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July 6, 2025 at 15:11
Dear Simon,
I’m 2025 winner AS18k , my embassy is Baghdad-Iraq, if I become current for September while the embassy in Baghdad still closed temporarily, am I going to lose my chance to get interviewed, is there any way to move my interview to other location?
Thanks
Ihab
July 6, 2025 at 17:21
You should change to another embassy right now, today. You do that by unlocking your ds260 and changing your address.
July 6, 2025 at 15:11
Hi Simon. Any updates on the proposed travel ban. Where to check if countries are making progress. 2025AF31xxx
July 6, 2025 at 17:20
There is no place where we can see that. Currently there are 19 countries banned. That’s all for now.
July 6, 2025 at 11:25
Hello. For AOS:
1. What happens if I didn’t file taxes last year ( only did the 8843 form through Sprintax) since I am a student and didn’t have any income, and probably won’t file taxes next year either, since I will be studying as well. So the only financial documents I have are my bank statements. To support my self I used savings, my spouse sold some properties in my home country, and we also rented our apartment back in our home country, and my family supported me. So I won’t have any financials to present beyond my bank statement and the sponsor form, would that be an issue?
2. Should I present papers of our properties in our home country?
3. if the reciprocity table of my country says this: Special Seal(s) / Color / Format: Birth certificates have no security features as they are a copy taken from the book where they are registered. Each copy must have a blue or black stamp with a legend stating “es copia fiel del original.” Digital copies may not have the stamp but will be issued as a PDF with a digital signature. Digital copies will have a verification code.
-this means that digital birth certificate are acceptable?
Thank you very much!
July 6, 2025 at 12:58
1. You should probably show an I-134.
2. Maybe – but you say “our” – that suggests family ownership – not yours
3. Yes
July 6, 2025 at 17:15
Hi Simon,hope you’re having an amazing day. I have won the dv 2026 visa lottery with a case number: EU29XXX.
I have submitted my DS-260 document three weeks ago.
My question to you is:
– am I going to expect any welcome letters from the NVC,and how much time would it take them to send me an email?
– after submitting my civil and financial documents to CEAC,how much time would it normally take them to process my documents and schedule me for an interview(just an estimate).
Thank you for your time.
July 6, 2025 at 07:49
Hi BritSimon. Are birth certificates without father’s details accepted by Consular Officers? My wife doesn’t know her father, so her bith certificate only her mother. Her maiden surname is her mother’s. I was reading somewhere on dos site that says birth certificate has to have both parents. This has us very worried now.
July 6, 2025 at 08:26
The requirement for the birth certificate is that it is the “LONG FORM” version of the certificate which has a place for both parents. However, as long as that form is used, it is not required to have a parent in each place. There are situations where the father will not be known.
July 6, 2025 at 06:07
Hi BritSimon,
I’m applying for DV-2027 and used a white bedsheet as my background. It has a very faint texture, but in the photo, the background looks plain and smooth — no visible patterns to the eye.
Is this safe for submission, or could it cause disqualification?
Thanks for your time!
July 6, 2025 at 08:22
It depends how well done it is, the lighting and so on. If you can’t get it correct, use a background removal tool. I will be releasing such a tool, specific for DV, for this year.
July 6, 2025 at 05:53
Hi Simon
Does observation seem to point AS has preference over other region in multiregional embassies, DV 24 and 25 same thing
July 6, 2025 at 08:20
It varies by embassy.
July 6, 2025 at 05:20
hello Mr.BritSimon
hope you are doing well
I am a DV 2026 selectee. In my original lottery entry submitted in October-November 2024, I included my father’s name in the “Middle Name” field, as I believed—it should be included because it appears on Arabic documents. However, it is not listed in the English script.. This was done unintentionally
After being selected, I realized this was not required and have corrected my name in the DS-260 to match my Lebanese passport exactly. and I also listed the previous version of my name under “Other Names Used” for transparency , Kindly let me know if my corrections are acceptable or if further action is needed.?
Additionally, I would like to ask for guidance regarding my full name in Arabic:
My name appears with three parts in my Lebanese passport in arabic but with four parts in my Kuwaiti birth certificate (including my grandfather’s name) that is the only differ
Should I write the three-part name (as in my passport) or the four-part name (as in my birth certificate) in the “Full Name in Native Language” field?
Also, should I list my full name version including “my grandfather’s name” in the “Other Names Used” section?
Thank you very much for your time and assistance. I am appreciative
best regards
July 6, 2025 at 08:20
For local usage of names, I don’t try to be an expert – so use your own judgement. However, using “other names” section in the DS260 is a good idea in your situation
July 5, 2025 at 19:50
Hi Brit,
Is it enough to just have the Florida driver license or does one also have to have the green card in the wallet? If not, do you know what the potential penalty could be? Is it just a small fine? Have you heard of anyone getting in trouble for not having the green card on them? fyi the FL driver license is real id compliant and to obtain it one needs to show status. thank you
July 5, 2025 at 21:04
Its not a serious crime, just a misdemeanor. In practice no one is likely to ask for it.
July 5, 2025 at 11:46
Hi BritSimon, i am seeking some guidance. Dv26 selectee, in 2012 i enrolled at a tertiary institution for just 6 months, it was suppose to be a 3 year degree. The program was “Bachelor of commerce” with no majoring in an subject or discipline. In short Bcom (General). On the website of the institution they write it as Bcom (General) or bachelor of commerce General degree. On the result slip of exams i wrote for first semester, it comes as Bachelor of Commerce.
In my ds260 form on course of Study i just wrote “General” since i was not majoring in any subject and degree or diploma i just wrote “None”
1. Was i correct to write “General” on course of study?
July 5, 2025 at 12:04
It’s ok. No need to overthink it.
July 4, 2025 at 16:00
Hi,
my case number is EU20k and I’ve got Frankfurt embassy as my home one does not issue immigration visas. Considering Frankfurt hasn’t released interview dates for August I have a couple questions:
1. What should I do now?
2. Can I change embassy? And to which one if yes?
3. Is it possible for them to not schedule August and September interviews at all?
4. Should I get my medical exam done before the 2nl in case of a last minute scheduling?
Thank you for your help.
July 5, 2025 at 08:19
1. It’s probably too late to do anything.
2. It is very hard to change embassies once you are at stage 4 (which is probably where you are)
3. Yes of course. That isn’t my expectation, but it is possible.
4. Well hopefully you will get a 2NL for September and you can arrange the medical at that time.
July 4, 2025 at 13:54
Hi, BritSimon
I was born at Yemen (banned country) because of my perants work but i’m from Egypt
i stilled there 3 years and back to Egypt at 2005 but never back to Yemen
may that effect at my interview ? (DV25 AS17k)
July 4, 2025 at 14:27
If you have an Egyptian passport, you will be exempt from the ban.
July 4, 2025 at 06:53
Hi BritSimon,
thank you for all the information you provide- its a big help!
Am DV2026 EU22.xxx.xxx and just completed our DS260’s. We are a family of four, with two school aged kids (8 and 10).
1) Do you have any tips on moving with school aged kids to the US? At the moment we focus on the English language to prepare them, but I wondered what was your experience?
2) Once the greencard is approved, is it possible that one adult moves first to find work, location and a first home and the rest of the family moves later? Or do we have to enter to the US at the same time?
3) If after a year or so of living in the US, we were to decide to move back: Are there any ramifications? I think like double taxation, penalties or impacts on future US travels …
Thanks again. Cheers from Mallorca, Spain.
July 4, 2025 at 08:31
1. Kids are very adaptable. English will help, but you will be amazed how fast the kids fit in.
2. The principal applicant can do that, but each applicant must enter the USA before their visa expires (6 months from the date of the medical). So yes, in some cases your idea is possible.
3. Of course that is possible, but I believe that way of thinking is problematic. Most people find the first year or two very hard. People go backwards in their career for a while (whilst they catch up later), people miss family and friends, can’t find the food they like, they are in shock about how much things cost, and don’t notice they are earning lots more etc. If you go with a mindset of thinking you can try it for a year, you probably won’t succeed. But to answer your question most ramifications can be overcome in time.
July 4, 2025 at 08:58
Thank you!
July 4, 2025 at 14:03
Good Day BritSimon,
Thank for all you do , l have an odd question. I am a Canadian Citizen, with a birth country thats eligible hopeful the country will be one of eligible ccountries for 2027 lottery . My question is when entered the DV 2026 , l went to get my picture taken l did provide the Walmart member the requirements. He immediately said well l dont need measurements as he advised he already knows the USA visa picture requirements/ guidelines l did stress this was not a visa application hence guidelines might not be the same . He insisted he knew what he was doing. Since l was not chosen in 2026 lottery l have always wondered was it possibly my picture measurements. Maybe it was just not my time or mybe it was the picture will never know l suppose. Since l plan to apply 2027 DV, it remotely possible for me to send my 2026 picture so you can tell me if the picture was fine as l want to be accurate this time around. I’m so sorry for the long composition.
July 4, 2025 at 14:35
I laughed at the part where you said the *WALMART* employee told you he knew the requirements. Seriously??
You are correct to be concerned about the photo as the data shows that in DV2025 over 57% of winning case numbers were disqualified before the winners were announced. Most of those are for photos.
However, I do not offer my time to check people’s photos – there are 20 million entries – I can’t check them all. BUT I am working on a photo tool that will check *ALL* the requirements specifically for DV lottery and will release that in time for the next entry period. So – watch for that.
July 6, 2025 at 23:31
Thanks so much l will await the photo tool video. I knew the moment l took a picture in Walmart fighting with guy about measurements, this was disaster. Even when l put my photo through the application l knew my gut feeling was right. O well lesson learnt never getting my DV photo in Walmart lol 😆 might have cost me
my mere luck o well lol 😆. Thank you so much for your time and respond.
July 4, 2025 at 02:39
Dear Brainsaimon,
I hope this message finds you well.
My spouse has won the DV Lottery 2025, with Case Number 2025AS9462. We have received our interview appointment scheduled for August 4 at the U.S. Consulate in Guangzhou. We are from Afghanistan, which is currently under a travel ban.
We would like to know whether we should attend the interview or not. If we proceed, it will involve considerable expenses, including the visa fee, medical examination, flights, and accommodation. We would greatly appreciate your advice on this matter.
Kind regards,
ELHAM
July 4, 2025 at 08:23
ALL cases from banned countries are being refused with a “final” refusal. The only people who should attend the interview are those that have a second citizenship and have a passport for that second citizenship that they will use for travel. Other than that situation there is no point in attending the interview while the ban is in place.
July 4, 2025 at 00:34
Hi Simon, I took a photo of my one year old baby, there is a baby walker cart on one side of the background, could it be a problem?. Actually, I’m very much worried about this. As we are going to have interview appointment early next month.
Thanks for your opinion on this mistake!
July 4, 2025 at 08:21
They are very lenient with baby photos. I think you are unlikely to be refused.
July 3, 2025 at 16:33
Hi Mr simon.
The first time we entered lottery me and wife (applied separately) that was dv24. My wife applied (im 100% sure she indicated married to a LPR) and we submitted the application, we were just surprised that it didn’t ask about spouse details. I then applied and included her in my application as my spouse.
Dv25 we applied again, this time my wife’s application she indicated married to a non LPR and i was included as her spouse. I also did the same
Fast forward DV26, we applied and included each other as derivatives. This time i got selected.
1. The mistake that my wife did the first time we played dvlottery. Can it cause a refusal after our selection in DV26?
2. The first time i played dvlottery i indicated city birth as unknown because the name is a district, but after some research i discovered that i should write what’s written on passport & birth certificate even though its district name. I corrected that in dv26 application where i got selected. Can this also be basis for refusal?
July 3, 2025 at 20:06
1. No
2. No
July 3, 2025 at 15:20
Hi Mr. Simon,
Thank you so much for all your hard work and guidance!
I have a quick question regarding my DS-260 (case number 2026EU21***). I just realized that I made a small error in the start date of my current employment, I entered December 18 instead of December 14.
Do you think this is a significant issue that requires unlocking the form, or is it minor enough to be safe?
Thanks again for your time and help!
Best regards,
Ana
July 3, 2025 at 20:06
No need to correct that.
July 3, 2025 at 15:05
Hi Simon,
Weeks ago, you answered “No” to this question:
”’
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.”
”’
Today (07/03/25) I noticed USCIS silently changed the wording to:
“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. If the civil surgeon signs your form July 3, 2025 or later, USCIS will accept only the 01/20/25 edition.”
What do you think? Does this mean my 03/09/23 edition signed in June 2024 is still valid for submission in September 2025?
p.s. Yes, no one should submit i-485 in September, I will do that in second half of August instead. (The only FO denial of early filing case we had in DV2024 on the DV 2024 AOS Timeline Spreadsheet is the FO I am planning to file to, so I want to be more cautious. I would like to hear your advice as well.)
Thanks
July 3, 2025 at 20:04
Why are you gambling a greencard on two avoidable risks?
1. How hard would it be to use the updated medical form? I do think the new wording helps, but why risk it??
2. Wasting a month by filing in late August is very foolish in my opinion.
July 3, 2025 at 11:06
Gretings Mr. Simon,
Pls, is it normal to be on 221g for more than 3 weeks after a succceful interview due to a delay in the transmission of medical results to the embassy by the health facility; (results) which was however transmitted to the embassy in the evening hours of the same day of interview and later confirmation by the embassy of having received same?
July 3, 2025 at 20:01
221g cases are sometimes slow to be completed. That is normal. Be patient.
July 3, 2025 at 10:33
Hi Brit ,I am interested in applying for the Diversity Visa Lottery for the upcoming program (DV-2027), and I have heard about a new $250 fee that might be required for applicants.
Could you please clarify the following:
Is the $250 fee mandatory for applicants during the DV-2027 registration period starting in October?
Is the $250 fee currently just a proposal, or has it been confirmed as law?
If the budget bill is signed exactly as passed, and the $250 fee becomes law, will it become mandatory for all applicants?
How will the U.S. State Department implement this fee? Will there be new regulations or procedures that could delay or change how it is applied ?
As someone from a low-income country, this information is very important to help me prepare for the process.
Thank you very much for your assistance.
July 3, 2025 at 19:57
No this fee and other fees for DV were removed from the bill, so DV2027 will remain free to enter.
July 3, 2025 at 10:17
Hi Simon,
I don’t wanna spam you or anything just wanted to make sure you received my emails regarding my GC since I was told to contact USCIS in case that the mailing was not successful.
Thank you!
July 3, 2025 at 19:55
LOL – I emailed you. 🙂
July 7, 2025 at 09:08
Thanks a lot!
July 2, 2025 at 19:59
Hi Brit,
Recently I had an interview at US consulate general in Ankara. I have transferred my case from Tashkent (where I was born and reside) to Ankara based on my work permit document. I have been refused under 221(g). The main issue during the interview with visa officer was the scrutiny officer why I made the transfer to Ankara if there is an embassy in Tashkent. There were follow up questions concerning my trip to Ankara. At the end of the interview, officer told me that they need more time to review and gave my passports (family members as well) back.
My question is:
1) Was there any case previously in your experience that received the same adminstrative processing like us ( transferring case from A location to B location/221(g)) and never got any updates and left under 221(g) until the end of September?
2) What do you suggest me on doing right now? Whom should I contact? Interview was 2 days ago and so far never heard any updates from embassy and ceac portal shows as refused to all of my family members and including me.
3) In your opinion, why case transfer could become the reason for 221(g) refusal if all required documents I submitted was correct and never raised the question from visa officer? Can I at least hope for some positive response in this situtation?
Thanks in advance and I hope to hear from you soon. I am very depressed as I have been preparing for this moment over a year.
July 2, 2025 at 22:20
1. I am not aware of such a case, and honestly I don’t believe that would cause 221g
2. Be patient.
3. See 2.
July 2, 2025 at 17:35
Hi,
“Social media accounts are requested in the DS-260 form, but for those adjusting status, the I-485 form does not require social media information. Still, should we keep our social media accounts public for review purposes, or is it okay if they remain private?”
July 2, 2025 at 22:17
Private is ok for AOS
July 2, 2025 at 16:04
Hi brit. I need yout help asap.
My wife won dv2025 and with wrong year of birth she put 1996 instead of 1999 and i fix it in ds260, and durning interview two weeks ago the consular did not ask about it, now visa issued and get my passport today , its still same wrong year of birth. !!!
Should we call the embassy to correct it , or just fly to usa and then file form to correct information after we get green card (chatgpt idea).
Thank you
July 2, 2025 at 22:16
Contact the embassy
July 2, 2025 at 14:25
Hi Simon,
When I am processing my green card fee on the USCIS website, the system requests my mailing address. Can I change my mailing address, as my sponsor is planning to move to another state after two months of contacting the immigration officer during my arrival in the USA on July 30th, 2025?
Thank you.
July 2, 2025 at 14:32
Yes, BUT also change the address when you enter the POE
July 2, 2025 at 16:33
Hi simmon i am a dv winner so, what documents i have to prepare now before the visa interview date i want to minimize or reduce time losses
July 2, 2025 at 22:17
The documents vary by case. Read the instructions.
July 2, 2025 at 12:50
Dear Simon;
As I went through some of the questions that have been asked to you previously regarding the possibility of getting an NIE for applicants who are from the banned countries. (For DV2025 applicants).
Your answer was always that “they will not give you, they don’t want you”
My question is why do you think they will not give an NIE. Despite in the proclamation itself it is mentioned that there will be NIE.
If let’s say a DV2025 applicant who has strong grounds for getting an NIE, then why shouldn’t he/she at least try.
Relating to my specific situation, I have the following advantages that I believe may help me to get an NIE or at least try;
1) I was a YES (Youth Exchange and Study) program exchange student and lived in the US in 2005-2006. The program is fully funded by the US government through the US department of state.
2) Studied in a US high school and lived with an American host family as part of the above program.
3) For the above program, I have obtained a J-1 visa.
4) Have studied subjects like US history and US government. Have a full understanding of American culture and society.
5) My brother is a US citizen living in the US for over 15 years.
6) I’m a Marine Engineer with over 15 years of experience in the maritime industry hence can contribute greatly to the US maritime industry.
Based on the above, do you think its worth trying to go for interview and present my case to the consular since I believe that they are the one who can initiate the process of NIE if convinced.
I hope you give me a direct and logical answer for the above.
July 2, 2025 at 13:51
None of what you have mentioned is at all compelling to make a case for an NIE. None of that is in ***America’s*** national interest.
However, if you want to try, it is your money and your time – and you are free to spend your time and money as you wish.
July 2, 2025 at 11:51
Hi! What would be a high case number for South America 2026.
Approximately?
My case number is 27xx
Thank you
July 2, 2025 at 13:40
I know of case numbers in the 4000 range. However, I know that at least some Cuban cases have been selected, which is a mistake, so once that is factored in, I think that SA numbers could move faster.
July 2, 2025 at 21:44
Thank you! Can you kindly erase my name. I accidentally send my name. It’s ok that you just leave my first name. Thank you
July 2, 2025 at 22:21
Done
July 2, 2025 at 09:25
Hello simon
I’m a DV26 selectee and I’m from morocco with a case number AF56XXX and I will change my interview location to another country which visa bulletin should I follow
General AFRICA or Except Morocco
July 2, 2025 at 13:00
No matter where you interview, you will still follow the except Morocco number assuming that is there.
July 3, 2025 at 04:13
But I contact them yesterday and they told me that I will follow except Morocco if just I’m having my interview in Morocco ,but If I’m moving to another country I will follow the general Africa Visa bulletin depending On this two letters on my case number ‘AF’
July 3, 2025 at 09:08
Well I suspect you spoke to the janitor.
July 3, 2025 at 10:30
No I’m serious I send an email to KCC because I’m moving to Qatar I asked them which visa bulletin should I follow after changing my interview location to Qatar they says the following answer : « The visa bulletin cutoff that applies to your case is determined by the U.S. consular post where your interview is scheduled. Therefore, you will follow the regional cutoff (e.g., Africa), not the country-specific cutoff (e.g., Morocco), unless your interview is scheduled in that specific country
The exceptions are only for applicants whose interviews are scheduled in those countries «
July 3, 2025 at 19:56
That is completely idiotic. Completely incorrect.
July 2, 2025 at 07:57
When completing my DS-260 form, I initially selected the U.S. Embassy XX as my preferred interview location. However, in January of this year, I requested to transfer my case to the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi; unfortunately, we got stuck there.
It is difficult at this stage but possible to take my case out of Nairobi to another embassy. Could you please tell me the possible options I can try?
Thanks
July 2, 2025 at 08:44
It’s very difficult at this stage, you don’t have much time left. You basically need to get another embassy to accept your case and for THEM to ask KCC to reassign your case to them. IN practice that is very hard to achieve. You need to be physically present in that area to even have a chance.
July 2, 2025 at 05:34
Hello sir,
Sites like quora and LinkedIn dont have usernames or user ID except full names. Is it okay in the ds260 just to write the full name despite having many ppl with the same name and surname on the same site. I tried to paste the profile link but its too long to be accepted by ds260 under social media.
July 2, 2025 at 06:20
The Linkedin URL has the following format:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/YOUR-USERNAME-HERE-AND-SOME-NUMBERS/
Just use the part of it that is between “/in/” and the trailing next slash. In your case it could be like “shet-123543645762”
For Quora, the same principle. The URL:
https://www.quora.com/profile/YOUR-USERNAME-HERE
So, just include the part after “/profile/”
July 2, 2025 at 11:23
Thank you Brit, i had to unlock ds260 to rectify a number of usernames for my social media of my profiles.
July 2, 2025 at 04:51
So is this means there is no registration fee of 250 dollars for dv 2027
July 2, 2025 at 08:42
Correct
July 2, 2025 at 12:44
Hi simmon my case number is 5146 i send ds 260 form very lately Which is on June 28,2025 do You think i can be interviewed or not possible Please tell opinion
July 2, 2025 at 13:44
I can’t read your mind. I don’t know your year or region.
July 2, 2025 at 04:19
Hello Mr Simon!
I have a general question, not related to my case, and maybe the answer will be useful to other forum members.
I am analyzing Xarthisiu’s data and found an interesting and unclear situation. In 2022, there were numerous 2NLs sent out in September 2022. Some of them were with very low case numbers and in embassies that were not backlogged. Is this due to a delay in DS260 processing? The case transfer? Or something else?
Also in 2022, there were some 2NLs sent on Sept,29 with visa issued the next (and the last!) day, Sept,30 . How could this ever happen at all? Or is it just a glitch in the data?
Thanks in advance!
July 2, 2025 at 08:42
There were large group lawsuits in DV2020 and DV2021 that were successful. In order to avoid more lawsuits, KCC and the embassies went a bit crazy in DV2022, scheduling as many cases as possible, even some with just a few hours notice. There were “heroic” efforts made by some embassies, for instance Mumbai embassy accepted several 2NLs on the 29th, and then contacted each case with special instructions to attend a medical the next day which the embassy arranged, and then the embassy remained staffed until almost midnight on the 30th in order to issue some final cases. As a result DV2022 was the first year that was OVER ISSUED (the issued number on Xarthisius’ site does not show AOS cases).
They did a similar crazy thing in DV2023 when they just kept scheduling cases even when it was OBVIOUS that they were going to hit the limit. In the end they suddenly stopped interviews on September 6th, because they “realized” that they had run out of visas – and in fact they issued more than 1000 too many.
So – both those years were chaotic and a reaction to the lawsuits. But by DV2024 they seemed to get things under control again.
July 3, 2025 at 01:08
Great explanation, thanks!
July 1, 2025 at 21:11
Thank you for all you do first .
We are citizens of Armenia. Our case number is 26,1**. U.S. Embassy in Armenia works pretty slow, and we moved our case into Georgia to US Embassy in Tbilsi. If our number becomes current and they don’t call us for interview , if we move our case back to Armenia, how they gonna treat the case, like they gonna push us into the back of the queue, or they’ll schedule an appointment ahead of the line?
July 1, 2025 at 23:31
They schedule your case at the next available appointment.
July 2, 2025 at 02:25
Thank you for the quick response. Just to clarify whatever you said, if my case number is 26,100 and let’s say US embassy in Armenia is reviewing 18,000 at the time, if we transfer 26,000 case from Tbilis back to Armenia are they gonna wait until the term comes to the 26,000 or they gonna call us with the 18,000 as an exception?
Thanks in advance
July 2, 2025 at 08:33
If you have been scheduled in one embassy and then transfer back to an embassy which is heavily backlogged, your case will be scheduled immediately. That is why you see a couple of cases in the 10/11k range scheduled at Ankara, whereas their normal range of EU cases in in a lower range.
July 2, 2025 at 10:36
Thanks Simon
Let’s say my interview has not been scheduled in one of the embassies, but my number is current. If I transfer into the embassy of origin, are they going to schedule interview immediately?
July 2, 2025 at 13:01
Maybe, but that depends on you getting moved out of the AV queue, which is very hard to achieve.
July 1, 2025 at 18:03
Hello Simon
I hope you’re doing great. Please I’d like to ask a question. So my brother got a mail from his embassy saying they need all his phone numbers he used within the last five years. What exactly would the CO want to do with the phone numbers?
Kind regards
July 1, 2025 at 23:29
They would check against various security databases
July 1, 2025 at 12:28
Greetings Mr Simon,
Hope you are doing great.
Kindly help with my questions Sir.
1. Does Applicant regularly emailing KCC cause harm? I mean for KCC to delay the applicant case
2. It is normal for embassy that have no backlog refused receive 2nls for August? To be precise (MRV). Or is it because of the propose travel ban??
Many thanks Mr Simon.
July 1, 2025 at 16:32
1. No
2. It happens sometimes – nothing to do with the ban.
July 1, 2025 at 18:20
Thanks for the response Sir
Please, how does Ceac status check is updated? Is it weekly or daily??
July 1, 2025 at 23:29
CEAC is updated continuously. The data is scraped by Xarthisius, once per week
July 1, 2025 at 08:31
Hi Simon. I’m in the region handled by the Nairobi embassy with a case number higher than AF50k. I would like to shift to a different embassy before the next bulletin comes out just in case Africa goes current. How do i do that and what embassy would you recommend to move to. I am a resident of Uganda. Thanks
July 1, 2025 at 16:28
You need to decide which country you can move to, and be there for a while. You need to unlock and change your address on your DS260 – and you need to do that this week.
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-change-embassies/
July 1, 2025 at 07:22
Hello britsimon
A friend of mind missed his interview appointment and now he recovers his email and he saw the message from the embassy so is there any possibility for him to be rescheduled for his interview by the USA embassy in Monrovia Liberia
July 1, 2025 at 16:24
Yes – he needs to contact the embassy.
July 1, 2025 at 06:11
Dear Mr Simon,
I hope you doing well. I saw your Youtube was mention about prediction Visa Bulletin for September 2025 is can be reach from 17K-20K. as Asia selected 23198.
1-do they need to reach their quota or at least 20K-23K? Within each region, the 7% per-country limit applies.
2-selected 23198 is case number or diversity visa?
3-I am still wondering about Visa bulletin issue for Asia is very slow, is it impact for DV2026 or not?
Appreciated!!!
July 1, 2025 at 16:21
1. They don’t need to reach the quota.
2. I don’t understand your question.
3. The current VB has nothing to do with DV2026.
July 1, 2025 at 05:18
Have a good day, Brit Simon
I wanted to know that if DV Selected Entrants by Country of Chargeability for 2026 for Europe will be 40,000+, will there be a chance at case number 343**? What are the approximate chances?
Thanks in Advance!
July 1, 2025 at 16:18
It’s too early to know how the holes will be distributed. Plus, there is a lot that can happen in the next year. So – be patient.
July 1, 2025 at 04:42
Hello Brit, hope you are good?
Please i wish to ask that while i filled my ds260 last year june i stated that i was still schooling but during the next academic year i drop from the University i stayed there but i moved into a vocational training Center to study IT do i need to unlock my DS260 and fill in this or should I just let it be and present the Certificate at the embassy.
Considering that my CN is 58k from Cameroon, Africa
July 1, 2025 at 16:16
Leave it now and present all qualifications at the interview.
July 1, 2025 at 16:39
Thanks very much
July 1, 2025 at 03:14
Hi brit Simon i am a dv 26 selectee from algeria case number 61k unlocked my ds 260 before i study 2 things at uni and becoming an electrician at a vocational center
I couldn’t include student 2 times in my current work/education so only included uni one i also included both of them in my previous work/education
Is that a mistake that i should unlock ds260 for or wait till interview Wich will be a long time later to correct thank you
July 1, 2025 at 16:15
I don’t think its a problem, but correct it next year if you feel you want to.
July 1, 2025 at 17:01
So the important thing is filling your high school diploma info right?Wich i did the others not fully wrong obv just mistakes in where i put them
July 1, 2025 at 17:10
Well full accuracy is important, but the main thing is HS, yes.
June 30, 2025 at 22:21
Hi Brit Simon,
First of all, thank you for your incredibly informative blogs. It’s been an excellent resource for us.
We’re currently preparing to submit our DS-260s for DV-2026 and would really appreciate your advice on choosing the appropriate consular posts.
Our situation:
Principal Applicant (Wife): Peruvian citizen, soon to reside in the US on an H4 visa
Derivative Applicant (Husband): Indian citizen, currently residing in the US on an H1B visa
Case Number: 2026SA39XX
Looking at this situation:
Should my wife select Lima, and I select an Indian post (Chennai/New Delhi) to avoid Third Country National (TCN) complications? Or is it better for us both to choose Lima and attend the interview together?
Our main concern is the risk of a Third Country National (TCN) interview for me in Peru. We’re concerned that the unfamiliarity with Indian documents, might cause delays. Given the timeline, with ours likely becoming current around Aug/Sept 2026, any delay could be critical.
In your experience, what would be the least complicated and safest path forward in this type of a situation?
Thank you again for all that you do!
July 1, 2025 at 16:13
You should probably be considering Adjustment of status – as it has some advantage for high case numbers. The timelines for normal AOS scare people, but DV related AOS moves much faster. So – if you become current at all it will be in July most likely (see lawsuit below), and cases that start AOS in July have a very high chance of completion by the deadline.
For AOS, I would recommend you do NOT file the DS260 yet. In fact, you should probably hold off until we see the selectee numbers at least.
CP interviews are normally held together. Splitting the interviews between two embassies adds risk and is not recommended, especially with a high case number.
About the lawsuit. I have recently filed a lawsuit that will show that the government failed to include UK in the lottery selectees in DV2025 and DV2026. As part of that lawsuit I will also show the government that they incorrectly included Cuba in the DV2026 selectees. Cubans are under the travel ban currently, but my lawsuit will be the nail in their coffin. I don’t know how many Cubans are selected, but if it is a significant number, that will dramatically change the SA case number progress for DV2026. So – your case number might not be as high as it seems at this time.
June 30, 2025 at 19:29
Hello,
My fiancé and I have been in a long-distance relationship for the past 3–4 years, and we can provide solid evidence of our relationship. However, we couldn’t anticipate that the interview for the DV process would be scheduled this early, so we haven’t been able to officially get married yet. The earliest possible date for our legal marriage is about three weeks before the interview.
Given these circumstances, would it be risky to include him in my DV process at this stage?
Thank you in advance for your guidance.
June 30, 2025 at 21:34
I’m a bit confused why you are saying the early interview was a surprise as we are almost at the end of the year.
However you should marry and add your spouse since the process to reunite later will take years.
June 30, 2025 at 10:07
Hello Simon. I hope this message finds you well. I am from Algeria and my CN is 58k dv 2025. I have recently changed my visa appointment location to Tunisia. I am wondering, must my case number appear on Algeria’s final Visa Bulletin to get scheduled? and thank you
June 30, 2025 at 14:02
Yes. If you are Algerian, you won’t be current unless Algeria’s except number is higher than yours.
June 30, 2025 at 14:35
Thank you for your answer. But, I would like to further explain that i no longer belong to Algeria’s embassy. since now KCC accepted my location change to Tunisia’s embassy, will I be considered eligible for scheduling at the U.S. Embassy in Tunis, even if Algeria’s cutoff remains below my number or no way?
June 30, 2025 at 15:18
I already answered this very clearly. If you are Algerian, you won’t be current unless Algeria’s except number is higher than yours.
June 30, 2025 at 15:29
okay thank you very much. I thought I would have a chance if I change to another country
June 30, 2025 at 14:39
N.B: my number was never assigned in Algeria, nor i received an appointment. is it still the case?
July 1, 2025 at 09:05
that was a bad choice amira just saying, all moroccan changed to tunisia while their cases are very low compared to algeria , (40k ~ 50k) which you will have no chance to compete with them.
July 1, 2025 at 09:24
Pouvez vous me dire comment ta changer vers la Tunisie ,avec que c’est obligatoire la résidence ou bien juste un adresse de l’hôtel
June 30, 2025 at 08:44
Hi sir am call Bella, please I wanted to ask a question about Abu Dhabi embassy, my case number is AF 51k is it good for me to transfer this case to Yaounde Cameroon because is like Abu Dhabi will not reach my number, please advise you can give me, because next I may be current
June 30, 2025 at 14:00
Yes, if you can move your case, do so.
June 30, 2025 at 08:36
Hi simon let’s say I’m Moroccan with a case number around 42K.
The Africa region is current, but Morocco has a country-specific cut-off of 48K, and my number is under that.
There’s another DV selectee with a 50K case number, also from the Africa region, and we’re both documentarily qualified and assigned to the same embassy outside Morocco.
Would there be any chance that his 2NL gets issued before mine, even though my number is within Morocco’s cut-off and his is above it? Or once Africa is current, does it all come down to embassy queue order, making it a 50/50 situation?
June 30, 2025 at 13:59
Embassy queue order (for each month) is based on case number order.
July 1, 2025 at 09:19
i feel like i wrote a lot but i didnt explain it well
if someone has AFRICA 50k and africa is current but im only morocco 43k(morocco isnt current but the vb has my number) and we’re both documentarily qualified and assigned to the same embassy (egypt let’s say)
1)would i still have the advantage of having a low cn or since his region is current i have 50% 50% chance
2) after i finished typing i feel like you understood what i said but im the one who misunderstood ur answer. if you meant that people who are in exception and have low cn have an advantage on people who are current but high number just answer by ”3” not to waste ur time, thanks simon.
July 1, 2025 at 16:31
Again. Priority is given to lower case numbers within the month of AV queue transition. It’s that simple.
June 30, 2025 at 07:39
Hello Brit,
One of the recent questions that were posted here made me rethink how I filled out DS-260. Question is regarding High school education years, in my form under my high school education attendance dates I set the starting date the year when I started grade 10 (which would be when I was around 15/16) because that’s when in my country we are considered “highschoolers”. Should I unlock DS-260 and change the date so it would also include middle school (age 11/12) or am I just overthinking this?
As always, thanks in advance!
June 30, 2025 at 13:58
If you are a DV2026 case, you have time to unlock and correct it, so do that.
June 30, 2025 at 07:33
Hi Simon! I am a selectee for DV 2026 and my number is over 30k. As its so unpredictable I wont ask you to predict anything. but I am looking for an advice. If I get an interview it will be next spring/summer most likely after the DV 2027 lottery results come out. Do you think its smart for me to apply for DV 2027 this coming October despite being a selectee awaiting interview? If I’m eligible to do it, do you think I should or is it a bad look for my current status?
June 30, 2025 at 13:57
Yes of course you should apply – there is no harm in that.
June 30, 2025 at 07:20
hi Britt ,greetings from my side. i was listening to your live stream yesterday and i will like to know the social media handles/ details for ” Curtis “….tnks
June 30, 2025 at 13:08
https://redeaglelaw.com/contact-us
July 1, 2025 at 06:54
In my Home country we have 11 years of school education. I have both primary and secondary school certificates. But after finishing 9th grade at one school, next year I moved to another school where I skipped a grade and instantly graduated 11th grade. Later I obtained bachelor degree. For over 13 years I have been working at positions of clerk, process engineer and project manager on automotive industry. Since I have won on DV-Lottery, please tell my if I qualify to obtain immigration visa.
July 1, 2025 at 16:22
You probably meet the requirements
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
June 29, 2025 at 22:57
Hi Simon,
Could you advise whether I should unlock my case to add email addresses? I submitted my DS-260 last Monday.
I forgot to enter two email addresses; one from my phone carrier and another one only connected to a health app. I receive only ads on the phone carrier email and basically do not send anything to anybody. The other address I haven’t used to receive or send at all.
Thank you very much for your help!
2026AS19XXX
June 30, 2025 at 11:16
No need to correct that.
June 30, 2025 at 22:47
Hi Simon,
Thank you for your reply. Just to double check, generally speaking, would these two email addresses be considered dormant and NOT USED,? I’m assuming that’s how you looked at it. In addition, if I luckily get an interview, should I raise this fact?
Thank you!
July 1, 2025 at 16:14
No need to overthink this. They are more concerned about social media than email addresses.
July 1, 2025 at 22:04
Okay. Thank you again for your help!
June 29, 2025 at 21:25
Hi Brit
I wanted to inform you about an important update regarding the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery registration. Recently, the Senate voted on the Trump budget, and the result was very close: 51 votes against and 49 votes in favor.
As a result, starting next October, there will be a new requirement to pay a \$250 registration fee to enter the DV Lottery. This means that the lottery will no longer be free, and all applicants will need to pay this fee when they register.
June 30, 2025 at 11:16
Your information is incorrect.
Firstly the vote you mention was a procedural vote. It did not pass the bill.
Secondly the DV fees provisions were removed from the bill before that vote you mention.