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 –
August 1, 2015 at 06:32
Hello BritSimon
Hope you are doing well. Please tell me, Do you know how many interviews the US consulate in South Africa can complete in one month? And do you know how many Visas have been issued for South Africa?
Thank you for your time.
August 1, 2015 at 07:15
None have been issued for DV2016 since the DV2016 years starts on October 1
August 1, 2015 at 06:34
Sorry for DV2016
August 1, 2015 at 06:36
Sorry for Dv 2016
August 1, 2015 at 09:38
Brit I am a Dv 2016 winner. My case no. Is 2016AF000001xx. When can my interview be scheduled? Thanks in advance
August 2, 2015 at 01:28
October – assuming you sent the DS260 early enough.
August 2, 2015 at 05:28
Thanks Brits i m very much grateful
August 2, 2015 at 08:20
Brit Jxt read John Smith denial Story . Very pathetic One of course. But What if You have three names, forinstance Kofi (First ) Mensah (milde) and Asiedu (surname) then on your eDV you mistakenly entered your middle as your First name like this Mensah(First) Kofi ( middle) Asiedu (surname). can u be denied a visa based on this? If yes then What can be done when this Situation is realized before filling ds 260
August 2, 2015 at 16:02
Yes that can cause denial – but it depends on the CO. Some embassies are more strict than others. The only advice is to make sure the mistake is corrected on the DS260.
August 3, 2015 at 11:39
Brit tanx so much for your response Im much grateful. But there is this question buffeling my mind. Is it necessary to use he samr address and e-mail address Iused to fill my edv to fill the Ds 260?
If you a Child but not married can you indicate it in your Ds 260?
August 3, 2015 at 13:44
No – the address and email address don’t have to match the original entry.
You must list the child – yes. Unless recently born that child must have also been listed on the original entry.
August 1, 2015 at 11:45
hi Brit
my entry photo for dv 2016 and that the new one in my passport are not too identical especially as concerns complexion.what s my risk?
again the mnths of birth of my parents has neverbeen known.i know only the years.
lastly what do u think of 2016af441**
August 2, 2015 at 01:33
No risk in any of the three questions….
August 2, 2015 at 12:07
Please my wife has won but I don’t meet the education and job requirements but she has. Now she is some few months pregnant will we be given?
August 2, 2015 at 16:01
Your wife will need to meet the requirements, not you. The pregnancy is not a problem.
August 2, 2015 at 17:00
So won’t I be ask any questions?
August 2, 2015 at 17:33
Probably not.
August 2, 2015 at 20:50
Dear Simon I wish to ask if one can have a visa with some one that you never play the dv with
August 2, 2015 at 20:51
Explain that better.
August 3, 2015 at 05:20
sir i mean if one can process the papers of having the dv visa with a person that he or she name was not included during the period of playing the lottery either you child or wife’s name
August 3, 2015 at 05:28
If there is a spouse or child that existed at the time of the original entry BUT that person was not listed on the entry – the case will be disqualified.
August 3, 2015 at 12:45
Hi brit am winner for dv2016 the time I played I was at south africa but now am already back at my own country congo so that is could not make problem on my interview day?
August 3, 2015 at 13:43
It does not matter where you are now compared to where you played from – but obviously you must unlock your DS260 to update the address so that you interview at the local embassy.
August 3, 2015 at 09:46
hi brit, i was recently promoted to project management this April 2015, but prior to April 2015 for almost 3 years i worked as an analyst. how should i proceed further in this case since my skilled O-net occcupation is analyst and i was promoted to Project management recently which is not skilled in O-net. how should i fill my 260 form???
August 3, 2015 at 13:52
The work experience requirement is 2 years within the last 5 years – so you would be fine.
However, if you qualify by education, this is a non issue – as you only need to be qualified by education OR work experience – not both.
August 3, 2015 at 14:34
Sorry brit I don not undestand what do you mean by unlock my ds260…therefore I do not yet submit my ds260…so explain me by that please
August 3, 2015 at 15:34
OK – if you have not yet submitted the DS260 – you don’t need to unlock it. It only becomes locked when you submit it.
August 3, 2015 at 23:49
Thanks brit, but the prob is i dont know how to apply it on my D260 application. Since i got promoted on may 2015 to project management , should i update this as my current employment and select 2 years training not required and update the previous employment as an analyst and tick 2 years expereince and training required. i do not have high school diploma instead only completed by high school certificate , HND
August 3, 2015 at 23:51
please not project management is not in level 4 or 5, only Analyst is in level 4
August 3, 2015 at 23:52
and both the jobs were at same company
August 4, 2015 at 00:22
Document your work history in the DS260 – that should cover it!
August 4, 2015 at 05:46
Hi Brit we really appreciate your honesty and guidance on this platform.Pls I want to know if someone that was denied under the immigration law 212(a)5(A) that state that you are ineligible due to minimum education or job skills requirement,and the person has I high school and university degree and two years of work experience,what might be the reason for the denial.And also can such a person apply for any other type visa after and participate in DV program in future.Thanks
August 4, 2015 at 13:48
It is possible to obtain a University degree without having met the high school education level set for the country. Simple attendance of high school is not the level required – most countries have a “standard” in terms of subjects or grades that should be passed. Someone could later re-sit exams in order to gain entry to university.
For work experience, the experience has to be gained in certain professions and level of work. This is described in the instructions and checked on the O*Net database.
Someone refused on this basis can try the DV program again – but will need to meet the requirements at that time. That person should not have an issue applying for another type of visa.
August 4, 2015 at 11:25
hello brit i’m a dv 2016 winner i submitted my DS 260 form late july when do you think i can be scheduled for an interview. Thanks in advance
August 4, 2015 at 13:27
It is based on your case number – read this.
https://britsimonsays.com/when-will-i-have-an-interview/
August 7, 2015 at 01:58
I’ve won already and I’m waiting for the interview now. I was wondering how much time I have to “activate” the visa once I get it (I have a work contract until June ’16 that I would like to finish up before)?
August 7, 2015 at 05:57
You have up to 6 months after approval to activate the GC. If your number is low, you might want to unlock your DS260 to delay your interview until January/February.
August 10, 2015 at 20:59
My dv number is 2015AF000304##. I am in the process of filling in my ds260. Could you please tell me what the Beneficiary ID Number is ?
August 10, 2015 at 22:31
Insert the 2015AF000304##.
August 12, 2015 at 00:10
hi brit , i might have asked you this over and over again, but please help me one more time.
i am employed at a SAME company for the past 6 years, i checked o net , my occupation is skilled but i was promoted recently this April to different designation. In this case how should i fill my DS260 form
1. on the Present work tab update my new promoted designation and give NO for (2 years training required) and
2. on the Previous employment tab update my O-net skilled designation and give YES (2 years training required)
the thing i am getting confused is on the Present Work tab it has a field called Do you have other occupations. Whats this for ?
August 12, 2015 at 00:31
Probably for other jobs that you do now.
Relax – you are thinking about this far too much.
August 13, 2015 at 12:29
Good day brit I got big familly at US so I need to have other public support to proove then I will not be like an public charge at us???
August 13, 2015 at 13:53
Your family members can provide an affidavit of support (I-134). In some embassies the relationship with family members who will host you is enough.
August 14, 2015 at 14:05
my no is AF3093 when will ma interview be shceduled
August 14, 2015 at 14:22
If you sent your DS260 early, then it could be in October.
https://britsimonsays.com/about-2nls-for-october-interviews/
August 14, 2015 at 15:40
I sent the ds260 on 17th june but of recent they me an email telling me that my ds260 has been submitted on 30th july and yet I sent it in june and they also told me to follow instructions on the confirmation page could plz explain to me what the matter oz thanx
August 14, 2015 at 16:23
I have no idea what question you are trying to ask.
August 15, 2015 at 02:38
Brit am sorry you didn’t get me at all but ma point was I got selected and I sent the ds260 on 17th june and also got a confirmation letter that ma form has been sent but then on 30th july I got an email that my ds 260 has been submitted.so am wondering why it was submitted that day yet i sent it on17th june .sorry that’s the last question.
August 15, 2015 at 02:51
I have no idea why there is a difference in the dates.
August 15, 2015 at 03:17
Or may be forms are sent but get submitted when your number is current.because I got a confirmation letter on 17th but then also on 30th july the msg said that your ds260 that you sent on 17th june has been submitted today they stated the date and also told me to follow the next steps on the confirmation page
August 15, 2015 at 06:37
should it be the case?
August 14, 2015 at 15:53
reply me plz sir
August 14, 2015 at 17:43
I recived an email on. 30th july from DOS telling me that my ds 260 has been submitted and yet I sent it on 17th june I thought that was when it was submited
August 18, 2015 at 11:17
My spouse won the dv lottery for 2015 in ghana, he is living in ghana but not a ghanaian, but from an ecowas country. He is a voluntary pastor in ghana. What questions should he expect at the interview
August 18, 2015 at 11:48
But the 2015 interviews are almost finished
August 18, 2015 at 15:28
Same questions as anyone else….
August 21, 2015 at 11:44
Please we went for the interview this week going through our documents they ask we we drought our Ds 260 which we didn’t so we were given 10 min to bring it. We went and find out that my wife was the only one who has hers on the site. So we printed out and brought it but we were denied the opportunity to be interviewed and were asked to send them an email so they will get back to us. We we even ask if my wife could be interviewed as she is the primary applicant and I am the beneficiary but was still denied the chance be we have already paid for the visa fee. Now we are back home just waiting for their reply and not knowing when. Please what can we do? Really need your help.
August 21, 2015 at 13:51
That is very little information to go on. Are you saying that there was not a DS260 filled out for some of the selectees?
At the end of the day, only the embassy can decide what to do.
August 21, 2015 at 11:48
Why did they ask the ds-260?? Don’t we bring the confirmation page only on the interview?
August 21, 2015 at 13:48
Just the confirmation page is fine.
August 21, 2015 at 12:48
So what if we don’t hear from them after September? Means we are cut off?
August 21, 2015 at 13:47
Yes
August 21, 2015 at 13:54
Please explain I don’t understand
August 21, 2015 at 14:06
My Ds 260 was filled but somehow didn’t appear but my name was on the appointment letters as a beneficiary. But we have not yet been interviewed yet so how can they cut we like that . If so then can’t my wife only go because she has her Ds 260.
August 21, 2015 at 17:44
That is still unclear – but all you can do is contact the embassy and hope they will do something.
August 21, 2015 at 14:36
But why doesn’t the embassy say the truth that they are disqualified and instead give false hopes to send an e-mail and go all that stress.. :(..Such a shame.
August 23, 2015 at 23:04
Hi brits, thank you for the blog it was very helpful
my interview was last week and the co recommended that my friend in florida must send me the i134 form
so my question is can i get the i134 from anauther person who lives in a different state??
please help me with this one because i don’t have enough time to get the i 134 form and send it to the embassy.
August 24, 2015 at 02:35
Yes anyone can fill that in – regardless of their proximity to where you will live.
As you say – you need to get that done asap.
August 24, 2015 at 08:19
Hi Brits,a friend linked up to the thread which I find useful but late,I was denied my chance in DV 2015 last July on the white paper given to me was written there that I didn’t meet the basic job skills requirement under DV visa program its painful,meanwhile i had admission to Northern Arizona University USA for my masters which I differed to January 2016 cos of the processing of the dv program now I have my i20 with me for interview process can I go ahead with the interview process,won’t the lottery denial affect my student visa and what’s my stand?John.Thanks
August 24, 2015 at 14:49
No, the DV denial won’t affect your temporary visa.
August 24, 2015 at 10:09
Thank you so much brits that’s so reliefing.
So i need to bring on ly the i 134 form without the id of the auther person right??
i mean only what the co told me to bring??
August 24, 2015 at 14:46
The I-134 needs tax forms (1040/W2/payslips) and a copy of the ID (passport) of the author.
August 24, 2015 at 22:00
Ok it’s understood.
And thank you so much Brits, hope i can get it done soon.
August 25, 2015 at 11:56
Dear Brit,
I went today on the interview to the embassy in Greece. The CO accepted my education and work experience (my only proof were two letters from an ex employer and my current employer with the companies stamp).
The waiting time was very big since I got in the embassy till I left, the whole proccess took nearly 4 hours to complete.
They asked me some questions about my previous travel in the US and where am I planning to stay to, and they didn’t ask for bank statement or sponsor form. The more stressful thing was when they asked for exact days that I went to school from elementary till high school. Cause I didn’t remember well the dates and I was afraid that the CO would perceive that as me trying to lie or something.
Because I thought that the high school diploma is enough, I didn’t bring with me the elementary diploma (stupid mistake). Fortunately I explained them that since I presented them the high school diploma, it is obvious that I had completed elementary successfully.
Now, the only problem is that I have to present until Friday the birth certificate of my birth country (I was born in Albania), cause the one I had was issued on May 2014 and that document must be valid for one year. So, I hope that by thursday or friday I will take it to the embassy, or else my visa will be canceled. Fortunately, they facilitated me and told me to bring it by myself in the embassy instead of the usual procedure that is with DHL courier, so that I don’t delay it more.
*They didn’t ask me for the copies of my documents and they kept the originals when I presented to them.
Will I get them on friday when I give them the missing birth certificate?
Thanks
August 25, 2015 at 15:20
They probably will not return the originals. You should have provided photocopies of those documents.
August 25, 2015 at 15:31
Can I ask them back when I provide them the missing birth certificate? And give them all the copies.
If I am denied a visa supposedly cause I don’t make it on time till friday, will they return them back to me?
August 25, 2015 at 16:35
You can discuss it with them – I don’t know whether they will return the documents or not.
August 25, 2015 at 15:34
Man, this is very worrying…:( Those were my original high school diploma and employer letters. Why didn’t they just ask me if I had copies. 🙁
August 25, 2015 at 16:34
You were supposed to have read the instructions – and the instructions specifically say to bring photocopies.
http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/diversity-visa/if-you-are-selected/prepare-supporting-documents.html
August 25, 2015 at 16:40
I knew about it, but I was a bit stressed and thought about it when I got out of the embassy…You mean you don’t know whether they will return the documents or not, regardless if I am issued a visa or not? I suppose that if I am denied again a visa, they must return them, right?
August 25, 2015 at 15:55
Brit, they also gave me a paper that states the reason for my visa denial and states the missing document. Is this standard procedure? Does it mean that they will not issue me a visa even if I present them the missing document?
Thanks again.
August 25, 2015 at 16:31
It is standard procedure – a 221(g) denial – meaning you are refused for missing documents and can still be processed once you produce the missing documents.
August 25, 2015 at 16:32
Yeah exactly it is 221(g) denial. Thanks again.
August 26, 2015 at 06:17
One more last question Brit.
In the DV regulations it states about the birth certificate that it should have an
“Annotation by the appropriate authority indicating that it is an extract from the official records”
and the old one that expired had it already. But for the new one, I can’t make it on time to have that annotation, cause otherwise I will have it by monday and the CO was very strict to bring it until friday. On the reciprocity schedule paper that they gave me when I left, it doesn’t mention anything about that annotation though. In any case, I am doing a desperate attempt, since I can’t make it on time and will present it to them without that special annotation and hope that they will accept it.
Do you think that will be a problem?
August 26, 2015 at 06:19
It is country specific Alex – I don’t know what is acceptable for each country – but as you say – present it and see what happens.
August 26, 2015 at 13:38
I am a DV 2016 winer AF000311xx…and i have’t sent my DS260, what ar3e my chances, and when will i be interviewed
August 26, 2015 at 13:42
I will be sending my DS260 by next week…is it too late
August 26, 2015 at 14:28
No, not too late.
August 26, 2015 at 14:29
For the when, check out my article “when will I be interviewed”
August 27, 2015 at 07:34
OK I just returned from the embassy. The employee seemed to accept my new issued birth certificate and she informed me that in about two weeks I shall receive my passport and visa via DHL, although she didn’t assure me that I would indeed get a visa.
August 27, 2015 at 15:05
It sounds fine. The lack of assurance is possibly to do with the visa numbers – they are aware that visas normally run short at the end of the year.
August 27, 2015 at 15:12
Brit, can I see somewhere the visa numbers, so that I have a picture of wether I got chances to make it on time? Just like we see the bulletin numbers every month.
Thanks.
August 27, 2015 at 15:17
I publish the CEAC data – last file is here.
https://britsimonsays.com/ceac-data-august-17/
August 27, 2015 at 17:45
How can we know the limit of visa numbers for an area?
August 27, 2015 at 18:07
There is a mathematical formula
https://britsimonsays.com/the-regional-quota-mystery-solved/
August 27, 2015 at 17:53
That’s a great and very helpful tool…Great job! 🙂
August 27, 2015 at 15:19
Thanks. I’ll check it thoroughly.
August 27, 2015 at 20:14
Brit thanks for your wonderful and very educating blog. I with my family got green card visas in late July and now we are in USA.I need to exit US and go back to continue my job for US company (outside US) and I wil leave my family in US(will be coming back say in 3-4 month period) is there anything I need to do in the border or inform US Government about my exit and coming back?
August 28, 2015 at 01:22
No you are all set. If you don’t have the plastic Green Card yet, your visa in your passport serves as the temporary I-551.
August 28, 2015 at 09:20
Just checked the CEAC site again. It says:
“Your visa has been printed. Depending on local procedures at the location where you were interviewed, your visa will be mailed or available for pickup soon. If there are further questions, or if we need updated contact information, you will be contacted.”
August 28, 2015 at 13:13
Cool!
August 28, 2015 at 10:56
please am a 2015 winner which i will take my interview soon. please my problem is…i have only the internet result slip as my high school educational requirement. pleace i will the CO accept that or i will be denied. help
August 28, 2015 at 13:07
In some countries they have ways to check that – so it depends on the local embassy….
August 29, 2015 at 15:23
salut moi je suis algerien et je suis avec ma femme de puis 2004 on ce fiancè 2012 et on a fais le mariage religieux et on c est inscrit a la lottery marier et apre avoire gagnie la dv 2016 j ais fais lacte de mariage et fais une petite resption et j ai remplis le ds 260 on juin je veux savoire esque sa pose pas probleme vus que je me suis inscrit et marie et j ai pas l acte de mariage
August 29, 2015 at 15:31
My French is bad – English please.
August 29, 2015 at 15:40
Please I am still home waiting for the mail I was told it will be sent which hasn’t come. So I want to know if I my wife alone can go since I couldn’t fill my Ds 260 even though we both paid for the visa fee on our appointment day.
August 29, 2015 at 17:53
I don’t know your position and you are not being clear.
August 29, 2015 at 18:08
Please how clear should I be? You can ask me what you don’t understand. Thanks.
August 29, 2015 at 18:15
You keep starting new questions rather than replying to existing ones. So – I am not seeing the “conversation” and have had to search to find earlier comments.
What I am not clear about is what is your question. If YOU want my help YOU have to be very clear – I don’t have time to try and guess what is on your mind. So – clearly explain what is the situation/question. If you cannot do that – then simply contact the embassy.
September 3, 2015 at 06:57
Hi Brit
I will always be grateful to your work. I went to interview yesterday, in DRC. I was really surprised because it didnt last 5 minutes. No financial documents needed. Only two questions : do i have children ? am i married? Which answers are no for both then the lady said everything is correct i should come pick up my passport on tuesday , visa included. Im sharing these for all people from the same country that may stress like i did before the interview. Hopefully it may be helpful. Thank you again
September 3, 2015 at 14:18
Yep – many interviews last 3 or 4 minutes only. As you say – people assume the interview will be a difficult thing, but being well prepared and confident makes it easy.
September 9, 2015 at 13:01
HI BRITSIMON;
MY WIFE IS 2015 DV WINNER, AND HER CASE NUMBER IS IN 27500 CAN YOU TELL US WHEN WILL BE OUR INTERVIEW. SECONDLY, MY WIFE HIGH SCHOOL CERTIFICATE NAME IS ( ROSE V. WILLIAM ) AND SHE FORGOT TO USE THE ( V ) IN HER NAME TO PLAY DV. SHE WON THE DV. AS ROSE WILLIAM. CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE ME ON THESE TWO ISSUES ?
September 9, 2015 at 13:55
You say your are DV2015 – that is nearly over – do you mean DV2016? And what region?
The DS260 must have the middle name (it is an initital, not a name – right?
September 3, 2015 at 16:25
Wow! I pray mine will also be like urs Chris
September 9, 2015 at 15:51
HI BRITSIMON;
I AM SORRY ITS A DV 2016 AND THE CASE NUMBER IS IN THE 27500. WE ARE IN THE WEST AFRICAN REGION SPECIFICALLY LIBERIA. CAN YOU PLEASE ADVISE ON THE DATE OF INTERVIEW.
September 9, 2015 at 17:02
https://britsimonsays.com/when-will-i-have-an-interview/