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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.
February 8, 2019 at 16:41
Hello Mr brit
My CN 2019AF25xxx I received mail from kcc before 2 day ago I asking me to the required documents I sent the required documents I received Automatic Reply from KCC DV Documents told me The Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) has received your email and is currently processing your documents. This email address,
What mean
Thanks
February 8, 2019 at 17:29
It means – wait.
February 10, 2019 at 02:29
My cn is af 21xxx but i didn’t get email. When do filled your ds 260 form please?
February 8, 2019 at 18:26
Hello BritSimon
I would like to know, if the Visa Ban on Ghana has effect on
DV Lottery winners who have appointment with Consular.
February 8, 2019 at 19:36
No
February 8, 2019 at 18:45
Hi BritSimon – just wondering about my question regarding my Sponsorship income. This year due to my boss closing her business, I received unemployment benefit plus other income which Gross was $31K but after deductions came to almost $18k which only puts $1000 over poverty limit requirement for Sponsorship. The rest of my financial picture is good – just 2018 changed. Do you think it will disqualify my Sponsorship?
February 8, 2019 at 19:36
You are not paying attention to what I already told you.
1. It’s based on gross.
2. I gave you a link with the formula, because it is important to understand the combined family size, and the poverty level for that number.
February 8, 2019 at 20:02
yes I did read all of that but my main question was about whether $18K (even tho its over the poverty line by $1K) would likely disqualify me (altho all my other funances are good)
February 8, 2019 at 20:58
Is 18K your GROSS income?
February 8, 2019 at 19:56
Hello Brit. I need you help on two things please.
1. I just moved to a different country since January (my spouse is winner) but I am still on a tourist visa . Yesterday we submitted a request for my DS-260 to be unlocked so that I update it with the new information. But today we received the letter requesting that documents be submitted.
Question 1: Should we still hope for the DS-260 to be unlocked on the arrival of the letter means it can no more be unlocked?
Question 2: Do I even need to update places I have lived after age 16 given that I have not yet signed an employment contract, still living in a hotel and I don’t yet have a residence permit for the new country?
2. Police certificate and the issue of country of current residence – Formerly, need for police certificates from other countries where one has lived was determined in terms of how long you lived in the country in the past or how long you have currently lived in the country. But I think that has changed. The instructions from my country’s US embassy website patterning to police certificate reads as below:
“If you are older than 16 years of age: The original police certificate from your country of current residence and countries of previous residence. If these three items are all true, you must bring a more recent police certificate to the interview:
i). You are older than 16 years
ii). You obtained a police certificate and submitted it to NVC more than one year ago; and
iii) You still live in the country that issued the police certificate”
I am so confused on what to do.
Question 3: If I have to update places I have lived after age 16 on my DS-260, do I get police certificate only from this new country where I am now, from both this country and my country of origin where I just came from or both?
Thanks for your assistance
February 8, 2019 at 21:29
Hi Brit, going through some of the questions i realized some people whose CN is higher than mine have received emails asking them to submit docs to KCC but I have not received any email to that effect. what could be be the reason why they didn’t ask me to send the docs but have asked some with higher CN than mine?
February 8, 2019 at 22:29
Other people have asked the same question – and I typically have answered “I don’t know”.
February 9, 2019 at 00:13
Hi brit Why interviews dates delayed eventhough cases for applicant are current?
February 9, 2019 at 00:46
Because of the new procedure…
February 9, 2019 at 05:47
Hi Simon
Many thanks for all the informations you provided me.I am living in Seattle washington and started work.
Thank you somuch!!!!
February 9, 2019 at 06:36
Awesome!
February 9, 2019 at 19:29
Hi,
Do you recommend it for new immigrant?
Did you find the job easy?
February 9, 2019 at 08:55
Hi brit
would there be any possibility to know why case no who r higher recieve dct submision email than who has got lower case no?
February 9, 2019 at 15:28
I don’t know.
February 9, 2019 at 12:07
Hello Brit,
While preparing the financial documents/statement, since how long the money should be available in the corresponding bank account ? And what about the total money required to show in the financial document for four peoples( 2 adult and 2 children) for not to become the public charge in United State after getting VISA?
Regards,
February 9, 2019 at 15:29
Please read the FAQ
February 9, 2019 at 12:12
Brit
If the adress you provided in your ds260 serves to receive your documents is that person must automatically produce the financial guarantees for your case to be accepted ?
February 9, 2019 at 15:30
It varies by case.
February 10, 2019 at 13:09
Pleace. Which case for exemple. We are 5
February 10, 2019 at 15:37
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
February 11, 2019 at 22:35
Hi Simon
My cousin brother won a DV lottery and he’s been living in the US for the last 5 years, Can he sponsor me to go to US since we are cousin brothers?
Thank you in advance
February 11, 2019 at 23:50
I don’t know. I only answer DVDs lottery questions.
February 9, 2019 at 21:09
hi brit , i was wondering if i could present two affidavits of supports two sponsors
an i was wondering if 4000 dollars bank statement make any difference i m still a student and my father is financing me
February 10, 2019 at 00:10
One affidavit is enough if that person earns enough. 4000 is pretty much useless. Read the FAQ about the I-134.
February 9, 2019 at 22:11
can you tell me also How Much Income an Immigrant’s Sponsor Needs to Show ? (tax returns )
February 10, 2019 at 05:01
Hello brit, i cannot find my comment of Feb 8. Why is that so?
February 10, 2019 at 15:25
I see you found it.
February 10, 2019 at 08:57
Hi Brit!
Thanks for your awesome work! Your website is very useful, but I didn’t find anything on one particular topic. I was selected for DV lottery, but due to some reasons would like to stay in my home country during 2020. Is there any possibility to delay the immigration process in case of the successful interview?
Thanks again!
February 10, 2019 at 15:27
No. What you must do is activate your LPR status (enter USA) then leave and abide by the rules about absences. That is in the FAQ.
February 10, 2019 at 09:59
Hi Dear Britsimon,
I hope you are well and your family.
My wife and I has been selected in DV 2019.
We already received the email from KCC and provided all documents and we are waiting now for interview this coming April2019.
We have completed as we all the required documents including the High School and University Diploma, Birt Certificate, Police Cert, Military records and Marriage Cert.
1)My question is Do u have idea if the Egyptian nationality require to provide bank statement?
2)Is it a must to get sponsorship?
Thank you in advance.
February 10, 2019 at 15:30
1. I don’t know.
2. https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
February 11, 2019 at 18:10
Thank you Brit for the help! That’s explain a lot. If we have any further question. We will definitely come back to you.
February 11, 2019 at 06:28
Hello mac0n, I am also going to attend my interview in Egypt. Just wanted to ask if you have already made your police certificate? If yes, does it really expire within three months?
February 11, 2019 at 18:03
Hi Lisa,
Yes. Police clearance valid for 3 months only. But our interview is in Abu Dhabi as we are working here.
Have you done securing all your requirements?
February 11, 2019 at 19:08
Hi Mac on, could you pliz linkup with me on [email protected] because am also doing my interview in Abu Dhabi. thanks
February 12, 2019 at 06:14
Hi Kabs! I have sent you mail. Good luck on your booking interview.
February 12, 2019 at 06:45
Hi Mac0n and Kabs,
I will also have my interview in Abu Dhabi in March. As per the police certificate requirement, yes it’s valid for 3 months however as per the embassy page you do not have to get a new one unless you’ve submitted to NVC within 1 year period. Please check the Abu Dhabi embassy link for that.
On the other hand they’ve already processed all of your required documents including the police certificate, so I do not see a reason to get a new one. Am I wrong? Maybe Britsimon can comment that as well
February 12, 2019 at 12:00
Hi Oki,
I believed not require to get new one if you didn’t travel back on that country. Actually, when KCC asked us to email our documents we have submitted expire police clearance in UAE and they have accepted our documents. However, just to make sure we are on track my wife and I will request another valid police clearance before the interview date.
Oki, can I know your nationality?
Btw, did u secure sponsorship?
February 12, 2019 at 10:36
Hey mac0n,
thanks for your reply. My interview is not any close yet, I guess, as my CN is over 18***. I even didn’t get the letter from KCC asking for scanned documents. Just wanted to know what is the expiry date for police cert in Egypt not to get it too early and have it expired by the time of the interview. And another question please, how long it takes to get Egyptian police clearance? Do you think it takes longer time for foreigners to get this document?
February 12, 2019 at 12:16
Hi Lisa, I guess your CN will come by May or June interview. Try to get your police cert by end week of April. However, if KCC asked you to send the scanned documents then u have to get it.
Police clearance issued in 2 days.
Question: are you living in Egypt? Or you choose Egypt for interview?
February 12, 2019 at 13:41
Hi mac0n,
I chose Egypt as our interview location as long as I live here with my family but I have only residency right, which expires soon.
No letter from KCC yet, so we will make the cert bit later to have it unexpired.
Thanks for your quick response and insight 🙂
February 12, 2019 at 16:07
Hi Mac0n,
I am Turkish living in Dubai. I am the Diversity Visa selectee so I do not think that I need sponsor or need to show bank statement as these are not required in the supporting documents. Is that correct?
February 12, 2019 at 16:27
Hi Oki,
I’m not sure if require bank statement. I also heard that Egypt national not require for sponsorship or bank statement. Can we link via email. Pls email me at [email protected]
February 12, 2019 at 17:07
Mac0n, please be careful to keep your answers to what you know for certain.
February 12, 2019 at 17:07
Please let’s be careful in asking/answering questions to not introduce incorrect assumptions and understands that will get people refused.
The assumption should always be that you will be asked about your financial ability to support yourself. That might be more unusual or rare at some embassies, but it can ALWAYS be asked for so it is foolish to not prepare for that scenario.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
February 12, 2019 at 17:56
Thank you Brit for clarification. We will surely follow your advice.
I am very sorry if i have made some mishap.
February 10, 2019 at 13:23
Hi Simon.
An analysis from the American Immigration Lawyers Association says U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is processing cases so slowly that the backlog is at a “crisis level.”
From green cards to visas, the analysis says USCIS is processing cases significantly slower than previous year.
The lawyers association concluded the report with suggestions to address the backlog and speed up processing times.
Can you say something about it, please ?
Thank you.
February 10, 2019 at 15:48
This update does not directly impact DV cases (most DV processing is not handled by USCIS), but, as already discussed, it is clear that new procedures are taking time to get smoothed out which could have a permanent impact on DV2019.
February 10, 2019 at 13:49
I mail kcc for Unlock my Ds-260 form to add my spouse and the question is that I had already sent my police report, birth certificate to kcc and received document complete mail.Now I can only sent my spouse Birth certificate, police report and marriage certificate to kcc or along with my wife’s document I have also sent my document again.
February 10, 2019 at 15:49
Up to you.
February 10, 2019 at 18:21
@Shiva
Send in everything all over again…if u do not send urs ..they will only assume that u have still not sent in all….act smart there is no harm in sending all only ur benefit
February 11, 2019 at 03:18
I have to sent my documents also along with my spouse
February 10, 2019 at 17:13
Hi Brit, I have a question.
I’m venezuelan but living in Chile wich is where I’m applying from. KCC asked me to send my Police records and other docs. To wich government agency should these records be directed to? Should it be directed to the Embassy here in Santiago?
February 10, 2019 at 20:09
You are to send your documents to KCC by email, then later you will take those documents to the embassy. That is all described in the instructions they give you.
February 10, 2019 at 17:43
Hi BitSimon I am DV applicant from Liberia
I did my first entry as Fatu Bolay mistaking left my middle name out which is Tutu.
But my Tutu name is on all my others documents will it be a problem for my case.
If l may be ask why Tutu is not on my first entry why should I say.
February 10, 2019 at 20:10
No problem. If they ask – tell the truth.
February 12, 2019 at 09:11
Thank you so much
February 10, 2019 at 22:00
Hi Brit
I’ve just received notification from the Sydney consulate that my DV interview has been rescheduled for TOMORROW morning?! I have all my documents ready but I haven’t done my medical yet. Should I ask them to push it back or attend and then provide my medical once I receive it back?
February 10, 2019 at 22:21
Attend and send the medical later.
February 11, 2019 at 01:29
Hi Brit,
I have lost my original HS diploma
So the department of education made me a new one wich is called duplicata (for diploma lost cases),
Can this duplicata replace the original at the embassy ?
February 11, 2019 at 02:15
I don’t know, but you can ask the embassy.
February 11, 2019 at 03:38
2019AS34XX
Hello brit,
I mailed our birth certificates, police reports, biopage of passports and a reciprocity page of
japanese police certificate (thanks to you).
1. Since i didn’t get any mail asking for documents, is there anything i am missing?
2. Is it a right time to ask to locate my interview to my home country (you have suggested me to contact them near time i am about to get scheduled), i don’t think i will get 2nl this month. I am already at least a month late, right?
February 11, 2019 at 14:37
1. Patience.
2. No – you wait for the 2NL
February 13, 2019 at 17:28
in your no 1 question i did`nt get email to send for documents so is that possible to send docs that i`m not asking for
February 13, 2019 at 17:34
Yes
February 13, 2019 at 18:31
hey brit, your previous answer is little bit different to clarify my question
1- my CN AF21*** and i did`nt get email to send for docs like birth certificate passport and police certificate so, is that possible to send this docs to KCC that i`m not asking for stil now?
2- before December my email was not functioning but then after it`s active and working in the mean time (dec) i notify to KCC in previous times my email address was not functioning but from now on it`s active and working then KCC reply your forms have been received and currently processing allow several weeks for processing once kcc finish your ds-260 you will receive an instruction and bla bla,
bear in mind that i fill ds 260 on august 2018
so what should i do did i sent the docs or wait? but until when i wait
February 13, 2019 at 18:44
1. You can, or you can wait to be asked. It’s up to you.
2. See 1.
February 11, 2019 at 09:55
Hi Britsimon.I want to ask you one question my case is family sponserred (means not DV lotor ) so can l get information from you if not so can you help me giving adress whom i ask about this
February 11, 2019 at 14:41
I only answer DV questions. Try google.
February 11, 2019 at 11:13
Dear Simon,
I have question about entering the country. Me and my wife got the 6 months visa. Iam the one at the lottery. do we have to enter the US together? Or is it possible to my wife come later?
Thank you
February 11, 2019 at 14:42
Your wife can come later but must enter before the expiry date of the visa.
February 11, 2019 at 12:54
Do you have information about 2nl sent for April
February 11, 2019 at 14:44
No!
February 11, 2019 at 15:20
I have silly question when you send documents without arranging their is any problem for example you start birt,passport good conduct
February 11, 2019 at 16:47
Please use some common sense to avoid wasting my time.
February 11, 2019 at 17:07
Hi sir, the american embassy in Venezuela is closed for political reasons my case is 2019sa000002xx can I ask to unblock ds to request change of embassy to chile? and they would accept my translations made in venezuela
February 11, 2019 at 17:32
Yes you can request a change. Contact KCC asap. As to translations – I don’t know.
February 11, 2019 at 19:15
@ny, how far bro? Hope you’ve been issued your visas? All the best
February 11, 2019 at 19:37
hello simon, i went for interview on the 3rd of january, 2019 in Ghana, i was put on Ap. today i had a call from the embassy to book an appointment and come with a valid ID card on tuesdays and wednesday.
1. How do i book the appointment
February 11, 2019 at 20:17
I don’t know.
February 11, 2019 at 20:46
Hello Brit l went to interview on the 4th l had my visa approved by the CO but still my status still show AP can u please explain wat is happening
February 11, 2019 at 21:00
Please check the FAQ for an article about that.
February 11, 2019 at 21:37
Hi sir,
I would like to know if the day of the interview I can go with a passport with a different number than the one I loaded in the ds?
February 11, 2019 at 21:39
Yes.
February 11, 2019 at 22:13
if the sponsor didn t use an interpreter can we remove the 6th and 7th page or write N/A and print them too
February 11, 2019 at 22:29
Am I expected to guess what form you are talking about?
February 11, 2019 at 22:30
i 134
February 11, 2019 at 23:50
All pages.
February 11, 2019 at 22:23
Hi brit,
I went to social security administration to request a ssn, they asked me if I already made a request through immigration I said that I checked a box that says my information will be sent to the SSA when I filled my visa application they told me then you need to wait 3 weeks if you don’t receive it then you call us to fill you an application. Is this normal ? I feel like I am wasting my time and i will end up filling an application in 3 weeks… Thank you for your help
February 11, 2019 at 22:25
Well sort of, yes. The SSA seem to prefer to put work off.
February 11, 2019 at 23:43
brit i was talking about he i 134
February 11, 2019 at 23:45
Must i really have at least $10.000 in my bank statement to show i won`t be a public charge?
February 11, 2019 at 23:53
Possibly. An I134 is better.
February 12, 2019 at 02:54
Hi Brit
I hope this finds you well.
Quick question – if I choose to pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee AFTER presenting my DV1 Visa / sealed Visa Packet at the POE, will it impact my experience at the POE?
Thanks very much.
J
February 12, 2019 at 03:06
No. It might delay receiving the GC a little – that’s all.
February 12, 2019 at 03:18
Thank you, that’s very helpful. Have a wonderful evening.
February 12, 2019 at 04:20
Hi Brit
Final two questions on the USCIS Immigrant Fee 🙂
1) Should I pay it prior to leaving the US / heading back to Australia on the initial trip? (I’m in Hawaii for 1 week)
I have read this on the USCIS website:
“You may also pay the fee after you arrive in the United States. If you choose this option, we will send you a notice requesting payment with instructions on paying your fee. You will not receive your Green Card until you have paid the USCIS Immigrant Fee.”
My question is:
2) Is there a time-frame attached to this notice?
Thank you again, you’re an absolute superstar!
J
February 12, 2019 at 05:04
No need to overthink it. Pay it before, or after entry.
February 12, 2019 at 05:19
Hey Brit,
I got a mail back, it says ” Some of the documents listed below were either missing or illegible, please re-submit all documents on the list below” and list contains biodata page, birth certificate and police certificates which i have already submitted. I recently noticed that the images i forwarded are in .jpg format, is this the reason?
February 12, 2019 at 05:54
I don’t know. You can ask KCC.
February 12, 2019 at 10:08
Hi Brit,
How have you been?
1. DV visa interview completed. visa Officer said- your visa has been approved and kept the passports with him.
2. I checked the status – it says still ready.
3. Is it positive news?
4. when the status changes?
Thank you.
February 12, 2019 at 14:21
3. I cannot predict the outcome.
4. I don’t know.
February 12, 2019 at 22:55
Hi, anybody got the idea?
once you attend the interview, how long it takes to change the Status? Mine still show READY!
Thank you. Godblessu..
February 12, 2019 at 23:00
It varies. There is no standard time.
February 14, 2019 at 13:46
Hi Britt,
Now it’s showing administrative processing. What does it mean please?
February 12, 2019 at 10:34
Hi Brit,
First, thanks for your helpful efforts. My case number AF37000. I have received an email to send the documents; but I am currently got a new Job. Shall I request for my DS forms unlocking to update my job and then send the documents? Is this going to cause me delay? Thanks a lot my dear
February 12, 2019 at 14:20
No need to unlock for a job change, but no delay if you did.
February 12, 2019 at 16:04
Thanks a lot for you generous help
February 12, 2019 at 16:46
Hi Simon.Do you know wich is the highest case number from EU region that recevied the email from KKC to submit the documents?thanks
February 12, 2019 at 17:02
No, but there are numerous reports of high numbers that have received the email and lower numbers that haven’t, so I don’t think you can infer anything about the new document process as being related to case numbers.
February 12, 2019 at 19:04
Hi Simon.
The US Embassy in my country says that: – If you not submit electronic document to KCC via mail then you will not receive an appointment date.
I see a confusion and delays on the process.
Besides creating a deepening black hole of backlogs, these delays are increasing inefficiencies, causing insecurities for CN up to 25000.
My questions are:
1.Do you believe that the black hole of backlogs will be normalized ?
2. Is this predicted in your DV2019 CEAC analysis?
Thank you.
February 12, 2019 at 19:11
1. I don’t know.
2. I have said a number of times (including in my DV2019 CEAC analysis article) that mathematical predictions can only get so far because other factors such as the new document procedure (which I specifically mentioned in the article you reference). That is why I think it is important we know what is happening, but even with that we have to be cautious is predicting final outcomes.
February 12, 2019 at 21:47
Hello Brit,
Lots and lots of thanks for you for this wonderful help.We have completed our interview at Feb 7 in US Consulate in Montreal. Me along with my wife and my son have attended the interview and it was approved. But, I am having trouble enrolling the free DHL and courier service for my son . I don’t know why but i could not register him in it. Me and my wife , we received tracking number for our documents but not for our baby as i could not register him for it prior our interview. Because in beneficiary list there was not his name, when i asked KCC about this they said your case was already proceed when you unlock and add your child so during interview they will include your child. But during interview they didnt ask for our 2nl. they asked for confirmation of three of us, they look our medical three of us fallow the procedure , asked few questions, documents check and visas granted. But now i am having trouble enrolling him for DhL service. we are in vancouver now far from montreal. We get our passports but not our baby’s what should we do now. Help please.
February 12, 2019 at 21:56
I don’t know anything about registering for DHL in Canada. Ask DHL or the embassy.
February 12, 2019 at 23:02
Hello Mr Brit
I really intend to know an estimated time window for interview to be scheduled after providing the required documents to KCC. I just intend to know how.much time I have left to.complete my paper work. Thanks
February 12, 2019 at 23:04
Did you read the link I gave you?
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-report-case-numbers-here/comment-page-13/#comment-167785
February 12, 2019 at 23:33
Hi Sir
In my 1st entry ,on detail ” in care of”,i had put a brother of me.He was the one who took in charge of me.But now i left his home.My 1NL,i see my brother’s name in c/o just after my name.can this name cause any problem?
February 12, 2019 at 23:52
No
February 13, 2019 at 00:02
hi brit in the 2019 results the say approximately 87 000 applicants have been selected and notified doea it mean 87 000 main applicant or main + derivatives
February 13, 2019 at 00:29
Did you check the FAQ or DV2019 basic questions?
February 13, 2019 at 05:28
Good day Sir Brit,
I happened to be the Principal Applicant. My derivatives are my wife, and 2 kids. Our DS260 forms have been submitted December 2018 and KCC requested for the docs:
Passport
Birth certificates
Police reports of me and my wife.
Documents of me the Principal applicant are ready. My derivatives’ passports are not ready yet. They were scheduled for collection on 29 th January but that failed. They were told printing materials have run out and so not sure of the next collection date.
Looking at how time-bound the DV process is, can I submit my documents ahead of time as the Principal while waiting for those of my derivatives?
Thanks.
February 13, 2019 at 05:30
The email instructions point to delays if you do that.
February 13, 2019 at 07:48
Hi symon,
I have sent Ds260 unlock request to kcc 3 days ago but I didn’t get any response from them, Now may I have to resent my mail or wait for few days
February 13, 2019 at 14:16
Patience.
February 13, 2019 at 08:23
Hi Simon,
Does going to the interview with brand new passport aka no travel history affect the case decision? like being considered public charge? Called the embassy and this embassy doesn’t require I-134
Thanks!
February 13, 2019 at 14:17
No problem.
February 14, 2019 at 06:10
Thank you.
February 13, 2019 at 09:50
Hello Brit,
Please my wife is a beneficiary of the DV lottery. We were already married before she obtained her LPR status, Now she wants to file for me(spouse) to join her. Please we need your advice on which of the form to file. ie. (Form I-130) or (Form I-824).
Thanks
February 13, 2019 at 14:19
If it is still within the same DV year that she won, she could try the I-824, but otherwise I-130.
February 13, 2019 at 12:42
Hi Simon,
I have my interview for the DV Lottery and have one question, do I have to show proof of money/funds? I don’t have much in the bank but will be selling an investment apartment once I am approved.
February 13, 2019 at 14:22
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/