Ask questions here
To ask me questions you can obviously post on any blog post.
PLEASE make sure you read the FAQ (linked at the menu at the top of this page), as most questions are already answered there.
Please note I periodically have to archive posts from this page to attempt to keep the performance acceptable. That means comments over about 3 months old could be deleted at any time.
September 16, 2016 at 16:16
Good Afternoon. Our interview is in jhb and we are residing in namibia. Is it required for our 2 younger children 6 & 2 also to attend the interview or can we just take their passports along? Thank you
September 16, 2016 at 22:19
Unless the embassy tells you otherwise, the children normally attend the interview.
September 17, 2016 at 00:52
Dear BritSimon,
I was selected for edv program 2017 from Nepal. I currently live in Tokyo, Japan. I am afraid that i was not selected on August 9. I mean for October batch. My serial number is around …590. When do you think is the possibility to be notified next time for November batch? I submitted the Ds260 form on 21 may.
Thank you so much!
September 17, 2016 at 01:12
1 to 2 weeks.
September 16, 2016 at 16:46
Hello, I am DV2016 selectee. I am in US and just received my GC by AOS. However my husband is in Ukraine. We immediately filed follow to join and he did a medical exam, during which they found a small spot in his lung which requires an 8 week sputum test. We obviously don’t have 8 weeks at this point. We were advised that he may be eligible for an i-601 waiver. He had his interview yesterday and the consulate officer told him that he doesn’t need a waiver and that we need to file i-130 asap. After he receives his medical exam results in 8 weeks he will be given a new interview. Was the officer just trying to brush him off? As far as we know after Sep 30, 2016 there is no more chance and i-130 takes about 2 years. Please let us know if you have any idea what they ment. Thank you so much.
September 16, 2016 at 22:15
By telling you that he needs to file an i-130 the officer was saying he would not allow a waiver. Given the short time left befoire the end of the year, there was no point – that plan was not realistically going to work, and the sputum test was the last straw. You will not be able to get him on your DV case as a derivative.
So – You can petition for him with the i-130. That process will take a long time – 2 years sounds about right.
September 16, 2016 at 17:49
Hi Brit Simon, I am a winner from New Zealand.
1. Do I need an affidavit?
2. I have lived in the UK for 8 years do I need a police record from NZ as well as UK?
3. I submitted my DS260 on the 29th August should my interview be scheduled according to my case number or will it have been pushed back later than if I had submitted it in May?
4. Should I wait to book a medical when I have an interview scheduled or can I book it before?
Thanks for your help!
September 16, 2016 at 20:53
1. https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
2. If you lived in your home country beyond the age of 16, then yes. Please read and understand the instructions.
3. It depends on your case number.
4. Wait until the interview notice.
September 16, 2016 at 18:50
Hi Brit Simon, I am a winner from New Zealand, I have one further question, at any point to we need to prove our finances?
Thanks again
September 16, 2016 at 20:51
Often, yes.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
September 16, 2016 at 21:02
Hi salmon what is the mean af administrative processeing
September 16, 2016 at 19:51
Hello Mr. Britsimon, thank you very much for your help. Your website is great source of info. am new LPR and have been away for 5 months after activation trip, my intention is to come back after 6 more months meaning 11 months in total outside. Will that be a problem? thank you alot
September 16, 2016 at 20:46
Not a problem – many others have done that. The longer absence is understandable as it is the first absence.
September 17, 2016 at 01:49
Dear BritSimon,
I received my green card 2 weeks ago. There was an error on my green card. I was told to fill up an i90 form to replace my green card. I made an info pass appointment for my local usics office and visited it yesterday. The lady in the office told me I could use the green card with the error until I get my replacement green card which will take months to get. However, on the usics website and when I called the national usics office number, they told me to mail my green card together with the i90 form. Do you have any idea if I have to send my green card with my i90 form in mail? Thank you
September 17, 2016 at 02:38
I don’t know. Phone Uscis.
September 17, 2016 at 03:18
Can I unlock my SD 260 twice
September 17, 2016 at 03:21
Yes.
September 17, 2016 at 03:45
I submitted my SD 260 in June and want to unlock twice in September, my case no is,2017Af000004**, will it delay my interview letter
September 17, 2016 at 04:59
Maybe – but it doesn’t matter.
September 17, 2016 at 07:03
Hi Brit, please l have a question about the I-134 thus affidavit of support form on the official webpage of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Is outdated that’s (February, 29, 2016).
1.Please how do l download a current or updated copy. Any web links?
2. Please also are those in AF region especially those going to the US embassy in Accra ought to have a “welcome letter” as the folks in Nepal do? to support the I-134 form?. Or just the I-134 form is OK?
Thanks.
September 17, 2016 at 14:23
1. That is the current official version
2. I-134 is wise. They will question you on the relationship to the person you will stay with or who has supplied the I-134.
September 17, 2016 at 18:48
Hi Brit, thanks for your swift answer, actually the person providing me the I-134, is cousin.
Please l, would like to know, if it’s prudent to prove that at the time of interview, with photos with him, email or WhatsApp conversations with him?
Many Regards
September 17, 2016 at 18:54
I’m never going to say you can be too prepared.
September 17, 2016 at 07:04
Hi Britsimons,
I’ve not been selected this year and I’d want to know if my personal details weren’t wrong: in Spain we have two surnames. When I put my Last name, I put my both surnames in it. For example:
Name: Lola
Surnames (–>Last name): Perez Martin
And nothing as the “middle name”. Is that correct?
Would they say if there is any mistake which have caused your disqualification or not?
Thank you very much in advance.
Best regards
September 17, 2016 at 14:21
The FAQ has information on that including the Spanish method (because my wife is from Spain)
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/name-confusion/
September 17, 2016 at 10:09
Hi Brit,
Thank you for the good work.
1.I will like to confirm if I need to take the medical examinations before the interview.
2.from my number prediction, my interview should be in December, should i wait to receive the 2nl before I take my medical exams?
2.How many interviews are usually conducted.
September 17, 2016 at 14:10
1. Confirmed.
2. Yes
3. 1
September 17, 2016 at 15:12
hello sir,
i have emailed kcc to tell me about my application status on September12 (that means after the VB was released). Their answer was just “ur application have been received and currently processing”. But i submitted it on may16 ; resubmitted on June1 and case num: AF2017AF25xx and am single also. what is going? does that mean am not scheduled for November interview?
September 17, 2016 at 15:58
Yes, it sounds like your case needed longer to process. As I have written before, not all cases process at the same speed.
September 17, 2016 at 10:50
Dis is a question Mr Brit. Anyway tnx a lot and may God bless u for what you are doing for the entire world cos with your help a lot of people have pass through. This is my first time of entering into dis dv and by Gods I was selected. Im a Ghanaian and im hoping u will help me with some guidelines. My questions re below
1.I finished wif all the process on the 4th of August and my case number is arnd 600-700.I wanted to knw which month dat is likely I will get my 2NL
2.wanted to knw whether the 2NL will be sent to me through the email I presented.
Tnx a lot and hope my questions will be answered for me.
September 17, 2016 at 14:06
1. Because you delayed the DS260 you delayed your case – now you just need to wait – I can’t predict it exactly.
2. Yes, email.
September 17, 2016 at 13:21
I’ve read the FAQ, but my case is quite differ, I have been selected in DV2016 my husband and 2 children From Sudan, the interview held last Jun, every thing is OK but our case become AP without any reasons, after in 2nd of August became Ready, after in 22 August became AP again!!! untill now it is AP since last update in 30 August, does it differ actually? our passports still with the embassy. But my husband needs his passport to travel to continue his study in an European country, he has been waiting for long time, and that affects his study!!
What is your recommendations, can we withdraw his passport? who can send the e-mail to the embassy, when me is the principal applicant?
What we can DO?
Many thanks
September 17, 2016 at 14:02
There is a chance that the AP is cleared and the visa approved by the end of this month. If you take the passports now, that chance will be gone. Wait until September 30. If you aren’t approved by then, it is over.
September 17, 2016 at 14:09
thanks a lot
September 17, 2016 at 14:44
Hi brit,
Every time i try to check my green card status on ucsic by receipt number, I receinve this message
Validation Error(s)
You must correct the following error(s) before proceeding:
User-Defined Error
Please advise what can I do?
September 17, 2016 at 14:55
If you arrived less than 120 days ago, I suggest you simply wait. If you arrived MORE than 120 days ago, I suggest you phone USCIS.
September 17, 2016 at 16:18
Hello Mr. Brit,
We came USA 2 weeks back. I really appreciate your help. I and my husband got jobs to servive. Do you know how to evaluate our degrees here. I mean some responsible organisation. It will help a lot build up our career.
Thank you.
September 17, 2016 at 16:46
I don’t know of any reputable organization to evaluate credentials.
September 19, 2016 at 17:37
They are the best in evaluation http://www.wes.org
September 17, 2016 at 17:53
Thank you Mr. Brit
September 17, 2016 at 18:44
Hi Simon,
After being issued with my DV visa I (principal applicant) am entering the US this week for two weeks before returning home. My wife (also been issued her DV visa) will go to the states at a later date this year. She might go without me. I assume this is not a problem? Does she have to say she is joining me when she’s arrived even if I’m not on the States at the time?
Also, as the final address in the US to have my greencard delivered to I am giving my friend’s address, as I will be returning home for a couple of months (maybe 6-8) before finally moving. Will this be ok? Do I have to tell this to the immigration officer at POE?
Thanks, Matthew
September 17, 2016 at 18:56
No problem with any of that. No need to discuss plans at immigration.
September 17, 2016 at 22:27
Hi Simon
I am a DV 2017 selectee. I remember the educational condition set by the DOS to DV entry for the applicant is to have at least high school certificate or two years work experience. However, When it comes to education in the DS260 I did include the University degree B.Sc ( in Civil Eng from local uni) , Master’s degree MSc, and the philosophy degree PhD (both in Civil Engineering from the UK).
The question is that be ok? Or otherwise should I unlock the DS 260 to add my high school?
On the other hand, I’m not sure if I can get a copy of high school certificate as it was handed out to the university registrar office long time ago. Any advice please?
Thanks
Salem
September 17, 2016 at 23:07
I always recommend people add their secondary schooling (from age 12 upwards) because that is what the instructions say.
September 17, 2016 at 22:38
Dear Sir please check my email and please help me….
September 17, 2016 at 23:05
What email?
September 17, 2016 at 23:58
Please check your gmail Britsimon3 at gmail dot com… I need your back support. Please help me
September 18, 2016 at 00:44
Ahh yes. I am not going to do as you ask. Please do not use my platform in that way.
September 18, 2016 at 01:47
how can I check that if my ds260 is locked or unlocked… Can I sign to my ds260 after I have completed and submitted my ds260
September 18, 2016 at 05:20
You can sign in and review the DS260. If it says “completed” that means locked.
September 18, 2016 at 02:22
Hello Mr. Brit
I am a DV 2017 selected
my case no is 2017AF*****7** from africa
I submitted my ds 260 on the 05/21/2016 but I didn’t received my 2end letter yet .
thanks
September 18, 2016 at 05:19
Wait 1 to 2 weeks.
September 18, 2016 at 04:17
MY NAME IS MELVIN BROWN,I WAS FORTUNATELY SELECTED AS DV WINNER IN 2014,I SENT IN MY DS-260 AND I WAS LATER SCHEDULED FOR INTERVIEW,DUE TO FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES I WAS UNABLE TO ATTEND MY INTERVIEW.NEVERTHELESS I AM ALSO A WINNER OF THIS 2017 DV PROGRAM.I WANT TO KNOW WHETHER I WILL BE DENIED BECAUSE WHEN I WAS FIRST SCHEDULED,I NEVER ATTENDED?
September 18, 2016 at 04:19
Hello Brit,
I went for my interview in Abidjan, Cote D’Ivoire on the 6th of June. I was asked to bring an affidavit of support and do some medical checkups which I did two weeks later. Subsequent checks as at last week show that my case is still on Administrative Processing. This is really worrying considering the fact that CEAC site states 28th July as “Status Updated Date”(What does that mean ?). I want to know if there is a likelihood of me not being issued the visa since it has taken so long. Does the final Visa Bulletin mean all visas have already been issued and that I stand no chance ? This is quite worrying.
September 18, 2016 at 05:10
You still have about 2 weeks. before the end of the year. You can still have hope.
September 18, 2016 at 04:36
Hi Brit,
Do u still remember my case being forwarded for AoS and me getting mail from USCIS? Well I am sharing this information to make DV winner feel comfortable when they get some mail from them which really causes panic. Previously, I shared that KCC told me that the mailing address is fraud. Today, I received a mail from Lockbox stating the following:
Good morning –
Thank you for contacting Lockbox Support. Due to a mix-up with email addresses you were incorrectly sent this email that does not refer your case, please disregard as such. Lockbox Support has reported the incident to the appropriate channels within USCIS to investigate the incident.
If you require further information regarding your case, you can make an appointment at your nearest USCIS field office or U.S. Embassy or consulate, to speak with an Immigration Services Officer or Department of State Embassy or Consular official. A list of international U.S. immigration field offices can also be found at the following web site: http://www.uscis.gov/about-us/find-uscis-office/international-immigration-offices. If none of these resources is near to you, or does not provide the assistance that you need, then you may be able to obtain assistance by contacting the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate, http://www.usembassy.gov.
September 18, 2016 at 05:09
That makes even more sense…
September 18, 2016 at 05:22
Yeah. It really got me worried. Hope my case would be an interesting study for others who face similar problems. And I’d say that they need to communicate will all the authorized body if they get such mails.
God bless us all.
September 18, 2016 at 06:20
Hi Britsimon! I have submitted my ds260 form for the 2017 intake. I’m in Australia and my CN is in below 600. I am unsure what happens now. Do they contact me for an interview? I looked at the visa bulletin and for oceania in october it says 300. does that mean I have missed out of my number is above that?
September 18, 2016 at 14:28
You are fine, you just need to wait. Once your DS260 is processed (depends on when you submitted), AND your number is lower than the monthly VB, you will be scheduled (and informed by email).
September 18, 2016 at 07:36
Do I by chance have a shot of getting 2NL?, For my case number 2017AS0007003.
Country: Nepal
September 18, 2016 at 14:23
Read this:
https://britsimonsays.com/more-info-about-dv2017-2nd-draw/
September 18, 2016 at 09:31
Hi there
Your blog is fantastic – thank you for the tips.
I was born in Macau. What shall I enter under ‘City Where You Were Born’? As I understand it, Macau doesn’t have cities as it’s tinsy…? I might not have my birth certificate to hand by October, so your advice would be much appreciated!
Best wishes,
Evie
September 18, 2016 at 14:19
Enter Macau as city of birth.
However, there is an odd thing with Macau. The official instructions say to choose Portugal as country of chargeability. Here is what the instructions say…
**Hong Kong S.A.R. (Asia region), Macau S.A.R. (Europe region, chargeable to Portugal), and Taiwan (Asia region) do qualify and are listed here. For the purposes of the diversity program only, persons born in Macau S.A.R. derive eligibility from Portugal, and must select Portugal as their country of eligibility.
September 18, 2016 at 18:29
Cheers! Yes, I had noticed that in the official FAQs. Presumably then, I’d need to select ‘no’ under country of eligibility and select Portugal via the drop down box?
September 18, 2016 at 19:23
Exactly.
September 18, 2016 at 14:31
Kindly read to the end!!!
I have a problem in my dv 2017.
I won in the 2ND draw on September few days ago.
I didn’t add my younger son to the initial application..i started to create a ds260 form for him by using “add applicant” button….
.. I knew that this will disqualify me… Once I knew, I stopped completing the form and didn’t submit it.
Can I go to the interview with my Current case? Is there any hope our opportunities?
September 18, 2016 at 14:34
Why did you leave your son off the initial application?
September 18, 2016 at 14:47
He had no photo, was 5 month old
September 18, 2016 at 15:13
That is so frustrating!!! It would have taken 5 minutes to take a photo!
Honestly, you may as well forget the lottery win. You failed to follow the instructions (which are very clear on the entry) and there is no possibility you will be approved. There is no solution. To proceed would just be a waste of time and money. Enter the new lottery again – this time follow the instructions.
https://britsimonsays.com/easiest-way-to-get-disqualified-from-dv-lottery/
September 18, 2016 at 23:53
Even if he didn’t had a photo due to medical reason and I have proof for that?
September 19, 2016 at 02:51
There is no acceptable excuse.
September 18, 2016 at 15:10
My case number is 75##
Im dv winner of nepal( 2017)how many chance i will get 2nL notifaction plz Reply Me
September 18, 2016 at 15:15
I answered your other question.
September 18, 2016 at 18:15
Hi SImon!
I landed in the US last week. The border control person took my envelope but she did not take the chest x-ray, what am i supposed to to with it? Also, i went to the SS office 2 days after I landed to apply for a SS card even though I checked the box on my ds260 for USCIS to apply for it for me. Would that cause a problem?
Thanks for your help, lili
September 18, 2016 at 19:24
You just keep the xray as a souvenir. No problem about the SSN.
September 18, 2016 at 20:02
Hey Simon !
I have changed my postal address because of the move ,so I’m required to change my passport in order to add the new address in it or just proofs in the day of the interview ?,and also for DS-260 am I just required to list the new address as actual address
Thanks in advance
September 18, 2016 at 20:14
That is entirely a local matter (depending on your country authorities).
September 18, 2016 at 23:56
Dear Simmon
Do you know if the supportives documents need to be authenticated ( apostille).
Thank you.
September 19, 2016 at 02:51
Typically not, but you should check the embassy specific instructions.
September 19, 2016 at 04:06
Hi Simon!?
I read somewhere that for one to be considered admissable, u have to prove that u have the means to afford and support urself in the US. Like, u need to prove that u have at least $10,000 in ur bank account. Is it true Simon?
September 19, 2016 at 05:05
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
September 19, 2016 at 05:54
Can I ask Something
#Im dv winner of nepal (2017)
My cn :As57##
First time i do fill of Dv From i will input mistake Date Of Birth that Time
#Ds-260 submite i do gon a Currect my date of birth
Have i any problme For that cause
i will get 2nl notifaction
Plz reply
September 19, 2016 at 11:54
You will get your 2NL.
September 21, 2016 at 08:07
Are You Sure
Thank you SiR
September 21, 2016 at 13:54
There is no need to get me to answer questions twice!
September 19, 2016 at 06:34
Dear Simmon,
I have asked for unlocking on last week. but didn’t happen yet.
how long should i wait ? or shall email them again?
Regards,
September 19, 2016 at 11:53
They are busy arranging interviews for November. Wait another week then email again.
September 19, 2016 at 08:35
Hi Simon,
I have what seems like a really simple question but I’ve failed miserably to find the answer myself.
My husband and I are collecting our paperwork and need to apply for police records. I need mine from the UK and he needs his from NZ and the UK.
Do these checks need to be within a certain time frame i.e. within 3 months of our interview? We have completed our application and are waiting to get our interview date.
Should we just apply for them now and promise not to break the law between now and the interview?
Many thanks for all the amazing work you do managing this amazing resource.
Regards
Meg
September 19, 2016 at 11:48
Get them nearer the interview date. They should be recent.
September 19, 2016 at 11:10
Hello Mr Brit,
I am asking these questions on form form I-134:
My sponsor sent to me the following 1. Data page American passport 2. His employment letter stating salary 3. Tax forms 15 pages containing W2, 1010, reflecting gross pay of over $49000 with one dependant, etc . Question. Is it neccessary to fill the marked “$” columns on item 7 of the form?
September 19, 2016 at 11:44
Not all of them, but the annual income one at least.
September 19, 2016 at 11:13
Sir
still on form I-134 item 11. what is the minimum amount that the sponsor is suppose to mention per month pending when one will get a job.
Thank you
September 19, 2016 at 11:42
It should be unlimted.
“I intend to provide whatever financial support is needed for as long as needed”
September 19, 2016 at 11:54
hi Brit,
is it possible to be issued and refused when your passport is returned to you..was on AP since May 5,cleared AP n was called to submit my passport on the 27th August..status changed to ISSUED on the 30th August..still havent been called for pick up since..am worried..any thoughts?
September 19, 2016 at 12:01
You just have to wait. That is all.
September 19, 2016 at 12:28
Sir,
Thanks for all your effort on me
September 19, 2016 at 12:43
Hello SiR
Im dv winner Of Nepal my Case Num is 55##
But It My Problem i will put mistake date Of birth
Ds-260 submite Have I any Problme for Get secound latter plz Reply
September 19, 2016 at 12:51
You will get the 2nl. I hope you corrected the birthdate in the DS260.
September 21, 2016 at 08:16
Yes Sir I do Currect
Have I Any Problem fot in interview or not plz
September 21, 2016 at 13:51
Hopefully not.
September 22, 2016 at 02:33
Thanks for your sweet reply
U mean no problem for me
September 19, 2016 at 14:58
Hello,
another question please. Seeing that my case is under Administrative Processing for almost 2 months now and is it right that the embassy is keeping my passport ? How do I go for it ?
September 19, 2016 at 15:10
If you want a chance of getting the visa you will leave the passport with them until September 30. If your case is not approved by then, you will have missed out and you can then ask them to return your passport.
September 19, 2016 at 15:41
Hello Mr. Brit
i have a question please,i submited my ds-260 in last july,
my case no is 2017AF***3****
but I didn’t received my 2end letter yet .
thanks
September 19, 2016 at 18:23
You forgot the question. It was probably when will you be interviewed – read this – https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
September 19, 2016 at 16:13
dear simon,
my friend is the principal applicant, he completed his DS 260 form, he also completed his wife’s form. does he have to submit his form and then login again to submit his wife’s form or by submitting his form both forms will be submitted since he is the principal applicant? they also have a new born baby, is it ok if they add her in the DS 260 form as a new applicant?
thanks
September 19, 2016 at 17:18
Can I apply for 2018 twice;once being the main applicant and wife is spouse and another application she is main and I’m the spouse??
September 19, 2016 at 18:18
Yes
September 19, 2016 at 20:47
Hi Brit, I hope you are doing well. I have sent my ds260 in July and got confirmation that it was received. Is there any way I can check my status or should I just wait email from them for an interview? Thanks in advance
September 19, 2016 at 20:54
There is no way to check. You just wait until your case number is ready according to the visa bulletin.
September 19, 2016 at 22:15
hii simon
i am a dependent applicant but dont have police certificate from previous country of stay ,what should i do?
September 19, 2016 at 22:26
Get the police certificate.
September 20, 2016 at 01:24
i mean i was deported for overstay and hence unable to acquire it…
September 20, 2016 at 03:13
Apply for it anyway!
September 19, 2016 at 22:57
Hello did the mailing address for dv is based on country of residence or country where u where born can use my native country mailing address where it say [ in care of from block 8.a to 8.g ]or country i am living in today?
September 19, 2016 at 22:59
They don’t send any mail to you, just email. The only time you might need your current address is if they use a courier for the passport delivery.
September 20, 2016 at 02:17
if i plan to immigrate alone,i should also add my family to ds260.
should my family attend the interview ? If no,should they make all papers and medical examination ?
should i provide all my wife’s university,birth,and police certificates with me to the interview ?
Do you have any idea who they prefer more:the immigrant without his family and family immigration ?
September 20, 2016 at 03:11
If you plan to immigrate alone you include family members on your DS260, but do not complete a DS260 for the family.
However, it is unusual to process without the family – so why are you even thinkng of doing that. What they “prefer” is that people make a sensible plan.
September 20, 2016 at 05:42
hi Simon, hope you are good. I am a dv 2017 selectee and I want to know few things.
1. should I wait for my 2nl before doing medical exam?
2. should my affidavit be sent to me or Kcc?
3. I send my DS260 form adding my wife as spouse since two months and have not getting feedback. what is the delay?
4. should I obtain police clearance now?
September 20, 2016 at 14:41
1. Yes
2. You
3. Your case number and DS260 submission date determines the scheduling – are you current?
4. Normally you wait until the 2NL unless you know the police cert will take a long time to obtain.