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November 21, 2025 at 07:54
Hello Brit,
Based on the Visa Bulletin so far for DV-2026 Europe:
October: 7,750
November: 7,750
December: 7,750
January: 8,500
I made this projection for the coming months:
February: 9,200 – 9,500
March: 9,800 – 10,300
April: 10,800 – 11,500
May: 11,800 – 12,800
June: 13,000 – 14,000
July: 14,200 – 15,000
August: 15,000 – 16,000
September: 16,000 – 17,500
What do you think of this projection for Europe this year?
Thank you.
November 21, 2025 at 08:58
Your prediction is driving me nuts because it’s just so off. In his latest livestream, Simon literally said that just because Europe jumped 750 this month doesn’t mean it will move by 750 every month, or even close to that, just like Africa isn’t going to move by 17,500 every month. That doesn’t make any sense, especially if you look at the historical Visa Bulletin numbers on Simon’s blog. Just stay calm and patient, we’re only in month 4 out of 12.
November 21, 2025 at 09:08
LOL – yep – Rim is exactly right.
November 21, 2025 at 08:58
Honestly? Nonsense. Sorry to be blunt – but you have done exactly what I tell people not to do – i.e. to take some months and assume there is logic to those specific months and assume the future months will work the same way.
November 20, 2025 at 23:52
Hi,Simon I recently discovered your page and your blog and I would like to commend you for a great job.I had a question I wanted to ask I plan on signing up for the us lottery Im 16 and in high school currently but by the time the results come out I will have my diploma but I wanted to know should I sign up for it via my legal guardian or under my own name. And say someone did sign up under the legal guardians name and they get selected will they give visas to both?Oh, and my legal gaurdian does not wish to immigrate even if she does get selected this means I would probably have to sign up under my own name yes?
November 21, 2025 at 09:05
You can enter under your own name, yes, and you can also be a derivative of your parent (not guardian). Each entry has a chance of selection of about 1 in 100 years – it is just a lottery.
However, there is a requirement for the education level to be approved for the process, and that level is the point at which you are qualified to enter University for a degree. At 16 you are unlikely to be at that level – you would also be uinlikely to be approved at such a young age on public charge grounds.
November 21, 2025 at 11:20
Dear Brit,
Thank you for your great work, it means a lot! My questions:
1. I know it is difficult to predict but are there good chances for EU 273XX to become current?”
2. Do you think that as in DV 2025 the government decided to waste visas, the same scenario could happen in DV 2026?
Can all of this be influenced by anti-migration politics and be decided that left visas from the banned countries will remain unused?
November 21, 2025 at 12:53
1. I would assume so but we will know more later.
2. Yes they could do that. They have done so in previous years too.
November 20, 2025 at 23:23
Hi. i,m winner for dv lottery 2025 case number 2025EU00035710 and i am not invited for intrerview i the US ambassy in my country,and my question is “why” i’m not invited.
November 21, 2025 at 09:02
The government kept the final Visa Bulletin at EU23000 for 2025 meaning no number above 23000 was entitled to an interview. That is why.
November 20, 2025 at 17:23
I born in Geislingen in Germany. My passport says Geislingen/Steige. Thats the old name back then. I know you are not allowed to use slash or hyphen. What should I put in? Geislingen (space) Steige?
November 20, 2025 at 17:45
Just Geislingen, just as you said.
November 20, 2025 at 14:45
Hey Simon , Lukas here once again, your probably already aware but the ESC page is down. You probably already know but just a heads up something may be going on….
November 20, 2025 at 14:50
Yes – people have mentioned it. And of course people jump to the conclusion that it must mean something good is happening….
November 20, 2025 at 14:37
Hello Simon, I have a question about DV Lottery photo requirements. If I slightly modify the background of my photo to make it look cleaner (without changing my appearance at all), will that cause any problems or risk disqualification? I just want to be sure before submitting. Thank you!
November 20, 2025 at 14:51
My app (DVPhotoTool.com) does that same cleanup. As long as the subject is not altered in any way, it is OK.
November 20, 2025 at 13:19
Hi Simon,
I have dual citizenship from Iran and Canada. My wife has two nationalities, from the Philippines and Canada. In 2026, she got selected in the lottery, using my Iranian nationality, which was treated as a chargeable country.
Recently, we moved to the UAE and changed our embassy to the US one in Abu Dhabi.
Given that most Iranians receive Form 221g at the time of the interview, may I ask your opinion on my case, in which the principal selectee is Filipino? I know this is an out-of-the-blue question, but I would like to know your opinion on whether we have better odds because she is not Iranian, or whether, because of my Iranian nationality, she will be in the same boat as me.
Thank you!
November 20, 2025 at 13:40
As she derives her eligibility from your country of birth, she cannot be “disconnected ” from you, in fact you must be approved and enter the USA together. Since you are likely to be delayed for various background checks, she will also be delayed.
November 20, 2025 at 09:51
Hello Simon, I’m currently a university student in Kenya doing my degree (I’ll be graduating next year in November). When it comes to the entry, it asks about my highest level of education, and it really confuses me because I haven’t yet gotten my degree. So, should I answer Some University Courses, University Degree, or High school, no degree.
November 20, 2025 at 09:56
Pick whatever you think describes you best – but just understand the answer doesn’t make ANY difference to your chance of selection, or your case if selected.
November 20, 2025 at 08:35
Hey Simon, how are you?
I’ve had my interview in Riyadh couple of days ago, it was great and not so many questions asked, they were very helpful and friendly.
My visa application has been approved, and it will take 2-3 weeks for the passport to be delivered to me.
Is there any way I can follow up on this, or just be patient and wait? And is there any reason they might ask for additional documents or reject the visa issuance even after I’ve been informed of approval?
Thanks
November 20, 2025 at 13:44
Just patience and if they need something else, they would email you.
November 20, 2025 at 07:51
Hello Simon, thank you so much for all the help you’ve been giving. I’m selected in DV2026 with 2 derivatives and case # 2026AS13***. My wife is due for delivery in January and that’s likely when our interview will be scheduled since cases upto 15K in Asia is current for January.
Do I have an option to schedule an interview for just me and my child, and have my wife interview at a later date?
Could you let me know how that’s done if possible?
November 20, 2025 at 08:38
Why not just have your wife attend with you to simplify the whole thing. Giving birth doesn’t stop women from moving for a month.
November 20, 2025 at 10:24
Culturally, the new mother cannot leave the house for atleast a month post delivery . Do we have such an option to postpone/ have interviews separately?
November 20, 2025 at 10:33
That would be a unwise decision as it could cause complication – but it is possible. So – my advice do what is sensible.
November 20, 2025 at 20:34
Would you know how that can be done? Have you seen such cases before where primary applicant interviews separate from a derivative? Do we contact the Interviewing embassy if we need the dates altered?
November 21, 2025 at 04:21
Also Simon, I just received an email from the embassy asking to forward scanned copies of all the documents. Is that normal procedure? I thought we had to take originals and scanned copies directly.
November 21, 2025 at 09:07
It varies by embassy which is why you read and follow the embassy instructions.
November 21, 2025 at 09:00
Yes you would arrange it with the interviewing embassy once your interview is set. They may or may not respond well. Experience varies and there is no set plan – hence the risk.
November 20, 2025 at 04:13
Hi Simon,
I am a Ghanaian born German citizen wanting to apply for the DV 2027 lottery. I currently have a temporary German passport which expires in September 2026. If the new passport rule does in fact apply, will my temporary passport suffice for the DV lottery application? Or do I need a biometric passport for the initial application stage.
November 20, 2025 at 08:35
Any passport is fine -but do make sure you apply as a Ghanaian (question 5) and do not use question 6.
November 19, 2025 at 16:57
Hello Simon, thank u for efforts. I wonder how much does new trump policy ( prioritizing world cup visas ) afect interview scheduling specifically casablanca in which interviwers have not yet scheduled and its effect on high case number. Thank you sir
November 19, 2025 at 19:56
How would I know that? This isn’t a usual thing.
November 19, 2025 at 16:38
Hello simon thanks for the immense help and guidance in the dv lottery i got my visa stamped 2 days ago however i need to go to my home country for two months to finalize things will this cause me a problem during my second entry considering i only stayed in the us for 1 day to open a bank account and endorse my visa
November 19, 2025 at 16:46
No problem.
November 19, 2025 at 14:19
Hi Simon,
Thank you so much for all the informative content you share about the DV program—it’s been incredibly helpful.
I have a question on behalf of a friend who was born in Hong Kong and plans to enter the DV-2027 lottery. He holds both a Hong Kong SAR passport and a German passport. For the entry form, is there any advantage to using one passport over the other?
He has a feeling that using his German passport might be preferable and would like to know whether entering with the German passport could make any part of the process easier—for example during visa processing, travel, or eventual U.S. naturalization. He has strong ties to Germany and expects to retain his German citizenship even if he later becomes a U.S. citizen.
If using the German passport is acceptable for the DV entry (given that his place of birth is Hong Kong), would he then be required to interview in Germany if selected, or could he still choose to interview in Hong Kong, where he has a full-time job?
Additionally, during the interview, does the consular officer look at the applicant’s income source or employment location?
Thanks again for your guidance!
November 19, 2025 at 16:26
The question shows you are missing the point. Eligibility for the lottery is not based on current citizenships, it is based on place of birth. The passport he uses during the process (if selected) doesn’t matter. If selected, he will interview where he lives.
November 19, 2025 at 13:13
I have a passport from before I moved so it has my old address, If the passport is required for entry then should I renew it before entering to update my address?
November 19, 2025 at 13:17
No need for that.
November 19, 2025 at 11:59
If this is the final version of the entry form I predict a lot of problems with payments. In your video we can see that on the Payment page first and middle names are required fields – what if you don’t have one?
Also the “District/Country/Province/State” field seems very vague. I have never used my address during online payments. Only card number, expiration date and CVC.
Will payment be processed before or after the entry form is submitted? What if payment is rejected, eg. due to mismatch in the address? Can your enter again?
November 19, 2025 at 12:18
As I have mentioned in several videos, setting up payments for a worldwide audience is harder than people think. So – I huess we will have to wait and see the final version and see what problems it brings.
November 19, 2025 at 11:52
Hello you beautiful man ❤️
If I lived in Saudi Arabia till I was near 18
Then I left permanently, About the police clearance certificate;
KSA doesn’t give clearance certificate to people who aren’t residing in it currently..
Best I could do was obtain a finger printed police certificate from my county’s consulate in Jeddah,KSA (with my country’s paper and logo), have the criminal department in Jeddah Saudi Arabia look my fingerprints up and stamp it with (no criminal record) Saudi stamp,
and then get the Saudi Ministry of External Affairs Stamp .. that’s it…
I also printed the (permanent leave) paper stamped by the External affairs showing thar I left Saudia back in 2017 permanently
Any problems? Any solutions? Any similar cases you have faced?
Oh , my country is Egypt..
November 19, 2025 at 12:20
You can read the reciprocity page for SA – if it says it is not available, then you are not expected to produce it.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/SaudiArabia.html
November 19, 2025 at 11:42
Hello Brit. Does the dependent picture affect selection? I have a very young baby it won’t focus on camera
November 19, 2025 at 11:46
Derivatives photos need to comply with the rules, yes. Babies have a bit of leeway.
The best way to take their photo is laying them down on a white sheet, and standing above them. Get ready to take the photo and startle the baby with a sudden “boo” or something. The baby will usually open their eyes long enough to get a photo, and then the baby will probably cry. You will then get told off by your wife, but at least you have the photo.
November 19, 2025 at 11:28
Hello,
Thank you for sparing your time to respond to our queries.
Is it advisable to play two entries, one as the primary entry and the other with my wife as the primary, and list the children as secondary entries?
Others have said it’s not correct and is bound to be disqualified. What’s your advice for me?
November 19, 2025 at 11:48
One entry for you, listing your legally married spouse and all the children.
Then a second entry for your spouse listing you and all the children.
Children can also enter for themselves only if they are 17 or above.
November 19, 2025 at 09:15
Hi Simon. I have case number 5000 from Iran for dv 2026. I am dual citizen born in Iran and I have Canadian citizenship and valid passport. I live in Canada. Yesterday I had my interview at Montreal embassy in Canada. He asked me about my job and education in Iran. Then he gave me two letters. If I could send them to you by email that would be perfect. Anyway in one of them they said that I refused because I am ineligible under immigration national act as follows:
section 221(g) which prohibits visa issuance for applications done not comply with provisions of immigration and nationality act or regulations issued pursuant thereto.
Then: additional processing is required. We will contact you when this is complete.
Then: DS-5535- please complete this form (there is a QR code which takes me to a form with some questions)
Then: you must present the documents listed above and or the following information.
There are other paragraphs like: 212a(1), 212(a)(4), 212(a), waiver eligibility…
But these paragraphs don’t have the cross sing.
Section 221g and DS-5535 and you must present documents have the cross sign.
At the end of page warning that:
Failure to take the action requested by the end of fiscal year following visa denial under INA section 221g will result in termination of your case. This one also has cross sign.
Then in second letter:
Complete your immigration visa application:
Additional information is required to continue processing your visa. Then asks to send the documents to the same embassy but it doesn’t say what documents.
As far as I remember, I think the officer said to send my passport to this address. But I am not sure.
I need to say all of my documents were complete. And he didn’t say what was missing. All were complete .
Sorry for my long letter. I wish I could email these two letters to you if that is possible.
Thank you for your time and help Sir.
November 19, 2025 at 11:40
I don’t need to see the letters. AS an Iranian you are going to have a long period of waiting under 221g. You should have clarified this in the interview, but can now email the embassy and ask if there are any documents required. But don’t expect this to be a fast process – for Iranians, delays lasting weeks and even several months are not uncommon.
November 19, 2025 at 12:22
Thank you for your reply.
I asked what documents.
He just referred to form DS-5535 and said fill it.
What’s that form if I can ask you?
Do you think I still have a chance or I am refused completely?
Thank you Simon
November 19, 2025 at 13:16
DS5535 is a form that allows them to do some additional background checks. Complete it as requested, then wait.
November 19, 2025 at 14:57
Thank you for your reply.
My question is : Do I still have a chance or not? Considering I received 221g and I have to fill DS5535.
Mr Simon, the officer behaved very unprofessionally and with biases.
The first moment he saw me, he said oh sorry I fell allergic.
Then he asked have you ever married? I said no Sir. Then he sarcastically replied you don’t have wife. How about husband? Then he started laughing and said oh I am joking. I replied politely no sir I never married and don’t have kid. Then he looked at my documents like all of them are lie and started asking about my job in Iran and I replied. Then he issued 221g.
I understand the officers have powers and authorities, but he was biased.
All because of what, I was born in Iran. People can born anywhere, that doesn’t mean they are good or bad.
I am in Canada for 14 years. I came to canada as a skilled worker, completely legal, not as a refugee or something else. I worked hard and have a good job and good income. I also studied in Germany. I brought 3 back check from Canada, Germany and Iran. I don’t have any records, not even a single driving ticket.
And the officer behaving me like a total criminal.
I answered him very politely and professionally.
But do I have any rights or power?
Can I ask for a review by another officer or potentially a supervisor?
I went to Europe as a student and I immigrant to canada. I lived these processes. But unfortunately I have never seen such unprofessional and biased behaviour.
Sorry for my long letter Sir.
It was so disappointing how the officer treated with me.
November 19, 2025 at 16:24
No you do not have any rights or power. You are not entitled to a visa – it is not a right. Paying fees does not mean you gained rights. The reality is that you were born in a country that is not cooperative or even respectful to the USA. So the USA is going to exercise caution in admitting you – and you just have to accept that and suppress your feelings or judgement of the COs behavior.
November 19, 2025 at 16:39
Thank you for your time and help to DV community.
November 19, 2025 at 07:26
Hi Simon,
In the event that a passport is required, I’ve seen that they ask us to ‘use a digital scanner to scan a recent passport biographic and signature page photo.’ Can we use the Google Drive scanner tool or apps such as CamScanner, or do we need to use a physical scanner?
November 19, 2025 at 11:37
I don’t think it matters how you digitize it.
November 19, 2025 at 16:56
Thank you very much!
November 19, 2025 at 07:03
Good morning Simon,
Thank for the wonderful job you are doing.
Please I have a worry: can i use my green card visa to work as a green card holder, while waiting for my original green card to come ou?
November 19, 2025 at 11:36
Yes – the visa has an endorsement which becomes active upon first entry. That endorsement allows the visa to be used to establish right to work etc.
November 19, 2025 at 06:38
Hello sir, hope you’re well..
A couple of weeks ago I asked you about how to answer the DS-260 question “Do you have a mental or physical disorder that poses or is likely to post a threat to the safety or welfare of yourself or others?” and you replied the answer in my case is probably no since the mild depression I have doesn’t fit that description. What I forgot to tell you is that I originally answered that with YES (because I thought it is the right approach since some cases can fit into that description) and explained in detail it hasn’t caused any harm to nobody, before changing that answer to NO along with other couple of errors in the form.. Could that be taken as some sort of misrepresentation? Should I bring a paper signed by my doctor which explains my case to the interview? I’m getting really worried..
November 19, 2025 at 11:34
You are overthinking this point. You corrected it. Relax.
November 19, 2025 at 05:28
Dear Simon. Greetings & I hope you are well. Kindly guide case number AF32K and current. My husband is the principle applicant. I came into the marriage with my daughter who is now 25 years old and in University. We did not include her in the main application due to age limit. When completing the DS 260, we included her in my DS260 but we did not include her in the DS260 for my husband. He does support her education & she currently lives alone. How would you advise my husband to respond to the consular officer during the interview if asked;
.How many children do you have?
.Or do you have any other children?
Looking forward to your response. Thank you.
November 19, 2025 at 11:33
He should list her in his DS260. Unlock and include her. Obviously she cannot be included in the DV process, but it is important that he lists his stepchild.
November 20, 2025 at 12:02
Thank you Simon. Your response is appreciated. We are unlocking the DS260.
November 19, 2025 at 05:00
Hi Brit,
Thank you for your update. January came out at 8,500 for EU.
Could you please give a rough prediction for the February number?
I understand it would only be an estimate.
Thank you!
November 19, 2025 at 11:31
Nope.
November 19, 2025 at 04:55
Hi Simon,hope you’re doing well?
I am a graphic designer for the past 4yrs,during filling my ds260 I realized I listed about my completed school,i dropped out of high school at scond level which I stated the year of start and completion as of when i dropped out..and stated no certificate/degree.i feel like i made a big mistake.Amy case number is already current and I can’t access my ds260..Do you think I’m safe? Even though my main qualification I intend is my work experience which I’ll be going to the interview with all needed prove.
November 19, 2025 at 11:31
Yes you should be OK as long as you present your work experience in a complete and professional manner.
November 19, 2025 at 03:34
My daughter was born in Japan in March 2007 and styed until March 2010. I was a international graduate student in a University in Japan. After my graduation we all returned to our home country where we are living since then. My home country is not eligible to participate in DV-2027. My daughter holds my home country’s passport. Offcourse she has birth certificate from Japan. My questions is, ” Is my daughter eligible to apply for the DV-2027″?. I will much appreciate your kind opinion. Thank you.
November 19, 2025 at 11:29
Yes – making sure she lists Japan as the country of birth.
November 19, 2025 at 03:34
hi @britsimom iam dv 2026 winner AF42K during entry I entered my dirivatives given names an didin’t include my surname but on filling the ds 260 i included it as it is on the passport does it affect during my interview..?
November 19, 2025 at 11:28
That should be OK.
November 19, 2025 at 02:22
Hi Simon,
2026 selectee AF <300,from Cameroon.I wish to find out if 2NL delays for Cameroon is normal or are there reasons for the delays. My CN was current since the first visa bulletin for 2026 but no 2NL as of date.(DS260, submitted in July and marked completed) KCC responded to me about 3 months ago that my case was queued for interview scheduling about 3 months ago.
November 19, 2025 at 11:25
The embassy has been slow to start work this year – that is their decision. However, it doesn’t mean that they won’t start work soon – so be patient.
November 19, 2025 at 01:35
Hi, Simon!
Would visiting china as a tourist for a week or two seen as problematic at the interview? There will be an entrance and exit stamps of China in my passport.
November 19, 2025 at 11:24
No problem.
November 19, 2025 at 00:57
Hi Simon, i have a case number for Europe 19xxx.
The updated visa bulletin of January 2026 shows the Europe cutoff number as 8500, strange because in October it started from 7750 and then in November, December and January it didn’t move at all. What do you think, is there anything to worry about this year? For a 19xxx how do you see the situation?
November 19, 2025 at 11:24
I don’t get too worked up over month to month VB movement. Monthly movement doesn’t say much about where it will end. But 19XXX has no reason to worry – just be patient.
November 18, 2025 at 17:34
Hi Simon,
Hope you’re doing well.
I’m from Morocco and came across this PDF on OMB.report site for the DV‑2027 Diversity Visa program registration Form (DS-5501):
https://omb.report/icr/202508-1405-004/doc/161086100
It shows a section for uploading a passport photo, entering passport details, and a $1 registration fee.
From your perspective, is this the official version that will be used for the upcoming registration?
Can I rely on it to get ready before the official registration opens?
Thanks a lot for your advice!
November 18, 2025 at 19:04
Mohammed That’s an interesting find! Thanks for raising it to my attention. It certainly looks legitimate – but it might not be exactly how the final version is implemented – we will have to wait and see.
I created a video with my thoughts about the form and credited you with the find!
November 18, 2025 at 14:23
Hello Mr Simon. My case number is 2026AF20***. I emailed the KCC to check whether my DS 260 was processed. I submitted it in late May. They replied a day later and said it is processing and I have to ‘several weeks’ for it to be processed. My number is current for January. Am I likely to get a January interview? Is it usual for a current case number that is submitted early to be still being processed?
November 18, 2025 at 15:05
It is not that unusual to still be processing – and no you won’t get the interview until the processing is complete.
November 18, 2025 at 13:36
Greetings britsimon, wen do u think we shall hve the data for embassy visa statistics, do u hve any notes i can read about Tuberculosis disease in regard to a dv selectee & incase one remained with scars after treatment & full recovered.thanks alot
November 18, 2025 at 15:04
CEAC data is available on January 1.
For TB it will depend whether the physician gives you a clear report, or whether they require testing.
November 18, 2025 at 03:03
Hi Simon, do you think the case number EU36xxx has chances for an interview. October, November and December are only current for 7750.
thanks
November 18, 2025 at 09:04
I really don’t know. I will do the math predictions in January when we have more data, BUT in reality the behavior of the government and the travel bans will have the largest impact.
November 18, 2025 at 02:00
Hey Simon, I once saved in the military but when I went to ask them for a military History they told me they can’t give me because I just left the Army on my own I was not released.it’s called deserted. Now should I unlock my Ds 260 form and edit change the information as if I have not served in the Army or I should leave it like that and explain at the embassy why I don’t have a military history document with me during the interview please advise.
November 18, 2025 at 09:03
You cannot lie during this process, so you should not try and hide your military service. I don’t know if the desertion will affect your application.
November 18, 2025 at 10:30
I do not want to hide but the problem is the Army don’t want to give me the Military History document in this case what must I do?
November 18, 2025 at 15:03
Exactly as I said. You will have to explain in the interview. The CO might not approve your case – I don’t know.
November 19, 2025 at 02:39
Can u help me to check the photo at a fee if i send it to you??
November 19, 2025 at 11:27
No – I have created a website for that – because I can’t spend time checking people’s photos.
DVPhotoTool.com
November 17, 2025 at 23:57
Hey Mr. Simon thanks for all you do! I’m in Africa I have been applying for Dv lottery its 14 years now with no success so far. My request is i would like to share my photo that I’m planning to use to get your take if it can pass. Thank you
November 18, 2025 at 09:02
My advice is to use my site DVPhotoTool.com to take a compliant photo.
November 17, 2025 at 13:32
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.
Best regards,
November 17, 2025 at 14:39
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-885/#comment-372649
November 17, 2025 at 11:48
Hello Simon.
I am a 2026 DV lottery winner. My interview with my wife is scheduled this Wednesday (19th). We did the medical exam a couple of weeks ago. We are ready and are just waiting for the interview.
She is pregnant, and after a routine check at the hospital today we found out that there is a high risk our baby come prematurely before due date. The doctor recommended us to not travel (take the plane for example) and limit movements as much as possible if possible.
Should we postpone the interview and reschedule it after the birth of our child ? If yes how to proceed please ?
Or should we go to the interview on Wednesday, get the green card, and then add our baby later ?
We don’t know what is the best option for us and our future baby. We are exhausted and disappointed. We have been waiting this opportunity so long. We don’t know what to do.
Please can you help us ?
November 17, 2025 at 11:55
Do not postpone your interview – there is no need to do so. You will have 6 months validity on the visa (dated from the medical), so the question is when will the baby be born, and how do you add the baby onto your case. The good news is that there is a procedure for every scenario – all described in the link below. Read that.
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
November 20, 2025 at 05:28
Hello Simon. I hope you are doing good.
We followed your advice and went to the interview. My wife and I have been approved. If the doctor give us an authorization to travel US without any risk for our baby we will move to the US after receiving our passports. But if there is a risk we will patiently wait and travel after our childbirth. Thank you SO MUCH for your help. Take care of you.
November 20, 2025 at 08:37
Congratulations. Now you can decide on timing and follow the procedure accordingly.
November 17, 2025 at 00:06
Hi Simon,
1- D you have an explanation for why Egypt is with the same number (16k) since the beginning while rest of Africa jumped to 35k, is it because the Embassy isn’t performing well or something like that ?
2- you have any expectations for case number AF49XXX Egypt (Cairo Embassy)
November 17, 2025 at 08:22
1. I don’t have any data, but yes it could be because the Cairo embassy has limited interviews in the first few months.
2. No predictions, no.
November 16, 2025 at 20:45
Hi Simon,
I just watched your latest live session on YouTube and realized I may have made a mistake when completing my DS-260. I selected “Yes” for the question asking whether I have documentation showing that I have received vaccinations according to U.S. law. At the time, I thought this simply meant that I would receive all required shots during the medical exam before the interview.
My case number is SA24XX, and I’m unsure whether I should reopen my DS-260 to correct this. I last opened it in September to update my passport information, this would be the second time :C
thanks,
MP
November 16, 2025 at 21:18
No need to change that answer. It doesn’t matter.
November 16, 2025 at 16:43
Hi Simon,
You proabbly get asked this a lot, but I just noticed that there is a proposal about the passport requirement. and you probably know that already.
Here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/08/05/2025-14784/visas-enhancing-vetting-and-combatting-fraud-in-the-diversity-immigrant-visa-program
Now, giving the fact that the dealy is so long by now, perhaps there is a chance it’s not only because of the $1 fee, but also becuase of the passport.
Remember that the DOS announcement didn’t cpecify what changes there are to the registration process, and it could be both.
What do you think? Sorry for my typos.
November 16, 2025 at 16:58
It was published as a proposed rule for public comment. In order to make it a rule they have to go through a set process. So – it isn’t possible to implement the rule immediately, but they could if the delay on the entry period is longer. So we just have to wait and see.
November 17, 2025 at 08:59
Yes – I guess we just need to wait.
November 16, 2025 at 12:41
Hi Simon,
Thank you for your work, it helps so many people year after year.
I’ve managed to find answers to almost all my questions over the past months, but there’s still one thing I’m not sure about.
My case number (EU8XXX) will become current in January, according to the November Visa Bulletin.
I’m wondering about those whose numbers will become current under the January Visa Bulletin: when should they expect their 2NLs? Would it be sent sometime this month, or in the second half of December?
(I already submitted my DS-260 at the end of May.)
I’m trying not to be impatient, I’d just like to plan things properly.
Thank you!
November 16, 2025 at 14:03
https://britsimonsays.com/visa-bulletin-for-january-2026-interviews-released/
November 16, 2025 at 12:35
Hi! I hope you are doing well. Thanks for
Your help as always.
I’m a 2026 winner, from Asia, 14xxx.
Now does this mean I will get an interview letter?
They recently emailed me to ask for residence proof and replied with confirmation.
I chose Montreal as I am in Canada.
I am pregnant and due in January..
I guess I am reaching out for your thoughts about my case number, when to unlock and if it will delay the process.. what documents I have to have with me ..
I am happy but scared and not sure if this is good news and be happy ? Or still not guaranteed to get an interview?
Thank you so much
November 16, 2025 at 12:45
Your interview depends on your DS260 being processed and the embassy having capacity. So – that might cause some delay, or not. You’ll have to wait and see.
For documents please read the instructions to decide the documents needed in your specific case.
November 16, 2025 at 10:55
Hi Brit,
Thanks you for all the informations you gave us !
I have some questions for you :
1/ do you think that bulletins visa for Europe for DV 2026 will be at least at EU32***? I’m Worried about the case Numbers specially When I see January at 8250.
2/ All the bulletins visa are occupied by people ? Or there are some case Numbers non occupied ?
3/ What is the rate of people who will not fill the DS260 or give up ?
Thanks you so much
November 16, 2025 at 11:21
1. I don’t know – there is too much that could impact the progress to make predictions.
2. Not every case number has a case – there are “holes” between the cases.
3. We don’t have the data yet which shows the distribution, but about half the cases in EU are holes. Most of the holes are in the higher case number ranges.
November 16, 2025 at 07:06
Hi Simon, big fan of your work!
I have a case number of EU25xxx (not Turkmenistan), and unfortunately, the last visa bulletin was very disappointing with the EU cutoff moving only to 8500. January interviews usually had massive cutoff jumps in EU in the last few years, but not this year. Do you think that with this new information, the odds for EU25xxx have worsened? I understand we’re only 4 months in, but in the last few years, the January interviews are where things really picked up speed.
One thing I also noticed is that Uzbekistan is no longer limited by “Except.” Could this be the reason behind the slow cutoff movement in EU or another cause for concern for higher case numbers in EU? Does Uzbekistan no longer being limited have any impact on higher case numbers in EU?
Lastly, what’s your overall opinion on EU25xxx, or EU24xxx-26xxx range? Safe, solid chance, long shot, or big risk? (Also, for 30xxx, are those guys in a similar camp as 25xxx?)
Thanks!
November 16, 2025 at 11:18
I don’t think your chances worsened by 1 VB. Relax.
The EU number is not particularly high, so there was no need to detach some countries yet.
We don’t have the data yet, so the chances will be partly to do with the math, but mostly to do with the behavior of the government and the travel ban. So – your number range sounds OK, but we really have to wait and see.
November 16, 2025 at 06:37
Hi Simon, I’m from Thailand and have been following your YouTube channel for a long time. I have a question
If I get selected for DV lotto, am I allowed to change my Thai name (because it contains “porn”) before submitting the DS-260, or should I wait until after the DS-260 or after the green card process is completed?
Thank you for your advice.
November 16, 2025 at 11:15
I assume there is a legal process you can go through which would document the name change, and that the legal process would create some legal paperwork. If so then yes go through that process first and then submit the DS260. There is a place in the DS260 for “other names” so you would put your old name there.
November 16, 2025 at 06:02
Hi Simon, since we already have 4 out of the 12 visa bulletins, do you have any idea why there aren’t any European countries listed with exceptions like Russia and Uzbekistan were in previous years right from the first bulletin?
November 16, 2025 at 11:12
Well the EU number is not particularly high, so there was no need to detach some countries yet.
November 16, 2025 at 02:10
Hello Simon
I looked a little on your website at the Historical Numbers of the Visa Bulletin and I noticed that in 2021 when there were approximately the same number of selections in Europe, and for January a small number in case numbers, that by the end of the year the case numbers reached CURRENT in June. Do you think it is possible for Europe to repeat this story?
Thank you and I hope I made myself understood
November 16, 2025 at 11:11
2021 was heavily impacted from Covid which means you cannot compare to this year.
November 16, 2025 at 01:32
Hi Simon,
I’m an AF90XXX and I am still holding off in submitting my DS-260 given your advice. While Ugandan, I live in the Netherlands so I selected that as my place for the interview.
However, I saw the big jump in AF no.s and wondered if it’s safer to select Nairobi for my interview? Or should I retain my selection for Netherlands.
Also, are the chances a little higher for the AF90XXX going by that jump?
November 16, 2025 at 11:10
You are much better off in the Netherlands, frankly – but interviews are based on where you live.
One month doesn’t tell us where cutoffs will fall in the end – you won’t actually be sure about your number for months – but yes I am sure some feel better about the high case numbers from the 35K current number now.