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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.
May 22, 2017 at 15:37
HI brit,
can i find interivew experiences before 0ct 2015?
May 22, 2017 at 16:32
Why would you want that???
May 22, 2017 at 16:00
Simon, I had my interview today, the CO told me your case is approved but at the same time she gave me a paper for administrative processing, and another paper that has an alien number on it. I do not understand if I am approved why the paper for administrative processing and why the other paper. any thoughts?
May 22, 2017 at 16:28
I don’t know what they needed to check. You simply have to wait.
May 22, 2017 at 16:38
Good afternoon Sir, two questions please. First how do you donate to your site and secondly I checked my d260 and I did in fact ask for social security cards for me and my family. So now that we’ve entered the US and been processed by border control, will they mail our social security along with the green cards the same time? Is that the way it works?
May 22, 2017 at 18:16
The SSN arrives pretty quickly (usually 2 to 3 weeks max). The Green Card can take several months.
At the top of the page there is a link for donations to support the site.
June 6, 2017 at 00:54
Good night my green cards arrived today for all three famiy members but not my security numbers. Is there anyway to follow up on that or I need not be concerned? When I filled the D260 I ticked yes to requesting security numbers and I have proof of it.
June 7, 2017 at 00:07
Visit the SSA office to enquire.
June 6, 2017 at 10:47
Morning Sir I thought I posted the question last night but don’t see where I did. However my green cards came for my family but my social security did not come. I did request it thru d260. Is this unusual? Is there a way to follow up on it?
Thanks
May 22, 2017 at 16:57
Sorry Brit please I don’t get your answer well . Means if I put my child now I will be disqualified? So will it be ok if I don’t include my child?
May 22, 2017 at 17:22
thanks very much, we having fill the DS 260 form yet, can we add him went filling it.
May 22, 2017 at 17:24
On registration of my appointment online
What it means the priority date
May 22, 2017 at 17:25
Hello Brits
Hope this message finds you well. My wife was selected for further processing in 2017. During her time of applying for the lottery process; she entered mistakenly entered 1992 as her year of birth instead of 1993 (her true year of birth). We have already filled (Early this May 2017) the D260 with the winning age (1992).
However to your advice on this will guide us on how to move forward.
Thanks in advance
May 22, 2017 at 18:14
Making that mistake once is understandable. Doing it twice is not. Correct the DS260.
May 23, 2017 at 16:00
BritSimon I have a quick question.My friend went to the Embassy on 11th May and was asked to bring a document showing that she is the sole custodian of her daughter(she is a single mom).She was told to send it by the end of this month but there is so much delay she still hasn’t gotten it.Can she write the Enbassy and tell them she is still trying to acquire the letter?
May 23, 2017 at 22:40
She doesn’t need to tell them she is still trying. When she has it – she can send it. However, if it crosses the month end, there will be an additional delay later once the case is approved, because the embassy will have to re-allocate a visa number(s) for the case – and that means they have to go back to KCC.
May 23, 2017 at 22:44
Thank you
May 22, 2017 at 18:03
On registration of my appointment online What it means by priority date ?
May 22, 2017 at 18:25
hi BrisSimon, after how many days the kcc unlocked DS-260 form? many thanks for you valuable support. i haven’t words to express your support. GOD bless you!!!!
May 22, 2017 at 20:49
2 days to 2 weeks.
May 22, 2017 at 18:31
can you give me the email address to send unlock message?
May 22, 2017 at 20:49
Read the FAQ.
May 23, 2017 at 02:38
10Q I got the address in FAQ.
May 22, 2017 at 18:55
hi sir,
my sister failed the interview in Gambia 2015 as married couple. she has travel to Ghana recently to live there. she won the DV Lottery for 2018 fiscal year as single, will the Ghanian Embassy have information about her?
May 22, 2017 at 20:48
Yes
May 22, 2017 at 20:55
Thanks for the answer Brit, But can she travel Single
May 22, 2017 at 20:59
1. I believe in honesty – so I cannot help answer a question to help her lie.
2. Ghana are very suspicious of cases – and deny most of the cases they see.
May 22, 2017 at 19:23
Hello Brit many thanks for the work you are doing on this blog.I am a DV-2018 selectee and got an issue I hope you can help shed light on.My name arrangement differs on different documents, in my academic documents it begins with my surname e.g Obama Barrack Hussein while in my passport it ends with my surname e.g Barrack Hussein Obama.My question is:
1.Can this lead to denial of visa due to being mistaken as two different persons.
2.Do I need to write to KCC and inform them of the different arrangements.
May 22, 2017 at 20:46
Not normally a problem, because it probably has a comma, like this – Obama, Barrack Hussein
May 23, 2017 at 19:34
Hi Brit. If my first name is WILLIAM but i use the short form of my name i.e “Bill” or “Will” in other documents other than my passport and birth certificate, will that cause a problem in Accra?
May 23, 2017 at 21:21
Normally not.
May 23, 2017 at 23:08
Phew! That’s a relief. Thank you. Too bad Accra has so many fraudulent claims that innocent Chaps have to suffer.
May 22, 2017 at 19:29
KCC started sending Second Letter(Interview Appointment Letter for DV 2017) for July 2017
May 22, 2017 at 19:49
Hi brisimon wanna say a big thanks to ur advice my friend is married and she played the Dv single cuz the husband is in the USA and she won Dv 2018 before the result came out the husband has fill in for her and she has completed her ds260 and her status is single on the form can she be disqualified cuz of the form her husband fill in for her (spouse)
May 22, 2017 at 20:45
She should be and can be disqualified.
May 22, 2017 at 21:27
What advice can u give considering this situation she do not want to loose her chances
May 23, 2017 at 02:38
She should be disqualified. I cannot advise anything except give up.
May 22, 2017 at 21:26
What advice can u give in this situation
May 22, 2017 at 20:12
Hi Britsimon,
I was selected with 39XXX case number from TR. I know that you couldn’t say something certain.
But i am currious about your opinion. What is your guess? Can i take a visa interview. Thank you.
May 22, 2017 at 20:43
I don’t know the year or region. I don’t know what “TR” means.
May 22, 2017 at 20:56
Hi Brit,
We are winner for the 2017 DV in France. My husband and i are French nationals but my husband (the winner) was born in Turkey. He made a mistake and put chargeability to France instead of Turkey. We had the interview in the French embassy on May the 17th. The interview went well, however the Consular Officer took a break and asked questions to his supervisor (we guessed it was about the chargebility issue). All went well and we got the “congratulations for your visa!, it will be sent to you within 10 days…” Then, this morning on may 22nd at 9AM French time i get a strange call from the French US embassy explaining to me that there is an issue with chargeability in my case and that it has to go to “Whashington for final validation” and that i should not quit my job. i have been very surprised. On paper as we are in the same region with my husband, that there as no intention to lie and that i am in the good region myself. She insisted that this should go to Washington. she said she will either call me back or we will receive the visa by mail. very strange. Have you seen such a case before ? thank you so much for your lights on this.
May 22, 2017 at 20:58
Hi Britsimon,
2018EU00039XXX, TR means Turkey.
May 22, 2017 at 21:01
Hello Simon!
I’ve received my 1NL, my case number is EU14XX. I don’t want to rush since I need to stay where I am for at least six months or so. If I postpone filling in the DS260 is there a chance the visas run out and I might loose the chance to get one?
Thanks.
May 22, 2017 at 21:04
Meaning, I don’t want the interview being appointed earlier than 6 months from now.
May 22, 2017 at 21:22
Hello Simon,
How late can I full up the DS 260 and submit?
I have some problems with docs and im about to sumbit the DS260, somewhere in July of 2017.
My case number is EU 24000
Does it make any difference if I submit it now or in July? Is there any problem could occur?
Thanks!
May 22, 2017 at 21:35
Hi my brother applied for 2018 lottery didn’t win. I want know do people from uae win lottery alot or not. Also will there be a second draw for dv 2018..
If not then y?since it happened for dv 2018
May 22, 2017 at 21:37
Since second draw happen in dv 2017
May 23, 2017 at 02:36
No. Because they have selected more than enough already.
May 22, 2017 at 21:43
Hi brit
My was denial a visa due to waec,and her waec status was correct but the counsellor insist it was not.what can we do?
May 23, 2017 at 02:32
THere is nothing you can do. Their decision cannot be appealed.
May 23, 2017 at 08:40
@GEEBAH, Was there a misprint on the WAEC Certificate or Did she fail some subjects on the paper?
May 22, 2017 at 21:45
I mean my wife was denial by the counsellor due to waec and her waec was correct according to her country systems
May 22, 2017 at 22:08
hi brit
this’s sam we are in america(me and my husband). it has been 3 weeks since we paid our immigration fee. but we didn’t recieve our green card. where should we check??
May 23, 2017 at 02:30
Your GC could take 3 to 4 months to arrive.
May 23, 2017 at 11:43
but everywork place we go they want green card, they told us social security # is not enogh? is that fair??
May 23, 2017 at 13:28
No. Show them the visa stamped in your passport – it is a temporary I-551 (Green Card). Read the notation.
May 23, 2017 at 23:28
hey brit thank you very much. yes our visa is enough to apply for a job, but when they check our status the form needed a card number which we could not find on the passport. do you know what is that mean?? it says it has to be 3 letters and 13 number
May 23, 2017 at 23:51
I don’t know what they mean.
May 22, 2017 at 22:15
Hi Brit,
My husband won the lottery and I am still in the US on tourist visa, do i have to go back and attend the interview in my own country.??..I am out of status now for few weeks, will it affect the application???
Second question, he also included two kids that we looked after since they were born in that application but not yet legally adopted.
Seeking your advice on what is the next step to take.
Thanks
May 23, 2017 at 02:28
You should leave the country immediately – your overstay risks your Green Card because it shows you don’t respect the immigration laws of the USA.
You will not get visas for children that are not already adopted.
May 23, 2017 at 02:34
Thank you Brit i am leaving this week…because i lost my passport that was reason for the delay.
Again thank you for the advice.
May 23, 2017 at 05:34
hellow simon d
first of all i wouid like to appriciate for all efferts you doing to all Dv winners.
Am one of these people. you helped me a lot. under God you are the men who get me here (U.S)
brit now i want to ask you about the possiblity i could bring my spouse that we engaged after all my DV case finished. how long does it take to bring by Green card. is there any inmmigration websthat we can have any clue about this
May 23, 2017 at 13:56
You have to marry first, then file an I-130 case. It will take about two years.
May 23, 2017 at 06:19
HI Britsimon,
I am dv2018 selectee. Is it mandatory to fill I-134 form?
May 23, 2017 at 13:54
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
May 23, 2017 at 06:24
Hi Brit, how can I donate towards this site?
May 23, 2017 at 13:53
Thanks for your support.
https://britsimonsays.com/donate-here/
May 23, 2017 at 07:49
Hi Brit Simon,
My friend who is DV-2018 selectee applied only his self, filled “Divorced, No Children”. Actually he is married and has two kids but legally divorced. He has a document of termination of his marriage by court two years ago. At the moment he has no legally marriage. He takes care and has good relationship with his previous wife and kids.
He wants to continue the whole process by his self as a divorced man. Question is,
1. Do you think his marital status (divorcing) will/may effect to be a successful?
2. Or what should we do?, do you have any suggestion regarding his situation.
3. Should he continue or not, cos he filled “Divorced and NO CHILDREN”.
Thank you very much for your time spent on me and for your valuable advice.
Have a wonderful day!
May 23, 2017 at 08:50
Hello good day I have no access to the initial email that was used first when applying because it’s my friend who applied for me and sent me the letter that shows was selected with my case number. I have my confirmation number too written down. So after am done with submitting the ds-260 form and they reply to me how can I access the 2NL when I don’t have access to the first email that was used by my friend because she is no where to be found. Or if I have my case number and confirm number there is site you can direct me to me to check my status am really worried about this email because I can’t access it and they in the letter that it’s where they send letter for interview appointment. Thanks for advice I really need to know so I can stop worrying about it
May 23, 2017 at 13:38
You don’t need the 2NL email – it contains no useful info. As long as you can get into the ESC page – that is where your appointment will be.
May 23, 2017 at 13:46
Leaving the children off the DV entry will cause disqualification.
May 23, 2017 at 08:45
Hi Simon, my case number is in the 17000’s for 2018 and I am a European living in the US. I saw that the numbers can go up to 40000 so I thought I had a pretty good chance at securing an interview and, eventually, a GC. However, a friend in the US told me that number is pretty high. I am slightly worried because I really need a GC! What do you think? Thanks for your help mate.
May 23, 2017 at 13:39
Your friend is incorrect. It’s fine.
May 23, 2017 at 08:54
Hello, Brit. This is a wonderful site.
My sister was selected for further processing in DV2018 but didn’t find out until yesterday. She’s upset about the delay, since finding out about ‘first come, first served’ in processing as she has a low-ish case number (OC3XX). She thinks there’s already a pileup of applications and others with higher case numbers will be taking her visa because hers won’t have been processed in time.
From what I can gather, if she submitted today (which she did), May 23, she should still be okay for probable interview in October/November? Then again, I’m not sure (given over-selection and other variables like derivatives, etc.) which is why I’m asking – I’m not as versed in this as you.
I’m sorry – I know you must get a tonne of these types of questions, but my sister is really upset and I just want to help.
Thank you for your time 🙂
Jacob
May 23, 2017 at 13:36
She should relax. Yes there will be a pileup – but it doesn’t matter since case numbers are released slowly over the year – and she will not miss out because of her number. She could wait to submit for MONTHS (close to a year) and still be safe. THe delay probably will delay her interview to Nov/Dec – but really – NO PROBLEM!
May 23, 2017 at 18:41
Thank you so much for your reply. I made a mistake, though. Her number is OC5XX, so I’m thinking interview Dec/Jan? She’s upset in part because she needs to know about the visa before mid February, 2018.
Again, thanks for your help.
Jacob
May 23, 2017 at 19:05
Yeah, maybe Dec/Jan – although it can vary.
May 23, 2017 at 09:31
Hi BritSimon,
I’m a NZ Citizen but a UK resident (I applied living in London), My case number is 18xx, Do I slot in the EU allocation since my interview will be based in London?
Thanks
May 23, 2017 at 13:33
No – OC still.
May 23, 2017 at 09:57
Hi. Brit, what is max DV18s CN In EU you know ?
May 23, 2017 at 13:32
JUst over 41000
May 23, 2017 at 11:09
Hi Brit,
Thanks for your continuous support on this space.
Me and my wife received our Immigrant Visas in Tirana, Albania on May 16 and they expire on Nov 04 2017. Obviously, between this period we have to land in the US to activate our green card. The thing is that until Nov 04 we would not be able to be in the US for more than 2 weeks because of very tight work and school related schedule currently in France. Is it OK, if we go in the US for just 2 weeks and exit without a physical green card? I know that the visa, if approved in the border is valid for 1 year and serves as a temporary green card. In one of the instruction papers released together with the visa the US embassy said that you should not leave the US without the green card. Based on you experience, which is the way to go? Is there any institution we can get an “official” say on this?
Thanks again!
Regards,
Frank
May 23, 2017 at 13:30
THere is no problem with leaving after a few days. MANY people do that – NEVER a problem.
May 23, 2017 at 11:23
Hallo Brit, my name is millicent i got my 2NL on 3rd March 2017
May 23, 2017 at 11:32
Hallo Brit, my name is Millicent i got my 2NL on 3rd March 2017 and my interview was scheduled on 19th April 2017 but I couldn’t attend due to medical reasons so i reschedule my Appointment was approved bt i have not gotten any response or notification for my reschedule kindly plz how long does it take to be reschedule again. Thanks in advance Millicent
May 23, 2017 at 13:28
It varies – there is no way for me to know.
May 23, 2017 at 12:44
ABRAHAM
May 22, 2017 at 2:59 pm
Reply
IS IT POSSIBLE TO BE IN 2WEEKS OR 3WEEKS TIME . AND HOW DO THEY DO THE BACKGROUND CHECK . DO THEY CALL YOU ON PHONE?
May 23, 2017 at 12:46
Hi Simon,
I was an F1 student in the US between 2003 and 2010, but I did unauthorized work with my SSN and paid taxes. I came back to my home country in 2010 and have not gone back to the US since then. I won with the DV 2018 and I am wondering if the unauthorized employment will bar me from getting a green card visa at the interview? I was lawfully employed in 2010, but not between 2004 and 2009. I have not disclosed this violation in the DS form. Thank you.
May 23, 2017 at 13:24
Yes that could cause problems. You won’t know for sure until the interview.
May 24, 2017 at 01:49
Almost similar situation my friend and now i am in AP. i am DV-2017 winner. this is my forth month still waiting. we will see. ([email protected])
May 23, 2017 at 13:24
hello Simon i hope u r having a good day ! i have some silly mastekes filling out ds-260 !
Work/Education/Training Information
Primary Occupation:
OTHER
Specify Other:
TRADER ASSISTANT : GIVING ASSIST IN ACCOUNTING
Present Employer or School Name:
WHOLESALE STORE
i typed trader TRADER ASSISTANT of AN ASSISTANT TRADER …i typed
baccalaureat INSTEAD OF baccalaureate
my question should i unlock ds-260 to correct these kind of masteks ?
thank you !
May 23, 2017 at 13:26
ALI
May 23, 2017 at 1:24 pm
Reply
hello Simon i hope u r having a good day ! i have some silly mastekes filling out ds-260 !
Work/Education/Training Information
Primary Occupation:
OTHER
Specify Other:
TRADER ASSISTANT : GIVING ASSIST IN ACCOUNTING
Present Employer or School Name:
WHOLESALE STORE
i typed TRADER ASSISTANT instead of AN ASSISTANT TRADER …i typed
baccalaureat INSTEAD OF baccalaureate
my question should i unlock ds-260 to correct these kind of masteks ?
thank you !
May 23, 2017 at 14:11
No need.
May 23, 2017 at 13:25
1 hello brit, i won the dv2016 lottery and on the birth certificates of my 4 kids are my maiden names but on one of them is my marital name. any problem
2 secondly the order of names of one of my kids as presented on the ds260 form is not same as in his documents . any problem
3
May 23, 2017 at 14:12
1. No
2. no – just make sure the ds260is correct.
May 23, 2017 at 13:33
helloo brit, are visas granted immediately on the day of interview or later on
May 23, 2017 at 14:11
Sometimes approved immediately – but visas take a week or so to print.
May 23, 2017 at 13:42
Hello britsimon
Good evening,
I want to ask you that how much minimum time for interview date if 2nl will come. …….. I mean gap between interview and 2nl published date.
May 23, 2017 at 14:10
About 6 weeks.
May 23, 2017 at 13:51
Hello Sir,
I have applied the DV lottery for my girl friend and she have been selected, now she want to take me out and to use one of her relatives instead of me. I have the case number, code and every thing. any thoughts please?
May 23, 2017 at 14:09
My thoughts are that her win is nothing to do with you.
May 23, 2017 at 13:54
Hi Brits, just found out today i was selected for 2018 my Case number AFxxxx53xx which is a low case number. I still have to wait for another 2 weeks before my wife and children passports are processed. kindly advise if i will be late to submit the ds-260 by mid June. Thank you
May 23, 2017 at 14:07
That will not be a problem
May 23, 2017 at 13:59
Hi Britsimon,
I am Dv2018 selectee. I filled Ds260. Is it there any other form to fill like I-134?
May 23, 2017 at 14:07
Later, yes. For now you just wait.
May 23, 2017 at 14:00
Hello Simon!
I’ve had my interview today in Amman and ill be writing a specific post on the interview experiences page.
the CO told me the magical heart warming line: I Have no problem issuing you a visa. and since they know that Syrians aren’t welcome for long in Jordan they told me tomorrow between 3 n’ 4 pm ill have my passport ready.
I’ve just checked the CEAC site and it says Administrative Processing :S
am tired worn out and stressed but i remember that once you replied to a guy saying that this is normal and it means nothing
so please would you assure me?
this means nothing right?
Thanks so much Simon… you are a god send.. and ill be back with an appropriate post tomorrow with the full story 🙂
Thanks man may the lord bless you….
If it wasn’t for this blog i assure you 100% i would have never ever had a visa..
Ill be back 🙂
May 23, 2017 at 14:04
AP after successful interview is normal (it shows the printing of the visa).
May 23, 2017 at 14:02
hello Britsimon
i am 2018 selectee
when i tried to sign in to complete the ds 206 online form i was getting error message and i emails to kcc for help they emails me ” the information is sensitive but unclassified please correct all information and….” after some day i tried to sign in again and sign in successfully and sign out becouse i am not ready to complete the form,after some day kcc emails this” this application is reaching the date of expiry, if you dont sign in again before jun 3,2017 the application will be deleted this is done to protect your privacy” what does in mean??
May 23, 2017 at 14:06
THe question you should be asking me is how to solve the DS260 problem.
READ THIS
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 23, 2017 at 15:02
Hi Brit . after I submit ds-260 should I attached the photo? It is urgent or not? is mandatory to fill military application to children aged 5?
Thank you for your help!!!!
May 23, 2017 at 23:05
You present photos at the interview, not the DS260.
It is mandatory to READ the selective service info for males under 26.
May 23, 2017 at 16:34
Hello Brit! I am a 2018 selectee. When i filled the application in October 2016, i misunderstood the QUESTION 6 (Country of Eligibility for the DV Program) and even though i am born in a country that is eligible (country X), in the question :-“Are you claiming eligibility based on the country you were born?” I chose NO. And further it said: -“If not, you must enter the country from which you are claiming eligibility.” And here i have chosen the same country as the country that i am born (country X).
Is this going to be a problem?
Do i disqualify for this?
Do i have to bring to my interview any additional documents?
HELP PLEASE
May 23, 2017 at 21:27
No – that should not be a problem because you are still charging to your country of birth.
May 23, 2017 at 17:00
Hello BritSimon!
Can I apply to get a USA citizenship for my mother and sister as a green card holder?
Thanks!
May 23, 2017 at 21:25
No – only a citizen can sponsor those relatives.
May 23, 2017 at 20:59
Hello Brit!
Have there ever been cases of appeal during the same fiscal year for refusals of Divertisity Visa?
Thank you!
May 23, 2017 at 21:19
There is no appeal process – so, if it has happened, it is incredibly rare and unrecorded.
May 23, 2017 at 21:10
Hi Brit,
I submitted my ds 260 on 16/12/2016 and have not yet received my 2nl. Case no: 2017AF000145**
I emailed Kcc last month upon the release of 2nl for June interview but I was told: my forms have been received and pending further embassy review for the continuation of my visa processing.
I have been told exactly the same today upon contacting them today in relation to the release of 2nl for July interview.
I understand I have to wait and see……but per your experience could someone not be scheduled for an interview in the AF region upon submission of her ds 260 as late as my date of submission (16/12/2016)? Many thanks.
May 23, 2017 at 21:18
No – you should be interviewed.
May 23, 2017 at 21:26
Thanks Sir