lasted less than a minute,
Me:
1. Who's your employer
2. What's your salary
3. Are you renewing your H1 with the same employer as previous.

My wife:
1. How long are you married

Visa Officer took my Passport, I-797 and my wife's passport. I was issued only 1 case number for me and my wife processing.

I was Issued 221 g white, got email same day with basic questions and was asked to submit resume in text format and (optional) supporting documents (professional reference).
Replied email with below supporting documents,
1. Resume in text format
2. Client Letter
3. Experience Letters.
4. Masters Degree and Transcripts.
5. Certifications.
6. Most recent Pay Stubs.
7. I-129 Petition.
8. Previous I-797 Approvals.
9. All Previous W2's.
10. I-140 Approval.

And the waiting started, below are all updated dates for my case

May 2 - Case Create Date

2 weeks no updates, and then updates started happening to my case,

May 17
May 29
June 3
June 6
June 11 (I thought I made it, but less I knew I had to wait couple of months more)

And then no updates for two months, was literally frustated, called DOS, VFS, sent emails. Nothing helped. After completing 90 days, spoke to attorney, he initiated enquiry on my case, but no response, finally,

August 20
August 21
August 22 - Status changed to Issued
August 23 - got an email from consulate that document were handed over to VFS- Hyderabad. My wife picked her passport and my passport on my behalf.

Total time, if we do maths, is 3 months and 15 days, thats almost 105 days.

These 3-4 months were not easy for me and I am sure its not easy for many of us, paying bills in US, you need to have proper savings and then your company should support you while you are working from India.

Below are lessons learnt for me, next time when I come to India for stamping,
1. First and foremost take care of house rent in US, I paid $1600/month. Next time when I plan to travel India for stamping, I will put my stuff in a storage house so that I don't have to worry about house rent. Will plan trip at the end of the lease.

2. I read in few blogs, that you can have your FBI background check in US while you are in US at your cost. You can then present that report to Visa officer at the time of interview. Not sure if that would help but thats an option. Now the part I am missing here is duration for background check, and cost for background check.

3. Give your house keys/car keys to trusted neighbours or friends, I paid $750 because my car was towed and they added $30/day as space charge, for a total of 20-25 days and made a bill of $750, If I sell it I wont get $1000 for that car, but I paid $750 for that car and I know I will have to spend more to fix car (especially after it is towed).

Facts about 221g,
1. If you get 221g once, 80 % chances are you will get it everytime, so be prepared next time you plan to travel India for stamping, you atleast plan for a 3-4 months trip (Bad part of my trip was, I brought clothes only for 15 days vacation , I was very over confident).

2. No point in doing analysis and taking stress thinking about the situation, you just have to educate yourself there are few things that are outside our scope and ability and we cannot do anything but to wait. And 221g is one of them. You can only wait and let the process continue. The more you think about it the more you will spoil your health.

3. Keep checking your status not just on CEAC website, but also by calling DOS to get latest updates on your case once a week. Speak with your company attorney if it takes more than 90 days.

4. I observed a trend for issuing visa. There are basically two types of cases one that is simple and is issued with in a month time and there are cases that take more than a month time. First type of case are issued through out the month for all consulates but for the second type of cases they process in batch and one consulate at a time, like first Delhi, then Chennai, then Hyderabad and the list goes on... I could be wrong, but this is just my observation, so if you have crossed say two months then keep watching other consulate cases if the date is same as yours then the lot could move to your consulate soon.

5. There is no fixed time for processing. Get this straight, being positive and hoping for good is good but expecting results next day is not realistic and would soon stress you out. So educate yourself that 221g process atleast takes 3 months of time, if you get early you are lucky. Consider this as, it takes atleast 18 hours to travel from US to India.

I have gone through this pain and I realize how painful it is to go through this phase, but there's a light at the end of the tunell. I pray to Almighty that this period soon ends for everyone with positive results. Especially for those who are working and have their families seperated.

May Allah make it easy on all of us and help us get through this period.

Would be happy to answer any questions you may have related to my case.

** Please don't consider this as a legal advice, these are purely my observations only and I could be wrong.

[akhan1]

Congrats

Congrats Taher. Is there a clearance date on your visa ?

-Asif

Hello (As Salaamu Alaikum Wr Wb) All,

I received 221(g) white form with nothing written on it on May-03-2013 (Friday) at Hyderabad and my visa was issued this Friday - 08/23/2013. It took almost 3 months 15 days for processing after I submitted my documents, more details below.

Brief overview of my case for your reference,

Interview Date: MAY-03-2013
Interview Location: Hyderabad
Visa Class: H1B, I-140 approved.
Employee Type: Full Time Employee

I went to Visa Interview with my wife.
I was asked very basic questions, interview lasted less than a minute,
Me:
1. Who's your employer
2. What's your salary
3. Are you renewing your H1 with the same employer as previous.

My wife:
1. How long are you married

Visa Officer took my Passport, I-797 and my wife's passport. I was issued only 1 case number for me and my wife processing.

I was Issued 221 g white, got email same day with basic questions and was asked to submit resume in text format and (optional) supporting documents (professional reference).
Replied email with below supporting documents,
1. Resume in text format
2. Client Letter
3. Experience Letters.
4. Masters Degree and Transcripts.
5. Certifications.
6. Most recent Pay Stubs.
7. I-129 Petition.
8. Previous I-797 Approvals.
9. All Previous W2's.
10. I-140 Approval.

And the waiting started, below are all updated dates for my case

May 2 - Case Create Date

2 weeks no updates, and then updates started happening to my case,

May 17
May 29
June 3
June 6
June 11 (I thought I made it, but less I knew I had to wait couple of months more)

And then no updates for two months, was literally frustated, called DOS, VFS, sent emails. Nothing helped. After completing 90 days, spoke to attorney, he initiated enquiry on my case, but no response, finally,

August 20
August 21
August 22 - Status changed to Issued
August 23 - got an email from consulate that document were handed over to VFS- Hyderabad. My wife picked her passport and my passport on my behalf.

Total time, if we do maths, is 3 months and 15 days, thats almost 105 days.

These 3-4 months were not easy for me and I am sure its not easy for many of us, paying bills in US, you need to have proper savings and then your company should support you while you are working from India.

Below are lessons learnt for me, next time when I come to India for stamping,
1. First and foremost take care of house rent in US, I paid $1600/month. Next time when I plan to travel India for stamping, I will put my stuff in a storage house so that I don't have to worry about house rent. Will plan trip at the end of the lease.

2. I read in few blogs, that you can have your FBI background check in US while you are in US at your cost. You can then present that report to Visa officer at the time of interview. Not sure if that would help but thats an option. Now the part I am missing here is duration for background check, and cost for background check.

3. Give your house keys/car keys to trusted neighbours or friends, I paid $750 because my car was towed and they added $30/day as space charge, for a total of 20-25 days and made a bill of $750, If I sell it I wont get $1000 for that car, but I paid $750 for that car and I know I will have to spend more to fix car (especially after it is towed).

Facts about 221g,
1. If you get 221g once, 80 % chances are you will get it everytime, so be prepared next time you plan to travel India for stamping, you atleast plan for a 3-4 months trip (Bad part of my trip was, I brought clothes only for 15 days vacation , I was very over confident).

2. No point in doing analysis and taking stress thinking about the situation, you just have to educate yourself there are few things that are outside our scope and ability and we cannot do anything but to wait. And 221g is one of them. You can only wait and let the process continue. The more you think about it the more you will spoil your health.

3. Keep checking your status not just on CEAC website, but also by calling DOS to get latest updates on your case once a week. Speak with your company attorney if it takes more than 90 days.

4. I observed a trend for issuing visa. There are basically two types of cases one that is simple and is issued with in a month time and there are cases that take more than a month time. First type of case are issued through out the month for all consulates but for the second type of cases they process in batch and one consulate at a time, like first Delhi, then Chennai, then Hyderabad and the list goes on... I could be wrong, but this is just my observation, so if you have crossed say two months then keep watching other consulate cases if the date is same as yours then the lot could move to your consulate soon.

5. There is no fixed time for processing. Get this straight, being positive and hoping for good is good but expecting results next day is not realistic and would soon stress you out. So educate yourself that 221g process atleast takes 3 months of time, if you get early you are lucky. Consider this as, it takes atleast 18 hours to travel from US to India.

I have gone through this pain and I realize how painful it is to go through this phase, but there's a light at the end of the tunell. I pray to Almighty that this period soon ends for everyone with positive results. Especially for those who are working and have their families seperated.

May Allah make it easy on all of us and help us get through this period.

Would be happy to answer any questions you may have related to my case.

** Please don't consider this as a legal advice, these are purely my observations only and I could be wrong.

[tahersub4t]

Clearance Date

Congrats Taher. Is there a clearance date on your visa ?

-Asif

Jazakallah Khair.

Clearance Date is AUG-19-2013. I updated this information in my post.

[USER553]

Jazakallah Khair.

Clearance Date is AUG-19-2013. I updated this information in my post.

Congrats Tahir..

[akhan1]

Thanks

Thanks Taher. Do you happen to know the clearance date for Mirza? My case is very similar to mirza's. Not a single update for the past 6 months (interview date). New Delhi Embassy.

Jazakallah Khair.

Clearance Date is AUG-19-2013. I updated this information in my post.