I also had the same experience where our letter for our one-year ban stated it started October 28, 2021, but it was delivered to us on January 9. The holiday season was a 2-month delay. We sent it over to Andrew’s on Jan 20th 2022. So when October 2022 came around we were so excited that we were close and were again disappointed when we found out the one year actually started from our first test which wasn’t until February 2022.
So we are still waiting, it’s August 2023. We started this in September of 2020.... Talk about a ###### disaster. Been raising our daughter alone this whole time...over stupid "admitted past use".
He has his 2nd official medical last week and our status still says rejected too.
I sent an email to the embassy yesterday if they were going to update our status or if they needed anything else. they said
"This file is currently under review. As soon as the case is concluded, contact will be made."
So vague so lame. We filed an additional DS160 (as we are a k1 visa) and were told not to worry about another interview. So fingers crossed we will hear any day now.
I know they update ceac anytime they touch the case. So it's always good to see the date move even if it says rejected.