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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.
May 6, 2024 at 16:14
Hello Simon, so glad i came across your site! My husband is a 2025 dv winner, we have 1 son and he is on the DS-260, I am currently pregnant with baby no.2 with a due date at end of November 2024. Can the new baby be added on after birth? Would this cause disqualification? Our case number is EU21’XXX’
Many thanks!
May 6, 2024 at 20:43
Yes you will be add the baby one the child is born.
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
May 6, 2024 at 14:27
Hey Simon!
Checking the results of DV2023, I can tell there were many cases (specially in the last called case numbers) in which the state is Ready instead of Issued or Refused.
Which are the cases for this to happen?
May 6, 2024 at 15:04
It’s normal. No shows, cancelled interviews and so on.
May 6, 2024 at 15:12
Oh, perfect thanks!
So once you are scheduled for an interview, there is not possibility it gets stuck in the Ready state if you are willing to have it and do everything perfectly on your end? I mean, in a hypothetical case in which you are scheduled for September, you’ll have it if you don’t fail?
Sorry for bothering you, but I want to foresee possible cases. I really appreciate your huge labor.
May 6, 2024 at 20:40
Last year the government screwed up and setup many interviews for September, but then ran out of visas. So they cancelled all interviews after September 6th. That is rare though.
May 6, 2024 at 14:07
Hi BritSimon. My case number is 2025EU35XXX. Pretty high case number. Country of chargeability is Kazakhstan but I will be processed in Montreal. Is there a chance I can “skip the line” if Montreal will process visas efficiently? In DV 2021 I waited to long to submit DV260 but had big chances to be invited with case number 2021EU38XXX in that first COVID year when there was a mess. Thank you.
May 6, 2024 at 15:03
You can’t get interviewed before your number is current.
May 6, 2024 at 14:06
Hi BritSimon! I am a Canadian citizen. Wondering if submission of DS260 will affect my travels to the US due to my intention to immigrate. Canadians do not need visa to enter the US, however officers would probably still see DS260 submitted. I have high case EU35XXX and worried if not invited for an interview. Thanks
May 6, 2024 at 15:02
It won’t affect you.
May 6, 2024 at 17:03
Thank you! Similarly, can this affect my parents in Kazakhstan if they apply for the US tourist visa knowing their son is intending to immigrate to the US? Thanks again.
May 6, 2024 at 20:46
No
May 6, 2024 at 13:02
Hi Simon,
I have a few concerns.
1. I went to a different school for my elementary-level study. Do I need to add this information under Education?
2. I got some of the vaccinations. but I don’t have a document as proof. So I need to select ‘No’ for the application and I need to explain the reason. What should I write for the reason?
3. I’m currently doing an internship at a professional company for 2 months now. and hoping to secure a job in near future from the same field. Can I put this as my primary occupation under work experience? I’m planning to go with the educational requirement. Therefore Do I need to select ‘No’ for the ‘Does this job requires at least 2 years of training or experience’?
May 6, 2024 at 13:08
1. Education should be listed from about age 11 or 12 (secondary)
2. Doesn’t matter what you write.
3. Don’t overthink that. Just use your judgement.
May 6, 2024 at 12:41
hello did you know if the interview at the USA embassy in Dakar started normally and my 2nd question if the kcc started sending the 2NL for the May VB particularly for those who have to do the interview in Dakar.
May 6, 2024 at 12:57
2NLs for July interviews will start arriving after the VB is published (8th to 15th each month). This is really basic info, it is very surprising you have no clue after a year.
Dakar are backlogged. I don’t know whether they will take enough cases to catch up.
May 6, 2024 at 12:00
Hi Brits.
Hope you’re doing well.
From Tanzania.
My case number is 2024AF46*** i didn’t receive my 2nl till now there any suggestions..
I appreciate your response.
May 6, 2024 at 12:04
You have to remain patient and hope that your embassy schedules enough interviews.
May 17, 2024 at 01:27
Hi Safia,
I am worried as well about DRS.Did you write to them? Did they reply?
May 6, 2024 at 08:52
Hi Brit, I watched the 2024 Oceania video you put up on YouTube and I think you mentioned there is/was a maximum of about 850 visas issued for Australia. I won the 2025 lottery and have a case number of 2025OC5XX and live in Australia. Does this mean that I have a good chance of getting an interview? and the interview could be as early as November/December 2025? Thanks for all the material you release for free about the DVLottery! It’s really helpful.
May 6, 2024 at 11:56
Your number is low enough as to mean the question is (almost) pointless.
May 6, 2024 at 07:41
Hi there I was selected and my Case no is 2025EU00020xxx. How are my chances? Another question is that do I have to hold an unexpired travel document when filling DS-260 form?
May 6, 2024 at 11:52
1. Chances are fine.
2. Not when filing, but yes by the time of the interview.
May 6, 2024 at 07:29
Hi Brit. Dv2025- EU16xxx. Filled your survey. I was born in the UK but chargeable to Kazakhstan. Also, got real high school diploma (not GED) from accredited online high school in US. I’m now F1 student in US. So AOS case. Do you think I should hire an immigration attorney to handle my case to prove up the chargabilty country and valid education??
May 6, 2024 at 11:51
You should have just used your place of birth, but as Kazakhstan is in the EU region (for lottery purposes), that won’t be a problem.
You don’t need a lawyer. Everything you need is found at the link below.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2025-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.348160
May 6, 2024 at 07:24
Hello Brits, Hope you’re doing great!
I have 3 questions.
I am a DV 2024 winner with a high case number 2024AF72xxx, I am from Cameroon and i currently live in Yaounde. Do you think Yde embassy which is currently backlogged will be able to get to my case number if the VB goes above my CN?
My second question concerns the DS260 form, when filling the form I put my host address in October, but now my host bought a new house and changed her address, can that affect my DS260 form processing?
Lastly, I watched one of videos regarding the DS260 form filling, on my 1NL my CN is 2024AF00072xxx but it is 2024AF72xxx, can this cause a problem?
May 6, 2024 at 11:48
1. YDE is doing OK.
2. Update the address in the interview.
3. No
May 6, 2024 at 07:22
Hi Simon, I’ve submitted DS-260 for DV2024, we haven’t had the interview yet, but we (me, wife + baby) need to travel to the US on ESTA. Do you think there can be any problem at the border? Could you please provide any advice how to avoid any problems? Many thanks
May 6, 2024 at 11:47
There won’t be any problems.
May 6, 2024 at 05:21
Hello,
I am DV23 winner and I got my visa last summer. Until last March, I had to use my visa for the first entry. but for some reasons I couldn’t first entry the country ! Health problem etc. So My DV visa expired! I even paid the Uscis Card fee… I don’t know what to do at this stage? Can I reprint my visa?
Thank you so much..
May 6, 2024 at 11:45
You can contact the embassy, but I think they will tell you that you wasted the opportunity.
May 6, 2024 at 04:52
Hi Simon
There any news regarding the lawsuit about DV2020 or Gomez lawsuit. What’s happening in lawsuit?
May 6, 2024 at 11:42
Still waiting for the appeal.
May 6, 2024 at 04:14
Hi Simon – is non-immigrant intent assumed if you fill out the DS260 but due to a high rank never get an interview and your DS260 expires?
May 6, 2024 at 09:58
Filing a DS260 is “immigrant intent”. It can make future NON immigrant visa applications a little harder. Not impossible, harder.
May 6, 2024 at 03:28
I am on J-1 Status in the United States. As the DV Lottery results released recently, I have been selected for the 2025 DV Lottery program. Since I’m currently living in the United States, I was wondering if you could give me more information about when I will be current for filling the forms.
May 6, 2024 at 09:56
Should I read your mind for the case number?
May 6, 2024 at 10:36
Isn’t J1 contradicting DV lottery Mr Simon?
May 6, 2024 at 10:51
Yes, if you have a J1-visa and that visa has a two year rule then you become ineligible for a green card.
You can see the term “212E rule applies” on your visa. That means you can’t receive a green card until you go back home and live in your home country for 2 years.
You can contact a lawyer and see if your case can be salvaged but you already knew this when you signed up for the J-1 Visa and you read the terms and conditions.
If you received a J-1 visa through a Department of State sponsored program your visa will say “212E rule applies-USG funds” in which case it’s impossible to save your case not even a lawyer can help you.
If your visa doesn’t have “212E rule” then seek a lawyer and you can save your case. Your visa will not have a two year rule if you paid for the Program you’re attending out of pocket and not through a scholarship.
May 6, 2024 at 12:00
Sometimes people agree to a 2 year home residency in J1, and a person might therefore need a waiver.
May 6, 2024 at 14:28
If the J-1 visa is given based on a scholarship program, you would need the sponsor (the entity that’s providing the scholarship) to agree in order to get a waiver.
This is possible if the scholarship is given to you from an entity in your home country or a non-governmental entity or if you pay out of pocket.
However if the person paying for the scholarship is the United States government(department of state) then you will clearly have “212E rule applies -USG funds” written on the visa. this case is impossible to get a waiver because you would need the US department of state permission to get a waiver. And they never accept to give waiver in cases like that.
Getting a waiver is definitely possible. I’m not doubting that. But it’s impossible if the scholarship a student gets is funded by the US government.
Most students from third world countries who get a j-1 visa, receive it through a US government funded program.
I know this because I’ve had a J-1 visa funded by the government and I read the terms and conditions thoroughly.
May 6, 2024 at 15:05
I know.
May 6, 2024 at 16:16
I’m doctor Mr simon on J1 that has waiver option, so if I won DV then can I receive the visa before the waiver or after the waiver? ( serving poorly served area for 3 years after 3 yrs of residency is the waiver.
May 6, 2024 at 20:44
If you won DV?? Win, then ask.
May 6, 2024 at 10:59
If you are in the US on a J-1 visa that you received through a Department of State sponsored program or any program funded by the US government then you will not be able to receive a green card.
You should already know this if you read the terms and conditions of the J-1 Visa because you signed and agreed to travel to the US.
This mistake is unforgivable the law is clear on the matter of J-1 visa.
This is just like forgetting to list a family member or choosing the wrong country of charge-ability
May 6, 2024 at 01:38
Hi Brit, Zambia, Case 61XXX – seems a very high number for selection at this stage?
Question, during Covid i applied for a B2 Visa extension through USCIS for an additional 6 months (2021), the application was pending and finally granted in January 2023 by which time i had left US – do i answer yes or no to unlawfully staying in US over 180 days and submit granted visa only in 2023 – Thank
May 6, 2024 at 09:56
Always include the year with your region/number
Answer no.
May 6, 2024 at 01:24
Hi Simon
I don’t have a question in particular. But with only 3 visa bulletins left we can predict that a great deal of Iranians will not have enough time to go through background checking, a great deal of Nepal applicants have been cleared and had interviews, and many applicants from countries like Syria Yemen and Iran will not be able to interview either.
It won’t be the craziest thing to increase the visa bulletin and allow higher case numbers to have a chance. This situation is very frustrating.
May 6, 2024 at 09:55
We will see.
May 6, 2024 at 01:07
HI, I am entering multiple previous addresses and the system says I have ‘encountered a system error’ and closes every time I get up to the third address. I have more than ten that I need to enter. What could be the issue do you think?
May 6, 2024 at 09:54
Probably high traffic. Try other times.
May 6, 2024 at 00:15
We’re a family of 5 people can we get the 5visas if all goes well at the interviews but then me and my husband fst travel and get the children after a 2- 3months of stay
Thanks for your help i have been following since I won
May 6, 2024 at 00:27
Yes – when the visas are issued they will have validity of 6 months after the date of the medical. So – you could go first, and bring the children later, as long as it is within that 6 months.
May 5, 2024 at 23:57
Hello Britsimon, hope you’re good am a dv 2024, Nairobi embassy preparing for my interviews in June do I need to present form i- 134 because it isn’t asked of me
May 6, 2024 at 00:03
It varies by case. I would suggest getting one if you can, to avoid delays.
May 5, 2024 at 23:43
Hi Brit
Greetings from Ethiopia,
My case number 2025AF000004XX
What can be said from my case no,
Is there a possibility that my case number is Hole?
I Appreciate your response
May 5, 2024 at 23:49
If you have a number your case is not a hole. Holes are cases that were already disqualified before the results.
Your number is excellent.
May 6, 2024 at 00:09
Thank you so much, Brit. May God bless you.
May 5, 2024 at 23:10
Hi,
My case number is OC32XX, do I still have any chance? Based on the survery results and historical data, does it look likely that I will get a visa? Any more info you can provide helps. Thanks.
May 5, 2024 at 23:48
Always include the year with the number.
As a quick guess (without enough information to be certain), I would guess that you won’t become current. However, we will know more as time passes and the critical information is how many selectees there are in the region, which we will know in July or August 2024.
May 6, 2024 at 04:52
Hello Britsimon. A friend’s wife got selected in 2022 but was denied the visa. The husband has been selected for the 2025 FY and was a derivative to the wife in 2022 during the denial.
Will the denial for the wife cause a denial in the husband’s case?
CN AF44XXX.
May 6, 2024 at 11:42
I just answered a similar question – It depends on the circumstances of the previous denial.
May 5, 2024 at 22:44
Hello sir my case number is
AF2025 00070xxx from Togo . Please will I get a chance for the interview after fill my ds260?
May 5, 2024 at 22:47
It is too early to know for sure. Wait until we know more.
May 5, 2024 at 22:08
Hello Britsimon. If Your wife is a selectee of the 2024 edition, processes to the embassy and is disqualified or denied the visa for one reason or the other which means the entire family is denied, then in 2025 the husband is selected,
1)Will the denial caused by the wife affect the case of the husband even if the reason for denial has been rectified?
2)She will not benefit from the cleanliness of the husband?
May 5, 2024 at 21:54
Hi Brit,
I would like to know which countries are under the Oceania Region. I have tried several times with my country (Solomon Is) but with no luck and hardly hear any one from my country get selected. I only noticed Australians , New Zealand and Fijians gets lucky.
May 5, 2024 at 22:09
Solomon Islands is in the OC region. It rarely gets selectees because it has very few entries. For example in DV2021 it had just 21 entries (with 20 derivatives) but had 4 selectees (probably one family).
May 5, 2024 at 20:29
my case is SA0037XX, could you let me know your opinion?. Based on your prediction for FY24 my chances are very low, but there is any trend over the last years on the cut off?
May 5, 2024 at 22:05
You must add the year to your case number.
May 5, 2024 at 19:36
Hi Brit ben checking my number and it keeps on saying the number is invalid what’s that means.
May 5, 2024 at 22:04
It means you are making a mistake. Watch the video below for that problem.
SURVEY LINK
https://forms.gle/EzP4cYveosycLM7K7
How to check your results – https://youtu.be/GKpE4ocFC-Y
Lost the confirmation number- https://youtu.be/GKpE4ocFC-Y
Check your entry without making mistakes! – https://youtu.be/pw9TalmV-d8
Confirmation number is not working – https://youtu.be/pw9TalmV-d8
Not selected – https://youtu.be/hgc-dwS45Rw
Selected – next steps – https://youtu.be/hgc-dwS45Rw
Complete DS260 – https://youtu.be/wP_BWhnZsjQ
Can’t submit the DS260 – https://youtu.be/NYtq7T2tiYk
DS260 submission tips – https://youtu.be/aWeJqaSXEEM
May 5, 2024 at 18:17
Hi Britsimon, can’t tell you how helpful your blog is. Thank you!
I’m in OC (Australia) and got drawn 4xx yesterday. Very happy!
I’m an odd case – I’m already in the US on a non-immigrant Visa that expires Dec 2026 so I have time. I’ve seen your video and read the excel sheet that sm1smom created about the pros and cons of Adjustment of Status vs Consular Processing.
I have two questions:
1. Based on what you’ve seen for OC this year, is 4xx a pretty good chance of getting an interview?
2. More importantly is this question; are there any changes or updates for the pros and cons of Adjustment of Status vs Consular Processing? If I go down an Adjustment I’ll be getting a lawyer to fill everything so I understand timings and don’t mess up paperwork etc.
I’ve read both through the excel sheet on DV2022, watched your video on this from 2022 and a couple of lawyer websites that Adjustment of Status is actually a lucky outcome that may be processed faster (if you qualify) for an AoS because you’re already in the country. I’ve been here consistently on an E2 since start of 2023 so believe I qualify for AoS.
Based on what you’ve seen, would you recommend AoS or Consular given my situation? 🙂
I’ve already filled out the survey btw! 🙂
Thank you so much for doing everything that you do, eases so much stress for everyone!
May 5, 2024 at 22:01
1. 100%
2. Don’t get a lawyer. Listen to Mom and save your money. Lawyers learn from Mom. I did AOS myself. It’s easy – and has some pros – but honestly Mom is your best bet (and free!). I know her personally – and she has been doing this longer than me (she was the year before me).
May 6, 2024 at 12:52
Alright thank you so much! You’re both the greatest (:
May 5, 2024 at 17:31
Hi there, I was selected yesterday (2025OC12xx). Can you comment on the likeliehood of securing an interview based on your understanding of past years?
Also, I plan to move to Germany early next year. Assuming I’m successful at all, do you know how easy it is to arrange an interview outside your region after submitting the DS-260 and whether there would be risks in terms of securing an interview at a different consulate (e.g. Frankfurt or Munich)?
May 5, 2024 at 21:58
Likelihood of interview 99.9%
You will update your address as soon as you move and they will use that embassy for interview, as long as you can change address early enough.
May 5, 2024 at 15:24
Hi Britsimon please is any hope with my case number to get 2NL
May 5, 2024 at 21:55
Should I read your mind for the case number?
May 5, 2024 at 12:11
Hi Brit!
I was lucky enough to be selected for 2025. But my number is in the 2025EU00031XXX range. Is there any chance of getting a visa with such a big name?
Thanks!
May 5, 2024 at 12:42
Maybe. It is too early to be certain – but the highest EU cases I know of right now are about 40K
May 6, 2024 at 05:17
Thanks Simon!
You do a great work with your website and channel, thanks a lot!
I’ve seen also the survey. What would be, in principle, more desirable for a 31xxx number. That there are high EU numbers like 65xxx, or that the highest one would be something around 40xxx?
Thanks again!
May 6, 2024 at 11:44
Well 31/65 is better than 31/40.
I am about to publish an explanation about when we will know more.
May 5, 2024 at 12:06
Hi Simon
Any chance Dv 24 casse number 51k
Thanks
May 5, 2024 at 15:13
No region – so I don’t know.
May 5, 2024 at 11:38
Hi Brit, I’ve been following your channel for a few years and have always submitted my DV application. Today I checked the status of my latest application and I was selected for the DV2025 program. The problem is the number, EU26XXX, which seems a little high to me (I see that currently for the DV-2024 it has stopped at 21K). Do you honestly think that with an EU26K I can have any real chance? Can I still participate for DV-2026 too even if I’am a pending 2025 selectionee? Thanks for the reply and for all you do.
May 5, 2024 at 12:09
In DV2024 I expect the EU number to get into the 30’s. So yes – although it is VERY early to be sure, 2025EU26K is probably OK. Congratulations!
Yes no harm in entering DV2026 while you wait.
May 5, 2024 at 19:45
If they took 9 months to arrive to 21k , what makes you think they will get to the 30s in the three months that are left ?
thanks
May 5, 2024 at 22:04
Experience.
May 5, 2024 at 11:27
Hello mr. Simon I hope you doing well, i have a question about the form I-134 my friend filled it by black pen instead of Laptop is it acceptable or no.
May 5, 2024 at 12:07
In the instructions for the form, the instruction number 1 is “Type or print legibly in black ink”
May 5, 2024 at 10:23
Hello Brit, Greetings!
I (through DV)and My brother(F1) are already in the US. Luckily, my parents also got selected for DV2025. I have a younger sister who is 23 and unmarried. I am filling out the DS260 form for my parents and in the Family info section, a question asks “Is the child immigrating to the US with you? “. What is the best option to choose if my sister is still living with my parents? What are the cons if I chose to say “Yes”?
PS: Have been following you since 2019.
May 5, 2024 at 10:38
Already answered on Telegram, but in case someone else wants the answer:
The answer should be no. They cannot include her in the DV case, so she won’t be immigrating with them.
May 5, 2024 at 10:10
Good Morning! My case number is EU202436xxx. I would like to ask, how many they should raise the EU case number in your opinion, if they are going to fill at least 50k visas. What is your expectations? Thanks!
May 5, 2024 at 10:15
You still have a chance, but the trend looks to be heading for low 30’s based on how many they are scheduling month to month. They need to increase the capacity/scheduling to get to upper 30’s.
May 5, 2024 at 08:09
hi simon my number is AF61K Morocco DV24 do i have a chance to get a 2nl ?
May 5, 2024 at 09:47
Maybe. I can’t be certain.
May 5, 2024 at 08:06
Hello Brit. I enter my information and get the error below. When I click on forgot confirmation code it’s the same thing. I am literally copying my info from the submission confirmation sheet. What could be the problem and what can I do? Thanks
“Warning: The information entered is not valid.
Please review the Confirmation Number, your Last/Family Name, and Year of Birth to ensure you have entered them exactly as they appear on your DV Confirmation Page, including punctuation.
Several characters are often confused:
0 = zero, O = letter ‘O’, 1 = one, I = letter ‘I’ (like ‘Ice’), 5 = five, S = letter ‘S’, 6 = six, G = letter ‘G’, 8 = eight, B = letter ‘B’”
May 5, 2024 at 09:41
Are you using the correct lastname? On the confirmation it is the name BEFORE the comma.
If you are certain it is correct and you have the confirmation you can send it to britsimon3 at gmail and I will check it.
May 5, 2024 at 07:12
Hi Simon,
I was not selected from the UK this time. Down bad 🙁 is there a chance the UK will be included in DV2026? How many years do you think we will have a shot at this before they remove our eligibility?
Thank you
May 5, 2024 at 09:30
There is a rolling 5 year window, and covid caused a lowering of numbers that managed to get the UK under the 50K number of immigrants in other classes over that 5 year window. The lowering affected 2 years, 2020 and 2021. So their impact will be felt for 2 or 3 years I believe – meaning DV2026, and maybe DV2027.
Make hay.
May 5, 2024 at 06:34
Hi Simon any chance for AF61K Morocco?
May 5, 2024 at 09:26
Year?
May 5, 2024 at 06:11
Hi! Thank you for your hard work! If I submit the DS-260 form, will it negatively affect H1-B visa interview if I have it in the foreseeable future? It’s ‘dual intent’ so I am not really sure whether it is affected by immigration intent or not. Thank you.
May 5, 2024 at 09:26
No affect for exactly the reason you mention – dual intent. Those visas are not affected by immigrant intent concerns.
May 5, 2024 at 05:36
Hi Brit,
With a case number of OC20XX in Oceania, is there a pretty good chance of getting a visa? I know this figure makes the cut off for going current most years, but I’m not sure if interviews for case numbers in this range are usually a genuine chance or more like reserves waiting in line in case lower case numbers don’t make it through the process. Thank you for all your information!
May 5, 2024 at 09:20
Because we have two years running at the same time it is helpful to include the year with the number – so I will assume you mean 2025OC20XX
That number should have a chance. At this time, the survey seems to suggest we will see OC numbers selected about CN 4000. Other regions have high case numbers too, so we are probably dealing with another over selected year, similar to DV2024 (hopefully not quite that badly over selected).
In that case, OC2000 ish would be about the sweating point. Not low enough to be immediately considered safe, but not high enough to be obviously out of the race. We will have a better idea by July/August when we get the selectee numbers per country. Then we get the CEAC data in January – by which time we will know a heck of a lot more, but you will probably be in the “wait and see” range for about the next 15 months.
May 5, 2024 at 22:30
Hi BritSimon and S
We also got a 2025OC20XX yesterday. We’re currently in the US on a J1 and J2 visa (I won the lottery on the J2, my partner is on the J1). As we’re currently living in the US I’m pretty sure the best way forward would be to do a AOS (adjustment of status) but I am worried this could mess up our J1 visa as it shows an intent to immigrate. We do not have to follow the 2 year rule as we have an exemption but all the same with a case number of 20XX I’m a bit anxious to start the forms in case we don’t get the green card and our current J1/J2 visas are affected.
If it looks like 20XX will definitely go through in the future how long does it take to process all the AOS forms?
May 5, 2024 at 22:43
First – the expert on AOS is Sm1smom – link below. Follow all advice she gives you and read the spreadsheets linked from the first post in the thread.
If I were you I would do NOTHING for now (no DS260 for now), because you can safely wait until we know how good your number is. You will know that for sure in January next year (we will be able to make some more educated guesses over the next few months). My guess is you will have a long nervous wait, probably right up to the last couple of Visa Bulletins (June and July 2025).
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2025-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.348160/
May 5, 2024 at 05:21
Hello Brit,
I wanted to ask you about the risks of not getting an interview if my case number is 2025EU00015*** and I am assigned to the Madrid consulate?
I’m from Ukraine myself.
I could also move to Canada and try my luck at one of the local US consulates if that makes sense.
Best regards
May 5, 2024 at 08:56
Your case number is fine and Madrid will be a much better choice than Montreal.
Relax and be patient.
May 5, 2024 at 09:40
Similar situation, but for DV 2024. Why do you say ”much better choice than Montreal” ? Is Montreal embassy bad ?
Thank you
May 5, 2024 at 09:58
It’s not “bad” but they do use the DS5535 more often there than most other embassies.
May 5, 2024 at 04:21
Hello, I am writing to you from Azerbaijan.I’m winner of 2024 with case number EU 25107.
What do you think,Mr.Brit Simon,will be this number current in upcoming bulletin?
Thank you for your attention 🙏
May 5, 2024 at 08:46
Maybe – I hope so.
May 5, 2024 at 03:00
Hi Brit,
Kindly help me out with this;
I had my 1st interview on 7th March 2024 with my wife which I was given 221g and I immediately submitted the requested documents. I was then scheduled for 2nd interview.
I attended my 2nd interview appointment on 22nd April 2024 at London embassy with an updated status of “Ready” on the same day after interview (updated 22/04/2024)
I checked for an update on the website and it still shows “Ready” but it was updated today, 30th April 2024.
1. How soon will we get issued?
2. My needed her passport back to enable her to collect her UK BRP card because her visa in the passport expires soon. Can we write to request for her passport back and within 2 days we return to the embassy through our registered courier service while’s my passport (principal applicant) still remains there. we’re from GH
Thank you
May 5, 2024 at 08:45
1. I don’t know. The timing varies.
2. You can email them and ask. I don’t know how quickly they will respond.
May 5, 2024 at 00:45
Hi Simon,
I am on F-1, applied with kids and now ex husband (under L visas) Now he will apply for green card under L-1 with kids. My number is OC37XX.
1 will dropping kids off application cause issues?
2 do I still fill out DS260 if I am applying for change of status within US?
3 will a COS alter my place per my case number?
4 do I apply for COS straight away or wait until October?
5 is it a different process if I apply in country?
Thanks
May 5, 2024 at 08:42
OK, before anything, I think I need to point out that your case number is very high for OC region. It is too early for me to be certain, but based on the data collected so far, I would guess that your case number is never going to become current – which means you will not get a chance to process the case. I’m sorry to be so blunt, but you should know this right now to avoid making a mistake such as completing a DS260 (which is almost certainly a bad idea in your situation).
However, I will answer these questions, just for the record.
1. No
2. It is an “optional” step in AOS (adjustment of status)
3. I don’t understand the question.
4. You cannot apply for AOS until your number is current (which won’t happen in your case)
5. Yes, but the same problem exists. Your number probably won’t become current.
May 6, 2024 at 08:38
Thanks Simon,
I went and did a deep dive into the information you have provided (that spreadsheet is unreal) and it all makes sense, although a little disappointing.
To answer my own question 3, no, filing an AOS will not jump you up the line because you still can’t file until your CN becomes current.
Glad I had this resource available and didn’t jump straight in and file the DS260 as it would have messed up the F1 visa.
May 6, 2024 at 11:56
Glad it helped. Mom is THE BEST!
May 5, 2024 at 00:39
Hi Brit!
Does AOS have about the same rate of denial as Consular Processing for DV ?
Some immigration websites say AOS have more refusals because USCIS officers have more discretion, but it is in reference to other categories than DV.
Thanks!
May 5, 2024 at 08:35
We don’t have exact statistics, but in general I would say that there are LESS refusals in AOS than CP. But refusals are pretty much predictable. If you meet the requirements and haven’t lied then you will be approved.
May 5, 2024 at 00:21
Hi Brit, hope you are doing well. I have been trying to check my results but keeps saying invalid. Could you please help me?
May 5, 2024 at 08:32
Watch this short video – it will help.
https://youtu.be/GKpE4ocFC-Y
May 4, 2024 at 23:20
Hi brit, was not selected for 2025.. just wanted to know what are the chances of à second draw? I think it happened once in the Past… What was the reason for that ?
May 4, 2024 at 23:31
It happens if they select a small number of people in the first draw. Looking at the numbers being reported – I don’t think that is likely this year.
May 4, 2024 at 23:55
Tha ls for the info 🙏
May 4, 2024 at 23:56
Thanks*
May 5, 2024 at 06:33
Hi Brit, I have a question in regards to if the applicant has a child or children over the age of 21, do we still include them in the DS 260 form?
May 5, 2024 at 09:26
Yes
May 5, 2024 at 18:33
What if the child of the applicant was not included in the lottery, can he/she still include the child in the DS 260 form although they are above 21?
Thanks.
May 5, 2024 at 22:02
Yes – they should be listed as a child in the DS260.
May 6, 2024 at 07:07
Hi!
I have won the dv lottery and am currently already living the U.S. on a student visa. I have noticed that I do have the option to complete a status change rather than go the traditional route and fly back to Australia for my interview. The main issue with that is that I don’t have a lot of time… my current visa is up May 29th. Everything I’ve read on your site and heard on your YouTube videos has informed me that the earliest possible interview will be around October 2024 – do you know if this will also be the case for me even if I am living in the US right now?
May 6, 2024 at 11:46
You will not be able to process your AOS case before your case number is current, so you should leave as planned, and process at home.
May 5, 2024 at 01:15
Hi Brit,
Out of curiosity. IF THAT HAPPENS, most likely not, are they announcing a 2nd draw? How do you know this is happening?
As usual, I appreciate the time you took to respond on my question & thank you for sharing your expertise with us!
Best,
J.
May 5, 2024 at 08:44
They typically don’t announce a second draw, but one year they emailed *some* people “suggesting” those people go and check the ESC page again. Those people were in fact selected.
May 5, 2024 at 22:12
Hi Brit,
What are the chances for case number OC30XX?
Will there be a long wait period?
May 5, 2024 at 22:22
At this point it sounds on the high side – possibly too high. We will know more in a few months.
As for waiting – you will probably be waiting for over a year, and if you did get an interview it would be August or September 2025.
May 6, 2024 at 01:05
Do you think there is a chance for that case to make it through or there’s a less possibility?
And what if the applicant does not year 12 qualification but has more than 10 years of working experience?
May 6, 2024 at 09:53
As I said – we will know more later.
Read this
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
May 6, 2024 at 13:34
This is Paris again – I could not figure out how to reply within the thread of my first question. Thank you very much for your concise and informative answer. I haven’t been able to find a clear answer anywhere.
I do have a couple of follow up questions;
1. Since my DS-260 form offered me the option to process my application directly through USCIS rather than an embassy outside of the U.S. because I am already living here, I selected that option as it seemed like the faster one. You have let me know that it is impossible to have my case processed before my number is current, so I am guessing the right thing to do would be to correct that detail on my form. Is it possible for me to change this after submitting?
2. I believe I have a pretty low case number (OC3XX), and am from
Australia which I think has a faster processing rate than a lot of countries (?). From previous bulletins, do you imagine my interview would be around that October mark? I know your advice is to be patient! But my life is very much in the US and I was in the processing of applying for the O-1 before I received the DV news. I didn’t plan to go home at all but will absolutely go that route if it’s what’s best for my permanent residency.
Thank you so much for your time.
May 6, 2024 at 14:08
1. Yes, you have to email KCC and ask them to unlock. Look at the FAQ for detail on how to complete that request.
2. Yes it could be October, possibly November. If you adjust status to O1 before May 29 then you could adjust later again to DV – but is it realistic to adjust to O1 in time?
May 5, 2024 at 05:27
Hello hope you are as well as always.i have some questions .1.what are your expectations about September VB for Europe now?2. Can it be something like 33k if they issue 52/53k visas .3.or do you think they are going to current all the regions in order to give a small chance for high case number winners? Thank you for your answering my questions
May 5, 2024 at 08:58
I still expect to see the final VB (published in July) in the 30’s – but we will have to wait and see.