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.
February 6, 2026 at 00:01
Hello Brit,
I hope you are doing well.
I was selected as a DV Lottery 2026 winner. I was lucky enough to have my interview in December, and my immigrant visa was approved and stamped in my passport. The IV expiration date is May 30, 2026.
1. Am I able to enter the USA without any issues up until that date? Will I be interviewed again upon arrival?
2. Once I arrive in the USA, will the green card be issued and sent to my address, or is that process currently on hold too?
Thank you very much.
February 6, 2026 at 08:44
1. No problem on entry. It isn’t an interview.
2. They seem to be sending GCs
February 5, 2026 at 21:12
Hi Brit Simon i did my interview in 21 january ,and im affected by the two pauses i got 221g paper .. now when i searched in CEAC status it shows me no data why is that ?? should i send an email for embassy or it is a normal??
February 5, 2026 at 21:50
You have to use the passport and name fields
February 5, 2026 at 14:12
Dear Simon
Thank you for explaining the pro and cons of joining lawsuit, that is very informative. Do you think due to Trump v. CASA, Inc. (June 2025), the Universal Injunction is less likely from group lawsuit and only plaintiff are benefitted (which makes the case different than DV2020 lawsuit)?
February 5, 2026 at 21:49
I discussed that at length in my video.
https://youtu.be/6x8bTDrRNJk
February 5, 2026 at 11:59
Hi Brit,
Based on your experience, how long does Curtis Morrison’s DV lawsuit usually take from the filing date until a court decision is issued?
Also, Curtis says the fee is $500 to file the lawsuit and $2,000 only if you go to the USA. If the lawsuit is successful but I am unable to travel to the USA for personal reasons, would I still be required to pay the $2,000?
Thank you.
February 5, 2026 at 21:48
Why not ask Curtis these questions?
February 6, 2026 at 00:32
Because I trust only you.
February 6, 2026 at 08:45
I don’t work for Curtis – so I can’t speak for him. Ask him.
February 5, 2026 at 10:46
Hello mr simon does it have problem or issues for people who come in us woth dv 25 and have green card to travel outside of us for vacation
February 5, 2026 at 21:48
No problem
February 5, 2026 at 06:13
Hi Brit,
Do you think there’s any realistic chance the Europe cutoff in the Visa Bulletin for April could reach around 16,000, even as a rough estimate?
February 5, 2026 at 09:05
It isn’t impossible.
February 5, 2026 at 05:43
Hi Brit, if the suspensions are lifted in August, can applicants who already passed the interview without issues still realistically expect visa issuance before DV-2026 ends?
February 5, 2026 at 09:05
Yes
February 5, 2026 at 00:23
Greetings sir Simon
As a DV winner with a high case number, if I participate in the lawsuit and the lawsuit ends up winning, it’s possible for the embassy to skip lower case numbers just to attend to my case?
February 5, 2026 at 09:05
No
February 4, 2026 at 19:25
The Ministry of Justice published a document implicating Trump in the rape of a 13-year-old girl, and then deleted it. Do you think Trump will be brought to justice and prosecuted for being a pedophile, and therefore will not complete his term as president? Or is the law in the United States designed to prosecute only ordinary people, while the elite are above accountability, as is the case in third-world countries?
February 4, 2026 at 20:42
I don’t know.
February 4, 2026 at 19:07
Hello Simon! Do you think visa bulletin for EU region will see >14k?
February 4, 2026 at 20:43
I hope and expect so.
February 4, 2026 at 18:01
Hi Simon. The lawsuit you talked about in today’s video, is it only for DV2026 selectees? As you know the government did not fill all the quota it had for DV2025, and cutoffs were too low. Isn’t there anything to do for DV2025? I just lost my chance with EU233xx last year, and still seeing nightmares 🙂
February 4, 2026 at 18:51
Nothing can be done for DV2025 under any circumstances. Very frustrating for you, I am sure.
February 4, 2026 at 16:01
For DV-2026 applicants who receive a 221(g), does this mean they may still get a visa later, or are they considered disqualified for DV-2026?
February 4, 2026 at 16:07
They could get the visas as long as the pause is lifted before September 30th
February 4, 2026 at 13:36
Hello, as 221 g is a visa refusal, this refusal would always be stated in say future visa applications eg ‘have you ever been refused a visa?’
Is this correct?
February 4, 2026 at 15:28
No
February 4, 2026 at 17:31
Yes I see thank you. In the event it is denied ie not processed before Sept 30 then that would constitute having been refused a visa.
February 4, 2026 at 18:52
Still no. 221g is not that type of refusal.
February 4, 2026 at 11:52
Just finished my interview today in Jerusalem and my case status was changed to 221g.
Now I am waiting for the pasue to be over.
I am thinking to join the lawsuit. Although it will not help 2026 dv winners to get the visa, I might get my fee and medical expenses back.
Thank you so much Brit 🙂
this is the letter I got:
This office regrets to inform you that your visa application is refused because you have been found ineligible to receive a visa under the following section(s) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The information contained in the paragraphs marked with “X” pertains to your visa application. Please disregard the unmarked paragraphs.
/X / Section 221(g): Your case requires further administrative processing. Please note that our office is not able to make estimates over how long this administrative processing may take.
For all Diversity Visa applicants: Under no circumstances can a visa be issued or an adjustment of status occurs in your case September 30th deadline. In order for us to process and issue the Diversity Visa before submit any missing documentation before that date.
February 4, 2026 at 12:32
“Although it will not help 2026 dv winners to get the visa, I might get my fee and medical expenses back.”
I don’t understand what you mean by this…
February 4, 2026 at 21:14
Let’s be honest about the DV2026 pause:
1. The deadline is Sept 30. No exceptions.
2. Lawsuits take years, but we only have months.
A court win next year is too late. Either the government or an emergency judge must act now, or the clock will simply run out.
February 4, 2026 at 22:47
Points 1 and 2 are correct, but you fail to account for TROs and PIs, plus you fail to appreciate the government behavior in telling people to attend interviews.
February 4, 2026 at 13:11
Why wouldn’t this lawsuit help DV-2026 selectees?
If so, what is the real purpose of this lawsuit and who does it benefit?
February 4, 2026 at 21:17
To my understanding, the lawsuit aims to end the pause, not necessarily for dv 2026 winners.
I am not expert thought..
February 4, 2026 at 08:50
Do you know how long they save the DV lottery data information? Pictures, name, the details of the answers and so on…. Is it some years or is permanent?
February 4, 2026 at 08:56
I don’t know, but I imagine it is permanent.
February 3, 2026 at 18:39
Hey Simon,
I attended my Diversity visa interview in Sydney today and received a green refusal letter under 221g rather than the yellow one. On the letter, they marked that my passport was missing even though it actually wasn’t.
They said that they are gonna get back to me once the pause is lifted.
I get this letter when I check my case on CEAC:
A U.S. consular officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. Please follow any instructions provided by the consular officer. If you were informed by the consular officer that your case was refused for administrative processing, your case will remain refused while undergoing such processing. You will receive another adjudication once such processing is complete. Please be advised that the processing time varies and that you will be contacted if additional information is needed. For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV or the website for the Embassy or Consulate at which you made your visa application.
For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV.
May I ask if this is normal?
February 3, 2026 at 19:38
DV is paused. No visas are being issued. All approvable cases are being placed on 221g – which is the situation in your case – so yes – that is normal.
February 3, 2026 at 14:43
Hello Simon
I have a question on the USD $1 fee introduced for the Diversity Visa program.
1. The fee is a regulatory rule, not a statutory law.
2. The fee is not a part, or is not mentioned, in the “One Big Beautiful Bill”
3. The fee is not a law passed by congress
4. However, the USD$1 fee is legal, being made via the rule making process by the State Department
It is certain that the US Government will change from time to time (Republican to Democratic and vice versa, that is, the power to run the Government will change in future)
My question is
1. How easy will it be for the State Department to remove the USD $1 fee if instructed by the Government in future?
2. What is this rule-making process that will be initiated to delete the fee?
3. Will this process be difficult (that is require law-makers to vote)
Thank you
February 3, 2026 at 16:03
https://britsimonsays.com/government-has-added-a-new-pause-to-all-immigration-from-75-countries/comment-page-1/
February 3, 2026 at 09:46
Hi Simon, What is the best way of determining whether Johannesburg is booking interviews at the moment?
I’m trying to determine whether our lack of 2NL is due to the consulate or Processing.
Our case number is current (26AF22***).
Thanks GW
February 3, 2026 at 12:21
We don’t have the data through CEAC anymore, so local information (through telegram channels etc) is the best method.
February 3, 2026 at 09:17
Good morning Mr Simon.I need your guidance.2 weeks ago i got an email from KCC telling me that my appointment is scheduled for the 3rd of march.The step that i need to do before that besides gathering all the documents is to register online through usvisascheduling where i first need to request for US immigrant visa and that i got approved.The next step is to book an appointment by picking the date in the calendar which i tried an hour ago and i got the response ,,no slots available..Is that normal? Could the date on the calendar be different than the one in KCC email?Because i need that conformation of scheduled appointment printed too.The date of my medical exam is 25th of February.Thank you.
February 3, 2026 at 12:20
You do not need an interview appointment – because you already have that from KCC.
February 3, 2026 at 07:46
Hlo Brit,
Pls kindly educate on this,when you went to interview and after the interview the consulate tell you,
This is inform you that you have been found ineligible for a diversity visa pursuant to section 203(c) and or section 204(a)(I)(I) of the immigration and nationality act
Thank you for your assistance
February 3, 2026 at 12:19
You need to ask the CO for more information.
February 3, 2026 at 05:45
Hi Simon.
Should we be hopeful for some positivity after the 60 days elapse this February.
February 3, 2026 at 12:18
There is no specified timeline, but yes we must remain positive.
February 3, 2026 at 05:33
Hi Brit,
I know you’re convinced that Trump has effectively ended DV-2026 with these two visa suspensions, but you don’t say this publicly to avoid causing panic among the selectees
February 3, 2026 at 12:17
You are completely incorrect in your assumption.
February 2, 2026 at 15:13
Subject: Questions Regarding LPR Activation, Green Card/SSN Timing, and Re-Entry Permit
Dear Mr. Simon,
I hope this message finds you well.
We are a family of four selectees in the DV2026 program (case number 2026EU1XXX). We were fortunate to have our visas approved, issued, and mailed to us (together with the immigration packets) just a few days before the pause.
In order to activate our LPR status, we traveled to the U.S. on January 24, 2026, and left one week later in order to arrange a few remaining matters and allow our children to complete their current school year in our home country, which ends in June 2026.
For your reference, the entry process at the POE was smooth and straightforward:
1. The CBP officer checked our DV visas stamped in our passports.
2. We were then taken to a secondary CBP room, where another officer collected our passports and immigration packets.
3. Approximately 10 minutes later, our visas were endorsed as LPR without any questions.
With that said, I would be very grateful if you could share your thoughts on the following questions:
1. Based on your experience, what is the average timeframe for receiving both the physical Green Cards and the Social Security Numbers at the address specified in our DS-260 forms?
2. We plan to return to the U.S. at the end of June 2026 (well before six months from our last departure), stay for a couple of months, and during that time apply for a re-entry permit (Form I-131) for my wife and our children. This would allow our children to complete their final year of high school in Europe before starting university in the U.S. (even though their stay abroad would be less than one year). I would remain in the U.S. during that period.
In your opinion, would you recommend applying for this re-entry permits as a precaution, or would it generally be unnecessary given that their time abroad would be under one year?
As always, thank you very much for your time and consideration.
Kind regards.
February 2, 2026 at 16:26
1. Varies from a few weeks to a few months.
2. It’s your choice. Theoretically you wouldn’t need them, but things under the Trump administration are sometimes not correct…
February 2, 2026 at 14:41
The 75 Country Visa “Pause” has been challenged in Federal Court (National Immigration Law Center). For more info, see link below:
https://www.nilc.org/press/immigrant-families-workers-legal-assistance-groups-challenge-trump-admins-75-country-visa-ban-in-federal-court/
February 2, 2026 at 16:25
Yes I know – thanks though.
February 2, 2026 at 14:09
Hi Brit,
I’m a bit stuck on the logic for the DV-2026 lawsuit.
If the government can’t be forced to issue visas before the September deadline, it feels like we’re headed for a dead end. If the “dv general pause” stays in place, we lose because nothing is moving; but even if we sue, we lose because the government isn’t required to issue anything before the year ends.
Is the only point of the lawsuit to get the judge to reserve the spots so they don’t expire?
(I’m just trying to understand how we actually get a visa out of this).
February 2, 2026 at 16:25
The lawsuits seek to end the pause which is “forcing” them to return to their normal operational mode. Of course, that doesn’t guarantee issuance. No spots will be reserved for later issuance.
February 2, 2026 at 22:13
Thanks for you answer.
I mean if the pasue remain, and suing take years. the goverment wont issue visa after september 30 anyway.
so what is the point of suing? it will not remove the pause in this fiscal year and will not help 2026 dv winners get their visa after the court decision (becauae it would take years for the decision).
February 3, 2026 at 00:18
Again. The point is to remove the pause. That is the goal of the lawsuits.
February 2, 2026 at 12:34
Hi Brit, thank you for all your guidance and assistance through the dv lottery process. I am a dv 2025 winner. My family and I entered the US in December and we are staying at a relative. My question: We visited the SSN office and they said that the SSNs were already issued. when I did the application I selected yes to have it issued automatically. We have not received them and we are here a month and change. the officer at the SSN office said it was issued through DHS. How do we go about getting it? or finding it?
February 2, 2026 at 16:23
It would have been mailed to the address in the DS260. The SSA (SSN office) should be able to answer that – there is no point asking DHS about your SSN. The SSA can tell you the number, and organize a reprint if needed. You just have to be persistent with the staff at the SSA .
February 2, 2026 at 07:55
Hi Simon,
I hope all is well. I have asked a few questions on here previously and you were very helpful with your answers. I am now at the point of completing my application form.
1. What can i do regarding the permenant adresss section of the application? I don’t have a US address. I believe previously you mentioned you would offer a service to allow people to use your address, is this up and running yet? I am unable to progress with the application without completing this section.
2. I did not complete my A-Levels, but I am a compliance professional, which satisfies the career aspect. What do you think i would need to provide at the interview to show this?
3. I know that I would not have any trouble getting a job with my career, so would i have to show a savings amount of £20,000 with a family of 4?
4. In terms of getting a job, do you think it would be best to join a global company that could move me internally or if not, would it be best to apply for roles before my move (if successful with the visa), or wait until I reach the US to apply?
Kind regards
Tam
February 2, 2026 at 09:40
1. Yes the paid service is working, I just haven’t publicized it yet.
2. This varies in every case. CV/Resume, employment letters, salary history – use your imagination.
3. That might be OK
4. Usually waiting until you arrive is more realistic.
February 2, 2026 at 10:13
Hi Simon,
Thank you for getting back to me.
Please could I pay for this service, as I am unable to progress with the application without the address field being completed. If not, is using a long-stay hotel address or Airbnb a feasible choice?
February 2, 2026 at 10:15
I would not use a hotel or airbnb address, because you will be unsure of when the mail will be sent and it is difficult to keep the important documents safe.
I’ll email details to you.
February 5, 2026 at 06:34
Hi Simon,
I have received your email. Thank you very much for your assistance.
I have completed the forms for myself and children however on the ‘sign and submit’ page, it will not allow me to submit the form. I have checked all parts of the form have been completed fully but still i am experiencing this issue.
Do you think this is a glitch?
February 5, 2026 at 09:04
Usually it is stopped by people not removing the leading zeros from the case number. Sometimes it is a failure to click the FGM and SSS information links.
February 2, 2026 at 07:42
Hi BritSimon, apologies if you have addressed this in your FAQs, my little brother is a 2025 AF72xxx selectee from South Africa. We have been struggling with a US contact to complete the ds260. How do we go about getting someone to help us with Address and contact number in the US?
February 2, 2026 at 09:37
The ideal is a family member or friend that can safely receive your GC and SSN. If you have NO ONE that you can trust, I am launching a paid service to receive that kind of mail – so that could be a solution.
February 2, 2026 at 12:44
Do you have a timeline of when this service will be launched?
February 2, 2026 at 16:23
I will publish some details this week.
February 2, 2026 at 06:05
Do you think it would be pointless for me to join a class action lawsuit if my case number is not yet current in the Visa Bulletin?
February 2, 2026 at 09:36
First – these are not class action lawsuits – they are group lawsuits. That is different.
Second how pointless it is depends on your case number – but you can decide whether you think your number will be reached. I do not have a prediction for numbers. But yes – if the number is not reached, even a lawsuit can’t help.
February 2, 2026 at 10:14
2026EU150xx
February 3, 2026 at 12:51
Curtis has set a deadline for joining the lawsuit. My case number is [26EU150XX]. I am currently in a dilemma and would really appreciate your opinion.
February 3, 2026 at 13:00
Well your number is low – so it should get a chance. We will see the next VB in a few days – so you can decide after then.
And so then it is a personal choice about whether you can afford the money etc.
February 3, 2026 at 13:18
Curtis has set February 6 as the deadline to register for the lawsuit, while the Visa Bulletin numbers change on February 15.
February 3, 2026 at 13:37
No – the deadline for the DV lawsuit is February 28
February 1, 2026 at 15:55
Hello Simon, do you have any plans to host a joint live YouTube Q&A with Curtis before the lawsuit participation deadline?
February 1, 2026 at 19:52
Yes.
February 1, 2026 at 14:14
I have a strong feeling that a video will be released of Trump on Epstein Island engaging in sexual acts against children, and that this video will be the reason for the eruption of massive protests in the United States. This video will be what ends Trump’s political career, and many of his close associates will resign. This is my feeling. Trump will not remain president until 2029. This would be a very beautiful thing and in the interest of immigrants and those who won the U.S. diversity visa lottery. This nightmare called Trump will come to an end
February 1, 2026 at 19:52
Why would the Trump controlled FBI release that???
February 1, 2026 at 20:45
It will not be released officially by the FBI; rather, it will be a leak by one of the employees working inside the FBI. The video will be leaked to one of the major international newspapers. Do you remember when an employee inside the FBI leaked that Trump pressured President Zelensky and conditioned U.S. aid to Ukraine on providing information about Biden’s son and his connections inside Ukraine? The same thing will happen with Trump. One of the employees inside the FBI will leak a video of Trump on the island.
When we talk about an agency like the FBI, we are not talking about the director, because the director changes with the president. We are talking about the employees who have been working there for a long time. This is my feeling. Trump will not complete his term until 2029.
February 1, 2026 at 21:21
Keep dreaming.
January 31, 2026 at 15:28
Hi Brit,
With the two pauses in DV2026, is there still any hope for us?
Thanks.
January 31, 2026 at 18:39
Yes
January 31, 2026 at 10:54
Hi Brit,
I went to my appointement for visa dv2026 and the consulate officer told me that i need to get the Bank deposits/statment and Exlanation of financial support from my friend in the US.
Can you explain to me what Exlanation of financial support mean ? is it a Lettre or a Form or what ?
January 31, 2026 at 18:40
An I-134 is normally the form used.
January 31, 2026 at 05:00
During the first pause you sounded quite optimistic.
Now, with two pauses, you seem more pessimistic.
Has your assessment changed because of new information, or is it just increased uncertainty?
Thank you.
January 31, 2026 at 18:42
Well two is more than one… but that’s all.
January 30, 2026 at 20:26
Are there any indications that the pause for EU countries will not be lifted? Is the situation more serious than we previously thought?
January 31, 2026 at 18:45
No
January 30, 2026 at 19:56
Hello Simon! Do you feel less optimistic regarding the lifting of the DV pause? If that’s the case, isn’t the fastest the lawsuit the better? Especially considering it will take a long time to get an answer.
January 31, 2026 at 18:44
Not less optimistic, no. But the lawsuits won’t be fast.
January 30, 2026 at 17:29
I wanted to ask you whether you have seen the letter written by 75 members of Congress to Secretary of State Marco Rubio regarding the 75-country pause on immigrant visa issuances.
Do you think this letter could have any real potential impact, especially considering that it is signed by 75 members of Congress?
Thank you in advance for your thoughts.
https://capac.house.gov/sites/evo-subsites/congressionalasianpacificamericancaucus.house.gov/files/evo-media-document/2026.01.27-torres-clarke-letter-to-state-on-indefinite-pause-on-all-immigrant-visas-version-8_0.pdf
January 30, 2026 at 19:02
It’s just a letter. Not likely to have an impact.
January 31, 2026 at 06:48
An interesting detail is that in the letter, the deadline to provide the answers is February 20, which matches Curtis’s filing date for the complaint. It wouldn’t be a surprise that Curtis suggested this initiative to some congress members 🙂
January 31, 2026 at 18:41
LoL, no.
January 30, 2026 at 15:40
Hi Simon,
I’m curious about the relationship between dv lottery DS-260 submission and nonimmigrant visa eligibility. I know the DS-260 establishes immigrant intent, but I’d like to understand how this plays out in real-world scenarios. What’s your experience been with DV selectees who’ve needed to apply for B1/B2 or F-1 visas after submitting their DS-260? What are the key considerations and potential outcomes people should be aware of?
January 30, 2026 at 19:01
Non immigrant visa often have to consider the chance that the applicant will try and overstay. Submitting a DS260 adds a factor that will be considered, but it is not the only factor considered. So – it might make a NIV application more likely to be denied, but that would be if the case was already borderline.
January 30, 2026 at 14:40
Hi Brit. I’m from Albania and I won the DV-26 lottery. I did my interview on8th January, it passed on 221(g) due to pause and now in CEAC is with comment ready. I’m inform that a law firm is challenging the pause of DV-26. If I participate and the pause get removed before the court says it verdict, does impact me to my visa? Should I participate or it’s better no?
January 30, 2026 at 18:59
There is no negative impact of joining the lawsuit. The government has no deadline to remove the pauses. I think they will remove them before the end of DV2026, but you might disagree. The only consideration is whether you can afford the money to participate in the lawsuit, and whether you understand the pros and cons.
Some of the pros are
1. The lawsuit might be the reason the pause is lifted
2. People that can afford to pay for the lawsuit might end up helping others who cannot/do not pay.
3. There is a chance that the lawsuit achieves a win for ONLY those involved in the lawsuit (although I think that is unlikely)
4. If the lawsuit might cause earlier action
Some of the cons are:
1. The pauses may be removed by the government even without the lawsuits, but you will still pay the whole fee (the deposit, and the fee after entry).
2. People who did not pay for the lawsuit may benefit from that whether the lawsuit achieved that result or not. You may think that’s unfair.
3. The lawsuit will be slow to achieve anything – several months probably.
4. The lawsuit may achieve nothing at all, and maybe the government continues the pause.
5. If the lawsuit causes earlier action, that might be bad news for high case numbers, as they are more likely to benefit from “chaos”.
January 31, 2026 at 04:49
Dear Simon, Can you please explain a little bit more for your below comment.
What kind of action can be bad for high case numbers ?
5. If the lawsuit causes earlier action, that might be bad news for high case numbers, as they are more likely to benefit from “chaos”.
January 31, 2026 at 18:43
Its a little complex to explain, but the basic premise is that low case numbers have an advantage.
January 30, 2026 at 23:47
Hello Tani
I hope you are doing well and I wish you success.
I am from Shkodra and I wanted to ask you a couple of questions:
Were you asked to provide a sponsor from the USA?
Were you asked to show a bank account or proof of funds?
I hope we will all have some luck in this difficult situation.
January 31, 2026 at 03:51
It’s worth mentioning that since you are from Albania, both the DV pause and the 75-country pause must be lifted for you to receive the visa. Removing just one of these pauses is not enough in your particular situation.
January 30, 2026 at 12:30
Hi Brit!
I have a question about my medical exam timing. I had my exam in January and my interview is in February, but I’m worried about the 6-month validity rule. If there’s a pause that isn’t lifted until after July, will my exam expire? If that happens, would I be unable to get my green card, or can I just redo the medical exam? How do these situations usually play out?
January 30, 2026 at 13:15
If that happens, you would repeat the medical.
January 29, 2026 at 19:58
Hi simon
What do you think about 2026eu22347 and which month will i get 2nl?
January 29, 2026 at 21:46
I have no idea. This year is very unpredictable.
January 29, 2026 at 14:46
Hello Brit,
I wanted to ask about the DV-2026 Visa Bulletin for Europe. Do you think there is a possibility that the cutoff number could advance to 16,000 by September 30, 2026, considering the challenging fiscal year?
January 29, 2026 at 14:56
Yes
January 30, 2026 at 07:13
For DV-2026 applicants from Europe with Case Numbers 15,000–16,000, how long do you think two 221(g) pauses could reasonably last while still allowing them to get a visa this fiscal year?
January 30, 2026 at 09:14
You really believe I have a crystal ball, don’t you.
We are nowhere near that point – so I’m not going to spend energy on imagining that. We are in January.
January 30, 2026 at 16:47
Is there any realistic scenario in which DHS has planned for the current pauses to extend beyond fiscal year 2026, effectively eliminating all DV-2026 selectees?
January 30, 2026 at 19:02
I don’t think so – but who knows.
January 29, 2026 at 11:46
Hello Brit, thank you for all the information you share. My visa was approved on December 18 but later cancelled without prejudice due to the initial pause. I noticed my CEAC case was updated on January 20, 2026, just before the second pause. Could this be a routine system update, or is it related to the second pause? I’m an applicant from Nepal. Thanks in advance for your time.
January 29, 2026 at 12:18
We don’t know what the updates mean in each case, so it is best to not try and guess…
January 28, 2026 at 20:03
Is there any hope that the 2027 US Diversity Visa lottery will open next month or in March, or is it already over?
Should we wait for the 2028 US Diversity Visa lottery instead?
Will the situation continue until the end of Trump’s term on January 20, 2029?
January 28, 2026 at 23:24
I expect DV2027 to be run in the coming months.
January 28, 2026 at 13:14
Hello Good afternoon Simon… we have seen that on your YouTube channel previous years you made videos with the projections of the different regions and explained what are the low or high numbers of cases. This year for the winners of the DV26 you will make those videos or what is happening with the pause and lack of data, it is difficult.
January 28, 2026 at 15:05
It’s really difficult to do this year considering the data we have, and the many complications this year. I don’t think math will tell us what will happen about the pauses, the government intent and so on…
January 28, 2026 at 09:59
Ive read somewhere that people travelling for olimpics will have priority access to the visa interview slots. Do you think this will affect in any way embassay capacities/next bulletin numbers?
January 28, 2026 at 12:21
No
January 28, 2026 at 03:40
Hi Britsimon, do i need to prepare i-134 form for each beneficery or only one form ? Also what range should i consider 100% or 125% for dv lottery
January 28, 2026 at 08:22
One form for a derivative family.
100%
January 27, 2026 at 11:43
Hello Simon! Do you have any opinion regarding the next visa bulletin or your expected timeline for the pause? Soon it will be 2 months since the pause, the forums have little movement and I am starting to get really worried.
January 27, 2026 at 13:45
No VB prediction and no timeline for the pause to end.
January 28, 2026 at 01:48
After the pauses, the Visa Bulletin no longer progresses. This suggests an alarming situation for DV selectees.
January 28, 2026 at 08:22
That is not true. The VB has progressed after the pause.
January 26, 2026 at 23:47
I am a DV-2026 selectee from one of the 75 countries currently impacted by the recent visa issuance pause.
My family and I attended our visa interview today, and we were refused under Section 212(a)(4) on Public Charge grounds.
1. Can I wait for the pause to be lifted, and then submit additional financial documents to overcome this refusal?
2. Given that I was refused under 212(a)(4) during this specific policy period, do I have join a lawsuit?
January 27, 2026 at 08:43
1. Yes, although that will mean adding delay once the pause is lifted. Doing that now might save time later.
2. You don’t “have to”. It is up to you.
January 28, 2026 at 12:17
Hi Brit
Guest no hope for Cameroonians right
Two pauses
The embassy seems to be inactive when it comes to DV processing for this year
January 28, 2026 at 12:22
There is time for YDE to wake up and do some good. Let’s hope they do.
January 26, 2026 at 08:58
Email from kcc ; 26 _ 01 – 2026
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 refer to the instructions provided on the website www.travel.state.gov.
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
_______________________
Clark
Diversity Visa Unit
U.S. Department of State, Visa Services, Office of Domestic Operations
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Kentucky Consular Center (CA/VO/DO/KCC)
LDRM
Email: [email protected]
January 27, 2026 at 18:20
They’ve been sending this same email since October.