Refused isn't the same as denied. Probably just means final checks are being done.

What final checks do they need though? It has been recommended by the original officer, DHS have approved it and it showed approved on the CEAC status yesterday.

I think it's a system thing with the computers. They probably need to make a final check on your passport number vs the application or something. If they asked for the passport and you have sent it it's probably a good sign :-)

Here I am back again, 6 years on, in the same situation. I've now completed my PhD in the US and my husband and I lived and worked there for 6 years. Now I have a H1B visa working in the US, and my husband is once again stuck in Europe because of this waiver business. It is truly insane to me that they do this to someone who has a 15 year old, nonviolent criminal conviction, and has lived and worked in the US for 6 years. The processing times are also insane. It used to be 2-4 months for us, and now we're expected to be separated from each other for 8-10 months, while he has had to leave his job in the US since he cannot get his visa. I am going to add our stats to the spreadsheet, but honestly, I just wanted to come here and validate anyones feelings about this system: it is utterly inhumane.
For those of us not trying to go on vacation, but living in the U.S., these waiting times are a disaster -- both financially and emotionally. Wishing everyone the best of luck.

I sympathise, but if your husband is inadmissible then he's always going to be inadmissible unfortunately. What visa is your husband on if he's working? Is applying for a green card an option to save you going through this every time you need to renew a visa?

Of course you're right, and it's completely pointless to discuss whether it makes sense that he's inadmissible or not. I just think this level of delay and scrutiny is unnecessary, but again, my opinion is clearly irrelevant for the process as it is right now.
He has most recently been on J2 visas with work authorization, and was on this for 6 years. Now he's waiting for his H4 (H1B spouse visa). We applied late July, and my job started a couple of months ago, so I had to leave him behind in Europe. Fun fact, we do not have an apartment in Europe as we haven't lived there for many years. So you can imagine the financial strain.

Edit to add: I have applied for a greencard as part of the national interest waiver program. However, my husband will then again have to apply for a waiver (those take years to approve).

Ugh, what a nightmare. At least if he's switching to a H4 he would have had to leave the job anyway, so it's not changed that.

I hope the EB2 NIW is quick for you, despite the extra year or so for the waiver that he'll need. My own EB application was 5 months last year, so hopefully yours will be speedy too and then once he's got a GC you won't have to worry about it again.

Best of luck.

Thanks, I appreciate it! Did you have to deal with a waiver for your EB green card?

How can I add my data to the spreadsheet? It doesn't seem to be editable.

No, it adds about a year I believe though. So hopefully the rest of the process will be as quick as ours was and then he'll be with you and able to work soon.

Good luck.

I used my computer or you need to download google sheets for your phone.

Hi mss3

Just put your interview date, location and visa type requested into the chat here, and we can add an entry to the sheet for you.

You dont even want to know my story! This is an absolute nightmare.

Thank you! The interview data was July 25 2024, location Frankfurt (Germany) and visa type is H4.

Hi Debtrev, Please inform us as soon as you receive an email. I am approximately 6 weeks behind you...