What 221(g) means
In U.S. immigration practice, 221(g) generally refers to a temporary refusal or hold often tied to missing documents or administrative processing. Exact use can vary by agency, form, and case posture.
Why 221(g) matters
- 221(g) can affect eligibility, deadlines, status, travel, work authorization, court strategy, or consular processing.
- Ask where 221(g) appears: a USCIS notice, EOIR filing, visa refusal sheet, form instruction, or lawyer memo.
- Do not assume 221(g) means the same thing in family, employment, humanitarian, and court contexts.
Question to ask about 221(g)
If 221(g) appears in your immigration paperwork, ask what agency uses the term and what deadline or evidence issue it creates.