How many messages has dad read to you so far that says how wonderful he is? 🙂 You know, he probably helps more people, in more countries, than even HE realises – because every person he helps has their own families, who are also helped! It’s like throwing a stone in the water at the beach…the ripples keep going and going! That’s what it is like every time your dad answers a question – more and more people learn. I know my own daughter, even though she’s a grown up, will think it is cool to have someone help me move to the US by answering my silly questions, just so she has somewhere nice to have a holiday! I’m sending this from Perth in Western Australia (ask dad to Google ‘Fremantle’ – I live near there). Like your mum and dad, I also want to move to the US with my husband, and we are as old as your dad is (!), so it certainly doesn’t matter what age you are – you can do anything! I hope you are loving California – that is where I used to live and where I want to come back to. I bet your accent has changed a little by now too!
You take very special care of yourself, have a wonderful halloween (I think that is coming up in a few weeks!) and remember, every time your dad is helping someone with his SuperSimon SuperHero cape on, he is helping other mums, other dads, and their own ‘Sofia’s’.
Dear Sophia
Hello from Johannesburg, South Africa ! South Africa is a beautiful country ..we have beautiful animals, lovely trees … friendly people and tasty , tasty food.
I have a 6 year old son who loves playing outside on his jungle gym and loves swimming at school. The only negative part is that crime is out of control and although we have lots of nice things here, I would like my 6 year old son to be able to live in a country where the crime is less than it is here – so that one day when he is older he will be able to enjoy his independence without facing the dangers that he currently does. I hope that he gets the opportunity to study in a university where he will be accepted based on his academic results and not the colour of his skin and that he gets a job based on the same.
I hope that you Sophia get to visit South Africa some day when it is safe – the Kruger National Park is a must …and I think you will love the “table cloth ” in Cape Town ( which is cloud that looks like a table cloth that covers Table Mountain in Cape Town )
Enjoy the treehouse….. its going to be lots of fun !
xxx
N
Hi Sofia:
My name is Mohamed and I am from Alexandria (which was built by Alexander the Great), Egypt. I am now working in Saudi Arabia and I have lived 6 years when I was child in Kuwait.
Egypt is the land of the Pharaohs and where you can see the Sphinx, the Great Pyramids and the famous young prince Tut Ankh Amon.
I have studied Hieroglyphs, so I know how to read magical spells and speak to the Mummies 🙂 (Joking) and I will try to send your name in Hieroglyphs. And as for your Nick Name in Arabic in Egypt it will be Safi (which means pure) or Saf-Saf (Sparrow singing)
As for your father you should be proud of him, he is very Great and Kind Gentleman because he is helping thousands of people without any charges and makes thousands of people feeling happy, one of those people was my father who was very happy to know that I am going to travel to America. And according to my relation with my father I can say in confident way that if your father was able to bring a piece from the SKY he will never hesitate to doing so just to make you feel happy, and believe me when I say that you will be always a child in your dads eyes no matter how much you grow up you will be always his little beautiful girl.
If you father send to me his e-mail I will be glad to write your name in Hieroglyphs.
And finally as for you Mr.Britsimon it was my pleasure to get to know you, people like you change the world to a better place, and I hope to meet you face to face in America.
Greetings & Appreciation
Alexandria, Egypt
أزيك يا صوفيا وإيه أخبارك ؟ إن شاء الله أشوفك في أمريكا مع والدك وأحاول أساعدكم في بناء بيت الشجرة بتاعك ومتخافيش أنا بفهم في النجارة والبيت إن شاء الله يتبنى بشكل جميل.
وأنا مبسوط جداً إني تعرفت على والدك وهو شخصية محترمة وراقية جداً في التعامل وبيحب الخير لكل الناس عشان كده ناس كتير بتحبه وتحترمه.
تحياتي ليكي وللعائلة الكريمة.
Hi sophia…Have always been thrilled by your Dad’s Invaluable support to people he never met.Am a dv-2015 currently an LPR in Newjersey.
I spent over 2 years reading your dads post on immigration.com forum and sharing the knowledge acquired to many more dv winners.
Your Dad offered real time replies at that crucial moment and am very proud of Him.Thank you Sophia for giving away your valuable pertanal bond for a stranger like me (Kenyan).I live happily with my wife and 3 daughters Ann 17,Esther 8 and Linda 5.Our donations coming soon.Simon
Hi Sofia,
Your Dad is doing a great job, he is helping people to achieve their American Dream. And nowadays it is very rare to find such persons like your Dad, when you get older you will understand better! God bless you and your family Brit!!
Hello Sofia. My name is Vicky and I am originally from South Africa. I am currently living in the cold and wet United Kingdom – I live in Stockport which is near Manchester in England. I really do hope that you will enjoy your treehouse, your dad is working really hard towards that. You must be very proud. Will you be helping him put the tree house together? Maybe if I am lucky enough to get through the visa process with your dad’s fantastic help, I might even get to see it! Or you can ask your dad to post a picture on here for us to see. What do you think? Take care and be good 🙂 Vicky
Really i cant leave the page without saying “Thank you very much” BritSimon ..
and
Hello Sofia .
you have a great father who likse to help people and maybe one day some of these people will meet you and say ” Uh .. you are BritSimon’s daughter…uh my God..your dad is a very nice person …we know him!”lol
Thanks so much for your time and effort to make this American dream happen. I received my GC today and can not express how much gratitude I owe to you through this website. For me, getting lottery is already amazing enough at a time when I just graduate and worry that I can’t get H1B. However something more incredible is that the professionalism and organization you have put through in this forum so that thousands of visitors can have their full back up without paying attorneys(or worse, some scammers) that might not be familiar with the process.
I have just donated a small amount and really wish to see your beautiful treehouse project being built up.
Also a small suggestion, maybe you could “recruit” a small team of volunteers to help you reply some of the basis questions or giving simple references? Personally I am willing to help some winners to get an inquiry about their IOE number or some logistics stuff I have been through.
Thank you again and enjoy the beautiful weather in California!
Ian
Ian, thank you for the kind words and for the suggestion. The suggestion is welcomed, and I also direct people to the immigration forum where others will help. For the experiences you are learning (like the changes regarding tracking the Green Card), your comments would be very valuable. I would happily publish your experiences if you would like to share them with me by email.
California weather normally is beautiful, but we are expecting rain this afternoon!
Hi Ian, a few months ago I was scrolling through this website and saw your interview experience in Taiwan(but I can’t find it now). I tried to look for your name and saw this. I am a DV2016 winner and I have an interview appointment this coming September at the AIT office in Taipei. Looking into the required documents to be brought, I saw this:
Evidence of financial support: –Form I-864/I- 864 from petitioner and joint sponsor (if applicable); AND
–the petitioner’s U.S. tax return and U.S. tax form 1040/W-2 for the most recent year
財力證明:– 由原提出申請人和聯合保證人(如果適用)提交的I-864表/I-864;
及原申請人的美國納稅申報單和最近一年的美國報稅表1040/W-2。
This is the part I do not understand. I know I have to prove I will not be a public charge in the US but is it the only way to do it. And what about the I-864 form?
I have sent an email to the AIT and still waiting for a response but I will greatly appreciate your help and your sharing your experience.
Simon has replied you and I think it is pretty clear about what financial evidences your should provide.
1. Bank/other financial statements
2. Real Estate/Property
3. Stocks/Bonds
4. Income from business investments
Now, for the case of AIT, they do not require I-134, at least in the cases of mine and other cases I have heard of in this DV2016 year. All you need is to provide the documents mentioned above and the figure should match your situation.(Single/Married(with a household of n members). There is a formula of this and I suggest you check Simon’s emails to look into details.
I merely provided my bank statements(U.S. and time deposits in Taiwan), also investments in equities and bonds. I also got asked about my job offer, which is relevant for them to justify if you would become public charge.
Let me know if anything is unclear as you could always reply to this thread.(though is not the best place doing so)
Thanks a lot Ian for your reply. I am still a student at the moment and would it possible to provide my bank account statement and for example of my dads to prove I have the necessary financial support means to fend for myself in the US? If ever you reply, you can just send me an email at [email protected]. I think it would be much easier to communicate. Again thank you for taking your time to responding.
I prefer to answer questions in public so that others might benefit from seeing the questions/answers.
The savings you father has are not useful unless he gives you enough so you have at least $10,000 (as a gift, with a letter saying the gift is not to be repaid).
My little yorkie dog Mabel is 9 years old. She was born in San Diego, and her birthday falls on Jan 20. Like you, we lived in California for many years with our 3 children. However, one day, we needed to leave because our work took us far away! Our children are very grown up by then (in their 20s), and they stayed in the United States to finish big kids’ school called “college”! But Mabel, our dog, came with us!
We brought Mabel from California, to live in China, then Singapore and now, Mabel is in Amsterdam with us! That’s a city in Holland, you can ask daddy to show you pictures, they have lovely boats there!
I am originally from Singapore, but we think of California as “home”. Because we were not born in the USA, we are not allowed to go back to live there. But last year, we were selected for the DV lottery. With that, maybe we CAN GO HOME! Mabel is so excited, she wants to go home to California and see the rest of the family. She misses them very much! Your daddy is helping us do that, to bring Mabel home to San Diego.
Your daddy is the kindest man ever to help us all on his webiste. He is clever, generous and ever so helpful. You must be so proud to have a daddy like that!
I am so pleased about your treehouse project, I hope it’s going well. Sent you a little something for it. Your daddy must love you so very much! I hope he posts some pictures of your tree house eventually, Mabel and I will love to see it!
(Oh, and Mabel just did a special “woof” for you!)
Woof woof! Mabel has her approval to go home to California! She wants to say a BIG WOOFY thank you to your SUPER DADDY (woof woof woof!). She has her little travel crate, her water bottle, her red and white scarf and a little snack all packed and ready to go… maybe she’ll see you in California when you are out walking one day? will send your dad a pic of traveling Mabel…!
You helped me through the times I was really nervous while the embassy and the consulate would not answer our questions thoroughly but you did it without expecting anything in return. You are a nobel man and I am sure Sophia is proud of her dad!
Thanks Sophia as your the motivation for your father to help others,
Hi sweet Sophia you’re so lucky to have such dady you should be proud of him he always helping others to realize their dreams so you are a part of handred thousandths people’s dreams I wish you all the best in this life and here after kiss.
first of all good luck with the treehouse project and also keep up the good work. I recently donated a small amount of money for your project because I really appreciate your work. I make a promise to you, if I win the DV lottery I will donate one more time and I will donate a higher amount. Sounds good?
To Sofia:
Sei stolz auf deinen Vater, er ist vielen Menschen eine große Hilfe. Dies ist eine sehr positive Eigenschaft, den anderen Menschen ohne Hintergedanken und ohne Eigennutz zu helfen ist etwas sehr Edeles. Es würde mich sehr freuen, eines Tages in den USA zu leben, da ich, seit ich zum ersten Mal dort war, überwältigt bin von diesem Land und seinen Bewohnern.
HI Sofia
you relay need to be proud of your dad , its not easy to find some one with good heart who do help people just to help and without payback .
For sure he love you a lot and we love him as well, and am sure enough that you will be good girl and you will succeed in your life and it will be full of happiness because you dad will grow you up in good way with lots of good and lovely principles .
Am from Africa far away from where you live in country called Sudan and the hand of your dad reach us over their , I value what your dad is doing because this how we live here in Sudan people love each other and help those who need to be helped while i believe this behavior is not that much in this world .
forgive me if my English is not that professional enough to let you know how big what your dad is doing and how great he is.
wish you good life full of happiness and love
” by the way i never wrote question but i was just reading others question and answer from your dad and thanks god finally i have been selected this year 2017 for further processing in dvlotter .
We are a couple from Macedonia and we won 2015 DV lottery. We are now in USA for 6 months and we have our Green Card. Thank you very much Simon.
Sofia, we want to let you know that your daddy is a great person and he helped us a lot. He answered all our questions and gave us a very useful advices and we were able to pass the process. His second job, creating this web page and writing a book for the DV lottery process, is something that helped and helps thousands of people. We are very thankful to him for all his time and patience. I think that you are a very proud of him.
When I first won the DV Lottery last year for DV 2016, I was so happy that I was selected. I believe I cried a little at work but I had to keep calm as I couldn’t let work know what was happening. This was back in May 2015. However, I prepared ‘necessary documents’ which I deemed important and got my family to send my education & birth certificates from my hometown. I also completed my DS-260 a month later. A few days after that, KCC sent a confirmation email that they have received my DS-260 and were processing it.
However, I waited and waited and waited and nothing. Questions were running through my head. When will they ‘call’ or email me to get me in for an interview? I looked into my spam box everyday to ensure I did not miss any emails from KCC. My main question was how long should I wait? Now that I have won the lottery, do I just wait until they call me for the interview and give me a green card?
Then, I found Britsimon forum. Little did I know that there was a long queue in front of me for my region. More than 10k to be exact. From the forum I knew I had to wait right until the end of the DV2016 period as my number was extremely high. Initially, I lost hope. I was sad and I just didn’t do anything at all for a few months as I was adamant that my number will not be up based on previous year’s case number which never went current for my region. But as time passed by and I learned how to read the Visa Bulletin from this forum, more case numbers opened up later and there was an extremely slim chance that I might get through towards August / September 2016. I started to really prepare for my interview. I regretted that I didn’t prepare earlier but I had enough time to sort everything out.
I realised that I didn’t have enough documents. I didn’t know I had to get police reports from the places that I have stayed for more than a year. I didn’t know that I have to have enough proof of fund in my bank account and I-134 to be safe. I didn’t know I had to go for an approved physician to get a medical check up and get all the vaccines.
The more I read the articles from this forum, the more I know and I could plan for my interview. From the forum, I timed my medical check up at the approved physician right before my interview so I can do my initial entry into the states at the time that I want. I had enough time that I even went to get all the free vaccines from my local doctors so that I did not have to pay for the vaccines to be taken at the approved physicians which were extremely expensive in London. I also timed it well so I could sell off some illiquid asset so that I have enough funds in my bank account for at least a few months prior to the interview. From the forum, I managed to get my police report well in advance as my home country took at least 2 months to prepare the police report.
If I did not find this forum early enough, all of these would have been prepared months later or after my interview and it would have threatened my already slim chance in getting the visa. My interview was in August and any incomplete DV2016 cases will not be processed after 30 September. I would never have enough time if I didn’t prepare well in advance for the interview.
Have you ever watched TV shows & movies when you were young and you saw the American city that you were so enchanted by it and your ultimate dream is to live there even without visiting the city? My dream city was New York. When I grew older, I had a chance to visit New York and it confirmed my dream. I applied for hundreds of jobs internally even when the company that I was working for has branches in New York. No one even interviewed me internally just because I don’t have a working visa / green card. I applied for DV Lottery but every year I didn’t win for about 5 years and I was lucky to finally win the DV2016. I now do not need to have a holiday in New York, I now have a chance to live there.
This website does not just contain information for public and winners to know more about the DV Lottery Visa programme and to prepare everyone for the interview; it is HOPE for everyone who have won the DV Lottery to know what to do so that they increase their chance in getting the green card. This is a forum for the winners to ask some of the stupidest, dumbest questions which worried us so much so that we can get confirmation from someone that it is OK to do it. It just gives us that little comfort that it is OK and takes the stress and burden off our shoulder.
My only advice from my experience is for everyone to read the articles in this forum properly and prepare as early as possible. My mistake was scanning the government websites quickly and thinking I have prepared enough. Do not repeat the same mistake as me. Britsimon maybe a bit harsh at times, but you need to read in detail because he has painstakingly written all the articles from the beginning and used his spare time to reply to all questions. Even I will be pissed off with people asking the same questions when they have already been written.
On 10 August, I went for my interview. Today, 11 August, my status have changed to Issued. I want to truly thank Britsimon from the bottom of my heart. You have truly realised my dream. I wish everyone good luck and hope you guys will realise your dream soon. Do not give up hope.
I will donate and provide my interview experience so that it can help as much people as possible. Thank you, thank you and thank you Britsimon.
hi sofia ..hi brother simon.. hi also to the mother of my daughter sofia because I believed that wisdom says behind of all great man is women ,, sofia if i said any thing by word about your dad i can’t ,,, you have angle dad Congratulations sofia
today i received my visa. Every moment of joy your dad how is maker ..I will never forget him to respond to some of the beautiful as well as aspire to visit you as soon as possible
its my 7th week after arrival in us and still I didn’t get the green card and social security
1”like visa denial” is there is also green card denail
2 i have lost my receipt number how can I track my status? like ceac
3 I have contacted uscis and they told me if u didn’t get 120 days contact us .its to long to me; how can I speed up ?
4 I pledged that I will contribute for few dollars to btrit ;( little shy to mention here in text…???..) .
how can i get visa MasterCard or paypal with out a green card
5 with out green card; can I get driver licence??
6 will u text me u phone number on my email ??
7 I hope Hillary will win ….will she for your perpective?????
1. No.
2. You can’t track it for at least 90 days, probably more than 120 days.
3. They are correct. You can’t speed it up.
4. Thank you! You can get prepaid credit cards – but it is best to do that when you have an SSN.
5. You can use the visa stamped in your passport. It is endorsed, so it is proof of residency for 12 months.
6. I don’t give out my phone number.
7. Yes of course.
You didn’t ask me about the SSN. You should have received that by now. So – go to the SSA office nearest you and inquire. They may ask you to re-apply – do that to get your SSN.
Hi brit i got my ssc after 5 days of applying it:
1 am’ i eligible to work with out gc?
2 i got bank acoount . I.am planing next to get state id. Or driver licence any aditional advice u will tell me to do next?
Dear Sophia, Your dad is helping people around the world , I am from somalia He helped me also and I will seek his help until the process completes, that is great for you also please be patient your father will receive his reward later
HI brit.. i have gc card and state card of Kentucky ..i just moved to nebrask i am planing to get work there ..
1 shall I inform uscis. the adress change ?
2 if I did not change can I get work only my gc and work permit?
I MEAN ..THEY SENDED MY GC 13 DAYS back WHEN I was in Kentucky now I have my gc Ssn and state id..(I am lpr)
Also Uscis says
“Change of Address Information”
Most non-U.S. citizens must report a change of address within 10 days of moving within the United States or its territories.
Exceptions include:
Diplomats (visa status A),
Official government representatives to an international organization (visa status G), and
Certain nonimmigrants who do not possess a visa and who are in the U.S. for fewer than 30 days.
1 :I am lpr now : so changing of adress does it mean portal of entry in us (1 at entry) or moving interinterstate ?
Hello Brit
We are from Iran and we are not terrorists. We were shocked.
Immigration should answer all of our question we spent money and some of us are in some diffrent countries , they went for their visa and now everythings was stoped , they waste our time and our money i want to share my email address to the others , we want to complaint against of US immigration, they must be Responsive for their cruelty.
They break US constitution , and they stoped our visa when somebody are in diffrent country for visa time . How can they do this ? They can stop lottery for all of the people in all of the world , but they can not reverse . We have a letter that is signted , and we want to complaint.
Today is a day for humanity for helping for peace , plz stop war ,plz stop discrimination ,
And Brit , you are a father , let’s think you and your family were in Iran , you never tyrannize,never bother someone, and now you have a chance for changing your life , suddenly , some one comes and say for Iran everythins should be stoped without any reason beacuse we are not killers , in the whole of USA we have so many managers scientist engineers and they live in there and they love USA and we are kind people . Plz help us . And say me may i share my email address that who wants to sign for sue.
Thanks for everything man .
I understand your feeling BUT let me say a few things.
1. The executive order is not yet signed yet. All you or anyone has seen is a draft.
2. It talks about a 3o days suspension for Iranians. 30 days. It’s January.
3. We obviously have no official comment on how USCIS might implement it.
Now. Regarding suing the government. There is NO possibility of that. You cannot legally sue the government in these cases (people have tried and that point has been proven every time), and you were selected for further processing. Not promised a Green Card.
Hi Simon! One more question, that might also be of interest to others. I read on your website in one of the comments that police records are necessary for interview from any place where you lived for more than a year. I lived 3 years in the States on J1 visa (scientific research). Should I also have a police clearance from this place (NY state) for my interview?
Hi Sofia !
thank you for letting your daddy working on his computer.
Doing so he helps many people to live their dreams, he is not a wizard or a superhero but just a very good person…
Give him a big hug for me when you can ^^
I just want to tell you that you should be proud of your father, he is an honest man and helpful and there are no enough words to describe him.
Because he is patient, calm and generous and I owe him a lot because he helped me through out all of my case progress.
I was annoying and demanding but your father was always here to help.
God bless you both and I hope that one day I can become generous like your father and inshallah I can return your father favor.
Keep up the Good Work! You are a saviour to DV Lottery selectees and we felt so blessed to get all the guidance and answers by just going through all your blog posts. Now that we have gotten our immigrant visa, we felt so grateful to you.
I was refused the visa because I was found ineligible under the following section(s): Section 212(a)(5)A and the verbal explanation was that I fail to comply with DV program rules, that I applied (visa application) with my family (wife and child) whiles initially (lottery application) didn’t do so. Meanwhile I didn’t add them in any of my applications.
I stated my wife and child as my family but did not intend to add them to any of my applications.
I have a copy of the visa application form saved as submitted online for your review.
Hello Sofia, your father is doing a very big and good job of advising us about dv lottery. be proud of him, he is a valuable asset to many people from different continents, Thanks Simon, thanks again
Hi Sofia
Am here in US now and all this is because of your great dad help , he is great man and all people love him because he love them and give them help because of his clean heart .
you need to be Proud of your dad .am sure he will raise you the same way he is and may be better .
I have small baby girl and what your dad is doing to you and to people give me big challenge of what i have to do to my kid and the people in this world .
take care of your self and i wish i can find opportunity to meet you and your dad .
Thanks Britsimon for all what you did to me and to other people .
Daddy loves you and out of all the dads out there he is the strongest with big heart and has the invisible shield of armor were he protects people like me from falling down and be left behind. He is on quest to take all the people to the promised land that is full of freedom and adventure and everyone has a chance to live their life as the intent to. You see love people like your dad are one’s that take the place of a hero and the world needs as many as possible. Take good care of him dear and i hope to meet him once.
hi mr brit your identity/wonderful working is different many people said different thing for me one amazing thing you reply for visa bulletin items,ask question,different item for each person got next day whatever answer thanks for u &belioved family i was finshe my interview successfully in addis ababa may 4th even finish day today read your blog next time i
join ur donate group
This morning I picked up my passport with my Visa printed on it, at page 8!
Without your help this 13 month trip would have been much harder, much less interesting and more self-centred: To use the words of a Nobel Prize Laureate, it would have been “a trip down suicide road”!
You taught me the art of patience while waiting for something that can change a life that is really worth it. Almost all the time your replies were quicker than those from the Consulate and you were always right, dead on target.
If I were a gardener I’d come plant the biggest tree for you and your daughter!
I hope this money will help you build an even better treehouse. For sure, you made our hearts much better than they were, knowing that someone half a world away is always ready to lend a helping hand.
See you somewhere along the road and wish you and your family the best of everything.
Nicola Menicacci, Florence, Italy, headed to the Big Apple!
Thank you for the blog. I am so much addicted to it that though I have been approved visa almost 15 days back, I still read the posts! Sorry I can’t donate from Nepal, but once I am at USA will definitely donate for this good cause.
Dear our consultant,how are you))
10x almighty,i got visa interview date# July 1st# Ethiopia
relay, i don’t want 2 hide my worrying. let me tell you…
# i was feel my work experience on my ds-260 Aug2014, instead of Oct2014
Q1.what will happen on my interview date,will they punished me
Q2.what must am going 2 do
.i knew am so late enough but, i sent to kcc to correct it early unfortunately they ignored my unlock request.
Dear Brit and Sofia,
I have just got my visa a few days ago from Moscow embassy!:) And I’d really like to thank you for all the invaluable information I got from your site along with so much needed calm and voice of reason (in form of “wait and see”, a great advice that we should use more often) especially when numbers were moving oh so slowly in the beginning:)) Now begins the bittersweet fuss of organizing, packing and leaving stuff behind full of excitement and some small concern as it is always with travelling long distance:) Thinking about moving to New York in autumn – I heard it is beautiful that time of year)
I feel sorry that international relationships are somewhat tense at the moment between our countries but I do know it is only temporary – and as for people relationships – they are still warm and welcoming so If you’ll have a chance – come visit Russia someday:) Especially Saint Petersburg and Moscow:)
Sending all the love!:)
Hello Sofia, your father is one of the great gentleman I have seen. He is spending his valuable time, knowledge and also time that he need to be with you, make you happy. Actually we apologize for dragging his time from you. You must be proud to be a daughter of such a great father. We all are ever grateful to You, your father and whole family for contributing your lives for the benefit of others never known to you. You all are in our hearts forever. God bless you.
Chipped in a little for the treehouse project after my approval in Sydney today. Thank you so much for all your help, insights and the information you provide on this wonderful website BritSimon. What you do makes a huge difference to a lot of people throughout a process that for many will completely change the course of their lives. Thank you and happy treehouse-ing!
your father is a real generous person, one of the most humble & patient gentlemen.
the help we get from him is tremendous.my gratitude can’t be precisely turned out as words.
In a few days it will be the 19th August 2017 – my 1 year anniversary of living in the USA 🙂
For some reason I’ve been super aware of this anniversary for months – I smile every time I think about it, I remember that year before I got here – by far (!!) the most stressful and anxiety filled year I’ve ever known. From receiving the selection letter to getting on the airplane, I kept not believing this was happening to me. I am so grateful!
And I know I would never have gotten the visa without finding your website – I found so many things here that were not outlined on the government websites. I found so much relief reading the posts and your answers confirming that I was doing things right.
Coming here has been the best thing in the world for me – I’m in California now, the sun shines every day and I have a great job and wonderful friends, plus – my credit rating is really good, again, thanks to your advice!
I hope you managed to build that treehouse years ago for your daughter, so I donated some for some new pillows or beanbags or a new lava-lamp for inside 🙂
Thank you so much Simon – you literally change people’s lives with what you do, I hope you feel that.
And I’ll be raising a glass (or 2..) to your health in a few days when I celebrate!!
Thank you for that kind donation – and also for the update. My 3 year anniversary is about 2 weeks away. I still think about it. You’re in good time for the treehouse project – we were delayed in building the house – and the treehouse only gets done once the house is complete – we are just about to start.
Thanks for including me as part of your anniversary update – that means a lot to me.
Hey there Sophia
Big big big Love from Tehran/Iran
U know according to science, nothing is 100%.
But i think there are exceptions, like the love your father has for you. ??
Your father is amazing man and behind every amazing man a great daughter. Your father cultivates happiness to thousands of people each year.
You may have grown up from being a cute little girl to a beautiful young woman, but you will forever be the loving daughter that you’ve always been.
Hi Sofia,
I know no other person can love your dad as much as you do but I have to say even if I do not know him personally, I like him and respect him for what he does here to help thousands of people.( yes thousands!). And because people tend to ask the same questions over and over again, believe me you probably also have the most patient father in the world 🙂
If sometimes he spends too much time on his website helping people instead of spending time with you, tell him that you love him so much and he should give a break .
So, never forget these words I’ve written above here: Respect , Patience and lots of Love !
September 13, 2015 at 13:49
Dear Sofia
No words to say but God bless u and your dad
September 16, 2015 at 05:25
G’day Sofia
How many messages has dad read to you so far that says how wonderful he is? 🙂 You know, he probably helps more people, in more countries, than even HE realises – because every person he helps has their own families, who are also helped! It’s like throwing a stone in the water at the beach…the ripples keep going and going! That’s what it is like every time your dad answers a question – more and more people learn. I know my own daughter, even though she’s a grown up, will think it is cool to have someone help me move to the US by answering my silly questions, just so she has somewhere nice to have a holiday! I’m sending this from Perth in Western Australia (ask dad to Google ‘Fremantle’ – I live near there). Like your mum and dad, I also want to move to the US with my husband, and we are as old as your dad is (!), so it certainly doesn’t matter what age you are – you can do anything! I hope you are loving California – that is where I used to live and where I want to come back to. I bet your accent has changed a little by now too!
You take very special care of yourself, have a wonderful halloween (I think that is coming up in a few weeks!) and remember, every time your dad is helping someone with his SuperSimon SuperHero cape on, he is helping other mums, other dads, and their own ‘Sofia’s’.
Qewty
aka Donna-Lee
September 16, 2015 at 13:49
Awwwww fab message. Do me a favor and snag a DV2017 would ya!
October 12, 2015 at 19:21
Dear Sophia
Hello from Johannesburg, South Africa ! South Africa is a beautiful country ..we have beautiful animals, lovely trees … friendly people and tasty , tasty food.
I have a 6 year old son who loves playing outside on his jungle gym and loves swimming at school. The only negative part is that crime is out of control and although we have lots of nice things here, I would like my 6 year old son to be able to live in a country where the crime is less than it is here – so that one day when he is older he will be able to enjoy his independence without facing the dangers that he currently does. I hope that he gets the opportunity to study in a university where he will be accepted based on his academic results and not the colour of his skin and that he gets a job based on the same.
I hope that you Sophia get to visit South Africa some day when it is safe – the Kruger National Park is a must …and I think you will love the “table cloth ” in Cape Town ( which is cloud that looks like a table cloth that covers Table Mountain in Cape Town )
Enjoy the treehouse….. its going to be lots of fun !
xxx
N
October 12, 2015 at 19:56
Thank you – that is awesome!
November 3, 2015 at 12:53
Hi Sofia:
My name is Mohamed and I am from Alexandria (which was built by Alexander the Great), Egypt. I am now working in Saudi Arabia and I have lived 6 years when I was child in Kuwait.
Egypt is the land of the Pharaohs and where you can see the Sphinx, the Great Pyramids and the famous young prince Tut Ankh Amon.
I have studied Hieroglyphs, so I know how to read magical spells and speak to the Mummies 🙂 (Joking) and I will try to send your name in Hieroglyphs. And as for your Nick Name in Arabic in Egypt it will be Safi (which means pure) or Saf-Saf (Sparrow singing)
As for your father you should be proud of him, he is very Great and Kind Gentleman because he is helping thousands of people without any charges and makes thousands of people feeling happy, one of those people was my father who was very happy to know that I am going to travel to America. And according to my relation with my father I can say in confident way that if your father was able to bring a piece from the SKY he will never hesitate to doing so just to make you feel happy, and believe me when I say that you will be always a child in your dads eyes no matter how much you grow up you will be always his little beautiful girl.
If you father send to me his e-mail I will be glad to write your name in Hieroglyphs.
And finally as for you Mr.Britsimon it was my pleasure to get to know you, people like you change the world to a better place, and I hope to meet you face to face in America.
Greetings & Appreciation
Alexandria, Egypt
أزيك يا صوفيا وإيه أخبارك ؟ إن شاء الله أشوفك في أمريكا مع والدك وأحاول أساعدكم في بناء بيت الشجرة بتاعك ومتخافيش أنا بفهم في النجارة والبيت إن شاء الله يتبنى بشكل جميل.
وأنا مبسوط جداً إني تعرفت على والدك وهو شخصية محترمة وراقية جداً في التعامل وبيحب الخير لكل الناس عشان كده ناس كتير بتحبه وتحترمه.
تحياتي ليكي وللعائلة الكريمة.
November 3, 2015 at 14:56
Thank you so much. She would love to see her name in Hieroglyphs! Britsimon3 at gmail dot com
January 4, 2016 at 01:50
Hi sophia…Have always been thrilled by your Dad’s Invaluable support to people he never met.Am a dv-2015 currently an LPR in Newjersey.
I spent over 2 years reading your dads post on immigration.com forum and sharing the knowledge acquired to many more dv winners.
Your Dad offered real time replies at that crucial moment and am very proud of Him.Thank you Sophia for giving away your valuable pertanal bond for a stranger like me (Kenyan).I live happily with my wife and 3 daughters Ann 17,Esther 8 and Linda 5.Our donations coming soon.Simon
January 4, 2016 at 02:09
Thanks for the note Simon. I know you have done you fair share of trying to help people also – so thank you!
January 22, 2016 at 17:42
Hi Sofia,
Your Dad is doing a great job, he is helping people to achieve their American Dream. And nowadays it is very rare to find such persons like your Dad, when you get older you will understand better! God bless you and your family Brit!!
January 22, 2016 at 17:54
Thank you!!
January 25, 2016 at 15:50
Hello Sofia. My name is Vicky and I am originally from South Africa. I am currently living in the cold and wet United Kingdom – I live in Stockport which is near Manchester in England. I really do hope that you will enjoy your treehouse, your dad is working really hard towards that. You must be very proud. Will you be helping him put the tree house together? Maybe if I am lucky enough to get through the visa process with your dad’s fantastic help, I might even get to see it! Or you can ask your dad to post a picture on here for us to see. What do you think? Take care and be good 🙂 Vicky
January 25, 2016 at 17:21
Thank you Vicky!
February 13, 2016 at 15:59
Really i cant leave the page without saying “Thank you very much” BritSimon ..
and
Hello Sofia .
you have a great father who likse to help people and maybe one day some of these people will meet you and say ” Uh .. you are BritSimon’s daughter…uh my God..your dad is a very nice person …we know him!”lol
February 13, 2016 at 16:37
Thank you!
March 5, 2016 at 18:05
Hey Simon and Sofia
Thanks so much for your time and effort to make this American dream happen. I received my GC today and can not express how much gratitude I owe to you through this website. For me, getting lottery is already amazing enough at a time when I just graduate and worry that I can’t get H1B. However something more incredible is that the professionalism and organization you have put through in this forum so that thousands of visitors can have their full back up without paying attorneys(or worse, some scammers) that might not be familiar with the process.
I have just donated a small amount and really wish to see your beautiful treehouse project being built up.
Also a small suggestion, maybe you could “recruit” a small team of volunteers to help you reply some of the basis questions or giving simple references? Personally I am willing to help some winners to get an inquiry about their IOE number or some logistics stuff I have been through.
Thank you again and enjoy the beautiful weather in California!
Ian
March 5, 2016 at 18:36
Ian, thank you for the kind words and for the suggestion. The suggestion is welcomed, and I also direct people to the immigration forum where others will help. For the experiences you are learning (like the changes regarding tracking the Green Card), your comments would be very valuable. I would happily publish your experiences if you would like to share them with me by email.
California weather normally is beautiful, but we are expecting rain this afternoon!
March 5, 2016 at 18:52
Oh well some precipitation is more than welcomed in California I believe!
I would try to put up a note and send over to you. Cheers.
July 22, 2016 at 02:32
Hi Ian, a few months ago I was scrolling through this website and saw your interview experience in Taiwan(but I can’t find it now). I tried to look for your name and saw this. I am a DV2016 winner and I have an interview appointment this coming September at the AIT office in Taipei. Looking into the required documents to be brought, I saw this:
Evidence of financial support: –Form I-864/I- 864 from petitioner and joint sponsor (if applicable); AND
–the petitioner’s U.S. tax return and U.S. tax form 1040/W-2 for the most recent year
財力證明:– 由原提出申請人和聯合保證人(如果適用)提交的I-864表/I-864;
及原申請人的美國納稅申報單和最近一年的美國報稅表1040/W-2。
This is the part I do not understand. I know I have to prove I will not be a public charge in the US but is it the only way to do it. And what about the I-864 form?
I have sent an email to the AIT and still waiting for a response but I will greatly appreciate your help and your sharing your experience.
Thank you in advance,
Best,
Sandra
July 22, 2016 at 04:21
I-134 not the I-864
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
July 23, 2016 at 14:40
Thanks for replying to me!
July 22, 2016 at 19:09
Hey Sandratin
Simon has replied you and I think it is pretty clear about what financial evidences your should provide.
1. Bank/other financial statements
2. Real Estate/Property
3. Stocks/Bonds
4. Income from business investments
Now, for the case of AIT, they do not require I-134, at least in the cases of mine and other cases I have heard of in this DV2016 year. All you need is to provide the documents mentioned above and the figure should match your situation.(Single/Married(with a household of n members). There is a formula of this and I suggest you check Simon’s emails to look into details.
I merely provided my bank statements(U.S. and time deposits in Taiwan), also investments in equities and bonds. I also got asked about my job offer, which is relevant for them to justify if you would become public charge.
Let me know if anything is unclear as you could always reply to this thread.(though is not the best place doing so)
July 23, 2016 at 14:53
Thanks a lot Ian for your reply. I am still a student at the moment and would it possible to provide my bank account statement and for example of my dads to prove I have the necessary financial support means to fend for myself in the US? If ever you reply, you can just send me an email at [email protected]. I think it would be much easier to communicate. Again thank you for taking your time to responding.
July 23, 2016 at 15:05
I prefer to answer questions in public so that others might benefit from seeing the questions/answers.
The savings you father has are not useful unless he gives you enough so you have at least $10,000 (as a gift, with a letter saying the gift is not to be repaid).
March 20, 2016 at 19:12
Dear Sophia,
My little yorkie dog Mabel is 9 years old. She was born in San Diego, and her birthday falls on Jan 20. Like you, we lived in California for many years with our 3 children. However, one day, we needed to leave because our work took us far away! Our children are very grown up by then (in their 20s), and they stayed in the United States to finish big kids’ school called “college”! But Mabel, our dog, came with us!
We brought Mabel from California, to live in China, then Singapore and now, Mabel is in Amsterdam with us! That’s a city in Holland, you can ask daddy to show you pictures, they have lovely boats there!
I am originally from Singapore, but we think of California as “home”. Because we were not born in the USA, we are not allowed to go back to live there. But last year, we were selected for the DV lottery. With that, maybe we CAN GO HOME! Mabel is so excited, she wants to go home to California and see the rest of the family. She misses them very much! Your daddy is helping us do that, to bring Mabel home to San Diego.
Your daddy is the kindest man ever to help us all on his webiste. He is clever, generous and ever so helpful. You must be so proud to have a daddy like that!
I am so pleased about your treehouse project, I hope it’s going well. Sent you a little something for it. Your daddy must love you so very much! I hope he posts some pictures of your tree house eventually, Mabel and I will love to see it!
(Oh, and Mabel just did a special “woof” for you!)
C.Y. Symonds
March 20, 2016 at 19:52
Haha! she’ll love this – thank you!
June 1, 2016 at 16:20
Dear Sofia,
Woof woof! Mabel has her approval to go home to California! She wants to say a BIG WOOFY thank you to your SUPER DADDY (woof woof woof!). She has her little travel crate, her water bottle, her red and white scarf and a little snack all packed and ready to go… maybe she’ll see you in California when you are out walking one day? will send your dad a pic of traveling Mabel…!
CY
June 1, 2016 at 19:39
Got the photos. Too cute by far!
April 11, 2016 at 02:35
Hello Brit,
You helped me through the times I was really nervous while the embassy and the consulate would not answer our questions thoroughly but you did it without expecting anything in return. You are a nobel man and I am sure Sophia is proud of her dad!
Thanks Sophia as your the motivation for your father to help others,
Love
Aida
May 5, 2016 at 11:59
Hi sweet Sophia you’re so lucky to have such dady you should be proud of him he always helping others to realize their dreams so you are a part of handred thousandths people’s dreams I wish you all the best in this life and here after kiss.
May 5, 2016 at 13:41
Thank you. Sofia and I read these notes together – she loves them.
May 13, 2016 at 07:37
Thank you Brit for the great work and dedication in helping others. You and your little adorable Sofia are such an inspiration for thousands like me 🙂
We are all lucky that we have you.
Love from Kabul, Afghanistan
May 20, 2016 at 19:00
Dear Sofia, dear Simon,
first of all good luck with the treehouse project and also keep up the good work. I recently donated a small amount of money for your project because I really appreciate your work. I make a promise to you, if I win the DV lottery I will donate one more time and I will donate a higher amount. Sounds good?
To Sofia:
Sei stolz auf deinen Vater, er ist vielen Menschen eine große Hilfe. Dies ist eine sehr positive Eigenschaft, den anderen Menschen ohne Hintergedanken und ohne Eigennutz zu helfen ist etwas sehr Edeles. Es würde mich sehr freuen, eines Tages in den USA zu leben, da ich, seit ich zum ersten Mal dort war, überwältigt bin von diesem Land und seinen Bewohnern.
Best regards,
Martin from Hamburg, Germany
May 20, 2016 at 19:12
Thank you Martin I will do my best in reading and translating your message to Sofia!
May 24, 2016 at 13:46
HI Sofia
you relay need to be proud of your dad , its not easy to find some one with good heart who do help people just to help and without payback .
For sure he love you a lot and we love him as well, and am sure enough that you will be good girl and you will succeed in your life and it will be full of happiness because you dad will grow you up in good way with lots of good and lovely principles .
Am from Africa far away from where you live in country called Sudan and the hand of your dad reach us over their , I value what your dad is doing because this how we live here in Sudan people love each other and help those who need to be helped while i believe this behavior is not that much in this world .
forgive me if my English is not that professional enough to let you know how big what your dad is doing and how great he is.
wish you good life full of happiness and love
” by the way i never wrote question but i was just reading others question and answer from your dad and thanks god finally i have been selected this year 2017 for further processing in dvlotter .
With All my love Ali
June 3, 2016 at 18:53
Hello Sofia and Simon,
We are a couple from Macedonia and we won 2015 DV lottery. We are now in USA for 6 months and we have our Green Card. Thank you very much Simon.
Sofia, we want to let you know that your daddy is a great person and he helped us a lot. He answered all our questions and gave us a very useful advices and we were able to pass the process. His second job, creating this web page and writing a book for the DV lottery process, is something that helped and helps thousands of people. We are very thankful to him for all his time and patience. I think that you are a very proud of him.
Simon, big thanks again for everything.
Best regards,
Goran and Keti
June 3, 2016 at 22:46
Thank you!!
August 11, 2016 at 22:25
When I first won the DV Lottery last year for DV 2016, I was so happy that I was selected. I believe I cried a little at work but I had to keep calm as I couldn’t let work know what was happening. This was back in May 2015. However, I prepared ‘necessary documents’ which I deemed important and got my family to send my education & birth certificates from my hometown. I also completed my DS-260 a month later. A few days after that, KCC sent a confirmation email that they have received my DS-260 and were processing it.
However, I waited and waited and waited and nothing. Questions were running through my head. When will they ‘call’ or email me to get me in for an interview? I looked into my spam box everyday to ensure I did not miss any emails from KCC. My main question was how long should I wait? Now that I have won the lottery, do I just wait until they call me for the interview and give me a green card?
Then, I found Britsimon forum. Little did I know that there was a long queue in front of me for my region. More than 10k to be exact. From the forum I knew I had to wait right until the end of the DV2016 period as my number was extremely high. Initially, I lost hope. I was sad and I just didn’t do anything at all for a few months as I was adamant that my number will not be up based on previous year’s case number which never went current for my region. But as time passed by and I learned how to read the Visa Bulletin from this forum, more case numbers opened up later and there was an extremely slim chance that I might get through towards August / September 2016. I started to really prepare for my interview. I regretted that I didn’t prepare earlier but I had enough time to sort everything out.
I realised that I didn’t have enough documents. I didn’t know I had to get police reports from the places that I have stayed for more than a year. I didn’t know that I have to have enough proof of fund in my bank account and I-134 to be safe. I didn’t know I had to go for an approved physician to get a medical check up and get all the vaccines.
The more I read the articles from this forum, the more I know and I could plan for my interview. From the forum, I timed my medical check up at the approved physician right before my interview so I can do my initial entry into the states at the time that I want. I had enough time that I even went to get all the free vaccines from my local doctors so that I did not have to pay for the vaccines to be taken at the approved physicians which were extremely expensive in London. I also timed it well so I could sell off some illiquid asset so that I have enough funds in my bank account for at least a few months prior to the interview. From the forum, I managed to get my police report well in advance as my home country took at least 2 months to prepare the police report.
If I did not find this forum early enough, all of these would have been prepared months later or after my interview and it would have threatened my already slim chance in getting the visa. My interview was in August and any incomplete DV2016 cases will not be processed after 30 September. I would never have enough time if I didn’t prepare well in advance for the interview.
Have you ever watched TV shows & movies when you were young and you saw the American city that you were so enchanted by it and your ultimate dream is to live there even without visiting the city? My dream city was New York. When I grew older, I had a chance to visit New York and it confirmed my dream. I applied for hundreds of jobs internally even when the company that I was working for has branches in New York. No one even interviewed me internally just because I don’t have a working visa / green card. I applied for DV Lottery but every year I didn’t win for about 5 years and I was lucky to finally win the DV2016. I now do not need to have a holiday in New York, I now have a chance to live there.
This website does not just contain information for public and winners to know more about the DV Lottery Visa programme and to prepare everyone for the interview; it is HOPE for everyone who have won the DV Lottery to know what to do so that they increase their chance in getting the green card. This is a forum for the winners to ask some of the stupidest, dumbest questions which worried us so much so that we can get confirmation from someone that it is OK to do it. It just gives us that little comfort that it is OK and takes the stress and burden off our shoulder.
My only advice from my experience is for everyone to read the articles in this forum properly and prepare as early as possible. My mistake was scanning the government websites quickly and thinking I have prepared enough. Do not repeat the same mistake as me. Britsimon maybe a bit harsh at times, but you need to read in detail because he has painstakingly written all the articles from the beginning and used his spare time to reply to all questions. Even I will be pissed off with people asking the same questions when they have already been written.
On 10 August, I went for my interview. Today, 11 August, my status have changed to Issued. I want to truly thank Britsimon from the bottom of my heart. You have truly realised my dream. I wish everyone good luck and hope you guys will realise your dream soon. Do not give up hope.
I will donate and provide my interview experience so that it can help as much people as possible. Thank you, thank you and thank you Britsimon.
August 11, 2016 at 23:36
Thanks for that detailed write up – and many congratulations.
Sorry I’m a “bit harsh sometimes”! 🙂
August 15, 2016 at 21:15
Thank you very much for your work on this blog! Have fun!
August 29, 2016 at 21:13
hi sofia ..hi brother simon.. hi also to the mother of my daughter sofia because I believed that wisdom says behind of all great man is women ,, sofia if i said any thing by word about your dad i can’t ,,, you have angle dad Congratulations sofia
today i received my visa. Every moment of joy your dad how is maker ..I will never forget him to respond to some of the beautiful as well as aspire to visit you as soon as possible
August 29, 2016 at 23:53
Thank you for the kind words – Congratulations!
October 16, 2016 at 15:21
Simon, thanks for the simple yet very informative blog. The KCC should grant you an award for it 🙂
I have been applying for the DV since the last 3 years without luck. I hope 2018 will be happy year for me and my family. Wish you me luck.
I wish you all the best in the coming years along with your wife and daughter.
Kind reagrds, Khalid
October 23, 2016 at 19:11
its my 7th week after arrival in us and still I didn’t get the green card and social security
1”like visa denial” is there is also green card denail
2 i have lost my receipt number how can I track my status? like ceac
3 I have contacted uscis and they told me if u didn’t get 120 days contact us .its to long to me; how can I speed up ?
4 I pledged that I will contribute for few dollars to btrit ;( little shy to mention here in text…???..) .
how can i get visa MasterCard or paypal with out a green card
5 with out green card; can I get driver licence??
6 will u text me u phone number on my email ??
7 I hope Hillary will win ….will she for your perpective?????
October 23, 2016 at 23:32
1. No.
2. You can’t track it for at least 90 days, probably more than 120 days.
3. They are correct. You can’t speed it up.
4. Thank you! You can get prepaid credit cards – but it is best to do that when you have an SSN.
5. You can use the visa stamped in your passport. It is endorsed, so it is proof of residency for 12 months.
6. I don’t give out my phone number.
7. Yes of course.
You didn’t ask me about the SSN. You should have received that by now. So – go to the SSA office nearest you and inquire. They may ask you to re-apply – do that to get your SSN.
November 1, 2016 at 15:30
Hi brit i got my ssc after 5 days of applying it:
1 am’ i eligible to work with out gc?
2 i got bank acoount . I.am planing next to get state id. Or driver licence any aditional advice u will tell me to do next?
November 1, 2016 at 18:06
1. Yes
2. I have no other advice, you seem like you are doing fine.
October 27, 2016 at 08:26
Dear Sophia, Your dad is helping people around the world , I am from somalia He helped me also and I will seek his help until the process completes, that is great for you also please be patient your father will receive his reward later
October 27, 2016 at 16:22
🙂
November 5, 2016 at 09:03
hey there Sofia
you should know that your dad is a very kind person. he’s helping a lot of human beings for free. wich this makes him a hero for me.
November 5, 2016 at 14:02
🙂
November 20, 2016 at 20:43
HI brit.. i have gc card and state card of Kentucky ..i just moved to nebrask i am planing to get work there ..
1 shall I inform uscis. the adress change ?
2 if I did not change can I get work only my gc and work permit?
November 20, 2016 at 21:00
1. Yes, you must.
2. You don’t get/need a work permit. Your GC will be sent to the address in the DS260
November 21, 2016 at 02:49
I MEAN ..THEY SENDED MY GC 13 DAYS back WHEN I was in Kentucky now I have my gc Ssn and state id..(I am lpr)
Also Uscis says
“Change of Address Information”
Most non-U.S. citizens must report a change of address within 10 days of moving within the United States or its territories.
Exceptions include:
Diplomats (visa status A),
Official government representatives to an international organization (visa status G), and
Certain nonimmigrants who do not possess a visa and who are in the U.S. for fewer than 30 days.
1 :I am lpr now : so changing of adress does it mean portal of entry in us (1 at entry) or moving interinterstate ?
November 21, 2016 at 04:49
Whenever you change address you inform USCIS.
January 26, 2017 at 14:37
Hello Brit
We are from Iran and we are not terrorists. We were shocked.
Immigration should answer all of our question we spent money and some of us are in some diffrent countries , they went for their visa and now everythings was stoped , they waste our time and our money i want to share my email address to the others , we want to complaint against of US immigration, they must be Responsive for their cruelty.
They break US constitution , and they stoped our visa when somebody are in diffrent country for visa time . How can they do this ? They can stop lottery for all of the people in all of the world , but they can not reverse . We have a letter that is signted , and we want to complaint.
Today is a day for humanity for helping for peace , plz stop war ,plz stop discrimination ,
And Brit , you are a father , let’s think you and your family were in Iran , you never tyrannize,never bother someone, and now you have a chance for changing your life , suddenly , some one comes and say for Iran everythins should be stoped without any reason beacuse we are not killers , in the whole of USA we have so many managers scientist engineers and they live in there and they love USA and we are kind people . Plz help us . And say me may i share my email address that who wants to sign for sue.
Thanks for everything man .
January 26, 2017 at 15:37
I understand your feeling BUT let me say a few things.
1. The executive order is not yet signed yet. All you or anyone has seen is a draft.
2. It talks about a 3o days suspension for Iranians. 30 days. It’s January.
3. We obviously have no official comment on how USCIS might implement it.
Now. Regarding suing the government. There is NO possibility of that. You cannot legally sue the government in these cases (people have tried and that point has been proven every time), and you were selected for further processing. Not promised a Green Card.
So RELAX. Wait.
January 27, 2017 at 04:29
Hi Simon! One more question, that might also be of interest to others. I read on your website in one of the comments that police records are necessary for interview from any place where you lived for more than a year. I lived 3 years in the States on J1 visa (scientific research). Should I also have a police clearance from this place (NY state) for my interview?
January 27, 2017 at 06:09
No. No police certs for the USA.
January 28, 2017 at 06:01
Hello simon lottery was canceled for all iranian
January 28, 2017 at 06:08
It is not that the lottery is cancelled, but entry for Iranians and several other nationalities is halted for 90 days initially – and possibly longer.
February 5, 2017 at 09:40
Hi Sofia !
thank you for letting your daddy working on his computer.
Doing so he helps many people to live their dreams, he is not a wizard or a superhero but just a very good person…
Give him a big hug for me when you can ^^
February 5, 2017 at 16:31
Hehehe, that’s very kind! I just read that to Sofia and she laughed at the wizard/superhero comment!
Thank you for the support and the kind donation!
March 16, 2017 at 16:27
Hi Sophia,
I just want to tell you that you should be proud of your father, he is an honest man and helpful and there are no enough words to describe him.
Because he is patient, calm and generous and I owe him a lot because he helped me through out all of my case progress.
I was annoying and demanding but your father was always here to help.
God bless you both and I hope that one day I can become generous like your father and inshallah I can return your father favor.
Thank you Sophia and thanks Simon
March 16, 2017 at 19:37
Thank you! 🙂
March 29, 2017 at 15:41
Dear Simon,
Keep up the Good Work! You are a saviour to DV Lottery selectees and we felt so blessed to get all the guidance and answers by just going through all your blog posts. Now that we have gotten our immigrant visa, we felt so grateful to you.
March 29, 2017 at 16:49
Congratulations and thanks for the kind note! Best of luck in the move!
March 31, 2017 at 09:30
Dear Simon & Sofia – thanks to both of you for everything that goes into this website.
Simon – thanks so much for the patience and hard work you put into helping so (so) many different people you’re likely never to meet.
Sofia – thanks for letting your dad spend time helping us all when he’d be sooooooooo much happier hanging out with his daughter!
Ben in London
March 31, 2017 at 12:57
Thank you Ben!! She’ll love the note from London – she still misses “home” sometimes.
May 8, 2017 at 08:49
What can I do if my DV visa is denied?
I was refused the visa because I was found ineligible under the following section(s): Section 212(a)(5)A and the verbal explanation was that I fail to comply with DV program rules, that I applied (visa application) with my family (wife and child) whiles initially (lottery application) didn’t do so. Meanwhile I didn’t add them in any of my applications.
I stated my wife and child as my family but did not intend to add them to any of my applications.
I have a copy of the visa application form saved as submitted online for your review.
Kindly advise me.
Best regards,
Cephas.
May 8, 2017 at 17:08
All you can do is try again next year. The denial was correct and is final.
May 9, 2017 at 01:15
Hello Sofia, your father is doing a very big and good job of advising us about dv lottery. be proud of him, he is a valuable asset to many people from different continents, Thanks Simon, thanks again
May 9, 2017 at 04:42
Thanks!!!
May 10, 2017 at 12:46
Hi Sofia
Am here in US now and all this is because of your great dad help , he is great man and all people love him because he love them and give them help because of his clean heart .
you need to be Proud of your dad .am sure he will raise you the same way he is and may be better .
I have small baby girl and what your dad is doing to you and to people give me big challenge of what i have to do to my kid and the people in this world .
take care of your self and i wish i can find opportunity to meet you and your dad .
Thanks Britsimon for all what you did to me and to other people .
May 10, 2017 at 13:42
THank you for that kind message!
May 17, 2017 at 22:11
Dear Sofia
Daddy loves you and out of all the dads out there he is the strongest with big heart and has the invisible shield of armor were he protects people like me from falling down and be left behind. He is on quest to take all the people to the promised land that is full of freedom and adventure and everyone has a chance to live their life as the intent to. You see love people like your dad are one’s that take the place of a hero and the world needs as many as possible. Take good care of him dear and i hope to meet him once.
May 18, 2017 at 03:18
Thank you for the lovely message – Sofia loved it!
May 19, 2017 at 11:41
hi mr brit your identity/wonderful working is different many people said different thing for me one amazing thing you reply for visa bulletin items,ask question,different item for each person got next day whatever answer thanks for u &belioved family i was finshe my interview successfully in addis ababa may 4th even finish day today read your blog next time i
join ur donate group
May 19, 2017 at 14:46
Dear Simon,
This morning I picked up my passport with my Visa printed on it, at page 8!
Without your help this 13 month trip would have been much harder, much less interesting and more self-centred: To use the words of a Nobel Prize Laureate, it would have been “a trip down suicide road”!
You taught me the art of patience while waiting for something that can change a life that is really worth it. Almost all the time your replies were quicker than those from the Consulate and you were always right, dead on target.
If I were a gardener I’d come plant the biggest tree for you and your daughter!
I hope this money will help you build an even better treehouse. For sure, you made our hearts much better than they were, knowing that someone half a world away is always ready to lend a helping hand.
See you somewhere along the road and wish you and your family the best of everything.
Nicola Menicacci, Florence, Italy, headed to the Big Apple!
May 19, 2017 at 17:28
“If I were a gardener I’d come plant the biggest tree for you and your daughter!”
Sofia thought this was so funny and cute – thank you!
Thanks you for the kind words and the generous donation. Best of luck in NY!
May 23, 2017 at 14:09
thank you simon god bless you!
May 25, 2017 at 08:14
Hi Simon,
Thank you for the blog. I am so much addicted to it that though I have been approved visa almost 15 days back, I still read the posts! Sorry I can’t donate from Nepal, but once I am at USA will definitely donate for this good cause.
May 25, 2017 at 20:36
LOL!
May 27, 2017 at 12:54
Dear our consultant,how are you))
10x almighty,i got visa interview date# July 1st# Ethiopia
relay, i don’t want 2 hide my worrying. let me tell you…
# i was feel my work experience on my ds-260 Aug2014, instead of Oct2014
Q1.what will happen on my interview date,will they punished me
Q2.what must am going 2 do
.i knew am so late enough but, i sent to kcc to correct it early unfortunately they ignored my unlock request.
Best regard
May 27, 2017 at 15:29
1. No
2. Relax – it is no problem.
May 29, 2017 at 20:03
Dear Brit and Sofia,
I have just got my visa a few days ago from Moscow embassy!:) And I’d really like to thank you for all the invaluable information I got from your site along with so much needed calm and voice of reason (in form of “wait and see”, a great advice that we should use more often) especially when numbers were moving oh so slowly in the beginning:)) Now begins the bittersweet fuss of organizing, packing and leaving stuff behind full of excitement and some small concern as it is always with travelling long distance:) Thinking about moving to New York in autumn – I heard it is beautiful that time of year)
I feel sorry that international relationships are somewhat tense at the moment between our countries but I do know it is only temporary – and as for people relationships – they are still warm and welcoming so If you’ll have a chance – come visit Russia someday:) Especially Saint Petersburg and Moscow:)
Sending all the love!:)
May 30, 2017 at 02:15
Congratulations on the visa. Thanks for the kind message – Sofia loves hearing these messages.
June 1, 2017 at 13:16
Thank you so much Brit for all your help. I made a donation for you.
Thx again
June 1, 2017 at 14:05
Thank you for the kind and generous donation!!!
June 8, 2017 at 14:44
Hello Sofia, your father is one of the great gentleman I have seen. He is spending his valuable time, knowledge and also time that he need to be with you, make you happy. Actually we apologize for dragging his time from you. You must be proud to be a daughter of such a great father. We all are ever grateful to You, your father and whole family for contributing your lives for the benefit of others never known to you. You all are in our hearts forever. God bless you.
June 8, 2017 at 20:48
Thank you for the lovely message.
June 13, 2017 at 04:05
Chipped in a little for the treehouse project after my approval in Sydney today. Thank you so much for all your help, insights and the information you provide on this wonderful website BritSimon. What you do makes a huge difference to a lot of people throughout a process that for many will completely change the course of their lives. Thank you and happy treehouse-ing!
June 13, 2017 at 04:17
Congrats on the approval – and thanks for the kind donation!
June 14, 2017 at 10:03
Hello there Sophia,
your father is a real generous person, one of the most humble & patient gentlemen.
the help we get from him is tremendous.my gratitude can’t be precisely turned out as words.
wish you the very best in life Sophia.
Godspeed.
June 14, 2017 at 13:47
Thank you!
August 15, 2017 at 18:25
Hello Simon
In a few days it will be the 19th August 2017 – my 1 year anniversary of living in the USA 🙂
For some reason I’ve been super aware of this anniversary for months – I smile every time I think about it, I remember that year before I got here – by far (!!) the most stressful and anxiety filled year I’ve ever known. From receiving the selection letter to getting on the airplane, I kept not believing this was happening to me. I am so grateful!
And I know I would never have gotten the visa without finding your website – I found so many things here that were not outlined on the government websites. I found so much relief reading the posts and your answers confirming that I was doing things right.
Coming here has been the best thing in the world for me – I’m in California now, the sun shines every day and I have a great job and wonderful friends, plus – my credit rating is really good, again, thanks to your advice!
I hope you managed to build that treehouse years ago for your daughter, so I donated some for some new pillows or beanbags or a new lava-lamp for inside 🙂
Thank you so much Simon – you literally change people’s lives with what you do, I hope you feel that.
And I’ll be raising a glass (or 2..) to your health in a few days when I celebrate!!
Chantal
August 15, 2017 at 19:42
Thank you for that kind donation – and also for the update. My 3 year anniversary is about 2 weeks away. I still think about it. You’re in good time for the treehouse project – we were delayed in building the house – and the treehouse only gets done once the house is complete – we are just about to start.
Thanks for including me as part of your anniversary update – that means a lot to me.
August 17, 2017 at 21:19
Hey there Sophia
Big big big Love from Tehran/Iran
U know according to science, nothing is 100%.
But i think there are exceptions, like the love your father has for you. ??
August 17, 2017 at 22:56
Nice comment!
September 2, 2017 at 18:07
thanks Simon, really appreciate your time and what youre doing
September 2, 2017 at 19:06
Thanks!
September 14, 2017 at 14:34
Dear princess sofia
Your father is amazing man and behind every amazing man a great daughter. Your father cultivates happiness to thousands of people each year.
You may have grown up from being a cute little girl to a beautiful young woman, but you will forever be the loving daughter that you’ve always been.
God save you wonderful father.
September 14, 2017 at 14:48
Thank you for the kind words
September 29, 2017 at 15:12
Hi Sofia,
I know no other person can love your dad as much as you do but I have to say even if I do not know him personally, I like him and respect him for what he does here to help thousands of people.( yes thousands!). And because people tend to ask the same questions over and over again, believe me you probably also have the most patient father in the world 🙂
If sometimes he spends too much time on his website helping people instead of spending time with you, tell him that you love him so much and he should give a break .
So, never forget these words I’ve written above here: Respect , Patience and lots of Love !
Cheers from Holland and take care little Sofia 🙂
September 29, 2017 at 15:54
Thank you for the very kind message. I will read this with Sofia after she comes back from school.