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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.
August 8, 2017 at 08:53
Hi Brit, my host made a mistake in her address she brought two states but Eg: Charlotte N. C and added California she lives in Charlotte and I have my interview in a week time can this mistake cause a problem please?
August 8, 2017 at 15:34
No
August 8, 2017 at 10:29
Hello Brit. Hope you are well. Another huge thanks your site in getting us this far.
We now have our passports with the Visa’s and unopened envelopes, XRAY CD’s etc.
Planning our big move to the US. We aim to land in Dallas Fort Worth. Big changes ahead and we are excited to be heading there from the UK.
A few questions
1 What can we expect once arriving at immigration? Is the process long? We have a little one with us so trying to plan and making sure there are no gotchyas. Any advice? Sorry if you have this already on your site. If you can direct me.
2 Do you recommend taking any other back up documentation that they would generally ask for? Is so what?
3 We have already sent in the request for the Green Card and paid the USCIS Immigrant Fee. Ill take a print out just in case.
Any other advice on the process would be very helpful.
August 8, 2017 at 15:22
1. THe process itself is not long – but the waiting can take a while. If connecting, allow no less than 3 hours.
2. Nothing needed. It isn’t another interview.
3. They won’t care.
Other advice – relax.
August 8, 2017 at 15:37
According to the 3rd question, did you pay the USCIS and request for the GC before arriving to the US? Where and how did you do both things? Thanks!
August 8, 2017 at 15:44
When you get your visa they give you instruction how to pay online. Your GC cannot be produced until you have entered the USA AND paid the fee.
August 8, 2017 at 15:57
Ok! Thank you Brit!!!
August 8, 2017 at 11:15
Hi Brits
I have filled and submitted ds260 with my wife and child ID document details (ID Number) since they are still awaiting their passport. My question is that is it mandatory to unlock their forms when they get their passport OR leave the ds260 as it is and present their passport during the interview?
August 8, 2017 at 15:18
Not mandatory, but better to unlock if possible.
August 8, 2017 at 12:40
Hello.
For an educational verification. ..does the consular will check it out himself or I have to contact both university and ministry of education in my country?
August 8, 2017 at 15:10
The embassy checks if your documents are complete BUT they need verification, Or if you are missing a document they could ask you to provide that.
August 8, 2017 at 15:47
Hello Brit , I would like to have your opinion about Dv visa 017 regarding 2017AS4257( Nepal) . Do you think this case number will receive final appointment letter for interview until end of Sept 017 .
August 9, 2017 at 00:27
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions
August 8, 2017 at 18:12
Hello Brit
As a follow up question to my earlier question regarding error in the arrangement of my name (ie. ABC made ACB) and your subsequent answer which was ‘Normally that should not be a problem’
I would like to kindly ask if I can go the Notary Public of the High Court to swear an Affidavit in support or validate the name anomaly. Thank you
August 9, 2017 at 00:23
That is your choice.
August 9, 2017 at 10:09
I have the same issue and I’m confused
August 8, 2017 at 18:22
Hello dear
Could you please help me with my confusing situation
I married after regitration for dv 2017 and then i won the lottery then i add my wife to ds 260 form and we went together to interview and now we are in administrative processing and waiting for their reply BUT we want to divorce!
Could you please tell me, whether or not my case will failed or I could get my own visa alone?
In addition I should say, our divorce is not related to lottery situations.
Sincerely yours
Amir Mir
August 9, 2017 at 00:23
Well right now your case is on AP – so you need to wait for the outcome. As for the divorce, you would need to inform the embassy if you get divorced as your spouse would no longer be eligible for the GC.
August 8, 2017 at 19:28
HI pls am having problem with ds 260 sign and submit application, i have beeng trying and even taking all the zeroes between the region code but i still can not sign and submit the application. please what should i do because am geting wooried
August 8, 2017 at 20:00
You probably have not clicked the selective service link on the last page. Do that, try again.
August 8, 2017 at 22:27
Hi Mr Simon, we are a family of LPR living in the USA, we need to have our surnames changed, meaning our dad needs to change his surname to a new surname thus we kids and mother are all going to take that new surname. Is it possible to have it changed? If yes when is the best time to do it as we have less than 5 years since we moved in the USA, are there any consequences in doing that?
August 9, 2017 at 00:14
I only advise on DV lottery questions.
August 9, 2017 at 01:25
I saw the potential visa bulletin for October for DV 2018 that was posted here. They are starting with historically low numbers. I am like 6,000 Asia. Does that mean this fiscal year, my number will become current way later than previous years? Possibly towards the end of the fiscal year?
Thank you.
August 9, 2017 at 01:47
N o it does not mean that. Relax. Wait and see.
August 9, 2017 at 05:01
Hey, thanks for putting up this blog. Answers all the questions 🙂
Just wanted to let you know we live in Canada and applied under EU because I was born there.
Case # is 2018EU00034***.
We have submitted and received confirmation of submission of our DS 260’s on June 7 2017.
Just as an FYI
Thanks
August 9, 2017 at 05:52
Hello Brit
I’m a DV2018 winner with a case number 2018SA000022**
Based on the numbers tentatively released with S.A. being 190 and your extensive knowledge, should I be concerned about whether or not I’ll be called for an interview?
August 9, 2017 at 14:34
It’s nothing to do with the first VB number, but yes, your number is high and therefore risky.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
August 9, 2017 at 05:53
I saw someone asked that he was an AP and his case was suspended under section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, because he was on a student visa before in the US.
Can someone explain that and its consequences? I was on a student visa myself.
Thank you.
August 9, 2017 at 14:33
Just having had a previous student visa does not cause 221(g) – which is AP. AP happens for various reasons.
August 9, 2017 at 10:45
Hi simon, in winner from Europe and I submitted ds 260 on June 2. But the thing is I didn’t add my job information which was about just 29 days in 2009. Would be a problem ?
And also what do you think about the backlogs for 18 fiscal year ? Because you said if backlogs are a lot, the cut off numbers would be higher than 2600.
Thnx
August 9, 2017 at 10:58
ANd also one more question. At first I submitted my ds form and after I had to unlock and they did as I requested.
I got the confirmation of submission of former submission. After the second submission of the ds 260 form I’ve received nothing. Is this OK?
August 9, 2017 at 14:24
Yes.
August 9, 2017 at 14:25
1. Bo problem
2. My explanation about the backlogs was to show why the first VB was so low.
August 9, 2017 at 11:37
Hello,
I am the applicant for the DV-L 2018.My husband applied for a family-sponsored visa a couple of years ago. I was just wondering if this could interfere with our case.
Thank you
August 9, 2017 at 11:38
( I am the main applicant)
August 9, 2017 at 14:21
No problem.
August 9, 2017 at 11:41
Hi simon at first thank you for all your answers and explanations
I want to unlock my ds260 which I submitted in May causes to remove a training course that I already set
Is what kcc know i have added or removed and may have doubts about me and thanks
August 9, 2017 at 14:21
They will know what changes you make.
August 9, 2017 at 11:52
Sir
I am a Beneficiary of the 2018Dv lottery.
1) can I get affidavits of support from a different person Or it most be from the u. S address I field in the Ds 260 form?
2) I didn’t put my elementary school information I juz field the secondary school can these be a problem.?
3) is the affidavits necessary??
Thanks
August 9, 2017 at 14:20
1. Yes
2. No
3. Not in all cases.
August 13, 2017 at 10:45
Thanks much Mr Simon for your great help. Regarding my question 1 yess means I can get from different person other than the United States address right?
Thanks
August 13, 2017 at 14:42
Yes
August 9, 2017 at 13:23
hi Brit,
My case no is 11040 in Asia. Is there any possibility for me for Interview?
2) My sponsor is the head of nun profitable organization. Can he sponsor me?
3) When I ready for the interview can I change My Sponsor?
August 9, 2017 at 14:17
1. Wait and see
2. Yes
3. Yes
August 9, 2017 at 13:58
Hi,
Can I change my sponsor after getting a visa?
August 9, 2017 at 14:14
Yes – you don’t have to let anyone know.
August 9, 2017 at 14:09
Hi Brit thanks for your suport and explanations.
I am filling out the form ds-260, my question is if there is any part in the form where I can evidence that my wife is pregnant
August 9, 2017 at 14:14
No. There is no need.
August 9, 2017 at 15:29
Hi Brit,
I have been selected for the dv2018.
In 2015 my wife’s visa and I were canceled in the airport (returned back to our country the same day and asked us to reapply) when the officer found out that my wife is pregnant and intented to give birth in the US during our visit and this wasn’t mentioned during our visa interview.
My question is, will this effect our case to get approved for an immigrant visa?
August 9, 2017 at 15:31
Probably not.
August 9, 2017 at 16:04
Hi,
Thank for your answer. I have Few more questions. I think I have entered the past Year photo for 2018 entry program. But already I won it. but I cant exactly remember whether it was as same as 1017. However what will happen at the interview? If it is sure I would be disqualified shouldnt I go for it? because before the interview I have to pay nonrefundable payments. If past year photo is not acceptable how did I win the lottery ?
August 9, 2017 at 16:10
We don’t know how they will handle reused DV2017 photos yet. They might deny people at interview, or they might forgive the error. We will only know once processing has been going for a couple of months (by which time we will have feedback).
August 9, 2017 at 17:09
Hi Brit,
I am dv lottery 2018 winner from Egypt, and I have registered ds-5501 electronic diversity visa entry by this form :
first name
second name
family name ( my fifth name)
While the fifth name is not registered in my passport or any of my official documents
my name in my passport is : first name – second name – third name – fourth name ( fifth name only registered in my father’s passport and all his official documents
how can I apply for DS-260?
and will it case a proplem for me in the embassy interview?
thank you in advance.
August 9, 2017 at 17:54
No – I don’t think it will be a problem – you can discuss it at the interview.
August 9, 2017 at 18:01
Thank you
but how can I apply for DS-260? should I write my fifth name as family name or my fourth name?
August 9, 2017 at 18:10
Match what is on your passport.
August 9, 2017 at 18:32
thank you so much for your support and all your answers
If I will match DS260 what is on my passport, DS260 and my passport will not match the first winning letter, I think it will be a problem for me, what can I do?
August 9, 2017 at 21:43
Exactly what I already said.
August 9, 2017 at 17:18
Hi Brit,
I have been selected for the dv2018 with a Venezuelan citizenship, but I also have Italian citizenship. My question is.. do I need to add a copy of my Italian passport to the packet that is going to be sent ? Or I just need to have the Italian passport in the interview in case they ask me about it. In priors trip to USA I have entered with my Italian passport. I will appreciate your recommendations.
August 9, 2017 at 17:48
You provide a passport number in the DS260 and show that at the interview. That would be the Venezuelan passport I imagine. But take the Italian one to the interview also in case they ask.
August 10, 2017 at 02:40
Brit,
My DV case has been called out in this visa bulletin. Do you recommed me to submit my application right away or wait a little bit more. If you recommend to send it right away, do I need to make some reference of the early police memorandum ?
Please advise.
Thank you so much!
August 10, 2017 at 02:41
I forgot to mention to you that I’m applying for adjustment of status.
August 10, 2017 at 03:28
I would advise you to wait until October UNLESS you have a real *need* to get through the process fast. Not want, NEED. Early submissions before the beginning of the year have a higher chance of non acceptance.
With AOS – this thread should be your resource:
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2018-aos-only.336256/
August 9, 2017 at 19:01
Dear Brit Simon thank you for your valuable support. I would like you ask questions.
I was submitted my ds260 May 24/2017 after that many things changed
1.i change my primary occupation,employer name, job title, level of education, number of institution because of I finished my Master’s degree.
Should I unlock and change ds260?
May unlock cause delay my interview?
My CN is AF2018oooo9***
Thanks so much.
August 9, 2017 at 21:42
Yes you can unlock. It won’t cause delay.
August 9, 2017 at 20:26
Since I can’t access my email anymore that I used which website do I check in to see if my CN is current because I have my confirmation number with me. It’s important for me to know because I have a low case number and I want to be alert time is moving
Thanks in advance
August 9, 2017 at 21:23
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
August 9, 2017 at 20:29
Hi Brit, I’m a DV2018 selectee. My case number is SA94X. I just saw the September Visa bulletin where there is a number (190) near SA region. Does this mean I do not stand a chance?
August 9, 2017 at 21:22
It means you won’t get an interview in October! But there are TWELVE MONTHS in a year – so – be patient.
August 9, 2017 at 22:52
Hi Simon. My mother is a winner of DV 2018. I am her derivative as I was below 21 when she filled the application.We have all filled and submitted ds 260s. My date of birth is July 1996. Do you think I will still be eligible for a visa since I would turn 22 in July 2018. My mothers case number is high, so I assume if at all our interview would be after July.
August 9, 2017 at 23:17
I am unlocking my DS260 ( submitted on may 5th) to make some changes about my education as I have mentioned before. My current address is the same as always, but lately someone told me they have made some changes in street’s names in Tirana, so what do you think? Should I leave it the same or change it? Can they get suspicious and cause any further delays? Case number: EU55**
Thank you very much
August 9, 2017 at 23:34
It should be accurate. What more can I say?
August 10, 2017 at 00:05
Hi Brit,
In this post (https://britsimonsays.com/ceac-data-august-17/) you say that if there’s an interview scheduled for August or September, there’s a VISA number reserved.
I have read contradicting versions on-line on this subject and I seek your kindly help to confirm that.
My wife (Brazilian) has interview scheduled for Friday 8/11 (EB2-ROW). The date retrogressed after the interview was scheduled. Will she get the GC if the interview goes well or will she have to wait October? In what cases that would not happen (I’ve read stories of people being told they had to wait for the PD to become current again)?
Thanks in advance,
F.
August 10, 2017 at 00:11
My comments ONLY concern DV lottery cases.
August 10, 2017 at 00:17
I see. I guess we’ll have to wait October then.
Thanks for the clarification.
August 10, 2017 at 07:09
when is the timing for the i-134 affidavit paper should be filled and sent to the principal applicant for interview?
August 10, 2017 at 14:02
Shortly before the interview.
August 10, 2017 at 09:17
Hi Brit,
I have been selected for the dv2018, I made multiple entries (twice) on October 2016 by 2 different photos and one of them has been selected, can they notice that in the embassy interview or not?
August 10, 2017 at 13:57
I hope so.
August 10, 2017 at 10:14
Dear Mr.Simon, I would like to ask you about DV Lottery interviews, I have already submitted my DS-260, so the place of the interview has already been submitted but if something happens or if I want to have my interview in another country then what exactly should I do in this case and how fast should I let them know?? I would really appreciate your help, Thanks in advance.
August 10, 2017 at 13:56
If something changes, like you move to another country, you ask KCC to unlock your form and change the details.
August 10, 2017 at 13:50
Hi, thanks for the good work on the site. Can you give me a guesstimate of my chances with a DV 2018 OC18xx.
August 10, 2017 at 14:07
Unlikely to get an interview. 🙁
August 10, 2017 at 14:13
Hello simon !
Dv2018 winner.
Im living in rent house . Im student . I am moving from this house now . Should i unlock ds260 to change present address ? Or should i wait the interview and tell embassy that i jave changed home address .
Case number 3xxx EU.
Thank you
August 10, 2017 at 14:29
Unlocking would make sense to make sure you get the visa packet sent to your new address.
August 10, 2017 at 14:33
The addrss system in albania is not very correct .
I mean
The embassy here use DHL to get the visa . They sent passport to DHL and the winner goes there to take the passport .
August 10, 2017 at 15:02
OK – but the DS260 address would be contradicted by the address with DHL. It’s up to you…
August 10, 2017 at 14:41
Hello Brit,
Quick one: CN 2018AF0000077**. DS260 submitted July 5. Based on last visa bulletin numbers, do you think i am likely to get the interview on october? or more plausible in november?
Thanks in advance.
August 10, 2017 at 15:03
Wait and see.
August 10, 2017 at 14:44
Hello,
Thanks for the useful information. I have one question. According to Visa Bulletin for October 2017, all case numbers up to 2 600 for Europe will be scheduled for the interview. That includes my case number too. I haven’` t got an interview letter yet and when I check my Visa Application Status on the website: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?eQs=o/iS8zDpeAKjMWCuebHqOw== , I get the notification that my case number is invalid.
Should I have to be concerned about that and when I’m supposed to get the interview letter?
Regards!
August 10, 2017 at 15:04
2NLs have not gone out yet. Patience.
August 10, 2017 at 15:02
Dear Simon,
I am from Lesotho in Southern Africa. My case number is 71XX and I’ve already gathered that’s low. I submitted my DS 260 nine (9) days after the DV 2018 results came out, that is, on the 11th May, 2017.
I was shocked to find out from calling the Kentucky Consular Centre that my case is STILL being processed, although the bulletin came out today and my number is current. I’m quite disheartened. What possible reasons could there be? The last person I called at KCC a while back said my case was ALMOST done being processed. I lived in the UK for postgraduate study for about 11 months from 2009-2010, and like everyone from Lesotho, my husband and I studied in South Africa for a couple of years (senior high school and undergrad). Could this in any way affect the process? I ask because I read somewhere where you said they do checks with foreign governments. My second question is around the police certificate, to your knowledge, do I need one though I stayed in the UK for only eleven months? We have already applied for South Africa and Lesotho, I’m just not sure about the UK.
Thank you in advance for your assistance.
August 10, 2017 at 15:14
Some cases take longer to process than others – usually because of lack of cooperation/poor government organization in the home country. So your case will be interviewed later – no big deal.
Get a police cert for the UK.
August 14, 2017 at 12:10
I’d certainly go with poor government organisation in the home country 🙂 Thank you so much for your assistance Simon, I really appreciate it. I’ll get onto the UK clearance now, at least there’s better government organisation there so I’ll probably get it before the interview. Thanks again.
Oh, in your opinion, with the latest developments what are the chances of the DV Lottery being cancelled, and is that likely to be in time to prevent the immigration of DV-2018 winners?
August 14, 2017 at 14:10
https://britsimonsays.com/discussing-trumps-raise-act/
August 10, 2017 at 16:10
Hello Simon,
We’re planning to travel to the U.S. for 2 weeks – to activate LPR, look around, and then go back home for 4 months to wrap up things, after which we’ll move permanently.
I want to buy health insurance for the 2 weeks we’ll spend in the USA, but there are several moments that worry me:
1. I need something as simple as a regular travel insurance I’d buy at my country, but these agreements won’t work at the territory of a country of residence; so I think what I want is a short-term resident insurance (like “Inbound Immigrant” on visitorscoverage.com), but it requires me to specify the state of residentship – which I won’t have during the first trip;
2. A resident is also expected to get a regular health insurance 3 months after entry – so will this timer keep ticking if I leave the U.S. for 4 months, and I’ll have to pay a fine after?
I know this is a bit off-topic against the general theme of the blog, but you covered a bit of this topic in the FAQ, so I hope you can give an advice about which way to take anyway.
Thanks in advance!
August 10, 2017 at 19:03
1. Those are the best options. So – you need to decide between travel insurance and immigrant insurance.
2. It’s not a problem as you self certify when you became a resident.
August 10, 2017 at 21:43
Thanks! And regarding residentship – upon entry, I’ll be a resident of the state which I’ll specify for the GC delivery (or of the address in DS-260), right?
2. I thought I become an LPR at the moment of the first entry. Or do you want to say that they have no way to check this?
August 10, 2017 at 21:48
1. No. State residence is usually established by showing a lease or utility bill with an address.
2. LPR yes (that is Federal level). But not resident at State level. Since Healthcare is State level – that is why my answer stands.
August 11, 2017 at 06:40
Ah, a very good and important clarification! Thanks a lot, Simon, as always, your advice is invaluable.
August 10, 2017 at 17:02
Hello my father is dv2018 winner. we have cn 2018EU55** and i completed ds260 on may19. My daughter turned 21 on 10 may 2017. Do you think that my daughter could be able to come with me depending on CSPA. Thank you.
August 10, 2017 at 18:57
Yes, your daughter will be covered AS LONG AS you interview by December. January is too late. So – I hope you already submitted your DS260.
August 10, 2017 at 17:21
My sister won the lottery and got a visa, does she need to show proof of funds / that she has enough money for the first 6 months when she arrives in the airport in Chicago? Thank you
August 10, 2017 at 18:49
No
August 10, 2017 at 18:46
Hello,
I am a 2018 Winner, living and working in the US with an E2 visa and submitted the DS-260 from already. Once my number goes current I have to file the I-485 since I plan to do AOS in the US.
My plan was to travel to Germany in December using the E2 visa to come back.
Will the travel be considered double intent, even if I would hold off the filing of the I-485 until I am back. Thanks.
August 10, 2017 at 19:05
Check with “Mom” on this thread
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2018-aos-only.336256/
August 10, 2017 at 22:24
Hello Brit,
Greetings,
what is your expected time for my interview in Egypt and my number about 2018AF21500?,
Thanks.
August 10, 2017 at 22:33
I don’t calculate expected interview times – I simply say “wait and see”.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
August 11, 2017 at 02:47
Hello Brit,
I’ve tried researching online to figure out how they appoint case numbers but so far I’ve been unsuccessful.
Will you be able to offer some insight?
Is it done randomly? Is it just luck that some persons receive lower case numbers?
Thanks in advance.
Maria.
August 11, 2017 at 02:59
https://britsimonsays.com/the-lottery-draw-process-holes-theory-and-so-on/
August 11, 2017 at 06:19
Hello,
my case number has been stolen and somebody can access my DS260 now, what should i do to protect my DS260 FROM ANY FUTURE CHANGES?
August 11, 2017 at 06:25
There is nothing you can do.
August 11, 2017 at 07:58
in this vb the case no. from nepal is low in comparison to previous year
1-does this slower the process for whole year?
2-does this reduce the case no. from nepal?
August 11, 2017 at 14:22
1. No
2. No
August 11, 2017 at 08:14
Mr.Brit! i allready submitted my ds 260 form some how two months ago. However i now changed my work place and primary occupation! shall i unlock and change this pattern?
August 11, 2017 at 14:22
You can do.
August 11, 2017 at 10:23
Hi simon
My CN is 2018EU34*** is it safe ?-
August 11, 2017 at 14:08
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
August 11, 2017 at 11:27
i m from Nigeria, i have a girlfriend that is a
Peruvian. she want me to come over to her country but
its really not easy because i have never been to her
country before. she insisted on getting me a working
visa from her country so i can easily come be with her.
but my major concern is what exactly do i need to
provide to her to get me this visa from her country
and do my country also need to grant me any other
document before i can leave my country other than an
international passport? thanks awaiting your response
please.
August 11, 2017 at 14:03
I only answer DV lottery questions.
August 11, 2017 at 14:19
Hi Britsimon thank you for your invaluable help to the DV winners. I have a question regarding traveling. My understanding is after the first visit to activate your papers any DV winner should not be away from the USA for more than 6months. (Please correct me if am wrong)
What happens if one travels in March 2017 (first visit to activate papers) leaves the states, comes back in June 2017 and leaves again. (Trying to close up some business in my home country before the big move)
When will the 6months elapse – will it be counted as from March -September or does it begin afresh from June -December?
We want to ensure there will no problems with the immigration at my return here to the States.