Waiting time for a Visa

skinnybaby · 19 Dec 18, 08:24 AM

Hi all,

Does anyone have any experience in getting a Visa for the USA?
My partner needs one to travel there and I asked in TUI when we booked our Cyprus holiday and they said they think there is a 6 to 9 month waiting list from application!

So he has to apply online and then wait possibly up to 9 months for the appointment to go to the embassy.

We're planning our Florida trip for Oct/Nov next year so basically 10 months away

Just wondering if anyone else knows how long the wait is. Im worried its cutting it a bit fine, and what if he doesn't get accepted? (no reasons he wouldn't be but you never know)

Thanks

ally1966 · 19 Dec 18, 09:01 AM

The 6 to 9 month wait isn�t for the appointment at the embassy, you can usually get an appointment within a few weeks. However, if the embassy don�t grant the visa there and then and refer it to homeland security for a waiver of ineligibility it can take over 6 months to get a decision. You still have plenty of time but he needs to start getting his paperwork together and make an appointment ASAP.

Guest · 19 Dec 18, 09:20 AM

No, as above it could be 6-9 months if they need a waiver of ineligibility, for example if they have previously overstayed, been denied entry or have a criminal record.

If they just need a visa because they are from somewhere not eligible for esta, then it would be a few weeks although the recommendation is to apply at least 60 days in advance.

skinnybaby · 19 Dec 18, 11:02 AM

Thankyou!

The only reason is because he is Polish. No criminal record and hasn't travelled there before so no overstays. Fingers crossed its pretty straight forward.

nicki2014 · 19 Dec 18, 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by skinnybaby

Thankyou!

The only reason is because he is Polish. No criminal record and hasn't travelled there before so no overstays. Fingers crossed its pretty straight forward.

my fianc� got one for the same reason in January this year- it takes a couple of weeks to get an appointment- we applied for a police certificate to prove he had no criminal record but I don't think you actually need this.
On the day he started queuing 30 mins before and was one of the first to be seen (try and get first appointment slot of the day- 8AM I believe), they asked how long he had lived in the UK and reason for his trip, they approved it there and then and took his passport off him to get the visa printed in- he got the passport with the visa in back within a week (appointment was Monday and he got a text on Wednesday to say it was ready for dispatch, delivered Thursday)
Maybe we were lucky as it was straight after xmas but it was super quick

skinnybaby · 20 Dec 18, 12:11 PM

Thanks for your replies everyone,

He's going to do it today or over the weekend. Fingers crossed there are no problems with it. Got lots to sort out but without that we're going nowhere!

Connies Mummy · 23 Dec 18, 08:37 PM

My hubby needed a waiver of ineligibility to get his visa. He got an interview within 2 weeks from applying (he took the first available) then once he had the interview it was another 5 and a half months before he got the email from dhls to say he could send for his visa. That took one week so all done and dusted within 6 months start to finish this year.

CookieMonster54 · 23 Dec 18, 09:17 PM

If it�s only because of his nationality then it should be quicker because it�s impossible for him to get an esta.

skinnybaby · 26 Dec 18, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by CookieMonster54

If it�s only because of his nationality then it should be quicker because it�s impossible for him to get an esta.

Yep, its simply just because he's Polish. He's got an interview soon, hopefully there are no problems. i'll be tearing my hair out if we've got to wait 6 months! im already planning

Im going to travel to London with him for the interview and im aware i cant go in with him, but do they have a waiting area at all where i could sit and wait while he goes in?

skinnybaby · 31 Dec 18, 11:40 AM

Originally Posted by Connies Mummy

My hubby needed a waiver of ineligibility to get his visa. He got an interview within 2 weeks from applying (he took the first available) then once he had the interview it was another 5 and a half months before he got the email from dhls to say he could send for his visa. That took one week so all done and dusted within 6 months start to finish this year.

Hi, can i ask what the problem was please?

19 Dec 18, 09:20 AM	#3
	19 Dec 18, 09:20 AM Guest Guest
Guest Guest	No, as above it could be 6-9 months if they need a waiver of ineligibility, for example if they have previously overstayed, been denied entry or have a criminal record. If they just need a visa because they are from somewhere not eligible for esta, then it would be a few weeks although the recommendation is to apply at least 60 days in advance.