The expedited processing surcharge is, as you note, $2805. But it is a surcharge on top of the normal processing fee. What I was noting was the fact that the waiver is normally no charge whatsoever if done through a consulate. If no consular visa processing is involved (e.g. Canadians), then the fee is $1100. I wonder why the waiver is free. I don’t get it.

not sure that expediting waivers/visas for criminals would be a vote winner… so not sure why anyone would push for it… They have it for business visas because it benefits the economy and those same businesses spend big on lobbying…

all that aside the US can’t dictate how long foreign governments take to respond for information requests so not sure it could even work in practice if there was a political will to allow it… I’m sure for anyone that they want expedite it for they make it happen anyway…

I expect I am next - interview 20th October, so 236 days and counting.

The US Government would rather people apply transparently through this route than not. If NIV Waivers cost $1100 to the applicant then the number of illegal attempts to enter will skyrocket, and likely have a significant economic impact.

my reflections on the waiver processing. The DHLS should allow the consular officers to issue waivers based on the criteria agreed between the two departments. This would reduce the burden on the team in Washington and most people in this thread have obtained their visas. Without knowing each circumstance it’s difficult to judge but I guess certain criteria could allow the consular to issue a waiver.. probably constitutional reasons prevent this. But I would pay for expedited response.
My case started in Feb 24, I’m hopeful that the 4 to 6 months quoted by the Dublin consulate is going to happen, however based on the average it looks more like 8 months! So November it is maybe

yes you are I think! Yours should be coming through very soon. Keep us posted please!

based on your wait thus far I think I’ll miss my summer trip

I agree. Say if a waiver was approved for a historic crime, so long as the individual has not been involved in any other crime since the last waiver which is proven with a new police report and SAR, I don’t understand why that needs to go back to DHS in Washington. It’s adding no value and not reducing risk.

this is a good point.

they don’t use foreign government information anywhere in the process. It’s the individuals that furnish the information and present it to the visa officials to make a decision.

Hello, interview date 17/10/23. Received e-mail today, 18/06/24 that I should send my passport within 30 days.

I noticed a page or so back some asking if about Waivers being unsuccessful. Well I had a WoI declined by DHS in 2017 (appointment in May 2017, declined about 6 months later).

Congrats. I'm 3 days after you, so here's hoping.

Thanks, good luck. It was quite a surprise as I wasn't recommended for a WoI during the interview and hadn't received any communication since that indicated this.

Nice when you're not expecting it :-)

btw, I updated the sheet so it now shows the calculations against your entry - 245 days, 35 weeks.

could you let us know how long it takes to get the passport back? I’m running on wafer thin timelines considering turnaround times are now 8 months for the email.

Hopefully not as long as Natfar had to wait!!!