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December 6, 2025 at 11:21
Hey Simon, am a DV 2026 with CN of AF46K, submitted my ds forms on May 23rd, until now am not yet processed!, are the forms really still processing or they haven’t even started processing them?, I was DV2022 winner with cn of AF12k and my forms took almost 10months to process, don’t know if it’s because I opened my DS260 during that time or what?, but this time it’s taking long despite the fact that I haven’t even re-opened my forms..
December 6, 2025 at 15:22
There is obviously something about your case that takes them a long time to process. It’s not because of re-opening – that does not cause delay. You just have to be patient.
December 6, 2025 at 16:23
Hi Brit
DV-2026 AF
Would someone who already got his visa issued but hasn’t traveled yet be affected if he’s country becomes included in the travel ban expansion the administration is planning to do? Would he be denied entry into to the US?
December 6, 2025 at 17:26
That is possible – it depends on the wording of the order.
December 6, 2025 at 20:24
Hello, I am Moroccan and live in Spain. My case number is AF 17K and it has already been published in the Visa Bulletin. I would like to know approximately when the interview at the consulate in Madrid would be.
December 7, 2025 at 09:00
I can’t answer that currently. I don’t know how many cases that embassy are taking, how backlogged they are or whether your DS260 is processed.
December 6, 2025 at 11:14
Hey Simon,
I am EastAfrican but live in Europe. My case can either be scheduled at Frankfurt or Nairobi. I want to go with the Europe option though because it would be less financially costly.
However, with the way the Europe numbers are moving, I am wondering whether that would be risky. What is the possibility of a 2026AFxxxxx case being scheduled at Frankfurt if the Europe numbers (for all the EU citizens handled at Frankfurt) don’t become current?
December 6, 2025 at 15:21
You have a better chance of interview in Frankfurt – and will be scheduled when your number is current.
December 5, 2025 at 14:26
Hello Brit
I saw a video from the U.S. Embassy in Algeria stating that it is not allowed to use Photoshop to change the background of the DV Lottery photo. However, I would like to use your application to change my background.
According to the official requirements, the background must be white or off-white. My current background is off-white, but now I am confused. Should I follow the video from the U.S. Embassy, which says that changing the background with Photoshop is not allowed? Does this also include AI tools and photo-editing applications?
Some websites say that the photo is checked again at the consulate after winning, but the embassy did not mention anything about AI verification. How did you know that the photos are reviewed with AI, and where did this information come from?
Thank you.
0:23
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jO8n7P8uSA
December 5, 2025 at 22:59
The process of screening photos has been well described from sworn testimony in some court cases. Those documents describe how AI has become the method of screening.
Our background removal is compliant. The advice from embassies is based on people doing it badly, and therefore modifying the subject. Done properly it is almost undetectable.
December 6, 2025 at 00:34
Thanks for addressing this, that was also my concern about using your tool and I was initially wanting to wait till dv2028 to check for any unfortunate scenario where everyone using your tool did not get selected, but if the court documents did reveal the exact algorithm to check photo compliance and you did apply the same algorithm in your tool then I think its worth using your tool and I don’t need to worry right?
December 6, 2025 at 15:17
That is an “are you sure?” question. Pointless.
December 7, 2025 at 22:26
sorry for my badly worded question and sorry if it sounded i was being skeptical about your work, i really didn’t want to take any risks with the photo, I still appreciate what you do for the community and giving back after winning yourself is an amazing thing to do.
Hopefully this doesn’t sound like an are you sure:
1. Did the courts reveal the exact algorithms used?
2. Did you apply the same algorithm?
3. What photo-disqualification rate do you expect of users who use the app as intended?
December 7, 2025 at 22:50
This is somewhere between overthinking and asking what should be obvious questions. But here are some answers anyway.
1. No. They made clear the process of screening was moving to full automation.
2. The rules are applied. We do the same thing (as far as possible).
3. We can’t stop the user making some mistakes, we just try and catch as much as possible. But the user can still screw it up doing things like submitting photos of the wrong person. So – we can’t promise 100% success, just improved chances. I’m certainly not going to try to quantify that improvement.
December 5, 2025 at 11:12
Hello Simon,
As an Iranian-Canadian, going through background check is a given fact at this time.
Having a case number AS15***, assuming the best case senario, I’ll be having my interview by March or April.
Considering another fact that Iranian background check usually takes more than 6 months, the immigration year will be over by the time my background check results arrive.
What will happen then? They will just close my DV case/application, if the background check results not completed by September end?
Thanks!
December 5, 2025 at 13:53
If your check is not cleared by September 30, your case just times out and can never be approved. So yes there is a risk for higher case numbers from Iran. Not all cases endure 6 months of checks, but it can happen, so anyone interviewing from April/May onwards needs to understand that risk.
December 5, 2025 at 08:48
Good morning Simon,
I have been selected for DV 2026, from AS, case number 5000. I was born in Iran, I am living in Canada and having Canadian citizenship and passport.
I had my interview 2 weeks ago in Montreal, canada.
I became AP 221(g). And they asked to fill online form DS-5535.
Considering the recent political issues and trump new orders, do you think I still have a chance? And do you think by filling this form my AP will be clear?
Thank you for supporting DV community.
December 5, 2025 at 09:46
Your 221g is likely to last a long time – possible several months. However, if the clearance comes through then you could absolutely be issued as you are exempt from the travel ban.
December 5, 2025 at 09:51
Thank you Simon.
Regards.
December 5, 2025 at 11:28
Hello Simon!I wanted to ask what happens a single person who had never married before accidentally chooses divorced as a marital status on their Original DV Entry form but this person has a documentation that proves no marriage history before…
December 5, 2025 at 13:57
That person could be denied at interview for incorrectly completing the form. It’s an odd thing to accidentally do – so there would probably be some suspicion of lying, which might encourage a CO to just click the “deny” button.
December 6, 2025 at 01:40
Could it be considered as “missclick” with all supporting documents and a clear explanation,tbh i was filling a form for my parents right before mine (which they were divorced) it took me like 3 mins to fill and submit mine. I’m 90% sure that I haven’t clicked the wrong option but the remaining 10% of what if is eating me inside and out…BTW THANK YOU FOR DOING WHAT YOU’RE DOING🙏
December 6, 2025 at 15:18
Whether it is a missclick or deliberate makes no difference. It’s just up to the CO.
December 5, 2025 at 08:47
Hi Simon,
Really appreciate all the work you do in breaking down the DV Lottery process. We only discovered your content after spending over $20k on processing fees, medicals (including three jabs), and attorneys. We were selected for DV-2026 following your legal case, but unfortunately ended up with a case number in the 2026EU000106*** range — so after watching your excellent videos, we now realise there’s realistically no chance.
We’re already in the U.S. on another visa, so we tried filing Adjustment of Status with USCIS, but it was rejected. We completely understand that the DV is a lottery, but the case-number over-selection this year is genuinely shocking.
Anyway, just needed to vent — thanks again for everything you do.
December 5, 2025 at 09:45
Did you have a lawyer that told you to file to adjust status before your case number was even current??? That is shoddy behavior from the lawyer – bordering on malpractice. You were not eligible to file, and any lawyer that knew what they were doing should have known that. The problem is that lawyers often pretend to know DV when in fact they have no idea. This is because DV is rare (around 5% of immigration), and AOS is only around 5% of DV – so there are very few DV cases that process each year and most of them don’t use lawyers because there is an excellent source of step by step info available at the link below.
So anyway, I am so sorry your case was mishandled. I would suggest you sue the lawyer, but you have probably spent enough on lawyers already!
As a reaction to my lawsuit the government revealed the UK winners – but for some ridiculous reason they selected UK winners up to around 190k – which is completely bonkers. There is a small chance that EU goes current this year, and that is the only scenario where your case will be processable. Even if that were to happen in the final month (July) there would be time with the early filing policy to file AOS then and it would most likely complete before the deadline. BUT – your number has to be eligible to file first…
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2026-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.352867/
December 4, 2025 at 16:28
Dear Simon, thank you for all the information you share here. I have a query – we have an interview scheduled on Jan 2026, unfortunately my husband is unable to attend on that day – I am the principal applicant.
A. Can I ask the consulate to schedule a separate interview for him? Is that allowed or entertained? If allowed, how do I do it?
B. Or does the whole family have to attend the interview together?
Please advise as we are in a real quandary due to this.
Worried – Axa
December 4, 2025 at 16:34
A. You can ask the embassy.
B. That is more normal.
My advice – well I would ask myself what is more important on that day that means he can’t come to the interview.
December 4, 2025 at 16:37
Can I ask them right now, as the Consular Section has already emailed asking for documents? Or should I wait for till when I go to the interview and ask the CO there?
December 4, 2025 at 16:50
You can ask now.
December 4, 2025 at 17:30
Have your seen/heard of anything doing this successfully? I’m just wondering if asking for an extension will impact our interview too on 15 Jan.
December 4, 2025 at 18:11
It sometimes is OK. I already told you I would not recommend it. So if you do it, you do so accepting that you are creating some risk.
December 4, 2025 at 12:39
Hello Simon,
do you think that the reassessing of the GC-Holders from the 19 banned countries will delay DS260-processing for DV? And do you have an idea how much unlocking the DS260 for including more social media accounts (which were only used for content consumption) might delay the individual processing?
I am European, no affiliation with banned or possibly soon to be banned countries.
Sorry for being so specific, just looking for a ballpark estimation here.
Thanks in advance!
December 4, 2025 at 16:32
I don’t know what resources they will use on the review – but I don’t expect that will be the same resources we use in DV.
Unlocking does not cause delay.
December 4, 2025 at 11:24
Dear Simon,
Can an individual who holds an expired green card apply for the DV Lottery? The person has resided outside the United States for an extended period, and the green card expired in 2011.
December 4, 2025 at 16:31
If the passport rule is implemented in the next lottery, then NO the rule will require the person to have an unexpired passport on the day they enter the lottery.
December 15, 2025 at 15:24
I was talking about an expired Green card not a passpory
December 15, 2025 at 18:20
Ahh – then yes although that person should probably take steps to properly close their previous status. Talk to a lawyer.
December 4, 2025 at 09:17
Dear Simon,
I just received out passports with the visa . I wanna go to the U.S ASAP because of the expansion of the ban, is there a minimal amount of days to stay there in America, or can I stay for 3 days and go back to my country? And they will ship the green card to the address I gave?
Or what do you advise us to do?
December 4, 2025 at 09:41
If you think your country could get banned, then using your visa soon is a wise idea. There is NO MINIMUM time you must spend in the country, and yes they will ship the GC to the address they have in the DS260.
December 4, 2025 at 11:06
My country is Egypt, what do you think?
December 4, 2025 at 11:20
Egypt was on the “36 country” list that was circulated earlier, so yes it is possible that an expansion could include Egypt – although I would have to say that would be one of the more surprising additions in my mind.
December 4, 2025 at 04:18
Hi BritSimon,
Is there any chance that Europe might double in the February Visa Bulletin, similar to how Africa doubled in January? The EU region has had almost no significant increase during the last four months, so I was wondering if a bigger jump is possible.
Thank you.
December 4, 2025 at 08:45
It is “possible” – will it happen – I don’t know.
December 3, 2025 at 22:02
Hello Simon! I know is impossible to predict but I want to know your personal opinion. Based on your experience should we expect to see a jump in SA or it is possible it remain the same based on other years parameters ( it has never been over 1850 in February before)? Thank you!
December 3, 2025 at 23:21
As you say – “impossible to predict”.
December 3, 2025 at 20:52
Hello,
Not sure if this is the right forum to use, but could use help to answer this question:
I’m on h1b visa, got laid off and my case number is 2026EU209XX. If my grace period ends and i do COS to switch to B1/2 visa would i still be eligible for DV AOS ?
December 3, 2025 at 23:20
As long as you are in status constantly you should be OK.
Best AOS info for DV is here:
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2026-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.352867/
December 3, 2025 at 19:27
My Passport expires Fall 2026 and as I am living in the US on a visa, I would need to renew my passport 6 months in advance.
1. If I enter DV2027 with my current passport and then renew it before interview would that create a problem?
2. If DV2027 takes too long to be announced and I am forced to renew my passport before I can apply and then suddenly entry period starts and closes before I get my new passport in the mail, would it be a problem if I use my old passport details from a previous scan even tho it could be invalid during time of application?
December 3, 2025 at 23:20
1. No
2. The passport you use for entry MUST be valid (unexpired) on the date of the entry.
December 6, 2025 at 00:20
1. For DV2027, is it safer to submit my entry first and renew my passport after, so I do not end up in a passport limbo period during the entry period
2. My passport expires after the start of FY2027. Is it basically guaranteed the DV2027 entry period will be before that
3. If the entry period is delayed and I wait too long, is there any risk to my F1 status if I renew my passport with only 1 or 2 months left on it
December 6, 2025 at 15:16
1. Your choice.
2. Of course.
3. I don’t know.
December 3, 2025 at 18:35
Question on the education requirements / qualifications. Could you do a video or provide some details on how I would go about determining if my education meets a US high school diploma. For context I’m english and passed GCSE’s then went into an apprenticeship where I got a level 3 btec and apprenticeship qualification. I have checked that my job sadly does not meet the minimum requirements nor do I have A levels. I have searched the internet to try to find for certain an answer to this but to no luck, from what I found the best thing would be for me to get a certificate from a ” Credential Evaluation Services”. Is there one of these you would recommend? or could provide more details on the education requirements. I would be willing if necessary to do an online school to try to gain a genuine US high school diploma but want to know if its necessary.
Many thanks in advance,
Kyle
December 3, 2025 at 23:08
The link below has more info but your case is quite specific.
The requirement is US High School graduate equivalent. For an American child, that is reached at about 18 and is the point when that child can be accepted to college (University). So – the equivalent in the UK is A level completion with sufficient UCAS points to enter Uni.
BTEC is a bit of a curveball. It is generally considered vocational as opposed to general academic, and vocational education is NOT allowed to meet the DV Lottery requirement. Furthermore, even if a CO overlooked the vocational issue, you would probably need a BTEC Extended Diploma to be equivalent to 3 A levels for Uni entry.
Credential evaluation won’t help, as the DV rule is based on an formal academic course of education. Retakes also would not help.
So – there is risk of denial for sure – with perhaps a small chance of success with a friendly Consular officer.
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
December 5, 2025 at 15:54
Thank you for your thorough my reply, it has been very useful.
December 3, 2025 at 16:53
Hi Simon, I’m a Canadian–Iranian dual citizen. I had my interview in Montréal in November and was asked to complete DS‑5535 under 221(g), which I submitted the next day. What do you think about the recent news and updates? Do you think they might affect my administrative processing (AP)?
December 3, 2025 at 17:09
It hasn’t changed anything for your case.
December 3, 2025 at 17:15
How? Explain more please
December 3, 2025 at 22:56
A little thought could have got you there.
1. As an Iranian you are already affected by the ban, but exempted because of your second citizenship.
2. As an Iranian you could already have expected long 221g (DS5535 background checks). That is still the case.
December 3, 2025 at 16:10
Hi Simon, I was selected 2026SA41xx, do I have a realistic chance of getting an appointment at the consulate?
December 3, 2025 at 16:18
You have some chance – but it is too early to say “realistic”.
December 3, 2025 at 19:17
You mentioned that South America could be current by 2026, do you still think so?
December 3, 2025 at 23:08
It’s only a “maybe”.
December 3, 2025 at 15:53
Hi Brit
I, along with my family entered the U.S. through the Diversity Visa program on November 13. When we completed my DS-260, we selected the option for the Social Security Administration to automatically issue an SSN for me and my family. The mailing address we provided was my sponsor’s address.
My sponsor received a USPS Informed Delivery notification saying that my SSN would arrive on Friday, November 22. However, nothing was in the mailbox that day. He waited until Monday, November 24, but still no SSN. He then went to the USPS office to ask about it, but they told him they did not have the letter and that their system showed it was delivered on Friday. They advised him to report it as lost and wait 7 days.
We have waited, but still nothing has arrived.
What should I do now? Should I keep waiting, or should I apply for a new SSN?
December 3, 2025 at 16:18
No you don’t get a new SSN- you go to the SSA office and they can give you the numbers and order replacement cards.
December 3, 2025 at 17:15
I went to the SSN as well, they didn’t help me and I was told to book an appointment first to process my query. I tried booking and got an appointment on 17th December. I am really stressed about the situation and don’t know what to do.
December 3, 2025 at 14:26
HI , Brit
It doesn’t seem normal, and it feels like the Trump administration is doing it intentionally. Regarding the U.S. Diversity Visa Lottery, either it won’t open this year under the pretext of rebuilding the website, or it will open very late — in January or February — with results in July and visas starting in October, but with very limited numbers. This seems to be the Trump administration’s scenario, because the situation is far from normal.
Any programming expert would tell you that a team of three engineers could add a payment feature to the DV Lottery website in four days, or a week at most. I don’t know I just have a feeling that something is off and that it’s being done on purpose by Trump.
December 3, 2025 at 14:47
“Any programming expert would tell you”
I am a “programming expert”, and no it does not get done in a week.
Anyway – no need to keep on going back to this same point.
December 3, 2025 at 11:09
hi simon AF31K nrbi when can i get my 2nl…?
December 3, 2025 at 13:21
We don’t have good data that shows the backlog at each embassy, or the numbers of interviews they are accepting. So – I don’t know. We will know more on January 1.
December 3, 2025 at 09:44
Hello Simon, I have a question about the marital status in dv lottery form: we are an italian resident couple that have been married last October in US but we haven’t already transcripted the marriage in Italy (we’ll do it next year).
Do you we have to submit the dv lottery form as married, correct?
Thank you in advance.
Daniele.
December 3, 2025 at 10:43
Yes, you are married.
December 2, 2025 at 20:49
Hi Simon,
I got DV approved last month along with my wife. I am the principal applicant.
Can I activate my green card first without my wife and my wife can activate hers later or is it recommended to do it together?
Thank you so much for all your content.
Your resources were so much helpful during the entire DV process.
December 3, 2025 at 09:24
Yes, as you are the principal you can activate first and she can activate later.
December 2, 2025 at 08:28
Hello Mr Simon,
Our numner is AF34xxx and we submitted only our DS260 in May but so far we have not received any e mail from KCC. I was worried if we have missed any documents or steps that supposed to be taken.Thanks Yusuf
December 2, 2025 at 13:51
You can email KCC and ask your status of your DS260 processing, but you are probably delayed because of your embassy not giving enough capacity to take all the cases in front of you. So – be patient.
December 2, 2025 at 07:12
Hello dear,
Thank you very much for your support and guidance.
I am from Yemen and currently living in Egypt — can I still apply for the Diversity Visa lottery?
Also, my wife is from Iraq. If she applies and is selected, can she include me as her spouse?
Finally, do you offer assistance in filling out the lottery application for both of us, and if so, what are your fees?
December 2, 2025 at 13:50
Yes you can both apply and be selected although the travel ban (if continued) would cause you a problem if selected. But enter anyway, and hope the ban is removed by then.
No I don’t offer 1 to 1 help and don’t charge fees.
December 2, 2025 at 04:20
When should I expect my 2NL with a case number AF27k sent my Ds260 26th May
December 2, 2025 at 13:48
I don’t know. It depends on your embassy and their capacity, as well as your DS260 processing….
December 1, 2025 at 22:44
Hi simon in can Trump ban dv lottery completely…? am from Afghan…
December 2, 2025 at 13:45
No. But he can do things that make it harder to process cases, especially from some countries.
December 1, 2025 at 18:16
Hi Simon,
Hope you’re doing well! I have a couple of quick questions about my Diversity Visa case and was hoping to get your advice.
My case number is AS11XXX, which will be current in January 2026. I just submitted the DS-260 for both myself and my partner. I’m Taiwanese, my partner is Chinese, and we got married in the U.S. earlier this year.
I wanted to check with you:
Can my partner join me for the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Taiwan, even though she holds a Chinese passport and we’re currently living in the U.S.?
Our case status still shows “Your case is currently at: KCC.” Once the case becomes current, how long does it usually take for KCC to finish processing the DS-260 and schedule the interview?
Thank you so much for your help! I really appreciate it!
December 2, 2025 at 13:45
Let me break this down a little.
Can you add your spouse to your case – yes. You are married and as long as the marriage is genuine, you can add her to your case. You are actually required to correctly list your marital status and it would be odd to NOT process together.
Can she interview in Taiwan. Well I don’t know what visas or travel arrangements she would need given her nationality. That is up to you to think about. Planning to attend an interview at a US embassy does not by itself force any country to allow her entry.
But what strikes me is why are you not processing through AOS (adjustment of status in the USA). You can do that (once you become current) and AOS has some advantages – especially with this administration discussing more travel bans. So why are you not discussing AOS?
December 3, 2025 at 11:49
Hi Simon,
Thanks so much for the clarification, really appreciate your guidance!
Sorry for the confusion earlier. My partner already has permission to enter Taiwan, so travel itself isn’t an issue. What we were specifically wondering is: since visa processing is usually tied to nationality and/or place of residence, would she still be eligible to receive an immigrant visa through the U.S. Embassy in Taiwan even though she holds a Chinese passport? Or would that create any complications?
Regarding AOS vs CP, we’re currently debating between the two. Our understanding is that CP tends to have a more predictable and faster timeline for DV cases, while AOS can be more uncertain because USCIS processing times vary a lot, and all documents must be physically mailed, which introduces delays. We’ve heard that AOS cases sometimes take longer and can be riskier if the case gets too close to the fiscal-year deadline.
Are we understanding this correctly, or is there something we’re overlooking about AOS that might make it a better option in our situation?
Thanks again for your help!
December 3, 2025 at 13:24
Yes she could be issued in Taiwan.
However, AOS is almost certainly a better option for you. The speed is offset by the ability to file early, once your number is announced in the VB. At the link below you can learn about AOS and by studying the links in the first post of this thread you can learn exactly what you need to do.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2026-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.352867/
December 3, 2025 at 23:58
Hi Simon,
Thank you so much again for your guidance. It’s really helpful!
Just one more question: my partner and I are both currently on H-1B status in the U.S. Our visa stamps in our passports are expired, but we both have valid I-797 approval notices and are maintaining lawful H-1B status. In this situation, are we still eligible to file for AOS? I just want to confirm that having an expired visa stamp (but valid I-797 and lawful status) won’t cause any issues for the DV AOS process.
Thanks again for your time and expertise!
December 4, 2025 at 00:10
I leave AOS questions to Sm1smom on the link I gave you already.
December 1, 2025 at 15:24
Hello Simon,
In the form i-134, should i fill part 3?
December 1, 2025 at 18:15
https://youtu.be/V_qjlWsuHvg?si=Gu9HxuxGEiCuEJbD
December 1, 2025 at 13:25
Hello my I’ve submitted my DS260 and I’ve now been given a OMB control number, what does this mean? It wasn’t there when I checked a few days ago. I’m EU35xxx
December 1, 2025 at 17:59
The OMB number is to do with the form, nothing to do with your case. You can safely ignore it.
December 1, 2025 at 13:01
Hi Simon. I want to apply for DV 2027.
I am born in Moldova but want to know if I can apply with my Romanian passport.
From Moldova I don’t have a passport I only have a document called Moldovan identity card which is similar to a passport but not quite the same. But I also have Moldovan birth certificate even though no passport.
So can I apply with my Romanian passport instead? Specify country of birth as Moldova but passport details and passport photo of Romanian passport.
December 1, 2025 at 17:57
Yes.
December 1, 2025 at 23:21
Thanks for the answer.
One more thing.
1. Would I be eligible to apply as a Romanian instead if I have romanian passport?
2. If yes which would give me higher chance of acceptance? Applying as Moldovan or Romanian?
December 2, 2025 at 13:48
1. DV is based on country of birth.
2. Identical chance of selection between those two countries, but not following the rules would be a bad idea.
December 1, 2025 at 09:13
Hi BritSimon, i was reading that unofficial cable about public charge. If it is officially passed, it looks like the Panel Physicians remarks will be very key on issuance of the IV. Lots of bloggers and vloggers had gone with the narrative that most chronics will lead to refusals, but it simply said those with chronics that need constant hospitalisation and causes inability to secure employment might need to show enough liquid cash or health insurance. Well managed chronics after assessment from Panel Physicians will be okay. It went on to say if the panel Physician fails to write remarks if the chronics can cause problems, the applicant will be put on 221g and medical report will be returned for the Physician to write overal remarks.
What caught my attention is the mention of i134 that it will no longer be used to assess public charge risk by CO rather factors such as education, staying health and ability to work will be used to make decision. I134 will no longer be used to save case.
We shall wait and see if/when they announce that.
December 1, 2025 at 09:05
Hi Simon, I’m a 25-year-old engineer who recently graduated with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Politecnico di Milano. I’m planning to apply for the DV Lottery 2027, but if I were selected, I’m unsure how to demonstrate that I wouldn’t become a public charge. I don’t currently have savings or property. I could borrow around €5,000 from my parents to cover initial expenses in the U.S., and I’m fully willing to take on any type of work. How could I present and justify this effectively during the interview?
December 1, 2025 at 09:15
This is a very premature question. DV is a lottery where your chance of selection is 1 in 100 years. Get selected first, then you can “worry” about how you would handle public charge at an interview which is 1 to 2 years away even if you were selected….
December 1, 2025 at 02:30
Dear sir, AS21K here, Amman embassy. Just heard they have scheduled cases for up to 10K. Does that number indicate good performance? Am I okay?
December 1, 2025 at 09:13
Well, if that rumor is true it indicates there is no backlog which would be good to this point.
December 1, 2025 at 01:44
Hello Simon,
Is there any updates regarding dv27 registration dates ?
December 1, 2025 at 09:12
No.
November 30, 2025 at 16:42
Hi Mr Simon hope you are doing fine.
Am a winner from cameroon and an current but no 2nl yet. Any idea if interviews have started there.
November 30, 2025 at 17:45
We don’t have the data, but the rumor is that no interviews have been scheduled there yet.
November 30, 2025 at 12:27
Hello Mr. Simon , hope you do well and thanks for your help.
My wife is a DV winner with a case number AF66k. Recently, last august we moved with our children to another country.
1- Do we have to update our address ?
2- Can we keep the interview location at our country of citizenship even when we update our address?
Thanks in advance.
November 30, 2025 at 14:48
1. You normally would, but should consider which country would be your best chance for an interview.
2. Yes
November 30, 2025 at 10:18
Dear Brit.
I saw trump article on immigration hold for third world countries. I’m from sri lanka and my dv visa expired in Feb 2026. And I’m planing to come USA 18 Dec. This will impact to me?
November 30, 2025 at 11:06
No
November 30, 2025 at 09:52
Hello simon if my case is current is it already processed..?
November 30, 2025 at 11:03
Not necessarily.
November 30, 2025 at 09:17
Hello britsimon Iam dv winner AF32k now that my case is current and my daughter shall be sitting for her Olevels next year is it advisable for me to unlock the ds 260 and tell kcc that i will go for my interview alone….? and leave them behind until she finishes her exams….?
November 30, 2025 at 09:32
Is it advisable? No that’s a horrible idea. Include your daughter in the process and use the validity period (6 months) to your advantage.
November 30, 2025 at 09:16
Hi Simon what is happening to the Yaoundé embassy
November 30, 2025 at 09:17
I don’t know. Lunch?
November 30, 2025 at 06:46
My interview is at jan 15 but my sponsor disagreed to send the documents so i should i unlock my da260 and update the new sponsor in ds260 or should I just bring the documents from new sponsor without touching ds260?
My case is scheduled for Kathmandu embassy.
November 30, 2025 at 08:06
Just take new documents to the embassy. The sponsor is not always the person whose address you mention in the DS260.
November 30, 2025 at 02:19
Hi Simon,
My case number is AS110XX . I am from Sri Lanka..I want to know few clarifications on the 2NL issuance as I have not received a 2NL yet. As per 2025 records Colombo embassy has issued 172 visas out of 1618 selectees but what I heard is that they have completed all interview in par with visa bulletin.
In this year since the numbers go very high in Asia region, can KCC skip numbers to keep up with the visa bulletin and if the embassy capacity is low will they skip numbers to be in par with the visa bulletin. As in do they give a chance to everyone with a valid ds260 and issue 2NLs in order ?
Sam
November 30, 2025 at 08:05
Embassies set their own interview capacity. KCC maintain an ordered list of cases for each embassy based on numeric order and when cases completed DS260 processing. They add cases to that list each month after the VB. So then they take cases from that list, in first in, first out order to fill the capacity the embassy made available. This means that lower case numbers get an advantage, but DS processing is critical too. If an embassy sets its capacity too low, people will wait and could even lose their chance. Watch the video below to understand the ordering better.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D5QzxAiXBI
November 29, 2025 at 19:45
Hi!
I have two American Kids, I included them in my application, do they come to the interview with me?
November 29, 2025 at 19:50
You are not required to take them, but can if you wish. Take their documentation, including proof that you paid for their birth related bills.
November 29, 2025 at 20:04
I was a student in USA when I had them and I had insurance .. I don’t have any documentation for the bills.. I don’t remember the name of the insurance or any details.. is that a problem?
November 29, 2025 at 22:58
Well hopefully they will not dig too deep.
November 29, 2025 at 07:21
The one whom name i wrote on ds260 doesn’t want to sponsor me anymore so do i have to change unlock my ds260 form and update the name or can i just bring the tax receipts, i-134 and other documents from another person without updating the ds260?
My interview is at jan 15
November 29, 2025 at 08:51
Yes, although the DS260 doesn’t need changing if the US address is still the same.
November 30, 2025 at 09:54
If i decide to go to another place/state than the one i mentioned in the ds260 then i need to update the form?
Or is it possible to submit the document of new sponsor and then go to another state, can i apply to get my documents there without touching my ds260?
Can’t i change the location after i got to us?
November 30, 2025 at 11:04
You can live anywhere you like. But the GC (and SSN if you asked for that) will be sent to the address they have in the DS260, so you should update the DS260 at the interview or at the port of entry.
November 30, 2025 at 11:14
If it’s possible to edit it during entry then i think it will be better.
I will try to find a new sponsor and bring his documents then edit the ds260 after the interview. Will it be possible?
November 30, 2025 at 11:18
Don’t ask unnecessary “are you sure” type questions please.
November 29, 2025 at 06:13
Hi Simon,
I’m a bit worried about something regarding my upcoming visa interview, and I wanted to ask for your advice again. I had asked this before, but unfortunately I didn’t get to see your response because my previous message was deleted/ archived.
Should I mention during the interview that my partner and I were divorced in 2020 and then remarried in 2021? We were originally married in 2018, and after experiencing a pregnancy loss we went through a divorce, but we reconciled and now have an almost 4-year-old child together. All three of us also traveled to the U.S. in 2024 for a month to our relatives.
Do you think I should bring the divorce certificate to the interview, or is it better not to bring up this aspect unless they specifically ask?
Thank you in advance for your help!
November 29, 2025 at 08:50
Take all the paperwork and be prepared to answer questions, but no need to raise it unless asked.
November 29, 2025 at 12:05
There is a person at the embassy who checks the documents before going in for the interview with the CO, should we include the divorce decree with these documents or should we keep it in a separate envelope? I would keep it separate but I don’t want them to consider us as liars if they are going to bring it up..
November 29, 2025 at 12:18
Yes they usually ask for some documents before the interview but only some (birth cert, passport etc)
November 29, 2025 at 04:08
Hej Simon.
When one is having their interview in another country, so not in the country of eligibility, do the documents needed to be presented in the us embassy need to be apostilled? Or how do one knows if a specific document needs to be apostilled?
Thank you
November 29, 2025 at 08:49
You read the embassy specific instructions for that country – all available from the link you have already been given in the winners letter.
November 29, 2025 at 03:20
hello @britsimon dv 2026 winner AF 28k i entered dv lotterry as married .my wife came with two kids considering am their step father because i included them on entry level shall i be denied a visa because of this…?
November 29, 2025 at 08:49
If you were married at the point when you entered the lottery, then her kids were your step children and you were required to include them in the entry.
November 28, 2025 at 17:29
Simon
I have got selected for dv2026 and can I marry my girlfriend and add her in ds260 form and take her with me to USA. Will me and my partner visa get approved.
I have also done a mistake in my girlfriend educational background when she studied class 11 – 12 from 2021 to 2022 but I have mistakenly written 2020 to 2022 so will it affect my case.
November 29, 2025 at 08:48
You can marry and add her, yes – but be prepared to show this relationship was from before the lottery win – otherwise there will be a suspicion that you only got married for the extra greencard.
As for your second question – you can correct that once you complete her DS260, but you should not complete a DS260 for her until you are married.
November 28, 2025 at 14:35
Hi Britsimon, I’m a DV 2026 selectee AF70k, I want to submit my DS260 however I am unable to get assistance with a US address to fill into my DS260, please advise on how I can get assistance on this issue. Thank you
Tshidiso in South Africa
November 29, 2025 at 08:45
Well you can use pretty much any address to file the DS260 then make sure you change it at or before the intervioew. By then you may have found someone you can trust in the USA to receive your GC and SSN.
November 28, 2025 at 07:24
Hello Simon Can you explain how Trump’s decision to permanently halt immigration from third-world countries might affect our chances in the Diversity Visa program? This situation has left us waiting anxiously, and it feels like his discriminatory policies never seem to end
November 28, 2025 at 12:23
https://youtu.be/_yYlFnqBRs0