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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.
July 16, 2018 at 10:29
Hi Brit
Collected my package this morning, and I am over the moon!
I wanted to ask you though, as I have read many different answers to this question. When does the Green Card itself get delivered to the address in the USA? I’ve read that it is: 30 days after your interview; after you pay the USCIS fee; within 6 weeks of your arrival in the USA. Which one of these, if any, is correct?
July 16, 2018 at 12:11
Hey there!
For us, it took 4 weeks to be delivered at the US address after we entered the POE.
July 16, 2018 at 14:54
Once you pay the fee AND enter the USA they start production. It takes a few weeks up to 3 or 4 months to arrive.
July 16, 2018 at 10:52
hi connor can you share how the interview goes with us here?
July 16, 2018 at 11:00
Hey
I already have, have a look here, you’ll see other people’s stories as well, find your embassy using ctrl+f and good luck!
britsimonsays.com/interview-experience-stories/#comment-129831
July 16, 2018 at 11:28
Hi Mr, Simon,
Are you aware of when will be the start date of DV 2020 because am still hopeful despite the current visa retrogression which adversely affected AF numbers of 39500 and above for DV 2018.
Thanks
Anthony
July 16, 2018 at 14:58
October.
July 16, 2018 at 11:38
Hi Simon,
W.r.t. required documentation for the DV interview:
1. I have enough funds in the bank to prove that I will not be a public charge. Will an emailed by the bank and printed out bank statement be good enough to prove this or do I need something more official printed out in the bank and stamped/signed by the bank?
2. Will our unabridged marriage certificate be sufficient for proof of marriage (married in 2007 and we have three kids) or could they ask for proof of address for both of us?
3. What can we use for proof of address? Is any letter good enough or will only certain mailed documents make the cut like utility bill? If possible, please direct me to a guide on what is or isn’t proof of address.
4. I was born in Zimbabwe, I’m currently a South African citizen and I carry both a SA and German passport through my father. Could I be asked to prove how I got these citizenships? I ask because that will require getting unabridged birth certificates of my parents which could take a long time (they were born in the 40’s).
July 16, 2018 at 15:02
1. Statements are normally enough.
2. That will be enough.
3. Have you seen anything in the instructions requiring proof of address?
4. No. You registered under Zim – right?
July 16, 2018 at 16:18
Yes, Registered under Zim so no problems there.
I was just curious if they would be interested in finding out how I got the other citizenships so as to make sure I did not commit immigration fraud. I got these from my parents so no fraud committed, but would have to show birth certificates of my parents if the question comes up.
Thanks for the help as always!
July 16, 2018 at 17:25
I don’t think they care. As long as your passports are genuine – they are satisfied.
July 16, 2018 at 12:20
Hi question what should a family that are separated (leaving in different countries) to keep doing the steps for the dvlottery 2019, with a case under 200, and an older son about to become 21 next year?
July 16, 2018 at 15:07
They need to plan to interview at the same time. Given the child of 21, they should get a move on and make sure their DS260s are submitted.
July 16, 2018 at 14:31
Mr. Simon, How can one access the per region/country Embassy DV visa issuance for dv 2018?
July 16, 2018 at 15:11
https://dvcharts.xarthisius.xyz/ceacFY18.html
July 16, 2018 at 16:05
Brit is it possible to embassy dont have enough visas? If it’s so why do they set cutt off number 25775? And didn’t lower
July 16, 2018 at 17:22
That number was set with a calculation that there are enough visas for the expected selectees up to that 25775.
July 16, 2018 at 18:31
dear britsimon,
i am a lawyer by profession and working as a freelancer.In DS-260 form they asked for primary occupation and the most suited option for me is to choose NOT EMPLOYED.i am surprised when i took print of completed DS-260 form and find a caption under primary occupation ( EXPLAIN ). when i reviewed the form electronically that ( EXPLAIN ) caption was not there.strange
1- do i have to explain it if yes how as caption does not show
electronically ?
2- is it a trivial matter or can i explain it in interview ?
RESPECT
July 16, 2018 at 18:48
Why would you choose not employed? As a freelancer you are “self employed”.
If you have time to wait anyway, unlocking would be best. Otherwise you can explain in the interview.
July 18, 2018 at 09:01
Hi Simon, i am a winner of DV2019. I have a question about the primary occupation. Currently I am working for NGO. My position is business advisor, thus how could I use the right occupation? business or what?
Thanks in advance for your advice.
Pheak
July 18, 2018 at 15:03
Use your own judgement.
July 16, 2018 at 19:29
Hi,
I am from Nepal. I have already submitted DS260. in the medical and security portion in the question” Do you have any documentation of vaccination…” part i have ticked “yes” but it should be “No”. i haven’t documentation. should i unlock and tick no or it doesn’t hamper for this section as later on medical examination determines it. Please suggest.
July 16, 2018 at 19:31
It doesn’t matter.
July 17, 2018 at 03:42
I still feel something is amiss with final VB.
July 17, 2018 at 04:06
You are concerned about OC region – right? I have predicted a final range of 1450 to 1500 for the past year. The VB has ended precisely where it was expected to end for OC. So – what is amiss?
July 17, 2018 at 04:28
Hi brit, I am from Nepal. I have my interview scheduled in aug 6. Do I need to submit the affidavit support form from my sponsors to the embassy along with other documents?
July 17, 2018 at 05:11
Normally KDU embassy want to see a welcome letter. Other than that, an I-134 would be wise.
July 17, 2018 at 05:11
Hi Brit .hope you doing well..i have kidney surgery when i was 5 years old.one of my kidney is removed.Now in the interview consuler could ask me about this ? and could he refused me for this reason ? is there any incident like this ? thank you in advance
July 17, 2018 at 05:25
That has nothing to do with this process. Please read the FAQ.
July 17, 2018 at 05:55
Hi Simon, I am Abu. I got a DV lottory chance in this year with a case number of 2019AF20XXXX. But, in the mean time I got some mistakes in the DS 260 form that I have already submitted before a month. By now I want to unlock it and make some correction.. My mistakes were
1. In the work/education/training information field. I filled my previous job as of my primary occupation including its full address then after I read the question following it “Does this job requires two years training or work experience i answered “yes” then i wrote my current job title and duties. Since my primary occupation is my current job. Right?
2. For the question “Do you know a language other than your mother toung?” I replied no in the anticipation that always translators will be there at your interview time.
Dear Simon, what do you advice me then?Does it worth unlocking or wait to change at my interview?
With regards
Abu
July 17, 2018 at 06:22
It is very disrespectful to repeat the same question 3 days running when I answered you already.
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-255/#comment-130682
July 17, 2018 at 09:22
Dear Simon, I am really sorry. I really appreciate your work from the bottom of my heart. You know I am a bit stressed that is why. I am sure you have been reading my questions and my worry is does the mistakes I made shall be corrected or not?
July 17, 2018 at 14:08
I answered you. You wasted my time. READ!
July 17, 2018 at 06:31
Hi There, I’ve read through a fair bit of your site, and am hoping I’m not asking questions you’ve already answered.
1. Do you know if there will be a Lottery this year (to apply in October 2018)
2. As an Australian living in England, if selected can I interview here? Or would I need to go home? (I dont think the UK is eligible to apply for the lottery)
Thanks!
July 17, 2018 at 13:58
1. Probably, the dates are not announced yet.
2. You interview wherever you live.
July 17, 2018 at 06:38
dear Brit,
in case the visa is cancelled how I can learn about it?
July 17, 2018 at 13:59
I don’t understand your question.
July 17, 2018 at 07:12
hi simon iam in the AF region with case number 2018af37xxx and still didnt get 2nl till august do you think i have possible chance for september your suggestion please.
July 17, 2018 at 14:01
Yes, patience.
July 17, 2018 at 09:10
Dear Britsimon,
I read your FAQ about the financial evidence.suppose the principal applicant does not work, already got his affidavit of support and want to provide additional financial evidence.
1- is the spouse banking records acceptable, yes or no ?
2- is stocks/bonds with an amount of 10.000$ acceptable ?
July 17, 2018 at 14:05
1. Yes
2. Yes (as additional financial evidence)
July 17, 2018 at 15:11
thank you a lot dear Brit. your job is a bid one.
July 17, 2018 at 15:13
Your job is a big one.
July 17, 2018 at 09:37
Hi Mr. Simons,
I’m from AF and case number 2019 AF19xxx,
We are having our EU. Wedding in August 2019.
1. What time will be necessary for me to send my package (ds260)?
2. What are the risks involved?
July 17, 2018 at 14:13
Getting married in Aug 2019 is too late to add your new spouse as part of the DV program. So – you would spend 2 years and more money apart while you are in the USA and your spouse is outside the USA.
A wiser idea is to marry much earlier, then submit the DS260 as a married couple.
July 17, 2018 at 10:42
Hey, Simon
I’m dv lottery winner inside US. I did fingerprints but I didn’t schedule for interview i call USCIS centre they said everything is fine but they didn’t transfer my file to local USCIS office.
What should i do ? I know some people have been waiting for 3 or 4 months
July 17, 2018 at 14:27
Infopass
July 17, 2018 at 11:41
for the interview, is stoks and bonds with an amount of 10.000 dollars plus bank account with 10.000 dollars acceptable for a couple as financial evidence ?
July 17, 2018 at 14:34
Possibly – but more evidence will probably be required.
July 17, 2018 at 11:43
Hit BRIT,
for the interview, is stoks and bonds with an amount of 10.000 dollars plus bank account with 10.000 dollars acceptable for a couple as financial evidence ?
July 17, 2018 at 17:36
I am scared to don’t get 2nl. DV2018 EU252** IS IT POSSIBLE TO DONT GET IT?
July 17, 2018 at 18:01
Exercise some patience.
July 17, 2018 at 18:05
Is the second draw dv2019 becouse is underselected year?
July 17, 2018 at 18:52
The reason for a second draw is when there are not enough selectees in the first draw.
July 17, 2018 at 18:38
2 personnes ho spent there interview one mars and april 2017 they wase approved pending administrative processing
the first get vuisa one 27 octobre 2017 and the second get it in 01/2018
it is possible ?
July 17, 2018 at 18:55
Not for DV cases, no.
July 17, 2018 at 19:03
they are a dv 2017
July 17, 2018 at 19:05
So then NO, it is not possible.
July 17, 2018 at 19:05
there case wase approved but they get it after 30 septembre dv lottry 2017
July 17, 2018 at 18:41
What they do if they do not reach by the fiscal year 50k ?
July 17, 2018 at 18:57
They don’t have to do anything. Those visas are not used.
July 17, 2018 at 18:52
Hi brit for the interview my all documents are done except affidavit are u sure dat is important for the interview?
July 17, 2018 at 19:00
Read the FAQ.
July 17, 2018 at 19:13
sorry i repose the question if a case wase approvedd befor 30 septembre it’s can be printed after tthis date
July 17, 2018 at 19:21
Yes, but that only happens for a short time after September 30th.
July 17, 2018 at 19:25
short time mean 1 month ok 1 week or 2 month ?
July 17, 2018 at 19:30
A week or two perhaps.
July 17, 2018 at 19:40
Hey Brit,
would you mind sharing some stats about your website?
I’ll explain myself: for sure, this website/blog is the main one on the internet regarding the Diversity Visa.
It’d be very interesting to see some comparison of the traffic (or some other data for example the numbers of comments) during the last 2-3 years in order.
This information, compared to the number of the selectees, could bring us to some logic to understand, for example, how many people are going to apply the DS-260.
I understand that this data belongs to you and you might don’t wanna share it but I think this could be a good idea.
Cheers.
July 17, 2018 at 20:04
That won’t help. I started the website in late 2014. It is true that the website traffic is growing rapidly (probably will be 3 million hits this year, versus 2 million last year), but that is more to do with the popularity of the site rather than the change in response rate. You could not correlate it and trust those results.
However, response rate (i.e. people that complete the DS260) is somewhat predictable. I have several years of data, and Xarthisius has published my data for DV2015 as well as showing the DV2017 and DV2018 data. Just be aware that response rate can be averaged by a region and compared year to year, but will vary based on the mix of the selectees since people from country A don’t necessarily behave the same as those from country B. AND in the end – we can do all the math models we like – but some years confound the models because of additional factors. For example, the travel ban radically changed the landscape for AS region and to some extent the AF region. DS5535 processing also seems to have been a factor in AF region. DS260 processing was changed for DV2018. These are all things that cannot be predicted by the model – and sometimes the reactions and management by the Visa office (like making AF current and later retrogressing) make things a rollercoaster ride anyway. It is why I urge caution. It is why I am deliberately ambiguous. I could do the math as well as anyone here, but the math is not the whole story…
July 18, 2018 at 00:17
Hello sir
Thank You For Your great job.
I have a question
I’ve got a sponsor and my interview Is comming soon, i asked my sponsor the documents he replied that he will send them to the embassy.
I have never heard that if that works, never seen such case before.
I want u to confirme to me if that Is normal and it’s going to work.
Thank u in advance
July 18, 2018 at 00:21
It won’t work. You take the documents to the interview and present them if requested.
July 18, 2018 at 02:54
Hey Brit,
Me and my wife are going to US 29th july, Is it okay If we have around 4 000$ in cash together? Can the immigrantion officer ask that and is there any range we should know about, in order not to stuck in a problem?
July 18, 2018 at 03:29
No problem. Just be careful.
July 18, 2018 at 05:02
Hi dears 1,my case number 2019AF68xx so i have chance for interview?
2, i filled my family (wife and one child) but now my wife is pregnant so if she deliver the child absence or not thanks! !!!!!!!
July 18, 2018 at 14:58
1. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
2. Read the FAQ
July 18, 2018 at 05:38
Hi Brit,
I am Egyptians and my lottery 2019 interview in Cairo
I have travelled many times to UK between 2012-2015 for business trip to my previous company
I was staying each year around 4 months and was staying in a hotel ( overall period i have stayed 14 months in 3 years)
Do I need Police certificate from UK?
Should mention that in the ds260 at my previous addresses ?
Thanks in advance
July 18, 2018 at 15:00
I would suggest a police cert and give the address.
July 18, 2018 at 06:33
hey can someone submit the DS260 form out the passport number
July 18, 2018 at 15:01
Yes, there is an option to use other ID
July 18, 2018 at 08:05
From Afghaniatan
Dear BritSimon,
It is almost ten months that the case is still pending administrative processing, as you know better that DV cases will be expired on September. It is the point of concern for me that whether the visa will be issued or not befor September. Could you please tell us some information that why this process take such long time and is there any hope for issuance of the visa or not?
July 18, 2018 at 15:02
I cannot guess the outcome.
July 18, 2018 at 10:36
Is affidavit of support compulsory for Nepal for Interview?
July 18, 2018 at 15:05
KDU embassy usually accepts a “welcome letter” from a friend or relative in the USA
July 18, 2018 at 10:52
Dear Sir,
I am winner of Diversity lottery visa 2018. During my medical examination, I was found to suffer from syphilis. I undergo treatment for 3 weeks with 2.4 million units benzathine penicillin.
I am completed the treatment and submitted the seal medical report to the USA embassy.
As per the doctor it should not be a issue as I will be classified as condition B.
My interview will be end of July.
I have a few questions and appreciate if you can help me.
1. What are my chances of getting the DV visa?
2. Will my medical condition of treated Syphilis affect granting of the Visa?
3. Should I even peruse with the interview?
Please help me. Thanks
July 18, 2018 at 15:09
The *doctor* has answered you.
July 20, 2018 at 08:10
Thanks Sir, will I be asked about my medical condition during the interview?
July 20, 2018 at 13:17
Possibly.
July 18, 2018 at 12:17
Please I will be having my medicals soon…will be tested for HIV
July 18, 2018 at 15:11
Yes
July 18, 2018 at 12:18
Does it matter to which state your green card is shipped to? Does it affect the state residency? I want to become a NY state resident in order to attend a NY state university paying the fees of a resident. If I receive the green card in NY, and continue living there, will I automatically became a NY state resident? Or I still have to qualify as a person moving from any other state? Is there any state that gives a special status to green card holders?
July 18, 2018 at 15:13
The place where you receive your GC or enter is not automatically your residence state. To be a resident, you have to show evidence of actual residence (home lease, utility bills etc)
July 18, 2018 at 16:17
Consider the timing of your plan, because generally to receive state tuition rate you must have been resident of NY for at least one year. Where the green card is sent has no bearing on residency for tuition purposes. There are certain things you can do such as get a NY drivers license, register a vehicle, register a domicile, and have a lease or own property. NY allows green card holders to attend school, but they must still prove domicile for 12 months prior to beginning classes.
July 18, 2018 at 17:53
That is good advice. Thanks!
July 18, 2018 at 12:55
Hello Brit please what about those with case number of 42000 from Africa.. It DV 2019.. Should they still fill the form and submit?
July 18, 2018 at 15:15
That is up to each person. I cannot predict the final cutoff in DV2019 at this time.
July 18, 2018 at 13:32
I have had the interview and I was in adminstrative processing and now they ask me to make the medical check another time (renew it) because it was from seven monthes .and i’ll go to the embassy to give them the passports. but I don’t know so please tell me what will happen , will I have another interview ? , Is there another fees to be paid , and does that mean I’ll get a visa or I’ll be refused?
July 18, 2018 at 15:17
If they are asking you to renew the medical it is usually that they want to issue the visa. No further interview or fees (apart from the medical)
July 18, 2018 at 17:40
My husband was the cause of AP so do you think in such situations it could happen that they give me visa and he ”ll be refused or will stay on Ap or everything is fine
July 18, 2018 at 18:20
I already answered.
July 18, 2018 at 14:30
Hello my case number from Africa is 2018AF49707 am I to be scheduled cos I submitted since 23th of July 2018
July 18, 2018 at 15:19
No, you will not be interviewed, your number is above the cutoff.
July 18, 2018 at 15:03
hi brit
thank you so much for what you are doing
i filled my ds 260 and i put the experience work but im not content with as (welder ) but recently i got my high school diplome .
my question is :
do you think in the day interview present the high school diploma and explain or prsent both ?
thanks
July 18, 2018 at 15:26
Work as a welder will not qualify you. So – be prepared to prove education – BUT you must be careful that your education meets the standard required. It is not good that you only completed the education later – for DV they want that education to have been attained during a formal course of education (i.e. continuous). So – I don’t know your country or what the standards are that will be applied, but there is risk of refusal, based on what you have said.
July 18, 2018 at 16:11
brit iam from algeria and they ask for high school diploma that’s it no contenous studing
July 18, 2018 at 17:51
I’m talking about the rules. Below is the guidance that COs will follow.
“(2) The Department’s Interpretation of the Term “at Least a High School Education or its Equivalent” Means Successful Completion of at least a:
(a) Twelve-year course of elementary and secondary study in the United States; or
(b) Formal course of elementary and secondary education comparable to completion of 12 years elementary or secondary education in the United States. Because a United States high school education is sufficient in itself to qualify a student to apply for college admission, in order for a foreign education to be equivalent to a United States education, it should be sufficient to allow a student to apply for college admission without further education. Vocational degrees that are not considered a basis for further academic study will not be considered equivalent to United States high school education.
(3) Education Requirements: We interpret the phrase “at least a high school education or its equivalent” to apply only to formal courses of study. Equivalency certificates (such as the G.E.D.) are not acceptable. To qualify, an alien must have completed a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education in the United States or a comparable course of study in another country. Evidence might consist of a certificate of completion equivalent to a United States diploma, school transcripts, or other evidence issued by the person or organization responsible for maintaining such records, which specify the completed course of study.”
July 18, 2018 at 16:35
please brit what do you suggest me to do
present the both (work and education )
or just the high school diploma and explain to the co ?
July 18, 2018 at 17:54
Present everything – but again – you have some risk. You need to decide if you can accept that risk and want to proceed anyway.
July 18, 2018 at 17:57
ok thanks bro
July 18, 2018 at 17:53
I think good neas i jsut call KCC ,they did not work last Monday due to the rain i think so i asked them why and why this cut off ,they confirmed that there are many people complaining and asking about so which put KCC under pressure ,KCC itself said that they do not know what to do for above cut off numbers as this first time occurred but technically kcc is under pressure they said they do not know if there will be something happening for above 39500 but all in USA and in Africa and also Europe are calling KCC and contact them every hours so i encourage all to contact KCC to know that we are so frustrated .
Good Luck all brothers and sisters .
July 18, 2018 at 18:26
How is that good news??
July 18, 2018 at 18:38
Hi Mr Simon
My wife is green card winner 2019
Our case number is 5xxx
Hopefully we will be called in october or November
Is there any chance to delay our interview ?
I have heard that if you leave your ds 260 form open till you r ready to go you will not be called
I want to complete my ds 260 forum in october so as i can be called for an interview in December? It is possible ? It can make a big problem using this metod ??
Your prompt reply is higly appricated !!
July 18, 2018 at 18:45
You haven’t given me the whole number with year and region. Delay the DS260 submission and that will delay the interview.
July 18, 2018 at 18:52
EU20195xxx
I am very happy to hear this commnet from you
I will delay til i am fully ready
I have completed my ds 260 but I will make it open again applying for Kentuki it is ok?
July 18, 2018 at 19:14
So you have already submitted the DS260?? That was not clear – you said you were doing that ion October. In that case re-opening it won’t always delay the interview.
July 18, 2018 at 19:51
I have already submitted ! i want to reopen again and i sumbit in october to dealy the interview
July 18, 2018 at 19:53
Right, so that won’t always work, and you may have an earlier interview based on your case number.
July 18, 2018 at 20:37
Hi Brit!
On one of the foreign forums one guy posted that his visa interview (which was suppose to be in August) was delayed becasue visa limit has been reached and there are no more visas available. He is claiming that he called again the embassy and they confirmed that. We are talking about EU. Is that possible?
July 18, 2018 at 20:47
Xarthisius just mentioned that to me. Poland is the country. I haven’t heard any other reports like that – and wonder if this case was a rescheduled interview.
July 18, 2018 at 20:53
Yea, exactly. Me and Xarthisus use the same forum. We propably are talking about the sams case. His charts show that EU issued ~16000 visas so technically they still should have some. This guy is saying his interview was rescheduled and he can try luck another time
July 18, 2018 at 20:54
But the question is whether the date that they called about was already a rescheduled appoiintment.
July 18, 2018 at 21:05
I assume that was supposed to be his first appointnemnt and they rescheduled it first time (but I am not sure). And the interview was supposed to be in July (this month). Is it possible that Poland reached it’s country limit (this 7%)? or EU already hit it’s quota?
July 18, 2018 at 21:40
No. I don’t see any way the limits have been reached – so this seems to be “doubtful”.
July 18, 2018 at 21:39
And one more thing : if the interview is scheduled, does that mean the visa is reserved for the applicant?
July 18, 2018 at 21:42
Yes. That is why the report is dubious.
July 19, 2018 at 01:09
Do you think it’s a good idea to email them? Or just wait? They should start sending 2nl’s soon…
July 19, 2018 at 02:43
Wait.
July 18, 2018 at 22:09
Hi, Brits my case number for dv 2018 AF 49045 do you think that I will be call for an interview.
Thank.
July 18, 2018 at 22:21
No. The cutoff is 39500, you will not get an interview.
July 18, 2018 at 23:31
Hi Brit,
Is it possible for a region to change in the VB from CURRENT to a specific cutt off number in a future months , or once it become current then all the following months will be current ?
July 18, 2018 at 23:36
Well – yeah. THat exact thing just happened for AF region in the latest (and final) DV2018 VB.
July 19, 2018 at 00:02
The media started talking about Cut off numbers in Africa and raised a big issue to the department of state ,they argue so as this has never done before ,people are waiting for 14 months in vain ………………
July 19, 2018 at 00:46
This is very foolish. Retrogression is discussed in every visa bulletin. It has happened before, it isn’t something they just plucked from the sky. I understand that people are upset and confused, but they were warned that they were not guaranteed visas, right from the first letter.