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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.
November 28, 2022 at 23:08
Hi Simon Regards,
My name is Mustafa Mashal Nabizada all my documents which Birth certificate,marriage certificate,my master and bachelore is my full name but in passport therw is only Mustafa Mashal not Nabizada included as my name is long and there is no space on passport page is there anything to worry about in interview? your response will highly appreciated sir
December 3, 2022 at 10:17
Hopefully you have used the full legal name in the DS260.
November 29, 2022 at 00:06
Hi do I need Affidavit of support at a dv winner from my host
December 3, 2022 at 10:18
That can help in some cases.
November 29, 2022 at 03:28
dear Simon , thank you for the kindness of instructing all the winners,
i have my appointment scheduled on the 10th of January but KCC hasn’t sent me a list of the documents i need to prepare and the only resource i have is the travel.state.gov and there nothing is mentioned about bank statements or proof of financial support etc, but i hear from friends that the embassy will ask, so i am confused, i will be interviewd in Naples, Italy.
Iranian national.
December 1, 2022 at 15:28
Anything that is proofing you are not becoming a public charge is needed.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
December 3, 2022 at 10:19
So – if in doubt, take financial documents or an I-134.
November 29, 2022 at 14:20
Hi BritSimon
How much time do we have to fill our ds260???
I mean is there any deadline for ds260??
December 3, 2022 at 10:22
No specific deadline, but consider May as the latest if you are determined to delay your case as much as possible. Normal advice is to complete it early.
November 29, 2022 at 17:27
Hi Simon
Good day
Thanks for all ur assistance so far!!!my CN IS 2023EU19XXX
As I already checked with you regarding Change of interview location from Mumbai to London as I need to travel for my work, u assistance Me to contact KCC to unlock and update address. So when I reached out to them with below questions
”
As I am traveling to UK Location is Swindon and will be there for my work for next few months.
As I will there by Dec last wk and only then I will know my stay address. In this scenario can I give my postal code alone which Iam aware of it now for getting update in adress and change my interview location to London? And at the time of interview shall I submit the proof of my address?
As I’m expecting to get my CN in Feb month Visa bulletin I need to change my interview location before that to avoid last minute confusion.
And state the nearest consulate To Swindon where I can ask for the HOST?
”
They gave below response
”
Thank you for your inquiry.
KCC has reviewed your request to change your interview location. Based on the circumstances of your case, KCC denies your request to be reassigned.
The place of application, i.e., location of interview, for noncitizens seeking an immigrant visa will normally be in the consular district with jurisdiction over their place of residence, with limited exceptions.
”
So Brit, could u pl let me know do they mean that I can’t change my interview location coz of my resident adress is still unknown ?
Is that I can’t change my location then fot my scenario?
Regards
Sharmi
December 3, 2022 at 12:41
In my previous response I told you to unlock and change your address. You should wait until you have changed your address and then contact them.
November 29, 2022 at 17:40
I watch your you tube page on how to fill the i-134 that was very helpful except for it did not tell you what to do once you print out the form to sign it where to send it …does the Beneficiary bring the form with him to his interview? can you give me the next steps please and thank you.
December 3, 2022 at 12:42
Yes, for DV cases the selectee takes that form and supporting documents to the interview.
November 30, 2022 at 00:31
Hi do I need affidavit of support at a dv lottery winner
November 30, 2022 at 02:14
Hi Simon, thank you for always coaching and guiding us.
My husband is a DV 2023 winner with the case nber AF000577.. and he made a mistake on his email while filling the DS 260 form with the first letter, he started with a capital letter instead of a small letter but my email is in the backup email as in the 2nd email asked, so we don’t know if it is necessary to unlock the ds260 form just to correct that but my own ds260 form has no problem.
Thank you.
December 3, 2022 at 12:45
No problem. Email addresses are not case sensitive.
December 1, 2022 at 03:12
Hello, I’m aDV2023 winner awaiting my interview.
How do i join your telegram group and what information do you require to join
December 3, 2022 at 12:46
It is not “my” telegram channel – but I go there.
https://t.me/edv2023
December 1, 2022 at 11:43
Hello, mr. Simon!
Which embassy you would recommend for DV2020 Russians Plaintiffs if Warsaw embassy is very difficulty for entrance because Shengen area. They made the Shengen visa more strict – only for visit dates, more documents. I escaped from Russia – cash only, bank account is empty.
I think I will need transfer case. Where you recommend? Which embassy is fine for Russians?
Regards
December 3, 2022 at 12:47
The question is really where can you enter, and you should be able to answer that.
December 1, 2022 at 13:23
Hi Simon,
I am an italian girl from Rome with case number 2023EU00010***
As per the January visa bulletin my case number is current but I haven’t received a 2NL yet. Most probably it’s because I submitted my DS-260 in June and then unlocked it and resubmitted it in July. I have an upcoming business trip in January that will take me out of Italy for about 2-3 weeks. My questions are:
1) Do you think I am safe until mid February?
2) In all your experience how much in advance will I receive the 2NL? For example , if the interview is scheduled for February, will they tell me in December?
3) What do you know about the consulate in Naples? Do they schedule a lot of appointments or are they slow like some embassies such as Accra.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and reply to all our questions!! Have a lovely day and take care. Ludovica
December 3, 2022 at 12:48
1. No need to be concerned.
2. 6 to 8 weeks notice is the norm.
3. They are OK – there are not that many Italian winners each year so capacity is not a problem.
December 3, 2022 at 02:05
Hello Mr. Brit greetings
Please I wish to find out what happens to someone who wins the DV but reversed the names when doing a DV lottery entry
December 3, 2022 at 12:50
As long as that person fixed the name order in the DS260 that would normally be OK (also assuming there is no concern of fraud).
December 3, 2022 at 11:21
Thank your dear BritSimon for clarifying everything & clearly showing me unlocking won’t be a problem.
I have now unlocked my DS260 and have made the necessary revisions. I have included all my social media accounts like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Reddit, etc.
I then re-submitted the form within 1 hour after its unlocking. I hope it gets processed asap before the end of the year.
Thank you for the amazing support.
December 3, 2022 at 14:40
hi simon mycase Dv23 AF2k my interview location is Us embassy in nairobi ,I submitted 31 may, my case has been processed in november first question is when can i get 2nl and second question is my uncle wants to sponsor me, but he told me that he and his wife filed the tax together, form I-134 who is gone filed me, are they doing both off them or just my uncle
December 4, 2022 at 11:10
1. I would expect you to get an interview in the next batch of 2NLs.
2. Just your uncle.
December 3, 2022 at 14:59
i have change my surname after hight school and my bachlore diploma have old surname and i have an administrative certificate proofs its mine from acadimy. is that will couse me denied ???
December 4, 2022 at 11:12
No problem as long as you show the trail of documentation about the name change.
December 3, 2022 at 16:33
Hi Brit! Thanks a lot for being around and helping people! We live in Germany and my wife won the lottery and it so happened that I’ve got a new job in Canada (started this week). My wife and kids still stay in Germany and we are planning (hopefully) to interview in Frankfurt. The case# is EU19k and I think it’s realistic to expect the interview around April/May, right? Would you recommend to unlock the DS-260 and update my job history, given I’m not sure the coming BigTech-layoffs in early ’23 won’t affect me?
And another one: How do we know our DS-260 has been processed? Is this when we receive the 2NL or there should be another notification? Or we simply check on visa lotter site (dv.state-something.gov)? Thank you!
Best regards,
Vadim
December 4, 2022 at 11:14
1. No need to unlock for the job change.
2. You email KCC.
December 4, 2022 at 11:39
Thanks Brit! No need even if the job is in another country? (And even different continent, for that matter)?
December 3, 2022 at 16:53
Hey Simon, I know you’re a software engineer working for a great company in San Francisco.
I’m a DV 2023 winner with cn 43k who is greatly aspiring to work as a software engineer/data scientist for a silicon valley company once I relocate to the US.
Since you are experienced in the tech industry & have been doing it for years, I would like to get your advice on how I can break into this industry.
And btw, I’m enrolling at an Online American accredited University(University of the People) this Jan majoring in Computer Science. I’m well versed with python as I have been self-teaching myself for 3+ years now. I’m also taking a bootcamp in Data science so that I can acquire the necessary knowledge & build my portfolio of projects.
So kindly give some tips & advice on what you encourage me to do to kick-start my career in tech. I’m super excited about this field and your guidance is highly appreciated.
Plz answer.
December 4, 2022 at 11:16
The standard for entry into many tech jobs is at least a Bachelors in that are, and at some companies (including my own) a masters is the minimum requirement. However, experience is also key – so do whatever you can to get work in that field as soon as you are able, then you can “trade up” within the industry as you gain experience.
December 3, 2022 at 18:56
Hi Simon, I recently unlocked my DS-260 to update my residency address because I moved to another place but for got to change the answer to the question “Have you traveled to another country or region in the last five years”? Do I unlock again to answer “yes to this question? Because in the first submitted DS-260 the was ” no”
December 4, 2022 at 11:17
It is important to add travel history, so yes, unlock.
December 3, 2022 at 20:44
Hi there. always thanks for sharing your thoughts and experience. I have question for you. My niece’s dv interview is scheduled in a month. She is 19 years old but her parents are in the USA under asylum, so she can get visa without any issue or her parents status will affect her case ?
Thank you!
December 4, 2022 at 11:17
Their case will not affect her.
December 3, 2022 at 22:47
Hey Brit. Joel from CAMEROON. Winner of DV 23. I’ve written you a couple of times. I am already in the States. Thank you again…
December 4, 2022 at 11:18
Welcome to the USA!
December 3, 2022 at 23:25
Hi Simon, if i win DV2024, but i got engaged during this time can i add my finance to DS260 application? If not do I have to wait till I get my green card to apply for her once she is my wife? We would not be married at the time of the results which is why i ask.
December 4, 2022 at 12:45
Yes you can add her later if selected. *IF* selected. It’s just a lottery.
December 4, 2022 at 00:41
Hello dear Brit, thank you for such a support to us all. I have two questions: a) I am arriving in the US in January, will apply for the creen card, when I get it in 2-3 months, can I travel back home for some time? Or there is mandatory time to stay for the first time?
B) my daughter studies in Europe, she is 20, can I apply for her visa as well? Do you have any blogs/videos on that? Just tell me the naming and I will search.
Thank you ♡
December 4, 2022 at 12:44
1. There is no minimum time, you can leave the same day you arrive if you want. Your visa serves as a temporary green card to use when re-entering.
2. Normally you would have included her in the DV process, but if not you can start an I-130 application for her as soon as possible so that she does not age out. It takes years though.
December 4, 2022 at 12:53
Thank you, just to clarify, my visa is until January 26, 2023. So I need to enter the states and can leave on the same day? Or should I wait for the green card?
2) can I apply for her I 130 before entering the US? Or should I cross the border first?
I appreciate your time, thank you!
December 4, 2022 at 14:05
1. Once you have entered the first time you are an LPR. You can leave that same day.
2. Contact a lawyer. I think you will need to be an LPR to file, but you can get all that ready before you even enter. I recommend using Jesse Bless – https://blesslitigation.com/
December 4, 2022 at 15:20
Thank you!
December 4, 2022 at 03:51
Hello Sir,
Please is it possible to unlock my ds-260 submitted 2 years ago to correct some mistakes I made in it? If yes, please how can I do it?
Will that play against me in my new application?
Thank you in advance for your help!
December 4, 2022 at 11:42
No you can’t unlock the old DS260.
December 4, 2022 at 05:18
Hi Brit I’m dv2023 winner my case number is Af1000 ds260 submittion I choose a Djibouti embassy they automatically change my interview location to nairobi and I ain’t send any email asking them to relocate to Djibouti 31 October I sent kcc an email for asking my interview location and my case status they said your Case is current for interview schedule and your interview location is nairobi. Almost I’m sending emails to whole November asking them to relocate my interview location to Djibouti and they refuse.
December 4, 2022 at 11:41
They select the location of the embassy based on your current address.
December 4, 2022 at 06:34
Hello Simon,
My son’s US visitor visa renewal appointment kept cancelling during covid. It is now scheduled for Feb 2023. I won the DV 2023 lottery and created DS260 for us…. my case number is 2023SA3k so far that number is not current for January interviews.
How does the DS260 affect the US visitor Visa renewal if the visitor visa interview is before your case becomes current?
December 4, 2022 at 11:41
There could be an increased suspicion that your son will overstay his non immigrant visa – so he should put additional effort into proving he will return to the home country at the end of the visa.
December 4, 2022 at 06:58
Brit, What does it mean to be “current”? You keep saying it
December 4, 2022 at 11:39
https://britsimonsays.com/dv-2023-basic-questions/
December 4, 2022 at 13:45
Hello Simon, my sponsor sent me an I-864 together with his particulars instead of an I-134. Am scheduled for interview in January should I be worried? Should I change my sponsor?
December 4, 2022 at 14:07
You cannot use the I-864. Ask the sponsor to complete the I-134 or get another sponsor. The I-134 is NOT legally binding on the sponsor, whereas the I-864 is legally binding.
December 4, 2022 at 14:19
Hello Simon,
I don’t know if you remember me, I asked you questions a few times, your answers have really been helpful. Got my appointment in 10 days, hoping that everything will go well!
Thanks again for everything, you truly are a savior.
December 4, 2022 at 14:50
Best of luck with the interview!
December 4, 2022 at 17:07
Hi Simon, when filling ds260 about education I enrolled in medical university but dropped out after two years due to financial circumstances. Do I need to state that or I can leave it. Thanks
December 4, 2022 at 19:04
Add the school to your education history.
December 4, 2022 at 18:58
Dear Simon,
I have won the 2023 DV lottery and my son is based in Australia. We are based in Singapore. Our case number becomes current in January. We have added Australia as his location for interview. However, in checking with KCC – they indicated he will have to go through the Follow-to-join process. So do you recommend we request for him to be interviewed with us in Singapore? So he gets the visa with us. We would like to get the visa together. If so how do we do this? Is it by writing to KCC?
December 4, 2022 at 19:04
Yes, just let KCC know he will interview with you. He will need to be there in time to have the medical, and allow some time for delivery of the visas after the interview.
December 4, 2022 at 19:03
Dear Simon,
My son turned 21 in November 2022. Our family is going through the 2023 DV process and our case number turns current in January. My son is a derivative. We would like to consult an immigration lawyer since we would like to explore the option of Child Status Protection Act which will help us to establish that he is “Of age” even if the interview is after he has turned 21 in November 2022. Would you be able to recommend someone that we can please use? Thanks so much.
December 4, 2022 at 21:23
No need to consult a lawyer – I have detailed everything at the article below including a link to the government site.
https://britsimonsays.com/child-turn-21-can-heshe-get-visa/
December 4, 2022 at 21:44
Hi. Do we need to submit birth certificate. Cos I don’t have one.
December 5, 2022 at 09:18
Yes you will need your birth cert at the interview.
December 4, 2022 at 22:12
Hello sir,
I am a dv 2023 winner with a high case number As22***. Im planning to apply for usa f1 visa next year as im planning to continue my studies.having won the dv lottery will become an issue for my f1visa process? Please advice.
December 5, 2022 at 09:18
It might.
December 4, 2022 at 23:42
Hey Simon and I appreciate your help through these years, I’m from Iran . In your Opinion is case Number “12000” High from Iran? and the Ankara embassy has capacity to schedule for this case number?
December 5, 2022 at 09:17
I don’t have a way to answer either of those questions.
December 4, 2022 at 23:43
Dear Simon,
If our Case number is becoming current in January 2023, when should we ideally receive the email from KCC sharing the Interview date and time please? We still have not received anything.
Thanks so much.
December 5, 2022 at 09:17
January interviews were scheduled in November. February interviews will be scheduled in December.
December 5, 2022 at 05:09
Hi Brit.
Case 2023AF9xxx and hasn’t received 2NL yet. I emailed KCC and they said I should wait for several wks forms are being processed.
I submitted my forms on 6&7july for my derivatives bcz the system was not connecting totally.
1.. should I have all supporting documents ready from my sponsor and have the i-134 filled out when the 2NL come?
2.. my submission days are they a problem or its normal for being current and not receiving a 2NL?
Thank you for your time and love for DV Lottery. it’s appreciated
December 5, 2022 at 09:15
1. You get the I-134 and supporting documents once you get the 2NL.
2. No problem, just need a bit more patience.
December 5, 2022 at 11:43
hi Simon
i really appreciate the great work you doing everyday to help people for free
i wanted to make my question very clear this time please help
please let us know if its a big mistake or not please ???🌹🌹
WE Chose married to Us spouse . He is not a Us spouse but i chose it by mistake ???
1 -unmarried
2 -married NOT us spouse
3 – married to us spouse i chose this
but i should have chosen number 2
how it happened ?
i listed my spouse pic name etc but while revising the information we moved to part one to revise it i saw NOT i was in a hurry i think the mark changed for some reason to number 3 or i changed it when i saw NOT ??? thats the only guessing
how we found out ??
the problem is my spouse wasnot in the ds26 this is the way we knew that there was something wrong but we are sure we marked married
the only explanation
choosing number 3 deleted the information of the spouse from dv lottery and remove it from ds260 because he doesnot need visa
the proof we are honest
we applied for the spouse in the same system at the same time to increase our chance so we cant lie about him and no one can lie about the nationality
we had to add applicant in the DS for the spouse
now my question should i go for the interview or we will be disqualified
we are 4 me and my spouse and two children the cost is 2000 usd please help
December 5, 2022 at 14:06
As I already told you, the whole question is whether he was included in the original entry submission or not.
December 5, 2022 at 16:21
I always feel heart broken and deranged anytime I log in here.. It’s very hard to accept it….
#dv2021 Most painful experience …..I can’t imagine ….
Got selected but no interview .. hmmmmmmmmmmmmm…. It hurts so much ….
December 5, 2022 at 22:01
Did you sign up as a plaintiff?
December 5, 2022 at 18:10
Dear Simon,
Thanks so much for all the responses and helping so many of us! Truly appreciate.
We are based in Singapore and on the US Embassy in Singapore website it does not specify that we need any documents from the sponsor. However do you recommend we obtain the I-134 from the sponsor? We will be taking also bank statements from our banks here.
Thanks so much.
December 5, 2022 at 22:02
If your banks accounts have at least $10k per person, then that might be enough, otherwise get the I-134.
December 5, 2022 at 21:22
Hi there . I am 19 years old .
I put my stepfather information on father’s information . Because he’s married my mom when i was 2 year. He didnt adopt me legally . i still have my mother’s last name. i should’ve chosen unknown one . Do you think this is big mistake? because application completed i cant change it.
Thank you!
December 5, 2022 at 22:04
You don’t give any detail about what part of the process you are talking about, but your stepfather relationship is accepted by the US immigration system, and the name does not matter.
December 6, 2022 at 08:36
Thanks for reply. I am talking about father’s information on ds260 form . I put my stepfather information instead of biological father’s one . bevause I dont have biological dad. My birth certificate doesn’t have my stepfather name on it. 1.How should i explain it diring interview officer?
2. Do i need to sent request to unlock and update my case to my local embassy?
Thanks again!
December 6, 2022 at 09:09
1. That is normal. Stop overthinking.
2. No
December 6, 2022 at 09:13
thanks i feel better now. i will keep you update after interview. Thanks again!
December 6, 2022 at 03:26
hi sir, thank you very much for your support and help.
2NLs just sending in the 2th half of each month OR sending during whole month ? my DS processed and current for Jan for Ankara post but still did not get 2NL , is it possible to get it before next VB or after 1th day of Dec I need to wait for next VB to may get 2NL for Feb ?
December 6, 2022 at 09:07
It will be after the VB for Feb at the earliest.
December 6, 2022 at 05:08
AF 19***, I submitted my ds 260 on November 1st, and interview location is the Bridgetown embassy, when will my ds260 be processed and when should I expect my 2nl
December 6, 2022 at 09:08
I don’t know exactly, but you can expect to wait at least a couple more months before your DS is processed because you sent it in so late.
December 6, 2022 at 11:40
Hi Brit,
Hope you are fine !
I am from Sri Lanka and my case in current for January interviews, AS5XXX, though I submitted the DS 260 in late June, I still not received the 2NL.
Still is there any chance to receive the 2NL for January interview or Interview will push back to February or later month , what’s your view point
December 9, 2022 at 08:48
February or later.
December 6, 2022 at 12:46
Hi dear Simon.
what happens if a derivative could not go to the interview at all? or could not make it to the scheduled date? for example an Iranian woman has an interview in Ankara. she and her son can go but her husband is banned to leave the country. if they go to the interview will they go to AP until his husband goes to the interview later? or they might get rejected? or they might get the visa approved but the husband might go to the AP? what should she do?
what happens if she unlock the DS260 and remove her husband for getting the visa appointment?
December 9, 2022 at 08:50
If the husband doesn’t interview he won’t get a visa. For Iranians (particularly males) there are enhance screening delays after the interview, so delaying the interview is a bad idea. The woman could sponsor the husband for a visa once she is in the USA, but that would take years.
December 6, 2022 at 21:05
Hello, BritSimon. Thank you for everything you do to help us. I was wondering if the DV AOS process require me to provide past tax filings when I submit I-485 form or during the interview? Or at what stage will I be required to submit tax documents?
December 9, 2022 at 08:51
I refer all AOS questions to Sm1smom – the expert.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2023-aos-adjustment-of-status-only.345837/
December 7, 2022 at 01:04
Hi Brit,
I am from Morocco with Case number 2023AF10xxx. I got married in Morocco and added my Indian husband to DS260. Now I am living with husband in India.
Should we change our current location from Morocco to India? We intend to travel to Morocco for interview, do you see any concerns in that or do you suggest us to do interview in our current location (India)?
December 9, 2022 at 08:52
Your choice.
December 7, 2022 at 05:34
Hello Britsimon
I had submitted my DS260 form 3-4 months back. I had entered my actual Facebook account in the social media section. Recently, my Facebook account was hacked and inoperable. Facebook has permanently disabled my account. What should I do in this case? Please suggest. Thank you.
December 9, 2022 at 08:52
Nothing.
December 7, 2022 at 06:05
Hi Simon
Please in case DS260 filed but the applicant didn t show up for visa interview and neither paid or given biometrics . is it recorded as visa refusal or not recorded at all in their systems ? thanks
December 9, 2022 at 08:53
It’s not a refusal, just an unfinished application.
December 9, 2022 at 16:03
Thanks Simon , do you think that they keep record of my data entered and DS 260 in their archive even if it is unfnished application . it could be pulled out and influence future application ? no show up no biometric or fee paid but certainly biographic data given within DS260
Thanks a lot 🙂
December 10, 2022 at 09:35
I don’t know.
December 7, 2022 at 06:06
Hello Brit,
I was winner on DV21, not participating in any law suit. This time my husband is winner DV23 again. I’m also a type B visa holder expired already. My question is ‘does the renovation of type B visa will be affected by submitting two time DS260 form, so that we have showed the interest to migrate in states?’
December 9, 2022 at 08:53
Possibly.
December 7, 2022 at 08:04
Hi Simon,
I had my interview today and I sadly received a paper saying that my visa application requires further administrative processing (I need to fill the DS-5535 and the professional resume/CV)
I also need to send my passport to the embassy.
I wanted to know if this will take time ?
I am shocked because I thought everything went very smooth and I had all documents required etc.
Thanks for all your help
December 9, 2022 at 08:54
Yes it can take time. DS5535 processing can take anything from a couple of weeks, to several months.