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November 25, 2023 at 08:52
Hi Simon,
Hope you are doing well. I am Philip & we are DV2025 entrants.
Having born in the Middle East, we are immigrants from India who have since taken Citizenship in a Western country. I have couple of future looking questions & I am hoping you can help me .
1. Looking ahead, I am trying to be ready in case we are selected. My doubt is regarding PCC requirement regarding the adulthood we spent in India(also tend to visit annually). Based on reciprocity section on US state gov website, it appears that India doesn’t issue PCC for foreigners living outside India. Could you please clarify if we still need some PCC from India.
2. Can I make use if our local US consulate rather than going back to Middle East for processing.
Looking forward to your response. Much appreciated.
Regards
Philip
November 25, 2023 at 09:05
1. You would not.
2. Yes
I know you probably feel like this is a certainty that you will be selected, hence the time you have already spent on being prepared. A couple of things to note.
First, your chance of being selected is about 1 in 200 years.
Second, it is not a fast process, you have plenty of time to read instructions and get documents etc if you are selected.
November 25, 2023 at 10:34
Thankyou Simon for the clarification.
Yes, I understand the odds. I was also trying to get the bigger picture
Regards
Philip
November 25, 2023 at 08:45
Hi Simon,
Hope you are doing well .I am Philip & we are DV2025 entrants.
November 25, 2023 at 00:46
Hay sir …my friend is won DV 2024 and he want to came with his wife unfortunately he got married after he fill dv form single …how can he processed .
And also same people ask him to sell dv ( money exchange is possible …)?
November 25, 2023 at 08:31
He can marry after selection, and add the new spouse, I’ll give you a link below. But it sounds like he is considering doing something fraudulent, which would be a really dumb idea.
https://britsimonsays.com/marital-status-getting-married-dv-lottery-process/
November 25, 2023 at 08:33
https://youtu.be/JhQqoExYOOA
November 25, 2023 at 00:29
Hi Brit:
I am current with case number AF9K. No 2NL yet. Should I contact KCC or wait?
November 25, 2023 at 08:29
Wait. The timing of receiving a 2NL depends not only on your case number, but also the processing of your DS260, and the capacity of the embassy (and some embassies are restricting their capacity).
November 24, 2023 at 13:52
Sir,
Do you have any information about the performance of US embassy in Rio De Janeiro (Brazil)? Number of interviews they have done and the appointment timings.
Thanks!
November 24, 2023 at 14:24
They don’t do many interviews since Brazilians are not eligible. So – they interview people from other countries living there and do OK – but there are not enough interviews to form any pattern.
November 23, 2023 at 17:08
Hi Simon,
I am going to be current in the advanced section of next visa bulletin most probably. I was planning to file early in adjustment of status as I am already in States. However there are many comments from some1 mom and xarthisius that application is being rejected or denied at lockbox if filed early. I would like to know the prognosis if I file early. Even if the application is rejected, can’t I file again in the following month, considering the fact that I am ready to take the financial brunt of paying dv fees and medical exam again.
Thanks
Lynn
November 23, 2023 at 21:18
Filing early is relatively safe. As mom would advise. But you seem nervous, and there is no need to file early if you are worried because it is so early in the year. So make a choice.
November 22, 2023 at 15:39
Hello Simon
When I follow the step for my interview, it says to register then I have to select 1 condition that applies to me so there are 2 conditions that may apply to me : the 1st or the 4th. Which to choose? after I register need to create a new applicant but it says have not been scheduled but I already have received the mail from KCC and while checking its already scheduled. Should I wait for 5 working days to be available in the system or what should I do?
PS. I selected the 1st option Or should I make a new account and select the other option
PS. its the London US Embassy
sorry for the trouble that I am giving to you
Thank You
Regards Bishesh
November 23, 2023 at 11:51
I can’t advise you on this as I don’t know what options (1st and 4th) you are talking about.
These systems are not designed to be hard. Relax, and read. Then think. I’m sure it will be clear.
November 22, 2023 at 11:36
hello Simon,
how to reschedule (postpone) my DV lottery interview date from US embassy Islamabad Pakistan?
November 23, 2023 at 11:50
Contact the embassy.
November 24, 2023 at 13:37
Could you please write me email address of us embassy in Islamabad Pakistan, I couldn’t find the email to contact. I appreciate Sir!
November 24, 2023 at 14:23
I don’t have that.
November 22, 2023 at 11:23
Hello sir,
What if our passports are valid until OCT, 2024 and our interviews are scheduled on May or June, 2024. Is the 6 months validity of the passport a must? Because we are displaced to a country, where we can not get or extend our passports. Thanks!
November 23, 2023 at 11:50
That might be OK, but if I were you I would try to get the passports renewed.
November 23, 2023 at 12:52
Thank you sir, unfortunately we can’t renew them. Us there is not any embassy of our country here. The 6 months passports validity is usually for non immigrant visas, I hope they accept ours with a 1 or 2 month validity.
November 21, 2023 at 18:24
Hello Mr Simon, I hope you are well
I contacted kcc for my case and they replied me with this:
Thank you for your inquiry.
Your case number is now current for interview processing. If you are scheduled for an interview date, you will receive notification via email to check https://dvprogram.state.gov. If you need to make changes to your DS-260 you should contact the consular section where you will be interviewed, or bring the information about your changes to your interview appointment. Because your case is ready to be scheduled, KCC can no longer unlock your application.
Could you please tell me what it means.
Thank you
November 21, 2023 at 22:42
It means your DS260 is processed, your case is current and you have been moved into AV status, waiting to be scheduled. When you get scheduled depends on the embassy.
November 22, 2023 at 04:18
Dear Mr. Simon;
I want to know whether the previous years U.S. Embassies performance is reachable or not (i.e. regarding the number of interviews they held each month, issued, denied…) . I am from Ethiopia, Addis Ababa.
November 22, 2023 at 05:37
Yes, available here for DV2023 and several other years.
https://dvcharts.xarthisius.xyz/ceacFY23.html
November 21, 2023 at 13:59
Hi BritSimon,
I got married already last year and only now my husband decided he would like to take on my last name. Would you go ahead and make the change now or wait after a possible interview. Given the fact that our my case number is quite high (2024EU41XXX), I believe there is no risk in changing the name, wait for the new passport to arrive and then unlock the DS260, but just want to make sure there is no other impact. As he waited already over a year to make this decision it will not hurt him to wait another year if needed…..;-) As always: thanks for your help and can’t wait for Jan to get a better idea if we even have a chance or not.
November 21, 2023 at 22:41
There is time to make such a change, but whether you should or not depends on the process in your country and how quickly that could all be completed.
November 22, 2023 at 01:15
Thanks, it takes altogether not more than 6 weeks for the new passport to arrive (Germany). I should be able to unlock at the beginning of Jan, so timeline wise there shouldn’t be any issue. Is it difficult to process a name change later on?
November 22, 2023 at 05:35
No particularly – people do it here all the time when they get married.
November 21, 2023 at 10:01
Hello Mr.Simon hope you are doing well.
2024AF6xxx I’m originally from Morocco but I chose Ankara embassy because I live in Turkey.
I got an interview scheduled for January. I recently applied to renew my Turkish residence permit which just got denied… Do you think by any chance I can get visa without providing Turkish residence permit ? I really don’t know what to do .. should I cancel the interview and transfer my case to the embassy in Morocco ?? please Help!
November 21, 2023 at 22:40
This is a choice you must make for yourself.
November 21, 2023 at 01:53
Hi Brit
What the minimum cash saving the Main applicant needs to have at the time of interview, also is helpful also for derivative spouse to have aslo a saving, am from palestine if that help in answer, also do wd need to have a sponor in USA
Thanks in advance
November 21, 2023 at 03:17
Mr simon, hope you doing well
I emailed KCC last month to relocate me from iraq to Jordan for unforeseen circumstance and interview cancellations the country was experiencing and they did it.
Now the cancellations have been rescheduled at iraq.
1) if I dont ask to bring it back and want it in Jordan then will KCC reassign me at iraq again or respect my reassignment to Jordan?
2) I heard people that KCC might not schedule your interview while Iraq Embassy is open and you have been reassigned at Jordan with current address in Iraq
3) if scheduled at Jordan, do I have refusal chance?
4)) iraq is unstable security-wise, can that be an excuse to proceed with jordan?
November 21, 2023 at 05:33
This is written in the consulate website for visa services at Baghdad Embassy:
Status of Visa Services at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is processing only emergency nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applications. Before departing for the United States, all travelers should review the latest COVID-19 travel information on testing and vaccination requirements.
November 21, 2023 at 22:39
1. I don’t know what they did, or what they might do.
2. If an embassy does not make capacity available, then KCC cannoyt schedule cases there.
3. You have a refusal chance anywhere.
4. I don’t know. Seems too late to be asking…
November 21, 2023 at 22:37
At least $10000 per person, and if you don’t have that then an I-134 would be a smart precaution.
November 22, 2023 at 02:58
we are four, Me and wife and two Kids, do mean by person for all family members or just for me and my wife ?
thanks
November 22, 2023 at 05:36
4 x 10k would be ideal, maybe a little less.
November 22, 2023 at 06:42
Thanks a lot
November 20, 2023 at 23:53
Dear Simon , thanks for your amazing support and guidance , I received my SSN but still my GC is under process in the USCIS and employers are asking to “ present my Green Card Copy for my I-9 “ , so till now I only have the Sticker on the passport with the notation “ Upon endorsement …..” , is that enough for the employer to hire me to join work or I have to wait until I receive the physical GC.
Also , i did the biometrics back in OCT2023 so how long it takes to issue my physical GC .
Thanks appreciated
November 20, 2023 at 18:57
Hi Brit
Hope all is well to you
I am mohamed abdoun from Sudan
I am Sudanese by nationality
But born in Saudi Arabia
Case number AF. Does this affect the interview?
November 20, 2023 at 23:52
You should have an AS number – so there could be a problem.
Were you married to somone born in Africa region at the time of entry? Or were neither of your parents from SA and were only there temporarily?
November 22, 2023 at 17:06
I was born in Saudi Arabia in 1985 and returned to Egypt in 1989. All stages of education were in Egypt.
My father and mother were born in Egypt, and I have birth certificates and all information is registered on Form Ds260
And I am not married
Is all the information enough to convince?
November 23, 2023 at 11:52
Probably.
November 20, 2023 at 14:02
Hi Brit,
Hi Brit
What the minimum cash saving the Main applicant needs to have at the time of interview, also is helpful also for derivative spouse to have aslo a saving, am from palestine if that help in answer, also do wd need to have a sponor in USA
Thanks in advance
November 20, 2023 at 06:28
Hi Simon,
I’m software engineer with 5 years of experience from working in Germany, my question is can i find jobs in U.S as a Green Card holder without problem having a engineer degree form Tunisia my degree is recognised in EU (has EUR-ACE label) but i don’t know in U.S how it will be, any idea? thanks
November 20, 2023 at 16:30
Your experience will be useful, and perhaps more useful than education.
November 20, 2023 at 05:52
Dear Simon,
If I enter USA on 1st october 2024 to activate my green card, and then for the next 5 years I always spent at least between 6 and 7 months a year in the US, with no absence longer than up to 6 months, do I satisfy the conditions for citizenship?
From what I understood, I need to spend at least 30 out of 60 months in USA without being absent for more than 6 months in a year.
November 20, 2023 at 16:29
I don’t know the exact formula for citizenship – that’s not within the scope of my expertise.
November 20, 2023 at 04:23
Dear Simon and the rest of the readers
upon reading your posts regarding the I-134 form, quoting a paragraph from your post here
“The original (or now scanned/emailed) signed I-134 plus supporting documents is presented by the selectee at the interview IF requested. Not all embassies request it as a matter of course, and some hardly ever request it. However, not providing it if requested can lead to AP/disqualification.”
My question is , how and when are we informed we need to present the I – 134
(is it in the 2NL or per email prior to the possible interview?)
And , If may or dare to ask, which are the embassies that ask the form, from your experience? Or the nature of the cases ?
My embassy is in Croatia, Europe…
Many thanks.
Best regards and thanks for all the help.
November 20, 2023 at 16:28
You present the I-134 at the interview if requested by the CO.
The use of the form varies and the CO should be evaluating each case on a case by case basis to decide if the I-134 is warranted. If you have your own savings or excellent job prospects then the I-134 may not be required.
November 19, 2023 at 18:32
Hey Simon, hope you are well. I sent an email to KCC asking about the status of my DS-260 and this is what they replied with:
“Thank you for your inquiry. Records indicate you have submitted a complete and valid DS-260 application for each family member to the Kentucky Consular Center. Interviews are scheduled numerically based on case numbers that have completed processing. Please refer to the visa bulletin at https://travel.state.gov to locate the current numbers being processed. This bulletin is updated after the 15th day of each month. Once an interview date has been scheduled, you will receive notification via email to check dvprogram.state.gov.”
Does this mean I am in the AV queue and hence cannot change my embassy?
Thank you loads!
November 20, 2023 at 16:26
No, it means your DS260 is processed. You won’t be added to the AV queue until your case is current.
November 19, 2023 at 17:16
Dear Simon
I am writing to seek guidance on behalf of my husband and myself. We had our DV lottery green card interview on 2nd November, 2023, and I am pleased to report that the interview went well. However, we have been advised by the consular officer at the embassy to apply for a waiver through Form I-601 due to an unclear police clearance on our part. My husband has a 17-years-old moral turpitude case, which does not include any imprisonment. The timeframe wavier is 21.5 months and I believe this is beyond the fiscal year of 2024. Would you suggest or have any recommendations what could we do? We will really appreciate your comments. Thanking you in advance.
November 20, 2023 at 16:25
I answered on Youtube – but it is better to have conversations here.
As you clearly understand, you obviously don’t have 21 months as your case will time out before then. You could speak to a lawyer to see if there is any other option – but if the embassy won’t approve your case without the waiver, then I don’t know what else to suggest.
November 19, 2023 at 17:01
Hello Simon
I win DV lottery 2024 my case no is 2024EU12369 I already submit D260 form but I did not submit any documents so should I submit any documents to get an interview date
November 20, 2023 at 16:24
No. You present documents at the interview.
November 19, 2023 at 16:18
If I won through greencard and Iam a permanent resident can I apply for citizenship in 2 and a half years
November 20, 2023 at 16:23
No. 5 years.
November 18, 2023 at 11:33
Hi Simon, hope you are doing well. My case number is 2024AS15xxx and I am from Iran.
1- do you think this is a high case number?
2- How can I check embassies performances on the dvchart.x ? I’d like to know if Muscat is performing better than Yerevan.
3- Can I change my embassy from Yerevan to Muscat just by requesting KCC, or do I need a consent from Muscat embassy?
4- If I want to change my embassy, what’s the best timing to do so?
November 18, 2023 at 11:38
1. No
2. Muscat is better. I published a video on how to compare.
3. You need to be living in Oman and you ask KCC to unlock so you can change your address. If you ask to change embassies clumsily, they will deny your request.
4. Before you go current.
November 18, 2023 at 08:43
Hello Simon,
I am Lionel, I am Burundian and I won the Green card lottery 2024. I am currently in Germany for my Master’s degree and this month will be my sixth in being in there. I have been scheduled for appointment for January 2024. I would like to move my appointment from Kenya, where it has been originally scheduled, to Germany where I am right now. Would it an advisable move to do? Because moving to Kenya for the appointment would clash with my academic commitments.
My case number is 2024AF16xxx
Thanks.
November 18, 2023 at 11:16
Yes you can do that. It might mean a later appointment, but that’s ok.
Contact the German US embassy and ask if they will take your scheduled case, then if they say yes, contact the Kenyan embassy to transfer the case to Germany.
November 18, 2023 at 04:23
HELLO Mr Simon,
First of all I would like to express my true gratitude towards all the informations you provided. It has helped me a lot.
I have my visa interview schedule in January. I have all the documents like the education and all. I am scheduling my medical too. I want to know if there is anything more I have to do? Do I need some documents from the Sponsor, the people that I have given the address of. I heard that the tax file and welcome letter may be needed. Is it true.
thank you
Regards Bishesh
November 18, 2023 at 10:55
Some cases need to show financial documents or an I134. Use my search to read about that.
November 17, 2023 at 22:50
Hi Brit,
I was a 2023 DV lottery winner. Thanks to your guidance, me & my husband were able to face our interviews properly and come to the USA in October. We are currently in California.
With the help of our sponsor, now we are working on getting the main things done. As soon as we came, we applied for the SSN. My husband (dependent); received the SSN after 1 week time applying. With that, he started to apply for jobs. He is a software developer.
I’m not quite sure whether this question should be addressed in this forum, but since we don’t know anyone to ask this, I’ll shoot..
When getting calls from the job recruiters, he is always been asked whether he has the physical green card available to proceed further with the interviews. Then he explains that he doesn’t have the physical green card yet and that he was informed at the immigration (on arriving to USA) that it’ll take maximum 6 months receive. After that, the recruiter asks for proof to present that he has full working rights withing the USA, if not they say that they can’t proceed further.
As per your understanding, is there any document that we can present as proof for full working rights until we get the physical green card ?
November 18, 2023 at 09:52
The visa in your passports has a notation that begins “upon endorsement…”.
Basically that passport serves as proof of your LPR status until the GC arrives. Employers don’t generally know about that because it is only at a certain point in time.
So you can provide them the link below. It is important that you explain you are a permanent resident. Don’t describe the endorsed visa as a visa, it will confuse them.
https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-resources/handbook-for-employers-m-274/70-evidence-of-employment-authorization-for-certain-categories/71-lawful-permanent-residents-lpr#:~:text=Most%20MRIVs%20contain%20the%20following,on%20the%20date%20of%20admission.
November 17, 2023 at 11:10
Hi Simon, we finally received the 2NL on 15th of Nov with the interview date set at the end of January. In 16th we’ve try to register to confirm the interview date at the embassy but the case number was shown as invalid. On the same page we got a notification that it could take a few more days to have the database updated and to try again within 5 business days. Are you aware for such issues? It is something normal in this process?
November 17, 2023 at 12:25
If they have a notification saying it could take some days then you should take that advice as normal.
November 17, 2023 at 13:27
Hi Brit, as a follow-up question to the above, does one need to login in to confirm interview on website to confirm interview appointment or the 2NL from KCC is enough when attending the interview? AF1XXX with interview scheduled next week.
November 17, 2023 at 16:26
Most embassies instruct you to register with a courier service who manage the appointments arrange for return of the passport and so on. Check those instructions.
November 17, 2023 at 10:45
Please ignore my question as I was able to pay the USCIS fee.
November 17, 2023 at 12:24
Great
November 17, 2023 at 05:11
Dear Simon,
I am facing difficulties in paying the USCIS fee online. When I hit the “Pay Immigrant Fee” button an error message appears and says “Encountered an unknown error paying for your Immigrant Visa Fee.” Please instruct me what I should do to overcome from this issue. Thanking you in advance.
November 17, 2023 at 12:24
I don’t know.
November 17, 2023 at 02:01
Hi Simon,
OC5XXX, Got my interview date Jan 23!
Just a question, do you have an updated guide (other than the 2014 post) on the interview process/day of how it all goes at the embassy? Also, do you have/is there a guide of questions that may be asked?
Worried a little knowing I can’t have my wife in there with me and I’ll be going solo haha.
Thanks again for everything!
November 17, 2023 at 12:22
There is no update because interview formats haven’t changed. I don’t have a guide of questions because they are pretty trivial, you do not need to prepare. However if you want to read the experience others have had, read my “interview experiences” post and comments.
November 17, 2023 at 12:58
Will do! I wasn’t able to access this post on my phone for some reason, hence the question.
Appreciate everything you do, Simon.
November 21, 2023 at 00:07
Oh.. i thought all family members had to go in for interview. Why are you flying solo?
November 16, 2023 at 15:11
Lucky you! Wish everything goes well!
So you became current on october, but received the 2NL today.
The one becoming current this month, should expect the 2NL next month?
November 16, 2023 at 21:36
It doesn’t work that way.
November 16, 2023 at 12:29
Hello,
My brother was selected in DV2024. We submitted your DS260 on May 7, 2023. Weeks later we started asking the KCC about the status of his case and all the time they say the same thing:
“Your forms have been received and are currently being processed. Please allow several weeks for processing. Interviews are scheduled numerically based on case numbers that have completed processing.”
Our concern is because your number is in the January bulletin and the interviews for that bulletin are already scheduled and we have not received an appointment.
Furthermore, today we asked about the status of the case and they answered us the same thing they told us before.
Do you think that response is normal or should we do something else?
Thank you
November 16, 2023 at 21:34
There is nothing to do except be patient.
November 16, 2023 at 11:50
Hello!
I am a winner from SG 2024 with case number 5K.
I am from Bulgaria, Europe.
I just received 2NL from KCC.
The committee has scheduled my interview for January 3rd!
Thank you for all the advice and information I got here from you!
I will write again after the interview!
I am very happy!
November 16, 2023 at 21:33
Awesome. Prepare well!
November 16, 2023 at 08:44
hello Simon, if I come to US by asylum case first and then in US I start progress whit my DV lottery is it possible to continue my DV lottery in US and get my Green card? thank you
November 16, 2023 at 21:28
It is possible, but not recommended as it carries some additional risk.
November 17, 2023 at 19:40
what’s the additional risk sir?
November 17, 2023 at 20:32
Some DV cases get refused because of technical difficulties with the asylum status.
November 16, 2023 at 06:32
Hi brit
CN Af10k
In my embassy Location 20k had their 2NL but mine is still not processed. Submitted my ds20 in 18th June resubmitted it in 20th August
is there anything wrong with my case and what may be the problem please.. Thanks
November 16, 2023 at 21:15
You just have to be patient. Each case is different.
November 16, 2023 at 05:03
Hello Brit! Thank you verry much for all your great support!
I already asked a question yesterday but maybe it ended up in the spam side.
I would like to know your opinion about the following situation:
My wife is DV2024 selectee, and become current for January, CN 2024EU10K+, Embassy TIA.
DS260 submitted on May 11th. No 2NL yet!
Based on this page statistics: https://dvcharts.xarthisius.xyz/, last year’s statistics, looks like all DV2023 10K+ case numbers where processed in March for embassy of TIA, even they became current in january 2023. Knowing that shall we expect any 2NL during this November – early December?
Second question: In your opinion can a refused tourist B1 visa, for the following reason: “not being able to demonstrate that your intended activities in the US would be consistent with the classification of nonimmigrant visa” may influence our DV process?
Thanks a lots!
Best, Mark!
November 16, 2023 at 21:40
1. Tirana was backlogged in DV2023, so you could assume that they will also be backlogged this year. So be patient.
2. THat has nothing to do with DV cases, so no impact.
Your comments were going to a spam folder.
November 15, 2023 at 16:44
If the status of a month on VB is “current”, does it mean any case number can get an interview? How does that work?
November 15, 2023 at 20:53
Any case number could get an interview.
November 15, 2023 at 14:13
Hi Brit
below the the US Embaasy in jeruslem regarding this
i share it for your info only
“‘This is an automated response. Please do NOT reply to this message.
الرجاء عدم الرد على هذه الرسالة
נא לא להשיב להודעה זו
Thank you for your inquiry. Due to the ongoing security situation, the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has suspended immigrant visa processing. Please monitor our website for updates. If your visa appointment has been canceled, you will be notified by email.
Please find the section below for instructions based on where your case is in the process.
Contents
1. Immigrant visa cases at the National Visa Center
2. Diversity visa cases at the Kentucky Consular Center
3. Case sent to Embassy Jerusalem but not yet interviewed
4. Already interviewed at the embassy
5. Instructions to transfer a case from Jerusalem to another post
6. Visa Information Service call center contact information
7. Information for U.S. Citizens
1. Immigrant visa cases at the National Visa Center
Individuals with approved, current petitions who are waiting for the National Visa Center (NVC) to schedule an immigrant visa interview may request expedited processing and a transfer to another interviewing post. Please email [email protected] and include:
In the subject line, case number or petition receipt number
Reason for your request. If it is due to the current security situation, please include the date you left Israel, Gaza, or the West Bank. If there are additional reasons, please attach evidence if possible (such as a doctor’s letter regarding a life-or-death medical emergency).
Petitioner’s name and date of birth
Beneficiary’s name(s) and date(s) of birth
Invoice ID number
Your current physical location
Your desired interview location (country)
Attach evidence, if possible, of your residence or other status in that country or proof that you can legally enter and remain in that country for the duration of the immigrant visa process (e.g. residency card, visa, entry stamp).
2. Diversity visa cases at the Kentucky Consular Center
Diversity Visa 2024 selectees not yet scheduled for interview may request a case reassignment to an embassy or consulate that processes immigrant visa applications by sending an e-mail to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) at [email protected] with the subject line “Jerusalem Reassignment Request.”
3. Case sent to Embassy Jerusalem but not yet interviewed
If the National Visa Center or Kentucky Consular Center sent your case to Embassy Jerusalem, but you have not had your interview yet, you may wait until the embassy resumes immigrant visa services or request to transfer your case to a new embassy or consulate. See “Instructions to transfer a case from Jerusalem to another post” in paragraph 5.
4. Already interviewed at the embassy
Due to the ongoing security situation, processing of immigrant visas has been paused. Check your case status online. Your status may be one of the following:
Issued: We have approved your visa. It usually takes several days to print the visa and give your passport to the courier for delivery or pickup as you selected. Current circumstances may cause additional delays. For more information about document delivery and to check if a tracking number has been assigned to your delivery, please go to: https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-il/niv/information/courier. Once your passport is with the courier, the Embassy cannot retrieve it. Note: Israel Post’s website may be unavailable outside of Israel.
Refused: Follow the instructions in the refusal letter we gave you or subsequent email. Exception: Disregard any instruction to appear in person or send anything physically to us unless we gave you that instruction after October 7, 2023. You may wait until the Embassy is able to resume immigrant visa processing or request a case transfer. See “Instructions to transfer a case from Jerusalem to another post” in paragraph 5.
If you have an urgent need to travel and wish to retrieve your passport, please contact the Visa Information Service Call Center (contact info in paragraph 6). You cannot pick up your passport in person from the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem or Embassy Branch office in Tel Aviv.
5. Instructions to transfer a case from Jerusalem to another post
If your case was already sent to Jerusalem, you have not yet been interviewed, and you desire a transfer, you must contact the new embassy or consulate in writing to request a transfer of your case, and include:
In the subject line: Jerusalem case transfer request for [case number]
Reason for your request. If it is due to the current security situation, include the date of departure from Israel, Gaza, or the West Bank. If there are additional reasons, please attach evidence if possible (such as a doctor’s letter regarding a life-or-death medical emergency).
Petitioner’s name and date of birth
Beneficiary’s name(s) and date(s) of birth
Your current physical location
Immigration status in the destination country. Attach evidence if you can (e.g. residency card, visa, entry stamp)
To learn the contact information of the Immigrant Visa Unit at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General where you may wish to transfer your case to process, please visit https://usembassy.gov. Some cases (like K fianc(é)e, employment, and many family preference visas) have paper case files and will take at least several weeks to arrive at the new embassy or consulate. The security situation may further delay this process.
6. Visa Information Service call center contact information
https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-il/niv/information/contact_us
Tel Aviv: 972-3-9058062
Jerusalem: 972-2-3741221
Operating hours:
Sunday – Thursday, 8:00 to 16:00 local time
Service in Hebrew and Arabic
7. Information for U.S. Citizens
U.S. citizens in Israel, who would like our assistance should fill out the crisis intake form. Do not fill out this form if you have already completed it – we have your information, and duplicate requests delay our response.
You may also reach us by phone:
State Department – Consular Affairs 1-833-890-9595 (toll free) and +1-606-641-0131
U.S. citizens in Israel please call the local number (03-519-7426)T
For the latest security alert regarding Israel, please click here.
November 15, 2023 at 15:58
Thanks!
November 15, 2023 at 12:21
Hello sir,
I am a DV 2024 winner and my CN is AS16×××. I moved to Brazil before the results were announced, so I have selected to be interviewed in Brazil. I don’t know how does it affect my interview timing? My interview will be predicted based on Asia visa bulletin or something else? Thank you
November 15, 2023 at 15:57
Still based on Asia.
November 15, 2023 at 16:38
Thank you sir. Is AS16××× considered to be a high number? I asked about my concern from KCC through email, they replied thay your DS260 has been processed. What does it mean?
November 15, 2023 at 20:53
All DS260s have to be processed.
That number is medium range.
November 16, 2023 at 12:12
Thank you!
November 15, 2023 at 08:36
Thanks
November 15, 2023 at 02:54
no, no suspicion of fraud since I even had to do an identity check at the consulate of my country so that my DS260 was unlocked so that I could fill out
November 15, 2023 at 08:34
OK great.
November 15, 2023 at 01:44
Hi Britsimon.
What might have happened that a case Number say AF55639 gets interviewed whereas all cases from this case back to AF54905 in the same consulate missed their chances in the just ended program?
November 15, 2023 at 08:34
There are several legitimate explanations for that, it is not incorrect or uncommon.
Cases are processed at different speeds (because their background checks are different and because people submit at different times), so it can happen that a higher case will be moved into the AV queue before a case with a lower number. There are also transfers which can have a similar effect.
November 14, 2023 at 17:43
When applying for the DV Lottery and you have an Associate of Applied Science Degree. Is it safe to select University Degree option? Or it’s best to select High School Degree if you graduated from High School and have your Diploma as well?
November 15, 2023 at 08:30
The option you pick on the education question in the entry has no impact whatsoever. Don’t overthink it.
November 14, 2023 at 17:29
Hi Dr. Simon,
1. What are your thoughts on the case number
20240C4043 based on the current VB?
2. Is there anything I should prepare right now after completing the DS-260, such as paying for the $330
fee? To give some background, I am a student on F-1 visa until May 2024, upon my graduation. I will have a year of OPT after that assuming I find a job.
Thank you!
November 15, 2023 at 08:29
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-767/#comment-347936
November 14, 2023 at 16:31
HI SIMON I AM FROM KOSOVO AND I THINK I HAVE A HIGH CASE NUMBER 65XXX SO IF YOU CAN TELL ME DO YOU THNK IM GONNA GET A INTERVIEW OR NOT AND I COMPLETED ALL THE FORMS IM JUST WAITNG FOR A INTERVIEW SO IF YOU CAN HELP ME THANK YOU
November 15, 2023 at 08:28
Yes it is a high case number so there is a high risk that you will not become current. WE will be able to see better in January.
November 14, 2023 at 10:07
hi brit simon during my registration I made an error on my day of birth and I was selected and I corrected the error on the ds 260 I would like to know if I am scheduled for the interview will the difference not pose a problem?
November 14, 2023 at 15:01
It would not normally cause a problem if there are no concerns about fraud.
November 14, 2023 at 07:27
Why it is not possible to check case status on ceac for dv23 22?
November 14, 2023 at 08:56
It works fine, you are using it wrong. Try this.
2023AF3
November 14, 2023 at 05:42
Hi Brit
Hope all is well to you
Due to the prevailing situation in israel as you are aware and the expectation of the war might go for months from now, and the US embassy in Jerusalem now is closed for Visas
please note the below upon which I ask my question :
Note 1: my case number is AS1500X and i expect my case to go current between March to May 2024.
Note 2: I am from the West Bank, and as you might be aware Palestinian citizens were born in the West Bank are chargeable to Jordan but the interviews normally take place in the US embassy in Jerusalem,
Note 3: In normal situations, Palestinians live in the West Bank need a certain security permit to be able to enter Israel and Jerusalem, and due to the war it will not be easy to get an entry permit if the war will go far for months
Note4: As the US embassy is closed for now and its not clear when its going to resume its work depending also on the war, which might lead to backlog in the Visas interviews once it resume its duties.
Now my question given all the facts above is it advisable for me to open the DS-260 and change the interview location to US embassy in Jordan to avoid all of the above risks such as embassy closure for long time and/ or Visa backlog consequences , inability to get entry permit to Jerusalem and any other unforeseen risks by now?
November 14, 2023 at 08:54
KCC schedule based on current address. They have not announced Jerusalem as being a “homeless embassy”, so they will probably continue to assign people to that embassy that live there. Since the embassy won’t have any capacity, that would be catastrophic for people there.
You can’t just ask to be reassigned to another embassy (KCC will deny that request), you have to have a reason, which is that you have moved to another country.
November 14, 2023 at 02:03
Hi Simon,
My 1NL shows Nairobi as my post but i selected Guangzhou as my interview place in the DS260.
1.Can you please help me verify or explain this to me?
2. Does my interview still stand to be in Guangzhou?
Thanks
November 14, 2023 at 08:49
1. Of course your 1NL has not changed. It is static.
2. KCC schedule based on current address. So if you are living in China, they will select Guangzhou.