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October 17, 2025 at 01:00
Hi Brit,
I’m reaching out to ask if you have any updated information about the recurring DS-260 error. I’ve been consistently unable to complete the “Address and Phone” section—both for my own application and for my derivatives. Each time, I receive an error that sends me back to the DS-260 homepage.
I remember seeing similar complaints in the past on your blog, but it’s been a while since anyone has mentioned this issue. Even recent selectees from the UK don’t seem to be facing the same problem.
In one of your videos, you suggested not stressing too much about it and to wait a day or two before trying again. I’ve followed that advice for several weeks now, using different browsers and computers, but I still haven’t been able to move past this section.
Any insight or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
October 17, 2025 at 09:33
I agree, I haven’t heard others mentioning a problem, and your problem sounds kind of unique – but it is difficult to diagnose just based on a description. Try one more thing – try running a browser in incognito mode, see if that helps. Ultimately you might need to get some help to complete it.
October 17, 2025 at 12:13
Someone else reported the same problem, FYI.
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-883/#comment-372048
October 16, 2025 at 20:22
In your opinion, when is the registration announcement for the U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery? Is it usually at the end of October, in November, December, January, or February? Thank you.
October 16, 2025 at 21:08
The announcement is normally in September with the entry period being in October. But it is late this year.
More explanation here
https://youtu.be/0pF7mSHfCQI
October 16, 2025 at 16:22
Hi,
As a dual citizen of Canada and Iran, I frequently travel to the United States to visit my family, who are all U.S. citizens. However, by mistake, I did not include all of my U.S. travel history in the DS-260 form. My interview is in three weeks — what should I do?
Thank you very much in advance.
October 16, 2025 at 16:27
Address this at the interview. They have your US entry/exit information – so bring it up as an oversight on your part.
October 16, 2025 at 18:42
Good. Do you think the officer will need to unlock the DS-260, or will they just request the details? Do you think I should prepare a letter to give to them regarding this?
October 16, 2025 at 21:10
No letter needed. They will just add the details if they want to.
October 16, 2025 at 15:00
Hi Simon
I was wondering if you could answer my question on changeability. I was born in a country not eligible for the DV and likely never will be. However my parents are both citizens of an eligible country. They were in my birth country on a temporary work visa when I was born. If I go by the definition of resident on the DV instructions, they were not residents. Does this mean I’d be eligible via changeability? It’d be great to get some insight from someone knowledgeable on the process
I appreciate you taking the time to answer everyones questions you’re doing a great service!
October 16, 2025 at 15:23
Yes if you can prove that your parents were in your country of birth temporarily, then you can charge to one of their countries of birth. Neither of them can have been born in your country of birth. It is called the missionary exception.
https://britsimonsays.com/eligibility-to-enter-the-dv-lottery-country-of-eligibilitychargeability/
October 16, 2025 at 15:51
Hi Simon,
Appreciate the help
I should clarify, at the time of my birth – they were both here after being sponsored for a temporary work visa (father by a national company, mother by a multinational), however they later naturalized. As such it’s not cut and dry. My father was recruited by a company local to my country, but my mother transferred offices within a multinational. I can provide more details if necessary
Thanks again
October 16, 2025 at 16:28
If you have proof of the work visas, and even statements from your parents, that would be enough. The fact that plans later changed, is not so important. The CO will make the decision based on the “preponderance of evidence” in your favor. I have seen identical cases get approved if properly prepared.
October 16, 2025 at 11:15
Hi Simon,
I contacted KCC to inquire about the interview date and 2NL as you had earlier advised me to. The response was my case was current for interview scheduling but didn’t clarify on the specific date.
Could you please have any info if the interviews in Nairobi are on please and by how far. My case no is “73xx”.
October 16, 2025 at 12:32
“current for interview scheduling” means your DS260 is processed and you have been added to the AV queue for scheduling. Whether you get an interview for December of January depends on NRB capacity, but with a little patience you will soon know. I imagine 2NLs for NRB December interviews will go out next week.
October 16, 2025 at 11:13
Hi BritSimon , thank you for all your information, im a dv winner from Asia my case number is 12k is there any chance to get interview ?? im worried about that they said viza bulltin will not be increase please can you explain and advice me how long i have to wait??
October 16, 2025 at 11:15
You just need to be patient. The starting number of 10K was very high, so even after 3 months that number is high. But there are 9 months of VBs left – so you just need to relax.
October 16, 2025 at 08:27
Hi Simon,
I’m following you for some time now, even before i got selected this year. Im wondering what your thoughts are about the CN EU25xxx? We believe we are so far so good and stand a pretty good chance of getting the interview.
We just have to email KCC to reopen our ds260 so we can add our daughter as she was bor after we completed the form. Thanks for your constant help and your professionalism.
Best wished from Serbia.
October 16, 2025 at 09:07
I agree with your assessment for now. You should be ok.
October 16, 2025 at 05:58
Hi Simon,
I hope all is well.
I have considered your suggestion of getting married legally prior to completing the application. I have some further questions for you if you don’t mind answering.
With my case number being “16XXX”, if I submit my application in March, which month do you predict I would be interviewed?
Many thanks
Tam
October 16, 2025 at 09:06
It is hard to know how quickly your ds260 will be processed. So July earliest, but perhaps as late as September.
October 16, 2025 at 12:40
Hi Simon
Thank you for your response.
Am I pushing it late by submitting the application in March? Would there be a possibility of not being offered an interview if I were to apply in March?
October 16, 2025 at 12:57
Yes and yes.
October 16, 2025 at 04:19
Hi simon,i need to know if there is some chance of me getting a 2nl and i am from nepal and my case no is around 11500 can you please tell me what is the probability of me getting a 2nl i was boen in 2005 dec if there is some thing i need to know
October 16, 2025 at 09:05
I don’t have any data with which to answer your question, but given the impact of the travel ban I would assume your number will be OK.
October 16, 2025 at 00:53
Hey Brit!
First of all, you’re terrific. Me gustan mucho tus consejos.
I’m from Peru, and my case number is 40xx. Considering that around ~4,200 people were selected in South America, with ~1,600 of those being Peruvians, do you think my case number is too high? I understand we will only get a clearer picture in Jan 2026, but I’m a bit disappointed by the recent numbers in this bulletin and am wondering if I should even keep hope.
October 16, 2025 at 09:03
You can keep hope. As you may know, there were Cuban selectees included in the draw which are now disqualified. That probably reduced the selectee numbers by about 10%, so that, and possible benefit from travel bans could help SA region. Of course, we have to wait and see, but the VB numbers for 3 months is absolutely fine.
October 15, 2025 at 21:15
I hope you’re doing well.
I wanted to share a quick thought about what’s happening with the DV Lottery and this new $1 fee that Trump is trying to implement. Honestly, it feels like just another distraction or a political maneuver. I believe the U.S. State Department will delay the DV Lottery registration this year, possibly citing “technical issues” or claiming they are rebuilding the platform — another excuse to stall the process.
As someone living in Africa, it’s hard not to feel that the only real hope for a better future is through opportunities like the Diversity Visa. But with every year, it gets more complicated and uncertain.
October 15, 2025 at 21:18
Well, I don’t agree that delay is the desire, but only time will tell.
October 15, 2025 at 16:00
Hello Sir,
My CN is AS21K. What are my chances if the travel ban continues?
October 15, 2025 at 16:11
It really does depend on the ban, but if the ban is in place all year, then you stand a chance.
October 15, 2025 at 15:16
Hi Simon,
I’m a DV26 winner 26OC24XX. I’m also in the U.S. already so could do AOS vs. consular processing if needed.
Given the numbers selected by region we’re just released, how likely do you think it is that Oceania will get to 2400 this year? Realize if it was to happen might be in the last month. I ask because it seems like the region selected this year was quite a bit lower (3,178 vs. 4,053 last year). How should I think about that?
Thanks,
AW
October 15, 2025 at 15:35
I will modify the answer I gave earlier to someone else for you.
The 3178 number is selectees, which INCLUDES derivatives. That means there are about 1500 selected cases with an average of about 2.1 people on each case. So – if we assume that the highest case number is about 3250 (based on the poll), that would mean the density is just under 50%, meaning the “hole” rate is just over 50%).
The decrease from 4053 to 3178 is kind of unimportant. We have a 5 gallon bucket, and last year we had 15 gallons available to fill the bucket. This year we have 12 gallons available to fill the bucket. Either way, the bucket will get filled, the only difference being how many gallons will be left over.
Now, your chance is sort of based on your position in the region. Your number is probably around the 75% of case numbers, meaning about 75% of selectees have a case number lower than yours. That does leave you in a risky range.
Now – will the region go current – well, in a normal year, no. 3178 is far too many people for a quota of about 900 (generously). However, if other regions don’t use all their visas (perhaps because of the travel ban), that might give you a little hope.
Bottomline is that you will simply have to wait and see what happens. Good luck!
October 15, 2025 at 15:15
Hi Simon.
I’m a DV-2026 selectee with CN AF15K.
I’m a student resident in Ghana with a residence permit and I entered the lottery while in Ghana.
When filling my DS 260, Accra was chosen by default as my interviewing embassy which I didn’t change because I intend to be interviewed there.
Now that people are to be interviewed in their countries of origin (not sure about this), I have the following questions:
1. Will KCC automatically change my interviewing embassy to that of my home country if I get scheduled?
2. Do I need to do anything to make them maintain Accra as my interviewing embassy if I get scheduled?
October 15, 2025 at 15:23
1. It is based first on place of residence. Place of nationality is an option, not the default.
2. No.
October 15, 2025 at 11:27
Hi Mr Simon,
I am winner of DV2024 from Serbia, now in Arizona, settling myself in US life, left a comment with interview, always thankful for your help during whole process.
However, I am still interested in this topic and trying to motivate people close to me playing lottery and use this amazing life opportunity.
I have 2 friends selected in 2026, also from Serbia, one is 186**, another 477**.
I know with my experience and following you for now more than 2 years and understanding this process that first friend has much higher chances, compared to second one, and my questions to you are:
1. Now with data about total number of selectees, and per regions & countries when can we expected Xarthisius and his magic with stats there and knowing where is which case and line of them, wholes etc.?
2. Can we say that it is realistic and ‘secure’ to expect for first friend (DV2026EU186**) that can expect being current? And would you predict which bulletin, just guess by your experience?
3. What is your opinion about second friend with high number (DV2026EU477**), can they hope for real chance to become current or it is only possible like in DV2024 when KCC moved number from 30 to 50K?
4. Any advices where to follow up beside your site and live sessions on your youtube channel for them as new people on this topic, since I am quite bussy in US and not sure that I can follow like was for myself when I was in Europe?
Thank you again for my help and in advance for my friends!
Vuko
October 15, 2025 at 11:52
1. Xarthisius won’t get the 2026 CEAC data until January 1.
2. That number will be OK. Patience.
3. That is obviously one of the highest case numbers that exist, so it is risky. Too early to say anything more than that.
4. My YT and here is really all I would recommend. There is a lot of dopey information out there….
October 15, 2025 at 11:20
Hi Simon
On the CEAC website, is this information sufficient to know where the case is currently; or do we have to actually email KCC to find out.
———————————–
ASE NUMBER: XXXXXXXX
VISA CLASS: DV
YOUR CASE IS CURRENTLY AT: KCC
FOREIGN STATE OF CHARGEABILITY: FIJI
October 15, 2025 at 11:49
Well it says your case is at KCC – that’s correct, but it doesn’t say whether your DS260 is processed or not. You have to email KCC for that.
October 15, 2025 at 10:46
With the stats out, could the AF 49K safe from south africa? I’m hoping for a good jump for the January VB.
October 15, 2025 at 11:47
That is probably a good number.
October 15, 2025 at 09:56
Interestingly, they mention DV 2027: “Dates for the DV-2027 program registration period will be widely publicised in the coming months. Those interested in entering the DV-2027 program should check the Department of State’s Diversity Visa web page in the coming months.”
October 15, 2025 at 11:44
Yep – I saw that. They can’t wait too long though – they have work to do.
October 15, 2025 at 09:42
Hi Simon,
1. I have four names on my passport while DV Lottery has three fields for the name. How should I enter my names?
2. My daughter is away in boarding school. Can I use a photo taken last year but was not used for the DV program?
October 15, 2025 at 11:43
1. Two names in the middle name section.
2. No. The photo must be recent. Have her take a straight on selfie and use my photo app.
DVPHotoTool.com
October 15, 2025 at 09:17
Just saw the selectee numbers in the Nov Visa Bulletin and for the EU region it appears they are even higher than last year, im guessing that means higher case numbers like mine (EU38k) basically have no chance now? 🙁
October 15, 2025 at 11:42
Well that is a little premature to make that assumption.
1. The number range seems likely to be more spread out this year (44k selectees in case numbers that probably end at about 48/49k). Last year the highest case number was 41k. So – the density is slightly lower in DV2026 compared to DV2026. That basically means that your number is lower than the same number last year.
2. The biggest factor could be the travel bans. Since unused visas can be used by other regions, the underfilling in AF and AS region could mean that EU and other regions get additional visas above their quota. However, that will only be helpful IF the embassies are able to use their full capacity earlier, leaving August/September to be “overfill” time.
So – simply put – you have to wait and see…
October 15, 2025 at 15:19
Many thanks for your detailed reply, would you say its wise to hold off submitting my DS-260 until Jan when the CEAC data gets released?
October 15, 2025 at 15:37
There is certainly no downside to holding off submission until January. However, you will still have to decide whether to gamble on submission or not before you know the final picture. So the question is how concerned are you about submitting a DS260 which declares immigrant intent.
October 15, 2025 at 15:48
So by submitting this form it could stop me visiting usa in the future such as on an ESTA? If so thats crazy because thousands of people wont know if their number will become current or not but then will be punished for submitting the form…
October 15, 2025 at 15:55
Not so much impact on an ESTA, but more a problem for non immigrant visa applications. But even then, it is only one factor considered, not a complete knock out.
October 15, 2025 at 16:05
When realistically would be the last month I could submit a DS-260 and it still would get processed in time?
October 15, 2025 at 16:11
March, maybe April. The final VB is published in July.
October 15, 2025 at 08:11
Hello Mr. Simon, will there be a green card lottery this year?
October 15, 2025 at 11:37
Yes – we just don’t know the dates.
October 15, 2025 at 08:11
Hi! I hope you are doing well. I wonder if now that we have the total selected, that for the SA account 4262, do we know which numbers are safe? I have 22XX but I am worried because it is another month the VB stays exactly the same. Is this normal?
October 15, 2025 at 11:37
Your number will be fine. Just be patient.
October 15, 2025 at 08:06
hello sir, i was born on may 28 2004 and after cspa protection i was to age out in December. I’m from Asia Nepal case number is 6700. since I’m not current now in October, is it final that i wont be granted visa and that i will be 21 and adult ?
October 15, 2025 at 11:37
Yes, your age out date is in December, so yes this was your final chance to be covered by the CSPA. That is final.
October 15, 2025 at 05:53
74xxx In African Sierra Leone
October 15, 2025 at 03:45
Hi Simon, My wife and I got our Imiigration Visas and we are planning to go to US soon, but we will have to come back to close everything back in UK. My question is, once we enter US, do we need to wait there for our green cards? how long does it take? and would we be allowed back in US not holding actual green cards, and immigration visa in our passports expired. Please advise, thank you for all your support,
Kind Regards
October 15, 2025 at 11:34
No you don’t have to wait for the GC!!
When you enter the first time, the will “endorse” your visa which has a note on there saying it will serve as your proof of resident status for up to 1 year – meaning you use this at re-entry in place of the plastic greencard.
October 15, 2025 at 03:26
Hi Brit, could this delay for dv2027 mean that they want to reconsider dv2020? Or why should lawyers not fight again for dv2020 because it was not their fault?
October 15, 2025 at 11:33
DV2020 is over. This has no impact on that.
October 14, 2025 at 22:40
Hi Brit, the Visa Bulletin seems totally frozen these days. No movement at all — should we be worried ?
October 14, 2025 at 23:16
No. There are 12 bulletins each year. You don’t worry after seeing 2 of the 12.
October 14, 2025 at 13:53
Hi Simon,
Maybe not the right place to share this info, but please find experience below. (and of course use it as a guidance if needed :))
There’s a lot of information out there from many sources, but I’d like to share our story from yesterday’s entry during these challenging times.
We won the DV visa and activated it back in February in Miami, where we spent a week at that time. We got the “entry” stamp then, and now (yesterday) we finally relocated, which is more than six months from first entry.
At Miami Airport we waited in line for about 15 minutes. They took our photo right away, even before speaking to us.
We were asked two questions:
• Do you have your green cards? (Yes, our relatives received them.)
• Do you want to live in the U.S.? (Our answer: yes.)
Then the officer just said, “Welcome home.”
And that was it, no deportation, no secondary inspection, nothing unusual – just polite, straightforward processing.
Best regards,
Thomas
ps.: thanks for everything
October 14, 2025 at 13:56
Thanks Thomas!
October 14, 2025 at 21:21
Good evening BritSimon, l am attempting to use the photo app and l had two questions, one is l took picture of my previous passport photo and uploaded on the app do you recommend l use this picture? Its to have been accepted, It has passed all checks and ready to check ✔️ out however the first picture had some issues says was not neutral when l try to delete this Picture out of the cart l am pressing cancel but its not actually deleting and when l try to go back to discard page page only shows me the best approved picture only with the option to discard this one . And on check out system wants me to pay for both the good and bad Picture please 🙏 help. How do l remove the bad picture if l didn’t intimately delete from the jump.?
October 14, 2025 at 21:24
And excuse my grammar up there hope you got what l wanted to say thank you
October 14, 2025 at 21:36
Start a new session,maybe using incognito mode.
October 14, 2025 at 21:40
Thank for the swift respond. I will do like wise . 2nd And using the passport photo is okay right so long as the app approves 👍 right .
October 14, 2025 at 22:16
It would be better to take a new photo to make sure the photo is under 6 months old as mentioned in the rules
October 15, 2025 at 00:04
Thank you , l will do that
October 14, 2025 at 12:54
Honey why is visa bulletin late?
October 14, 2025 at 12:58
It’s not late.
October 14, 2025 at 10:29
Hi Simon
I was recently processed as one of 43 UK DV lottery winners thanks to your lawsuit.
Everything went super smooth and fast in terms of getting a DV1 issued for us to travel, however one of the 4 sealed immigration packets returned to us belongs to someone completely different and unknown to us. The London embassy contacted me 4 weeks ago to say my my wife’s immigration packet had been delivered to someone else and they’d been contact to.
The chap at the embassy apologised and said he would arrange getting everyone their correct papers but I have heard nothing since. I can’t get through to them on the phone and they dont reply to the 2 emails I’ve sent using their navigator.
I’m at a loss, we have the passports with visas but can’t travel without my wife having the correct packet. I’d be devastated if this fell apart due to their incompetence.
Any suggestions on how to get through to the embassy in london or a contact?
Thanks
Cp
October 14, 2025 at 10:33
Oh man – what a mess. I have no special tips – this is a first. All I can suggest is that you nag the heck out of them until they sort it out.
October 14, 2025 at 10:38
Thanks Simon I guess daily emails it is.
Perhaps I can find the ambassadors email address haha.
Someone people online suggested getting a Congressman or woman to push them to correct this but I don’t have access to one of those.
I guess out there somewhere is a also another person who has incorrect papers and won’t be able to travel. She’s be impossible to find online for me to arrange the return.
I really hope this isn’t £4000 down the drain.
October 14, 2025 at 12:50
It will be fine, I’m sure.
October 15, 2025 at 10:08
They got in touch this morning after my 3rd and very stern email. Looks like a special trip to London embassy to meet the team and fix all of this on Monday.
Its actually a really beautiful building.
October 15, 2025 at 11:45
Give ’em a piece of your mind!!!
October 14, 2025 at 08:04
Hi Simon, I applied DV 2024 as single while was already married, was Denied at the counter due to wrong country of chargeability. Applied DV 2026 was selected now from AF with the correct country of chargeability. This time I applied married, certified my marriage by getting marriage certificate from Antorney office. In my Ds 260 on part of date of marriage I indicated 2018 and have gathered avidavit I had used them to add my spouse to my medical card back in 2018 as proof that we were together customarily then. My question is sir, can the denial in 2024 cause any reason for denial in DV 2026 too?
October 14, 2025 at 09:15
Kelvin, you are frustrating to advise. You ask questions but you don’t seem to read the answers.
In 2024, you asked me about the country of chargeability issue and I clearly told you not to proceed because you would waste your time and money and be denied. You ignored my advice, and guess what, you wasted your time and money.
https://britsimonsays.com/the-lottery-draw-process-holes-theory-and-so-on/comment-page-3/#comment-352719
Now you have asked me this question. But you already asked the same question over a week ago, and I answered (link below). Should I bother answering questions from you if you just ignore the answers?
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-881/#comment-371681
October 14, 2025 at 11:54
Thank you sir, this time round I followed your instructions. Everything filled without any lies. I won’t tire to follow you and seek clarity from you till all goes well. Good job sir.
October 14, 2025 at 07:50
Hi Simon, great stuff you do here.
Odd question regarding the vaccinations.
The hepatitis B vaccine is normally a 3 part vaccine spread out over multiple months. Would you need all 3 doses of this or is one enough to meet the requirements of this vaccination. I have not seen anyone cover this as the visa medicals website London does not make this clear.
Case number EU39**
Waiting for 2NL
Thanks
October 14, 2025 at 09:08
Generally as long as you have started the course, the physician will accept that on the assurance that you will finish the course.
October 13, 2025 at 21:54
Hello Britsimon. My wife has a prediabetes and a prehypertension. Futhermore, Her Urine contains proteins. Other than that, She doesn`t have any diseases. My Question is, will the medical test regarding my wife could be rejected ? Thank you.
October 13, 2025 at 22:37
No.
October 13, 2025 at 20:02
Hello Brit Simon,
I wanted to ask your opinion about something. Lawyer Curtis Morrison recently said that the DV 2027 lottery might not open this year due to difficulties finding a company to collect the $1 fee from 192 countries. He mentioned that the DV 2027 could either be delayed for a few months or possibly not take place this year at all, maybe after the summer.
What do you think about this? Do you believe the DV 2027 lottery will be delayed or canceled this year?
Thank you very much.
October 13, 2025 at 20:11
Well it is already delayed, because it would normally be open by now. But I don’t think it will be cancelled.
October 13, 2025 at 14:20
Hello BritSimon
My case number is 2026AF73xx. I contacted the KCC inquiring on appointment letter which i am yet to receive and was told my case number is already scheduled for interview processing yet i have not received my second letter yet. Is that okay or i should go ahead and ask about it since my case number is featuring in the Oct- Nov Visa bulletin?
October 13, 2025 at 16:09
Well ask KCC the date of the interview – and ask when you would receive the 2NL
October 13, 2025 at 14:14
Quick question – Will the Government Shutdown affect the DV Lottery process for example the Visa Bulletin updating each month with the new figures and processing cases?
October 13, 2025 at 16:07
It should not cause any impacts.
October 13, 2025 at 11:58
Hello Simon. Thank you for your great work.
Moved to the US a week ago. Wanted to ask if it is possible to change the address i had filled in my DS260 for receiving my Documents coz I moved in with a differnt host from the one I had listed. I wanted to change the address to that of my new host. Can I do that, and how? Thank you.
October 13, 2025 at 12:04
There is an online form where you are required to inform USCIS each time you move. You should update that. However, the documents (SSN and Greencard) may still be sent to the address on your DS260. Your last chance to change those was at the POE. SO use the link below, but be aware it may not work for both documents.
https://www.uscis.gov/ar-11
October 13, 2025 at 07:04
Hi Simon, I have received an email stating that I have been selected for further processing in the diversity visa programme in the fiscal year 2026. My case number is 2026EU000029**
I have submitted my DS260 forms.
I have just watched your vlog and you had said to let you know if anyone else had received emails for the 2026 and what the case number was. I presume my case number is low by what you are saying? Many thanks for all of your help.
October 13, 2025 at 09:08
Hi Tammy, welcome and congratulations.
It is not normal for the government to send emails to people to check their entry, but they did do it after my lawsuit for UK entrants – so I assume you are from the UK. I sued the government because they had not included any UK entries in the draw for DV2025 and DV2026 – so they were forced to fix that error – and hey presto you have been selected!
Yes your case number is good. I think you are telling me it is 2900 range, rather than 29000 range. Both would be good, the lower number is awesome. If it is 2900 you are already eligible for interview, so all you will wait for is the processing of the DS260. Once that is done, they will schedule your interview. Please do read the instructions, you will need at least a UK police certificate and the reciprocity page explains how you get that and other documents. Also confirm you meet the basic requirements for education, which means A level passes in the UK.
Let me know if anything is unclear!
October 14, 2025 at 05:20
Hi Simon, thank you so much and thanks for pursuing the law suit. Yes I am in the UK and my case number is the lower of the 2 numbers. In regards to the education, am I right in thinking if you do not have the A levels you can provide proof of work in the UK? Many thanks, Tammy
October 14, 2025 at 09:07
Great!
About meeting the requirements, yes you can meet the basic requirement through work experience, but the job has to be of a certain kind and at a certain level. More info at the link below.
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
October 13, 2025 at 09:13
By the way – I edited your full name out for your privacy.
October 12, 2025 at 19:31
1. Is taking a picture against a white wall fine or does it need to be professional white background, if I zoom in I notice tiny imperfections in the wall but it mostly appears professional when not zoomed in
2. Also its very hard to get rid of shadows completely but its very unnoticeable, is it that okay?
3. if there is a slight tilt in my head, would that be okay if its 95% straight
October 12, 2025 at 22:31
1. Should be OK as long as the imperfections are basically gone.
2. Better to remove them with good lighting. Standing further away from the way helps to reduce shadows.
3. Hard to say exactly.
FYI, my photo app at dvphototools.com fixes all three of those issues.
October 12, 2025 at 15:13
Hello Simon,
Case number 2026EU158XX from Turkey. I’ve been asking questions on your Q/A sessions (thanks for answering) regarding the case transfer bans and how I should act strategically due to poor Ankara Embassy performance. Honestly I’ve been feeling stuck with Ankara Embassy since the cases transfer ban announced. With all the ambiguity and planless panic I see around, I am trying to find the best approach I can take.
I’ve been researching on establishing residency on a 3rd country for ‘legitimate residency’ requirement. First my lawyer suggested a language course in Vienna but then said even a University or work permit might be insufficient and might be perceived suspicious. Then I knocked another law firm which suggested there’s no option but to hope for Ankara Embassy to reach 158XX. I am an AI Engineer and I was already looking for jobs in EU before I won the lottery anyway so I don’t get it would be a problem even if I get a job somewhere. Am I really bound to Ankara Embassy or can I actually go for establishing legitimate residency through language course, university or work permit etc? Is the situation that strict or are my lawyers also performing poorly like Ankara embassy? 🙂 Do you think I should work with a career consultant to find a job instead?
October 12, 2025 at 15:29
If you have moved to another country legally and have paperwork to show that you are entitled to reside there for a course of something like that, then KCC will allow you to change location. So – if you can move, wait until you have done so then ask KCC to unlock your form. Don’t make the request seem as if you are trying to change embassies, just ask to unlock. If they ask why, you say that you have moved and want to update your current address. They might ask for proof at that point, in which case you will provide that.
October 12, 2025 at 12:13
Hi Simon, I am a AS116XX DV 2026 winner. I have dual citizenship (Iran & Australia). Hopefully, I might get exemption from the travel ban. As you know, the security check for Iranians is a very long process (6-12 months). I am afraid that by the time I get invited for the interview (I think I will get invited for the interview late winter or early spring), there won’t be enough time left for my security check to be completed prior to 31 Sep 2026.
Do you think I could increase my chance by applying for a tourist visa B2 asap to get the security check done before 31 Sep 2026? I should mention that I was granted a US visa B2 on Sep 2020 after 10 months of security check.
Thank you very much in advance
October 12, 2025 at 15:25
Applying for the B2 visa won’t speed up the security checks. For most Iranians, as long as they interview before June they have a good chance of clearing the background check. With your number you should be interviewed before then – so you would have a better chance than most.
October 12, 2025 at 11:55
Hello BritSimon. Trying to use the DV photo tool and am getting ‘Client error: 422’. Thanks.
October 12, 2025 at 15:19
Same with me. I’m getting the same error and I tried two different photos.
October 12, 2025 at 15:22
Hi Lisa, thanks we are looking in to that.
October 12, 2025 at 16:29
My developers tell.me this happens when the photo itself has a problem such as being taken too close. Try changing the photo
October 12, 2025 at 18:46
Hi Simon thank you for producing the photo app. Unfortunately it has revealed that the photos we had taken in CVS before we returned to the UK are useless. I note your advice on your latest YouTube video not to use a UK Photo Booth but is there any reason not to use a Photo Booth that takes US visa photos and then use your app to check the photos and produce a compliant photo instead of using a mobile phone? Many thanks
October 12, 2025 at 22:28
The only problem I can imagine is that the photos from the photo booth could be setup with incorrect dimension and positioning so that the app can’t get a correct result. The app does better with a photo that is a bit zoomed out, so the app itself can make the choices of eye and head positioning, and then get the perfect crop in a 600 x 600 image.
The app works well with a selfie – why not just do that?
October 13, 2025 at 12:24
Thank you!
October 11, 2025 at 19:46
Hello Simon, you are good guy helpimg a lot of people,.thank you for this. My father passed away this month, and I need to change my host information, as well as add the street number and house details for two addresses in my DS-260. Should I reopen the DS-260 now in October, or wait until the day of my interview?
Dv26 – AF48k
October 12, 2025 at 08:47
Either way is fine and wouldn’t make any difference to timing.
October 11, 2025 at 16:38
Hi Simon,
Thank you in advance for your time.
My question is – my husband has 2 children under the age of 21 in his home country. They are estranged and have been for over a decade. We have their dates of birth for the purpose of the application form, but there is no way for us to get their photos or any further information. Is there anyway we can answer the form with their dates of birth but without photos? Do you have any advice for an estranged situation other than not to apply as the information will be incomplete?
Thank you again.
October 11, 2025 at 17:30
You are REQUIRED to include them on BOTH your applications, and that must include photos. If you cannot comply with that rule, it is better to not enter the lottery than create a lie.
October 12, 2025 at 12:16
Hello Britsimon I am worry why the green card lottery 2025 has already closed. When it will Open?
October 12, 2025 at 15:25
The new entry period has not been announced yet – we just have to remain patient.
October 11, 2025 at 14:20
Hello Brit Simons,
Please
Date inscription dv 2027 and , with the advent of the 1$ application fee, can I, as a husband can i pay for as the principal applicant and also pay for my wife with the same credit and our entry won’t be disqualified?
October 11, 2025 at 16:31
The instructions are not released yet, so it is too early to ask such questions.
October 11, 2025 at 12:24
Hi Britsimon
Maybe you should have a WhatsApp channel? What do you think?
October 11, 2025 at 16:30
No thanks. I already have my blog, my YouTube channel and I start a new Telegram channel for each year. That is more than enough.
October 11, 2025 at 11:48
Good afternoon Simon, and thank you for all your help. I have some questions about this year’s upcoming lottery. I’m a European citizen who can apply without problem, but I have some questions:
1) My wife and son are Haitian nationals. Given the recent travel ban on their nationality, does it make sense for me to apply as the principal applicant and both of them as derivatives? I read on your website that they might even receive an entry visa, but they won’t be allowed to enter the country, so the visa wouldn’t have any practical validity. Is that correct?
2) If we apply for this lottery, they are currently living illegally in the Dominican Republic. Would this affect their future eligibility for interviews? I read on your website that immigration cases from Haiti were recently transferred to Nassau embassy.
3) My address is in Europe, but in their case, should we put their residence in the Dominican Republic even if they don’t reside there legally?
4) Could not living together for now, despite being in a relationship for many years (we can probe it with a lot of travels, money transfers, photographs, etc.), pose a problem for a future interview? We are processing the documents so they can come to Europe, but we don’t have a decision from the government yet.
5) In this case, based on your website, the interview would initially take place in the country of residence of the main applicant, so in my country. The interview would be in Europe; they could perhaps travel as tourists to conduct the interview, even though they wouldn’t be residents of the country. Would this be possible, or could I request that the interview be rescheduled for everyone of us in the Dominican Republic or Nassau? You think that is possible in our case with all that family situation explained previously to get a change in embassy for the interview?
I have many questions, as this is a very complex case, and your answers would help us enormously in the upcoming lottery. Thank you again for all your work and dedication to helping everyone else.
October 11, 2025 at 16:29
This is a lottery. There is no need to go into so.much derail for something with a 1 in 100 year chance of success. Just enter the lottery, and if selected you can consider the position at that time.
October 11, 2025 at 04:57
Hi Simon, what if I reused the same shirt I use last year on my photo? Can they reject my entry?
October 11, 2025 at 09:15
I don’t know.
October 10, 2025 at 21:06
Hi Simon –
I’m confused from different sources. I have an interview coming up do I need to submit documents prior anywhere or only bring them to the interview?
October 10, 2025 at 21:43
Generally you present documents at the interview, but some embassies have different procedures, so you must check and follow their instructions.
October 10, 2025 at 15:25
Hi, in case of AP, wht is the name of form given by embassy to be completed by applicant?
October 10, 2025 at 17:37
Sometimes they issue a DS5535