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 1, 2017 at 18:37
Interview Experience
Emabassy: Nairobi Embassy
Nationality: Somali
Cas No: 2017AF00015×××
Ds-260 Submission: 30 May 2016
UNlocking: unlocked once and resubmitted on 7 June 2016
2nl received: 14 October 2016
Interview date: 21 Dec 6:45 am
I hope this interview experience may help some of you guys. And here it goes:
I got the embassy 30 m prior to my appiontment and there were already a long queues of one side for gents a d other for ladies.
After some moment of security clearance of two places, I got inside and received a card with number to be called. After 30m i have been called window 9 and a lady requested to submit my documents she asked me one by one
Secondary school certificate
Birth certificate
University certificate
And copy of my passport.
She asked me whether iam married or single and i told her that iam single. She laughed and said ” why are yoi wearing the ring” told her that this is not for engagemet. After that she told me to pay the visa fee and return the slip, i did so and she said sit outsideand wait.
After some time i was called window 10 for finger printing and again told me to sit outside.
After 1-2 hours i have been called window 10 the interview:
Co: what is your name
Me: —
Co: raise your right and swear these documents are true
Me: xxx
Co: put your left four fingers on the finger print
Me: ***
Co: are you single or married
Me: ***
Co: do you have children?
Me: ***
Co: when did you finizh secondary school?
Me: ***
Co: what does it mean 2009\2010
Me: i told her its scholestic year
Co: when did you start ss?
Me: ***
Co: when did you go to university?
Me: ***
Co: tell me something about chemistry?
Me: elements, atoms, molecules
Co: what is element?
Me:***
Co: tell about physics?
Me: ****
Co: tell university courses?
Me:*****
Co: when did you arrive kenya
Me:***
Co: show kenya visa
Me;****
Co; your visa has been approved please register DHL
Me: thank you.
Thank you Britsimon for your continuous assistance.
I looked my case at Ceac and it says issued.
January 12, 2017 at 13:08
I will like to share my interview experience from the embassy of Yaounde Cameroon
First i would like to return all the glory to God almighty for making my interview a success and a big thank u to out guardian Mr Britsimon.
I hope this interview experience get to help many people.my interview goes thus.
Received my second letter on the 21st of November for an appointment on January 10th. Did my medicals in Douala on the 28th of November 2016.with the cameroon embassy the documents needed are:
Appointing letter
Ds260 confirmation page
Passport valid uptil six months
Advance level certificates or its equivalent (no ordinary level certificates is accepted )
Non conviction
And any other supporting documents depending on your case.
Went to the embassy around 6:00 am in the morning waited until 7:30am when we went for the first security checked. We were about 20 of us Dv applicants.the first security check was done and we went in for the second security check where by all our phones were taken.subsequently we entered to the interview room.we were ask to pay the interview fee of 330$(215000frs).our documents were passed in together with our passport.there after we were asked to wait for our numbers to be called.at exactly 10:15 my number was called for finger printing in counter 3.the lady asked me to go and sit down and wait. Again i was called up at exactly 11:55 am for the interview proper. Jus three questions was asked by the CO.
This was how the interview went:
CO:Do u swear that you tell the truth
Me:yes ma’am
CO:what is your name
Me:*******
CO:are u married
Me:no
CO:do you have any kids
Me:no
And that was all.congratulation your case has been approved and she instructed me on when to pick the visa up.jus as our Guardian on this process used to say ‘be over prepared ‘.I think we should always follow that statement strictly.once documents are ok and you are eligible the visa will yours.
Once again i say thank you sir Britsimon for this wonderful site you have created. ??
April 18, 2018 at 20:12
Thank you.. Mine is coming up in May in same embassy.
January 13, 2017 at 08:30
Hi Brit, I want to say thank you once more for your blog, it’s of great help to anyone who finds it.
Its 2 days past since we attended interview and I already have the visas in my hands.
We interviewed at the Nairobi Embassy on 10th January, having submitted DS forms on 17th June 2016.
I am unmarried and a mother of 3 boys; 14years and twins 8 years.
We reached the embassy at 6.15, 30 minutes to interview time
They seemed to give priority to families with kids so I was ushered to the male queue which was shorter.
We went through security as many have talked about in their experiences.
At the reception we were given a number after presenting the embassy appointment registration which I had done and is required to be done at least 7 days to the interview.
I don’t remember how long it was until we were called to counter 9 to present the documents;
– DS confirmation
– Passports
– Birth certificates
– Police certificate (only for me)
– High school certificate (only for me)
I also brought affidavit of consent by parent signed by the boys’ father and his Identification Card, this is because the kids have their father’s name on the birth certificates and I’m glad I did because the lady at the counter specifically asked whether I had anything to show that the father has allowed me to take the children.
She gave me a paper to proceed to pay and bring back the receipt to her.
The cashier was not open yet and I was requested to wait outside. While waiting I was called back to counter 9. She had forgotten to take the passport size photos so I gave her.
We waited again outside for a while and were called to counter 7 for biometrics (only for me). On my way back out I noticed the cashier was open so I asked if I could pay, I paid in KShs at a very high rate but I had enough and took the receipt to lady at no. 9
After a little longer wait we were called to counter 10.
It was a lady, friendly, not too serious. She said hello to me and to the boys she waved and grinned.
First she confirmed each of us by checking each passport and calling out the name, hahaha, the boys lifted hands as if in class
She took my finger prints again and this time the big boy’s too.
I took oath, the big boy too did
And here are the interview questions:
– What’s the name of the person who is hosting you? Xxxxxx
– How do you know this person? – Family friend
– Are you or have you ever been married? No
– Do you have any other children apart from these ones? No
– How much did you pay?
– Do you have anything that shows your relationship with the boys like pictures? – I showed old pictures, she looked at 4 or 5 of them, gave all back and said
CONGRATULATIONS, your visas are approved
I smiled, looked at the boys they were smiling too, we shared high fives
The CO was looking at us, then she asked “are the celebrations over?
I laughed, she gave the instructions on DHL(which I had already registered) and USCIS fee payment. Then she asked which state we were going to, told her Mass, she pulled her lips and said it is very cold if you go soon. I told her we not going soon and she said …. Yeah you still have upto to June 22nd anyway.
And at that point we left happy family.
Glory to God, thank you Brit and good luck everyone.
January 19, 2017 at 05:00
Hey Brit and all,
First, I need to apologize for posting a question here on Jan 4, a day before my interview (was asking about cases where criminal records are missing…). It’s pretty clear at the top of the page that “NO QUESTIONS” should be asked. My bad.
Now let’s talk about the interview.
Name: Elie XXX
Nationality: D.R.Congo
CN: 2017AF000XXXXX
US Consulate: Guangzhou, China
I chose Guangzhou because I have been in this country for years and knew I’d still be around when the interview time came around the corner but apparently this was THE FIRST TIME they had to deal with DV cases here (Note that Chinese aren’t eligible for DV Lottery). Nevertheless, I met two other African fellows there for the same reasons, Rwandan and Nigerian.
At the outer gates:
No cellphones i.e. it can’t get in the consulate property, leave it at home or bring a friend who can wait outside with it.
At the inner gates:
Your bag (if you have one) will be screened and stored, you get it back when leaving.
Take off belts and all metals to go through the scanner, it felt like a security check at an airport.
Inside:
As said above, first time for them to deal with DV cases, so the workers (Chinese) had no idea where to put me at first but they figured it out shortly after.
I went to 3 windows in total, the first one (Chinese citizen) just asked for my DS 260 form then gave me 2 identical “ID or call numbers”.
30 minutes later I get called up at the 2nd window (another Chinese citizen), this time it was for documents collection.
She asked for birth certificate (original one in French accompanied with a English translation as required), criminal records (note that those from China have to be notarized, she checked that!!), appointment letter, DS 260 form, envelope from the hospital AND a letter explaining why I was missing some documents, again as required.
You might laugh at this but I also brought with me my degree certificates, resume, labor contracts and old students ID’s. LOL!!! I’m telling you, you won’t need that!
Anyways, 3rd window now, Asian-American guy in front of me, dude could speak Mandarin, French and obviously English as well. We were using these 3 languages to communicate since I speak them as well, it was so much fun! 🙂
Questions he asked:
1. Can you spell your name for me, sir?
2. How did you find out you were selected for DV?
**That swearing crap**
3. Is this your original birth certificate? When did you get it and how?
4. Are you married?
5. How long have you been in China for?
6. When was the last time you were in Congo?
Pause — He asked me to go sit down. 10 minutes later:
7. What do you do for a living? Describe your work, please. (After discription) Can I have your business card?
8. Where do you work?
9. Which University did you go to? What’s the name in Chinese?
Pause — 10 minutes later:
Congratulations, your visa has been approved but we’ll give you back your passport such that you’re able to travel back to Shanghai (as a foreigner in China, you need your passport to travel) then mail it to us. They’ll tell you how. 4 days later, January 9th, I mailed them my passport. I am still waiting for it to this day. Can’t figure out why it would take 2 weeks for a bloody visa, I miss my passport sooo much. LOL!!!
REMEMBER: Just answer all questions in all HONESTY, it’s the least you can do. Smile and be honest about everything!
Good Luck, folks!
Elie
January 19, 2017 at 21:04
Nationality: Kosovo
Embassy: Skopje, Macedonia
Case number: 2017EU5***
DS260 submission date: 09 June 2016
2NL: 14 October
Interview date: 06 December 2016
Husband (principal) and wife.
Note*: We got married after the results.
Days before our interview we wrote an email to the Embassy saying that we are DV lottery selectees, and asked whether we should translate the High School Diploma or not, and they answered that there is no need to translate it. We printed this email just in case we needed it.
On the day of interview we passed through the security check, took our phones, gave us a number. Told us to go inside another room.
A person took our documents and put them in order, gave it to us and told us to wait until we’re called. After some minutes we are called from a lady who took our fingerprints and documents, told us to wait. Later we are called from a man (speaking Albanian), asked if we were aware of the rules of DV lottery, then told us to go to the other window to pay the visa fee.
We returned to him and he told us all the documents are fine but the High School Diploma must be translated in English, and our Birth Certificates must be original Birth Certificates and not “Extract of Civil State” (Our Country gave us this document when we asked for a Birth Certificate, it’s kind of a replacement for it but the Embassy didn’t accept it). Hope other selectees don’t make this mistake as we did.
We told them we asked the Embassy about translation and they told us there is no need for translation, but he didn’t believe saying it’s not possible for DV selectees not to translate High School diplomas, we showed them the email we printed where we asked the Embassy, and he told us it’s OK then. He asked if we have evidence about our relationship, as we got married after the results came up. We gave them an album with pictures of our 5 years relationship, and some Facebook pages, where in one of them we announced we got engaged two years ago. He told us to wait for the interview.
After some time we are called from a lady, told us to raise our right hands and swear, but then she told us to wait because a colleague of her will take our case. Then we proceeded to the other window, where an American man greeted us and congratulated us for winning the lottery. He made us swear again and started with the questions:
Which is the highest level of education you completed?
Which university do you attend?
What do you study there?
In which year are you ?
What does your wife study?
Is this your first marriage?
Did you ever live anywhere else outside your country?
(My wife did when she was a kid, I told him)
Does your wife speak English?
Then he asked her for how much time did she live outside the country.
He asked who is (my brother, the sponsor)?
Are you going to live with him in the beginning?
After answering all those questions, he said: ‘Alright, everything looks okay, you just have to bring Original Birth Certificates, and then schedule an appointment via this email.’ , and he gave us a Yellow Paper (Temporary Refusal).
We got our certificates, they scheduled our appointment for 2 weeks later and told me (the principal) that my wife’s presence is not required. After two weeks (it was Thursday), we went to the Embassy, they didn’t let my wife inside only me. I gave the officer the yellow paper together with the birth certificates. He said everything’s fine, you should come Tuesday at 11:00 to bring the passports, and then by 16:00 your visa will be ready.
We went on Tuesday, left our passports, and by 16:00 we got our visas.
Thanks for tireless help Simon. You are awesome.
January 19, 2017 at 22:18
Nice account!!! Thanks!
February 21, 2017 at 15:50
Hello AlbatrosKrasniqi,
Thank you for sharing your interview experience. Seems that I have similar case as yours, because I’m Kosovar too. I’d like to ask you if you have to translate any other document besides High School Diploma case that you mentioned above. Also, did you have to obtain any additional vaccination?
Thanks in advance.
February 23, 2017 at 23:30
Hey NH, no I didn’t translate any document at all. I only obtained Student Certification from the Faculty in English language because I had the option to do so, other documents were in three languages as we have them in our Country. High School Diploma and Certificates were only in Albanian but the Embassy told me by email to not translate them, even though they asked for them at the interview but I showed them the email and everything was fine, so I encourage you to do the same (ask the Embassy by email). About vaccination, they tell you at the American Hospital in Prishtina what to do, because not every person has the same vaccination history. Its usually required to take 2-3 vaccinations and they may tell you to take them or not, only the doctor at the hospital can tell you. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact me.
January 22, 2017 at 23:47
Nationality: Kenyan
Embassy: American Embassy Johannesburg, South Africa
Case number: 2017AF17***
DS260 submission date: 23 May 2016
2NL: 14 October 2016
Interview date: 06 December 2016
This is how our interview was ;
06 Dec 2016 – 1.00pm American Embassy South Africa.
We arrived at 12.30pm packed our car at Sandton city shopping centre since they do not provide packing space.
We get to the gate and are told to wait for a few minutes.
An embassy staff comes and cross checks our names against the appointments for the day.
We are then ushered through security and let in.
At the counter we are given a number and a DHL paper to fill in our details and told to have a seat.
Once our number is called we give the lady all our documents as per the email request.(bank statement, police clearance, birth certificate, passport, marriage certificate, high school certificate, passport photos) Please ensure you have copies of all the documents you bring along.
Also our finger prints are taken
We are told to take a seat and wait for our turn. A few minutes later we are called by the CO.
CO : I am going to take you under oath before we start the interview.
US: Ok let’s proceed. Also she takes our finger prints too.
C0: Question to my husband – when is your wife’s birthday.
US: He responds correctly
CO: Madam which high school did you attend?
US: I respond correctly
CO: Madam what do you plan to do in USA?
US: I respond
CO: And you sir, what do you intend to do? Then I can see your bank balance is this much will it be sufficient?
US: We clarify on that too.
CO: (she is checking my passport, sir do you have a permanent residence here)
US: Yes we hand over the ID.
CO: I can see all your documents look fine (she picks a yellow slip from the wall) however I am going to keep your application on Administrative Processing (AP) as we verify afew things, it can takes weeks or months however once it is done the Embassy will contact you. (she hands back our passports)
US: Thank you and we are gone.
On 21 Dec at 08;00am we get an email stating that we should hand over our passports to the Embassy to finalize on our visas. The same day I submit them as requested.
On 10 Jan at 14;00pm I get an email from DHL stating that our visas are ready for collection. Without wasting time we arrive at DHL by 3;00pm and collect the passports affixed with the immigrant visas and the sealed envelopes to submit to Immigration at the point of entry.
Thank you Brit Simon for your immense help throughout this DV visa journey from the application tutorials on your site to the various stages of the process.
Now we are trying to secure jobs as we plan to do a first visit later this month. Appreciate your good work as it been very helpful to us. God bless you and your family.
January 22, 2017 at 23:50
Thanks for the detailed account – others will find that helpful!
Congrats!
January 25, 2017 at 14:04
Hello Brit. I hope you remember me. I am the one who was affraid about the outcome of his interview because of his poor sight.
I was also affraid because I’ve been selected with a photo I’d used for dv2016.
Fortunately everything went well.
The CO asked me only few questions.
I had to wait a week before being aproved as they had not yet received the results of my medical.
Thank you very much for the great job you are doing.
CN: af9xxx
Ds260 submited on may 30th and resubmited on june 27th.
2nl received on november 21st
Interview on january 12th in Abidjan Ivory Coast
Issued on january 19th
Visa collected on january 24th.
As you like saying, the frightenning part is to come now.
January 25, 2017 at 14:42
Thanks Fadi.
The questions I was asked.
-when did you get your high school diploma?
-How many brothers and sisters do you have?
-Did you fill yourself the ds260?
– How many Times did you play the dv lottery?
-where will you live in the USA?
-what do you plan to do there?
-Who is your sponsor?
-what’s his job?
-How did he go to the USA?
Hope it helps you
January 26, 2017 at 09:25
This account is specifically for DV applicants who will be interviewed in Sydney, however I am sure others will also find it useful.
I had my interview on Tuesday 10 January at 8:15am. As I reside in Melbourne, I flew up the night prior and stayed at a hotel about a ten minute walk away from the US consulate.
I arrived on level 10 at the MLC building, and upon entry I explained that I had an appointment for the DV. I was immediately advised to switch off my phone, and proceed to the attendant who would collect my documents . The only documents they ask for are the ones that you are requested to provide in the email that the Sydney consulate sends you, ie DS260 confirmation page, birth certificate, education certificate etc. I had read online previously that proof of funds was not necessary in Sydney but brought bank statements anyway. These were not needed.
Once the attendant takes all your documents from you they place them in a folder and then instruct you to walk through security (like an airport) and leave your possessions behind. To get past security you must take off your shoes. A tip for all of you is to not wear lace up boots for your interview like I did, as removing these quickly is not possible which only heightens your nervousness. Once through, I put my boots back on, was given a number so that I could pick up my things upon departure, and then ushered into a lift that went up almost another 50 floors.
Upon exiting the lift I was greeted by someone who advised me to go to a window about two metres away. This was manned by two Aussie blokes who asked to see my passport. After checking this they told me to proceed through a door and to take a number, sit down and wait to be called. I did as advised whilst having a good look around. There are eight windows of concern here. Window 8 is where you will pay your fee only as it does not conduct interviews. I was called to window 5 and asked to submit all my documents including my passport. The Consular Office (CO) was very pleasant, but said little apart from instructing me where to place my fingers for the biometrics. She was going through my documents whilst looking at her computer. She then asked me how I was going to pay the fee to which I responded ‘credit card’. She advised me that the EFTPOS system had recently gone down so that would not be possible, but that I could go downstairs to an ATM to withdrawal some cash. She then gave me my DS260 confirmation page back which had a stamp that I would be re-entering the consulate as I had to leave the entire building to get to the ATM.
Once I withdrew the funds needed I had to go through the security screening again, and by this stage I was really hating those boots.
Back in the consulate I wasn’t quite sure what to do so I took another number and waited to be called, to which I was summoned to a different window. The lady behind it was also friendly, but when I explained that I had seen someone previous and had to leave the building to get funds, she advised that I just go back to the original CO I had seen. I did this and the CO I first saw gave me a form and advised me to go to window 8 to pay the fee, and then wait to be called by my original ticket number.
I finally got called to window 1, the most ‘private’ of windows as it’s the most isolated. I had a good feeling as soon as I made eye contact with the CO as he was smiling. He wasted no time and got me to raise my right hand, and then in what seemed like rapid fire succession (but actually wasn’t), he asked the following:
Are you married?
Do you have any children?
What’s the highest level of education you have completed?
Have you lived in any countries for more than 12 months other than Australia, Canada or Japan?
Have you entered the DV lottery before?
Have you ever visited the US before?
He then said ‘Your visa is approved. You should receive your passport within a week’.
I couldn’t believe it as I had dreamed this verdict since 4 May last year, but didn’t want to make a scene so was very contained in my reaction I thanked the CO and left very quietly, attempting to process what actually just happened.
So my visa was approved at 9:15am and like many other people interviewed at Sydney, I received my passport back in the mail within three days on the Friday.
My advice for future interviewees is this:
1) Make sure you have ALL the requested documents and their copies. By doing this this will make the process go smoothly. I must have checked my documents at least ten times the night before my interview to ensure they were all there. That’s a little OCD I admit, but better to be safe than sorry as I was never going to go on AP.
2) Bring cash to pay the fee, even if you intend to pay by credit card, because if the EFTPOS system is down and you don’t have money, you will be forced to leave the building to hit an atm which will only drag the process out.
3) Don’t wear lace up boots-seriously!
4) As BritSimon has said many times, the CO is NOT trying to catch you out, they actually want to grant you the visa. All checks have been done, and the interview is a mere formality. If you get the interview and you meet the eligibility criteria, you will get approved.
Good luck to everyone for their interviews both in Sydney and abroad. The DV application process truly is a test of patience, but ultimately, when the prize is a green card, it is all absolutely worth it.
January 27, 2017 at 11:37
Wow!
I think this is the best interview experience I have read on this blog.
It’s well explained and precise, I wish we had someone that could explain an interview experience like this from my country, Sierra Leone.
Thanks and all the best.
We’re all hoping for the same outcome.
February 6, 2017 at 12:54
Interview experiance at american embassy addis ababa ethiopia
Case no 15xxx
Ds 260 june 15
Interview date feb 2 oclock morning
I have first filled as asingle then i have got married and achild
Then i filled the ds 260 form as amarred andcwith my daughter
We arrive morning 1 oclock and the ethiopian lady gave us folder to make order the file accordingly and we submitted our documents and told to came bake after noon at 6 oclock local time
We arrive 5:30 and finished the security check then we started to wait at the hall until our name is called then after our name called and we gave finger print me and my husband and we made the payment 330 us dollar per person around 22,3xx and we have sit until our name is called again after 20 or 15 minutes later our name called we went at the window
Co…. hello how do you do?
Me…..good after noon sir?
Co…..when you filled the intry form(dv)?
Me…..i dont remember sorry!
Co……ok
Co…..u are anew friends or
Me….xxxxxxx
Co…..when you born your child
Me…..xxxxxx
Co…..why you didnt fill the ds 260 form for your husband and your daughter?
Me….we have filled it we have evidence and gave him the confermation page
Co…..take it and read carefully
Co….who is your sponser? Andwhat is your relationship?
Me….xxxxxx
Co…..will you stay them?
Me…..xxxxx
Co…..do you have evidence for your marriage?
Me….i have gave our anniversery,marriage and other photos
Co…. congradulation your visa is approved after 8 days later collect at dhl thanks to GoD we have survived it thanku brit for ur advice at all
* what i observe is callecting the all needed documents properly and to be confidencial takes the biggest part of the result have good luck all ethiopians all dv 2017 winners!
February 6, 2017 at 13:02
Interview experiance at american embassy addis ababa ethiopia
Case no 15xxx
Ds 260 june 15
Interview date feb 2 oclock morning
I have first filled as asingle then i have got married and achild
Then i filled the ds 260 form as amarred andcwith my daughter
We arrive morning 1 oclock and the ethiopian lady gave us folder to make order the file accordingly and we submitted our documents and told to came bake after noon at 6 oclock local time
We arrive 5:30 and finished the security check then we started to wait at the hall until our name is called then after our name called and we gave finger print me and my husband and we made the payment 330 us dollar per person around 22,3xx and we have sit until our name is called again after 20 or 15 minutes later our name called we went at the window
Co…. hello how do you do?
Me…..good after noon sir?
Co…..when you filled the intry form(dv)?
Me…..i dont remember sorry!
Co……ok
Co…..u are anew friends or
Me….xxxxxxx
Co…..when you born your child
Me…..xxxxxx
Co…..why you didnt fill the ds 260 form for your husband and your daughter?
Me….we have filled it we have evidence and gave him the confermation page
Co…..take it and read carefully
Co….who is your sponser? Andwhat is your relationship?
Me….xxxxxx
Co…..will you stay them?
Me…..xxxxx
Co…..do you have evidence for your marriage?
Me….i have gave our anniversery,marriage and other photos
Co…. congradulation your visa is approved after 8 days later collect at dhl thanks to GoD we have survived it thanku brit for ur advice at all
* what i observe is callecting the all needed documents properly and to be confidencial takes the biggest part of the result have good luck all ethiopians all dv 2017 winners!
February 6, 2017 at 14:33
Thanks Sam for your interview experience sharing to us I want to say Congra. Any body who has an experience pls share it to us.Remain blessed
February 6, 2017 at 20:55
Dear Simon Thank you very much for your cooperation I have no word to express your support from the beginning to the end I know I ask you so many times for those times you answer all questions patiently
Again no word to express how much you help me God pay back all the favors you did for me and God bless your family because we are sharing those precious times of your family Again God bless your life!!!
Today I have an interview in Addis Ababa Ethiopia US embassy
Appointment date Feb/06/2017 @ 8:30
Case number AF201700002998
DS 260 Submitted date 4 July
First entry together with my wife no children
As Simon always advice we prepared very much here in Addis Ababa i-134 form is not a required but I had that document.
We arrived 30 minutes earlier than the appointment time but a number of peoples are there the embassy security and other staffs are really very kind and helpful if you ask something they will tell you detail.
They give the brief case for each DV applicant and the document requirement format so they tell us to arrange documents accordingly after we finish this step they took our document and appoint for 6:30 local time and here also a number of peoples are waiting in waiting room around 8:00 my name is called in window 5 took finger sig and ask me what language do you prefer I know English very well but I choose Amharic my first language then the young very kind Ethiopian order me to pay 660 USD to pay there are also many people after 1 hour I pay that amount of money and after 15 minutes white American with one young Ethiopian called us and we raise our right hand say our documents are true and we are honest then The co start asking me for your surprise he ask me only 4 questions and it takes 1 and half minutes
CO well come
Me Thank you
Co when did you merry
Me xxxxxxx
Co can you give some photo to show your wedding ceremony
Me No I can’t provide because I was married through church ceremony in rural monastery
Co which state your sponsor live
Me xxxxxxxx
Co what was your highest education
Me xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Co Congratulations and well come to America
To all Ethiopians who will conduct your interview let me advice you some thing
1-you do have Educational documents work experience is very difficult
2-As you know our educational curriculum is changed due to this 10+3 is not accepted except diploma and strong work experience
3 Be confident and be smart to express your document
4 it is better to conduct with your Amharic language because the interpreter express very well to the CO
Dear Simon I learned helping people from you so any DV case in Ethiopia you can contact with this email [email protected] I will advice you as much as possible
Again Thank you Simon for your kind and immediate advice from the beginning to the end hope the question will continue GOD BLESS YOU FAMILY AND WORK
February 7, 2017 at 03:28
Congratulations!!
February 7, 2017 at 06:30
Hi Mmesfin.
I would like to say Congratulations for the successful completion of your dv process. If you don’t mind if you tell some about any document authentication process in Ethiopia?!!. thanks.
February 7, 2017 at 06:53
HI Mimar thank you
1-university document example degree should be authenticate from university and federal foreign affairs office
2-High school document from high school, Woreda education office, from zone education office, from Region education office
3 Birth certificate my case is from Addis Ababa so kefel ketema and foreign affairs but this is not mandatory marriage certificate is also like birth certificate
February 7, 2017 at 07:32
Hi Mmesfin,
Thanks for your prompt response. I’ll contact you via your email if you don’t mind.
February 7, 2017 at 12:28
Hello brit
Me, my husband and our daughter got our visa yesterday at addisababa ethiopia and we are thinking to leave our child in our home country for not more than 3 years until her age is ready to school and until we are once setled our financial and work status so i know that her visa will expire after 6 months but
1 .is there any difficulty for our child future process to join us?
2.if yes what should have we do for her now?
3.the co told us to pay green card fee before entry then if our child is not going with us should we pay the fee for her?
4. How to we pay the fee? Our sponsor cant pay on behalf of us.
Thank you brith! We learned from you helping each other by sharing our experiance and valuable information i was shared my interview experiance above! Thank you again brit
February 7, 2017 at 14:35
1. Yes it is slow (around 2 years) and more complicated and expensive than DV processing.
2. Go with you to activate and then either stay or travel back and forth to keep the status alive.
3. Up to you.
4. Online. Do it when you arrive if you have to (although that means a slower GC delivery)
February 9, 2017 at 19:20
Pls any experience from Ghana or any of the country on yesterday and today.
February 9, 2017 at 21:31
Any Fiji interview experience?
February 9, 2017 at 22:37
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-58/#comment-55047
February 10, 2017 at 20:27
Hi Mr Brit. Please can you tell me what are the communicable deceases that stop immigrants from the USA?
February 10, 2017 at 20:42
Google “britsimon diseases”
February 10, 2017 at 23:41
Hi Brit!
I am happy to report that I have successfully passed my interview, I can’t quite believe it yet 🙂 A HUGE thank you, as this blog has been priceless throughout this whole process.
My interview experience comes from the US Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Appointment date Feb/09/2017 @ 14:00
Case number EU201700011xxx
DS 260 Submitted date June/30
There is a kiosk outside where they take your passport and check your name and appointment time, then give you a number you should take to security along with the passport.
Once you get the number you enter the first building, where security is. They ask you to switch off your phone and take out any electronics (including car keys, flash drives, etc) and liquids you carry with you. They make sure the electronics are switched off and take them away, then give you a chip in return so you can retrieve your items later. Then they ask you to drink / use any liquid items you carry with you (had me put on my lip-gloss 😀 ) and then have you go through airport-style security check.
Then you go to the second building, where the consulate is.
In the consulate, I had to go through 5 different counters:
First: They give you a document outlining the possible errors in the application and/or DS260 that would cause the VISA to be declined and inform you that the fee is non-refundable, you have to agree or decide not to pay/not to get the VISA at this point
Second: Pay the fee – $330. You can pay in USD, BGN or by credit/debit card
Third: Document collection & Questionnaire. First, you fill in the DHL waybill for the passport delivery, then they ask you questions from a questionnaire they have with them (Name, current address, phone, marital status, children, have you lived outside of Bulgaria for more than 6 months, have you been to the US, on what visa)
Once you answer all questions, you give them all the documents they ask for: Courts certificate (a document specific to BG), marital status certificate (again, specific to BG), high school diploma, two photographs (US passport size), high school diploma, birth certificate, medicals, DS260 bar-code page and address in the US.
Fourth: Fingerprinting
Fifth: the CO. Swear to tell the truth and confirm with your fingerprints, have you had any problems with the police, were you in the US on work and travel program, congratulations your visa is approved! 🙂
All and all, I was there a bit earlier and had to wait, but had I been on time, the whole procedure takes about 25 minutes.
I had bank statements and a job offer, as well as a letter from my current employer confirming my job relocation (a branch of the same company in BG) for the public charge part, but I was never asked for anything like that and did not show them.
I wish the best of luck to all applicants and I hope everyone’s interviews are as easy as mine!
February 11, 2017 at 01:00
Excellent recounting of the interview. Thank you – that will be helpful for others. Congratulations!
February 11, 2017 at 15:38
Hello all,
Here is my interview experience from Moscow embassy February 2017.
We had an 0815 morning appointment, and we arrived around 0715. There was already a line outside the embassy, and it was very cold. Around 07.50 the guards started to collect passports without any explanations. At 08.00 the doors were opened, and one by one each person got his passport back when passing the guards. Since the guards are not employed by the embassy but by the Russian government, I suspect they register the passports for other reasons than facilitate the visa process.
After entering the building you are asked to present your passport, and they check if you are on the list for today. They reminded everyone to leave phones and all electronic equipment in their storage room. Then you walk through the typical airport control with checks of your bags and clothes.
Next step is a window, where you have to leave your printed document with delivery address of the passport after interview. This means that you have to register your delivery address beforehand in internet as per embassy instructions (check Moscow embassy site https://ru.usembassy.gov/ru). After handing in your documents they instruct you where to go. It is very easy, because the floor is marked with different coloured lines, and they tell you which line to follow.
My wife, daughter and I followed the line up to 2nd floor. It is a small hall with 3 rows of chairs, a toilet and 2 windows. Close by there are 3 interview rooms. We came up to the 2nd floor and understood that we arrived as number 3. As it turns out the 50-60 people we had seen so far, went for different types of visa and in different halls. During our stay we saw probably only 15-18 people on our floor for DV visa interviews.
Anyway, we got up to the window and were met by a nice Russian assistant (don’t know her title). She asked to see the basic papers for each of us as per embassy instruction (birth certificates, marriage certificates, police certificates etc.). She asked how we were going to finance our stay in America, and I gave her a recent transcript from my bank and savings account. She didn’t even look at it but quickly put it into a folder.
Then the fun began. I am the primary applicant. I have 10 years basic school, 2 years of secondary school, 3 years bachelor and finally 3 years of master’s degree. However, I could not document the secondary school as the diploma got lost years ago. But as I have a master’s degree, I felt this would be enough. In addition I clearly comply with the required work experience requirements, and I brought a whole folder of documents to support this. Nevertheless, the assistant said that I have a problem. The rules say that I must have 12 years education. Having no proof of my 2 years in secondary is a big problem. I tried to explain about the bachelor/master degrees, but she insisted that the rules require 12 years first…. . I then tried to argue from the work experience angle, but she said that this is not relevant, and she did not take any of my work experience documents. She said that I should try and discuss with the CO (case officer) during the interview, but it did not look good. She asked us to wait until called, but first we should pay the 330,- per person downstairs. At that point the mood was really bad. I walked downstairs to pay and then returned with the receipt to the same assistant.
There is no clock in the waiting hall, and the time seemed to go very slow. Later we could calculate that it took us almost 2 hours before we were called in for the interview. Until then we saw one applicant after another being called into interviews, even people arriving later than us. Naturally this added to the tension. I was quite nervous and was close to giving up. But as the time went I started to think that this was crazy: No reasonable person would reject our application due to a missing diploma, when I had a higher degree than required, and I have tons of working experience complying with their definitions.
From the interview rooms we could hear voices but never quite the actual words. Some interviews took minutes and some took a really long time. Most people left the interview rooms with poker faces, while others came out with big smiles.
When we finally were called in, I was mentally ready to fight but still quite nervous. The CO was an American woman, and she welcomed us with a big smile. She first asked, if we should speak English or Russian, and then she congratulated us with winning the visa lottery. For a second I misunderstood and asked, if she meant that we get the visa. She laughed and said ‘let’s go through your data’, but from that moment I felt good.
She then asked us to give finger prints and to raise our hand and swear to the text, she would read us. In the waiting room all applicants are given a document to read before the interview, which basically obliges you to tell the truth.
The CO asked me only 3 questions: Where do you plan to live in America ? Where do you work today ? And she asked, if I have a master’s degree as written in my documents. Then she smiled and said ‘all looks fine, congratulations !’. To be sure I asked her, if she now approves our visa, and she confirmed. Pure joy ! So we thanked her and left. 5 days later we got the passports with the visa.
Some lessons:
– The requirements are 12 years of education OR relevant working experience as per their requirements. In Moscow embassy it seems education is the preferred criteria
– Even if you have a very high education or a Nobel price, do your best to document the first 12 years. It will at least save you a few stressful hours before the interview.
– It took approximately 2 hours from we submitted our documents to the interview. After the successful interview my wife and I were convinced that the CO spent some time actually going through all our submitted documents (including the DS260) to get a total overview. The feeling was that she had taken the time to get to know our data and story and formed an opinion from that. As Britsimon has mentioned several times, the CO normally makes an effort to help the applicants, and it seems to be confirmed
– Before the interview and during the interview there were no questions to my daughter or wife.
We just had to present the required documents as per embassy instruction. So focus on getting the primary applicant’s papers in order. Nothing else really matter.
It is a long process with a lot of waiting. But it was worth it. Now we can make actual plans to immigrate. As mentioned in earlier posts a big Thank You to Britsimon for this blog. Following all the questions and answers have been a huge help and support. It is very much appreciated.
February 11, 2017 at 15:42
Wow, a couple of interesting moments there – the guards taking the passports, and then the question over education. It seems the first person doesn’t understand the rules too well, or simply likes to bully people….
Anyway, congratulations!!!
February 11, 2017 at 19:34
Pls any nterview experience?
February 11, 2017 at 22:10
There are MANY of them. Read them.
February 13, 2017 at 05:32
Dear Britsimon, I am dv lottery winner from Afghanistan and I was interviewed in December-2016. The consular officer told me that the case needs further administrative process for almost 60 days. Now 60 days have passed but still my case has not been even updated in the Ceac.
Please let me know that what could be the longest AP for Afghans? Can you also share the period of ever longest AP for any national in the previous years.
Waiting for your kind reply.
February 13, 2017 at 06:03
I don’t have estimates or accurate information on that. All you can do is wait.
February 14, 2017 at 06:34
Hi Simon
Am from Ethiopia & the interview gone amazingly. My status changed to issued.
I have no words to say thank you. U helped me from the beginning to now. You taught me how to help a person.I just wanna say God bless you and your family. And soon I will post my interview experience.
February 14, 2017 at 15:52
Congratulations!
February 14, 2017 at 19:01
It is good to read all the people that this site has helped. I too have benefitted from this site although I am not from the areas mentioned. I did post my experience but not on this blog . My area is in the caribbean and my visa office was barbados. It seems like most of the stories are similar generally. We had a fantastic time and our interview was simple.
So…..if anyone or BritSimon would want to know about our experience although it was in the eastern caribbean then I can post it later.
Once again thanks for the job well donr Brits what you are doing is well appreciated.
February 14, 2017 at 19:51
Interview experiences are always useful.
Congratulations.
February 17, 2017 at 03:54
Congra Nesi my family case is like you would you share me the detail sooner. If needed my email [email protected]
Remain blessed
February 15, 2017 at 13:41
Hello DV applicants, hello Simon. Here is my interview stories that i want to share with you all because yours helped me a lot.
Before telling the interview story, i would tell you that my case was very complicated: My country of chargeability is different from my country of Nationality ( DR Congo and Rwanda). I think that by mistake my interview location was Kinshasa whereas i live in Kigali. I read from Simon answers that to change interview location when you are scheduled for interview is a big risk, but i didn’t have another choice since Kinshasa is very far from Kigali and the security situation was not good.
I decided to request for the transfer of my case to Kigali, the process took only one month. The consular of Kinshasa asked me to talk to consular of Kigali and once they agree to receive my case that will be ok. I contacted both consular by emails and sometime by phone for the follow up. I thank God that this process took short time than expected and both consular was willing to help me.
Note that my interview that in Kinshasa was Feb.9th at 7:30 am. On January 15th i received the email that my case was transferred to Kigali, that was a good news for me since going to kinshasa would have cost me 2000 USD with my family (my wife and 3 kids). The next day i called Kigali Consular to ask if i would prepare for the interview on the same date as in Kinshasa, they said that i should keep preparing but having in mind that interview that can change. On January 31st, i received email from Kigali consular that my interview was rescheduled on Feb.6th at 1:30 pm in Kigali!!!!!, that was another surprise since i was expecting that the reschedule will be after a month or more. Another new thing is that i had a new child born in January while my case was already scheduled, after my case was transferred i informed the Consular about the new child; they told me to request for DS 260 unlock in order to add the child on my application as well as make her own DS form. The process took about two weeks since unlocking process was new to Consular officers.
For interview day, we arrived at the Embassy around 1:20 pm, seat outside waiting for the time. Then at the entrance we pass through security check 1, left our phones and Id cards. Then went in through the second check then to the waiting room. We were only two families for DV interview and since it was in the afternoon no other people were there for the interviews. I was called first to window 1, asked to present all required documents for myself and my family. It was easier since i had put them in separate envelops for each member of my family. After presenting the required docs, i was asked to pay the $330 for each at the same window. I had brought some money in Rwanda currency and other in USD, then i learned from there that the Embassy accept USD only. I was asked to go to change all money in USD before i seat for the interview. I went outside to do money change and came back in about 20 minutes. After payment we were called to window 2 for fingerprints. immediately, we well called to window 3 to meet CO, we were asked first to swear then rechecked our fingerprints. The CO interviewed only me, my wife was still taking care of the kids.
Only two simple questions were asked then he said congratulations!!!!. After 3 days i went back to pick our passports with visa.
Thanks to Simon for the guidance
February 15, 2017 at 19:17
DV INTERVIEW STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN.
Greetings. Me and my spouse was at the embassy in stockholm today. We got the good answer.
We lived at a hotel that was a 5 minute walk from the embassy. Villa Källhagen. I would recommend to get a room there to keep the stress levels to a minimum.
Our interview was scheduled 09:00. We was outside around 08:45. We stod in line at a sign that said “US Citizen / Immigration visa” We were the only ones in line. They waved us foward. Made a simple security control.
After that we was told to follow the yellow line into another building within the embassy. There we where told to go to window #7. At the window we got to hand over passports, Birth certificate, My grades from highschool, the police report. She also wanted to know if we had any way of finance our move to the US. We showed an valuation of our apartment and also handed her our I-134 form (wich we got from our friend in us) Along with his tax-return and assets value.
Once that was done we was sent to another window to pay the fee of 330 dollar/per person. Once that was done we was told to go back to window 7 with the receiptAfter that we was told to take a seat and wait for our name to be called for the actual interview. We waited for about 90 minutes. Then it was our turn. We was called to window #4 (But this may differ) It was nothing like we expected, no room or special place. Just out there in public among all other “customers” We got a few simple questions in this order :
1. Have you certified yourself for a green card by going to high school?
-Yes
2. When did you graduate
-2008
3. If I have studied anything after that
– Yes, I am currently going to university
4 Will you be able to continue studying in US?
– Yes. most likley.
5 How will you finance your move to US?
– We have our apartment valued and will sell it before we move.
6 How much is it worth?
– I simply told him the amount.
7. Do you have any loans?
– Yes 50% of the valuation of the apartment
8. When did you get married
– I told him the date.
9.Did you get married to get the greencard?
– No, we had already set an date for the wedding before the DV-results
10. For how long did you plan for the wedding?
– since feb 2016, Same day we got engaged.
11. Did you live together before you got married?
– Yes, we lived for a about 3.5 years before we got engaged.
12. When did you say you graduated high school?
– 2008
That was all, he said “Everything seems to be in order, you are approved. You will have your passports within 2 weeks with a visa inside of it. You have 6 months from your medical to travel to USA. But I would recommend doing it as fast as you can”
After that he asked us where we planned to move. We told him Florida or Texas.
He seemed pleased with the answer.
After that it was a simple walk back to fetch our cellphones at the entrance.
February 15, 2017 at 19:21
Great – congratulations!
February 16, 2017 at 00:33
Interview location: La Paz – Bolivia – SA
Interview date: february first 2017
– First, I want to thank Brit Simon. This blog is extremely useful. I am so happy 😀 and I am going to donate ASAP. Ok, these are the key parts of my interview.
1) You MUST take care of additional requisites from the embassy where you are going to have the interview. In my case ALL the documents have to be sent 5 days in advance and they ask to send my single certificate.
2) You MUST email the embassy for any doubt. For example I asked if I should send financial support like bank account, property, etc. Because I didn’t have the Form I-134. Surprisingly, they answered: For your category visa it is not necessary any financial support.
3) Bye email, after that I asked them, they were very clear that I have to send original documents of my bachiller diploma and if I have university degree also to send original documents. But, again, they were very clear that I have to send the original bachiller diploma.
4) At the embassy:
a) I arrive 45 minutes before the interview, there was just a couple of people before me. When we were able to enter the embassy we were about 30 or 40 people, all for immigrant visa cases.
b) Usual security check
c) After a few minutes of waiting. I went to a first window where I make finger prints, then I went to pay the 330$ and I get back all the documents that I have sent 5 days before. Except police certificates and single certificate.
d) Then I had to wait for about 30-40 minutes for the actual CO interview
CO: Good afternoon. How are you?
Me: Fine, thanks
CO: Right hand up and swear to say the truth
Me: Yes, I swear (with right hand up)
CO: What do you do?
Me: As an electronic engineer I blah blah blah….
CO: Have you been in USA?
Me: Yes, as a tourist
CO: You have been more than six months (It wasn’t a question)
Me: Nooooooooo, I went just for a month.
CO: Are you single?
Me: Yes, I am single
CO: Don’t you have children?
Me: That’s right. I don’t have any children
CO: Where are you going to live in USA?
Me: The state of XX
CO: But XX is too big. Where exactly?
Me: In the city of LawXXXXX
CO: Wait, I will search that city. Ok, that city is near of yyyyyy
CO: Did you finish high school.
Me: Yes sir. And I also finished the university degree as engineer.
CO: Do you speak English?
Me: I can read quiet well and my speaking is more or less (My native language is Spanish, and I thing this question is due to the DS260 question: List the languages that you speak and/or read: I put English)
CO: I will give you the visa. Congrats!
Me: Thank you sir.
CO: Your visa will available in 10 days with a sealed packet. Don’t open the sealed packet, you must give it to a blah blah blah….Any questions?
Me: No sir, everything is clear.
After leaving the embassy, tears of happiness 😀
5) Now I have my password in hand 😀
6) Question: The sealed packet, a yellow envelop, has a diagonal cut on the right up corner. Is it normal?
Thanks again for everything Brit Simon, this site is amazing. And if you want your post to be able in Spanish, just let me know. Thanks!!!
February 16, 2017 at 02:57
The cut in the envelope is normal/nothing to worry about. Thanks for the detailed post – that will help others I am sure. Congratulations!
February 17, 2017 at 15:50
Interview experience story
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
DS 260 submission date May 24 unlocked it twice the latest being September 24
2NL December
Interview date February 7
We go early morning around 7:00 am there was a long queue. Since we were a family with small kids we were given priority. A lady came and gave us a file to put our documents in order. We gave original and copy of documents.
1. Passports
2. Birth certificate
3. Marriage certificate
4. Police certificate both Ethiopia and Sudan
5. Medical
6. Educational documents (10th and 12 grade) and degree temporary and transcript true copy
7. Work experience
8. 2 NL
9. 1 NL I didn’t thought it was important so I told her I don’t have it but she told me to bring it to interview afternoon
We gave her and she gave us paper to sign in. Acknowledging no refund if visa isn’t issued if we don’t met qualifications.
We were told to come in the afternoon. We arrived afternoon early then got checked before getting in to embassy compound. Electronic device were kept. There were lots of people inside the appointment section of the embassy. Names were being called . People with families were given priority and families were called who got before us but we didn’t. So we got worried and told the supervisor. He told us that we will be called shortly.
My name was called to a window
A nice guy greeted us warmly. And I saw yellow paper on top of our file. We know that we were approved. He took finger print and told us to pay.
After paying we gave the receipt and started waiting for the actual interview.
Not long our names were called to another window. Even if we told them we don’t need interpreter there was one with the CO. We don’t mind and we were asked to swear that information we gave is the truth. We did and it resumed.
1. So when did you finish high school?
2005 GC
2. What relation do you have with sponsors?
Sister
3. What were you doing after you finish high school?
Attending higher education
4. So did you follow your husband to Sudan?
Yes
5. So do you live in Sudan?
Husband replied I work there.
So you are approved gave us all original documents except police certificate from Ethiopia. Gave us yellow paper And date to pick passport. Said congratulation and wished safe trip.
It changed from AP to Issued on February 14
Picked our passports on 16 February.
Thanks Britsimon for all your help it has been quite a long and boring process. I was worried coz I changed passports to correct wrong birth date. Non of that mattered. I was anxious coz I didn’t print the 1 NL from website only copy and pasted print. CO did not ask me.
I hope you learn from this experience.
February 17, 2017 at 16:25
Congratulations!
February 17, 2017 at 18:40
Pls any interview experience from Ghana
February 17, 2017 at 21:11
Have a read through – there are some.
February 19, 2017 at 22:20
Location: Sydney, Australia
I had my interview scheduled for a Tuesday morning. We flew one day before and stayed over as I am from Melbourne. I will include my detailed experience as someone may find it useful.
Upon arrival to the consulate we waited at the lobby of MLC centre (close to lifts) till the lifts were open at 7:45. At 7:45 we went to the level 10 and waited outside the security. One of the security officers given us a brief to turn off mobile phones. All the security staff was very nice with great sense of humour to ease the tension of the applicants. They directed us to VISA line and the citizenship line is separate from VISA.
Just before the security screening door, we were asked to provide the highest qualification I have and the work experience. For Australians proof of funds were not necessary and Australian citizenship and birth certificates double checked with the Passport. Once passed the security, well basically you have to leave everything behind even keys in your pocket. The cecurity staff guide you to the 59th floor. Two more security personnel checked my passport and instructed to take a ticket.Once you inside the consulate and after getting the ticket they will check all documents with DS260 form.
Once this competed you being asked to sit for an interview.
The CO did call me with the ticket number and the moment of truth comes. The CO very nice gentleman greeted with a smile and..
Asked me to raise my right and continued the oath..
Then he greeted me with congratulations your visa being approved and mentioned me one of the best prepared cases he seen. Asked me few questions. I am already celebrating at this stage
Co: Have you been outside of Australia more than 12 months…
Me: No
Co: What made you move to USA
ME: —–
Co: You are qualified under work. What’s your highest education?
Me: Degree
CO: Impressive work you do. What training you received?
Co: Visa approved and will be sent to you in 10 days
Me: Thank you kindly
Co: Most welcome, please make sure you don’t open two sealed envelopes.
Me: Thank you and I won’t.
Going back everyone heard me as I was interviewed very close to the seating area. I still remember the happy face and the smile CO had his face when he greeted me. He is a true gentleman and a very pleasant person. He made us feel welcome and less tensed.
With my experience if you being honest and prepare you case well they want to welcome you. And my experience with the consulate is first class. They all very polite and friendly.
Once I left the consulate I checked my status and it went to AP. Oh no!!! I got panicked and wondered what the heck went wrong there. Then two days later it changed to ISSUED .
I think its standard procedure to change to AP before they prepare the visa packet and getting it ready to post.
Hope this helps someone in Australia and be sure to be honest and prepare your case the best possible way.
Special thanks to Britsimon for his wonderful website and his contribution to the community.
February 19, 2017 at 22:54
Thanks!!
February 27, 2017 at 21:10
I prepared for both, I think at the time CO decide what basis he will approve. And I had all necessary documents for both. I did that because lack of year 12 certificate. At the end they only ask the highest education certificate.
November 1, 2017 at 20:44
Hi Cham! I hope you dont mind my asking – I have my interview in Sydney dec 12th (ive been living in the US for 5 years so coming back – also spent time on and off over 2 year period in the UK and almost a year in France). Bit confused on whether I ‘resided’ there or not still ie if Ill need police clearances. But, when you said Australian Citizeship cert – was this needed if we have our birth cert and passport? Bit confused why we’d need to show this! Thanks so much!
November 1, 2017 at 21:34
Hi Courtney
Your birth certificate/passport is all you need. As for police certificates, it’s anywhere you’ve stayed for more than 12 months (excluding the US).
That’s my understanding.
Good luck for your interview. I did mine on October 10 and it was a breeze.
November 2, 2017 at 00:27
It is very important that you read the instructions. I would suggest you obtain police certs for France as well as UK – and make sure you know all the other documents required.
February 22, 2017 at 15:11
I (principal applicant) and my family members have an approved immigrant visa application with all documentations submitted to NVC. We are currently awaiting the letter of interview, however my son is currently in the US on F! visa. I am wondering if it is possible to request his interview to hold in the US instead of him traveling down to Nigeria for the interview which may disrupt his classes.
February 22, 2017 at 17:33
There is not a clear process for that, and given the deadline of the DV program it would be unwise to try and process that way. Get your son to your interview.
February 22, 2017 at 20:33
Thanks for the response. I actually forgot to add it is an F4 (family category) immigration.
February 22, 2017 at 20:36
OK – that may change things, but I don’t advise on non DV cases.
February 23, 2017 at 15:09
Mr Brit,what is the dvlottery passport size for visa interview?
February 23, 2017 at 15:51
Passport size?
February 23, 2017 at 17:09
I mean passport photo size please
February 23, 2017 at 17:28
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/photos.html
February 24, 2017 at 05:37
Hi Simon,
First of all, I would like to deeply thank you for your help, your availability and advises.
I got the result on May 2016 that I was selected for further processing through the DV 2017 program.
Country of Birth and Nationality = FRANCE
Current address and place of appointment = London, UK
Principal applicant = me
No spouse or children
Due to my lower number 2017EU00000XXX I was supposed to get my second letter in October but I unlocked the DS-260 twice and I last submitted it around mid-June 2016.
I received my appointment letter in mid-December for an interview on January 18th at the US embassy in London.
I had my medical examination on December 19th and I brought a certificate made by my French family doctor (+certified translation) of my vaccinations because the handwritten notes in my medical handbook (that I also brought) were difficult to read.
During this examination I got only the seasonal flu vaccine to meet the visa requirements.
My visa appointment was at 12pm but I got to the embassy an hour earlier in case there would be a queue.
Everything went very quickly as I entered the embassy around 11am and exit it around 12:10.
When I entered the embassy I was assigned a number which has been called straight away (did not even have time to sit down) to the window.
I have been asked to provide my appointment letter + passport. I have been asked to go to the cashier to pay the $330 fees. When I came back I had to provide passport photos/birth certificate/high school diploma/French and UK police records (originals + certified translations). At that time I highlighted the fact that I made a mistake in my mother’s place of birth (mismatched a letter) but that was fine (as you advised Simon 😉 ). I also asked to change my current address in the U.K. (The one that they could find in my U.K. Police records). I provided a job offer as proof that I can support myself financially. I also prepared saving statements and affidavit of support but they did not ask them. They took my finger prints and then asked me to come back to my seat.
I sat down for around 45min and was called at another window at 12pm exactly. The CO took my finger prints and then asked me what was my highest educational degree (master) and when I was graduated. He asked me how I get my job offer (my current company offer me to relocate my position in the us). I have also been asked if I had friends and family in the US and when did I plan to move there.
I did the serment after notified him about the small mistake in my mother’s place of birth (yes I know I am a little bit over worried) and then the CO told me that I would be able to pick my passport up in one to two weeks. I asked him if it meant that my case was approved and he said yes.
It was such a good feeling to finally get this final answer and I thank you again Simon for your time and help in this long journey.
Wish you all to have the same results and feeling when you exit the embassy ! Good luck everyone !
February 24, 2017 at 07:18
Dear all brothers and sisters, As promised I gonna provide you all the procedure I have been through to receive my visa on us embassy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
I checked my entry status on may 7, 2015 Then, I send my ds-260 form on may 27. I received my 2NL on December 23 for February 13 @ 7:00am.
Then I start preparing documents for interview.
1. Register Appointement date & DHL service on usvisa-info.com.
2. Medical before interview date with doctors only authorized by the Embasy. took photos (3X4, 4pieces), Passport & appointment letter
3. Police cereficate (here u need passport copy, photo (4X4, 1 pieces) and appointment letter)
4. photos (5X5, 2 pieces)
5. Authenticate documents
Here is the Documents authentication procedure.
-The 10th and 12th grade certificates are authenticated on National Organization for Examination (A.A 5kilo) .
-All the transcripts (9-12) are authenticated first on school then A.A city education bureau
-The university degree(it can be temporary ) is authenticated on the
university
-Birth certificate authenticate first on Kebele then sub city.
Finally All the above documents goes to MoFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Consular & Document Authentication Section) (A.A kazanchis) for final authentication.
Then I appeared on my interview date in the morning. i arrived at z embassy at about 6:30 AM, i thought that i got there early but there were many people who lined up in front of the embassy, and it was very cold.
Then i line up outsid the building in a line designated for immigrant visa applicants. Waited in line for about 2 hours then it was finally our turn, we being asked to show the appointment letter by the Embasy staffs & they gave us folder to put all relevant documents listed on the folder [u need a copy of all documents ]. afte doing that We gave back z folder with the docs & she gave us paper to sign in. Acknowledging no refund if visa isn’t issued if we don’t met qualifications. Then they told us to come back at 1 PM afternoon along with kebele/wereda ID & $330(either in Birr or $)
I arrived afternoon early then got checked before getting in to embassy compound. There were lots of people inside the visa interview section of the embassy.
then i started to wait at the hall until my name is called. After waiting for around 30 minutes, I was called to window 4 and met a gentlemen requested me to give him my fingerprints.He try to took my finger print but he can’t do that. Even though he tried many time he can’t get my finger print then he send me to another window numbered 8, at this time I scared a little bit. Finally he can do that On the window 8 & he ask me where the English translated paper for the work experience is? I said I don’t have it b/c I don’t know that I have to interprete it.Then, he cancelled the work experience & told me to pay the fee $330 and return the receipt to him.
There were a long queue to pay the fee. After about an hour I can pay the fee & gave the receipt back to window 8 & he asked me in what language I want to interviewed, i choose Amharic,b/c it’s my mother tongue. he then told me to go back and wait till my name called.
I started waiting for the actual interview. After about 30 minutes, I was called to window 7.
CO:hi
me:hi
CO: Raise up your right hand and swear that whatever you will say is truthful and honest
Me: I swore
CO: Place your right finger on the machine
Me: I did so
Co: are you single or married?
Me: …
Co: do you have a boyfriend?
Me: …
Co: When did you finish high school?
Me: …
Co: What were you doing after you finish high school?
Me: …
CO: What field did you study at the University?
Me: …
Co: What relation do you have with your sponsors?
Me: …
Co: Which state your sponsor Live?
Me: …
CO: Congratulations your visa is approved
And He gave me Yellow sheet that contained my DoS number and Alien Number, a white paper that have date to pick passport & All the original documents except police certificate, my medical result & my passport, and Said you can send this paper (yellow paper) to some one in US so that they can pay for your green card.
On February 14 My status changed from ready to AP & after 2 or 3 hour it changed to Issued.
on February 20 I get an email from DHL stating that my visas are ready for collection.
Thanks Brit for everything!!!
February 24, 2017 at 14:26
Location: Liberia
Interview Date: Fabruary 16, 2017, 8:00am
Case: 2017af00017xxx
First i want to say thanks to simon for this blog and his continue assistant to us on this program (DV)
my interview went well because of God first and this blog.
I had all my documents (WAEC Certificate/Chip, Birth Certificate,Police Clearance, DS-260 Confirmation, Appointment Letter, Medical, etc) all prepare the night before the interview and was well review.
I appear at the embassy by 6:00am and went through the security check by 8:15am, and by 8:45 I was done with my security check and waiting for the CO call. I was later call to window 1 by 9:30 for document presentation and payment of $330(interview fees). I presented all my documents but had some problem with 100 dollar of the money so the CO said I have to change the money and that was the only money I had with me, so I came out of the embassy and make the changes but that took me up to 30 minutes of my time. I went back and made the payment. I was called again to window 2 by 10:55 to give some information about my WAEC and other documents. By 11:10, I was call to window 4 for Finger print. I then waited for 35 minutes and was finally called to window 5 for my interview.
CO:Raise up your right hand, do you swear that whatever you will say is truthful?
ME: yes Sir
CO: Are you married?
Me:xxx
Co: Do you have children
Me:xxx
CO: You are a University student, what course are you studying
Me: xxx
CO: OK your VIsa have been approved and you can pick up one week from now
ME: thank you Sir
The CO give me a white paper that had my pick up date and time one it. I finally pick up my package february 23, 2017.
Again I say thank you Simon for this blog it have been very help for to use.
March 1, 2017 at 09:02
Hello Brit
First of all I would like to thank almighty God for my DV experience and also getting to plug onto this blog.
Secondly I would like to thank you for sharing your knowledge freely with us.
Here is my Interview exp;
Location Nairobi
Time/ date 7am/ 28 Feb
We arrived a few minutes to 7, went through security and were ushered into a hall and given a number. Next we were called to counter 9 for documents verification after which an invoice was issued for payment.
We paid and returned the receipt to counter 9 then proceeded to fingerprinting, then we were asked to wait outside. After about 30 minutes our number appeared on the screen to go to counter 10. This is where we were interviewed and this is how it went.
CO ….raise your hand and swear..
CO then called our names checking our faces against our passports and her desktop.
CO….do you have other children apart from these?
Spouse & I……XXXX
CO…..Have ever been married to any other person?
Spouse and I…..XXXX
CO……Who is hosting you in the US?
ME…… XXXX
CO…….When did they migrate to the US?
ME…….XXXX
CO…….How did they migrate to the US?
Me…….XXXXXX
CO…….Congratulations your visa is approved.
This took less than 5 minutes.
I have checked ceac this morning and the status is ISSUED.
We had carried documents to adress the public charge question however it did not arise.
I wish the remaining winners all the best.
March 1, 2017 at 18:25
They will give you a 221(g) refusal – which is AP – giving you time to provide the medical.
March 1, 2017 at 21:03
Hello,
As to show our appreciation to this website, we would like to share our experience from today’s interview!
Location: London UK
Interview Date: 1st Mar 2017
The thing made us a bit uneasy was that our 2NL stated the interview was at 12, but then we received a letter in post said 11am. Then 1 week before the interview, there was a call with No Caller ID which was from US embassy (thank god I answered!) reminding me to bring children (apparently you did not used to bring young children to an interview, but now you must) and confirming the time was 10:30am!
So we got there as early as possible, had to wait outside a bit, but all the staffs at the embassy were very helpful.
Called to a booth to submit documents and to make a payment after a very short wait (10-15min).
When done, we were asked to wait again for an interview. Back to the booth 10-15min later and had the interview. Took an oath, fingerprints.
Because I had studied in the States before, I was asked what I studied and what I use my degree for now (I told him my current job) . That was ALL!
Embassy was very efficient and all the staff were not so intimidating and helpful. I had my kids with me (2 and 0), but it went all smoothly.
Oh, and the bonus was, we saw a VERY famous actor at the medical appointment, wonder if he was applying one too? 🙂
Thanks again for this site, very informative yet straightforward.
Best of luck to everyone!
March 1, 2017 at 21:28
Haha fun to see the famous actor. The wealthy tend to use Harley Street doctors….
March 2, 2017 at 16:35
My name is lily. I went for the interview for dv visa but I was refused because a friend of mine who filled the application for me entered my date of birth wrongly as 16th Jan 1993 instead of 19th Jan 1993. However, on all my documents, I have 19th. I got an affidavit and a gazette (from the commissioner of oaths) done to prove my right date of birth. However the CO said it could be that I entered the dv lottery more than once that’s why I made such a mistake. I explained to her that my name was only entered once. She stated that the visa was refused based on INA 221(g): cannot determine identity.
Is there any thing that could be done about this since truthfully my name was entered once and the date of birth was a mistake on first entry? Or maybe any lawyer to appeal on my behalf?
March 2, 2017 at 18:25
221(g) is a temporary refusal. Not the final refusal. So – now you simply need to wait and see what they decide.
March 2, 2017 at 18:39
Will they contact me by email pls? Is it certain that I would hear from them pls? How long at least do i need to wait pls? Cos the CO didn’t give me any hopes of reaching out to me or proving anything to her. Ur advice pls.
March 3, 2017 at 09:09
Yes please. I had my interview in Ghana.
March 3, 2017 at 21:40
My DV interview took place at us consulate in Johannesburg on the 2nd march. My advice to those still preparing to attend the interview is that you must make sure that you have in possession of the basic requirements such as birth cert, high school cert or work exp, and recent police clearance certificates from all the countries you ve been, and medical report from the approved physician by the us embassy. Make sure that you don’t use any fake doc, and the other most important thing is that you speak the truth whenever asked by the consular officer.
In my case the interview never even lasted 3 minutes. The consular officer just asked 3 questions. But before that they first checked my documents, took my finger print, and directed me to the cashier window to pay. After that the consular officer called my name, he asked me to raise my right hand and swear that whatever I will speak is true. Remember guys that lying to the consular is a serious case. So always stick to the truth. These are some other questions i was asked
1. You studied at ……university right? I answered yes
2. Where do you work? I answered
3.what do you want to do in use? I answered
Just these questions then the consular approved my visa.
It came as a shock coz I was expecting tough questions. What I ve learnt from this experienced is that you need to wear smart, look at the consular straight in the eyes, don’t shake,and speak loudly.
March 4, 2017 at 22:18
It’s not 12 years of schooling that is the requirement, it’s getting to the US High School level – which is when an American child can enter University. So – from what you have said, there is some risk. They would not have stopped your processing prior to the interview – even if they thought you had not met the requirement. THat is for you to show at the interview.
An I-134 would be wise in your case.
March 6, 2017 at 20:16
Mr Brit please must we give all documents including originals to the CO or only copies of it?
March 8, 2017 at 06:04
Mr Brit,with the work experience,is it only University degree that qualifies or any work experience on the onetonline database with the two years of experience?Let me say if you study engineering for a year and you have worked for three years.Can you qualify base on this?
March 8, 2017 at 15:04
Thank you so much BritSimon, really you were a perfect and keen helper during the way, you were so patient to my silly questions at moments of disperate,
I had interview on Cairo today, I stayed last night on Hotel in Cairo to avoid exhusion as the app was on 7.30am and I’m from Alex, I arrived on 7.30, founded myself last one after 15 person raw any way I have been told btoy some employee outside the door of embassy that i have to pay for Aramex through any Computer office in front of the embassy I payed 500 Egyptian pounds for 5 persons, then again they told me that our photos r photoshoped so we have to bring new one inspite it were accepted on lottery site, any way I felt that delay mean something good, at least that employee mad some deformed words on papers and allow Security tough guy to allow us in after telling us words headphones lighters batteries and chargers are not allowed to go or stay in side so getrid of it before I go inside, we removed all of our pockets telephones and let it at office then gait for metals, then we took stairs down and sitted for few minutes, been called for window 8 and nice lady took our papers in the arrangement as in the site then have us paper to pay 330 per person then we waited 2 hours as we were last people in the hall, we met nice gentleman was so nice ask about our work and where we intend to go in America and the address is of a relative we told him a friend, then he said everything is ok and u will receive ur passports and visas after 2 weaks , we thanked him and left,
March 8, 2017 at 15:48
Easier than you dared to imagine huh.
March 8, 2017 at 15:11
For Cairo
1-try to go 1 hour earlier U will leave earlier.
2-make ur Aramex for every applicant by passport and case number before day of interview or during waiting , a lot of offices outside embassy.
3-only they took bachelor degree and translation not the secondary school nor the master.
4- They didn’t ask about bank documents
5-they cancelled the criminal record of my 17yeas daughter which I didn’t bring.
March 8, 2017 at 15:15
don’t bring any thing except papers with u
travelling bags, big bags, lighters, chargers, earpieces or headphones with u, they will not keep it for you , you will leave it outside in a shop in front not related to embassy
March 9, 2017 at 04:00
Hi Mr Brit Simon , I came to America in 14 February, and I haven’t received any thing yet . What can I do ? Normally the green card takes 4 months (right?),but I have no idea about the other things or what I have to do …
Thank you so much sir for your help , have a good evening.
March 9, 2017 at 10:41
Kathmandu, Nepal
Hi Simon,
Thank you very much for the work you have done for the Diversity Visa applicants. Selected from Kathmandu, Nepal. So the least I could do was to post my experience for others to know. My case was 2017AS18XX and I was married after I filled out the Diversity Visa Form and due to this reason I was in constant lookout for any helpful websites regarding DV and thankfully I got your site where a lot of information was given. You can complete all the procedures by only looking at the US state website but your website gives full details and clarifications which helped me fill my DS260 form. I submitted the form in August 2016 and I got my 2NL letter in February with March 6, 2017 my interview date. I had arranged all the certificates such as Police Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Date of Birth (which I didn’t have recorded because the recording was done only 5 years after) along with Affidavit of Birth, first letter, 2nd Letter, all my educational certificates and medical report. In interview they took only my SLC and Intermediate (10+2) certificates along with Birth Certificate, police Certificate, marriage certificate and medical report. The interview was in the morning so we arrived 1 hour earlier and went in the US Embassy at Maharajgunj, Kathmandu. First of all, we were asked to open our medical report and stay in line. Then we went through the door of Embassy where we had to keep our bag (along with pen drives, electronic devices, mobile). We could take our purse though along with Money for the payment of Visa Fee. Once we entered inside the person in the counter arranged my and my wife’s documents. Then we got our number and once the number was called we went to make the payment. Once the payment was done we waited for our time and we were called in another counter where there was a Nepalese person who asked father’s name, mother’s name, date of birth etc. and asked us to put our right and left hand in a machine (I believe for fingerprint). Once that was done, we had to wait for the main interview. Once our name was called the consular asked us to swear that if there was anything lie told then we are ready to face the punishment and I said yes. Then he asked where I met with my wife, asked to give him photographs of our marriage where he asked who were present in our marriage etc., he asked us where we had met and if we had ever gone to America before. I answered all the questions and it took about 2 minutes, finally he said that our visa is approved and gave us the card. He told us instructions to receive visa in Nepal Investment bank and we took a page of paper from counter about the timings of receiving visa from Bank and we left. That’s all folks, it’s a very easy process as Simon has said this is the easiest process to get visa and also the chance to get American citizenship. All you have to do is be positive and arrange the documents as mentioned. Today I checked the CEAC website and it has been updated to Issued. Thanks a lot Simon for your help to numerous people. Wish you and all the people who come here for support Best of Luck!
March 9, 2017 at 13:19
Interview Location: London
Interview date: 8th March
Case ID: 2017EU18XXX
What an experience. To start with, thanks to Brit, can’t be tired of doing that. Just a recap, visited the US summer 2015 with family and we decided to apply for the DV lottery on return back to the UK. I am from non-eligible country but my wife is from Hungary. So we both submited entry oct. 2015. On the 3rd of May I realised that I’ve won and the journey started. Fortunately I came across Britsimonsays.com and with the loads of info for DV winners, I knew I was on the right track.
But the first shocker for me was my country of eligibility. I have entered the lottery with Hungary as country of chargeability, based on my wife’s nationality but after reading through Brits detailed info, I realised that it was a mistake. She was born in Romania, though as ethnic Hungarian, with no Romanian nationality or passport but should still have entered Romania as country of eligibility. Initially I was stressed with this, so I left message for Brit and on a good note, he reassured me that it wouldn’t be a problem, as both countries are in the same region. With that reassurance, I was ready to go.
It all went quite fast, got the documents together with advice from Brits. Police reports, birth certificates, degree certificates, sponsor’s document (I-134), passports, children birth certificates etc. Became current in January and attended medicals in February.
Yesterday, 8th March, we arrived at the embassy 15 mins before 12 noon, as interview was scheduled for 12 noon. Passed through security pretty fast, on entering the building, we got a sticker with a number and asked to sit and watch out for our number for document submission. We were called to a window in about 2 mins of arriving. The guy was very friendly and asked my wife and kids to have a sit, while I deal with the document submissions. Finger printing done for myself and my wife. One by one, he collected the documents, Passports for the family, children birth certificates with copies, our birth certificates with copies, marriage certificate with copy, my Degree certificate (principal applicant only) with copy, police reports for adults with copies, sponsor’s document (I-134) and 1 passport photo each. Was given the medical xray CD. Paid the fee and asked to wait to be called for interview.
After about 15 mins, we were called to a new window for interview:
CO: Kindly raise your right hand and say an oath to say the truth ………
We: did according.
CO: to my wife – where were you born
Wife: Romania
CO: circumstances of your birth and where parent from.
Wife: Parent Hungarians. I was born in Romania, as grandparent live in Romania and they needed their help for support at the time.
CO: to me (principal) – When did you complete High school
Me: 1995
CO: what did you do after high school
Me: Studied undergrad and went to medical school
CO: Degree qualification
Me: Doctor of Medicine
CO: When did you get married
Me: 2010
CO: Everything is fine and I will go ahead and issue the visa. You should expect to receive your passports back in few days.
We and the kids: Thank you very much.
We were out of the embassy by 12.35pm.
We actually went with lot of documents, 4 passport photos each, all degree certificates for myself and wife, old and expired passports 🙂 , wife’s university enrollment letter, my company registration certificates and tax returns etc.
My advice, be well prepared, read britsimonsays.com very well and if you need to clarify any info, kindly ask Brit, from my experience, he always respond 🙂
Thanks to all on this great site and for those still waiting for interview, all the best and very important bit, as we’ve all benefited from this site, lets try and give something back to the site by donating, as I will surely do the same.
Thanks to Brit and big thanks to God.
March 9, 2017 at 16:37
Thanks Brit, I thought as much and actually asked the guy but he said ‘No’. Went with her certificates and Uni letters. So fingers crossed. I will keep you informed.
March 15, 2017 at 15:26
Hi Brit,
Collected our passport from DX today. For me, DV1, my wife DV2 and the children DV3. With annotation * charge to Spouse’s Quota. ‘Valid only if Acc Spouse’.
March 15, 2017 at 15:54
OK – so they know the rules then (or at least someone caught it). Excellent – thanks for letting me know. I actually didn’t know if both would be marked DV1, but I guess DV2 with the annotation makes more sense.
March 9, 2017 at 14:52
Hi BritSimon after getting visa any recommended forums or pages for what after that
March 9, 2017 at 18:03
Interview Location: London
Interview Date: 8th March
Case Number: 2017SAXXX
First of all, HUGE THANKS to Brit for all the advice during the process. Invaluable. May sound repetitive, but it never gets old and you deserve it, thanks Brit!!
Quite a straightforward experience. I arrived at the embassy at 9:45AM (10:30AM interview time). There was a HUGE line in which I waited for about 25 mins. I decided to ask a lady who was managing the line whether there was a different line for immigrant visas. There wasn’t a different line but she just pointed me to head to the front of the existing line. After quick check, I was directed to go through security without further waiting.
I got my number and sat down in the waiting hall. After about 5-10 mins, I got called to turn in my documents. The lady in the counter was super friendly. She asked for all the documents and just asked me two questions: how I held dual nationality with a country in Europe given that I was born in South America, and where I planned to move in the U.S. I got the x-rays and got directed to pay the visa fees.
After a further 10 min wait, I got called to window 14. I will never forget that number or the tie of the nice guy who interviewed me. I was so nervous I kept staring at it haha.
Q: Oh, you graduated from … University (in the US)?
A: Yep, class of 2015
Q: What have you done since graduation?
A: …
Q: Ok we will issue the visa, you will get the docs back in 1-2 weeks
:O
(I couldn’t believe it was that easy… so much expectation built ahead of this day and I was already done!!!)
He wrote an “A” on the envelope with my docs and I left. A nice embassy employee on my way out told me that I should wait 3 days (counting that day as 1) and I should receive an email with tracking / delivery details
This morning (March 9), my status changed to “Administrative Processing.” By lunch time (haha yeah, I checked that often), the case had already switched to “Issued.” I hope to get my passport next week.
Thanks again Brit for all the help. Much appreciated. I plan to travel to NY in a couple of weeks to activate the green card.
March 9, 2017 at 19:02
Awesome. Easy when properly prepared!