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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.
July 28, 2017 at 02:20
Hi Simon , i was selected in 2015DVlottery on the Application I didn’t include one of my Child as her mother refused to! I am in US now and i managed to contact her and she agreed to let her join me and her brothers. I know about the rule says the act of not including any of my child may lead to disqualification, now the quastion is Does this rule affect Me /her till now or its only on application level? Is there any exceptions to that rule?
July 28, 2017 at 04:08
No exceptions. I don’t know of any way to solve the problem.
July 28, 2017 at 07:22
Hi Simon. Thank you very much for your useful blog. It is indeed helpful
I have heard the the spouse of the DV applicant does not have the legal permission to work once the couple gets into the US. Do you know, is that true? I thought that the spouse is going to have exactly the same rights as the principal applicant.
Thank you for your answer
July 28, 2017 at 14:03
It is not true.
July 28, 2017 at 08:39
Hello Simon. It’s me again. I’ve replied to your question on my post above but it doesn’t display. I said I’m from Cameroon please
July 28, 2017 at 11:34
I have not include child photo during edv registration but I got second letter and I want to include child during visa interview. Is there any problem?
July 28, 2017 at 13:59
Yes.
https://britsimonsays.com/easiest-way-to-get-disqualified-from-dv-lottery
July 28, 2017 at 11:44
Simon
If I go for interview and the Consular ask me who did the entry for you and I answer that is my wife. Will I be disqualify?
July 28, 2017 at 13:57
Not because of that.
July 28, 2017 at 13:43
I am 2017 dv winner from banned country and I am in “AP process” , I have a cousin who studied post doc in USA now , “. . I have been interviewed in ABU DHABIi on December 2016 in Abudabi embassy
1. which documents of my cousin is needed for the USA embassy to prove my BONE FIDA?
2.where should I send my documents of my cousin?
3.should I send my cousin”s documents before my ” AP” process finished or before my ” AP” process finished ?
4. how long ” AP” process will take , my case is in “AP process ” from september 2016 till now ?
July 28, 2017 at 13:57
1. Birth certificates establishing the relationship.
2. Present to the embassy when asked.
3. No
4. I have no idea – but your date cannot be correct. DV2017 interviews did not start until after September 2016.
July 28, 2017 at 15:10
Hi Mr. Brit, thank you for your help
I’m a dv2018 winner from Egypt, my case number is 2018AF14XXX, and I submitted my DS260 on 29 May 2017. I’m a student in the last year of secondary school but I failed this year, what should I do to delay my interview appointment (when it detected) until I have my secondary certificate on July or August 2018 .
Thank you again for all your help
July 28, 2017 at 21:56
You can try to unlock your DS260 and leave it unlocked until around May of next year. However, that does not guarantee to delay your interview date *IF* they have already started processing your case. But do that ASAP – if you procrastinate you will not be able to delay your interview this way.
August 2, 2017 at 14:00
Thank you so much , I already unlocked my DS260 but is it safe to scheduling my interview if I resubmitted in may 2018 ?
August 2, 2017 at 15:10
Why do you think I suggested that?
August 2, 2017 at 18:37
I just Want to make sure
July 28, 2017 at 22:05
Hi Mr.Brit thank you for your help my question is how many times I can unlock DS260 form
July 28, 2017 at 22:54
1753 times. Not one more than that.
July 28, 2017 at 22:37
Dear Brit, First off all thank you for all the informative answers you have posted on your site , it really helped me and my family have a more clearer understanding about what we should be expecting soon for our future.
I just have a couple of questions i would like to ask
. One of my parents have won the DV lottery and i have just received my I-20 to apply for a student visa really soon.. Me and my family have been granted a visa twice now B1/B2. Now that we have won the DV lottery will it be likely for the VO to ask me questions regarding it? and if he does what will be the best possible answer?
July 28, 2017 at 22:56
Yes that could be discussed. Best answer – the truth. However, there is a risk to the non immigrant visa.
July 28, 2017 at 22:37
2. The college that i got the I-20 from is a different college than what my brother study’s in (same State) if the VO asked me why didnt i apply for the same college what would be the best possible answer? (my answer is due to the univeristy that my brother studys in required higher qualifications) which is a fact .
regards
July 28, 2017 at 22:56
Truth. Always – the truth.
July 29, 2017 at 06:58
hi Brit. its me again.
thanks for ur last answers .
i was reading the FAQ ” I made XXX mistake in my original entry – will I be disqualified?” i got so worried .
>when I was applying DV lottery 2018, I wrote my family name without hyphen like ESSALLE but in my passport is ES-SALLE. .Would that be a problem for me? Am I going to be disqualified?
thanks!
July 29, 2017 at 08:11
Not for that.
July 29, 2017 at 11:12
hi mr simon
My wife became pregnant after applying for immigration. . Which is likely to give birth in September.
and Now I’m finished filling in the ds260 forms
1-Do I open a ds260 form after birth in september to add the baby
2- give birth certificates in the interview
.
thanks
best regards
July 29, 2017 at 15:20
1.
July 31, 2017 at 10:10
is there a dead time to open the ds260 form?
July 31, 2017 at 14:51
No.
July 29, 2017 at 11:13
Dear brit
If i win dv lottery vew months after i enter US as f1 visa holder. Can i complete my ds260 and apply change of status?. I heard that it will cause disqualification and my f1 be revoked becouse of double intent!
July 29, 2017 at 15:22
You must leave a period of time (90 days is best) after the F1 entry before filing any aspect of the DV case. However, even with that time you must not have that as a plan – as that would be confirmation that you entered PLANNING to adjust.
July 29, 2017 at 11:55
hi Britsimon,
I am a DV2018 selectee from Ghana with case number AF11XXX. I submitted the DS-260 form on May 12th with High school as my highest education qualification because i was still in the university. i just graduated few weeks ago. if i understood the historical bulletin well, my interview is likely to be schedule in November.
1. Am i right to say am likely to be schedule in November?
2. Will unlocking my DS-260 now to add my university degree to the education extends my interview date to perhaps December?
3. If i do not add my degree to the DS-260, can i still send that certificate to the interview?
4. Will only high school as highest education on my form affect me when applying for a job in the USA in case i get a successful interview?
July 29, 2017 at 15:24
1. Possibly.
2. REGARDLESS of any risk of slight delay you should unlock and make sue your DS260 is accurate!!
3. Ghana deny a lot of cases. Do as I said in 2.
4. No
July 29, 2017 at 13:05
hi Britsimon,
I am a DV2018 selectee from Asia
If I unlock ds-260 for my son because I don’t put passport number and you say to me put your passport number because he don’t have passport yet.
My question when I unlock he ds-260 for him it’s will change the date for submitting or its ok will be the same date may /9
July 29, 2017 at 15:41
Same date.
July 29, 2017 at 15:50
Hello Simon,
Is it possible that the main applicant is approved and the derivates are denied ? or once someone is denied the whole family is denied too ?
thanks
July 29, 2017 at 16:51
Yes it is possible. If the principal is denied, all derivatives are unable to be approved.
July 29, 2017 at 16:01
Hello and thank you very much , my interview was exactly on December 2016 , please consider my case number is 2017……..
July 29, 2017 at 16:16
We are dv2018 winners. Can we get I134 from a retired university lecturer (US citizen) for our family of 5 members. Does his retirement matter at the interview?
thank you..
July 29, 2017 at 16:52
He must have sufficient retirement income to meet the requirements.
July 29, 2017 at 18:35
Dear brit please i need your help with little more details about this question! If i enter US on F1 visa then While in the US the DV results come out and i find out that i won the lottery. Wht should i do?
1.Can i start my dv case in the US?
2. what is the best time/way to adjust without any conflict b/w F1 visa and DV case!
Thank youh
July 30, 2017 at 03:04
1. Yes
2. Adjustment of status.
July 29, 2017 at 18:59
Dear Simon
When I filled the lottery and ds-260 my 3 children which are under the age of 7 are added on my wife passport
1.do you i need to sperate them from mother passport and make them new passport before interview
2. And if I do shall I unlock there forms and update or just notice the consoler during the day of interview.
With my best regards
July 30, 2017 at 03:03
1. Yes.
2. Either is ok.
July 29, 2017 at 19:26
Hi Simon please help me with this:
What is the meaning of “course of study”? I have a high school diploma and then a diploma in technical administration that is studied for 3 years in the university.
What should I answer?
July 30, 2017 at 03:03
“Academic “
August 1, 2017 at 19:33
“academic” in both cases?
August 1, 2017 at 19:55
Yes, Or “general studies”.
July 29, 2017 at 23:12
Hi,
I am a DV2018 selectee from Albania, ( Interview in Tirana) with case number EU55XX. I submitted the DS-260 form on May 5th with. At my highest education qualification I listed High School and : Other, Specify Other I wrote: I WILL GRADUATE THIS YEAR WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE. The thing is that my last exams are on september and october, but I am not so sure right now that I’ll pass them all and get my diploma on time.
Can you please give me an advice, should I unlock DS-260 and list only High School at Highest level of education completed?
Thank you for all the information provided.
July 30, 2017 at 03:00
Unlocking now won’t slow the interview down. You can simply explain at the interview.
July 30, 2017 at 03:03
Hello Brit , biometrics done and EAD received on June 017 , but no any information yet for interview appointment . This is the case for AS region for Dv 017 .Your opinion
July 30, 2017 at 13:52
What is means EAD?
July 31, 2017 at 01:29
Employment Authorization Card
July 30, 2017 at 03:45
Hello, Im filling ds260 to get my son inmigrant status, he came to the US at the age of 6 with a non inmigrant visa and he did overstay, now he is 16 and still living in the US.
I dont know what do I have to answer in this question: “Have you ever been unlawfully present, overstayed the amount of time granted by an inmigration official or otherwise violated the terms of a US visa? Yes, No, Explain”. Thanks.
July 31, 2017 at 01:40
You should discuss this with your lawyer – I don’t answer non DV lottery questions.
July 30, 2017 at 07:47
What can I do if the principal applicant refuses to process the DV, or don’t want to go to U.S?
Can I contact the embassy so that we derivatives can continue the process?
July 31, 2017 at 01:33
No. It is up to the principal selectee.
July 30, 2017 at 08:21
Hello simon ! Great what you are doing on this site .
I AM FROM ALBANIA DV2018 SELECTED. CASE NO. EU3xxx. I have a question .
High school : 2010-2013
Bachelor degree: 2013-2016
Master degree: 2016-…..
I made number of institutions :2 (high school+bachelor). Because i havent finished master .
Highest level : university degree
Primary occupation : student
Is that correct ?
Thanks in advance
July 31, 2017 at 01:32
Correct
July 30, 2017 at 09:03
HEY Brith
dvlottery 2018 winner i submitted my ds260 in july .case AF00001xxx.is it possible for me to take my interview in 0ctober 2017 ?
July 31, 2017 at 01:32
No. Your late submission will have caused a delay.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions
July 30, 2017 at 11:04
Hi Simon,
In the DS-260 Form, at EDUCATION Option, I wrongly typed → Degree Type : GENERAL EDUCATION. I should type : ACADEMIC High Scool Diploma. It’s very clearly in my country (includes US Embassy here) that my Diploma is NOT Vocational. Do you think that this detail can confuse the CO? I don’t want to unlock the DS260 only for this detail.
Many thanks in advance
July 31, 2017 at 01:30
Your answer is fine.
July 30, 2017 at 13:35
When will 2NL send for 2018 selectee?
July 31, 2017 at 01:30
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
July 30, 2017 at 14:53
I am in Egyptian.I applied for DVlottery2018 while living in Doha,Qatar at that time. My case number is 2018AF00006782. I will be travelling to Kuwait in less than a month to work there.
1-First question:
I am engaged and expected to marry next December 2017 or January 2018.
I am so confused is it better to delay submitting my DS260 application to give myself a chance to get married before the interview or by this way am I reducing my chance of green card acceptance?
Is getting married after the interview a mishap?
2-Second question:
What is the best time (or dead line in a way not to minimize my chances) to submit my DS260 and shall I write Kuwait as the country of interview?
July 31, 2017 at 01:29
1. It would be better to submit the DS260 after marriage. That is safest.
2. Around May next year. You will interview where you live.
July 30, 2017 at 16:34
hi! my friend is dv-2018 selectee. but he lost his confirmation number. What he should do? Dvlottery.state.gov asks e-mail address. he doesn’t know his e-mail address.
July 31, 2017 at 01:26
There is no other way to know.
July 30, 2017 at 19:56
Dear Simon
I’m on a A2 visa, i submitted my DS260 and received lately my 2NL with instructions on AOS. can i change now to CP instead of AOS? can I be on a CP while I still live in the US on my current visa?
Thank you very much
July 31, 2017 at 01:25
Yes you could switch to a CP process if you prefer.
July 31, 2017 at 17:36
can you please direct me to a link i could read about the changing process?
Thank you!
July 31, 2017 at 17:48
There is no formal “process” as such. To change to CP, you contact KCC, ask them to unlock and switch your case to CP (typically in the home country).
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
July 30, 2017 at 21:50
Hello,
My issue is rather peculiar. I’m a Ghanaian. I didn’t apply myself. Apparently, my details were sold by my high school to one of these ‘agent’ companies who applied in my stead and I won. Now the company is asking me for a huge ransom before they give me the verification code!!!
Can I do something about this or I’ll just have to pay them? What do you advise?
Secondly, when they applied they didn’t use my correct place of birth. Would this be an issue?
I need to know so that I don’t make any unnecessary commitments.
Please advise.
July 31, 2017 at 01:24
You would be foolish to pay them. They probably made mistakes (including the place of birth) in the application that would cause denial, and around 80% of interviews in Ghana result in denial.
July 31, 2017 at 06:14
Thanks for the reply. Just curious though, do mistakes with place of birth usually lead to visa denials? I read your FAQs but you made no mention of place birth just the name and date of birth.
July 31, 2017 at 15:00
Yes – that is possible. Either because the place of birth shows an error in the choice of country OR because the error suggests some type of fraudulent information.
July 30, 2017 at 22:33
Hello Britsimon,
Have been in the US as an LPR via DV for about 2 yrs. I got married before coming to the US and applied for F2A visas for my wife(& my newly born daughter) via I-130 about a year ago.
Only recently have I come accross the “speedy” option of “following to join”.
I see the I-130 is not going as fast as I expected it and I wanted to see the possibility of trying following to join.
So ,1) Can I apply for following to join now ?
2) If so, is there any issue processing the I-130 and following to join at the same time ? Do I have to choose one? which one is faster If I apply now.
Appreciated your replies and suggestions.
July 31, 2017 at 01:22
I only answer questions about the DV process.
July 31, 2017 at 06:59
Dear Simon,
When I have completed my DS260 I wrote that I have a bachelor and a master degree.
I have a high scholl diploma of course but I didn’t mention it on my DS260, because if you have a master degree, it means that you have a high school diploma, you agree ?
Should I unlock my DS260 to add my high school diploma just in case ? Or do I just need to bring my high school diploma to the interview as a proof ?
If I unlock my DS now, does my interview will be delay ? My CN is very low : EU1XXX.
Thank you so much for your advice.
Have a really nice day !
JO
July 31, 2017 at 14:58
You should unlock and correct that.
July 31, 2017 at 07:13
Dear Simon.
How are U?
I just have one more question.
As to my knowledge, It is not possible to access the DS 260 form once it is submitted.
I just asked the KCC to unlock my DS form in June and made corrections and submitted it again at the end of June accordingly.
But the DS form is not locked yet. However it says complete.
I can still access the form and i just want to ask you whether this means my application has some problems or not?
Best Regards,
Solomon
July 31, 2017 at 14:57
No it is normal. Complete means locked – you cannot make changes.
July 31, 2017 at 08:36
Hello Simon ,
I m a green card holder from Dv i m in usa from about 8 months and I planned to visit my home country for one month , dose this step effect my citizenship process ?
July 31, 2017 at 14:54
No
July 31, 2017 at 09:15
Hi dear brit
interview date jul 12 Abu Dhabi .
Issued visa for my wife and my children and I am now in ap
As you said , people who have a “bone fide” family relationship are exempted from this ban , my wife and my daughter are in United States from jul 12 and now have social security number and green card .
How can I help to issue visa for myself and join them in this short time ?
Do resubmitting more information such as cv
July 31, 2017 at 14:53
Once your AP concludes, you the embassy will obviously know about your family tie. But you cannot speed up the AP.
July 31, 2017 at 12:04
Hi Simon,
I entered the US 8 weeks ago to activate my visa and went back to my home country a couple of days later. In my DS260 (double-checked a minute ago) I opted for the SSA to issue an SSN and card but no letter from the SSA has arrived at my friends address in the US. I just called the SSA and was told that they have not received a request to issue an SSN.
Does this happen often?
What can I do now? Contact KCC? Call the SSA and try to talk to someone else?
Go to an SSA office? However, next time I will be in the US might be sometime early next year but plan to look for jobs well before that.
Thank you!
July 31, 2017 at 14:48
You will have to visit the SSA when you go back.
July 31, 2017 at 14:12
Hi brits, I just arrive USA in last week. Your web blog helps me a such a way to come up here. I have a one question right now. Can I change my green card mail address to new address because my sponsor plan to move on new place with us
July 31, 2017 at 14:46
No – it will be sent to the address that was on your case when you entered USA.
July 31, 2017 at 14:21
Hi Simon ,
I’m a DV-lottery winner , obtained the immigrant visa already but haven’t traveled yet . I submitted my DS-260 as a single as my fiancee had a travel ban due to compulsory military service ( supposed to be 3 years) so I couldn’t neither Marry him and add him to the Ds-260 nor bring him to the appointment with me . now that he suddenly got exempted and can travel , Is there a way to get marry and add him to the Ds-260 and go to the embassy with him before I travel to avoid the long listing of spouse visa ?
July 31, 2017 at 14:46
Probably not. You can contact the embassy and ask, but it is doubtful.
July 31, 2017 at 14:55
Hlo sir i got the visa on my hand
Now i am planning to go US ASAP!
So i have a query
Since i am going by air for the first time
I have not so much money right now so m going to take 100USD with me since there
Are my uncle and aunt i beleive they will help me financially my query is
Do the immigration officers want any limitation on money to carry with me or
Ii can take as much as i can?
And by exchanging money do the immigration officers want the written exchange
Recipt paper from me or that only money is enough?TYSM
July 31, 2017 at 15:02
One should not carry large amounts of cash. But $100 is not a large amount, at all.
July 31, 2017 at 19:58
Hey Sir,
I played single and got married after, but I and my husband have children, but we are not carrying than. my question is can I mention my children name on the DS 260 Form why I am not carrying than?
July 31, 2017 at 20:29
If you left derivatives (the children) off the original entry, you will be disqualified.
August 1, 2017 at 02:44
Hi simon,
Can i apply to the financial aid (for college , or other things) knowing that i have a sponsor ??
August 1, 2017 at 04:53
Yes – but be careful – as public assistance (which does not include college loans) can affect your citizenship case later.
August 24, 2017 at 15:53
Ok, but going to college or even doing a phd does not affect my citizenshio case later, right ??
August 24, 2017 at 16:04
Of course not.
August 1, 2017 at 04:41
Ss I am in Canada (but Spanish) I am going to be interviewed in Montreal once it’s set which I believe may happen as my numbers pretty low. It says I have to get official translations of all my paperwork which isnt in English for Montreal consulate? But I’m struggling to find out which this is? I got a birth certificate in Spain which is meant to be INTERNATIONAL so it translates the key words at the back similar I guess to what an international licence does.
Wondering if for example that will do? And what is the key things I need, I studied highschool in an english school for example and have a certified thing with grades stamed etc in english luckily. So unless they asked me also for work experience (which some work contracts are in englissh and some in spanish? But they’re 32 pages long so I’m truly hoping they don’t want that translated? My police certificates are one in english, the other is also an international one? So theorectically I’m assuming they’re good…
Just not sure what I need to translate! Would really appreciate you help.
Also wondering what people do with the ongoing police reports, like in 5 months I would need to do my Canadian one? What happens if its before 6 months of being somewhere or was it 3? Thank you so much, every answer solved seams to create 5 more in my head
August 1, 2017 at 04:56
You really MUST read the instructions. The questions you are asking are all basic questions – answered by reading the instructions.
Translations should be to English.
You don’t need to translate work experience documents *IF* you meet the education requirement.
Read the instructions and see what questions you have left.
August 1, 2017 at 04:52
Hi. I missed spelled my name when I filled up my lottery application last year. I have won the lottery and am getting ready with all my documents and filling up the form DS 260. Is there going to be a problem during my interview with my name spelled wrong?
My full name: Teresa Ovava Lataii Seisela Toa
How I filled up on my application:
Teresa Ovava Latii Seisela Toa
(So I missed one letter in my middle name)
Will this little mistake get me denied during the interview?
August 1, 2017 at 04:57
No. Just make sure the DS260 is accurate.
August 1, 2017 at 05:55
Thanks! Appreciate your help!
August 1, 2017 at 09:53
I am selectee of DV lottery 2018 from Nepal, my spouse is in USA since 1st March 2016 (her visa was approved with visiting visa), she has applied asylum in USA within one year of entry (i.e her asylum was accepted in 21st January 2017). I have applied as derivative in DS-260 for her also, her interview place was selected as USCIS and adjustment of status too. In this case what is the chances of our visa approval, what is reliable process to do with this case.
August 1, 2017 at 13:16
Her asylum case makes your case very complicated. I suggest you work with her lawyer. The normal best approach would be to both interview at the consulate in Nepal – where approval is almost certain.
August 1, 2017 at 15:39
Thanks for reply, lawyer has suggested not to leave USA,cause she has threat in Nepal, in this case how could she enter Nepal?, does it makes complicated to visa of ours (me and my son) also?, as i am selectee and she and my son are derivatives.
August 1, 2017 at 17:25
Normally, derivatives interview with the principal selectee. If she cannot leave the USA, she will not be able to attend and probably cannot get a DV lottery based approval. That means she would continue with her asylum case, then you process via DV for you (and your son if he is in Nepal), and move to the USA. Once you are in the USA your wife could switch to a family based case or continue with the asylum case. I don’t think she will be able to switch to a DV case.
August 1, 2017 at 15:43
Dear Simon, Thanks for reply, lawyer has suggested not to leave USA, as she has threat in Nepal, USCIS could question that she has applied assylum mentioning threat how could she be in nepal? in this case does it makes uncertain to our (me and son) visa also, as i am applicant and my son and wife are derivative.
August 1, 2017 at 10:46
hey simon ,
i have a question regarding the green card fee $250 i didnt pay yet and my visa will end on mid of September and i will be traveling to u.s in early september when u think should i pay when before i travel like 1 week or less ?? i mean the period will affect my G.C delivery ?? i hope u get my question.
thanks ….
August 1, 2017 at 13:17
You can pay before or after arrival. Paying after arrival might cause some delay.
August 1, 2017 at 13:09
Hi simon.
my wife is dv2017 winner and we are from one of six countries which are banned now. My wife’s visa has been issued on May (before the ban) but I went though AP and now the ban is in effect. If my AP is finished am i qualify for an exemption and can I get my visa too? even if my wife has not traveled to US, (we are planning to travel together if possible). Or she must travel alone before my AP is finished in order to be considered as a bona fide relationship for me in the US.
thanks.
August 1, 2017 at 13:26
If your AP is approved, I expect they will issue your visa as a derivative of her case.
August 1, 2017 at 14:07
Hello Brit!
While filling the DS260 at the last page its a question “Did anyone assist you to fill this form” (os smth similar), I checket NO.
But now that I’m thinking it at some points my husband helped me.
1-Should I unlock for this reason?
2-Are they going to ask for this?
August 1, 2017 at 15:00
It’s trivial. Don’t unlock.