I was so excited to win the 2020 DV lottery that I filed the DS-260 immediately (as advised to on the site; I honestly though I'd miss out on getting one of the 50k GC's if I wasn't one of the first 50k people to submit the DS-260). Now that I've shown immigration intent, my upcoming E3 renewal is likely going to be denied. Am I screwed, or is there a way around this?
Timeframe so far:
May 2019: win DV lottery, case number OC15XX (high for the Oceania region). File DS-260, stating I plan to do AOS since I'm already in US.
May 2020: E3 expires. I've shown intent now, so I'm screwed.
July/August 2020: Based on last year's data, this is the time when DV case numbers OC1500+ will be current and I will be able to apply for a GC, if one is available still.
Realising AOS may not be possible, I have already emailed the KCC asking to be placed back into normal CP processing. This is in preparation for still being able to get a DV GC if I get deported back to Aus. I have no idea if this is possible, or if the DS-260 can be withdrawn entirely, or if this helps me in any away.
I plan to skip over to Canada to renew my E3 in May. If they bring up the DV lottery, I honestly plan to explain that I had no idea what intent really meant; I am happy to remain an nonimmigrant. I blindly followed instructions on the visa website not knowing how it affected my visa personally. If my renewal gets approved, wonderful. If it gets denied ... well I will end up back at Australia, waiting for my GC case number, right?
Alternative idea: ask my employer to help switch me from an E3 to HB-1, which allows dual intent. I have a PhD and work in medical research so hopefully I can be in some priority category there. Is this feasible? It sounds silly but that 2-3 month gap is a major life overhaul; job lost, rent contract ruined, general life thrown into chaos all because I panic-applied for a DS-260.
Any help or suggestions are welcomed.
Timeframe so far:
May 2019: win DV lottery, case number OC15XX (high for the Oceania region). File DS-260, stating I plan to do AOS since I'm already in US.
May 2020: E3 expires. I've shown intent now, so I'm screwed.
July/August 2020: Based on last year's data, this is the time when DV case numbers OC1500+ will be current and I will be able to apply for a GC, if one is available still.
Realising AOS may not be possible, I have already emailed the KCC asking to be placed back into normal CP processing. This is in preparation for still being able to get a DV GC if I get deported back to Aus. I have no idea if this is possible, or if the DS-260 can be withdrawn entirely, or if this helps me in any away.
I plan to skip over to Canada to renew my E3 in May. If they bring up the DV lottery, I honestly plan to explain that I had no idea what intent really meant; I am happy to remain an nonimmigrant. I blindly followed instructions on the visa website not knowing how it affected my visa personally. If my renewal gets approved, wonderful. If it gets denied ... well I will end up back at Australia, waiting for my GC case number, right?
Alternative idea: ask my employer to help switch me from an E3 to HB-1, which allows dual intent. I have a PhD and work in medical research so hopefully I can be in some priority category there. Is this feasible? It sounds silly but that 2-3 month gap is a major life overhaul; job lost, rent contract ruined, general life thrown into chaos all because I panic-applied for a DS-260.
Any help or suggestions are welcomed.