CEAC Status Codes Explained: NIV/IV “Ready,” “AP/Refused,” and “Issued” — What They Mean and What To Do
CEAC case status codes explained (NIV/IV): what each label means and what you should do next
The Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) shows short status labels for both nonimmigrant visas (NIV) and immigrant visas (IV). These labels are brief, sometimes confusing, and they differ slightly by visa type and consular post. This guide decodes the most common statuses, clarifies the difference between a final refusal and a temporary 221(g), and gives you specific actions and timelines to manage your case confidently.
Key idea: CEAC status is a snapshot, not a legal decision by itself. The details panel and your interview letter/221(g) slip control what happens next. Always follow the instructions from your post.
NIV vs IV: two similar but different tracks
- NIV (DS-160): temporary travel—tourism, business, study, work, exchange. CEAC labels are short and rotate quickly around the interview event.
- IV (DS-260): permanent residence (green card). CEAC shows a longer pre-interview path (At NVC → In Transit → Ready) and then post-interview statuses like Administrative Processing, Issued, or Refused.
At-a-glance tables: status → meaning → next step
| Status | What it means | Your next step | Typical window* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ready | Interview is scheduled or the post is ready to receive you/documents. | Attend interview or follow the post’s scheduling/packet instructions. | Until interview date |
| Administrative Processing | Case is open but paused for checks or documents. | Follow 221(g) instructions. Track CEAC for “Case Last Updated”. | Weeks to months |
| Refused | Since 2020, many 221(g) cases display “Refused” while pending; can also mean a final 214(b)/212(a) denial. | Read the panel text and your slip. If 221(g), submit items; if final denial, see reapply/waiver options. | Varies |
| Issued | Visa approved and printed. | Watch courier tracking. Verify visa data on arrival. | 1–7 business days to delivery |
| No Status | Record exists but not yet in a post-interview phase; can also appear during internal system updates. | If interview is set, wait; otherwise follow post’s instructions. | Short |
*Illustrative windows only; posts differ.
| Status | What it means | Your next step | Typical window* |
|---|---|---|---|
| At NVC | NVC is building the case, reviewing civil/financial docs, or waiting for visa number/interview slot. | Upload missing items, pay fees, monitor Documentarily Qualified email. | Weeks to months |
| In Transit | Case shipped from NVC to the consular post. | Wait for Ready at the post; follow medical/police cert timing guidance. | 3–15 days |
| Ready | Consular post has received your file and is ready for interview/doc intake. | Attend interview as scheduled; follow the post’s pre-interview instructions. | Until interview date |
| Administrative Processing | Case under review after interview (checks, documents, or corrections). | Respond to 221(g) precisely; track CEAC and email updates. | Weeks to months |
| Refused | Either a temporary 221(g) (text explains) or a final refusal under 212(a)/other grounds. | Follow 221(g) slip or consider waivers/appeals per refusal ground. | Varies |
| Issued | Visa printed (and immigrant packet/annotation prepared, if applicable). | Track courier. Pay USCIS immigrant fee if required. | 1–10 business days |
*Illustrative windows only.
“Case Last Updated” is often the clearest signal that your file was touched—document intake, routing, or a decision. A new date does not always mean approval, but long periods with no change after you submitted items may justify a polite follow-up.
The “Refused” puzzle: 221(g) vs final denial
Many applicants panic when CEAC shows Refused right after the interview. That label can mean two different things:
- Temporary refusal under INA 221(g) (often called Administrative Processing). The details box usually says the case is pending checks or additional documents. Your case remains open and can move to Issued once the condition is satisfied.
- Final refusal under a statutory section (e.g., 214(b) for NIV ties; 212(a) inadmissibility). The officer typically explains the ground at or after the interview. CEAC may show “Refused” with text referencing the section.
How to tell: read the 221(g) slip or refusal sheet given at the window and copy the exact wording from the CEAC details panel. If the post requested documents, it is 221(g). If the sheet cites 214(b) or 212(a) with no further action, it’s a final refusal unless a waiver applies.
Typical life cycles
NIV flow (illustrative)
- Ready → interview scheduled/expected.
- Interview happens → status becomes Administrative Processing or Refused (221(g)) for checks/docs; or goes straight to Issued after printing queue.
- Once cleared → Issued → delivery.
IV flow (illustrative)
- At NVC → fees + DS-260 + docs; wait for DQ and interview slot.
- In Transit → case shipped to post.
- Ready → pre-interview medical + interview.
- Post-interview → AP / Refused (221(g)) or Issued.
Status-specific playbooks
Ready (NIV/IV)
- Confirm appointment time and location. Re-read the post’s web page for document lists, photo requirements, and medical exam timing (IV).
- For IVs, check police certificate validity windows and the medical exam validity (often 6 months; consult your panel physician’s guidance).
Administrative Processing
- Identify whether the post requested documents or it’s AP only.
- Respond exactly as instructed (CEAC uploads, email, or courier). Label files consistently; include translations and certification.
- Track CEAC’s Case Last Updated. If nothing changes 15 business days after submission, send a short follow-up; continue at 30/60/90 days if still pending.
Refused (final)
- For 214(b) NIV: you may reapply with stronger ties or different facts. There is no formal appeal.
- For 212(a) grounds: consult the officer sheet. Some grounds allow waivers or additional evidence. Others are permanent or time-limited.
Issued
- When your passport returns, verify biographic data, visa class, and visa expiration. Report typos immediately.
- For IVs, pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee (if applicable) and travel before your medical or visa expires.
Visual cheat sheet
| Phase | NIV label | IV label | Common action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-interview | Ready / No Status | At NVC → In Transit → Ready | Schedule, prepare documents, medical (IV) |
| Post-interview (pending) | Administrative Processing / Refused (221(g)) | Administrative Processing / Refused (221(g)) | Submit docs, wait for checks, track CEAC |
| Decision | Issued or Refused (final) | Issued or Refused (final) | Courier tracking or review options |
Timing signals & follow-up etiquette
- Case Last Updated changed within 5–15 business days after you submitted documents → your packet likely entered the queue. Wait before re-emailing.
- No change after 30 days → send a polite inquiry (include your case number, full name, and a one-line index of what you submitted).
- Material urgency (program start date, medical need) → request an expedite with proof. Expedites can speed internal handling but do not bypass mandatory checks.
Frequent pitfalls
- Misreading “Refused”: treat it as 221(g) unless the slip or the panel text says it is final.
- Multiple channels: submitting the same packet by email, portal, and courier creates duplicates and slows intake.
- Inconsistencies across DS-160/260, CV, and DS-5535 (dates, job titles, addresses). Align them before resubmitting.
- Expired medical/police certs at IV stage can force re-exams/re-issuance windows.
- Booking non-refundable travel before seeing Issued is risky; CEAC snapshots can change.
Quick Guide
- Identify visa path: NIV (DS-160) vs IV (DS-260). The labels differ slightly.
- Read the CEAC details box and your slip. That text tells you whether it’s a 221(g) hold or a final refusal.
- Map next steps (documents, medical, police certificates, verifications). Label files and include translations.
- Track “Case Last Updated” and keep a dated log.
- Follow-up cadence: 30/60/90 days if pending; include a one-line index of what you sent.
- Consider expedite only with documented urgency; it does not override legal checks.
- On “Issued”: verify visa data; IVs pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee if required.
FAQ
1) CEAC shows “Refused” the day of my interview. Did I fail?
Not necessarily. Many posts use “Refused” as the holding label for 221(g). Read the details panel and your slip; if it references Administrative Processing or requested documents, your case is still active.
2) What is the difference between “Administrative Processing” and “Refused”?
They often describe the same 221(g) state. Some posts show Administrative Processing; others show Refused with text explaining the 221(g). A separate final refusal cites a statutory ground like 214(b) or 212(a).
3) How long does 221(g) take?
There is no fixed time. Document-only cases can resolve in weeks; security checks can take several months. Watch “Case Last Updated,” and use a 30/60/90-day inquiry cadence.
4) CEAC changed to “Issued” but my courier tracking is blank. Normal?
Yes. Printing, quality control, and handoff to the courier can take several days. Check your email and the courier portal linked by the post.
5) What does “No Status” mean?
It appears when the record exists but is not in an active post-decision phase. It can also appear during system maintenance. If you have an interview date, simply wait.
6) For IV, what is the order before the interview?
Most cases go At NVC → In Transit → Ready. “At NVC” can last while you or NVC resolve documents and wait for a slot. “In Transit” is brief. “Ready” means the post has your file.
7) My IV is “Ready,” but my medical will expire soon. What should I do?
Follow the panel physician’s guidance and the post’s instructions. If your medical will expire before visa issuance, the officer may request a refresh after AP clears.
8) Can a congressional inquiry or expedite force approval?
No. They can help clarify status or accelerate handling in documented emergencies, but they cannot bypass legal checks.
9) What if CEAC stops updating after I sent documents?
Wait 10–15 business days, then send a concise follow-up. Include your case number, submission date, and a 1-line list of documents uploaded.
10) My case was finally refused. Can I reapply or seek a waiver?
For 214(b) NIV, you can reapply with stronger evidence or changed circumstances. For 212(a) grounds, some have waivers; consult the refusal sheet and official guidance for eligibility.
Base técnica & legal (recursos oficiais)
- INA §221(g) — temporary refusal pending documents or processing.
- 9 FAM 403.2-5 — refusal procedures and 221(g) handling for NIV.
- 9 FAM 504.11 — immigrant visa case processing and post-interview actions (AP/issuance/refusal).
- 22 C.F.R. §41.121 (NIV refusals) and 22 C.F.R. §42.81 (IV refusals).
- CEAC Case Status — official portal for NIV/IV status and “Case Last Updated.”
- DS-160 / DS-260 instructions — application forms tied to CEAC records.
Nota: Labels and presentation can vary by post and over time. The slip or email from your consulate governs your next steps if the website wording conflicts.
Action checklist
- ✅ Capture a screenshot of your CEAC panel (status + text) after each change.
- ✅ Store copies of everything you submit (PDF bundle, translations, receipts).
- ✅ Keep a simple timeline: interview date, submissions, “Case Last Updated.”
- ✅ Use polite, short follow-ups at 30/60/90 days with proof of prior submissions.
- ✅ Consider expedite only with documented urgency.
- ✅ After “Issued,” verify your visa upon delivery; report typos immediately.