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PLEASE make sure you read the FAQ (linked at the menu at the top of this page), as most questions are already answered there.
Please note I periodically have to archive posts from this page to attempt to keep the performance acceptable. That means comments over about 3 months old could be deleted at any time.
June 7, 2017 at 13:04
Hello Brit. Thanks so much for your help and this site. Great work. Keep it up.
I have a question and apologies if its already on this site. If you can direct me to where it is.
We have been selected under he 2017 programme, We had our interview here in London about 4 weeks ago and we got approved (thanks again as this site gave us so much info to prepare). I will summarise the interview and post it up under your section to help others. Our passports are with them currently and processing.
Once we validate our LPR status and arrive in the US I believe the Green Card can take a few months to arrive in the post. I aim to $165 per person fee for this before we leave.
MY QUESTION:
After reading your info here – https://britsimonsays.com/successful-interview-length-visa-validity-leaving-usa-arriving/
Can we start working in the US before the Green Card actually arrives. Is the visa endorsement in the passport enough to apply for everything we need (Tax, Social Security No etc). Or do we have to wait till the actual real card arrives to the address we put on our DS-260?
June 7, 2017 at 13:24
You can start work immediately. In practice, waiting for the SSN may hold you back. That normally arrives in a couple of weeks.
The $165 fee is now $220.
June 7, 2017 at 13:41
Cheers for this. I just noticed when I filled in the DS-260 form I answered “YES” to the “Do you want the Social Security Administration to issue a Social Security number and a card?” question. In your experience does this mean we should not have to visit any office to get the SSN? Should it arrive with our Green Card?
June 7, 2017 at 13:57
Normally it arrives without you going to the SSA. The GC will not arrive at the same time.
June 8, 2017 at 13:25
Hello brit,I am natty I was successful for the dv 2018. However, I play with Nathaniel PAYE and I have Nathaniel p PAYE on my high school diploma, I have already filled in the Ds260 form with Nathaniel PAYE. Do I stand a good chance?
June 7, 2017 at 13:40
Hi sir.. My wife submitted the ds260 for dv2018 last week. We indicated NO to previous us visa denial question. But she had one tourist visa denial ( B1/B2 I think) about 10 years ago. Should we unlock ds260 immediately? Will it cause a case delay? Our number 2018AS38**
THANKS A LOT….
June 7, 2017 at 13:58
Yes, unlock. It won’t delay.
June 7, 2017 at 14:51
Dear Brit, I also need to unlock. My # is AS00012xxx. Can I unlock immediately? Early, you told me I have mo time. What is the best time to unlock?
June 8, 2017 at 03:53
I always need the year also.
So – if your is a 2018 case – you have a long time to wait anyway and can unlock anytime.
June 8, 2017 at 06:16
Thank you very much Brit. Yes mine is 2018 case. Just one more question, I have gone through your explanation about unlocking and error correction but I couldn’t understand the exact time that I can unlock my application. Now you say I can unlock anytime. So can it be unlocked even now?
Regards
June 8, 2017 at 21:26
Yes.
June 9, 2017 at 00:45
Thanks Brit for your great help. Also is it possible to unlock it twice, I mean now and in future? We are planing going to our new house which is been built now, within a few months. Will it be negatively effect our case?
June 9, 2017 at 01:30
You can unlock multiple times with no problem.
June 9, 2017 at 01:40
Thanks a lot Brit. Really really appreciate your help.
June 7, 2017 at 13:49
Dear Brit,
If I quit my job (not because I’m ‘going to America’ but because I’m over it), do I need to unlock and update the DS-260?
Also, does being unemployed affect one’s chances at being successful at any stage here (assuming I meet the education standards and have cash to back me)?
Thanks for your help!
Lucas
June 7, 2017 at 13:56
No and No.
June 7, 2017 at 13:52
mr simon i really need your help: i married my husband this year and he was selected for the 2018 dv lottery: in his original edv entry form he didnt put our sons name in it because we had him before marriage and we werent sure children born out of wedlock would be considered :so can he still add him and me as derivatives?
June 7, 2017 at 13:55
I already answered – this will mean disqualification.
June 7, 2017 at 14:07
thank you so much sir?please let me ask this again
so he can add me and any child that is born after : correct? also will it be possible to file for him once weve been given green cards ? i mean if we have all the proof hes our son he can be allowed residency with us,
June 7, 2017 at 14:32
I am not going to encourage you to lie and fraudulently obtain a Green Card.
https://britsimonsays.com/easiest-way-to-get-disqualified-from-dv-lottery/
June 7, 2017 at 14:26
Hello Brit I have a problem here in my country Cameroon a friend of mind was selected he played that he had high school diploma cuz he was supposed to write his advance level and now there is a problem in my country Cameroon cuz schools in the anglophone region are not functioning and now the government are forcing students to write. They are saying the certificate would not be accepted internationally so we are confuse if it would affect the Dv case pls we need ur advice on this issues
June 7, 2017 at 14:34
I don’t know whether the US embassy will accept what he has or not.
June 7, 2017 at 14:45
Hello Brit,
If I move addresses (but stay within the same city/country), do I need to unlock the DS-260 and update?
Thank you!
Dor
June 8, 2017 at 03:51
Yes and no. If you are waiting for processing anyway, there is no harm in doing that, and having an accurate DS260 is better.
June 7, 2017 at 14:45
HI:
I am Ashenafi. I have won the 2018 DV lottery. but, i do have the following questions;
1. I have forgot the exact information that i have entered into my dv entry among others my email address, date and month of my birth (but year) and etc. And in order to proceed with the visa application i am in need of reviewing these information. How can i get them back please?
2. DS-260 form is invalidating my case number. how can i proceed/
thank you in advance!!
June 8, 2017 at 03:52
1. You cannot retrieve the details entered on the eDV entry.
2. Read the solution here – https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
June 7, 2017 at 15:23
DS260 in the question of what you planing to do in the USA I wrote security service. Whether it is a problem or no, because for this job to be an additional license for work and I can not work right away,just yet,, until I get license( about 2-3 monts). I want job something like guard buildings, guard parking.night watcman..because I am doing this job now in my country and I like that. Did I do something wrong if I put that to want to do in USA and do I have to do exatly the job that I said as my first job in USA?,,Thank you Simon
June 8, 2017 at 03:54
It is no problem.
June 7, 2017 at 15:29
Hi Simon,
I received my visa from US embassy beginning of April and what a huge relief that was! My case number 2017EU202** for your interest. I want to thank you for all the support and advice you have given here over the last few months. Your dedication has proved a great resource, thank you so much.
I have a question about when to pay for the immigrant fee. I understand you pay for it after you receive the visa and before you travel to the US but is it better to pay for it asap in order for the green card to process quicker?
I saw instructions from the embassy advise not to leave the US without your green card but I thought the visa allowed you to re-enter within a year of first entry? I’ve booked a short trip to the US for September before my visa expires so just wondering should I be paying my immigrant fee now to give time for my green card to issue by the time I arrive in Sept or does it matter?
Thank you
June 8, 2017 at 03:55
1. Paying the fee just before entry is no different to paying 2 months before entry.
2. Until you enter the USA they won’t start card production. After activating your status (by entering) you can leave the USA immediately for up to 1 year.
June 10, 2017 at 11:03
Thank you Simon!
June 7, 2017 at 15:48
One day simo…
”God Bless you million X”
June 8, 2017 at 03:08
agree 🙂
June 7, 2017 at 16:36
Hello Brit,
I am 2017 DV lottery winner and my case got approved today.
I have EU (Czech Republic) working visa and it will expire this July and i have to extend it also for one year because my work contract ends on middle of 2018 and then i will move to USA permanently.
What i don’t know is should i enter USA for the first time before applying for the extension of my working visa here in EU or is it okay if i apply for visa here and then enter USA for first time. I don’t know which is the safest way in order not to have problem with extending the visa here because i need the job to save some more money before moving to USA.
Thank you!
June 8, 2017 at 03:59
The visa in EU has no impact on the USA immigration. However, your USA visa has a limited expiry time.
June 7, 2017 at 18:21
Simon, Today I got my passport with the visa on it. I am grateful for what you have done for the DV community. God Bless you
June 8, 2017 at 04:03
Congrats!
June 7, 2017 at 19:26
I have been randomly selected for further processing in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program for the fiscal year 2018. I have also submitted the DS-260 application form to KCC. Now I would like to check the following:
After 5 years of living in the US as a Green Card holder, I can apply and get US citizenship, right ? Then, if I become a US citizen, I can invite my parents to live in the United States permanently , right ? But how long will it take from my parents to immigrate to the USA after my petition?
June 8, 2017 at 04:05
Yes for 5 years, yes you can invite parents – and at that point it is very fast – a few months.
June 7, 2017 at 19:27
Hello Brit.
I am filling the DS-260. My name doesnt have any special spelling letter, but my surname yes, its like “HUGO ÇAVEZ”, so in the given name i typed as it really is “HUGO” and in surnames i typed “CAVEZ”, without the “Ç”.
But further its a field that says “Full Name in Native Alphabet”…
WHAT SHOULD I TYPE HERE?:
1- HUGO
2- ÇAVEZ
3- HUGO ÇAVEZ
4- or should i check the box “Does not apply/Technology Not Available”?
Thank you in advance! Keep up the good work!
June 8, 2017 at 04:06
3 if possible, 4 if not.
June 7, 2017 at 20:01
Hello Brit!
In my Birth Certificate the Place of Birth is written like this: “Besianë, Besiane” but in my Passport it is written like this : “Besianë” what should i write in the “City of Birth” part:
1- Besianë, Besiane
2- Besiane, Besiane
3- Besiane?
Thank you so much
June 8, 2017 at 04:07
1 or 2
June 8, 2017 at 11:30
So, I should write whats on the BIRTH CERTIFICATE not the PASSPORT?
June 8, 2017 at 20:59
I answered.
June 7, 2017 at 20:17
Hello Brit,
I have a friend who mistakenly opened the sealed envelope that has to be opened by a consular officer at the usa airport, what must he do now?
June 8, 2017 at 04:07
Take it back to the embassy to be checked and resealed.
June 7, 2017 at 23:36
simon you are truly the best!!!!thanks
June 8, 2017 at 06:02
Hello Brit!
Im filling the DS260 and i have some trouble writing the dates of the addresses i lived.
I have lived in Address 1 since July 1997, but I turned 16 years in October 2006 (at this Address).
In December 2016 I got engaged and I lived with my fiance (address 2) since then, but we got officially married only after the results of the lottery came up, 2 May 2017 (and this is the time that I officially live in address 2).
So in the documents, it results that I lived in my old address (address 1), from July 1997 to May 2017 and only when i got married it results that I live in the Present Address (address 2)
My questions are:
1- In the Present Address (the address 2), at the “Started Living Here” section what date should i put, “December 2016” (time when i got engaged) or “May 2017” (as results in paper, after marriage)?
2- In the Previous Addresses (the address 1), at the “Started Living Here” section what date should i put, “July 2016” or “October 2006″(the date when I turned 16)?
Thank you very much, god bless you!
June 8, 2017 at 21:27
Just tell the truth – as accurate as you can.
June 8, 2017 at 06:18
Hi Brit,
Great site, thanks for all your advice so far.
2 things….
1. I’m an OC2018 DV winner. I am currently on vacation in the USA when I found out I won. I submitted my DS260 about 2 weeks ago. I have since extended my trip for an extra 4 weeks, do you advise unlocking my DS260 and correcting that for the ‘previous entries to the USA’ section or leaving it as is?
2. Am I able to come back to visit the USA again on vacation after i’ve submitted the DS260 form before i’m called to interview (which will be quite a while away)?
June 8, 2017 at 21:25
1. Leave it as is for now.
2. Yes.
June 8, 2017 at 06:29
Dear Mr Simon, Im a winner of 2018. You are doing very good job by helping thousands of people. Can you please describe what is background checking?
June 8, 2017 at 21:24
Checking of various sources to make sure the applicant is being honest and doesn’t represent a threat to the USA.
June 8, 2017 at 06:36
Good morning SIMON, Thanks for your help,
I made an Error before subbmitting DS260, I entered “my REGION” instead of the correct “State/Province of Birth”, should i unlock the form or it’s the same, while it’s not mandatory?!
Thank you sir,
June 8, 2017 at 21:22
It’s not a problem.
June 8, 2017 at 21:25
Thank you dear sir, god bless you and your familly
June 8, 2017 at 07:37
Hi Simon, i hope you’re doing well
i’m dv2018 selectee and i don’t have a sponsor to fill the Affidavit support, i had saving more than $15.000 in my account and i’m in Djibouti so
1. does it compulsory to deposit this money to US account?
2. can this savings be the other option without bringing Affidavit support?
note, i’m not married.
June 8, 2017 at 21:19
1. No
2. Yes
June 8, 2017 at 07:44
Hi brit
I have been selected 2018AF000xxxx5
Principal Applicant Name: ACHEAMPONG, BRIGHT
Preference Category: DV DIVERSITY
Foreign State Chargeability: GHANA
Post: PARIS
Now my problem is that of the post which is in pari. I might have did something wrong on the initial entry.
I have filled the ds 260 form and submit by selecting ghana as my interview country.
My question does the post have any impact on my application or u think i should contact kcc to explain myself
June 8, 2017 at 21:18
No problem. Just ask KCC to change the interview embassy to Paris.
June 8, 2017 at 08:52
Dear Brit, I am really pleased to notify you that our interview was very successful and I do not have words to express my respect to you and those who wrote their experiences in this web. We were interviewed on June 1,2017, AA, Ethiopia and our status is still AP. When will we supposed to collect the VISA?
June 8, 2017 at 21:05
Congratulations.
Normally people get their passports in a week or two.
June 8, 2017 at 08:58
Definitely I will come back with our detailed interview experience soon.
June 8, 2017 at 09:48
Hi Brit. Jackie again..I managed to have my forms unlocked. Thanks. I have editted the mistakes, managed to submit my childs form n got the confirmation. However am unable to sign n submit mine. I have reviewed the form n all is editted ok. The sign n submit just wont respond! I have signed out n in again severally within an hour n but nothing. What might be the problem? Could it be a system error I try tommorrow or am I missing something? Pls assist n thanx a zillion for your kind gesture.
June 8, 2017 at 21:03
It might be the case number not matching problem.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
June 8, 2017 at 11:22
Hello Brit,
I have a situation here which I need some advice.
I’m already in the US with my wife.
Two years ago I won the diversity visa with my wife and our adopted son whom we left behind. Although we live together longtime before winning the DV but We face his adoption documents immediately.
At the interview, we were informed that he couldn’t travel with us because his adoptation is less than two years according to the American law.
Now that the adoption documents is more than years and I been responsible for him since we came to America,
Can we apply for him now to join us?
Thank you
June 8, 2017 at 21:00
I don’t know. I only answer questions on DV cases.
June 8, 2017 at 12:37
HI Simon,I made a mistake while writing my US correspondents’ address; the address was like this
123 45- 67 STREET but I wrote it as
1234567 STREET what do you think, do I need to correct it? Thanks & GOD BLESS YOU! my man.
June 8, 2017 at 20:53
I would correct that if you are a DV2018 case.
June 8, 2017 at 22:10
Thanks Simon!
June 8, 2017 at 14:23
thank you sir for your quick response , i undeerstand you say we might get deported ,so you think no co will actually listen to us and admit us if we are honest://..? but him adding me and an unborn child isnt wrong,u said its possible ,its just the firdt child ,and ive checked on the ucsis page and its possible to file for your relations
June 8, 2017 at 20:51
I have told you my opinion, and have told you I will not help you plan a lie.
June 8, 2017 at 17:12
Hiii , I hope someone can help me …. I live in Saudi Arabia , I got my US student visa approved and the school starts on October . I will go to eritrea (my country ) for vacation . My question is can I travel to US from eritrea Instead Of Having To Return Back To Saudi Arabia ???????????
June 8, 2017 at 20:41
I only questions about the DV program.
June 8, 2017 at 18:24
Hi Brit! I didnt know where to write this so,
Im a DV2017 winner! Second draw selectee, DS completed on september 09, SA2017191X case number, enterview in mid May, Venezuelan. I think this information may help you.
Thanks a lot for your post, really helpfull!
Cheers!
June 8, 2017 at 19:23
Hi Brit,
I’m a DV2018 Winner! I submited DS-260 on May 2017. Can you explain me, what Form should fill my Petitioner in USA? I-134 or I-864 Form (Affidavit of Support)?
Thanks in advance
June 9, 2017 at 01:33
I-134
June 8, 2017 at 19:34
When and where I have to pay the fee of interview. How much I have to pay for this please suggest me in detail….. thanks and God bless you.
June 8, 2017 at 20:23
Hello britsimon ! I have filled in
CITY OF BIRTH : EXAMPLE
In my passport is shown as
EXAMPLE , EXAMPLE
So the name of city is twice but i filled only once . What do you think ?
Thanks in advance .
June 9, 2017 at 01:34
No problem.
June 8, 2017 at 20:35
Hi Simon,
Fortunately, I won dv lottery of 2018 and just I wanna submit the DS-260 form however, my name on dv entry was AYANTU AYALEW and on my educational documents AYANTUU AYALO. I wanna submit the form with dv entry name.Is this circumstance can affect my case during interview? or submit it my name as on my educational documents?
thanks.
June 9, 2017 at 01:34
The name should match your passport.
June 10, 2017 at 09:58
which name sir? means on dv entry or educational document should match passport?
June 10, 2017 at 14:17
You were asking about the DS260!! The name on the DS260 should match the passport.
June 8, 2017 at 22:11
Dear simon
I had a successful interview on Mai 17th morocco. My status is still showing AP till now. Is this a bad sign??
Also the consulate told me to contact them if the status didnt change in 30days. Does this mean that i might be rejected??
Iam so freaked out
Please answer if u know smthing abt this.
Regards
June 9, 2017 at 01:25
It means you are on AP. I don’t know why of course.
June 9, 2017 at 03:29
Hello moh how was ur interview? Im from fes morocco . I will be interviewed soon as well…can i have ur email or phone number i need u to guide me im really scared….thank you.
June 9, 2017 at 01:33
Dear Brit thanks for your efforts, im a dv2018 winner and have submitted the ds260 , can u please let me know when to check visa bulletins reports and does the current one contain any dv2018 case numbers,
Thnx in advance
June 9, 2017 at 05:20
DV2018 cases will be in the September visa bulletin, published around early/mid August
June 9, 2017 at 02:38
Hello Britsimon,
I’am a DV2017 winner, i had an internship in Denmark for 3 months and then i went back home and my interview is on July,my questions are:
1- should i provide a police record for my stay in Denmark despite that i didn’t stay for more than 3 months?
2-should i face issues for not mentioning that i have stayed in Denmark 3 months in my DS260.
Remark: i could have unlocked my DS260 before and add my internship but it was a bit late so i couldn’t risk it
Regards.
June 9, 2017 at 05:21
1. No
2. No
June 9, 2017 at 05:22
Hello Brit, I am natt I was successful for dv 2018 but the name I play with is Nathaniel PAYE and I have on one of school document Nathaniel p PAYE. The middle name p is my problem, can that be problem for me during interview?
June 9, 2017 at 05:55
Hello Brit! My marriage certificate one letter is mistaken, instead of KOKUIKANA it was written KOKWIKANA..This worries me à lot..can this disqualify me?or i should take marriage photos at the interview?
June 9, 2017 at 14:05
Take whatever proof you have – of course.
June 9, 2017 at 06:00
Hi BriSimon, I am selectee of DV-2018 and My question is as fellows:-
1.I have a secondary school complete and BSc degree and also a 3 years work experience. so,
a) Can I complete both education and work experience in Form DS-260 at the same time or can i omit the work experience what we have, since I need to qualify through education.
b) Can I include all supporting courses (which is two or less months course) in the form.
c) I complete secondary school education and after 10 years gab I started learn in college degree . This 10 years gab is due to ” national service”. So is there any problem here.
2.I do have a relatives in USA to be as a sponsor. But he didn’t have a US citizen. So can he be a sponsor to me.
3.Is it OK, the mailing address in the form DS-260 is different with the sponsors address.
Regards,
Form Eritrea
June 9, 2017 at 14:07
1
a. Both. Because you answer the questions with accuracy.
b. Not necessary.
c. Possibly – it is up to the CO.
2. Yes
3. Yes
June 9, 2017 at 09:00
Dear simon
When I login my case to fill DS-260 I saw two application ready, one is my adoption child and one is for me, so as I told you child was died so can I leave blank? is it compulsory to fill both applications?
June 9, 2017 at 14:11
You can leave it blank, yes.
June 9, 2017 at 09:03
Another question is by using Add Applicant button can I add new application derivatives like my wife?
June 9, 2017 at 14:12
Yes
June 9, 2017 at 09:22
hi simon i have a problem with my ds260 form iam currently living in eritrea and i was first located for interview in nairobi but i cant go and have my interview there so selected my interview shecedule to be in sudan kartoum, adn still i havent finished the form ds260 but then i wanted to change it to ethiopia addis abbaba but it wouldnt change how can i correct that mistake i made?
please i real need your help with regards thanks.
June 9, 2017 at 14:13
You have to ask KCC to change the location for you.
June 9, 2017 at 10:10
Hello simon!
1- did anyone assist you filling out this application ?
Is neccesary to write the name of person who helped me ? Or i can choose NO option ?
June 9, 2017 at 14:19
Is it a problem for you to answer this simple question honestly?
June 9, 2017 at 10:11
Hello simon
I have been away for hospitations several times every time about 3 months in different health institutions/hospitals. Apart from my secondary and university education
1.should i also increase the number of institutions I attended in the form based on this?
2.me and my wife are applying together do we have to pay two fees for the visa application and the green card?
3. Are we going to get two separate green cards?
4.my sponsor is currently not in the USA for business reason and probably will be away till my interview is that problem?
Best regards
June 9, 2017 at 14:20
1. Unless you were attending school at the hospital institutions, no.
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Not if he/she actually resides there.
June 9, 2017 at 20:57
it was academic training as well and we had lectures every and received certificates each time i finish.
so is ur unswer still no because it was not school or uni which i was attending class every day?
June 10, 2017 at 14:41
You can decide for yourself.
June 9, 2017 at 11:00
brit please i havent said you should help me plan a lie: you said he can add me and the unborn child because we come after the registration but before the results were released: so thats why im asking if he can add me as his spouse and the unborn child after birth: i completely understand that the other children cannot be added and we are not lying about it neither is it fraudulent ,
June 9, 2017 at 14:27
You just don’t seem to understand what I have said. I will not help you with further questions because the only way you can proceed with an application is by committing immigration fraud and lying. If you are caught, the consequences are serious – and I don’t want to be a part of that. If you are not caught, you will have taken the chance of someone else who has been honest and followed instructions, plus you will then have problems later. Again, I won’t be a willing part of that outcome either.
June 9, 2017 at 11:07
Hello Simon, I won DV lottery but am having problems with my results. I have a high school result which they are asking for in our country, (Sierra Leone). I have all my credentials but I have some issue with the age, the actual age is 22/9/1992 but the result is having 22/9/1991. I tried to fixed that problem but I couldn’t go through. Now I don’t know if I apply with that I will have an issue with that????
June 9, 2017 at 14:28
They might have a problem with that evidence as opposed to the birth cert and passport. Only the CO can decide.
June 9, 2017 at 11:25
Can I add my wife as applicant in Summary page, while we were legally Separated my first entry form but now we are married.
June 9, 2017 at 14:29
We have discussed this several times.
June 9, 2017 at 16:06
But this is my last question because of I filling DS-260 so I want to ensure, because I can’t see previous answers.