Recently, a US based technology company contacted us after their employee’s H1B visa was refused at the US Embassy in London. The employee, a highly skilled software engineer, had been working in the US for several years and had traveled to London for visa stamping. However, instead of receiving visa approval, he was subjected to administrative processing, followed by an outright refusal under INA 221(g). The company was eager to have him return to the US to resume his work, but they were unsure how to proceed after the refusal.
We spoke with the employee and reviewed the refusal notice. During his visa interview, the consular officer had questioned the legitimacy of his H1B employment, focusing on whether his role truly required a specialized degree. The officer also expressed concerns about the employer’s ability to pay the offered wage, despite the company being a well established firm. These types of refusals are common when the consulate believes the underlying H1B petition does not meet the legal criteria, even if USCIS had already approved it.
After taking on the case, we immediately contacted the London Consulate to request clarification on the refusal. We submitted a legal memorandum with strong supporting documents, the consulate agreed to reconsider the refusal and requested that our client return for a new interview.
At the second interview, our client presented the additional evidence we had prepared, and the officer reversed the refusal, granting the H1B visa without further delays. Within days, he was back in the United States, continuing his work without any additional issues.
Do you have a similar visa refusal at the London consulate or another U.S. embassy? Contact my office immediately at 305-515-0613 or info@messersmithlaw.com. We are here to assist you.