AM820

I do not care about asylum or any other group. I meant by status that Asylum seeker once get his USCIS receipt notice, he is allowed to stay in US legally. For us they will kick us out of USA with your US citizen family members or acquire unlawful status. Anyway I am not here to argue. Instead, we are here to find possible solutions to our miserable situations instead of useless arguing with each others. There is a clear fact that NO ONE CAN DENY that immigration system in USA is broken and always unfair.

I think we should speak up about our issues, maybe on social media or by holding peaceful protests like you suggested. Lawyers often tell us not to inquire about our cases or take legal action because they fear DOS might deny our applications in response, and we can't even fight those denials. Unlike the USCIS, the DOS operates without clear oversight, and I think bringing our concerns to the limelight might instigate change. It's disheartening to endure almost 2.5 years of uncertainty between the DOS and USCIS, particularly for hardship cases. The situation feels even more challenging when we see other categories, like asylum seekers, obtaining status and work permits swiftly. I'm in full agreement with you, and if I were in DC, I'd be right beside you in any protest. For the slogan, how about "Years of Waiting, Lifetimes on Hold: We Need Quick Decisions on J-1 Hardship Waivers Now!'

Hi, you say you have analyzed 600 cases. Would you mind share the results of this analysis? that would be helpful for us to see where are we so we can plan a head and also to see how DOS currently processes hardship cases. I know that you do not have to do that, but you may think about how many families you may help by this data to plan a head.

@Motheus I know that you may just got tired of the group and this process in general, but we really appreciate if you please share more about your mandamus (it is definitely the cause that your case is approved nothing else). Questions would be: 1) was the suit against DOS only or USCIS and DOS? 2) how long your lawyer prepared for the case? 3) you said in June, would you mind share the date? I am trying to calculate when should be filed befor my status expire? 4) how much did it cost you? thanks and hope that you consider sharing info with us. Most of people are separate here and any info would be very valuable.

Foreign fund meant to be person’s home country government fund

Mine since March 2022(I-612). No US government fund. Hardship to US citizen child. No expedite. I see several cases from March 2022 with foreign fund approved over the past 3 months and one case from April 2022. I see that queue for foreign funds become longer than the US government fund (Fulbright etc.) Please let us know if any approvals happened recently.

For old birds who have been pending with DOS only for more than a year (mine 17 months), have you ever tried to expedite your case (not regular inquiry as it is useless)?

Thanks for sharing and congratulation on getting your O-1 visa. May I ask how do you plan to get your visa (home country or Canada)? I assume we can’t change our status within US to O-1 since we are subject. Please let us know.

Messaged you privately! Thanks! Congratulation!!

Hello Everyone, I'm currently 16 months into waiting for my DOS process [original filing October 2021], and my J-1 visa is set to expire in just two months. I'm considering requesting an expedited process based on humanitarian reasons. Could anyone clarify whether the humanitarian reasons should pertain to a the U.S. citizen or the applicant? Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Thanks for sharing your timeline. Mine has no US fund. What about you? Also have you ever tried to inquire or expedite based on out of processing time?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It's tough to know the exact number of applicants in this forum, and older posts don't always mean those cases are still pending. We might not see a pattern, but it's good to keep an open mind and share helpful information. Your response might not be particularly helpful to some, but let's focus on supporting each other and creating a positive environment for everyone here.

Guys, how many of us has his application pending with DOS (only) for more than 12 months? I am #1 my DOS received March 10, 2022. Can we try to count to try to get a pattern? Thanks!

Unfortunately no updates yet. Once change I will update you guys here. Please I would appreciate if you keep us updated as well.

Try to wait for USCIS decision. Also would you mind if you share the name of your lawyer? There might be a way to appeal this with a good lawyer.

It's quite strange. I've always heard that having more US citizen family members increases your chances. There should be at least one medical condition that applies to one of your dependents. It seems there might be an issue with your application, which could be due to your lawyer. By the way, who is your lawyer, if you don't mind me asking? I suggest you speak with him first to discuss the odds and hear his suggestions. It might be a good idea to consult with another lawyer who specializes in J-1 waivers to explore your options. From what I understand, DOS decisions are typically unchallengeable. You could also wait for the USCIS decision. Please keep us posted on any updates.

Is this yours? Very sad. One of the worst experience of our life. Not to mention you get denied at the end.

Thank you very much for the information. Regarding the inquiries, my lawyer has cautioned me against contacting the Department of State, stating that they may delay or even deny my case based on those inquiries. I'm quite sure he's incorrect, but I wanted to check with you before potentially challenging his opinion. 😄😄😄.

Hello guys, I hope everyone is doing well and everyone gets his/her waiver soon. I have pending waiver for more than 13 months now since I-612/I-613 received by DOS. I am wondering what is the average processing time at DOS right now? also attached is my timeline and documents. Could you please take a look and let me know if everything looks good and everything is already received by DOS. I see “other” at timeline of some people and I am afraid that something might be missing from my case. thanks and I really appreciate your thoughts