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August 10, 2023 at 12:57
Hi, Thanks for your recent insightful video. I’m a winner from Asia. Case No. 2024AS27XXX. By looking at the selectee numbers and the highest case number reported in Asia, I feel my position is somewhere in the 70-75% range. Is this generally a safe zone or not so?
August 10, 2023 at 16:16
We will know more in January.
August 18, 2023 at 15:45
Hi brit
Is my Igcse level and As certicate accepted as high school diploma?? I left school in grade 11.
August 19, 2023 at 09:26
You obviously expect me to guess your country and then understand the various education systems in every country in the world. Thank you for your belief that I have those extraordinary powers.
September 1, 2023 at 17:11
My country is Sudan and that is acceptable in there
August 10, 2023 at 17:36
Hi Simon, Ive paid my uscis fee of 200 usd with my local card, will tht be n issue? Second, do you recommend opening an uscis account? Also I will change my address at the POE, should also update my uscis account if I were to create the account ? Thank you.
August 11, 2023 at 11:06
If they accepted the payment, then you’re ok.
August 12, 2023 at 14:03
Hi Simon should I open the uscis account and link my details?
August 12, 2023 at 14:12
If you want to…
August 10, 2023 at 23:02
hi Simon,
My case number 2024EU29XXX. Country Kazakhstan. Currently in Houston,TX with H1B visa. I still have not decided between AOS and CP. Because of that I have not submitted DS-260 yet. I think I need to submit it early to ensure my interview will be scheduled as early as possible after my number becomes current if I want to do CP. I am trying to push the DS-260 submission as late as possible yet ensure I will be scheduled in time. The reason is I am still confirming with US Embassy about waving the military registration document requirement for CP.
Let’s assume my case will become current in March’2024.
1) When will be the last date I should submit DS-260 to increase my chances of being scheduled in March?
2) Will December be too late for me to submit DS-260 to ensure that interview will be scheduled in March? Or should I proceed with AOS at that point?
Because of my personal situation the timing of the Green Card is priority. Thank you for your help.
August 11, 2023 at 08:30
Hi Simon, its more of an information but I submitted my DS260 a couple of days after the selection. And KCC confirmed that my DS 260 has already been processed. My CN is 2024AS79XX (Nepal) . I guess they are working quick and its good to know that my case has been processed.
August 11, 2023 at 08:33
Thanks – yes they seem to be doing ok with processing, but there are a lot of cases this year.
August 11, 2023 at 09:34
Hello Simon,
Do Afghans have to pay fee 220$ for green Card?
I have read somewhere that they do not need to pay fee through 2023 but I am not sure.
Best regards,
Ramin.
August 11, 2023 at 10:22
Hi Brit, a quick one. Our case number 2024AF11XX is current for Ghana. Aside waiting for KCC’s email for 2NL is there a way we can also actively check on the portal where our case sit, whether it has been scheduled etc. We just want to be proactive on how things are going. Thanks
August 11, 2023 at 11:01
You can email KCC to see if your DS260 is processed. Other than that, you just wait.
August 11, 2023 at 12:24
OK thanks for the feedback. Any help with a dummy mail draft I can use to engage them?
August 11, 2023 at 12:40
Doesn’t need to be fancy.
full name,
Full case number (like 2015AF00031999)
and your date of birth in Month/Day/Year format.
Please confirm if my ds260 is processed.
August 11, 2023 at 11:01
I believe they have an exemption at the moment.
August 14, 2023 at 14:07
Dear Mr, I sent the DS 260 Unlock Request to KCC as per the guide you gave us I.e. full name,…However, their outo reply message says: one should include the first and last name (not full name) to get proper response. It further warns not to send duplicate enquiries. In my request I used full name (first, middle and last) other things being correct. Am confused whether I repeat my request or not. Any advice please.
Kind regards
August 14, 2023 at 23:45
Wait and see if they unlock.
August 16, 2023 at 03:01
The KCC has unblocked my DS260 and now am making revisions. I would like to forward one more clarification before I resubmit.
I have my passport since several years ago. On my passport there’s a section which says: “PLACE OF BIRTH” Please note “NOT CITY OF BIRTH.”
Accordingly, On my passport it’s written “WESTHARARGHE” For PLACE OF BIRTH. WESTHARARGHE is somewhat larger area which includes a number of cities including my CITY OF BIRTH which is called “CHIRO”.
I think there is a rule that the data on DS260 should match the data on the passport. Therefore, I have been so confused what to write for the CITY OF BIRTH on my DS260. There’s no such a thing (CITY OF BIRTH) on the passport;
Rather there’s PLACE OF BIRTH.
Please may you give me your kind suggestion.
What I finally decided (during my initial submission and before knowing your site) was to write the combination of the two ie:”WESTHARARGHE-CHIRO”.
But I am not happy with that as there’s no such a thing on my passport (from matching rule point of view).
I think it is better to write WESTHARARGHE (Passport place of BIRTH), BUT there’s no such a CITY, it’s PLACE.
I cannnnnot decide, please any help.
Kind regards
August 16, 2023 at 19:59
You are overthinking this whole thing. Relax. You’re fine.
August 11, 2023 at 12:02
Hi Brit, my case no is AS16XXX . I am from SL. i submitted my DS260 on 26th of July, because I had to apply for a passport for my newborn child. it seems i am a late submission of ds 260. is there a chance for me to get 2NL as per your experience. Thank you for your response.
August 11, 2023 at 12:41
Yes
August 11, 2023 at 14:33
Hi brit
CN 24AF10K
Clarification please
1. Does unlocking the ds260 affects processing
2. When is it likely to get 2nl in Lome. first submitted in June . Thanks
August 11, 2023 at 16:42
1. No
2. Maybe November if the VB progresses.
August 11, 2023 at 15:59
Hi Simon
I am a DV-2024 Selectee case number 2024AF0002XXXX South Africa. Still waiting for my wife’s new passport to arrive on 10th October since getting married. Would we still be okay to submit our DS-260 on that date once received?
Thanks
August 11, 2023 at 16:43
Why not submit now using another ID (which is an option in the DS260).
August 12, 2023 at 01:21
Hello Simon,
I would like to thank you for the great job and the help you provide by means of your blog.
My case number is 2024AF82XXX, my country of eligibility is Côte d’Ivoire, and my embassy is Paris, France. I submitted our DS 260s in May.
Could you please let me know what is your feeling on our probability to get an interview and the foreseen period ?
Thank you in advance for your reply.
August 12, 2023 at 10:29
Your number is fairly high so you have a very long wait anyway. In January we will have more information, so wait for that.
August 12, 2023 at 01:57
I am from Ethiopia I made mistake name of sponsor what shall I do
August 12, 2023 at 10:31
You can change that at the interview.
August 12, 2023 at 02:46
Thanks Simon. Do you mean her current passport number (which is valid) or would her ID number be sufficient to input on the DS260? If so, then we’ll submit now. Thanks.
August 12, 2023 at 10:32
Yes she could submit now.
August 11, 2023 at 22:55
Hi Simon
My CN is 2024OC11XX…what are my chances for interview.
Shall I write to KCC for an update on my DS260.
August 12, 2023 at 10:28
Good chance.
August 21, 2023 at 03:46
Hi Simon
Thank you for your response…much appreciated.
If I may just ask one more question…for those whose interviews are scheduled in the latter months say Jul, Aug & Sep 2024, the visa validity for 6 months will be from the date of issuance meaning they can enter the US after September 30th 2024.
August 12, 2023 at 07:34
Hi Simon,
Filled my DS-260 without including my name in my native language. Is it mandatory to include it? It is the language used on my birth certificate but I have an English translation.
Thank you
August 12, 2023 at 10:34
I would unlock and correct that.
August 12, 2023 at 22:34
Dear Mr., thank you for your help.
I also have made the same mistake. What do you think if I unlock only the main applicant’s application and make correction (I.e. in native alphabet)? CN 2024AF503XX. Thanks a lot again.
August 12, 2023 at 23:31
Yes, unlock.
August 13, 2023 at 02:18
Ok thank you sir, but my concern was to correct only for the main applicant’s while leaving the derivatives’ (3 in number) with the mistakes intending for the advantage of keeping the original date of entry, maybe if I’m not wrong. Or Is it better to request for the unlock of all (4)?
Thank you so much.
August 13, 2023 at 09:31
You only unlock the forms you need to unlock. You have to be specific about which forms to unlock.
August 14, 2023 at 15:41
Thank you for your reply! My case number is AS17XXX. I submitted the DS-260 on the 7th of May. Will unlocking it now have an impact on the processing of my DS-260 and my subsequent interview date?
Also would you know how failing to provide your name in your native language affects things? I am from Sri Lanka and my laptop does not have the feature to enter my name in my native language. I selected the option, “Does Not Apply/Technology Not Available”.
Thank you!
August 14, 2023 at 23:46
Then you can go with the “Technology Not Available” stance if you prefer. Unlocking does not normally change processing times.
August 12, 2023 at 10:29
Hi Simon
Is number 2024AS205xx considered safe since the 2023 visa bulletin reached 21000 ?
August 12, 2023 at 10:51
Probably. Although country and embassy could have an impact.
August 12, 2023 at 13:07
Hello , thank you for the information. I have some questions please answer
1.55000 visas -does this mean 55000 people or 55000 cases (which can be for example 200.000people?)
2.Russian -Ukranian embassies if will not be able to accept their selectees , can it increase other EU countries winners get opportunity for high case numbers?
3. My case is 2024EU49*** how much is my opportunity to get interview? I am also in the risque zone?
August 12, 2023 at 13:57
1. People.
2. Yes, kind of. But that is already the case for DV2023 since that year had full closure of Moscow and part year closure of Kiev.
3. You are at risk. How bad the risk is we will know better in January.
August 13, 2023 at 01:13
Dear Mr. Simon,
On the website of US embassy in Yerevan https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/YRV-Yerevan.html#pre_interview_checklist there is a list of document documents that one must upload to his/her online application and/or bring with him/her to the interview. One of the points there requires Confirmation page from the Form DS-260 Application for an Immigrant Visa submitted online at ceac.state.gov/iv. And then it is stated that “Your ENTIRE employment history is required in DS-260 application.
Meanwhile when completing DS-260 there is an instruction stating that the employment history only for the LAST 10 YEARS is required to be entered and saved.
Being a selectee for DV 2024 I have completed my DS-260 in may 2023 and I was accurate following the instructions to fill in the employment history for only last 10 years. But now I am in concern as I see the requirement of the embassy.
Based on your experience will there be a problem if my DS-260 contains only the history of employment for last 10 days?
Thank you for your valuable help!
August 13, 2023 at 09:30
Last 10 years is ok.
August 13, 2023 at 04:57
Hi brit..wil as39*** for dv 2024 will have chance for interview? Ds 260 already submitted in may.
August 13, 2023 at 09:32
I don’t know.
August 13, 2023 at 13:33
Dear Mr. Brit, thanks a lot for your support.
Sir, I have one question that’s: Should everything expected to be the same on both DV entry (initial application) and DS 260? To be specific, I can’t be sure which of my two emails I had used during entry, Thus, I am going to guess for DS 260. Will they cross check the two? If so, will this affect my visa application?
I think there is no way to access the initial entry data.
Kind regards and thank you once again.
August 13, 2023 at 17:17
That won’t matter. There is no rule in keeping the same email address.
August 13, 2023 at 15:22
Hi Simon
Many thanks for everything you do I found your youtube channel today and watched so many of your videos already! I’m just watching a video about critical mistakes and I have a question to you. It’s regarding part of the video about the incorrect country.
Basically, you say we must use the country we were born in, and here is my problem. I was born in Poland with dual citizenship Polish and German but I am registered under two different names. In Poland, I am recognized under a Polish last name, and in Germany translated version of it which sounds totally different. I do not have a Polish ID card or passport I only use a German one. If I will register using my country of birth as Poland, there will be no person under that last name registered in this country. I have a document stating that it is an official translation that was made by my great grandfather but now I am worried as in what to do.. Should I pick in the next question country that I am charging to so there will be no confusion with the last name difference?
August 13, 2023 at 17:19
You need to rationalize the legal name you think you have. If you present a different ID, you must have paperwork for that. It isn’t illegal to change your name, but that means changing your legal name, you can’t have both.
August 14, 2023 at 05:37
Both are legal and I have a document stating that it is only a translation. So maybe in the meantime I will apply for a Polish passport and apply as a Polish citizen and in case I will be lucky I will be able to explain it later and show the paperwork for that? Because I am really worried if I will apply as German my application will be rejected straight away as I was born in Poland..
Because you mentioned to not apply with a different nationality only the country we were born. Thank you so much for your quick response!
August 14, 2023 at 05:42
Hello Simon,
My case number is DV2023 xxx(first thousand). Due to personal several reasons including a relocation from one country to another, I have only submitted my DS-260 form on 29.07.2023. Im a citizen of Kazakhstan and should have an interview in the Almaty consulate. Could you please advise if I still have a chance to get an appointment for an interview? Is 30 sept 2023 a deadline for visa approval? Would you advise to email KCC to prioritise my case in almaty if possible? Also, I have lived in many countries un the last 10 years due to my studies and work and cannot obtain a police certificate from one of the countries as I need to physically travel there, but I don’t have any criminal records in any country. Would it be a problem if I explain that one certificate was not possible to be obtained as it’s not provided by online request?
Many thanks in advance! Leila
August 14, 2023 at 23:35
Unfortunately there are no more visas available and KCC is not going to schedule any more interviews. I’m sorry – there is nothing you can do.
August 14, 2023 at 06:31
Hello why when I ask KCC to unlock my DS 260 they always answer me that my information will be sent to the appropriate department but since then they do not unlock which means that I still have not sent my DS260
August 14, 2023 at 23:40
If you mean you cannot enter the DS260 because it is security blocked, then their response makes sense.
August 14, 2023 at 07:38
Hi Brits I’m Archie from Liberia DV2024 my case number is AF97500 do I stand a chance of receiving 2nL
August 14, 2023 at 12:05
Hello Brit! Hope you’re doing well!
Thank you for all your effort and help, you are one of the most valuable sources on the internet hands down!
There’s one thing that doesn’t leave my head and makes me a bit paranoid.
So I’m from Karaganda, Kazakhstan. In the initial entry in the section “state/province of birth” I wrote “Karaganda region” which is true and an actual information. In DS-260 I did the same. But then I noticed that in my birth certificate there’s no such thing as “Karaganda region” – it’s just Karaganda city and “sovetskiy district”. This district doesn’t exist anymore. So, should I worry about this mistake? And if I make changes in ds260 and input the info as it is in my birth certificate – will it cost me a visa due to different information provided in initial application and ds260?
Thank you in advance!
August 14, 2023 at 23:44
This is not a problem.
August 15, 2023 at 09:40
I’m sorry I think I didn’t quite get your answer. You mean it’s not a problem to unlock and adjust DS260 even though there will be differences with the initial application?
Or you mean this mistake as a whole is not significant?
August 15, 2023 at 13:58
“this mistake as a whole is not significant”
This.
August 14, 2023 at 16:57
Thank you Brits for good service and support please add me in September interview
August 14, 2023 at 17:08
Brits scheduling interviews now? Oh mine! I once dreamt that KCC had employed you.. 🙂
August 14, 2023 at 23:47
LOL
August 14, 2023 at 23:47
If only I had that power, but I don’t and KCC are now confirming they will not be sending more 2NLs for DV2023.
August 14, 2023 at 23:25
What is the best of interview embassy location change process
August 14, 2023 at 23:49
Your question is unclear.
August 15, 2023 at 05:59
Hello mr.brit, I have doubt about my case I won in the dv24 I filled out my DS 260 in 9 may, my case number is 43k I’m living now in ksa and I’m planning to go back to my country Morocco in dec 2023, I chosed Morocco for the interview location in the ds260 but the current address of course I wrote my ksa adress,
My question is, should I contact kcc to confirm that my interview is in Morocco as ds260 or no need to do that . ( already kcc consider that I want my interview in Morocco).
August 15, 2023 at 13:57
They will use your KSA address, ignoring your choice. So you will need to unlock as soon as you have moved.
August 15, 2023 at 16:15
Should I need to unlock my ds260?
Or only I write email to kcc asking for changing the interview location?
August 15, 2023 at 20:30
Reread my answer.
August 16, 2023 at 10:02
I already, but in the ds260 confirmation contains that “If you would like to change your interview location, you must contact the Kentucky Consular Center by sending an e-mail to (
[email protected]) before your interview is scheduled. Your e-mail must include your name and case number, and must clearly
indicate where you would like to be interviewed. Please note that once you have an appointment, you must contact the consular
section where you have been scheduled in order to request a change. It may not be possible to change the location of your interview
after you have been scheduled.”, that why I asked that question, and you wrote ” So you will need to unlock as soon as you have moved.” . This is contradiction isn’t it ?
August 16, 2023 at 20:06
No.
August 15, 2023 at 10:43
Hi Birt,
Good Day! I am the DV 2023 selectee and gone thro all the process with your excellent guidance and we as family landed here in New Jersy on Aug 9th 2023.
Thank u so much for all ur guidance.
And now we move in new home and got our new address. Is that advicable to change the old address which I have given all along the application process and also at the airport Immigration check to my new address in USCIS http://www.uscis.gov/addresschange URL, so that I can receive my SSN and GC to my new address?
Please share ur inputs
Regards
Sharmi
August 15, 2023 at 13:59
You should update the address at that link, it is your responsibility to do so. However, that will not change the address for the SSN or GC delivery.
August 15, 2023 at 14:52
Hi, Simon!
Thanks for your valuable insight and your very informative website, YouTube channel, etc.!
My girlfriend was selected for DV-2024 as case number EU30xxx. She’s Ukrainian residing in Russia currently and has a valid US tourist visa that she has had for a number of years and has visited the US several times. I wanted to get your opinion on the best option for her to obtain her immigrant visa with the best chance of success.
Is she better off going the DS-260 route with the consular process (obviously in a neighboring country as the US embassy in Moscow does not handle these cases currently) or are her chances better if she visited the US on her tourist visa and applied for a Change of Status while here?
I’m currently working with her on this process and I’m trying to understand the option with the best chance of her obtaining an immigrant visa. For what it’s worth, I feel that if she were to actually get an interview, she would most likely be granted a visa as she qualifies 100% and is employable, etc.
Thank you,
Ross
August 15, 2023 at 20:29
In general entering the USA with a plan to adjust status is a risky option. Timing is difficult, she can’t work while she’s there, so it could mean months of waiting with no job etc.
CP processing will be done at Warsaw or Frankfurt. Both are safe options.
August 15, 2023 at 22:38
Hi Simon,
Thanks for your all your help. My case No. 2023AS4XXX. I choose to go with AOS since study in US right now.
I took the biometric fingerprint in February 2022, still waiting the interview. It has been 7 months and I also saw some case for 2023 with case number that is over 15XXX, already got their green card.
Is there something I could do to get expedite my case since the deadline is in September?
August 16, 2023 at 19:57
It’s been years since I did my own AOS case, so I don’t know the methods for expediting at this time. So you should be asking Sm1smom – https://forums.immigration.com/whats-new/posts/3622505/
August 15, 2023 at 23:49
We have filled the DS260 form and submitted. We want to change our previous interview embassy location and selected new location , What is the best time to communicate the KCC to change location interview.
August 16, 2023 at 09:15
The KCC has unblocked my DS260 and now am making revisions. I would like to request you one more clarification before I resubmit the forms.
I have my passport since several years ago. On my passport there’s a section which says: “PLACE OF BIRTH” Please note that “NOT CITY OF BIRTH.”
Accordingly, On my passport it’s written “WESTHARARGHE” For PLACE OF BIRTH. WESTHARARGHE is somewhat larger area which includes a number of cities including my CITY OF BIRTH which is called “CHIRO”.
I think there is a rule that the data on DS260 should match the data on the passport. Therefore, I have been so confused what to write for the CITY OF BIRTH on my DS260. There’s no such a thing (CITY OF BIRTH) on the passport;
Rather there’s PLACE OF BIRTH.
Please may you give me your kind suggestion.
What I finally decided (during my initial submission and before knowing your site) was to write the combination of the two ie:”WESTHARARGHE-CHIRO”.
But I am not happy with that as there’s no such a thing on my passport (from matching rule point of view, I afraid that it may put me in a problem).
I think it is better to write WESTHARARGHE (Passport place of BIRTH), BUT there’s no such a CITY, it’s PLACE.
I cannnnnot decide…
Based on the above information, Kindly which one of the following you suggest me to write for CITY OF BIRTH on my DS260?
1. WESTHARARGHE (my passport place of birth, not CITY OF BIRTH, But WESTHARARGHE covers a number of cities INCLUDING my CITY OF BIRTH-CHIRO)
2.WESTHARARGHE-CHIRO (Which is not written like this on my passport, Thus, modified by me to indicate the city in the place…)
3.CHIRO (Which is my actual CITY OF BIRTH, BUT not written on my passport, actually there is no CITY OF BIRTH PHRASE on the passport, but PLACE OF BIRTH which is WESTHARARGHE)
I think I made it somewhat complicated and written in long.
I hope you got my problem.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Dmz from ETHIOPIA.
August 16, 2023 at 20:03
Wow, an even longer version of overthinking.
August 16, 2023 at 19:58
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-change-embassies/
August 16, 2023 at 10:15
Hello Simon how are you?
I have a concern, my interview is next week, my sponsor sent me his income tax return documents for the last two years, it is a document of around 20 pages for each year, inside these documents there are many forms including the form 1040, but today I have received an email from the embassy confirming my interview appointment and they mentioned that they need the tax transcripts for the recent year, I did a search and find that it is a form of one page only, I told my sponsor about that, but unfortunately he is traveling this week and he is not sure that he can make it before the interview, but he told me that he sent me the detailed tax reports already which is more important, so what do you think? I’m safe with what I have? Or this might put me in 221g?
Also note that I have also my bank statement, so I’m using both proofs in my interview to be mostly safe.
Your advice will be highly appreciated.
Thank you
August 16, 2023 at 20:07
Show what you have.
August 17, 2023 at 01:39
Is it safe or risky?
August 17, 2023 at 11:58
Something between those two words.
August 16, 2023 at 11:18
hello brit i have a case number 2024AF48853 i submitted my ds260 on August 14th i have a chance to pass the maintenance according to your experience around when
August 16, 2023 at 20:08
Wait and see.
August 16, 2023 at 16:58
Hello, Brit
Appreciate deeply an opportunity to get some advice, if feasible regarding the paperwork.
There are lots of ppl out there debating on the binding requirements on docs (entire package or partially) submission with apostille. My family relocated to Scandinavia while participating in DV2024, and I am forced to submit a request for reclamation of documentation from local russian embassy hugely in advance. Though FAQ suggests that merely certified translation is enough, and my assumptions after reading official guidelines are the same – this is the topic of my biggest disturbance regardless, because restoration of documentation itself will take up to several months plus further legalization, if really needed.
KFC already approved change of place of interview – US embassy in Sweden in turn did not provide crystal-clear instructions at that point, though to my knowledge the requirements may substantially vary and indeed depend on exact embassy and country where the interview is assigned .
Should I streamline my efforts through gettingin touch with KCC directly again – trying to clear the air in my untypical situation?
Thank you for your time and consideration
August 16, 2023 at 20:13
You should focus on reading the instructions and following those (which include the embassy specific instructions).
August 16, 2023 at 17:38
Thanks for the assistance.
DV2023 winner Ghana. Got my 2NL early last month. Interview is on the 29th august. Did my medicals on the 2nd Aug. I have a lung issue ( bronchiectasis) which has been diagnosed over 4 years ago and i made sure I told the panel physician this. Just today(16th august) I got a call from the medical centre asking me to conduct a sputum test( likely because they assume that I have TB due to the fact that my X-rays show the lung issue which is also a symptom of my lung condition bronchiectasis) However my MAJOR CONCERN is that the hospital says the TB test the requested for will take 2 months and that the results sent to the embassy would be inconclusive even with the test I can’t begin today since they need 3 consecutive working days to take my samples meaning I can only start from next week Monday.
Since we are approaching the last month and my interview is on the 29th
1. Won’t that affect my chances of getting the visa since the TB test which obviously would be negative eventually ( since the abnormal x-ray is from my underlining lung issue) can only be submitted to the embassy after 2 months? Way after my interview on the 29th august and the 30th September deadline for the fiscal year? And at this point AP won’t be a good idea even there was some time the TB results will come after the 2 months
2. What measures should I take since they will send an inconclusive medical report to the embassy at the time of the interview and also at this last and critical time.
3. I have my old x-rays and diagnosis from my personal doctor since 2019 which I showed to the panel physician as well. Can I take them to the interview to clear doubts that the x ray abnormality they are currently checking( which may take 2 months) is actually not the TB but a condition I’m aware of which does not breach any requirement.
4. If you were to offer advice to me what things would you suggest I do or say to make sure I get my visa within this period so that this last minute test which will take 2 months doesn’t spoil this golden opportunity.
5.I have a university degree.
August 16, 2023 at 20:17
1. Yes it will ruin your chances.
2. Ask the doctor what can be done, because your process cannot be approved after September 30th, and in fact is probably at risk in early/mid September.
3. Discuss with the physician.
4. If the doctor won’t give you a clear medical in time for the interview, then your chance will almost certainly be lost. So – my advice is to consider how impactful it will be to lose your fees.
5. Doesn’t help the medical.
August 17, 2023 at 02:02
Thanks Brit. This is really sad. I spoke to the physician yesterday. He understands my situation but basically says nothing can be done about the timing since it’s a request from the radiologist following his guidelines due to the fact that my x-rays weren’t clear. I have evidence and a whole lot of x-rays and my private doctors report to prove the actual chronic condition I’ve been living with which makes my xray look that way.
A. Is there a slight chance I can carry my personal medical reports since 2019 to the Embassy to let them know the actual condition( so they will know it’s not the TB which they are waiting for the results)?
B. If I do as I say in question one can they give a visa despite the fact that they haven’t received the TB results ( which obviously will end up negative because the actual cause of my x-ray looking bad is bronchiectasis in 2019 not TB)
C. With all the odds against me Can I choose to risk going to the interview and voice out my concern since I presume the physician has noted that I said I’ve had a lung issue since 2019 and hence bad x-ray clearly affirms my medical history which I have a lot of documentation to prove? Will that make a difference or can it change the decision?
Thanks a lot for this guidance always. We really appreciate it.
August 17, 2023 at 12:00
Neither I nor the CO are doctors. So please don’t expect either of us to make judgements about medical reports. If the physician won’t give you a clean medical report, then you won’t get the visa. But from what you have said, I don’t know what the report from the physician will say.
September 4, 2023 at 15:03
Thanks. I went for the interview. I’ve been put on AP pending the medical results which wasn’t available when I went to the interview( Apparently nothing was sent as at then). After the interview I’ve called the hospital to request they try to send my results even if it means sending just the smear test for TB whiles they wait for the culture test( apparently 2 types of TB test need to be conducted and the results sent to the embassy. The smear should be ready this week but the culture takes 8 weeks which would be after the deadline). They say they will try( I’m being hopeful) My questions are: based on the fact that I have an underlining lung issue which is not TB and was disclosed during the examination and the fact that I had gone for my medicals a month prior to my interview as required:
1. Can I write to the embassy to suggest in order not to be disadvantaged for a lung issue I have which is unrelated to the TB they are testing that if I could be issued the visa before the September 30th deadline but make traveling valid a month after September after they have received the culture TB test to confirm that my lung issue (bronchiectasis) which I’ve lived with for years now is not the TB so I’m not disadvantaged for something that has to do with timing by the approved medical hospital in determining whether I have TB or not.
2. If I should write a letter to the embassy to “try my luck” what points or parts of their guidelines can I quote or will you suggest i put across apart from what I’ve listed in question 1. If I should refine the question one in a particular manner your advice will be really appreciated.
3.Any other suggestion or advice you will give me as a last attempt to see if they will give me the visa before time since I have passed the interview just that that had no medical report or clearance as at the time I went for the interview on aug29. So I don’t loose out when the AP didn’t request any additional information from me but waiting for the physician.
Thanks I really appreciate your guidance always.
August 16, 2023 at 19:05
Hi simon,,how are you?
I am 2024AS14xxx from Iran.
Last week,I asked KCC to unlock my DS260 (my wife and son accompanying me and asked to unlock theirs too).
I changed my current address and tried to change the location of my interview as well, but the site didnt have an option to edit the location in the location section of the edit page before signature and submit page.
In the home page of my application form,it was mentioned that my case is in KCC.
Please tell me how to change the location of my interview.
Best regards
August 16, 2023 at 20:18
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-change-embassies/
August 16, 2023 at 23:39
Is anyone able to check ceac status ?
August 17, 2023 at 11:58
No – it’s broken.
August 17, 2023 at 04:56
Hi Brit is there any problem in case status website when i check my is case status it showing invalid case number
August 17, 2023 at 12:01
Yes it is broken for all DV2023 cases.
August 17, 2023 at 06:17
Anyone able to check ceac staus? Though I entered all my information correctly, I’m getting an error saying “Invalid Immigrant Visa Case Number” for last two days.
August 17, 2023 at 12:03
The system is broken.
August 17, 2023 at 06:42
Hello Britsimon. 2024DV selectee with CNAF55k. We filled our DS260 as early as May but there are issues we would like to findout that may warrant unlocking.
1) we filled in two addresses indicating that fir time being should we be granted visas my wife will briefly be hosted by a her family while I stay briefly with my friend all in the same state. Could this be an issue?
2) We are a couple with 5 kids making us 7 and though we included all of them in the initial entry and went as far as also creating and submitting Ds260s for them, we have settled that only five of us would be part of the programme . What do we do and could this also affect visa approval?
August 17, 2023 at 12:05
1. It’s unwise to inject that confusion. Just pick an address and say that’s where you are staying. Once in the USA, live where you like!
2. You can just leave two out of the process (no need for medicals and no need to attend the interview.
Just understand it will take years for them to be able to get GCs as part of a later (non DV process)
August 17, 2023 at 06:53
Hello Britsimon.
I am CNAF55k. I have two major worries now.
We are a family of 7 and the seven make up our initial entry.
Now we don’t want to travel with everyone to the US in this programme thought we went ahead to create and submit DS260s for them.
1) what do we do and and will this affect our visa approval in case we receive the 2nl?
2) Another thing is that we have two different addresses in our ds260s. While I have chosen to stay with a friend my wife will stay with her family all of us in the same state should our will be done. Will this require unlocking?
August 17, 2023 at 09:21
Hi Simon.
Since yesterday, the website to verify the status of the case shows the message “Invalid Immigrant Visa Case Number.”, I tried it with several numbers of real cases. What do you think is the reason?
August 17, 2023 at 12:08
CEAC is broken. Same for everyone. Nothing to worry about.
August 17, 2023 at 13:49
Same here since yesterday untill now
August 17, 2023 at 09:56
Hello Brit,
Please my husband won the lottery in 2016. So myself and son were his beneficiaries. After our in interview in 2016, we were denied visas because he didn’t pass his high school exams.
Please I want to know whether after seven years since my husband was denied visa, can an aunt in the US invite me over for a vacation,
Waiting for a reply
August 17, 2023 at 12:08
I only answer DV related questions.
However, the refusal your husband received was nothing unlawful etc so should have no impact on any other visa process.
August 17, 2023 at 10:09
Hello Simon,
Why I can’t check my status on Ceac anymore?
My wife ( main applicant) and my child have come to the US and I am waiting for a decision from the embassy.
Best regards.
Ramin
August 17, 2023 at 11:56
hi mr brit,
I am writing to you from Kinshasa Sir, I have a sad story to tell you and I hope to find a solution with you.
by the way since my childhood I have always dreamed of living in the USA like everyone else dreams of, and arrived in 2023 I was selected as the winner of the American dv-lottery by playing single and arrived on the day of the interview at the American embassy in my country the visa was refused to me and I was categorically sanctioned by section 204 of the American immigration law reason (having provided inaccurate information when registering for the dv lottery by adding a person who was not your wife ) and my question is if i keep taking a chance again and i get selected will i still be denied the visa please answer me because i still keep my american dream.
August 17, 2023 at 12:12
That is a sad story.
If you are truthful and follow the instructions and get lucky enough to get selected again, then hopefully you won’t waste your chance again.
August 17, 2023 at 12:23
Hi Brit, just checking to know if probably you’ve heard of any DV24 from Ghana that has received interview scheduling?
August 17, 2023 at 15:04
Yes, that was one of the very early 2NLs for October interviews. But of course we don’t know how many they took.
August 18, 2023 at 11:50
Hi Simon,
I live in the USA with H1B visa but will be doing CP in my home country. When filling out DS260,
1) What should I put as my present address, USA or home country?
2) What should I put as a mailing address, same as present address?
For green card delivery address I was thinking to put my address in USA. But was not sure about above 2 questions.
August 21, 2023 at 09:04
Good morning Simon, I wanted to follow up if you could help me with this question. Thank you.
August 21, 2023 at 21:06
Use present address.
August 18, 2023 at 19:38
Hi Simon,
I am a DV2023 winner. I will be entering the USA in September but am planning on leaving 3 weeks later to Europe for a month. At this point I will have not received my Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card for when I plan to re-enter the USA from Europe.
The US Customs website (https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/your-trip) asks that I must travel with a “Green card (Form I-551), or document for lawful permanent residents, or advance parole (Form I-512) if your Form I-551 is pending.”
Considering I will not be in possession of my I-551 (Green card), will I have to do as advised on the US Customs website or will my temporary I-551 stamp, as mentioned on the US Citizen and Immigration Services website (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/temporary-i-551-stamps-and-mrivs) in my passport be sufficient?
Appreciate all the help for the community you give.
Cheers
August 19, 2023 at 09:27
Yes, the stamped visa is all you need.
August 19, 2023 at 10:28
hello Simon,
1. I’m currently scheduled for my interview in Accra, I did my first degree in China and i left China 3 years ago. Do I need to also present a police report for my time in China in addition to my Ghana police report.
2. Can i also present a scanned copy of the China police report?
August 19, 2023 at 14:09
1. Probably, yes. I strongly suggest you read the instructions carefully.
2. I don’t know whether they will accept that or not.
August 19, 2023 at 15:10
Hi
I am a DV23 selectee wth two nationalities both with valid passports. I have filed Iran in my application for both eligible and chargeable. However, on DS260 I have noted the second country as native and eligible. Does that present disqualification of my application?
Should I unlock my form and make corrections?
August 19, 2023 at 15:13
Please don’t repeat questions.
https://britsimonsays.com/completing-the-ds260-for-dv-lottery-entrants/comment-page-48/#comment-346033
August 19, 2023 at 16:29
Hi brit
Would like to clarify this please
As a soldier who had been to United Nations Peace Keeping for 1 year do that soldier needs a police Clearance from that country since UN soldiers works directly and strictly under UN and is only the UN that writes about the solder and has nothing to do with the civilians and that of the police.
Can the soldier present a certificate of successful completion of mission from the UN in place of the PC?.. Thanks
August 21, 2023 at 21:02
I dont know what will be expected in tgat scenario.
August 20, 2023 at 02:18
@BritSimon I am appearing for interview after two week and now when i looked at the ds260 i found that i made one mistake. It was asked mother surname at birth but i wrote mother surname after marriage. My mother surname is acharya at birth and after marriage her surname is sharma. I have my surname also sharma and my father surname is also sharma and in my bith certificate is also sharma. My mother has her citizenship after marriage so she has sharma as surname in citizenship card. so the mistake was with my mother surname at birth only in this situation what is the best advice that I should follow??
August 21, 2023 at 21:04
Just correct it in the interview.
August 20, 2023 at 06:42
Hi Simon,
Hope you’re doing well mate! CN 24OC5XX, 2 questions!
1. Wife is an American citizen and mother in-law will be sponsoring me. Does my wife need to be taken into account for the poverty guidelines on the I-134?
2. As my number isn’t current yet, should I wait until I become current to complete the I-134 so I have recent supporting documents like the payslips or go ahead and complete and use pay slips from as at the time of form completion time?
Thanks as always for your assistance!
August 21, 2023 at 21:05
1. Yes, the full combined family size.
2. Wait until you get the 2nl.
August 20, 2023 at 15:20
Hi brith
Is there any news about ceac status?
August 21, 2023 at 21:05
No
August 22, 2023 at 00:15
Hi Brit,
I am winner of DV 2024AF26xxx. I am doing self-financing.
How much do I need to have in my account before I can embark on self-financing?
August 23, 2023 at 09:22
You would generally need to show about $10,000 per person, but this number is not an exact answer. An I-134 would be better.