Hi again, joolsjools freaking out slightly as since I got the email to request my passport, my status still says 'refused' but the explanation wording below is different, and the date has been updated.. is this normal while they wait to receive your passport?

Absolutely normal. It will only change to Issued the day they stick the vignette in your passport.

jools

Juan78 woodydog3 anon Unwavering Have you received any updates yet?

Nothing back yet. Just checked status and still refused, no access since my interview.

Same here, hope you'll have some update soon.

when was your interview?

I have just collected my passport with a visa inside. 2 years validity - I was hoping for 5 but it's better than zero! Below was my timeline for anyone else on the same journey -

Interview (London) - January 2025
Email to send passport - January 2026
Time between sending and collecting passport - 10 days

Good luck to everyone still waiting.

That's really great news that you have finally got the visa, albeit for only 2 years.

Hopefully longer next time.

All the best,

jools

had you had one before? Or was this the first one?

I previously had a waiver for 10 years from 2012-2022, but that was prior to the rule changes. It seems to have massively tightened since then.

Dropped off passport today in Holborn.
email received confirming drop off and to be delivered tomorrow to the US consular section.
fingers crossed I get it back with a visa in it.

Hi all, looking for some advice here. I have committed an assault occasioning bodily harm in Dec 2024 and was convicted in Aug 2025 to 100 hours of community service, this is my first run in with the law (not even a speeding ticket). I have completed the community service and had therapy (CBT) up to the end of last year. I have a letter from my therapist commenting on my rehabilitation and also a letter from the probation service that due to my actions since I am considered a very low level risk of reoffending and I have been considered to be rehabilitated and have been released from their supervision.
I had an appointment on Monday for my B2 tourist visa as my wife and I would like to go on holiday to the US but I was denied as I am considered ineligible under section 214b. As I understand 214b relates to the ties I have in the UK not being strong enough, but I have a wife, house and full time employment here. I did not know a consular officer could recommend a Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver and this was not mentioned during the interview. What would be the most sensible way forward here? Reapply for the same b2 visa at a later stage (lets say next year?) and ask if they can consider a Nonimmigrant Visa Waiver and showing more evidence of my rehabilitation? Or should I consider this denial a clear way of saying this is not happening for the foreseeable future?
Any input is much appreciated!

I'd say this personally. If you conviction was only in August 2025 then I think you just tried too early, even before the Trump administration your chances would have been next to none that soon after it. I'd give it a few years and try again but obviously your call - all you'd lose is the application fee if you did decide to try again.

Good luck.

Planning to use my first Visa for our first ever trip to the states next month. Going to make sure I take printed details of my hotel booking and return flight, is there any other documentation I should take with us? And can any recent waiver travellers tell me what I can expect at immigration? Will be flying into JFK in case that has a bearing.