A friend, Matina K, has suggested that some might benefit from a post about how to handle the situation when you have entered as single and want to get married at various points along the DV process.
Firstly, I should explain that the marital status question in the eDV entry is one of the critical questions on the form – a mistake on your marital status can (and typically does) cause disqualification – even if the mistake was innocuous/innocent. Some people, for instance, choose “legally separated” when they are in fact, married, but separated. Unless a separation is legally recorded (typically by a court) then you cannot claim to be separated. Similarly, if you enter married because you plan/expect to be married before the results are announced, that can also cause disqualification. It is essential that you take this question seriously and literally.
OK so what do you do if you are planning to get married before the results are announced OR you are selected and then realize that you want to take your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner. The process depends on the exact timing, between the original entry/registration (October), result announcement (May 1), your interview date (after October, according to when you are current) and the end of the DV year (September 30).
By the way, these comments relate to opposite sex, or same sex relationships. Since the repeal of DOMA the federal government has recognized same sex couples have the same rights for immigration benefit as opposite sex couples. US immigration law therefore respects marriage based on the laws and customs that govern in the place where the marriage was performed. If a marriage is considered legal in the place where it was performed then US immigration law treats the marriage as lawful. I will refer to your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner/fiancé all as partner from now on in this article.
Entry of an unmarried couple in DV lottery
First of all, if you are unmarried you cannot list your partner as a spouse. You can of course both enter the lottery and if either one wins then they have the option of marrying to confer the benefit of a visa (and then Green Card) on the other. Just be aware that each principal selectee (winner) has to meet the requirements in their own right (regarding). Whilst married couples can benefit from cross charging to a spouse’s country (if their own country is ineligible) that option is NOT available to single entrants that later marry. If you are unmarried but have children then both entries should include the children as derivatives.
Scenario 1: Marriage after registration, but before the results are announced.
This one is “easy”. Life happens, you don’t put your life on hold simply because you entered the DV lottery. So – you got married, then you found out you were selected so you simply fill in the DS260 as a married couple. There will be some “normal” scrutiny of the marriage – even people who have been married years have been lightly questioned about the marriage in DV interviews. Marriage prior to selection may get similar interest – and if you want to be extra prepared then take some proof of the marriage as I will describe below.
Scenario 2: Marriage after registration, and after the results are announced, but prior to interview.
OK – there is nothing wrong with this if the relationship is real. In fact it is absolutely the sensible thing to do in some cases as I will describe shortly. However, winning the DV lottery is a huge opportunity and there are plenty of people that have tried to manipulate the system to obtain two Green Cards based on a “sham” marriage. It is therefore up to the couple to demonstrate the genuine nature of the marriage and, especially in countries where fraud is more common, the couple should be prepared for extensive and deep scrutiny of the marriage. People have been prosecuted for immigration fraud based on sham marriages – so please don’t even consider that!
If you have plans to marry shortly after the announcement of the results, you may decide to hold back submission of your DS260 until you have married, so that you can include your spouse on the first submission of the forms. However, if you have already submitted your DS260 and marry while you are waiting for interview, you can request KCC to unlock your form (email is best) and then modify your DS260 to include your new spouse (including modifying your own entry to reflect your new marital status). In the email requesting the form unlocking, I would suggest including a scan of the marriage certificate which will be added to your KCC file (later sent to the embassy or Field office if doing adjustment of status).
If the marriage happens after the case has been passed to the embassy for a scheduled interview, you should still inform KCC as a precaution BUT your actual approach is to handle the change direct with the embassy. Some embassies are relaxed about who attends the interviews, others are very UNrelaxed – so in some cases you will have to contact the embassy or ask KCC to contact them on your behalf to get your spouse added to the interview schedule.
Scenario 3: Marriage after interview, before entry to the USA, and before the end of the year.
OK – you like to live on the edge don’t ya! This is still technically possible, but unwise. The process involves approaching the embassy that handled your case. However, this is a highly risky strategy as the embassy may not understand the rules, you might time out, visas may be exhausted and so on. The MUCH more preferable option is to bring forward the date of your marriage before the interview.
Scenario 4: Marriage after interview, after entry into the USA but before the end of the DV year (September 30th).
OK – this is rare, so rare that I am not even sure this would be technically possible/legal. If you have created this mess you may be able to process a derivative case but this would be highly risky since they would rightly wonder why you hadn’t handled this earlier (i.e. causing them severe doubt that the relationship is real).
Scenario 5: Marriage after the end of the year
This one no longer falls under DV lottery rules – a normal immigration process would need to be followed which is slower and more expensive.
Proof of relationship.
How can you prove your relationship is genuine and not just a sham to take advantage of a DV lottery win. Basically this is a matter of demonstrating your life together and the big events with documentary evidence. This can include the following suggestions.:
- Photos/Emails/Joint bills from the period of time before the marriage.
- Photos or other evidence from the wedding ceremony itself.
- Joint financial documents such as shared bank accounts.
- Knowledge of each other, your extended families and so on.
Get your thinking cap on – the burden is on you to prove the marriage is real. If there is doubt in the mind of the CO he/she is entitled to deny your visa with no appeal process (in consular processing cases).
Thank you to Matina for the suggestion on this topic – as usual, feel free to ask questions/comment on this article, check out my other posts and subscribe to my blog to be notified as I publish further articles.
DV lottery
June 7, 2016 at 06:02
Hi Simon,
I am from India and my wife is from Nepal. She registered for DV 2017 last year(2016) when she was single. We got married in April 2016. She got selected for DV 2017 in May 2016. After selection she has added me as derivative and we have both submitted DS 260 form with status as married. My question is – Whether i am eligible to get Diversity Visa or not ?
June 7, 2016 at 06:07
Yes, no problem.
June 7, 2016 at 06:19
So chargeabilty rule applies even if you will get married after initial registration and before result declaration. As i am from non eligible country (India) for DV, do they consider me as derivative during visa interview.
June 7, 2016 at 06:20
Could you please explain me in detail. Thanks.
June 7, 2016 at 14:19
I already answered! You are a derivative and will be charged to Nepal via your spouse.
If you want detail, use the search on my site since I have written about chargeability rules.
September 9, 2016 at 01:12
This is useful – thanks!
June 13, 2016 at 15:22
Hi Brit,
My wife is selected for DV 2016 and we have interview on June end and my case is Scenario 2, filled DS260.
We got Married in a temple and donot have any photographs of the marriage. But we have marriage certificate and relationship certificate.
We can brief the interviewer about our situation but am worry if it have any negative impact during the interview?
June 13, 2016 at 16:27
You don’t need to worry if the relationship is genuine – but it is wise to take whatever additional proof you have of the relationship.
June 13, 2016 at 20:51
hello brit,i would like your help in something.someone told me and my husband (i got married after dv lottery scenario 3 ) that we should take conversations of facebook we have made together,call phons list from our phone number company and that pictures dont matter since they cant prove the date and time that we knew each other long time ago.We have tons of pictures in our phones.Problem is i closed my facebook account two years ago for safety reasons and in my husband’s facebook we don’t have any conversation we have deleted them since then,no one knew we would need them one day.We also don’t have any picture together in his facebook,we like to keep our relationship not too open about things we do together , but all his friends and my friends and everyone who knows us know we have been together for years since high school.What should we do?Does that mean we don’t have enough proves to proof our relationship?Sorry about my grammar,i am not english.Thank you about your time !
June 13, 2016 at 21:36
have a careful think about the proof you might be able to show. I don’t know what that will be – think of it from the CO’s point of view. A lot is based on the CO’s “feeling” about you both – they make a personal assessment based on their experience in interviewing people.
June 13, 2016 at 20:53
sorry scenario 2.
June 14, 2016 at 11:40
My mum from liberia my father from Ghana and I was born in liberia but schooled in Ghana and I got married to my wife after she had played the eDV.what do I need be
Successful during the interview.thank you
June 14, 2016 at 13:26
It has little to do with you, and NOTHING to do with your parents. It’s about your wife and whether she has met the requirements and followed instructions. If you are interviewing in Accra you need to be very well prepared.
https://britsimonsays.com/prepare-dv-lottery-interview-2/
June 15, 2016 at 12:10
can you please help me with my question?thank you.
June 18, 2016 at 22:28
My brother won the dvlottery but didn’t not include that he has a child because him and the child’s mom are not married. Can this cause a problem in his interview
June 19, 2016 at 00:01
https://britsimonsays.com/easiest-way-to-get-disqualified-from-dv-lottery/
June 24, 2016 at 22:40
hi Britsimon,
i’m on of your blog readers, i have been read your blog from long time and your article helped me as well as others in the process of immigrations 🙂 i will leave to USA soon,
from one year till now i was wondering about one thing only, just super curiosity.
for most of immigrants we’re living in weak economies countries where is no equality or opportunity or good healthcare, i want to understand your point of view to leave the UK which its good country to live in the states ?! what you see in the states as benfeits
June 25, 2016 at 04:35
The UK is at least as good, if not better than the USA in several areas (education, healthcare, equality, no guns), but the USA is bigger, better weather, and in my line of business (IT) more opportunity.
June 26, 2016 at 00:51
Hi Simon,
My case if Senior 2. me and my Fiancee planing to get married this month because my appointment by the end of next month. my question is that, who I should contact to add my fiancee to my interview? and do I need to explain to the full story or just ask for reschedule the interview?
thanks for helping
June 26, 2016 at 13:40
You will have to discuss with the embassy. You should have married earlier.
June 26, 2016 at 19:29
thanks for replying, I know I should got married earlier but I found out I win the lottery to late (Last month) and I submitted my DS 260 form immediately and got an appointment within 20 days . So I am in such a bad situation and just afraid to get refused to add my spouse to my case.
thanks
June 27, 2016 at 02:33
If you want to avoid being refused you need to tell the truth!!
June 26, 2016 at 17:22
the fact is we know each other very well i mean our marriage is real,our relationship is real.if what you say is true then the CO must read in our face and eyes that we are real, i mean facebook can’t be the only way for two people to prove they are in a relationship right?thanks alot for your reply.
June 26, 2016 at 18:15
hi simon,
from reading your blog, i understand that the 1st trip to USA is activation and i can leave the us immediately for 1 year absence without an issue,
my question; it is possible to keep work in my home country and travel to USA every 6 month & stay 2 weeks to 1 month in the USA to keep the green card, reason because i don’t think i can find same job level in the states easily.
please advise,
June 27, 2016 at 02:34
It’s possible to do that for a while, but not a good idea.
June 28, 2016 at 17:42
hi dear ,
can you explain why it’s not good idea, i mean i’ll spend the year between here and USA to save my job at least until i can manage to move for ever their , please could you explain why it’s not good idea
thank you for the support
June 28, 2016 at 18:16
1. You will be risking your GC status. It is a live and work in the USA visa – probation in a sense. It is not a super visitors visa.
2. You will have certain responsibilities including filing tax on worldwide income. While that might not cost extra tax (depending on your country) it is difficult to do.
3. The idea that America doesn’t have good jobs is nuts. The longer you leave it to commit to the States the harder it will be.
June 28, 2016 at 21:17
correct, am not saying that states doesn’t have jobs, but now am in senior position which take me many years to be in that level, in the states i’ll start over from scratch i think so am not sure,
any way thank you for the support boss!
June 28, 2016 at 12:07
Dear, Brit
I am a applicant winner of 2016, i am married. Our interview date is august 9. Today we have done our medical, i passed the medical exam but my wife has some infection on her chest X-ray. What about my visa? If i pass interview they granted visa for me?My interview date is not change but my wife interview date is changed. Please reply me as soon as possible. ..
June 28, 2016 at 13:49
You can be approved without her. As to whether she will have a problem or not depends on what infection.
July 1, 2016 at 12:24
Hi, Simon! Nice job!
One quick question: I am selected for DV2017, and married (my wife was not selected). Is she obligated to bring to the interview her high school/ university diploma, or this applies only to me?
Thank you in advance! 🙂
July 1, 2016 at 14:06
Just you.
July 1, 2016 at 15:40
Thank you very much! You saved me a lot of trouble! God bless you! 🙂
July 6, 2016 at 19:25
hi simon.we have submitted our DS-260 (me and my husband) in first week of June for DV 2017 and we are still not getting our email from KCC for our interview date.Should it take so long ,i am worried.When should we get the email from the day we recieve our confirmation about submitting DS 260?Thank you alot.
July 6, 2016 at 19:41
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
July 9, 2016 at 23:49
Hello Simon, can one leave his derivatives or dependants in US and move back to his home country because of work issues and do frequent visits to maintain his permanent resident status
July 10, 2016 at 01:34
Yes.
July 10, 2016 at 14:25
Thanks for the reply. At what time after winning the dv lottery can this be done if the relationship with the spouse and step kids occured after the entry into the dv lottery program but before getting selected and acquiring the visa?
July 10, 2016 at 16:24
Anytime. The derivatives do not depend on the principal after the initial entry.
July 10, 2016 at 06:50
Thanks for the reply. At what time after winning the dv lottery can this be done if the relationship with the spouse and step kids occured after the entry into the dv lottery program but before getting selected and acquiring the visa?
July 10, 2016 at 13:41
Because you did not reply to the other post I don’t know what you are asking.
July 13, 2016 at 20:48
Dear Simon,
I have a question, I got the DV and I engaged long time ago, my question is if I got married before entering the sates can my wife apply for a visa under reunion visa (which might take two years) not for a DV visa?
July 13, 2016 at 20:54
If you want her to get a visa through DV, get married well before theinterview. While leaving it until just before the interview is still technically possible, it introduces risk. Otherwise – yes plan on a two year process.
July 13, 2016 at 21:16
I did the interview and got the visa can I get married before I entering the states? with note that the DV program will end 30 Sep 2016 and we do not want to apply for this program, we planning to take the two years process because it less risky, is that possible?
July 13, 2016 at 21:17
Yes
July 17, 2016 at 01:38
Hi, My wife won the dv lottery .We got married after the registration but before the results and interview. She has filed for me to come to join her, she left 3 years from now..What document or proof will I need for the interview?
July 17, 2016 at 22:58
Is this a DV lottery case?
July 17, 2016 at 01:49
My case is following-to -join benefits
July 17, 2016 at 07:14
Hi Simon
I won DV2016 and have just arrived in the states, my parter I was with at the time of the interview, but did not disclose as it was earlier on in our relationship. Now things have progressed and I have arrived here I cannot see my life without her in it. I want to go back to New Zealand and get married to her, is this at all possible if done before September? What steps would I need to take? Is it possible they could take away my DV if I do this?
Thank you so much
July 17, 2016 at 22:53
You can’t do it via the DV program. It will now only be possible through family based sponsorship – which takes around 2 years.
July 17, 2016 at 23:15
Thanks for your reply. If this happens is it true she will have to wait at home in New Zealand until then? What if she came to the states on another visa (she does qualify for a media visa for example) and we got married, what would the situation be then?
July 18, 2016 at 03:31
She might be able to adjust status if she is in the USA on a temporary visa.
July 18, 2016 at 05:29
Thanks for your reply, does that mean she wouldn’t be able to leave USA until the status has been adjusted? Or risk not being allowed back in?
July 18, 2016 at 14:51
You have to pick.
You can process while she is abroad, but then entry to the USA might be difficult, or if she adjusts status she needs to stay during the adjustment process (which might take a year or so)
July 18, 2016 at 19:07
Thank you for your replies.. super helpful. I find this form hard to understand, but the one we apply for is the F2A? That waiting list looks less than a year, unless I am reading it wrong? https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin/2016/visa-bulletin-for-august-2016.html
July 18, 2016 at 19:50
Your math is not great. The date shows Nov 2014. That is almost 2 years. But the timeline can increase or decrease in line with workload.
July 18, 2016 at 05:28
Does that mean she wouldn’t be able to leave the USA for a few years?
July 18, 2016 at 16:40
My sister had two children missing since 2014 in south Sudan civil war and she entered alone does she have to explain to the embassy?
July 18, 2016 at 17:24
Regretfully, I think she is likely to be disqualified, unless she can obtain documentary proof that the children are presumed deceased. Obviously this is not something I can advise about with any degree of certainty – given the highly unusual circumstances.
July 19, 2016 at 17:27
Dear Simon,
Firstly thank you for all the information. I am fitting to the Scenario #2. We got married very shortly after the results are announced. I have hold off on filling out the DS260 form.
I am just a little confused with the sentence “Similarly, if you enter married because you plan/expect to be married before the results are announced, that can also cause disqualification. It is essential that you take this question seriously and literally.”
In this scenario, I have entered the lottery unmarried. I am currently married and I have yet to fill out the DS form. I can fill out the form as married,correct?
Thank you again.
July 19, 2016 at 22:00
Yes.
July 21, 2016 at 11:16
what if the marriage was a customary marriage… what happens in such a senario… also you certified the marriage after applying the DS260…nb you included your derivatives on the initial application
July 21, 2016 at 19:47
I would suggest a legal marriage.
July 26, 2016 at 05:55
I won dv lottery and live with partner since am not legally married and we have one child who is eight months old, I didn’t include her in my DS-260 form as we have no marriage certificate, We intend me to migrate first then once am settled we do legal wedding and she and my son joins me later, am yet to attend the interview which is in two weeks time… now if am asked about if am married, what do I tell the interviewer?
July 26, 2016 at 11:39
You MUST include the child in your DS260 – so you have made a silly mistake. You must correct the mistake in the interview. You should have got married and applied together, your way is much more complicated and slow.
July 26, 2016 at 12:34
can I include the child to DS260 at this time?, the child was born after filling the form….so do i say am single during interview?
July 26, 2016 at 12:49
You “say” what is accurate. If you are single you say you are single. But if you have a child you must tell the CO and you cannot edit the DS260 at this time.
July 26, 2016 at 12:59
thank you Britsimon for your advise
July 27, 2016 at 02:50
hello brit,
i received my SSN yesterday in one working week from the applying date, was fast i think,
still i did’t receive my green card till now it is normal?! noting i have been here in the US for 2 weeks only.
July 27, 2016 at 04:10
THe GC nornally takes 2 to 3 months to arrive.
August 2, 2016 at 14:31
Hi Brit, how is it like when a spouse of yours who is the PA is given a visa and Travel due to the visa expiration date and the beneficiary was placed on AP. Kindly Advice
August 2, 2016 at 22:58
It is still possible – but the main thing is clearing AP.
August 8, 2016 at 05:46
Hey Brit I have a situation. I live in the US
I won the lottery visa in 2015 and go married AFTER submitting my DS-260 and my I-485 (since I am already in the US) I didn’t know that my husband could benefit from me winning the lottery now my interview is schedule for August 31rst I came a cross your site end of July and we went ahead and submitted a I-485 for my husband couple days ago ( that leaves us 3 weeks until the interview). We have been together for 5 years here in the US but just recently got married what do you suggest I do? We were thinking about brigging him with me to the interview with a copy of the applications we sent ( mine and His) and explain the situation and hope he gets approve as well what do you think? Thank you in advance
August 8, 2016 at 14:29
I don’t know if that will work. Given you have the appointment you may as well discuss it during the interview.
August 8, 2016 at 16:01
You think he cannot adjust with me? What would you suggest?
August 8, 2016 at 16:10
I said I don’t know. It would have been simple to include him, but you should have filed at the same time. I don’t know what complications that will cause. I also said discuss it at the interview. I would normally recommend an infopass, but your interview is so soon, that will be just as quick.
August 12, 2016 at 11:06
Thank you so much Brit for your such informative blogand endless help. Again thank you so much Brit.
I am in difficult situation Brit. Please Brit help me giving appropriate suggestion.
I have my girlfriend who won 2017 dv lottery. She sent her ds 260 as a single. She convince me to marry after her 2nd letter arrived but prior to interview. Because her family at any don’t support her to marry with me now as we may not have any job to support our life (she is just 18 years and im 19) and there is no chance whether we may get visa or not.
Please Brit help me. What should we do? If we prior to interview, then does it reduce our chance of getting visa?
August 12, 2016 at 14:24
I don’t understand why people think it is a good idea to wait until after the 2NL arrives to get married. So foolish! That makes things more complicated.
Having a genuine marriage does not cause problems with the visa. But the choice of timing will make things complicated. You have not made it clear whether you actually have married or not, nor whether you have the 2NL.
August 12, 2016 at 17:29
Thank you so much sir for your great help.
No sir. We are not married. Her case no is 2017AS63xx and we are from Nepal, We are afraid as her case no is little risky. So her family does not let us to marry at any cost before arriving second letter.
August 12, 2016 at 19:43
So you have around 8 or 9 months to wait before she gets the 2NL. If you want to process smoothly you will get married well before then and change to a married process as described in the article above.
If you follow the wishes of the family, you will put the whole case at risk. The choice is yours. I guess you need to decide who is in control of your lives.
August 13, 2016 at 01:17
Thank you so much sir for your kind help. God bless you!!!!
August 15, 2016 at 09:51
I know Brit if we had married now, the process would have been easy and run smoothly. But the situation is different. Nepali society is not wider and do not let freedom mainly on the topic of marriage. All family members should support us mainly parents, if not ,we cannot make legal document regarding our marriage because our age is below 20 years. (To marry without support of family, one should be above 20 years)
The marriage is 100 percent geniune.
Brit your help is really really extraordinary and from heartly i would like to thank you so much. God bless you!
1. How can my girlfriend include me in interview? Does Nepali embassy are relaxed aout it.
August 15, 2016 at 13:08
Maybe the embassy are relaxed about it – But I have given you the best advice I can give.
August 18, 2016 at 23:46
Hi Brit. I am veronica David Gray,from Liberia, my husband and I got selected for 2017 dv program along with our two children, but the little girl is not our biological child but she been staying with us since 2010, in such Case what is our chance?
August 18, 2016 at 23:55
If you legally adopted her in 2010 (or at least 2 years ago) you could include her as your derivative. If you do not so a legal adoption process you cannot include her.
August 20, 2016 at 09:03
Can one person gives an affidavit to more than one family head and if possible, what should be the financial ceiling for each family head.
August 20, 2016 at 14:45
It is best not to do that.
August 21, 2016 at 10:05
And again, is it possible for a family of four in number to have two different affidavit/sponsor
August 21, 2016 at 15:09
No. ONE affidavit covers the main selectee and the derivatives.
August 21, 2016 at 12:03
Dear,
Are you sure that first absence from the states can be up to 1 year ?!
Is there any link from immigration or US official website to provide more information about this subject ?!
August 21, 2016 at 15:08
Yes I am sure. I have known MANY do exactly that. I don’t have a link to describe the policy, but it is certain.
August 22, 2016 at 11:06
Hello dear ,
I heard from a Canadian friend that, when he immigrate to Canada he take his furniture’s from his home country and shipped to Canada TAX free because he’s new immigrant , he fill the list of furniture’s in airport and stamped from the customs
It’s possible to do the same in America ?
August 22, 2016 at 14:17
Probably.
August 29, 2016 at 13:45
Brit
My case no is 2017AS1600.
My interview will be on october.
Reading your many post, i came to know that it is easier to take fiance now then later( after being in USA, as it might take two years or more). So we married now but the problem is that
1. IOM office denies to make my husband medical report. What should i have to do to bring my husband appointment letter?
He is not included in ds 260 form, we have married recently after 2 nl arrived.
2. Is marriage certificate from legal authorities is okay( from court)? We are from Nepal, here District adminiatration provides marriage certificate.Is KDU embassy is lenient to this topic?
Brit you are helping dv selectees endlessly and your blog are such informative for those.
God bless you! Wish for your happy and prosperious life.
August 29, 2016 at 16:20
1. He must be on the DS260, but now you cannot unlock. You left it VERY late to get married, and have complicated things very unwisely. You must discuss that with the embassy.
2. They will accept the legal marriage documents,. but you need to also show the proof that shows the relationship is real and pre-existed the DV win.
August 30, 2016 at 10:45
Thank you so much Brit.
1. Then i should email embassy to include my husband for medical and interview. Am i right? I have done it but don’t get any response till now.
2. What may be the additional proof to show relationship is real and pre- existed the DV win? The strongest proof can be the our academic certificate, we had passed our school leaving certificate(grade 10) from same school in the same year. We were classmate. And we have enough photos and facebook conversation. Are they enough?
3. Does this mess reduce our chance of getting visa?
August 30, 2016 at 14:46
1. Yes – but like I said – you have made it complicated.
2. The school proof is useless. Trips taken together, photos at events as a couple, shared accounts – that sort of thing.
3. Yes. Not because of what you did, but HOW you did it. Which is frustrating!
August 31, 2016 at 01:15
Thank you so much Brit.
The marriage is 100% geniune. So I am confident, we will get visa.
Again thank you so much Brit for your kind reply.
August 30, 2016 at 07:35
Hi Brit !
Can a married couple each have a seperate entry? Can they both apply or is that an automatic disqualification?
August 30, 2016 at 15:03
Yes, one each. If either win – both are happy.
August 30, 2016 at 15:32
Great thanks a lot!
August 30, 2016 at 11:46
Hi Brit
Always a pleasure for your kind assistance in sharing your knowledge on DV. On 25th August this year,i was granted my Visa after a successful interview courtesy of your essential guidelines in adequate preparation. Am now due to travel on September 10th 2016 as I’ve already made a flight booking. My questions are;
(1) Is it possible for me to change my host at this moment and give out my New address where my Permanent Resident Card will be sent?
(2)In case i change my host,am I guaranteed of my Permanent Resident Card which I applied to be sent to my New address?
(3)Assume am to get married before my departure to my fiance whom I didn’t include in my DS-260 form,will that compromise my stay in the US or jeopardize my efforts in trying to petition for her to join me in future?
(4)I’ve read the New policy highlighted by KSN News in regard to marriages which some were considered as ‘Secret Marriage’ under USCIS and its implications to the green holder including deportation. On my intentions to marry,can that be viewed as ‘Secret Marriage’ and if so,please advise if i should go on with the marriage plans or either postpone to another year
God Bless
August 30, 2016 at 14:43
1. Yes you can do that at the POE (arrival airport). Make sure you bring that up to the officer that processes your papers.
2. It makes no difference.
3. It won’t jeopardize anything.
4. I don’t know what you mean by secret marriage. But in general don’t hide anything and always tell the truth. If you do that, there is no problem!
August 30, 2016 at 15:45
Hi dear Brit, we are gay couple in Iran…. my partner won in lottery this year, when we filled the forms we have chosen married choise but we dont have marriage certificate so we are fiance now… what should we do now ?? still we dont fill the DS 260 forms please help us…
August 30, 2016 at 15:54
If you can get married in a place where the law recognizes gay marriage, the USA immigration law would respect that marriage. But – you have to be married. The inaccurate marital status might cause a delay in your case, but should be OK in the end. One thing I would say, is you need to act fast. Iranian cases are often subjected to LONG periods of background checks (4 or 5 months is not unusual) so you must make sure your interview happens by early next year. So – hurry up, get married and then submit your DS260.
September 2, 2016 at 23:09
hello.,im sorry don’t speak english very well.,so im i eligible to apply for the dv if i am a single girl of 19 years? DO I HAVE ENOUGH CHANCES TO BE SINGLE AND SAME FOR MARRIED? WHICH SITUATIONS IS BETTER
September 2, 2016 at 23:19
It makes no difference to you chance whether you are single or married. The only advantage that married couples have it that they can BOTH apply.
September 3, 2016 at 10:34
Hello Brit
We got married on 30th august and submitted DS 260 on 31st august.
Is that a problem? will the CO think that it’s a sham marriage?
September 3, 2016 at 15:03
It depends whether you show proof that the relationship was real prior to the win.
September 3, 2016 at 16:27
1. Would it have made a difference if we had waited 2 weeks after we got married and submitted DS 260?
I read somewhere that the interview takes about 5 min maximum:
2. how are we going to prove that the relationship is real?
Im scared they will disqualify us without giving us the chance to prove our relationship.
3. In case the CO thinks that its a sham marriage, will they disqualify both of us or only the derivative?
Thank you
September 3, 2016 at 18:46
1. No it would not have made a difference. Interviews are generally quick.
2. YOU need to think of the things to prove your relationship. Photos, emails, records of shared bills – things like that.
3. Both. And they could ban you for life from the USA (because it is immigration fraud).
September 3, 2016 at 20:13
Would whatsapp conversations and texts be considered as proof? should be print them or what?
September 4, 2016 at 01:22
Use your best judgment for what you have….
September 8, 2016 at 14:47
hello
I have visa,i want to travel ,i got married after my interview ,Is it possible for my spouse to get visa by f2j if I arrive the USA in 5 days before end 30 september 2016?
September 8, 2016 at 16:19
Not through the DV program, no. You can sponsor a spouse after marriage – it will take about 2 years. You should have got married prior to the DV interview.
September 18, 2016 at 08:39
Hello Simon,
I won green card lottery in September 2016, but i don’t want to fill DS260 yet, because i want to marry with my boyfriend. Is there a deadline for application? I’m afraid that we’re late.
Thanks in advance for your help!
September 18, 2016 at 14:22
No you are fine. There is not an official cutoff, but practically you have until May to submit your DS260 with no problem.
September 18, 2016 at 20:47
Hello Brit
I won a DV for 2017 and my interview will be in November 2016. I was dating with someone but i filled my ds-260 as single and submitted as single on the 26th May 2016,a week after my fiance died.We planned to marray with the person am dating in June but unfortunately she died on 16th May.The problem i have now i added her under add applicant but i did not fill the ds-260 form for her .and i could not able to remove her name.There will be a problem with regards to that.
Thanks.
September 19, 2016 at 02:53
You may be asked questions about that. I would take proof of her death if I were you.
September 19, 2016 at 11:43
Thanks very much. But will her name apper in my interview letter?
September 19, 2016 at 12:01
Maybe.
September 19, 2016 at 14:52
Hello! I have a problem.5 years ago I applied for visa lottery,in the meantime I get married,I changed my name (so I applied with maiden name ) now after one marriage year I was selected for green card. I call to the agency where applied and they sad is not chance to continue because the embassy will refuse me…can you help me please,it’s this true?thanks
September 19, 2016 at 15:08
They are correct. You cannot proceed with your case. It is a bad idea to apply through these agencies as you are certain to waste your money AND increase the chances of denial.
September 19, 2016 at 15:12
So is not necessary to contact the embassy to ask directly:(((…. so bad… actually I’m the same person I just move on my life so really I don’t understand why this is a problem :((
September 19, 2016 at 15:27
Because the entry form makes clear that you will be disqualified if you leave an eligible derivative (such as a spouse or child) off your entry. That is a fundamental rule – and breaking it is certain disqualification.
September 19, 2016 at 19:17
hello, hope you can help. I am from Spain and I live in the UK. I am going to apply to the green card lottery this October for 2018. I have a boyfriend that is from the UK and we have been together for 9 years but we have not married yet. For us marriage is not important at the moment, but if I would be selected in May, could I marry him and add him to my application before the interview? Or because the UK is not an eligible country this year this would not be possible? We would marry to be able to live together, but we thought that the chances of being selected are really low to get married before October, just in case. Hope you can offer me some advise. MANY THANKS
September 19, 2016 at 19:25
That was my situation (I am British, my wife is Spanish).
You can enter, and if you are selected, you will have time to get married, and then both of you would get visas/GCs through your case.
As you are unmarried he cannot enter. But if you were to get married, he too would be able to enter charging to Spain through his marriage to you.
September 19, 2016 at 20:06
Thank you so much for your quick answer! I don´t understand when you say: charging to Spain through his marriage to you. Do you mean getting married in Spain?
And also we could get married in May then, just after being selected…. (if that would be the case)
I thought we couldn´t when I read this in your post:
Whilst married couples can benefit from cross charging to a spouse’s country (if their own country is ineligible) that option is NOT available to single entrants that later marry.
I really appreciate your advise as this is helping us a lot to get a better understanding that reading in the US gov page.. GRACIAS
September 19, 2016 at 20:41
“Charging to” Spain means that the two of you will be “counted” as Spanish immigrants.
The cross charging information I posted was related to married couples that effectively double their chances of selection. If married, both you and he could enter (he with you as his spouse, and you with him as your spouse). In that case he would list his place of birth as UK, but would choose Spain as the country of “chargeability”. However, if you don’t get married before the October entry, that is not possible.
However, as I said, You can still enter, and then get married if you win to process as a couple.
September 19, 2016 at 21:47
Ahhh, now I think I get it. Honestly, thank you so much for taking the time and helping people with their questions. It means a lot 🙂
September 19, 2016 at 21:48
De nada!
September 20, 2016 at 23:14
Britt everything. Just seems to. Turn upside. Down.our Affidavit supporter wont be able to help us anymore due to. Personal. Problems.And we just found out that my spouse middle initial instead of A it has D on his national exams certificate but I am the PA.I am just sad because. Of this so he was wondering whether it wont affect us and he wad wondering if there is any wayout cus he wants to stay away I mean to backoff so pls direct us.All of his documents has A not D.
September 21, 2016 at 03:21
The derivative spouse will not be asked to show education documents. So – solve the financial support issue and you will be fine.
September 24, 2016 at 09:06
hi brit,i want to participate in dv lottery 2018 but i have one problem that i m not in a good relationship with my husband so i want to ask you can i divorce before ds 260 form and fill it divorced??please help me out in this matter..thanks..
September 24, 2016 at 13:36
This identical question was asked from the identical computer and I already answered it. Don’t waste my time!
https://britsimonsays.com/applying-for-dv-2017-video-guides/comment-page-1/#comment-48311
September 27, 2016 at 13:16
Hello,
I received a notification letter from KCC about an appointment for DV – VISA is scheduled for October 5th 2015.
My questions are
1. how can i postpone the interview to a later date?
The reason for this delay is that I will get married soon, and I would like my future husband – who has been sharing my life for the last 5 years – to join me when immigrating to the United States.
September 27, 2016 at 14:22
Why on earth have you left this so late????? You should have married months ago and submitted as a couple.
1. Contact the embassy.
September 27, 2016 at 16:10
because i needed alot of paper work and so i had to travel to Africa and this took several months. the problem is that all the emails sent to the embassy in paris come back undelivered!
September 27, 2016 at 20:08
Is this a question?