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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.
December 20, 2022 at 16:42
Hello Mr. Simon,
2023SA*** DV Winner. I had to ask for interview date to be changed. We will reschedule early 2023. Will this affect my chances of getting the visa? Is rescheduling frowned upon or a deal breaker?
December 22, 2022 at 08:35
It’s not ideal to reschedule, because it is up to the embassy to handle it. But if they handle it well, then it’s ok.
January 2, 2023 at 04:09
Hello Simon,
Happy new year dear, I have a question please, my case number is AS00018XXX, I have sumbitted my DS260 form in August, and I did some modifications in it by September. what do you think about my chances? thanks in advance
January 2, 2023 at 10:51
Probably OK.
December 20, 2022 at 18:22
Hi Simon, I’m worked in Venezuela for more than 6 months, 7 years ago with a Work Visa. The Reciprocity page says: “Non-Venezuelans who are not residents of Venezuela (do not possess a national identity card) are unable to request police certificates at this time. Applicants falling into this category should be prepared to show their current visa or explanation of non-resident status at the time of the visa interview.”
1- Do you know if that explanation of non-resident status must be written or can I tell the officer only?
Thanks!
December 22, 2022 at 08:36
First, you only need it if you were there more than 12 months.
As for the explanation – I don’t know.
December 20, 2022 at 18:59
Hello Simon,
Q1 : My case number is going to be in march. i emailed KCC yesterday to check the process on ds260 form they replied with “Allow several weeks for processing.” do you think i can make it to my march interview as in my ds260 will be processed by then ? and if my number is going current in march when am I supposed to receive 2NL
Q2: what sort of documents do i need to attest from foreign ministry, education certificate ? work experience letter ? police clearance certificate ? birth certificate ?
Q3 : when should i get the i-134 form so just to be safe on my end although i do have 10k saved in my bank account ?
Q 4 : I have 10k USD saved in my bank account but starting from this month not for the past 6 months so will that make an issue for me if they ask for my bank statement ?
thank you for all the help, very nervous but you have made this journey very comfortable i hope to get the interview and immigrate to US
December 22, 2022 at 08:41
1. I don’t know when you submitted so I don’t know if you will be processed. March interviews are sent 2NLs in January.
2. Read the instructions!
3. Once you get the 2NL
4. It is up to the CO.
December 21, 2022 at 03:25
Hello!
Do you know when the decision of the DV-2020 Court of Appeal vill be published?
Sorry for disturbing.
Thanks.
December 22, 2022 at 08:44
There is no set date – but we hope to hear in January.
December 21, 2022 at 03:31
Hello Simon,
I just wanted to write to you to tell you thank you for all your help. I have gotten my visa after getting an administrative processing (interview on the 7th of December and picked my passport today on the 21st of December)
Again thank you for all your help and information given to us via your videos. I am so excited to start this next chapter in my life !
December 22, 2022 at 08:44
Exciting!! Good luck.
August 13, 2023 at 12:53
My interview is scheduled for August and my husband is no where to be found. Only my children and I here.
August 13, 2023 at 17:15
OK, then I guess he isn’t going to be at the interview, and therefore won’t get a visa.
December 21, 2022 at 04:54
In Uganda registration and issuance of official government ID started in 2014 after I was married so I registered with my husband’s surname and now am trying to get a birth certificate after winning DV but they won’t issue one with my maiden name at birth because to them, those are 2 different people. Won’t it cause me issues at the interview presenting a birth certificate with my current surname not the maiden name at birth?
December 22, 2022 at 08:45
I don’t know.
December 21, 2022 at 13:00
Hi dear Mr. Brit, I have this situation, my 20 year old daughter studies in another country, the cousulars office gave us time untill 2023 January 20 for sending required documents like police report and passport, but she cant be in the country for longer than a week for her holodays, so she cant submit her passport. Can we apply for postponing of her case? Or whats the solution? Is there any chance?
Thank you!
December 22, 2022 at 08:53
Why are you messing around with a life changing process for the sake of inconvenience to your daughters studies?????
December 21, 2022 at 22:07
Dear Simon
I entered USA as dv immigrant in October and i want to go back to my country to finish my studies for 4 months will that cause any issue? Can i re-enter the Country with my green card? Btw i come from Somalia and the US doesn’t recognise the Somali passport.
Keenly waiting your response
Thank you
December 22, 2022 at 08:55
Typically you need a GC and a passport – your passport must have been recognized before…
December 28, 2022 at 15:18
Hello dear ,
Sorry for bothering you,CN AF25K from TOGO, DS submitted on 7 june my question is why I still not receiving my 2NL since I became current one week ago?
Do you think that my DS is already processed base on the date of submission (7 june) ?
Best regards.
December 30, 2022 at 14:07
I don’t know whether your DS is processed or not – ask KCC.
December 22, 2022 at 09:02
Hey Brit ..I’m a dv2023 winner and I was once denied the B1 visa in 2020..but the ds160 indicated that I was married yet am not!I have applied for dv lottery twice indicating the truth that I’m not married
My Qn:does the consular bring back that history of 2020?
2.Is so,how should I go about this at the interview..Thanks
December 30, 2022 at 13:52
I have answered this. The problem is you want them to believe you were lying then, but being truthful now. Who is to say you weren’t telling the truth then and lying now. You have labeled yourself a liar – so how can they trust you?
December 30, 2022 at 22:35
I didn’t lie.I was traditionally married before that’s the only reason I included I was married in the DS160.Then we fell apart ..
December 31, 2022 at 14:44
So you have told me lies about it already…
December 22, 2022 at 09:18
Hi Britsimon,
1. I added all my social media accounts such as YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, the ones are not related directly to mobile number. I Forgot, on the other hand to add whats-app. But I use only whats-app (no Viber, Telegram…etc). In addition, I added the mobile number I have used for whats app as my phone number to contact me. Do I have to unlock to mention whats-app account clearly or having the phone number clearly stated is enough?
2. For a Master Degree, do I add three entries in education: (1) High School, (2) Bachelor Degree, (3) Master Degree. Any lower Degree than HighSchool should I enter?
CN: 2023AS23k
Regards,
Ridwan
December 30, 2022 at 13:53
1. No need to unlock.
2. Education from age 12 and up.
December 22, 2022 at 12:33
Hi Simon ,I receive 2nl letter yesterday but I m trying to resister my appointment but I m getting error your case number is not shendil yet what to do pls Simon help
December 30, 2022 at 13:54
Choose another option. You do not need to book an appointment – just register your profile.
December 22, 2022 at 15:17
Hi Brit already I get my interview appointment the 2nl aren’t mentioned to a documents I’ll take to the interview. How do I know it the number of documents they needed me for the interview day.
December 30, 2022 at 13:54
You read the instructions you were given in the beginning…
December 22, 2022 at 18:09
Dear Simon,
My Case Number is current in January 2023 AS7XXX, based in Singapore. Still the 2NL is not received. If one’s number is current – do you usually get an appointment guaranteed? We are getting worried with the delay. Should we write to KCC?
Thanks so much.
December 30, 2022 at 13:55
Your case is probably not processed. You can ask KCC or just wait.
December 22, 2022 at 20:45
Hey Simon, do you update your DS-260 if you traveled internationally between when we filled it in and the interview. Thanks so very much.
December 30, 2022 at 13:55
No need. The form was correct when you submitted it.
December 23, 2022 at 01:02
Hello Simon, I’m supposed to receive my 2NL very soon in march/April. I have tried my very best to get my vaccination card, the vaccines i took when i was born or was a baby. I have lost the card and the concerned authorities cannot locate it since most of their system wasn’t digitize back then? What can i do?
December 30, 2022 at 13:56
The physician will know what is appropriate. Just leave it to them.
December 23, 2022 at 09:54
Hi Simon. My family is dv 2023 AF27k winner. Their number is current for Feb but due to their ds260 still being in “processing” stage will likely have their interview scheduled at later months. They have lived most of their life in the middle east so that might attribute to the delay of the processing.
I saw your recent q/a video and you expressed your concern for cases scheduled at Addis Ababa’s embassy. That’s where my family would be having their interview. You suggested to possibly look at rescheduling at other embassies. In this case, would you suggest to
1. Let the ds260 complete processing as it has been taking forever to complete first time around, then changing embassy locations.
2. Reopen ds260 and change embassy location, but am afraid it might further delay their process.
3. Keep at AA embassy and hope they get scheduled.
Side note: I am a dv2019 winner and currently reside in the US due to your immense help so I want to thank you for all you do.
December 30, 2022 at 13:59
KCC are really cooperative about changing embassies. They base it on where the applicant lives. So – if your family want to move their embassy, that should be based on moving their residence, otherwise KCC will probably not approve the change. As for the best strategy – It’s hard for me to suggest – it has to be your decision.
December 23, 2022 at 16:39
Hello dear Simon. I’m a DV 23 winner with cn AF 43K.
In my Facebook account, it states that I live in San Diego, California. But I have never been to the USA. The reason why I put San Diego as where I live in my FB is coz of the love I have for the city.
I have put my correct location in the DS260 and have said ‘No’ to the question ‘Have you ever traveled to the US’ in the DS260.
Can having the wrong location in my FB account be a problem at my Interview.
December 30, 2022 at 13:59
No
December 25, 2022 at 03:30
Merry Christmas sir,
my case number is relatively high. I would like to know whether I have to get things ready such as !-134 forms? I do have a sponsor.
December 25, 2022 at 09:02
Hello! I am just wondering whether I have to send my documents to the embassy (Australia)? I received my letter and my interview is scheduled for Feb but I am just unsure on whether I just have to show up with my documents or if I have to mail them in? I am confused as it seems like I have to mail my passport? Any help is appreciated! Thank you
December 30, 2022 at 14:02
You take all documents to the interview. Please read the instructions, including the embassy specific instructions.
December 25, 2022 at 11:20
Hi Simon
I am DV2023 AS4xxx current for Jan 2023 but I submitted my DS260 very late in November. According to KCC they are still processing. Is there a possibility of me not receiving 2NL?
December 30, 2022 at 14:03
It will be delayed. That’s all.
December 25, 2022 at 21:39
Dear Simon, pls kindly advise.
In order to ensure the CO about my possession of enough financial resources to pay for reasonably foreseeable living and medical costs I’m, going to prepare banks’ statements.
Question: should I demonstrate only main applicant’s accounts or we can show derivative’s accounts as well? (unfortunately I-134 is not an option for us). Thank you!
December 26, 2022 at 17:12
More people, more money needed, so simple answer yes.
December 30, 2022 at 14:03
Both
December 26, 2022 at 16:38
Hi Brit, 23AF361** DS May has been processed from Algeria the visa bulletin of February is 18425 do I have a chance to get my 2nl in the next visas
December 30, 2022 at 14:03
Maybe.
December 28, 2022 at 00:45
My case number is 2023af10***. I opened new twitter and whatsapp accounts.
1) Should I unlock and correct my ds260.
2) And in the social media part I made mistake. I fill my name on it instead of the identifier (eg, instead of @Yonas518 I fill Yonas). Should I unlock it now to correct this mistakes.
December 30, 2022 at 14:05
Don’t unlock now as you are already current.
December 28, 2022 at 04:53
Hi Simon. I got my date of birth wrong on the day/month/year. Can I face any challenges or problems?
Can I correct this error while filling the Ds260 form ?
December 30, 2022 at 14:06
Yes enter it correctly in the DS260.
December 28, 2022 at 11:55
After successful passing an interview, at what particular moment I actually become a tax resident of the US? Thank you!
December 30, 2022 at 14:06
The day you enter the USA for the first time.
December 28, 2022 at 21:30
Hi Brit, I am currently in USA but my family in a different country and want to process my dv visa by AOS. Do I need to submit ds 260 for them, remember my number is current in Feb. Can they be scheduled for an interview before i get my green card and will they be given green card before me given that if I submit their ds 260 most probably their interview will be scheduled in Feb by which time uscis will not have scheduled my aos interview
December 30, 2022 at 14:08
If you are the principal selectee (winner) then you go through AOS first then file an I-824 FTJ to get their interview.
December 29, 2022 at 15:32
Hello Simon, I stumbled upon your videos on YouTube and must say, your work really stands out. There are so many people on there who don’t seem to have a clue what they’re talking about. I was hoping you could help me out with a question I have. How do you determine which consulate would be the best choice, with the shortest backlog and efficient processing of DV cases? I’ve been trying to make sense of the case data you posted in your video “DV lottery | DV 2022 embassy queue data published,” but there are so many variables to consider, such as backlog and monthly throughput, and not all of the consulates are listed.
December 30, 2022 at 14:09
Unfortunately you can’t just pick the embassy you want. KCC pick the embassy based on your current location. Also – don’t look at old data to make a decision about now.
December 30, 2022 at 03:01
Hi Simon,
I am selected for the DV lottery 2023 and my husband and I have an appointment at the US Embassy in Paris mid-February 2023.
We are French and are currently living in South Korea (since 1 year) due to my work.
We would like to know:
1. Will it be ok to have the interview in France while living in South Korea?
2. For the medical examination, is it mandatory to do it in France or it can also be done in South Korea?
Thank you in advance,
Sabrina
December 30, 2022 at 14:10
1. Yes
2. Local to the interviewing embassy – so France.
December 30, 2022 at 14:01
Hi Simon,
We are a family of 4 with the Global Entry Trusted Traveler membership who will be DV interviewed in early January. If our visas are approved, we plan to enter to US in April. One of the members’ memberships expires until end of June which we would like to renew it soon.
So, questions are
1) When will be the best time to submit renewal application (i.e., before DV interview or after interview)?
2) Since renewal application asks whether we are LPR or not, could you please confirm that we can’t claim ourselves in the application as LPR before the GC landing (i.e., before April)?
3) We plan to return the US as permanent resident in fall. Do we need change our Global Entry Trusted Traveler membership status as LPR in April or in fall?
December 30, 2022 at 14:45
I am DV 2023 winner from Ghana with case number 2023AF00000005. I submitted my DS 260 on 22nd September, 2022 but have not received my 2NL. Any chance for me?
December 31, 2022 at 14:40
Yes – you were just very late in submitting your DS, so now you will wait for another couple of months for processing.
December 30, 2022 at 19:26
Hello BritSimon,
I have a question about police certificates. DV2023 Selectee , going thro the AOS process.
Because of having lived in US for over a decade, do you know if the police report certificate will be required to be obtained from my country of origin or from local U.S. States that I have resided in?
Thanks
December 31, 2022 at 14:43
Not required for USA, and no police certs are required at all for AOS. Please make sure you understand the process, otherwise you will make mistakes. The link below is an excellent sourse of info for DV related AOS.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2023-aos-adjustment-of-status-only.345837/
December 31, 2022 at 01:00
Dear Simon,
At the time of submitting my ds260 I had a (1) Fb which was not utilised for contacting people but used only for the purpose of following some university pages. I have not had any friends in my fb since it was created.
(2) linkedin account that was active but had not used for more than five years.
(3) a email address which was also not utilised for contacting people for more than 5 years.
Due the above reasons I deleted all the above mentioned three accounts at the time of submitting my ds260 and did not mention the above details in the ds260.
My question is will the above activity cause any problem?. I would like to mention here that my case is current for February and have not received the 2nl yet.
Please advice me in this regard.
Thanking you in advance.
December 31, 2022 at 14:47
They don’t ask for how often you used the accounts – they ask what accounts you have had. So you should have listed them/ However, you now have to decide whether to proceed as is, or fix it. Your choice.
December 31, 2022 at 04:44
Hello, Brit
I have won from the lottery and after we married with my girfriend we’ve filled out DS260 immidiatly in September. My number is 2023EU1XXX but we still haven’t got 2NL letter. Should we email KCC or just wait. Please advice. Thank you!
December 31, 2022 at 14:47
Just wait – you submitted late – there is no way they would have processed you yet.
December 31, 2022 at 07:29
Dear Simon,
Thank you for your support and for the reliable information your are sharing! 🙂
We won DV 2023 and planning to do our interview in Stockholm, currently we are based here. Our country of chargeability is Ethiopia. When I checked USA embassy website for both countries, I found out there is a slight difference on educational certificates required. I am wondering on which country document requirement they will consider during interview. From your experience on which one they will consider, our country of chargeability or country we are doing interview? Thank you for taking your time and happy new year!
BR
December 31, 2022 at 14:48
Just take all the documents you might need.
December 31, 2022 at 07:55
Hello Simon,
Case 23EU15***. Decided to change from AOS to CP. We had to submit DS260 now since for AOS was optional. From your experience.. will we get an interview considering we submitted this late? (Bucharest Embassy). Or is safer at this point to just continue with AOS.
December 31, 2022 at 14:40
Why do you want to switch – AOS is a great way to process your case, and you have a low number with plenty of time. You’ll be current next VB, and can immediately file AOS.
January 1, 2023 at 21:26
I am not eligible due to 15 days overstay during Covid. My husband – main applicat- doesn’t have this issue. We know FTJ is complicated. We were ready for AOS and now not sure what to do. And I kind of regret submitting DS.. in case we can’t make it. Should I let him go alone for AOS(maybe try early file?). Sm1ones mom says there is time for CP.. but with current CEAC data.. what do you think? (Usually you advise to get the visa together since later is more complicated and expensive)
January 2, 2023 at 10:42
I’m sure Sm1smom would recommend AOS for your husband (as the principal) and FTJ for you. That would be my advice too. FTJ isn’t complicated – you just need a cooperative FO and embassy.
January 1, 2023 at 00:39
Hello Simon
Thank you for your support.
I am the winner of 2021. Due to covid 19, I didn’t get an interview time and as a result I didn’t get a visa. I also did not participate in any complaint. Do you think there is any hope for an interview and getting a visa for my case or is it all over?
January 2, 2023 at 10:27
All over.
January 1, 2023 at 03:43
Hi brit,
2023AS9xxx
My case is current. I submitted ds form on 21 may and about two months ago i asked kcc if my ds260 is processed and they answered: “records indicate that you have submitted a complete form….”.
But now when i checked ceac it was written “at NVC”:
1- I was expecting that it should be written “in transit” why it is not so?
2- when should i expect 2nl?
January 2, 2023 at 10:28
1. Because that is only shown when you have the 2NL
2. Soon I imagine – patience.
January 1, 2023 at 13:23
Hello Sir
Iam a 2022 dv lottery winner I received an email that be ready for interview and wait for the interview date and it’s been more than 5 months that I didn’t receive any email what should I do??
January 2, 2023 at 10:35
Wait some more, and learn how to make your questions more specific and therefore more useful.
January 1, 2023 at 13:30
Hi Simon
Dv2023 AF39k am I within the 10% of the case or should I worry if I will get an interview
January 2, 2023 at 10:35
Check the data to see how many cases are before or after you – then you can determine your chances.
January 1, 2023 at 15:08
Thank you dear Brit for your latest video as it has been super helpful. I’m a DV 23 winner with cn 43k. What are my chances of receiving 2nl.
I first submitted my DS260 on 27 May, but then unlocked on 1 December coz of your advice. I then re-submitted same day immediately.
Will I get my 2nl. Is everything good for me. Please answer
January 2, 2023 at 10:38
Take a look at my latest article/video.
January 1, 2023 at 17:22
good afternoon simon yes my case is 740 but i just sent the DS-260 in august they are currently reviewing it and they give me the appointment according to the case number or they leave me for the end
thanks for your help
January 2, 2023 at 10:40
They will schedule you once your DS260 is processed.
January 1, 2023 at 22:54
My case number is about to 2023AS00025239, does I will receive email for interview?
January 2, 2023 at 10:43
I don’t know.
January 2, 2023 at 02:45
Hi, we have been granted with green cards (me, my husband and my daughter) in Dec 2019. However when we came back to our home, due to covid we could not go back until it was over. Now we have another baby who hasn’t got a green card and we want to go to the US. How can my baby get a green card? At the airport? (I know there’s a risk they won’t let us in as we haven’t lived there since 2019, but my husband was doing his specialization/internship, his father passed away then, covid happened, so we think there’s enough evidence why we didn’t go back earlier). Thanks in advance?
January 2, 2023 at 10:49
If you have not been back to the USA in over 12 months, then you will need to apply for an SB1 visa at your embassy. Essentially you have broken the terms of your GC – and you are considered to have abandoned your status. The SB1 is your chance to re-establish your status – but quite honestly it sounds like you really didn’t take it seriously. Your “evidence”, other than covid, is nonsense. Those were choices.
January 3, 2023 at 02:25
Thank you so much for your time and effort to reply to my question, Brit. I appreciate it!
January 2, 2023 at 03:52
Dear Sir
First submission of DS260 was on 19th May,unlocked and resubmitted on 23rd December to add newly born baby.Does unlock of DS260 delay the cases.
January 2, 2023 at 10:49
No
January 2, 2023 at 03:54
Hey Brit.
You might be aware that they announced ASIA 15,500 case number, how long we have to wait until we get an Emil from US embassy as an invitation for interview , in case we didn’t receive this email May I send an email to embassy? My case number including this number they have been selected for February.
Thank you in advance
January 2, 2023 at 10:50
The embassy don’t know anything about you until you get the 2NL. Be patient.
January 2, 2023 at 06:50
Happy New Year Brit, my case number is AF49k, my ds 260 form was filled in 20th May, 2022 but yet not receive any notification as the form is processed or not. I checked my status yesterday, and it says, my case is currently at foreign state of charcheability. What does it means?
January 2, 2023 at 10:54
You have to be more patient – you are not current yet.
January 2, 2023 at 07:06
Hi Brit my case number is As15k which is current for February month but I still Gaby not received my 2NL. Is it normal?
January 2, 2023 at 10:54
Yes
January 2, 2023 at 11:02
Hi brit
My case number is 2023af10***. I am current since January. My case is saying at NVC. I didnt include my facebook and linked in accounts. Is it ok if I unlock it now. And is my case at danger.
January 2, 2023 at 15:30
I would not unlock at this point – just be patient.
January 2, 2023 at 14:05
Hey Simon, I have a case number that is around 2023AF40*** submited in November do u think I have a chance of getting a 2nl coz every time I send kcc and inquiry they say they have received my documents and still processing..
January 2, 2023 at 15:33
Your number is OK, just be patient.
January 2, 2023 at 14:12
HI Brit,
I have a case number 2023AS11k .. and I’m doing the AOS processing since I’m currently in the U.S. My number for region AS is going current in February, according to VB but my country falls under the exception category under 7k. I want to make sure whether I still have to wait until the number for my country goes above my case number or I can file in February since I’m doing AOS. Thank you for all your help!!
January 2, 2023 at 15:34
If your country is at a lower number, then you wait for that number to be above yours.
January 2, 2023 at 20:11
Thank you!