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.
July 27, 2019 at 03:17
221(g) is AP.
July 28, 2019 at 15:14
2019AF45XXX
Interview date :11 July 2019
Embassy: Antananarivo
We are a family of 5, me my wife and 3 children, Our appointment was at 9:30 a.m and we arrived around embassy area at 7:00 a.m.
I asked the security at 7:30 a.m if we can go in and he called someone inside and came back to me to tell that they will receive us 15 min before appointment
We sat inside the car in Embassy parking with view of security and around 9:00a.m one of the security came to me and told us to enter
The security processed the body screening and bags, cell phone all kept with them, only documents allowed
Arrived at concillar office, have other security checked the passport and the 2nd letter
Have other family before us, also for DV interview
We sat in waiting room waiting for our turn and around 9:20, had a lady call for first window and she checked and sorted one by one all documents which start for me, it takes 15 minutes to finish all 5 packages, we were overdocumented and she returned all unnecessary documents
And after 5 minutes she call again for 2nd window and we processed for free-ink finger print and for visa fee payment and wait again because they have an issues with scaning photos of my two daughters
And around 10:30 the CO was ready for interview and she called us for third window for interview
CO: Good morning
All: Good morning
CO: (in French) Ask to swear by raising hand
Me, Wife and Son: (in French) We swore
CO: (In English) What do you do now
Me: (In English) ……………
CO: (In English), In what occupational are you working for
Me: (In English) ……………
CO: (In English), Can you tell me the education requirement for this job
Me: (In English) ……………
CO: (In English), in what occupational will you work in USA
Me: (In English) ……………
CO: (In English), how old is your son
Me: (In English) ……………
CO: (In French), how old are you and are you married
Son: (In French) ……………
CO: (In French), how old are you and are you married
1st Daughter: (In French) ……………
CO: (In French), how old are you
2nd Daughter: (In French) ……………
CO: (In English), where will you stay in US
Me: (In English) ……………
CO: (In English), everything is OK except translation of degrees
Me: (In English) I brought all translation but the lady who sorted the document returned them to me (and I took it and gave to CO)
CO: (In English), we will call you a week for next step
The status remained ready after interview and last 6 days , it was stressfully and the 7th day at 8:30 a.m. it changed to AP and at 9:30 a.m it changed to issued for all of us and at 04p.m I received call from Ambassy to pick up our passports for next day at 11:00 a.m , Very happy
Thanks Britsimon for all of your support
July 28, 2019 at 15:31
Congratulations!
July 28, 2019 at 18:22
Hello Brit’s my wife and I had an interview in Accra and my wife is the principal applicant , we went for the interview and his name on the passport and other document had change prospectively since we got married ( I mean her last name only) but all other document prior like education has her old name and we forget to mention that in our DS-260 form of her new last name. The CO gave us 221g paper and said she will get back to us and now our case is on AP. Brits will that be a problem? Thanks
July 28, 2019 at 19:46
Its Accra, where documents are routinely fraudulent and the COs routinely deny cases with suspicious documents. So yes, there is risk.
July 29, 2019 at 08:44
Hi,
Actually, I wanted to share my experience over the entire process because I think my case was very special with a lot insights everyone can learn of.
I’m a winner of DV2019 in AS region with a low number 33xx
I followed Brit Simon’s advices for the entire process, I haven’t used any other helpers such as lawyers e.g.
Our case included my wife, our new born baby daughter and myself (principal selectee).
Week before our interview, we received a phone call from the embassy telling us that we made disqualification mistake and it better for us to give up on the process because of the fees (we’re just before doing the medical exams).
Our mistake was (actually there were couple of them): The country of origin was incorrect, since I born in EU country but living for the last 20 years in AS region I declaimed my country is the current.
Afterwards, we found out that the mistake been done in the original lottery entry and in the DS260.
I’ve decided to follow a comment I’ve read in the forum: “Even if I have 1% chance to success, I’ll take it”.
After advice with Brit (https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-301/), we went to the interview and the we been told that those were disqualification mistakes and nothing could be done, at that point I presented the 9FAM law and the consular decided to interviewed my wife following our request of selective cross charging, after that we’ve have been told that we will be under administrative process for further case investigation.
About the interview itself – nothing special, same questions as everyone else.
We haven’t had any sponsorship, only our own assets and a job offer (Tech industry).
Long story short,
We received a phone call two weeks ago (+- 170 days since the interview) from the embassy saying us that our case has been approved! but we must enter to US to active our LPR status (due to expiration of medical exams) until 27 of July.
I’m happy to say that after a long long process and many turns we activated our status in time.
I want to thank Brit Simon for all he has done and still doing for everyone, there is a piece in heaven with your name on it (not sure if it sounds good for you, but in my culture it kind of honor phrase to someone).
My keys for success in that process:
* 1% chance to success it’s a better than 0%
* Do not try to reinvent the wheel – there is answers for almost everything – not sure? ask.
* There are people behind the screens – each embassy doing their best to assist, demand with respect.
* Brit Simon is the king.
Feel free to ask for further explanations,
Best regards,
SerJ
July 29, 2019 at 23:21
I’m very happy to hear that worked out for you. Well done for going to the interview well prepared!
Best of luck in the USA!
July 29, 2019 at 13:19
2019AF14***
Interview date: 24th July 2019
I am from Uganda but had my interview in Nairobi.
I got to the U.S embassy in Nairobi at 6:00am, the queue was already long. Gates opened at 6:30am and went through the first, second and third(which is the most intense) security points)
I was cleared and later proceeded to another building where I was issued a number and from that time till I left, I was identified by that number.
I was asked to have a seat In the waiting area outside and wait to be called.
After a few minutes, I was called to a counter where I was asked to present my passport, O level, A level and university transcripts and photocopies, birth certificate and copy, police letter and I-134 form plus tax transcript from the sponsor for the previous year. (My sponsor sent in her documents late so I wasn’t able to carry them for the interview) I handed in what I had and was later sent to the cashier to make the payment of 330dollars.
Was sent back to the waiting area where I sat for close to 20 minutes before I was called again to meet the consular officer
C.O- hey xxx
(Took an oath to swear I had presented authentic documents)
C. O- when did you complete your A- level?
C. O-Are you currently working?
C.O- Where and as what?
C.O- where will you be staying while in the USA?
C.O- Who is your sponsor?
C.O- how do you know her?
CO- Is she married?
C.O- Does she have children?
C.O- does she work?
C.O- When was the last time you met her?
C.O- When did she leave for the U.S?
C.O- How did she move to the U.S?
C.O- Alright, I understand you don’t have supporting documents from your sponsor, please get them and send them through DHL together with your passport and I need to confirm that she can support you while you are in the U.S. Do you have any questions?
Me- No.
She gave me back my original documents and a 221g form.
I Sent in my sponsors documents and passport that evening and my case is on AP. Still hoping for the best and I can confirm, the wait is already draining.
Good luck to everyone…
August 2, 2019 at 11:44
Status changed from AP to issued on 31st July.
Received an email saying ready for pick up this morning.
Thanks Britsimon for this site, most of us would be lost without it. May God continue blessing you.
August 2, 2019 at 12:38
Congratulations Nora , and best of luck . Surely without Brit , even the KCC might be lost?
August 2, 2019 at 14:45
Great!
August 12, 2019 at 18:25
congrats Nora. Barbie Ug
September 5, 2019 at 19:58
Hey Nora, I’m from Uganda too.
please email me on [email protected].
September 14, 2019 at 16:27
Congratulations Nora.I am concerned about your application…was it a DV lottery,a visit, tourist or what?
Thank you in advance
September 14, 2019 at 17:07
It’s DV case. All cases here are DV.
July 29, 2019 at 23:52
READ. THE. FAQ.
August 4, 2019 at 11:02
Hey Brit,
I recently have been promoted in my company and my job title and duties changed significantly from what i wrote in my application. I will be several months on probation and my employer and I agreed not to make a new employment contract till the end of my probation, but just increase my salary. Should I state the promotion in my DS260 application or should I tell about it during my interview?
Also, I have an old employment verification letter from my first job that doesn’t have the exact date of my departure. It just states that I worked at that company till *month year*. Would it be a problem on my interview, even though I will be selected based on my high school diploma?
FYI: My case number is really low 2020EUXXX, so I expect to have an interview in October.
August 4, 2019 at 14:51
1. Mention it at the interview if asked.
2. No problem. They will only care about education as long as that is sufficient.
To get an October interview you would have already had to have submitted the DS260 AND been asked to send in supporting documents (and sent them). Has that happened?
August 4, 2019 at 15:00
Awesome, thanks!
Yes, I’ve submitted DS260 and the supporting docs. Waiting for 2NL rn.
August 4, 2019 at 15:16
OK cool.
August 5, 2019 at 16:25
My interview was on the 21st of May.
I flew to Sydney the night before so I could be well rested and have plenty of time to be alone with my nerves and not drive everyone in the house bonkers.
Checked in to the Sofitel Wentworth, beautiful hotel right in the middle of the CBD.
Dropped off the bags and went for a stroll up to the MLC building to see how long it would take as I am a notoriously slow walker. It took exactly 7mins going the long way and 5 mins the short way.
After a sleepless night (woke up just about every hour on the hour in case I slept in) I got ready and went down to check out the breakfast buffet which is included as part of the stay. Not impressed so I was happy it was free.
Dropped bags at the concierge and headed for the interview. At this point I am strangely calm…. like calm before the storm calm.
Walk to the MLC building and buy some water to chug prior to the interview as I know you cant take any in and my mouth has become bone dry… hello nerves my old friend.
*sidenote There is a massive eatery underneath the MLC building with a whole range of options for eating and drinking. So if you’re in the mood to eat you can do so at the MLC building before or after.
Took the elevator to level 8 which is marked as LOBBY, its weird because there is a sign that says take the elevator to level 8 to access level 10 etc but inside the elevator there is no level 8 marked.
So I go up to level 8 and then up again to level 10 when you come out to the elevators you turn to your left and then you will see a rope and a sign that says to go one side for visas and the other is for american citizens. DO NOT go past the end of the rope, I walked to the door and was promptly shouted at by a security guard.
When you get called to go inside you go to a desk with two ladies there who will sort through your documents and be sure to bring your covering letter that gets emailed to you. After that its a quick security check and metal detector.
Ensure that you bring minimal things aside from your phone and documents. They give you a number and then you wait for the next elevator.
While waiting I noticed another couple come to collect their things and from the look on their faces the news had not been good. I saw that they had the same documents and cover letter as I did so I assume that their interview had not been successful, at this point my nerves went into over drive.
My self and another lady were called to go up to the embassy and we entered the elevator with a number of security personnel. We were given very clear instructions what to do when the elevator stopped.
When you go inside the embassy be sure to get a ticket right away, I noticed that a number of people came in and sat down for about 10- 20 mins before realising that they had to print a ticket.
The Interview
I took my ticket and my number was called instantly, a lovely lady took my finger prints and went through my documents ensuring that I had everything required. I was then directed to go and pay for my visa. You can pay using credit card, money order and cash. There is not eftpos so be aware of that prior to going. After paying I had to go back to the window and give the receipt to the lady who put it with my documents and told me to take a seat to be interviewed.
As others have said there is no privacy when being interviewed. There is a TV playing a video about America but the sound was turned down and most people seemed to be too nervous to concentrate on it anyway.
There were approximately 10 people waiting when I sat down. 4 others during the time I was there were there for Diversity Visa interviews as well and the rest were either spouse, intent to marry or family sponsorship.
A gentleman before me was called to the counter, he appeared to be quite disheveled in appearance. During his interview he kept trying to correct the interviewing officer about “how things work in Australia” it was uncomfortable to say the least and everyone in the office was fascinated by the exchange. He was asked a lot about his educational history as he had an associates degree and was currently studying but had only brought his entrance score rather than his Senior Certificate. He was also asked extensively about his financial situation being a student but in the end seemed to satisfy the case officer and was congratulated and told he was successful.
During the previous guys interview he informed the case officer that he had paid to have someone fill out his paperwork and entry each year. When asked how much he had paid I believe the amount he said was in the vicinity of $4000.
Another couple with an infant had come in expecting to get their visa only to be told their infant would require a passport to enter the united states. This seemed to come as a surprise to the couple and I believe their paperwork was partially completed.
Next up was yours truly, I felt like butterflies were going to erupt out of my stomach like a scene from Alien. The case officer like everyone else I encountered was lovely. When asked how I was I replied “nervous and vomity” that made him laugh and he put me at ease very quickly. Tip, just pretend that its only you and the case officer there and ignore that everyone can hear what you are saying.
He asked me the following questions in no particular order.
What visa was I applying for?
Where was I planning on living?
Where was my husband from?
Was he an American citizen?
Why had I not applied for a spousal visa?
Did we have any children together?
He then informed me that while he could see that I was using my mothers maiden name and had a stat dec from the early 90’s that I would have to apply for a name change and get it noted on my birth certificate.
He asked me what date I was planning on moving over to the United States and said they would do everything they could to get it done by that date. I asked him if I got the name change certificate and sent it in would I have a chance of being successful and he replied. You are already successful pending receipt of the name change. He said as soon as they get that they will print the visa right away and send me back my passport. He gave me a yellow letter to send with the certificate and said CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
I let out a cheer and everyone in the waiting room laughed.
I hope that helps those who are currently waiting and gives you a bit of clarity on how the process works and to ensure that you have all of the correct documentation.
August 5, 2019 at 19:23
Thanbks for that.
I assume that none of the disheveled guy, $4000 guy, and the family are readers of mine!!!
August 5, 2019 at 18:05
Hi Brit, my interview is soon in august and I can’t get I-134, but I have in my account aprox 42000 usd, i have an evaluation of my apartament at 52000 usd…Do you think I am financially covered? No need to worry about money? We are a family of three from Europe…
August 5, 2019 at 20:46
2019AF43xxx From Algeria
Hi Brit, Hi everyone;
I passed the interview today… GOT IT YEAAH
First of all I’m sorry I didn’t help scraping this last 2 rounds, studies pressure (Yes even in summer).
It was simple, the questions were:
> CO: What’s your name ?
Me: Hakim B…
> CO: Where are you from ?
Me: Bejaia
> CO: What you’re doing in doing in your life ?
Me: 1st year College in CS
> CO: Where you’re going to live in the US ?
> CO: What is the relationship you have with the sponsor (Brother)
> CO: What and where he works
> CO: He went with the DV Program too ? (Yes)
> CO: what year ?
> CO: Stated talking about the selective service in the US and the fact it’s just putting your name in the list: enrollment isn’t an obligation
> CO: how are you going to do it ?
> ME: Post Office with 3 days upon my arrival
> CO: 13!…. so basically you have one month bla bla
> CO: What are you going to do there ?
> ME: Improvised one plan the night before which I told him HAHA (My real plan is quite complicated)
> CO: So I’ll stqrt with giving you bqck your original docs (High School Dip + Criminal record)
> CO: Typing…. (COMPUTER)
> CO: Congratulations, wish you a good luck !
> ME: Thank you bla bla…
August 5, 2019 at 20:49
Forgot…
> CO: Did you pass Military Service ?
ME: No I’m still a minor CO: How old are you ?
Me: 18
August 6, 2019 at 00:52
Congratulations bro, you give me a lot of hope about the case number, mine is 2020AF45xxx ( also from algeria) rabi ysahelek khouya
August 6, 2019 at 03:21
Thanks bro… you must be very lucky because both of you & your brother got the chance of DV lottery… So you didn’t produce i134 from your brother. Is it
August 6, 2019 at 10:17
Embassy of the United States of America, Islamabad
Country of birth. United Arab Emirates
Interview date 1st of August 2019
Case no. AS000144**
After waiting almost one and a half year finally I was sitting inside the embassy waiting for my number and thinking about all the obstacles I overcame to reach there, I must say I was lucky to have an interview as I had high case number but the travel ban to some countries in AS region and also a lot of people not complying with the new rules of sending the documents to KCC also helped. I was confident that I will pass the interview as I had all the documents original and copies but you never know what comes next. Then came my number First window ~ fingerprints and appointment letter second window ~ original documents but I was also wondering why didn’t they ask me to pay the interview fees but then I thought I will be asked to pay it by the C.O
Finally on to the third window a nice lady welcomed me
CO. Raise your right hand Swear that you will tell the truth
ME. I Swear
CO. Do you need a translator ?
ME. No I can speak English
CO. When did you came back from UAE
ME. ……..
CO. What is your occupation
ME. Customer relations officer and I have worked in ……..
CO. Hmmm I see you have all the documents
ME. Yes and I also have the police clearance certificate from …….
CO. Congratulations you will receive your passport in 2 to 3 weeks
ME. Smiling and on cloud 9, thank you and you have a great day
CO. Smiling and wishing me the same
ME. As I was walking away still wondering why didn’t they ask me to pay the interview fees and then I walked back to the same window
ME. No one has asked me to pay the 330.00 $ fees
CO. Oh I thought you already paid thank you so much for your honesty
ME. No worries
CO. Handed me a paper and asked me to pay at the cashier and then bring back the receipt to show her
ME. Paid and showed the receipt
CO. Thanks and have a great day
ME. You as well
And I was happy to get a chance to show my honesty and left the embassy very satisfied. Thanks to Almighty God.
A BIG THANKS TO BRITSIMON, it was a long process but this blog helped me in understanding the specific process for this fiscal year. Information is available in regards to DV lottery online but here you get a lot more answers than anywhere and direct answers from britsimon.
To my fellow winners, I know it’s very hard to wait but there is no other choice. Just be confident and prepared and remember taking the necessary and some extra documents is the key. Best of luck.
August 6, 2019 at 13:26
Dear Sayed,
Many congratulation to be a lucky person!
how are u dear. i am from karachi, can u plz share me ur number so u can share ur more experience and i have few questions regarding interview.
ill be very thankful to u.
thanks
August 6, 2019 at 17:37
Congratulations. The joy of being an honest person is worth way more than $330….
October 28, 2019 at 19:58
Yes Sir and I forgot to mention that I had to wait 11 hours for the train due to very heavy rain that day and the Plus 30 hour journey to reach the beautiful capital city Islamabad. Already purchased the Airline ticket for dec. Still reading your blog. I will be staying in pleasant hill CA. I heard it’s a beautiful city with nice weather.
October 28, 2019 at 22:15
Pleasant Hill is not far from me – good area. Best of luck for the move.
November 22, 2019 at 05:16
Hi syed,
Hope u r fine, brother can i have ur email contact,my wife nmy son were born in UAE,holding pakistani passport but nationality mentioned on visa stamp is also UAE,m confused whether to rectify it or not because u were facing the same issue and was it resolved on not or is it ok to be for diversity visa holder.
Please confirm
Thanks
November 22, 2019 at 11:43
Yes I had this issue and it was rectified. I was confused as well but when I sent the passport they cancelled it and replaced it with a new one. You need to contact the embassy and send them the documents. It might take 2 to 3 weeks for correction depending on the workload of the embassy.
November 22, 2019 at 15:02
Hi syed,
Dear please share your contact number, if u can,
[email protected]
Thanks
November 22, 2019 at 18:14
Dear fahmed
You need to contact the embassy and not me as they will be able to help you out with this. I have already shared my experience and that is the only information that I have, anything other than that will be speculation.
August 6, 2019 at 21:43
Hello, my case number is 2020sa3116 ,1918,2019 , ds 260 6 de,2019 ,2019 ya, which previously claimed to unlock 3 times because I had a few mistakes, my case is very particular because I lived in the Usa for 2005 th and 20th August, 2010,2009 0, which is now in 22 days I’ve completed the 10 – year penalty and at this point my documents were approved by Ppr the Kcc and I would just be waiting for the interview letter which initiated the next October 2019. note I come out in 2005 con tourist visa and I return to my country 2009 because I wanted to do so nobody forced me to leave the
August 6, 2019 at 21:47
When I receive my letter to the appointment at the embassy, I will let you know and waited in God to get my visa and
August 7, 2019 at 05:38
case number 2019AF5xxx
Date i saw that i am selected May 25(1NL)
Complete ds260 on June 15
2NL- September 28
Interview Date November 7 at 1am ethiopian time
Interview location Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Married before first entery
-Document Preparation
before 2NL
1, Unexpired passport for both of us
2, birth certificate (from woreda) for both of us
3, marriage certificate ( from woreda)
4, education certificate only for the principal applicant
* Higher education enterance certificate authenticated at agency of national examination(4 kilo) then ministery of foriegn affairs( kazanchis few meters from development bank of Ethiopian )
* Degree certificate authenticated at the university i attended then ministety of foriegn affairs.
– to authenticate birth and marriage certificate contact the service provider ( woerda )
after 2NL
5, Medical Examination at the one listed on the embassy website before two weeks of the interview.
6, courier registration to recieve passport and send documents if additional is required.( 1 week before the interview)
– Interview expirience
We arrived at the embassy before 1hr. There were few people but turned into long queue within 30 minutes. The security guards start to call few people from the queue to the door and made the first security check. We were told put our documents in the folder provided.There were embassy employees sitted outside the door checking, organizing and recieve the documents and we were also given a number. Another security check was held again to get into the embassy compound. No mobile and other electronics were allowed. After we get in we sat down for 20 minutes and our number was called to pay visa fee 320$ (9175 birr) each. Then we waited to be called at another window where the actual interview started. In less than 10 minutes an Ethiopian woman was there asking to
swear the informations are true and continued with few questions
1, have you guys been married before?
2, have you travelled outside of Ethiopia?
after answering her question we were told to sit. In 5 minutes we were called to another window were an American Consular and Ethiopian guy for translation were there. We again swore and started the interview.
1, when was your marriage?
2, do you fill the dv first entery together?
3, who is your sponsor and your relation?
4, what is your profession?
these were all the questions though we were preparing for many possible question starting from the date we knew we are the winner.
The other thing was we did not grant the visa that day because my husband’s medical result was delayed for further investigation. The consular asked to send our passport along with his medical result. This was where we get challenged why the co did not issue the visa for me as i am the principal applicant, not affected by his legiblity. After these stressful days, about 2 months his report was directly sent to the embassy from the medical center and we were asked to send our passport in the next day. We did as we were told, our status changed to AP on the 2nd day after we send then to issued on the next day Janury 17.
Thanks to God and Mr Simon it is 5 months since we are in America. On all the way i always have been reading every blog of Simon which was very helpful and made us to prepare timely to avoid last minute rush. I am also telling other dv winners to read your blog to understand the whole process easly and get your advise. Overall, it is the easiest pass to get to America as long as you win, prepared and stay truthful. Simon, I am always grateful for what you are doing. God bless you and your family.
August 7, 2019 at 13:56
Nicely done!
August 8, 2019 at 21:13
hi meesa can you explain the courier registration how is it done properly and when ? thanks
September 15, 2019 at 06:11
Hi Me-Esa, congrats
I am a winner of Dv 2020 from Ethiopia. I have some questions from your experience. Contact me by [email protected]
August 8, 2019 at 01:16
Posting on behalf of “Alex”
Interview date:25/06/2019
Madrid Spain
CN 2019EU200**
Simon I am the person who asked you for the wrong country of chargeability.I was born in armenia but I choose spain because i am a spanish citizen.I print up the rulles with me that says if you choose wrong country of chargeability but the 2 contries are in the same region you will not have problem!
This is our interview story.We are family of four.Me, my wife and 2 kids
We got to the embassy at 11:00 and took the line , our interview time was 11:30.After 15 min we pass the security control and took a number.at 11:40 I was called to the window and was asked for the documents
2 Fotos
Birth certificate of 4 and copy
Marrige certificate and copy
Police certificate and copy
Medical exam with saled letter
And I was asked of bank statment but I told that i have affidavit of sopport and gave it
Also gave the bank statement.
After I paid the visa fees and waited like 15 min and was called to the interview with the consul.
CO:Good morning.Do you swear that all the document are true?
Me and my wife:Yes we swear
After we took the finger prints me, my wife and i put my fingers for the kids!
The CO taped like 15 second and said us congratulations your documents are ok and I aprove your visa.You will receive your pasports and documents in a 2 weeks!We were so surprised,the co didn’t ask us NOTHING!!!
August 8, 2019 at 01:45
Hi brit hope u r doing fine!!!! I was ur silent reader of ur site coz everything is so clear in ur site abt this process so don’t get any chance to ask you any question… This abt my entire experience of my dv case my case was around 6000 for Asia(Nepal)… I hope this will be helpful for 2020 winners….interview won’t be longer then 5 min… My first ques at interview was ..what is ur name I replied to it the counselor was funny …he just asked where u going which city…what do u do for ur living…and approved my case not more than 2 min..and after a month I got my green card also…whole 13 month I was worried abt the rejection of my case overthing…. But only the solution is patience…which brit alz says.. ??…..and for Nepali please try to give interview in English language rather than Nepali coz there is a lot of case which goes on AP coz of that…again thankyou brit hats up to u…u r d bst…
August 8, 2019 at 04:54
Congratulations!
August 8, 2019 at 13:37
Hi brit ! we submitted our ds-260 a month ago ,2020 dv winner and today I was trying to log in in ceac ,but it says “your request can not be processed at this time” is there a problem with ceac website? thanks
August 8, 2019 at 20:24
Maybe. Wait a couple of days.
September 8, 2019 at 19:06
Just wait for it few days it will back normal
August 8, 2019 at 14:04
Hello everyone!
So I just turned green! Here is my interview experience at the American Embassy in Brussels, Belgium ?
Case Number: 2019AS12xxx
Foreign State of Chargeability: Lebanon
Interview Location: U.S Embassy, Brussels – Belgium
Interview Date/Time: 8 August 2019, at 14:00 PM
No derivatives.
I arrived at the embassy at 1:30 PM. They didn’t let me in and told me to come back at 1:45. I went to get coffee (Filigranes bookshop, in front of the embassy) and came back on time.
Security did not check the appointment Letter and only asked for my passport. I didn’t bring any bags, only folders with all my documents.
Had to queue to enter the main building (20 minutes or so), then inside a security check with metal detectors where you can keep valuables and belongings, I could keep my cell phone by the way.
Got a token number (immigration) and proceeded to the main waiting room my number showed on the screen 5 minutes later and was instructed to go to the counter in the same waiting room.
A Belgian lady asked for the following documents (in this order, so you can already prepare them):
– Original Passport
– 1 U.S passport-sized photo
– Birth Certificate (original + copy)
– High school certificate (original + copy)
– All my other diplomas (I have a Bachelor, Masters and a PhD) Degree + copies
– Police Certificates + copy for each
– Medicals (In Belgium, the doctor gives us a sealed enveloppe with the medical results).
I told her than since I submitted my DS-260, I have changed my job and I am now with a new employer, she added it to the DS-260. I provided her with an employment letter from my employer stating my position, date of start, salary signed by my HR. She said it was not needed, but she will take it anyway.
She confirmed with me the address where the GC should be sent to.
She did not ask for any financial proof (I had my savings account statements).
She explained the DV process to me, when I will get my passport back if my visa is approved, the entry timelines to the US, that I had to be there 6 months from the date of my medicals, that all visas must be printed before 30 September 2019, when and where my GC will be sent to, etc. Of course I knew all that by heart (thank you Simon’s blog 😉 )
She gave me back all the originals and asked me to go pay the 330$ fees (you can pay in dollars or in euros, cash or credit card, 330$ was 297 euros) and to come back to her which I did.
She then instructed me to go sit and wait for my number to appear on the screen to be interviewed by the CO.
15 mins later my number shows on the screen and we proceed to the corresponding window where a nice white American gentleman was waiting. Here’s how the interview went:
CO: please raise your right hand. Do you swear that the information provided is true and everything you say today is the truth and nothing but the truth to the best of your ability?
Me: I do
Biometrics done
CO: So! the Lottery! excited ?
Me: Very! first time I play
CO: You’re a lucky man!
Me: I know
Then followed an Informal discussion about the US, where I want to go and why + questions about my studies, degrees, how I moved from Lebanon to Belgium, was it easy, where I work, my family, what I do for work, what I would like to do for work when I go to the US and If I know friends who live there. Very friendly lady and it felt more like she was genuinely interested rather than a formal interview.
I said that I brought a lot more documents that they were not requested. She said it’s not needed, that I am overqualified by education and that I will be fine both here and in the US.
CO: Your visa is approved, you should get the passport back in the coming days (average of 4 business days, could be less).
YAY
In and out in 1 hour and 15 mins.
Once again, I would like to thank Simon for the enormous effort and all the help he provides through this blog and your help in answering all the questions I had throughout this process.
Kasem
August 8, 2019 at 17:04
Congratulations Kasem 🙂
August 8, 2019 at 21:42
Thanks a lot Tarek, wish you all the best in your new life 🙂
August 8, 2019 at 20:25
Nice. It is so easy if you are properly prepared.
August 10, 2019 at 10:26
Hello friends, please let me know about did you get your sponsor documents ( I- 134 and tax transcript ) when got your passport with visa? Please friends tell me .
August 10, 2019 at 15:03
I answered you already.
August 10, 2019 at 18:48
Hello everyone!
So here is my interview experience at the American Embassy in Lagos, Nigeria
Case Number: 2019AF33xxx
Foreign State of Chargeability: Cameroon
Interview Location: U.S Embassy, Lagos – Nigeria
Interview Date/Time: 31 July 2019, at 7:00 AM
No derivatives.
I arrived at the embassy at 6:30 AM. They didn’t let me in and told me to come back at 6:45.
Security did check the appointment Letter and asked for my passport. I didn’t bring any bags, only folders with all my documents.
Had to queue to enter the main building (20 minutes or so), then inside a security check with metal detectors where you can keep valuables and belongings.
Got a number (immigration) and proceeded to the main waiting room my number showed on the screen 10 minutes later and was instructed to go to the counter in the same waiting room.
An American lady asked for the following documents (in this order, so you can already prepare them):
– Original Passport
– 1 U.S passport-sized photo
– Birth Certificate (original + copy)
– High school certificate (original + copy)
– All my other diplomas (I have a Bachelor, Masters and a PhD) Degree + copies
– Police Certificates + copy for each
– Medicals (In Nigeria, the doctor gives us a sealed enveloppe with the medical results)
She did not ask for affidavit of support
She explained the DV process to me, when I will get my passport back if my visa is approved, the entry timelines to the US, that I had to be there 6 months from the date of my medicals, that all visas must be printed before 30 September 2019, when and where my GC will be sent to, etc.
She gave me back all the originals and asked me to go pay the 330$ fees and to come back to her which I did.
She then instructed me to go sit and wait for my number to appear on the screen to be interviewed by the CO.
45 mins later my number shows on the screen and we proceed to the corresponding window where a nice white American woman was waiting. Here’s how the interview went:
CO: please raise your right hand. Do you swear that the information provided is true and everything you say today is the truth and nothing but the truth to the best of your ability?
Me: Yes I do
Biometrics done
CO: What’s the name of your school ?
Me: I answered
CO: How old are you?
Me: I answered
CO: Are you single or married?
Me: Single
CO: Your visa is approved, you should get the passport back in the coming days (average of 4 business days, could be less)
Once again, I would like to thank you Simon for the enormous effort and all the help he provides through this blog and your help in answering all the questions I had throughout this process.
August 10, 2019 at 18:58
Congratulations!
August 10, 2019 at 20:12
Wow . Where you really asked ONLY 3 questions ??? Congratulations and best of luck to you
August 10, 2019 at 20:40
Yes, only three questions and I’ve received my Visa already
June 14, 2022 at 01:05
Hello bro i too selected Lagos embassy for my interview, I’m a DV 2023 winner,a Nigerian also but was Born in Cameroon
August 12, 2019 at 10:17
Hi Simon
Just quickly question do you think is necessary to correct my physical address number beca useful last time I asked at KCC to open my DS 260 they did then I collect all the mistake I made but I found that I write wrong numberside but correct Street and all the rest are fine only numbers?
Thank you
August 12, 2019 at 12:49
If you have time to wait anyway, correct it.
August 12, 2019 at 11:40
Hello brit, what documents return to us after successful interview ?
August 12, 2019 at 12:54
They keep the most important documents – which is why you take photocopies of anything you don’t want to lose.
August 12, 2019 at 15:55
Hi Brit ,does the kcc schedules appointment according to the country that you live and your addres ,even though in ds260 it is writen another embassy location ,for example when I filled ds260 in june 2019,my visa appintment location was skopje,north macedonia because in my country :KOSOVO,prishtina US embassy untill now would only schedule J1visas and some tourisitic visa , the other visa categories would be scheduled in skopje ,but in july was opened the biggest embassy of USA in balkans located in pristina ,Kosova and the ambassador cited that all the visa categories would be scheduled in pristina ,no more travelling to skopje? even though I kind of know your answer I wanted to be sure ,thanks brit
August 12, 2019 at 19:33
Yeah – they ignore your “choice” and schedule where they want, based on your address.
August 14, 2019 at 08:54
Hello everyone!
I am glad to share my interview experience with you all
Case Number: 2019AF311xx
State of Chargeability: Liberia
Interview Location: U.S Embassy, Monrovia – Liberia
Interview Date/Time: 16 July 2019, at 9:30 AM
Number of Derivatives: Three
My family (My wife, son and daughter) and I arrived at the US Embassy at 7:00am even though the interview was scheduled for 9:30am. We waited outside until we were called in by 8:30
We were screened by security check, verified our scheduled time and allowed to enter the embassy.
Visa fees were paid for all four of us at window 1 and I was told to wait. In about 10 minutes I was called along with my family to do our bio-metric. This included my wife and me because our two kids were under age for the finger print.
We went back and waited to be called.
Finally at window 2 interview starts:
Co: Hello
Me: Hello ma
Co: You need to take an oath
Me: bla bla bla bla
Co: Where did you meet your wife
Me: School
Co: When did you started dating
Me: xxxx
Co: How long the both of you been living together?
Me; …… years
Co: When did you get married
Me: provided the date
Co: Did you have any other marriage other then this
Me: No
Co: Why you did not marry all that long?
Me: After high school graduation, I proceeded to the university.
Co: When did you moved to him (Question to my wife)
Wife: xxxx
(This question was cleverly meant to authenticate the birth date of my son and correspond the places the both of us lived after turning sixteen years of age. Frankly we have been together 15 years. My wife moved to me one year before I had my son. So you see, there is a rationale for which the DS-260 ask that you list where you live previously after you turned 16 years of age ]
Co: When did you have your first son
wife: 2007
Co: Which hospital
Wife: John F. Kennedy Medical Hospital
Co: How long did you stayed in labor when you had him
Wife: xxxxx
(I am sure the Co. was trying to authenticate if my wife is the true mother to my son)
(The counselor verified this information based on the vaccination record presented by Ministry of Health and proceeded to ask me)
Co: Who took your wife to the hospital when she was in labor?
Me: I did
Co: Did you go to the hospital the next day
Me: I slept at the hospital
Co: Where did you give birth to your daughter
Wife: Redemption Hospital
Co: What do you do for a living
Me: xxxxxxxx
Co: How long have you been at that entity
Me: 10 years
Co: Is the business yours
Me: Yes
Co: How are you going to handle it when you leave for the US?
Me: xxxxxx
Co: What do you wish to do in the US?
Me: xxxxx
Co: What do you do for a living
Wife: xxxxx
Co: So you work in the entity with him
Wife: Yes
Co: What will you like to do in the US
Wife: xxxxx
Co: What is the relationship between you and the person in the US?
Me: Cousin
Co: Congratulations, I am going to approve your VISA
Me: Thanks and let God bless all of us Plenty Plenty
———————————————————————————–
Friends, my experience speaks from the fact that we should just be truthful in our quest to get a VISA through this Diversity Visa program. You won’t be trouble if you are truthful.
At window 3 there was a lady who was interviewed and was asked a final question? The person you are going to in the USA went to the USA by what means?
She responded by saying he played DV
Co: I am asking you again if you don’t know say I don’t know but don’t lie
Lady: Ok
Co: How did your sponsor get to the USA
Lady: I don’t know
Co: Congratulation I will approve your VISA but, always learn to say the truth ok! If you don’t know say I don’t know
Lady: Thanks ma
Brit!!! Brit!! Simon!! BritSimon thanks for the effort. I started following your page through a friend who is currently in the USA. You are a selfless individual consistently looking for ways to assist others get a better life in the USA. I am grateful to all of us who put in time to share our experience to help others too. To God alone be all the Glory
August 14, 2019 at 10:20
Congratulations. The interviews in some of the African countries tend to be longer and more detailed since record keeping is not as advanced and people are generally more “creative” with their answers. AS you point out – honesty is the only wise choice.
August 14, 2019 at 11:52
Hello everyone
I did just come back to hotel from my visa interview and yes it was approved.
Interview date: 14 August 2019 10.00 A.M
Interview location: London, United Kingdom
Case number: 2019EU25xxx
I did arrive to London on Monday so had plenty of free time I am staying here till Friday so now celebration time!
I did get up at 7AM today and had breakfast at the hotel then coffee. At 8.45AM I left the hotel and went to the subway to get to the US Embassy.
After about 40min 25m in subway and 15m walk I did arrive to the embassy which is very beautiful building by the way with waterfall.
The queue was quite long and it started to rain but me and other guy that was just behind me were let in first because we been the only ones in queue with imigrant visas interwiews.
After getting a ticket and a short wait my number was called to the first gentleman that took all the documents from me asked couple of guestions and told me to pay the fee in next window which I done.
In the other window a gentleman that was taking the fee payment started to talk with me and asked me why I wanted to go to US it was just a conversation between us as we discovered that we both are from the same country. So I said it was always my dream then he replied I do not wish to go to US, Australia is much better I used to live there 5 years. So i have asked why did you get back from there? He said well it happens. So i was a bit confused and did not reply. After paying the fee $330 I did sit down and waited for about an hour for the actual interview.
My number was called so I went to the window where a woman was standing.
CO: Hello are you ok today?
ME: Yes how about yourself?
CO: I am fine thank you.
CO: I will ask you to raise your right hand
Then she told me to otah that everything I will say will be true
ME: Yes I do
CO: Did you changed anything in your initial entry?
ME: Yes I added some details that I forgot to put before like my parents dates of birth and I have updated my name in native alphabet to avoid confusion.
CO: Ok, so did you ever changed your name?
ME: No I have never legally changed my name
CO: Ok, what is your highest level of education?
ME: High School Diploma with 3 A- levels
CO: Ok do you have any proof of that?
ME: Yes it is with the documents that you have with you.
CO: She started to look through the documents looked at me and said I will be back in a minute she took the documents and vanished for about a minute.
At this point I did get worried about what is going on and start thinking it is all over now but she come back and said ok I have them.
ME: Great!
CO: You did not get the medicals done yet did you?
ME: Yes I did them, the gentleman that was collenting the documents for you said you should already have them.
CO: Oh yes sorry he did not mark it. Yes they are back and valid for 6 months till 27 December 2019.
Me: Ok
CO: Do you have any family in US?
ME: No just a friend
CO: Where is he living?
ME: Chicago
CO: Where you plan to live
ME: At beginning in Chicago with the friend
CO: Silent but typing a lot in computer then saying ok I thing we will be able to issue the visa
ME: Silent as well but thinking in head SHOULD?
CO: Gave me an leaflet about how to collect my documents and what to do with them
ME: Looking at her with big eyes and not saying enything
CO: That is it CONGRATULATIONS you have time till 27 December to enter the United States
ME: With big smile Ok! Thank you!
CO: With big smile this time goodbye
ME: Bye have a good day!
Then I left the embassy with smile on face and walked with that smile in rain back to the nearest subway station.
So after a long waiting time the dream finally became true my visa is issued and I am going to America.
Thank you Simon for your help, and if I will ever be in California I promise to buy you a dinner and drink ( Fish and chips i guess? ) 🙂 But you can pick up anything you want.
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE ELSE UP TO SEPTEMBER 30th!
August 14, 2019 at 14:37
Well done!
August 15, 2019 at 17:22
Thank you Brit. I am from Tajikistan and my interview was on 13 August in Almaty Kazakhstan. I didn’t provide information about the school in ds 260 according to your advice, I unlocked the ds after setting the date of the interview. The interview was very easy. I had problems with the photo in the application, which did not meet the requirements and I didn’t provide bank statement, although I alone migrate to the United States with a small child. After several questions consul said: Congratulation I will approve your VISA .
Thank you.
August 15, 2019 at 17:38
Sounds like you had a very lenient CO.
August 15, 2019 at 18:23
yes you’re right. He was very friendly. When submitting documents, they did not require a bank statement. They told me enough documents (they took the birth certificate, passport, police certificate, divorce certificate, high school diploma and diploma). About the photo I also found out during the interview.
August 15, 2019 at 18:38
Very cool. I’m glad there are some “nice” COs out there. I have seen other cases refused for less reason than you describe…
August 16, 2019 at 07:23
Case Number: 2019AS12XXX
Interview Date: Aug 6, 2019
Interview Location: Jakarta, Indonesia
When I was selected, I was already in the US holding an H-1B visa. At the time I also was a PR in Canada (Express Entry program). Reading online in DV forums and also this site, I decided to go with CP instead of AOS due to my high CN. I did my medical in Jakarta 2 weeks prior to my interview date.
During interview, I was only asked a few questions:
1) Have you ever lived anywhere outside of Indonesia?
2) Visa Officer also asked about my Canada PR, if I’ve ever lived in Canada.
That was all and my visa was approved!
On the day of my interview, Aug 6, CEAC website showed status “Ready”.
On Aug 7, it changed to “Administrative Processing”.
Then it stayed on AP for over a week! I checked my status everyday and there was no further update, and I started to worry because I read that AP can last a long time, and that even though Visa Officer had approved and congratulated me, there could still be a possibility that something went wrong with my visa approval.
Finally on Aug 15, after 8 days of being AP, the status on CEAC changed to “Issued”.
I received my passport & visa packet the next day.
Overall, DV went smoothly though it did take time from applying, to getting selected, gathering documents, attending interview, etc. It is a long detailed process but there are plenty of resources on the internet for any questions that you may have, including this site. Thanks and hope my experience could be that of an assistance for some people!
August 16, 2019 at 12:55
Congratulations/
August 26, 2019 at 06:04
Hello Jak,im also from AS region.my case also in AP .but once a week it update.only my husband stay in ap.my case in ready.but last Wednesday it going all AP.now im waiting for issued.
Soooo after issued are they called you or emaild you?
Are they inform you to passports are ok come and correct?
Are they send to the parcel to your address or did you go to the embassy to collect parcel?
August 16, 2019 at 13:31
I had my interview in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on August 4 at 2:00 pm. Firstly, I’d like to point out that I had a passport with a wrong birthdate and I filled out my initial form and the ds260 accordingly. Didn’t really notice it until I translated my birth certificate (to Gregorian calendar) as the original was in hijri(arabic) calender(please don’t be as stupid as me). So I got a new passport with the correct birthday (as per Mr.Brit’s advice) and requested for the ds260 unlock but I was denied saying that any changes I’d like to make I’d have to make it during the interview. I was really nervous about that. Other than that I was over prepared with all the documents I thought were needed.
I got to the embassy around 1:30 pm. At the gate I was asked for my passport and interview appointment and I was let in. I had a friend waiting for me so my phone was with her. Went through the checking point where they kept the CD I brought along my medical result and gave me a ticket for reclaiming. After I went in I got to the front desk where I was asked for my passport and interview appointment again and then gave me a ticket number. I was then led to the waiting area. There were people for different reasons and the dv interviews were kept for the last, especially mine.
My number finally appeared around 3:20 pm and I went to the counter. A nice black guy greeted me and asked for my passport and my highschool transcript. I handed it over. He looked over it and asked for my affidavit of support which I handed over too. He asked if my father was going to support me financially after I go there and I said yes (I’m still a student) and so he asked for his bank statement. I said I didn’t have it because I thought the affidavit of support would be enough. I thought I’d be rejected right then and there but he kept on going. He then asked for police clearances. He continued by asking for my name, where I was born, when and where I completed highschool and who my sponsor was. I told him that I wanted to change my passport number and my sponsor in the ds260. He asked why and I explained. He said you’ll do so at the CO. He asked me to go to counter 1 and pay the 330$ and I did all in SR. I went back to him with the receipt which he took and told me to wait till I get called.
I kept waiting till it was 4:10 pm and I was the last one in the waiting room. I kept chanting till I was called by name. My heart was pounding but I was pep talking myself all the way (it helps?) . As I got there a white not so nice man greeted me with no eye contact at all and apparently was in a rush.
Co(intimidating straight face): Hello good afternoon how are you doing today?
Me(intimidated): good afternoon, I’m doing fine thank you
Co: So why do you want to go to the US?
Me: firstly, to complete my studies and have a better …
Co(interrupts me): oh sorry you have to take the oath first.
And so I took the oath.
Co: what’s your highest level of education?
Co: when and where did you complete it?
Co:what’s your major?
Co: your sponsor she’s your aunt right?
Me:aunt in law
Co: ohh (types something into the computer)
Co: thank you we are done here please wait till you get called again.
Me: so that’s it there’s no problem with my date of birth??
Co: yes all seems fine to me.
So at this point I thought I was gonna get rejected because I believed that I wasn’t asked enough questions as they already made up their mind about rejecting me. So I was getting prepared for that. Short while later the nice black guy called me back and returned my original docs. He congratulated me and told me I’d recieve my passport in 3-5 bussiness days. I kept asking if he was sure that I got accepted till he said go home you’re done?. I just couldn’t believe how easy and straightforward it was!
Two days later it showed issued and I received my passport on August 8th. After over a year of waiting it was finally over!!!
A big thanks goes to you Mr.Brit for your hard work I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have got accepted if it wasn’t for the valuable information you share in this blog and the endless questions I have asked you. I’ll make a donation as soon as I can. You are such a self-less person. If we ever crossed path, I’d like to invite you to a cup of cofee ? keep up the good work!
Nadia.
August 16, 2019 at 14:26
Well done!!
August 28, 2019 at 04:18
Congratulations Nadia!
August 20, 2019 at 18:49
I had my Interview last Wednesday in Frankfurt, Germany and I would like to share my story. I’ll begin with a comprehensive timeline
Case No 2019EU30XXX
02.04.19 Submitted DS-260
06.05.19 Sent documents to KCC
20.05.19 Received email vom KCC: “Further DV Documents Required” – I then sent an inquiry and noted that I already submitted my documents and asked if I should resubmit them.
21.05.19 Received reply to my inquiry: documents are satisfactory
22.05.19 Email from KCC: “Documents Received”
06.06.19 Visa Bulletin for July: my Case No. is CURRENT
17.06.19 2NL received: Interview scheduled for 12.08.19
18.06.19 Made an appointment for the medical (I got lucky!)
21.06.19 Medical in Munich
06.08.19 Mail from the consulate: my interview is rescheduled for 14.08. (moved 2 days)
14.08.19 Interview. CEAC was updated and shows status: Ready
15.08.19 CEAC was updated and shows status: Ready
19.08.19 morning: CEAC updated: Administrative Processing ?
19.08.19 afternoon: CEAC updated: Issued
20.08.19 afternoon: usatraveldocs status: Origination Scan
20.08.19 evening: usatraveldocs status: Ready for Pick Up (and delivery announcement from UPS via Email)
21.08.19 expected delivery for my passport
I arrived in Frankfurt around 9:30 a.m. (scheduled for 10:10 a.m.) and had to get in line. It was a 30 minute wait outside and then I was let inside for security checks. Cell phones must be turned off at this point and are placed in a plastic bin. I received a ticket to get my cell phone back on the way out.
Once through security you leave the building and proceed to the next where a front desk lady handed me a paper with information regarding the procedures for the day. I was told to proceed directly to counter 22 where I handed over my passport, one picture and payed $330 by credit card.
After a short wait my number was called and a nice gentlemen went through some information from the DS-260 (maritial status, children, have I had a U.S. visa before?, Have I ever lived anywhere else for more than one year?) and then we went through the necessary documents. I noticed he already had a copy of my police and birth certificates – probably a copy from the KCC. I handed him the missing copy of my high school diploma equivalent and all originals.
Then the waiting game began. Note that at this point the little kiosk with drinks, snacks and ice cream was already closed. Bathrooms and a water fountain are available.
After three hours the actual interview with the consular officer began. She asked me where I would like to go in the states, if I have friends or family there. I responded accordingly.
Next she wanted to know if my high school diploma is my highest level of education and I told her that I have a Master’s in engineering, where I work right now and in what field I am hoping to find employment. It was a casual conversation and she said “I bet you can find a job with your current company. They send quite a lot of people over to the states every year”.
She then approved my application and said that the visa will probably be printed this week and I can expect my passport back with the visa within 7-10 days. She said that I will need to enter the states on that visa. I told her when I’m planning to fly over and asked if that’s feasible. She replied “Yes absolutely. But if you don’t hear from us by the 20th you should reach out”.
August 22, 2019 at 20:05
Congrats! In Frankfurt, were you requested an affidavit of support i134 document or bank statement was enough? thanks
August 22, 2019 at 20:17
I was there for a diversity visa and I brought my last three bank statements. They were satisfied with that.
August 20, 2019 at 22:01
Case No. 2019EU29***
Date: August 2019
Interview Time: Morning
Location: Dublin, Ireland
I arrived at the Embassy 30 minutes before my interview time and queued at the gate for security. I was called into the security area after about 10 mins. I had my phone, credit card and bag containing documents with me, all of which were passed through an x-ray scanner. I walked through an airport-style metal detector. My phone was placed in a locker until after the interview. I entered the embassy with my credit card and bag.
Once inside, I joined the line to be seen at the window where, first, I’d submit my documents. The lady went through a checklist of the required documents. I had everything requested in the pre-interview email with me. That was all fine. However, the lady also asked for my social security card. I’d been issued a social security number during my J1 student exchange visa program in 2012. I didn’t have the card with me, but this wasn’t an issue as I knew the number. If you have a social security card/number, be sure to bring it with you. I was asked to take a seat and wait for the CO to call me for my interview.
After approximately 30 minutes I was called to the cashier window. The gentleman asked if my card was enabled for transactions in the United States. I had no reason to think it wasn’t, but hadn’t confirmed this. For a second I thought of how disruptive it would be if my card didn’t go through. I didn’t bring a second card. The $330 fee went through without any difficultly, but it would be worth double checking if your card is enabled for the USA transactions before you enter the embassy. I was given two receipts and asked to take a seat. The interview would be next.
After about 20 minutes I was called to another window for my interview with the CO. First I was asked to take the oath. Next a copy of my fingerprints was taken. Then the interview (I don’t remember the exact wording of the questions but the general outline of the exchange was):
CO: Good morning.
ME: Good morning, Sir.
CO: So, you won the diversity visa lottery?
ME: Yes, I did, incredible luck!
CO: Ok, let’s have a look at your documents.
ME: response.
CO: How you ever lived anywhere else except Ireland?
ME: response.
CO: Tell me about your education.
ME: response.
CO: Ok, well it looks like you meet the educational requirements.
ME: response.
CO: *the CO read the financial records I’d provided but didn’t ask any questions and handed them back to me*
CO: Where are you planning to go in the USA?
ME: response.
CO: Well, that’s all. We’ll keep your passport and get the visa issued. You should have it back in approximately two weeks. *The CO provided some written information about the return of my passport.*
ME: response.
CO: You’ll also received a sealed envelope with your passport. You’ll have 6 months to enter the USA with the envelope and visa from the date the visa is issued.
ME: response.
CO: Good luck with the move.
ME: Thank you very much.
The CO was courteous, professional and friendly. The interview lasted 3-5 minutes in total. As Simon has said, preparation and truthfulness are the most important aspects of the interview.
I would like to thank Simon for providing DV lottery selectees such an extensive and reliable source of information in the form of this blog. I knew little about the workings of the process prior to selection. My case number was high and after selection I was unsure whether enough visas would be left for me to interview. Through the blog and the CEAC data, I was able to begin to understand case numbers, selection density, gaps, and visa bulletins. The analysis and historical data gave me a better idea of my chances. Luckily, it all worked out in the end.
August 21, 2019 at 00:08
Awesome. Congratulations!
November 30, 2019 at 01:00
Hi there
what evidence of financial support did you provide – and was it a requirement in the pre interview email?
November 30, 2019 at 01:04
Could you stop asking everyone – and pay attention to what I have already told you.
August 22, 2019 at 18:54
case number: Af29xxx
interview date: 21st August 2019
location : Yaounde Cameroon
When as early as 7am. waited for 3hours before being interviewed
Question: Good morning sir
me: replied
officer: are you married and do u have children
me: No
officer: do you have a family in USA
me: No , but i do have a family friend
officer: what do you intend doing in the US
ME: Go to school and study medicine why working part time jobs
officer: Congratulation, well come to US
me: Thanks sir
What a great joy. God is great. Good luck to anyone out there
I LOVE YOU BRIT
August 22, 2019 at 19:28
Am from cameroon and case number 2020AF000048xxx
Congrats dino
October 8, 2019 at 06:15
Hey Lloyd… Contact me [email protected]
August 22, 2019 at 20:49
Nice easy interview!
August 23, 2019 at 00:03
hey Dino. Congrats. Please can we exchange emails so as to have some exchange with you?? Am from Cameroon too. My email is [email protected].
August 23, 2019 at 13:13
Hello Btit.
My case number is 2019af0000000
My Wife n my son played the 2019 DV prior to our wedding. I was included n during the interview, all went well n we wete given a slip to pick our passports with Visas in them in a week. A day to the pickup date, my wife was called telling her that the Embassy needed additional information on me ( Her Husband) n was given a 221g slip.
I filled it out n submitted it on the following day thereby putting on me on ap.
After more than 70 day of ap, we booked an appointment with the US EMBASSY. When we got there, we were advised to get my wife n my son’s Visas n wait for response fro Washington. They did issued my wife n my son Visas while my is still on Ap. My In-law, my wife cousins ( who is our Sponsor), Wrote the Senator of Maryland for his intervention n he did intervene but was emailed that my was is still on ap n will he resolved in time.
What’s ur advice please as the entire process ends on September 30?
August 23, 2019 at 13:15
There is nothing to be done except wait.
August 23, 2019 at 14:36
Hi there
So finally my time has come to write my story here, and thank god it is a successful one. I will start by thanking brit for the invaluable informations provided in this blog, no need to say that without this blog I would never have make through this process.
Case Number: 2019AF39***
Interview Date: August 21, 8:30 AM
Interview location: Paris, France
I arrived at the embassy at 7:30 AM approximatively, I was the first one but had to wait outside for the doors to be open. By the time the doors were opened, around 30 people were already doing the queue. Priority was given to U.S. citizens and we were called for the first security screening at around 8:50 AM. After the screening, some documents were checked and I was directed to the cashier to buy the interview fee. The fee can be paid in Dollars or in Euros, in cash or Credit card, when paid in Euros and in cash there is no additional conversion fee but when you pay in Euros with your credit card, there will be additional fee. So it’s better to prepare the exact amount in cash (either Euros or Dollars).
After the payment, I was directed to a lady were my identity and documents were checked, She kept the copies and photos. I didn’t have an I-134 and luckily it wasn’t asked, in fact no proof of financial resources was asked (I know it was a gamble to go there without an I-134 but I wasn’t able to get one before the interview. I only had my bank statement of 5000 euros of savings). She took fingerprints and that was all. She asked me to go the waiting room, which I did, and five minute after I sat there, I was called for my interview. By the way, I wasn’t aware that the interview will be through a window in a hall were other people can listen to what you are saying and know what is the decision taken by the CO, that was very strange for me.
I was interviewed by a young man, very friendly and nice. After the oath he started with the questions:
CO: How long have you been in France?
Me: Almost a year
CO: What are you doing in France?
Me: I’m a student.
CO: What is your highest degree of Education?
Me: I have a Master degree in mech. Eng. from my home country
CO: What do you plan to do in the U.S. ?
Me: I would like to do my PhD there
CO: Do you already have an offer?
Me: No, I will apply in the upcoming months
CO: Have you ever had a confict with the police?
Me: No
CO: Have you ever served in the military?
Me: No
After these questions he spent few minutes typing on the computer and then said the magic words, “Congratulations your visa has been approved” and that was it !
I came in the embassy at 8:55 AM and came out at 9:15 AM, it was very very quick and easy.
Thanks again Brit, no doubt I will keep checking in here, scraping when necessary etc…
August 24, 2019 at 00:48
Awesome!
September 2, 2019 at 00:09
Hey Congratulation for you
I’m exactly like you , a student in Paris and I’m having my interview in Septembre
Good thing to know that they didn’t ask for any financial prove ( though I prepare one )
Can I please know your nationality ? and also I want to know if they asked you for a DS 5535
and if it’s possible to call you directly !
Thank you so much
November 10, 2020 at 21:09
Hi Cedric! I know this comment is more than a year old but I found it now and realized we are in very similar situations regarding this lottery, financially and what we would like to do in the US. I just applied this year for the first time and was somewhat panicking about the whole thing and it doesn’t matter how much research I do.
If you ever see this and are up for a talk about it I would be forever thankful! 🙂
August 26, 2019 at 04:34
Hi Mr. Brit,
We had the interview last week & it was very simple & easy as you had mentioned.
Anyhow the CO gave us a yellow colour paper ( it’s mean AP) in which he has mentioned followings to bring as soon as possible.
* Needs another good sponsor with W2 – 2019
* Police clearance from a African country
where I stayed about 2 years. ( though I gave the reasons why I couldn’t obtain (there was no reply from that country’s police service when I tried from April 2019) the proof of contacted such as courier (DHL) way bill no. & emails, On top this I gave the proofs of how I tried my self from june 2019 onwards to contact the high commission office of that said african country in the neighbouring country. There also proof of documents sent by courier & contacted emails. And an acknowledgement letter from that high commission office mentioning it’s guaranteed that your request for police clearance being processed & Sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused by any delays.
So from that same day I tried my level best Contacted my cousins who are currently living in that country & sent them the proofs contacts following day PCC was ready.
Now the PCC is being sent by courier (dhl) will be available end of this week.
Also we managed to find a very good sound financial background relative to sponsor us & has W2. So It’s also ready to sent by dhl
( PLS DON’T BLAME US WHY WE DIDN’T DO THESE THINGS A WEEK AGO!…..)
Well my question is
Will this satisfy the CO & supervisor to issue us the visas without taking long AP? We gonna provide rightful documents within a week or 10 days.
Your opinions please sir.
Thanks
August 26, 2019 at 06:50
I really cannot guess what will happen on your, or any specific case.
August 27, 2019 at 06:48
Hello Brit. Interview on 13th August in Bangkok. but from Cameroon.
CO; Good morning,
Me:
CO: do finger prints
me: and Wife Did.
CO: Do you swear that…
Me and Wife: Yes ….
When did you marry?
Me:
Do you Both work here?
Me: yes sir.
CO:That’s fine. I will keep your passports and your original Advance level certificate to verify with our Embassy in Yaounde because we don’t deal with Cameroon documents here very often and am not familiar with this document.
Once I contact yaounde, your visas will be issued and mailed to you together with your original certificate.
NB: No 221(g) given.
It’s 10 business days today.
August 27, 2019 at 16:38
Yeah – that education verification might take a few weeks.
August 28, 2019 at 22:28
Thank you .
I recieved an email which said my case is “currently under review” .What does this mean?
August 28, 2019 at 23:29
They are reviewing (checking) your case.
August 27, 2019 at 21:34
Hello brits me and my wife went for interview but my case is showing AP while hers is showing ready, is there any issue as one is showing AP and the other ready as we went for the interview together and i am the principal applicant
August 27, 2019 at 21:59
Be patient.
August 28, 2019 at 11:13
Hello brits my case no is 2019AS30xxx, in my intial entry I entered as single I later on gave birth to my baby,the baby was added to my case and was told to attend interview with the baby,the fathers name does not appear on the birth certificate of the baby because he refused the pregnancy.my question is do i need an affidavit of consent from the father during my interview?
August 28, 2019 at 13:46
No
August 28, 2019 at 14:43
Hi Brit.
My friend’s DV winner of 2019 and did get visas with family of 4 but one boy is his brother boy but I didin’t mention that on DS 260 he just say that he was is first born so now later on he discover that it was a mistake to do that.
So the question is what he can do to introduice the father and the mother of that boy?
Can he unlock the DS 260 and make correction or what he can do?
Please your advise will help a lot.
August 28, 2019 at 15:47
So – you are telling me that he deliberately lied to get an additional visa and now expects to ask the US government for visas for the real parents of the child he said was his. OBVIOUSLY that will end in serious legal trouble. I have no advice to give on that matter.
August 28, 2019 at 16:02
Thanks a lot for the reply
September 1, 2019 at 19:21
Hi brit,my sponsor has sent me the IRS transcript and the affidavit of support,do I require any additional documents from my sponsor?
September 2, 2019 at 17:33
Recent payslips and photo ID
September 4, 2019 at 08:16
Hello Brit, help me
Ma names is Hassan 33xxx
I had my interview on September 3rd at the Embassy of Casablanca in Morocco, I am of Chadian origin
I was there at about 7:30 and passed the first check which was to check the passport and the appointment letter .. and the second check, once inside we were paid the right interview that is 3218 DH then I was admitted in a room where there were counters and there I was called at the counter for documents
1. Birth certificate
2. Diploma
3 judicial record
after that, I went to wait and 10 minutes later I was called to another wicket there was the last straight line,
CO bjr
Mr.
CO: Juror …..
M: BLABLABLA
CO: Where are you going?
M: XXXXXXX
CO: Sponsor is who for you?
M: XXXXXX
CO: Your level of study?
M: License in 2018
CO: What did you do in 2018/22019
M: Nothing ….
Thank you we will remind you and he gave me a green card marked ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURE
They kept my originals and my passport,
But I took a look at this card but it is written that the visa was refused to me (221g) for the moment that my status could be changed after AP ..
Brit I do not understand this (221g)?
Tell me, do I have a chance because I ask myself enough questions but everything went well.
September 4, 2019 at 20:41
221(g) is AP. It is technically a “refusal” but it means they will do some more checks. You just have to be patient while they do that.
September 4, 2019 at 11:46
Just came back from the US embassy in London. Was successful. Very happy. My country of chargeability is in East Asia, interview at London. Got there around 8:50 am for the 9:30 interview. At the main entrance, you need to show the DS260 confirmation page and the passport, then go through security, then a long queue for your number sticker. I made it just in time. Then off to the first floor, after the elevator, turn left walk towards the immigration visa section; walk all the way then left again. Your number will be displayed on the screen above the counter. A person will take all the required original documents and photocopies then do finger printings. This person took birth certificate, police certificate, highest degree diploma, passport, photo, bank saving statements, decree absolute. Turned down house title deed and investment account statements. Fee then need to be paid at the next window. You can pay cash us dollars or pound sterling or credit card and of course Amex. $330 per person. You will get two receipts, one you need to give it to the CO, the other you keep.
after 10 mins wait, the number flashed on the screen. CO asked to do the finger prints again. then asked what do you do? what kind of work are you looking to get in the states? and where are you going to live in the US? the whole interview lasted about 5 mins, then the CO said “you will get your visa in 7 days!” and handed me an information sheet on passport collection. That’s it! I was worried the CO would question my A-level results (I got a “N” in communication studies), but my master’s degree was sufficient!
Thank you very much Simon! I would be completely lost if I haven’t found this wonderful website! Thank you Simon for your generous time and patience and knowledge! And I would also like to thank everyone on here. Good luck to you all!
September 4, 2019 at 22:28
Awesome – congratulations and thanks!
September 4, 2019 at 13:12
Dear Simon, before I’ll briefly tell my today’s interview experience I just want to sincerely thank you for your hard work and time you put into this site. I’m absolutely sure that nothing would be done if I didn’t find your site, most informations and your amazingly helpful answers led me to today’s stage of today’s interview… I had a very high case number (eu28xxx), am a student without any reasonable savings but thanks to you I have gathered a reliable base of informations and knowledge that helped me do my best and alternatives for my individual situation. Thank you so so so much!
Embassy: London
What can I say? I was extremely paranoid and panicking past few months. I had many case scenarios because I really cared about having everything done in a proper way. To all people who have the whole journey in front of them-as long as you fulfil basic requirements that are wrote down in the entry, have money/sponsorship/or even at least a proper plan-I don’t think you have to be worried about anything.
This interview was just a pure formality. Lasted 3 minutes. For 2,5 minutes CO was writing down my details, I didn’t even have to speak much. Questions I got:
-What’s my education history?
-Do I want to continue my studying in US?
-Who is my sponsor?
THAT’S IT. I was over panicking and losing my nerves for nothing. In fact I asked more questions to CO than he asked me.
Thank you so so so much, thank you! My happiness for being successful and finding this site is endless.
I just have one question. Seems like all people can check status of their visa on CEAC however I don’t have anything written (not even administrative processing). It just says that my form is completed. Is it gonna change and I’m not patient enough?
Anyway, thanks again dear Simon I’m so grateful for your effort and time!
September 4, 2019 at 13:21
Congrats for the approval. As for the CEAC check, I think you are using the wrong link to check the status. You need to use this one instead: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx
September 4, 2019 at 22:33
Thanks Tarek.
September 4, 2019 at 22:32
Congratulations! I’m glad you found the site helpful.
You can check status at https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx
Just be aware cases often show AP for a day or two before showing Issued.
September 6, 2019 at 22:09
Hi, please, I’m a single mother to a year old girl, I got my case complete waiting for interview date. But the thing is that when I went to get my daughter’s birth certificate, they insisted that I put a name on the column for father so I put my father’s name though I have an affidavit and a letter from ministry of women affairs to support it. Please will my daughter’s birth certificate pose a problem to me during my interview or do I need any other supporting document? It is an employment based EB3 visa.
Please advise me, thank you
September 7, 2019 at 05:10
I only answer DV lottery questions.
September 8, 2019 at 08:48
Hi brit,went for my interview and was placed on AP but my passport and original and copy of documents was kept by the Co saying they will be doing further process so the will call me.can u be on AP be refused. Thanks
September 8, 2019 at 18:42
Any outcome is possible.
September 8, 2019 at 12:52
2019AF466**
My interview took place in Kenya Nairobi on 4th September 2019 at 7AM
had already put an alarm of 4am but i had a sleepless night so i woke up at 3:30am took a shower prepared my self called an Uber at 5:15am was at the embassy some few minuted to 6am,i found some early birds there around 12 people,the gate was opened and went through the first security check,then the second one to confirm my appointment later the third one which was very strict and thorough. I could now see the embassy went straight in was given a form to fill some personal details and was given a ticket number from that moment i was being called by that ticket number,
was called in the second time to counter 9 gave out my documents and fingerprints were recorded asked some few question then was told to go to counter 10 to pay 330$,
i did so went outside now to wait for my interview with the CO, i waited for almost an hour mind you it was very very cold and i dint know to wear heavily,my ticked number was called to counter 7 where now i was to be interviewed the CO recorded my finger prints too,i swore then the interview commenced.
Co: Morning Mr Edgar al be the one to interview you today
Me: Morning
Co: Where will you be staying in the US
Me: California
all this time he is typing a lot then stops typing opens up my i134 and looks at the name of my host and asked
Co: Who is *********
Me: He is my cousin
Co: Will u be staying with him in the US
Me: Yes
Co: what job does he do
Me: *******
Types for like 30 seconds again and says
Co: Sir am approving your visa welcome to America (as he hands me a white paper on how to pay my immigrant fee for my green card)
Me: thank you very much
i go outside smiling to everyone.
Thanks big time Brit there is aloot of info that i learnt from your website and am grateful mind you i waited since 2018 May so to my fellow DV selectee patience is everything,i used to spend hours in your website to learn more and more SHUKRAN Brit be blessed.
September 8, 2019 at 19:13
Congratulations
September 12, 2019 at 18:39
Hi brit. Hope your doing well
What has been the highest case number interviewed for AF so far??
Just worried because i am 2020AF0000476xx. Just wondering if anyone had interview about my number.
I appreciate your pending reply
Thanks
September 12, 2019 at 19:55
Not 1 single person from DV2020 has been interviewed yet because they are still processing DV2019. So – you have a long time to wait – and during that time you should read the FAQ and other articles so that you understand better.
September 12, 2019 at 20:10
Thanks for your reply brit dough my question was directed to 2019 selectees
September 12, 2019 at 23:38
DV2019 numbers and DV2020 numbers are totally different.
September 12, 2019 at 18:35
Hi edgar. Once more congratulations.
I am 2020AF0000476xx. Do i have a chance for interview and when can that possibly be??
September 16, 2019 at 16:10
Hi guys, anyone who has already interviewed in Nairobi, Kenya kindly reply to this so that I can contact you for a few queries if you don’t mind. My interview is on the last week of September. Thanks.
September 16, 2019 at 16:39
Am from Nairobi and been interviewed. How can you be reached?
September 16, 2019 at 17:06
Thanks Karen. Please reach me at [email protected]
September 19, 2019 at 07:16
Hello, here is my interview experience:
Case Number: 2019EU302XX
Documents sent (without a request from KCC): May 16th 2019
Request form KCC for supporting documents: May 30th 2019 (I re-sent the documents the same day)
Ready for scheduling email: June 7th 2019
2NL: July 23rd 2019
Interview Date: September 18th 2019, 1:00 PM
Interview location: Bucharest, Romania
We (me and my husband) arrived at the embassy an hour early, but had to wait outside, as they were having their lunch break. At about 12:50 PM we entered and went through the security check. After the screening we were directed to another building. A nice lady checked our documents (I prepared 2 files, the first one with the exact documents and in the same order they asked in the email when they notified me about the interview, and a second one containing all documents I could think of they might possibly ask – I took Brit’s advice and over-prepared). I was only asked the documents the asked in the email to bring to the interview (passports, medical visit, police certificates, birth certificates, marriage certificate, school degrees, financial support documents and a registration for the courier). As financial support documents I gave them a bank statement (about 10000 USD) and an Affidavit of support. After they checked our documents we paid the visa fee, and we waited for the actual interview (we had to wait for about 30 minutes).
The man who interviewed us was very nice, he told us that everything looks good an that he only has a few questions:
CO: Were you married when you applied for the DV program?
Me: Yes, we’ve been married for 7 years.
CO: Tell me about your previous visits to the us.
Me: We’ve been there together 2 times, in 2017 and 2018, and stayed for about three weeks each time and visited quite a lot, as we went on road trips. My husband also visited the US in 2015, alone, and stayed 2 weeks.
CO: What is your maiden name?
Me: Answer
CO: Well that’s about it, it will take us a few days to process the visas, but we’re done for today. Congratulations!
We couldn’t believe that, after so many months of waiting, and imagining all sorts of scenarios, and with a case number so high, we could finally say we won. (just checked the CEAC site and our status is “Issued”)
Thank you so much Brit, you made this whole process easier for me.
Best of luck to everyone else!
September 19, 2019 at 07:51
Hi all!
We got our visas yesterday and can’t wait to start our new lives in the USA!
I thought I’d share our story here, as many of the previous stories were very helpful for us.
Interview date: 12 September 2019
Interview location: Sandton Consulate, Johannesburg, South Africa.
This was the process for us (skip this first paragraph if you just want to read the actual interview story):
– My wife won with number 2019AF46XXX.
– We filled out our DS260s and submitted by 30 May 2018. At this point we didn’t understand anything about the VB and case numbers and thought we would be interviewed based on the date of DS260 submission so tried to get ours in ASAP.
– After submitting the DS260s we did our research and found this site. We read everything we could and learned all about the process, truly learning the meaning of the word PATIENCE along the way. We realised we probably wouldn’t be interviewed until the second half of 2019, so relaxed a bit, and set about gathering our documents.
– For South Africans (and probably most African countries), it is ESSENTIAL to start this process early as most documents take a VERY long time to be processed by the authorities. For example, my wife’s unabridged birth certificate and our unabridged marriage certificate took 10 months to be issued. Police Clearances also take at least two months to be processed. If you can, apply for one early, and then apply for another about a month later, just in case the first expires before your interview. It’s worth the effort and hassle.
– After a long wait, our number became current on the VB around May, but we had to wait until June 24 to be asked for our documents by KCC. At this point, my wife’s unabridged birth certificate hadn’t arrived, but by a piece of pure luck we got an SMS the very next day to say it was ready for collection at Home Affairs. We ran off and got it, submitted all the relevant documents to KCC and got an email back on the 27th to say our documents were received and in order.
– We got our 2NL on 30 July, saying our interview would be in Johannesburg at the Sandton Consulate on 12 September (this past Thursday).
– During August we gathered any extra documentation we thought we would need – including proof of relationship dating back to 2012, proof of my wife’s tourist visa being stolen in 2015 as well as all our financial documents, as we aren’t using a sponsor. This included bank statements from investments, current accounts, credit cards as well as Offers to Purchase for our cars. We followed Brit’s advice and were OVERPREPARED, in order to feel confident and calm on the date of the interview. We didn’t know, for example, if the stolen tourist visa would be an issue, so we made sure to cover ourselves just in case, by gathering the police reports from the robbery listing the passport and visa being stolen, as well as the communication we sent to the Cape Town US embassy.
– We attended medicals on 20 August in Cape Town. The team there is very efficient and takes you through the process well, but it still takes most of the day. Be prepared and take along water and snacks as it involves lots of waiting in doctor’s rooms. Our test results were sent by the doctor directly to the consulate, so we didn’t have to worry about packing those.
Finally, the INTERVIEW week arrived. We flew up to Johannesburg the day before the interview and stayed in a hotel close to the Sandton consulate to avoid any potential issues with traffic and/or parking on the day.
– On Thursday morning we got up early and went to the consulate at 8am, for our 8:30am interview. We got there to find a few people in the queue in front of us, and had to wait five minutes to be let inside. We were greeted by a very friendly security guard and South African consulate employee, who checked that our pictures were the correct size, and checked we were on the day’s appointment list.
– At the security check we were asked to hand in any cell phones. You must turn it off and give it to them, and then they’ll give you a number to collect it after. Don’t bring any other electronics – you’ll be sent away and told to come back without them.
– At the consulate building we went through another security check, and were assigned a number. We were number 9. As there were already too many interviewees inside the building we, along with two families ahead of us and everyone who arrived after us, were told to sit in a courtyard outside.
– We waited about an hour and then the first of the families sitting outside was called in. We were called to window number 2 about 15 minutes after them, and greeted by another friendly South African employee of the consulate. She asked us to give our fingerprints, and then started collecting documents. She warned us if we didn’t have any documents with us, we’d need to provide them by the 25th of September or we wouldn’t be able to get our visa. This wasn’t an issue, though, as we had prepared and provided everything she asked for. We were asked for our passports, pictures, birth certificates, marriage certificate, police clearances, education and finances (originals and copies for all, except the police clearance – they only wanted our original, which they kept). We also asked the woman to update our address in the US, as the people we’re staying with have moved since last year. This was simple and easy to do.
– Once that was over we went to a cashier’s window to pay our fee of $660 ($330 each). We paid on credit card, but they accept debit too. We were then given a receipt and asked to sit down in the interview area to wait to be called.
– We waited for another 25 to 30 minutes in this room. During this time, no one was called for an interview – we were all just waiting. About 5 families.Then, we were asked to go back to window 2 to the same woman. She asked for my DS260 confirmation as they didn’t have it on record. This worried us, but she said it was fine and to sit back down.
– Just 2 minutes later, we were called to window 9 for our interview. We were again surprised as two of the families in front of us were still waiting to be called for their interview and we seemed to have skipped the queue.
– Here, the CO – a friendly American woman – greeted us and asked us to raise our right hands and state the truth. At this point both of us were incredibly nervous and excited, and I’m pretty sure she could hear our pounding hearts. Then we gave our fingerprints again, and the interview happened.
– It was a total anticlimax. We had expected to be grilled on every aspect of our application but the CO asked a few simple questions and made it clear from the start that the interview was just a formality.
CO: I know this already, but how are you related?
My wife: We are married.
CO: When were you married?
Wife: Gives date.
CO: Have either of you been married before?
Both of us: No.
CO (to my wife only): What are you planning to do in the US?
Wife: Answers
CO (to my wife only):What is your highest level of education?
Wife: Answers
CO (to my wife only):What did you study?
Wife: Answers
CO (to my wife only): What do you do for work now?
Wife: Answers
CO: Have either of you ever lived anywhere else?
Wife: No
Me: Yes, in the UK for X months in XXXX year.
CO: Ok, that’s fine.
At this point, it looked like the CO was looking for another question to ask, then asked if we had been divorced before.
Both of us: No.
CO: Ok, I’m giving your originals back to you now, and I’ll be able to approve your visas this afternoon. You’ll get them in a week via the courier service
Both of us: THANK YOU!
We took the originals and walked out of the consulate so happy and relieved!
Our visas arrived yesterday (Wednesday) so it took just 4 working days for them to be issued, printed and delivered. On CEAC we showed AP for a day, but this changed to ISSUED on Monday.
As everyone before has said, be OVERPREPARED for the interview and you’ll be fine. We had way too much extra documentation and didn’t need any of it, but we would have regretted it if we didn’t have something and were asked for it.
There were other families there who didn’t have documents that are basic requirements, and they tried to use excuses, but the consulate employees wouldn’t hear of it. I assume they were rejected or put on AP at this late stage and may not get their visas.
Be prepared, truthful and confident and you’ll be fine.
It has been a long journey, and we can’t thank BritSimon enough for all the information he provides on this site. It was invaluable to us over the past 16 months or so and we are incredibly excited to start our new lives in the USA. Good luck to everyone for DV 2020!
September 19, 2019 at 13:46
Well done on being so well prepared – and thanks for the detailed experience!
September 20, 2019 at 09:05
Hello Brit Simon.
2019AF 457xx. From Cameroon but interview in Bangkok Thailand.
We had our interview on August 13th at 8.30 am
At the window where documents are checked , we presented documents as were asked ; police certificates ( Cameroon and Thailand ), birth certificates for 3 of us.
Medical envelopes, High school diploma from me. And marriage certificate
I was asked if I have additional documents to submit so I gave form I 134.but the lady gave me back saying they do not need it .
We were later sent to pay the interview fee and bring the receipts.
After about 30 mins, we were called to the window for interview .
CO.: Good morning
Me: good morning.
CO: scan fingers ( my wife and I)
Co: Do you swear that all information provided is true
Me/my wife: yes we do.
CO: When were you married?
Me: wedded Dec 2017 but legalised june 2018.
CO.: Do you both work here?
Me: Yes.
CO: after typing for a while said. Everything is fine. Handed our originals but told me that he’ll keep the original of my high school diploma to verify from yaounde as he is not familiar with Cameroon documents .
He said once he does that, he’ll issue the visas and mail together with the certificate.
Long story short, after 3 weeks I recieved an email which said my visa has now been approved. But needed 7 days to prepare the complete package . On the 10th September visas were issued for 3 of us and we recieved on 12th September ( one month after interview )
Thank you for helping me through the process .
September 20, 2019 at 22:28
Great!
September 23, 2019 at 13:11
Sir congrats to you. Im 2020 winner and my case number is within your range. Im from cameroon too. Please i want to link up with you so that you could help me out with something. [email protected] is my email. Please contact me or leave me ur email n i will contact you
Regards
September 20, 2019 at 23:36
My experience with DV lottery 2019AF46XXX
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Registration
date: November 21, 2017 at 18:36
Location: Algiers
(Couple with two children)
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Result (1NL notification letter)
Date: May 15, 2018 (You have been randomly selected for further processing)
Validation of the DS-260 (first time): May 15, 2018
Request to unlock the DS-260 (new passport): June 30, 2018
KCC response with opening of the DS-260: 2 July 2018
Validation of the DS-260 (second and last time): 2 July 2018
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DV Documents Required
Request for sending documents by KCC: June 13, 2019
Sending documents: 13/06/2019 ([email protected])
Confirmation of documents by KCC: June 14, 2019
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The 2NL (2nd notification letter)
Reception of the 2NL (appointment of the interview): July 22, 2019
Date of the appointment of the interview: September 19, 2019 7h45
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Medical exam
Request for an appointment for the medical examination: July 23, 2019
Response and obtaining the appointment: August 05, 2019
Appointment for the medical examination: September 09, 2019
Recovery of medical records: September 16, 2019
Vaccination
R.O.R – HBV – DT : (with international vaccination book)
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Interview
The date of the interview September 19, 2019 7:45
Documents : baccalaureate + Diploma + Sponsor (I-134) + bank statements + Criminal record + birth certificate + Military Card + Marriage certificate with their translations
Visa fees: xx per person
interview
Oath + taking fingerprint
Questions :
What is the year of your baccalaureate?
What is your diploma?
What do you do as a job? (for my wife too)
One question about the sponsor (is your uncle? Yes)
What is your project once there?
The consul was adorably kind to us barely 2-3 minutes for questions and with a smile we said “visa granted”.
That’s all my experience regarding the DV lottery 2019.
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Finally, my special thanks go to Brit for his tremendous help and support .