J-1 Approval - Processing time

[coolrunnings888 0]

Hi All,

I had my J-1 visa interview on Friday (23/08), all went well (thanks in part to lurking & learning from you kind people on here!) and at the end of the interview the consulate officer signed and stamped my DS-2019.

I'm due (booked) to travel to the USA on 03 September, and the "visa wait time" per the local embassy website is 3 days. I'm just wondering if you guys think it's realistic that my passport will be returned to me before then?

Worst case scenario, I could re-arrange my flights - but nothing has given me any cause for alarm.

I'd really appreciate any comments you folks might have.

[Penguin_ie 5,995]

Which country? I know in Ireland, it takes 5-10 business days from interview to get the passport with J1 visa in the post- 3-4 days for processing, then mailing time.

[coolrunnings888 0]

Belfast actually, I'm going to collect mine at the Fed-Ex depo, hopefully save a day.

Looks like it might be tight - crossed my mind to travel to the US on an Irish passport, but worried that might cause a whole host of issues!

[coolrunnings888 0]

I guess calling the guys at the embassy is out of the question?

[Penguin_ie 5,995]

Not sure, do they have a public phone number for non-citizens?

Did you mention at the interview when you are hoping to fly?

[coolrunnings888 0]

Nope on both counts - to be honest the interview happened in a flash!

*fingers crossed*

[jan22 3,056]

DON'T under any circumstances enter on the VWP to start the J1 program. You would have to misrepresent why you were entering in order to get admitted and you can't change status to a J1 from the VWP. You didn't sound serious about that as an option, but I wanted to make sure you knew there were serious consequences if this looked like a way out.

You should get it in time -- don't worry and good luck!

Edited August 26, 2013 by jan22

[coolrunnings888 0]

DON'T under any circumstances enter on the VWP to start the J1 program. You would have to misrepresent why you were entering in order to get admitted and you can't change status to a J1 from the VWP. You didn't sound serious about that as an option, but I wanted to make sure you knew there were serious consequences if this looked like a way out.

You should get it in time -- don't worry and good luck!

Nope point taken - strangely I would be coming out of the US prior to the commencement of my visa (into canada) and having my UK passport posted out there - but I think on balance I would rather risk a few £ rather than months and months of issues!