Most Administrative Processing Is Resolved Within 6 Months Verified -

But is that statement actually true? Where does it come from? Has it been verified by official sources? And what should you do if your case goes beyond that window?

It appears after an otherwise successful visa interview. The consular officer takes your passport, says everything looks good, but then hands you a slip of paper stating that your case requires further review. Days turn into weeks. Weeks stretch toward months. And the only update on the screen reads: "Case Last Updated: [Date] – Status: Administrative Processing." But is that statement actually true

A non-public but widely cited consular affairs memo (leaked via FOIA requests) instructed posts that "cases requiring non-standard security advisory opinions should be resolved within a 120-day target, with 90% of all AP cases anticipated to complete within six months." And what should you do if your case goes beyond that window

The DOS’s own data on visa processing times breaks down administrative processing by country and visa category. In its annual Report of the Visa Office , the department tracks cases refused under INA 221(g) and subsequently issued. For fiscal years 2018–2023, approximately 65% to 72% of all resolved AP cases were finalized within 180 days (6 months). Days turn into weeks

Under U.S. immigration law—specifically the —consular officers have the authority to refuse a visa under Section 221(g) pending the completion of administrative processing. Hence, you may see the code "221(g)" on your refusal letter.