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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.
October 22, 2020 at 09:49
Hello Brit.
DV2021 selectee here with CN around EU10k. I’ve been hearing stuff about Siskind and Kuck lawsuit that could benefit DV2021 but I am still confused as I have not found clear information about it yet, specially information on how to join.
Is there is any link or information about the case that could be of interest given my CN?
Is waiting until the elections to see what happens before joining a lawsuit a good option?
Thanks a lot for your help
October 22, 2020 at 19:56
I’m not sure the suit is still open for new plaintiffs. Link below for info.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPhlMKt18CbfCVMgN97qCeN9yV9xjUNhvzwKnphDGlrtuj0g/viewform
October 22, 2020 at 09:50
Hey Simon. Quick question. My parents applied for tourist Visa when I was a kid, Like 15 years ago, but they never went trough with it because of economic reasons. They did have an appointment tho. In the ds-260 they ask me if I have ever applied for US visas. What should I answer there?
Thanks for all your help. Praying for the Biden win.
October 22, 2020 at 19:56
Sounds like “no”.
October 22, 2020 at 11:54
Hi Brit,
What will a college degree be equivalent to in the list of educational achievement as
Of today? Thanks
October 22, 2020 at 20:37
You mentioned “Degree”.
October 22, 2020 at 14:13
Hi Brit,
Once u have been selected, is this means ur photo has been accepted?, Is disqualification can happen because of photo at later stage?
On the other hand, official photo tool is not working at all, any tip or trick to solve this issue?
Last question, is it a must for kids photos to perfectly match other web based green card photos check tools?
Thanks
October 22, 2020 at 20:40
Cases have been disqualified at interview because of photos.
https://youtu.be/DD9xUqNudUk
October 26, 2020 at 19:14
Thanks Brit, I should have made my question more clear, my wife is the main applicant.Had a head cover for religious reasons with a little shadow on one side of the photo. Is this has been reviewed & accepted while selected or this may impact the case at the interview stage?
October 26, 2020 at 20:11
As I already said, it is possible for a case to be disqualified because of the phot, at the interview. However, the photo must be really bad for that to happen.
October 22, 2020 at 21:12
Hello Britsimon!
A guy who is called 2021AF 32k has asked you if he as a winner can be disqualified at the interview cause the photo doesn’t match the qualifications (as I could understand) and you answered him as follow:
Cases have been disqualified at interview because of photos.
How can a person get selected and go through the process although the photo does not match the photo tool for example?
If the photo is never been used in any other application and its recently taken within the last 6 months, and the person is on focus and etc, still they at the embassy can get the application disqualified?
Can you please give examples about reasons for cases been disqualied at the interview cause of the photo, and what mistakes in particular was on that photo?
I feel so confused because I read your answer on previous answers to other questions that you didn’t see a case been disqualified for example because they used an older photo.
Regards
October 22, 2020 at 14:28
Dear simon
i selectee of dv 2021 with case no AF 2XXX, I have complited submitting the required documentation by 7th of August and have received email confirming that am ready for interview schedule. however yet i didn’t receive my 2nl.
1. what do you recommend me to do? shall i wait and see or shall I contact the KCC?
2. does it help joining the current lawsuit?
Many thanks in advance
October 22, 2020 at 20:41
No one is being scheduled right now due to the ban. You can wait, or join the lawsuit if you wish.
October 22, 2020 at 16:29
Hi Mr.simon,
My name is hesham and i am from bahrain. I have immigrant visa and it expires in feb 2021. I traveled twice before but a lot problems happened to me at the airports. Anyway i dont want to repeat these scenarios, so i want to book a flight from bahrain to chicago through UAE aka a flight from bahrain to abu dhabi then abu dhabi to chicago non stop. Do you think it is ok or i will face problems maybe ? I know it may sound a silly question but i dont want to repeat what happened to me before like stuck in the airports and go back.
Thanks
October 22, 2020 at 20:45
I have no idea what problems you had or whether those problems would happen again.
October 23, 2020 at 01:18
The problems were that i tried to travel through france but they refused to board me in france because i didnt know about the travel ban at that time and then my visa got expired, then i had renew it. Now i must travel through UAE only as its not mentioned in the travel restrictions website thats why i asked if you think i can travel through UAE just to be sure because i think you are a reliable source. Anyway, Do you think that the elections outcome would affect some travel rules and add new travel restrictions or maybe the country would be in full lockdown if for example Biden wins?
Thanks
October 23, 2020 at 21:35
As things currently stand there is no restriction on entry to the USA via UAE as far as I know. But given the avoidable situation you got yourself into before I hope you will now make efforts to check and recheck your travel options.
As for what will happen in the coming months, I really have no way to predict all the things that could change.
October 22, 2020 at 16:36
Hello BritSimon,
I am so admire you ,that you are besty with people communication you have.
I am Eritrean, I fill DS260 on October, 16, 2020, my case number is 2021AF0000xxxx. Today within 6 days I received from KCC DV to send them supporting documents. Eventually I have left Birth certificate for my new born twins. So Is there time limit to send supporting documentation ? My second question last time you advise me to wait after election because of travel ban. What do you advise me collectively ?
October 22, 2020 at 20:46
There is no time limit.
I still think waiting for the election would be the wisest idea.
October 22, 2020 at 18:26
Hi brit
I am Plaintiff for IV ban litigation, with case number As9700 from Nepal (with 3801 selectees). It seems like plaintiffs should wait to have their case number to be current. so i am worried about my case number. Based on your experience, will my CN be current in late june/july?
I admire you and your work!
October 22, 2020 at 20:48
I have no idea. There is too many factors to predict anything…
October 23, 2020 at 14:45
But Vb butten hasnt been stopped unlike other process. What factors may affect VB sir?
thank you.
October 23, 2020 at 22:40
The VB numbers are increased based on cases left, capacity and so on. The VB number is a RESULT of those factors.
October 22, 2020 at 18:31
Hello mister Brit, first, I would like to thank you for your tremendous efforts, i’m a dv 2021 winner,i have a question please about my primary occupation in the ds-260 form i’ve put “not employed” as im currently unemployed, does this affect my case? and my chances of getting the visa? Thanks for the answer
regards.
October 22, 2020 at 20:49
Doesn’t matter
October 22, 2020 at 20:06
Dear BritSimon,
Is it ok to change the photo background to make it lighter in photoshop without altering anything else? Or will it be disqualified?
Many thanks!
October 22, 2020 at 21:25
You can do that if it is very well done.
October 22, 2020 at 20:31
Hi sir, I made a mistake while applying for the 2022 GC about my email adresse. instead of hotmail I wrote gmail. Supposed that I win could I adjust it in the DS-FORM there?
THANK YOU !
October 22, 2020 at 21:25
Yes
October 22, 2020 at 21:47
Hi Mr. Simon,
I applied For DV 2021 in 2019, can i still check to see if i was selected, or do i have to apply now for the DV 2022?
October 22, 2020 at 23:02
You can do both – check if you are selected, and enter DV2022.
October 22, 2020 at 21:55
Also Mr. Simon,
If I have to re apply, I will be doing it tomorrow which will be 23-10-2020 but one of my daughters turn 21 on 24-10-2020, can I include her in the application?
October 22, 2020 at 23:04
Yes – but she will not be able to get a visa if you are selected.
October 22, 2020 at 22:50
Hi.
Please I need to know what to do because my husband lost the passport with which he entered the lottery and I have no way of obtaining the photocopy that I can tell the kcc.
October 23, 2020 at 21:52
Hi.
Please I need to know what to do because my husband lost the passport with which he entered the lottery and I have no way of obtaining the photocopy that I can tell the kcc.
October 24, 2020 at 04:23
You need to work this out. I don’t have a solution for you.
October 23, 2020 at 01:27
Britsimonsays i am finding it difficult completing the because the second part of the application is not opening .
o
October 23, 2020 at 21:35
Too vague to answer.
October 23, 2020 at 04:04
Hi Simon,
Qq I got two kids from a previous marriage but i’m in a legal dispute with my ex-wife as cannot see my kids for the last two years. Today I got married again and got a baby.
Shall I include all my kids (3) despite I won’t be able to provide photos for all of them?
Thanks!!!
October 23, 2020 at 21:36
You must include all 3 children and your new spouse. You will need photos of all of them. If you cannot get photos, don’t enter the lottery.
October 23, 2020 at 23:04
Thank you very much!!!
October 23, 2020 at 06:02
Hi. I sent my documents to KCC (after they requested them) about 10 weeks ago. I have not heard from them to say that all is ok. I have emailed them 3 times already and each time they come back with a different set email reply that is not answering my question whether the documents are ok. One email advised that my DS260 has been processed and I would have received an email, or should receive one soon with further instructions. I explained to them I received the mail requesting documents which I have sent but have not heard anything further. Should I just wait for them? Case number 2021AF19xxx.
October 23, 2020 at 21:37
Yes – wait a few more weeks. Your case number is not current yet – so why be impatient?
October 23, 2020 at 09:19
Hi Brit! I was selected for DV21 with a case EU35XXX.
1) Do you think I should be the plaintiff in the Cook and Siskind lawsuit?
2) Is there any benefit to me because of my high case number?
October 23, 2020 at 21:58
1. I won’t advise one way or another on that.
2. You must still wait for your case number, the lawsuit cannot change that.
October 23, 2020 at 09:57
Hello Simon!!
Im dv2021,cn 6k europe.
Im have already sent scaned documents,now im waiting for medical and interview.. my question is,did i risk for an interview with this cn? Should i join the lawsuit? Do you have any idea of what is going to happen? Thank you,regards from albania!!!
October 23, 2020 at 21:59
No I don’t know what is going to happen. Your guess is as good as mine.
October 23, 2020 at 10:34
Thank you Brit for your answer to my question, which was about listing my first child above 21 years at the family information section of the ds-260. She is currently on government scholarship outside my country and will come back and live with us by next year June. Pls in her case, how should I answer this questions:
1. “Does this child live with you!” Yes/No
2. “Is this child migrating to the US with you?” Yes/No.
October 23, 2020 at 12:29
Hello Brit
I am from Uzbekistan
Our country approved another different passport 2 years ago for people who wants to leave the country. But I have come to another country for 3years, so now, I have my old passport, but I can travel to 3rd country with this passport. Right now, while I am away from my home country, it gets over 1month to exchange the passport.
Everybody is saying that the old passports are not eligible to fill the dv lottery.
What can you advice for me?
Thank you
October 23, 2020 at 22:37
I don’t know anything about those old passports.
October 23, 2020 at 22:35
1. No
2. No
These are not trick questions – just answer honestly and you’ll be fine.
October 23, 2020 at 13:17
Hi mr brit iam dv winner i have joined the new lawsuit
Actually iam software engineer . I make 1k$ a month i live with my family i pay no tax….
do you think its better for me to move to usa (with covid19…).
Iam begginer in IT world (5 yrs study 1 yrs work)
Do you think i will find job in IT in my first year?
October 23, 2020 at 22:38
I have no idea what you do, how good you are and so on – so how can I guess what chances you have?
October 23, 2020 at 16:11
Hello sirs,
if I win in DVLOTTERY and I’m already have a case in IOM , is that effect in my family members like my MOTHER OR BORTHRES because I’m the main principle applicant
THANKS A LOT
October 23, 2020 at 22:43
It’s a vague question, but in general there is no connection from your DV case to your parents or siblings.
October 23, 2020 at 16:24
Hello Simon.
My question is how can i apply dv lottery if my passport is expired? And i can’t get right now my new passport For covid-19 pandemic.
Thanks.
October 23, 2020 at 22:43
You can’t. The rule is that you have an unexpired passport.
October 23, 2020 at 16:34
Hello mr Brit Simon,
I already submitted the documents and just today I realized that there is a mistake in my 260 form. In my job address I wrong Part of the address name I put garage instead of grange . Is that a problem? Should I unlock it again two fix it ? Or I can leave it like that and then just explain at the day of the interview? I already unlocked it 2 times and already submitted the documents.
Thank you
October 23, 2020 at 22:43
No need to unlock for that.
October 23, 2020 at 16:48
HI Brit,
I have three questions.
” Approximately 132,404 applicants have been registered and notified and may now make an application for an immigrant visa ” this number in September 2020 visa bulletin ( 132,404 ).Is it number of winners only , or winners with their derivatives?
Is this number is the total for all cases numbers ?
Does the cases numbers all go in sequence with Africa, Asia, Europe, and so on?
Or every area have a separate arrangement ?
Kind regards
October 24, 2020 at 03:15
1. Winners and derivatives.
2. Not clear what you are asking.
3. Each region has their own numbers, starting at 1.
Please read the FAQ – these questions would have been answered there.
October 23, 2020 at 18:20
Good morning Sir , dv 2021′
Is there still any lawsuit for dv2021 to be one as a plaintiffs ? If yes could you give us the link to participate?
Thank you Sir
October 24, 2020 at 04:13
You can ask the lawyers.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScPhlMKt18CbfCVMgN97qCeN9yV9xjUNhvzwKnphDGlrtuj0g/viewform
October 23, 2020 at 18:31
Hi
I am DV2020 AS15956 , I was current in May , so do I have chance to get visa , what’s the procedure should I take it now.
October 24, 2020 at 04:16
You waited all this time to ask? I have written many articles about the current situation. Put in some effort – read them.
October 23, 2020 at 19:17
Hi Simon,
Two questions:
1. DS260 submitted back in Jun 26, 2020 (Case No: 2021AF24XXX), but no request of Documents from KCC as of yet. Is this normal?
2. Birth and Marriage certificates in our country have both English and Local Languages on their biodata pages, just like that of a Passport. Do you think these documents need translation?
Thanks
October 24, 2020 at 04:17
1. 100% normal in your case. Patience.
2. Probably not. Use your own judgement.
October 25, 2020 at 17:26
Thanks BritSimon
October 23, 2020 at 20:06
Hi Britt,
How many times DS-260 can be unlocked?
Thank you
October 24, 2020 at 04:17
1723
October 23, 2020 at 20:06
Hi Simon,
I applied when I had a kid but I didnt put her on coz the mother had denied me to add her but after I was selected the mother of my daughter agreed , can I add her on the DS-260 Form or they will disqualify me
October 24, 2020 at 04:18
You lied so will be disqualified.
October 23, 2020 at 21:30
Hello mr Brit Simon,
I got a question. So basically I already submitted my 260 form after I unlocked it 2 times. And I also sent the documents to the kcc even I didn’t receive any answers if they fine or not. Today I just realized that there is. A mistake in the address name of my job. So the address is grange parade but I put garage parade? It is really a problem? Should I unlock the 260 form again and fix it ? Or I can leave it as it is and then explain this at the day of the interview?
October 23, 2020 at 21:49
I think i missed your answer or you might missed ny question, but I’m sorry to buzzer you and ask it again
:
A guy who is called 2021AF 32k has asked you if he as a winner can be disqualified at the interview cause the photo doesn’t match the qualifications (as I could understand) and you answered him as follow:
Cases have been disqualified at interview because of photos.
How can a person get selected and go through the process although the photo does not match the photo tool for example?
If the photo is never been used in any other application and its recently taken within the last 6 months, and the person is on focus and etc, still they at the embassy can get the application disqualified?
Can you please give examples about reasons for cases been disqualied at the interview cause of the photo, and what mistakes in particular was on that photo?
I feel so confused because I read your answer on previous answers to other questions that you didn’t see a case been disqualified for example because they used an older photo.
Regards
October 24, 2020 at 04:24
The photo could be of the wrong person. It’s not rocket science.
October 24, 2020 at 02:52
Hi brit I have filled place of birth my wife not as inbirth of cert.do I should unblock ds-260? Thank you
October 24, 2020 at 04:21
It is best that information is accurate – so yes.
October 24, 2020 at 03:36
Hi Simon. Trusting that your weekend has started well. When completing the DS260 as the main applicant, I have a question relating to step-children. I have no children, but my husband has children from a previous marriage both over 21 years of age. These children have never lived with us. Do I need to declare them as being my children?
October 24, 2020 at 04:20
Yes
October 24, 2020 at 09:26
Hello Simon, my parents, permanent residents filled for i-130 for me, unmarried over 21.
They received a receipt notice from California Service Center but when i go to check the case status online it says it is being processed at Nebraska Service Center. Considering the wait time are really different between those 2, how can I know for sure where my case is being processed ?
Thank you very much
October 24, 2020 at 15:22
I only answer DV lottery questions.
October 24, 2020 at 17:38
Can you help me play dv this year?
October 24, 2020 at 18:42
https://youtu.be/KMDKvz8fgII
October 24, 2020 at 18:48
Hi Brit.
I have been trying since 1 week now to apply for DV 2022 twice a day so until now about 14 times and still not successful. I load my application fill all my information and when I click continue the Web page crashes every time. I tried different laptops, different smartphones, different Internet accés points and at the end always the same when I click continue Web site crashes.
Anyone having the same issue and if yes how to deal with it?
October 25, 2020 at 17:05
It’s important to not have multiple browser sessions open, and to complete the application quickly. If your network is bad, you could lose connection to the server.
October 24, 2020 at 10:35
Dear Brit,
My name in the passport has initials for the middle name. I have my first name, my family name but my middle name is written only initials (A.A), so how can I write my middle name in the DV entry form.
Second, I was born in Gaza Strip and they say in the instruction that people how was born in Gaza are charged to Egypt. Is this means that I have to write Gaza in the place of birth and Egypt in the county of birth?!
Thanks
October 24, 2020 at 15:22
1. Write your full names.
2. Yes – PLease read and follow the instructions.
October 24, 2020 at 15:27
Hi Simon,
does it concern even a spouse of the main applicant? Does he/she have to add such child in his/her DS260?
I’m asking you because I found this:
” The stepparent is the person who is married to a person WHO HAS CUSTODY of a minor child.”
https://definitions.uslegal.com/s/stepchildren/
If I don’t have LEGAL CUSTODY of a child from previous marriage is my current spouse treated as stepparent or not?
Thank you 🙂
October 24, 2020 at 16:40
This has nothing to do with legal custody, or whether the child lives with you. A stepchild is gained through marriage and the instructions are absolutely clear that step children need to be included (even after divorce!!). Cherrypicking some definition from the web to try and second guess the rules will not help you at all. Even the site you linked CLEARLY states the Federal rules vary by program. So – if you want to understand the rules for DV, read the DV instructions!
October 24, 2020 at 16:53
Ok, I’m stupid and was overthinking. It means I made a mistake in my spouse’s DS260. Does it make sense to ask KCC to unlock her DS-260 or is it over? I’m talking about DV2020
Thanks…
October 24, 2020 at 18:17
Assuming she is not the principal selectee you might be able to unlock and correct that DS260 if DV2020 processing resumes. If she is the principal and you missed a child under 21 from the original entry, then you are disqualified.
October 24, 2020 at 18:37
Well, as I’m the principal selectee, let’s hope the processing resumes and KCC makes possible to unlock and repair 🙂
Thank you very much!
October 24, 2020 at 17:02
Hi Brit,
I was selected for DV2021 with the CN: EU31XXX
Do you think it has a chance to be current by September 2021. Or to be a bit concrete, approximately which month do you think it might become current.
Thank you
October 24, 2020 at 18:18
It’s not a bad number, but there are no sensible predictions right now. Too many factors affecting the year.
October 24, 2020 at 17:19
Can I reduce the number of children on my DS 260 after submitting to KCC since one is already a US citizen and does not need to apply for DV lottery visa?
October 24, 2020 at 18:19
Obviously that child won’t need a DS260 of their own. You can ask KCC to unlock if you need to correct.
October 24, 2020 at 17:43
Hello, I used to live in Kuwait from 2007 till 2009, in line with the instructions i should submit a police certificate covering my residency there, as per the “Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country” the police certificate is only available for the current residence in Kuwait. what do you think, should i approach the embassy of Kuwait and try to get it to avoid any delay or stick with what is stated in “Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country” and don’t get it? thank you in advance for your support.
October 24, 2020 at 18:43
Follow the reciprocity page instructions.
October 24, 2020 at 19:03
Hello Sir. Please I am case number 2021AF83158 and I submitted my DS 260 on 4th July but have not received any email to forward documents. What do I do please or is my number too high
October 25, 2020 at 17:06
There is nothing you need to do. You just need to be patient, and hope your number gets current, but there is no need to stress about waiting…
October 24, 2020 at 23:37
Hello simon ,
I’m a 2021 dv lottery winner , I have been selected after my second attempt , however in both entries I submitted the same photo.
Can that cause a problem during my interview?
Regards.
October 25, 2020 at 17:08
Based on previous cases, probably not.
October 25, 2020 at 00:06
My Greetings Mr. Simon!
I have a questions!
Is it possible to apply for DV-2022 now if i’m citizen of Ukraine, but now i’m working in Poland?
Will i be disqualified if i change my location and move to other country or comeback Ukraine to work?
October 25, 2020 at 00:21
Should i put my middle name if i don’t have the middle name in my passport, however i have my middle name
October 25, 2020 at 17:09
Yes
October 25, 2020 at 17:09
No. Your location makes no difference. Your entry is based on place of birth, nothing else.
October 25, 2020 at 01:10
Sir,
I am in a french country . Please explain me the difference between DIVORCE and LEGALLY SEPARATED.
October 25, 2020 at 17:10
Legal separation is a separation recognized by a court process. The DV instructions explain it well. If that isn’t clear, use google.
October 25, 2020 at 06:47
Hello Brit,
My father’s DOB on the birth certificate and on the passport do not match. By do not match, I am not referring to a difference of a few days, no. It is totally different. The correct date is on the birth certificate. Now he has two options: either correct the passport or the birth certificate. Correcting the passport is much easier, but what makes it worse is that I have already emailed KCC about the issue, but unfortunately got the usual reply of “only the CO can decide on your case”. They already know that the birth certificate has the correct date. In this scenario, what is the right way to proceed? Should I modify the birth certificate or the passport? My father is the principal applicant.
October 25, 2020 at 17:11
The passport should be corrected since it is incorrect.
October 25, 2020 at 08:53
Hey Brit,
I recently registered for the Dv lottery this year and I can’t remember my password for my Gmail account of which I used to register in the dv form.
I do have the confirmation details and number safely but wanted to ask will they send any important info in my Gmail that I need to worry about or all I need is just the confirmation number and other details I will check in their site
Coz I’m worried if I can’t remember my password I won’t be able to know other details next year
And yes I have tried for a week now to recover my password but can’t
Will they allow me to change my email address
If yes how can I do that??
Please Help me
October 25, 2020 at 17:12
You don’t need access to the email. If selected you will provide an email address later.
October 25, 2020 at 12:19
Hello BritSimon quick question.
I was born in Nigeria but have a Ghanaian passport as my father is from Ghana.
Please I want clarification on my eligibility.
Thanks.
October 25, 2020 at 17:15
To claim an exception your mother must not be Nigerian, and you must be able to prove that your parents were in Nigeria temporarily at the time of your birth.
https://britsimonsays.com/country-of-chargeability-for-dv-lottery/
October 25, 2020 at 13:45
Hello BritSimon,
I hope you’re well.
My spouse is a green card holder (currently living in US). Does that disqualify me from the lottery? I wanted to try my luck with lottery as processing time could be quicker than marriage green card.
Thank you
October 25, 2020 at 19:07
You can enter if you want, no problem. However, it’s not a fast process.
October 25, 2020 at 15:35
I have been trying to apply for dv2022, however sometime the the application won’t go over to the conformation page or even the second page ( derivatives section) is anyone aware of this problem.
October 25, 2020 at 19:08
Yes, you need to enter the details fairly quickly to avoid losing the connection.
October 25, 2020 at 16:25
Hi Brit, thsnks for the wonderful work you are doing. A relative who has a diploma is filling the dv 2022 entry. What should he select as the highest level of education?
October 25, 2020 at 19:09
He should just pick the one that sounds closest to education COMPLETED. It is not a complicated nor an important question.