Looking for advice - Approved in CEAC, but reply to inquiry indicates Administrative Processing

[Ethan G 3]

My Ugandan fiance is in Kenya. She was approved for K1 on March 12, and her three K2s already got their visas (Issued and picked up). However, her CEAC status still shows Approved after 2 weeks (with created and last updated date both being March 12). I inquired about her case via the contact that the embassy provides (VisitorVisaNairobi@state.gov), and I got this response:

 

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We have reviewed our records and learned that your nonimmigrant visa application is still undergoing administrative processing to verify your qualifications for this visa.  Administrative processing often lasts about 90 days, but in some instances, it can take significantly longer.

I emailed them a second time to ensure this wasn't just a templated response and to get clarification since her case still shows Approved in CEAC (not Administrative Processing). Then they responded:
 

Quote

The application is approved however, mandatory administrative processing was required in the case, and this is now being carried out. We have no control over this procedure and the length of time it requires. However, we have noted to contact you as soon as this procedure is concluded.

 

So I'm looking for advice from anyone with experience:

Should she keep waiting in Kenya, or request the passport back so she can return to Uganda to wait from there? I'm concerned that requesting the passport back before the case is officially in Administrative Processing in CEAC may slow them down from being able to process and issue the visa. My understanding is that if it's Approved in CEAC, the next step is Issued and they cannot go to that step if we take the passport, right? Will they release the passport if it's going to take a long time in AP?

 

(Side note for those who don't know: Kenya/Uganda are in an East African partnership where you can technically travel with just a National ID, not a passport. However, unfortunately, she came via her passport and, as far as I know from research, she cannot travel back using a different document than she came with.)

 

Maybe I can get a letter from the embassy explaining the situation and use a copy of her passport along with her National ID?

 

Any ideas?

 

Thanks!

Edited 9 hours ago by Ethan G

[Edward and Jaycel 2,554]

From experience with Jaycel's process in the Philippines, her status stayed as "Approved" until the administrative processing was complete so it appears that it can be both "Approved" and in AP at the same time. The AP is not completed until the status changes to "Issued".

[Edward and Jaycel 2,554]

And no they cannot got to the issued stage unless they have the passport because they have to place the visa in the passport.

[Crazy Cat 46,385]

4 hours ago, Ethan G said:

I'm concerned that requesting the passport back before the case is officially in Administrative Processing in CEAC may slow them down from being able to process and issue the visa.

You are correct.  It will delay the process and/or add even more administrative processing time.