How lucky you are? Have you been selected for further processing? DV-2014

[samershahin]

Dears,
I didn't know how much lucky i am, till i viewed the official publicized statistics for previous years from below link?
Imagine DV-2013 had aprox. 8 million online entries, if you are one of selected 100,000, that means one of only 1.25% of selected !!!

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_5715.html
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html#results

i have a question, if your Chargeability State has very few selected numbers for further processing, in matter of less than 300, and your interview is outside that state, how does that increase or decrease your odds?

 

[SusieQQQ]

Dears,
I didn't know how much lucky i am, till i viewed the official publicized statistics for previous years from below link?
Imagine DV-2013 had aprox. 8 million online entries, if you are one of selected 100,000, that means one of only 1.25% of selected !!!

http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_5715.html
http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1322.html#results

i have a question, if your Chargeability State has very few selected numbers for further processing, in matter of less than 300, and your interview is outside that state, how does that increase or decrease your odds?

I presume by "odds" you mean chances of actually getting an interview? I don't think where your interview is has any bearing on your odds. As for the numbers, well, not 100% sure but my country usually only has 700-900 winners, but the range of numbers judging by my country forum has interviews all the way through the fiscal year so it really depends more on your region number as to whether you will get an interview. One obvious advantage is that you won't have the issue of your country potentially reaching the 7% of total cap that is a risk in the highly populated countries.

 

[Momo1980]

I think its a matter of pure luck despite all the mathematics we try to guess-timate.

Of course each country has the 7% quota as SusieQQQ has also stated but people who were selected don't have like a fixed point in the fiscal year when their interviews will take place and as SusieQQQ said above, it ranges throughout the year.

Tanzania has a bloody lousy DV applicant rate purely because people here find it too hard to deal with or find the requirements too hard or don't have sufficient finances or simply don't want to go to America or simply fear the whole change. Only about 150 people get selected from here even though Tanzania has a decent quota allocation for it.

 

[House409]

Hi there- does anyone know what it means when KCC say your forms are being processed? I send them an email asking them if they received them and if anything was missing, and got generic email from them confirming receipt of the forms, but nothing about their content. They just said they were being processed and that would take several weeks. Do I need to send them another inquiry in a couple of months, or just wait my number to become current, and get a 2nd NL?

 

[OnTheGo]

Do I need to send them another inquiry in a couple of months, or just wait my number to become current, and get a 2nd NL?

Since they already confirmed receipt of your application, I would not 'bother' them with more queries of that nature...I'd trust they would tell you if something was missing. As far as I have read in other threads here, it seems they will not actually check your application for accuracy or content until your number is up. Any missing items will surely still be able to be presented at interview stage. But that's just me ... while I also emailed them wanting to know if they had received my (wife's) application (as 6 weeks have now passed since it supposedly was dropped off), I also understand that if 125,000 people were bombarding them with emails, perhaps they'd only manage to actually process a handful of people for lack of time...LOL

 

[House409]

Since they already confirmed receipt of your application, I would not 'bother' them with more queries of that nature...I'd trust they would tell you if something was missing. As far as I have read in other threads here, it seems they will not actually check your application for accuracy or content until your number is up. Any missing items will surely still be able to be presented at interview stage. But that's just me ... while I also emailed them wanting to know if they had received my (wife's) application (as 6 weeks have now passed since it supposedly was dropped off), I also understand that if 125,000 people were bombarding them with emails, perhaps they'd only manage to actually process a handful of people for lack of time...LOL

Yes, that's what I thought. Thanks for the advice. So now, I need to be patient... It's not really in my nature ... This is going to be hard. If I ever get interviewed, this will be in Summer 14, with my EU37xxx number.

 

[OnTheGo]

If I ever get interviewed, this will be in Summer 14, with my EU37xxx number.

Same here, we don't expect for NL2 prior to Jul with interview in Aug 2014 if we are lucky, based on CN EU35xxx. We are currently also looking into another way into the US, via a company transfer on an L1 visa via my wife's work. If we are lucky, she may be offered a position and we could then hopefully move prior to the dreaded European winter (we'd be based in FL), then do an AOS or CP in EU while continuing to be based in the US already.

 

[samershahin]

Same here, we don't expect for NL2 prior to Jul with interview in Aug 2014 if we are lucky, based on CN EU35xxx. We are currently also looking into another way into the US, via a company transfer on an L1 visa via my wife's work. If we are lucky, she may be offered a position and we could then hopefully move prior to the dreaded European winter (we'd be based in FL), then do an AOS or CP in EU while continuing to be based in the US already.

yesterday I checked the Administrative processing Thread, apparently it applies as well to my country classified as Condor Visa, which means I have to go through Security checkups for my profile, and according to my case number it looks as very difficult to get an interview, before SEP2014, and being under AP means I will loose my chance within the 2014 Fiscal year.

 

[franko]

Same here, we don't expect for NL2 prior to Jul with interview in Aug 2014 if we are lucky, based on CN EU35xxx. We are currently also looking into another way into the US, via a company transfer on an L1 visa via my wife's work. If we are lucky, she may be offered a position and we could then hopefully move prior to the dreaded European winter (we'd be based in FL), then do an AOS or CP in EU while continuing to be based in the US already.

With your highish CN I would advise CP over AoS. AoS might take w while. With CP you risk nothing in my opinion.

And I take Eu winter over Florida summer anytime - humidity is a killer in FL.


Maybe not anytime but I would not survive any more summers in FL.

 

[Britsimon]

With your highish CN I would advise CP over AoS. AoS might take w while. With CP you risk nothing in my opinion.

And I take Eu winter over Florida summer anytime - humidity is a killer in FL.


Maybe not anytime but I would not survive any more summers in FL.

Florida has a wide range of conditions. South Florida (Miami/FTLauderdale) Only has two settings "steamy hot" or "hurricane". Further north though things get way more comfortable. Summer in Sarasota for example is still very hot but winter can be quite cool. I have seen frosty mornings in winter.

 

[Momo1980]

Tampa or Orlando would be my pick if I went to Florida

In 2011 when I was in Orlando, it was FREEZING for one week, average temperature was around 8C and there was wind chill which made it even colder.

A week later (in the words of Forrest Gump) - "someone turned off the cold, and the sun come out and it was hawt."

In general Florida has Tanzania type weather so it'd be the same for me except for when it gets cold which is a rarity.


Case No - DV2013AF0007XXXX (applied the first time and got it the first time - lucky me!)
Entry Checked - 1st May 2012
Forms Sent To KCC - 10th May 2012
Received By KCC - 12th May 2012
Confirmation From KCC - 25th May 2012 after I sent them an email
2nd NL - 14th June 2013
Police Clearance (TZ) - 13th June 2013
Police Clearance (UK) - 21st June 2013
Medicals - Completed 24th June 2013
Interview - Wednesday, August 7th 2013 @ 8am - US Embassy Tanzania
Visa Pick up - Hopefully August 11th 2013
Departure Date - August 17th 2013
Port of Entry - Washington Dulles

 

[Vichel]

With your highish CN I would advise CP over AoS. AoS might take w while. With CP you risk nothing in my opinion.

And I take Eu winter over Florida summer anytime - humidity is a killer in FL.


Maybe not anytime but I would not survive any more summers in FL.

Sure you would survive. You get used to it. Dress appropriately, move slow, find shade or a/c, buy/rent a place with a pool. I much prefer this than the misery of a very long, cold winter where all you do is try to stay warm inside and it's often endlessly grey and dreary as well. Yuk. Been there, done that. So depressing.

I don't find the humidity so bad here in FL afterall. I thought I would since I'm used to the crackling dry, blazing heat of my hometown of Perth. But it's not as bad as I expected. It makes for a softer heat, like a big hug. And whereas I used to loathe the endless rain and drizzle of BC, the brief afternoon rains here, often accompanied by some exciting thunder and lightning, are very welcome and interesting. Everything's so green and lush and the garden grows so well. I love eating outside in the lanai (screened covered patio), listening to the many birds. I'll be able to do that many winter days here too, as well as walk along the beach barefoot. Not so further north

Each to his own though. Some people don't like the heat but you can only know when you try it, and not just on holiday.

 

[franko]

Sure you would survive. You get used to it. Dress appropriately, move slow, find shade or a/c, buy/rent a place with a pool. I much prefer this than the misery of a very long, cold winter where all you do is try to stay warm inside and it's often endlessly grey and dreary as well. Yuk. Been there, done that. So depressing.

I don't find the humidity so bad here in FL afterall. I thought I would since I'm used to the crackling dry, blazing heat of my hometown of Perth. But it's not as bad as I expected. It makes for a softer heat, like a big hug. And whereas I used to loathe the endless rain and drizzle of BC, the brief afternoon rains here, often accompanied by some exciting thunder and lightning, are very welcome and interesting. Everything's so green and lush and the garden grows so well. I love eating outside in the lanai (screened covered patio), listening to the many birds. I'll be able to do that many winter days here too, as well as walk along the beach barefoot. Not so further north

Each to his own though. Some people don't like the heat but you can only know when you try it, and not just on holiday.

Proper winter is OK. I grew up in a country with cold winter and hot summer and I appreciate summer more because of that I guess but winter is cool too (pun intended ), especially winter sports and then that feeling when the spring starts

I worked both in California and Florida and if (very, very slim chances) I get my GC I will definitely hit California-ay You can surf in the morning and break a leg snowboarding in the afternoon

 

[OnTheGo]

Just to add to the FL climate discussion (triggered by my post ^ of currently looking into the option of moving there on an L1 transfer visa through my wife's employer who is based in Orlando), we actually lived in Brisbane for over seven years, so we are used to hot and humid weather. I do admit that in the end we tended to dislike the hot steamy days with a merciless sun that burns your skin within ten minutes, so we were reflecting on our time of previously living in Sydney, which does not get as humid, and summer has a mix of hot and not so hot days (while Brisbane is just hot from end of Oct to mid/end of May...a solid 7 months! However, Sydney has become an extremely expensive place...so much that you really need to either be a millionaire or on a solid 6-figure income to be able to afford the mortgage or rent. Climate wise, I compare Florida to Australia's state of QLD (Queensland), and California to Australia's NSW (New South Wales). While we were considering both Southern Cali and Fla to live, long term we are still open for other areas. One thing we need is, to be on the coast. I think San Francisco looks like a great place, but the weather actually seems pretty mixed (lots of fog and you need to dress in layers, even in summer so they say...it reminded me of the "4 seasons in one day" city of Melbourne. Can anyone confirm this about San Francisco? Are other areas around the S.F. bay much different in terms of the weather? It's been a very long time since we visited L.A., a VERY long time. When I look at Google Maps and zoom in and 'drive around' via Google Street view (I'm a big fan - lol), then I wonder if there is much of a "seaside lifestyle" to be had...given that it probably takes a $Mio in those areas closer to the water or up the hills, just like in Sydney?
Can we not put San Francisco where L.A. is, so it's got the harbor, bridge and all that in the warmer climate of L.A.? LOL
In terms of Florida, we visited in Nov/Dec of last year...it happened to be a perfect timing, weather wise, the first few days were warmish but slightly coolish breezes in the morning (nice), but was getting warmer by the day. Towards the end of our 2-wk trip, it was actually getting quite hot and steamy at daytime! We quite liked the St. Petersburg/Tampa area, as well as Sarasota/Fort Myers and Naples areas. Some coastal towns on the east side between Melbourne and Palm Beach were quite nice, too. I like Miami but even though I speak a bit of Spanish, it felt like no one actually spoke English anywhere which was something to get used to.
What are other options to live nice, safe and comfortable near the water where it doesn't get too cold and awful in winter?

 

[Britsimon]

San FRan does have a "4 seasons in a day" climate - to do with the geography. Some people like that, but the layers thing can be a pain. The east bay or south bay is nicer - more stable and warmer. SF area is VERY expensive though - local wages are high to compensate.

By the way, if you haven't looked at San Diego, place do - lovely place and nice (warm) climate.

Houston, TX is nice and whilst not ON the sea it is near the sea. Cost of living is less than CA.

You've mentioned the nicest areas in Florida I think - I like Sarasota area a lot.

The coastal towns around mid and south Florida are the cheapest seaside living you can get. Some areas are very nice such as Boca Raton - worth a look.

 

[OnTheGo]

Yeah...San Diego IS on my mind, even though it might feel a bit 'remote' being too much south of L.A.?
I actually think, that a lot of the discomfort of high humidity levels in Fla comes from cheap type of construction with bad or no insulation. I know it's the same in Australia, where construction codes have improved, but are still laughable compared to say Germany. I will never understand why you would not apply the same thick insulation in a hot climate that you would in a cold...as if living in a 'hot box' was any "nicer" than a freezing cold house.

As for the plan of moving over to Fla. on an L1 visa ... the first cracks are appearing...my wife's employer does not seem to have much clue about visas and costs, and all they seem concerned about is whether or not she expects them to cover relocation and visa expenses. While we don't expect the former, we would expect them to cover the visa costs. However, he thinks it will come to 'at least $5,000 or more' .. whereas I think this might only apply if over 30% of their entire workforce was on either a H1 or L1 visa...unlikely for any company outside of the high tech/IT industry. The normal cost for an L1 visa, as far as my research goes, is $300 plus a $500 'anti-fraud' fee (WTF?), so more like $800 all up. But anyway....I think it might be another way of saying...it's in the "too hard" basket.

 

[Britsimon]

Yeah...San Diego IS on my mind, even though it might feel a bit 'remote' being too much south of L.A.?
I actually think, that a lot of the discomfort of high humidity levels in Fla comes from cheap type of construction with bad or no insulation. I know it's the same in Australia, where construction codes have improved, but are still laughable compared to say Germany. I will never understand why you would not apply the same thick insulation in a hot climate that you would in a cold...as if living in a 'hot box' was any nice than a freezing cold house.

As for the plan of moving over to Fla. on an L1 visa ... the first cracks are appearing...my wife's employer does not seem to have much clue about visas and costs, and all they seem concerned about is whether or not she expects them to cover relocation and visa expenses. While we don't expect the former, we would expect them to cover the visa costs. However, he thinks it will come to 'at least $5,000 or more' .. whereas I think this might only apply if over 30% of their entire workforce was on either a H1 or L1 visa...unlikely for any company outside of the high tech/IT industry. The normal cost for an L1 visa, as far as my research goes, is $300 plus a $500 'anti-fraud' fee (WTF?), so more like $800 all up. But anyway....I think it might be another way of saying...it's in the "too hard" basket.

The company should be paying the visa fees from a USCIS point of view. The company are essentially saying they have to bring this individual over - it is not based on the desire of the employee, so USCIS would have an issue if it became clear the employee was paying the fees.

FYI, $5k is about what my H1 has cost (actually $10k because we applied last year and missed the cap date by a few days then the lawyer disappeared with the filing fees). About half of the $5k is lawyer fees.

 

[OnTheGo]

Insane visa fees! I just read somewhere that there are plans to even increase the $5,000 to $10,000 for H1 visas...on the other hand I read somewhere else a few days ago that there are plans to increase the number of H1 visas to over 180,000 per annum.
These are two contradicting facts that make no sense. It's like saying the US Govt is trying to make international talent acquisition business friendly in an ever increasingly free-trade world, yet they make it prohibitively expensive.

 

[Britsimon]

Insane visa fees! I just read somewhere that there are plans to even increase the $5,000 to $10,000 for H1 visas...on the other hand I read somewhere else a few days ago that there are plans to increase the number of H1 visas to over 180,000 per annum.
These are two contradicting facts that make no sense. It's like saying the US Govt is trying to make international talent acquisition business friendly in an ever increasingly free-trade world, yet they make it prohibitively expensive.

It's just an entry tax and people will pay it even if they increase the fees. The salaries for H1 workers are supposed to be "fair" in comparison to other workers. I'm not so sure about that, but in any case the company is able to "secure" an employee that needs to keep his/her H1 status. Although the worker could transfer employers, it still represents a barrier to exit so gives the employer an advantage of a more stable workforce.

The increase to 180k would be welcomed by a lot of technology companies, but I actually think it is too high a number. That represents a big annual influx of (primarily) Indian IT workers who need time to "mature" into the American workforce and raise their game from the pretty poor standards of IT staff in India (who are, in my experience, generally smart, well qualified but inexperienced and unable to think independently).

 

[Vichel]

Yeah...San Diego IS on my mind, even though it might feel a bit 'remote' being too much south of L.A.?
I actually think, that a lot of the discomfort of high humidity levels in Fla comes from cheap type of construction with bad or no insulation. I know it's the same in Australia, where construction codes have improved, but are still laughable compared to say Germany. I will never understand why you would not apply the same thick insulation in a hot climate that you would in a cold...as if living in a 'hot box' was any "nicer" than a freezing cold house.

Yes, it always astonished me that houses are built so poorly insulated in Oz considering the extremes of temperature. A brick house with no wall insulation with a clay or concrete tiled roof with no ceiling insulation, and lots of single-paned windows is like living in a Dutch Oven in summer and a fridge in winter. In Perth it would get down near 0 Celsius many winter nights. We installed ceiling insulation in our house and that helped somewhat - and ceiling insulation finally got put into the building code in 2000. We looked at replacing our windows with thermal-paned ones but the cost was prohibitive.

Our San Diego house also wasn't insulated well though, and had single-paned windows and we were surprised at how cold it felt in winter. We had the fireplace going most nights and had to use space heaters often. I suppose it comes from the idea in many milder or warmer climates that 'hey, we don't get blizzards, therefore we don't need all that insulation', which is dead wrong and dumb. But it's slowly changing due to energy consumption concerns.