Administrative processing for a work visa — if I enter the US on a tourist visa, could they later deny me?

If there’s an administrative review of a work visa — and during that period you travel to the US on a tourist visa, will they then deny the work visa? Has anyone encountered this? I want to understand the risk before going.

The embassy wrote to us directly: while administrative processing for the work visa is ongoing, entry on B1/B2 visas is suspended.

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Oh, did they actually tell you that at the embassy? Was it said verbally or is it in a letter somewhere so you can refer to it? Thanks, that’s exactly what I was afraid of.

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That won’t work with a work visa, to be honest — the whole point of the work visa gets lost. They generally won’t issue B1/B2 or take mandamus actions while there’s an open 221(g), as I’ve been told. And it’s good you’re checking in advance; better to know before than after.

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Listen, I went through a long AOS (Adjustment of Status) process for EB-1A myself — I didn’t even look at tourist visas during that time. If an officer sees an unresolved question about the employment side, a 214(b) refusal can pop up. You’re right to check before, not after)

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Yes, the consular officer sees an open 221(g) - a tourist visa; that’s a direct risk.

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An open 221(g) is visible in the system — B-2 isn’t an option here.

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An oral response from the consulate is the official position — they don’t issue letters. Save at least a screenshot from CEAC or the date of the conversation if you spoke in person, in case you need to refer to it later. The main thing is that you checked in advance )

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