Ask questions here
To ask me questions you can obviously post on any blog post.
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.
September 20, 2017 at 17:04
Dear
Simon
I am winner of dv 2018 AS13k
When i applied for first time i wrote my name as
Maged ahmed asem
And my sd260 same with the first conformation
But my document and passport. Y ame is
Maged ahmed ali asem
So i didn’t write the grandfather name in ds260 as passport
So should i unlock or no problems?
Plz need ur advise
September 20, 2017 at 17:07
Your DS260 should match the passport. If it doesn’t, unlock and correct it.
September 25, 2017 at 10:25
Dear mr.Ahmed
I also As13k do you now if we will have interview or not
Thanks
September 20, 2017 at 17:48
When we r going to interview can we take a new sponsors document other than who we entered in our 260 application?
September 20, 2017 at 17:51
Yes
September 20, 2017 at 17:55
Thanks. It means that change won’t effect our visa
September 20, 2017 at 18:14
Hi Simon,
With respect to satisfying a CO’s concerns regarding public charge:
My husband is the primary applicant and I am derivative. His income will NOT carry forward into the US, he’ll be choosing to either start a new business similar to our current business, or will seek employment after relocation. However, I have some demonstrable active investment income (under my name only) that is location-independent, and will carry forward after relocation.
1. Will this income be considered joint, for our case as a family, or…
2. Would it be best for this income to be unequivocally reflected under his name? There is time for us to do that paperwork if necessary.
3. I personally meet the qualifying educational requirements. As my husband’s DERIVATIVE, will I need to explain and provide documentation of my own work experience in the interview, or is presenting my High School diploma sufficient?
4. Will it be necessary to provide an official transcript from (Canadian) High School, or is the diploma sufficient?
Thanks!
September 20, 2017 at 18:33
1. Maybe. It is up to the CO what they consider. Depending on your circumstances you may want to get an I-134. https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
2. No need to do that. Spouse income is considered as family income.
3. No education proof needed for a derivative.
4. See 3.
September 20, 2017 at 18:51
Unfortunately and I-134 isn’t going to be an option. We’ll have to qualify on the basis of having sufficient cash assets.
1) So if I understand your previous reply correctly, then a derivative spouse may theoretically possess 100% of the family’s cash assets, while the primarily applicant possesses 0% and the assets will still be counted joint for the family?
As an aside:
2) When we entered the lottery, I used CROSS-CHARGEABILITY to my husband’s country of nationality. I know there are slightly different qualification rules with cross-chargeability cases. However, I was NOT selected. My husband was selected. This makes our application a standard application now, right? The cross-chargeability qualification nuances would only have been relevant if I had been selected as the primary? Just making sure I have that straight as we prepare documents.
September 20, 2017 at 18:58
1. Yes. However, assets have one fifth of the value of income as far as the immigration purpose is concerned. So – the level of needed LIQUID assets can be quite high, depending on the embassy.
2. Yours is just a normal case. Everything depends on him.
September 20, 2017 at 19:24
1. But don’t MOST people moving to the US from various places around the world do so with zero-income at first, and then get a job stateside? I didn’t think location-independent income that would move with the primary applicant was a requirement. :-/
To be clear, my husband’s present income shouldn’t be an issue. It is documented as commensurate with the O*NET occupation he is applying with. It just doesn’t continue when we relocate. He will need a new job in the US.
If it is relevant, he is self employed in our own (small) company and we are applying with him as a General Manager, as well as Sales Manager (both fit equally and he can describe his role from either/both facet the CO would want . It’s complex because he isn’t just, say, an astronaut with a bi-weekly pay cheque.
September 20, 2017 at 19:58
1. Yes – but that is why some embassies require an I-134, or ask about a host and so on. The point is that EVERY immigrant is supposed to satisfy the CO that they will not become a public charge. That can be done in various ways. Some embassies are pickier than others. Your present incomes are irrelevant (although you “might” be able to use the portable income). The link explains more.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
September 20, 2017 at 18:36
Hello simon !
Is there any problem if i print the 1nl and 2nl white and black . I mean without color .
Thanks
September 20, 2017 at 18:58
No problem.
September 20, 2017 at 19:50
He Brit please let me know your advise !! I’ve called Kentucky and they told me that your status is that they are scheduling your interview on the November (they mean I’m on the line) so you should take the 2NL until end of this month. But you’re saying it takes a couple of days even hours!. So do you think that I’m gonna get it ?
September 20, 2017 at 23:05
Hi. I won 2017 may and my case number is 26***. Do they call me to interview? and i filled up ds 260 but after two months i lost my job. Is this moment will cause my visa approvment?
September 21, 2017 at 00:12
It will be some months before the interview…
September 21, 2017 at 02:38
Hi Brit,
i have spoken to you before regarding this however am unable to find my post. Just wanted to clarify something 🙂
My husband and I have decided that since October 2nd will mark one year since our activation trip therefore will be deemed expired, and because we are due to give birth in December the best thing is to have the child in our Australia. We are willing to apply for the sb-1 visa however understand that these are most likely hard to get. Because of this we want to re-enter the lottery for 2019 (which coincidentally opens one day after our visas expire) just to cover all bases.
1- we don’t need to contact the embassy to relinquish visas in order to re-enter the lottery- correct? After the yet passes is it automatically deemed expired? Just wondering if we are flagged as LPR’s if we do get selected again will it be an issue?
2- we would only need to claim the child (if we are lucky enough to win again) on the ds-260 as she will be born after our application is submitted- correct?
3- applying for sb-1 and re-entering the lottery at the same time won’t be an issue? I think I read somewhere that you can still enter lottery even if you have an immigrant visa application in another category- just want to confirm.
4- if we were to win the lottery again, in your opinion would it look bad at the consulate that we had lapsed or visas the first time? We never wanted to give it up, it’s purely a timing issue wih an unexpected high risk pregnancy 🙁
Thank you so much for your time, fountain of all knowledge 🙂
September 21, 2017 at 02:50
1. No problem in re-entering
2. Yes
3. No problem.
4. That wouldn’t be a problem – although both for the SB-1 and a possible second win, documentation of the medical reasons behind the lapsed status would be useful. With documentation like that the SB-1 is quite likely to succeed.
September 21, 2017 at 03:57
Hi Brit
My casenumber is AS 55xx.
Is it possible if my case has scheduled for interviews but visa is run out?
I heard some bad news from DV2017.
A bit nervous.
September 21, 2017 at 04:29
I firstly sent DS260 at 16 MAY and
1st Unlocked at 27 JUNE ( mailling address in USA )
and
2nd Unlocked at 12 Sep ( mailling address in USA )
I’ve never been in USA.
September 21, 2017 at 04:37
Your case is fine. Relax’
September 21, 2017 at 04:43
Big thanks to you.
September 21, 2017 at 04:33
Hello can you hepl me please I asked a question to the kcc but I want to know if for this question I can have some problem later in my interview in the case that I make an appointmen “I wanted to ask a question that is very important for me: by the time I filled my ds260 on May 18th, I had only traveled twice to the USA. After I filled out the application form, I traveled again (this august). Is it a problem that I traveled after the application date?”.
I’m really nervous I was told I should not have asked that, please help me
September 21, 2017 at 04:36
No problem.
September 21, 2017 at 05:01
Thank you… i wonder ir you know in which case they deny this type of visa ?
September 21, 2017 at 13:29
I do. There are lots of ways people get denied. Mostly not meeting the requirements or not following the rules.
September 21, 2017 at 19:34
ok thank you… but the fact of asking anything at the embassy does not mean that I broke some rules…
Brit the last question When I travel to the United States for the first time, they made me a note on the visa to bring food that I should not … is that something aggravating in this case?
September 21, 2017 at 19:40
I didn’t say you broke the rules.
About the food. No problem.
September 21, 2017 at 20:15
or not you did not tell me maybe I’m sorry I’m sorry …
and thank you very much for your answers are very helpful for me
September 21, 2017 at 10:39
Hello simon !
When applying for medical examination , it is asking for proffession ?
Is it like primary occupation ?
Im student . Should i write student or the course of study of bachelor degree ?
September 21, 2017 at 13:14
You just said you are a student. So you are a student.
September 21, 2017 at 11:13
hallo brit am gitanga from kenya , u guided me on using my passport to add my baby, as a principal, my spouse’s passport should also be used in her form ds 260?
September 21, 2017 at 13:11
In your form and your spouses you will list the baby. THe passport is needed in the DS260 for the baby.
September 21, 2017 at 11:25
Hi brit, I did a mistake with surname of my wife in the ds-260 is (hind) while in her passport (hend) should I email to KCC to unlock my applications to correct it or is it ok? thank you
September 21, 2017 at 13:09
UNlock it
September 21, 2017 at 12:33
hello please help with this doubt: we were selected as family DV2018, when we made the application and fill the format includes my 16 year old son despite the fact that he is the American citizen because you always have to tell the truth! Have you been disqualified for having a child in the United States? I must clarify that I was always legal in the country and never enjoy benefits and my son and childbirth was charged to my brother-in-law as my economic support! I hope your help thanks!!!
September 21, 2017 at 13:06
No problem
September 21, 2017 at 13:51
Hi Brit
My casenumber is SA 20XX.
Is it possible if my case has scheduled for interviews?
September 21, 2017 at 14:06
I can’t say it is impossible – you just have to wait and see.
September 21, 2017 at 13:53
Hi Brit,
Do you expect the density of the cases per 1000 to be the same way as depicted in the graph you posted with last year’s data, considering that this year there are more selectees? Is it reasonable to use this graph as a guideline to calculate approximately when one can expect an interview this year for EU region? What I see from that graph is that the density decreased to 400 per 1000 after case number 15 500, am I correct? Thank you very much.
September 21, 2017 at 14:05
It will be similar, but not exact. Predictions cannot be precise – so you can just take a general idea…
September 21, 2017 at 14:35
Hi, Brit!!
I have some questions:
1. We don’t have relatives but very close friends in USA, which are Green Card holders ( not citizens yet, they are in USA only 2-3 years), so can i put theirs adress when filling the DS-260 form ?
2. Can they be sponsors to us ( they have enough annual incomings for that) ?
3. Hypotetically, can we give one adress in the DS-260 and then, when we will come in the USA to go to another place?
4. Is it possible to give adress from one person in the DS-260, and i-134 or w2 from another?
5. Is it risky to go on the interview only with job offer? ( we are 4 familly members)
Thank you a lot!
September 21, 2017 at 14:47
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
4. Yes
5. Possibly. Since most job offers before immigration would be fake, this can arouse suspicion, even if it is somehow genuine.
September 21, 2017 at 14:45
Dear sir ,
I have been randomly selected for further processing in the diversity immigrant visa program for the fiscal year 2018. My situation is that I am pregnant and expecting to deliver of my second child in November of this year (2017). Of course this child is not included in my DV entry application, I have listed only my spouse (Husband) and first child.
I haven’t submitted the DS-260 application yet and my case number is 40000. What is the situation of my expected child? how can I add my child to the DS-260 if possible? if not, what should I do? I hope I get your kind advice for my situation.
Deepest regards,
September 21, 2017 at 15:48
No problem. Once the baby is born, submit your DS260s at that time. The child will be included in your case.
September 21, 2017 at 17:12
Hi , I have a question,
i am born in india , My wife is born in Saudi and she can apply DV 201*, at same time can i also file depending on her country of birth. so i can file twice?
1: my wife include me.
2.i file saying my wife country of birth include her.
please correct me if i am wrong. Thanks for your help
September 21, 2017 at 17:26
Yes – you can both file, charging to her country of birth.
September 21, 2017 at 17:16
Hi Brit, I apologize in advance if this question was asked already. I’m the applicant and I believe I made a mistake while filling out the form. In the parent’s place of birth section I put their actual places of birth, but the information in their passports a little different. I’m wondering if this is a big issue or not.
Thanks!
September 21, 2017 at 17:24
Not a problem.
September 21, 2017 at 20:01
Hi Brit,
I’m a Dv2018 selectee from the SA region. I’m currently on a F1 student visa and my wife works in the US too. We have savings in both the US and our home country, totaling over USD $50,000
Would I need to submit an affidavit of support?
September 21, 2017 at 20:37
Possibly not – but it is a good idea to get one in any case.
September 21, 2017 at 21:11
HI Brit,
We are family for four. If the interviewer spotted a mistake that we haven’t spotted in the D-260 during the interview like spilling mistake or a wrong date what will happen next ?
September 21, 2017 at 21:13
Depends on the mistake. Generally the CO will ignore or correct minor errors.
September 21, 2017 at 21:24
Hello,
I am French living in the UK. I am the main selectee for this fiscal year. My husband is British. My kids&I might need to apply for a British passport to allow us access back to the UK due to the Brexit restrictions to European travelling documents.
We filled in our DV forms with our French passports.
Would it be okay to apply for these British passports after the interview in order to avoid unlocking our forms and since we already have a valid passport?
NB: we also don’t know how ling it would take to obtain them.
Thanks in advance:)
September 21, 2017 at 22:50
You can get them later.
September 21, 2017 at 21:46
Hello Britsimons,
Country: Ghana
My interview has been scheduled for Nov 20, 2017. I’m the principal applicant and my wife is the derivative. However, we are expecting an addition to our family by first week in November. How do I include our child when he’s born on an already scheduled case?
September 21, 2017 at 21:56
As soon as the baby is born, applying for a birth cert and passport. Additionally, inform the embassy of the birth, and ask them how you can add the child to the case.
September 21, 2017 at 23:37
Dear Brit Simon,
I attempted to register my appointment with the local U.S. Embassy and even though KCC has already set an appointment date for Nov 2018, I got this message response:
“The Immigrant Visa case number provided is not ready to schedule an appointment. If you have not received an appointment letter from the National Visa Center (NVC), you can check the status of your IV case at http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/nvc.html.
If you have received an appointment letter from the NVC or an instruction letter from the Consular Section directing you to this website to schedule an appointment, please make sure to correctly enter your IV case number.
If you continue to receive this message, please send an email to the CSRA support [email protected] with the following information:
Email Subject line must read “Case number not ready to schedule”
Applicant’s complete name
Applicant’s date of birth
Scanned copy of the National Visa Center (NVC) or Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) appointment letter or the appointment instructions letter received by the Consular Section.
Emails to the CSRA support will be responded to within 3-4 business days. Do not send multiple emails because this will delay the response to your inquiry.”
What should I do?
Thanks.
September 22, 2017 at 00:20
For a DV case, you don’t register another appointment with the embassy. They sometimes ask you to create a profile with the courier.
September 22, 2017 at 00:44
Hi, my friend,
I sent my DS-260 application in August, when I check the page it says it is completed and also I see a message saying “Your case is currently at kcc”
what does this message mean?
September 22, 2017 at 01:11
It just means you need to wait.
September 22, 2017 at 01:23
Ok thanks, but does that indicate that the KCC has already processed my application and I’m waiting for an interview?
September 22, 2017 at 03:03
No it doesn’t mean that. What case number are you (with region)
September 22, 2017 at 12:22
My Case Number is SA14XX
September 22, 2017 at 13:56
OK – so you have a long wait anyway. Stop stressing about whether your case is processed or not!!! You have to wait until summer 2018.
September 22, 2017 at 03:20
Hi Simon,
Thanks for helping out people in need here in advance. quick question… I and my wife entered the US on Feb/15/2017 and since then we never received our GreenCards so applying for the replacement as lost. In the online application form, there is a question “When did you become a permanent resident?”, so we don’t know how to find that exact date. after little research; it is supposed to be on the actual green card but we never received one. do you know how to figure out? thanks bunch.
At
September 22, 2017 at 04:20
The day you entered is the day you because a permanent resident.
September 22, 2017 at 04:40
Thanks a lot for the quick reply!!
September 22, 2017 at 08:35
Hi brit.recently i lost my schl’s character certificate so i asked for it in school..they said they will give bt in upper part of certificate they will write ‘true copy of original’ and date of issued will b current date.it will b ok or not? I requested them not to write true copy of original and make the date of issued as previous one.they said ok but u have to take responsibilities because you might have shown that wrng character in many places so it may cause problem..or what should ii do now?
September 22, 2017 at 14:05
I don’t even think that is a required document. Relax.
September 22, 2017 at 08:49
Hi Simon, two questions for you:
1. in one of your post you said that a winner of DV lottery has to prove that he will not become a public charge in the US: I am wondering when this happens, is it during the interview at the consulate?
2. which documents should I show (again, at the interview?) about my asset as real estate?
Thanks very much for your help!
September 22, 2017 at 14:05
1. Yes
2. https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
September 22, 2017 at 08:59
Hi,i am a winner of 2018 DV lottery case no. 2018AF, my name on my NEW passport and on my NEW birth certificate(issued recently) is Yirmias but on all my educational documente my name is written Ermias, and i put the name Ermias on” other name used “on DS-260 form.my question is that can i write like other name used IS THIS CONSIDERED LIKE other name or is it a matter of misspell,? i filled on eDV same like my pass and BC, currently i reside outside of my country as asylum seeker in eourope, the country where i reside knows me by the name Yirmias, the mistake happened on asylum registration.so DOES IT AFFACT during visa interview,?
September 22, 2017 at 14:03
It should be OK
September 22, 2017 at 09:32
Hi!
How long will it take to grant a diversity visa after a interview?
September 22, 2017 at 14:01
1 to 2 weeks
September 22, 2017 at 10:03
Hello simon !
Applying for medical examination is asking about
Applicant category ?
Should i choose immigrant or diversity ?
Thanks in advance
September 22, 2017 at 14:01
Diversity
September 22, 2017 at 10:07
Hi brit, how are u? It says the position of the eye to lower part of the photo must be 56% to 69% and sames goes to size of head to chin, will the application get disculification if these numbers are wrong???
September 22, 2017 at 14:00
Not if they are close to that specification.
September 22, 2017 at 12:45
Hello Brit,
While creating visa profile, where is middle name entered ???
As it shows firat name: & last name:
September 22, 2017 at 13:54
What “visa profile”?
September 22, 2017 at 13:14
hello Brit,
my wife lives in Canda and i am not, can i use her bank account as an affidavit of support?`
September 22, 2017 at 13:54
Not as aos, but perhaps just as proof of savings – IF you are both interviewing.
September 22, 2017 at 16:47
and if it is only me in the interview?
is it enough to prove that i will not become a public charge?
September 22, 2017 at 17:39
No. You should have another plan.
September 22, 2017 at 13:18
First Thank you mr Brit for your efforts sceond someone his case number is20xxx from Egypt .
When his interview ?
May his number don’t receive 2nl?or his number is safe
September 22, 2017 at 13:52
I don’t have a prediction for when that case will be interviewed, but it’s safe.
September 22, 2017 at 14:26
Pls my date of birth is 24th October 1994 but on my certificate is 24th 0ctober 1993 can that deny me a visa
September 22, 2017 at 14:46
It is a risk.
September 22, 2017 at 14:53
Hi Brit, thanks for your help!!
I’ve traveled to the states twice after I submitted my form and also, I got a new US travel visa, do I need to unlock my application and change the information?
September 22, 2017 at 16:22
If you are waiting anyway (because your number is not current yet) then unlock and update.
September 22, 2017 at 15:04
hi.i have a problem while submitting my dv lottery. When submitting i got a message which says CASE NUMBER DOESNT MATCH WITH THE CASE NUMBER. What can i do?
September 22, 2017 at 16:24
Answered here:
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
September 22, 2017 at 17:05
Hello
My application has been selected for DV-lottery 2017. For some excuses I could not fill and send the DS-260 form. Can I fill and send this form now, or it is too late already?
Thank you in advance
September 22, 2017 at 17:34
Do you really mean DV2017 or do you mean DV2018. If it is DV2017, yes it is too late.
September 22, 2017 at 18:09
I meant DV2017. But in dvlottery.state.gov deadline to check the status 30 September 2017
September 22, 2017 at 18:52
It is too late.
September 22, 2017 at 18:15
My friend came to me as I have knowledge of Dv-lottery and asked a question that I couldn’t tell him what to do. I am here putting this question to you as you know almost everything about the DV.
My friend won the DV2018. He is single and have no childern. However, he is the guardian of his nephew who is 14 years old. Can he add him to his DS as a son? In case he adds him, will this disqualify him? thank you for your help in advance.
September 22, 2017 at 18:52
No he cannot add the child.
September 22, 2017 at 18:26
Hello!!
How far in advance do they usually advise to make an appointment?
Thanks in advance
September 22, 2017 at 18:51
You get at least 4 weeks notice – normally more like 6 weeks
September 22, 2017 at 19:23
Mr. Simon, please i have posted my comments but am unable to find my post.my post was i unlocked ds 260 after submitting it, but and on the iv where they have indicated completed, , it says my application will be reviewed once my civil documents have been submitted, please do i have to submit civil documents? i don’t understand. Thanks Simon
September 22, 2017 at 19:32
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/comment-page-9/#comment-85014
September 22, 2017 at 20:16
Hi Simon,
In the DS-260, what is the context of the question “Highest Level of Education Completed”?
My husband selected “HIGH SCHOOL, NO DEGREE” which was true at the time. However, he subsequently obtained his Canadian GED, so he now possesses an internationally accepted High School Degree Equivalency for all intents and purposes EXCEPT meeting the requirement for the DV’s Educational qualification. A Canadian GED is explicitly acknowledged to meet the qualifications for admission to post-secondary institutions in the USA.
My husband intends to present the GED during his interview as part of his Work Experience, because “High School Diploma or Equivalent” is listed in the O*NET Database as a level of education that someone in his occupation may hold.
So, does he update the DS-260 for the sake of consistency at the time of interview? Or is the question in the DS-260 more accurately seeking to answer whether or not the Applicant qualifies under the DV’s Educational requirement? If he does NOT update the DS-260, the GED (as part of his Work Experience documentation) will be “new information” for the CO.
Thanks!
September 22, 2017 at 20:53
There is significant risk in trying to qualify on the GED. The processing guidelines for interviewers say this:
“(3) Education Requirements: We interpret the phrase “at least a high school education or its equivalent” to apply only to formal courses of study. Equivalency certificates (such as the G.E.D.) are not acceptable. To qualify, an alien must have completed a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education in the United States or a comparable course of study in another country. Evidence might consist of a certificate of completion equivalent to a United States diploma, school transcripts, or other evidence issued by the person or organization responsible for maintaining such records, which specify the completed course of study.”
September 22, 2017 at 21:06
Thanks Simon,
But he isn’t trying to qualify through the GED. Sorry if my question wasn’t clear enough.
He’s going to be interviewing based on work experience, and is preparing a full case for that. His GED is one part of that case.
Right now, his DS-260 says he has not completed high school. His GED says otherwise, and will be presented at the interview in the context of his overall work experience. Should the DS-260 be updated for the sake of consistency? Or would it only be required to do so if he were attempting to qualify based on Education?
I realize you’re very busy and we both sincerely appreciate all the time you take to answer questions from us and others like us.
September 22, 2017 at 21:09
No need to update for that. The rules about qualifying on work experience require 2 years experience in a job that meets the SVP range. It is not necessary to prove the education that qualified the person to perform that role.
September 22, 2017 at 21:24
Do you happen to have any resources specifically pertaining to putting together the work experience case for SELF EMPLOYED individuals? This seems to be a higher degree of complexity than, say, a programmer who is employed by a large corporation, paid a salary, and has an HR department to issue a letter stating that the applicant is, in fact, a programmer.
My husband, an entrepreneur, is preparing a case under General Manager.
We have:
– Articles of Incorporation for his company
– Semi-Monthly personal withdrawals from the business COMMENSURATE with a General Manager’s compensation as per O*NET
-Previous year’s tax documents commensurate with the income for a General Manager
– An endorsement from a General Manager colleague corroborating his current position as a General Manager in his own company
– References from previous managers, and B2B client reps he works with currently.
He’s also working on a THOROUGH subjective description of his role and specifically tying it to each piece of the O*NET description. But it is, as I said, subjective. It’s a lot of telling how he performs these tasks. Not a lot of ability to “prove” it.
As I said before, I realize you’re very busy, but can you offer (or point me in the direction of) ANY guidance at all? What are some things people are having success including in their Work Experience applications when they’re SELF EMPLOYED in SMALL COMPANIES?
Thanks so much.
September 22, 2017 at 22:31
I don’t know of any work experience cases based on self employment (successful or unsuccessful). But the types of documents you are gathering are the sorts of things you should obtain.
The thing working against you is this. The rules talk about experience in a role that requires two years of training or experience to perform. So – the assumption is that a general manager would have met that requirement by education/training OR working his/her way up the ladder. As a self employed person, no one has applied that standard. You start the small business and hey presto – you are a general manager. So the role doesn’t *require* that training or experience – it just takes the resources to start or buy a business.
To counter that, you should show good income, track record and so on to prove that the “title” of GM is appropriate. The type of business is also important. Someone could have their own shoe shine business, and could easily call themselves the general manager of that business – but I doubt that case would succeed.
September 22, 2017 at 22:54
Thanks sincerely for the insight. This is good feedback.
My husband’s case is stronger, I guess, in that he actually HAS worked his way up in his field (from Sales Manager in the same industry, another qualifying O*NET occupation) and only branched out on his own from there. So I’ll make sure we include his detailed CV reinforcing this progression to the CO, as well as ensuring he includes past managers’ reference letters supporting that career path.
Let’s hope we can be your first entrepreneur/self employed success story. 🙂
September 22, 2017 at 22:49
Hello Brit, thanks so much for the good work you are doing. Not a day passes without me visiting this site or blog. Its just to learn new trends of issues and take cue from them.
My case is AF
I was born in 81 in a village and had no birth certificate until 2000 when I moved to the city and I applied for one. You know this is most prevalent in most of Africa.
I also applied for my first passport in 2003 with my birth certificate
From your other post I realized I need to apply for the computer generated certificate (which I have applied for and would receive in a month’s time) coz the old one is written in ink.
I also understand that if the certificate is not issued in the first year of birth, other secondary docs like baptismal certificate (which I dont have either) could be presented.
I have actually kept a copy of the first birth certificate to confirm with the new one.
Please can you advice what I should do in this case with regards to the birth certificate and secondary docs.
Thanks for your quick response.
September 22, 2017 at 22:56
Take all the documents you have to the interview. It should not be a problem.
September 23, 2017 at 11:36
Thanks so much Brit for your quick response but my problem is got to do with the fact that I don’t have other secondary docs including baptismal certificate. Can you please suggest any alternative. Rhanks
September 23, 2017 at 14:12
I already answered. I don’t have an alternative suggestion.
September 23, 2017 at 03:31
Dear Simon!
My name is Anna.
I am the winner of dv-lottery2018. I am divorced since 2012. I have 1 child born in this marriage, who is immigrating with me. After I submitted DS-260 I found out that while I was still married my ex-husband (husband at that moment) adopted his biological newborn child (it means that he legally confirmed his parentship for a child from another woman). Of course, he didn’t inform me about it while we were married, that would mean he had another realationship while he was married me. So I never knew about it before, I never saw this child, we have no relations. He adopted this child in 2011, and we divorced in 2012. He always lived with his mother. Few days ago, I found out that according to the rules of the lottery, I should have put this child in my first application (even with picture of this child). Because somehow he is considered as my step-child (or ex step-child). I am totally frustrated about what to do now. If I put him in DS260 this will mean 100% disqualification. I can’t understand how this child relates to me if i didn’t know about his existence. Russian law lets any man adopt their biological kids without informing their wife (and keep it in secret if he wants). He didn’t need my agreement for this, which is logical. As a divorced woman I made an application by myself only. And put my child in it. That’s it.
So what can I do now? Can you please give me any advice?
Thank you
September 23, 2017 at 14:01
I can’t advise you. You know the rules, and therefore the risk. I have never come across this scenario before, and cannot advise you to lie. It is your choice.
September 23, 2017 at 04:28
Hey good morning precious friend Brit. You know when we go to the interview thu consular expect me to prove financial situation that I won’t be public charge and there are a few ways for it. I think the some of them is to get job offer from de USA. I am wondering is there any differences in between these ways to show financial proof in terms of suffeciency ? The other question is that have you ever published any sample for the job offer ? How it would look like ?
Thanx tremendous friend Brit.
September 23, 2017 at 09:43
Dear britt please I am so worried in Ethiopia there has been a new law that states even if u have a diploma it’s mandatory to have university degrees what about people who r dismissed from a university please any new information u have heard
September 23, 2017 at 14:07
I don’t know what new law you are talking about.
September 23, 2017 at 14:02
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
Don’t lie about a job offer, you either have one or you don’t. Having a job offer will be suspicious to any embassy.
September 23, 2017 at 06:59
Hi Brit,
If successful at the interview stage, and a green card is granted, what time frame does the applicant have to tidy up their affairs and move?
Thanks, Peter
September 23, 2017 at 14:05
Up to 6 months
September 26, 2017 at 02:27
Awesome, thanks!
September 23, 2017 at 09:41
Hello Brit,
I was selected for DV 2018 and my case no is AS11xxx. Is it impossible to select for visa this year? Will they call for interview?
September 23, 2017 at 14:07
Wait and see
September 23, 2017 at 11:08
Hi , i am winner of 2018 DV lottery case no. 2018AF24***,the problem is as follows , my date of birth on eDV and on DS260(pass) does not match, registered on eDV with wrong birth certificate but i filled the real date of birth on DS260 form which matchs with my pass and the correct BC, both date of birth are totally differnt, differnt date,and month and 4 years different, does this affact the chance of getting visa? if so what do you advice? Thanks
September 23, 2017 at 14:10
It does create some risk. They will obviously wonder how you could get everything wrong, and they might assume it was to cover up multiple entries.
September 23, 2017 at 12:00
Hello, first of all I want to apologize for my English. On August 26th, I completed my DS-260 and the appointment was already on November 8th. My doubt is this: when we participate in the lottery does not include my husband’s son outside marriage since he does not have a passport and many years ago we do not know about him and we had to place his recent photograph, then when we completed the DS-260 we did not include it either. Now we have the doubt if we can refuse the visa, we would not like to lose the money involved, can give us their opinion. Thank you
September 23, 2017 at 14:14
No including a derivative in the eDV is certain disqualification. Not including the child on the forms is immigration fraud.
https://britsimonsays.com/easiest-way-to-get-disqualified-from-dv-lottery/