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PLEASE make sure you read the FAQ (linked at the menu at the top of this page), as most questions are already answered there.
Please note I periodically have to archive posts from this page to attempt to keep the performance acceptable. That means comments over about 3 months old could be deleted at any time.
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 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 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.