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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.
October 13, 2017 at 09:07
Hi Mr Brit…do you maybe know how long the maintenance will take …on the DV web side
October 13, 2017 at 14:10
No
October 13, 2017 at 10:15
Hi Brit
My wife winner of dv2018. But she is very nervous can i answer to all questions. And ask her to keep silent in the interview
Is thiz make any problem with CO
October 13, 2017 at 14:09
They might want her to answer some questions, yes. There is nothing to be nervous about.
October 15, 2017 at 14:53
I am Neolle from Cameroon a selectee of the dv 2018 my case number is AF 38xxx and I submitted since 31 may I wish to know when I can be expecting my appointment letter could it be November or December?
October 15, 2017 at 14:56
No – it won’t be until next summer.
October 13, 2017 at 10:55
Hello M.r Brits
I mentioned in DS 260 form that i am currently studying M.A in Economics and in degree section i wrote that the M.A degree will be recieved at the end of Dec 2017.
What documents should i bring with myself from M.A?
October 13, 2017 at 14:06
You have a masters. Use some of that education to make a wise decision.
October 13, 2017 at 14:46
hello Brit, can I unlock my DS-5501 after submitting it.
October 13, 2017 at 15:55
I don’t know.
October 13, 2017 at 16:25
Hi
WHy is the dvlottery 2019 website is down and how long will it take for to be open unto aplllicant for subbmission of applications?
October 13, 2017 at 16:43
https://britsimonsays.com/dv-lottery-entry-site-maintenance/
October 14, 2017 at 13:42
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-entry-period-restarted/
October 13, 2017 at 18:24
Hi Simon,
Sir, do you have any clue why EU number for 2017 was so low (22100)? That is the lowest number since 2006
October 13, 2017 at 19:46
Hi Brit . I made a stupid mistake i complited the dv llotary but i upload by mistake another photo ( not my photo) . Now i want to recomplite the dv llotary with my photo . These does not make a dublicate entry because the data are the same but the photo is different , am i right ?
October 13, 2017 at 19:47
No. That would be a duplicate entry (which could get you banned for this year and future years. Try again in DV2020.
October 13, 2017 at 20:00
I am an F1 student and I won Visa Lottery 2018. I will have my interwiev next week in Houston. I dont know when and how I must pay fee 330$. Please help!!.
October 13, 2017 at 21:04
You should ALREADY have paid the fee. I hope you are reading the tips in this thread!
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2018-aos-only.336256/
October 13, 2017 at 21:50
Hi Brit
I apply for the Diversity Visa 2019 before it shoutdown on maintenance so we that have already applied will effect us?
Like not to bring result next or get winner
October 13, 2017 at 22:34
I don’t know anything more than you do.
October 14, 2017 at 13:40
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-entry-period-restarted/
October 13, 2017 at 23:45
Hi sir, my priority date is November 19 2015, F2A category. The visa bulletin for next month is November 15 2015. Can I still receive an interview letter now?
October 13, 2017 at 23:57
I only answer DV lottery questions.
October 14, 2017 at 02:46
Hello, I have my doubts with respect to the equivalence of degrees earned in some countries, for example, and I am an electrical engineer, in curse of stydy that I place?
October 14, 2017 at 03:55
What is your question?
October 14, 2017 at 03:32
Dear Brit,
I am a winner of the 2017 DV lottery and I am currently in the US. My husband and three children were unable to attend the interview with me and had to reschedule for a later date. They have been interviewed on the 7th of September 2017, and they were told that their visas have been approved, alien number provided but they had to wait until the visas will be available physically in the Embassy. However, on the 10th of October, the embassy called and told them they run out of visas. Would you please help in guiding what my next steps should be?
October 14, 2017 at 03:53
You will have to apply through family based immigration. That will be expensive and take around 2 years. What a shame you rescheduled.
October 14, 2017 at 06:30
Last yr december interview for AF was around 20400 ethiopia 9000 but whats happning zis yr i was gussing ma CN 186×× ethiopia will get an interview @ march but according to zis yrs slow down may be june july or never owww how sadddd
October 14, 2017 at 12:08
Read some of my recent posts.
October 14, 2017 at 07:00
Hello
Please I picked secondary school with no degree in my entry, yet I have a secondary school degree…It escaped me..it was a mistake….would I be disqualified if I’m selected?
October 14, 2017 at 12:08
Not for that.
October 14, 2017 at 07:22
hi Simon,
i am winner of dv2018 and need your help please
I am made mistake in edv 10/2016 .
When i choose the level of education i choose master’s degree but i have postgraduate diploma “This academic qualification is two years of study after the end of my bachelor’s degree”
is this a problem ?
October 14, 2017 at 12:09
No
October 15, 2017 at 11:35
THANKS DEAR
October 14, 2017 at 07:46
Hi,
I have a question about filling i131 form for re entry permit. I am filling for me and my 3 years old child.
I am signing for him, but should I fill part 9 “preparer information”?
Thanks
October 14, 2017 at 12:09
No need.
October 14, 2017 at 07:52
Hi Simon, I was told by someone, who went to an interview in October, that the selectee is given a list of reason you may be disqualified or refused a visa at the interview before paying the interview fee. All the other reasons for disqualification, e.g. not listing a family member, were mentioned there, except for using a photo from 2017. In your opinion, can this fact give hope to those of us who have been selected with 2017 photos? Thank you very much.
October 14, 2017 at 12:11
No I don’t think that can give hope – but we have not heard any feedback one way or the other about people with that problem so far.
October 14, 2017 at 08:30
Hi Brits…
Any idea as to the highest number considered and issued a visa in 2017?
Some one told me of 48000…don’t know how true that is.
October 14, 2017 at 11:44
I need your help please
My husband won in dv 2018 his application included me his wife and our children 14 and 12 years old but he passing away now we all so sad about this
he hasn’t got a visa l’m asking if I could immigrate with my children
There another thing l have General power of attorney from my husband would it work
Thanks for your time
October 14, 2017 at 12:41
No. Unfortunately his win cannot benefit you after his death.
October 14, 2017 at 12:24
Under 2017AF42713
October 15, 2017 at 14:32
Case number under 7000
October 15, 2017 at 14:58
My case number reply was for someone else. Your case number doesn’t affect the response I already gave you.
October 14, 2017 at 12:34
hi brit. im a bit confuse about the D.V website in my country(Liberia) this year(2019) when the web site open at first every thing was moving smooth but now a days it absolutely refuse to open, instead of the entry site for 2019, we are always seeing the check status for 2018 site. why?
October 14, 2017 at 12:44
https://britsimonsays.com/dv-lottery-entry-site-maintenance/
October 14, 2017 at 13:37
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-entry-period-restarted/
October 14, 2017 at 13:04
Hello Britsimon,
Please I have a question.
I am a dv2018 winner I am from Morocco, my case number is around 2018af44 000. Is there any chance I may not have a visa or is it certain my interview will be scheduled any time sooner? Because I heard that even they are giving 50 000 visas they may stop at a certain case number.
Thank you
October 14, 2017 at 13:11
The 50000 visas is the GLOBAL number whereas your number is Africa region only. So – there is some risk for people even with case numbers under 50000.
Read this
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
October 14, 2017 at 14:04
Good work Brit does this means people with case number 5042* do not have any chance of interview?
October 14, 2017 at 14:16
No, it does not mean that.
October 14, 2017 at 13:51
Hi
My sister submitted the DV lottery 2019 application on Oct 4 2017 but now I saw a news that applicant who submitted the DV Lottery 2019 application before Oct 18 2017 need to submit their DV application once again as the application which was submitted before Oct 18 will not be valid,
1). Is this news is correct?
2). Should my sister need to submit her application once again, I am just worried that if she submit once again whether her application will be cancel because of submittion of her application twice.
Kindly help me with your valuable suggestions.
Thank you !!!
October 14, 2017 at 13:55
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-entry-period-restarted/
October 14, 2017 at 22:43
Please reply Vid she want to understand
October 14, 2017 at 14:34
Hey there! Sorry to take your time with this question but im the child of the applicant of the 2018 dv lottery,case nr 22*** Viewing the slow progress of this years,is it possible for me to get the visa bcz i turn 21 on december the first,and reading on ur website about this problem,doing some math it seems i only have time before June 19 2018 to get an interview date to make it possible for me to get the visa too. Thank you!
October 14, 2017 at 14:36
You’ll be fine.
October 14, 2017 at 14:37
https://britsimonsays.com/vb-progress-explained-again/
October 14, 2017 at 16:50
Hi Brits. I got the visa for DV 2018 a few days ago but it came with the data summary page only and no sealed package.my question is ,is it a new development or could it be a mistake by the consulate?
Best regards
October 14, 2017 at 17:31
I don’t know. Ask them.
October 14, 2017 at 18:34
hi sir brits
please can you just tell me if this true https://ec.usembassy.gov/new-entry-period-diversity-visa-program-dv-2019/
thank you sir
October 14, 2017 at 18:54
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-entry-period-restarted/
October 14, 2017 at 20:48
Hello.I’ve been reading the comments here regarding diversity visa cases.My friend and his wife were approved for diversity visa a week ago.A couple of days later they got an email saying they should receive their passports and they sent their son to receive them.When he got the envelopes and the passports he accidentally opened the envelope that should be untouched till the moment they arrive in united states,so I wanted to know is this going to be a problem for them when they travel in usa?
October 14, 2017 at 21:40
They must take the package back to the embassy to be resealed.
October 16, 2017 at 11:19
Thank you to your answer but i have one more question:It is strictly recommended not to open the envelopes,is there gonna be a problem at the embassy ?
October 16, 2017 at 13:15
That’;s a pointless question. He has no choice but to get it resealed.
October 14, 2017 at 22:16
Hi Simon, I have some doubt regarding to DV2019 application. I hope you will help me…
1) I am citizen of Ethiopia, currently living in India just for study and i will complete my study in october 2018.
My question is should i fill residence address as INDIA or my home country Ethiopia? I fill India i have fear of that india is not in the list of countries applicable for DV lottery and incase i will be accepted how they process and interview will be done here in India?
If i fill residence adress as Ethiopia may not be there during the time of interview?
What would you advice me?
2) i have submitted DV2019 application and heard people saying all application before oct 18 is cancelled..is that true?
Thank you!
October 14, 2017 at 22:48
1. There is no problem listing India.
2. Yes. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-entry-period-restarted/
October 15, 2017 at 07:07
Hi Simon,
Can you be denied a DV on Medical grounds[any medical condition]?.
I appreciate the great job you are doing.
October 15, 2017 at 12:57
Always check the FAQ!
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-are-the-diseases-that-can-cause-denial/
October 15, 2017 at 08:37
Hi Simon,
I have read most of the articles here but I couldn’t find the part when it’s time for us to fly to the US to finalise the whole process at the immigration custom.
The part I hope you can enlighten us is where can the green card be sent to?
I mean do we need to find a permanent place online before flying to the US so that the green card can be sent to our new US address? Or can it be sent to a hotel which we are staying? Or are we allow to put our mailing address as in our country of residence?
If it is the latter, does that mean we can come in as tourists to complete the process and then go back to our country of origin while waiting for the green card to be delivered?
Thank you.
October 15, 2017 at 12:55
You need to give an address on the DS260 in the USA where the GC will be sent. That address can be changed at the port of entry the first time your enter the USA. It must be somewhere like a friend who can receive the GC for you.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/timeline-of-first-entry-and-absences-from-usa/
October 15, 2017 at 09:33
DV lottery 2019 page,when is it going to open ?
October 15, 2017 at 12:49
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-entry-period-restarted/
October 15, 2017 at 09:45
Is the previous applied application before the page stops working for the 2019 Dv lottery program going to be cancelled or not ?
October 15, 2017 at 12:49
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-entry-period-restarted/
October 15, 2017 at 10:04
Thank u for ur service, that is it”
October 15, 2017 at 11:04
Hello Brit!
I hope you are doing great so far.
I am one of the DV 2018 winners in Saudi Arabia (born and raised) and I stated in my DS 260 that I lived in Jordan to study my bachelor’s degree (5 years)
Question:
Would they ask for my criminal record from that country as well? as I am now living in Saudi Arabia (place of chargeability) and it will be hard to reach to that country to get such certificate.. or is it enough to provide the criminal record certificate from the country that I am in all my life?
Thanks
October 22, 2017 at 11:49
Hello Brit
Would you please advise me if I should re-lock the case and not mention Jordan as to have that policy certificate from that country?
especially I used to stay there for a semester (4 months) and come back for vacation with my family (2 weeks) for the 5 years
October 22, 2017 at 11:50
unlock*
October 22, 2017 at 12:42
Hello Brit,
I am worried if I confused you with my explanation
My case is as following:
* I am born and living in Saudi Arabia
* I studied in Jordan for Bachelor’s degree (5 years)
* I mentioned that in my DS 260 form about my address during that period.
* during my studying period I used to stay for semesters (approx. 4 months) and then I go back to Saudi Arabia for 2 weeks vacation. For the five years
Now,
1) should I keep my address in Jordan in my DS 260 form? or should I remove it as my actual address is in Saudi Arabia where I am living.
2) There is no way to get that Police certificate through the Jordanian Embassy here in Saudi Arabia. So what should I do ? as it is hard to travel there and obtain that certificate. (the process to issue that certificate takes 2 weeks and must be in person! in case I was eligible to have one)
They stated in official website, for the DV, if police certificate not obtainable, we should submit a written explanation.
a) should I do that?
b) is there a form for this?
c) is my case considered as not obtainable police certificate due to the hardship of reaching to that country and issuing a Visa and waiting for 2 weeks to issue the police certificate?
Thank you
October 22, 2017 at 15:08
Read the instructions. Once you have done that properly, you won’t need to ask these questions.
October 22, 2017 at 15:12
Always tell the truth.
October 23, 2017 at 06:02
I am telling the truth Mr.BritSimon and that’s why I am asking 🙂
The thing is that the hardship of reaching to that country to get that certificate confuses me if it is a must to have book a flight
Thanks anyways
October 23, 2017 at 06:03
Clarification: I meant by unobtainable as there is no authority to issue that certificate and it is not related to the hardship of getting it if it can be issued
October 23, 2017 at 13:34
I already told you to read the instructions. You ignored that advice. If you had listened you would have read “There are no procedures to obtain these certificates through Jordanian embassies in foreign countries.”, meaning you are not expected to provide the police cert for Jordan if you are no longer there.
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/reciprocity-by-country/JO.html
October 15, 2017 at 11:22
Hello brit.first i want to thank you for your good work of educating and updating us on the dv lottery.secondly;i got this question am a Kenyan nationality by birth but am currently residing in Lebanon ie temporary residence.I was wondering if i get selected for the dv lottery from which country will i have to hand over my documents and interviews.Will i have to go back home to get everything done or will i do everything from where am currently residing.Thanks in advance
October 15, 2017 at 12:43
Currently residing.
October 15, 2017 at 11:36
Hello brit,
so i have a question about my ds 260.ive been selected for further processing(green card lottery 2018)i applied since may but still nothing on the fees page i get error.and it says that my case is currently at kcc.my case number is 2018 AF and im from morrocco.can u help me plz?
October 15, 2017 at 12:42
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
October 15, 2017 at 12:56
Hello simon !
I have a question about dv 2019.
My place of birth is shown in passport as: village, city
Which should i put on city of birth on dv entry?
October 15, 2017 at 13:01
city
October 15, 2017 at 14:33
the US Embassy in Khartoum Sudan announced the restart of dvlottery2019 in its official social media accounts
https://twitter.com/usembassykrt/status/919505076795953152
October 15, 2017 at 14:39
Also the US Embassy in Jordan
https://twitter.com/usembassyjordan/status/919545813302480897
October 15, 2017 at 15:19
Hi
I’m currently a university student and I want to play the dv lottery 2019. Question is what should i fill under my education status? Thanks.
October 15, 2017 at 17:33
Pick a choice. It doesn’t change your chances in any way.
October 15, 2017 at 15:35
mr simon
a girl won in dv2018 and marry recent before the interview and she add his husband but in interview
she entered Administrative Procedures.
why she enter Administrative Procedures?
may she refuse and dont get visa ?
October 15, 2017 at 17:35
I don’t know why she is in AP – but it sounds like she added the spouse very late. She could be refused or approved.
October 15, 2017 at 18:12
no she added him early
she think that the embassy do that because she marry recent and they want to make sure that This marriage is not sucking between them
this is right ?
October 15, 2017 at 18:17
Maybe.
October 15, 2017 at 15:45
Hi Simon,
I am going to register for DV2019
I will be graduating high school in 2018, (11 years of formal education for my country)
can i consider myself as high school degree during registration?
October 15, 2017 at 17:35
Make a choice. It doesn’t matter.
October 15, 2017 at 16:15
Hi Brit
Can u know pls when will be our interview
Case number. 2018AS6xx.
I sumbitted on September
October 15, 2017 at 17:40
I don’t know how long your DS260 form will take to process. Wait and see.
October 15, 2017 at 18:21
Dear Simon,
First of all I would like to say Thank You for your always support and wish all the best.
Secondly I have the below questions hope for your soonest reply:
1. Base on your instruction the general processing time for DS 260 Form is 4 to 5 month is it possible, that this process get longer if yes about how much?
2. Base on visa bulletin information right now still there is long wait need for those case which their number are high and as my case number is AS10000+ does this mean that I should wait at least one year?
3. Base on your experience approximately which month will be the interview date for those case which their case number are AS10000+ ?
Sincerely Yours,
October 15, 2017 at 18:44
1. It should be less nowadays.
2. Your number is high, so will be a long wait, yes.
3. Wait and see.
October 15, 2017 at 20:05
Q 1. Is it a problem if we enter 3 different sponsor’s address in application,medical an in final interview?
Q 2.I am the winner.my spouse has been deported from usa in the year of 2008.n since then he never tried to enter usa again.Will it be a problem for him? Will he get a visa?
October 16, 2017 at 03:16
1. No
2. I cannot say with certainty.
October 15, 2017 at 22:52
Hello Mr Simon,
i hope this message find you in a good health.I’m Dv 2018 winner and already in US having valid F1 visa until next April then my CN AF 8*** my interview will be held in December but i have some concerns about the following
1/Should i bring I-20 alongside the envelope that i’m going to send to them
2/Is it required to send university and high school certificates
3/Also they’re requesting any kind of supporting documents like bank statements, letter of sponsorship …etc
Note winner from Sudan is it matter.
Thanks in advance.
October 16, 2017 at 03:12
Read the link below
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2018-aos-only.336256/
October 16, 2017 at 02:11
HI I am a 2018 selectee my question is at the interview process does the officer only interview the principal applicant or does everyone on the application also get interviewed? I understand that everyone on the application has to attend the interview process. Thanks
October 16, 2017 at 03:08
Everyone attends, the principle may be asked some questions.
October 16, 2017 at 03:29
Does an army quaalifies for DV Lotter?
Through Work Experience?
October 16, 2017 at 03:54
Read this and check.
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
October 16, 2017 at 07:13
hi
if i provide I-134 for me and my son to the CO do i still need to have proof of cash money availability? thank you
October 16, 2017 at 13:24
Usually no.
October 16, 2017 at 08:02
hi brit. Really i am nervous ,because the embessy made me hopeful when they asked me about my relation to the sponsor in USA . and you said to me provide them imediately. i did.it was on October 13.then 14 and 15 was holidays.today they started work and i have only one day left.Upto tomorrow ,is it possible for my visa to be completed and send me an email?
October 16, 2017 at 13:22
I don’t know.
October 16, 2017 at 09:43
Hi Brit,
1.If you change your passport after submitting your DS260,is it advisable to request for unlocking or it won’t have effect during the interview if you don’t adjust?
2. if you travel outside your country for around 2-3 months while awaiting for your interview will they require a police clearance certificate from that country as well as from your country?.
Thanks.
October 16, 2017 at 13:20
1. Unlocking is best if there is time before the interview.
2. Not for that period of time, no
October 16, 2017 at 11:16
I have diploma in nursing what should I write for educational qualification for diversity visa lottery
October 16, 2017 at 13:16
Details of all education, most importantly, High school
October 16, 2017 at 11:29
hello mr brit, i would like to know when and how i can apply for the i131 forms. i just came to USA for some few months now and i want to come back to my country to settle some family matters which will take me for about 6 months.so is it necessary for me to apply for the i131forms for i should for my green card to come.
October 16, 2017 at 13:14
If you will be out of the USA for less than 1 year, no need for the I-131.