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.
October 7, 2019 at 12:23
Hi Brit,
I took a picture with my phone and the background is perfectly white, but my face is a bit shady (no shadows, just a bit darker). Can I adjust the brightness slightly to make it more natural? I don’t have dark skin, it’s because of the lack of light.
Thank you for your answer 🙂
October 8, 2019 at 04:41
Yes
October 7, 2019 at 12:37
Both my wife and I submitted our own entries. On both occasions, the second page gave a “page cannot be reached” error…the same as in your step-by-step video. I reloaded the page and did not start from scratch. It then loaded and i continued with the application.
We both got the “SUCCESS” page after submitting. I take it the reload and not starting over was sufficient? I examined the confirmation page and all info seemed to be there before i submitted. Just wondered if i should have started over completely instead of just reloading the page.
October 8, 2019 at 04:46
Reload was fine
October 7, 2019 at 13:08
Hello Mr. Simon. I am from Liberia, West Africa. I want to take advantage of the DV Lottery this year. My major concern here is, my spouse and I are living together with our two sons; we are not marry but been living together since 2014. Will it be advisable that the two boys and I submit an entry without her or should she be included in the entry. I think this is the only question holding me back.
October 8, 2019 at 04:43
You cannot enter with her – so enter as single
October 7, 2019 at 13:40
Hi,
As part of DV2020 my number has gone current and am starting to gather all the information needed to complete the forms and associated documents.
I spent 13 months living in the US (5/2013 – 6/2014) and will require a US police report. Currently I’m living in the UK and I haven’t been able to find any reliable information as to how I can get a criminal background check completed for the US whilst I live in the UK.
Are you able to direct me to where I should look or any resources able to complete this?
Thanks
October 8, 2019 at 04:56
Read the instructions you were given as part of the 1NL
October 7, 2019 at 15:07
Dear Brit ,
When we should consider the new healthcare (insurance) program is in progress ? after November 3rd? Or we should wait if it is gonna stand or not ? just approximation
October 8, 2019 at 04:03
Yes, I have the same question and another one if need the coverage what should be the type of the coverage Trip insurance or green card holder insurance.
October 8, 2019 at 05:00
https://youtu.be/8Q-hgduUlJg
October 8, 2019 at 13:04
Hallo,
Please forgive meb if I interrupt yoy anyhow but I find this way to ask my question .
I am planing to apply for dvlottery 2021 , but my passport expires in June 2020 . Please tell me what would be a smart choice . To get new one now or I can apply even if my passport expires very soon after the results will be announced?
Hopefully I will get an answer soon and Thank You in advance …
October 9, 2019 at 03:16
Apply now. As long as it is unexpired at entry that is OK.
October 8, 2019 at 14:28
Hi Simon,
Would it be possible to include my partner that I have lived with for 12 years in my application? We are not married.
If I cannot include him is there another process I would need to use instead of the DV Lottery?
Many thanks.
October 9, 2019 at 03:20
You have to be married.
October 8, 2019 at 21:12
Hello mister Simon i had apply since four days but my problème haveis that i lose my passeport what i have use for apply. What Can i do if i’m selecteed?
October 9, 2019 at 03:45
You will need to show proof of the passport you lost.
October 7, 2019 at 16:25
Hi Simon,
I tried to open the DV Lottery site and was successful at filling out the first page of information, however when I clicked continue, it threw an error. Doesn’t seem to be an issue on my end because I am able to access other sites without a problem. I tried this twice and each time the error when I go to continue. I dont want to have multiple applications in with the DV Lottery because I understand that is one of the ways to be disqualified. Do you happen to know if the site is giving issues and if it is safe to try again?
October 8, 2019 at 04:59
Keep trying.
October 20, 2019 at 13:48
you take too much time to fill the form that is why. You should be fast. I experienced same
October 7, 2019 at 16:26
Hi Brit,
I currently have both Argentinian and Italian nationality. In the process, I specified I was born in argentina, currently living in argentina and the country of eligibility was the country I was born at, but then in the “passport section” I put my italian passport instead of the argentinian one. Will there be a problem? (The Italian passport is 100% valid and won’t expire until 2023).
October 8, 2019 at 04:58
No
October 7, 2019 at 16:39
Hi Brit,
First I want to thank you for your work to help others! You helped me release I had fallen in to a mistake by applying through a agency. I payed 59€ for my DV2021 application. So my question is, do you recommend me to email them and ask for a cancellation? And then apply straight through the right page? Or what would be your recommendation?
Thank you so much in advance if you have time to help me out,
Best regards
October 8, 2019 at 04:58
You cannot “unapply”
October 20, 2019 at 13:50
You have already given them your details. applying again will be double entry and disqualification
October 7, 2019 at 18:22
Hi Simon, I didn’t do 260, because I live in the USA, I am completing I-485, I was selected dv2020SA00003 ····, once I complete this form, what happened should I follow? THANK YOU
October 8, 2019 at 05:03
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2020-aos-only.340762/
October 7, 2019 at 18:48
Dear Simon
AM patrick osei from Ghana. I was able to enter my registration today,very successful one but when I was registering? I first made an entry with my cell phone, I was able to complete the part 1…but couldn’t summit it..before using computer..will I be disqualify by trying twice without confirmation number?
October 8, 2019 at 05:02
No
October 7, 2019 at 18:54
Hi
My wife is doing her own entry.
She has my surname in our marriage certificate.
However her passport has her maiden name.
In the entry where she is required to fill in her LAST/FAMILY/NAME for QUESTION 1
– does she use my surname by marriage
– or her maiden name as per her passport ?
Thank you for the help
October 8, 2019 at 05:02
Enter legal name and if selected she cn list the maiden name.
October 7, 2019 at 18:57
Hi Brit,
I’m trying to postpone my initial travelling to the US as much as possible (ideally in September 2020), but of course don’t want to lose my chances…
I still haven’t submitted DS260, and my case number is 2020EU00048XXX. Do you think that I should submit it now, or wait a little more?
Thanks a lot!
October 8, 2019 at 05:01
Wait a few more months.
October 7, 2019 at 18:57
She should used the name on the passport..
October 7, 2019 at 19:24
Hi Simon,
I am currently an F1 student residing in the US and I won the DV2020 lottery. Somehow I got confused and submitted DS260 instead of the Adjustment of Status Form. I’ve already received an email from KCC asking me to submit my supporting documents, so it’s probably too late to switch to the AOS track. I am in the process of collecting all supporting documents necessary.
I have a school trip coming up, and I am wondering if it is safe for me to exit the US and return? Do you think I will be denied entry because F1 is a non-immigrant visa and then be sent back to my country of origin? I still need to complete my degree here in the States. Also, if I get rejected when I return (touch wood it won’t happen!) somehow affect my consular interview?
Your blog is such a great resource and provides such useful information. Thanks for running it, it’s a lot of help!
October 8, 2019 at 05:08
Switch to AOS.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2020-aos-only.340762/
October 7, 2019 at 19:26
Good evening Brit. thank you for your help i am one of the lucky ones who got the visa. and I have a question. When I filled out the form Ds260 I had put the address of my uncle who is in the USA. On the eve of my interview I changed sponsors. I now want to receive my green card from the person who charged me on the eve of my interview. How do I proceed ?
October 8, 2019 at 05:07
Make sure the address is changed at the POE
October 7, 2019 at 19:31
Can I play by putting my main applying wife and me in charge. And replay me main applicant and my wife my charge.
October 8, 2019 at 05:06
Yes
October 7, 2019 at 19:53
Hi Brit if my wife don’t have a passport and want to apply as an applicant can i use my passport for her during the entry and later get one for her? Thanks
October 8, 2019 at 05:06
No!
October 8, 2019 at 05:14
Hi dear Simon
This is my number, please check once to see if I have won
OMB Control Number: 1405-0153
Form: DS-5501
thanks
October 8, 2019 at 05:21
Jeez.
October 7, 2019 at 19:59
My friends are have made it to the point where they are waiting for an interview. They do not have much money but we have agreed to take care of them until they can manage on their own. Will our sponsorship be enough?
October 8, 2019 at 05:10
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
October 7, 2019 at 20:11
I’m not married but have a kid and want to play along with her but she’s not living with me.she lives in Guinea.
How can I enter the lottery with her.
October 8, 2019 at 05:10
Follow the instructions
October 7, 2019 at 20:11
Hi brit. I have a question. Um confused. Um a sri lankan living in bahrain. So what should be my mailing address. Should be the address in bahrain or sri lankan address. Looking forward for a reply
October 8, 2019 at 05:09
Your current living address
October 7, 2019 at 20:13
HI Brit,
Thank you for all the hard work. I would like to clarify if a step-child (my previous wife’s child) should be listed even we divorced last year.
October 8, 2019 at 05:09
Yes
October 7, 2019 at 21:15
hi mister Simon, can I send you a photo that I made for the lottery and check which one is better because I have 2 that have the requirement, but I don’t know which one is better they have the same size, the difference is about the shoulder and the face please answer me if you can or give me your email to send the photo please.
October 8, 2019 at 05:11
I have no time for that.
October 7, 2019 at 22:39
Hello,
I won the dv 2020 but I have selected university degree, now I am at university (Last year), I have a vocational education certification and high school degree diploma. Is that a problem, can that disqualify me at the interview,
what can I do?
2020EU000538xx is there hope for my case number?
October 8, 2019 at 05:19
1. Should not be a problem
2. Yes
October 7, 2019 at 23:41
Hi Simon what does it mean by address line means
October 7, 2019 at 23:49
Hey Brit,
Hope everything is well with you.
CASE #EU24XXX
I recently watched your video about the new healthcare proclamation, and found the link to purchase a temporary (visitor) coverage, but it says that is not available if country of residence is USA.
I have been living in California for few years now, on different non-immigrant visas, but never had an insurance trough my employer.
1)Do you know if Medical or Covered California could be considered “financial assistance” and if so, create a problem at the interview?
2) If one is “YES”, could you please suggest other form of affordable insurance for people already living in the States, that doesn’t makes you a “Public Charge”?
Thank you so much for your time,
Leo
October 9, 2019 at 02:29
Hey Brit,
Hope everything is well.
I was wandering if you missed my question, or just not sure about the answer yet.
Thank you for your time,
Leo
October 9, 2019 at 03:55
I had somehow missed it.
The new proclamation is brand new. It would be a mistake to give solid answers at this point. They specifically refer to an unsubsidized healthcare plan through the marketplace – so that at least is clear, but we really don’t know the final outcome yet. Wait a couple of weeks at least…
October 9, 2019 at 15:51
Hey Brit,
Thanks for your reply.
Despite Trump proclamation, I am actually pretty determined on just getting a private unsubsidized insurance anyway, as my Italian one is probably not valid anymore here.
While comparing options, my girlfriend from Los Angeles, told me that she could add me on her Kaiser Permanente plan that she had from her job at Nordstrom (its a really good plan for $250 more a month).
Do you think that could be an option, eventually presentable at the CO as well, if the whole think with Trump goes trough? It would be just a month to month plan.
Thanks again,
Leo
October 9, 2019 at 16:21
Yes, you certainly should have insurance anyway if you are already here. The Kaiser plan sounds like a good plan, but you should not think of it, or more importantly, DESCRIBE IT, as a month to month plan. It’s a plan that will be provided as long as she is employed. I assume you would need to be married to be covered, but that is then as stable as her job.
October 7, 2019 at 23:55
Hi brit can I make my photos background white my editing it.
October 8, 2019 at 05:30
Be careful.
October 8, 2019 at 01:00
Hi simon, I have some questions about the dv lottery. I never applied so I have some doubts about different situations that could happen
1. Can I apply again to the lottery if i’ve been selected the year before but I did not applied for the visa?
2. Can I apply again to the lottery if I applied the previous year but my visa application was denied?
3. Can I apply while on non immigrant visa? Is this a problem?
4. If my immigrant dv visa is denied, I have some chances to apply for a non immigrant visa?
Thanks for the attention
October 8, 2019 at 05:29
All 4. Yes
October 8, 2019 at 11:42
Thanks. I wrote this questions because I read on internet two layers that said that filing a non immigrant petition, consulars will know if a person joined the dv lottery even if someone didn’t win, while I know that USCIS and State doesn’t not share the same data, is that right?
October 9, 2019 at 03:13
Your reason is not correct – no – they can share data, but ENTERING the lottery is not “immigrant intent”.
October 9, 2019 at 13:24
There are consular officers or state employers saying that they do not share the same data, what do you exactly mean? Can they search who applied for the lottery? Is this legal?
October 10, 2019 at 02:14
Of course they have the same data. And of course it is legal!
October 8, 2019 at 01:23
Sorry I forgot other questions!
1. What is the amount of $ that I have to demonstrate to the government to obtain the dv visa?
2. Can I be financially supported by a person that lives outside the States to apply for my diversity visa?
3. Is unemployment a problem in file my petition or can I put my student status as previous jobs? I only had not-under-contract jobs so I think put it could be a risk
October 8, 2019 at 05:28
1&2 https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
3. Honesty.
October 8, 2019 at 11:55
Thank you. So it looks like I cannot be supported by a person outside the states. is that true?
October 8, 2019 at 12:21
Idk why it appears ‘Awaiting moderation’ never wrote it?
October 9, 2019 at 03:14
Correct.
October 8, 2019 at 15:01
Thanks. So I cannot be supported by someone outside the us?
I’m sorry if I wrote my comment multiple times but I don’t see it actually appear maybe due to internet issues.
October 9, 2019 at 03:22
Correct.
October 9, 2019 at 13:27
If I can demonstrate to the government to have 10k do I need a relative living in the USA?
October 10, 2019 at 02:15
They might accept the proof of savings, or they could still ask for a sponsor. It is their choice.
October 8, 2019 at 02:58
Hi Brit
I am born in Germany but have never held German citizenship. Lived there only for a year then went back to Italy.
I have Italian citizenship, Italian nationality and live there whole my life except that one year.
Should I apply as Germany as country of eligibility or Italy?
Thanks
October 8, 2019 at 05:26
Germany
October 8, 2019 at 04:06
Hey Mr Simon. I have an expired passport and I am in the process of getting a new one. But it will take a month more for me to get the new passport. So will it be okay if I enter the dv lottery with the expired passport or else should I enter the dv program after I get the new passport
Thank you
October 8, 2019 at 05:24
No
October 9, 2019 at 03:35
No means I have to enter the dv program after i get my new passport right?
October 9, 2019 at 03:51
Of course.
October 8, 2019 at 04:21
hey brit,
1) If an applicant is selected with a picture used in previous years, when will the applicant be disqualified?
2) will the applicant be disqualified in the interview?
October 8, 2019 at 05:24
1&2 Possibly.
October 8, 2019 at 04:55
Hi Simon,
I was born in nepal but raised and reside in India. I have two problems for now to mention.
1. Middle Name – In India your Fathers name is considered as your middle name and in almost all my educational documents and work documents i have the same name format. But in nepal citizenship and passport i have only First Name and last name.
2. Mailing address – I am currently living in India with all my family. Should i put my current address as mailing address. Will that be accepted.
Please reply to my queries to the earliest as i want to apply for DV2021.
Cheers,
Satya
October 8, 2019 at 05:23
1. No question.
2. Yes
October 8, 2019 at 05:40
1. Should i mention my Father’s name as middle name in DV form or follow the nepal passport format (No middle name). I am afraid this confusion may cause a disqualification.
October 8, 2019 at 05:45
Hi there.i have a friend that applied for a dvdlottery . she’s a bit confused .she and her husband applied.but on her educational requirements her matric results were incomplete due to (3) subjects that she failed .later on she applied to a college for a 2years cosmetology courses and she s now graduated with an international diploma in cosmetology.she s a bit confused if she can show the incomplete matric results together with her 2years international diploma which she obtained at her college as educational requirements please .
October 8, 2019 at 05:55
Hello.someone helped me to apply for a dvdlottery at the internet café . but she made a mistake on the spelling of my name will it be a problem please
October 9, 2019 at 02:31
It’s impossible for me to say – BUT wait and see if you are even selected.
October 9, 2019 at 02:32
This is a lottery. It makes no sense to stress over this UNTIL someone is selected.
October 8, 2019 at 06:07
Please I play a dv lottery with my iPhone i didn’t receive any confirmation of email so I don’t know what to do.
October 9, 2019 at 02:32
If you saw a confirmation code – that is all you need do.
October 8, 2019 at 07:39
Hi,Brit
Really helpful videos and blog for everyone who needs help.
wanted to ask
1) I am an indian citizen having indian passport i was born in KUWAIT,so can i apply for the DV.
2) I am married can my wife also indian passport holder can she apply for a DV
3) we have 1 child recently born in NY do i need to add him on the DV form
October 9, 2019 at 02:35
1. Yes
2. Yes – watch my video to see how. https://youtu.be/CiGh0nkuQ6k
3. No.
October 9, 2019 at 09:56
Thank you
October 8, 2019 at 07:45
Hi Brit, I’m unlocking the DS260. I’ll ask you two questions:
1-This is the third (and last!) time I unlock the form. They are not current (EU2020 29XXX). can it create problems or delays?
2- I’m entering jobs in other countries (and so I update the addresses where I lived), since they are 15 years ago and I have no documents / contracts, it’s fine for the interview or I have to bring contracts for all the jobs ? Thank you for your precious support! Bye
October 9, 2019 at 02:36
1. No
2. They won’t ask for those.
October 9, 2019 at 05:33
Thank Mr Brit!
October 8, 2019 at 07:49
Hello Simon , greeting . I already submitted my DS260 . I chose High school degree as my highest level of education , but I have also completed a 2 year IT vocational and I have a certificate . Do I have to ask KCC to unlock my DS260 and change it from HS to vocational ?? Or shall I leave like that ?? Thank you
October 9, 2019 at 02:36
Leave it.
October 9, 2019 at 05:04
Thank you .
October 8, 2019 at 08:10
Hi,
Looks like i made a blunder?i used photos from 2019 dv lottery as i took them in August…and used same for dv2021…do you think am in trouble?
October 9, 2019 at 02:37
Well you entered a lottery – your chance of selection is small. So – it’s not worth worry about at this point.
October 8, 2019 at 08:29
What is meant by the “mailing address” on the DV entry form? Do they mean the current address of your home or the US address to which the green card will be delivered to if you’re chosen?
October 9, 2019 at 02:38
Current address where you live now.
October 8, 2019 at 09:06
Hi brit
Please I have a worry. Is it possible for a father in Europe to play the DV2021 lottery and if he is successful, can he authorize his child from another country to go to the US without he himself going there (US) too? Please I need an answer to this. Thanks.
Please I need an answer for this. Thanks
October 9, 2019 at 02:40
No, a derivative cannot enter without the parent entering with or before them.
October 8, 2019 at 09:23
Hi Simon,
I am a dual citizen, and I was born in Hungary. I have both Hungarian and British passport, both valid. Does it matter which one I use when I submit my DV Lottery?
Thank you,
Thomas
October 9, 2019 at 02:41
Does not matter.
October 8, 2019 at 09:49
Hi Simon,
I am a 2020DV winner
I was born in a country of ASIA that is eligiable but when i applied, i applied from the country of Nationality.
1- Is that fine?
2- Will that cause a disqualification?
October 9, 2019 at 02:41
You need to be more clear. What is the country you chose?
October 8, 2019 at 10:15
Hello Brit,
A family of four (4) persons father, mother and two daughters (age 2, 13) how much money do you need to be self sufficient?
October 9, 2019 at 02:52
At least $25,000, preferably more.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
October 8, 2019 at 10:29
Hello Brit good morning. Please I have a question. While filling my ds260 i ticked yes to the question that USCIS should forward my case to the SSA in order to help issue me a SSN. I arrived US last friday. Please do I have to go to the SSA office and apply for a SSN?
2. If yes how long do I need to wait before I apply for the SSN? Thanks in advance.
October 9, 2019 at 03:10
1. Hopefully not.
2. 2 to 3 weeks
October 8, 2019 at 10:32
Hello Brit,
I am winner of 2020 DV and i have submitted DS260 and last two weeks ago,I received a mail to send documents.I have already sent the required documents and got an automatic reply but I still haven’t got the mail that my documents are completed!Is there any problems concerning with my documents as they haven’t replied?my friend also summited her documents on the same day and she has received the mail that her documents are completed!Why KCC doesn’t still reply me that my documents are completed or not?Thank you so much ?
October 9, 2019 at 03:10
Email them and ask.
October 8, 2019 at 10:38
Pls I want to know.
On my birth certificate I have my place of birth as ‘PANGUMA TOWN, KENEMA DISTRICT but when I was applying for a passport because of the space all this cannot be written in the space provided, but the PANGUMA is a town in KENEMA DISTRICT. so my question is can any of the places be used? That is either PANGUMA TOWN or KENEMA DISTRICT, because the space can only take one of the two.
October 9, 2019 at 03:10
Use your best judgement and pick one of the two.
October 8, 2019 at 12:25
Since 3rd October, 2019 I tried to apply Unfortunately I could not send the application as it says the following.
“request rejected. Your support ID is: 8040091968799675179”. I tried to send the application many times and it says the same thing every time.
I need your help
October 9, 2019 at 03:15
https://britsimonsays.com/looking-for-a-volunteer-who-is-having-a-problem-entering-dv2021/
October 8, 2019 at 14:05
Hola Simon gracias por su ayuda le escribo ya que tengo una duda y disculpe por escrobirle en español es que no se mas ningún idioma.yo resulte ganadora del dv2020 a la hora de llenar el modelo ds260 se cometió un error con el año de mi matrimonio pues por lo que después tuve que llamar a kcc para que me desbloquearan y poder corregir el error y así lo hice le escribo a usted porque dicen algunas personas que eso es un motivo por el que me pueden denegar mi visa ya que ellos tienen acceso a ver mi antiguo ds corregido mi pregunta es que si esto es verdadero que si por esa causa me pueden denegar mi visa.saludos y espero su respuesta gracias
October 9, 2019 at 03:19
You have to post in English please.
October 8, 2019 at 14:24
Hi brit
I was selected for dv 2019 and already have my visa.
I wish to ask if a can enter the U.S through any state or i must enter through the address i provided in the application from.
Thanks in advance for your reply Sir
October 9, 2019 at 03:20
Any state.
October 8, 2019 at 14:32
Dear Brit,
The time is now and i would like to be the first asking this question for this month.
Whe the next Visa Bulletin will be Issued 🙂
October 9, 2019 at 03:21
Same as every month. 8 to 15th.