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September 10, 2023 at 00:39
Hello Brits our good teacher please remember my case
September 12, 2023 at 09:42
Hello I’ve made a interview in baghdad
And i get a ok in 4/9/2023 but I don’t get a visa because don’t available my dhl&medical reports
September 12, 2023 at 12:48
OK – that has probably cost you the visa.
September 10, 2023 at 04:57
Why I can not check on ceac case status?
September 10, 2023 at 09:42
Very hard for me to answer with no information.
September 11, 2023 at 03:30
When I try to check my case status on ceac.state.gov the system says INVALID IMMIGRAN CASE NUMBER since three days
September 12, 2023 at 03:12
2024 CEAC wont be available till Janurary
September 10, 2023 at 05:47
Dear Simon, I am a DV2024 winner with 2024AF12*** case number. I submitted my and my derivatives, wife and a son, DS260s on August 02, 2023. I had filled the entry for me and my wife but the son was not born at that time. My question is that is it a must to email KCC about the kid that he was born after the entry period and that I have added him to apply for visa? We have proof of the delivery since he is born at a government health station. Is there a need to send the soft copies of the medical histories that are notarized to KCC?
September 10, 2023 at 09:42
No need to email KCC. You used “add applicant” to create the additional DS260 I assume – so that is all they need. The baby will need a medical, passport and birth cert.
September 10, 2023 at 08:35
is 2024AS18095 safe?
September 10, 2023 at 09:44
I would think its a pretty good number, but we will know more in January.
September 10, 2023 at 10:24
Could submitting DS260 be a problem if I want to apply in the future for dual intent visas (H1B or L1B)?
Of course it can be a problem for tourist visas, but I don’t care about tourism.
September 10, 2023 at 11:40
Well you answered your own question really. The “dual intent” visas do not penalize someone for wanting to emigrate to America.
September 10, 2023 at 13:40
Let us hope that the September visa bulletin with up to 10k current for Africa is to get done with business by June and avoid sending out 2nls in July that will face such a sudden embarrassment. If they maintain this current cut off number, by March April, they could call it a day. Like this many people will not spend mother to be disappointed.
September 10, 2023 at 14:25
Sounds like you don’t really understand the numbers or the process.
September 10, 2023 at 12:19
I won the dv lottry 2024.but my case number is high in asia 34k.so can i apply 2025 dv lottry.
September 10, 2023 at 12:29
Yes
September 10, 2023 at 23:22
Hi brit thanks for your good information about DV, any iformation about DV 2021 cases
September 11, 2023 at 17:25
No news of the appeals yet – and of course, those cases not covered by the appeals are over.
September 11, 2023 at 07:25
Hello Simon
My husband won the DV lottery but in the travel history section he put that he travelled to Spain (that was back in 2018, but after submitting the ds260 he remembered that he travelled back home from (Amsterdam airport) however he didn’t mention Netherlands in travel history as he forgot it and it was for one day to take the flight back home and the trip was mainly to Spain. Would you suggest to unlock and add Netherlands or it is okay since it is the same mentioned trip??
September 11, 2023 at 08:47
Another question, previously we applied for a pre honeymoon vacation (visitor visa) back in June 2021 but due to Coronavirus we couldn’t get an early appointment, (the earliest one was prior to our wedding in 2022 so we cancelled and rescheduled hoping to make it) so when we won in the previous us visa refusals: we wrote that a visitor visa application was withdrawn in May 2023 and listed the other refusals for my husband in his ds260 (they refused him twice previously due to dual intends). The question they already asked: if we had a previous visa and was withdrawn “at the port of entry” we answered no and listed the withdrawal visa (canceled appointment before interview) in the previous US refusals. But will they understand that May appointment withdrawal was from our side not in the port of entry???
September 11, 2023 at 10:41
Sorry for making this too long but to make it clear: in the question have you issued a US visa we put no
Another question was: have you ever refused, being refused admission or withdrawn your application at the port of entry? For my husband : We put yes and under explain we wrote: visitor visa refused in 2014 & 2015, visitor visa application withdrawn in May 2023
For me I put yes under refused and put that application for visitor visa to the US was withdrawn in May 2023
September 11, 2023 at 10:43
We simply cancelled the appointment by ourselves but thought we have to mention it
September 11, 2023 at 17:55
Yes
September 11, 2023 at 17:27
No.
September 11, 2023 at 17:47
Sorry can you please tell me on what question you answered
September 11, 2023 at 18:05
That’s the problem with multiple questions….
“Would you suggest to unlock and add Netherlands??”
No.
September 11, 2023 at 19:43
Oh sorry for the inconvenience will definitely use the numbering next time 🙏🏼 Thank you for your time you are the godfather of the lottery 🙏🏼
September 11, 2023 at 08:39
Hi Simon, I am a 2024 DV selectee and my case is 2024AF35… I submitted my DS260 form, my husband’s and for our 3 children on 18 July 2023. At the time of submission of DS260 forms, we indicated the address where we were staying but now we have moved to a different place. Would you advise to unlock the forms and enter the current address?
September 11, 2023 at 17:55
If it is the same country, no need to update until the interview.
September 11, 2023 at 09:04
Dear Simon,
I wish I learned about your website sooner, but here we are…
I have few questions…
My Case number is 2024EU00013*** and I have submitted my DS260 some three months ago, on 3rd June. Still no news. I have also been checking this website (https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?App=IV) as I understood I can check the status of my visa entry but nothing is coming up. Actually it keeps saying my case number is not valid…
Also as you said in the video, do not sell your car or quit your job, I need to go on living and working, so I am wondering how long will I have to wait as I may found a winter season job. I would not wanna miss my interview or any thing similar.
What documents should I have handy when and/or if I get back from KCC ? In order to apply for an interview ? Medical exam must be done prior to interview but is it neccesary to have results before making an interview appointment?
Thanks very much!
September 11, 2023 at 17:58
CEAC won’t show status of DV2024 cases until January.
This isn’t a fast process, so do your winter job. Once you have the interview you will have 6 months to enter the USA.
For the questions about documents, please make sure you fully read the instructions. You will need those and a completed medical report at the interview.
September 12, 2023 at 06:09
Thanks very much!
I am planing to make a new passport as the one I applied with will expire in April next year. Do I need to unlock my DS260 to change it or just inform them vis email ? Or wait until the interview…
How does one unlocks the application?
Thanks a bunch !
September 12, 2023 at 07:08
Just present the new one at the interview.
September 11, 2023 at 12:18
Hi Sir,
The embassy said this.
Dear Sir,
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that visa number will be available for you. Inquiry has been sent to the appropriate authorities. You have to complete medical examination if you still think to pursue the visa.
Regards,
Immigrant visa unit
1-
Now is it ok to spend more money and do the Medical,
2-
I’m just wondering if there is no more visa why the embassy doesn’t tell me?
Best regards.R
September 11, 2023 at 16:04
Hi Brit,
Good Day.
I wont 2023 Lottery and gave a different address for my GC and SSN. And once I reached here by Aug 2023 I moved in to new address. As u instructed I was trying to change my address in USCIS.
But I have few doubts and clarification needed to complete the submission.
1. I created a Online account as a primary applicant and trying to add the case to the account, But I am not able to do it as it is asking for Online Access Code, though I have my A number and DOC ID. So is the right way I am doing and how will i get the OAC? or I need to go to the next step?
2. Is that I need to submit AR-11 form and then mail them to the address mentioned in the downloaded form for individual applicant?
it asks me the Question
“Have you filed an immigration-related application or petition and your case is pending a decision or you have not received a notice, card, or document?”
If I select Yes ,it is asking to select the form (IVF or OS155A) and give the receipt number. I gave the IOE number which I received after paying the $220 and submitted a single form for all four giving all the four IOE number. Is this suffice?
Great if you assist me on this
Thanks in advance,
Sharmi
September 11, 2023 at 18:00
1. I don’t know. I suggest slowing down and reading the instructions.
2. I don’t know this system.
September 11, 2023 at 18:05
Thank You Brit!
September 11, 2023 at 16:37
Hi Brit
My Case Number was 2023OC18xx. In the last bulletin, the CN for Oceania moved from 1651 to 2500. All successful applicants were notified with the 2nl for when they could attend the interview. In Fiji, the Suva embassy rescheduled all the interviews and completed them in August. My interview was scheduled for the 17th of August and my case was updated in the CEAC and the status was Ready. My interview was very successful, and I was given a letter that read Your Visa application is Approved. The counselor congratulated me, wished me all the best, and took my passport and photos. They assured me that I should collect the passport by mid-September. In September when I checked the CEAC again it was updated again on the 6th of September, but the status was still ready.
Please explain this. I have noticed that the case numbers which were higher than mine were issued a visa and their case in CEAC was updated on the 7 of September. How this can be possible? I think they should work according to the case numbers. There are approximately 80 cases in Fiji who have paid all their medical, police clearance, and visa fees. I’ve paid FJD5.5k and today I ended up in pain.
I really like to know where it went wrong or how they chose the CN for the Visa. Everything was done in a timely manner, and we moved according to the advice given by the embassy.
September 11, 2023 at 18:03
They are not obligated to interview or issue in a strict case number order. With the benefit of hindsight, it was critical to have been issued in the earliest days of September. It sucks, but there is nothing you can do.
September 17, 2023 at 04:27
Hi I’m having the same issue as well
September 11, 2023 at 19:19
Thanks, Brit.
So it means if the embassy recommends to issue the Visa then KCC release it case by case or it just comes in a batch.
September 11, 2023 at 21:09
KCC are not involved once they have scheduled the interview.
September 12, 2023 at 00:17
Hi, I was a successful applicant for dv2023, was not issued a visa despite ceac updated status on 6th sept but still showed Ready so I knew i did not get the visa. However upon checking on ceac today, it showed last updated on 12th sept but still Ready. Why are they still updating when its all over for DV2023, whats the catch here. Please advise
September 12, 2023 at 07:15
There can be many reasons for the updates, including you emailing the embassy (which causes an update). But none of the reasons will cause the issuance of a visa.
September 16, 2023 at 00:13
Hi, Dan. Did your visa get issued now? Any update so far?
September 12, 2023 at 04:23
Hi Mr Brit,
I know you said not to write again and possibly write all in one post but this is something I haven’t heard in your videos or sorry if I overheard.
1. I do have a B1/B2 visa tourist visa and if I wish to travel to USA and I have no info from KCC , is it possible to travel on purely tourist grounds, i.e go back and forth? Just as a simple tourist.
I am aware one should not travel once the interview has been scheduled…
2. Also birth certificate- does it needs to be not older than 6 months or can be anytime and translated in English as officially requested
3. How do I prove the work experience ? Ask for credentials ? Or a CV is enough ? I also do not have a work guarantee in USA. I am single, applied for lottery alone and have no sponsor…
My case number again is 2024EU13*** ( Croatian Embassy in Zagreb is my place of possible interview )
4. Also if I lived in other countries in Europe as I did, but my primary address is in Croatia, is the police record of not being prosecuted enough from the police station in my town and does it needs to be translated to english ?
5. Do all the documents needed be translated to English
Again sorry for writing a separate post , I should have written all in one yesterday but questions kept coming up. Thanks for all your help!
September 12, 2023 at 07:13
1. Yes
2. Varies according to local rules. Read the instructions.
3. Assuming you meet the education requirement, they won’t ask for proof of work.
4. Read the instructions – this is covered there.
5. Read the instructions – this is covered there.
Really – Read the instructions.
September 12, 2023 at 05:38
Hi Mr. Brit,
my wife is a DV24 Winner AF 73k Abu Dhabi Embassy We live in UAE we have seen all of your videos and were waiting until January to actually know if were at risk or not, Either way, it’s hard for us to move but the major issue is in case we got interview my wife nationality is Sudanese and the country is at war were having issues getting documents like Birth certificate and High school Certificate college certificate is available shes civil engineer graduate what’s your advise regarding the location and the documents missing due to war circumstances
September 12, 2023 at 07:11
Just do the best you can. Be as complete as possible, show additional documents that establish your identity, work, education etc.
September 12, 2023 at 06:57
Hello Simon,
I haven’t not gotten your answer or your last advice for me yet?
The embassy said this.
Dear Sir,
Unfortunately, we cannot guarantee that visa number will be available for you. Inquiry has been sent to the appropriate authorities. You have to complete medical examination if you still think to pursue the visa.
Regards,
Immigrant visa unit
1-
Now is it ok to spend more money and do the Medical?
2-
I’m just wondering if there is no more visa why the embassy doesn’t tell me?
September 12, 2023 at 07:08
I don’t know how much more clear I can make this. The visas are all gone. Spending money on the medical will be a waste of money.
September 12, 2023 at 09:41
hello brit I just realized that in my DS 260 I wrote the name of the establishment where I studied in French should I unlock my form to correct?
September 12, 2023 at 12:48
No need.
September 13, 2023 at 00:59
hello. do what do you think about OMAN embassy for an IRANIAN to have interview there?
September 13, 2023 at 10:54
I don’t have any particular thought about that. Oman performs OK. Iranian cases carry additional risk of 221g.
September 13, 2023 at 01:48
Hi Brit,
How is a CN of 24OC000040XX? Are my chances grim?
Thank you
September 13, 2023 at 10:54
Very grim.
September 13, 2023 at 02:54
Hi Mr. Simon, is 2024AS37XXX high number?
September 13, 2023 at 10:54
Yes
September 13, 2023 at 05:51
Hi Brit and others,
Did not know where to put this info but for everyone who is worried about unlocking the DS 260, I decided to ask for premission and got a reply back in less then 24 hours! I corrected the info that I deemed important and finished the process and send it back in less then 24hrs.
But it takes hours to do it, the application is very slow and keeps bugging. So really patience.
Also as Simon says , the process is slow and we need patience. Maybe this was fast because we wont be hearing from KCC before January for 2024 cases….
Good luck and sorry Simon if I overtook the space, just wanted to let everyone reading here.
September 13, 2023 at 14:33
Hello Brit
I have a friend who was selected for the 2024 DV however he was born and lives in an African country, but when registering, they chose an Asian country as the country of eligibility out of ignorance.
1- Should he send the ds 260???
2-is there a chance for him to get the visa??
September 13, 2023 at 15:57
If he has no legitimate reason to have claimed to be chargeable to an AS region country (the only reasons could be by marriage or by parents), then he would be disqualified for sure, and I would not even want him to file a DS260.
September 13, 2023 at 14:49
A government lawyer just posted a statement from @statedept in one of our lawsuits showing the Biden administration issued 56,038 lottery visas for FY 2023. That’s 1,000 more than the 55,000 visas allocated by Congress! Is this news is true?
September 13, 2023 at 15:57
Yes
September 13, 2023 at 14:56
Hi Brit Simon, I have some questions for you.
My case number is 2024EU21XXX
I answered some explanatory questions in Turkish on the DS-260 form. Does this cause problems? For example, there was a question about Professional information. My profession is in the field of economics. I responded in the form of forex markets.I didn’t get help from anyone when filling out the form because I didn’t trust anyone.Do I need to open the lock and fix it? Does opening the lock create a problem?
September 13, 2023 at 15:58
No need to unlock for that, but unlocking doesn’t automatically cause a delay as some have said.
September 13, 2023 at 23:22
hello Mr. Simon, will Childs photo cause a visa denial because he was small while applying for the lottery and now he is little grownup and have his facial look have changed a lot. by the way i m dv 2024 winner from asia.
September 13, 2023 at 23:38
If the aging is “normal”, no problem. But if the photo is of a baby that walks in to the interview as a 17 year old – then there could be a problem.
September 14, 2023 at 03:04
My case number 2023AF63…
Still I have not interview apointment letter, and time for DV lottery is almost done in October, Please can you give me some explanation for this issue? Is it possible to forget my issue?
September 14, 2023 at 18:53
DV2023 has ended early. No further interviews will be set and no further visas will be issued.
September 14, 2023 at 06:11
Hi Brit,
Regarding the medical examination, my wife (main selectee) had a breast cancer on 2008 and she has been treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and hormone therapy and she is cured thanks to God, can this be an issue for the results of the medical examination? or visa denial?
And for the chronic illness such as hypertension and diabetes can cause visa denial?
Thank you, sir.
September 14, 2023 at 18:54
No. None of that. They are concerned with communicable diseases.
September 14, 2023 at 07:09
Hello Simon
My husband is dual citizen, he applied with his country of birth’s passport where we live now and we have never lived in the other country, he went there only once to do the oath and take the Passport and his national number, that was after he turned 27 back in 2019.
Now my question is regarding requested documents should he obtain documents from his city of birth or both countries (ex. Military records, etc…)
September 14, 2023 at 18:56
Please read the instructions including the reciprocity page as that gives specific information on each country.
September 15, 2023 at 11:57
Yes I read that.. He is Armenian and I read this regarding military service there:
Procedure for Obtaining: All male citizens of Armenia aged 16 to 18 are called to the Military Unit of the Ministry of Defense of their residency to be registered and be issued a military card.
Exceptions: All male citizens of Armenia, except as noted above, over age 20 should have a military booklet, (a military service document, also known as voyenni billet in Russian) which contains information on the terms of service and/or discharge. After turning 27, persons holding registration cards with legal deferment stamps will also be issued a military booklet.
Comments: All male citizens of Armenia, aged 16 to 18 are issued a military registration card. The military registration cards of persons aged 18 to 27 who have not yet served in the Army contain information on the legal basis of their deferment of military service.
Now (He went there for the first time when he was 27 so he paid a penalty and didn’t have a military registration card or military booklet)
Do we have to print this and go ??
2. Does he has to bring his Armenian passport and his ID as well?? As they are in the country reciprocity but they didn’t mention something regarding people with dual citizen
Thank you
September 15, 2023 at 12:20
3. So we have to search for both countries for him and also for me (bc I was born in Syria and I am Lebanese citizen so I have to search also in country reciprocity for both countries)
Did I understand the procedure??
September 15, 2023 at 13:50
Yes – you should read the reciprocity page for any country you have lived in because you might have documents from there OR need police certs from those countries.
September 15, 2023 at 13:46
1. He should provide whatever he has to support his situation.
2. That wouldn’t cause harm by carrying the additional documents.
September 15, 2023 at 14:02
1. He hasn’t lived there but he obtained the citizenship by descent, he went there only once for visit (mentioned in previous travels) so he doesn’t have to bring a police certificate from there
2. Regarding military records he doesn’t have anything as he obtained it after turning 27 so what you suggest to bring?
3. Ok will bring the passport ofc but does he has to send it along woth other documents to the embassy or just carry it to the interview?
September 15, 2023 at 18:57
1. OK
2. I have no suggestions.
3. The embassies very rarely ask for documents ahead of the interview.
September 15, 2023 at 14:09
4 we should read the reciprocity of any country we lived or any country of citizenship??
Thank you 🙏🏼
September 15, 2023 at 18:57
Use your judgement.
September 15, 2023 at 14:58
5 so should he look for reciprocity and obtain documents from any country where he had lived or from country of citizen or both??
September 15, 2023 at 18:58
Same reply.
September 14, 2023 at 07:17
Hello Simon,
When submitting two separate DV Lottery applications for married couples, should we use a different set of photos? Or can we use the same photos on both applications?
Thanks!
September 14, 2023 at 18:57
Same photos can be used.
September 14, 2023 at 09:04
Hi Simon,
but is the October visa bulletin late or is everything normal?
September 14, 2023 at 18:57
Normal.
September 15, 2023 at 01:14
Dear Brit Simon,
I have a question about changing the embassy for interview (post) in DS-260. The situation is as follows.
My country of eligibility is Armenia. In my first notification letter the embassy was Warsaw as I am a citizen of Russia and lived in Russia when sending the application for participation in DV2024 lottery in autumn 2022.
But in spring 2023 I moved to Armenia and I got there another (second) citizenship.
Hence, I have 2 citizenships now.
In May 2023 I filled my DS-260, indicated my new address of residence in Yerevan, indicated my both citizenships and selected Yerevan as an embassy for my interview.
But yesterday in several Russian-speaking groups (forums) I read that if someone is selecting the embassy which is different from the one indicated in 1-NL then the case is going to the «grey zone» and there is a high risk of not getting 2-NL and invitation from any of both embassies.
Is this true? Am I in a risk now? What can I do to mitigate the risk? Could you please tell more about the grey zone and situations when the case will possibly go to the grey zone and the situations when the case will not go to the grey zone after selection the place of interview in DS-260. Thank you!
September 15, 2023 at 07:41
You’re fine. No need to worry about a gray zone. The only risks are your case number, and whether your embassy keeps up with interview scheduling to get to your case.
September 15, 2023 at 08:28
Hi Sir. I have an important question to ask. I won the 2024 lottery program.I’m from Iran and I chose Ankara embassy. I have diploma. I have 12-year diploma with which you can go to university. It is an official certificate. But there has been an academic gap between it. I was in the third year of high school when I dropped out and after 2 years I continued and got my diploma from an evening school (adult school) It was a theory based high school and I completed the pre-university year. It was NOT a correspondence course. Someone said that this academic gap and evening (adult) school will cause me to be rejected and not get a visa. Is this true?
September 15, 2023 at 13:43
Because it was not a continuous “formal course of education” there is a technical reason for rejection on that basis. However, I don’t think that rejection would be very likely as the break was short and you will still have concluded your education as a young person. If your work experience could meet the requirement I would prepare to show education and work experience, just in case.
September 15, 2023 at 15:04
Hey Simon, hope you’re well. Not a question but pointing out that in the latest post you made, it says November 2023 instead of 2024 interviews 🙂
September 15, 2023 at 18:59
Thanks, I have made similar mistakes in the past, but in this case it is about the date – being November or the year 2023.
September 15, 2023 at 15:19
What happened in January 2024 which makes it more clear the likelihood of success of case numbers getting a visa? Keep seeing comments saying that in Jan things will be more clear but I’m not clear on why!
September 15, 2023 at 19:01
In January (on January 1 to be precise) we will get access to the CEAC data. That gives us every case for all selectees. We will then know the highest case numbers and the distribution of cases throughout the number range and can make some assumptions and calculations.
September 16, 2023 at 01:50
Hi Brit, i am OC winner for dv2023, had my interview on 11th August, paid fees at embassy, verbally confirmed i will get visa., handed over my passport to them. From Aug 11 till closure of dv lottery date on 6th sept, my ceac status is showing Ready and my passport is still with them. Almost 3 weeks after interview to closure date, why wasnt my application processed to Issued, what were they doing all this while.
September 16, 2023 at 11:41
I don’t know what they were doing between 8/11 and 9/6. But there is nothing you can do about it now. They will return your passport in due course – you can email them if you want.
September 17, 2023 at 18:00
Hi Dan
Yes, you are correct. There are more than 80 cases (230 people) in Oceania who are affected like this. I don’t know how they scheduled the interview and collected the Visa fees. If you see the Diversity Visa Program, Step 7 Interview, it says “You will only be scheduled for an interview when and if there is a visa number available for you”. I think it’s one of their rules. They have made the blunder and poor people especially in Fiji are suffering. I think we should all group together and combat this. They made a blunder and they should fix this. People are really traumatized because of their unacceptable behavior. Also, they issued many visas to higher case numbers and left a majority in 1800 and 1900. Hope there is Justice.
September 19, 2023 at 19:15
Hi RP, did you able to get any respond from the embassy yet, my case Number is OC2260 we had our interview on the 24th august till now we haven’t heard anything.
September 20, 2023 at 09:25
You case is showing in ready status, which means it cannot be issued. DV2023 is over, a and there is no way to change that.
September 16, 2023 at 08:15
I have analyzed CEAC raw data for 2023 fiscal year. I realized Accra embassy was not performing badly for the first 3 months. September’s vb cut off for Africa was 5700. The case density for Ghana was 15 cases for every 1000 cases. The embassy scheduled approximately 40 cases each month for the first three months. The last vb for 2022 placed the cut off for Africa at 20000. By then the embassy had worked on 125 cases which is reasonable considering the case density. Based on this calculation is it safe to assume a selectee or all whose DS260 have been fully processed with cn below 10000 will receive a 2nl or even attend the interview before the year ends.
September 16, 2023 at 11:46
“Safe to assume” – well that is bad logic right there – but wait and see.
September 16, 2023 at 13:11
Hi Brit,
I watching you on social media you are viral.
I won the DV 2023 lottery and attended the interview at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, on April 10, 2023. Initially, they placed me in administrative processing and requested additional information, which I provided after my interview in couple of days.
On December 4, 2023 They send an email to instructed me to prepare my passport and complete a medical examination, which I scheduled at a verified clinic for September 18, 2023. So that means the administrative process are complete for me.i have everything emailed also 2 days to finish and delivered everything to Embassy was not possible especially I live in Iraq.
However, on September 12, 2023, I received another email it’s not included my case number or my name as usual when they send me an email stating that the DV 2023 lottery had exhausted its visas, and there was a possibility I will may not get a visa issued. They also canceled my clinic appointment and I confirm that with clinic itself. I understand the situation this year and why they closed it early.
On the CEAC still showing refuse under section 221g as i said they already finished it i can send you all the emails that i received and acknowledge.
Also I text the consular office in baghdahd US embassy via emails they are not answering or sending any emails.
Kindly advise and helps me out if there Is any way to appeal or explore alternative options for obtaining the visa?
September 16, 2023 at 13:22
https://britsimonsays.com/dv-2023-basic-questions/comment-page-1/#comment-346680
September 16, 2023 at 23:52
👍
September 16, 2023 at 15:46
Hi Simon!
I have a question about DV lottery 2025 application. When you take your photo, does the ears have to be visable or is it a problem if maybe only one of the ears is.
September 16, 2023 at 16:51
You should be looking directly at the camera, which means both ears should be showing.
September 16, 2023 at 17:18
What if one is clearly showing and the other barely. I know photos is the biggest reason for disqualification so thats why I am asking. I took one from a proffesional and in that one ear is clearly seen and the other barely.
September 17, 2023 at 12:24
You will have to use your own judgement as I cannot see what you can see.
September 17, 2023 at 02:42
Hi Simon,
We are a family of 4 – 2 adults & 2 teenagers in the Oceania region.
Confirming at the interview that all derivatives need to take the documents specified PLUS additional information that may be required to answer questions around public charge (showing cash in bank accounts/home ownership etc)?
My husband is the 2024 applicant chosen in this DV lottery but many assets are in my name. Assume we take everything for both adults.
Thanks Leanne
September 17, 2023 at 12:26
Yes and yes. There are some differences in required documents for derivatives (no education docs for instance) so do read the instructions.
September 18, 2023 at 00:50
Thank you – also if our 2 childrens’ passports are valid to Nov 2024 and we are interviewing in November 2023 would you advise getting new ones before the interview (or) between the interview date and the 6 months you have to immigrate to ensure the 6 month validity. I’m hoping it is after we have been approved for the visa but don’t want to make a mistake on this.
September 18, 2023 at 18:13
You can decide what is easiest.
September 20, 2023 at 00:29
Actually my husband just got the 2NL letter with interview date & time for early Nov. Neither of the doctors listed are available before our interview and have said you can advise at the interview that we have an appointment but have not had the medical prior. This is raising some alarm bells. Have you heard of this before & what outcomes would you advise?
September 20, 2023 at 09:27
Yes that can happen, although it is unusual that neither doctor can see you. In most embassies, you can have the interview and then follow up with the medical results. But also ask the physicians for an cancellation appointments.
September 17, 2023 at 05:57
Hi Mr Brit Simon. I have a question about DV2024 visa bulletin.
Has the November visa bulletin been announced?
Best regards
September 17, 2023 at 12:27
The bulletin for November interviews has been released – yes.
September 17, 2023 at 07:11
hello Mr. Brit Simon hope you are well.
I’m the 2024 winner and cn below 2k from AS Afghanistan now I’m current but not receive my 2nl for interview yet , my question is how many days before the interview I will receive the 2nl for interview? and second question, in my school certificate my Date of birth is different with my date of birth in passport and national ID this different is just in month and day the year is okay according to my passport. so is this problem the embassy officer will accept that or not ?
best regards!!
September 17, 2023 at 12:35
They normally give a few weeks notice before the interview – but you can make sure you are ready now anyway.
No problem on the date.
September 17, 2023 at 07:53
Hello, Simon
In 2020 I was in the USA as an exchange student with a J1 visa, due to the pandemic just starting, I could not return to my home country as it was first established on my DS-2019, so USCIS decided to extend the J1 visa. Due a misunderstanding between my sponsor and I about the official end date of my program with the extension, I ended up overstaying my J1 visa as an exchange student by 9 days. In addition to this I must add that I got covid-19 and could not travel earlier because I had to present a negative covid-19 test, which was no possible for me at that moment.
The USA consulate in my home country send me an e-mail asking the reason of my delay leaving the country and I sent my response explaining everything.
Pd. After this incident I had the opportunity to travel to the US with the same visa category and had no trouble whatsoever.
When filling the DS-260 there’s this question:
* Have you ever been unlawfully present, overstayed the amount of time granted by an immigration officialor otherwise violated the terms of a U.S. visa?
I checked that with yes. Do you think this situation will cause problems for me in the future when continuing with the process?
I thank you very much in advance.
September 17, 2023 at 12:37
I can’t be 100% certain of course, but I think you will be OK.
September 17, 2023 at 08:19
What is the best time for the Embassy change of location , before you become current or after you are current
September 17, 2023 at 12:37
Sooner is better.
September 17, 2023 at 12:23
Hi Dear Simon,
I was advised to take a good look about taxation once I become a US Green Card holder, as I am already retired and have substantial assets. I was told this DV program is commonly used by people who look to get ahead in life and not people with substantial net worth. Can you maybe share a good source for taxation stuff or say your opinion on the matter?
Thanks
September 17, 2023 at 12:43
The program is the same for normal folk or people who already have high net worth, and don’t forget that your idea of substantial assets may be different in American terms. In my own area retirement readiness numbers are in the millions.
Tax planning is outside the scope of what I advise, but I will tell you that you get what you pay for in the USA with tax professionals. So – selecting a professional that suits your needs is important.
September 17, 2023 at 15:27
2024EU46XXX
I have become worried by the fees mentioned on the various pages including the fees button where I filed the DS-260 as I now, somewhere I can’t find again, within some official guidelines (for selectees, I believe) read that filing the DS-260 would incur a fee at time of filing. If I understand the issue correctly some stuff does not apply for DV but only other applicants filing a DS-260 for different visa categories.
I filed in early July.
1) Can you confirm that status COMPLETED on the CEAC page is all the information I can get as of now and that this the correct status? I have not yet paid anything and understand that I would only need to pay a single fee (per person) for the application typically paid at the time of the interview.
2) Am I correct?
3) The ESC page where I got the 1NL is where I would find the 2NL?
4) The visa status checking page not recognizing the IV CN https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx is not meant to be used for DV at all or will it become functional New Year Mountain Time?
5) Where do people see if their case is processed and what status it has before the data becomes available JAN 1st, or is that not possible at all unless the applicant’s 2nl was already issued?
As always, thanks for your help and time!
September 17, 2023 at 15:51
1&2. There are no fees until the medical/interview. Completed means submitted.
3. Yes
4. Jan 1
5. You can email KCC – but that is pointless in your case since you have a fairly high case number. Just wait.
September 17, 2023 at 16:59
Actually, I never understood what this “Immigrant Visa Case Number” is, with which we can check the “Visa Status Check” on the CEAC page?
September 17, 2023 at 17:40
DV case number
September 17, 2023 at 18:21
Hi Brit,
Please you can confirm if the 1000 Visas are given to DV2023. If this is true then how it be shared among regions? Do you have any number or it’s just bullshit.
The referee has already blown the whistle, the game is over for 2023 or the officials are there to play extra time.
September 17, 2023 at 22:26
Tue visas are all issued. Dv2023 is over.
September 17, 2023 at 22:24
Hi Simon,
In the DS-260, I filled out only the high school equivalent grade 10-12th school of country Kazakhstan. I did not put any information on 1st-9th grade school. Should I unlock my ds 260 and fill out 1st-9th grade attendance information as well? my case# is 2024EU29K
thank you!
September 17, 2023 at 22:29
I prefer that people list all secondary schooling, bur I don’t think I would unlock for that.