Ask questions here
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.
September 20, 2019 at 17:52
Hi. I will participate in the DV2021. It would be my third consecutive year. I have dual Venezuelan (born) and Chilean nationality (by my parents). I have always participated as a Venezuelan. Can I participate as a Chilean? Would you give me more possibilities?
Thank you.
September 20, 2019 at 23:00
Country of birth is what matters.
September 20, 2019 at 18:29
Hi Simon i want to ask a question can i still apply for dv2021 even if i was selected for dv2020 because i have a highcasenumber af 48k?
September 20, 2019 at 19:27
Yes sure as I learnt here. Your case is low for this year because even 80k is low.
September 20, 2019 at 20:03
Hi, why do you think 80k is low? I am 26k asia but everyone says it is very high
September 20, 2019 at 22:54
I learnt it here bro unless I misunderstood. Keep reading visitors questionnaires
September 20, 2019 at 23:12
80K is not low. Tandetat is well meaning, but not well informed. 26K for Asia is quite high, but has a chance this year.
September 20, 2019 at 23:10
@Tandetat. I know you mean well – but please leave the answering to me. 80K is certainly not low.
September 20, 2019 at 23:01
Yes
September 20, 2019 at 18:32
Hi Brits,
I’ve checked my status after administrative Processing for 3 months and submitted all the required documents asked. After several calls and follow ups due to the fact we are approaching the end of the program.
My status shows “Ready” what does it means? its visa issued or should I go for another interview? knowing its only 7 working business days before the end of the program 2019.
What this status “Ready” means now.
Thank you very much
September 20, 2019 at 18:46
Hi brit
Do we have also have to send high school certificate to kcc by email when they ask the documents ? What documents actually they ask for ?
September 20, 2019 at 23:02
https://britsimonsays.com/new-document-submission-procedure-update/
September 22, 2019 at 19:30
Hello Brit, thanks for your kindness and time you give to us.
I’d love to ask.
1. How I can create a new form for my new wife in the ds-260.
2. How can I cancel the application of my ex wife.
Thank you and may God bless you.
With Gusto.
September 22, 2019 at 19:51
1. Add applicant.
2. Just leave that DS260 unfinished and don’t submit it. You will need to show divorce paperwork at the interview.
September 22, 2019 at 20:14
Thank you so much Brit for your reply. To make it clear for me.
1. I have to edit my spouse information to my wife information and do same as I had done it?
With Gusto
September 22, 2019 at 20:25
No. Use the add applicant button to create a NEW DS260 for the new spouse.
September 22, 2019 at 20:36
How about in my ds-260?
Should I mention my new wife or I leave my ex wife there?
September 22, 2019 at 21:28
What do you think?
September 20, 2019 at 19:27
May be they are about to take a décision about your case. Patience it is the only key
September 20, 2019 at 23:02
You have to be patient and wait for the embassy.
September 20, 2019 at 18:57
Hi Brit,
I am sure I have read somewhere a while ago a response to my bellow question. I went through the blog but I couldn’t find it. So hopefully you won’t mind informing me if it is fine in applying for the upcoming dev lottery knowing that I have been selected for the last dev lottery (but unlucky my case number is too high…. =~AF72000).
Thanks for your time and advice
September 20, 2019 at 23:03
Yes you can register with no problem.
September 20, 2019 at 19:27
Hi Brit!
First of all, apologies for this probable unusualy long message.
I am a winner of DV2020, case 2020SA31XX Cuba, 2 derivatives.
I must say your blog is great! It has helped me a lot and I have managed to understand what I didn’t have explanations for. I study your posts applying logic and even though I have a risk number, I am very positive about it!
Unfortunately, I found your blog after I sent DS 260s. I had read other wrong information and concluded that the faster, the better.
I made some mistakes in my DS and my son’s: I put the wrong birth cities because when I filled them out I didn’t have the birth certificates at that time.
I also chose Mexico City as a place for 2NL, even when the DS proposed Guyana as the default, considering that the embassy in Cuba does not offer those services. The criteria for this change is that the three of us have Mexican visa, and we wanted to do some tourism while passports are left at 2NL. However, I don’t know if this was a good idea and now I am doubting, because the subjective criteria of COs may vary and I am afraid that this situation will be disadvantaging.
In your blog I have not read comments from Cuban people.
KCC has already told me they have received my DS260 and subsequent documents. I am only waiting now for 2NL in case it is appointed.
1. Do you think I should ask KCC to unlock the DS to rectify the cities of birth?
2. Do you think I should change, once the DS are unlocked, the 2NL post from Mexico to Guyana?
3. My husband has a business trip at the end of September. Should I unlock his DS 260 to add this trip?
4. Could you explain in detail what should I do after the 2NL is set? For example medical check-ups, costs, where to do this? Estimate delivery times? Necessary vaccinations?
5. In case 2NL indicates that both High School certificates (my husband’s and mine) must be presented, is it necessary that they comply with international legalization requirements, in the case of Cuba, MINREX? Or can simple copies be presented with the original document? I ask because these procedures may take time and money.
6. What would be the approximate response time (i.e. delivery of passports with visa) that the embassy of Guyana or Mexico City have for this type of cases where 2NL are appointed for Cubans? This is time that I will have to take into account for lodging and ticket purchases outside my country.
7. In the case of 2NL, for the requirement of not being a public charge, better option: present a sponsor, but can I also present an ownership certificate to a house in Cuba? Would the CO consider a bank account in local currency equivalent to 25,000 dollars?
Again, I sincerely apologize for this long message.
Thanks in advance for all your GREAT help!
Best regards.
September 20, 2019 at 23:08
1. Yes
2. You won’t be able to change. Contact KCC and explain what you want and why. They will be ok with Mexico.
3. Not strictly necessary.
4. You have plenty of time to read the instructions, my guides and so on.
5. Only the principal winner needs to present education documents. Check the official instructions for localized requirement.
6. Normally a week or two – but you should plan for all eventualities.
7. I-134. Again – all covered in my site.
September 21, 2019 at 02:59
Hello Brit,
I am a DV 2019 Africa, I got married after my visa was issued and at the interview I did mention the fact that I was engaged and my fiance was expecting a baby. The council did take her name. I have been in the US for 3 months but have not yet filed my wife form because I was waiting the baby to come so I can file the form and insert the child but with new policy about immigration coming I am wondering if the best thing to do right now is to file my wife`s form . She is supposed to give birth in October .
Thank you in advance I look forward to your response
September 21, 2019 at 03:35
The I130 process takes a long time, so you should start soon. You may want to discuss with a lawyer.
September 21, 2019 at 05:33
Hi Simon,
I recieved an email from KCC to submit the documents, they asked me to send them the followings.
1. Passport bio data ( Valid )
2. Birth Certificate ( Valid )
3. Military record (N/A)
4. police certificated ( Not Valid )
5. court record (N/A)
Q1: should I submit my educational certificates and Experience HR letters? ( how ever they didn’t ask for)
Q2: should I send them documents for my son over 21 years old?
thank you
September 21, 2019 at 15:19
1. Send what they asked for. Just that.
2. No
September 21, 2019 at 06:08
2019af403..
Hi brit, Greetings. I had a problem on the 20 September during my interview with my wife, after passing the first and second interview box, on the third box, I was told that my wife’s ds260 was not accordingly, and they gave us a paper saying ” dear visa applicant : this office regrets to inform you that it is unable to issue a visa to you because you are not yet eligible under section 221(g) of the immigration and nationality act, which indicates that more information is required before a final decision can be made. The information contained in the paragraph marked x pertains to your visa application. Please disregard the unmarked paragraph…..”” but our documents and passport were left with the vice consularon the third box
September 21, 2019 at 15:21
That means you are on AP. Did they mark a paragraph? If so – which one?
September 21, 2019 at 06:47
Hello Simon: My case number is 2020AXXXXX.., i can not enter and submit online immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application due to the error message: “The Case Number entered is currently unavailable. Please try again later or contact the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) by email ([email protected]) or by phone (Public Inquiry Phone Number 606-526-7500 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT Monday – Friday) for further assistance. ” What shall i do?
September 21, 2019 at 15:25
As it says. Try again later.
September 21, 2019 at 06:48
Dear Mr. Britsimons,
Thank you for everything and I wish to have your answers for these 2 questions as below:
Q1: About the Vaccination question in Ds 260 form, Can I answer YES ? because I bought Prudential Life Insurance 5 years ago, and I had to undergo a very strict medical check by a Hospital assigned by Prudential Insuarance Company with a list of Vaccination. Do you think this Vaccination meet the requirement of USA standard? because Prudential Insurance is internationally famous. And I am also planing to have the hospital give me Vaccination as I go to medical-check before the interview too.
Q2: I did not list the address I lived while i was studying abroad because I rented a room outside the campus and changed living places a lot of times 11 years ago, long long time ago and I can not remember anyone of them now, and I could not put any address because it would be considered as “LIE” and I honestly could not do that and I extremely hate to do that. but I just listed the University where I graduated from in the education question. is it ok sir?
Thank you so so much.
September 21, 2019 at 15:26
1. Answer no.
3. It’s OK
September 21, 2019 at 15:46
Boss dv2020 has second draw this year?
September 21, 2019 at 16:19
Maybe. Check in October.
September 22, 2019 at 09:34
Hi mr simon;
1/ I heard they prefer young people in the US lottery. Is that true?Maximum age?
2/Is it possible to use Photoshop to bleach the background of the image?
September 22, 2019 at 19:26
1. No. Stop listening to idiots.
2. Very minimally.
September 21, 2019 at 15:49
HI Brit a friend of mine went to the embassy and the consular said everything is ok except for the ds of your spouse meanwhile they have two separate ds260 and all the information are accurate. The applicant has the wife’ information in his ds260 and vice versa. With this they reopened the applicant ds260 and they checked and everything is ok but they are to return to the embassy next do you think the consular will still say the same thing or is there another way of adding accompany spouse to the ds 260 ? Please will be waiting to hear from you. Thanks in advance
September 21, 2019 at 16:09
I can’t predict the outcome on that.
September 21, 2019 at 17:48
Hello sir, following the new law of entering the lottery with a passport, people and agents are still saying they will still enter the lottery enven with fake passport numbers. Could the dv authorities not include a field for scan passport so that entrants will scan their passports and attach to the form before sending? I think it will really help.
September 22, 2019 at 00:29
They could – but they haven’t.
September 21, 2019 at 18:09
Hi Brit. Thanks for the work you are doing. My case number is 2020 AF38xxx and I am from Zimbabwe. My passport expires in May 2021. I intend to apply for a new passport next week. Apparently because of the economic problems in Zimbabwe passports are taking more than a year from the date of application to be produced. I am wondering if the requirement which says passports should be valid for 6 months from the intended date of travel means I will be denied a visa if my interview is in September 2020. My passport will be valid for 7 months at the end of September 2020. My interpretation of the requirement is, because the DV is normally valid for 6 months, the last day of the DV’s 6 months is what will be considered to be the intended date of entry meaning I will need a new passport. Please confirm if my understanding is right.
September 22, 2019 at 00:30
If you apply for a new passport now, you’ll be fine. Stop overthinking.
September 21, 2019 at 19:01
Is the modification on the ds260 that can be causing this?
September 22, 2019 at 00:31
You haven’t used reply – so I don’t know what you are talking about…
September 22, 2019 at 03:21
Hi Brit,
I’m already selected for the dv2020 but my case number is very high from Asia. So could I able to apply for 2021 also..?
Thanks,
Nayomi
September 22, 2019 at 04:36
Yes
September 22, 2019 at 17:38
Hello Simon,
I have a question. I was selected before( dv 2019) i passed the medical exam and got an interview but due to further administrative process i didnt get the visa because my interview was on the 16th of august and the deadline is 30th september, also my number was high 44000. Can u please tell me what went wrong? Because they sent me an email on the first week of october to tell me that they ran out of visas…thank you in advance
September 22, 2019 at 19:47
I don’t know what went wrong in your case.
September 21, 2019 at 19:50
Hi Simon please can I play dv 2021 by myself? For the past years I have always being paying 1000FCFA to submit my infos
September 22, 2019 at 00:32
Yes you can – it’s free. Only a fool would pay!
September 21, 2019 at 21:25
Hello Brit, you’re doing a great job
Is there any DV 2019 cases get disqualifying in the interview because they submit with an old photo or the photo they submit with in DV 2018?
Thank you,
September 22, 2019 at 00:33
Not that I have heard of.
September 21, 2019 at 23:52
Simon
I’ve been trying to register my interview with the local consulate but they keep telling me , your email have already been taken. Earlier last year, I applied for Non immigrant which CO did not approved. Those this have anything to do with it, what do u do.
Thanks
September 22, 2019 at 00:34
I don’t know. Call the website support.
September 22, 2019 at 04:11
Hi Brit,how much income is suitable for single applicant from sponser..??If sponser are 2 members and both are working..one of them sponsoring me..thanks for your quick reply..
September 22, 2019 at 04:35
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
September 22, 2019 at 05:10
Hi Simon,
I just want to know that if me and my wife can submit DV-2021 entry each. I am from Pakistan but I born in Dubai, UAE so I am eligible to apply as UAE Foreign State Chargeability and my wife is from Morocco and Morocco is also eligible as Foreign State Chargeability.
So my question is
Can I submit one entry for my self as UAE Foreign State Chargeability & one entry for my wife from Morocco Foreign State Chargeability.
Thank you
September 22, 2019 at 05:50
Yes
September 22, 2019 at 07:42
Thanks Simon
cheers
September 22, 2019 at 08:07
Hi simon,
I just want to ask you about dv-2020 entry should I register my highest level of education as some university courses or university degree I will graduate on July 20 /2020?
September 22, 2019 at 19:22
The TRUTH. It’s not hard is it?
September 24, 2019 at 07:24
What do you mean did u understand what am trying to say i will graduate from university after 9 months that is by the time when dv-2020 result come out so what should I do should I register my highest level of education as some university courses or university degree
September 25, 2019 at 02:10
The truth means the reality on the day you enter. Not what you expect to happen.
September 25, 2019 at 03:29
Okay thanks
September 22, 2019 at 08:28
Hi,
My case # is 2019ASXXXX
I had my interview last August 2019. and then I was put under “AP”.
During the last period I was asked to provide some additional information and to fill some forms and I did promptly.
Till the moment the case is still under AP and as you know end of the month is approaching.
I contacted the embassy several times via email and always the same reply “your case is under AP and you will be contacted once completed”.
1. Are they going to complete/conclude al AP cases before end of the program?
2. Is there anything I can do to follow up or to speed up the process?
3. What will happen if we reach to 30 Sep and the case is still AP?
4. Are there chances for visa issuance after 30 Sep?
Thanks in advance.
September 22, 2019 at 19:24
1. No
2. No
3. You won’t get approved.
4. No.
September 22, 2019 at 09:22
Dear sir.
In one of your videos I have seen that there are some differences from one country to another when we talk about the eligibilities to apply for this dv process. In that video u said that in sri lanka, the principal applicant must have successfully complete 3 subjects in GCE A LEVEL Exam. Except general English.
Unfortunately I’m a dv 2020 winner from Sri Lanka. And I have faced to A LEVEL Examination and I was present to all 3 subjects but I was failed. Will that be a problem. Please help.
September 22, 2019 at 19:25
If you failed that is not successful completion is it.
September 25, 2019 at 15:59
Dear sir.
In my dv application I selected high school-no degree as my eligibility.
Now I can understand that I don’t have education requirement for the eligibility. So Still can I change my ds 260 as I have work experience.?
September 25, 2019 at 18:19
Hi Harshana,
In sri lanka US embassy required 3 passes for G.C.E A/L (except english) or bachelors degree if you are qualifying through education. but if you can’t meet the education you can still present your work experience. this is something hard than the qualifying through the education. refer the https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/comment-page-9/ article for more details.
September 26, 2019 at 01:59
Thank you?
September 26, 2019 at 03:28
Yes
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
September 26, 2019 at 11:40
Brother are u sure u select “high school-no degree” line ? or did u select “high school degree” line ?
what is the minimum level to a dv qualification entry?? it should be “high school degree” right??
September 22, 2019 at 09:49
Hello Britsimon! I have a valid traveling passport. I’m from Ghana. I would wish if you could assist me crop my photo to meet the required specifications. I want to send you my photo for cropping..
September 22, 2019 at 19:27
https://youtu.be/59uuZMpccpQ
September 22, 2019 at 10:22
Hlw sir i click yes in vacination question is it problem in interview time
September 22, 2019 at 19:28
No
September 22, 2019 at 10:58
Hi Brits just to knows if have idea in case someone travel to US after summer that means school is open will the school allow new admission for Nursery or primary school anytime after getting GC? I am asking so that someone can plan the travel if he/she is successful with the visa am afraid kids might stay for long time till they get admitted to school in case they won’t be allowed in any other time after getting GC.
Let’s take example California state
Thank in advance Mr Brits for your support
September 22, 2019 at 19:29
Yes, the kids can start as soon as they are resident, even if that is after the term starts.
September 24, 2019 at 04:52
Thank you Brits
September 22, 2019 at 13:50
Hello Mr Brit Simon,
First of all, I want to thank you for your great job all these years. You have helped a lot of people with your advices. This is very important for us.
I need your opinion about this: I was born in Albania which is an eligible country but currently I got a Greek citizenship and Greece is an eligible country too. My question is if do I have to apply in the entry form as Greek citizen and mention Greece as country of eligibility ??(based to citizenship)
September 22, 2019 at 19:31
NO. It is based on BIRTH country.
September 22, 2019 at 20:36
Thank you very much. My friend has the same question and I wrote to you twice.
September 22, 2019 at 15:24
Hello Brit,
A friend would like to play dv2021, but he is in italy and to immigrate illegally he has a passport. So if ever he is selected will he be able to pass the interview in Italy knowing that he does not have an Italian visa (Schengen) and that he does not want to return to his country in Africa?
Question a little sad but good … thank you for answering me ☺️
September 22, 2019 at 19:20
If he lives in Italy but is illegal he can’t do the interview in Italy because he isn’t resident in Italy.
September 22, 2019 at 19:37
He needs his passport to enter. There is no other option.
September 23, 2019 at 08:58
GioVanni!
As i have known so far, There is one man who is from Congo and lived illegally in Korea for many years, he also was selected by DV lottery, and was able to attend the interview in US Embassy in South Korea also, now he and his family is living in USA with very high salary. The most important is we have to be honest to CO at the Interview, always say what is true
September 22, 2019 at 15:53
Dear Simon,
maybe you can give an advice what to do.
I wrote a long email regarding my education to the U.S. embassy of Vienna/Austria (see below) since the educational requirements seem to differ from country to country.
We also got a short answer, but we are not sure if we should take the (potential) interview appointment or not.
(we already submitted our DS-260 for DV2020, but we have a high EU case number -> EU42xxx)
Maybe there are some Austrian people that can share their experience regarding “Matura”? Is it necessary or not???
Thanks for your feedback – here’s the full correspondence including the (short) answer of the Vienna embassy (maybe this also has some added value for other people, therfore I’d like to share the whole thing).
Dear Ms. X.,
you may move forward with your DV application.
Since your eligibility can only be determined during the interview, it is most likely that your education will be considered sufficient.
Beste Grüße / Best regards,
Immigrant Visa Unit
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy Vienna / Austria
From: Barbara X.
Sent: May 2019
To: Vienna, Consulate
Subject: Diversity Visa Program / Level of education
Dear Sir or Madam,
my name is Barbara X., I am 3x years old and I participated in the Diversity Visa Program (DV-2020) in October 2019. I checked my status yesterday and (luckily) was informed that I was randomly selected to attend the further procedure. Before I submit further details to the Kentucky Consular Center via online form DS-260, I would kindly ask for your feedback regarding the eligibility requirements, especially regarding education, where the following can be found on the official website of the DV program :
The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program requires the principal DV applicant to have a high school education, or its equivalent. A “high school education or equivalent” is defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education in the United States OR the successful completion in another country of a formal course of elementary and secondary education comparable to a high school education in the United States.
After 4 years of Elementary School (=Primary Level) and 4 years of New Secondary School (= Secondary Level One) I attended and completed the Higher Secondary School for Economic Professions (Secondary Level Two) in Baden near Vienna after 3 years – so I went to Primary and Secondary School for 11 years in total. Is this education sufficient to participate in the further procedure? I researched the internet extensively but unfortunately I only found articles that confirm, that in Germany for example the secondary school diploma (=Realschulabschluss), which usually already ends after 10 years, represents a comparable degree. Just like my degree from the Higher Secondary School for Economic Professions (HBLA), the secondary school diploma (Realschulabschluss) in Germany does not automatically entitle you to study at a public university or university of applied sciences without further requirements. In Austria you would need the “Matura”, in Germany the “Abitur”. Both completed after (a minimum of) 12 years. So my eduction is (one year) above the german (and for german DV applicants sufficient) “Realschulabschluss” but (one year) below the austrian “Matura” I would say.
Therefore, I kindly ask the following question: is for Austrian DV applicants the “Matura” or “Berufsreifeprüfung” (university entrance exam) unconditional prerequisite to meet the requirements, or is my above described degree and educational background equivalent to an American high school degree (since for german applicants already the “Realschulabschluss” is sufficient) so I can move on with my application?
Currently I am extra-occupational studying “Marketing” at the University of Applied Sciences in B.H. (Germany), where I already obtained 30 ECTS (so I am in 2nd semester), and for more than 5 years I am working (full time) as a business administration employee at a local print company now. (just in case this information is also relevant for your evaluation of my case…)
I really appreciate that you took the time to read my concern and I am looking forward to hearing from you.
Thanks again.
Sincerely, Barbara X.
September 22, 2019 at 19:43
Their reply is correct in saying it will be decided at interview, but in my opinion you have a risk.
Realschulabschluss, in my understanding is attainable at the age of about 16 and does NOT allow direct entry to University. Therefore it should NOT be an acceptable level of education. If people are being accepted with ONLY that level of education, they are being “kindly” treated.
So – as you mention, the same thing applies for Austrians. Matura is the level that I believe should be the required minimum, so again, if someone is approved with less than that (and without work experience) then they are getting lucky.
Of course it is difficult to be precise with such blanket statements, and it is worth trying if you can afford to risk the fees, but also look at the link below to see if your work experience will pass you.
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
September 27, 2019 at 10:16
thanks for your reply! I also watched your new youtube video about required education and/or work experience where you state (in your graphic with the line @10:15) that you need to reach a education level (degree), that gives you “permission” to enter university (which would be the matura in Austria). But it seems that this is not applicable for all countries. Regarding Germany and Switzerland the following statement (unfortunately without a source) can be found on wikipedia: “Proof of vocational training with work experience or a minimum education comparable to high school. In Germany, the secondary school certificate (=Realschulabschluss after 10 years) is sufficient and in Switzerland a nine-year school education with a three-year apprenticeship was sufficient.” In both countries you would NOT be able to enter (public) university without further education with these levels of education. So why are there other “rules” (lower educational requirements) for Germany and Switzerland? Unfortunately I can’t find a clear statement for Austria. Since I would have to pay the fees for 3 persons in total (me, husband, child) I would have been more confident if the embassy would have given a clearer reply, since I explained my case in detail. Again, maybe there are some Austrians within this forum who can help to get a better understanding about the “Matura-topic”?
Thanks in advance and thank you Simon for this great website!!
September 27, 2019 at 23:37
I don’t agree with the premise you keep making that “Realschulabschluss” is acceptable. Where do you see that?
September 28, 2019 at 08:59
As I said, that’s what wikipedia says (unfortunately without giving the original source). See here:
https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diversity_Immigrant_Visa
You can find the premise, that “Realschulabschluss” is sufficient, under “Teilnahmekriterien”.
Also, most german DV-forums and the professional site “American Dream” say, that Realschulabschlus is sufficient – see here:
https://www.americandream.de/greencard-teilnahmebedingungen/
It could be, that this is how they bait more germans to use their service, but “American Dream” seems to be a reputable company in Germany that offers assistance for the DV lottery, so I doubt that they make false statements about the education level, but who knows…
In your blog post “Education or Work experience – qualifying for the DV lottery” you gave a link to another site, that also mentions Realschulabschluss for Germany (and/but Matura for Austria):
https://www.immihelp.com/high-school-diploma-equivalents/
So, in my understanding, I share your opinion that a High School equivalent is an education level, that allows you to enter (public) university, which would be the “Matura” or “Reifeprüfung / Hochschulreife” in Austria. I also wondered that Realschulabschluss is (allegedly) sufficient for Germany, since it’s not a 12years education that allows you to enter university.
That’s why I asked the embassy for feedback and I personally also think, that my education may not be sufficient. (11 years / no matura)
That would be totally fine, but having a feedback like “it is most likely that your education will be considered sufficient” (reply from the embassy) doesn’t make my case easier.
I guess we can only risk the fees to find out.
And I am not sure, if I should really do that, since it’s a lot of money…
And I guess, the email I got from the embassy won’t help me either at the interview appointment,
if they say that my education is not sufficient…
What do you think?
Have a nice weekend.
Barbara
September 28, 2019 at 14:57
The references you quoted are old and unofficial.
You aren’t going to get a certain answer from anywhere until you see the CO. So – I would stop overthinking it if I were you.
September 22, 2019 at 17:37
Hello Simon!
2020EU, case 17XXX.
1) Do I need to mention the link to my social media page somewhere in the form ds-260?
2) Am I required to submit my documents on ceac website or it’s only done only via email? How many weeks prior to 2NL do they send an email request for the documents submission?
Thank you in advance!
—
Regards,
Alex
September 22, 2019 at 19:47
1. Yes.
2. Via email. Timing will vary.
September 23, 2019 at 08:12
1. Is it done separately or in DS-260?
September 23, 2019 at 19:22
In the new version of the DS260 it is there. Previously it was in the DS5535.
September 22, 2019 at 19:08
Trying to check my visa status of 2019AS…. Baghdad, but the website always returns (The code entered does not match the code displayed on the page), because it doesn’t click the first time. Any solutions? Cheers
September 22, 2019 at 19:49
If you are just checking status, remove the leading zeros. Or just show some patience.
September 22, 2019 at 23:20
Done that. It says the captcha code is incorrect
September 23, 2019 at 00:03
OK – so enter it correctly.
September 24, 2019 at 11:17
i have also the same problem, did the checking became ok yet?
September 23, 2019 at 10:25
Same situation with Africa(Guinea conakry)
September 23, 2019 at 19:34
Seems the CEAC systemn is broken. Wait a few days.
September 22, 2019 at 20:04
Hello sir,
First of all, I want to thank you for your support all these years. You have helped a lot of people with your advices.
Secondly, I need your opinion about this: My friend was born in Albania which is an eligible country but currently she got a greek citizenship (Greece is also an eligible country) so my question is: Does she have to claim eligibility not in the country she born but as a greek citizen based on greek citizenship??
Thank you in advance
September 22, 2019 at 20:25
I already answered – Albania.
September 22, 2019 at 23:19
Hi simon
My child does not have a passport, and the issuance of her passport will be delayed indefinitely because of the security situation in my country, and I am currently filling her form DS260, and my question is: What should I choose in the field of “Travel Documentation”?
Should I select “other travel document” and confirm the DS260, or leave it open until the passport is issued?
September 23, 2019 at 00:04
Use one of the parents passport IDs for now.
September 23, 2019 at 00:48
Hi Simon
my case number is 2020AS262xx but I born in africa and I Just live in Saudia . this happened by mistake in the frist registry form . do you think I have any chance in the embassy interview
thanks
September 23, 2019 at 01:08
Unless your spouse is from AS region the disqualification is certain.
September 23, 2019 at 04:35
Hi Simon
hope you are doing fine.
my nationality is from an eligible country
my wife’s nationality is from NON eligible one
please advise me if i can apply and still include my wife in my application
or
i should not include her?
thanks for all the help you do for us ….really appreciate it …many thousands of people already become winners because of your advises.
God bless you Simon
Ayman
September 23, 2019 at 04:40
to clarify, i want to apply for DV lootary 2021
September 23, 2019 at 19:18
If you are married, you must include her as your spouse on your entry. She can ALSO enter – but she must list her country of birth accurately, and then list YOUR country as her country of chargeability. She is allowed to charge to your country by marriage.
September 25, 2019 at 05:36
thanks Brit for the reply
i am from Egypt.
my wife is (and born) from Philippines (not eligible country)
so i will apply as principle and she is spouse? even her country is not eligible?
but she cannot apply for herself as principle and me as spouse.
am i getting right?
appreciate your help 🙂
September 25, 2019 at 22:54
Assuming you are legally married, you can apply listing her as your spouse, and she would be charged to Egypt. On that entry you simply list your country of birth.
However, She can ALSO enter for herself listing you as her spouse. On her entry she would list her country of birth, and then Egypt as the country of chargeability.
If you win, only you need to meet the education requirement.
If she won, then you would BOTH have to meet the education requirement.
September 26, 2019 at 05:02
apologize for my many questions ….but we trust you and we are sure that you will provide the correct answers.
we are legally married but she is holding the same Philippines nationality
so it is confirmed that i can apply as principle and she is as spouse. Done 🙂
please confirm that we can submit a second application with my wife as principle (Philippines nationality) and myself as spouse.
really appreciate your patient and advice 🙂
September 26, 2019 at 14:13
Re-read my answer.
Please respect my time.
September 23, 2019 at 05:09
Hi Simon,,
Thank you for your great efforts,,my question is:
I was born in KSA but iam not a Saudi citizen,my nationality is Syrian and i live in the states,,which country do you think i should claim chargeability ?
Thank you,
September 23, 2019 at 19:18
Country of BIRTH.
September 23, 2019 at 22:13
I can get birth certificate only from the Syrian civil domicile,,will this be a problem?
September 24, 2019 at 04:26
Possibly, yes.
September 23, 2019 at 06:50
Hi brit,
I am a little confused regarding the issuance of SSN and green cards after arriving in the USA. If the principal applicant travels together with his children but not his spouse, will the spouse’s ssn and green card be sent to the address too? If the spouse then travels alone to get together, will she be processed again by the IO?
September 23, 2019 at 09:05
What i meant is when the principal applicant enters USA with children, will the spouse’s ssn and green card be sent at the same time with principal applicant and children? Or does the spouse have to enter USA first in order for ssn and green card to be sent?
September 23, 2019 at 19:19
In that scenario her GC and SSN will not be processed until she enters.
September 23, 2019 at 07:49
Hi BritSimon,
I am from Nepal and my case no. is 2020AS10XXX, is their any possibility to receive 2NL? Please reply me!
September 23, 2019 at 19:20
Yes. Be patient.
September 23, 2019 at 08:12
Hi Brit,
My wife is included in my 2020 DV lottery application but wishes to immigrate later. Is it safe for me to attend the interview without her?
September 23, 2019 at 19:21
Yes, but getting her a GC later could be expensive and slow.
September 24, 2019 at 00:17
Can i request for a separate interview for her before 2020 fiscal years ends?
hope my application will not be declined if she is not present
September 24, 2019 at 04:33
No – she should interview with you.
September 24, 2019 at 09:19
she does not want to go with me for now as she have some important commitments
Thats why wanted to know is it safe for me to attend the interview alone?
September 25, 2019 at 02:17
Yes, but understand that you will then spend much more money and about 2 years sponsoring her later.
September 23, 2019 at 08:24
Hi Simon,
I’ve had to reschedule my Visa Interview from 5th Nov to 10th Dec due to travel. They said “we cannot guarantee a visa will still be available for you if you reschedule – consult the Visa Bulletin before rescheduling”. My number is 192 in the Oceania region. Is this just threatening language or could I seriously arrive to my rescheduled interview and be told “sorry, ran out”? I’m a single applicant.
September 23, 2019 at 19:25
It is not “just” threatening language. BUT with it being in so early in the year, there will not be a problem, but you will find there will be a delay because they will have to request a new visa for you. The visa allocated to your case would have to be returned at the end of November.
When did you receive your 2NL by the way?
September 24, 2019 at 07:53
Thanks for the reply, Simon. I received my 2NL on the 19th September
September 25, 2019 at 02:13
Great, thanks!
September 23, 2019 at 08:31
Hello Mr. Brit
Thanks for all your hard work that you have put into helping us. I just saw your recently 2 video and I have taken a photo for experience and would like to here what you think about them. Is there an email address that I can send them to you for your input?
Once again thank you for all the help.
September 23, 2019 at 08:49
Also I am using the tool in the internet explore and the photo is not loading up. Could really use your help. Thank you
September 23, 2019 at 19:27
I sleep at night…
September 23, 2019 at 19:25
I don’t have time to check individual photos.
September 23, 2019 at 08:34
Hi brit
We won this dv lottery 2020 with case number af**59***…can we apply for the lottery 2021??? And can i apply and my husband apply too by two different applications???? Thank you
September 23, 2019 at 19:26
Yes
September 23, 2019 at 08:44
Hi Brit, thanks a lot for your help. In 2016, my wife lived in the UAE where her identity was stolen and she was detained at the airport due to a fraudulent cheque case. Someone stole her cheque book and paid people pretending to be her. In the UAE having a cheque bounce is a criminal offence, thus the detention. She had to proof that it wasn’t her who wrote the cheque. She was never in court and the matter has long been resolved and her name was cleared. I’m not sure though if and how this would affect her during the DV program. Thank you very much for your insides.
September 23, 2019 at 19:26
It should not be a problem.
September 23, 2019 at 11:31
Hello mr. BritSimon, tnx 4 da wonderful wrk. I won the 2020dv lottery i have a problem, i made a mistake when i was submitting my eDv form i wrote a wrong name of the school. What can i do? Because i want 2 fill the DS260.Should i write the correct name of the school in the DS260
September 23, 2019 at 19:35
You must write the correct name in the DS260 – that is all you need to do.
September 23, 2019 at 11:35
hi i am from Kenya and i want to apply for greencard. i am a single mum how do i include my son
September 23, 2019 at 19:36
You just include him on your entry. Being a single parent is not a problem.
September 23, 2019 at 12:50
Hi Brit!
First of all, apologies for this probable unusualy long message.
I am a winner of DV2020, case 2020SA31XX Cuba, 2 derivatives.
I must say your blog is great! It has helped me a lot and I have managed to understand what I didn’t have explanations for. I study your posts applying logic and even though I have a risk number, I am very positive about it!
Unfortunately, I found your blog after I sent DS 260s. I had read other wrong information and concluded that the faster, the better.
I made some mistakes in my DS and my son’s: I put the wrong birth cities because when I filled them out I didn’t have the birth certificates at that time.
I also chose Mexico City as a place for 2NL, even when the DS proposed Guyana as the default, considering that the embassy in Cuba does not offer those services. The criteria for this change is that the three of us have Mexican visa, and we wanted to do some tourism while passports are left at 2NL. However, I don’t know if this was a good idea and now I am doubting, because the subjective criteria of COs may vary and I am afraid that this situation will be disadvantaging.
In your blog I have not read comments from Cuban people.
KCC has already told me they have received my DS260 and subsequent documents. I am only waiting now for 2NL in case it is appointed.
1. Do you think I should ask KCC to unlock the DS to rectify the cities of birth?
2. Do you think I should change, once the DS are unlocked, the 2NL post from Mexico to Guyana?
3. My husband has a business trip at the end of September. Should I unlock his DS 260 to add this trip?
4. Could you explain in detail what should I do after the 2NL is set? For example medical check-ups, costs, where to do this? Estimate delivery times? Necessary vaccinations?
5. In case 2NL indicates that both High School certificates (my husband’s and mine) must be presented, is it necessary that they comply with international legalization requirements, in the case of Cuba, MINREX? Or can simple copies be presented with the original document? I ask because these procedures may take time and money.
6. What would be the approximate response time (i.e. delivery of passports with visa) that the embassy of Guyana or Mexico City have for this type of cases where 2NL are appointed for Cubans? This is time that I will have to take into account for lodging and ticket purchases outside my country.
7. In the case of 2NL, for the requirement of not being a public charge, better option: present a sponsor, but can I also present an ownership certificate to a house in Cuba? Would the CO consider a bank account in local currency equivalent to 25,000 dollars?
Again, apologies for this long message.
Thanks in advance for all your GREAT help!
Best regards.
September 23, 2019 at 19:44
I already answered all this…
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-374/#comment-200908
September 23, 2019 at 13:58
hi, Brit i filled up my Ds 260 form yesterday.
When they will call for an interview.
September 23, 2019 at 19:46
It depends on your case number.
September 24, 2019 at 11:13
My case number is over 16000.
When the inreviewes will began dv 2020.
thanks you help us alot.
September 25, 2019 at 02:30
Interviews begin in October – yours will be later.
September 23, 2019 at 14:17
There is something wrong with the CEAC site. Everytime captcha is incorrect even we properly enter..
September 23, 2019 at 14:41
Yes…its not working…
September 23, 2019 at 19:46
Relax – wait a few days.
September 23, 2019 at 15:02
Hi britsimon good morning, one of my friend just won DC 2020. He is on usa on asylum.so what should be the next process his no is AF 60***.so we it be change of status.
September 23, 2019 at 19:51
I suggest your friend reads the link below – particularly the linked document from the first message in that thread.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2020-aos-only.340762/
September 23, 2019 at 15:07
Is there a 2nd Draw Mr. Brit?
September 23, 2019 at 19:51
I don’t know. We will know more in October.