B2 Visa, Administrative Processing, Traveling under VWP etc
Jan 31st 2013, 3:26 pm
#16
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 8
Re: B2 Visa, Administrative Processing, Traveling under VWP etc
I was also wondering if there was anyone who had their AP completed in just a few weeks. Feel like in all my research I've read of people waiting months or years but haven't come across some people who have had theirs clear quickly. So is this even a possibility? Or do we really all have to wait a couple of months?
Thanks again everyone
Jan 31st 2013, 3:40 pm
#17
MODERATOR
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Posts: 58,679
Re: B2 Visa, Administrative Processing, Traveling under VWP etc
I...my application had been sent off from the embassy. I would imagine that last part meant I am still in the early stage if the embassy has only just sent my application to whichever agencies it needs to go to for the all-clear. Did you have a different experience at all?
I was also wondering if there was anyone who had their AP completed in just a few weeks. Feel like in all my research I've read of people waiting months or years but haven't come across some people who have had theirs clear quickly. So is this even a possibility?
Or do we really all have to wait a couple of months?
Rene
Feb 1st 2013, 12:30 pm
#18
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 78
Re: B2 Visa, Administrative Processing, Traveling under VWP etc
+1 Rene - Mine has taken months but yours could be different; everyone's situation is different.
Mar 29th 2013, 7:39 pm
#19
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 8
Re: B2 Visa, Administrative Processing, Traveling under VWP etc
Hi All,
It's now been 2.5 months since I've been on AP and my status still reads 'pending'. I need to travel to the US in the next month and my current ESTA expires on the 29th of April. I was wondering when I should re-apply for my ESTA, given that I am currently on administrative processing. I've come across mixed results in doing a search but I was wondering if anyone had any clear info or general idea on whether an ESTA will be denied if you are currently undergoing administrative processing (even if you state that as the reason for visa denial on your application)? What is the more likely outcome?
Also, can you re-apply for an ESTA while in the US on your current ESTA? If so, I would rather already be there when re-applying than be in London and risk not being there at all.
Thanks for the feedback
It's now been 2.5 months since I've been on AP and my status still reads 'pending'. I need to travel to the US in the next month and my current ESTA expires on the 29th of April. I was wondering when I should re-apply for my ESTA, given that I am currently on administrative processing. I've come across mixed results in doing a search but I was wondering if anyone had any clear info or general idea on whether an ESTA will be denied if you are currently undergoing administrative processing (even if you state that as the reason for visa denial on your application)? What is the more likely outcome?
Also, can you re-apply for an ESTA while in the US on your current ESTA? If so, I would rather already be there when re-applying than be in London and risk not being there at all.
Thanks for the feedback
Mar 29th 2013, 11:22 pm
#20
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: B2 Visa, Administrative Processing, Traveling under VWP etc
Will you be entering the US prior to April 29? If so, then use your current ESTA.
AFAIK, you can apply from anywhere in the world. If you're approved, great; if not, then you'll have your answer.
Ian
Also, can you re-apply for an ESTA while in the US on your current ESTA?
Ian
Mar 30th 2013, 12:37 am
#21
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 8
Re: B2 Visa, Administrative Processing, Traveling under VWP etc
Ian - Thanks for the reply
Does my ESTA need to be valid during the entire length of my stay? Or can I enter before it expires and continue up till hypothetically 90 days?
Does my ESTA need to be valid during the entire length of my stay? Or can I enter before it expires and continue up till hypothetically 90 days?
Mar 30th 2013, 6:52 am
#22
Often not so civil...
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: The Boonies, GA
Posts: 9,561
Re: B2 Visa, Administrative Processing, Traveling under VWP etc
It only needs to be valid on entry.
Apr 1st 2013, 3:15 pm
#24
Member
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 14,049
Re: B2 Visa, Administrative Processing, Traveling under VWP etc
Or, like a visa, does it only need to be valid the day one departs for uninterrupted travel to the USA?
Regards, JEff
Regards, JEff
Jul 21st 2013, 4:12 pm
#25
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 44
Re: B2 Visa, Administrative Processing, Traveling under VWP etc
Hello All,
Have been looking through these forums for the past few days trying to get some conclusive answers to queries I had regarding the visa application process. I have read up on most of the general info however was wondering for some help with a few questions.
Does the wait time for AP at all depend on what type of visa you apply for? I've applied for a B2 visa and would imagine since it is just a 6 month approval, it could take less time than someone applying for say an H1-B.
Is there any sure answer of whether traveling to the US under VWP resets your AP process? Can you travel to other countries?
I know this is a DC problem not an Embassy problem so are there avenues of following up with any particular agencies which could help speed up this process? I have heard mixed things
Full disclosure: I am a British Citizen of Pakistani origin (and have a Pakistani name). I pursued higher education at a prestigious US university (graduating in 2011) and wanted to visit the US to assess a potential angel investment opportunity. The realm of activities I would be doing while in the US were also covered under the VWP however, there was a possibility I would have to be in the US for longer than 90 days so I applied for a B2 visa to be safe. I was thinking I could travel to the US for now and return in a month or two if the process is still ongoing but am scared to do so if it will reset my AP. I had my interview with the US Embassy in London on the 14th of January. The lady who interviewed me only asked the reason of my visit and then told me she would approve my visa but it could take "a few weeks". I wasn't sure if this was just generic terminology she says to everyone who undergoes AP (even those who have to wait months or years), or if she actually meant my case.
Thoughts?
Would really appreciate constructive and helpful comments. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.
Best,
R
Have been looking through these forums for the past few days trying to get some conclusive answers to queries I had regarding the visa application process. I have read up on most of the general info however was wondering for some help with a few questions.
Does the wait time for AP at all depend on what type of visa you apply for? I've applied for a B2 visa and would imagine since it is just a 6 month approval, it could take less time than someone applying for say an H1-B.
Is there any sure answer of whether traveling to the US under VWP resets your AP process? Can you travel to other countries?
I know this is a DC problem not an Embassy problem so are there avenues of following up with any particular agencies which could help speed up this process? I have heard mixed things
Full disclosure: I am a British Citizen of Pakistani origin (and have a Pakistani name). I pursued higher education at a prestigious US university (graduating in 2011) and wanted to visit the US to assess a potential angel investment opportunity. The realm of activities I would be doing while in the US were also covered under the VWP however, there was a possibility I would have to be in the US for longer than 90 days so I applied for a B2 visa to be safe. I was thinking I could travel to the US for now and return in a month or two if the process is still ongoing but am scared to do so if it will reset my AP. I had my interview with the US Embassy in London on the 14th of January. The lady who interviewed me only asked the reason of my visit and then told me she would approve my visa but it could take "a few weeks". I wasn't sure if this was just generic terminology she says to everyone who undergoes AP (even those who have to wait months or years), or if she actually meant my case.
Thoughts?
Would really appreciate constructive and helpful comments. Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.
Best,
R
I wonder what happened to the OP. Did you fly using VWP? Or did you have to wait for visa to be granted?
Jul 23rd 2013, 6:31 am
#26
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 8
Re: B2 Visa, Administrative Processing, Traveling under VWP etc
I did fly on the VWP as I did have some time left on my ESTA. I was given no hassle at all at the border and wasn't even asked any extra questions. Saying that, the visa I did apply for is still pending (it's now been 5.5 months). It is hard to say if this has any relation to the fact that I traveled while under AP.
As I understand from your PM, you had applied for the ESTA while also under AP citing a visa denial in your application. How long did you have to wait for between the time you applied for and received ESTA approval as it seems I may have to fly to the US again soon and can't wait on my visa coming through.
Thanks
Sep 6th 2013, 3:38 pm
#27
Just Joined
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 8
Re: B2 Visa, Administrative Processing, Traveling under VWP etc
Hi All -
After waiting for 7.5 months, I received an email from the US Embassy in London yesterday asking me to submit my passport. My status online still reads as pending and the email itself also states that I could be put on administrative processing again. Does anyone have experience of this occurring? As they have now collected my passport, I can't imagine they can hold it for a considerably long time. I recently applied for and received an approved ESTA application so I could travel to the US on the Visa-Waiver Program and this further devalues the prospect of waiting. However, I understand if I don't take this B2 visa, it will ultimately count as a visa refusal and could hurt my prospects for securing a US visa in the future.
My other query is as follows; I had originally applied for the B2 to be a stop-gap visa for me to use till I applied for and received my H1B. I am still waiting on receiving the H1B, but provided it does come through, is it likely they will put me on admin processing for it even though I just cleared admin processing for my B2 application?
Thanks,
Raza
After waiting for 7.5 months, I received an email from the US Embassy in London yesterday asking me to submit my passport. My status online still reads as pending and the email itself also states that I could be put on administrative processing again. Does anyone have experience of this occurring? As they have now collected my passport, I can't imagine they can hold it for a considerably long time. I recently applied for and received an approved ESTA application so I could travel to the US on the Visa-Waiver Program and this further devalues the prospect of waiting. However, I understand if I don't take this B2 visa, it will ultimately count as a visa refusal and could hurt my prospects for securing a US visa in the future.
My other query is as follows; I had originally applied for the B2 to be a stop-gap visa for me to use till I applied for and received my H1B. I am still waiting on receiving the H1B, but provided it does come through, is it likely they will put me on admin processing for it even though I just cleared admin processing for my B2 application?
Thanks,
Raza
Sep 6th 2013, 4:14 pm
#28
Often not so civil...
Joined: Apr 2010
Location: The Boonies, GA
Posts: 9,561
Re: B2 Visa, Administrative Processing, Traveling under VWP etc
They certainly could hold your passport for months, look at Syeds thread in the marriage forum.
If you have been put into AP before, anecdotally you tend to go into AP for every visa application in the future, regardless of duration etc.
If you have been put into AP before, anecdotally you tend to go into AP for every visa application in the future, regardless of duration etc.
