No long until you hold it in your hands :-)

Status was changed to 'Issued' today.

Just goes to show folks, although it's clearly more difficult to get a waiver now, it's still possible so don't give up hope.

Congrats! Hope to see soon some movement on the other october November cases from Embassy’s.

well done, I’m pleased for you as I also know exactly how tricky / frustrating this process is so it’s nice to see at least someone’s efforts rewarded

its all very odd as it did seem they were blanket refusing everyone all of a sudden , so I’ve no clue what’s going on behind the scenes ?

Thanks. Yeah I was fully expecting a refusal because as you say there seemed to be a period where everyone was getting refused including people who'd had multiple waivers before. Something seems to have changed, a slight softening of policy perhaps, but we'll probably never know. But would be nice to see more people getting approved and especially those who have been approved before.

Received it today and surprised to find they've granted me one for 5 years. Good luck to everyone still waiting.

Congratulations.

In 2013 I applied for a B1/B2 visa in South Africa. admitted to previous drug use. No convictions etc. just being too honest on the application form.
Recommended for waiver and one was issued with a 1 year b1/b2 visa on my South African passport.

B1/B2 visa applied with British passport refencing my previous visa on my South African passport
Applied : 22nd August 2024.
Appointment - 9th September 2024 - London
Required further documents - ACRO Certificate sent 12th of September 2024
Recommended for waiver 7th of October 2024
No further Comms :-(
No additional documents or medical requested.
Heading for 14 months since interview.
feel free to add my stats to the spreadsheet

Hi ​​​Stillstanding and welcome to the forum. Going from the 7th October 2024 date for the recommendation, one should hope that you'll hear something soon. There are others in the tracker from that period who are also still waiting.

I've added a row for you. Do keep us posted.

All the best,

jools

Thanks Jools,

Been a lurker for a while here watching from the edges. I've used similar tracking methodology for UK Leave to remain and ILR so I am happy to add my timeline in the hope it helps others along the way.
The first time i did this it took about 6 months and the Visa officer in London initially said he didn't think I would need a waiver so I was rather disappointed when that came through. ( although it was what I was expecting from the beginning.)

I am wondering if there will be a way to update my information when it eventually does happen as I have changed addresses due to having bought a house and the company contact no longer works for us in the USA.

Great to have you hear. As you can see, timescales went through the roof. As long as your email hasn't changed, you'll get the email notifications from the consulate when they finally decide to respond. If your email has changed, you need to get in touch with the consulate - hopefully others here can give you the current contact details.

jools

Well im a bit shocked , but i got my email to go back to mail box Holborn Wednesday and today I went over there and picked up a passport with 5 year waiver.

Had completely given up on getting this a little while back so a very pleasant surprise .

thanks for all the advice and best of luck to everyone else trying to get these - maybe they’ve softened a bit again the past month ?

Really delighted for you. All the best and enjoy your trip to the US.

jools

Wow this is starting to take the p&ss now 13 months and still no reply and all we can do is sit and wait.

I really feel for you and Vicky197628 who is in a similar situation :-(