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To ask me questions you can obviously post on any blog post.
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 12, 2017 at 14:48
Hi BritSimon!
I’m collecting my supporting documents for my visa interview. I hold a Master’s Degree (actually from a US university), do I need to retrieve transcripts for all educations institutions attended (Bachelor’s degree and high school diploma), or is the latest attended (in this case, master’s) enough as proof of education?
Thanks
Sara
February 12, 2017 at 15:03
Some COs are picky about seeing Secondary school documents. Others have approved on higher degrees alone.
February 12, 2017 at 20:20
HI BRO. HOPE YOU ARE FINE. I AM GETTING SCARY, I HAVE NOT RECEIVED SECOND LETTER FOR INTERVIEW. I SUMMITED MY DS260 SINCE IN OCTOBER 2016 AND HAVE LOW CASE NUMBER THAN OTHERS IN MY COUNTRY THAT HAVE RECEIVED LETTER WITH THE SAME SUBMISSION DATE OF DS60. I AM FROM LIBERIA WITH CASE NUMBER 2017AF000116XX.
CAN U PLEASE TELL WHAT MIGHT BE THE DELAY OF MY APPOINTMENT LETTER? OR WHEN I SHOULD BE EXPECTING 2NL LETTER. THANKS.
February 13, 2017 at 00:26
You have asked me this same question very many times. I have answered many times. And this time the statement, that others have received their 2NLs with same submission date is blatantly untrue. Patience.
February 12, 2017 at 20:48
Hi Simon
I entered to the usa last year to Missouri, Did some casual jobs till Jan 2017 and relocated my self to nyc. i collected my W2 from 2 of my fast food restaurants in missouri before comming to nyc.
The questions are
1. I dont have an insurance yet however i will apply it for very soon. Will i be penalized $600.00+ for not having an insurance while i file my IRS. Did trump sign any executive order to not penalize anyone without insurances.
2. Would that be a problem for not filing your taxes in missouri before relocating to Nyc
Your thoughts on this please 🙂
February 13, 2017 at 00:24
1. Trump’s order may mean you don’t pay the fine.
2. No, but for goodness sake don’t forget to file.
February 13, 2017 at 06:40
Hi sir , my sponsor send me the 1040 form but he didn’t signe it , once in the embassy the form must be signed or it’s ok ?
Thank you BRIT
February 13, 2017 at 14:32
It’s OK
February 13, 2017 at 09:30
HI SIMON
first thank you the great advise u gave me the last time i emailed you but the problem is that my birth certificate will bear a wrong year on my birth certificate and that’s because they base on the what was registered on the national identity card
February 14, 2017 at 07:03
hi simon what the advise for my issue should i unlock my dv and charge the year of birth before my 2NL comes out
February 14, 2017 at 15:52
Surely you should be correcting the error on the birth certificate!
February 13, 2017 at 10:23
Hey I arrived here in US last month with my new born dota… Whose born after dv2016 was over… I filled so many papers at Poe…. How will my dota get green card…? Because they dint ask me to pay to her….what is the way forward? WI I be required to fill form 130?
February 13, 2017 at 14:31
If they stamped her passport with an I-551 that is all she needs. Contact USCIS and check with them.
February 13, 2017 at 15:03
I want to know that if I get married after my interview, can my spouse apply for the same DV process after my visa?
February 13, 2017 at 17:55
Typically not. Which is why you should marry before the interview (and before the 2NL) for the simplest process.
February 13, 2017 at 15:34
Hey Simon. My Appointment is On march. When I Visit Embassy Website. I Have Seen Order To Register inerview appointment at http://usvisa-info.com/. and i try to see it but am not sure with the steps to register, and also i have seen “ds 260 number” as required field. But i don’t understand what it mean or which number is considerd as “ds 260 number” so please share some information about this? thank you
February 13, 2017 at 17:54
The DS260 number is on the confirmation number from the DS260. You simply have to setup an account.
February 13, 2017 at 17:16
Greeting to you brother simon,
What do I do for new baby born to update on DS 260? Should I unlock mine and my wife’s.
February 13, 2017 at 17:24
You unlock yours and your wife’s to add the child AND add a DS260 for the child.
February 13, 2017 at 18:59
Hi Simon thanks very much i follow ur advice n i contacted the embassy by email n they reply today n with new appointment dat for March 14, am so happy thanks
Is there any additional advice you have for us to follow
Thanks
February 13, 2017 at 20:30
Drink lots of water.
February 14, 2017 at 13:58
Hello Simon, I had the interview but they requested another document from the court.
I have been arrested with my father in 2008 but I was very young that time and my father did something but I inly was with him, so my fingerprints are still in the police department.
They requested me to send a letter why my fingerprints are there.
What do you think should I do and how is the possibility to get approved for visa?
Thankyou very much
February 14, 2017 at 15:21
All you can do is comply by providing whatever they ask for. I can’t guess chances of approval or denial.
May 17, 2017 at 08:42
Did you declare on your ds 260 that you were arrested ?
February 14, 2017 at 14:30
Hahahahahahhah wat a funny person u a Mr simon
February 13, 2017 at 19:10
Dear Simon,
I am a winner of DV2017. My girlfriend and I decided to get married but for personal/family reasons she will not come with me to the USA.
Wedding would probably be when scheduled. Between 2NL and interview.
I expect my to receive my 2NL next month for an interview in May
Would this lead to complications? Is this something I should mention at the interview?
Thank you and god bless
February 13, 2017 at 20:29
So you plan to sponsor her later? You know that will take 2 years and is more complex and expensive – right?
If your marital status changes YES you must mention that.
February 13, 2017 at 21:38
Thanks Simon, Yes I know. She prefers to stay and take care of her elderly parents who cannot travel anymore. But told me to take the opportunity for the future and to make a lot more money which we really need.
Would it make more sense to try to have the wedding after the interview? We just don’t want to risk anything.
February 13, 2017 at 21:44
It is not a risk to marry before the interview.
February 13, 2017 at 22:46
Hello,
What more panelty can misrepresentation on a eDV entry get you beyond that DV year or DV process? In other words, can you be ban for a different visa even if you were not selected on the misrepresentated DV entry?
February 14, 2017 at 00:04
Yes. If you deliberately lie to the US embassy they could ban you altogether.
February 14, 2017 at 02:15
Thanks for the response BritSimon. Can this be a life long ban? And will it make a difference if you proactively disclose this previous misrepresentation on the new/different case?
Thanks
February 14, 2017 at 03:22
It depends on the circumstances of the specific case. I cannot predict how they will judge things. Best advice is DON’T LIE!
February 13, 2017 at 23:08
Your website is very helpful Simon. I have read a lot from this site till I finally got the visa about two weeks ago. You give a lot of advice about getting married after being selected, but my question is about getting divorced after being issued the visa. I was the principle applicant together with my husband and two girls. After we got the visas, my husband says he wants to divorce, and that he will not travel with us but later (he has an affair with another one). My question is: will the divorce risk my admission and my daughters’ at the POE? My surname will change after the divorce as well. Can I tell at the POE that he used me to get the visa and the now divorced or I risk my self to be admitted? What do you advise? Thank you.
February 14, 2017 at 00:03
There is no risk.
February 13, 2017 at 23:27
Hello BritSimon:)
In the form DS-260, the part “Mailing and permanent” under “Address and Phone”
“Permanent Address
Please provide the following information on where you intend to live after arrival in the United States”
Does this need to be the same person in USA for my affidavit support? I was told that this part is only formal and the Form I-134 is the important one.
Hope the building goes well
Thank You,
You are blessing
February 14, 2017 at 00:02
The person completing an I-134 might, or might not be the same person providing a USA address.
February 14, 2017 at 00:01
Hello BritSimon.
I have received 2015 Tax return for my sponsor, Can I use for the interview? Thanks for all your sincere support.
February 14, 2017 at 00:02
As a supporting document for an I-134, yes.
February 14, 2017 at 10:04
Hello Brit,
I’m expecting to receive my 2NL this month as I submitted my DS260 in November and my case number has long been current.
My questions are:
1. Can I tell my sponsor to fill out my affidavit of support form immediately I get the 2Nl, as the interview date will probably be in April. Should I wait a week or two before the interview, and tell him to send the form.
2. How long is the affidavit form valid for.
3. Do you think it’s possible for me to get my 2NL this month, as I submitted my DS260 in early November and my case number has been current for long now (2017AF14xxx) or will the backlog have an effect on me.
Thanks for your invaluable support to all DV winners.
May God continue to bless you and your entire family.
February 14, 2017 at 15:26
1. Just have it for the interview.
2. It should be “recent” with recent supporting documents.
3. Wait and see.
February 14, 2017 at 10:24
Hi Simon
My education level is high school diploma i took matriculation exam, and i have the G.P.A.(the result paper) of the test i got a diploma. But i do not have the admission card that i was taking the exam it is gone(off) my question is:
1, Does it any affect by off my admission card/ does it need to the interview?
2, Does it enough only the result paper(G.P.A) of diploma?
thanks for your help
February 14, 2017 at 15:24
1. Take all evidence you have.
2. See 1
February 14, 2017 at 13:27
Dear Simon, I am current now and should be scheduled for an interview in April.
I will move to a new address in March but it will be too late to change DS260.
Is this something I need to tell the embassy? In advance? At the interview? Or it doesn’t matter?
Thanks for all that you do
February 14, 2017 at 15:22
Tell them at the interview.
February 14, 2017 at 13:34
Hi Brit, can Trump end dv lottery and if he does, will all issued dv visas be cancelled?
February 14, 2017 at 15:22
No. They can pass laws, but that takes time.
February 14, 2017 at 15:45
Got a mistake in our D-260 form and it’s too late now as our interview is next week.
My wife is the DV winner .
My mother was born in a different state but in my form the state of birth is of current state but the city is the same as of original state.
To make it simpler city “A” does not lie in where we live in current state.
Will it create any problem
February 15, 2017 at 01:19
6. Family information: Parents
OK – self explanatory information. I only show the top of the page in the screenshot below but you add your parents details and their addresses. THe data here should be accurate, but if you don’t know their birthdates etc. it is not a huge problem. Do the best you can.
I have got this in you website
Does this help ?
Thank you very much ! Much appreciate your hard work!
February 15, 2017 at 02:24
Your interview is scheduled. You can’t change anything now, so relax.
February 14, 2017 at 15:51
Hello Mr simon , I wanted to ask about the case numbers . Do applicants from Asia or Africa get a lower or high case number ?
February 14, 2017 at 17:41
Hi Simon, Hope you are enjoying your time,
Previously I have asked you a question regarding the issue of “present address”. Me and my wife are teachers working in different places close to 100kms distance. We meet once in two or three weeks. Filling the DS-260 we wrote different ” Present addresses”.
In fact we married in Sep. 2015 before we enter into the 2017 dv lottery game ( which was in October 2015).
My question is that is it wise to unlock and correct that we are living in the same “present address” but working in different places?
My case number is 2017AF00028,7**
I filled the DS-260 IN JULY AND I have unlocked it in november.
February 14, 2017 at 18:31
Always tell the truth.
February 14, 2017 at 18:31
Hi Simon,
I just wanted to ask you some question about proving my job qualification what are the documents I need to present to prove my qualifications I am a OHS specialist. Thank you
February 14, 2017 at 19:47
Read this.
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
February 14, 2017 at 18:36
Hello Brit
Greetings and hope you are doing great. Kindly help me with the following:
1) AF35xxx and will be current in next VB however submitted in June and resubmitted in January.what effect will the resubmission have given that it was for a mistake on birth date mix up with my kids( both born in October..25 and 28 however was placed in reverse order on my wife’s DS260.)
2) is there a deadline to submit ds260 form?
3) should background checks go smoothly and normal,when could we possibly be called up if u may predict?
Thank you again for the wonderful service
February 14, 2017 at 19:49
1. No effect.
2. Not a hard deadline, but since the final interviews are scheduled in July, submissions from May onwards are risky.
3. I am not predicting.
February 15, 2017 at 07:15
thank you Brit
February 14, 2017 at 18:51
Hi Simon
would you know roughly when the US Embassy opens up the Calendar to book Interview appointments for the months of May and June? Currently on the https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gb/iv/schedule they hdates avaiable for April only- Thanks in advance
February 14, 2017 at 19:50
DV cases don’t book their own appointments. I only advise on DV cases.
February 14, 2017 at 20:19
Hello BrittSimon. I will be applying for AOS. Once my number becomes current, how long does it normally take to get the interview?
Thank you for your time
February 14, 2017 at 21:30
There is not a “normally” timeline. It varies greatly. If your cases starts late in the fiscal year, you will need to push your case through infopasses. It is also important to take advantage of the early filing policy. All this and more is discussed on the AoS thread at immigration.com.
February 14, 2017 at 23:18
hi Simon,
I would like to ask you if you know on what email I can contact the right people for Green Card issues in the American Embassy in London as I need to explain them why I will not be able to attend my interview on the date they gave me.
Regards
February 14, 2017 at 23:37
I don’t know – check their website.
February 15, 2017 at 00:30
hi simon, thaks for your advice
i have a question simon about sponser .
i want to change sponser before the interview becouse i had sponser that i field in 260 but he is moving to other country on work for long time and he informd me to change sponser beside of that i want to know the criteria of being sponser
1,what is the criteria of sponser?
2,does he must have citizenship of usa?
3,if sameone should be sponser, How much it could be his income?
February 15, 2017 at 02:24
britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
February 15, 2017 at 10:06
Please Mr Brit yesterday to wrote to KCC DV to find out the progress of my case. the reply me by saying YOUR FORMS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED AND PENDING FURTHER EMBASSY REVIEW FOR CONTINUATION OF YOUR VISA PROCESSING. My question will i get my 2NL this month? my case No.2017AF0000377*
February 15, 2017 at 13:59
Probably next month. When did you submit your DS260?
February 15, 2017 at 09:48
hi Simon,
what are reasons for denial of 2NL of individual DV-applicant?
thanks.
February 15, 2017 at 14:02
2NLs are always sent out. Denials only happen at interview, and reasons vary.
February 15, 2017 at 12:45
Hi Simon
Thank you for having this blog, it is very informative.
I have read so much of it over the last year, I am unable to locate everything, could you please clear up some possible misunderstandings for me?
I thought that I would have to activate your visa by Oct 1., no matter when it was issued, but now I seem to have misunderstood that. Is it so that if I am issued a DV visa in august, it is valid for entry a full 6 months from the medical exam?
If it is the latter, is it a bad idea to delay my issuance (my EU number is current for April interview) ?
I realize I can do so by either rescheduling my interview, or taking my medical exam after the interview.
Thank you in advance,
Bea
February 15, 2017 at 13:57
You can enter after October 1. You can delay your interview or delay issuance with the medical, but don’t cause too much delay.
February 15, 2017 at 14:14
20th June 2016
February 15, 2017 at 14:26
Hello, I have a question in regards to the police records that are required at the time of the interview. If me and my husband now ( at the time we were not married) lived in Spain for a year, but we were not residents and did not have our own address,, do we need a police record from there? This was 13 years ago. Other than that year, we have always lived in our native country.
Thank you!
February 15, 2017 at 14:30
Yes, you need to apply for the police certificate from Spain.
February 15, 2017 at 15:00
For both me and my now husband? or just for me since I am the applicant?
February 15, 2017 at 15:03
Both of you! This is very clear in the instructions. Please make sure you read the instructions!
February 15, 2017 at 15:08
Mr. Simon,
please with regards to the answer to MMI’s question, I think she should be sure if she mentioned in the DS260 form in the section that (says give addresses of all places you have lived since turning 18 or 16 years) that she and the husband have lived in Spain, then it is prudent to get the police certificate from Spain.
But if she did not, state the address in Spain, I think they might contradict themselves at the interview, and its better they unlock the ds260 and fill in the Spanish address. also check if the ”expired Spanish visas are still in their passports, they might as well unlock.
please i am only suggesting. Hope I have not offended or breach any rule. I am sorry if I have and stand to be corrected.
February 15, 2017 at 16:42
I assume MMI has answered the DS260 truthfully.
February 15, 2017 at 17:02
Yes, I included the address on the ds 260 application. That’s why I am asking because we were not residents, but we were living there. So I was not sure how this would impact the supporting documents specifically the police report. It’s been so long, I don’t even know where to start to obtain a police report from Spain.
February 15, 2017 at 18:22
If you had read the instructions you WOULD know where to start!! I will give you the link below, but I am telling you loud and clear to read the instructions so you don’t mess up this easy process!
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/reciprocity-by-country/SP.html
February 15, 2017 at 18:44
ok, I apologize. I have read the directions, but it is overwhelming and just wanted to have some re-assurance and advice.
February 15, 2017 at 15:58
Hi BritSimon,
When the result of DV 2018 is announced in May 2017, does it mean that they have already completed the random selection by now and they only need some more time to organise things till May or the random selection might not have been cmpleted by now?
February 15, 2017 at 16:41
I don’t know. Does it matter?
February 15, 2017 at 15:59
Hello bro Simon,i had ma interview yesterday the 14th Feb 2017 in nairobi my visa got approved & given a red paper to go register wid dhl to pick up my passport but when i check ceac status it reads Administrative processing, i wonder way really is happening,give mi a crew,thxx
February 15, 2017 at 16:41
FAQ.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/interview-went-well-now-ceac-shows-ap-happening/
February 15, 2017 at 16:51
It does not really matter. But it is surprising that it takes so much time. How patience somebody should be!!! Although the chance is not that great, but still for someone who is so hopeful and immigration to USA can be a life-changing event, even one day of waiting is too long. I am so so hopeful anyway.
February 15, 2017 at 17:33
Hi Simon, Thanks for all your work. I have a question, I am expecting my interview to be in May this year (EU15***), the number was current in January, but I unlocked the DS 260 on January 10 to switch to consular processing rather than AOS. I am currently in the States and asked for an extension of B1/B2 visa till April 2017 due to medical resons, but the processing is taking too long and I might have to leave without a final decision on this extension. When I first submitted my DS 260 back in August, I entered the last entry (April 2016) and the duration of stay by then was 4 months. When I unlocked the document, I only changed the address, nothing else (not the duration of stay). Do you think my departure without a final decision on the tourist visa extension may affect the decision on my immigrant DV visa? Unfortunately, I hired an attorney and she made a mess out of this pretty clear case, so I cannot rely on her advice any more. You were right in many respects (unlike the attorney) so I am beginning to wonder their expertise.
February 15, 2017 at 18:18
Trying to adjust status on B1/B2 was a bad idea to start with. Only the lawyer did well out of that idea.
So CP will be better and there will be no impact AS LONG AS you don’t get a ban for an overstay.
February 15, 2017 at 18:27
Ok, thanks, that is exactly what I think about the idea of AOS now! How do you get this ban for an overstay?
February 15, 2017 at 19:09
Overstaying. The ban is automatic if “unlawfully present” for 6 months or more (different levels of ban under 1 year or over 1 year). The point is, leave on time!
February 15, 2017 at 19:25
Hi Brit,
Recently i got my DV lottery visa from Nepal. Also i have a work visa to Australia . However i got a contract opportunity in Australia for 8 months. The opportunity is very good and worth going for next eight months. Hope it will be an advantage to finding a job in USA.
1)My first question is will their be any issues to my first entry since i have a work contract in Australia? ( I have to go middle of my contact period). Can the case officer reject our visa?
2) Do i have to travel from Nepal during my first visit? Or is it ok to travel directly from Australia?
February 15, 2017 at 19:26
1. No problem.
2. Fly from anywhere.
February 15, 2017 at 19:53
Do you have similar analysis for Nepal/Asia for DV2017, My case number is 78xx, I wondering about my chances.
https://britsimonsays.com/update-regarding-nepal-and-asia/
February 15, 2017 at 20:23
I don’t have the same detail of data this year. So – I have already said that numbers in the range you mention are risky – and will have to wait and see.
February 15, 2017 at 20:04
Hi! I have a cousin who won the DV lottery and is issued a visa to her (winner), her husband and 2 kids. They plan to divorce. She will come alone with her 2 kids. Should she divorce latter, after she comes here or before coming. If they divorce now, before the visas are on the actual passports. If they divorce they have to change last names, change passports. She might need different documents that he allows the children to live with mom in America. What do your advice? Do it before coming or at a latter point after coming here. Thank you!
February 15, 2017 at 20:22
I don’t have all the facts. I don’t see how I could advise….
February 15, 2017 at 20:40
Hi BritSimon !
I asked a question but I can’t find it anywhere so I guess it didn’t work …
In your FAQ regarding translation requirements, you said “Most documents presented at the embassy during interview should be in English OR the official local language where the embassy is located. So – if you are interviewing in Paris, you could present documents in French or English.
A translation should be done by someone competent and fluent. It does not have to be a professional translator. ”
Where did you get this information and is it sure ? Because I hard I had to translate everything and that I had to ask a professional translator, so I’m kind of lost …… My interview will be in Paris for info.
Thank you in advance ! 🙂
February 15, 2017 at 23:24
Of course it is sure. USCIS suggests this:
Please submit certified translations for all foreign language documents. The translator must certify that s/he is competent to translate and that the translation is accurate.
The certification format should include the certifier’s name, signature, address, and date of certification. A suggested format is:
Certification by Translator
I [typed name], certify that I am fluent (conversant) in the English and [enter appropriate language] languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled [enter title of document].
Signature
Typed Name
Address
Date
February 16, 2017 at 12:25
Hello Simon,
can this translation be done by the selectee himself if they are fluent in the language?
Thanks
S.
February 16, 2017 at 14:30
No – a third party, not family.
February 15, 2017 at 23:58
Today,
I visited local USCIS office to ask the current status of my DV AOS application. I was obvious that the office and the officer answering my questions do not know anything about DV AOS and hence they held my case for several weeks.
Is there any way to escalate and speed up the case?
Thanks,
February 16, 2017 at 00:10
It’s a matter of learning the process, then having infopass appointments to find out what stage they are at. You posted on the wrong thread on the other site. READ and follow the thread below for tips.
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2017-aos-only.331328/
February 16, 2017 at 08:41
hi i would like to ill know if bank statements must be certified or will a bank stamp suffice?
February 16, 2017 at 14:54
No need to certify.
February 16, 2017 at 09:47
Hi brit. I am santosh. I applied dv lottery from norway and got selected for dv 2017 but I am from nepal. My visa/residency is finished in norway and moving to nepal soon. How can I change my interview location. How to write email to KCC about changing location for dv interview.Should I need to unlock ds260. Is it possible to change location now. Case number 2017AS000072**. CAN you please explain in brief. Thank you for the help.
Regards,
Santosh
February 16, 2017 at 14:52
You unlock your DS260, change the chome address and resubmit. Then you email KCC and ask them to change your embassy.
February 16, 2017 at 09:48
Hi BritSimon.
Thank you so much for your amazing work. I’ve successfully finish the interview at the Sydney Consulate. During the interview the CO said my case preparation was excellent and my visa is approved and instructed me about 10 working days before I get my PP. However I’ve checked my status and it says AP now.
I am wondering why this is possible as CO was very happy and he basically congratulated me and kept all the copies.
February 16, 2017 at 14:51
The FAQ has an entry for this – in the “after the interview” section
February 16, 2017 at 09:58
HI BRITSIMON
I submitted my DS-260 on 5 sept. and my case no is 2017 AF2000291….when do you think I will receive my 2NL
THANKS
February 16, 2017 at 10:12
Hello Brit,
In relation to the issue of 2NL, I think they should have started giving out dates by now.
Do you think something is wrong with the processing of, forms or is it due to the EO that has caused this delay.
My case number has been current long ago and I submitted my DS 260 on November 1st, 2016 so I’m expecting to receive my 2NL this month, but I think the process has got some delay this month.
Do you think they’ll start sending out 2NL dates by tomorrow.
February 16, 2017 at 14:49
2NLs are normally much later than this in the month. Relax.
February 16, 2017 at 12:16
Hello Brit :is it possible to be issued a new green card documents after the first one is lost. But I have the visa with me. If yes what steps must I take. Thanks.
February 16, 2017 at 14:43
Contact USCIS.
February 16, 2017 at 13:25
Dear Brit,can I start working officially as soon as I get my social security number or one should wait util green card itself is ready?
February 16, 2017 at 14:30
No need to wait for the GC