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February 13, 2021 at 08:23
Hi brit,
What do you think about the Motion for Emergency Injunctive Relief for DV2020 visa holders that was just filed by the lawyers?
Can you please explain in simple english (bc there was a lot of legal jargons in the motion that i did not understand) what it meant.
February 13, 2021 at 19:45
It’s a good motion. Fairly detailed in the points it makes – so in simple terms they are trying to get relief for the DV2020 visa holders.
February 13, 2021 at 09:59
Hello Brit,
Biden vows to allow more refugees into the United States. What does this imply !? Is President Biden Revoke PP10014 !?
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/04/biden-vows-to-allow-more-refugees-into-the-united-states.html
February 13, 2021 at 19:46
Refugees are admitted by most countries for humanitarian grounds. It does not mean anything about 10014.
February 13, 2021 at 12:08
Hi Brit
What’s going on with Judge Seeborg, why is he so late?
February 13, 2021 at 19:46
He hasn’t explained himself to me, oddly.
February 13, 2021 at 12:53
It’s a curious one that we no longer hear about Judge Seeborg. Is this normal or have there been updates that escaped us?
February 13, 2021 at 19:46
No – still waiting.
February 13, 2021 at 13:35
Hi Simo,
mine is I submitted ds-260 in June but up to now I have gotten no response, does this make me worry
, should I contact KCC or I wait case number AF30xxx
February 13, 2021 at 19:46
Wait a little longer.
February 13, 2021 at 13:43
One more week and we are a month ahead of the anunciato’s hearing and still no response or order yet :/
February 13, 2021 at 15:53
Hello Brit, I hope you’re well !
Is there a deadline by wich the Judge Seeborg must respond, because he seems to be waiting for the ban to expire, are actually 3 weeks since I’ve been waiting and nothing so far.
Thank you !
February 13, 2021 at 19:47
No deadline, no – although he is normally faster than this.
February 13, 2021 at 16:39
I also find it strange that the US will admit 25,000 asylum seekers starting next week but refuse to admit 6000 approved visa holders. Are they not a covid threat? Or a threat to the labor market? Do not get me wrong. I am happy for the admittance of refugees who are forced to leave their countries. But what about visa holders who have been thoroughly vetted financially, medically and by education.
https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/biden-administration-begin-admitting-migrants-forced-wait-mexico/story?id=75840727&cid=clicksource_4380645_9_heads_posts_headlines_hed
February 13, 2021 at 19:49
Yes it’s confusing, but refugees are admitted by most countries for humanitarian grounds.
February 13, 2021 at 16:41
Dear Simon, how could probably the FEB 18 decision help the annunciato Case or judge seeborg? Or will it delay till April/ March decision?
February 13, 2021 at 19:51
I can’t predict how all the outcomes/cases might relate – we have to wait.
February 13, 2021 at 19:01
Very heart breaking, whom did we really offend?? When will we see the light in all these???????????? Somebody rode and narrowly won on pre-election promises on immigration and rescinding all the injustice bans, among other fronts, immigrants gave him narrow-worthy win against the ‘formidable’ competitor in almost all States, God, may you touch his heart and make him remember, that, tomorrow, I mean, he may also need them in the next election. The immigrant citizens, together with LPR prayed and campaigned vigorously with the aim of re-uniting with their loved ones, only to be disappointed when they need him to reciprocate by doing the right thing worthy hope. God, help us see a brighter tomorrow, touch his heart to rescind the bans like yesterday. Lord have mercy.
February 13, 2021 at 22:54
Hi Brit, is the visas issuing from 55000 to 80000 work for the 2021 group?
February 14, 2021 at 01:53
No. That is just a proposal, and would not apply for several years.
February 14, 2021 at 01:35
Hi Simon,
I am a DV lottery selectee & my number is 2021AS00017XXX.
I just want to know if I will get a chance as this number is soo high?
thanks
February 14, 2021 at 01:54
I cannot predict.
February 14, 2021 at 03:13
Hi. Our visas were issued on 29 Sep 20 and expiring on 19 Mar 20. We don’t quite understand the terms like JacobvsBiden, Gomez clsss, LasolGomez, etc. What should we do. Thanks a million.
February 14, 2021 at 17:52
You should wait until the various lawsuits are decided.
February 14, 2021 at 04:14
Hi, Simon,
I recently found your blog and it’s super helpful. Thank you so much for doing this. I was wondering if you knew anything about AOS cases. I filed my DV-based case in December and I’m still waiting for a biometrics appointment notice. I haven’t been able to find a timeline. Is it normal that my bios app. hasn’t been scheduled yet after 2 months? Thank you.
February 14, 2021 at 17:52
Yes.
February 14, 2021 at 04:17
Hi Brit.
I believe you are fine.
Other than KCC informing me that I am ready for scheduling, how else can I confirm that my documents have been processed?
I am worried because I have tried numerous times to contact KCC both via email & phone without success.
My case number is low and became current last year and I am wondering whether I will get 2NL once they start issuing them.
Kindly advise on the way forward.
I will always appreciate your generous and informative advise on this field of DV
February 14, 2021 at 17:55
Only KCC can confirm the documents are processed. They seem to be understaffed, so they won’t answer quickly, and may not be processing – so all you can do is wait.
February 14, 2021 at 04:56
Hey Brit,
Our CN is 2021EU27113.
If calculating the “number of cases before mine (15829 cases)” x “derivative rate (2.09)” = 33082 people before me. In “DV2021 CEAC data published” video quota number is 19710.
So if we assume this was a NORMAL year would it still be safe?
Just want to understand if I got the quota number right.
I heard on one of your lives you mentioned that in a normal year most probably EU 27k would be safe.
February 14, 2021 at 17:56
That number would be on the borderline in a normal year.
February 14, 2021 at 05:43
Hello Brit,
My DV visa will be expired on March 23. My family is suffering from uncertainty condition of PP10014. Now what shall we , /all dv winners /do and how to fight for ourselves from abroad?
Do you have any update regarding to PP10014?
February 14, 2021 at 17:57
There are lawsuits ongoing right now. Just wait for the outcome of those cases.
February 14, 2021 at 06:10
Sir Just want to make your attention to following things, because this statement belong to Gomez v Trump 9095 Visa Reservation decision , page No 18 , 01 Foot Note.
“ The court recognizes that this final reservation figure does not credit the State Department for diversity visas issued following the agency’s implementation of the court’s September 4 Order. The court does not believe that a further reduction of this already rough approximation is warranted, however, as the equities favour reserving a greater number of DV-2020 visas to offset the State Department’s halting the processing and adjudication of visa applications for nearly six months”
“The court will order the State Department to reserve 9,095 diversity visa numbers after September 30, 2020, pending final adjudication of this matter.4 Adding that number to the number of diversity visas already issued in FY 2020—15,401 through September 24, 2020, see Grewe Decl.¶ 6—could result in the issuance of a total of 24,496 DV-2020 visas, if Plaintiffs ultimately were to prevail.”
Sir As Per my Knowledge this mean -:
1) 9095 is a rough Figure, it cannot be reduce but it can be increase
2)This reserve until the Final Judgement only after that Those 9095 DV numbers were frozen. The rest expired.
3) When judge give the final decision starting from that day maximum 2month it can be finish
I just want to clarify this thing also.
“”The court recognizes that this final reservation figure does not credit the State Department for diversity visas it mean this 9095 is an additional figure. It mean
As per the CEAC Data there are nearly 6000 visa’s showing under “RADY” and “AP” 15
Following statement it clearly mention that “final reservation figure does not credit the State Department” it mean this 9095 or above Visas are additional visas so “READY” 6000 ,it not include those 9095. In short 9095 or above additional to those 6000
February 14, 2021 at 18:03
1. The lawyers are asking to increase the 9095 – but the final decision to issue even the 9095 is not made yet.
2. See 1
3. I don’t think it would take that long, and there is nothing written to suggest a timeline, but again, this is not a done deal yet.
Your understanding of the 6000 Ready cases is incorrect. Some of those cases will take some of the 9095. Not all, because some cases won’t proceed, but those cases at ready have the easiest/fastest way to get interviewed, once the case is decided.
February 15, 2021 at 11:17
Thanks a lot Sir, Same Question I ask from Morrison and Kuck also, they told me 9095 or above is an Additional Visa and READY can’t count to 9095 like that. That’s why I thought to make your attention Sir
February 15, 2021 at 19:21
You have probably misunderstood their answer.
February 15, 2021 at 19:17
Some case would not proceed means ? All the READY case wouldn’t interview?
February 14, 2021 at 09:25
Hi Simon. I hope you’re doing well!
I am a DV-2021 selectee, and in case I want to change my interview location, shall I request the KCC or NVC to update it in my DS-260? Also, am I allowed to request to change it to ANY other country I choose, or does it have to be a country that I am resident/citizen in, or if my case number is EUxxxxx, does it have to be in the European region only, etc?
Thanks so much for your precious efforts and your patience!
February 14, 2021 at 18:04
They normally schedule based on your residence country. If there is good reason to change, they may change upon request to anywhere, but again, with good reason.
February 14, 2021 at 09:55
it is very complicated situation , we are drowning with our families
I hope that we have a little glimmer of hope
February 14, 2021 at 10:56
How long Police certificate considered valid at the moment of submission to KCC?
February 14, 2021 at 18:05
It is valid for one year from issuance. Nothing to do with the moment of submission.
February 14, 2021 at 11:35
1.Please can you advice regarding the probability to get the NIE.
Sorry but my impresion is that you dont seem to confident. ?
2.Moreover is any chance that the judge can extend the validity of the visas for all dv winners including them that are not exipired yet.
3. Does the expire date include that you can enter in that day without problem
February 14, 2021 at 18:06
1. I will wait and see.
2. See 1.
3. Includes that day, yes.
February 14, 2021 at 11:52
Good morning Simon, I got my police certificate and birth certificate with only my married family name on it (since a few years in my country they use to put only the married name on all certification).
While playing the DV and also filling the DS260 I was asked to put the name as it shows on my passport so I used my married-maiden name.
Do you think do I have to re-open my DS260 and put under the “other names used” also only my married name?
Thank you in advance
February 14, 2021 at 18:07
That would be wise, yes. Your married name is probably your legal name, and the maiden name should be in the other names section.
February 14, 2021 at 18:31
I am not sure to understand.
My passport, DV and DS260 looks like this example:
married-maiden: Johnson-Smith (Johnson Smith)
but my birth-cert. and police-cert: Johnson
Which section do you mean? in the DS260 I wrote:
“Name provided”: Johnson Smith
“Other names”: Smith
Did I do it correctly or shall I re-open it and put in addition “Johnson” under “other names”?
Thank you
February 14, 2021 at 11:56
Hey Brit, good day and I hope you are well. For starters, I read an update on the trave.state.gov website, which indicated an NIE for certain categories like journalists despite the PP’s being in place. In furtherance to that, I reached out to the Paris embassy, and KCC with the below.
”First, let me convey my gratitude to you for showing up at work, however, limited with the global pandemic. We appreciate your services.
I am ****, a legal resident in France, working in Lyon as an International Multimedia Journalist. I am a Diversity Visa Lottery winner for the 2021 fiscal year.
In pursuant to the latest NIE released by the States Department, a copy of which I have attached to this correspondence, I wish to be considered for a National Interest Exception as a practicing journalist.
I have already received an email from the Kentucky Consular Centre (KCC), informing me of my readiness for an interview scheduling when my case number (2021AF00055***) becomes current.
The Presidential Proclamation of 10014, meant visa categories such as mine were not being processed. But this new update from the DOS, I believe removes that hurdle for my case as a journalist.
Kindly find a copy of the update below, which is also available on the US state department (travel) website as of February 10, 2021.
Also, attached is a copy my passport data page, and the ”ready for scheduling” email received from the KCC.
Thank you
Best,
National Interest Exceptions for Certain Travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland
Last Updated: February 10, 2021
Certain business travelers, investors, treaty traders, academics, students, and journalists may qualify for national interest exceptions under the Presidential Proclamation (PP) covering travelers from the Schengen Area, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Qualified travelers who are applying for or have valid visas or ESTA authorization may travel to the United States even as the PP remains in effect following the procedures below.
Students traveling from the Schengen Area, the UK, and Ireland with valid F-1 and M-1 visas do not need to contact an embassy or consulate to seek an individual national interest exception to travel. Students seeking to apply for new F-1 or M-1 visas should check the status of visa services at the nearest embassy or consulate; those applicants who are found to be otherwise qualified for an F-1 or M-1 visa will automatically be considered for a national interest exception to travel.
Business travelers, investors, academics, J-1 students, journalists, and treaty traders who have a valid visa in the appropriate class, an ESTA authorization that was issued prior to the PP’s effective date, or who are seeking to apply for a visa, and believe they may qualify for a national interest exception should contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate before traveling. If a national interest exception is approved, they may travel on either a valid visa or ESTA authorization, as appropriate.
The Department of State also continues to grant national interest exceptions for qualified travelers seeking to enter the United States for purposes related to humanitarian travel, public health response, and national security.
Granting national interest exceptions for this travel to the United States from the Schengen area, UK, and Ireland, will assist with the economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and bolster key components of our transatlantic relationship.
We appreciate the transparency and concerted efforts of our European partners and allies to combat this pandemic and welcome the EU’s reciprocal action to allow key categories of essential travel to continue.
(I got the following reply from the embassy.)
Thank you for your email. Please read the entirety of this email.
At this time you remain subject to the Presidential Proclamation.
General Visa Operations Information
As of March 16th, 2020, the United States Embassy in Paris, France suspended all routine non-immigrant and immigrant visa services pursuant to Presidential Proclamations suspending travel and visa issuance for persons in Schengen countries and for certain visa categories world worldwide. Unfortunately, the global health crisis that required the suspension of travel continues today, and your previously scheduled appointment has been cancelled. We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible but are unable to provide a specific date at this time. The MRV fee is validity is extended and may be used for a visa application in the country where it was purchased until December 31, 2021. We urge all visa applicants to monitor our website at https://fr.usembassy.gov/visas/ for up to date information on our operating status.
We regret that currently there are no category wide exceptions for the visas and applicants who do not qualify for an exception will continue to have their applications prioritized and processed in accordance with existing phased resumption of visa services guidance.
However, travel may be allowable in the following circumstances:
Fiancé Visas (K-1)
Fiance visas are subject to the Presidential Proclamations suspending travel and visa issuance for persons in Schengen countries and we are currently unable to process these visas. Only limited exceptions apply, including:
for applicants who are parents of a minor United States citizen child qualify.
K visa applicants who are not plaintiffs in Milligan v. Pompeo and who are not subject to COVID-related regional proclamations will continue to have their applications prioritized and processed in accordance with existing phased resumption of visa services guidance.
Spouse and Child visas
U.S. Embassy Paris is currently processing immigrant visas for spouses and children, under the age of 21, of U.S. citizens.
Sincerely,
Immigrant Visas
Visa Unit
U.S. Embassy, Paris France
(I received the below response from the KCC)
Thank you for your inquiry.
”Scheduling for the DV 2021 program year has not yet begun. Please monitor Travel.State.gov for updates. Selectees will be notified by an email to the address they provided to check the Entrant Status Check (ESC) website as soon as an interview is scheduled. KCC cannot provide information as to when an interview date may become available for your case. Interviews are scheduled numerically according to assigned case numbers which have completed processing. The Department of State designates how many interviews will be scheduled each month according to visa availability. You may refer to the visa bulletin at travel.state.gov for the list of current numbers. This information is updated on the 15th day of each month thereafter. Please remember that selection for participation in the Diversity Visa Program is not a guarantee of a visa or of a visa interview.”
I am wondering if I got the NIE update from the DoS wrong, as I find the responses generic. What do you think?
Thank you for responding to me.
February 14, 2021 at 18:07
Their response is very accurate, not generic. I don’t know why you had some other impression.
February 14, 2021 at 18:57
Hello Simon, 2021EU21xxx, F1-student visa expiring 2023, Schengen Area. I understand I could travel to the US with NIE.
My question: NIE doesn’t help me to get my interview (CP) earlier if my case number is not current, wright?
Thank you.
February 15, 2021 at 19:14
Correct
February 15, 2021 at 05:13
Thank you!
February 14, 2021 at 12:56
Hi Brit!
1. Is Anunciato somehow related to the case that had reserved 9095 visas for DV 2020?
2. Do we have to wait untill the decision on 9095 reserved visas is made in order to get the decision on Anunciato?
February 14, 2021 at 16:43
Hi Brit, I hope you’re good.
1. I learnt there may be some immigration review on 25th February, how true is it?
My case number is AF22*** but I haven’t heard anything from KCC, should I be worried?
February 14, 2021 at 18:10
1. We will know on the 25th.
February 15, 2021 at 14:51
Hello Nick.
How do you know this information?
Could you share the link
Regards
February 14, 2021 at 18:09
1. Not exactly. Anunciato covers DV2021, plus visas already issued from DV2020.
2. No
February 14, 2021 at 22:43
Hello Simon,
I am a DV2020 visa holder.
I thought we will have some kind of update on February 18. Was it delayed?
Also, I reserved a ticket because my visa is expiring on March 10. Is it not wise to do that?
Do we expect hear or any information by February 18?
Thank you so much for your thoughtful answers all the time in advance.
February 15, 2021 at 19:16
We will hear something on the Gomez case a few days after the 18th, and we might get some news in Anunciato earlier.
February 16, 2021 at 01:06
Your case number please
February 14, 2021 at 19:11
Dear Brit Simon.
Hope you are doing great, thank you for your time and for all that you are doing for us.
I have a question regarding touristic visa. Is it possible for the citizens of a country where the Embassy of US is closed (For undefined period) , fly to the Country (let’s say UAE) where let us say Embassy is open, and try to get a touristic visas there.
Will It increase the chance of denial?
February 15, 2021 at 19:15
Well you can introduce additional complications, but no, just because you have a tourist visa that does not cause denial.
February 15, 2021 at 00:44
Hi Brit
Most likely 55,000 visas will not be completed this year for dv2021
If 55000 visas were saved and the visa bulletin stopped at a certain number in September, and many visas remained unused
Will there be visa bulletins after September or will the remaining issue be issued without a Visa bulletin or what !!!
February 15, 2021 at 19:17
The deadline for visa issuance is September 30th, so unless a court rules otherwise, if we don’t have all visas issued by the deadline the remaining visas will be lost.
February 15, 2021 at 04:57
Hi Brit,
Thank you very much the wonderful work you are doing here.
I’m a DV 2021 winner from Sri Lanka and I have a issue with my name format in the original eDV entry. In SL embassy interview instructions for DV2021 it says,
“Sri Lankan names are often much longer than Western names. It is extremely important that all names
on your birth certificate, petition and passport are in the same order and spelled the same. If there is a
discrepancy, it must be rectified prior to your interview date.”
What do they mean by the “petition” here? Is it eDV entry or the DS-260?
Also, have you came across DV winners who got through the interview successfully with either name or personal information issues in eDV entry after 2019?
Thank you again.
Regards,
Sam
February 15, 2021 at 19:18
Petition is the DS260.
The names should match – and if not – use the other names section.
February 15, 2021 at 09:05
Dear Brit Simon.
Hope you are doing great, thank you for your time.
My name is dawit Chanie today I would like to ask you about the current status of Green card visa of my spouse.
My case is already approved by NVC since November first 2020 and I am waiting the schedule for interview at Addis Abeba Ethiopia. Here I would like to know the current status of giving the visa card and making interveiw appointment at the US embassy they start or not. Thank you for your Help again.
February 15, 2021 at 19:19
They have not started interviews yet.
February 15, 2021 at 09:44
Two questions…
When I scanned passport biometric page I also scanned first next page with a stamps. Is that ok?
If police certificate shows no criminal history, is it necessary to send and court records?
Thanks in advance!
February 15, 2021 at 19:20
No problem on the passport. It was unnecessary, but no problem.
No court records expected if you have not been to court!
February 15, 2021 at 12:21
Diversity Visa Lottery Winners Launch Campaign Urging Biden To Rescind
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brAxn7bviVI
February 15, 2021 at 13:37
Hello when we go for interview my husband he is the one who applied for the dv visa now about the bank statement and qualifications are we suppose both to submit or only my husband during the interview
February 15, 2021 at 19:22
It doesn’t matter – the finances are joint.
February 15, 2021 at 15:03
Hi Team, Just want to share that I received a reply from KCC 2 days after I sent an email inquiring on the status of my DV 2021 case. Since I filed my DS 260 form in July of last year, I did not get further reply requesting for supporting documents. In their reply, they stated that my document is currently being processed and they will get back to me once concluded. In a nutshell, I want all of us to remain patient. KCC will get back to us in due course.
February 15, 2021 at 15:37
Perfect
In the end of a tunnel there a light
February 15, 2021 at 15:19
Hi Brit, I managed to entered united states with my two kids my husband remained behind coz wasn’t cleared from job at that time our visa had annotations.my question does the ban affect a spouse if principal applicant already in U.S.A
February 15, 2021 at 19:22
He can still be subjected to the ban, yes.
February 15, 2021 at 18:03
Hello Brit how do you thing should we have any outcome on 18th of February or should we still wait until 25th ?
February 15, 2021 at 19:25
I think it will take a few days after the 18th to get a decision on Gomez.
February 15, 2021 at 22:21
hello brit, I want to thank you for the help you give to everyone and answering all our questions sometimes repetitive and absurd thank you thank you very much ….. I have a question that worries me and that grips me I am winner dv2021 I am registered in the lottery making the mistake of putting first the name and then the surname but on the ds I entered them with surname and first name and therefore you correctly think that this could be a reason for refusal, exclusion or problem have you ever heard of similar cases that have had problems ? also do you think my cn could have the possibility of an interview? sorry and thanks
February 17, 2021 at 04:33
As long as you corrected it in the DS260 it is not normally a cause of denial.
February 15, 2021 at 23:13
Hi Brian, I am currently in USA on B1/B2 Visa. The 10 year visa is about to expire and I am stuck in hospital so I probably can not leaf as planed before B1/B2 expires.
Can I get temp extension on my stay, I have currently been here for about 3 months.
February 17, 2021 at 04:34
I only answer DV lottery questions.
February 15, 2021 at 23:16
Hey Brit, I’m a DV2020 with a september issued visa expiring February 20th. I am from a Schengen country, but currently in a third country awaiting the use or the expiry of my visa, and today marks day #14.
I think we’re all holding our breaths for the 18th, but given the limited amount of time remaining for me, I’ve been looking at what I should do if my visa expires. If it looks like there will be an imminent extention of validity, then obviously I will wait it out, but I am worried that it might take to early March or even later before we see any concrete results.
Which brings me to this: I am still holding a valid ESTA, which I got in 2019 before the DV-dream-turned-nightmare. Since I have waited out the quarantaine, I was wondering if there would be a problem if I entered on my ESTA if my visa was legally expired. Staying with my US friends would be a lot cheaper than my current situation, and exiting and re-entering the US would be a lot easier from the US than from my schengen-ban country. Could that cause any problems that you foresee? I’m just exploring my options, since there will be little time to decide after the 18th.
P.S. I heard in your Q&A that you wondered why some people have such early expiry-dates. I can mail my story to you, if you are interested.
February 17, 2021 at 04:35
No you can’t use the ESTA when you have the immigrant visa in your passport.
Please do email me to explain – britsimon3 at gmail.
February 15, 2021 at 23:56
Hi BritSimon! Thank you for all your help and info!
I’m apologizing in advance if you have answered this question (many times)… !!
I’m an Australian DV 2020 winner and was actually issued my greencard at the deadline (Sept 30th 2020)… I’m yet to actually activate my greencard, and it’s due to expire on March 22nd.. Does the P10014 mean that I do travel to the US in the next month they will NOT activate my greencard when I arrive? Are we just waiting on developments from the lawsuits at this point? Is there any one I should be reaching out to or contacting, or any extensions that can be made? Again, I’m sorry if this is repetitive, I was just hoping to get a clear indication of whether it’s worth planning any travel now, or if there are any other measures I should be taking… Thank you again!
February 17, 2021 at 04:36
You cannot enter the USA at the moment. Your next entry should be to activate your status, so you need to wait and see what happens. We might have news this week.
February 16, 2021 at 03:21
Hello sir do you have any idea whether the remaining lower case number will be benefited from reserved 9095visa or high case number wil have also small chances of the ban is lifted
DV2020
February 17, 2021 at 04:38
We have to wait and see.
February 16, 2021 at 06:54
Hello Brit
My husband may have a work related conference in april ( if not postponed) but if he was granted a visa can we change to AOS?
If yes 1) how can we do that or what are the requirements to be eligible
2) would his ds form affect having his conference related visa?
Also 3) my passport (spouse) expire in august so im renewing it since it has less than 6 months should we unlock the ds form or send a new documents?
4) we submitted our documents in late November is it normal we didn’t receive an email back?
Thank you so much brit 🙂
February 17, 2021 at 04:40
1. The AOS is a quite different process and there is some risks of switching to that method. One of the risks means you would have to wait 90 days after entry to file (even if you are already current), then the process itself is complex.
2. Probably would make it harder, yes.
3. Take both old and new to interview.
4. Yes
February 16, 2021 at 09:31
If the judge saved a certain number of visas beyond the end of the fiscal year
How will the visa bulletin be in September !!!!
Or will there be bulletins beyond the end of the fiscal year?
February 17, 2021 at 04:43
Unless there is a ruling by a Judge or a change in the law, the visas not used by 9/30 will be wasted.
February 16, 2021 at 12:02
Hi Simon,
I hope you are well.
Does opening your case number mean that you have no longer submitted an application for permanent visa? I would think not, but wondering if this is actually a fix for my situation.
Pretty much I am not sure what to do – work has said they may be sending me to help with our international campaign for a few weeks on a B visa.
My work doesn’t know about my DV2021 win, so I’m concerned if they try set me up with a temporary B visa it might get declined; is this scenario likely?
February 17, 2021 at 04:45
Opening your DS260 does not “retract” the application. The DS260 can make NIV applications a little harder, yes.
February 16, 2021 at 12:20
Dear Brit, at first thank you for all the work and time you spend to help people to realize their dream.
My wife won DV2021 AS24xxx. She already filled the NS260 but she had no answer yet from KCC.
She will depends on Bangkok embassy for interview. She has all the good conditions requested and all paperwork ready if her number will be selected to continue to the next steps.
She is too shy to ask you how many chance she has with a high case number, too many people asked and with Covid we know it is hard to bet on schedule, but we still want to try to plan our future.
However, I am wondering about how USCIS are taking care of the files in this context. I understand USCIS organization is affected by Covid and don’t have all the external employees help anymore since budget restriction last year but does it really concerned KCC as well ? When I see the number of cases they could have done with previous years bulletin proportionnaly to total cases per continent and when I see the max AS one going up to 38xxx I am wondering if KCC have enough ressources to reach the 24xxx number my wife needs and will green cards will be still available… Despite the fact that embassies could be close or open, Does Biden’s administration are working with the USCIS management on increasing the efficiency of their offices by increasing the number of external workers for instance. A lot of these people are unemployed and desperate so a wage would please them instead of temporary federal unemploy bonuses. Was this a suggestion which have been already asked to Joe?
Again, thanks for your work to keep us inform about DV !!!
February 17, 2021 at 04:51
USCIS do not handle embassies abroad or the processes conducted there. KCC is the office that handles DV cases (and scheduling at the embassies). The “system” does not have time to process/interview all the cases in the reduced time we have remaining. Your number is high, and at risk because of timing AND the quota (assuming if by some miracle they are able to process enough cases to meet the quota). The risk for your case got higher when the Muslim ban was removed. At your number you have over 20,000 people in front of you and the maximum quota for AS region is less than 9000 visas.
Sorry – it’s pretty much all bad news.
February 16, 2021 at 12:51
Good morning Simon, I hope you are doing fine.
February 17, 2021 at 04:51
Yes thanks!
February 16, 2021 at 19:15
Hi Simon,
I hope you are well.
I am the winner of the 2021 lottery and I did not mention the name of my fiancée in the lottery registration form.
After winning, I filled out and submitted my ds 260,Because I thought my fiancé would travel to Iran and we would get married, I just entered her name in the add application, And I did not fill out any ds 260 for her.
Now all flights to Iran are closed due to the coronavirus, Now I want to remove her name from the application.
I sent many emails to KCC, But they only remind me how to unlock the ds 260, after unlocking my ds 260, I still can not delete her name.
I appreciate your understanding and that your time for helping me on this matter.
February 17, 2021 at 05:38
You cannot delete her form in any way. All you can do is not submit it when you submit your form. You could also email KCC to explain, but they will not remove the form for her.
February 17, 2021 at 08:28
Hi Simon. Do you think Biden might even extend PP 10014 bringing his own grounds for doing so? Thank you so much!
February 18, 2021 at 05:04
No.
February 17, 2021 at 08:55
Hello Simon! Hope you are doing good and thank you for everything you do, very helpful.
I have a question that i don’t quite understand very well. Im DV2021 winner. I read in some places that if your case number is current and you are ready for scheduling, you can be scheduled any time. So lets say interviews start on April/May and my case EU20*** is current and ready for scheduling, that means i can be scheduled even before someone (assume EU1***) whose documents have been approved way before me? Doesn’t make much sense.
Thank you in advance!
February 18, 2021 at 05:04
Well in principle, that is how it works.
February 17, 2021 at 09:00
Hi Simon and everyone else!
Im Dv2021 winner EU22***. I know KCC is working slow for the moment but do you know what is the approximate case number for EU they are asking for documents? What about documents approval and ready for scheduling?
Thank a lot and would appreciate an answer from everyone.
February 18, 2021 at 05:05
I am not tracking that – because it is not a precise science.
February 17, 2021 at 13:53
Hi Simon,
Hope you’re well. I need to adjust my DV2021 interview location from the UK to Australia asap, what’s the best way to go about this? Also, are there only specific consulates that will process DV lottery visas or could I elect any one of them in Australia?
Many thanks
John
February 18, 2021 at 05:11
You would email KCC. Only Sydney does DV interviews. ON Tuesdays.