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June 29, 2025 at 19:03
Hi BritSimon,
After +25 years of trying (22 for my husband), we finally got selected for DV2025… with a super high number: EU34xxx. Of course!
Quick question: For a Canadian citizen with a high number, do you think Adjustment of Status might be a smarter move than consular processing? Since Canadians can just stroll into the U.S. passport-in-hand, I’m wondering if that route could be a good plan B if embassies get picky with the higher numbers.
Also, we are spending time in Europe this summer. I know you’ve mentioned that some embassies tend to move faster with high numbers. Do you think Bucharest or Chisinau would give us a better shot — or is there another post you’d consider more “high-number-friendly”? Just trying to be in the right place at the right time — in case of a Hail Mary and my number becoming current, I want to be ready to roll!
Appreciate everything you do — your posts and videos are basically my DV everything.
June 30, 2025 at 11:15
In a hail mary, the only people helped are AOS cases and CP cases at embassies that can extend their capacity (which is typically smaller embassies).
AOS is a smart way to go – but you must have a status in the USA that you can adjust from. I’m not sure if that is the situation in your case
CP in the embassies you mention would be good too – but generally KCC expect you to interview in your home country, so I am not sure they would allocate you to those embassies. You would have to show convincing evidence that proves you would be there in September.
June 29, 2025 at 16:26
I watched today’s live. I understand the explanation you gave near the beginning to the person who asked the multiple choice question regarding Africa. I understood the reason why you gave the possibility of a “Hail Mary” and going current because they will under-fill their quota this year.
And, now my question, since it’s the one relevant to my family: Since Asia will also under-fill this year, why would not they also have the possibility of a current status? I noticed the person at the end of the video asking about the 16-17k prediction and you stated that you could see it going to 20k or so. I’m just curious why their jump is not necessarily the same “Hail Mary” as Africa seems to be in the past?
I realize you don’t have a crystal ball and I’m not one to say, “But you said..” after the fact, but I’m trying to understand why they wouldn’t make Asia current because of Iran and the other bans.
June 29, 2025 at 16:43
They might. I can’t say they won’t. But 20K is a heck of a jump from where we are now.
June 29, 2025 at 17:07
Hello Simon,
I’m a DV-2026 selectee with case number EU27XXX. I submitted my DS-260 at the end of May. However, I’ve realized that I made a mistake in the form. Two questions:
1. In 1995, I spent one year studying in the U.S. as a high school student. I correctly included the address where I lived for the last six months of that stay, but I mistakenly left out the address where I lived during the first six months. I simply forgot about it when filling out the form.
Should I request to unlock the DS-260 to correct this and include both addresses?
2. One of the ids for social media seems to be incorrect. Is this also reason to unlock DS?
Thank you!
June 29, 2025 at 17:41
Point 2 should be fixed, and while you have the form open, fix point 1 also.
June 29, 2025 at 17:08
I agree that it is a big jump. But Asia seems have moved particularly slow this year and they won’t fill their quota. I’m doing to be super curious about what will happen in a couple of weeks.
June 29, 2025 at 14:15
I am winner DV2026. I have a question about the big beautiful bill. I understand that part of the bill is that the DS-260 itself will cost $400 USD to complete. Does this also apply to DV2026 winners? I’m currently waiting for my new passport to be ready because my current 2026 expires in August, so I haven’t filled out the DS-260 yet.
June 29, 2025 at 15:03
Those parts raising costs for DV cases have been removed from the bill.
June 29, 2025 at 13:16
Hello Simon
When filling out the DS form in the education section, do we add only the year of obtaining the high school diploma or all the years before it?
June 29, 2025 at 13:34
It asks for secondary education – that means all from age 11 or 12.
June 29, 2025 at 13:08
Hello. In the last VB for DV2025, if the current for EU will be 35K, that means 35,800 case numbers will be left out. There is no sort of round up? Thanks
June 29, 2025 at 13:14
The number is the number.
June 29, 2025 at 12:25
Hi Brit,
We sent our applications last week, including the I-693 forms using the prior version that USCIS is only accepting until this Wednesday (July 2nd). The package was delivered last Saturday, but we haven’t received the SMS or email confirming receipt yet.
Can you please clarify whether USCIS goes by the date the package is delivered or the date it is opened and processed when determining if the correct version of the form was submitted before the cutoff?
Thanks so much for your help!
June 29, 2025 at 13:13
I don’t know.
June 29, 2025 at 10:59
Hi Simon, I’ve been watching the CEAC data and noticed a small backlog in the Frankfurt embassy. Apparently they haven’t taken on the 2NLs for the latest VB issue. Is it common for a normally non-backlogged embassy to have such a “one-off” backlog once in a while? Are such backlogs usually resolved quickly? And are there any special circumstances going on in Frankfurt right now that might have caused this?
June 29, 2025 at 11:30
We don’t know why the did not take any August cases. There is still a small chance that they could do so over the next few days. BUT I cannot predict what they will do.
June 28, 2025 at 16:50
Hello Brit, have been following a discussion in the telegram channel regarding the assignment of embassy depending on someone’s current address, now my question is:
I’m a DV 2026 winner, I currently live and work in UAE, meaning my current address is USE, but my derivatives (wife and son) live in Nairobi, I submitted my DS260 a month ago and I chose Nairobi as my interview location in all the forms, will KCC assign me in NRB embassy or they will use my current address (UAE)? Thanks
June 28, 2025 at 17:16
You can ask them which embassy you are assigned to…
June 29, 2025 at 01:44
Thx, gonna do that..
July 3, 2025 at 07:56
Hey there, I got a reply from KCC saying that they received my forms and that they are still processing, do u think they didn’t reply which embassy am assigned to because the forms aren’t processed yet??
July 3, 2025 at 09:06
No, they wouldn’t do that. They just picked the wrong template letter to send you. But this is early to be asking anyway, so maybe just chill for a bit before asking again.
June 28, 2025 at 15:27
Hi Simon,
In my DS-260 I listed both my high school and my university (which I’m still attending and haven’t graduated from). I marked the degree as “In Progress” and for “Date to” I put the date I filled out the form, since it didn’t allow a future date.
I also put “Student” as my primary occupation and listed the university there too.
Is that all correct? Or would you suggest unlocking the form just to adjust that?
Thanks a lot!
2026SA1XX
June 28, 2025 at 15:30
The current occupation is as a student at that school, so it doesn’t really belong in the educational instituations attended (past tense). However, there is no need to correct this…
June 28, 2025 at 07:20
Hi Brit, I have a question regarding social media. In ds260 I included a Facebook profile that I created not using my real name. I listed the names on social media (ds260) as they appear on the Facebook profile. Can this create me a problem?
June 29, 2025 at 16:30
Its actually my back up fb account that i use to admin & run my Facebook page for my business. So i just listed it in ds260.
June 28, 2025 at 04:42
Hello sir ! . I requested kcc to unlock my ds 260 for interview location change but they unlock only my ds 260 not for my wife and children to change our address what should I do . DV 2025 56k
June 28, 2025 at 11:58
Change your address, theirs doesn’t matter.
June 27, 2025 at 20:23
Dear simon firstly thank you for your service secondly i have serious question
My wife is won the dv lottery this year and she applied as Somalian citizen born buroa somalia and she has Ethiopian passport sayings she is Ethiopian but born in buroa and Somalia is in travel ban what shall we do should we apply on the Ethiopian passport???? Thank you sir
June 28, 2025 at 00:07
Yes
June 27, 2025 at 18:16
Hi Simon,
I’m in a bit of a predicament. I submitted my DS260 (for DV2025, EU27K, Frankfurt) end of May. I understand the timing was late. I’m still not processed.
1. What are my options should I not be processed before VB release?
2. Should I be worried about Frankfurt given they have not sent any 2nls yet?
3. Is there anything to speed up the DS260 processing?
4. Could the delay have anything to do with social media profiles being private instead of public or my entire work history (after my US studies) only having been in the US (it was also political campaign work)?
Thank you!
June 27, 2025 at 19:17
1. None
2. Yes.
3.no
4. I don’t know
June 27, 2025 at 20:06
1.Would changing my embassy by unlocking my DS260 jumpstart things or would that delay it even more?
2. What have been average processing times this time of the year? I know usually there’s a backlog for folks who just found out this May but what about people from DV2025?
June 28, 2025 at 00:06
1. I don’t know.
2. Submission as late as you left it is obviously not average.
June 28, 2025 at 07:52
1. I meant the processing times. What is the usual time frame of DS260 processing this time of year?
2. What would happen would I get processed a week after the VB release? Is there just a hard stop of processing or how does that work?
Thank you.
June 28, 2025 at 12:02
1. There isn’t a usual timeline for something that is already UNUSUAL.
2. I don’t know what will happen in your case. AGAIN, you have created an UNUSUAL situation – so asking what USUALLY happens is a waste of your time and mine.
June 28, 2025 at 14:02
Hi, Carolin,
What makes you think that your case hadn’t been processed yet? EU27K is not in cut-off by now, and AFAIK, the CEAC status tracker page shows “At NVC” until the case is transferred to the consulate. (Please, Mr. Simon, correct me if I’m wrong).
You can check the current processing time on this page:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/nvc-timeframes.html
It is updated once a week. As far as I can see, the processing times we are interested in are specified in the second section: “Current case review time: As of 23-Jun-25, we are reviewing documents submitted to us on 9-Jun-25”.
I checked the Web Archive for this page for a few dates in the past and in previous years the processing took up to 2-3 months. So at least we can say that they are working much faster this year and your case may already be processed.
June 28, 2025 at 14:29
You are correct, NVC is the standard status until scheduled.
However, the NVC timeframe link has ZERO to do with DV lottery.
June 27, 2025 at 17:56
Hi Brit,
If the budget bill passes before September 30th, are we then required to pay the $250 fee to register for the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery in octobre 2025? Or does the DV lottery need a separate bill to add this fee to the registration?
Thank you for your clarification.
June 27, 2025 at 19:14
I cannot predict how it will work.
June 27, 2025 at 16:15
Hello Simon,
I hope everything is good. I’m a DV 2026 selectee (AF7XXX) from a country currently under the U.S. travel ban. I haven’t submitted my DS-260 yet, as I needed time to gather the required documents. Now that I’m ready, I’m concerned that my low case number (AF7XXX) could result in an early interview and a likely visa denial under the current restrictions.
I’m considering delaying submission until September–November 2025 or later, in the hope that the situation may change after the November 2025 U.S. elections or through legal rulings related to the travel ban and/or the resumption of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP).
Does postponing the DS-260 submission to avoid a likely early refusal work?
What is the latest safe time to submit the DS-260 as a DV 2026 selectee without risking my eligibility?
June 27, 2025 at 17:27
Well yes, proceeding early would be a mistake. You can delay submission well into next year to see if things improve.
June 27, 2025 at 14:59
Hi Simon, I’m filling in the DS260 and I have 5 questions by now:
(1) In the “Street Address” and “City” fields for previous employers, what location should I enter if I’m working on a very big company with multiple offices?
– the company’s headquarters location,
– the office where my supervisor worked,
– the office where the HR team worked,
– OR the actual small office where I physically worked, even if it was just a satellite location with no managers or HR staff, just a few technical employees who weren’t even part of my team.
(This question extends to which phone number to give)
(2) Also, regarding the educational institution address, for my university for instance, what should I provide?
– the address of the central university administration (like the rectorate/head office),
– OR the address of the specific school/faculty (in my case, the School of Economics) where I actually attended classes?
(This question extends to which phone number to give too)
(3) And talking about another thing: “Course of Study” vs. “Degree, Diploma or Certificate Received”: What’s the difference between these two fields? For example, I completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Law, but I haven’t received the actual diploma yet because in my country it takes years to be issued and printed.
What should I enter exactly in each field in this case?
(4) Finally, how should streets and degrees names be translated?
If for instance the address is something like: “Calle de San Pablo, número 3, piso 2D”, should I fully translate it, or just parcially, or not translate it at all:
– Full translation: 3 San Pablo Street, Apt. 2D
– Partial translation: Calle San Pablo, number 3, Apt. 2D
(5) And if the degree title is something like this: “Graduado en Derecho”, should it be translated to “Law Bachelor’s Degree”?
Thanks in advance for your help!
June 27, 2025 at 15:54
These are all your choice. None of these questions need answering, just use your judgement
June 27, 2025 at 14:39
Hi Simon, how does the Supreme court ruling today (06/27/2025) to limit the lower courts power to stop trump affect your case on the Great Britian case?
June 27, 2025 at 15:52
Not at all.
June 27, 2025 at 14:10
Hi, my case number is EU21k and current for August. My embassy is Frankfurt. They haven’t send out any 2nl for August interview.
1. is this normal or should I be worried?
2. should I change embassy?
3. are they backlogged or just late with issuing 2nls?
June 27, 2025 at 15:52
1. Not normal.
2. Probably too late
3. I don’t know.
June 27, 2025 at 17:51
Same boat here Sara but in Dublin embassy and EU19k, no 2NL yet. From historical perspective looking at the data Dublin has always performed well and issued visas right up until the end.
It’d be great if we could keep in touch somehow so we can let each other know if we got the 2NLs yet or not to judge what’s happening.
June 28, 2025 at 02:11
hello sara & jonathan, I am on the same boat as well. 19k, Frankfurt embassy. I also haven’t receive any 2NL for August interview. I asked KCC and they gave me a Stage 4 mail (number current, ready for interview scheduling). However, the CEAC website shows that my case is still at NVC, so they haven’t even transfered it to the embassy. I hope that they are sending the 2NL next week. Frankfurt embassy did also fine in the last couple of months, so idk what is going on…
June 28, 2025 at 06:40
Frankfurt was doing great so far. With this being the first month like this, its making me nervous if Im going to be able to get my medical in time in case of late minute 2nl. Fingers crossed for all of us and please comment when you receive a 2nl.
June 28, 2025 at 10:10
Exact same for me CJ but at Dublin embassy. Says at NVC for me but when I emailed KCC they sent me the exact same stage 4 email. I’m not sure what that means. Does that mean our DS260 has been processed and our case has been sent to the embassy of our choice already?
June 28, 2025 at 11:35
I found this article on Simon’s blog where he explained the responses from KCC: https://britsimonsays.com/communicating-kcc/
But I do not have more informationen, ecxept that
June 30, 2025 at 12:41
Any update for you guys? Nothing here yet…
July 1, 2025 at 08:50
Nothing here either… anyone else mentally preparing for a September interview?
July 1, 2025 at 10:51
Unfortunately, no. I wrote an email to the Frankfurt Embassy today and politely asked, if they are scheduling any cases in August, but I am not sure if I am gonna get a reponse.
July 1, 2025 at 11:51
I emailed Dublin as well on Sunday and no reply yet.
July 1, 2025 at 14:33
CJ if you get a reply please let me know what they say 🙂
July 2, 2025 at 13:12
Hey CJ and Sara,
Just in-case you guys want to keep up with me, you can message me on forums.immigration.com, I’m MrBobert. Currently I’m posting in the DV 2025 All Selectees post about this issue. Maybe you guys can join in and so we can keep up to date on if anyone has received anything yet.
July 7, 2025 at 13:14
Hello Sara and Jonathan,
any updates from you? Nothing here… I was considering to contact KCC again, but they’ll probably give me the same Stage 4 mail…
July 7, 2025 at 14:07
Nothing here CJ (sorry responding to myself as I think we hit the limit of nested replies).
June 27, 2025 at 02:02
Hello, can you please inform me about the medical visit where the epicrisis of operations is requested. Does it necessarily have to be declared an operation that was performed 12 years ago abroad? Do births by operation have to be declared and certified for these? Also, is hospitalization for 5 days, 15 years ago, declared since we cannot find the relevant documentation. Thank you !
June 27, 2025 at 03:36
You can discuss medical history, but they are most concerned about diseases you would bring to the USA, not some operation 15 years ago…
June 27, 2025 at 01:07
Hi Britsimon.
Our long 2nl finally came when we were already booked for interview and medicals done.
However, the letter has derivative me and our son (even though we stated in our ds260 that he won’t be traveling with us. My wife is the principal applicant and step mom
Prior to this during confirmation of our interview appointment following the link from the embassy, we also noticed there were 03 slots to be filled. So since we understood that it’s only two person who have been declared to immigrate now, we filled the principal applicant twice to be able to confirm the appointment (it was obligatory to confirm appointment online, and unfilled fields in the portal couldn’t permit us to proceed).
With the latest information from the 2nl, we have decided on engaging the child at once but his medicals had not been done, he’s also not included in the appointment letter and interview in few days. But still we are taking him with us to the interview. Our child is 8yr 11 monrhs
1. Will this affect our interview?
2. Is there a possibility the consular officer can conduct his interview while pending his medicals?
3. Any advice on this our situation?
Thank you for your help 🙏
June 27, 2025 at 01:09
Also no possibility of doing his medicals now as interview is in few days
June 27, 2025 at 03:29
1. No
2. yes
3. Prepare well.
June 27, 2025 at 00:51
Hey, I’m a DV winner so what are we supposed to for our No Objection Certificate or Credit evaluation for studying in the USA? Do we need it or not?
June 27, 2025 at 03:25
That is not part of the DV process.
June 27, 2025 at 00:46
His Simon, realised I forgot to add my tiktok account, should I email kcc to unlock or its late 2025AF 50.4k
June 27, 2025 at 03:24
Too late.
June 27, 2025 at 00:13
Hi Simon!
I’ve been reviewing 221(g) issuance rates in Europe and noticed something intriguing. While Europe in general has relatively low 221(g) rates compared to other regions, Vienna and Hong Kong stand out even further — their rates for EU-region DV cases are significantly lower than other (larger) posts handling similar cases.
Given that a large portion of their DV caseload likely comes from Turkish nationals, I’m wondering:
Are Vienna and Hong Kong simply more lenient, or are the Turkish applicants going there just better prepared?
Considering how unpredictable the DV process is, how does this kind of “consulate shopping” align with the FAM policy? How can someone reasonably know in mid-2024 that they’ll be residing in Vienna or Hong Kong by the time of their 2025 interview? And if this is a loophole, why aren’t embassies taking stricter action against what seems like deliberate forum shopping?
June 27, 2025 at 00:34
We don’t have data on 221g.
As for embassy shopping, then physical presence policy was clarified some time ago to make this more clear.
June 26, 2025 at 23:37
Hi Simon,
Under https://www.uscis.gov/i-693 Form Details > Edition Date, it said that
“If the civil surgeon signs your form on or before July 2, 2025, you must use the 03/09/23 or the 01/20/25 edition. Starting July 3, 2025, USCIS will accept only the 01/20/25 edition.”
What does this mean? If I have an I-693 (03/09/23 Edition) signed by the Civil Surgeon and sealed on June 01, 2024, and I have never used it before. Do you think I can still submit this I-693 with I-485 this September?
FYR, Instructions for Form I-693, Page 1 Part 6
“Submit your completed Form I-693 in the sealed envelope to USCIS. Form I-693 remains valid for two years from the date of the civil surgeon’s signature.”
June 27, 2025 at 00:29
No
June 27, 2025 at 00:31
By the way, for DV lottery NO ONE should be filing in September. If you are dv2025 and expecting to be current in September, you should use the early filing policy to gain the extra time.
If you are dv2026, you should not file before October 1.
June 26, 2025 at 20:27
I am a winner of edv 2026. While filling out the ds260 form I came across the following Yes/No question:
Are you a graduate of a foreign medical school seeking to perform medical services in the United States but have not yet passed the National Board of Medical Examiners examination or its equivalent?
I am a licenced medical doctor practicing medicine in my country but do not hold a US medical licence. At present, the type of immigration visa I am applying for is diversity visa and not employment visa. But I might pursue a medical career in the US in the future once I have cleared US liscencing board’s examinations and completed the mandatory residency.
So, how should I answer the above question?
Answer No, as the primary reason for current application isn’t employment .
Or
Answer Yes and explain that in the future I might seek such employment after necessary process (obtaining licence and completing residency) has been completed.
Thanks for you input.
June 26, 2025 at 21:38
Yes.
June 26, 2025 at 15:50
Good Day Simon,
Just a quick one. I have been current for an interview proceedings since February, but since Freetown Embassy has not been scheduling interviews for DV25 for the past couple of months.
I have been constantly emailing KCC for an update or transfer my case to another embassy. But KCC has refused this request over and over again they keep saying “I am due for an interview proceedings, they can’t transfer my case and has been lock in that embassy. Now my question.
1. What next to do? Considering only September is remaining for DV25 interviewing.
2. Can I give up or still hope and considering writing another email to KCC to show mercy.
3. Whatever advice could help
June 26, 2025 at 16:09
Unfortunately it is now much more difficult to move your case, and time is not on your side.
The only way to move now is that you contact another embassy and they not only agree to take you, but then contact KCC on your behalf and instruct them to assign your case to the nee embassy. That is rare, and hard to achieve. The embassy will need a good reason to go to that trouble. They will probably expect proof that you are already physically present in their district.
June 26, 2025 at 15:14
Hello . Good day sir. I wanted to transfer my case from Abu Dhabi embassy to Cameroon embassy as there is war treat in the region my case number is 56k . How can I proceed and how many days it may take to be scheduled in new Embassy. Is the reason of transfer is acceptable. Note that I’m Cameroonian. Please show me the process as I in Ruch
Thanks
June 26, 2025 at 16:10
You must move now by unlocking and changing your current address to another country.
June 26, 2025 at 13:10
DV 2025 AF, we did request transfer from post A to post B, Case was transfer first to post C and the to post B after following up. Embassy B sent us a link to create an account for schedule an interview and documents submission. However, the provided link from (VFS) usvisascheduling.com still has embassy A as the interview post.
Not sure whether this is an error or this is how it should be after transfer. Please advise.
June 26, 2025 at 13:27
I have no idea what is your situation. You aren’t clear at all.
You are not scheduled until KCC schedule you. Once they do, you create an account with that embassy.
June 26, 2025 at 13:52
We were originally scheduled by KCC at Embassy A and later requested a transfer from Embassy A to Embassy B. During the transfer process, our case was first mistakenly sent to a different embassy, and only after follow-up was it correctly transferred to Embassy B.
Embassy B then sent us a link (via VFS) to create an account for registration and document submission. However, the link provided
still shows Embassy A as the interview post.
Not sure whether this is an error or this is how it should be after transfer. Please advise.
June 26, 2025 at 16:11
Contact embassy B ASAP and discuss with them!
June 26, 2025 at 16:36
Hello BritSimon. Case number EU29k,I would like to know the interview date prediction,and if I have any chances of getting one.
June 26, 2025 at 21:37
I can’t predict that. I can’t even read your mind to know which year you are talking about.
June 26, 2025 at 10:06
hi simon, generally speaking, why some embassies schedule 30 or 40 in one month and then they reschedule to another 2 cases same month. is it because those 2 are the only left cases at that time or another reason ?
thanks
June 26, 2025 at 13:09
I don’t know.
June 26, 2025 at 01:27
Hi brit simon i am a DV 26 selectee AF61k i used a host that i never met and didnt list his name cause he told me to click it does not apply so i clicked does not apply on person living in address
also he isnt from my country and i never met him
should i open my ds260 find a new host and edit now
or leave him and edit in day of interview
cause i am concerned about public charge issues
June 26, 2025 at 05:12
I’m not sure why you are stressing yourself about this now. You won’t be intervieweduntil a year from now, and at the interview you. An change the address then, or not, it doesn’t matter.
June 25, 2025 at 23:14
Hello Simon i am selectee of dv 2025 i just received second letter but i havent update my fb id at that time when i fill ds 160 cause i dont use fb at that time now i have fb should i update reopening my ds form?? but i update my insta id
June 25, 2025 at 18:03
Hello Simon! I have some doubts regarding the DS260.
1. Under “Educational Institutions Attended,” should I list a university I attended for only one year before transferring, even though I didn’t obtain a degree from that institution? If so, what should I enter under “Diploma or Degree”?
2. Should I include a university where I completed a short online postgraduate course that lasted only two months under “Academic Institutions”?
3. Should I include the institution I am currently attending under “Educational Institutions”? If so, what should I enter under “Degree or Diploma” if I haven’t completed the program yet?
4. Under jobs should i list an internship that only lasted 2 weeks ( i quit).
5. Also I have asked this before but is still not clear to me. I still haven’t decided between AOS and CP. Why do you not recommend sending the DS260 and in case I decided for AOS inform KCC of the change? You think that is riskier than sending the DS260 later in the year?
Thank you so much!
June 26, 2025 at 04:51
1. Yes. Whatever course seems correct.
2. Yes
3. No that is current occupation
4. No
5. Because the ds260 declares you intent to immigrate and that can affect non immigrant visa applications if you can’t get your DV. But make a decision between aos and cp and act accordingly.
June 25, 2025 at 15:22
Hello, I wanted to clarify: If I register for the DV Lottery alone at 15 and win at 16, can I attend the visa interview alone in Tbilisi, Georgia — even though I will still be 17 at the time? I will have recive high school diploma at 17.
I am from Azerbaijan and would travel to Georgia by myself.
Is that allowed?
Thank you
June 25, 2025 at 17:12
Its allowed as long as you meet the education requirement by the time of the interview.
June 25, 2025 at 12:33
HI SIMON,
Grateful for your timely assistance.
I got my visa April and I am already in the USA. My green Card was posted on June 20th.
1) I got Married in August and did not indicate during my interview I was married because the interview process was so fast.
2) Can I apply for my wife to accompany me as soon as I received my green card?
June 25, 2025 at 13:06
Well you made a simple process much more complicated…
2. You can apply, and it will take 2 to 5 years. I suggest you speak to a lawyer since you misrepresented your situation at the interview.
June 25, 2025 at 09:09
Hi simon,
I have a big problem, i chose Beirut embassy in my DS-260 ..
my number entered the last bulletin but my case state is still at NVC, i found that Beirut Embassy does not process DV at all ..
I contact KCC and said my case is current and can no longer unlock or change my interview location ..
Beirut embassy is not responding to emails,
I contact Amman embassy and said my case is at NVC and can not access it ..
What should i do
June 25, 2025 at 13:01
You have left this dangerously late. If you are assigned to Beirut, then you are going to lose your chance.
Let me find you an answer I just gave with appropriate info.
June 25, 2025 at 13:03
https://britsimonsays.com/visa-bulletin-for-july-2025-interviews-released/#comment-368474
June 25, 2025 at 08:32
Hello SIMON please what do you think about DV2026 I’m a selectee from morocco with A high case number AF56XXX and us embassy here it’s too slow like this year they reach just AF21XXX and they didn’t get any interview yet do you think they will reach high numbers next year or the world cup and applicants for the us visa will affect the process
June 25, 2025 at 12:58
It is far too soon to make judgements about how the embassies will perform, or even how high the numbers are. There will be ample time and information available later so that you can change embassies if needed.
June 24, 2025 at 16:01
Do we need to make our social medias public as DV applicants?
I heard there is a new requirement for some visa types
June 24, 2025 at 16:20
Doesn’t formally apply, but in the ds260 you will list all social media profiles.
June 24, 2025 at 12:22
Hi Simon, another quick question:
What is the rule for entering proper nouns like university names or addresses in the DS260?
For instance:
1. For my university, “Universidad de Sevilla”, should I enter “University of Seville” or leave it as in the original graduation certificate (“Universidad de Sevilla”)?
2. For my street, “Calle Alfonso, 3° Derecha”, should I translate it to: “Calle Alfonso, 3rd Floor, Apt. Right” or “Alfonso Street, 3rd Floor, Apt. Right”?
June 24, 2025 at 15:18
No need to translate the names.
June 24, 2025 at 10:34
Hi Britt, am a DV 2025 winner from a country under the temporary US Travel Ban; will you and your colleagues consider tendering a Lawsuit on our behalf with the main consideration that diversity visas are congressionally mandated thereby making the restriction unconstitutional ??
June 24, 2025 at 11:37
That is not a winning argument. This has been mitigated previously in DV2020. At that time we fought for and won the question of visa issuance, because the president has power to block entry, not visa issuance. At that time, we gambled on a new administration and that the ban would be removed. It worked beautifully and 7000 extra visas were won and used.
However, at this time it makes no sense to try that again, because Trump won’t end his term in time to use the visas. So, in my opinion, a lawsuit is pointless.
June 24, 2025 at 08:01
Hi Simon,
When I enter my social media IDs in the DS260, it converts them automatically into uppercase, affecting their accuracy.
I guess that’s not a problem because it’s not my fault, right?
Regards.
June 24, 2025 at 11:29
No problem
June 24, 2025 at 07:52
Dear Simon,
First off, thank you so much for the generous and incredibly helpful service you provide here for people. It is so helpful being able to see someone who clearly knows a great deal about all of this complex stuff (it is to me at least) explain it in a a way that can be understood and isn’t coming from a place of trying to take advantage of my ignorance and get me to part with my money.
So I had been put in touch with a lawyer about trying to secure an O-1 visa, I had a consultation with her and based on my experience she was confident that I would be able to obtain one. I have since then been selected in the May DV lottery that recently took place.
My question is this, would you advise against going ahead with applying for the O-1 visa? My case number is for the Oceania region and is 18**. How likely do you think that is of being reached i.e. going current next year? And would going for the O-1 visa be problematic since I have been selected and completed my DV260 form?
Sorry, I know it’s one of those, Simon could you please see into the future type of questions but I’m juggling a few things and any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again for everything you do.
June 24, 2025 at 11:29
First it is too early to be certain about your number, because it is likely on the cusp between happy and sad. BuT that is just a guess right now, we will have more information later.
Regarding the O-1, that is in a class of visas known as “dual intent” visas. It means you can apply for and process the O-1 visa, and are allowed to have immigrant intent at the same time. So, there is no problem pursuing both options. Get the O-1, and then if your case number becomes current, you can adjust status around August/September of 2026. No need to use a lawyer for that part, its easy to do. In fact, lawyers know very little about DV, so you are usually better off without a lawyer for that part.
June 24, 2025 at 01:36
Hi Simon,
I have a couple of questions regarding the Green Card delivery service you recently introduced:
1. For someone using the service who does not yet have a permanent address in the U.S., should that same address be listed as the “Permanent Address” on the DS-260 and during the interview process?
2. Do you have any advice on how to handle the “Permanent Address” requirement for individuals with no existing ties to the U.S.? It seems like this is needed for the medical exam, the interview, and when entering the country.
TIA!
June 24, 2025 at 03:54
1. Yes, or the USA mailing address.
2. Using the same address.
June 23, 2025 at 13:07
Hi, BritSimon!
I am a derivative of the DV2025 EU winner. I was born in the USSR in the region that was renamed after the USSR collapsed. The old name of the region is still used on recently issued passports, but, according to the DS260 instructions, the current name should be written on the form. I found an error in my wife’s (main applicant) form in the family section – the region of my birthplace was typed in by the old name (as in passport). In the main section of my DS260 the region is correct (the name that is currently in use). The case is now at NVC and there is a possibility that the number will become current in the last VB.
I have 3 options:
1. Unlock the form now and make corrections. But, AFAIK, there is a risk that the updated form will not be processed by the time the 2NLs are sent out.
2. Unlock the form after the case is transferred to my consulate.
3. Ask to make corrections before the interview.
What do you think would be the best for me to do?
Thank you so much in advance!
June 23, 2025 at 14:04
No need to do anything. Mention it at the interview.
June 22, 2025 at 19:39
Dear Simon,
I am a Kenyan citizen who lives in Kenya.Won the 2025 lottery last year .My number became current in April.I had changed my embassy from Nairobi to Kigali. I haven’t received the 2NL .My number is 2025Af367**.I wanted to ask has Kigali sent any 2NL from April Should I contact them or KCC on the same.
June 23, 2025 at 02:43
Kcc
June 22, 2025 at 17:38
Hi BritSimon,
On the interview day can we ask consular officer to change the planned address of residence in the USA to the new address?
Thanks beforehand!
June 23, 2025 at 02:42
Yes
June 22, 2025 at 15:14
Hi BritSimon,
I won the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery this year, with Somalia as my country of chargeability, where I was born. However, Somalia is currently on the U.S. travel ban list. In addition to my Somali citizenship, I also hold Ethiopian nationality, as my mother is Ethiopian (and Ethiopia is not subject to the ban). I did not use my Ethiopian nationality for my DV application.
Given the current travel restrictions, I would like to know how I can still be eligible for the visa. Will the U.S. authorities disregard the chargeability country (Somalia) from my initial DV application and consider my Ethiopian nationality for the visa issuance instead? How will this process work if I am applying under my Ethiopian passport while the initial application listed Somalia as my country of chargeability?
I would appreciate your guidance on how this will be handled.
June 22, 2025 at 16:58
We have already discussed this.
https://britsimonsays.com/new-travel-ban-introduced-19-countries-affected/#comment-367930
June 23, 2025 at 06:33
Sir, please clarify the following questions, as I am quite confused about them:
1. How will my primary nationality be determined?
2. Since Ethiopia does not allow dual citizenship, will the U.S. Embassy question how I can obtain a visa if my Ethiopian nationality is not legally recognized alongside my Somali citizenship?
June 23, 2025 at 06:41
1. There is no such thing. You either have dual citizenship, or you don’t.
2. I don’t know how that will be handled, but it sounds like you don’t have dual citizenship…
June 22, 2025 at 11:30
Using photo of previous year will cause denial in interview??
June 22, 2025 at 13:02
According to the instructions, it should cause denial, so it is a silly risk to take. However, in practice, denials for photos in such cases are extremely unlikely.
June 22, 2025 at 13:19
Am from Cameroon with a Case number 64k, will i be called for interview..?
June 22, 2025 at 14:12
Maybe. You have two concerns, the VB and your embassy capacity.
June 22, 2025 at 07:33
Hi Simon;
I’m a DV2025 selectee from a banned country.
1) Are we entitled to apply for a waiver (NIE) when going for the interview? I mean can we request the consular to explain out case (if we have strong arguments prepared to get a waiver like strong US ties, National interest, humanitarian)
2) Do you know any case that managed to get a waiver for DV2025 after the ban was in place?
3) Can you explain briefly what are the criteria to get a waiver so that we have a better understanding and can have a slight hope (at least we try our best at the interview)?
Thank you.
June 22, 2025 at 09:11
They are not issuing NIEs. Unless you have a second passport, the ban will apply. They WANT the ban to apply.
June 22, 2025 at 07:00
Hi Simon, I hope you’re doing well. I’m a DV Lottery 2026 winner from a country currently under a travel ban in the new US administration. My case number is 26K. I’ve been living outside my country for almost 7 years, since I left at 18, and I’m now in the process of applying for a new citizenship in a country not affected by the restrictions. My questions are as follows : if I manage to obtain this new citizenship before my interview, and the interviewer sees that I received the new citizenship after the restrictions were announced will that be an issue? Also, what kind of questions might they ask me regarding this situation?
Thank you very much in advance for your guidance.
June 22, 2025 at 09:10
If you have a second passport at the interview, you will be exempt from the ban.
June 22, 2025 at 02:37
Hi Simon,
How long after activation do you have to permanently re-locate to the US? I have read 6 months, however your article on this topic says 12 months.
Thank you
June 22, 2025 at 04:28
12 months is technically acceptable, but under the current administration, 6 months might be better.
June 28, 2025 at 04:44
I’ve received my 2nls for August, but i’ve tried to register my interview on AVITS portal but it’s not working.
When i type my CN it answers wrong.
I’m worring about that.
June 28, 2025 at 11:59
You only need to create an account, you already have the interview.