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.
May 23, 2025 at 03:36
Hi Britt. We have 2 primary addresses. For the DV entry, I just used the one that I knew would still be valid if I get selected. It is where we are during holidays, and we own the place (on a farm, via a Legal Entity). Our other address is where we are for my child’s school, so during the term (city address). We do spend more time in the city, but we are only renting. Both would be scheduled at the same embassy. Would it matter which address I use on the DS-260 form? I used the farm address on the entry, and think it would be better/simpler to just keep that on the DS-260? Even though I would have to declare my other current address as part of my address history. I appreciate your assistance, as I don’t want to slip up on something as basic as an address.
May 23, 2025 at 15:06
It’s completely trivial – so make your choice.
May 23, 2025 at 03:07
Hi Simon,
I got DV2 visa in my CM passport. Shortly before our planned travel date, I got approved for an EU nationality. This makes my CM passport invalid as they do not accept dual nationality.
We will likely be travelling from Frankfurt or Heathrow.
Is it okay to…
1. travel with the passport that carries the visa or
2. get an ESTA and explain at the border upon arrival
3. travel with an ESTA and so adjustment of status upon entry
4. travel to AF and then use my CM passport to travel back to the US
4. none, which other options apply?
I understand that airlines are only concerned with checking identity and admissibility in destination country. So I read, people with dual nationality for example usually present at the gates, that gives access to destination country, and present at customs/border control officer that which allows them stay (most likely the passport of that country).
What would be your best possible advice in this situation?
Please help me out!
May 23, 2025 at 15:08
1. Yes, along with proof that proves you are the same person for both passports.
2. NO!
3. NO NO NO!!!!
4. See 1.
May 22, 2025 at 21:28
Hello Mr Brit ,please when you email KCC about updating your interview location,Do you get a reply saying it has been updated or you will only find out when you are being scheduled?
May 22, 2025 at 23:18
They reply saying it has been updated, but you are only CERTAIN when you get the 2NL
May 22, 2025 at 18:29
Hi Simon,
I hope you’re doing well. I’ve been following your guidance for the DV Lottery process, and I really appreciate all the value you provide to us.
I have a specific concern about my DV case and would truly appreciate your advice.
When I submitted my original DV Lottery entry, I included my son’s name. But the issue is that he was already 21 years old at that time — he was not eligible to be listed as a derivative, but I mistakenly included him in the entry.
Now that I’ve been selected and I’m preparing to submit my DS-260, I’m confused and worried:
• Should I include my son again in the DS-260 form, even though he was already over 21 during the entry?
• Or should I leave him out, since he doesn’t qualify as a derivative?
• Most importantly, will this mistake cause disqualification of my entire case?
I already contacted KCC, and they told me to complete the DS-260 with the “correct information,” but they didn’t answer clearly whether this will lead to disqualification or not.
I have read all the official instructions, but I still want to be 100% sure from your experience and knowledge.
May 22, 2025 at 21:22
In the DS260 you are obliged to list all children, whether or not they are eligible.
The problem is that you lied to include him in your entry. If you had given an accurate age, you would not have been able to include him. The lie, can cause denial – but I can’t tell it it will as a certainty. Your communication with KCC would have made the situation worse, as the CO will now receive your case with the problem flagged.
So – in my opinion disqualification is likely, but the only way to be certain is to go through the process.
Below is the excerpt from the FAM guide which is the instruction manual for COs.
“(B) (U) Examples of failing to comply with regulations may include failing to include photographs that meet the requirements and specifications described above at 9 FAM 502.6-4 paragraph b(2)(b), failing to list properly spouse or child(ren) on the entry, if applicable, or providing inaccurate information on the DV entry by including an individual on the DV entry form who was not a spouse or child when the form was submitted.”
May 23, 2025 at 08:29
Thank you for your response earlier. I want to give you a clear explanation of my situation and ask for your honest opinion once more.
In my original DV Lottery entry, I included my son, but at that time he was already over 21 years old. I now understand that including him was against the rules, and it could be viewed as providing inaccurate information. However, I wasn’t trying to lie — I misunderstood the eligibility requirements and thought I was supposed to list all family members.
I contacted KCC recently to ask whether I should list my son in the DS-260 or not, and they replied telling me to fill the form with accurate information. I now realize that my question may have flagged my case as problematic.
I’m aware that this mistake might lead to denial. But I have already been selected, and I’m wondering whether I should proceed with submitting the DS-260 at all. Is there any path where I might be able to explain the situation during the interview and still have a chance of approval?
I’ve read the FAM guideline you quoted, and I understand that including someone who is not eligible can result in disqualification. But I want to know your personal advice: Should I go forward with the process, or is it better to accept that my case is too risky now?
Thank you again for your time and guidance
May 23, 2025 at 09:38
In order to get the entry form to accept your son, you would have had to modify his date of birth. That is the lie that I am referring to – and it was deliberate.
As for advice – I can’t quantify your chance of approval. I don’t have any data source that says “out of all the similar examples, X% are approved, whilst Y% result in denial”.
So this comes down to your personal situation.
If you complete the DS260 it may impact future non immigrant visa applications because you will have shown intent to immigrate. Is that a concern for you?
If you proceed with the process, you have a non 0% chance of denial at interview meaning you will have lost the fees and costs incurred. Is that a concern for you?
If the money, time and NIV impact don’t matter or are outweighed by the chance of getting a GC, then you could proceed, knowing the risks.
The situation is personal to you – you have to weigh it up.
May 22, 2025 at 16:07
Hi Simon,
Thank you so much for all the insights — I’ve learned a lot from you.
For DV 2025 selectees with high case numbers, which USCIS field office tends to handle AOS cases more smoothly and quickly — Boston or Manhattan (not Brooklyn)?
Considering interview waivers, faster background checks, and post-interview approvals, what’s your perspective on this?
Thanks again,
May 22, 2025 at 17:58
I don’t have enough data to answer that, but the choice of FO is determined by your location.
May 23, 2025 at 00:30
Hello Brito Simon, apologize, I had forgotten to write that I want to get out of the EU. Thank you
May 23, 2025 at 15:09
I knew that, and answered accordingly. Your FO – FIELD OFFICE is set based on where in the USA you live when you submit your I-485.
May 22, 2025 at 14:46
Hi Brit Simon, I have 2 questions about the numbers. If a current is called up for the Latvians, does that mean that all numbers or 32000 also get tuned? And 2. If, as in the past year, the jump in the last numbers goes to 50,000 means that I will definitely get an interview with a number of 32000? Thank you very much for your time Daniel
May 22, 2025 at 17:05
Being current does NOT guarantee an interview. There is a capacity driven reality that varies by embassy. It is so pronounced that when the VB went to 50000 last year only 313 cases above 32000 were scheduled with 4469 cases in that same range (32k to 50K) that were NOT scheduled.
May 22, 2025 at 14:22
Hello Mr Simon. If both wife and husband won, is it legally ok to submit the ds-260s for both winning case numbers? Like for all family members with the wife’s case, and again for all family members with the husband’s case.
May 22, 2025 at 17:00
Yes. Typically you would run both cases and see which got interviewed first, but you should also consider which has a better chance of approval due to education and so on.
May 22, 2025 at 13:36
Hello Simon!
In DS-260 form, “Have you ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even though subject?”, do I need to list petty violations that ended up with police officer issuing a warning and no monetary fine, for example “Riding bicycle with no bicycle license (Yes that’s actually a thing in my country…)”? Just to make sure I requested police report and it does show up there as an “administrative violation”.
I am asking to make sure if I am not overthinking this because if I add it to DS-260 I am not even sure how I can later at the interview even prove that I have settled this issue as there were no ticket and fine to pay.
Marcel
May 22, 2025 at 15:31
Personally I would not list anything that is not a *criminal* matter. For instance, I would not list a speeding fine, or driving a car without a license. I would only list that if the mater became more serious where I had caused a death while driving without the license.
May 22, 2025 at 11:46
Hello Simon, I’ve been current for two months now, AF38k, Kigali Rwanda. However, Kigali hasn’t taken interviews since April. Should I be worried 😟 or they might take some for August and September? Because it’s more likely they won’t take for July interviews
Thanks sir🙏
May 22, 2025 at 15:29
Sadly, I cannot know what the embassy will do…
May 22, 2025 at 10:14
Hi Simon,
my case number is 2026EU00041703. German citizenship and residence in Germany right now. I’m holding an F1. Starting my master’s degree in September this year in Boston. Considering an AOS. Would be the better option, in my opinion. Haven’t filled out the DS-260 yet. Entering the U.S. in July and I am going to fill it out. What do you think about my case?
May 22, 2025 at 15:27
If you do AOS, then you technically do NOT need to file the DS260, and I would recommend that you do not do that in your case in July. Your number might be quite high. We do not know how many selectees we have yet, so I can’t say it is “too high”, but it certainly could be. We will know more in July or August, so wait until then.
May 23, 2025 at 05:51
Thank you!!
May 22, 2025 at 01:24
Hae my case number AF43440 for dv 2025 do i stand a chance
May 22, 2025 at 15:24
It is very risky, as it always has been.
May 21, 2025 at 23:16
Hello Simon,
I am happy to inform that after being on refuse 221g (but the case was showing ready even after the interview).
ABD embassy requested for my passport for issuance. But after receiving it last week, my status has changed on Monday as (administrative processing). I hope this is not another form of refused 221g. Just praying that they are printing out my visa.
Thank you for your support.
Your Egyptian brother 2025AF13k 🌹
May 22, 2025 at 15:24
Congratulations. “Administrative Processing” status in CEAC is a sign of the visa being printed, so you have good news coming!
May 21, 2025 at 15:36
My CN is between 16K-17K in Asia Region for dv 2026
What are my chances to get scheduled for interview next year?
May 21, 2025 at 17:45
We don’t know how many selectees there are in DV2026, so although we know your case number is about halfway through the AS region numbers, that means nothing. We will know selectee numbers in July or August.
May 21, 2025 at 14:56
Hi Simon,
I submitted my DS-260 in May 2024. Since then, I’ve changed my address (as of December 2024), though it’s still in the same Country/City – Frankfurt.
I’ve recently been scheduled for an interview in Frankfurt in late July. Should I ask the consulate to unlock my DS-260 to update the address, or would it be sufficient to provide the updated information at the interview?
Best regards,
Gerard
May 21, 2025 at 15:10
At interview is fine.
May 21, 2025 at 12:43
Hi Simon!
For the work section on the DS260 do I need to list part-time and full-time jobs or just full-time ones?
Thanks!
May 21, 2025 at 13:21
Just FT
May 21, 2025 at 11:41
So what should I do to get my 2NL? Because my case is already DQ’d and current. And when i email to kcc they will be tell me correct date of appointment?
May 21, 2025 at 12:23
Please re-read what I already said.
May 21, 2025 at 10:40
My case went into “Ready” status on the CEAC website on May 19, but I still haven’t received my 2NL. When will they send me the 2NL?
May 21, 2025 at 11:05
There is a global system glitch that is delaying the ESC page update. It is nothing to do with your case, it is a general problem. Be patient, and in time it will be updated. If you need the date, you can email KCC, and they will tell you the date, but not the time.
May 21, 2025 at 10:34
Hello Mr. Simon,
My relative went to the U.S. six months ago. So far, they haven’t paid any taxes and don’t have any official proof of income. If they ask me to fill out the I-134 form and want to sponsor me, what should I do? Because my sponsor does not yet meet the requirements stated in the form.
If I don’t submit this form, will it cause a problem for me? Could it lead to my visa being denied?
And is filling out this form mandatory?
May 21, 2025 at 11:06
That relative obviously cannot complete an I-134.
In some cases the embassy will ask for the I-134, sometimes they won’t.
May 21, 2025 at 10:05
Hi Simon,
I submitted the DV Lottery application on behalf of my niece, and I used an address in Istanbul, Turkey for the application, while my niece was actually residing in Beledweyne, Somalia. She was selected as a winner this year.
1. If the applicant is asked about this during the interview, what would be the appropriate and acceptable way to explain the situation?
2. Could this discrepancy cause any issues during the visa process?
May 21, 2025 at 12:25
1. The problem with telling lies is that you dig a deeper hole. Stop lying. Just answer any question truthfully.
2. Probably not, but lying creates suspicion.
May 21, 2025 at 09:11
Hi Simon dv 2026AF53000 is it a good number
May 21, 2025 at 10:16
Possibly – but it is too early to be certain.
May 21, 2025 at 05:53
Hi Simon,
i obtained my visa and I want to pay the USCIS fee. On the site they ask for:
“What is your current mailing address?
If you do not want to provide a mailing address, do not provide any information.”
Do they mean the address where I want to send my GC and SSN to? Or my current (home address) in my home country. I am a bit confused because I thought you could only change the mailing address during interview OR POE and not when paying the fee?
Would appreciate a response thanks!
May 21, 2025 at 10:15
The US address.
May 21, 2025 at 03:22
Hello simon sir,
Greetings.
Do you have hope for Nepal getting 2NL until 8950?
May 21, 2025 at 10:15
Yes
May 20, 2025 at 23:53
Hey Simon,
Thanks for answering all my previous questions, as stated before my gf won this year but has an extremely high case number 2026OC31XX. I wanted to know if it changes you chances of winning if you entry the lottery on a particular passport.
1.Eg- I am born in Australia and have an Australian passport however my father was New Zealand and I also have a Kiwi passport ( i have never lived there). Am I able to enter the lottery next year with my Kiwi passport. The reason I’m asking is because obviously there is far less population in New Zealand which will hopefully mean that I would have more chance of winning as a Kiwi rather than Ozzie.
2.I see things on different websites something no more than 7% will be issued to a particular region or country, can you please explain what they mean by this? I have been looking back at DV 2023 and I see that Fiji has four times more selectees than Australia, how is that possible?
3.Also if my girlfriends case number does become current, which likely it won’t, is it possible to interview at another consulate rather than Sydney, as I see they don’t get through interviews very fast in Sydney.
4. I know most years the number of visas actually issued is around 55,000 however does that include dependents as well, for example if I am one person and I also have a wife and three kids, I get an interview and get approved does that mean five out of the 55,000 have been taken by me?
Thanks in Advanced
May 21, 2025 at 10:14
1. The chance of winning is identical within a region. Some countries get more winners because they have more entries. Nothing more than that.
2. See 1. The 7% number is a cap on *issuances* from a single country over the whole world. There is no country in OC even close to that.
3. Yes that would be possible, but Sydney are fast enough, you are just misinterpreting the data.
4. Yes – 5 from 55000 (actually 52000 in DV2026 due to another program that has taken some visas from the DV allocation).
May 21, 2025 at 21:56
thanks a lot mate, You’re a legend!
May 20, 2025 at 23:43
Hi, Mr. Simon, I’m a DV2025 selectee and my interview is scheduled for Tuesday May 27th, 2025
Please I would like to know all the supporting documents my host needs to provide for the form I-134.
Thank you!
May 21, 2025 at 10:09
Photo ID, 1040 or W2, recent payslips.
May 20, 2025 at 21:20
Hello Britt
I entered the U.S with my wife on the 7th of March. 3 weeks later, my wife’s green card was posted to her. I never received mine. I was later sent a notice I-757c to go and take my biometrics and photograph again the Application Support center. I did that, but any time I check the status of my IOE receipt number, I always get the “USCIS is actively reviewing your case” message. I want to ask if this is normal and whether they will eventually print my green card and post to me soon. My wife is the principal applicant.
Can you please help me out with some explanations and suggestions?
May 21, 2025 at 09:59
It happens sometimes. It is not common, but not a concern. Just be patient.
May 20, 2025 at 18:11
Hi Simon,
Would you be willing to share your mailing address for receiving my Green Card, if it’s available? I would need it within the next two weeks. I would greatly appreciate your help. Thank you.
May 20, 2025 at 19:09
I will send you an email with details.
May 23, 2025 at 12:21
Hi Simon,
I receive a lot of emails daily, so feel free to include a small hint or reference in your message please, just so I can easily spot it in my inbox (or spam folder, just in case). Thank you!
May 23, 2025 at 15:17
I just sent details, check now.
May 20, 2025 at 16:34
Hi Simon,
We are planning to transfer my case from Freetown Embassy to Monrovia Embassy. Because Freetown is highly backlog. And didn’t take any interview case for May.
My questions.
1. Should we still hope or move
2. If we move our case, because our case is already do for interview proceedings, can will be included into the cases the embassy will scheduled (2025AF23xxx).
3. If scheduled for an interview in Monrovia (will medical and police certificate be taken there)
Thanks
May 20, 2025 at 19:08
1. You must decide that for yourself.
2. I don’t know. I’m not sure KCC will allow you to move your case at this time.
3. Medicals are normally performed where you interview. Police certs may be needed, but that depends on where you are living, or have lived, not where you are interviewing.
May 20, 2025 at 16:30
Hi Brit ,
Thank you so much for all the valuable information you provide for DV selectees.
I’ve been selected for DV2025, and my case number is AS8000. I’m originally from Iran, and I currently reside in Iran.
I wanted to ask that do I have a realistic chance of being scheduled for an interview in AbuDhabi, considering my case number and residency? AbuDhabi seems to lag behind the other 2 default embassies for iranians. Ankara and YEREVAN I mean.
If not, do you recommend trying for an interview in another specific embassy? and can i change my embassy to YEREVAN considering my case number has been currented!
I would really appreciate your insight on how to proceed. Thanks again for all your help!
Best regards,
Amin
May 20, 2025 at 19:06
It’s very hard to know what AD will do next. If they continue on present pace of 30 cases per month, they could get to your case number before the end of the year. However, I don’t know if they will continue as is, speed up, or slow down. Honestly – it’s not an easy decision.
May 20, 2025 at 15:39
Dear brit i am dv20025 winer my cn is 2025af48xxx and i am from algeria what do you think about my CN is it a good idea to stay in algeria or moove to an other country if yes where is the best destination please
May 20, 2025 at 18:52
You should study the data yourself and decide, but I think I would stay in Algeria in your position.
May 25, 2025 at 12:01
Thank you; sir please an other question if i will change the embassy for example to tunisia what can i put as raison to change the place of interview should i have a residency or i can change it just by touristic visa
May 25, 2025 at 18:14
You need some justification/explanation that makes sense.
May 20, 2025 at 12:41
Hello Simon
I am DV 25 Winner. In the entry application I wrote Takoradi-Ghana as place of birth instead of Sekondi-Ghana.
My DS 260, Birth Cert and Passport are with Sekondi-Ghana as place of birth.
Please any cause of worry as I prepare for interview
May 20, 2025 at 14:44
No – both places are in Ghana – so no worries at all. Just make it accurate (to match the birth cert) in the DS260.
May 20, 2025 at 12:16
Hi Brit Simon
The from i134 doesn’t have a column for beneficiary information do I need and separate from for my dependent as a single parent
May 20, 2025 at 12:37
No – the CO will consider all dependents as part of the interview *IF* they ask for the I-134. So you only need one I-134.
May 20, 2025 at 11:47
Hi Brit.
My case expired in September 2024, because the embassy didn’t schedule the interview for me.
Is there a right or a chance that allows me to get a visa or another interview schedule.
Thanks.
May 20, 2025 at 12:37
No. The deadline is a firm deadline. Cases not issued by then simply lose their chance.
May 20, 2025 at 11:17
Hello BritSimon
“I appreciate the work you’re doing. You’re very patient. First of all, thank you very much.”
For DV-2025, my case number is EU29300. Do you think it will become current this year? I know it’s very hard to get an interview at consulates, but we’re in the U.S. and planning to adjust status. So, having 29300 become current would be enough for us. Do you think there might be a jump, and 29300 could become current?”
May 20, 2025 at 12:38
It is possible, but unfortunately the government don’t care about my opinion, so you will just have to wait and see.
May 20, 2025 at 09:43
Hi Simon,
After a long wait, my case has finally become current — EU18.5K, scheduled in Frankfurt.
As a Spanish national, I have a few documents in Spanish that I’ll need to have translated (Birth Certificate, High School Diploma, and Police Certificate). I had a couple of questions I was hoping you could help me with:
1. Does it matter whether I get them translated in Spain or Germany, or is either acceptable?
2. Are in-person translation offices preferred, or are certified online translation services (where you scan and upload your documents, and they mail back paper copies) also acceptable for the interview?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Best regards,
Gerard
May 20, 2025 at 10:48
1. Doesn’t matter, but choose English as that can be used everywhere.
2. Any competent translator.
May 20, 2025 at 09:20
Hi Simon,
I have three questions:
1) Do you expect VB 2025 for Asia to become current in Aug or Sept? If the answer is no then why do you expect it won’t?
2) If its not gonna become current, what is your best estimate on roughly what highest number it will reach?
3) My case number is 2025AS21XXX. Do you think i still have any hope or i shall just give up?
As you know this years VB for Asia is moving very slow and I’m honestly getting frustrated and disappointed.
May 20, 2025 at 10:49
1. No – because there are too many selected.
2. I don’t know.
3. No matter what I say, you wouldn’t give up, but obviously there is a high risk, and some would say that risk increased.
May 20, 2025 at 08:11
Hi Brit,I’m a DV-2026 selectee from Nepal (CN: AS11,7**) moving to Finland in September 2026 for a Study (2 years) . I haven’t submitted my DS-260 yet and I’m trying to decide:
1.Should I submit now with my Nepal address and return for interview?
2.Or wait until I’m in Finland in September to submit with Finnish address?
I just learned the U.S. Embassy in Helsinki won’t process immigrant visas after December 2024. Does this mean Option 2 isn’t viable? According to CEAC data only AS11,4** from Nepal got their 2nl in 2024 and I’m worried I wouldn’t get 2NL if I submit DS-260 with Nepali address. Any advice on the best approach would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks
May 20, 2025 at 08:32
You might have a better chance in Finland – but you are asking for me to know how things will be working 1 year from now. So – you must decide.
May 20, 2025 at 09:55
Thank you so much for your response.
Does it mean that once my case becomes current, I have better chances of 2NL if I process it in Finland, compared to Kathmandu, which handles a high volume of applicants? Also, I understand that immigrant visa services for Finland are handled by the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. Should I specifically choose Stockholm as my interview location, or will my case be automatically redirected there?
Thanks a lot.
May 20, 2025 at 10:47
Again, it is difficult to be precise a year in advance. But in general, I can see situations where KDU (despite being a high volume embassy) might not reach certain case numbers that would be scheduled elsewhere. However, it is a gut feeling without enough information because the question is being asked too early.
So – you can submit now and change to Finland (Stockholm), later, OR just submit later. Your choice.
You would “choose” Finland and they will assign STK.
May 19, 2025 at 22:20
Greetings Mr Simon,
Hope you are doing well
Please, what do you think about Monrovia, Liberia Embassy? Is there any backlog??
May 19, 2025 at 23:24
No backlog. Please learn how to check that yourself – I have produced video guides on that.
May 20, 2025 at 06:49
Alright Sir, thanks so much. I will do so.
May 19, 2025 at 21:00
Hi Simon,
Our case is still not current, we are DV 2025 AS171xx, my question is would you recommend Cairo embassy or Montreal embassy, knowing that it would be easier for us to get all the documents from Egypt.
Thanks
May 19, 2025 at 21:54
MTL is more likely to schedule you, IF you get current.
May 20, 2025 at 03:44
Hi Simon,
My case is still not current, i am DV 2025 EU261xx,Tirana,Albania. If we get e HailMary, would you recommend staying in Tirana,Albania or transfer my case to Prishtina,Kosova.
Thanks
May 20, 2025 at 08:29
Either would be OK
May 19, 2025 at 15:27
Hi BritSimon,
I had my DV interview at the U.S. Embassy in Djibouti on October 31, 2024. Since then, I’ve been under administrative processing for more than 7 months.
On May 19, 2025, I received an email from the embassy saying my administrative processing was completed, and they requested my passport and medical. But shortly after, I got another email saying the previous message was due to a system glitch.
I’m very confused and worried. Do you think the first message was valid and that I should submit my passport? Have others experienced the same issue?
Thank you very much for your help.
May 19, 2025 at 18:00
I cannot possibly know what happened in your case. Just follow their instructions.
May 20, 2025 at 18:17
Thanks for your reply. Just to clarify: many DV2025 applicants under administrative processing received the same email on May 19 saying their AP was complete and asking for passport and medical. Then, 1–2 hours later, they got another message saying it was a system glitch.
In my case, the same happened — but the first email was repeated over 40 times. I also emailed the embassy for clarification, but they haven’t replied yet. That’s why I’m confused and unsure whether to act on the first message or not.
May 20, 2025 at 19:11
The message they sent that explained it was a system glitch probably said to disregard that email – right? So what more do you need to know?
May 20, 2025 at 21:29
If my case is complete Admenstrative processing or not i understand disgrded for all emaill at all
May 21, 2025 at 10:00
This is just a jumble of words with no meaning.
May 20, 2025 at 21:32
This the first massage which repeated to 40 times
Our office has completed administrative processing on your case. The application remains refused under INA 221(g), but now we are requesting further documentation to assist with completing a new determination of eligibility. Please submit the below documentation at U.S. Embassy Djibouti Sunday – Wednesday at 3:00pm.
This the second after 2 hours
Please disregard the previous email, it was sent as a result of a system glitch. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused
May 21, 2025 at 10:01
Right – exactly.
“Please disregard the previous email, it was sent as a result of a system glitch. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused”
So ignore the earlier email.
May 19, 2025 at 14:34
Hello Brit
I have been selected for the Diversity Visa (DV) Program 2026. (Case Number 2026EU1XXX)
My husband ( Spanish Citizen ) and our two daughters will accompany me in the immigration process (as derivatives), and we will submit a separate DS-260 form for each family member as requested by the program
We will have the interview in the American consulate in Madrid (I guess between October -December 2025 due to our low case number)
My eldest daughter, who is 16 years old, holds Spanish nationality.
My youngest daughter, who is 14 years old, holds dual nationality—Chinese and Spanish and her name appears differently in her Spanish and Chinese passports (different names). In the initial eDV entry, I used the name from her Spanish passport.
However, for some practical reasons I would now prefer for her U.S. Green Card (if hopefully will pass the interview) to be issued under the name listed in her Chinese passport.
Taking this into consideration I would be very grateful if could answer the following questions:
a) If it would possible to use her Chinese name when completing her DS-260 form, or it would be more convenient to use her Spanish name, exactly as it appeared in the eDV entry to keep the name consistency and avoid troubles.
b) In case of using the “Spanish name”in the DS260 Form; if in the “Other Names Used” Field I could include her Chinese name as it appears in her Chinese passport
c) Any problem if I declare in the DS 260 Form that she holds the Chinese passports besides the Spanish one?
d) Any problem if I do NOT declare in the DS 260 Form that she holds the Chinese passports besides the Spanish one? Some implications
d) Any chances the consular officer would accept to issue the Green Card under her Chinese name?
Thanking you in advance for your time and consideration
May 19, 2025 at 17:58
a. I would avoid that change until the interview. It is confusing and there is a lot more suspicion in the current administration of Chinese anything…
b. Yes
c. No
d. Not so far as I am aware.
e. Yes – you can discuss that at the interview – but be prepared to show the FULL paper trail with how she has two identities.
May 20, 2025 at 14:19
Dear Brit,
Thank you very much, Sir, for your previous response; it was greatly appreciated.
I would be grateful if you could kindly clarify a few remaining doubts I have regarding the police certificates required at the time of the interview at the U.S. consulate
1) VALIDITY OF POLICE CERTIFICATES
According to the DV program instructions, police certificates are generally considered valid for two years from the date of issuance.
However, in certain countries, such as Egypt, police certificates are issued with a stated validity of only three months.
In such cases — using Egypt as an example — I would like to know which validity period is considered by the consular officer: the general two-year rule or the three-month period indicated by the issuing authority?
2) LEGALIZATION / APOSTILLE REQUIREMENT
I will be submitting police certificates from Egypt, Spain, China, the United Kingdom, France, and Belgium.
For the certificates issued by Spain, the UK, France, and Belgium, do these documents require an apostille (legalization), or is it sufficient to present the original police certificate along with a certified English translation (if the original is not in English)
Thank you very much in advance for your time and assistance with these questions.
May 20, 2025 at 14:51
1. The validity that the US government will accept supersedes whatever some third country says. So – 2 year rule applies, BUT in practical terms 1 year may be better.
2. The legalization requirement may be something required by the interviewing embassy, you need to check the embassy specific notes about that. For translations the translation simply needs to be signed by the translator to say they are competent to perform the translation.
May 19, 2025 at 14:27
Hi Simon
Regarding your discussion on yesterdays live regarding GB and a potential lawsuit, I would happily contribute towards the costs. My wife and I both entered DV2026 and didn’t win. I understand that any potential positive outcome may not benefit myself but at least the possibility is there.
Thanks
Dan
May 19, 2025 at 17:54
Thank you Daniel, I am meeting with Curtis on Wednesday and will announce something soon after that.
May 19, 2025 at 13:24
Hi Simon,
Do you have any information on past visa processing trends at EU embassies, particularly Vienna? Are they generally able to process all current case numbers (CNs)?
My CN is 2026EU282XX, and I’m wondering if it becomes current by September 2026, can I assume the Vienna embassy will process it based on historical data?
Thanks for your insights!
May 19, 2025 at 15:08
Btw, last week I moved my file from Ankara to Vienna. We are a family of five, so we would need 5 visas.
May 19, 2025 at 17:59
Good decision to move.
May 19, 2025 at 17:53
They did well last year. It is the type of embassy that can work out well in a hail mary year.
https://www.youtube.com/live/bwJj1D7BuaQ?si=ZZbcILu2OJNEssIW
May 19, 2025 at 13:14
Dear Simon
My wife recently was selected and I am her derivative so the passport I submitted on the ds260 says the place of birth as Qatar and I was born in my country and in the ds260 I put where I was born in my home country and I have my birth certificate so I took the initiative to correct it in the passport and apply for a one that says my place of birth and I will keep the one which I applied with in case they ask me along with my birth certificate so is it going to be a big issue
May 19, 2025 at 17:53
I don’t know.
May 19, 2025 at 12:37
Hi Simon!
Thank you for doing this, it really helps with the entire process.
My question is, what do you think, is a EU29xxx case with a interview in Belgrade,Serbia a good or bad situation?
What do you think is the chance of all EU numbers going current in September?
Do you think if we see “CURRENT” in upcoming months, will Belgrade be fast enough to process the interview?
Thank you so much once again,
Really appreciate it.
May 19, 2025 at 17:52
I spoke about this at length in my live session on Sunday.
https://www.youtube.com/live/bwJj1D7BuaQ?si=ZZbcILu2OJNEssIW
May 19, 2025 at 12:25
Hi Simon, I know it’s not really possible to compare DV2025 with DV2018 (EU region), but I was wondering if there are any notable differences between the two years. DV2018 was a slow year in terms of visa bulletin movement. Up to case number 10K, the density was around 80%. From 10K to 20K it dropped to about 55%, and from 20K to 25K it was around 45%. About 20K visas were issued for EU that year–so do you know if the quota was actually reached? I haven’t been able to find this info anywhere.
In DV2025, we currently see a density of around 60% up to 15K, and about 45% from 15K to 30K. I understand that the decrease in density might be because of Uzbekistan.
So, I started wondering about the similarities and differences between EU in DV2025 and DV2018. Very generally speaking, if EU reached case number 25K in DV2018, do you think it’s reasonable to expect EU to also reach at least 25K in DV2025–especially considering that not all visas will be issued and there may be some underfilling?
May 19, 2025 at 17:51
It really is a waste of time to try and compare years like that. There are too many variables.
But the last question I can answer. I do expect to see at least 25k – but we will see.
May 19, 2025 at 11:53
Hi Simon;
Do you expect VB 2025 for AS will become current in Aug or Sept.
If no, can you briefly explain why you don’t think they will become current.
Thank you.
May 19, 2025 at 17:49
No I don’t expect that – because they have selected far too many people, and issuances are going well. There is no need to make that region current.
May 19, 2025 at 09:17
Hi,
got a 2025EU21xxx number. Do you think there is still a chance it will become current in August or September and get an interview?
May 19, 2025 at 17:47
Yes
May 19, 2025 at 07:54
Hey Simon.
The embassy asked me to send my passport back after 221g for issuance. And they received it on may 8th. But up to today I checked my case it is still on ready and the last update has changed to today’s date. Can I email them to know the status or the reason for the delay or I can wait again. I had a plan to travel back to my country on June 5th.
2025af15k.
May 19, 2025 at 17:42
There is no harm in emailing to ask.
May 19, 2025 at 07:50
Hello Brit
I used to live in USA for 5 years
do I have to get US police clearance? if so, any idea how to get it. Currently, I live in UAE.
May 19, 2025 at 17:41
No police certs are needed for the USA.
May 19, 2025 at 07:48
Dear Simon,
I have two questions related to a case where the applicant has been selected (won) in the DV Lottery, and I would be grateful for your advice:
1. If an applicant mistakenly enters their birth city with a minor spelling error—such as writing “Beledweyne” instead of the correct “Beledweyn”—how should this be handled when completing the DS-260 form? Could such a small discrepancy in spelling affect the visa process?
2. In a case where a DV Lottery application was submitted using an address different from the applicant’s actual place of residence—for example, using an address in Istanbul, Turkey while the applicant resides in Beledweyn, Somalia—could this inconsistency lead to any issues during the visa process? If questioned about this during the interview, what would be the appropriate way to explain the situation?
May 19, 2025 at 17:41
1. Always complete the DS260 with the correct details.
2. Don’t do that. If you create a lie, it could come back and bite you.