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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.
January 7, 2018 at 08:40
Dear Sir,
I have a question.
the selection process DV2018 completed in May ? why wrote in the website keep your confirmation number until June 2018. selection process issue is not clear.
Regards,
January 7, 2018 at 16:43
In some years there is a second draw. Not this year though.
January 8, 2018 at 13:32
Sorry ! you mean the selection process completed in MAY ?
Thanks
January 8, 2018 at 14:45
Some months after the original selection. If you don’t understand, don’t worry about it.
January 7, 2018 at 11:32
I suspect a low VB numbers this month due to the Christmas holiday…
Between 1000 – 1500 this month.
January 7, 2018 at 16:34
HUH? Christmas was in December. This next VB is for March.
January 7, 2018 at 16:54
Is it likely that AF will also see about 2500 increment in January release?
January 7, 2018 at 16:59
The VB will be published soon.
January 7, 2018 at 11:54
if my interview on August 2018 while my certificate of high school come out July is it problem to disqualify visas? Thank you brit
January 7, 2018 at 16:31
No
January 7, 2018 at 12:03
Hi sir, I and my spouse paid for our vsas fee at accra embassy, but on my case It shows N/A and Completed, It is not updated since December 20th for me to add the spouse, several emails have been sent to the embassy but to no avail, without update, I am unable to fill out the spouse DS 260 and book a new appointment,
Q, what should I do please
January 7, 2018 at 16:30
Contact the embassy.
January 7, 2018 at 12:11
I have made mistake in edv dat of birth can i fixed in ds260 plz answer
January 7, 2018 at 16:29
You must enter the correct date in the DS260
January 7, 2018 at 16:32
Not gona send to me the 2nl
January 7, 2018 at 17:40
Kcc will see change and exclusion my form ds260
January 7, 2018 at 17:43
NO!
January 7, 2018 at 12:49
Hello Simon, Happy new year!
My interview is in two weeks and I have several concerns which I hope you can help shed some light on.
1.I have been on a scholarship in a neighbouring country for the past three months but currently on holiday in my country till February.I didn’t update that address nor the institution on my ds-260.i)Will that cause a problem during my interview?
2.Will my being on a scholarship contradict my immigrant intentions?
2.There’s a short course I did 2016/2017 but have nothing to show for it because I was supposed to graduate in the U.S but was denied a visa, as a group, last year April. The certificates and official transcripts won’t be out by interview time. I had to list it coz I though the embassy will have info about the non-immigrant denial.Will my lack of certificate cause problems during my interview? I have my highschool and degree certs though.
God bless!
January 7, 2018 at 16:28
1. No
2. No
3. No
January 7, 2018 at 12:56
Dear Brit,
I do have a question about the further analysis of the DV2018 data. I admittingly dont understand the analysing process in detail, but what I understand so far is that, when doing pure math, with all given figures being exactly like 2015 and nothing else being considered, the final cut of for EU is 3300. However, you find it very unlikly that the number will be that low and you expect a higher cutoff (giving the fact that pure mathematic alone cant determine so many unpredictable valirables). Where do you at this point see the highest diffrence to DV2015? Meaning, which valiarbles are, or will be likely to change, in comparison to DV2015, resulting in a higher cut of for Eu2018? Is it mainly the fact that you assume that more agents were involved, leading to a higer non-response/refusal rate? Or are there a few more signs that help you come to that conclusion? Because as far as I understand, the density in DV2015 and DV2018 is already concluded in the math?
January 7, 2018 at 16:27
The largest factor (as mentioned in the article) is the change in entries for the three countries. But, I also expect other changes in response rate, and AP/refusal rate due to constantly evolving security abilities, and enhanced background checks.
January 7, 2018 at 14:31
Hi Brit, thank you for all of your hard work. I remember that back in the summer you had an article about the folks who had won with 2017 photos and other issues. You had mentioned that we might see a higher denial rate if all of these winners got disqualified and higher numbers could thus get a chance. After having done your recent analysis, do you think you are seeing any trend to support this? Thank you.
January 7, 2018 at 16:15
No. I have not heard of a single case denied for that reason.
January 7, 2018 at 15:42
Hi brit
I and my wife with 4 childrens have been schedule for interview in the nest three weeks, due to some circumstances we would not been able to go with 2 children.again. we have to schedule them for another time. What can we do now
January 7, 2018 at 16:14
Change the “circumstances”. They have to interview with you.
January 7, 2018 at 17:19
Hello ,i have been refused several times for non immigrant visa as i did not persuade the office consular for 214 b reason ,can this cause problem if i selected for DV lottery?bless you.
January 7, 2018 at 17:41
Normally no.
January 7, 2018 at 18:32
Hello Brit,
I have two questions today that I would like to have your opinion:
1- Is it a good idea for a pregnant woman who arrives in the USA to apply for the Obamacare?
2- If not, can we have a low-cost insurance that covers the delivery?
Thank you.
January 7, 2018 at 20:27
1. Yes
2. That would be unwise.
January 7, 2018 at 19:49
dv 2017 which last case number called interviewed?
January 7, 2018 at 20:23
You need to learn to respect my time.
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-188/#comment-97930
January 7, 2018 at 21:11
Exscuse me again Brit,
Just to understand. When you have the green card and you apply for the Obamacare it won’t have negative effects if one day you asked the American nationality?
Big thanks
January 8, 2018 at 03:40
No. Everyone is supposed to buy healthcare. That is what Obamacare is.
January 7, 2018 at 22:38
Dear BritSimon
Thanks for your incredible work.
Lot of data !
One question : in the Bulletin Numbers Tables what “current” exactly means ?
No more people will be processed from that month ?
Ex: In 2017 the number was 22100 in April. After this date there was no more cases being processed ? Number 31000 did not get the Green Card ?
Thanks a lot for answer
January 8, 2018 at 03:45
Current means that KCC believed they had enough visas for all remaining demand. They believed they did not need to slowly control the remaining processing. However, in DV2017, they got that wrong and people at the last minute were told there were not enough visas. Some people missed out.
January 7, 2018 at 23:55
Hi Simon,1)is it necessary to include the first and and last name of the us address where GC where be sent?i typed only the physical address in ds 260 without inhabitant full name (the person who lives there ).
2)must the person who lives there in that address be a be a us citizen?
Thank you so much .
January 8, 2018 at 03:51
1. No, not usually.
2. No
January 8, 2018 at 07:06
Hello Brit . When i registered dv i
have used 1 photo for 3 years .third year i won ..now could it be problem for me ? And i took this photo with phone and its quality is not the best ..if there cause for worried ?
January 8, 2018 at 15:03
When you ignore the instructions yes it can cause problems.
January 8, 2018 at 08:12
Hey Simon, thanks for the help you provide us all.
Looking at the CEAC info you posted recently, we were looking at the numbers broken down by case #.
EU;5040;2018EU5040;TIA;Issued;05-Oct-2016;14-Dec-2017;1;0;0;0;0;0;0
is how they appear on our list. The “1” following the 2017 – is that the number of visas issued? Also, we read somewhere on here that you expect the number of visas issued for SA to be 1500, is that a correct interpretation?
Thanks
January 8, 2018 at 14:58
Yes and Yes
January 8, 2018 at 08:19
Hi Brit,
In November 2016, I went for an interview at the American embassy,Ghana for my master’s program but was unfortunately refused. I subsequently got married to my wife before May 2017 when the results for the DV program was released. Fortunately my wife happen to be one of the winner’s. Am confused because the age difference between my wife and I is 9 years. I want to know if the age difference can cause denial. Again because I have been refused visa before am scared they might refuse us again. Personally, I have decided that my wife should go alone and I will later join her. Please what do you advice that I do. Thanks.
January 8, 2018 at 14:57
Age difference is no problem.
If you marriage is genuine, go together.
January 8, 2018 at 15:46
Okay Brit and thanks for your response. I would like to know if my wife needs to meet some academic requirements. Thanks
January 8, 2018 at 16:51
If she is the winner – then yes she must meet the requirements.
January 8, 2018 at 15:56
Again, I want to know if my earlier refusal for my master’s won’t be a problem.
January 8, 2018 at 16:51
No it won’t (as long as you haven’t lied).
January 8, 2018 at 10:32
Can your case be denied or be affected in other negative ways if you had someone enter the lottery for you? Like agencies, parents, friends etc.
January 8, 2018 at 14:52
Having someone enter for you isn’t a problem in itself, BUT third parties seem to make mistakes/lies more often – and it is the mistakes/lies that cause problems.
January 8, 2018 at 14:56
I see, so the CO won’t have a problem with the fact that my father entered the lottery on my behalf, right?
January 8, 2018 at 15:09
No
January 8, 2018 at 15:11
Thanks, as always 🙂
January 8, 2018 at 12:03
Good evening brit,the helpful.i want to ask you aquestion that i never asked you.
After waiting for 90 days from the embessy.today i received an email that i am required for re-enterview on 11th january. My question is :
Is that a positive sign or negative sign by your experience of such re-enterview?
January 8, 2018 at 14:50
I don’t know.
January 8, 2018 at 13:00
Dear sir ,
My family win in the lottery but I am 24 years old single female , how I can b reuniond to them ? How can I recive the green card ??
January 8, 2018 at 14:47
There is no quick way – it will take years.
January 8, 2018 at 13:47
Hello!
Two months ago I got the visa,which I received through chain migration (family reunion) and arrived in US. I stayed for a week there and for personal reasons I didn’t wait to receive the green card so came back in my country.
Do you have any information if I can go back to US without the green card, but only with the stamp that the officer has put at the airport as a permanent resident? Should I contact the embassy? I’ve planned a trip to US after 2 weeks and green card has not arrived yet. If you have any information,you would really help me a lot. Thanks ?
January 8, 2018 at 14:41
I only answer DV lottery questions.
January 12, 2018 at 10:13
Ok. Its the same. I am asking you if i can go back to us without green card, only with my stamp 551 ? Thank you do much
January 8, 2018 at 15:27
Sorry can you tell me more about family reunion ? How much time it took from you to be reuniond to them, cause I am 24 and my family won lottery , what should I do ??
January 12, 2018 at 10:12
If you are unmarried maybe 4-5 years , but i am not sure.
I got the visa from my uncle so i dont know exactly ?
January 8, 2018 at 15:04
Hi BritSimon my sponsor who sent me original i134 has a annual income of $120k and he also sent me a 1040 and W2 for 2016 , payslip for 2017 but he didnt include a employment letter specifically stating his employment starting date.
Should my sponsor also send me copies of last 3 years tax returns and employment letter?Have a nice day
January 8, 2018 at 15:08
What you have may be enough – but get more if you want.
January 8, 2018 at 19:34
Hi Britsimon
Please I need your help pulse I am belongs to a very poor family….and I got this chance with a miserably situation…..
Q1. I will have interview in two weeks (in Ethiopia) but I am worried about my photo which is used during on original dv lottery was same with the previous year and I also used my sight eye glass . Is that any problem on my interview process or shall give up the interview at all? Because of non refundable costs?
Please help me …..thanks in advance!!
Q2. Shall I try my chance….? (Non refundable cost May change our family live)
January 8, 2018 at 20:17
The photo nor the glasses are likely to cause disqualification – BUT you need to decide if you can take the risk. You must be certain you meet all the requirements, and have followed the process correctly.
January 8, 2018 at 19:59
Hi Brit,
I live in the US but will do CP. I have question about DS260. I have been arrested for traffic ticket warrant in my early days in the us, at the time I didn’t know how courts work. I was released next day. Should I include this in DS260, does it ask anywhere about traffic ticket arrests?
Thanks
January 8, 2018 at 20:14
No.
January 8, 2018 at 20:15
Probably yes, as you were arrested and held overnight.
January 8, 2018 at 21:06
Hello brit,
My first entry to US was in last july to activate the green card and i went back home to liquidate all my business and wait my wife to finish her study and i’am planing to go definitely to US in next juin.is that safe ?
Thank you in advance for your response
January 8, 2018 at 22:06
Yes, normally no problem. As you have been out of the country for more than 6 months, there might be some questioning – but just tell the truth.
January 9, 2018 at 01:05
Hi Britsimon i have only submitted my ds260 form today…after how long does ceac take to email you to set a interview date and after how many months would my interview be…just need a rough idea from you…thank you and god bless you
January 9, 2018 at 04:50
I don’t know. Wait and see.
January 9, 2018 at 01:51
hi sir brit! DV No. 2018AF3561. Well, I would like to have trouble with my file. I had my interview since November 16, 2017 and I was told to come back on November 30 to complete my file and then I forgot my birth certificate. I returned on November 30 and completed the file. they took my pass port and told me they will call me but since then I have not received their call. It’s been 40 days. I ask sue must I do.
January 9, 2018 at 04:48
Wait.
January 9, 2018 at 02:37
Greeting ,if i applied by a photo that is old about one year ,is it fine?Thanks .
January 9, 2018 at 04:48
You didn’t follow instructions so there is some risk, but not large risk.
January 9, 2018 at 06:34
Hi Simon,
I’m sorry to bother you yet again with another question! I’m not entirely sure whether I entered my employment information correctly. Long story short, I’ve been self employed as a performer for the past few years. For my employment history, I literally entered every single normal job I’ve ever had, every surival job, every student job, however I did not list any of my performance work in “employment history”. Instead I put “Self employed” as current employment and as the job description, added my artistic biography given samples of what kind of work I do and what kind of roles I’ve played. However I’m now seriously worried that I should have listed every single theatre company I’ve ever worked for under ’employment history’? It just seems so wrong to me because I was never employed by any of them, I was always self-employed and then invoiced them for my services. Did I do this incorrectly? Many thanks in advance!
January 9, 2018 at 15:20
That is no problem.
January 9, 2018 at 07:34
I won the lottery with my fathers surname name as on the birth certificate . my passport have my husbands surname, thus the original entry surname doesn’t match with the DS 260 but this is due to married surname only.
1. Can this be a reason for denial
January 9, 2018 at 15:17
No
January 9, 2018 at 07:34
Hi sir, I want to know
1, when you pay for the visa fee at the embassy, how long does it take to reflect on the case?
2 since December 20th, I paid my case Is not updated for me to add the spouse and the embassy in Accra not update, several emails and calls but to no avail
3, how do prove the embassy our fees were paid since they don’t give recept, help me because our hospital results will expire soon without being questioned
January 9, 2018 at 15:17
1. You pay the fee on the day of interview. It is the interview that decides your case, or AP after it. There is nowhere that shows you paid the fee – so I don’t understand your question.
2. I honestly have no idea why you paid a few to add a spouse. I have told you to contact the embassy.
3. What FEE did you pay?? How much? You didn’t get a receipt??? That sounds wrong.
January 9, 2018 at 08:39
Hey Brit, i am totally confused please help me out … here is the case : My wife has been born in Bulgaria which is the country of eligibility, she has bulgarian permanent residency but not citizenship all of her life have been lived there. Her citizenship and passport is Russian she has never been there… Her father is from Kosovo he has been born there and live there , so she has been visiting the coutry every year but no longer then 1 month, sometimes she has been struggling to get in Kosovo with Russian passport, thats why his father issue a ID card for Kosovo, she does not have passport from there. So on the DS we fill out where she has been born in BG and nationality Russian and so on. But on the question “Do you hold or have held any nationality other then one you have indicated above ?” Our answer was NO is that correct ? Should’ve put something additional or no ? Do we need to explain on the interview if they do not ask us about this ID card from kosovo ? Is this can cost denial please help me out out interview is today !!! Thanks
January 9, 2018 at 15:04
RELAX!!! Stop freaking out. You can’t change anything now. Just go to the interview (I assume you have already been).
January 9, 2018 at 09:21
I completed ds 260 online aug.2017 my case no AF230xx. After i had send successfully, i noticed that my renewed passport had an error on the date of birth. Instead of 8TH JUNE 1961 the immigation dept INDICATED 6TH JUNE 1961.
So later the immigration dept rectified the error but my worry is.. THE PASSPORT NO CHANGED COMPLETELY FROM THE EARLIER ONE I USED. This is because, by the time my country was introducing E-PASSPORT. OLD PASSPORT CXXXXXX.
NEW E-PASSPORT CKXXXXX.
My questions are:= Can this change bring issue in my interview to make my case be put to AP?? Can i unlock DS260 AND UPDATE THE E-PASSPORT?? Since my region is upto case no. 14,300 as at february 2018 VB. aND Can the unlocking DS260 delay being rescheduled for interview??
NOTE:- I got a letter to whom it may concern by the immigration office from my country explaing the error they made and rectified. Can that letter be enough evidence to present to the embassy during the interview hoping that wouldnt make the embassy put me on AP category. PLEASE HELP before its too late.
January 9, 2018 at 15:00
Unlock and correct. Forget worries about delays! Delay is better than denial. Get on with it!
January 9, 2018 at 10:15
Dear Simon
My interview date was on January 4 2018 AF2018 11xxx. I competed my medical check up but the result is held for further check up for TB and will be completed early February . I informed the embassy and also presented my self during the interview date to explain the issues . I am told to reschedule the date using the website link sent to me by email . However , it has been a challenge to get the calendar active to select the date on the website despite my numerous attempt . Do you think it is better to write to KICC to request the rescheduling ? As usual, I need your advice
Thanks for all the support provided during this process
Jack
January 9, 2018 at 14:59
KCC cannot help since they passed the case to the embassy.
January 9, 2018 at 12:38
Hi mr simon! I want to know whether I am fit to play dv lottery because I got diploma in development study…my senior secondary results is not good.but my diploma result is very strong…Thanks for reading
January 9, 2018 at 14:56
They are more concerned in formal secondary education.
January 9, 2018 at 13:51
Hi Simon,
I studied in the US and had a driver license then, now am going to the US to activate my green card status, do I have to wait to receive the SSN before applying for a driver license? can I renew my old one which had expired many years ago? Thank you
January 9, 2018 at 14:39
I don’t know
January 9, 2018 at 14:46
Hello Brit,
i want to wish you a happy new year and to ask a question please …i attend the interview on 4 January and i got approved ,i am waiting to receive the passport with the visa soon.Should i travel as soon as possible to the USA due to Trump declaration to close the program,or can i travel on May 2018? Is it risky?
Thank you a lot!
January 9, 2018 at 15:23
Once you have the visa there is no risk
January 10, 2018 at 12:49
Thank u Brit 🙂
January 9, 2018 at 15:14
Hello King Brit,
I have a question.
Firstly, my country of residence changed in December 2017. I moved out from Switzerland to France.
Question: Do I need to update my DS260 accordingly, knowing that I have already chosen Paris as my interview place?
Secondly, I’m going to get married in March.
Will it be possible to unlock my DS260 a second time at this moment, or should I wait this moment to make all modifications (Country + Marriage) ?
Thank you 🙂
January 9, 2018 at 15:22
1. Yes.
2. Depends on your case number
January 9, 2018 at 22:11
Case number is 29XXX
January 10, 2018 at 13:26
Hey Lionel,
I am French and will be interviewed soon in Paris too.
Good luck for the wedding and for the DV project!!
If I were you, I would open my DS260 now and reopen it right after the wedding.
Best,
January 10, 2018 at 16:59
Unlock before marriage, make the modifications to your own DS260 and add an applicant for your spouse (you will need to upload the marriage certificate). Then submit as married. It is a pity you are not marrying sooner, BUT I don’t think your case number will be announced as current before you get a chance to submit as married.
January 9, 2018 at 18:41
Hey brit, If the CO say : thats it you have to wait for your passport… is that mean i have been approved ? If they refuse do they give you passport back immediately ?
January 9, 2018 at 19:01
No – it does not mean that for certain. It is only certain when you have the visa in your hand.
January 9, 2018 at 19:31
HI
I FILED TO RENEW MY GREEN CARD LAST YEAR SEPTEMBER 2017 AND THIS IS WHAT I GOT AS A RESPOND AFTER MY FINGER PRINT, we are actively reviewing your Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card
Our records show nothing is outstanding at this time. We will let you know if we need anything
January 9, 2018 at 19:36
There is no question there, but in any case I only answer DV lottery questions.
January 9, 2018 at 20:11
Holla,
1)is there any effects of former non immigrant application on the selected dv lottery?
2)Does a 50 years old selected applicant who has never married and he is single now ,make some doubts even the selected has the required celibacy document?
Thanks for your reply.
January 9, 2018 at 20:16
1. Only if the former application contained discrepancies with statements made in the DV application.
2. Age isn’t a factor. The celibacy document is country specific – I have no knowledge of that.
January 9, 2018 at 21:57
Hello Simon,
I have a valid DV2018 Visa. I have booked the flight for US in MARCH 2018.
IF the US Congress will approve the termination of DV program in the end of January 2018, can this new Law’s change
affect us (entering in US with exist Visas based on DV program)?
Can be similiar with Travel Ban of 6 Countries that were affected in issuing DV Visas?
What do you think, what’s your opinion?
Thanks a lot in advance
January 9, 2018 at 22:46
No impact.
January 9, 2018 at 22:22
If congress approve to cancel the program this month, it this effects the winners DV2018?
January 9, 2018 at 22:47
No
January 9, 2018 at 22:23
Hello sir
Thanks so much for your time please my no.AF 14xxx and my interview date is feb .please I and my wife and my son under 1 year are going for the interview in Ghana please should my wife add her birth certificate to it please
January 9, 2018 at 22:47
Please read the official instructions to prepare for your interview.
January 10, 2018 at 05:01
1.Sir do we need to write our names at the back of the photos we take to the interview
2 do we also need to sign at the back of the photos.
January 10, 2018 at 06:18
1 & 2 No
January 10, 2018 at 08:54
You might want to check the requirements for your embassy.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/list-of-posts.html
It varies, but in eg Frankfurt Germany they ask you to put your name on the back of your photo.
January 10, 2018 at 09:02
Hello Brit,
I answered to your answer and I think you’re not going to have a notification. Please, could you check my answer from “January 9, 2018 at 10:11 pm”, at this same page, please ?
Thank you for your terrific work.
Lionel
January 10, 2018 at 16:59
Done.
January 10, 2018 at 17:43
Thank you Brit, but I’m not sure to understand…
1) I unlock it today.
2) I get married in March
3) I make the changes then I reupload it
Right ? Can it stay “unlocked” during 2 months ?!
Thank you again
January 10, 2018 at 18:15
Yes it can. Unlocking won’t wtop your scheduling though, so you must add your new spouse asap after the marriage to make sure she is added before the interview.
January 10, 2018 at 18:50
Ok, I’m going to do that. Thank you for everything!
January 10, 2018 at 10:09
Hi Brit,
Sorry to ask you a dumb question but i did not find my answer in you previous posts.
I am a dv 2018 winner as principal applicant and my wife as a derivative.
We just noticed that we have a baby around first or second week of september.
As a know by approximations that our case will be current in august or september (we hope so much).
Until now we accepted your expression “Wait and See” and just crossed fingers, but now we are a little bit confused and new questions came to our thoughts.
what have done people like us in this case?
1.i mean, how to clarify and give to baby the chance to get a green card?
2. what if my wife can’t proceed in time with interview ?
3. can you provide some links or information on this topic?
Best Regards!
January 10, 2018 at 16:54
1. https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
2. She must attend the interview.
3. See 1.
January 10, 2018 at 11:16
How many times can I unlock my ds 260
January 10, 2018 at 16:53
1783
January 10, 2018 at 11:22
good day Mr Brit,
i am a winner of dv 2018 and i have a worried and wish you help clarify me please.
some years ago my sister who is resident in USA filled a demand for non immigrant visa for me and my brother but did not inform us, i only discovered in 2015 when i had to get married and she told me that it can not go through if i get married but i went ahead and got married, now i won the DV , please can this be a problem?
January 10, 2018 at 16:53
No