Passport return

[Musicsaves 64]

Looking for general idea as to how long it takes to have passport returned after an approved interview for IR/CR1. Thank you!

[Ben&Zian 4,397]

verbal approval or CEAC is "issued"? Verbal approval can still wind up in adminisrtrative processing (AP) which can be short, a few days, or long as in months...and a denial can still occur during this time.

[Musicsaves 64]

Just now, Ben&Zian said:

verbal approval or CEAC is "issued"? Verbal approval can still wind up in adminisrtrative processing (AP) which can be short, a few days, or long as in months...and a denial can still occur during this time.

I didn't realize there was a difference actually. What I mean is if they tell you you're approved at the interview and take your passport, how long in general until you have it back and can travel.

[Ben&Zian 4,397]

Just now, Musicsaves said:

I didn't realize there was a difference actually. What I mean is if they tell you you're approved at the interview and take your passport, how long in general until you have it back and can travel.

 

Again even a verbal approval, is not a definitive approval. Only once CEAC state Issued is it legit. The process will go into AP and can be again days, weeks, months or longer, while they finalize things, background/security checks and verification of documents (if needed). And yes a denial can result during review after the verbal approval. Whether that's what will happen is strictly case by case. In general, I'd say if approval stands, give 10-14 business days for CEAC and all to change and passport to be returned, but it can vary depending on the embassy a bit.

[Ryan H 3,791]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Europe & Eurasia regional forum; return of passports after an interview vary from country to country which makes this topic Romania specific.

[JFH 12,189]

Check your CEAC online status. Until it says “issued” you don’t have an approval. At the interview you were “recommended for approval”. Once it is issued, it varies by embassy how long it takes to get the passport back. Typically 7-10 days. 

[ineedadisplayname 443]

2 hours ago, Musicsaves said:

Looking for general idea as to how long it takes to have passport returned after an approved interview for IR/CR1. Thank you!

It depends on how busy they are and also depends on case by case

Last year it took me 3 days to receive it after the interview, but that was a K1.

I would not buy a plane ticket until you have the visa in hand and you verified all the information on it to be correct.

[Musicsaves 64]

2 minutes ago, ineedadisplayname said:

It depends on how busy they are and also depends on case by case

Last year it took me 3 days to receive it after the interview, but that was a K1.

I would not buy a plane ticket until you have the visa in hand and you verified all the information on it to be correct.

Thank you! Trying to figure out flying arrangements and as you know its not easy last minute!

[ineedadisplayname 443]

14 minutes ago, Musicsaves said:

Thank you! Trying to figure out flying arrangements and as you know its not easy last minute!

I definitely would wait to buy my ticket only after the visa is in hand. Actually I did that and didn't move right away. You don't realize it but there is a lot to wrap up and we were not in any hurry.