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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.
April 11, 2023 at 13:38
Hi Brit,
Could you please share your inputs on the Waiver program for Covid vaccination (as per CDC) that I can avail for my kid aged 10 yrs?
She had the vaccination’s first dose and her second dose is pending. And is there any way I can avail of the waiver for the same? As this had moved our case to AP.
Regards
Sharmi
April 14, 2023 at 12:53
Ask the physician.
April 14, 2023 at 22:38
Hello Simon,
I have entered the lottery and won as married with a kid and now I am divorced. I am the main applicant and planning to migrate alone and my ex-wife and the child are not migrating. I have the original and translations of my marriage divorce and the birth certificate of my child. However, is it still possible that the CO to ask for the birth certificate of my ex-wife at the interview?
April 15, 2023 at 21:42
I don’t think so.
April 21, 2023 at 03:44
Hello Brit! I have a question. I saw someone posting an interview experience here where they got rejected due to a photo. I am also having a situation here. When I entered the DV2023, I had a full beard on my face and long hair too (like a really long beard and hair) I took the photo with that actual appearance and entered the lottery and won. However, with time I got fed up with the beard and long hair and got rid of them both. Now I have a more of a normal appearance with short hair and trimmed beard but it’s quite a change between now and then. I am super nervous that the CO might find it difficult to recognized me as the same person in the entry and reject my case. Do they use any technology to validate these appearance changes or just eyeballing and making a decision? My photos are 100% legit and I have not broken any rules or tried to trick the system. It’s just the appearance change which is quite dramatic.
April 22, 2023 at 11:12
I can’t guess whether the CO will have concerns about your photo or not.
April 11, 2023 at 23:04
Hi Simon,
On the DV lottery interview, is it legal for the consular officer to ask for the documents NOT mentioned on the list of Required Documents on travel.state.gov?
To be more precise, the Police Certificate from the country where I have not stayed for more than 12 months, not the country of my current residence or origin. I had no criminal history there or interaction with the law. I resided in that country for 11 months (this is confirmed with the stamps in my passport).
The issue here is the time constraint. It would take minimum 5 weeks to get the certificate from there and I had no information before the interview that I may need this certificate.
Is it possible to file a lawsuit for such request?
KR
Roman
April 14, 2023 at 12:54
They can ask for whatever they want. 11 months is very close to 12 months, I would personally have advised getting the poli ce certificate just in case. Lawsuit – no.
April 12, 2023 at 01:45
Hallo Simon, my confirmation number is differentit starts with 20249TO30 should i be worried
April 14, 2023 at 12:55
Your confirmation number format has NOTHING to do with your chance of selection. People that suggest otherwise are idiots, quite frankly.
April 12, 2023 at 09:25
Simon,
I just want to thank you for the work you do for the DV lottery community. My wife and I followed you religiously throughout DV2022. It almost felt like you were part of our household ha.
We got on board Jesse’s lawsuit. Our case no was 2022AF38XXX scheduled in Abu Dhabi and were actually the last of 8 to be called for an interview in September 2022. We’re both in America now, living our best life!
Again, thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for the community. Cheers!
April 14, 2023 at 12:56
What an awesome update – thank you for letting me know!
April 12, 2023 at 10:49
Hello Brit. Got my DV interview in Paris (2023EU14k) and it was approved by the consulate officer. He said I should have my passport back in 2 weeks. However my ceac status is in “administrative processing”. Is it something common before it goes to “Issued”. Indeed I did not get a refusal or a 222g notification. And read that Administrative processing status are for applicant that need to provide further info. this was not my case.
Thanks for all your valuable info.. this helped me tremendously.
April 14, 2023 at 12:57
The “administrative processing” status is to do with the visa printing process – relax.
April 12, 2023 at 12:13
Hi,
I will not be able to get a Police certificate from Iraq, i was at the embassy to apply and they informed that i need to authorize someone in Iraq to further process the application, get the certificate and stamp where needed, then send it to me, i have no one there that will do this for me, so i will go to the interview without this document. Is this a risk for denial ?
April 14, 2023 at 12:58
Read the reciprocity page instructions and make sure you have followed the procedure and documented your efforts.
April 12, 2023 at 12:36
Hi Brit,
2023EU19XXXX.
I had my interview in Paris today and was approved.
The CO said I would get my visa in 4 weeks’ time. I couldn’t find any interview experience on your blog about Paris embassy timing for issuing the visa. It seems that embassies in general issue their visa within a few working days. Any insights on this with the Paris embassy?
PS: As soon as I receive my visa, I will provide a full recount of the interview here so other applicants in Paris have something to refer to.
April 14, 2023 at 12:59
Not sure why they said that long – it is normally much quicker.
April 12, 2023 at 22:59
hello Simon,
question about the interview:
I have around $10k in my account as proof of financials( I’m the only applicant). Hoping that this is enough, I am also currently working for an American company that is also registered in Canada. I am employed in Canada but I work 100% remotely. The HR director gave me a letter stating that if I get the visa they will be considering transferring my contract to the US. 1.Is this letter a plus or I should only show proof of financials and only mention that I work for an American company?
2. or if you consider the letter is fine, should I omit the “100% work remotely” because this could make the consular officer think that I do not intend to live in US?
Maybe I am overthinking but I don’t want them to think that this is too perfect to be true and have a bad influence on their decision. I do intend to move to the US and live there and being able to work 100% remotely I see it only as a plus but not sure how they would take it.
April 14, 2023 at 12:59
1. It might help.
2. Overthinking.
April 13, 2023 at 07:11
Hi brit can one change the visa interview location to a different country when filing the ds260 and does one need to have an address and a reason for changing to a different country
April 14, 2023 at 13:01
Normally they want to know someone has an address or some tie to that country.
April 13, 2023 at 10:12
Hi Simon,
I’m wondering to know if in the interview they took the passport means that you have been accepted!?
Thank you
April 14, 2023 at 13:00
Not always, no.
April 13, 2023 at 18:10
Why do you think AS region stopped at 18750 for the last couple of months ?
April 14, 2023 at 13:01
Because there are many cases under that number that have not yet been scheduled.
April 13, 2023 at 21:10
Hello sir
I have been in an administrative processing for more than six months.
Are there any tips you can give me that can help me know the status of the application ?
April 14, 2023 at 13:01
Email the consulate.
April 13, 2023 at 22:30
Hi Brit, I got denial after the interview. The are two reasons:1. Failure to comply w DV lottery regulations 2. Failure to comply with photo requirements. I put my high school diploma and 2-year college degree in the DS form and brought them to the interview. I knew that a 2-year college degree is not needed and will be not enough but high school will be enough to qualify for a visa. For the second reason, I gave all my updated photos and when I was applying for the lottery it was updated also during the interview. Is there a way to appeal? if yes, how? do I have a chance at this point?
April 14, 2023 at 13:03
I don’t know why you were actually refused. There seems to be something you are not telling me.
April 15, 2023 at 11:15
Hi Brit, today I picked up my passport without a visa issued. I asked the reason for the refusal and the consular office told me it was because of my photo. When I was applying DV lottery 2023 in the photo my face looked a little skinnier than what I provided during the interview. OF course, during the 1+ year, I gained some weight but still in the photo is the same person. It is very disappointing tbh. Is there a way to appeal or I don’t have any chance? If yes, I would anything to get the visa/
April 15, 2023 at 21:52
A refusal for photo needs to be based on a dramatic difference. It can’t be a little difference. Most likely you submitted a very old photo, or perhaps one you had used before.
April 13, 2023 at 23:39
Hi Brit, for 4 months straight the cutoff number for AS region is constant at 18k. Does this mean that the high case number from AS region will not have their chances?
April 14, 2023 at 13:03
I don’t know whether the number will be increased later or not.
April 14, 2023 at 04:20
Dear Simon, Can we apply for the Social Security Number before we land in the USA to save time please?
April 14, 2023 at 13:03
No
April 14, 2023 at 08:19
Hi Mr. Simon,
We attended our interview in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (03/April/23), we were trying since last January to request a transfer to Oman (nearby country), where I got a job there! But we did not receive any confirmation! We were informed at the end of interview that our cases will undergo further administrative processing, due to a mistake I made when I filled the eligibility country of my wife, now they have to cross the chargeability to my country of birth!
Our big challenge that we need to move to another country, and the embassy usually takes weeks and in many cases months to update our case (I know some who are waiting since first week of March), I am thinking of requesting the embassy to give us our passports and when we reach Oman I will send the passports back to them, are they going to accept this? We can not wait for months here in Saudi Arabia without work! Please share your advice.
April 14, 2023 at 13:04
You can discuss that with the embassy to get your passports back and send them for the visa later.
April 14, 2023 at 14:59
Hi Simon, if I am under AP, is my visa reserved until September 30 or is it not included in the 54K visas available.
April 15, 2023 at 18:57
No, the visas are not reserved for cases on AP beyond the end of the month of interview.
April 14, 2023 at 16:30
Hi Brit, On the Ceac Status which of the applicants between PRINCIPAL AND DERIVATIVE shows 01 and 02
April 15, 2023 at 21:41
Principal is 01
April 15, 2023 at 01:45
Hi Brit,hope u are fine.is people in Ghana really safe because what’s happening in Accra embassy is not good,they are still at 20000
April 15, 2023 at 02:06
Hi Simon good day,
Please can I get the link to check the actual number of people Infront of my case number DV 2023?
April 15, 2023 at 21:46
https://dvcharts.xarthisius.xyz/ceacFY23.html
April 15, 2023 at 12:38
I am DV Lottery 2023 Winner , I have 12 years old education High school degree when i was applying i chose Vocational school instead of High school ,after winning i filled out DS260 and selected the High school degree is that right or wrong because the different between DS260 and Visa Application ?
because in entry i thought Vocational school is the the right one
April 15, 2023 at 21:53
Vocational school means an education directed specifically at a skill or profession such as plumber.
April 16, 2023 at 12:18
is this wrong selection will deny my visa at interview while i have high school degree 12 years ?
April 16, 2023 at 14:27
Not likely.
April 15, 2023 at 16:33
Hi brit simon
What is the processing time for the DS5535 form, according to your experience and expertise
Thank you
April 15, 2023 at 18:53
It varies from a few days to several months.
April 16, 2023 at 04:37
Hi Brit,
I just want to thank you for all the guidance you provide for the DV applicants. My wife and I received our visas and planning to fly early next month. With the confidence you gave, we unlocked our DS-260 forms 3 times to make changes. The last unlocking was done exactly a month before receiving the interview appointment letter. Just one last question though. Is it wise to change the address to which the green card will be posted at the port of entry? Our sponsor lives near a state border but we have found a place in the capital city where there are more opportunities.
Thanks again for everything.
April 16, 2023 at 14:21
Yes, changing the address for GC delivery at the POE is the last chance you will have.
Congratulations and best of luck for the move!
April 16, 2023 at 09:05
Hi Simon,
Really appreciate your continuous help provided by answering our questions.
Our Case Number: 2023AS6###
Chargeability Country: Sri Lanka
Interview Location: Abu Dhabi
Interview in: June 2023
After the interview (once the visa is approved), we are hoping to work for five more months in UAE to gather more financial resources for our future and then fly to US in November. However, my (primary applicant) passport expires in January 2024. Since it is mentioned that the passport should be valid for 6 months beyond entry date, what should we do?
1. Should we apply for a new passport before interview date? OR
2. Should we apply for a new passport after the visa is issued?
April 16, 2023 at 14:25
1. Before the interview date.
April 16, 2023 at 15:02
If I take the new passport to the interview, will it be an issue as I have mentioned the current passport number in the DS-260?
April 16, 2023 at 15:29
Moreover, if I obtain a new passport before the interview, should I take the new passport to the Medical examination as well?
April 16, 2023 at 17:59
Relax and use some common sense.
April 16, 2023 at 17:59
No
April 16, 2023 at 15:37
Hi Simon,
My CN is EU342XX and I submitted my DS-260 in early May. My embassy is Brussels, Belgium.
I am starting a masters program in the US in early August. As it seems likely that I may not get a DV interview, and that if I do it will probably not be before my program starts, I am going to apply for an F-1 student visa.
My question is: what happens if I get my student visa in July and then I get scheduled a DV interview in August or September?
Should I get my student visa ASAP and then try and switch to AOS process?
Thanks!
April 16, 2023 at 18:00
No – if you get the interview, fly back for it.
April 16, 2023 at 17:16
Hi Brit, thanks for all your advice on the process. Can you please help with 2 questions?
1. How long after the embassy interview do they usually keep your passport? (Will be in London)
2. I have dual citizenship and listed both passports on DS260 form, do you know if they will keep both passports after the interview or only the one I listed as my primary one?
Many thanks,
Craig
April 16, 2023 at 18:09
1. Typically around 1 week.
2. Only the one you give them.
April 16, 2023 at 17:30
Hello,
Is there any possibility to check how many cases and which case number was selected for 2023 from my country (Lithuania)?
April 16, 2023 at 18:10
No – and that wouldn’t help you in any way.
April 17, 2023 at 01:55
Hi Simon!
Can I get a visa if I re-used my tourist visa photo from 2019 in the DV entry?
April 17, 2023 at 11:48
That is a violation of the rules/instructions. However, some COs might not notice the error.
April 17, 2023 at 05:01
Dear Brit,
Thanks so much once again for your help. So my husband and I will enter the US through Chicago. However, my son will enter USA the next day through Toronto. Is this ok please? Also the concern is they do border clearance for US in Toronto itself and we are a bit worried if he will have problems. Your response will be greatly appreciated.
April 17, 2023 at 11:51
I don’t know how that would work, and I would advise him to make sure he enters the USA before the expiry date on the visa, whether processed in Toronto or not.
April 17, 2023 at 07:21
Hi Brit,
Good Day
We had our interview on March 31 and had our case under 221g due to my daughter’s covid vaccination pending.
On the same day, they sent me form 5535 to fill out for three applicants alone except my son and I submitted it on 1st April.
We are four applicants. includes – son (5 yrs) and daughter (10yrs). the status remained Ready in CEAC except for my daughter which was updated as Refused on the same day. On 17th Apr – all three applicants’ statuses changed to Refused except for my Son.
1. Could you please help me to understand the reason for these status changes only for three?
2 . And Can I mail to the embassy reason for the status change for all reconfirming the feedback from CO on the day of the interview? Something like this – “The green slip was given stating 221g with the check box checked only for medical documents submission and also stating CO confirmed me that no other documents are needed for other three applicants and if we receive the Medical for your daughter then we will decide on the case.”
3. Second dose is on Jun 1st week and is that fine I mention the date as well in the mail stating that by June n 2nd week probably the medical report will be sent to embassy.
Regards
Sharmi
April 17, 2023 at 11:57
You had asked me something about this before and I explained then that you were in fact on AP, so the status change to refused – 221(g) should not be a surprise. Your DS5535 will be processed and your cases will be on AP until that is complete. Don’t worry about why the child was not updated – the principal applicant is on AP – therefore nothing will happen until that is cleared.
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-735/#comment-341063
April 17, 2023 at 13:05
Thanks for the response,
Yes Brit, Sorry I asked again as I my understanding was Like my kid alone will have the status Refused till I submit the document.
And could you please help me on the other two Question please regarding the Mail to LND Embassy?
Regards
Sharmi
April 17, 2023 at 13:35
Not sure what you want me to say about 2 and 3, that I haven’t already said. You are all on AP, no matter what the CO said. So telling them what was said in the interview is pointless in my opinion, but you are free to contact them if you wish.
April 17, 2023 at 12:55
Hi Brit,
I have received the 2NL and interview scheduled for June 2023 in Sri Lankan US Embassy.
1. Do i need to send scanned copies of the original documents via email or through a portal before the interview. In the dvselectee.state.gov says to submit before interview. Nothing was mentioned in the 2NL. Or all original and copies should submit on the interview Date?
Thanks alot for your wonderful support
April 17, 2023 at 13:36
You must follow the embassy specific instructions, so make sure you are following that.
April 17, 2023 at 15:14
I Brit I have receive my 2Nl in Islamabad embassy I but I live in Afghanistan do I need POLICE CERTIFICATE
April 17, 2023 at 17:18
The instructions clearly say they are not required. You MUST read the instructions!
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/Afghanistan.html
April 18, 2023 at 00:43
Hi Brit,
I am DV lottery winner 2023, I have choose my stay location (permanent resident) in form DS-260 , WA.
I will recieve my US visa in some days and now I have changed my mind and I decided to go to CA.
Currently I am in Pakistan, is it possible I book my flight tickets to CA and stay there as my permanent resident?
April 22, 2023 at 10:27
Yes – no one cares where you arrive or live. Just update the address at the POE so that they GC is sent correctly.
April 17, 2023 at 23:14
Hello, I am an OC selectee. I am just wondering what is your advise/opinion/thoughts on how OC has progressed this year? it seems very behind compared to the historical data (last 4 years) and is meant to be on track compared to other years. compared to other regions we are far behind, is there a risk of not getting high CNs before utilization of all the visas?
good to understand your thoughts on OC progression, Sydney embassy etc; I know OC region isnt really on many peoples radar given such small population but would be greatly appreciated!
April 22, 2023 at 10:25
The last few years have been affected by various forms of chaos. So – they created an impression that the VB number would move to “unrealistic” levels. So what we are seeing now is more “realistic”.
To explain, the quota for OC is about 850. They have selected just over 2500. In normal years that would mean that there would not be enough visas for some people that want the visa (although not everyone does) and meet the requirements (some get refused). The higher case numbers are supposed to be those case most at risk of not getting a chance.
So, what you are seeing in OC is a return to normal processing where KCC have done their job well (processing DS260s and so on) and also the embassies in OC region have done well in scheduling enough cases to fill the quota. If that continues then it is likely that there would be a cutoff in place at the end of the year – meaning some cases never become current.
Now – there is a possibility for OC to get more quota from unused quota in other regions, with AF being the most likely donor. But we have to wait and see how that plays out.
April 18, 2023 at 05:37
Hello Simon, thanks for all the good work you are doing in respect to DV.
My question is, if the principal applicant’s photo in the EDV initial entry meets all the photo requirements but the derivatives photo backround colour is not white or off-white but meets the dimensions and others, will that cause a definite visa denial on the day of interview or it depends on the CO?
April 22, 2023 at 10:31
Not likely to cause denial.
April 18, 2023 at 08:03
Hi,
Finally received my visa and now I’m in Chicago.
Thank you for your patience in answering our questions.
Two other questions:
1- when i wanted to pay the uscis fee, i entered my A number and a text become visible that you are not required to pay the uscis fee. What should I do?
2- after that i made a uscis account and inside that account it was written that your case is unavailable right now and also a receipt number was written there, i used that receipt number to check my status in case status check online but it is showing error that the receipt number is invalid. What should I do?
April 22, 2023 at 10:32
1. I don’t know. It sounds like you tried too soon – but contact USCIS.
2. Same answer.
April 18, 2023 at 08:26
Hi Simon
Thank you for your assistance every time
I have a question and I need clarification before the results for DV 2024 is released.
A relative of mine in the states completed my DV 2024 application for me but made a mistake by registering twice. He realized the first application did not include my derivatives. So he did another application and added them. I realized the disqualification when I received two different confirmation numbers.
But on the other hand, he applied for my husband and added me and the kids as his derivatives without any mistake. I know I am disqualified but in case my husband is selected, is it advisable to continue the process since the main focus will be on him?
Thank you so much Simon.
Kindly waiting for feedback.
April 22, 2023 at 10:33
It is a lottery – and you seem to be assuming you will be selected. Wait for the results.
April 29, 2023 at 20:40
Thank you Simon
April 18, 2023 at 09:33
Dear Simon-
Case number- 2023AS4xxx
Location- Sri Lanka, Colombo Embassy
Ds260 submitted- end of July 2022
I am still waiting for 2nl. But 12xxx case numbers got 2nls in this month at colombo embassy. Up to now average interviews per month in colombo embassy is around 36. There are only 3 months remaining to wrap up 2023 program. Do you think still I have a high chance of getting 2nl since I have a low case number?
TIA
April 22, 2023 at 10:33
I don’t know what will happen in your case.
April 18, 2023 at 10:10
Dear Simon,
Before migrating to the States, all of the official, government-promoted information my family had on US education stated that Green Card holders, from the very first moment of their arrival, are considered to be home/domestic students. Yet, it’s been nearly 6 months since we arrived in California, and all the colleges treat us as out-of-state and even international applicants, until we have lived in CA for 366 days. As a result of that, we are supposed to pay superhigh out-of-state fees and are not found eligible for any financial aid, such as FAFSA or Pell Grant, until we’ve lived here for 1 year and a day. This means a huge 1-year gap and an immense amount of wasted time before we can pursue the academic path we interrupted back in our home country. How come? Why the discrepancy between what the US state websites say and what the Californian colleges claim?
April 22, 2023 at 10:58
This is not really my area of expertise, but I think you are confusing two things. One thing is legal residence of the USA (Greencard) and the other is being a resident of California. Out of state fees may be charged to residents and citizens of other states too – i.e. nothing to do with their immigration status.
April 18, 2023 at 13:03
Good Day Mr Simon, you have helped me in the past and I really appreciate it. My parents got the DV years ago and are current citizens in the USA. On the application, there was a name error for my mom’s spouse. Since my brother has almost the same name as my dad, she mistakenly put my brothers name. We are trying to correct this but unable to. Please do you know what we can do? The application has been going for more than 2 years now. We are desperate and not sure what to do. I truly appreciate your help
April 22, 2023 at 11:00
I don’t understand where the mistake was made or what process you are describing.
April 18, 2023 at 15:06
hello Simon, I was supposed to have my interview in Naples on April 19th, went on 18th April to do the medical visit(as scheduled by the consulate) and while I was there I have received an email from the consulate that my appointment on 19th has been canceled due to an emergency and that they will contact me via email(I don’t know when) to let me know when they can reschedule me. We were around 18people do to the medical exam and all of us got the appointment cancelled. We completed the medical visit and paid for it because the consulate informed the medical center to do so. Considering that my appointment was scheduled 2months in advance I am worried on when they will reschedule me. I looked for info about this topic but could not find anything online. I guess only the consulate in Naples is so unprofessional. Have you ever heard about a similar situation? I am worried that other people will go ahead me now but at the same time I know that the medical exam must be valid 6months like the visa they give us so with the hope based on this I pray the universe I will get rescheduled soon.
April 22, 2023 at 11:00
Emergencies do happen sometimes, so yes I have known similar things. Relax.
April 19, 2023 at 06:38
Hello brit. How are you doing? Thank you for all of your efforts for dv applicants . i am a 28 year old male applicant from Singapore. i entered my father’s name as first name and my name as last name in the E-DV entry form. i found this mistake when i entered my name in CEAC. i sent an email to KCC. They asked me to enter my name as surname into CEAC. But i filled my ds 260 form correctly with all the relevant information. i have all the required educational qualifications for Diversity visa. I am facing interview in june. i feel fear of my mistake in E-DV entry form. will Consular officer reject my visa application because of my mistake in E-DV entry form ? How can i convince them? What do you think?
April 22, 2023 at 11:02
It is good that you corrected it in the DS260, but it will be up to the CO to decide.
April 20, 2023 at 19:04
Hi Simon,
I have received my Visa but am yet to receive my physical green card. The online tracking says that I had entered the wrong address in the US with no further detail. When trying to update my address, I need to do this through my USCIS account. However, to link my case to my account, I require an online access code.
My question is therefore, does the online access code get sent to the US address from my original application, and if it is in fact, wrong how do I correct this? The change of address forms online lead you back to your online account. I feel like I’m going round in circles.
Thank you in advance
April 22, 2023 at 11:05
I don’t have experience of that system.
April 20, 2023 at 23:03
Hi BritSimon
I have a bit of a situation where I am wondering whether you can provide some advice.I am a DV2023 winner from Sri Lanka AS4K but submitted late in Nov 2022 and was processed by Jan 2023. I am still waiting for my 2NL.
I have a daughter entering university for undergrad this fall and she has been admitted to several US and canadian unis. We have selected Washington University, Seattle as her first choice in US and another in canada for back up in case. We would progress on the US university ONLY if we get the green card, else she will proceed to the canadian uni.
As we are still waiting for the 2NL, we are doubtful of obtaining the DV. We are taking things as it comes, under the impression that if she gets her DV, then she can arrive in US and start her studies as an international student with a LPR status(not an F1). We hope to change the resident status to washington resident after 12 months of stay in the state.
Do you think it would be better if we get professional lawyers to help us in this process, and if so would you have an idea where I might look for someone?
Apologies as I know this question is not down your alley, but I had no one to ask this. Thank you so much for your guidance.
April 22, 2023 at 11:09
The lawyers will not be able to improve your DV process – your chance depends entirely on your embassy.
April 20, 2023 at 23:21
Hi Brit,
my case number is 2023EU34xxx:
1) the visa bullettin for EU is stuck since three months at 30K. Technically I should wait until my case become current before to send the DS.260, correct?
2) I live in US since two yrs under E-1 visa and I have three more yrs before expiration. I’ve checked the CEAC and I’m in the 99th percentile, so it says I have very low chances to make it. If I send the DS-260 and I got rejected, I’ve read that any further non-immigrant visa request will be compromized. Is it true?
Would you suggest to risk and submit the DS-260 anyway?
Thanks for your support.
April 22, 2023 at 11:11
1. NO! Most people send the DS260 months before they are current. The only reason to delay is if you believe you would be creating a problem for future non immigrant visas if you fail to get an interview for DV.
2. Point 2 shows that you understand the problem. As for how you play it – that is your choice – I can’t make such an important decision for you.
April 21, 2023 at 13:13
In my DS260 form, mistakenly I didn’t mentioned my education qualifications which i have . but I have applied under higher education qualifications. I mentioned only current education institution. is it enough to prove at the interview without unlocking DS260 now? What is the best solution to do?
April 22, 2023 at 11:13
It may be too late to unlock now to correct that, so explain at the interview.
April 22, 2023 at 22:22
Is it problem to current my case?
April 23, 2023 at 12:20
No
April 22, 2023 at 09:52
Hey Simon,
We made our initial entry into the US this January, thanks for all the support!
We stayed for a week but managed to get our green cards recently through a friend who received them and sent them to us (to Germany).
My question is: for this very first visit after the initial entry, do we have to visit within 6 months of the first entry or could we enter within a year? Our passport stamp upon first entry is valid for a year but since we did receive our cards, I’m unsure if now it would be risky to visit after 8 months (instead <6months) and if they will question us at border control. Any insight you can provide is much appreciated!
Wishing you a great weekend
Mari
April 22, 2023 at 11:14
You can stay out up to one year, although it is technically less risky under 6 months.
April 22, 2023 at 10:41
Dear Brit
Thank you very much for all the accurate information provided through this channel. I have received visa. My CN is AS 2××× colombo embassy.Interview was just two minutes. CO asked few questions as below.
What is your highest educational qualification?
What you doing after studies?
Who is the sponsor?
Where you plan to stay in USA?
Thanks for all the support.
Cheers
April 22, 2023 at 11:15
Congratulations!
April 22, 2023 at 11:15
Hi simon
thank you for your earlier advice i got the visas for myself and both kids , USA embassy in kuwait was very kind and helpful, but still my wife under administrative process 221g for more than 90 days since our interview and form 5535 provided back , i have emailed the embassy and they advised that no update so far , so my questions are :
1- is should i call the CEAC to expedite the process ?
2- our medical was 14th jan and our last date to enter USA is 13 th june 2023 so of no visa issued for my wife till that date what will be her situation should we make another medical for her ?
Thanks
April 23, 2023 at 12:16
1. There is no way to expedite the process, but do communicate with the embassy.
2. yes you will need new medicals.
April 22, 2023 at 15:59
Hi Simon
Our medicals are booked 3 days before our visa interview. Will this slow the process of issuance of our visas? And approximately how long does it take for medical results to be sent to embassy?
April 23, 2023 at 12:17
It varies by physician – ask them.
April 22, 2023 at 16:10
Hello Brit.
We had our interview on 29 March at JHB embassy.
My son’s and my passports remained with the CO.she also had my high school certificates and said they need to verify them and in 10 working days they would approve visas.
My certificates are laminated and they have nothing dodgy.
Now when I go on status check site only the dates have changed from 29 to 3 and 6 April now but still showing READY not AP.
My Q now is
1) is it normal for status to stay on READY while on AP ?
2) how long does it take to verify until approval of visas
3) should I do anything or just wait on the embassy ?
April 23, 2023 at 12:18
1. It happens sometimes – it doesn’t mean anything.
2. Varies.
3. Wait.