One of the blog members asked for a page solely for people to post their interview experiences. So this is it – with some rules!!!
First – NO questions on this page. Let’s keep it for interview experiences only – good and bad. I will probably delete questions to try and keep the page focused on interview experiences
Please at least mention your embassy (city and country, like Accra, Ghana) and brief details about what questions you were asked and any interesting points about documents you were asked for and any tips you can give others. This will be useful to others who have not yet had their interviews. People could use the search function to look for their embassy.
September 23, 2019 at 09:53
Hello Britsimon. I hope you are doing greeat. am here to share my own Interview Experience. it has ben a long and stressful DV process year and time to share my own experience. sorry if it might be long.
Case Number: 2019AF00046790, Cameroon
Embassy: Yaoundé
1NL: 15th May 2018
DS260: submitted on 1st August 2018, unlocked June 14th 2019 to correct my surname and given name
Submission of Docs: 1st submission 30th April 2019 and resubmitted again on 18th May 2019.
i submitted thanks to Britsimon advice. I didn’t receive any email from KCC to submit docs.
7th June 2019: ready for scheduling email received.
2NL: 30th July 2019, interview date 20th September 2019.
Registered my appointment online and did my medicals and started preparing my docs. documents prepared were (birth cert., Advanced level, police certificate(updated),bachelor degree and I-134(eventhough it was not asked for).
arrived at embassy at 7:10am and met alot of people. both for IV and DV. but priority was given to IV. we were led in and after security checks, we went and sat waiting to be called to submit our docs and pay fees. it was a long wait and at 11:30 we were called to submit documents. docs submitted were (1NL, 2NL, Birth certificate, updated Police certificated, A level results medicals and my Barchelor degree) please be well prepared in terms of cash because we were all surprised as the exchange rate had increase. hold enough cash on you. some had to go and look for more cash elswhere.
after submitting ours docs and paying interview fee, we were given a number and asked to wait outside for the number to be called.
At 2pm we were called in and 15mins later my number was called on window 6. there, I met one black guy there. I was surprised.
the Guy: good afternoon
me: good afternoon sir
the guy: what is your name
me:xxxx
the guy: when did u have your A level?
Me: xxx
the guy: married?
me: No
the guy: Children?
Me:NO. he was typing some informations on the computer. he took my fingerprints and gave me a white paper to fill. my heart skipped for a second as i thought it was a refusal paper. but it was an undertaking on joining the military blablabla. I signed and handed to him and he told me to go and have a sit that I would be called later for interview.
At 2:30PM, I was called again to counter 4 an this time it was a nice white man who was there. the interview was like;
CO: good afternoon
Me: good afternoon sir
CO: what is your name?
Me: xxxx
Hechecked my passport and confirms am the one
CO: four fingers on screen please. But before we start raise your right hand (oath taking)
Me: yes i do
CO: are you married
me: No sir
CO: how many children,
Me: None
CO checks my face and confirms am the one on the computer
then he starts by handing me my original documents (a level, birth certificate and degree)
CO: congrats on your results. I will approve your visa and you will come back in 4 working days to collect
Me: ok thank you sir
CO: (while writing on the yellow paper) do you know where you are going to live in the US?
Me: yes sir. am going to XXX
CO: and who is going to receive you there?
Me: A family friend sir
CO(as he hands me the yellow paper) okit is good to live with someone who will guide you when you arrive. congratulations and have a nice day
Me: with all smiles, thank you sir and have a nice day too.
the interview with the white did not even last for up to 45 secondes. I left the hall with smiles all over my face.
Thanks to this site, I was able to attain my goal due to its numerous post and advices from Brit and all the members. Thanks emmensely. wishing all the rest of the members and DV2020 the best. An advice, be truthful, patient and all will work out well.
September 23, 2019 at 11:21
Chop jeff congrats once more. Im happy for you. Im 2020AF0000487xx from Cameroon too. Please can we link up. I will like you to fill me in on certain issues. My email is [email protected]. please contact me or you could as well leave your email and i will contact you as well.
My regards
September 23, 2019 at 19:31
Congratulations!
September 25, 2019 at 05:02
Congratulations chop Jeff,
It was actually a long day September 20 at the embassy there in Yaounde. My family was the first DV case to be interview that day at the US embassy in Cameroon, five visa were approved. We will come back here for testimony as soon as we collect the visa tomorrow 26/09/2019.
Jeff congrats
Brist thanks for all the advice.
September 26, 2019 at 23:10
Congrats Sam. I collected my visa today 26th and you???
We can communicate here +237671313966
October 8, 2019 at 03:03
Congrats Jeff
October 15, 2019 at 21:17
Congratulations Jeff. I’m a DV 2020 winner from Cameroon. Would love to know if there’s any WhatsApp group for 2020 winners in Cameroon where ideas are shared.
October 18, 2019 at 09:59
Hi. I’m DV 2020 winner from Cameroon too, and I’ve already gone for my interview which was on 8th of October. It all went well though at the end, I was being handed a pink form by the CO saying he’ll notify me after 2 weeks. On the form, it’s said my application requires further administrative processing. I really don’t know what caused the CO to react that way, because I know I handed all documents as it was required and answered all questions correctly.
September 23, 2019 at 18:34
HI brit,the visa status check has been down since yesterday is something wrong or is jux me
September 23, 2019 at 20:17
Try in a few days.
September 25, 2019 at 00:34
HI brit,if your visa check status date keeps on changing what does it means.Am place on AP and the last time I check the update was on the 6th and now is on the 24th.please explain to me.thanks
September 25, 2019 at 02:52
I cannot guess the meaning of each update.
September 25, 2019 at 19:19
My experience with DV lottery 2019AF46XXX
Oh, it’s been a long journey , but first thank you Brit for everything
Well , I finally passed my interview the 18th Septembre , in Paris embassy
I went over prepared , got copies of everything , but finally they took only few documents ( No sponsor or any financial documents was asked )
CO asked few question , maybe less then 2 minutes , then he said congrats
18 Septembre Interview ( the statut changed in CEAC to ready )
19 Septembre statut changed to AP ( and here it statred the fear because I took everything with me )
20 Septembre statut changed to the beautiful ISSUED
25 Septembre got my passport with the VISA and other documents
Well , finally it’s done , but now the serious things will start , a new life and new experience that I’ve been waiting for my whole life
I have some final questions please , I asked the CO to change my adress , but he didn’t ( in the immigrant data summury sheet , it still remains the old adress ) do I changed directly in the USCIS website after paying the immigrant fees or in the border I inform the agent ?
What are the questions I’ll be asked by the agent ?
And can I entre from NY while the adress I gave is in Miami ?
also a last question ,the visa expire in 27 Febraury and I need to entre before that date , my question is I have the right to entre few days before that date ? I mean what if my green card takes time to be ready and my visa expire by that time ? how it works ? or should I go earlier to avoid any possible problem !
Thank you very very much
September 26, 2019 at 03:48
NUMBER QUESTIONS!
1. At the border, POE
2. Almost nothing.
3. Yes
4. Before that date. That’s all. Just “before”.
September 26, 2019 at 13:10
My experience with DV lottery 2019AS71XX
It was a long-exhausted journey that ended when I received my green card. Well, my interview was in Kuala Lumpur embassy, I went over-prepared and well-dressed, got copies of everything, but finally, they took only a few documents (No financial document was asked but they asked about my university certificate which I gave it to them). However, I went to the interview with too many concerns as Brit told me that it is almost impossible to get a visa because I am from a travel ban country.
The CO was so nice person and asked me only a few questions; he gave a great deal to discuss my education background and then he informed me about the travel ban as I am a Yemeni citizen. However, he told me he will make an exemption as I am looking a qualified person to him. Then he informed me that I will get the visa when they receive the medical results and the certificate of the good conduct from the Yemen embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Then said congrats, that simple!!!.
I left the hall with a big smile all over my face and a little bit confused. I sent them the certificate the next day. However, when the embassy received my medical results, they sent me an e-mail asking for my passport. In a few days (almost 7 working days), I received my visa package and my passport with annotation stated that the Presidential Proclamation is waved.
I traveled to USA a few weeks ago and in the borders, I did not face any problems because I am from Yemen. lately, I knew from Yemeni community here that there are more than 20 Yemenis got an exemption from the travel ban. The common thing among them is there are well-educated and they said during the interview that they will work and won’t intend to be a public charge.
Thanks to this site, the numerous posts and advice from Brit (even the harsh ones) and all the members provided me with wide knowledge regarding the lottery process. All the best for DV applicants. Final advice, be truthful during the interview, be patient during the long process and all will work out well even with the travel ban.
November 23, 2019 at 09:10
i win the lottery, do they accept yemen people yet?
November 23, 2019 at 17:39
Still banned. Some can be accepted if they have other citizenships.
September 26, 2019 at 17:30
Hello brit
CN:2019AF3xxxx i was in AP since august 29 ,today the CO has sent to me a message to drop off my passport that my case is ready to be issued , i droped it since 12:00
the status becomes ready and at 7:00 the status becomes AP.
Is it normal?
Thanks you in advance
September 27, 2019 at 00:16
Normal.
November 11, 2019 at 22:29
Hi Simon
I have been applied lottery DVD 2020 with my wife while she is expecting to born new baby November 16,2019 . I did not mentioned the new born baby in the application and I wrote the number of child is zero.
Kindly if I have been selected for Lottery 2020 my baby will be traveling with us to the US
November 13, 2019 at 04:05
You can’t mention a baby not born yet – but yes – once the child is born you can add the newborn to the case. Search above for newborn, or google “BritSimon newborn”
September 26, 2019 at 20:45
I love this site
September 27, 2019 at 09:56
2019AF00024XXX
Ugandan family of 5. My husband is principal.
I will begin by thanking God for answering our prayers. Thanks to BritSimon for this website and always responding to queries we sent him (read the website extensively). We shall forever be grateful to all our relatives and friends who encouraged us, availed the required supporting documents and hosted our family endlessly. May God bless you all abundantly!
3rd consecutive year of applying where we each submit separately. Results were checked 2nd day after release. DS260 submitted in Jun 2018 and never re-opened. Softcopies submitted in Apr 2019 following BritSimon advice. Request email received shortly after and we called KCC to confirm if resubmission was necessary. Told not to resend and scheduled for 21st Jun interview. Travelled to Nairobi and attended medicals 17th and 19th June (dates due to children). At this point, told we could not get interviewed due to irregular xray image of principal and have to wait for 2 months investigation. Allowed to use IOM Kampala for TB tests to avoid extra week in Kenya. To be safe, repeated police clearance letters since those we had expired mid-Sep. In last week of Aug, contacted IOM Nairobi and were told file was sent to embassy so we are to request for new interview date. This was done through embassy agent and new interview date 18th Sep given. Again family travelled to Nairobi.
Reached embassy at 6:15am and 1st security checks had already began. Food on list of prohibited items at gate but was allowed to stay with it for children. 2nd security was to confirm interview appointment. 3rd security check was to remove items (e.g. electronic, metallic) from bags and get retrieve number for them. We received priority (skip line) security checking due to children. Proceeded to interview hall and were allocated interview number. Waited outside as numbers were called to various counters. Number called and we found a black lady at counter. Handed in original and copy documents as requested (included affidavit of support which we bundled with other sponsor documents as read from previous stories – tax returns, valid ID, employer letter etc). She also took the new police clearance letters and left us with the old ones. Adult fingerprints and asked below:-
Is it fine to have this interview in English?
Have you lived outside your current country of residence?
Have you visited the US?
For how long?
What type visa did you get?
Have you been interviewed for a migrant visa before?
She told us to proceed to another counter, we paid the visa fees and then waited outside. Called again and found white gentleman at counter. Took fingerprints, oath and asked below:-
Have you ever lived outside your country of residence?
Has your wife ever lived outside your country of residence?
Has any of you been married before?
Has any of you served in the military before?
Who will you stay with?
Who is he to you?
FINALLY: You visas are approved and will be ready within a week’s time.
He returned our originals and gave us guides for payment of the greencards. These had the AA… number for each of us. We said thank you and left the embassy at 9:15am. We were too excited and did not verify the payment guides (1 child was missing) and returned originals (some missing too). My husband returned to embassy shortly to pick these.
NB: Issues that got us worried.
First and middle names on eDV and legal documents of principal were not in same order. Order of names was corrected on DS260 to follow the legal documents. We didn’t think it mattered before this.
One child’s date of birth had error on principal’s DS260. Was noticed when interview scheduled so could not change it.
We got affidavits for some name changes but these were not requested.
We noticed that our church wedding certificates had no church stamps/seals and so had to go back for these. Churches in Uganda usually give 2 (big ceremonial and the small form).
Our passports have been picked today 27th Sep from the courier in Nairobi. Expect my ‘life after lottery’ within a year or two of arriving in the US. Wishing you all the very best.
September 27, 2019 at 23:34
Congratulations!
October 21, 2019 at 06:38
Congrats Caro
Actually the courrier system has been confusing me.
November 4, 2019 at 15:58
Congrats to Caro and family.
I wonder why IOM has never picked up my calls..
Have urgent changes to make but they take lomg to respond to emails and don’t pick calls.
Is there a special number you used
November 4, 2019 at 16:10
Carol email me on
Mustaphaa024 @gmail.com
November 21, 2019 at 12:21
congratulations Caro and your good family
September 28, 2019 at 04:55
HI brit,I was place on AP some weeks and was later refused and had not been called yet for my original documents and passport.but jux yesterday I check my status and it has changed from refused to issued.please can u explain what it means.has that happen before
September 28, 2019 at 14:49
Perhaps your cases was reviewed. I don’t know.
September 28, 2019 at 09:41
Kelvin you’re a lucky man.
Congratulations
September 28, 2019 at 10:01
I’m 2019AF44267
Interview took place at the Monrovia embassy in Liberia.
I will firstly like to give God all the glory for answering my prayers, and also Brit Simon for this blog.
God will bless you and your family for every efforts and time spent in guiding us through the process, answering our numerous questions.
After 16months of wait n see, I was successful for the interview on the 24th of September.
I am single and I went over prepared as Brit always told us to be.
I’m really excited because I have never wanted to miss out on the opportunity. I have applied for this DV lottery severals time and this was the twelve time, can you imagine that?
Brit is a God send who help me in every direction in this process.
I checked ceac visa status and my visa is issued, I will pick it up on Tuesday according to the embassy schedule.
I got at the embassy 7:00am and at 8:30am we went through security check..
Few of those documents were requested and I proceeded to pay the visa fee $330.00usd. I was issued ticket number 331.
I was called to window 6, where I was asked few questions like
* Are you married?
* Do you have children?
* you are a business man, what’s the address of your business?
* Can I see your university degree?
After that he asked me to take my sit and wait.
26 minutes later, I was called to window 4 to do finger print. After that I took sit again to wait for the main interview
35 minutes later I was called to window 3, I walk there and a White man greeted me nicely asking me to lift my right hand and take oath. After doing that, he started typing on the computer for sometime and than took a look at my documents submitted including the passport. He lifted his head and said to me
* CO: Are you married ?
Me: No
* CO: Do you have children?
Me: No
* CO: what’s your highest level of education?
Me: University degree
CO: Can I see it?
Me: I displayed it
.
Co: I think I should approved your visa, all your documents are OK. Than he got on his computer for a while and later lift up his head and said congratulation, your visa has been approved. He handed me a small White paper telling me you can pick up your passport and your original documents on Tuesday October 1st……
Again Brit thank you so so much. You may not know what you have done for me and my family but God will reward you in abundance.
Your instructions were so clear that I have to forget about the guy that charged me 200 dollars USD to help me with the process. I paused him and started doing every thing on my own. With your help I’m even more informed than him.
As I move on to start new life in a new land, I know I will still need your guidance
Thank you
September 28, 2019 at 15:06
Thanks for the account – best of luck!
October 1, 2019 at 17:29
I like how the user “WAIT AND SEE” structured their format of the experience, so I will use the same format with adjustments applicable to me. I was in AP and some things were missing during my medical exam and interview. Here is my green card lottery experience:
Case Number: 2019EU78XX
Country of Chargeability: Germany
————————————————————————————————–
REGISTRATION:
Date: November 2, 2017
Entry: Just me, no family
————————————————————————————————-
RESULT (1NL notification letter):
Date: May 15, 2018 (You have been randomly selected for further processing)
Submitted DS-260: June 15, 2018
————————————————————————————————
FURTHER DV DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
Received E-Mail from KCC: November 5, 2018
Sent in Documents: November 11, 2018
E-Mail Subject: 2019EU000078XX
E-Mail Text: “Hello,
I have no court or prison records because I haven’t been convicted.
I have no military records, because I never served in the military.
Attached are the following documents:
– passport page
– birth certificate (multiple extracts from the registrar, international version and the original birth certificate)
– police report
Kind regards,
Vivien”
**note: not sure if the text is necessary, I just wanted to make sure that they knew all documents required of me were sent, and that none were missing, since I didn’t have a criminal record or never served in the military.**
Contacted KCC about update: December 1, 2018
Documents received & processed E-Mail from KCC received: December 3, 2019
————————————————————————————————
VB BULLETIN
According to VB December 2018 my case number was “supposed to” get processed in January 2019.
————————————————————————————————
THE 2NL (2nd notification letter):
Received 2NL: December 28, 2019
Appointment date & time: February 20, 2019 at 9.45 AM
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
————————————————————————————————
MEDICAL EXAM
Appointments: February 7, 2019 at 8 AM in Dortmund
Background information: Since spring 2016 I’ve had health issues, so as a precaution I went to the doctor and was tested for everything to make sure I would pas the medical exam for the visa, so going into the medical exam I knew that I would pass all tests.
Process: First I had to go the the radiologist for X-Rays, which was at a separate location. X-Rays were taken and approximately 15 minutes later I was given the “results package” with the X-Ray CD to take it to the next physician who did the remaining medical exam. I went to the next physician right after. A nurse took a blood sample which was sent to an independent lab for testing, and a basic physical exam (body temperature, blood pressure, weight, height, etc.) as well as some general questions about my health.
Next, the main physician first asked me questions about past or current health conditions, then checked my immunization records, checked my lungs, etc. Vaccines are only considered “active & valid” if they were done within the last 10 years, which I didn’t know at the time of the appointment. One of my vaccines was done more than 10 years ago, so I needed to get it updated.
The Dr. said that my primary physician can give me the vaccine and send this paper with the vaccine sticker to his office (he gave me a paper my primary physician had to fill out).
Received missing vaccine: February 14, 2019 (I was on the phone with the doctors office responsible for my medical examination when my primary physician sent the fax, and received confirmation over the phone that it was received). That same day the doctor called me and said everything looked fine from a medical point and that they are sending the report to the embassy today.
————————————————————————————————
INTERVIEW
Date: February 20, 2019 at 9.45
Location: Frankfurt, Germany
Arrived at 9.30 am (the website of the consulate states to not arrive more than 15 minutes prior to appointment).
**Note: check the consulates website to see what you are allowed to bring into the embassy. Electronics are not allowed for example. They prefer you bring the least items possible. So in my case I brought a book, a pen, my documents in a folder, and a few plank pages of paper for drawing, notes, etc. drawing helps me calm down when I’m nervous, which I definitely was**
Documents (original AND copy): 2NL Letter with appointment info, passport bio-data page, passport, 4 passport pictures (they didn’t need all 4), all versions of birth certificates, police report, job offer, high school diploma, and a paper where I wrote down the address of my future employer, manager and their contact info.
I entered the building at 9.52 am (the line was long)
Then I went to make visa payment with Credit Card, but Credit Card Reader was not working, so the payment processing lady said I had to leave the consulate to get cash and come back. To re-enter the consulate I received a yellow paper from the cashiers window explaining I am allowed to re-enter within the next hour.
I left, got cash, came back, made the payment and was told to sit in the waiting area. That was at 10.45 am.
Immediately after I sat down I was called to the window and the first thing the consular officer (CO) angrily said was that I was late. I explained that the credit card reader wasn’t working so I was told to leave and get cash, which is why I am “an hour late” but that I was here at 9.30 (as shown on my “entry ticket”). The officer understood and relaxed. He said that normally they would reschedule the interview, but because of the circumstances they would proceed with the interview. (**note** Looking back, I feel like I got lucky, because he seemed really angry, but I remained calm, kind, friendly and respectful at all times, so me being kind and the circumstances being out of my hand he decided to proceed with the appointment. However, while waiting in the waiting area I did witness a CO saying that because the person was late they’d have to reschedule the interview and sent the other person home.**)
He collected the original documents (didn’t need the copies), had small talk with me, nothing relevant to the visa and explained the process, which is that he will gather all files they had on me in the office, look at my original documents (police report, birth certificate, high school diploma) and medical exam report and give it to the consular officer who would do the interview and decide about my visa. I was then sent back to the waiting area. I waited 15 minutes and was then called to the window for the “actual” interview.
My fingerprints were taken and I had to take an oath to only speak the truth.
She said my medical exam wasn’t there yet and asked when I had my appointment for the medical exam. I told her the 7th, and she said “ok, so it should be here soon.”
She started by asking me questions to verify my paperwork, like birth day, etc. She moved on to ask whether I was a criminal, had any serious health issues, etc.
Then I was asked about my education (high school and college degree both completed in the US), if I had savings (which I don’t), so she moved on to my job offer. She asked what my responsibilities would be, where I plan on living, and how I would afford moving without having any savings (I was moving in with people I knew and lived with before when I went to college in the US).
She wanted to verify that I had the requirements of a high school diploma, even though I showed her my high school diploma and she wanted to see transcripts of my university classes. I didn’t bring my high school and college transcripts to the interview. Since my medical exam hasn’t arrived at the embassy yet I was put on AP and was asked to sent the high school and university transcripts while they wait for my medical exam report. I received a paper that said my visa was denied (standard practice from my understanding) but when I checked my status on CEAC, it said Administrative Processing.
————————————————————————————————-
ADMINISTRATIVE PROESSING:
When I got home I immediately sent an email with a scan of my high school transcripts and university transcripts.
The next morning I received an E-Mail from the consular officer (CO) that they have received my transcripts and that that’s all they needed.
After that, once a week I E-Mailed the CO asking if they have received my medical report.
March 11, 2019 the CO emailed me that they have (finally received) the medical report.
After that I stopped sending e-mails and waited to see when they would give me a decision by checking CEAC multiple times every day.
March 19th, 2019 my status changed from “ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING” to “READY” which was weird, because “Ready” stands for ready for interview before the interview happens. I asked Brit Simon what this means and he just said to be patient (classic 😉 )
March 20th, 2019 my status changed from “READY” to “ISSUED” in the early morning.
My visa packet arrived on April 1st, 2019
————————————————————————————————-
LESSONS LEARNED – I thought I was well prepared, but obviously I was not. Be patient (my process took longer than anticipated) and please do your research and read Simon’s blog. Any question you can possibly think of is answered somewhere on this website.
Medical Exam:
– if you can, get tested prior to the medical exam, so that you know that you can pass all medical tests. I would recommend getting tested and treated (if necessary) before you submit your DS-260. There is no point in submitting a DS-260 if you will get denied for medical reasons. Also, just because the tests came out good by your doctor does not mean the medical exam doctor for the visa will approve you in medical terms for the visa.
– Make sure you have ALL required vaccinations and that they’ve been done within the last 9 years. The doctor who examined me for the visa said that he only approves if a vaccine was done less than 9 years ago, otherwise he recommends getting them done again before he sends the paperwork to the embassy. Might not be the same for all doctors, but again, better safe than have a problem that causes a delay.
– If you know for a fact that you will pass all exams and have current vaccines that are current, I’d recommend doing the medical exam 4-6 weeks before the appointment, but that is only my opinion for having an appointment in Frankfurt, Germany, when getting examined in Dortmund. This might be different for other doctors and other embassies.
Interview:
– check the consulate website to know when you are allowed to arrive. Some embassies/ consulates don’t let you arrive more than 30 minutes prior to your appointment time. For example, in Frankfurt you are allowed to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. In my case, my appointment was at 9.45 am, so I was allowed to arrive at the earliest at 9.30 am. (That was true the day of my interview, this may have changed by the time your interview comes around, so check the website).
– bring enough cash to pay for the visa fee at the embassy in case the credit card machine is not working. Some embassies have the option of paying online before the appointment, that is another great option, just make sure you bring the confirmation paper that shows you paid your fee.
– bring all required documents AND more.
– bring transcripts from high school and university
————————————————————————————————-
A special thanks to Simon for the incredible resources he provides. Prior to submitting my DS-260, I read EVERY SINGLE ARTICLE he posted up until that time, and I read articles that didn’t apply to me, but that still helped me understand the process better. I highly recommend you do the same.
Also, I want to thank everyone who always comments. I’ve learned a lot from reading everyones experiences at different points throughout the process. It felt good to know that I wasn’t alone, because I didn’t know anyone who has won the lottery in real life to help me navigate this process.
October 1, 2019 at 17:40
Something I want to add about ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING:
After the CO confirmed that they have received my medical exam report, I saw on CEAC that the CO was consistently working on my case and making updates. You can tell that by seeing the date change next to “case last updated”
From what I could tell, updates were made daily, sometimes every couple of days. That is how I knew things were moving along and I didn’t contact the consulate, because CEAC was showing that something was being done about my case.
October 2, 2019 at 04:11
Yeah, it’s an interesting point. People want to know the exact meaning of the updates, but we have no way to tell specifically – so I advise people to ignore the updates.
October 25, 2019 at 06:12
Hi Vivien, I’m a 2020 winner and my case was placed on AP. I’ve been trying to get updated about my visa status on CEAC but it’s not the link is not functioning. Please, I’ll like to know ” how long it took for you to receive a notification from the CO”.
October 25, 2019 at 13:09
Hi john,
CEAC updates won’t be available for DV2020 winners until January 2020, so don’t bother checking.
Whenever I wrote an E-Mail to check in with my CO, I received a reply within one business day typically.
Besides that, once I knew all documents arrived at the embassy I waited and gave them time to work on my case without bothering them. I only knew that my case got approved by checking CEAC. My CO never contacted me again to let me know I got approved. Within 7 days of finding out my approved status on CEAC my documents arrived.
Please keep in mind that each CO and each embassy might have slightly different practices and standards, so my experience may not be the same as yours.
Since this is only the first month of DV2020, I advise patience. A lot more work goes on behind the scenes than we can ever imagine.
Hope this helps and best of luck to you 🙂
October 2, 2019 at 04:08
Congratulations Vivien!
November 5, 2019 at 21:24
Did you obtain a police clearance from US where you did your University or obtain police clearance from Germany
November 6, 2019 at 00:21
For DV 2019 it said in the instructions that I didn’t need a police certificate for my time in the US.
I only needed a police certificate from Germany.
January 3, 2020 at 10:04
hello Vivien
congratulation 🙂
all the best for you
me too i won in creen card for 2020
i hope to meet you there for friendship 🙂
October 2, 2019 at 00:38
Hello brit
Special thanks to you for all your support,finaly we received our visa yestuday after many month of stress.
My son the visa is printed only on one page the others page is not but mine and my wife they printed both of the pages ,
Do i return the passport To the Ambassy or that is not a problem?
Thanks you in advance
October 2, 2019 at 04:58
Ask the embassy
October 2, 2019 at 02:12
Hello Brit Simon, interviews for DV 2020 began yesterday, could it be that they conducted second draw like they did in 2017?thanx, good night
October 2, 2019 at 05:01
I don’t know.
October 5, 2019 at 10:35
HI brit,how long does it take to receive your original documents when u refused.was place on AP on the 5 of September and was refused on the 24th when i checked
My status and still has not received my original documents and passport.when I called the embassy they said my case is still under review,my question is since am been refused what review again are they doing or they want to change their mind.
October 5, 2019 at 14:45
They can’t change their minds now. Contact them again.
October 7, 2019 at 08:07
hie brit,would like to know are there any papers needed if you once worked in the military when you are going for your interview.thank you
October 8, 2019 at 03:38
Yes, the instructions detail that.
October 8, 2019 at 15:13
Hi.im Melissa BG I’ve Asked a question this morning but can’t see any of the reply
October 9, 2019 at 03:23
PATIENCE.
October 10, 2019 at 19:33
when you are placed on AP and refused wont you be given the reason for refusal
October 11, 2019 at 03:58
If refused, yes.
October 11, 2019 at 05:48
Then I wasn’t given any reason for my refusal because I received my original documents yesterday and there wasn’t any sheet that stated my reason for being refused only my original documents was given to me.that’s it mean nothing was wrong but they decided not to give me the visa because I was place on AP on September.because I have to no the reason why I was refused
October 11, 2019 at 13:24
I’m guessing you were DV2019?
If so then they probably couldn’t process your case before the period ended
October 11, 2019 at 14:21
So you were NOT refused – you were placed on AP in September – meaning they did not have time to decide your case one way or another before the year ended. The law says they don’t finish those cases when the deadline arrives.
October 12, 2019 at 08:08
So is there anything I can do,please help me
October 12, 2019 at 19:28
No. Nothing you can do. It is over.
October 15, 2019 at 01:16
Hi Simon, I completed my medical since the early part of June and got my visa, is it safe for me to leave in early November,, do I still have time on my medical, eventhou the visa expires November 29th and the medical also last for six month. I’m getting afraid thou.
October 15, 2019 at 04:02
The visa expiry is based on the medical date – so Nov 29th is the FINAL date.
October 15, 2019 at 22:15
My husband got oath and fingerprint in Dhaka embassy. They gave him a questionnaire,told him to answer it and submit it. What to do now ?
October 16, 2019 at 03:55
Wait.
October 17, 2019 at 05:51
Hi
Sir when visa bulletin will be released a month of December
October 17, 2019 at 16:36
https://britsimonsays.com/visa-bulletin-for-december-2019-interview-released/
October 17, 2019 at 08:35
Hello, Simon please what’s your say on kcc requesting for documents from high case numbers including people who havnt even submitted their DS260?
October 17, 2019 at 19:02
It’s not problem.
October 18, 2019 at 18:00
Please am 2o19 winner, I am placed on Ap to date but now our year has ended so am asking if they will not give me my documents. Also why has it kept long and they han not call to give me my documents. Please I need your advice.
October 19, 2019 at 03:24
If they still have your passport, Contact the embassy.
October 19, 2019 at 12:19
Yes please with passport.
October 21, 2019 at 16:48
Hi Simon.love your website.
October 22, 2019 at 04:09
🙂
October 23, 2019 at 15:25
Hi first time on this platform, but I’ve been following for sometime now. Please I am currently serving in the police department can i apply for dv 2021 with my education since my work does not qualify for dvlottery.
October 23, 2019 at 17:14
Yes
October 24, 2019 at 10:57
Please which degree is required because I only have a high school diploma
October 24, 2019 at 16:11
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
October 25, 2019 at 16:42
Hello all,
First of all, I would like to thank you Brit for all your work and dedication that helps everyone who is reading your instructions carefully.
My wife won the DV2019 lottery. We found out in May 2018. Because we were not aware of this blog, we were a little bit nervous and didn’t know what are exactly the next steps. We had to renew our passports and then complete the DS-260. All these steps were made very fast because we didn’t know how things are going during the whole process. You need to be patient and read very carefully this blog. We sent the documents (police records, birth certficate and so on) before they requested and that helped a lot, in my opinion. But last year was the first year with these documents, so maybe it was also new to the them regarding DV. We got our 2nd NL in April, went to doctor in May and the interview was in June. The interview is very simple if you have all the items that they request and of course if you didn’t lie to them then you don’t need to panic.Just basic questions, like “where do you work?” , “have you ever been to USA?”, “Where you will live?”, “What is your occupation?”.
Good luck all and again read this blog before you ask or do something.
October 26, 2019 at 02:19
Nicely done. Which embassy was that?
October 26, 2019 at 03:55
Bucharest. One more thing: green card arrived in exactly 1 month after we arrived here, but we paid the tax (220$) before entering the US.
October 26, 2019 at 16:49
Wish to hear more interview story from Tanzania,Dar es Salaam Embassy, am DV2020 winner this story i found them useful for preparation, Kindly share in case you have done one.
November 6, 2019 at 10:30
I am from Dar es salaam ,Tanzania too! Dv 2020 winner!Can we link? If you wont mind
November 6, 2019 at 15:20
[email protected]
October 28, 2019 at 14:28
please can someone from Accra Ghana to also share his or her interview experience with me
October 31, 2019 at 22:47
Anita, I’m also waiting patiently for some from Ghana tof share his or her story cuz sent ma documents and to be scheduled
October 31, 2019 at 23:48
Why not read the stories we have. Do that!
January 10, 2020 at 11:00
Same here bro,hoping for good news from Accra
October 29, 2019 at 02:07
Nilshi
Someone who has done interview in srilanka us embassy can share your experience pls. My interview is due on late December.
Thanks
October 29, 2019 at 02:36
Read the stories – they are all similar.
November 1, 2019 at 23:57
Hi Simon, please advice me and what should I do? I wrote KCC to change my interview location and they responded that location is changed as requested. But I was asked to email to them to unlock ds260 and I did email to them. They responded that application is unlocked and asked to do necessary changes. When I opened the form and tried to updated the location and other information. I could update other information, but could not do any change in location. I wrote thrice and they unlocked thrice. Could change others only not location. They confirmed in that they have changed my location. So, in this case, 1. is it okay to change while in interview. 2. Do you think, inability to change in the form would affect my interview? 3. When do you expect my interview (case: 176xxx)? 4. If you could tell those applicant who attended interview to share their information here?
Thanks
November 2, 2019 at 16:06
1. No need to change the interview location in the interview!!!
2. No. That is normal.
3. No idea. No region.
4. That is the point of this page – and not for questions like this.
November 1, 2019 at 23:10
Hi, Anita and Richard , am also from Accra, Ghana waiting patiently to hear their interview experience since mine is just next week. It’s well in Jesus name.
November 2, 2019 at 22:05
Hi, Charles I wish you all best and good luck too but please come back to share your experience with us especially the health insurance part.
November 11, 2019 at 20:47
Hello Charles….Good luck…and God be with you…We will be here waiting for your success story
November 29, 2019 at 20:05
Hello charles…pls how did your interview go.
November 3, 2019 at 00:15
My correct case AS176xx.
In last advice, I made
Mistake in case number. Wrongly written 176xxx. Please advice when will you expect the interview?
November 3, 2019 at 16:29
Spring 2020
November 5, 2019 at 18:27
Good evening sister Anita , hope u doing so well. We attended the interview alright but to our biggest surprise, we were all informed that the interview appointment had been rescheduled and the reason cited was that circumstances were just beyond their control hence we should expect a new date .
Don’t worry at all , the ( aporkrokron ) will definitely come and you will be duly informed .
Regards
November 6, 2019 at 13:05
OK bro Charles let’s pray for the next date to come fast.wish you all the best Regards
November 5, 2019 at 18:38
Good evening Mr Brit. We continue to render our gratitude to you for your massive professional advice .
Today , 5th November 2019 happens to be our interview appointment but upon reaching there in the morning , we were informed by the consular that all dv interviews had been rescheduled and the date would be communicated via email in due course.
At this very juncture, Mr Brit, may I please find out from you whether postponing dv interview is normal or there’s something happening and we aren’t aware .
Warm regards
November 5, 2019 at 20:04
Which regions?
November 6, 2019 at 03:55
It happens sometimes.
November 6, 2019 at 06:31
Which region? Reason for postponing?
November 9, 2019 at 20:24
Please how much did your medical examination cost? and where did you do it ?
November 14, 2019 at 13:35
Good afternoon bro Charles…..
I’m Johnson from Ghana Ksi and also a dv winner 2020.
Please I want to find out from u the cost of ur medical examination and the police report.
Thanks
January 10, 2020 at 11:04
Am also part of the DV @parxy maximum luck to us bro!
November 5, 2019 at 18:58
hi brit sir!
me from nepal 2020 dv winner. But main aplicant is my wife and we have one doughter. But my wife is week for interview what i do plz sused..
November 6, 2019 at 03:56
Please explain your question better.
November 5, 2019 at 18:59
Good evening Charles and congratulations. Please Brit is on a business trip now but I believe he will get the to us in due time.
Best regards
November 5, 2019 at 21:47
I studied my undergraduate degree in China and return home 12 years ago. My husband also did his undergraduate and some diploma in Kenya and return home 8 years ago. We could not obtain a police clearance from these countries as we no longer have the passport that have the immigration stamps which is a key requirement for obtaining the police clearance but we could obtain one from our country where we presently live. What would you advice?
November 6, 2019 at 04:13
My advice is to read and FOLLOW the instructions on the reciprocity page.
November 6, 2019 at 07:30
I’ve read it. It says that as long as you are above 16years you must obtain a police clearance certificate for any country you have lived for more than twelve months. Since we cannot obtain the police report from China and Kenya but we can get the one from home what would be the effect?
November 6, 2019 at 13:39
Get all you need except where the reciprocity page says the form is not unavailable
November 6, 2019 at 10:17
Dear Brit,
I am a 2019 DV selectee; I extend my sincere gratitude to you for your guidance throughout my process with the DV program. You gave me silient advices that worked for me. I got my visa on October 1, 2019 and I’m presently in the USA.
Again thanks!
November 6, 2019 at 10:29
Congratulations , Joseph . And best luck in your new journey .
November 6, 2019 at 14:03
Awesome!!
November 8, 2019 at 05:04
Dear Brit,
I am 2020 selectee and process my through for the Visa.. please do I to come along with bank statement of the sponsor and letter of sponsorship when time for interview
November 9, 2019 at 04:44
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
November 6, 2019 at 17:20
Thanks Anita
November 9, 2019 at 08:19
Hi Brit, I must commend you for the wonderful work you are doing here to assist us through your platform. I am a DV2020 winner and due for interview next week. My worry is this, I applied with my High School certificate (Baccalaureate Technic certificate in Electrical Engineering) which is what i have as my highest qualification but the problem is that i had the certificate back in 2012. I went to the University for a year and dropped out, which is why i didn’t mention it when i was applying. I have a transcript with me dated back 2013/14 from the university which i believe is no more useful since it’s been a long time. I haven’t done any official work since then till now that i can actually request for any document to show proof of it. So my fear is what if the CO ask me what I have been doing since then till now and i don’t have any backing to prove that this what i have been doing. Any ideas as to what i need to do will help because it’s my greatest worry now!
November 9, 2019 at 14:52
Presumably you have done “something” – but just casual jobs. So answer honestly.
But ask yourself this. If you have little education, and you have done “nothing” for years since dropping out of University, do you really think you have the skills, and drive to survive and thrive in America? Be honest with yourself about how you will succeed here.
November 9, 2019 at 18:46
Thank you for the honest words, not doing anything tangible for this time is actually in the sense that i haven’t had any official document or worked anywhere that can issue me an official document to show that i’ve been doing something. But i’ve actually learned a lot, I did web designing and i’m currently a professional web designer. Also I started studying Oracle Database but i haven’t reached the stage to actually certify it so i don’t have any document to proof anything. I already have my plans as to what I want to do over there which is IT so i won’t be stranded because i know i will succeed in that department.
November 9, 2019 at 18:59
OK Eddie, but please understand that most American kids will have got a degree, and certainly in IT, most employers would require at least a Bachelors, and many, (like my employer) expects a masters degree as a minimum. So – you would have to be EXCEPTIONALLY skilled with a successful track record to get into IT work without a degree.
November 9, 2019 at 19:06
Thanks! I’m confident in what i can do and i’m certain to excel in that department. Thanks for the kind words, I guess the way forward is just to be honest and answer all questions truthfully. Hoping for the best next week!
December 1, 2019 at 11:43
Hello Brit,Am a high school graduate but my grades aren’t good,managed to study computer hardware and Microsoft networking essentials with certificate and also working in the security service for 10years now,will I be guarantee a Visa I I win a dv lottery
December 1, 2019 at 17:08
I cannot determine whether you would meet the requirements. But winning the lottery is a small chance anyway – not a plan.
December 3, 2019 at 07:47
Interview experience
OC region
Interview at Sydney consulate
I’m principal and one derivative, my daughter.
Arrived at the consulate 1.30, for a 2.00 interview. We were asked to wait.
Called into the first desk at about 2.00, at this point the lady took all of our documents And put them I to a plastic sleeve, and we then had our phones watches, bag put into a locker.
We were then taken up to the next office.
Our number was called at this window, the guy took the plastic sleeve and told us to sit down while he went through them. Called back to that window and he asked us to go to another window to pay the application fees.
We sat back down. About 20 minutes later, we were called to another window for the interview.
We were greeted by a very happy guy. We took the oath and he asked a few questions.
1. Confirming I had completed yr12, which is called HSC.
2. Why do we want to live in USA?
3. What will I do for work?
4. What year is my daughter in?
5. Had I lived in any other country?
6. Where will we live in USA?
7. Briefly touched on custody of my daughter, as I’m a single parent
Then he was typing and looking at the screen.
At which point he told us, our passports will be mailed back to us in a week or two.
And said congratulations and wished us well.
The interview was about 5 minutes or so.
I want to thank you Simon, since finding your blog and reading every email and all the faqs, it helped me immensely. Today I was very nervous, but I followed your advice as much as possible and it has all worked out.
You’re a bloody legend.
In the coming weeks, I will make a donation.
Once again thank you so much.
?
December 3, 2019 at 15:25
Thanks for detailing your experience – and best of luck!
December 3, 2019 at 20:43
Interview Experience 3/12/19
OCEANIC region
Embassy: US Consulate General, Sydney AUS
I am a single occupant, 28 years old.
I arrived at 8.15am for an 8.30am interview. As it was so early I was one of the first few there.
I was immediately called to the first desk to hand over documents for lady to check.
Then I went through a security screening (much like you go through at the airport). I only brought my wallet and documents with me which made it quicker.
I was then ushered into a lift and taken to another level of the building.
I then had to take a ticket and sit down. Less than 2 minutes later, I was called to one of the booths. They took my documents, took my fingerprints and told me to go to another booth to pay my fee. I paid and returned to the first booth to confirm with the lady my payment. I was asked to sit down again.
I only waited 10mins before being called up to another booth for my interview. Like many others have said, there is no privacy, everyone in the room can hear your interview as the interviewer talks with a microphone through the glass so you can hear.
I was asked to take an oath. He was friendly and straightforward. We had a conversation lasting less than 5 minutes. He asked me questions like:
Why do you want to live in the USA?
Where will you live?
Are you married?
Do you have children?
What age did you move to Australia? (I am born in NZ, but a citizen in AUS)
Have you lived anywhere other than AUSTRALIA or NEW ZEALAND for more than a year?
We then also talked briefly about when I had the intention of moving to the US. I told him within 12 months. I can’t move within 6 months because of a job I have commited to in Australia. He offered me some options and said I would need to sort this out as my next step.
He then said I was successful and he would be issuing my temporary visa, which would come in the mail in approx. a week.
The entire process was completed in 30-40mins and the Sydney staff are very efficient. I have had a lot of stress and anxiety dreading this day, and it feels great to be done.
Don’t waste time worrying about what might happen. Make sure you are over-prepared with your paperwork, it gives you more confidence going in.
I was never asked about financial statements or an affidavit of support but I had both prepared and ready in case. Same with academic transcripts, healthcare quotes and citizenship certificates.
Thank you so much Simon for your knowledge, I could not have been prepared without it!
December 4, 2019 at 03:19
Congratulations! Sydney is one of the easier embassies and rarely ask about financials – but you never know, so as you say – over preparation is best.
December 4, 2019 at 00:10
Hi Brit – I promised I would share the interview experience so here goes…..
Region: NA – Bahamas
Sent documents – June 2019
Received document confirmation – July 2019
Case Number became current with December 2019 visa bulletin
Received 2NL – October 27, 2019
Medicals completed – November 15, 2019
Interview Date – December 3, 2019 at 1:30pm
Arrived at the Embassy at 12:45pm but was asked to wait to enter. At around 1:20pm security guard indicated that we could enter. Upon entering the security checkpoint our names were checked against list of appointments for immigrant visas. However, for some reason my name and the name of my derivative (husband) was not there. Presented them with the 2NL which confirmed the appointment date and time and we were allowed to proceed to the interview area for further review.
Once we entered the interview area there were a handful of other persons waiting for other types of immigrant visas – we knew because we could hear the COs interviewing them and the questions being asked.
We were called after about 30 minutes for verification of passports. However it was again mentioned that our information was not in the system. 2NL was presented and they collected fingerprints and took passports and photos and asked to take a seat.
At about 3:00pm the room was empty with only me and my husband left. A CO happened to see us still in the waiting area and asked if we were being helped in which we replied No. We presented the 2NL and he immediately said it wad for DV visa and he will be back in a few minutes. Two minutes later we were called up to the window by another CO.
CO: Who won lottery?
Me: XXXX
CO: What is your highest level of education?
Me: XXXXX
CO: Well thats it then – you got it.
Then CO appears to search for our applications in the computer. He then asks us to raise our right hands for the oath and took fingerprints.
CO: Do you have kids?
Me: Yes – 2
CO: So you brought 4 passports?
Me: No – 2; The children are already US citizens.
CO: Ok – they do not require a visa.
(This was important initially as they were not required to be on the entry but we had to list them on our DS-260 forms)
The rest of the interview consisted of the CO asking for documents:
1. Marriage Certificate
2. Police Certificates for all countries lived in more than six months
3. Original University Degree
That was it! He advised to return for our passports on Dec 5! I was quite worried that they didnt have us listed when we arrived and they never said what the issue was but was so happy that I had all of the paperwork and even more based on your blog. It is better to be over prepared!!
Thanks Brit for all your help and all the help that you are providing others! I wish all the other winners success and now you can add an experience story for the smallest region to your collection!
December 6, 2019 at 00:05
About interview locaction… how does it works?
I was born in Portugal, but my present residence is Mexico. Working here, married here, my address is here etc…
Of course, I’ve read the article https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-to-change-interview-location/, but I would like to know, when and how can I be sure that my interview will be here in Mexico? Is it “automatic” because my present address is indicate as Mexico?
Thank you
December 6, 2019 at 04:06
Yes – automatic based on current address.
January 10, 2020 at 20:32
I won the DV lottery 2020. I have four children, two of them hold the US citizenship. When applying for the lottery, I read instructions that said do not include your US children when applying for the original entry. However, when I submitted my DS-260 form, I did not include the US citizen children because I got confused by the DV-instructions stated on travel.state.gov. And I included my other 2- non US citizen children.
My lottery interview is next week, will this disqualify my case? And what shall I do or say during the interview?
January 10, 2020 at 22:21
It’s not a problem. But discuss the children at the interview.
January 11, 2020 at 17:52
U DNT have to worry abt any thing, am a dv winner 2020 and I have 2 children, one is a us citizen, and I encountered issues with my doccuments as kcc thought I excluded one child and wanted to leave him behind, they then requested me to send them my doccuments wq I did n on seeing my son z a citizen they asked me to keep him out of the dv process and in future if am asked if am immigrating with him I should say no becoz he wdnt be immigrating rather going back to his country…their after kcc approved my doccuments and am waiting for 2nl for March interview.you have nothing to worry abt.
March 23, 2021 at 00:59
Hello Juan, I need ask you something please….In case you have made your interview in Mexico, Did you need an appoiment to the Applicant Service Center (ASC) for biometric data?
December 9, 2019 at 00:45
Good morning Mr Brit, our interview was cancelled and we were told that it would be rescheduled but it’s been over a month now and nothing concrete has been heard from the embassy, your advice would be very much appreciated as to the way forward. Thanks boss.
December 9, 2019 at 01:51
Contact the embassy.
December 9, 2019 at 05:21
Thanks Mr Brit, we wrote to them and they acknowledged by saying we should wait for further instruction letter from the embassy as to when our appointment will be rescheduled.
My worry is that
what happens to our medical examination report as well as police report which has expiry date.
December 9, 2019 at 05:37
Don’t book your medical until you get the 2NL. The police cert can be renewed
December 15, 2019 at 19:11
Hello Brit , have a question, Do you believe will be necessary to obtain pardon ?? Because l was in usa more than 180 days. I return to my country in August 28 2009 at this point pass the 10 years of penalty.l hope your comments
December 15, 2019 at 20:24
No. Your ban would be finished.
December 17, 2019 at 08:08
kathmandu,Nepal.
Appointment:DEC4,2019
case no:2020AS4***
Co:Good morning,Sir.
me:Good morning namaste.
Co:Swear all of these docs are true?
me:replied
Co:what is ur name?
me:replied
Co:what are u doing in ur life?
me:I am a student i m studying.
Co:which year?
me:replied
Co:what job will you do in US?
me:replied(this answer impressed him his reaction was like wow)
Co:what is ur sponsor name?
me:replied
Co:what does he do?
me:replied
Co:Do u have any children?
me:(kind of funny i was single.)
Co:are u single?
me:replied
Co:how many members r there in US with ur sponsor?
me:replied
Co:will you stay with ur sponsor in US?
me:replied
(and he said congrats ur case has been approved)
My suggestions to all is no need to get panic just go with confidence make sure you have all the docs thats all GOOD LUCK.
December 29, 2019 at 18:05
Hi Subol,
Congratulations ?!!.
Thank you for sharing your experience.
I am too from Nepal; DV2020 winner.
Would like to be in touch for further guidance/suggestions.
Kindly, if possible, please ping me at
[email protected].
Thanks and congrats again.
Regards,
Santosh
January 10, 2020 at 02:27
First I would like to thank brit for all your support and info on this site.
my interview was Jan 09-2020 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. CN 2020AF7xxx
I was able reach to the embassy get at 6:00am. Around 7:00am they start screening the documents on the gate, they asked me to handle them all the required documents for the interview:
⁃ My Interview Schedule Letter,
⁃ Passport (with copy)
⁃ Two photographs( both my name and case numbered are pre-written)
⁃ Birth Certificate( for my case both the original & translated ones) with their copy
⁃ Marriage Certification ( I don’t have that since I’m single)
⁃ Medical Document or Envelop (She didn’t received my envelop yet here)
⁃ Police Certificate (only the original)
⁃ Educational Documents:
⁃ Original Degree, student copy and temporary with their copy
⁃ Grade 10 & 12 with their copy
⁃ Transcript from 9-12 grade with its copy
⁃ Work Experience with their copies
Then she printed my name with my case number and attached it to my passport and gave me a folder labeled DV to hold all those documents. She also gave me a form to sign after reading, which describes about the fee and that it is not refundable if the visa is approved or not, and then I waited on the line called US Citizens. Then after some minutes she asked me my interview time and gave me a blue card and told me to wait.
The security guy asked me to put all my belongings in front except papers on my pocket. Then I did, I’ve passed the security after handing my phone and keys. I received a white card for returning my belongings when I finish and go out.
When I got inside, I was the first one there. Two Ethiopian guys asked me to give them my documents after I passed secondary security line. I showed all my documents and they asked me to sit around window 7/8. Then the minute I sat down, Ethiopian lady called my name and I arrived at the window 7. She asked me if I finished my medical exam, and I said yes, and gave her my envelop, she opened it and took out the documents there. She also asked me if I’m married or if I got children. I said no to all.
She then send me to Window 1 to pay my visa Fee. Which is $330×35 = 11550 ETB. I paid and the casher gave me two copied of my receipt stapled together. And I got back to the window 7, to the lady and gave her the form that I have signed before and the receipt.
Then she said you are finished here go to the waiting area and you will be called.
Then @8:30am, a new American lady arrived at window 10 and I was reading my book being the first in line. She gestured me and told me to come to her. I arrived with a full confidence because all my documents are true and I got nothing to lie. And surprisingly, She have a translator with her even though didn’t ask, and I was asked to raise my hand and swear all the documents are right. Then she commanded to put my left hand 4 fingers in the fingerprint machine. Then right hand, then two thumbs. And she start interviewing:
CO: What is ur name
ME: Answerd
Co: Which university u graduated? (The guy translates it in Amharic, which is way better because I couldn’t listed to her since she is a bit far from the mic, but he was close to the mic so I can hear louder)
ME: Answered
CO: What did u study?
ME: Answered
CO: Are u working on field that you graduated on ?
ME: Answered
CO: For how long?
ME: Answered
CO: With whom r u leaving?
ME: Answered
CO: Do u have a children?
ME: Answered
CO: Do you know that lying about your children or spouse have a big consequences in US?
ME: Answered
And then with smile, All Good, I’ve approved your visa. Please collect your visa after 10 working days.
She gave me a white paper with congratulations your visa has been approved with Yellow paper that describes about the USCIS Immigration Fee(Green Card Fee).
Note: she was all returning my original documents while she is interviewing me and I’ve been collecting that with confidence on my face. And I have been answering my questions all in English.
Therefore, my fellow dv winner, It is all about your documents and confidence on that date. And If u can, please go there early, get prepared with all your interview questions
Thanks Brit once again.
I hope this will help someone who is interviewing in Ethiopia.
ይቅናችሁ!
January 10, 2020 at 04:44
Thanks! Best of luck!
January 11, 2020 at 11:04
4061/5000
My experience with the DV 2020 lottery
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registration
dated: November 05, 2018 at 6:36 pm
Location: Tirana
(Couple with a baby)
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Result (1NL)
Date: May 9, 2019 (You have been randomly selected)
Case Number 9XXX
When checking the result we realized that we had made a mistake in completing. We had changed the place of first name to last name. And there we did not know what to do, to enjoy or to grieve. Our stress began. We didn’t leave a blog or a lawyer without asking about the mistake we had made.
Completion of DS-260: May 27, 2019
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Document scanning request
Request for Submission of Documents by KCC: 03 October 2019
Submission of Documents: October 03, 2019 ([email protected])
Confirmation of documents by KCC: 04 October 2019
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2NL (second letter of notice)
Reception of 2NL: November 26, 2019
Date of interview appointment: 09 January 2020
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Medical examination
Completion of the form 3 weeks before the interview date.
Request for appointment for medical examination: 19 December 2019
Answer and Receive Meeting: 20 December 2019
Appointment for Medical Examination: December 26, 2019
Blood, urine, graphite and flu vaccine tests, while a 3 year old boy has the flu vaccine and Mantoux Test.
On the day of the visit, we showed up at the scheduled appointment and received the above analysis. We were asked to appear again at the hour
to meet the doctor.
4 pm doctor time: We were asked again the same questions we filled out on the form and also asked to see the signs if we had any surgery. There we were given the answers to the analysis. The doctor said the tests worked very well and sent the answers to the embassy. While we were handed over a form and CD with our names to deliver to the frontier in USA.
Also for children taking the Mantoux Test they have to come back after 48 hours to check the result.
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Sending documents by post
Shipment with FED EX dated 19 December 2019
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interview
Interview date 09 January 8:30
At 8.30 we were at the door of the embassy. As soon as security approached, she asked us if we were all three for an interview and invited us to a girl where we submitted passports and she checked to see if we had the name on the list. Once our names were verified, the door was opened to go in and check the bags and hand over the phones. In addition to electronic devices allow you to take everything inside the lounge.
We went to the lounge. There were a lot of people there but thankfully it was warm. As soon as we got inside, we heard our name mentioned for appearing at Wicket 1. I showed up. One lady asked for our passports. Then they took our fingerprints. The lady started asking us:
Ladies: – Have you used any other names besides these throughout your life?
Not me
Ladies: – Have you lived more than 6 months in any other country?
Not me
Ladies: – Where will you go in USA?
Me: – New York.
Lady: OK. You can go make the payment and wait in the hall.
After making the payment we handed over the coupon to Counter 1 and went to the lounge.
We wait in the hall …… a couple of hours
Finally we heard our name that we had to present at counter 5.
My heart was on my wrist when I showed up at counter 5. There was a very sweet lady. She kindly asked us to swear that we would tell the truth. After we swore he began to ask only the main applicant:
Consular Officer: – Have you finished high school?
I yes
O.K: – What is the name of the school?
I: – I said the name of the school.
O.K: – What year?
Me: I told him the year
O.K: – Full time?
I yes
She started writing for a few mins on PC. Then he said:
Everything is alright. Your visas have been approved. Still I can’t believe me.
January 11, 2020 at 16:26
Thanks for that!
Good luck in the USA.
January 13, 2020 at 21:35
Today i received the passport with visa. And they printed visa with the same mistake I did on the first application (ine the first application i mixed the place of name and surname ). What should I do? Do you think will be any kind of problem to ask them to reprint another visa ?
January 13, 2020 at 22:19
Yes, Correct it if it is incorrect.
January 13, 2020 at 21:41
I will take God’s name to thank Brit for all his support though I was pissing him off with my odd questions,but he stood beside me in all my hard times to give me a solution.
I came in the USA 2017 and now iam a proud US Army.
God bless u sir
January 13, 2020 at 22:18
Haha! I do remember you! From Cameroon – right? Yes you drove me a little crazy, but I do understand why and I am glad it worked out well in the end – and I am immensely proud of you for serving your new country in the armed forces. What a great way to start an American story (and a faster way to citizenship).
Thank you for your service! May your God keep you safe.
February 16, 2020 at 05:43
Hello sir
My original documents are in sinhala language (Sri Lanka). I translated all the documents and I was submit my documents to the kcc last month. But I didn’t send my original documents in sinhala language. I want to know should I need to submit my original documents which are in sinhala language. But I didn’t received email from kcc to resubmit the document. What should I do sir?
Thank you
February 16, 2020 at 16:00
Resend the whole package, this time following the instructions.