There is absolutely no law about how long the underwriting can take.

Your loan officer seems to be an absolute idiot though. He had 6 weeks to get your income verification. That can take anywhere from 1-5 days, depending on what you are able to provide, and how quickly your employer returns our verification request documents. He had plenty of time, and obviously didn't do it.

I would be pushing them to pay for any and all expenses you've incurred by this delay. And I'd make them drop their fees substantially to make up for your time and trouble.

I am assuming you are dealing with a broker, one that does not have Direct Endorsement from HUD. So they're at the mercy of their investor's underwriters, as far as timing goes. And most brokers don't have a clue about how to properly handle FHA loans at all.

Sorry to hear you're still having trouble.
References :
10 years in mortgage banking

Somebody is not telling you the whole story here. Your pay stubs and W2's verify your income. In addition, the Underwriter may require your employer(s) complete a Verification of Income form that confirms your probability of continued employment.

You may not be getting the straight scoop from your loan officer. I'd call the loan officer's branch manager and ask for an explanation of what is causing the delay.

If they dink you around too long your seller could pull out of the transaction and you could lose the house. I'm pretty amazed they haven't already bolted.

If you'd like, I could run you an approval to back up what you're being told at no cost. Email me and I'll tell you what to fax me so that I can perform that service for you.
References :
20+ years as a direct mortgage lender