Getting very nervous - Visas approved but not issued after 10 business days / 2 weeks

[JPeck 2]

We were approved June 24, 2025. Tomorrow is 10 business days since then, but still our CEAC status is "Case Received" not "Approved" or better yet, "Issued." Fiancé is 7, almost 8 months pregnant. After the end of this month (July) she can't fly due to airline restrictions/health of the mother. Our visa expires October 28, 2025. So, If I don't get notice that visa were issued in the next few days we miss the July window, baby is born in Philippines, and we have to hope birth certificate / CRBA can be done between due date (Sept 3-13) and visa expiration (Oct. 28). A highly unlikely timeline.

 

Very discouraged. I've sent inquiries to both US Embassy and to US Travel Docs about an hour ago, and will start calling the Embassy tonight (Philippine’s daytime). 

 

Any suggestions??? We will be absolutely crushed and heartbroken if our visa expires and we have to start all over again - the time, the expense, the heartache of being apart from my fiancé, her 4 year old daughter, and our newborn son for 1.5 to 2 more years is too much.   

[appleblossom 4,386]

Just now, JPeck said:

We were approved June 24, 2025. Tomorrow is 10 business days since then, but still our CEAC status is "Case Received" not "Approved" or better yet, "Issued." Fiancé is 7, almost 8 months pregnant. After the end of this month (July) she can't fly due to airline restrictions/health of the mother. Our visa expires October 28, 2025. So, If I don't get notice that visa were issued in the next few days we miss the July window, baby is born in Philippines, and we have to hope birth certificate / CRBA can be done between due date (Sept 3-13) and visa expiration (Oct. 28). A highly unlikely timeline.

 

Very discouraged. I've sent inquiries to both US Embassy and to US Travel Docs about an hour ago, and will start calling the Embassy tonight (Philippine’s daytime). 

 

Any suggestions??? We will be absolutely crushed and heartbroken if our visa expires and we have to start all over again - the time, the expense, the heartache of being apart from my fiancé, her 4 year old daughter, and our newborn son for 1.5 to 2 more years is too much.   

 

You won't have to start all over again, you can ask for the visa to be extended. 

 

Good luck, hope you get the visa very soon.

[JPeck 2]

Thank you, appleblossom. I read, though, that an extension is a ####### shoot, not guaranteed. Do you have any additional info on this topic or know where I might look? 

[appleblossom 4,386]

Just now, JPeck said:

Thank you, appleblossom. I read, though, that an extension is a ####### shoot, not guaranteed. Do you have any additional info on this topic or know where I might look? 

 

Of course it's not guaranteed, you need to prove extenuating circumstances. But being unable to travel due to pregnancy should qualify. 

 

Although if the baby is born next month then wouldn't she have enough time to travel anyway? You don't need to do CBRA before she flies, she can travel with the child without it.  https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM020102.html

[JPeck 2]

Thank you so much for your reply! Baby is due Sept 3-13, but mom can't fly in the month of August for saftey / airline reasons. No airline will let a pregnant woman fly after 35 weeks of pregnancy (of the 40 week term). Once baby is born, my understanding is we need birth certificate and a CRBA so we can get the baby a US passport form the US Embassy or consulate. CRBA allows us to get a US passport for the baby, and, as far as I know, every person needs a passport to travel internationally on an airplane. Right? The link you sent correctly states states the baby does not need a visa, because, as a US citizen, he's free to "return" home without one. The completion of the CRBA qualifies baby as a US citizen, and thereby makes him eligible for a US passport. Though I will have to read some of the link more carefully, as perhaps there is an exception?    

[top_secret 2,707]

8 hours ago, JPeck said:

We were approved June 24, 2025. Tomorrow is 10 business days since then, but still our CEAC status is "Case Received" not "Approved" or better yet, "Issued."

 

That is not at all outside of 'normal' timeframes for US Embassy Manila.  They really do have very inconsistent visa issuance timetables with no outwardly obvious rhyme or reason why some are issued within a week and some take three weeks or more.  It is still very reasonable to assume that nothing is wrong and the visa could be issued at any moment.  Hopefully in time.

[JPeck 2]

top_secret Thank you for your comment! Of course you are right, it is not late, per se, there is just so much riding on it that it is hard not to overtink and imagine the worst case scenario. Hopfully it will be issued very soon. Thank you for taking the time to offer your advice. 

[mam521 2,507]

You also had the 4th of July in the mix too.  I know it's anxiety riddling, especially with an imminent baby entering the mix.  Hopefully you just get the great news sooner than later!  

[Elitevaz 2]

I just got notice by email. Manila processed her visa in about 24 hours. I'm shocked.