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.
March 9, 2017 at 18:19
Here is my interview experience as promised.
interview date: 7 march
country: Cameroon
We had our document which include; all education certification from secondary to university, proof of relationship from 2013 till 2017-this was because we got married after the result
We arrived at the embassy at 6;30 had to wait out till 7;30am before check up all started.
we were placed into 2 lines with the security guard causing a bit of confusion for me coz instead of him classifying the line into immigrant and Non-immigrant he instead said dv visa and immigrant visas.
We pass the first security check and then moved on to the second where those with electronics were asked to keep. as i had known already by reading it from Big Brit site me and my wife left our phones at home.
We then entered the main compound of the embassy where we were a pink paper containing the format to arrange our documents, we just that and moved into the waiting hall.
we were giving a number by a security lady and then later we moved to window 1 to pay out fee which was 424,0000FCFA for me and my wife(PA). at the window we were asked some questions which include in a non ordered manner
-what is your telephone number
-when did you get married
-did u marry her to obtained a visa; at this point i told the cashier no we have been in a relationship since 2013 he the as if i can proof that i said yes.( we had our pics from 2013 till present about 200 pics in total and also our call logs from 2013 till 2016 December.
The cashier then said OK took a call log for just 2014, our wedding album and pic after marriage.
We then sat for like 30mins and was called up for finger prints.
OH SOMETHING INTERESTING HERE….. the lady at the fingerprint point had called my wife a day before asking her that there is a DS260 form which has not been completed and my wife told her we completed all the forms and then she ask wen was the wedding date my wife told her ( i will want to say i think we had a pre-interview on that day before the actual interview date on 7th march) then the lady told my wife to bring my own DS260 confirmation page because the DS260 which was created had my names on.
After the doing the finger print and giving my DS260 form to the lady at the fingerprint counter, we sat and wait for about 30mins again and we were called up this nice lovely smile white lady
CO; Hello Sir, Hello madam
we; greeted her too.
CO; ask us to swear and we did
CO; ask my wife where did we met?
wife : bla bla bla
CO: ask me ( husband) explain how you met you wife
me: bla bla bla bla untill she smiled aloud!!!!
CO : wife are you a student? and husband where do u work?
we: bla bla bla bla
CO : where is you host and where does he work?
wife; bla bla bla bla
CO: she the say ” i must say i have seen enough and i have no doubt about you guys, i trust you with whole my heart”
we : smile and said thank you mme
CO: congrats and welcome to America
we: Thank you with huge smiles on our faces
I will want to say please do not take any fake document to the embassy because they will know and tell the truth and be confident and smile while speaking plus keep eye contacts at all time.
Brit i would like to say our case was a special one with every one that came across us during the interview day was amazed because we are a very young couple.
WE PICKED UP OUR STAMPED PASSPORT TODAY 3PM.
i will like to use this opportunity to say thank you to all who have ever put up an interview expirence here because it really help some of us. ABOVE ALL THANK YOU BIG BRIT and our regards to Sonia. may God Bless you.
March 9, 2017 at 19:01
Thanks for that detailed account!
March 13, 2017 at 06:24
Born: New Zealand
Interview: London
Timeline:
03 May 2016 – received 1NL
31 Aug 2016 – married
10 Sep 2016 – completed DS-260
20 Jan 2017 – received 2NL
15 Feb 2017 – immunisations etc. done with GP (combined records from multiple previous locations, blood test for chicken pox since no immunisation available with NHS in UK)
24 Mar 2017 – medicals
08 Mar 2017 – interview at US Embassy in London
Interview experience
– Arrived 60 mins before our interview slot and were told to come back in 45 mins.
– Came back, cleared security, given ticket number.
– Waited for ticket number to be called.
– Went to window X, handed over asterisked documents from list below. Friendly lady.
– Sent to window Y, paid $660, collected receipt.
– Returned to window X, showed payment receipt, gave finger prints.
– Sent to window Z for last step. Swearing, finger prints.
Conversation:
– I was asked when I finished high school (1995)
– I was asked whether I went directly from high school to university (Yes)
– I was asked when I graduated from university (2000 or 2001 – can’t remember)
– We were asked when we met (We conferred a bit and said August 2009)
– We were told “I’m going to issue your visas pending results of your medicals”
Then off we went!
We’re now just waiting for some follow-up medical information from our GP so that we can pass it through to the London doctors.
=======
Docs we took (* were those that we actually showed):
For relationship:
– * Marriage certificate (which they wanted two copies of, oddly. We only had one, but this wasn’t an issue)
– Wedding photos
– Photos from start of relationship through to interview
– Tenancy agreement
– Shared bills
– Evidence of a joint bank account
For our ability to support ourselves:
– * Bank statements (two most recent months were sufficient) showing £30kish
– Limited company accounts since 2007
– Letter from bank saying we had been with the bank since 2007
– Letter from accountant saying that the limited company’s funds were ours
For education:
– * High school documentation (just me)
– * University documentation (just me)
Other:
– * Passports (x2)
– * Birth certificates (x2)
– * Photos (x4)
– * DS260 confirmation pages (x2)
– * Appointment letter
– * Criminal record for UK (x2)
– * Criminal record for NZ (just me)
March 16, 2017 at 06:26
I had my Interview in Ghana on 15.3.2017 and it went so smoothly.
was asked the following questions
1. Are you married?
2. Do you have Children?
3. What age were you when you completed High School?
4. Which University are you and what do you study?
Was told after the questions that my Visa is approved. Thanks for your help Brit and God bless you.
March 16, 2017 at 14:10
hello every one! here is my interview experiences.
Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Case number 2017AF000182xx
appointment date. march 13 . 8 EAT/ Am
on the date of my interview i arrived @ 6:00 Am, their was long queue( around 14 people are before me) and i stand in the queue. at 7 am a lady comes and give as folder to arrange my document and i did it. then she checked the document and tell me as i can pay. if i have visa fee which is 330$ or 7520 Ethiopian birr. i said yes i have.this is why the actual program for fee is after noon. but for the seek of work load minimization they allow to pay at the morning. then she gave me paper and tell me to put my signature as i the fee will not be refunded. then i passed the security check and put all electronic device at the box. then i enter to the waiting room. after a few Minute a lady tell me to pay and i did it and i receive the receipt. and she gave me a paper which shows the time to return after noon. then i leave the embassy. and i return after noon 6:40 Am, the schedule was 7:00 Am. after security check i enter to the waiting room. as soon as i sat. my name is called at window 8. an Ethiopian gay give me greeting and ask me some questions, like
* do you have your degree?,
* how old are you?,
* have you completed grade 12?
* have you finished your medical? and he take finger print and gave me paper to sign for US selective services and as i didn’t get marriage before i travel to us, i did it. then he tolled me to back and listen my name. after 15-20 minute i called to window 11. the CO seems serious and he is with one black Ethiopian guy.
CO: are you fine
Me : xxxx
CO: raise your hand and swear….
me : i did it
Co: what is your highest educational level?
me: xxxxx
co: where you study?
me: xxxxxxxxxx
co: what did you study?
me: xxxx
co: what did you do now?
me: xxxxx
co: where do you work?
me: xxxx
co: do you want to get marriage before you travel to USA?
me: xxxxx
co: where do you go in USA?
me: xxxxxx
co: what is the relationship with your sponsor?
me: xxxxx
co: well come your visa is approved
me: thanks.
co: return my original document and yellow paper which contain instruction about green card fee.
me : i leave the room with great happiness.
after one day, on march 15 i receive notification as my document is ready to pickup from dhl. now my visa is in my hand.
Requirement For Ethiopian (US embassy Addis Ababa)
you need to bring the following documents alone with the photocopies for the interview.
Valid Passport (s)
Birth certificate(s)
Marriage certificate if applicable
two 5cm x 5cm color photos
Death or Divorce Certificate(s) if applicable
Police certificate(s) from Ethiopia if applicable
Police certificate(s) from other countries if applicable
School documents (12 grade completion along with transcript or if 10+3, then along with Degree) for the winner only
Work experience if applicable for the winner only
Medical Examination Information
Congratulation and Appointment letter
DV processing fee $330 per person (or equivalent to Ethiopian Birr)
do not forget to schedule your appointments at usvisa-info.com PRIOR TO your APPOINTMENT DATES
** for you waiting your interview, i would like to say GOOD LUCK!!!. if you want to ask me, use this email: [email protected]
Great thanks for Britsimon.
March 22, 2017 at 21:04
Dear Simon ,
I would like to thank you one more time for your great help and wise advices, and also share with you and your readers the experience of our successful ! interview at the consulate.
I’m French and live in Brazil , my wife who is Brazilian won the lottery ( first participation ) thanks to cross chargeability rule.
We had our interview at the US general consulate in Rio de Janeiro.
Interview was scheduled at 11AM the 07/03
We arrived at 9H30, the appointment letter must be shown to enter the consulate. ( No electronic device are allowed )
Direction 1st floor for immigration VISA
Free access Computer & printer at disposal if needed ( 15 min max per person)
1ST STEP (DOCUMENT SORTING )
A first person welcome us and gave us the list of documents to present in a particular order. Same document than the one informed on the travel.sate.gov website , nothing more.
We sorted the documents in the right order and presented Original + copy + translation in my case
We handled all the docs to this same person who verified that nothing was missing, put everything in a file and attached our picture ( 2 recent pictures 5×5)
We had t also to fill out a document with our address and CN number for postage. the national courier office “Correios” handle the passport devolution.
This first person handled our files to a consulate officer who stay being bullet proof glass
This step last a good 30 min
2ND STEP (VERIFICATION OF THE DOC)
Few minute later we were called by a consulate officer at the counter : ( you stand during all this step)
The consulate officer went through all the documents checking authenticity of the originals and keeping the copies.
For our foreign police certificate, she checked the reciprocity page , printed it , and attached it to the copies.
Few questions were asked.
Have you ever been married before
Have you ever been to the USA
Have you played only once ( As my wife played under France as country of chargeability , the officer wanted to be sure that she did not play twice , France and Brazil)
Notes :
Regarding the previous trip to USA , I said that I have been only once and she kind of frown her eyebrow , I then added that I was in transit to other destination couple of time and she then seemed more satisfied.
We qualified trough Education and presented diplomas and transcripts from Primary to Bachelor Degree.
I also presented a credential evaluation I requested to WES education in USA, as I did not know if they were familiar with French education
She accepted all the docs and kept all the copies.
No affidavit of support or other proof of financial resources were required ( We were ready to present such documents JOB offer in the US and Saving account)
She took our fingerprint , scanned our pictures , gave us a copy of the immunization record , and send us to pay the 330 USD each.
We paid , gave the receipt and we were off to the next step
This step last around 30 min
3RD STEP (THE INTERVIEW)
Around 30 min later we were called at another counter. (you stand during all this step)
For some reason this third person address us in English while all the previous step were in Portuguese.
She asked us to swear
Couple of questions ( same as previous step) nothing more, same reaction about previous trip to the USA , shed expected me to state the times I was in transit.
I don’t know if they expect people to inform that in the DS260 , anyway I had asked them by mail when I was filling out the DS260 few month ago ( the answer was no) , and I had printed this email.
She then started to explain that we will have to enter the USA together due to the cross changeability rule as we were both considered principal applicant.
At this moment I start to be feel very positive about the issue of the interview.
She then explained that we will have to go to the post office to pay the fee ( around 115 BRL) to get our passport back
Then she added , “well I don’t see anything wrong with your case , your Visa have been approved”
We thank her very much
End of the interview.
This step last around 5 min
Everyone was very nice to us.
AFTER THE INTERVIEW
We went straight away to the post office
One day after , the status of our visa application went from ready to administrative processing ( AP) , then went back to ready.
2 days after the status went from Ready to AP to ISSUED
We got our passport back in 7days.
I am already packing as I am due to start my new job in New York the in April
Again Simon , thank you very much , you are a very good man.
All the best to you and loved ones.
March 23, 2017 at 14:20
am really worried brit.
April 4, 2017 at 06:30
Hi Brit,
I had my interview yesterday in US Embassy Abu Dhabi. After going through the security check and all the required procedures, I was called by the Consular Office and was questioned as follows:
1) CO: How long have you worked in your present company?
Me: 1 year
2) CO: Who is your sponsor in the US?
Me: —–
3) CO: What is your relationship with your sponsor?
Me: Family friend
4) CO: Do you have any certificate other than your high school diploma ?
5) Me :Yes, ( Ordinary level certificate)
The CO later on gave me a 221(g) form asking me to come with my ordinary level certificate ,i rushed home, brought the certificate and handed it to embassy without them keeping my passport.
Please help clarify me on the following :
1) It is normal for the CO to ask for a certificate which is not up to a high school diploma? or it just a soft means of
a visa denial since the embassy refused to collect keep my passport.
2) The meaning of 221(g) form
3) Could the relationship with my sponsor as mentioned above be a barrier?
Thanks and God bless you.
April 4, 2017 at 12:44
1. It is normal for them to ask for education certificates – you should have been prepared.
2. It means AP – meaning your case is on hold pending additional checks or missing documents.
3. It is up to the CO.
April 7, 2018 at 11:31
Simon,
can you please explain this to me, I have the general secondary education certificate earned after completion of 12 years school and final general exam which is the only thing I needed to my University studies , is this considered a diploma or O level ? the only thing else I can take is each year certificate from grade 1-11
April 7, 2018 at 16:27
Take everything you have.
April 4, 2017 at 15:54
ds260 sent may 9/16
2NL march 3
interview date April 4 addis abeba ethiopia 2:30 am
documents perpetration:
1)medical kidus yared hospital paid 1800 second round 500 for vaccine(2 photos ,passport copy & appointment letter)
2)police certificate behind immigration(2 photos ,passport copy& 2NL)
3)authentication process a) birth certeficat first kebele then kefle ketema
b) school certeficat 10 & 12 grade national exam 5kilo fetenawoch agency 9-12 grade transcript first at school if it is from(keflehager temehirt biro) university degree first at university after all the above documents need to be authenticated at MOFA in kasanchis.
4)DHL regestration one week before the interview.
document needed at the interview
1.passport(copy)
2.birth certificate(copy)
3.police certificat
4.medical
5.educational documents all that u have above grade9(copy)
6.work experience if there is any(copy)
7 .2ND
8. 1NL
the copys are one for each.
i was there around 6:45 am waited in line gave my documents then get inside to pay 330$ (7590 birr).after they gave me a blue paper to come back @12:30 in the after noon. i came back there were lots off people before me i waited in line then called to window 4 they take my finger print and ask me to wait until my name was called in another window i waited around an an hour after i was called to window 9
co: raise ur right hand and swear…..i did the same
co:are u working or learning………..
co:where did u attend university……..
co:what did u study there……..
co:whose ur sponsor …….
co:are u planing to get marry before u leave…………
congratulation after he give me a yellow peper and told me to pay before i leave the country so this was my interview experience hope it will help u since urs helped me so much.and tnx a lot Birtsimon you are a life saver MY GOD BLESS YOU
April 4, 2017 at 19:11
Hie, just wanted to share my unfortunate experience.
Consulate: Johannesburg
Interview date: April 4
This post is just to emphasise the importance that some embassies place on completely registering your appointment before the interview ( and not just simply creating an account). I arrived at the embassy today only to be turned away for not completing the registration process! In addition, they expected that every applicant register separately. So be sure to create an account for every single person applying for the visa with you.
Fortunately I have been allowed to complete the registration and schedule a new date for my interview later this month. But today was a wasted day ( flew to Johannesburg).
April 4, 2017 at 19:40
That is utterly ridiculous. If KCC set the interview, the embassy should observe that appointment. It is “fair enough” that they want a courier account properly “hooked up” to the appointment, but they really should have handled that better.
April 4, 2017 at 19:47
Actually, it seems like this is a new procedure – and announced on their website – so I suppose they can stick to their guns on this….
“Important Notice – Process Changes for Immigrant, Diversity Visa and K visa applicants in South Africa
Effective 01 March 2017, the US Embassy will implement mandatory processes for all immigrant visa (IV), diversity visa (DV) and K visa applicants. The changes require these applicants to register and/or schedule their visa adjudication appointments online, using this website PRIOR to their visa interviews. Applicants who fail to register will not be allowed to attend their interview.”
April 5, 2017 at 13:58
my interview
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Interview date: April 03, 2017
Appointment time was 7:30 AM
We (me, my wife and our child) arrive the embassy at 6:30 and there was a long queue out side of the embassy. After waiting for about an hour a lady came and heads us to the gate of the embassy and gave us a folder to arrange our required document in order. Then she gave us a paper to agree & sign that the $330 per each we pay will not be refund even if we are refused. She then told us to bring and come back at 12:00(6:00 local time).
We arrive the embassy again at the required time and we had checked for security by the embassy workers & headed inside to the waiting area. After about half an hour we were called in window 2, instructed to give finger print, choose language of interview and ordered to pay the $990 in total. After 10-15 mts our names again were called in window 9 for final interview. The CO and interpreter greeted us and ordered to raise our hands to swear & we did. The questions were so simple like:
1. What is the level of education you have completed?
Ans. Xxxxxxxxxxxx
2. When was your marriage?
ans. Xxxxxxxxx(year). Which month? Ans. xxxxxxxxxxxx
3. Where state does sponsor lives?
ans. Xxxxxxxx city? Ans. Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
4. The CO congratulates and told us to collect the visas after 11 days and gave us a yellow paper containing our Alien registration numbers. OMG! happinessssssssssssss comes then.
I would like to thank you BritSimon next to God for your valuable advice and comments. Because of your help we and others are succeeded.
April 6, 2017 at 08:44
Will like to leave my interview (Malaysia) experience here. Just completed it today.
Just a summary of my application:
1. August 2016 – completed submitting the online form
2. January 2017 – received interview date (March 2017)
3. Feb 2017 – did medical check up. A benign growth was detected but had to remove it because it may affect my spinal cord in future. Underwent a surgery and requested for a change in interview date
4. 6 April 2017 – interview day
Ok so security screening at the US Embassy was very tight. I reached around 45 minutes ahead of my scheduled interview time.
Given a number at the counter and told to wait in line.
The first part was making sure all my documents were in order. Photocopies and original documents. Also the passport. After all the stuff on the check list was completed, was given a slip and told to make the payment at the cashier. Smooth sailing.
Then the interview part. Mine was really rough (or maybe the other people who shared just left the rough part out haha).
I for interviewer
M for me
Made a oath to tell the truth first.
I: So what made you apply for the US DV?
M: I wanted to have a different experience and to be able to travel in a country as huge as US.
I: Have you been to the US before?
M: No.
I: So you want to explore a country you never been before.
I wasn’t sure if it was a question or remark by the officer so I just stayed silent.
I: Do you have any relatives in the US?
M: Yes. I got an aunt with a green card there?
I: Any idea how she got it?
M: I really do not know the details but all I can say is she is married to a PR holder there also and has been residing there for a long time.
I: Let talk about your job situation, you have not been working for almost 2 years.
M: A full time job yes. But if you take into account that I was doing casual jobs while working in New Zealand, that is over a year. I have been actively trying to get a job in Malaysia/Singapore but I couldn’t agree on terms and the bad economic situation isn’t helping. Plus with this DV offer, I have been more picky on the jobs.
I: So you between having bad renumeration terms and staying unemployed you choose unemployment? I find it unbelievable a Singapore graduate like you will be unemployed.
M: While I was unemployed, I volunteered to help a social organization with a project they were trying to conduct. Also in between that my dad fractured his backbone so I was ferrying him to the hospital alot for his physio sessions.
I: I see but if you leave for the US, who is going take care of him?
M: Its much better now. Appointments are much further apart. Also my brother is a full fledged doctor, it is easier to get things done in the hospital he is getting treatment.
I: Tell me about your plan in the US.
M: Once I get the visa, I will drop resumes around the US. Ideally could secure a full time job there before I land. However I don’t think that will happen. Most probably I will do a casual job (eg: restaurants or stores) so that my money won’t finish fast. Also, I will get used to the culture faster and I could build character references for my future interviews as I apply for jobs in the mean time. If this doesn’t work out, I don’t mind picking up a trade/skilled job. I read there is lots of this kind of vacancies around (eg: drivers).
I: You going pick a job that has nothing to do with your degree? (she really rolled her eyes at this point)
M: While I was in New Zealand on the working holiday, I was doing casual/labour intensive jobs. And as I meet other travelers, we were exchanging information. Apparently they are also having problems getting jobs related to their business discipline. Might as well travel, work and have fun then.
I: But still hard believe you didn’t work at all for a year over.
M: Honestly speaking I did some research to see how long the waiting period is for the interviews and I didn’t expect it to be 9 months either.
I: If you had done your research, you would have know getting an offer is one thing. The case number will also affect your interview priority right? Your case number is AS *below 200*
M: Yes exactly. I searched online and case numbers below 200 for Asia is low.
At this point, she was rolling her eyes at me for the Xth time. She just shut her eyes and took a deep breath. I was really scared by this point.
I: I noticed you didn’t turn up for your earlier scheduled appointment.
At this point, I was a bit annoyed.
M: I could show you the email correspondence with the reasons why I couldn’t turn up. Also I had…
I got cut off at this point
I: Oh please don’t worry just trying make sure you be responsible for yourself while you are in the US. I hope you will enjoy your experience in the US. Please wait for your passport to reach you back in a week.
M: So what is the cut of date to arrive in the US? It is 6 months from today or the medical check up?
I: 6 months from the medical check up. Don’t worry you will find it stamped in your passport.
So I thanked her (I think) and walked away feeling unsure whether did I really get the visa or not.
My advice for future DV applicants, be ready for a rough time. Half the problem will be that you will be stressed out (I didn’t get a good night rest). The other half might be a difficult embassy officer. Prepare responses for probable questions. Treat it no lesser than a job interview.
April 6, 2017 at 14:03
Wow, that is very unusual. Most of that questioning was about public charge concerns, so it was almost appropriate – but really – very very unusual for DV cases.
April 7, 2017 at 02:03
Yeah I was prepared for something like this to happen but based on other’s experience I was gave it a really low chance it will go this route. Since the interview was done thru a glass screen, I was standing for the whole interview. Legs was really shaking as the thing progressed.
The weird thing was that if there were public charge concerns, they could have asked me to provide financial related stuff which they didn’t. I had documents showing bank accounts or bonds I could use over there to tie myself for a period of time.
Anyway the CEAC status shows my visa has been issued 🙂
April 11, 2017 at 09:55
Hi Jo86, I’m really glad that I came across your reply here after reading and researching a lot for this DV Program. I’m a Malaysian as well, so this really helps me as I’m planning to apply in 2 or 3 years. So here are the reasons why;
1) I just graduated from my degree, so I’m unemployed as of now, which also means I have no assets/income at all.
2) I am going to the USA this May for my Work & Travel program. So, I would unable to find a job in Malaysia until I’m finished with the program. I’m planning to save up for 2-3 years until I can get enough savings in my bank accounts that’s equivalent to around $20k (according to the Poverty Guidelines)
3) I have no relatives in the USA so all financial burden is on myself.
However, now I’m not sure anymore about the financial proof as I was reading and found out while the minimum income requirement must be around $20k (for my case), that is not the case for assets as the assets must be multiplied by 5 in order to be admissible.
So that’s my concern. I can save up until $20k in 2-3 years, but to make 5x more? That’s going to take longer.
So my questions are, did you get help from your aunt to be the sponsor? And what about your own financial proof? Did you have enough assets (like owning assets more than 5x the amount of the minimum income requirement)? I apologize if the questions seem ridiculous but I’m still planning to apply even without enough assets requirement and I’m worried about the public charge concerns. Plus, you’re the first person from Malaysia I came across of sharing your DV interview process, so it helps in a way.
April 11, 2017 at 14:18
I’m not from Malaysia, but your questions are ridiculous. It’s a lottery. Enter. IF you win, you’ll figure something out about Public charge. You don’t delay entering because you are saving up….
April 11, 2017 at 14:26
I think you misunderstood the explanation & the questions here. I haven’t applied for the lottery visa and not planning to until 2019 because as I said, I don’t have assets so the two years that I’m talking about is the time I’m taking to save up money so by the time I apply, I have some money. I did not mention anything about delaying.
April 11, 2017 at 14:53
I understood perfectly – but you are delaying ENTERING the lottery until 2019 –
April 11, 2017 at 14:57
And to me it is more ridiculous to enter without preparation especially in my case eventhough it is a lottery. I wouldn’t call it delaying, i am planning and preparing.
For one, currently I barely have enough money to pay for the visa fee. Even if I do, realistically speaking I wouldn’t be able to cover my expenses during the first month with my little to no money situation, find a house to rent, food expenses etc. I think it’s a death wish to do this now and this sounds more ridiculous don’t you think?
April 11, 2017 at 18:20
It’s a LOTTERY. You are PLANNING and PREPARING about one aspect of winning a LOTTERY where you have about one chance of selection every 100 to 200 YEARS! It’s like planning what shoes you will wear in case lightning strikes.
Entering the lottery and seeing if you are lucky enough to be selected is the first point – and by the time you get “fully prepared for your win” you may find the lottery no longer exists!! So – entries for the next lottery will be in October this year. The processing time for those 100,000 people chosen out 19 MILLION people will be between October 2018 and September 2019.
April 11, 2017 at 18:53
Anna, I’m a Malaysian too. On this occasion, it is not that I don’t want to side you, but whatever Britsimon says is totally right. I have applied for it for nearly a decade. I won it in the DV2016 which I applied in October 2014. I knew about me winning it in May 2015 and my interview was in August 2016. I did my first entry in January 2017. So do you see the timeline here. Basically, you have not won it yet, there is no point preparing as you will have time to prepare for it later. You need to win it, then start preparing. The chances of winning it is 1 in 100 – 200 years and millions of people apply for it. With Trump now president, this DV Lottery might not even exist anymore. The point I am making is when you buy lottery and really win £1m lottery, have actually you prepared for it? You win it then things will fall into place. Same with this case. Don’t bother about preparing now, just enter before it is too late. When I won it, I only biggest regret was that I have never joined DV lottery long time ago or found out about it earlier enough and moved to US when I was younger. Don’t be like me.
April 11, 2017 at 22:34
Thank you Charlie & Brit for the enlightenment. I understand completely that this is a lottery and I have a high chance of not winning. It’s just something that I avoid thinking about in order to keep being optimistic.
Very well. Thank you for the advices. I’ll start applying this year and figure out things later. However I’m still worried about the financial proof and would be grateful if someone answers my initial questions for the peace of mind.
April 12, 2017 at 03:43
Read the link below. If you don’t get your answers from that you have at least a year to read some more and ask your questions. I need to focus on helping actual selectees.
britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
April 11, 2017 at 22:44
Nvm lol I’ll just start preparing $10,000.
April 8, 2017 at 15:03
My interview experience in Ghana at Accra U.S Embassy.
Submitted my DS-260 in mid-June, had interview date late February.
The time for the interview was at 9:30am, was glad because of my kids.
We arrived at the interview around 9:15am and walk straight to the security point at the gate. We were asked to enter, my husband, two kids and myself. My husband is the main applicant.
NOTE: he is qualifying through WORK EXPERIENCE as a Pastor.
First stage:There was some security checks, my two years daughter wouldn’t allow them to check her alone, so I have carry her for both to be checked together. We then enter the main hall. We gave our appointment letter and the DS-260 confirmation letter to a lady for cross check.
2nd stage: after few minutes, we were called to a counter, where things were explained to us about the whole process and how to pay the money. We then proceeded to pay the money. Then sent the receipt back to the first counter. We were asked to wait few minutes.
3rd stage: We were then called after few minutes, this stage was the arranging of documents. He started with the principal applicant, his passport, two recent passport picture, he asked for his certificates but we told him, he is qualifying on work experience. We presented proofs of that showing several pictures of wedding ceremonies, baby dedications, engagements, courses he has taken in the ministry etc.
We did two photo copies of our marriage certificates, we had church certificate for our wedding and also court certificate. We took both.
The police reports, medicals, birth certificate.
For the children and I, only passports, medicals, two passport pictures, birth certificate was collected.
Note: all original documents were taken with photo copies of each.
The man was so lovely and nice. The made our tense come down. As Brits, always say, they are there to help you and not to refuse you. This took a bit of a time as we followed Brits, steps of qualifying with work experience, so we have to show lots of documents like promotions, transfers, recommendations letters etc. The man told us to wait for some minutes and because of the kids, we will be called soon.
4th stage: we were called about 30 minutes to a different counter. This was the main interview.
CO: Good morning
We:…………………………..
CO: please can you raise your right hand and swear
We: we did
CO: to my husband, can I take your fingerprints.
He did with both fingers.
CO: So are you the senior pastor
Husband:………………………
CO: what are some of your duties
Husband:……………………
Then to me (wife)
CO:please can I take your fingerprints.
Whiles taking it he ask
CO: Madam, you have travelled to the U.S and you spent 3months
Me(wife): ……………………..
CO: Have you travel to another country
Me(wife):………………………..
CO:when
Me: I was a little tense, so I told him I don’t remember
CO: ok, don’t worry.
CO: in what occupation would you like to work in the states.
I asked him, pls, me or my husband
CO: anyone can answer.
I answered since I have degree.
CO: congratulations, your visa has been approved. He gave us blue paper and directed us to the DHL office we can go for within two weeks.
Wooow, wooow, I couldn’t believe it, the interview was short and brief. Thank you so so very much Brits. Pls, just relax and follow simple instructions, be prepared and most importantly don’t try to trick them or prepare special answers for their questions. Be honest and tell the truth. Don’t contact any agent to collect your money. Qualifying with work experience involves a lot of work but try to go by the instructions and do everything by yourself. Good luck to all.
Brits, God bless you so so much. I didn’t know how to go about this at first. But when I came into contact with this platform, aside God, this platform contributed to our success. My advice to Ghanaian friends, don’t let anyone deceive you with fake documents especially with fake Senior high school certificate.
April 8, 2017 at 15:11
Thanks. I truly hope Ghanaians will heed the message to avoid agents and use only genuine documents and truth. The liars and cheaters in Ghana are ruining the chances of honest people.
April 8, 2017 at 16:40
Hey BritSimon, first I would like to thank you a lot for providing this priceless blog for people like us. (i.e. DV Pre-Selected individuals).
I am a DV 2017 winner and just got done with my Interview on the 6th of April 2017.
The below is a quick summary of how it all went down.
Embassy Location: 36 Laibon Rd, Namanga/Msasani area
City: Dar-es-salaam, United Republic of Tanzania
We (husband and I) got an appointment for the 6th and 08:00. We got there around 07:55 that day. I am the Primary Applicant and he being my derivative.
We have 2 children both US citizen’s, so they didn’t have to appear for the Interview.
(No parking space for visa seekers so we had to park the car atleast 300 feet away) between US Embassy building and Zantel building office.
(for those who know the location)
At the main gate entry guards verified our documents, took our electronics/phones e.t.c. and we went through scanning for metal detectors.
Asked to proceed only with our documents outside our envelopes they kept those envelopes too there at the gate, Walked to the main Counsular section and got scanned a 2nd time. There were at least 12 to 15 people sitting in the waiting area ahead of us. We were in a queue to submit our paperwork, I went and submitted my paperwork told to go pay the $660 for both of us. My husband didn’t have to submit anything apart from his unsealed medical records and passport.
It was roughly 08:30 when we were sitting in different benches around the same waiting area.
I was called once more to get finger-prints taken by the same lady who took our documents the first time, so did my husband then went back to sit and wait.
Since my husband and I had already lived in the U.S for approximately 10 years each under a student visa, when I was called by Counsular called my name
to go to window 3. Our interview was different and took about 20 to 25 minutes cause the Counslar was surprised being under a student visa for that long.
He told me to scan my left hand 4 fingers on the fingerprint reader and my husband to scan his right hand fingerprint reader.
Then he told us to raise our right hands and swear to say the truth on answering the following questions.He asked me to call my Husband who was still seated and as he was coming to the window He was asking me why I am not going to the States with my children. I told him as far as we know we told him they don’t need this visa as far as we know they are US citizens.
he told me to scan my left hand 4 fingers on the fingerprint reader and my husband to scan his right hand fingerprint reader.
Then he told us to raise our right hands and swear to say the truth on answering the following questions.
According to the DS 260 forms that we filled previous year 2016, we had filled those forms with 100% honesty. The Questions were plentiful, I can’t chronologically list them all here. but I believe the US counslar officers are highly trained to avoid pre-judging and know how to analyze body language in order to make a case to either grant a visa or deny your visa based on if answers coming out of the interviewee are true or false.
Since we lived in the U.S. since 2000 through 2009 for me and 2000 through 2011 for my husband, we know how good the U.S. are at keeping records and data mining. I will just give you what the conclusion was after the interview they granted me a visa but denied it for my husband since he had a code that showed he overstayed in the U.S. for over 1 year and a few months. Luckily his DS 260 had not hidden that fact that he did overstay and the counslar was so gentle to ask him to explain. After receiving the explanation and putting us waiting there on window #3, checking things on the computer and muting that speaker that is so damn loud everyone can hear. he came back with answers saying he had good news and bad news. The bad news is that my husband is barred from entering the U.S. until past mid of year 2021. that is a 10 year bar from date of his last departure from the U.S. Counslar gave us an option that we could take and said I need to go to the U.S. and fill a waiver for him on form I-601 and submit it to USCIS. He said this kind of petition is guaranteed 99% in our situation.
So it was not as bad as we thought initially. To say the truth we were both nervous.
CONCLUSION:
I am planning to travel as soon as I get my visa coming Wednesday 12th of April 2017, and start that filing petition, then have him and the kids join me there as soon as he is granted.
I would like to say to anyone in a situation like ours, just be yourself, don’t try to impress the interviewing officer and be honest. I hope this helps someone
somewhere, someday.
Stay Blessed
JLM
April 8, 2017 at 16:58
You are doing the right thing in moving fast. Time to get the waiver will be critical in order to then get your husband approved via the DV program. I’m not sure how they will treat that case – perhaps the CO gave you information about that. You might have to revert to a family based sponsorship case which will take a lot longer. Good luck.
April 8, 2017 at 17:49
The real experience
Submission date of D’s 260 3rd October 2016
No unlock
2nd letter 7th March 2017
Interview date 4th April 2017
Time: 9:30 am US embassy Accra
Medical examination and police report on the same date
1. I arrived at the gate around 7:10am (no delay)and joined the queue. A man and lady came to give instructions about the arrangement of documents. They talked about only non immigrants visa and I asked what about immigrants visa how do we go about it. My appointment letter was checked and I entered the security gate.
2. Raise up your hands, what is in your pockets? I told him money. I was told to bring it out.All for security checks. They gave me my documents (envelopes) and told me to go to the main hall.
3. Let me say I was alone and no beneficiary.
I entered the room and the lady told me to bring my appointment letter. I produced it and asked to sit down. I sat enthusiastically waiting to be be called soon. I stayed for almost 2 hours and the nail and muscles were cracking. My name together with other names were mentioned. A form were given to us to make the payment.
4. I waited again and I was called to cage 1(Ghanaian lady voice) to submit my documents. I was on educational not on work experience. (Thou I was having some works documents with me). All my documents including photographs were. accepted.
5.A White lady’s voice called me to cage 5
C- consular
I- me
C- hi you are welcome. How are u
I- am good and you
C- your home town
I -………..…………
C- I will ask you some questions
I – OK
C- raise you right hand up and take this oath.The documents and all that you will say is the truth.
I ..,……,….,.
When did you complete senior high
I ………,…….. …
C- Are you married
I…………….. .
C- do u have children
I ………….
C- how old are u
I………….
C – have y travelled before.
I- …..,…………..
C- what do you want to do at US
I- ………
C- what kind of work do you want to do?
I…,………….
C- do you know any body in US
I-………….
C- what work does he do.
I- ………….
Congregation I am giving you the visa to travel to US to do what you want to do. Take this green form to pick your passport at DHL office at the address In two weeks time.
I- I couldn’t belief my ears I was very happy and I told her thank you.
As Britsays be consistent with the truth to clear away the cheaters who collect huge sums of money.
Thank you Brits.
April 10, 2017 at 09:18
yes am kenyan my interiew is mid may en u?
April 10, 2017 at 09:25
Yes, Mine too is in mid may. How far are you with the medicals?
April 10, 2017 at 09:28
my email is [email protected] lets chat there
April 11, 2017 at 14:31
Hello Brit,
Here is my interview experience:-
Embassy Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Submitted: 18 October 2016
2NL: 3 March 2017
Interview: 11 April 2017
Arrived 12:15pm and waited until about 1:10pm before I was allowed to enter the first security check point. At security, I was given a ticket number 2.
Once past security, I went through to another building and waited a few minutes.
I was then called to the first window where a South African lady attended to me and asked me to do the biometrics of my fingerprints. She then collected all my documents in the following order:
1. Passport
2. Photos
3. Birth Certificate
4. High School Certificate
5. Police Clearance
6. Proof of Finances
In respect of item 6 (proof of finances), I provided the lady with my certificate of my admission to the New York Bar (evidencing that I am already qualified to work in my field there) as well as my bank statements and two investment policies.
I was then directed to the payment window where I paid the $330 visa fee. I paid by credit card.
After paying, I sat down again and waited for my interview with the CO. After about 10 minutes (max) I was called to another window for my interview.
The CO was an American gentleman, who was friendlier than the first South African lady.
The interview felt like an eternity but in reality was about 10 minutes. I was given back all my originals (except for the police clearance) and then asked to raise my right hand and take the oath before commencing.
The CO asked me quite a few questions, particularly about my career, law school, how I was able to write the NY Bar without having attended an American Law School, do I have a job yet etc. He also asked how many times I entered the DV programme and why I want to go to the States, and have I ever lived anywhere other than South Africa. He asked if I’ve been married, or am engaged, if I have any children, or if anyone else will be travelling with me. All answered in the negative.
The CO then asked when I intend on going to the States and where I intend on living and if I have friends or family there. During all this time, he kept on typing on his computer.
He then asked when previously did I go to the States, and then looked through my passport and asked where my visa was. I answered that I have a Portuguese passport too (which was disclosed in my DS-260) and that every time I’ve entered the States I’ve used my Portuguese passport with the ESTA visa waiver programme. He then asked me to confirm that I currently have no visa for the States, and then asked which passport I would like my visa in – I answered the South African one.
After all that, he said congratulations your visa is approved and that DHL will contact me in 5 – 10 days to return my passport with my visa. He also advised that I will receive a sealed envelope which must remain closed and which I must hand to the authority at my first port of entry.
I left the consulate at about 1:50pm – not as long as I thought the afternoon would be.
Thanks Brit for all your previous help and guidance! And good luck to all the future applicants!
April 12, 2017 at 10:07
Hello everyone.
I’m from Europe and interview had been scheduled for 12th of April in Georgia. I would like to note that,people from Azerbaijan is required pass their any immigration related visas in Georgia. So the interview day:
Arrived at 8:30 AM to the visa entrance as our interview time was scheduled for 9:00 Am in 2nd NL.We are 3 in family, wife, baby ( 1.5 year) and myself. The main applicant was wife.they passed us because of we were with kid, so after entered the hall, all who was there gave their passports to the window, where they asked.Then they have been starting to call one by one for documents.i have called after about 2 hours for paying visa fee.then they called me to document control.
All what they want for main applicant:
1.birth certificate
2.marriage certificate
3.Police records
4.High school Certificate
5.Financial documents
6. 2 photo
For me:
They asked birth certificate,police record and military record
For kid bieth certificate
And all of our medical stuff
Then after half an our consul called us: just checked the documents and saying congratulations your visas approved you can take your passport tomorrow.
No question nothing,we were surprised but anyway.
Wish everyone luck in their interview process.
April 12, 2017 at 12:18
Thanks Omae, I will be in Kenya on 22nd this month we will get in touch. +256 703383141 is my no
April 12, 2017 at 20:43
Hi brit,
Any interview experience for Fiji ? Im current for interview nxt month n rite nw im really nervous.
April 13, 2017 at 02:24
Read the interview experiences. You will see they are all pretty much the same – regardless of the embassy.
April 12, 2017 at 21:16
Herbet / Rui…., medicals is is about approx 30k per person. For Children, it is a bit cheaper if u have the wellbaby cards. No need for KNEC contacts, I think they validate them online. Also you need to do your medicals at least 2 weeks to your interview. The IOM place is bit crowded as they also do medicals for European countries so the early you can go and book your medicals the better.
April 13, 2017 at 06:07
Thanks Conk , This is really helpful , Much Thanks
April 14, 2017 at 05:19
hello does someone have to register your interview appointment prior to the interview?
April 15, 2017 at 15:33
hi Brit my wife has been selected for further processing in the DV lottery and she applied with occupation but upon some research on the internet I found out that her job which is beauty therapist or cosmetologist is not in the required job zone. What would u advice we do. I want to be sure before we go for the interview so that we don’t just waste all that money. If this occupation can’t guarantee us visas then we will just forget it. Thank u
April 15, 2017 at 15:41
You don’t “apply with” occupation. It is up to the principal winner to demonstrate they meet education OR work experience. So you are correct that her work will not qualify her. But have you considered her education?
April 15, 2017 at 16:19
By occupation I actually meant work experience Brit. Will she qualify with beauty therapist work experience??
April 15, 2017 at 16:46
I know what you meant – I said the work experience she has will not meet the requirements.
April 15, 2017 at 17:43
Thank u Brit. I guess this work experience is ruled out then. But she also worked for some years as a sales representative for a pharmacy company and I am hoping she can use that and if so what will she have to present as proof at the interview???
April 15, 2017 at 18:18
That is doubtful too. Read the link.
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
April 15, 2017 at 17:27
Hi brits. I had my interview on the 13 April in South Africa. After the interview the co gave me back all my original documents and passeport and say I’m under AP to verified my secondary diploma.i’m worries bcz she gave me back my passeport, my question is ,is it normal to giveback the passeport? Plz I need to hear anything from you brts.im from Drc
April 15, 2017 at 18:21
Sometimes they keep it, sometimes they give it back.
December 17, 2018 at 11:11
Hi Beauty
How long did they take to verify your secondary education certificate
April 17, 2017 at 17:47
Hello Herbert…. sorry for taking too long to reply. Medicals cost around 30K per person. It can be cheaper if u carry any vaccination records with u. IOM is very orderly, u are counseled first and U’ll be many. There are those in day two and u’ll interact for more information.
U’ll be given consent form to dign and the first thing your digital photograph is taken, then u’ll be asked to move to the counselling room for short counselling session. So u’ll know what u expect throughout the whole medical examination process and where to go if u get stuck.
Payment is done after day one & the second day u only confirm u’ve paid.
In day one u pass through X-ray, Lab ( where blood samples are taken), Vaccination (u provide information and u are given an invoice slip.
Day two u pass through physical examination and vaccinations. After providing yr receipt at the cashier u’ll be given yr xray film and yr vaccination certificate. That’s it… and u’ll be done with yr Medical Examination. I wish u well
April 21, 2017 at 06:41
Thank you so much Omae, Congrats on getting your Visa. All the best in America
April 17, 2017 at 17:59
KNEC is a must. Even if u have a genuine certificate u must go to KNEC for a statement to be sent to embassy. Without this yr visa issuance will delay. The embassy do not rely only on yr certificate. U’ll pay 2,320 at KNEC and they’ll send a confirmation statement to embassy themselves. Please don’t ignore. It is important.
April 19, 2017 at 07:47
I had my interview at US consular in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
CN-90××
Ds submition-mid june(unlocked 3 times)
Interview – April, 10 at 2:30 am
reached to the embassy at 2 am, not surprised to see 2 long lines one being at the gate and another one on the other side of the road. the majority of the applicants were DV selectees. After a long wait on the queue my turn came and i was given a checklist to put the needed documents in. the documents are:
->1nl&2nl
-> passport(with copy)
->medical
->police clearance
->authenticated highschool transcripts+10th&12th national exam certificates(copy of the front page and the back)
->birth certificate (mine is authenticated)
->work experience
i was given back the 2nl from all these documents. i didn’t give my degree since it’s not required on the checklist. i paid the fee, 7590 br, in the morning(it can also be done in the afternoon). I was to return at 12:30am for the interview. I got back to the embassy at 12am. passed security screening and got seated waiting for my name to be called. it took an hour before i was called at window 5 to give the receipt. there i saw a yellow paper on top of my documents. no less than 35 dv applicants were before me waiting so i had the chance to listen to some of their interviews. all were approved unless for one couple who were put on AP for a reason i don’t know and another family of 5 who were denied because the husband didn’t include one of his children on the edv form. he started crying and saying things that wouldn’t resolve his situation so the security came and took him out with his family. it was so touching but rules are rules and he wouldn’t have paid that much for an obvious denial if he was lucky to be on this forum or brit simon’s.
so finally i was called to window 10, this was the CO i was wishing to make my interview with because he has a great sense of humor and laughs all the time. he makes you feel relaxed. he speaks Amharic quite well and don’t let you speak in English even if you want to.
CO: (in Amharic ) “do you swear everything you are going to say is true?”
me:(Amharic )”i do”
CO:(in Amharic ) what is your highest education? ”
me:____
CO: (English )”where does your sponsor live?”
me:____
CO:(amharic) “do you have a girlfriend? ”
me___
CO:(amharic)”do you intend to mary before you leave?”
me:___
CO:(english) congratulations, your visa is approved!!
me: thank you so very much!!
he said a lot of funny things after hearing my answers before moving to the next questions. he didn’t try to trick into anything. only 4 questions and thats all!!!
->april 11: ceac changed to administrative processing
-> apr. 12- issued
so if you are qualified and have the right documents to demonstrate that, you will make it without a doubt. and as Brit always says it, BE HONEST, and TELL only the TRUTH!!
Mr. Simon i can’t thank you enough for all your support so far, you are a very generous man, God bless you and your family, thank you!!!
April 19, 2017 at 11:35
Dear Kirubel,
Congrats!!!
Pls, can I have your e-mail & Phone no.? in box me via my e-mail [email protected]
Dereje,
April 19, 2017 at 13:16
Congratulations!
April 19, 2017 at 11:21
thank u very much….30th may is the day…still in prayers. i hope it goes on well
April 19, 2017 at 14:55
Hi,
My husband as a principal applicant, me and our small son had our DV lottery interview last week at the US embassy in Skopje, Macedonia.
We arrived 5 minutes before the appointed time at 8.00 am.
At the entrance we were checked by the security, handed in our cell phones and bags and were let inside. In the hall there were already around 15 people waiting in a line to sort out their documents. The Macedonian officer was collecting the necessary documents and when our turn came he didn’t take my husband’s file with all the work experience documents but just separated his education docs, saying that the work is not needed. At that moment I got really scared because my husband planned to qualify on work experience as his school records were not enough (3 years of gymnasium ( which was translated as vocational school) school and 2 years of university).
Then came the long waiting, we had a low number, but all the other people in the room were called before us, making us terribly nervous. Actually we were the last ones called to the first window to confirm that we were well informed about the rules. The guy took copies of all our documents (Police cert., court cert., marriage cert., births cert., education of my husband, medicals, affidavit of support) and told us to wait again.
After 20 minutes we were called for fingerprints and then 5 minutes later for an actual interview. An American lady and an Albanian translator were asking the questions. My husband was answering in half English , half Albanian. The questions asked:
1. Your full name: …
2. Your highest level of education: three years of gymnasium and 2 years of university ( original docs)
3. Have you ever lived abroad: husband never, me yes ( all records available)
4. Have you ever been accused of crime: both no
5. is it your first marriage: yes
6. Where did you meet your wife: …
7. Which language do you speak with each other: salad of Ukr., Alb., Eng.
8 Who is your sponsor, what is your relationship to him: an old friend of my wife
9. Where are you planning to go in the US:…
– Congratulations, your visas are approved. Come next week to drop your passes for visa issuing.
No questions about our finances, no work experience. Actually except of waiting very stress-less and nice 🙂
Still cannot believe it 🙂 Thank you Simon for your great assistance all along the process and a fantastic page!
April 19, 2017 at 17:47
Congratulations.
About finances – the questions about the sponsor were to assess your ability to avoid becoming a public charge. If your answers were unsatisfactory – they could have asked for finances.
April 19, 2017 at 16:24
Hello everyone
I would like to share my interview experience from the embassy of Nairobi Kenya.
First, i would like to return all the glory to our almighty God for making my interview a success and a big appreciation to Mr Britsimon for this wonderful page.
We were 4 people, I (the principal applicant), wife and our two daughters. We woke up at around 5am, whispered a word of prayer, ensured all documents were in order & arrived at the embassy at 6.20, 25 minutes to interview time.
There were already 2 long queues of gents & ladies. We were ushered in through the 1st n 2nd security check where electronic devices and mobile phones were kept, but allowed us to go in with our bags.
After arriving at the embassy, we were given a token number after presenting the embassy appointment registration which I had done online. After that, I was told to go outside and left my family inside as it was very cold outside and the kids could play inside the embassy hall.
After waiting for around 15 minutes, I was called to window 8 and met a lady who requested us to produce our Birth certificates, Form Four Certificates, Two passport Photos, passports and marriage certificate plus one photocopy each. We weren’t asked to provide any proof of public charge like i134. She gave us a small invoice, told us to go and pay at a window which was a far right corner, and return the receipt to her. After doing so she told me to go outside again.
After around 20 minutes we were called again to window 9 for fingerprinting and some basic questions such as if I’ve ever gone to America, have a different wife than the current one, ever applied DV lottery before, served in military and Convicted any crime, then outside again.
After some time i was called to window 6 for interview. I found that our passports were already separated from other documents, and the CO was smiling and friendly. This gave me hope coz I was confident n overprepared. I had everything at hand, the ds-260 I had filled cautiously and didn’t even unlocked. I was smartly prepared and ready to respond in case of anything.
So the CO who was a young, american lady told us to raise our right hands to swear that everything is true. Then she asked very simple questions:
Co: what’s your name?
Me: ***
Co: What’s the name of the person who is hosting u?
Me: ***
Co: how did u know him?
Me: ***
Co: how did he go to America?
Me: ***
Co: when did you marry customary?
Me: ***
Co: where n when did you meet your wife?
Me: ***
Co: Do u have any other wife & children apart from these ones?
Me: ***
Co: how much did u pay
Me:
Co; Congratulations your visa has been approved.
She gave me a green sheet that contained instructions on how to register with DHL and white sheets that contained our DoS number and Alien Number. I could not control my happiness, I thanked her so much and moved out with my family rejoicing.
MY ADVICE
Although it is a chilling moment during interview, everything comes out well as long as you are honest and tell the truth about everything.
Thank you Britsimon for your tireless help. You are awesome.
April 20, 2017 at 01:42
Collection on paragraph 5, after presenting 2NL and the embassy appointment registration which is the DHL registration form, but I discovered it wasn’t a must because they only asked whether I registered with DHL, if not they could provide a certain form with DHL registration instructions. Thanks Brit again
April 20, 2017 at 16:30
I don’t have the instructions. Follow the instructions provided by the embassy.
April 20, 2017 at 16:18
Thanks Mr. Omae for this detailed interview postview. We are scheduled for the same. You may get me on elimunet at gmail dot com. You will greatly help us on Nairobi specifics. God bless you
April 20, 2017 at 16:18
Congratulations to you and family
April 20, 2017 at 13:15
Hi Brit,
I ‘am a winning of 2017AF196xxx, I want to know which tapes of affidavit of support are we going to use. I134 or I864
April 20, 2017 at 14:56
I-134
April 20, 2017 at 13:35
Hello BritSimon.
Approved Visa for all my family.
And will write all story no later than days.
Thanks for your advises.
Preparation and hard work lead to success.
Tell me how I can do my donation with my card.
May Lord bless you and we need people like you in this world , not bombs.
Gloria to Lord.
April 20, 2017 at 14:54
Congratulations!
I agree, more love, more support, less bombs.
April 20, 2017 at 22:36
Share my interview
12:30 PM: Arrived at US. Consulate Johannesburg
01:10 PM: Agent came out and checked from his listing all names for DV candidates.
You have to register prior attending the interview. Not comply with this procedure will not be able to attend the interview.
There was no problems for my family.
01:30 PM: Called by Security Team for checks and entered in the embassy. And handled 020 due to get your belongs when you complete the interview.
01:35 PM: Presented all passports to a Lady and asked me my last name and first name. Then filled in a piece of paper with call Number; for me it was 6. And asked to sit down until we’re called.
01:40 PM: I have been called to window #6 and greated the Lady.
She started asking my documents as follow:
1 Passport and Pictures
2 Birth Certificate, copy, translation if required.
3 Marriage Certificate, copy, translation
4 High School certificate from your home country.
5 Police certificate from Angola and South Africa, copy and translation.
6 Others Diploma
7 Make sure you have sufficient funds, because I-34 could not be accurate. The sponsor may not be able to support your children.
8 My wife and my children presented only the birth certificate, copy, police clearance from 16 years old and pictures.
9 If you have a job in your country, being declaration letter from your employer.
02:20 PM: completed for documents handle to window 2.
Note: She wa so fine with my family.
02:30 PM: The CO asked me if we could speak in Portuguese and told him, we can talk in English.
Then asked me about my current job.
And told me to scan my left and right hand,
And fingers.
This was the same for my wife and my daughter oexcept chikdren 15 years.
My wife and my children have not been questionned.
And I talked with The CO only for 3 minutes.
Thanks BritSimon.
Follow up all recommendations and organize your document and will be easy for the interview.
My DV has been approved
April 22, 2017 at 22:26
Hello BritSimon
April 20, 2017: Interview done at US Consulate Johannesburg
April 21, 2017: Received my package to immigrate to The U.S from DHL at 03:00 PM
Thanks BritSimon and May Lord bless you
April 23, 2017 at 03:45
Congrats!
April 24, 2017 at 09:32
Hey my sister applied single in the dv program and now is married and pregnant but she is going to interview next month ,what can she do?,will their be a problem ? Thanks
April 24, 2017 at 12:55
She should contact the embassy and inform them of the marriage, and ask how to add the husband.
April 24, 2017 at 14:16
But the husband is not interested and he doesn’t want even the wife to go so she is doing every thing secretly
April 24, 2017 at 14:54
Then she must still inform the embassy that she married.
April 24, 2017 at 10:47
Hi, Ghanaians how does it take to get your passport with visa @ dhl office after successful interview. Any person to share his or her experience.
April 24, 2017 at 12:54
Thanks brit soo much i just received our passport with our visa packet last friday.
April 24, 2017 at 12:56
@ GM contact me at [email protected] to help u out because Accra embassy will not alert u when yor visa is ready same as dhl.Am also from Ghana.
April 24, 2017 at 15:42
Hi pls is any one from Ghana who has gotten his or her 2NL for June interview, I submitted my dv forms on mid October but I have not receive mine 2nl yet Brit pls 1. can u tell me the time I should be expecting my letter, 2.Is it still in processing. Thanks
April 24, 2017 at 19:19
2NLs are being sent today. You may be in that batch.
April 25, 2017 at 01:05
HI Freda, as Brit rightly said 2nl came out just today. You have to wait for awhile.
I’m dv lottery winner too. Please can you get in touch uniqueyvonne03 at gmail dot com
April 25, 2017 at 08:32
Arit thanks, Brit and Akua
April 25, 2017 at 12:24
Hey
Brit am a Ghanaian I applied last year but had d7 in core math shs but I was able to go to the university and have a degree now
Should I go and rewrite the math?
Pls I want to know
April 27, 2017 at 14:17
We (my wife as principal applicant, me and our two daughters 9 and 4 y old) had our dv lottery interview 2 days ago in Skopje – Macedonia. We are from Kosovo, but the US Embassy in Pristina is not issuing immigration visa.
Our interview was scheduled at 8:00 am, so we made sure to be there on time.
Our wait-in-line nr. was 11, so we had the chance to observe how other participants were asked to prove their case. As a process it went like this
– At the entrance, there was an embassy officer collecting all the documents and sorting them out (just like for tourist visa). He checked our documents and told us that we will have to pay the visa fee after a while; then
– Each applicant had to sit and wait for their number to be called
– After the call at the first window, applicants were asked to pay the fee, then finger scanning , then, in reference to applicant’s case, the general questions asked were something like;
o Education (high school, university)
o Work experience
o Have you been previously to US, and other general questions that would basically reflect applicant’s case
So, in about 20 -30 minutes our number was called. As per instructions, I paid the fee (us dollars only accepted) and we answered some general questions. I had a positive impression that my 3 previous trips to us (official trips) and a valid tourist visa (valid till 2019) kind shortened the very first questions, so we were asked to sit and wait for the final call. In turn, the waiting time got a bit longer than those prior to us. What got us really worry was the fact that other applicants that came later than us were called before, so one by one almost each applicant was called and interviewed.
After a while, the officer from the first window called me and said that “there is a problem with processing my application, something relating with software, nothing to worry, she says”.
Then we had to wait for another 30 minutes, until the next call, but again the lady said “the problem is not fixed, we made a call in D.C but it seems that they are not awake yet”. She asked us if we can come back at around 14:30 or to reschedule the interview for some other day”. We agreed to come back at 14-30.
In absence of any other information or explanation what does an “application processing involves” we were worried…. (for no other particular reason though).
We came back at 14-30, and within 2 minutes one of the officers at the window tells us that all is fixed now and we will get called in around 2 minutes. It was exactly after 2 minutes that we got called. The officer made us raise the right hand and swear that all the information in the application is true. After this he did ask two more questions with regard to place where we intend to initially go to US and if we were ever arrested or convicted. All this procedure lasted less than 5 minutes and at the end he congratulates us on the visa approval.
Such a relief and excitement, I have to say.
Nonetheless, after coming back to Pristina I noticed on the file envelope provided to us by Embassy, in a A4 letter attached to the file, my “occupation” was completely mistaken ( all other information, like name, surname, d.o.b, place of birth etc, were correct)!
So, dear Brit, a final question would be “ Is this an issue of concern? If yes, shall I contact the embassy and ask for correction?
As always, thank you for the immense support provided by answering questions and explanations provided.
April 28, 2017 at 07:41
Hello Brit.Here it is my experience:
Embassy Location: Tirana,Albania
Submitted: 8th June 2016
2NL: 3rd March 2017
Interview:25th April 2017
Before i go on i just want to say that we got married after DV Lottery.
Our interview was scheduled at 7:30 am.Me and my husband arrived at the consular section of US Embassy at 7:00 am.There were two police officers standing at the door and told us to get in line and wait till 7:30 am ,because that was the time the consular section of embassy was open.After 5 minutes ,alot of people started to come and get in line.At 7 :25 am i think because i did not have my cell phone with me,we saw 3 security officers that came and opened the security check office.That was the first office we passed through.They first checked a list which i believe was the list of people that got an appointment that day and then the outside police officer which we talked before the security officers came told us to step forward and hand the security officer our passports.We gave them our passport through a bulletproof glass window and after they saw we were in the list they opened the door .They checked my documents i had with me that day and asked if i had any bag or cell phones.We asnwered no and after we went through security detectors they told me and my husband to walk through that door into another glass room .They were very polite and in that point i started to have less stress.We walked away and closed the door.Meanwhile in the security office people were crossing security one by one .We opened the glass door of the room security officer told us and we sat .At that point we were the only ones in the room.Another police officer was there and he smiled at us friendly and told us if air conditioner he just opened was enough or we wanted it colder .After we said no he said to us very politely do not panic and stress .A lady in another glass room right in front of us told us to get in.We closed the waiting room door and got in.She told us to place our hands in the fingertrip reader for our fingertrips and then she called me and my husband by our names,she was very friendly and was trying to do not pressure us.She told me to hand over affidavit of support and then asked us
:How much time do you have together ?
Me:……
Lady :Where will you be staying ?
Me:……………
She asked my husband how many times he had been abroad and for how much time.She then told my husband to get my passport and pay the fee for both of us.Meanwhile i was alone with the lady that countined asking me questions.She always called me by my name when she questioned me.
Lady :So you have a bachelor degree in Finance
Me:Yes
Lady:What work do you do?
Me:I do not work
Lady:How come someone with finance degree does not work ?
Me:Because i graduated in the end of November.
Lady:Okay,good.
Lady:How many times have you been abroad?
Me :….
In this point my husband came.She handed over my husband a paper which was Notice of Duty to register with U.S Selective Service System and told him to go sit in the waiting room and read it and then when the CO comes she said you will sign it in front of him.My husband was stressed ,she noticed it and told him with joke :
Do not be afraid,we wont force you to serve in military and she smiled.She kindly told us to wait till the CO came and do our interview.We went back and sat in the waiting room.Those minutes were like hours to us.The waiting room was full when we came back with people going and submitting their paperwork,paying the fee and we heard the embassy workers talking in microphone people names to get inside.Meanwhile we were waiting.Then we heard the CO voice saying my name in microphone .We closed the waiting room door and got in.The CO was with an albanian translator.
Me :Hello
Them:Hello
CO:(called us by our names) put your hand in the fingerprint reader to get your fingerprints .We did so.
CO:Read what is written in the wall .Do you agree?(To tell the truth in our statements etc)
We:Yes-
CO:Ok so when did you guys meet for the first time ?
Me :………………….
Translator told him the number of years and he said:Ok
Co:So(called me by my name)you have finished university for what?
Me:Finance
CO:Ok,(told my husband):you have also been in the same university right?
My husband:Yes,we have been in the same class.The CO made an approval sign.Meanwhile he was typing in his computer .He handed my husband the same notice of duty as the lady before and told him to read it and sign it.My husband signed it and we were still waiting in silence.
CO:Have you ever lived abroad?
Us:No.The CO saw one more time all our paperworks ,our photos all the evidences that showed we were a couple and handed me all the paperworks and said :You can keep these.Ok so your visa has been approved.We will keep your passports to print your visas and hand them over with DHL in your town he said.He was so nice during the whole interview,did not pressure us and everyone there was trying to make us feel like we were talking with a friend not the US Embassy staff.We said thank you and got out.We went through the waiting room again and the police officer that was there saw us smiling and he smiled back .We got out and one of security officer that scanned us when we got in showed us the door to get out.He saw me almost crying and tearing and told me:Do not cry,everything went okay.I wish you good luck and smiled at us.
We thanked him and walked away.I am still in shock and cannot believe it.I just want to say to everyone good luck and i am very thankful that our experience was so delightful and everyone there made our experience less stressing and were all very friendly with us.Everything goes well if you are honest and sincere.Thank you Brit for all your tips and patience.
May 4, 2017 at 12:58
hi brit
i will like to share my interview experience so that others would benefit just as i benefited from the experience of others. but before i share my experience i will like to say thank you very much britsimon for all your help, advice and reply to all my questions. i am a dv winner of 2017. if you can remember i am the winner who played the lottery with her siblings, spouse and son then won and you advice me not to submit the ds-260 form for my siblings.
interview experience
Ds-260 form submission 29 oct 2016
2NL received on 28 march 2017
interview date 2 may 2017 at 8:30 Yaounde embassy, Cameroon.
after arranging all the required documents plus photocopies and then did the medicals, we travel to yaounde for the interview. on the day of the interview we arrived the embassy at 6:45 am and we were told by the security guard not to stand in front of the embassy and that we should come back at 7:30am at that time so many people were already at the embassy. security checks were don by the security guard we were then ask to enter the embassy in group of five. another check was done where all phone or electronic were collected from applicants. we were ask to sit and a pink form was given to us in order for us to arrange our documents. after that, those who had children were given priority to go in first. numbers were given to each principal applicants then we were ask to pay the interview fee and submit our document. at that time i realize that i had forget my original birth certificate in the house before traveling i became confuse but since i had the photocopy my husband told me not to border and that we can bring it if the really need it. the cashier told me to have a sit and that my number will be called.
after sitting for about 30 minutes we were called to take our bio metric fingerprint at widow 2 while the lady was doing it she asked “i can see a set of twins on your file who are they” i reply they are my siblings. she was shock and surprise she asked why i had included them in my entry? i explained to her that when i got married my siblings became my responsibility and they are living with me so when i wanted to play the lottery as a family i thought they were included in the family lottery, it was after that i realise on the FAQ that siblings and parents are not dependent on the applicant and that is why i did not continue processing their document. she replied ok i understand after taking my finger print she took that of my husband. then she ask us to sit that we would be called for the interview.
it was not up to 30 minutes, we were called at widow 7 for the interview at the widow we saw an old white woman and she was smiling at us
m=me c=counselor h=husband
c: good morning and how are you?
m: am fine and you
c: she reply with a smile on her face
c:so you are married?
m:…………..
c: how long have you being married?
m: …………
c: how long have you being living with your husband?
m: …………..
c: where did you meet your husband?
m: ………….
c:when did you meet you husband?
m: …………
c: so after a year you got married?
m: ………….
c: where will you be living in the US?
m: ……………
she looked at the pictures i provided then took the one that my son plus sibling were there and ask are those your siblings?
m: ………..
c: so if you travel to US where will they be living?
m:…………….
c: who will you be living with in the US
h: ………………..
after typing for some time she took a yellow form and said congratulations wrote my name on it, day and time for us to come and pick up our visa. at this point i was so happy that tears ran down my eyes i would not belief what i heard even though that was what i was expecting to hear. i smile and said thank you. i checked yesterday my case was under administrative processing and today it has changed to issued. my husband would be collecting for the family.
thanks again brit very much i will always remember how you saved me. i wish you and your family the best most especially your daughter sofia. please keep helping the DV selectee.
please for all the selectee out there i wish you the best in your interview but remember be honest and tell the truth. USA there i go.
May 4, 2017 at 13:22
Embassy Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Submitted: 30 September 2016
2NL: 3 March 2017
interview date: 25 April 2017
Arrived 12:00pm and waited until 1pm and were allowed to enter the security check point. Our family of 3 was first in line.
Once past security, we went into the building were were given our ticket number (number 1) at the entrance. The lady at the entrance also affixed stickers with our details affixed at the back of our passports.
After a few minutes, we were called to the first window where a lady collected our documents, one person at a time. Passports, photos,birth certificate and copy, high school certificate ( I only submitted A Level certificate) and a copy, original police clearances. Lastly she asked for proof of finances if we had any.
With regards to proof of finances, I’d like to add that we didn’t have much in savings. We did not have the form I-34 because we dont know anyone in the US willing to fill this out for us. Still, we submitted our bank statement, savings statement, latest payslip, and current employers contract. In addition, we also tried to show that we had done our research by going to the MIT website and extracting some data they compiled about cost of living in the state we had chosen. We made sure to highlight all the costs we anticipated to meet on the document. This may have been a bit overkill, but it certainly didn’t hurt our case! Lastly she did our biometrics.
We were then directed to the payment window where we paid the $990 visa fee via credit card. We sat down for about 15 minutes before being called for our interview at another window.
The CO gave us back all out originals and then asked us to take an oath. I ( principal applicant) was asked a few questions:
Full name and date of birth? ( Husband was also asked the same then).
Did I attend university, and did I complete?( Yes) Certificates if any? Where we intended to go and why? What work I planned to do there? Husband’s current work and if he planned to do the same in the US? Any previous trips to the US? Did we own any property in south Africa?(no)
He then said everything was approved and to expect our passports and visa package in 5-10 days.
May 8, 2017 at 01:58
Hi Brit
For the last year you have been part of our DV process. Thank God for your assistance
Our interview experience in South America (Caracas US embassy )
We attended the interview on May 2th. Caracas is at this moment a really difficult city so we traveled the day before and got to the embassy early in the morning even though our interview was at 10am. After all the security protocol we finally accessed. I would say the interview is divided in 3 parts. First one CO gives the instructions to make the payment. Then a second CO asked for our documents (IMPORTANT: for anyone attending the same embassy, If you are married please take two copies of your marriage certificate they would ask for that) At this point the only question: What is the longest stay in the U.S? The CO asked us to open the medical envelopes without browsing their content and to organize one group of documents (only copies) for each one (me the principal applicant and my husband: birth certificate, marriage certificate, high school diploma (they only need the principal applicant diploma but they accepted my husband’s diploma too) and any additional diploma if you have it, police records (original). For my kids, only birth certificates. One photo from each one, the CO digitalized the photos and returned them to me. Again: What is the longest stay in the U.S? After this point we waited for more time before a third CO called us to make some questions: Again What is the longest stay in the U.S?, What is the date of your marriage?, How did you met?, to my husband: What is the birthday of our children?. Then, What other countries have you visited? And that’s it. YOUR VISAS ARE APROVED and in ten days you will receive the immigration package. Thanks Brit, you made us feel more comfortable with this process, you calmed our anxiety and taught us how to be patient. Now I could say the best thing to do while you are waiting for the 2NL is “Wait and See”. God Bless you.
May 8, 2017 at 16:30
Hello,
Today we had the interview (riyadh, saudi arabia) and honestly im very confused with the result.
We first went into one of the windows and gave them the passports, then we were told to go sit and wait.
Then we went to another window and arranged documents and gave them to the person there. He also asked us questions and by the end i asked if they will be taking the passports because my son is in college in another country and he would be leaving tonight (i wanted to delay his interview and all the websites said that i should ask at the interview); but he said that ill be getting them today (i got concerned because i thought that he meant i was refused) but anyway he took our finger prints and then we were told to wait because we would be speaking to the counselor.
After a couple hours, we go there and we take an oath that everything is true. Then he takes figure prints of one hand from each of us (except for those younger than 14).
When each of my children went to get their fingerprint done, he would ask for their age and grade.
He then asks ‘why do you guys want to go to the us’ and looks at my eldest son. I wait for him to answer and he does. Then he tells us to go to window 8.
By this point im concerned because he only asked us one question. So we go to the window and are told that our papers will be going through furthur processing. And that we’ll be contacted later on to send our passports if we get accepted. I asked for how long ot would take and he told me that he didnt know.
And that’s it. I’m concerned and don’t know if this is a good or bad sign. I felt like the counselor just wanted to get the job done? He only asked us one question and it wasnt even targeted towards me. I just want some mental clarity?
May 8, 2017 at 16:50
I can’t guess what they were thinking or why additional checks were needed. You simply have to wait for their answer.
May 9, 2017 at 08:33
My interview
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Interview date: May 02, 2017
Appointment time was 7:00 AM
we (me, my wife and 2 our child) arrive the embassy at 5:45 and there was a long queue outside of the embassy. After waiting for about an hour a lady came and heads us to the gate of the embassy and gave us a folder to arrange our required document in order. Then she gave us a paper to agree & sign that the $ 4* 330 per each we pay will not be refund even if we are refused. She then told us to bring and come back at 12:00(6:00 local time).
We arrive at the embassy again at the required time and we had checked for security by the embassy workers & headed inside to the waiting area. After about half an hour we were called in window 6, instructed to give finger print, choose language of interview and ordered to pay the $1320 in total. After 1hrs our names again were called in window 9 for final interview. The CO and interpreter greeted us and ordered to raise our hands to swear & we did. The questions were so simple like:
1. What is the level of education you have completed?
Ans. Xxxxxxxxxxxx
2. When was your marriage?
Ans. Xxxxxxxxx(Month,year)
3. Where state does sponsor lives?
Ans. Xxxxxxxx city? Ans. Xxxxxxxxxxxxx
4. The CO congratulates and told us to collect the visas after 7 days and gave us a yellow paper containing our Alien registration numbers. OMG! happinessssssssssssss comes then.
I would like to thank you BritSimon next to God for your valuable advice and comments. Because of your help we and others are succeeded
GOOD LACK June and July Interview.
May 10, 2017 at 05:15
Hello my Big Simon.how are you?i hope everything will fine there.i was promised to my heart to share my interview exprience here.
My case number 2017AF27*** from Ethiopia
I sebmited ds 260 on May 24/2016
I recieved 2ND letter March 29/2017 for May 09/2017 interview at a time 8:00 AM
i have 1st degree and 9 year work exprience
.i prepared birth certificat,passort,from grade 9-12 transcript,grade 10&12 matric,original degree and student copy.work exprience english translation letter,police ashara,medical result,there were a long queue and the worker divided the queue 2 line immigrant and non immigrant so dv immigrant was short line all this documents copy and original submitted to the American Embassy Addis Abeba worker at morning 2:00 o’clock local time and they gave me appointment letter for a time 6:30 o’clock local time for final inerview.at this time am leave from the Embassy area and relax with Romina Cafe Addis Ababa around 4kilo.
At this time i never worried a out any thing my confidence was good coz of i know everything what i must do the reason why 6 month i read britsimons blog daily.
The time was so going on faster than over speed of the light.
I was arrieved the Embassy 6:20 o’clock local time and the securiy person told me please wait 10 minutes.and i wait that minute arround there and walk there.
When the time was 6:30 local time the Embassy worker meet wz me and give me pass card for security and i put my mobile,key and other materials in the box.when i pass to the security my belt metal disturbe the security check and they ask me what u hold and i replied the reason is my belt metal and they accepted me and pass the security.
I inter the interview hall for paiment and agree the instruction inorder to get final interview.i paid $330 or 7590 birr and i agree the instruction and i sign
The translater begin called the interviewee and make the interview.
All were interviewed and the person who have a diploma and compute by work exprience was more of refused and my best friend also refused.he can not resist his bad feeling and disturbe me also.
In the hall 3 dv winners left but i never worried by this coz of i know it when i read from this blog.
The CO saw my face and he said come on by his hund and i go to the window.
Co:how are you?
Me:am fine and u?
CO:please put ur left hund for finger scanner,i do that.
CO:please rise ur right hund to swear this ur document is true,i do that.
CO:how old are you?
Me:i replied
CO:are you working by ur proffesion?
Me:i replied
CO:what do you do?
Me:i replied
CO:are you married?
Me:i replied
CO:write some thing with his computer and said CONGRAGULATION YOUR VISA IS APPROVED YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR VISA AFTER 7 DAYS.
I said thank you very much.all you guys approach is so nice and smily.thank u
And i cross my self and go to the Embassy exit.at a time when the security saw my bright face they said congra.i replied thank u very much.after that i pick up my mobile and some materials with the security box.
Just i have no word to express my feeling how much am happy too.am over the moon.i will go to Las Vegas Nevada after 1 month.
Britsimon i have no word to say acknowoledgment.but thank u a million times.u are a kind and humble person.i will donate this blog soon
Sorry by my broken english coz of its not my mother toung okay.
Wish all the dv winner good luck.byeeeeeeee..
May 10, 2017 at 20:20
Hello mr simon ,how are u doing,just wish to share my interview experience ,I’m from Cameroon,filled ds 260 form early may,received 2nl march for may 9 interview, got all necessary documents available, though I was a little tensed few days to interview date ,dere was really no reason to b ,got to d embassy at 7 ;30_am ,got in ,paid interview fee,waited about 30 mins,called for interview which was very brief,was asked,wer I was going to,n if I would study or work immediately wen I got dere, dat was all ,n I received a congratulations to come pik up my passport after 2 days,I give God d glory for making it possible, thank u Mr Brit for ur advises .I wish to encourage everyone out dere,be it lottery winner or not to trust God always,keep playing d lottery till u win n wen u get it keep praying for Gods grace becuz so many would love to b like u,others even won but due to lack of knowledge, moni,dey are unable to seize d opportunity so please always count urself blessed,praying for others too,bcuz it is well w us all.God bless u Mr Brit for being dere for others n God bless d readers.
May 11, 2017 at 10:47
Dear BritSimon,
I thank you very much next to GOD and Saint Virgin Merry.
I did my interview in US consulate, Naples on May 09 and it was successful. Today I received my passport and other documents to be delivered at the port of entry.
Here is my interview experience:
In Naples, Italy the U.S. consulate arranges medical appointments and it is one day before the interview, in my case it was on may 08. And the medical center sends the results to the consulate.
On may 09, I went to the embassy in the morning as my appointment was at 9:30 and lined up.
We were allowed to enter one by one after a security check.
I sat down and waited for about 10 minutes. A lady called my number and asked me to get there and give photocopies and originals of
my birth certificate,
High school diploma,
police certificate,
Ds-260 confirmation page
Two Photographs,
and my passport.
Then she arranged the documents and gave me back and told me to wait until I am called on other windows.
An other lady called me few minutes later greeted me with smile and asked me to deliver the previously arranged documents and other documents like my university degree, appointment letter, and my current enrollment certificate since I am currently studying an other degree.
She then asked me some questions like,
Are you married?
do you have children?
Is it your first time to apply for a diversity visa?
How long have you been in Italy?
Are you studying PhD?
I answered all questions honestly and to the point as you Britsimon always say.
she then gave me a paper to go and pay for the $330 visa fee. I paid.
Then After few minutes the consular officer called me on an other window and asked me to raise my hands and swear that every thing I filled is correct and honest. I did. Then I gave fingerprints.
Consular officer: Co
Me: Me 🙂
Here we go!
CO:good morning
Me:good morning
CO: In which language you want to be interviewed ?
Me: English?
CO: How old are you?
Me: XXXX
CO: Are you married?
ME: XXXX
CO: Do you have children?
ME: XXXX
CO: How long have you been in Italy?
Me: XXXX
CO: Where do you parents live?
Me: XXXX
CO: How many brothers and sisters do you have?
ME: XXXX
CO: Is it your first time to apply for diversity visa?
ME: XXXX
CO: Is it your first time to apply for a diversity visa?
ME: XXXX
CO: Where does your sponsor live?
ME:XXXX
CO: congratulations! I found everything correct.
ME: Thank you very much!
The CO returned All my original documents except the police certificates and passport and told me how to proceed with the USCIS fee payment.
She finally told me that my passport along with other documents (which I must not open) will be ready to collect within Friday. I thanked her very much again and left the embassy with BIG smile and emotional of course.
BritSmon, you are amazing and what you are doing is so helpful. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I asked you many questions and you replied all.
GOD bless you and your beloved family!
May 13, 2017 at 22:38
Hi Brit,
Thank you for your help, the interview was satisfactory, the visa was approved for my son, my husband and I (principal). Case of Sa14xx, embassy of Cuba. We gave the documents, then called us to pay, and we returned, they returned the documents we did not need (Labor experience), we went to the interview, and only asked my husband and me if this was our only marriage. Yes), what level of schooling I had, I said university, and I wonder what I had studied, I replied. About our sponsor what relationship I had, (I replied that a great friend, as a family). He told us his visa has been approved, we thanked him. It was all very kindly.
Thanks for all your comments, they were my only support.
When I am in the United States, I will never forget to make a donation to you, from my country it is impossible. Thank you thank you thank you.
May 15, 2017 at 04:33
Hi Simon,
Thanks a million for the support and help that you provided through your blog. My Case No. is AS50** and my interview date 11th May at KDU (Kathmandu, Nepal). I have edited and resubmitted my DS-260 on 1st of Feb, 2017. It is my wife who is the winner and me and our son is the derivative.
Once we received the 2NL stating that our interview will be conducted on 11th May, we took the medical appointment and had our medical done on 19th of March at IOM Baluwatar. I made a checklist of all the documents required and started preparing the documents and putting it in separate folder for each applicant. So, when we had our interview date on 11th, we had all the documents ready at hand and were at peace.
We reached the embassy around 8:45 (our appointment time was 9:30 AM) and as they wouldn’t allow our vehicle to be parked at their compound, we had to park it outside in a paid parking lot (there are a few). We weren’t allowed to enter the gate until it was 9:15 for 9:30 interview. Once through the main door, we were taken to a few seats outside the building and asked to remove the seal of the medical test report folder (received from IOM). Then we were taken to the building gate. Here they had our security screening and were asked to switch-off our cell phone and everything except the DV documents was placed at the cupboard there and we were provided with a small baggage token. Then we were asked to move inside. There, at the open space (garden) were several benches. We waited there for about 25 minutes and then were asked to go inside the consular wing.
Once we entered the consular wing, there was a lady and a guy (both Nepali) who asked for the required documents (original and copies) along with our passport and photos. The documents asked of my wife (principal applicant) were SLC, 10+2 certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificate, Police clearance, passport & 2 photos. They asked for me and our son’s birth certificate, passport & 2 photos (my police clearance as well). No other documents were asked for. Then they gave us a token no.
Once our token no. was called we paid NRs. 103950.00 at cash counter. Then we were called to a window where another Nepali guy asked for the name of our parents and took our biometric. He then asked if we have the ‘welcome letter’ (please note that for Nepali, we don’t need to provide affidavit of support and a simple welcome letter from anyone living in USA will suffice). Once I provided him with the welcome letter he asked us to wait.
It was already 10:45 at the time and our 3 year old son was getting hungry and was continuously asking us to go home. No food was allowed in the embassy. When I asked for one of the embassy guy if they have any cafeteria in the embassy where I may buy something for my child, he said that they don’t have any cafeteria there. So, I asked him if they have any breast-feeding room. Upon this question he looked at me from head to toe then took us to an empty consular room and told us they we can sit in the room. He then asked us for our token no. and told us that we need not need to worry as no one will come to the room and once our token no. is called he would himself come for us.
After about 30 minutes our token no. was called. There was the American guy taking our interview which went like this.
CO: Namaste (greeting)! Can you both swear that the information you have provided is true and everything you’d speak would be truth?
We: Yes we swear.
CO (to my wife): Maam I’d need your biometric. (he took the biometric)
CO (to me): Sir your biometrics please.
CO (was looking at the screen of the computer): what is the age of your son?
Me: 3 years
CO (still looking at the screen): What is your age sir?
Me: I’m 35.
CO: Congratulations. I’ve approved your visa.
Wife: Thank you so much. (I was speechless at the time and cudn’t utter a single word)
He then handed over a card to us which read that our visa is approved and we needed to create a profile at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/np . So, our interview ended within a minute and our son was sleeping the whole time of it. We created our profile on 12th May around 11 AM and at around 3 PM (within 4 hours) we received an email from [email protected] stating that our passport have been collected from the US Embassy/Consulate and delivered to NIBL, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu! We are all surprised of such prompt issuance of visa!
Though we weren’t asked for any documents other than the basic required ones (not even the DS-260 confirmation page), we had everything ready at hand. But, it is always best to be over-prepared.
May 16, 2017 at 18:23
My interview went well my interview was at 7:30 in yaounde embassy of cameroon .
after all screening at the security gate
We were taught how to arrange our documents of which I did.
After the payment of visa fee I was given an interview number to sit and wait.it came to my turn in window 5.
CO: gd day sir
Me:gd day sir.
CO:where will u live in u.s?
ME:Maryland
CO:what are u going to do in u.s?
Me:studies.
CO:what field of studies?
Me:educational psychology.
He gave me a yellow piece of paper indicatx time and date for my visa collection.
Finally he said CONGRATULATIONS.
Humbly I will say long live Britsimonsays
Long live 2017 selectees
Long live u.s
Long live u.s embassy of cameroon.
Thks.