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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 29, 2019 at 14:22
Hi Brit,
Thank you so much for your time and support.
I have two questions:
1- I am a 2020 DV lottery winner, CN 2020AF00027XXX. I was wondering when will I get interviewed?
2- I am currently in the US under a student visa. I have the choice between going back to a consular office or adjusting my status here. which one will be faster? will I be able to adjust my status at the same time if I am at a consular office. I heard that adjustment of status takes longer (8-11 months). Are there special procedures for green card lottery winners for status adjustment?
Thank you so much
October 30, 2019 at 04:28
1. Early 2020.
2. DV AOS is faster than normal times.
October 29, 2019 at 14:48
Hello Brit,
1. Does the ready for scheduling mail indicates kcc is satisfied with the documents?
2. Hubby and I signed joint property when we got married but we’ve had our individual bank accounts for years w no joint account. For purposes of producing a bank statement would you advise we transfer all money into one account( say the principal’s)?
October 29, 2019 at 15:22
Was to ask the same question my wife is the winner should we keep our savings in her account or we open joint account so that she produce the statement to show our financial position as principal
October 31, 2019 at 18:05
Waiting impatiently on ur reply
October 31, 2019 at 18:53
1. It means the documents are complete. That’s all.
2. No need.
October 29, 2019 at 14:49
Hi Simon,
Thank you a million for all your help and guidance.. great help. I got my green card and i came back for couple of months, if i transfer some money to my bank account in the US lets say around 10K. do i have to pay taxes on them? and if a year passed on them sitting in my account do I pay anything taxes-wise? Thank you
October 29, 2019 at 16:23
Hi Simon! I have one question regarding the new passport rule for DV2021 application and I could not find info elsewhere on the internet. The thing is that I have dual nationality and hence two passports, but the passport from my country of birth and eligibility has expired couple of months ago, so I was wondering if I could use my other passport? I know that I have to apply with my country of origin and eligibility, but on the passport section in the application it is asking to fill up the information from my passport of my nationality (not passport of country of origin). Thanking you in advance! Niko
October 30, 2019 at 03:59
Use any unexpired passport.
October 29, 2019 at 16:28
Hi Brit. sorry for withholding the names and thanks for replying me anyway. Allow me to just insert the countries’ names in the original message.
Please I have a few more questions. We are citizens of Togo living in Ghana ( both are ECOWAS countries, sorry for withholding their names). I have been working in Ghana 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 Ghana) 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 Ghana, 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 Ghana 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 (Togo) to avoid being asked about the permits? 4) should we provide police clearance certificates for our home country (Togo) too? Heartfelt thanks in advance for your feedback.
October 31, 2019 at 23:09
Hi,
I have a question regarding eligibility, should both parents be from eligible country as my Mother was from Pakistan and father RIP was from UAE and I hold a UAE citizenship can I still enter dv lottery 2021?Thank you
Regards
Hamda
October 31, 2019 at 23:50
Eligibility is not about your parents or your current citizenship. It is about your place of birth.
October 29, 2019 at 16:31
Hi Brit. sorry for withholding the names and thanks for replying me anyway. Allow me to just insert the countries’ names in the original message.
Please I have a few more questions. We are citizens of Togo living in Ghana ( both are ECOWAS countries). I have been working in Ghana 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 Ghana) 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 Ghana, 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 Ghana 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 (Togo) to avoid being asked about the permits? 4) should we provide police clearance certificates for our home country (Togo) too? Heartfelt thanks in advance for your feedback.
October 29, 2019 at 17:45
Hi britsimon
Greetings
I hve been following your page since May and i got a lot from u thanks million times. Atleast i understood how things work.
My CN is 2020AF25XXX .
I hve few questions
1. I think my case is likely to be current either january or February and in my country it takes long time to change passport even though during Dv entry i chose the city of my zone/region as the birth place but in my passport the place of birth is the name one of the districts under the city so based on your experience what do u suggest wether to fill the ds260 as it is in the passport or?.
2.i wish to hve interview after February coz i am going to hve exam in november and december and i wont be able to process and get the documents so is risk if i dont fill ds 260 b4 january?.
3. Is there problem if i change my previous email in ds260 form?
Thank u againfor your endless guidance and help…
October 30, 2019 at 04:03
1. You are overthinking the place of birth thing.
2. No problem to delay a few months.
3. No
October 31, 2019 at 11:17
Hello mr. Brit simon
Sir would you mind to asnwer my question ? Please
Can i enter the lottery more than once 2020 lottery ??? I have entered and done it last night. But i i think there is a problem about photo it says that the head is bigger than allowed % 69 . The size, width and high is good. So can i reform the photo and enter the DV lottery again ?
Thabks for your helping sir.
October 31, 2019 at 18:41
No!
October 31, 2019 at 20:02
Dear BritSimon
I am winner DV2020 , iam waiting for interview to be scheduled. Five years ago, my minor child had F1 visa and she entered USA with her mother. My wife returned to home after one month. My minor child stayed in the USA for 9 months. My wife wanted to travel again to USA and bring her back. But the embassy called her and cancelled her B1/B2 visa. My question is :
Will what happened to my wife effect to my case in the interview???? I think the subject is our child didn’t study and it seems we viloatvi the Visa law.
October 31, 2019 at 23:46
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-398/#comment-208366
October 29, 2019 at 17:59
Just wanted to thank you Sir. I received my interview date and time.
November 1, 2019 at 07:55
For December or November?
October 29, 2019 at 18:08
Mr. Britsmon
My wife is selected dv2020. and already she has a sponsor in USA. My question is,can her sponsor, sponsor me too?
October 30, 2019 at 04:06
Her sponsor is automatically sponsoring your wife and all derivatives.
October 30, 2019 at 17:48
Thank you
November 1, 2019 at 16:50
1)- Does the sponsor in US has to fill out just one form of I-130 for the applicant and the spouse or 2 forms of I-130 (one for the applicant and one for the spouse)?
2)- Do you have sample of sponsorship letter and what is the reasonable amount to mention in the letter that the sponsor will give to the applicant.
November 2, 2019 at 15:53
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
November 3, 2019 at 08:09
Thanks a lot!!!
October 29, 2019 at 19:37
hi Mr.britmy name is ayesh krishantha.
im from srilanka.
i just applied for DV-2021 green card lottery few days ago.i’ve been watching so many videos about this green card in your youtube channel and i have some questions regarding this educational and working experience sir.
i went to school for 13 years and did ordinary levels but couldn’t finish my advanced levels and also i worked as front office attendent in hotel industry for 01 year and 8 months.i applied high school degree in my application because i went school for more than 12 years.
so my question is sir if i win the lottery and go to my interview just because i couldnt finish my advance levels does it means i will disqualified or might not get approved sir?.thank you and i hope you will give me a answer soon.
October 30, 2019 at 04:15
Based on my understanding of education levels needed in Sri Lanka, you do NOT meet the requirements.
October 29, 2019 at 20:30
Hi Brit
I’ve received an Email from KCC telling me that I’ve to submit some documents, but I don’t know what to do about “military records” I’ve never served in the military, what should I submit? nothing?.
same question about “marriage certificate” cuz I’m single.
Thank you
October 30, 2019 at 04:19
Obviously you don’t submit documents that don’t apply to you.
October 29, 2019 at 21:03
Hi please what if tow personnes suscribe in dv 2021 with the same email ? They will be disqualified
October 30, 2019 at 04:19
No
October 29, 2019 at 21:17
Hi i want to register i would like to know if the characters will be in upper case.
October 30, 2019 at 04:20
It is not important.
October 29, 2019 at 21:34
HELLO BRITE
i am slected for dv lottery for 2020
can entery for 2021 if slected or not
my case will not be cloused? not problem for my selected for dv lotery 2020?
October 30, 2019 at 04:20
No problem.
October 30, 2019 at 01:09
I’m curious if you know what happens to the names that don’t get pulled. Are they deleted from the system? If someone files one year and is not selected, files again and the name is drawn the 2nd time, are any lists compared?
October 30, 2019 at 04:22
They keep the data and can use it how they wish.
October 30, 2019 at 05:51
hi brit,its now clear that all africa cases will go current
October 30, 2019 at 07:05
Please is Nigerian eligalible for DV lottery
October 30, 2019 at 23:51
No
October 30, 2019 at 10:23
Hi Brit, What are the visa statuses for the I-134 sponsor?any other visa categories can sponsor other than the citizen, PR ?
October 30, 2019 at 23:56
No
October 30, 2019 at 11:33
HELLO Mr brit thank you for all the help and i have only one questoin my cn is af34k and i have sent ds 260 in early july and they haven’t sent me the email to send my document is it too early to ask such question in this time and thanks again
October 31, 2019 at 00:12
You should wait for now.
October 30, 2019 at 12:25
Hi brit sir,
Yesterday i got 2nl and my interview is schedule on 2 dec.i have 2 doubts actually we apply for dv lottery for 3 person that is me my husband and my 2 year old son what my question is we should pay dv fee for my son also as he is just turn 2.and 2nd doubt is can we pay dv fee in my country currency only or we must pay in dollar,
Thank you.
October 31, 2019 at 15:59
The fee is per person – of any age.
Either currency.
October 30, 2019 at 13:33
Hello all,
Simon my cn is EU205XX. when do you think its the best time to send the scanned documents ? Ive got the first email from KCC asking for scanned documents before 1 week.
October 31, 2019 at 16:01
Whenever you want. If you delay a long time that could cause delay to the interview but a delay is not a problem.
October 30, 2019 at 13:48
Hello Brit,
Thank you again for your great concern. I have a question. while filling the DS 260, on the education part, I indicated that I have attended only two schools; the secondary school I attended and the college where i studied Business Administration.
I have also done CPA (certified public accountant). For this one, I did not attend any college. I only registered with the examination body, studied privately (as most of people do here in kenya),booked examination centre and then sat for exams. So my concern is, while I was checking some information in the internet, i saw my name listed as CPA student among fellow students who also did the same exams.
So my questions are:
1 How do I indicate a profession where I have a certificate not attended an institution?
2. is there any consequences not indicating all the academic/professional studies one has as far as DV is concern?
3. Lastly, Should I unlock my DS 260 and include the CPA, and how?
October 31, 2019 at 16:03
1. If you meet the education requirement, your profession does not matter.
2. Well you should answer every question honestly and completely. Don’t pick and choose.
3. You choice – read the FAQ
October 30, 2019 at 14:39
Hello brit as a winner of edv 2020 i again participated in edv 2021 will there will be any risk in interview can you describe me why it is not risk or risk??
October 31, 2019 at 16:11
No risk. It just isn’t – I am not going to explain what doesn’t exist.
November 1, 2019 at 18:26
Hi Brit, thanks so much for sacrifice you are giving to people. Please tell me. If i submit my application and page don’t open, that means it didn’ t go through, will i be disqurified if i try again and again?
November 2, 2019 at 15:55
No confirmation number = no entry.
October 30, 2019 at 14:48
Hi Brit,
I won the dv lottery for 2020 with my family and I have a couple of questions. My first question is that my two sons look more than 21 but indeed they are 20 and 19 however I have the document that proves their ages are less than 21 and my second question is about police certificate once I was claimed for a crime and then I was proved innocent.
Won’t these two problems make any problem for us
Thank you so much
October 31, 2019 at 16:17
I imagine there will be suspicion about your sons – and frankly the way you are asking is somewhat suspicious. So – be prepared to show full documentation of other things that support their age apart from what you have. Your arrest should not be a problem.
October 30, 2019 at 15:05
Hi Simon, I am a green card holder for the past two years. I was flagged returning to the Us in September because they claimed altogether with my trips back and forth to the US and Bahamas we has exceeded 180 days. I was still allowed to enter however my question Is it likely that will I be stopped again traveling back to the US in December? My mother is ill so likely I/we will be here most of the time. What are your thoughts?
October 30, 2019 at 16:26
I normally don’t answer non DV questions, but your question seems important.
Immigration Officers at the border DO NOT have a right to take away your GC or stop you entering the USA. They might say they have that power or even ask you to sign a paper revoking your GC but DO NOT sign that paper. What they can do, if they feel you are not respecting the terms of the GC is “allow” your entry but refer you to an immigration judge. That is where you would have the opportunity to explain your trips outside the US, and in the case of a sick parent they are likely to see things your way. Other than that, if you have maintained a home in the USA and have a job in the USA and so on there should not be any issue.
October 30, 2019 at 16:18
Hi brit
I am selected from the DV 2020.
In fact I had a child when I was a student (16 years) who went to the province with his mother, Currently, he is 3 years old. When I applied to the lottery, I could not fill in his information because he wasn’t with me.
And I have trouble filling my ds 260.
On the CHILDREN section, if I put the information of the child without creating a DS260 for him. This will cause my disqualification?
October 31, 2019 at 16:18
Yes you are certain to be disqualified.
October 30, 2019 at 17:04
Hi
Have you heard about the Presidential Proclamation on Health Care which starts after November 3, 2019 and we should be covered by health insurance within 30 days of entry in the US?
Is it in force? functionable?
Because diversity visa is an immigrant visa, that means we should have at least $12.000 for 1 person (about $4000 to add for another person)
Simon, does it mean we should provide something alse the CO, except the I-134 ?
How are we going to get health insurance if we are not in US and we are not employed there? They seem only to make it more and more difficult
October 31, 2019 at 16:19
The change is DESIGNED to make it more difficult!
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-handle-new-healthcare-requirement-for-the-interview/
October 30, 2019 at 17:21
Hi Brit, do you know a good website / forum to find information on how to organize a move to the USA? example opening a bank account, buying a car, housing and asylum costs, etc. thanks Brit!
October 31, 2019 at 16:24
No – although I will be publishing a series of videos about that starting very soon.
November 1, 2019 at 10:18
thanks! would be great!we are waiting for your fantastic videos
October 30, 2019 at 17:28
I am selected in DVD2020 and waiting for the interview. But I have a problem. Five years ago, my daughter traveled to the United States for the purpose of studying. She was 15 old years and got F1 visa, My wife had B1 B2Bvisa. My wife stayed iniUSA only one month, then she returned home. and left my daughter there adopted by our relative. For financial reasons my daughter could not continue studying and stayed there for about 6 months. My relative stoped her adoption. Before my child’s visa expired , my wife wanted to travel to USA and bring my child. But the embassy phoned her and cancelled her visa. My question is:
Does this cause my case to be rejected?
October 31, 2019 at 16:26
This story is to confused to answer properly.
But this is important. Did you include your daughter on your original entry?
October 30, 2019 at 21:03
Hi Britsimon thank for educating us on the DV process,I have a question.(1)Is the DV 2021 registration process still ongoing?(2) When will this year DV registration process end?
October 31, 2019 at 16:28
1. Yes
2. November 5
November 2, 2019 at 00:34
Thank for the respond BritSimon!
October 30, 2019 at 22:25
Hey Brit,
I am fed up. I have filled in for dv 2021 and on the confirmation code page i found out that birth year was filled incorrectly. What should i suppose to do? Missed out the year?
October 31, 2019 at 17:10
Wait and see if you are selected. If you are – the problem might be fixable.
October 30, 2019 at 22:46
Hi, can i register as a new applicants for 2021 dvlottery before end of 30 September 2020, because i registered myself in 2018 for 2020, but still not selected.
thanks…
October 31, 2019 at 17:11
Anyone can register in DV2021.
October 30, 2019 at 23:16
I back up my passport expiring date and I received confirmation number it mean that am qualify?or I will be disqualified later if discovered that.my passport expired two months ago
October 31, 2019 at 17:11
If your passport is expired. Don’t enter.
October 31, 2019 at 05:15
Hello
I am DV2020 winner, I have a wife and baby,
I already closed ds260, on the other hand I have a father and he is a very old man aged 80 years old, my mother passed away and my father live with me and I take care of him.
My question is can I add my father with me in ds260 to travel with me.
Note when applying to DV I didn’t mentioned him.
October 31, 2019 at 17:04
You CAN NOT DO THAT you will be rejected.
October 31, 2019 at 18:34
No you cannot have a parent as a derivative.
October 31, 2019 at 19:54
Is there any other solutions ?
October 31, 2019 at 23:44
No. Once you are a citizen (after living in USA for 5 years) you could get your father a GC then.
October 31, 2019 at 07:02
Good morning Mr Brit, hope u doing so well.
1, apart from knowing much about the sponsor, is it compulsory also to have same about your friend whose mailing address you have used for your green card.
2, when asked at the interview where I would like to stay in the USA, what should be my answer since I now have the sponsor and a trusted friend whose mailing address I have used ?
Thanks so much.
October 31, 2019 at 18:35
1. No
2. Just whatever is truthful.
October 31, 2019 at 09:10
Hi Mr. Brit Simon,
This is Hamid who has been selected at the first stage of the 2020 DV lottery program from Iran. I am currently studying for my Ph.D. in engineering at the best university in Iran. Also, I am working for the research center of a respectful company. I will defend the Ph.D. up to four months later. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any immediate family in the United State. I was invited to interview in December 2019 days in Ankara, Turkey and I am completely confused about what can I do. Can I get an exemption from Travel Ban/ Presidential Proclamation, because of my academic background and job experience? Could you please help me? I am highly confident that I will work in the US and won’t intend to be a public charge. Can I prove that? I would be grateful if you could help me. Thank you for your valuable time and consideration I am looking forward to hearing from you.
October 31, 2019 at 18:39
It is doubtful that you would get a waiver because of your education. But, if you ca afford to risk the fees etc, then you can try. You should be aware of the topics discussed in the links below as well as other articles I have published.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-handle-new-healthcare-requirement-for-the-interview/
November 1, 2019 at 15:41
Hi Mr. Simon,
Thank you so much for your reply. I am a little bit confused about what you answered. I examined your recommended articles. If I present the certified bank statement + property certificate, can I have a chance to get an exemption from the Travel Ban/ Presidential Proclamation? are these enough to show I won’t be a public charge for the US?
If no, I think it is not a good idea to continue this process for people who are from travel ban countries? Don’t you think so???
November 2, 2019 at 15:51
It really is up to you. You can try – but you risk the fees.
October 31, 2019 at 09:47
Hi. Regards. this year fill out the form for dv2021 watching your video on how to fill out the application. I saw that I only put his first name and I did the same. Now I realize that in the instructions it says that I should put the last names as it says in the passport. It will be a reason for disqualification not to have placed the second last name? I await your prompt response
October 31, 2019 at 18:40
No. If selected you can fix it later.
October 31, 2019 at 10:21
Hi Brit.
Please can you try clarify this for me. A husband was selected for the Green Card Lottery. At the time of the online application, the wife only had the passport of the country of her birth. She was already in the process of applying for a passport of the country of her father’s birth and receives this passport. Is it going to damage the interview process that she takes the passport from the fathers birthplace with to the interview (as the online application is closed) as well as her passport from the country of her birth and simply makes it known to the USA consulate that she received the passport of fathers birth place after the online application was made?
October 31, 2019 at 18:41
No problem.
October 31, 2019 at 12:44
Hello Simon
I just watched your video on YouTube about the 2021 DV lottery entry. Regarding the educational background I’m currently offering an online degree in a school in the U.S and I have already completed 15 credits so during the lottery application I selected some college degree. I want to enquire if that was the right to do?
October 31, 2019 at 18:42
That’s OK. It doesn’t affect the selection chances one way or the other.
October 31, 2019 at 12:49
Hello dear brit.
I made a mistake on ds form on my graduation date .
Instead of 2007 i wrote 2008.
Is there any problem regrading my form?
October 31, 2019 at 18:43
No
October 31, 2019 at 14:53
HI Britsimon,
Do i need to Notarize/attest the marriage certificate, Passport and other documents while apply for I-130(F2A Visa) ? I am from Nepal. if documents are required to attest where i should attest documents. I mean there are Local Notary Public also and attestation service given by US Embassy.
But i did not find attestation requirement anywhere in the website. Pls guide me. Will local Notary Public attestation is Valid ? if attestation is required.
October 31, 2019 at 18:45
I only answer DV lottery questions.
October 31, 2019 at 15:54
Dear sirs my wife and children are not tend to immigrate to US ,so it is necessary to upload their pictures and other necessary documents and information about them if it is not necessary then how do i do to full fill my Lottery.
October 31, 2019 at 18:47
You MUST include them in the entry.
October 31, 2019 at 17:54
Hello Brit . I want play Dv 2021 but my picture is 360×360 Pixels . Is it good ?
October 31, 2019 at 18:50
No
October 31, 2019 at 19:14
Hi Brit,
My case number is AS6XXX . Will it be too late ifni submit ds260 by mid november ?
October 31, 2019 at 23:41
No
October 31, 2019 at 19:20
Hey Simon
Thank your for your help mister Simon.
My question is: my sister started a master study. Should she unlock the DS 260 and update that she is now student or it’s not necessary?
October 31, 2019 at 23:42
No
October 31, 2019 at 22:00
Hi Brit! I have a problem. My mailing address in ID card is different from mailing address in passport, because I moved in the meantime. When my ID card expired, I got new one with new address (where I live now), but in passport is stil old address (I don’t live there anymore). So, which address I should put in my application for dv lottery, from passport or the real one from ID card?
October 31, 2019 at 23:48
Actual address.
October 31, 2019 at 23:25
Hi brit, me an my family entered with our dv 2019 visas in September, we have still not received our green cards. My checks on the uscis elis web portals stills shows petition accepted.
What could be causing the delay?
October 31, 2019 at 23:50
It can take 3 or 4 months to arrive. I assume you paid the fees of $220 per person?
November 3, 2019 at 06:42
Yes I did, we are a family of 4. I changed address at the poe too. Thanks
October 31, 2019 at 23:51
What should I choose for ‘What is the highest level of education you have achieved, as of today?’, if I’m currently enrolled in a university?
November 2, 2019 at 04:42
Some University
November 1, 2019 at 01:52
Hi Brit,
I aquired citizenship of Canada and live here but born in eligible country Napal. Can I use my Canidian passport number and address for DV application?
Thanks
November 2, 2019 at 04:42
Yes
November 1, 2019 at 01:55
My name is Joy, can i apply as applicant not only dependant in dvlottery 2021 by marriage with my wife but am using nonqualify country passport? As applicant not dependant
November 2, 2019 at 04:43
You are your spouse can enter once each.
November 4, 2019 at 01:55
Thanks Simon, what am trying to be sure of is i have applied with my wife as dependant already, am try to apply as applicant and my wife will be my dependant but my country passport isn’t qualify because in the dvlottery site indicate passport place of issue, can i still apply for a DOUBLE CHANCE and what am I going to fill in that space in place of of issue of my passport? I will be very greatful if you can reply my message as soon as possible
November 4, 2019 at 14:41
Exact example here:
https://youtu.be/CiGh0nkuQ6k