Jert

my app package was received on 10/13. Waiting for the enotification. Good luck everyone!

Hi Jert! Thanks for your answers. I am a bit confused, and my lawyer has not been as diligent since I know it is his first time doing a waiver application. This is my timeline:

USCIS

5/15/15 USCIS received 1-612

6/27/15 RFE

7/16/15 Received RFE

8/6/15 requested another advisory opinion

DOS

7/15/15 Lawyer sent email stating he had filed DS3035

*I am not sure if he meant paying the fee and sending both envelopes....

HERE ARE MY QUESTIONS:

1. If the lawyer paid for the fee, sent DS2019s,sent both envelopes and the ds3035 form, how long should it take for me to see the status of the case on their website?

2. How long for DOS to send both envelopes back with instructions for additional documents?

3. Last but not least, is it correct to assume my case number is the 7 digit number on page 2 of the DS3035 FORM?

Hi!

Did you use your WRD number to check on the portal (yes, the 7 digits number)? https://j1visawaiverstatus.state.gov/

A good way to know if they're actually working on your case is just checking if they cashed the check.

Hardship waivers are very complex to work with, so hang in there. Also you need to have an open line of communication with your lawyer, so ask him to specify what exactly did he send, so we understand what's going on better. Do you have your documentation prepared to send ?(the letters, evidence, etc - this is what took longer for me to put together)

Don't worry, if the lawyer mailed the fee and form to the DOS, then you just have to be a little bit more patient. First they receive it somewhere, then they forward it to the WRD in Washington and then they show it in the system. This normally takes up to a month, but it may take a little longer.

sorry guys, forgot to ask : "Once the Waiver Review Division has received your Data Sheet application, they will use your self-addressed, stamped, legal-size envelopes, to send you a case number and instruction sheet on how to proceed with your application. This information will include a list of documents that you must submit to complete your waiver review application." HOW LONG DOES THIS TAKE AFTER THEY RECEIVE IT?

Hi!

I am going to paste what I got from the DOS, so you have an idea. don't pay too much attention to the dates. I took my while to send in the supporting documents, and now they're taking their while with me.

Recommendation Sent July 28, 2015

Form DS-2019 Received June 23, 2015

Form I-612 Received June 23, 2015

Form I-613 Received June 23, 2015

Fee Received August 13, 2014

Form DS-3035 Received August 13, 2014

Statement Of Reason Received August 13, 2014

This is what it should look like. Mine was stuck in the last three items for a while, finally sent in all the supporting documents on March 25 (which is what you are asking, correct?). then, on June 23rd, USCIS requested an advisory opinion. Afterwards, they sent in the favorable recommendation that I should have received a couple of weeks ago.

Good luck on your hardship application!!!! I hope this clarified some of your questions!

Not really, it should not take more than 4 weeks. Not sure why that is the case. I would wait till 9/1 before trying to contact them.

Thank you. I guess I will wait. I too don't understand why it's taking so long, even my lawyer told me it was a matter days until I get my waiver, but it's been so long!

Medicalguy, good luck with your greencard application . Thanks so much for being so helpful all the time and replying to my posts. I hope that with these experiences I get to help someone else out with j1 waivers in the future.

Hi guys,

The DOS sent a favorable reccomendation, according to the website on July 28. Well, I still haven't received the hard copy on my mail, and in the USCIS website it says "case is on hold" On June 23, 2015, we requested another non-USCIS advisory opinion for your Form I-612.

is this delay common??? if not, what can I do, who do I call?

thank you for all your help!!

Their website sometimes does not update correctly. If it takes longer I would try to contact them, not that I know how. However the good news is, the biggest obstacle is usually the USCIS and once it forwards I-613 to DOS, it is just a matter of time getting approved. Exceptions maybe things like Fulbright scholars.

Thank you!! Last Friday, July 31, I checked the DOS and finally got something new, they sent the favorable recommendation . I'm so happy and relieved, I've seen many classmates under the same J1 program being denied. On the other hand, it's been a week now and the USCIS website doesn't say anything about receiving the recommendation or sending me a copy of my waiver, but I'm not worried, just a little impatient!

Q- can I start with the AOS or do I have to wait til I get my waiver?

Hello guys,

I applied for a hardship waiver too and I have some questions. I noticed that after the USCIS requests an advisory opinion from DOS, it shows up in the website that they have received form 613. According to my research it takes somewhere between 1 week - 4 weeks to show.

Well, USCIS requested the 613 to DOS on 6/19, and I look it up in the website and it still says pending, with no updates whatsoever about receiving a 613. Last status was published last year actually, stating they have received form and fees. Should I be worried? I am completely in the dark here and lawyer is on summer vacations