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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 21, 2018 at 10:10
Hi Mr. Brit,
I have a friend who under AP for four months now and while he check his ds-260 he found out double forms for everyone of his family..for example his name as applicant is completed and the same name but writing beside START NOW
So there are 4 person and he found 8 forms..for every person two formes one completed and one open…is that normal or what ?
Thank you
February 21, 2018 at 11:50
Hi, I had interview, where I can se my status?
February 21, 2018 at 16:04
Sorry, I didn’t understand
February 21, 2018 at 15:01
YEs. Just leave the second set alone.
February 23, 2018 at 21:48
Hi sir. Your blog is so valuable and your brief and prompt replies are highly appreciated. We are Armenian (Chriatian) living in Iran which our CN is for March. I have read all your comments regarding the travel ban limitations and liklihood of Iranians denial due to that. So your advice to following questions would be appreciated:
1. If we are Christian, would it be considered by counseler as exception?
2. In order to have more chance (probably) after June dcision, how is it possible to postpone the interview from March to July?
3. Is it possible that they will keep the case on hold untill June decision or usually they reject?
Many thx for your time.
February 23, 2018 at 22:34
Well you need to clarify something. You say you are Armenian living in Iran.
If you are Armenian (i.e. BORN IN Armenia) you should have entered your place of birth and been charged to Armenia. That means you would have an EU case number.
An Armenian living in Iran is not affected by the travel ban. That has nothing to do with religion – everything to do with place of birth.
So – are you actually Armenian and have an EU case number?
February 24, 2018 at 04:41
No I was born in Iran and do not have passport from Armenia. My place of birth is Iran and my case number is 2018AS51**. Just I have baptism certificate showing I am Christian.
February 24, 2018 at 04:58
So you are Iranian, and therefore subject to the ban. Your religion is unimportant.
February 24, 2018 at 05:08
It is appreciated if you could answer the 2nd and 3rd questions of mine. Many regards.
February 24, 2018 at 06:29
2. Just don’t arrive for the interview. Or if you prefer, discuss with the embassy.
2. The visa is only reserved for March. It is not held. If circumstances change, and you interview later you have a chance, but since AP for Iranians is routinely 4 to 6 months you probably don’t have time to clear AP (which is likely).
February 21, 2018 at 12:01
Hi,
I had filed the ds260 in july 2017 when my wife was seven months pregnant. I had not included the new born as my dependant.My family is to follow me after i establish myself. What should i do so that dont leave our newborn back on our departure if things go well.
February 21, 2018 at 14:59
Do this immediately.
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
February 21, 2018 at 12:02
Hi Simon,
In DS260 I marked that I had previously issued a SSN and I do not remember the no., and I checked to send me a new one. now:
1- I am still waiting on my GC to arrive to my address, it has been 7 weeks now, does the new SSN arrive automatically or do I have to go apply for it?
2- I found a piece of old university document with my old SSN, can I use it? assuming I need to go to UCIS to apply for one.
Thanks
February 21, 2018 at 14:58
Go to the SSA office to make sure they have not created a new one.
February 21, 2018 at 15:19
Hi simon
I cheched my status it says ” at NVC ”
My CN is 19*** i completed ds 260 on June 7
some of my friends showed me “ready”
…what does it mean…?
February 21, 2018 at 16:05
It means your friend is scheduled for an interview and you are not, yet.
February 21, 2018 at 16:14
hi brit i thank u for ur support.
yesterday i took my visa.
on sealed envelope there one paper attached that contains my information.
at occupation:students/children under 16
1)what it mean children under 16 because i am 23 years old (my DOB 1995) and i am undergraduate student at university?
at city and country:JIMA,ETH instead of JIMMA,ETH
2)IS it may be problem?
February 21, 2018 at 16:27
No problem.
February 21, 2018 at 16:30
WHAT ABOUT QUESTION #1?
February 21, 2018 at 18:01
Hi Brit.
why April 2nl delayed; and from where the appointment will be shadwelled kcc or consular
February 21, 2018 at 19:06
It’s not delayed. KCC schedule the appointments.
February 21, 2018 at 19:05
I ANSWERED!!
Relax.
February 21, 2018 at 18:26
do we need any documents from sponsor in interview?? if yes then what are they?
February 21, 2018 at 19:07
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
February 21, 2018 at 18:35
Hi Brit . İs rahat true there is left only 6300 vida for europe ? Thank you on advance
February 21, 2018 at 18:41
Where did you read that ?!
February 21, 2018 at 19:08
No
February 21, 2018 at 19:04
I unblock my DS260 to make changes, I have a little question, in the topic “does this job require at least 2 years of training or experience”, I am a financial accountant, and I have a degree in accounting (4 years after the BAC), I answer yes and details my spots ???
February 21, 2018 at 19:10
Could you do the job without training?
February 21, 2018 at 19:14
nooooo ,
February 21, 2018 at 20:18
So then your answer is obvious.
February 21, 2018 at 20:31
thank you sir
February 21, 2018 at 22:14
Hello Sir,
my husband arrived in the USA a couple of days before our DV lottery Visa expired(the six month visa they give you).
We went to SSN office and were told to come back with his green card as the visa is about to expire.
We waited for the green card to arrive in the mail but apparently, It was sent but was never delivered to the address. USCIS said we need a replacement card reissued as the card is now considered to be lost and we paid $540.
We contacted SSN office again as the new card is going to take 6 months up to a year to arrive. This means he can not work until we get the new green card to be issued the ssn number.
Please help us as we are lost and don’t know what to do.
February 21, 2018 at 22:40
What you were told at the SSA office was incorrect. Go back to the SSA and ask to speak to a supervisor. The SSA office can and should issue the SSN without seeing the plastic GC, because the visa in your passports was endorsed upon entry and is your temporary I-551 until the GC arrives. The SSA know this procedure and publish the following guidance. Print this out and highlight the sectin that says “Machine Readable Immigrant Visa (MRIV) with Temporary I-551 notation”. That is exactly what you have.
https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0110211025
February 21, 2018 at 23:39
Thank you Sir,
I almost cried happy tears. The job you do is valuable to people like us.
Thank you a million times.
We will go tomorrow again.
February 21, 2018 at 23:24
Hi mr Simon am a dv winner 2018, so my question is i did play wit desame pic of 2017 i didnt know i wasnt supposed to use desame pic wil coz any problem for my interview coz i remember the 2017 dv was result not found when ever i check . thanks
February 21, 2018 at 23:28
I know of no case refused for that mistake this year.
February 21, 2018 at 23:28
Hello sir, I picked up my visa packet today at DHL just to get home and realize one of my professional documents is not in the pack. Please what should I do?
February 21, 2018 at 23:57
You are supposed to leave the envelope sealed. If you opened the sealed envelope you will have to take it back to the embassy for re-sealing.
You are supposed to take copies to the interview of important documents so they can keep the copies, not the originals. You could ask for the document – but they need something in the file.
February 21, 2018 at 23:44
Brit’s, my interview was on the 6th December 2017 and I was temporarily refused and issued 22g1 and the CO wrote on my paper 90days+ .please after the 90 should I write them?
February 21, 2018 at 23:58
You can if you want – but the 90 days is not a hard deadline – it could take more or less time.
February 22, 2018 at 00:13
Dear Simon, Do we still need to solve captchas now? Not sure when we should stop. Thanks!
February 22, 2018 at 00:17
Yes – the effort should be ongoing. By solving captchas we get to understand more about how many interviews are being scheduled, how many issued, refused and so on.
February 22, 2018 at 01:14
Welcome
Whether I can not be granted a visa if in the USA they live illegally my parents
February 22, 2018 at 02:51
I only answer DV lottery questions.
February 22, 2018 at 01:21
Dear Brit
after the inerview I need my passport so as to catch my job in near by gulf country..can I bring it and tell the consulsr that my sun will get it back with in 24 hour or i should hsve to stay esitting the visa
February 22, 2018 at 02:51
You can discuss that with the CO – they can usually do something.
February 22, 2018 at 05:07
Namaste Brit sir!I m desperately waiting for 2nl for April interview.
February 22, 2018 at 06:50
Hi Simon,
I want to ask about your opinion in something, as I will marry at the end of April and will add my wife immediately after it (I’ve already filled the DS260 last May but will ask to open it again). My No. is around 13 thousand from Asia (so the expected interview time is on August or September, right?), so
Do you think I will be under AP (or will face any type of difficulties) because of marriage date?
Do you think it’s better to take some pictures/proofs that show that we know each other from years and it is not just a”Marriage to get a benefit”? (if yes, is it better to initiate and show the Consul the proof even if he didn’t ask for it just to make sure he will not transfer my issue to AP?
February 22, 2018 at 16:57
Your case number is very high and may not get an interview at all, but if you do, yes it will be September.
Yes you should take proof of the relationship to the interview. If the relationship is shown to be genuine there is no risk in that.
February 22, 2018 at 07:49
Hi Simon. About the electronic ban. Steel exists?
February 22, 2018 at 16:58
What electronic ban? Do you mean travel ban? If o – then yes, it still exists.
February 22, 2018 at 09:25
hello brit i got my dv lottery interview and i had a problem when i entered the lottery i mentioned i was divorced and the divorce decree was after 10 day after my initial registration my interview was very well spent and he told me that I managed the interview but the consult my said I would have to speak with American lawyers on your case so we can return the passport without or with a visa I want to know your opinion is what that I would have chances because the consult he told me that I understand your problem and put information was all right
February 22, 2018 at 17:01
Denial is very likely.
February 22, 2018 at 09:35
with an adopted child when completing Ds260, what do one indicate in the area of place /city of birth. Can i choose the city of birth certificate issue or the city of adoption or i choose option of not known. please clarify to me
February 22, 2018 at 17:01
Whatever is says on the birth certificate.
February 22, 2018 at 09:55
Hello Sir,
My CN is current in April, but I submitted ds260 1 day after the latest VB been published. Will I need to wait few weeks or months to get my 2NL?
February 22, 2018 at 17:02
Wait and see.
February 22, 2018 at 10:48
Hi His excellence Dr Brit
I have 4 questions for you to answer me and explain to me perfectly…
1..My case number isAF 42***i actually want to know if it is safe….
2..why we hv completed our ds260…since may 2017 no update…
3..why kcc is too slow this year compare to previous year..
4…when i check the previous vb 2015/16 and 17…I found out that ….most time in june and july kcc….write CURRENT NUMBERS…with out digit…how selectees with high case number with understand that…they are amongs the current updates…especially the AF regions
February 22, 2018 at 17:04
1. Wait and see.
2. Because you are waiting for your number.
3. I have explained that in numerous previous articles. Read them.
4. If the region goes current – all remaining case numbers can be interviewed.
February 22, 2018 at 11:42
Thank you GOD after fifteen though days the embassy e -mail me to collect the visa and other documents
but still the CEAC STILL SHOWS AP WHY?
February 22, 2018 at 17:05
The embassy didn’t update it yet.
February 22, 2018 at 13:12
Shallom Simon, we gave birth after we collected our visa. We mailed the embassy how to process the visa for the child but they didn’t respond to date though they are responsible to do it within five business days. We processed both passport and birth certificate. I read your blog in this case but we lose courage. Do you hear a couple who cross the PoE without any challenge for the child and is it safe for him to get green card after we arrive in U.S?
February 22, 2018 at 17:12
Why would I write instructions about that if I wasn’t sure of the procedures. Depending on the airlines policy you might need a travel document from the embassy. Other than that, processing the newborn at the POE is standard procedure.
February 22, 2018 at 13:14
Dear Brit, my sincere appretitation to whar you do. Reading your blog helps to do right things, makes people more patience, and makes them believe in good fortune and themselves. I have gone that way, and now planning my future in the US.
My question. Can you please show link to your article or preferably official ‘rules’ that i can have short (3 nights) activation trip (also to activate process for SSN and GC itselg)? And then come after month or two so it be easier to find appartment for rent, and of course job. My friend in US told me i can have an issue crossing the border as it will be very short stay. Thanks in advance.
February 22, 2018 at 17:13
Your friend is an idiot.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/timeline-of-first-entry-and-absences-from-usa/
February 22, 2018 at 13:21
Hi Simon, Xarthisius is great, DV2018 Raw CEAC Data is very useful. Now I know week to week, how many issued case numbers there are (now we are at about 7000), and this is a big help! However these are only the case numbers, and not the printed green cards, because of the relatives. Have you maybe any calculation, how I can figure out the number of the family members? THX!
February 22, 2018 at 15:00
Incorrect. The number includes derivatives.
February 22, 2018 at 13:56
Hi, Simon
I already have after interview and got a green card. I mean just a VISA and green card will get after entering US. I read that I can’t leave US until I receive this Green Card what can take up to 4 months. Do you know if I can actually start working before I get this Green Card?
Thank you for answer
February 22, 2018 at 14:58
You can leave 5 minutes after arriving, and yes you can get a job before you receive your GC.
February 22, 2018 at 14:25
Hi Simon,
I have been trying to check my case status as my number is current but every single time I enter my case number and then the code (group of letters and numbers), I get the message: “wrong code”. I promise I write that group of letters and numbers correctly and even other people have done it for me and the answer is the same.
Is the CEAC site working for everybody else?
February 22, 2018 at 14:58
CEAC is working. Take out the leading zeros.
February 22, 2018 at 15:33
Got it. I had to press enter instead of submit. Thank you.
February 22, 2018 at 17:04
Not for me. Not sure what’s wrong. I’ve not had issues before.
I’m using “Immigrant Visa”, inputting the case without leading zero’s (2018EU182**), inputting the CAPTCHA correctly (lord knows we’ve gotten enough practice with that, right?!) and hitting enter, or submit – about 50/50 of the time each.
Nothing works. Invariably says the CAPTCHA is wrong. Oh well. Just posting for the sake of information and for others who may be experiencing the same.
What IS interesting, and may be relevant to you technology folks out there, when I access the CEAC site from my laptop using Safari, I get one type of page. When I access using Safari on my iPad, I get a completely different page set up that FIRST asks for my Case (and submission) and THEN the Applicant info and a drop-down asking whether I’m the Applicant, Attorney, or Third Party Agent. I must say, I don’t recall seeing this before although it has been months since I tried to check. That applicant info and drop down only seems to appear on my iPad and not on my laptop.
February 22, 2018 at 17:43
The second page you are referring to is a different page of CEAC. Not the status check.
I just checked again, and ceac is still working for me. Try closing all your browser sessions and trying again.
February 22, 2018 at 21:11
Worked like a charm this time. The closing of all browser sessions and complete re-start of Safari seemed to help. Thanks! 🙂
February 22, 2018 at 15:18
Hello Brit,
DV-2018. My visa expires on May 15th. I’m planing to enter to country in late April. In current political situation, would you recommend to enter earlier ? just to make sure everything goes well.
Thank you
February 22, 2018 at 17:44
No need.
February 22, 2018 at 16:44
My CN is 18000 and Im waiting for second letter what time they send it !
February 22, 2018 at 17:43
2:47pm.
February 22, 2018 at 18:39
Went will the 2nl for April be release?
February 22, 2018 at 19:06
Are you going to ask me every day??? PATIENCE!
February 23, 2018 at 09:46
They didn’t send it why !!
February 23, 2018 at 14:35
Patience.
February 26, 2018 at 08:39
I wish we had a LIKE button for some answers… LOL :))
February 26, 2018 at 15:08
And all other emoticon
February 22, 2018 at 20:56
Dear Brit,
Thank you for your time and effort to maintain this website and for the full comprehensive information you provide. I also want to give my thanks to Xarthisius who is helping us with his genius tool to scrap the CEAC and for the website which gives us better visualization of the results.
I would like to understand, if it is possible, how the cases are checked, in order to be up-to-date. It is my understanding that at NVC means NO response. What happens with the No response cases for which their case numbers are not current anymore.
Do the tool checks them again or is checking only the current numbers of the month/s?
I am trying to connect the dots and to understand what is the ground information in order to make my predictions.
Thank you,
2018EU29XXX
February 22, 2018 at 23:01
We continue checking the at NVC cases because they might be cases where the DS260 was submitted late. 2018AF1 for instance is at NVC. If he/she submitted the DS260 tomorrow – he would be scheduled for interview once the DS260 is processed.
February 22, 2018 at 22:14
hi simon I know that you have tired listening to this questions but I’m still afraid what do you think about case numbers between AF33XXX and AF35XXX ? are they safe ?, thank’s a lot
February 22, 2018 at 23:04
You must have noticed that for those numbers I always answer “wait and see”. Do you really expect any different answer now?
February 23, 2018 at 03:50
Hi brits.hope you are doing well,can l pay the USICS FEE(for greencard) in partial,l mean may be mine and husband first children later?
February 23, 2018 at 03:52
I mean the 222for processing the greencard?
February 23, 2018 at 05:04
No, I don’t think so. You can delay all the payments a bit.
February 23, 2018 at 13:27
Thank you sir.
February 23, 2018 at 04:04
Hi Mr I make mistake when the first time I filled the DV the mistake is my last name, I forgot this word ( U ).
Can I change ds260 at this time, and case number is 2018AF18XXX
February 23, 2018 at 05:06
You can ask KCC to unlock. If the interview is scheduled, they will not unlock at this time.
February 23, 2018 at 11:00
How can I ask KCC to unlock and correct my last name?
Thanks
February 23, 2018 at 14:28
Check the FAQ
February 23, 2018 at 15:23
Hi Mr what do you mean unlock ?
I can sign in my form Ds260
please help me
February 23, 2018 at 17:04
Once you submit your DS260 it says “completed” and is locked. To make changes you have to ask KCC to unlock your DS260. Now – read the FAQ.
February 23, 2018 at 05:29
Hello brits, my case no may be updated in next vb.
My questions are:-
1) I want to add my newly married wife so will it effect my case schedule(interview ) on unlocking
DS260 form before a month of case update?
2) What are its procedure could u please explain sir?
3) Will it be safe on unlocking form before a month of case update?
I’m expecting ur suggestion . #Thank u brit
February 23, 2018 at 06:18
If you got married you are obliged to inform them. Get on with it asap!
https://britsimonsays.com/marital-status-getting-married-dv-lottery-process/
February 25, 2018 at 05:59
Thank u brit for help. But im still confused that will it effect my interview time or not ?
February 25, 2018 at 06:02
That is not important.
February 23, 2018 at 07:40
Hey Brit! Im case nr 22*** EU, I’m a derivate a child of the main applicant and i turned 21 on december 1/2017 … viewing the slow progress of this year do you think my interview date can come just in time and i can also get a visa with my family cuz iv read a lot and some say it could but the chances are low. Thank you for ur time!
February 23, 2018 at 08:51
Respect people with high CN and don’t ask that kind of questions 😉
February 23, 2018 at 10:48
U are not the owner of this web and a man who doesnt respect anothers man worry about being in doubt if hes gonna get appart of his family can not tell another man what to respect so if u have smth to write about my question ok if not shut up!
February 23, 2018 at 14:39
Lionel, Please keep your comments like this to yourself. This is a CSPA question – not high case number, and in any case who are you to police my blog????
February 24, 2018 at 15:41
Lionel you are so right ?
February 24, 2018 at 15:45
No – he certainly was not.
February 24, 2018 at 15:55
Obviously he was joking..because we have high case number and stress becomes deeper when reading posts from low numbers. Of course anyone here is free to do questions as your site is very usefull. ?
February 23, 2018 at 14:49
Your child status is protected by the CSPA until June. If you become current for June you will be included on the family case. That means you have 2 more VBs for you (May and June interviews). You have some chance – but I cannot be certain.
If you do get current, it is essential your family prepares well to make sure you avoid delays. The embassy may not understand the CSPA so make sure you print the information linked from my CSPA page – especially the 2003 memo.
https://britsimonsays.com/child-turn-21-can-heshe-get-visa/
February 23, 2018 at 08:12
a Question relevant to this title.
As a family our case is 142XX. so we are current now for April. But the problem is I submitted ds260 in june2017 but requested an open for a data change and resubmitted ds260 in 1 month ago (20 March 2018)
would be too late ? or will late resubmit may not cause a problem and consular appointment mail may come nowadays. so Im checking an consular appointment notification email everyday a thousand times.
what do you think about late resubmitting ds260 issue?
Thanks for all informations Mr Simon.
February 23, 2018 at 14:41
No delay
February 23, 2018 at 08:51
Dear Sir,
My husband and I were approved during our DV visa interview (I will post in the ‘Interview experience stories’ section soon).
As we don’t know yet when we move to the US, should we fill a W2 form before April 15th, just like any resident, even if we move after that date?
February 23, 2018 at 14:40
No.
February 23, 2018 at 18:11
Dear sir,
It been almost a month in ceac they mentioned as ready. Bt still I did not receive any interview mail? Y is that ?
February 23, 2018 at 18:55
Dear sir,
In ceac from past month it’s been shown my case status is ready. But still I haven’t received any interview mail. Will it take more days? My medical will expire in 3 weeks.
February 23, 2018 at 18:59
Have you checked the ESC page to see if you have missed the notification???/
And why on earth will you medical expire so soon. The visa expiration will be based on your medical date (plus 6 months). For that reason your medical should only be performed a few weeks before the interview. If you have performed the medical too soon, you should probably repeat it at the right time.
February 23, 2018 at 19:04
What is ESC PAGE N HOW TO CHECK IT?M SORRY FOR INCONVENIENCE CAUSED
February 23, 2018 at 19:18
The same page you checked to see you were selected.
dvlottery.state.gov/esc
February 23, 2018 at 10:12
Hello Sir,
Do I need to take the evidence of work experience of current work (which I am still involved), if I am also eligible through my education?
February 23, 2018 at 14:34
Not normally needed.
February 23, 2018 at 10:31
Dear sir, why sec letter is not updated yet? while i am check my case status in ceac that says” Ready” what does that mean, how ever stll sec letter is not updated sir.?
please can you clearlify me plz sir
February 23, 2018 at 14:34
2NLs have not been sent but some cases have been sent to the embassies already.
February 23, 2018 at 12:06
I can’t thank u enough brit ur doing so much work here,am from Ethiopia with CN af235xx hopping to receive 2nl on may what I want to ask is that I want to get pregnant before the medical will it cause any problem,am try to ask such question here but I really need to know.tnx
February 23, 2018 at 14:28
No problem.
February 23, 2018 at 14:35
Hi! Me case is current now, but ds260 was sent in May 2017 and I have at NVC status. Is it ok, or should I ask KCC if there are any problems?
February 23, 2018 at 14:51
Just be patient.
February 23, 2018 at 17:10
sir can you predict the probable days to out the sec letter? because 23rd friday in us,next two days saturday and sunday is holiday in us,that means we have to wait still 3/4 days or what?
February 23, 2018 at 17:26
Patience. Really.
February 23, 2018 at 17:40
Hello
I have finally arrived in the USA …I give the envelope to the Immigrantion officer when requested upon to do so but I did not remembered the number on it …..I they still going to show me it….
On the 26 of February 2018 I will visit the social security office I hoping their will be no problem I have my visa and passport
February 23, 2018 at 17:57
Welcome to the USA! I don’t see a question.
February 23, 2018 at 18:26
Brit
Hello
I didn’t remembered the number that was place on the seal envelope it is a problem if I go get my social security number?
I only have my passport and visa it enough to answer any question?
February 23, 2018 at 19:01
You don’t need that number for the SSN.
February 23, 2018 at 18:57
Dear sir,
In ceac from past month it’s been shown my case status is ready. But still I haven’t received any interview mail. Will it take more days? My medical will expire in 3 weeks
February 23, 2018 at 19:13
another 2 days of waiting what a weekend.
February 23, 2018 at 22:16
Hi britsimon how are you before eight months i was in ethiopia now in USA thank you for your help!! Britsimon i have one question before eight month i came USA when i came i was single but now i would like to Marge from ethiopia so what is the procedure?
February 23, 2018 at 22:35
You can marry at any time. Once you marry you can start a family based sponsorship which takes around 2 years. I don’t offer guidance on that process.