CEAC status “Refused”: what it means and how long it takes
As of 2 November 2026, the median resolved nonimmigrant 221(g) case spent 1 day between the interview and CEAC changing to Approved or Issued, across 550 tracked cases; 68% cleared within a week and 6% took more than 60 days. CEAC may show "Refused" for this whole period.
For a 221(g) case, "Refused" is the legal status while the consulate waits for documents or finishes administrative processing. It can still change to Issued; a 214(b) refusal is different and is final for that application.
What it means
- The State Department says a consular officer can only issue or refuse a completed visa application. When the officer needs more documents or wants administrative processing, the application is refused under section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, and CEAC shows "Refused".
- The State Department also says a 221(g) refusal can be reconsidered later, once you send the requested information or administrative processing is resolved. That is why many cases go from "Refused" straight to Approved or Issued.
- A refusal under 214(b) (not showing nonimmigrant intent) also shows as "Refused". In that case the officer tells you at the interview and usually hands you a letter citing 214(b). That refusal is final for this application, and you would need to apply again.
- If the officer asked for documents, the State Department says you have one year from the refusal date to send them. After that you must reapply and pay the fee again.
How long people stay in this status
Nonimmigrant visas (H-1B, H-4, L-1, F-1, B1/B2 and others): interview date to the first day CEAC showed Approved or Issued, across 550 cases.
Where applicants reported when they sent their documents, CEAC changed to Approved or Issued a median of 13 days later (135 cases).
Still waiting: 876 tracked cases have no reported outcome yet. They are a median of 299 days past their interview, and 92% are past 60 days. Some of these may have finished without an update being shared.
Immigrant visas, shown separately because they take much longer: interview date to the first day CEAC showed Approved or Issued, across 46 cases.
CEAC can show Refused or Administrative Processing for the same stage, so these numbers cover both labels.
Based on reports applicants share publicly, anonymised. Cases with no outcome yet have no end date, so they are not in the medians. How we measure.
What to do next
- Check which letter you were given. A 221(g) slip means the case is still open; a 214(b) letter means it is closed.
- If the slip asks for documents, send exactly what it lists, in the format and through the channel it names, as soon as you can.
- Write down your interview date and the date you sent documents, so you can compare your wait with the medians on this page.
- If your wait is well past the medians, follow the inquiry steps in the playbook rather than contacting the consulate every week.
Quick answers
Does CEAC "Refused" mean my visa is denied?
Not always. A 221(g) case shows "Refused" while documents are pending or administrative processing runs, and the State Department says it can be reconsidered later. A 214(b) refusal also shows "Refused" but is final for that application.
How long does CEAC stay on Refused after a 221(g)?
In 550 tracked nonimmigrant cases, the median was 1 day from interview to Approved or Issued. Ninety percent finished within 37 days. The State Department says processing time depends on each case.
How long do I have to send documents after a 221(g)?
One year from the date of refusal, per the State Department. After that you must reapply and pay the application fee again.
Related CEAC statuses
- CEAC “Administrative Processing”: what it means
- CEAC “Approved”: what it means
- CEAC “Issued”: what it means
- CEAC Refused to Issued: how long it takes
- What a 221(g) white slip means
- Wait times by consulate
- The 221(g) playbook: what to do and when
Other statuses: Ready · Application Received · At NVC · In Transit · Expired
Community data, not legal advice.