It is always interesting to read interview experience accounts. Most interviews last a couple of minutes and have just a few questions about where you plan to move etc. However, occasionally I actually am more interested in the ones where the interviewer delves a bit deeper. So – this well written interview experience from “Mosh” in Kenya caught my eye and offers some good education for anyone preparing for their interview. Have a read of the interview – and consider the questions asked – and then read my comments about the questions.
interview experience
my wife is the principal applicant entered lottery as single, was three months pregnant. submitted ds 260 mid October as married and had a baby born late may.
arrived at 5.45am found a few individuals, gate opened at 6.00am went first security check appointment letter and passports were checked. second security check leave metallic objects n proceed to the main hall.
called to window 5 n gave out originals and copies of birth cert, marriage cert, kcse cert wife only n hea I saw the confindencial statement from knec, pp, 2 pp photo, pcc I gave her two coz I had spent 5 yaers in Ug. asked if I have ever been in another country. then was told to pay 990 dollars to the cashier. waited then called to window 9 n our finger prints taken starting with my wife. long wait again bt finally called to window 10
co: how r u
we: fine thank you
co: adults raise your right hand n swear to tell the truth
we: we do swear
co: addressing my wife how and when did u meet
wife: brrrr
co: addressing me can u tell more what happened after that
me: brrrr
co: to wife I can see u got married on this n this date
wife: that is the date we legalised our marriage but had been staying together since xxxx
co: so u first did customary marriage
wife: that’s it
co: who attended your wedding
wife: brrr
co: no parents?
wife: no they wanted church wedding but it’s expensive
co: to me, tell me what your wife does
me: she is a student
co: what does she study
me: brrrr
co: to my wife what does your husband does
wife: brrrr
co: to me how many days does your wife attended school
me: five days
co: to me who does take care of the child
me: there is a nanny….
co: to me what is her name
me: brrr
co: how much do you pay her
me: brrrr
co: what do u intend to do in us
me: further my studies in brrr
co: to wife which state do u intend to go
wife: California
co: which city
wife: brrr
co: who does stay there
wife: brrr
he types for a few minutes then tells us congratulations all of your visas have been approved. asks us if we are happy then returns our original documents except pcc and pp. gives us green sheet containing instruction on how to register with dhl and pick our pp
OK – so why am I quoting this. Well in this case the couple had a customary marriage (common in Kenya and other parts – but sometimes difficult to prove). This slightly unusual scenario might have caused some doubt for the CO – so the CO (obviously an experience interviewer) decided to get a little more info. First the question about guests (sometimes couples will show photographs showing the guests and friends/community celebrating the customary marriage). Then there were a series of questions probably asked quite quickly (“rapid fire” I call it) which might seem irrelevant. The questions themselves are not important (by that I mean the amount of money someone pays their nanny cannot affect the DV process), but what is important is that you can answer these “rapid fire” questions naturally without hesitation. Your confidence in preparing paperwork, and being honest about everything relaxes you – and to an experienced interviewer they get a feel for those that are relaxed/confident and therefore truthful as opposed to someone who has something to hide.
So – I always tell people – tell the truth in all the forms and at the interview, be prepared (over prepared is better than under prepared) and relax. Most interviews are not as detailed as this and there is NO POINT trying to prepare for the questions. The point is the answers should be honest and your answers. If you do that – you will be fine.
July 11, 2019 at 20:32
Hi BritSimon
As with all other replies, I would first like to thank you so much for this amazing site and the work you have put into it. My interview was yesterday, in Johannesburg, South Africa (2019AF22XXX). I am happy to report that the interview ended with “Congratulations, your visa has been approved”.
My major learning from this experience is patience. Often I got anxious that nothing was happening (I still am as my passport with the approved visa is not yet in my possession). It’s hard not to go through scenarios in your head about your application getting lost in the system or falling through the cracks; especially when such an exciting opportunity has come your way. This is a long process – be prepared for it. From hearing that I was selected to my interview was 14 months, some wait longer, and patience is a trait that you will start to master going through this process.
There was nothing unusual about my interview, it lasted not even 5 minutes. The part of the day that takes the longest is the waiting to submit your documents, taking the biometrics and payment. When I was called for my interview I was asked to take an oath saying that I have been truthful and my answers to her questions will be honest. The CO thanked me for all my documents being in order and her questions were focused on what my plan was when I got to the states and what my time frames were for moving there. She stressed that the visa validity is linked to the validity of my medical and not the expiry date of my visa.
I think that the only thing that was not evident to me when preparing for the interview is whether I needed to show financial support documents. This may only be specific in the South African case, but even though the lottery is not based on financial standing, the CO still wanted to see how I was planning on financially supporting myself while I was there. I did this by showing statements of my savings. The other route is the sponsorship form (I-134 Affidavit of Support). I can understand why they ask for this as they do not want you to be a burden on society when you move there. Just be prepared for this – rather over prepared than underprepared.
I checked the status of my application on CEAC this morning and I saw it had been changed to “Administrative Processing”, I almost had a heart attack, but I should have known that BritSimon has a FAQ on this. The answer half calmed my nerves that this was a normal thing to happen while they finalise the process. UPDATE: Just before posting I checked the status and it was changed to ISSUED!
Thanks again BritSimon for an amazing site!
July 11, 2019 at 20:44
Congrats
August 17, 2023 at 11:57
My interview experience: Embassy of Colombo Sri Lanka
My interview was at 12.20. I went there around 11.30😆 So I had to wait for a while until the security let me in. Bags are not allowed. They kept my phone and gave a token. Checked passport and the lady showed me the way to the next building. Went to the next building and got seated. My name was called and the gentleman at the counter took my passport and gave me a token. Got seated and waiting. Cashier called my number for the payment. He wants the exact amount. No extra no change. Thats done. Again waiting. The gentleman who is collecting the documents called my token number and took the documents one by one. You can do changes to the DS at that point. Again got seated and waiting. Finally, the CO called by my token number. She was a tall white lady with curly hair. Super friendly person. I greeted her. I didnt ask for a translator. So the Q&A bigun. I was trying to quality from A/Ls. She took an auth from me and checked my finger prints.
CO: What is your highest level of education?
Me: I have a masters from the University of West London.
CO: London? So you went there? (Mind you, i had no travel history in my DS so this was a trick question)
Me: No it was a distant learning program.
CO: Nice. You have a B.Sc too?
Me: Yes, from the University of Colombo
CO: Do you have that certificate?
Me: Yes I do.
CO: May I see it. (She too it and took a close look and gave it back.
CO:Ok, About your Sponsor, how do you know this person.
Me: He is my elder brother mam.
CO: Wow. How did he got to the USA.
Me: He also studied at UoC and got a scholarship to do a Phd.
CO: Where does he live?
Me: Alabama
CO: Are you going to Alabama too?
Me: Yes.
CO:Tell me about your work.
Me:I described the boring stuff and said my company is a fortune 500 company and we have many offices in the USA and I am planning a transfer to one of those offices (Took this question as an opportunity to explain my future plan👍)
CO: So, do they have an office in Alabama?
Me: No, but Im planning to go there first to see my brother, stay with him for few weeks and move to a different state and continue my career.
CO: Ok, I got you. So, have you travelled to any country before? (Trying to validate my PPC and DS travel history 😊)
Me: Yes but long time ago. Very short stays.
CO: Oh ok. You went for holidays?
Me: No. Those are work related.
CO: Well, your medical looks OK to me and everything else is just fine. Im approving your visa. Congratulations and welcome to America. Gave me the white paper👍
Me: Thank you mam! Have a nice day. Bye.
CO: You too, bye.
August 17, 2023 at 12:13
Awesome!!! 🙂
July 11, 2019 at 12:26
Hi BritSimon
As with all other replies, I would first like to thank you so much for this amazing site and the work you have put into it. My interview was yesterday, in Johannesburg, South Africa (2019AF22XXX). I am happy to report that the interview ended with “Congratulations, your visa has been approved”.
My major learning from this experience is patience. Often I got anxious that nothing was happening (I still am as my passport with the approved visa is not yet in my possession). It’s hard not to go through scenarios in your head about your application getting lost in the system or falling through the cracks; especially when such an exciting opportunity has come your way. This is a long process – be prepared for it. From hearing that I was selected to my interview was 14 months, some wait longer, and patience is a trait that you will start to master going through this process.
There was nothing unusual about my interview, it lasted not even 5 minutes. The part of the day that takes the longest is the waiting to submit your documents, taking the biometrics and payment. When I was called for my interview I was asked to take an oath saying that I have been truthful and my answers to her questions will be honest. The CO thanked me for all my documents being in order and her questions were focused on what my plan was when I got to the states and what my time frames were for moving there. She stressed that the visa validity is linked to the validity of my medical and not the expiry date of my visa.
I think that the only thing that was not evident to me when preparing for the interview is whether I needed to show financial support documents. This may only be specific in the South African case, but even though the lottery is not based on financial standing, the CO still wanted to see how I was planning on financially supporting myself while I was there. I did this by showing statements of my savings. The other route is the sponsorship form (I-134 Affidavit of Support). I can understand why they ask for this as they do not want you to be a burden on society when you move there. Just be prepared for this – rather over prepared than underprepared.
I checked the status of my application on CEAC this morning and I saw it had been changed to “Administrative Processing”, I almost had a heart attack, but I should have known that BritSimon has a FAQ on this. The answer half calmed my nerves that this was a normal thing to happen while they finalise the process. UPDATE: Just before posting I checked the status and it was changed to ISSUED!
Thanks again BritSimon for an amazing site!
July 12, 2019 at 05:42
Awesome. Congratulations!
April 21, 2019 at 22:59
Hello brit , my interview will be June since I’m now current. My question is i wrote my cousin as my host but she’s not doing any job currently she depends on the husband, what will i say my host does for aliving when asked at the interview ? Will it be appropriate if i say she’s a housewife or it would be better if i change my host. Kindly help
April 22, 2019 at 05:02
The husband should be the host. Always tell the truth.
December 24, 2018 at 08:05
Hello Brit.
My visa is approved. Thank you so very much.
Should i travel to the United States six months before the expiration date of my passport. Because my passport is expiring on 11th June 2019.
Thanks in anticipation.
December 24, 2018 at 15:32
Either that, or get a new passport and travel with old and new passports.
August 30, 2018 at 16:11
First, I want to say thank to britsimon. U made an precious blog for everyone included me. Here I want to share my interview experience.
Case number :2018AS9203
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Complete ds260 : 4th July 2017 ,never unlock.
2NL : 16th may 2018
Interview on : 2nd july 2018 but extend to 20th aug 2018 because of tuberculosis check.
Interview date 20th aug 2018 at 8:00am
Me, husband and one son. Arrived to the embassy at 7:30am
Any electronic device, smart phone include smart watch are not accepted to the interview.
After security check I went to counter No. 7, take my 3passports and go to documents check in counter No.5, the officer ask me to give all my related documents are:
– birth certificate, original, translate and copy (3of us)
– Married certificate
– Police certificate
– All my school certificate because I am the principle, while husband docs no need.
– Bank statement with 10k+ fill in my name n husband name
– Property …..home and car.
After summit all docs I back to counter No.7 to pay fee 990$ cash.
Waiting around 30mn and it time for the real interview. I have swear n finger print…
Me: good morning
Co: good morning, are u the principle? Do u apply it your self? In wat website?
Me: reply
Co: when u finish high school? After high school did u go to the university?
Me: bla bla bla
Co: wat do u do here? Wat r u going to do at the states?
Me: reply
Co: wat is your husband do?
Husband: …..
After co said your case is approvals. I don’t think it’s all the questions he asked me, I have prepare million questions, lolz…
co don’t even ask me who is your sponsor, or who is you live with…
Interview tips…
– well prepare don’t feel panic, take it easy, drink water or go to wc to release as I did 🙂
– Prepare all supporting docs, be honest and don’t forget bank statement with couple name printed.
– Follow all the britsimon’s instructions, the more u read the more you know.
Thank you so much, please god bless you n your family ( ◠‿◠ )
August 30, 2018 at 18:25
Congratulations!
August 23, 2018 at 19:56
Hi everyone,
Location: Abu Dhabi Embassy
Date: 25/06/3018
CN: EU18***
Visa: Issued
The interview was more or less the same in scope of questions.
For us there was a small detail: one of our kids was born in US legally with all paid bills, etc, but we didn’t know whether it was an advantage or not. We brought him for the interview just in case, but apparently he wasn’t needed at all.
In the questions they asked my husband whether he served in the army, but he skipped the military while he was studying in the university and brought to the embassy just a document confirming he can be a soldier.
The interview and all paper work lasted for more than 2,5 hours, so if you have kids, make sure you’ll bring some books with you.
We already crossed the border and are in US now, dealing with all the bureaucratic procedures, eg Social Security, Insurance, registration and so on. The border control was also easy, although took a while because of some paper work from US passport control officer.
Dear DV winners, I wish all the best!
Simon, let me thank you from our whole family for all your posts, time and patience. It makes a difference. Donation is done and your ‘thank you reply’ received.
Take care, everybody!
August 23, 2018 at 21:13
Nicely done Olena. Best of luck in the USA.
May 18, 2019 at 19:20
Hi Olena,
me and my wife having interview in Abu Dhabi as well. i have a question: can I pay with my Credit Card or shall we prepare cash only for interview fee?
July 23, 2018 at 12:58
MY STORY IN DV LOTTERY
I will write here my short history in Diversity Visa Lottery in America , it was really wonderful time, it was greet experience for me , the story below and many other hidden story ware among my lives’ most notable once, starting from the background of Somali immigration to foreign countries to my current condition after the painful travel to obtain visa to America is here summarized in:
Somali and Immigration to foreign countries
Somali’s migration to foreign countries began in 1991 when Somali’s former government was overthrown , they started living foreign countries where they could survive because of fighting and hardships caused by civil wars , their primary purpose of going to foreign countries was only to get safety and life support . since that time immigration to overseas was common practice for Somali people since there was not central government working , other people left in the country started to struggle their life , they have opened schools, hospitals and small business as to find basic live support .
The people who remained heavily depended on money sent from those who already evacuated to over sees; they become supporters of their families,
Somali’s situation was returning gradually and all local dwellers started to rely on what they get in their country, they become teachers, business people, doctors and teachers so the life was gradually turning normal.
On the other hand , fighting continued to remain while the local dwellers made the fighting’s as one of their daily lives for the sake of that, the young generations continued to go to oversees as they have seen the diasporas returning to the country building new houses and getting marriage by paying huge amount of money , that has caused many Somali young generations to leave in the country by going to dangerous uncertainty roads most of them died in the seas while some of them were jailed in the foreign jails , some of them died in the roads during their trip .
The survived Somali immigrants started to struggle their lives and sent money to their left parents they also started sending fascinating pictures to their relatives by posting social
media platforms , that picture worsened the situation and people continued their trips to foreign countries .
The Somali diasporas returned to the country started to be politicians some of the presidents and some of them parliaments where some others worked the international Ng;s and local NGO , that was another blow to Somali people who become fed up with explosions and endless fighting’s
The people started going to oversees in any way which is simple to them , some worked the so-called governments and got chance to go the countries and they liked by flowing to the ministries and then hiding themselves while seeking asylum from the countries they wanted, others continued to die in the seas and other dangerous ways .
There are other people who were seeking other legal ways to go to foreign countries including parent requesting their families to rejoin , women requesting her husband to rejoin and men requesting their wives to rejoin and those who were filling online forms requesting to be given permanent residents
I was among people who used to find a legal means of going to America by filling online application form that was a diversity visa lottery in United States so let me began here my experience and story of Diversity Visa lottery 2017:-
My story in DV Lottery 2017
I am Ahmed Abdi Hassan known as Ashraf in my Somali community. in my living condition I was struggling to survive my life as well as my whole family including my three Children, wife, my mother and other children of my elder brother , besides them I also use to help my 2 brothers and 2 sisters. I have graduated from primary, secondary, university had a bachelor degree in computer science in information technology and Master of business administration , I was working till my childhood in different locations mostly in teaching activities In my life, I am satisfied and had been happy for what I get as a salary according to my fellow friends , I had no even a single problem as I am always thanking to My Allah who granted me the opportunity I received .
DV Lottery
For the first time I heard a term DV lottery was in 2004 at that time I applied and filled the online application for two consecutive years , I was not familiar the whole process so Filled but not checked that means I did not kept my confirmation number and did not know if I won or not because of lost confirmation number and had a concept of getting notice in my email that I had won or not .
For the third time It was October 2015 when I have seen my friends filling the dv lottery, I had a work and started a full time job at plasma University for the position of Director of Computer Lap , I was not dreaming to live in USA . after several months , I was promoted to another job at Plasma University and become the Director of Human Resource Management , I was happy at my job and did a great effort to manage my job.
In May 2016 I Heard one of my coworker known as Abdulkadir Abdirahman Abdii saying he checked the application and was not selected at that time , I have remembered that I had filled the online application form and kept my confirmation number before and said to my friend “ let me check it “ checked and seen a beautiful letter from Kentucke Center in America saying that I had been selected for further process, I couldn’t believe that I have been selected , I showed some of my friends who were very familiar the process and congratulated me that I will go to America
Started the process for the 2nd application
My life become busy in collecting required documents, researching the process until I become famous for the whole DVLottery process , my staff couldn’t believe that I was not doing the job properly but I could believe in myself that I was not showing greet interest in my job because of my busy in researching and collecting the documents required for the process . during my research I was considering which interview location is best for me according to expenses I would incur . I was familiar with forums , the best person who helped me was Britsimon a blogger who had a very helpful website known as http://www.britsimonsays.com , he helped me even encouraged me to continue my process as I was not very satisfied in some Us consular’s who don’t like Somali documents , he encouraged me not to discourage . during my research I have become known at some social media platforms including Face book and what sap group as we have created groups to help each other in the process .
My wife and my Children
After sent the second application known as DS 260 I told my wife and my children that we will go to America , they had not even dreamed to go to neighboring African countries , I couldn’t believe their happiness , congratulated each other , the neighbors also come to congratulate them , my children rushed to my mother’s house telling her that we will go To America . my mother didn’t like that speech as she was thinking that we will lose money , some of my relatives told her a story that there are people who collect money and promise to bring people to America and else were . so she called me and said ,, this is a totally lie , but I have tried my best to calm down my mother and she lately believed me
American Election
It come during the preparation of my first Trip to Djibouti for Interview appointment , we have been analyzing the candidates speech that is Hillery Clinton and Donal Trump, Hillary speech was so nice but Donal tramps speech confused us and showed us negative sound about our future, most of Somalis were supporting Hillary Clinton , everyone who knows our story was congratulating us to go to America but were saying If Donald Trump wins your future is at stake since he does not like Muslims and hates Somalis .
First Time in Trump Administration
I heard 1st Executive Orders that he banned the seven countries including us , I have become very upset , my friend who were also selected and scheduled an interview appointment returned to their houses very discouraged and frightened , I have then Heard that Federal judges blocked the travel ban , my friends were rescheduled and some of them were given their visas . my hope has then returned and all of us were happy , during that period I have learnt American System and become like American when talking about policy.
My Trip to Djibouti
It was the end of April when I and my family flied to Djibouti where we have bee scheduled for an interview , my children and my Family were Happy but I was worried and always checked the Google to see any updates from Trump and Federal judges in America , during my stay in Djibouti I have passed several problems and very stressed about the climate and expensive life of that country , I have prepared my documents very well to prepare for interview . at least 20 Somali applicants were there for interview appointment , we have introduced each other and become friends every one of us was talking about what Donald Trump may came up with .
My interview day
My interview date was about 2nd may 2017 I was prepared, we all came to the gate of US consulate all my Somali friend and other , after necessary check up , we were welcomed at interview windows I paid the visa fees which was $1650 for five person me, my wife and my three children , we were finger printed, checked our documents and there we were well arranged I was interviewed , the CO was very friendly and there was not hard questions as I have been expecting .
During the interview , the CO congratulated us and joked with us the US climate as he was like welcoming us in America , gave us anti family mutilation documents and an approval paper indicating that our visas will be ready in the next weak or weeks , we were very happy
no one could imagine our happiness , we have congratulated one another , I have phoned my relatives and told that we have been approved . at that time there was not travel ban , all our Somali people were approved we all congratulated each other and showed each other visa approval papers . we all checked the online system where we have been checking if our visas were printed or not , every minutes, hours we used to check the system , nothing happens except system updates which we thought the printing visa is approaching . weeks passed and nothing changes , we all become stressed then Travel ban was returned , we waited 2 months , nothing happened , we have returned our houses with stress and less hope , we started sending emails to the consular section , we are sometimes noticed that our emails will be added in block lists if we send another emails , we used to send soft requests about our process.
We have joined whatsap groups talking about latest developments , the group bosts every news in America, they all talk about Trump and his islamaphopics , the group behaves like Americans according the discussions , they all think that they will be very productive in American if they had been granted .
Returned to my country
We have returned my country very discouraged, people talking behind us saying” why did they return, were their visas refused? but most of my friends knew the process and that Donald Trump was the responsible one of our return my children did not know why we have returned to the country we have said bye already, my answer to their question is only to create them a hope that we will go to America , I have continued my life as I have used to .now I work at Plasma University where I am currently Head of marketing Department and head of library Office
My country and my case
My country’s policy to my case is very limited since America does not fully recognize, ignoring that I have tried to visit ministry of foreign affairs office in Mogadishu, I have met with the secretary of foreign affairs and told that many Somali citizens lost their hope, money and efforts and I have requested him to write a request letter to the US embassy in Djibouti . the saddest reply from the secretary of foreign affairs in my country was that this case is only personal affairs so he told me that he could not do that , I didn’t surprise that since I already knew that my country is not fully recognized by USA and heads of my country have nationalities rather then my country so they are not able to talk about these cases .
My intention to go to America vs. my family’s intention
I knew that I had a job in my country and the best climate we have according to America but I was sure that my family and I would find in America better Education, better life andbetter work , my family were expecting that they will find in America everything; better climate, better life, better education.
My experience in DV Lottery
During my process , I have learnt every steps needed , documents required and other tactics for whole dV lottery process , that experience led my friends in dv lottery 2018 asking me several question and I help them what experience I got from that process ,knowing that they will be like me and hope that they will receive similar experience , I used to research online checking any forums, I had learnt every think about dv lottery process ,I also attempted to create Dv lottery forum
My short story published in ACLU website During the trouble and problem of my visa , I tried to discuss my issue in several Organizations inside America including American Civil Liberties Union ACLU and many other organizations and individuals , even I have contacted to Community Representative Congressman Keith Ellison office where I have received very welcomed and later told me that The councilor sections were wrong in what they did but could not do to offer me a visa . This is My short s published sstory at ACLU: I had my visa approved April 30, 2017. While I had bonafide family relationship in USA, no visa found due to my being Muslim and Somali. My children don’t know what happened. They are always asking me why. I don’t know the answer. It could be fine if I could get an answer to my children. Thanks to all who advocate to this case.
https://www.aclu.org/issues/immigrants-rights/ahmed
My current condition in DV lottery
I am trying in getting my right back , not only me but also hundreds from different countries particularly banned countries are also trying getting their rights back , we are complaining in social media, I am still very busy in that activity hopping I will once receive my rights . but the condition is very complicated by trump administration and supreme court of America that rejected all rights of the people and sided with Trump. I wait till Donald trump either departs from the power or recognizes people’s rights
My hope in the future
I know that I am on the right track, and will find my right once , I know that the travel ban was illegal and unconstitutional according to my personal view as well as most US federal courts as they always rule , so I hope that one day American Supreme court will rule that travel ban was unlawful and I and my other group will find our visas since we have a prove of our process, I will try to fill an application form when the situation gets returned to normal, My country will also change and become better then today corruption , wars and injustice will last, Trump and his team will once seek and request entrance visa to my country, there will be a time that no one of my people will never need to go to other countries by seeking a better life.
Special Thanks
I Thank Allah for granting me health and prosperity and picked me from thousands of people , Our Almighty Allah knows where is best for us and I give my most thank to him. On the other hand I thank my friend whom we shared the hard situation and process for Dv lottery including
Mustaf, Abdulkadar, Abdirashid, Abdirahman, Abdisamad, Ahmed , Said , Dek, Abdisalan, Mohamed Amin, and many other friends , I say to them thanks for our collaboration and time . I also thank all my friends in all over the world, I thank my students, coworkers and all who know me
July 23, 2018 at 16:56
I corrected your interview date – you had 2016 and meant 2017.
It’s a sad story. Trump is clearly a moron. But I have to tell you, there is no possible way you can get your DV2017 visa. The program ends by law at the end of the fiscal year, and no one, not even Congress, or the president, can override that. So – by all means continue your complaints, but don’t spend money in the hope that you can get your DV lottery visa.
June 7, 2018 at 15:19
It would be wonderful if someone can share their interview experience in Saudi Arabia. I m going to do it next month and I don’t know but the staff generally seems to be rude every time I have gotten in touch with them through email and phone.
June 7, 2018 at 15:41
Read the experience stories from all embassies.
March 26, 2018 at 05:29
dear sir, i am a dv2018 selectee. my interview is this week. what worries me is that i was unemployed for the last three years. last month i got a job but i had to stop it because of bullying and not good colleagues at work. Will these facts (that i was unemployed and i stopped a job after one month) make the US embassy consular-officer to not issue/deny the green card visa for me at the interview? I also don’t know if ‘bullying’ sounds good to mention in the interview if i get a question why i stopped the job. i look for your advice. thanks.
March 26, 2018 at 18:00
Someone who cannot find a job in three years, or when finally gets a job but leaves the job so quickly for “bullying” may be considered a risk of not being able to cope in a new country. That can cause public charge concerns, which can cause denial – but in any case you should ask yourself whether you really have what it takes to start a new life in a new country. Frankly, your existing record would suggest you will have a hard time. America does not have European style social programs that will support you. Be realistic and honest with yourself.
March 7, 2018 at 09:26
Hello all.
Our interview on 6 March went as follows. Location – Johannesburg, South Africa. It was my husband, 18 year old step daughter, 7 year old son and me. I am the principal applicant.
We arrived at the consulate at 12 noon but we were told to only come back at 12:45pm. We went to the Sandton City Mall and then came back at 12:40 and waited in the queue. Went through the security check.
When we went inside, we were given a number (11) and told to wait outside as there was no space to sit inside . Our number was called after 30 minutes and we were told to go to window 6. At the window a lady did our fingerprints on biometric machine. She had a file with our medical results and requested us to give her all the required documents a copy and original – Passports, 2 visa photos, DS260 confirmation page, unabridged birth certificates, marriage certificate, educational qualifications, police clearance certificates, financial statements ,I also gave them affidavit of support from my sponsor but she said its not a requirement but she took it anyway. She then requested us to pay the visa fees.
After payment we were told to sit and wait to be called again. We were called after 5 minutes and went to another window where the Consular Officer interviewed us. She asked us the address of where we were going to stay in America. We did biometrics again. She asked me what type of job i do and if we have ever travelled to america. She also asked who we was going to live with and our relationship. My husband and I got married after i was selected as i wanted to include him in the visa processing. we had come prepared with our court wedding photos. She didn’t request them but only asked us why we got married after the selection. After that she made my step daughter sign a form stating that she is not allowed to get married until we travel to the US.
The consular officer then smiled, returned all our original documents and said all is in order and we can expect an sms or email from the delivery courier to come and collect our passports in 10 working days. We were so happy that all went well and we give all the glory to God. Now we are just waiting for the passports and then plan the way forward regarding moving to the US.
Thank you Brit Simon for this website as it has been very helpful. I checked on ceac website today and i see our case number changed from ready to administrative process so i will just wait until after the 10 working days.
March 7, 2018 at 14:43
The AP should change to issued within a few days.
March 5, 2018 at 11:38
my frend high school certefigcate means 9th&10th transcript & 11&12 transcript both of autenticate first high school director aproved second zone educational adminstiration manager approved third region educational adminstration manager approved to fraud certeficate is any risk brother true document is valuable because american consular is authentic.
March 5, 2018 at 17:09
This is a period >>> . <<< Without a period, that stuff you wrote is just a jumble of words, and I cannot waste time trying to understand what the heck you are asking. Make your question clear.
March 5, 2018 at 11:11
1 =If i present the fraud high school to present interview day consular realized that this certificate is fake we cannot issues ur visa or denied Can i apply dv again if yes 2=. I won dv and present legal original high school can it affect me due to former fraud certificate ?
Thank you my frnd
March 5, 2018 at 17:11
If you present fraudulent certificates you will be banned from the USA for life, and possibly prosecuted.
March 5, 2018 at 10:13
MY INTERVIEW LOCATION ADDIS ABABA ETHIOPIA MARCH 01 2018 RANDOMLY SELECTED LETTER RECIVED 04 MAY 2017 CONGRATULATION PAPER (2ND LETTER) RECIVED JANUARY 23 2018 DEAR BRIT AND THE FOLLOWERS(ALL DV APPLICANT IN THE WORLD TO SHARE TRUE INTERVIEW STORIES
IMPORTANT DOCUMENT IN DV APPLICANT
1.PASSPORT ORIGONAL & COPY THE FIRST TWO PAGE
2.POLICE RECORD IN ETHIOPIA
3.EDUCATIONAL DOCUMENT 10TH 12TH &TRANSCRIPT AND ALSO VOCATIONAL SCHOOL APPLICANTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED IN USA EMBASSY OF ETHIOPIA
4.TWO PHOTOGRAPH OF SIZE 5*5
5.CONGRATULATION PAPER (2ND LETTER)
6.DHL REGISTER LETTER
8.DS-260 LETTR ARE NOT INCLUDED
9.RANDOMLY SELECTED NOT INCLUDED MY DOCUMENT
10.BIRTH CERITEFICATE ORIGIONAL © &TRANSLATED
MY INTERVIEW WAS MARCH 01 2018 08:00AM IN LOCAL TIME 02:00PM MORNING
FIRST GOEES TO THE EMPASSY EARLY THURSDAY THAT DAY HOLINESS DAY BECAUSE MY INTERVIEW IS APPROVED
FIRST TO CHECK SECURITY GUARD AND TO CHECK ALL DOCUMENT IN ETHIOPIAN BEAUITYFULL LADY AND ENTER THE OFFICE TO PROVISION OF MONEY TO THE CASHER 9040 BIRR (330 USD) AFTER THAT THE CASHER ADVICE ME SIT DAWN AND CALLED WINDOW 7 AFTER A FIVE MINUTE CALLED THE WINDOW 7 CUTE ETHIOPIAN LADY PRETENSION THI QUATION LIVE IN WITHOUT THE COUNTRY NO HAVE MARRIED NO HAVE ACHILD NO THE INTERVIEW AMHARIC OR ENGLISH MY CHOICE IN AMHARIC THE LADY ADDVICE ME TO SIT DAWN AFTER ASEVEN MINUTE TO CALLED AWINDOW 10 THE ETHIOPIAN LADY AND YOUNG HANDSOME AMERICAN MEN GRETTING ME AND SMILLING ASKED QUATION THIS
CO SPONSER ADDRESS
ME——
CO RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SPONSER &WORK
ME——
CO WHICH STATE THE SPONSER LIVE MENTION STATE AND & CITY
ME——
CO EDUCATIONAL LEVEL
ME——-
CO WHY EDUCATIONAL DEPARTMENT CHOISE
ME——
AFTER ALONG TIME ANGUISH AND ALLITLE TIME INTERVIEW ALMOST 3 MINUTE INTERVIEW THE VISA WAS APPROVED THANKS BRIT THANKS FOREVER ABUITYFULL MIND LOVE YOU SO MUCH LOVE YOU 1000000 TIMES IN MY INTERVIEW EXPERIANCE SMILLING,HONESTY,CONFIDENCE TRUE EDUCATIONAL DOCUMENT ALL ARE IMPORTANT AMERICAN CO ARE BEST.
March 5, 2018 at 17:12
Congratulations and good luck!
August 9, 2018 at 13:32
Hi Kura,
I am DV 2019 selectee from Ethiopia.would you please share me your experience on the whole process privately?here under is my personal email address.
[email protected]
thank you in advance!!!
August 9, 2018 at 15:12
Why ask to have that privately. This experience is already there and any questions can be asked in this blog so that all may benefit – not just you!
August 30, 2018 at 18:26
Kura why you say Vicational is not acceptable .. educational requirement in Ethiopia says 10+3 but must take maths.civics&eng …
What is ur say on this req’t..
January 11, 2018 at 11:15
Heey Brit am. scheluded to wedd soon and thn aply back myds260..am 21 and my wife is 23 …we av been stayng together like one yr and now
January 11, 2018 at 14:39
OK….
November 27, 2017 at 17:36
If you are asked to get the confidential KCPE from Knec, do you have to schedule another interview or they will call you? How long does it take?
November 27, 2017 at 19:04
I don’t know.
September 28, 2017 at 02:33
Brit I am a selectee for 2018 ,my interview date is nov 30 what your advice
September 28, 2017 at 02:48
Brush your teeth for 2 minutes…
October 20, 2017 at 00:02
I can’t stop laughing Brit. So funny
December 26, 2017 at 03:57
That’s really funny
September 13, 2018 at 15:26
I can’t ??. I’m dead ??
July 14, 2017 at 12:52
MY INTERVIEW US EMBASSY NAIROBI
Hey my interview went like this,it was 14/12/2016 when was my interview date in us embassy Kenya Nairobi and am from Uganda
Briefly I reached the embassy very early in the morning,I passed through all the security checks and entered.
When it was my time I submitted all the documents required
Birth certificate
Police certificate
Educational doc
Interview letter
And paid $330 for the interview then took the finger prints and waited
After I was called again for final interview
All questions from from the documents I gave them
But the problem came when the co asked me what I studded in economic and to be sincere I could remember well so I gambled but this forced the co not to approve my Visa
So ladies and gentle I was denied avisa that day and gave me my documents
This was sm of the worst day of my life I looked confused but nothing was to done exempt going back to Uganda in tears and I was given a pink paper with the reason of not given avisa
But what strengthened was the co told me that their going to verify my education doc and they will send a massage after and my case was put under administrative processing
Guys I waited for 6 month with a lot of depression and praying to God so that they verify before the deadline, but all in all what I can is God is a living God because in July 14th 2017 they sent me an email that may case was solved but my medical was expired and my police letter also so that I have to renew after renew I send them police letter and my passport
I did all they asked and after sending my passport with in one week my visa was approved and printed
Guys I give all the glory to God
And I thank you Brit for all the good work and the help you giving to us
GOD BLESS YOU ALL
July 14, 2017 at 17:34
Glad that worked out well.
June 23, 2017 at 17:07
2017AS6***
DS-260 submitted May 4, never unlocked
2NL received March 28, interview on May 31 at 1 PM
I arrived at 11:50 AM; 2 families were waiting in queue. I approached the windows and one guy checked my 2NL and said please wait until 12:30 PM. Around 12:20 PM we have been called to the windows.
They checked the name and appointment letter at the Embassy’s entrance doors. I presented my 2NL and passport, when the guy saw my iqama he took it instead of my passport. After checking my appointment I went through a security check. They stamped the medical envelope.
After the security check, I got a ticket number and no one was in queue. I sat in the waiting area for few minutes and then I was called to window X. At this window a man collected my documents and asked me questions in English and Arabic even though I only answered in English:
• 2NL and Passport (did not take photocopy)
• Birth certificate (I asked if he needs my baptism certificate he said no)
• Are you married? No I’m single.
• Are you divorced? No I’m single, never been married.
• Do you have kids? No I don’t.
• Then someone came and spoke to him, after two minutes they were done and the guy asked me again “so do you have kids”. I answered again no I don’t have kids.
• PCC from my home country and in KSA (took only originals without photocopies)
• Medical report. I gave it to him. He checked the date and said with a surprise on his face “why is it 2 months old”. I answered I did it just right after receiving my 2NL. He said how come. When did you receive it? I answered and he replied and you were done with the Medical report the next day? I said yes I went to the hospital and they ran the tests the next day. I got worried and asked him if there was a problem. He answered no but when are you planning to move to the states, because you have just lost 2 months! I said no problem I will make it on time, if I am granted the immigrant visa.
• High school diploma and asked me while looking at the degree, what year did you graduate from high school, I answered 2008 with a surprise on my face; well that was 9 years ago and for a second in my head I got mixed between 2007 and 2008 lol.
• Then he said I can see you have a university degree, what did you study? I answered Civil Engineering at the American University of Beirut and gave him my degree (original, certified copy and photocopy) and my grades (original and photocopy). I also stated that the university is accredited in the US and pointed at the back of my grades to show the university’s accreditation. Then I showed him the original school diploma but he did not take it, he only took the original university degree.
• Are you a Structural Engineer? I answered I worked as a Structural Engineer for 2 years from X date till Y date in Lebanon for X company. Starting Y date, I have been transferred to Saudi Arabia to work as a Project Engineer in Riyadh for the same company.
• How much do you make per month? I said around USD 5K. I showed him my employment certificate in Riyadh with my current salary. I added its around 60k USD per year w/o the bonus around 70k with the Bonus.
NOW THIS PART GOT INTERESTING:
• What do you do as a Project Engineer? I explained…
• What kind of projects do you do? The project I am working on now is… and I gave him my CV.
• He started looking and said I can see that the project is worth 2.2B USD is that in USD or Riyals? I said no USD which is equivalent to 8 B SAR. He was impressed. Then asked do u work on this project alone? I said no we are a team of four people working with the project manager. He then asked what is the nationality of my colleagues. And this is when things got really interesting and I remembered what Mr. Simon said about “Then there were a series of questions probably asked quite quickly (“rapid fire” I call it) which might seem irrelevant…but what is important is that you can answer these “rapid fire” questions naturally without hesitation.” So I answered quickly X Y and X Y are from…, X Y is from… and the project manager is from…
• Two photos please
• Where will you be staying? is it in X sate with Mr. X Y as stated in your DS-260? No, I would like to change that, I will be staying in Y sate, at my friends place called “…” and I have already informed the Embassy by email.
• Who is Mr. “…”? How do you know him? What is the new address? He is a friend of the family, my mom introduced me to him and I have visited him last year in the US. I also have a welcome letter from him including his address. He copied the address and confirmed it with me and gave me back my letter.
• Do you have financial support? I said yes I have USD 40 k in savings and gave him my savings account.
• Do you have a bank statement in ksa? Yes, this is a one year bank statement. He laughed and said one year! I laughed too and said yea well.. to show my yearly income. Then he said you dont have much savings here in KSA. I answered I have around USD 10 k. I don’t save my money in ksa I transfer my salary to Lebanon every month. And i told him if u want, this is my Lebanese current account. He said well u just gave me one. I said i gave you my savings account. This is my Lebanese current account to which i transfer my salary and then transfer to my savings account. I gave it to him he saw 5000 and asked is that in USD. I said yes this is in USD and pointed at the currency. I told him these are the salary transactions. You can see the details on the ksa current account.
And that was it for this part of the interview noting that he did not ask for DS-260 confirmation page. I was asked to sit again and wait.
After few minutes of waiting I was called to the “actual” interview, as if I wasn’t asked enough questions already LOL.
An American man who clearly doesn’t know Arabic interviewed me and was so nice to me!
• Raise your right hand. Do you swear that all the information you have provided is true and blablabla? I raised my right hand and said with enthusiasm ” I do swear! ”
• He took my fingerprints (4 fingers from left hand then right hand then thumbs together)
• Did you pay for the interview? I said no, should I now? He said no at the end.
• Are you an Engineer? I said yes I am a civil engineer
• Why do u want to move to the US? I answered: it has been my dream since I was a kid, I got so lucky to win and I only applied once. Then he had a big smile and said great!
• I will approve your immigration visa congratulations!
• At this moment time froze and I felt this amazing feeling of happiness and gratefulness and it showed on my face, the CO was able to see that through my smile and by thanking him again and again.
• I could see how happy he was for me and said you are welcome. And handed me back the following documents:
• Original university degree
• Original university grades
• Certified university degree
• Original high school certificate
• Certified high school certificate copy
• Certified birth certificate copy
• He added you should expect your passport in 10 days. The shipping company will contact you to deliver your passport and immigration package. Now, please go pay the interview fee and come back to give me the receipt. I said sure and left to pay.
• I went to another room where I waited for 5 minutes and then it was my turn to pay. A very nice lady spoke to me in English and Arabic said how do you like to pay cash or credit card, we don’t take debit cards, and SAR or USD?. So I paid, took the receipt and went back to handle it to the interviewer. And of course I thanked him again!
*** At 1:20 PM I was out. The whole process took 1 hour! ***
After the interview, a time of “stressful happiness” since even though i was approved I was waiting to see the “Issued” note on the CEAC website. On June 6, the status showed “Ready” then it was changed to “Administrative Processing” then it was changed to “Issued”!! And so I booked my flight to the U.S. in 2 weeks!! After few days, on June 10 I received my passport with the immigrant visa and package. Surprisingly, my US mailing address on the package was not changed. However, I paid online my immigrant fee of 220$ and changed my U.S. mailing address.
The flight. I arrived few days ago and at POE I informed the Immigrant Officer that the US mailing address on the package is wrong even though I have changed it during my interview and online. He said it’s good that you have mentioned that adding that in our system it still shows the old address.
Finally Mr. Simon I would like to ask you a question. The Immigrant Officer informed me that I should expect my GC in 6 to 8 weeks. So I asked him if I could leave to Saudi Arabia before receiving it. He advised me twice not to leave before getting it in my hands because it will cause me problems when I try to re-enter. I said what if I had to, what do I do. He said make sure your host mails you your green card to Saudi Arabia before coming back. Any thoughts about this Mr. Simon? Also, on my DS-260 I have requested my SSN and at POE they did not mention anything about it, so do I have to do anything or just wait?
Apart from that, I feel so blessed and excited for this new beginning! I will never be able to thank you enough Mr. Simon for all the support you have been providing for the last year; it has been a very stressful year. You are simply AMAZING.
June 9, 2017 at 23:12
Please can one use national identity card to fill the ds260
June 10, 2017 at 14:34
Yes
June 1, 2017 at 22:32
Hi Sir,
1. Can the embassy order DNA test in a dv process? in the case where you entered the program with your wife your step child?
2. Do you need an adoption paper from the court or the child’s original father before going at the embassy?
3. Can the child use the step father last name as his last name?
4. Will the embassy question why the child is not carrying the name of the original father?
June 1, 2017 at 22:58
1. They can order you to do anything. You don’t have to comply, except if you want the Green Card.
2. No. A step child is considered your child automatically. However, your spouse may have to show an agreement from the father that the child is moving out of the country (that depends on custody arrangements).
3. If a legal name change process has taken place, yes.
4. They will ask for paperwork.
May 2, 2017 at 19:49
My interview was today 2nd of May 2017..It was on 10:30 and we arrived 10.25
We passed many security checking and at the last point they checked everything with xray and said not allowed bags and cellphones we kept in there..We went in and i went one of the windows there was an Sri lankan lady she asked our documents.. I gave (I sorted before and i prepared 1 for originals and for each family member 1 file with pictures.. That lady said take out the original docs and put inside the passports..I said i arranged already, she said only originals and passports. And while i prepare she wanted pictures. After i did everything and gave her.. We waited.. more than 30 min. After they called and there was another lady she was more friendly..She asked some docs copies and she said we need to go another window to pay visas fee.. He asked me credit cad or cash i said we can pay by card, that srilankan lady said this is DV and must be cash.. (I read before in instructions we could pay by card but i did not want to say anything) i paid cash.. After we sat and waited around 20 min. Later on Old American lady she called my name.. And asked me have you lived before any other country other than …. I said no. Are you housewife..Are you planning to sell your house? Your and your husbands birth certificate? Marriage certificate? Kids ID ? And she said swere .. She called my doughter.. She asked name, school, grade, do you have relatives in US.. After my son, she asked which school are you going? Are you excited to go to us university? After that She called my husband.. Asked where do you work how long you have contract? Where do you want to work in US ? Marriage date 😀 My husband struggled at this point 😀 He swere And at last she told me 3 docs i need to translate and after i can bring with my passports and no need to come again i can leave outside BOX.. And they will call me.. It took 2 hours 10 min. Thank you so much Simon..Good luck for everyone..
May 2, 2017 at 19:55
Congratulations!
May 30, 2017 at 14:19
Hi again.. My process done today i got my passports back with visas approved.. It took long time but they said they were very busy 🙂 Thank you all your support Simon good luck everyone..
April 7, 2017 at 19:03
I would like to tell you about our experience in Ankara US Consulate in April
Our interview was at 8:30, we have gone there at 8:15. Consider the traffic; because our intention was to be there at 8:00; but we were late. There was a queue, It didn’t create a problem because officer was requesting people who had 8:00 and 8:30 appointment inside. No electronic devices, no bags, just your documents. After the security check we were inside the Consulate. They had checked our photographs and approved that they are in line with the requirement and had given us a number.
We have taken our seat and started to wait for our number to be seen on the screen. Once it is seen on the screen we have proceeded to that desk. The lady was talking in Turkish and she was very nice. This had confronted us. We were three and she had requested the documents per person; so my advice would be to make the documents ready per person, that will speed up your time. Any way no rush. We have provided all the documents they have requested. Money in your bank account is much more important then your assets, that’s what she had said. Because turning assets into cash may take some time. Just keep in mind that money in your bank account is important. We had brought the transaction list from the bank as well; but the lady requested the writing from the bank. So this is important to get from the bank. She had checked every detail, we have waited. Then she had said your documents are all fine, take a seat, and watch for your number on the screen, they will call you, you will first be asked to pay your fee, then you will be asked for the interview. We have waited some time; I assume like 30 or 45 minutes. Then we have seen our number on the screen. We are asked to proceed to pay. We have paid with credit card. Then we have again took our seat to be called. It was around 10:15, they have called us. I was quite excited to be honest but it was ok The lady asked whether we know English or not and we have proceed with English afterwards. She had requested to take our commitment that we are telling the truth. She than asked us to provide our finger print.. After that she had asked questions first to me as DV lottery winner. She had asked what is my highest education level, did I ever lived in a different country than home country, what do we plan to do in US for a work. Then she had asked my wife what she will do and she had told her what she is doing right now and plan to work in the same area. Finally she had said your visa is approved, she informed us that she will cancel our touristic visas, we will receive our passports to the address we have selected. We have thanked her and wow that was it!! Waiting 10 months and everything is finished. It was like wow, can’t explain the feeling
And Dear Brit, we would also like to specially thank you for all your time, patience and for this blog. Let me explain the value for us. Being in this process requires patience. Sometimes you lost your patience, and your assumptions started to come out from somewhere deep in your mind and this website, your comments, interview experiences keeps you on the lane. So we really do appreciate all your support during our journey and thanks for being our invisible friend for a while. All the best to you and your family.
Best Regards
April 7, 2017 at 23:06
Thank you!
March 23, 2017 at 12:46
sorii to say our visa were approved by the consular officer.