221g for J1 visa - no additional information requested (US Embassy in London)

[chouchou10 0]

Hello everyone, 

 

I would like to obtain any information or insights on this situation. 

I went to the US Embassy in London on the 4th of August 2023 for my J1 visa to do professional training at a European company in New York for 18 months. I should be starting on the 1st of September 2023 and I am a bit worried. I went to the interview and I was asked why I was in the US for 2 months back in February. I answered that I was on holiday. I was asked what my plans were after the 18 months and I stated that I did not have a job prepared in 18 months but it would definitely be in 'my field' in either London or Paris. Another question was what my position will be in the company. Another question was if I was currently employed (which I am not) and asked if I have worked and I stated where I used to work a few months back. I was then to my surprise told that my visa was for the moment refused and that it sometimes happens and has to go through administrative processing without any additional information/documentation from my part. I asked how long it will take as I am not a tight timeline and was told that it depends. I have a french, british and algerian passport and I am applying for the visa with my french passport. Can anyone please let me know why I was refused and how long it should take? Is it because of the Algerian passport (which is actually expired). 

 

Thank you

[Boiler 45,488]

My guess the way you described it is that it is the nature of the job

[SalishSea 17,829]

59 minutes ago, chouchou10 said:

Hello everyone, 

 

I would like to obtain any information or insights on this situation. 

I went to the US Embassy in London on the 4th of August 2023 for my J1 visa to do professional training at a European company in New York for 18 months. I should be starting on the 1st of September 2023 and I am a bit worried. I went to the interview and I was asked why I was in the US for 2 months back in February. I answered that I was on holiday. I was asked what my plans were after the 18 months and I stated that I did not have a job prepared in 18 months but it would definitely be in 'my field' in either London or Paris. Another question was what my position will be in the company. Another question was if I was currently employed (which I am not) and asked if I have worked and I stated where I used to work a few months back. I was then to my surprise told that my visa was for the moment refused and that it sometimes happens and has to go through administrative processing without any additional information/documentation from my part. I asked how long it will take as I am not a tight timeline and was told that it depends. I have a french, british and algerian passport and I am applying for the visa with my french passport. Can anyone please let me know why I was refused and how long it should take? Is it because of the Algerian passport (which is actually expired). 

 

Thank you

Sounds like they suspect immigrant intent.

[chouchou10 0]

I have no intention in remaining in the USA after my 18 months. Therefore, how can they believe I have the intention to immigrate? 

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

3 minutes ago, chouchou10 said:

I have no intention in remaining in the USA after my 18 months. Therefore, how can they believe I have the intention to immigrate? 

They need only suspicion....not proof.  Your case probably has triggered extensive background checks.  It could take a while...or it could be done quickly.  

Edited August 5, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[chouchou10 0]

25 minutes ago, Boiler said:

My guess the way you described it is that it is the nature of the job

The job is in Finance in a European company 

Edited August 5, 2023 by chouchou10

[chouchou10 0]

2 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

They need only suspicion....not proof.  You case probably has triggered extensive background checks.  It could take a while...or it could be done quickly.  

Because of the supposed immigration intent or because of my Algerian citizenship do you believe? I found out today that Algeria is on the US watch list unfortunately. 

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

1 minute ago, chouchou10 said:

Because of the supposed immigration intent or because of my Algerian citizenship do you believe? I found out today that Algeria is on the US watch list unfortunately. 

Yes, imo.

[chouchou10 0]

1 minute ago, Crazy Cat said:

Yes, imo.

Are checks for watch list countries citizenship usually long? Could I even be denied? 

[chouchou10 0]

Just now, chouchou10 said:

Are checks for watch list countries citizenship usually long? Could I even be denied? 

I never grew up in Algeria. I was born and raised in the UK and only have the citizenship through my parents. 

[Boiler 45,488]

I have family who did a stint in Chicago and New York, they worked in Finance.

 

But they were Employees I never heard of anyone who just went there for training without continuing.

 

So that is what struck me as odd.

 

 

[SalishSea 17,829]

1 hour ago, chouchou10 said:

Are checks for watch list countries citizenship usually long? Could I even be denied? 

You could definitely be denied.

[SalishSea 17,829]

1 hour ago, chouchou10 said:

I never grew up in Algeria. I was born and raised in the UK and only have the citizenship through my parents. 

There are extremists everywhere, unfortunately.   
 

I think your bigger issue is overcoming the perception of immigrant intent.   The CO is required to evaluate your application through this lens.

[VinnyH 59]

Is it for a VIE ("Volontariat International en Entreprise")? As a French citizen, I came to the U.S. on a J-1 visa for my training in a French bank.

 

The visa consular agents are extremely careful that you demonstrate to them that you have no immigrant intent by proving your ties to your home country, and make sure that you plan to go back home after your trainee program.

[CoconutBaby 0]

16 hours ago, VinnyH said:

 

Edited August 6, 2023 by CoconutBaby
Error