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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.
May 13, 2018 at 19:11
Hi Brit..Hope all is well with you. I have a little question..My case Number is SA147x. I just check my passport and realize it is going to be expired in December ..my spouse as well, so i will need to renew it. Do i need to unlock my DS-260 to update the new Passport number for both of us?
May 14, 2018 at 03:28
Yes, or take old and new passports to the interview.
May 13, 2018 at 19:12
Hello! Does US law allow the wife of a devist who has already had the agreement for family reunification to work as the principal?
May 14, 2018 at 03:28
Please make your question more clear.
May 13, 2018 at 20:45
in our ds 260 …we forgot to fill some fields (my parents )about the address of my mother…please Birt. .what I’m doing???reopening the ds 260???my case number is 2018AS10xxx. …????
May 14, 2018 at 03:27
What you mention are not big items. If you are current – just correct at interview. If not current, unlock and correct now.
May 14, 2018 at 07:40
I think (almost sure) that is a problem/update is new and it’s from the DS260 form.
When I filled the form a year ago for the first time, I remember there was one option “Is your mother live at the same address as your father?” and you can simply tick beside it without showing any blanks to fill. However, when I checked the form couple of weeks ago (and unlocked it for totally different reason), I found the same issue as yours, that the mother address is empty without the previously mentioned question! I think it won’t be acceptable (you won’t be able to submit the form) at the first place if you left those blanks empty at first time.
May 13, 2018 at 22:53
Hello
My cane number is 27xxx and i didn’t receive the appointment for interview i am not the only one who didn’t receive please reply to me thank you
May 14, 2018 at 03:24
Which embassy is this? Several others in Cameroon, Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire report the same thing and have been told they will get July interviews.
May 14, 2018 at 04:02
Hello. i have the same problem like others, i enter all information to check my status and it says that it is not valid, it is possible that it is some IT problems and i just have to wait a little more?
May 14, 2018 at 04:09
Wait until after the 15th.
May 14, 2018 at 04:26
Hi, I lived in a country other than mine for 4 years … Now if won the dv lottery do I need to get a police certificate from that country that I used to live in ????
Please advice
May 14, 2018 at 04:30
Yes.
That would be clear if you had read the instructions.
May 14, 2018 at 05:05
Dear Brit, I was analysing the overloaded year 2015 and noticed that for july they called only 1535 CN’s (less then in 2018) but then in august 4050 and in september 3300. Some increase could maybe happen also for 2018 but only if they realocate quotas to EU?
May 14, 2018 at 14:09
Correct.
May 14, 2018 at 06:17
Mr Simon.Even though I have not been to America but am strongly of the conviction that the US is an area of opportunities were serious people go to seek geeener pastures to better their lives! If during my interview the counselor were to ask why did you apply for the DV program and its resultant DV Visa, sir, what will define the appropriate answer to the question? Thanks for being helpful, I will wait and see as my case is 2018AF4353X.
May 14, 2018 at 14:07
You don’t need to prepare answers. Just answer truthfully with *your* answers.
May 14, 2018 at 07:28
Dear Simon I have received my visa with may family my question is Can I go first then take my family behind me and what will be expected to me to do this?
May 14, 2018 at 14:06
Only if YOU are the principal.
May 14, 2018 at 10:21
Hello Brit,My sponsor can fill the i134 form with his hand, or he need to do it using computer?
May 14, 2018 at 13:30
Either way.
May 14, 2018 at 10:44
Hello Simon,
I have a question for Xarthisius.
Hello Xarthisius, when can we expect that you update the report on the issued, ready, refused and AP visas? CHAPTCHA-s are zero at the moment i’m writing this question.
Thanks
May 14, 2018 at 13:29
The latest data is one week old. No one needs updates every day!
May 14, 2018 at 11:56
Hi Brit My VBs is in July. My question is I choosed Kampala,Uganda a place for my interview so is it ok to interview here? And I have a police certificate of my own country and right now am in Kampala for seven months so do I need to bring a police certificate of Kampala?
May 14, 2018 at 13:25
Yes you need a police cert. Yes you can interview there.
May 14, 2018 at 12:13
Hi sir pls can you send me the link about the money we will pay before and after the interview. I want to be prepared before my interview please.
2. How do i provide my host as my sponsor u told me that i can use my host as my sponsor. Is he going to fill the affidavit form or not
Your regards sir
May 14, 2018 at 13:24
Learn to use the FAQ.
1. https://britsimonsays.com/dv-lottery-fees/
2. https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
May 14, 2018 at 12:51
Dear brit, I am a dv2019 applicant through an agent though. But I have a printed-out copy of my confirmation page with all I need to ESC, will that get me to the ds260 and have my CN?
Do I need him again?
May 14, 2018 at 13:22
THe confirmation code is all you need (plus name and DOB)
May 14, 2018 at 13:11
When entering the lottery in 2018, I was unmarried and have never previously been married, so during entry I put Unmarried.
Between then and now, me (European) and my girlfriend (US citizen) performed a “committment ceremony”, or “common law marriage”, which is not legally recognized in her state, and this union has also not been recognized in the US or my home country.
Under these circumstances, should I still put Unmarried on the DS260, if I happen to win the lottery?
Will it complicate matters if at a later stage (assuming I reach that far) the interviewing person references this union?
May 14, 2018 at 13:18
“not legally recognized”.
You’re just dating.
May 14, 2018 at 14:02
Greetings to you and your family.
Mr simon please my question is.
My wife won the dv lottery but the time she played it she put single and after that we got married before the results was announced even that time she was two month pregnant and so we submitted our DS260 as married and after she give birth we add the child information too. So did that can course disqualification during interview.
Please reply to me thank you…
May 14, 2018 at 14:11
No problem.
May 14, 2018 at 14:31
Hello Brit,my case no is current this month, are you sure my interview ill held on July?or have chance before july ?
May 14, 2018 at 16:22
Not before July.
May 14, 2018 at 15:23
hello dear Simon
i wish you doing fine, well i got a question , regarding the first entry to USA, the question is
that i am planing to go to the usa and stay for 15days and i know that i will get the CG after one month so can i goback to my country to fix things and then go back without the GC to live there
best regards
May 14, 2018 at 16:19
Please use the FAQ.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/timeline-of-first-entry-and-absences-from-usa/
May 14, 2018 at 15:57
HI BRIT
i m dv lottery winner and my number is current, is the police clearance valid from expiry date plus 6 months also? please what is the general rule about the police clearance expiry?
Thanks in advance for your help
May 14, 2018 at 16:17
Generally police certs should be recent – so apply once you get the 2Nl.
May 14, 2018 at 17:38
Is the drawing for the 2019 made at the same day as the ESC starting time may 15th?
May 14, 2018 at 17:47
No. The drawing has been completed and many cases have been disqualified already. So – those left will get the “selected” message starting tomorrow.
May 14, 2018 at 18:10
dear Brit,
is this something new?
do you know about this?
https://www.uscis.gov/news/news-releases/uscis-begin-using-more-secure-mail-delivery-service
May 14, 2018 at 18:16
Yes I am planning to write something up about it when I get the chance.
May 14, 2018 at 19:20
Hello Brit,
Thank you very much for your great work.
I have made changes in our DS260 and wrote to KCC about that. After I received their answer:
“As long as you have submitted the correct forms for you and your family, they will be processed….”
Does it means that my case will be processed and opened or no?
Because whole family we already have SSN, A-numbers and we paid taxes (2015,2016,2017). Are those info important for KCC or no?
Thank you!
May 14, 2018 at 19:21
My CN is EU293xxx
May 14, 2018 at 19:26
It’s fine, no need to overthink this.
Take the tax info to the interview, just in case they ask.
May 14, 2018 at 21:53
Hello Brit
1- My wife won the 2018 lottery but she has no bank account to have an evidence of financial, can I provide my financial from may account(ie. In my name not her name) as her husband and will accompany with he or she must show the evidence in her name?
2- She has a certified copy of the secondary school certificate and the original is lost due to Syria circumstances, any risk?
Thank you
May 14, 2018 at 22:17
1. Assets from either can be shown.
2. I don’t think so.
May 14, 2018 at 22:20
Hi Simon,
Quick one – does the stamp placed in the passport when entering the US (after successful interview and visa issuing) satisfy the I-9 for employers while waiting for the physical green card?
May 15, 2018 at 02:30
Yes. Some of them won’t know that – but it is specifically listed as proof for employers.
May 14, 2018 at 22:24
Hi, appreciate your time. My case number is 38xxx for Africa. I am currently in Canada and family have to leave out of the country for a year. I am the principle applicant…can I still go for the interview without.my family. And sponsor them later.
May 15, 2018 at 02:33
Yes, as long as you understand that sponsoring them later will be MUCH slower (about 2 years) and MUCH more expensive.
May 15, 2018 at 02:39
Thank you!
May 15, 2018 at 00:12
Hello Brit,my Sponsor asking to me,he ill fill it on his home, how can save the pdf file ? (he need to print out it on shop)
May 15, 2018 at 02:35
Scanner?
May 15, 2018 at 01:57
I have to sell my house before the interview. Do I need to update DS-260 or just inform them during the interview.
May 15, 2018 at 02:29
First. Do NOT sell it because of DV until you have the visa in your hand.
In terms of updating them – just change the address at the interview.
May 15, 2018 at 02:38
I am not selling because of DV but for other reasons.
As per your reply, I understand that it is ok to sell and update them at the interview.
May 15, 2018 at 04:15
Hi Brits. Please advice me. I unlocked my DS260 together with my derivatives slightly a month ago..I had things to update on all n due to too much preasure at work, I took sometime to complete it. I have been able to submit for my husband back my form n that of the child has completely refused to submit. Whenever I try to review mine so that I can submit, I get a warning tha “403:Forbidden Access is denied…” It goes on like this-“You do not have permission to view this directory or page using the credentials that you supplied”…as for the childs DS, the sign n submit button has been inactive for days..I have tried many times to submit it but it just wont…I dont know the reason behind this. Pls advice me what could be the problem n what I must do. Thanks a bunch!
May 15, 2018 at 04:28
If the child is a boy, make sure you click the selective service link on the last page. Other than that, make sure you have one file open and restart browsers
May 15, 2018 at 05:36
1.Thanks for your prompt response…the child is a girl..female. I have tried even signing out n using different browsers but nothing..but I dont understand what you mean by one open file..maybe if ok, explain abit so I knw if that could be the problem. Thanks again.
2. I recently moved to Sudan on a job assignment but am not sudanese. Does the ban affect me since Sudan isnt my country of chargeability?
3.I forgot to mention that on the childs DS 260, am also not able to edit my location under ‘Preparer Information’. Theres no option for that. After Interview location, it skips straight to Review. The location still shows my previous address before moving to my current work station. Is that an issue n what do I do?
May 15, 2018 at 13:53
1. Just look carefully. Check for pop up blockers. Other than that, I don’t know.
2. No
3. No problem.
May 15, 2018 at 04:48
My case af2350x on ceac Visa check shows issued but havent received my passport yet,but on your excel why is my num is not even there?
May 15, 2018 at 04:50
I don’t know.
May 15, 2018 at 09:54
Mr Brits I wanted to know if I check my status today.. can I check it again or once I check and maybe am selected and I close the page I can’t open it again?
May 15, 2018 at 13:31
From their website:
2019 Entrant Status Check
DV-2019 Entrants may enter their confirmation information through the link below starting at noon (EDT) on May 15, 2018. The DV-2019 entry period opened on October 18, 2017, and closed on November 22, 2017. Only confirmation information for entries submitted during this period are valid for checking your status. DV-2019 Entrants should keep their confirmation number until September 30, 2019.
May 15, 2018 at 04:48
Hi Simon thank u for ur advice .. I was winner in 2017 DV lottery i got interview on March/ 8 /2017 in Sudan am qualify and when I was wating my visa there was some changed becouse of the six country Sudan was one of these country so I didn’t get my visa and expired my DV lottery..so my question is its possible to get DV lottery in 2019….thats my question thank u
May 15, 2018 at 04:50
You might get picked again.
May 15, 2018 at 06:41
hello brit,i have doubts,
1.w2 form and IRS (Transcript) are same or different forms?
2.my sponsor told to me flowing documents enought
*filled i 134 form
*passport copy
*w2 form last 2 years
*slary sleep
is it ok or need more documents ?
May 15, 2018 at 13:51
1. Different.
May 15, 2018 at 07:09
Before completing the DS260 am i meant to click on fee payment and pay a fee before i start the application? some people say the first time they had to pay was at the embassy on interview day???
May 15, 2018 at 13:50
“Some people” are correct.
May 15, 2018 at 07:18
Hello brit am a dv winner for 2017/2018 n my no is AF45556.Pls wen can I probably receive my interview?
May 15, 2018 at 13:50
Wait and see.
May 15, 2018 at 07:26
Hi Simon. Tell me how to be?
I have everything in order with the documents. I indicated all the children in both the first application and the DS260 form. I filled out and sent the DS260 form via the internet cafe.
My friend without my permission wrote through my mail a letter to the KCC about his mistake (he did not specify the child from the first marriage). He indicated my data (case number, surname) that were saved in his computer. I have some questions.
1. How can I prove to the Consul or KCC that I did not write this letter?
2. Will this letter (which my friend wrote) be taken into account in the interview at the embassy or not?
3 I am being disqualified for this letter?.
4. Tell me please what should I do in this case? Write a letter to the KCC or embassy?
May 15, 2018 at 13:49
So “your friend” used your computer, from your email account, to send an email using your DV case number, birthdate and so on to explain he left a child off the entry.
Well I think *you* are lying to *me* – so imagine what they will think….
May 15, 2018 at 07:38
Hi BritSimon,
thanks for all the info, your page is fantastic. I know you are busy, but maybe you can help me with one quick question.
My family of 5 have activated the greencard with a trip on February 9 and will move on August 3. Our middle son was first to have his greencard issued on March 22, recived at our friends address in Michigan (we still live in the UK at the moment). My wife and I had our greencards issued on April 11. Our youngest son and eldest daughter were requested to go to the USCIS for additional biometrics for some reason. This happened on April 4 at the Detroit field office while we happened to be there for a visit by complete chance, lucky! Our youngest son subsequently received his greencard on April 24.
My worry is now as follows: It’s been 6 weeks since the biometrics were taken and our daughter’s case continues to be ‘actively reviewed’ and no greencard has been issued. We cannot get in touch with USCIS as Detroit is our field office and the helpline only works within the US. The I-551s in our passports expire on June 18. What happens if we do not receive our daughter’s greencard before then and how can we get in touch with USCIS to ask about the delay? We also have ESTAs that are valid until 2019, could she enter the country on that?
Kind regards,
Rudy
May 15, 2018 at 13:46
Relax and wait. Your I-551 is valid for RE-entry for 1 year from entry.
May 15, 2018 at 08:04
Good day sir Brit pls what time can we check the result today
May 15, 2018 at 13:41
From their website:
2019 Entrant Status Check
DV-2019 Entrants may enter their confirmation information through the link below starting at noon (EDT) on May 15, 2018. The DV-2019 entry period opened on October 18, 2017, and closed on November 22, 2017. Only confirmation information for entries submitted during this period are valid for checking your status. DV-2019 Entrants should keep their confirmation number until September 30, 2019.
May 15, 2018 at 08:10
12h00 EDT is better
May 15, 2018 at 09:05
Hi brit,
In CEAC my status is mentioned as Ready .But when I contacted consular center in sri Lanka they said “Your case is pending review. We will contact you once the case review is complete” I don’t understand what it means and what to do
Thank you
May 15, 2018 at 13:37
It means wait.
May 15, 2018 at 16:04
We are in the same boat. When was it interview and when ur status changed to ready?
May 15, 2018 at 17:53
From 2 months it says ready . Interview was on October .When ws ur interview n where are u from
May 15, 2018 at 18:10
Interview date 17 April, to ready changed 1 of May. From Europhe Tibilisi, Georgia.
May 15, 2018 at 09:57
Hello Brit
My sister visa been issued. But she want to change the sponsor address, is it ok to change it at the airport?when she arrive
May 15, 2018 at 13:31
Yes
May 15, 2018 at 10:09
HI Brit,
I was just trying to check if I was picked and it says “Invalid Confirmation Number: Please enter the correct confirmation number that is 16 characters long” I know for sure that I wrote the correct confirmation number because wen I filed my aplication I made a screenshot at the end of it. I also tried to access the forgot confirmation number and it says “Information entered is not valid.”
is there any other way to check besides https://www.dvlottery.state.gov? Can you help me in any other way
Thank you for your time!
PS: One of my frinds has the same issue
May 15, 2018 at 13:31
From their website:
2019 Entrant Status Check
DV-2019 Entrants may enter their confirmation information through the link below starting at noon (EDT) on May 15, 2018. The DV-2019 entry period opened on October 18, 2017, and closed on November 22, 2017. Only confirmation information for entries submitted during this period are valid for checking your status. DV-2019 Entrants should keep their confirmation number until September 30, 2019.
May 15, 2018 at 10:21
Is the DV 2019 ready for checking?
May 15, 2018 at 13:30
From their website:
2019 Entrant Status Check
DV-2019 Entrants may enter their confirmation information through the link below starting at noon (EDT) on May 15, 2018. The DV-2019 entry period opened on October 18, 2017, and closed on November 22, 2017. Only confirmation information for entries submitted during this period are valid for checking your status. DV-2019 Entrants should keep their confirmation number until September 30, 2019.
May 15, 2018 at 10:33
Not yet. Better to check it around 12h00 EDT
May 15, 2018 at 13:44
The “key word” here is “12h00 EDT” Just be patient and wait as always suggested by Simon. In few hours less than 4 hours actually; hopefully the results will be out.
Good lucky!
May 15, 2018 at 13:51
hello brits on my medical there is a small stain on my chest seen through xray . Its not a TV stain nor i was suffered from TV or pneumonia . Will this effect at mine interview sir have you head such cases ? What should i do now ? need help sir
May 15, 2018 at 13:55
I am not a doctor. What did the doctor say?
May 15, 2018 at 15:15
Hello Brit, may i know the Part of I134 Fom
11a, 11 b
my sponsor was birth in USA,but his father and mothers base on Sri lanka,if i need to select 11a, or 11b ? or None of above ?
May 15, 2018 at 15:27
I don’t know the questions by heart. He should just answer the questions.
May 15, 2018 at 15:30
Hey Brit
Hey brit my mom is a principal applicant and I’m derivatives I want to ask you about educational background she have finished her Highschool before 20 years and after High school complete she doesn’t gone to University and haven’t ever work still is the CO will refused our visa?because her result is get old result its before 20years ago
May 15, 2018 at 16:21
If the high school completion met the requirements she will be OK.
May 15, 2018 at 15:39
Dear Simon,
We are planning to activate our LPR status in august or september, and we will go to visit our family in maryland, pennsylvania and new jersey. I’m wondering if it’s possible for me to rent a car for my trips (since the transportations are a little bit expensive between small cities .. )
I have a foreign driver licence, is it possible to drive with it for few weeks (3 to 4 for weeks) ?
Thank you
May 15, 2018 at 16:20
People do that all the time….
May 15, 2018 at 16:53
Thank you for your reply.
I read that tourists do that all the time, but isn’t different with the visa immigrant in your passport (I mean in case of police check). ?
May 15, 2018 at 17:24
No
May 18, 2018 at 11:00
Thank you brit , but I found this in one of your articles about Driver licence:
“You can drive on your foreign license for a short time as a visitor, but once you are resident you need to obtain the state license within their time (California sets that time at 10 days). “
May 18, 2018 at 15:00
Yes, but they mean resident of the stat – which you have to prove with an apartment lease or something. I have been through this. Stop worrying about trivia.
May 15, 2018 at 15:48
Hi birt greeting!
I want to ask a question. My sister is the dv winner of 2018 but unable to receive the second letter. Her Case no is 63×× .what is the possibility of getting second letter ?
May 15, 2018 at 16:19
I don’t know (no region or country given)
May 15, 2018 at 15:51
Dear sir ,,
Im a greencard holder and my last visit was on 24th NOV 2017 , stayed for one week in the US , ny question is can i stay outside the US for 7 months instead of 6 month ? I f not what can i do ? Thx on advance
May 15, 2018 at 16:18
No problem. You might be asked a few questions upon youir return. It MUST be before 12 months.