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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.
April 1, 2019 at 21:14
I was more wondering where on the form you show you are retired – because they only ask for your employer information
April 2, 2019 at 02:13
Write RETIRED
April 1, 2019 at 22:49
Hey Brit!
In 2007 my father (the Dv Lottery winner) was sentenced to prison for 2 years for “missuse of power”.
Do you think we have any chances to get our visas approved?
If no can he apply for a waiver ?
April 2, 2019 at 02:17
It depends on the circumstances of the crime. Only the CO can decide.
April 2, 2019 at 03:12
Hi Brit,
I just noticed a small info on the op right of my ds260 form, which said “Expiration Date: 4/30/2019”. Does it mean my form will be useless after 30 April 2019? My case number is AS14xxx so it seems I must wait for a couple of month before my case get hit current. Will the expire date affect my case?
Thanks, Brits..!
April 2, 2019 at 04:47
No affect on your case.
April 2, 2019 at 07:34
Hi Brit, If I have the interview in June (case no EU 22xxx) do you know when, as in how long after the interview, will I be granted (or refused) with a visa?
Thank you!
V
April 2, 2019 at 13:45
Sometimes people get the visa within a few days, in other cases there are additional checks performed which can take weeks or months.
April 3, 2019 at 08:33
thank you very much!
April 2, 2019 at 09:03
If my sponsor send the documents by mail, it’s a problem.
Thanks You in advance.
April 2, 2019 at 13:50
No
April 3, 2019 at 07:22
OK my mother is in Guinea. can she take care of me by sending her banking succession, her taxes so that I present it to the embassy because my sponsor in the USA does not collaborate.
April 3, 2019 at 15:35
A sponsor outside of the USA is useless.
April 3, 2019 at 18:31
OK I have a bank account of $ 11,000. can I submit this account and my annual fees to the embassy?
April 3, 2019 at 18:44
Annual fees? There are no annual fees. Can you show them the account- sure.
April 3, 2019 at 19:03
Yes I can . I just want to know if it’s possible to present my bank account and annual tax. NB: I spoke of annual tax not annual fee
April 3, 2019 at 19:19
You can do that – yes. Whether that satisfies them or not, I cannot be sure.
April 2, 2019 at 13:21
Hello Mr Simon,
In the qualifications filed of the DS-260 form, and in the education field of it I used the term Secondary school degree, instead of High school degree. Is that ok? I have completed 12 years of study in primary, secondary school, and I have a Bachelor degree which I have included in the form.
Thanks
April 2, 2019 at 13:55
No problem.
April 2, 2019 at 16:52
@Ahmed
If you dont mind where are you from? Are you from Iraq?
April 2, 2019 at 17:33
@Ahmed Al-bayati
If you dont mind, are you from Iraq?
April 2, 2019 at 21:07
Yes, I’m from Iraq.
April 3, 2019 at 16:52
Let me know your contact we can exchange some info
April 2, 2019 at 14:18
Hello Simon,
I should not expect a 2NL for June interview if I resubmit my DS260 with new passport info a week before the end of April, right? Assuming I’m current in June…
April 2, 2019 at 14:23
Some people have been scheduled even with a DS260 unlocked. So – whilst not submitting documents should stop the interview being scheduled, that might change.
April 2, 2019 at 14:33
Oh! Well, that’s good to know! I’m going to hope for the best for myself, in that case 🙂
April 2, 2019 at 16:29
Mr Simon, do you have any info about any Yemeni who got a DV in 2018, and was able to travel, even after the travel ban?
April 2, 2019 at 20:24
No. There are almost no people that have overcome the ban – and you should not spend much money or time thinking you can do that.
April 2, 2019 at 22:18
I just want to know ,we are 4 in the family been selected with DV, my wife was a principal winner of DV 2019, but when we check CEAC Status is giving us to the 1st case number ISSUED, then others i mean 2nd, 3rd and 4th same case number is writing READY.
so this READY means what?
April 3, 2019 at 01:19
IT MIGHT JUST MEAN THEY HAVE NOT UPDATED YOUR STATUS CORRECTLY. PATIENCE!
April 2, 2019 at 22:49
I have received today an email from KCC with the subject: 2019EU00029XXX Diversity Visa Adjustment letter.
The email contains 2 attachments, one with payment instructions and the other one for filling up the USCIS adjustment of status.
Since I apply for adjustment of status at USCIS inside us (I am currently in legal status from USCIS point of view), is this the 2ND NL? Is this a sign that the case numbers on April VB will go aver 29XXX for EU region?
Thanks
April 3, 2019 at 00:14
It is not a sign of anything. The 2NL for AOS cases is not sent ONLY to cases that are current.
April 2, 2019 at 23:55
Why kcc not send me adjustments letter if another persons have higegher number than me and kcc send for him this letter (29***) and my is 257**what heppen?
April 3, 2019 at 00:24
Perhaps he followed the process correctly – and perhaps you have not. I don’t know…
April 3, 2019 at 00:13
Hello,
I don’t understand if it is necessary to translate the additional documents required for the interview at the embassy (eg. diploma, birth certificate, etc.). I hope you can clarify that, please.
Thank you very much in advance
April 3, 2019 at 00:26
You need to translate documents that are not in the official language of the place where the embassy is located. This is in the general instructions. Make sure you read the instructions!
April 3, 2019 at 17:17
Hi am stella,i applied last year for 2020 dv.am single and i applied as single but unfortunately am pregnant two months now ,but am not married .if i can be one of winners will i be granted visa with my unborn baby?or is there an process i will be given?
April 3, 2019 at 17:26
It’s a lottery. If you win, there is plenty of time to figure all that out.
April 3, 2019 at 02:30
Dear Simon,
I am the principal applicant and my medicals are ok, however, my wife was suspected to have TB and asked to do the sputum test (results in 8 weeks) which obviously will come after the interview.
My question,
If everything else went ok during the interview this May. Do myself and my daughter get the Visa or we are all given the 212(g)?
Thanks in advance
April 3, 2019 at 02:54
You will have to choose how to handle the case. You could typically ask them to issue your visas now, or wait for your wife. Just have a think about what would work best.
April 3, 2019 at 04:10
Thanks,
1- Does my wife have to attend a 2nd interview after the results come out or we just need to submit to embassy
2- how does it work out if I option to take the Visa first and let her wait for results? She has to attend the interview with us?
3- She will be AP waiting the results i.e. she can be approved conditionally awaiting negative TB test?
Please help, its really confusing. Thanks
April 3, 2019 at 05:15
ALWAYS click Reply so I know you are carrying on a conversation.
1. Just submit.
2. Yes.
3. AP
April 3, 2019 at 07:51
Understood, Thanks for the advice.
April 3, 2019 at 05:32
Hi brit
I am from afghanistan , i have submited my ds 260 ,and recently recived email to submit my electronic copies of documents , but there is a problem on my passport my Gregorian date of birth is corec on both passport and birth certificate but there is only one day diference on hijri ( afghani) calendar between passort and birth certificate what should I do? Should I change my passport ? And unlock the form .
Thank you
April 3, 2019 at 05:44
Your documents should BOTH be correct.
April 3, 2019 at 06:02
If I change my passport and unlock the form will it cause delay?
April 3, 2019 at 15:13
Probably not – but what would you prefer, delay or denial?
April 3, 2019 at 05:54
May 2019 interviews in EU region were 1009 (Quoted from your latest post).How many of them are backlogs ? In April, it was approximately half of the all cases (Figures are again from your earlier posts)
April 3, 2019 at 15:12
673 are under 18500. You can see that data on Xarthisius’ site.
April 3, 2019 at 06:51
Hi Brit,
I will fill FBAR for my overseas account. I didn’t earn anything outside of U.S. in 2018. Do I also need to file Form 8938?
Thanks
April 3, 2019 at 15:34
I am not an accountant.
April 3, 2019 at 08:25
Brit after 1NL I fill DS260’s form and send in kcc June 2018 I have conformation letter and hold from this time when my number will be current, if I send on this week in kcc my doc.,With out ask me from kcc, is it will be okay?
April 3, 2019 at 15:38
Yes
April 3, 2019 at 11:35
Hi Birt.I want to know if a gonorrhea or a syphilis holder can get denial since these infection can be treated after being diagnosed?
April 3, 2019 at 15:42
Read the FAQ
April 3, 2019 at 12:31
Good day Simon.
When will the original documents be given back ? I mean, school diplomas or birth certificates originals will be included in the package to give at POE , or given back immediately after the interview.
Thabk you.
April 3, 2019 at 15:43
They keep documents. So that is why you are instructed to take copies.
April 3, 2019 at 18:45
Hi sir
There are more visas for as region if yes kcc useing thes visas ?
April 3, 2019 at 18:47
Possibly. But so what. Visas are not running out.
April 3, 2019 at 19:22
hello
my wife toke pregnant between of medical and interview and our interview is in april can we tell about pregnant to co. and In our country give visas for dv in Agust and September.
April 3, 2019 at 19:55
Read the FAQ about how a newborn child gets a visa.
April 3, 2019 at 19:26
had will this speed for our case after interview because of my wife pregnancy
April 3, 2019 at 19:28
I ask you Brit manny times but one mor time I want ask you, I readed your last post about April backlog, for me little dificalt understand everything, you tell me with my number can I will be patient 257** EU.
April 3, 2019 at 19:54
Stop asking.
April 3, 2019 at 20:48
Hi
I am a winner of Dv lottery 2019 from Iran( the country which is banbned).
I have not been invited for the interview yet. On the other hand, I have applied for the 4 universities of the USA and I was accepted. Therefore I can apply for Student visa( F1 category)
now, I would be so thankful you guide me, what is the best way to help me to get my Green Card.
1: I make an interview appointment for the F1 visa ( I have made one for 8th April )and if I get the visa and travel to the USA. I apply for changing the category of my visa when I am in the USA based on that I am the winner of the dibersity visa lottery 2019?
Or
2: I take my acceptance letter and I20 form which I have got with me when I go to the diversity visa interview ?
April 4, 2019 at 03:13
I don’t believe either option will work.
You may be banned for temp visas also.
You cannot enter the USA with an intention to convert status, and having the DV makes the F1 less likely to be approved.
Having an F1 has no impact on the DV.
Honestly, banned means banned.
April 3, 2019 at 22:43
Hi Brit,
Thanks for this site, lots of wonderful info. Q relating to education – I no longer have my high school graduation documents but I have a Bachelor’s Degree from an Australia University, would this suffice in the place of a high school certificate?
Secondly, I understand once we get the green card, we have 6 months to go over, but can come back for another 12 to 24 months, but will likely need to see a judge if we stay in Aus for 12+ months. If I’m here to complete a masters degree before moving to the US, would that be a satisfactory reason and not cause an issue with removal of the green card?
Cheers
April 4, 2019 at 03:18
1. Possibly. Some COs will insist on HS proof.
2. If you have to be away more than 12 months, you apply for a reentry permit i131
April 4, 2019 at 00:53
Hello Mr Simon my number is Eu29xxx and I all ready complete my ds260. On their site says that my ds260 is completed and mu case is in KCC center. But I never receive a Welcome letter from CEAC, so I check my visa status and my case is “AT NVC”. Do I need to follow the next 6 steps to collect and submit documents for approval or first I should contacting CEAC and ask for welcome letter?
April 4, 2019 at 03:20
Ignore everything on that page. You are not processed by NVC. Read my basic questions article or the dv guide linked above.
April 4, 2019 at 12:45
hi brit
do you think if someone made a mistake in entry like photo or gender.after he sent required documents ..kcc send email implies that valid and complete or kcc denied him before his gone interview…
April 4, 2019 at 14:26
The email does not imply that – KCC can NEVER deny a case – only the embassy can.
April 4, 2019 at 16:30
Hi brit,
I and my husband dont gave savings of $1000 each we have $15000 for both, but we can show affidavit of support from a person who lives in the usa. So savings and affidavit of support both required or one is enough ? Waiting for your response.
April 5, 2019 at 00:21
Take both.
April 5, 2019 at 02:56
Thank you for replying me brit, but we dont have enough savings. We have only $15000 for both shall we show it anyways?
April 5, 2019 at 04:35
No harm in that.
April 4, 2019 at 16:45
Hey brit as i told before i am putting on AP since february 14 and i sent the document that the co asked me, but still now i didn’t took any response and my case is updated 3 times after the document that i sent . Can u give me some advice whether to contact the embassy or add more patience.thank you for ur fast response and tangible info
April 5, 2019 at 00:22
You can contact them or wait. Your choice.
April 4, 2019 at 17:00
hi brit , im a little bit concern about the picture that i submitted in the dv entry , what i m concerned about is the head size…. , i defenetly used the photo tool in the website to crop my picture , so no need to worry about the size since i used it ?
April 5, 2019 at 00:22
How would worrying help?
April 5, 2019 at 14:35
IF THE PICTURE will disqualify me i don t ant to pay for the medical exam and interview that s why
now tell me please if the hole head is visible and 70% of the neck i used the the photo tool is it valid
April 5, 2019 at 14:48
I have never seen your photo. How would I know if it is going to get you disqualified??? And really – if some guy on the internet tells you you will be disqualified based on your photo, and based on that you arent prepared to risk the money – just how much do you understand this life changing opportunity you have been given?
Now – use some common sense!
They are mainly interested in whether you are the same person who applied. So – if your photo is wrong by a percent here of there they won’t care.
April 4, 2019 at 17:09
can they deny you the day of the interview because of the picture or if the picture is not valid the systeme do not pick you ?
April 5, 2019 at 00:23
Relax.
April 4, 2019 at 18:10
Hello simon
My wife is the applicant and dv winner of 2018 and we already got the visa. But now because of disagreement on basic issues we get divirced. We still do not travel to USA, will I be prohibited to get green card and enter USA since I am the beneficiary.
Thanks!!!
April 4, 2019 at 19:33
When did you get the visa?
April 5, 2019 at 03:44
February ,2019
April 5, 2019 at 04:30
So DV2019 then, not DV2018.
As you are divorced, your status has changed and you cannot enter as a derivative of your ex wife.
April 5, 2019 at 09:40
But I still have the right to enter USA? Ya
April 5, 2019 at 14:52
NO!
April 5, 2019 at 19:18
Sorry Brit i already have the visa i did pay an entrance fee to the embassy,i sold all my property, i resigned from my work How could not i be legal to enter USA? What shall i do?
April 5, 2019 at 19:48
You also got divorced! You created your own mess. I have no solution.
April 5, 2019 at 03:49
February 6,2019
April 6, 2019 at 04:32
Ok thanks
April 6, 2019 at 04:36
I did not tell you one thing our divorce is not legally like in document we still have the marriage certificate. But we will not live together she will live in denver i will live in maryland, had it been successful. Can this make a difference.
April 6, 2019 at 04:47
I am not going to help you bend the truth to suit yourself.
April 4, 2019 at 20:17
Hello Simon, Today my family and I had the Interview at Bs. As (Argentina) embassy
We were all put into AP because my Wife´s born certificate was digitaly signed and the CO didn´t accept it.
The CO asked me to resend the email I had received from argentinian goberment with the certificate attached. I already resend it few ours ago but now checking my case at ceacs I realised that Im still in AP but my wife and my little daughter changes to Ready.
What do you think about? Is it normal? The CO gives me a paper with the instructions to pay de 220 U$S fee with a A number and a DOS number but when I enter them in my.uscis web they are not recognised.
Thanks for your help
April 5, 2019 at 00:25
Patience. It is too soon to pay the fee.
April 4, 2019 at 20:59
Dear Mr. Simon,
My case number is very low EU3***. Is it possible to have an interview if I submit my DS-260 and provide the scanned documents right now or not according to the new procedure?
Thank you very much!
April 5, 2019 at 00:26
Yes
April 5, 2019 at 03:41
Hello Simon: a DV winner CN2019AS2xxx. I received 2NL on 29Mar19 with interview scheduled at early May, earlier than I expected given that the requested documents were only sent in mid-Mar. I would like to have interview in/ after Jun if possible. I have contacted SDY embassy (currently resides in AU) and was advised the case is yet to be received, further check on CEAC showed “in transit”.
My question is
1) should I contact embassy again once the status moved to next status (reach embassy?)
2) can SYD embassy reschedule for Jun, or they need to return the “quote” back to KCC to wait for next VB allocation (in mid/ late Apr)?
3) if rescheduling involved KCC, I shall wait til end of Apr to learn if interview is moved to Jun or stay in May?
4) lastly, am I risking with running out of visa with such rescheduling given the current speed?
Sorry I did search the blog but was unable to find what I am looking for, your thought is very much appreciated.
April 5, 2019 at 04:34
1. Yes.
2. They can move it, but your preallocated visa will be lost. So – they will later have to ask for a visa for you, which will add a delay.
3. It is up to the embassy now.
4. Possibly – not big risk.
April 5, 2019 at 04:56
Hi Brit,
My interview was held on 5th Feb 2019 and I was unable to submit wife’s(beneficiary) medical report due to a pregnancy on that day.
After the interview,embassy has retained our passports and advised us to provide the medical report with baby’s passport after the delivery.
Now our baby is born and I am in the process of preparing the baby’s passport.In our country,it is a required to provide parents passports to the passport office in order to prepare a passport for a child.
My question is can I ask the embassy to give our passports back? will it be a problem for the continuation of our DV case?
Thank You very much.
April 5, 2019 at 14:49
You need your passports to register the child – so get on with it!
April 6, 2019 at 13:30
Thanks Brit.
April 5, 2019 at 13:45
Hi Brit!
About 18 years ago my ex won to green card lottery, we passed the interview and went to United States for about two weeks. After we return we separated and my ex-wife gave up her green card at the embassy in exchanged to B1B2. After that I have never been in the United States. My green card of course is expired about eight years ago. Last year I participated in DV-2019 and was selected. Please let me know what should I do.
Question is did I had a rite to participate?
April 5, 2019 at 14:58
Well you should have agreed to give up your Green Card, as your wife did. So – speak to the embassy about that. It may cause a complication – but I dont know how they will treat it.
April 5, 2019 at 14:31
HI Simon
I have just been asked to go to Tanzania for work for this month and for May.
My interview for the DIV is on the 30th May.
I do intend returning on the 15th May for my medicals that have been scheduled in the week prior to my interview.
This trip will mean that I have made a trip outside of my home country & which I have not included in my DS620 application
1 . Is this therefore just a straightforward explanation I must give when I am interviewed on the 30th ?
2. If you one is a dual passport holder am I correct in assuming they only keep the one passport that I am applying for the DIV WITH ?
I ask this as I intend to use my 2nd passport ( EU Nationality ) I have as I need to return in June for 1 more month for work
Thank you
April 5, 2019 at 14:59
1. Yes
2. Yes
April 5, 2019 at 14:32
Hi Simon,
We landed in USA on Feb. 14 and paid for Green card on Feb. 6 and its been 50 days since we arrived in USA but still we didn’t get Green Card and there is no any update about our green card. So we are worried. The questions are:
a. What are the causes of not having green card yet?
b. What should we do to get green card or any other information about our green card/
c. is there anything that we should worried about not getting any updates?
April 5, 2019 at 14:59
Normal. Relax.
April 5, 2019 at 14:53
Greetings Simon, after sending a mail to KCC requesting for them to change interview location do they send you a mail after the changes??or u check ur Ds260 to confirm the changes.
Pls may I have a sample on how a request for change of interview location to KCC should look like. Thank you
April 5, 2019 at 15:03
THey base the interview location on the current address (and I assume you are changing country). So – you unlock the DS260, change the address, and resubmit. Then afterwards you can email them to be sure they allocate you to the new embassy. That is all covered in the FAQ.
April 5, 2019 at 15:20
Please sir, Is there no way I can change the interview location before traveling to the new interview location?
April 5, 2019 at 15:51
Only if there is an exceptional reason, such as the embassy being closed.
April 5, 2019 at 17:06
Am a cameroonian but currently in UAE with CN 2019AF45*** am working in Dubai and was going to do my interview here but few days ago my boss informed me that he will need to cancel our employment Visa next month cos our services won’t be needed due to slow down in business. Now if my Visa is cancelled I can’t attend interview here in UAE with a visit Visa so as a result I need to transfer my interview to my country to avoid uncertainties. I thought I could change the interview location now before traveling next month but now it seem impossible and I already unlocked my ds260. Plus I just received a mail today from kcc to summit my documents. Pleas sir what do uyo advise I do? Thank you
April 5, 2019 at 18:29
Your number is high, so no need to rush.
April 5, 2019 at 14:54
I have one final question, which is one that still confuses me.
I understand that the documents need to be translated into English, but how exactly?
If my Diplomas need to be translated, wouldn’t that mean i’d have to go to my old school to have them REMAKE the diploma but only this time in English writing? As well as the birth certificate, and work permit etc etc
April 5, 2019 at 15:00
You take the documents to a translator.
April 5, 2019 at 15:04
So i just take them to a legal certified translator, then tell him or her that i need my documents translated into English for the American Embassy, and he or she will take care of the rest, yes?
April 5, 2019 at 17:08
Hi Brit,
Can we change the Sponser on the day of Interview.
April 5, 2019 at 18:30
Yes
April 5, 2019 at 20:18
I am currently in the US, will apply for adjustment of status at USCIS, my case number is EU29XXX. I already received via email: Adjustment Letter and Adjustment of Status Mail Form.
Do you think asking KCC to unlock my DS260 to change the address ass we are moving in 30 days will affect my case at NVC?
April 5, 2019 at 20:55
There’s no need to do that. The ds260 submission already served its purpose.
April 5, 2019 at 23:28
Hi BritSimon,
i finished my interview yesterday in Montreal, the officer said congratulations you have been approved and we got a green paper stating next steps, but today morning, I got an email asking to provide additional documents (police certificates with fingerprints) I started doing it today which may take a week or so to issue an send back to the consulate. I checked my CEAC it says Administrative Processing.
as I read a lot of terrifying stories about AP, do I have a reason to worry about? knowing that I’m sure my police check will yield nothing (clear)? is it just approval pending missing document? or denial pending verification?
thanks in advance
April 5, 2019 at 23:47
Follow the instructions. I cant predict the outcome.
April 6, 2019 at 08:59
My sponsore send me i134 form and welcome letter douments with the eletronic signature in it…is it accepted by us embassy .???
Or should i asked him for the i134form and welcome letter sign by his hand signature.
I have interview in 18 april. Please clarify me thank you! Have goood day sir
April 6, 2019 at 14:47
Signed and scanned.
April 6, 2019 at 10:17
hi
am a dv2018 winner, I got my GC on Jan 9, 18. I travelled to the US 3 times but did not stay more than 2 weeks each time. I work in UAE, do I have to submit tax forms? I did not stay more than 6 weeks in total. Thanks
April 6, 2019 at 14:48
Yes. Do it fast – there is a deadline of April 15, but you can file for an extension.
April 6, 2019 at 15:24
Hii brits
I think i’ll be probably current in the next vb
And i’m going to send my documents, I did a new passport ,I don’t know which one I’ll send to them (I filled my ds with the old one).
What do you think ? Could you please help me ?
Thank you.
Have a nice day.
April 6, 2019 at 17:09
Send the new one. Take both to the interview.
April 6, 2019 at 22:54
Dear BritSimon,
I have scheduled a medical as soon as I got a 2NL. A doctor’s schedule was full, and I was able to get an appointment only a couple of days before the interview. Therefore, results will definitely not arrive in an embassy on time, but just a couple of days later. Does it mean just an AP for a couple of days without any issues, or I should try to get the medical earlier?
Thank you in advance.
Best,
Max
April 7, 2019 at 15:29
You will be on AP. Obviously, earlier would be better.
April 6, 2019 at 23:12
Hi Brit,
I am winner of DV 2019 but I don’t have 12th class gruation certificate but my huspant has it and community college certificate so will my husbant certificate work instead of me. Please give me advice. Thanks
April 7, 2019 at 15:31
No – you must meet the requirement as the winner, otherwise you will all be refused.