On March 3, 2020, the Department of State made an update to the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website, our online portal for visa applicants. A visa applicant whose case previously displayed as being in “Administrative Processing” on his or her case status page now displays as being “refused.”
There has been no change in such applicants’ actual cases. This is an administrative change to more accurately communicate case status to applicants.
Visa applicants whose case status on CEAC had previously displayed as “Administrative Processing” had been refused under section 221(g) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Although some refusals under INA section 221(g) can be overturned, the change in the CEAC correctly reflects that the applicant’s visa application has been refused. That status may change if the applicant can demonstrate to a consular officer he or she is eligible for a visa or if information comes to the attention of the consular officer from other sources that resolve any outstanding issues relating to the applicant’s eligibility for the visa.
The applicant should refer to the instructions the consular officer gave at the end of the visa interview and to travel.state.gov/visas for more information about his or her case.
