The travel ban has been expanded to six countries – Burma (Myanmar), Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan and Tanzania. This is in addition to the revised travel ban already in effect, which restricts entry from Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Venezuela and North Korea.
Main points:
- Immigrant visas only (does not affect non immigrant visas)
- In force from Feb 22, 2020
- Will affect DV2020 selectees
- Does not affect people who already have their immigrant visas before Feb 21.
- Just like the existing ban, certain exceptions apply and waivers will be available to some (very few) applicants.
Link to the Proclamation Text.
February 2, 2020 at 00:14
Thank you very much, you are very sympathetic. I am from Sudan and my case number is 71666. I hope the ban will be lifted or the decision will be canceled through the courts.
Thank you.
February 2, 2020 at 01:07
i am from myanmar and my interview is on 19th february!does it have effect on me?
February 2, 2020 at 01:18
You might be able to be approved before the ban comes into force.
February 2, 2020 at 02:50
Oh Annie. I pray that the God who created Heaven and earth will help you so you get your visa before the 22nd February deadline.Pray to Him.I will say a prayer for you too.
February 2, 2020 at 05:55
thank you so much!!i’m praying at my best and may god bless you too!!!
February 2, 2020 at 11:40
Good luck. I am supposed to have an interview on April, 14***. Seem like I lost the chance. Y_Y
February 2, 2020 at 19:20
Aung Thu,I feel you bro!I hope you to get the visa too!Best of luck a ko!I’ll pray for you too.
February 2, 2020 at 02:16
Hi Britsimon… keep doing the good work. You have helped thousands of people including myself, a dv2016 selectee. Chose NY state and got my dream IT job in less than two weeks of applying. It still is a land of oppurtunity for me with six figure salary and the freedom here in the US. God bless you and God bless all the good people helping other people. I hope to meet you brother!
February 2, 2020 at 04:54
Thank you for stopping by with that update. I am thrilled it is working out so well for you!!
February 2, 2020 at 06:37
Captain Roykeane,what field of IT did you specialize or doing.i am specializing in cyber security
February 2, 2020 at 03:11
Hi Brits, thank you for this am DV2020 selectee from TANZANIA AF66*** the only hope we have is either our government corporate with US i resolving it or court challenge which has low probability as you said. We stay positive as we have 8 months to go. Otherwise GODLUCK to the rest selectees,
Thank you again Brits
February 4, 2020 at 14:16
Hey man, i am from Tz too!! If dont mind contact me via [email protected] ,we have a group for Tz dv selectee.
Thanka
February 2, 2020 at 03:25
Dear Mr. BritSimon, can you please explain what is “certain exceptions apply” and “waivers will be available to some (very few) applicants”? Does KCC decide on this according to DS-260 and supporting documents? Who will get these exceptions?
February 2, 2020 at 03:37
I’m from banned country. I have a big case number EU00044***. If my case has not been scheduled yet, does this mean that after Feb 22 cases will not be scheduled at all? If my mother is a green card holder does this change situation at all? Thanks. Sorry for too many questions.
February 2, 2020 at 04:51
Scheduling will continue. You are free to ask the CO about a waiver because of your relationship with a US resident, but given your high number there will be a very short time to be approved for a waiver – probably too short.
February 2, 2020 at 04:55
I am calling Nur Alam from Bangladesh. Are there any facilities for Bangladeshis?
February 2, 2020 at 05:00
Bangladesh is ineligible for the lottery.
February 2, 2020 at 06:11
This is real sad for Tanzanians.This was our great hope for entering USA.Although I am not a DV 2020 winner but I am sad why this happens to our beautiful country.I wonder why this blacklist entire citizen rather than to blacklist those rensiponsible.Any way,let hope our leaders will cooperate and ban be lifted up asap
February 2, 2020 at 06:11
I’m so sorry to the afected selectees from those countries wat do u think of Africa will there be enough visas if this ban exist till end of September
February 2, 2020 at 16:13
The ban leaves more visas available for other non banned selectees in that region, yes.
February 2, 2020 at 06:51
Hi brit
Thanks for the update,
Does the band include those born outside those countries?
I’m a Sudanese national born in Saudi Arabia and currently living in Saudi Arabia
Case number AS20***
February 2, 2020 at 16:17
You should be unaffected to my understanding.
June 7, 2020 at 08:12
Are you sure sir? He is still a sudanese passport holder not saudi. I am asoong cause i’m in the same sopt as him
June 7, 2020 at 14:09
I said “to my understanding”
But he was BORN in SA.
February 2, 2020 at 09:04
I Am from sudan and if we forget about 2020 lottary dream we will never ever forget you Simon best wishes for you and for ALL dv 2020 dreamers good bye
February 2, 2020 at 16:19
🙁
February 2, 2020 at 18:38
It really painful my dear we pray the ban is uplifted ?
February 2, 2020 at 09:58
Thanks for the information
February 2, 2020 at 10:57
Will the ban affect those born in another country (country of birth) but leave in one of the ban countries.
February 2, 2020 at 16:33
No
February 2, 2020 at 11:16
Hii britsimon : I read your post and I under stand that if I have some parents in USA I can get the visa iam Sudanese my Case number af57xxx i have my annt in Maryland she have American passport . (Waivers)
And it’s my sponsor. What can I do ???
February 2, 2020 at 16:35
You could attend your interview and request a waiver, but the approval of a waiver takes time and is not guaranteed – so it will be a gamble.
February 2, 2020 at 12:30
Hi brit,I was born in Benin republic but I was Nigeria passport because my parents were born in Nigeria.
1. Will the ban affect as a DV selectee.
2. I have a sister who is a green card holder ,is there any chance for me?
February 2, 2020 at 16:40
1. As long as you can show your country of birth you should be OK.
February 15, 2020 at 21:46
What about if you were born in an x country but you only have a passport from a banned country.
February 15, 2020 at 23:26
As I understand the rules, you would not be affected.
February 2, 2020 at 15:07
The previous proclamation only affected some nationals from Venezuela, the new proclamation doesn’t even mention Venezuelan, why are you mentioning in your video that Diversity Visa selectees Venezuelans will no be able to get their immigrant visas? (provided they are not the affected nationals of the first proclamation, mainly certain politicians and their family members) https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-improving-enhanced-vetting-capabilities-processes-detecting-attempted-entry/?utm_source=twitter
February 2, 2020 at 16:53
At what point in the video did I say that about Venezuelans???
February 2, 2020 at 18:21
Hi mr Brit it says in some articles that the ban only affects Sudan and Tanzania why does it have this distinction
February 2, 2020 at 18:22
There is no article that says that. Those two countries have a different treatment (relating ONLY to DV) whereas the other countries are affected in ALL immigrant visa types.
February 2, 2020 at 18:48
Dear Simon ,
First of all , thanks much for the great and informative portal here which helped me a lot to understand the DV process.
I’m 2020 winner with CN AS11XXX , my DS260 & documents are already processed and interview is scheduled for march.
However , I’m a Sudanese citizen who was born in Saudi Arabia (my CN is AS)
since Saudi citizenship is not given for those who are born here for foreign parents.
my question is ; do you think that based on given information , there could be any basis for a waiver ? noting that i lived part of my life in Sudan but mostly i was not staying there.
I did inquired from the embassy here through email about the same and their feedback was only the proclamation link from the white house website !
your kind advise/thoughts will be really appreciated
Thanks again
Regards ,
Abdallah
February 2, 2020 at 18:57
It depends on how they define native. My current understanding is that you would be treated as a native of SA – and therefore not subject to the ban.
June 7, 2020 at 08:15
Hello Abdullah..i would like to know your case and what happened with you i need an update please..thank u
February 2, 2020 at 19:22
Hi Brit, how many more visas you think will be available?
February 2, 2020 at 19:39
Watch the video where I give the numbers of selectees. Some will have made it through already, or could still be approved.
February 2, 2020 at 21:34
Hi Brit,
The allocated visa for the banned countries will be available to to same region only? Or it will be available to all regions?
Regards
February 2, 2020 at 22:30
Firstly the same region, then unused visas can be distributed to other regions if there is time.
February 3, 2020 at 03:56
Hi Britsimon am from Sudan – DV lottery
I got the VISA last November and due to some ties i will travel march 3rd
am able to enter to USA or should i travel before 21st Feb
thanks
February 3, 2020 at 17:15
Within the expiry date of your visa.
February 3, 2020 at 05:35
Hi Simon
The new ban includes Eritrea but Eritrea isn’t included with the other two nationals who are not allowed any longer to apply for the Diversity visa as of Sudan and Tanzania. Does that mean Eritrea is banned with the other types of immigrant visa.
source:https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-51335011
February 3, 2020 at 17:17
ALL types of IMMIGRANT visa (including DV).
February 3, 2020 at 17:34
Hello Simon, I’m DV 2020 winner I’m from Sudan living in Qatar since 1999 all my kids born here in Qatar with Sudanese nationality. I scheduled from interview on March 10th, do you advise me to go ahead and do the medical and attend the interview with my kids or I lost the chance
February 3, 2020 at 19:00
If you were born in Sudan and you do not have a second citizenship/passport it will be difficult/impossible to get approved.
February 3, 2020 at 18:23
Hi Sir
Does this mean that EU55xxx has a chance?
Thank you
February 3, 2020 at 19:04
Maybe.
February 3, 2020 at 20:26
Ok those people from banned countries who are waiting for dv results they shouldn’t !?
February 3, 2020 at 20:51
They can wait. The ban could be removed at some point, and they may have ways to get around the ban.
February 4, 2020 at 09:12
Thanks a lot..there’s still little hope
February 4, 2020 at 00:10
I am Eritrean but now i live in Netherland since 2018.My CB is AF71***. Do you think that it can affect me?
February 4, 2020 at 01:43
It will affect you unless you have some other citizenship/passport.
February 4, 2020 at 08:07
dear mr.simon
sorry if i waste your time.
after that news do you think eu40xxx it is ok? this region could become current?
best regards
sofia
February 4, 2020 at 18:03
That number is pretty good. So – be patient, and wait and see.
February 6, 2020 at 01:27
What about eu45k, there is any chance now that some countries are banned
February 6, 2020 at 01:37
Well the chance has improved – obviously.
February 4, 2020 at 11:53
Hello Brit, can a person from a banned country who is already in the US get GC through AOS?
February 4, 2020 at 19:08
Yes
February 4, 2020 at 22:30
Hello Sir
What do you think about Albania 5494x?
February 4, 2020 at 23:11
It’s a high number – so you need to wait and see what happens.
February 4, 2020 at 23:34
Hi brits, please i have a friend who’s country is recently ban for immigrant visa but he won visa lottery chargeable to his wife country.. do you advise him to proceed with the interview .. hes married and his wife is legible to visa lottery and migrant visa
February 5, 2020 at 00:06
There is a risk of denial. Whether to gamble or not is up to him – I cannot advise him as I do not know his circumstances.
February 6, 2020 at 07:35
Hi Brits,
Thanks for the very informative blog for DV. I am from Sudan and my interview has been scheduled on 3rd March, my daughter hold American passport and she is a 3 years old, will that that makes any difference ? kindly advise.
February 6, 2020 at 19:46
No.
February 7, 2020 at 01:04
Abdullah please let us know what will happen to your case if you will attend the interview as I’m from Sudan and I’m facing the same problem. I’m scheduled for interview on March 10th. Thank you
February 10, 2020 at 08:52
Let us know as well same situation interview 12/3 from Sudan
April 16, 2020 at 23:00
Hi britt,
Allow me to ask this question, what happens if a user from the banned country got selected in dv2021 , does he have a chance ?
April 17, 2020 at 00:45
It will depend on their circumstances.
February 11, 2020 at 01:47
Dear Simon. I’m from one of the countries affected by the ban (Sudan). My case# 2020AF209xxx was current in February and I have been scheduled for interview in the beginning of March, as you mentioned that the ban will be in force from Feb 22nd I Just want to know my case will be affected by the ban or as I my case was current on February I will be safe. Thank you
February 11, 2020 at 02:59
You will be affected. Unless you have some reason to be exempted from the ban, you will not be approved.
February 13, 2020 at 23:12
@Britsimon will the system takes out the banned countries automatically from dv21?
Or it will still select winners from those countries.
I want to know how this might help other dv21 entrants.
February 14, 2020 at 00:39
The banned selectees will still be selected. Some of those will be able to process their cases, most won’t. However, if the presidential election removes Trump the ban would probably be lifted in January 2021.
February 15, 2020 at 13:54
Hi Brit,
My parents are Nigerians but I was born and bred in CAMEROON. I also used CAMEROON as my country of eligibility in the dv lottery 2021.
A quick one; will the ban affect me if I get selected?
Regards
February 15, 2020 at 15:11
No
February 18, 2020 at 00:45
Hi Brit
Please what is the deadline for the ban. 21 or 22. Clarify
February 18, 2020 at 02:28
Cases from the 22nd will be affected.
February 18, 2020 at 07:52
Hay dear this Teklemariam from Ethiopia, does the travel ban increase the chance of winning of dvlottery2021 for those who are not in the travel ban?
February 18, 2020 at 15:09
No.
March 12, 2020 at 05:25
HI Simon,
We are a dv winner from a travel ban country. Our interview is scheduled, however it is delayed because of additional medical checks. I would like to know whether it’s still possible to change the status to adjust if we get a school in US?
March 12, 2020 at 06:14
You cannot enter the USA with an intention to adjust status – so you would be creating a high risk.
March 14, 2020 at 13:41
Hello Brit,
Have a question.
I want to activate my I-551 stamp and bring my immigration packet to Guam (GUM), US territory.
This is Ok, right?
Thx
March 14, 2020 at 15:06
Yes
June 7, 2020 at 08:30
If there are any mistakes for not been selected can you please send the problems to me so it would be corrected. My blood pressure just went high for failing your selection again. Meaning 12 months endlessly waiting to migrate to my dream country. Can this never be possible via dv God?
June 7, 2020 at 14:11
A lottery is not a plan. Your chance of selection is 1 in 200. That means once in 200 years of trying.
June 15, 2020 at 11:21
Hello ;thanks for this information
Is there any exception for banded people if they’re having relatives in US [ brother or sister] holding green cards ?
June 15, 2020 at 22:32
Possibly – people in that situation can ask the CO to apply for a waiver – although that is not always granted.