This update particularly affects people that were issued visas in the latter months of DV2021 and have not yet activated their status by travelling to the USA.
There is a new variant of the Coronavirus that appears to be a concern in terms of its infectivity. The Whitehouse have announced they are about to impose some travel restrictions to people in Southern Africa. We don’t know the precise details yet, but it will affect people from South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Mozambique and Malawi. Does not apply to US citizens and permanent residents. However, if you have a DV visa and have not yet activated your status (by entering the USA) you are not yet a permanent resident – so depending on how the rules are written, you may not be able to enter for some period of time. Watch out for the publishing of more information in the coming days.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/11/26/statement-by-president-joe-biden-on-the-omicron-covid-19-variant/
Now, for people in other countries, you may feel you are unaffected. Well OK – but if the new variant spreads, additional countries could get added to the list and we may even see wider scope bans.
So – if you are sitting on a DV2021 visa and have not yet activated, you may want to consider making travel plans for a short term trip to the USA to make sure you are unaffected by any additional bans that may come. It is NOT clear that you could get your visa renewed, so do not rely on that as a strategy.
***Update: Evening of November 26 ***
The Whitehouse has now published the proclamation. It is as described above and begins on November 29. For people that have been in the affected countries, it is possible to enter the USA after a 14 day period of being in a non affected country.
November 27, 2021 at 05:05
I am not sure if this comment will help anyone in DV2021 but thought I would put it out there. I am a DV2021 winner who went over to the USA last week to activate my visa and now I am back in my home country to finish off a contract. I wanted to apply for an extension to my DV2021 visa but my immigration attorney advised that it is impossible as DV2021 year ended September 30th and there is no exceptions, its written in legislation. Also, many USA consulates around the world are still closed or are not processing visas dues to lockdowns. I agree with Simon, get over to the USA asap (even if you fly in and fly out within a day) as the USA can change rules, put bans in place etc with very limited warning. It could end up costing you lots of $$$ to work around all the covid admin you may need to go through or worst! Your dreams of becoming an American.
November 27, 2021 at 05:58
Lets hope and pray that this new variant will not let embasies close and hence no more DV 20222 interview
November 27, 2021 at 17:24
I would second Rick and Simon’s advice- I activated my visa back in mid- Aug, and I returned to HK, narrowly avoiding, by a few days, a mandatory 3-week(up from just 1 week) HK hotel quarantine. It also gives you chance to get a ‘feel’ of America. Perhaps fly to a city/state you are interested in residing longer-term.
By the ways, Simon- It’s heartbreaking to see what’s happing in your San Fran with all the rampant store theft and looting. I hope immigrants don’t watch the news and be deterred from their American Dream aspirations….
November 27, 2021 at 17:59
Hey Jonathan good point about getting the feel for America. Of course not everyone can afford that, but if they can, it’s worth it for the peace of miond.
Yeah there have been a couple of looting incidents – not just here though – it’s happened other places. It’s that time of the year.
November 27, 2021 at 12:58
Hi Brit, I am stuck in Namibia and was planning to fly to the USA in December. What options do I have now? Can I go to a green country and stay there for 14 days and then fly to USA from there? Please respond.
November 27, 2021 at 16:59
Yep – just as I said above.
November 27, 2021 at 13:32
Hi Brit, I already have my visa approved. I am thinking of traveling in January to activate it because my daughter is in Europe. Can I enter first and then for her to enter and activate her visa? A lawyer told me that if that is how she lost her, help me because I am afraid that Biden will extend the ban on the new COVID to South America.
November 27, 2021 at 17:01
The principal selectee can enter before derivatives, yes.
November 27, 2021 at 17:54
Good advise from Britsimon.it took me one year and half to get my immigrant visa back due to Travel ban.
November 28, 2021 at 08:47
Hello Brit,
We want to follow your advice and make short trip to New York ASAP.
Can I do this trip alone, as a principle applicant?
Take all the passports and activate the LPR status for all the family members ?
Or all family members must come (wife and two kids)?
Thank you
November 29, 2021 at 04:07
You could travel alone, but can only activate your LPR status. That might be worth doing as an insurance policy, but they would need to enter before their visas expire.
December 1, 2021 at 13:30
Good Day Simon. I am from South Africa and was selected as a DV2022 participant (+-AF25000). I have completed my DS260 and sent our supporting documents. I am confused (as per usual). Does the travel Band mean that they will stop processing DS260 as well, and we can see a significant delay? Or is it only as stated – travel band, which does not allow you to enter the US. Thanks for all the advice, greatly appreciated.
December 2, 2021 at 04:36
KCC should still process your case, but the embassy closure means they will not interview you at this time. Of course that could change over the coming weeks. Best advice is to wait and see what happens once more is known about Omicron
December 1, 2021 at 18:55
Dear BritSimon,
We (Myself, my husband and my baby daughter) have booked tickets to enter US in February 2022.Visa expires in March. I am DV2021 winner (principal applicant). Due to the current situation we thought of going early this month to activate the status
However, my baby is only four month old and we cannot take her this soon amid this new covid variant. Also, I don’t think I cannot leave her alone without us for more than 3 days as she is fully dependent on me. So only me and my husband are hoping to go to US this month to activate the status and come back to home country asap.
My questions are,
1. After endorsement, How long should we have to stay in US to activate? Can we come home in the next day flight? If so are there any additional documentation or procedure to follow?
2. Should I need to wait in US till I get the SSN or Green Card?
3. Is it okay to visit US, only to activate and then return?
Thanks
December 2, 2021 at 04:37
1. 5 minutes.
2. No
3. Yes
December 2, 2021 at 17:48
Hi Brit hope you’re well
My CN is ~ 1300. I received the DR email in October and it’s now more than 6 weeks I’ve been waiting to be DQed. As my case became current for November I lost hope. Do you think I have a chance to get the interview invitation any soon?
December 2, 2021 at 18:32
Yes – you just have to be patient.
December 6, 2021 at 13:17
Hi Brit,
Case number EU 18xxx. DS 260 completed in May and documents sent without DR. Any chances to be processed from KCC any time these months? Is it a high case number?
December 6, 2021 at 16:40
Not really a high number, but obviously not current yet. You’ll be processed soon.
December 7, 2021 at 12:08
Thanks a lot for your time and info
December 6, 2021 at 13:34
DV 2022….
December 9, 2021 at 16:38
Diversity Visa 2022 Update
Last Updated: December 9, 2021
Document Submission to KCC for DV-2022
Effective immediately, individuals who were randomly selected to participate in the diversity visa (DV) program for fiscal year (FY) 2022 (DV-2022 selectees) only need to submit to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) the DS-260 immigrant visa application form for themselves and any accompanying family members. Once the DS-260 is received for all applicants associated with a case, that case will be eligible to be scheduled for a visa interview.
DV-2022 selectees no longer must submit to the KCC any other required supporting documents for DV-2022 in order to be eligible to be scheduled for an in-person interview at an embassy or consulate. Rather, all supporting documents for DV-2022 selectees will be collected in connection with the interview and evaluated at the embassy or consulate where the visa application is made. U.S. law requires all immigrant visa applicants provide certain supporting documents necessary to establish eligibility for a visa. The list of documents is available here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-if-you-are-selected/diversity-visa-prepare-supporting-documents.html
Failure to provide all required supporting documents to the embassy or consulate will prevent applicants from establishing their eligibility for the visa and will result in refusal of the visa application; however, a refusal for lack of documents can be overcome by providing any missing documents to the consular section. We strongly encourage applicants to be prepared to demonstrate eligibility for the visa at the time of interview by having available all required documents.
Why are we making this change now? KCC pre-processed DV cases to ensure that DV applicants were well-prepared and secured all required documents prior to interview. This promoted efficiency at our consular sections and helped applicants demonstrate their eligibility. The Department is opting for this change to use all available DV appointments. As of now, the Department is treating this as a pilot program and will analyze the costs and benefits to this change later in the program year.
December 22, 2021 at 14:03
Hi Brit,
Is it necessary to update DS 260 if one changes the job?
Thnx
December 22, 2021 at 22:56
Normally no.
January 30, 2022 at 20:24
Hi dear Simon!
I am DV 2022 winner. I am from Azerbaijan and my embassy in Tbilisi where will have my interview.
My wifes’s passport expired on may 25 last year, and we changed it to new passport but gave the old passport. Then i took a certificate about that my wife’s passport had expired in may 2021. Does it may be a problem that we have not my vife’s old passport for us in interview ? Thank you in advance !
January 31, 2022 at 00:29
NO – just show proof of the old passport.