Status & interviews
Can I receive a 221(g) refusal or another visa refusal after I-797 approval?
Updated: October 29, 2026
Yes. USCIS petition approval, consular visa issuance and admission at the border are separate stages. A 221(g) decision is legally a visa refusal and may involve additional documents or administrative processing. The case may later be reconsidered and a visa issued after the outstanding issues are resolved; it does not necessarily mean permanent failure. Follow the consulate’s notice and seek legal assessment for other refusal grounds or a complex history.
Next step
Review consular preparation tasks.
Review consular preparation tasks →Official policy resources
Use the official rules applicable at filing and the notices for your individual case.