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 6, 2019 at 06:52
Hi Brit,
My case no is AS17*** for 2020. I have already submitted the ds260 and now I’m waiting for the doc submitting part. With regarding to your latest video about president proclamation about health care I can’t understand what the requirement is? Do I need to have a insurance policy from my home country before going to the interview process?
Thanks
Nayomi
October 6, 2019 at 15:44
Possibly. It’s a pretty daft rule – so time will tell how it is implemented, or whether it will be blocked.
October 6, 2019 at 06:34
Three quick questions:
One: I am from a non-eligible country (the UK). My wife is from an eligible country and we are applying on the basis of her eligibility. I (the non-applicant) have two children from a former marriage (one under 21, one over 21), does my wife have to add none, one or both as step-children?
Two: does possession of a university degree mitigate the requirement to prove graduation from high school?
Three: my twenty-one year old son in the UK is also going to apply. He has three very good A-levels but was educated in other countries. Do the A-levels alone take care of the educational requirement.
Thanks in advance.
Donating now in appreciation.
October 6, 2019 at 15:39
1. First, you can also apply through your wife’s country (I did the same – I am British). See my entry video below. You both enter 1 child.
2. Not entirely, no. It should, but some COs are picky and will still ask to see school. In UK terms that is A levels.
3. Yes A levels. Was he born in an eligible country?
https://youtu.be/CiGh0nkuQ6k
October 6, 2019 at 17:34
Thanks, Simon.
1. Yes, I intend to apply via my wife’s country. Am I right that we both enter one child (the one we have together) and leave off my child from my previous marriage? *This is the main point I need clarity on.* I could not grasp whether the child of the spouse of the application from a previous marriage is counted as step-child of the applicant.
2. My wife is Russian. In Russia, you get a school-graduation certificate at 16. She has that. Then she has a degree. I will look into finding out the rest. I understand that this can wait till / if the question becomes worth discussing.
3. Yes, in Russia.
October 6, 2019 at 17:36
>>I could not grasp whether a child of the spouse of the applicant (i.e. of the person included on the application of the valid applicant) from a previous marriage is counted as step-child of the applicant.
October 6, 2019 at 18:29
1. You must enter all children under 21 and that INCLUDES step children. If your child from a previous marriage is UNDER 21 then you BOTH need to add that child as well.
2. The difference between 16 and 18 will be important. Degree courses, universities, start at 18 generally – so she probably had some further education between 16 and 18.
3. Cool.
October 6, 2019 at 04:44
Hello Brit,
I got selected for DV2020. Just one question, when we send documents for further processing should my Wife and I send documents through the same email or our individual emails?
Thanks.
October 6, 2019 at 15:34
The principal applicant (winner) should send all documents.
October 6, 2019 at 03:55
Hello simon,
I’ve one little question, my photo doesn’t fit the dv lottery photo tool, will that disqualify my photo?
waiting your answer so eagerly,
thank you
October 6, 2019 at 15:32
Possibly, depending on how bad it doesn’t fit.
October 6, 2019 at 03:03
Hi. My No AS17××× for DV2020. When can i fill the DS 260 ? Do you have a deadline to fill DS 260?
I am from Sri Lanka. But now i am moving to dubai next week, in this case can i fill my Ds 260 form in dubai and get an interview date in dubai us conaulate ?
I want to travel to US by myself first (even though i applied my initial Dv2020 application including my family ) Is their any issue filling the Ds 260 only for myself will their be any problems at the interview ?
I am so confused.
Thank you for your information
October 6, 2019 at 15:31
You have months to fill in the DS260. Yes you can do it in Dubai.
You can complete the DS260 for yourself only, but be aware the process to bring them later is slow (2 years) and expensive.
October 6, 2019 at 00:50
Hello Brit!
I’am Elhadj Mamoudou Diallo from the Republic of Guinea, I recently moved to China for my studies is it possible for me to apply for DV lottery living in China?
October 6, 2019 at 15:23
Yes. although China may restrict internet access.
October 5, 2019 at 23:32
Dear simon..
I’ d like to inform you that my Educational Qualification was be written incorrect (Primary school) in the form of DV-2020 electronic entry in October of last year. This was done unintentionally .My correct Educational Qualification (Vocational education, holder of a commercial diploma), and I completed my DS-260 form with the correct data.
Do you have any problem in selecting the wrong educational phase and correcting it in the form ds 260?
October 6, 2019 at 15:22
What you selected last year in the entry for educational level is unimportant. Just make the DS260 accurate. No need to inform anyone.
October 5, 2019 at 22:45
Dear Simon,
Greeting!
Thank you for every thing,
I tried to enter my lottery, in the first step when i click continue i always get the following message:
the requested url was rejected. please consult with your administrator. your support id is: 7621899764423196355
Please help me
Thank you.
October 6, 2019 at 15:19
1. Try a different browser.
2. Wait for a few days and try again.
October 5, 2019 at 22:32
Hi, I have 2 questions:
1) In my name and in my birth city name there are special characters used (Č and Ć). Should I use those letters or just type C instead?
2) I’m currently in college and I’m not in my birth city but I didn’t change my location details anywhere. Does that affect my form in any way?
Thank you
October 6, 2019 at 15:18
1. C
2. Am I supposed to guess the form we are discussing?
October 5, 2019 at 22:13
Hello Brit, I asked earlier on if i need to ask KCC to open my application to amend my parents names to match that which is on my birth certificate. I filled their full names in my DS-260, but their middle names are not included on my birth certificate. I am asking again because your answer was “no problem” but I want you to clarify if it’s not an issue I need to bother KCC with.
Thanks
October 6, 2019 at 15:17
“No problem” says everything. No need for me to answer twice.
October 5, 2019 at 21:30
Hi Brit,
My wife and I are applying for a CR1 visa.
And with the approach of the DV lottery program, I wonder if my DV application can cause the CR1 refusal.
Thank you so much.
October 5, 2019 at 22:06
I doubt that it would.
October 5, 2019 at 21:29
Hello, I have the following questions
1. Can apply for a non immigrant or immigrant visa be a problem if I applied for the green card lottery but I wasn’t selected?
2. If I win the Lottery but my petition for obtaining the green card is denied can I apply for a non immigrant or immigrant visa? If the answer is ‘yes’ after how many time?
3. If my lottery number is not high and I don’t have the opportunity to apply can I apply with other immigrant or non immigrant visas in the future? After how many time?
4. Could the cases of my previous questions be an ostacle for obtaining visas and/or someone working at the USCIS block the petition because of that?
October 6, 2019 at 00:32
1. No
2. ANY non immigrant application has a burden to prove you will not overstay or emigrate. The DV lottery win (if then processed) is one extra factor, but not the ONLY factor.
October 5, 2019 at 21:28
Hi
Simon is there a chance, or have you heard of some case that a selectee gets the entry visa without having a sponsor I-134 ?
A sincere question. Me and my wife are both highly qualified (master’s and BSc degrees) we both work in our country, although the standard wages in our country are not high compared to US or that much to meet the poverty guidelines and it seems we cannot find a sponsor.
We want to be honest with the officer, we will have money of course but not according to poverty guidelines described there as it is too high. we might have half of that. Do you think theres a chance to get the visa?
October 5, 2019 at 21:45
Applications are treated on a case by case basis. COs in poor countries know the realities of life there are look for ways that you will avoid becoming a public charge. An I-134 is the safest way – but yes, some people get approved without that.
October 6, 2019 at 08:40
Thanks for answering.
Yes we looked to get I-134 but we have none in US and thats why we firstly applied for the lottery because we read somewhere that sponsor is not a must but then when we won we saw more details and this public charge stuff.
Its just in some countries impossible that you get $25k. We both work in southeastern europe and in our countries our salaries are about $450/monthly and they are considered good wages. Yes the COs live here n they know I believe the reality but I dont know if they take in consideration that we do/did the maximum. We will get employed in US, I always worked, I would work in US too. Plus I speak more than 5 langs. Sorry for making this long, We are just worried Simon and so happy we won and really want to live in US be loyal citizens.
What should we tell him/her to help our case? Do you have any idea please?
October 6, 2019 at 15:56
The CO will consider all the factors including your work history and education. Neither I nor anyone else can give you a certainty how the CO will judge that – which is why people get the I-134 because it removes doubt.
October 5, 2019 at 21:18
Hi BritSimon,
If the draw is random, why are some countries issued more visas than others?
October 5, 2019 at 21:46
Because some countries have lots of entries compared to other countries. More entries = more selected = more visas issued.
October 5, 2019 at 21:12
Hi BritSimon,
I have a question regarding filling out the name for the DV lottery. Let’s say my name is John Doe Smith.
-On my passport, my Given Name is John Doe Smith and the Surname is blank.
-On my birth certificate, all it says is Name: John Doe Smith.
-I have a B1/B2 visa on my passport that says Last Name: Smith and First/Given name: John Doe.
What should I enter for the DV lottery in the name section and passport section? Should I select no first name and no middle name and put in John Doe Smith for Last/Surname? Type FNU for first name, no middle name and John Doe Smith as last name? Or like in my B1/B2?
I read about name discrepancies causing disqualifications so I want to be as accurate as possible.
October 5, 2019 at 21:48
Like the B1/B2
October 5, 2019 at 22:09
But there are two areas where they ask for the name. First on top of the DV form and one under passport details.
Do I fill in both sections as like my B1/B2 even though my surname is blank in the main page of my passport but not on my B1/B2?
Will it cause any problems filling it like the B1/B2 as other pages in my passport has the surname blank and given name as John Doe Smith?
October 5, 2019 at 19:24
Hi Brit,
Hope your are doing well. Thank you for your videos that made me more comfortable on dv lottery. I am looking forward to apply for the dv 2021
I just had some questions and I know you are the right person with the answers to them
1. Me and My husband, we both are eligible to apply for dv lottery. Is it a good ideA to have two entries; one under my name with my husband as spouse and other with my husband’s with me as spouse?
2. Is it possible to fill the entry with spouse and kids with the passport expired or no passport yet but the entrant has a valid passport?
October 5, 2019 at 20:22
1. Yes
2. Yes.
October 6, 2019 at 17:13
Thank you so much:)
October 5, 2019 at 19:22
Hi Britt
I would like to know what will happen to those who are filling out the form without a passport number, by ticking the box B. Passport Exemption?
what Congolese agencies are currently doing, they apply for candidates who do not have passports
October 5, 2019 at 20:21
Those people have no justification to tick box B so will be disqualified at interview (if selected). They will waste their time and money. They are fools, being fooled.
October 5, 2019 at 19:12
Hi Simon, a few questions here:
1. my current address now is rental home, so i’m not sure i will live here until next year, so what address should I enter?
2. me and my family got US tourist visa last year, but we never enter US. could this affect my chances to be approved if i’m selected?
Thank you so much
October 5, 2019 at 20:19
1. Your current address.
2. No
October 8, 2019 at 19:54
So I have 1 permanent address (my own apartment) and 1 rented apartment were we live 1.5 years, I always put the address of my apartment that is my own, will it cause problems?
October 9, 2019 at 03:43
No problem.
October 5, 2019 at 18:41
Dear BritSimonSays,
My name’s Gio and I would like to know or have an opinion from you whether I’ve entered a multiple entry or not. While I was completing the Entry Form for the DV-2021 and entered then the Submit-Button it showed me a page where there was written that an error occured. I then clicked back and hit the submit button for two more times but the error page still showed up.
I decided to refill my entry again and afterward it went smoothly and showed me a confirmation number.
My question to you:
In best case I will be notified as a winner, would I be disqualified due to that problem that occured ? Or would I have anyways received a notification that I entered my entry multiple times and show me not a confirmation number ?
October 5, 2019 at 20:17
This is covered in the entry instructions. No confirmation number = no entry.
October 5, 2019 at 18:19
Hello there I want to ask about dv lottery
My question is I am a deplomat working in my country embassy I want to try dv lottery. So is It lawful to fill dv lottery
Thanks
October 5, 2019 at 20:16
Yes
October 5, 2019 at 17:58
Hello Simon
I got a system error message after several attempts. Do you recommend any particular time for the entry depending on the time zones or something else ? Cheers
October 5, 2019 at 20:15
The system would be quieter in a few days time.
October 12, 2019 at 02:59
Hello Simon,
The system error becomes very persistent. I got a good bandwidth but sadly I keep on failing after numerous attempts. Is there anything we can do ?
October 12, 2019 at 03:11
Try a different browser, different computer, type faster.
October 5, 2019 at 17:47
Hi simon
Thanks for all your help with your videos. I live with my boyfriend and our son. We are not married yet. Do we have to apply individually?
October 5, 2019 at 20:14
Well you cannot apply as a couple. So – yes.
October 5, 2019 at 16:56
Dear Brit,
Thanks for this great initiative!
My apologies if the question was answered – I could not readily find it.
Is there an advantage to use a US address (what we have done over 10 years with no success) vs the applicant’s original address (not trusting local post office)?
Thanks again,
Chris
October 5, 2019 at 20:10
No. The draw is RANDOM.
October 5, 2019 at 16:52
Good Day Simon, thank you for an extremely informative blog and YouTube Channel, it has been extremely helpful. Unfortunately, my situation is somewhat unique. My partner and I have been living together for many years and do plan to marry sometime during the DV process. We both have children from previous marriages, however my 2 are both over 21, therefore they will enter the DV process in their own right.
The question is as follows;
My partner has a 19 year old son with whom he sadly has no contact at all. If I were to win the DV lottery, and we choose to marry after the announcement, but before the interview, would we have to enter the child’s details on the DS260 form? He will be 20 at that time and 21 by the time we make the move to the US, should I be fortunate enough to win.
Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
October 5, 2019 at 20:10
If you get selected, you would presumably marry before DS260 submission. The 19 year old would then be your step child and BOTH you and your spouse should list the child on your DS260s. But obviously you would not complete a DS260 for that child.
October 7, 2019 at 05:44
Thank you Simon, much appreciated.
October 5, 2019 at 16:09
Hi Simon! My last name contains non-English characters. I got an “ü”, to be more specific. I have it with an “ü” on my passport but it has been replaced with an “u” in the visa I got for the states. So I’m confused, when I’m applying should I write it the way it is or replace it?
October 5, 2019 at 16:16
Many systems won’t accept the special characters. So enter without.
October 5, 2019 at 15:33
Sir,please can I apply for the Dv lottery with zone 2 job such as heavy equipment operator?
October 5, 2019 at 15:43
That will not meet the requirements, so if you don’t meet the education requirement, you should not apply.
October 5, 2019 at 15:14
Dear Simon,
All respect for you.
BR,
Aly Ali
October 5, 2019 at 14:56
Dear Simon,
I know what you are talking about but as you know this chance might not be repeated again , that is why i am asking if there will be any bad situation in the future if i proceed and got the visa hopefully on 2020 appreciate your direct answer
BR,
Aly Ali
October 5, 2019 at 15:04
I will not help or encourage you to break the law.
October 5, 2019 at 14:48
* I meant he is okay with poverty guidlines
October 5, 2019 at 14:42
Dear Brit, if sponsor has completed i130 for family member, is that ok also to fill i134 for a friend, he is okay with the incomes?
Again, thank you Sir, do appreciate your help.
October 5, 2019 at 15:06
It’s a risk. Another sponsor would be better. Your choice.
October 5, 2019 at 15:54
Hope that will be okay, if they would not be ok I would change, do you think if they reject this one they will say find another one? Or they will just reject, our family has a good work experience plus we have money savings?
October 5, 2019 at 16:04
Again – you have to decide what is best.
October 5, 2019 at 20:21
You are such a great person, would like to meet you and talk about life, thank you
October 5, 2019 at 13:47
Dear Simon,
Greeting!
Thank you for every thing,
I tried to enter my lottery, in the first step when i click continue i always get the following message:
the requested url was rejected. please consult with your administrator. your support id is: 7621899764423196355
Please help me
Thank you.
October 5, 2019 at 14:58
Try again in a few days.
October 6, 2019 at 10:30
Dear Simon,
I can enter others, but not for myself.
When i enter for myself i get that message.
Even when i entered for my wife it works but in the second step when i enter my name as a spouse agait i get that message.
October 6, 2019 at 16:04
Interesting. Does your name have any special characters? Is it a long name?
October 7, 2019 at 03:58
My name is: mohammad amin
And last name: walizada
October 5, 2019 at 13:40
Dear Simon
After i took my picture I’ve found that there is a tiny/faint dark spot in the background.
Is it okay to do minor retouches in the background knowing that these retouches won’t do any alteration to my face.
And thank you so much.
October 5, 2019 at 14:57
Yes
October 5, 2019 at 12:35
Hello Sir,
I was living and studying in another country for about 20 year (from the age of 14-15) but right now I am in my own country for the last nearly 15 years.
Do I require a Police Clearance Certificate from that countries’ FRRO (Foreigner Regional Registration Offices) branch to show the U.S. Embassy in Ankara or not?
As they (U.S. Embassy) don’t require such certificate or letter from us in my own country IRAN.
October 5, 2019 at 14:56
You must read the instructions including the reciprocity pages.
October 5, 2019 at 11:51
Hi Brit,my girl friend has a valid passport but we are not married.
Can we play together.
She as principal applicant.
October 5, 2019 at 12:04
Nope, you must be married. She has to enter as single, if she win she can marry you and add you in her ds260
October 5, 2019 at 14:54
I already answered you.
October 5, 2019 at 10:44
Hi Simon
Can my wife and I enter DV21 separately and as independent entries ? ( to try capitalise on 2 entries versus 1)
And if so who must add the derivatives in their entry ? i.e we have two children
Much appreciated
October 5, 2019 at 14:48
Both can enter. Both add all derivatives.
October 5, 2019 at 10:36
Hi brit, Is there any problem,the person who want to sponsor me if he stayed in US only around two years?thank you
October 5, 2019 at 14:40
Should be OK
October 5, 2019 at 09:57
Hi.
I have been having trouble getting past the 1st page due to overload, I hope. But now I am worried, that they will see it as multiple entries.Or does the entry only count once you have gotten the confirmation code at the end? thank you 🙂
One more question. Last year I got married, and the lady told me to get my surname on my passport when I renew it, which is in 2026. In the 1st Part, do I put my married surname or my maiden name? 🙂
October 5, 2019 at 14:39
No confirmation = no entry.
Married. But you should renew it sooner if selected (and keep proof of current passport).
October 5, 2019 at 09:53
Hi Brit,
There is a DV2020 selectee who is a homosexual girl from a country affected by Travel Ban. She is in relation with another girl since some years, but since same-sex marriage is NOT recognized in their country and any country around them, they have no chance to get married. As I understood they have photos and other stuff to prove their relationship.
Now, the question; does she have any chance to add her partner to her DV case or not?! What is the best approach for them to benefit of this DV chance?!
Thank you,
October 5, 2019 at 14:36
She cannot add her partner unless married. So unless they can travel somewhere else, there is nothing they can do without a legal marriage. Given the travel ban also – she should go through the process single, then later get married in USA or somewhere else and sponsor her.
October 5, 2019 at 20:02
Thanks
October 5, 2019 at 21:51
Hi Brit
1. If someone get DV lottery ( 2020 ) and his brother judgement Terrorist Issues obtaining ?
2 . Does it get the Comunication between the US Embassy and Countries governments for information about a person get DV lottery and this person not have any Crime or penalty But the government claims that he has Trends to terrorist groups but the government don’t have any Evidence ?
October 5, 2019 at 22:05
1. I don’t understand your question.
2. Applicants are screened for connections, so if someone was related to or connected with a suspected terrorist, yes that could cause a problem.
October 5, 2019 at 08:04
Hello simon,
I am 20 years old.
being below 21 years old, i can be included in both of my parents’ applications as a child. This I believe is lawful as Iv read about it on the USCIS.
however, being above 18, I possess a highschool diploma. can i also apply as a seperate applicant, therefore, trippling my chances?
Thank you for your time.
October 5, 2019 at 14:11
Yes
October 5, 2019 at 19:19
In Similar case (20 yo) can I use the same picture in both application ? Thank You ..
October 5, 2019 at 20:20
Yes.
October 5, 2019 at 05:01
Thanks dear
I admit it is my mistake, but what is the worse consequences because as you said it is very tough lesson, what is the expected bad situation in your opinion.
BR,
Aly Ali
October 5, 2019 at 14:02
Lying is immigration fraud. A serious offence.
October 5, 2019 at 03:55
Check this out
Trump signs proclamation restricting visas for uninsured
https://apnews.com/16f0a84c7f21492785c3eca15f998103
October 5, 2019 at 04:44
I know. That guy is a pain in the butt.
October 5, 2019 at 02:35
Good evening Brit please I need your help too play dv lottery am from Nigeria and I have a valid passport it going too expire on 2022 please try and help me out sir because the poor in my country is much sir I want too come over too the state too work sir help me God bless you and your family sir
Thank you very much I appreciate you sir
October 5, 2019 at 03:41
Nehemiah, if you were born in Nigeria, you cannot enter the lottery as Nigeria is ineligible.
October 4, 2019 at 23:06
Goo day Sir, please I want to ask the following:
1. If you have two middle names in your passport, do you put them in the Middle Name Section of the Application?
2.Do we fill the application in capital letters, or that is not relevant?
October 4, 2019 at 23:29
1. Yes
2. not relevant
October 4, 2019 at 22:07
Dear simon,
I hope you are doing well. Dear simon there is only one name mentioned in my passport which means no sure name or middle name mentioned . But while I was trying to fill DV-2021 there is a new section 7. Passport is added which is the US government made a little modification in DV-2021. So what should I have to write to fill for the fields given name, middle name and sure name in DV-2021 section 7. Passport . So please give me an Official rule given to that problem or advise me please .
Thanks for your cooperation in advance !!!
God bless you!
October 4, 2019 at 23:31
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CiGh0nkuQ6k
October 4, 2019 at 22:05
Can i fill the form of dv 2021 but i have already selection dv 2020 n already fix interview date
October 4, 2019 at 23:31
Yes
October 4, 2019 at 21:36
Good afternoon sir,my girlfriend has a valid passport but in it she’s single .can we play together as married, while she’s the principal applicant.
October 4, 2019 at 23:31
Hi Brit,
My wife is winning dv2020 & she submi ds260 application and Kentucky sent to her email to submit some documents to them to proceed visa interview, my question is if I need to renew my passport due to my passport will expire at October 2020 so, Can I renew my passport after she submit ds260 and before she send documents to Kentucky ? And if I can renew before she send the documents, Can she send to Kentucky both copies of old and new passport or what ?
October 4, 2019 at 23:33
Renew first, then send the documents.
October 4, 2019 at 23:32
No. THat would be very foolish.
October 6, 2019 at 08:34
Hello Brit
I have a question on country of eligibility and country of birth.
I have mentioned my country of birth (DR Congo)but claimed eligibility from where I live now for 23 years now(Rwanda).
Is that wrong ?
October 6, 2019 at 15:54
Yes. It was wrong. You should have just left it as DRC. However, luckily for you, since both ccountries are in Africa, if you are selected it will be possible to continue depite that mistake.
October 4, 2019 at 21:33
Hello Simon, I was selected for dv lottery 2020 and I am not qualified in any studies but I have more than 2 years work experiences just wanted to ask you that do I have a chance if my job zone is 2? Please I need your assistance thanks.
October 4, 2019 at 23:33
No.
October 4, 2019 at 20:50
hallo mr simon,
does the public charge rule impact dv2021 application done before the 15th october 2019.
Thank you
October 4, 2019 at 20:15
Hi Brit,I have a passport put has expired according to expiry date.
Can I still use the number to enter the lottery and renew it when I get money?
October 4, 2019 at 19:47
Hi sir,
I want to know that does border service of my country has right do not let me to go to USA because i have only i-551 stamp on my passport?
Best regards,
October 5, 2019 at 20:21
Sir,
Did you respond the answer”NO” to 3 questions?