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.
February 11, 2018 at 18:40
I’m in the process of unblocking the DS, I have a question, my wife was already sick with TB, but now she’s healthy, in the question ‘Do you have a communicable disease of public health? TB) ‘I answered no, just ??
February 11, 2018 at 20:15
The medical will test for TB
February 11, 2018 at 20:53
you mean that I change my answer by “yes” despite it is now in good health ????
February 12, 2018 at 03:37
The question is does she “have” the disease now – so answer that honestly.
February 11, 2018 at 18:41
Hello Sir, I hope you’re doing well.
I have interview tomorrow, I my sponsor filled affidavit of support 2 days ago and he emailed me it.
Is it normal or I should ask him to send original?
February 11, 2018 at 20:15
That’s OK.
February 11, 2018 at 19:12
Hi Simon, 1. I am confused with one question in the DS 260, “Are you entering the US for performing skilled or unskilled labor but have not…”. Obviously, an adult immigrant would do a job; but, I do not have a job offer right now. Is it standard text that I don’t have to worry about? Kindly let me know what answer is suitable for this question.
2.Further, would you mind adding your answer to FAQ for the benefit of others too?
Thank you very much for your courtesy.
February 11, 2018 at 20:21
1. It doesn’t matter what you answer for that question.
2. That is already detailed in my instructions on completing the DS260.
February 11, 2018 at 19:33
please sir my question is:
the passports for my children will be expire in (31/8/2018)and I’m winner &my case number is 2018AS10xxx….
what I’m doing???????
February 11, 2018 at 20:21
You should replace your passports.
February 11, 2018 at 21:09
Simon
please one of my friend play lottery for me, but the date of birth and place of birth he used for me was not the correct one, so i am not going to process it at all. but my question now is that if i want to apply to USA latter will they detect my application that i have played lottery before? NOTE: the date of birth and place of birth is different to what is on my passport. thanks
February 12, 2018 at 04:20
Yes they will know you have played before. If that is really the only problem with the application, you could correct it in the DS260 and most applications with that date of birth problem will get approved *IF* the DOB is the ONLY problem. If the place of birth is VERY different (different country) then that might make the case too risky.
February 11, 2018 at 23:18
HI dear hope u r fine and your family,I would like to ask u about the police record from the previous country is it necessary only for the principal applicant or for all the family ,thanks for your reply
February 12, 2018 at 04:20
All the adults.
February 11, 2018 at 23:56
Hi Simon:
Hope you’re well !
I am a British citizen (derivative of german wife) – activated my DV LPR in June 2017 and moved for an IT job in CA in Oct 2017. I am aware that I need to file FBAR and also tax return before April 15 (April 17 this year). However, I am looking for an accountant who can handle my UK tax return as well (for the year 2017-18) – to avoid double taxation etc.
In the past you referred me to http://www.americanuktaxsolutions.com/ – going by their name (american + uk) and their base (UK) – I wonder if their area of focus includes my situation – a britisher in US – which is slightly different from an american in UK. Probably, I am nit-picking here – but just wanted to be sure as this is my first time. Do you think it makes a difference? Will you be able to suggest an accountant in US who can file UK tax returns ?
Thanks,
Taps
February 12, 2018 at 04:24
The link I gave you before is good if you have ongoing income from the UK. I used a US accountant for the first year, and the foreign (UK) aspects didn’t add too much confusion – but you need to decide based on your situation.
February 12, 2018 at 04:36
Hi Brit,
When we expect next visa bulletin?
Thanks
February 12, 2018 at 05:07
BY the 15th.
February 12, 2018 at 06:15
Dear Simon.
How are U?
I have been in India back in 2009 for doing my PhD. However I was not happy by the conditions out there in India and returned back to my country after only three months of stay in India.
I have seen in one of the posts ,hopefully from a Ghanaian man that the Co requested a police certificate for two month stays out of his country.
Should i contact my advisor in India for a police clearance given that my stays were only for three months?
Best Regards,
Solomon
February 12, 2018 at 14:24
No
February 12, 2018 at 07:55
Hi Simon,
I’ve two questions as I’m a DV2018 winner from Asia with case number 12k:
1- I’ve renewed my passport after I submit the DS260, and I didn’t ask to open my application, would this make any kind of problems?
2- I’m planning to marry in May/June where there is a chance that my interview would be scheduled or near to be scheduled, so:
A- In case I got married the same month VB released (ex: I got married in May & VB shows my number in July), will be enough time to update DS260 before it is released and sent to the embassy?
B- In case my application was released from KCC that time and already sent to the embassy, what is best thing to do to include my wife with me?
February 12, 2018 at 14:27
1. No.
2. Get married in May. That will give enough time to unlock and add the spouse. Your number is high, so you won;t be scheduled before that.
February 12, 2018 at 08:14
Good morning Mr.simon please I want to find out if Dv 2019 will be cancelled if the propose White House immigration law is pass.
February 12, 2018 at 14:28
Various proposals are being discussed, and the cancellation of DV2019 is likely.
February 12, 2018 at 19:50
Hallo Simon, why are you saying dv 2019 is likely to be cancelled. Thanks
February 12, 2018 at 19:57
Because political discussions are happening, and part of what is being suggested is ending the lottery.
February 12, 2018 at 20:30
I feel disappointed and the way I he’d higher Hope’s of winning dv 2019
February 12, 2018 at 09:38
Hello sir
I had my interview for the visa lottery on 13th November, 2017. i was given a form 221g, the officer ticked “awaiting results of administrative processing” and said he’ll call.
I still haven’t heard from them. do you think i should contact them?
February 12, 2018 at 14:28
If you want, yes.
February 12, 2018 at 10:17
hello dear
am so confused and and i don’t sleep much , i got a question and i need an answer , seriously do we need a sponsor , i thought we need to provide only the adress of friend living in USA, 🙁 , i need a clear cut anwser,
my best regards to you
February 12, 2018 at 14:29
Clear answers are easier with clear questions. WHAT EMBASSY????
February 12, 2018 at 14:59
Moroccan embassy, do we need a sponsor who’s financially stable, or just a adress of a normal person who’s living over there , thank you so much
February 12, 2018 at 17:11
I would suggest an I-134.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
February 12, 2018 at 12:52
mr simon
when i open the website of immigration Ds-260 to review my information and confirm that were written right
Q1: is it mean that i unlock my Ds once opened this website to review my information again ??
Q2: Is it risk for me when i open this website more monthly ??
February 12, 2018 at 14:30
1. No
2. No
February 12, 2018 at 13:25
Hello sir! Today I had interview,
The OC asked me some questions then said me we will wait for your medical results and gave me the red paper which wrote there that (your application for a visa to the united states has been refused under section 221 (g) of usa. imigration and nationslity act. to overcome this refusal and to continue processing case, we require the following documents)-send us your original miletttry recorded. He returned me all documents except for the passport then asked me your Pasport will be here. I asked him, I have flight after in March then he did something in computer and backed me passport then said to me when you back to country send passport to Embassy.
Please just say me is it normal that he gave that paper – (your application for a visa to the united states has been refused under section 221 (g) of usa. imigration and nationslity act. to overcome this refusal and to continue processing case, we require the following documents) are there were anyone like my history
Thanks bro
February 12, 2018 at 14:33
221(g) means AP. That is common. AP times vary – you just have to wait and see the outcome.
February 12, 2018 at 13:42
Hello,
My DV case number is 2018AF57##, the interview went very well, but few days we received supplemental questions form for my husband only, and ceac says AP for my husband since 40 days now! My status and my child’s still shows Ready.
I sent an email to inquire about my case and they said “Please note that your case is currently undergoing mandatory administrative processing. The time needed to review an individual’s case is difficult to predict. Once this process is complete, we will notify you of the next step in your case.”
My question is:
1) Does this mean that all 3 of us are under AP, or is it just my husband?
2) Will the outcome of my husband’s AP affect both my child and I?
3) What does the consular mean by ” Once this process is complete, we will notify you of the next step in your case”? What do they mean by next step in my case?
Thanks
February 12, 2018 at 14:35
1. If he is the winner, then you must all wait for his AP. If you are the winner it is possible to get your visas earlier.
2. See 1.
3. Approval or denial.
February 12, 2018 at 14:34
Hello Simon,
Long time no see. I hope I did not miss you too much!
I read somewhere that for the itw, I have to “certified translate” every documents that are not in english or in french. But, everything will be in french… So, I have nothing to translate, right ?!
February 12, 2018 at 14:43
Please Mr Brit,for how long can administrative process take for a visa to be issued
February 12, 2018 at 14:51
Varies from weeks to several months.
February 12, 2018 at 15:48
Hi. Brits. Looking at the latest CEAC data for issued cases and knowing that we are almost half way down the road(e.g only ~5k visas for AF out of 21k) ;do you still honestly think that no region will be current for DV2018.
February 12, 2018 at 17:07
The first three months are always slow – issuance pace builds as AP cases clear. So – more “wait and see”.
February 12, 2018 at 16:25
Hi BritSimon, what is the procedure if someone changes his adress after the visa was issued. My brother case is he rent house in another city not the same mentionned in the interview and DS 260?
February 12, 2018 at 17:05
The address can be changed during the first entry at POE. After that, you use the change of address form on USCIS website.
February 12, 2018 at 17:22
Hi Sir,
i`m a green card holder now and live in us month ago, i want to bring my old parents to live with me, Thanks!
February 12, 2018 at 17:29
You’re welcome!
February 12, 2018 at 17:35
Whats the steps, Please and how long it will take as they are alone, Thanks!
February 12, 2018 at 17:37
I don’t know anything about that process.
February 12, 2018 at 17:48
trump does not like us 🙁 eu 15900. american dream is over.
February 12, 2018 at 18:03
Relax!
February 12, 2018 at 17:54
Hi there. Did you see visa bulletin for April? It’s less than was expected.
February 12, 2018 at 18:03
Yep
February 12, 2018 at 17:56
Visa Bulletin for March is out!!
February 12, 2018 at 18:04
Dear Simon,
I just noticed that the doctor made a mistake on my birth date on my medical exam results. Except that, my results are perfect and the passeport number is correct. Do you think that this mistake could be an issue during the interview?
Thanks in advance.
February 12, 2018 at 18:09
No
February 12, 2018 at 19:38
Hello Brit.
According to your estimates
1. Can the interview appointments and the visa issuance pace grow faster after April 2018?
2. Approximately which EU Case Numbers will have become current for August 2018 interviews?
February 12, 2018 at 19:53
1. Yes
2. Wait and see
February 12, 2018 at 19:54
Good day brit? I think I have to do away with my 2019 confirmation since trump doesnt need dreamers like me. It was my dream but I lost interest, no time to waste to keep confirmation, need to get a new dream. Anyway I will be happy if mr. Trump says no to recism
February 12, 2018 at 19:59
Dear Mr. Brit
My interview on 5 Mar 2018, all my documents are ready except unversity certificate which not issued yet and maybe will take more time. I have put the high level of studying is unversity dgree in ds260 form.
What you advise me?
Best regards
Sallem
February 12, 2018 at 20:05
Relax and attend the interview with High School documents.
February 12, 2018 at 20:06
Hi Brit , what do you think could be one of the reasons for this very slow number process for EU?
February 12, 2018 at 20:15
Lots of cases in a small number of embassies.
February 12, 2018 at 20:29
HELLO GENTLEMEN!
in fact, I have a concern that I wanted to submit to you:
I have not yet received my second interview letter, but when I go to check my status on CEAC, automatically I am brought back to NVC that I understand at all.
please help me understand this step.
my number 25xxx box.
thank you for your good understanding!
February 12, 2018 at 22:15
Your number is not current yet – so seeing the NVC message is normal and just means you have to wait.
February 12, 2018 at 21:48
Hi BritSimon- I’ve been following VB progress closely and I predict that (at earliest) my interview will be in June. I live in the U.K. but I am South African. Last May- soon after winning I booked a trip to SA to get a police certificate – it was issued in June. Since then I have been back to SA for Christmas. Is it going to be an issue that my SA police clearance will be older than 12 months in June (I have lived in the U.K. for 13 years and on average only been to SA on holidays lasting no more than 2 weeks each year). Getting UK clearance won’t be an issue given I live in the UK.
February 12, 2018 at 22:13
They will sometimes accept an old cert like that – but why take the risk? Get a new one – https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/SouthAfrica.html
February 12, 2018 at 22:43
Thanks. You are right- I shouldn’t take such a risk. Need to book a Joburg return flight soon.
February 12, 2018 at 22:47
Or, follow the link I gave to apply by mail/representative.
February 13, 2018 at 11:39
Resend the link you shatmred with him pls cs I need a clearance from South Africa too..thanks..#followingclosely
February 13, 2018 at 11:37
Brits…on the same, pls advice,1. the police clearance cert/record is only for the purpose of interview right? 2. Does it affect the validity of the visa upon issuance after the interview? By this I mean to get clarity cs I know the medical is the one that shouldnt atleast expire before first activation trip to US -correct me if am wrong..how about the police police clearance? I have a high case number n wanted to apply for one now from a country I resided in recently for over a year. This is coz I have someone to follow it up for me now rather than later..if it is valid for over a year n we still have say 8months before 2018 process is over, it wud be ok only if it is for the purpose of interview not visa validity..pls advice or share a link on same. Thanks
February 13, 2018 at 17:13
1. Yes
2. Police cert does not affect the visa expiry.
February 12, 2018 at 22:51
Tony, no need fly back to SA .We had fingerprints done at SA embassy in Dublin sent that and completed forms back SA. Family member took it straight to Pretoria Police Headquarters. If not, try Doc Assist or Postnet at Pretoria CBD. They can apply on your behalf. Pricey ..but still cheaper than a plane ticket!
February 12, 2018 at 22:12
Hello Brit how are you, please I want to know if there is any problem because I already sent my D260 and put a different email to the one you put in the first entry
February 12, 2018 at 22:18
No problem.
February 12, 2018 at 22:35
Hello Brit, hope you are doing fine! If the process is slow, as you said, because of lots of cases in small number of embassies, how can it be quicker in the next months to come? Is the reason lower case numbers? It is very sad, that Europe reached only 15xxx,,, 🙁
February 12, 2018 at 22:40
Density drops, so there will soon be less cases for each 1000 case numbers made current.
February 12, 2018 at 23:00
One more question: I am willing to solve chaptas and I submitted today during one session more then 500 chaptas (but I did more sessions then one), but the rest chaptas to solve was not – 500 and more I did only today? Am I doing something wrong? Thanks!
February 12, 2018 at 23:05
Thanks for your effort. I don’t know if you are doing something wrong – perhaps Xarthisius will see this and respond.
February 12, 2018 at 23:01
Hello
What you can say about (Case Numbers are empty) , Why are they putting empty Case Numbers ?
Best regard
February 12, 2018 at 23:07
https://britsimonsays.com/the-lottery-draw-process-holes-theory-and-so-on/
February 12, 2018 at 23:10
Hey simon, i won in the visa lottery 2018 and my case number for sure will be in the next visa bulletin and i already submitted my ds260, and also my wife won in the lottery and her number just came in the visa bulletin but we didn’t submit her ds260 because we agreed to continue in one side not both sides, my question is can i submit her ds260 now and get an interview on april or it will take a long time or should i wait my number by next month because it doesn’t differ much ? Thanks in advance
February 12, 2018 at 23:17
If you submit now, you won’t get an April interview in any case.
February 13, 2018 at 00:39
Hi, I’ve been reading about this but I’m confused. My wife was selected and we got married after she was selected. We unlocked the DS-260 and added me. Since she is already in the USA she was required to AOS, so she mailed I-485. We’re pretty much lost from here as what to do with me… do I have to submit a DS-260 as well? How do I get an interview? His might seem obvious but we haven’t found info as ti how to do it, we’d appreciate your help.
February 13, 2018 at 02:30
You will need to follow an I-824 Follow to Join process. Look it up – learn about it.
February 13, 2018 at 01:22
Hi brit, by grace i’ve been through my dv lottery interview successfully in Ghana. I am one big beneficiary of your guidance on the dv lottery and i do really appreciate your work. I only have a little problem which i would like to seek your view.
I have been asked to create an account at ustraveldocs.com/gh to facilitate the collection of my visa.
a)In the processs of creating the account, i have been asked to enter my names. The form requests that all names are entered in the order by which they appear on ones passport or the ds260 form. My names are three (3), yet the spaces provided make way for entering only the first and the last name. In this case what should i do?
b)I would also like to know what priority date is. I’m required to enter this information on my profile.
February 13, 2018 at 02:34
a. Use your best judgement.
b. Use the current month.
February 13, 2018 at 01:52
Dear Brit,
What does it mean exactly if the kcc replies to the email like this:
Your forms have been received and pending further embassy review for the continuation of your visa processing.
February 13, 2018 at 02:36
Read the FAQ
February 13, 2018 at 06:17
how many days/weeks after you receive notification for your interview till your actual interview date
February 13, 2018 at 15:06
Typically about 6 weeks.
February 13, 2018 at 06:34
Hi Mr. Brit.Good afternoon.i m from Nepal and my case no is4113. the latest VB shows that 4550 case no for us.m y ques is for how long I have to wait for interview?when shall I get the 2nd letter?thank u in advance sir!!
February 13, 2018 at 15:07
Read.
https://britsimonsays.com/1860-2/
February 13, 2018 at 07:03
Hi Brit, our embassy just sent us a list of required docs and one of them reads as follows:
LETTERS OF EMPLOYMENT: Employment based visa applicants and Diversity visa applicants are required to furnish letters of employment from all employers that they are working for / have worked for within the last 10 years. The letters should state the title / position of the applicant, the date that the applicant commenced employment with the organization, and where relevant the date that the applicant ends his/her employment.
Throughout all of our lurking on your site & other forums, we have not seen such a requirement before. Is this normal? Any way they could’ve made a mistake as it might take us quite a while to collect & certified translate all of these x2… in case any (or all) are missing, would that lead straight to AP? On what basis (given your previous advise abt eligibility & qualifications)? We actually qualify thru education, so were very surprised to see such an unconditional requirement above…
February 13, 2018 at 15:08
No that is not normal, but each embassy is free to adopt the procedures they want. You can choose to not comply and see what happens. What embassy is that?
February 13, 2018 at 09:46
hello.
Let’s focus on EU cases
Your first prediction is 37xxx is a safe range … ok, first prediction, you have not got all data yet, so a correction was expected
then you said 33xxx is safe and you wrote
“Currently the EU response rate is 54%, so to get 1156 interviews KCC would have to make around 2000 cases current. That will take us to between 17000 to 17500 next month (April interviews), and about 21500 to 22000 the month after (May interviews).”
….apri vb…15950….
What are you going to say now? 25xxx is safe?
stop giving hope to people with high case numbers!!!! (my is above 33k)
you are doing great work and I am respecting this, BUT TRUTH IS THAT YOU CAN NOT PREDICT FINAL SOLUCTION IN THIS YEAR !
this is my opinion and I think that I am not the only one
thanks
February 13, 2018 at 15:17
No one can predict the final numbers with any certainty. I assume every selectee is an adult and knows that – it should not be “news”.
February 13, 2018 at 10:26
Dear BritSimon,
First, thank you sooo much for taking of your time for sharing useful information for all of us around the world!?
I was wondering…correct me if I’m wrong, but, if there is a ban going for countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria…shouldn’t be one more shuffle for dv 2018? For number to be fulfilled for the program?
Thanks?
February 13, 2018 at 15:18
What do you mean by “shuffle”?
February 13, 2018 at 18:11
Another selection for dv 2018, one more rolling as it was in May?
February 13, 2018 at 18:26
No.
February 13, 2018 at 12:42
Hi Brit! I am from Ukraine, my CN is 14***. Should I worry about limit for Ukraine in the next two month? What is a statistical number where there are no more visas for Ukraine? Thank you in advance.
February 13, 2018 at 17:21
Does worrying help?
No single country can take more than 7% of the global visa allocation. Ukraine does not normally get even near that number.
February 13, 2018 at 18:57
So chances that I will not have my interview in april because of limit is low?
February 13, 2018 at 19:29
I didn’t say ANYTHING like that!!!
February 13, 2018 at 20:10
Sorry, I may have misunderstood the answer. So do you think it will be good to call to my embassy and ask them about that? Or just accept that there are probably no visas left?
February 13, 2018 at 20:29
Oh my. Let me try again.
UKRAINE IS NOT GOING TO HIT THE 7% LIMIT.
YOU ARE WORRYING FOR NOTHING.
STOP WORRYING.
February 13, 2018 at 13:28
Good day Sir, i am from Cameroon just won the 2017\2018 lottery my case number is 20AF00035041. I have received any notification as regard my interview date i am afraid.
February 13, 2018 at 17:23
You have to wait because your turn has not come yet.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
February 13, 2018 at 15:14
Hi Brit, I had completed my Ds-260.
I and my 3/4 Applicant’s IV was successfully completed But only one of my applicant’s IV is still showing incomplete.
Q1) what do you think it is a cause
Q2) what should I do to make it completed
Q3) do you think this can cause me a problem of failing to get my interview and Visa?
February 13, 2018 at 17:28
1. It sounds like you did not submit that DS260
2. Submit it and PAY ATTENTION to error messages.
3. No – but that derivative would not get a visa.
February 13, 2018 at 16:00
Hi Brit,
Thank you for helping us with Dv questions. My question is what happens when you are a single mother got a child when you were young never been married and won Dv lottery and you included your child but you have no details of the father and he has never been part of the child’s life. Can that disqualify someone?
February 13, 2018 at 17:30
No, not normally.
February 13, 2018 at 17:49
Apart from birth certificate that does not bare the fathers name what else will I need to present at the embassy for the baby?
February 13, 2018 at 17:52
Nothing. Since the father is not on the birth cert, it is clear you have sole custody.
February 13, 2018 at 18:12
Thank you Brit. God bless you
March 29, 2018 at 12:22
Hi Brit,
Just to clarify if I am a single mother but not married to my baby dady(whose name appears on my child’s birth certificate), would that cause any problems in adding my child to my case. And if so what paperwork would I need to solve that. Thank you.
March 29, 2018 at 16:21
Depending on local procedures, you may need to show the CO that you have 100% custody of the child. Other than that – no problem.
February 13, 2018 at 16:02
First of all. Great Site. My Name is Jorge M i am from Venezuela and this is my case. When i applied for the Visa i was married, while waiting for the results had problems with my wife and then received the news that i was among the selected. Later we divorced, now i have a girlfriend and we have a kid together. I havent send the DS260 form yet because i have not married my new girlfriend, also in the application i included my exwife so she is in the format to fill the ds260? i know its a comlicated case. just thought maybe you can help my dvcase is sa20xx.
Best Regards
February 13, 2018 at 17:36
It’s not complicated, but you can make it seem more complicated than it is.
You are divorced, so you would not complete the DS260 for your ex-wife. If you want to include the new girlfriend you must marry her and then submit a DS260 for her as well as your own. If that is your plan, hurry up and get married.
Whether you marry of not, you should include the child on your DS260, and if the child is to get a GC, you need to complete a DS260 for the child also.
Your number is quite high, so there is some risk that you don’t get a chance anyway. For that – wait and see.
February 13, 2018 at 16:07
Hi, I have several properties back home which are my lifetime savings. And coming to US on a DV visa. Obviously I can’t sell everything in the time left. 1-do I pay any tax for the money we receive from abroad and does it depend on who send it? 2-if there is a tax is the any limit that is not taxable. Can you please elaborate on taxes for DV immigrants or advise any online resource other than IRS. Thank you
February 13, 2018 at 17:38
I am not a tax consultant, so I cannot give you detailed advice.