I’ve handled cases in the past where consular refusal was erroneous.

T
The 8 days visit was on B2 not VWP. Two years later on my next visit the ban was issued and access denied. Ban reason - misrepresentation. I waited long enough and at the embassy interview consular representative agreed that that was long ago... more than 10 years... and absolutely allowed to be offered waiver. Literally he said that I should not to worry, they don't need anything more, it's all fine...
Whatever is. I'm not a criminal or most wanted on the planet and I don't understand what could take 19 months for decision to be taken. I have provided all required documents and I have asked for whatever additional information or documents they need...I will provide.

Erroneous. I have witnessed such scenes that could leave you speechless... But unfortunately the common people as us have no power at all.
Speaking of errors and mistakes... I can probably write a book.
And yes you're right. I don't have to appear in court in person. They don't even move cases to court room, from what I have read.

Blimey, this gets more complicated. It sounds like you were given another ban which is presumably linked to entering with the B2 when you had an overstay ban (and if it was material misrepresentation then that's a lifetime ban). So I think this is far from a simple overstay issue personally, and I'd be consulting with a really good immigration lawyer.

Good luck to you.

I would say that visa applicants have no power at all. My elder brother was also a lawyer, albeit not in immigration. When exchanging our war stories, he was often amazed at the milieu I had to work in when it came to overseas visa work. Us legal types often had to work by power of persuasion alone under the rubric of “exercise of discretion.”

That said, you have finally now revealed that your last denial appears to have been well grounded in facts and law. Also, despite what that young line ConOff said orally, I wonder if the recommendation for a waiver survived review by a more senior ConOff in the Embassy.

If you seek legal representation, it is a good idea to find one with experience in consular practice.

Received email today to send my passport. Interview was 24th May, this would be my second visa.

We have just had the email through! We had the interview on May 30th for reference. Thanks to everyone for the updates and info, this has been invaluable and will recommend to anyone going through the same!

Congrats! So about 7 months.

I applied for my second in November. Thinking whether I should book travel for my august trip. It would give it 8 months but might be touch and go with passport return etc

Hello all

We sent the passport off today for visa issuance however we are wondering how long it is valid for. Is there any way of finding out?

It will say it on the visa foil/page they put in your passport

Once you obtain the physical visa, the expiry date will appear thereon.

So I dropped my passport off at the DX office in London to courier to the embassy last Thursday 4th and just got the email to collect it today the 11th. It’s another 5 year visa, this is my second one, was hoping it would be longer but wasn’t counting on it. Has anyone here received a visa with longer duration after your first application or two?

Definitely build in a very long wait including if you have a visa coming up to expiry, this was just over 7 months start to finish.

5 years is the maximum possible with a waiver.

Hi,

Just wondering if you have any update on your visa? Just trying to understand the timelines. I submitted my application in October and still waiting for email,

thanks

I had my interview on August 3rd and am still waiting for my email and this is my second VISA, my first was issued, used with no problem and then expired so assumed this may speed things up - I was wrong!