This is a very important update regarding changing embassies. Please take the time to watch this update as it could make all the difference to your case.
As mentioned in the video, it is likely that embassies and KCC won’t be fully aware or ready for the change in policy,
The section I would suggest quoting is shared below along with some wording that people may be able to use in their email requests
FAM guide – https://fam.state.gov/fam/09FAM/09FAM050404.html
<<< Copy and modify the wording below as suits your specific case >>>
As I hope you are aware, the policy and guidance for IV posts has recently been changed to allow DV cases to request reassignment to an alternative post based on physical presence in that consular district. I refer to the FAM guide notes below that make clear that IV cases and specifically DV cases can be handled in a less restricted way than previously.
I have attached proof that I am physically present in your consular district, can legally remain here for the normal period of time to process the case. I hope you will accept this note as my formal request as described in 9 FAM 504.4-9 (b).
9 FAM 504.4-8(C) (U) Third Country Processing for Applicants Abroad
(CT:VISA-1984; 05-08-2024)
a. (U) Application of Nonresident Applicant Physically Present in District: Department regulations provide that, unless otherwise directed by the Department, a consular section must accept an application from an IV or DV applicant physically present in the consular district even though not a resident in that district, provided the applicant can establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer, that they will be able to remain in the consular district for the time it normally takes to process an application. The time it normally takes to process an application should not include the potential time it might take for administrative processing, as an applicant may choose to depart the country while such processing is pending. In assessing the applicant’s ability to remain in the consular district, the consular section may take into consideration the applicant’s ability to do so legally and in accordance with the requirements of the host country, among other relevant factors. The applicant’s prospective ability to obtain a visa to apply for admission to the country where the consular district is located does not qualify an applicant as being “physically present” in the consular district, but if you are satisfied that the applicant will be physically present by the time of application, you are permitted to accept the transfer ahead of the applicant’s relocation to permit case preparation and reduce logistical delays upon the applicant’s arrival.
August 2, 2024 at 11:06
Hello, Brit
Am I understanding the process of transferring a case from one post to another correctly?
1. Receive the 2NL.
2. Write a letter to the target embassy (B) requesting them to take my case.
3. Write a letter to my current embassy (A) to transfer my case.
4. Write a letter to the KCC to schedule the interview at the target embassy (B).
Is there any information on how long the process of transferring an interview from one post to another might take?
Is it possible that I could lose a couple of months if I decide to transfer my case?
I would really like to understand how long I might have to stay in one place while waiting for the interview.
The thing is, I definitely will not be in my home country at the time of the expected interview, and I don’t even know in which part of the world I will receive the 2NL letter.
Sincerely,
Vitalii
August 2, 2024 at 23:52
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-change-embassies/
July 25, 2024 at 10:04
Dear Brit,
I have received my 2NL from Accra. The date for interview is September 15. Once I receive my visa after the interview, am I to be on US soil before 30th September, or before my medical examination expires?
I would really appreciate an explanation on how this works.
Thank you.
July 25, 2024 at 10:41
Your visa will have an expiry date of 6 months after the date of your medical. You must enter the USA before that date.
July 21, 2024 at 05:11
Am from Ethiopia with 35k dv2025 what shall i do to interview in dubai i didn’t submit ds-260 yet
I want submit interview in dubai is it okay to apply there or is there a precondition in dubai they gonna ask me later during interview.
July 21, 2024 at 10:07
You will normally interview where you live. So in order to interview in Dubai, your current address should be in Dubai.
June 21, 2024 at 15:49
Hello Brit,
Could you please explain once again if I understood correctly: Can I request the unlocking of the DS-260 (DV2025) for all family members now, simply because I want to change the consulate?
Each request for unlocking the DS-260 must be accompanied by an explanation of why I need to make changes, and I am not sure if changing the consulate is a valid reason for the unlock.
Or should I wait until October 1, 2024, to request the transfer by writing letters to both consulates and the KCC?
June 23, 2024 at 16:06
I would be extremely grateful for your response.
June 23, 2024 at 17:20
1. You can’t change the consulate picked on the DS260.
2. KCC will base the interview on the current address of the principal applicant.
3. I’m struggling to advise you because I don’t know your case number, your embassy and why you want to move.
June 24, 2024 at 13:09
You might think I’m crazy, but I analyzed all cases over 3 years at my consulate in Madrid using the data dumps and concluded that the consulate initiates 221g 3.27 times more often than the consulate in Bucharest. This is not just a coincidence or a small sample size; it’s a trend. Many 221g cases lasted more than 3 or even 4 months and ended in refusal, which does not happen in Bucharest.
My case number for DV2025 is as high as EU23k, and there is a high probability that if my case goes to administrative processing, they simply won’t have time to issue my visa. After talking to applicants from the previous and this year, I concluded that a programmer is very likely to be subject to administrative processing in Madrid.
I just want to reduce the likelihood of encountering issues. And I have an internal feeling that I should avoid this consulate if possible.
June 24, 2024 at 19:27
Congratulations. This is one of the more impressive examples of overthinking I have seen.
June 25, 2024 at 11:05
Yes, I agree.
But still, can I ask to change the consulate now or later for a reason like: “it’s just more convenient for me to have the interview there”?
June 25, 2024 at 11:45
No that would not work. There are many thousands of people about to lose their chances in DV2024 because KCC won’t cooperate with people even with very good and compelling reasons.
June 18, 2024 at 06:57
Dear Simon,
Thank you for this information. After that great information i transferred my case from ank to riyadh. My Cn is 2025eu195xx
Can you give a comment for me please, if i have a chance to get an interview from Riyadh or not?
Thanks
June 18, 2024 at 19:03
I hope so, but we have some time to wait before we know more.
June 12, 2024 at 04:33
እኔየ2024 ዲቪ አሽናፊ ከኢትዮጵያ ነኝ kcc ጥያቄየን ተቀብሎ ወደ ጅቡቲ ቀይሮልኛል.ግን ጉዳዩ በተቀየረበት ሣዓት ጅቡቲ አልነበርኩም ሥለዚህ በማንኛውም ቪዛ ወደ ጅቡቲ ብገባ ተቀባይነት አለው? ምክንያቱም ከአዲሱ ፖሊሲ በፊት ነው የተቀየረው ጉዳዩ..
June 12, 2024 at 12:27
Probably – but print out the policy in case they object.
Also – questions in English please.
June 13, 2024 at 09:02
,Hello Brit
Thank you for every contribution! Do you think that not explaining why the case has changed is a reason to fail the interview? For a case that changed from Ethiopia to Djibouti!
June 13, 2024 at 09:27
No
June 11, 2024 at 14:59
Hello Mr Simon,
My interview was held on June 7 and the consular officer told me that my visa has been approved but the status of my visa on ceac says “administrative processing”. Is it normal?
June 11, 2024 at 15:48
Yes
June 8, 2024 at 17:12
Hi Brit,
Could you please explain how to interpret the “Ready” status?
I’ve heard about this status several times in the video, but I still can’t figure it out.
June 8, 2024 at 17:19
“At NVC” is prior to any scheduling.
“In transit” means that KCC sent the case to the embassy
“Ready” means the embassy updated CEAC to show they received the case that was sent by KCC.
Cases remain in Ready status until updated to something else. So that means cases will read ready when they are scheduled, but no interview was held yet. Or the interview was held but the selectee didn’t show up, OR the interview was held but the embassy forgot to update the case.
June 9, 2024 at 15:12
Thank you for such a detailed response.
I would appreciate it if you could clarify a couple of points regarding a case I found in the dump. Here are the details from a random case: 2nlDate == 2024-01-01, status == Refused221g, statusDate == 2024-05-09
1. Does this mean that administrative processing has been ongoing since 2024-01-01 and the last data update was on 2024-05-09?
2. Do I understand correctly that the records in this case will look as follows if the case is approved: 2nlDate == 2024-01-01, status == Issued, statusDate == 2024-08-09?
3. If I am correct in point number 2, will the data showing that the case was once Refused221g be overwritten by the Issued status in future database dumps and not appear in the statistics?
June 9, 2024 at 15:20
The 2NL date column is when the 2NL was sent. On cases sent prior to the first download of the year, the date is defaulted to January 1.
The 221g might have started after 1/1 – it doesn’t show there, although you can search the files if you want to check a particular case.
The last update just shows when the file was touched. The reason it is touched is not known, and it won’t always be a status change.
Yes the last status will overwrite what was there before. Again, history can be tracked in the files.
June 6, 2024 at 12:26
Hi Brit,
Am I right in understanding that Madrid has terrible statistics this year (especially for EU cases) and it would make sense to try to reschedule the DV interview to Frankfurt?
Considering that my education is very close to the TAL list, I am worried that in Madrid I might undergo several months of administrative processing.
I have also noticed that there are significantly more refusals in Madrid in recent years than in Frankfurt, which also concerns me.
June 6, 2024 at 12:37
No – I don’t think that is true at all.
June 6, 2024 at 12:52
Thank you for the prompt response.
Apparently, I may have misunderstood the statistics presented on your website.
I noticed that for EU cases in Madrid this year, the percentage is over 10%, while in Frankfurt it’s around 2.83%.
In terms of refusals over the past 2-3 years, Frankfurt is close to 1% (often less), while Madrid has almost ten times more refusal percentages.
But again, I might be misinterpreting the statistics. I will now delve into it more thoroughly.
I also wanted to thank you for your YouTube channel and all the services you have developed!!!
It’s a real gem for a statistics nerd like me 🙂
June 6, 2024 at 15:55
As a statistic nerd you understand the danger in working on small sample data sets. Madrid is a low volume embassy. One or two cases there could easily throw off the statistics.
But bottomline there is nothing about Madrid that is noticeably different in terms of their case handling. If you have a normal case you’ll be approved in either embassy.
June 6, 2024 at 13:03
I wanted to clarify what I meant in the previous comment:
I noticed that for EU cases in Madrid this year, the percentage of AP is over 10%, while in Frankfurt it’s around 2.83%.
June 6, 2024 at 05:15
I am DV2024 winner with case number AS34831,as asian bulletin number is quite low which country’s embassy would be best to try for shift.
June 6, 2024 at 09:27
Changing embassies won’t change your case number. Since your number probably won’t go current, there is nothing you can do.
June 5, 2024 at 02:48
Good Morning Simon
First Thank you for all the help you give you are amazing!!!
My number is very high dv 2024 47xxx to get a chance to have a chance with the new rules.
1. Is it better to go to a country where my cut off number is already current or a country where my number is about to be current?
2. How do I know an embassy is doing well, by the number of visas insurances by month?
3. When an embassy is doing very well what will be the maximum visas insurances?
Your answer will be very very helpful
June 5, 2024 at 10:08
1. Makes no difference. Your case is not affected by the except number of another country.
2. You check the site below and see if they have accepted cases close to the latest VB number. The number of issuances is not an indicator since not all embassies are busy embassies.
3. See 2.
https://dvcharts.xarthisius.xyz/ceacFY24.html
June 15, 2024 at 10:30
“The case that moved from Ethiopia to Djibouti after sending the 2nl by Djibouti Embassy, can I transfer it to Addis Ababa Embassy please advise me!
June 15, 2024 at 11:16
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-change-embassies/
June 6, 2024 at 03:23
Hi Simon, my cn is 8.9 K in Accra, as the new Policy came I’ve moved and obtained a permit in a neighboring country. I have entry visa into another neighboring country where I can lawfully reside also for the duration of the entire process. Both embassies have capacity but one has refused my request on grounds that they are overworked. The second embassy also doesn’t respond to my mail. There’s a third embassy I reach out to and told them I can be present in the country if they can accept my case. They replied saying I should write to kcc to initiate a transfer but kcc refused stating I am current for interview processing. Please advise me on things I could do to be scheduled.
June 6, 2024 at 09:26
Try to get the embassy to ask KCC on your behalf to reassign the case to them.
June 11, 2024 at 15:35
Hello Mr. Simon I’m a DV 2025Winner from Liberia and so people are saying that my case number is very high(2025AF8115) I’m so confused will be getting interviews?
June 11, 2024 at 15:49
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-801/#comment-354767
June 30, 2024 at 08:49
Hello Mike from your point what are the embassies you contacted them we in Ghana facing the same challenge thanks
June 4, 2024 at 13:59
Hey Sir,
I would like to know if a Green Card holder chooses to integrate the military services while given Nationality status will be applicable for the family derivatives (Spouse and children) or it’s applicable that one integrated in military service
Thanks for your answer
June 4, 2024 at 17:16
I don’t understand the question.
June 4, 2024 at 08:54
Dear Mr. Simon, Thank you for every thing you are sharing It is too helpful. . My question is
1. Should i move to the country I wish to transfer my case before applying for location change?
2. I have a husband and two kids. should they also moved to the country i wish to transfer my case with me from the beginning? Thank you in advance for your support.
June 4, 2024 at 10:54
1. That is up to you, considering your personal circumstances. I cannot guarantee that it will work.
2. Not necessary. The interview is arranged for the main applicant, and family members attend that interview.
June 4, 2024 at 08:05
Hello Simon,
My case is getting very difficult.
1. I first registered when I was living in DUBAI, and when I filled in my ds form, I was still there. But in the ds_260 form, I specified the interview location, which is NAIROBI. Unfortunately, I got ABU DHABI as an interview position, and I don’t live there anymore. If I try to request a transfer, these two embassies don’t respond.
I need your advice, please.
2. My friend has been selected, but he has two children over twenty-one in the first entry. It’s not possible to include them in his profile because of their age. So now he’s going to add these children to ds_260 as their children?
June 4, 2024 at 10:49
1. Either get transferred by communicating with the embassies, or attend the interview in AD.
2. Yes the over 21 children should be on the DS260.
June 4, 2024 at 01:34
Hello, Mr Simon.
Warsaw didn’t send 2nls for cases above 215** in EU although the July cutoff was 27***. Do you have any suggestions why that happened. Should I try to change the embassy in Warsaw. My case is 22***
June 4, 2024 at 10:20
They are backlogged, but with your case number you just need to remain patient.
June 4, 2024 at 11:43
Is case number 228** still ok to be patient?
June 4, 2024 at 16:40
Yes
June 6, 2024 at 02:04
I have EU25xxx in Warsaw embassy. Do you think I should be concerned?
June 6, 2024 at 09:22
Not particularly.
June 6, 2024 at 15:07
I’m sorry, I forgot to mention that this applies to DV2024 EU25xxx number. Do you still claim that the Warsaw embassy will reach EU25XXX with invitations?
June 6, 2024 at 16:01
“Claim”?? I’m not in control of what they will do. You are free to make your own assessment.
June 1, 2024 at 22:04
Hi BritSimon
Thanks for all the effort you are putting in this ,it helpful
My case number is Af186xx and my embassy is Accra.
I watched ur video concerning the movement of case from Acc to a different embassy . Please
1. Can u recommend an embassy for me to transfer my case too.?
2. Can u assist me to transfer my case, because I filled ds260 forms myself . If you can help me or recommend someone to help transfer my case ,I will pay any cost involve in the process.
3. Please I need ur advice on this. Thanks
June 1, 2024 at 22:23
1. No, the choice is specific to the person.
2. No, I dont help with cases on an individual basis.
June 1, 2024 at 23:02
Please I need your advise on the steps I should take to get my case transfer successfully
June 2, 2024 at 00:20
https://britsimonsays.com/breaking-news-policy-change-for-changing-embassies/
June 2, 2024 at 02:56
Hi Simon,
Thanks so much for the information. I am in a similar situation like James in Ghana here. You have indicated that you don’t help with cases on individual basis but we need your help with regard to the 2024 DV. Lottery.
What steps can we take for you to help us out?.
Thank you once again
June 2, 2024 at 08:53
You can follow the instructions I have published in the article and video above.
June 2, 2024 at 02:29
Hello James,
I have a similar issue like yours. Can we link up?. You can contact me on 0203035748
June 2, 2024 at 23:47
You may consider Togo, Cote D’Ivoire and probably South Africa based on current and previous records of embassy performance. Plus moving from Ghana to those places you wouldn’t require visa
June 1, 2024 at 21:05
Hi Simon. My husband is a principal winner for DV2025 and we are now in the US. I am excited of the FAM’s policy for consular process and would like to know if there is a manual for officers considering AOS process exists.
June 1, 2024 at 22:22
Nothing like that exists, although many of the rules are the same.
June 1, 2024 at 05:22
Thanks Simon for the excellent update on the policy change. I am the principal applicant from Ethiopia. My case no is 37k+, seem no hope here. Probably, I will be travelling to NY after few weeks with work visa obtained through my wife who is currently working in New York through work visa. Q is will it be wise to move the case to Nairobi who are doing very great or ask the case to move to NY?. Thanks
June 1, 2024 at 09:51
Can you get a visa to be in NY – if so that might be a good option, but you need to move fast.
June 1, 2024 at 05:01
Please Sir, my case is 9k but stacked in Accra Embassy. I want to transfer my case to Freetown town what other supporting documents must I provide to make it possible for transfer. Or can I attach a copy of my residence permit of my new location to support my transfer request? I also heard someone was also able to transfer his case which is 10k with the new policy. Thank you
June 1, 2024 at 09:49
The new policy is based on physical presence. So if you can show that you will be physically present in FTN, then the embassy may accept your case.
May 31, 2024 at 10:52
Hello.
“I have attached proof that I am physically present in your consular district”
Please explain to me, what this means? How to proof the fact of physically present? I don’t understand. Photo with local landmark.
May 31, 2024 at 12:34
Preferably something more formal than that. Use your imagination.
May 30, 2024 at 12:35
Mr Simon can an address of the country I wish to transfer my case to be a proof of physically present?
May 30, 2024 at 12:45
No. I can get an address in any country in the world. What does that prove?
May 30, 2024 at 11:04
Dear Brit Simon,
I am so grateful for this new update, our case numbers range between 8k – 15K DV24 in A*****, (one of the poorly performing embassies in West Africa) I and a couple of other DV 24 selectees had a tourists Visas and went London (UK) with this idea, being hopeful that our cases will be accepted and we will gain our interviews in London. However, just last week after we sent our proofs of being physically present in the country the Embassy responded that we needed to be residents before they will accept our cases. I hope with this things will change with this update.
May 30, 2024 at 11:21
You need to reply to their response and inform them of the new policy. Do that asap and let me know the outcome.
May 31, 2024 at 15:40
Dear Brit Simon, I responded ASAP as such and have waited the whole day, I’m yet to receive a response. However I noticed my email sent did not receive an automated response acknowledgement like the previous email sent. Could there be a problem.
May 31, 2024 at 15:45
Keep waiting.
June 11, 2024 at 11:41
Dear BritSimon, The Embassy has responded that, I should inform KCC to transfer my case to them. However KCC is denying my request saying that I am current. I am thinking of emailing the embassy to assist imitate the transfer from KCC.
June 11, 2024 at 14:07
Yes – you have to get the embassy to ask KCC on your behalf.
June 24, 2024 at 10:01
Hi Brit, I have sent the embassy emails and really pleaded my case but they say, Once the case has not yet been sent to a US embassy or Consulate, I have to contact KCC directly to assign the case to their Embassy.
Now we are in a very difficult position since KCC also does not want to transfer the case, even after sending them evidence of being present in this new jurisdiction as well as the embassies readiness to accept my case once it is transferred.
If I let the embassy know KCC is unwilling to transfer without their input, would that work for now? I am confused and sad about the outcome of events. But still holding on to hope.
Thanks.
June 10, 2024 at 08:58
Did it work ? Did you receive the interview email? We are thinking of going to another country and saying hello, we are here and sending a proof email, I hope it helps
May 30, 2024 at 01:44
Hi Simon my case number is 2024AS1209X from Nepal
Can you make a guess when will I receive my 2nl ? Is there any chances ?
May 30, 2024 at 09:56
You will have to wait for the final two Visa Bulletins
May 31, 2024 at 16:21
Hello mr brit simon. According to ceac data,is there any possibilty djibouti might be back locked and will not send 2Nls in june? My case number is Af67k and Iam waiting for 2Nl ? Thank you
May 31, 2024 at 16:27
Anything is possible
May 30, 2024 at 01:25
Hi Brit,many thanks for that strong update.Please with a family of 5 can the principal applicant do this on the behalf of the family or it’s a must to move the entire family?
May 30, 2024 at 09:54
The principal applicant would do this and then the family would join for the interview.
May 30, 2024 at 01:01
So Simon I am in Ghana now okay and with this new rule if I want Abidjan I will just go straight to the embassy with my confirmation page and they will just move my case to them from NVC if I let them know am physically present there?
May 30, 2024 at 09:52
You can try. If you are DV2024 with a case number over 10K then you may as well try because you are certain to lose your chance otherwise.
May 29, 2024 at 21:49
Simon,
Country A, DV winner goes to Embassy B country with Tourists visa and then unlock DS 260 and change current address.
After that wait for interview at there.
Like that right?
May 29, 2024 at 21:53
No, in this new instruction your address would stay the same, because it is understandable that you are a tourist. You simply contact the new embassy to prove you are physically present.
May 29, 2024 at 21:17
Is there any knowing factors of why Liberia hadn’t sent out 2nl for this month? I’m dv-2024 winner with case number AF72522.
May 29, 2024 at 21:53
No
May 30, 2024 at 04:52
Mohamed your case is not current yet.
May 29, 2024 at 20:38
I am in Guinée and my post is Dakar CN 2024AF382XX. Already ready for scheduling and until now can I move to Freetown or Liberia or Morroco?
May 29, 2024 at 21:10
You can try.
May 30, 2024 at 04:49
So I juste have to contact the New where I reside so that I can’t get 2NL for the new POST?
May 30, 2024 at 10:00
Try!
May 29, 2024 at 18:15
Thank you very much for the important information, but I have a question:
If I applied from Syria and was selected and filled out the 260 file, will these changes make any difference to my case or do I need to do something?
May 29, 2024 at 19:53
Your embassy will be Amman – and that is fine. No need to move.