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May 6, 2025 at 23:42
Thank you for your tireless efforts in providing valuable information and guidance to DV Lottery applicants. I recently came across your post on X highlighting a potential flaw in the DV2026 Diversity Visa Lottery draws, where applicants from Great Britain, despite being eligible, appear not to have been selected.
This is deeply concerning, especially given the U.S. Department of State’s published results for DV2026, which do not list the UK among the selectees, despite its eligibility for the first time (excluding Northern Ireland). I understand from your updates that the published selectee numbers (131,060) do not include UK applicants, and you’ve noted this as a recurring mistake by the government.
I have a few questions regarding this issue:
In your opinion, how likely is it that the KCC would acknowledge this error and cancel the current list of winners to conduct a second draw to ensure fairness for UK applicants?
If a second draw were to occur, what would be the implications for those already selected in DV2026? I recall from previous discussions that a similar situation led to lawsuits when original winners lost their chance in a redraw.
What steps do you recommend for UK applicants who were not selected to push for an investigation by the State Department or KCC? Should they contact the KCC directly at [email protected] or seek other avenues?
Based on your expertise, do you believe the KCC or State Department is likely to address this publicly, or might they avoid acknowledging the mistake, as suggested in some discussions?
Your insights would be greatly appreciated, as this issue affects many hopeful applicants from Great Britain. Thank you again for your dedication to supporting the DV community.
May 7, 2025 at 09:29
In my opinion, it will be challenging to get the mistake admitted to, or rectified. It would probably take a lawsuit, for which a person needs to show how they have been harmed. But that lawsuit would be very costly, and people bringing the lawsuit would be asking for a 100 to 1 shot of being selected – so paying for a lawsuit is hard to justify for an individual.
The published results of 131060 selectees was from DV2025. DV2026 results (selectees per country) have not been published yet.
I have some ideas on how the situation could be rectified that do not include a redraw. But I’ll leave that speculation there.
May 6, 2025 at 20:26
Hello sir from Nepal
My case number is around 10.3k but my wife is pregnant of initial phase recently. Will it affect our process or not ?? Please reply sir 🙏
May 6, 2025 at 22:52
Babies do not negatively impact DV cases.
May 6, 2025 at 17:54
Hi Simon. Thank you so much for this useful website. I currently work on my DS260. I have a question about the address history: I have lived at one address for 2 years, then moved to a different address (staying there for 1 year), then moved to another different address (again for 1 year) and then moved back to my first address where I am still living now.
I entered my current address into the DS260 as required.
Since, as explained, I have lived at this address already before (2 years ago), I am wondering if I should include this address twice in the DS260 (one time – as I did – as my current address and then in addition as one of my previous addresses in the address history).
Sorry if that might be totally irrelevant/stupid question, I am just trying not to make any mistake. Would be great if you have an advice on that. Thank you.
May 6, 2025 at 22:51
Include it twice.
May 6, 2025 at 17:38
Hi Simon,
I am staying in Afghanistan and My current selected embassy is Islamabad and want to change it to Riyad, as I am not staying either in Islamabad or Riyad, should i still unlock ds 260 for charge of address , because my address is the same Afghanistan. I will travel to Islamabad or Riyad after receiving 2nl.
Please let me know what should be done in this case?
May 6, 2025 at 22:50
As an Afghan you have a special situation. You can simply email KCC asking for the embassy your want.
May 6, 2025 at 16:00
Hi Simon,
Given the situation with the UK being potentially being left out of DV lottery, I have a quick question. I applied this year as a British citizen and wasn’t selected. My dad is Serbian and was born in Serbia, however my mom was born in the UK. This year (DV 2027) , can I apply with Serbia as my charging county due to my dad being born there or is the case that I won’t be able to because my mom was born in the UK.
I just want to know if I have any other options since the UK seem to be unfairly disadvantaged at the moment.
May 6, 2025 at 16:41
Assuming your place of birth is the UK, you cannot claim the exception through parents since your mother was born there.
May 6, 2025 at 15:56
Hello
I am from Turkey. When we fill school information. Should we write original school name in Turkish or should we use English translation of it or both okay?
Thank you
May 6, 2025 at 16:41
Both is OK
May 6, 2025 at 15:41
SM
May 6, 2025 at 14:30
Is it okay to use previously entered photo for next dv lottery draw?
Or get new one for each new draw?
Thank You!
May 6, 2025 at 14:34
New one each draw, just like the instructions say…
May 6, 2025 at 15:47
Hi Simon,
DV2025 winner here from Kenya. I got my DS-260 unlocked and tried updating my DS-260 to change location from Nairobi to South Africa but am unable. Am not current on the VB .
Wondering what the problem could be and how to proceed to switch interview location. Any pointers on how to proceed with location change?
Thanks
May 6, 2025 at 16:43
As I have explained in the article below, you cannot change the embassy selected in the DS260. Read the article.
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-change-embassies/
May 6, 2025 at 12:33
Hi Simon, I’m the winner of the 2026 Diversity Visa. I noticed that the birth place on my passport is written as “Arsi Negelle,” while my birth certificate lists it as “ Negelle Arsi.” The place name was changed over time, but it refers to the same location. Could this lead to rejection during the visa process?
May 6, 2025 at 12:39
Very unlikely to cause a problem
May 6, 2025 at 11:08
My family has case 2025AS23xxx.
It is obvious that if they become current it will be because of a big jump in numbers this coming July like what happened last July.
Their embassy is RID, which is preforming excellently.
Strategy help?
I think they need to have visitor visas and be prepared to try to adjust status if their number becomes current, but maybe this isn’t necessary in embassies that perform well? What are your thoughts?
May 6, 2025 at 12:07
As you ay – it is a high number. If RID does well, then that should be good. No need for other strategies.
May 8, 2025 at 09:23
Thank you. I was worried that if a huge jump in numbers occurs during the last month that even well-performing embassies wouldn’t be able to process all of the current numbers and thought there should be a Plan B.
May 8, 2025 at 11:10
Well for AOS, there are challenges anyway, and for consular processing RID is as good a gamble as anywhere else. Of course – we can’t fully see the future…
May 6, 2025 at 10:51
I was selected for DV-2025 with case number 2025AS000022XX (Asia region, from Jordan). Unfortunately, I didn’t check my status until recently and only submitted my DS-260 in May 2025. I later requested an unlock to correct a small error, and I’ve now resubmitted the form.
Given that my case number is quite low — and became current several months ago — do I still have a realistic chance of being scheduled before the fiscal year ends?
Are there any additional steps you’d recommend I take now to help my chances?
Thanks so much for everything you share.
May 6, 2025 at 12:06
Yes you have a chance of being scheduled. DS260 processing at this time of year can be quite fast. So – once you are processed, you will be added to the queue and your low number will give you an advantage within that batch of cases being added to the queue. Since Amman has no backlog, that puts you in a good position.
May 6, 2025 at 12:20
I sent an email to the KCC after they unlocked my application, and they told me that my DS-260 has been processed.
Hopefully I’ll get an interview soon, thanks again Brit.
May 6, 2025 at 10:12
Hi Mr Brits,
I’m new here and I was selected for the 2026 DV with case number 2026AF00018010.
I’m a female Cameroon aged 17 years 9 months and currently studying Biomedical Science at the Catholic University in my second year.
Pls I have the following questions which I wish I assist me with ur expertise…
1. Is it a good and comfortable number and do I need to fill the DS260 form immediately and submit or wait till I turn 18 in August?
2. Can I input anew email when feeling the Ds260 form considering that I have forgotten the email I used in registering for the DV?
3. After filling the DS260 form, what next pls?
3. Is it early to predict when I could be invited for interview?
I’m asking because I should be graduating from university by June 2026.
4. Lastly pls, once issued a DV lottery visa, what’s the maximum duration given for one to enter the USA?
Thanks so much for the work U ve been doing.
May 6, 2025 at 10:33
1. It’s fine and you can submit now.
2. Yes
3. Waiting for your number to become current – probably for an interview around November/December.
4. 6 months from the date of the medical. If you want to delay a few months so that you interview around March (and complete your studies first), that would be fine to delay DS260 submission for 2 or 3 months from now.
May 6, 2025 at 17:11
Thanks so much, I’m grateful.🙏🙏🙏
May 6, 2025 at 09:29
Hi simon, my case number 2025AS11k Islamabad embassy. Can I change my embassy if get current next current but haven’t received 2nl yet?, i want to go for Riyad embassy, please let me know which is the right time should I wait these 6 days or should I try it right now.
May 6, 2025 at 10:05
If you want to change, it is better to change before you become current. Like 100x better.
May 6, 2025 at 09:13
Hi!
I am a DV2026 selectee with case number EU452xx.
I understand that it is quite unlikely that I get the chance for an interview.
I am German, my embassy is Frankfurt but I currently live in Spain.
Would it make any difference if I would ask to have the interview in Madrid?
Thank you!
May 6, 2025 at 09:21
No – your biggest risk is that your high case number doesn’t become current. If you do become current, either embassy would probably be OK, but since it is a year away, you will be able to think about that nearer the time with more up to date information.
May 6, 2025 at 09:22
Please add your number on the poll
https://dv26poll.xarthisius.xyz/
May 6, 2025 at 09:07
Hi Simon,
my question is whenever i entered the information to check the result if i win or not.
it keeps saying the information you entered is not valid.
i type it again and it is saying the same.
do you know anything about this.?
Thank you, Simon,
May 6, 2025 at 09:10
Yes – you are making a mistake – watch this video
https://youtu.be/F1pRNHN1WAA
May 6, 2025 at 08:06
I am seeking your expert advice regarding my son’s DV 2025 selection. Here are the key details of his case:
-He is a Nepali citizen.
-He is currently in the USA on an F-1 student visa.
-His DV case number is AS13XXX, which I understand is relatively high and may become current only toward the end of the fiscal year.
-He previously studied in Qatar and still holds a valid Qatar residence permit until the end of 2026.
-His immediate family (parents and brother) reside in Qatar.
We are considering the safest and least risky path forward for processing, What would be your recommendation ?
-Adjustment of Status (AOS) in the USA if the case becomes current.
-Consular Processing in Qatar — since he holds a residence permit and we (his family) are based here.
-Consular Processing in Nepal, which is his home country and may be more straightforward.
Given the high case number and late chance of it becoming current, we want to minimize any risk of missing the DV deadline (Sept 30, 2025).
We would highly appreciate your guidance on the best course of action based on your experience.
May 6, 2025 at 09:00
Well the first problem is the case number. I am actually very surprised that any case chargeable to Nepal has such a high number. Is there a reason for that, such as he was chargeable to some other country?
As Nepal has an except number, his number may not get current. If it does get current, there is risk in all methods. You are going to have to decide a strategy and focus on that – but it is a decision that you must make for yourself. All the three options are possible and all carry some risk.
May 6, 2025 at 07:51
Hello Brit,
I am an Algerian university student currently living in France, but I do not have a valid residence permit at the moment. Recently, I received an OQTF (Obligation to Leave French Territory) because my application for regularization was rejected by the prefecture. I have contested the OQTF, and I’m now waiting for a decision from the administrative court, scheduled for October 2025.
My questions are:
Should I mention this situation in my DS-260 form?
In my passport, I have an old Schengen tourist visa (from 2018) that I didn’t respect — it’s the visa I used to enter France before becoming a student. Should I renew my passport to avoid issues, or is it better to keep it and be transparent?
Do you advise me to return to Algeria and attend the DV interview there, or try to do it from France? I’m worried that I might not have a valid residence permit in France by the time of the interview, but I’m also afraid that if I go back to Algeria, I could lose my chances in both Europe and the U.S.
Thank you so much.
May 6, 2025 at 08:52
Disrespecting immigration laws is never a good idea. However, you must decide what to do, I cannot be sure what affects this could have on the DV case.
May 6, 2025 at 06:58
Hi Simon, I won DV 2026 with case number Af98xx, is it a good case number? When will I be able to fill out the DS-260 form?
May 6, 2025 at 07:02
Good number, complete the DS260 now.
May 6, 2025 at 06:12
Is sydney consulate fast with processing? I’m in eu passport holder but I’m based in Australia so my interview will be there
May 6, 2025 at 06:39
It’s fine.
May 6, 2025 at 05:22
hi Brit,
Is it possible to make calculations for the announced numbers and how many numbers are left of 55000.
May 6, 2025 at 05:25
Yes – we have all the data – here:
https://dvcharts.xarthisius.xyz/ceacFY25.html
May 6, 2025 at 03:18
Hi Simon I won DV 2026 with case number 10xxx from Europe, is it a good case number? Do I have a high chance to get called for an interview ?
May 6, 2025 at 05:24
Good number.
May 6, 2025 at 02:45
Is it okay to use previously entered photo for next dv lottery draw?
Or get new one for each new draw?
Thank You!
May 6, 2025 at 02:48
Any updates about 2nd draw for dv2026?
Thank You!
May 6, 2025 at 05:23
The results are out.
May 6, 2025 at 04:17
Could you not publish my previous question I entered my full name by accident
May 6, 2025 at 05:24
I fixed the name.
May 6, 2025 at 05:23
The instructions make clear the photo should be less than 6 months old when you enter.
May 6, 2025 at 02:39
Hello Simon, when I submitted my initial DV Lottery entry, I mistakenly reversed my first name and last name. However, in the DS-260 form, I will enter my name exactly as it appears in my passport. Should I mention this discrepancy somewhere in the form or as a note, or will it not cause any issues?
May 6, 2025 at 05:22
The name should be entered correctly in the ds260 – there is no place to mention that apart from that. There is some risk of denial, but in general they ignore simple mistakes if they are corrected in the ds260
May 6, 2025 at 01:49
Greetings Simon.
My friend has been selected for a green card process.
He has a partner and children but he is not legally married.
And he doesn’t remember if he included his family or not.
He does not remember any information he has given,
How should we fill the DS260 and what are the risks?
May 6, 2025 at 05:21
If he left the children off the entry he will be disqualified. If he included them, they will already be listed when he opens his DS260 site.
May 5, 2025 at 23:36
Hi Simon, my case nymber is 2026AF97XXX and I live in USA F1 should I fill the DS260 or wait?
May 5, 2025 at 23:48
Your number is very high, so I suggest you wait and learn more.
May 5, 2025 at 20:41
Hi
I’m trying to check my Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery results, but when I enter my information, I get this message:
“Warning: The information entered is not valid.”
I’ve double-checked everything (Confirmation Number, Last Name, Year of Birth, etc.), and it all seems correct, but the error keeps showing up.
Is this a normal issue early on, or could it be a system problem?
May 5, 2025 at 22:02
You are making a mistake.
Watch this.
https://youtu.be/F1pRNHN1WAA
May 5, 2025 at 20:00
Hi Simon,
I hope you are well. I am new to this so I have a number of questions, My partner got selected on Sunday. Her case number is 2026OC31xx, would you stay that is a high number for oceania? how and when will we find out how many people have been selected for this year, I know last year it was about 140k and there is only 55k issued (which makes me nervous)
if my partner was to get her ds260 earlier does that give her a greater chance of getting a visa? or is it totally based her case number.
also we had planned on getting married this year (no specific date as yet) would that hamper her chance of getting an interview if they were to see that that happen shortly after she won? or is it better she goes at it alone and if approved then tackle getting me in to.
I was watching one of your tube videos and in that video there was a mention that you have a copy of the DS260 somewhere her on this website however I am struggling to find it, I am interested to see what is in that form, can you tell me where it is ?
thanks for your help and I appreciate all your hard work to help people like us !
May 5, 2025 at 20:25
We don’t have selectee numbers yet, but your case number sounds dangerously high, and is likely to be left out. I say that based on early poll data.
Google britsimon ds260.
You can safely marry during the process.
May 7, 2025 at 06:52
Thanks Simon, is it true that in previous years in the oceania region the highest numbers were around 4800? does the embassy finish the last interviews for DV2026 around September 2026? if I end up getting an interview is it pretty much 100% sure that it won’t happen in 2025, most like 2026 if at all?
May 7, 2025 at 09:39
Numbers are different each year, the number of selectees differs, the holes rate differs and so on. So yes in a horribly OVER selected year, it is possible that OC numbers would go to that number, but that does not mean everyone will get a chance for interview.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv-2026-case-numbers-what-do-we-know-so-far/
May 5, 2025 at 19:36
dear Mr. brit Simon
first of all thank you for what you are doing, its helping people a lot.we really appreciate that.
I am selected for dv 2026 lottery and i completed grade 12 and now i am in college.my question is that I think i mistakenly selected high school no degree on my dv entry even if i have finished high school at the time of entry.so please give me an advice on what to do next and can i get disqualified if i change and select high school degree on the ds 260 form?
May 5, 2025 at 20:22
Your answer on that question won’t affect your process in any way.
May 5, 2025 at 19:32
Hello there brit,lucky smiled on us this 2026.my wife won and so we got married after her registration in December 2024.she won with my step kids and I have a son as well before a married. Will u advice us to fill the ds 260 form as married and also add my son to the case,so we could all travel all together. Thanks for your help
May 5, 2025 at 20:21
Yes absolutely!
May 5, 2025 at 16:25
Hi Simon,
Regarding the DV2025 UK winners – what about the US Embassy in London? I’m sure they were expecting to see UK winners this year. I know they are not responsible for selection and processing, but they probably asked KCC about this suspicious situation and they know the answer. I’m not sure if they’ll be willing to answer any questions, but maybe you could ask them while you wait for your FOIA request?
May 5, 2025 at 17:09
I’ll write to them, but I’m not sure it will make much difference. They don’t control the selection, and I’m not sure they would put 2 and 2 together. It’s a big embassy, so it’s very much dependent on whether the person that receives the email is “diligent” or not.
May 5, 2025 at 15:43
Dear Mr. Birtsimon,
First of all, thank you very much. I have a concern and I hope you can help me.
I was born in Ethiopia and I am an Ethiopian citizen. This year, I won the DV Lottery 2026. However, there was a mistake in the chargeability information. The DV Lottery system showed that my chargeability is Somalia, not Ethiopia.
Somalia and Ethiopia are neighboring countries and both are in East Africa.
So my question is: What should I do now? Is it possible that I could be disqualified because of this mistake in chargeability? Ethiopia and Somalia are in the same region (Africa).
May 5, 2025 at 15:56
I edited your personal details for your privacy.
The rules about mistakes such as this say that errors can be forgiven *IF* the applicant gained no benefit through choosing the wrong country. In reality, you did gain a benefit, because Ethiopia is a limited country during the draw, whereas Somalia is not. So – a competent Consular Officer might be aware of that difference, and that could cause disqualification. However, I have known cases where the CO did not understand that nuance, and therefore approved the case anyway. Therefore you must decide whether to take the risk of continuing. If you do continue, and get disqualified, your costs (such as medical and the interview fee) will be lost.
May 5, 2025 at 22:09
Would you recommend someone born in England to select Northern Ireland over UK as arguably the same principle of forgiveness should apply if UK and Northern Ireland are both eligible and neither reach the 7% cap
May 5, 2025 at 23:45
Well I guess you mean in the next lottery. I guess that would work, but I may not recommend it.
May 6, 2025 at 00:09
Yes in next lottery assuming we see enough data to suggest UK not being accepted and no acknowledgement from KCC about the situation, then I probably have nothing to lose if it doesn’t look like I can’t get selected anyways
May 5, 2025 at 13:18
Hi Simon!
First and foremost thank you for your amazing work, you are the best!
I have been selected for DV2025, with Cn 18400, Paris embassy.
I have 2 questions:
1. I’ve seen some people that have their medical 1/2 days before the interview and are immediately approved. Shouldn’t the blood testing and etc take longer?
2. How screwed is Europe if my Cn range does not become available in the Vb to be published in a few days? I mean if the vb freezes at 17500 or does not advance until 19000 or so at least.
Best,
Gerard
May 5, 2025 at 14:02
1. Not usually.
2. That won’t happen…
May 5, 2025 at 15:12
I really hope that’s the case. The lottery is a great opportunity, but the wait is devastating.
May 5, 2025 at 13:05
Hello Mr. Simon, my case number is 257XX. I am a DV2026 selectee from Azerbaijan (Europe region), and I wanted to ask for your opinion on two things:
The default embassy for me is Tbilisi, Georgia. Based on your experience, do you think it’s possible to get an interview with this case number, and if so, when approximately?
Also, there is a chance I might obtain a Schengen visa within the next 3–4 months to study in Europe. In your opinion, is Tbilisi a good option, or would you recommend another embassy in Europe where the process tends to be faster and smoother?
May 5, 2025 at 13:52
It is too early to know how high your number is in Europe, and too early to know how your embassy will be performing more than 1 year from now. There is time for these discussions, now is too early. For now, submit your DS260, and later you can adjust.
May 5, 2025 at 14:10
Please, can you provide information about the last case number for the embassy in Tbilisi in 2024. and is it problematic like Ankara?
May 5, 2025 at 14:26
You can see this years data and previous years too at this site – https://dvcharts.xarthisius.xyz/ceacFY25.html
May 5, 2025 at 13:04
Greetings Sir,
You are a genius and a role model for me. You are a master of what you preach, because I have watched other sites since I won but I turn to see the truth with enough evidence and education on your youtube channel than on any other channel.
Thank you sir for touching lives; when I make it to the USA, it would have been your knowledge all along.
Now, I am a 2025 winner in Africa (Cameroon) within those range you termed the “Hail Mary range” (i.e a little before 80,000) but I believe the numbers will still come up to 80k or thereabout and I don’t want to take chances at Yaoundé.
With your eloquent, educative and eye opening presentations I have decided that I want to move my case to Libreville (LIB) Gabon due to the reasons I will put forth and would love you look into them and see if I am right:
1) Yaoundé is trying its best but may NOT reach me if we actually go current, as they are a little bag logged and need about 144 to meet up with the current VB,
2) Libreville seems to be calm, though receiving fewer cases they are not bag logged. They are up to date,
3) Travelling there as a family of 4 is more financially reasonable as we are in the same Economic Block with possibilities of travelling Visa free. Moreover it’s a neighbouring country and we can even go by bus,
4) Is there a possibility for me to write Libreville to forward my case back to Yaoundé after I have confirmed with Yaoundé that they can receive me?
Thanks in advance. Waiting for your take on this patiently.
Mola M
May 5, 2025 at 13:50
1. Agreed.
2. Exactly correct – you have been paying attention to what makes a good hail mary embassy.
3. That’s good – but once scheduled you might even move your case back to Cameroon.
4. Yes – but only do that once scheduled. Then the process is asking Cameroon first that they will take your case, and then contacting Gabon. Otherwise you get on the bus to Gabon.
Best of luck for the hail mary to happen!
May 6, 2025 at 14:46
Thank you very much sir.
what is the procedure to transfer a case to another embassy sir?
May 6, 2025 at 15:26
Use the search function on my site to look for changing embassies.
May 5, 2025 at 12:52
Hi BritSimon,
I just got selected in DV2026, in my excitement I raced off and submitted my DS-260. I am now anxious that I shouldn’t have done so.
My case number is 2026OC13XX
I am in the USA on an E3 visa, it expires in October 2025 and I will need to renew. As I have submitted my DS-260, I am concerned this will show intent to immigrate.
Should I withdraw my DS-260?
Regards,
Rohan
May 5, 2025 at 13:46
There is no “withdrawal” process for the DS260. Yes you should have waited. The E3 is not a dual intent visa as far as I know, so you will have increased the suspicion of “immigrant intent”. Your case number (which I edited for your privacy), whilst good will NOT be eligible for interview until spring/summer of 2026. So – all you can do is consider what you will show to prove that you will abide by the terms of the E3 renewal.
May 5, 2025 at 14:03
Bugger! Thank you for getting back to me so quickly. I am glad I didn’t try to book the USCIS interview as suggested on the website at the end of the DS-260.
Again, appreciate your time in getting back to me. I wish I had found you before I had checked my results.
Cheers,
Rohan
May 5, 2025 at 14:25
Let me know how the E3 process goes. Good luck!
May 5, 2025 at 10:12
Hello Brit Simon my number is AF***95*** I got randomly selected but am already in the USA on pending asylum what would be the way forward on this ?
May 5, 2025 at 10:36
It is possible to adjust status from asylum. However, your case number would be very high in most years, so whether you will get a chance or not is unclear at this time.
May 5, 2025 at 22:28
So should I fill out the ds 260 or there’s a different form for me to fill
Out ?
May 5, 2025 at 23:47
Different process entirely. READ THIS.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2026-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.352867/
May 5, 2025 at 07:56
Greetings Mr Simon
Please i will like to know your expectations for AF Region.For AF to reach their quarter what is the highest case number that can be reached out?? CN 2025 AF57K Embassy Yaounde please is there any chance for interview please sir tell me something please
May 5, 2025 at 09:53
I published a prediction video for AF region in January. Go and watch that.
May 5, 2025 at 06:56
Greetings Simon,
My case number is AF53900, NRB for dv 2025, Basing on the embassy performance, do you think it is possible to get and interview? I live in Uganda and Kigali Embassy is nearer than NRB, does that reason justify my transferring to Kigali Embassy?
May 5, 2025 at 09:52
I can’t be certain what NRB will do. They already have a backlog, but they also have an ability to schedule huge number of cases if they decide to do so.
However, if I were in your position, I would try and move – and the best time to do that is BEFORE you become current. Meaning NOW.
May 6, 2025 at 05:47
Thank you for the insight.
However is Kigali being nearer than NRB a valid reason for me to move because I don’t have any relatives in Kigali
May 5, 2025 at 06:37
Hi dear Simon,
I have been selected for the DV-2026 program, and my case number is relatively high—2026AF0010XXXX (above 100,000). Given this, could you advise which U.S. embassy typically demonstrates the strongest performance in processing high-case numbers? Additionally, is there any indication that interviews may be scheduled for cases in this range?
Regards,
May 5, 2025 at 09:50
It is far too soon to know which numbers will be reached, and it is also too early to know which embassies will be performing well or not nearly 18 months from now. So – you should wait and see what happens. Stay informed by subscribing to my YT channel.
May 5, 2025 at 06:12
Hi Brit Simon,
Will you be able to roughly predict if there is any chance of a second draw based on some official data on the number of selectees for DV2026? Or perhaps from the poll results?
Thank you!
May 5, 2025 at 09:47
The conclusive information is the number of selectees – which we will know in August or September.
May 5, 2025 at 04:12
hello Brit. if the sponsor in the usa has vouched for someone 6 months ago, can he vouch for other people? even though his income is over 100k. and another question if the sponsor is in michigan, do you have to go to michigan for the first time? or can I go anywhere? thanks for your answer.
May 5, 2025 at 09:46
There is no time limit on sponsorship – so I generally advise against re-using someone.
You do not have to go where the sponsor resides.
May 5, 2025 at 03:41
Hi Simon, in case you, or anyone else following the UK issues from DV25 are interested – husband and I both entered DV26 chargeable to the UK and neither of us were selected again. Really hoping that someone from the UK was selected this year so that we know we were given our fair chance! And if not I hope that we’re able to prove that we were excluded quickly. Simon – may I ask, was DV26 included in your FOIA request, or just DV25?
Thanks again for all you do.
Kate
May 5, 2025 at 09:45
It was just DV25, because it is a request for records that already exist. I’ll wait a few weeks to see if any UK winners exist, and then try and figure out how to fund a lawsuit which at the very least will force discovery.
May 5, 2025 at 13:11
I emailed KCC about DV2025 and ensuring UK was included in DV2026 and received the below
Thank you for your inquiry.
Diversity visas are intended to provide an immigration opportunity for persons from countries with “low admission” to the United States. The law states that no diversity visas shall be provided for natives of “high admission” countries. The law defines this to mean countries from which a total of 50,000 persons in the Family-Sponsored and Employment-Based visa categories immigrated to the United States during the previous five years. Each year, the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) averages the family and employment immigrant admission figures for the previous five years in order to identify the countries whose natives must be excluded from the annual diversity lottery. As there is a separate determination made before each annual DV entry period, the list of countries whose natives do not qualify may change from one year to the next. A list of ineligible countries can be found on the Diversity Visa Instructions on travel.state.gov.
May 5, 2025 at 14:00
LOL – that’s a pretty useless reply – it simply refers to the law about how countries are included or not.
https://youtu.be/jGG-Pal1yWs
May 5, 2025 at 00:21
Hi Simon,
My case number for dv2026 is EU24xxx and I am certainly not positive that I‘d be assigned to an interview even if my number will be included in one of the latest VBs in 2026 since the consulate in my country cuts off around 5-10k. I am also not positive that if I move my case to a consulate in another country, even if my case number is announced as eligible for the interview later in 2026, I would be assigned to an interview since odds are pretty low to be called for an interview for case number 24k (don’t have any track which countries consulate had interviewed – or have better chances of interviewing – a case number as high as 24k in past years) It will be a long and stressful 1.5 year for me since I want to seek out all my chances to be assigned for an interview at least in September 2026. I’ve just wanted to learn which option below might be the safest one in this process: Move my case to another countries’ consulate or since I have almost 1.5 years ahead of me, apply for a tourist visa (and only if it gets approved which might take 6-8 months to get an appointment as well hence it will minimize my time ahead of me from 1.5 years to around 8-9 months) and then apply for adjustment of status? Or try both simultaneously, moving the case to another country and seek the chances for adjustment of status? I believe adjustment of status process does also take around another 1 year from the time its been applied for or asked for an interview and considering my time being dropped from 1.5 year now to possibly 8 months for the time I’ll apply for the potential AoS interview – and only if I could issue a tourist visa, it feels and looks like I should also try to move my case to another country just in case… not to exhaust all my chances only by relying on one of these 2 options rather than trying both simultaneously. What would you do if you were in my shoes? Is there also any constraint during the process you’ve known of for the applicants who tries both 2 options like if you move your case to another countries consulate then you can’t apply for adjustment of status or vice versa? I‘d appreciate your honest thought on this and if you can also let me know what you think of the chances for a case number 24k in dv2026 under the explained circumstances above, it would be very helpful since I dont wanna set high expectation but rather be more grounded and realistic considering this stressful 1.5 year roller coaster ahead of me. Thanks for your patience until now and for any helpful comments of yours on this one. Cheers.
May 5, 2025 at 09:42
First it would have been helpful to tell me the consulate. From your comment I assume it is Ankara, and if so, yes you will probably need to move – but please confirm.
Most people in your situation (if they understand the problem) would move to another consulate. However, you don’t need to do that now – you could safely wait for a while (months) so that you can judge what is happening and what your options are.
AOS for DV goes much faster than you can imagine. However, you must already have a visa, and you must be able to support yourself in the USA for some months while the process goes on – and that can only happen around 1 year from now.
So – either way, no need to make fast decisions. Learn more, relax, and apply a sensible strategy.
May 5, 2025 at 11:10
Thanks Simon,
And yes you are correct on your assumption. I don’t believe the cutoff will jump to high numbers such as 24k in my location for dv26 tho, last year it dropped to 15-16k at the very end and this year its even worse so… In order to protect 2 possibilities, I may apply for a tourist visa now but once I fill out DS260 asap I believe applying for the tourist visa like DS160 won’t work since I read earlier in the comments here going back to 2022-3ish, you’ve had mentioned that once DS260 form is filled out there is a high chance of your tourist visa disapproval due to immigration potential so some people may not want to risk that. Totally makes sense. So right now, as a candidate who is trying to keep both options alive, I am in doubt to submit DS260 asap or not. If I submit it now I can move my case to another location (I also found out, both on your site and original large files on the government website which I believe your analysis stem from, that some locations even got applications from 40ish k from EU for dv2024 but again it is not guaranteed that the same location will drop down to the same number each year so…) but I might lose my chance to get a tourist visa since DS260 is filled out. On the other hand even if I don’t fill out DS260 now, I need to fill it out at most on late August or so… I might still not have enough time to get my tourist visa yet I will be also losing small advantage of (since my case number is 24k) submitting DS260 early.
What do you think the best option would be? Submitting it early and mostly focusing on moving my case to another location or waiting for a while and looking for my chances of AOS until August and only then submitting DS260? Some people in my location also says that since I am a selectee now I cannot apply for a tourist visa since it will declined by default but I am not buying it. I believe even if I am a selectee now it shouldn’t affect applying for a tourist visa until DS260 form is submitted. Plus I can imagine that submitting DS260 might lower my chances for a tourist visa but still If I put myself clear out there with no intention of making any illegal moves forward I believe I might still have a tiny chance for a tourist visa even if DS260 is filled out, wondering your opinion on this? (I have savings to support myself in US btw, what considers me most is that you’ve also said that I “must” already had the tourist visa like I can not apply to it since I am a selectee now, is that true?) Tbh I don’t want to and don’t think it’d be a fair game to apply for a tourist visa earlier (like right now) and then wait until August to submit DS260. It doesn’t guarantee that I’ll get a tourist visa yet since DS260 form is submitted late I’d somewhat lower my chances. I am planning to fill out DS260 now and apply for a tourist visa both at the same time with honest intentions and even if this increases the chances of tourist visa is disapproval there will still be a tiny bit of chance yet my plans on moving my case to a different country will become a more solid option then submitting DS260 in August. This is of course my biased opinion, would really wonder what decision you might take forward for this situation?
May 5, 2025 at 11:28
OK, long paragraphs without numbered questions are time consuming and harder to respond to.
In general I avoid giving “what I would do” answers. It is your decision, not mine. BUT, let’s make some solid statements.
>In general, you can manage the risk without AOS. Lots of Turks have done so.
>Filing the DS260 as late as early next year will still be OK considering your case number (unless you have high risk factors such as work or travel history that makes you need additional processing).
>There have been a tiny number of cases I have heard where a NIV is affected by a DV win, BEFORE filing the DS260.
>More cases have been denied an NIV after DS260 submission
>NIV approval is possible after DS260
May 5, 2025 at 12:24
Thx tons Simon. Yeah I implied the risks being stated clearly when I asked about your opinion as well. Excuse me for my mental wooliness but millions of threads are running simultaneously in my head now trying not to miss a single opportunity (not relevant I know). I hope with this disadvantaged case number and low probability, I can still find a way in tho. Still thankful for your patience on me. Cheers.
May 5, 2025 at 19:59
Hello. I am from Turkey too, and as far as I know Hong Kong embassy recently accepts cases from Turkey, and most Turkish people with high CNs go there, get their approval and come back. You may keep this option in mind as well.
May 6, 2025 at 00:40
Thanks, yes I checked the final cutoff for dv-23 and dv-24 bulletins and controlled how high (CN-wise) each embassy around the world had performed. For dv-25 the process is still active and I have 3 more months to observe the situation but since I also want to submit ds-260 asap I need to decide on my desired embassy soon. Yet monthly cutoffs for dv-25 is lower that last years tbh and it might be even lower for dv-26 that I might have no chance to apply. By time it will be more clear to observe though, still too early to be optimistic or pessimistic.
Before making my decision I consider how highly (CNs) embassies around the world called for an interview during a fiscal year then checkin on whether they require any permanent visa to get an interview or applying as a tourist is fine and finally trying to figure out if the paper-work belonging to the selected country is easy to handle or not (like getting health reports on that country – some embassies require it to be taken from the country where that embassy is located – or official translation work from the country’s language to English etc). I will make a final decision considering these 3 and will jump on the conclusion soon and submit ds-260 for dv-26. Then I will observe the monthly cutoffs and embassy performances for around a year and finally (if possible) I will try to move my case to a high-performance embassy if my selected embassy performs poorly (CN-wise). It might also not be easy to move cases to another embassies during the process especially more than once (if required) but I will try my best. Thanks for the recommendation.
May 4, 2025 at 23:52
Hi Britsimon
I’m a 2026 winner with what I’ve come to realise is a high case number OC32XX. Is there any hope for me or should I just resign myself to having no chance and apply again next year?
May 5, 2025 at 09:23
Well, it is *possible* that something happened that created much lower density in cases – possible but not probable. Density is about how many real cases exist out of every 100 numbers. There are gaps between the numbers, called holes.
We will only know more when we have 1. Good case number survey results and 2. Selectee numbers. The latter will take until August/September when the government the selectee numbers per country.
However, thus far, yours would be the highest number in OC on the poll, which, as a gut reaction, is not a good place to be – and probably means bad news. Poll linked below, please add yours.
https://dv26poll.xarthisius.xyz/
May 4, 2025 at 21:25
Hi,
Thanks so much for the work U ve been doing.
Wish to find out if case number 2026AF00018XXX is a comfortable number Ando could start predicting the period or month in which interview can be scheduled.
Thanks
May 5, 2025 at 09:15
It’s a good number and will probably be eligible for interview by December-ish.
May 6, 2025 at 00:45
Goodmorning Simon and great job u do.My wife just won the 2026 dv lottery.we got married a month after her registration and prior to our wedding, she has 2 kids already and I have a son as well.Any advice if we should fill ds 260 form as married and also can we add my son to the case since she won only with her 2 kids whom she registered with.thanks
May 6, 2025 at 05:18
Her marital status has changed and she must now list you are your son on her DS260. She should also create a DS260 for any of you that want to emigrate. There is no choice to make about entering the marital status – she must not lie.
May 4, 2025 at 18:03
Hello Mr. Simon, my case number is 7XXX. I am a DV2026 selectee from Turkey (Europe region), and I wanted to ask for your opinion on two things:
Based on your experience and the current visa bulletin pace, when do you think I might be scheduled for an interview?
I hold a university degree and have 1 year of experience as a software developer. Do you think my qualifications meet the requirements for the DV program, or would my work experience be taken into account if necessary?
Thank you very much in advance for your time and insights.
May 4, 2025 at 21:21
Qualifications are fine.
The main problem you might have is the slow progress in Ankara. They have been restricting interview volume for years so if they do the same in DV2026, it could be well into 2026 before you get interviewed. You would be faster if you interview elsewhere.
May 7, 2025 at 11:55
Hello Mr. Simon,
I am a DV2026 selectee my CN is EU73XX, and everyone on Turkish forums is saying it is impossible to get an appointment from Ankara. Is this true? I couldn’t find any data to verify this information. Should I be worried about my CN? Also, what is the current situation for DV 2025? Should I be worried about DV 2026 as well?
May 7, 2025 at 12:17
There is risk with Ankara, yes. After 9 of 12 months of scheduling in DV2025 they have reached EU4574 through normal scheduling. If that behavior continues into next year, your number, as low as it is, could be at risk. So – it is wise to assume they will continue to act badly, and take some step to mitigate the risk (consider which embassy to move to).
May 7, 2025 at 15:02
Thanks for the quick response. Unfortunately, I can’t move my case to another location at this time.
How can I track Ankara’s current progress for DV2025? Where is this updated data available (e.g., the source showing they have reached EU4574)?
I hope they will be quicker over the next three months so I can feel a bit more confident for DV2026.
May 7, 2025 at 17:01
https://dvcharts.xarthisius.xyz/ceacFY25.html
May 8, 2025 at 07:12
Thanks for the all informations.
May I ask do you recommend Tiflis for moving my 7xxx dv26 case file.
May 8, 2025 at 11:05
Tbilisi embassy is doing quite well in DV2025, so yes, as long as it is possible for you to move there.
May 8, 2025 at 17:50
Thank you for your response, Mr. Simon. I just found out that the Tbilisi consultant requires applicants to be residents of Georgia, which I am not. As a Turkish citizen, I can stay in Georgia for one year, but that doesn’t qualify as residency.
So as a 7XXX selectee I think I’m done with the process for now. My only hope is that the Ankara office will return to normal after its two years of slow performance.
Do you think they will return to their normal speed after this two-year slowdown?
May 8, 2025 at 18:05
I don’t know.
May 4, 2025 at 17:44
Hi, i am a realtor self empolyed in Egypt and have a company registration document and a tax card. I want to provide these documents as job experience. The problem is i don’t have more proofs such as contracts, portfolio of deals done. Can i provide the company registration and tax card documents only as a proof of job experience?
Thank you
May 4, 2025 at 21:18
Can you prove this has been a livable full time income? That will be important as many people in such jobs are sporadic workers, and that doesn’t really qualify you.
HOWEVER, working as a real estate agent is not a qualifying job, You have to be a real estate BROKER.
https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/41-9021.00
May 5, 2025 at 01:47
Hello Sir, I have learned that the results of the DV lottery are given progressively, so someone who is not selected after verification can be selected later, is this true?
May 5, 2025 at 09:43
Not entirely true.
In some years (rarely) there is a second draw around 5 months from now. However that only happens in years when the selectee numbers are very low in the first draw.
May 4, 2025 at 17:31
Hi Simon,
Thank you for all your support.
My case number is around EU251XX (AOS), and it looks like they may not get to it at all or if they do, it won’t be until late August or September. That leaves very little time to file and get the GC processed.
Given that I have all my docs ready, do you think there’s still a chance? And if my number only becomes current in August or Sep, when should I start early filing? It is very likely that an interview in early or mid-September could severely limit the chances.
Appreciate your insight.
May 4, 2025 at 21:15
The VB that is released in June is for August interviews, then in July the VB announces September numbers. As soon as the VB announces your number, you can file the I-485. As long as you file immediately, there will be time to get your case through. It will be stressful, but it is usually fine. BUT – please make sure you are fully prepared and following instructions by “Sm1smom”.
May 4, 2025 at 16:30
Hi brit iam dv 2025 winner AF40xxx my case is current i did not get my 2 nl my embassy is malaysia how about my case
May 4, 2025 at 20:53
Be patient – they will probably get to you later this month.
May 4, 2025 at 15:54
Hi Simon,
Thank you for all the help.
If i want to transfer my case to other better embassy what should i mention as reason.
Am winner from DV-25
Thank you so much
May 4, 2025 at 20:49
Your reason is not the same as everyone else’s…
May 6, 2025 at 17:29
Hi Britsimon I was selected for the DV lottery but the problem here is that me and my spouse that play was planning to get married after we play but something strange happened, the child that she said was mine was never mine and that break me down a lot. So cancel the wedding and end the relationship. My question here is this can I complete DV 260 alone
May 6, 2025 at 22:49
So – it will depend on whether you included the spouse and child on the entry. So – be precise.