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May 15, 2024 at 23:27
Hi Simon,
I have a conceptual question for you: A conjecture of the holes theory is that higher case numbers will have lower density. This means that while lower case numbers are (almost) guaranteed to receive their GCs, the case numbers that are higher than the midpoint will benefit from the low density and will likely get the GCs as well. So for example, for DV-2025 in Europe your survey shows the highest CN will be around EU41XXX so anyone below EU205XX is likely safe, but because CNs above EU205XX will have low density, they are also safe up to a certain case number that we can’t really tell. So the “danger zone” if I may coin the term, would be around EU30XXX instead of, for example EU28XXX which is considerably above the mid point of the EU CNs. Of course, the extent of the advantage of low density may be lowered by the number of derivatives in the lower CNs. Am I thinking about this correctly?
Also, is the reason you are waiting to learn the number of selectees by region to estimate the maximum case number better using the holes theory or is it to understand the average number of derivatives?
Thanks!
May 16, 2024 at 09:57
First – holes theory is certain, and very well understood. The fact that there are more holes in higher number ranges (for the three large embassies) is well proven – we can see it in the data, it is not conjecture.
Then your assumption about 30XXX and the danger zone – that thinking is missing the point.
The selectee numbers are crucial.
Holes are created by the screening process and depend on whether people took the instructions seriously or not (about photos, fraud and so on). So depending on the methods and usage the holes percentage can vary greatly.
Theoretically DV2025 could have a spread of numbers up to 41000 which would have 10% holes (i.e. 36900 cases) or it could have 90% holes meaning 4100 cases. Since EU has a derivative rate (historically) of about 2.25 per case, that would mean we could have a theoretical range (somewhat extreme to make the point) between 83025 selectees and 9225 selectees. One would represent a disaster where even low case numbers would miss out, and the other would mean visas left over.
Obviously my examples are extreme, just to illustrate the point that case number ranges without selectee numbers is interesting, but not conclusive. Having said that, without the survey we would have less idea of the ranges, and even when we got the selectee numbers we would still be in the dark.
So – the selectee numbers are crucial to know the full picture – BUT even then we won’t know the distribution of the holes until January. We would have high early density and a long tail, or more even density with a short tail.
May 16, 2024 at 16:21
I see, thank you! Quick follow up question to see if I understood it well: Did DV-2018 exhibit a relatively even density and a short tail for EU? I am asking specifically about DV-2018 because it seems like EU CNs hardly exceeded the 25K mark on the Visa bulletin.
May 16, 2024 at 17:17
No it was a short tail and very variable density.
May 15, 2024 at 20:55
Hi Brit. Hope, you are doing well.
According to the latest VB, Russia`s cutoff is 24750. Does it mean that Warsaw embassy has capacity issues and is able to accept only limited number of cases. And does it mean that non-Russian cases between 24750 and 27500 are unlikely to receive 2NLs (for July).
Thank you for allocating your time.
May 16, 2024 at 09:12
No, it doesn’t necessarily mean that.
May 15, 2024 at 18:08
i hand over my education certificate immigration officer in green card interview for verification.And now in us. I didn’t receive my certificate. How to get it back
May 15, 2024 at 18:25
You won’t get it back. That is why you are supposed to bring copies as explained clearly in the instructions.
May 15, 2024 at 17:16
Hello Brit,
If we hypothetically assume that my CN will become current in December 2024 for example, would the 2nl be released during same month where the interview will be 6-8 weeks ahead of that time (February 2025 for example in this case)?
Or if my CN becomes current in December 2024, then that means that my 2nl will be released 6-8 weeks before the CN becomes current so that the month of the CN being current and the interview date are in the same month? This is the only technicality that I did not understand. I appreciate your assistance once again!
May 15, 2024 at 17:21
The Visa Bulletin published each month contains “advanced notice” of what numbers will be current. The naming convention of the VBs is a bit weird – so for example, the VB that is published in December 2024 will be called the January VB, and will give notice of current numbers in February. So – if that VB has (for the first time) a higher number than your number then you will be eligible for a February interview and would hope/expect to get your 2NL in December (IF your DS260 is processed and your embassy has the capacity).
May 15, 2024 at 23:22
I just watched your 40 minute Embassy queues video and it was an amazing reference to assess Montreal’s performance. They are up to current cases for DV2024 with all the regions which is actually very comforting to see.
Although they have a very small amount of interviews, my guess would be because they don’t have many DV winners in Canada which is understandable. Can you please share your general thoughts on the consulate in Montreal aside from a higher chance of AP/DS55-35? I’d be curious to know. Thanks!
May 16, 2024 at 09:40
The level I would think about is – are they keeping up to date with the workload (which you now know how to verify) and whether they treat cases fairly (which you know about also). To get into more detail we will next have to discuss whether there is a decent place to get coffee nearby…
Relax.
May 15, 2024 at 16:21
Hi BritSimon
I really need your suggestions I am mother of two hypotonia Children’s, my husband, got lottery visa AS12XXX to come to US we are from India I have two daughters suffering from hypotonia (Their muscles are weak they cannot even sit or do any work with there hands 1st one is 5 year old and second one 3 year old) First daughter gets fever very frequently in cold seasons physiotherapy is going on but is not much of improvement, First getting thin day by day don’t know the reason husband works as a data annotator, and if comes to US will also work in that field only I just want to know What is best for me? Is it Good if I send my husband alone or take my self and daughters to US, how is the healthcare in US as I told my first daughter that fever frequently and her mouth and neck muscles are weak. Due to that. She gets lot of problem to swallow food or saliva and due to that hospitalisation has to be done as SPO2 drops. We are very much confused. What to do really need your expertise living in US.
Thanks a lot for helping me.
May 15, 2024 at 17:10
Healthcare will be the main driver of your decision. Healthcare here is good, but can be expensive unless you have good insurance. Good jobs tend to include good healthcare insurance, so perhaps your husband could come first, get a good well paid job (with good healthcare) and if he gets that then you bring the kids.
May 29, 2024 at 01:23
Thanks a lot sir but the issue is case number 12000 it will come next year and husband will have less time there to settle as we (myself and daughters) must be der by September 2025?
May 29, 2024 at 18:37
No – you have 6 months to enter after the medical.
May 15, 2024 at 15:36
Hi there,
When I go to submit and sign at the end of the DS-260 it comes up with a red flag beside my KCC case number. I have tried different browsers etc and it still doesn’t seem to work. Any ideas?
Thank you!
May 15, 2024 at 16:20
Remove the leading zeros from the case number.
So 2025AF00010321 becomes 2025AF10321
May 15, 2024 at 13:44
Hi brit
CN 24AF10K
Family
Working experience
Brit by the grace of God my visa has been approved.
Thanks so much for your patient, prompt response and guidance despite busy schedules . I really appreciate it
God bless you
May 15, 2024 at 16:19
Congratulations and best of luck for the move.
May 15, 2024 at 13:09
Hello Simon,
I am a dv winner this year, but unfortunately, my family name appeared twice, and my first name was omitted. I am from Ghana and have a case number of 4000. What do you think is the best thing to do?
May 15, 2024 at 13:37
Make sure the Ds260 has the correct names.
May 15, 2024 at 11:54
Hi Simon,
Me and my girlfriend got married, I am the one selected, so we got the marriage certificate and now she has my last name. Now, should she go and get new passport for ds-260 with her new last name on it before submitting the form, or it’s okay to submit it with her old passport that have the old last name on it? Ofc, later for the interview she will bring the new passport with the changed last name.
Thank you.
May 15, 2024 at 12:37
She can submit the DS260 with the existing passport, or even with no passport at all.
May 15, 2024 at 11:37
Hello Mr. Simon.
I really appreciate your support and help during this process, because it’s sometimes difficult to understand.
Let me explain my situation:
-I won the DV on 2023 and after my interview last month I’m already living and working at the US
-My wife is planning to come later due work projects
-She will come to the US to visit and mainly to activate her Green Card after she will cross the Passport control at the airport
My question is:
Does my wife needs to stay at the US on this visit a minimum amount of time to be sure her Green Card will be activated and send it where I will take it and give it to her after?
Or just arriving to the US and passing the Passport control, and giving the envelope from USCIS will be enough?
I hope I explained well enough, but if I didn’t, please feel free to ask me for more details.
Thanks.
May 15, 2024 at 12:34
No minimum time she has to stay. She will use her stamped visa for re-entry if she wants to return before the GC arrives.
Yep – she just hands over the envelope – same as you.
May 15, 2024 at 11:28
Hello BS Jambo?I Don’t know whether am overthing!!!here is my case what your observation,my wife she’s in mid 30s,she was issued with her birth certificate just last year may,it was her first registration ever,will that registration have an issue with the CO?my daughter had her registration of birth certificate in 2019 she’s 5yrs old BUT last moth i got her another birth certificate after realising the old birth certificate got scratches in the offical rubber stamp but all her details are from the previous birth certificate will these two scenarios have issue with CO during interview 😉
May 15, 2024 at 12:30
It depends on procedures in your country. It may be normal in your country – I don’t know.
May 15, 2024 at 22:55
Procedures in our country is you can get birthcertiface at birth or late registration by paying certain fee,if you lost your birthcertiface,they retrieve your details,print it with the initial registration date BUT issuing date differs
May 15, 2024 at 10:45
Hello Mr Simon, DV 2025 selectee with case number 2025 AF 2XXX in addis ababa, Ethiopia. I heard addis ababa embassy is not taking that many DV interview for 2024 winners. Considering my low case number, do you think i have a chance or changing address for embassy change is must.
May 15, 2024 at 12:45
No need to change.
May 15, 2024 at 10:06
Hi BritSimon
Do we have any statistics about DV winners who get the Green Card and then give it up after a number of years ? I read numerous horror stories of DV winners (mostly from Western Europe) who left the USA because of health care costs and the lack of school safety/gun control to raise kids there.
Do you have any numbers?
Thank you
May 15, 2024 at 10:22
No, but those are valid concerns. It is a matter of perspective. America compared to *Western* Europe is more or less a like for like. There are advantages to each, disadvantages to each. USA is a great place to make money for instance, and I have benefitted from that, but I am seriously considering retirement in Western EU, because whilst my wealth in the USA is good (far higher than average), but in EU the same amount of cash is more than just “good”.
But the stories you have heard are probably from people that didn’t thrive in the USA, AND had a very easy pathway to return to a comfortable life in Europe. The same can’t be said for many others from other countries.
May 15, 2024 at 10:04
Hi Brit,
I have a tricky question regarding the interview location. I’m from Russia but am currently living in Georgia. Normally, as I understand it, Russian applicants are assigned to Poland’s embassy in Warsaw. However, due to my current residence, I’ve been assigned to the embassy in Tbilisi. My case number is 34XXX. Also, I assume that obtaining a Schengen visa and traveling to Poland won’t be easy for me rn, so having the interview in the country where I’m currently living is quite appealing. Considering all of this, is it safe for me to stay with the Tbilisi embassy? How well do they perform? Or would it be better to choose Warsaw’s embassy on the DS-260 form? Additionally, if choosing Warsaw is advisable, would that seem suspicious to them?
Thank you for your guidance. I really appreciate the support you provide.
May 15, 2024 at 10:25
It helps to give the year and region as well as case number. I’m assuming 2025EU34XXX. Tbilisi is doing fine in DV2024, so whilst that situation can’t be certain, it will hopefully stay that way by the time you get current (if you get current).
May 15, 2024 at 10:42
Ah, sorry, you are right — it’s EU2025. According to the dvcharts website, in 2022, Tbilisi’s embassy processed up to 22K case numbers, while Warsaw reached 32K. And in all previous years, they had processed far fewer cases. Does this indicate that Tbilisi historically underperforms, or is there another logic here?
May 15, 2024 at 11:17
It would be a bad idea to base an understanding on 2022 performance – it was still heavily impacted by Covid effects.
Looking at DV2024 makes more sense – and in that year Tbilisi performance is pretty good, with less backlog than Warsaw. The number of interviews is not really the point because demand varies country to country. The only question is are they doing enough to avoid building a backlog of cases, and Tbilisi is fine on that metric in DV2024.
May 15, 2024 at 11:22
Thank you very much. I believe The New Yorker should write a profile about you based on the scale of your help.
May 15, 2024 at 10:02
How lond does it take for ds260 to process after you submit
May 15, 2024 at 10:05
The time varies from case to case, and whether there is a backlog of cases to be processed. So experiences vary greatly.
May 15, 2024 at 09:01
Dear Brit,
I am a DV2021 winner (2021EU22XXX) and GoodluckvsBiden plaintiff.
Now I won again DV2025 lottery (2025EU33XX).
I am from Turkey and a Turkish citizen, but was born in Switzerland, after finding out that I have been on 04 May 2024, I fill out the DS260 directly.
Afterwards, since I know that my case is high, and if I wait Ankara I never get the chance again to get an interview, according to the last 4 years, case number over 10.000 couldn’t get to the interview stage, send an a e-mail to KCC and asked to change my interview location to Bern/Switzerland, since I was born there. With knowing the risk as a turkish citizen maybe I won’t get a visa to get to Bern/Switzerland apoointment.
According to your last video, you told that when we get the interview notification e-mail, I will ask this time US Embassy Ankara to rechange my interview location form BERN to ANKARA.
But my concern is, if ANKARA will accept my request, is there a chance that they will answer as ”Yes, we have changed your location but you need to wait again for a new apoointment instead of directly giving me the appointment date.
May 15, 2024 at 09:57
Hi Cemil, you normally communicate on twitter. Congratulations on the second selection. Let’s hope it is simpler this time. I have explained in videos that KCC want people to interview where they live, and don’t cooperate with requests to move embassies. Therefore it is far more effective to change the embassy by moving to another country (before becoming current) than to try to justify to KCC why you should be scheduled elsewhere.
Then, if you do get scheduled at some other embassy, you can ask ANK to take your case, and based on experience they will probably send you an email saying they cannot promise to schedule your case, but then they will schedule it. Case 2024EU8092 is a clear example of this.
Now – you also have to consider the backup plan and other complications – do you need, or can you get, a Schengen visa to Bern to attend the interview if ANK won’t accept your case. You should also consider the timing since living somewhere else over 6 months could require a police cert, and the embassy could ask for proof of residency. And of course you have to get current and we don’t know how many selectees we have in DV2025, which could tell us something about your chances to make it with your case number.
May 15, 2024 at 11:16
Dear Brit,
Thank you for your answer.
My Case is 2025EU33XXX, I mentioned it wrong.
When I send an e-mail to KCC to change my interview locartion to Bern/Switzerland, I also send them as a prove my Birthcerficate, and especialy informed them, I am not a Swiss Citizen and I don’t have residency in Switzerland, and I know the risk of a possible refuse of the Shengen visa, and missing the appointment. They have accept to change it to Bern/Switzerland. That’s already done. 🙂
Now my plan is to minimize the risk is to change my interview location to Ankara back again, when I get my inteview notification.
Of course since my case number is 33XXX (high), I am aware of the not be current soon, maybe July-August 2025
Is this a good plan?
Thank you in advance
May 15, 2024 at 07:55
Hello Simon, many thanks for your blog it’s very helpful.
I have a case number for DV 2025 is EU25xxx and my interview location is London UK, do you think I stand a chance? And when (if at all possible making this assumption so early on) do you reckon I might get an interview?
May 15, 2024 at 08:45
It’s probably not a bad number range based on what we know, but it is too soon to know with confidence. We don’t know how many people are selected.
As for interview – again – too soon to know, but probably about year from now.
May 15, 2024 at 09:53
I am trying to understand if I stand a chance before filing the DS-260, do you think I can safely submit it given my case number?
May 15, 2024 at 10:08
If you want a better idea of the risk, you could delay submission until we know selectee numbers (July/August). That delay probably won’t matter in the long run because your case number is not going to be available until well into 2025.
May 15, 2024 at 07:34
Hi BS, bless you for your great work, urgent question please does Nairobi embassy require Affidavit of Support for Dv winners been trying my level best to get hold of an accurate answer, seems to me they dont am just not sure could you tell me if its a requirement for Nairobi embassy. Many thanks
May 15, 2024 at 08:42
NRB send a pre-interview email and in that email they require an I-134 & tax transcript. It is best to obtain one if you can get one (or be prepared to show other personal savings etc).
May 15, 2024 at 06:56
Dear Simon
Thanks for your help, just one question. We are DV Lottery 2025 winners, SA 17XX. Mi wife’s B-1 VISA will expire on April 2025. Should we try to renew it (usually 6 months before it expires), or will this affect our application.
We haven’t submitted the DS-260 yet
May 15, 2024 at 07:43
Renewing the B1 won’t affect DV, but the DV may make the B1 application harder to be approved. BUT, does that really matter in your case – that is up to you, in your situation.
May 15, 2024 at 05:41
Do you think 2024EU30500 is going current?
May 15, 2024 at 07:40
I think it will, yes.
May 15, 2024 at 04:30
Based on the information on xarthisius website and the performance of embassies, do you think Asia will reach its quota before the number 2024AS20500 or will there be visas Available if the visa bulletin was increased?
May 15, 2024 at 07:40
Technically it is possible for AS to reach the quota before 20500 – my video published in January explains that clearly. However, actual results are affected by embassy performance, 221g numbers and so on. We also cannot assume that the government will fill the quota to the limit – they are not obliged to do so. So – it isn’t possible to know exactly where the VB number will end – we have to wait and see.
May 15, 2024 at 04:14
Hi Brit, I was selected with 2025EU28XXX. I’m going to spend the 2024 summer in the USA (where I own a house) with ESTA and Visa waver less than 90 days. I could submit the DS 260 or is better to wait after summer? I had several trips in the USA always only with ESTA.
May 15, 2024 at 07:37
ESTA is generally not affected by the DS260
May 15, 2024 at 03:14
Hi
Has anyone received 2NLs for July?
I am from OC region but still havent received anything for case OC18XX
May 15, 2024 at 07:36
Many 2NLs have been sent, but 2NLs go in a rough alphabetical order, so Suva and Sydney are not usually early in the month.
Patience.
May 15, 2024 at 08:02
I haven’t got 2NL yet. My case number is EU205xx ,but my friend (EU227xx) who has the same interview location already received. I don’t understand the KCC system(
May 15, 2024 at 08:52
Sounds like your DS260 was delayed in processing.
May 15, 2024 at 09:08
Hello, Simon
I emailed to KCC about my status. They replied “Your DS-260 has been processed”
According to your experience, will I receive 2NL in the next bulletin (for the case that being current, but delay”)?
Respect
Elena
May 15, 2024 at 09:10
Depends on whether your embassy is backlogged or not.
May 15, 2024 at 02:53
Hello, Simon.
I do have a nonsense imagination (I hope it is not real) I check DV2024 CEAC Data and I see many low and medium cases are still at NVC. Such as 2024EU2340, 43, 46 etc
My question is: does KCC have a second random for 2NL? I’m being paranoid since my case number is already cutoff since July bulletin has been released but a friend of mine who has a higher case number and the same interview post got 2NL already.
Thank you for answering
Elena
May 15, 2024 at 07:35
There are various reasons for those cases being skipped. Some are because the winners don’t submit the DS260, or they have not yet had the DS260 processed (because DS260s don’t process in the same time between cases), some are because their embassy is backlogged and so on. It is not KCC operating some random lottery within the lottery.
May 15, 2024 at 01:18
Hi Simon,
I have two questions:
1. You mentioned somewhere that the high school diploma usually goes back to the age of 12/13. However, high school in my country starts at the age of 15 and lasts 3 years (Portugal). Would that pose an issue to US authorities given that is it “not equivalent”?
2. Is there a place where I can find what is the reciprocity of the high school diploma? I can find the page for civil documents, but not for the diploma.
Thank you so such for the blog!
DJ
May 15, 2024 at 07:32
1. The DS260 question (and my comments) does not mention high school – it mentions “secondary” education. That level is from age 11 or 12 in most countries, although it is important to think in USA equivalent, so what they are asking is education from age 11 or 12. List that. The Portugal system is fine.
2. There is no such place. It is a matter for individual embassies to understand the education systems in their countries and establish their understanding of equivalence to the US system. Those local decisions can change and are not generally published.
May 15, 2024 at 10:43
Thank you for your explanation. Indeed I meant secondary education.
In this case, does it help to also hold a BSc and MSc? Also, since Lisbon does not take DV interviews and anyway I live abroad I will most likely be assigned to Germany in case I get current. Is Frankfurt typically picky with the education requirement?
May 15, 2024 at 11:18
The higher degrees can help reassure the CO – but the requirement level is the point at which a person qualifies for further education (university entrance) – so I’m sure you will be ok. No need to overthink it.
May 14, 2024 at 23:26
Hi Simon
If I submitted my ds260 in July 2023 instead of May 2023 will it delay my 2nl or all the Paris people will receive it around the same day anyway ? (I got current for July)
best
May 15, 2024 at 00:04
It won’t cause delay.
May 14, 2024 at 23:17
if Ds-260 pauses my son’s age which he is 20 years and 11 months when applying of dv lottery 2022 (2023) he got the interview at july so will he get a visa.. is there any other options to take my son with me ..
May 15, 2024 at 00:03
I already explained he aged out and will not get a visa. You should investigate other options for him, but that is outside the scope of my blog.
May 14, 2024 at 22:47
Hi sir, hope you are doing good. I got selected for Dv 2025 and my case number is in OC2xxx but my country of birth is from Asia and everyone said my case number should have AS not OC. What shall I do now. Can I fillup ds260 or not .
May 14, 2024 at 23:08
So you obviously made a mistake in your DV entry which has meant you were a winner in a regional draw that you were not entitled to enter. Therefore your case would be disqualified if you were to proceed to interview. It would be best to not submit the DS260 at all.
May 16, 2024 at 22:18
Thank you for responding.. if I get rejected in interviews and later if I try US students visa will that affect me.
May 16, 2024 at 23:11
It might be a little harder to get the student visa.
May 14, 2024 at 18:45
Hello Brit, we are a family and our case number is AS16*** for DV2024. We closed our DS-260 file last October. So far, we haven’t received any interview notification. Is there any hope for us? Our interview location is Riyadh, but we prefer to switch it to Jordan, Sierra Leone, or Nepal. Do you recommend taking this step now?”
May 14, 2024 at 20:51
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-791/#comment-352736
May 14, 2024 at 21:25
Sorry, I didn’t find any answer in the link you posted.
May 14, 2024 at 23:06
My answer was:-
Your case number isn’t current yet. I expect it will get current before the year ends, and in that case you will hopefully get an interview in Riyadh. You must make your own decision about whether to move – but to be clear, you don’t just select another embassy, you would change your address to another country.
May 15, 2024 at 07:02
“Thank you for your response. My concern is that we are a family and there are only two months left until the end of the DV lottery year. I’ve heard that the Riyadh interview process is slow, so we are considering transferring to another embassy. Is it guaranteed that Asia cases will be current and we will receive an interview appointment? Based on your experience, is there a certain presentage that we will be scheduled for an interview with case number AS16*** ?
Thanks
May 15, 2024 at 07:44
Nothing is guaranteed.
May 14, 2024 at 17:44
Hi Simon, will there be any complications since I listed my then-finance and now husband’s name on my application? What documents will we need in the process for both of us?
May 14, 2024 at 18:28
If you mean you claimed to be married during the DV entry, but documents will show that was not true, then yes that is a serious risk of disqualification.
May 15, 2024 at 09:55
Any suggestion you would give to us?
May 15, 2024 at 10:06
Only attend the interview if you understand the risk and can afford to risk the fees.
May 14, 2024 at 16:52
Hi Brit, I am a DV2022 winner now in the US, submitted an application DS260 for a derivative. However, he aged out by the time when my case got current and did not go through the interview process. Now he needs to go back and get student visa since it expires in couple of months. What are his chances of F1 in this situation?
May 14, 2024 at 18:15
They are slightly less than before the DS260 was submitted. He will need to prove that he has ties outside the USA and will leave the USA when the visa ends.
May 15, 2024 at 21:53
Thank you for the quick answer Brit. Since his current I-20 is good for another 4 years I am worried. But he needs to go out for his research, hence visa is also required. His brother also a student here and I am also here. We are in a tight situation. So he has no ties, right? I am wondering since it did not work in 2022, and nor he has gone through the interview.
May 16, 2024 at 18:51
This comment of May 14 was disappeared and now it is visible. Hope you can see the above from your end Mr. Simon.
May 16, 2024 at 20:51
I saw the message but had nothing further to add.
May 14, 2024 at 16:46
What happens if I submit my ds260 after an year after I win my lottery am I still in
May 14, 2024 at 18:14
Possibly.
May 14, 2024 at 14:13
Hello Brit,
I asked before but it seems like it wasn’t delivered so I’ll try to summarize. I am a 2025 DV winner. CN is 2025AS3XXX. Have been a Canadian resident for the last 7 years which means my interview is going to be in Montreal.
It didn’t take much research to realize that Montreal hands out DS-5535 like candy. I’m a university student and spent the first 17 years of life in Saudi Arabia then moved to Canada. I am thinking of switching my interview to the embassy in Riyadh as it seems that they perform much better than Montreal and lower risk of DS-5535. I no longer have residency there but I can get a long term visitor visa in Saudi and pretty much stay there the entire FY as a visitor.
The tricky part is, I cannot get a police clearance from Saudi because I am no longer a “resident” but assuming my interview is in Riyadh, my residencey would be a visitor and I won’t be able to supply a Saudi police clearance. Would that cause issues? Should I switch to Riyadh given that we are early in the process or just submit my fate to Montreal given my prime residence is in Canada?
May 14, 2024 at 14:18
The only reason I am thinking of the switch to Riyadh is trying to ensure that I minimize the risk of DS-5535/221g and even if I did get it in Riyadh, I doubt it’d be as dramatic and long as Montreal. I’d really appreciate your help. The problem is not supplying a Saudi PCC while being a visitor there could be a concern to the CO. I really don’t know what to do.
May 14, 2024 at 15:57
According to the reciprocity schedule, I don’t have to give a Saudi PCC since I no longer have residency but it would be very awkward to interview in Riyadh as a visitor without having to supply a Saudi PCC, only a Canadian one. Stay in Montreal or switch to Riyadh..
May 14, 2024 at 18:07
And you know I have already answered that – right?
May 14, 2024 at 18:45
Hello Brit,
I do not see your answer anywhere. Kindly guide me on where your answer is the comment I posted yesterday is not showing up on your blog. I also don’t see any answers under this comment. I’d appreciate your kindness.
May 14, 2024 at 20:47
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-791/#comment-352715
May 14, 2024 at 21:24
Hello Brit. The link you have pasted takes me back to the previous page of posts where I could not find neither my comment nor your response. I am kindly asking you if possible to copy and paste your response from my previous that I do not see as again, I neither see the comment nor your response to it through that link.
May 14, 2024 at 23:06
My answer was:-
“Overthinking.
Your case number is low, so even if you were to get DS5535 (which ANY embassy could request), you will have plenty of time to be processed.”
May 15, 2024 at 12:03
I appreciate your response. I have found a thread online about DS-5535 in Montreal and the average wait for that to clear up is 10 months, albeit most cases on that thread are family/employment based.
Based on previous FY VBs, my CN is expected to be current in December/January.. which means my interview won’t be before February/March assuming Montreal isn’t backlogged.
Sounds like it’s best to just submit to my fate with Montreal, do the interview and let go with whatever happens.
May 15, 2024 at 12:37
The timelines are shorter for DV.
May 15, 2024 at 13:45
Thank you Brit. I am over the moon happy but also anxious about the process. I hope the odds line up in my favour but now that we, DV selectees, have you on our side, I think I will be enjoying your videos and the journey along the way. Thank you!
May 14, 2024 at 13:14
Hi Simon
Case number 14k (iran) Embassy in Bucharest, There is a chance for current?
Thank you
May 14, 2024 at 15:42
Maybe.
May 14, 2024 at 13:12
Hi Simon
Thanks for the great Job. During my Application i was single but now legally married and my husband has a daughter not biologically mine. Can i add them on the DS-260 since we have proof of marriage?
May 14, 2024 at 15:42
Yes absolutely – you are required to do so.
May 14, 2024 at 13:06
Hello Simon,
I won DV 2025 AF47XXX and I was wondering which embassy would be better for me, Malaysia or Qatar?
May 14, 2024 at 15:42
KCC choose the embassy based on your place of residence.
May 14, 2024 at 12:47
Hi Brit
2025AF5XXAfter successfully completed DS 260, when should I expect 2NL.
May 14, 2024 at 15:41
It will be some months – even with the low case number you have.
May 14, 2024 at 22:56
Thanks sir
May 14, 2024 at 11:56
hello i won a dv lottery 2022 which i applied on oct 2022 and results released on may. but after one month of application for the dv lottery my son turned 21 which is on nov. and the interview has been scheduled for me in july 11th so is there a possibility for cspa law to work on my child
and can he obtain green card is there any way i could appeal ?
May 14, 2024 at 15:38
I already replied to your earlier question. Your son has aged out and cannot be included on your case.
May 14, 2024 at 11:31
Hi, My passport will expire soon ( December 2024), I already purchased new one, should i use new one or old in DS 260, as I have used old passport for initial application back in Oct 2023? Thanks
May 14, 2024 at 11:36
You can submit with the existing one, and then show the new one at the interview.
May 14, 2024 at 10:54
i have won a dv lottery for year 2024 but i didnt do my ds260 my case number ends with 4000 can i still submit my ds260
May 14, 2024 at 11:06
You could still get your DS260 processed in time – but be more clear, region, case number and embassy.
May 14, 2024 at 11:11
Im currently on student visa in australia so i would fall under oceania region my number is 4079 i could go to fiji embassy or ausrtralian embassy
May 14, 2024 at 11:15
2024oc4xxx
May 14, 2024 at 11:35
Well 2024OC4079 is unlikely to become current, so I don’t think you should file a DS260 unless you understand the risk of showing immigrant intent – the risk being to future non immigrant visa applications.
May 14, 2024 at 12:13
why is unlikely the visa bulletin says 1650 for oceania
May 14, 2024 at 15:39
Because there is a massive difference between the current number in VB and 4XXX.
May 14, 2024 at 16:10
So did I lose my chance now or what should I do ?
May 14, 2024 at 18:09
Again, what I am saying is that your case number will probably not get current. So – you can file the DS260 if you want, but you will probably not benefit from doing so and might suffer negative impact.
May 14, 2024 at 09:52
Hello Simon,
I won a DV lottery while I am in the USA. What should I do? Do I have to complete the DS-260?
May 14, 2024 at 10:16
There are two processes you could choose between. One is CP – consular processing (processing at an embassy abroad), the other is AOS – Adjustment of Status. For the latter you need to be in the USA on a legal status and never been out of status. In AOS the DS260 is optional.
AOS info here:
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2025-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.348160
May 14, 2024 at 09:48
Hello Brit, I unlocked my DS-260 almost 3 weeks ago for address change. And after contacting KCC today I got this response:
Your interview location is Beirut and will be used by KCC for scheduling purposes. When we have scheduled your interview, you will be required to log into the Entrant Status Check (ESC) to view your appointment notification. At that time, please verify that your appointment is scheduled for the correct post. If for any reason it is not, you may contact KCC again.
Do you think it is a generic reply and KCC still didnt reflect the change or they will not change the address. Case already current AS12xxx.
Thank you.
May 14, 2024 at 10:14
Contact them again and ask them to recheck because you have moved and informed them previously.
May 14, 2024 at 10:35
Ok, I will. Thank you
May 17, 2024 at 13:31
Hello, after contacting KCC many times explaining my situation even I showed proof for electricity bill, but they keep replying by ” your interview location is Beirut and will be used by KCC for scheduling purposes …” Or ” 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… Because your case is ready to be scheduled, KCC can no longer unlock your application or change your interview location”.
Please advise if anything else I can do or say!. Thank you
May 17, 2024 at 15:35
You could engage a lawyer to email them on your behalf.
May 14, 2024 at 08:05
Hi, my son turned 21 after 1 month applying to dv lottery 2022. applied on oct 15, son’s bd on Nov 16 2001, results came on May 2023 and interview has been scheduled on July 11 2024 came in mail on May 14 2024. so, by the interview he will be 22 months and 8 months to be exact.
May 14, 2024 at 07:53
hello i won a dv lottery 2022 which i applied on oct 2022 and results released on may. but after one month of application for the dv lottery my son turned 21 which is on nov. and the interview has been scheduled for me in july 11th so is there a possibility for cspa law to work on my child
and can he obtain green card
May 14, 2024 at 10:11
No, he has aged out.
May 14, 2024 at 07:31
Hello BS?has NRB sent out her 2NLS?these village You tubers claim that it was the first Embassy that sent July 2NLS.If no when can we expect 2NLS from NRB some of us we got butterflies in our stomachs
May 14, 2024 at 10:09
No – they have just been sent today. The village Youtubers were incorrect.
May 14, 2024 at 10:29
BS HAHAHA!!!village YOU TUBERS,with their fake analysis.So far NRB just sent 2NLS from 51k up to 60k good work
May 14, 2024 at 10:31
Yep
May 14, 2024 at 12:15
Just received my 2NL 59kNAIROBI,BS after how long should i take before i book for Embassy interview?can i book immediately 😅 or just wait for 7 working days 🤔
May 14, 2024 at 15:40
You have the embassy interview booked already. Wait a few days before registering online, but again, you are NOT trying to book an interview.
May 14, 2024 at 06:37
Hi Brit,
In the DS-260 form, what should I fill in the “City of Birth”, “State/Province of Birth”, and “Country/Region of Birth” fields if the city of my birth was renamed from Leningrad to Saint Petersburg, and the country, previously marked as the USSR in my passport, is now Russia? In my DV application, I wrote “Leningrad — Saint Petersburg” and “Russia” in these fields.
Thank you for your time and for your work.
May 14, 2024 at 10:04
You did fine.
May 14, 2024 at 06:31
Hi
I was selected for DV2025 with case number AF48XXX, and I would like to opt for an interview in Malaysia. What are your thoughts on my case?
May 14, 2024 at 10:03
Hard to have a thought about something so vague.
May 14, 2024 at 04:40
Hey Brit, Just want to stop by and say a big Thank you for all the guidance. I followed your blog and every single live video you did on youtube. All i can say is Thank you very much, My visa got Approved from Mumbai Embasy, will add my experience once its convenient.
Thank you soo much brit.
May 14, 2024 at 09:51
Congratulations!!!
I’d be interested to hear about the experience in Mumbai!
May 14, 2024 at 02:22
Dear Britsimon.
Iam a 2024 selectee with a AF54k number
I travelled to the USA in 2022 on a J1 visa and returned to my country . I reapplied for a B1 visa is valid till 2025.
2. On both DS 160 I answered NO to the question ” have you ever used any other names” . However on Ds 260 I answered yes and put my other name “ISA” shortened for ISABELLA
4. My passport, birth certificate and high school cert and police certificate are in my names ISABELLA MUGALU
5. i I added ISA on my UK degree and UK ACRO police cert . so it reads ISA ISABELLA MUGALU.
Do you think my answer in DS 160 might cause a denial?
Will appreciate your kind response .
May 14, 2024 at 09:46
No. Stop overthinking.
May 14, 2024 at 10:49
Hello Simon,
I have a high case number 2024OC4xxx. I checked my case number on the dv ceac data website and it is showing that there are around 1700 cases before me. Does that mean that there are no chance for an interview?
May 14, 2024 at 11:05
Yes, there is probably no chance at your case number.
May 13, 2024 at 23:34
Hello Brit,
I am a DV 2025 winner. CN is 2025AS3XXX. Syrian-Canadian born in Syria. My post will be in Montreal. I had my DS-260 unlocked once by KCC and it is filled thoroughly to the notch and resubmitted. It didn’t take much research to realize that Montreal is a black hole for a DS-5535. I have everything in order but I am scared they put me in the DS-5535/prolonged AP/221g then miss out on the visa. Never lived in Syria. Lived in Saudi Arabia from age 0-17 then from 17-Mid twenties in Canada. Single. University student. Currently reside in Canada and have been for the last 7 years.
My dad is a resident in Saudi Arabia. Still has a house and maintains an address and a job there. I have the option of getting a long-term 6-month family based visitor visa in Saudi Arabia that can be extended for another 6 months. Looking at the CEAC data, Riyadh’s performance is phenomenal as opposed to Montreal. Also, less 221g cases.
Given that we are very early in the process for FY2025, do you think switching to Riyadh is a good option? Even if I get 221g, it sounds like it won’t be as dramatic as Montreal. If yes, will being a visitor in Saudi Arabia cause problems? Do I strictly need to be an actual resident with a work/study permit rather than a visitor? I can arrange the visa to be issued and legally stay as a visitor throughout the whole FY. I considered AOS but entering the US as a B2 then adjusting, concerned about fraud accusations. I think it’ll turn nasty so now it’s either Riyadh vs Montreal. Riyadh is growing on me and I don’t know if it’s a good strategy or not. Please share your thoughts. I am willing to sacrifice a year and increase my chances of IV issuance but also want to tackle this the right way.
May 14, 2024 at 09:17
Overthinking.
Your case number is low, so even if you were to get DS5535 (which ANY embassy could request), you will have plenty of time to be processed.