"6 months of AP is really not unusual."

[JULIAFERNO 0]

So I called DOS today after about a month of not calling. Still pending.

I told the operator that I spoke with that our case has been in AP for nearly 6 months, and that it is very difficult not knowing when this will end. She said, "6 months is really not unusual." Sigh.

I asked her "What is the usual time frame?" She said, "There isn't one, it's on a case by case basis. We send out the information to multiple agencies and we can't do anything until we hear back from them."

I asked, "Is there a reason that some cases take longer to process than others?" I don't remember exactly what she said, but it was something along the lines of "I don't know" or "I can't give you that information."

I asked, "Is it possible that one check may come back and expire while you are waiting for the other checks to be done...do you understand what I am saying?" She said, "Yes, I understand what you are saying and yes, that is possible."

I asked, "Is it common for AP to last more than a year? Or is that uncommon?" She said, "I don't really know what to tell you...I wouldn't say that it is common, but we don't see the cases that are cleared quickly, what we see are the ones that are taking more time."

She told me, "My best advice to you is to just keep checking with us every week or two."

Sigh. Sigh. Sigh.

I don't see why they can't implement a system that at least tells us which checks have been completed (or how many) and how many they are still waiting for. If we already know that "multiple agencies" are performing these name checks, is it so much harm to tell us how many are still pending and how many have been completed?

[Bobby+Umit 161]

Hang in there!

Keep calling them --

[tammy2688 1]

Julia,

I heard that for the entire 13 months and Chris, the male operator there told me the it's a bit abnormal to have it go past one year. Well I was sure we were doomed when it indeed PASSED 1 year, but still hung on. You will hear from them soon Julia, they won't say a thing except this until the very last moment when they will say AP is done. Hang in there, after 6 months, its just uphill from there, I haven't seen normal cases go past 8 months. I think it is only a matter of time before the visa is issued.

God bless,

Tam

[MaryandMian 1]

Julia,

It sure would be nice if they did divulge any information to us when we are in this dark abyss. I know it is hard to understand but you have to stay positive and keep calling them for updates. Like Tammy and Bobby stated HANG IN THERE. Each day that passes mean one day is gone and you are getting closer to your reunion.

[miamiwife 0]

Next week will be 7 months of AP for us--I wonder if a lawyer will help at all--any ideas? I am so beyond miserable. It has been almost 18 months waiting for this visa.

[WonTanNara 0]

I checked with 6 different attorneys about filing a writ of mandamus and all of them said it would not do any good and it would be a waste of money unless you've been waiting at least 12 months.

Security checks are taking longer to complete because there are so many visa applicants, but it will happen! You guys are both at or past the six month mark and it shouldn't be too much longer now! They don't need to tell us squat about the checks because it's a "matter of national security." They have a loophole and can do whatever they want with that.

I know how you feel, and will also tell you that you have to try and stop focusing every minute of every day on it. It'll happen when the time is right and one day soon you'll have a big fat surprise!

Edited January 18, 2009 by WonTanNara