I’ve heard that if there’s no response for a long time on administrative processing under 221(g), that’s a good sign — like refusals come quickly, but if they drag it out it means they’re taking it seriously. Is that actually how it works? Mine has been pending without an answer for a year already; I want to understand the real statistics on waiting times from others who’ve gone through this.
Detailed breakdown of the topic: Administrative processing 221g: timelines, statuses, what to do
On a tourist visa there was a year with no movement, then an interview in Cyprus that took 10 minutes and it was approved. The EB-1A via Almaty with a TAL list (TAL-лист) was also dragged out for a long time, which is to be expected. Denials sometimes do come faster, but there’s no pattern. Approvals also happen — sometimes in 3 months, sometimes in a year and a half.
The pattern “long = being taken seriously” is more of a comforting myth than a real rule. My EB-1A administrative processing took 13 months and was ultimately approved — but I’ve seen cases where a year of waiting ended in a denial. Hang in there — a year isn’t the end.
A year without an answer is already grounds for a mandamus — don’t wait any longer. The court merely requires that an answer be given; it doesn’t affect the outcome — the pattern “long = a good sign” doesn’t work either way.
I was told — 14 months under 221(g) and then approval with no explanation. A year is already serious, mandamus isn’t a scary step, it’s just the court saying “give an answer”. Hang in there)
The State Department doesn’t have public statistics on AP — any “pattern” is just a selection of anecdotes. A mandamus is filed after a year, it costs $5k, and I’ve seen the State Department respond within 2–3 months after filing.
A mandamus after a year is standard — and yes, the State Department usually responds quickly after filing.
I know 5-6k feels steep, but a year without any response is already unacceptable.