Congrats Winners,
I just wanted to highlight a few things that fail most Ugandans at the US Embassy in Nairobi.
* Spelling errors on our Legal documents***** This to me is the biggest challenge many Ugandans face. Most of our documents have wrong spellings of NAMES, DATES, TOWNS/CITY etc.
They pay so much attention to these things at the Embassy.
For example: I was put on Administrative Processing for 90 days because my Daughters name was spelled wrong on her Birth Certificate.
Most of you with these errors will go through Administrative processing, which literally means; they will have to verify your information before you are issued a Visa.
But rest assured that you will get that Visa once all your paperwork is straight. Just watch the Nairobi deadlines... I think they set it to 15th Sept now not 29th like back then.
* Marital Status**** OK. This one is straight forward, if you applied for the DV lottery as Single then that's it. If you applied as Married then that's what it will be. DONOT wait to win then change your status from Single to Married just coz you want to bring someone along. They know that trick now. Don't try it. They will disqualify you right away. Besides, even if you have proof, in most cases like if you married and also got a child between this time... they will only advise you to continue the process by yourself or just abandon the whole thing. REMEMBER: You can always go back and file for your spouse and child as soon as the Green card is issued.
* Education Vs Employment: My personal opinion is that don't use Employment as your Eligilibity pass because they will put you to Administrative processing right away. The process of verifying Employment in Uganda is long, the deadline will pass you. So use your Education certificates.
Tip: Just a small tip for you my friends: If you are interviewed by the American officials/consulates, don't talk too much. Answer just what they ask. The Embassy is a fan place as I call it.... The tension is always very high, as people believe any small mistake will get you denied. Usually it's better to just relax and wait your turn.
When my friend was being interviewed, they asked him why he wants to go to America, so I knew they would ask me the same Question. But guess what; my interview was only 7 minutes. They asked me if I was in touch with my contact in the US, questions about his location, will he pick us from the Airport.
To me it was very interesting talking to the official ofcourse not until she pulled my Daughters Birth Certificate and saw the wrong spelling. Then she told to I have to wait until that is verified, they will call me back before 90 days.
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I have lots of advise for you lucky winners..... you can email me for more on this.
DISCLAIMER: OK, Just so you guys know... this is my experience and for all those that I have helped. To be precise, I have been able to help 2 families and 4 singles. They all live here (US) now. Everyone's case is different, don't take my advice word for word. Keep up with the US Embassy website for updates and changes. Also watch the VISA BULLETIN so that you are ready for your interview on time.
Lastly, BE SMART.... Don't get scammmed in Nairobi while trying to fulfill your dream. Get there over the weekend if your interview is on Monday and tour the city. The place for Medical exams is different from the Embassy, so know these locations early enough.
Good Luck.... See You in America