*** UPDATE Jan 22, 2018***
There has been a vote to “re-open” the government until February 8. The temporary period of funding is intended to allow time for a full budget to be agreed (which is where the deals will be done that will decide the future of DV).
I am receiving a number of questions about the government shutdown. I’ll give my thoughts here instead of one by one answers.
First – what the heck is the shutdown all about. Well the US government have a budgeting/funding process which needs government agreement. The two parties have been trying to reach agreement on funding – BUT a number of contentious issues have become argument points in order to gain agreement on the underlying funding. It’s like a grown up version of two kids trying to agree how to share their toys. One kid wants to play with a certain toy, so he offers to clean up the bedroom in exchange for more time – and the other kid agrees that because he wants some other toy. With the government the argument is about immigration matters, and the wall etc. DACA is on the table, as is funding for the wall and other items (including discussion about the future of DV lottery). Agreement on the funding is being held “hostage” until each side gets what they want on other things.
Last night a deadline was reached, without there being an agreement – and that means the government is “shut down”. This shutdown could be over in days, or it could last weeks. It’s now a matter of how a compromise is reached.
So – how does that impact the USA. Well – each shutdown is slightly different in its affects. Essential services (such as the mail delivery, border patrol, social security checks and so on) will continue. Non essential government workers could be told not to show up to work. So – this could close museums, parks and so on. It’s a nuisance, but unless you are a non essential government worker, there isn’t much impact.
For DV lottery we are concerns with the embassies, KCC, and the agencies/workers that perform background checks and so on.
Embassies tend to continue services. DV applications are funded through the fees we pay – so in theory DV processing at embassies should not be affected. However, some staff may not work – and that could have a small impact.
KCC may or may not continue working. That will be decided and announced over the coming days. KCC use a lot of contract workers, so in the past KCC were able to continue to work during similar shutdown (2013 was the last one).
Even if KCC do work, there may be small impacts caused by other workers no being able to work in other agencies that do work supporting KCC.
As ever, we can only guess at the impacts. No one needs to panic. People with appointments arranged should continue to assume the interviews will be held. The 2NLs might be delayed a little. BUT, chances are, we will not see much change, and I expect the shutdown to be resolved pretty soon. This looks bad for the Republicans and Trump – and they will be keen to do a deal to get this resolved.
January 20, 2018 at 16:45
1- Embassy will continue their works and the visa process
2- if embosseder changing does that stop visa process too
January 20, 2018 at 19:29
I explained what I know above.
January 20, 2018 at 16:56
Iam somali l effect travel ban so when get interview l receive rule of trump ….212 f … Do you have chance if remove travel ban
January 20, 2018 at 19:32
Maybe – I cannot be certain.
January 20, 2018 at 17:11
The shutdown better be resolved even sooner. Thanks for the update Mr. Brit.
No panicking guys!!!!
January 20, 2018 at 17:23
hmmmmmmmmmmmmm
going to America ?
there is so much to worry about until you get there
really interesting and a nice experience though
January 20, 2018 at 17:30
Please I have question and didn’t find answers, if they cancel the lottery,dose that affect on whom already hold GC? Thanks in advance
January 20, 2018 at 19:33
No.
January 20, 2018 at 21:34
Much appreciate
January 20, 2018 at 17:38
Every day, something new. My case number 2018EU14 ***. I expected invitations to interview in April. That will now?
January 20, 2018 at 19:33
Wait and see.
January 22, 2018 at 20:32
Hi ! My CN is also 2018EU14*** ! Where are you from? 🙂
January 20, 2018 at 17:58
so this means those that apply for 2018 have no chances again
January 20, 2018 at 19:34
Where did you get that idea???? Nonsense.
January 20, 2018 at 18:33
Come on!!! Dv2018 won’t be affected not to talk of those with GCs already—maybe DV2019—but as things stand, the two parties haven’t come to an agreement—even if they agreed to cancel DV, DV2018 still stands. Mr. Brit made it clare in the above article and others.
January 21, 2018 at 07:13
we hope that.
January 20, 2018 at 19:53
I have an American women who field a petition on my behalf with the uscis petition for alien fiance and it was denied because lack of evidence and in the ds 260 there is a question saying have you been visa refused I answered yes like you told me sir and the application if you answer yes you need to explain I said I had someone who field a petition on my behalf i129 f and it was denied because lack of evidence but I didn’t mention the name of the women or the receipt number of that petition because I think I do not have the right to mention her name or the receipt number because she is the applicant and I m the benificary my question is should I mention her name and the receipt number of the petition or it’s OK to say only I had a someone who field a petition on your 129f and it was denied because lack of ?evidence thank you sir
January 20, 2018 at 20:45
You just tell the truth to any question they ask. They probably won’t ask anything, but if they do – THE TRUTH.
January 20, 2018 at 21:16
You are talking in the interview sir I know they have my record and they know her name that’s why I don’t mentioned in the application ds260 if they ask me in the interview about her name I will tell the truth
January 20, 2018 at 20:05
Wonderful, considered analysis as always Simon. As soon as I heard the news, I didn’t panic as I knew you’d be writing a post like this. Tbanks again.
January 20, 2018 at 22:43
If any answers in ds 260 are not enough do kcc gonna gonna notify you about that and they ask for more information
January 21, 2018 at 02:01
No. It is expected you can complete the form yourself.
January 20, 2018 at 22:58
The last shutdown was in 2013.
Was it this exact year that there was a lot less dv winners ? 🙁
January 21, 2018 at 02:01
No. It had no long term effect.
January 21, 2018 at 06:30
Brits do u think the 2019 applicants maybe affected just because of this shutdown,?
January 21, 2018 at 17:10
Not by the shutdown, but probably by law changes that come as an agreement to end the shutdown.
January 21, 2018 at 12:34
Hi Brit . My friend Number is 2018AF38*** , he said to me if the VB of the next month don’t move any further he will stop preparing any thing and cancel the idea of DV lottery from his mind , What is Your Advice to him ?
January 21, 2018 at 15:00
My advice is he should stop saying idiotic things when he obviously doesn’t understand.
January 21, 2018 at 15:22
When we will be able to know If KCC works these days after the Shutdown ot not?
January 21, 2018 at 17:03
Not today because it is Sunday.
January 21, 2018 at 15:46
Hey, at least the GOOD news is that the 2013 shutdown under Obama lasted only around 2 weeks… Surely Trump will want to resolve even sooner, so as to remain a more tremendous leader in his own mind. 🙂
January 21, 2018 at 17:03
Agreed.
January 21, 2018 at 19:02
Hi britsimon ,
My case statues is in AT NVC !
1.is there any thing /documents/I should send to NVC ???
January 21, 2018 at 19:16
No. You just wait.
January 21, 2018 at 19:38
Be blessed thanks!
January 22, 2018 at 00:45
Hi Brit , if Dv will be canceled by Congress , dv-18 applicants who are waiting interview can be affected ? Ths!
January 22, 2018 at 02:25
No
January 22, 2018 at 05:29
DV 2018 can be cancel??
January 22, 2018 at 06:25
No
January 22, 2018 at 07:28
Thank you!! ❤️
January 22, 2018 at 13:20
Hi Brit, Greetings from Sudan
Let’s say that the DV program will be canceled starting from next year (no more DV2019), is that will affect on bringing our spouse to the US?
January 22, 2018 at 14:33
No
January 22, 2018 at 05:50
Hi Brit
Thanks for the update.
how do we get the KCC’s announcement of its decision? will we get it in out email?
Thanks Sir!
January 22, 2018 at 06:25
What decision?
January 22, 2018 at 06:48
whether KCC is working or not during the shutdown
January 22, 2018 at 06:34
hi brit, i am from Ethiopia and i have gote my visa on last week and i would like to go to U.S.A in next month but if the congress cancel the DV may that affect my chance to have green card?
January 22, 2018 at 10:13
hi Teshale
I am also dv2018 winner waiting for interview…can you please send me your email for changing information.
January 23, 2018 at 05:12
Hi Hani & Teshale
U can join a group in Telegram.( download & install Telegram, if u dont have)
and serach DV 2018 Information(Ethiopia)
and join us…u will get a lot of infos & experience there.
January 23, 2018 at 15:15
[email protected] or (call me 0916783664)
January 22, 2018 at 15:04
No
January 22, 2018 at 06:45
is the 2NL start or not ?
January 22, 2018 at 07:53
Hello brit. I checked my status and it is issued and we got passports with visa in it. I heard that for mens they give sth to sign for military but they didnt give it to my husband. They gave only the yellow envelop and passport with visa. Is there any problem? I am the winner , not my husbant
January 22, 2018 at 15:02
If he is under 26 he must register for selective service once he enters the USA. sss.gov
January 22, 2018 at 16:37
This register is done when you enter for the first time in the airport or we should go somewhere?
January 22, 2018 at 16:56
Online at the address I gave you.
January 22, 2018 at 17:27
Thanks a lot
January 22, 2018 at 08:06
hello .Is the 2NLs start for march interview?
January 22, 2018 at 15:01
When it does, I will post an article.
January 22, 2018 at 09:53
Hi Simon, would a dismissed civil suit in the US over money owed negatively impact lottery visa approval by the embassy? Bad credit? Do you know if the background check includes civil matters and a credit check? Thanks
January 22, 2018 at 14:54
No impact.
January 22, 2018 at 09:54
Hi brit: Do you think the government shut down can delay the march 2nl.
January 22, 2018 at 14:54
Wait and see.
January 22, 2018 at 10:24
.it ill effect next VB Relishing dates ?
January 22, 2018 at 14:54
No
January 22, 2018 at 14:09
The following message was published by the US Consulate in Bucharest:
“Passport and Visa Services During Lapse in Appropriations
All routine and emergency Consular and visa services at the U.S. Embassy, Bucharest will continue during the lapse in appropriations. Applicants with appointments should appear at their scheduled time. This website will not be regularly updated until full operations resume, with the exception of emergency safety and security information.”
https://ro.usembassy.gov/passport-visa-services-lapse-appropriations/
By U.S. Mission Romania | 22 January, 2018
It seems that DV 2018 visas process is not affected.
January 22, 2018 at 15:01
I pray it will be the same in France 🙂
January 22, 2018 at 14:59
Hello brit. I checked my status and it is issued and we got passports with visa in it. I heard that for mens they give sth to sign for military but they didnt give it to my husband. They gave only the yellow envelop and passport with visa. Is there any problem? I am the winner , not my husbant
January 22, 2018 at 17:36
Hi. A fellow dv 2018 winner contacted kcc today by phone. They said your interview is scheduled for 15 of March, he had a cn around 12000 for Europe. Good news I guess, it means kcc is still working. You have any confirmation from another source for this Brit? Thanks for the support
January 22, 2018 at 17:57
They are working – but there may be some impacts as I mentioned above.
January 22, 2018 at 17:59
Looks like they are reaching a deal for an extension to end the shutdown.
January 23, 2018 at 15:38
But now that ”little impact” came to an end If I got it correct? At least till 8th of feb.
Ps: and by 8th of february the Congress will surely come to an agreement.
January 23, 2018 at 17:22
Yes
January 22, 2018 at 18:17
so have they reopen or will reopen I Don t get
January 22, 2018 at 18:18
so can we expert our 2nl in two wks or more?
January 22, 2018 at 19:37
2NLs for March interviews will be sent in the next week or so.
January 22, 2018 at 19:47
Hello
How can i get the first dv selected message(the message before 2NL).
January 22, 2018 at 19:54
If you now see the 2NL, you cannot get the 1NL back. Print the 2NL for the interview.
January 22, 2018 at 20:16
(which is where the deals will be done that will decide the future of DV).
I hope us winners dv 2018 it does not concern?
January 22, 2018 at 21:14
Nothing to do with DV2018.
January 23, 2018 at 05:33
I am sure it does not frighten them at all to cancel all the winner. They don’t owe us anything. Come on, we are just numbers for them. Just wait and see.
January 23, 2018 at 06:26
People continue to speak negatively until they are current, and they think they are doing the “totem”. I wonder what they will feel for the rest of selectees after they have taken the visa. Just numbers, just LPR, just immigrants… no end.
January 23, 2018 at 06:37
Good News New !The shutdown is over.
January 23, 2018 at 07:05
I think there is no impact on the winners in 2018, the main problem related to the random migration and Trump request (Mexico wall), I expect that the DV 2019 will also continue as the same current system and then will change to the new system through the rating, degrees, and other things.
January 23, 2018 at 13:17
Hey brit am encouraged by the way u answer questions with accuracy my case no is 2018AF16x74 when do i expect my 2Nl
January 23, 2018 at 17:30
Read some of my recent posts rather than just asking without effort.
January 23, 2018 at 14:15
Hello Brit,
is there a chance that some visas from NACARA program will be released for us? Were there some released last year?
Thank you
January 23, 2018 at 17:26
Probably not and no.
January 23, 2018 at 14:32
Hi Brit,
First of all, many thanks for all the efforts you make for all of us.
I know you already answerd this question a million times and I will not ask it again. I know you keep telling DV2018 is not affected by the bills currently existing and I believe you (or I’m telling myself to believe you 🙂 )
One thing I do not understand in the effective date of the bills is the wording “on or after”. Does this mean if they choose for “on” it does effect DV2018. Or is my knowledge of this kind of legislative english not good enough.
Here the exact words from both bills:
“The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act”
Thanks a lot for your answer and time.
Hope my number is up very soon (EU18XXX) 😉
January 23, 2018 at 16:14
This is a simple explanation – “ON” means that if the Act is enacted on the first day of any given fiscal year (1st October) then that year is affected. “After” means that if the Act is enacted on any other day other than on the first day of the physical year, then the Act will only affect the next year’s DV lottery. So as it currently stands and unless the wording is subsequently amended, DV 2018 is safe. DV 2019 will also only be affected if the Act is enacted between now and October 1 this year. I hope this helps!
January 23, 2018 at 18:35
Thanks Michael, It’s all clear now.
So let’s hope they do not change the wording anymore.
And let’s assume they reach a agreement before the 8th Feb. As experts on the matter, how long do you guys think it would take to enact the Act? Or is this to long of a shot to have a guess?
What a great place to discuss stuff is this!!
January 23, 2018 at 19:01
The 8th is a deadline for funding. So – those funding bills have to be signed in to law immediately to und the government. So *IF* they include something to end DV it will be signed into law immediately and will be effective on October 1. That will not affect DV2018 selectees in any way.
January 23, 2018 at 21:13
Let’s see what mr Trump’s plans are for this. I’m afraid there will be no deal on immigration the 8th. Let’s hope it’s pushed a bit further down the road so DV2019 can be validated for sake of everybody who entered.
Exiting times ahead
January 23, 2018 at 17:26
The wording means no change until the first day of the next fiscal year AFTER the law is signed. In other words, DV2018 is unaffected. 1,000,001 times now.
January 23, 2018 at 17:32
Thank you so much for your answer Simon.
They are creating doubts when writing their bill cause in other sections of the bill they do not mention the “on or” but just write it as “starting the first day of the fiscal year after the date of enactment”. Can’t be more clear than that.
Luckily we have great minds like yourself helping us translate their stuff.
January 23, 2018 at 21:37
Brit you have to put a big flyer like or some advertisement to your homepage writen in capitals DV 2018 IS NOT AFFECTED FROM ANYTHING. Sorry to waste your time.?
January 23, 2018 at 14:48
I received an email from KCC which says I have updates on ESC website. That is probably the 2NL. Unfortunately, I didn’t find any updates. It shows the 1NL not 2NL.
January 23, 2018 at 14:58
I found Answer for my question
[ Note:- Some time it takes few hours to update your second letter although you receive email notification ]
January 23, 2018 at 15:08
Same here
January 23, 2018 at 15:17
Same here
January 23, 2018 at 15:18
HI BRITS 2NLS ARE BEING SENT
January 23, 2018 at 15:39
I just received an email (SA 7xx):
You have received this email notification to inform you that you have updates available at https://www.dvlottery.state.gov/ESC . Please log in using your confirmation number from your original application to complete further processing.
January 23, 2018 at 15:44
I want to see Brit’s mail titled 🙂 2NLs for March 2018 interviews being sent
January 23, 2018 at 17:22
LOL!
https://britsimonsays.com/2nls-march-2018-interviews-sent/
January 23, 2018 at 16:00
Hey there! The ESC site is updated. 🙂
January 24, 2018 at 19:24
I am a DV2019 African applicant specifically Zambian by birth and nationality, thanks Brit for the timely notifications however would you just shed some light on the certainty that the DV2019 will not be affected if you are in a position to. Thanks! Cheers!
January 24, 2018 at 19:38
DV2019 could be cancelled because of current discussions in government. DV2018 is safe.
February 1, 2018 at 20:36
Thanks a lot BritSimon…..however I am just praying for the best as my wish needs to be granted…….
February 1, 2018 at 20:39
If you *need* to pay a bill, you don’t enter a lottery as a plan to pay that bill.
January 25, 2018 at 00:02
Salut Mr est ce que la décision du président Trump concerne la DV 2018?
January 25, 2018 at 00:19
No
Please post in English.
January 27, 2018 at 02:51
If bills r pass in senate in up coming days (including edv ) will it effects for 2018 dv winner???
January 27, 2018 at 05:43
No
February 4, 2018 at 13:51
CEAC visa status unable to trace since 3feb2018 .
February 5, 2018 at 18:20
Simon
Ceac visa status doesnt work
I am entering the correct code but it says the code is not correct
Do u know what is wrog with it?
February 5, 2018 at 18:47
No. Be patient – they will fix it in a day or two.