2019 J1 WAIVER TIMELINE - New Applicants

[JWaiver_2019 21]

I have got recommendations from DOS finally! Yay!!! 

I am a research scholar and my case is US Govt funding based, applied for No Objection category, for this forum's record.

 

My timeline:

Application packet was sent to DOS by USPS Priority Mail:                            December 26^th 2018

Packet received (USPS confirmed by email due to issues with tracking):    December 28^th 2018

Embassy sent NOS by mail to DOS:                                                                     January 21^st 2019

DOS received No Objection Statement on:                                                         February 20th 2019

DOS updated status – Documents received:                                                     February 11^th 2019

Sponsor Views Requested by DOS:                                                                     March 19th 2019

Sponsor views Received by DOS:                                                                         March 24th 2019

Favorable Recommendations:                                                                              March 26th 2019

 

I wish positive outcome for the rest of the applicants!

Edited March 27, 2019 by JWaiver_2019

[Filipi 8]

19 hours ago, JWaiver_2019 said:

I have got recommendations from DOS finally! Yay!!! 

I am a research scholar and my case is US Govt funding based, applied for No Objection category, for this forum's record.

 

Congratulations JWaiver, now we just need to wait for the USCIS process.

BTW I contacted USCIS to get my case number, So I'm updating my timeline here:

 

My timeline:

Application packet was sent to DOS by UPS (from Brazil):                              December 16^th 2018

Packet received (UPS tracking):                                                                           December 20^th 2018

Embassy sent NOS by mail to DOS:                                                                     December 22^th 2018

DOS updated status – Documents received:                                                     January 24^th 2019

DOS received No Objection Statement on:                                                         January 29^th 2019

Favorable Recommendations:                                                                              March 12^th 2019

USCIS accepted my case on:                                                                                March 20^th 2019

 

I'm yet to receive the notice of action from USCIS and favorable recommendation letter from DOS my mail. I'm in Brazil, so it may take some time for the letters to arrive.

 

[JWaiver_2019 21]

2 hours ago, Filipi said:

 

Congratulations JWaiver, now we just need to wait for the USCIS process.

BTW I contacted USCIS to get my case number, So I'm updating my timeline here:

 

My timeline:

Application packet was sent to DOS by UPS (from Brazil):                              December 16^th 2018

Packet received (UPS tracking):                                                                           December 20^th 2018

Embassy sent NOS by mail to DOS:                                                                     December 22^th 2018

DOS updated status – Documents received:                                                     January 24^th 2019

DOS received No Objection Statement on:                                                         January 29^th 2019

Favorable Recommendations:                                                                              March 12^th 2019

USCIS accepted my case on:                                                                                March 20^th 2019

 

I'm yet to receive the notice of action from USCIS and favorable recommendation letter from DOS my mail. I'm in Brazil, so it may take some time for the letters to arrive.

 

Thanks Filipi!

 

I can share good tracking experience of mine for new applicants and if want to follow the same approach since I am able to track DOS mail using tracking number that I have used for returned envelopes (I kept other part of USPS tracking sticker saved in my file).

 

DOS mail is on the way with expected delivery time tomorrow. I got DOS online status update yesterday morning and when I checked tracking number (pasted on returned envelopes) last night, it showed that 'mail arrived at the USPS facility around 8.30pm'. So in my case, they mailed decision by mail on the next day of favorable decision. So you should be able to get it sooner since it usually takes 2-3 weeks for international mails and also depends on different mailing zones internationally.

 

I actually submitted 'Priority mail returned envelopes' with tracking number in my DOS packet and I found it was a good decision so I am well aware of situation now and tracking DOS mail and can recommend the same to follow for others.

 

Thanks for sharing USCIS experience and I will wait for another week and then call them to see if I can get case number over phone. This is not urgent for me since I am able to proceed with my rest of documentation process using DOS letter.

 

Thanks again Filipi! I appreciate.

 

[Kr1234 4]

7 hours ago, JWaiver_2019 said:

Thanks Filipi!

 

I can share good tracking experience of mine for new applicants and if want to follow the same approach since I am able to track DOS mail using tracking number that I have used for returned envelopes (I kept other part of USPS tracking sticker saved in my file).

 

DOS mail is on the way with expected delivery time tomorrow. I got DOS online status update yesterday morning and when I checked tracking number (pasted on returned envelopes) last night, it showed that 'mail arrived at the USPS facility around 8.30pm'. So in my case, they mailed decision by mail on the next day of favorable decision. So you should be able to get it sooner since it usually takes 2-3 weeks for international mails and also depends on different mailing zones internationally.

 

I actually submitted 'Priority mail returned envelopes' with tracking number in my DOS packet and I found it was a good decision so I am well aware of situation now and tracking DOS mail and can recommend the same to follow for others.

 

Thanks for sharing USCIS experience and I will wait for another week and then call them to see if I can get case number over phone. This is not urgent for me since I am able to proceed with my rest of documentation process using DOS letter.

 

Thanks again Filipi! I appreciate.

 

congrats J1 waiver happy for you.  Me too used the usps priority mail returned envelopes with tracking number, but i sent the A4 size envelope since on that day post office was out of smaller envelopes. Do you think that will matter?

[JWaiver_2019 21]

3 hours ago, Kr1234 said:

congrats J1 waiver happy for you.  Me too used the usps priority mail returned envelopes with tracking number, but i sent the A4 size envelope since on that day post office was out of smaller envelopes. Do you think that will matter?

Many thanks Kr1234!

I also used A4 envelope, I think shortage of right sized envelope is very common across. So don't worry, it was a good decision.

[Kr1234 4]

20 hours ago, JWaiver_2019 said:

Many thanks Kr1234!

I also used A4 envelope, I think shortage of right sized envelope is very common across. So don't worry, it was a good decision.

Ok Jwaiver2019 thanks for your reply

[Sam2019 2]

Hello Folks, 

 

So, I just got my final approval from the USCIS. The nightmare is over. Here is my story in brief.  I WAS A FULLBRIGHT!! and I got the No-objection waiver!!!! yes, it  IS POSSIBLE for those who received funding from Fulbright to get the no-objection waiver. 

I think you have to make a stron g argument in your statement. Do NOT make the argument about you; instead, make the argument that it is useful for the program goal if you not go back. Make a case that if you get waived the program goals will be achieved more than if you go back. And of course, you have to support your arguments by evidence and documents. I did not hire a lawyer. Actually, all the lawyers I talked to said I will never get the no objection waiver because I was a Fulbright scholar, but I did!

Here is my timeline

It took my embassy so long to send the letter. 

Also, it took the USCIS almost 39 days to send the final approval.

 

Goodluck to you all!

Edited March 30, 2019 by millefleur
Image removed containing personal information

[Sam2019 2]

20 hours ago, Sam2019 said:

Hello Folks, 

 

So, I just got my final approval from the USCIS. The nightmare is over. Here is my story in brief.  I WAS A FULLBRIGHT!! and I got the No-objection waiver!!!! yes, it  IS POSSIBLE for those who received funding from Fulbright to get the no-objection waiver. 

I think you have to make a stron g argument in your statement. Do NOT make the argument about you; instead, make the argument that it is useful for the program goal if you not go back. Make a case that if you get waived the program goals will be achieved more than if you go back. And of course, you have to support your arguments by evidence and documents. I did not hire a lawyer. Actually, all the lawyers I talked to said I will never get the no objection waiver because I was a Fulbright scholar, but I did!

Here is my timeline

It took my embassy so long to send the letter. 

Also, it took the USCIS almost 39 days to send the final approval.

 

Goodluck to you all!

 

Edited March 30, 2019 by millefleur
Image removed containing personal information

[JWaiver_2019 21]

20 hours ago, Sam2019 said:

Hello Folks, 

 

So, I just got my final approval from the USCIS. The nightmare is over. Here is my story in brief.  I WAS A FULLBRIGHT!! and I got the No-objection waiver!!!! yes, it  IS POSSIBLE for those who received funding from Fulbright to get the no-objection waiver. 

I think you have to make a stron g argument in your statement. Do NOT make the argument about you; instead, make the argument that it is useful for the program goal if you not go back. Make a case that if you get waived the program goals will be achieved more than if you go back. And of course, you have to support your arguments by evidence and documents. I did not hire a lawyer. Actually, all the lawyers I talked to said I will never get the no objection waiver because I was a Fulbright scholar, but I did!

Here is my timeline

It took my embassy so long to send the letter. 

Also, it took the USCIS almost 39 days to send the final approval.

 

Goodluck to you all!

Congratulations Sam2019! Finally your wait is over!

 

I completely agree with you that thorough homework and good documentation before starting the process makes your case stronger, and any relevant supporting evidence to your statement facilitate quick decision by the waiver review team.

In case you are expecting sponsor view, identify people in advance who will be receiving this request, coordinate with them including your supervisor (who is also contacted for some response in many cases) in advance and let them know of your situation why you want them to respond quickly. I saw people are very supportive, if you are communicating well and in respectful manner with them. So good communication and coordination is a key. Don't look in the forums, and assume the process is simple, many are getting waivers fast, and you submit application without preparation - situations varies from case to case and you need to be vigilant.

 

In my case, I also added some relevant recommendation letter endorsing my commentary in 'statement of reason' as part of other documents. So think about your situation, collect all supporting material/evidences and once ready you can submit.  Check fastest timelines in this forum and look for 'other' documents, you will find many have it in their timeline and if this is strong documentation, results are really fast.

Edited March 30, 2019 by millefleur
Image removed containing personal information

[BorquMic 2]

Wow does it 6-8 weeks to update NOC. Mine NOC was received February 14,2019 and it’s pending.. 

[BorquMic 2]

Yesterday was 6 weeks but still pending .:(

[JWaiver_2019 21]

1 minute ago, BorquMic said:

Yesterday was 6 weeks but still pending .:(

Your case is within DOS timeline so there is no need to worry. Yes, wait is really frustrating, but nothing needs your action at this stage than waiting!

Did your case involved US govt funding? If not and every thing is correctly lined up, then you should receive their decision in next status update within DOS timeline. Applicants are getting waiver in 6-8 weeks so still you have time.

[BorquMic 2]

5 minutes ago, JWaiver_2019 said:

Your case is within DOS timeline so there is no need to worry. Yes, wait is really frustrating, but nothing needs your action at this stage than waiting!

Did your case involved US govt funding? If not and every thing is correctly lined up, then you should receive their decision in next status update within DOS timeline. Applicants are getting waiver in 6-8 weeks so still you have time.

Of course Not. Thanks. I am patiently waiting. 

[JWaiver_2019 21]

9 minutes ago, BorquMic said:

Of course Not. Thanks. I am patiently waiting. 

I am sure you will get it in time within next two weeks.

[okland 31]

I have been waiting since January 31st when the NOS was updated to the list of documents. Very frustrating this long wait. This Thursday it will be 9 weeks waiting.

 

By the way, mine is a simple home govt funding with NOS.

On 3/30/2019 at 11:05 AM, BorquMic said:

Wow does it 6-8 weeks to update NOC. Mine NOC was received February 14,2019 and it’s pending.. 

 

Edited April 1, 2019 by okland