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How to check your US visa status
Step one: open CEAC Visa Status Check and choose nonimmigrant (NIV) or immigrant (IV).
Step two: enter the number requested. Nonimmigrant applicants use the Application ID from the DS-160 confirmation, in a format such as AA0020AKAX, or the case number given by the Embassy. The Control Number at the top right of the visa is 14 digits with no letters, entered with a space after the 7th and 10th digits.
Step three: enter the CAPTCHA and submit. Applicants who completed their forms before 1 January 2022 enter NA in the passport and surname fields.
What the statuses mean
Issued: the officer has approved and issued the visa; the next step is the return of the passport.
Refused under 221(g): the State Department's Visa Denials page says this means further administrative processing is required or eligibility has not yet been established. The applicant has one year from the refusal to submit the additional information; after that, a new application and fee are needed. During this period CEAC may show Refused even though the final result may change to Issued.
Refused under 214(b): the applicant has not overcome the presumption of immigrant intent. The refusal applies to that application, there is no appeal, and a new application should show significant changes in circumstances. See US visa refusals.
Legal basis. 22 CFR 41.121(a) requires nonimmigrant refusals to rest on legal grounds such as INA 212(a), 214(b), 221(g) and 222(g), and (c) allows review of a refusal to be deferred for up to 120 days where the ineligibility may be overcome by further evidence.
Administrative processing
The State Department's administrative processing page says the officer informs the applicant at the end of the interview, the duration varies with the circumstances of each case, and processing times exclude the time to return passports by courier or mail.
Applicants asked for documents should provide a complete response as soon as possible; those with urgent hardship should inform the consular section where they applied. The Department advises applying well before the planned travel date.
While you wait
Avoid non-refundable tickets until the status is Issued and you have your passport back, as administrative processing has no fixed timeframe.
Keep the officer's notice. A 221(g) notice lists the documents required and how to submit them, and the one-year period runs from the refusal date.
Check periodically. CEAC changes when processing ends; frequent inquiries do not speed it up.
Visa Connext status support
Visa Connext reviews the officer's notice, identifies whether the refusal is under 221(g) or 214(b), prepares any requested documents within the deadline and plans a new application where needed. See our US visa service.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I check my US visa status online?
In the State Department's CEAC Visa Status Check, using the Application ID from the DS-160 confirmation or the case number given by the Embassy.
Source: CEAC Visa Status Check
Does Refused mean my visa was denied?
Not always. A 221(g) refusal for documents or further processing may change to Issued when processing ends. A 214(b) refusal ends that application and requires a new one.
Source: U.S. Department of State: Visa Denials · CU Boulder ISSS
How long do I have to respond to a 221(g) notice?
One year from the refusal date; after that you must reapply and pay a new fee.
How long does administrative processing take?
There is no fixed timeframe. The State Department says it varies with the circumstances of each case and excludes passport return time.
Can I appeal a 214(b) refusal?
No. The refusal applies to that application; a new application should show significant changes in circumstances.
Where do I find my Application ID?
On the DS-160 confirmation page, in a letter-and-number format such as AA0020AKAX.
Source: CEAC Visa Status Check
Sources and legal texts used on this page
- U.S. Department of State — CEAC Visa Status Check
checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Administrative Processing Information
checked 30 Oct 2026 - U.S. Department of State — Visa Denials
checked 30 Oct 2026 - 22 CFR 41.121 — Refusal of individual visas
last amended 84 FR 16612 (22 Apr 2019) · checked 30 Oct 2026 - University of Colorado Boulder ISSS — Administrative Processing
checked 30 Oct 2026