Thanks! This is our second time around. Last time he applied the whole process from application to passport was around 7 months so we thought 12 months would be more than enough but didn't anticipate the 6 month wait for an interview. I know they say don't make plans until you have the visa but this trip is for my Mum's 60th so is centred around her actual birthday. Keeping my fingers crossed but also preparing myself for the possibility he may not be coming.

any progress?

Not a peep :-(

Hi all,

Been following this thread for the past few weeks, when I came across it looking for visa info as to why my latest application was taking so long, as previously I had only had to wait between 3 to 5 months max. This will make my 6th issue 3x1 year and 2x 5 year ‘although I feel a little cheated in the last one due to covid restrictions..

my interview was the end of November(London) so almost at the 8 month mark.

I hit 8 months next week. The website now says it can take "up to 9 month", so either we're the unlucky ones that get the peak of 9 months, or people waiting after us will have to wait beyond 9 months.

Keep us updated on if you hear anything... this thread gives a good indication on current timelines.

I hit 9 months tomorrow. 273 days and counting...

Got the email today and passport dropped off for processing at Belfast! Timelines thus far:

Interview at embassy (Belfast): 22 November 23 (recommended for waiver (second one))
CEAC status changed to "Refused" (AIS status remains as "Appointment"): 22 November 23
Email to submit passport (and AIS status changed to "Send Documents"): 23 July 23 (244 days)
Dropped off passport at DX: Tuesday 23 July 23
Embassy received passport: TBC
CEAC status changed to "Approved": TBC
CEAC status changed to "Application Received": TBC
CEAC status changed to "Approved": TBC
CEAC status changed to "Issued": TBC
Passport received: TBC

joolsjools perhaps check the AIS status. Is it still showing as "Appointment" (in which case the waiver is still processing)? When it changes to "Send Documents" is when the waiver is approved. Just thinking in case you missed the email.

Still no change :-( 277 days now.

Mine might be complicated by the fact that I have dual nationalities. So they probably double the background checks!

CEAC status has stayed at Refused from the day of interview.

CEAC remains refused until the embassy starts the stamping process. The first thing to change is the AIS status. Is that still on "Appointment"? It changes to "send documents" as the first thing to know that your waiver is approved.

It changed to "Refused" following the interview appointment, and I understand that it only changes once the Waiver is approved.

It's refused on the AIS site? https://ais.usvisa-info.com. It doesn't usually go to Refused here, not that I've ever seen.

I think that your one not changing from "Appointment" was an anomaly. It changes to "Refused" if the Visa application is rejected at the interview, and then doesn't change again I believe until after you have received the email asking you submit your passport and the visa itself has been processed.

Okay - I know see what you're referring to. Yes, it still says "Appointment".

Not sure why yours is taking longer. I think it can depend on the reason you're applying for a waiver. Most people it's a waiver for a CIMT or similar and it takes the timelines quoted. For things like overstays and other reasons I think it can take longer (there was a user on here who was into his 11th month and it turned out his case was not to do with criminal record but something else)

It's a CIMT waiver.

it’s been quiet now for a week with no new approvals of waivers. It seems the 240+ days is a new normal.
arghhh.