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December 14, 2017 at 09:16
good day britsimon
i am a 2018 DV selectee and i have the following concern
1) if by the time i am filling the DS 260 my passport is not yet out what do i fill there?
2) during interview if my school certifate is not yet available but i have the result attestation do i take it along or wait for the original certificate to be out.
thanks
December 14, 2017 at 14:21
1. Other official ID
2. It would be better to interview once you have the certificate.
December 14, 2017 at 10:07
Hi,
i would like to ask you, if I am living outside my original country since 3 years, do I need a police record from back home? thanks for cooperation.
December 14, 2017 at 14:19
Probably, yes. Read the instructions.
December 14, 2017 at 11:35
Dear Simon,
Thank you for your great efforts for DV Winners,
Visa Activation and handing the sealed envelops cab be done at U.S. Customs and Border Protection at foreign airports, and get your SSN and GC without travelling to U.S. . So that we can travel to U.S. by GC.
Thanking you.
December 14, 2017 at 14:16
No. There are a couple of airports that process the documents prior to a flight to the USA, but it is important to LAND in the USA to activate the status.
December 14, 2017 at 14:11
Visa bulletin released
December 14, 2017 at 14:14
Yup
https://britsimonsays.com/visa-bulletin-february-2018-interviews-released/
December 14, 2017 at 17:51
tnx a lot sir, the last questions 1. does this terrorism issues slowing down the process?
2.according with the number for africa u predicted AF45000 do u see us getting there?
December 14, 2017 at 18:19
1. No
2. Yes
December 14, 2017 at 18:55
Brit, i know that probably you have been asked many times, but i must to ask you… because i get nervous about it.Trump wants immediately reaction about immigration reform… after second terrorist attack and looks like he will receive some support. Do you think if something happen could affect winners for dv2018 ? And especially people that already have scheduled interview ?
December 14, 2017 at 19:51
Yes I have already answered this type of question MULTIPLE times just today. There is NO CHANGE for DV2018.
December 14, 2017 at 22:09
Brit, A blogpost on this issue maybe? It seems to be the most primary concern not even the pace of the visa bulletin, I wish we could hear ‘wait and see ‘ last year or previous years. ????, not this year with the ammunition this administration is getting against d.v because of a few idiots. Thanks!
December 14, 2017 at 22:29
That blogpost already exists.
https://britsimonsays.com/idiotic-comments-trump-dv-lottery/
December 14, 2017 at 19:06
my interview Letter for Interview is up for January, but I am not ready for the interview what should i do?
December 14, 2017 at 19:42
If you *REALLY* cannot make the appointment, you can ask the embassy to reschedule – but there is some risk in that.
December 14, 2017 at 19:20
Good day britsimon am worried about the visa bulletin progress cuz of my case number 2018af5042# any opinion ??
December 14, 2017 at 19:41
Your number is in a high range, and therefore somewhat risky. There is nothing to do but wait and see.
December 14, 2017 at 21:15
Hi Simon,
I hobe you are doing well
first of all thanks for your all support and guidance, i’m one of DV selectees from banned countries, i have taken my interview on Dec 4 and the consular has approved my visa, finally i got my visa on monday Dec 11 and its issued date is Dec 8, so does this bann effects me when I’m entering to united states.
Thanks again for ur guidance
December 14, 2017 at 22:33
You have your visa – so no impact.
December 14, 2017 at 23:15
Thank you alot anytime
December 14, 2017 at 23:20
HELLO SIMON,
THIS MIGHT BE A SILLY QUESTION TO ASK HOWEVER, COULD YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW TO DO THE ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS DO WE NEED TO HAVE UNEXPIRED VISA IN OUR PASSPORT OR THE LEGAL STATUS WILL BE FINE?
I CAME IN F1 STATUS 5 YEARS BACK AND MY VISA IS OVER. HOWEVER, I’M STILL IN LEGAL STATUS INSIDE THE USA.
THANKS
December 15, 2017 at 03:59
AOS cases are better handled here:
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2018-aos-only.336256/
December 16, 2017 at 19:48
Your caps lock is acting silly here
December 14, 2017 at 23:29
Dea brit..
I wanna ask u that how can I bring my spouse with me as I’m in us and I suddenly get maried 1 month before of coming and don’t know how to bring …can u plzz give me some idea
December 15, 2017 at 03:58
You would have to start a family based case – that takes around 2 years.
December 15, 2017 at 01:06
Hello BriSimon,
What can happen if spouse of principal applicant decide to divorce shortly after getting the green card ? I’m not talking about sham marriage but real crisis of long lasting relationship.
Thank you
December 15, 2017 at 03:55
If this is a DV case and the couple had already entered the USA, there would be no impact to either of them.
December 15, 2017 at 06:39
Hello Brit, please I just want to ask from your experience do you think they’ll reach cases of up to 30*** for Africa? Because it’s too too slow this year.
December 15, 2017 at 06:41
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
December 15, 2017 at 08:32
Hey brit, my husband and I completed our ds260 form on different dates. I main my husband who is the principal fill in his own and after one day I did my. It’s the a problem in doing that? We’re from Africa.
Thanks Sir
December 15, 2017 at 15:21
No
December 15, 2017 at 09:09
hello Brit! I am real confused, my interview will be in early 2018 already scheduled, it is only yesterday I found out that my sponsor this year tried to sponsor her relative for immigrant visa in another category not DV but her relative was denied because they suspected there was a forgery..So my worry is that if they get the same name of my sponsor is it likely to be denied my visa or I should change a sponsor at the time of interview? I real need your advice because for my case every thing is clear no forgeries.
December 15, 2017 at 15:16
I don’t know whether they will assume this person (the sponsor) is dishonest or not.
December 15, 2017 at 09:45
Hello sir
My friend has won the lottery and want to add his wife to it can he and what does they need to get the visa
December 15, 2017 at 15:15
Assuming he married AFTER the original entry – https://britsimonsays.com/marital-status-getting-married-dv-lottery-process/
December 15, 2017 at 11:50
Hello sir? According to February Vb is AF3434# current now.kind inform me.
December 15, 2017 at 15:12
Don’t be lazy.
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
December 15, 2017 at 13:06
i am DV 2018 winner but i am HIV postive is any problem on dv proceses
December 15, 2017 at 15:10
No
December 15, 2017 at 13:39
Dear brit thanks for ur support, yesterday was my interview, counseller has given me white paper stating to submit proof of ongoing relationship with my spouse as my spouse is already in usa since last two years ( applied assylum and she couldnot come to home country) what could be evidence of our inrelation (leterally we r in relation also) to show we ( spouse and I) are in relation ??
December 15, 2017 at 15:10
Emails, texts, photos, joint financial responsibilities. Really – common sense.
December 15, 2017 at 14:18
Hi Simon,
afetr January 1st, that is once CEAC data will be available, will you make an update of “prediction/forecast” about the case safe numbers (cut offs) for each geographical area? Thanks as usual for your great support!
December 15, 2017 at 15:08
Maybe – depending on the data. BUT my numbers are pretty solid.
December 15, 2017 at 16:22
hello brit:
I unlock my ds 260 form and did one correction but I let two weeks pass before re-submitting,but I never unlock my wife who is the beneficiary my question is will this be a problem for us, because my wife and I have different date we completed the ds 260 from?
December 15, 2017 at 20:39
No problem.
December 15, 2017 at 20:51
PLease can you give me the steps you used to unlock?. I also make a mistake in mine and wish to correct it. If you want you can whatsapp me +237653518182. Thanks, God bless.
December 16, 2017 at 00:07
Read the FAQ.
December 15, 2017 at 19:42
Can a hiv patient be issued a Visa_ what sickness can disqualify a dv applicant
December 15, 2017 at 20:35
Always check the FAQ.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-are-the-diseases-that-can-cause-denial/
December 15, 2017 at 21:08
Hello Brit,
After my interview, I opened the mail with the CD of my x-ray. I would like to know this will be a problem for me when I go to the US customs.
Thanks,
December 16, 2017 at 00:07
As long as the main envelope is still sealed, it should be OK.
December 15, 2017 at 21:41
How much of a headache does rescheduling interviews cause? (Just dates, not location.) The DV website states that rescheduling can be done, but doesn’t really indicate whether it pushes you to the back of the queue or otherwise. Is this something you can you shed some light on?
December 16, 2017 at 00:04
It’s generally a bad idea. Sometimes it is fine, but other times you go to the back of the queue. In all cases where the delay is beyond the original month of scheduling, it means the case no longer has an allocated visa/visas. So – that creates a risk. So – ONLY reschedule if there is NO other choice.
December 15, 2017 at 22:02
Hello Brit,
Thank you for your helpful website.
I want to ask two question about DS-260 form. Today I re-check print-out documents. And I found some mistakes.
When I filled DS-260 in May,
1) I wrote ‘Academic’ for ‘Course of Study’ in under hight school information.
2) I live in Turkey and I completed enforced military task. I did ‘private’ military service. No rank. When I fill this form, I fill Branch of service, Rank/position, Military Speciality fields with ‘NA’.
What do you recommend? Thank you.
December 16, 2017 at 00:05
Recommend? – I recommend you make sure your answers are correct. If they are not, unlock and correct them.
December 16, 2017 at 01:58
Sir, thanks for your generous efforts and commitment to help the selectees. I was selected with my father’s surname say N. I got my 1nl with the that name say SSN.
My passport has my husbands surname name K. Now I have filled my DS260 with the name SSK. That is my husbands surname. My question is sir.
1.Did i do the right thing
2.will this cause problem at the interview since my 2NL will be on the name SSN.
3. Can this cause denial since I am the main applicant.
Sir please please answer my questions.
Thanks in advance and may God shower his blessing on you.
December 16, 2017 at 06:24
1. It sounds like you changed your name in marriage – so yes. You should use the “other names used” section for the SSN name.
2. Not normally
3. Same Q as 2.
December 16, 2017 at 03:10
Hi I came to USA a month ago and have received my green card, I’ve not yet received my social security and after going to their office they told me it is still in the process.
I’m confused cos I thought it will take two weeks but it has taken longer than that. Is there a way I can track it
December 16, 2017 at 06:22
Only by going to the SSA office.
December 16, 2017 at 03:26
Hi Simon. I hope you’re well mate. My wife and I have a Visa appointment scheduled for next week, and have just realised that we have the incorrect police clearance! The correct clearance won’t be able to be issued in time for our appointment. We’re stressed as to whether we cancel our appointment and try to reschedule via Kentucky sometime next year or still attend the interview and show confirmation of applying for the clearance and hope that the US Consulate will process the application subject to the clearance being approved. We’re devastated – we have paid for flights and accommodation to fly into the interview City. Have you heard of anyone being as careless as us and finding themselves in a similar predicament? If so, what would you recommend?
December 16, 2017 at 06:21
Attend the interview. The embassy will ask you to produce the missing documents after the interview.
December 16, 2017 at 15:47
Thanks for the reply Simon, we’ll proceed as planned. Cheers
November 18, 2023 at 10:24
Hi BritSimon, firstly you’re amazing. Secondly I’m in the same position as these folks in that my police certificate from a country I lived in for a few years has not yet arrived (taking its time!!) and my interview is scheduled, paid for flights to get to it etc.
Would you recommend going to interview and speaking to them there OR contacting the consulate (in Sydney) beforehand to say I’m missing this. As they have replied to a previous email.
Would love your thoughts on how to proceed.
Many thanks.
November 18, 2023 at 11:17
Normally you keep the interview as scheduled and if the police cert isn’t available you will simply be held for approval until the embassy receive that.
December 16, 2017 at 09:19
Hi Stephen,
Are you Aussie by any chance? Just curious as to what clearance you got and what you were meant to get (my understanding is we need the AFP one?)
December 16, 2017 at 15:55
Hi Mala. Yes, we’re Australian. You’re correct, we need the AFP clearance. We obtained the incorrect National Police Checks though the CV Check website instead. My understanding of the difference is that the the AFP checks look at Commonwealth police records for conviction under federal laws whilst a National Police Check looks at all state police records for any convictions under state laws. The AFP clearance can take 15-25 days to process, the National Police check can be done same day. Hope this is clear. 🙂 Cheers
December 17, 2017 at 06:54
Hi Stephen,
Thanks for replying. We did have the forms for AFP and are planning to get them in Jan for March interviews. Bugger that you got the wrong ones! Hope it all gets sorted in time for you.
February 22, 2019 at 10:25
Hi Stephen
Hope you settle well in USA . I have some questions concerning to AFP clearance . What category did you choose when you fill the clearance application form? 33 immigrants/ citizenship for immigration and border or 35 Oversea employment /Visa for other country than Australia?
Anyone in forum and Simeón could help me for above issue?
February 22, 2019 at 16:00
33 is normally the correct one.
December 16, 2017 at 08:00
Dear brit
1 I want to know my case status change from over 21 to.married it’s date count first application or change of married status eg.case submit 2007 and married status submitted 2010 what date count,,
2 how much time it take of 2007 case
December 16, 2017 at 16:08
I only answer DV lottery questions.
December 16, 2017 at 16:31
Sir it’s dv lottery case ,and in that my parent submit petition for family
December 16, 2017 at 17:26
No it is not a DV case. You are talking about a case submitted 10 years ago.
December 16, 2017 at 08:13
Hi simon,
I am a dv2018 winner, I did my interview on 5th of December, the counselor told us at the end that he finished the interview and took our passports and told us to wait for a reply from the embassy either by SMS or email. I just want to ask
1-how to check my visa status
2-how long it will take to get back out passports? 3-And does that mean that our visa is approved?
December 16, 2017 at 16:12
1. You can’t check at the moment.
2. It varies.
3. Obviously, when you are given your passport, if you have been approved, there will be a visa in it.
December 17, 2017 at 00:51
Pls why can’t we check at the moment? And why is my passport delaying so much after my interview on the 6november ?
December 16, 2017 at 09:23
Hi Simon,
3 questions – if the Oceania numbers are up to 615 and your case is just above that i.e.within 30 more – does the situation occur that if people don’t show up/don’t want the interview they’ll interview the next people on the list? Or they’ll stick to only up to 615 for Feb? We’re looking like we’ll be in the Feb release for March interviews, but just not sure if we might get moved into Feb interviews or not.
Also, I can’t remember if there are address details on the DS260? We just moved house and I don’t know whether or not we need to unlock and update.
In the event of not having a government birth certificate – is it enough to have the hospital birth certificate and an affidavit signed by a parent?
Thanks so much.
Mala
December 16, 2017 at 16:15
ONLY numbers below 615 can be interviewed in Feb.
Yes you can unlock and update.
Normally I would not think that is OK. BUT, that depends on procedures in your country.
December 17, 2017 at 06:56
Thanks for the replies. We’ll update the DS260 (just gotta remember how now!)
Unfortunately I was born in PNG and there’s no government birth cert for expats (I’ve been trying since May). From what I’ve been able to research, the affidavit from a parent should suffice which is similar to what’s used in countries that don’t have birth certificates.
Thanks
December 16, 2017 at 09:27
Hii brit
December 16, 2017 at 11:39
Good morning brit,hope u are doing great sir,please I have a confusing situation, I have been growing up with my grand mother since bcos my mum died while I was just 5years old,so I don’t know if on my form ds 260 form I can put but my grand mum’s name for mothers name since she virtually took care of me since my birth, my birth certificate is missing.my uncle in US who filled my form D260 had already put but my grand mum’s name in place of mothers name,I don’t know if I should leave it like that since I still have to do a new birth certificate
December 16, 2017 at 16:17
No – you should fill in the DS260 ACCURATELY! Unlock and correct it.
December 16, 2017 at 19:03
Brit won’t kcc see it as an attempt to change info hence fraud? ?
December 16, 2017 at 23:43
No – they will see it as an attempt to be accurate. Inaccuracy causes denial.
December 16, 2017 at 12:38
Hii brit,what i want to ask u is
1)Got merrird after ds260 and being appointed for intetview ,but cldnt contact the kcc or the embassy since poor internet service in my country,so informing the embassy abt the merriage during the interview is it a smart thing to do,or just go on wz the interview as single as it was inthe ds 260,pls i really need ur opinion,since am from a poor country its difficult to get information easily,
December 16, 2017 at 16:19
Both ideas are the opposite of a smart thing to do. You should let the embassy know the change, otherwise you are lying to the embassy – NOT a good idea.
December 16, 2017 at 19:43
Well, my country was one of the poorest one, however, even in our poor condition, simple walk to embassy or simple phone call will work, let alone email, which I am sure will work, some waiting time though,
So many sham married happened after someone won DVlottery, I am not telling you as one though, but this kind of practice is poisoning good DV program into asses, and bring many innocent people into it
December 16, 2017 at 23:42
True.
December 16, 2017 at 14:13
hello brit am from Africa my case AF137xx and after visa bulletin i have not received my letter yet
December 16, 2017 at 16:24
That is not surprising.
https://britsimonsays.com/visa-bulletin-february-2018-interviews-released/
December 16, 2017 at 19:33
Hello Brit,
visa is valid 6 months after issue in embassy, but since from medical exam, right? what in situation when i made x-ray 2 months before visiting doctor? in my case, I have 6 months from the date of the X-ray or 6 months from the date of the doctor’s visit and issuing documents ? thank you
December 16, 2017 at 23:42
6 months from the date of the medical.
December 16, 2017 at 23:49
for sure … medical, do you mean … date of a doctor’s visit or X-ray picture?
December 17, 2017 at 05:58
Medical = doctors examination.
December 17, 2017 at 01:01
Thank so much Simon for your help. Is it normal for my passport to delay so much after the counselor said my visa was approved. I had my visa on the 6 November. Should I be worried? What should I do?
December 17, 2017 at 05:56
All you can do is wait.
December 17, 2017 at 21:17
Pls, have you created a profile at http://www.ustraveldocs/gh
December 17, 2017 at 03:04
when you relish CEAC Data 2018 ?
December 17, 2017 at 05:56
Early January.
December 17, 2017 at 08:21
Dear Simon.
Greetings!
I just have one question.
I recently started my PhD study and accordingly I have changed the address of the place i live. My question is am i required to update my current status and situation on the DS 260 form? I did unlock the form and included some updates twice since May. Will it be a problem if i inform the Co about the recent changes during interview? my number is AF19xxx from Ethiopia.
Best Regards,
Solomon
December 17, 2017 at 16:03
Unlock and correct.
December 17, 2017 at 17:25
Hi Brit
is itpossible that they can refuse gc based on the fact thatapplicant’s parents are in US illegaly ?
December 17, 2017 at 17:34
No
December 17, 2017 at 18:57
Hello Brit!!
Hope you are doing well and wish you a merry christmas and happy new year in advance.I am the winner of DV 2018 and on my ds260 form, I’ve mentioned that my father is still living…but recently he died..so my question is..
1.Do I need to unlock my DS 260 form and edit it??
Or
2. Without editing the DS 260 form, can I show the death certificate to the consular???
Thank you
December 17, 2017 at 22:10
1. You can, but it is not obligatory
2. Yes
December 18, 2017 at 03:01
Thank you again Brit…will do as your suggestion..
December 17, 2017 at 19:02
Deat Brit
My son were born at the period of applying for the dv lottery on november and I didn’t mentioned him at the initial entry however he were born in october and i mentioned him at the DS form
What do you think ?!!
December 17, 2017 at 22:09
If your son was born before the DV entry – even by a few hours or days he should have been on the entry. In that case you would most certainly be disqualified.
December 17, 2017 at 22:27
Hey Simon! I’m in A2 visa, do i need to wait until form i-566 will be back from DOS or USCIS will send the form on my behalf only with my signature?
Thank you
December 17, 2017 at 23:14
I only answer DV lottery questions.
December 18, 2017 at 04:39
Dear Sir, Thanks for your continuous helping. My question is about other names used. Some times in our country names are written in various ways using different letters when written in English. For example “–la–“” can be wrietten as “–le–“, “–ti–” can be written as “–thi–” etc. My name has also written in different ways in some documents. So in D260 I have mentioned my name with all those formats. Further, I am using another short name too. I have mentioned that name too. Will it make any problem as I have mentioned 4-5 names?
Thanks
December 18, 2017 at 05:50
If you done that with intending of fraud, hope you will caught and banned for life, however if not, CO for sure raise suspicion for that variety of name
December 19, 2017 at 04:34
Nis ,this is common matter of our country. Most of srilankan have long names.you can’t imagine how log it is.our embassy site highlight our name matters.its not fraud. We using our names in different way.
December 19, 2017 at 04:40
Thanks Umesh. Actïlly some names are so long that most applications have no space for them.
December 19, 2017 at 14:30
Yes nimsara I can’t will my full name in ds 260 not enough spaces
December 19, 2017 at 05:35
Hi Umesh, thank you for your information, as you aware, I don’t accuse anyone, I just simply stated some statement, with NO ill attention
Having document with wide variety of names, and no single one is exact match, will ring the bell for anyone, especially CO
I am not being smart as* here, I just simply telling the truth, unbiased view, however, if you stated all your name, with all the documents provided, I believe the result will be ok, as Simon stated preciously
Regards
Nis
December 18, 2017 at 06:41
No problem.
December 18, 2017 at 07:13
Thanks Sir. Here there is no any fraud as Nis Daniel has stated. I have some documents in which my name with those varieties of letters.
December 18, 2017 at 12:32
Nimsara ,are you from srilanka?
December 19, 2017 at 03:40
Yes, but living in a foreign country.
December 19, 2017 at 04:35
Me too srilankan and working at other country
December 18, 2017 at 11:48
Hi Simon. God bless you for your endless efforts. My qs is that I am from morocco and living in italy. Winner of dv2018. I chose Napoli as place of interview. I’m a bit concerned about whether or not that might cause a delay in my case. I got educ doc
Requested in morocco. Should i change Napoli by Casablanca or let things like it is?
Thank you
December 18, 2017 at 16:52
It might cause a small delay – but it is much more normal to attend the interview where you live.
December 18, 2017 at 17:41
Thank you for your precious reply. I’ll proceed in Napoli,As i’ve lived here for more than 13 years
December 18, 2017 at 12:16
Hi Simon,
How should I respond to a female CO questions, with Ms. or ma’am (e.g. “yes, Ms” vs “yes, ma’am”)?
What is considered more respectful?
Thanks!
December 18, 2017 at 16:53
Just telling the truth is all they want….
December 18, 2017 at 17:11
What it has to be with the truth? just asked what is more appropriate, Ms or ma’am…
December 18, 2017 at 17:18
I just answer yes or no.
December 18, 2017 at 13:17
hallo birt
thanks for your help.
i am 12 grade completed and also electrical engineer in one of Ethiopian university’s and am dv 2018 winner my number is current for February interview.
i have some confusion related to my university degree authentication b/c i can’t pay the cost sharing for university and they can’t authenticate my degree temporary.
1) is it a problem to go without authentication of the degree temporary and this can lead to disqualification and also delay our visa?
2) they can understand my reason and is not enough 12 grade certificate?
December 18, 2017 at 16:56
1. I don’t think that will cause a problem, since you will show Grade 12 documents.
2. Grade 12 documentation is what will qualify you.
December 19, 2017 at 08:00
at Sari…no problem…don’t worry about Tempo/degree authentication. grade 12 certificate is enough.
December 18, 2017 at 13:30
hi dear
i wish you doing great, please i have a question for you , wish you give me an answer, when i was filling out i found this question ;
please provide the info on where you intend to live after the arrival in the united state ,
is it okay to say no, and if it is no , from where i will get the CG ,
best regards
December 18, 2017 at 16:57
You have to provide a USA address where you will receive the Green card.
December 18, 2017 at 13:45
Hello Simon
I had my interview a week ago. Get approved. I’m trying to check Ceac, but it says my case number is invalid. I tried to write it with or without the zeros but still invalid… 2018EU00005XXX Where is the problem?
Thank you so much
December 18, 2017 at 16:57
CEAC cannot be checked until January.
December 18, 2017 at 16:27
Hello,
Dear Brit, Thank you for your endless support in replying all questions . I am DV 2018 selectee with the case number AF158**.My spouse has got a new passport because the old one will expire in September 2018 which means the 6 months required before the visa approval and travel to US is not guaranteed with the old passport.I have sent an email to KCC to unlock my case for my derivative “spouse”.Do you think this will delay my case of being processed.
Kind regards
December 18, 2017 at 16:58
No delay.