Ask questions here
To ask me questions you can obviously post on any blog post, but you can also post here. When you ask a question it may remain “invisible” until I approve the message. So no need to keep repeating the question – I can see the questions even if you can’t.
Do subscribe so that you can be notified for replies to your question.
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.
November 12, 2024 at 03:13
Hello Simon
I am 2025AF23**, RWANDA
Filing up DS260 I provided the address where I will stay and my GC sent.
However, the host can’t host me anymore and I have new confirmed host. My case number is ready to be scheduled for an interview and i can not unlock my DS260.
What can i do?
November 12, 2024 at 08:23
I have read before that you should notify it at the interview then, they can update it.
November 12, 2024 at 11:12
Update the address at the interview.
November 11, 2024 at 10:36
Trump will help for DV 2020/21
November 11, 2024 at 13:47
No, of course not.
November 11, 2024 at 08:32
Hi Simon,
I am a DV2024 winner from Europe, and I’ve noticed a few others in the community have similar concerns regarding entry timelines. I received my visa in September, and I’ve planned my entry into the U.S. for February. I’ve already purchased my flight tickets, but I’m starting to feel uncertain about potential changes in policy.
I recently watched the live session with Jesse, and I wanted to ask: Do you think there could realistically be an issue with entering the U.S. in February? Given the unpredictable nature of immigration policies, especially with the possibility of a new administration with Trump’s historically strict stance on immigration, I wonder if there’s a real risk that an already issued visa could be affected by any shifts, even if it seems unlikely.
I understand that the DV program is grounded in U.S. law, so I imagine that any sweeping changes to block entry for DV winners would face significant legal challenges. However, I’d greatly appreciate any insight you might have on whether planning for February is reasonably safe or if earlier entry might be advisable.
Thank you very much for your guidance and for the work you do to support the DV community.
Best regards,
t
November 11, 2024 at 08:44
The bans are unlikely to affect most European countries. However, in your position I would change my travel date.
November 11, 2024 at 10:22
Thanks for your reply Simon.
Unfortunately, it turns out that I bought a ticket (AirFrance) that doesn’t allow any changes. Our only options now are either to buy another ticket or trust our guts and stick with the current one.
Personally, I really think there won’t be a ban—only for specific countries like some in Africa, Asia, or Mexico, for example.
Thanks again,
Br,
t
November 11, 2024 at 03:28
Hello Simon,
I hope you’re doing well.
I’m a DV24 winner and received my visa in Sept 2024.
I Thank you for all your guidance and suggestions throughout our DV journey.
I was watching your live session with Jesse Bless, and I would like to take an informed decision based on your suggestion.
I activated my visa during my visit in Oct 2024 to USA, but by the time my physical green card arrived, I returned to my home country and I intend to come to USA in February 2025.
Based on your video, you did mention that certain immigrant visa holders were not allowed entry in the past. Since I do not have the physical green card is that going to be a problem, do you think it’s a good idea to travel before 20th January, just to collect the physical green card?
Hoping to hear back from you.
Happy Veterans Day!
November 11, 2024 at 07:05
It is not possible to receive the card through DHL?
November 11, 2024 at 08:42
You have already activated your status and are therefore safe, even without the greencard itself.
November 11, 2024 at 01:51
Hello Simon,
One of the questions on DS 260 is have you had a US visa. I got a visa stamped on my passport sometime mid 2001. I no longer have that passport with the visa stamp. (renewed and old passport was not returned to me)
I don’t want to guess a date when the visa was issued. Can I leave the date blank. Will the form allow it. There’s an option for ‘don’t know’ for visa type but not date.
November 11, 2024 at 07:25
Please disregard this question. I found the date. Thanks.
November 11, 2024 at 08:42
Good
November 11, 2024 at 08:41
Make a guess for the date in the year you think it was issued.
November 11, 2024 at 00:53
hello simon,
i watched your videos about trump’s policy.
i understand that the main concern is the illegal immigration and illegal immigrants, and also some muslim countries that will be banned.
can you please explain if i, as a dv lottery winner, who’s visa has been approved need to worry? currently i have immigration visa in my passport. can he ban me from coming to us? another question is if i will enter the states and will get my green card activated can he somehow cancel it? dont quite understand how it will affect someone who already have a visa and not scheduled for interview in the coming months or hasn’t been scheduled yet at all.
i would appreciate if you can explain my situation and others like me who already got theirs visa’s approved.
another question that i will be grateful if you will reply – if i will come to the states for a week and probably would not be able to receive my physical green card due to the short period of time i will be there, can my friend who’s adress i filled in the ds260 form for sending the green card, can he mail it to my county with fedex or dhl? will that be ok?
thank you
November 11, 2024 at 08:40
It helps if you number question when you ask several things.
An entry ban (if the ban happened and you were from an affected country) would block *entry*. So – you should plan to enter the USA before January 20th. Once you have done that, as a LPR you are safe from those bans.
Yes your friend can mail the card.
November 11, 2024 at 09:25
thank you simon.
sorry for not numbering the questions.
1- so most important thing is to enter and activate the green card before january 20th? trump’s administration wont take green cards from dv lottery winners and i will be able to enter the us without any problem later in 2025?
i was born in uzbekistan but live in israel so i am not sure i will be safe due to country of birth ( uzbekistan is a muslim country but not a terror supporting country and he didnt banned uzbekistan in previous years).
israel is trump’s best friend as it seems so no worries about country of residence.
2- if trump decides to ban uzbekistan but i am a green card holder will i be refused entry?
i am asking because getting into united states permanently before january 20th will cause me not to end my law internship. i want to finish it in march 2025 and then relocate to us permanently..
November 11, 2024 at 13:46
1. As long as you have activated you are safe. The activation trip can be as fast as you like, so you could take a short vacation, enter the USA and return once you have tied up loose ends.
2. No
November 11, 2024 at 00:23
Hi Simon!
I am planning to fly to the USA but was wondering if there’s any resource or my article you have on all the steps I need to do before hand. I see comments about Port of Entry but I don’t know where I can specify that.
I have paid the USCIS green card fee but other than the United States Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) information sheet that I need to fill out + carrying the sealed envelope, I am unsure about what else to do.
God bless you and thanks!
November 11, 2024 at 08:37
The POE is simply the airport you arrive at to go through immigration.
There is nothing else you need to do.
November 11, 2024 at 00:01
Hi mr. Simon
I am the dv2025 winner and my visa has been issued. I will come to US at 12th December 2024. At that time, will I have no problem entering the border or immigration? because now I see in many news, during the changeover period or when Trump is inaugurated it will be difficult to enter the border or immigration. And one more thing, when I have activated my DV visa and waiting for my green card to be issued, is there a possibility that there will be new regulations that can disqualify it? thanks
November 11, 2024 at 08:36
No risk whatsoever.
November 11, 2024 at 15:40
Thank you very much sir
November 12, 2024 at 02:52
What is your country?
because in Rwanda, no dv25 winner have ever got 2NL
November 12, 2024 at 11:11
How are you certain of that? Do you know every winner personally?
November 14, 2024 at 04:36
No Sir!
However, because Rwanda is a very small country, There’s a WhatsApp group that almost every selectee join created by people who immigrated before and assist us throughout the journey every year. so based on the information provided there, Kigali embassy haven’t yet sent 2NLs. we are very worried
November 14, 2024 at 08:47
OK, well all you can do is wait.
November 10, 2024 at 19:09
Hi Simon
I’m from the West Bank, Palestine. I traveled to the US and I received my green card in September 2024. Now I’m back in the West Bank for a while.
Would you recommend that I travel to the US before January the 20th in case the Palestinian passport is included in a travel ban or am I safe since I already have the green card?
Would you also recommend that I don’t get close to the 6 months staying abroad limit and travel as soon as possible or is it still fine as long as I stay outside the US for less than 6 months?
November 10, 2024 at 19:34
As an LPR you are very unlikely to be affected.
Keep absences below 6 months now.
November 10, 2024 at 14:09
Hi Simon, greetings. My host is traveling to Africa on holidays in December and he will be returning to the US in April. I’m planning to move in early December but in a different State since my host won’t be there when I arrived.
I’m able to pay USCIS fee for the Green Card process, should I change the mailing address for my green card or still maintain the previous one?
Thank you
November 10, 2024 at 16:25
You can change the address at the Port of Entry.
November 10, 2024 at 13:18
Hey Simon,
I am currently watching your Live session. You guys talked about AOS. I know with an ESTA u cant adjust status. I come from a country where you “only” can get into the US with an Esta, which I have at the moment.
Is there any possibility or advice you have for people like me? I would do anything to make my case sucessful. I am so worried everyday. My CN is EU13xxx.
Have a good day and thank you for all of your advice
November 10, 2024 at 16:24
It’s a pity you didn’t mention which country you are from, as that would help me answer. BUT, I suggest you look more carefully into what non immigrant visas could be available.
November 10, 2024 at 23:31
Sorry, forget to mention. I am from germany.
all the best
November 10, 2024 at 23:34
any advice for my country?
November 11, 2024 at 08:35
Well it is incorrect to say you can only get an ESTA. I’m surprised you thought that was the case.
The bans being contemplated are extremely unlikely to affect Germans.
November 12, 2024 at 10:57
Hi Simon,
After the visa interview, I happened to meet a guy whose visa was also approved. We had some discussion and he told me that, the physician where he had his medical examination asked him to take Hepatitis B vaccine before traveling to the US. I did the medical examination and my Visa was approved too but never taken hepatitis B vaccine and my physician never said anything to me.
I later message the panel physician at the center where I had my medical to inquire about the Hepatitis B vaccine because I took 3 extra vaccines during my medical. He told me that hepatitis B was not part of the vaccines administered to me during the medical examination.
I write to ask if it is compulsory to get hepatitis B vaccine before traveling to US? I’m presently in Italy for my masters and I planned to travel in late December.
Thank you.
November 9, 2024 at 20:46
Hi Simon , Are you agree with this ” Chat GPT ”
To justify why a law abolishing the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery would **not affect** DV-2026 applicants, let’s break it down:
1. **DV Lottery Timeline**: The registration period for DV-2026 typically runs from October 2024 to November 2024. This means that applicants for DV-2026 would have already submitted their entries by the time any changes to the program (such as abolishment) are made.
2. **Legislation Process**: Any new law that abolishes or alters the DV Lottery would need to go through the legislative process, which includes drafting, debating, passing, and signing by the President. If such a law were passed **after January 20, 2025**, it would likely affect future lotteries, starting with DV-2027 (for which the registration would be in 2025).
3. **Grandfathering of Existing Entries**: Since the DV-2026 registration would be concluded before the law changes, the applicants who have already entered would still be eligible for selection in the DV-2026 lottery. Changes to the program typically apply **only to future lotteries**, not to those already in progress or completed.
Thus, **DV-2026 applicants would not be impacted by any legislation passed after the registration period for that year**, and they would still be able to participate in the program if selected. Any changes to the program would take effect for future lotteries like DV-2027.
This is the reasoning behind why a law passed after January 20, 2025, would not affect DV-2026.
November 9, 2024 at 20:40
Hello Simon , If a new law to abolish the DV Lottery program is passed after January 20, 2025, would such legislation affect DV-2026 applicants?
My understanding is that any changes to the program would likely only impact future lotteries (e.g., DV-2027 onward) since the DV-2026 registration would have concluded prior to the new administration. Could you confirm if this interpretation is correct?
Thank you
November 10, 2024 at 09:15
It would depend when the law were to be passed (not at all easy or certain that it would pass), compared to the current year at that time.
In general I would say any DV year would be safe to complete after the 1st day of processing (October 1), and somewhat safe between the May winners announcement to October 1.
November 9, 2024 at 14:56
Hey Simon,
OK so obviously the election news aren’t good for the DV process (or for the US in my opinion). However, I’ve been thinking about how CNs progressed in 2020 and it looks like the State Department made all CNs current for Europe quite early. This happened at a time where consular capacity was limited due to COVID so despite consular processing was slow, the CNs progressed (which I find strange, but it’s what happened). I’m wondering if a similar affect can be observable under Trump 2.0. While Trump will likely make the DV process harder in general, there is a good chance he’ll overlook the AOSers simply because he is probably not aware DV AOSers exist. So if a policy similar to what is colloquially known as “the Muslim Ban” translates into CN numbers progressing more quickly, Trump 2.0 could benefit AOSers. What do you think?
November 10, 2024 at 09:08
Yes, AOS cases will mostly benefit from the Trump admin. They are likely to be excluded from the bans, and since others will be held up by the bans, the VB will likely move faster or go higher than should have been expected. That will be most pronounced in AF and AS regions, but other regions could also benefit from unused visas.
November 10, 2024 at 11:29
I’ve been telling my family this exact thing since this past July. Getting them to go and renew their visitor visas has been like hitting my head against the wall. Granted, my brother-in-law is the managing director of a company and is busy, but he says he wants the green card, so I wish he would listen to me and carve out the time.
November 9, 2024 at 09:04
hello simon,
if i enter the usa in order to activate my green card to worry less about trump’s policy regarding immigration ( i think its better to have green card or i 551 stamp than immigration visa) but i will enter usa and my poe will be new york. after couple of weeks i will get back for my home country for couple of months for final arrangements and then i will be back to the states but to a different country where i want to live and not new york. will it be problematic? new york tickets are half of the price for the state i want to live in but i want to ask if my poe is new york will i have to live there or i can go outside the us and get back to other country in the usa which is not my point of entry?
thank you
November 9, 2024 at 11:04
That plan is fine – you can live wherever you want.
November 8, 2024 at 22:42
Hello Britt! My little won To Dvlottery 2025.He received the 2NL from KCC with appointment for interview 27November 2024 at US ambassy -Congo-Kinshasa .He received also this message : Dear U.S. Immigrant Visa Applicant,
The Immigrant Visa Unit at the Consular Section in Kinshasa encourages all immigrant visa applicants to register their appointment before attending the scheduled visa interview.
You are receiving this email message because our records show that you have not completed the registration process. To complete registration, please click on the following link https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-cd/iv/account. But when we tried to process .that link doesn’t not recognize my country Congo-Kinshasa and when I tried tu use another link as Avits .They asked me to approve the Case Id Number !! What is it means because I have only the DV case Number.thank you for your help
November 9, 2024 at 08:35
Email them to explain you cannot do it. That will be OK – it is “encouraged”, not “required”.
November 8, 2024 at 16:02
Hi BritSimon, last week I took my interview and consular gave me a blue slip requesting me to submit affidavit of support birth and also he told to send them flight itinerary with time, date and the contact details of the person who I will stay in US and he gave me back my passport since my passport isn’t stamped US visa for reason that US newly recognized my country, one week letter I submitted the requested document my question is from your experience how my case look like , is that 221g takes more time??
November 9, 2024 at 08:31
I can’t predict the speed of processing.
November 8, 2024 at 11:41
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.
Is this message means that the DS is processed or not.
November 9, 2024 at 08:29
Yes, processed.
November 8, 2024 at 05:27
Hi Britsimons, I’m worried about something. When my husband filled out the ballot, he said he was married to me, but we weren’t married yet. We got married after he won. That worries me because we’ve been in a relationship for 6 years. For him, I was his wife because it’s common in our country to say that even if you’re not married on paper. As I learned about the DV, I realized that a spouse is a marriage performed by a notary. But how can I defend myself in this regard so that they don’t deny me the visa? I hope I have it. That makes me nervous. Thank you for your help. I await your response
November 9, 2024 at 08:28
You are correct to be concerned. He should not have claimed to be married. It will be up to the CO to decide whether to forgive the mistake, or not.
November 8, 2024 at 04:50
Hi Simon , According to Trump’s Day One Executive Order agenda, he plans to sign a Presidential Proclamation suspending :
1/ Chain Migration,
2/ Diversity Visa Lottery, and all Non-Essential Foreign Workers. This means DV 2025 and DV 2026 could be affected.
https://www.donaldjtrump.com/agenda47/agenda47-day-one-executive-order-ending-citizenship-for-children-of-illegals-and-outlawing-birth-tourism
November 9, 2024 at 08:27
I seriously doubt we will see such a proclamation, and if we do, it would quickly be blocked.
November 7, 2024 at 13:55
Hi.
In one part it asks about, District/County/Province/State
So they want us to to type in one of these 4 right? What happens if the district is something else, like i the district is actually the procince and so on and on. Will that be too huge of a mistake?
Best regards!
November 9, 2024 at 08:22
Not a problem
November 7, 2024 at 12:50
Hi, I have a question to nr 6 “country of eligbility for the DV program”. I was born in kosovo but i live in Austria does it mean i have to answer “yes” and leave it like that or do I have to say no and select Austria in the drop top menu? and yes i know the lottery is closed just wanted to clarify it
November 9, 2024 at 08:22
Yes and no country choice in Q6
November 7, 2024 at 11:27
I’m an Iranian DV 2023 winner, currently in the U.S. with a green card. I usually spend a few months outside the U.S. each year. With Trump returning to office on January 20, do you think there would be problems for Iranian green card holders re-entering the country? Reading the news of January 2017 apparently some Iranian LPRs experienced difficulties upon re-entry in the first days of the travel ban. Have you heard of any experiences like this?
November 9, 2024 at 08:21
I believe LPRs will be unaffected – but of course we have to wait and see.
November 7, 2024 at 09:35
Hi Brit- we are LPR ( have green cards). We left US May 11, 2024 technically 180 days ago ( activated Nov 7, 2023). We had our baby born outside US and plan to travel within this month like Nov 22. So as the 180 days ( is this true rule) are over , what could we encounter with CBP? Should we just go and don’t take any crap from anyone?
November 7, 2024 at 09:37
It’s no problem. Your baby will be processed upon entry for a greencard.
November 7, 2024 at 08:40
Hi Simon
I am a winner of DV 2025 AS12XXX Muslim from India born in UAE it seems i will not get 2nl or interviews till jan 26th want your suggestion is it worth to spend 3-4 lakhs local currency for this process for a family of 4 now what do u suggest after the results yesterday seen your yesterdays video.I have no cases clean life.
Thanks
November 7, 2024 at 09:36
I don’t know for sure what Trump will do. So – we have to wait and see.
November 7, 2024 at 08:15
Hi Simon, if the main applicant is legally separated and willing to enter the spouse and child in the lottery, but cannot get the photo of them, what should I do in the section upload the new photo?
Per your experience the dv lottery will detect the qualified photo of the main applicants or all the members?
Another question, I have heard people said that the dv lottery will have a special program to detect ineligible application like wrong photo or information before the officially randomized selection, is it true?
And if the system has detected the wrong photo, why were there some case that the winner had chance to go to the interview at the embassy and the consular just found that they were not eligible for visa due to using old photo or the photo had been used in the previous year?
Thanks for your response.
November 7, 2024 at 08:31
1. Don’t lie on the application.
2. Legal separation is a court process and must be proven to have taken place and approved in court prior to the entry.
3. Yes you need photos, and yes those photos are used to screen out applicants before and after the draw.
November 7, 2024 at 04:16
Hi Simon,
I just submitted my entry, but the photo I used is 1200×1200 pixels and 203 kb so that it does not compress over 20:1 ratio. A a 600×600 version would have been compressed more than 20 times
I am having doubts about the elegebility of my entry as I see on the gov website for photos requirements that photo must be from 600×600 minimum to 1200z1200 maximum. But when I open the Dv-2026 Instructions PDF it only says “must be 600×600”. Do you know if it is possible to submit 1200×1200 as long as file is under 240 kb and 300dpi?
The same goes to eyes’ height. In the webiste under photo template it says eyes must be 56%-69% of image height, but under pdf instructions for dv-2026 it only says about head porportion (50%-69%) and nothing about the eyes. Neverthless, my photo meets these 2 requirements
So I am wondering if there are rules for general visa photos, and rules specific for dv program and wether my photo (1200×1200) will be acceptable for DV-2026 program lottery?
November 7, 2024 at 06:50
Worrying over trivialities in my opinion. Relax.
November 7, 2024 at 03:31
Hello Brit , Hope you are fine .
I am winner of DV2025EU15*** . I have some questions, because I am stressed about them :
-In my DS260 I do not write all my social medias , for example my telegram , pinterest and instagram , it is a problem ?
-The second thing , I have worked for two years in another country , but I travel every weekend to my country, Should I take penalty evidence to country that I worked ?
-The third thing, I am in a relationship for 4 years, but not married and when I won DV Lottery I get married with my wife and we both complete our DS260, it is problem ?
-Another thing that get me stressed , If anyone knows my case number , can he does me something wrong to my ds260 , can he open my ds260 and to write there whatever he wants ?
Please write me an answer .
November 7, 2024 at 06:49
1. It could seem as if you are hiding something. I would unlock and correct that.
2. Yes
3. No – although you may be asked for proof that the relationship existed prior to the DV lottery win.
4. Someone would need all your details. But keep your information private.
November 7, 2024 at 07:32
Thank you for answers .
1. I do not use pinterest but I remember that 2-3 years ago I use it , but now I can not remember anything about it . I open instagram account after that I complete ds260.
4. For example , what details needs someone ?
Thank you Brit
November 7, 2024 at 08:28
4. Try to login in and think.
November 18, 2024 at 03:22
Hello Brit,
I’ve watched your most recent live when you talked about social media. My question is, if someone never really posts on their socials and thats why they don’t bother to remember their login info (and they forget and create a new account anyways). Would it be a problem for not listing any and should they try and go years back and remember every single one?
November 18, 2024 at 09:08
If you make a good faith effort to list them, and miss one, that’s OK.
November 7, 2024 at 01:12
Hi Simon!
For people who just got their Green Card in 2024, can Trump make it harder for us to get citizenship (or make it longer than 5 years) or that would also require immigration law reform ?
Thank you
November 7, 2024 at 06:47
I think it would take immigration law reform
November 10, 2024 at 05:53
As I understand things, the Democrats still have enough seats in the Senate to filibuster any immigration law reform, is that right ?
November 10, 2024 at 09:21
Yes, but that is not the only hurdle that immigration law reform would face. It is very difficult to get agreement to any change that is so important.
November 6, 2024 at 22:08
Helo britsimons have mistakenly created two DS-260 forms for [LUIS JAVIER TRUJILLO VELOZ], whose case number is [2025SA00001690]. One of the forms is complete, while the other is incomplete. I would like to know what steps I should take to correct this situation and delete the incomplete forms and what harm can it cause me to leave two DS of the same person in my case
I thank you in advance for your attention and support in this matter. I look forward to your response in order to proceed in the best possible way
November 7, 2024 at 06:46
You cannot delete the incomplete form. Not even KCC can delete it. So – just leave it unsubmitted.
November 7, 2024 at 06:56
Hi Britsimons, thank you for your previous response. Do you think that leaving it open will not cause me any problems in my process? In my case, that is what I want to be sure of. What do you advise me? This detail makes me afraid of not being chosen because of that error. Thank you very much for your help
November 7, 2024 at 07:11
I already told you what to do. That’s all you need to do. Relax.
November 6, 2024 at 18:06
Hi Britsinon ,
I’m selectee of 2025 but still haven’t became current . Can I apply for Dv2026 entry ?
Does this impact my 2025 visa interview or processing ?
Thank you so much
November 7, 2024 at 06:45
A DV2026 entry has no impact on a DV2025 case. As I type this you have 4 hours remaining before DV2026 entry period closes.
November 6, 2024 at 16:07
I am in Australia at the moment. Came here 10 months ago And i from Nepal. In the Ds260 form where it has asked if i have travelled to any countries/regions within the last five years i have mistakenly selected ‘No’. Although my present address and study has addresses of Australia. How big of an issue can this be. What steps can i take to resolve this.
November 7, 2024 at 06:44
Since your current address is Australia it is OK.
November 6, 2024 at 14:36
Hi Brit,
I am a dv2024 winner. I booked flights for my activation trip in February. Is there sense in going there before trump inauguration (Jan 20th)?
The logic is that if he does executive order which stops green card issuance my DV visa can expire. I am European if that matters. Thank you
November 7, 2024 at 06:44
Being European (West) probably means you are extremely safe, but I can’t see the future.
November 6, 2024 at 11:26
When cropping the photo to the same exact dimensios, is it better to:
1) 600×600 pixels at 100% quality
or
2) 800×800 pixels at 90% quality (because of file size)
Also, should I include or hide the metadata info (camera info, location info,..)?
Thank you
November 7, 2024 at 06:42
Either would be fine, I would go with 600x
November 6, 2024 at 11:25
Hi BritSimon, I have just watched your video on how election results may impact the DV. It might be my insufficient english or knowledge on US law system, but I don’t really understand: you said the president-elect most likely won’t stop DV, because DV is a part of the immigration law. But isn’t it true, that he did so in April 2020 (stopped all diversity lottery winners from entering the US)?.. This assumption probably explains the worries of the european winners (like the one from Switzerland..)
November 7, 2024 at 06:41
In the video I made it clear that he cannot stop the DV process as a whole, but he can make some things harder to process the selection for some groups.
November 6, 2024 at 04:02
Hi , silon
I applied for the DV lottery 2026 yesterday. After I was done, I got the confirmation code and that my application was sent in with the confirmation message “SUCCESS”.
I then accidentally hit the refresh button on my keyboard. And then I got the message:
Unexpected Page Request – There has been an error with your entry processing. Please be sure to NOT use your browser’s BACK, FORWARD and RELOAD or REFRESH buttons in order to prevent this error. Only use the BACK buttons provided by this application. To resume your entry from the last known state please press “Resume Entry” button below.
What I wonder here is, did I mess up? Did my application fail, or did the system only block something in order to not fail? Because it seems that the system blocked another application being sent in, and that my application is still legit? Or am I wrong? Thank you ‘.
November 7, 2024 at 06:38
It’s fine. It stopped the error you caused when you pressed refresh.
November 6, 2024 at 03:34
Hi Britt Simon. With Trump having just won the presidential race, we’re all aware of his stance on immigration, particularly towards illegal immigration. Given that he has previously expressed opposition to the DV Lottery program, do you think this program might be removed in the next fiscal year or in the future? The Republicans have achieved a majority in Congress, though reaching the 60 votes needed in the Senate could still be a challenge. Do you believe the green cards currently allocated to this program could instead be redirected to people awaiting naturalization who are currently in backlog? Thanks!
November 7, 2024 at 06:38
I discussed all that here:
https://youtube.com/live/PZSM0ObaiHA?feature=share
November 6, 2024 at 02:01
hello simon,
how are you?
i want to thank you for all the help getting us through the dv process. our visas have been approved. i would like to ask if i can enter the united states in january and come back to my home country after two weeks, then return to the us in march permanently?. i want to activate my green card and start to check homes and apartments during those two weeks. i am not sure i will manage to get the actual green card during these two weeks in the us because i heard it can take up to a month to get it. my question is can i enter the us and leave after two weeks without receiving the actual green card? i know that at the poe i will get i 551 stamp which is a green card valid for a year. so is it okay to exit the us with the stamp and return after two months without the actual card?
November 7, 2024 at 06:37
Yes, absolutely fine.
November 6, 2024 at 01:10
heeeeellooo!!!
This morning I got an email from US Embassy in Bucharest that our visas were issued (ceac website says nothing about it) and they are on their way to us.
Thank you very much for your support Simon and all the info you provided.
Keep on the good work,
Paul
November 6, 2024 at 03:24
hi paul,
so happy for you..
when you had your interview? our was on 4.11.2024.
didnt know the embassy is sending emails.
ceac data wont be available until 1.1.2025 if i am
correct
November 6, 2024 at 03:58
Hello,
Embassy doesn`t send emails, but I sent them one and ask about the situation. So they answered.
Congratulations on your interview, hope everything went alright.
November 6, 2024 at 04:11
yes my visa has been approved!!!
thank you
November 27, 2024 at 10:32
Which Embassy were you interviewed my dear?
November 7, 2024 at 06:36
Excellent
November 5, 2024 at 20:00
I have submitted my application and got a confirmation number then refreshed the page and a message appeared telling me that the information submitted was not accepted as it is similar to our records, duplicate entries are not accepted.
Does this mean there is a problem with my application?
November 7, 2024 at 06:36
No. It’s fine.
November 5, 2024 at 16:34
Hi Simon! Thank you for all of the great content! My question is as follows – I was “selected” for the DV2025 and filled the DS-260. I am not sure whether I need to wait for some email from the US authorities, or whether I should go ahead and schedule an appointment at the embassy. The guide in https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-interview.html has some contradictions:
– Step 7 is “Interview” while step 8 is “Prepare for the interview”. Seems backwards…?
– Step 8 mentions that I should follow my embassy’s guidelines, and in my case this would be https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/STK-Stockholm.html. However, they appear to mention that I need to schedule my appointment – it does not mention waiting for an email.
Could you please advise?
November 5, 2024 at 17:23
You have to wait until you have been scheduled by KCC. They send you the 2NL (interview appointment).
The 2NL won’t be sent until your case number is current, your DS260 is processed, and you embassy has capacity.
November 5, 2024 at 16:09
Hi Brit!
We are DV2025 visa recipients (we’ve already been scheduled, interviewed and approved). And we applied for and was approved for an apartment in the US. However, the address is different from the address in the US provided on our application (because we decided to get our own place instead of stay with family).
We haven’t entered the US yet (we will be in about a month). However, we already have our new address. Should we file our change of address with USCIS now or after we’re in the US?
November 5, 2024 at 17:21
No – you can change the address upon the first entry at the POE
November 5, 2024 at 14:14
Hi Simon, I have no complete Grade 12 certificate. Which category should I chose? High school no degree?
November 5, 2024 at 16:47
Whatever you want. The selection makes NO DIFFERENCE in the process at all.
November 5, 2024 at 13:23
Hi Simon,
My surname (total of 4 separate names) às appears in the passport is 34 characters. And the Last/Family Name field only allows for 33 characters.
What should I do?
Note: the MRZ surname, two of them appear shortened. Should I insert all my four last names leaving 1 character behind? Should I move one surname to middle name? Should I insert exactly as it appears on MRZ (shortned)?
Also on first name field. I have two first names. In Portugal we don’t refer to the term middle name. Should I insert the two Given names in the first name field or the second given name as a middle name?
Another question: should I write the names with marks or not (i.e. í vs i)?
November 5, 2024 at 13:30
I already answered you.
November 5, 2024 at 12:28
Hi Brit,
I’ve heard a lot of contradictory information about the public charge rule. Some say you have to demonstrate financial abilities (how much?) others say you need a host or a relative in the U.S. to get the Visa. How can I get a host if I don’t know anyone and do I have to show bank statements.
Will a 25 Years old get denied if they were selected cause the CO would doubt their ability to travel alone (without anyone in america) compared to family of “5”?
November 5, 2024 at 13:30
Public charge is a part of every immigrant case.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
November 6, 2024 at 07:18
Thanks, should I not move forward with my application if I was selected (and couldn’t comply with public charge rule for that year) in order to avoid having a denial on my record. and maybe apply another year?
November 7, 2024 at 06:40
You can avoid failure in life by never doing anything, but that is a daft way to live.
November 5, 2024 at 09:55
Hi Brit,
Again from Sri lanka with CN AS12###. Just out of curiosity, do you have any idea about performance of Colombo sri lanka embassy?
November 5, 2024 at 12:16
Hello! I am from Sri Lanka as well with CN4xxx.. I was also wondering about the same thing. Have they started sending 2NLs?
November 5, 2024 at 13:29
See above. We don’t have any 2025 data yet.
November 5, 2024 at 13:29
CLM was backlogged last year.
https://dvcharts.xarthisius.xyz/ceacFY24.html
November 6, 2024 at 06:29
Hi brit
Thank you for reply. As per your experience do you think this year will be better than 2024 for sri lanka?
November 7, 2024 at 06:39
I don’t know.
November 5, 2024 at 09:23
Hi Simon, how can I fill in my work experience in a case where I have no high school degree? It seems there’s no provision in the application form
November 5, 2024 at 09:24
In the DV entry form you do not list work experience. The education question in that form has NO IMPACT on the case
November 5, 2024 at 05:26
Hi,
Will entering the DV-2026 lottery affect my DV-2025 application (I am waiting for my case number to go current still) at all?
November 5, 2024 at 08:24
Not in any way.
November 5, 2024 at 05:15
Hello Simon!
I have tried to email, but still there is nothing about the remaining two kids’ visa out of six. So Simon what shall I do? Do I have to email directly to the embassy’s email address or make a phone call?
November 5, 2024 at 08:20
Hello Simon
I embarked on DV 2026 application on 02 November 2024 and I encountered a error message after i had hit the SUBMIT button, which goes as follows:
“Unexpected Page Request, there has been an error with your entry processing. Please be sure to not use your browser’s BACK, FORWARD and RELOAD or REFRESH buttons in order to prevent this error. Only use the BACK buttons provided by this application.
To resume your entry from the last known state please press the “Resume Entry” button below. Thank you.
I then hit the RESUME ENTRY button as instructed above and below is the message that came on my screen
“The information submitted has not been accepted because it matches a previous entry in our records. Individuals may only submit one entry per DV period. Duplicate entries will not be accepted.”
What is the implications of this error message on my application entry after i had already hit Submit.
Do i need to start again submit another application or the system assumes i already applied but did not confirmation page.
November 5, 2024 at 08:26
It is saying you already entered and then probably hit the back button or refreshed the page. If you sdaw the confirmation number, then your entry was recorded.
November 5, 2024 at 08:23
Whatever works.
November 10, 2024 at 22:27
Hi, should a child turning 16 soon proactively complete the address history section for DS 260. Or wait until they turn 16 and get the form unlocked to complete the information.
November 10, 2024 at 23:12
It won’t be that important either way.
November 5, 2024 at 05:01
Hi Simon, I am so so so excited today. My Visa has been approved in Naples.
You have been exceptionally great and special to all of us. May Allah reward you abundantly for all the support and guidance. You’re one in a million.
Shout out to you Simon
November 5, 2024 at 08:23
That’s awesome – congratulations.
November 11, 2024 at 21:08
I applied in the dv lottery, my application was sent successfully, I printed the page with the confirmation number, when I go to check the status it says invalid confirmation number many times since October, I don’t know why, I changed the forms that are confusing, it remains the same, and I put forgetting confirmation number repeats the page many times I am very scared, could you please tell me what it is
November 12, 2024 at 11:10
You cannot check the status on the lottery entries that were just entered in October/November. The draw is next May.
November 9, 2024 at 17:17
The end of dv lottry Visa ,
Trump adviser Stephen Miller reveals aggressive second-term immigration agenda
Miller said a second-term Trump administration would finalize efforts to curtail use of guest-worker programs like H-1B visas, including by eliminating the lottery system used in the process when applications exceed the annual quota and by giving priority to those being offered the highest wages.
He said Trump would pursue a “points-based entry system” for American visa grants aimed at admitting only those who “can contribute the most to job creation and economic opportunity” while preventing “displacement of U.S. workers.”
Expand travel ban, screenings
Miller said another priority would be “building on and expanding the framework that we’ve created with the travel ban, in terms of raising the standard for screening and vetting for admission to the United States.”