J1 Hardship waiver Timeline 2015

[Jert 0]

Their website sometimes does not update correctly. If it takes longer I would try to contact them, not that I know how. However the good news is, the biggest obstacle is usually the USCIS and once it forwards I-613 to DOS, it is just a matter of time getting approved. Exceptions maybe things like Fulbright scholars.

Thank you!! Last Friday, July 31, I checked the DOS and finally got something new, they sent the favorable recommendation . I'm so happy and relieved, I've seen many classmates under the same J1 program being denied. On the other hand, it's been a week now and the USCIS website doesn't say anything about receiving the recommendation or sending me a copy of my waiver, but I'm not worried, just a little impatient!

Q- can I start with the AOS or do I have to wait til I get my waiver?

[medicalguy 11]

Thank you!! Last Friday, July 31, I checked the DOS and finally got something new, they sent the favorable recommendation . I'm so happy and relieved, I've seen many classmates under the same J1 program being denied. On the other hand, it's been a week now and the USCIS website doesn't say anything about receiving the recommendation or sending me a copy of my waiver, but I'm not worried, just a little impatient!

Q- can I start with the AOS or do I have to wait til I get my waiver?

Congratulations! You can start on preparing your AOS package, but you cannot mail it until you get your approved I-612 official form in mail, because you have to mail a copy of it with your package.

[Jert 0]

Hi guys,

The DOS sent a favorable reccomendation, according to the website on July 28. Well, I still haven't received the hard copy on my mail, and in the USCIS website it says "case is on hold" On June 23, 2015, we requested another non-USCIS advisory opinion for your Form I-612.

is this delay common??? if not, what can I do, who do I call?

thank you for all your help!!

[medicalguy 11]

Hi guys,

The DOS sent a favorable reccomendation, according to the website on July 28. Well, I still haven't received the hard copy on my mail, and in the USCIS website it says "case is on hold" On June 23, 2015, we requested another non-USCIS advisory opinion for your Form I-612.

is this delay common??? if not, what can I do, who do I call?

thank you for all your help!!

Not really, it should not take more than 4 weeks. Not sure why that is the case. I would wait till 9/1 before trying to contact them.

[Jert 0]

Not really, it should not take more than 4 weeks. Not sure why that is the case. I would wait till 9/1 before trying to contact them.

Thank you. I guess I will wait. I too don't understand why it's taking so long, even my lawyer told me it was a matter days until I get my waiver, but it's been so long!

Medicalguy, good luck with your greencard application . Thanks so much for being so helpful all the time and replying to my posts. I hope that with these experiences I get to help someone else out with j1 waivers in the future.

[WAIVERHN 0]

Hi guys! thanks for all the wonderful info. I have a question: I applied for a hardship waiver, and USCIS has asked DOS for their opinion. (we requested another non-USCIS advisory opinion for your Form I-612). The lawyer sent DS3035 on July 14. I am assuming he mailed the application, fee and envelopes on that date also. Should this be updated in the DOS waiver webpage? or can you see an update only when the supporting documents have been sent (step 3)? Also, if they USCIS sent I-612, is that updated in the DOS waiver webpage? I have a copy of my DS3035, where can I find my case number? is it the 7 digits on the bottom of page 2? Thanks!

[WAIVERHN 0]

sorry guys, forgot to ask : "Once the Waiver Review Division has received your Data Sheet application, they will use your self-addressed, stamped, legal-size envelopes, to send you a case number and instruction sheet on how to proceed with your application. This information will include a list of documents that you must submit to complete your waiver review application." HOW LONG DOES THIS TAKE AFTER THEY RECEIVE IT?

[Jert 0]

sorry guys, forgot to ask : "Once the Waiver Review Division has received your Data Sheet application, they will use your self-addressed, stamped, legal-size envelopes, to send you a case number and instruction sheet on how to proceed with your application. This information will include a list of documents that you must submit to complete your waiver review application." HOW LONG DOES THIS TAKE AFTER THEY RECEIVE IT?

Hi!

I am going to paste what I got from the DOS, so you have an idea. don't pay too much attention to the dates. I took my while to send in the supporting documents, and now they're taking their while with me.

Recommendation Sent July 28, 2015

Form DS-2019 Received June 23, 2015

Form I-612 Received June 23, 2015

Form I-613 Received June 23, 2015

Fee Received August 13, 2014

Form DS-3035 Received August 13, 2014

Statement Of Reason Received August 13, 2014

This is what it should look like. Mine was stuck in the last three items for a while, finally sent in all the supporting documents on March 25 (which is what you are asking, correct?). then, on June 23rd, USCIS requested an advisory opinion. Afterwards, they sent in the favorable recommendation that I should have received a couple of weeks ago.

Good luck on your hardship application!!!! I hope this clarified some of your questions!

Edited August 21, 2015 by Jert

[WAIVERHN 0]

Hi!

I am going to paste what I got from the DOS, so you have an idea. don't pay too much attention to the dates. I took my while to send in the supporting documents, and now they're taking their while with me.

Recommendation Sent July 28, 2015

Form DS-2019 Received June 23, 2015

Form I-612 Received June 23, 2015

Form I-613 Received June 23, 2015

Fee Received August 13, 2014

Form DS-3035 Received August 13, 2014

Statement Of Reason Received August 13, 2014

This is what it should look like. Mine was stuck in the last three items for a while, finally sent in all the supporting documents on March 25 (which is what you are asking, correct?). then, on June 23rd, USCIS requested an advisory opinion. Afterwards, they sent in the favorable recommendation that I should have received a couple of weeks ago.

Good luck on your hardship application!!!! I hope this clarified some of your questions!

Hi Jert! Thanks for your answers. I am a bit confused, and my lawyer has not been as diligent since I know it is his first time doing a waiver application. This is my timeline:

USCIS

5/15/15 USCIS received 1-612

6/27/15 RFE

7/16/15 Received RFE

8/6/15 requested another advisory opinion

DOS

7/15/15 Lawyer sent email stating he had filed DS3035

*I am not sure if he meant paying the fee and sending both envelopes....

HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS:

1. If the lawyer paid for the fee, sent DS2019s,sent both envelopes and the ds3035 form, how long should it take for me to see the status of the case on their website?

2. How long for DOS to send both envelopes back with instructions for additional documents?

3. Last but not least, is it correct to assume my case number is the 7 digit number on page 2 of the DS3035 FORM?

[Jert 0]

Hi Jert! Thanks for your answers. I am a bit confused, and my lawyer has not been as diligent since I know it is his first time doing a waiver application. This is my timeline:

USCIS

5/15/15 USCIS received 1-612

6/27/15 RFE

7/16/15 Received RFE

8/6/15 requested another advisory opinion

DOS

7/15/15 Lawyer sent email stating he had filed DS3035

*I am not sure if he meant paying the fee and sending both envelopes....

HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS:

1. If the lawyer paid for the fee, sent DS2019s,sent both envelopes and the ds3035 form, how long should it take for me to see the status of the case on their website?

2. How long for DOS to send both envelopes back with instructions for additional documents?

3. Last but not least, is it correct to assume my case number is the 7 digit number on page 2 of the DS3035 FORM?

Hi!

Did you use your WRD number to check on the portal (yes, the 7 digits number)? https://j1visawaiverstatus.state.gov/

A good way to know if they're actually working on your case is just checking if they cashed the check.

Hardship waivers are very complex to work with, so hang in there. Also you need to have an open line of communication with your lawyer, so ask him to specify what exactly did he send, so we understand what's going on better. Do you have your documentation prepared to send ?(the letters, evidence, etc - this is what took longer for me to put together)

Don't worry, if the lawyer mailed the fee and form to the DOS, then you just have to be a little bit more patient. First they receive it somewhere, then they forward it to the WRD in Washington and then they show it in the system. This normally takes up to a month, but it may take a little longer.

[zeekay50 0]

Hello Everyone,

I applied for hardship waiver in early Feb with USCIS and USCIS finally sent it to DOS in late June. My application has since been pending with DOS for three months and I have not heard back from them.They received rest of documents in February.Anyone else in similar situation.Many of my friends have gone through this process but none has been delayed like me.

[WAIVERHN 0]

Zeekay50: you can email the DoS and ask them if their are any updates on your case (212ewaiver@sate.gov), it takes them 3 -4 months for hardship cases.

Anonyuser30:the request for a non USCIS advisory opinion means that they found hardship (good news!) and are asking DoS for their recommendation. You should file DS -3035 as soon as possible.

[Zarajon 0]

Hello Everyone,

I applied for hardship waiver in early Feb with USCIS and USCIS finally sent it to DOS in late June. My application has since been pending with DOS for three months and I have not heard back from them.They received rest of documents in February.Anyone else in similar situation.Many of my friends have gone through this process but none has been delayed like me.

zeekay50, I have a similar situation like yours. I applied in the middle of november 2015 and it is still pending. Can you please share your timeline and result? Thank you in advance.

[Zarajon 0]

Thank you!! Last Friday, July 31, I checked the DOS and finally got something new, they sent the favorable recommendation . I'm so happy and relieved, I've seen many classmates under the same J1 program being denied. On the other hand, it's been a week now and the USCIS website doesn't say anything about receiving the recommendation or sending me a copy of my waiver, but I'm not worried, just a little impatient!

Q- can I start with the AOS or do I have to wait til I get my waiver?

Jert, can you please share your timeline for both USCIS and DoS here? Thank you.

[laratunga 0]

Hello People,

I am a Fulbright Scholar graduating in May 2016. I am going to marry a US citizen. What should I do to deal with two year residency condition ?

Should I apply for visa status change or apply for waiver ? I can apply for hardship to US citizen waiver or I may apply for Persecution waiver ? What would you guys recommend and how long any of this may take ?

Your response will be highly appreciated and will be a great help.

Best