Hi all,

I have been victimised by the blackbox 'administrative processing' while renewing my F1 visa in Ktm. I am doing my PhD in molecular biology (4 years into the program) in one of the best universities in the USA, and came to Nepal for a short visit. But my visa application was put into hold giving 221(g) form with the third option (administrative processing) checked after the interview on the 14th of May. 
What's frustrating is that I have no idea what the processing is for and how long it will take to get cleared. They also didn't ask for any supplemental infomation (like resume, research details, publication list etc) that is usually asked in cases under the TAL. So, I am very confused about what is going on.They kept only my passport and I20 and returned other documents to me. The consular said that everything is fine but that they would have to do some processing at the end of my interview.

Has anybody from Nepal ever been in a similar situation? How long should I expect to be in this limbo? I know a lot of cases from India and other countries being in similar situations, but have not heard anything about Nepalese being in such situation for F1 renewal (although it appears to be fairly common for H1b applications even in Nepal). 

Please let me know if anybody has anything to say about this issue! The wait and uncertainty is VERY frustrating.

 Update:
Senator contacted DOS but DOS said AP cases are sealed off from outside contacts and hence didn't provide any information. My advisor emailed the consulate and the reply was "we've forwarded it to the appropriate department for processing." That's all. I don't even know what they mean by that!
Waiting for more than 8 weeks now and I am getting more and more depressed everyday. How can the consulars smile at you, look into your eyes, say everything looks good, and then put you through this hell?? I thought students didn't have to wait this long to be cleared. guess my luck is down :( 

 Finally my visa has been approved today. Status got updated on the CEAC website for the first time after interview on 11th July after 58 days (still said administrative processing). Same day, I got a call from the embassy asking me to go there on the 12th. They didn't reveal if my visa was approved on the phone but I called the DOS and they said that they could see "ready to issue" status on their side. I went to the embassy on the 12th morning and the consular told me that my visa is approved. I paid the fees and got out happy! I am collecting my passport the same day in the afternoon!

The consular revealed to me that my case was kind of lost and he apologized to me for the delay. I guess my advisor's email woke them up and had them looking for my case! So, if anybody in similar situation, have your advisor/supervisor contact the consulate. It might  or might nor work, but i think it's worth trying just in case your case is lost or stuck like mine.

Thanks to everyone for your input and for sharing your cases. It was one of the most stressful times in my life, and I hope people will at least learn from my experience and take precaution if they are coming to Nepal for visa renewal.

Congratulations Lowkey. Good to hear that finally your visa has been approved.