Ask questions here
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.
September 18, 2023 at 01:45
Hi Simon,
My CN is 2024EU50***, can I apply for DV lottery 2025 even if I will MAYBE become current next year? Do you think it could be a problem?
Thank you so much
September 18, 2023 at 18:13
Yes you can apply – no problem.
September 19, 2023 at 16:08
Dear Me, Simon,
I am a DV 2020 winner and my case been scheduled to interview two times and both times been canceled. First one because of US embassy of Baghdad’s lock down and then Donald Trump’s thing and finally my interview transferred to Qatar, been scheduled and them canceled because Qatar banned iraqi citizens due to Corona Virus. So I have got a couple of questions.
Q/ according to your experience with appeal court cases and your experience generally: when do you expect a hearing from the appeal court about DV2020.
Q/ do you think I have a high chance of getting a visa from the 9095 visas decided to be issued?
Thanks you and best regards.
September 20, 2023 at 09:13
1. THere has been a hearing a year ago, we are now waiting for the outcome of the appeal, and I don’t know when that will come.
2. I don’t know.
September 18, 2023 at 03:14
Hi Simon, I’m from Africa and Cameroon to be precise. My case number is 2024AF68k . Do I have a chance of getting an interview? Thank you
September 18, 2023 at 18:14
Probably.
September 18, 2023 at 03:32
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 US consulate in my home country sent me and 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.
Having said that, I marked YES the following question in my DS-260 form:
* Have you ever been unlawfully present, overstayed the amount of time granted by an immigration official or otherwise violated the terms of a U.S. visa?
Do you think I will have problems with this issue in the future by continuing with the process?
Thank you in advance
September 18, 2023 at 18:15
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-761/#comment-346697
September 18, 2023 at 07:57
Dear Simon,
I have for DV24 a EU34XXX number. My question; is it allowed to participate in dv2025 if the results of dv2024 have not yet been fully announced?
All the best,
Marc
September 18, 2023 at 18:15
Yes
September 18, 2023 at 10:35
Simon, What are your thoughts on exceeded number of DV visas in DV2022 and DV2023? Is there any official explanation why they approved more than 55000 visas?
In my opinion somebody can sue USCIS because of that and it can potentially have negative impact on future DV lotteries if there is no good explanation.
September 18, 2023 at 18:17
They have explained that the law gives them the right to make estimations, and then rely on those estimations. So – they do not feel they broke any law.
As for suing – what would you sue for? Do you want them to take some visas away from people? In lawsuits you need some reason to sue – how have *you* been harmed by this?
September 19, 2023 at 04:23
My understanding is that somebody could sue USCIS, because in their opinion USA was “harmed” by allowing too many imigrants (more then allowed by law).
The expected outcome would probably be a reduction in the number of available DV visas in the following years to even out the surplus of visas.
September 19, 2023 at 08:59
1. That “somebody” wouldn’t have “standing” which is necessary to sue. Standing means you have to be directly affect by the action you are complaining about. So – your process would fail on that basis.
2. How on earth do you think that is helping the DV community???
September 19, 2023 at 09:28
I think that it may have a negative impact on the next DV lotteries (e.g. reduction of available visas).
But if you say a lawsuit is very unlikely, then I probably don’t need to worry at all.
September 19, 2023 at 09:45
Well basically you don’t have any cause to complain. You weren’t harmed in any way.
September 18, 2023 at 15:40
Hi. Brit you r doing great my Allah reward you with what he loves
* I have got a question for you *
Am I in safe category with CN 2024AF44k **?
September 18, 2023 at 18:18
It depends where you are interviewing.
September 19, 2023 at 11:43
Addis ababa
September 19, 2023 at 13:00
So then no – I could not say I trust Addis at this point. Only time will tell.
September 19, 2023 at 15:18
Hi Simon,
My CN is 26XX for OC 2024 DV. Its not sounding promising at all for OC, should I fillout DS-260 form or hold off?
September 20, 2023 at 09:12
If I were you, I would wait until we see the CEAC data in January. That would at least confirm how high your number is – but since a huge percentage of the OC cases are with one country this year, your chance will be based on how applicants from that country get on.
September 19, 2023 at 16:54
Hi Brit, how do you think the approximate distribution of “At NVC” throughout the year is? For the EU, it starts at around 10% for smaller case numbers and ends at around 40% for higher case numbers. I think the high numbers are because the DS-260 was not processed or sent to the embassies. What about lower case numbers? Do you think the majority of cases with 10-20% at NVC simply did not submit their DS-260, or is it being held at KCC?
September 20, 2023 at 09:18
This is an odd way to phrase the question. At NVC is the starting status for all cases, so the distribution of NVC is 100% on October 1. Then cases get processed and the cases that remain “at NVC” are the ones that never got scheduled.
So – why do cases not get scheduled is the question.
1. People that never submit their DS260s.
2. People that submit but don’t get current
3. People that get current but their DS260 did not get processed in time.
4. People that submit, and get processed but their embassy has a backlog of cases in AV status, so the case doesn’t get scheduled.
I don’t know the precise percentage split between those statuses, and of course, some are embassy specific.
September 20, 2023 at 12:51
Make sense now, thank you! How about % of all selectees that choose not to proceed/submit ds 260? Do you know if estimate is generally available? I could not find it the internet.
September 20, 2023 at 22:52
It’s not published.
September 19, 2023 at 17:21
Hi Brit!
My visa was just issued! I’m very grateful for the support you have offered to this point! I couldn’t have done it without it.
I was planning on entering the US soon to activate my Green Card- then coming back to Australia to tie up loose ends exc. But my passport expires in 8 months.
How should I manage this?
September 20, 2023 at 09:20
Great (but not unexpected) news!
You can renew the passport when you get back and retain your passport when you renew (to keep the visa). If you get the plastic green card (sent to the address in the USA), then you won’t need that visa any more.
September 25, 2023 at 23:37
Me again Brit,
Just planning my travel itinerary.
My Passport needs minimum 6 months validity to enter the states is this correct?
September 26, 2023 at 13:48
Yes
September 20, 2023 at 02:23
Hi Simon
I am a dv2022 winner. I have renewed my passport and I haven’t received my green card yet as I only recently payed the fee because I didn’t know I had to pay the fee and thought the greencard would automatically be sent to my USA address. I’m currently back in Australia and need to return to the USA by mid November as i was first granted access to the USA in November 2022, so that is when my temporary I-551 will expire. Do I need to get another temporary I-551 on my new passport to get on the plane and get through USA customs because the passport number is different, or can I just show the I-551 in my old passport?
September 20, 2023 at 09:31
You can show the visa in the old passport as long as you are within 1 year of when you originally activated.
September 20, 2023 at 11:04
Hi Simon,
I was check the ds260 on review mode and i noticed that my spouse application (ACCOMPANY) missing the data about the question “Have you traveled to any countries/regions within the last five years?” and none of the checkboxes is checked, and i’m sure we answered that question and added the countries, what do you think about that, is it a technical problem or the data get lost, and what i should do about it, just for info i already get my 2NL, thanks
September 20, 2023 at 11:32
If your case number is very low, you could leave that as is, but otherwise I would unlock and correct if travel history is missing.
September 20, 2023 at 13:11
Dear Simon,
I have 2 question –
1. I am in the process of issue an L1 visa. Is my visa at risk if I participate in the DV lottery? I know it is possible to apply from L1 for a green card but I was told that it will take about four years.
2. I have two children aged 18 and 20. I have to include them in my application, is it possible to submit them separately as well and it will not be considered duplicates and therefore we will be disqualified?
September 20, 2023 at 22:53
1. No risk.
2. Yes – they can each have their own entry as well.
September 20, 2023 at 17:22
Hi Simon,
1. Is it safe to do early filing for Aos? I read in the som1 mum forum that many people got denied in previous years as lockbox rejected the package due to early filing .
2. Since the CNs are high this year. Shouldn’t visa bulletin numbers advance by a month compared to 2023 since there might be more holes?
Thanks
September 20, 2023 at 22:54
1. Early filing is generally safe, but don’t do it before October 1.
2. There is a lot more to the progress than just that.
September 20, 2023 at 21:23
Hello, Simon
When DV2023 appeal response? I sent my I290 in last May.
September 20, 2023 at 22:54
There is no DV2023 appeal.
September 21, 2023 at 09:04
Hello Simon,
First of all thank you for your blog as it is very helpful.
1.1) I submitted my DS-260 in July while I was still in the US under a J-1 visa. Since then my current address changed and my J-1 visa has ended. Do you think it will be a problem for my DS-260 to be processed ?
1.2) I mentionned I still lived at my mothers address during my studies, but didn’t add where I lived during my studies since I was domiciled with her. Is it worth unlocking and completing?
2) Regarding the completion of the DS-260, under the “previous U.S. Travel Information” I was issued an alien registration number and a visa number for my J-1 so I answered yes to both, but I dont know these number, or at least I’m not sure, is it ok?
September 21, 2023 at 11:59
1. No problem
2. Yes
September 21, 2023 at 09:42
Hi Simon,
in Security and Background: Miscellaneous Information 2 I answered yes to the question “Are you a former exchange visitor (J) who has not yet fulfilled the two-year foreign residence requirement? ” because I was under a J-1 visa from oct22 to sept23. I could see on my passport/visa that I do not apply for the 2 year rule. Should I change the answer and is it possible?
September 21, 2023 at 12:00
Yes, unlock and correct that.
September 21, 2023 at 18:01
Hello, Simon
I am a DV2023 winner, I live in US. I was applied I485 and interviewed in March. In April, received denial letter and filed an appeal I290B in May.
Now i am waiting. How long will it take for the response?
September 21, 2023 at 18:47
I don’t know, but there can be no positive result since DV2023 is now over. There are no visas left.
September 21, 2023 at 20:54
Hi, Simon. I was a winner for the DV Lottery back in 2018. I already have a Green Card but haven’t lived yet in the US and due to the pandemic (and other reasons) I’ve actually been overseas from February 2020 till the present day. Now I’d like to return for a trip and don’t know what the right procedure should be: using an ESTA permit with my European passport o using the Green Card knowing that my status can be lost at the port of entry for a long absence.
Thanks in advance for you help.
September 22, 2023 at 07:01
Technically you have stayed out of the country for two long. The pandemic affected travel for a while, but travel has been possible for 2 years, so you can’t really blame the pandemic anymore.
So, if you want to try and get your status “back” you can try a couple of options.
1. Assuming you have your green card, you could just try to enter the USA. The airline will allow you on the plane because you have the greencard. At the POE, the agent will probably realize you have been out too long, and they would tell you they can refuse your entry. They might even get you to sign a paper that relinquishes your LPR status, in return for being allowed into the country as a tourist. My advice would be to decline that offer. In that case they can parole you in to the country, and they could arrange a court date so you can argue in front of an immigration judge why you should be allowed to keep your LPR status. The process will be stressful and the outcome uncertain.
2. You might be able to re-establish your LPR status by applying for an SB-1 via your local embassy. It is a process that gives you a chance to explain why you were unable to return to the USA. You would obviously claim that Covid changed your plans to return in 2020 and then you had to take a job or whatever…
In either 1 or 2 you would be wise to speak to an attorney before you take action.
September 22, 2023 at 03:32
Hi Brit,
I have two questions from you.
Q1: I am one of the 2024 lottery winners from Afghanistan and my case number is below 2000 and it is current. When do you think I will have my interview?
Q2: in my high school diploma, my date of birth defers by month and days from the rest of my documents, how big of a problem do you think that is?
Thank you very much
September 22, 2023 at 07:04
1. I don’t arrange the interviews – so I don’t know.
2. Not big.
September 22, 2023 at 04:32
Hi Simon or fellow bloggers,
Hoping someone can assist with my question below.
My family and I were approved and our green cards endorsed on 25th November 2022. We are still in the process of moving to the USA from Australia and will miss the 12 month rule regarding staying outside the USA for less than 12 months. Due to finishing up work and school commitments in early December we will be out of the USA by missing the cut off by 2-3 weeks.
Is there a grace period in our 1st year as a green card holder due to moving or is this rule strict?
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Regards,
Phil
September 22, 2023 at 07:05
No there is no grace period. Get on a plane.
September 22, 2023 at 04:47
Hello Brit , Iam a DV 2021 winner who was able to settle in USA finally after all the stressed situation of corona and travel bans… I have to thank you for all the support you provided through ur blog and youtube Chanel at no cost. Iam from Srilanka.
I can still remember how much we got stressed when our interviews didnt start until 2021 June month and how our interviews got cancelled after doing medicals as well. But our fate was not that bad ! On September 13 again Colombo embassy called us for our interview .. Everything went really smooth there after
I never panicked for interview as we were confident with fulfillment of all requirements . Even the case officer was nice… The only problem was my cousins who live in USA ( They didn’t from green card lottery )… how they reacted and got surprised that when iam coming to USA with greencard in my hand..
My cousins knew how hard to get it than anyone lese . So after so much of incidents, today we are happily living in USA. My kids enjoying the best education , freedom in the world..
I have no words to thank you Brit. Despite how many new youtubers talk about green card, i always recommend people to follow you .. Because you are the reliable source ..
If i get a chance to thank some one day whom i never saw..it will be the person who introduced green card lottery to world.
September 22, 2023 at 07:07
Thank you for the lovely message. I wish you the very best for your life in the USA!
September 22, 2023 at 06:52
Hi Simon, i just got to know that you provide detailed information. And am happy for the people you have helped before.
Am a currently a scholarship student in china with AF36*** what is my chance and would my current study affect my interview if scheduled?
I forgot to indicate the country of birth of my father, would that affect my application?
I selected the embassy in Guangzhou for the interview, was it a good idea?
Am greatly honored for the advice you provide.
September 23, 2023 at 10:21
Helps to number questions.
1. Your number is OK, and studying doesn’t cause any problem.
2. No
3. That embassy is OK.
September 22, 2023 at 07:51
2024EU46XXX, Frankfurt or Madrid, Germans (VWP)
We are considering renewing our expired ESTAs after we filed DS-260 in July and by that filing had expressed immigration intent. Over the next year until our case outcome will be clear, we are considering one or maybe even a couple of short vacations in the US under the VWP, as done many times in the past decade.
This might be a bit outside of your typical topics, but;
1) Is there a legal incompatibility between ESTA and the expressed (future and conditional) intent?
2) Is there a risk of denial of ESTA?
3) Would there be possible implications after such a denial, hindering potentially necessary further future ESTAs, similar to how having been denied a visa once complicates future applications?
4) Is there a somewhat expectable risk of success with ESTA renewal but then denial or at least questioning by CBP at the port of entry?
5) Being somewhat pre-cleared through TTP Global Entry and going through the machine should be irrelevant, right? I am not even sure we are allowed to continue using the program as it’s pretty much limited to arrivals with zero to declare and the most standard and boring everyday entries, which we, formally, might no longer be seen as. I’ll check that with TTP.
I would not want to travel to the US for a whole year unless we know quite surely that we’re not risking to lose the TTP GE, not risking to make future ESTA applications complicated, and not risking to be sent back home at POE when arriving.
Given that our CN could very well leave us out of luck and thus we’d end up without LPR status yet with that once expressed intent;
6) Whats the outlook for future ESTAs after DV2024?
7) What about an E2 visa (a bit of a weird and different type of visa as its treaty based, non-immigrant)?
Knowing the E2 would still be available with only maybe a bit more scrutiny would give me the calm I am trying to find when looking at that whole year of uncertainty ahead of me. Not as a “backup”, but as a non-immigrant alternative. Had my wife not won we might have applied for the E2 in these years but we’ve put that to the side now as it might not be necessary. Hope its not gone forever.
Seven at one stroke. Thanks for the hundreds time, Simon. Happy 10 year anniversary btw!
September 22, 2023 at 08:17
1. No
2. Not increased by the DS260
3. Not really.
4. Overthinking. Relax.
5. See 4.
6. No problem.
7. Fine – E2 is a dual intent visa.
Relax. Please.
September 22, 2023 at 10:01
Those are all good news. I can relax now and will, knowing that E2 has not become impossible.
1) In theory, would an E2 through embassy in Europe be possible right now, i.e. even before the DV ends? Those can be crazy fast.
2) Generally speaking just no AOS, right? While on E2 necessary to depart and use CP for LPR via DV or others?
3) My mistake is assuming E2 was not dual intent. On immigration.com I had read from an Aussie who was deported for filing for AOS after winning while in the US on E3. E3 is totally different from E1 and E2 and I had wrong assumptions. Thought all E visas were similar.
September 22, 2023 at 12:48
1. I don’t know.
2. Ask Sm1smom
September 22, 2023 at 09:36
Hey Simon, after filling up ds260 are we required to do something besides waiting? Like send some documents. Thank you 🙂
September 22, 2023 at 12:49
No documents. Just waiting.
September 23, 2023 at 04:42
Hello Sir,
I applied DS 260 with ” married” marital status,
At that time, i won DV 2004 even I hadn’t marry
with my girlfriend.
As my case number was so high, I didn’t get
an interview. So I didn’t get the visa.
After that, I broke up with my girlfriend.
Now if I want apply for next time DV program,
what status should I chose,
is ” unmarried ” Ok, which is my genuine status.
Are they ( KCC), still keep my old records..??
So please kindly give an advice , which is
the best solution for my case . thanks a lot.
September 23, 2023 at 10:19
Honesty is the only policy.
September 25, 2023 at 17:21
I wonder how à case number in 2004 can be so high because even in 2008 I didn’t hear that?
September 23, 2023 at 11:16
Hello Sir,
I applied DS 260 with ” married” marital status,
At that time, i won DV 2004 even I hadn’t marry
with my girlfriend.
As my case number was so high, I didn’t get
an interview. So I didn’t get the visa.
After that, I broke up with my girlfriend.
Now if I want apply for next time DV program,
what status should I chose,
is ” unmarried ” Ok, which is my genuine status.
Are they ( KCC), still keep my old records..??
So please kindly give an advice , which is
the best solution for my case .
thanks a lot.
September 23, 2023 at 12:39
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-762/#comment-346843
September 23, 2023 at 11:24
Hi brit
CN AF10k
I need help please
My current job is making some moves of transferring me to another country for an assignment which they are not certain yet.
My fear right now is based on my case number I might be current here in present country and will not be able to transfer.
(Case not yet processed/current.)
1. Can I unlock now to delay processing and wait for the final decision of my superiors
2. Can that affect my case too
3. What would you advice on this please.
Thanks
September 23, 2023 at 14:31
1. I would not suggest that.
3. I would wait. No need to do anything for now, but if you get transferred just email and ask to unlock if not already scheduled, or transfer if scheduled.
September 23, 2023 at 17:43
Okay sir thanks
September 23, 2023 at 16:20
Dear Simon,
I have a visa interview at the US Embassy in London for the 2024 lottery scheduled for October 5, and a scheduled medical appointment on September 28. Unfortunately, my ACRO police certificate is not going to meet this deadline. However, I’ve been informed that the medical assessment cannot proceed unless I provide my ACRO police certificate by the same date.
Would you recommend requesting a rescheduling of my visa appointment at the embassy? Could it led to losing my chance for another appointment considering the point that my case number is low.
Thank you for your response in advance.
Best regards,
September 23, 2023 at 19:26
The physician has no interest or responsibility regarding the ACRO certificate. Don’t discuss that with the physician.
Keep your appointments and follow up with the police certificates.
September 23, 2023 at 18:40
Hello Simon,
1) what about the appeal of dv2020?
2) why can judge Mehta not do something about the reserved visas
3) is that the end of the road for dv2020?
September 23, 2023 at 19:23
1. The appeal court has not made a decision yet.
2. Because it has gone to appeal.
3. Wait and see.
September 24, 2023 at 22:49
My husband and I have completed the DS260 but we have an 18 yr old and a 20 yr old (technically dependants) who will not be progressing. I read that all applicants on my list must have completed the form. how do I remove them from the application?
Also, case number 2024OC24XX – we might just scrape in?
September 25, 2023 at 18:03
For the kids, you list them on your DS260s but you don’t complete their DS260s for them.
You might scrape in, we will know more in January.
September 25, 2023 at 05:46
Good day Brit, AF1xxx with interview scheduled on Nov 22, 2023 for my parents (mum is the main applicant and dad is the derivative). Few concerns I will need your help addressing and if possible a link (webpage) we can read more on.
1. What’s the timeline/wait time for them to receive their green card after entering the US?
2. When can they file for us (the children) after receiving their greencards?
3. Is it possible for them to back to their home country right after filing for us the chilldern?
Thanks.
September 25, 2023 at 18:10
1. From a couple of weeks to 4 months.
2. Theoretically they can file as soon as they are resident in the USA.
3. Check with a lawyer about that.
September 25, 2023 at 18:42
Hello Brit, thanks very much for the feedback. One more thing, my parents are using the affidavit route where our family friend will be supporting them with the I-134. There’s a premable on page 2, which ask how my parents’ plan on how they would support themselves and where and how long they would stay. Can you please advise on how the sponsor should complete those fields? Thanks
September 26, 2023 at 13:23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVTNJc2i6sw
September 25, 2023 at 05:47
Hello Simon,
Thank you for your support.
I am planning to move to the USA in November. I want to change my address at the POE.
So I just want to know how many days before I have to pay the fee for my green card.
Thank you.
September 25, 2023 at 18:11
You can pay the fee before or after moving. Your choice.
September 26, 2023 at 10:02
If I pay the fee before entering the USA, will they send my card to my previous address, which I have filled out in the DS-260?
September 26, 2023 at 14:00
Yes
September 25, 2023 at 09:40
hello Brit,
I’m for the third time winner of DV24 after loosing DV21/DV23.
1. Do you think writing an e-mail to KCC, in order to priorities my case this time (after VB permit my number EU17K) will make any change??!
Thank u in advance.
September 25, 2023 at 18:11
1. No
September 25, 2023 at 20:30
hi Simon,
will the government shutdown effect the 2024 dv program? is there a risk to dv2024 winners? thanks
September 26, 2023 at 13:42
It will probably have no effect unless the shutdown lasts a long time (unlikely)
September 26, 2023 at 01:20
Hi Simon…
I am a winner of this year’s DV lottery with the case number 2024AF00069XXX.
My interview location is Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
I have applied as a single and I still am. I have a girlfriend and was planning to proceed unmarried until I get to the US then come back and do the marriage and return to the US to file form I340 for her to join me. But after doing some research online, I found that the process could be a bit lengthy and may take between 6 months up to 36 months (need clarification on this if possible) while it’s gonna be easier if we just get married now before the interview as she would get her visa with me at the same time.
Would you advise that I do it and get married before the interview is scheduled and go this route? Considering my case number and the designated location for my case… as I would only do this right now if I do really have a good chance at making it to the interview and get issued a visa, otherwise this shouldn’t be before 2 years before now (in case I lose my chance).
It’s a really tough decision to make that’s why I came here.
Thank you for any input you’d give.
Cheers.
September 26, 2023 at 13:51
Sponsoring a spouse later will take a lot longer than you expect. 2 years would be very optimistic and 4 or 5 years would not be unusual.
So – I would certainly recommend marrying as early as possible and processing together. As long as you can show the relationship is real, then there should be no problem.
September 26, 2023 at 01:48
Hello Britt,
I would like to ask.
My wife and I both applied for DV Lottery 2024 and we have one child. My wife was selected.
But during entries I said that I was married and I have two children (The other child I have is from outside our marriage). During entries my wife applied also as married to me and had only one child.
So she is the one who was selected.
We went on filling out the DS260 indicating that we both have one child, although we did not submit the forms (My Wife, Me and Our Child) until now, we fear being rejected for a Visa.
My Question is: When KCC Processes our DS260 forms Will they find out I have another child, even though I was not selected.?
What is your advice; Should we proceed to submit our forms?
September 26, 2023 at 13:58
US immigration law says that the child from outside your marriage is your wife’s stepchild. In that case, if that child is under 21 and unmarried, your wife should have listed the child in her entry – and not doing so will cause disqualification.
I can’t advise you about what KCC or the embassy will or won’t discover, as I do not want to suggest in any way to break the law.
September 26, 2023 at 06:21
Hi BritSimon,
I understand that the 2NL will have an appointment date for the interview at the embassy.
Is this date fixed? Do I have to manually confirm (or schedule) it through the CEAC site?
Thank you, Sir.
September 26, 2023 at 14:00
The date is fixed.
September 29, 2023 at 10:50
Thank you for your response, but for the second question: Do I have to manually confirm (or schedule) it through the CEAC site?
Appreciate your reply.
September 29, 2023 at 13:57
In many embassies you are instructed to register with a courier service prior to the interview. Read the instructions for YOUR embassy.
September 26, 2023 at 07:55
hello Simon
I am a DV 2024 selectee from Africa with case number 35***. I have send my DS260 on June 1 and b/c my company was promoting me promised to give me a promotion letter starting from June, i filled my new position on the DS260 from June 1. But the company gave me the promotion letter from July 1, 2023. So will it be a problem if i open the DS260 and correct the date? or leave the date as it is and explain at the time of interview?
September 26, 2023 at 14:00
Leave it as is, the precise date is not important.
September 26, 2023 at 11:22
Hello Brit, I am DV 2024 winner from sri lanka , I just wanna know how long my sponsor has responsibility on me ?
September 26, 2023 at 14:01
The I-134 does not create any legally enforceable responsibility.
September 26, 2023 at 12:41
Good day, if a covid 19 vaccine waiver is given to my husband and I because our country does not have the vaccine available in time for the interview, do you know if we will be required to take the vaccine at the POE or anytime after arriving to the USA?
September 26, 2023 at 14:02
I don’t think you will apart from using common sense.
September 26, 2023 at 17:07
Dearest Mr Simon.
1st of all i would like to Thank you for your tremendous guidance and predictions for all who joined your blogs and forums. Very informative sites and hub to gather knowledge on the DV programs. i highly recommend your forums and blogs. with your so perfect predictions i instilled a trust in you.
Mr Simon i was a unfortunate selectee of DV 2023. From the time i received my 1 NL i joined your forum . with your advise i came to know that my number DV 2023OC1887 is a high number and made me understand the implications of it. with this knowledge i again I took part in DV 24 and was again a successful selectee with very low number.
With Gods grace my DV 23 got current in Month of Sept 2023 .Initially scheduled for interview on 11th September and later rescheduled for 10th August 2023. Given the short notice we rushed with medical and Police clearance and ended paying higher rate for fast/urgent report.
We manage to get all the reports on time and we had our interview on 10th August which was a success. we were issued a slip saying your immigrant visa application is approved and told to leave the passport behind for stamping.
Since my initail interview date was 11 sept they said they wont be able to issue visa untill 11th sept.
it came as a disaster when we learnt that DV 23 closed earlier than expected. still embassy didn’t said a word on the cases already been interviewed.i only wish i could go back and started trusting your predictions more than trusting the hopes and processes the embassy filled in us.
After keeping our passports for almost 2 months the embassy sent responses to all Oceania pending cases that they are very sorry they couldn’t issue the visa due to the early closure of the dv 23.
The above is the story of my dv 2023 journey which ended in harsh way with a thousands of dollars down the drain.
Mr simon Im Scheduled for DV 24 INTERVIEW on 5th October 2023 which is on next thursday.
i would like to know what you feel about my case. do i have chances of getting visa. the only reason i was not given visa for dv 23 was because it ended earlier than expected. there is no other reason the embassy gave on my case.
looking forward to hear from you very soon.
Thank you for your expertise and knowledge sharing .
keep up with the good work you are doin in helping people in the dv journey.
Have a blessed day
Ranji
September 26, 2023 at 17:11
Sorry Simon
The Embassy also advised me that they are retaining my passports and documents which will be transfered from dv 23 file to dv 24 file so i dont need to redo the medical and police since its still valid until january.
for your infromation
September 27, 2023 at 00:16
I already answered.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2024-basic-questions/comment-page-2/#comment-346894
September 27, 2023 at 17:04
apologies Sir
For some reason im not able to view the my comments and youir replies.
i was only able to get to my comment when you have sent me the link.
Im sorry for reposting .
Kindly be informed that my Medical will be valid till Jan 24 and police will be valid till July 24. and my interview is on 5th october 2023 which is next Thursday.
Do you still suggest for the redo of the Clearance.
Thank you
September 28, 2023 at 08:23
https://britsimonsays.com/wp-admin/edit-comments.php
September 26, 2023 at 23:12
Hi Simon, I’ll be applying for the DV for the first time. My passport doesn’t have my middle name but all other IDs and most of the educational documents have middle name. I dropped the middle name 2 decades ago but never updated it on any other legal documents. Would that be an issue? Should I get a new passport with middle name on it? Or should I state “no middle name” on the DV entry form and if selected, on ds260, just state other given names?
Thanks.
September 27, 2023 at 00:21
If you have a middle name, list it in the entry form.
September 27, 2023 at 07:58
Thanks for the reply. To clarify, my passport does not include my middle name. Since the entry form requires the name to be exactly as it appears on the passport, wouldn’t including a middle name be different than the passport. Just a note, I’m a Canadian citizen and have held Nexus in the past that included my middle name. Sorry, just confused here. Thank you.
September 27, 2023 at 08:55
This is just for the entry. For the entry you should match to your legal name, which is first established by your birth cert. If you get selected you might then decide to correct your passport.
October 2, 2023 at 20:53
Thank you for the response. I plan to get my passport updated (with middle name) early next year and enter my legal name (with middle name) in the DV entry lottery form. If I get selected, the fact that I updated my passport after the DV entry, would that be an issue? I plan to have the passport fixed prior to DS260 (if I was to be selected).
October 3, 2023 at 11:20
No problem
September 27, 2023 at 03:50
Hi Simon!
Me and my wife submitted our eDV forms for DV24 with photos of us that we took ourselves at home against a white wall. We tried to meet the photo requirements as much as we could. The photos we took do seem to match photo examples provided in eDV instructions, but since we’re both not photographers, we are not certain that every single requirement has been met (face-to-photo-size proportions being the main concern). Should we worry about being refused at the interview due to possible mistakes in our photos?
September 27, 2023 at 08:51
No. The proportions check is automated, meaning you already passed the main concern.
September 30, 2023 at 10:10
Thank you!
Does that mean that if you were selected for further processing, you are pretty much safe as far as photo-related errors are concerned?
September 30, 2023 at 10:12
No. You could pass the technical checks but have mixed up the photos for example, so there are some things that could still go wrong…
September 30, 2023 at 15:22
Got you, thanks!
We didn’t mix up the photos and didn’t edit them in any way, shape or form, except for cropping them, so fingers crossed everything goes smoothly.
Thank you again!
September 27, 2023 at 04:47
Hi brit
CN AF10k
Please do I check if my embassy has started giving 2nl please
September 27, 2023 at 08:52
We won’t have DV2024 data until January 1, so you can’t check right now unless you hear from others at the same embassy.
September 27, 2023 at 05:30
Hi Brit,
I am DV 24 winner who just got his 2NL 20th sept in Accra., I realized I made lots of misspelling on educational institutions and other areas. Also I tick Yes for communicable disease meanwhile I have never had TB, do I need to contact embassy to unlock or I can make corrections in my interview on Nov.
CN 2024AF3k
Submittted DS260 8th May
September 27, 2023 at 08:54
You really should have unlocked and corrected these things before. Now you can choose whether to ask them to unlock or not – I don’t know if they will oblige or not.
September 27, 2023 at 09:31
Will it affect my chances at the interview ,
September 27, 2023 at 13:39
I don’t know the extent of the errors, so I can’t answer.
September 27, 2023 at 07:59
Hi BritSimon
I won the lottery and submit ds260 for me, my wife and my daughter, now my wife refuse to go with me and want divorce .
Do I have to send Kcc email to remove her or to reopen my application while I am divorcing and it will take about one week to be officially divorced.
Is this will affect my application?
NOTE : Actually It will be officially divorced next Monday by court, and my daughter will stay with her mother and also i have to remove her from my application
Also I am from Mauritania.
September 27, 2023 at 08:57
You cannot remove a DS260 once submitted, but you should unlock and change your own marital status.
September 27, 2023 at 08:57
Hi Simon,
Ignore this Question, i just saw the reply. you answered me already.
Regards.
September 27, 2023 at 08:59
Too late.
September 27, 2023 at 09:13
Hi Simon!
I am a winner av dv lottery 2023. Some weeks ago I got my green card but my son haven’t get it yet.
I don’t no the reason so I want to add my case in my uscis account to know the reason but I need online access code and receipt number which I have not them. In addition I haven’t get form I 797.
How and where can I get it?
Thanks.
September 27, 2023 at 13:39
I don’t know. Call USCIS.
September 27, 2023 at 10:33
Hi BritSimon,
Doing the filling of my DS260 my sponsor address i put has changed due to purchase of new house, will it cause any problem?
September 27, 2023 at 13:40
No – you can update the address at the interview.
September 27, 2023 at 17:58
Hello Simon,
I have some questions. The first one is related to my name. As a DV lottery winner, I see a mistake on the DS260: My name is Aida-Sofia, but appears as Aida Sofia. If I try to correct it, the system doesn’t permit me. Do you think it will be an issue?
The second question is regarding the Facebook user ID. I am confused about what should I write: the email that I use to log in or my first and last name as appears on my account?
The third question: I recently got married and changed my last name. How my new last name should be reflected? I don’t keep the last name that used to have when I first applied, but the DS260 has my old last name. Should I change the last name on the first DS260 page?
September 28, 2023 at 08:26
1. The hyphen is not allowed in their system, so it will be Aida Sofia. That is not a problem.
2. The name
3. Your married name is your new legal name – the marriage certificate being the evidence of that name change. So – that should be the name on your DS260, but you should also list the previous name in the “other names” section.