We will have many DV2021 selectees with very basic questions. Let me try and address the most frequent ones here in the hope that people will read this. If you ask a question and I give you a link to this page, it is to indicate that your question can be answered by reading this page and using some common sense. Please use the links in the title at the top of this page for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the DV lottery guide. There is LOTS of information available on my site – so a look through the FAQ and guide will take care of most questions.
Please read the ground rules at the bottom of this page.
Here are two links to help those still not able to check their entry:
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/checking-esc-page-check-without-mistakes/
And here is a video to explain how to check your entry result.
This video is specifcally showing the process for DV2021:
This is a video for people that find they are selected!
And for those that cannot submit their DS260.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
Now – some questions.
Is there a deadline to submit my DS260?
There is no official deadline to submit your DS260. People will continue to submit DS260s for DV2021 cases well into 2021. Submissions as late as April, May or perhaps (but more riskily) even June of next year will still get processed in time.
How long does it take to process the DS260?
The way DS260’s are processed was changed for DV2018. In addition there was a recent change to the process about submitting documents to KCC AFTER the DS260.
The actual processing time of the DS260 is quite short – probably 3 to 4 weeks.
Does every DS260 take the same time to process?
No. There is some background checks required on each case that vary according to the situation of the selectees. The precise details of the checks are not published, but we can guess they are mainly about ensuring security of the USA. That means they communicate with agencies and foreign governments about the details you provide on the DS260. Some countries co-operate with the USA, some don’t. In countries that don’t co-operate you can expect DS260 will take longer. So, some cases are very simple, and some not so simple. If a selectee was raised in Western Europe, works in an office and has never travelled to certain high risk countries we can expect the DS260 processing (once the case is ACTUALLY processed, not queued) to be quick. If on the other hand someone has travel history around certain countries in the Middle East or lists their work as “Nuclear weapons specialist”, well they can expect the US government to take longer over those checks.
So – never assume that all DS260s submitted on the same day will complete processing on the same day. There will be variations.
When will I be interviewed?
Interview timing is mainly based on your case number, and where that number is ranked within each region. If you submitted your DS260 early, but have a high case number within your region, you will wait until that case number is ready to be interviewed. So – if you are case number 10000 in AS region for example you can expect a long wait before being interviewed. However regions have their own numbering, SO that same number in AF region (where the highest case number could be a lot higher) that 10000 number would be very low. So “low or high” number is relative within the region.
When will interviews start and how will I be told of my interview date?
No DV2021 interviews will happen before October 2020. DV2021 interviews will continue until September 30th 2021. So stop packing your bags. It’s a long process. Interview scheduled are notified in monthly batches about 6 weeks before the interview month. The notification is called the 2NL.
When will KCC send the first 2NLs?
The first 2NLs (the interview notification) for DV2020 will go out in mid/late August. That will be for cases that have been processed AND are current for October, AND have submitted their documents. Then 2NLs will come in a monthly schedule, also late in each month. So – late in September for November interviews and so on.
When are the visa bulletins published?
The visa bulletins are published around the 15th of each month.
“My case number is XXXX when will I be scheduled?”
Oh man. These questions are tiring. I really expect people to use some thought process about this, and if you can’t do that, then asking me to think for you is not going to be warmly welcomed by me. I have made available more than enough information to get an idea of how scheduling works, but remember, cases are scheduled according to ALL the following three things.
- The case number. No case will EVER be scheduled until the case number is ready.
- DS260 submission. Until the DS260 is submitted AND PROCESSED, you will not be scheduled.
- Submitted documents to KCC (new process). Until your documents are submitted to KCC you will not be processed. Read about the new procedure here.
How do KCC schedule the cases?
Roughly speaking all interviews are spread out over the year, starting in October and ending the following September. KCC release numbers via the visa bulletin to say which case numbers can be interviewed. Check out this article to understand how to read the visa bulletin.
KCC will increase the number made current on each region at a pace that ensures they have enough interviews to match the embassy capacity during each month.
So – to take an example. If OC had a highest case number of 1000, we could roughly expect to see that number increase by 100 each month. It might be 75 one month and 125 the next, but you get the general idea – it is a slow progression over the year.
Will there be a second draw?
In some years it is possible that there would be a small second draw around September/October. We don’t know how likely that is for DV2021 yet.
Selectees, cases and case numbers
OK – so there is some confusion about this – so let me cover it here.
When the selectee numbers are published (in the July or August visa bulletin there is a number shown for each country within each region. That number is the number of *selectees – INCLUDING derivatives*. So – if a winner was single, that is one selectee on one case number. If the winner was married and had one child, that would count as three selectees. The global quota of visas is 50,000, so if the three person family were to be approved, that is 3 out of 50,000.
Each winner gets a case number. The derivatives are on that same case number. Each region has it’s on set of case numbers – so there can be an AF1, AF2, AS1, AS2, EU1 and EU2 ands so on. So when you tell me your case number is case number 12345 – it is meaningless. I need the year and region.
As I explain in this post about holes theory – the case numbers assigned have “holes” (or gaps between them). So – case number 2019EU20000 does NOT have 19999 cases in front of them. The number will be less. However, there may be less case numbers – but each case has the selectee and derivatives.
To understand your “place in the line”, you have to understand the density of cases, number of derivatives on each case, how many cases will respond, how many will be approved and so on. There is a lot to understand. I wrote a series of articles a couple of years ago – and all can be understood by reading those – start with density analysis, and use the links at the bottom of that article to get to the others. The analysis was specific to DV2016 – but the principles are the same.
In the first few months of the new program year we don’t have much data. In January we get access to the CEAC data and then we will understand a lot more. The CEAC data is all the case status info for every case – but again we will not have DV2020 CEAC data until January 2020. In the meantime, you can see excellent visualizations of the DV2018 and 2019 data at the site maintained by a smart guy call Xarthisius. The site illustrates well the density, response rate and so on, which are things you will hear me explain (and can read about on my site).
How many visas can be issued for DV2021? How about XXX country?
According to the published information, there are almost 55,000 visas available globally. However, the visas are allocated through a quota system to each region. They are NOT allocated by country. However, no one country can receive more than 7% of the global allocation. – so regions have an allocation of the 55,000 global quota. This is explained in more detail here.
Can DV2021 be stopped by Trump/Republicans/Aliens?
This was fully detailed in this post from August 2017. Since then, Trump and the Republicans have continued to achieve almost nothing, and there has been no credible progress toward immigration law changes. Please read that article, and don’t ask me the same questions again until an actual real law is passed.
GROUND RULES for BritSimonSays.com
I don’t work for the government, I don’t get paid for this. I work for a living and I sleep sometimes. So – I expect people to respect my time. That means the following “rules” exist on my site.
- Read the DV lottery guide. It includes a link to my guide on how to complete the DS260, an overall rough idea of the process and so on.
- READ the FAQ (frequently asked questions). If you ask me a question that is covered in the FAQ, you are wasting my time. Please help me help you and others that need help
- Learn how to use the search feature and translation features of this site.
- Post your questions in English. Like many of you, I am multilingual but English is a common language – and most Americans ONLY speak English, and mostly, not very well 😉
- If asking multiple questions, number your questions and consider how I can answer the question. Consider how I can answer with a simple yes or no or short answer – you will find I ALWAYS answer questions like that, because you considered how to make the answer easy for me to give. Give me enough detail to answer the question without making me read about your life history for 10 minutes. I do ignore some rambling questions that send me to sleep…
- Do NOT post “are you sure” type questions – I simply HATE that. It is a huge waste of my time to have to deal with that type of follow up. Read my answer 10 times if you need, but unless you are CONVINCED I misunderstood or answered incorrectly, don’t ask me the same thing I just answered.
- Post your question once and wait for a reply. Sometimes your post won’t show up on the public page until I approve it. That doesn’t mean you should post the same question 5 more times. Just wait.
- If following up to a question you already asked – use “REPLY” to keep the questions in context. I see an administrators view of the questions – I don’t always see that one question is close to your previous question, but I am able to jump to the thread if you use reply.
- Don’t expect me to know everything about life in all the countries around the world. You may not have left country A – but you should consider that the world does not all work the same way as country A.
- Tell the truth. Don’t lie to me. I hate it – and it is pointless. This process requires honesty. So do I.
- Keep your data private. Your case number should be quoted with region and year, but you don’t need to give me, or anyone else, a precise number. Give a range by “X-ing out” the last few digits. So – if your number is 2019AF000012345, you can quote your number as 2019AF12XXX. That tells me you are about the 12000 to 13000 range in AF region in 2019.
- Every year I get a few characters that drive me nuts. There is the person that asks every single question that pops into their head. If someone is making use of the info here, that should not be necessary. Take some responsibility for your own case. Second I get some smartasses that get uppity with me over one thing or another. I could argue for England, I enjoy a good argument, but this isn’t the place for that and I am too busy. I will not hesitate to delete messages I find annoying or damaging to other people’s chances. Some people are amazed when I do that – but this is my blog. If you want to argue because you think you know better, just find somewhere else to do that. I’m not interested in feeding your ego, and I don’t care if you think I am arrogant, mean, a tyrant or whatever. Really – I don’t care, so those “accusations” don’t hurt me.
- This space reserved for any other rules I think of, whenever I think of them.
June 16, 2020 at 02:27
Hi Simon!
I could not find an answer here in your blog. In the section “Inmigration Law Violations 1”, theres a Q stating: “Are you subject to a civil penalty under INA 274C? ”
Should I put no?
June 16, 2020 at 17:50
I have no idea what you should answer – You must answer for yourself.
June 16, 2020 at 14:07
Hi Simon
Thank you very much for your great service.
I’m a Ghanaian and I’ll like to know if all cases will be interviewed regardless of the September 30 closing date? I missed my interview date for a good reason of which KCC is aware and were supposed to reschedule my interview before the emergence of the virus. My initial interview date was in January before the postponement, do I possibly get early interview or first -come -first-serve still plays out?
Thank you very much
June 16, 2020 at 18:56
Not all cases will get interviews. Whether you will get rescheduled or not, I don’t know. The embassies are still not open – so you have to wait to see whether they reopen in time.
July 11, 2020 at 19:19
Hello Brit, I have case number 2021AF00XXXX31,
Please tell me
1) whether it’s high or low and
2) when I should submit the form
Thanks
July 11, 2020 at 21:40
Your number is unclear.
June 16, 2020 at 18:22
Hi Brit
My case number is AF29XXX is it ok to fill the ds260 form now comparing Case numbers you have seen from Africa?
June 16, 2020 at 19:23
Yes
June 17, 2020 at 00:36
Hi Simon I have a question, I am dutch (born and raised) and my case number is EU00036XXX. I lived in the Netherlands during my application and filled my application. I currently live and work in London, UK. This would be my present address in my ds-260 form correct?
Also, would this be an issue for approval?
June 17, 2020 at 02:44
Correct. No problem.
June 17, 2020 at 02:19
Hi simon,
I filled DS260 form 4 days go but i havenot got any email notification about submission of documents , should i inform them about this or wait for some more days , whats the trend?
June 17, 2020 at 02:59
Patience.
June 17, 2020 at 16:48
Apologies just one more question.
My case number is EU00036XXX. I hoped to make the move early 2022. What month do you believe would be best to submit my DS260 in order to achieve this?
June 17, 2020 at 18:58
March.
June 17, 2020 at 22:25
My case number is AF00082***, I’m quite confused if that range is higher than usual in the region I am in, would I be able to get an interview? thank you so much
June 17, 2020 at 23:39
It is too early to know for certain.
June 18, 2020 at 02:23
Awaiting moderation
hi simon
I hold F1 visa and won DV 2021AS000035xx. My son holds F2 and attends public elementary school.
I am confused with the following question in the visa application:
“Have you attended a public elementary school or a public secondary school on student (F) status after November 30, 1996 without reimbursing the school?”
We haven’t reimburse the school. When we answer “yes” to the above question, it needs an explanation.
1. Can you help me to explain a reason? Actually, I don’t know if we have to reimburse his expenses to the school.
2. Would it be a problem to get Green Card?
3. 35xx is it a good number?
Thanks
Niluka
June 18, 2020 at 03:24
Please read my earlier response.
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-466/#comment-231722
June 18, 2020 at 02:42
Hello, should we be concerned if we have submitted DS260 but not yet received email asking for documents?
June 18, 2020 at 04:40
No
June 18, 2020 at 07:03
Hi Mr Simon
We appreciate what you do
I’ve been selected for further processing in the diversity immigrant visa and I already signed and submitted the ds260 but later I found that I made a mistake I chose high school diploma instead of high school certificate for my course study is ACADEMIC, so I wonder , will this lead to disqualification on the day of the interview ?
By the I emailed th KCC asking 5o unlock my ds260 , but so far , they never answered me back
June 18, 2020 at 18:58
Please always read the answer I already gave rather than asking again.
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-466/#comment-231674
June 18, 2020 at 08:54
Dear Simon,
Thank you for the continued support. Could you have any idea about time I need to submit my DS-260 as my case number is 2021AF56XXX.
June 18, 2020 at 19:30
You can submit now or any time over the next few months.
June 18, 2020 at 22:07
Joel.
Hi Brit, my wife will give birth in about 2 weeks time. Do I go ahead and file the DS 260 form or wait for her to give birth. Also how do I add the new born when he is here.
June 19, 2020 at 00:10
Please read the FAQ.
June 19, 2020 at 00:38
Hello Brit thanks for the great job your are doing,
What happens if I submit my scanned documents to kcc and my Police clearance certificate happens to expire before my interview due date
June 19, 2020 at 01:11
Well that would be complicating your case,so use some simple logic to avoid that. If your number is high, don’t submit yet. Simple.
June 19, 2020 at 03:41
Hello Brit,
Am back here after a very long time and thanks once again for your great work. But for covid, am doing very well after relocation and everyone is hit so we all hope to recover soon
A third party who resides here in America applied for my acquaintance’s girlfriend back in Ghana and fortunately, she won the 2021 DV lottery. This guy has outrageously demanded $24,000.00 from this lady before he gives the case number. He has given a payment plan of 4000 dollars down payment and pays the 20,000 within a year when she finally relocates. He further erroneously tells this lady, he is gonna guarantee and will give affidavit of support as part of the services for demanding the 24,000 dollars. Affidavit of support was not required two years ago when I went for my interview and l remember l specifically asked you here and it was no. Am not sure if the rules have changed.
I know you have talked about this severally but there are still some greedy people out there who want to take advantage of people who genuinely think they can make a better life here in America.
This guy has threatened to sell the case number to the next highest bidder if this lady doesn’t cough up the down payment of 4000 in the next 3 weeks.
I know the obvious that without the case number there’s nothing this lady can do. The guy used his email address during application so the lady can’t retrieve her confirmation without the email used.
1. Is there any other way the confirmation can be retrieved?
2. What if she had a higher case number and would never be called. So many ifs Brit.
3. But please what are your thoughts.
Thanks
June 19, 2020 at 04:01
“This guy has threatened to sell the case number to the next highest bidder if this lady doesn’t cough up the down payment of 4000 in the next 3 weeks.“
BS.
You can’t sell the case number because the only person who can continue the process is that lady. If you change the name and the rest of the data to someone else, the case get disqualified.
June 19, 2020 at 04:06
1. No.
2. Correct.
3. The whole thing is a scam obviously. She should forget about it. This person could have made mistakes in the entry which will ensure refusal. The win (if it exists) is worthless to anyone else because it presumably is in her name, with her photo.
She didn’t apply. She didn’t lose anything. Next year whe can enter for herself.
June 25, 2020 at 16:25
she could ask KCC to recover her case number and skip on scammers – if that’s what she thinks she wants.
June 25, 2020 at 19:28
If that was a sensible answer don’t you think I would have said that?
June 19, 2020 at 08:33
Hi Mr Simon,
First of all let me thank you immensely for your blog. The amount and quality of information you have provided has made mine (and I’m sure many other people’s) lives easier!
I am confused about some aspects of my application, and, given your experience in the area, would like to consult you
Some relevant information about myself: I am a DV2021 selectee with the case number AS19XXX. I am currently a medical student, and in the final year of medical school in Pakistan. I intend to move to the USA after my graduation and practice as a physician (after passing the relevant licensing exams, ofcourse). Currently I have not cleared the required licensing exams (planning to give them soon).
First issue: I came across the following question in my DS-260 form:
“Are you a graduate of a foreign medical school seeking to perform medical services in the United States, but have not yet passed the National Board of of Medical Examiners (NBME) examination or its equivalent” Options: Yes or No
Now as I mentioned earlier, my current status is: I am a medical student (not a graduate) of a foreign medical school. I do seek to perform medical services in the US. I have not yet passed the NBME exams. So should I mark this answer as a yes or no?
I would like to highlight that this question was part of the “security” section of the form (together with other questions asking if I have been involved in any trafficking etc). So I believe they are asking if I intend to practice medicine in the US without a license?
Please let me know what you think
Second Issue: Should I mention on my form that I intend to practice in the medical/health field (in the part where they ask what is my intended occupation in the US)? Would this raise any red flags as I have not completed the US medical licensing exams as of yet? I am sure that for other green card routes (such as the EB1 and EB2), they expect applying doctors to be licensed (even if they meet all other criteria).
Instead, I could mention that I intend to work in research. Please note that this will not be a lie, as I do intend to work in the research field for a year or two before completing my licensure and ultimately practicing as a physician. I do not intend to lie. I would just like to know if it would be safer to mention research as of now (as I don’t hold a practicing license).
I apologize for the really long question
Many Thanks and Kind regards,
Shariq
June 19, 2020 at 14:28
1. Are you a graduate? NO
2. These are all just plans you have in your head. Nothing more than that at this point.
Try and remember my time is limited.
June 19, 2020 at 17:54
Hi Simon,
I have been selected in the DV-2021 program with CASE # 2021AS000ABCDE, I filled and submitted my DS-260 application, at signature page I have filled the case number after removing the “000” since the system did not accept the original case # (2021AS000ABCDE) but the system accepted the number after removing the 3 zeros. Now it is shown as “Completed”. The application was submitted 2 days back.
My issue is, when I go to the track my application link, it keeps showing me the message “Invalid Immigrant Visa Case Number.” I tired both numbers 2021AS000ABCDE & 2021ASABCDE but same message comes.
What is your recommendations here, is it normal ?
Thanks
MSA
June 19, 2020 at 20:03
Stop clicking that link. Simple.
June 19, 2020 at 20:32
thanks , & ? wait? is that normal ?
June 19, 2020 at 20:39
There is no need for you to track it. You just wait.
And when you give your number, give an idea of number range to get better answers.
June 19, 2020 at 20:50
Hi Dear, many thanks for the help & Time you give to everybody here
the number is 202100034XYZ, how my chances looks like?
June 19, 2020 at 21:20
You missed the region.
June 20, 2020 at 00:25
2021AS00034XYZ
June 20, 2020 at 03:21
So that’s a high number. We will know more in a few weeks.
June 20, 2020 at 02:11
Dear both,
I would like to weigh in this comment for my case number is also AS00034XXX for DV2021. Furthermore, the highest CS I have seen is from one of my friend, AS00055XXX, so I am guessing this means that the CS is relatively high this year.
I was told that the hole number will be released somewhere in July and I wonder if it would normally be this early…?
June 20, 2020 at 03:26
They will release the selectee numbers in a few weeks. That wont tell us everything but we will know more.
June 20, 2020 at 11:55
hello Brit
my case number 2021AF58XXX
can I complete my DS 260 form yet or wait and see.
Have I a chance to get my GC?
please!
June 20, 2020 at 17:45
There is no need to rush. Wait a few weeks so we know more.
June 20, 2020 at 14:14
Hello Brit, is the Street address on the ds260 the name of where I live or the postal address for postal letters?
June 20, 2020 at 17:51
Your address. Where you sleep.
June 21, 2020 at 15:12
Hello British when I Check dv 2021 ,the information is invalid please help me what the problem
June 21, 2020 at 19:40
This either means you are doing something wrong (this is the most likely) but there are a few cases that cannot be checked. If it is the latter, there may be nothing more you can do.
June 21, 2020 at 17:59
Hello Brit,
I have a question regarding the section of education on the ds260 form where it requires to list the number of institutions attended.
I have done my highs school in 2 different schools. Classes 9,10,11 in the first school and class 12 in the second high school where I also got graduated. Should I list both of them (meaning 2 high school institutions, + bachelors which is 3 total) or just the one where i graduated?
Thank you in advance.
June 21, 2020 at 19:50
List all education.
June 22, 2020 at 21:56
Hello Brit
Thank you so much again for your excellent work..
My question is that while listing work experience, educational institutions, place I live, is it from the most recent to the remote or from the most remote to the recent one.
Thanks
June 23, 2020 at 15:26
Hi Brit, i have two questions:
1- In the section where they ask about education, what is considered high school? do we just mention grade 10-12 and any undergraduate studies? or do we need to mention the 12 years of schooling? I did my high school in the middle east.
2- when they ask to list all children, does that mean kids only or my adult children too?
Thank you so much,
Danny
June 23, 2020 at 17:59
1. From age 12 years old and up.
2. List ALL children on your own DS260. Create DS260s only for the children under 21 that want to get Green Cards too.
June 24, 2020 at 01:18
Thank you Britt for answering my question so quickly. so I need to list my adult children then. after I do that, it asks “Is this child immigrating to the U.S. with you?” and “Is this child immigrating to the U.S. at a later date to join you?” what should I do?
Thanks much!
June 24, 2020 at 03:10
Just answer the questions. They are not trick questions.
June 24, 2020 at 09:35
okay, thank you so much.
June 23, 2020 at 15:54
Hi brit
This might sound an odd question but it is troubling me few days
While filling my ds 260 form i added an extra space after last letter of my last name . I dont know is it considered as error or not and if its error should i reopen ds 260 form to correct it or wait until interview
Reply plz thanks in advance
June 23, 2020 at 17:50
Doesn’t matter
June 24, 2020 at 01:22
So i should i leave as it is or say that that it happened
June 23, 2020 at 22:55
Dear sir,
Kindly forgive me if you already have data about these questions.
1. If a dv lottery selectee from one region say AF moved to another region say EU after the release of the results, would they qualify to attend the interview in EU?
2. If 1 is yes, is there a particular step to follow?
Thanks for all the pro bono.
June 24, 2020 at 00:15
1. Yes
2. No
June 24, 2020 at 03:00
hello simon,
I have a question, I understand that the end of DV 2020 is September 30th but Isn’t it true that the whole DV period is of 12 month and interviews should be carried out for 12 month. This year interviews has been done only for 5 and half month and is it fair to say that it ends on September 30th ? Every DV period starts from October and ends at the end of September and whole 12 months are utilized for the interview.
What’s you opinion on this ?
Thank you
June 24, 2020 at 03:04
The deadline is based on the end of the fiscal year, not a minimum number of months of processing.
June 25, 2020 at 06:15
Hi Mr.Brit,
My case number is 2021AS000089**.
As per your experiences, What is the best possible time to submit the DS-260 based on the current situation.
Thanks in advance!
June 25, 2020 at 17:42
Anytime is fine.
June 25, 2020 at 06:42
Hi Simon,
I’m in the process of filling out the DS260 now – and it’s asking for an Alien Registration Number. I had a look online and it says it’s something given out to some people who work in the states, though not all. I previously worked on an E3 visa, but not sure if I was given an Alien Registration Number and where to find it.
What’s the best way to answer this question and is it detrimental if I get it wrong?
Thank you!
June 25, 2020 at 17:43
If you don’t have or know it – just move past it.
June 26, 2020 at 08:41
Thank you, it’s asking me to tick yes or no though as a mandatory question?
“Have you ever been issued an Alien Registration Number by the Department of Homeland Security?”
June 26, 2020 at 08:42
I just wanted to check how crucial it was to get this part right in order not to detriment my application.
June 26, 2020 at 16:08
So click a choice! No is probably correct
June 25, 2020 at 17:02
I am wondering why you speak of some “data holes”- in my opinion number assigned to the person in fact is amount of the persons in-front of one awaiting visa – however numbers are selectees + derivatives so there is less case numbers but overall there is that amount of people awaiting in the queue.
Based on every 10’000 CNs change in amount of “no show up”data – it means that every 10k there is change of the pattern and more “no show up” grow.
To my view if one has 20001 , there is 20000 people in front .
So if you take average 2.5 persons -> there is 20’000/2.5 -> 8’000 CNs assigned however CNs are assigned with “CN_Primary,CN_secondary,CN_secondary,CN_Primary ccc) so CN number 20k means 8k winners in-front with 2.5 average visa usage.
For that reasons I believe not putting family to the lottery makes one disqualified as it would be messy.
when from 8k – about 20% drops off – not only 1600 DVs are made available – it’s actually 1600*2.5 -> so 4000, than this is looked back by KCC and next 1800 CNs are avaliable …and process repeats until visas run out.
Whenever they start at 1000 or 0 – is another thing.
June 25, 2020 at 17:37
No – your opinion is not correct- and your theory is very easy to disprove by a quick look at the data, whereas my explanation is proven by the data, and backed up by legal testimony that explains the process.
June 25, 2020 at 19:48
Hi brit the area i live doesn’t have mailing or postal code address so is it a must to provide a valid postal address for ds260
June 26, 2020 at 15:24
Dear Simon,
Thank you for your guidance both in your blog and YouTube channel. I have learnt a lot from you.
In the meantime, I would like to kindly seek for your information regarding my DV FY2021 as I have just been randomly selected for further processing in the DV Immigration visa. Last year, I went to the United States for an youth exchange program, funded by the Department of States, via J1 Visa (from April 20, 2019 to May 31, 2019). Under this J1, it’s stated that I am under the rule of two-year home country presence requirement. Also in the DS-260 Form, I have noticed that there is a question in the security part asked that “Are you a former exchange visitor (J) who has not yet fulfilled the two-year foreign residence requirement.” Therefore, does this two-year requirement apply/impact on my DV case? If it’s applied, when should I submit my DS-260 to KCC for further processing?
It’s highly appreciated for your clarification and guidance.
Thank you very much!
Best regards,
KIMHOK
June 26, 2020 at 15:30
My case number is 2021AS00004xxx.
Thank you!
June 26, 2020 at 16:30
Your best idea would be to delay your interview until after the 2 years.
June 26, 2020 at 20:21
Excuse me, Simon! How to delay the interview until after the 2 years?
I am subject to this two-year home country presence until end of May 2021. So should I wait until June 2021 to apply for DS-260 for my DV2021? If so, do you think is it enough for processing it by end of 2021 fiscal year?
Thank you very much!
June 27, 2020 at 05:11
Submit around March
June 27, 2020 at 15:56
hello i am the winner of dv 2020. in the presidential proclamation is not written nowhere do not issue visas.it says that they’re not allowed into the country.why do not issue visas I do not understand this is not legal.please answer me
June 27, 2020 at 18:17
Your understanding is incorrect. The visa is a permission to enter, so they are not giving new visas as that would be against the ban.
June 29, 2020 at 05:00
Good morning Sir ,
i am DVlottery winner 2021 . AS110xx , after i submitted my DS260 i received this message.”
Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application Confirmation
Thank You
Your Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (DS-260) was sent to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) for review.
Next Steps :
All Diversity Visa applicants must:
1. Obtain required supporting civil documents.
2. Obtain photographs that meet the Department of State’s visa requirements.
3. Review the information specific to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate General where your visa interview will occur.YOU DO NOT NEED TO SUBMIT ANY DOCUMANTATION TO THE KENTUCKY CONSULAR CENTER. The KCC will review your application and will notify you if any of the information you have provided is insufficient or incomplete. Your DS-260 application will be kept on file with KCC until a visa number is available for you and your case can be scheduled. When your case is scheduled, the KCC will send you an email message directing you to log into the Entrant Status Check (ESC)
website for further instructions.
If you would like to change your interview location, you must contact the Kentucky Consular Center by sending an email to ([email protected]) before your interview is scheduled. Your e-mail must include your name and case number, and must clearly indicate where you would like to be interviewed. Please note that once you have an appointment, you must contact the consular section where you have been scheduled in order to request a change. It may not be possible to change the location of your interview after you have been scheduled.
1- SIR , what does it mean ,wont i send supporting documents to kcc ?
2- SIR , Should i prepare these documents and to take them directly when my interview will take place?
3- Is it a new process by kcc for DV2021?
4-Could you ask this to kcc to help us know about this PL?
June 29, 2020 at 20:12
I contacted KCC. They confirmed that they still expect documents. The wording in the email seems to be a mistake.
So, you will take these to the interview, but you will need to provide the documents to KCC as now to even get scheduled.
June 30, 2020 at 01:29
Same situation with for me. 2021AS16xxx
So should i send the documents now or still wait for the email for document request?
June 30, 2020 at 18:47
You can decide based on what suits you for interview scheduling.
June 29, 2020 at 10:23
hello simon,
Do you have any information on when AILA are going to file lawsuit against the immigration ban ? not much time left for DV 2020.
Thank you.
June 29, 2020 at 22:36
No – they were working over the weekend and work continues. They know the deadlines.
June 29, 2020 at 13:14
Good day,
Thank you for this platform. my question is we have are busy filing out forms and the person who will host us is not the same person whose tax returns we are using do these things need to have 1 person ?
June 29, 2020 at 23:01
Doesn’t have to be the same person
June 29, 2020 at 14:20
Hallo Brit! I followed all your instructions, filled and successfully won dv2021. Thank you sir for your informative blog.
I have a question that google failed to answer, seeking your opinion on it.
Am in Africa, a Kenyan by birth and nationality, so of course ill be expected to produce a police clearance certificate issued in Kenya on my interview. But i also happened to work FOR TWO YEARS in a country called Somaliland, a defacto autonomous state/country from the Somalia republic. The country has its own independent government, but not recognized by the UN. Due to covid, i cant jet there for a PCC, neither do they issue them online, and they dont have an embassy/consular in my country.
Q1. Will the fact that the country is not internationally recognized cause the CO to ignore the PCC authenticity? [in case i manage to get one]
Q2. In your personal opinion, can the CO, “UNDERSTAND” the pandemic issue and give me a pass? [in case i dont manage to acquire one]
Thank you
June 29, 2020 at 23:05
1. You should follow the instructions on the reciprocity page. You clearly haven’t done that, because if you had you would have seen the PCs for Somalia are not required. PLEASE read the instructions.
June 29, 2020 at 22:28
Hi ,
I am a winner of the DV lottery 2021,I played it with my passport that expires on December 23rd 2020,but because of the unpredictable situation of the country,i decided to renew my passport ,which has a new number.No my question here is should i fill the DS-260 form with the old passport or with the new one,because some documents ,like the police certificate has been made with the new passport number.Please tell me what to do.
June 30, 2020 at 00:20
New one. But when you send in documents send a scan of the old one as well as new.
July 7, 2020 at 08:10
thanks ,Brit for responding to my worries.
I have another problem,I simmited my DS-260 form ,but realised that I made an error on the institute that I had my Advanced level certifocate.Following your advice ,I wrote to KCC to unlock my form so as to correct my error,I received an AUTO reply saying “KCC HAS RECEIVED YOUR MAIL,THIS EMAIL ADDRESS [email protected] IS FOR CASE SPECIFIC DIVERSITY VISA INQUIRES ONLY”……. is this the mail I should uas to unblock my .form or will I recieve an other mail ,instruction me that it has been unblocked.because I had to this email tried to edite my information,but can’t.please help me
July 7, 2020 at 16:09
The reply you got was just an auto reply. Wait for the real response.
June 30, 2020 at 00:49
Hi Brit am Ghanaian winner of 2021 lottery .i have 2 high school Certificate.
* 1 is the certificate from the 12 completed high school but I fail 3 subjects. But in Ghana if u fail some of your subject u can rewrite them(the fail) before you further you education . I have was able to write those 3 subjects that i fail and this time i pass .My question is. Will that affect me . Now I have all my subjects pass .
June 30, 2020 at 01:01
It may do. Technically, the embassy should only take education qualifications gained from “formal courses” of education, BUT they have some discretion to decide what they will accept.
June 30, 2020 at 09:00
Hey there
I have a problem with my Education certificate.
I have Surname on my passport but not on my certificate.
What Should I do?
June 30, 2020 at 19:44
You need to consider what extra documentation/steps you can provide to show the education certificate is “yours”
June 30, 2020 at 07:36
DV2021 winner here (EU00037XXX). Is it possible that they extend the period in which they do interviews for the DV2021, assuming they start in January?
June 30, 2020 at 19:43
No
July 2, 2020 at 10:55
Hi Simon,
Hope you are well
After the proclamation suspending visas, is the KCC still processing DV cases? Or is the entire process halted
Any insight will be appreciated
Thanks in advance
July 2, 2020 at 22:34
They are still processing cases.
July 2, 2020 at 15:38
Good morning Brit
I was a 2019 DV winner and am now in the U.S for about 1year 6 months. My fiancé lives back home and we are planning to get married in December 2020. My questions are
1) As a green card holder when exactly can I apply for my spouse after getting married In December 2020?
2) how much income should I earn before I can apply for my spouse?
3) approximately how long does the process take and what documentations are required?
4) Do you have any guides for DV winners who wants to apply for their spouse or any useful information regarding the process?
Thanks
July 2, 2020 at 23:22
I don’t know much about that process, so I keep my advice specific to DV lottery.
July 2, 2020 at 15:44
Dear Brit,
I have been a winer of DV 2020 and had a cancelled interview on April.
I wan DV2020 with a CN EU5000.
Do you think to proceed with the submission of DS260?
Regards
July 2, 2020 at 23:23
I’m confused. If you had an interview arranged by cancelled, you must have already submitted the DS260.
July 3, 2020 at 07:52
Hi Brit,
DV 2021 selectee, am still hopeful that everything will go on well for DV 2021. My question is when are they likely to release the number of selectees so that we can get a prediction/analysis of the case numbers for some of us with high case numbers. How much will the three months affect the DV 2021 winners.
July 3, 2020 at 14:11
We may get the selectee numbers in the next VB, perhaps the one after – so that should be in the next 2 weeks, or about 6 weeks from now.
July 4, 2020 at 16:57
Thanks Brit, how adverse or how much will the 1st 3 months affect dv 2021
July 4, 2020 at 19:19
Well it is one quarter of a year, but usually the quietest quarter. So – we will see.
July 3, 2020 at 22:12
I have sent my DS-260. I have made a mistake in my e-mail 🙁 … I have type gmail.om instead of gmail.com for the domain name…. What do I do? Is it an issue
July 4, 2020 at 00:55
Ask them to unlock your form and correct it.
July 4, 2020 at 08:43
Thank you for your reply. I truly appreciate your help. We were worried about it. You have mentioned in your website that the unlocking might take up to two weeks. Should I send the scanned civil documents in case or just wait for the unlocking (as I’m concerned in case they send the document request )?
July 4, 2020 at 18:17
What’s your rush??? DV2021 interviews won’t happen for months yet. Relax!
July 4, 2020 at 03:54
Good morning Sir,
As we have read from your previous comments if the ban is lifted and the embassies reopen not all the selectees will be interviewed.
1- is it because the embassies do not have the enough time?
2- is it true that the country who does not have a lot of winners and their case numbers are current have more chance to be interviewed by the embassy of this country?
3- in general do the embassies decide how many interviews they do per month?
Thank you very much in advance
July 4, 2020 at 17:56
1. It’s capacity of the whole “system”. That means KCC, the embassies, the physicians, the departments that produce the visas – and so on.
2. No. Because again, it’s a system. But also KCC may decide to prioritize in number order, which is actually what is supposed to happen.
3. See 1.
July 4, 2020 at 04:53
Hey Brits, I currently working the ds260 but realised that alot if informations required had to do with dates. What if I can’t remember the exact dates required? Can I proceed by just putting the months and the years and leaving out the dates? If so, how can it affect my chances of obtaining a visa?
July 4, 2020 at 18:01
Best guess or 1st of each month. No problem.
July 6, 2020 at 20:51
Hey Brits, please when playing the dv 2021 lottery,I put bank teller as my profession but I came to realise that on my passports,I have accountant as my occupation . Hope it’s not a call for concern Brits and won’t affect my case?
July 6, 2020 at 21:43
No problem. The idea of having the profession on a passport is idiotic anyway.
July 7, 2020 at 15:16
Good day to you Brit
I would like to ask the following questions:
1. What happens if there is a cut off number let’s say 400 for the OC region and only half of the case numbers below that cut off number have completed the DS260 form and have submitted their civil documents?
2. Do they schedule the interviews for the next case numbers that have completed their DS260 and submitted their civil documents but the case numbers are higher than the cut off number for the particular month?
July 7, 2020 at 16:31
1. The cutoff numbers are set using the information about how many cases have responded or are ready for scheduling. In other words if we see a number of 400, that is because that number yields enough cases.
2. No
July 8, 2020 at 12:37
Hi Brit, i would like to get idea on the following question
i graduated from high school 2014 with the name George Johnson but after a year i added my middle name to all my documents(passport, birth certificate and even added my middle name on my Edv entry form which is George Destine Johnson.
will this affect my chance of getting my visa approve?
if Yes is there any way i can handle this matter ?
July 8, 2020 at 20:55
No problem. In the DS260 list your legal name as shown in the passport, and other versions of your name in “other names used”.
July 8, 2020 at 12:54
My WAEC and high school diploma carrying the name George Johnson.
July 8, 2020 at 14:41
Hi Simon!
When I submited the ds260 I was a university student but now I would like to quit that university(for personal reasons).Would that be a problem?
July 8, 2020 at 20:59
No
July 9, 2020 at 12:32
Hi Simon! I haven’t found any info about it, can you help please?)
1) What is correct, “High School Diploma” or “High School Certificate”? Does it matter? However, in my doc, it’s written as certificate, are there any differences between them? But in different forums (russian forums), everybody say that “High School Diploma” will be correct.
July 10, 2020 at 05:59
Doesn’t matter.
July 10, 2020 at 03:52
I am a winner of DV2021. I am inside US. My number 2021AF4xxx. I did not file DS-260 when should I start to prepare my Adjustment of status and what is the expected time to send my I-485 to Kentucky?
July 10, 2020 at 05:53
For AOS, read the link below, especially the spreadsheet linked from the first post.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2021-aos-only.342993/