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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.
October 6, 2017 at 15:33
Hi Brit,
Judging from the incomplete DV2017 CEAC data, is it more likely for a case number 2018AF16XXX to get an interview by December?
October 6, 2017 at 16:40
The VB for December interviews will be published within days. Patience.
October 6, 2017 at 18:33
Hi brits.from kenya my question is.from age 16 l was at my fathers home for some years then l moved to the city up to date.do l need to go back for the police certificate for it was my former adress?or one is enough since its the same country?thankyou.
October 6, 2017 at 19:11
What do the instructions say?
October 7, 2017 at 04:17
Hi brits l didn’t see the clarification on this thus turning to you for help.do l need to go for it because of the previous adress or just one is enough.kindly.thanks.
October 7, 2017 at 04:34
One.
October 7, 2017 at 04:57
Thank sir for your tireless job.God blessing.
October 6, 2017 at 18:58
PLS Mr Simon, is JPEG Thesame as PJG , can i enter a photo of PJG?
October 6, 2017 at 19:12
I don’t know what a pjg is… use a jpeg or jpg file.
October 6, 2017 at 19:51
Hi Brit
I have two questions
1.i already submitted my ds 260 one month ago but when i go to check my visa status
Its given me incorrect case number
Is it common problem for dv 2018
2. For new entry dv 2019 can we add our parents with us father and mother with wife
October 6, 2017 at 20:47
1. It is normal. The status system won’t work for DV2018 cases until January.
2. No
October 6, 2017 at 22:43
So pls can u tell when my interview. Case number 2018as6xx.
How much the time they given b/w. Notification and interview date because i have some plan to travel out side
Very thanks
October 6, 2017 at 22:57
They give around 6 weeks notice. I don’t know when you will get that – it depends when you submitted your DS260 and how difficult that was to process – so – wait and see.
October 6, 2017 at 23:37
hi brit
In your last report of DV2017 CEAC data, you said that for SA approved 1700 visa, my question is: those 1700 visa was referring to the main applicant or also include their relatives
if a principal applicant has two relatives that represents 1 or 3 visas of the total of 50,000
Thx
October 6, 2017 at 23:50
includes derivatives. IN your example – that means 3 of the 50000.
October 7, 2017 at 01:09
Hi Simon,
My question is :-
Can a person who lives outside of his eligible country apply for the dv lottery program from any other contry?
October 7, 2017 at 01:29
Anyone can enter from anywhere – but they must list their birth country.
October 7, 2017 at 01:15
Hello Brit, thank you for providing your blog to facilitate our understanding on DV worries. I have the following question:
1. I filled the ds260 for myself and my wife and we attached the marriage certificate. As couple I didn’t add my name in hers, that is I filled her name as it is on her birth certificate. Should i add my name to hers as my wife? Example: husband name: Julius Ohanza, wife name: Ongobo Paule Laure. Should her name be filled as seen above or as Ohanza Paule Laure.
2. Will that have an effect during interview even though we have a married certificate?
Thank you.
October 7, 2017 at 01:30
1. The name should match the wedding cert.
2. See 1.
October 7, 2017 at 07:03
Hi Brit
I wanna ask a question about I-134.
Should my sponsor check the option ‘INTENDED’ or ‘DO NOT INTENDED’ ? The question is in page 4, part 3 and 38. Question. And if we should check the ‘INTENDED’ option what should we write about the exact nature and duration of contribution as required below the question. We didn’t understand that part.
October 7, 2017 at 12:50
Intend. Your sponsor should detail what help they are to provide.
October 7, 2017 at 08:30
Please I will like to ask a question Brit …
My name is PETER MIKE SMITH , my middle name is MIKE , but on my passport I have just my First and last name which is – PETER SMITH
But on my education certificate, work certificates, vocational training certificates, and marriage certificates I have my complete names as
PETER MIKE SMITH
My question is if I apply the Dv lottery with just my name as in the Passport , PETER SMITH , will it be a problem when I submit my certificates and it shows my middle name also?
Thanks
October 7, 2017 at 12:48
No
October 7, 2017 at 18:36
Thanks for Your reply , still on this , should I leave the middle name space empty in the dv form as I don’t have last name on my passport ? Please advise Brit..
Or sud I fill in the middle name in the dv form even though is not on my passport ? Thanks
October 7, 2017 at 18:41
Sorry I meant I don’t Middle name on my passport
October 7, 2017 at 19:10
Your passport (presumably) is the accurate legal name – so use that.
October 7, 2017 at 12:10
If some one has high case number submitted 260 early.
And another has low case number submitted 260 late who will be interview first if both has some country with same conditions
October 7, 2017 at 12:39
No case can be interviewed until the DS260 is processed AND the case is current.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
October 7, 2017 at 12:24
If USA send 100.000 emails with the posible winners. How i calculated if i am between the 55.000 real winners? Because i dont know when i am going to have the interview
October 7, 2017 at 12:38
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
October 7, 2017 at 12:48
my boyfriend of 4 years won the dv lottery and is currently residing in the us. now the thing is we couldn’t marry before he went last year because i was still studying. now that i have finished studying and we are still in love we want to get married. he says he is going to come back and marry me now. wont it look dodgy to the officials that we didn’t marry earlier? if we do marry now is it ok if we perform court marriage rather than the traditional marriage? and how long will the process take.? is it possible that the visa gets rejected and we will have to live separately??
October 7, 2017 at 12:55
I only answer DV related questions.
October 7, 2017 at 13:02
Hi Brit,
My sister has been living with the father to her kids for the past 4years.They have not been married legally,should she enter the lottery as unmarried or married?Thanks in advance.
October 7, 2017 at 13:18
Unmarried. Really – it is as simple as telling the truth.
October 7, 2017 at 13:50
I have been interviewed at USA Embassy in addisababa for a week ago
And Consular office gave approval of my visa, and said take your visa from DHL after a week.
Now the week seems to be end.
And if i try to check up my visa application status, it’s not working and says your case number is invalid.
So what do you think that problem is.?
October 7, 2017 at 17:18
The CEAC system won’t allow you to check. Just be patient.
October 7, 2017 at 14:24
Hello brit sir…I want to change mailing address of my sponsor as they moved to new state.Is it possible to change address online(other than at POE) as i want to pay fee before travelling to us?
i have googled but could not found the link to change the address?
October 7, 2017 at 17:18
No – you change it at the POE
October 7, 2017 at 16:16
Hello Simon, here is my questiion: I’m from Rwanda, and actually I’m in Canada and it’s here where I will do my interview, but there are no instructions on reqiuered documents in canada or if I have to do a medical test.
Thank you in advance for your response
October 7, 2017 at 17:15
The required documents and the need for a medical are required everywhere.
October 7, 2017 at 17:16
hallo brit am a dv 2018 my cn 38xxx i submitted my ds 260 end of june, my baby was born on 30 August am waiting for his passport am i late for submission of his ds 260?tnx jah bless
October 7, 2017 at 17:25
No problem – you have a long time to wait anyway.
October 7, 2017 at 17:30
Hi Brit,
Good evening I really appreciate what ever u r doing to help the Dv winning cases,am also I winner of 2018 Dv draw but am currently staying at Togo and I want to be interviewed here in Togo us embassy and my qtn is
1.can I unlock the 260 and change the place of interview
2.Which police clearance cert should I present to the embassy during the interview, pls I need ur advise tanks
October 7, 2017 at 17:47
1. If you have moved, then yes you should unlock your form, and update the current address. Once you have done that – then resubmit and email KCC asking them to change the location.
2. You NEED to read the instructions!
October 7, 2017 at 18:02
Hello Simon,
Following the recent ban, would you expect AS region to pass 35xx in the next bulletin? How would you consider the odds?
I know that you’re regular answer will be wait and see but I just thought about it, since Iran and Syria are out, the allocations for the visas from October and November should be filled with the next selectees. Also, considering that Iran has large number of slectees among the first numbers.
Would be nice to hear your assessment
October 7, 2017 at 19:07
It’s a couple of days until the VB is published – so – wait and see.
October 7, 2017 at 18:11
Hi . We were married on May 17th. On July 20th I filled out ds 260 form. Will I be asked for evidence of marriage at the interview? do I have problems? thanks
October 7, 2017 at 19:08
Yes you will probably be asked about the marriage.
October 7, 2017 at 21:33
Hi mr britsimon
I’m 2017 DV lottery winner received my visa last week now I’m in the US i wan to apply for my green card could you please help me send the link for paying money.
October 7, 2017 at 21:51
The embassy gave you instructions…
https://www.uscis.gov/file-online/how-pay-uscis-immigrant-fee
October 7, 2017 at 22:47
I am a dv 2018 winner. When entering I omitted one name so the winning name is Charles Donkor Adu. Howeve,r I have Charles Kwesi Donkor Adu on all my school certificates. And Charles Adu on my birth certificate. I am yet to do my passport.
Should I change my name on my birth cert to suit the one on the winning lottery?
October 7, 2017 at 23:26
Your name is your name. To me – that is something that should be controlled by official procedures. If you or your country see that differently – you should use your own judgement.
October 7, 2017 at 22:59
Hello Simon I have a question regarding dv 2019. My father is french and was born in Dalat in Vietnam when it was a french colony before the independance.
will they consider it as EU or is he part from the non elegible countries ?
thanks
October 7, 2017 at 23:22
Ineligible.
October 8, 2017 at 05:31
Hi! Brit,
I wanted to ask if i submitted my application for the dv lottery with the same photo from last year dv lottery what could happen?
Can i resubmit with a new photo ?
Thank you!
October 8, 2017 at 13:50
You cannot resubmit.
If you are selected, you can worry about that then – and by that time we will know how that mistake affected people in the current DV year.
October 8, 2017 at 22:16
Thank you for your response. I will wait! Hopefully everything goes well!
October 8, 2017 at 09:04
hi Brits
I have a case recently who went for interview 2018 case and was put on Ap and asked to fill a form DS5535
Is this a new form?
going through the form after googling, are most questions on it not on the DS260 FORM and back ground checks have not taken care of the worries of the CO?
October 8, 2017 at 13:58
Some embassies ask for that. It’s no problem.
October 12, 2017 at 04:14
Mr. Simon, Do you know which embassies or countries usually request this form (DS5535)?
Thanks.
October 12, 2017 at 04:25
No
October 8, 2017 at 09:53
Hello Britsimon, I was selected for further processing in the DV2018 lottery, but with my current number 30000 in Europe it may take a wile until the interview. There is also a chance the number is too high to be granted a visa.
Can my wife (or maybe even I) apply for the DV2019 lottery or will my winning ticket for 2018 be disqualified? Thanks for your help.
October 8, 2017 at 14:00
Anyone can apply for DV2019 with no impact.
October 8, 2017 at 10:02
Hi Brit,good morning pls a friend of my who won 2018 lottery has also been transferred to Burkina Faso but he hasn’t fill his DS 260
1.Can he use the his current Burkina address to fill the form,
2.Can he be interviewed there cos of his current job status
3.must he hv to stay there for some years,months or days to permit him to carry in his interview there?
Pls let me know if this could affect his visa,we need ur advise pls
October 8, 2017 at 14:00
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. No
October 8, 2017 at 14:04
Dear brit,
Am working in Qatar, am from srilanka when I was came to Short vacation October 2016 I applied dv lottery address given by my home address (srilanka) DS 260 didn’t add srilankan address (time period of 1 month vacation) is it necessary to add that address ?
October 8, 2017 at 14:24
Its my permanent address in srilanka .
October 8, 2017 at 15:28
No
October 8, 2017 at 14:06
Hello. I am looking the Numbers of interwiews in your bolletin
I am from SOuth América with case SA000023XX
When do you think they call me for interview? Please say me something positive 🙁
October 8, 2017 at 15:28
There is nothing I can say. Your number is very high. There is a chance it will be too high and your number will never be called, but if it is called it won’t be until the final months of the DV year (August or September).
October 8, 2017 at 14:11
Hi Brit
Can i renew passport after interview and travel with both passports
Second Q. If I will qualify the interview and travel to US I want back after two weeks can my friend receive my GC and sent to me
I already put his name and add in 260
Thanks
October 8, 2017 at 15:25
Yes to both questions.
October 8, 2017 at 15:43
Hi Brit,
I’ve got the i-134 form and the 1040 from my sponsor.
I wanted know hope that’s not going affect me during my interview?..
Regards.
Andras
October 9, 2017 at 03:28
Be more clear.
October 8, 2017 at 16:00
Hi Bri!
can you tell me if it is possible to what number have achieved this year the number of cases reviewed in EU, so that I can compare for 2018. my no is EU 34xxx? VB for jun, july e etc tells-Current. I’m safe?
October 9, 2017 at 03:26
britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
October 8, 2017 at 16:23
Dear Sir,
I just realized that that last year, I submitted a photograph with my glasses and I was selected for the dv2018. Could this result in disqualification during the interview?
Plus, I can’t find an official source that writes that you are allowed to enter the dv2019 if you were selected for the dv 2018, could you please provide a link?
Thanks a lot
October 9, 2017 at 03:25
Anyone can enter. If you don’t believe that, don’t enter.
October 8, 2017 at 18:04
Dear Sir ,
I’m in the USA for J1 visa , and my wife and kids on J2 visa , we will finish our study on Dec.2017 , my wife got DV winning case for AS00004XXX
, I filles out the ds260 , and they sent us for paying the process fees before the interview for visa adjustment ,
My question is J visa will make any difficulties to get DV visa or rejection , so I dont need to pay if i will get rejection ,
Thanks alot for your help ,
October 9, 2017 at 03:16
AoS info here
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2018-aos-only.336256/
October 8, 2017 at 18:27
Hi
My Italian husband is eligible, he is about to enter the DV program, I am his spouse (Canadian) . Since I am Not eligible as a Canadian but can I enter since He is Italian ? In that case, could we both enter and is it legal to do so? Thanks a lot
October 9, 2017 at 03:09
Yes you can both enter. You will enter your place of birth and HIS country of chargeabilty.
October 8, 2017 at 19:46
Hello Mr!
1Q I have wrote to KCC t about my case number they answered me that: Your forms have been received and pending further embassy review for the continuation of your visa processing. Interviews are scheduled numerically based on case numbers that have completed processing what does it mean?
2Q . My Number is EU94** how do you think is there hope that the interview will be on December or on January?
Thanks so much
October 9, 2017 at 02:47
1. Your DS260 is processed and now waiting for your case number.
2. Wait and see.
October 9, 2017 at 08:23
Hey Baris,
I have a very close case number than you as I am EU9XXX too and got the same response than you from KCC.
I think our interview will be in February, maybe January depending on the visa bulletins.
Keep our fingers crossed!
October 8, 2017 at 20:38
HI Brit.- 0n the “other names used” section can i write my christ name from my baptismal certificate,? i am dv2018 selectee. i should present my baptismal certificate
October 9, 2017 at 02:46
If you want, yes.
October 8, 2017 at 21:35
Hi, Mr. Simon
I am european dv18 winner with 39k cn. I already send ds260 form. Firstly, Is there a chance to get student visa before the interview (if exists)
And secondly, because my cn is very high, i think there is no chance for me to get an interview for dv visa. What do you think about it? Thank you in advance.
October 9, 2017 at 02:45
1. Possibly not. Your DV application would affect a new non immigrant visa application.
2. Wait and see.
October 8, 2017 at 22:35
Hi Brit,
Finally, I have the Interview Appointment.
I have prepared all the docs, but I’m not certain in one point : Affidavit of Support
My Sponsor that is my close Relative, does not have very high Annual Incomes (below 45000 $ for 8 persons (5 his family and 3 mine), but He has 60000 $ Savings Deposit (together, He and his Wife).
My question is :
* Can the CO take in consideration his
Savings to cover my Family with 3
persons? Can I be qualify based on that?
I want to mention that He and his wife has signed the original I-134 Form. He own a house aswell, that is declared in this Form.
Thanks a lot
Areil
October 9, 2017 at 02:43
THat might be OK.
October 8, 2017 at 23:56
Hi Brit. I just heard about your website from a friend. Thank you so much for all the time and effort you are putting to help.
I won the DV2018, and my visa bulletin is current for the month of October. I am currently studying here in the US, and just applied the adjustment of status application (I485 form) last week. I am just worried and concerned about the new travel ban because I am from Libya. Do you think the travel ban will affect my case even though I have been living in the US legally in F1 visa for over four years??
October 9, 2017 at 02:42
No, it won’t affect you.
October 9, 2017 at 00:17
Hi Brit,
I won DV 2017 lottery and living in US since 3 months ago and I’m 21 so I full filled the US selective service form a month ago and sent to US post but yet they didn’t send me the registered card.when I expect US selective service card that shows successfully registered ?
Thank you.
October 9, 2017 at 02:42
I don’t know.
October 9, 2017 at 08:12
Hi! I’ve submitted DV2019 form and never got my confirmation page, I decided to submit one more time ( as it is considered as not a successful submission) and the second time got some PROBLEM OCCURED, TRY AGAIN LATER. As I submitted on more time it said that information will not be accepted as it has already been filled in and things like that. Does it mean that my application is considered as disqualified?
October 9, 2017 at 13:48
No. Try until you get the confirmation number.
October 9, 2017 at 09:40
Hi brits,
When i fill ihe DV2019 and i click on continue i receive a message tht al least one data is no valide but i can not find which one . I triedmany times but still same.
Please what istheproblem
October 9, 2017 at 13:43
I don’t know.
October 9, 2017 at 09:56
Hi!
I forgot to check my DV-2018 status before end of September.
Now when I check I get the message that I was not selected.
I wonder if I were selected but checked the status too late.
Would the message look the same?
BR and thanks for a nice site,
/Mats
October 9, 2017 at 13:43
You were not selected, that’s all.
October 9, 2017 at 12:18
Hi Brit,
My wife has been selected for further processing for Dv2018, we are about to fill out the ds260, but something came to my mind, and i am worrying about that.
My situation is : before we apply we went to photographer and he did a picture. It was in the right dimension, then we went to the website and saw that there is tool for cropping, and i was thinking that every picture should be cropped before upload it. I cropped it and upload it, so after that is covering all the requirements except one…
Photo must be 2 inches by 2 inches – GOOD
The height of the head (top of hair to bottom of chin) should measure 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (25 mm – 35 mm) – HERE our picture exceed to 38mm.
Make sure the eye height is between 1 1/8 inches to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm – 35 mm) from the bottom of the photo- GOOD
Image pixel dimensions must be in a square aspect ratio (meaning the height must be equal to the width). Minimum acceptable dimensions are 600 pixels (width) x 600 pixels (height). – GOOD
Is that could be a reason for disqualification or some problem on the interview ?!?!
October 9, 2017 at 13:34
No problem.
October 9, 2017 at 12:45
DR MR Brit
good morning. my sponsor made a mistake and fill form I-864 NOT I-134 will these be a problem???
October 9, 2017 at 13:33
You cannot use that form.
October 9, 2017 at 18:28
Ok Mr Brit thanks for the clarification
October 9, 2017 at 13:19
Hi Brit,
DV 2019 application I can not check “enter spouse information”. Do you have any idea how to add my spouse information?
October 9, 2017 at 13:32
You have to have selected married.
October 9, 2017 at 14:51
hi
for dv2019 if married cpl is it ok each to file separately stating the other as the spouse? thanks
October 9, 2017 at 17:20
Yes
October 9, 2017 at 15:18
Hi Simon,
I am a DV2018 selectee from Europe.
I have been married to my husband for 18 years and submitted his details as my spouse. Before we met he was married twice (third time lucky;-))
My questionson are:
1. Do we need to bring his both divorce documents to the interview? Or does it only apply to the main applicant (me- I wasn’t married before)? We cannot find them and would have to request copies from court but don’t want to do it if they are not necessary.
2. We have more than £50k savings in the account. Do we need a sponsor (I-134) or these saving will be enough? We also have a property. I have a family in the US so can get the I-134 but is it necessary?
Thank you for all your work.
October 9, 2017 at 17:23
1. The instructions (that you should have read) say:
“Applicants who have been previously married must obtain evidence of the termination of EACH prior marriage. Evidence submitted to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate must be in the form of original documents issued by a competent authority, or certified copies bearing the appropriate seal or stamp of the issuing authority, such as:.
Final divorce decree
Death certificate
Annulment papers ”
2. The savings will probably be enough.
October 9, 2017 at 19:35
Thank you. I have read the instructions but was confused if it applies only to principal applicant/ selectee or both the principal applicant and accompany.
Thanks again!
October 9, 2017 at 15:32
Hi Brit if my sponsor is self employed does he have to indicate report of commercial rating or just last income tax return is enough ?
October 9, 2017 at 17:54
The most recent tax return may be enough.
October 9, 2017 at 15:33
Hi Brit, thank you very much for your valuable contribution, I have four questions the others and I saw answers in other comments:
1. I registered with a single last name, and my wife with her last name and our girl with the surname of both there is some problem with that, I must put my two last names in the ds-260 or place exactly what I put the time to register for the lottery2018.
2. In the address part must write the name of avenue, building, street in English and keep the proper names of these places, there is a problem that in the inscription for the lottery2018 put all the address in Spanish that is my native language .
3. in a video I saw that in the question if you have used another name you must place if you are married, for my wife I must not have she has never used my surname has always kept her name and surname of birth even in the passport does not aparace with my last name.
4. by the present situation in Venezuela have not yet delivered the title of superior university technician, however I am practicing my profession and I put in the inscription that was university technician in the university I was given a letter that says that it is in process for the delivery of the title, my concern is and if they call me to the interview and I have not yet resivido the title that I do. I hope they give me the title full ds-260 because I will give chance according to the act for delivery is in December.
5. I am from venezuela and my case number is 2018sa000011xx. that you recommend me full the ds and I send it or I wait for favooor help me brit.
October 9, 2017 at 18:02
1. THE DS260 should have accurate legal names as shown in the passport. Sometimes that won’t match the original DV exactly. That’s OK.
2. Try and make your questions clear. The address can be in Spanish.
3. That’s OK. She is not required to take your name.
4. I don’t think there is a question there…
5. You can complete the DS260.