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.
October 29, 2017 at 03:46
Hi Brit,
I, my wife and my first daughter wanted to apply for DV. I have two more kids born here in the USA, means they are US Citizens. Do I need to fill them in my application. When I apply, all children seem to be completed. If I say I have only one child, it may be problem after a while. Please recommend me what I can do. Either fill all the three, or only one who was born outside of USA. Currently I live in USA my case withheld.
Thank you
October 29, 2017 at 05:05
Read the DV entry instructions – this is perfectly clear.
October 29, 2017 at 02:48
Hi,
I am Bob. I have one question about visa interviews, let me explain the situation first.
So, I had entered to the local embassy office on 26th Oct. I had an interview where the council asked me several questions. And at the end of the interview the council said that there missing one document, the birth certificate’s copy and its translation. And I was told that I need to drop it ASAP. Moreover, the council said I needn’t interview again. Now, I have the missing documents and going to submit.
So, if they said that I passed the interview and there is no need for interview again, then does it mean that if I submit the required missing documents I will get the visa? Please, share your thoughts
Thank you in advance!
Best regards,
Bob
October 29, 2017 at 05:05
It does not guarantee that outcome, no.
October 28, 2017 at 22:15
Hi Britsimon,
I want to change my surname to my husband’s surname.
What is the process to reopen the DS-260?
Do I need to call/send an email KCC?
Does this affect to my situation/refusing our visa on the interview because if this?
Thanks.
October 29, 2017 at 05:06
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
October 29, 2017 at 07:19
Thanks.
Can this reopening my DS-260 delay processing my application/interview?
October 29, 2017 at 15:16
Normally no.
October 28, 2017 at 21:43
Hi britsimon,Am a student in Kumasi Techinal Institue studying I.T(Computer Technology). what should i chose as my level of education?
October 28, 2017 at 21:51
High school degree, are you writing wassce next year?
October 28, 2017 at 23:11
no next two years
October 29, 2017 at 05:07
Just pick a sensible answer. It doesn’t matter.
October 29, 2017 at 12:52
ok thanks for your assist
October 28, 2017 at 20:50
Hi Brit
God bless you.how long it takes to receive the gc once you pay the fee ? I have applied and paid the fees two and half weeks ago?
October 29, 2017 at 05:09
Once you have paid the fee AND enter it can take up to 3 or 4 months.
October 28, 2017 at 19:20
Hi Brit, I saw that vb of this month is 10,000 and my cousin case is AF 9247 but he did not get his 2Nl this month. He filled ds 260 back in July. It s a something that he should worried about or just be patient. Thanks
October 29, 2017 at 05:13
Just patience
October 28, 2017 at 18:39
HI dear britsimon
i have a small problem, and i’m looking for a Solution
she send the DV 2019 and he got the confirmation number
the problem is she didn’t include me…she though i was above 21 when i’m 20 years and 5 months
is there any way to change it…if not will that disqualified her?
October 29, 2017 at 05:14
No it cannot be changed, yes it would disqualify her.
October 28, 2017 at 18:25
Hi Simon. My friend is 20 years old and he wants to register for DV lottery. But he has submitted his name under his dad and his mom’s form. is that possible for him to register himself again in this year? thnks
October 29, 2017 at 05:15
Yes
October 28, 2017 at 16:39
mr simon
woman i know won in dv2018 her CN (AF20XXX) from egypt but (in birth certificate of her parents not she) the name of her parents were written wrong .
Q1: it will make a problem to her in embassy because she wrote the name of her parents right in ds-260?
Q2: is the embassy at interview will ask her for birth certificate of her parents ?
October 28, 2017 at 16:45
1. No
2. No
October 28, 2017 at 16:06
Hi Simon
I am an Ethiopian who was born in Sudan, i selected my country of eligibility as Sudan and I won the lottery this year.
So i don’t want to travel to Sudan to finish the process of the visa
(interview and other things)
How can i finish the process of the visa from the American embassy that’s located in Ethiopia?
Is it possible?
October 28, 2017 at 16:29
Yes, you complete the DS260 with your Ethiopian address, and choose Addis as the embassy.
October 29, 2017 at 04:02
That’s was a fast reply thanks bro.
October 28, 2017 at 15:59
Hi britsimon,
Can i apply for dv lottery if am 17years getting to 18 years next year (date of birth: Day:02, Month:03, Year:2000) i will become 18years next year on 2nd March 2017 with a High School(No Degree). I’m a student.
October 28, 2017 at 16:08
Yes
October 28, 2017 at 13:49
Hi britsimon,
i’m 20.in december i’m 21.and my mom and dad both educationally qualified for dv lottery…so,
1. can i apply 2 applications for mom and dad? 1st APPLICATION with mom as first and father as spouse and me as child, and 2nd APPLICATION with father as first mom as spouse and me as child? WILL it disqualify both applications?
2.also can i apply another application for me? only for me? then my name will be in 3 applications(in 2 applications as child and one individual application)..so will it disqualify all applications?
Thank you.
October 28, 2017 at 14:39
1. That is fine.
2. That is also fine.
I should point out that you will be too old to be included on their application if either of them are chosen and they cannot be included on your application if you are chosen. So – they could emigrate without you or you could emigrate without them.
October 28, 2017 at 18:11
Thank you brtsimon..so i’m facing to that problem if my application and one of parents application both selected..right?
October 29, 2017 at 05:17
I explained already
October 28, 2017 at 11:26
In my married certificate the date of registration and the date of issue was different is that create any problem during my interview?? From AS ..
October 28, 2017 at 14:36
No problem.
October 28, 2017 at 09:29
Dear Simon,
My son name is “CHOUDHURY MUHAMMAD WALID”. He is an Indonesian citizen. In his passport the name is written as “full name” IN CAPITAL LETTER. first/middle/last name is not mentioned.
“Choudhury” is his family name and “Muhammad Walid” is his given name. Generally we write the family name at the last (example: My Name is Md Wahid Chowdhury). but in his case it’s in the front.
Or i should not care about the family/given name and write as below to match the name written in the passport?
Last/Family Name: Muhammad Walid
First Name: Choudhury
Middle Name: Tick NO MIDDLE NAME
1. what is the correct way to write his name in the DV form?
2. Should i write our name in Capital Letter as it is written in CAPITAL LETTER in our passport.
Regards
Md. Wahid Chowdhury
Dhaka, Bangladesh
October 28, 2017 at 14:34
This is something you should decide for yourself, but in my experience the family name is the lastname, NOT the firstname. The given names are the first and middle names.
October 28, 2017 at 06:45
Thank you Brit. God will continue to be with you
October 28, 2017 at 06:32
Hi Brit, first I would like to thank you for what you are doing. It is really helpful for all selectees.
I am selectee with CN EU30XXX. I read many of your analysis and what I didn’t understand is why the max CN getting a visa differ so widely each year (for EU above 40K in 2015 and 2016 and 30K in 2017)? What makes this difference (difference in density, non response rate or other)?
October 28, 2017 at 13:04
Many differences fro year to year. I’m too busy to explain everything – so please read posts like this one – https://britsimonsays.com/vb-progress-explained-again/
October 28, 2017 at 02:49
Hello Britsimon
2018AS8995 case no is safe? or its having risk?
October 28, 2017 at 04:29
britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
October 28, 2017 at 02:02
Hi
I’m 2018 DV winner from morocco and currently living in china and was here for almost 5 years but my student visa will expire at the end of February 2018 .my case number is AF26****. My interview is scheduled to be in Casablanca , Morocco .
1. Is it ok if I don’t change the location of my interview because I’m planing te leave China after 4 months . I was planning to leave in July 2017 but I extended my visa for 6 months for some reasons .
2. Does it cause any problem or denial ?
3. Should I unlock my DS 260and change my current address to my address in morocco even i will be in China until the end of February ?
Kindly
October 28, 2017 at 02:05
1. Yes
2. No
3. Yes.
October 28, 2017 at 07:57
Thank you.
Another questions please
1. Do I need to provide any documents from china ?
2. Do I need to take police clearance certificate from china before I leave ? I read the instructions but nothing is mentioned and i just want to make sure before I leave otherwise it will be difficult or almost impossible to get any document after I leave .
Kindly
October 28, 2017 at 13:09
1. Yes, the police cert.
2. That is very clear in the instructions READ THEM “AGAIN”.
October 28, 2017 at 06:50
Im from morroco too. Can you pm me please. Ikhenatonatgmail com
October 28, 2017 at 01:09
Hi mr. Simon
I am a 2017 winner and everything went very well except the arrival of the GC. On 16 oct. (This month) I requested a change of address and they confirmed that the CoA is completed. 2 days later on 18 oct. I checked the status online and the message is ( card was mailed to me) my questions are:
1) is this delay normal?
2) the CoA requested using my receipt no. (Principal applicant) only not for dependants. Will the address will be changed for them automatically. Or I have to request for each of the dependants separately.
Thanks and your efforts are appreciated
October 28, 2017 at 02:03
I don’t hear many stories about that, so I don’t have answers for you.
October 27, 2017 at 23:11
Hello Simon, I habe a question: there is some one who lives in USA and would like to apply for green card lottery, but she has already an american child. During the application can she put child in the application?
October 28, 2017 at 00:05
The application has instructions about that.
October 27, 2017 at 22:46
Hi simon i am the selected for dv 2018 my interview was post to kenya but my current adress is sudan can i change it to khartoum,sudan?
October 28, 2017 at 00:04
If you are not already scheduled you can unlock your DS260 and change your address. The embassy is picked based on your current address.
October 27, 2017 at 22:27
Hello Brit,
Is it permitted to photoshop the background of lottery pix in white
October 28, 2017 at 00:03
No – they state no edited photos
October 27, 2017 at 22:02
Hello Brit.,
pls i have a diploma besides the high school certificate. In filling the dv 2019 lottery, which do i need to pick. Is it High school degree or some university courses or university degree
October 27, 2017 at 22:21
It doesn’t matter which you choose.
October 27, 2017 at 20:17
I am a Dv2018 winner.. Can I still apply if I was not born in a qualifying country? I am a naturalized Venezuela citizen . I don’t have a Venezuelan spouse and my parent’s country of birth is Colombia. Can I still apply?
I aprecciate your attention.
October 27, 2017 at 20:21
Were you born in Columbia? I assume you entered listing your birth country as Columbia, but charging to Venezuela? You had no justification to charge to Venezuela, so, if you proceed to interview, you will be disqualified.
October 27, 2017 at 20:07
Hi Brit.
I’m a little bit worry.
In fact I’m sponsor is my uncle.
1-he makes a mistake on my name instead Elhadj he writes Elhaj on fill out from 135.
Can it cause a problem?
2-his incoming is 1800.
Is it sufficient for a single applicant??
October 27, 2017 at 20:10
1. I don’t know for certain
2. Calculate the income required – britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
October 27, 2017 at 19:36
Dear Brit,
I won dv 2018 with my wife, we fill the ds-260 and sent in september, my wife is pregnant but in the form ds-260 do not exist a question about that. Our baby will be born in February, we believe before the interview (based on the visa bulletin). We would have some problem with that please help us.
October 27, 2017 at 20:12
You don’t list a child before birth. Read this
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
October 27, 2017 at 16:44
Hi Brit,
I will be 21 yrs this year in December…can I apply on my own or I should just be a derivative of my parent?
October 27, 2017 at 17:32
You can do both.
October 27, 2017 at 16:21
Hi simon
I lived in 3 country since i was 16 y o , should i bring a police certificate of evrery one of these country to the interview ? And note that i can only get two of them before my interview date , can that cause me some issues ?
Thanks to help
October 27, 2017 at 16:30
READ THE INSTRUCTIONS!
October 27, 2017 at 16:44
Wich instructions ?
October 27, 2017 at 17:34
You were given the link in the 1NL!
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/diversity-visa/if-you-are-selected.html
October 27, 2017 at 14:45
hi
thank you for all your help, finally i got the dv visa, but i m planing to get marry in January, my wife had visa as visitor b1/b2 before i met her, so i m thinking to go to US to activate my status and honeymoon in the same time ( my DV was single), is that will create a problem for me ?
October 27, 2017 at 15:00
No problem.
October 27, 2017 at 15:24
I red ur blog about the marriage and the 4 possible to get married with dv lottery , so do I have any way to add her to my status and grants her visa or better to go to US then apply for her as wife ?
October 27, 2017 at 15:27
Contact the embassy and ask them.
October 27, 2017 at 15:32
It will not carry any risk for me?
October 27, 2017 at 14:40
Hi Simon! First of all thanks for all the valuable and correct information that you share with other people. I have several doubts and maybe you can orientate me.
1.-I applied for the DV-2019 and one of my daughters is 20 years old (she turns 21 on May 9 2018.) According to my calculations my daughter “turn age out” on Dec 3rd 2018.If I get drawn, I would only have a chance if the appointment is in October or November, right?
2-on May 15, 2018 I will know if I was selected and I will have to fill out the DS-260. At that point I should know if I can include my daughter or not. Do I get to know my “case number” at that moment?
3.-If my daughter is lucky enough to be considered for the appointment, could she attend a different embassy from the rest of the family? She lives in another country. Which would be the procedure in this case?
4.-If, on the other hand, my daughter has no longer the chance to apply because of her age, should I include her in the DS-260, or not? I know that there is still a lot of time until may 15th ,but I live in Venezuela, where everything has to be done in advance!
Thanks in advance for the help.
October 27, 2017 at 14:59
There is no point in thinking about this. It’s a lottery and your chance of selection is once in 200 years.
October 27, 2017 at 17:48
You mean “my chance”? Or my daughter’s chance?
October 27, 2017 at 17:51
You. The chance of selection is very low.
October 27, 2017 at 20:19
Thank you.
October 27, 2017 at 13:19
Hello Brit, hope you’re doing great.
I’m planning to present a job offer for my financial proof beside 25K in my bank account. Does the job offer have to be notarized??
October 27, 2017 at 13:38
No – but it must be genuine.
October 27, 2017 at 11:49
Hello Brit,
I have a question regarding the i-134 form. There is a field that is asking about USCIS Online Account Number (If any)
My sponsor is not sure what to put there. He has sponsored his wife 4-5 years ago but he doesn’t have a UCSI account. I’m afraid that the affidavit will not be accepted.
Thanks
October 27, 2017 at 12:24
If he doesn’t have the number he leaves it blank.
October 27, 2017 at 12:58
Hi Britt, need your advice, will someone that previously work illegally in some country, returned, and no criminal record, will have their chances reduces for obtaining GC?
She work illegally in Asia country, many years before, to help to pay her parents debt
Thank you
October 27, 2017 at 13:37
No impact
October 27, 2017 at 11:27
Simon!
A spelling error ‘keaml’ as ‘kemal’ in my middle name wl make me disqualified in dv2019 appln?
October 27, 2017 at 12:23
No
October 27, 2017 at 11:02
Hi Brit, thank you for what yuo are doing for fellows like me. I’m a 2018 dv winner and my interview is a few days to come but I have a problem.
I did not download the doc that shows I’m selected after checking the results and it has been replaced by an interview letter.
Pls what can I do to have it since it is required for interview.
October 27, 2017 at 12:23
Take the interview letter instead.
October 27, 2017 at 07:24
Hello .please how long can it take before your passport is retured to you with a visa?
Thanks
October 27, 2017 at 12:20
Usually a week or two
October 27, 2017 at 06:26
My wife is winner DV-2018 and she included me as her husband,so can i do all process as principal applicant like entering Ds-260,interview and other as on behalf of my wife PLZ HELP
October 27, 2017 at 12:17
Yes you can fill out the DS260, but your wife must be at the interview and must enter the USA with you or before you.
October 26, 2017 at 23:55
Good evening Brit,
I didn’t mention the date of the day and the month for my father’s.
Do i have to fix it on ds260 .?
Thankfully
October 27, 2017 at 02:31
No
October 26, 2017 at 22:39
Brit. I came to us few days ago and the rules and regulations are very much different than in mu country. I just wanted to know if you have a blog where all the things a DV winner has to know when in US so that we can adjust ourselves. Like the insurance, credit usimg rules, where the ssn showed be shown and etc..
October 26, 2017 at 23:38
I have a few articles like that – check the FAQ.
October 26, 2017 at 22:37
Good evening Brit,
A friend of me has passed the Medical Exam, and the Panel Physician marked “Influenza” and date of vaccination in the Vaccination Documentation Worksheet (DS-3025), meanwhile other selectees passed the Medical Exam the same day with him but Influenza vaccin not marked in their forms.
Is it okay?! Should he call the panel physician and ask him the reason why?!
Thank you in advance
October 26, 2017 at 23:38
I don’t think it is a problem – but he can call the physician if he wants.
October 26, 2017 at 21:05
Hi Brit
I mentioned in ds260 form regarding my work that i am network engineer but when i requested letter from company its mentioned that assistant network engineer
Will it cause problem in the interview
October 26, 2017 at 21:39
No
October 26, 2017 at 20:52
hallo my name is alex I filled the dv lottery but instead of writing the mailing address 1.I gave my no.will I be disqualified?
October 26, 2017 at 21:39
I don’t know
October 26, 2017 at 19:50
mr simon
there is a person from egypt tell his story in facebook group that
in may he check the website dvlottery.state.gov and he found that not been selected
but in september he enter the website again and found himself won and selected.for dv2018
how it happen ?? and he swear that his story is true
October 26, 2017 at 21:43
I don’t think that is true – but if it were true the case number would be about the highest known number for Egypt – so do you know the case number?
October 27, 2017 at 17:40
no ,we can’t contact with him until now after his post
October 26, 2017 at 17:20
Hi Mr. Simon, my friend is selected and she has lost her original certificate due to flood that affected their house. She manage to get a photocopy of the certificate on her file at her work place. Please will it cause any problem when she gets to the CO.
October 26, 2017 at 18:10
Read the answer to the same question you already asked.
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-164/#comment-90006
October 26, 2017 at 20:10
Thank you very much
October 26, 2017 at 17:12
Hi Brit,
We have been selected for the dv lottery through my wife. between us she holds a job and i am have not been working for a few years. I took the time to enhance my education. Unfortunately i still am not able to get a job because the current hiring situations very bad. My question is would it create a problem because i am unemployed?
October 26, 2017 at 18:06
No
October 26, 2017 at 17:12
How to add new born baby in sa 260
October 26, 2017 at 18:06
Always check the FAQ!
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
October 26, 2017 at 17:09
Hello simon, hope you’re doing great
I heard from most dv2018 selectees that i know of and who passed their iterview here (in Morocco), that they were put on AP and were asked to fill the ds5535 form and return it via e-mail.
Today a person who passed his interview and was approved, received a call from the consulate and was asked to fill the same form, and when he asked the guy who called him for the reason of this even though he was approved by a CO, the caller told him that it is now a standardised procedure and that from now on everybody will have to pass through it.
Do you have any information on this ? is it a consulate level event or is it a new general policy?
October 26, 2017 at 18:04
Decided by that embassy only.
October 26, 2017 at 16:49
I was born in Eritrea but my nationality
is Ethiopia, I put country of elligibility as
Ethiopia. Is that a problem for my
selection?&if that not good can I enter second?
October 26, 2017 at 17:07
You cannot enter a second time.
You should have put Eitrea, but if you are selected, the mistake will probably be forgiven.
October 26, 2017 at 19:20
can I qualified by this?
October 26, 2017 at 21:46
I answered already.
October 27, 2017 at 16:44
I don’t understand make me clear please simon?&
How percent I chance to be selected by this I do mistake? The answers are a lot to me
October 27, 2017 at 17:35
The mistake won’t affect the selection. *IF* you are selected we can talk again! You have a tiny chance of being selected.
October 26, 2017 at 16:35
Hi, I have an interview 1st of November, so just in a few days. Do you know how long does the interview last and what kind of questions to expect? Cheers!
October 26, 2017 at 17:08
The interviews are very brief.
Read this:
https://britsimonsays.com/interview-experience-stories/
October 26, 2017 at 15:23
hey brit@ my 12th grade transcript my last name is incorect instead of GOSAY it says GOSY. Does it affect me at the enterview ? If i does what should i do brit 10 q for u’r time.
October 26, 2017 at 16:13
It should not be a problem.
October 26, 2017 at 15:23
Hi brit I want to know which winning number dv 2018 is being processed please thank you
October 26, 2017 at 16:13
Take a look at the visa bulletin.
October 27, 2017 at 13:55
Hello sir plz I want to know the recommended photo software for the dvlottery
October 27, 2017 at 14:08
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/photos.html