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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.
August 8, 2018 at 10:16
Dear Simon, my wife’s police “current” report will be 6 weeks old at the time of the interview while the “historical” police record will be a bit less then 3 months old: do you think they are ok or should she re-do them when we are closer to the interview? By the way, also my both police records will be one month old at the time of interview, so same question…
Thanks again for your precious help!
Kind regards,
Fausto
August 8, 2018 at 17:29
No need to redo them.
August 8, 2018 at 11:51
Hello BritSimon…
Does it Matter if name on passport and DV is xxx yyy zzz but xxx zzz yyy on university certificate?… all these documents issued before DV entry …
August 8, 2018 at 17:31
As long as they accept the education certs are yours and genuine, it won’t matter.
August 8, 2018 at 18:37
Sure… the cert is hers and genuine..
August 8, 2018 at 12:33
Hi BritSimon,
It’s been a hell of a journey and I hope to be able to post an interview story in the coming days, but it seems like it this process is determined to drive me crazy. I’ve had what seemed to be a mostly successful interview, and after a few days on ready and a day on AP my status has changed to issued. The thing is that for some reason my spouse and child have remained on AP. I’m only slightly freaking out since I doubt that there could be any reason to put a third-grader on AP, but still, have you encountered such cases in your travels across the land of DV? I tried but couldn’t find anything similar on the site. Thanks!
August 8, 2018 at 17:34
You just need to exercise some patience.
August 8, 2018 at 12:58
This is only tangentially related, but I am concerned and you might know and still consider this within the scope of your blog. I’m a DV2017 recipient.
This happened: http://www.washingtonpost.com/amphtml/blogs/plum-line/wp/2018/08/07/trump-and-stephen-miller-are-now-targeting-legal-immigrants-and-it-will-get-uglier/
Now, given the unprecedented level of senseless hostility of the republican government against immigrants, and on the basis of their expressed views on the DV lottery, I am worried that they might target past recipients of the DV visa specifically, either directly or in some BS circuitous way, like what’s detailed in the article or the also absurd travel ban.
I am concerned they could make obtaining citizenship harder or impossible for DV recipients (or maybe others as well at the same time); or even go as far as to revoke visas granted under the program.
This administration has already done things anyone would have not believed they would be going to actually do.
Do you think my worries are founded or unfounded?
August 8, 2018 at 17:43
Unfounded.
August 8, 2018 at 13:25
i spent the interview dv lottery me and my husband i got the form ds5535 it’s been several months, now we’re about to divorce I asked him to wait for us to travel to the usa after we divorce but he did not want now I do not know what to do is there is a problem if I leave alone or not knowing that I am the winner
August 8, 2018 at 17:44
No problem.
August 8, 2018 at 14:59
If you are sent to Kentucky Center to open the form ds 260 to add or edit then I ask them a question
Does this lead to rejection?
(Is it better to identify my interview in Egypt or Sudan) This is the question
August 8, 2018 at 17:49
I don’t know. This seems like a follow on question, but you didn’t use reply – so I don’t know the context.
August 8, 2018 at 15:04
Dear Simon , please, how does kcc organize the redistribution of unused visas?
August 8, 2018 at 17:50
We don’t know.
August 8, 2018 at 17:37
Hi Brit
I am a winner of DV 2019 and I have a question about filling out DV-260. My nationality is Armenian but my son who will be travelling with me has Russian nationality (passport). What should I answer to the question Country of origin (nationality). He was born in Armenia, so his country of origin should be Armenia but currently he holds only Russian citizenship. And the same with the name in native alphabet: which language should be mentioned, the native(Armenian) or the language of the country of nationality (Russia)? Thank you.
August 8, 2018 at 18:11
Just answer the truth.
August 8, 2018 at 20:45
Hi Brit
Thank you so much for your continuous guidance. I have just been issued the visa. I wish to know
1. Can i activate my visa with my husband then take kids after few months and before visa expires for kids?
2. Once ours us activated, how will kids activate theirs since we will take the package from embassy in our 1st entry.
August 8, 2018 at 22:03
1. Yes
2. They really only need their passports.
August 8, 2018 at 22:08
Hi Simon , I’m sorry in advance for my question.
Me and my wife had an interview last 2nd August. Everything went well and our visa has been approved.
Until now , it has been 5 working days already but my wife’s status still on Ready while my visa’s status was issued since ghe day we had an interview.
That’s really concerning me . Please advise why it take so long to update my wife’s status
Thanks in advance,
August 8, 2018 at 22:12
I don’t know. Be patient.
August 8, 2018 at 23:09
Hey Brit, Can a drivers license or a certificate of naturalization from the sponsor serve in place of photo ID as requested? Thank you
August 8, 2018 at 23:46
Yes
August 9, 2018 at 00:40
Hey Mr Brit,
Really this time it’s not to ask you but to thank you. I scroll down all comment almost everyday and I learned much with you, I thank you thousands thanks because you are taking your time for people all over the world to guide them, really you are very kind knowing that you are not being paid this.
Once againg thank you
August 9, 2018 at 00:45
Thanks!
August 9, 2018 at 05:52
Hi BritSimon,
My case number is 2019AS000006XX, will be interviewed in October. I need to get a police certificate from Iraq, I have applied but am afraid it will not be issued before interview date. Do you think they will reject the application if I submit it later or they just wait for clearance and then decide.
Thanks,
Ramin
August 9, 2018 at 14:54
No problem. Have the interview as scheduled and follow up with the police cert.
August 9, 2018 at 05:59
hi brit
i saw the new visa bulletin and realized that this time the selected are very few. why is that so? actually im just worried bcz my case number is 2019AF7XXX
August 9, 2018 at 14:54
You have no reason to worry.
August 9, 2018 at 06:03
Morning Mr Brit, my question stand like dis
On my ds260 my address is where i was leaving before and my sponsor fill the affidavit with same address where i was staying b4. Now my medical has my new address will that be a problem?.
Thanks for ur assistant.. Have a nice day..
August 9, 2018 at 14:55
No
August 9, 2018 at 09:47
My dependent child will turn 21 years of age in November,2018 . However, CSPA 21st birthday is June, 11,2019. Questions are :
1) Should I apply consulate where my interview will be held or KCC to prioritize and get an earlier date for interview ? ( 2019EU23xxx number indicates that he will not be able to get visa if we wait for normal flow )
2) What are the chances that they give us an earlier interview date ?
thanks in advance
August 9, 2018 at 15:04
1. No – that would be a waste of time.
2. zero %
August 9, 2018 at 11:28
hello simon,
thank you very much for the efforts you are doing to help us. my question is: does the u.s embassy have any power to check the applicants’ bank account – in their countery of course- ?
August 9, 2018 at 15:06
Yes, by a simple little trick of asking you for bank statements.
August 9, 2018 at 11:30
Hello,
On 2nd of August I had interview. It went well and embassy said come 9th August to collect your passport. (Family) Today I went to embassy and embassy said still visa not ready come next week. Now I am afraid, why this happen to me?
Thanks
August 9, 2018 at 15:07
I don’t know.
August 9, 2018 at 12:36
Hello Brit,my sponsor files his taxes jontly with the wife is this a problem
August 9, 2018 at 15:09
No
August 9, 2018 at 13:46
Hey Britsimon, I made some easily mistakes in my DS 260 form like;
1. To mention addresses that I were lived before my current location within my country
2. Miss much between my current job title with my previous employer name and vise versa.
Does unlock cause some denial or rejection of visa?
August 9, 2018 at 15:13
No. Incorrect information can cause denial though.
August 10, 2018 at 08:57
Thanks very much sir. I got an email saying it is unlocked. And I am glad to correct my mistakes that I have mentioned you before.
So, there will not be any worry anymore!
Thank you Sir
August 9, 2018 at 15:00
Hi Simon, today I received my police cert from the country I’m originally from. I lived there under my maiden name and my married name. I had asked for a separate cert in both names or else for both names to be mentioned on the one cert . Instead they have merged the two names together as a double barrel name on the cert which they say will have to suffice. Do you think this will be okay or would I need the names to be mentioned separately? I’m worried I’ll be put in AP while I get certs for the different names.
August 9, 2018 at 15:18
Apply for the new certs now and in the meantime provide the one you have at interview. Hopefully the new ones won’t be needed, but if they are – at least you have applied already.
August 9, 2018 at 15:22
Thanks, they’re refusing to provide additional ones! They said as both names are mentioned, that should suffice and they can’t issue more than one cert per person. I suspect some COs will have a different opinion though!
August 9, 2018 at 15:27
OK – then there is nothing you can do except present the one you have.
August 9, 2018 at 15:21
I was scheduled for septembet 19th is it possible that I don’t get an answer before the 30th and get everything cancelled?
Also it is written on the official website that all documents not in english or in the official language of the country in which the visa is being applied for english translation is not needed but in a separate fike in the Prepare Supporting Docs section it is said that I must provide english translations. What is right?
August 9, 2018 at 15:23
1. Yes
2. Very simply, if your documents are not in the local language of the embassy, then you have to translate them. English is most useful.
August 9, 2018 at 23:30
Well then, what are the chances of me getting or not getting a reply before due time in your opinion?
August 10, 2018 at 03:57
I don’t know.
August 9, 2018 at 16:26
MY NAME IS FATOUMA I AM DJIBOUTIAN WINNER IN DV 2019.
HOWEVER I MADE A MISTAKE DURING MY FIRST FILLING IN DV LOTTERY .
SO INSTEAD OF SETTING MY DATE EXACT BIRTH THAT IS 05 DECEMBER 2018 BUT I put 25 December 2018 it was the problem of computer mouse.
my date of birth exact is 05 december 2018.
it is a disqualification
August 9, 2018 at 17:00
It’s a risk, but not automatic disqualification. It depends whether they really believe it was a genuine mistake, or whether there are other problems.
August 9, 2018 at 18:01
The safe number for Europe is…??
August 9, 2018 at 19:33
I don’t even know what year you are talking about.
August 10, 2018 at 08:48
For this year , Dv 2019
August 10, 2018 at 14:45
Then I don’t know.
August 9, 2018 at 19:04
Hi Mr Brit
Am not going to use sponsor though I have address in US where I want my card to be mailed.
Will I need a welcome letter from dat address to the embassy ( am.AF00033xxx)
Thanks
August 9, 2018 at 19:39
No.
August 10, 2018 at 08:57
How is a welcome letter different from affidavit of support form I-134
August 10, 2018 at 14:46
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
August 9, 2018 at 20:13
If I plan to move to city A in USA, but travel via city B in USA, where should I activate my green card?
August 9, 2018 at 21:10
You don’t need to think about that – they control your entry. It will be in “B”.
August 9, 2018 at 20:54
3 years ago I applied to get another citizenship apart from the one I actually hold. I got a positive result for the new citizenship after the DV2019 results and completing the DS260. Next step would be to go to the X embassy and accept this new cizitenship by taking an oath, and thereafter I get the new passport 2 months after. My question for you it is: Is there any problem if I take the oath, but I don’t have a passport to prove the citizenship? How would I inform the KCC? I have the choice to not show up at the X Embassy, if that would hurt my possibilities with the visa process. For me the most important is to make the process go smoothly with the American visa. What is your suggestion?
August 9, 2018 at 21:23
I don’t know, and don’t have a suggestion.
August 9, 2018 at 23:17
Hi Brit. I would like to ask you two questions if you can help me.
1. I just realized that I should have notified UCSIS when I changed address after I received my Green Card at my sister’s residence and after a while I moved in a new place. Now it is almost 2 years when I changed residence and all my bank accounts, my taxes and my business have the new address. Do you think I am going to face any issue from the department of immigration in the future when I apply for my green card renewal or citizenship?
Should I change the address online now even so late, or send by certified mail the AR-11 along with a letter explaining that I wasn’t aware of this requirement? Or wait until I move to another address and ignore the current altogether?
2. I am very stressed with the new law proposal that states that legal immigrants who used Obamacare may be accused as public charge and face deportation. The article I read clearly doesn’t mention only food stamps or welfare, but also subsidized health care from the government.
Does that mean that we shouldn’t have a subsidized plan at all so that we don’t risk a public charge offense? Or that applies for people who came in the US with a sponsor and they still got free Obamacare? When I came in the US I used free health care for about 1.5 years because I didn’t have the funds to pay a premium health care plan.
Thank you.
August 10, 2018 at 03:58
1. You need to decide for yourself.
2. It’s just a proposal. Not worth discussing at this time.
August 10, 2018 at 20:51
Sorry about this. I just checked my old emails and I saw that I had submitted the address change and received a confirmation from UCSIS.
The only issue is that I put by mistake a street number instead of Avenue number but otherwise everything else is correct.
I had no pending case after I received my Green Card so I doubt they sent me any document.
Should I contact them and notify of my mistake?
August 10, 2018 at 22:43
Use your own judgement.
August 10, 2018 at 06:22
Hi Simon
On 3rd of Agust i sent an email to Kentuki about unloking my ds 260 so as i can add new information
So far i have not recieved any email by them about unlocking my ds 260
Why ???
August 10, 2018 at 14:41
It can take up to 2 weeks.
August 10, 2018 at 06:47
THANK YOU VERY VERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT TO ALL.
GOD BLESS YOU MR.SIMON .
YOU ARE A GOOD MAN.
I RECEIVED THE VISA.
THANKS FOR EVERY THING.
August 10, 2018 at 07:06
Hi Sabah, can you share your interview procedure with us at your embassy? i am happy for you
August 10, 2018 at 14:41
Great!
August 10, 2018 at 07:38
Dear Simon;
Is there any reasonable time to wait for an approved case to turn into “Issued”? As we are approaching the end of the fiscal year; I am asking this so that one can make a follow up on time.
Regards;
August 10, 2018 at 14:42
A week is normally enough.
August 10, 2018 at 07:48
Hi Brit!
I’ve unlocked my wife’s DS-260 to add myself since we’re married now. My question is should I be adding a children from previous relationship? Although child won’t be flying with us.
Thanks,
Regards
Maciej
August 10, 2018 at 14:43
Your wife will alter her DS260 to include you and the step children
Then you will create a DS260, and list your children.
The children not travelling don’t need their own DS260.
August 10, 2018 at 11:54
Dear Simon,
How are you ?
I have Signed and Submitted the DS-260 Before a month, After that when I try to access to the DS-260 the below Message is appearing
“The case information you entered does not match our records”
is it because i Signed and Sumbit or What is the Problem ?
Best Regards,
Yonas A.
August 10, 2018 at 14:51
The system is having problems for lots of people. Wait a couple of weeks.
August 10, 2018 at 12:01
Hi simon.
Qs. Does it happen that the embassy reschedule the interview? I have a friend that received this.
This is to let you know that due to an expected event, your Diversity visa interview for 20-Aug-2018 has been cancelled. You have been rescheduled for 28-Aug-2018 at 1:00 pm.
What does it mean ?
August 10, 2018 at 12:22
Pls what is ur case number and from which region
August 10, 2018 at 14:25
It just appeared to me too, they rescheduled it from the 9/12 to the 9/5.
It seems that KCC decides a date and the embassy can change it if it doesn’t suit them…
August 10, 2018 at 15:02
Correct.
August 10, 2018 at 14:52
Yes the embassy can reschedule.
August 10, 2018 at 13:05
Hi simon
Thank you for your helpe
I am selected for the DV 2019 I have already completed my DS 260 but after the maintenance, I can not connect anymore. he says he does not recognize my file I want to say my CN. someone can help me?
Thank you for your help
August 10, 2018 at 14:54
The system is having problems for lots of people. Wait a couple of weeks.
August 10, 2018 at 13:45
Hi Simon, selected primary DV2019, Asia 3xxx, pregnant, expected delivery just before or just after expected interview date. What to do in both cases? Try to postbond the interview date till I give birth and get documents for the baby and apply with the new born although not included in DS-260? Or proceed with visa then add him/her later?
August 10, 2018 at 14:55
Read the FAQ about adding a newborn.
August 10, 2018 at 13:48
Dear/
I have been selected in Lottery 2019, and I trying to complete DS260 and I faced two problem one is solved by omitted zero from my case Number but problem two still not solve Passport Number and I write it really according written in my Passport. what can I do?
August 10, 2018 at 15:01
I don’t know what the passport problem is…
August 10, 2018 at 14:52
Dear Britsimon,
I am one of the DV 2018 lottery winners, I had interview last week. I gave all my required documents to the officer. But unfortunately, we were put into administrative processing. i did not know why? but the officer told us that there was nothing to worry about and said they would just need a little AP, once they finished they will contact us to send them our passports back to the embassy……I lived in the US before and got my master’s degree there. Do you think that we lost our chance to get the visa ? is that ok to contact the embassy in case of that they will contact me within 4 weeks ?
Please give me an answer
Sincerely,
Adam
August 10, 2018 at 15:04
I did.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-visas-running-out/comment-page-2/#comment-135607
August 11, 2018 at 22:07
Hello Adam,
They gave my passports back as well, when I asked why they kept other people’s passport and gave my passport back, they said cases are different. However, my interview was successful. Find me on facebook to talk more. Here is my Facebook screenname Ali Sina. Which country are you from?
August 10, 2018 at 15:15
Hello Brit
My sister is schedule for DV interview at the embassy in Monrovia, Liberia on Sept/11/2018.
initially play single but got married at a little date.
my question
1. she open the consulate website today, only to see seven persons were added by KCC with their DS260 form open under the “banner start now” while the case is at the embassy. The DS260 form for the principal applicant along with two accompany is completed and locked
2. do they have any chances of obtaining their visas
Thanks
August 10, 2018 at 18:31
1. Ignore the extra cases.
2. How would I know?
August 10, 2018 at 23:36
Bendu,
I think they won’t get visa because it seems it is someone play for your sister and asked to pay money but you refused, so knowing your sister’s case number and her date of birth the person added several accopanies to disqualify the case. A friend of mine got the same thing a year ago. May be they will but I don’t think so.
kindly
August 11, 2018 at 00:19
No, that is not the case. Please don’t add confusion. My answer was accurate.
August 10, 2018 at 18:14
my interview is scheduled for august so I tried to register my appointment but i got this:
Are you applying for a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa?
Immigrant Visa
“If you are immigrating to the United States, you need to have a petition approved by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). See the Immigrant Visa Information page for additional information. This process is handled separately by the Embassy.
K visa applicants may self-schedule an appointment once they have been notified by the U.S. Consulate that their case has been received in Casablanca and they have received their instruction packet from the Consulate. Any appointments that are scheduled without this notification will be cancelled.”
1-What’s that mean?
2-What should i do ?
August 10, 2018 at 18:39
I don’t know what process you are in, or how to register. You should be able to read and follow instructions.
August 10, 2018 at 19:24
Good afternoon
Mr. Simon
I had my interview on August 6 I am from SA my case was approved and I collected my passport and visa today for my entire family.
I have one little issue taht I am not sure who to contact. My son who was added to my case after inital entry was not given an A number when i collect the other 3 on the same day of the interview. My son DS 260 had to be sorted out on the day of the interview, the only saw his DS 260 when i showed them the confirmation page. How would I be able to get his A number to pay for his Green Card since there was no other paper received from the embassy with his passport stating the his number.
August 10, 2018 at 20:37
Contact the embassy for instructions.
August 11, 2018 at 12:02
Thank you sir and for all the help and guidance you are giving to all do winners keep the good work up.
August 10, 2018 at 19:25
Hi, sir
Me n my wife entering us on 7th july 2018 through DV. We pay our immigration fee(GC fees) in same day but my wife doesn’t got her GC until now but I was receive my GC on 10 days ago ! Is this normal sir or there was a mistake in my wife case??
August 10, 2018 at 20:37
Patience!
August 10, 2018 at 20:53
Good evening Mr Britsimon,
The person who is making the affidavit for my friend said he wants to fill out the forms right now but I am wondering if it is not early to fill form I-134 now because his case number is 23xxx, his appointement is far for the moment. Now the question is it won’t be problem if to fill it now ? Is the embassy won’t ask to change it back ?
August 10, 2018 at 22:42
It is far too early.
August 10, 2018 at 23:24
Sir,
My aunt has been scheduled an appointement, she won with her daughter but she turned 22 years old since August 07, 2018. She(my aunt) is wondering now if it’s necessary to go with her to the embassy as beneficiairy ?
August 11, 2018 at 00:20
No. The child cannot get a visa, so should not attend the appointment.
August 11, 2018 at 04:34
HELLO
dear britsimon I am really concern of my case process why it took me so long i passed interview 8 months ago my case has updated 5 times till now last update was 08 .Aug. 2018 my case number is 2018AS00001xxx.
there are less days to september 30 and i havent done medicale till now
wish your kind information regarding the issue.
August 11, 2018 at 04:42
Yes, I’m sure you are concerned, but there is nothing you can do to make the process faster. You have to remain patient and hope.
August 11, 2018 at 14:48
Hi Noori, there are many in situation like yours come and visit this facebook site and join the group (DV Lottery Winners Afghanistan)
August 11, 2018 at 07:04
Hello Mr Brit. I got my immigrant visa since May 21 and am now in the states got my green card yesterday and am so excited I felt the excitement wouldn’t complete if I didn’t celebrate all the contributors especially yourself. Just wanted to say a very big thank you for all you’ve been doing in tryna helping people out. Thanks a million times Mr BritSimon! myself cannot truly repay you for what I learnt through this blog am grateful. I cannot thank God enough for you. Their are still good people in the world with patient and Love for others one of them is you. Keep up the good work gentleman the good God will surely reward you. Mr BritSimon If I want to donate in making this blog more helpful to others in same Journey how can I do that. Thank you very much once more. Regards!.
August 11, 2018 at 13:59
Thanks for taking time to say thanks. Make a good life in the USA!
August 11, 2018 at 07:24
Hey Noori be kindly patient as Mr BritSimon has told you. Keep on praying dear. I got the same thing. I passed interview at the embassy of the United States of America in Freetown Sierra Leone on the 14th May and unfortunately I didn’t complete my medical due to some reasons after the Consular officer told me that I’m qualified but their is no way the embassy can issue me a visa without completing my medical so it’s left with me how fast I worry and bring my medical records. I kindly advise you to be patient and be prayerful keep checking your status at CEAC or you email the embassy for I believe they’ll get back to you.
August 11, 2018 at 08:56
Dear Brit,
Good day. I won the Green card lottery and already activate my Visa in the passport but entering USA and I have also paid for my green card before entering USA. Can you please advise based on experience by when will I get my physical green card by post ? At least an estimated time frame please .
Thanks
August 11, 2018 at 14:01
A few weeks up to 4 months.
August 11, 2018 at 11:16
Hi Brit i am from albania and have so many problems here with people telling me thet the sponsor must have 125 % or higher of the minimun living in order to be ok for me
plz help is 100% or 125 % ve are 6 persons including my sponsor family and his incom are 44K is it ok HELPPP
August 11, 2018 at 14:03
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
It is supposed to be 100%, but Albania may apply 125% if they choose to do so.
August 11, 2018 at 12:42
Hi Britt,
My case number is AS201923xx
when do you think I may get the 2d letter?
can I start preparing necessary docs for interv now ?
cheers,
August 11, 2018 at 14:04
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/