Status Inquiries and Processing Times
Call 202-663-1600
Q. If I sent a fax or another document for my case, can I call and check to make sure that you have received it?
A. No. This is not necessary and we unfortunately do not have the resources to answer these inquiries. If you want confirmation that we have received a document, you will need to send it certified or registered mail.
Q. Where can I get information on the status of my application?
A. You may call 202-663-1600 for automated status information. However, please note that when additional documentation is needed from you, the Waiver Review Division will contact you directly. When a final determination has been made in your case, you will be notified. Until you hear from the Waiver Review Division, therefore, the status of your case is considered "open". You should make whatever plans you need to make regarding your work, life in the U.S. or return to your home country on the assumption that you will not/not be recommended for a waiver.
Q. How can I be sure that you have received the "no objection" statement?
A. You can ask the embassy from which you requested the "no objection" statement if it has been sent to the Waiver Review Division. The Division unfortunately does not have the resources to notify each applicant when a "no objection" letter has been received on his/her behalf. Rather, the applicant will be notified if any additional documentation is needed or when a final determination has been made.
Q. How can I check on the status of my application based on fear of persecution?
A. You may call 202-663-1600 for automated status information. However, please note that when additional documentation is needed, the Waiver Review Division will contact you directly. When a final determination has been made, you will be notified. Until you hear from the Waiver Review Division, therefore, the status of your case is considered "open". You should make whatever plans you need to make regarding your work, life in the U.S. or return to your home country on the assumption that you will not/not be recommended for a waiver.
Q. How can I check on the status of my application based on exceptional hardship?
A. You may call 202-663-1600 for automated status information. However, please note that when additional documentation is needed, the Waiver Review Division will contact you directly. When a final determination has been made, you will be notified. Until you hear from the Waiver Review Office, therefore, the status of your case is considered "open." You should make whatever plans you need to make regarding your work, life in the U.S. or return to your home country on the assumption that you will not/not be recommended for a waiver.
Q. Should I send the fee in several times just to make sure that you've received it?
A. Absolutely not. If you do this, you are very likely to pay more than once for the same service since we will not be able to retrieve your duplicate payment and refund the money to you.
Q. Will I be notified by the Waiver Review Division that my application has been forwarded to INS?
A. In no objection, interested U.S. Government agency and State department of health applications, you will receive a copy of the recommendation letter. In exceptional hardship and persecution cases, you will not receive a copy of the recommendation. Instead, you will be notified directly by the INS.
Q. If my application is denied, will I be notified of the reasons why?
A. Yes.
Q. If I come in person to the Visa Office in Washington, D.C., will someone be able to speak to me about the status of my case?
A. No. Please do not travel to Washington, D.C. for this purpose. The Visa Office unfortunately does not have an "in-person" information service. You may obtain your application's status from our automated system by calling 202-663-1600. If you need to speak to an officer about the waiver review process, you may contact the Public Inquiries Division at (202) 663-1225. Again, however, there is no need to check on the status of your application. You will be contacted if anything is needed from you and you will be notified when a final determination has been made. Until you are notified that your request for waiver recommendation is approved, you must consider yourself without a waiver of the 212(e) home-residence requirement and act accordingly.
Q. How long should it take before I get a decision on whether you will recommend a waiver in my case?
A. 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 5 months
Interested U.S. Government agency 4.5 months
State department of health 4.5 months
Exceptional hardship 8 months
Fear of persecution 8 months
Advisory opinions 4 months