Ask questions here
To ask me questions you can obviously post on any blog post, but you can also post here. When you ask a question it may remain “invisible” until I approve the message. So no need to keep repeating the question – I can see the questions even if you can’t.
Do subscribe so that you can be notified for replies to your question.
PLEASE make sure you read the FAQ (linked at the menu at the top of this page), as most questions are already answered there.
Please note I periodically have to archive posts from this page to attempt to keep the performance acceptable. That means comments over about 3 months old could be deleted at any time.
October 25, 2025 at 13:57
Hi Simon,
I am AF2026 region(Ethiopia) below 17,000 and still haven’t received my 2NL . I confirmed with KC via email that I am current back in August . They said if I wanted to unlock ds260 I would need to do it with consulate. 4 questions for you and thanks in advance:
1. I made 1 mistake with location of my previous job (not current). The name of the company is correct it’s just I wrote the wrong city. Worth it to update them at interview? There are two branch locations but it is the same company none the less.
2. Is kc/ Addis location normally slow sending out 2NL ?
3. My wife gave birth recently to our 2nd child do I tell them during interview even though it’s just me traveling and they will join another time through family visa. I plan to attend interview alone .
4. During interviews do they typically want to know why wife and kids aren’t joining the main applicant ? My reason is to work hard and provide everything for them so their move will be easier for them. Plus $ for me and 3 others to move is a lot right now . So can’t afford for all of us to relocate .
October 25, 2025 at 14:57
1. No need to update.
2. Sometimes
3. Ema8l the embassy once scheduled.
4. You can explain your reasons. Just understand that bringing them later will be more expensive, more complex, and very slow.
October 25, 2025 at 12:39
Hello,sir, I am a principal DV 2026 AF winner. I got a Canadian visa burn. Will this have an effect on DV? If yes kindly let me know what and how to go about during the interview which is scheduled in December 2025. Regards
October 25, 2025 at 13:41
It should not have any affect.
October 25, 2025 at 10:53
Hello simon,
I won the dv26 lottery, my case number is current and I’ve been in the US on a b2 visa for 60 days today. Would I face any issues if I apply for AOS tomorrow? Or should I wait for 90 days at all cases?
October 25, 2025 at 12:33
You must be in status when you apply, but 60+ days is normally fairly safe – as long as you know what you are doing. Make sure you are asking AOS questions in the link below….
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2026-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.352867/
October 25, 2025 at 12:42
Yes I am authorized to stay on a b2 visa till late February, so I am in status. Thank you
October 25, 2025 at 08:16
If the DV Lottery entry period starts in December instead of October, would the results still be released in May, or would they come out later — for example, in June or July?
Thank you very much for your time and for all the helpful information you share.
October 25, 2025 at 12:32
Yes there will be a delay in the results announcement because of the entry period delay.
October 25, 2025 at 07:22
Hello Brit,
I want to ask if it is still valid (in 2026) that i can go for a short trip to US to activate my green card (GC – DV 2026) winner and directly leave. I am planning to coming back after 5 months, will they allow me reentry especially if I don’t establish any residency there and don’t have a GC? Also, will the airlines allow me to travel if I only have the temporary stamp? (from France to US).
Lastly, I heard that leaving before getting the GC is like abandoning it, is that right?
Thank you!
October 25, 2025 at 12:31
Yes that is still all OK, and NO that is not like “abandoning”. Its fine.
October 24, 2025 at 23:15
Hello Simon,
regarding the police certificate, should it shows the old passport number or the current passport number?
(When I stayed in that country, I was using the old passport)
Thank you!!
October 25, 2025 at 00:01
Whatever the procedure is in that country.
October 24, 2025 at 12:54
Hi Simon,
I submitted my DS-260 in May, and at that time my chosen consulate was Accra. Recently, I reopened my DS-260 and updated the consulate to Ankara, then submitted it again.
My question is: Will this automatically transfer my interview to the new consulate, or is there anything else I need to do?
My case number is 45,000 AF.
Thank you for your guidance!
October 24, 2025 at 14:33
Up to now I have never heard of ANY time when the embassy/consulate value was changed after the form was initially submitted. KCC have sent explanations many times saying that isn’t possible. So – what you are saying sounds illogical. Could you confirm that is what you did?
Second, the government now have a rule that says you can only interview in the country of residence or nationality, apart from a few special cases where the embassy is unavailable in those places. So – I would expect them to ask for proof that you are resident in Turkey in order to use Ankara.
October 24, 2025 at 06:09
Hey Simon! Thanks for doing what you do.💛
EU12K here. I am considering to ask KCC to transfer my case to a different embassy (to the country where I am a citizen of). There is also a slight chance of my CN becoming current with the next bulletin, which is due around 2 weeks. Assuming that’ll be the case, how long before the bulletin would you suggest me to contact KCC at the latest? I am asking this because I read somewhere that KCC lockes cases (i.e. takes a snapshot of cases) some time before each bulletin in order to start allocating the interviews. I don’t want to contact KCC too late and find that my interview is scheduled at the original embassy despite the case transfer.
Thanks!
October 24, 2025 at 10:03
As you say, you must do it before the case becomes current. So the “when” seems obvious – between now and the next VB. So you have a few days to make the decision.
October 24, 2025 at 14:20
Hello,
I’ve found the information you post very useful so far so thank you.
My girlfriend of 4 years has been accepted with a case number low 18XXX, and she has submitted the DS-260 form. We have been engaged, and are planning on getting married in January. How do we go about updating the form to add me as a spouse? Also, how does this affect her chances of getting an interview? I assume they would have to reevaluate the application? If she has a chance of moving from the UK to America, it would be something we want to do together. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks
October 24, 2025 at 14:36
Whenever you give a case number, the region should be included. 18XXX could be in AF, EU or AS regions – and whether it is low or not varies based on which region it is. So – I don’t know exactly what to say because you were unclear. However, the article below should help.
https://britsimonsays.com/marital-status-getting-married-dv-lottery-process/
October 24, 2025 at 16:35
Hi, sorry about that, it is EU. Thanks!
October 24, 2025 at 17:27
OK – so that is in the middle of the three timelines.
You probably have time to marry on the present schedule and as soon as you are married add you to the case.
October 24, 2025 at 05:19
Hi Simon,
I had the interview last week in Jordan, and the counselor gave me a link to check my visa status. I tried to check using the same link, and I got this message: (Invalid Immigration Case Number), and I’m sure I wrote everything correctly
Kindly tell me what I should do?
October 24, 2025 at 10:05
It didn’t occur to you to give me the link you are trying????
If it is CEAC status (link below) DV2026 cases are not checkable until January 1.
https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx
October 24, 2025 at 04:44
Hello BritSimon,
Hope you’re doing well. I want to ask about the situation with the Casablanca embassy for DV-2026. So far, it seems that no interviews have been scheduled yet, even though several visa bulletins have already been released.
If this delay continues, what options would the selectees there have? Especially considering that this year it appears cases can’t be transferred to another embassy unless the applicant has legal residence in that country.
Thank you for your time and for all the guidance you provide to the DV community.
October 24, 2025 at 10:07
You won’t have options other than moving to another country. BUT it is too early to know whether CSB will continue with low capacity of fix the problem.
October 24, 2025 at 16:31
Thanks a lot for your time and help. Hopefully they fix this soon 🙏
October 23, 2025 at 08:34
Hi BritSimon, Af49. My name has some spelling variations on school certificates. Is it okay to unlock and write those variations on other names used in ds260, i have unlocked before to correct minor issues before. Similar to the case of sylvester/silvester guy that you, susie & mum adviced some years back on the immigration forum.
October 23, 2025 at 09:20
Yes.
October 23, 2025 at 09:38
Kcc unlocked within an hour of requesting. They haven’t send an email that they usually send when they unlocked. Hopefully its okay to resubmit without receiving that email
October 23, 2025 at 09:52
Of course.
October 23, 2025 at 01:52
do you think africa will become current considering the ban continue?
October 23, 2025 at 08:47
If I understood correctly, Simon mentioned in his video that this is unlikely to happen because embassies will still schedule interviews for applicants from banned countries and operate under the assumption that they will attend. Since the majority of countries affected by the travel ban are in Africa and Asia, the biggest beneficiaries might be other regions such as Oceania, South America, and Europe. However, we can’t know for sure, as the travel ban might be lifted, and some countries might be added or removed. There are a lot of variables at play, so only time will tell.
October 23, 2025 at 09:19
You understood very well – and your answer was much less lazy than mine! 😉
October 23, 2025 at 09:03
Possibly.
October 23, 2025 at 00:00
Hi Simon,
Thank you for your kindness and all the help you provide us. I have several questions.
1. Are you offering more info on your Telegram than on your website? What’s the advantage for selectees’ using it?
2. If I were to join your Telegram group, it’s advisable to disclose it in DS-260. Correct?
3. Case number dictates when DS-260 will be processed regardless of its submission date — early or late. Correct?
4. Since my case number is pretty high, unlocking at this point and taking care of #2 will not affect when it will be processed.
2026AS19xxx
Thank you for your help,
A
October 23, 2025 at 00:08
1. Some people prefer talking to other selectees.
2. You would disclose your Telegram account, not individual channels that you visit.
3. No. DS260s are opened in submission order and often high case numbers will be processed earlier than lower case numbers. Also, cases don’t all take the same time to process.
4. No, but if that is the only reason you are unlocking – then no need to unlock for that.
October 23, 2025 at 00:51
3. On point 3, did u mean to say high case numbers are often processed later than low case numbers? I see most people with low case numbers have been processed than those with high in dv26.
October 23, 2025 at 09:02
You see that because people with high case numbers don’t ask KCC or get asked very often because they are waiting for their numbers to be current anyway. So it gives the impression that processing is by case numbers, but that is not correct.
October 23, 2025 at 08:05
Thank you for replying. I now have a better picture and another question.
Do you lose your spot once you unlock your DS-260? Submitted on June 22, unlocked on August 11, resubmitted on August 15, and still not processed as of yesterday. I imagined that my case would have been processed by now. I’m not from a travel ban country.
October 23, 2025 at 09:15
No you do not lose your spot. Your case number is your spot, and as long as your DS260 is processed before you become current, it won’t matter if it was unlocked once or 73 times.
October 23, 2025 at 11:35
I meant spot in terms of submission order. Does unlocking send the case to back of the line?
October 23, 2025 at 11:38
No.
October 24, 2025 at 08:22
Thank you for your help!
October 22, 2025 at 14:02
Hello Brit Simon,
Do you think there is still hope for a 2026EU15XXX case number, given that the EU cutoff has remained at 7,750 for the past three months? I would really appreciate your opinion.
October 22, 2025 at 15:27
Of course.
October 22, 2025 at 10:33
Hi Simon,
Hope you’re doing well.
I recently get my police certificate from a Latin America country which I stayed over 6 months before. The doc is showing my name as: First name, Last name, which is different from my passport format ( Last name, first name). Will it cause problem?
October 22, 2025 at 10:51
No
October 22, 2025 at 10:25
First of all thanks a lot for your information and updates!
can you please tell us up to what case no 2nl Wase sent till to today for Dv 2026 winners?
October 22, 2025 at 10:51
I dont have that data for all embassies.
October 22, 2025 at 10:22
Hi simon Hope you are okay. could you please explain what diseases will get you under 221g and how many times will it take to get your visa aprroval? and what diseases will get you a visa refual? Thanks from Africa.
October 22, 2025 at 10:50
I googled “Britsimon diseases” and this was the first link…
https://youtu.be/cfdxLegU0KM?si=j5quPCoITHiCX49p
October 22, 2025 at 11:11
I believe you put a wrong link. The link takes to a bizarre add/video
October 22, 2025 at 12:05
Sorry. Updated it now.
October 22, 2025 at 10:09
Hello Simon;
I have a case number 2026EU24xxx from Europe. Since DV2025 finished with 23K , how do you see this case number for this year?
October 22, 2025 at 10:49
Its probably not a bad number. The cutoff last year was a surprise and unnecessary. However the intent of the government is a factor, so you can not consider yourself 100% safe.
October 22, 2025 at 13:26
Hello Brit,
is there a big difference in risk between 25k, 27k, and 30k for EU? Difference in risk big enough to say for example 25k good to fill out 260 now but 30k better wait? Which number range you say should start waiting with 260 submission?
Thank you boss,
Roger
October 22, 2025 at 13:44
Well the risk can be 0 and 1 – but right now there isn’t really enough data to say that 30K should wait, and 25K should not wait. But in reality, waiting until January to submit is unlikely to make a difference to either number.
October 23, 2025 at 05:24
What are the benefits in waiting until January to file DS-260…. wouldn’t filing it early be safer, unless you could risk the parallel processing of non-immigrant visa ?
October 23, 2025 at 09:13
The benefit of waiting is knowing more, and then making a more informed decision. In January we will have the CEAC data which allows everyone to know how many cases/people are “in front of them” in the line. They can then decide how likely it is that they will become current, and get an interview.
Filing a DS260 is a declaration of “immigrant intent” – and that can make it harder to be approved for a non immigrant visa should the DV process not end in a visa.
October 22, 2025 at 00:47
Hi Simon,
I got my interview appointment but I can’t see a section where they are sending me for medical check. Kindly help
October 22, 2025 at 08:13
You have to arrange that yourself. Read the instructions!
October 21, 2025 at 15:34
Hi BritSimon,
Greetings to you, hopefully you are doing well. Once more thanks for your assistance on the platform.
I have a question, do you know if 2nl for Africa has been out? My case number is 2026af00004xxx, and I have not received my 2nl and I am getting scared they have past me.
What should I do at this point?
Thanks
October 21, 2025 at 17:08
Yes 2NLs have been sent in AF region – of course. Your delay is either because your DS260 is not processed, or because your embassy is restricting its capacity. You can email KCC to ask about the DS260 status.
October 21, 2025 at 09:03
Hi Simon,
Wondering if it’s ok to use the same photo as my working visa which was taken within 6 months to apply DV? Will it cause any problem in the interview?
( I’m selected and worried about the qualification…)
Photo taken: end of May/2024
DS160 for Working visa: end of May. 2024
Working visa granted: Aug./2024
DV application: beginning of Nov./2024
Thanks!!!
October 21, 2025 at 10:26
It almost certainly won’t be a problem.
October 20, 2025 at 20:34
As an Iranian with a second passport, there is a possibility of receiving AP or 221(g) for further verification at the time of the interview. Do you think it’s a good idea to prepare the DS-5535 in advance and bring it with me to the interview, so that in case of a 221(g) or if the officer requests it, I can provide the completed form on the spot?
October 21, 2025 at 10:15
I don’t think that can harm….
October 20, 2025 at 15:43
Hi BritSimon, I am a winner of the 2026 but my number is in the 100xxx which is a high case number can I replay for 2027? Will this not affect me?
October 20, 2025 at 15:55
There is no harm entering DV2027 as well while you wait for your DV2026 win.
October 20, 2025 at 12:46
Hi Simon, I hope you are doing well.
Can the Form I-134 be filled with a pen instead of typing? My sponsor is around and asked me to print the form so he can fill it in person.
October 20, 2025 at 14:47
Yes
October 21, 2025 at 02:59
Noted! Thanks for the reply.
October 20, 2025 at 10:27
Hi Simon,
I am from the UK and had a number EUxx116k – I submitted my DS-260 before reading your advice to wait. Is it just a case of waiting to see if I get an email for an interview now, or is it extremely unlikely anyway?
Thank you for all your work on this.
October 20, 2025 at 10:30
Hi Will, yes the normal process is that you wait for your number to become current in the visa bulletin, and by then, assuming your DS260 was submitted and processed, you would be scheduled. However, as you now know, the government have selected cases with very high case such as yours which have very little chance of becoming current. So – yes it is extremely unlikely that you will get an interview – but all you can do is wait and see.
October 20, 2025 at 03:45
Hi Simon.
I had my interview but officer said that they need to do additional background checks, but they didn’t issue me 221g paper slip but kept my passport. Is that norma? Also is there a way to check visa status if I don’t have a consular case number?
October 20, 2025 at 09:58
It is normal in your case. The CEAC status page is where status is normally checked, but DV2026 data will not be available until January 1. So – you just have to be patient.
October 20, 2025 at 11:15
Thanks for reply. I was confused because I wasn’t given a 221g paper.
October 20, 2025 at 13:30
Hello Marcel, what was your interview embassy and which region are you sir?
October 20, 2025 at 15:53
Stockholm and my region is EU.
October 19, 2025 at 21:27
If spouse is follow to join and not immigrating with me. I’ll attend the interview do I still bring their photos, unexpired passport, and their supporting documents medical, police etc with me or leave that for them to take when they are ready to immigrate.
October 19, 2025 at 23:33
Take the documents to the interview in case of any questions.
October 20, 2025 at 08:48
Thank you. For an aged out child, do I put follow to join on ds 260 as separate petition will be done after.
October 20, 2025 at 09:58
No.
October 19, 2025 at 21:22
Hi BritSimon. I`ve taken the new Photo on 4th May 2025 and since the diversity visa has been delayed, Just now I use your dvphototool using my last Photo zoom out ( 4th may 2025) and it seems all initial checks passed ( 4 points). My question is, will the original metadata photo date taken will be renewable? for example if u do it on 20th October, will the metadata photo date will be following the current date? ( 20th October 2025). Thank you
October 19, 2025 at 23:32
I believe it will give the photo a new date, but check it.
October 19, 2025 at 17:49
Good morning Dear Simon
Thank you a lot for your information
God will reward for your relentless help to us
As far as the DV 2025 winners are concerned
I would like to know if the winners of banned countries who attended interviews but were refused because of the ban should register or reapply for DV 2027 as we all know that luck is one in hundred years
Emma from Togo
October 19, 2025 at 20:08
Yes of course they can apply, but the previous win doesn’t increase or decrease the chances of winning again.
October 19, 2025 at 17:48
UK Selectee – 12k case no. (thanks to you!!) I submitted my DS260 back in late September and I was reading up on the interview document requirements. I saw a police certificate was required, the ARCO UK website says it takes 20 working days to process, out of excitement I already ordered my certificate shortly after the DS260 submission and it arrived dated 16Oct. I couldn’t see a requirement for the age of the certificate at the time of interview. Considering an interview could happen in late Q1 2026, should I order another certificate closer to the interview?
October 19, 2025 at 20:07
No that will be acceptable. They are actually accepted (technically speaking) up to 2 years old.
October 19, 2025 at 15:10
Hi Simon
my wife got an invite for biometric from USCIS in july, but we got the letter later than the appoitment, for sure we called them in the same day, the request registered, but we got no new appointment yet. I called them last week, and the agent said we should wait longer…
I know they have several issues right now, but should i chase it?
We are still abroad, planned move date around Marc.
thx
October 19, 2025 at 15:59
Ask uscis.
October 21, 2025 at 01:51
i asked them , and they said we should wait more…
October 19, 2025 at 08:42
Hi BritSimon, I saw the visa bulletin for Oct 2025 with the number of selectees per Country also provided, but I can’t see South South on the lists. Why they left South Sudan out not included on the list? I am DV 2026 selectee from South Sudan.
October 19, 2025 at 09:00
It is on the list. 72 selectees.
October 19, 2025 at 06:45
Thank you so much for all the advice on your website and your Youtube channel.
We are an Australian family of three expecting a child in December and were selected for DS2026 with case number 2026OC00001720. Based on the currently available data (and we are aware that we currently missing data for 2026), it appears that this might be a borderline case, which may only get scheduled in August or September, if at all. Moreover, we intend to move from Australia to Germany in August/September next year (we have both citizenships and already an address/house there).
Is it correct to wait until the child is born to submit our DS2026? Would it make sense to directly choose the consulate in Frankfurt (rather than Sydney)? Or is it best to wait until January (when more data is available) to determine how our chances are to be scheduled and approximately when?
Thank you so much for your consideration.
October 19, 2025 at 08:27
There would be no harm in waiting until January to file the DS260, but file it with the correct current address at that time. As your move plans firm up you can decide whether to change the address or not and will be able to ask for a move – BUT there is a chance that you get current before the move date so you might do the interview there in Australia.
October 22, 2025 at 18:19
Amazing! Thank you so much for your thoughtful advice!
October 19, 2025 at 06:44
HI BritSimon, regarding your dvphototool, for example, if i use that tool let’s say on 6th november 2025, will the metadate file like original date photo taken/created will be on 6th december 2025 as well? Because usually taking photo on photo studio produces different original date photo taken which is mostly older that could cause disqualified ( photos must be taken last 6 months). Thank you
October 19, 2025 at 08:24
The photo will be dated the day you produce it through the tool.
October 19, 2025 at 03:47
Hi Simon, where can I find telegram link for the winners in Dv26?
October 19, 2025 at 08:23
https://t.me/DV_2026_Global
October 19, 2025 at 03:36
Hi Brit,
I have some points that concerning me , im from Jordan and my number AS169XX and I checked my application status and found that my application is processed as a final processed step while every number that under my number and not in the bulletin isn’t processed is that a good thing or not and one more other thing that when is it expected that my number be current for interview
October 19, 2025 at 08:22
I wouldn’t say it is a good thing nor a bad thing. It s what it is.
I don’t know how AS numbers will move – so be patient.
October 18, 2025 at 20:41
Hi Simon,
Can I ask something on your email please?
Kind regards
AH
October 18, 2025 at 21:12
I answer questions publicly so that others can benefit.
October 19, 2025 at 02:45
Hi Brit, thank you for valuable information you are giving to us. I think you already know my case. I am in the F-1 visa now and a derivative. I have submitted ds-260 for all family members including me. Now, If my father (principal applicant) is rejected at the interview, will that effect when i am renewing my f-1 visa?
October 19, 2025 at 08:21
Yes – you will not be able to adjust status until he has been approved.
October 18, 2025 at 17:27
Hi Simon,
I’m working on how to prove I won’t become a public charge, so I’ll ask a relative in the US to fill out the I-134.
Besides that, I’d like to have $30,000 in the bank to show as well (that would be for my wife and me).
I don’t have much saved, but my parents are well off and want to give us the €30,000 to help with our move to the US.
A few questions come up for me:
Is it acceptable to receive the money as a gift from a family member?
Should I receive the money in a single transfer, or in smaller increments over several months?
Should I ask them to transfer the money just before the interview (my interview will be from summer onward — I have a high CN), or try to have them send it now, more than six months before the interview?
Do I need to present any documentation of the gift (a contract, proof of tax payment, etc.)? It would be easiest and cheapest for me to receive the money privately and not declare it or pay taxes.
Thanks.
October 18, 2025 at 21:07
If you have an I134 there is no need to show savings as well.
But if you do the savings, then one lump sum is fine along with a letter to show the amount is a non refundable gift.
October 19, 2025 at 16:01
Would this be standard procedure? Do they check transfers that occurred months before the interview? I mean, our parents will probably gift us an amount of money in addition to our savings. If we add their amount to ours, would we still need to provide that letter at the interview?
Do they ask for a full bank statement covering a certain period, or is just a one-page summary showing the total amount enough?
October 19, 2025 at 17:01
Again, if you have an I-134 this isn’t an issue. Not sure why you are overthinking this…
October 21, 2025 at 13:23
Hi, Simon, I am a different user asking, not the original poster. Thank you 🙂
October 21, 2025 at 13:52
Probably best to start your own thread. My admin interface is not threaded – so it isn’t obvious to me if you jump in on someone else’s thread.
Did you get your answers?
October 18, 2025 at 15:08
Hi Simon.
My case is 40*** EU. Do you think I have a chance of getting an interview?
October 18, 2025 at 15:46
It will be risky – all we can do is wait and see.
October 18, 2025 at 17:09
Afternoon , question or maybe a bad assumption but do you think with the shut down , and pending list of programs to be stopped being reported on news do you think 🤔 DV lottery might be one of the programs they might just remove completely.
October 18, 2025 at 21:05
Absolutely not. The delay started before the shutdown. It has nothing to do with the shutdown.
October 19, 2025 at 08:54
Thank you for the respond. Just worried and easy to start making unnecessary assumptions.
October 18, 2025 at 14:00
Hi Simon,
In relation to a case number becoming ready to have an interview… to what extent is it advantageous to be from a country that has relatively low number of winners (eg <300 in South Africa)?
October 18, 2025 at 14:23
That makes no difference at all since numbers are regional.
October 18, 2025 at 08:33
Good day Simon. My question is on PCC. I stayed in South Africa as student 13 years ago. Then 3 years ago I obtained a PCC for my duration in South Africa. According to the rules that PCC is still valid to present at interview as I haven’t returned to South Africa since 2012. Now my country’s US embassy paused routine visa processing and Johannesburg South Africa US general consulate has been designated to process IV for my country.
1. US JHN general consulate requires applications to come in person for documents review 2 weeks before interview date, of which afterwards I will go back to my country and return after 2 weeks for the interview day.
In this case, will the old PCC render invalid? Nevertheless, I’m thinking to apply for a new PCC in November as I expect my case to be current around June if the numbers move slow like dv25.
October 18, 2025 at 09:03
Just get a new police cert to avoid the concern.
October 18, 2025 at 13:03
Hi Simon,
I’m looking for some guidance about the my case number 2026 OC 28XX (AUS) can you provide insights?
October 18, 2025 at 13:16
Well in a normal year it would probably be too high, but perhaps you might get a chance this year due to travel bans in other regions, reduced interest in coming to the USA and so on. All you can do is “wait and see”.
October 18, 2025 at 19:46
Many thanks Simon, I have more questions: OC started at 1100 (obviously no complaints here), would this be an occurrence based from less DS 260 submissions to KCC from OC? Or is there a different circumstance linked to this outcome?
If there is a redistribution of visas is this something that is circulated each month or do you anticipate KCC will hold them till the end?
October 18, 2025 at 21:11
The first month was just a guess, possibly driven by low ds260 completions. But as ds260s are processed later, that is why the number didn’t need to move.
Redistribution is at the end.
October 17, 2025 at 20:29
Hi Simon,
I’m a DV2025 selectee in India, and my interview will be held in Mumbai.
I completed my 10th grade from India, where I studied Mathematics and Science. Then I completed my 12th grade (Civics, Economics, Commerce [CEC]) from the same board. I’m currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree.
I recently had my education evaluated by World Education Services (WES), and they confirmed it as equivalent to a U.S. high school diploma.
However, I’m concerned because I’ve read that some applicants were questioned for not having Math or Science in their 11th and 12th grades. Could the absence of these subjects in my Commerce stream be a problem during the interview, even though my education is 12 years and board-recognized?
Also, will the consular officer conduct any oral test or ask questions to assess educational level, or is it based purely on documents?
In addition, my interview is in a week, and I haven’t received my official WES report by post yet. I only have the digital version downloaded from my WES account, which displays the “Not Official” watermark. Can I take this version to the interview?
And should I submit the WES report along with my education documents at the start, or only provide it if the officer raises a concern about my qualifications?
Thank you for your time and advice.
October 17, 2025 at 21:08
The educational assessment may not carry much weight in the interview. However, I don’t know what that embassy will expect in terms of educational requirements. So – go prepared with what you have.
October 17, 2025 at 17:29
Hi Simon, thank you for the great work you have been doing.
Your guide has been of tremendous help to me and my family as we were all granted our visas for the dv2025.
We look forward to sharing our interview experience when we settle down.
Sir, we have difficulties with paying the immigrant fee online and which till now we haven’t been able.
Each time I fill in the ‘A’ number, they tell us “we couldn’t find the A-Number or Department of State ID you entered”
We are already in the US, but still no success with the payment.
Please is there any help you can render to permit us get through with the payment.
Thank you!
October 17, 2025 at 18:17
Maybe this will help
https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees/uscis-immigrant-fee/immigrant-fee-payment-tips-on-finding-your-a-number-and-dos-case-id
October 18, 2025 at 04:54
Thank you for your reply. However this is thesame link we have been using but each time I input the ‘A-number’ the pop-up message of “A number or case I’d not found” is sent and this prevents me from proceeding with the payment.
Please any alternative other than paying the fee online?
Thank you
October 18, 2025 at 08:05
No alternative
October 17, 2025 at 13:32
hi simon, im one of the plantiffs, initials ML, ive got a a few questions regarding the lawsuit and your photo app, can I give you a personal email or should I just post it here?
cheers
October 17, 2025 at 13:36
You are welcome to email me – there has to be some perks of being one of the plaintiffs!!
October 17, 2025 at 10:31
Hi Simon, patiently waiting for DV2027 to open and once so, I shall be submitting mine and my wife’s application (on the same application, may I add, as you confirmed on your recent live Q&A from 13/10). My question is, if my wife were to have a successful pregnancy during the registration process and in the event of us also being selected to progress further in the application process, how and when would we notify them of the birth of our child. Thanks in advance.
October 17, 2025 at 10:43
There is always a way to add a baby, depending on when the birth happens in the DV process. More info on the link below.
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
October 17, 2025 at 10:12
Hi Simon,
Apologies if you’ve already answered this two pronged question. I’m British and trying to fill in the DS-260, however, the website relentlessly keeps refreshing when I try and add my address history, I’ve been unable to submit the form for 2 weeks and I’m not sure how to move forward.
I’m even visiting American relatives in the East Coast right now and the website continues to crash. What would you recommend I do?
Additionally, I have quite a high case number (as a lot of us Brits do) in the EU00013XXXX range, I already have a valid ESTA, but don’t want to risk not being able to visit because I’ve declared “Immigrant Intent” – would you even recommend I proceed with my DS-260?
I really appreciate all your help, all the best
October 17, 2025 at 10:41
Hi Joshua, actually someone else just asked a similar question about the DS260 refreshing when adding addresses, so I guess there must be a system glitch at the moment. For that, I would therefore suggest waiting.
But your other point is valid. The chance of you getting an interview is extremely low, probably non existent. It would be wise to NOT submit the DS260 at this time – perhaps waiting until we have more information in January.
October 17, 2025 at 13:25
Hi Joshua,
This is Felix, one Spanish guy here!
First of all, I’m really glad that you British folks have been given a fair chance to move forward on this DV 2026 program, thanks to Mr. Simon’s lawsuit.
Regardless of your “high” case number, I actually faced the same issue when I was filling out the DS-260 form (in my case, I had to enter 36 different addresses!….).
After about 5–10 minutes, the DS-260 pages would automatically refresh, and I had to start over again and again.
I believe it’s not just a system glitch, it’s simply how the DS-260 system works.
So, how did I fix this problem?
Basically, you have to trick the system, as follows:
Add five addresses to cover the entire period starting from age 16. This means you’ll need to “trick” the system a bit by entering addresses that span the full-time frame, even if it’s not entirely accurate, just to get it saved. Then, go back and add another five addresses, and continue this process until the entire period is covered.
When you’re adding new addresses, don’t wait to fill out one before clicking “Add Another.” Instead, click “Add Another” five times in one go so that five entry fields appear at once. This way, you can enter all five quickly.
It really helps if you prepare by saving all the addresses (and any other relevant data) in a Word document beforehand. Then you can just copy and paste everything efficiently.
The website seems to have a bug in its session timeout—it only gives you a 5- to 10-minute window to enter all your data and hit “Save” before it logs you out.
Hope mate this can be somehow useful to you
Regards and good luck mate!
Felix
October 17, 2025 at 13:37
Thanks Felix. Hopefully Joshua will try that and come back to let us know if it worked for him!
October 18, 2025 at 13:22
Hi Simon,
I hope you’re doing well. My case number is AS246xx from Jordan, and I’d like to ask for your opinion regarding when my number might become current, especially considering the impact of the current ban. Based on the released numbers so far, when do you realistically expect my case number to be reached?
Thank you for your time and guidance.
October 18, 2025 at 13:35
If you do get current it will be late in the process, probably in the final month or two.
October 29, 2025 at 19:14
Hello Simon and Felix,
I really appreciate your help and thoughts on this, sorry for the slow reply, the whole process was causing me a bit of grief so I decided to focus on something else for a while, have just seen your replies.
I’m happy to confirm that Felix’s method worked and I’ve been able to somewhat complete that section.
I’m someone who really believes in rolling the dice, and I’m leaning towards just completing my DS-260 and trying my luck, even if the odds are zero.
I’m going on a trip Los Angeles in about 3 weeks and plan to update my ESTA address before I fly, however, I’m wondering if by submitting a DS-260 this would effect the status of my ESTA, or if the TSA agents would be flagged to my “Immigrant Intent” – When I visit my family in Georgia I never spend more than 30 seconds with the TSA as they know I’m there to see my Aunt and Uncle – not sure if I should submit the DS-260 before or after I go to LA? Any thoughts would be appreciated,
All the best, Joshua
October 29, 2025 at 22:42
The DS260 should not affect the ESTA entry at all, but on the other hand waiting until after the trip will make no difference at all.
October 17, 2025 at 09:56
Hi Simon, their seems to be a problem with e Dv photo tool, its saying ‘Server problem, please try again later’ when I’m uploading a photo
October 17, 2025 at 10:05
It is working for me right now. Try a different photo – it may be a concern with that photo.
October 17, 2025 at 14:22
Dear Simon,
First of all, I would like to say a big thank you for everything you do and for all your patience. It’s truly incredible how dedicated you are. I know everyone is busy, but the way you commit yourself to this program really amazes me.
If you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a quick question about your PhotoTool app. I just downloaded it and was trying to test it out. I took a photo and went through the purchase process, but I noticed in the summary section it says “Green Card Photo/DV Lottery 2028.” I was wondering why it says 2028 instead of 2027 — maybe it’s just a minor detail, but I thought I’d mention it.
Also, once the purchase is done, how do I receive the corrected photos? Are they sent to me by email, or is there another way to access them? I might have missed something, but I just wanted to clarify this part.
Thank you so much again for your time and for all your incredible work. Please keep it up, you’re doing an amazing job for all of us!
Warm regards,
Julia
October 17, 2025 at 15:14
Hi Julia – the 2028 is a typo – we’ll correct it with the next update.
For the final versions you get them (without the watermark) after the purchase. The system runs one more round of AI tests and you can download the photos immediately.
Best of luck in DV2027!
October 17, 2025 at 09:42
Hi BritSimon, i submitted my ds260 in May then did a few unlocking between May and July. My case number is in the Af 40k.
1. Does correcting social media handles in ds260 and adding others that were left on initial submission cause any issues on processing of ds260? I had put my names as they appear on Facebook and Instagram, then I unlocked to to put the unique usersnames like @john.doe.19
October 17, 2025 at 09:55
No problem.
You can email KCC and see if your DS260 is processed.
October 21, 2025 at 12:10
Its still processing, i guess they prioritise low case numbers on processing when thousands of ds260s are submitted. I will check again in January.
October 17, 2025 at 03:33
Hi again Simon! I am resubmitting my ds260 because I moved again, I am going back into engineering and I am currently job searching. If I fill in Engineering in Primary Occupation, it asks me where I am working at… should I just select Unemployed? Thank you! (Case number: 2026SA00002709)
October 17, 2025 at 09:34
You do not need to update your DS260 during job changes – so don’t do that.
October 18, 2025 at 20:26
Thanks, then I am leaving it as it was, so Unemployed. I am just gonna change what I will do in the US to reflect my career switch. Have a good one!
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