F1 renewal, 221(g) after interview waiver program - visa issued after 30 days

[dpkcu]

Hi,

I just wanted to share my experience renewing my F-1 visa.

I am a Ph.D. student. I came to renew my F-1 visa on the interview waiver program at the Chennai consulate on March 6. After 2 weeks of submitting fingerprints and passport at OFC, my passport was returned without stamping along with a blue slip asking me to appear for a personal interview. I attended the personal interview at the consulate and was given a pink 221(g) slip by VO. A lady at the counter asked me to submit my resume. It has been a painful wait since then. I have been seeing dreaded wait times of 3-4 months for many cases. But fortunately, my case status has changed to "Issued" in consulate's online 221g tracking system exactly after 30 days of receiving the pink slip.

I would recommend F1 students seeking to renew their F-1 visa to expect the dreaded 221(g) pink slip and prepare your vacation accordingly. What I have heard is that for Ph.D. students, the chances of getting 221(g) are quite high even if you are not in a TAL field (mine was EE). Also, in my experience, appearing in person for an interview rather than the interview waiver process can speed up the process even if you receive 221(g).

Wishing all 221(g) folks good luck!

[F1struggle]

Thanks for sharing! I am looking to start a PhD program in a year's time and I was wondering how the visa experience is. Weird that they make PhD students go through this becuase PhDs are usually granted by accredited universities, not fake ones! Do they mention any reason for 221(g) usually?

[F1struggle]

Also, how was your interview? Did they ask too many questions?

[Sathishkumar]

Hey dpkcu,

I got 221g when I applied for F1 visa (MS in chemical eng) in 2008.I had waited nearly 60 days (including weekends).Now, I came for F1 VISA renewal for Phd program.I was surprised when they gave me 221g again in chennai consulate.Can you please provide me exact time length for stamping.Those 30 days include weekends too? or only working days?

[t75]

Who knows. They are stricter now than on 2008

[Sathishkumar]

@t75:

So, you are saying that it will take longer than 2008?