US Visa wait times?

[Jerepigo]

I submitted the DS160 confirmation page and all other documents that are required in the instructions to the US Consulate 3 weeks ago. I haven't even gotten an acknowledgement of receipt of the documents. When I check my account status on the consulate website, it says "Send Documents". Even the DS160 status on the US embassy webpage shows a "No Status" and directs me to the Consulate website for more information. Even after calling the US Consulate and emailing them....nothing! Even in.the instructions page there was nothing anout scheduling an interview and there is no option for me to schedule one on the site either.

I'm losing my mind over this because I can't even plan ahead, cant yet book the plane ticket nor do I know for how long should I book temporary accommodation since I have terminated my lease a while back. I was supposed to have started work at the new job at the beginning of the month but at this rate it appears i'll only leave next year.

Anyone here experienced something similar? What are my options? I keep checking the status every day and its driving me crazy not knowing where I stand.

 

[Sasha_za]

After you submit the ds160, then you have to book an appointment. Go to this site https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-za/niv/users/sign_in
scroll to the bottom, create an account or sign in if you already have an account
There should be dates closer available, if there aren't just book a date even if it is next year and then continuously refresh the change appointment page until you get something closer. They are constantly opening slots.

 

[FiestaST]

There is a massive backlog. Looks like you're outta luck till Q1 '23.

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Desperate South Africans waiting months for US visas due to massive backlogs

South Africans trying to get to the United States are travelling to Namibia, Botswana and even further afield to apply for visas because of the massive backlogs in visa processing at the US embassy offices in South Africa.

www.dailymaverick.co.za

 

[deweyzeph]

It's so ridiculous that South Africans even need visas in the first place. We have Home Affairs to thank for that.

 

[Jerepigo]

After you submit the ds160, then you have to book an appointment. Go to this site https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-za/niv/users/sign_in
scroll to the bottom, create an account or sign in if you already have an account
There should be dates closer available, if there aren't just book a date even if it is next year and then continuously refresh the change appointment page until you get something closer. They are constantly opening slots.

Where exactly is this button that allows one to book an appointment. As explained in the OP I have an account and there is absolutely no option on the home page that allows me to book anything. All it is showing is a "Send Documents" status and a link to the DS160 check-status webpage.

 

[Jerepigo]

There is a massive backlog. Looks like you're outta luck till Q1 '23.

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Business Insider tells the global tech, finance, stock market, media, economy, lifestyle, real estate, AI and innovative stories you want to know.

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Desperate South Africans waiting months for US visas due to massive backlogs

South Africans trying to get to the United States are travelling to Namibia, Botswana and even further afield to apply for visas because of the massive backlogs in visa processing at the US embassy offices in South Africa.

www.dailymaverick.co.za

WOW, so There is no priority option for certain kinds of VIsa's. Surely there shouldn't be one single queue for people travelling for work and those going on holiday?

BTW this is the email I got when I tried to inquire about this:

Dear Applicant,

Applicant may be eligible to apply for a visa without attending a consular interview. If you have already completed the scheduling process and, based on the answers you provided, the system has determined that you are eligible for an interview wavier, you cannot change the status of your case to schedule an appointment for an in-person consular interview.

Please follow the instructions you received from the system and submit your visa application to the Consular Section. After the Consular Section has reviewed your application, they will determine if you need to attend an in-person interview, at which time you will receive instructions via email on how to proceed.

Sincerely,

The Contact Desk Support Team

At least tell me how long I have to wait for even my application to get reviewed. I can't just sit here and hope that things fall into place some day!

 

[FiestaST]

WOW, so There is no priority option for certain kinds of VIsa's. Surely there shouldn't be one single queue for people travelling for work and those going on holiday?

BTW this is the email I got when I tried to inquire about this:

At least tell me how long I have to wait for even my application to get reviewed. I can't just sit here and hope that things fall into place some day!

Try and make contact their & find out if there is allowance or fast track of sorts but too be honest I feel it is unlikely.

I went for my interview back in March (I am in CT) & there was tons & tons of applicants back then, I can only imagine how much worse it has gotten since.

 

[Sasha_za]

Where exactly is this button that allows one to book an appointment. As explained in the OP I have an account and there is absolutely no option on the home page that allows me to book anything. All it is showing is a "Send Documents" status and a link to the DS160 check-status webpage.

I have never had the send documents status for either a work visa appointment or visitor visa, but I am assuming you created a group, that will take you to a page that should give you some options to choose. I chose the option which says something like completed ds160 and need to make an appointment. After selecting that it should show you a calendar. This is where you select the date of your appointment.

I can't remember all the screens, but maybe the send documents is the part where you have to choose where you want your documents to be delivered. I had to choose jhb dhl.

I had my appointment last week, and two days later the visa was done and I picked it up from DHL.

 

[Jerepigo]

I have never had the send documents status for either a work visa appointment or visitor visa, but I am assuming you created a group, that will take you to a page that should give you some options to choose. I chose the option which says something like completed ds160 and need to make an appointment. After selecting that it should show you a calendar. This is where you select the date of your appointment.

I can't remember all the screens, but maybe the send documents is the part where you have to choose where you want your documents to be delivered. I had to choose jhb dhl.

I had my appointment last week, and two days later the visa was done and I picked it up from DHL.

Yes I guess I created a group when I was creating account because on the home page it says "Groups". However I dont remember selecting any group option when I was given the link to create an account by the immigration lawyer I am working with. When I press "continue" on the group homepage is shows the options in the attached img

I have already sent my documents via DHL express and the tracker showed they had been delivered to the US consulate 3 weeks ago so I do not have to send anything as far as Im aware.

 

[Sasha_za]

Yes I guess I created a group when I was creating account because on the home page it says "Groups". However I dont remember selecting any group option when I was given the link to create an account by the immigration lawyer I am working with. When I press "continue" on the group homepage is shows the options in the attached img

I have already sent my documents via DHL express and the tracker showed they had been delivered to the US consulate 3 weeks ago so I do not have to send anything as far as Im aware.

I don't think you need to physically send any documents to the us consulate. I never did.
From that image, you would select add an applicant, it should ask you for your ds160 number, then you should get the button to schedule an appointment.

You mentioned you sent your documents, was that your passport? Or supporting documents?

 

[Jerepigo]

I already got instructions and sent all supporting documents including the passport. That is, ds160, i129, offer letter, passport, confirmation pages, etc.

Still weeks later the status only shows "Send Documents" and i have not got any acknowledgement of receipt from the consulate outside of the DHL tracker saying the courier got delivered the next day.

 

[Sasha_za]

Sorry can't be of more assistance, I never sent in any documents, for a work visa at the interview I only had to give in the l1 petition.
Only thing I can think of is keep trying to contact the consulate, since they have your passport.

 

[L-Dog]

The best option is to book and appointment and then check every day and see if you can move it closer. I booked in Feb and First available slot was in Sep. Checked daily and was able to move it to March but had to fly to Cape Town.

 

[Jerepigo]

The best option is to book and appointment and then check every day and see if you can move it closer. I booked in Feb and First available slot was in Sep. Checked daily and was able to move it to March but had to fly to Cape Town.

I cannot book any appointment because the site has no option to allow me to. I even posted an email response that says they will decide if I should come for an appointment or not. I have zero control over this it seems.

 

[DrJohnZoidberg]

I have zero control over this it seems.

This is basically what I found too when I first applied for my US visa a few years back. There is nobody you can contact and you just have to patiently wait and hope somebody will contact you.

 

[L-Dog]

I cannot book any appointment because the site has no option to allow me to. I even posted an email response that says they will decide if I should come for an appointment or not. I have zero control over this it seems.

Best option is maybe to give them a call although I did find the call center pretty useless as they just refer to the website

 

[Jerepigo]

You need to wait up to 6 months, maybe even longer.

Finally got sorted out and have my visa with me now.

 

[DapperDanMan]

Finally got sorted out and have my visa with me now.

What are the things that happened, eventually?

 

[Jerepigo]

Well a week after this thread i got a "Refused" status which really meant they wanted to have an in person interview. I scheduled an appointment where there were plenty of slots for November and just picked the closest date. Went there and was told i was approved after being asked 5 questions by the officer then got issued the yellow slip. 2 days later the visa was delivered.

 

[PaulGherkin]

Maybe they don't want you in their country...