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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.
February 4, 2017 at 15:18
Hi Simon,
We have received our DV visa in December. We are going to leave to the states next Thursday. Please with everything going on caused by Trump, we are a bit nervous as well.
Beside the seven countries being banned, is there problems with any other countries trying to enter the states with the DV visa? My husband is from Tonga and I was born in China but holding a Tongan passport now as well.
Will there by any problems for us when we enter the US at the airport?
February 4, 2017 at 15:46
No problem.
February 5, 2017 at 13:42
Hey britsimon,
I have made the copy of my original birthcertificate after correcting the birth date and my father’s citizenship number. But in that certificate it has been clearly mentioned that the copy of original birthcertificate was made with the corrections of my birth date and my dad’s citizenship number. Will it create any problems for the interview and visa ?
February 5, 2017 at 16:17
No
February 4, 2017 at 15:48
Hi i am from Nepal i have already got dv visa and planning to go usa at the end of feb.is there any chances of visa cancel.because lots of news are been heard that many visa had been cancel.
February 4, 2017 at 17:33
I can’t predict the future, but there is no reason to think Nepalese visas will be cancelled.
February 4, 2017 at 17:55
hello Simon
Due to unavaoidable and unforseen circustances we simply cannot make our immigrant visa interview date in March – Will the US Embassy in London allow us to reschdue to a much later date?
thanks
N
February 4, 2017 at 17:56
Yes.
February 4, 2017 at 22:33
Hello , how are you? First thank you for trying to help us with our questions.
I am from Eritrea but born and raised in saudi arabia. I applied for the dv2018 earlier in October . There is a question we which I was confused about it and it says [ Are you claiming eligibility based in your home town ( eritrea ) or based on the country of birth ( saudi arabia ) ] . I chose country of my birth which is saudi arabia. My question is IF I was blessed and got selected , can I start and complete all the process in my home town and go from there to usa ???????????? Or because of my answer I have to continue the all the process here means saudi arabia ???
February 4, 2017 at 23:41
You can complete the process wherever you live.
February 4, 2017 at 23:47
Hi I have interview set for March 2017, passport of one derivative expires in feb 2018 if all goes as planned we will enter USA in July 2017. We then plan leave USA to sort out things at home before returning. I am concerned about the expiring passport with visa. Should we apply for a new passport now or wait until after our first entry in usa
February 5, 2017 at 01:06
If you can renew it now, do so. Then take both old and new to the interview.
February 5, 2017 at 01:39
Hi simon, i had my interview at feb 2 and they said my visa has been approved but my status shows administrative processing. As you have explained administrative processing status meaning is incompelet of document …. what may be with my case? Do i need to contact with emassy?
February 5, 2017 at 05:28
Wait a few days and it will change to issued.
February 5, 2017 at 02:28
What are the reasons for being at AP after
interview? Do they do cross checking with our documents? E.g. contacting the university where we studied and contacting the offices from where we have made our citizenship and passport?
February 5, 2017 at 05:27
Various types of additional background checks including the type you describe.
February 5, 2017 at 03:18
Hey simon i an here in usa for 2 months after winning the dv lottery can you suggest me any health good health insurance program that i can have.?
Thank you.
February 5, 2017 at 05:27
https://britsimonsays.com/health-insurance-for-new-immigrants/
February 5, 2017 at 06:07
Hi Simon, i completed my ds260 form on28 of september, reopened to add arrests on 3 january and resubmited on 5 january 2017. 1.What do you think when i get my 2 nl.
2. What month will be the interview?
Thank you
February 5, 2017 at 07:20
Shall I guess your case number?
February 5, 2017 at 13:07
It is EU 000090**. Thank you
February 5, 2017 at 16:24
So, perhaps at the end of February for a April interview.
February 5, 2017 at 07:33
Its EU 00009***
February 5, 2017 at 08:17
Hi Simon, James Donart judge cancelled Trump ban yesterday, then is it affects to AP applicants waiting for visa issue or just for valid visa holders coming to U. S.?
February 5, 2017 at 10:13
(((Court Denies Justice Department’s Request to Immediately Reinstate Trump Travel Ban,,))) the breaking news
So what is going on for everything such as:
1) valid visa holders
2) current cases
3) AP
4) not scheduled applicants
5) and etc.
Is OK for which categories?
February 5, 2017 at 16:28
Everything is back to normal for now – exactly as if Trump had never signed the order. Interviews will be rescheduled.
February 5, 2017 at 16:33
Everyone.
https://britsimonsays.com/dhs-confirms-travel-ban-lifted-visas-reinstated/
February 5, 2017 at 13:21
Hello Brit,
I am planning to move to US on 25th February. I already get job offer and my company will provide me apartments for first month. Due to that I need to change my address in USCIS, However, probably after one month my address will change again. Could I provide my company’s address in USCIS or it is better to change my living address each time?
Moreover, maybe you can share with some advices about living in CA (moving to Roseville, CA)?
Thank you!
February 5, 2017 at 16:21
The GC needs to go to a residential address. You will not be able to change where it is sent after the entry, so, find someone you can trust to receive it at their house.
California is in general more expensive than the rest of the country. Roseville is nice, you’ll enjoy the Tahoe area year round and some wonderful areas within an hour or two from there. So – good choice.
http://www.areavibes.com/roseville-ca/livability/?ll=38.7682+-121.31662
February 5, 2017 at 16:17
What is the chance of an Iranian to win DV 2018? I heard Iranian has the highest share in Asia?
February 5, 2017 at 16:47
Iran and Nepal both get high numbers of selectees. However, because some many Iranians and Nepalese apply, the two countries have the lowest chance of being selected. Further, additional security checks are commonly placed on Iranians and the chances of a successful approval for the Iranian selectees is very low. So – out of the million or so entries from Iran, around 2000 will actually get visas – so about 1 in 500.
February 6, 2017 at 10:23
1, hi Brit i filled my ds-260 on Sept 10 2016 and submitted it on the very day but i later re opened it on 10/10/2016 and resubmitted on the very day my case AF201700021*** MAY YOU APPROXIMATE FOR ME TIME I MIGHT GET MY 2NL
2, once one re-opens the ds-260 and resubmits its which time to consular affairs consider, it was submitted e..g like this case of mine will they consider the first submission or second one?
February 6, 2017 at 17:41
1. Maybe at the end of this month IF your number is current (you don’t mention your country)
2. First.
February 6, 2017 at 11:08
Hi simon
when the embassies bigin the interwiew for those 7 countries for lottery winners?
thank you
February 6, 2017 at 17:40
I don’t know. KCC are saying they will contact people who previously had appointments that were cancelled.
February 6, 2017 at 17:29
Hi Brit,
My original marriage certificate has 2 languages on it. In particular, the top half has the text written in non-English language and the exact same content is written in English in the bottom half. My country’s government does that on purpose so that the certificate can be accepted by those countries whose official language is English. In this case, do I need to translate the document for including it in the AOS package?
Thanks.
February 6, 2017 at 17:31
I think you answered your own question.
“My country’s government does that on purpose so that the certificate can be accepted by those countries whose official language is English. “
February 6, 2017 at 21:19
Hello BritSimon,
I am applying for adjustment of status and I am waiting for my number to become current. If my number becomes current this month, how long does it normally takes until I have the interview with the immigration officer?
February 7, 2017 at 03:26
It varies greatly – but plan on at least 2 to 3 months.
February 6, 2017 at 22:47
Hello BritSimon,
I forgot to ask you another question. Someone told me that once I submit my AOS form, I receive a work permit? Is this true or not? I just wanted to clarify.
Thank you.
February 7, 2017 at 03:25
It is possible to apply for the work permit at the same time.
February 7, 2017 at 00:02
Dear brit
I am from Syria , after the executive orders kcc emailed me about cancelling my interview so i cancelled my medical exam and my plane ticket to amman – jordan as the interview placed there , my interview in 16 February and i cant attend it (if its valid)
Will kcc reschedule my appointment or i will lose my chance 🙁
Regards
February 7, 2017 at 03:23
https://britsimonsays.com/dhs-confirms-travel-ban-lifted-visas-reinstated/comment-page-1/#comment-60259
February 7, 2017 at 06:42
Sorry sir thank u
February 7, 2017 at 02:01
Bellow Brit
Thank you so much simon, I gat congratulation on Sunday February five.interview place Cairo Egypt
Nationality Eritrean.
Thanks To God,Glory to God.
I will post my interview in interview exprence after few days
February 7, 2017 at 03:23
Great!
February 7, 2017 at 07:00
Simon GOD BLESS YOU my visa was issued praise the lord, you have been of so help for me through out the process.
Any one reading this comment I encourage you all to donate to this amazing blog.
Simon must get a reward for his amazing job that he is doing
Thank you can’t wait to donate ?
February 7, 2017 at 15:02
Congratulations!!
February 7, 2017 at 07:19
Hi Brit,
My wife is the 2017 DV lottery winner, we are currently residing inside the United States (H visas). we received Diversity Visa Adjustment letter and DV paid receipt form last month however, her visa number is not available yet, might be on May or June (41K). One of The adjustment of status process for diversity visa winners steps is to send “Copy of the receipt from DOS for the diversity visa lottery processing fee”. It is mentioned in Diversity Visa Adjustment letter that she received, “if USCIS determines you are eligible to adjust status, you must pay a non-refundable diversity-processing fee”.
So,
1- Should I pay that fee now???? even before her visa number is available?
2- if so (1-), what does it means “if USCIS determines you are eligible to adjust status”
Many thanks
February 7, 2017 at 15:02
1. I would NOT wait to become current to pay the fee. Because you need the early filing time and need to file with the receipt.
2. There is no “step” to take for that. H visas are eligible, but you must have never have been out of legal status.
February 7, 2017 at 11:53
Hello, my case is similar to you. I called to uscis and they recommended to us, pay fees when my number is current
February 7, 2017 at 15:04
hi brit,
1.After a case of DV applicant scheduled for interview,the necessity of sponsor to mail(send) for that applicant his I-134 form and supporting documents is depends on the local U.S embassy or universally needed at all embassy?
2.Paying for GC($220) is performed after entering to U.S or at homeland country?
thank you
February 7, 2017 at 18:24
1. Some embassies use it more than others.
2. Either.
February 7, 2017 at 17:52
Hello Mr. Brit,
please on the DS260 form how do I answer this question
* Do you have documentation to establish that you have received vaccinations in accordance with U.S. law?
Yes or No?
because I know it will be part of my medicals which i shall be taking,when the time is ready.
so please should I choose YES? even though i am yet to take?
Thanks
February 7, 2017 at 18:41
No is the correct answer (but answering yes would not cause problems).
February 7, 2017 at 19:18
Thanks sir FOR YOUR SWIFT ANSWER, Please again, in the education section in the DS260 form, how do i answer when i am yet to graduate from the University later this year, in terms of the dates of completion.
Thanks in advance
February 8, 2017 at 00:32
You answer with truth/reality. If you have not completed the course, the latest date is the date of submission.
February 7, 2017 at 21:00
Hi Brit Simon,
Me and my wife are permanent residents, but my wife was pregnant and she decide to deliver the baby outside of USA. When we get back in USA with the baby we have not problem on the airport (emigration), but the baby only get the stamp that says ,,serves as temporary I-551 evidencing permanent residency” . What is the next step? Are we all set and just suppose to wait for the social number and green card to arrive for the baby or we suppose to apply for I131 or something else? Thank you,
February 8, 2017 at 00:31
The baby has been given LPR status. You probably have to pay for the plastic Green Card ($220), and you can already apply for the SSN
February 7, 2017 at 22:14
Hi Simon,
My case number is 17AS73XX, and I’m doing AOS. I noticed that I answered no to the question “Were you issued an Alien Registration Number by the Department of Homeland Security?”, but I was issued an USCIS # before. Should I unlock my DS-260? Will it delay anything as I expect my case will get current in July based on the past years data.
Will it occur any issue if I don’t correct it?
Thank you very much!
Best,
Bo
February 7, 2017 at 22:36
One more question here. I saw your comments from previous posts that KCC considered the the date that I submitted the first DS-260 as the submission date of my case. Dose this mean that I will be able to continue the process (such as receiving NOL letter, attending the bio appointments, etc…) even though I haven’t received the new 2NL when my case get current?
February 8, 2017 at 00:35
The DS260 is not very important in AOS cases – so forget about it.
February 8, 2017 at 00:34
No need to unlock the DS260.
February 8, 2017 at 02:13
Hi Simon hope you are doing good,we attended our interview yesterday my wife i and the consular said our case is good but she has to do some background checks that means AP she gave us a sheet that has info on it n she circle one of them that says your case needs some administrative processing but my point is i check our case status this morni n its says refused can u pls tell me whats going on if this is normal for them to gave one result than ur status has different one or it will change to ap
Thanks
February 8, 2017 at 15:05
No, that is not normal, but if they had decided to refuse you, they would have said so in the interview. Check again in a few days.
February 10, 2017 at 07:13
So does this means our case still exit , hv u had an experience like this because am so confuse right now i don knw what to think, a friend of mine is on AP but his status says READY but i don knw why mine is saying REFUSED and the same AP paper they gave at the interview is what they gave us. Ple Simon csn tell me what is goibg on?
Thanks
February 10, 2017 at 15:01
I don’t know what is going on. That is why I said contact the embassy.
February 8, 2017 at 02:34
Hi Simon,
I got a quick question:
Will it be any potential issue if I submit my DS260 today and go back to my home country next week for about 20 days and return back to USA? I am currently legally present in the US. My question is typically about: Will DS260 affect my next time (in about 3 weeks) reentry to the USA on the first week of March? Besides, currently, I chose to process as CP. So I will then go back to my home country in about July.
Thank you!
February 8, 2017 at 15:03
Since you are doing CP, it is irrelevant.
February 8, 2017 at 03:13
Where can i check my green card status
I have the reciept number
February 8, 2017 at 15:01
You can’t check for the first 90 days. Then you can check on Elis.
February 8, 2017 at 06:11
Hi Brit,
I sometimes check status of random CN in ceac app. and there are CNs return “your search did not return any data.” I know you have explained that there are holes between the CNs. I think in the mean time, there is no way to determine how many holes there are.
February 8, 2017 at 15:01
In previous years I have been able to extract all the data so I was able to see the holes. It is about the same, year to year.
February 8, 2017 at 10:32
Hi Brit,
I got an interview scheduled in March.
For my GC address to be delivered, I put the address of my relative who lives in Arizona. Will I have problems during the interview if I state my intention to try settle in the north (eg: Seattle)?
February 8, 2017 at 14:56
No.
February 8, 2017 at 12:25
Hello Brit
Can you give me anyny clue about my comment on http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2017-aos-only.331328/page-97.
Thanks
February 8, 2017 at 14:49
I don’t really understand the questions. But really – RELAX!
February 8, 2017 at 13:02
Hey Brit, this is a pretty noob question but still I would like to know.
I am in high school in India currently and planning to appear for SAT and to get admission in US.
In order to get Student visa, should I contact the University in which I plan to enroll or Visa office?
February 8, 2017 at 14:45
I don’t advise on that type of visa.
February 8, 2017 at 14:48
Hello Mr. Brit, please in the DS260 form, the portion which says
*Provide the following information on all educational institutions at a secondary level or above you have attended*
My problem is my wife who is accompanying me is yet to complete her bachelors degree in September this year.
So i tried to select 3 September, 2017. but the system did not allow it to go through.
Please what do you suggest, should I make the date (31 January 2017). and explain at the interview? please advice me I am confused.
February 8, 2017 at 15:10
As I already told you. The date you submit the form.
February 8, 2017 at 16:48
Good morning Simon,
2 quick and related questions:
I have submitted mine and my wife’s DS260 yesterday.
There are 2 questions, and I address below:
01. I am “Currently” legally presenting in the US “Pursuing” my PhD degree.
I put 08/04/2015 as my most recent “Last” visit to the US.
Although I went back to my home country on 08/17/2016 and returned on 09/07/2016, the reason why I “Reasonably” did not include this date (09/07/2016) as a Last visit is because I treat 09/07/2016 entry as my “Current” visit since I am still inside the US. Also, doing this way, I can “Reasonably” put in a “Length” of “This” Last Visit (from 08/04/2015 to 08/17/2016).
02. As for the question related to institutions:
I put my all previous accomplished degree on that question for sure, but I did Not include my current institution, where I am currently pursuing my PhD degree. The mindset is similar to above.
And for sure, I am currently holding a valid F1 student visa.
Since this question also asks about “degree” or “diploma” received/accomplished and about both the “starting” and “ending” date (the duration question); also, as I mentioned above, I am “on my way pursuing” this PhD degree, so that I did Not include my current institution in this question. And I think the purpose for this question is to make sure whether or not the applicant do show the requirement of the education. And I do have a master of science degree from a US institution. Thus, I thought my reasoning is ok.
I don’t think and will not believe this is a willful false or misleading statement.
Besides, I just called the KCC a couple of minutes ago, and they told me and recommend me to ask my home country’s embassy/consular for this question since they are not conducting the interview.
Should I unlock both my form and my wife’s form since my wife also have a similar situation for the question 1 mentioned above.
To be honest, I don’t want to send KCC an email and unlock and resubmit the form again since it seems I need to wait for a couple of days for their response and to spend time working on the form again.
But please let me know based on your knowledge, experience, and/or know-how, what shall I do?
If unlock is a necessity and an only option, then I will for sure do in that way.
PS. Calling the consular is a tedious work and I don’t think they can precisely answer my above questions.
Thank you so much, Simon!!
February 8, 2017 at 21:01
This is your idea of “quick questions”????
01. There isn’t a question there. What is the question.
02. Again. It’s hard to discern your question.
But look – short answer. Don’t try and be “clever” about your answers. Just give accurate answers. Nothing more, nothing less. If that means unlocking, do it.
February 8, 2017 at 21:18
Hi Simon, Sorry for explaining in a long format.
Below, I state the questions more concisely:
My first question is: I did not put my current entry date as one of the last 5 U.S. visit since I am still legally inside the US; also, it seems not making much sense if I put in the length of stay for this current entry (because I have not leave the States). Will that be a problem here for this “last 5 U.S. visit” question?
And my second question is: Under similar mindset, I did not put my current institution (I am pursuing a doctoral degree here in the U.S.) as one of the attended institution since I am still under the process of earning this degree; therefore, I think it does not make much sense to put dates that describe starting time and ending time for this degree. Will this be a problem for this “institution” question?
Thank you so much for your patience, Simon. Have a great day. 🙂
February 8, 2017 at 23:51
In both cases you choose the “to” date as the date you submit the form.
February 8, 2017 at 18:55
Hi Simon ,when I have filled my Ds260 Form on the section “Provide the following information on all educational institutions at a secondary level or above you have attended”
I have just mentioned the high level of education at university not the “baccalauréat “( Documents showing that we have either a qualifying high school education , for Algerian applicants, the U.S. government will accept only a baccalauréat ) at the high school, since I have read “OR above you have attended” and thy know that we can’t attend university without it.
My question is : I will be denied for this omission on DS260 Form or simply bring this document at the interview?
NB:I have already my “baccalaureat “.
Thank you .
February 8, 2017 at 23:42
That should not cause denial.
February 8, 2017 at 21:18
Hi brit, I got my visa 2 months ago but I haven’t been to the US yet, I heard that Trump may cancel dv lottery in coming months, if he cancels it what will happen to our immigrant visas. Will we still able to get our green cards after entering the US.
February 8, 2017 at 23:50
There is no suggestion that Trump is going to cancel the lottery. But if you are concerned, go to the USA now.
February 8, 2017 at 21:29
Hello simon
Vb march has be realesed
February 8, 2017 at 21:36
Hi Brit.
Thanks for your valuable training. We are praying for God to see us through the interview. March VB is now out. It looks like we will have our interview in May.CN AF35***. Do you agree? I know you don’t have exact dates but your analyses looks super.
Thanks
February 8, 2017 at 23:49
So you are not in April. That may mean May.
February 8, 2017 at 21:48
Hi Simon, just to let you know that the March bulletin has been published.
February 8, 2017 at 22:00
Yes, but is the same of February.
February 9, 2017 at 03:07
Hi Brit,
I have previously passed my interview in Guangzhou, China and my visa got approved.
However, it’s been exactly a month today that my case status is AP. I know you say in the FAQ that there’s nothing one can do about this but I kinda worry now because not having my passport could result in me being deported from China since my visa is about to expire.
Long story short: I work here, my work and residence permits both expire on March 1st. According to the law here, you are supposed to start the process of renewing these about 20-30 days prior expiration date otherwise you might get refused. If I get refused I basically lose my job and obviously have to leave China. I’ve written the consulate about this, 10+ days later so far no answer from them. Any suggestions? Thank you!
February 9, 2017 at 04:27
You simply have to wait for the embassy to answer or decide the AP.
February 9, 2017 at 04:00
Hi Brit,
As i received my passport i noticed that they have entered wrong date of birth of mine in visa. They have asked to post all the documents and we did. And justing waiting for further process. Is there any chance of getting refused at this point where we have already recieved it but becasue of their mistake we are in hold?
February 9, 2017 at 04:23
Not really.
February 9, 2017 at 05:45
hello simon
If the trump order is veryfied by court what is the bigining date of ban order for those 7 countries?
February 9, 2017 at 05:58
I don’t know.
February 9, 2017 at 08:07
Hello Mr. Brit,
My wife is winner in lottery 2017, but when she fill the form write the date of birth 14/8 also she fill the DS260 form birth date 14/8 also in passport it is 14/8, but Actually in certificate of birth it is 13/8, is this will effect to get DV Visa?
what we should do to avoid that if it will effect to get VISA , bty she already unlock the form two times.
B. Regards
Suliman
February 9, 2017 at 14:47
I doubt that would cause a problem.
February 11, 2017 at 08:01
Hi Simon,
Would you recommend that it should not complement measures because they will not get the visa??
February 11, 2017 at 14:02
If you are not yet scheduled, unlock and correct the date. That’s all.
February 9, 2017 at 09:21
Gm Simon, pls I submitted my dv260 forms on October 14 But I have not received my interview date yet so pls how many months doest it take before the date will come
February 9, 2017 at 14:43
https://britsimonsays.com/interview-experience-stories/
February 9, 2017 at 10:53
Hello. My family and I went for interview at the Moscow, Russia, embassy February 2nd. Today the 9th we got the passports with visa. We are so happy. Thank you very much for all your support. As you have written many times this process is all about patience (and nerves…), but your blog has been unvaluable as an almost daily refuge to see updates/news and to feel the common bond with other applicants.
I tried to transfer a donation, but your paypall does not accept neither of my Mastercards. It is strange, as I use them for purchases in USA and Europe. Do you know, if there is a problem with paypall today ?
Lastly, if it can be of interest, I would like to share my interview day experience with others. Where should I post this ?
Thanks again for this great blog and all the advice throughout this long process.
February 9, 2017 at 14:36
Congratulations. I don’t think I have a Moscow experience story so that would be very useful (link below). Not sure why Paypal wouldn’t accept a payment, but I appreciate you trying anyway! 🙂
https://britsimonsays.com/interview-experience-stories/
February 9, 2017 at 12:34
sir, two questions
1. on police records- in the year 2015 i traveled to Turin Italy for 5months from February to June for the face to face phase of my LL.M . do i need to obtain police record in Turin Italy?
2. on green card mailing address – while filing my ds260 i input the address of my brother in California for my green card to be mail to but recently my brother moved from that address to another. What should i do?
February 9, 2017 at 12:58
Dear sir,
my sponser annual income 24000 dollors with 3 members.
my family also 4 members.
(Total 7 members)
so this income is enough or not enough?
if not enough ,How many dollers need?
please send reply to (DETAIL)
February 9, 2017 at 14:22
You can read this and calculate yourself.
britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
February 9, 2017 at 14:25
1. No. But READ the instructions!!!
2. When you go for interview, correct that address.