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.
June 18, 2021 at 07:47
Hello Brit. I am Ethiopian, I have some interview experience to share to your page followers as I have also benefited a lot from your blog.
I was silent follower of your page. Initially I didn’t know that I won DV2021. I checked my entrants status very late and I filed DS260 in October 30. My case number was 2021AF11*** after five days I received document request email from KCC. Then I received ready for scheduling on January 13. On march 20 my status changed from @NVC to in transit, then next morning turn to ‘Ready’ upon receiving a letter for interview appointment for May 10 at US embassy Seoul (South Korea).
On the interview date, me and my wife went to the embassy 30min before the appointment. After passing a security check and leaving our phone we directly headed to a counter where she asked for passport and passport return address registration barcode. Then we were told to go upstairs and submit our documents based on the checklist she gave us. We have carefully organized our original and copied documents and submitted to her and she look at all documents carefully but marriage certificate has to always be copied twice and she copied one for us. Then she gave us a piece of paper and asked us to go back first floor, pay and bring receipt, we did accordingly. This all took like 30min.
After more than 1.5 hours of waiting the consular officer called our name and she apologized for keeping us wait and then we took oath and directly started the interview. The officer was very kind, nice with good smile and asked me how I come to Korea first. I said PhD scholarship, she asked me level of education I said PhD, what major, Civil engineering, where and what are you currently working? Then she asked my wife how she come here and what she is studying here ? which major ? She also asked how we met first. Then again how many countries we traveled and for what purpose while she was typing everything we are responding.
I thought this is it, but she went inside and come again and started questioning us for long time about our educational, research, and professional details. What exactly is our research dealing with? What kind of research I did during my few month stay in Iran, Who is funding my research ? If I have some publications etc. Then she asked if we brought curriculum vitae (CV). I said no as it was not in the requirement we didn’t expect they will ask resume. Then she go inside discuss and finally she said your visa will be refused for now and bring your CV, and publication lists and she gave us 221(g) form. We were a little bit disappointed that time and my online status that day turned “Refused”. The next day May 11, we submitted our Google scholar publication list and our CV. Then the status of my application changed/updated as follows. May10-Refused,
May17-Refused,
May25-Refused,
June01(morning)-Refused,
June01(afternoon)-Ready,
June02-Administrative Processing,
June03-administrative processing,
June03-ISSUED …………..and the same day we received text message to take our passport.
I finally realized (my guess) all those research and professional questions during interview and request for CV and publication list was to check our name in the TAL database. This is a “sensitive technology” alert based on whether an applicant is involved in any of the fields on the Critical Fields List (CFL) of DOS’ Technology Alert List (TAL). The TAL includes an expanded list of technologies with potential “dual-use” applications. These are technologies that may appear benign but have potential military applications as well. The list is very comprehensive and includes almost every possible associated technology or skill involving chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, computer, chemical/Civil engineering and pharmacology.
So my advice is everyone with high education level and some high-Tech fields going for interview needs to be ready accordingly. If you are always telling true and if you have genuine document there is nothing to fear. They are smart precise and straight forward. This process is all about having full application documents.
Thank you Brit God bless you. I have benefited a lot from your blogs and YouTube. This is odd year, I was lucky, I wish all the best for other DV2020/2021/2022 winners. I am willing to help anyone if incase you want further information. Kind regards
June 19, 2021 at 19:41
Thanks for that interesting and useful account.
Best of luck!
June 29, 2021 at 11:01
Hi britsimon! How you doing!
I am Ethiopian living in south Korea and dv22 selectee. I have tried to get contacted with the above dv21 winner ,Ethiopian in south Korea, who shared his interview experience but he didn’t reply my message. I just wanted to get him in private and share his detail experience. If you don’t mind brits, can you send him my message in his email or can you forward me his email in the following email. I know you are too busy but I really appreciate if do me this favor.
[email protected]
Thanks
June 29, 2021 at 12:57
If he didn’t reply that is up to him.
June 29, 2021 at 14:05
Sorry Simon! I didn’t mean that. I mean he might not check back his post on your blog and didn’t see my request. And In his final statement he mentioned that he is willing to help any dv winner by providing further information.
Sorry if I bother you sir
June 29, 2021 at 15:34
He should have notifications turned on.
July 1, 2021 at 12:35
I am sorry. My email is [email protected]
June 21, 2021 at 14:16
ጤናስትልኝ እንደምነህ !
Hello sir. How you doing!
Congratulations on your lucky dv21 ! And I really appreciate your detailed experience sharing, it is very informative.
I am Ethiopian living in South Korea and fortunately won dv22. So if you don’t mind I would like to contact you in private and share more of your experience before my interview is scheduled. So please drop me any contact or number in the following email so that I can reach you easily . Hope you are still in Korea and can’t wait to have your response.
My email …… [email protected]
Be blessed
June 19, 2021 at 02:17
Hi Simon, after my interview on June the 1st I finally got my passport today. So, first off I would like to thank you for everything you’ve done for me by running this website, without it I would have blindly gone to the interview with nothing but what is requested on the Dept. Of States’ website, and probably have been refused, so again thank you.
My interview experience:
My interview was scheduled on June th 1st, 8:00 A.M. at the US embassy in Panama. I arrived at 7:45 and had to wait in a line at the embassy’S entrance.
Eventually I got to a waiting room where I sat for about an hour and a half until I got called to a window and was asked for my birth certificate, Police Certificate, and passport. I also had my fingerprints taken.
The lady at the window told me to go to the cash register to pay the interview fee (330 USD) and come back with the receipt.
Then I was told to go back to the waiting room where I waited for about 20 minutes(all times mentioned are guesses/estimates since we aren’t allowed to wear watches or carry phones while in the embassy) until I was called to another window, this time an American gentleman greeted me and took my oath and stamped “CANCELLED WITHOUT PREJUDICE” all over my tourism visa. And then asked the following questions:
-What do you do for a living?
-Who are you staying with?
-How many times have you visited the U.S.
He asked for my high school diploma.
I am a student and as such I don’t really
have any finances. But luckily I came across this website and I brought an i-134.
He asked for my aunt’s W2 and 1040 he looked at them for a some time while he was checking back with the i-134. Eventually he said: Well this all look good, so I’ll go ahead and approve your visa.
That’s about it, I left happy. And note: the interview didn’t go exactly as described, the questions themselves are accurate, but the consular officer was really nice and we had some fun banter, I didn’t include it because I didn’t think it was important.
Once again; Simon, thank you kindly for having guided me through this whole stressful process. And sorry for the constant bombardment of questions throughout the process!
June 19, 2021 at 20:27
Thanks for that Mario – best of luck in the USA!!
June 19, 2021 at 20:32
Good day Brit.
I have one concern about the passport.
My passport will expire on 9 September 2021 so can I still use to enter DV LOTTERIE 2023?
June 19, 2021 at 20:46
No
July 5, 2021 at 09:38
Sharing my experience as I don’t see many EU reports here and I felt it deviated from what I expected from reading in this forum.
Pre-interview: everything went as good as it could go. For the documentation step we never got any (non-automated) feedback from KCC but sent everything as instructed in this forum. The case apparently moved forward and we got a scheduling email just when we started to get worried (beginning of June).
Madrid Embassy. July 2021. Low (2xx) EU number. Wife and I, newlyweds.
Documentation step: they inquired for everything one by one. First hiccup: birth/marriage certificates in Spain come with an ‘electronic signature’ you can verify in a government website; they actually checked those and they were not working (!) – luckily we had extra copies in a different format that they accepted instead.
Second hiccup (important!): for education we brought our proof of 12 years of primary education. They *totally* dismissed those, said they were not important. They just wanted to see our original diploma of highest degree (a PhD in my case). We were caught off guard but very luckily I was bringing my original diploma (note that in some cases these are huuuuge poster-sized pieces of paper) and we just had to go outside and get a copy for them to keep. The officer said that we should have expected this and that the official info never said we had to show primary/secondary certification. I believe they were wrong but was not going to argue with them.
Interview step: they immediately focused on my wife and our relationship (we got married in February). Asked for ‘our story’, requested to see pictures of us together in trips and family events. They also played a couple “gotcha” questions like we once said we met over christmas break and they later asked ‘so you met over the summer break right?’. It was easy and pleasant but I was surprised they inquired so hard about this, and we were lucky to bring a photo album with us (no phones allowed!).
We got approved immediately after the interview.
HUGE thanks to everyon ein this community and in particular to Brit Simmons. You are doing a lot of good in the world and we hope you get rewarded for it. As a side note I will add that at the beginning I tried enrolling the services of US immigration lawyers and quickly realized they were sorta clueless about lottery and were charging me a lot to just do the same I could do myself for free!!!
So take away info: always bring original and copies of EVERYTHING including your higher education degrees, even if that means bringing a poster size diploma, and if bringing wife/family bring photo albums or something to be more persuasive. Also, Brit Simons and this community rocks!
July 5, 2021 at 13:33
Congrats ?
July 5, 2021 at 14:35
Thanks for posting that.
On education I tell people to take ALL education documents to the interview, and *usually* the highest education (Bachelors, Masters, PHD) is enough but *sometimes* they are picky and want to see proof of formal secondary school education. But yep – no point in arguing with them as long as the interview is otherwise going well.
Glad you took the photo album. That was smart to be prepared with some proof of the relationship/wedding.
Anyway – congratulations – you got your visa in a very difficult year!
July 5, 2021 at 15:27
Probably a serious case of overthinking but I totally read it as ‘what matters is primary+secondary education’! But yeah, glad it went smooth.
July 5, 2021 at 16:32
Well yes, some officers still interpret it that way, but the guide for COs was updated a few years ago adding a note of needed “at least” a formal course of education including satisfactory completion of high school. The “at least” bit meant that a higher degree could in theory be accepted on its own, BUT it’s best to be overprepared both ways.
October 7, 2021 at 19:31
Hi! I’m doing (if we are lucky enough) my interview in Madrid and as I’m Spanish I’m afraid I would have the same problems as you at the interview. Kinda worried about this:
birth/marriage certificates in Spain come with an ‘electronic signature’ you can verify in a government website; they actually checked those and they were not working (!) – luckily we had extra copies in a different format that they accepted instead.
I have the certificates they gave to you at civil registration and townhall. By that electronic signature you mean those numbers at the bottom of the certificate? What other formats did you had? They never gave me an option to choose when collecting them.
Anyway, if you could contact me via email or give me your mail so I could ask you some questions, that would be great.
Thanks
July 14, 2021 at 06:40
My interview experience
Embassy : Riyadh
Country of Chargeability : UAE
Nationality : Indian
Case: 2021AS3XXX
Date of Interview : 06 July 2021 2:00PM
Number of Derivative : 1
Security Screening :
After reaching the embassy, we had to wait more than half hour to clear the security screen and enter the embassy. All electronic gadgets are not allowed inside the embassy
Document Verification:
After a waiting of around 15 minutes, we were called to a window for document verification. The CO was friendly and she collected the originals and photo copies of documents such as passport, photo, birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance certificates, educational certificates. Also some questions were asked such as have you lived in any other places for more than 6 months in order to confirm if any other PCC is required. Also finger prints were taken. The process took around 10 minutes to complete.
Payment :
I was given a slip for the payment from the document verification window and i did the payment in cash.
Interview :
After a waiting of 10 minutes, we were called for interview in another window.
1: Take oath
2: CO Introduced herself
3: which is your highest education
4: Where will you go in USA, why that place, what is your sponsor (work)
5: How many years you have lives in UAE
6: Have you been to Saudi before (Question to my spouse as she is currently in Visit visa since 5 months)
7: Account balance
8: How did you get married, arranged/love marriage. were your families related before the marriage.
9: Took finger prints again
10: Congratulation, your visa is approved. You will get your passports back in 2 weeks
CEAC Status:
06.07.2021 : Ready
07.07.2021 to today : Administrative Processing
Awaiting Issued status since one week
Although, I am a bit tensed due to AP status since one week, i am hopeful that i will be issued the visa very soon as CO informed at the time of interview that my visa is approved.
@Brit: I would like to thank you for all your advises through out the process. I would definitely do a donation as i consider this website is useful for all the DV applicants and provide prompt reply for everyone.
July 15, 2021 at 03:58
Awesome. Let us know when you get your visa.
July 18, 2021 at 12:06
Hi Brit, My visa status has been changed to “issued” in CEAC. Thank you again for all you advises.
May 14, 2022 at 10:03
Good Morning Faadi, so from your Case Number you were within 3xxx, and the interview date was 6/7/2021.
The interview occurred only 2 months from the results Or 14 Months?
My case number is 2023AF2XXX, I want to know when the interview will be scheduled. In July 2022 or July 2023.
Thank you
July 18, 2021 at 13:20
Hello Simon,I’m a Sierra Leonean resident in Nigeria and married to a Nigerian.had our interview on the 14th of july .I am the principal applicant (for obvious reasons),I was initially worried about my middle name not appearing in any of my sch diplomas(high sch/Uni)also an alphabet omission in my last name.however my birth certificate and passport have the correct spellings and name.i remember asking you what you thought I could do.i did get an affidavit from the court even though I was never asked during the interview.infact,the issue of my name didn’t come up .the C.O was just wondering how come I had my high sch education in Nigeria,she was a bit suspicious(quite understandable)anyway,I had to explain that my family and I had come to Nigeria during the civil war back in my home country.she also asked what I did for work,to which I responded ‘home maker’.she asked where I went to university and that was the end of the interview.i practically blanked out after the interview because I didn’t even hear what she said afterwards,I remember her handing back the originals of our documents with the exception of the passports and asked us to go to another window for further instructions.at this point,I was wondering if we had been approved or not because I didn’t hear it and I thought it rude to ask her to repeat what she had said.lol!anyway,later that evening,I checked the visa application status and it had changed to Ap.day after that it changed to ‘issued’.so I guess she did say we had been approved.?thanks for all your help on this journey.
July 18, 2021 at 17:22
Awesome! Thanks for the chuckle!
June 30, 2022 at 23:35
Congratulations Fatima.
Please can we keep in touch for guidance I was also fortunate with my family
July 18, 2021 at 14:08
P.S.
I forgot to mention that I made sure to write my name as it is on all my diplomas in the ‘other names used’ column.i suppose that’s the reason they didn’t question why middle name wasn’t included in them and also the missing Alphabet in my last name.but I can’t be absolutely certain thats the reason,I don’t know,just thought to add that bit of info.
July 20, 2021 at 04:11
Hello Brit. I am Jordanian (Was born in Kuwait), here is my interview experience .
I didn’t know that I won DV2021 but in October. I checked my entrants status very late and I filed DS260 in October 22 (With the help of my immigration lawyer who helped me leave the states voluntarily seven years ago). My case number was 2021AS48** and days later I received document request email from KCC. I had interview appointment for July 11 at US embassy Amman (Jordan).
On the interview date, I got to the embassy at 12:15 PM and after being searched was admitted to the embassy. After more than 3.5 hours of waiting the consular officer called my number and then I took oath and directly started the interview. The officer was very nice, with good smile and asked me about my previous time in America and about my host. I told her that I was in America for my MBA degree and that I was trying to get my second masters. Then she asked me why did I overstay f-1 visa in America and why was I arrested in America (She got that information from my DS-260 since I was very honest about my previous experience in America). I told her the real story and showed her the dispositions for the times I was arrested (stupid traffic violations) and that I left the united states voluntarily after overstaying by more than 180 days and less than 365 days and that I was inadmissible for three years after I left which was 7 years ago and that I am clear and legally able to get back to America (This is the opinion of two licensed immigration lawyers).
She said that my case will go through AP and gave me 221(g) form with a peace of paper with 10 questions that I already answered in form DS-260 (One of the questions was about the trips that I did for my life not just 5 years). I answered the questions and sent the document back to them. I am very disappointed and my CIAC status is showing “Refused” since then. I am scared that they won’t process my application AP before Sep,30th, 2021 because i am sure that my situation is totally clear to be back in america.
Thank you Brit for your hard work. I wish all the best for DV winners. I can help whoever if incase you want extra information.
Kind regards
July 21, 2021 at 05:10
Fingers crossed it will be resolved soon.
August 6, 2021 at 03:50
Hello Brit and all, I was called by the embassy and told that my AP is done and they also asked me to send them the passport (Which they gave me after the interview). I do not know if that means that my visa was approved or denied because they did not tell me anything but what I mentioned above and also because the CEAC status is still showing refused. What do you think of that Brit?
August 6, 2021 at 05:27
Simple logic. They don’t need your passport to refuse your case.
August 6, 2021 at 11:24
I understand the logic, but I won’t believe that I got it until I receive the passport with the visa printed on it. Thank you Brit for your time and I will keep you all updated about my case and I hope that it will help others.
August 17, 2021 at 09:34
Hello Brit, It has been 12 days since I was called by the embassy and told that my AP is done and to send them the passport (Which they gave me after the interview). The CEAC status is still “Refused” but the date of the case was updated when the passport arrived at the embassy August,8,2021 and the following day August,9,2021. Current CEAC status is still “Refused” and last updated date is August,9,2021. Today is August,17,2021, should I be worried about my visa not getting printed before September,30,2021?
August 19, 2021 at 22:07
Patience.
January 21, 2023 at 00:45
I had the same issue just like you Yazan would like to KNOW the end of your story.
July 28, 2021 at 16:39
London Embassy July 28 10am OC below 200 current in first month with documents confirmed August 7 2020.
Arrived at 9.30 as per the guidance from the embassy not to arrive before that but a few had so perhaps 9.15 may have been better.
Quick admittance at gate then minor security check followed by another check where a ticket with a waiting order was assigned.
Seemed a lot quieter than I imagine it would normally be. About as crowded as I’d feel comfortable for it to be with the virus around. If I was not fully vaccinated I would be a little nervous as there were times I had someone in the seat next to me.
There was no temperature test which had been something I was a little nervous about. With all that has happened catching covid albeit it with likely mild or no symptoms due to the vaccine and therefore having the interview postponed would have been devastating.
Waited perhaps 30 minutes (probably longer than it should have taken as a family before us needed to go off for photos and the documents reviewer did not pick up any other interviewees to work with with.
When called up things went well although I was surprised when the official asked for copies of documents KCC had already received. It was not an issue as he went off and made copies but it was a little frustrating as nowhere in any of the correspondence does it say to bring copies (originals – yes) of the scans sent to KCC. Gentleman was friendly perhaps more than average as he had studied in my wife’s hometown. Only real issue was when he wanted to see my Australian passport. He seemed to be under the impression that in addition to being married to someone from an eligible country you also needed to be a citizen of that country. Like you Simon I qualified despite being born in the UK. I have not seen you mention having Spanish citizenship and I entered the DV lottery for several years before I became an Australian citizen.
Had fingerprints and went off to pay the $330 each. This all took probably 15 minutes.
Took a seat and waited for perhaps 30 minutes. A difference I sensed (but not sure of) from normal times is that the COs doing the interview were behind screens next to their document reviewing colleagues. There were privacy rooms where I think they may normally have done the interviews. Perhaps I actually saw them described as interview rooms while walking to the restrooms.
Called up and had quite a cursory though cordial interview. I think the only real questions were what do I do, was I educated in Australia to which the answer was no, where were we thinking of living, and when were we looking to validate (perhaps that may have impacted whether he would rush the printing or not). I had contributed a little smalltalk in that we won on the 20th attempt and that my elder daughter won in 2022 on her 21st attempt, our younger daughter already lived in the US and that having lived there twice we knew what to expect. Only confusion at the start was when we indicated that we needed to swear an oath – we thought we needed to repeat it after he had said it but all we needed to say was we would.
Approved and ready for pickup in two weeks although we suspect it may be a lot quicker.
Out at 11.15.
July 29, 2021 at 12:43
Hi Charles, I also had my interview in London yesterday and it does state on the London Immigrant Visa Checklist that you need to bring copies of the documents together with the checklist itself.
Reference: https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/iv-dv-supplemental/LND-London-092419.pdf
Glad you got approved, best wishes.
August 7, 2021 at 10:01
That’s interesting Ivonne although I am not sure how you came across that – I have gone back to the various correspondences I received and cannot see where there was a link to that information. Even a search for DV on the site didn’t return it. Nonetheless good to know for my daughter when / if she gets to do hers next year sometime. Hope all goes well.
August 8, 2021 at 14:59
There are embassy specific instructions accessed through the main instructions.
By the way, I meant to say, your citizenship had NOTHING to do with the process. The CO didn’t know the rules.
July 29, 2021 at 16:10
20 attempts. Wow. Congratulations!
August 2, 2021 at 17:06
Hello,
just returned home from my DV2021 interview in Frankfurt. I’m very exhausted and confused because of what I saw on ceac.state.gov on my way back home.
Shortly: arrived one day before, stayed in a hotel 10 min to Consulate. Arrived 15 min before the appointment. Stayed outside for about half an hour, then security check, then in first window gave my visa delivery confirmation page, fee payment, gave 1 photo, gave passport. In 2nd window gave all documents they required, originals, copies, originals of translations and copies of translation. Those were (birth certificate, police certificates from 2 countries, University degree certificate, prove of savings on my bank account). Then I was waiting for the interview for about an hour or more (totally I was 2.5 hours there). At the interview: oath, fingerprints, answered questions about my education and where I work, where I plan to go (I was planning to transfer to US office within my company). He also asked to show my German residence permit card. In the end he said there were no objections for me getting visa, said good luck with relocation to US, answered my questions about possible COVID related restrictions while traveling from Germany to US. He also said they would contact me via phone or email if smth else is required or I should call them myself. And that was it. Only after I realized that I didn’t hear from him word APPROVED like the decision was still to be made.
On my way back I checked ceac.state.gov and there was:
U.S. Department of State
IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION
Refused
Immigrant Visa Case Number: 2021EUxxxx
Case Created: 30-Oct-2019
Case Last Updated: 02-Aug-2021
A U.S. consular officer has adjudicated and refused your visa application. Please follow any instructions provided by the consular officer. If you were informed by the consular officer that your case was refused for administrative processing, your case will remain refused while undergoing such processing. You will receive another adjudication once such processing is complete. Please be advised that the processing time varies and that you will be contacted if additional information is needed. For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV or the website for the Embassy or Consulate at which you made your visa application.
For more information, please visit TRAVEL.STATE.GOV.
I am very confused. Really don’t understand what and why just have happened. Is it temporary or final? Reason? Should I call to the Consulate tomorrow? I am also a participant of Goodluck vs Biden lawsuit so I contacted them as well.
BR
August 4, 2021 at 04:27
Be patient.
February 5, 2022 at 18:04
Hi Iva, how did it end up?
August 6, 2021 at 04:47
Hi Brit,
Case No: 2021AS2XXX
I’m a DV2021 winner from Sri Lanka and our visas were issued in the last week. We sincerely thank you for all the tips, answers and guidance given to us.
It’s gonna be a long post and I apologize for that. This is my DV experience and I hope this will be helpful for someone (specially from Sri Lanka) in the future as we had several issues in the DV entry and educational documents.
First, we got to know that we were selected for DV2021 was in 2020 August and filled the DS-260 and submitted it in the next week. But we weren’t aware of your blog at that time. Somehow I got to know about your blog and checked guidance on DS-260. My wife was the winner and her educational certificates didn’t include her family name. So we immediately unlocked the DS-260 and add her name as appears in education documents in the other names section as per instructions in your blog.
Within few days we got the document submission email from the KCC and we were documentarily qualified within a week after the submission. In February 2021, I noticed that my wife’s name has not been entered as per the DV instructions. In Sri Lanka, there are two main name formats. Some people has it in the format of,
and some has it as,
My wife had the second name format with 4 parts in her name and her passport had the family name as her last name and the rest as the given name. But in the initial DV entry, I filled the name in the same order as it appears. So the DV system picked up a wrong part of her name as the lastname field. To make the things worse, her photo was also a bit larger (about 8%) than the required size. We checked the internet for name issues and most of the outcomes were not good. I even asked the same from you also and you said photos won’t be a problem but the name issue can be a problem or not depending on the CO.
We almost gave up or DV dream once because of those issues and decided not to pursue it further. After a couple of weeks, I check almost all of your interview experience stories and gathered all cases with different issues. I found some interesting cases where CO has approved visas with definite disqualification issues such as country of chargebility. Also, I got to know one of another Sri Lankan DV2020 winner and he introduced me to a couple of DV2020 winners from Sri Lanka who also had similar or worst issues than us. After talking to those wonderful and helpful people, our confidence was restored and decided to give it a chance.
We tried to correct the AL certificate from the Department of Examinations, but their response was that either we have to change all (degree, AL, O/L) certificates or the lastname of the passport. We didn’t want to pursue certificate name change because it was a very cumbersome process and also didn’t thought of changing the passport because we thought it would make our case suspicious.
Next, we prepared all of our documents months before getting the visa interview and truely over-prepared ourselves. We wanted to ensure that no other mistake will be made and gathered all proofs (service letters, childhood certificates etc) to support the name in the educational certificates. We were married for almost 8 years now and has a daughter 6 years old. But, we prepared a photo album which includes photos from our school-age, universities, work places, marriage, family-trips etc. We also participated in the “Good Luck” case when there was no hope of starting interviews in Sri Lanka.
We got the 2NL on the 2nd July and our interview date was 31st August and as I recall there were more than 50 interviews were scheduled on the same date. We expected a rescheduling of interviews and booked the medical appointment for the earliest date and did it on July 5th. From July 6th, the embassy started calling DV winners in Sri Lanka for rescheduling their interviews and 8th July, we got our call saying that our interview was rescheduled to 15th of July.
We collected our medical in the next week and we had all the required documents prior to the interview! Our sponsor emailed his documents (i134 and W2) to the embassy and he sent us the confirmation received from the embassy.
We went to the embassy about 15mins before the interview time and entered into the premises 10mins before. The lady who collected documents checked all our docs and gave the first hint everything is looking good. We have a good command in English. But just to make sure we answer all the questions correctly we asked for a translator. She told us that we don’t need a one and in case just let the CO know. We paid the fees and went for the interview after about 5 mins.
The CO was a friendly gentleman and he warmly welcomed us. Also, he made some jokes and talked with our daughter also. During the interview he asked,
When did we get married?
When my wife did her ALs?
What are we doing now (from both)?
How do we know our sponsor?
Where will you go and why?
Whether we had TB in the past?
Finally he said the magical words “Congratulations, your visa is approved” and gave us the tentatively approved yellow paper. The interview was quick and
Our CEAC state was in ready for sometime and it changed to “AP” on July 27th morning. Next it changed to “Issued” on 29th and we collected our passports on 30th July.
Brit, Thank you again for all of your efforts!!!
Regards,
DV2021 winner from Sri Lanka
August 6, 2021 at 04:50
The 4th paragraph should be changed as,
Family Name, Given names
and some has it as,
Family Name, Given names, Surname
September 8, 2021 at 20:11
HI HASHAN ,
I AM FROM COLOMBO DV WINNER 2022 MY C/N – AS8KKK WOULD YOU HELP me to get some clear answer for the following question s?
01 ) we are 4 members i have submitted the Ds260 from in may 2021 & and got the document submission email from the KCC ([email protected]) on 25th of August 2021 and i have submitted all the require Documents has per the instruction (Passport/birth certificate/police clearance /marriage) on 30th if August 2021. and i have received the Automatic Replay form the KCC Dv Documents.
My Question – only we will received the automatic replay from the KCC or is there any email confirmation for documentary qualified ?
02) from your experience base on my case number when i will get my interview date ?
03 ) Do we need to ask my sponsor’s to send the I-134 for direct to the embassy or ask them to send it to me ?
September 9, 2021 at 04:09
1. They will email you once they have processed your case.
2. I don’t know because this year has other factors.
3. To you
August 6, 2021 at 05:29
Awesome!!!
August 11, 2021 at 10:26
Hi, Hashan.
Can you please explain why your sponsor has emailed the documents to the embassy instead of giving them to you to be taken to the interview, is it a requirement by the Colombo embassy ?
Also when they asked for your documents at the embassy did they ask the dv winner and family members documents together or did you have separate them individually?
Thank you
August 16, 2021 at 12:17
Hi Afzal,
No, if you want you can take the documents to the embassy. As I remember, they asked for documents together. But we had those separated and then it’s easy.
Regards,
Hashan
December 2, 2022 at 15:34
Hi hashan… can I have your email iD
August 12, 2021 at 10:53
Hi there,
(Please, be aware to have lots of patience to read my story because of my English)
08.11.2021 Kyiv, Ukraine EU2021-588x
I had my appointment at 08.30AM. I was there with my family – 4 people. A bit about me: Ukrainian 42 years old in the second marriage, 2 children of 21 and 17. I am the winner of DV 2021.
I think I was over-prepaid to the interview: we all took all documents about education of each of us, about checking and savings accounts, real estate, work contracts, and about my military time. (I was in the Ukrainian Armed Force along May 2014-Octovber 2019 and fought against Russian troops in the Eastern Ukraine. I had been worried about possibility to receive hard questions concerning that till the end of interview, but was no questions). We went at 8.00 to the embassy and had been waited till a guard asked who have the appointment on 8.30. We spent 3 and a half hours there. More than a half time took sitting and waiting. Near 30 minutes took checking documents by non US citizen lady. It was enough to give her our accounts papers as a proof that we will not become a public charge. We had papers for approximately 30 thousand in banks. They asked us nothing about other assets.
The interview by a consul took only about 10 minutes. All questions were asked to me except the one: “Can you speak English?” I replied in English, but it’s accepted to speak in Ukrainian/Russian too. In my DS260 form I put Portnov Computer School (https://www.portnov.com) mailing address as my US address. The consul asked me who is Michail Portnov and why I wrote that address. He asked me about my blood relatives and friends in the USA. Hi asked me about my education level. Why I have been to Canada in 2019. Do I have, and who are my friends in Canada… Where we are going in the USA? I told that I thought to move somewhere next to Atlanta, GA. He asked about my current job and what am I going to do there. I told that the last year I have been worked as an AQA Java for a Lithuanian IT company, for sure I described a bit more about my job. At the end he told that our visas are approved, and we receive our passports in two weeks. It was hard had been waited for the interview after checking documents for one and a half hour.
August 14, 2021 at 15:22
Congratulations!!
August 16, 2021 at 02:12
My interview experience in Cameroon
2021af12***,
Single pregnant winner
Yaounde Embassy,
Interview date 26 July 2021 9:30 a.m
Did Medicals on the 21 june collected on the 22 of July
On the 26 July
6:50 a.m arrive at the embassy
7:30 security check. Went inside check appointment and was send back out to wait appointment at 9:00
CO arrives early and demand DV lottery winners be sent in Earlier.
8:00 went back in for security check. Phone switch off and collected. A file given for us to use carrying numbers.
Arrive the Co department more security check and verification of appointment
8:30 I was first dv lottery winner to submit original document.(birth certificate,advance level and degree,medicals and police certificate)
CO: Have you paid( checks if medical is sealed then tears the envelop and gives me back my degree)
Me: No
Co: go and pay then come meet me back (gives me my file)
Me: ok thank you Sir
Co:ok
Go to the cashier, she was abit late. Was first person to pay money there too.she apologise. I pay 330$ then went back to CO.
CO collects documents arrange them, ask for my passport, ask for my half card and scans them
Co: why did you play single?
Me: I was single
Co: are you married now?
Me: No
Co: kids
Me: No
Co: which year did you have advance level?
Me: brrrrr
Co: ok. Your interview will be conducted shortly. Sit in the garden and wait. You are number brrrr. The security will call for you when it’s time.
Me: ok sir. Thank you
Co: ok, I wish you good luck
We sat in the garden for 2 hours 30 minutes
11:00a.m security calls me inside for interview
11:20 interview begins with a new White American CO and was conducted infront of all other DV lottery winner. He calls my number and name to window brrrr
Me: good morning sir
Co: good morning. Put 4 fingers of right hand on scan, then lift up your right hand and swear to tell the truth
Me: I do swear
Co: Are you married
Me: no
Co: No fiance, no body??
Me: I do have a boyfriend
Co: ok. Any marital plans ?
Me: for now No
Co: smiles and says ok.
He then Leaves and come back
Co: so you are not married
Me: no. You have asked me twice, is there any problen Sir (I ask politely)
Co: no. Just that many people say they are single and when issued a visa they start bringing up spouses.
Me: ok, I’m single.
CO: where will you be staying,which state
Me: brrrrrr.
Co: do you have the passport you use for innitial entry???
Me: No but I do have a scan copy
Co: let me see
He checks and says it’s ok, then gives me back the copy
CO takes a congratulation yellow paper fills it and says your visa has been approved, come on brrrr at brrrr to collect your Visa.
Me: Thank you Sir.
Co: (smiles) Ok.
Since I was the first dv to be issued a visa, every other dv winners there were happy and the security congratulated me and wish me luck.
I was surprised I was being interviewed publicly and my heart was pounding heavily but as we spoke I felt much better and it was as if it was just the Co and me.
Everyone at the embassy was polite, nice and friendly.
3:00pm Administrative Processing.
27 July 5:30pm Issued
13 august Arrived USA
Thank you so much Brit for your guidance. I continue to seek your counsel as I move ahead. God bless your platforms. I’m willing to support the platform in any way be it a live interview experience or more questions.
Note: I bought a ticket and one of the transit was brussels airline in Belgium. when I got to the airport, I was told I could not travel because I needed a direct flight as Cameroonians are not expected to transit there. My advice check with your airline to make sure they wont be any problems before day of departure.
August 17, 2021 at 17:06
Nicely done!
September 29, 2021 at 09:51
At the Yaoundé embassy, the documents need to be translated into English? because the documents are in 02 languages (French, also English)
During your interview, was your affidavit sent to you or to the embassy?
August 16, 2021 at 12:39
Is there any benefit if you choose the interview to be in English? Ot it’s fine in native language in the local Embassy?
August 18, 2021 at 02:18
No difference.
August 16, 2021 at 18:37
My interview experience in Cameroon
2021af12***,
Single pregnant winner
Yaounde Embassy,
Interview date 26 July 2021 9:30 a.m
Did Medicals on the 21 june collected on the 22 of July
On the 26 July
6:50 a.m arrive at the embassy
7:30 security check. Went inside check appointment and was send back out to wait appointment at 9:00
CO arrives early and demand DV lottery winners be sent in Earlier.
8:00 went back in for security check. Phone switch off and collected. A file given for us to use carrying numbers.
Arrive the Co department more security check and verification of appointment
8:30 I was first dv lottery winner to submit original document.(birth certificate,advance level and degree,medicals and police certificate)
CO: Have you paid( checks if medical is sealed then tears the envelop and gives me back my degree)
Me: No
Co: go and pay then come meet me back (gives me my file)
Me: ok thank you Sir
Co:ok
Go to the cashier, she was abit late. Was first person to pay money there too.she apologise. I pay 330$ then went back to CO.
CO collects documents arrange them, ask for my passport, ask for my half card and scans them
Co: why did you play single?
Me: I was single
Co: are you married now?
Me: No
Co: kids
Me: No
Co: which year did you have advance level?
Me: brrrrr
Co: ok. Your interview will be conducted shortly. Sit in the garden and wait. You are number brrrr. The security will call for you when it’s time.
Me: ok sir. Thank you
Co: ok, I wish you good luck
We sat in the garden for 2 hours 30 minutes
11:00a.m security calls me inside for interview
11:20 interview begins with a new White American CO and was conducted infront of all other DV lottery winner. He calls my number and name to window brrrr
Me: good morning sir
Co: good morning. Put 4 fingers of right hand on scan, then lift up your right hand and swear to tell the truth
Me: I do swear
Co: Are you married
Me: no
Co: No fiance, no body??
Me: I do have a boyfriend
Co: ok. Any marital plans ?
Me: for now No
Co: smiles and says ok.
He then Leaves and come back
Co: so you are not married
Me: no. You have asked me twice, is there any problen Sir (I ask politely)
Co: no. Just that many people say they are single and when issued a visa they start bringing up spouses.
Me: ok, I’m single.
CO: where will you be staying,which state
Me: brrrrrr.
Co: do you have the passport you use for innitial entry???
Me: No but I do have a scan copy
Co: let me see
He checks and says it’s ok, then gives me back the copy
CO takes a congratulation yellow paper fills it and says your visa has been approved, come on brrrr at brrrr to collect your Visa.
Me: Thank you Sir.
Co: (smiles) Ok.
Since I was the first dv to be issued a visa, every other dv winners there were happy and the security congratulated me and wish me luck.
I was surprised I was being interviewed publicly and my heart was pounding heavily but as we spoke I felt much better and it was as if it was just the Co and me.
Everyone at the embassy was polite, nice and friendly.
3:00pm Administrative Processing.
27 July 5:30pm Issued
13 august Arrived USA
Thank you so much Mr. Brits for your guidance. I continue to seek your counsel as I move ahead. God bless your platforms. I’m willing to support the platform in any way be it a live interview experience or more questions.
Note: I bought a ticket and one of the transit was brussels airline in Belgium. when I got to the airport, I was told I could not travel because I needed a direct flight as Cameroonians are not expected to transit there. My advice check with your airline to make sure they wont be any problems before day of departure.
August 23, 2021 at 10:26
My interview on July 13 during the interview CO said I qualified and said handover the medical exam as soon as possible I submitted on July 16 still they didn’t put my case on AP suddenly got the email from embassy to submit DS5535 form to future processing of my Visa case and I submitted It’s nearly 1 month and 15days no replay from embassy.. what shell I do Simon ? (8 time I refused Nonimmigrant visa previously )
August 27, 2021 at 03:21
Email them and ask, or just wait.
August 25, 2021 at 10:03
Hello guys, any piece of advice for a family of 8 awaiting their interview dates for DV2022?
August 28, 2021 at 05:19
Patience.
September 5, 2021 at 22:24
Hello Brit. I am Jordanian (Was born in Kuwait), here is my interview experience;
I didn’t know that I won DV2021 but in October. I checked my entrant’s status very late and I filed DS260 in October 22 (With the help of my immigration lawyer who helped me leave the states voluntarily seven years ago). My case number was 2021AS**** and days later I received document request email from KCC. I had interview appointment for July 11 at US embassy Amman (Jordan).
On the interview date, I got to the embassy at 12:15 PM and after being searched was admitted to the embassy. After more than 3.5 hours of waiting the consular officer called my number and then I took oath and directly started the interview. The officer was very nice, with good smile and asked me about my previous time in America and about my host. I told her that I was in America for my MBA degree and that I was trying to get my second masters. Then she asked me why did I overstay F-1 visa in America and why was I arrested in America (She got that information from my DS-260 since I was very honest and truthful about my previous experience in America). I told her the real story and showed her the dispositions for the times I was arrested (stupid traffic violations that were both stricken off in court judgment) and that I left the united states voluntarily after being out of status for some time (one of the lawyers I consulted said that I did not accumulate any unlawful presence since I was admitted to the United States as D/S and the other lawyer said that the worst case scenario is would be that I accumulated more than 180 days and less than 365 days in unlawful presence which means that I was inadmissible for three years after I left which was 7 years ago). Both of the lawyers agreed that I was totally clear to be back to the United States.
She said that my case will go through AP and gave me 221(g) form with a piece of paper with 10 questions that I already answered in form DS-260 (One of the questions was about the trips that I did for my life not just 5 years). I answered the questions and sent the document back to them on July, 14th, 2021. I was very disappointed and my CIAC status was showing “Refused”.
On August,2nd,2021 I emailed the embassy that I am a DV applicant and that I would lose the once in a lifetime opportunity to become a lawful residence in the united states if my case doesn’t get approved before Sep, 30th. I started seeing updates on my case every day since I sent the email. My CEAC showed updates on August,3rd,2021, August,4th ,2021 and August,5th,2021 with the status still “Refused”. I received a phone call from the embassy to submit my passport back to them for the visa to be printed on August,5th,2021 (I am not sure if the email had any effect on them but my case started showing updated on the days after the email).
The passport arrived at the embassy on August,8th,2021 and then the status of my application changed/updated as follows;
• August,8th,2021: Refused
• August,9th,2021: Refused
• August,13th,2021: Refused
• August,17th,2021: Refused
• August,19th,2021: Refused
• August,27th,2021: Refused
• August,30th,2021: Refused (After I emailed them asking about an expected time for my passport to be returned back to me)
• August,31st,2021: Refused
• September,1st ,2021 (10:30 AM): Administrative Processing
• September,1st ,2021 (11:50 AM): Issued
• September,5st ,2021: Passport Received with visa printed on it and the yellow sealed immigration packet that should be handled to the CBP officer admitting me to the States. The also sent back all the documentations they asked me to show to support my answers in DS-260 such as the dispositions for the times I was arrested.
My advice is to be truthful, honest, confident and patient when filing the DS-260 and also in the interview. Make sure that your answers match what you wrote in the application. If you have a previous bad experience (Such as overstaying or being out of status for some time) in the united states, talk about it and explain it and make sure to mention it in your DS-260. They can tell if you are stressed or that you are not telling the full story. Also, you can always ask a lawyer to help you filing your DS-260 because some of the questions should be answered the right way legally not the way you think makes you look good. I consulted 2 immigration lawyers before filing my DS-260 and made sure to show the lady who interviewed me all the needed documentation that I am totally clear to be back to the United States.
Thank you Brit for your hard work. I wish you all the best. I can help whoever in case you want extra information.
Kind regards
September 6, 2021 at 18:15
Congratulations!
September 29, 2021 at 21:59
Hello
First of all a big thanks to BritSimon for the great help.
I was selcted for the dv 2021 my case numer was 2021AF3****
I completed the ds 260 in june 2020 and i did not recieve the email to submit documents until 8/2/2021 and i sent them the same day .
I received the email for the consulate appointment on 9/16/2021 and the interview was on 9/22/2021
I went to the us consulate in Tunis and after waiting for 30 min the CO called my name and asked me these questions :
– Why do you want to live in the states?
-who you’ll stay with ?
-what is your highest level of education?
-Do you have any plans after arriving ?
The interview went smoothly and The CO was very friendly, but she said:”Every thing is good but i’m very sorry i cant approve your visa until you fill a form that we will send you by email” and returned my passport to me
In the afternoon i received the DS 5535 i filled it out and sent it the same day .
Then i realized that my degree in biomedical engineering was on the (TAL) wich requires additional background investigation.
9/23/21 until 9/27/21 Refused
On 9/27/21 I was asked to bring my passport to the consulate
9/28/21 Issued
9/29/21 I recieved my passport .
I hope that my experience will help !
Thanks
September 30, 2021 at 19:17
Great!
October 5, 2021 at 18:16
Hi Brit and readers!
My experience with the DV lottery has been an interesting one, and I am posting here so that it may help anyone in a position similar to me. This will be a full experience of DV2021, rather than just the interview.
I have bothered Brit a lot with questions during the process, and he was patient and kind. Thank you for that Brit!
Basic details:
Country of birth: UAE
Nationality: Pakistan
Embassy: Islamabad, Pakistan
I was selected for the DV lottery with a high case number AS20XXX. With COVID-19 significantly slowing down the process, I was doubtful about my case being processed from the very start. I still filled the DS-260 soon after winning. I submitted my documents via email on May 2021, upon a request email from KCC.
After filling the DS-260, 2 major changes took place in my life
1) I got married, in June 2021
2) I moved to the USA to work on an H1-B visa in July 2021
Although I moved to the USA, I did not switch to adjustment of status (AOS). This is because I contacted a few immigration lawyers and they said it was impossible that an AOS could be completed in 2 months. At this point I had given up on my DV case. AOS was not going to happen, and although all cases were current, consular processing for DV2021 was at AS1000-2000 in July, so no way that would reach 20k by September. For this reason I did not even update my DS-260 to include my wife or update my address to US.
Somehow (almost magically), I got a 2NL for an interview on September 9. The interview was scheduled for Sept 17th. Not sure how this happened – my case number was way ahead of those being processed. Maybe it was due to Judge Mehta’s decision to speed up processing. Maybe scheduling also depends on how backlogged the embassy is (don’t think there were many DV cases in ISL as Pakistanis are not eligible for DV). Either way my case being scheduled felt like an anomaly. As I had not updated my DS-260, the interview was only for me and not my spouse 🙂
I flew from US to Islamabad for my interview. During this time (based on advice from Brits FAQ about marriage) I emailed them and requested them to include my wife in the interview. They kindly agreed, but they got back to me a bit late (2 days before my interview). As a result my wife did not have time to travel from the US and attend the interview. Rather than taking a risk and postponing the interview (which was already at the end of September) – I decided to attend it alone.
During the interview, once they approved my case, I requested the visa officer if they could interview my wife later on. To my surprise, they agreed!! My wife interviewed a week later and she was approved to, all thanks to God.
Below is a summary of mine and my wife’s interview
— My interview —
1) They took all documents as usual. I submitted my payslips from my US job as well
2) The visa officer was extremely kind. She asked me what type of doctor I am. She was interested to see I already worked in the US. She asked me what living in Mississippi was like. She asked me what type of student I would call myself. She asked if I was married and had kids. She congratulated me on my marriage. She asked why my wife wasnt at the interview. Then she said my case was approved. As she knew why my wife wasn’t at the interview, I requested for an interview for her. After digging a bit she said it was possible and to email them once my wife was in Islamabad.
I believe the US work visa was helpful in making this smooth.
— My wife’s interview —
We were a bit concerned about this one. As our marriage was recent and we weren’t living together in the US yet (separate visas). We didnt have much supporting evidence apart from a few marriage pictures. Brit had highlighted that this could be a problem in proving legitimacy of my marriage – so we went in well prepared and practiced A LOT.
Actual interview:
VO: Hi – how are you
Wife: I’m good, thank you
VO: Please put down your mask
Wife: *puts mask down*
VO: *checks photo ID* *checks marriage certificate*
VO: “I think I have all I need. Your case is approved”
We were in disbelief :)) As Brit has highlighted several times – they are not trying to catch you out. They want you to get the visa. As long as you don’t complicate your own situation, you should be golden!
Thank you once again Brit for this amazing blog.
~S
October 6, 2021 at 05:22
Wow they were REALLY unusually helpful. Kudos to ISL! Congratulations and good luck to you both.
November 16, 2021 at 18:56
Hi Simon,
I have been wanting to share my experience for a while now but we’ve been so busy with the big move and applying for jobs, etc. that I’ve finally managed to spare some time to write a thorough review.
My husband was a winner in DV2021, EU4XX. We’re both born in a country within the European Union but lived the majority of our lives in England, hence why we had our interview in London.
We filled in the DS260s within a few days of us finding out that he has won and then sent the documents about a month later. Within a few weeks we received our Ready for Scheduling emails and we were waiting forever and a day for something to happen. We were plaintiffs on the Goh case but unfortunately the London embassy was taking its time to start processing DV cases. On June 1st 2021 we received our 2NLs and we were absolutely over the moon. We booked our medical appointments straight away and allowed plenty of time between the medical and the interview. The interview itself was scheduled for 28th July 2021 at 09:00am.
On the day of the interview we made sure we were there about 30 minutes before the appointment. When we arrived there was a massive queue but as we were there for an immigrant visa interview we had a priority over the rest and we were in the building 25 minutes earlier. Went through an airport-style checks and then walked up to the Reception where we were given a little ticket with a number on it and they explained to us how it all works. We went up to the first floor and followed the immigrant visa signs and took a seat as advised. Within a minute we were called to one of the booths. A few days prior to the interview I very carefully and strategically organised our documents in such a way to avoid any confusion and to make it easier for the person who will be serving us at the booth. At the beginning he seemed a bit angry and said that the previous couple was not prepared, had documents missing and he spent ages figuring out what he needs and what is missing. When he looked at our documents he said that he’s never seen anyone as organised as us and asked who sorted them out and made a joke that it’s probably the husband and not the wife (it was actually the wife ????). And from then onwards the conversation just flew effortlessly, it was more of a friendly chat. He asked us a few questions around where we studied, whether we used a different passport when we entered the lottery – which we did and I had prepared evidence but he didn’t want to see it. And lastly he asked if we brought with us any statements to prove that we have sufficient funds and I handed these over to him.
We then we called over a second booth where we paid the fees, that took about a couple of minutes.
And then 5 minutes later we we called over to the final booth where a very nice American lady was waiting for us. We took an oath and then she introduced herself and informed us that she will be typing some notes as we speak. She asked us how we met, when did we get engaged and when and where we got married. She also asked us why did we decide to apply for the lottery? Do we have kids? What did we study at university? When did we move to the UK? She asked us about our jobs and wage in the UK. As we’re both on very senior management roles and have a pretty good standard in England she asked us why would you want to leave this lifestyle here to move to the States. Then she asked us what our plans are when we move to the States and where are planning to live and what influenced our decision. We were just very honest and answered everything as it is and she seemed pretty happy with everything. She looked at all our documents and bank statements and then she went away and spoke to someone at the back of the office. We got a bit worried as we thought there was something wrong with our case but then she came back and explained that she had some technical issues with her new monitor and went to ask a question. She looked at us with a big smile on her face and said ‘Well, everything seems perfect on this case and I’m going to go ahead and approve your visas. Welcome to the United States, I hope you love it.’. Anything after this very moment is a blur. I honestly cannot express the emotions we both felt in that moment, it was as if we were in a movie. At the end she said that we will receive our passports within 3 days together with envelopes each that we shouldn’t be opening. We received these 2 days later and started organised our trip immediately.
We had to change the address for the SSNs and the green cards as my relative whose address I gave had to travel abroad due to an emergency and it was unclear when they were going to be back. When I paid the USCIS fees I changed the address at that point, I also opened an account with USPS and provided the new address there. When we entered the country we advised the border officer of the change and he updated it at his end and he wrote the new address on the white envelopes and crossed the old one. A week after we entered the country we received our SSN cards and a couple of weeks later we received our green cards at the new address. USCIS kept on sending us regular emails with updates and we knew exactly when the documents were going to arrive. We also signed up for the Informed Delivery service that USPS offers and we could track the green cards in real time.
We also managed to open bank accounts and get credit cards to start building our credit score in the US within the first month of us arriving, we used Bank of America.
This is our story – it was definitely not easy to win in those times and we had to learn to be extremely patient. The process itself is quite simple if you follow the rules and go prepared (or in my case over-prepared). Answer all questions honestly and don’t talk too much, just answer what you’ve been asked. Good luck to everyone and a massive thank you to you Simon for being our rock at the most difficult of times. I could honestly not thank you enough for your hard work and dedication. I learned everything about this process from you and I have already recommended you to so many people as you’re a star and more people need to know about you!
If I can be of any help to anyone, please let me know in the comments below.
November 19, 2021 at 23:00
Awesome – thanks for posting!
January 12, 2022 at 11:31
Interview Experience
Post Riyadh, KSA
CN: 2022AS18X
DS date: 22nd May 21
DR date: 12th Nov 21
DQ date: NA
2NL notification: 11th Dec 21
Interview date: 12th Jan 22
My experience was similar to the many experiences posted on Simons website. Nothing special. Followed instructions and Simons advice. Telegram group helped in knowing what was going on when the DR/DQ was in effect. I was one of the early cases who got interview scheduled as soon as the DR/DQ process was removed. Got medical done a week after receiving 2NL. They gave us 2 vaccines eventhough we had all vaccine records. Got the medical results after a week. Interview was at 9am. Left an hour early to the interview. There are a lot of checkpoints and barricades and the way is a bit confusing. With some help from a security officer we finally reached at 8:55am to the embassy. We have to give car keys, cell phones etc before going inside the embassy. Security checks our names against a list they have and allow entry. They kept us waiting for sometime then they told us to go to a counter where the lady behind the glass asked all documents and copies. All means all documents as listed on riyadh embassy website. Nothing more or less. Then were told to go to pay the fee. Had to wait for 25 mins as the cashier was busy elsewhere. Gave the receipt back at the counter and then the CO called us after a few minutes. Asked where you were born i replied. Asked what is your job, if you plan on doing same job in US. i replied work as a procurement Engineer and plan to do the same. Where you will stay in US and if you know someone there. I said my brother lives in US, so she asked how he went there and how he got citizenship. I replied as a student and then got citizenship a few months back. She asked was it a employment based GC? I did not understand her at that moment and i said i have i134. She said not required and she was just curious. Asked my wife about any previous marriages, children etc and marriage date. She said you are documentarily qualified but there is some update not done in the system. We will email you if we need anything or you will get the passports back in 2-3 weeks. She said we will send passports by courier.
While i do not have visa approval yet and it seems like my case is AP. Hope this will help others.
Best Regards to everyone.
January 13, 2022 at 16:40
Thanks and congratulations!
February 5, 2022 at 18:11
Hi Simon,
Just wanted to update and need your view. I received email from the embassy on 18th Jan asking for details in email body itself(all names used, travel history, emploment history, address history since 2018) i duly replied with all details on the same day. Then on 30th of Jan i received the DS5535. That status which had stayed READY till 30th jan also changed to refused. Again i filled it and sent it. Almost all the details i sent on both occasions were the same as i had filled in ds260. Some changes were that my office address had changed and i had not put my vacations to home country in the DS260 addresses as it was mentioned not to write addresses which cannot be called a residence. Initially i was not worried but since they sent the ds5535 i have been having sleepless nights. Note that i dont have any criminal history and i had filled everything truthfully and honestly.
What could have been the reason for sending ds5535 and can i ask them reason for it so that i can provide the particular info they need?
Have you seen a case like mine before and will i be issued? How much time would it take? Thanks for your time.
February 9, 2022 at 14:43
Yes I have seen similar cases, but there is no “typical” time.
September 12, 2022 at 08:27
What’s the update ? Did
You get your visa approved ?
As last week I had similar experience in Riyadh embassy.
January 28, 2022 at 15:48
CN 2022EU45** Uzbekistan
DS 22May 2021
DR 11/11/2021
2NL 9/12/2021
Interview Date, 01/28/2022 9:30A.M
U.S Embassy in London
I came 8:30, they asked me to wait till 9:00, bought Coffee it was bit colder then usual. Then went in trough security check (like in airport) , Got through first and only security check point. Security showed queue to join within the Embassy. In reception, they have took my DS-260 and gave me number (I-910 waiting number). Went to first floor and turned twice to left for Immigration visas.
Was a bit overwhelmed and nervous. There were two screen in the waiting area where you can see your number and window that checks documents and gathers for interviewng Person.
Window 21, checked my documents and told me to Pay Visa Fee $330 = £250 (Paid from my debit VISA card).
Then I waited another 10-15 minuts. I saw family who were interviewed as well, it took them about 15-20 minutes to get approved, they where explaining their Financial docs.
After a while, I. saw my waiting number on the screen and went to Window 23.
He: asked my paiment check first. and checked my document through and asked my highest degree ?
Me: I told him that I just completed my dissertation and waiting marks to be released.
He: What are you studing?
Me: I am doing my Masters in Business Analitics.
He: What do you wanna do in US?
Me: I will for Financial banks to work for.
He: Do you have family in US?
Me: Nope
He: So you are gonna be all alone in US against whole world))) (smiled and joked).
Me: Yep))), I have friends and Ex-neighbourgs in New York, and lived with them in 2017 when I went US as an Exchange Student.
He: Nice, are you gonna live there?
Me: Yes, I will live there till get my docs, then will rent a flat.
He: Thats good))) Your visa approved, you will get your passport in 1-2 weeks.
Me: Why so long (inside me wispering). Can track online my documents?
He: you will get message once passport is ready.
Me: Thanx have a nice day))))
January 28, 2022 at 22:17
Thank you!
February 5, 2022 at 21:50
CN 2022EU41**
DS 06/24 /2021 Unlocked and resubmitted on 11/07/2021
No DR/DQ
2NL 12/20/2021
Interview Date 01/28/2022
U.S Embassy in London
Simon, firstly I want to express my deepest graditute to all your work and generous support, as well as countless advice to each and everyone of the DV winners. This is my second time winning the lottery and a successful end of hell of a journey. Our visas have been Issued on 02/03/2022.
Family of three. Medicals on 01/08/2022, received at embassy on 01/14/2022. We arrived at 10.00 am at the embassy, we wait on the queue for 15 minutes and then went in through airport security check style. We received our number plus which window we will be called at and directions where to go at the main reception. We went to the first floor, from the elevator twice to the left and we were in the Immigrant visas corner. In the Immigrant visas area there are 7 or 8 windows in total plus two screens, where you can see on which window your number will be called. We were called to window 21 and a friendly American gentlemen asked for the following documents: 1. Passports
2. Birth certificates plus English translations and copies. 3. Civil Marriage certificate plus English translation and two copies 4. One photo for each applicant 5. Highest education degree for primary applicant plus English translation and copy 6. Police certificates from each country of previous residency and from the current one of course, plus English translation and copies. 7. Financial documents – bank statement/ I-134. He took the I-134 plus W2 Form for 2021 year, even though I told him that is prepared but not filed yet and 1040 Form for 2020. He didn’t take the payslips or photo ID for the sponsor. He was a little surprised that we have I-134 form. 8. He scan our photos and took a fingerprints from both hands of each applicant, except the child. Friendly chat between us, ask us a few questions about the documents and our circumstances. He also asked us if we have had previous US Visas. I answered that if we receive this one it will be our first, to which he replied with a smile that it will be our last as well. So, I said /thinking “You are damn right”/, yes it’s the one and the only. It was a good laugh about that. He gave us a receipt for payment of the fees and told us that we will be called at the one of the last two windows for the interview. We paid the fees to the cashier in cash and waited for about 15 minutes. We were sitting in front of the last window 24 and I was able to watched the CO while he was checking our documents.
The Interview: The CO called us, we gave fingerprints again /left hand only this time/, and I gave for the child as well. After we swore to tell the truth, the CO wanted to talk only with me.
CO: You hold a bachelor’s degree in Xxxx?
Me: No, I hold a Master’s degree in Xxxx. CO: And your bachelor’s is in …? Me: Xxxx
CO: When you start and finish your bachelor’s degree?
Me: xxxx
CO: Ok, and when did you start and finish your Master’s degree?
Me: xxxx.
CO: Tell me what did you work?
Me: Explaining my work experience while he is typing on the computer.
CO: What are you planning to do in US?
Me: Explaining my plans and how I will combine my previous experience and degrees with my new life in US.
CO: It seems that you have a reasonable plan and all looks good to me. I have your medicals as well. Your visas are Approved. You will receive your passports 5-10 days via courier service that you’ve picked. Do you have any questions for me?
Me: No, I don’t. Thank you. Have a nice day.
Overall, It was a pleasant experience.
The CO didn’t give us the X-rays. That was another odd thing apart from the only one photo that was requested for each of us.
That’s our story. I hope that the info will be helpful for other people. Best of luck everyone. See you in USA.
PS Simon, you are the Best!
February 9, 2022 at 14:47
That’s awesome! Congrats!
February 10, 2022 at 22:51
Hi Britsimon
CN# 2022AF00005013
I had my interview in Taipei Embassy yesterday 10th of february and my visa was approved.
Thanks for informations it was really helpful throughout the process.
Will share my experience later.
Good Luck to everyone here.
February 11, 2022 at 15:53
Congratulatios!
March 8, 2022 at 12:14
Hi Simon,
It’s finally my time to share my experience here! I’ve finally got the visa in my hands.
First of all : thank you. You do a amazing job providing people with free, up-to-date, clear information. You’ve helped me understand all the steps of the process, I am deeply grateful.
Here’s how it went in my case :
Salut tout le monde,
– DS-260 sent on June 3rd 2021
– Case number : 2022EU17**
– Interview date : February 23rd, 2022 in Paris (France)
Since submitting my DS260, I have never received any information from KCC. No DR, no DQ, nothing. In October 2021, on Simon’s advice, I sent all the documents without being asked by KCC. Got the standard “email received” response, nothing more.
In december, the document procedure changed and didn’t require KCC to validate those docs anymore.
On January 10th, I emailed KCC asking for the status of my case. They replied that an interview had been scheduled on February 23rd.
I received the official email 4 days after, telling me to go check on the website to see some updates. There I found the official letter with the date and time of the interview Feb23rd in the morning.
2 days letter, I received an email from the Paris embassy, asking me to register for my interview and giving me more info about the documents required.
I scheduled and had the medical exam on January 25th.
On interview day, I got to the embassy 30mn early. Had to go through two airport-like security checks and give them my phone to keep. Once in the embassy, the first step was someone asking me to confirm that I had brought my DS260 confirmation page, my police certificate, passport and medical exam folder.
I then had to go to another person to pay the 330$ visa fees. Then I was sent to another person that asked (in french) to see my documents :
– Passport
– Birth certificate
– Medical exam documents
– Police certificate
– Last diploma + copy
– Interview online registration confirmation form, to confirm how I wanted to get my passport back afterwards
I gave all the documents and asked this person to change my address to received the green card in the US. She did it without a problem
I was then given a number and told to wait in a room to be called for the interview. After 10mn my number was called. The officer asked several things (in English) :
– Confirm your name
– Tell me about your studies and job
I explained my studies and when I started explaining what my job was, she stopped me to tell me she knew already
– So you have a bachelor’s degree right?
That was wrong, I said master’s degree, and corrected her
– What countried have you lived in?
– Have you ever been to the US?
– Any troubles with the law?
– Do you know anyone in the US?
She then took a minute to check my documents and said « Your VISA is approved, you’ll get more information on how to get your passport back in 1 to 2 weeks. Congratulations ».
I thanked her and got out of the embassy, 1h30 after arriving there.
No questions about my finances (I go to the US alone)
Over all, people in the embassy were nice and helpful. The interview was very quick and straightforward.
Thanks again Simon! California, here I come!
Good luck everyone!
March 20, 2022 at 19:18
Best of luck!!!
March 31, 2022 at 18:05
Hi Simon,
After reading a lot of these interview experiences, I’m excited to be able to share my experience as well. First, thanks for providing so much information on your website/Twitter/Youtube; it’s been invaluable for better understanding the DV process and staying up to date with all the developments this FY.
I submitted my DS 260 in May 2021, but unlocked and changed in August 2021. I sent my documents (unrequested) in September 2021, and got a DQ email in December 2021 right around the time KCC decided to stop the document check.
2NL January 2022
Interview March 2022
Amsterdam
My appointment was in the afternoon and I arrived 30 minutes early. After a security check, my name was called and I had to write my name on a piece of paper. My name was called again to pay the DV fee. After paying, I was asked to hand over the originals and photocopies of :
– Police certificates
– Passport
– Photographs (2x)
– High School, Bachelor and Master diploma
– Birth certificate
All documents were in order and I had to wait another 10 minutes. I then had my actual interview which lasted no longer than 5 minutes. Questions asked:
– Have you ever been married / arrested / had kids? (No to all)
– Have you ever overstayed a US visa?
– Where do you want to go in the US?
That was it; it was all very straightforward and efficient. No question asked about finance whatsoever (but I had bank statements prepared). The CO also did not comment on the fact that my passport number changed (most likely because this no legal requirement anymore for DV22).
After 8 days on AP, my visa was issued today!
April 2, 2022 at 19:17
Great!
April 11, 2022 at 12:29
Hi brit, i got my interview today at the US embassy in Warsaw. I got immediately Disqualified.
Visa officer says, my place of birth on my Passport doesn’t match my city of birth used in the initial submission of the DV lottery.
Everything else was fine except this.
I got really confused because i was born in a small village in Cameroon (Africa) and it has never been recognized as a city until lately this information has been changed on Wikipedia which i saw today.
My place of birth in my passport is this small village
In place of the city during initial submission of DV application instead of putting my village i indicated the closes city in this region (state) of the country. and because of this i am disqualified.
Is there anything i can do to rescue my case at this point because this was more an honest mistake.
Thank you and goodluck to everyone else
April 16, 2022 at 18:23
You may be able to get them to reconsider if that really was the only reason for the denial. It’s a very harsh denial from what you are saying. Your best option would be to contact a lawyer for help, but of course that will be somewhat costly.
April 18, 2022 at 19:04
Hello Brit, sure i am prepared to get a lawyer. Any recommendations? Do i need a US lawyer or a Lawyer in my current country of residence ( Poland)
April 18, 2022 at 20:06
Try Jesse to see if he would take on your case.
jbless at wasdenbanias.com
April 13, 2022 at 08:45
Good morning Brit and family. I got my interview on the 12 of April 11am Cameroon. We are a family of three and we got there at 10:55am. We were doubled screened by the security and ushered in. We went straight to pay the visa fee. The money I had on me, was short by 1000cfca. And the cashier helped me complete it. Moved to the next counter where I was asked to present our documents and photocopies. Finger prints were equally taken and the man behind the counter (black) asked, when I had my advanced level?, and what I do for a living?We were then asked to seat down and wait. Within. this wait period, some winners were interviewed. 2 families got their visas approved and two other families got them denied. I became worried. In minutes we were called for the for the interview proper. Where we met a white male. Speaking so clearly
Co. To us. Raise your right hands and swear….
Co.1. What is your name?……
Co.2. Are you married?
Me. Yes
Co. 3.Can I please see your marriage certificate?
Co.What is your child’s name?
Me……
CO.4. Any family pictures together
Me. Slipped an envelope containing pictures. He glanced at a few
C.o. I will give you back you original documents. Keeps passports and asks us to bring the child’s pending medical results before our visas can be issued.
We came out before 12pm. Our interview proper didn’t take 3minutes
April 16, 2022 at 18:38
Yep – 3 minutes is all it takes to change your life. Amazing huh.
Best of luck in the USA!
April 21, 2022 at 06:47
My DV Consular interview experience at the U.S. Consulate General in Johannesburg on April 20, 2022.
My appointment time was 7.45 am, I arrived at 7.30 am. There was a queue of about 15 of us in total. Local staff were friendly and organised and checked us off the list and gave us a slip to complete. We went through security, note: they don’t allow laptops so don’t bring them or other electronics. They do have place to keep your cell phone but you have to switch it off. The security will open all sealed envelopes, even your medical checks so don’t stress if they do, it was not an issue. Then you wait outside to be let into the Consular Section which has 8 counters behind windows. The security will call in a few people at time.
Counters 1 to 4 are for document submissions and manned with local S.A. staff and 4 to 8 are for interviews with U.S. Consular Officials. The room is not very big so you can hear how most of the interviews go and what is asked. I handed in my documents including my passport with a copy, police clearance (original), Birth Certificate with a copy, 2 U.S. passport sized colour photos, high school and university qualifications with copies and medicals from the doctor, they asked if I had evidence of financial means, which I did in the form of bank stamped and issued statements and a retirement account policy statement, which they accepted, I also handed in my CV/Resume which they did not ask for but they took it in. They did not ask for proof of my vaccinations but I had them with me in case. I then had to go the payment counter and pay the $330.00 fee.
The three interviewing U.S. Consular Officers seemed nice and were certainly not out to get anyone! They all had different interview styles and asked similar and different questions. They were polite, but quite firm with some applicants (not all were DV) especially regarding proof of marriage. I was eventually called and had a really nice official, he asked me to drop my face mask and then made me take an oath that all information provided was true etc. he then asked if I was married, if had ever served in the military, if had every visited the U.S. (I said no and he smiled and said well not for much longer!), what work I did, what I was planning to do in the U.S., where I wanted to go live, if I had any family in the U.S., if I had only lived in South Africa and what financial means I had to get myself established. He was happy with all my answers.
He went through all my documents and said that he was satisfied with everything and that I was essentially approved and that I could expect to receive my passport in around 7 to 10 days, possibly a bit less as he said they had a backlog. The interview only took about 10 minutes but the whole process took almost 3.5 hours, until just before 11.30 am, as I was the last one.
Tips: I noted these points/issues with some of the other applicants: A DV couple did not bring full-form unabridged birth certificates (with both parents’ names on it) these were not accepted and they were advised to get them and then courier them in. One Consular Officer was asking for proof of Covid-19 vaccinations, the other two were not, so you should bring proof. They do want to know how you will support yourself when you get there, so take bank statements and other proof. I took proof of my working experience too, but it was not asked for, but rather take it with. One DV applicant was from Togo and they were not familiar with his birth certificate format, so he was advised his case was placed on AP and that he should check again in 1 to 2+ months. Maybe is he had the document apostilled/authenticated and/or had a letter from his Embassy verifying it they would not have done so.
There is a +- 3 week delay with medicals being done by the doctor in Johannesburg (who sends them directly to the Consulate), so no one from Joburg had a confirmed interview outcome on the day. I had medicals done in Cape Town and took the originals in a sealed envelope so they were able to decided on my application the same day which was a big relief! If you are in Joburg try go for your medicals earlier so you can get a decision on the day or have them done in Cape Town and take them with. This process has been going on for a year of my life and I am so grateful and relieved it is done! It feels great to be approved. Good luck with your interviews, be over prepared and it will go well and don’t stress about it. Thank you so much to BritSimon, your guidance and advice was the best!
April 24, 2022 at 23:35
Very cool – thanks!
September 14, 2022 at 09:43
Thanks a lot for your helpful detailed experience stories. ????
April 22, 2022 at 20:38
Dear Brit,
First, me and my wife wanted to thank you for giving your precious time to help DV lottery winners. We have followed all your instructions from the beginning and it went perfectly for us. As such, we want to share our experience here, which is as follows:
1. We submitted our DS-260 application in early May 2021.
2. We received a KCC request email for document submission in August 2021 and we submitted it.
3. Received an email approving the document in September 2021.
4. Received our 2NL in March 2022 for an interview in Stockholm in April 2022.
5. Did we have our medical exam in March 2022?
Interview Day:
Our interview was in the morning and after clearing the security check, we went inside and waited for the counter 7 to open. Then we went and submitted all our original documents, and she handed over a slip to pay the DV fee, which we did. Then we came back and submitted the payment receipt and copies of all our documents, and she told us to sit and wait.
After waiting about 15 minutes, our name was called and we went inside a room where they used to take interviews, and ours lasted only 2 minutes:
CO: take an oath (answered)
CO: When did you come to Sweden? (answered)
CO: When did you get married? (answered)
CO: You guys are all set and your visa will be approved, but I only need to check one thing ( which we knew and it was the date of the COVID vaccine).
The clinic contacted us and fixed the error.
Visa status: Remaining ready for 5 days, then it went to AP for one day, and today it was issued.
Thank you for everything and I wish you all the very best. Please, guys, follow what Brit says and you will never regret it.
April 25, 2022 at 04:22
Thanks for the detailed interview experience! Best of luck!
April 23, 2022 at 19:15
Good evening sir.
I met my wife one year ago but since we were still dating religious background made us not to have anything intimate like outtings. I later live for another country and our communication was now on masseger and Whatsapp. Will in my foreign country I made and engagement party for her on the 14th Feb 2020. And immediately we started planning for our marriage to take place in July 2021. When it was time to play DV lottery 2020 I persuaded her to play while I also play in my foreign country. When the results came out in May I was about coming for my marriage which was already plan. When she check her results she was selected and since we played since we decided to wait and married in July before filling the DS260 as married and going wit the husband. Now we are married legally wit all wedding pictures
Sir I wish you to direct us towards interview since we play single and later on married with a one month old baby ???? . What can we possibly prepare to take to the interview as evidence that we didn’t married because of DV lottery.
April 25, 2022 at 04:26
The fact that you have a baby is pretty good evidence the relationship is real.
May 13, 2022 at 22:38
Hi Simon
My Case number is AF46XXX , do all cases get to be interviewed?
May 15, 2022 at 19:57
Always give the year with your number.
And no. is the answer.
May 19, 2022 at 11:06
Hi Brit!
So happy to finally be able to tell my story here, thank you a million times for answering my dumb questions and being so helpful! We wouldn’t have made it without you!
CN: 2022 EU19xxx
DS260 Submission date: 11 May 2021
DS260 unlock : 27 August 2021
DQ (documents) : 27 September 2021
2NL: 24 April 2022
Interview : 19 May 9h30
Post : Madrid
We got at the embassy at 8h30, there was a large queue and they told us to wait in the queue, then a lady came asking every person what their situation was, and she told us to come back at 9,9:15. So we did, and we passed directly inside without queueing.
We passed the security check, they took our phones, and we only had our documents with us as they didn’t allow entry with other bags or backpacks. We had left those in a coffee place across the street.
We passed another queue and we were handed an envelope on which we were asked to write our names, address and phone number, then took the envelope and gave us a number.
The room was quite small and there were a lot of windows, so we were quite confused but a lady informed someone at one of the windows that we were there for the dv lottery visa and told us to wait, to not mind the queues, and told us we will be called.
Soon enough we were called to one window where we were asked to produce the documents. The lady was Spanish and didn’t know very well the documents that she needed but she had someone instructing her. She took all our documents and then told us we need to send them a more recent French police certificate. (I had lived in France 4 years ago and obtained the certificate in 2021,but had since been back in France for 2 short trips.) lucky I had foreseen this and obtained a new certificate 2 days before the interview which I hadn’t even managed to translate, but they luckily accepted it!
Then we went to pay at the counter, in euros (if you pay in cash you need to have exact change, which we didn’t so we needed to go out, change and come back)
We then gave the receipt to the 1st counter and the lady informed us where we need to wait for the interview.
We were finally called at the last counter where a nice American man made us take an oath, took our biometrics and then asked 2 questions – where did I study, and to my husband, what does he work as.
Then he said, well everything looks good to me, so your visas are approved, and gave us a white paper that said welcome to the United States. My eyes were full of happy tears by this moment and the CO was smiling ear to ear, told us we can expect our visas in 1-2 weeks.
That was it! Didn’t ask for any bank statements or i-134 although we had them prepared.
New York, here we come!
May 19, 2022 at 20:16
Awesome. Congratulations!
May 24, 2022 at 17:42
Hello Brit !
I want to share my experience with others , My interview takes 5 minutes :
Co : take an Oath
Co : what is your current work, where are you working ? Since when you are working there?
Co :What are your planing to do there?
Co: Where are you planning to Stay?
Co :How much you are saving ?
Then she give me a receipt to collect passports after a week
Thanks a lot Brit for everything you are doing for immigrants
Best Regards …
May 24, 2022 at 17:44
Congratulations!
June 3, 2022 at 18:55
So, I had my interview on the 11 of may and I was approved the visa so here is how it goes.
I wake up get dressed and go to the printing shop to get affidavit of support…I do that take a taxi to the embassy after I was greeted by the security ask a few question Covid related and was asked to wash my hands before I entered the embassy. So went through security check after which I entered the room where the interview was being held they collected my documents and ask me to sit right in front so that I can hear my name being called. The interview went on for about less than 2 mins and I was approved my visa. Thank you for reading
Embassy:suva,fiji
Case no:2022oc1534
June 4, 2022 at 14:44
Congratulations!
June 25, 2022 at 03:09
Did they take your affidavit of support? That was not listed in the required documents for me, my interview is during July at the Suva Embassy too
July 3, 2022 at 21:30
Hi Simon,
First and foremost, let me thank you and the entire community here at Britsimonsays.com. Each and every question, regardless of how silly it may seem has helped in some way or the other. Understanding perspectives and legitimate questions/scenarios helped immensely. Simon your advice and the questions, have helped understand what was needed and what needs to be done. From the dos and don’ts to maybe this and may not be that. I don’t think I can fully put my gratitude towards this community and you, into words. Just the other day I was watching one of your videos and my wife says, “Wow. I can’t believe we are actually here. And we’ve been listening to his advice for the better part of a year now, haven’t we?”
Thank you once again!!!
So, here’s my case-
1. Wife won the lottery in DV22. Indian national with Place of birth is Bahrain. She has her Bachelor’s in Pharmacy. I am an Indian national with my Place of Birth being Saudi Arabia. I am Mechanical Engineer with Bachelors degree.
2. We were engaged since 2019, but due to COVID we didn’t get married till late 2020.
3. My brother who’s an LPR in US asked me to apply for DV since my POB allows me to. I applied for myself, and took a chance and applied for my fiancé too in Oct 2020. On 8th May 2021, when the results were out I didn’t win but she did win with a CN: 22AS12xxx.
4. When the results were out we were in Saudi as I had my employment there and she had just recently quit her job in Bahrain and moved in with me.
5. We filled our DS-260s on May 12th 2021 and it took about 8hrs to do so. No mistakes. We just thought that since we had chargeability to Bahrain and since Bahrain is smaller than Saudi we chose Bahrain embassy on the first page of DS-260.
6. Unfortunately, in July I had to leave Saudi with my employment contract terminated. We applied for unlocking of our DS-260s (Principal & derivative) in July, but only Principal was unlocked in late August.
7. DR email came in on 1st September and we had all our documents ready by then. Up until now I didn’t know about his community.
8. DQ email came on October 17th, but with multiple unlock requests and us relocating to India and then Bahrain led to a second DR email on November 17th after submitting the DS-260 with updates. The very next day, November 18th we got the second DQ email stating “ready to be scheduled”, and by this time we had moved to Bahrain and patiently waited for our turn.
9. On March 23rd 2022, we got our 2NL for an interview on 25th May 2022. A full 2 month time to prepare. I spent a lot of my time on this very page for past experiences and following each and every question/story on here. Any sort of clues for any curve balls that they might throw at us.
10. We had got so many documents prepared; Mandatory documents, i-134 for both (I know, its an overkill but on the old i-134 instructions it said each document for each individual. So just didn’t leave room for errors), bank statements, educational certificates with newspaper cutouts, name change affidavits, wedding album, travel history with photos, visas, flight tickets & itinerary, passport copies of all family members of both families in case of DS5535 and whatever that I could think of. The security guy asked us, “Why do you guys need all this?”. We said, “who knows, just don’t want to be sorry later”. He smiled and obliged.
Interview date:
Appointment Time: 10:00 AM May 25th 2022
We reached at 9:15 AM and the guard turned us away. He asked us to come at 9:50AM.
We tried again at 9:45 AM, cause we were anxious and didn’t want to miss our window for whatever reason.
He let us in this time and after several security checks we finally entered this hall with 4 windows and seating area.
1st window was marked as “Documents Submission”
2nd window was marked as “Payments”
3rd and 4th windows were unmarked. But there were 2 Consular Officers in each window, talking through a mic.
There were a few people with us, so we waited our turn and headed to the 1st window. He took our documents and the payment as well. The person at the second window was also doing the same to expedite the entire process.
We waited to be called to other window and watched another person have his interview. The COs seemed very friendly and extremely fluent in the local language (Arabic). Extremely fluent with the local accent as well, which was impressive.
10:40AM
Lady called my wife’s name. She was very sweet and friendly. And she kept punching her keyboard with information as she asked us questions, probably making note of everything.
CO: “Ok. Everything seems to be in order. I’ll just ask a few questions. I have your documents. Everything looks good and already verified. Here’s your originals.”
Looking at my wife-
CO: “What is your occupation and what do you plan to do in USA?”
W: “I am a Pharmacist with my Bachelors in it. I intend on working there once I get the necessary permits”
CO: “Will you have to do your masters there to work?”
W: *Looking confused. But we had prepared for this* “Not really. Each state has its own licensing procedure and there’s a federal licensing program. If I can get my license, I should be able to work anywhere as a Pharmacist”
CO: “Alright. that sounds great”
*Typing her keyboard for a few minutes*
CO: “So you guys got married after you the DV process or did you know each other before?”
Me: “Not really. We got engaged in 2019. But COVID, so everything went on hold. We applied for DV individually in October 2020, but got married in December 2020. Results were out in May 2021.”
CO: “Right. Yeah. That’s fine then. Everything checks out”
*Typing her keyboard again*
CO: “So what have you studied and where do you work?”
Me: “I have my Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering and I used to work in Saudi Arabia till last July in a Chemical Manufacturing Plant”
CO: “Right. So what do you plan to do in USA?”
ME: “Oh the job market in USA is pretty good for my line of work. Lots of opportunities in Texas and Louisiana.”
*Typing some more*
CO: “But you’ve mentioned Michigan here. Why have you written that?”
*Me and my wife looked at each other and smiled and in unison / excitement said “My/his brother is there”
CO: Smiled and said “Oh that’s nice. Where does he work and what’s his visa status?”
Me: “He works for xxxxxxxx and he is on his H1B”
CO: ” Alright. And you’ve said you will stay in xxxxxxxxx ”
Me: “Yeah. That’s right. He is there and initially we plan on moving there. Once we have some of our stuff sorted, we’ll move wherever that is convenient / job requires I guess”
*Typing typing typing*
She smiled and at this point became a little casual with us.
“I actually spent a few years there in xxxxxxx Michigan as well a few years ago. Beautiful place.”
We were surprised to see her share that.
Then as she was typing she says –
“So….Are you excited to move to the US?”
Me and my wife shared a look and smiled and said “Yes. Can’t wait”
She smiled and continued typing.
We were relaxed at this point and just smiling ear to ear.
CO: “I’m sorry. You said Chemical Manufacturing. Can you explain what your company does?”
When we heard sorry, my heart just sank. But I composed myself and answered “I used to work there and its a proper petrochemical company listed in the Saudi Arabian stock market. They make Methanol based….”
She seemed content and kept typing some more.
After a long pause, she apologized for taking this long and said “Okay. Everything looks in place. We will be keeping your passports. And your documents. You might hear from the embassy in 2 weeks time with your visa printed in it. Do not quit your job yet. Do not sell your property yet. Thank you and have a good day”.
We were out at 10:55 AM
The actual interview lasted only 15 minutes with most of it being the documenting our responses.
May 31st – Email stating Passports were ready for collection.
June 1st – We collected our stamped passports.
June 10th – We entered the United States of America
June 21st – SSN came in the mail.
July 2nd – Green Cards came mail.
We celebrated getting the Green Cards by watching the fireworks for 4th of July last night.
I have been eagerly waiting for the last step to post here and share my story. I’m sorry if there’s way more information out there, but I thought it might help someone somewhere sometime. My humble suggestions to each and every one pursuing their DV dream would be-
– Be patient
– Be prepared
– Be yourself (don’t lie)
And last but not the least listen to Simon. Going over-prepared won’t hurt you. It will give you confidence and most of all its better to be safe than sorry.
They didn’t ask for my bank statements or i-134s or anything.
CO only seemed to be interested to see, if we are capable of taking care of ourselves in USA given a chance. Do your research about your professions and job market. Show confidence and instill confidence in the CO that you will not become a state liability. Winging it will not work.
Thanks Simon and the community once again.
Words cannot describe the joy and appreciation I have for this website and community.
Cheers
July 10, 2022 at 19:30
Wow thanks for such a detailed account of the interview. That will help others for sure.
Best of luck in the USA! Michigan is beautiful, but can get chilly!!!
July 28, 2022 at 14:06
Hey everyone!
I had my interview at the US consulate in Frankfurt, Germany on July 7th. Due to a very large number of folks getting scheduled, it was very hard to book a medical appointment. Hence, I had mine one day later. Which eventually let to an issuance delay of 2 weeks. But now that I am finally holding my visa I am super happy! Also, it’s really amazing how many interviews Frankfurt has scheduled. I am very thankful they are giving as many people as possible a chance for a visa.
My case number by the way was: 2022EU22xxx.
My appointment took place at 7:30 am. I got there 25 min ahead of time, however, many people had gotten there before me already.
The first counter was still outside where a lady only wanted to see my passport as a DV selectee. She handed me 2 tickets and let me go through security.
After that I went to a large hall where all visas as well as US passport matters were being handled.
The second counter was a German gentleman who collected my passport, travel docs registration and photo. There I also paid the fee of $330. This only took a couple of minutes, so I had to go back to the middle of the great hall and sit in the waiting area.
After a few minutes my ticket number popped up and I went to a third counter. A nice German lady greeted me and collected all required documents. She didn’t ask for any but the most basic once which are an absolute must and prepared them for the CO: Birth certificate, diploma of highest education (so school or university), police records, financials. I handed her my bank statements which she went through and marked the € amounts. I had also prepared an I-134, however, this was only intended in case of an „emergency“. Since the CO never even mentioned my finances, I assumed my bank statements had been sufficient. The lady also mentioned the 6 months validity of the visa as well as the immigration envelope I must always leave sealed. Once this was done I went back to the waiting area.
Again, after a few minutes a CO opened a counter and my ticket number was called. I went up to her and this is where the actual immigration interview took place. The lady was an American who first greeted me nicely. This was also the only time where English was the required language. The first thing was to raise my right hand and take an oath that I would tell nothing but the truth. Then the questions started. Overall, I`d say the interview lasted for about 4-5 minutes and was an easy one.
Where in the US would you like to live?
What are you planning on doing as work in the United States?
What are you currently doing?
Whom will you be staying with?
When are you planning on moving to the US?
Have you ever lived anywhere besides Germany and the US?
Do you have any kids or spouse? (No!)
Have you ever served in the military?
And since I had already been in the States before on a nonimmigrant visa, she asked me a couple of questions about that as well.
My total time inside and outside the consulate was around 75 minutes.
Timeline:
May 2021 submission of DS 260.
October 2021: e-mail from KCC asking for my documents. Since I had planned on delaying my case for university purposes, I never sent them any. Since they announced in Dec of 2021 that documents were no longer required, it did not harm my case, fortunately.
March 2022: I sent an e mail to KCC for an address update. The reply came the same day in which they said that I am current for interview scheduling, hence, they can no longer unlock my DS 260. I should contact my embassy as soon as an interview is scheduled.
May 2022: I received a state.gov update to check my DV status. My interview letter came with my appointment on July 7th.
July 8: as mentioned before I had my medical one day after the interview. To the consulate staff this was actually good news since they had had selectees the days before who would have to wait 2-4 weeks after the interview for their medical to take place. In Frankfurt it is no problem to do it later due to the great demand not only for all German selectees but also thousands of Ukrainian selectees.
July 7-20: CEAC status showed refused and no case updates happened.
July 21: refused, but updated „Case last updated“
July 22: refused, but again updated
July 25: administrative processing
July 26: issued
July 27: sent by mail
July 28: received passport in mail
I hope this is a bit helpful for you guys. Thank you Brit for all you do! Your commitment and explanations of the process are truly indispensable.
July 29, 2022 at 12:05
THanks for this clear and useful account of your process! Best of luck!
August 4, 2022 at 20:50
Dear all,
I also wanted to share my interview experience with you guys.
First of all, thank you Britsimon for this page, for your ongoing support and answering of question at all times. You helped me a lot and I am thankful that this page exists.
US Embassy in Frankfurt (Germany)
Case Number: 2022EU80XX
1 Person (just me)
*********************************************************************************************
DS 260 Sent on: 24 June 2021
2NL: 13 June 2022
Medical exam: 5 July 2022 (Tip here: I had my appointment already for April, but didn’t get the 2NL, so postponed the appointment for 3 months and then it worked out perfectly when I got the 2NL)
Appointment in 2NL: 7h30 AM 2 August 2022
*********************************************************************************************
Traveled the evening before from Hamburg to Frankfurt and stayed in a Hotel. I arrived at the Consulate at ca 7 AM. There were a few people and a queue and it seemed, that they haven’t opened yet. After roughly 10-15 min of waiting they let us in. At the first window, I received a number. With that and my documents I went through security, Phone and my headphones had to stay there (as mentioned a lot of times by Simon and other people, bring as less as possible).
Already at the first window the lady told me to got to counter 22 to pay and leave my photo there, which I did. There was a really nice German speaking man, taking my payment and my photo and told me to sit and wait until my number comes on the screens in the hall. I waited maybe a few minutes until I was called to the next window. There was again a very nice German speaking man, asking for my documents (delivery confirmation (specific for Frankfurt), “Abiturzeugnis”, Proof of my financial assets (I also had the I-Form with me, but he didn’t ask for it), Birth certificate, Police certificate) and reconfirming some answers from the application with me.
After he had all documents, her explained to me again, what happened once the Visa gets approved and how to immigrate to the US with my first arrival there.
After that he asked me again to wait for my number to be called.
I waited just 10 min max again until I got called to the CO, which was again a very polite, nice American Speaking CO:
CO: Hello
ME: Hello
CO: What’s your name?
ME: Told her my full name
CO: I would need you to make an oath first, is that okay?
ME: Sure.
Taking the Oath
CO: Now I would please need your fingerprints.
Took my fingerpints
CO: So first of all, congratulations on winning the lottery. How many times did you participate?
ME: Actually one time, and immediately was lucky
CO: Oh that’s great. I see you have a university degree, what did you study and what do you work now.
ME: …..
CO: That sounds great, interesting field. Where will you stay, once you are in the US
ME: -…..
CO: Great, seems you have a good plan. Let me check if we are missing anything?…Oh you even have the medical exam already. Perfect. Then… I don’t see any reason to now approve you. Congratulations!
ME: Oh wow, thank you. I am really happy about this.
CO: *gave me back my original documents*
CO: Your passport will arrive in the next 2 weeks and you will have to travel to the US before January.
ME: Perfect, I was planning on traveling there in September.
I was just super happy and she probably saw the tears in my eyes, because she asked me “oh you look very happy” and I said that I am and she was even more happy for me and smiled. All in all the interview took 5-8min. In total I got my number at th first window at 7.18AM and called my family and friends at 8.25AM, so it was really quick and easy.
I didn’t check on my status because I heard so many stories about it first being set to refused or something. Yesterday I already got the UPS delivery confirmation. And today (48h later) my passport is already at the UPS station ready for pickup (unfortunately I am on a business trip for a week). So also this was really quick.
All in all I had a very very positive experience in the Consulate. Everyone was friendly and helping and no one every gave me the feeling they wanted to make it hard for me.
Thanks again Simon for making all those information easily accessible. From participating in the lottery in 2020 to receiving the approval now, I was able to do everything myself without any help and just with your information.
Happy to soon be in the US and start a new adventure! Good luck to everyone else and hang in tight! 🙂
August 5, 2022 at 15:33
That is awesome – thanks for the detailed interview story – and best of luck for the move to the USA!!
August 16, 2022 at 23:24
Thank you, Simon! I really appreciate it 🙂
August 16, 2022 at 23:18
Thanks for sharing your story! For someone who has the interview scheduled for after 4 days from now, I see your post as a source of comfort and support. Thanks alot and good luck in USA!
August 16, 2022 at 23:25
Thank you very much! I am happy this is helping others 🙂 best of luck for the Interview!
August 16, 2022 at 23:05
Hello everyone!
CN: 2022SA26XX
Just wanted to share our story here, Simon is the main reason I am writing this since without his help me and my wife would not have made it to the United States, we are from Cuba and my wife won the DV 2022. We could not get married in Cuba so we moved to Costa Rica and got married there, that was how I could become a beneficiary from my wife’s case, we unlocked the DS260 and rensent it in December 2021. And wrote KCC and asked them to change our interview location to San Jose (Costa Rica). We got their confirmation from KCC on January 2022 and since in December 2021 the documents procedure changed, all we needed to do was waiting for the 2NL. We got our 2NL on April 24th, and our interview on June 28th.
Interview was really simple and quick. We had provided our documents one week before to the embassy for them to review them.
Our interview was at 11:00am, we arrived way before to be prepared and relaxed. We went over prepared, brought prove of our marriage (from pictures of 7 years ago, emails, plane tickets travelling together, shared properties we had in Cuba before moving to Costa Rica) we provided an affidavid of support and they asked for the W-2 forms from our sponsors, we also had employment letters from some friends in US, and bank accounts with a little bit less than 8k US dollars each.
Unfortunetly our bachellors degrees were being legalized in Cuba the day of the interview, but we wrote the embassy and they said to go to the interview to not delay it and we could send the documents when we have them later.
In San Jose embassy just like in any other US embassy I think, electronic devices are not allowed, there was a big line but it was for people applying to tourist visas, but we were in a shorter line. We paid the 330 USD fee and we were told to wait to be called. After 20 min we were taken to the consular officer, this was the conversation (the woman was really nice all the time):
CO: Hi!
Us: Hi!
CO: Who is the main applicant?
My wife: Me
CO: What is your higher degree?
My wife: Bachelor’s degree.
CO: What do you do for a living?
Me: XXXXXX
My wife: XXXXXXX
CO: Have you worked for the Cuban government?
Us: XXXXXXXXX….
CO: Why did you come to Costa Rica?
Us: yarayarayara
She finished reviewing all our documents and said:
Congratulations! As soon as I recieve your bachelor’s degree I am going to approve your visas.
(Emotions) XD
We sent my wife’s degree one week later the interview and we recieved the visas 1 more week later.
The entire interview lasted around 10 min.
Booked our flight and enterred to the US, we are already here!
Thank you Simon for all your help, I learned a lot from your blog and your Youtube channel, thanks to you we knew we could get married and we made the biggest and best decision of our lives, we had your support throughout all the process, and we are so thankful to you, God bless you and all the best for you and your family.
August 22, 2022 at 04:10
I’m very happy for you!
All the best for your life in the USA.
August 23, 2022 at 17:32
Hi Brit Simon and everyone!
I’ve had my interview on 21st August, in Qatar. Here’s how it went.
My interview was set for 8AM. I arrived at 7:50AM due to heavy traffic. First security point includes checking ds-260 confirmation page, passport and appointment letter. At this point all people for all visa types were going through same procedure. After waiting for about 5 mins, IV cases were separated and told to go inside. This is where heavy security check was performed. All electronic devices were taken, and I was given a badge. Surprisingly, I was the only DV case, and it felt a bit weird.
I was then told to go inside the main building. Another checkpoint right at the entrance gate. I honestly saw a different level of security today, one that I’ve never seen before. Anyway, when I got in the building, there were 6 counters. I was first called in counter 1, and my passport was taken. Then I waited for about 10 mins and was called in counter 2. Here, the officer asked me for my papers. she checked everything in detail that I thought she was conducting the actual interview.
Once I handed over my documents, I was told to return to counter 1 in order to pay 330 USD. I paid, and again waited for my name to be called. And then at last, it was time for the defining moment. The moment I was waiting for since July 2021. The CO called my name, and the interview session started.
CO: I would like you to raise your right hand please and make an oath to tell the truth and nothing but the truth.
Me: I do
CO: I’m going to take your fingerprint now, please place your four fingers on the device
Me: *placed my fingers*
CO: Alright so tell me, what do you do in Qatar?
Me: I’m an IT Solutions Architect
CO: Explain to me your job description
Me: *told her everything*
CO: What’s your highest level of education?
Me: I have high school diploma, but I also attended college for 2.5 years before I dropped out.
CO: I see you have submitted the transcript of high school. May I ask if you have the high school certificate?
Me: Yes, I have it
*Luckily, I brought my certificate with me. I thought transcript was enough but apparently, she insisted that I provide the certificate*
CO: Where will you go in USA?
Me: I’m going to New York
CO: Why?
Me: Because I have a brother there
CO: Oh ok. What does he do for a living?
Me: He’s an IT Professional
CO: Ok. Coming back to your employment status. Do you have employment letter from your company?
Me: Yes.
*Handed her over the employment letter*
CO: Ok. Congratulations, your visa is approved. You will receive your passport 1 to 2 weeks from now.
Me: Really?
CO: Pardon me?
Me: Nothing. Have a good day Ma’am
Co: You too.
I was surprised that she never asked for my bank statement or affidavit of support. Maybe the info in my employment letter was enough.
The whole interview from start to finish was no more than 3 mins. When you set your mind to only tell the truth and never lie, it becomes one of the easiest interviews you will probably have. I can’t stress enough how being truthful is super important. Never risk anything.
21 August (Administrative Processing)
22 August 10AM (Issued)
Brit, I can’t thank you enough. I’ve been closely following you since July 2021 last year and I’ve learned ALOT from you about the DV process. You were recommended to me by my brother, who by the way is also another person you guided back in 2016 when he won the DV lottery. Thank you so much for everything, and I hope that the rest of scheduled DV winners will successfully get their visas. Please. Be. Truthful.
August 28, 2022 at 20:44
Very cool – congratulations, and say hi to your brother for me!
September 6, 2022 at 06:04
Hi Brit,
I would like to thank you for your assistance throughout my journey since I got selected up to the issuing of the visa. I am married with 4 children and all of us were present at the Embassy in Johannesburg for the Interview at 7.45 After all the security checks, the first counter was a local lady who asked for documents (Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificate, Passports, Police Clearance, i-134 Declaration of Financial Support), originals, copies and since I am from Congo I had to translate all French documents into English
CO What your name?
ME I gave my name
CO requested that my wife and 4 children to come to the window and introduce themselves
ME They did
CO How long are in South Africa and what do you do?
ME Since 2004 and I have been working in IT and now I am a Database Administrator at …
CO Which state will you stay in US and why?
ME There are 2 reasons: first I got a sponsor in that state and secondly I have been sending out my resume to different companies who are willing to employ me but they required me to be legal to work in US
CO What are you going to do in the US?
ME I will work in the IT and I have already sent my resume to many US compagnies
CO Everything is OK but you will have to submit additional documents:
1 High School Diploma
2 Birth Certificate for your spouse
3 Medical Results (The doctor didnt send them at the time my interview was scheduled)
4 Supplemental Court Order for Birth Certificate (Jugement Supplétif à l’Acte de Naissance)
5 Acte de Notoriété Supplétif à un Acte de Naissance
For all Congolese winners (DR Congo), please go to this link ( https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/CongotheDemocraticRepublicofthe.html ) in order to know all civil documents that US requires for example Birth Certificate is NOT Attestation de Naissance BUT Acte de Naissance
2022AF18XXX
State Chargeability: CONGO-KINSHASA
Post: JOHANNESBURG
2020-10-27 DV 2022 Submission
2021-05-08 Selected
2021-10-30 DS-260 Submission
2022-05-25 Second Notification letter
2022-07-11 Medical Exam
2022-07-20 Interview
2022-07-21 Refused
2022-08-01 Pending documents were submitted via DHL
2022-08-18 Administrative Processing
2022-08-23 Issued
2022-08-31 Passports Collected at DHL
September 6, 2022 at 14:40
That’s awesome – congratulations!!
October 22, 2022 at 16:21
Thanks a lot JEFF for sharing in details as well as Simon for facilitating this wonderful platform for those in need like me. Please Johannesburg, I would love to hear more stories if anyone is available.
September 14, 2022 at 10:26
Hi Brit,
I have my interview today, go through all the process but unfortunately was not successful because we were told that my husband name was not put in the system when we play. But the heartbreaking part is that we filled the form at the internet cafe and my husband name was filled in the form but they said that the cafe man never added my husband name and we marry 2018. Is there anything we can do to get the Visa? We really need your advice.
September 24, 2022 at 15:30
No – if your husband was not on the entry then disqualification is the only possible outcome.
September 29, 2022 at 13:12
But how is that possible because we play as couple and both of our photos were even added. When you choose the option married you have to fill out your mate information. So I’m still confused as to how it really happened. Can you please explain that better so that such thing can happen again?
October 2, 2022 at 14:24
Millions of people go through the process. The system works. If there was a mistake, the person completing the form made it.
October 16, 2022 at 21:00
Thank so much for your reply but still want to know for tomorrow because I can’t still digest how that was possible because even when we were filling our ds260 by the time we login me and my husband name appear on it before we could even start filling it. So my question again is, how was it possible for my husband name to appear on the ds260 and his name could not be found in the system and even our appointment letter his name was there. Please have patience with me and explain more to me. Hope for your reply very soon and thank so much in advance.
October 11, 2022 at 11:38
US Embassy in Suva, Fiji
Case Number: 2023OC1x (lucky to get a case number below 20)
2 Person (Me & Spouse)
*********************************************************************************************
11 May, 2022 – DS 260 Submitted
15 August, 2022 – 2NL Received
19 August, 2022 – Police Certificate
(Did my police clearance earlier since I have heard certificates been lost and sometimes takes weeks to be issued, incase my certificate was lost I would have time to get another done).
05 September, 2022 – Medical Examination
(Did my medical a month before the interview which was a good decision since they took 3 weeks to provide the medical report, a week before the interview).
04 October, 2022 – INTERVIEW at 10.30am
*********************************************************************************************
Traveled to Suva from Lautoka a day before since there’s lot of road works in progress and I wanted to avoid any unforeseen delays if I traveled on the interview day. Stayed at my sister’s place. Left my sister’s place 7.00am due to traffic, reached the Suva Embassy at 9.30am.
Went to the Embassy entrance where I was told to go to the next separate carpark where the security officer will advise when to go for interview. There were already lot of people waiting for the interview (mostly for tourist visa). There were only 7 people for DV interview including us.
At 10am the security officer advised us to go the main Embassy entrance (this a small building at the gate) with only the documents, no phones or bags allowed. Went to a window where another security officer asked us if we had any Covid symptoms and had any contact with any person who had Covid symptoms. We said ‘No.’ He asked us to wash our hands and go to the next door. Another security officer asked to see our passport than let us in to the first security check up. Placed our documents and stuff in a tray which was scanned, we were asked to walk through the scan (similar to airport scan). We were than asked to go out and into the main embassy building. Entered the embassy building through the second security check (similar to the first security check process) they asked for the sealed medical envelop, stamped on the outside and gave back and asked to go the next room.
Entered the room where all the people were seated together waiting for interview (for all types of visa) and on one side there were six cubicles. The first two were where American COs were taking interviews and the other 4 counters had local persons who were taking documents. We waited for 5 minutes and were called to the last counter where a Fijian man asked for our original and copies of documents, medical report, passport, photos and fees. Both hands were scanned for digital prints, received a number and was asked to wait for the number to be called.
After 20 minutes our number was called to the first counter (American Male CO):
CO: Place the number in the box and place right palm for digital prints.
US: Took the oath.
CO: Have you been married before?
ME: No.
CO: Do you have any children?
ME: No.
CO: Have you been married before? (to my spouse).
SPOUSE: No.
CO: Do you have any children? (to my spouse).
SPOUSE: No.
CO: What work do you do? (to my spouse).
SPOUSE: Homemaker.
CO: What work qualification do you have?
ME: Explained what work I do.
CO: Explain your study qualification? (showing my Diploma)
ME: Explained my Diploma qualification.
CO: Have you both been arrested before?
US: No.
CO: Your visa is approved. We’ll call once ready for collection from the embassy within 3-5 business day. Gave us our original documents.
US: Thank you. We left the embassy and made our way to Lautoka.
Interview took about 5 minutes.
05 October, 2022 – Embassy called the next day and advised visa ready for collection.
11 October, 2022 – Went back to Suva to collect the visa as I didn’t want to risk with post.
We were very nervous about the interview but it was a good experience and I think Suva is one of the best embassies. Everyone from the security officers to the CO were polite. We also had the I-134 in hand just incase they asked buy the CO didn’t ask about anything on financial support.
A BIG THANKS goes to Simon, your YouTube videos had greatly helped me to prepare for the interview and understand the DV process when I had little knowledge. I had been applying for DV for the past 10 years and finally got lucky in DV2023. So guys don’t get disappointed if you don’t win the first time or so, keep trying you might get lucky to be selected.
I wish good luck to all other DV2023 selectees with the process and wish you guys have a positive interview results.
October 22, 2022 at 15:56
Wow – that is so cool – super low number and processed so fast!!
October 17, 2022 at 07:55
Hi brit,been trying to check my entrant information but the page gives me a bad feedback all the time.is there a problem
October 23, 2022 at 15:18
It was broken, but is fixed now.
November 6, 2022 at 18:43
Hello!
After many years of reading Simon’s website and receiving a lot of help from this community, I have decided to share my experience of the interview at the embassy in MADRID in case it is useful for other people.
I am a DV2022 winner, I had a relatively low NC, an EU14K, but we all know that FY20, FY21 and FY22 have been a bit of a disaster. But you already know that story, so I want to concentrate on the interview as such. My interview was at the end of July, at 9am. As we don’t live in Madrid we travelled the day before, but it was a holiday so the clinic to pick up our medicals was closed. On the day of the interview the clinic opened earlier (we had already discussed this with them) so that we, and other people in the same situation, could pick up our medicals without any problems.
We arrived at the embassy at 8:45, there was a queue at the door. A person with a tablet goes around the queue asking for appointment confirmations. It is important that you do not bring any bags, purses or backpacks, you will not be able to bring them in. There is a kiosk on the other side of the road, but they will charge you to keep your bag. You are also not allowed to bring laptops. In 5 minutes we were on our way in. They took away our mobiles, iwatch and give you a piece of paper to pick it up later. Go through a security arch and you advance to a reception desk. At this reception there is a table and a person asks you for your passports. This is where they give you a number with a letter, this is the number that will appear on the screens when you go to a window. And they also put stickers in your passport with your details and your shipping information. He also asked us for one of the photographs. We went to another room, there is a space on the left for citizens, and the rest is for immigrants.
When your number appears on the screen (the one on the paper they gave you before) they call you from the window. There you will have to hand in all your papers. The woman was very nice, and the fact that we had everything separated into folders, with paper clips, post its etc and separated by people (my husband his folders and me mine) made it much quicker for us. Even so, it took us half an hour to deliver everything. Although the main one was me and in theory only I should meet the requirements, they also asked for my husband’s qualifications, we had brought them with us so it wasn’t a problem. She told us that it wasn’t obligatory but that since we had them…. Once she checked that everything was correct, she gave us a receipt to go and pay at another counter. You can only pay by card and they charge you in USD. Once you have paid, you go back to the counter where you have handed everything in, without waiting in line or being called. After that you wait for a call from another counter. That will be the interview. In our case it was in English, we handed in what she asked for, we were fingerprinted and she only asked us two questions:
– Her: Did you get married in September?
– Me: Yes
– Her: How did you meet?
– Me: Well, in 2012 we were in a championship of…
– Her: ok ok, everything is fine. Looks fine to me. There are some checks to be done and in a few weeks you will receive your passports at home. Welcome to the United States of America.
After that she gave us a paper explaining our obligations as residents. When we left, we picked up our things and went straight to the street. The whole process took less than an hour. I had far more documents prepared than necessary, including two folders with all kinds of proof that my marriage is real. They didn’t ask for anything that wasn’t on the list.
A week later we received the envelope with the two envelopes, passports etc. for each of us.
The whole process was very easy and smooth. They are really very kind. So nothing, now to live the second part of the adventure.
November 12, 2022 at 15:38
Very cool – thanks and congratulations!
November 16, 2022 at 07:20
Hello Brit!
I was a DV-2020 winner with a high case number. I filled out the ds-260 form and sent it to KCC. But unfortunately, I didn’t not get an interview appointment until the end of the fiscal year.
My question is as follow:
If I apply for a Visa (immigrant or non immigrant visa), would my old ds-260 form be taken into consideration when processing my new case?
Please note that I did not send any other documents aside the completed ds-260.
Thank you for your consideration!
November 20, 2022 at 10:18
Yes. The DS260 is an application for immigration. So – it can be a factor in a subsequent Non immigrant application. Not certain denial – but a factor.
December 17, 2022 at 14:41
Non immigrant visa to US only or other countries like Canada, UK, Australia too
December 18, 2022 at 22:28
USA of course.
December 20, 2022 at 18:56
I was a DV 2022 winner from Australia. I’m a single woman, no criminal record, no dependents.
My embassy was Sydney.
9am interview time.
I arrived at 8:45am, went though security and up to the level – it all happened on one level in the new North Sydney location.
The embassy emailed me a checklist of all the requited documents at the time of my interview confirmation. It was the same documents that Brit has on here.
I brought more just in case, but they did only require the documents on the list.
I submitted documents at the first window, then was sent to pay fee at another window, and then waited for about 20 minutes for my interview at a third window.
A lovely gentleman asked simple questions about information on my DS260 – work experience, my intended final destination in the US. He also made sure that my status as divorced was definite and final. It is – 10 years now – but he wanted to officially confirm it.
One extra thing in my case – I had been refused entry to the US in 2020, as I had the wrong visa. But I thought I was doing the right thing, and was completely open and honest at the border, so it didn’t effect my case. As soon as the interviewer heard that I was open and honest at the border, he was satisfied and moved on. I’d been concerned about that, but it was fine. Just be honest!
That was it! The interview was super quick.
The main thing was making sure my DS260 was filled out correctly, getting the documents together… and then waiting… for a long time… for a 5 minute interview!
But now I’m living in the USA and life is great.
December 22, 2022 at 08:39
Awesome!
January 12, 2023 at 12:12
Hello Brit! I hope you’re doing well. Firstly I want to say a very big thank you for all the advice you have been giving to us DV winner. I’m from Freetown Sierra Leone and my interview was on January 5th, my visa was approved on the same day and I collected my passport today, January 12th. However, because I did my medical in November 2022, I was given four and a half months visa. My visa should expire on May 23rd. I have an important exams to take on May 17th. Is it okay to travel to the states 4 days before the visa expires or is it too risky? Please I need your advice.
Thanks again
January 15, 2023 at 10:17
That is OK, as long as you don’t have any flight delays.
January 31, 2023 at 04:06
Hi Brit Simon
2023OC4##
1NL – 7/05/22
2NL – 15/11/22
Interview Date- 24/01/23
Issued
First and foremost I would like to thank you so much for all your videos and all the information you have provided.Even the interview experiences had helped us a lot too.
Time on the interview date was 10am and we were there at 9am. Actually we’re a family of 7. My husband is the primary applicant, me and our 5 children. Ages 17,15,10,8 and 3.
I’m a divorced woman and Me and my current husband had adopted my 2 children from my previous marriage. The 3 younger ones are our children together.
As soon as we got our 2NL we immediately emailed Suva Embassy about our interview date. They emailed back to confirm all our DS260 confirmation numbers. They sent us forms to get our police clearance and medical checks done. My husband had spent 2years in Australia studying so they also recommended we get a police check too.They were so helpful they had sent the link to where we can get it done online since we’re Fiji citizens.They even sent us a list of all the documents we need to bring with us for the interview.
As we reached the embassy car park we went straight to security to hand in our 2NL. He immediately called the 1st checkpoint and they had said for us to go straight in. We went through 2 checkpoints. Keep in mind the security officers were so welcoming and friendly. They collected our phones in the 1st check point and gave us a number.
After the 2nd check point a security had walked us through to the room where all the interviews were held. Interview room was packed with people who were applying for tourist visa. Same security had pointed to a cubicle where we had to submit our documents and get our fingerprints done. All the documents they wanted were originals and photo copies of each:
All our passports
2 each recent passport photos
All our birth certificates
Marriage certificate
Highest academic certificate and transcript (only the primary applicant)
Previous marriage certificate
Divorce certificate and documents
Custody documents
Adoption documents
Statutory declarations of previous addresses of adopted children
Australia police clearance
Medical sealed envelope
Also be informed that we had provided our bank statements but they did not ask us to submit.
After we submitted that he gave us a number and asked us to pay our visa which was $759 fjd each. We were already informed to bring cash with us.
After about 30 minutes our number was called.we then went up to the Case officer (American male) where he sighted each and everyone of us and asked for the 2 older children and us to take our left fingers prints done and also asked if all the children can take a seat so he can proceed to ask us questions.
* Are you married?
*Were you married before?
*How many children do you have?
* What is your current employer and describe your work?
*Who looks after the children?
*What are the logistics once you reach US?
And he gave us a white sheet that said we were approved for our visas.The next day around 1:45 pm they called me and said that our passports and visas were ready to be picked from the embassy.
We’ll be leaving our shores for California state by February month end just to get everything sorted.
Please know that we appreciate all you do for the rest of us. You have helped us through every step of the way right up to our interview and with that we’re grateful. Thank you so much and Vinaka Vakalevu.
February 3, 2023 at 13:31
Thanks for such a detailed account. As you know – these experience stories are helpful.
Congratulations, and best of luck!