Perhaps you log in to the U.S. visa tracking portal only to see one of three cryptic notifications:

1. Visa Refused
2. Visa Approved
3. Visa Issued

What do these terms really mean? Let’s break them down, step by step, using the U.S. Embassy or Consulate process as a reference point.

Visa Refused: What Does It Mean?

Seeing the dreaded “Visa Refused” can make your heart skip a beat, but don’t panic just yet—it doesn’t always mean the end of the road.

In many cases, this status simply means your application is undergoing Administrative Processing (also known as Administrative Review). This happens when the consular officer needs additional time to verify your documents, review your case, or conduct further background checks.

What You Should Do:

1. Be Patient: Administrative processing can take days, weeks, or even months, depending on the complexity of your case.
2. Watch for Updates: The embassy or consulate will notify you via email if additional documents are needed or when a decision has been made.
3. Follow-up (if necessary): If it’s been more than 60 days with no updates, contact the embassy or consulate for clarification.

Visa Approved: What Does It Mean?

If your status says “Visa Approved,” congratulations—you’re one step closer to getting your visa! However, this does not mean your passport is ready for pickup just yet.

The “Visa Approved” status typically means:

Your visa application has been successfully processed.

Your passport is still at the embassy or consulate and has not yet been handed over to the dispatch office (e.g., DHL or OIS).

What You Should Do:

1. Wait for Notification: You’ll receive an email once your passport has been sent to the designated pickup location.
2. Check Your Portal Regularly: Updates on delivery timelines will often be reflected in your online tracking portal.

Visa Issued: What Does It Mean?

“Visa Issued” is the golden ticket! This means:

1. Your visa has been printed and affixed to your passport.
2. Your passport has been sent to the pickup location you selected during the application process.

Once you see this notification, you can head to the designated location to retrieve your passport and start planning your travel.

Important Notes:

• Bring a valid ID and the signed proxy letter (if you are picking up the passport for someone else) when picking up your passport.
• Some pickup locations may have specific operating hours, so book an appointment before heading out.

What If Your Search Returns “No Data Found”?

Occasionally, when tracking your passport, you might encounter a message like “Your search did not return any data.” This can be alarming, but it’s often due to simple errors on your part.

Steps to Fix This Issue:

Double-Check Your Input:

1. Ensure the Application ID or Case Number is entered correctly (e.g., AA00XXXXXX).
2. Verify that the Passport Number matches what you submitted on your DS-160 form (Bxxxxxxxxxxx).
3. Confirm the First 5 Letters of Your Surname as they appear on your passport (e.g., “Ogund”).

Call for Assistance:
If everything seems correct and you’re still seeing the “No Data Found” error:

1. Contact the embassy or consulate’s customer care line immediately.
2. Alternatively, reach out to your travel agent for further guidance.