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 8, 2020 at 5:02 am
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 8:42 pm
1. You can do that if you feel it is important.
2. You can read about the document requirements here: http://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. http://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
YOu need to read the FAQ to understand the process more.
July 8, 2020 at 1:27 pm
Good day Britsimon
I’m a DV 2021 winner with case number 2021AF442XX, per your analysis do you think the ban on immigration will be extended beyond December 31st? because some of us don’t want to send the ds260 to show our immigrant intent incase the ban will affect 2021 winners, Thanks.
July 8, 2020 at 8:58 pm
I don’t know. If I were you I would wait and see.
July 9, 2020 at 9:16 am
Thanks Brit, I hope submitting the ds260 in January 2021 wouldn’t be too late.
July 16, 2020 at 1:56 pm
Hi Brit I won the DV2021 lottery program but my case number is 2021AF00XXX. when I could be expecting my interview and do i go ahead to submit the DS-260
July 16, 2020 at 8:46 pm
You haven’t made your number clear. Submit and wait.
July 17, 2020 at 11:25 pm
Hi Brit, I am winner of the 2021 visa lottery. My case number is 2021SA17XX. My Partner is expecting a baby of mine who is born in December, but we are not married because she is in the process of divorce. I have not sent my DS 260 because I do not know how to include my unborn child. Do you think I should wait for nasca to send my DS 260? . If my partner gets divorced and we get married, wouldn’t our marriage be seen as a possible fraud? Given your experience, what do you recommend?
July 17, 2020 at 11:41 pm
http://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-480/#comment-236464
July 17, 2020 at 11:48 pm
Excuse my English . I meant if I should wait for my son to be born.I also wanted to say that my son will be born in December
July 18, 2020 at 2:08 am
No problem to wait.
July 18, 2020 at 3:01 am
My case number is 2021SA17XX. Do you think I would have time to wait to send my DS 260?
REPLY
July 18, 2020 at 4:22 am
I keep replying. You keep repeating the same questions.
July 17, 2020 at 11:41 pm
Hi Brit, I am the winner of the 2021 visa lottery. My case number is 2021SA17XX. My partner is expecting a baby of mine who would be born in December, but we are not married because he is in the process of divorce. You didn’t send my DS 260 because I don’t know how to include my unborn child. Do you think I should wait for my child to deliver my DS 260? . If my partner gets divorced and we get married, wouldn’t our marriage be seen as possible fraud? Given your experience, what do you recommend?
July 18, 2020 at 2:14 am
Hello, I am very happy to find this website that has helped me to better understand this process although my language is Spanish and I am using a translator to understand everything. I am Cuban and DV2021 winner. My case number is 2021SA0000205X. I would like to know the possible date of the interview and if it is true that because I have a high number, I may not be able to obtain a visa. Excuse my English. Thank you very much.
July 18, 2020 at 4:20 am
We do not know enough yet to be able to make any assumptions about dates and so on. Be patient.
July 18, 2020 at 2:17 pm
Hi Brit,
I’m from Sierra Leone I won the DV2021 My Case Number is 2021AF00049XXX when I could be expecting my interview and do I go ahead to submit the DS-260
July 18, 2020 at 9:38 pm
We dont have selectee numbers yet, so wait.
July 27, 2020 at 9:33 am
Hi,
I won the 2021 Visa first stage.
Does anyone has any information about the interview?
What would be asked and what is important to mention?
July 27, 2020 at 7:07 pm
You should read more of my articles and the FAQ.
August 6, 2020 at 11:34 am
Hello, I applied DV2021 program and not selected, and i wish to apply again in this year 2021. However, i want to to fill separate entry and my husband to fill another entry.
will that increase our chance of being selected. Thanks and sorry if i ask unnecessary question.
August 6, 2020 at 7:22 pm
Yes you can each enter one time – and as a married couple you are also “derivatives” of the spouse’s case
September 5, 2020 at 5:02 pm
Hi,
I am won the 2021 DV lottery but I just realized I made a mistake in my submitted ds-260. How best can I correct it before my interview.
Thanks.
September 9, 2020 at 1:24 pm
Unlock and correct
October 9, 2020 at 8:32 pm
How unlocked the form ?
October 9, 2020 at 10:31 pm
Read the FAQ
September 15, 2020 at 4:57 am
Hi Brit
I have to appreciate everthing about all info here. I m winner DV2020 form Asia . I was first schedule on 31 March 2020 then was cancel. and then i got re schedule again on 15 September 2020 to interview. that is today.I would like to share my experience about Interview at Bangkok Embassy
My case No AS10XXX , Staff is very kind
Co: Good morning
Me: Good morning mam
Co: Can you interview in english
Me: Yes . I am
Co; Please right hand up and swear all we discuses today is true
Me: I swear.
Co: what do you do ?
Me: I work as engineering
CO: what is your degree?
Me: Bachelor Degree
Co: How long have you been working after graduated?
Me: Almost 7 years
Co: Who is ……(sponsor)
Me: she is my friend mother
CO: Ok, You have plan to California
Me: Absolutely yes mam
Co: Everything looking good and Congratulation your visa getting approved. please contact window no.2 , staff will tell you more info about President Proclamation
Me: Thank you so much
CO: Khob Khun Ka (Thai Langues)
Me: Khob Khun Kub (Thai Langues)
Thank you again Brit
Remark: Winner must re-new medical exam that you . One of DV case before me she didn’t re-new Medical Exam . Her expire date is 13 sep 2020. She have to send the new medical exam again.
September 15, 2020 at 4:59 am
Awesome, I’m glad you have your chance.
October 1, 2020 at 7:19 pm
Excuse me, may I know did you bring I-134 or some public charge documents with you ?
September 15, 2020 at 12:26 pm
Interview experience.
DV2020
US Embassy Fiji
I had interview scheduled for 4th May but it got cancelled (Group 3).
Interview time @ 9am.
Family of 3 (me as main applicant).
Sept 10th received email from Embassy notifying me of my rescheduled date for 15th Sept. But before this, I kept bothering the Embassy ever since Judge Mehta issued his order to get me a rescheduled interview date and time asap & also notified them of the birth of my child.
Edv entry – entered as single in 2018
Got married in Dec 2019 and added my wife to my ds260 application.
Received 2nl in March for May 4th interview but cancelled.
My wife gave birth on the 28th of May.
End of August, we made a passport for our child.
Our police clearance was already sent to the Embassy in the month of January.
Our Medical was performed on the 10th Sept for the first time and it was taken to the Embassy in the morning of our interview 15th Sept. So everything was right on time and on point.
However, we couldn’t create a ds260 for our child but the Embassy reopened our ds260 so that they could also add him on our electronic case, and we to add him in our ds260, needed us to scan his bc and passport bio data page, in which we did. So since it was part of the required docs was to print out all our ds260 confirmation page, the only one who didn’t get a confirmation page was our child. So we explained to the man who was checking our docs about our situation, he then gave us a manual ds260 to fill.
After which we waited patiently for our interview. After 5 minutes we were called for our interview.
Co: Told us to take oath
Us: we did
Co: took our biometrics
Co: when did you graduate from high sch?
Me: ans
Co: what high sch did you go to?
Me: ans
Co: what are you currently doing?
Me: currently in university pursing my studies.
*CO asked the exact same questions to my wife also.
CO: looks like we have all the documents that we need and i dont see a reason to not give you a visa. Congratulations, *we went deaf after we heard that word! We waited for almost a year to hear that word!
*CO takes our passport and told us to pick it in 3-5working days.
*Later this afternoon Someone from the consulate sector called us via mobile and told us to collect our passports and immigrant visa packages from the Embassy that same afternoon.
So now we have our passports with our visas and immigrant packages back!!
We went in there with Over Over prepared documents, from the i-134, ds5540, proof of family photos etc. And we expected them to ask the most difficult questions we could expect, but to our surprise he asked the most easiest questions. Thank God!
This has been a really difficult year for us DV2020 and it wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the help your offer here Brit. Thank you so much!! And not forgetting the lawyers who are continuously fighting for us. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AND I WISH THE REST OF YOU GOODLUCK!
September 15, 2020 at 2:21 pm
Nicely done – thanks for letting me know it worked out!
September 15, 2020 at 12:47 pm
Congratulations, my brother… I wish you travel soon and prosper…
Cheers, buddy!
September 15, 2020 at 10:11 pm
Thanks BritSimon
Your help has been invaluable and you have impacted so many peoples lives for your commitment to this blog/ page.
We are currently scheduling an interview with Sydney Australia and are awaiting on permission to travel from WA to NSW from the WA. Government. This has been a logistical nightmare – thanks Corona! Not looking forward to two weeks in isolation on our return.
An interview question if anyone has been through Sydney recently. Do we need the ds5540 forms ? I haven’t seen much about this and we haven’t been asked for this by Sydney. We have bank statements and investment statements to show our gross worth to prove ability to not be a public charge.
Experiences stories from Australia would be appreciated .
September 15, 2020 at 10:24 pm
DSydney rarely (almost never) ask for I-134, DS5540 or even finance records. However, it wouldn’t harm to have those things available, just in case. You have one shot. Make it count.
September 20, 2020 at 12:06 pm
This is a winner 2020 in UAE from Jordan , the interview was cancelled on 15th March and as per britsimon advise I sent email to embassy and I did interview today and I was approved with family
They Asked only one question in the interview
I would like to thank you for your effort , time and professionalism
September 20, 2020 at 8:34 pm
Great news!
September 22, 2020 at 7:47 am
Hi salej
Thank you for sharing. Am DV 2021 winner living in dubai and I applied to do my interview from Abu Dhabi would be so kind to share the questions asked during the interview.
Thanks merab
September 22, 2020 at 2:30 am
Interview Experience
Venue- Colombo, Sri Lanka
We received 2nl in March 2020 for May interviews. But got the interview cancellation mail few days after 2nl.
Then there was Covid 19 struggle all over the world. We were locked down for about 2months time and Embassy was not operating. In the meantime Trump brought the ban…. and I think everyone knows the hard phase we went through until 4th September where Judge Mehtha issued the remarkable judgement.
Judgement was issued at about 1 or 2 a.m. on 5th September from SL time and thanks to Brit Simon’s blog we understood the importance of scheduling the medical ASAP and getting it before the interview.
I called the hospital but they refused to schedule a medical without the interview date. I told the person who answered the phone about the whole judgement and the time limits. Still they redused to fix the appointment and asked me to contact the embassy. I contacted the embassy, sent them mails telling them to inform the hospital to schedule appointments. ** But No reply to the mails** When I called the embassy they told that interview can be done without medicals and medical can be done later. Still I hadn’t got my visa interview scheduled. While fighting to get my visa interview scheduled, I called the hospital everyday to have my medical appointment scheduled as well. FINALLY (may be they had got a communication from embassy), I could have my medical scheduled for a day that’s 5 days apart. Two days after I went for my medicals I got the call from embassy to schedule my appointment.
My advice as Brit says- Keep pushing your case. You need to work hard to have your chance.
Although I was promised that my medical would be given in 4 days, it was not ready and doctor had gone on leave untill my interview date. (I was utterly frustrated but I didn’t give up the fight) I went to the hospital and checked with them as to what extent my medical was incomplete. They said that only the doctor’s signature is needed and I asked if I could get it on my interview date. They said that doctor comes at 9.30 a.m. and when he signs they will seal it and give in the morning. (But how could I have it before I go to my interview??? I have to be at the embassy at 10.00a.m.) I said to hospital that I would arrange a person to get the medical from hospital and the medical to be given to me at the embassy on the interview day. They kept telling me that it is not an issue to go without medical you can give it later. But I stressed on having it on the same day and I requested their corporation to help me get it on time.
After a big stressful time at 9.45 a.m. I was ready with the medical reports and all other documents.
Document preparation.
We were sent a checklist by the embassy and we prepared them very carefully and very orderly. They wanted only one set of copies from documents but we were much too overprepared we had two sets of copies from each and of course it helped us. They wanted two copies from our marriage certificate.
We bought clear folders, tags and we named and tagged each and every document, money, photos, passports, and all medicals.
We were ready with ds5540 , salary confirmation bank statements and everything that would support our information that were entered in ds260. They were not even mentioned at the interview but we were confident as we had overprepared ourselves.
Key point- Documents preparation is the most important task once you get the appointment and it should be given enough attention and time!
They didn’t take any documents other than the ones mentioned in the checklist sent to us. But its better to be overprepared.
Entering the embassy and the interview.
There are two checkpoints. We have to remove shoes , switch off phones and go through a scanner. We also need to give away any pen drives, phones, food and drink in our bags to the first counter and obtain a token. We had put all our document files in a big cloth bag and it was allowed to be taken inside with the bag.
At the second checkpoint also we have to remove watches and spectacles and go through a scanner. And we are given a token with a number.
Then comes the document counter where a Sri Lankan lady with a Tamil accent explained that they are not responsible if our visas don’t get printed before 30th September and that we cannot travel even if we get the visa untill the ban ends and even after the ban we have only a 2 and half months time to travel. But if any other ban or restrictions would be imposed we will lose our chance and that we will not be entitled to re-issuance or renewal of visa. She asked if we would still like to proceed and pay the non-refundable visa fee. We said yes and one by one she took all the documents from us and she was surprised to see our medical. I said that we collected it today morning only, and that was also after a huge battle. She said that we were the first ones to provide all the documents needed.
It is clear that many winners are unable to prepare all the documents within the short time given. We had only 3 days to prepare for the interview after the scheduling call. We could succeed only because we had been working hard, updating ourselves continuously and preparing things timely and diligently.
At the documents counter we were asked if we need a translator and we said yes because the foreign person wearing a mask and talking to us from a room parted with a glass panel was sure to be unclear. And if course it was a wise decision as we got some time to give our answers as well.
I think it’s a good idea to have a translator even if you know good english.
After paying the visa fee, (Which we took in rupees the exact amount) our token number was called and the visa officer greeted and started asking questions.
Only few questions were asked and they were simple. Questions were mainly for the Principal applicant. My wife and my little daughter were asked to be seated after taking finger prints. And officer continued asking questions. Questions were mainly how long you have been married, how old is your daughter, how old is your wife, educational qualifications, what is the relationship between you and sponsor, how did he go to US, to which state you plan to go, why do you want to go there. And he stressed on the question if we had ever applied for a US Visa my answer was no but he asked it is a strict tone few times ( which made me think if someone had applied for a visa in my name ? And I actually thought that there’s something wrong) But my answer was the same and he moved to the next question. He asked why I had asked for a translator eventhough I could talk and understand English. I said that the accent is difficult to understand and he said that I will have to get used to it anyway and he said congratulations your visa has been tentatively approved and he said that they will call us and gave us a paper saying the same.
No information was given as to the passport collection date. We have got a lot of ‘waiting patiently’ phases it seems!!! Uncertainty and unpredictability is infront of us but still we are hopefully waiting for a positive outcome.
Hope this would help other winners. Thank you Brit. We came this far thanks to your blog and you are doing a great sevice.
I am so thankful for the legal team mainly Charles Cuck who is doing a tremendous service by representing us in a pro bono case and fighting for our rights.
Hope Judge Mehtha will give a judgement that will help all other winners and may their cases proceed well too.
September 22, 2020 at 2:53 am
Thanks for taking the time to detail all that. America will be lucky to have you!
September 25, 2020 at 12:30 pm
Hi Kuzadam
Congratulations on your successful Interview and obtaining the medical in a dramatic photo finish time.
Would you be able to share the list of documents the embassy had requested you? (as minimum).
This would help us also to over prepare.
I am a Sri Lankan waiting for KCC to schedule my interview at Abu Dhabi. (Group 4)
Thanks
Siva
October 2, 2020 at 1:29 pm
All documents they are requesting at the interview is listed here under link/pdf ‘Instructions for Diversity Visa Applicants’.
https://lk.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/diversity-visa/the-interview/
September 25, 2020 at 1:11 pm
Hi can you share what’s your CEAC status right now. Because I have also faced to the interview and no response from them yet.
October 2, 2020 at 1:26 pm
Hi,
Asiri Hospital needs only a proof for the Case No/official document such as 2NL to schedule a Medical.
September 22, 2020 at 10:02 am
What is the right answer to the question, why do you want to go to American?
September 22, 2020 at 10:36 pm
Your own answer.
September 22, 2020 at 10:59 pm
Dear Brit, Hope your wel. We greatly appreciate all that your doing to help us prepare and process our cases with ease. Have an inquiry though may be you can help me with some advise.
I am ugandan and I applied for DV 2021 and thanks to God I was one of the selectees(principle applicant) however I have a concern regarding my name, the name that I have on my birth certificate and all my academic documents is different from that I have in my passport since it was typed wrongly by mixing 2 letters however I managed to get an affidavit of support for the name change.
Please from your paspective do you thing this will be a problem and how can it affect my visa approval? Will greatly appreciate your feedback.
Regards
Merab
September 23, 2020 at 1:17 am
It should not be a problem if there is no concern about fraud.
November 17, 2020 at 10:36 am
Hey merab am also a dv lottery winner 2021
0775045813 thats my whatsapp no
September 23, 2020 at 7:36 pm
Hi everyone, today my visa application is approved.
I was from group 5, and also I was named plaintiff in the lawsuit I want to share my interview experience.
1. We did all payments 330$ per person
2. The kind lady accepted our documents and told us to go and wait for interview.
3. The kind officer called us to the window.
And asked the following questions
Q: Did you serve in the army?
A: answer
Q: Which school did you attend to?
A: answer
Q: When did you attend to school?
A: 2009
Q: What is the highest level of education?
A: Master’s degree
Q: When did you get married?
A: answer
Q: Who are you going to?
A: answ.
Q: What is he ?
A: answ.
Q: Have you ever applied for the U.S. visa?
A: answer
Q: What and where do you work?
A: answer
Q: How much money do you earn monthly?
A: answ.
And then she asked the same questions to my spouse.
And then said Congratulations, you are approved!
They kept our passports,now we are waiting to take it after visa issuance.
Now its time to think about how and when we can travel to the U.S before the visa expires. It is hard point too.
I want to remind to double check your all documents to be sure that you have all needed ones with you.
Thank you Brit for everything you are doing.
Good luck to everyone!
September 23, 2020 at 11:37 pm
Congratulations!
September 24, 2020 at 9:04 am
Let me thank Simons for your support.
I would not make it without your guidance. I knew you and your website a bit late, I wish I could have known you before.
I submitted my DS 260 in May and documents in June (I was late). I was in group 5 but Joined the Curtsin case and thus, got prioritized as named plaintiff. Despite that, I had to push with KCC and embassy. The embassy in Kigali also helped with reaching out to KCC and then KCC sent my case to them. I just passed my interview today and my VISA was approved. Waiting for my passports back.
Interview process
– Check ins
– Provided the supporting documents
– Paid the fees
– Took my fingerprints
– Reviewed my documents and typed information in the system
– Questions asked:
o Where did you graduate from high school? You and your wife
o When did you graduate? Which year? You and your wife
o Provide the copy of your high school diploma
o Then the VISA was approved and mentioned about the travel ban.
Lessons learned:
– Don’t give up
– Always ask and read if something is not clear to you
– Be honest with yourself and the documents
– Over prepare. I had all possible documents (savings, I-134, ds5540, bank statements, all educational documents, etc.). This is very important as it also helps you to feel confident during the interview knowing you can provide any supporting documents, if asked.
Now waiting for December to see what happens.
Again, thank you BritSimon. I don’t know how I can express my gratitude to you. You have no idea the impact you are making in people’s life. We thank you. God bless you.
September 24, 2020 at 1:54 pm
More great news!
🙂
September 25, 2020 at 9:49 am
Hi Brit,
A BIG THANK YOU!
My case went to “Issued” today. I was in your category 2.
I should be really grateful to you for your kind advices from the very beginning of my DV journey. No words to say.
At the same time, I should be grateful to Judge Mehta, Charles Kuck and all AILA lawyers. You all are my heroes!
I wish all the very best for other DV winners!
September 25, 2020 at 12:59 pm
Great news!
September 26, 2020 at 8:30 pm
Hello congrats
My question is u applied through work experience or education ?
September 27, 2020 at 8:48 am
Hi,
Thank you. It’s Education.
September 25, 2020 at 6:55 pm
Hi all,
Nothing crazy to tell about my interview, except that it was a super easy one and got issued today.
Came in and was asked to provide my passport, 2 photos, DS260, high school and college diplomas, birth and police certificates. After this i had to pay the fee and after about 10 minutes i was called to one of the windows. They went through all the documents I provided earlier and said it all looked good and my visa will be printed soon. No questions regarding financing, nothing. Just got to go back to the consulate next week to pick up my passport. Thank you so much Simon for all the help and guidance to make this journey easy even though there were obstacles on the way. Hope to see you maybe some day in the Bay Area 🙂
September 25, 2020 at 10:00 pm
Hey Walt! Congrats. In which country was your interview?
September 26, 2020 at 5:44 am
Interview was in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
September 25, 2020 at 11:12 pm
Cool! Congrats Walt. See you in Norcal!
September 28, 2020 at 11:28 am
hi Brit, my CEAC status shows Issued. I hope this is what we needed to see after all. I have been a silent follower of yours (did throw in a couple of questions during the past two years, which you promptly replied). Your blogs, videos and articles were all very useful and I have been using your advise all throughout.
A very big thank you for what you do and have done. Your tireless work is much much appreciated.
Cheers Brit.
September 28, 2020 at 6:50 pm
Awesome news.
September 28, 2020 at 2:01 pm
Dear Simon,
Today i received my passport with visa on it. my interview was on 22/sep. from Jordan
The interview was so simple they asked few questions like when did you finish high school and bachelor degree, at what university you went to, where are you going, do you have a family member there, what are you going to do when you arrive.
I want to thank you for your great amazing efforts you should know that there are no words can describe how grateful i am. You are so amazing for helping us during this journey.
Thank you Thabk you Thank you
I wish you all the best 😄😄😄😁😁😁
September 28, 2020 at 6:53 pm
Congratulations!
February 3, 2021 at 5:56 am
Hi what did you answer on what are you going to do when you arrive and where are you going?
September 28, 2020 at 2:28 pm
Congrats !!!
@Moe Are U a non plaintiff? What CN?
September 28, 2020 at 3:19 pm
Group 4 non-plaintiff
Asia Region CN:236XX
September 18 2020 2NL
Interview: September 25 2020 8am, Beirut, Lebanon. Visa approved
Visa Issued and picked up September 28 2020
————————————————
I called KCC almost everyday from September 5 till probably a few days before I received my 2NL. I emailed the embassy twice and never got a response. I called the consulate a dozen times and they kept telling me I might hear soon and they wished me luck every time.
Without your help Simon, I don’t think I would’ve nailed the interview because of one detail that seemed minor but it was going to cost me this once in a lifetime opportunity. After reading thoroughly through everything I could on this blog, I started imagining different scenarios that might happen during my interview.
I made sure and double checked every document and form.
I went over prepared.
Documents I prepared and took:
DV selection letter
DS260 confirmation page (presented)
Interview letter (2NL) (presented)
Birth certificate + translation (presented)
Police certificate + translation (presented)
Individual extract + translation (presented)
Family extract + translation (presented)
Photocopy of passport biographic page (presented)
Personal Bank Statement (presented)
i134 (they didn’t ask for it)
i5535 (they didn’t ask for it)
i5540 (they didn’t ask for it)
Marriage Certificate + translation (presented)
Marriage contract + translation (they didn’t ask for it)
Spouse’s photocopy of passport biographic page (presented)
Spouse’s visa (he lives in the US on an O1 visa) (presented)
High School Degree (they didn’t take it)
Undergrad degree (they didn’t take it)
Masters Degree (they took a copy)
Last but not least, what truly saved me was proof that my marriage was real and based on love and not based on just helping my some guy stay in the States. PICTURES/PHOTOS of us together. (I printed those out 1 day before, my guts just told me to be safe and not sorry)
—————————————————
September 25th:
I arrived at 7:30 am, I entered the embassy at 7:55
Was the first one in line.
First one to present all documents they asked for.
I waited for about 30 mins till I got called to the interview room
Note: I got married fairly quickly, met my then boyfriend in January and got married in August. I didn’t add him to my ds260 because DV program was still suspended. I didn’t want to unlock and update it to not cause any delay. Updated with both CO’s.
CO Questions:
•Raise your hand and take an oath everything you say is true
•What’s your dream job
•Tell me about your educational background
So far, CO was impressed, here’s when it started getting shaky…:
I told him i need to update my ds260 to married.
•When did you get married
•How did you meet
•Where did you meet
.
I was then told to wait outside
Probably 10 mins later I was called back into the interview room
•What does your husband do
•What’s his profession
•How long has he been in the US
•Do you have proof you were in a relationship, any photos? Luckily I printed 3 pictures and took a handful of pics from our religious marriage ceremony.
I was then told to wait outside, again
Some time later:
I was called to a window, not the interview room
A nice young lady wanted me to give her details of how I met my husband. (It was really weird). I asked if I can do it in private since I don’t like sharing personal details in a room full of strangers, around 15 of them. She kindly respected my request, but I had to wait some more time.
She then called me to the interview room. She asked me for a detailed explanation of me and my husbands story. Really detailed, while she wrote them down. I first told her, I’m not applying for him since he’s getting a J1 waiver on his way to get his green card, he’s a very established and bright physician, the hospital he works for wants to keep him. I applied to the lottery before I even met him, and we got married when the lottery program was suspended.
I got a little nervous towards the end, but she told me that it was all good. I waited in the interview room and the American CO came back and before he told me my visa has been approved, he asked me if I’m going to register my marriage within 30 days of my arrival to the US to which I said yes, he then gave me a congratulatory paper he explained the PP10014 and told me they will contact me when passport is ready. (Excuse my run on sentences).
I think I would’ve saved myself and the CO time if I just told him I wasn’t adding my husband to the application, but he wasn’t there with me so I thought he automatically would know.
I was the first one in line and I was the last to leave, 8am till 11:30am. But it was worth it.
I just picked up my passport today, and it was a relief.
Sorry for rambling on, but the posts and the comments on your blog saved my **tt, and I hope this can save many many more people.
Go over prepared, don’t lie, be as truthful as you should be, don’t lose hope and let the universe give you what you really ask for. Positive thinking attract positive outcomes.
Simon, you’re the best. May You be Blessed with all the goodness in the world.
September 28, 2020 at 3:20 pm
Oh and definitely presented my medical exam results:)))
September 28, 2020 at 3:26 pm
Omg, one last thing, the second time I got called to the interview room, CO tells me: I understand you’re a plaintiff on one of the lawsuits (with a tone that kind of felt that if I was he would’ve probably completely just rejected my case).
I said no, I wasn’t part of any law suit. And then continued asking questions.
September 28, 2020 at 6:59 pm
Thanks for that LG!!
September 29, 2020 at 11:51 am
applying this year for the dv2022.. positive mindset we are winners
October 1, 2020 at 9:39 pm
Good evening Brit.
Hope your keeping safe and enjoying your camping. Just one question. If a person who is a DV winner 2021 married and submitted the DS 260 with 0 kids concieves but has a lower case number AF16** .
How would you advise her to handle this issue of the new unborn baby . Looking forward to hear from you.
Merab
October 2, 2020 at 10:43 pm
Strange question. An unborn baby is not a baby yet. When the child is born, it is added to the case. Want more info – read the FAQ.
October 2, 2020 at 5:24 am
Group 4 non-plaintiff
2020As19***
2NL Sep 21
Interview Sep 23, 12:30 pm
Amman, Jordan
I have received the 2NL with less than 48 hours to prepare, but it was in my junk mail so I noticed it the night prior to the interview which left me with 18 hours. Unfortunately, my bank needs at least 48 hours to prepare an english bank statement which made me anxious. Luckily, one of my friends was able to complete form I-134 in two hours after reaching out to him. I did my medical on the morning of the interview but it was not ready in time. In addition to the pre-interview checklist, I had my university diploma, my high-school diploma as well as my military records (I haven’t served but every Jordanian has one, they did not ask for it though). I arrived at time and was inside the embassy within ten minutes. I was called to present the documents and pay the fee. 15 minutes later I was called to a window.
CO: Raise you right hand. Do you swear that everything in the documents is true and that you will tell only the truth?
Me: I swear
CO: Where will you live in America?
Me: answer.
CO: Why?
Me: opportunities for my career are abundant there.
CO: Any family there?
Me: No just a couple of friends.
CO: how long have you worked as a physician?
Me: a year.
CO: Describe your current work day.
Me: Answer
CO: are you planning to work as a physician in the states?, and if so are you certified to do so?
Me: yes, I did the tests and now waiting for the physical ECFMG certificate.
CO: How do you know the guy who filled the I-134?
Me: He’s a friend since college.
CO: You have met all the criteria and your visa will be issued but you need to provide your medical first. You can bring tomorrow by hand at 3 pm.
Then she explained how I should avoid european airports when traveling and that the presidential EO is still in effect till 2021.
Next day I delivered my medical. A week later (yesterday), I received the passport.
Thanks for everything Simon. Starting with your blog which has been really beneficial through this process, to working closely with the legal team who was able to get us an opportunity to interview.
October 2, 2020 at 11:14 pm
Cool!
October 4, 2020 at 2:08 pm
My Interview experience.
Interview at US Embassy Riyadh
our interview was scheduled on 13th April but it got cancelled.
After President Trump issued orders banning for green card issuance. I thought that we lost our chance in DV 2020. On 5th Sep early morning my wife woke me up and told to listen to the new video in Brit simon blog regarding Juge Mehta issued order instructing embassies and KCC to process DV 2020 selectees.
Then from the next day onwards I started following up with the embassy in Riyadh by sending email and calling them daily .The embassy said that they would reply through email.
Embassy responded on 10-Sep-2020 by sending interview schedule for 14-Sep-2020 through email and they called and informed also.
Interview time @ 02:00 pm.
Completed medical on 12-Sep-2020 and got the medical report in a sealed envelope at morning on the day of interview (14-09-2020).
We assumed that we have prepared well for interview, but the police clearance we have from Saudi was taken in Feb 2020 and is already expired. We though to submit the same document which we send to KCC before.
Arrived embassy just 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time at 02:00 pm. After security clearance procedures we entered inside the embassy the security guided us to the waiting room. We waited till 02:30 pm and no one called us. We got curious and I just enquired with security guard inside waiting room and he informed to wait until the current applicant finishes his interview at window 13.
After 5 minutes the security informed us to go to window 13, when we went, there the officer at the window asked us to submit all our documents along with the Xerox copies (Birth certificate, Marriage certificate, Police clearance, 2 photo’s each member etc.) After seeing our Saudi PCC he informed us to submit a new PCC again.
Then he gave us a slip to pay the fees and after we were waiting for our actual interview.
After 03.30 pm the CO called us at window 14.
CO instructed us to take oath and then he took biometrics for us.
Co: Explain the scenario how you arranged your birth certificate?
Me: ans
Co: what is your highest qualification?
Me: ans
Co: what are you currently doing?
Me: ans.
Co: same question to my wife also
wife: ans.
Co: how much money do you have in your account?
Me: ans.
Co: Where you will stay in US?
Me: ans.
Co: what is your plan after arriving in USA?
Me: ans.
CO: you need to provide another Saudi PCC because we cannot issue your visa with the current PCC.
Then CO gave us form 221g to submit new Saudi PCC. Later we checked in CEAC and our status was showing as refused.
On 19-Sep-2020 we send through courier the new Saudi PCC and on 20-Sep-2020 when I checked the status in CEAC it was showing as Administrative process. On 21-Sep-2020 afternoon when I checked again the status was showing as Issued.
Later on 28-Sep-2020 we got a call from SMSA courier that they have our documents from US embassy and instructed us to collect it. I collected the documents from courier on 29-Sep-2020 inside the cover is our passport with visa printed and immigrant visa package also.
This was really a difficult year for us DV2020 and I really thank you Mr.Brit simon for all you efforts. For any queries I usually refer your site for all information .Thank you so much for all the lawyers who fought for us. Above all thanks to all mighty god who used the lawyers to fight for us at court and Brit Simon to guide us give the necessary instructions in time.
Thanks
October 5, 2020 at 9:34 pm
Thanks for the detailed account!
November 12, 2020 at 5:37 am
Hi Brit!
Thanks for your efforts to make us succeed. I have seen and heard you saying that in the dv process, the PCC is often considered valid for up to one year. Why is it that selectees (like the one above) and others are asked to renew the PCC when it was not up to one year ??
Thank you
November 12, 2020 at 3:57 pm
Human error. THe COs are wrong sometimes, so everyone can do what they think is needed to give themselves the best chance. That could include obtaining a new police cert when not needed, or carrying the “rulebook” to argue the point. The former is simpler, but that latter may be needed sometimes.
https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM050404.html
October 6, 2020 at 5:18 am
Hi Brit
I want find out if I could enter the lottery this year, since I won 2018 but wan not given any VISA with no reason.
Thanks.
October 6, 2020 at 11:02 pm
You can enter again, yes
October 8, 2020 at 8:24 pm
Eligible Country: Sri Lanka
Embassy: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Case Number: 2020AS13XXX
Here’s the summery:
Submitted DS-260: September 2019
Document required email: October 2019
Document submission: October 2019
Document received email from KCC: January 2020
2NL: 20 February 2020
Interview date (Cancelled): 16 April 2020
Call from Embassy after court order: 14 Sep 2020
Medical: 16 Sep 2020
Interview date: 18 Sep 2020
Visa issued: 28 Sep 2020
Passport collected: 07 Oct 2020
First of all, thank you Brit for the wonderful blog and the YouTube channel. It helped us a lot during this process. I have applied for the DV lottery for around 5 years I guess. And in 2020 I got the chance. Actually, I was not that much actively in checking and reading about DV program earlier. So, I have checked the results around July 2019 and then I saw the letter from DoS. Once I got to know that I selected I have read the blogs, forums and videos related to this. Then I have submitted my DS-260 in September 2019. I got the email from KCC saying “Further DV Documents Required” on October 2019 and I quickly obtain required documents and submitted them by the end of October 2019. Even though I got the automated document received email within few days I had to wait until January 2020 to get the “Documents Received” email from KCC.
My case number became current for the April 2020. And I got my 2NL on 20th Feb 2020. My Visa interview was scheduled on 16th April 2020. I have prepared my documents and planned to complete my medical in the 1st week of April. I had to obtain new police report because the one I submitted for KCC was older than 6 months. I have paid the fee to collect educational certificates from the Exam Department and submit those documents to embassy along with required photos prior to interview. But then suddenly at the end of March, COVID-19 situation became worse and Visa issuing process was stopped. I got a call from the embassy saying my interview is postponed until further notice. Since it was extended until the end of this year, I was worried. But I always followed the blog posts and forums regarding this DV2020.
At the start of the September 2020, the Judge Mehta gave an order to start processing DV2020. The day after the order issued, I have dropped an email to the embassy mentioning the court order and requested for my Visa interview. But the reply I got was, the embassy had no instructions regarding this (when I called, I got the same answer). Then again after the DoS public notice I have sent an email and try to call on 14th Sep to the embassy. The officer who answered the phone took my details and said they will inform when interviews are started for scheduling. And surprisingly withing the next hour I got the call from embassy to schedule my visa interview. But they said due to the time factor, they can only schedule the interview appointment if I can schedule my medical with the hospital only. And said he will call within 30 minutes, by that time call the hospital and schedule my medical. After several calls and various attempts, I could schedule my medical for 16th Sep. Then my visa interview got scheduled on 18th Sep.
Then for the next few days I got very busy preparing documents etc. I realized my police report has expired again and I tried to renew that. In here it could take days. So, I called the police HQ and tried to get it by going to HQ in Colombo. For those things and medical I had to travel daily from my hometown to the capital city (more than 400km daily). In medical I was informed that it’s taking more than 3 days to process the report. Doctor told me that they are already in contact with embassy and I can hand over the medical later.
In the interview day, I arrived at the embassy exactly 15mins before the interview time. Within 5 mins they asked me to come inside. There were 2 security checks and at the 2nd check I got a token number (No phones or electronic devices are allowed). Then I had to wait around 10 mins. A lady called my token number and explain the situation again regard to Visa and asked that should we proceed or not. When I said yes, she asked for the documents one by one. When asking for sponsor documents, she only took the I-134 form and W2 form for 2019. Then she took my fingerprints. Next she asked to proceed to next counter and do the payments. I brought exact amount in Rupees and officer thanked several times for that. Then I had to wait around 10 mins again.
Then I was asked to come to the interview. There were two officers in my case. First, I had to take the oath. Then they asked about my education. Such as what’s my degree and from which university I obtain it. Then they were discussing something from the other side. And then they asked me about my sponsor. How do I know him, have I ever met my sponsor etc. Again, they were discussing something and gave me a paper to submit with my medical reports. That’s it. I have completed the whole interview process actually within an hour. Two days later I have collected my medical and submitted it to the embassy security gate.
My CEAC status changed as follows:
Day 1 (Interview Day) – Refused
Day 2,3 (Weekend) – Refused
Day 4 (Medical Submission) – Refused
Day 5,6,7 – Refused
Day 8 – Ready
Day 9, 10 (Weekend) – Ready
Day 11 Morning – AP
Day 11 Evening – Issued
After one week, I got the call to come and collect my passport from embassy. Now let’s hope for the best and wait. Thanks again Brit and the community for the continuous support. And also special thanks should goes to the lawyers as well for making DV2020 a possible for us.
October 8, 2020 at 11:02 pm
Awesome!
October 18, 2020 at 10:02 pm
Hello Simon, I would like to know if you see the DS-260 filled and sent after unlocking it for x reasons to update something and then send it again, I could delay your case or influence something, thanks
October 18, 2020 at 11:25 pm
Read the FAQ.
November 16, 2020 at 9:46 am
please when will the november one that we applied be ready.please has the selection started
November 16, 2020 at 9:23 pm
The DV2022 results will be available in May (just as described in the instructions).
November 17, 2020 at 1:55 am
Hello Britsimon, I’m a 2021 dv lottery winner with CN AF29***. Please i have some few questions.
1. I would like to know if its ok for a family member in another country fill the Ds260 form for a selectee and use his email to receive and send information to the KCC, Can that disqualify the selectee?.
2. With the CN above/ please when do you suggest its appropriate to fill the ds260 form?
3. Please can a family friend in my home country sponsor financially?
Thank you for your help.
November 17, 2020 at 3:17 am
1. No problem.
2. Now is OK.
3. No
November 17, 2020 at 10:29 pm
Thank you very much for your time and respond. In relation to your answer to my question 3., please thus it means that a family member or a friend who will host me in the states should be the same person to provide financial sponsorship or another person in the states can sponsor? I am asking this because i have a cousin who is a US citizen there who lives with the husband in their own house but the husband’s family member has also won the lottery. I’m wondering if its gonna be possible for her account to sponsor two selectees? That made me asked whether someone from my home country can sponsor financially. Thank you once again
November 18, 2020 at 1:34 am
You didn’t click reply and I am too tired to search for the context of your previous post. So – make it easy for me, or don’t expect an answer.
November 19, 2020 at 2:08 am
Please i did click on reply. please this was my question.
3. Please can a family friend in my home country sponsor financially? Thank you for your help.
And you answered NO. and i came further to asked this,
Thank you very much for your time and respond. In relation to your answer to my question 3., please thus it means that a family member or a friend who will host me in the states should be the same person to provide financial sponsorship or another person in the states can sponsor? I am asking this because i have a cousin who is a US citizen there who lives with the husband in their own house but the husband’s family member has also won the lottery. I’m wondering if its gonna be possible for her account to sponsor two selectees? That made me asked whether someone from my home country can sponsor financially. Thank you once again
November 19, 2020 at 3:45 am
One sponsor between two cases is a risk.
February 11, 2021 at 12:31 am
Hi brit, please my sister in her 2020 Dv lottery application was entered by her uncle ,married and has a son buh the uncle filled the spouse information and left the son out,can that affect her been selected and if she is lucky to be selected can it affect her visa interview,Best Regared
February 11, 2021 at 12:42 am
It is certain that she would be disqualified.
February 11, 2021 at 4:37 am
My sister submitted her ds260 and her case number is AF25xxx
When will she recieve her appointment letter
February 11, 2021 at 1:23 pm
I don’t know.
February 11, 2021 at 8:29 pm
Hi Brits. Greetings.
I have 1 question though just seeking some advise. I am a DV winner of 2021, pregnant and my CN is AF 16** . What worries most is that may be by the time the interviews are on I will not be able to travel to the country where my interview is scheduled due to flight rules. Am expecting to give birth last week of May and I can only travel latest when am 30 weeks.
What would you advise me to do if they scheduled my interview at the time when I can not be able to fly. Looking forward to read from you.
Merab.
February 11, 2021 at 9:03 pm
I imagine the most realistic outcome would be you interviewing after the baby is born. Read the FAQ about adding the baby to the case.
February 12, 2021 at 7:08 am
Thank you. Let me check it out.
February 25, 2021 at 2:26 pm
Hello Brit,
How would you determine whether a case number is current or not? Eg, 2021AF000101xx
Again, those of us who worn the 2021 dv, in Ghana and have submitted all documents, do you think the presidential proclamation will be lifted for us to be scheduled for interview?
Thank you.
February 25, 2021 at 2:44 pm
That number is current.
The proclamation has been lifted.
You should know that, you need to start paying attention.