Ask questions here
To ask me questions you can obviously post on any blog post.
PLEASE make sure you read the FAQ (linked at the menu at the top of this page), as most questions are already answered there.
Please note I periodically have to archive posts from this page to attempt to keep the performance acceptable. That means comments over about 3 months old could be deleted at any time.
Please note I am not a lawyer and make no warranties regarding the information I provide.
January 17, 2019 at 8:42 am
Hello guys,please I don t understand the concept of shut-down of the US offices . some people said it will go till March .I thought it was just for the holidays period in December
January 17, 2019 at 2:31 pm
Try google.
January 18, 2019 at 12:45 pm
Hlo Simon, pls I received my 2nl today but the ESC site is saying my information isn’t valid….
January 18, 2019 at 3:09 pm
Check how you are entering the information.
January 17, 2019 at 9:40 am
Does my situation as chronic Hepatitis B carrier affect my application for green card?
I have an approval that i had won loterry 2018-2019 and when I made the medical tests and vaccination I knew that I am chronic Hepatitis B carrier so they referred me to a hepatologist and made for me tests and told me that you dont need treatment, just follow up every 6 months, my question is that affect my application for green card?
January 17, 2019 at 2:34 pm
Did you read the FAQ?
January 18, 2019 at 11:08 am
No, i did not read, can you give me a link for FAQ
January 18, 2019 at 3:02 pm
At the top of every page.
January 18, 2019 at 11:22 am
I read now the FAQ. I did not the exact answer.
January 18, 2019 at 3:06 pm
Nonsense. You should have read the diseases that can affect the DV visa. Was Hep B on there?
January 17, 2019 at 10:04 am
Hi, speaking AF you said it doesn’t hit its quota last year(arround 20k visas were given) so i wanted to know what is the exact number of Visas that must be given to Africa ? –Thanks for the answer in advance
January 17, 2019 at 2:35 pm
http://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
January 17, 2019 at 2:19 pm
Hey
My Case is AF18xxx I want. Iv sent my Documents and I received a mail saying they are processing it. Would be possible to get schedule April?
January 17, 2019 at 2:39 pm
Maybe, wait and see.
January 17, 2019 at 5:23 pm
Brit how are U…. Thanks for ur efforts to make us full of information…. I’m Ethiopian I told u I’ve girl friend for z last 6 years We were planned to get married but we can’t due to financial & other social problems……Now I faced a big challenge she proved to me she is pregnant..I want ur advice what to do during and or before interview??? Thanks sir..
January 17, 2019 at 5:37 pm
You must decide what to do. If you want to take her to the USA you would have to marry her.
January 18, 2019 at 2:38 am
Brit as I told U..I’ve financial problem for z weeding ceremony + For processing a visa for her & z newly coming child….. I want to ask U.. Can I state as I’ve a girk friend on z interview & process for both after two or more years????? Thanks Sirr ?
January 18, 2019 at 4:13 am
You can marry her later and sponsor her then, yes.
January 18, 2019 at 1:53 pm
Thank U sir..
January 17, 2019 at 6:49 pm
Hello.
My interview is already scheduled, but (I don’t know why) I forgot that when I was a high school student I worked on an assignment of contract in two places : the first one (when I was 16) for one day and the other one..for less than a month. Since I can’t make any changes do you know if I can tell someone at the embassy about it before I go to the CO or I can just tell the CO at the time of the interview that I made a mistake…
Do you think it might be a big mistake for disqualification?
January 17, 2019 at 7:01 pm
It’s trivial. No need to mention it.
January 17, 2019 at 6:53 pm
Dear sir i applied for a job i. Diffrent state i used my freind adress if i get hired i will.move should now i notify uscis for my changing adress or wait until i get hired other question is it ok to use my freind adress as my adress he know about it thank you
January 17, 2019 at 7:01 pm
Wait until you move.
January 17, 2019 at 7:02 pm
hi
I have a questions about my answers in these two questions in Form ds260:
-is your spouse immigrating to the US with you?
my answer is no.
-is your spouse immigratingto the US at a later date to join you?
my answer is yes.
1. Does this mean that another appointment will be scheduled for my wife, and that the first interview will be for me alone?
Note that she will not be able to attend the first interview with me
2. In this case, is it possible for me to be approved to issue a visa and refuse my wife’s visa?
3. How can I change the location of the interview on Form ds260?
January 17, 2019 at 7:05 pm
What are you trying to achieve. How soon will your wife want to join you?
January 17, 2019 at 10:19 pm
My wife and I are in Yemen, and since the US Embassy is closed in Yemen we must travel to another country for the interview and the interview date will be in the last two months of pregnancy for my wife and she will not be able to travel. So she wants to interview at another date after giving birth
January 18, 2019 at 1:21 am
So are you charged to Yemen? Do you both have second nationalities?
January 18, 2019 at 1:43 pm
We are living in yemen,and don’t have second nationality,but my birth place is saudi arabia,and i select a saudi as a country of eligiblity
January 18, 2019 at 2:48 pm
Hmmmm. So I assume your wife was born in Yemen.
OK – so you might have some problems because of the ban. It;s not 100% clear to me what will be he impacts of the ban in your case. Putting that to one side for a moment though, if you decide to interview without her it may mean that you would have to move to the USA by yourself and sponsor her later, which would take 2 years and could also be affected by the ban.
I think your best course of action would be to wait until your wife can travel and all interview together. BUT there is risk of the ban AND risk that you cannot clear through AP before the end of the year (September 30th).
January 17, 2019 at 8:28 pm
Hi Brit,
Thanks for helping us durig DV lottery process. Just a few small questions for you (sorry if they may be repeated):
1. The fact I have not received email to send documents EU16××× (ds 260 filled on August), does that mean I have to worry?
2. Is it too early to send those documents without receving email, keeping in mind I may have interview in May and that police cert expire for 3 months in my country?
3. Upon arrival at USA, do I have to live at petitioner’s address or not mandatory during the process of taking Green Card?
Thanks,
January 18, 2019 at 1:15 am
1. No, but you can send the documents if you want.
2. That will be OK.
3. You need an address where the GC will be sent.
January 17, 2019 at 9:10 pm
Just received my 2NL for March….AF132XXX
January 17, 2019 at 9:13 pm
Hi
I just recieved an email that i should check my status because it has been updated.
I opened it immediately but nothing changed.
Still the same old message
Should i be worried
January 18, 2019 at 1:17 am
http://britsimonsays.com/2nls-being-sent-for-march-2019-interviews/
January 17, 2019 at 9:32 pm
Hi Brit
I’ve just received my 2NL (2019OC4**) but they’ve scheduled me in London (where I used to live) instead of Sydney. I contacted KCC months ago and updated my DS260 but something seems to have gone wrong. I know I’ve seen someone ask this question before but can’t seem to find it. How can I go about changing the location of my interview? Is it a really bad idea to try?
January 17, 2019 at 10:20 pm
Sorry I obviously didn’t look hard enough http://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-to-change-interview-location/
January 18, 2019 at 1:19 am
It’s probably too late to get KCC to change it, but I advise you to try that first.
If you can’t get them to do that, you first contact Sydney to get them agree to take your case and then contact London to get them to send it. There is some risk that someone somewhere screws up.
January 18, 2019 at 1:51 am
Thanks Brit. I called Sydney earlier and they asked me to send the request in an email with all my information/documentation and that they would contact London. The lady said I can follow up in a week if I had not heard anything. Now just to wait and cross fingers.
January 17, 2019 at 10:20 pm
Hello Brit and everyone!
I wanted to let you know that I have already received the 2NL for my interview in March.
I am from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Case Number 2019SA000006XX
Un abrazo, gracias y
Saludos,
Marianela
January 17, 2019 at 10:26 pm
Simon, I’ve come to appreciate the word “patience”! Thanks to all your guidance, our family finally got the 2NL an hour ago. All applications are unique, and I hope to highlight my timeline for others to see.
-DS-260 submitted in May
-Requested documents submitted in November, document review completion notification in mid-Dec.
-Case Number went current for February
-Interview set for first week of March
-Finger crossed for the interview!
FYI, 2019ASxxxx42xx, Interview Location: Tokyo, Japan
Simon, many many thanks.
January 18, 2019 at 1:21 am
🙂
January 18, 2019 at 1:26 am
Hi T,
After you submitted requested documents, Do you received notification documents received? or You received only review completion notification? Can you post the notification for review completion?
Thanks you
January 18, 2019 at 9:55 am
Hello Vichet,
As mentioned on my post, all applications are unique, and I don’t believe a uniform timeline exists, especially with the new document requirement in place.
I’ll try my best to answer your 3 questions.
1. Yes, first received simple email stating “The Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) has received your email and is currently processing your documents.”
2. Next, received email with “Records indicate you have submitted a complete and valid DS-260 application for each family member, and you have provided all required documentation to the Kentucky Consular Center. Interviews are scheduled numerically…”
3. Lastly received “You have received this email notification to inform you that you have updates available at https://www.dvlottery.state.gov/ESC” –> Logged on and the 2NL with interview details were available.
I hope it clarifies your inquiry. I don’t know if my progression was the standard timeline and content. “Patience” paid off to rid of the uncertainty and the urge to know everything. Read Simon’s numerous posts. He’s done a fantastic job!
January 18, 2019 at 10:39 am
Thanks you very much for your clearly explaination.
January 18, 2019 at 2:59 pm
Just to point out that people have had different experiences based on when they sent documents. The process changed.
January 17, 2019 at 10:40 pm
Hi Brit, my wife and I just got the 2NL and while trying to register our online appointment in the consulate’s website, there are 2 options:
– I need to register a Immigrant Visa Appointment
And
– I have received a letter from the consular section with instructions to schedule an immigrant visa appointment.
Which one should we use?
Also, should we wait until our case says Ready CEAC system to schedule our appointment or can we do it right away?
Thanks!
January 18, 2019 at 12:57 am
Simon, since Indonesia doesn’t have legit Police Certificate, What should i do?
reciprocity page says we dont need one. If i get New document procedure email, i only send Birth Certificate and Paspor biodata page? Or i need to Screenshot the reciprocity page, scan it and List it in?
January 18, 2019 at 1:24 am
This.
Screenshot the reciprocity page, scan it and List it in
January 18, 2019 at 1:22 am
First option. It is too soon to register anyway, wait a few days.
January 18, 2019 at 7:47 am
Hello dear Britsimon!
1. my sponsor address is in Colorado, but i don’t wanna go to Colorado. I am planning to go to California without changing my sponsor address at POE. So after I get in California can I receive both my green card and SSN via mail from my sponsor who lives in Colorado?
2. IF that is possible, many peoples told me that they received their SSN by applying to nearby social security office where their sponsor is living in. so how can i get my SSN in California?
A) Can I apply and receive in California or wherever?
B) should I have to go to my sponsor’s address in Colorado and return back to California
C)Or Simply, will my sponsor can send me with green card to my California address?
Please Britsimon give me detail information regarding this issues. I am already booked my flight tickets for January 25. So I don’t wanna get in to trouble after i moved in USA at California?
Sincerely!!
January 18, 2019 at 2:52 pm
1. Yes
2. c.
January 18, 2019 at 8:04 am
Good morning sir
I have receive a mail to send my documents do I need to send my academic documents too?
January 18, 2019 at 11:56 am
What is your case number @Africa
January 18, 2019 at 2:53 pm
Follow the instructions.
January 18, 2019 at 11:06 am
Hello Brit where i can find the ds 260 number?
January 18, 2019 at 11:46 am
Hi Brit,
Do I have to wait for KCC to send me a letter, asking me to submit my documents before I can do so?
January 18, 2019 at 3:07 pm
No
January 18, 2019 at 12:18 pm
Hello Brit, good morning!
My wife and I just received our 2NL and I would like to know when it is best to schedule our medical examination appointment? Should we do it right away or is it okay to do it a month before the interview date?
Thanks a lot!
January 18, 2019 at 12:48 pm
HI Simon, I received my 2nl today but the ESC site is telling me my information is invalid, Wat can I do pls?
January 18, 2019 at 3:08 pm
The visa expiration is 6 months after the medical date, so not too soon.
January 18, 2019 at 3:01 pm
they started distributing the 2NLs, my case is current AF6145, it’s been 2 months since I sent my required but so far I have not received my mine and I consulted the page of CEAC, my status is still NVC, I write them yesterday, they replied to me to continue the process, I have to send my documen. Should I send them back or not?
January 18, 2019 at 3:11 pm
YES!
January 18, 2019 at 4:41 pm
Hi Mr Brit
whats your idea about government shutdown ? it will be over in nearly or what ever and How it impact on visa processing
January 18, 2019 at 7:54 pm
We will have to wait and see. Visa services are funded by fees, but some aspects of the service could be affected by the shutdown.
January 18, 2019 at 5:32 pm
Hi
my sponsor did not receive yet his annual tax report for 2018
he has for 2017, and in that time he had one kid and it is mentionned in the 1040 that he had only one dependent.Now he has 2 kids and his annual income has increased because he worked all the year.He went to US in 2017 and started to work in June 2017
now should he fill out the I-134 based on his actual situation or last year one
Thanks- Gracias de antemano
January 18, 2019 at 7:59 pm
Actual current situation, with recent payslips as well as the old tax report.
January 18, 2019 at 6:48 pm
Hello Simon
I asked you before about a difference I spoted between my passport and birth certificate. Unfortunately, I realized the mistake after I sent the ds260 and when i requested to unlock the ds260 so I can fill it with the renewed (according to the birth certificate) passport, they told me my case has been passed to the embassy and I’d have to make any changes during the interview. My question is:
1. Would the new procedure of sending the documents prior to the interview date, affect my case? (As the passport I’ll be sending and the one I filled in the ds260 are different)
2. What can I do to explain the situation?
January 18, 2019 at 8:05 pm
1. This is a new procedure. So – try and see what happens.
2. See 1, then use some common sense/honesty.
January 18, 2019 at 8:03 pm
Hi Brit!
CN: 2019EU25XXX (Spain)
I’ve three main questions:
1º I applied (and was granted) with a F1 Visa in 2013 for doing a MSc in the US; however, I finally did not enrolled in the Uni and after a month in the country I came back to Europe (UK) and studied there. It’s supposed my status was correctly adjusted by the american university but, should I check it? In that case, where you think I should ask -Uni, Embassy, both-?
2º I studied one year abroad – ERASMUS in Germany- during my main degree. I stayed there for 11 months. Should I try to get the German criminal records?
3º I’m worried about the 10.000$ for showing you won’t become a burden on the state. I would probably save ~5.000$ by the time of my interview. I actually hold a BS+MS in Physics (Spain) plus an MS in Petroleum Engineering (UK). Could this situation threat my chances to pass the interview?
Thanks in advance!
January 18, 2019 at 8:12 pm
1. I don’t know.
2. Yes. It is close to the 12 months limit, so get the police cert just in case.
3. Yes it could be a threat. $5000 won’t last long, and even $10k is not much. For someone of you age and education they might wonder why you have managed to save so little. You should obtain an I-134 for the interview and have a serious think how you will survive.
January 18, 2019 at 8:27 pm
Thanks for your prompt response.
3º Even though I have a qualified job, salaries in Spain are (unfortunately) rather low. I won’t be able to get an I-134 neither. In the case they ask for the funds proof, what is supposed you must show? An account statement? Recent account activity and transactions? Both?
Thanks again!
January 18, 2019 at 9:07 pm
You can show account statements and anything else you think would be useful. You should also think about how to explain how you will support yourself in the first few months.
January 18, 2019 at 8:04 pm
Hi Simon,
Do you know how long the medical exam is valid if I do it in the US. Medical officer told me that it’s valid for an year. But when I googled, I found it is valid for 60 days. Do you know which is true?. I already got my medical exam done in December and I might be interviewed in July or August.
Many thanks.
January 18, 2019 at 8:08 pm
I don’t know for sure, but I suggest you might have to repeat your exam.
January 18, 2019 at 9:56 pm
Hello Brit, does derivatives with marriage to the principal applicant less than 2 years fall into the category of Conditional Permanent Resident once they arrive at the USA? Or this doesn’t apply for DV?
Thanks!
January 18, 2019 at 10:06 pm
Doesn’t apply for DV.
January 19, 2019 at 3:37 am
Hello,
I live in South America, Suriname. It appears that the US embassy here in Suriname does not issue Immigrant visas. The US embassy site of Suriname does say that Immigrant visas for Suriname are processed at the U.S. Embassy in Georgetown, Guyana.So i know now that i`ll have to go to Guyana for an Interview concerning the DV. Both Suriname, and Guyana are currently eligible btw.
My question now as far as the required documents goes.
Must i do a medical exam in Guyana, specifically, or can i do that right here in Suriname?
And as far as the Court and prison records goes, must i also submit them even if i`ve never had any record or contact with the feds whatsoever? and must that too be done in Guyana, or can it happen right here? since here is where i live? Do i even need to submit a court and prison records? again, since i don`t have any record or such. I`m 100% clean.
Same applies for Police Certificates, i even i truly even need to have/submit one!!!
January 19, 2019 at 3:45 am
Medicals have to be performed at the physician designated by the interviewing embassy. So – it will probably be in Guyana, but you can check the instructions.
Also read the instructions for police certs etc.
January 19, 2019 at 5:01 am
Alright, thank you.
January 19, 2019 at 4:17 am
Hi Brit, my case number is AS000006** and interview is scheduled on February.
I’m the Winner and my pregnant wife is the beneficiary.
Yesterday we have done the medical examinations and My medical is fully complete. But wife’s isn’t. Since we have decided not to take the chest X-ray in the pregnancy, medical examination doctor said he couldn’t issue an incomplete report without the chest x ray. So we have to face the visa interview without wifes medical reports and have to convince the examiner that we can submit it after the delivery (end of March)
My question is,can the examiner reject the case because of incomplete documents? Or am I in a safe zone?
Thank you very much
January 19, 2019 at 5:02 am
I told you how to avoid this problem. You ignored my advice, and now have made it unnecessarily complicated.
Everything is up to the CO, but you cannot be approved without complete medicals, and the delay will mean that they will assign your visa slot to someone else. Then, when your medical is available, you can submit if but they have to wait for the re-allocation of visas (delay and risk).
January 19, 2019 at 5:14 am
Thank you very much Brit.
January 19, 2019 at 7:20 am
Hello brit, am 2019af16***
I unlocked my ds260 form and re-submitted on 4th January.
1.Will it cause a delay in my interview scheduling?
2. Do I need to submit again supporting documents which I had submitted on 15 th November as asked earlier?
thanks for your guidance.