Ask questions here
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.
January 18, 2018 at 08:19
Hello Simon,
I have a question.
1) My GF has been selected in May 2017
2) She unlocked her DS260 1 week ago (like you advised us) because…
3) … We are going to get married in March, 17 2018
4) The day after the wedding, we are going tu update and upload the DS260 with her new last name, including me
5) A few weeks after, I’m going to have a new passport and new ID card, because mine are going to be outdated
Is the 5) a problem?
Thank you for your work.
PS : I wrote you in your FB page, it’s not for a lottery question, if you could check… (Name Lio Dmr)
January 18, 2018 at 14:40
5 is not a problem.
January 18, 2018 at 15:40
I love you 🙂
January 18, 2018 at 13:28
Dear Simon.
How are u ?
Many thanks for the good service here.
I have one question.
I made an online application for a non immigrant visa back in 2014 to attend a workshop in the USA. However, I changed my mind and I didn’t process the application. Now there is a question in the DS 260 which says have u withdrawn your application at the port of entry?
I am just asking what I should say to the above question?
Thanks a lot
Solomon!
January 18, 2018 at 14:21
No
January 18, 2018 at 14:27
Hi Mr Simon …when I entered the ds260 I entered the date of issue and expiration of my wife’s passport wrong with one day less than it could be i.e. issued 30/5/2017 and expire 29/5/2024 instead of 31/5 and 30/5 and my interview will be in 3/2018 . Is it mandatory to to mail (KCC) to correct it or inform the consular officer on the day of interview or i leave it without correction.
Thank You So much
January 18, 2018 at 15:44
You can ask KCC to unlock and make the correction, BUT they may not be able to unlock since you might be scheduled by now.
January 18, 2018 at 17:34
Hi Simon : Do you agree me in making a new passport to avoid troubles?
January 18, 2018 at 17:37
NO!
January 18, 2018 at 15:17
hi simon
i have 6 question
1, my original country is eritrea but iam here in angola and i start living here morethan 2 years so does i need a police record of my original country.
2, and i have original document of birthcertificat and high school transcript but i make autoticketin(legally stamp) on the original insted of on the copy. does it have an effect .
3, does they require legal stamp on the copy of all my document .
4, i fill on the number of educational institution attended 5 including elementary and junior school so does they require a transcript or document of my school.or is it enough a high school transcript.
5, and in permanent address i fill my brother name and address so does we need to prepare any document of him to my interview
6, last we are married in church and we have a document of that but is it legal document to bring at the time of interview or they need a Municipality document of marrige
thanks for your answer
January 18, 2018 at 15:48
1. Yes. You would know that if you had read the instructions. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!
2. I don’t know.
3. Not normally – but embassies might have their own rules.
4. Proof of High school complete.
5. No
6. They need legal proof.
You haven’t bothered reading the instructions or any of my articles. Take some responsibility for your case.
January 18, 2018 at 16:04
HELLO Winta bezia tel.0502895803 ab what”s app rhkebni ane wn kemaki ey nzrareb,Sorry simon it is for Wnta only.
January 18, 2018 at 22:59
xhafeley eta code of the country abyatni mobaylka said
January 18, 2018 at 16:19
I studied outside my country for one year eight years ago so i had to get a new transcript from university that year to present it at interview my full name in transcript was exactly the same in spelling as my passport but the third name had a space in middle it must be abdulkarim they typed it as abdul karem
1-Is space of one name a problem
2-should i mention it in other given names used
I cant get new transcript iam in yemen and there is awar in my country.
January 18, 2018 at 17:36
1. Not normally.
2. Yes
January 18, 2018 at 16:52
Hi Simon
(1) Are the interviews conducted throughout the month?
(2) Are interviews sheduled according to the case number or randomly sheduled?
Waiting for the answer…..
Thanks in advance……???
???
January 18, 2018 at 17:26
1. Yes
2. Random
January 18, 2018 at 17:22
Hey Brit (again, and again, and again…)
I have EU29XXX. I’m going to have the itw around July/August.
Before that, I’m going to get married in March.
As you advised me, I unlocked the DS260 today, and it will be unlocked until the wedding, from now during 2 months.
The KCC sent us an email telling that the DS260 was unlocked. The last sentence of this email is: “Once an application has been unlocked, we are unable to schedule the applicant for interview without a re-submitted DS-260.”
This sentence worries me.
Are you sure that staying unlocked 2 months will not give us any trouble?
Thank you again, and again.
January 18, 2018 at 17:25
First – they ignore their own sentence. 2nd you WANT delay – because you want to get married first.
Please just relax and follow what I have told you.
January 18, 2018 at 18:00
Ok. Thank you boss 🙂
January 18, 2018 at 18:18
Dear Brit and Lionel,
I am at the same position as you Lionel. My case number is EU33xxx and I plan to get married in february. My question is, should I unlock my DS260 now ? My initial plan was firstly to get married and than to write an e – mail to kcc with marriage certificate attached to unlock the Ds260 form. Is it better to unlock it now?
Thank you for your feedback and help.
January 18, 2018 at 18:44
Unlock now, or don’t – I merely advised Lionel to resubmit asap after the wedding – and the same goes for you. But if you wait until the wedding to even request the unlock, you are wasting time. With your case number, you have time to wait anyway.
January 18, 2018 at 20:24
Hallo. I have a Q,I had never been married but i have a son,on my sons birth certificate i included the father of my son but we are not married. Can that affect in my interview.
January 18, 2018 at 21:09
No problem.
January 18, 2018 at 20:45
Hi BritSimon, I submitted my DS-260 soon after notification of winning last year. I subsequently applied for a new passport because I was worried about my passport’s expiry. My new passport has now been issued. My question is whether I should unlock my DS-260 and update my passport details? I’m not yet current (my expectation is that my number will go current in May at the earliest) but my concern is that my old passport was the passport I entered the lottery on- is there any impact on my application if I change my passport number? I don’t want to invalidate my case number (if that’s a possibility). Kind regards
January 18, 2018 at 21:09
Update the DS260. No delay or risk.
January 18, 2018 at 21:28
Much appreciated- I will have it unlocked.
January 18, 2018 at 21:17
Hello Mr. Simon,
Thanks for your continuous support . Today i received my visa with a sealed package but i opened it without knowing that I shouldn’t. I can’t contact the embassy until Sunday . Do you think this is a big problem ?
Thanks
January 18, 2018 at 22:02
Well – you have to take it back and get it resealed.
January 18, 2018 at 22:14
Hi Brit,
For embassys like that in Accra that prioritize the host system, what are some of the key things that should be submitted during the interview to show your relationship with the host?
January 18, 2018 at 23:35
I have not heard of any proof being requested.
January 19, 2018 at 12:36
X-ray
Give me ur contact
January 19, 2018 at 12:58
hello Brit wish u doing fine , i got question for you, the one who submitted my Entry he mention his address not mine, so in my first letter i have above his address, but he other info is correct i mean my country my name my region like everything( the one who submitted my Entry living in anther country) so my question now is that will disqualify me ? i am so scared
wish u will reply me soon as you can
my best regards
January 19, 2018 at 14:52
No problem.
January 18, 2018 at 22:17
Hi Brit, would a govt shutdown delay my 7th February interview?
January 18, 2018 at 23:36
I doubt it, but I can’t be certain.
January 18, 2018 at 22:31
Dear sir
18/1/2018
What a day to remember.
I just wanted to share with you my happiness as your blog have helped me a lot for the interview.
And today just like my many brothers and sisters in this website I’ve been accepted and given the visa.
The interview asked exactly the same questions and he approved my visa with smile. Thanks for your cooperation and such helpful website.
January 18, 2018 at 23:36
Congratulations.
January 19, 2018 at 01:56
Purely out of curiosity, would you know roughly what the chance of winning is for the EU region?
January 19, 2018 at 03:23
1 in 100
January 19, 2018 at 04:07
Dear Simon,
I was the winner of DV2016, and i got the travel document valid until Sept 2019, and i am now in my country.
My question, can i go to US during this period and leave without any issues? or i have to show them the travel document only and then everything will go smoothly.
.
By the way i am from Jordan.
.
Thanks
January 19, 2018 at 04:19
I dont know what you mean by travel document.
February 11, 2018 at 09:56
Travel document is The form I-131
My Q: can i go to US during the validity of this permit and back to my country without any problem?
February 11, 2018 at 15:44
That is what it is for. You should take the time to learn about it.
January 19, 2018 at 05:41
Hi Brit ..if my ceac status is AT NVC .Does it mean i have passed disarmament level ?
January 19, 2018 at 06:31
No. That is the very first status for ALL cases.
January 19, 2018 at 05:47
Hi Mr. Simon,
We have decided to go CP for our case, previously asked questions on mom’s forum with nickname just_a_tech. So currently I was filling out the form, I am at travel part where it asks about alien number. I did 1 year OPT, though I don’t have such number to extent of my knowledge. However, I remember reading in one of the comments on your blog or in mom’s forum that you get assigned with alien registration number for OPT application. Could you please shed some light on it? Would I have an alien number with OPT card?
Thanks
January 19, 2018 at 06:31
I don’t know about that.
January 19, 2018 at 06:50
Hi sir
My status shows still Ready while I have not still been able to fill my Spouse Ds260. Should incase am called for an interview?
January 19, 2018 at 08:47
HELLO MR BRIT,
I tried some calculations too as of when some numbers might be going current, that trying to predict future bulletins as follows:
between case number AF17400 (as of march bulletin) to case number AF33500,
a) Number of real cases at NVC = 10148
b) Number of holes = 5952
1) averagely am i right?
using and average augmentation rate from 3100 as of the last bulletin i can predict that
a) APRIL BULLETIN shall be up to about 20500 (22400)
a) MAY BULLETIN shall be up to about 23600 ( 27200)
c) JUNE BULLETIN shall be up to about 26700 ( 33200)
2) possible?
January 19, 2018 at 15:07
I can’t check everyone’s prediction method.
January 19, 2018 at 09:05
00966502895803 NAB WINTA
January 19, 2018 at 10:43
Hi Brit,
Most likely the green card lottery will be canceled or totally changed soon.
What we’ve got, I mean the winners of DV-2018 as a strong argument that that decision will not affect us?
January 19, 2018 at 15:00
Laws being discussed take affect after DV2018.
January 19, 2018 at 11:34
Thank You Brit..but how can i know if i passed disarmament level or not ? I read if you disarmament when you check status ceac there couldnt find anyhing about you ..
January 19, 2018 at 14:56
I have no idea what you mean by “disarmament “
January 19, 2018 at 11:45
Hi Brit,
Is it advisable to add documents showing work experience to your educational requirements during the interview even if you don’t have it stated in the DS 260? Will it cause problems?
January 19, 2018 at 14:55
You can. No problem.
January 19, 2018 at 12:29
Hi Simon,
I have my visa am due to travel in a month or so but unfortunately due to an avoidable circumstances I am forced to change hosts as am now goin to a different state than what I provided at the embassy. Is there a website for changing my host address from? Or how can I change address?
January 19, 2018 at 14:54
Change the address at the POE (arrival airport)
January 19, 2018 at 12:30
is there ” Current ” for Africa this year because the process is going so slow and i don’t know if they will reach my case number or not which is 51.000
January 19, 2018 at 14:53
We cannot be certain, but you obviously have some risk.
January 19, 2018 at 13:33
HI brit
“At the NVC” PROBLEM
i seen some case actualy “START NOW” but on Check My Visa Application Status is “At the NVC”
ACCESS only summary page WHITHOUT starting make statut at the nvc EXEMPLE :
An information there’re lot of CASE status ” AT NVC” but really NOT STARTING, INCOMPLETED .all “At the NVC” case are not absolutely completed. i think that analysis must be caculate on completed DS260 perhaps
“Your search did not return any data” NONE STATUT = never an access to the page DS-260, Application summary page
January 19, 2018 at 14:50
Nonsense. I have explained what the statuses are, and I am certain of them.
January 19, 2018 at 13:53
Hi sir please I want to ask 2 questions from you
1 can my visa be approved if I am still in high school?
2 what documents should I prepare for my interviews?
Thank you
January 19, 2018 at 14:48
1. Probably not.
2. Read the instructions.
January 19, 2018 at 16:43
i made some mistakes while filling DS260 like my college name and my mother date of birth….will it affect somehow foe getting 2NL?
January 19, 2018 at 17:10
No.
January 19, 2018 at 17:22
we don’t have to submit any further documents like photos and transcripts….do we?
January 19, 2018 at 17:45
Not now. At interview – yes. Read the instructions.
January 19, 2018 at 17:29
Helo Brit i won the dv2018 I will have work permit but I am a maxillofacial surgeon with several specializations for more than 20 years, that work permit that I will get allows me to work in my profession or should I do some preliminary studies?
January 19, 2018 at 18:18
I flattered that you think I must know everything, but I suggest you do your own investigation about licensing requirements.
January 19, 2018 at 18:18
Hello Brit,
I have three questions:
1) Does having a diplomatic passport by association implies and requires additional documents?
2) If I get my passport renewed and changed after filling out the D-260, Is there a problem? Can I just provide the old and new passport during the interview?
3) When visa is issued, what is the period length of the visa? Is it a period that system provides or can it be discussed with the officer during the interview?
Thanks.
January 19, 2018 at 18:25
1. I don’t know. I would expect someone in that rare case to use their own judgement.
2. Yes you can provide old and new.
3. Medical date plus 6 months.
January 19, 2018 at 18:41
Hi brit hope you fine.
I have question about police certification in baghdad . They made a mistake in my name . It goes like this
Mistake name is hama ahmad saleem saleem
But true name is
Hama ahmad saleem
THOSE NAME THAT I WRITE IS NOT MY REAL NAME JUST EXAMPLE .
As you can see there are two saleem
If I send them back to the embassy In baghdad would it be a problem? Its after interview . The embassy told me after you finish this police certificate send it back to us . Its my last chance.
Thans
January 19, 2018 at 20:32
I don’t know if that is a problem or not.
January 19, 2018 at 19:29
Brit i mean disqualification .I have read if your case is disqualificated you will see in ceac ” Your search did not return any data ” instead of AT NVC .
January 19, 2018 at 19:40
There are a few cases removed like that each year. That is not “normal”, but happens in a tiny percentage of cases. I assume this represents some particularly bad type of refusal.
January 19, 2018 at 20:27
Please answer me dont ignore me . Thanks
January 19, 2018 at 20:31
Have some patience!
January 20, 2018 at 11:58
Thanks . Luckely I didnt send it back to the embassy in baghdad . I send an email about that problem to the embassy now iam waiting to thier response . Anyway thanks
January 20, 2018 at 13:02
Hi Iron,
I am from Iraq too, and I am really worry about Police certificate that should I do in Erbil or Baghdad ?
it is possible to find to to get some Ideas please ?
January 20, 2018 at 14:03
Have you read the reciprocity page instructions which explains exactly what to do???
January 20, 2018 at 14:37
Need both of them. If you are interviewed at US embassy.
January 20, 2018 at 17:44
chonet Alaka
to la kwe da anesheet??
January 20, 2018 at 18:51
Hi Iron , Alaka
which city Iraq are you live???
Regards
January 21, 2018 at 08:50
Hi kak Iron,
can I have your contact number the phone, email… ant thing else, I am kurdish as well and live in Erbil.
January 19, 2018 at 20:36
Hello sir please my date of interview is next week I just check to know that and I have not done my medical please advice me
January 19, 2018 at 20:46
You need to get ready for the interview – part of which means having the medical. So – you don’t need “advice”, you need to get things done!
January 19, 2018 at 20:50
So please I have do the medical before the interview
January 19, 2018 at 22:21
THat is normal, yes.
January 20, 2018 at 00:04
Hi Sir
Does everyone need an affidavit of support or it depends on the various embassy.
January 20, 2018 at 01:33
Depends on the embassy, and also the case itself.
January 20, 2018 at 03:23
What about Almaty Kazakhstan Embassy? If we have enough money to be able to support us in the first time in US and we will provide the bank statement to the CO, do we still need a sponsor?
Thanks
January 20, 2018 at 03:25
I don’t know about that specific embassy.
January 20, 2018 at 05:10
Hi sir can you please send me the link about the documents u should prepare for the interview
January 20, 2018 at 05:23
PLEASE learn to use the search.
https://britsimonsays.com/prepare-dv-lottery-interview-2/
January 20, 2018 at 05:16
Mr. Simon,
Quick question regarding form DS-260. In the “previous US travel section:, it asks if I ever been in the U.S. Do I include my current stay in the answers? My wife has been in the US since she arrived and haven’t left yet. What should we answer to that?
Thanks
January 20, 2018 at 05:24
That would be covered by CURRENT address as opposed to PREVIOUS travel
January 20, 2018 at 05:45
Thank you for your quick response.
But at the time of the interview it would be answered as yes. We will have to leave the us for the interview in our home country. Also, wouldn’t it be incorrect to answer no to question “have you ever been in the US” while living in the US? Please advise.
Thanks
January 20, 2018 at 06:43
Hello Britsimon, kindly does the government shutdown affect USCIS? Thank you
January 20, 2018 at 13:56
It should not affect embassies – but might affect KCC and other US based agencies that perform background checks etc. So – there might be some impacts.
January 20, 2018 at 13:54
I did advise. Answer the questions as of the day you submit the form.
January 22, 2018 at 01:29
Thank you! noted and did as advised 🙂
January 20, 2018 at 09:31
Hi Simon
Please my case number is AF15***, now my case is current and when i checked my status it says i should complete the 6 steps for my Visa application (from NVC) but I have already sent my Ds 260 form
Please can you explain further to me the meaning of NVC message
January 20, 2018 at 13:59
You can ignore everything on that page for NVC status – it does not apply to DV cases.
January 20, 2018 at 22:00
@Eno i guess u r a Ghanaian?
January 20, 2018 at 09:32
Hi Simon, do you think I should unlock and update DS-260 regardind trips abroad as long as my family and I are planning to spend one week in US in March? My case nr is EU23XXX…
Thanks very much for all your work in responding to all of us!
Fausto
January 20, 2018 at 13:59
No need.
January 20, 2018 at 10:02
Dear Brit when Congress will be considered a new bill?
January 20, 2018 at 14:00
I don’t know.
January 20, 2018 at 10:36
Hi MR SIMON, I sent an email to [email protected] to unlock my DS260.
in your opinion, how long can I wait for an unlock?
January 20, 2018 at 14:00
Up to 2 weeks.
January 20, 2018 at 11:24
Hi sir please answer me. My case has been updated for the second time and it still shows READY.
1,will the embassy schedule another interview date for me and my spouse
2, what if it is done, Without my case being Unlocked
3, Will my status take another step without being interviewed, if yes, what step may it be thank you
January 20, 2018 at 14:01
HAVE YOU CONTACTED THE EMBASSY LIKE I TOLD YOU????
January 20, 2018 at 18:03
Please sir I have contacted the embassy several times. They always répond that my case has been updated that I should login my account to view the details. That is what keeps happening anytime I send message. It recently that I saw that my case had been updated with two different case numbers each ending with 2018AF7*** 01 ACC and 2018AF7*** 02 ACC and it shows READY with a message that I should prepare for my interview. Since 20th December 2017.
Please help me out
January 20, 2018 at 20:42
FORGET ABOUT THE DARN UPDATES!!!!
The embassy tell you what to do but you keep asking me what to do. I have told you several times that I do not know how the embassy will handle the adding of your spouse. You must deal with them. You ask them questions and do as they say! Really you need to sort this out – you are otherwise going to waste your opportunity because you are not taking responsibility for your own case.
January 21, 2018 at 16:27
Please Sir, I have contacted them again but case still shows READY. How long do I have to wait for spouse getting included
January 21, 2018 at 17:01
So what did they say?
Don’t tell me anything about CEAC saying ready, or updates. It is all irrelevant. The ONLY thing that matters is you speaking to the embassy and following their instructions.
January 21, 2018 at 17:15
They said they have created a case on my behalf and forwarded to the highest department to attend to my issue. So I should wait for 48hrs.
January 21, 2018 at 19:18
Ok. So stop looking at ceac, and instead do exactly what they say. If they aren’t absolutely clear, ask them to ckarify.
January 25, 2018 at 12:44
Please Sir I was waiting for more than 3 days now, no update, what do now. should I wait for specific udate
January 25, 2018 at 17:12
Same answer I have given you 10+ times already.
January 20, 2018 at 13:58
Hey Britt, I submitted my ds260 form on august 20th my CN is 2018AF31xxx please when can i expect my appointment letter? thanls
January 20, 2018 at 15:33
You will not be scheduled until your number is ready – that will be some months yet. Wait and see.
January 20, 2018 at 14:58
Hi britCaroline so in the ds260 I only wrote down the host ,now if my host is also becoming my sponsor do I need to unlock and amend or do I just take the.info with to the interview?
January 20, 2018 at 15:07
Hi brit,
its since one month my case is in AP, co requested to submit proof of inrelation with my spouse, which I have submitted accordingly along with passport, ceac website shows three time case update 4th nov as administrative process and 10 nov two times as ready and then till now no update, however I have already been interviewed, is the cenario normal, pls suggest me?
January 20, 2018 at 15:38
Dear Simon,
Have a query in regards to the requirement mentioned on the embassy checklist.This is the requirement for additional documents at the Abu Dhabi embassy.
For family-based visa applications:
The appropriate Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for each financial sponsor along with a photocopy of the sponsor’s IRS transcript or most recent U.S. federal income tax return, and any relevant W-2s.
Proof of your U.S. petitioner’s status and domicile in the United States (photocopy of a U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or lawful permanent resident card).
Evidence of the relationship between the petitioner and visa applicant (such as photographs, letters, or emails).
1) Does this pertain to DV lottery applicants? or do we need to provide our own source of funds? or do we need to show our own source of funds and as well as get this I-864 Affidavit of support?
2) what should be the validity of the the proof of funds document ( bank letters/ statments) that needs to be shown at the interview?
Thanks.
January 20, 2018 at 15:40
DV cases DO NOT use the I-864 – but embassies MAY ask for the I-134.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
January 20, 2018 at 18:02
Hi Antony
I have same question, US embassy Ankara mentioned that category. I found when i read the instructions.i don’t know the I-864 and I-134 same or not.
thanks
January 20, 2018 at 20:37
DV uses I-134. NOT the I-864.
January 21, 2018 at 09:02
Hi Nigul,
where do you leave ?
January 21, 2018 at 10:21
chonet kak Alaka :
mn la turkey azhem. lay xoman police certificate akreet? to krdwta?
January 20, 2018 at 15:45
Hey brit, this will change somethings/dates:
https://www.voanews.com/a/us-embassies-security-services-government-shutdown/4215570.html
January 20, 2018 at 15:53
We will wait and see…
January 20, 2018 at 15:59
Dear Brit,
What is your opinion on the recent news regarding the US 2018 state budget?
Will it affect the workflow of the KVC and embassies, since all of them are paid by the state?
We should expect delays other than regular ones?
Thank you!
January 20, 2018 at 16:25
https://britsimonsays.com/government-shutdown-impact-dv-lottery/
January 20, 2018 at 16:44
Hi Brit,
https://britsimonsays.com/government-shutdown-impact-dv-lottery/:
You mean that no more DV lottery entries for next 2019 fiscal year?
Thanks
January 20, 2018 at 19:25
DV lottery may be ending after DV2018. We don’t know yet.