There are many people affected by COVID problems and Trump’s latest ban. One of the most unfair consequences is for people that had completed their processing, been issued with visas, and now, due to the COVID travel restrictions, have been unable to activate their visas. So – this article is for those people.
People holding unexpired visas are excluded from the immigrant ban and are able to enter and activate their LPR status. Until they have “activated” they are not considered LPRs and therefore cannot claim to need a space on repatriation flights. But a lot of people will be finding that even though they are able to enter the USA, they are unable to travel because of various travel restrictions (either their own countries restrictions, or USA restrictions such as those from the Schengen area of Europe.
So – first, based on where you live, if your visa is still unexpired, the best thing to do is find a way to travel to the USA. If you are affected by the entry rules, you may be able to stay in some other country for long enough to avoid restrictions when coming in to the USA. For example, there is a direct flight from Belgrade to New York (and Serbia is not covered by the Schengen area so is not banned). Obviously you cannot take a connecting flight through a banned country, so do a little research and see what options are available. For that to work you would need to prove that you were in the non banned country for the previous 14 days. I should point out that the immigration officials don’t “support” you doing this, so you may have difficulties at the border, but it should work out in the end.
Next. If your visa is about to expire or already expired. As I explained in a previous article, there is official guidance that allows for re-issuance of an expired visa. Tewchnically it is a re-issuance, not extension. That means it can’t be done until the visa has expired, and you have to payt the fees again, get a new medical and all of that can ONLY happen within the same fiscal year – meaning by September 30. The expiry date would then be 6 months from the new medical, and that can mean your visa is valid past September 30th. So – there is supposed to be an option to extend, even if it is somewhat expensive. This scenario is handled by the original embassy that interviewed you, and may be possible even while the embassies are closed since they should not need to re-interview you.
HOWEVER, many embassies are publishing or responding that re-issuance is prohibited by the immigrant ban currently in force. The ban itself is not clear about that scenario and there are conflicting statements being issued by embassies and the department of state.
So – here is what you must do if you need to extend (re-issue) your visa.
Check the website of your embassy and see if you can find information or a statement about re-issuance of an immigrant visa. Then, write an email or phone the embassy in control of your case explaining your situation and ask them about how to get your visa re-issued. Be POLITE but persistent. In the request for re-issuance be certain to refer to the following two things.
The Department of State announcement that says “If you were previously issued a visa for the DV-2020 program that was valid on April 23 and that visa expired before you were able to travel to the United States, please contact the Embassy or Consulate where your visa was issued for further information.” Give them the link and the text. DoS are not explicit – but seem to be leaving the door open.
Then refer to the following link from the Bulgarian US embassy. Their website says that someone may apply for re-issuance.
I know of at lest one person that has managed to get re-issuance during the ban (from the Slovakian US embassy).
So if your embassy maintains that visas cannot be extended during the ban, ask them to check with DoS, because the guidance seems to suggest it is possible. Remember, the idea is to be firm, but polite. You need them to be on your side, so do not be rude. They are busy and it is easier to put you off. The answer you get finally may not be the one you are looking for – as I said, the position is unclear. But you should try.
Lastly, I have asked the legal team at AILA to include this situation in their legal challenge of the ban. That challenge will hopefully be filed in the week commencing July 13th, so if that is successful it will bring some clarity. But a Greencard is life changing thing, so you should be prepared to do whatever you can to grasp your opportunity.
July 4, 2020 at 21:25
When will aila file a stay order?
July 4, 2020 at 21:29
Please read the article above!
July 4, 2020 at 21:29
Hello Simons,
How are you today? and thank you so much for this great article about the latest ban. I have a question for you, is that possible to travel to the US with a non immigrant visa while the DV case is under AP (Administrative Processing).
Thank you from now
Have a great day
July 4, 2020 at 21:43
Possibly.
July 4, 2020 at 22:34
I really feel bad for everybody affected. I wish you all success from the bottom of my heart. A green card is truly life changing. All the best to you all.
July 5, 2020 at 10:24
thanks a lot dear david
July 5, 2020 at 00:12
SIr ;
Is USA having an ethical commitment to those having the (Ready for interview mail) ?
we have finished all the steps, and just need USA action, not our action, if there is need to any change (for laws – procedures) due the pandemic, then the change is to postpone the interviews (this will not waste all USA’s agencies efforts in dv2020 papers processing , let us attend the interviews in the fiscal year of dv2021 …. but please not cancel it ) .
moreover , It make a sense to take who is ready to the USA land (which are dv2020 not 2021 ) so the priority should be to the efforts done , ready cases during the (after pandemic stage) .
Please change the laws in a way that not wasting efforts (killing dreams) . change should be with mercy .
Thanks a lot for your great efforts .
July 5, 2020 at 05:51
An ethical commitment is meaningless in law.
July 5, 2020 at 02:20
My interview was cancelled on April 16 due to covid19 so is that I’m concerned about this ban
July 5, 2020 at 06:38
Hello Brit,
I am from Sri Lanka,My Interview was scheduled of April 7th 2020. I went to the medical examination on March 5th. Doctor asked me to pickup the report on 23rd of March and I did pickup on June because hospitals are closed.
My question is,
I do not have a interview reschedule email from the US Embassy yet – I am aware of the ban.
So, Shall I go and take another medical examination in advance? or do I have to wait till my Embassy to send a reschedule interview email( assuming AILA will win and Embassy will open within next couple of weeks).
Really Appreciate your response and guidance.
Thank you
July 5, 2020 at 15:20
Wait until you hear from the embassy.
July 5, 2020 at 15:49
Hi sharon, im als frm.Sl.. can i hv ur email address?
July 10, 2020 at 11:14
Hi Masha,
I just saw your comment asking my email address. you can reach out to me via [email protected]
July 5, 2020 at 10:00
Brit, as a reason for “unable to travel” Would they only consider the travel Banned countries? Because my country is not banned but I am at a risk of traveling since I am pregnant. Will that be considered too?
Now I feel, May be the reason our embassy tell they can not extend visa is literally we can travel To USA now. Is that ?
Thanks !
July 5, 2020 at 15:25
Not only being pregnant, no. Pregnant people fly all the time. The only restriction is in the last 2 to 3 months, but that cannot explain why you did not travel for 6 months.
July 5, 2020 at 11:47
Hello
Does the law allow the reissue of some visa embassies, while others refuse to reissue them?
In other words, are the embassies independent in their decision to reissue?
July 5, 2020 at 15:30
For that to happen the law would have to allow, but the decision would be case by case. That is possible.
July 5, 2020 at 13:22
Greetings .I really wish to ask as the trump administration has extended the traveling ban till 31 December, I wish to ask if there will be dv 2022?
July 5, 2020 at 15:33
Yes
July 5, 2020 at 15:07
about 10.000 people Dv2020 are waiting for an interview around the world. Simon have you got any news/update from AILAs or even other lawsuits ? its 5 july, i havent heard smth
July 5, 2020 at 15:36
Far more than 10k are waiting. But no.
July 5, 2020 at 17:42
am dv 2020 am tearing apart when i see no hope. This sucks
July 6, 2020 at 06:52
Hello, Mr. Brit, how did I find out that those with a large EU membership of 30,000 have no chance, even if Aylan wins the lawsuit? The embassy of our country will be open from July 13
July 6, 2020 at 18:26
You are jumping to conclusions without any information.
July 5, 2020 at 16:39
My husband (principal 2020 DV winner) and I received our immigrant visa valid until 30 May 2020. We had bought tickets for travel to the States on 17 May but could not travel due to travel ban on Schengen countries (we live in Germany) and the ban on entry of immigrants until 31/12/2020. We have been communicating with the US Consulate which has been very prompt in its responses. But we have not received a response to our last message sent on 29 May where we indicated that we are ready to take a new medical examination and that we are willing to pay again fees related to DV immigrant visa with a request to consider extending the visa issued to us. The response received before before 29 May (ie. before our last message was sent) says, “the Presidential Proclamation suspending Entry of Immigrants Who Present a Risk to the U.S. Labor Market (IVPP) will preclude us from issuing a new visa on your behalf” (we did respond saying that my husband is 69 and I’m 67, and that we do not plan to take up any job after we arrive in the States).
We would appreciate your comments/advice on the above response from the Consulate. Thank you.
July 6, 2020 at 18:09
I’m not sure what else I can add that I didn’t already say in the article. The reality is we don’t know what the “correct” answer is – DoS have not clarified it – and refer everyone to their embassies. However, the embassies should be applying the same standard – and they are not. It’s a mess. So – you can do as I have advised above. Or wait and see if the AILA lawsuit achieves a restraining order against the ban.
July 7, 2020 at 11:51
Hello britsimond thanks for every thing your are doing for us. Am a camerounian in Africa and my visa is still valide i will soon expired that is on july 30th. The is no way for us to leave the country to go to USA. There is only air france which has been autorise to travel. My problem is can i take air france and passe through Paris but wont stay for long only transiting to go to USA. We wont sleep there. We will just change the plane and continue. Is it possible for us to take air france because there is no direct flight from cameroon to usa
July 7, 2020 at 16:17
You can’t transit through any country in the Schengen area. Look for direct flights to the USA from other African countries.
July 8, 2020 at 11:00
Hi Ghislain,
You can actually fly from Addis Ababa Ethiopia to Washington Dulles then from there you can fly to your host state. There is a direct flight every week from your country Yaonde Cameroon at to Addis Ababa and from Addis Ababa to Washington Dulles and once in Washington you can fly to your final destination. Please research further for whats convinient for you. This is a life changing opportunity do what you can to go.All the best
July 9, 2020 at 16:45
Thank you Simon. Will wait for the outcome of AILA action (and then follow your advice, if the AILA lawsuit were not successful).
August 2, 2020 at 12:05
Hello Beryl,
my husband and I are in the same situation.
We live in Italy and our visas will expire in two days.
If you wish to get in touch with us, we can share the info we find to see if we can arrive to a solution together.
My email is: [email protected]
Sincerely,
Simona
July 5, 2020 at 18:56
Hi Simon,,
I really feel sorry for those affected by the ban. I was first lucky to win the lottery and then lucky again to finish my enterview by March and unaffected with travel restrictions. I was very eager to enter US from the day my visa got issued,,, though my sponser was not as quick as I want. Any ways I enter to USA in the begining of June and now living with what my fate brings!!
Why I want to say all this is to thank you mr Brits for what you have done for me and for what you are (will) do for others. you are open to help in as much as one wants your help. I know, I may not say it enough but it will be bad for me if I keep with out giving my thanks to you, Thank you simon!!
you are unique to offer all your helps free, in this business oriented time of world. Thank you Simon ,, and Good luck for all those waiting to see!!!
July 6, 2020 at 18:16
Thanks and best of luck!
July 5, 2020 at 20:26
Thank you britsimon..
You are helping and advice us. I always watchin your updates from youtube. I also stay here with same probem. If you have one person with issued visa its a big update and encourage for us. Please stay with us, becouse we havent do anything. If your actions are worked. Your are the god for us.every people never forget you.
Thank you again.
July 6, 2020 at 06:10
Please update regurding this link
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry.html
July 6, 2020 at 18:26
Update what?
July 6, 2020 at 09:50
Brit,
The work you’re doing is life changing one/ serving humanity is part of a true believer.
The way I’m feeling now is very unexplainable, only the Almighty Allaah knows what I’m undergoing now. Our(my wife and I) interview was scheduled for April 14 2020. The moment I saw the news on CNN “suspension of all immigration to the USA”. I feel very sick and disturbing, since this moment I don’t know what’s going on with my life.
I pray and ask Allaahu the Almighty to take control and help the AILA successful in challenging and lifting this ban, and also make it possible for all of us to be successful in our various immigration programs, amen ya Allaahu.
July 6, 2020 at 18:28
Hi!
Those of us who having to win the 2021 DV but your passport will be expired 2021 maybe November, can we go for new passport before our interview?
Will it not effect us?
July 6, 2020 at 19:44
Yes that is OK. You simply show old and new passports.
July 7, 2020 at 02:02
So in my view there is no any chances for dv2020winners our all hope comes to an end.
July 7, 2020 at 07:25
Have u been reading Simon’s post? People like you shouldn’t be in this forum, I think you can only write English, you can’t read and understand English 🙁
Don’t you think Simon is also a human, why behave as if he’s wasting the time and energy he’s putting on us, you better stop this and try to read well and understand, also watch his videos and try also to understand them, do u understand english when u read?
July 7, 2020 at 10:34
Hello Simon,
Thank you for your great value added in these sensitive issues, such as immigration. I have read many of your articles and is a huge and nice work from your part.
I am a DV2020 winner, and my number has been published on May Visa Bulletin. I also have received the email regarding the correct documentation uploaded. Bearing in mind that I have read your posts, i want to ask as below :
1. How much are the chances that american lawmakers set up and approve a law which extend the 30 September deadline?
2. Wouldn’t it be appropriate to strongly lobby or to legally oppose for this law change purpose (deadline extension) in the relevant instances?
3. Moreover, is possible that the above law if approved after 30/09/2020 would have retroactive effect?
4. Considering that these issues are completely new for DV Lottery process, theoretically and practically can the President (present or the new one in January) or any other institution by exercising a order/law which gives the standard opportunity back those numbers affected? For example, if Biden comes in office on January, can he create the possibility that DV2020 winners to restart the process again where it was left (since it was an unusual thing that stopped the process)? If not the president, another institution?
5. When is the period that DV2020 winners should no longer hope for process continuation? (I mean numbers that are published in Visa Bulletin) For instance, in my point of view if no notification comes till the end of September I have to forget the lottery and have to make other plans for life.
Thank you in advance and God bless you and your family!
July 7, 2020 at 16:14
1. Zero %
2. No. Pointless.
3. N/A
4. No
5. 30/09/2020 is the deadline. But for cases yet to be scheduled the hope is that the ban is blocked AND embassies are able to reopen. But both those things need to happen before the end of July.
July 7, 2020 at 12:03
Hi Brit.
Sorry for troubling you time to time. Thank you very much for your help!
I’m a person who got through the interview successfully (CO approved the case) in Sri Lanka on 12th March. I’ve already paid for my medicals and VISAs. Unfortunately, US embassy in my country is in “CLOSED” state from 16th March and still my passport is with them. Due to the closure, they could not print my VISAs till now and unfortunately the EO is also in place now.
My only hope is AILA lawsuit now. Hope this sort of scenarios will surely cover in AILA lawsuit (where interview not required but a new medical and the VISA fee required to print the VISA)?
Thank you Brit.
July 8, 2020 at 09:12
Hi Ran, Im als from SL.. can i ahve ur email address..ill email u
July 14, 2020 at 01:38
I am from Nepal and Same Situation Ran.
July 7, 2020 at 19:45
Hi Brit, I just came across youur blog a week ago and I just want to encourage and thank you for the work you put in , in helping others. I’ve learned relevant information just by reading your blogposts and I want to thank you for the knowledge you’re sharing. Keep up the good work, and God bless you!
July 7, 2020 at 20:53
Thanks!
July 8, 2020 at 08:18
Hi Simon,
I just got a response from our Embassy and they say it is not possible to extend our visa because PP does affect us.
July 8, 2020 at 09:01
Which embassy said that?
July 8, 2020 at 10:19
Hungary
July 8, 2020 at 20:49
Yep – I am hearing similar responses elsewhere. The only chance now is the AILA case.
July 8, 2020 at 11:21
Hi Simon I’m from Nairobi Kenya and down town in this city you are a celebrity. My request is to take a selfie with you when I come to California so as to improve my social status back in my village. Thank you
July 8, 2020 at 20:53
Haha! That would be hilarious!
July 9, 2020 at 10:59
I’m also from Kenya. I agree with Mzito. Britsimon is very popular in Kenya.
When I got selected, everyone I know mentioned the name ‘Britsimon’ that he has all the solutions for DV lottery.
Keep up the Good job Brit. We appreciate you abundantly.
July 8, 2020 at 21:08
Hey Mzito, am from Nairobi, Kenya. Drop your number please
July 9, 2020 at 13:12
0758224253
July 8, 2020 at 13:02
Hi to all Dv2020 cohort, let’s keep on
Praying and keep our hands crossed. God will do something through AILA.
16 States File Support for Lawsuits Against Trump’s Immigration Ban
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum announced Monday that Oregon has signed on with 15 other states to an amicus brief in the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in support of Washington in their federal lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s executive order on immigration, according to a press release from Rosenblum’s office.
BY TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE | FEBRUARY 7, 2017
Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum announced Monday that Oregon has signed on with 15 other states to an amicus brief in the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in support of Washington in their federal lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s executive order on immigration, according to a press release from Rosenblum’s office.
A temporary restraining order was issued by a Washington state federal judge last week ordering a nationwide halt to implementation of President Trump’s executive order on immigration. The court is expected to decide in the next few days whether to uphold the trial court’s ruling after the federal government appealed.
“If the appellate court upholds the TRO, which we hope it will, it is likely to send it back to the trial court in Washington state for further proceedings,” Rosenblum said. “We want to be ready to help in any way we can to establish the permanent illegality of the executive order.”
In addition to Oregon, the amicus brief is signed by attorneys general from California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts , Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Virginia.
Oregon and the other states outline the harm that the executive order has caused residents, and outlines that the states have standing to challenge the immigration executive order because of the harm the order inflicts on the states themselves.
In addition to joining the amicus brief, Oregon is in close coordination with the Washington attorney general, and will jointly ask the Washington judge to allow an amendment to add Oregon to the lawsuit — possibly as soon as Tuesday. The Washington complaint alleges that the President’s executive order on immigration is unconstitutional on multiple grounds, including religious and national origin discrimination.
“I am pleased that Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson has invited us to join their lawsuit against the federal government,” Rosenblum said. “By joining Washington, we will be able to share legal resources with our neighboring state and at the same time ensure that the voices of Oregonians harmed by the President’s executive order are heard.”
July 8, 2020 at 18:12
That was 3 years ago man
July 9, 2020 at 05:10
Hi Simon, I’m taking your advice and aiming to land in the states before my immigrant visa expires in August. I’m flying their from Australia so I’m fairly certain the travel ban doesnt apply to me. do you know if there are any quarantine / isolation requirements in the states upon landing?
July 9, 2020 at 19:10
I don’t think so but you should check prior to travelling as things are fluid. Make sure you have any necessary documents for the Australian requirements.
July 9, 2020 at 14:21
Dv2020 remaining case ended now we have no hope no dream
July 9, 2020 at 14:24
Very sad and painful.
July 10, 2020 at 06:36
aila case came out….or its ur prediction
July 10, 2020 at 09:38
@dv2020A, on the13th of July you will hear something positive. Just trust God. He is faithful.
July 10, 2020 at 10:17
By the Will and mercy of the Almighty Allaah.
July 10, 2020 at 11:11
hope so……im totally disturb by the news…
July 10, 2020 at 12:28
Amen
July 10, 2020 at 06:03
Hi, BritSimon, embassy in my country is replaying that they can’t reissue my visa because of schengen travel ban. I wanna fly outside of schengen area, but still they don’t wanna reissue it because they are saying that this ban from schengen apply to me 🙁
July 10, 2020 at 15:12
No, not because of the Schengen area ban. Because of the immigrant ban.
July 10, 2020 at 16:03
No their respond was, that there is 3 bans in our country right now: two of them don’t apply to me – April and June’s ban don’t apply to me, because my visa was issued before 23 April , but they can’t reissue it because I live in one of Schengen’s countries and there is a travel ban on Schengen area.That was excatly what they wrote.
July 10, 2020 at 20:34
Again. That is not correct. It is OBVIOUSLY incorrect.
August 8, 2020 at 16:25
Hello Simon,
I confirm what Julia says, also the embassy in Italy replied the same exact thing to me.
Do you think there’s any way to get our visa extended or re-issued? What could we answer to the embassy?
Thanks a lot for your help ??
August 8, 2020 at 22:29
Again – same answer as I just gave Julia.
July 11, 2020 at 15:39
Hello winners,
My friend scheduled her travel for the 19 July 2020 on aifrance ( guinea conakry)
July 11, 2020 at 18:30
Hi Simon. My name is Lorenc, a former supervisor and visa specialist at US Consulate in Tirana, Albania. Do you think USCIS would accept filing adjustment of status based on DV2020, if a selectee has a B visa, travels to US, and after 90 days files for the adjustment of status? Timing is important here due to the 90 day rule of willful misrepresentation, and we’re already in July. But, maybe it’s worth trying for any who has a valid B visa. What do you think?
July 11, 2020 at 19:38
That would not work for several reasons, including the wording of the ban
July 11, 2020 at 18:38
Also, since you have contacts with AILA, here is my comment to Bureau of Consular Affairs you may bring up with them:
@U.S. Department of State: Consular Affairs:
Since the Congress has mandated the Bureau of Consular Affairs to issue 55,000 visas for each year, how can you accomplish this requirement for DV-2020? Have you considered to process DV-2020 through an exception during DV-2021 year? I know you cannot issue DV-2020visas after September 30, 2020, but have you considered for an exception to meet the Congress’ requirement? Thank you!
July 11, 2020 at 19:37
There is no requirement to issue 55000 visas. Your premise is incorrect.
July 11, 2020 at 19:41
This used to be the language on the DV instructions: “The Congressionally-mandated Diversity Immigrant Visa Program makes available up to 55,000 diversity visas (DV) each year, drawn from random selection among all entries, to persons who meet strict eligibility requirements from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.“
July 11, 2020 at 21:35
Makes available. That is NOT required to issue.
July 11, 2020 at 21:36
And… up to.
July 12, 2020 at 15:38
There has been written clearly each year 50 to 55 thousand Visa will be available .This cannot be law.written things are law and if they can’t do this then why they wrote ?This year they just issued 13 thousand visa Is this justice?This totally injustice and we should gets our opportunity.
July 12, 2020 at 15:53
Do you understand what “make available” means? It does NOT mean “MUST ISSUE”.
July 13, 2020 at 15:13
US embassies and consulates are beginning the phased resumption of routine visa services. The dates for each embassy or consulate will depend on local conditions. We are unable to provide details for each location. Please monitor the embassy or consulate website for updates.
July 13, 2020 at 16:07
Sir,
How authentic is this information regarding the reopening of USA embassies?
July 13, 2020 at 16:59
It is still early days. They are not saying WILL open – they are saying SOME embassies MAY open.
Patience.
July 13, 2020 at 16:11
Brit,
Is there any good news on the AILA petition?
July 13, 2020 at 17:00
No it is too early. The suit may not be filed until Friday – and we won’t get an immediate decision.
July 13, 2020 at 17:34
There is still hope for you guys like said always Mr Brit.
Look:
US embassies and consulates are beginning the phased resumption of routine visa services. The dates for each embassy or consulate will depend on local conditions. We are unable to provide details for each location. Please monitor the embassy or consulate website for updates. https://t.co/lNroFC5d6h
July 14, 2020 at 19:13
Hi Simon,
I met with Curtis new lawsuit for those who have expired visa. You can find a little description about it here: https://curtismorrisonlaw.com/expired-diversity-visa
Since you are living in the US and more familiar with law, what do you think about the success of his lawsuit? It’s clear you can’t advise if it is worth or not but based on your opinion it could be successful on court? Joining deadline is 18th of July so we can’t wait till all the embassies get a strickt order to re-issue/do not re-issue expired visas.
Can the court orders the embassy to re-issue visa even if DoS forbidden it?
I hope you will have time and energy to answer these questions detailed because it could be really useful for many of us.
Best,
July 16, 2020 at 17:36
Participating in this lawsuit could cause any negative affect?
July 16, 2020 at 20:54
No
July 14, 2020 at 19:48
The U.S. Consulate General is not currently processing any routine visa applications. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time.
Beginning July 21, the Consulate General will begin issuing replacement immigrant visas to individuals who were unable to travel to the United States (due to the Health State of Emergency) prior to the expiration of their visa. If you are in possession of an unused, expired immigrant visa packet, you will need to undergo a new medical exam and book a new appointment using http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ma/.
This message was displayed in the Casablanca consulate website.
But unfortunately, my passport is still in the embassy. And I’m not sure If they gave me my visa or not.
July 15, 2020 at 06:18
https://twitter.com/TravelGov/status/1283018540803653638
“We will not be issuing DVs while the recent Presidential Proclamation is in effect. The Proclamation’s restrictions expire December 31, 2020. The September 30, 2020 deadline for DV-2020 visas has not been extended.”
July 15, 2020 at 20:27
Hello Brit please am a DV 2020 winner with my family from Ghana and our visas are almost getting expiring so please what do we do about this situation. Anytime we hear of a flight from Ghana to US and we try booking tickets from that flight they say they need only Green card holders so can’t we those having our valid immigrant visas organized a flight to the US.
July 15, 2020 at 23:25
You should not be looking at repatriation flights. You will need a regular flight, and it must not connect through any banned area such as the Schengen area for example.
July 16, 2020 at 10:01
Hello sir,
Is the 2022 dv program going to take place on October?
The dv instruction has not yet been published.
Please do you have any information about that?
July 16, 2020 at 20:39
Yes it will.
July 16, 2020 at 04:10
Hi Brit
I am from Nepal. I have my DV visa expired on 16th April 2020. I have scheduled my flight to us on April 6th. But my country started lockdown due to COVID on last week of March and it was so strict that we were unable to even get out of our houses during the first month of lockdown. I tried to alter my flight earlier than I scheduled but it was impossible. The first repartition flight was on 31 March from Nepal managed by US embassy. I called them and asked if I could join the flight but I was denied to travel in that flight as they said it was only for us citizen and green card holder.
I emailed them couple of times briefing about my situation and they asked me to contact as soon as the situation becomes normal .
But now I got a phone call from embassy that only the people with DV visa valid prior to April 23 are eligible for the re issuance of the Visa.
Sir I would like to know if I am still able to apply for the re issuance of the visa?
It would be so humble from you and some relief to me if I hear some practical solutions from you.
I already paid my green card fee previously.
Thank you sir .
July 16, 2020 at 17:54
I touch on this in my latest video. We need clarification from DoS on this matter, or perhaps relief from the lawsuit.
https://britsimonsays.com/update-july-15-2020-about-the-lawsuits/
July 16, 2020 at 12:49
Hi Brit We really thank you for your help every time
I have an expired visa, I sent mail three times to my embassy with DoS link mentioned in your post for reference for re-issuance or renew but every time this is their answer:Holders of expired Diversity Visas and DV applicants awaiting interview: Under Presidential Proclamation 10014, entry of certain immigrants, including through the diversity visa program, to the United States was suspended through December 31, 2020. We are unable to reissue expired diversity visas or issue new diversity visas.
what can you advise me to convince them? Thank you again
July 16, 2020 at 20:45
You will have to wait for a week or two to see if we get better clarification or a result from the lawsuit.
July 16, 2020 at 21:37
Thank you Mr Brit
July 18, 2020 at 09:05
Hello i am in paris my visa expire august 4 and i like to try to go in crotia if possible to spend 14 days and find direct fly to usa
Tell me your opinion please
when i got my visa on march and i paid green card fees of 220 dollars immediately
tell me by the way the process to remiss visa
thanks for all
July 18, 2020 at 13:38
Do whatever you can do.
August 13, 2020 at 00:07
Hi Mister Simon
Thanks so much for your advice i did and it worked very well.
Indeed the same evening i went airport to pay a flight for Zagreb in Croatia for the morning of july 19.
I got there and the third day i booked a flight from Zagreb to New york with a stop in transit in Belgrade.My stay in Croatia was great until the fifteen day when i left.I had to show according to the stamps of dates in my passport that i observed 14 days required to get in USA;I justified the same thing in Belgrade airport too and definitely after 10 hours flight we got in New york airport on august 3 one day before my visa expiration.Immigration officer asked me if i have some foods in my bags and i answered no; he told me Welcome after checking package from paris embassy.
Thank you Simon for your advice.God bless you.
I send my support to the selected persons of DV 2020.Nothing is impossible.
Vad
August 13, 2020 at 01:57
I’m happy to read this. It’s been a tough year for DV2020 – but every case that gets through is another win.
July 18, 2020 at 12:39
please is there any DV 2020 Ghanaian immigrant on this platform please . I want us to be sharing ideas concerning our embassy.
July 20, 2020 at 10:38
Dear Mr. Simon,
I was scheduled for an interview in 27th April 2020. Everything was closed here in Spain, included the US Embassy in Madrid. The interview was cancelled. Due to the van we are not able to have the interview before the deadline of 30th September 2020. What should we do? Is there any option to rescheduled the interview or did we loose our opportunity to get the VISA and the green card?
Thank you so much for your help!!
July 20, 2020 at 20:45
Please look at my recent posts about this. There are lawsuits being filed, so you need to make yourself aware of what might change.
July 21, 2020 at 11:27
Hi Simon, Did you notice those pages above you have linked has removed the texts. What does it mean? What do you think?
July 22, 2020 at 00:35
We are still waiting for this to be clarified – which might need the lawsuit to become really clear.
July 22, 2020 at 07:18
Hi Simon,
I am sure you now that next Stimilus package is being discussed at the Senate and it is believe it will pass. Discussions are going on basis of HEROES ACT. There is a section ‘Imigration Matters” where below is provided:
(1) EXTENSION OF VISA EXPIRATION.—Not withstanding the limitations under section 221(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1201(c)), in the case of any immigrant visa issued to an alien that expires or expired during the period described in subsection (d), the period of validity of the visa is extended until the date that is 90 days after the end of such period.
Do you think if the Bill is passed we can hope that our expired visas will be re-issues?
July 22, 2020 at 17:27
Yes, That measure would benefit those people who had visas but were expired.
July 23, 2020 at 15:07
Where did you just get that from? What can we expect? In that case reissuance is possible even after the fiscal year I mean after September?Embassies are not resuming visa routine at the same level. Give us newz
July 23, 2020 at 09:25
Hello Britsimon
I am winner of Dv 2021, my wife’s passport has recenly expired and it will take very long to renew the passport due to the Corona virus pandemic and becuase we also live outside of our country of origin. While fiiling form DS 260 it requires a valid passport date. Can you please advise me what we can do to submit the form.
In addition we have a new born baby and doesn’t yet have passport for the same reason. How do you think we shall fill form DS 260?
Thanks a lot for your time and help.
July 23, 2020 at 17:43
You should get the passports and then submit the DS260s.
July 25, 2020 at 12:34
Hi Simon,I found this https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/one-month-extension-of-immigrant-visa-medical-examinations.html?fbclid=IwAR1yCRjfzhmHL8XEgEdzFMlBMjjFvPy0JZr4aSlspq3iO_faa_uA_RTFpxY
Can you please help me to clarify if it’s only apply to people whos medical exam was taken between January and 30 June? Or it can also apply to people whos medical exam was valid in this period of time between January-June. I mean if it apply to the people whos medical exam was taken before January (for example in December), but it was valid in this period of time January- June? Thank you!
July 25, 2020 at 18:52
It is very clear about the dates being when the medical was performed.
https://youtu.be/NifDIlQdBxI
August 2, 2020 at 15:10
Hi Simon,
Does the medical examination extension mean that the visas are automatically extended consequently or they have to be re-issued anyway?
Thanks in advance,
Simona
August 3, 2020 at 03:40
They would have to be reissued. Contact the embassy.
August 8, 2020 at 16:39
Hi Simon,
Thanks for your help.
They replied that they can’t reissue it because I live in the Shengen area.
I don’t think this to be true, more likely they can’t because of the immigration ban preventing the issue of new visas until december.
But does that proclamation apply to me even if in my case it would be the reissuance of a visa already issued prior to that proclamation?
Sorry for bothering you, but you are the only one willing to help us ❤️
August 10, 2020 at 04:50
Thank you for the information Simon,
The detail you have provided is much appreciated, and assisted me in approaching the embassy appropriately.
In following your guidelines I was granted permission for a reissue from the Sydney embassy.
I am now in the process of resupplying the required documents to the embassy to be approved and returned with the reissued Visa by the cutoff date of Sep 30.
The last requirement of which being my updated medical, which I’m told by the admin at the US approved physician will be sent express by the medical office directly.
The admin also recommended delaying the medical until the end of the month, to extend the reissued visa expiration by as much as possible. I understand the approach, as you previously mentioned given the suspension of interviews visa numbers are at no risk of being expended this year.
However, I also wanted to ask if you had insight into any processing delays on other cases, or if you thought that might be a possibility at the moment?
I’m planning to have all other documents sent together within the next week, to be received and ready for processing well in advance of the medical form.
In theory 30 days sounds like a good buffer, and I know you can’t predict everything, but I thought I’d rather be safe than sorry and ask if there was anything you’d suggest the admin or I had overlooked.
Regards,
Luke
August 10, 2020 at 16:52
It should not take long for the embassy to re-issue, but balance the risk of delaying with a couple of extra weeks of visa validity. If in doubt, do it faster.
August 11, 2020 at 06:13
Hi,
I have an expired DV 2020 immigrant visa (issued in a EU Schengen country). I was told by the embassy that they could re-issue my visa, but only when the U.S. travel ban for Schengen will be lifted. They advised that I could try try to contact any other U.S. Consulate which is not located in a Schengen country and request my DV visa to be re-issued there. Any advice where my chances would be the highest? Also taking into account availability of visa services. Perhaps Bulgaria or Serbia?
August 11, 2020 at 18:46
I don’t think any other embassy will do that – but you could try and let us know what happens.
August 21, 2020 at 06:39
Hi BritSimon, For your information, i got my Visas extended. I am from Uzbekistan. As you explained, we had to go through new medical examination, new photos, police certificate and to py application fees. After passing medical examination we have submitted documents on the appointment day and next week got passports with extended visas.
Thank you Simon for your support and good luck for everybody !!!
PS: A-number and DoS case are same with the old one. I have paid immigration fee previously and i tried to pay with this time also. It same immigration fee is paid for this case.
August 21, 2020 at 15:03
Awesome!
Best of luck.
September 28, 2020 at 17:59
Dear Brit,
I am from Iraq.
My visa was expired on May. Because of travel restrictions I could not travel to the another country to re issue my visa. Now I lost my chance, please is there anything else that can help me or re issue my visa after 30th September?
Kind regards,