Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Hi All,
I was reading this forum a few weeks back crossing my fingers for some hope on my husbands visa application, and just wanted to feed back on what happened with his applications.
My husband had previously been granted a B1/B2 visa twice, one for two years and one for 5 years, between 2015, with the latter expiring 2024.
We sent a fresh application and went for a London interview in June 2024, waited the 9 months, got the request to submit his passport in March 2025, went through the expense of getting the UK passport renewed, sent it off, and it was returned with a visa refusal, giving the reason of insufficient ties.
Since making that application my husband had become a homeowner, kids were now in school, he had an employed job (had previously been self employed), all of which, based on what we read, would potentially be viewed as a change in circumstances and would be stronger indications that we were indeed planning to return to the UK - so we decided to make another application, but also changed this to being just a B1, as we had no requirement for the B2 bit.
The interview was at the end of November, and they didn't even refer him for the waiver of ineligibility - straight out refusal. Was told it was because of his record (from some 25 years ago), and that this was also the reason it got denied last time. So the insufficient ties response seems to perhaps be some sort of blanket reason used when they just don't want to approve a visa.

There were a few comments on here of people wondering what the outcome might be if anyone were to make another application, but I don't believe anyone had when I last caught up with the posts, so thought I'd pop this on here - sorry it can't be better news.

We also seem to have a bit of a difference with the ACRO certificates, the most recent versions shows less incidents than were shown when we made the first few applications. It may just be coincidence, but it seems to be that when the police changed to their newer system, some things disappeared. We queried it with the ACRO people and they simple said it's correct. We're never sure if this has caused an issue with the visa application, the officer my husband spoke with most recently said it didn't, but it probably hasn't helped either. I thought he whole point was that it showed everything as nothing is spent.

Good luck to anyone else waiting, hope you get a better outcome.

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Many thanks for your feedback weasel198 .Sadly the rejections after 2 or more previous successful applications has become the norm for those applications reported here. As you note, the "insufficient ties" reason is just a blanket reason they can use when denying, as it allows no appeal or query as to the actual reasons.

As to the ACRO certificate, certain convictions do drop off the certificate (but not the Police National Computer) once they reach the step down stage. See https://acro.police.uk/sfsites/c/cms...PMYISCFFQAQWGM. In this case, if details of the actual convictions are not supplied with the ACRO certificate, you need to submit a Subject Access Request as the US Embassy will still require full details of them.

All the best for 2026,

jools

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

New user has posted a result in the sheet. Waiver rejected for BuddyNineZero, interview 4/12/2024, rejected 02/01/2026.

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

nothing yet but hopefully I’ll hear soon

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Belated Happy Christmas. Happy New Year to all, happy holidays to those that dont celebrate christmas.

Been very busy so not kept up on things, had a quick scan of the posts so will say congrats to those that got visas, and sucks for those that didn't.

I was thinking of popping in a application with a lot more information, just on the off chance that i'd be able to explain myself better this time, however I'm going to put that off until next year. Fully appreciate they are only interested in what details they ask for, but as much to keep myself up to date with the documents required.

Had a quick scan of the London wait times and they seem to have changed the form, looking like its now 30 days for an appointment atm rather than 100 when I applied in 2024.

anyway, best of luck to anyone waiting.

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Any updates for those who applied in January 2025?

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Not yet from London. We're still watching October and November 2024 applications.

jools

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Still nothing from me. its been 458 days since the email saying I was being recommended for a waiver and 486 days since my interview.

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Does everyone get an email confirming they are being recommended for a waiver? I was told verbally at my appointment, but I didn't get any sort of email confirmation that the waiver application was underway

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

You have to send an email for the embassy where you applied

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Hi all, used this forum on my first application process and found it helpful so back again for my second application. Applied in 2016 and was granted a 5 year visa waiver after waiting approximately 6 months. I applied again in March 2025 and the same story. Visa refused at the interview, recommended for a waiver and told to wait for the email. Now approaching 10 months and still waiting. But reading some of the posts on here it could be another couple of months. Has anyone who interviewed in London in March 2025 had an email back yet? Also, I see people mentioning a spreadsheet? Is there a link to this?

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Hi SethFreakingRollins and welcome back. We're still watching October through December 2024 applications in the sheet, so you do have some time to go still unfortunately.

You can find the spreadsheet here: NIV VISA / I-192 / ARO Waiver of Inelligibility wait times - Google Sheets

Do add a row for yourself or post your dates here and will add for you.

all the best,

jools

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

thanks for the reply.

Application started 30th December 2024. Interviewed on March 19th 2025 in London. Advised by the officer he would be recommending me for a waiver. No updates since then

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

I also had my interview in March 2025 and haven't had any updates since then, hopefully hear something soon.

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

is this your first? Or have you had one before?

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Hello this is my first one.

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

This is my second. Hopefully hear something soon

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Hi everyone. Would appreciate a comment from anyone here who's recently posted in their passport :-

After exactly 1 year of waiting.. I've just received an email requesting I send in my passport. Finding the instructions unclear (probably because I'm so nervous and trying not to get my hopes up) and really don't want to risk any more delays by doing the wrong thing. Can anyone who's done this recently clarify, did you just include your passport and the authorisation certificate which comes with the courier receipt?
Under 'documents to include', my DS 160 number is listed alongside my passport number, so I am wondering if I also need to include a copy of my DS-160?
T.I.A

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Hi @ferndjem and welcome to the forum. I will allow others who have done this more recently to answer your question.

Could I just ask for our spreadsheet, is this a London application, when was your interview (assume 15 Jan 2025), and was this your first?

Many thanks

jools

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Hi Jools. Thank you for all the good work you do here.
I believe I added myself to the spreadsheet yesterday, but may have not!!
Application started: 23rd October 2024
1st appointment/interview: 15th January 2025
Email requesting passport: 14th January 2026

Yes, in London. This is my second application. My first waiver was granted in 2012 with a validity of 10 years.

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Thanks for the update - very positive news. I'll sort the sheet.

jools

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

just received an email to send in passport. Will drop it off today. Hopefully will have it back by the 29th of Jan as I fly to Europe on the 30th for work.A U.S. Department of State Consular Section officer located in London has indicated that follow-up actions are required for the following applicant(s).
“My name was here”Consular Section Comments:

Please submit passport for adjudication Please note that you have 14 days from today in which to resubmit your passport. If your passport is not received within this time your application will experience even further delays You are NOT required to submit any other additional supporting documents

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

That is fantastic news. Just under 500 days. Holding thumbs the visa comes through with no issues. Let us know when you send it off so I can update the sheet.

jools

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Thanks Jools, will keep you posted.
I am holding off sending the passport as I am applying for a second UK passport as I need to travel for business. Apparently it is one of the reasons a company can request HMPO to issue a second passport.
I should note that although my status is still refused it does show as updated on the visa status check.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...91876bdcf2.png

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

thanks for sharing, my case also is still refused I think it will be changed when you send the passport. Have a nice travels

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...29a4acddcc.png
Hi again, joolsjools freaking out slightly as since I got the email to request my passport, my status still says 'refused' but the explanation wording below is different, and the date has been updated.. is this normal while they wait to receive your passport?

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Absolutely normal. It will only change to Issued the day they stick the vignette in your passport.

jools

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

:fingerscrossed:

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Juan78 woodydog3 anon Unwavering Have you received any updates yet?

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Nothing back yet. Just checked status and still refused, no access since my interview.

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Same here, hope you'll have some update soon.

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

when was your interview?

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

I have just collected my passport with a visa inside. 2 years validity - I was hoping for 5 but it's better than zero! Below was my timeline for anyone else on the same journey -

Interview (London) - January 2025
Email to send passport - January 2026
Time between sending and collecting passport - 10 days

Good luck to everyone still waiting.

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

That's really great news that you have finally got the visa, albeit for only 2 years.

Hopefully longer next time.

All the best,

jools

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

had you had one before? Or was this the first one?

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

I previously had a waiver for 10 years from 2012-2022, but that was prior to the rule changes. It seems to have massively tightened since then.

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Dropped off passport today in Holborn.
email received confirming drop off and to be delivered tomorrow to the US consular section.
fingers crossed I get it back with a visa in it.

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Hi all, looking for some advice here. I have committed an assault occasioning bodily harm in Dec 2024 and was convicted in Aug 2025 to 100 hours of community service, this is my first run in with the law (not even a speeding ticket). I have completed the community service and had therapy (CBT) up to the end of last year. I have a letter from my therapist commenting on my rehabilitation and also a letter from the probation service that due to my actions since I am considered a very low level risk of reoffending and I have been considered to be rehabilitated and have been released from their supervision.
I had an appointment on Monday for my B2 tourist visa as my wife and I would like to go on holiday to the US but I was denied as I am considered ineligible under section 214b. As I understand 214b relates to the ties I have in the UK not being strong enough, but I have a wife, house and full time employment here. I did not know a consular officer could recommend a Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver and this was not mentioned during the interview. What would be the most sensible way forward here? Reapply for the same b2 visa at a later stage (lets say next year?) and ask if they can consider a Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver and showing more evidence of my rehabilitation? Or should I consider this denial a clear way of saying this is not happening for the foreseeable future?
Any input is much appreciated!

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

I'd say this personally. If you conviction was only in August 2025 then I think you just tried too early, even before the Trump administration your chances would have been next to none that soon after it. I'd give it a few years and try again but obviously your call - all you'd lose is the application fee if you did decide to try again.

Good luck.

Re: Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver of Ineligibility Application
 

Planning to use my first Visa for our first ever trip to the states next month. Going to make sure I take printed details of my hotel booking and return flight, is there any other documentation I should take with us? And can any recent waiver travellers tell me what I can expect at immigration? Will be flying into JFK in case that has a bearing.