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February 15, 2025 at 13:02
Hello Sir,
Given that my stepson is listed as a derivative on my DV application and DS-260, but will not be immigrating with us immediately, I have the following questions regarding his visa process:
1. Is his attendance at the visa interview in Abidjan required, even though he isn’t immigrating at this time?
2. Should I prepare his supporting documents (birth certificate, medical examination, etc.) for the interview, or is his inclusion on the DS-260 sufficient for now?
3. Is it necessary to prepare him for the interview given his delayed travel? Will his case still be processed concurrently with ours, or does his non-travel status affect our eligibility?
4. While I understand the general interview requirement, given his unique situation, is his physical presence at the interview and/or submission of supporting documentation mandatory at this stage?
February 15, 2025 at 14:12
1. No, although taking his documents would be wise.
2. See 1.
3. This really depends when you want/expect him to join you.
4. Repetitive.
February 15, 2025 at 14:34
Hi, Sir, need to know about the initial health insurance cost as suggested by you video of october.
February 16, 2025 at 20:39
Costs vary. I suggest you research for your scenario.
February 15, 2025 at 07:48
Hi Brit,
EU26xxx we are months away from even being scheduled but if we do get one, we expect it to be around August or September. The issue is that my wife, who is the principal applicant, has some spots on her lung X-ray. We know that these are not related to TB, and we are planning to prepare thoroughly, including getting a CT scan and all necessary documents before attending the medical exam at Dr. Molnar’s office in Vienna but we acknowledge that no matter what we do they can still tell us that she has to take the sputum test.
Now, if we go to the medical exam in August and, despite all our efforts, a sputum test is still required, it is clear that we would lose our chance of getting a visa due to the processing time of a potential sputum test(6-8 weeks). Do we have to wait for the 2nl to be sent in order to make an appointment to the medical center or can we just make one with our case no? I know it’s a medical issue and your area of expertise but I would really appreciate if you have any prior knowledge on this.
February 15, 2025 at 07:57
*Not your area of expertise
February 15, 2025 at 09:32
You could contact the panel physician and explain the problem and ask if they would allow you to have a “Dry Run” medical at least 3 months in advance in order to get the results early and take treatment. Then you would repeat the medical later. You can ask. It would add to the expense, but it might be a smart thing to do.
February 15, 2025 at 21:57
I am not Brit, but if I was you I would do my medical before becoming current.
The only problem with it that you have to do your activation trip instantly after your interview because the medical is only valid for 6 months.
February 15, 2025 at 07:09
Hi Simon.
I am a derivative applicant and have already submitted my DS-260. Under the “course of study” question for my high school education, I mistakenly wrote “High School” instead of either “Academic” or “Vocational”, as instructed.
Should I request to unlock the form to correct this error?
Thank you!
February 15, 2025 at 09:29
No
February 15, 2025 at 07:01
Hi Simon, your friend Roberto here. Does the new physical presence rule only apply if you already have the interview booked at a Consulate? Let me explain, if I were to move my case to another European Consulate where I will probably be for family reasons this summer (I am a citizen of BOTH countries and have properties in BOTH countries, so how can I get temporary residency right away in the second country), can I already request the KCC to change the Consulate for future “physical presence”, or is it something to do only when you are already handled by a Consulate (interview booked)? Is unlocking DS-260 and changing address always mandatory? Thanks!!
February 15, 2025 at 09:24
The KCC reaction to requests made for current or future physical presence have been variable. The outcome is unpredictable.
February 15, 2025 at 01:38
Hi Simon,
I have case number EU 178XX and expect to become current within the next 2–3 VBs. Looking at embassy data, particularly Frankfurt vs. Paris, I’m a bit concerned about the increase in 221(g) cases in Frankfurt this year. In previous years, the rate around this time was significantly lower. Paris, on the other hand, is scheduling cases up to the VB, but interviews seem to be progressing at a slower pace than in Frankfurt—though with a much lower 221(g) rate.
Since my home country’s interviews are conducted in Paris, but I currently reside in Germany, I have easy access to both embassies without requiring additional documentation. My goal is to avoid a 221(g), especially after May, given the upcoming administrative changes.
1. Do you have any thoughts on transferring my interview from Frankfurt to Paris?
2. Any insights on why Frankfurt’s 221(g) rate has increased? Could it be due to Frankfurt processing more cases from other countries since May 2024?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Best,
Hugo
February 15, 2025 at 09:17
1. If you want to do that you should act in the next couple of weeks, and I have an article that explains how to change embassies.
2. Maybe. But to be perfectly honest I think you are overthinking a small number of cases.
February 14, 2025 at 23:17
Hi Simon , My name is Tilbury CN AF 35.8k I applied for DV 2025 while in Nairobi won got a job in Doha went and transferred my case to the Doha embassy. Last December I lost my job and transferred my case back to Nairobi. Now I have two job offers one in Dubai and another one in Doha . Should I take the job and transfer my case or it will bring complications to my Case ?
Please advice on a better option.
February 15, 2025 at 09:11
Really – these are decisions you have to make for yourself.
February 14, 2025 at 19:40
Hi Simon,
With no movement in the VB for AS, and my 2-year home residency set to be completed in mid-July, my case AS9xxx should be in a perfect position, right?
February 15, 2025 at 09:10
Maybe.
February 14, 2025 at 08:15
Hi Brit,
I’ve just read that Rep. Mike Collins reintroduced and act to stop DV lottery and to eliminate the ability of lottery winners to immediately sponsor their family members.
Here is the link: https://collins.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-mike-collins-reintroduces-security-and-fairness-enhancement-america-act
What do you think, how long would it take, if at all, to go through the congress and which year could be firstly effected?
February 14, 2025 at 14:20
This is about the 4th time he has introduced that bill. There is no point in worrying about it.
February 15, 2025 at 03:11
But this time Republicans have majority in the congress and also it seems like Trump’s administration is more focused this matter, so how long may it take this bill to become a law? And if it becomes a law, then will it affect dv26 processes or it might affect future dv programs?
My concern is about dv 26.
Thank u and I’m waiting for your reply
February 15, 2025 at 09:20
It takes a long time for a bill to pass through committees, pass through both houses and then eventually get signed into law. This bill has had little support before. Really – there is no point in worrying about it.
February 14, 2025 at 05:59
Hi Simon?
Is EU23XXX safe? My wife won the DV lottery.
February 14, 2025 at 14:19
Yes, as long as you are not at Ankara.
February 15, 2025 at 02:33
It’s in Tirana , Albania , Sir!
February 13, 2025 at 20:10
Hi, Simon. The Department of State published the number of DVs issued per country of chargeability in October, November and December 2024, the first 3 months of DV-2025. There were no DVs for the UK, but there were many DVs for European countries of similar population and wealth such as France, Germany and Italy. The two people that I contacted at the Department of State confirmed to me that no one from the UK was selected in DV-2025. One of them explicitly said that the UK was not listed in the visa bulletin because countries with no DVs are not listed at all, rather than listed with a 0 as you thought. They used to list 0 until DV-2022 but not anymore.
So I’m convinced that really no one from the UK was selected. I suppose that the people who told you that they were selected from the UK were born outside the UK or used their spouse’s country of birth, just like you did.
The question is whether the lack of people selected was due to a low number of applicants or an error in the system. European countries of similar population as the UK typically have about 60,000 applicants, all of Europe has about 8 million, and the number of people selected from Europe is about 40,000. With these numbers, the probability that no one from the UK would be selected is (1-60,000/8,000,000)^40,000 = 10^(-131), which is zero in any practical sense. Even if there were just 1,000 applicants from the UK, the probability that no one would be selected is (1-1,000/8,000,000)^40,000 = 0.7%. So this is extremely unlikely. Since DV-2025 was the first time that the UK was eligible, I think that it’s far more likely that whoever programmed the lottery forgot to include applicants from the UK in the pool for the selection.
February 14, 2025 at 08:47
I also concluded this – what, if anything, can be done though? Are we all just waiting in vain again for DV26?
February 14, 2025 at 14:17
You are still making an assumption without information.
February 13, 2025 at 16:44
HELLO SIMON
AF31K GOT SOME FEW QUESTIONS
1 I AM CURRENTLY MANAGING MY OWN BUSINESS IN MY COUNTRY, ON MY DS260 WORK EXPERIENCE I SELECTED BUSINESS INSTEAD OF MANAGER
2 I ALSO IN EDUCATION I SELECTED VOCATIONAL SCHOOL INSTEAD OF SOME UNIVERSITY COURSE
3 I AM ALSO MARRIED BUT MY WIFE LIVES IN THE UK AND DONT HAVE INTREST MIGRATING SO SHOULD I ADD HER TO MY DS260 OR NOT
February 13, 2025 at 17:24
I don’t know your question for 1 and 2.
3. She should be listed on YOUR DS260, but if she is not emigrating also, then she won’t need a ds260 of her own.
February 14, 2025 at 22:52
IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH https://ceac.state.gov/ I REQUESTED TO UNLOCK MY DS260 BUT CANT ACCESS THE PAGE
February 15, 2025 at 09:10
I don’t know.
February 13, 2025 at 14:42
Thank you sir for your informative messaging.. my case number is in Nairobi, Kenya.. AF13xxx. Status says at NVC but i have not received 2nl and i see they have issued 1 visa for 14xxx. What might be the issue?
February 13, 2025 at 17:16
We are just waiting to see NRB scheduling cases. They have caused a delay for some reason.
February 13, 2025 at 14:09
Dear Simon,
I hope this message finds you well.
I have a question regarding the potential ban imposed by President Trump. If and when certain countries are banned in AS or AF for example, would this result in a spillover of visas to other regions, causing an increase in the numbers for those regions on the Visa Bulletin? Or would the impact be limited to the regions where the specific countries are banned?
Thank you for your time and assistance. I truly appreciate all the work you do!
February 13, 2025 at 17:15
Yes, unused visas can be allocated/used by other regions.
February 13, 2025 at 17:48
Thank you, Simon!
Was wondering what happened to Xarthisius’s website, all of the information for DV-23, 24, and 25 is now gone. Will it come back?
February 13, 2025 at 19:13
It is there now.
February 14, 2025 at 11:24
Very strange, it shows all zeroes to me when I enter to any of those years.
February 14, 2025 at 14:20
Check tomorrow after the update tonight.
February 13, 2025 at 11:52
Hi Brit
OC16XX
Is it safe to assume we’ll go current next month?
Thanks!
February 13, 2025 at 17:15
That is likely, although sometimes they repeat a VB number.
February 13, 2025 at 09:15
Hi Simon,
Thanks for everything you do!!
Could you please make a video on the new visa bulletin? There’s absolutely no movement for Asia.. you previously said that till around 20K CNs would be sort of safe.. do you think that’s still valid based on the new bulletin?
February 13, 2025 at 17:13
The prediction I made does not change because of a single VB.
February 13, 2025 at 08:48
Hi simon. Thanks for the good work you do. Case number AF61k. We submitted our DS260 forms, on June 11. When I ask KCC on the progress of processing, am at stage 1. I’ve asked 3 times, but the response is the same. Any reason to worry? We have no travel history, and it’s a family with two adults and a teenager. Am asking because, someone said, that those who submitted in June, have to unlock and resubmit, because there was a technical error with the system, in that month. Thanks again.
February 13, 2025 at 17:12
No need to worry. You can’t be current for months to come, so there is plenty of time.
February 13, 2025 at 03:49
Hello @BritSimons,
Please i have an interview at Accra Consulate in March and want to confirm if the Affidavit for Financial Support (Form I-134) is required to be submitted by DV selectees.
i sent an email to the Accra Consulate and they responded referring me to focus on the documents indicated in the Accra Consulate website.
Please advise me thank you
February 13, 2025 at 17:11
I cannot give you a definitive answer. It is somewhat case specific.
February 13, 2025 at 01:38
Hello, thanks for all of your amazing resources! I’m in the Oceania region, Sydney consulate, and my number just became active in the March bulletin. I’ve scoured your FAQ section. But can’t find answers to below questions.
1) I’ve already met with my GP to get my existing official vaccination records in order. I also shared the full required vaccinations list (from travel.state.gov website) with my GP. My GP explained that for some of the things on the list the approved physician will likely just check for antibodies via the blood panel during the medical exam. With others they may want to deliver a new vaccination. I want to prepare as best as I can for the Medical Exam, and therefore want to get as many of the required vaccines done prior to my Medical Exam, as it will cost less getting them done at my GP’s practice. I’ve already read all the Medical Examinations FAQs from travel.state.gov website. And I’ve also read all of Medical Exam questions for the Sydney consulate. My question: are there any resources online that go into more detail about vaccines in relation to the Medical Exam?
2) I will need to travel to Sydney from a different city for my Medical Exam and interview. I’m a bit in the dark about how long I may need to be in Sydney after my interview concludes. I understand that every case is different and anything can happen, not book flights immediately after the interview etc etc etc. But just trying to get a rough gauge for how long I will need to be in Sydney in total. My question: assuming everything goes well with my interview, typically how many business days after the interview until I get my passport back?
Thanks!
February 13, 2025 at 17:10
1. Not that I know of.
2. Generally, people travel home after the interview, and wait for the passport there. It might only take a few days, but the process can vary.
February 12, 2025 at 21:04
Hello. I hope you are doing well. I have a question regarding my U.S. tax residency status for 2025, and I would greatly appreciate your insights.
I won the Diversity Visa Lottery and entered the United States on January 2025, using my Green Card won. However, I am considering spending only a few months in the U.S. this year and may return to France around May 2025. I plan to stay in France for a maximum of 5 months as I still have my business and apartment there. I would like to remain a tax resident in my country for 2025.
I came across an IRS rule that states that a person can claim a “closer connection” to a foreign country if they spend less than 183 days in the US in the current year and prove their connection to the foreign country (which is my case). The rule state also : When you cannot claim closer connection to a foreign country = You had an application pending for adjustment of status to Lawful Permanent Resident during the year.
Since I did not actively apply for my Green Card but simply won it through the lottery, would I still be considered a U.S. tax resident for 2025 under this rule? Or is there any way I could maintain my French tax residency instead?
Thank you in advance for your time and clarification.
Best regards,
February 12, 2025 at 22:18
These are questions for an accountant.
February 12, 2025 at 14:37
Hi I had my son filled as a derivative when filling the dv. my son don’t live with me nor I have any files of him like birth certificate. I have filled on the ds 260 that he won’t be traveling with me now or at a later time.his ds260 form remains incomplete..I have received an embassy appointment date now. My question is on pre-screening day after medical am supposed to bring files to the embassy and this is on the list. [Original or certified copies of birth certificates for all children of the principal applicant (even if he or she is not accompanying)] would this affect my case
February 12, 2025 at 16:03
I would take documents in case you are asked. It should not be a problem though.
February 12, 2025 at 13:49
Hello Brit,
65xxx in Madagascar, Africa
What do you think are my chances
February 12, 2025 at 16:02
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2025-prediction-videos/
February 12, 2025 at 11:22
Hey Simon,
I have already messaged you a few weeks ago. I’m not sure if you remember me. I am from Germany, CN 13k and I am current now. I emailed KCC a few times in the past and they told me my forms are still processing. I followed your advice and kept waiting patiently. But today KCC again told me I am still Stage 1 even though I am current now. Since I already submitted in June 2024 and really I do not have anything special in my DS260, just a typical boring life 😭 I am really concerned that there is a technical issue with my case. I heard some other people also were stuck at Stage 1 and after unlocking and resubmitting they went to Stage 2. I usually dont want to do this for no reason because I have no reason to unlock but I am really really concerned and worried this is making me so upset, I dont know what to do.
Appreciating any help or advice from you!
Thank you!
February 12, 2025 at 11:52
My advice would be to wait, but if you unlock that won’t cause harm.
February 12, 2025 at 12:09
Thank you for your reply. I am really sorry to keep asking you the same question, I really dont wanna bother you in any way. Its just I am really concerned. Usually I would never consider to unlock for no reason. My problem is no matter what I email to KCC I always get the same standard Stage 1 template. I know they only send templates but this makes me even more desperate since I dont get any real answer to my questions and dont know if everything is okay with my case..
February 12, 2025 at 11:14
Hi Brit,
EU26xxx here. Since the cutoff for April is 16K, will this change your previous forecast? Can I become current in as early as July or no chance?
February 12, 2025 at 11:51
The 16k agrees with my forecast. As for exact timing – wait and see.
February 12, 2025 at 01:44
Hello Brit,
I am from Afg my case no AS10.5k do you see any chance to get my 2nl in Islamabad embassy Pakistan?
February 12, 2025 at 11:47
Yes
February 12, 2025 at 00:19
Hello SIMON
you are doing an amazing job
Cansidering that jump for Iran.
Can we expect the US embassy in Ankara to issue more cases for iranian aplicants thus giving the turkish aplicants less chance. As A result the number of cases for Europe region to go higher?
February 12, 2025 at 11:45
It’s only one month, I don’t think that changes the trajectory much.
February 11, 2025 at 21:45
Dear Brit!
AS121xx
I’m really Appreciate your DV related advices. I watched and understand your prediction about As region. Due to this non moving VB , I’m planning to give up dv25. Because my CN somewhat high in the region. Nepal & Iran density high. CLM embassy is doing well this year, but there is huge loss because no interviews in April month . Any way acquired good knowledge from your contents. Thank you for your support come to this stage of DV process.
February 11, 2025 at 22:45
Hi Breat,
As Jas has mentioned above, I m supposing to do the same unwillingly. I’m too in Sri Lanka, and my case number is a bit higher than her AS 122** .Even though Sri Lanka embessy is doing well in this year no move in the visa bulletin for April. Last year world visa bulletin worked well but not the embessy so only 10,000 people get interviewed. This year, the other way around, embessy is working well but not the visa bulletin. Thanks a lot for your kind support. If there is no one like you we won’t know the truth this much early.
February 11, 2025 at 22:46
Patience.
February 11, 2025 at 22:45
I’m not sure why you think you should give up.
February 11, 2025 at 23:09
Dear Brit !
Actually I know the impact of higher CN reality.
1. Non moving slow VB impact to our interviews anyway.
2. We can’t sure about the embassy capacity in upcoming months. ( Upto now CLM doing well )
So these are the main reasons for my decision.
February 11, 2025 at 20:35
Hello sir, i hope you are doing fine thanks for the update concerning the visa bulletin for April interview,
i just want to confirm if i will receive 2nl this month because i have been current for very long time and my case number AF11xxx Freetown embassy and the have already started interview the first batch of 2nl the sent and the do not send 2nl on January so is there any hope for them to send 2nl this month for April interview.
KCC reply to me i Quoat, your case is ready to be scheduled, KCC will no longer unlock your application.
thanks may God bless you and your family.
February 11, 2025 at 22:44
You just have to wait and see.
February 11, 2025 at 18:22
Hi there, have just gone current in Oceania for April and reviewed my DS-260.
It says:
“Provide the following information on all educational institutions at a secondary level or above you have attended”
I have 3 tertiary degrees (Bachelor, Master, Graduate Diploma) but I have not included my high-school diploma since I’ve interpreted “or above” to mean either at a secondary level or higher. Do you know if this is correct?
If I need to update the DS-260 should I contact KCC immediately to unlock it or contact the embassy once it’s arrived? What can you reccomend?
Thanks 🙂
February 11, 2025 at 22:40
You should have listed education from age 11 or 12. However, no need to edit it now.
February 11, 2025 at 23:52
So it should be fine provided I can provide the original high school certificate? Should I let them know at the consulate if I get an interview? Thanks for your time, you’ve been very helpful since finding you on YouTube last May.
February 12, 2025 at 11:45
Yes, take proof of education for all levels back to 11/12. That will be fine.
February 11, 2025 at 16:08
Hello Sir Simon, DV winner from AS region here. I’m just wondering what your prediction might be for AS this 2025 because it’s only 6000 so far till April. My case number is around 12XXX
February 11, 2025 at 17:11
I posted videos for my final cutoff predictions for each region.
February 11, 2025 at 11:11
Hi Simon, I’m 2025Af34xxx.
Embassy is MRV, Liberia.
Is my case number saved?
Do you think there will an increase in the upcoming Visa bulletin?
February 11, 2025 at 13:25
Your number is fine. Yes the next VB will increase.
February 11, 2025 at 04:30
Hi Simon,
I hope and pray Ghana embassy does not disappoint us this year. I am 2025AF25xxx.
February 11, 2025 at 02:13
Hi Simon
Dv2024 winner here, my green card arrived this week. Huge thanks for all the resources and help you’ve provided.
The process was pretty hectic in my case:
-didn’t expect to be scheduled until last bulletin
– had to get police certificates from 3 countries
– had to do a last minute trip to get police certificate again because it was over 1 year old at the time)
– talking to two lawyers throughout it
But it would have been way worse without your help. I remember going to my interview and finding out a guy that was unprepared (5 year old police certificate, only realized that he’s selected from 2NL, thought he could bring his fiance late) and later through xarthisius charts I found out he got put on 221g(rejected since it was September interview, small embassy so I knew for sure).
February 11, 2025 at 10:57
Congrats on the arrival of the GC. Best of luck in the USA!
February 13, 2025 at 11:41
nobody gets to know they are just selected via 2nl , you will need to submit ds form before 2nl
also police certificate expires after two years unless you did re-enter the country
February 11, 2025 at 02:11
Hello Simon
My VISA got approved last week. am planning to move to the US not later than May (Is it too late?). since i am moving to Michigan and planning to join trucking industry there, will it be a good choice?
Lastly, do i need to find Driving license in my country to travel with it?
February 11, 2025 at 10:55
Trucking in Michigan is a choice.
Yes you should be prepared to show your DL here, even though you will probably need to take driving tests again, and truck drivers typically have to also pass additional license exams.
February 11, 2025 at 11:31
About the time that i am planning to travel, am i at risk?
February 11, 2025 at 13:25
Not that I know of.
February 11, 2025 at 00:33
Hello, Simon.
In one of your videos, you mentioned that if a person hasn’t finished their affairs in their home country, they can travel back every six months to maintain their Green Card.
I have a similar situation: my case number is EU24XXX, and I am currently a third-year university student. My move to the U.S. would fall during my fourth year, but I want to complete my studies in my home country.
How often should I enter the U.S., and for how long (a week, a month) to avoid raising concerns with the border officer?
February 11, 2025 at 10:47
There is no minimum time.
February 10, 2025 at 22:24
Hi Simon,
I’ve seen your “How to assess your embassy performance” video and did a quick analysis. I first determined the top 25 consulates that issued the EU visas in DV2024 and checked whether they are backlogged in DV-2025. Tashkent has a minor backlog (I guess less relevant as Uzbekistan has a separate VB cutoff), Yerevan has a substantial backlog, and unsurprisingly Ankara has a large backlog. Besides these consulates, Montreal also has a minor backlog, but the total number of EU visas issued by MTL is not that large so I am thinking it doesn’t affect the VB cutoffs too much. Past DV years show us that ANK backlog doesn’t keep the VB from moving so I doubt means much, either. I have three questions:
1) If I understood correctly you’ve said the reduced number of 2nls indicates a decrease in demand rather than a decrease in capacity. Wouldn’t decreased demand be against the general trend in a given DV year? I thought the program is slow in the beginning and picks up later in the year.
2) No backlog combined with decreased demand signals faster VB progression. Is this correct?
3) While most embassies have scheduled cases up to 13000, some of them have a large number of cases in the 10000 – 11000 range that have not been issued (e.g. DHB, WRW). Could this mean there will be interviews for cases in that range spilling over to March and therefore negatively affecting the capacity of the embassy?
Thank you!
February 11, 2025 at 10:44
1. I think you may be taking my comment out of context. Some embassies have small demand, and therefore small number of 2NLs.
2. Yes – but the VB is regional.
3. Yes, each month there will be a number of interview slots taken by cases that were already current before the VB.
February 11, 2025 at 11:35
Thanks for the responses. So for my first question, I was talking about embassies that issued a high number of 2nls in the first 5 months, but have a reduced number of 2nls for March. For example, WRW issued 521 2nls for the first 5 months, so 104 per month on average. They’ve then issued 2NLs twice in January (for March) totaling 50 2NLs. WRW isn’t backlogged when it comes to scheduling (though it has some “issuance” backlog). So I’m trying to understand the reason behind this sudden drop. Assuming it’s not a drop in the capacity, why would the demand in WRW be suddenly lower in March given WRW usually has a high demand?
February 11, 2025 at 13:28
Demand won’t lower unless affected by an except OR a limited country “cliff”.
The embassy sets capacity month to month based on various factors including staffing, local holidays and so on.
But the whole regional VB number isn’t usually driven based on a single embassy…
February 11, 2025 at 13:50
Got it! So the drop in the 2NLs we’re observing for WRW is related to the embassy setting up a lower capacity for whatever reason. By the way, WRW is just an example. Pretty much every single large EU region embassy have issued a number of 2NLs for March that is lower than their previous 5 month average. If capacity has indeed been lowered, than in a couple of hours we’ll see a very small increase in VB.
February 11, 2025 at 16:13
Well, being wrong never felt better…
February 11, 2025 at 17:12
LOL.
February 10, 2025 at 16:31
Hi brit , in the chart there is an option (NVC) , for exemple between 0 and 2000 CN we have 14,5% at NVC in AF region , so i dont understand what that mean
February 11, 2025 at 10:42
NVC is the status shown for any case that has not been scheduled.
February 12, 2025 at 02:46
Yes . But it was supposed to be ready for the interview. So these cases will remain as they are and will not be treated. Why ? Are these real cases or like hole ?
February 12, 2025 at 11:48
Various reasons why. Some people never complete the DS260…
February 10, 2025 at 13:01
I have 2 people who want to fill my i-134 forms
Can i present more than two i-134 forms??
February 10, 2025 at 13:32
No. The person completing the form must meet the financial requirements by a formula. You only need one form like that.
February 10, 2025 at 12:46
Hello brit my visa was approved on monday february 3 but out of excitement o failed to listen when i should collect my visa as i checked my ceac status it showed issued any help to know the date
February 10, 2025 at 13:31
I don’t know what your particular embassy will do.
February 10, 2025 at 09:06
Hi Simon
Let’s talk about GV visas ,we have seen from Filip extract ,they issued 2900 last year 2024 and demand will surely decrease as time goes (so if variables were kept constant as last year we could see them issued lower).
And, this year with the USAID being dismantled , correct if I’m wrong but employee of this agency could qualify for GV visa
Will this be a reason of maybe we could see less of GV issued and maybe DV surpassing 52K
Just trying to see how those two factors can couple together to bring an effect
Thank you
February 10, 2025 at 11:36
No. The GV visas issued from LAST YEAR impact the quota for THIS YEAR. 52k is the number.
February 10, 2025 at 04:32
Hi Simon. I am considering changing Dublin embassy. I checked their performance and it is terrible have only had 3cases so far.I might be looking at it wrong. Please advice
February 10, 2025 at 11:35
It’s a quiet embassy, so your assessment is probably incorrect.
February 10, 2025 at 03:13
Hi BritSimon. It seems that my last message has not been submitted. Let me please repeat it again. My case number is EU202534K(Yerevan).
During your last session, it became apparent that Tbilisi might be one of the best embassies so far in terms of capacity, and even if future months require scheduling more interviews the embassy has the resources to do it. In contrast, the Yerevan embassy currently has a backlog, and it’s uncertain whether this will ease over time or will be the same as in the last year.
Based on past data:
• Tbilisi: Processed up to ~34,000 cases in DV2024 but around ~22,000 in DV2023.
• Yerevan: Processed up to ~32,000 cases in DV2023 but only ~22,000 in DV2024.
Given these trends
1. would it be reasonable to assume that Yerevan is unlikely to surpass Tbilisi in clearing backlogs?
2. If I change the embassy from Yerevan to Tbilisi and if the final Visa Bulletin in July makes CN 35,000 current, would transferring my case to Tbilisi give me chances of being scheduled an interview there? In other words, if Tbilisi remains free of a backlog throughout the year and my case number becomes current in the final visa bulletin, is there any chance that my case might still not be scheduled by the Tbilisi embassy?
3. Was Tbilisi also free of backlog last year? If so, why did it only process up to case number 34,000? Was this the highest case number in the EU for DV2024, or did Tbilisi simply have fewer cases to schedule? (I just want to understand the logic better)
4. And also how many times is it acceptable to email KCC to request a change of embassy?
I appreciate all the guidance you provide and would be grateful for your thoughts on these points.
February 10, 2025 at 11:33
1. Unpredictable.
2. It is too early to make such assumptions, and with your case number there is high likelihood it won’t matter anyway.
3. The final VB was ridiculous. Very few cases were scheduled at the high number ranges and neither the capacity nor visas justified the final VB.
4. Well they are generally not cooperative with those requests, so multiple request will probably cause frustration on their part.
February 11, 2025 at 00:12
Based on your answers, can I assume that the most likely option for my case number is AOS?
February 11, 2025 at 10:46
No, to be perfectly blunt, the most likely outcome is that you won’t get a greencard, no matter where or how you plan to process.
February 11, 2025 at 14:55
this is a great episode))
February 9, 2025 at 20:35
Hi Simon,
Firstly – thank you for all you do and the wealth of information you provide that has made this process less stressful, you and Xarthisius are amazing.
I’m 2025 selectee from New Zealand, 2025OC13**.
I’ve seen occasional mention of form I-134 in your videos, particularly an older video on the interview process you showed one person’s experience as having been put into 221g because they hadn’t pre-filled in the I-134. Is this an old requirement, or perhaps only required if an applicant cannot show how they intend to support themselves?
I haven’t seen any mention of needing form I-134 throughout my application, DS-260, and list of documents for consular interview. I do not have a sponsor and am prepared to show evidence of how we will support ourselves in the US.
Thank you
Belinda
February 10, 2025 at 11:27
The I-134 is still used, but in general, Aussies and Kiwis are not asked to provide it since they are typically financially secure, AND are known to be great couch surfers.
February 9, 2025 at 16:41
Hi Brit,
Looking at the VB, is there any possible miracle chance for 2025OC30XX ?
February 9, 2025 at 18:38
Honestly, no.
February 9, 2025 at 15:51
Hi Sir
I am a 2024 DV Winner and in the US now, my visa agent while filling my DS260 had stated that i was never deported from any country. But i was in 2018 from Australia (no crimes committed) i was asked to leave the country from the airport because they had good reasons to believe that i was not a genuine entrant (Visitor Visa). How was this not picked up by NVC. Are US and Australia not linked when sharing info. Thanks
February 9, 2025 at 18:37
I dont know how your fraud wasn’t discovered.
February 9, 2025 at 19:36
Deportation and refusal of admission of entry are two different things.
February 9, 2025 at 13:27
Hello Simon
is there still a DS260 backlog in processing? Is there a cutoff? Some cases who submitted early still were in processing state currently.
Would appreciate ur thoughts on this.
Thank you!
February 9, 2025 at 14:51
I believe there is still some backlog, but it should be completed within a month or two at most.
February 9, 2025 at 18:28
Hope you are doing well sir Simon,
I have a question on whether i should change my embassy from Delhi to Mumbai sir.
I have seen there was not been a single case number handled my Delhi embassy for 2025.
Please guide me on this.
February 9, 2025 at 18:38
Cases in India are handled at Mumbai.
February 9, 2025 at 23:13
Thank you. Do you know if the backlog is being processed in a order? Like I mean if people are already current or get current in the upcoming VB, that KCC will try to process these cases first?
February 10, 2025 at 11:29
Depends what you mean by “process”.
DS260s are processed, and whilst the precise nuances of processing may have changed, there is still some advantage based on date of submission.
Once DS260s are processed, cases are move to AV status in a numerical order once per month. They then keep that numerical order.
February 10, 2025 at 12:34
Sorry, I was just wondering why some cases are still processing, even they had been filed in the first month or two after the results came out. Since this would already be almost 8 months of processing time.
February 10, 2025 at 13:31
Some cases take longer than others. Some take a very long time.
February 9, 2025 at 04:32
Hi Brit, 2025EU28xxx Italy/Naples has any chance?
February 9, 2025 at 14:50
Maybe.
February 8, 2025 at 17:13
Hi Simon
I have a question Please,
What if my husband entry gets and invitation this year with my son and I included, and my husband processes a divorce in April 2025.
Can I no longer be part of that invitation?
Thank you
Paula
February 9, 2025 at 14:49
If you are divorced by the time of interview you cannot be a derivative.
February 11, 2025 at 19:16
Sorry Simon
I ment if his DV entry is one of the selected entries for May 3 , 2025.
And he goes through with the divorce in April 2025. Can we still proceed with the application form for invitation?
Or will this entry no long be excepted.
February 11, 2025 at 22:42
He can proceed, but as divorced.
February 12, 2025 at 01:11
He can proceed but will I be illegible to also be part of that application if I’m not longer his wife
February 12, 2025 at 11:46
Yes of course you can’t benefit without being married.
February 8, 2025 at 08:28
Hi brit!
Thanks A lot for Your efforts
1)My case number is 2025eu322xx when do you think is the best time to do medical check(Considering that I have got none of those 4 serieous diseases that you talked about)?
2)And also I am in A foreign country I dont have permenent residency here. Can I get my medical check here?
3) How much bank balance is particularly enogh to show the officer at interveiw?
February 9, 2025 at 14:48
1. Only when you get the 2NL.
2. Yes
3. $10K per person.
FYI your number is high and therefore at risk.
February 8, 2025 at 08:23
Hi Brit,
My wife is the winner of the lottery and when filled out the DS260 form she was working but in November she retired and is now a retiree. Could that be a reason to unlock the DS or since it is a normal life event should we just mention it during the interview?
February 9, 2025 at 14:47
No need to unlock.
February 8, 2025 at 05:23
Hi, Brit Simon. My case number is AF2025****10010 in Ghana. My case is ready for interview scheduling, so I got an email from yesterday that I should be informed that my visa appointment has been scheduled but have gone through the processes but can’t proceed from the last stage. It says it can’t proceed and keeps on refreshing itself.
February 8, 2025 at 17:14
Follow this steps is quite simple
1. https://www.usvisaappt.com/
2. Select Ghana below
3. Login
4. Select New user & sign up
5. The system will then send you an email with your user activation link which you should use within 72 hours.( to create an account)
After logging in and reaching your User Dashboard, please click on the “Pending Appointment Request” button, follow the instructions to complete personal details of all the applicants register your documents delivery method, and confirm your appointment.
February 13, 2025 at 03:51
hello Kwami …… i have completed mine so get in touch ([email protected])
February 14, 2025 at 07:05
I WILL BE GRATEFUL IF I CAN HAVE YOUR NUMBER.I AM FROM GHANA
February 9, 2025 at 14:47
You have to be more clear.
February 15, 2025 at 03:01
Please during the draw process, do they compile all the entries made by each country and make the draw once or on daily entry basis.
In one of your video you were saying during the draw process they chose some number range and select some certain %
So please assuming if they are selecting 1000 from Ghana in the whole draw process and I’m on number range of entry like 25000, does that mean it would not reach my number for selection if they are drawing from a cutoff number like 15000.
February 15, 2025 at 09:18
The draw is by region, not country. I have videos that explain the whole draw process in detail if you are interested in the workings.