I posted a video a few days ago to clarify the current status for DV2020 cases.
One topic discussed in that video (linked below) my perspective regarding a new lawsuit being suggested. I said I do NOT recommend participation in further lawsuits at this time – and I explained why.
This morning, Jesse Bless of the AILA team posted a clarifying statement on the same subject and it explains very well the position for the Gomez case participants, which is ALL of the DV2020 cases. Please take a few minutes to read that update here:
That video is here:
November 17, 2020 at 17:34
Dear Simon,
I got my visa on 3rd April and expired on 20th May. I could not renew my visa because the USA embassy in my country was closed.
Please does that mean that I am not in a class member?
In that case what shall I do? Do I need to pay for the lawyer?
Thanks
November 17, 2020 at 19:17
You were entitled to ask for a renewal of the visa up until September 30th. Others did exactly that and were processed. Why did you not do that?
It is not clear whether you will still get a chance to renew later (once the lawsuit ends). You could ask the embassy.
November 18, 2020 at 07:43
Thanks for your response.
I tried my best to renew my visa on September but because of travel restrictions I could not travel to another country and the embassy in Iraq was closed thus I lost my chance.
Please if I can get a chance by paying to the lawyer I can do that.
How can I do that?
Thanks
November 18, 2020 at 14:07
There is no need or advantage to pay anyone. But pay attention to what happens in the lawsuit. If the 9095 visas are made available, you may be able to get renewed. But you will need to act fast and be able to travel. If you don’t do that, your chance will be gone.
December 5, 2020 at 11:50
Dear Brit Simon, can you tell me when there will be news about 9095 visas?
December 5, 2020 at 15:09
Probably February/March
November 17, 2020 at 19:52
Dear Brit,
I received my Visa in September 2020.
Now i am a little confused because i need to inform my boss to quit the job 2 month before leaving.
Do you think that we could have any change to travel to USA in February.
If not i will be jobless 🙂
Regards
November 18, 2020 at 01:21
Yes at the moment I would guess that people will be able to travel in February – BUT we do not know how things might change with the virus.
In my opinion it is nuts to worry about a 2 month notice period when you are emigrating.
November 20, 2020 at 05:19
try to travel beginning of January. even for a day, just to activate your perm status. its too much risk waiting for Feb. get flexible ticket for January in case trump decides to extend the ban last minute
November 17, 2020 at 21:32
is there a name for the DV2021 lawsuit? Keen to follow that!
November 18, 2020 at 01:22
Not sure it has a name yet. Charles Kuck is one of the lead lawyers on that case.
November 24, 2020 at 01:09
Anunciato et al v. Trump et al
November 18, 2020 at 00:06
What it mean for me?
November 18, 2020 at 01:32
I don’t know anything about you – so I don’t know.
November 19, 2020 at 03:18
hello sir iam a dv 2020 winner and my case is not current .what can i do sir .any hope for myy case
November 19, 2020 at 03:46
What do you mean?
November 18, 2020 at 02:35
Sir I’m DV 2020 winner and received 2nd letter in Feb 2020 and interview date was scheduled in April 27.I still get chance to interview. After October i searched my case status in ceac.state.gov and result will come =your search didn’t return any data
What does it meant
Before October 4 my case status in ceac.state.gov
Shows your case is ready
Now I search and ( your search didn’t return any data ) please answer me what does it meant! Thanks
November 18, 2020 at 13:56
Cases are sometimes removed from CEAC. It’s not a problem.
November 18, 2020 at 03:03
Hello Mr. Simon. What do you think about this tweet from Nicolette Glazer stating DV2020 have always been eligible for a national interest waiver?
https://twitter.com/NicoletteGlazer/status/1328753238930145286?s=20
November 18, 2020 at 13:58
I would say I am confused why she or anyone else thought DV cases weren’t eligible. I have known a small number of DV cases get a waiver. They always have been eligible to apply – but generally unlikely to satisfy the conditions needed to get approval.
November 19, 2020 at 08:03
Dear Simon,
In my case I get visa on September and also I admitted to phd program with GTA offer , my enrollment will take place at January after they differ me last August due to embassy closure, so this reason qualify me to apply for NIE now ? Or in case the ban extended which hopefully not.
Thank you very much.
Keep safe
November 19, 2020 at 19:27
That is not what is needed for NIE.
November 29, 2020 at 07:06
Hello Mr.Simon
Thank you always for giving us important informations!
What exactly needs for requesting NIE wavier?
If I have valid visa can I ask for it without any job license like a doctor related to fighting with covid19?
I also saw her tweet about NIE and she said “starting from tomorrow you can ask for NIE request with valid visa”
Do you know where does this information come from? Because i was looking at travel.state.gov but could not find anything.
Well i want to know if you just have valid visa you can request the wavier?
November 29, 2020 at 15:12
No, you need a strong compelling reason that is would be in America’s interest (or really the interest of someone in America) to have you here sooner. It’s rare.
November 18, 2020 at 05:14
Dear Simon,
I got the visa for me and my family in September 2020. Of course it has this annotation on it “subject to pp 10014”, do you recommend we travel right after December 31st? I am quite confused and don’t know what to do about our jobs and kids school.
Please advise.
Thanks
November 18, 2020 at 14:00
If you watch the video I explain that clearly.
November 18, 2020 at 08:28
Hi Britsimon,
am peter Yak, with case No 2021AF9K, my interview location Khartoum in my DS-260. Am from south Sudan, iam really worries about the location of my interview becoz Sudan is among the ban countries. as am waiting for my Case to current OR 2NL. will it affect my case? if yes, can i change my interview location?
November 18, 2020 at 14:10
The ban applies to Sudanese applicants regardless of where they interview. However, I believe President Elect Biden will remove the ban in January, so you should wait and see what happens.
November 18, 2020 at 09:09
Hello Brit, thanks for the updates. Following this update, do I stand a chance amongst the 9095 visas that would be issued. My CN is Af49*** and I got the ready for scheduling mail since March. Thanks
November 18, 2020 at 14:11
We are still waiting to know about the court case.
November 18, 2020 at 12:54
Brit, You should watch couple of Charles Kuck and Greg Siskind’s FB live videos. You are very popular there. They always say to get DV advice from you. You’ll be able to start an immigration law firm soon 😀
November 18, 2020 at 14:17
The last thing I need is another job! 🙂
November 18, 2020 at 13:07
HI BRIT ,what about named plaintiffs on kennedy etc,you seem to forget that on the first order on september Judge Mehta gave priority to named plaintiffs,what changed so much that you dont give even a hint that it could happen again,in the end its only your opinion until the final order,you are not telepatic ,you had this thought on september ,but it was a big surprise for all of us when plaintiffs got priority thats why i got on kennedy lawsuit,You were skeptic for the curtis lawsuit ,but in the end all of them got visas even the persons with highest case numbers?have a nice day or night
November 18, 2020 at 15:33
Your question is hard to understand, but are you asking why Kennedy had a chance where a new suit doesn’t? Well that’s not exactly what I am saying.
First, there is a difference. Kennedy was in and protected by the order prior to the deadline. So – there is justification for them to be treated as named plaintiffs in the final order – although that is not certain yet of course. You can read my quoted response to another similar question below.
Second, I am saying the new lawsuit is either trying to protect people that are already protected under the Gomez suit OR trying to move those people up in priority and as Jesse Bless points out that would “likely be improper”. He explains why in his statement.
Here is what I answered to someone else earlier today.
“The Kennedy suit was included PRIOR to the September 30th deadline, so theoretically could benefit from being “named” plaintiffs. However, the final order would determine if that prioritization (being a remaining named plaintiff) would be the method of priority, OR whether it will be left to the government to decide the priority. If it is the latter, then cases at the embassies (AP and previously cancelled appointments), plus lower case number group 4’s is probably who would get the 9095. Again – it depends on the final decision and the way he writes the order.”
November 18, 2020 at 13:40
Hello sir so reserve 9095 visas DV 2020 will for remainning lower cases number
November 18, 2020 at 15:36
MAYBE. We don’t know for sure yet.
November 19, 2020 at 00:57
So higher case have no chance sir
November 19, 2020 at 03:44
You need to pay attention to what I said.
November 18, 2020 at 13:43
Hello Brit,
1. I am winner of dv 2020.
2. My visa is ussued on Sep 30.
3. Now I can not enter to USA because of PP 10014.
4. Can you explain me judge Mehta’s decision regarding to PP 10014 on Nov 17?
5. May I enter to USA now?
November 18, 2020 at 15:38
No you should still wait. If you feel you have some reason why the USA needs you to be able come here before the ban is over, you could apply for a waiver – but honestly that is not likely at all. Does a few weeks really make a difference?
November 19, 2020 at 14:12
Hello Simon, what do you mean by applying for a waiver?
I also have a visa issued on Sep 2020 and I am interested to try to enter US before 31st Dec, but some agencies have told me that it is not a good idea becuase it is a possibility that they will cancel my visa.
November 19, 2020 at 20:19
Again, is there any reason why you entering early is important for you, or for the USA?
November 19, 2020 at 20:39
For me Yes- If you knew me and my life, you’d give me right.
Anyways, thank you for answering.
November 18, 2020 at 17:18
Does it mean AF2020 has low chance?
November 18, 2020 at 17:24
I am group 3 and I was emailed for appointment on April [Ethiopia]
November 18, 2020 at 18:34
OK – your follow up question is more useful. We are still waiting for the final order, so you still have to wait and see what happens.
November 18, 2020 at 18:33
It means what it says. Telling me the region and year does nothing to let me answer you more usefully.
November 18, 2020 at 17:32
Hello sir, i m dv winner 2020 from nepal. Now my case is at nvc. But before the final decision of DV 2020 was made, I had to take my sick brother to USA for his treatment. According to the hospital, the treatment may take 5/6 months or more. But since I have a pending case of dv 2020, can I go to USA with my sick brother or not? Even if I get to go, after the final decision of my DV 2020, if I get a chance, will I have any embarrassment or not? What can I do in this situation? I hope you have a good suggestion. Thank you.
November 18, 2020 at 18:36
Your pending case has no impact on whether you can go to the USA now or not. All you can do is wait for the final judgement.
November 18, 2020 at 17:42
Hi Brit,
My question is about DV-2021 Visa Bulletins.
1. As most of the embassies all over the world are closed or partially functional, interviews are not happening at the normal speed. However, currently VB case numbers are progressing with usual pace if we compare VBs of previous years’ corresponding months. How it is possible? I mean why there is no stagnancy in VB case number progression considering the slowness in interview process due to pandemic? It’s good for all of us if it’s really progressing. But is it really happening?
November 18, 2020 at 18:37
DV2021 consular interviews are not happening at all. So the VB could slow because the movement is only to do with AOS cases.
November 18, 2020 at 21:28
Hello sir. If so, with closed ambassies in many countries because of the COVID and maybe only few cases will be processed, in this case, do you think that by May kcc can just do all region current like with dv2020?
November 18, 2020 at 22:47
Mathematically that couldn’t happen, but of course this year will also be affected by COVID. So the only way that could happen is if so few cases are processed (because of covid) that KCC basically throw the case number ordering constraint away and just try to get as many cases through as possible. Really there is no point trying to predict anything at all right now.
November 19, 2020 at 06:26
Yeah it’s just impossible to do any prediction actually.Thanks sir!
November 19, 2020 at 06:38
Hello Sir
I am DV 2020 winner and my interview was first schedule for January 6, 2020 but due to my chest report was not clear I have to go through sputum test and finally report was clear and got new interview schedule for march 18 but in our country all Immigrant visa processing was cancelled on march 17 and my interview also cancelled. But on September 21, 2020 I got new date but since my medical report was expired and I have to go through same medical process since I got medical hold last time so there is 95% chance to hold again and got hold but this time I have not 56 days to go through to sputum test to submit my clear report, unfortunately my dream to US was cancelled again but I have gone through medical report and 56 days have been pass and no call from IOM(International Organization of Migration) that mean my report is clear so my question is did I am included in Gomez lawsuit , did I have any chance or what should be my next step
November 19, 2020 at 19:10
Your case is included in the Gomez lawsuit BUT the final outcome of that case is not decided yet, and it is not clear which cases will be prioritized – so watch closely for developments.
November 20, 2020 at 01:50
Thank you Sir
November 19, 2020 at 14:48
1.Have gov lawyers appealed judge mehtas order regarding 9095??
2.In your opinion when will the final decision of dv2020 comes out?
November 19, 2020 at 20:41
1. No – the government lawyers have filed an appeal.
2. I don’t know.
November 19, 2020 at 18:00
I’ve been reading your blog for a while, and have the only question. Dv21 winners have already lost 3 full months of interviews. No one has been called for January, hence possible 1 more month. As I recall, dv20 have lost 5,5 months (don’t know when exactly did they stop interviews on March), let’s say 5,5 months. In your opinion, why this year shouldn’t be anxious (as you keep saying), and why everyone put their attention only on 2020 lawsuits etc when this year almost have lost the same number of months! It’s just a mathematical nonsense) 2020 have been interviewed and stable before covid happened,till April evth was fine for them, which is not the case for 21. No one even sure that embassies will be able to work this year(21). And i know, you were saying smth about low processing times till Christmas, and it’s ok not to have interviews these 3 month. But honestly, it’s strange that this year is completely forgotten. Like it never happened. I’ve never seen any lawsuit pushing embassies to start issue 21 visas. Nonsense.
November 20, 2020 at 01:54
Well you are not quoting me correctly for a start.
What I have said is that 9 months of interviews would be (theoretically) enough to issue enough visas to meet the quota IF the embassies and KCC operate at “full speed”. In the last three weeks of September they issued 6k visas which was a great effort. So – 9 months x 6k – that would be enough. BUT that assumes full speed – and does not allow for any more delays.
As for your silly assertion that no one is doing anything. You are obviously not aware of the work being done behind the scenes. There are efforts being made to fight for DV2021 applicant. So – be respectful and grateful that people are doing that.
Then the other point you raise. This year will probably be messed up by COVID. So, even with the best of intentions, it is possible (likely) that DV2021 will be impacted. I have never made any secret about that – you are just being selective in what you are hearing. However, focus was given to DV2020 when they had almost no time, and “we” (the people that fight for people such as you for free) will do our best even when the attitude of some people comes across in an ungrateful way. However, there are no guarantees.
November 20, 2020 at 02:17
thanks . great job, i hope everything will go well.I hope that interview start in January.
November 20, 2020 at 03:42
People are frustrated because DV2021 did not get a good start like DV2020 did. But look at it this way, DV2020 lost the last few months. There was only a small chance to recover those lost months work. But DV2021 lost only the first few months, like Brit said when the interviews finally start, its theoretically possible for KCC and embassies to catch up on the lost time and I think that they will under a Biden administration. Also like Brit said lawyers are working on getting the interviews started asap. So I would say that we still have a good chance.
November 20, 2020 at 04:31
To be clear, NO DV year gets a good start. By the time the COVID shutdown happened (mid March) only 13000 visas had been issued. That is largely because the first three months is always slow for issuances – partly because it’s holiday season and the previous year takes up some time. So – my perspective was that DV2021 losing the first 3 months of the year (usually 3 slow months) is nowhere near as damaging as losing the 6 middle/end months. The two things are not at all comparable!
Having said that, if KCC continue to not schedule case, even this month, then time will also be a factor, along with other threats to DV2021 cases.
By the way, the lawyers who have filed a DV2021 case just won another lawsuit today where a federal judge AGAIN pointed out the government not processing or interviewing because of the ban was illegal, BUT he accepted that COVID has some impact on processing, which is the same perspective taken by Judge Mehta. In other words, as I mentioned earlier, everyone is an adult, everyone must accept that COVID will affect things and whilst that might be unfair, life is unfair sometimes. The government cannot be held responsible in these cases for things they cannot control.
November 20, 2020 at 06:18
Agreed. Correct me if I’m wrong, the government can at least schedule interviews on countries that are not hugely effected by COVID? I mean there are lots of them where embassies are opened and ruining at a reasonable capacity. We saw that in September.
November 20, 2020 at 06:41
You are very correct dear.
It cost the moon after been selected to have a visa.
November 20, 2020 at 14:23
They can do that. Question is – will they? Remember they only did that in September because they were ordered to do so.
November 20, 2020 at 15:06
Yes Brit, Sadly even with a court order some consulates refused to continue interviews.
November 20, 2020 at 15:40
Yes, I know, and that will probably continue. In some cases (but not all) local conditions would have made that necessary. But there were certainly some embassies that inexplicably remained shut.
November 20, 2020 at 11:12
Faith, dv 2020 did not just lose the last few months as u put it. From March to September when the interviews started after court intervention is such huge time. That’s the time the visa bulletin moves in large case numbers. Imagine in AF for example, from case no 32000 did not get 2nls.
November 20, 2020 at 14:59
You are correct my friend. Like Brit said the damage done to DV2020 is no where near the current damage to 2021.
November 22, 2020 at 13:52
That’s true faith. If interviews for dv 2021 can start in Jan, hopefully at 5k a month, yearly quota is likely to be met. Unlike 2020 who are unlikely to reach even 35k.
November 19, 2020 at 23:27
Hi brit
Depending on your answers, the 9095 visas could possibly be canceled.
1-I would like to know what is really our chance to win this lawsuit
2-if we win the case and no case is privileged what will be the luck of each and everyone according to the groups.
3-would it be possible to attempt yet another trial if this one fails
November 20, 2020 at 01:36
1. So would I.
2. OK – so you expect me to have a crystal ball.
3. In my opinion, not without a change of the law.
November 20, 2020 at 13:17
Hi Simon
My case number is AF714*** i’m winner of dv2020 and i was send all documents on November 2019 and olso i was participate lawsuits for Gomez. Has i chance for interview ?
November 20, 2020 at 14:29
I don’t know. You will have to wait and see, but obviously with your high number, and the fact that you were not scheduled, you are unlikely to be high priority, so even if we win the final judgement you may not get one of the visas because there is a limited supply.
November 20, 2020 at 16:10
hi brith
winner DV2020 case number AF555 ** participate in the Gomez lawsuit. Do I have a chance to have an interview?
November 20, 2020 at 16:26
Same answer I just gave above!
November 20, 2020 at 13:24
Hi brit I it possible to travel to the US before paying uscis fee? Because I which to do so
November 20, 2020 at 14:29
Yes
November 20, 2020 at 13:27
I also which to ask if I can book my flight now to travel in 2 January 2021.or it risky.
November 20, 2020 at 14:29
You can do that – but make sure the tickets are changeable.
November 21, 2020 at 10:43
What about the lawsuit of Curtis Morrison.I have take part in Curtis Morrison lawsuit prior to September 30.Is there is any hope getting the visa including that law suit.when is the final decisions on the Curtis law suit.
November 21, 2020 at 15:53
The Kennedy suit is now part of the Gomez suit – and that one is going through appeals process. It could be weeks or months before we have a decision.
November 22, 2020 at 16:17
It is possible for final Hearing on late December 2020?
November 22, 2020 at 16:35
Anything is “possible”. That doesn’t mean likely- I think we are looking at later than December.
November 22, 2020 at 19:04
Oh no, gomaz law suit is already about 5 month. Let’s hope , it’s final conclusion will be on nine months as same as baby birth cycle. Haha. Any way Thank you.
November 22, 2020 at 06:12
im not participate in any lawsuits…thats means there is no chance for me…
November 22, 2020 at 14:42
You’re not paying attention, so that will ruin your chances.
November 23, 2020 at 02:48
Hello sir, Greetings
I am a 2020 DV winner from Nepal. My case no is around 12500. I think everything is gone now. Is there any chance left for us?
November 23, 2020 at 03:08
The lawsuit is ongoing.
November 23, 2020 at 16:33
Hy brit
M dv2020 winner with case no as13*** from nepal
Participated in Kennedy lawsuit (part of the Gomez suit ).
is there any benefit of lawsuit to us? How they classify 9095 reserved visa to 2020 winner?
November 23, 2020 at 20:38
We don’t know yet exactly how the final outcome will work.
November 27, 2020 at 19:28
Zoya g u hav chance
November 23, 2020 at 22:13
Hi Brit
I’m not involved in any lawsuits, Do I have any chances get a visa?
November 23, 2020 at 22:16
I don’t know. I don’t know your year, or where you got in terms of interview readiness for scheduling.
November 23, 2020 at 22:52
Im winner dv lottery 2019, but I’m not involved in any lawsuits, Ive got this mail in march 13 Congratulations! Our records indicate that you have submitted all required documentation to the Kentucky Consular Center and are ready to be scheduled for an interview when your case number becomes current. Interviews are scheduled numerically based on case numbers that have completed processing.and after Covid
Ive get it in Sep 17 the same mail.
2020EU278## Do I have a chanse to get a visa?
thanks for your understanding
November 23, 2020 at 22:58
Do I have a chace to get a visa from 9095 ?
November 24, 2020 at 22:32
You are not a 2019 case – you are DV 2020.
I don’t know how (or if) the 9095 will be prioritized.
November 23, 2020 at 23:30
Dear Simon,
Hope you are well.
My DV-2020 visa expires on 12th of March 2021, and I think I should book my flight nowadays. I found a flight with layover in Istanbul and with basic research I found that Turkey is not one of the restricted countries and the flight with good cancellation and change terms. Please confirm that layover through Turkey is ok and whether you recommend booking now or wait till 31st of December 23:59 to make sure the ban is not extended. Also, are we required to do a PCR (the covid-19 test) at home to present the result in The US airport?
Last question, do you recommend paying the green card fees on the USCIS website now to accelerate the process to receive it as soon as I enter the country? Or just wait to avoid more money loss in case we could not make it!
Thankfully yours,
Mina Magdy
November 24, 2020 at 22:50
As far as I know Turkey causes no problem but you need to decide for yourself. Same with PCR.
I would wait to pay the fee.
November 28, 2020 at 23:35
Thanks a lot.
I booked to Seattle on 1st of January, but I will have a layover for 1:35 hours only in Chicago airport. Will that be enough for the immigration procedures or this will happen in Seattle as I will enter the country from there. In other words, which of the two cities shall be considered the port of entry Seattle or Chicago?
Many thanks,
Mina Magdy
November 29, 2020 at 00:33
No that is not enough time.
November 24, 2020 at 11:10
Dear Brit,
what do you think about PP 9984?
I am from Italy and I’m subjected to the Schengen ban (which cause a tourism shoutdown also). Unlike the PP10014, subjected to an expire date, the Schengen ban must be remove by a new President proclamation. Are there some rumours? Has President Biden ever mentioned it?
Thanks a lot
November 24, 2020 at 23:15
Not that I know of, but you can easily quarantine for 14 days in a third country.
November 25, 2020 at 02:02
Dear Brit,
Let’s assume I am not allowed to enter the U.S. because of the immigrant ban in december. Can I then fly to the country I want to (for example Mexiko) and wait there until january or do they send me back to my home country?
Thanks a lot for your answer.
Best
Martin
November 25, 2020 at 03:33
I don’t know.
November 26, 2020 at 09:41
Hi britsimon.
I want to confirm weather the new visa restrictions for Africa made by trump can affect the 2021 dv. It is state that any visitors required to pay 15000 dollars before entering the USA..?
November 26, 2020 at 13:54
Your answer is in your question.Dv visa is not a visitor visa. Visitor visa are B1 and B2 visas.
November 26, 2020 at 17:34
That does not impact DV lottery.
November 27, 2020 at 01:59
Hi Brit
Firstly I wanted to wish you and the family a happy thanksgiving and a big thank you for all your hard work in assisting us via this amazing blog.
I received my visa at the end of September subject to PP10014 and have booked my flight for the 2nd January. I don’t want to pay my visa fee until it’s certain I can fly out that day (no ban extension). I’ve read that you mentioned you can pay the $220 after travel. Is this payment made straight to an immigration officer once I land or after I have gone through the port of entry (online)?
Thank you for your time
Kind regards
Nicki
November 27, 2020 at 14:32
It’s online, whether you pay before or after travel.
November 27, 2020 at 19:36
Thank you Brit
November 27, 2020 at 10:12
Hi!!!
1) do you think the appeal of government lawyers may lead to the cancellation of visas obtained in September?
2)on January 20 there will be a new government team will they continue with the appeal of Trump’s lawyers?
November 27, 2020 at 14:53
1. Absolutely not.
2. We will have to wait and see.
November 27, 2020 at 17:07
Hello,
Very tough time for life at this point of period.
November 29, 2020 at 12:09
Hi brits
Does donal trump has any plans to end the DV lottery program? His immigration law are being too much
November 29, 2020 at 15:32
No one gives a crap what Donald Trump thinks.
November 30, 2020 at 09:50
If I pay the green card fee ($220) before travelling to the usa what will happen if I couldnt enter the usa/ activate my lpr status. Do I have to pay it again in the next attempt
November 30, 2020 at 15:22
No.
But you can pay after you entered and avoid the confusion.
December 2, 2020 at 20:38
I’m not really sure I understand this. So participating in a lawsuit increases my change to getting one of the 9095 visas? If so, could you please guide?
Or should I just wait and see?
I had a local embassy interview arranged in April DV2020 but got cancelled.
Any idea what is the number of visas/ case number after which the 9095 will be counting?
December 2, 2020 at 20:40
chances*
December 3, 2020 at 14:02
There is no additional lawsuit that can increase your chances. You are already covered by the Gomez suit. You simply have to wait and see the outcome.
For your last question – we cannot calculate a case number that will be the final lucky case.
December 4, 2020 at 01:53
Has the government decided not to challenge the visas issued in September?
December 4, 2020 at 02:50
The dropped an appeal, but that was just a matter of convenience. They could object again later. So don’t read anything into that.
December 5, 2020 at 07:54
Hi Brit,
I got my DV2020 visa issued sept 24th so valid until March 24th. I am in Australia which is covid free and in summer and hence I’m not rushing to enter the mess and winter of America with covid.
Do you really think if I wait past Jan 20th to enter there is much of a risk that Biden would somehow ban immigrants? Even Trump gave the courtesy of allowing those with visas issued before April to enter.
My ideal plan would be to enter the US in March when vaccinations will be more available. If you were in the lucky position of being in a covid free country in summer would you still enter the US before Jan 20th? Is the risk that great? (If Trump doesn’t extend the ban)
December 5, 2020 at 15:02
Trump gave no such courtesy. We sued for that ability.
You will have to make these decisions for yourself. Biden will have to fix the COVID negligence that has happened this year. I “doubt” that would include shutting out immigrants, but obviously I cannot be 100% certain. I’m probably 95% certain though.
December 5, 2020 at 16:52
Hi Simon
Hope all fine with you!
When do you think judge Chen will rule on the PI presented by @curtisatlaw?!
Thank you in advance.
December 5, 2020 at 16:56
I don’t know.
December 6, 2020 at 16:02
Dear Brit,
While waiting to find out if the immigrant ban will lapse by 31/12/2020, I’m making tentative plans to enter USA on 9 March after visiting my son in Toronto for 3 weeks (my DV visa expires on 21 March). Then to leave the States around 29 March to wind up things before my final departure from current country of residence for the permanent move to USA. I’m assuming the SSN and Green Card wouldn’t be available yet before I leave the US on 29 March. Someone in the States mentioned that I might have problem on my return if I don’t have the SSN (even if I have the LPR stampled in my passport). Is this true?
Thanks & best regards.
Beryl
December 6, 2020 at 17:15
Utter nonsense.
December 7, 2020 at 18:52
Thanks Brit. This gives me some peace of mind. Best regards.
December 18, 2020 at 00:39
Good day, I am Teahdee. My Husband (Jacob) and I selectees of the 2020 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, My Case Number 2020AF00044XXX and we didn’t received any interview date before April. So where do we stand within the 2020 Diversity Immigrant program.
December 18, 2020 at 03:47
No need to give full names and case numbers, so I edited that for you.
Where do you stand? Well in any normal you you would be left without a visa and no options. It would normally be too late.
This year, there is a chance for some cases to be processed and get a visa. However, that is not 100% certain (we have to wait for the outcome of a court case), and it is not certain who will be processed first. So – all you can do is wait and see.
December 18, 2020 at 05:47
Hi Mr.Brit, hope you’re doing well & safe ☺
Do you have any idea why Gomez’s counsel proposed the final judgement to be in April sir?
Thank you.
December 18, 2020 at 14:18
Because they want the legal process to play out. But since the USA is in a mess right now, delaying processing for those cases is not a bad thing.
December 19, 2020 at 09:49
Well, thank you for your reply sir.
We don’t really understand about this law thing, we just really worried if we should get a new medical check up & should do another sputum test even the result isn’t a TB case & miss out our chance to get this greencard..
December 19, 2020 at 14:55
Understood. You could gamble and have another medical, but it could obviously end up being a waste of time and money. Your choice.
December 21, 2020 at 14:54
Update on Public Charge
Last Updated: August 7, 2020
On Wednesday, July 29, the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York enjoined the Department of State from “enforcing, applying, implementing, or treating as effective” the Department’s October 2019 interim final rule and accompanying Foreign Affairs Manual guidance related to the public charge ground of visa ineligibility. The Department is complying with the court’s order and is in the process of updating its guidance to consular officers on how to proceed under the preliminary injunction. In the interim, visa applications that appear to be ineligible under INA 212(a)(4) will be refused for administrative processing to allow for consultation with the Department, including legal review to ensure compliance with applicable court orders. Visa applicants are not requested to take any additional steps at this time and should attend their visa interviews as scheduled. Applicants are not required to complete nor should they present the DS-5540, Public Charge Questionnaire.
December 21, 2020 at 17:46
Why are you posting this?
December 23, 2020 at 22:51
Helo berit
new Visa Bulletin has been released. This one would normally be the bulletin controlling interviews in February, but of course we can assume that KCC will not schedule interviews in February because nothing has changed, from their perspective. The ban is still in place.
So – I do not expect KCC to send 2NLs in the remainder of December. The next “changes” that could cause them to start scheduling will be:
The 10014/10052 ban expiring in January (I expect it will because as I predicted, Trump is too busy lining his pockets and whining about the election)
The change to the new administration on January 20.
A legal action such as the Anunciato case.
Of course the other major hurdle for DV2021 cases is the pandemic itself. That is causing some embassies to remain closed and it may well be that the government need to be told (probably because of the lawsuit) to treat DV cases as emergency cases in order to get the partially open embassies to see DV cases at all. It could be that this is the deciding factor about whether KCC will begin scheduling at all, even once the ban is lifted. So – that will mean that the Anunciato case class certification and decision is the key to getting DV2021.
Again, we can see the numbers have only increased slightly, and is lower after four months than normal. That should not be a surprise really because this is an abnormal year where NO cases are being scheduled yet. That means the VB should not be increased much as there were already enough cases that were ready for scheduling from the earlier numbers. That is how the VB works, and you should NOT be calculating expected final VB numbers based on the month to month progress. To understand why that means case number increases had to be small this month, watch the video posted below.
Region All DV Chargeability Areas Except
Those Listed Separately
AFRICA 12,000 Except: Egypt 7,200
ASIA 5,000 Except: Iran 3,000
Nepal 3,950
EUROPE 8,200
NORTH AMERICA (BAHAMAS) 5
OCEANIA 725
SOUTH AMERICA,
and the CARIBBEAN 875
To those new to looking at VBs, let me explain what the “except” XXX country means. Some countries have been called out as “exceptions” meaning that selectees chargeable to those two countries (regardless of where they will interview) are subject to a lower VB number for the month than the rest of the region. This is done to slow down processing for countries with a high number of selectees to spread out the workload over a longer time. Please read this linked article
Thank you
December 29, 2020 at 09:27
Hi Brit,
I got the visa with my family during last September according the lawsuits and it’s subject to PP 10014. I have made a travel plan on 1-Janurary-2021 and flight tickets are issued already. Today’s morning, I received a call from the airlines (which is the local company in the country – Saudi Airlines) telling me that the embassy is rejecting our travel, they don’t know the reason and they asked me to contact them and check the reason and resolve it. They told me our reservations are still confirmed and no need to contact them again after resolving the issue with the embassy.
I tried to call the embassy on phone but the representative insists to send email and they only respond on emails, so I did send an email to them to clarify and asking them to approve my travel in case the PP10014 is not extended and I promised also to cancel my travel just in case it’s extended at last moment.
Now, I am waiting for there response but I want you advise in case they didn’t respond on-time or their response was not positive, what should I do? Does the airlines can reject my travel at the airport based on the embassy feedback even if the proclamation wouldn’t be extended as they don’t know the details and they just have that rejection?
Regards,
Ahmed
December 29, 2020 at 10:40
@Ahmad
What time is your flight? you want to make sure that your departure date is January 1 eastern time USA .this my opinion unless there is something we dont know
December 29, 2020 at 10:48
I checked the time zone now and I found It’s 31 Dec 2020 on10 PM, however the arrival is at Jan 1st noon time.
December 29, 2020 at 16:27
It has nothing to do with time zone, the departure time is local time.
December 30, 2020 at 09:24
Hello Ahmed,
Do you have any update/ reply from the Embassy!?
Thank you and good luck!
December 30, 2020 at 10:44
I just receive a reply from the embassy now and I think it’s positive one, Here is it’s:
Good afternoon,
We are sorry to hear you are having trouble traveling. We do not understand what the airline told you. The U.S. Embassy did not contact your airline or reject your travel. We recommend that you work with the airline to resolve their concerns. Your visa authorizes you to seek entry to the United States once the Proclamation expires.
December 30, 2020 at 11:04
I’m happy that the reply was positive.
Good luck to you and your family!
December 29, 2020 at 13:35
You are really frightening me out, because in some way embassies know about government moves, for example when the ban was extended on June, they sent me back the passport without visa a day before the ban was extended. Hope he wont extend the ban again! Good luck everybody! Please inform us what you are going to do Ahmed
December 29, 2020 at 16:25
I see a later answer where you say you would board during the ban. I told everyone NOT to do that. I wish you had followed my advice.
The airline will do as the embassy say. The embassy does not want yiou to travel during the ban. So change your ticket.
December 29, 2020 at 16:29
What about boarding on 1st Jan Simon ?
December 29, 2020 at 16:36
That would be better, but the government departments seem to work on the basis that they don’t assume a ban will end until it has actually ended. As an example, KCC are doing the same thing by not scheduling January interviews. They are doing that because there is a ban now. So – if an airline asks an embassy right up to Dec 31, they could give the “wrong” answer (correct by their procedures).
December 29, 2020 at 16:54
So, if the ban wont be extended till 31st Dec on midnight, it means is ok to board on 1st Jan?
Thanks to the ban I am suffering from anxiety now.
Thank you Simon for your patience to answer all these questions.
December 29, 2020 at 18:52
Yes
December 29, 2020 at 11:44
@ Ahmad
Then most probably that’s why. i know 2 hours is not a big deal but technically it is still 31st in the US an PP 10014 still applies.
Perhaps Brit can give more insight and hopefully the embassy gets back to you.
pls keep us updated. thanks
December 29, 2020 at 12:25
@ Ahmad,
Btw how did the airlines know you cant travel ? did you share your visa with them and maybe they shared it with the embassy for pre clearance ?
December 29, 2020 at 12:36
No I didn’t share the Visa with them and they don’t know its type even (e.g. Tourism, Immigration, etc.). They have only my passport details and that’s the strange point. I didn’t know they are doing any validation with the embassy. What if I did the reservation at last moment! I really don’t know what should I do. Changing the ticket at that moment will cause a big lose.
December 29, 2020 at 12:54
@ Ahmad,
Frankly they should be lenient with this stuff especially its only 2 hours before PP expiry. but in all cases if its bad news its better to know before hand thn at the airport
good luck
December 31, 2020 at 00:53
Hi britsimon
Is immigration ban extended?
December 31, 2020 at 02:56
Not yet.
December 31, 2020 at 04:23
What about this order? Does it mean extension of 10014/ 10052 or something else
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/memorandum-extension-memorandum-visa-sanctions/
December 31, 2020 at 05:21
Something else, but the fact that Trump is signing something is a concern. I had hoped he would do nothing on the ban since he has done nothing on anything else since November, except try and steal the election.
December 31, 2020 at 06:54
Hi
I have book my flight on Sat 2nd Jan. what should I do now?
🙁
December 31, 2020 at 15:31
Nothing changed yet.