My Wife’s Visa Interview Experience – Refused Under Section 221(g) – Seeking Advice

[ChrisPapa 4]

My wife had her visa interview in Pakistan last week. Unfortunately, she was given a white paper stating that the visa was refused under Section 221(g). The Consular Officer (CO) checked the box for "Administrative Processing" and informed her that she needs to wait for further updates.

 

Background:

This is a second marriage for both of us, and we’ve been married for 5 years. During the interview, the CO asked for my divorce documents from my first marriage in the U.S., which my wife provided.

 

Next, the CO requested my birth certificate, but I didn’t have it available. I had assumed that my passport, naturalization certificate, and driver’s license would suffice in place of the birth certificate.

 

Finally, the CO asked for our Family Registration Certificate from Pakistan, which I was unaware of until that moment.

 

As a result, my wife’s visa was refused, and she received the white paper with Section 221(g) and "Administrative Processing" checked.

 

What Should I Do Now?

 

I’m unsure of the next steps to take. Any advice or insights from others who have experienced something similar would be greatly appreciated.

[Boiler 45,584]

If they asked for any documents send them in, otherwise you are waiting.

[Crazy Cat 41,922]

58 minutes ago, ChrisPapa said:

What Should I Do Now?

Nothing, other than giving them what they ask for.  Extended administrative processing is extremely common for Pakistan cases.  AP can be neither waived nor expedited.   You just have to wait it out...or sue.

Edited November 24 by Crazy Cat

[ChrisPapa 4]

I am thinking about waiting 60 days then take the next steps.  Is it better to sue or contact my Senator for help?

[milimelo 4,487]

Get them all they asked for. If you married in Pakistan, wouldn't you have the family registration certificate already?

[ChrisPapa 4]

 

13 minutes ago, milimelo said:

Get them all they asked for. If you married in Pakistan, wouldn't you have the family registration certificate already?

 

Yes we were married there. 

I didnt know there was such a thing as Family Registration Certificate until the interview. So I got the FRC and I have submitted it online.

 

[appleblossom 2,594]

43 minutes ago, ChrisPapa said:

I am thinking about waiting 60 days then take the next steps.  Is it better to sue or contact my Senator for help?

 

Suing after only 60 days would be a waste of money, filing a WOM after such a short time would mean the case is very likely to just be thrown out. 

 

Your senator can't help either, AP can't be expedited. So it's just a case of wait and see, and hope that it's not too long. 

 

Good luck. 

Edited November 24 by appleblossom

[ChrisPapa 4]

17 minutes ago, appleblossom said:

Suing after only 60 days would be a waste of money, filing a WOM after such a short time would mean the case is very likely to just be thrown out. 

 

I guess I will just wait then.

 

How long should I wait before filing WOM?

[appleblossom 2,594]

3 minutes ago, ChrisPapa said:

 

I guess I will just wait then.

 

How long should I wait before filing WOM?

 

The general consensus used to be after a year of AP, but recently even those have been dismissed in court I believe - if you search the forum you'll find some recent experiences.

 

Good luck. 

[SteveInBostonI130 3,465]

2 hours ago, ChrisPapa said:

I am thinking about waiting 60 days then take the next steps.  Is it better to sue or contact my Senator for help?

 

No.  AP cannot be expedited.  Pakistan does not accept police clearance certificates because they are unreliable.  They have an agency to perform the background check on your spouse.

 

A WoM can lead to denial if it forces them to make a decision before the background checks are complete.

[Bob in Boston 719]

Send them your birth certificate, They wanted that too. Play the game by their rules

[ChrisPapa 4]

Ok, so now I got an email last night from the embassy in Islamabad stating the following:

 

Dear Applicant,

 

We are writing about your immigrant visa application, which is refused under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

 

Please take the following actions:

 

• Submit valid passport
• Create / Update profile to submit / receive documents via courier, use link https://ustraveldocs.com/pk/

 

Does this mean my spouse's visa has been approved or do they want the passport to stamp it with Rejection?

[Lemonslice 4,862]

On 11/24/2024 at 3:36 PM, Bob in Boston said:

Send them your birth certificate, They wanted that too. Play the game by their rules

Birth certificate provides more details than a passport.  The parents names can be used to verify if anyone is related since in some states, you can't be married to your cousin.  Marriage between cousins is not uncommon in Pakistan.    

[Lemonslice 4,862]

5 hours ago, ChrisPapa said:

Ok, so now I got an email last night from the embassy in Islamabad stating the following:

 

Dear Applicant,

 

We are writing about your immigrant visa application, which is refused under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

 

Please take the following actions:

 

• Submit valid passport
• Create / Update profile to submit / receive documents via courier, use link https://ustraveldocs.com/pk/

 

Does this mean my spouse's visa has been approved or do they want the passport to stamp it with Rejection?

It sounds positive, but you won't know before she sends her passport.