As a matter of general information, here is a LINK to a blog of my learned friend, Angelo Paparelli regarding the processing of 212(d)(3) waivers. Of interest to me, the waivers are handled by CBP, not CIS. Also, the waiver application is considered part of the visa application. This increases the opacity of the application.

I’m the 27th sept and still waiting I’m on another forum and there are also varying timelines it’s not necessarily done in date order and I’m assuming each application takes a different amount of investigation. Some have waiting a good 3-4 months more than people that have had interviews on the same day as them. It’s really just a you have to wait scenario and extremely frustrating, but the chronological order is the only little thing we can kind of guess at for timelines although it’s not solid.

You also have to consider that being recommended for a waiver does not mean you will get one. There is a chance that you (and me as still waiting) may not get approved. I’m not sure they even let you know if that’s the case.

it would be so nice if they had a time tracker to just check the status wouldn’t it.

I’ve missed my trip now but hopefully it will get approved and we can go next year.

fingers crossed for you.

Thanks so much! An update: I managed to find a contact form on the Embassy website and put in a very carefully worded response saying I just wanted to check it hadn’t been missed and that it was sent over… less than 12 hours later request for the passport came through! Probably just a complete coincidence but I’ve just updated the Google Spreadsheet and seems we’re the longest wait yet.
Sent passport off last Thursday however due to travel in 11 days so doubtful we’ll get it back in time! Very nervy 11 days ahead of us!

would you mind sharing the contact?

congratulations! Always a relief when it finally lands.

Google is your friend. See https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/visa-...-contact-form/

The second of the two choices allows for inquiry. I do think it is a coincidence in the timing; but perhaps it was still sitting awaiting final processing (e.g. press the send button) and the inquiry prompted the actual e-mail.

I used the contact form to query their process as they've had my passport for 3 months. I asked that they return it to me and let me resubmit when they really need it. This they are doing. I was surprised to get a response within 2 days so for the contact form approach.

So I had the email to submit my passport, so I did and the embassy has had my passport now for a week. I have been checking the Visa status webpage everyday hoping for a change to “approve” from its “refused” status that it has been sat at since my interview.
i noticed today that the “case last updated” section date has changed to today but the visa status is still showing “refused”
is this normal?

Just had my email to submit my passport, my interview date was the 27th sept 2023 so 31 weeks and 6 days or 7 months and 10 days. I’ll update when my passport is returned. Unfortunately missed my daughters debut at the world championships in April but hopefully she will make the team next year.

Congrats! The wait times just keep creeping up...

To be fair, still quicker than the 'up to 9 months' they give as a processing time guideline. https://uk.usembassy.gov/visas/ineli...sa%20interview.

So 7 months is for folks that applied in Sep 2023 (7 months ago). It would seem realistic that anyone applying now would take 9 months. Wonder if they'd ever work to reduce the backlog. Otherwise we'd in 12 months+ territory very soon.

It used to be 12+ months IRRC, it's quicker now, but I suspect creeping up again as more people are traveling again after Covid. And just getting to that time of year when all London visa applications take longer due to the increase in things like student visa applications that peak in the summer.

I'm not sure it's a backlog though, just the time it takes to do all the background checks etc.

well my husband has just applied for his today in the hopes to travel in 12 months time so I shall definitely update when he gets his. Acro just sent for this morning so next stop Dc form
and interview it will be interesting to see how different the timescales will be

Recieved my email to submit my passport for Visa Issuance this morning! Relieved to have got it and finally hear something back!

Not sure if it’s just coincidence, but I also filled out an enquiry form on the website at 10am Sunday, and had the email to submit passport at 9am Tuesday!

My interview date was 27th Sept 2023, and heard back today 7th May 2024, so 192 days in total.

I had a rather “colourful” previous criminal record to say the least, so I have to say I was rather surprised to get the visa, but goes to show there is hope if you follow the process.