I held a live Q & A this morning – so that video is shown below. I cover a number of topics including the prioritization that KCC are applying, the embassies efforts so far and also the 14 day bans such as the Schengen bans. That video is shown below.
I also want to make clear that the lawyers are continuing to monitor the behavior to see whether they are complying with the order. The lawyers filed for and got an emergency status hearing set for Monday.
The parties shall appear for a telephonic hearing on Plaintiffs’ Request for an Emergency Status Conference, ECF No. [127], on September 14, 2020, at 3:00 p.m. Defendants shall file a response to Plaintiffs’ filing by no later than 12:00 p.m. on that day. (Washing DC timezone).
If you want to listen in you can do so. Members of the public or media who wish to access the hearing may dial the court’s toll-free public access line: (877) 848-7030, access code 321-8747
September 12, 2020 at 00:04
Hello Brit. Just want to give a quick thought about the situation in Cameroon. Although I’m not a DV2020 winner, I’m trying to follow up.
So what I wanted to share actually is the fact that the embassy here has resumed processing of DV2020. They even announced in on their official facebook page and I read some comments about people who have already received emails for scheduling. Also, letting people know that they contact selectees according to how early they submitted their application to KCC.
September 12, 2020 at 03:58
Their statement is inaccurate. They will not schedule on that order – that actually has nothing to do with the embassy. Whoever wrote that misunderstood..
September 14, 2020 at 08:50
Hi Brit,please does this mean that there’s no hope for those whose documents have not been confirmed for scheduling by KCC?
September 14, 2020 at 14:26
That is what I have said.
September 12, 2020 at 03:58
@Karel. I am Dv2020 selectee. I received a ready for scheduling since march 20th. I have contacted the embassy in yaounde, Cameroon and it I seems as if group 4 is not really favoured as of now. They told me I should contact kcc and kcc on the hand is þrioritizing cases and have not reply my mail for some days now. 1) Mr Brit, what should I do when I don’t have the means to join 3.0 lawsuit?
September 12, 2020 at 05:16
Wait. In a few days they should start working on group 4
September 12, 2020 at 01:40
Hi Simon,
Thank you for all your efforts.
I am 2020DV226xx catagory 4.waiting for interview appointment.
I request 3 times for interview appointment and KCC answered me with following.
Thank you for your email regarding the scheduling of a Diversity Immigrant Visa interview appointment.
Consistent with the court order in Gomez v. Trump, the Department of State is making a good-faith effort to adjudicate as many Diversity Visa applications as possible notwithstanding Presidential Proclamation 10014. Please note, however, the DV-2020 Program expires on September 30, 2020 and, in accordance with law, diversity visas may no longer be issued after that date. The Department expects that, due to resource constraints, limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and country conditions, we will not be able to adjudicate applications for all Diversity Visa selectees by that expiration date.
As ordered by the court, we are prioritizing individual named plaintiffs in the court case Gomez v. Trump and its companion cases who are applying for Diversity Visas. Beyond that, we have established priorities based on statutory standards and categories of cases most likely to result in timely issuances for eligible applicants. Accordingly, we are prioritizing applicants who have already been interviewed and who either have been determined eligible for a visa or may be determined eligible for a visa with additional information. We will also prioritize applicants with appointments that were cancelled in March, April, or May due to the COVID-19 pandemic and worldwide suspension of routine processing. Diversity Visa Selectees who have heard from the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) that they are documentarily qualified, but awaiting an interview date, will be scheduled in accordance with their rank order and post’s capacity, consistent with our standard processes. For more details, see https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/diversity-visa-DV-2020-update.html.
Kind regards,
The Kentucky Consular Center
tnx
September 12, 2020 at 01:42
What should I do now?
September 12, 2020 at 05:18
Just wait a few days. I expect KCC to move on to group 4, low case numbers.
September 12, 2020 at 05:25
Thank you so much Simon,
May be I can not get my visa, but during this DV period always you had good advises for me.
I pray for you to have a great life with all happyness and success.
?
September 12, 2020 at 05:29
Thank you.
September 12, 2020 at 06:22
Can we accounr 2020Af46*** aslow case number or not
To deside to joi curise 3.0
September 12, 2020 at 06:26
Am in groub 4
Can we accounr 2020Af46*** as low case number or not
To get an appoiment form kcc after groub 1 ,2and 3
To deside to joi curise 3.0
In your opinion
September 12, 2020 at 11:14
Simon, Since many holes in AS region, do you think 23k might be considered as a close possibility. I know you dislike guesses, but I can’t figure out where they reached on the CEAC data. Only around 250 cases in my country and my guts sense they have processed/refused almost half of them…please tell me there might be a chance if you really believe it.
I hope my husband and I can meet you one day to thank you in person.
September 12, 2020 at 21:36
I can’t guess that.
September 12, 2020 at 02:33
Good news! I was in category 4 at KCC, I was a named plaintiff in the lawsuit and was just notified this morning KCC sent my case to the Sydney consulate and I now have an interview appointment on Tuesday. So they are moving quickly. Best of luck to all!
September 12, 2020 at 02:48
Hlo sir without plaintiff no chances for group4? i m from nepal dv winner 2020.
September 12, 2020 at 05:17
Some of group 4 might get a chance – wait.
September 12, 2020 at 10:46
I am in group 3. My interview was scheduled at april 20 and i still have no hope have my interview will be rescheduled.
September 12, 2020 at 03:16
Hey Brit,
We in Freetown, Sierra Leone haven’t heard no news from the USA embassy when and how they’re going to deal with DV 2020 applicants nor had they prepared to help us in anyway. It’s really sad now for us in my country.
September 12, 2020 at 05:16
Patience.
September 12, 2020 at 09:44
Can we set a meeting? I’m also waiting for my 2nl from KCC +23278107243
September 12, 2020 at 05:41
hello Simon
hope you’re having a good day
my interview is on 22/sep, but i have question related to my medical exam, that need to be good for 6 months starting from sep/2020 or 6 months starting from 1/1/2021 as we are not allowed to travel due to the proclamation
September 12, 2020 at 05:54
It will be 6 months from September, meaning you will only have three months to travel from January.
September 12, 2020 at 06:45
Hello Simon! Thank your help and update, I really appreciate it! Is there any chance that Judge will make decision about Schengen just after the hearing? So we will know what he decided on September 14th?
September 12, 2020 at 07:26
Hello Sir
I am DV Selectee 2020
And I received ready to be scheduled for an interview. In Mar 19
And as per your suggestion I emailed to KCC requesting for an appointment but didn’t receive the reply yet .
Shall i wait or write them again ?
My case number is 10600 line
Thank you
September 12, 2020 at 20:11
Wait a few days. See what happens as they get through the named plaintiffs.
September 12, 2020 at 20:07
I don’t know.
September 12, 2020 at 07:37
Hi Brit,
I haven’t had a response from the consulate in London since Tuesday and have emailed them every day. Do you or any other readers have any information about London processing times?
Thanks
September 12, 2020 at 20:12
London embassy is not interviewing/issuing because of the Schengen/UK ban. The lawyers have asked for a hearing about that and that will be held on Monday.
September 12, 2020 at 08:33
Hello Sir, I appreciate all the work you’re doing for us! Can you please leave the link from other lawsuits and the way we can join them? I can only find Curtis Morrison’s link. Thank you!
September 12, 2020 at 20:31
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfZBf6dS1zcnziDF-aT6xy6-ZNduFrZpCaN9iHu8hyESBjNUg/viewform
September 12, 2020 at 21:31
https://britsimonsays.com/legal-summary-and-options-available-at-the-moment/
September 12, 2020 at 11:38
Am in groub 4
Can we accounr 2020Af46*** as low case number or not
To get an appoiment form kcc after groub 1 ,2and 3
To deside to joi curise 3.0
In your opinion
September 12, 2020 at 21:36
https://britsimonsays.com/legal-summary-and-options-available-at-the-moment/
September 12, 2020 at 12:31
Hi Brit ,
Something isn’t clear for me … all regions for DV 2020 are Current already ,but Embassies of many countries in that regions aren’t received by KCC the cases of selected DV Winners per country for proper and fast scheduled interview … There are countries with only a few DV winners upon high selected numbers -what about them…, what do you think ?
September 12, 2020 at 21:37
There is a lot of work to do and not enough time. Read this for clarity.
https://britsimonsays.com/legal-summary-and-options-available-at-the-moment/
September 12, 2020 at 12:49
KCC is kot scheduling interviews. Ive a low case number 21000 and my embassy has only few cases. KCC on Friday morning when calling said You can try again DV. Very uneducated and some ladies answering loudly with anger. I dont wanna play again. I have won it. THEY MUST EXTEND IT. I think lawyers shoild focus on 21/9 only to extend deadljne bcz judge Mehta said he will be thinking to extend it if not many visas were issued.
September 12, 2020 at 21:38
https://britsimonsays.com/legal-summary-and-options-available-at-the-moment/
September 12, 2020 at 13:07
Hello Brit
I’ve called and emailed the embassy In Egypt several times but on phone they are saying that they are not handling DV cases and I had Interview back in April and they do not reply on emails. What should I do? Anyone in here got a positive response from the embassy in Egypt?
September 12, 2020 at 21:38
https://britsimonsays.com/legal-summary-and-options-available-at-the-moment/
September 12, 2020 at 13:35
Hi Britsimon,
I am in group 4 in Myanmar (Burma). I have sent the email KCC and the Embassy. I received auto reply email from KCC and It has nothing special. From the Embassy, they replied that ” Due to local conditions and limited resources, we are unable to schedule interviews at this time.We do not know when we will be able to resume routine visa operations.” Thanks for your information and help.
September 12, 2020 at 21:44
You may be affected by the ban anyway.
https://britsimonsays.com/legal-summary-and-options-available-at-the-moment/
September 12, 2020 at 13:51
Hi Brit,
I was just wondering… on previous years winners didn’t send the documents to KCC and it was the embassy who used to review the documents.. taking that KCC is the bottleneck, why dont they go back to this strategy?. If they do this, we will have more people reviewing the documents instead of just KCC. Also, I have noticed that KCC is reviewing DV2021 cases instead of focusing their efforts on DV2020 for 3 weeks. This is very shocking considering the judge asked them to do everything they could to process these visas.
What do you think about this?
Thanks
September 12, 2020 at 21:44
Unfortunately I don’t run KCC.
September 12, 2020 at 16:29
Hello,Brit!
i am a DV2020 winner from Kazakhstan , case number : EU227**
I wrote a letter to KCC, but no response…checked my status on “CEACStatTracker” still “at NVC”
any chances that i will have an interview?
Thank you!
September 12, 2020 at 21:48
https://britsimonsays.com/legal-summary-and-options-available-at-the-moment/
September 12, 2020 at 16:48
Hi Simon, thank you so much again for all your advice and support. The interview went well in general. I just need to pass my medical report and ‘original’ birth certificate. Folks, make sure that your birth cert is NOT a photocopy, even though it states ‘certified copy’- mine wasn’t accepted that day. It needs to have a fresh seal and signature, so I promptly applied online for mine. Also, heed Simon’s advice- document and print out all your emails and interactions with KCC and your local consulate. One consular staff kept on asking which email address I used to contact KCC(which I only emailed once) even though I pointed out one address already. The main American consular officer was polite and cool enough. Make sure to make photocopies of everything, even though your consulate’s instructions may not necessarily state so, i.e. passport pages, ID cards, academic transcripts, etc. Even university grads should bring their high school diploma/transcripts just in case- the consular staff responsible for documents was fairly nit-picky about these things. Finally, Simon is spot on when he mentions to request whether the medical centre can expedite your medical exam results at an added cost. Best of luck, folks.
September 12, 2020 at 19:38
Wow that is great news! Congratulations! Was there any requirement for the DS-5540?
September 13, 2020 at 03:34
Thank you, mate! No, I was NOT required to fill in the DS-5540. I just had to show a financial statement- So folks, remember to bring along a Bank statement. That was suffice.
September 13, 2020 at 04:38
Some will be asked for the I-134 and/OR the DS5540. It’s not the same in every case. So – the best idea is to overprepare.
September 21, 2020 at 10:47
Hi Jonathan, have you got the visa issued finally?
September 12, 2020 at 21:55
Thanks for the update. Sounds great. Sorry about the certified copy – that was predictable. A certified copy of a birth cert means an official extract from the birth register. It’s an official replacement or additional copy, made by the issuing authority. It is not the same as a photocopy that is then “certified” in some way.
September 13, 2020 at 03:33
Thank you, Simon! An official replacement here takes 7 working days to process(on the premise one has a copy already for evidence), excluding Sat/Sun. I actually looked into applying for one online way back in December, but as my parents found that ‘copy’, I thought it was suffice- at least, that’s how my mind worked at that time, to my best guess. Thank God I had an ‘early’ appointment- if my interview was even this coming Thursday, things would have been very, very dicey, and if it all turned out negatively, I would have been blaming myself for a very long time. Whew.
September 13, 2020 at 04:38
Lucky break indeed. Must be fate that you do something good in the USA.
September 13, 2020 at 16:44
To quote my principal’s favourite mantra- “Pay it forward”; as an English language teacher by profession for 10 years, with a Cambridge CELTA under my belt and currently studying a Postgraduate TESOL degree, my dream and goal is to move to a state like Texas and continue my career through teaching English to immigrant children, teens and adults. I hope and pray that my dream will be realized, in large part due to people like yourself, sir!
September 12, 2020 at 16:51
There were around 3 other people that day at the Immigration Visa unit- open counters. At least one other guy was a Diversity Visa applicant. Apparently, the local Chinese language media in Hong Kong picked up of Judge Mehta’s ruling whereas the local English newspapers here as well as BBC, CNN, MSNBC seemed to have no clue! Kudos to the local HK media journalist who published the article.
September 12, 2020 at 17:47
Dear BritSimon ,
I am one of a random selectee for Fiscal year 2021. I am from Ethiopia a refugee of Eritrean, I bring myself to ask you. Because of my country is communist, I don’t have passport, so I only get travel document from Ethiopia authority. But still I didn’t have it because of Corona Virus the office is closed. So is there a deadline for DS260, some people said me you must fill before 30, September, 2020. Please would you tell me ? What do you suggeste me to do ? Thanks in advance !
September 12, 2020 at 21:56
You are under the travel ban. If I were you I would wait until after the election, because your chance might increase.
https://britsimonsays.com/legal-summary-and-options-available-at-the-moment/
September 13, 2020 at 04:54
Thank you so much. I am really appreciate you for your decent reply.
September 12, 2020 at 17:48
Dear Brit, I Contacted the US EMBASSY in my country and asked them if they could ask for my case from KCC, as long As I’m from a non-Schengen country and they told me that if I sent all of the docs to the Kcc just to wait 3-4 working days and after that to weite them back!
Do you think will they help me with asking KCC for my documents?
They have plenty of empty slots for interviews
I’m not part of any plaintiff and my case is Eu39xxx
September 12, 2020 at 21:56
https://britsimonsays.com/legal-summary-and-options-available-at-the-moment/
September 12, 2020 at 19:02
Hi Brit, I don’t know how trustful this information regarding termination of some travel bans on 09/15 is, but if it’s true, it would be f***ing GREAT! 🙂
register.gov/documents/2020/09/15/2020-20371/termination-of-arrival-restrictions-applicable-to-flights-carrying-persons-who-have-recently
What do u think?
September 12, 2020 at 20:59
Sorry, here the complete kink:
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/09/15/2020-20371/termination-of-arrival-restrictions-applicable-to-flights-carrying-persons-who-have-recently
September 12, 2020 at 22:28
It has nothing to do with travel ban. These are DHS restrictions that are lifed on 14th.
As for now, there are 11 airports where you can cross the US border (JFK, ORD, SFO, SEA, HNL, LAX, ATL, IAD, EWR, DFW, DTW, BOS, MIA). From 14th these restrictions are lifted, so you can arrive ie. in Philadelphia.
September 12, 2020 at 22:14
It’s the official source – but I’m not sure it is a complete removal of the bans. It seems to be about flight handling.
https://britsimonsays.com/signs-the-schengen-and-other-covid-related-country-travel-restrictions-might-be-removed-soon/
September 12, 2020 at 22:25
Hi Brit
The embassy in my country Liberia has not resumed issuing visas. I am a plaintiff under Curtis Morison law office. I have contacted them and they replied that they have not started the routine visas processing. Time is running out for me and my wife.
September 12, 2020 at 22:29
You need to make it clear your case is mission critical/emergency. It is not ROUTINE!!!
Now, if you are group 4 or 5 you need to work through KCC.
September 12, 2020 at 22:57
Hello Simon ! Any updates about dv2021?
September 13, 2020 at 02:36
Hi Brit,
My cancelled appointment was on April 3rd and it was re-scheduled for Sep 18th on Friday. US embassy in Montreal sent me an email and phone call to confirm my attendance.
Quickly applied to renew my police clearance and made an appointment for the medical test, however the result wont be ready by the appointment date.
I sent another email to the embassy and explain the situation and the respond was “it can be couriered after the interview”
I am pretty nervous as an Dual citizen Iranian and would be put on AP after the interview until the deadline of Sep30th passes.
I am doing whatever I can do and crossing my fingers for a positive outcome.
Thanks
September 13, 2020 at 04:41
You should be OK. Good luck.
September 13, 2020 at 05:05
Hi Brit, is there a possibility of applying for an extension of the immigrant visa for unavoidable reasons if the ban extends beyond December 31st and we are physically unable to enter the USA to activate it? Or does the visa just expire and that’s it?
September 13, 2020 at 14:23
Unless the year is extended it will not be possible to extend the visas after September 30th. Pray Trump loses.
September 13, 2020 at 08:37
Do you think certain issues will be made clear by the judge right at the meeting? If this is not successful I plan on leaving Schengen on Tuesday.
Thanks
September 13, 2020 at 14:58
Well that is pretty much too late. You will leave 1 day left after the 14 days. So – keep your fingers crossed that the judge orders Gov to issue in Schengen.
September 13, 2020 at 17:15
I have good hopes he will, since that was his entire point that entry suspension should not effect issuance especially in the DV category. And the 14th day would be on Monday the 28th including the day of arrival. But anyways Curtis’ team says the case will be most likely put on AP until the 14 days, given the government argues the selectee can be interviewed but not be issued until 14 days.
September 13, 2020 at 17:22
Well let’s hope the Judge is able to do something.
September 14, 2020 at 20:56
Hello Brit.
Accept warm greetings .I am one of those who received the court order to be treated as mission critical.i have written kcc three times still no response.Today I logged in online with my case number and this is what came up.Can you please tell me what it means.
U S department of state immigrant visa application at Nvc
Immigrant visa case number 2020Af73166 I your case is processing electronically please log into your CEAC account at ceac.state.gov/IV with your Nvc case number and 16 digits invoice I’d for case status and to learn what steps you must take to advance your case.
Brit can you please tell me what this means
September 14, 2020 at 22:06
THat is normal. Not new.