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 27, 2019 at 19:45
if someone mistakingly play the dv lottery more than two times, with the same information provided . he or she will be disqualify or qualify
October 28, 2019 at 02:35
Disqualified.
October 27, 2019 at 19:46
Hello Brit dv2019 Liberia had more winner than Guinea, Sierra Leone and see Senegal. I want to know the quotas for each continent or country.
October 28, 2019 at 02:36
There are no quotas for countries. Read about REGIONAL quotas by reading the FAQ or use the search function.
October 27, 2019 at 19:52
Hi Simon,
I am married and going through a divorce. I want to submit for DV Lottery. Is it possible to submit excluding the current spouse somehow?
Thansk
M
October 28, 2019 at 02:37
No. If married, you must enter as married.
October 27, 2019 at 20:01
Hello Brit,
I am a fan of your blog and I really appreciate what you’re doing sir.
My question concerns the changes on DV lottery this year regarding PASSEPORT. I applied lately to take my passeport and I was informed that it might take some time to get it, that is it might go further than 5TH on the coming month. However, I got a certeficate that contains some information but it does not contain the expire date required to apply for DV LOTTERY but it contains the date I applied to passeport.
ANY ALTERNATIVE TO GET THE EXPIRED DATE GIVENN THAT I HAVE NOT YET TAKEN IT?
October 28, 2019 at 02:37
In this case you cannot enter the lottery.
October 27, 2019 at 20:44
Dear Brit Simon,
Please advise whether or not a candidate already selected for the DV Lottery Session 2020 (but selected under a very high number and with low probability of being interviewed) is allowed to apply for the DV 2021 lottery..?
My number is EU000051 **** ..Thank you in advance,indeed!
October 28, 2019 at 02:38
Anyone can apply for the lottery, including a winner waiting.
October 28, 2019 at 23:57
Hi Simon, if I’ve applied for the DV2021. Am I restricted from applying for a tourist visa?
October 29, 2019 at 02:36
No
October 27, 2019 at 22:08
Hi Simon,
I am trying for the last 2 hours but get “This site can’t be reached” after I submit all the information.
any solution
October 28, 2019 at 02:40
1. Try a different browser/computer
2. Enter details faster.
October 28, 2019 at 00:58
Hi Simon
I am the DV2020 winner from Hong Kong, I have 2 questions when I am filing the DS260, I am Chinese and my name stated in my passport is e.g. CHAN Siu Ming Peter, Last Name is CHAN, and Siu Ming Peter is givien name. So is fine I put CHAN as Last Name and Siu Ming Peter as First Name in DS260, and leave the Middle Name empty.
second question is I held an passport issued by the former goverment that before Macau hand over back to China, and now that passport already invalid /expired but I used that passport apply for visa to State before. Now I only have the valid passport issued by current govermnet, so is it corrent I answer the following questions in DS260:-
1. Do you hold or have you held any nationality other than the one you have indicated above?
my answer : Yes
2. Other Country / Region of Orgin (Nationality)
my answer : Hong Kong British National Oversea
3. Do you hold a passport from the country / region of origin (nationality) above?
ny answer : No
Thank you.
October 28, 2019 at 02:45
1. One or two of those three names are your middle name(s)
2. The answers seem correct to me – but you must use your judgement.
October 28, 2019 at 19:50
Hi sir, My name in my passport written Mahmood, but in my child’s passport middle name is written Makhmud. Does it matter to my case ?
October 28, 2019 at 22:13
No
October 28, 2019 at 01:26
Hi simon
Im a winner of dv2020 but now im worried about the picture i use in submission please let me know because i think my complete shoulders not visible in picture my picture dimensions are
Width : 600 pixels
Height: 600 pixels
Horizontal resolution : 300dpi
Vertical resolution : 300 dpi
Please let me know is that possible to get disqualified in interview because of this picture ?
October 28, 2019 at 02:07
There are clear instructions about photo composition and technical aspects. Read that.
October 28, 2019 at 02:44
Hi Simon! I discovered your blog today and it’s fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing all this information! I watched the video where you take people through the DV2021 application and I have a question about responding to the question about the country where you live today. I’m from Ireland and have been living in the US on a working visa for the past 4+ years. I’ve entered the lottery each year I’ve been here, but without success to date. In previous applications, I have answered ‘United States’ for this question and provided my US address. Should I change my response to Ireland and provide an Irish address for this year’s application?
Yours curiously,
Gemma
October 28, 2019 at 02:46
No need. If you live in the USA, say USA. The draw is random.
October 28, 2019 at 02:53
Okay excellent! Thank you so much for that! Also, one other thing, if you would be so kind… My middle name isn’t listed on my passport, should I still include it in the first part of the application form? Thanks again!
October 28, 2019 at 02:58
If it is on your birth cert, yes – otherwise – use other names section.
October 28, 2019 at 03:36
Hi , thaks for your help in advance , I married my husband after winning the 2020 dv lottery , I read in the us goverment page that I need to add him to my case by uploading a document that proves our relationship , how I should I do this, I allready sent my ds-260 , I listed him as my husband ,It could be any problem with that? Thanks
October 28, 2019 at 04:31
Did you add a DS260 for him?
October 28, 2019 at 04:34
How can I add a DS260 for him
October 28, 2019 at 04:54
Add applicant. your own form should be unlocked.
October 28, 2019 at 05:07
Do I add him through my own ds260 , because I dont remember seeing that option, Im sorry but Im really lost on this and I can not find any info online on how to do it
October 28, 2019 at 05:27
I found a photo online were I can sees the add aplicant option on the ceac page , but I checked my application and I it is not there , is that why you recomend that I unlock my application so the option add applicant shows again, also the ceac page says that I should contact the embassy if my family member does not appear there, Do I need to contact the kcc too, I dont know how I missed this , Im so mad with my self, thanks
October 28, 2019 at 20:50
You will only see add applicant when you have unlocked. Do that ASAP.
October 29, 2019 at 19:12
Thank you so much for your help , But now the KCC answered me that my interview has been scheduled for december 17th, I allready requested my DS-260 to be unlocked but I don’t know If that’s possible, any advice ? Thank you again
October 30, 2019 at 04:14
They will not unlock once scheduled.
October 30, 2019 at 14:20
Thank you again , so what can I do, any sugestions? , I already contacted the embassy twice , and their response isn´t very clear, first they only sent the ds-260 application webpage, which obviously ins´t helpful , and today they said that I should try to add him in 24 hours, any advice ,thanks
October 31, 2019 at 16:09
Once the case is sent to the embassy, KCC will not unlock, so you would then have to deal with the embassy. However, right now the case will not have been sent, so CALL (Not email) KCC and see if they ca unlock – EVEN IF that causes delay to a later month.
October 28, 2019 at 05:47
Hello brit I played the lottery but when I took the picture I put makeup on my eyebrows. is there a problem?
October 28, 2019 at 20:50
No
October 28, 2019 at 06:38
Hi Simon just want to know I could not get my wife photo as she is not willing to give the latest one. we are not divorced but we are not in good terms. I read on the official site that I should fill the form as my spouse as we are not divorced. what can I do Simon ?
October 28, 2019 at 20:52
Maybe you can’t enter the lottery this year.
October 28, 2019 at 07:17
Hi Brit,
I sent the documents and received the automatic e-mail telling me to wait between 2 and 6 weeks for a reply from KCC. Will they tell me if the documents I sent are fine? Thanks !
October 28, 2019 at 20:53
Only if you ask.
October 28, 2019 at 07:18
Hello, my wife fill the application and add me and our children, can i fill one application to?
October 28, 2019 at 20:53
Yes
October 28, 2019 at 07:19
Hi Brit,
is there a way to retrieve a confirmation number? my confirmation appeared for like a second and before i could save, anything i saw a new page showing only the digital numbers and not the confirmation or any other information about me. Is it safe for me to apply again because it was so brief when the confirmation appeared is was like a flash but it did. what can i do to get the confirmation? thanks
October 28, 2019 at 20:54
If you saw a confirmation number then the entry was accepted and you should NOT enter again. In May you will be able to retrieve the confirmation number.
October 28, 2019 at 08:32
Hi Mr. Brit,
My passport just expired and I have requested for renewal and the renewal date exceeds the closing date for the lottery, what should I do in this case. Should I still apply with the old passport information or choose an option.
Thank you.
October 28, 2019 at 21:04
You cannot enter the lottery in that case.
October 28, 2019 at 08:57
Hi
I am working here in Qatar and don’t have a proper mailing address.So can I select the mailing address from my home country (India).I am eligible to enter by birth in Germany.
Regards
Julian
October 28, 2019 at 21:05
Yes – but that will mean an interview in India…
October 28, 2019 at 11:40
Hi Simon, I want to ask you about my situation.
My girlfirend and i aplyed to the visa but we are not married yet, if we get married before May 2020 (January 2020, for example) and one of us win, the one who won can including the other and our kids (we have three daughters) ?
October 28, 2019 at 21:12
Yes.
October 29, 2019 at 05:16
Given your answer on this question I must ask this question too. If you do not play with your children at the entrance, is it possible to add them when you are selected in May 2020 without being disqualified?
October 29, 2019 at 15:42
In that case, disqualification is the only possible outcome.
October 28, 2019 at 12:53
Hey Brit, I’m a dv 2020 winner From Senegal. Case no af22, I have two questions; first of all, KCC has received your email and is currently processing your documents, does it mean they received my documents correctly? Second, I have an old welder certificate, and submitted to my ds 260. But now I have another one it’s more higher then the first one, what do you suggest me to do?
October 28, 2019 at 21:13
1. No. It means “currently processing”.
2. Take both to the interview.
October 28, 2019 at 13:59
Hi Brit,
I have 2 questions.
1.Is there a deadline to submit the documents after getting the documents request email.
2. I was in china for 11 months and although kcc requires the police clearance certificate for a stay of 12 months in a foreign country you still advised me to get the police clearance certificate. However it takes atleast 45 days to get the certificate.Now my question is can i send other documents without the certificate from china but i carry it to the interview?Thanks
October 28, 2019 at 21:57
1. No
2. No.
October 28, 2019 at 14:02
Hi Brit
My case no is AS64xx . If I Unlock the DS260 now and do a change, Will effect (delay) to my interview date since as per the next visa bullatine interview will be on January
Thanks for your time..
October 28, 2019 at 21:58
Not if the change you make is simple.
October 29, 2019 at 06:20
Hi Brit
Thank you for the reply. Its just to change the name of the present employer(not necessary) and Occupation intend to work in the usa, where i mention not decided at this point since I have some other plans. Would this will be a problem during the interview. Because I put computer science as primary occupation in ds 260
Thank you..
October 29, 2019 at 15:45
No need to update those changes.
October 28, 2019 at 14:18
Hi Sir,
Is it normal a natural smile for DV lottery Photo?
What if the studio in which my brother took a photo, changed with tools the backgrounds, is it ok? Did it white of course
Thank you!
October 28, 2019 at 21:58
Check the official photo instructions.
October 28, 2019 at 14:34
Dear Simon, My wife is not interested and she doesn’t want to hear about DV Lottery, at the extend she doesn’t want to give me her photo nor our son’s photo. contrary to me, i want to try out.
Kindly advise on which category for “current marital status” will i click, married? Unmarried? what will be the impact?
Thanks
October 28, 2019 at 21:59
Lying on the form is a serious matter and wil get you disqualified.
October 28, 2019 at 15:07
Dear Simon, been selected on dv 2020 and my case no is AS24XX, I have not submited my DS yet even i have received a mail from kcc, i believe my case is current now as per the NL table, please i need your advices for the below questions:
1- do i still have time to submit my DS even my case is current? I can submit it on December no problem?
2-Submitting the DS with such delay comparing to current cases will affect my case?
3- After submitting my DS should i wait for another email from Kcc to submit my document or directly after ds been submit i can follow it with sending my documents.
Thanks once again for your valuable advices.
October 28, 2019 at 22:02
1. Yes
2. No
3. Wait to be asked.
October 28, 2019 at 15:20
Hi simon
Am so grateful for the wonderful information you give yo the entire world about the lottery…
Kindly advise me..I have been selected for the Dv2020 and my case is AF2888..I have already submitted my DS 260 a few months ago but I haven’t yet receive any Email from KCC yet some people who haven’t send their DS 260 have already received an Email for the submission of the civil documents
Kindly advise
Thanks
Isaac from uganda
October 28, 2019 at 22:04
You can email KCC if you are concerned.
October 28, 2019 at 22:12
Thank you so much britsimon
I actually don’t know what have happen without your useful blog…be blessed and long live britsimon…
October 28, 2019 at 15:45
Hi Mr. Brit. Allow me to apologize for my low level of English.
I must begin by congratulating you for this wealth of information that you make available to us and your availability to us. Then thank you for receiving me on this site.
I am Leonel of the Dv2020 and I have a problem with my DS 260. I made a mistake about my mother’s date of birth. However the kcc already asked me to send my documents which has already been done for a week.
I would like to know how to solve this problem.
Thank you for your reply.
October 28, 2019 at 22:05
It won’t matter. Correct it at the interview.
October 29, 2019 at 06:30
thank you
October 28, 2019 at 16:26
Hello Simon:
If you cannot get I-134, how much do you think will be enough savings for 2 adults and 1 child 1 years old?
Would $30k be enough? Having in mind the new health requirement .
I dont have anyone that could be my affidavit of support. I will have my interview through the London embassy.
October 28, 2019 at 22:06
That might be enough – it varies case to case based on how employable you are and so on.
October 28, 2019 at 18:06
Hello
I live in the us last 15 years without any visa
Came 2005 on turist visa but that expired in 2006
Iam Born in Czech Republic
I have a daughter born in us 2008 so she has dual citizenship
Can I apply at all?
Thx Lenka
October 28, 2019 at 22:09
No. They won’t ignore your blatant disregard for the rules, and presumably tax evasion/fraud. You cannot adjust status in the USA and will pick up a 10 year bar when you leave. You have put yourself into a bad position. DV is not the answer.
October 28, 2019 at 18:21
Hello send me the link where You are explained the quotas on each region ?
October 28, 2019 at 22:10
I already told you to use the search. I am very busy. Don’t be lazy.
October 28, 2019 at 22:34
Is there anybody from eu region who has received email today form kcc to submit documents? If yes what case number?Thank you
October 28, 2019 at 22:38
ANY case number could receive that email. ANY.
October 28, 2019 at 23:07
Hello sir,
My computer was turn off while I was trying to print the confirmation page of DS 260, so do I have do now as I don’t have confirmation page of DS 260?
October 28, 2019 at 23:19
Go back in to your DS260 and navigate to the confirmation page.
October 29, 2019 at 00:37
Thanks Brit. Once again, Is there any cases from Senegal who pass the dv interview in this website?
October 29, 2019 at 02:36
Probably.
October 29, 2019 at 02:11
Dear Britt,
Tomorrow im going to send all docs to kcc.
My case nr eu134××.
When would you prognoze the 2nl approximately?
Second question,if i recieve a visa,when is it possible to travel?
Third question,i m sure that i fullfilled ds260 properly and also im sure that my documents are all properly made,but im affraid about that i married my gf after being selected for dv 2020 and they might suspect.
I can prove them that im with her since 2017,
If every document is ok and if medical examination is also ok do u see a reason of getting refused?
Im getting really concerned and im really sorry that i might bother you,but since then i have been selected my life has really changed.
Thank you in advanced for you sincere reply.
October 29, 2019 at 02:35
1. Early 2020
2. Immediately.
3. There should be no concern.
4. Stop overthinking.
October 29, 2019 at 03:53
Hello sir what happen if you are already winner of edv 2020 but again participate in edv lottery 2021. Is there any risk in interview.
October 29, 2019 at 15:41
No problem.
October 29, 2019 at 06:01
Hello Brit, I just pounced on your valuable info and got to know about this year’s DV lottery. I have been living here for the past 15 years and got in with a B1B2 visa. Unfortunately my passport has long expired. my children were all born here but still under 21 to file for me. I have applied several times for the DV lottery without any luck. Currently am i eligible to apply even though my passport has expired?
October 29, 2019 at 15:43
No. Your passport must be unexpired on the day of entry.
October 29, 2019 at 06:28
We finished applying. Thank you for your advices and help. Let’s hope we will have a positive answer. Good luck to you on your projects. Xav
October 29, 2019 at 06:39
Hello, Dear Brit,
I have received an email from Kcc to send the documents, which need to be translated. Do the certificates /passport and birth certificate/translations need notarization or apostille? Or just the certified translation is enough?
October 29, 2019 at 15:46
Only if procedures in YOUR country require that. Otherwise you simply follow the instructions in the email.
October 29, 2019 at 07:25
Dear simon
is it possible to get a I 134 sponsorship from a green card (not a DV) holder who is working in USA.
Thank you
October 29, 2019 at 15:48
Yes
October 29, 2019 at 07:46
Dear Brit, my question is does it matter to show my saving account instead of my wife ? My wife is the winner of DV2020 , OR you suggest to deposit on her saving account and show it ?
Thanks
October 29, 2019 at 15:49
Either name.
October 29, 2019 at 08:09
Hi there,
finally I’ve gotten some confirmation from KCC after submitting the Supporting documents. They’ve sent me an e-mail saying:
“Congratulations! Our records indicate that you have submitted all required documentation to the Kentucky Consular Center and are ready to be scheduled for an interview when your case number becomes current.”
…
“If your case becomes current and you have not received notification to check http://www.dvlottery.state.gov, please contact [email protected] to confirm all of your documents have been received, and you are ready to be scheduled for an interview.”
So even though I know what your answer is going to be(“Patience, young Padawan!”), I still feel an urge to ask: How looong must I wait 🙂 for their second e-mail/notification before I write KCC? Is there any usual timespan between these two e-mails? I only got mine yesterday, but am just curious.
Thank you!
October 29, 2019 at 15:50
It’s a pity you didn’t feel an urge to read the FAQ or any of my MANY articles and comments that would have answered this.
Your scheduling timing depends on case number.
October 29, 2019 at 18:29
I’m sorry, I see the reason for the misunderstanding: I forgot to mention that my case number is current for the month of December. That’s why I’m asking if there’s any pattern, i.e. do most December numbers usually get the interview date during the first half/second half of November? Is there a date you’d suggest I should consider a limit before I write them?
Thank you and sorry for the inconvenience, the last thing I’d like to do is waste your time with already answered stuff
October 30, 2019 at 04:09
There is still some confusion. December interviews are scheduled in the second half of October. Novemver 2nd half is when 2NLs are sent for January.
Your documents must have been send prior to the beginning of October to be scheduled in October. So you will get a January interview.
October 29, 2019 at 09:36
Dear sir Simon !
Many thanks indeed for your precious support and your time !
I am Dv2020 winner.I wanted to ask you because i have a small loan in bank does it affects my process . Will they penalize me or do i have to pay it off ?
Many thanks in advance !
Kind regards
October 29, 2019 at 15:52
It won’t affect your process.
October 29, 2019 at 10:26
Can you explain to me the benefit of getting a green card in the USA?
What is the importance and privileges of the green card ?
October 29, 2019 at 15:53
Please read the FAQ which has an article that answers that question.
October 29, 2019 at 10:33
Hi Brit. Please I have a few more questions. We are citizens of country A living in country B ( both are ECOWAS countries, sorry for withholding their names). I have been working in country B for some years now as a teacher and not a single landlord or employer asked me for a resident or working permit, which I don’t have. In the beginning I personally wanted to have them but none of my employers was ready to pay, for it is expensive. Hence I forgot about it. My wife joined me (in country B) two and a half years ago and our baby was born here. Now per the new requirements for the DV, we must both provide police clearance certificates. On the reciprocity page of country B, nothing has been mentioned regarding foreigners without resident/working permit. However, I just read on the net that we can be granted the police certificates as nonresidents but at a very expensive price. My questions are as follows: 1) Can we still apply for our visas in country B without permits? 2) if yes, how can we make them understand that we do not have those permits yet we have the police clearance certificates? 3) Are we allowed to choose to be interwied in our home country to avoid being asked about the permits? 4) should we provide police clearance certificates for our home country too? Heartfelt thanks in advance for your feedback.
October 29, 2019 at 15:57
I don’t know procedures in your countries and whether the CO will be concerned about local visas – which is made more difficult by you’re not naming the countries!
I answer over 100 questions a day. Please consider how you can make your questions easier to answer, not unnecessarily complicated.
October 29, 2019 at 11:55
what is ds 5504? is it for dv lottery?
October 29, 2019 at 15:58
Not for the lottery.
October 29, 2019 at 12:41
Hello brit.
I made mistake inside ds form, about my diploma of gratudaing from unversity.
It was 2008 but i wrote 2007 is there any problem.
October 29, 2019 at 15:58
No
October 29, 2019 at 12:46
Hi Simon,
An Ecuadorian friend of mine wanted to submit an entry for DV2021. Her passport number has 10 digits but the entry form (tried with multiple browsers) only allows 9 digits.
She closed the browser before clicking ‘continue’.
What to do here? Just leave the last digit out?
(I won DV2017 and using your website made things so much easier for me. You’re the best, Simon!)
October 29, 2019 at 16:01
Hi Matt, Hope all is well in the USA!
I suggest dropping the FIRST digit.
October 29, 2019 at 16:16
Thanks for the prompt reply, Simon.
Is there any specific reason you are suggesting dropping the first and not the last digit?
When looking up a passport number, wouldn’t the beginning part be more useful?
Cheers
October 30, 2019 at 03:58
I don’t think they “look up” the number, and if you think about most ID systems the uniqueness is more to do with the end digits.
October 29, 2019 at 12:50
Hello brit.
I made a mistake on ds form on graduation of university date.
I wrote 2008 instead of 2007.
Is there any problem.
October 29, 2019 at 13:28
hi Simon I am a Kenyan and my passport is taking to long so am asking can I use temporary passport to fill the DV lottery…..
October 29, 2019 at 16:03
I don’t know what a temporary passport “means” in your country. If it is an official passport that would allow entry to any country – then yes.
October 29, 2019 at 14:07
Hii simon
My interview location in Cairo Egypt, iam from Sudan my birth certificate in Arabic to send documents it’s important to translate it ??????
Sudan and Egypt both the first language is Arabic
October 29, 2019 at 16:04
No need to translate for the interview – although a translation of the birth cert is useful anyway.