What’s Happening in Immigration: Diversity Visa Reassignment Procedures for Kabul and Baghdad

We are happy for you to join us today. In this blog post we share some new updates in the world of immigration law for Diversity Visa Program selectees.

The Department of State has just released important procedures for Diversity Visa Applicants selected in the 2022 DV program with cases assigned to the U.S. Embassy in Kabul or Baghdad.

The agency is asking all such DV selectees to contact the Embassy in Kabul or Baghdad to request reassignment of their cases to another Embassy or Consulate processing immigrant visa applications abroad. Under the law, cases can be transferred to another Consular post (provided the alternate Consular post will accept them) however applicants must be physically present in the Consular district where the Embassy or Consulate is located at the time of their interview, and have permission to remain in the country by the host government for a period sufficient to complete the processing of their visa application.

Applicants may wish to contact a Congressman for assistance with the transfer of their case. Applicants should also be aware that they should first contact the alternate Embassy to confirm whether their case can be processed there. Each Consular post may have their own rules and regulations governing the DV application process.

What is the procedure for my case to be reassigned?

Under new guidance released by the Department of State, DV 2022 selectees can request reassignment by emailing KCC (Kentucky Consular Center) at KCCDV@state.gov with the subject line “Kabul/Baghdad Reassignment Request.”

To process your request, your email should include the following information: (1) full name, (2) date of birth, (3) case number, and (4) the name of the embassy or consulate where you would like your case to be reassigned. After KCC reviews your request, you will receive an email confirmation that your reassignment request was successful or, alternatively, requesting more information. According to KCC, all emails will be reviewed in the order they are received.

When will my reassigned case be scheduled for an immigrant visa interview?

DOS guidance informs DV applicants that reassignment of their case to another embassy or consulate does not mean that it will be automatically scheduled for an immigrant visa interview. Instead, interviews will be scheduled after the DS-260 immigrant visa application has been fully processed, your case number is current according to the Visa Bulletin, and when the reassigned embassy or consulate has an interview appointment available.

The Department of State has said it will continue to schedule DV interviews according to the order of the case numbers, as required by law, subject to any limitations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and country conditions.

How will I know when my case is scheduled for an interview?

If your case has been scheduled for an interview, you will receive a notification by email to check the Entrant Status Check Electronic Diversity Visa Program webpage. Applicants must monitor this webpage to confirm whether their appointment has been scheduled and to verify appointment details.

Where can I find more information about this new update?

For more information about the DV 2022 reassignment procedures please check out our helpful links below.

Need more immigration help? Contact Us. If you would like to schedule a consultation, please text 619-483-4549 or call 619-819-9204.

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