DV interview questions
This question comes up often – what are the typical DV interview questions? People are nervous about the interview as if they are going to be asked some really difficult questions or be held for an hour being questioned like a prisoner!!!! I have known people who want to prepare and practice their answers to all possible questions – just to be safe!
Well RELAX! The interview is usually a complete anticlimax. In a typical Embassy appointment there will be two or three stages. It isn’t always like this, but this will give an idea.
First you will be called to a window and asked to present some minimum documentation (Passports, birth certs etc). You will be asked to pay for the fee ($330) and that might be at a cashiers window.
Then you will be called for the actual interview which will typically last a very few minutes – sometimes less than 2 minutes!
The CO will look at your paperwork, and may request additional documents. They then may ask general questions such as:-
“Where did you study?”
“What work do you normally do?”
“Where will you live in the USA?”
“Who will you live with in the USA?”
“What is your relationship with the people you will live with?”
For most people that is the most that will be asked – and they are not looking to trick you or catch you out. If something needs more explanation or documentation they may go into that – but again it isn’t normally in depth. If you have recently married, you can expect some questions about your marriage (where you met, what trips you have taken together and so on).
Obviously the best answers are the most real/honest answers. Don’t try and impress the CO or say what you think they want to hear. As long as you meet the requirements and have followed the instructions the visa will be approved!!!
You can also read many accounts of actual DV interviews at this link –
July 12, 2016 at 06:40
Hello Britsman,
Thank you for the information. I’m dv winner and I have an interview appointment on August 2016. Case no. 2016xxxxxxx
I want to know that when I go to the interview should I open the police clearence report? Need photocopies of police clearence report? Or shouldn’t opend the police clearence report seal?
July 12, 2016 at 14:04
There is no harm in opening the police report.
July 16, 2016 at 12:22
Agreed with you!
July 13, 2016 at 01:27
Hi.
We hv all ready scheduled for an interview next month august. Our questions are:
1. Is it compusery to present marriage party photos
2. I the principal winner hv just gained admission as a first year student at limkokwing university of creative an innovation. Will that cause me any problem during the time of our interview?
3. My wife only have her wassce result.marriage certificate. Passport.police clearance.medical interview fee.birth certificate etc…did she need any other additional required diversity visa documents? But she is not the principal winner.
4. Can the embassy determine age interms of love before grainting a visa.
July 13, 2016 at 05:01
1. No it depends on circumstances. But given the time of your interview you should be OVER prepared.
2. No
3. Doesn’t matter – only the principal proves education
4. I have no idea what “age in terms of love” means.
July 13, 2016 at 06:06
Hello britsman,
Thank you for information
My name is “Mohamed rayn”. But the problem is wgen i was applying to dv application there was a typing mistake I typed “Muhammed Rayn” so what should I do? They will reject me on the interview?
July 13, 2016 at 13:49
Fill out the DS260 with the correct spelling. In most embassies the mistake would be forgiven.
July 14, 2016 at 05:00
Thank you britsman
July 13, 2016 at 12:26
Thx brit fr your quick resnpond.
i want to knw if i should present any document partaing ebola issue as supporting documents during the interview date at d embassy
July 13, 2016 at 13:40
No
July 20, 2016 at 06:50
hi simon, thanks for all your help. I lost my confirmation number and my email, my interview is next month. pls how can I retrieve it I need ur help urgently.
July 20, 2016 at 13:41
You can get back in to your DS260 online with your case number and date of birth
July 20, 2016 at 19:06
Thanks for your reply, but I used different email address when I filled dS260, when I can’t remember the email password I used when I play d lottery.
July 20, 2016 at 22:38
You don’t need to access your email to finish the process…
July 21, 2016 at 13:05
Hi my name is Abraham I added my spouse into the DV Program 2016-2017 her birth certificate just came up and I notics that her place of birth is bensonville which is the same montserrado but instill of bensonville her place of birth appear as montserrado county, will it be a program?
July 21, 2016 at 19:46
No
July 21, 2016 at 13:25
MY NAME IS ABRAHAM BARTUAH , I DID MENTION ON MY DS 260 THAT MY WIFE DIDNT COMPLETED SECONDARY EDUCATION, SO I REALLY DONT KNOW IF IT WILL CAUSE ANY HARM SHE IS MY SPOUSE I AM THE PRINCIPAL APPLICANT.
July 21, 2016 at 19:42
The education of the derivative is not considered.
July 24, 2016 at 11:10
MY NAME IS ABRAHAM .
If The education of the derivative is not considered than does that mean if I indicted that my wife didn’t complete secondary school than , will I need her 9th or 10th education document or recommendation.
July 24, 2016 at 15:38
“not considered”…. it is very clear.
July 25, 2016 at 13:42
Thanks my dear brother
July 25, 2016 at 13:43
NAme is Abraham I am a winner of Dv 2017 I make an error within my D’s 260 I submitted. Can I unlock it to updates my information. Such as present school or employers . which I make mistake on.
July 25, 2016 at 14:30
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
July 27, 2016 at 14:46
My Name is Abraham I am a DV 2017 winner , in the primary occupation i select Computer Science and i indicated the Institution that i am employed with. but i want to know what kind of documents will be requested from me at the embassy when go for the interview. which documents do i need to carry with me concerning my employer institution.
July 27, 2016 at 14:52
If you qualify on education, they won’t ask for work experience proof of any kind. However, you can take some proof if you want (CV/Resume, Job offer letters and so on).
July 27, 2016 at 18:53
THANKS MY DEAR BROTHER
July 27, 2016 at 18:55
I AM ABRAHAM , A WINNER OF DV 2017 , IS IT POSSIBLE TO KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE WON THE DV 2017 IN THE ENTIRE WORLD?
July 27, 2016 at 19:43
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-selectee-counts-released/
July 28, 2016 at 09:42
Dear britsman,
I already asked some questions from you. And my interview is on August 2016. And my country is Sri Lanka. I want to know that my birth certificate is in my country national language so I just translate it to English. And after that should I certify that in Sri Lankan foreign ministry?
July 28, 2016 at 14:41
Translations are needed when the language of the documents is not the local official language. Follow any instructions on the embassy section of the DVselectee instructions about certification.
July 28, 2016 at 14:18
I AM ABRAHAM I WON THE DV 2017 , MY CASE NUMBER IS 2017AF39X71 I WANT TO KNOW WHEN WILL BE MY INTERVIEW BRO.
July 28, 2016 at 14:36
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
July 29, 2016 at 04:58
Hello how r u i lost my wedding photo’s i only hve marriage certificate , birth certificate and good conduct my valid passport and pictures of my wife alone is it hard to get my visa
July 29, 2016 at 15:52
Photos are not always requested.
July 30, 2016 at 18:55
Sir
Thank you for your endless efforts,
Im having my interview next week, and I dont have good conduct certificate from a country I lived in 5 years ago because of visa complication, I just recieved my visa and I cannot travel because I’ll have my dv visa interview next week, Can I submit that good conduct certificate after the interview,
July 31, 2016 at 03:47
They will put you on AP until you provide the missing document.
July 31, 2016 at 10:50
Sir
Some people told to register at this web https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ although kcc send me the appointment letter.
Do I need to register and set my appointment through this web
July 31, 2016 at 16:19
You need to register with them BUT not to get an appointment – it is just a courier service.
July 30, 2016 at 19:36
I BROTHER, I AM ABRAHAM BARTUAH AND I HAVE WON THE DV 2017 AND I HAVE AN ERROR ON MY PASSPORT, MY OCCUPATION ON MY DS260 CASE IS COMPUTER SCIENCE AND MY PASSPORT WRONGLY CAME UP WITH STUDENT AS OCCUPATION. I AM SO CONFUSE ,
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NEXT, MAY I GET A DIFFERENT PASSPORT AND UNLOCK THE FORM TO REMOVE THE CURRENT PASSPORT NUMBER FROM THERE AND USE OTHER TRAVEL DOCUMENT? OR DO WHAT BROTHER?
July 31, 2016 at 03:46
The occupation stated on the passport is not important.
August 1, 2016 at 13:10
Hi britsman,
In the dvinterview they will ask “why are you going to USA”? What is the best answer for it? If I told i want to work and live thre. It’s enough???
August 1, 2016 at 14:05
The best answer is YOUR answer.
August 1, 2016 at 18:35
Hello how are you doing my friend i had and interview today i messed up things the lady asked me too many question i made an error when she asked me after your wedding your traveled back to ur country how many times and the dates she cme it was twice i said once and i wronged the date she cme and after that she gave me yellow paper she ticked to bring IRS trancript return of my wife and pictures or chatting i lost my phone with the picture and the chatting coz it was whatsApp and viber what can i do my friend
August 1, 2016 at 18:39
You have to provide what the CO asked for…
The IRS transcript should be possible. As for the phone chats – you may have lost YOUR phone, BUT you still have your wife’s phone – right???
August 1, 2016 at 20:46
Hi
How long does it take after applying or filling the ds applycation for kcc to respond or email you.
August 1, 2016 at 20:53
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 2, 2016 at 02:15
Yes i have my wifes phone but she buyed new phone iphone 6 she cnt get the chats too what if she comes to kenya and we take new pictures and i also send the ticket copy and IRS transcript to the DHL is it a gud idea will it work for me??
August 2, 2016 at 03:02
It’s up to you. Do the best you can do….
August 2, 2016 at 15:14
I did my passport as soon as I found out I’ve won does that mean if my interview dates comes out and i go… will i be refuse course its not valid for 6 months ?
August 2, 2016 at 22:55
You just provide a new passport.
August 3, 2016 at 03:58
Hi britsman,
What time shouldI go to embassy for interview? Interview appointment time is 1p.m.
August 3, 2016 at 05:36
You can decide that!
August 3, 2016 at 14:20
Dear Brit,
First, many thanks that you helped us within the whole process of DV program.
We (my wife and I) had interview on March 2016 in Malaysia. Our case became AP and we were waiting until now ((almost 5 months waiting) to receive the result from the Embassy. Today, we received two emails. The first email was “Kindly note that we have finalized the admin process in your case and you may drop off your passports with a copy of this e-mail…”. The second email was “Kindly note that both medicals reports has expired in July. Please medical first. Once completed, then only drop off passports”. In this case, we will repeat the medical ASAP. My questions are: 1- How long would be the visa validity and when would be its expiry? (I mean, how many months roughly from now?) 2- In case, the visa validity is less than a month, can we extend it? Thanks Dear Brit.
August 3, 2016 at 15:32
The reason they asked you to repeat the medicals is because the visa validity is based on the date of the medical PLUS 6 months., So – when you follow their instructions your visa will be issued with almost 6 months validity.
August 3, 2016 at 21:21
Thanks a lot 🙂
August 3, 2016 at 16:50
HI Brit, Thanks for your help, my wife and three children got their VISA. but i was placed on administrative process, that was June 17 but got an email for a follow up appointment that reads “This is an automatic schedule of a follow up appointment for your Diversity Visa application. Please bring your passport and a new medical exam on September 19 at 1:30 PM to the U.S. Embassy”.
What you make of this statement? my concern An automatic schedule and the time to appointment.
August 3, 2016 at 16:54
Later, got follow up mail that clarified that I don’t a new medical for the current medical result.
August 5, 2016 at 13:26
Hi
I decided to do my medicals early 28, July before interview dates that is on 30th Aug 2016. i would like to know if this has any effect to this visa interview.
secondly i have a child born out of marriage like things happened too fast between us and we got a baby, she makes one year this month. i asked the embassy to add her on my case and they did, her mum was not added because things didnt work out between us and neither did i fill in the D-260 form, we did the medicals together with the baby.
question?
what could be the case and questions to expect at the interview?
what documents do i need to present for the kid on that day?
the kid should come later after i have traveled and settled there. what should i expect in terms of questions.
Thank you
August 5, 2016 at 14:22
About the medical, th only impact will be that the visa, if approved will expire 6 months after the medical, so you shortened the expiry period (time allowed to enter the USA).
About the child. They will want proof that you have permission to take the child without the mother. Get a sworn document about that. The child MUST travel before the expiry date of the visa. Logistically that will be hard… – but its your call.
August 6, 2016 at 06:16
I really learned a whole lot without asking a question…
Thanks Brit
August 7, 2016 at 17:44
Hi Mr Brit. Im yussif from ghana my interview will be 15th September next month Insha Allah but my problem is i complete SHS this years so to get the original certificate it will take one year or more than dat the only one u can get is the copy one and my case number is 2016AF00006*** the west africa examination council will realize the results on their website to go and check and print it out that’s is the copy but the original one will take more den year so please can I take the copy for my interview I have my index number may Allah bless u for good job u do for us
August 7, 2016 at 19:07
Take the copy, BUT you must realize that there is NO TIME for AP on your case, so do everything you can to prepare your case well (read the instructions!).
August 7, 2016 at 22:03
PLEASE WHAT IS NO TIME for AP
August 8, 2016 at 14:38
No time for any delay caused by Administrative Processing (additional background checks)
August 7, 2016 at 20:55
Hi Brit,my youngest brother wife won the dv and they went for interview and the wife was given visa and my brother was put on AP .until now he have not been call and his wife have already gone to America.What is the way forward.I am dee funk from Liberia.
August 8, 2016 at 14:39
Just more waiting. If the case is not approved before September 30, the wife could sponsor her spouse – which would take 2 years.
August 7, 2016 at 22:31
Hi Brit’s, my wife Winn the 2017Dv and I have fill in the ds260 bt her passport is not on hand yet bt She trying to get it in this month bass on her case number we agreed to submit it soon #is 2017AF00004xx. What is your advice should we unlock the from to put her passport number in or not, as for me I put my passport number there.
August 8, 2016 at 14:36
I would personally unlock, but it might be OK without unlocking. See if you get scheduled this month – if you do, you will not be able to unlock at that point.
August 8, 2016 at 15:25
Thank very much, but one more question Brit’s. I and my wife go for the marriage certificate and we was ask to bring birth certificate, diver lecenci or vorto card but I have my birth certificate and she has Vorto card and the marriage date is Dec. 26, 2015. The issue date of the marriage certificate is Feb. 5, 2016. Is that not going to be problem for in the interview office. Thank one again.
August 8, 2016 at 16:11
I don’t think that will be a problem.
August 9, 2016 at 01:09
Hi Brit, I won a dv and I am schedule for August 12, but the problem is on my Waec certificate I have a misspelled name instead of Jeniel Davies they have Janet Davies , I also have 2 years vocational education in cosmetology. What is my chance? Thanks
August 9, 2016 at 02:19
It depends on the embassy. Some are stricter than others about mistakes like names – Ghana is quite strict for instance. The vocational education cannot be used in DV cases – so your education in other areas must meet the requirement.
August 13, 2016 at 06:39
Hi britsman,
Last week I faced my dv visa interview. But they said they need 3 passes of high school exam but I had only 2 passes and interviewer asked lot of question about my job and finally said “we can’t give visa bcz u r not eligible to get visa”. They returned my passport and my documents to me.
So they will call me again? They will give me a another chance to me? Or they will calle later to visa? I’m confused
August 13, 2016 at 13:46
They decided your education did not meet the requirements. Then they asked you questions about your job to see if you qualified through work experience. They obviously decided you did not qualify that way either. So, they denied you. That decision is final – you will not get the Green Card. It is over. There is no possibility of an appeal or a change of the decision.
For the benefit of others, which embassy was that and what country did you take your education?
The link below discusses the requirements in more detail. I’m sorry you did not read this before your interview.
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
August 15, 2016 at 03:52
Thank you sir…
August 15, 2016 at 10:47
Hello britsman,
If I appeal once again for visa. They will approve my visa?
August 15, 2016 at 16:13
Hi Brit
I was born in the Philippines, and i’m single. Does it mean that i don’t have any chance to join Dv? Thanks
August 16, 2016 at 03:50
Of course you can.
August 16, 2016 at 13:04
Because i have read that Philippines is excluded in participating in Dv this year.
August 16, 2016 at 16:07
Ahh yes – that is correct.
August 15, 2016 at 18:05
Hi Brit,
I was denied Dv 2015 during my interview, can I apply to study in the US when I receive admission from recognize university in the US?
August 16, 2016 at 03:43
Yes – as long as you weren’t refused for fraud etc.
August 16, 2016 at 06:59
Hi Brit,
I’m a winner of the DV 2017 and I’m having a problem. I played with my biological name and my school documents bear my sponsor name. In this case what should I do?
August 16, 2016 at 12:15
You must prove the school documents are yours by providing supporting documents – whatever that may be. Your DS260 should list the “sponsor name” in the section for other names used.
August 20, 2016 at 23:18
Hi,
1. What is the latest time that I have to reply KCC my DV 2017?
2. When do i expect interview?
August 21, 2016 at 15:19
1. Submitting the DS260 should be done by April/May at the latest.
2. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 20, 2016 at 23:31
Brit you are gold my friend. I just read the comments. I didn’t even have to ask zilch lool … thanks bro. stay blessed my friend
August 21, 2016 at 15:18
I wish more would follow your example! I have written every answer more than once.
August 22, 2016 at 23:49
Hi please my name is Diamond and have won the dv2017 but my place of birth is Kwaku nkwatia instead of kumasi please what should I do. Am very worried help me. Thank you.
August 22, 2016 at 23:59
If both places are in the same country it won’t normally matter too much.
August 25, 2016 at 19:38
MY NAME IS ABRAHAM BARTUAH A 2017 WINNER OF THE DV. I WANT TO KNOW IF IT IS A PROBLEM TO ADD YOUR SPOUSE INTO YOUR CASE . BECAUSE I PLAY AS SINGLE WHEN I WAS NOT MARRIED AND LATER AFTER A COUPLE OF MONTHS DECEMBER 2015 I GOT MARRIED AND I ADDED MY WIFE ON MY DS260.
ACCORDING TO SOME FRIENDS THEY SAID THAT THEY WERE DENIED BECAUSE OF ATTACHING THEIR SPOUSE AND CHILDREN. HOW TRUE THIS IS MY DEAR BROTHER I AM CONFUSE.
August 25, 2016 at 20:29
Your friends are incorrect. Assuming the marriage is real, there is nothing wrong with that. Did you also add a DS260 for your wife?
August 25, 2016 at 20:40
Yes i added my wife Ds260 form to my case bro
August 26, 2016 at 08:02
My friend Abraham its absolutely okay to include her so long as you have proof of marriage in pictures of your love life, wedding, and bills you pay together. all you need is a marriage certificate and a few documentation and you are good to go
August 26, 2016 at 17:05
I had already answered. I did not list the documents you mention because the suspicion of his marriage will be low as he married BEFORE he was selected…
August 28, 2016 at 17:31
Thank you my dear Brother . Can you please advice me on those additional documentation apart from the Marriage Certificate i need to have? Please you talk about other bills.
August 26, 2016 at 05:15
dear btitsimon
my permanent address is different from the sponsors address, i put my friends address where to recive the green card.
like sponsor is in virgina
where i will stay is in north dakota
in brief can i get to my friends home instead of my sponsor when i go to the USA
awaiting your reply
August 26, 2016 at 05:26
Yes.
August 31, 2016 at 06:23
dear britsimon
good morning
interview: khartuom sudan 26-09-2016
i successfully did my interview, how ever since i filled country of chargeability angola instead of Eritrea due to this the officer said he will inform us by email – granting visa
is there possibility of getting the visa
awaiting your reply
August 31, 2016 at 15:26
It should be approved.
September 2, 2016 at 21:10
MY NAME IS ABRAHAM BARTUAH A 2017 WINNER of the diversity VISA. I WANT TO KNOW IF ONE CAN CARRY TWO AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT FOR INTERVIEW.
September 2, 2016 at 23:43
Only one will be used. It either meets the required standard or it doesn’t. You cannot combine the income from two affidavits to make one good one.
September 3, 2016 at 07:24
Hi,
My husband already got his Visa and as we got married after he won the green card we got a follow to join visa for me. I got my interview booked for next week and due to lack of information I am not sure I can get the criminal records papers on time for the interview. I will however without a doubt get them before the end of this month so is it possible to add them later? Or are they needed for the actual interview?
September 3, 2016 at 07:33
So yours is not a DV lottery case – then I don’t know much about that…
September 3, 2016 at 15:31
Hello Brit!
I need some help from you.
My friend n his wife date they interview in May 12th bt was place on AP. On the August 10th they check the visa status n was updated bt no call or email message, so what can they do, should they write or to wait n time is going September 30th is the end I need advice
Thank
September 3, 2016 at 15:38
They can contact the embassy or just wait…. either way.
September 4, 2016 at 05:44
Hi Simon. I am a 2016winner of the diversity visa but my name was mispelt. Can I confirm my photo using my confirmation number
September 4, 2016 at 14:51
You cannot see your photo from the entry. It sounds like an agent did this for you – and you should realize that there is a high chance they made errors (names, birthplace, marital status, children, photo) that can get you disqualified.
September 4, 2016 at 20:47
Hi Simon,
Do we have to give a valid passport info to DS260? What happens if we select “other travel document” and get a passport with us to the interview? Does it matter?
Thanks
September 5, 2016 at 04:13
That is OK.
September 5, 2016 at 11:51
HI Sir,
I am a 2017 winner, and a family of four and my case is 19xxxx, due some financial problem we were not able submit in July, and we are above to submit this month. Is there any problem sir !!!!
September 5, 2016 at 13:31
You can delay your submission longer (until about April or May next year if you wanted). No problem.
September 7, 2016 at 05:11
Hello,Am a Nigerian citizen and my wife is a ghanian citizen that won DV 2017 program.Please how do i collect the visa along with her? Do i have to claim a ghanian citizenship to be able to qualify because my country of birth is ineligible? Thanks
September 7, 2016 at 05:40
You will be processed as your wife’s derivative.
September 7, 2016 at 07:20
Ok but please as a derivative dependant what nationality passport wil i use to apply for my visa? Am i to do my medical in ghana? Am i also to do my police report in ghana ? Am confused coz i live in Nigeria presently
September 7, 2016 at 13:06
Your wife has been given a link with instructions. She needs to read the instructions and follow them. That covers what police reports you need.
If you both live in Nigeria you can process your case there (including the medical).
September 7, 2016 at 12:39
GREETINGS MY DEAR BROTHER,
I AM ABRAHAM BARTUAH A WINNER OF 2017 DV , I WANT TO KNOW IF I CAN UNLOCK MY FORM UNTIL I CAN FINISHED MY WAEC RESIITER PROGRAM OR IT CAN REMAIN SUBMITTED WHILE I WAIT FOR THE EXAM IN NOVEMBER 2016. AMD THE RESULT WILL BE UP IN EARLY DECEMBER OR JANUARY 2017. MY CASE NUMBER IS 2017A3967X.
September 7, 2016 at 12:49
OK – this is a bit clearer than your other post. However you case number is unclear – is if AF 39XXX?
September 7, 2016 at 12:45
MY NAME IS ABRAHAM BARTUAH I A MA WINNER OF THE DV 2017. I WANT TO KNOW IF I SHOULD UNLOCK MY DS260 FORM UNTIL I CAN COMPLETE MY WAEC EXAM IN NOVEMBER OR WAIT UNTIL LEAVE IT AS IT IS UNTIL THE RESULT COME DECEMBER OR JANUARY 2017?
PLEASE TELL ME MY DEAR BROTHER.
September 7, 2016 at 12:48
Your interview will not be before November in any case, and could be later depending on your case number and submission date. So – you may not need to unlock.
September 7, 2016 at 19:40
Hi BritSimon
I have the following question
I am egyptian leaving in qatar
My questions is
1. I have a daughter borned after the dv 2017 application how to add
2. Do i need to translate the police clearance certificate and birth certificate from arabic to english
3. The interview date will be decided after i confirm the education and experience? ?
4. I recieve the acceptance of the dv 2017 nowaday 07 September 2016 although i was not selected before when the interview will be..
5. I dont have any plan where to leave in us what the answer will be in the interview
6. When shall i do the medical tests
September 7, 2016 at 21:34
Please always check the FAQ and use searching to find info
1. https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
2. Possibly. Documents can be in the local language of the embassy or translated into English.
3. No – you demonstrate those things (provide proof) at the interview.
4. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions
5. You need a plan (at least a rough idea), and you need a US address to receive the GC.
6. Once you get your interview notification. https://britsimonsays.com/dv-lottery-guide/