Hi Saurabh,
I appeared for H1B Visa Interview in Aug 2012..There I received 221g and they took almost all my documents along with my passport.
Few days later they contacted me through email and asked me to provide a few more documents.
Now, it's been more than 11 months and I am still to receive any positive news/update from them
Everytime I contact them, they say its under Administrative processing and may take time.
Does that mean they are going to reject it.?
What if I withdraw my application..? Would the petition be still valid if application is withdrawn.
The reason being, I need to go to US on H4, as my husband would be going on H1.
So, I am planning to change of status after reaching there.This way I would not looking for the yearly H1 cap quota and can just go for status change with my petition approved.
Please suggest.Is that a usual scenario..? and your suggestion please.
Appreciate your time.
There is no set procesisng time and it is not possible to say what the outcome would be.
If you withdraw the case, then they can send the petition back to USCIS for reconsideration and return the passport to you.
Do you have a copy of the approval notice? If yes, then you can ask just for the passport and then appear for H-4 visa stamping. Later when you are in US, another employer can file cap-exempt petition for you using the previously approved petition. Original petition doesn’t need to be submitted, just the copy is fine.
If you want to withdraw the entire case, then that’s also fine. You can still have cap-exempt petition filed while USCIS is reconsidering the petition (assuming it is sent back to them).
Thanks a lot Saurabh for the response.
So it seems if I withdraw my passport, there is a chance of getting a rejection and that would inturn invalidate my petition as well.
Do you think, withdrawing the entire application is a better & safe option here.
As I don’t want to go to US and sit idle waiting for the next year’s cap and try my luck again.
I heard that change of status is an easier process.
Please advice.
Thanks a lot again for your time.
Appreciate this.
Hi Priya, Sorry for asking questions as you are already in dilemma.My H1B fresh visa is also under admin processing(221(g)) for the last 3 months.
I am also thinking to take the passport Only back but not getting how to do this and what would be negative consequences of it…I want to try for another country visa… Will be thankful for your response…
As far as I know, if you ask for your passport, your petition should still be valid and when you go to US, you can apply for change in status.
I am also confused between withdrawing the application or withdrawing the passport only.
Thanks Priya…The problem is this is my first time applying for Visa and I do not have any other Visa.Last Year My Employer(IT MNC) filed for H1B Petition and after clearing RFE finally I gave interview on 3rd April,2013 in Hyderabad.
Now could you please suggest over it… Thanks…
Hi Saurabh,
I am posting my response/question again here -
Thanks a lot Saurabh for the response.
So it seems if I withdraw my passport, there is a chance of getting a rejection and that would inturn invalidate my petition as well.
Do you think, withdrawing the entire application is a better & safe option here.
As I don’t want to go to US and sit idle waiting for the next year’s cap and try my luck again.
I heard that change of status is an easier process.
Please advice.
Thanks a lot again for your time.
Really appreciate this. 
Here is a post where someone withdrew their passport and kept their 221g in process: Getting back the passport from 221G - H1B Visa - RedBus2US Community
In worst case scenario if 221g processing is stopped, they will send the petition back to USCIS for reconsideration. If USCIS reinstates the petition, then you are all set. You can use the petition for another cap-exempt petition while it is under process by consulate or USCIS.
Yes, COS is easier than going through the stamping. You still need to get it stamped when you travel outside of US next.
Hi Saurabh,
I submitted a written application to withdraw my passport on 12th July 2013. Now it has been more than 2 weeks, there is no update from their end.
I checked on their website, it showed ‘Your passport is still with the post’. For the last 5-6 days, the same status was there. but today it is showing ‘No status update with the passport submitted’.
I called up VFS office, they don’t have enough information on where and how can I track my passport., they said my documents have been received to US Consulate. On asking what documents, she said your written application (of passport withdrawal) but your passport is still with them.
I am not sure what did they mean by that and left me confused! 
Also I got this email after a week of submitting passport withdrawal application -
On 24th July 2013, the previous decision made on your case was revoked and we mailed you a notice explaining the decision. If you have not received the notice within 14 days of the date above, please call customer service at 1-800-375-5283 for further assistance. If you move, please use our Change of Address online tool to update your case with your new address.
For approved applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include USCIS sending notification of the approved application/petition to the National Visa Center or the Department of State. For denied applications/petitions, post-decision activity may include the processing of an appeal and/or motions to reopen or reconsider and revocations"
Does that mean a Petition Rejection?
Please help.
Hi Saurabh,
I submitted a written application to withdraw my passport on 12th July 2013. Now it has been more than 2 weeks, there is no update from their end.
I checked on their website, it showed ‘Your passport is still with the post’. For the last 5-6 days, the same status was there. but today it is showing ‘No status update with the passport submitted’.
I called up VFS office, they don’t have enough information on where and how can I track my passport., they said my documents have been received to US Consulate. On asking what documents, she said your written application (of passport withdrawal) but your passport is still with them.
I am not sure what did they mean by that and left me confused!
Also I got this email after a week of submitting passport withdrawal application -
On 24th July 2013, the previous decision made on your case was revoked and we mailed you a notice explaining the decision. …
…
Does that mean a Petition Rejection?
Please respond.
Do you see that status on USCIS website? If yes, then they have issued NOID to your employer. Your employer should receive the notice and then respond to USCIS about the same.
Did you receive your passport from them?
Hi Saurabh,
My h1b in 221g pending but i have approved h4 petition, so I want to travel to US on H4.Should i withdraw h1b application by email or in person when i go for h4 interview ?
or i can just get h4 and h1 remains processing ?
If I withdraw my h1 application then does that mean i cannot use it cap exempt in future or its treated as rejected application ?
Please help - my email - sachintendulkarcricinfo@gmail.com
My passport is with me only.
Thanks