TIMELINES FOR WAIVERS ONLY.

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wjl14

Here are the timelines I am working with for a 1st time applicant:

03/24/2026, 08:21 AM : Status changed to Request for More Information Response
03/24/2026, 07:17 AM : Status changed to Request for More Information
04/22/2025, 07:00 PM : Status changed to Submitted to ARO
04/08/2025, 07:05 PM : Status changed to Paid
04/08/2025, 07:03 PM : Status changed to Signed
01/15/2025, 03:09 PM : Application Created

@J Rogers - HOWEVER - I made a mistake today. There were two questions on the request for more information. I thought I could upload each document separately, but it only took the one. It closed the response option but it is only 50% complete. Do I just wait or is there a way to reverse of contact them? Any advice is appreciated.

willbill

Hi guys,

I did some work on the data from April to September and here’s what I found. The data comes from the USCIS Immigration and Citizenship Data portal: https://www.uscis.gov/tools/reports-and-studies/immigration-and-citizenship-data?ddt_mon=&ddt_yr=2025&query=&items_per_page=10

Key numbers:

Applications received dropped from 9,333 → 6,571 per month (~30% decrease)
Finalized cases rose slightly from 1,919 → 2,298 per month
Backlog growth slowed from ~7,400/month → ~4,300/month

What this tells us:

The backlog is still increasing, because finalized cases are fewer than incoming applications
The slowdown in backlog growth is mainly due to fewer applications, not just processing improvements
Slight improvements in processing help, but they are secondary
Interesting note: US government data doesn’t distinguish new applications from reapplications. Since reapplications take around 5 months versus 9–12 months for first-time waivers, part of the improvement in processing may reflect faster handling of reapplications

Bottom line:
The system is performing a bit better, but the main reason backlog growth has slowed is fewer applications, with faster processing of reapplications contributing as well.
Backlog won’t shrink unless first-time waivers are processed faster than re-applications are coming in.

kay

@J Rogers Hey I applied for my waiver april 1 2025 and i still havent received an answer. My question is i thought they approve it in the order they receive, i see alot of others are getting approved before mine.

J Rogers (trusted member) Trusted

@wjl14

They only give you the ONE opportunity to upload the document. It has to be in one shot. That sucks. I am not sure how to fix that.

@BlueManGroup

Canada has always had the opinion that "people change" which is why we have a unique system for getting rid of records. Whether it is sequestration, or discharges, or pardons. There are many ways you can remove a record, and that is unique from the US.

The problem is DUI's depend on the "legal limit". So if you had an offence that some States would not prosecute you, then that is why some DUI's did not need waivers.

If a person ONLY has a DUI, they should do a pardon and avoid the US. Once its granted, the US should not know it ever existed.

If they have been denied entry, you apply for the waiver, and see what they say. They will decide on a waiver or a September Letter.

There are people who get a DUI and are given a waiver.

My business is not about making people apply for things they do not need. Anyone who calls me asking about a waiver is ALWAYS consulted on possible alternatives. I NEVER "just do" a waiver without making sure the client has no other option, and knows the "probability of success".

If someone does not need a waiver, I will tell them so. Turning clients away because you are honest is ALWAYS good for business. When people see you are honest and transparent, they WANT to send others to you. Its the best confirmation that you can be trusted you can have.

That doesn't mean sometimes people want to try when their odds are not good. I still get applications where I am not optimistic, but the client is aware.

wkb

@J Rogers Hey, I applied my first waiver for misrepresentation on 10th March 2025 but have not got any responses yet. Does this longer wait time imply unfavorable outcome based on your experience? Thanks!

cal123

Has anyone crossed border (with waiver) by land? Which one (land or air) is more safe w.r.t length/depth of secondary inspection?

I have crossed the border twice by air only and contemplating to cross by land as it is much cheaper.

[ cal123 appended this reply on March 25, 2026 @ 6:46 am ]

I have crossed the border twice by air only and contemplating to cross by land (Ambassador Bridge @Windsor) as it is much cheaper.

wkb

@J Rogers The alleged misrep. actually happened 7 years ago but they denied entry because of that two years ago.

J Rogers (trusted member) Trusted

5 year waiver

Had a 5 year before. Re-application

1983 BE AND THEFT
2001 (1) ASSAULT (2) FAIL TO STOP AT SCENE OF ACCIDENT (3)DRIVING WHILE ABILITY IMPAIRED

Status History (5)

03/25/2026, 09:35 AM : Status changed to Completed
12/18/2025, 02:00 PM : Status changed to Submitted to ARO
12/04/2025, 04:22 PM : Status changed to Paid
12/04/2025, 04:14 PM : Status changed to Signed
12/04/2025, 10:29 AM : Application Created

Bindyy Johal

@J Rogers I’ve waited 65 days no fingerprints …

[ Bindyy Johal appended this reply on March 25, 2026 @ 6:19 pm ]

I know will probably miss my 87 day RFE which is RIDICULOUS

Howie Dawson

@J Rogers I’m in similar situation of 47 days I call and they say the same thing aswell

[ Howie Dawson appended this reply on March 25, 2026 @ 9:53 pm ]

Then giving 87 days when the stuff could take 121 is diabolical…

cal123

Has anyone crossed border (with waiver) by land? Which one (land or air) is of less hassle w.r.t length/depth of secondary inspection?

I have crossed the border twice by air only and contemplating to cross by land (Ambassador Bridge @Windsor) as it is much cheaper.

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