They should have told you about other options if available. Now, you definitely need a waiver. The last I-601 waiver I remember seeing took about a year to process.
I am a little confused, and need your help in understanding this situation.
If the I-601 takes a year in processing, why would the Consular Officer/Embassy keep the Original Passport? Also, which country is this IR1 currently being processed from? From what I understand, I-601s are being processed only through a Central Lockbox in the U.S
Visa IR1 denied on interview requesting i-601 waiver
in Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)
Posted
I am a little confused, and need your help in understanding this situation.
If the I-601 takes a year in processing, why would the Consular Officer/Embassy keep the Original Passport? Also, which country is this IR1 currently being processed from? From what I understand, I-601s are being processed only through a Central Lockbox in the U.S