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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.
March 18, 2020 at 20:38
Hello sir, please my sister had her appointment already in Niamey and up to now she haven’t got any letter that her appointment is cancelled so please what she do? Thanks
March 18, 2020 at 23:33
She should check with the embassy.
March 18, 2020 at 22:55
Hi Brit,
I’m an Australian, and my visa is due to expire in May. I have emailed travel docs, and my consulate to request an extension on my entry into the United States due to the current situation. Is that all you need to do to apply for an extension? I know in your previous video you said to apply in writing. I’m assuming an email counts as ‘in writing’? I am under the impression they do not except mail.
Thank you.
March 19, 2020 at 00:05
Yes email is fine – but obviously May is still some time away, so they may be non committal until then.
March 19, 2020 at 11:26
Thank you for confirming that – and thank you for all of your advice on this site! This website has been invaluable throughout my whole DV experience!
March 18, 2020 at 23:47
Dear Mr Simon,
I am glad I found your website informing all about green card lottery.
My husband and I will be interviewed for DV visa next month. My husband is the main applicant and I am the derivative applicant.
I have questions related to get a police clearance. 10 Years ago I lived in the US fore more than a year. My friend told me we don’t have to get a police clearance from the US because the US government will do the background security check by itself. But, I am not sure about that information whether I need to get US police clearance or not.
My questions are:
1. Should I get the police clearance from the US ?
2. Where to get the US police clearance if we live abroad.
3. Is it possible to use my previous US police clearance from back 10 years ago because since The police clearance was issued I have never come back to the US.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Many thanks for taking the time to read my email.
I greatly appreciate for your kind assistance for this matter.
March 19, 2020 at 00:08
1. No. Your friend was correct.
2. N/A
3. N/A
March 19, 2020 at 04:46
Generally in what time frame prior to the next VB will the “documents ready” e-mail be sent? I sent my documents back in November and forwarded according to your instructions last month to KCC on which they forwarded the files to the appropriate department.
EU316xx
Thanks!
March 19, 2020 at 15:05
The email can be sent anytime. But it must be sent in a previous month to the VB to be able to be scheduled in that month. So for example, to be scheduled in April (for June interview) you would need the documents complete email by the end of March.
March 19, 2020 at 06:58
Hi Brit, how do you know that this this year visas cannot be extended? This year is unprodectible. Eurovision got cancelled. Olympic game will be cancelled. Everything stopped in this world. Its happens once in 100 years.
March 19, 2020 at 15:08
Because they would have to change the law to do that! Literally, change the law.
March 19, 2020 at 08:06
Hello sir
NOW AOS IS PROCESSING OR NOT ? SIR
March 19, 2020 at 15:08
FO’s are working but closed to the public.
March 19, 2020 at 08:30
Hi Brit does corona affect the outcome of the dv 2021 winners coming out on may 5th. Thanks
March 19, 2020 at 15:09
Not unless the virus emergency carries on for many months.
March 19, 2020 at 10:52
Hi Mr Brit, when I checked the US travel.gov etc the I-864 for can be used for anyone traveling to US; even it is stated as “Sponsor”. But you told me days ago, it can’t be used for DV. I am confused as I told you here in Ethiopia they are not asking for I-134 form. What shall I do?
March 19, 2020 at 15:11
Listen to what I said. If they want an affidavit of support, you can ONLY use the I-134. They may or may not ask for an affidavit of support.
March 19, 2020 at 11:12
Hello Brit, I will be going for Interview 2nd week of next month but l have not received any email from US embassy that, it’s been closed due to the spread of corona virus. But I read it online. So is it possible for me to go embassy when the interview is up if I don’t get any email from the them.
March 19, 2020 at 15:13
Surely that is common sense. You can go, they may be closed. Try and check with them first.
March 19, 2020 at 14:46
please i am waiting response from you regarding my previous messaage
March 19, 2020 at 15:01
I had already answered.
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-438/#comment-221961
March 19, 2020 at 15:17
Hey Simon, thanks for all of your guidance. I am OC14XX and have completed all steps (KCC docs submitted, DS-260 completed, number is currrent). I just received the “Required Entry Status Check for DV Submission” email however upon checking my status, it is still the 1NL with no update. Any ideas what could be happening here?
March 19, 2020 at 15:19
A lack of patience, perhaps. 🙂
Wait a few hours.
March 19, 2020 at 15:54
Hello,
I have question regarding Mother name, I have written regular name of my mother in DS260, but when i checked my birth certificate, the birth certificate authority has also put the little (Mrs) in the name. They also wrote the same little in front of her name while translating in English, for example they translated Mrs. in Nepali and put in the front of her name. So do I need to unlock DS260 and correct it and the name of mother is now different from my birth certificate and DS260?
March 19, 2020 at 18:51
Hello
Im in SA region and I was waiting to receive my interview date email for may. But now they cancel april interviews due to coronavirus so i guess im not gonna receive that email. Do you have any idea whats gonna happen with this situation? Are we gonna be interviewed on may or after? My husband called KCC and they dont tell him anything. My worries are that lottery ends in september. Thank you
March 19, 2020 at 21:05
The 2NLs will still go out. It will then be up to the embassy to interview cases if they can or cancel/reschedule. Obviously there is a risk to all cases, all we can do is wait and see.
March 19, 2020 at 19:21
Hello simon hope u r in good health
Its been over a month since we are here in U.S, still we havent got our social security so my husband went to ssa office but it is closed due to covid 19.My husband is doing a job in restaurant, now due to this pandemic situation they have decrease working hours, we are family of four n m really worried how we gonna pay our rent bills etc, as we dont have sufficient funds.
Please can u guide us where should we go for help any agency etc my husband is actually scared because still we havent got our green card what should we do in such situation? thanks
March 19, 2020 at 21:08
I honestly don’t know what you can do in the current situation. You can probably call the SSA central enquiry line. As for what help you can get, I don’t know – speak to others locally in the same position.
March 20, 2020 at 15:26
I don’t know how helpful that might be, but grocery stores where I live are currently looking for workers. They will remain open for the time being unlike restaurants. Maybe your husband can look to switch to a grocery store instead. Good luck!
March 19, 2020 at 20:02
Hi BritSimon, thanks a lot for wonderful blog. Could you please help with a question. I want to know whether I need to unlock and correct: Ending of my surname prior to 2014 (16 years old at that time) was “ev” but in 2014 it changed to “nko” (like from grigorev to grigorenko). In the field where it asks whether I had other names I have put no. But later I remembered about this change:). Do you think I need to unlock and include this surname ending change? Thanks a lot!
March 19, 2020 at 21:06
Yes unlock and correct the DS260
March 19, 2020 at 21:51
Sorry, it should say 2004, not 2014. I assume your answer applies still.
Thanks
March 20, 2020 at 01:16
Yes.
March 19, 2020 at 20:41
Hi, Brit please sir, does the outbreak of this virus affect my dv lottery. Let say if the virus continue to September 30 for example are we going to lost our dv lottery 2020 for case not schedule for interview. Thanks and many more.
March 19, 2020 at 21:10
The deadline is a hard date that cannot be moved, so yes if you have not been approved by then you will lose your chance.
March 19, 2020 at 21:10
Hi Brit
I just received my 2NL for my May interview. I could open the letter with the details to when and where my interview is however when I click on the link for all the other things I require dvselectee.state.gov (as provided in the letter) it cannot be found. Do you know why this is happening and if so do you have an alternative link??
Thank you
Nicki
March 19, 2020 at 21:13
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-if-you-are-selected.html
March 19, 2020 at 21:49
Thank you
March 19, 2020 at 22:28
Hello!! , I was selected for DV lottery 2020, and my question is ,when shall I be due for visa interview basing on my case number 2020af30371 as I had submitted all the required documents on time? And also shall corona virus be of any effect to the processing of dv visa? Thank you.
March 20, 2020 at 01:26
Your number is already “ready” for interviewing – but you will only be scheduled if your documents have been processed. You can wait, or ask KCC about that.
Yes The virus can affect processing.
March 20, 2020 at 01:05
Hi Brit,
Thanks a lot for making so many things clear. I feel lucky I’ve found your youtube channel and the blog.
I’m Russian, but I live for 5 years in Israel with my family. My wife won the DV-2020 lottery. Our interview was canceled recently (was initialy scheduled in April).
My question is actually related to the new public charge rule. I’d appretiate a lot if you comment on our case.
As I said before, my wife won the lottery and I’m the dependent applicant. We have a 5-years old kid. We are 35. I’ve been diagnosed with a Multiple Sclerosis (wich is degenerative, potentially disabling disease of the central nervous system). I feel ok and nothing points to the fact from aside, but it will for sure be mentioned in the medical examination results, and it is the red flag for the consular officer. According to the new rule it is a heavily weightened negative factor.
We have assets. Its about 70K cash on bank accounts, and I own 120K appartment. The amount is greater than 250% of FPG for our household size, which is, as I understand, a heavily weighted positive factor.
I’m a software engineer with 17+ years of work experience in the field and MSc in Computer science. My wife is an architect, also has MS degree. She is also employed, plus she has a small architectural outsourse business in Israel that will continue to work in US (and we hope it grows).. She doesn’t really speak English well though, but I do.
It looks like the scales are in our favour?
I’m still worried a lot..
Please, any advice, thoughts or comments are very appreciated.
Thank you in advance!
March 20, 2020 at 01:28
I can’t assess that scenario with any level of confidence. It will be up to the CO.
March 20, 2020 at 01:37
Hi Brit!
Hope you are doing well,
EU31K from Spain. I have a question regarding the embassies capacity and the situation in Europe.
I know they split the interviews over the year to have it balanced.
Due to the temporary closure of embassies, now they will have to schedule a lot of selectees in order to make it to the maximum possible. For example, just to make it to EU30k, there will be needed ~3400 interviews (I used the data you and xarthisius provide to calculate that, thanks for that), and that would not add up even close to the total of ~19000 available visas for the EU region.
So my question is,
1) Do you think it is likely that when embassies open, they will arrange a very large number of interviews due to this situation, or on the contrary, they will prioritize other immigrant and non-immigrant visa appointments over the DV despite of this?
2) I know this is subjective and the best answer is wait and see, but can you give your opinion about how much longer will the embassies be closed? Do you think it will be a matter of 1 month or even more than that?? I would like your opinion Brit, I won’t take it as a promise, because no one knows for sure.
Thank you very much Brit.
March 20, 2020 at 05:31
Your 3400 number seems incorrect, but the point is the same.
1. I don’t know for sure, but it depends on how much backlog there is. Remember, they have NOT got a responsibility to issue all the visas.
2. I have no idea. I don’t think anyone could answer that.
March 20, 2020 at 03:00
Dear Sir,
Hope you are doing well with all this critical situation about Covid-19 in the world. Stay safe!
AS17XXX is my case number and it got current in this month visa bulletin. I have completed my DS 260 and submitted all the documents and confirmation also received. But my case status still showing as “At NVC”
– When will I expect 2NL and interview date if this situation is not arise (Covid-19)
(US- Sri Lankan embassy has postpone visa interviews until 30th March)
Thank You
March 20, 2020 at 05:32
Honestly – I don’t know.
March 20, 2020 at 13:36
Dear Brit,
US- Sri Lankan embassy has postpone visa interviews until 30th March. So what will happen to the interviews which were scheduled on April ? will they shifted in a similar manner? I mean, will it be a linear shift or the missed interviews will be placed at the end ?
Thanks in advance.
March 20, 2020 at 15:15
I don’t know.
March 21, 2020 at 08:04
Dear Sir,
Is it ok If I contact KCC on this matter
Thanks
March 21, 2020 at 16:17
If you have no ability to exercise some patience, so that they can continue with work. Sure.
March 20, 2020 at 04:17
Hi Brits,
I’m from Cambodia and I was selected dv 2020, my case AS000166xx but I saw in visa bulletin is 18xxx too. However I didn’t get interview date. So please help me to get news about my case
Thank you sir
March 20, 2020 at 05:33
To get an interview you must have become current (you did), BUT also your documents must have been received by KCC and processed.
March 20, 2020 at 10:25
Hi Brit
I’m a winner of dvlottery 2020 Europe nr case 38k
in 23 november 2019 i have send to kcc all necessary documents .they still not give me a confirmation of my documents
In 10 January i contacted them and they say me .Please allow the time for processing of your documents,documents are processed in numerical order ,based on lottery rank number .
now what should i do ,should i contact them again or need to wait until my case number its activ .
thanks and have a good day
March 20, 2020 at 15:01
Just wait for another few weeks.
March 20, 2020 at 17:15
ok thank you
March 20, 2020 at 10:57
Hi mr. Simon
I am from an Arabic speaking country, If my English is in intermediate level, should i speak English or ask for a translator in Arabic ? And does the language of the interview impact the result of my interview?
Thank You.
March 20, 2020 at 15:04
Do what is natural.
March 20, 2020 at 11:04
Hello, Cn 55k from Algeria received the confirmation letter of sending documents ( not the automatic reply) , would it mean that the coming visa bulletin will reach 55k? Or it would go current?
Ps : 46k 47k 48k 49k recieved the confirmation letters too
What are your predictions? Thanks in advance you’re doing a great job.
March 20, 2020 at 15:04
No it does not mean that.
March 20, 2020 at 16:02
Dear Mr. Brit,
I added my newborn child to my DS260 and closed it. Should I send them the documents for the new child only or should I resend the whole family documents and to [email protected] or [email protected]?
Best regards
March 20, 2020 at 21:01
Resend all documents to kccdocuments.
You should also have created a DS260 for the baby.
March 20, 2020 at 16:19
Hi Mr.Brit,
We’re DV 2020 AS171XX, today we’ve got our 2NL. Our interview date will be on May 5th 2020.
However, we have some issues, may you please help us?
1. In the 2NL we are given the following link: http://www.dvselectee.state.gov , it’s said that we should follow the instruction provided at that link to prepare for our interview. But when we click it, it’s an error page.
Is it the right page? Or has it change to another link? We’ve tried it so many times and with different devices but it still an error page.
2. As I remember from what I read from your blog, prior to our interview we should register online to create delivery address to send back our passport after interview.
So we go to our embassy page, and found Steps Before Interview, so we click Register Button, then it goes to this link: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/id/ and we’ve Create Account=> Select Document Delivery Address, but turns out we should choose Visa Category first.
So we choose: Immigrant Visa but there’s no DV in visa categories choice (I’ve searched in the travel.state.gov, and it’s said it should be under Other Immigrants=> Visa Category=> DV).
What is it wrong in our steps so that we can’t register Mr.Brit? And why is there no DV choice in the Visa Category? I’ve tried to look for these issues in your blog but I can’t find it.
I’m sorry that this time it’s so long and take your time. We really appreciate every efforts you do to help all of us.
Thank you so much.
March 20, 2020 at 21:03
1. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-if-you-are-selected.html
2. Use your own judgement.
March 20, 2020 at 16:21
Hi Simon,
I want say thank you for everything, finally they issued our Visa , I’m one of the recently banned country, but they give us a waiver.
March 20, 2020 at 21:06
Tasnem, I’m glad that worked out. The fact that you got a waiver is quite rare. For the benefit of others who might be in the same position, can you please take a few moments to describe how you were granted the waiver. What was the process, why were you eligible, how long it took and so on. Please write that at the link below:
https://britsimonsays.com/interview-experience-stories/
March 20, 2020 at 18:00
Brit, people in EU up to case number 30k have already received email about their documents.
When xarthisius will update the database?
March 20, 2020 at 21:59
Receiving a document email has no impact the the CEAC data. The data will be refreshed at the beginning of next month
March 20, 2020 at 19:25
Hi Simon,
I was due to receive my 2NL for May interview this week. I’ve just received a mail from KCC stating this:
DV Applicant:
As result of the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, your immigrant visa appointment scheduled for May has been cancelled. We apologize for this inconvenience.
I really hope they will consider rescheduling should the virus begin to be contained.
March 20, 2020 at 22:00
Yes, I am seeing that from other sources too.
March 20, 2020 at 19:43
Hi, please answer me, I have already asked but i didn’t get you ? for the big Cn AF55k who are receiving the confirmation letter of sending the documents is there a chance to be included in the vb the coming month ? What’s the purpose of KCC if they send confirmations then they don’t include them in the vb!? They just give hope? ??
March 20, 2020 at 22:01
You are putting together the confirmation of documents with an assumption that means you will get a 2NL in the next VB. I have told you and others that is NOT the case, so the only reason your are confused is because you are believing what you want to believe and not what you have been told.
Now – wait and see is the only sensible suggestion.
March 20, 2020 at 19:59
Hi Simon,
I am from Tunisia and a winner of the dv2020 lottery.
I have received an email from the KCC 3 days ago scheduling my interview at the American embassy in Tunisia for mid-May. Today, I got another email from the KCC (not the embassy) cancelling my appointment:
“””
DV Applicant:
As result of the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19, your immigrant visa appointment scheduled for May has been cancelled. We apologize for this inconvenience.
“””
What does it really mean? What should I do?
FYI: the American embassy in Tunisia is cancelling all visa appointments since March 16 (source website of the embassy)
Thanks
March 20, 2020 at 22:02
It means your interview is cancelled, and once they are able to reschedule, they will do that. When that will be – there is no way to know.
March 20, 2020 at 23:42
Dear Brit , have they closed all of the embassy throughout the world ? Even including countries where almost few issues regarding the Coronavirus
March 21, 2020 at 05:14
No – some embassies are still operating.
March 20, 2020 at 22:32
Hi Dav, when did you received your 2NL. My case also current on may and is the same range S yours in 17xxxx. But not received any thing. I think because of outbreak, interview cannot be scheduled. Please also your country? Thanks again
March 20, 2020 at 23:30
Hi Brit
I am in a peculiar situation. My wife won the lottery and was scheduled to fly to USA on the 4th of May – Visa Expiring 8th of May.
NZ just announced travel ban till Jun 31st and Australia did it until 30 May. I saw your video and have mailed the consulate and hope i get an extension. I know you said that this is a chance and they can decline – no one knows. But judging from your experience how confident are you? (i know this is hard to judge but under your experience what you think)
In a rush i have secured flight to USA on the 25th of May. And i can see there is a flight back to NZ on the 29th. Can i return on the 29th without SSN and GC? i am talking to some of my relatives there and they are telling me otherwise. I am arguing with them that i dont need it and i can return back. Would you be able to shed some light here. may be this has been answered before and i am doubling up but nervous here.
I have kids and i am worried exposing them but dont want to lose this opportunity as well. Any advise would be really helpful.
I also found the following article then i got really confused: https://www.travelinsurancereview.net/2010/03/31/are-you-able-to-travel-out-of-the-us-while-awaiting-your-green-card/
Hope to hear from you soon. And apologies if i sound a bit crazy.
regards
Sac
March 21, 2020 at 05:14
Most people are getting reasonable/positive responses from embassies – I can’t say anything more clear than that, but visas will not generally be extended until they expire (because the assumption is that you would otherwise travel.
If you did travel you could immediately leave the country. No need to wait for GC/SSN. That is certain.
March 21, 2020 at 06:23
Thanks Brit, appreciate your honesty. A bit stressed, as sold all my household stuff, literally sitting down and typing this. I just hope/pray immigration understands the situation. Cant travel now as my return ticket is 12K which is beyond my affordability. Anyone else reading this, i was a happy guy wining the lottery until today. Sold all my stuff as everyone does and ready to travel but this virus has muddled everything up. NZ and Australia has grounded their fleet until end of May. My visa expires in 8th May. California has gone in lock down so the embassy is not responding. NZ embassy is already closed. Cant get any information and I cant even prepare for the departure. Am stuck and anyone facing this, i can understand your predicament. If anyone still not taking this virus seriously, i would reconsider.
March 21, 2020 at 16:04
I think it will be fine.
Let me show you a couple of things. First the official guidance to embassies on how to handle expired visas., Second the response from Sydney embassy to someone in a similar position.
********
Guidance issued to embassies
********
9 FAM 504.10-5(A) (U) Issuing Replacement Visa During Validity of Original Visa
(CT:VISA-411; 07-20-2017)
a. (U) If you are satisfied that an applicant will be or was unable to use an immigrant visa (IV) during its validity period because of reasons beyond the applicant’s control and for which the applicant is not responsible then you may issue a replacement visa with the originally allocated visa number within the same fiscal year even though the visa has not yet expired. You should recall and cancel the originally-issued visa and collect once again the appropriate IV application processing fee (including the Diversity Visa Lottery Fee for a DV applicant), unless the applicant was unable to use the visa as a result of action by the U.S. Government over which the alien had no control and for which the alien was not responsible.
b. (U) An applicant who will be or was unable to use an IV during its validity period because of reasons within the applicant’s control can submit a new visa application if the petition has not been revoked and if the basis for immigration still exists (i.e., familial relationship). This also applies for new IV applications outside of the original IV’s fiscal year of issuance.
***************
From Sydney embassy
***************
There are currently no special accommodations for applicants whose visas have expired or are about to expire due to being unable or not wanting to travel during COVID-19. If you are unable to immigrate to the United States during the validity period of your immigrant visa, we may be able to issue you a replacement visa (to extend the validity).
We will review your eligibility to receive a replacement visa on a case-by-case basis, but we are not able to review your case until your current visa has expired.
Please note that one of the requirements for a replacement visa is that the basis for your immigration to the United States still exists (e.g. familial relationship, U.S. job offer, etc.) If you are deemed to be eligible for a replacement visa, this would require submission of a new visa application fee, a new medical and/or Australian Federal Police certificate. Furthermore, you may be required to update Form DS-260 along with attending another interview for the replacement visa at the U.S. Consulate General, Sydney.
If you fall under a category where visa number(s) are limited each year, then an immigrant visa number was only available for your use within the month your visa was issued. There is no guarantee that visa numbers will be immediately available for your visa replacement. You may also want to review the Visa Bulletin for further information on visa number availability.
Note: Due to the limited number of visas that may be issued under the *Diversity Visa program, numbers may cease to be available even before this date.
March 26, 2020 at 21:55
Hi Brit
Thanks once again. I was communicating with one of the Embassy officers. Seems like they are working remotely. I cant thank them enough of doing so. The following is there reply to me explaining a bit more on things:
“The biggest problem with not traveling while the current medical is valid, is when we unlock your visa, we have to return your visa number for the DV lottery.
Under U.S. law, all diversity visas for a fiscal year must be issued prior to September 30. Available visas for some countries and regions may be used up prior to that date. If you delay your appointment, you may lose your opportunity to immigrate on the basis of your DV application.
Any change in scheduling your interview for the DV Lottery may reduce the chance of getting the awaited U.S Immigrant visa. There are 50,000 diversity visas available annually from the American Government under this program. All of the people who are selected as DV Lottery winners don’t have the required eligibility requirements and do not get the visas at the interview. So nearly 100,000 people are selected as winners in the draw and allowed to proceed. Each selected person will have a specially allotted case number for them. It will start from number 1 in numerical order along with their geographical region.
From October 1st, selected people will be called for the DV visa interviews. Lowest case numbers will be called first and it will follow in numeric order from lower case numbers to higher case numbers till the visas exhaust or till the date of the program close officially on 30th September. Sometime case numbers which are higher don’t have chances to be called for the Interview as the allotted visas are exhausted, and further interviews will be cancelled.
If you reschedule your interview around October or November you may have the chance to get the interview in time. But in the later months you will have less chance to attend the interview as this program of visa lottery serves who come first.
You must take care when rescheduling a new interview date; other applicants will be interviewed and will be given the Visas if they are eligible. If there are no visas to issue as they had reached the limit, your new interview date will be cancelled.
If your spouse and children decide they wish to delay obtaining their visas, they may lose their opportunity to immigrate on the basis of their DV applications. If this happens, you will need to file a petition to bring your family to the United States at a later date. If they do not obtain diversity visas prior to September 30, your spouse and/or children may have to wait several years to join you. ”
Not sure if this will help but thought of updating.
Any thoughts?
March 26, 2020 at 22:44
Literally none of that is news to me or anyone who has read my articles well enough.
March 30, 2020 at 10:02
Hello Simon, so we let our visa expire then contact the consulate? Is that not risky?
Thank you Jo
March 30, 2020 at 14:38
Do you have any other choice? Obviously if you have the ability to travel before the visa expires, do that.
March 21, 2020 at 00:39
Hi Simon,
Thanks again for the blog you provide – it has provided invaluable knowledge through the process of gaining my green card.
I won the green card in the May 2019 Lottery and have since been issued with my DV1 Visa. I recently activated it by visiting Hawaii mid-February and now have 1-year to return to permanently reside in America. I have also had my green card package sent back to me in New Zealand.
With the recent COVID-19 outbreak creating large market uncertainty in America, I am now considering making the move there even later than February next year. Have you come across any cases, where visa holders can extend their moving date pass the expiry date of your DV1 Visa? If so what is the process to doing this?
Thanks again for all your help! I look forward to hearing from you.
March 21, 2020 at 05:17
You have almost a year to go. Its silly to make plans at this point.
March 21, 2020 at 06:31
Hi there,
I just read your comment and am also a kiwi and was wondering if could travell to Hawaii and get my entry activated?? is that correct? if you dont mind, would you be able to share some more information on this?? if this is possible and if i can get a flight there then i would most certainly take it rather then traveling to USA. Please share if possible.
regards
Sac
March 21, 2020 at 16:05
Hawaii is the USA.
March 21, 2020 at 03:11
Hi Mr Brit, I have a problem with the host I did an interview and my host seems not to qualify to my family what can I do because I have no other host Advice please
March 21, 2020 at 05:19
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
March 21, 2020 at 06:48
Hi Brit,
Firstly, thank you for running this website, it has been a phenomenal source of information throughout this process and has definitely helped me out a lot.
I appreciate there is a tonne of uncertainty during these times, but I was wondering if you may know anything about working, after an “activation trip” to the U.S. This week I made a very quick in and out trip to the U.S., and have successfully had my visa stamped by CBP (as I was unsure if borders will be open in the coming months when my Visa was due to expire). I am now back in Australia, and was wondering if I were to pick up a casual work contract for a month or two (hopefully things simmer down a bit and I might be able to find a job in the U.S.), whether this will have any implications entering the states, or if it may be perceived as not ‘abandonment of residence’. I am aware that any international income will need to be declared come U.S. tax season.
Also, as my U.S. trip was only overnight, I did not have a great deal of time to establish ‘residence’ in the U.S., wondering if you think this may be an issue when I re-enter the states (which i think will almost certainly be within 6 months or less), or may have any tips regarding this.
Thank you once again.
March 21, 2020 at 16:07
No problem with working in Aus and you can stay out for 12 months now that you have activated. No problem.
March 21, 2020 at 11:37
Hi Brit,
I have been following your blog and YouTube since the time I was selected for DV 2020. I have received my visa on December and it is going to expire on end of May 2020.
Due to this coronal outbreak, most of the international flight are suspended and cancelled. I m planning to travel USA next month. I m currently observing the outbreak of nCoV but it is getting worser day by day. I have send mail to the embassy regarding this and they have replied me like this:
QUOTE:
We understand that you have query regarding travel to U.S. and visa extension.
In response to your question, we would like to inform you that as long as you have a valid passport & U.S. visa, which is undamaged, you can travel to the U.S. The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to permit or deny admission to the United States. Kindly refer the link: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/np/np-gen-faq.asp#qlistgen15 for information about the same.
If you have any further questions, please refer this link: https://help.cbp.gov/s/?language=en_US to contact CBP.
Further, kindly visit the red banner of our website: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/np/index.html?firstTime=No to know update about corona virus.
Note: if applicant wish to extend visa then we would request you to kindly revert us back with reason along with scanned copy of visa.
We hope this information is helpful to you.
Please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/gss_nepal to share feedback on the services we provide.
Have a pleasant day!
Yours Sincerely,
U.S. Visa Service Desk.
UNQUOTE
So I m in dilema what to do. If situation gets better I was thinking i will fix my travel date and travel to USA soon.
So I would like to gather all information whether
1. Is it possible to extend my diversity visa expiry or not at this stage.
2. End of May is the expiry date so I am confused whether I should extend or not since there is enough day left i.e Wait & Watch
Please throw some light and constructive feedback on this so that I could make sound decision
Also advise the normal procedure and what would be the effect on my diversity visa if I extend.
Thanking You
March 21, 2020 at 16:27
1. That is answered in their reply!
2. Wait and see how long the embassy remains close. You have weeks of validity yet. Who knows what will change in that time.
March 21, 2020 at 19:55
Thanks Brit for your advice.
Appreciate your revert. Do you have any idea by when should I confirm Embassy to extend my DV visa since situation is getting worse day by day. I have send mail to Embassy but there’s no reply yet.
March 21, 2020 at 21:11
https://britsimonsays.com/extending-an-immigrant-visa-for-unavoidable-reasons/
March 21, 2020 at 22:03
Thanks so much Brit for the well documented video and comments. Your effort is greatly appreciated. Stay safe, healthy and positive.. 🙂
April 15, 2020 at 06:25
Hi Brit,
Hope you are staying safe and sound. I come again for your constructive feedback.
The situation is unprecedented and haven’t improved but it is worse and change a bit. Still wait and watch currently. As i have shared with you visa is going to expired by the end of May. You have mentioned in your link video that it is not sensible to extend your visa prior to the expiry date. I had checked my health report on November 2019 and reckon it will be valid this month only. I heard that i should be in USA at least 2-3 weeks before the expiry.
So please advise whether I should Wait and Apply for the extension next month or Send
Email now to embassy in writing for the extension….
Looking forward.
April 15, 2020 at 15:22
You can decide the timing, you will obviously need to have the medical again, perhaps go to the embassy. These are things you can’t do right now, so it is likely you need to wait.
April 23, 2020 at 10:54
Hi Brit,
Appreciate your work for continuous update you tube videos and blogs with any change & news related to USA Visa.
https://britsimonsays.com/trump-signs-executive-order-for-60-day-ban-on-immigration/
So, will this effect on the extension of visa as I am planning to apply for visa extension on May as per your expert feedbacks. I am now worried now.
April 23, 2020 at 14:43
I believe it will delay extensions.
March 21, 2020 at 12:00
Hello Mr Simon,
I have a little bit complicated situation,i’m a green card lottery winner for 2020,my CN 60xxx,I’m from Algeria but now I’m student in Moscow, since two years I’m in a relationship with a Russian girl, we got married recently, my question concern the location of interview,is it possible that both of us may pass the interview in the American embassy in Moscow or we have to go both to Algeria, or I pass in Algeria and she pass in Russia. I really want to know if it’s possible and if it doesn’t delay the treatment of my case.
Thank you
March 21, 2020 at 16:28
You interview together, in whatever country the principal selectee lives in.
March 22, 2020 at 07:39
Thank you Sir for your answer, but please tell me of its possible for as an algerian winner to pass the interview in Russia?
March 22, 2020 at 16:05
Of course.
March 21, 2020 at 12:16
I have a temporary immigrant visa for obtaining a green card which expires in the end of May. Due to this outbreak if I miss my deadline would I be still able to travel or would I be penalized? I had a flight booked for the 24th of March which was canceled due to closed borders.
Thanks in advance.
March 21, 2020 at 21:12
https://britsimonsays.com/extending-an-immigrant-visa-for-unavoidable-reasons/
March 21, 2020 at 16:44
Hi Simon hope to find you and your family are safe during this global health crisis.
Please note that my case number is low AS2XXX and i have received kcc confirmation email that my documents received successfully and they advise to wait for the 2NL.
I know it is not easy at all to expect now and what gonna happen but just in case hopefully the situation back to normal when i can expect my 2nl. Thank you
March 21, 2020 at 19:05
Sorry i have missed to mention that kcc confirmation email received on first week of March
March 21, 2020 at 21:13
Nothing is normal right now. Wait patiently.
March 21, 2020 at 17:09
Hello,
I have question regarding Mother name, I have written regular name of my mother in DS260, but when i checked my birth certificate, the birth certificate authority has also put the little (Mrs) in the name. They also wrote the same little in front of her name while translating in English, for example they translated Mrs. in Nepali and put in the front of her name. So do I need to unlock DS260 and correct it and the name of mother is now different from my birth certificate and DS260?
March 21, 2020 at 21:13
No
March 21, 2020 at 17:52
Hello,
In the form i 944, there is a question to list all the family members, I am only applying for the DV program, my parents are not coming with me, so still I need to put all the details of my parents ?
March 21, 2020 at 21:13
No.
March 21, 2020 at 21:12
Hello Brit,
Got the following massage from US state department
Global Health AdvisoryMarch 19, 2020Level 4: Do Not Travel
UpdateMarch 19, 2020Click here for additional information
COVID-19 UpdateMarch 19, 2020Information for U.S. Passport Customers Skip to main content
Search
Travel.State.Gov U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE — BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS
Travel.State.Gov > U.S. Visas News > Suspension of Routine Visa Services
Suspension of Routine Visa Services
Last Updated: March 20, 2020
In response to significant worldwide challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State is temporarily suspending routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates. Embassies and consulates will cancel all routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments as of March 20, 2020. As resources allow, embassies and consulates will continue to provide emergency and mission critical visa services. Our overseas missions will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time.
Services to U.S. citizens continue to be available. More information is available on each Embassy’s website.
Does it also mean that we might not get 2NLs for may interview?
March 21, 2020 at 21:34
Correct.
March 22, 2020 at 00:40
Dear Brit,
I would like to know just your opinion
Upcoming days , or weeks will they approach embassies separately ? Like if there will be almost no cases or a few cases which will not make any problem to others , will they reopen them ? Not depending other country’s cases ?
Just want to know if in future in country A cases are high but in country B there are no cases or fee cases , they could open and continue process in B , despite cases in country A ?
Reopennes of embassy will depend on the cases of that country? Am I right ?
Thanks ?
March 22, 2020 at 01:12
This has never happened before. So obviously, I don’t know what will happen.
March 22, 2020 at 06:08
Are we the most unfortunate dv lottery year or what 🙂
March 22, 2020 at 15:57
Probably.
March 22, 2020 at 07:33
Bit urgent..
Hai Brit,
My sponsor files Tax jointly with her husband (“FILING STATUS: Married Filing Joint” in IRS Tax Return Transcript)
She provided me a IRS Tax Return Transcript “which was generated from her husband’s SSN” (SSN provided: ).
Anyway, both SSN numbers appear in Transcript.
**Is that OK to submit this to embassy?
(Asking since the i-134 was filled by her but the Transcript generated by her husband’s SSN).
March 22, 2020 at 16:01
Yes
March 22, 2020 at 12:44
Hi Brit,
In an attempt not to miss out on the Immigration Visa as a winner in the DV 2020.
I am from the Asia region and expected to be current in the next visa Bulletin. in case the embassies remain close, is it possible for my family and i to get interviewed in the US ?? I have a SSN( got it when i was on OPT after graduating from university) and a B1/B2 visa which always me to travel to the US when flights open again.
just thinking of a possible contingency plan as to not miss out in this one in a life time opportunity.
My status so far is all documents required received by KCC. so i am just waiting for 2NL when my number gets current.
March 22, 2020 at 16:13
No, you cannot enter the USA with an intention to adjust status from the B1/B2.
March 23, 2020 at 15:08
Thanks Brit,
I am still hopeful but managing my expectations.
if the current situation persist till end of this fiscal year is there anything that can be done to salvage this once in a life time opportunity. any out of the box ideas ??
regards,
March 23, 2020 at 19:40
Well, once September 30th has passed, there is nothing that can be done for DV2020 cases not yet approved. Let’s wait and see, and hope the crisis is over before then.
March 22, 2020 at 14:04
Hi Brit, i ask your opinion about situation with COVID 19 and closed embassies.And what do you think there is a chance case EU54*** to have an interview this year?
March 22, 2020 at 16:13
I don’t know.
March 22, 2020 at 15:15
Hi Brit in countries where US ban is issued people come from restricted countries every day by holding sponsor visa if the they came to US by sponsor visa i think dv lottery is same as.
March 22, 2020 at 16:01
My situation is the following: I was in the USA for 2 months i have my green card and i have my ID and all the documents i need to have are with me, but because of the situation with COVID-19 i had to come back to my home country because i could not stay in the us without work for a long time . My question is if the borders do not open until September and i cant enter the USA will i loose the right for US citizenship or they will have understanding because of the situation and it worst case if the borders don’t open and im out of the USA for 1 year will i loose the green card ?
March 22, 2020 at 17:11
You can be out of the USA for 1 year with no problem at all.
March 22, 2020 at 16:14
I don’t understand what you are trying to say.
March 22, 2020 at 16:36
I heard that i spouts to be at least 6 months in usa in 1 years to have opinion to apply for us citizenship. So if i can’t come this year because of situation with corona virus do u think this going to be a problem?
March 22, 2020 at 17:13
It requires 5 years of residency in the USA to apply for citizenship.
March 22, 2020 at 16:03
Dear sir,
Sorry these days I am disturbing you too much 🙁
My another question , mostly they schedule interview at least 40 days in advance.
I would like to know is their any law regarding this ? Or no ?
Why I am asking , let’s say if everything goes well late April, could they schedule interviews for May? Or they will schedule taking above mentioned policy ?
Thanks a lot sir for your priceless help ☺️
March 22, 2020 at 17:10
Again. I don’t know.