One of the blog members asked for a page solely for people to post their interview experiences. So this is it – with some rules!!!
First – NO questions on this page. Let’s keep it for interview experiences only – good and bad. I will probably delete questions to try and keep the page focused on interview experiences
Please at least mention your embassy (city and country, like Accra, Ghana) and brief details about what questions you were asked and any interesting points about documents you were asked for and any tips you can give others. This will be useful to others who have not yet had their interviews. People could use the search function to look for their embassy.
May 22, 2018 at 13:59
DV LOTTERY EXPERIENCE UPDATE!
Interview location: PRS (Paris, FRANCE)
Interview date and time: March 7th, 2018. 10:45am
Case number: EU1089X
Visa issued: March 13th, 2018 and picked up on March 14th, 2018.
Booked my flights on March 21st for May 21st.
A week before departure, I ensured I had everything: passport, sealed package, medical exams documents and xrays, proof of payment of my USCIS fees.
May 21st: departed from Paris CDG – Terminal 1 and landed in New York JFK – Terminal 1. I used the Visitors line, quite long and only 2 counters open. After about 35 to 40 minutes waiting, finally my turn.
CBP officer: hi, how are you doing today?
Me: hi, how are you? (Hands out passport and documents)
CBP officer: why are you here today? (Opens up the sealed packet)
Me: I am here to activate my LPR status
CBP officer: oh nice, i see that you have a diversity visa. So you won the lottery, correct? You’re lucky!
Me: Yes, exactly. Thank you.
CBP officer: can you please confirm your name for me?
Me: (answers)
CBP officer: thank you, Olivia.
Me: you’re welcome.
CBP officer: so what will you be doing in the US? where will you live?
Me: (answered)
CBP officer: very good. Is the address listed still the one where you’ll be staying.
Me: Yes.
CBP officer: great. Now I’ll need to take your fingerprints. 4 fingers, right hand. Picture
Me: (proceeded)
CBP officer: are you planning on going back to your country?
Me: Yes, in July, to get the rest of my belongings.
CBP officer: how long will you be gone for?
Me: one to 2 weeks tops.
CBP officer: good. (Stamps my passport) we understand people need some time to settle in the US so that’s ok. Just make sure not to exceed 6 months, to avoid any problem. We tend to consider as abandonment of residency. Here are your documents and welcome to the United States of America, Olivia. Good luck with everything.
Me: thank you very much and have a good evening.
It didn’t last any more than 10 minutes. He was very nice and smiled the whole time. No trick question. No second or more profound inspection. It was just as great and simple as my consular interview. I was well prepared and calm. Gave simple yet precise answers. Kept my cool all along and TADA: I AM OFFICIALLY A LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT OF THE U.S.A. ! ??
I had done my research before and was well aware of the process. Then I found a jem: this blog just helped me master the topic so thanks for this greatly appreciated source of information and good luck with everything, Simon. As a token of appreciation: I have made a donation to your blog. Off to new beginnings in New York! I am ECSTATIC! ?
May 22, 2018 at 14:31
Congratulations Olivia!!!
May 28, 2018 at 11:19
Hey Simon just one question. Once you activate your visa and return to your country. Do you have 6 months to come back or one year to come back to USA?
May 28, 2018 at 12:20
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/timeline-of-first-entry-and-absences-from-usa/
May 24, 2018 at 11:21
Very helpful tips. congrats!
May 22, 2018 at 14:34
Hi Simon
Today we have got our passports with visa stamps. Thank you Simon for your support and assistance. You are the DV leader. We have done the interview in Abu Dhabi , U.AE. Same repeated questions but I would like to highlight important point. Embassy had returned form i 134 since my sponsor did not provide me with tax report. They accepted my bank statement in replacement of form i 134.
I would like to meet you in US.
May 22, 2018 at 14:36
Congratulations!
May 23, 2018 at 05:26
Hi, Mohamed please can you tell me how many days they took to returned your passports..I will be having my interview same place in Abu Dhabi.
Thanks.
May 23, 2018 at 06:08
Congratulations Mohammad,
Could you please tell us about the full interview details? alot of winners here will be interviewed in Abu Dhabi,
May 23, 2018 at 10:37
One week
May 23, 2018 at 15:47
Mohammad could you please send to me on whatsapp?
0567647060
[email protected]
May 23, 2018 at 16:32
Information passed by PM benefits one person. Posting here benefits many people. Don’t be selfish/lazy.
May 24, 2018 at 03:28
Hi simon thanks for everything what you are doing. . So i need to aske one question my esponser is not in U.S.A so i need to change my new esponser address sholud i Cheng in us Airport or 2 or 3 day’s after thanks
May 24, 2018 at 03:48
If you have interviewed and are approved, you don’t need to worry about the sponsor anymore.
May 24, 2018 at 06:44
Hi there, any one an share there experience getting interviewed at Montral Canada for 2018 Dv visa ? Do they ask for Finicial statement ( Bank statement ) ? Thanks you
May 24, 2018 at 14:48
Have you read them?
May 25, 2018 at 06:40
Read what Brit ?
May 25, 2018 at 14:05
The interview experience stories
May 25, 2018 at 07:12
Sorry for the delay
My CN :2018AF22xxx
Interview location: Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Winner : My wife and our family consist of me, my wife & 3 kids.
2nd notificatin: 30 March 2018
Interview date and time: 16 May 2018 @ 8:00 AM
We reached the embassy @ 7:30 AM, jioned along queu, we were number 7 in the Qu, we went to the window outside the embassy to verify our documents then authorised us to enter the embassy.
We passed through security screening.
They took from me my car key and also took mobile phones after switched off. Pls. make sure not to carry any bag with you to the embassy.
We sit in a waiting room then security man asked us to go to interview hall.
They have given us ticket number and waiting until they call us in windows number 9.One good lady smile with us and asked for our documents:
1. Passports along with copies.
2. Appointment confirmation.
3. 2nd notification letter.
4. High school certificate, University certificate along with copies. Translation was not required because her education certificates were issued in Engilsh.
5. Birth certificates and transilation and copies.
6. Marriage certificate, translation and one copy.
7. Police clearance from UAE & our home country.
8. Bank statement for 6 month for me and my wife. She rejected i134 because our sponsor had not provided us with tax form/report.
9. My wife salary certificate and my end of service benefit letter with calculation to proof the source of funds in my statments of account along with the reason fir termination from my job.
After that she gave me a paper to pay the fees in windows 3 and after paid the fees she asked us to sit and wait.
Then they call us for another window to do the finger prints for me, wife and eldest son 16 years old.
We waite for 15 minutes then they call us for main interview in widows 10.
We asked for a transkator in Arabic. They told us to sit and wait after that they call us to go to window 14.
CO: good morning.
Me: good morning sir., we need Arabic transilator.
CO: we do not provide transilator in this embassy and you have to bring your own transilator to interview.
Me and my wife: we said let us start.
CO: to my wife what is your highest level of education.
My wife: she answered.
CO: Are you working.
My wife: Yes, in xyz company as data entry operator. ( she did not mentiined her occuoation in ds 260).
CO: to my wife , when did you marry?
My wife: she replied with correct date of marriage because she did mistake in DS260. She has written date of marriage as 16 Nov 1997 instead of 06 Nov 1997.
CO: where your son xxxx was born.
My wife : she replied.
CO: ask me are you working now.
Me : No.
CO: Where you want to go in US.
My wife: xxxxx
CO: he said every thing is ok welcome in united states.
We thanks him and he is really good and smile most of the time with us.
Thanks Simon for your usually support and god bless you every where.
Regards.
Mohamed
00971505836809
May 25, 2018 at 11:46
I forget to mentioned that medical reports are required for me, wife and the 3 kids.
May 26, 2018 at 05:22
Hello Simon I want to say a big thank you to God almighty and to you for a successful interview. May the good lord continue to bless you. I had my interview on the 24th of April. My case number is 2018 Af 00018*** from Cameroon. i filled my form ones and never opened.
What I took to the interview
-my birth certificate and my daughter’s
-my school certificates including transcripts though they didn’t need my transcripts.
-our medicals.
our interview fee of 370000frs.
-an authorization from her dad
-custody of her though I didn’t show because they didn’t as of it.
-pictures showing that she is my daughter when I was pregnant, gave birth and taking her to places to have fun.
-he didn’t asked me of any affidavit of support.
My interview Was at 8:30am.it went like this
Me: Good morning sir
Co: good morning. you are… .
me: 2018af0002018***
Co:What is your relationship with…. (my baby’s father) ?
me:we are father and mother to.. (my daughter)
Co:y just that?
me:because things didn’t work out well.
co:are you married
me:no.
co:so u live just you and her?
me:yes
he turns and asked my daughter’s name and she told him then he just said congratulations your visa has been approved. Come and collect Irvin the 26th of April. I thought I was dreaming. I thanked him then I left.
I am now at the United States. my dream has finally come true .
May 26, 2018 at 05:30
Awesome. Congratulations!
July 22, 2018 at 21:44
Congratulations dear,
I am a DV winner from Cameroon as well, pls can I have your What sap address for us to discuss,
My interview is to come up in August and intend to find out something from you.
My number (237) 673310453
Thanks,
May 26, 2018 at 08:40
Dear Brit,
Thank you for all the support and information you provided us through this blog. This is my interview experience.
Interview Date: 23rd April 2018
Interview location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Our interview was scheduled at 10:15 am in the morning and me and my wife reached there at around 9:45 am. We paid the interview fee of $330 each and went through the security check. We gave all our documents, but they only took my wife’s documents as she was the principal applicant. So after submitting all our documents we went to a counter for biometrics and after that waited for the interview.
We waited for about 1 and half hour and they called my wife’s name so we went together but the interviewer told me that my wife would be interviewed first and then me. May be because our marriage was after the DV and they suspected our marriage was a sham marriage for greencard benefits. So my wife went to the counter and she was asked the followings. She asked for a translator.
CO: Namaste
Wife: Namaste
CO: How long have you been together?
Wife: 6 years
CO: What was the date of your marriage?
Wife: Answered
CO: How many guests were there?
Wife: Answered ( We already gave our marriage photo album before and my wife gave other photos from the past to the CO)
CO: Which was your favourite dating spot?
Wife: Answered
How did you convince your parents?
Wife: Answered.
And after that my wife was sent outside and I was called inside
CO: Namaste
Me: Namaste
CO: Do you need a translator?
Me: English is fine.
CO: Great, so when did you meet your wife for the first time?
Me: Answered
CO: Your marriage date
Me : Answered
CO: How many people attended the marriage?
Me: Answered
CO: How did you convince your family?
Me: Both our families are happy with our marriage, wr have known each other for quite a time now so everybody is happy.
CO: (Smiling)Oh that is good. It becomes very smooth when both the parents are ready. So, it was easy.
Me: (Smiling) my parents always supported me.
CO: So you were in Australia for a few years?
Me: Yes, I was there on a student Visa.
CO: So what will you do in the US?
Me: I was working in a kitchen as a sous chef in Australia and atm I am working as a chef and a manager at my father’s restaurant so, I will try to do something related to culinary arts in the US.
CO: Great. Do you know about selective service?
Me: Yes, I will have to register for selective service within a month of reaching the US. And I will have to volunteer and do whatever the government asks me to do in case of an emergency.
CO: Where will you live in the US?
Me: At my wife’s cousin’s house in Baltimore.
CO: So everything is good and I am issuing you a Visa. Welcome to the USA.
Me : Thanks.
So that was it. We were soo happy. 9 months of waiting and everything was done and dusted in 2 hours. We received our passports in 2 days and now planning to move to the US in june.
As Britsimons says, patience is the key. We waited patiently and the outcome was sweet.
Once again thank you Brit for everything.
May 26, 2018 at 08:47
And me and my wife were not asked the affidavit of support. A simple welcome letter was sufficient.
May 26, 2018 at 14:18
Great!
July 6, 2018 at 13:29
hello bishal
please can you tell the medical procedure
I’m also from nepal
May 28, 2018 at 15:44
Interview experience yaounde 15 may
Arrive at 6:30 we were around 10 by 7 we were called for check up den we entered de embassy we were nt ask 2nl .we went directly to the Cassier were we paid 185k den we were given a number
After kind of 8min was called by a lady she ask de following
Lady :are u married
I answered
Are u engage
I answered
We’re will u live in us
Answered
Ok took finger print and sat down after 15 min was called by the CO and he ask me questions and even before I came he has already stamp my folder he ask sme question like
R u married
What hv u studied
Do u hv a girl friend
We’re will u live in de us
Wat do u want to do in us
Den he said congrats I approve ir visa it was quiet simple
May 28, 2018 at 17:34
Thanks!
May 29, 2018 at 00:15
Hello, visa approved 21st May, 2018. On the next day after the interview ceac status change to issued. But today is 29th I have still not received my passport.
I want to know how long it takes to get your passport after approval.(Accra Ghana)
May 29, 2018 at 02:21
A week or two.
May 31, 2018 at 14:19
Emma please tell us how the interview went ? Was it simple ?? How was it???
May 31, 2018 at 22:43
It was simply, I was amazed the consulate did not ask for certain documents. He was so kind and within no time, he gave me a white paper writing on it how to pick my issues immigrate visa and congratulated me.
I got my passport and with Iv visa stamped on 29th May,2018
May 31, 2018 at 22:50
We thank God for safeguarding your process,did you use wassce as your certificate ? @ Emma
May 31, 2018 at 22:55
Yes I did.
May 31, 2018 at 23:04
@emma,do they look at the grades and in your case what was the lowest grade most respectfully
May 29, 2018 at 23:35
Iwill be doing my interview,at tanzinia anyone to share more abt it
May 31, 2018 at 19:01
Thanks Brit for the help you’ve provided me with through out my do journey. I had my interview 29th May at the Dakar consulate and the consulor approved my visa today I checked the ceac and it shows issued. Alhamdulilah!!! Once again thank you
May 31, 2018 at 20:29
Great!
June 5, 2018 at 04:03
Hello my brother,
I am from Senegal and I would like to speak with you
June 1, 2018 at 15:11
It’s so nice to read this post,
It’s all thanks to you Simon, i hope no one forgets to donate according to the ability. $
June 1, 2018 at 22:56
Hi everyone! Hi Brits!
Thanks so much for this blog; I silently devoured it for a year! Thanks a million!
My 3kids, my husband, and I had interview in Yaounde Cameroon on the 29th of May 2018 and all 5 visas approved and were scheduled to pick up visas Thursday 31st of May! Happy to announce we have our visas in our possession!
Details of interview later pls!
Thanks all, thanks Brits!
Wishing everyone God’s blessings!
June 1, 2018 at 22:58
Awesome
June 3, 2018 at 18:34
I had the interview at Ankara. First, I went to the only embassy approved private clinic. In Turkey almost all healthcare and medicare expenses are paid by the state’s insurance. Paying $120 for the blood, urine tests and a chest x-ray, and then paying $250 for a rudimentary physical examination and four shots was ridiculous. But it is a requirement, and I guess it introduces the applicant to the american health care system.
Next day I got my sealed envelope along with the “vaccination documentation worksheet” and the chest x-ray CD. The selaed envelope was for the consulate, and the rest is needed when entering the USA.
Next morning I had my interview. They gave me a number, first call was to give the documents. “Police report” and “birth certificate” can be easily obtained from e-state web portal. All I did was to download and print the documents. For the six month account history, I went to the bank, manager knew how to prepare the documents in English, no problem there neither. I showed around $12K in my bank account.
The second call was to pay $330.
The third call was for the interview. I swore that I am not going to lie. My finger prints were scanned. Questioning lasted around a minute. She asked me what my job is, what I am going to do in US, Which state I will go, who is going to pay for my expenses. Then she said my visa is approved and I can leave.
All the officers I spoke at the consulate were Turks. The whole thing lasted almost two hours although the actual interview was less than two minutes. Around one third of the people waiting for the immigrant visa were Iranians. There was also an Arab family. There was a TV playing cartoons, and a small children play area. An Arab girl and an Iranian boy, both pre-school kids, were playing with each other without understanding each other’s language, that was cute.
In two weeks, I am hoping to pick up my passport from the local post office. I did not opt for DHL. The package will also include the instructions to pay the green card fee $220.
June 3, 2018 at 18:36
Thanks and congratulations!
June 3, 2018 at 19:14
Dear BritSimon
Today I had interview and the consular officer told me that system is not showing my DS 260 form and told me to re submit my DS 260 form and will invite me again to embassy
I had submited my Ds 260 form one year ago and have confirmation page
Can you help how to re submit my DS 260 form because it’s locked
Thanks so much
June 3, 2018 at 20:08
I have no idea why the embassy could not see that. You should have been more insistent with the CO. Contact KCC and the embassy to decide what to do.
June 5, 2018 at 11:29
Dear BritSimon
I contacted the embassy how to re submit my DS 260 form and they just mentioned to complete and bring the form.
And have invited me to attend oath interview. Could you please tell me what oath interview means ?????
June 5, 2018 at 14:03
Just the interview.
June 12, 2018 at 16:13
Dear BritSimon,
I have already shared my story. I attended my second interview as Oath interview. CO ASKED about my marriage. I have marriage certificate and he asked for my weeding photos. As I didn’t take photos with myself. He gave me a letter of visa refusal and it was written to email photos to embassy. I sent the photos. He doubts my marriage. AND received email that I should attend follow up interview as my third interview.
Could you please suggest what should I take into considerations before attending my interview.
Thanks too much
June 12, 2018 at 19:30
I don’t have a suggestion. Use your imagination and prepare whatever proof you feel would be helpful.
June 15, 2018 at 09:24
John! I think you should add more pictures along side the previously submitted documents such as marriage cert….etc.
Add pictures before, during and your marriage, family and other group pictures for different occasions, same applies to your spouse.
I believe you will surely go through just convince them and you’re good to go.
Good luck bro!
June 15, 2018 at 12:04
Thanks bro for your comments.
I have already submitted my marriage certificate. But still he asked for marriage photos. I sent them via email. Don’t know what will happen in my third interview
June 4, 2018 at 07:19
Hi mhmt
Tebrikler.congratulations. when you did the interview?? what is your case number??
Thanks
June 5, 2018 at 17:14
Hi Brit I received my passport & immigration package today with the instruction to pay $220 online… Do I need to pay it now or I can wait until when I get to the states?
June 5, 2018 at 17:41
Either.
June 7, 2018 at 08:45
Okay, thanks so much. I will share my interview experience soon
June 8, 2018 at 16:33
Interview experience
Embassy: Johannesburg, South Africa
Case no: 2018AF00025XXX
DS260: Completed 9 May, unlocked 26 May to update new passport number and current address and resubmitted
2NL received: 18 April 2018
Interview Date: 5 June 2018 1:30pm
After we recieved our 2NL, we went onto travel.state.gov to check if we need anything extra for the interview in Johannesburg. There was a link on Johannesburg embassy’s page for us to register our appointment before attending it. We also neede to print confirmation of this to take with to the interview
We arrived at the embassy at 12:50pm, we were about 6th in the queue. A man came past with an iPad and checked that we had registered our appointment by highligting our name on his iPad list. At about 1pm they let us into the embassy where we did the security check. My husband had to turn off his phone and give it to them to keep. I left mine in the car. Another man brought his laptop and they made him leave and take it to the car before coming back.
We went into another room and filled in a form with our names, got a number (6) and then went to sit down to wait to be called again. After about 30 minutes a very friendly South African woman called us to window 1, she then asked for the following from me and from my husband:
Fingerprints from both of us
Passports and copy
Birth Certificate and copy
Original police clearances
Marriage Certificate and copy
Then only from me (main applicant) she asked:
High School certificate and copy
Any University degree(s) and copies
I-134 – we did not have this so I gave her proof of our finances*
*Investment statements, my husband’s pension statement and settlement values for our cars plus offers to purchase for each car. I made a simple spreadsheet with a summary for finances on the front page, then had the documents at the back.
She asked where we will be living in the US; we had decided to stay with different family friends than our original DS260 said, so we asked if we could change it and she quickly did it for us, no problem.
We were then asked to go and pay the $660 at another window, and then sit down and wait for the interview
About 5 minutes later we were called to window 6 for the interview.
CO: Hello
Us: Hi, how are you?
CO – she was not in a very good mood at all so she did not look at us or answer back
CO: Raise your right hand. Do you swear that you will tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth
Us: Yes we do
CO: So ma’am, when did you start this process?
Me: I entered on the last day in November 2016, and saw that I won on 9 May 2017. I filled out my DS260 immediately
CO: Ok, and when did you add him to your case? (motioned to my husband)
Me: When I saw that I had won, I checked online how to add my husband, as we had gotten married in March 2017, saw that there was an option to “add applicant” and I added him immediately. I also uploaded my marriage certificate
CO: Ok (long silence while she typed)
CO: Here are your original documents back
I said “thank you” and took them, convinced that she was going to decline us
CO: Have you been married before?
Me: No, this is my first marriage
CO: Have you ever lived anywhere else but South Africa?
Me: No
Husband: I have lived in the UK, from 2008 to 2009
CO: And your highest qualification is a Postgrad diploma?
Me: Yes thats right
*Another long pause (probably only 20 seconds but felt like forever)
CO: Ok, at this time I don’t see any problems with your documents, so I am going to approve your visas
Me: Oh my goodness, thank you so much
The CO then explained how long it takes to process, and that we will receive brown envelopes with our passports that we may not open.
CO: Do you have any questions?
Us: No, thank you again!
That was it, about 6 minutes and we were done! We were very stressed, but prepared well and took everything in a neat file so it was easy to give them. There were a few people being interviewed with us, and some were not very organised which I think must be difficult for the CO’s so we tried to make our stuff as well organised and simple as possible.
Our passports with visas arrived via DHL 2 days later!
Thanks Simon for all of your help, and for this awesome blog!
June 8, 2018 at 17:49
Nice and easy. Cool!
June 10, 2018 at 17:07
Hello Brit
Is there anyway I can be given contact information of Steph, I am south African and would love to talk to her
June 10, 2018 at 17:35
No – but you can replay to her post.
June 9, 2018 at 18:43
Hi Steph
Congratulations. A quick one. Are you South African ? If no, do they ask any question related to your statut in SA?
June 10, 2018 at 14:31
Hi:) I am South African so no they didn’t.
June 11, 2018 at 18:15
Thanks Steph. One more question. How much did they charge for medical examinations per person?
June 11, 2018 at 19:18
Hi ndaleh,there is currently 4 of us ,our numbers are current,we ecchange info and of course keep one onether informed in this lobg journey,feel free to.let me know if you wish to join our wassup group
Jols
June 12, 2018 at 06:36
For 2 adults it cost us just over R12 000. I did not have my vaccination card from when I was a baby, so I had to get 2 extra vaccines which raised the price. For just the medicals, X-rays etc with no vaccines it cost R5 400 per adult. Kids are slightly cheaper, like around R3 700.
June 11, 2018 at 13:46
Were the copies of your documents notirized, or simple copies?
June 11, 2018 at 17:57
I had them notarized, I’m not sure if they needed to be since they obviously see the originals but I would have them notarized to be safe
June 11, 2018 at 19:22
Hello Steph
I see you are from South Africa and had the experience in JHB, any chance I can be in contact with you? ask couple of questions towards your lead up to the interview
Kind Regards
Tyrone
June 12, 2018 at 06:27
Hey! Sure, you can email me at [email protected]
June 8, 2018 at 20:44
I’m happy for you
June 8, 2018 at 21:42
Hi Brit,I must say I’ve found this page very helpful ever since a friend of mine suggested it to me and I must be frank hardly a day passes without reading the experiences of successful applicants and questions as well from members.
I’ve submitted my ds260 but from the look of things I won’t be able to meet the 6 months passport validity. I’m yet to renew the passport ,now my question is
I) should I ask kcc to unlock my form and update the passport number or take the passport with me when I’m scheduled for the interview since the old number on the passport would be indicated in the new one?
Ii) will it raise a red flag on my submitted form?
Thank you
June 8, 2018 at 21:55
1. Take old and new to interview.
2. No
June 8, 2018 at 22:01
Thanks a lot Brit ,most grateful
June 9, 2018 at 17:02
Thanks a lot brit simon for all your support in this journey to US. Today I am sharing my experience here:-
Interview Experience
Interview location: Kathmandu Nepal
Date: 7th june 2018
CO: Namaste
We: Namaste madam
Co: How are you ?
Me: I am good. What about you ?
Co: I am also good.
Co: Make swear all these documents are true, if found any fake documents you will never allowed to enter US ?
We: Yes madam all these documents are true.
Co: who is dv winner ?
Me: I am the dv winner madam.
Co: What are you doing nowadays ?
Me: I am computer engineer working at …….company name..
(Same question translated in nepali by translator and asked to my wife)
Wife: I am studying. ( B.ed 4th year)
Co: wow that’s great. Who is your sponser and where are you going ?
Me: My own sister. And I am going to ….full address….
Co: How long will you stay there?
Me: May be around 6 month but there is not any problem if it is extended, they have their own house.
Co: In which occupation you are planning to work in US ?
Me: Most probably I will be in IT or Telecom field because my academic background is computer science and engineering.
(Same question translated in nepali by translator and asked to my wife)
Wife: I will continue my study.
Co: with smiling face … good. What type marriage is yours ?
Me: We were in relationship for around 5 years later we make it arrange.
Co: so you both understand each other very well right ?
Me: Yes madam
(Same question translated in nepali by translator and asked to my wife)
Wife: Yes madam
Co: Do you know anything about that place where you are going ?
Me: Yes I already checkout in google map and youtube. I know the house number and location of house as well.
Co: (with sweet smile )Wow Intelligent. You are qualified for visa.
Me: Thank you madam.
(Same question translated in nepali by translator and asked to my wife)
Wife: Thank you madam
She gave us white cheat and asked us to consult in reception if you have any problem.
Me: Thank you madam, Have a good day.
Co: Ok welcome you too have good day.
June 9, 2018 at 17:04
Great – well done!
June 10, 2018 at 03:18
Thanks brit simon. You are great. Lots of love from Nepal
June 9, 2018 at 22:14
Thank you steph.for sharing your story from.South africa ,I wish there could be more.story feom South Africa
June 12, 2018 at 15:25
Hi Jolene, I will like to join the group. Here is my phone number 078 038 2981.
June 9, 2018 at 23:59
Any interview experience from Riyadh please?
June 11, 2018 at 21:14
Embassy: MONTREAL, CANADA
First off, thank you to Simon for all the fantastic info available on this site. It sure made the process more transparent. I figured I’d do an interview experience story because there don’t seem to be many from Montreal.
My husband and I had our interview in Montreal last week. I’ll indicate the things I would have found helpful to know in preparation:
1. We stayed at The Dauphin. Very nice hotel. A bit pricey, but I don’t think we could have done much better for being so close to the embassy.
2. Parking is right across the street from the embassy, $14 at the time of this post. Worth every penny to be located so close. It’s a big lot, and was nearly empty when we arrived at 7am, but was full by 9:30/10am so it may be better advice for early appointments.
3. It wasn’t busy AT ALL when we went. There were maybe 3-4 other families at the time they opened the doors. Checking in was very fast. I’m glad I wasn’t any earlier to the embassy (we arrived 30 min prior) but know that if you are more than 30 min LATE then they will not see you. There is a sign saying your interview will be cancelled, apologizing for any inconvenience. Do not be late!!!
4. We were checked in and given a number (#2) and as it happened we were in and out in under 90 minutes. We were first into and first out of the elevator. The BACK doors of the elevator open to the embassy on the 19th floor (so the opposite of the ones that you enter the elevator through). Not a big deal on our day, since there were almost no people, but maybe helpful to others if they go at more crowded times, especially if you have a wheelchair or a stroller.
5. The document check lady was very nice. For some reason, Montreal prefers (requires?) that, if you hold a Canadian passport, they want the visa to go into that passport. It is probably easier for you to use the Canadian passport for the courier info in the first place. In our case, we had to update the passport from the parking lot immediately after the interview which, luckily, did not cause delay. Just be prepared for this as it kind of mentally threw me off to have to face this (rather small) issue. Whatever you do, make sure you have ALL passports, and copies, just in case.
6. My husband’s Canadian GED was accepted as a High School Diploma equivalent. It is explicitly stated in the DV instructions that a GED does not qualify, and only diplomas that allow entry into a US college qualify – which because the Canadian (Ontario) GED does, as it is designed for that very purpose and issued by the ministry of education, was a bit of a grey area. So it is possible that the Canadian (Ontario) GED is an exception to their “no GED” and Montreal is trained to accept it. HOWEVER, my advice would still be to prepare an ONET work case if you have a qualifying job, as we did, because you don’t know until the day of how YOUR CO will handle it. That being said, if you happen to win the DV and have no work qualification but have a Canadian GED, then assuming you can spare the money to take a chance, it may not be a lost cause.
7. Our work documentation wasn’t looked at at all. Just the GED. Was this unique to our case? I don’t know. The CO did ask why my husband decided to get a GED given his successful career, and he answered the truth: in order to further his education in the US. She was satisfied with this and said it’s never too late to go back to school. She said it was perfect timing for the DV and how lucky we were – so she was absolutely treating it like an equivalent diploma. 🙂
8. For work, we prepared a variety of documents but most specifically we ensured our remuneration (pay) was in line with the ONET job, and well evidenced. We also had 5 industry reference letters, some work samples, and relevant industry licensing. Lastly, we prepared a detailed resume showing my husband’s job progression and a cover letter describing his suitability for the visa. None of it was seen, so I can’t comment on how appropriate it all was, but we felt well prepared at least. 🙂
9. We had to show bank statements. Substantial assets for 2 people, not an insane amount but we showed well above the $10K/person minimum. 3 months of statements to show the money had been there for a while. We did not need to present an I-134.
10. We also showed a letter stating our room and board would be covered at my husband’s parents’ home. This was kept and included in the file, whereas some other documents were given back with a smile, so I assume it counted for something in our case.
11. It took 1 day to print our visas (Friday) and they were picked up from the embassy this morning (Monday) so we expect them tomorrow or Wednesday. VERY speedy processing! We are delighted. 🙂
All in all, in retrospect, the nervousness wasn’t warranted. The experience was great. I am glad we went well prepared, and I think as long as your documents are in order and you qualify, you’ll be fine. The CO’s were extremely nice. I wish we could send our CO a thank you letter because we were a bit exhausted and also in shock at the interview so I hope our gratitude and excitement conveyed well. 🙂
June 11, 2018 at 21:27
Thanks Jenn!
June 12, 2018 at 08:29
Congrats Jenn ?
June 12, 2018 at 18:49
Ho i will have my interview in montreal too. Do i have to bring a proof of bank statements or I134 ?. How about yhe medical exam. How much does it cost u and do u get it at the same day ? Thank you
June 21, 2018 at 05:06
Hi Jen,
thank for sharing you interviews explain for Montral, we also just got our interview scheduled for Montral in first week of August, would it be possible to speak to you if possible please send me email at:
[email protected]
My wife is. Principal applied and she is freaking out with all the paper work and documentation, you help ai
Be greatly appreciated ! Thank you
Sam
June 12, 2018 at 14:57
Hello Simon
If my case is underway (Ap) aroun 10 weeks, is and I have family or friend in the USA, do they can help me , for example provide some supporting documents or some thing like that to help resolving my case
Thanks
I’m from Morocco
June 12, 2018 at 19:21
No.
June 12, 2018 at 18:49
Please i will have my interview in montreal too. Do i have to bring a proof of bank statements or I134 ?. How about yhe medical exam. How much does it cost u and do u get it at the same day ? Thank you
June 21, 2018 at 05:09
Hi Fre;
We have also just received our 2NL today for Montral interview for the first week of Aug, you can email me for any discussion or help, [email protected].
Sam
June 13, 2018 at 17:37
Hello Brit, thank you for this site. I filled mine and my deriatives DS-260, however for my 2 kids aged 6& 7, i indicated No on the question do you require a GC. Should i request for their forms to be unlocked or there is no need?
June 13, 2018 at 21:16
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-244/#comment-122929
June 13, 2018 at 20:56
I will like to thank the almighty God for my success and Brit for the wonderful job he is doing God will forever bless you.
embassy: YAOUNDE Cameroon
date : 17 April 2018
time : 8 am
i was a little nervous on the eve of my interview day, two days before i had my interview, i prepared every document that was listed as requirement and also others that was not on the list like the affidavit of support proof of relationship etc
the required document were
– a valid passport ( not less than 6 months to expiry date, and also readable )
– 2 passport size photo ( 5×5 cm)
– birth certificate (original)
– 2 photocopies of birth certificate
– marriage certificate ( if applicable )
-2 photocopies of marriage certificate (if applicable)
– non conviction( original)
-photo copy of the bio-metric page of the passport
-advance level certificate and two photo copies
-other qualification (optional)
– proof of work experience if applicable
– proof of relation with petitioner( pictures, emails, calls record, money transfer receipts etc)
-proof with spouse if applicable.( marriage pictures , emails , pictures during dating , in fact carry your entire album )
-importantly interview fee of $330
-sealed envelop from the medical center
-ds 260 confirmation page
-2nl ( interview letter)
-1nl( fisrt notification letter)
now lets get to the interview proper . i was schedule at 8 am but arrived the embassy at 7:30 am. every thing was in place , well dressed and looking smart for the interview. i was with my family, my wife and daughter since i played as a family man. At 7:45 we were checked in with others who were also for immigrant and non immigrant visas. when we got in, priority was given to the non immigrant applicants and thereafter was our turn. we sad inside the premises but not in the interview hall.
as we got into the interview hall, i went to window 1, where i submitted my documents both originals and photocopies. and also paid the interview fees for the three of us.( note that for derivatives, only passport(with two photocopies) and birth certificate(with two photocopies ) is required for children, and in addition a non conviction for adults) numbers were given
sad at the hall waiting to be called. after 30 minutes we were called at window 2.There a few questions were asked. whats your name , what are you doing , how many kids do you have , when did you got married, whats your petitioners name, what do you intend to do in the united states? i gave the answers same as in the form DS 260 form. our bio-metrics were taken, our documents were further verified and we were given another number. we waited in the hall for 20 minutes and our number was called in window 5. At that window we met with the co. pressure mounted but i knew not at this point Jesus will let go off me, he accompanied me to that window.
CO: good morning sir
ME: good morning sir
CO: hope everything you say here is the truth and nothing but the truth
Me yes it is
CO: how are you doing today
ME: am good
CO: how many are u , i can see just u and your wife
ME; three , i lift my daughter up
CO OK . looked through my pics, when did you get marry
ME xxxxxxx
CO when did you have your first child? is she the only child,?
me XXXXX
CO when did u know your wife
ME back in the high sch days , that is xxxxx
CO when did the relationship became serious
ME xxxxxx
CO wow
our bio-metrics were again taken , he was busy typing and never looked at me . he asked me if i was given a paper at window 2 and before i answered he said because u need to read that paper before u enter the state , at that point i felt relief and before i noticed he pulled out a yellow paper. and said congratulation sir your visas have been approved. come back on the 19th at 1:30pm and collect your visas. handed the paper to me.That was it.
just be prepared and make sure you always put it in your meditations. sleep and get up with BRITS bloq. its very important for you to follow instructions. i was scared but there is nothing to be scared of. my interview was very simple and short. it took less than 2 minutes.
had my visa on the 19th April and left for united states a month later. America is a place to be. land of milk and honey
hope this may help. wish you all the best
June 19, 2018 at 07:27
Were your photocopies notirized or nust simple copies?
July 22, 2018 at 22:26
Congrats sir,
please can I contact you for us to talk,
I am equally in Cameroon and my Interview is to come up in August.
my number 673310453
June 14, 2018 at 14:29
Hello Simon and family
As you know my case is under ready since April the 11st, and my interview was in March the 27th,
Yesterday I received a call from the embassy, they asked me about the person in USA that I will be in,
They asked about :
Full name
Valid phone number
Valid address
And copy of green card or drive license
And when I checked my case , I fine still ready but the last update was yesterday
What do you think about this? I need some informations from you
This does it mean that they finish the real (AP) ?
Thansk
June 14, 2018 at 14:39
It means you continue to wait for the outcome.
June 14, 2018 at 14:42
I know that I should wait, I want to know if is it a good sing or normal
June 14, 2018 at 14:51
Neither.
June 14, 2018 at 14:58
Thank you so mush
June 14, 2018 at 17:57
@yass I have this strong conviction that your case will be approved but after it’s approved but never forget to thank God Almighty
June 14, 2018 at 18:01
yes of course , thank you so much
June 14, 2018 at 18:08
@yass you’re welcome hope you’ve been able to answer all what the embassy asked of you
June 14, 2018 at 20:45
Yes thanks
June 18, 2018 at 07:46
Yass, do not worry, I am also on AP since May 10th. lets waits patiently for the outcome and continue with whatever work we are doing. Let us not put all your hopes on it.
June 15, 2018 at 06:13
Interview in Belgium, Brussels, 14 June
The interview was really short, it didn’t take more than 2 minutes. Questions asked:
– Have you lived in another country before? No.
– How long have you been married? Since November 2017.
– How long do you know each other? Approximately 5 years.
– Where do you want to live in the US? In Florida, we don’t know exactly where yet, but probably somewhere around Kissimee.
– Do you know anyone there? Yes, a friend of my mother.
– Have you been there before? Yes, many times.
– Which job do you want to do? Me: office management, business administration, husband: labourer.
– Your visas will be ready in 2 weeks!
Hope this may help someone.
Stephanie
June 15, 2018 at 13:27
Thanks and congratulations!
June 15, 2018 at 15:17
EU19XXX
Interview on the 13th of June
Passports with visas received today
Questions about previous US visas, where are we going, for how long do we know each other, when did my husband proposed? (we married after he won) and that was it.
I want to thank Brit for all the help, I found 99% of the information needed on this website, very accurate, I had one question during this whole process of long waiting, everything else was found by just searching through the website, so I really suggest for everyone else to do the same instead of asking the same question 1000 times, believe me, most of the times you find an answer by just reading what Brit posted.
Thank you again, you are doing an amazing work.
June 15, 2018 at 16:16
Congratulations!! What embassy was that?
June 21, 2018 at 05:39
The embassy in Bucharest, Romania
June 21, 2018 at 05:56
Thanks!
June 18, 2018 at 08:50
Place =Liberia Monrovia
Date = Thursday 7,2018
I attended my interview with my wife and she is the principal applicant waited for about 4hours called us for checking of documents ?
WAEC CERTIFICATE
MARRIAGE ? CERTIFICATE
POLICE CLEARANCE
PASSPORT
AND 660$
after payment waited for some minutes they called us for finger? print, waited for some minutes again then the main interview
Good morning we both greeted and with a smile an elderly man responded in window 5
Are you married?
Yes
How did you both met?
When was this?
What prove do you have to show me?
We have our wedding certificate, our wedding ring ? and our photos,
Can I see the photos?
Yes, gave him the wedding photos first
Do you have any other photos ?
Yes, gave him the casual photos after
looking through them.
What do you do for a living?
Business,
Who will you live with in the US?
Name
Do you people have a Children?
Congratulations ? ? ? please come back next Thursday for your passport
June 18, 2018 at 14:00
Did you marry after the DV selection?
June 20, 2018 at 19:20
LAST AND FINAL DV LOTTERY EXPERIENCE UPDATE!
Case number: EU1089X
10/12/2016: Registered for DV lottery 2018 online.
05/02/2017: 1NL received. Selected for further processing.
10/03/2017: DS260 submitted online.
02/18/2018: Email notification for February 2018 Visa Bulletin – 2NL available/Scheduled for an interview.
03/07/2018 – 10:45am: Interview @ PRS (Paris, FRANCE).
03/13/2018: Visa issued.
03/14/2018: Visa picked up.
05/20/2018: Immigrant visa fees paid online.
05/21/2018: P.O.E. (arrival @ JFK). I’m a LPR! ???
06/11/2018: Case updated: card being produced.
06/14/2018: Case updated: card has been mailed.
06/15/2018: Case updated: card was picked up by The United States Postal Service (tracking number provided)
06/20/2018: Card received. Officially- officially a LPR with my GC in hands!?????
This was my very last update! Everything has been so smooth and fast, I couldn’t wish for more! SS card in my possession as well (3 business days wait only!)
Thanks again for the blog, Simon. Honestly, not even needed to ask anything as all the enquiries one must have were treated and explained in full details!
The only piece of advice to all the DV lottery SELECTEES is: READ BEFORE ASKING QUESTIONS. THERE IS A 99% CHANCE THEN THE ANSWERS YOU’RE GOING LOOKING FOR ARE ALREADY HERE!!!! It is a long process and you only become a DV Lottery WINNER when you have your visa. Very very important to realize that!!! Good luck everyone!!! And COMMON SENSE IS KEY!
June 20, 2018 at 19:24
I’m sure America is lucky to have you. Best of luck!
June 21, 2018 at 00:31
Olivia! Thank you for sharing, I have picked so much information from your submissions. We’re very fortunate to have you on this platform
June 21, 2018 at 04:49
Good Luck ! And thanks for all !
June 22, 2018 at 08:40
Interview experience
EMBASSY: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Case No 25xxx
DS260: Completed on 23 MAY 2017, unlock 20 February 2018 resubmitted 23 and unlock again 27 March 2018.
2NL received: 24 April 2018
Interview Date: 5 June 2018 8:00 AM
After i received the 2NL, i tried to register for my immigrant visa appointment on their website several times but they keep on telling me my case not ready meanwhile at the CEAC site it shows ready. I was so confused and i had to email the Contact Desk Support Team (U.S Visa and Consular Services) for them to update my case in their system and on 23 May 2018 i got a reply with a link to login and complete the process. So i needed to print confirmation of this to take with to the interview
On Monday 4th June i had to travel to Abu Dhabi to spend a night with a friend so as to be early for the interview.
On Tuesday 5th June i arrived @ the Embassy 7:00 AM, i went along with my small bag because i planed to leave for Dubai immediately after the interview.Guest what happened!… i was asked to take my bag out of the embassy premises by a military man, i tried to plead with him to show me where to drop the bag and after my interview i will come and collect it, he refused and still insisted that i should take it out or he will ask the embassy to cancel my visa… Himmmm that was when my troubles started .After 30 minutes of pleading with him i had no choice but to carry my bag outside, i doped it beside the road and this guy was still behind me asking me to removed it from there and put it in my car, i told him that i never came with my car . Everyone that was at the Que were all watching at us because the place where we were to do our first check-in was an open space and they could watch at us. luckily a guy came out and offer to help me keep my bag..he said but i will only collect it in Dubai because he wasn’t going to wait for me and he took my bag, later i was allowed to stand at the Que. @ exactly 8:00 AM the process started i was ask to present my appointment letter at the security check-in then I was given a token to wait
After an hour i was call to window number 9 by a gentleman he smile at me and i also greeted him…Hi Sir how are you? he reply am great and you? Good!..I was asked the following documents
1. Passports along with copies.
2. Appointment confirmation.
3. 2nd notification letter.
4. High school certificate, University certificate along with copies.
5:Bank statement: immediately i heard bank statement please! i look at him and i said sorry Sir i don,t have but i brought with me Affidavit of Support i134 from my sponsor he went through the forms and checked if everything was complete and he said perfect… go to window No 2 to pay your visa fee.
I quickly rushed to window No 2 and there the payment process was so swift and i came back to him, showed him the receipt and he said “okay Sir please have a sit your name will be call shortly” i thank him and went back to my seat.
There at the main hall where everyone was,i watch every movement and i discovered that the consulate officer was in a different section and the entrance was just close to me. I knew that once i hear my name i will not wait for security direct me i will just walk to that direction… to my greatest surprise after two hours of waiting i was called to window No 1 just beside the cashier where i paid for my visa fee.
Me: Hi Sir!
CO: Hi, are you MR.Clovis
Me: Yes Sir…. he never look at my face he was still typing…
CO: Which school did you attained? looking at my High School certificate, drop it and next was my University transcript and my post graduate diplomas.. my Dubai police security training certificate(D.P.S) .
Me: himmmmmmmm
CO: which state in US will you be living and relationship with your sponsor.
Me: Minnesota with my friend
CO: Why Minnesota?
Me: Himmmm……
CO: Sorry this office can not give you a visa he look at me again… sorry
Me: It first sounded like a joke to to me. Why sir? i have the required academic qualification Sir
CO: Sorry you don,t. You have only 2 C as a pass in your high school where are the other subjects?
Me: Yes 2 C in high school in my country is a pass and that is why i was admitted into the University.
CO: You have no degree and sorry we consider High school but pass in 2 C can not be accepted.
You are ineligible and there is nothing we can do.. sorry sir
Me: As i tried to convince him that am eligible he left me standing in front of the window and went inside brought all my original documents and handed them to me with my passport. I tried everything to convince him to put my case on AP and do some background check with the Cameroon G.C.E board or even check with the US EMBASSY in Yaounde Cameroon because they consider two E as pass .
CO: SORRY, then handed me a white paper… visa refuse under section INA212(a)(5)(A)(i)
I left the embassy frustrated and later in the evening i post on MR. BRIT blog that the CO denied me a visa under section 212(a) reason that I had only 2 pass grade’s (C), Brit reply.. there is no formal appeal process. But – you could contact the embassy in Cameroon to get them to confirm what you have said, and then forward that to UAE embassy.
I followed his advise and the same day i wrote US EMBASSY YAOUNDE CAMEROON and i explained to them all that happened with attached refusal form and all my educational certificates and university transcript.After three days they replied me……..
Dear Clovis:
Thank you for your email. We regret we cannot overturn the decision of the Consular officer of Abu Dhabi since you chose that location to have your interview. You have the burden to prove that you have the required academic qualification or qualifying work experience. We regret we cannot provide a more positive response than this.
I wrote S Abu Dhabi UEMBASSY and forwarded the same reply from US EMBASSY YAOUNDE, later i was so worried i had to write MR. Brit by mail, i explained everything to him and i attached my refusal form and all my educational certificates and university transcript and this was his replied…….
I don’t think there is anything you can do. In most countries that run the A level system, 2 C passes would not be acceptable for university entry. So in other countries, you would normally be refused. Cameroon seem to apply a lower standard. That is “questionable” as to whether that is fair in regards other countries. But, I am not entirely surprised as what the Cameroon embassy have said – they cannot impose their lower standard on other countries. Their response makes sense.
There is nothing to be done. There is no formal appeal process and the Cameroon embassy have made their decision.
After all i concluded that all hope is lost but now Abu Dhabi hasn’t reply so with the encouragement from friends to pray like never before while some told me to forget about it that there is nothing i can do. THIS DV GROUP https://chat.whatsapp.com/1m4bjQftxep6KszSYO4RBG which i am the admin keep on telling my visa is there that i should trust God. I got encourage fast and prayed trusting GOD to do something.
On 12th June 2018 i got a replied from Abu Dhabi U S EMBASSY………Dear Sir,
Thank you for your email. We have verified your education and educational qualifications. You may come to the Embassy any Sunday or Tuesday at 2pm for further processing. Please note the Embassy is closed on Sunday June 17.
Sincerely,
Immigrant Visa Unit
U.S. Embassy Abu Dhabi
Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssss! so happy that day later i check the CEAC site and my status from REFUSED….shows…. Ready. oooh yes GOD IS GREAT. WHAT WAS IMPOSSIBLE BECAME POSSIBLE
On Tuesday 19th June i went to Abu Dhabi U S EMBASSY, they just took my passport no questions the same CO came collected my passport and gave me a form to came on Monday 25th June 2018 2:00 PM to collect my passport. When i went back home i read the form again it stated there that … You case will be review by a Consular Officer who will make the final determination on your case. I became worried again but later that same day my case changed to AP, the next day again i checked shows….ISSUED
MR.Brit God blessed you for everything, you are a great man.
Lesson: Only God can turn the impossible to became possible if you believe.
June 22, 2018 at 13:39
Congratulations. It was kind of AD to reconsider.
June 23, 2018 at 05:11
Thanks Mr. Brit
June 23, 2018 at 07:38
Hell bro please contact me. I’m from cameroon and I will be interviewed in abu dhabi. I also have two C at A level. 0581604859
June 27, 2018 at 09:10
amazing story congra, your faith pays you
June 24, 2018 at 11:33
Congrats,
What do you mean with 2 C Pass????
June 24, 2018 at 11:41
2 C-grades on a grading system of A-C, C being the lowest grade
June 24, 2018 at 11:47
This is only in Cameron? or all the world?
June 24, 2018 at 11:54
sorry, I made a mistake the grading system is A-C for ordinary level and A-E for advanced level. I don’t know if it’s applicable to other countries but that’s definitely the case for Cameroon. Congrats Clovis, what an interesting story.
June 25, 2018 at 02:03
Congrats Sir and I salute you for not giving up and taking the oppertunity to survive till the end.
May I ask what did the CO mean by where are the other subjects? Does your high school degree have only 2 subjects or he meant the others are all D’ and E’s Im confused. Kindly explain to help all of the poor souls waiting for mercy.
Regards
P.s.. Simon please allow this side discussion. Tq
July 3, 2018 at 08:59
Sorry you don,t have to worry, except if you are from Cameroon but to my own understanding the CO had no knowledge about Cameroon system of education.
June 27, 2018 at 10:27
What an amazing story ! Well done for not giving up.
July 6, 2018 at 07:32
I salute the CO for going the extra mile in understanding your educational system.
you also did well by not giving up, its really amazing.
Congrats Clovisky.
June 23, 2018 at 20:32
Congrats Clo, God is great
June 24, 2018 at 05:47
Thanks keke
June 24, 2018 at 10:14
Congrats Clovis.
Did you certify the copies of your documents ?
July 3, 2018 at 09:02
No you don,t have to.
June 24, 2018 at 12:43
Sorry Brit .I have received 2nl on 20 June.can I know if I must confirm for interview date?if yes please help me to know steps to follow.my case number AF26xxx
June 24, 2018 at 14:04
Follow instructions from the embassy. They expect you to be able to cope without Britsimonsays.com
June 26, 2018 at 20:04
Embassy: Johannesburg South Africa
Date: April 2018
Hi Everyone
Some tips from our experience with the interview:
1. No need to arrive more than 1 hour before the interview. All selectees scheduled for the day will be on their system and a friendly lady with iPad will check your details while you stand in line outside.
2. No drop-off allowed in front on the embassy. Have your Uber drive towards the parking entrance and stop at the guard (or across the road).
3. Take the Gautrain from OR Tambo airport and walk to the embassy from Sandton station – it’s 5 min
4. Very Important: Ensure you book an interview on the embassy website (AIS). The 2NL is not enough
5. More Important: Have an Affidavit of Support (i-134) form completed even if you think you have enough funds. We were rejected with $42k PLUS property portfolio for family of 3. Luckily had the option to resubmit docs and received our Visas afterwards
6. If travelling with kids, take snacks along. The wait inside could be long.
7. Only Credit cards or Cash accepted for payment of visa fees. Have the funds available on your card as you need to leave your phone at security when entering and cannot do a transfer.
Good luck and no need to stress. The interview is brief and everyone is quite friendly.
June 26, 2018 at 20:09
Interesting on point 5. An I-134 is always safest.
September 13, 2018 at 20:33
Does the embassy accept local currency in cash or must it be US$. For instance, can I pay in SA Rand in cash if the credit card machine does not work for some reason? I’m referring to the $330 per person fee.
September 13, 2018 at 22:16
Usually either – but check with your embassy.
June 27, 2018 at 10:30
Ethan, Simon, do you reckon they rejected the $42K Plus because it was a property portfolio i.e not very liquid/ not available immediately ?
Do you think you would have had a rejection if the same amount was in cash sitting in your bank account ?
June 27, 2018 at 11:57
Hi Sihem. Yes, liquid assets and property is seen differently. To clarify, the 42k was in savings alone exluding property which is why we did not see it necessary for the i134. The i134 is thus critical for everyone interviewing at this embassy.
June 27, 2018 at 12:39
This is very worrying. I don’t have anyone to provide a i134. I do have over 100k in cash but I’m now worried this won’t be acceptable. Is there any amount that is acceptable?
June 27, 2018 at 14:02
Hi Hunter. Our CO mentioned “90% of the Poverty Guideline over 5 years” I looked it up and for a family of 3 the guideline is $20780 per year. I strongly believe the CO’s calculation was incorrect and not applicable for DV selectees, but even if so, you should be fine then without an i134.
June 27, 2018 at 15:24
That is indeed an incorrect assessment – but I have seen it applied once before in Scandanavia I think.
June 27, 2018 at 15:17
It varies by embassy and by case. Most embassies would be OK with 100k.
June 27, 2018 at 16:24
“90% of the Poverty Guideline over 5 years”, sorry to insist on this but what would that amount translate to for a single person ? I see the poverty guideline for 2018 is $12,140. Does “over 5 years” mean you multiply that by 5 ?
June 27, 2018 at 17:21
That is what is meant – yes.
June 27, 2018 at 13:17
thanks for the clarification. That is indeed worrying !
June 27, 2018 at 15:14
The OP said they had $42k PLUS property – meaning the 42k was liquid.
I have said before – the embassies can judge that cash reserves need to be very high. An I-134 is safest.
June 27, 2018 at 15:29
I’ve taken a while to write this because I was awaiting to see the result. Yesterday I checked CEAC site and I was issued!!! What a relief, excitement and rollercoaster since learning I had won last May!! My journey has not been easy given all the documents I needed to obtain, distances I needed to travel and patience I needed to incur. Britsimon- you have been the most influential voice on my journey and had it not been for this site – I don’t think I’d have been as prepared. So timeline of events:
May 2017: find out I had won,
2 weeks later , I flew to South Africa (from UK) to apply for long form birth certificate (only had short form) and police certificate. Also picked up childhood vaccination schedule, schools docs etc.
June 2017: filled out DS260. At this point I thought that an early DS260 meant an interview in October (had no idea about visa bulletin system)
September 2017: realised my number was not coming up soon- I predicted an interview for December
November 2017: AF appeared to go much slower than I thought and now my passport wouldn’t be valid for long enough
December 2017: flew to south Africa to apply for a new passport
January 2017: reopened DS260 with new passport number.
April 2017: interview scheduled for June
May 2017: flew to SA for another police certificate given I was concerned previous one would be invalid (more than a year). Applied for my British police certificate. Tried to schedule a medical but they have a 4 week backlog and meant medical after interview. I called medical place daily to see if there were any cancellations
June 2017: interview day (London) – had all my docs, arrived and was in a LONG line, spoke to security and she said I was in wrong line (if in London highlight you are going for an immigrant visa). Given a number, first window went through docs, second window made payment and third window a few basic questions and told I was approved on receipt of medical….. 2 weeks later medical, vaccinated twice, blood drawn, urine sample and consultation with doc. After contacting London medicals found out it was couriered on day 4. On day 5 I noticed the date had updated and on day 6 my heart stopped when it said “issued”. So excited and the journey begins.
June 27, 2018 at 15:50
Awesome. Glad it went so well!
June 27, 2018 at 16:17
Hey Tony,
Congratulations on your visa. Did London ask for an Affidavit of support ? and what’s going on with the medical, why are they having a four week backlog ? I cannot believe this is gonna cause delays as well
June 28, 2018 at 15:33
@BritSimon, following this, would you know if it is possible to book a medical appointment in London before receiving the 2NL ?
July 3, 2018 at 10:34
Interview location ABD
Arrived at 7:00am, I was out at 11:00am..
A nice lady collected the documents (Birth cert, police records, Univ. Degree, marriage cert. and medical record)
I had both high school and university degrees, she took only the Univ degree and said no need for the high school degree.
She didn’t ask about military record, I had to ask her if she needs it and she answered “yes, if you have it”
Employment certificate was included in the bank statement file (optional), I had a lot of other documents as back up.
Then we went to the cashier for payment followed by fingerprints taking..
Later, we were directed to a CO, he was friendly and it was a kind of a general chat with the regular questions in between, it took about 15 minutes.
One of the questions “can you mention the countries you traveled to?”
I had a list of all countries I travelled to along with dates and purpose of travel, so I handed over to him while verbally listing some of the countries I travelled to, he was satisfied with this list, he gave us a while paper with a “congrats” note and told us we will receive an email for collection.
One hour post the interview, I checked status and it showed “Issued”, the next day we got a notification to collect the passports from the post office.
Simon, thank you very much for your guidance, I learnt a lot from this blog, this helped me prepare, over prepare, consider precautions and most importantly understand timelines so that I was able to manager my expectations in terms of timing; DESPITE BEING AN ABNORMAL YEAR
To all persons who posted questions, thank you! You contributed making reader get the maximum benefits…
Good luck for those who are currently waiting…
Thank you, God bless!
July 3, 2018 at 14:33
Congratulations.
July 4, 2018 at 04:16
Congrats ?
July 3, 2018 at 18:09
Interview Experience;
I have read this blog since 2015, so I can say I had pretty seen it all, until my own experience came up. Thanks Simon for the good work, can’t thank you enough! I hope this helps some people out there!
Ugandan
CN: 29XXX
Interview Date: 3/07/2018
Medical:26-27/06/2018
Embassy: Nairobi,Kenya
DS260 Completed and submited on 2/11/2017, unlocked twice and finally submited in May(Don’t remember the date but it was a day before the VB came out and I became current)
2NL recieved on 29/05/2018(I must admit, didn’t expect the 2NL given I had just resubmited.)
I woke up at 5:30am, for my 7Am interview, and if you have been to Nairobi, you’d know I had to wake up early to beat the Morning Traffic. After a few Uber disappointments, I got a Taxify to the Embassy, got there at 7:39Am. Good thing,(Normally this would be bad, but because I was late, it was good), there was a huge line which I later got to know was a mixture of all kinds of Visas(K-Visas, NIVs, DV and all others)
We lined in two lines, Female and Males. Then they asked what time our interviews were. There were different times all up to 9am. They asked us, the 7am people, to go infront of the line. We got to the first check point, where you’d present your Interview Appointment(2NL) and passport(Original) for identification. I was then checked with that hand machine(it makes noise when you have anything metalic on) both my front and was told to turn to check the back. Was
Second check point where I was asked for the 2NL again and checked against a list. Then the third check point where I had to put off my belt, watch, bracelet, Phone, chargers, Power bank, Wallets, Coins, my hand documents bag and I put them in some white Square basin, which I carried to the inside of the security room. It was then passed through Scanner, I was then asked to remove the CD, that I had got from my Medical, from my Documents bag (You dont need to carry the CD). Was asked to turn my phone off and then it, the power back and CD were taken to the locker. I was given a Card with a number. I exited the Security booth/room after some Security guy pressed something to open the heavy(why the sooo heavy doors btw?) door for me.
I walked to the the CO Office Building(it’s some distance), was ushered into the room and asked for my Passport and 2NL. I was given a number and asked to wait outside(waiting area) for my number to be callled. Its huge sitting area with back to back seats. If you’re being interviewed in Nairobi, please carry heavy sweaters. It’s directly opposite a swamp(man made, I think) and it really gets cold. Could feel my insides shrink.
There’s TV screen that keeps showing Ads of places and states in the USA(Videos and Photos), then the Embassy staff photos, well to keep you entertained, sort of.
After awhile (about 50mins) my number was called, I went inside the Consulate Hall,(It’s sort of like a banking Hall with different counters numbered, you don’t get to sit. You stand against a tall Glass Counter and you’ll have to listen carefully or strainly to hear whatever the person behind the glass is saying, given there’s noise. So sharpen your ears). Okay! So I then was asked for my High School Certificate, Police Letter, Birth Certificate, Change of Names Letter and a copy of each of these. I was asked where I work and what position I held at work, when I had finished High School. My finger prints were then taken in the 4-4-2 style. Left Four, Right Four and Two thumbs.
I was then asked to go pay at another counter. I go there and was short of about 650Kshs, 0f the 34650Kshs that was required. I offered to top up with the 100$ Bill that I had in my wallet, the lady said it’d have to be one Currency, not a mixture of the two. I offered to use my card (Visa Debit Card) then remembered that I had left it where I had stayed for the night. She advised me to go outside the Embassy exchange the Dollar bill into Kshs and come straight in. I rushed out running and went to a bank that was near by, exchanged the dollar bill, albeit loosing about 300Kshs that I would get normally. I didnt care at this time, I rushed back, showed the Payment slip that I had got from the Cashier, to all check points, removed my metalic stuff again in the security room and rushed through to the Consulate Hall where I paid at the Cahsier’s window, paid and got my change.
I was then asked to go wait outside again for my number(same number from the start) to be called. After about 45Mins of waiting, my number was called out for my interview. A white lady called Donna interviewed me. She asked how I was, told her I was so cold, she smiled and asked if it was so cold outside. She smiled. She then asked me to put my Left four fingers on the Finger print Scanner. She then asked me to raise my right hand and swear that everything we were going to share is true to the best of my knowledge, blah blah blah, to which I answered that “I swear”
The interview then began!
CO: When did you finish High School?
I answered
CO: Are you married?
I answered , NO!
CO: Do you have kids?
I answered, NO!
CO:What State will you be staying it?
I answered, Utah.
CO: Do you have the I-134 Form from your host?
I answered, No! Told her I had no host but an Airbnb host. THIS IS WHEN THINGS GOT INTERESTING. She then asked me if I had no family and friends in the US, I told her I had no family but had friends, friends who were not eligible to get me the I-134 Form. She then asked me what my Airbnb host’s name was, I answered, pulled out the printed Conversation I have had with my Airbnb host, gave it to her, she looked at it and gave it back. She asked me how much the room I was renting was, I told her. AT THIS POINT, I pulled out my Bank Statement for the last One year, my Employment Contract, My Property/Land Titles and gave them to her, told her I could afford living in the US. She looked at all of them, asked me why I didn’t get the I-134 Form. I told her most of the people(my friends) I asked from wanted money in exchange, so I decided to try on my own. Be my own host. She smiled said, “Oooh those are not good friends”. She then asked for the Airbnb conversation print and then together with all my other documents, titles etc, she walked away and went to consult on something. (All this while, she was typing away. What can really be that much that they are typing? )I had to wait for about 15Mins before she came back. NEVER BEEN THAT SCARED AND TENSE like I was in those 15Mins. My heart beat must have skipped to the worst levels. But I had to remain calm and steadfast. She came back and smiled at me, I smiled back nervously. I asked her if I should be scared, she smiled and said, they had to cross check so they don’t miss anything. She kept looking at my documents, again! Took out my Bank Statement, asked if all this money was in Ugandan Shillings, I answered yes. She saw my current bank balance and said that the balance was less than my rent for Airbnb for a month. I answered, I had salary and more allowances coming and that I was gonna work till my contract expires in November and could have alot saved up. And on top of that, I had enough money in the property I owned.
She smiled and said the MAGIC words. “I’M GOING TO APPROVE YOUR VISA. WE WILL STAY WITH YOUR PASSPORT AND POLICE LETTER” She asked if I had registered with DHL(The Courier for the US Kenyan Embassy), I said I had. She said I would get an email in a week telling me to pick my Package. I was so so excited that most of the papers fell down. She noticed and said, to relax and calm down, said WELCOME TO THE US. The whole interview was for about 25-35 Minutes, but felt longer. I thanked her, gathered my documents and left the Consulate Hall. I was thanking each of the staff I met on my way out, they all smiled. I guess it was evident that I had got it.
I walked out and went to the toilets, that are near the Exit, took a dump and came out smiling. I was so so happy. I then went to exit part of the Security Room/booth, gave in the Card and was given my Phone, and other stuff. I matched out, I felt I could fly.
Things to note;
1. Nothing can prepare you for the interview, the best you can do is prepare the documents that you think will prove your case. The Interviews are very very different from each other.
2. Have enough Money, in ONE Currency or a Card(Visa Debit and Credit). (The Taxify guy didn’t have enough change so I had to use some of the Kshs, hence the mess at the Cashiers)
3. Eat something if you can before you go in. The numbers are high as the DV year comes to an end! That coupled with other Visa Categories, the numbers are huge. We must have been about 100 PEOPLE, in the Consulate today. So be prepared to wait.
4. Give it your all. I have read experiences of people who go with the documents but dont present them. If you have them, present them at the appropriate time. Don’t be afraid, present them when required. I had to present some of them that are in my local Language(Uganda) without translated versions. So bring anything and everything that you think can help.
5. Enjoy it and come tell us about it after.
GOOD LUCK
July 3, 2018 at 18:31
An AirBnb host???? Wow – you like living dangerously, huh. Glad it worked out!
July 3, 2018 at 19:05
Congratulations! If I was the CO, I too would have approved your visa,….for your honesty.
July 6, 2018 at 07:24
Wow! Congrats for the narrow escape
July 6, 2018 at 13:05
Fantastic Julius… I believe this this the best interview experience i have read from this blog. God bless you with your honesty. You going to the “Toilets” part made me laugh hahaha…
July 9, 2018 at 16:07
Hello Julius, i am also from Uganda DV 2019 winner. I would like to know whether you certified your O& A Level pass slips from UNEB. Also were you asked for your University Transcript?
July 5, 2018 at 11:19
Interview location ryiadh
3 july 12:30pm
Allowed us to enter embassy at 12:20 the line was short
They asked for our 2nl and passports at the entry point
Then we put all the papers and keys that we have to be checked we didnt bring any bags, mobiles, car remote or even water bottle all are not allowed i brought 2 coloring books and colors for my daughters to pass the time
Once we entered the embassy we were provided with a number and then we were called shortly to a window
Told us hello how are you (talking to me the main applicant)
Asked for our passports then kept checking the passports for 10 minutes the asked me what is my date and place of birth and if i’m working or not
When he checked my kids passports he asked me about the birth date and place of my children then told us that we switched the information of both passports on our application
(Evevn though i am sure that this didn’t happen) and he showed us the mistake on the computer . Right then we started to sweat. But i think he corrected tge mistake coz he moved to the next point and asked for our birth certificates and their translations then he stamped the translations
Then asked for our marriage certificate and translation and asked me about the date of our marriage and if this was our first marriage and if we had any other children other than my 2 daughters and we said no. Then he asked for the police clearance with translations then asked for my qualifications he took both my high school and college certificates, he didnt ask about any of my husband’s qualifications
Then he asked for our medical exams
And returned the xray cds back to us and told us to carry it with us to USA
Then asked what medications i was on and if i was pregnant or not
Then asked my husband about his medications
Then asked for 2 photographs and aked my husband to take off his glasses for identification and asked to see my 2 daughters who were hiding under the counter. Then asked about the affidqvit we said we have bank statements so he took them
took our finger prints
Then gave us a paper to write our email and mobile number
Then asked us to go pay and bring him the receipt this process took about an hour
We waited for half an hour then we were called to another wiindiw were we were asked to swear that all documents provided were correct then we did that
Then took our finger prints again
Then asked us how are we planning to live in the usa
We told him that we have money in the band but we plan to find a job there as soon as possible then he kept typing on the computer and told us you are accepted and you will be contacted with in one or 2 weeks by the mailing company to tell how to pick up your passports.
Our status till now shows ready
We were contacted today by the embassy asking for our dates of entry and exit from our country and the number of my husband’s ood passports
Then after we mailed them they replied that our case has been forwarded
We are still waiting so please pray for us
July 6, 2018 at 07:43
It is well my sister, God will surely grant you your heart desire.
Congrats!
July 6, 2018 at 21:36
Hi Rody ,I will be interviewed on 15/7/18 but my saudi pcc not translated it must be translated.please answer.
July 7, 2018 at 09:53
We translated our pcc but the interviewer didnt ask for the translation, but when we said that we have a translation he asked for it
So its better that you translate it to be on the safe side
And good luck inshallah may Allah grant it to you
July 7, 2018 at 15:38
After translation it needs to be attested or it is ok .
July 7, 2018 at 15:46
Thanks Rody one more QUE.After translation it needs to be attested.
July 8, 2018 at 01:03
No need just use one of the ttanslators that the usa embassy mentioned
July 9, 2018 at 20:35
Please translate your Saudi Pcc … it is will asked for…. no attestion required from Mofa except three stamps from the police office where you collected your report…if u need any other help let us know or drop ur contact…
July 23, 2018 at 17:34
hey simon how are you
we have received our visa thank god
we were issued our visa on july 9
we plan to make an activation visit within 2 months then return back to our country to tie lose ends then return to USA
we have made a small donation so you can continue to help people like you helped us
thanks is really not enough
thank you so much simon for everything
we couldn’t have done it without you
July 23, 2018 at 17:55
Exciting times. Congratulations, and thanks for the kind support.
July 6, 2018 at 19:33
Hi Brit
First of all i would like to say thank you for all the information you provided us with during the all process. My case number 2018AF34$$$. Our interview was today 6/7/2018 in Dublin.
1. we arrived at the USA embassy Dublin at 8h00 as per the appointment
2. we checked at the security at the gate
3. they took us in a waiting area.
4. they called us to pay $330 per person, family of 5
5. they asked us to take a seat
6. after about 30 min, they called our name so that we can give our doc (very strange that they asked us for an affidavit of support or our bank statements) fortunately we had an affidavit of support from a family friends who is salary is about 130.000$
7. after giving all doc, then they ask us to take a seat again
8. after 2 hours then they called our name for the interview.
9. The interviewer was very kind in fact he became like our friends he started telling about his kids. lol.
10.he asked us to take an oath put your hand up, say this after me….
11. then he asked are you married? where did u meet your wife? who proposed who between the 2 of u. lol
12. then his focus went to our 13 year old child the first born: he asked him, are these your parents? are you good with your siblings? what are their names? what class are you doing?
13. finally he said, all is ok, your visa has been approved. it will be issued within about 10 days.
March 7, 2019 at 12:18
Hi Serge – not sure if you are still reading this blog but wanted to ask a question as I am also planning to go through the embassy in Dublin. Did they specify exactly what type of bank statements they would need? I do not have a sponsor in the US but have enough cash savings (I think) so trying to figure out the best documents to bring.
March 7, 2019 at 17:42
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
July 8, 2018 at 18:54
Hi brit first of all i am very thankful to you for your overall support we had during our dv process my interview was in islamabad the embassy where dv cases are very few infact anually may be 2 to 3 dv cases only . So i was afraid that it may be not possible for my family to get through it …anyway we had our interview last month on june 7th in islamabad we went there at 8 AM after checking my 2nl they issued me token after 2 hours wait finally they called my number i was bit nervous but a nice lady collected my original birth certificate, school leaving certificate , marriage certificate, my degrees (pl note i got all my degress attested from foreign affairs which i thought was the plus point for my documentation preparation) and my experience letter(i had 10 years working experience letter) and i was so amazed that they did not asked my for affidavit of support not asked me for my bank statement not asked me for assets not asked me for police certificate pl note us embassy in islamabad do not need police certificates from pakistan (although i had all the above mentioned documents…anyway after chking documents they asked me to pay fees after that we waited for 15 min and finally CO called me and my family he took our finger prints and just asked 2 simple questions about my education and thats it… my visa approved and printed in 3 days but with mistake i found they put my wrong nationality but no issue at all it almost took 3 weeks for correction and yesterday i got my visa with corretion .. so all i need to tell you that whether emabassy asks you or not but you should perpare well and be honest infact your documents reflect your honesty so avoid anything fake..thanks.
July 8, 2018 at 21:21
Great!
July 8, 2018 at 20:48
Sorry for the delay, but here I am to share my interview experience with u members..
First of all, I would like to thank God for letting Mr.Brit help us create this wonderful site which has led many realize the American dream.
And I personally with my Family also join hands to thank God for His upper hand around my interview.
INTERVIEW DATE: 31st/MAY/2018
LOCATION: NAIROBI KENYA
NATIONALITY: UGANDAN
I arrived with my family at around 5:30Am and joined the line which initially found about 4 people.
At exactly 6:00am, gets open for screening through security.
Proceded and found another security check up, verified our appointment and let us insides the consulate.
At the reception, handed my appointment and was given a number as reference to sit down and wait.
After an hour, was called on the window 6,to take fingerprints and surrender our documents. I found a Kenyan lady,
Surrendered our passports, marriage certificate, birth certificates,police clearances-and then finally O level and A level Certificate. And each document with a photo copy. ( in this case am the principal applicant and the US Embassy Nairobi accepts only A level certificate but the reason I gave in both certificates, my grades at A level where very low but O level had good results.. I just only left it in the hands of God to help me, for the Co to compare and help grant me Visa with my family)
I was told to go and pay 990 US dollars for the three of us, paid and then told to wait for the final interview.
After about 40min, was called on window 3 for the final interview.
We were welcomed by An American white lady with a big smile.
CO: GOOD MORNING
ME: ………..
CO: RAISE UP YOUR HAND TO SWEAR U TELL THE TRUTH.
ME: YES WE TELL THE WHOLE TRUTH
CO: WHEN DID U FINISH HIGH SCHOOL?
ME:………..
CO: WHEN DID U MEET YOUR WIFE?
ME: ………
CO: WHEN DID U GET MARRIED?
ME: ………
CO: I SEE U GOT MARRIED AFTER THE DV, RIGHT?
ME: YES MADAM
CO: WHY?
ME: WE JUST LEGALIZED OUR MARRIAGE BUT HAD BEEN STAYING TOGETHER FOR SOME TIME.
CO: WHY DID IT TAKE U SO LONG TO OFFICIALY GET MARRIED?
ME: I HAD ALWAYS WISHED TO OFFICIALLY GET MARRIED WITH MY WIFE BUT, THE RELATIVES HAD WISHED ME FIRST PAY BRIDE PRICE BEFORE APPROVING OUR MARRIAGE.
CO: I SEE U HAVE GOT THE MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE, DID U PAY THE BRIDE PRICE?
ME: NO
CO: WHY?
ME: THE RELATIVES OF MY WIFE REQUESTED ME TO PAY 30 COWS AS BRIDE PRICE FOR THEIR DAUGHTER, THAT IS NEARLY 10000 US DOLLARS,A FIGURE THAT I HAVE NEVER DREAMT TO COME ACROSS IN MY LIFE.
CO: THE CO LAUGHED AT ME AND NEARLY FELL DOWN.
CO: ITS OKAY, U WILL FIND THAT SOME DAY.
CO: WHY DID U ADD YOUR WIFE TO THE CASE BEFORE HER RELATIVE APPROVAL?
ME: AS A SIGN OF RESPECT, I WENT AND CONFRONTED THE RELATIVES OF MY WIFE TO ALLOW ME GET MARRIED WITH HER AS THE ONLY WAY TO ADD HER ON MY CASE, BUT PROMISED TO COME BACK AFTER WORDS AND PAY BRIDE PRICE AS REQUESTED.
CO: DID THEY APPROVE THAT?
ME: YES..
CO: WHERE WILL U BE STAYING IN THE USA?
ME: ………………
CO: WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SPONSOR?
ME: ……………..
CO: DID THE SPONSOR SEND ANYTHING TO BRING ME?
ME: YES
CO: GIVE IT TO ME THEN?
ME: ME BRING OUT AFFIDAVITS OF SUPPORT AND TAX RETURNS FROM MY SPONSOR.
CO: IN THIS CASE AM GOING TO CONDUCT A MARRIAGE INTERVIEW AND THERE ARE SOME QUESTIONS ,AM GONNA ASK EACH OF YOU SEPARATELY TO PROVE YOUR MARRIAGE.(This is when i realized that all our visas are gonna be denied, but left everything for God’s might hand to prevail…And I think the reason why the Co called for a separate interview, my wife looks very young and suspected us to be faking marriage)
CO: AM BEGINNING WITH U AS THE PRINCIPAL AND LATER YOUR WIFE. ( my wife is told to go out side to be called later after me)
CO: WHERE DO U EXACTLY STAY IN UGANDA?
ME: …………….
CO: HOW DID U MEET YOUR WIFE?
ME: …………….
CO: WHAT ATRACTED YOUR ATTENTION?
ME: ……………
CO: WHO PROPOSED TO THE OTHER?
ME: I PROPOSED TO MY WIFE
CO: WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST DATE?
ME: …………….
CO: WHERE WAS YOUR WIFE STAYING WHEN U MET?
ME: …………….
CO: WHO BOUGHT THE RINGS FOR YOUR WEDDING?
ME: I BOUGHT THE RINGS
CO: HOW MUCH DID YOU BUY THEM?
ME: …………….
CO: WHO ATTENDED YOUR WEDDING?
ME: …………….
CO: WHO WHERE THE WITNESSES?
ME: …………….
CO: DO U STAY TOGETHER?
ME: YES
CO: WHO PAYS SCHOOL FEES TO YOUR CHILD.
ME: ME AND THEN MY WIFE SOME TIMES
CO: ARE U GUYS RENTING?
ME: YES
CO: WHO IS YOUR LANDLORD?
ME: …………….
CO: HOW MANY BEDROOMS IS YOUR HOUSE?
ME: ……………
CO: DO U HAVE TV?
ME: ……………
CO: WHAT IS THE COLOUR OF YOUR HOUSE?
ME: …………..
CO: DO U HAVE CHAIRS?
ME: …………..
CO: WHAT IS THE COLOUR OF CHAIRS?
ME: …………..
CO: DO U HAVE A BED?
ME: ……………
CO: WHAT IS THE SIZE OF YOUR BED?
ME: ……………
CO: WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL YOUR WIFE ATTENDED?
ME: ……………
CO: DO U HAVE BROTHERS AND SISTERS?
ME: ……………
CO: HOW MANY ARE THEY?
ME: ……………
CO: TELL ATLEAST 5 WITH THEIR NAMES?
ME: ……………
CO: HOW MUCH MONEY DO U PAY FOR RENT?
ME: ……………
CO: DO U WORK?
ME: ……………
CO: WHERE ?
ME: ……………
CO: DOES YOUR WIFE HAVE BROTHERS AND SISTERS?
ME: …………..
CO: TELL ME THEIR NAMES
ME: ……………
CO: DOES YOUR WIFE USE ANY FAMILY PLANNING?
ME: YES
CO: WHAT METHOD IS SHE USING?
ME: ……………
CO: WHICH HOTEL DO U STAY IN NAIROBI
ME: ……………
CO: HOW MUCH DO U PAY PER DAY?
N.B: Each question and Answer was being typed in the computer of the Co..
After that, my wife was called and I was told to also go out…
we were asked the same questions and our interviews told almost 1 hour and half, and some questions where rapid..
God is great we answered all questions correspondingly, I was after called and our visas were APPROVED.. We jumped in Joy and happiness..
Thank u so much Simon for your guideline, and interviews experiences found on the wonderful site, created 100% confidence and the way of answering questions was superb.
We were also very lucky, the Co told us that is not gonna send our passports to DHL, We were told to come back the following day to pick up our three passports with visas printed.
Looked at my status READY through the day and following day in the morning, went to AP and then after 3 hrs turned to ISSUED..
Then boarded to go and pick up our passports..
N.B: I had thought that since we have got a child together with my wife is enough to convince the Co.. but my fellow members on this platform, having children does not guarantee that u will get the visas…. u have to prove your marriage with the Co, and in this case our Eight year old child was not asked any question but us to face it…
Again having children just means u only had sex and got them but doesn’t prove any thing….
B) Please always speak the truth at the dv interview and this will always relieve you from all the pressure and always revise interview experiences on this Forum to help u, because most of the questions are repeated… And for Married couples, be ready because any time they can separate u to see whether u tell the whole truth in order to prove your marriage perfect.
GOD BLESS YOUR HANDS MR. BRIT BECAUSE I DISTURBED YOU MORE THAN ANY ONE ON THIS SITE BUT U TIRELESSLY ANSWERED ME WITH NO EXCUSE…..AND FOR SURE I HEARD ABOUT YOUR CHARITY AND GOD WILLINGLY, I WILL ALWAYS KEEP IN TOUCH WITH U, PROMISING TO DONATE WITH LOVE FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART.. YOU HAVE REALIZED MY AMERICAN DREAM WITH MY FAMILY.????????
July 8, 2018 at 21:20
WOW! That was a LONG unusual interview! Congratulations on staying confident throughout!
July 9, 2018 at 03:16
God is Faithful and thanks ? a milion times Mr.Simon..
July 9, 2018 at 16:26
Hi Tony, congratulations! Please share your contact number if you don’t mind.
July 10, 2018 at 05:15
Contact me at: [email protected]
July 10, 2018 at 05:34
Oh my goodness! That was very intense! Thank God for seeing you guys through! The separate questions is indeed an eye opener…truth n only truth will save us. Thanks for the great share n all the best!
July 9, 2018 at 11:58
Dear Simon,
Good after noon sir first of all I want to thank you on behalf of all my family who are going with me to the US.
Mr.Simon with your help as I know nothing! Nothing man! our interview went OK and finally we got our visa. Thanks sir and God bless you and your family.
July 9, 2018 at 14:25
Congratulations.
August 5, 2018 at 00:45
Hi Brit,
Good Morning,
Montreal Canada ?? Review:
First of all I would like to thank everyone who has made this journey of ours of 1 years very smooth and prepared with your reviews and constant feedback.
We had an interview at Montreal US Consulate. The officers and security check personals were very friendly & respectful. I would like to state that whenever you are going to any important meeting don’t let the nerves get the better of you. One thing I have learnt is that everything has its time, place & reason. If we keep worry about it, and get worked about it. It won’t help us but might work against us.
Tips or suggestions for you that worked for us.
· Be over prepared with your paperwork.
· Make 2 copies of your marriage certificate if your applying as a family.
· I took my child’s birth certificate & statement of birth & they took the statement of Birth, saying that we want the long one. So take whatever you have. If I would go by the book I might have missed it.
Entry Point-
As you enter the consulate they have this list of items not allowed like, phones, keys, charger, beverages, water etc. But they ve some area to store the items you are not allowed & they give u a ticket. So once you come back you can claim it.
As soon as you enter the personal will ask you for the appointment confirmation print out. As you give it she/he will give you a # laminated sheet that will have a number and a sequence on how to arrange your documents. Since you are the DV Lottery winner those don’t apply to you. But just politely take your number & head upstairs. Floor 19 processing floor.
They asked us to sit in middle row. We had children with us. So it’s good to bring some change for 2 vending machines, they accept $2 coins. The floor also has a small area for children with books & some keep busy activities, a water fountain.
First the counter called out our number to window. Submission of documents:-
First she took
· Passports all originals
· Fingerprints of adults only
Organize your documents in sets.
Principal applicant documents:
· Passport copy
· Birth certificate Original with translation
· Birth certificate copy
· Marriage certificate Original
· Marriage certificate copy
· Medical sealed Envelope { they will give you your x-ray cd back save it for immigration purpose/she asked to give it my family doctor] [ I’m assuming in states]
· 2 pictures
· Educational all documents Original
· Educational all documents copy (set) I arranged them from highest to lowest & stapled them together.
· Financial Documents:
· Recently filed tax returns
· Bank statements
· Any kind of investments
· [We took everything all our accounts statements/ balances/investments comparatives/market analysis/ we also made an excel sheet to show our assets & to show our net worth.
Applicant 2- Spouse
· Passport copy
· Birth certificate Original
· Birth certificate copy
· Marriage certificate copy (again)
· Medical sealed Envelope { they will give you your x-ray cd back save it for immigration purpose/she asked to hand it at POE ( point of entry )
· 2 pictures
Applicant 3 – My child
· Passport copy
· Birth certificate Original with translation
· Birth certificate copy
· Medical sealed Envelope [they will give you your x-ray cd back save it for immigration purpose/she asked to give it my family doctor] [ I’m assuming in states]
· 2 pictures
Applicant 4 – My child
· Passport copy
· Birth certificate Original
· Birth certificate copy
· Medical sealed Envelope [they will give you your x-ray cd back save it for immigration purpose/she asked to give it my family doctor] [ I’m assuming in states]
· 2 pictures
Then she asked me to pay & get the slip.
$330 each we took in US currency,
Once I gave in the slip we wanted for our call.
After a while my number was called & then we went all 4 of us.
Note: All these people are just like us with family & lives.
Interview:
The adults were asked to take the oath that whatever info n documents we ve submitted is true and correct.
She asked us to verify our fingerprints.
Co: Is this your first marriage?
Co: how old are your kids?
Co: so you ve done bachelors?
Co: what were your major subjects?
Co: where in states would you like to go?
Co: why this state?
Co: how long have u ever been in Usa?
Co: which countries have u lived in your life?
Co: which countries u have visited in past 5 years?
Co: then she asked my husband about his qualifications? Education? His status in Usa.
Co: I see your very organized and you have every education document, certificate, transcripts of each year, from 9th to bachelors everything.
Co: how long have you lived in Canada?
Co: congratulations welcome to Usa. I am approving your Green Card, you will receive ur passports in mail. You will ve a time frame to land. Best of luck!
This forum and specially you have made this journey much easier then it wouldn’t be easy without you and every one on this forum.
Regards
Sam and family!
August 5, 2018 at 05:34
Nicely done!