The Waiver Review Division is expanding in technology and staffing. There are 4 Waiver Review Officers that process 15,000 cases year.
The processing times will vary depending on the type of application you have submitted. The times given below are estimates only from the date of receipt of all documentation necessary to adjudicate the application.
No Objection ....................................................12-16 weeks
Interested U.S. Government Agency..................4-6 weeks
State Department of Health................................6-8 weeks
Exceptional Hardship........................................3-4 months
Fear of Persecution............................................3-4 months
Advisory Opinions............................................6-8 weeks
When was the data sheet received?
The registered or certified mail receipt should show the date received.
When did the Waiver Review Division receive the "No Objection" statement, the IGA, State Department of Health, I-613 Exceptional Hardship from USCIS or I-613 Persecution from BCIS?
This is important. When the Division receives one of the above, this is the application. The Embassy should know when they sent the "No Objection" the intrested government agency, the State Department of Health or USCIS should know when they sent the letter or form (application) to Department of State. You can ask the Embassy, U.S. government agency, Department of Health or BCIS, if it has been to the Waiver Review Division. If it was sent by registered or certified mail, the receipt should show the date received.
Does the Department of State, Waiver Review Division have the entire case?
The Division must have the user fee, the data sheet, copies of all IAP-66 forms or statement from the sponsor, the application ("No Objection", IGA letter, State Department of Health letter, I-613 Exceptional Hardship or I-613 Persecution) and background information.
Have you moved recently?
Please fax or mail a new data sheet with the correct address. Note on the cover fax or top of the data sheet "CHANGE OF ADDRESS" and the date.
How can I check the status after the estimated processing time?
You can mail or fax a copy of the entire case to Department of State, Visa Services, 2401 E Street, NW, Room L703, Washington, D.C. 20522 or 202 663-3899. On the front of the package, mark "OVER THE ESTIMATED PROCESSING TIME".