London K1 Approved - Still waiting for passport & visa

[syed84 1]

Hi All

My K1 interview was approved at the London Embassy on 13th March. I was advised I would have my passport back within 10 working days and we are now on 11. I spoke to the operator this morning who advised the visa has not yet been processed.

Is anyone having the same problem? Anyone got their passport back if so how long did it take?

Thanks

Syed

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hi All

My K1 interview was approved at the London Embassy on 13th March. I was advised I would have my passport back within 10 working days and we are now on 11. I spoke to the operator this morning who advised the visa has not yet been processed.

Is anyone having the same problem? Anyone got their passport back if so how long did it take?

Thanks

Syed

Most London visas/passports get delivered in 3-5 working days, but I have known a few that took 10. If you were not born in the UK, it is possible you are in what they call AP for administrative processing or additional processing. It's optional additional security checks that just about everybody born in India or Pakistan or Muslim countries go through. Do you fit that profile? If so, here is a discussion of AP with the London embassy that is in the UK forum. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/381416-additional-processing-administrative-processing-this-may-help/ there have been many, but this write up is very detailed. I think it took the person who posted it about 4 months to get the visa. I have known others that were only 4 weeks.

There is also a separate forum that discusses AP worldwide. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/113-waivers-i-601-and-i-212-and-administrative-processes-221g/

Edited March 27, 2013 by Nich-Nick

[syed84 1]

Hi Nich-Nick

I am UK born and haven't been to Pakistan or India. She told me it was approved and that I should have it back within 10 days.

She didn't mention anything about AP and kept my passport and told me pay DX on the way out. So I am a little confused

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Hi Nich-Nick

I am UK born and haven't been to Pakistan or India. She told me it was approved and that I should have it back within 10 days.

She didn't mention anything about AP and kept my passport and told me pay DX on the way out. So I am a little confused

If you aren't Muslim, have a Muslim surname, or have parents born in the middle east, Pakistan, etc, then you may not be in AP. Getting told approved and keeping the passport doesn't mean you won't be delayed, but maybe it's just a small glitch. If another week goes by without it, then maybe there are security checks going on.

Have your fiancé call the Dept of State to ask for updates. They don't charge per minute.

DOS 202-663-1225 press 1, then 0

[syed84 1]

Well yes my father is of Pakistani origin and name is a Muslim name.

I don't understand why they would hang on to my passport if they had to do further checks. I have read on several forums that if they require further checks your passport is returned to you on the day of the interview and you're advised when to send it in if approved.

I will ask her to give them a call, thanks for that info

Just wished they had been upfront about the checks rather than getting us all happy that everything was fine

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

Well yes my father is of Pakistani origin and name is a Muslim name.

I don't understand why they would hang on to my passport if they had to do further checks. I have read on several forums that if they require further checks your passport is returned to you on the day of the interview and you're advised when to send it in if approved.

I will ask her to give them a call, thanks for that info

Just wished they had been upfront about the checks rather than getting us all happy that everything was fine

I don't have an answer for that really, but you aren't the first it has happened to in London. Perhaps the interviewer indeed thought all was well since you have a British passport. I hope it clears up quickly. DOS will know when the visa is issued. They have info from all the consulates. Until then, they might say the standard "it is still processing." It is impossible to get more details from them or the embassy.

[syed84 1]

I hope it clears up soon, it's my bday on 3rd April and we want to get our court marriage done on it. I guess there is still a chance of it happening but very slim with the Easter weekend.

[syed84 1]

So a month on and still patiently waiting

No criminal record or other issues. Getting worried they might refuse the visa.

Both me and my other half are very upset

[uk2upstateny 13]

So a month on and still patiently waiting

No criminal record or other issues. Getting worried they might refuse the visa.

Both me and my other half are very upset

I'm sorry to hear this Have you been able to get any more information about what's causing the delay?

[Oregon Bound 30]

Have you tried calling to ask why there is a delay?

[Nich-Nick 3,354]

So a month on and still patiently waiting

No criminal record or other issues. Getting worried they might refuse the visa.

Both me and my other half are very upset

They have to clear you for security reasons. It can take time to get through AP, which you definitely are in. They aren't looking for a reason to deny you. It could be soon or months, so just get on with something else to take your mind off of it.

I'm sorry to hear this Have you been able to get any more information about what's causing the delay?

Have you tried calling to ask why there is a delay?

I can tell all of you that no information is given when a case is in Additional (or Administrative) Processing. The will not say what the security hold-up is, why, how much longer, what they need yet. Nothing! You can call and call and call, but you'll get nothing. They will not tell a Congrssman who inquires on your behalf. You wait in the black hole called AP. I've read the London stories for 5 years now. One of the ones from last year wrote up a long explanation. I'll try to find it for you.

Ah..found it. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/381417-ap-going-through-london/

[syed84 1]

So just 4 1/2 months on and I'm still in AP