DV interview questions
This question comes up often – what are the typical DV interview questions? People are nervous about the interview as if they are going to be asked some really difficult questions or be held for an hour being questioned like a prisoner!!!! I have known people who want to prepare and practice their answers to all possible questions – just to be safe!
Well RELAX! The interview is usually a complete anticlimax. In a typical Embassy appointment there will be two or three stages. It isn’t always like this, but this will give an idea.
First you will be called to a window and asked to present some minimum documentation (Passports, birth certs etc). You will be asked to pay for the fee ($330) and that might be at a cashiers window.
Then you will be called for the actual interview which will typically last a very few minutes – sometimes less than 2 minutes!
The CO will look at your paperwork, and may request additional documents. They then may ask general questions such as:-
“Where did you study?”
“What work do you normally do?”
“Where will you live in the USA?”
“Who will you live with in the USA?”
“What is your relationship with the people you will live with?”
For most people that is the most that will be asked – and they are not looking to trick you or catch you out. If something needs more explanation or documentation they may go into that – but again it isn’t normally in depth. If you have recently married, you can expect some questions about your marriage (where you met, what trips you have taken together and so on).
Obviously the best answers are the most real/honest answers. Don’t try and impress the CO or say what you think they want to hear. As long as you meet the requirements and have followed the instructions the visa will be approved!!!
You can also read many accounts of actual DV interviews at this link –
February 28, 2020 at 21:32
Good day Mr. Brit.
On my DS-260 I stated that I have a child who is not going with me to USA but will later join me. Now my Visa interview appointment letter arrived and my child’s name is listed as the beneficiary, my question is: do I have to take the child with me to the interview?
February 28, 2020 at 23:10
It depends how soon the child will join you. If that is within the 6 months validity of the DV process, then yes. If on the other hand you plan for that to be later, then there is no need for the child to attend the interview as you will be using a different process to bring the child.
February 28, 2020 at 12:09
Hello,
Back in 2018 i was student in California, i had “state of California benefits id card” media-cal for emergency room, i did used once when my skin got burned at local hospital and got medicine like 10$ on this card, it that will effect my case ?!
Now i’m out side USA and got email saying that my documents are good and ready for interview.
Now there is new rules as you already know
Is that going to effect my case and what if they asked what should i say .
I really appreciate your help for us
February 28, 2020 at 19:27
You would have to list that on the DS5540
https://youtu.be/j6vHppWIyxA
February 24, 2020 at 01:29
Dear Mr. Simon
Thank you for your time for my question.
We are a family with 4 people, and our interview will be at my home country.
My question is about the medical exam, I must attend medical exam in my home country or I can get a medical exam in U.S. and take the report back to my home country for interview?
(Because my daughter is studying in State right now and she has a summer session must be finished. I predict that when she back to my home country will have not enough time for the medical exam. It will take more than 2 weeks in my country.
So, Could she take medical exam in the State and take the report for interview?)
Thank you very much.
February 24, 2020 at 04:00
The medical must be performed at a physician listed by the embassy – i.e. in the home country.
February 23, 2020 at 05:08
Sir is it possible to make a passport from another country if you have not done it before in your country of origin
February 23, 2020 at 15:13
I don’t know.
February 22, 2020 at 21:25
Is it possible for someone who applied for dv lottery 2021 to be selected without passport?
February 22, 2020 at 21:48
Unless you had a legitimate reason (and there are few of those those) then NO.
February 13, 2020 at 14:42
I am a 25 year practitioner of US immigration law and felt compelled to respond to this posting. This information should be adjusted for people who are not of European descent (white), particularly in the current US immigration climate. You all should note that depending on your race or ethnic background, your experience might not be simple. It is best to be overly prepared to show that you will not become a public charge in the US. That is, you should be prepared to show that you will be able to support yourself financially and will not have depend on public funds. These questions are particularly pressed on non-white applicants. That means that having funds in bank accounts or a job offer or potential for job offer makes you an even stronger candidate. I caution you very much to not take this process casually as this article seems to suggest. This is not the time for that given that the current US presidential administration is pushing to discontinue the diversity visa category. Best wishes to all.
February 13, 2020 at 19:43
Your tone piqued my interest. It sounds like a chastisement – so requires an answer.
As you started off your comment with the suggestion of experience with your 25 year comment – let me firstly address that. As I would hope you would know 95% of DV cases are processed via consular processing, which is the stated focus of the article above. I imagine it is *very* unlikely you have ANY experience of those cases – would that be a fair assumption? DV cases (even AOS) are extremely rare so I would guess that in your whole 25 years you have probably handled no more than single digits number of cases – again – fair assumption??
Now – I on the other hand have been doing this since 2013 and have both first hand experience of the process itself – and have helped MANY, MANY cases. I have gathered hundreds of first person accounts of interviews – you can read most of them here – https://britsimonsays.com/interview-experience-stories/ So as you can see, in my opinion you have little to no experience of the topic, and I have demonstrably more. So – I am not at all concerned that I am misleading my readers.
If you did take some time eading the interview accounts, you would see that my characterization of the interview process is largely accurate – even under the changes bought by the current administration. That is true no matter the skin color of the applicant – because of course, consular appointments happen in country. I think your comments may be more accurate for adjustment of status interviews, but again – you have a perspective that is not accurate for DV cases.
Now – regarding public charge – if you read my blog you will see I consistently direct people to use the I-134 and have taken time to educate people about the changes being implemented by the current administration.
January 30, 2020 at 11:20
Hi BritSimon, I love to apply for the coming DV, do I do it now or is there scheduled time for application? Thank you
January 30, 2020 at 20:02
You have to wait until October. Any site that takes an entry before that point is a scam.
February 3, 2020 at 13:19
Hello,Mr Brit Simon I’m a Diversity lottery 2021 player I’m a high school graduate with Diploma. But I have problem with Wace’s in four subject will they consider me if I’m selected. I await your answer. Thanks
February 3, 2020 at 18:50
It’s pointless thinking about this unless you are selected.
January 27, 2020 at 22:49
Is it possible for consideration????
January 27, 2020 at 22:26
Hi sir i do my interview yesterday and they decline just because I didn’t bring my government certificate… Is it possible to consideration???? So I can go and bring my government exam certificate??????
January 27, 2020 at 22:36
Why did you go to the interview without the documents needed???
January 27, 2020 at 22:39
Sir they give me stress they need 12 year education but I do graduated my form 7 I take my form 7 diploma from school and they don’t prove it…they decline only for not bring the government certificate….
January 28, 2020 at 01:39
I think there is something more than what you are saying. If they felt you met the education standard, but were missing a document, they could have given you a temporary refusal (AP – or a 221(g) refusal ). Did they do that, or did they given you a final refusal?
January 27, 2020 at 16:41
Hi Brit,
Please advice me, I filled the DS-260 form, completed and submitted before getting married as a single Person. My interview is in February, please will there be a consideration for my husband?
Thank you
January 27, 2020 at 21:52
When did you marry? Did you not add your spouse to the DS260 at that time?
January 23, 2020 at 05:50
Hi Brit
Can you please advise what is the most appropriate short /simple answer would be to the officer at the day of the interview if I have been rejected US visit visa under 214B: reason: using tourism visa for medical ( delivering my child in US).
Adding to that that my husband is the principal and our appointment is set in Feb 2020.
Thank you.
January 23, 2020 at 20:36
The truth. That’s all.
January 22, 2020 at 08:45
Hello mr Brit, I read through someone’s interview and the first question was:
-where did you study?
I for example, if i should answer this question, should I talk about my high school, university and vocational studies or I should talk only about my vocational studies. CN 2020AF48*** Thanks
January 22, 2020 at 16:52
No need to overthink it. Just answer naturally and truthfully.
January 21, 2020 at 07:23
I am dv 2020 selectee whose case is current by February 2020. I have submitted my DS-260 by 18 JUN 2019 and my further documents by 24 Oct 2019, 12:31 PM.
Today is 21 JAN 2020 and I haven’t received email for the 2NLs, I checked the ESC and I still don’t have my interview date.
Is there any cause for alarm or what do I do if it’s not in normal order for my 2NLs to delay up to now?
January 21, 2020 at 16:44
If your case number is not current, you won’t be scheduled until it is current. So – what is your case number?
January 21, 2020 at 16:50
2020AF000235##
January 21, 2020 at 21:14
So you are now current – so you might get a 2NL in January.
January 6, 2020 at 02:18
1. Hello Brit, please my husband won the lottery 2020, and I gave birth after the lottery registration, can I include my child please?
2. I was refused USA student visa in 2019 due to insufficient money , will it affect my chances of getting the visa?
3. I have been refused Canadian student visa in 2019, will the consulate look at information I provided for the Canadian student visa? I heard the USA and the Canadian share some informations about applicants.. thank you.
January 6, 2020 at 03:02
1. Yes (read the FAQ).
2. No
3. No
December 28, 2019 at 14:15
Hey Brit. Happy holidays. My CN is AF44xx. I received my 2NL yesterday – my interview is slated on February 18. I had sent my documents in Nov 6 2019. You had advised me on Dec 6 to be patient. Thank you and happy holidays.
December 28, 2019 at 05:59
Sir I am original from Tonga and I married with a banglades man
1. Is it possible for my husband to do his medical reports in Bangladesh???? Tonga now is close until 04 of January 2020.But he is leaving to Bangladesh on 04
December 28, 2019 at 21:11
You must conduct the medical in the country where you will be interviewed – according to the interviewing embassy panel of physicians.
December 26, 2019 at 18:51
Sir do I need a sponsor for my dv lottery interview
December 26, 2019 at 19:34
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
December 22, 2019 at 04:48
Sir I have been mistaken fill up my form by one question said
1. You been travel the last 5 years .
My answer is NO but I travel last year to Australia and fiji.
Please sir my answer is correct or wrong. Please give me advise sir
December 22, 2019 at 05:11
You can answer the question yourself!
December 28, 2019 at 08:29
Dear Brit,
I didn’t see this question when filling my ds260, does it mean I need to unlock my ds260?
December 28, 2019 at 21:11
No
December 8, 2019 at 14:39
There is a question on the DS 260 about whether I have completed all US vaccinations, how is that answered and what is the effect?
December 8, 2019 at 16:20
Answer no. This is covered in the DS260 guide.
December 5, 2019 at 07:48
Sir i have been selected in the DV2020 Lottery i want to know that
1) am i need to submit all the 12 years qualification ?????
2) i got married when i got out that i was selected is it alright to put my husband name in my form????
December 6, 2019 at 03:53
1. You need to show you meet the educational OR work experience requirement – you can read about that in the FAQ.
2. Yes.
November 29, 2019 at 17:35
Hi sir
1. My mother got interview date for the visa. We have a doubt she overstayed in india in 2010 and came back to here because of the civil war in srilanka. But previous year she got UK visa and visited there and came back here after 4 months is there any problem because of the overstayed in inida?
2. In the ds260 form i click YES to the button for later will you join with them question that was about immigrant and im 25 years old. I thought that was if i have any idea in future to immigrant us. Is there any problem for that ??
November 30, 2019 at 00:37
Is this a DV lottery case?
1. No
2. If your mother is the selectee you cannot be processed on her case. She can sponsor you later once she is a citizen but it will take many years.
November 28, 2019 at 19:08
Hello Simon,
I kindly need advise on this bellow,
1. I applied for the dv 2021 and my passport has three names while my academic papers have only two will this affect me in case am selected.
2. I also want to know since i don’t have anyone in the US to stay with or receive me how can i handle that.
3. Is my the proof of funds to sustain me in the US needed on the interview,like the statement of my bank account.
4. Can i be granted the visa even though have no one to receive me or stay with me?
Thanks a lot Simon will be glad to hear from you.
November 28, 2019 at 20:02
Your chance of selection is around once in 200 years. So – the time for asking questions is when you are selected.
November 21, 2019 at 18:59
Have a problem , I applied for the green card lottery 2020, I am a graduate with BBA degree and I also have my high school diploma and certificate, but my high school diploma and certificate doesn’t match with my university degree because it has a middle name. My question is, will it be compulsory to indicate my high school diploma and certificate when I’m selected? or should I only indicate my university degree and diploma since the names correspond with the application .
November 23, 2019 at 16:52
You list all education.
And that is *IF* you are selected, not “when”.
November 20, 2019 at 19:32
Can diploma level of education success in dv case?and during interview what types of clothes the interviewer must be wearable?
November 23, 2019 at 06:42
Education standards vary by embassy.
Casual but smart clothes
November 13, 2019 at 06:45
Dear Brit,
I am on of the Dv winner from Afghanistan. As i heard people say in interview do not say that you or your spouse was working during Taliban regime which is from 1994-2001 is that true is that effect our case?
November 13, 2019 at 22:51
Lying is a bad idea. Don’t listen to idiots.
November 13, 2019 at 06:34
Dear Simon
I am a Dv winner from Afghanistan when filling the d-260 form for my spouse i made a mistake in years my spouse started his work on 2003 and i mistakenly wrote 1999 should i email the KCC or i can bring changes on D-260. Please answer me
November 13, 2019 at 22:50
It doesn’t really matter as he is a derivative. But if you want to change, Ask KCC to unlock (in the FAQ) and correct.
November 10, 2019 at 04:17
Hi Brit
If I sent the documents to Kcc by Email 2 times is that a problem or not?
Thank you
November 11, 2019 at 15:16
No problem.
November 9, 2019 at 15:55
for DV2020 if interview is scheduled for Sep2020 and DV visa granted, how much time would all applicants (DV1,2,3) to physically arrive in the US. Is it just till end of Sep 2020? or ill visas expire (Feb 2021?)?
November 9, 2019 at 16:52
The expiry date on the visa is set as 6 months after the date of the medical – and that can mean DV2020 applicants will enter the USA after the end of DV2020.
November 11, 2019 at 17:31
Hi Mr.Brit
After I was asked to submit my documents which I was asked for on the 23th of October and submitted them on the 29th. I was told that KCC will get to me in 3-6 weeks’ time. My question is: Should I contact them after 3 weeks’ time to know the status my case number?
November 11, 2019 at 18:16
No. Just relax and be patient.
November 12, 2019 at 11:17
Okay, thank you Mr. Brit.
October 31, 2019 at 23:02
Hello Brit, I won the DV2020 and got the 1NL to submit my documents which I have 6 days ago but my question is… My previous Job which I used have changed now by means of transferring all the staff to another organisation but holding the same position as listed in the previous job. Do I need to unlock the D260 and update my new organisation
October 31, 2019 at 23:49
No need.
October 23, 2019 at 18:42
Ok thanks for ur advise
October 23, 2019 at 11:10
Hi Brit I am a policeman but I qualified with education . I am scared my visa will be refused if I mention that at interview. Pls advise
October 23, 2019 at 16:35
You have no reason to be scared, and in any case you have no choice about telling the truth.
October 23, 2019 at 18:43
Thanks brit
October 20, 2019 at 13:57
Hi Simon,I have completed the following qualifications:High school diploma,BA,BA(Honours),Postgraduate Certificate in education and Masters degree.I am currently doing my PhD.Which qualification should use for this Dv application? Because it says your qualification as of today.I would like my application to be successful this time.I have been trying for more than four times.Your assistance will be much appreciated.
October 20, 2019 at 18:39
Highest qualification completed as of now. It’s not a hard question.
October 9, 2019 at 19:06
I sent my papers and received an email with approval but all I want to login to know my status tells me that your number is not registered with us
October 10, 2019 at 04:37
I cannot answer vague questions.
October 7, 2019 at 19:38
Dear Britsimon
Greetings.
I want to ask a question
can both spouses fill the dv lottery for their family separately, it means two forms for the same family but once with the name of father and one with the name of the mother? for example can I and my wife fill the dv lottery ? Is there any problems?
best regards.
October 8, 2019 at 05:06
No problem.
October 5, 2019 at 10:41
Hi, I have two questions:
1- I didn’t go before to USA, so I have no plan for where I’ll live in USA if I got the Visa; will this be an issue during the interview?
2- If I won the visa, then I prefer to search for a job at USA while I’m staying in my origin country before travelling to USA; will this be valid and for how long time?
October 5, 2019 at 14:47
1. They may expect you to have a rough idea, yes.
2. You won’t get a job that way. You can try but only have until the expiry date.
October 1, 2019 at 09:30
Hello BRITSIMON , I am AF 0031XX , I am November current , but I didn’t receive 2NL yet ,I am wondering if there is anyone of November current who received a 2NL.do you think its late?
October 1, 2019 at 13:42
People got 2NLs, but only those that had submitted their documents before the end of August.
October 1, 2019 at 06:37
I haven’t graduated from a high school but I’ve studied 10 year’s at school and I have transcripts of these 10 years study. Now I am studying in a university. I want to apply for the lottery but can I apply?
October 1, 2019 at 13:38
Apply- you can figure out if you meet the requirements later.
September 30, 2019 at 15:41
Dear Simon,
We were called to report to the embassy with our passports today. Unfortunately for me, I left the Country to return to work cos I didn’t know how long the wait period would have been. My husband who is the principal applicant took the passports of him and our 2 kids and will have the Counselor informed.I am here waiting to here what’s next..You can’t imagine my feelings right now. But I am trusting God all the way.
Thanks for your help.
October 1, 2019 at 03:13
Hopefully they printed your visa and will wait for the passport.
October 1, 2019 at 04:35
I also feel that way.
Thanks so far for everything. It’s not over until God says it’s over. I can’t wait to complete my testimony.
October 8, 2019 at 09:00
Hi Simon,
I like to register my thanks and appreciation to your for the guidance during my DV journey. We received our visas and making plans now for our relocation. This journey was indeed a long one but I am glad it ended successfully.
I will also like to seek your advise regarding the green card as I want to apply online since we still have some time to our departure. Will we have to pay for the kids? They are ages 11 and 8.
Thanks a million.
October 9, 2019 at 02:40
You don’t apply online, your GCs are ordered once you enter and have paid the fee. You pay before or after arriving. You pay $220 per person, no matter the age of the person.
September 28, 2019 at 21:15
Hi Simon
We attended our interview 12th September but we didn’t get the visa Cos when I did my fingerprints, it was noticed that I overstayed my visa and that was due to the presence of Ebola in my Country. Why in the US, I had a kid. My visa expired June 2015 but I left the US August 2015
The counselor returned our passports and kept the rest of our documents and promised to call us back. Do we have home? Till now, we haven’t heard from the Embassy.
September 28, 2019 at 22:03
The overstay was too short to have a 3 year bar. BUT their “discovery” of this must have been an annoyance – as it is something you should have been honest about. Honesty is important! IN this case, I don’t know whether they will approve you or not. The final day for processing is this coming Monday. If it is not approved by the end of that day, it cannot be approved after.
September 28, 2019 at 12:56
Hello sir,
I got 2nd letter for November 2019 interview. I would like to change my sponsor because now, I asked for documents. He refused to provide. So, I like to ask you, what are the require documents from sponsor to us?
would you like to describe deeply, which will help all DV applicant for 2020?
Thank you
Sailendra Tiwari
September 28, 2019 at 15:19
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
September 10, 2019 at 08:52
Hi Sir. My interview is mid September The affidavit has the wrong date of my birth which is late for my sponsor to collect. The month and year correct. All other documents has correct date. Will that be a problem? Kindly advise me
September 10, 2019 at 19:57
I doubt that would be a problem.
August 8, 2019 at 10:18
Thanks so much for all the help sir
My question is I was selected for school 2020 with my baby but as I was filling the form it requested for baby’s passport so I have been processing it and picking it this week am I too late to apply or I should go on and apply?
August 8, 2019 at 20:18
You can apply.
August 3, 2019 at 23:20
Hi Simon,
I’m preparing my DV interview and it caused me worry when come accross to this post.
Those two questions caused me worried:
“Who will you live with in the USA?”
“What is your relationship with the people you will live with?”
I wonder is it a requirement to live with someone in the USA? I have a few friends in the USA but I have no plan to live with them. I have a good job in the UK and I belive I can find a good job in the USA and live alone happily as well. Would this be an issue?
August 4, 2019 at 14:26
No you don’t have to live with someone – but you do have to show how you will support yourself. An I-134 is the best method – read the FAQ about that.
December 16, 2019 at 19:43
I put my aunt’s name in the address where the green card mail to. But can i put her husband as my sponsor? they still married and live in the same address that show in DS-260
December 16, 2019 at 20:31
Yes
July 30, 2019 at 16:22
Dear Sir. My sponsor have $75000 anual income and he has four familiy memers. He has sponsored me for the dev lottery 2019. Now he is willing to sponsor another family, including three family members. Will that be a problem for any party?
July 30, 2019 at 21:11
Perhaps a risk for the cases (yours or the new one) that have not yet been interviewed.
July 30, 2019 at 11:39
Dear Mr. brit
I am DV WINNER 2020 AF region
our family has 02 members . My wife is the winner. My question is ;
1) THE DS 260 form should be filled by physically each person .Is it right ?
2)can I filled both DS 260 forms by myself ?
thanks my brit
July 30, 2019 at 14:09
2. Yes
July 28, 2019 at 16:20
Is there anyone from Ghana who has received their 2NL for the September interview?
July 24, 2019 at 20:09
mr. simon,
I am the principal applicant DV2019.I already schedulled appointment on end of August.
my husband had a visa interview on 2001 for his masters degree F1 interview.so at the time ,they said not enough money for studies and tell him that day he was not suited for received visa because of lack of funds. so officer advice him that if he showed enough money again we will give the visa.
we made a mistake on DS-260 under previous Travel information,,,
I select ” NO ” for question ” have ever been refused a visa,been refused admission to the US or widthraw…….
my questions are ;
1) should I sent an apology email to Embassy regarding that I made a mistake on above question and wants to correct it at the interview ?
2) Instead of send email to Embassy , can I explain it & correct it at the interview ?
3) Is it leading to be a problem ?
Pls. help mr.simon need your Assistance.
rgds,
dave j
July 27, 2019 at 00:51
Just explain at the interview if asked.
June 10, 2020 at 17:37
Hi Dave,
I have a similar problem. How did it go? Did you get the green card or where you disqualified?
Thanks for answering!
July 24, 2019 at 18:27
mr. simon,
they already sheduled my interview on august.but they wanted register courier service for pp delivery.
we are registering with the embassy courier, we are encountering a question that asks for the “VISA CLASS ” But there is no visa class for Diveristy Visa ..or DV1…DV2…etc. How do we get this ?
rgds,
dave
July 27, 2019 at 00:34
See if there is something that mentions diversity visa – something like that.I don’t know all the country systems, so you need to look carefully and use your own judgement.
October 31, 2019 at 11:55
to help readers, I had the same issue. I contacted Embassy by email, they responded that “no need to register, just show up to the interview”. I am talking about US embassy in Riyadh in saudi arabia.
October 31, 2019 at 18:41
Be careful though – this varies by embassy.
January 30, 2020 at 17:16
Hi Mr. Brit
I received a message from my Sponsor telling me that he has changed his address, but in the same city of Columbus, and he sent me his current address. Do I need to do any thing at this time, after I used his previous address on my DS 260 form??
January 30, 2020 at 20:24
At the interview, change the address.
July 18, 2019 at 19:35
if my wife was 2month pregnant we play dv and we win, we fill the ds260 she was still pregnant and interview is ready, does Co disqualify u for carrying the child with u visa interview
July 18, 2019 at 22:26
No.
July 4, 2019 at 21:56
Thanks once again!!
Another thing I would like to understand has to do with early submission. My case number is AF00039*** from the African Region and I submitted my DS260 form early June I believe with no mistake, does it have any problem on my process?
July 5, 2019 at 01:52
No problem.
July 18, 2019 at 23:22
Thanks so much.