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.
December 16, 2025 at 15:46
Hi Simon,
Emergency
I am a DV Lottery winner with a valid immigrant visa, and I have already purchased my ticket for January. I am from Syria, and I saw the news that Syria was added to the list of restricted countries today.
Could you please advise me on this situation? Does this new announcement affect people like me who already have a valid visa, or does it only apply to new applicants? I would greatly appreciate your guidance.
Thank you very much for your time and support.
December 16, 2025 at 19:43
I haven’t seen the signed order yet, but typically you would be OK if you already had your visa.
December 17, 2025 at 01:18
Thank you for your response.
I copied the 2 parts from the signed order. Therefore, the second part now confirms that I can travel to the US right?
Honestly I feel extremely stressed
The Proclamation continues the full restrictions and entry limitations of nationals from the original 12 high-risk countries established under Proclamation 10949: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
It adds full restrictions and entry limitations on 5 additional countries based on recent analysis: Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria.
The Proclamation includes exceptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders, certain visa categories like athletes and diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.
The Proclamation narrows broad family-based immigrant visa carve-outs that carry demonstrated fraud risks, while preserving case-by-case waivers.
December 17, 2025 at 08:56
Why yiu don’t change you ticket to now ti avoid any futur problem
December 17, 2025 at 15:14
The actual proclamation is now published, and does include exemptions for people already issued.
https://britsimonsays.com/travel-ban-expanded-to-another-20-countries/
December 16, 2025 at 15:25
Hello Simon, I had my Interview in Nov and then my case went to AP, How I can check my case status on CEAC? Case number starts with Consulate code or its same dv case number without zeros? Thanks
December 16, 2025 at 19:31
You cant check until January 1. Then you enter your number without leading zeros
December 16, 2025 at 11:08
We are a family of five and we are waiting for our DV-2026 interview. We currently have $20,000 in the bank. Would this be sufficient to avoid public charge concerns?
December 16, 2025 at 19:30
Maybe. More would be safer.
December 16, 2025 at 10:21
Hello Simon, on the issue of public charge. Me the principal applicant, my highest completed education in A level high school, i went to university but didn’t finish my degree. I have been self employed in the informal sector, which on our country is the most dominant sector. On the other hand my wife completed both high school school, undergrad and master’s degree and she works in the formal sector. We will have i134 plus
some savings less than 5K and try get visitor’s health insurance
1. Can COs weigh us both or they will be strictly on me the PA to assess if we are able to adapt well in the US, especially on public charge. With me having a high school completion only.
2. Can my wife’s futher edu add a bit of value, though she is my derivative?
December 16, 2025 at 19:30
1. They will take both of you into account.
2. It might help on the public charge aspect.
December 16, 2025 at 09:35
hi brit simon im a dv winner AF 49K 2026 on the issue concrning public charge that you talked about earlier in my country im working and i survive on a basic 200 dollars a month given that the rule is in place how much savings should i have in my account considering we are a family of 4 ,my spouse and 2kids…?
December 16, 2025 at 09:40
Well on that income it is unlikely you could ever save enough money to satisfy public charge through your own savings.
So – you will be assessed on your education, work history, support network and so on. If you have someone in the USA willing to help you, that will make a good difference. Also have a good plan. For instance, it will probably be easiest if you go ahead of the spouse and children, get a job (or jobs) and then save money fast to get ready to bring the family here as soon as possible. That means you only need a single person health insurance policy to start with, and maybe you can get a job with health insurance included.
December 16, 2025 at 10:21
now in this regard how should i explain to the consulate officer consindering i already submitted my ds to 260 at around may and i stated that i will be moing with them should i wait until the interview date or request kcc to unlock my forms and change..
December 16, 2025 at 19:29
You would still interview with them. Its just that they will travel after you.
December 16, 2025 at 07:42
Hi Simon,
At least how much money do you recommend showing in the bank to demonstrate I won’t be a public charge in the US?
I am a 21 year old single student who is going to move after university graduation.
I have some savings from casual jobs and my dad is gonna transfer the rest needed.
Also, should health insurance be purchased before or after arrival in the US?
December 16, 2025 at 09:12
At least $10k – more would be better.
December 16, 2025 at 02:17
Hi Simon,Thank you for you response..once again I’m sorry if i ask too much questions.
Will they just have to download the I-134 form,fill it out and sign and send me a copy to submit? Or it needs to be approved by USCIS? just for clarification please🙏🏼
December 16, 2025 at 09:11
No approval step needed – they just email a scanned copy to you – which you print out for the interview.
I have a video about the I-134 – google that…
December 16, 2025 at 09:25
Okay,thank you
December 15, 2025 at 18:26
HI Simon, I have an interview for dv2026.
I have a question, my birth country is italy. I have been a citizen and living in New Zealand since I was 4. I applied for my dv lottery form under nationality of new Zealander and my lottery number starts with OC.
So my question is how much does birth country effect under which nationality I apply for. They have changed my visa interview location from Italy to Nz (after I submitted NZ residency documents)as they were also confused.
Thanks very much.
December 15, 2025 at 19:25
You messed up. You were probably supposed to enter under your country of birth. Unless you can claim one of two exceptions –
1. You were married at the time of entry to someone born in NZ, or
2. Your parents are Kiwis but were in Italy temporarily at the time of your birth.
If neither of those were true, you should not even waste your money/time on the interview as you must be disqualified. This rule is made clear at the time of entry and there is no forgiveness.
December 15, 2025 at 19:54
I stated country of birth is italy which is true, and nationality is nz which is true. The system didnt select me for the eu division when I put my birth place as italy so im confused?
December 15, 2025 at 22:25
The second question is NOT country of nationality. That is your mistake.
December 15, 2025 at 16:41
Hi Simon,thank you for the update and explanation on the public charge.My question is.
I have my Dad,two siblings and stepmother living in the USA,i am DV winner.Considering the public charge rule can i simply tell CO whom I’ll be staying with without providing affidavit of support? If not,When should they start filling for the affidavit of support please? Thanks you
December 15, 2025 at 18:21
They can still complete an I-134 as it is a good way to show that someone is willing to support you.
You present that I-134 at the interview.
December 15, 2025 at 13:59
Dear Brit,
Thank you for your recent email explaining that U.S. embassies may ask DV Lottery applicants to demonstrate how they will cover health insurance and initial living expenses in the United States.
I would like to ask for your opinion on my situation and whether it would be considered sufficient by the embassy.
My sister lives in Albania and has been running a registered business successfully for many years. She has formally committed to financially support me and my family during our initial period in the U.S., including health insurance coverage.
In addition, I will have a personal bank account in my own name with approximately $80,000 USD available before the interview.
We are a family of five members.
In your experience, would:
a sponsor letter from my sister,
proof of her business and income,
and my personal bank balance of $80,000
be considered strong and sufficient evidence to satisfy the public charge / health insurance concerns at the embassy interview?
I would greatly appreciate your professional opinion on whether this plan is solid or if you would recommend any additional documentation.
Thank you very much for your time and guidance.
December 15, 2025 at 14:05
Proof of your own savings should be more than enough.
December 15, 2025 at 13:54
Hello Simon! I hope you are doing great. I want to check if, in your experience, it is normal that the VB hasn’t come out yet?
December 15, 2025 at 14:06
Yes, it is normal. The day is not finished.
December 15, 2025 at 13:05
Hi Brit Simon,
My husband and I are both retired professionals with no debt, substantial savings, and reliable pension income. We are covered under a government retiree health plan that includes travel insurance and would convert to an expatriate plan with the same benefits should we leave Canada. While continuing my IT consulting work on a part-time or short-term basis would be of interest to me, it is not a financial necessity.
We are both Canadian citizens holding Canadian passports, and I also hold a British passport as a British national. I applied for the DV-2026 program but was not selected and would like to apply again for DV-2027 if there is any possibility—however small—of being granted a visa.
I have two questions:
Would our age be a disqualifying factor for visa eligibility, even though we are fully self-sufficient?
In the unlikely event of a second draw for DV-2026, would additional selectees be chosen from the original pool of applicants (requiring entrants to recheck their status), or has that opportunity already passed for countries such as the UK?
Thank you for your time and guidance. I would be happy to provide any additional information if helpful.
Kind regards,
Debbie
December 15, 2025 at 13:17
Firstly, no further selectees will be added for DV2026. For UK selectees in particular, we already have too many selected, so there is no point in adding more.
Age can be an issue, but it is something you would discuss in an interview, should you be selected. Age is not a factor that stops selection. So yes, you should enter DV2027, but it is only a lottery, not a plan.
December 15, 2025 at 12:19
Hi Simon. I’m a national of one of the 19 countries currently affected in the U.S. and I’m here on a student visa. I have a pending green card case with the USCIS. As you’re likely aware, cases from these countries are presently paused, so even if my priority date becomes current, USCIS will not process my I-485 at this time.
I’ve seen that Hacking Immigration Law Firm is actively promoting a potential lawsuit and inviting affected individuals to join. I wanted to check whether Curtis’s firm has any plans to pursue similar litigation. Additionally, have you heard any credible feedback about Hacking Immigration Law, specifically regarding their reputation and reliability? In your view, is there a realistic chance that such a lawsuit could succeed in court?
December 15, 2025 at 12:28
I do know Jim Hacking and know him to be credible. However, I am not certain of his lawsuit details and cannot assess it’s chances. Curtis is discussing doing something also.
December 15, 2025 at 11:56
Could applying for the DV Lottery this year -given the passport requirement- negatively affect my chances of obtaining a B1/B2 visa if a consular officer discovers that I applied using my passport details? I understand DV selection is unlikely.
for b1/b2 my intended U.S. travel is for a legitimate purpose: attending DEFCON, an info sec conference
December 15, 2025 at 11:58
Entering the lottery does not cause problems. If you are selected and submit a ds260, that is more the problem.
December 14, 2025 at 19:49
Hi Simon,
My husband is a winner in DV26 with the number EU29xxx. He was born in Kuwait and has a Lebanese passport when we entered the lottery. I entered too, born in Austria with Austrian passport but I was not selected. We have an Austrian kid too. We both live in Austria.
Of course EU fits our life the best but I am a bit confused we got an EU number, I expected it to be Asia because of his place of birth. Isn’t that what counts? You have any idea why it’s EU? Is this a mistake or is this ok this way?
December 14, 2025 at 22:52
Your husband made a mistake when he entered. On question 5 you are required to enter your place of birth, and that normally determines your region. Question 6 allows for someone to “charge” to another country – and your husband probably chose Austria, incorrectly thinking the place of residence was somehow important. Normally that mistake would have caused denial – with 100% certainty. However, in his case he can claim that he deliberately chose your country of birth as his chargeability in question 6. That is allowed under the rules. Both of you will be treated as principal applicants and will have to enter the USA together for the activation trip.
December 15, 2025 at 03:18
Thank you Simon. This is strange as I filled out the form for both of us and I am pretty sure I did not change his country by adding Austria.
Should I contact KCC regarding this or just leave it? I don’t mind entering together but I feel like Asia would benefit us more regarding the numbers game and I would like to avoid any denials of course.
December 15, 2025 at 09:02
You have no choice but to go with the plan I mentioned. Denial will be the result of you not doing exactly what I said. “They” didn’t make a mistake, you did. They don’t just randomly assign people to regions or countries, it is automatically applied based on question 5 and 6 answers. On his selection letter it probably gives Austria as the country of chargeability – which would be a huge coincidence that their system “broke”, but did it in a way that chose your country of birth and residence.
Now you need to confidently stand by the “not a mistake” position.
December 15, 2025 at 09:17
Okay, I will. thank you very much.
December 14, 2025 at 07:07
hi britsimon iam a dv winner 2026 AF33k TZ Iam a principal applicate my direvatives born date and year was actually before i finished my O levels in my country that means when she was born i was still in high school does that impact my case in anyway….?
December 14, 2025 at 08:30
No
December 14, 2025 at 07:04
Hi Simon, did the President Trump implement the new travel ban or still?
December 14, 2025 at 08:29
No. The travel ban list of countries is unchanged from the 19.
December 16, 2025 at 05:21
Dear Simon, I have an interview scheduled for Jan 15. The consulate requested me to submit colour scans of a pre-defined list of documents via email. I completed that.
Now, they have asked me to come in person for a document pre-screening on Dec 29, this time with the original documents.
Is this the normal process? I thought all the originals had to be carried to the actual interview and would be checked then.
December 16, 2025 at 09:12
Embassies can adopt any process they want. That means it can be different in different embassies. Just follow their instructions.
December 14, 2025 at 02:28
Hi Simon
I am currently going through E2 visa process and was wondering if I am still eligible to enter the lottery when it becomes available without affecting E2 application/status?
December 14, 2025 at 08:28
Yes.
December 13, 2025 at 21:55
American Diversity Visa Lottery 2027 results:
Which month is the most likely for the results to be announced?
Is it May, June, July, or August?
What is your guess about the month in which the results will be announced?
Thank you.
December 13, 2025 at 23:40
How about we just wait for the news rather than constantly speculating with no information.
December 13, 2025 at 12:47
Hello Simon, my partner and I are planning to have a child in late 2026, which may be after the DV Lottery cutoff.
If we are selected for an interview and have the child before we activate our visas (by entering the U.S.), but after the cutoff/after our interview, is it correct that our baby can still be issued a visa and travel with us, even if they were not included on the original DS-260?
I came across some information suggesting this may be possible and wanted to confirm.
Alternatively, would you recommend having the child in the U.S.? Our main concern with that option is insurance coverage and cost, as we currently live in Europe where healthcare is free.
Also thank you for all that you do!
December 13, 2025 at 13:43
There is always a way to add the child, but the process varies depending on whether you have interviewed already or not.
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
December 13, 2025 at 13:58
Thank you 🙂 that is a great article!
December 13, 2025 at 15:27
We welcomed our newborn baby three weeks before we emailed KCC and embassy immediately and KCC told us our case ready for scheduling we should contact Kigali embassy which we did however didn’t reply until four days before our interview and they said we have to attend our interview and the officer will tell us the appropriate way to add our newborn so we attended interview with our baby then officer told us our interview was smooth so we have to send email requesting our baby to be added to our case and we did so they unlocked our DS forms we added our daughter to our DS forms send the confirmation pages to the embassy and they told us we have use “ask NVC or contact us” features through CEAC and request for creation of the DS form for our newborn which seems to impossible and we are stuck. Any advise?
December 13, 2025 at 16:57
You are already discussing it with the embassy and that is the best way forward – so keep doing that.
December 14, 2025 at 03:36
how to contact nvc
December 14, 2025 at 08:28
Your case is not with NVC and never has been.
December 13, 2025 at 12:20
I am a Diversity Visa selectee, eligible based on birth in Albania, with my DV interview scheduled in Germany. I reviewed the Department of State reciprocity schedule and did not see any requirement for an apostille on civil documents.
Could you please confirm ( or clarify how to check and be 100% sure ) whether an apostille is required for any civil documents (such as birth or police certificates) for a DV interview conducted outside the country of eligibility?
December 13, 2025 at 13:42
You check the embassy specific instructions where you will interview and the reciprocity page for where the documents come from.
December 13, 2025 at 10:52
Hi Simon, could you please tell me what time you’ll be on YouTube tomorrow (EST)?
December 13, 2025 at 13:41
I was live this morning, not tomorrow.
December 13, 2025 at 05:01
So they are asking us I 134 form because I get selected for DV 2026 lottery. I wan to clarify with this with you , so in this case am I the beneficiary in the application and my cousin who is a US citizen is the individual agreeing to support me as the beneficiary. Please let me know Simon.
December 13, 2025 at 08:56
Yes you are the beneficiary.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_qjlWsuHvg
December 13, 2025 at 03:58
Hi. britsimon My name is Baraka Mwangi Muthike, and am seeking clarification regarding my eligibility for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery.
I was born in Tanzania, my mother was also born in Tanzania, and my father was born in Kenya. I am a Kenyan citizen and hold Kenyan documents, including a Kenyan birth certificate, national ID, and passport.
Could you kindly confirm whether I may be “charged” to Kenya as my country of eligibility under the DV Lottery rules, given my father’s birthplace? This question comes as I am not sure if the president will restrict tanzania like he did last time.
Thank you very much for your assistance.
December 13, 2025 at 08:58
For the DV lottery entry you would use your country of birth as your eligibility – Tanzania. DO NOT use Kenya.
Entry is not affected by bans, but if there is a travel ban against Tanzania and NOT Kenya when you come to interview, you can be approved (exempted from the ban) on the Kenyan passport.
December 13, 2025 at 10:10
Thank you
December 12, 2025 at 18:41
Hello Brit,
1. Emailing KCC to ask whether the DS-260 has been processed is the only way to confirm its status before receiving the 2NL.
2. If so, how long would you recommend waiting before making that inquiry, given that processing times vary?
Thank you in advance.
December 12, 2025 at 18:55
1. Yes
2. No recommendation. Asking them doesn’t speed up processing – so it’s up to you when to ask for your curiosity.
December 12, 2025 at 02:35
KCC DV
Wed, Dec 10, 1:35 PM (2 days ago)
to me
Thank you for your inquiry.
Registration for the 2027 Diversity Visa program (DV-2027) will begin shortly. Individuals who submit more than one entry during the registration period will be disqualified. The website at Dvprogram.state.gov will be the only way to register for DV-2027. Entries will NOT be accepted through the U.S. Postal Service.
Please monitor Dvprogram.state.gov for updates, additonal information will be available when the 2027 registration begins
In order for the Kentucky Consular Center to assist with inquiries regarding a specific Diversity Visa (DV) case, you must provide the Principal Applicant’s full name, complete case number, and date of birth in the following format (MMDDYYYY) as entered on the original entry. Please remember that the Kentucky Consular Center does not have the authority to tell you whether or not your specific case will be disqualified. Only a consular officer can do that at the time of your visa interview. Do not send any paper documents to the Kentucky Consular Center.
For additional information, please refer to the following websites:
Diversity Visa Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry.html
Diversity Visa Instructions: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-instructions.html
DS-260 instructions: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-if-you-are-selected/diversity-visa-submit-your-iv-and-alien-registration-application.html
To enter the Diversity Visa lottery or to check for a selection notice: https://dvprogram.state.gov
_______________________
Christy
Diversity Visa Unit
U.S. Department of State, Visa Services, Office of Domestic Operations
Bureau of Consular Affairs
December 12, 2025 at 01:42
Hello BritSimon,
I hope you are doing well. I wanted to share a scenario I am considering regarding the DV2027 lottery timeline, in case the U.S. government decides to open the DV entry period from January 2026 until February 5th, 2026.
If that happens, I don’t think the results would be released in May as usual. I believe it is more likely that the results could be published around August 3rd. Regarding the Visa Bulletin, I expect that significant movement might occur around mid-September. Based on this scenario, I think Africa case numbers could remain under 6000 in October.
This is just my personal interpretation, and I would really appreciate hearing your opinion.
Do you think this scenario is realistic, or am I misunderstanding how the DV process works?
December 12, 2025 at 10:06
This seems like an unusually silly level of speculation for something that is a year away, but in general a lower level of processed cases (as would be expected with less processing time) would probably lead to a higher VB number in the early months.
December 11, 2025 at 22:16
Hi Simon, if an applicant was convicted of a petty theft offense more than 15 years ago, for which the maximum penalty under law was only a fine, and their punishment was a good behavior bond, will this disqualify them from the DV lottery? If it is a factor, what options are there to get a waiver or otherwise relieve the problem? Thanks!
December 11, 2025 at 22:49
No.
December 10, 2025 at 19:38
Hey Simon, I hope you are well. Just a quick question, my son and his wife are waiting to enter the 2027 dv lottery. His country of chargeability is Oceania and his wife’s is Europe. I am thinking they should both enter under Oceania, what do you think? Thank you, mate!
(I entered the 2019 and was selected and am now living in California with my daughter. You are a great wealth of information; I would listen and read your blogs pretty much daily. You are a bloody legend!)
December 10, 2025 at 19:42
They should both enter in OC. The chance of selection is significantly higher in OC.
Glad you are doing well!!
December 15, 2025 at 15:16
Cheers mate and thank you.
Merry Christmas to you and the family!
December 9, 2025 at 23:58
Hello Brit, Is it possible if primary applicant takes the medical check up separately & interview on a different day, earlier than the accompanying members ?
December 10, 2025 at 09:44
Yes that is technically possible but adds complexity and therefore risk. It should be avoided unless ESSENTIAL.
December 9, 2025 at 23:23
Hi Simon
I am writing to provide clarification regarding ICR Ref. No. 202508-1405-004 (Revision of a currently approved collection) for the new DV 2027 form.
The DV 2027 form and the associated website were prepared in June 2025 and submitted to OMB on August 5, 2025. As of today, the submission has not yet been approved by OMB.
It is important to understand that the OMB is composed of several specialized offices, including:
Budget Review: responsible for reviewing federal budget proposals.
Management & Regulatory Affairs: oversees laws, regulations, and administrative policies.
Information & Technology Policy: addresses IT issues and digital policy matters.
Legislative Affairs: coordinates with Congress regarding laws and budget matters.
Therefore, the current delay is not due to any technical issue with the DV 2027 website or form, but rather due to the pending OMB approval process, which may involve review or objections from one of these offices.
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAOMBHistory?ombControlNumber=1405-0153
December 10, 2025 at 09:43
I think that is one aspect, yes. There is also complication in implementing the payments system and in handling the accounting (control, audit etc). This is not a quick thing to make happen.
December 9, 2025 at 16:05
Hi Brit Simon,
For the upcoming DV-2027 process, will I have to put number of children as 1 because my wife is expecting sometime in july 2026 or would I be ok putting 0?
Thanks,
December 9, 2025 at 16:20
You only list the child once the child is born.
December 9, 2025 at 11:29
Hello Brit,
I am a DV winner and currently waiting for my case number to become current so I can attend my visa interview and move to the United States.
I am trying to plan responsibly and avoid becoming a burden on my sponsor.
I would like to ask if there is any safe and realistic way to secure short-term housing (1–2 months) from abroad, before arriving in the US, such as furnished rentals, Airbnb, or extended stay options, until I can obtain my SSN and credit history.
My goal is to arrive with accommodation already arranged and then search for long-term housing after settling in.
Thank you very much for your guidance.
December 9, 2025 at 12:31
Yes the options you mention are all possible – and can be arranged in advance. You have the right idea – you just now need to decide what a good choice would be in your case. Do be careful to not be scammed – which generally means going with recognized agencies etc such as airbnb, or an extended stay hotel. These options will cost a little more, but the flexibility is valuable to you.
December 9, 2025 at 09:51
Hello Simon, I won the dv2026 lottery. When I registered for the lottery my wife was pregnant and by the time we were selected we have a new baby. I submitted DS260 also for her, but it says I should upload her birth certificate. I didn’t see anywhere I can upload documents. Do you know if I should email or upload anywhere the birth certificate? Thanks!
December 9, 2025 at 10:15
You don’t need to upload the birth cert.
December 9, 2025 at 08:35
Hallo Simon, Am Evaristo from Uganda, i would like to know if there are companies or a group of individuals in US who may accommodate someone for a pay who has been selected for dv lottery in case he has no one he knows in US to host him. Am asking because I want to apply for dv lottery 2027, but my worry is about who can guarantee me as my host since I know no one there. Thanks!
December 9, 2025 at 10:14
It’s completely pointless to be worrying about that before even entering the lottery. Your chance of selection is 1 in 100 years. Enter. If you win, you will figure out where to live later.
December 9, 2025 at 04:18
Hi BritSimon, i have seen two people here talking about receiving emails from KCC about issue of interview location. I also received a similar email yesterday. Im from Zimbabwe and a resident of Harare Zim so initially our interview location was set to Harare on submission of DS260 in May. In August US embassy in harare paused processing of all routine visas. On 1 November, DOS announced that all Zimbabwe residents will begin to process for US visas in Johannesburg.
The email said your request to have your case reassigned to US embassy In Harare for interview is declined and i must send proof that i am a resident of Zimbabwe.
I never sent any email to kcc to request any reassignment to Harare.
The email went on to say if i don’t respond to the email or if i dont send proof that i qualify for interview location change, the case will remain in Johannesburg which their records shows.
1. I guess if i don’t respond to the email, that’s the right thing to do?
December 9, 2025 at 10:13
As long as you are OK with JHB, you do nothing.
December 16, 2025 at 10:14
Hi BritSimon, i just replied to KCC after a week
“I am fine with my case staying at Johannesburg”
Thank You
Was this proper? I really dont wanna mess things.
December 16, 2025 at 19:27
Its fine.
December 9, 2025 at 03:40
Hi brit,
I have collected some information from an institution that 2nls for around 4.5k case no are received for january so isthere a chance that the coming visa bulletin for nepal will increase or will it stay as it is for the coming months.
December 9, 2025 at 10:12
I don’t know.
December 9, 2025 at 02:33
Hi Simon, is a 4 year technical high school diploma equivalent to US high school diploma? Thanks
December 9, 2025 at 10:11
Possibly. It must be general education, not vocational.
December 9, 2025 at 02:15
Hi Brit
Good morning,Trust you’re doin well.Thanks for your good work done.
Pls I email KCC to inquire about my case that was sent in May.I suggested by now they should have finished processing,but they replied I have to allow several weeks for processing,pls in your point of view what does that several weeks will be up to,if you estimate.
Thank you.
December 9, 2025 at 10:11
Processing times can vary greatly by case – so it isn’t predictable.
December 8, 2025 at 19:55
Hi Simon,
Sorry to bother again, but I am getting mixed signals 😂
One of my questions were
b) Now, after filing the ds-260 are we allowed to leave the US?
And you answered: NO! You haven’t filed yet.
I assume filing for AOS is when we put in the I485. But shouldn’t the answer then be: yes! You may still leave the USA since you haven’t filed yet?
Or no, don’t leave since you are here on a nonimmigrant visa and declared that you want to immigrate by putting in the DS260?
Thank you!
Robert
December 8, 2025 at 22:51
Well you are sending mixed signals… hence the answers.
If you leave the USA, you aren’t adjusting status. You have to wait to file until you are back, and even then you might need to wait depending oon your situation.
Anyway, AOS = Sm1smom.
December 8, 2025 at 16:26
Hi Simon,
I hope you’re well. I’m writing to let you know that our DV2025 applications (mine and my husband’s) were approved in September and that we safely arrived in the U.S. about a month ago! We chose Los Angeles as our new home since I did my undergraduate studies here years ago and I still have many close friends who live here. We’re very excited to be here and we cannot thank you enough for answering our questions and guiding us throughout the whole process with your videos and other resources.
I have one final question for you that I hope you can help me with. We haven’t received our green cards in the mail yet and now we might have to travel unexpectedly to see family over Christmas and New Years for a couple of weeks, and my husband and I might have to book different return flights to the United States. Since I was a dependent on my husband’s application, I wanted to double-check that if I return to the U.S. by myself, my passport with U.S. visa (and oval-shaped “ADMITTED” stamp with the date we first entered the U.S.) is the only document I will need to re-enter?
Thank you again for everything!
December 8, 2025 at 19:01
Yes you simply show your endorsed visa to prove your status – and you don’t have to travel with your husband as your status is now completely independent from him.
December 8, 2025 at 20:38
Thank you!!
December 8, 2025 at 15:07
Hi, Brit. It’s Timothy, again, from Nigeria/Oceania.
There are a couple of things I need to clarify:
– I am not Australian. I am Nigerian but was born in Australia, that does means Australia is my state of chargeability, right?
– While filing out the form, I chose the embassy in LAGOS (the only suitable location in Nigeria) as the venue for my interview, potentially.
In response , I got this mail from KCC a few weeks ago.
Permit me to share a copy:
Greetings,
We are unable to process your request to reassign your case to the U.S. Embassy Consulate General in LAGOS without more information. To reassign your case, you must establish that you are legally resident in the requested country by providing evidence that could include:
-Copy of a legal permanent resident card, landing paper, or similar document
-Other document(s) that establish your legal residency
Failure to respond or to establish you qualify for a change of interview location will result in your case remaining at SYDNEY, which our records show is your country of nationality.
In order for the Kentucky Consular Center to assist with inquiries regarding a specific Diversity Visa (DV) case, you must provide the Principal Applicant’s full name, complete case number, and date of birth in the following format (MMDDYYYY) as entered on the original entry. Please remember that the Kentucky Consular Center does not have the authority to tell you whether or not your specific case will be disqualified. Only a consular officer can do that at the time of your visa interview. Do not send any paper documents to the Kentucky Consular Center.
For additional information, please refer to the following websites:
So sorry. That was a long read.
What does that mean?
I selected LAGOS not SYDNEY, yet it shows me that. What do I do?
December 8, 2025 at 19:00
Yes you are chargeable to Australia, based on your country of birth.
Regarding Lagos. They haven’t taken a single DV interview is several years. If you get your interview assigned there, you will most likely lose your chance. You would be better off leaving it as Sydney, and then once you are scheduled, travel there or transfer the case to a nearby embassy (but you will need to be legally resident in that other country).
December 8, 2025 at 08:22
Hi Simon
I hope you are doing well. I wanted to ask you directly about something that has been on my mind regarding the global situation and how it might affect the year 2027, especially since that is the year when visas will be issued for the DV-2027 selectees.
As you know, international tensions have been rising. Many analysts have suggested that China may be preparing for a potential military operation against Taiwan around 2027. Several senior U.S. military and intelligence officials have mentioned this timeframe:
Admiral Phil Davidson (2021) warned about a potential threat window by 2027.
Admiral John Aquilino (2024) said that many indicators point to China preparing to meet Xi Jinping’s readiness goals by 2027.
*CIA Director Bill Burns (2023) stated that Xi wants the military to be capable by 2027, although he may be hesitant due to lessons learned from the war in Ukraine.
Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse (2025) noted that China is moving toward its goals, but it is still unclear whether Beijing actually intends to launch a long-term invasion.
Congressman Jim Himes (2025) argued that an invasion in 2027 would be “very unwise” because of the enormous economic and military consequences.
Amid all this, there are also many rumors and fears about wider geopolitical escalation, which makes many people wonder how such developments might affect global travel and civilian life.
My question to you is: based on your experience and understanding of how the DV process works, do you think there is any realistic possibility that airports or international travel could be disrupted in early 2027?
From my perspective, it still seems too early and too uncertain to assume anything. Even during major crises, most countries try to keep air travel open unless there is a direct threat to civilian safety. Closing airports is usually a last resort because of the massive economic and logistical consequences.
However, since 2027 is the year when DV-2027 selectees will receive their visas, this uncertainty naturally worries many people.
So again, do you think these global tensions could actually affect international travel in 2027, or is this mostly unnecessary fear?
I would really appreciate hearing your opinion on this.
Thank you
December 8, 2025 at 11:36
You are asking me to use a crystal ball. Unfortunately my crystal ball is in for repair at the moment.
Could global tensions become something more concrete – yes. Could that have impacts on DV cases – yes. Will any of that happen – I don’t know.
December 7, 2025 at 23:35
1. Hi Simon, I’m writing from Cameroon. My case number is AF30000, submitted my ds260 in June and my embassy is in Yaounde. Please when do you think I can be expecting my 2nl, I know you don’t like speculating but just what you think will be of help.
2. Will Cameroon be among the new list of banned countries?? I’m kind of scared at this point
December 8, 2025 at 00:32
1. Cameroon is backlogged already, and I have no information about what capacity they will have over the coming months. So I cannot give any prediction.
2. Again, I cannot see into the future.
December 7, 2025 at 18:26
Good evening Simon,
we were selected with case no. 2026EU00011xxx currently residing in the USA with a valid E2 Visa.
I did read a lot about the process, including the AOS but I am not sure, if I got everything right. Please excuse potentially dumb questions:
a) We filed the DS-260 and got a letter back, acknowledging that we want to file for AOS with USCIS. That is the 2NL letter, correct?
b) Now, after filing the ds-260 are we allowed to leave the US?
c) Our oldest child turns 21 in August. Is he safe because we started the process? Or just upon receiving the GC?
d) Let’s say, the upcoming Visa Bulletin January 2026 will show for February the number 12000 or higher. If I understand correctly, then we pay the fees and send the AOS package to the Lockbox in February. Can I also send it right away? Is that the early filing if I send it before February?
Thanks so much for all your help!
Robert
December 7, 2025 at 22:22
a. Yes, but it is somewhat meaningless. Filing the DS260 is an optional, non binding, step for AOS cases.
b. NO! You have not filed yet!
c. You haven’t started the process, and no that isn’t what makes him safe.
d. Early filing is filing the I-485 package when you see the VB that makes you current.
I suggest you read the link below, particularly the links from the first post in that thread. Sm1smom is THE expert on DV related AOS. Once you have THOROUGHLY studied the links she provided, if you still have questions you can ask her.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2026-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.352867/
December 7, 2025 at 16:26
Hello Simon, I am the main applicant. I went to the interview with my wife and my 19-year-old son. As an Iranian-Canadian family, the officer wrote my name on the 221(g) form and asked me to fill out the DS-5535 online. My question is: should my wife and my son, as my derivatives, also complete the DS-5535 for themselves? The officer did not give them a form their names on it. Thank you
December 7, 2025 at 17:42
Not unless they instructed you to each fill it in. You can email them to check.
December 7, 2025 at 16:15
Hello,
For dv2026, should we make our instagram and social media “public” not private?
December 7, 2025 at 16:20
That is not strictly required, but your option.
December 7, 2025 at 15:26
Hi Simon,
I’m a lucky dv26 winner with a high case number EU47*** and embassy initially selected for the interview was Montreal as I live in Canada. The ds 260 was submitted mid May. Last week I received a letter from KCC requesting proof of legal residence in Canada. After I provided the documents they replied with confirmation that the interview will be in Montreal. The ds 260 was submitted mid May. I am wondering does that mean that KCC has just processed my ds 260 last week? Or it’s absolutely unrelated separate process?
December 7, 2025 at 16:20
Seems like a pointless question. Your case number won’t be current for months if ever, so it doesn’t matter whether it is processed or not at this time.
December 7, 2025 at 11:37
Hi Simon, I made a mistake when submitting my DS-260. I wrote the wrong month of the start of my high school studies. Would it be advisable to request a reopening of my DS-260? I already received my appointment with the US Embassy and I need to bring the DS-260 to my medical appointment on December 15th. Please, I hope you can help me.
December 7, 2025 at 14:31
No need to unlock for that – it is a trivial mistake.
December 7, 2025 at 07:23
Hello brit,
Amman, jordan US embassy
If my number for Dv2026 will become current in Feb 2026, when will I get my 2nl? Should I move my embassy to abu dhabi if it is faster?
December 7, 2025 at 09:05
I don’t know any data to answer either question…