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.
January 22, 2020 at 05:54
Greetings sir,i have a master’s degree but at the time of application I wrote bachelor’s degree,will that be a problem?
January 22, 2020 at 16:49
No
January 23, 2020 at 04:48
Hi Simon,
Just want to inform that my family’s interview on 22-01-2020 was successfully done with approval result and were are appointed to pick up our visas at US Embassy, Phnom Penh, Cambodia on 29-01-2020 at 3:00 pm. We are family of 4. Thank for your help. I will detail the whole process especially at the Interview when I have free time.
January 24, 2020 at 03:33
My Visa Status today is changed from “Administrative Processing” to “Issued”
Thank Simon,
January 24, 2020 at 03:37
All of our family members; wife (principal DV sellectee), husband, son, and daughter,
February 15, 2020 at 18:15
Hello sir
I was submit my documents 2nd of January but I didn’t send the document which in my mother tongue. I want to know should I need to submit my documents again which in my mother tongue .And I didn’t received the email from Kcc for resubmit the document. What should I do?
Thank you sir
February 15, 2020 at 23:28
Documents dont need to be translated that is the official language for your interviewing embassy.
January 24, 2020 at 16:42
Just a matter of patience….
January 24, 2020 at 03:37
All of our family members of four are issued.
January 27, 2020 at 10:17
Hi BritSimon
My interview was today 27 but I got refused because presidential proclamation.
Is there any thing why can do?
January 27, 2020 at 10:19
Is there any thing we can do?
January 27, 2020 at 10:55
Where are you from?
and what happened in the interviewe?
January 27, 2020 at 18:41
Do you mean the travel ban???
If you were subject to the travel ban why did you not think that would apply to you?
January 28, 2020 at 04:44
Yes I am from travel ban country but people from my country got visa lottery, students visa and as well as other visas.
Thats why I am angry.
Actually I am educated, experience and I have sponsor.
I arrange all the documents they required
They returned my sponsor documents, experience certificate and my refugee certificate they did not have a look into those documents.
Kindly suggest if I can do something
January 28, 2020 at 05:03
Well that was fully predictable. It’s called a “travel ban”, not a “travel maybe”. There is nothing you can do. The CO would have suggested a waiver application if you were a candidate.
January 27, 2020 at 14:18
Hi Brit,
After receiving the 2NL,do u have to contact the embassy for any further arrangements or relax until the actual day of the interview.
January 27, 2020 at 21:36
There are country specific instructions. You need to read and follow that. As a minimum it will mean booking your medical. You may also need to register with the courier for the embassy, and some embassies have additional requirements. ALL of that is detailed in their instructions – and that is linked from the official dvselectee site. In other words you already have that link and should know what to do.
January 27, 2020 at 16:47
My Interview Experience of DV2020
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
US Embassy Phnom Penh, Cambodia
Case Number: 2020AS000071XX
Family of 4 (My wife is a DV selectee with me and two children aged 4 years old son and 1 year old daughter).
Notice: my daughter was added when completing DS-260 because she was born after initial entry
Interview Appointment: January 22, 2020 09:00 AM
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
– Initial Entry of DV2020 program: 20-October-2018
– 1NL (1st notification letter confirmed about selection): 07-May-2019
– Submitted 1st DS-260: 04-June-2019
– Unlocked DS-260 for correction and adding social media accounts: 08-June-2019
– Submitted 2nd DS-260 (after correction and adding more information): 17-June-2019
– Further DV Documents Required from KCC: 12-September-2019 and I submitted on the same date
– Document Received confirmed by KCC “Records indicate you have submitted a complete and valid DS-260 application for each family member, and you have provided all required documentation to the Kentucky Consular Center”: 16-September-2019
– 2NL (Required Entry Status Check for DV Submission): 27-November-2019 with interview appointment on 22-January-2020 at 9:00 AM
– Medical Examination at HOPE Worldwide Embassy Medical Center (EMC): 13-January-2020
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
Summary of whole process at the day of interview
We arrived one hour prior to the interview waiting outside the US Embassy. We were allowed to enter the US Embassy 10 minutes prior the appointment. Our properties were kept at our relatives who waited outside the US Embassy. There were around 20 to 30 people waiting outside the US Embassy on that time.
The first time we entered US Embassy at the first check, we were asked to hand him (a first security guard) an appointment information printed from the “Entrant Status Check” on the E-DV website, all applicants’ National ID cards, and passports. Then we were allowed to open a heavy door for the next checkpoint. At the next security checkpoint, we were asked to release all properties and documents, checking passports and ID cards, and walk through the body scan door. We did not bring any irrelevant documents into the US Embassy. After that, we passed the 3rd checkpoint which we were allowed to walk through one more body scan machine and told to wait inside the building. There were around 20 people there. Some people were waiting on their seat while some people were doing interview. We first went to sit without taking a queue number (waiting number). While sitting I saw other people had a queue number on hand and I asked one man how to get a queue number, he told me to go to take it at window 7. We went directly to window 7. At window 7, we saw a Khmer lady there asking us our documents such as; an appointment information, two new photos of 5cm x 5cm for each applicant, all four passports, ID cards of me and my wife, original birth certificates with their translations for all family members, original marriage certificate with its translation, original police certificates with their translations, my wife educational certificate like high school diploma with its translation and bachelor degree certificate. I noticed that she did not ask for I-134 form or bank statement while we already had. After taking the documents form us, she asked us some questions like who is the DV selectee, who is the sponsor at USA, what the relationship with sponsor, what state and city will you go, why didn’t I include my daughter in our DV initial entry (we told her that because my daughter was not born during the DV initial entry), and the last question was that do you have enough cash for DV Interview fee. After taking documents and asking us questions, she told us to take a seat waiting for call. About 15 minutes later our number was called to window 8. At window 8 we saw a Khmer lady. This window we were asked to pay fee of $330 for each applicant totally $1,320 for four of us. After paying fee, we again were told to wait at our seat waiting for call. Around 20 minutes later, our number was call again to window 10, this window is a close window where another people cannot see us. At window 10 we saw a Khmer man there, I and my two kids were told to wait outside. It means that he wanted to meet only my wife who is a DV selectee. A moment later, my wife left the window 10 and asked me to replace her as a reason them man wanted to meet me who is a real DV player. I applied for my wife and myself but my wife was selected I was not. At window 10, the Khmer man asked me lots questions regarding DV initial entry like is our photos in DV lottery new or old, why I did not apply by agency while many people did, why I realize about DV program, how many times I apply it, why I did not include my daughter at the first time but include just in DS-260, who is my sponsor, what is the relationship between sponsor to me, where will I go to live at USA… He appreciated my DV application that I applied by myself and asked me to spread this news to others but to avoid applying by company or agency because they use old photo that lead to be disqualified. Then he finished our conversation and asked us to wait at our seat. About 15 minutes later, our number was called for window 5 where we saw an American lady asking us in English to have thumbprint on the equipment. At that time she asked only parents to take thumbprint and did a quick check on our documents. She asked us a few questions such as who is the principal applicant, why we did not include our daughter in our initial DV entry, and where will we live in USA. Meanwhile, my children was playing on the floor making louder sound inside the building so that she just finish her process with us and told us to wait for next call again. About 15 minutes later, my number was called to window 6 where we saw another American lady, a consular officer (CO) bringing our documents with a note of “Expedite” on the top of a batch of documents. I thought that this because of my children were making louder sound and crying inside the building so that they just put our case a special for quicker process. At window 6 with her we were asked as below note. She asked me first and my wife later. Before asking questions, my daughter cried a lots and CO took a piece of red sticker note with a smiley face and she drew one more smiley face then handed to my daughter. She started asking as below;
– CO: Do you speak English?
– Me: Yeah!
– CO: Was your daughter born before your DV entry?
– Me: …
I noticed that she was typing something with her computer. At the meantime, I realized that I incorrectly answered her question of “Was your daughter born before your DV entry?” and then I corrected the answered for her. She nodded for me as agreement.
– CO: Do you have family photos?
– Me: … I handed her my family photos
– CO: What month was your daughter’s birth?
– Me: …
– CO: What year was your daughter’s birth?
– Me: …
– CO: What month was your daughter’s birth?
– Me: …
– CO: What day was your daughter’s birth?
– Me: …
– CO: What time was your daughter’s birth?
– Me: …
– CO: Who attended at the birth place?
– Me: …
– CO: Where did your wife have a birth delivery?
– Me: …
– CO: Delivery by doctor or midwife?
– Me: …
– CO: Delivery by natural or operation?
– Me: …
– CO: Do you have a photos of your daughter at the time of birth?
– Me: … (I did not print my daughter photos at the time of birth to the interview so that she asked me for other evidence. I told her that I posted my daughter’s birth on Facebook. She asked me my Facebook account, profile picture, and cover picture. She handed me a piece of sticker note to write my Facebook name of it. I wrote it for her. She told me that my Facebook name was common that she was hard to find. Then she stop finding it I think). Notice: There were only 3 of us in the initial DV entry; me, my wife, and my son. My daughter was born after our initial submission. I submitted DV entry on 20-October-2018 while my daughter was born in early November, 2018.
After asking me above questions, she told me not to answer for my wife because she needed only the answers from her. At that time I saw a Khmer man came for translation and she asked my wife the same questions she asked me.
After asking my wife, she did not say something just took a piece of hard paper writing something on it and handed to me. She told us to pick up our visa next week, 29-January-2020 at 3:00 PM. It means that our immigrant visas of our family of four are approved. Two days after our interview, our status at CEAC changed from “Administrative Processing” to “Issued”.
Our whole process at US Embassy spent about 80 minutes. And our formal interview took about 10 minutes (5 minutes each).
Thank Simon for everything you have provided me for this DV process. I would appreciate to help others if I could. Anyone want me to help, please feel free to contact me by tepmanith at gmail dot com.
January 27, 2020 at 21:55
Congratulations, and thanks for the highly detailed interview story.
January 29, 2020 at 14:00
Now, our immigrant visas are on hand. Thank you so much, Simon.
February 14, 2020 at 10:09
Could you please mention how much bank statement you showed for 4 family members?
As I also have a family of 4.
February 15, 2020 at 02:42
I prepared $40k in my saving account. However, they did not ask for it or even I-134 of affidavit of support at my interview embassy.
January 30, 2020 at 18:33
I am from Sri Lanka and had the interview last week. Thought of sharing few things which I believe would be useful for you all.
First we have to go through a full security check up before entering into the premises so advice you to take only the necessary stuffs and not to take bags. They ask us to take all the required docs/files out from the bags. I would suggest you to keep the docs in a manner that easy to handle like in a clear bag type of a file.
So after entering we were given a token and had to wait till it’s called. Once its called were processed to a counter and the officer asked A/L cert, police report,birth cert and the sponsorship and ask my degree cert as well (first asked whether I have any higher education qualification except) So he checked all those with the scanned copies we submitted at earlier stage in the process. Took finger prints too.
Once it’s done, we were asked to pay the money in next counter and make sure you take the exact amount without having to ask for balance from them 🙂
Then we had to wait a long, it took around another 2 hrs to call for the interview. I was asked below questions
1. Education level and what I did for A/L and what my degree is about and when and from where I graduated(They are strict on this as I felt and we need to have at least A/L or service from recognized profession)
2. From whom I got the sponsorship and what is his job and how long he’s been working in the job (for the later part I couldn’t give a specific answer but still I admitted that)
3. Asked where I met my partner and when we got married, and it’s a love marriage or proposal
He was so cool with us when it comes to the mid of the interview and we were so comfortable. Just be pleasant with them and keep your smile 🙂 . Finally we got it.
Thanks Brit for all the support you gave me throughout this journey.
our job is priceless and only such a nice person can do that….
January 30, 2020 at 20:21
Congratulations!
February 9, 2020 at 11:03
Dear Mr.Fernando,
Did they requested you to submit I134. I am from Sri Lanka.
February 9, 2020 at 18:20
I’m also Sri Lanka let I know your number please
February 5, 2020 at 14:33
I am from Venezuela and my interview was on January 22 in Bogotá. We arrived in that country on January 14 to get exams and medical studies. On Saturday, January 20 we went to the CAS to take our prints and photo. Our appointment was at 8 am, so my family and I arrived at 6:30, as at 7:30 they made the first call, in addition to immigrant visas they pass them regardless of the appointment time. To enter the embassy they ask for the passport of the whole family group, then they make you queue at the immigrant side (the process is usually slow) they tell you to remove the coats and carry the phone in your hand and off, when it was our turn, they made us come to a table with a pretty nice girl, there they asked us for passports with birth certificates, criminal records and marriage certificates. After that we entered the embassy and they made us go to a box office, there they made us go to another box office and cancel the tariff, after canceling it they make you go back to the first box office, there they asked us for the photocopy of the birth certificate, criminal record and marriage certificate, all with its original translation, there they give you a number with which they will call you for the interview. When it was our turn it was our turn-off at box office 2, the lady looked nice and indeed, she was. Her first question was that if the whole family group was complete and it was. Her questions were:
CO: When was your last trip to the United States?
CO: Have you worked in the United States?
Those were all the questions she asked, she asked me to show her the university degree of my wife and mine. She told me that my visa had been approved, but they could not stamp it until they had the medical report of my youngest daughter, that I had to send it the next day and they would let us know when they were ready. They gave us our passports 5 days later.
The process inside is usually quite slow, we arrive at 7:30 and leave at 12.
Thank Simon for everything you have provided me for this DV process.
February 5, 2020 at 21:25
Awesome. Congratulations!
February 11, 2020 at 08:33
Permit me to thank Mr Brit for his professional advice on this amazing platform that has benefited countless number of people including myaelf.
My name is Charles from Ghana and would like to share my positive interview I had just a week ago.
To begin with, I was supposed to have been interviewed on the 5th November 2019 per my interview appointment letter but for strange reasons which I could not readily substantiate , the interview was sadly called off and one could imagine the mood in which I found myself at that moment ,
However, I quickly referred the incident to the boss of this mighty page ( Mr Brit) and believe you me, his advice to push harder without further delay did work out perfectly.
Exactly on the 4th of February 2020 , was my second date for the interview and all brethren on this page guess what !! After documents presentation at the embassy I was asked just two questions and comgrations was the next word I heard.
While bringing my story to an end, may I take this opportunity to advise all and sundry to pay particular attention to what the boss of the page has been taking us through and the sky will be the limit.
Mr Brit, thank you so much for your assistance regarding this programme. I respectfully doff off my hat for you .
Thank you.
Kind regards
Charles
February 11, 2020 at 17:27
Good luck in the USA!
February 13, 2020 at 11:27
Hello Brit please I have an HND certificate and that was what I used to apply, but later I was enrolled back in school to do my top-up so as I speak now I haven’t completed yet. So will there be a problem if they ask of the top-up certificate in the interview. Thank you
February 13, 2020 at 18:44
No.
February 17, 2020 at 22:59
Hi Bruce,
Been scrolling between the pages to find interview experiences of people who qualified by work experience. I didn’t come across any. Do you have reference to some?
Regards
February 17, 2020 at 23:29
There are some there, but of course it’s less used.
February 18, 2020 at 07:18
Would you be able to shed light on some, please? Or perhaps a few keywords you could share to help me with the search. I tried a search on your webpage, besides scrolling through this section but couldn’t successfully find any.
Will much appreciate your assistance as I am preparing to qualify using work experience.
February 18, 2020 at 09:01
Put this on google:
site:britsimonsays.com work experience
February 18, 2020 at 21:03
Hello Elazab,
Thank you for the response. I didn’t mean to look for official information on how to qualify on work experience, these are basic guidelines which are vague. I am looking for interview experiences of people who qualified via work experiences. Thank you
February 18, 2020 at 21:08
Did you actually do what was suggested?
February 18, 2020 at 15:09
You should read the FAQ.
March 6, 2020 at 19:15
Case No: 2020AS7XXX
Embassy: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Interview: January 2020
Status: Issued
Pre-Interview
—————————————————————————————————–
Played: DV2009, DV2018, DV2019, DV2020 (Selected)
Got to know that I was selected in the second week of May 2020. Can’t express in words how happy I was that day.
The selection letter stated that I must fill the DS-260 and submit as soon as possible to process my application further. So I applied for passports for my family using the one day service – spending triple the regular fee! DS-260 submitted 3 days later.
Found out the BritSimon’s blog on the day I submitted the DS-260 for the first time. I wish I found it earlier so that I wouldn’t rush without knowing the process. After going through all the articles published here in the last two years, everything about the DV process became crystal clear.
Unlocked DS-260 a couple of times for corrections according to document translations and to add social media details. Last submission end of July.
Applied for police clearance online in July and got it in early August
Got the KCC request for documents in mid-September 2019. Submitted documents within few minutes of receiving the email as I was ready with everything by then.
Received ready for scheduling (documents complete) email exactly after 48 hours of sending the documents.
2NL received on November 21, 2019. Got photos according to US Visa photo guidelines and A/L results collection card from examinations department following Colombo Embassy instructions. Dropped the package with the photos, photocopies of the passports and the A/L collection card at the security check point of the Embassy.
Completed medicals 3 weeks prior to the interview and got vaccinations. Collected sealed medical packages 3 days prior to the interview.
Downloaded the CEAC data csv file from Xarthisius’s website and extracted numbers ready for interview at the Colombo embassy in the range that went current for January interviews. I was following all of them like on a daily basis and got alarmed as there were 5 refused cases, 2 AP and none issued by the date of my interview ?
Interview
—————————————————————————————————–
We went to the embassy 15 minutes before the interview time according to the embassy instructions, but we had to be at the end of the queue because of that :D. We had a chat with some people waiting in the queue and found out that many other winners were asked over the phone to come on this day instead of the one mentioned in the 2NL as the embassy had scheduled about 7-8 DV cases on the same day.
At the entrance security check, we were asked whether there are any sealed envelopes and if there are, we should remove the seals and open the packages before entering the security check point. So I had to open the sealed medical package. Also the security guy asked us to switch off our mobiles.
Once entered I was asked to produce the 2NL and our passports. They had a list of interviewees with the security and they wrote down out passport numbers in that sheet. We were asked to remove shoes, belts, any metal objects like coins and put them in to the scanner keeping only cash with us. Asked to hand over the mobile phones and they gave a token for that. We were also asked whether we have any pen drives with us, which we didn’t.
After the scans we were allowed to enter the embassy premises. Before entering the consular area there was a second security check like the one before where they only did the scans without asking for any documents or passports and we were issued a token number. We were asked to be seated till our number is called.
After some time, our number was called to one of the two applications collecting counters and the local officer who was collecting applications asked us to hand over our passports. He asked whether I stayed abroad for more than 6 months and whether I served in the military. When I handed over the photos, the collecting officer said further photos are not needed as I have submitted photos when submitting the A/L collection card. The officer collected following documents in the order:
Birth Certificates: Originals, translations and one set of photocopies
Marriage Certificate: Original, translation and one set of photocopies
Police Clearance Certificates
Medical Reports: We were asked to keep the vaccination card, our copy of the vaccination information sheet and the Chest X-Ray CD with us.
Financial documents: I-134, W2 and photo ID. Returned the 1040 after just going through it. Didn’t even look at our bank statements.
Then the officer asked the me and my spouse to give our fingerprints.
Finally, the officer asked me to pay USD 330 for each of us (which I paid in LKR) and asked to be seated until our number is called for the interview.
Our number was the one before the last person so we had to wait for little more than 3 hours, and we could see only two cases leaving the interview rooms happily. All the others were seen leaving with upset faces and this made us so nervous.
Then came our turn and there was this Consular Officer who was a nice white gentleman looking to be in his 50s. He smiled and greeted us with our native language Sinhala! My adrenalin level dropped back to normal within few seconds and we greeted him back. He asked how long we have been married and my spouse answered. He asked who the winner is, and I said I am. Then he asked for my full name and in which name should he call me. He asked same from my spouse. He asked us to raise our right hand and swear that our documents and what we will be telling during the interview will be truth and truth only. Next he asked the us to put fingerprints of one hand as a signature.
Then the CO asked me about DOB of me and my spouse, date of marriage, about my education, what my spouse do, about my sponsor and what does the sponsor do. He appreciated all my answers and I thanked him back. Then he said we are a lucky family and congratulated us. He asked us whether we have anything important the same day next week, we replied “No”. Then he asked us to come back in one week to collect the passports with visas and not to book air tickets prior to that. He handed over a yellow paper which mentioned that our visas were tentatively approved. Next he gave a fist-bump to each of us from his side of the window and we did from our-side. He wished us a great day ahead in our native language and we wished him the same in Sinhala. The consular officer was so nice to us and I never ever expected a CO to be so friendly.
Post Interview
—————————————————————————————————–
CEAC Status:
Interview Day Ready
Interview + 1 Day Ready
Interview + 2 Days Ready
Interview + 3 Days AP
Interview + 4 Days AP
Interview + 5 Days Issued
Port of Entry (POE)
We decided to travel to Los Angeles from Colombo via Abu Dhabi amid Coronavirus scare in early March 2020. So our port of entry was the US Pre-clearance facility in Abu Dhabi Airport. We had to go through the tight security screening and wait for the CBP officer for few minutes. Then I greeted the officer and said that we are migrating to the USA and handed over our passports. He asked for the sealed immigrant packets and I handed them over. I also tried to hand over the chest X-ray CDs but he said they are not needed. He then opened each packet one by one, stamped them and asked each one of us to face the camera to take pictures. Only two questions were asked from me; whether we are bringing in any agricultural products and whether we are carrying any currency in excess of USD 10,000. Then he chop the seal on our immigrant visas and said Welcome to the United States!
The key points for our success are being so careful not to have any mistake in our eDV, DS-260 and the documents, following the instructions to the point and most importantly being 100% honest with everything.
I want to thank BritSimon for sparing his time for people around the world without expecting anything in return. Without Mr. Simon’s help this process wouldn’t have been this smooth. I will soon make a donation to keep this site going on and on. May you have a long healthy life full of happiness!
March 6, 2020 at 20:59
Sounds like an awesome CO!
July 16, 2020 at 16:06
Good evening from Cambodia, Mr.simon,
i am a selectee in dv2021 with case number AS2021000019XX as a single applicant. So i did submit the first DS-260 right after i have known that i am selected about few days.
Back In 16 Dec 2019, i was rejected from applying for F1 visa, I didn’t ask the CO about the specific reason, but it might be because i was a senior student in my home country and go to re-study there.
So my question is
1. Should i continue the process after i got rejected from F1 visa?
2. I did put public address in the US, because i have no one there in the US, is it ok?
Hope you doing well,
Sreymom
July 16, 2020 at 20:50
1. If you want, yes.
2. No – you will have to update it with a real address of a friend or someone that will receive your GC later.
March 6, 2020 at 19:36
*INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE FOR CASE NO 18K MARCH 5TH 2020 US EMBASSY NAIROBI KENYA *
I arrived at the embassy at 6am, wasn’t allowed to go thru security becoz I had a big bag, so I called the driver n left it in the car, went thru security check n entered the embassy
The Kenyan lady asked for my doccuments, original n photo copies, she also asked me if am married or ever been married, I said NO n she asked for sponsors doccuments as well
So we went out side me n my 2kids n waited for 2hrs
Note my son is a USA citizen.
@10am they called us to go to window 6
Co (white guy) :helo, Plz forgive me my micro phone is off so u need to speak up
Me: Oky sir
Co: swear that every thing u will say is the truth:
Me: I swear
Co: is ur sponsor the father of ur son
Me: yes
Co: what is his name
Me:ansrd
Co: are u married
Me:ansrd
Co:is he married
Me:ansrd
Co:wat is the name of his wife
Me: ansrd
At this point I figured I shd pick my originals n leave this visa is a no for me
Then co said Plz can I take ur finger prints
Me:yes
Co:can I see the bby plz
Me:showed him
Co:can I have his USA passport plz
Me: gave it to him
Co: so we’re do u intend to stay
Me: my sponsor said he wd get us a place
Co: looks at the irs taxes then says Oky, all is well ur visa has been approved
Me:thank u sir
Co: u will get back the passports in 2 weeks
My case was abit different from the usual but I learnt we need to always be truthful at any cost.
Wish u all the best those still in the race and keep in prayer.
March 6, 2020 at 20:59
Congratulations!
March 6, 2020 at 20:18
Hi All
just wanted to update on my interview process.
I have from Fiji. Interview was scheduled for 04.03.2020 at 8.00am. Went to the embassy early morning but was only allowed to line up at 7.40am. Was first to enter the security check but was told to go back out and wait until it is sharp 8.00am as my visa was for immigrant. At around 8.05am was informed to go through security checks. Went inside the building and security gave me a ticket and told us to wait until number is called. I waited for 40 minutes and finally was called by one lady who requested for the following documents:
Original And a copy of Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, all qualification and academic transcript, 2 passport size photo, DS confirmation page, document delivery confirmation, passports, medical report. Then she took my finger prints and informed me to pay $726.00 fjd *2 at the cashier while she took my wife’s finger prints. Came back and returned the receipt to the lady and was told to sit and wait.
Was called by the interviewing officer after 30 minutes.
My actual interview lasted less than 2 mins.
Took oath and was asked to provide finger prints.
CO: what are you currently doing in Fiji.
CO: highest qualification is masters in Accounting…he checked my certificate and just made a comment. I suppose to to verify my field of study with the work I do.
CO: where will you stay in USA
CO: do you have family there.
CO: You have been approved. Visa will be issued within 3 to 5 working days….
He handed out a white paper stating approval of visa.
Hope this helps. No additional documents were needed. My DS form was filled last year March so the variation in the new DS form was not needed in my case……I suppose this would vary case by case based on country of interview…
All the best to others!!!!!
CEAC Status
Interview date: 04.03.2020 READY
05.03.2020 ISSUED
06.03.2020 passport received
March 6, 2020 at 21:00
Awesome!
March 9, 2020 at 14:46
Hi Simon,
Thank you for helping us through this journey. I have 2 children who are over 21. I did not mention them in the entry application due to the obvious, past the age. I did mention them in my DS 260 form since it asked if I have any children. There was no clause stating only under 21 should be mentioned. I stated not migrating with me for each, once again due to the obvious. I have my interview on Friday. Will this lead to denial? A lady was denied for adding a child who was under 21 but had not added them in entry application. I know my case and hers are different.
UAE
March 9, 2020 at 17:21
No problem.
March 11, 2020 at 18:21
Thank you Simon. I feel relief. This means my host does not need to include them on the I 134 since they are not migrating with me. Correct? Even though they are on my ds 260 form.
March 11, 2020 at 21:45
Correct.
March 10, 2020 at 15:55
I failed to fill the social media part.l with my spouse because my spouse isn’t on Facebook.
My interview is already scheduled.
Could that be a problem?
March 10, 2020 at 19:40
You did not fail to answer if there was no account.
March 10, 2020 at 22:12
Thanks man of God
March 12, 2020 at 15:25
Case No: 2020AS1000XX
Embassy: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Status: Approved
Arrived at the embassy at 12.30 PM on 12th March 2020. Interview was scheduled to be occurred at 1PM.
I and my family members were allowed to enter to the security room by 1 PM and by that time there were about 5-6 DV lottery winners at the queue outside the security. A security personnel asked us to un-seal any sealed envelope. We had to un-seal our medical reports. They checked our passports and checked our names against their list and noted down our passport numbers. The security asked us to switch off the mobile(s) and remove any belts, shoes, wallets and coins. Then they checked all of our files one by one for any sealed document. All the items were scanned. They kept the mobile phones, water bottles, food with them and gave us a token. They advised us to not to wear belt/tie pin, since there will be another security screen at the premises. Successfully went through the first security check and entered to the premises. Before entering to the consular area, there was a second security check. Again they checked all the files one by one as previous and issued a token number.
Then we entered to the consular area and there were no one at that time. We were the first to interview. After some time a nice local lady came to a counter and asked to provide our passports. Then she asked whether we have gone outside the country within last 3 weeks (especially to China). She asked this question couple of times. She had a file with her and there I could see my A/L result sheet which they have collected from the Ministry of Education. She asked to provide below:
Birth Certificates: Originals, translations and one set of photocopies
Marriage Certificate: Original, translation and one set of photocopies
Latest Police Clearance Certificates
Medical Reports: Chest X-Ray CD was given back.
Financial documents: I-134 with only latest W2
Then she asked me and my wife to give fingerprints. After completing that, she asked us to be seated.
Then the nice gentleman at cashier counter announced our token number. I had to pay the VISA fee there. Each and every note was checked for damages very closely by the cashier. Then we were asked to be seated again.
After one hours’ time, CO came to the interview room and announced our number (which was the first in line). Very pleasant white gentleman with his 50s. He asked my full name. Same asked from my wife and son as well. He asked us to raise our right hand and swear that our documents and what we will be telling during the interview will be truth. Then he took our fingerprints and I had to put my finger print on behalf of my son who is below 15 years. CO opened our file and took out documents (carefully) one by one. He asked our date of birth, my occupation, and sponsor details (relationship to the sponsor and sponsor’s job). Did not ask any other detail.
Then he announced the good news “YOUR VISAS ARE TENTATIVELY APPROVED”. He handed over a yellow paper which mentioned that our visas were tentatively approved and should be available at the embassy to collect our VISAs next week. Then he gave a fist-bump to each of us from his side of the window and we did the same from our-side. We thanked him and left the embassy.
I should be thankful to BritSimon, who always advised us to “over prepare”. Believe me, I saw few scenarios today where applicants have not brought correct documents and therefore they had to return to their homes without a success. Thanks a lot Brit! Please do continue your good work for future winners. I’m planning to enter to my dream land soon and I will definitely make a donation to this site before that.
March 12, 2020 at 15:31
Correction…
Case No: 2020AS100XX
March 12, 2020 at 16:40
Please can you give me your number .lam also dv2020selectee.
March 12, 2020 at 15:59
Awesome – well done!
March 18, 2020 at 04:09
G’day Green Carders, I just successfully completed my Diversity Lottery application process and have been approved for my visa. Hooray! This website and blog comments really helped me alot and all the answer you need are here, so thank you Simon and everyone else who has commented.
My DV2020 Experience
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
US Consulate Sydney, Australia
Case Number: 2020OC15XX
Single applicant – no spouse or children
Interview Appointment: March 17th 2020 8:00am
………………………………………………………………………………………………………
– Initial Entry of DV2020 program: October 2018
– 1NL letter confirmed about selection: 7th May 2019
– Submitted DS260: 8th May 2019
– Further DV Documents requested by KCC: 14th July 2019
– Document Received confirmed by KCC: 4 August 2019
– CN became current on Visa Bulletin: February VB
– 2NL with interview date received (March 17th 2020 8:00am): 30th January 2020
– Medical Examination completed: 6 March 2020
-Showed approval on CEAC website: 18th March 2020
…………………………………………………………………………………………………
I entered the lottery not expecting much but my partner being American I thought I may as well. We had just relocated to my home country of Australia from the USA just before May and had planned to stay indefinitely but then I won lottery so we were very lucky.
There was so much information to go through when I first was selected but Simon’s website is by far the best I’ve found. I submitted my DS260 straight away hoping for a quick turn around. I wasn’t fully on top of the information at the time so I didn’t know when I would hear back until I found this website. I got the email from the KCC asking for further documentation emailed (copies of police check, birth cert and passport) I had to wait for my police check to be completed (needs to be a national one not a state one for you Aussies) and then sent them off.
I was then unsure how long it would take until I found the tables Simon had made on the Visa Bulletins. This is a very helpful resource and gave me at least an idea from previous years when I might get my number called. It turned out to be faster then expected, for some reason I assumed that when the VB was saying your number was current was when you would receive the 2NL telling you the date of the interview but it is actually when your interview is. So my number became current in March 2020 on the Feb VB but I received my 2NL not long the VB came out with my interview date. I almost didn’t open the email because I thought it was spam so double check when you think you’re around that time.
I booked my medical a week or so before my interview. Not sure how it works in other countries but tip for Aussies, if you go to your regular GP and ask for a blood test to show if you have the antibodies required for the immunisations then you can get any boosters or shots before the medical and save some time and money. A list of required immunizations can be found on the US Gov website. Medical was stock standard and asked me questions and did some basic medical tests of weight, heart rate, blood pressure ect.
Then it was time for the interview. It came at an interesting time and it still currently is with the Corona Virus situation increasing. I will give a play by play analysis in case someone needs that:
-Sydney consulate send you an email before hand with pdf of all the documents you need and things to bring (eg. Express Post bag for passport return ect). Very straight forward and fools proof. Be organised is the best tip I can give you, over prepare and read everything twice.
-Arrived 15min early and waited with other applicants outside the actually consulate in Martin Place, Sydney on the 10th floor. We entered a little after 8:00am
-We then entered and were asked if we had a phone and if you did to put it in a bag and security kept it at the security check in for the duration of your appointment, I didn’t take mine because I read that you shouldn’t but everyone else had theirs.
-We then lined up and two ladies went through our documents and made sure we had then in order and cut out my passport photos (US Size only).
-We then went through the standard “airport” security check with items through a scanner and you walk through the metal detector.
-I sat down for 60 secs and then my row got called up to move to the 50 something floor for the actual interview.
-We each took a number as we entered and sat down. This is where I spent a lot of my time. I probably only spoke with people for 10 minutes tops the rest was spent waiting. I was the last person to take a number so I waited the longest. There were 6 other people in my group and we were the first of the day. I waited maybe 30min
-First I was called up to speak with a lady who went through my documents again and made sure everything was in order and didn’t ask me much but was very nice. I did my finger prints for the first time and she then directed me to another window to pay my $330US. I paid my Visa Debit but I saw the EFTPOS was not excepted FYI. I then went back to her and she gave me back by documents and told me to sit down and wait for my number to be called again.
-I waited another 20min and could hear two people ahead of me do their “interview”. Both were successful but one just had the incorrect police check, needed it to be National not State. The interview said it wasn’t a big deal just to get the correct one and send it them ASAP.
-When I went up, he asked for my finger prints again and then said congrats on winning the lottery, he was a nice guy. He then asked me, “why are you interested in relocating to America.” I explained my university degree and my industry I wanted to work in and my partner being American. He then asked “where will you be staying in the States” I said “With my partners parents to begin with in CT.” It just felt like a casual conversation he wasn’t trying to be mean or anything. He went silent for a while and typed on his computer and then said “I’m just being quiet because everything seems great with your application, congratulations you have been approved for a visa.” Easy as that.
-He took my copies of my documents and gave me back my originals said a quick thing about not selling my house or quitting my job yet until I have my passport back and then said I have until then expiry of my police check to enter the US, end of July. I walked out and that was it.
-I received an email form the Sydney Consulate the next morning (today as I write this) saying I had been approved and I checked the CEAC website after that and it said “issued”
Hope that wasn’t to much info, better to have too much then not enough. Now working out how I can get to the US with all the cancelled flights and restriction with the corona virus.
Feel free to ask any questions and thanks again Simon for all your information and videos.
March 18, 2020 at 23:05
Awesome. Congratulations!!
May 26, 2021 at 13:54
Matt, your post has caused some debate. When you go the visa can you please confirm the expiry date of the visa was based on the medical date (plus 6 months) or the police cert expiry date.
Also, please update and let us know what happened – you were interview exactly as COVID hit – did you make it in to the States, did you need to get the visa renewed? What happened then?
March 20, 2020 at 16:17
Let me at the outset register my sincere thanks and appreciation to Brit Simon for all his “highly necessary and vital information” with reference to the DV processes and procedures.
I am from Sierra Leone, West Africa and am in a family of four (Myself, spouse and children).
Sincerely ,the journey was so much cumbersome but following basic rules and guidance from Brit and with help from Almighty God, my interview was so simple and straight forward. My interview was slated for March 17th, 2020 @ prompt 9:00am. We arrived at the embassy at around 8am, went through security checks and was in the embassy at 8:20am. I was given a slot number and asked to take a seat. At around 8:50 am, my number was alerted the first Consular Officer and was asked to hand over originals of our passports, birth certificates, academic certificates, marriage certificate, police clearances and supporting photos. No mentioned was made about I-134, DS 5540 form and bank statement (though i had them in my possession). Also at prompt 9am, I was called by the cashier and asked to pay the sum of $1,320 (for four of us). We waited for over one hour and we were finally called at prompt 10:20am to see another Consular Officer ( an interesting and simple white lady). At the desk; after extending courtesies, the Consular Officer outrightly told me ” I have no reason not to approve your case” and she said thanks to me for presenting wonderful and meaning photos of your wedding and family activities. She went further to say, as much she’s convinced with my case but will have to ask the following questions.
1. C.O: What’s your profession?
Me: Engineer
2: C.O: But you have MBA……Why?
Me: I rose through the ranks in my
profession and now the current General
Manager of the company, therefore saw
the managerial prospect and thought it
wise to have an MBA.
3. C.O: What’s your wife doing for her
survival?
Me: She’s a banker of over 10 years proven experience and just graduated with an LLB Hons degree.
She then asked myself and spouse to raise up our right hands and subscribe to an oath and later said your case is approved.
Once again, let me most profoundly thank Brit and a host of other forumites that thought it wise to share their interview experience. I’ll forever be grateful and look forward to meeting Brit in the future. Just checked the caec and our status is now changed to issued. Hope to collect our passports next week. Many thanks
March 20, 2020 at 21:01
Nicely done!!!
March 21, 2020 at 00:01
Hi Simon ,
I would like to thank you for your support from the beginning of our journey with DV lottery,my husband won the DV lottery 2020 , we did our interview on Feb 10th 2020 in UAE,Abu Dhabi, we are from Sudan and as you know our country recently added to the banned countries, after the interview we got an administrative process and the consular officer informed us she will gonna send us form , and she send the supplementary form DS 5535 on the next day of our interview , we filled out the form for every applicant (me and my husband) as instructed on the email, on March 5th our status changed to refused ( after that we understood that this is a just error on the CEAC bage) . And after that we received 2nd email on March 10th from the embassy requesting us for three things:
1 – they asked us to send our child birth certificate ( he is a US citizen).
2- they asked us to send my US brother birth certificate and passport copy.
3- they requested us to fill out puplic charge from DS 5540 .
On March 17th we received the 3rd email from the embassy mentioning that we refused under the presidential proclamation 9645 but they mentioned that we are qualify for a waiver.and after 2 hours they send us the we got approval and they requested us to send our passports through the Empost.
I’m so happy because I thought that we will got refusal.
Thanks again and again.your site was helped me a a lot .
Just I have one advice for all applicants please be honest in every single question and you will be in the safe side.
March 21, 2020 at 05:16
OK – so your waiver was due to your ties to the USA, brother and child. Thanks!
March 22, 2020 at 15:42
US Embassy in Luanda – Angola (AFRICA)
Case Number: 2020AF23XX
Family of 3
*********************************************************************************************
DS 260 Sent on: 2nd September 2019
Send Documents email on: 21st October 2019
Sent documents on: 3rd December 2019
Email Confirmation: 17th December 2019
2NL: 23 January 2020
Medical exames done on: 27th January 2020
Appointment in 2NL: 7h30 AM 11th March 2020
*********************************************************************************************
We arrived at 6.45 AM but only entered the embassy at 8.00 AM (they book the appointment at 7.30 but only allow you to enter at 8.00h quite silly dont know why)
Passed the securtiy section, no phones allowed inside leave everything in a locker.
Went to the consular section:
Called on window nº 2 and nice lady told me to organize all the necessary documents for all applicants. So i organized all the documents.
Then she told to go to window nº 1 to make the payment, you can only pay by cash in USD or local currency, i paid em USD.
Sat down, then the lady called me back in window nº 2 and told me about the new DS 550 form, luckly i had it allready filled in, so she seemed suprised. Told me to sit down and just wait.
After 1 hour she called me for window nº 3:
There was the CO.
CO: Hello
ME: Hello
CO: So you speake english? Do you mind if we do the interview in english ?
ME: No its fine with me
CO: I need you fingerprints
ME: OK (we all done our fingerprints)
CO: I forgot the oath, can you make the oath?
ME: OK
CO: So who is the winner? Congradulations!!
ME: Thank you
CO: Why do you want to move to the USA?
ME: bla bla bla bla bla
CO: OK. And what do you do for a living?
ME: Bla bla bla bla
CO: What do you do for living (to my husband)
CO: OK. Where are you moving?
ME: Bla bla bla bla (looking at the compute and typing)
CO: OK. Its a busy city. I hope you know
ME: Yeah i know but im ready for this
CO: Can you please give me the DS 550 form
ME: Gave him the form and also Bank statments
CO: OK, everything looks fine. Can i keep them?
ME: yes sure (types more on the computer)
CO: You got it ! Im approving your visa !
I was just so happy when i heard that. I belive if you have all documents, no lies in DS 260 its cool. Nice CO nice ladys in the embassy. The interview took 5-7 min. Left the embassy at 10h00.
I checked my status on CEAC on the day and it stayed ready until 16th of March, then we passed to AP, ando on 17th all 3 of us were ISSUED! They called us from the embassy to pick up our visas.
Really happy Simon, Thank you for all your suport, u are amazing and so is this blog. Wish the best of luck to all applicants ! GOD BLESS
Thanksss
March 22, 2020 at 16:15
Congratulations.
April 20, 2020 at 22:03
Greeting from Cincinnati city, OH State
Our case number: 2020AS6XXX
First, I would like to thank Brit for sharing important information regarding the DV 2020.
Now our family has already moved to USA since April 11, 2020. I hope my sharing can give everyone some tips for the next interview. Our family has 5 members: parents and 3 daughters.
Our first interview schedule was on Jan 27, 2020. But it was delayed due to principle’s health check-up result which needs further TB test and we got 2nd interview scheduled on March 16, 2020. Let me share about our interview process below.
In the morning of March 16, our family arrived at the US embassy in Phnom Penh at 8:00 a.m. and our interview time was at 8:30 am. There were a few people including us waiting outside the embassy and we all went to stay in line just 10 mn before the interview time. We all were allowed to go inside after checking our documents and body scanning. For our family, we went to door 7 to get number and we were told to sit and wait. After that we went to door 8 to submit our documents and passports through a Khmer lady and wait again. Then, we went to pay for interview fee, to do finger prints and wait again. I felt that there was no somebody else besides our family and I didn’t know that the embassy canceled all the interviews because of COVID 19. We were waiting quietly and hopelessly. After 3 hours, we were called for interview at 11:30 a.m. At the door 5, an American consular came with our documents and passports with some notes. All family members took an oath and then started the interview with the consecutive questions:
How did we applied the DV? What are our current jobs? What do we want to do after arrival of the US? Why did you has 2 different birth of dates? And why was the marriage certificate just issued in 2019 though the marriage was already 13 years. This was my concern to answer but I tried to speak the trust through explanation and evidences such as wedding and family photos and old marriage certificate translated. He took back and forth our documents to discuss and come back to ask us. Finally, he came back again and typed in the computer and he took the blue stick note to write on the date of receiving our visa. So, he passed it to us saying congratulations with his smiling face. We got our visa on April 01 and we moved to US on April 11, 2020. It took short time to move since the situation of COVID 19 both in the US and Cambodia was not stable. By April 20, we already got our social security numbers after 9-day arrival.
Once again, thank you very much for your kindness to manage the blog with prompt answers to all of us. It is very helpful. I wish the rest of DV selectees of 2020 around the world success for the next interview after the situation of COVID 19 is better. Please stay safe to all of you!
Notes: Please remember that telling the truth with over-prepared documents as Brit said is a key to get the visa approved. We were not asked about the documents related to sponsorship and health insurance. However, we have over-prepared all these documents in hand.
April 21, 2020 at 02:47
Congratulations. You have come to the USA at a tough time. Let us know how things go with job search and so on.
June 21, 2020 at 17:06
Hi Brit, Of course, it is very tough time to move here during the pandemic. The most difficult thing is driving license that we need to wait for BMV to re-open their business. However, your job link in the website like Indeed is very helpful to find a job and for those who want to find it quickly is to go through job agency. For opening bank account is not difficult as long as we have actual address and have some required amount of money to deposit in the bank.
April 21, 2020 at 22:21
Great! My family of four also from Cambodia, Battambang. I arrived USA one day before strictly travel warning between Cambodia and USA, 14-03-2020. We got Green Cards on 04-04-2020. But till now our Social Security Cards not yet arrived. I called ask the office about it yesterday, 20-04-2020. They told me that due to COVID-19, I should wait about 2 more weeks to see the cards. If still not see in the period of that time, I should call them again. Now, waiting for those Social Security Cards to start doing something more importantly. Hope they should arrive soon.
May 5, 2020 at 08:37
Hello, I have difficulties in checking my result. 2021 applicant
May 5, 2020 at 23:12
The result day has been postponed to June 6.
May 7, 2020 at 06:15
Thanks Britsimon, i was lacking that information.
June 3, 2020 at 11:44
Hi, just wanted to know more ahead of time, me and my husband( he is Principal applicant) applied DV program 2021 and knowing that the result will be out in two days time, below are my quick question
1. My husband has two qualification Diploma in Masonary work and BA in Management, if in case he succeeds during DS260 willl he start filling like High school, Diploma Masonary and then BA Managament or directly starts with BA. Remember during application he used Diploma Masonary as he was continuing the BA at that time. Thanks and sorry if my question is irritating or i asked early of time.
June 3, 2020 at 18:16
Wait and see if you are selected.
June 4, 2020 at 06:28
Well noted and Thanks BritSimon,
June 4, 2020 at 11:07
Hello Simon please I just want to know the effects of the death rates caused by the pandemic on dv 2021
June 4, 2020 at 17:28
That is yet to be seen.
June 6, 2020 at 00:06
Hello Simon,
I have a question regarding my DV-2020 lottery AP (Administrative Process). which department is working on all DV AP? The NVC or Consulate or Embassies?
Thank you in advance
June 6, 2020 at 00:20
Embassies firstly – and other departments if the embassy requires some specific help or opinion.
June 6, 2020 at 13:47
Thank you so much Simon! appreciated..
June 6, 2020 at 23:25
Hi Simon! I filled in the DS 260 for the main individual, but when I finished it, the website did not allow me to go back and fill in the form of my spouse. Should I email KCC regarding this? Or I should wait on them?
June 6, 2020 at 23:39
Wait for a few days. The system is probably busy.
June 9, 2020 at 01:03
Hi Simon,
I’m a winner of dv2021, when I was applying I chose Bachelor’s degree but as at now my certificate is not ready, can go to the interview with transcript and attestation letter from my school? Will that be accepted if the certificate is not yet ready? or I should ignore it and use my high school certificate instead? Thanks
June 9, 2020 at 14:47
It won’t be a problem – and in any case there may be a long wait before you are interviewed.
June 12, 2020 at 09:18
Hello Brit,
First, i’d love to say thank you for providing this insightful platform where we can all get this rich information in detail regarding DV.
I am a 2021 DV lottery winner and my case number is above 50k from AF (Africa). I have not yet started filling the DS260 as of now after i checked my entrant status on 6 June 2020.
Based on the info i’ve read is , “you have to fill in the DS260 as soon as possible” on the other hand i just wanted to hear a piece of advice from you based on my case number is there a certain time frame i should look into as to when should be my earliest and latest time to fill and submit the DS260?
June 12, 2020 at 11:32
There is no need or advantage to rush to submit the DS260. Your number means you will wait a long time anyway.
We will know more about selectee numbers in a few weeks.
June 12, 2020 at 17:30
Hello brit, thanks a lot for your help in making what is unclear so clear for everyone. I am a winner of dv2021 and I have submitted my DS260. But in the DS260 form, I filled in face book for the “social media provider platform” part and for the “social media identifier” part, I filled in my phone# b/c that is what I use as an email to login. But now I realized that I should have filled in my user name. Would that be a problem?
June 12, 2020 at 21:45
I would unlock and correct that.
June 12, 2020 at 21:55
Ok, thanks a lot for your prompt reply, but if I don’t do that, will it cause a serious problem?
June 13, 2020 at 02:34
Hello Sir, I have just won the DV lottery program with my father name. But my school documents is in my Foster Father name. Is this a problem for me? If yes, then what can I do to make things work out for me?
Thanks
June 13, 2020 at 04:59
What do you mean with your father name. Do you mean your father won? And are you a child under 21? Only the winner has to show education.
June 13, 2020 at 03:40
My case number is AF26XXX.
When should I aspect my interview?
June 13, 2020 at 05:01
Early 2021
June 13, 2020 at 14:55
Thanks for the information
June 13, 2020 at 14:52
I was sponsored through out my school years by my Foster Father, as a result, I was using AMADOU T. BAH. But now that I’m independent, I started using my real father name which is AMADOU KAMARA.
As a result of this my school documents contain the first name and I have just won the DV 2021 with my real father name. Pls help me with the way forward.
June 13, 2020 at 18:01
So you applied with your legal name. Use that and list your other name in the “other names used” section of the DS260
June 13, 2020 at 22:24
Thanks, I have just done that and I have submitted my form. But can I still edit the information on that form which I have submitted?
June 14, 2020 at 00:24
I just realized that I need to upgrade some of the information on the DS, 260 form. How do I unlocked it for editing after submitting it with conformation?
Thanks
June 14, 2020 at 01:02
Covered in the FAQ
June 13, 2020 at 22:27
I asked because I think I need to do some retification on that form. Please I need information on this.
Thanks
June 14, 2020 at 17:37
Hi mr Simon,
I have a worry… My passport expires in June 2021. There is a probability that I might be interviewed next year since my number is AF33XXX. My passport will be less than 6months then. Is it advisable to use the current passport number to fill DS260form now and apply for a new passport which I will take to the interview or I should get a new passport before filling the DS260form
June 14, 2020 at 19:18
Yes apply using the current passport, but renew nearer the interview and take both to the interview.
June 17, 2020 at 20:47
Hi Simon,
I have the same issue on the passport. Mine is also expiring in June 2021. I have already applied for and received a new passport. And I plan to fill ds-260 with the new passport.
I hope I won’t be qualified. I will submit bio data of both passports old and new.
June 15, 2020 at 02:03
Greetings Brit I won the DV lottery program but my case number is AF85xxxx don’t know when I could be expecting my interview
And wish to ask that after applying what should we do next????
June 15, 2020 at 03:23
If you mean 2021AF85XXX that is a high number and you should wait for a few weeks before doing anything.
June 15, 2020 at 13:47
Hi Mr. Simon, i am selected for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program for the fiscal year 2021 and am from Liberia.
my case number is 2021AF12xxx
already filled in my DS-260 form on june 12, 2020, but is having a doubt about what i put on the form.
i was denied once while trying to attend the united nation youth assembly program and on my ds-160 form i listed that i got a Daughter which i have.
but when i was filling my original EDV form i didn’t include her cause she don’t live with me and i didn’t had any digital passport size image of her
now on my DS-260 form i got a question saying Do you have any children? and i selected Yes.
now its troubling me that i might be disqualify that i didn’t play with my child but added her as my child on my DS-260 form.
please help with my problem sir.
thank you
June 15, 2020 at 22:39
You are CERTAIN to get disqualified.
June 16, 2020 at 12:58
Hi, Mr. Britsimon,
i have gone through almost all the messages on the platform, and i would like to thank you for the good work that you are doing.
personally i won the lottery or rather i was among the selectees, i was selected on june 6th and today 16th is when i filled and applied for the DS-260, my case number is 2021AF41XXX.
I would like to know a few things,
when i applied for the DV program my highest education was university (without a degree) that option is available,
i droped out of university after 2 years because i couldnt affort it, after a serious job hunt, i got a well paying job and in August 2019 i enrolled myself back to the university because now i can afford it, i am a distance learning student and working as well.
my question is, will this affect my visa process? because i am currrently persuing a bachelors degree and hopefully graduating in 2022.
i am kindly and anxiously waiting for your reply.
THANK YOU.
June 16, 2020 at 18:47
No problem.
June 16, 2020 at 19:10
After receiving the documents required mail from KCC, how days can we take to submit documents? when will be the visa interview starting for DV2021 lottery winners?
June 16, 2020 at 19:28
Starting in October. Please read the basic questions article.
June 16, 2020 at 23:52
Greetings Brit I won the DV lottery program but my case number is 2021AF51XXX. may i know know when I could be expecting my interview
and do i have a good chance of getting a visa
June 17, 2020 at 02:34
You have a long time to wait – something like mid 2021.
June 17, 2020 at 00:10
Good day Mr. Brit, I am a selectee of the DV lottery program 2021 and my case number is 2021AF53XXX, i want to know what time should i be expecting my interview and do i have good chance of getting an interview with my case number??
June 17, 2020 at 02:42
You will wait until mid 2021
June 18, 2020 at 06:04
Hello Brit. Thank you for the great job. Am currently a student in the US and my case number is 2021AF41XX. When can i possibly be interview. Thank you
June 18, 2020 at 18:55
Well not for a long time. In the meantime you have time to learn about the process, decide how you will process and so on. Do that.
June 18, 2020 at 07:18
Good day Simon Sorry it’s going to be a lot of questions Because I’m very worried and I don’t want to miss this chance I’m a DV2021 Winner from Egypt now I’m still buys with all my papers and filling the DS260 my case number 2021AF12xxx and I have got some questions regarding my situation please if I can get a correct answers:
1- regarding the case number what is the time frame I should send my DS260 to KCC so I don’t be late for the rest of process?
2- I have been in South Africa for more than a year so I need a police certificate but the embassy here in cairo is closed due to the COVID-19 and they only opening Around October, so will KCC ask me in the email to for that South African police certificate? and if They asked and I didn’t get it yet Is it okay I can send the other documents And write a note I will have it at the interview?
3-I’m a 31 years old with no job no previous job and I got question asking what is your primary occupation I will choose unemployed right ? And this won’t affect my interview Or my application?
4-I have applied for a tourism visa To USA in South Africa 2018 and it got denied I will be honest with them what is the best explanation I can Write for this question? And will this Refusal also effect My application or not ?
Thanks a lot
June 18, 2020 at 19:24
1. Too late would be after April/May of next year. So no problems.
2. No – send all documents at once.
3. Well they might well have public charge concerns if you can’t explain why you have not had a job before.
4. Just honesty.
June 24, 2020 at 14:08
HI brit, now that the ban has been extended should I fill my ds 260 now or I should wait for a while.my case number is AF72XXX
June 24, 2020 at 19:42
Wait for a while.
June 24, 2020 at 22:27
Hi Brit, can u change an individual name u initially put on the DS 260 form after unlocking it. Knowing that the person who fill it in for u mistakenly miss ur parents surname?
June 25, 2020 at 00:18
You can correct the DS260, yes. Check the FAQ to read how.
June 26, 2020 at 18:32
HI brit,with my case number AF722XX,when do u think my interview will be in and when should I send the ds 260.thanks
June 27, 2020 at 04:57
DV2021 I assume.
To early to know.
No rush to submit the DS260. Wait a few weeks at least.
June 29, 2020 at 12:38
so this section of your blog is no longer about interview stories? i am a huge fan and follower of yours. as i always say, the world citizens own you. thank you.
i think this categorization in your blog was working perfect. i used to check each section individually in order to get a grasp of the complete dv picture. but not this amazing “interview stories” section started to look like “ask questions here” section…
June 29, 2020 at 22:59
Yeah I have to clean out the questions from time to time.
July 8, 2020 at 03:34
Hi BritSimon
July 8, 2020 at 05:02
Hi BritSimon
Can you help me with these questions, my case number is 2021AS6XXX.
I have already summited DS-260 form because I am too exited for the selected, but my status in DS-260 is “completed” summited on 19-June-2020.
1. In DS-260 form they ask about “Other name used” I answer no but after I read some of your responses and make me think about my Chinese name that I used in Chinese school but I don’t have any document from government or anywhere that I used that name before. So do I need to unlock my DS-260 and add my Chinese name in there?
2. I also have read some of selectees experience see that they all were prepared for all documents to be summited to KCC, do I need to prepare my documents both in native and translate because I have read that some documents have to be issued in the past six months and we all know that COVID-19 has become a big problem to immigration, I don’t know that when will my case continue to process.
3. About translate documents from my native language. Do I have to find a agency or government to translate my document or I can translate and print it on my own?
4. Do I need to prepare any bank statement in this whole process include when interview.
Note: I am a single selectee and I only see other selectees with family I feel like my case is going to be denied.
July 8, 2020 at 20:42
1. You can do that if you feel it is important.
2. You can read about the document requirements here: https://britsimonsays.com/document-procedure-modification/
3. You cannot do it yourself, but someone who is prepared to self certify that they are competent to do it can do that for you.
4. https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
YOu need to read the FAQ to understand the process more.