I am getting frustrated with some foolish people who are going ON and ON about the DV2018 draw because people who used old photos were selected and this makes things unfair. People are trying to raise a petition, threatening lawsuits and generally behaving like childish sore losers. I’m a little tired of re-reading the same things over and over again, so let me address the problem and explain why the whole petition thing is nonsense.
The belief of these people is that the rules which state the technical specifications for the photos and the instruction (new for DV2018) that re-use of the DV2017 entry photo will cause disqualification, are somehow mixed together and the government are allowing a fraud to take place, and that this is unfair.
First, it has been the case for many years that technical specifications for the photos have included the size of the photo, instructions about the background and lighting and so on. Additionally the photo submitted is supposed to be RECENT – less than 6 months old. Those are technical specifications. However, whilst the photo validation software can catch an incorrect sized photo it cannot catch, an old photo, one where the eyes are closed, one where the photo is of the wrong person or one where the photo is not even a person – say an elephant. So – some photos can’t be submitted, some will be possible to submit, but may cause disqualification at some point during the process.
In particular though, the people complaining are mixing the new instruction about DV2017 photos with old photos.
So – let’s just state again the differences between an “OLD” PHOTO and one that was RE-USED FROM DV2017.
OLD photos
There is a rule that entry photos should be recent (less than 6 months old). However, there is no way to know the age of the photo until the CO compares the photo with the person and sees the young man in the entry photo now has grey hair. In that case the CO could disqualify the person at interview for failure to follow the procedures. Whether to disqualify on that basis or not is entirely up to the CO. They can simply choose to not be suspicious about the age of the photo. I have known disqualifications for old photos, but it is rare (much rarer than the actual occurrences, I’ll wager).
PHOTOS RE-USED FROM DV2017
In the DV2018 instructions there is a new and explicit statement that re-using a photo that was used in the DV2017 entry would cause disqualification. Note – they did not say any future lottery, they said DV2017. Why is that? Well – photo comparison technology has been improved. Anyone can use google to search the internet for a photo. It will return results that have the same composition, even if the photo is cropped differently, named differently, color edited and so on. It’s new and powerful technology and it relies on indexing the pool of photos to compare to (which is exactly how google works). It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that the government have implemented this technology as an index on DV2017 photos, and were able to search DV2018 photos against it. The logical conclusion of that is that they would have disqualified such instances prior to notification, and people would simply see “not selected”. I have not found a single account where someone is saying they were selected and had reused a DV2017 photo. Given the traffic on my site, I think I would have been notified by now if that had happened (although happy to talk to anyone reading this that says that is what they did). However, this does NOT mean that the government could not have chosen to allow the selectees to be notified and then disqualify such entries at interview. They said people would be disqualified, they didn’t say when they would disqualify!
As for people who think everything is unfair blah blah. Given that the lottery is always over selected, KCC therefore allow for people to be waiting after other cases are disqualified. How is a rule following person disadvantaged by some other person with a higher number being selected and then disqualified in front of them? There is no such disadvantage. There is nothing unfair. There is also no right to complain – this is a lottery. As long as the lottery is performed according to the law (as it has been), then the draw is valid.
Lastly – a bit of speculation. There were a load of people who seem to not read the darn instructions. Those people with reused 2017 photos will have created “holes” between the case numbers (because that is what happens when someone is disqualified before notification – see holes theory) OR will increase the refusal rate at interview. I believe more holes. So – although we are seeing high case numbers suggesting a DV2015 level of selectees (say 115k to 130k), we might actually see low (DV2016/DV2017) selectee numbers (80k to 100K) because of all the holes created by DV2017 photo entries (i.e. lower density). We will only see that once the selectee numbers are published which could be as late as June or July.
May 6, 2017 at 18:00
I too think it is blah blah, but again I really want a redraw to get another chance. I know I am selfish, but I really need it.
May 6, 2017 at 18:27
Try DV2019 – but don’t build your hopes around “needing” a lottery with a selection chance of less than once in 100 years.
May 6, 2017 at 19:09
Do you think the those trying to pass a bill to end the lottery will succeed before DV2019 takes place? Do you have any recent news on that subject?
May 6, 2017 at 19:10
No – DV2019 will go ahead.
May 7, 2017 at 18:09
Hi dear brit
we win in dv 2017 from iran , “with a selection chance of less than once in 100 years” but i think banned executive orders for some country is running on background and They toke the wonderful chance from my family , Why ؟
we were honest with them ، But they apparently are not hoest .
They blocked case review and they don’t clear any case and they don’t issued visa for people from some country
What do you think about it ?
Why so slow and even stopped issuing visas ؟
With regards
May 7, 2017 at 18:17
There is no travel ban in force, but Iran is aggressive toward the USA and does not co-operate with checks, so extra checks are needed and they take time. If you want to complain, your complaint should be directed to the Iranian government, not the USA.
May 7, 2017 at 20:22
You’re right,
we’re just looking to live in a better place for my children’s future and we damaged from our own government,
I hope one day , at least our children have chance to live in a better place
Not like us , without any chance .
Thanks
With regards .
May 7, 2017 at 21:44
Good luck.
May 12, 2017 at 14:36
i liked the comment 🙂
May 8, 2017 at 13:27
Hi Simon,
I am one of those who have used old photo. I didn’t realise it wasnt allowed. My bad. Will wait and try again. I think all that I and others like me can do is accept the rules and do it again the right way.
No point in getting upset over something we have no control of. After all it is a lottery. And I am still waiting for all my euromilions numbers to come up too.
May 6, 2017 at 18:03
Evening Mr simon.I am from Cameroon and wish to know if the 2nd list of dv 2018 is out
May 6, 2017 at 18:26
2nd list? What do you mean? The results were published on May 2. In SOME years there is a second draw around 5 or 6 months later – but I don’t think that will happen this year.
May 6, 2017 at 18:03
You are calling ”foolish” to people but i know a guy who submitted to dv- lottery every year since 2012.
And i know he really wanted to. He said i won’t try next time.
I mean they have their reasons too so do not try to humiliate people.
And they are right as right as you are, they can think different from you respect other people thoughts.
May 6, 2017 at 18:25
Oh my gosh. Have a think about this. What am I doing here, on a Saturday morning, after a busy week. I am answering questions on my blog to help people achieve their dream. Have a think about that before you try and tell me about “respect”.
The FOOLISH people are those that are making a fuss as I have explained. That is a waste of their time (which is their choice) but also a waste of my time (which is not OK).
As for your fiend – he presumably understands the LOTTERY has a selection chance of less than once in 100 years.
May 6, 2017 at 18:04
People are trying to raise a petition, threatening lawsuits and generally behaving like childish sore losers. Source? I could not find anything on google.
May 6, 2017 at 18:20
Loads of people here and immigration forums.
May 6, 2017 at 18:40
Is it possible someone who get NOT SELECT become Selected this redraw over old photos
May 6, 2017 at 18:57
Ofcourse it is possible, remember DV Lottery 2012.
May 6, 2017 at 19:07
That was entirely different. The draw in 2012 was invalid and cancelled. That has not been the case this year.
May 6, 2017 at 21:03
It is invalid too but they didn’t call to people what was the issue this time.
And the photo thing, it is real too.
May 6, 2017 at 21:12
I’m sorry – but this is nonsense.
May 7, 2017 at 07:50
Pls, how many applicant selected for dv 2018
May 7, 2017 at 14:42
The number has not be published yet.
May 6, 2017 at 19:05
Huh? If they see not selected, they are not selected.
May 6, 2017 at 18:43
Not related to the topic
Dear britt , i am dv winner and am 19 yrs old.
Some people are saying to me you are not eligible untill you turn 21 is that right?
Thank you
May 6, 2017 at 19:05
No, that is not correct.
May 6, 2017 at 19:17
STOP CALLING GUYS FOOLISH plz
May 6, 2017 at 19:26
I’ll speak any way I want to speak on my blog.
May 6, 2017 at 20:18
someone has their panties in a bunch.
May 6, 2017 at 20:22
LOL
May 6, 2017 at 21:24
Now Iam not selected
What do you mean Mr Brit?
If I check again maybe they select me
May 6, 2017 at 21:35
No.
May 6, 2017 at 22:00
Hello,
you are saying : ”As long as the lottery is performed according to the law” in this article,
so the guy is saying in forum: they can’t enter the lottery according to instructions.
Is there any chance to re draw it like 2012 ? and Why didn’t they explain it what was the problem ?
Thank you, i am waiting your reply.
May 6, 2017 at 22:10
The guy is saying that – but the technical specifications mean the size of the photo. That’s all. So there is no argument to be made, and there is ZERO chance of a redraw.
May 6, 2017 at 22:20
If your photo(s) did not meet the specifications, the E-DV website will not accept your entry , so you will not receive a confirmation notice. (DV-2018 Instructions)
Do not submit an old photograph.Submitting the same photograph that you submitted with last year’s entry will result in disqualification. (DV-2018 Instructions)
It is not saying technical specifications and dublicate photo(2017’s) is one of specification too.
Whatever, if there is no chance to redraw, there is no point.
But If there is a chance, it is enough for re draw.
May 6, 2017 at 22:24
If someone tries to submit a photo that is incorrect sized, the photo/entry cannot be submitted. If the photo is the correct technical specifications BUT is a photo of an elephants arse. It would be accepted. Do you understand that?
May 6, 2017 at 22:38
Yes, i understood your theory and example.
But i wonder about dublicate(2017’s) and old photos.
They forbidden and one of specifications too isn’t it ?
If your photo(s) did not meet the specifications, the E-DV website will not accept your entry , so you will not receive a confirmation notice. (DV-2018 Instructions)
KCC would disqualified them before lottery i think.
May 6, 2017 at 22:41
No. It is not one of the specifications. That is a separate rule. In a separate sentence. You are taking pieces of the instructions from several areas and joining them together to pretend their is some logic to your point. There isn’t. Don’t you think you have wasted enough time on this, Benjamin?
May 6, 2017 at 22:45
I changed one part of my 3th sentence so sentence is broken. i mean They are forbidden and they are against specifications rule aren’t they ?
May 6, 2017 at 22:46
No.
May 6, 2017 at 22:51
Who is Benjamin dude, i really dont know what you talking about.
I wonder if there is a chance to re draw this lottery.
May 6, 2017 at 22:54
I wondered if you would be so easily lured into a lie. You should google IP addresses. You and the other poster “Benjamin” share the same IP address, so you say you don’t know him, except you are posting from the same computer and saying the same ridiculous argument over and over again.
You are not a truthful person. Anyone who reads my blog knows I hate liars. Please go away.
May 6, 2017 at 23:09
I won’t write anything in this blog again but i should say it, i’m using hotspot shield vpn and it is giving same ip to other persons. Sometimes i’m blocked where i never entered before.
Thanks for replys.
May 6, 2017 at 23:43
Right sure. SI by pure coincidence your shared IP is the same as someone else from Turkey posting on my site about the draw should be cancelled. Do you take me for a fool?
May 6, 2017 at 23:15
I didn’t enter my e-mail here, it filled automatically. And now i remember i have changed Benjamin to my name, whatever thankyou and i’m not benjamin.
May 7, 2017 at 08:48
Hello. You should read about vpn i think if you don’t know guy’s mac address. I don’t know he is him or not but if you click world image on hotspot shield, it directs you to optimal location.(always netherlands for me)
May 7, 2017 at 14:41
I have lots of IPs for him. Some VPN some not. I work in IT – and I wasn’t born yesterday.
But the point is how likely that two people sharing the same VPN are connecting to the same website and whining about the same thing. The same guy used multiple accounts in another forum – same behavior, same IP, SAME PERSON.
May 6, 2017 at 22:55
Hi Brit, and tank you for this goooood Job…
I am a DV2017 and have interview next week. But I applied with a DV2016’s photo ( me and my family).
Can the CO reject my visa?
May 6, 2017 at 22:57
It is possible but unlikely. YOu were supposed to have used a new photo (so they could deny you for that), but the rule about using the photo from the previous year does not apply to DV2017 winners. The chances of denial for that reason (old photo) are small.
August 31, 2017 at 05:38
How it went in your interview?
May 6, 2017 at 23:12
I know how idiotic these kinds behaviors might seem, but you have to understand that we’re creatures of emotion and not logic. So just try to ignore these really infuriating comments, some people are desperate for a better life, and there’s nothing wrong with that. I hope you have a great day!
May 6, 2017 at 23:29
Tank you again for this great job.
I have another question related to traveling…
So, if I entred the USA before expiration of my 6 months’ visa, me and my family, and I returne to my country to still there for 3 or 4 months ( to sell my house and car), and then, I’ll comeback to USA definitly…is it possible?
Hope I well explained my idea 🙂
May 7, 2017 at 11:44
Yes it’s possible… read this: https://britsimonsays.com/successful-interview-length-visa-validity-leaving-usa-arriving/
May 7, 2017 at 23:31
Tank you Franc,
It is exactly what I’m looking for…
Again, great Job Brit…Keep going
May 7, 2017 at 00:42
Omg this is the most hilarious post ever! Murad and Benjamin, it’s like days of our lives! I don’t think you could have been any clearer. Some people are just angry at the world and want to bring everyone down with them. I agree that people should follow the instructions and not submit old photographs, but if they think someone other than a computer is looking at the photographs that are submitted, then they are idiots. Keep shutting down trolls on YOUR blog, that you run on weekends after working full time because you’re an absolute champ that genuinely wants to help people! Plus it’s hilarious and it makes my day 🙂
May 7, 2017 at 01:46
They are a funny “PAIR”.
May 7, 2017 at 01:24
hey brit you are doing an amazing job like every year , learnt from you in past 4-5 years that not selected is not selected , but generally speaking a lot of rumors here in Egypt (FB groups and forums ) saying no one from Egypt was selected in DV2018 i googled it and got nothing even some of them is saying Egypt was cut off what is your thoughts about that .. thanks <3
May 7, 2017 at 01:44
Every year at this time there are always the same conspiracy theories. There are Egyptian selectees. There is no doubt.
May 7, 2017 at 02:06
From sudan & I am selected my case number is 2018af00003xxx will that be current? I was selected before but with very high case number . Will being from sudan will disqualify me(travel ban)?
Thanx Simon
May 7, 2017 at 02:11
You should be fine.
May 7, 2017 at 03:04
Hi. I just want to know that how many days prior/early the us embassy informs for interview
May 7, 2017 at 04:06
6 to 7 weeks.
May 7, 2017 at 09:29
Hi sr when I type my confirmation number i say to me i forgot my confimation number i tray many times the same i don’t no wy i have my paper when i sabmit my comfirmation number is 20184kmggjf4bxdp
May 7, 2017 at 14:35
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/checking-esc-page-check-without-mistakes/
May 7, 2017 at 12:10
Hello BritSimon,
It is sais here that the problem has been fixed , i am trying every 24 hours but i’m still getting the Invalid informations even though I COPIED it letter by letter from the printed copy. does this mean i haven’t been selected ? or should I keep trying ? I know people are putting pressure on you so Thank you.
May 7, 2017 at 14:17
You are probably not using the lastname (which is what appears BEFORE the comma). otherwise email me britsimon3 at gmail
May 7, 2017 at 16:34
My understanding is that there was a re-draw for DV-2012 due to a computer error that caused a disproportionate number of winners to be drawn from the first day or two of submissions, essentially rendering the terms that date of submission within the submission period would not affect eligibility.
This case being totally different, I can’t see how a re-draw would be justified. Essentially, as I understand it, people are whining because they feel they should have been picked from a smaller pool of applicants in the first place, and they aren’t willing to accept that the disqualifications may come during the interview process. However, the latter is in accordance with the law, perfectly acceptable, and there was no technical issue with the draw itself. Correct?
We’ve already got our forms in for processing, and have confirmation of submission. We are patiently awaiting an interview date. All of this complaining is just noise, right? 🙂
My husband tells me to relax, and that there’s probably a fresh batch of disappointment, anger, and lawsuit threat every year – especially since DV-2012 got the idea into peoples’ heads that a redraw was even possible.
Thanks for a little reassurance. 🙂
– J
May 7, 2017 at 17:40
There was no problem with the draw – you understanding of 2012 and this year is correct. All the complaining is just useless noise. Your husband is also correct.
May 7, 2017 at 17:57
Hello Brit, my wife and I went for our interview two weeks ago and our visas was approved by the CO…However, with our status showing issued and we were told to go and pick up our visa by next week, do you think it’s possible for the CO to change her mind and withdraw our visas before the pick up date…Thanks brother, may God continue to guide and protect you and your entire family.
May 7, 2017 at 17:59
It is possible. When the visa is in your hand it will be certain.
May 7, 2017 at 18:10
waiting for the next BV to be releases!! praying hard
May 7, 2017 at 18:15
It will get released whether you pray or not.
May 7, 2017 at 18:39
LOL
May 7, 2017 at 19:06
Hey thanks for your work sir ,I want to ask about the chance of getting selected for the dv lottery ….I’ve been applying for 8 years now but with no luck ..I’ve seen friends -Some of them I was the one guiding them through the application process- got selected but not me …
I know I had bad relation with luck in my life but it seems like it’s very slim chance to get selected, even when I checked stats for the ppl selected from my country it was around 4000 to 5000 thousand each year
Other question ,this year when I applied I uploaded recent photo with requirement listed on
the website but my scanner was getting old and the photo was bit hazy after was scanned..does that play any role in the selection process ?!!
May 8, 2017 at 00:17
It’s a lottery. Not everyone gets selected (actually very few do).
A bad photo can cause disqualification.
May 8, 2017 at 00:39
Hello,
FYI, my wife and me were selected for this year’s draw, and we used the same photos we submitted for dv2017., which means the disqualification will probably come at the interview not at the draw…still thinking wether to go thru or just drop it
I’m weithing the pros and cons, so my question is, do we HAVE to submit for interview toghether and both pay the fees (700$ each) before knowing if disqualified, or can i just let my wife get an interview first (she’s the primary selectee) and if everything goes well then submit mine?
Second question, how high is our case number 2018AF00051xxx for africa? do we stand a chance at all?
Thanks a lot
May 8, 2017 at 03:38
This is interesting because yours in the only such case. We obviously don’t know how they will implement the new rule. Generally, with obvious disqualifications they tell the selectee to pay one fee first, BUT there is no rule that says they have to be kind. Given your high number, only one of you going to the interview would not leave enough time to get the other approved by the end of the year. So, you have a tough decision about whether to gamble the money (and the medical fees). Your number is the highest I have seen so far this year.
May 8, 2017 at 10:56
Thank you for your answer, I guess that leaves me no choice but to apply, then given our high number we just wait and follow up on what happens with other people in the same situation -That is- if our turn come up.
May 8, 2017 at 07:51
Hi brit,
I have a similar situation as younes…for dv18 i uploaded the same pic i used in dv17. I got selected 2018as9×××. So i am not sure if i will face the axe during the interview…or may be with such a hugh number i dont make it all…
May 8, 2017 at 17:13
Well you have a long wait ahead of you, and by the time you get interviewed we will know how they are handling people with DV2017 photos.
January 25, 2018 at 15:49
Hi Rafi! How it went in your interview?
May 8, 2017 at 07:52
Hi mr Brit cn is 2017 AF00006*** when is the interview date
May 8, 2017 at 17:12
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 8, 2017 at 08:47
Hello Dear,
Thanks so much for the wonderful work you’ve been doing on our behave. Please I have I problem of check my result. When ever I enters my information’s, they reply that they are not valid but have entered the exact information’s I see on the forms. Please is what should I do please.
Thank you
Ruth
From Ghana.
May 8, 2017 at 17:08
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 8, 2017 at 10:43
Hi Brit, thanks for your prompt answers.. I’m one of the qualifiers for DV2018 (Case number 2018EU00008XXX), but my pity for not reading the new rules in detail, I applied using a 2 year old photo that I had also used for DV2017.. Unfortunately the photo is also on one of the Schengen visas on my passport that I got last year.
I have an old F-1 visa, a valid B2 and also SSN, would that increase my chance against this situation, or shall I renew my passport and get rid of the Schengen visa in order the old photo not to be seen?
I have the same concerns with the upper thread from Africa, as I got married last week.. 🙂
Thanks,
May 8, 2017 at 17:01
Your old visas etc don’t change your case in any way.
As for the photo – there is obviously a risk of denial at the interview. If that happens, your fees are not refunded.
June 12, 2017 at 19:32
MY wife won the lottery and she used recent photos but my used old one
is there a chance of denaial
June 12, 2017 at 19:44
Yes. (Although very small)
August 17, 2017 at 06:34
In my country, there were selectees that used old photo. But didn’t get denial. If they recognise you from photo in the passport it will be no problem. In my opnion 6 months rule is not a MUST. For example my face and hairs and weight 🙂 did’nt change for years. The important thing is recognizing you.
Thanks,
August 17, 2017 at 08:20
STOP. Stop talking about things you have no idea about!
August 17, 2017 at 08:01
Also you can change your pasaport.And the pictures get RECENT. 🙂 One of my friend lost his passport. He didn’nt unlock DS260. At interview he said to the officer. He got visa and entired United States. As Mr.Brit said “There is a risk, but rare.”. If the information that you gave are correct and enough you won’t lose you chance because of photo. Of course this is my opinion and wish.
Thanks,
August 17, 2017 at 08:15
Please leave the answering top me – you answer is not accurate.
January 25, 2018 at 15:52
Hi Biren! How it went in your interview
January 27, 2018 at 18:01
Got the visa, no problems. Thank you all.
May 8, 2017 at 11:47
Hello BritSimon, I got a question regarding the paperwork before the interview. What happens if I my wife got a new passport (as they said the passport must be valid for 6 months at least), do I have to go back and change her DS-260 before the interview ? Its worth mentioning I’m the primary applicant. Best Regards
May 8, 2017 at 16:59
In that case you unlock and update the DS260.
January 25, 2018 at 15:53
Hi Bren! How it went in your interview
May 8, 2017 at 20:28
Hello dear brit,
I don’t know him too but i downloaded antivirus for you 🙂 (btw i have 4 computer)
There is a case as you see, they can’t enter the lottery according to instructions.
I lost this lottery.( HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED)
Try to understand my situation, i don’t want to wait 1 year for another ”has not been selected”.
And i wonder is there any chance ? Just be honest and answer as a expert.
Biren, younes, rafi dont worry guys they won’t disqualify you, be relax at the interview.
May 8, 2017 at 20:56
For the 1000th time – THEY CAN ENTER – according to the instructions.
If you have not been selected I suggest you try again next year.
May 9, 2017 at 02:32
Who the hell are you to advise people they won’t be disqualified when they used an old photo? Your assurance is based on what? Refrain from speaking when you do not know what you are talking about. At this stage NO-ONE knows what will happen with applicants who used photos from a 2017 entry..
May 9, 2017 at 10:38
Ofcourse no-one knows what will happen.
I know something about last year’s interviews and they are not obsessive about photograph.
They can still disqualify them but %95 they won’t.
I’m asking about legal process here, i am not ignorant about the visa process.
(i asked something about dv to consular officer too, just try to be relax at interview and don’t tell them ” i submitted with last year’s photo”)
Best wishes, do not reply this text, message, whatever it is.
If they disqualify you don’t hate me because i didn’t but if they don’t disqualify you thank me for advice.
May 9, 2017 at 13:38
What you “know” about DV is very little indeed, and you have wasted enough of my time on my site. No more posts please about your speculations. It’s not helpful.
May 9, 2017 at 15:30
I didn’t write it for you, i’m not following your blog anymore too.
e-mail came from your blog then i enter.
Do not reply my messages ok ?
May 9, 2017 at 17:28
You are on MY blog. Don’t tell ME what to do on MY blog.
May 9, 2017 at 11:16
Thanks for your time, Mr. Simon. You are really a very caring person. I’d like to ask you that will you post about your final answer to getting disqualified before notification or getting disqualified at interview for those who used DV-Lottery 2017 photos after publishing selectee numbers in late June or July?
I know that you think these people were disqualified before notification but you are probably doubtful about this.
May 9, 2017 at 13:31
As the year progresses we will know more – but not until interviews have started – maybe November/December.
May 20, 2017 at 06:05
Dear , Birt
I have been rewarded a green card through the DIV2017 and successfully travelled to the US with my family and finished the landing process and collected my green card last march.
However, I am currently working with an American Construction company in the UAE and would wish to continue working here if it wasn’t for my new immigration status.
my question is ; is it possible for me to stay in my current position (as this is an american company) and pay my taxes from this job without having to move to the united states every six months ?
Thanks in advance
May 20, 2017 at 14:26
No – you must reside in the USA to maintain the LPR status.
May 21, 2017 at 11:35
Hi.I am a dv af2016 winner. I had my interview on may 11 2017.the co said after asking two question your Visa has been approved. But going to received the visa one week later we were rescheduled for may 25 2017. But I received a mail on the 19 of may that said I have been placed o AP. Does this mean that the counselor reversed her decision? Or what could be the reason.
May 21, 2017 at 17:37
I have no idea.
May 21, 2017 at 16:13
Good evening Mr simon.if your entry is disqualified because of your photo, how would you know? Thanks
May 21, 2017 at 17:29
You wouldn’t.
June 9, 2017 at 21:30
Please, Brit can a winner use his or her national identity card to fill the ds260 ? If one passport is not yet out
Thanks
June 10, 2017 at 14:37
Yes
June 21, 2017 at 12:17
Simon, i know people used same 2017 photo and they one. I will follow their cases and tell you if they pass it or not
June 21, 2017 at 13:34
OK
June 25, 2017 at 19:36
Hello Simon I’m rai from Nepal im dv2018 winner this is my first try and I’m winning I was selected with my wife but we add the old photos it’s taken from around 2015 1year before the edv that’s the photo on my passport as well but it’s blue background I edited to white background add to EDV on 2016 my question is if I went to interview will I get refused of the old photo now I’m lit bit fat on new photo 🙂 this my first try shall I try or leave it
Thank you
June 25, 2017 at 21:42
I doubt they will refuse you.
June 26, 2017 at 00:28
🙁 thank you for the replay What are the chances
Thanks
June 26, 2017 at 03:56
I answered.
June 29, 2017 at 08:14
Dear Brit,
Thank you for your support. Am I correct to say that “There is no DV2018 selectee with re-used DV2017 photo? even if they had been selected they create holes”
June 29, 2017 at 13:50
No. We know there are selectees that re-used DV2017 photos. WE just don’t know how embassies will handle those cases.
July 5, 2017 at 08:34
hello…………….
Are there cases that candidates are not selected in May and they were selected in september
July 5, 2017 at 16:46
In previous years that has happened but not this year.
July 10, 2017 at 08:33
Hello Simon, reuploaded photos can be a issue if they stated on istruction. However, we know that there are a lot of people who won lottery and reuplod the photos at same time. So, if embassies refused the selectees and need another selectees , ebassiess will have same issue again with new selectees. So, I think reupload issue will just be used if they really want to refuse someoone for a reason.
July 10, 2017 at 12:10
Most people followed the instructions, so re-used photos won’t be that common.
July 28, 2017 at 10:54
hello simon, I am from nepal and dv winner of 2018 with the case no. 2018AS5**, when will I get second letter? How many quota are available for coming year? Is this last chance of dv for nepal?
July 28, 2017 at 13:59
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
August 15, 2017 at 14:04
Hello brit
concerning the re-use of the same photos as in dv2017, i just read the instructions in french, and they appear to be more explicit as they translate to :
“Your registration will also be rejected if you submit a photograph that has already been submitted last year”
so I guess as you predicted in the first place, the disqualification should have happened before the selection, and there’s very little if no chance that the matter would bz brought up again at iterview…
so hopes up! and wait and see 😉
August 15, 2017 at 15:35
Wait and see – correct.
August 31, 2017 at 06:33
I have checked the official DV 2018 instructions in several languages (Italian, French, Spanish, etc.) and even though they specify the photos must be always recent, they don’t mention the DV 2017 process anywhere.
August 31, 2017 at 13:51
You did a pretty bad job of checking. It is there. By the way the ONLY official instructions are the English language version. The translations should not be considered official.
September 2, 2017 at 11:18
I have read a testimony of a guy in Europe who had cropped his photo used in dv2017 and has been selected in dv2018. hes got a cn. FYI.
September 2, 2017 at 13:46
WE know that re-using the photo from DV2017 (cropped or not) did not stop selection.
September 30, 2017 at 06:36
Hi! If there’s any way to look at my original application for dv2018? I’m one of the selectees and truly don’t remember which photo I’ve uploaded (quite sure I didn’t take a new one). I also want to double check all the information I’ve entered… Thank you
September 30, 2017 at 16:54
No possible way – no.
October 4, 2017 at 13:37
Hello there,
Not sure if anyone else ever had the same photo issue as me and if it is ever addressed in this blog that I am about to say..I submitted my entry recently and I realised too late my photo has a slight shadow of me in the background behind despite the photo is 600×600 in correct dimension…..Would you say my entry is considered d’qed already?
I look forward to hearing back from you, Thanks
October 4, 2017 at 14:06
No. I would not say that.
October 5, 2017 at 05:39
I guess all I could only do now is hope for the best at this stage and like you stated on your faq that they will forgive certain mistakes, i just pray that this is one of those cases, wish me luck!
Thanks
October 23, 2017 at 15:22
Hi there. One of my friend was refused. Why? In dv 2018 I used the new photo of my friend. It turns out that somebody or agent submitted an entry for him with his prior year photo (2015 photo). He was rejected beacause his entry was submitted more than one entry. At the time of interview the council showed him two different photos( one new. And another one is old photo). I do not understand that. How? How is he a winner? But duplicate entries should be disqualified during the process at kcc but not during the interview at embassy/consulate.
October 23, 2017 at 17:08
They can refuse duplicate entries whenever they want. Obviously the duplicate entries were different enough to pass some level of checking, but their systems are “smart enough” to match entries with different photos of the same person. In that case, KCC probably provided the matching case information to the CO, so that the CO could make a judgement whether the two entries were actually the same person.
The reality is that people who allow agents to enter for them are very foolish, and people that are surprised that people can be identified from two different photos don’t understand modern photo recognition techniques.
October 23, 2017 at 18:46
I got it. Thanks . Brit.
October 23, 2017 at 19:52
i don’t understand well this post but my question
if any one won in dv2018 but he or she enter old photo .may he or she be refused at interview in embassy ??
October 23, 2017 at 20:21
The instructions say to use a new photo. Not following instructions can cause refusal.
October 23, 2017 at 20:29
how they know that the photo is old although the feature not change and this person don’t use the same photo of dv2017?
or they don’t notice that
October 23, 2017 at 20:33
If the appearance has not changed, they may not notice.
December 11, 2019 at 00:11
Hi @BritSimon, sorry to bother you with this question. Unfortunately, i used an old photo and it is also in both of my visas. Willthe green card get denied at the interview?
December 11, 2019 at 02:16
Technically they can refuse a case for that. However, there seems to be only one embassy (Columbia) refusing cases with that problem, UNLESS the photo is very old.
October 26, 2017 at 00:02
HI,
its really interesting topics you posted.I have applied since 2000 and wasn’t selected every time, i wonder if there,s any measures or rules about the selections or its random computer selections for the winners? all the applications i have made the past years were correct .I don,t know if i should keep applying or not.
Thanks.
October 26, 2017 at 00:06
The average chance of being selected is less than once in 200 years, so it is not surprising that you have not been selected, that is “normal”.
April 8, 2020 at 23:05
Hello
I have been applying for the school lottery since my teen age until I grew in to an adult but still I never had the chance to be selected. This year too I have applied and awaiting the results currently until I fell on this article talking about the photo. In 2019 I used the same photo 2018. Does this mischief decrease my chances of being selected? Or does it mean that am totally disqualified from the selection process. The results come out from 5th may.
April 8, 2020 at 23:06
Dv lottery I meant
April 9, 2020 at 01:04
I don’t know whether they will disqualify you or not – but honestly you must remember its a lottery – your chance of selection is once in 200 years.
October 26, 2017 at 17:17
hi again simon,
any news on people who used same dv2017 photos and got selected on dv2018?
has anyone passed their interview? has everything went well for them?
thanks in advance
October 26, 2017 at 18:07
No news. I will post something when I have some reports.
October 26, 2017 at 21:21
Thanks a lot brit
we appreciate a lot your kind help
keep us updated