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.
November 16, 2025 at 01:00
Hi Brit
Hope you are keeping well.
Not too sure if its too early to make prediction, how safe is OC116X , with the current VB numbers not shifting , it has got me abit worried.
November 16, 2025 at 11:08
Totally safe. We are in month 4. Chill out.
November 15, 2025 at 21:55
Hi Brit,
I hope you are doing great. I am a Canadian citizen and U.S. lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder). I received my Green Card on December 09, 2024, through the Diversity Visa program.
Unfortunately, at the beginning of 2025, my wife was involved in a serious accident in Canada, resulting in ongoing medical issues. Due to her health condition, we have been unable to move permanently to the United States as originally planned. Since receiving our Green Cards, we have traveled to the U.S. twice for short visits (each lasting about a day), and I have ensured that our absences from the U.S. have remained under six months.
During our last entry, a U.S. border officer advised us that we have until December 09, 2025, to establish residence in the U.S. However, due to my wife’s medical situation, it may still not be possible for us to relocate by that date.
I am concerned about the possibility of abandoning our lawful permanent resident status and would greatly appreciate your guidance on our options — particularly whether filing Form I-131 (Re-entry Permit) could help preserve our status given these medical circumstances.
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Kind regards,
November 16, 2025 at 11:07
This is probably something to discuss with a lawyer.
The officers like to throw their weight around, but in reality they have no real weight. They cannot take away your LPR status. The worst they can do (unless you fall for their lies) is to refer you to an immigration judge in the USA – and if that happens you would hire a lawyer to explain your situation. Do not sign any papers relinquishing your status.
To obtain an I-131 you would have to remain in the USA for several weeks as the application starts.
November 15, 2025 at 14:29
Hi Sir Simon I legally married a woman in October. My DV case number is AF20k. I only knew her casually as a work colleague last year; we didn’t communicate much, and we decided to marry last month mainly to go together to the U.S. I am concerned because we have no proof of a genuine romantic relationship before the results were announced in May—no photos, no significant messages, nothing beyond ordinary colleague-level communication. How can we demonstrate to the consulate that our marriage is bona fide and not solely for immigration purposes?
November 15, 2025 at 15:24
I think you need to re-read what you just wrote.
You first of all said you decided to marry “mainly to go together to the U.S”. Then you asked “How can we demonstrate to the consulate that our marriage is bona fide and not solely for immigration purposes?”
Those two statements are contradictory. You married for fraudulent reasons. You did NOT have a bona fide relationship. I have no idea what you are going to do now as you have created a mess by your attempt at immigration fraud.
November 15, 2025 at 15:47
I married her because my intention is for us to immigrate together, and because I truly loved her. But my problem is that I don’t know how I’m going to prove this to them, because one of my friends told me that you must have evidence of a genuine relationship before the results come out, and that anything that happens after the results doesn’t matter
November 15, 2025 at 17:55
You: “because I truly loved her”
Also you: “I only knew her casually as a work colleague last year”
Why are you lying to me?
I’m not able to help you.
November 15, 2025 at 13:37
I didn’t ask on time during your live session. We are saving money in cash, as we get our salaries we just exchange it to usd. Is that ok or do we have to put the money in the bank?
November 15, 2025 at 15:21
You can’t meet the public charge by showing physical cash. So yes – it should be in a bank account.
November 15, 2025 at 13:23
Greetings britsimon, Kcc sent me an email requesting for proof of my residence in the Doha am from Kenya,I replied them n attached all the necessary proof 4 my residence & now it has been almost a month they haven’t confirmed weather i qualified to be interviewed in Doha of Nairobi, am abit confused on the nxt course of action.
November 15, 2025 at 15:20
Email them again to follow up and confirm you are moved to Doha.
November 15, 2025 at 11:17
Hello Brit, thank you for your help and advices. We are all very impatient to see the results because od the last year. What’s your opinion about 28,800 EU — is that a safe number?
November 15, 2025 at 15:19
Not safe, no – but possible.
November 15, 2025 at 10:49
How likely do you think it is that SA will go current this period? What has driven it going current a few years back but in the last few not doing so?
November 15, 2025 at 15:19
It is somewhat likely driven by two things.
Firstly, Cuban selectees were drawn by mistake, and subsequently disqualified. That has reduced the number of selectees, somewhat.
Secondly the underfilling in other regions, due to the travel ban in AS and AF regions, may allow SA and other regions to exceed their quota.
The reason it used to go current is simply to do with how many selectees were chosen. Other than the covid years, the region used to go current when there was around 2000 selectees in SA. This year there are 4200 – twice as many. So – the region will not go current with the normal quota – it needs the additional quota due to the travel bans.
November 15, 2025 at 06:00
hey simon,
whats with the numbers of nepal and is it concerning for higher, case number my case no is around 11.5k and has my possibility of getting 2nl has changed i am too frustrated
November 15, 2025 at 08:34
Month 4 of 12.
4…
of 12….
November 14, 2025 at 17:21
Hi Simon
As we have seen the last visa bulletin surprised many of us seeing that the numbers for Europe didnt change much from the last Visa Bulletin. Speaking of that, is my case number ( EU18XXX) still in the “safe” range to become current or its hard to say right now ?
Thanks for your patience and your time
November 14, 2025 at 17:30
Pretty safe.
November 14, 2025 at 17:13
Hi Simon.. Now that Asia Jan numbers are released, I see that my number is current , which is 2026AS12***. A few questions:
1. How soon will KCC send the interview letters?
2. I’m planning to travel in December – if they say the number is current in Jan, will the interview definitely be set up in Jan? Or can it be Feb?
3. Should I get the medicals done as soon as I get 2NL ?
November 14, 2025 at 17:16
1. Between now and the end of this month.
2. The actual timing of the interview depends on embassy capacity and whether your DS260 has been processed. So yes, it could be later.
3. You will book them once you get the 2NL.
November 14, 2025 at 22:59
Thank you Simon.
I understand that the interview will be scheduled by the embassy.
In case I don’t have all the required documents in time for the interview date, do I have an option to reschedule it?
November 15, 2025 at 08:34
Well this isn’t like a hairdresser’s appointment. It is normally better to attend the interview and follow up with missing documents.
November 16, 2025 at 09:01
Thanks Simon…I hope we can get the documents in time.
November 14, 2025 at 16:48
Hi Simon,
I’m an Azerbaijani citizen currently on a student visa in Canada (finishing my 3rd year of bachelor’s in April 2026, not graduating yet). When I filled out my DS-260, I chose Montreal and put my Canadian address as current address.
Looking at how slow the visa bulletin is moving, I don’t think my number will be current before April 2026. Since my academic year finishes April 22-23, I’m thinking of switching my interview to Tbilisi (where Azerbaijan nationals normally interview) – I can fly there right after finishing. I’m a derivative, so I know it’s better for the family to interview together at the same location.
I know I need to email KCC before going current to request the change, and I’ve seen you mention that the current address should match the interview location. My question is: if I ask KCC to assign me to Tbilisi based on nationality, does it matter that my DS-260 current address still shows Canada? I won’t physically be back in Azerbaijan until late April, so I can’t really change it to an Azerbaijan address yet since that wouldn’t be accurate.
Should I just email KCC asking for Tbilisi based on nationality and not worry about the address mismatch? Or do I need to update my DS-260 address first somehow?
Thanks for all your help!
November 14, 2025 at 16:58
You could email KCC and ask for interview in Tbilisi, or just change your address once you have moved.
November 14, 2025 at 13:39
Simon
Hi Brit,
I hope you’re doing well. I have a question about the DV-2026 Visa Bulletin progress for Europe.
For January, the EU cut-off is only 8,500, which is much lower than in most previous years. My case number is EU15XXX, and based on the unusually low movement so far, I’m wondering whether there is still a realistic chance for my number to become current later in the year.
Do you think there is still hope for EU15XXX to go current, considering how DV-2026 is progressing?
Thank you for your time and guidance
November 14, 2025 at 14:01
Your number is fine, you just need patience.
November 14, 2025 at 12:27
Hello Simon, I hope you are doing well. What are your thoughts on SA being frozen for 4 months?
November 14, 2025 at 12:39
It started very high – so the number as is is still further than it would normally be at this time. Relax.
November 14, 2025 at 12:51
So, does the freeze in the cutoff numbers necessarily mean bad news, or could there still be movement in the coming months? Is my number 2200 really at risk? I still don’t understand whether 350 numbers in between is a lot or feasible.
November 14, 2025 at 13:22
Doesn’t mean anything other than you just need to exercise some patience. You’ll be fine.
November 14, 2025 at 12:19
Hi Samon, any thoughts on why Asia and Africa numbers went so high in the newest bulletin but Europe barely moved?
November 14, 2025 at 12:38
Well AF and AS are heavily impacted by the travel ban, so they have to move the VB numbers higher for those two regions in order to reveal enough cases. I was hoping that EU would increase more – but it is only month 4.
November 14, 2025 at 13:11
Is there any reason why EU could actually stay historically low, or you think it will speed up later on then?
November 14, 2025 at 13:23
It will increase later, and it is not “historically low”.
November 14, 2025 at 09:20
Do you have any information about Kathmandu embassy? How many cases they are handling or any other information?
November 14, 2025 at 09:48
We do not have any data for DV2026 until January 1. 2026
November 13, 2025 at 23:48
Hello Brit Simon,
1. Since the 2027 green card issuance window hasn’t yet opened, is it possible that visas will be transferred to DV 2026 applicants?
2. Is it also possible that the DV 2026 visa will be valid until December?
3. Is there a chance we’ll receive visa number 2026EU00035000?
Thanks in Advance
November 14, 2025 at 09:38
1. No
2. No
3. Maybe
November 13, 2025 at 14:47
Hello britsimon i appreciate ure advice during this dv process, am married with four kids,two from my previous marriage in my ds-260 i indicated i will not be travelling with kids,bt rather follow me later,do i still need to provide a consent letter at my interview for the other two kids.
November 13, 2025 at 16:33
No
November 13, 2025 at 13:18
Hi Simon,
My best wishes to you and your wife.
My wife replied to the automated message from KCC and requested to transfer the embassy from Montreal to UAE, Abu Dhabi, since we recently moved here. We got an email saying that the embassy change to Abu Dhabi, however, this will not be reflected in the form DS 260. My question is, do i need to ask them to open my DS 260 to update the residency status. My wife is principle applicant and we previously were living in Canada, but two months ego moved to uae.
Thanks a lot!
November 13, 2025 at 16:33
As long as the address for the principal applicant reflects the new address, that is all you need to do.
November 13, 2025 at 22:58
Hi Simon. The address is not showing the current one. How can I change the address? Thanks,
November 14, 2025 at 09:38
You ask KCC to unlock the DS260
November 13, 2025 at 13:01
Hello Simon, I want to ask you about the following: I’m a dv lottery winner. , IN 2023, WHILE LIVING QATAR, I WAS BRIEFLY FETAINED AFTER A NIGHT O WITH A FRIEND. WE HAD FEW DRINKS AT A-LICENSED BAR, WHICH IS PERMITTED. AFTERWARDS, WE WENT FOR A WALK IN A NEARBY PUBLIC PARK MY FRIEND ENTERED A RESTRICTED LAKE AREA, WHICH DREW THE ATTENTION OF A SECURITY GUARD WHO CALLED THE POLICE. ALTHOUGH WE HAD NOT CONSUMED ALCOHOL OUTSIDE THE BAR, WE WERE TAKEN TO THE
POLICE STATION FOR QUESTIONING, I UNDERWENT AN ALCOHOL TEST, PAID A FINE, AND RECIEVED A STANDARD PENALTY OF 40 LASHES, WHICH IS A STANDARD LEGAL PENALTY IN QATAR FOR ALCOHOL-RELATED. AS I AM CONSIDERED SUBJECT TO ISLAM LAW DUE TO MY NATIONALITY THIS PENALTY WAS IMPOSED. I FULLY COOPERATED WITH THE ATHORITIES THE CASE WAS CLOSED AND I HAVE NO FURTHER LEGAL ISSUES. But I wrote this in my dv 260 in this question (you ever been arrested or convicted for any offense or crime, even
subject of a pardon, amnesty, or other similar action?) will this affect my case? Is there a chance? As my record is clean, is it okay if I open my ds260 again and delete that since my police clearance is clear? Or will it cause problems?
November 13, 2025 at 16:31
Don’t delete anything. The incident you mention is trivial anyway – so it won’t be a big concern.
November 13, 2025 at 08:19
Hi Brit, I had my interview as 2026 winner last week and they asked my to complete DS5535 I think because of my military service in Iran. Can you guide me how I can see my status afterwards on CEAS? The case number is the long one with 4 zeros? If it is it does not any result. Thanks
November 13, 2025 at 09:33
You cannot access CEAC status yet – it won’t be available until January 1.
November 13, 2025 at 12:59
Hi Houshi. Would you mind if i ask you if you have another nationality other than Iran? I am Iranian/Canadian but a friend of mine who has only Iranian nationality is so concern about his case. I would appreciate if you share. Sepasgozaram.
November 23, 2025 at 19:43
HiAlex, I am Iranian Canadian
November 13, 2025 at 07:40
Hello Simon , I am a dv winner CN: AF 40k 2 years ago I was issued a 5 years ban for misrepresentation by Canada which I declared on my Ds 260. Do I stand a chance of being issued a visa? Thank you.
November 13, 2025 at 09:33
It would depend on the specifics of the misrepresentation and whether that would be considered “moral turpitude” from a USA law point of view. You may want to speak to a lawyer to prepare how to handle that question, but my advice would be be truthful.
November 13, 2025 at 03:45
Hi Brit,
Considering the 2025 government shutdown, which lasted for about three weeks, do you think this might slow down the DV2026 processing for Europe and cause case numbers to become current later than expected?
November 13, 2025 at 09:27
The shutdown did not affect DV processing.
November 12, 2025 at 22:12
Hello britsimon,incase my spouse failed the medical sputum test & hence denied a visa,is there any other way i bring her to the US on a temporary basis like visit visa or no chance at all!
November 12, 2025 at 22:25
Tb can be treated, so it just causes a delay.
November 12, 2025 at 14:11
I have been selected for the DV-2026 lottery, but I haven’t had my interview yet. I am slightly overweight and I wanted to ask if this could affect my medical examination or my eligibility for the visa?
November 12, 2025 at 15:48
No
November 12, 2025 at 04:36
My wife and I both entered the U.S. on immigrant visas as winners of the DV-2025 lottery on the same day. We both paid the USCIS Immigrant Fee on the same day. However, her physical Green Card has been delivered, but mine has not. What should I do to resolve this?”
November 12, 2025 at 08:42
Apply some patience.
November 11, 2025 at 03:56
Hi Simon,
I’m a DV2026 selectee with case number AF45XXX.
When I submitted my DS-260, I chose Nairobi as my interview location.
About six months later, I moved to Doha and asked KCC to change my interview location to Doha.
Now I have permanently left Qatar and want to change it back to Nairobi.
Is it a problem to change the interview location multiple times, or is it still fine as long as my case hasn’t been scheduled yet?
Thank you for your help!
November 11, 2025 at 09:36
The interview location will be based on where you live. So as long as you update your address back to NRB, then you will be scheduled there.
November 10, 2025 at 14:12
DV2026 – AOS to Consular Processing Confusion (Case 2026AS00016***)
I initially chose Adjustment of Status for DV2026 while I was in the U.S., but I’ve since moved back to India. My country of chargeability is the UAE, but I am an Indian citizen and resident.
I emailed KCC requesting to switch from AOS to consular processing, and they unlocked my DS-260, which I then updated with my current address in India and resubmitted.
Since then, I’ve emailed KCC multiple times, clearly requesting processing through the Mumbai consulate, but they keep sending the same generic response about “transfer requests” as if I’m asking to interview outside my residence/nationality, which I’m not.
Is there any specific wording I should use in the email so that KCC doesn’t filter out or misinterpret my request? Do I just wait or resend another clarification?
November 10, 2025 at 15:55
Stop asking. You told them you wanted to switch to CP, and you have updated your address to India – so why do you keep asking them anything more? They will schedule you in Mumbai. Just be patient and wait to go current.
November 10, 2025 at 02:59
Hello Simon I am a DV 2026 winner and I have my interview scheduled for the end of this month but my medicals will not be ready yet. This is because I required sputum tests which take 8 weeks. My xray was fine and the initial results for the sputum was also fine. Does this mean I will automatically get a 221g?
November 10, 2025 at 10:05
Yes you will be on 221g until you get a clear medical.
November 9, 2025 at 11:25
Hi Simon, say one member of a family of four fails their pre-interview medical (e.g. chest X-ray reveals non-symptomatic TB that requires treatment), would they be informed of such issues BEFORE forking out $1,320 visa fees at the (London) embassy.
November 9, 2025 at 11:35
Yes – the physician would discuss that with the person, because the TB would need to be treated. But then there is the question of whether the person properly understands/accepts what that means to their visa process. I have seen many people who have the TB test needed, they know that will take three months, but DON’T emotionally accept that they do NOT have enough time to get the test/treatment before the end of the fiscal year, and therefore cannot be given a visa. If that person happens to be the principal, then none of the visas will be granted – but again, that needs to be understood and accepted.
November 9, 2025 at 09:33
Hi Simon, I have a question regarding the DV lottery statistics: when the number of winners per country is published, does it include only the principal applicants, or does it also count their family members (spouses and children)?
November 9, 2025 at 09:41
It includes the derivatives (spouses and children). The quotas includes the derivatives also, so when we talk about any of those numbers such as the 55000 visas available (reduced to 52000 for DV2026), or the 129513 selectees, those numbers are always including derivatives. The only time we “ignore” derivatives is when we discuss “cases”, because each case contains the principal and the derivatives.
November 9, 2025 at 09:02
Hello Simon,
I had tuberculosis in 2014 and got fully treated at the time. However, there is a small tuberculoma left in my right lung. I also discussed this with my physician at the time, and he assured me that it was not active or communicable at all. Can this cause denial in case I win a green card?
Best Regards,
Ben
November 9, 2025 at 09:12
For TB they will probably require a test – and in most countries the only option for that test takes 3 months. That is the risk – the delay. So – if you do get selected, you must make sure you perform your medical earlier than normal to give you time for the clear test.
November 9, 2025 at 08:31
Hi Brit Simon,
Any idea when you will launch your “postal service” for successful green card winners? Thanks.
November 9, 2025 at 08:59
It is launched behind the scenes already – I just need to formalize the data collection piece. So – not long – just a matter of getting a few hours to spend on it.
November 9, 2025 at 06:27
Hi Simon,
I hope you’re well. I wanted to ask for some clarification regarding the submission of supporting documents to KCC after submitting the DS-260.
From the official DV instructions (referenced here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-if-you-are-selected/diversity-visa-prepare-supporting-documents.html )
it states that “DV selectees are not required to submit supporting documents to the KCC.” However, a sentence or two later, it mentions that “After KCC receives and processes the DS-260 application form for you and your accompanying family members, you will receive instructions for how to submit required supporting documents.”.
This sounds a bit contradictory. Could you please clarify:
For DV2026 cases (mine is AF40XXX), should we still expect an email from KCC requesting documents after submitting the DS-260?
If yes, what’s the typical timeline between DS-260 submission (submitted in September 2025) and receiving that email?
Thanks so much for your time and guidance.
Best regards,
November 9, 2025 at 08:57
There was a time period when documents were sent to KCC, but that process ended some years ago. The instructions do mention that if you take another look.
So – no documents.
November 9, 2025 at 04:32
This thing of diabetes, bp and many chronic diseases will come as a blow to us. We manage t2d very well but it will be a blow if co start to refuse the moment they open that medical envelope.
November 9, 2025 at 08:56
They won’t do that. I explained yesterday there is a way to counter this measure.
November 9, 2025 at 03:48
Hi Simon,
Many years ago my brother (US Citizens) who is also my host for DV case filed a petition under siblings category. That case petition was approved and and NVC assigned me a case number for that although it hasn’t reached priority date yet. I’m worried whether this might have any negative effect on my DV case especially when I believe I have a good chance to get an interview – OC111X.
November 9, 2025 at 08:42
If it helps, I had an OC case 7xxx that gor approved at interview on 24 October. I’ve also had a 2FA petition lodged by my partner who’s already a greencard holder for 3.5 years. The CO at the consulate noted I had one and asked about it. I said god knows how long that will take and if the DV is approved we’ll cancel or withdrawal the other. She replied I’m gonna approve your DV so you just might be able to do that. Happy days. Good luck to you
November 9, 2025 at 08:58
Thanks DAP.
November 9, 2025 at 08:55
No impact at all. You are allowed to have multiple petitions running at the same time. Once approved for DV, the sibling one will be cancelled.
November 9, 2025 at 03:03
Hi Brit
I am so pleased I found you, and may I also pass on my best wishes to your wife, I suspect I share her path. 🫶🏼
A few quick questions if I may:
1. You’d mentioned asking the DOS how the UK reselection for DV-2026 was done so you could confirm your suspicions re the high tail numbers, have you had any reply yet?
2. Earlier you said that with travel ban countries and under used posts the UK numbers might “pale into insignificance,” but in your latest live you felt Europe may stop around 50 k rather than go current. What changed your view?
3. Lastly, have you seen any confirmed UK selectees below EU 50 k, or is that still unclear from CEAC data?
Thanks for sharing your insight, it really helps those of us trying to understand the mechanics of the situation. EU80*** (UK re selectee feeling rather bleak about my number and hoping for a glimmer of good luck)
November 9, 2025 at 08:54
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for the best wishes – we are through the diagnosis stage and feel totally confident – just lots of treatment ahead.
1. To be honest, I know what they did exactly, the selectee numbers confirmed it for me, so whilst I would like an the confirmation of the detail, I am ambivalent about having my lawyer spend more time dragging it out of the government.
2. The survey of numbers suggests that EU selectee numbers will end at about 48/49K. The CEAC data will confirm that, but that number is “logical”. That hasn’t changed, I have known that for some time. But it is *selectee* numbers assigned, not a prediction of where the final VB number will end – so you have mixed what I said about the region maybe going current, versus discussing assigned winning numbers that exist. More explanation at the end.
3. Yes confirmed. Winning UK case numbers at all number ranges.
The UK numbers are in all number ranges from very low to VERY high. I have been contacted by people at all ranges. Also the 1300 selectees is FAR to many – much more than similar countries such as Germany (420), France (309), Italy (267) etc. So – the evidence shows the mistake that was made was a normal draw process where UK entries were shuffled in just like any other country in the region, and distributed normally throughout the full range of entries. It’s important to understand that the UK entries were assigned case numbers in this first draw – the random ordering/number assignment is the way the draw actually works. Then they marked the UK entries as holes until the lawsuit forced them to “reveal” those entries. This exact thing happened a couple of months earlier for DV2025, but in that reveal they used the final current number (23000) as a limit and did not notify any winner above 23000. In DV2026 they allowed the winners to be revealed until almost 200K – meaning we have about 4 to 5 times the UK selectees than we should have – which then explains the 1303 selectee numbers – dividing that by 4 would mean 325 selectees – which is right in line with the similar countries.
So – your number only has one hope. That is that the VB goes “current” for EU without a country exception for the UK. There are 44733 EU selectees (these numbers all include derivatives) and the quota for EU is under 19000 visas. So – you are waiting in a line with 19000 visas available, and have around 44000 in front of you in the line. Some will already have decided they don’t want the visa. Some will want the visa but will be denied at the interview for various reasons. There is a chance that there will be more visas available from the regions more affected by the travel ban, but those visas can only be reallocated once it is clear the other regions cannot use them – which means very late in the processing year. So – if enough people don’t get their visas in front of you, and if the quota gets increased for EU, then there is a chance of the region being made current where any number can be interviewed. BUT to set your expectation, that seems unlikely to happen at this point. It would be somewhat miraculous. So sorry – it means you have a nervous wait ahead of you until about mid July of next year.
Hope the explanation helped.
November 8, 2025 at 22:47
Hi Simon,
I am from Sri L anka, with Case numbers in the range ( AS11XXX) for DV 2026. I completed my DS 260 for my whole family . However, the current situation is different now, we are living separately due to some disputes. With me being the principal applicant, if i attend the interview alone, will there be an issue of me getting the visa since the DS 260 is applied for all applicant?
I have two options, 1st to attend the interview alone and 2nd to attend the interview with the whole family, eventhough my wife does not intend to travel to US anytime soon.
However, they are ok with entering USA to activate greencard but she doesn’t intend to live in the US for alteast now , but if the situation changes she might move at a later date.
With your experience could you tell me if there is going to be an issue if i have to sponsor my kids/wife at a later date 5-10 Years) , if their greencard is revoked by staying outside USA for a longer time?
Thank You.
Sham
November 8, 2025 at 22:54
You can process alone.
November 8, 2025 at 10:48
Hi Simon
am from Ethiopia with a case no Around 5k but I didn’t receive 2NL still now can you explain the reason
Thanks in advance!
November 8, 2025 at 14:04
Well I don’t know the reason for your case specifically – be patient.
November 8, 2025 at 06:06
Hi Simon,
I’m a single DV2026 winner and I currently have around $3,000 in my bank account. I’ll be staying with a friend in the U.S. who offered me accommodation, and I also have a few potential job options through another friend’s company once I arrive.
Do you think this financial situation could cause any problems during my visa interview, or would it be considered reasonable under these circumstances?
November 8, 2025 at 09:07
It might be OK, depending on what is “normal” in your country/embassy regarding hosts.
November 8, 2025 at 09:31
I believe they usually don’t ask about any funds for the vast majority of winners I just want to take my necessary precautions
Thank you very much, Simon. I really appreciate your patience, your help, and the time you took to answer me.
November 7, 2025 at 16:14
Hi Simon,
I just read that the new Trump administration guidance might require DV winners to prove they can cover health insurance or medical costs, and that some chronic conditions like asthma or allergies could make applicants ineligible.
Honestly, this feels like a discriminatory and unfair move, as it makes the DV dream much harder without any real justification.
Do you think U.S. embassies or consulates will actually force us to buy health insurance before the interview, or could they refuse DV applicants who have conditions like asthma or allergies? And how do you think this rule could be applied in practice?
Thanks for your time and all your help!
November 7, 2025 at 19:46
This was the position during Trump’s first term. People had to demonstrate they had a plan to obtain insurance – they did not actually have to start that policy before the interview. It’s probably going to be the same again now – not such a big deal.
November 7, 2025 at 12:07
Hello Brit,
Before I ask my question, I want to thank you for all the useful information you provide to us — people who have decided to start their lives over as Green Card holders in the USA.
My question is not directly related to the lottery, but I’d be grateful if there is a possibility for you to give me some advice.
Since the end of March my husband, my son and I are lawful permanent residents. My husband is working, and I am taking care of our little son. As a stay-at-home mom I decided that I will have the time to read enough information in order to prepare myself for correctly filling out our tax return for 2025. I was wondering whether we should reach out to a specialist, but I read that because we were not physically in the USA for the whole 2025 year, and because we will be filing jointly, the work on our case could be around or above $1,000 — and at the moment we would find it hard to afford such an expense. This is why I would like to learn and prepare to do it ourselves.
My question is whether you have any recommendations on where I could prepare myself with correct and complete information? Should I only use the IRS website, or are there places with information that is structured better?
Thank you for your time.
November 7, 2025 at 19:44
Filing your own taxes shouldn’t be that hard. I’m sure you can do some research and figure it out. BUT, I am not a tax expert, so I tend to avoid answering such questions. All I will say is that your tax obligation to the USA started the day you activated your LPR status – before that your income from the old country won’t be subject to US tax – there is a special scenario for that first year.
November 7, 2025 at 04:32
Hi Simon,
First thanks for all you do – this page has been incredibly helpful.
Secondly, I emailed KCC to unlock my DS260 as I had included my education from 16+ but not 11+ so need to amend. I emailed on October 26th but have had nothing back, how long do they typically take to unlock?
Thanks!
November 7, 2025 at 08:23
1 or 2 days.
Email again making sure you have the correct info – full name, FULL case number including leading zeros and DOB in MM/DD/YYYY format
November 7, 2025 at 11:48
Thank you – I will email them again as I have included all of my details in that format. I have included the 2026 in the case number before the zeros, should I remove that?
November 7, 2025 at 19:39
No. The FULL case number as it showed in your selected letter.
November 8, 2025 at 14:25
Hi Simon,thanks for what you do,please is there any possibility for CN 61000 AF 2026 getting 2NL?
November 8, 2025 at 15:43
Yes, that’s an OK number – you just need patience.
November 7, 2025 at 04:14
I’m preparing for my U.S. visa interview at the U.S. Embassy , and the instructions say I need to bring an “original, signed Form I-134 (not a photocopy or emailed copy).”
However, I found on the USCIS website that they accept photocopied, faxed, or scanned copies of forms with an original handwritten signature.
My question is: For the visa interview at the embassy, do I still need to have the physical original I-134 with a wet-ink signature from my sponsor, or will a scanned version be accepted?
November 7, 2025 at 08:22
Scanned/emailed is accepted
November 7, 2025 at 02:01
Hi Simon, hope your well. We are completing our DS-260 application and have completed all the info for the 4 of us. When we try and submit the form we enter the KCC case number correctly (as its the same one we use to enter the application) and it just shows a red flag when we submit with no error? I’ve emailed KCC any ideas? We’ve tried the usual clear cookies, different browser ect…. Thanks!
November 7, 2025 at 08:21
Have you removed the leading zeros?
Have you clicked the link for the Selective service and FGM links if they appear?
November 6, 2025 at 18:33
Hi Simon
Is it okay to travel(dubai) before my DV lottery interview? Will they put me under 221g?
November 6, 2025 at 19:04
No problem.
November 6, 2025 at 17:26
Hi Simon, Thanks for comprehensive data. I have own DV lottery for Australia, and the number is 2560. Is it a low number for Oceania / Australia? What are the chances to get the interview by Sept 2026? I have not filled in the DS-260 as yet.
November 6, 2025 at 19:04
It is not a low number, but might have a chance if the quota gets increased due to the travel ban.
November 7, 2025 at 16:33
Thank you for your response Simon, Is it too late for me to submit the DS-260 – does this delay mean I am further affected in addition to my High OC25XX number for Ocenia?
November 7, 2025 at 19:47
It is not too late and since the DS260 will be processed before you go current, you won’t have lost any time at all.
November 8, 2025 at 09:46
Thanks Again! I am applying from within USA, as a I am a H4 dependent currently. I will need to apply for F1 or E3 in mid 2027, as I will be Turning 21. In your opinion what are the approx chances of getting the interview, and is it worth to take the risk of submitting the DS260 with consular processing and declaring the immigrant intent? Have you heard stories of future e3/f1 denials for anyone else in similar situations.
November 8, 2025 at 14:03
I would watch the next couple of VBs. It is not impossible to see some increases over the next few months, and then that would tell you whether to take the plunge or not. However, you might get into a situation where you have to gamble anyway.
November 6, 2025 at 13:21
I have a B1/B2 visa and a DV winner. If I get my DV visa approved at The interview, will they (the US embassy / consulate / CO) revoke/cancel my tourist visa?
November 6, 2025 at 15:03
Yes
November 6, 2025 at 05:02
Hi Simon,
First of all, thank you for helping us.
My question is about address line. I saw in you video that, when entering address, you first enter number and then the street name (1 New Street). In my country it is always street name first, and then the number second (New Street 1). Is there a correct format in which we need to enter address or it doesn’t meter?
November 6, 2025 at 09:08
Enter it as you normally would.
November 6, 2025 at 16:37
Hi, Brit Simon. I need your help to clear the air on something. You do know the final part of the DS 260 form where you’re required to do the following, right?
1. Indicate whether or not you were assisted in filling out the form.
2. Fill out your case number, passport details and birth date.
3. Read two documents namely “Selective services” and “Female Genital Mutilation”
4. Type out the electronic numbers generated as a piece of code.
5. Hit the “sign and submit the application” button.
Well, I do not exactly know what’s up but I’ve satisfied all the aforementioned requirements a couple of times, after which hitting that final button still reloads the same page, albeit with the captcha verification (electronic numbers) box empty this time around.
I just really want to know if I’m good to go by hitting the button once and if all my data has been sent to KCC already, because I tried it multiple times and what I was actually expecting to see was something more like a confirmation page that reads something along the lines of:
“Congratulations, your application has been submitted…”
I really wish I could make a video to show you but I hope I’ve been detailed enough with my explanation of the problem/confusion.
Also, the other questions I have are
1. Since I tried multiple times, am I safe? You do know multiple entries are illegal in the initial application stage. I hope that doesn’t carry on into this phase, or does it?
2. I just submitted my DS 260 (if you can confirm that what I did is exactly submission) in November. My case number is somewhat high, though, over 3000 for Oceania. The reason I had to submit this late was because I had to get some money and also apply to renew my passport. Am I safe considering KCC’s timeline (unknown to me) for DS 260 processing?
So sorry I had to type in a really long message but I appreciate your help in clearing the air.
Thanks, really.
(A few edits, the previous version had a couple of typos).
November 6, 2025 at 16:47
1. Once submitted the DS260 will show “completed” at the starting screen. No issues with trying multiple times, but it sounds like yours is not submitting – did you remove the leading zeros from your case number?
2. No problem in terms of processing time BUT your number is high, and therefore at risk to not become eligible for interview. So – no you are not “safe”.
November 7, 2025 at 00:37
To question 1, no I didn’t. Does that mean my case number has to be in this format below:
2026OC30×× with those four zeroes removed?
Also, do I need to remove the four zeroes everywhere else in my application because I just entered it that way?
November 7, 2025 at 08:20
Yes you have to remove the zeroes between the OC and the 3. Everywhere in the DS260.
November 5, 2025 at 22:02
https://x.com/TravelGov/status/1986137245925974329
State Department : x.com ( Twitter)
The Diversity Visa (DV) 2027 entry registration period is not open at this time. We are aware of reports of fraudulent claims that DV-2027 entry is open and of individuals and services falsely claiming they can increase your chances of selection. This is not true. DV-2027 registration dates and details about changes to this year’s process will be announced by the Department of State when available.
November 5, 2025 at 10:45
Hi Simon, do you we typically get to know the proportion of selectees that end up submitting a DS260.
Also, does unlocking a submitted DS260 prevent KCC from processing it assuming processing hadn’t started. E.g. unlocking within 24 hours of submitting. I’m a UK 2026EU65***. I submitted before finding your videos and understanding my non-existent odds of getting an interview. Now, I’m trying to avoid future “immigrant intent” issues.
Cheers
November 5, 2025 at 12:31
We don’t get precise data on non submissions.
Once submitted, there is no way to stop processing or withdraw the ds260. It will always need to be disclosed.
November 7, 2025 at 16:37
Follow up question Simon – Does this submission of DS-260 create an issue in future for applying non-immigrant visas especially E-3 or F1 – Either for the change of status from other visas or consular processing, and Visa stamping, incase case is not selected for DV interview?
November 7, 2025 at 19:48
Yes – the DS260 is a declaration of immigrant intent. That is a factor that can make future visa applications somewhat harder.