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 24, 2018 at 14:43
Hi Brit. Do you have ideas about Family Based IV as well? I got my case complete status in late Dec 2017 and my pd (Feb 2016) is also current according to the recent bulletin. When can I expect my interview letter to be scheduled and for which month?
January 24, 2018 at 15:21
No – only DV
January 28, 2018 at 09:59
Sir Simon . How r you ? I have a question . I have my interview in February. Well i am the principal winner dv 2018 american lottery i have wife and a little girl . 2003 husband of my cousin had illegal stuff in his bedroom . I was guest on that house . Police came over and toke us all in police station which in this moment they let me go cuz i had nothing to do with that . But on 2004 in court my name has been called and i wasnt there . 2007 police stoped me and kept me there for 2 months until the day of court arrived . Well i went to court and they let me go with no charges . (( Innocent )) my question is does this will affect my interview ? My criminal record is clean . Should i take my court papers with me translated in english with me that day ?
January 28, 2018 at 15:26
If you were found innocent it should not be a problem, but do take court papers.
January 28, 2018 at 12:29
Hi Brits.
My confirmation number is OC19xx. and the current visas being processed is only 800. Does it mean that in another six months time my visa could be left unprocessed?
January 28, 2018 at 15:18
Your number is very risky – almost certainly too high to get an interview.
January 24, 2018 at 17:16
Hi Mr Brit.AM A DV 2018 selecte from Liberia.Does the Embassy keep track of every change one does in the DS-260 during the unlocked period which reflect a decrease in the applicant previous data and could under mine possible visa issuance during the time of the interview?
For example:while filling out the DS-260 at the time,the Immigrant Visa respondent responded under the colum ARE YOU Employed:YES(X) NO()
PRESENT EMPLOYER/SCHOOL NAME:J and Z Business for example
JOB TITLE:CEO for example
Does the post has traing of two yrs:Respondent responded yes
and then submitted the DATA for KCC consumption.
Few months later,looking at thing critically the Immigrant Visa applicant observed that it was an overstatement to have responded yes am employed because the business was not providing him monthly income due to the lack of donor funding for few months now even though the business is recognized by the applicant home country government.
Following the above,the DV selecte wrote KCC to unlock the file and he included the university he graduated from detail information instead of the employment and Business information due to overstatement and resubmitted the file to KCC.
Sir, Could this undermine possible visa issuance during interview?
Thanks
January 24, 2018 at 18:49
You are overthinking the whole thing. Just relax.
January 24, 2018 at 21:22
Many thanks for being responsive Mr. Simon! God bless you.
January 25, 2018 at 00:31
Hi Simon,
Two questions.
1. My interview has been scheduled and the email says to bring your ‘congratulations’ email (your 1NL?) to the interview but I cannot find where I saved it and it has now been replaced with my 2NL with the interview time. How can I access my 1NL?
2. I have my interview scheduled for March so intend to travel to the US around August to activate my visa. However, I prefer not to move for another 18 months as there is a job opportunity in another country that will help me find a better job in the USA if I do it for 12 months first. So I need to file for a re-entry permit. I understand you need to file while in the US and do your biometrics there. My problem is that it is unlikely I can stay for 6 – 12 weeks while waiting to do the biometrics. What are my options? Can I activate my visa, file for I-131 reentry permit, and fly home and then come back for the biometrics? Realistically I can only spend 3 weeks at any one time due to my job. People who need the reentry permit often need it because of their job and thus can’t stay in the US for 6-12 weeks so I am not sure how they obtain one? Any advice would be amazing.
Thanks,
Emma
January 25, 2018 at 00:39
1. You can’t. Take the 2NL.
2. You might be able to leave and come back for the biometric – but I cannot be certain that would work without problems. The other option is to make frequent trips to the USA ( ideally less than 6 months), however, that does not guarantee no questioning/no problems either. They may decide you are not “playing by the rules”.
January 25, 2018 at 00:42
By the way, if you delay the initial entry as late as possible (the visa will expire 6 months after the medical – so make the medical as late as possible), you might find you can plan to return within 12 months after the initial activation – and that is OK even without the I-131.
January 25, 2018 at 03:10
Hi simon !
I hope u are doing well .
I came in US on december 2017 with dv lottery . I have a question about taxes .
Should i make taxes this year . I mean on april 2018 . Because i have not work too much this 2 month that im here in us .
Thank you in advance
January 25, 2018 at 03:56
You must file a tax report, yes.
January 25, 2018 at 03:27
my sister got lottery of 2018 and she is somali citizen but married kenyan citizen after she has won
my question is will the ban affect her visa
January 25, 2018 at 03:55
Yes.
January 25, 2018 at 09:10
Hello berit first of all i would like to thank you for your support
I have two questions
1. my interview is for February 2018 I I know i can not meet the appointment date so can I push my interview date back ward.
2, when can I make it, and how can i change it can you tell me the steps on how to make it.
January 25, 2018 at 17:08
1. Possibly.
2. You contact the embassy.
January 25, 2018 at 10:10
Hello Brits,So when will this immigration talks on DACA etc be over?
1.Since the Democrats are giving in it means the DV program will soon see the exit door outright even without any alternative replacement at all??
2.Your Blog too will go down because it will serve no good purpose anymore.This is really painful.Donald Trump is a really bad person forgetting that he himself is an immigrant.What hypocrisy
January 25, 2018 at 17:09
1. Wait and see.
2. Yup.
January 25, 2018 at 11:22
Hi Simon,
I’m a DV 2018 selectee and I got an interview date on March. Now, I live in UK but I’m a Turkish citizen. My interview will be in London. What should I do next? Do I need a medical report?
TIA
January 25, 2018 at 17:10
https://britsimonsays.com/prepare-dv-lottery-interview-2/
January 25, 2018 at 12:49
Hello bro
I have one question. I got certificate for that I am not married, is it necessary to do apostle ?
January 25, 2018 at 17:13
I don’t know. Follow procedures in your country.
January 25, 2018 at 18:10
You know, I am from Uzbekistan but living in Ukraine, i am following us embassy in Ukraine, there wrote that which documents essus in Ukraine should to make apostle I have done it. Also I got married certificate in Uzbekistan should I do apostle or not nessasry
January 25, 2018 at 18:20
Follow the instructions from Ukraine.
January 25, 2018 at 21:14
Dear Simon sorry for so much questions.
1Q. I’m citizen of Uzbekistan but my interview will be Ukraine I should follow the instructions from Ukraine?
2Q. My sponsor should fill the affidavit of support be hand of in computer?
3Q. Must he notary attestation the affidavit of support in USA then send me?
January 25, 2018 at 22:49
1. Yes
2. Either
3. No need.
January 26, 2018 at 19:30
Dear Simon I hope you’re well!
https://www.uscis.gov/i-134
I downloaded affidavit of support from this website, is this right or they updated affidavit of support? Can the sponsor fill it ?
Thanks
January 26, 2018 at 19:36
That is the official source for that form.
January 26, 2018 at 23:12
Simon, no one want to be sponsor.?. Is it possible to show in bank statements about 25k$. And say that i don’t need sponsor
January 26, 2018 at 23:30
You can try. Some embassies would accept that.
January 27, 2018 at 13:51
Hey bro!
Do you know any agancies that have service for sponsor?
January 27, 2018 at 15:15
Of course not. That would have no use as the person would have no reason to support you.
January 25, 2018 at 14:10
Hi Simon, in DS260 there is a place to complete your parents information. For the mother it asks for “Surnames at Birth”. For the father it just says “Surnames.” Does this mean the mother’s maiden name or the surnames of the mother at the time you/your child were born? I know it is kind of a stupid question but I was just reviewing my forms and started wondering if I had made a mistake by filling in the maiden names. Thanks a lot.
January 25, 2018 at 15:09
Maiden name is another way of saying surname at birth.
January 25, 2018 at 16:44
hi Simon, my case is at 14.000’s and in february an appointment I will get. albeit this, I send an unlock ds260 form in 21.January 2018 to update a document id. and unlocked at that that and I fixed and resubmitted again. may this isssue cause a late appointment date ? what do you think about ? thanks
January 25, 2018 at 16:54
No delay.
January 25, 2018 at 19:07
Hi Simon,
I have got my 2NLfrom NVC and my interview will be on the coming March , so should I except other institutions from Ethiopian US embassy or shall contact them.
January 25, 2018 at 19:08
Or no need at all contact the embassy
January 25, 2018 at 19:21
https://britsimonsays.com/prepare-dv-lottery-interview-2/
January 26, 2018 at 00:01
Hi simon,
What is the impact of the new migration project on the outcome of DV 2018. I’m from egypt and my case about 20000 .
January 26, 2018 at 00:09
No impact.
January 26, 2018 at 05:49
Hi Sir,I got married on 20th January 2017 before my dv selectee came through and that is somewhere may 2017…Is it OK to joined my husband? Also I am two months Pregnant.? Last question:
I had a credible grades with my SSCE but have been working as a Bank (Teller) with some small Co-Op Bank since 2013.Do I have to go along with my appointed and confirmation letter in addition with my SSCE.Confused a little so please advice me.
January 26, 2018 at 06:24
Please don’t repeat questions I already answered.
https://britsimonsays.com/interview-experience-stories/comment-page-8/#comment-100580
January 26, 2018 at 10:41
Hi Simon. I am from Bosnia and Herzegovina and my case number is 30 8xx.. when I can expect to be emailed about next steps (documents/medical check) and interview? Whats your prediction for my number? Thank you. Vladimir
January 26, 2018 at 14:23
Please read my recent posts.
January 26, 2018 at 11:38
I am a University graduate but currently not working. do i need 2 years working experience to be eligible or does my status make me ineligible. From Ghana
January 26, 2018 at 14:21
You probably qualify through education, being unemployed doesn’t matter.
January 26, 2018 at 14:37
thanks. Kindly have patience with those who repeat questions some do not read the whole blog. just an observation
January 26, 2018 at 15:08
It isn’t too much to expect people to read a little of what I have read – and the FAQ for example before asking questions!
January 26, 2018 at 23:30
Calvin, try and contact me on +233279835780 on whatsapp. I am also a winner
January 26, 2018 at 13:07
hello brit can Somali dv2018 winner qualify issuance visa while apart of embargo countries thank you
January 26, 2018 at 14:15
No.
Again – don’t ask me questions that I have already written about!
January 26, 2018 at 13:35
Hi, BritSimon:
I’m getting married soon and plan to unlock my DS260 to include my future wife and her son. The thing is, the kid won’t be going to the interview because he will finish school here first and will be staying meanwhile with relatives. Can me and my wife go to the interview together and in a near future make the petition for him? Should I go alone and make the petition for both of them later? Is it possible? What’s your advice? Thanks in advance.
January 26, 2018 at 14:13
Both things are possible, but DV is much faster.
January 26, 2018 at 18:13
hallo brit,my question is during checking for the first notification when one logging to ESC if one forgot the date of birth he/she entered on the original entry,but at some times one enters different dates until he/she got the correct date,will this bring any doubt?
January 26, 2018 at 18:56
No
January 26, 2018 at 18:50
Hi Simon. In the first application for participation in the lottery, I did not specify the children from the first marriage because there were no opportunities to send photos of children. I divorced my wife 15 years ago. Where the children live now, I do not know. I do not support communications with them. In the form of DS260, I also did not specify the children. Will this be a disqualification? How does the KCC learn about my children if I have not indicated them myself? Will KCC check my data in the form of DS260? Will they check Facebook and other social networks?
January 26, 2018 at 18:58
They can use various methods to connect the dots. You broke the rules, you know you did. You should not get the visa.
January 26, 2018 at 19:14
Good afternoon, I have a question please help me.
In my DS260 form, he asks for the work experience to be put in. I put in my three jobs that I had but I did not have any problems in which there was no work in the owner.
Precedes that in my application for a tourist visa in 2013, place this as the main business, then I dedicate myself more to this than to my profession now I do not dedicate myself at all to this but I still have it?
Help me please I can not unblock because I already have an appointment for March that I can do there? This may be cause for me to be denied a visa
January 26, 2018 at 19:24
I don’t really understand what you are asking, but work experience is rarely a problem that causes denial. Work experience won’t be discussed at the interview if you meet the education requirements.
January 26, 2018 at 19:36
When I presented myself in 2013 for the tourist visa that I had a business that I currently have but to fill the DS260 I do not consider myself as my work experience which is a point that is wrong.
My question is, can this be a problem or can I justify that I am the owner without a worker? and for this reason do not put this as work experience?
January 26, 2018 at 19:40
Just do the best you can on the form. Don’t overthink it.
January 26, 2018 at 19:46
my way ds260 already send to me I have a date right now I can not change just want to know if this is something for which they can deny me because I lack information to place and maybe they can cross information with what in 2013 I asked for a tourist visa?
I cant change anything know but i want to know please
January 26, 2018 at 21:23
I don’t think it will be a problem.
January 26, 2018 at 20:38
Hello, you said several times DV2018 won’t be affected. Could you explain widely why are you sure it is so.
January 26, 2018 at 21:16
Because the laws being *proposed* give a start date of the next fiscal year.
January 29, 2018 at 07:05
https://www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/house-bill/4340/text#toc-H02C4EA6AF7094F198C3C562D4F338299 just no this one. it says (d) Effective date.—The amendments made by this section shall take effect as if enacted on October 1, 2017.
January 29, 2018 at 17:52
There are also other old bills you can find that no one is supporting – but any bill enacted would be adjusted to comply with normal lawmaking.
January 26, 2018 at 22:19
Hello Dear BritSimon. I came to the United States two weeks ago. thanks to the diversity lottery. So I already paid Green Card Fee before leaving my country. I get my Social Security yesterday and then when I check my current status on my green card, the result is: ** Payment of the immigrant visa fee received **. Does this mean that they are going to establish my green card or is there something to do?
Thank you
January 26, 2018 at 22:56
Nothing else to do.
January 26, 2018 at 23:05
This is what i got from the DV site and i think at least a high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12-year
course of formal elementary and secondary education..I am OK now Mr Brit.(1) But in case if I am asked of what I currently do ?Sir is it appropriate to say A bank teller as that is what I do and as well on my marriage Certificate.. Please brief me..
January 26, 2018 at 23:08
Hi Brits
I wish to ask that if you have been scheduled for interview and you were diagnosed to have syphilis but you are currently taking treatment and you tell the doctor during your medical exam and screening of dv winners, can it lead to denial of Visa?
January 26, 2018 at 23:31
https://britsimonsays.com/interview-capacity-visa-bulletin-pace/comment-page-1/#comment-100691
January 29, 2018 at 03:30
Hi Emma, if you are in treatment you won’t have any problem, you must bring to your medical interview: medical report wrote for an medical doctor of a public institution (not private) where its says the status of your illness, medicines (quantity) and days when you received them. For that reason everything it’s ok. I got my visa Approved in november 2017.
January 26, 2018 at 23:10
So sorry for not knowing where to post my questions but I now now know..
January 27, 2018 at 00:07
Hey Brit! So the 7% maximum of visas issued is for country ex:Albania or for region ex:Balkan? Thank you!
January 27, 2018 at 05:45
That is a cap that no single country can exceed. It is not an allocation – just a cap.
January 27, 2018 at 12:36
hi simon
i would like to ask u
1, i got my 2nl for march when can i pay the fee
2, does they send me another message to register on dhl web site.
3, my husband father’s name have some mistack in passport and birthcertificate eg.semere haile grmay -passport
semere hailu grmay -birthcertificat
so does it have a problem
thanks for your suporting answer
God bless u
January 27, 2018 at 15:17
1. At the embassy on the day of the interview.
2. Maybe.
3. No
January 27, 2018 at 16:51
quetion no2 if they dont send me can i go to the website and register or it is not necessarily can u give me brief answer thanks again
January 28, 2018 at 02:05
Wait for their instructions.
January 27, 2018 at 16:35
Hi brit
I m a dv winner of 2018 n i hv received my visa packet already. I hv also paid uscis green card fee.
Before travelling to US i went to examine my health n the doctor daignose diabetic problem on me. Does it matter to receive green card. If not then how can i take medicine while travelling?
January 28, 2018 at 02:06
No problem. Take medicine and proof of hy you need it. You will need to arrige sufficient meds to cover until you have a health plan.
January 27, 2018 at 17:28
Hi brit
pls am a dv winner for 2017..and i went fr my interview on de 23 of January. .after de interview i got to realize that on my birth cert i made my mum name helena agyeiwaa n on the forms i gave i filled to them …i made it helena Owusu. .
will they refuse me the visa
January 28, 2018 at 02:04
Not for that.
January 27, 2018 at 19:23
WINTA 00966502895803 ELKI WHAT TSEHAFLY
January 27, 2018 at 19:57
Hi simon. My name is john. And i had my enterview in ghana accra on the 06 november 2017 . everything seemed perfect until the consular said there was a mistake dont by the hospital on my wofe medical record so since it want my fault had no choice than approving my enyerview and kept all my oroginal documents amd our passports. And went on to give us the paper to collect our passport when the visa is issued. Eversince we have been on admisnistrative processing. No news from the embassy and our medical is expiring in march. Please what should i do i am getting worried. It is over 60 days now. Please should i do go to the embassy. Of anybody is in the same situation please contact me
January 28, 2018 at 02:03
AP times vary. You can contact tyhe embassy, but usuallyu they just tell you to be patient. If your medical expires, you will have to repeat it *IF* they approve your case after AP.
January 27, 2018 at 20:38
Hi mr.Simon,
while reviewing my ds-260 i found out mistake with passport issuing country, can i change it at the interview because my interview near and i cant unlock it ?
January 28, 2018 at 01:59
Yes
January 28, 2018 at 10:12
hallo hon.britsimon after I arrived United state how maney to join with to U.S. 2- how much dollars expenses stimately ur view. thank you very much
January 28, 2018 at 15:25
I don’t know.
January 28, 2018 at 10:14
I mean to join with my family and 2children
January 28, 2018 at 11:02
Hi Britsimon,
First of all thank you for all the valuable information that you have been providing for the dv related issues. I have been scheduled for the March Interview. If you can please help me with these queries:
1) About the passport validity for my son (still more than 6 months). Will there be any problem if I renew his passport? The intended date of travel might be little bit later (before August 2018) that’s the reason I want to renew his passport.
2) Does it vary country to country for the authentication of the educational documents? I’m residing in some other country than the country of birth. So what I have done so far is, Stamped my educational certificates from Ministry of education (birth country where I studied) than Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Country of birth and who issued my passport) and finally stamped from the Embassy of my country where I reside now. Do you think that is the correct way of doing the authentication.
Thank you in advance and have a wonderful weekends.
Sam Taman
January 28, 2018 at 15:24
1. No problem to renew.
2. I have no idea, because I don’t know where you live and so on, but it sounds ok.
January 28, 2018 at 17:50
Thank you very much for your prompt response.
January 28, 2018 at 14:49
Hi brit I’m a kenyan selectee so i was planning to fill my ds-260 form .my question being because i applied for a passport recently can i apply my ds-260form with my state id
January 28, 2018 at 15:09
Yes
January 28, 2018 at 16:00
Hallo Mr. brit.among the 546 visas refused in AF where will they go?
January 28, 2018 at 18:05
Refused visas are sent back to KCC and reallocated.
January 28, 2018 at 16:51
can African dv2018 cases are current on April?
January 28, 2018 at 18:08
You continually waste my time with these pointless questions. I will know ignore your questions.
January 28, 2018 at 17:00
Hi brit. Hope you are during, Pls say hi to your daughter. My concern have to do with the issue of the affidavit, should the affidavit be submitted alone with the DS260 or what pls
January 28, 2018 at 18:09
If you mean the affidavit of support – you take that to the interview.
January 28, 2018 at 21:45
hey simon
i made my interview and got my visa …
but i heard that trump will cancel the dv lottery on 8th february … if he do it will it affects dv2018 program ?
i intend to travel to usa within 2 months
do you advise me to travel before this ? or it won`t affect my visa?
Thanks
January 29, 2018 at 00:56
No impact to DV2018 at all.
January 29, 2018 at 01:22
hello Aly and Britt,
where can I read more about Trump cancelling the DV program on this coming 8th Feb? Is this info accurate?
January 29, 2018 at 01:36
Right now it is nothing more than a discussion. When it becomes law you can read about it – BUT it does not affect DV2018.
January 29, 2018 at 01:39
Got it. Thank you for the prompt response!
January 29, 2018 at 04:20
Please I would like to know if you do meet the requirements and let’s say your highest education is high school and currently into any casual job. please do you send anything in relation along with your high school certificate during your interview?
January 29, 2018 at 04:27
You provide the best documentation you have.
January 29, 2018 at 04:36
Meaning it won’t affect in anyway if i add documents of my current status?
January 29, 2018 at 06:33
Dear Brit,
How do I get the latest CEAC data, Xarthisius system extracted? Thank you.
January 29, 2018 at 17:50
https://dvcharts.xarthisius.xyz/ceacFY18.html
January 29, 2018 at 07:14
Dear sir BritSimon
we are 3 members-wife son and me-
We get DV visa and we went to usa after 6 month my wife and son return back in home country so after 6 month again can i call them back to usa or they need to wait some years ?. Thank you
January 29, 2018 at 17:53
They have their Green cards so they can return with no problem. The GC is permission to LIVE in the USA – it is not a visitors visa.
January 29, 2018 at 10:56
Hi Brit,
When I applied for dvlottery I was without beard on the photo. I just wonder during the interview and medical checkup if I present photo where I am with beard can it cause any problems? Should I worry about it?
Thanks in advance
January 29, 2018 at 17:55
No problem.
January 29, 2018 at 11:38
Hi Simon. Thank you for all the amazing information you have provided for us Dv selectees. I have a brief question if that’s all right. I am a Dv2018 AF selecteselectee and will hopefully get an interview in July or August. My husband however doesn’t want the green card due to the USA world wide income tax. I have of course entered him and my daughter on DS260 form as instructed but if he doesn’t want the green card, what do we do? Does he simply not go to the interview or must we inform the embassy? Or is it better for him get green then just give it up? What is best course of action if I don’t want jeopardise mine and my daughters green card? My husband seems to be under impression that there is a special non resident status one can sign as a green card holder and only enter the USA for up to 120 days per annum aggregate. .I have my doub on that though. Any thoughts or advice on this situation? Apologies for the long winded question. Have a fantastic week further
January 29, 2018 at 18:00
If your husband doesn’t want the GC he can simply not go to the interview. It won’t affect you IF you have a plan for finances. Regarding taxes, the GC is for people who want to live in the USA. Income tax paid abroad offsets against tax liability in the USA. It sounds like your husband has scared/confused himself, so it is his choice. If his foreign income is such a concern then he should speak to an accountant.
January 29, 2018 at 18:17
Thank you, I appreciate your feedback.
January 30, 2018 at 13:18
Hi again. Just a quick thought. My husband has confirmed he definitely does not want the gc. So in light of that, I assume that I don’t need bring his medical, supporting documents ect? To the interview? He will accompany us there but will not participate. What do you think I should do about my daughter? Will the interview officer want official consent from my husband? Or will his presence be enough? Thanks
January 30, 2018 at 14:21
All good. Bring written consent.
January 30, 2018 at 14:57
Thanks a mill
January 29, 2018 at 12:16
Embassy send an email to my petitioner to resubmit fresh DS-260 form. how i fill online as it is locked. I belong to F2b.
January 29, 2018 at 18:01
I only answer DV lottery questions.
January 29, 2018 at 14:14
Dear Simon,
I have got my visa and went to the US for a week then came back, now before going I have paid for my GC at UCIS, now I found a letter at my inbox in UCIS with a scheduled appointment for biometric appointment. is this part of the process? I am not residing in the US now and I am not an AOS.
January 29, 2018 at 18:02
Some people have to repeat the biometrics, yes.
January 29, 2018 at 16:56
Hello Mr.Simon
The first Thanks For All Things. I Have was completed The (DS 260) In The (12,May,2017).
Do You Think We Will Get Our 2nl Letter This Time?
My Case Number Is 2018AS10002,From Afghanistan.
Please Share Your Think.
January 29, 2018 at 18:07
You won’t get an interview until your number is current.
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/