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To ask me questions you can obviously post on any blog post.
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.
April 26, 2017 at 11:33
Hi Simon,
I couldn’t find below answer in FAQ unfortunately. My question refers to “how to fill in the DS260” section, part ‘Present and previous address information’. You said to list all addresses in reverse order. What (or how) should I write it properly if I lived with my partner for 9 years and went back to my family house again?
Option 1: Warsaw: from Nov.2016- till now / Gdansk: from Nov.2007 till Nov.2016 / Warsaw: since birth till Oct.2007
Option 2: Warsaw: since birth till now / except Gdansk: Nov.2007 till Nov.2016
Thank you for your reply, take care, Ewa
April 26, 2017 at 14:34
OPtion 1
April 26, 2017 at 14:54
Hi Simon,
I won DV Lottery in 2014 and entered USA in december 2015. Since then I have lived in USA 3-4 months in total due to my studies in Germany and I will go back this summer. Now I have just filed taxes for 2015-2016. I am a little bit worried because next week my brother has his interview as DV 2017 selectee. He has completely a different Affidative of support. I am afraid that because I do not leave in USA could create problems at the decision for my brother. Do you think this is the case for any problrm giving the visa to my brother?
Kind Regards,
Manu
April 26, 2017 at 15:11
If you have not provided an affidavit of support, your brothers case has no connection with you.
April 26, 2017 at 15:14
Hi Brit, please I need your help my first appointment letter has lost since I located to my new apartment and I try to reprint from the dvlottery.state. gov/ESC but when I open it has changed to the interview appointment letter one which is 2nl please how can I retrieve it from since it’s mandatory to present it at the interview day am worry
April 26, 2017 at 15:35
You can’t retrieve it now. Just show the 2NL.
April 26, 2017 at 16:10
Thanks for your reply, so Brit if I show the 2nl as you have directed me will it cause a problem
April 26, 2017 at 16:39
Hello Big Simon.is mandatory to create DHL account for dv case?
April 26, 2017 at 16:49
It depends on the embassy. Follow their instructions.
April 26, 2017 at 16:49
Hi Brit,
What is the intended address in the US used for? I have not been to the US and do not have any close enough friends for me to use their address. Should I just fill it with a random address?
April 26, 2017 at 16:51
That address is where your Green Card will be sent. You need to find someone that can accept the GCs on your behalf. The address can be changed at the interview and then again at the POE (arrival airport).
April 26, 2017 at 18:54
hi Brit! i was worry about my affidavit support because it wasn’ t arrived jet at Albania post. My cousin sent it and by email. My interview was 4 May. Can i get at interview printed affidavit support if the original doesnt arrived at this date? Thank u!
April 26, 2017 at 23:28
If the original doesn’t arrive you will have to print it.
April 26, 2017 at 23:04
Hello, Mr. Brit,
Please l have gathered all supporting documents to qualify with job experience. However l would need your clarification on this issue.
1. Must l show bank statement for the purpose of proving monthly payment from my current employer. ? But not to show wealth.
2. If the answer to question 1, is yes, what must l do if my salary does not go through the bank but just direct payment to me with a pay slip. Can show the pay slips and explain to the CO?
3. Or just a letter of employment is enough evidence to present to the CO?
Thank and as usual humbly waiting for your reply.
April 26, 2017 at 23:32
The job you are doing now has almost no relevance at all – because you will quit that job when you move to the USA.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
April 27, 2017 at 00:05
Hey Brit. I hv a big problem. Lost my confirmation number for dv2018 lottery. How will I be able to check my status next week? Pls help…
April 27, 2017 at 03:21
On the page for checking there is a link for lost confirmation number.
April 27, 2017 at 10:17
Thank u. GOD bless
April 27, 2017 at 00:26
Thank you Mr. Simon for your swift reply,
I don’t have any issues with been a public charge because my sponsor has already provided with l- 134 and all supporting documents.
But my question is about the documents to qualify with work experience..
That’s do l need to show add payslips or bank statements as part of my recommendation letters, job offers, etc. Only to proove that l am really working.
Or its not necessary to show bank statement?
Again thanasta for your kind help.
April 27, 2017 at 03:20
Take everything that you might need.
April 27, 2017 at 07:48
i had my interview on April 25 2017 and did my medicals prior to this date which was on the 3rd of april but now the hospital is delaying me saying my result wii be out after 2 months. and the embassy needs just the medicals to issue me a visa. please need an advice
April 28, 2017 at 00:30
Advice?? All I can say is wait patiently for the medicals.
April 27, 2017 at 10:09
Hi Brit,
Thanks so much for your help and assistance.
All I had been writing these days was on behalf of my son.
He, at the long last received the visa.
Please, one more question:
He wants to go and pay the $220 fee in the USA. Please is it the exact fee he will have to pay over there or more?. I find it difficult to pay here since I do not have a mastercard for debiting.
Thank you once again.
Zac
April 28, 2017 at 00:29
$220 is the exact fee.
April 27, 2017 at 10:57
HELLO Simon .. how are you ? I have my interview in few days , I ve already sent all the collected documents 3 weeks prior to my interview appointment .. the question is I got engaged 7 years ago with my Wife , we got married after I won the gc lottery.. unfortunately we used to cancel our conversation and even though we ve been together for sowhile long we have only few photos .. if the proof of relationship are not enough both of us will be denied or only my wife ? I m in trouble .. pls help
April 28, 2017 at 00:28
It should be OK – just think what other proof of the relationship you can take.
April 27, 2017 at 12:37
Hello Brit
I have appointment for DV lottery 2017 interview in Nairobi end of May but can I change the interview location and appointment?
April 28, 2017 at 00:26
You can – but the process means contacting the new embassy and agreeing that they will give you an appointment, then contacting the original embassy and asking them to transfer the case. There is a risk that they do something wrong. So – be SURE you are happy to take that risk.
April 27, 2017 at 13:58
Dear Simon,
Thank you in advance for your feedback, who should fulfill the educational requirement the primary applicant or all the spouse and beneficiaries too.
April 28, 2017 at 00:25
Just primary selectee.
April 27, 2017 at 16:13
PLEASE BRIT I WANT TO KNOW, I AM A 2016 WINNER, AFTER I HAVE RECEIVED MY VISA FOR A DV PROGRAM, HOW LONG WILL IT LAST FOR
April 28, 2017 at 00:22
There is an expiry date on the visa. That date is set as 6 months after the date of the medical. You must enter the USA before the expiry date.
April 27, 2017 at 16:59
Hi Simon, please can you help with the Green Card Fees, Is it still $165 or $220. I am having some confusion with my Green Card Payment
Thanks
April 28, 2017 at 00:21
$220 per person.
April 27, 2017 at 19:53
Hello Simon,
I’ll have my interview next week and I just got the new passport of my daughter.
Do I have to unlock the DS260 and change the passport number? I am afraid I cannot do it on time.
Please help!
Elisa
April 28, 2017 at 00:21
No. Update it at the interview.
April 27, 2017 at 20:28
Hello,
DV2018 results will be available to check on May 02, from 6pm (UTC+2). When does KCC make DS260 form available for selectees? And at what webside? Thank you.
April 28, 2017 at 00:20
It’s available immediately. The selected letter gives instructions.
April 27, 2017 at 20:53
Hi Sir!!! I have a question regarding lottery : if I have made a mistake with employment detail , will it cause problem?? It is not major, but a date is not correct,
I am derivative, and not primary applicant,
Thank you very much!!!!
April 28, 2017 at 00:19
As you are a derivative it makes no difference.
April 27, 2017 at 21:29
Hi BritSimon, 2 questions please;
1. I want to go to the US in the summer to endorse my visa, am I right in thinking that I can go for 2 weeks, leave and then come back in October, do I need to tell the customs people I am doing this, is this easy to do?
2. My (new zealand) passport (with the visa in it) will not have 6 months left on it when I leave the US in June (it will when I enter but not when I leave), should I just travel on this passport and get a new one before I go back in October or should I get a new one before I travel and take both passports OR does the 6 month thing not apply because I am entering and leaving as an LPR anyway?
Thanks for your help, I’ve written to border and customs and the US embassy and got no reply!
April 28, 2017 at 00:19
1. No problem – no need to tell anyone.
2. Get a new passport after the activation trip. Then take old passport and new until you receive the plastic GC – then you won’t need the old passport (with the endorsed visa)
April 28, 2017 at 08:35
I have my interview scheduled for June 16, 2017. Can I change my sponsor now?
April 28, 2017 at 13:56
Yes
April 28, 2017 at 09:02
Hi there,
How important is it to fill out your DS260 form quickly, if you get selected? For example, if you find out you get selected at the beginning of May, could you leave it until late June or July to send off your DS260? Would this hurt your chances in any way?
Many thanks.
April 28, 2017 at 13:56
No.
April 28, 2017 at 09:06
Hi Simon,
I had my medical yesterday in London. In the medical questionnaire there is a question asking “have you ever used drugs?”
Since getting this visa is very important to me, I am honest about everything and ticked the “yes” box. In the consultation with the doctor I admitted to experimental marijuana use in single occurrences many years ago. The doctor ordered a drug test which I know will turn out negative.
Besides this there are no medical issues and my police certificates are all clean.
Have you ever heard of instances where this has led to complications?
Thank you
April 28, 2017 at 13:56
Yes, but not in the circumstances you describe. RELAX.
June 3, 2018 at 20:35
Am also having my same problem am soo stressed for talking the trueth
April 28, 2017 at 12:59
THANKS BRIT
April 28, 2017 at 17:05
Hi BritSimon, during my entrance into the dv2016 a guy who helped me with the entry wrongly entered my mum’s name but I corrected that on th ds260 form, will this cause any problem?
April 28, 2017 at 17:31
Probably not.
April 28, 2017 at 17:13
I have completed with my form and submitted on jan 27,2017.my case number is 2017AF13xxx.when should I expect my interview date.
April 28, 2017 at 17:31
July or August.
April 28, 2017 at 20:33
Hi Britsimon
For the visa medical exam, do you know if there’s a risk of being denied the green card if I am unable to take a live vaccine such as measles, mumps, rubella on medical grounds e.g. pregnancy, taking immuno-suppressant medication?
Thank you.
April 28, 2017 at 22:36
It would be up to the doctor to decide what is medically safe and appropriate, given your pregnancy/health/other factors. If you don’t have what the doctor decides is “medically safe and appropriate” then they will not give you medical clearance.
April 28, 2017 at 21:44
Hi Britsimon, This is my 7th days in US and I visited SSA office to apply for SSN and they told me to come after 10 days.So, I wanna ask you whether I can do job at gas station for time being without getting SSN? Is it illegal to do so? Thanku in advance….
April 28, 2017 at 22:37
It is not illegal, but the employer should verify your SSN within a few days of starting work.
April 28, 2017 at 23:18
Thanku Brit…
April 28, 2017 at 22:46
Hi Brit! Pls I need your advice. The name I used to enter the DV is the same as the name on my certificates but different from that on my passport. One name is omitted on my passport. What can I do in this case? Can I do an affidavit if change of names? I have been scheduled for an interview in may. Pls help. Thank you
April 29, 2017 at 00:01
Your Passport should match your legal name. If it doesn’t – that should be normally be corrected.
April 28, 2017 at 23:11
Hi Brit!
I have 2 questions for u
First, am scheduled for interview on d 9th of may but I haven’t done anything about affidavit of support yet. Pls can I do it now before d appointment date n how do I go about that?
Secondly, What are d documents needed for medicals
Thank you God bless
April 29, 2017 at 00:03
1. You can do that before the interview if you need to. Read this – https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
2. The doctor will tell you that. They normally need your 2NL and ID such as passport – but ask them.
April 29, 2017 at 08:27
please, Mr Brit my interview is schedule on 16th may,2017 , my old passport was cancelled due to error commented on my date of birth. please do i have to take the old passport together with the new one on the day of the interview? secondly can that also cause denial of my visa.
April 29, 2017 at 14:48
I would take it if I were you. THat in itself won’t cause denial.
April 29, 2017 at 08:16
Dear Simon, today I tried to pay he Immigrant fees online and checked everything hundred times, but I failed. The message says because of technical mistakes the payment couldn’t be done ( master card). What do you think might be the problem? thank you for your help.
April 29, 2017 at 14:49
I have no idea.
April 29, 2017 at 09:32
Hello brit
I was wondering does the results of dv selected come out on may till September
Or just the month of May ???
April 29, 2017 at 14:47
May is for sure, some years there is a small send draw.
April 29, 2017 at 10:44
I have not been able to pay for my family GC sine we entered the US one month ago.
I went register for a federal post office job which demands the GC as aone of the conditions!
Do you think the SSN will help me to take the exams while waiting for the GC itself? Thank you.
April 29, 2017 at 14:46
They should accept the stamped visa in your passport as proof of residency.
April 30, 2017 at 02:01
thank you sir!i will take the exams as i wait for the GC
April 29, 2017 at 15:22
Hi Simon,
My name is paul bill sisex
1.I have received an appointment letter and was instructed to schedule through by mail. While I made an appointment schedule some mistake has occurred. The source of the mistake was in mine data my friend name who also is Dv2017 winer David Delox Larry
name was inserted and the schedule was made on first week of may. How to I fix that problem ?
2. my educational document have spelling error with that of dv case but I was genuine and provable it. Is this affect my visa?
thanks.
April 29, 2017 at 16:33
1. I don’t really understand what you did – but I think you are talking about the DHL/usatraveldocs site. Just make sure you are registered.
2. Typically not.
April 29, 2017 at 19:50
yes that is DHL;I had already registered but in my data another dv applicant name was inserted and scheduled.no problem sir? if have how to fix?
April 29, 2017 at 23:09
Again – it is hard to understand what you mean. Check with the embassy.
April 29, 2017 at 19:27
Hi Simon! In my DS260 I listed work/employment experience that I’ve done in the US, through a 1040 contract over the internet/calls for a project. I only physically visited with them once during that time. Could this be potentially dangerous? I assume my employers paid the necessary taxation for my contract, but do I need to check with them.
I am a derivative regardless. Thank you in advance,
April 29, 2017 at 23:10
Probably won’t affect the DV case at all.
April 29, 2017 at 21:09
Dear Brit,
We have been in the us more than 25 days and we have been waiting for social security number for 24 days is that ok?! Or I should go to ask them for it?
Thank you in advance
April 29, 2017 at 23:09
Go to the SSA office.
April 30, 2017 at 04:01
Dear Brit,
Thank you for maintaining this site and answering our questions!
I have a few questions for the D260 form.
1. At the Visa section:…… Have you ever been refused admission to the US?….I was refused to let in, but I only had Esta, not visa. Should I say no?
2. Have you ever been ordered removed from the US? I was refused to let in last year at the airport of Vancouver based on not legal volunteer work, should I say “ yes I was” or no. I would say no,because it was not remedial…
3. My university has been renamed since I finished my studies, should I add the old or the new name?
should I add my exchange semester at a foreign University to the form? Even if I didn’t get any diploma from there?
4. Should I add the supervisors name to the application if there were more than one at one firm?
5. I had a couple of temporary addresses during University, which means I lived at those places but none of my papers show this, officially I was still living in my hometown, 240kms away. I guess I should add these to the form as well
6. If I had to add these, I am not very sure of the exact days (time-frame) and flat numbers, would it be a problem if I add a vague,kinda 98% sure information?
April 30, 2017 at 14:15
1. Answer yes.
2. Answer no
3. Your choice.
4. Your choice.
5. Just the hometown
6. N/A
April 30, 2017 at 04:24
Hi Simon, Should I file DS-260 form immediately after being selected on 2nd May or wait until my CN appears on the visa bulletin? Thanks
April 30, 2017 at 14:12
If you are selected you can read my guide. For now. RELAX!
April 30, 2017 at 05:40
Hello Simon I m really worried can you please suggest me. I am DV lottery winner of 2016. I entered into USA in october 4 2016 in ny. As i was planning to settle and looking forward for works my grandfather expire and i couldnot do anything there that means i have not open my bank account nor anything. But i have got my social security no. and green card during my stay in USA. I return back to my country in january 2, 2017. I have settled down my family and my works. Now i am planning to return back to USA in june 11 permanently. I have heard that i have to file tax of 2016 in USA but i havenot. As i havenot work in USA during my stay nor i have open bank account. So please suggest me as i want to return back in less than six months. Could i face any problem. Thanking you
April 30, 2017 at 14:12
You should have filed a tax return, based on income earned outside of the USA.
April 30, 2017 at 08:38
Hi dear Simon
Sir I have successfully passed my interview on April 17 th 2017 and the CO said that my application is approved.But uptill now in the CEAC website still shows Administartive processing. And I know some people passed their interviews after mine and had thier visas in 2 days long. Can you please explain to me why some people get their visas in 2 days and others 1 month or 2? in my case what can i do?
April 30, 2017 at 14:08
The cases that show AP for a day or two are not on “real” AP.
If it goes longer, then it is real AP. THat happens because they decide some additional checks are needed for the case. You can’t do anything except wait – and there is no way to know how long it will take.
April 30, 2017 at 09:47
Hi brit! 1)the sponsor of i-134 after fil it must he go to see any gouvernment official to stamp it before he can send it to the beneficiary or he can send it straight after fil it.
2)What can i do if i need to register my new born while i already have appontment date for the interview.
One of my brother wanted to change the interview date,he call the ambassy to do it but the ambassy said to him that they dnt longer do it manually,he need to go this web site :https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-Za/ and follow instruction and change it,he search and follow instruction after that after they sent him this via email:
FROM:[email protected] IMMIGRATION-VISA REGISTER FOR COURIER CONFIRMATION
you have successfully scheduled your Immigrant Visa appointment on this website.
You must print this instruction page and bring it with you to your consular interview, along with the letter you received from the Consular Section.
For additional information on the Immigration Visa process and required documents, please refer to your letter or visit the Consular Section Website at https://za.usembassy.gov/visas/family-immigration/the-interview/.
Applicants
Applicant Name: abcd efgh ijklm
Passport Number: *********
Case Number: 2017AF0000****
Consular Interview Date: 20 June, 2017, 13:00 SAST
Consular Section Location: Johannesburg
Consular Section Address: 1 Sandton Drive Sandhurst (Opposite Sandton City Mall) , Johannesburg, ZA
Courier Selection details
Courier: DHL
Branch name: Sandton
Address: 100 Rivonia Road , Sandton, Gauteng 2196 ZA
You only have until 22 June, 2017, 06:00 SAST to change the location where your visa documents will be delivered. After the time indicated above, the option to change the courier location will be deactivated from your account and at this point no courier changes will be allowed.
Best regards,
The CSRA Visa Appointment and Information Service Team
3)Is it mean the rescheduled him on that 20 june 2017 koz the first appointment they gave him on 9 May 2017.
Thanks to answer me brit.
April 30, 2017 at 14:06
1. No
2. Contact the embassy.
3. I guess so – I don’t know for sure.
April 30, 2017 at 12:00
Hi Brit
My interview schedules in June in Egypt
When I register to confirm the appointment date online a note said your (case ID cannot be found) was appeared.
Is it must register online to confirm the date or to document delivery only
April 30, 2017 at 14:04
The appointment registration systems vary by embassy – so some people have been told registering the appointment you have is important. However, the appointment on the 2NL is your date/time. If you are concerned, contact the embassy.
May 1, 2017 at 01:20
Hi Brit,
I am Douglas from Kenya and I just to say thank you for everything. We just received our SSNumbers today although it was missing for our 9 months old baby. We will try to wait. I promise to donate to this site once I settle down. Thank you once more.
May 1, 2017 at 01:57
Best of luck!
May 1, 2017 at 02:59
I have submitted the DS-260 form in may 10. The case no. is 75**from Nepal.when should i expect interview?
May 1, 2017 at 05:56
Wait and see.
May 1, 2017 at 07:54
Hi brit, thanks for your help. Please when can i check the site if i am selected? Thank you
May 1, 2017 at 12:54
Tomorrow.
May 1, 2017 at 12:57
Dear Birt,
how are you ? thanks for your cooperation ! I am from Ethiopia and
I got my visa already now…….I have quick question, I have finished everything as single man but i got married now. (1) how can i take her to US after i go there ? ,(2) can i take marriage certificate from municipality when i go there or I should take that certificate later on i come back to Ethiopia ?
May 1, 2017 at 13:23
Once you are in the USA you can sponsor her – it will take about 2 years.
May 1, 2017 at 13:07
Hi Brit,
what time I have to check DV2018 lottery results?
May 1, 2017 at 13:22
You don’t have to rush. The servers will be busy to start with – so check in a day or two from now.
May 1, 2017 at 13:31
Hello sir I am from Pakistan we have submitted our case last year 23.09.2016 ..we don’t racived 2nl from kcc could tell me a proximitly time for interview. …
Thnx asif jerry
May 1, 2017 at 13:37
You are obviously not charging to Pakistan, so what country are you charging to and if Nepal/Iran, what is your case number.
May 1, 2017 at 14:24
Hi Brit,
I am a DV 2017 Winner and I have completed my DS 260 Application form today but I am having difficulty in submitting it. Each time I attempted to submit it, it will not submit but will send a message that says ” the case number does not ,match the case number used in signing in “. What do you think is the problem?
Mohamed Mustapha
May 1, 2017 at 14:54
I think the problem is the case number does not, match the case number used in signing in.