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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 8, 2018 at 11:44
please was filling the 2020 dv lottery form .After the part one i realized i made a mistake so i went back to the one without pressing on the submit.Please can i start all over or i have missed my chance
October 8, 2018 at 14:14
If you did not submit and see a confirmation number you can start again.
October 8, 2018 at 12:13
Please I’m 20 and I’m applying for dv visa lottery which I meet all requirements but can my mom apply too and make me a derivative in her application will it affect me as double chances and if she has all natural children above 21 do they need to be included as a derivative and if she wins will it cover them??
October 8, 2018 at 14:18
She can enter with any unmarried child under 21. You can also enter.
October 9, 2018 at 15:12
Hi Brit, I have been scheduled for an interview and I don’t know if I should be worried because my passport I used to filled the DS 260 form will soon expire and I am already doing a new one. Should I go with both passports please advise me on what to do. Thanks
October 9, 2018 at 16:16
Both passports.
October 10, 2018 at 16:00
Dear Britsimon
I won the DV lottery 2019 but I tested positive for my hepatitis B test a few months ago. Is testing positive for a hepatitis B test going to affect my VIsa?
Thanks
October 10, 2018 at 21:38
Read the FAQ.
October 9, 2018 at 19:54
Hi Brit!just asking can the embrassy give you a date to pick your passport ,then change to when you can pick it and later give you another date after the one you are told which’s about three weeks .yet 2018 dv ended and ending there email if you dnt pick up your original documents your file will be destoyed.Kenyan embrassy.
October 9, 2018 at 20:17
They won’t destroy your file.
October 10, 2018 at 14:29
Good day sir I am a selectee of the Dv 2019 please my case number is 2019AF318xx. Please I wish to know when I may be called for interview and also the medical examinations to be carried out
October 10, 2018 at 21:36
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
October 8, 2018 at 12:32
Hey brit! What does the Case number depend on? I know that too high case numbers may not be interviewed. How can I get a low case number?
Does applying to the lottery (https://www.dvlottery.state.gov/(S(i3z02immt5svtdqtkloyytfr))/application.aspx) earlier will result in a lower case number if extracted?
I applied to the DV-2020 from EU during the third day, should I worry about something?
October 8, 2018 at 14:19
The time of entry does not have anything to do with the number. The case number assigned is random.
October 8, 2018 at 15:16
Then I may not be interviewed because my number is too high although it was not my faultS
October 8, 2018 at 16:45
Well in reality, you are unlikely to be picked. It’s a LOTTERY.
October 8, 2018 at 12:41
I have a 13 y/o brother whose name is Niccolò. when I applied to the DV-2020, I listed him in my mother’s entry and my father’s one.
I couldn’t use the “ò” character as it is printed on his passport because the form only allows English characters, so I wrote his name as Niccolo, without the accent at the end.
1. Is it a problem?
2. Should I fix it in case we are extracted?
3. If it is a problem, will we be disqualified altogether?
October 8, 2018 at 14:20
1, 2 and 3
No
October 8, 2018 at 13:10
I am trying to register for the dv 2020 but what am seeing is to check if i was selected for the 2019
October 8, 2018 at 14:20
Refresh.
October 8, 2018 at 13:18
hello MR Simon.How long does it takes for you to be schedule for an interview after filling the SD FORM
October 8, 2018 at 14:21
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
October 8, 2018 at 14:23
Namaste
I am Nepalese
but recently i have been working in abroad . To fill up dv which country i shall write .
Nepal or abroad where i have been working
please advice me kindly
October 8, 2018 at 14:28
Write for what?? Your address?
October 8, 2018 at 15:04
Hello Namaste !
I am Jagadish , currently living in United State through DV Visa from July 2018. I received my green card . Now , due to my personal problem i need to go back my home country . But I am so much confused regarding the process of return USA . Can I go to my home country and return united state ? If I can , how many times can I Travel and how many time I can stay my home country ? Please advise me . your support in this regards will be highly important for me . Thank you so much !!
October 8, 2018 at 15:47
jagdish have you shown i134 and how much balance you shown in your bank account before interview.
as for returning to home country as i think brit will suggest to return within a year or six month. i dont know i am comenting by just wathing his response in other same cases. would you please help me by answering my question. and what was your highest education.
October 8, 2018 at 17:24
I needed to stay at least one year .Again interview is needed prior to returning USA ? My highest education is masters degree from my home country .
October 9, 2018 at 00:29
you said you have obtained green card so then you can go to nepal at any time. but you should return to usa within 1 year or 6 month . you may have to explain the reason for leaving if asked at airport. no interview is needed for returning us. have fun.
and could you mail on [email protected] about your interview experirnce and documents and balances you have shown before interview.
October 8, 2018 at 16:44
Read the FAQ about absences and re-entry.
October 8, 2018 at 17:32
Hi sir , I cannot found the absences and re entry in FAQ .please help me
October 8, 2018 at 18:14
Google britsimon absences
October 8, 2018 at 20:03
How long it take to get the green card aftering entering us?
October 8, 2018 at 20:52
a few weeks, to 3 or 4 months.
October 8, 2018 at 17:53
Hi,
Can I do my 2020 entry with the same picture from 2019 entry? Does that decrease my chances?
October 8, 2018 at 18:15
If you read the instructions/FAQ it says that can cause disqualification – so take a new photo.
October 8, 2018 at 18:59
Hi Simon, can someone send me green card via DHL/UPS/Fedex to Europe? Because i came just to activate my visa and apply for SSN
October 8, 2018 at 19:12
Yes
October 8, 2018 at 20:24
Hello, my case number is 2019EU13xxx, do you think my interview will be after january or prior?
Secondly, I have completed 2 years of Masters in my flied just a couple of months ago, but after having completed DS 260. I have no certificate just yet because it takes 6 months after completing every course. What should I indicate if I unlock DS 260? Also will it be a problem that I havent mentioned it after getting graded on my thesis? i didnt do so because i thought of waiting for the certificate but I dont know if it is a wise idea.
Sorry for the long post. I am waiting forward for your reply.
October 8, 2018 at 20:59
1. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
2. No need to unlock for that.
October 8, 2018 at 22:09
Hi Simon, quick questions as Im preparing the supporting documents:
1- Does the birth certificate have an expiry date ? I have one from last year (original + Translation).
2- I will have the police records translated by an accredited sworn translator. Do they still need to add that statement stating that theTranslation is accurate, and that the translator is competent to translate, or is this only when translated by random people ?
3- As my documents are in a foreign language (not in English and not of the country where I live), Should I do anything in addition to translation? Do the birth certificate/police records need to be legalized/certified by the embassy at my country of origin (Embassy of US or of the country of residence) ?
Thanks a lot,
Kassem
October 8, 2018 at 22:39
1. Not normally, unless required locally.
2. Add it.
3. Again – not normally, unless required locally.
October 8, 2018 at 23:21
Hi Simon i want to fill dv 2020 for 5 people.Can i use the same email address or different
October 8, 2018 at 23:35
Same if you want.
October 8, 2018 at 23:26
Hello, Mr/ Simon,
A friend of mine was a lottery winner at the 2018 DV year but he couldn’t get a visa cause of the year ended but his case still AP so, He have two questions
1- Would it help if he contacted with Kentucky or there any solution or it’s just over and there is no visa for him?
2- If he applied for the 2020 DV lottery the AP at 2018 will this effect on his case if he won at 2020 ?
October 8, 2018 at 23:35
1. It’s over.
2. No affect.
October 8, 2018 at 23:50
hi brit
J had my interview 3 days ago.at the end officer consul gave ma a white paper which tells that my case require some administrative process.the same day the embassy emailed me to fill out DS5535 form.the officet kept my passport and mariage certificate and high school diploma .
some explanations to this
October 8, 2018 at 23:57
They want to perform some additional background checks. Fill in the form, and then wait. There is no way to say how long it will take.
October 9, 2018 at 01:12
Hi Birt
I am a 2019 DV winner from a travel banned country. I understood that there is no chance of getting a DV visa despite the bonafide relationship as I have my parents and rest of my family are living in the US.
The question is that can I apply as student (I just the university level ) on F1 visa and if I get the visa then later inside the USA I would make an adjustment of status. I have a friend from my country who is living in the USA as student get the 2018 DV and got his Green Card despite the ban.
Once you said the lottery is a chance in 200 years. I am trying to find an appropriate way to benefit from the chance I have got to join my family in the USA.
Thanks
October 9, 2018 at 01:38
No, that won’t work as you cannot enter the USA to adjust status.
October 9, 2018 at 14:50
Hi Brit
In case I got student visa known as F1 Visa.
Can I enter the USA and make an adjustment of status to my DV case.
Thanks
October 9, 2018 at 15:43
I answered that. No.
October 9, 2018 at 05:40
Hi britsimon.
I’m dv 2019 winner, in case I’m the principal applicant and my wife is derivative i was filled ds260 on August/08/2018 and answered (Yes) to : is your spouse immigrating to us with you? Now I want to go alone and my wife in late time … If I unlock my ds260 and resubmit ,what will be the next steps for my medical,Visa fees, interview alone or must accompany with my wife???
Thanks brit…
Hope you will answer in details…
October 9, 2018 at 14:06
If she is not going to the interview, no need for her to do the medical.
October 9, 2018 at 07:03
Good morning brit.am a 2019 d winner.i hv 2 disturbing question.
1) in d cause of filling my enter form.i made a mistake with d year of birth of my first son.instead of 2012 I entered 2013.is there any cause to b worried?does it amount to a disqualification.
2)I still am not able to fill in my d’s form it keep saying my case number is not…….In their system.the family dat is to receive us in d US is jus 2years old in US they went too through DV lottery. Can it b a problem considering they r jus 2years there n they will b receiving 4 of us.pls enlightened me on this.
Thanks brit.n nice day to u
October 9, 2018 at 14:05
1. No problem.
2. Contact KCC about the DS260
3. If they have a full year of tax report, that might be OK.
October 9, 2018 at 08:04
Hi Simon,
I am a winner of 2019 lottery, my husband and my son are from one of the banned countries who will be my derivative. I have few questions please:
1- will they call me and him and our son for an interview?
2- will it affect me being called for an interview?
3- if i decide to go alone can I fill for DS260 form out only for me? will this help my chances for an interview ?
what do you think the best course of action please?
Thank you so much in advance for your help.
October 9, 2018 at 14:04
1. Yes
2. No
3. It won’t help your chances, but it might save some money if they are refused.
October 9, 2018 at 10:20
Dear Sir,
I am in process of applying in DV Lottary.
I am Egyptian and my wife is from the Philippines.
the Philippines is not eligible to apply for DV Lottary. when inputting married, I need to input the wife’s details. can I proceed even the wife’s nationality is disqualified to apply?
October 9, 2018 at 14:02
Yes, and she can also enter giving her country of birth and chargeability to your country of birth.
October 9, 2018 at 10:37
hello brit 🙂
my queston is I have married and now I am filling my Ds-260,now she is pregnant ,how we fill on DS260 under “Family Information: Children” ? now she is 2.5 months pregnant ..
October 9, 2018 at 14:00
No children.
October 9, 2018 at 11:23
Hello Mr Brit,
May God continue to bless you as you bless us.
2) please how long must I stay in USA be fore I am eligible to file for son who was not part of the initial entry.?
2) can I file for him immediately I get my green card?
October 9, 2018 at 13:59
Do you mean you had a son who was not included on your initial entry? Was he born already when you filled in the entry form?
October 10, 2018 at 04:00
I was the principal and my husband had this child with another woman before we got married. During the entry the child was not yet with us but the birth certificate is in my husbands name. We went with his pictures at the embassy and indicated that we are living him behind because he wasn’t part of the original entry so the CO. My Question is,
Can we file for him immediately our green card is issued or we must wait till we obtain our citizenship.
October 10, 2018 at 05:18
When was your interview? Did they say they were approving you? Did you marry after you entered the lottery?
October 10, 2018 at 09:56
1)My interview was September 12 ,
2)No we got married before.
We are already in USA.
As you have always advice to speak the truth,we had him in our family pictures and the co asked about him and we explain the truth,I had a legal recognition as the father after our entry, so she ask his names while typing and even ask where the mother was and then approved our visas
We are already in the U.S. waiting for the day he will join us.
So when is the appropriate time to file for him?
October 10, 2018 at 13:50
You were lucky to have a CO that didn’t understand the rules.
I only answer dv lottery questions.
October 9, 2018 at 13:41
Me as a Greencard winner and my family got a visa (dv2018. 6 months limit date ended 1 week ago).
I entered to US and Greencard delievered to me. I returned to my country back to get my family, but my spouse changed her mind to not to come with me. 3 months left I am outside of US so I am thinking to return alone in US. but what CBP Officers says at airports? declines or accepts me? my plan is to start living in US. and make a next plan for my children.
(my spouse changed her mind to live) me and my family got time ended visas (6 month ended 1 week ago). I entered to US alone stayed for 2 months and Greencard delievered to me. I returned to my country but my spouse changed her mind to not to come with me. 3 months left I am outside of US so I am thinking to return alone in US. but what CBP Officers says ? declines or accepts ?
thank you Mr Simon
October 9, 2018 at 13:56
You can re-enter, but your family cannot now enter on their visas.
October 9, 2018 at 15:39
Hello brit.
Is every dv winner suppose to provide d I-135 form or an affidavit of support?in Wat situation is one suppose to provide dis form
October 9, 2018 at 15:43
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
October 9, 2018 at 16:16
pls i have applied for dv lottory 2020 but am wondering if iwill b disqualify since date is not indicated on my picture even though is the right requirement,…becos they said should be last 6 months and am wondering how they will know that my fall within since i took it only yesterday but not indicated on it
October 9, 2018 at 16:19
Stop overthinking.
October 9, 2018 at 18:57
Hi I registered myself but my photo was old what should do now can I fill form again
October 9, 2018 at 19:22
No
October 9, 2018 at 20:06
Hi Sir,
I’m DV2019 selectee (AS3XXX) and still waiting for my interview to be scheduled,
I need to travel to USA for work, I heard it’s can cause to some problems, is it correct?
Thanks in advance!
October 9, 2018 at 20:21
It’s not normally a problem if you already have a visa.
October 9, 2018 at 20:23
Dear Sir
The visa issued 2017 was 49,976, and in 2016 were 46718
, 1- my question why they didn’t complete the 50000, i guess that many selectee with high case number didn’t have interviewed?
2- in visa bulletin of march 2018 for Asia it was 4400 without 3875 of Nepal, does it that up to case number 2018AS00008275 will be interviewe .”?
October 9, 2018 at 20:40
1. It’s a harder task than you seem to realize.
2. No. The Nepal number is included in the 4400
October 9, 2018 at 21:51
Thanks BritSimon for all your support Sorry for Misunderstanding
My 2nd Wife is the principal applicant selected DV-2019 and i was a her derivative selectee, I don’t have child from 2nd Wife that is why she is not add her, but I have from 1st wife one daughter 16 years old so
my question is how we can add my daughter to process application?
For your usual guidance Please
Thanks again
October 9, 2018 at 22:00
Let me try once again to make this clear.
If you were married on the day that your wife entered the lottery (in October/November 2017) then any children of YOURS (i.e. your daughter with your first wife) were STEPCHILDREN of your 2nd wife. As your wife had a STEPCHILD (your daughter) she broke the rules by not adding that child on her entry. The rules are VERY clear. That will cause disqualification.
October 9, 2018 at 22:53
May thanks BritSimon,
Then can I make cause later on once Me & My wife steeled in USA?
1) If yes after how long I can make cause?
2) What is processing pared? to get Visa
October 9, 2018 at 23:04
Many thanks BritSimon,
Then can I make cause later on once Me & My wife steeled in USA?
1) If yes after how long I can make cause for my daughter?
2) What is processing pared? to get Visa for my daughter?
October 9, 2018 at 23:16
https://britsimonsays.com/easiest-way-to-get-disqualified-from-dv-lottery/
October 10, 2018 at 03:22
hi sir i have aquestion i want to fill dv 2020 i have docter digree now in entry i choose docter degree or high school digree an another question i apply every year for dv lottry with not selected is that effect me this year if i selected is that double entry
October 10, 2018 at 05:16
The education level you choose makes no difference to your chance of selection.
Is what double entry?
October 10, 2018 at 04:11
hi, i did a mistake and i have a dubplicate Electronic Diversity Visa, without knowing that the first application has been confirmed, i need to cancel or remove one of them, please advise
October 10, 2018 at 05:19
You cannot remove one entry.
October 10, 2018 at 05:46
some one send me this massage and he need a help.
I’m the main winner of the DV lottery and my wife doesn’t want to attend the interview with me and she is refusing the idea of traveling to USA with me! what should I do? could i attend alone at the interview time or not? and would it effect on my visa approval?
thanks in advance.
October 10, 2018 at 06:01
He can attend the interview alone.
October 10, 2018 at 06:36
hey BritSimon
Can i open DS 206 and make a correction now because i am already schedule for interview
October 10, 2018 at 13:42
No
October 10, 2018 at 06:54
Hi Simon.
My wife and I have been selected for DV2019 through her application, and we’re filling out the DS260 currently.
There is a question asking whether we’ve ever had a US tourist visa before, and if it was stolen.
My wife’s passport, with a US tourist visa in it, was stolen three years ago. We reported it to our embassy (Cape Town, South Africa), with a police report number, at the time, but never heard back from them. Will this cause issues for us in this process?
Thank you for your time.
October 10, 2018 at 13:44
I don’t know.
October 10, 2018 at 08:23
Hey Brit,
I am in United States on a visit visa for 5 months and my permanent address is in India. I was born in UAE. What should I fill in the blank that says- country where you live today?
October 10, 2018 at 13:46
India
October 10, 2018 at 09:21
How will they know that your photograph fall within the last 6 months
October 10, 2018 at 13:47
Why not just follow the instructions????
October 10, 2018 at 13:54
I think I may not be selected because when I was feeling in,I said that my level of eduction is highschool, no degree because its an option their.soo sir did I make mistake about that? Thanx sir
October 10, 2018 at 13:58
The draw is not based on education level. It is random.
October 10, 2018 at 13:59
Hi Brit , I am sorry if I ask you this but you have already been asked. I have read the questions asked but I didn’t find mine. Well, I have submitted the Ds160 since may this year 2018 but I haven’t yet been called for an interview. I just checked today to see my visa status and my case number doesn’t work. TBH its the 3rd time I checked. Do you think this is a problem?
October 10, 2018 at 14:10
Others are having the same problem accessing their forms. IF you need to make changes, contact KCC.
October 10, 2018 at 16:04
Thank you so much for replying. I wont need to make any changes, I will just have to wait for the email right?
October 10, 2018 at 21:38
Correct
October 10, 2018 at 14:08
I am sorry, I meant ds260
October 10, 2018 at 14:24
One more question sir please,is their any possibility that this dv lottery is go to be closed and the year 2020 is the last year coz I just wanted to back and increase my level of education u never know some years to come I may be among the selected ones thanx……
October 10, 2018 at 21:35
I can’t predict the future.
October 10, 2018 at 16:10
Dear Brit
I asked kcc to unlock my ds-260 form to make some updates but they answer me that For security purposes, KCC cannot reveal any information regarding your case if you cannot provide all the required information. Please provide the PIN and the Principal Applicant’s information listed below.
what’s going on?
October 10, 2018 at 21:39
They seem to have a new process for some cases. If you need to unlock, they may ask you to visit the embassy who will give you a PIN.
October 10, 2018 at 17:44
Hi Brit, My interview is in November.
How can I check if I have a double entry?
I am afraid I will get disqualified. I didn’t see 2 conformation numbers, but I am just afraid I might have accidentally applied twice. How can I be sure?
Thank you.
October 10, 2018 at 22:07
There is no way to check the system. But you know what you did.
October 11, 2018 at 09:47
I am 100% sure that I only saw 1 confirmation number and that I didn’t fill another application or apply twice.
I however might have clicked on ‘confirm’ and the website took a long time so I stopped the page and clicked on ‘confirm’ again.
This is not a problem, right?
Thank you!
October 10, 2018 at 18:10
Hi dear Brit
I have encountered one doubt please!
In my original entry of dv 2019 program I made a mistake in my city of birth. I filled it saying “GEBEZE MARIAM” but my correct city of birth was “FINOTE SELAM”.
Later I become winner of dv 2019 and I filled my city of birth “FINOTE SELAM” in the ds 260 form. It is my city of birth in my passport and also in my birth cirtificate.
Later I have been appointed for an interview, interviewed and my visa approved.
They returned my passport with the visa and the POST to be given for the migration officers at the departure.
The problem is There is a paper attached with the post which states most of my details like the name, date of birth, my sponsor name and address, city and country of birth etc.. Here they put city of birth “GEBEZE MARIAM”, my original entry which is different from my passport’s birth place. It should have been stated “FINOTE SELAM”.
But the information on the visa is correct. On my visa the place of birth states “ETHIOPIA” which is my country.
What can I do please? Will it have a problem?
Thank you
October 10, 2018 at 22:10
Nothing to worry about. Relax. No need to do anything.
October 10, 2018 at 22:30
Hi Brit,
My immigrant visa will be expire in the middle of November.
If I will fly, in the beginning of November, Do you think that I will need to explain to the officer, why it’s took me long time?
Thank you!
October 10, 2018 at 22:38
No
October 10, 2018 at 23:18
Thank you! I am appreciate that ?
October 11, 2018 at 02:35
Hello brit
I entered us on sept 6th 2018 and left on sept 21st
i received my green card but i havent got my ssn till now even though i checked 3 weeks ago with their office they told me it havent been processed yet
1. Is it normal that grren card arrives before ssn
2. I’ve got a job offer outside us
Can i take it and enter the us every 6 months to keep my green card ?
3.Are we gonna have any trouble with our green card if we lived oitside and entered every 6 months?
4. If we accept the offer do we need to pay taxes in the us even if we are not living in the US
October 11, 2018 at 04:34
1. No. Go to the SSA
2. That carries some risk.
3. Possibly.
4. Possibly.
October 11, 2018 at 09:19
morning
My family and I won the lottery,gone to the USA and our friend have received our Green cards.Must we go back to the USA before our visas expire to collect our Green cards in person or
1.can he bring them to us in RSA
or
2.Can just one of us fly to the USA to collect all 6 the cards.
Thank you
October 11, 2018 at 14:10
1
October 11, 2018 at 09:50
how did the USA immigration select DV lottery winners
October 11, 2018 at 14:11
Random.
October 11, 2018 at 12:47
why nepal has still low cutoff number for december? does it mean that nepal has more than 50% case density this year with low cutoff number?
October 11, 2018 at 14:17
No
October 11, 2018 at 13:10
hey brit,
My wife and I have been selected and schedule for interview, my question is its been 2 years since we get married legally but we dont have photo evidence does it have a problem?
October 11, 2018 at 14:21
No