US Visa Approved at Interview, But Still Not Issued? Here’s What You Need to Know About the Current Delays

If you’ve recently had a US visa interview and received an on-the-spot verbal approval from the consular officer, you’d naturally expect your visa to be issued within a few days. For years, this was the norm — approved visas typically appeared as “Issued” on the CEAC status portal within 2 to 7 working days, followed shortly by the return of the stamped passport.

But now, things have changed.

Across the board — whether it’s B1/B2 visitor visas, F1 student visas, H1B renewals, or even visas for minor children — we’re seeing unprecedented delays after the in-person visa approval. In many cases, applicants are waiting weeks to several months before any movement appears in their online status. And unfortunately, this isn’t a one-off glitch. It’s becoming an increasingly common pattern.

What’s Going On?

Although no official explanation has been offered by the Department of State, immigration attorneys and applicants alike are observing a growing trend of post-approval administrative processing, which seems to be part of an enhanced vetting framework.

Our experience at The Visa Code points to the likely causes:

1. Post-Interview “Extreme Vetting”

Even when a visa is approved during the interview, the case may be flagged for additional security checks before final issuance. This includes running the applicant’s profile through multiple government databases, both US-based and international.

Under the current US administration, there is an emphasis on “extreme vetting”, which is being implemented via automated AI-based systems that scan for patterns, risk profiles, or past visa history anomalies. These automated systems can flag even straightforward cases, delaying issuance until manual clearance is granted.

2. AI-Driven Case Review: Helpful or Harmful?

While AI tools are intended to streamline visa vetting, the unintended consequence has been a growing backlog of cases held up for review — even after the consular officer has approved them face-to-face. These systems may flag cases based on benign factors such as:

• Frequent travel patterns

• Name similarities (especially common South Asian names)

• Changes in visa category history

• School or employer affiliations

• Past overstays (even minor ones)

• Travel to certain countries

Unfortunately, these checks often occur silently in the background, leaving applicants in the dark.

Who Is Being Affected?

The delays appear to be non-selective — they’re impacting a wide range of applicants, regardless of age, profession, or purpose of travel.

Here are just a few examples we’re seeing:

1. Minor Children

Many families are now stuck in limbo. A child who traveled home for summer break may now miss the beginning of the school year due to unexplained delays in visa issuance — despite prior US education history and clear documentation.

2. Students (F,M & J Visa Holders)

Applicants with I-20s from reputable US universities are now being forced to defer semesters or start their courses online from abroad, often without any clarity on when their visa will be physically issued.

3. H-1B and L-1 Professionals

Employees of major multinational corporations are also impacted. Even with approved petitions, their stamped visas are not being issued for months. This directly affects project timelines, client deliverables, and career continuity.

4. Elderly Parents and Visitors

Those visiting on B2 visas for medical or family needs are also stuck. Many are stranded, unable to return to the US to care for newborn grandchildren, attend important family events, or access healthcare providers.

Why This Is a Serious Issue

What makes these delays particularly frustrating is that the visa interview feels like the final step — applicants walk out with smiles, only to face weeks of silence and confusion.

This impacts:

• School admissions and academic calendars

• Job start dates, relocations, and project onboarding

• Family reunions and critical caregiving roles

• Medical travel and emergency visits

The mental toll on families — especially those separated across borders — is profound. Parents worry. Students are anxious. Employers are frustrated. And in many cases, no clear explanation is provided by the consulate.

What Can You Do If You’re Stuck?

At The Visa Code, we specialize in navigating these complex scenarios. While we cannot override government vetting protocols, we can ensure your case receives the timely follow-up and proper attention it deserves.

Here’s how we can assist:

• Contacting the US consulate directly on your behalf through formal channels

• Requesting updates via the Nonimmigrant Visa Unit or through the Consular Communications Hub

• Preparing and submitting escalation requests in cases involving minors, students, or urgent medical/employment needs

• Advising you on supporting documentation that can help move your case out of administrative limbo

• Guiding you through the 221(g) process if additional documents or clarifications are requested

In time-sensitive situations — such as school start dates or medical emergencies — we may be able to flag your case for expedited handling, depending on the circumstances.

Don't Wait in the Dark — Take Action

If your US visa was verbally approved at the interview but has not been issued within two weeks, you may be dealing with a hidden vetting delay. The earlier you act, the better your chances of resolution.

📩 Reach out to us at The Visa Code for a consultation. Whether you’re an individual, a student, a parent, or an HR manager dealing with delayed employee travel, we’re here to help you navigate the system with strategy and care.

The Visa Code — Your Partner in US Consular Solutions.

 🔗 www.thevisacode.com | 📧 info@thevisacode.com | ☎ +91 824 858 3284