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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.
September 23, 2016 at 10:39
Hi simon,
I realized I have made a spelling mistake in my mothers surname in the DS 260 form.
1. do you think it may cause issues in the interview?
2. is it ok if I dont unlock the form and leave it as it is? or I must correct it?
thanks
September 23, 2016 at 13:05
1. No
2. I would correct it (particularly if you think you might want your mother to live in the USA)
September 23, 2016 at 15:11
kebed
hi
thanks for your help !!!
i am the dv lottery won 2017 i Semite om end of may ,
but my sponsor are divorces this month ? so what you advise me or it have a problem ?
best regard
September 23, 2016 at 16:59
It’s not really a problem, but you might want to change your sponsor.
September 23, 2016 at 15:15
Hi Brit, after the administrative process was complete, I was told to drop my family passports because the visas have been approved. I did and was given the chip to pick up the visas on October 4, 2016. Will the September 30, deadline affect my visas printing?
September 23, 2016 at 16:58
No.
September 23, 2016 at 15:18
I an from nepal. I subitted ds260 on 3 rd june and ma cn is xxx750 but I did not get 2nd letter. what may be the reason?
September 23, 2016 at 16:57
Your June 3rd submission.
https://britsimonsays.com/2nls-november-interviews-sent/
September 23, 2016 at 15:47
hello simon, here is my question :
we are a couple and when we have registred to the dv lottery we were not yet married but we did it as a married couple … and we got married after being selected in dv lottery it was not just for the dv it was planned and we were angaged 2 years earlier .. now we have our interview in november and i don’t know ifour visas will be aproved or not we are stressed about that. what do you think ?
September 23, 2016 at 16:55
Technically, your case can be approved. However, I have known of cases with similar circumstances that took a long period of AP after the interview.
September 23, 2016 at 17:50
HELLO MR BRITS
IS IT NECESSARY TO TRANSLATE AND BRING UNIVERSITY DEGREE TO THE DV VISA INTERVIEW ADDITIONAL TO THE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA??????
September 23, 2016 at 18:02
It would be wise to do so.
September 23, 2016 at 18:35
actually its hard for me to prepare this documents.i need to know is it possible that they reject me because of it?
September 23, 2016 at 18:38
Of course there is a risk in telling them you have achieved some educational level but not showing the documentation. You have to decide for yourself what risks you are willing to take because it is “hard” to get the document.
September 23, 2016 at 18:20
Hi simon,
when i check my visa status on CEAC it shows “Issued” and Status Updated Date: 25-Aug-2016
but until now when i check my passport status it says “There is no status update available for the passport number submitted” so how much time i must wait until they gave my passport to Aramex office so i can take it.
thank you.
September 23, 2016 at 18:38
I don’t know.
September 23, 2016 at 18:54
Hello simon.
I have some problem and want some suggestion.
I am winner of dv 2016 from nepal. My wife is the applicant winner and I am her husband. We arrived to us approximate 30 days. Due to some reason my wife in not feeling well and want to return nepal and stay there and dont want to come back at usa. Since she is the winner and applicant, if she stays in nepal and I stay at usa then there will be any problem with our atatus and mind. Because I am staying at usa. How will this matter harm me or not.
September 23, 2016 at 19:32
Once you have entered the USA under your DV visa, the derivative has the same rights as the principal winner. So – there is no impact to you if she returns to Nepal. She can be absent for up to 12 months and still keep her LPR status. After an absence of longer than that, there is a risk that she will lose her GC, unless she applied for a re-entry permit (I-131)
September 23, 2016 at 23:04
If she didnt come till 2-3 yrs and dont want to apply GC and even dont want to come to usa. Does that will also affect on my status or not. If she didnt come to usa for 5 yrs. Then can I apply myself for US passport or not. Though I have received my social security number
September 24, 2016 at 04:30
I already answered this!. No problem.
September 23, 2016 at 20:06
hi brit,
thank you all the help you are doing here, I was gonna ask you about there were DV lottery winners 2012 about 22,000 selectees but they refused to accept as there was a computer problem according their claim.
do you have any information where it ended that story?
September 23, 2016 at 21:49
There was an attempt to sue the government and force them to give those 22000 people a chance. That attempt did not succeed.
September 23, 2016 at 21:08
Hey Brit how have you been..
Is it mandatory to provide apartment numbers/house numbers/ when filling previous addresses on the DS260 form? think i forgot one of them..
you are appreciated, as always!!!!!
September 23, 2016 at 21:47
One inaccurate address out of several historical addresses won’t matter
September 24, 2016 at 20:58
I only had 2 past addresses and assumed it was optional to put the house number as I thought it belonged to the “street line 2” address which is optional…
So should i unlock and add it??(i only got 3 addresses)
September 24, 2016 at 21:09
I would unlock and correct if it were my case.
September 25, 2016 at 14:52
Thank you for your guidance Brit….
One other thing is that i mentioned my dads and mom’s surename on the form but their names on my birth certificate has only their given names(2names only without their last names)
My form is on the way to be unlocked…. So what would be your suggestion Brit?
Really appreciated!!
September 25, 2016 at 15:15
You can’t do anything about your birth cert and it obviously follows local guidelines, so don’t worry about it.
September 23, 2016 at 21:19
Hello,pls I will like to know the date for interview I sent my application this September and my case number is 2017AF000081**
September 23, 2016 at 21:46
It will be several months before your DS260 is processed. Watch my monthly posts to see how the DS260 backlog is reducing.
September 23, 2016 at 21:28
Am currently refugee in europe,can I apply for green card usalottery?if yes kindly assit me which country to fill now i do live now?plz assist me
Thank you
September 23, 2016 at 21:45
Yes you can apply if you meet the requirements (education and so on).
You choose your country of birth, not your place of residence.
September 24, 2016 at 00:02
Hi Mr: BritSimon,
Hope you are well,
i am planing to apply on dv 2018 but i have two question and hope to get the answers,
1# i have born in eligible country so when i complete my application on the next to add my familly، my wife she is born in ineligible country so is that make any different or is it okay becouse she is in my application?
2# i want to make also a new application for my wife , is it okay if she claiming the eligibility country to her husband?
Thanks & best Regards
September 24, 2016 at 04:29
1. That is fine – she can be charged to your country.
2. Yes.
September 25, 2016 at 00:33
Thanks for your great help, and sorry to ask you one more time,, my wife she is born in GAZA STRIP and i know i can charge it to EGYPT,,, when i complete my application on the next part shoud i write born in gaza or egypt? I want to do it right
September 25, 2016 at 03:53
Write the accurate place of birth. Let them decide where that means to charge to.
September 24, 2016 at 00:49
Hi,
I have an expired immigration visa. But i left the USA before receiving the green card. My friend will send it to me when it is issued.
However, i have a valid B1/B2 Visa.
Is this visa could allow me to enter the U.S again?
September 24, 2016 at 04:18
Your B1/B2 is no longer valid.
September 26, 2016 at 11:47
Now UCSIC called me for interview while I am outside the USA and my immigration visa has been expired. What can I do?
September 26, 2016 at 13:42
OK, be clear in your statements.
When did you first enter the USA? When did you leave? Why do you think your immigrant visa expired?
September 24, 2016 at 05:35
am a DV-2017 I have won the “2017 Lottary” and my case number is 2002. I am writing this letter to recieve information about some terms and conditions. I had already gotten divorced before I applied for lottary and now I have a 9 year old son whose father is responsible for taking care of him. My son is not planning to immigrate to America with me
and me dont send from dv-260 .now i current but at this time i can not find the Second Letter on ESC website.can you guide me /
September 24, 2016 at 06:21
If you have not submitted your DS260 you will not have the second letter!
You need to read the instructions. I can’t guide you if you put in absolutely no effort at all – and you are simply submitting similar questions…
September 24, 2016 at 06:11
Hi simon
As i send you a question yesterday I am a winner for 2017 dv program still now i did not submit the application of ds-260 when i try to enter for ds-260 I recieve a message the case information you entered does not much our records but the case number & my birth date are correct pls i am confused what should i do
September 24, 2016 at 06:16
You must be entering incorrect information. Make sure you are entering your CASE number, not confirmation number. Check against the ESC site.
September 24, 2016 at 07:05
no i dont sent my son s form becuse he will not go with me to usa .now my guestion : if now i cant see my secont letter due toi dont sent my son s from ?or dont Related it?
September 24, 2016 at 13:52
PLEASE!!!! Click REPLY to keep your follow up questions together.
Your son has nothing to do with it. Did you submit your DS260 or not?
September 25, 2016 at 04:28
What I understand; she submitted her DS260, but not for her son. Her question is; why she can NOT receive the second letter while she submitted her DS260 with this low case number “2002”?
September 25, 2016 at 13:55
Thanks for trying to help. Perhaps reading this article will explain.
https://britsimonsays.com/2nls-november-interviews-sent/
September 24, 2016 at 10:29
my case number is about af00010000 i complet my ds260 on 20 may 2016 and after that u unlock my ds260 on 9 august for do some change just i change the zip code of the university and the in wihch ocupation u wouk in usa is Does unlocking cause delays
September 24, 2016 at 13:32
https://britsimonsays.com/does-unlocking-cause-delays/
September 24, 2016 at 11:19
hi mr simone
i have a questions :
when i chose primary occupation : student they give me this question
does this job require at least 2 years of training or experience should i answer yes or no and why ? thank you
September 24, 2016 at 13:29
Answer no. Because it is not a JOB
September 24, 2016 at 11:24
hellow mr simone , in ds260 i dont know my university true adresse so i did a short one in ds260 because i thought there is only one university in my city so i wrote the university name and the name of the city that’s it ( just take a taxi and tell them the name and they will take you there because ther is only one ) , what do you think , is adresses a problem , help me please and thank you for what all you do for us (ps : sorry for my english )??
September 24, 2016 at 13:28
It’s OK
September 24, 2016 at 14:06
hi brit, my questions
1. new born child not in original entry form but added in our ds260 form can immigrate with as?
2. if not how can I get his own ds 260 form ?
3. CN2017AF000006** ds 260 submitted in may 27 / 2016 my cases is not scheduled for November interview but i expect December interview?
4. current for December interview affect contact kcc about my child case or no problem?
September 24, 2016 at 21:07
1. Yes (assuming the child was not born when the original entry was made).
2. Add applicant.
3. Probably, but add the child NOW.
4. You might need to contact KCC to add the child. Try.
September 24, 2016 at 15:46
high simon thanks for your great help :
iam foreign medical graduate i have question regarding these question :
1-Are you a graduate of a foreign medical school seeking to perform medical services in the united states but have not yet passed the national board of medical examiners examination or it’s equivalent ? i answered it no as i did not finish usa licence medical exams yet
2-Are you a health care worker seeking to perform such work in the united states but have not yet received certification from commission on graduates of foreign nursing schools or from an equivalent approved independent credentialing organization ?? also answer no
3- “In what occupation do you intend to work in the US ? i choose others and explained as i will search for casual job till complete exams then i will apply for medical job .
what is your opinion best answers / appreciate your help thanks a lot
September 24, 2016 at 20:54
Your answers are fine. Any answers to those questions are fine. It doesn’t matter although the best answers are the most accurate/honest answers.
September 24, 2016 at 22:47
I did not submit it yet i want to change it yes but iam afraid that deny my visa if it was thought that i will act medical service without taking exams
September 24, 2016 at 23:23
That is not a concern.
September 24, 2016 at 22:44
Hi Simon! thank you for all your helps,
my interview is just in a mounth, and i just found that i did a mistake in my ds260, in the primary occupation i mistakely choose not employe, and i am a student in my first year master ! and that made me panic alot i don’t know what to do ! thank you so much for your reply
September 24, 2016 at 23:24
You cannot do anything now as you cannot unlock your form. JUst explain to the CO.
September 25, 2016 at 08:31
If i explain to the co the day of the interview will it affect my chances to get a visa ? Or some delay ? Thanks again
September 25, 2016 at 13:46
It isn’t a big error. Relax!
September 25, 2016 at 01:21
A slightly technical question but I’d really appreciate it if you could answer it, here goes!
I live in country A(citizen) and have already submitted the DS-260 for DV 2017 with the address information and interview location that corresponds to my current residence in country A
I submitted on May 30th and re-submitted for a correction on June 5th and I’m still waiting for an interview to be scheduled. If I went to country B in this case for the rest of the greencard process and wanted to have my interview there, would I have to be a permanent resident in that country in order to ask for an interview there or is it ok to just be living there as a tourist. Also would the process be delayed so as to make it impossible for me to have my interview or do you think there’s still enought time today (25 Sept) for an interview date to be scheduled and had during this fiscal year. Thank you so much in advance.
September 25, 2016 at 03:52
They don’t normally ask for proof of legal residency in the country you are living in. However, a change of country could cause a delay after interview while they check credentials from the “old” country.
September 25, 2016 at 13:04
You are correct about that Simon. I would recommend checking the country specific requirements. In the case of Canada, you must show proof of residency / status in the country.
September 25, 2016 at 13:28
Yes absolutely correct. The Montreal embassy has this on their embassy specific instructions:
” IF not Canadian citizen, also original and photocopy of the Canada LPR card, study/work permit, refugee documents. “
September 25, 2016 at 01:23
Hi Brit , thanks for your advice concerning about school address if you don’t provide your school address how will they write to your school to do the enquiries.
September 25, 2016 at 03:50
You present education documentation at the interview.
September 25, 2016 at 05:08
Hi britsimon
I am front nepal my case no. Is 36##
1)what is the chance of being notify for interview ?
2)if any thing is wrong in ds 260 formy is there a chance of not being notify for interview?
September 25, 2016 at 13:47
1. 100% (OBVIOUSLY!!!)
2. No
September 25, 2016 at 08:42
hi i m edv winner 2017 from nepal.my cn is 54##
i submit DS260 September.can i recevied 2nd leteer when my cn is current .. ?
September 25, 2016 at 13:45
Probably.
September 25, 2016 at 08:58
hi Mr simon is the unlocking of ds 260 get the processing to the begining. i mean is the processing of the form start from the first date or from the second date after unlock
September 25, 2016 at 13:44
First date in most cases.
https://britsimonsays.com/does-unlocking-cause-delays/
September 25, 2016 at 10:08
Dived
Hi sir
I’m won dv lottery 2017
And complete on may 31 my CN AF34XXX if 13500 for November interview? My interview came sooner April?
Thanks!!!
September 25, 2016 at 13:43
Since you submitted your DS260 so early, your interview date will be based only on your case number. But the early submission cannot mean an interview earlier than the case number being ready.
September 25, 2016 at 12:26
Simon i have a problem with my case i couldnt fill DS-260 form when i try to enter i recieve a message the case information you entered does not much our records , but I open it one time before , but i didnt write any ting what could be the reason plz i am worried i need your help
September 25, 2016 at 13:33
It simply means you are entering something incorrectly. Try again, carefully.
September 25, 2016 at 13:03
Hello Simon,Your site is so helpful..
Is it possible to wait for a 2nl letter for over 4 months?
we are four,my spouse and 2 kids under 10.my family and i have never live out of our birth country and our case is AF2017…616. I summited DS forms on June 18th never unlocked.
please just help me know if you understand the reason for this long delay.also any hope for December schedule?
thanks you are a kind man…
September 25, 2016 at 13:29
It’s normal – read this:
https://britsimonsays.com/2nls-november-interviews-sent/
September 25, 2016 at 13:05
Simon, I was selected in the second draw in September . I’ve filled out my ds-260 forms and submitted them. I’m in the North America region and my number is the date followed by zeros and ending in the last two digits that is below 20. Is this good or bad or do I not stand a chance .
September 25, 2016 at 13:24
The NA region is so small, that it is impossible to apply any statistical estimation to it. So – all you can do is wait and see what happens. Best of luck!
September 25, 2016 at 14:20
should I be hearing something from Kentucky at some point ? Is by email or regular mail ?
September 25, 2016 at 15:15
Email.
September 25, 2016 at 16:00
Hi simon
We did have 2 children now we have 3
I did fill the form with 2.
But now i need to added the third one in my wife and mine form it a probleme now to remove that number 2 to write 3.
Please what i am suppose to do?
To leave that 2?
September 25, 2016 at 17:17
Cant thank you enough for your help Mr. Simon..
I have this issue
I always thought my birth date was on “Tir 4″(Ethiopian calander) and when this date is converted to GC it becomes Jan. 13 but because i always thought it was Jan. 12 without using conversion i was lucky enough i submitted my edv form with Jan. 12 as my DOB
But fortunately i found my hospital record and it says “Tir 3” which becomes Jan. 12 when converted(so my DOB on eDV was correct as you get Jan. 12 when you convert “Tir 3”)
since i used an agency to submit it for me, now im not sure if the edv form asks for DOB in my native calender too since i remember i wrote “Tir 4″/which should have been Tir 3/on a paper form to be given to the agent…
Im very sorry if i wasted your time with too much writing…
Thank you in advance
September 25, 2016 at 17:30
Just make sure it is accurate in the DS260. Then it should be OK.
September 25, 2016 at 17:33
At the time of the DV lottery entry did you have 2 only. Was the third child born after the entry? If yes – then it is no problem to add the third child.
September 25, 2016 at 18:50
Hi,Simon. I applied DV 2017 from Ethiopia. But I am from Turkey. my case no is 17xxx. I’ll go for interview to Addis Ababa. which month can scheduled for me? Thank you in advcance..
September 25, 2016 at 18:54
When did you submit your DS260?
September 25, 2016 at 20:36
Thx for your help.
If found in getting start in the form that i choose jhb as place of interview i need to change but it can unlock to make a change for my home country.when playing i put my home country as country of chargeability.and my currant address is my home country.
But now i need to change the jhb as place of interview it lock same for my child.
Please what to do for this?
September 26, 2016 at 02:01
Your question is not clear. But let me say this. They schedule the embassy based on your current address. So – if you want to be interviewed ion country A then you must show an address in country A, then email KCC to get them to change your interview to that location.
September 26, 2016 at 05:54
Good Morning Brit. Thank you for your site. We are scheduled for our interview 1.11.16 if we initially want to go over as a family but say something happens and the children need to stay behind. How long do we have for the children to join us without effecting their visas? Thank you
September 26, 2016 at 14:01
Within 6 months of their medical.
September 26, 2016 at 07:24
Hi simon, i need to know how long will it take to clear POE to US in on my first travel to US? Will the whole immigration process take more than 2 hrs? what is basically done at the immigration? do they check documents etc?
I need to book my onward so only option is a 3 hr transit or 8hr. I believe 8 hr transit is too much. hope you can help me as per your experience.
thanks much
September 26, 2016 at 14:00
3 hours connection would be stressful and risky. I normally recommend 3 to 4 hours.
September 26, 2016 at 08:09
Hello Brit
Concerning dv2018. Pls if someone plays the lottery and included the name of a child that has no passport photo readily available, can it be acceptable?
September 26, 2016 at 13:59
You must have a photo to enter. You must enter the child.
September 26, 2016 at 11:24
Hello brit..
Please i am a winner for 2017 and i sent my ds260 on 24 september. So when will i recieve my interview date
September 26, 2016 at 13:43
Several months. It depends on processing time for the DS260 and the case number.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
September 26, 2016 at 11:52
I have immigrant visa and still waiting for the green card.
Can this visa allow me to work untill I get the green card?
September 26, 2016 at 13:37
Yes.
September 26, 2016 at 13:36
Arezou
I am winner 2017.I submited D260 in 7 and 8 th may.I unlocked it in 15th july and changed and applyed few adresses and dates .7 day later i unlocked for changed place of interview but l did not change it and 21th july submited it .My casenomber will curent in oct .will delay in my interviw time?
September 26, 2016 at 14:07
Probably not.
September 26, 2016 at 14:01
Hi simon,
i need to know how long will it take to clear POE to US in on my first travel to US? Will the whole immigration process take more than 2 hrs? what is basically done at the immigration? do they check documents etc?
I need to book my onward so only option is a 3 hr transit or 8hr. I believe 8 hr transit is too much. hope you can help me as per your experience.
thanks much
September 26, 2016 at 14:40
I submit my d s 260 in June and unlock twice in September my case no 2017AF000004@@,when will be my interview I’m worried
September 26, 2016 at 16:33
https://britsimonsays.com/2nls-november-interviews-sent/
September 26, 2016 at 15:07
Dear Britt,
I will make New York as my first entry to the USA to activate my dv immigrant visa and I will apply for social security number and then leave USA to go back to my country.My concern is about the delivery of green card .It has to be delivered to an adress in New York as it is my port of entry or it could will be delivered to another adress (I know that I have to confirm the adress upon presenting my papers to the immigration .I will take this opportunity to thank you warmly for your previous support.
September 26, 2016 at 16:20
The address does not have to be in NY.
September 26, 2016 at 15:54
Hi Brith , i just landed two week back in US and i asked the immigration officer at the POE to change that address at the time of entry.
i know that my new address will be used to receive the green card . but i’m wonder, will the SSA uses the new address or they will use the old address to send my social security number
Big thanks in advance
September 26, 2016 at 16:20
New address, theoretically. However, in these matters mistakes are sometimes made, so if you don’t have the SSN within 2 to 3 weeks, visit the SSA office.
September 26, 2016 at 17:12
Thanks Simon , but what if they sent it to the old address (which is hotel address ) is there is any risk that my ssn will to be taken by someone and use it in bad way.and if that happened what shall I do in this case
Thanks Again for your time and effort
September 26, 2016 at 17:49
Maybe. You are free to go to the SSA after a few days and check what address they have.
September 30, 2016 at 20:58
Sorry for keep asking , but I’m wondering which mail service SSA is using to sent the mail and are they sent it using any of security option like (delivery note , delivery confirmation , or receive signature.. Etc) or they sent it to the address and any one can receive it. And if that is that way . can I know later who received it. I found that SSN lose is big issue and I’m not sure how SSA can send it to anyone .
Sorry for taking too much time about the same subject . but losing the SSN might lead to jail or big issue like dept or loan
September 30, 2016 at 21:53
You are making FAR too much out of this.
They mail it – regular mail.
320 million other people have got their cards that way.
YOU will be just fine.
September 30, 2016 at 22:06
Let me just add a couple of things.
1. The card itself is something that you will almost NEVER need to produce. People don’t ask for the card, they ask for the NUMBER (which you memorize).
2. Almost every week you will give someone your SSN. It is used for MANY reasons in all sorts of systems (some properly, and some for no good reason). It isn’t very secret at all.
3. Identity theft (which can involve someone running up debts in your name) does not result in jail time for the victim.
4. Smart people protect/monitor the ACTIVITY on their credit history – because it is almost impossible to keep your SSN secret. There are various methods to monitor your credit history, so if someone obtains your SSN (the number, not the card), you can choose to be alerted if anyone tries to get credit in your name.
September 26, 2016 at 18:42
hello britismonsays
1)I am from.nepal and my case no is 56** when 2nl will drop ?
2) May I again apply foe edv 2018? Is there any problem
September 26, 2016 at 19:17
1. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
2. You can apply again.
September 26, 2016 at 19:12
Hello Britsimon my name is Leotrim Shala i have won the Green Card Lottery i wanted to ask you when i will have my meeting in ambassy my case number from 20000
September 26, 2016 at 19:16
Read this:
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
September 27, 2016 at 04:38
hallo
we did interview and was asked to do DNA i my hubby and our kid. We did, the US lab sent results to the embassy,the embassy has not called us…..
1.Should we call the embassy?
2.Our case still in AP status
3.The deadline is for dv2016 is just here
Please advice
Thanks
September 27, 2016 at 14:44
1. Yes.
September 27, 2016 at 06:22
Hi Britsimon i am the Dv winner of 2017 and complete my DS 2660 on July 4 and my case number is AF and 28xx and recently i heared from Egypt Ethiopia AND Nigerias case will be processed after december is it true brit thank you in advance for your coperation am from ethiopia
September 27, 2016 at 14:44
There is a backlog that has nothing to do with what country you are from. Your late submission means your case won’t be scheduled until later, probably around January, perhaps later.