Completing the DS260 for DV lottery entrants
Completing the DS260 for DV lottery entrants
*** Note***
Upon submission, some people are getting an error message that the confirmation number doesn’t match. In that case – the solution is here:
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
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OK – so the main task to process your DV lottery win is to complete a form online that is your “application” for immigration benefit. That form is the DS260.
The form itself might seem daunting, and it may take about 2 hours to complete. It is important that you prepare your information, and enter the details as accurately as possible. You will be able to make changes later on, but it makes sense to spend a few extra minutes early on to get this right.
You will some documents to complete the process and mostly you will need those now so gather them now and create a special file to start creating your DV lottery paperwork:-
- Passport information for you and your family members.
- Birth certificates for you and your family members.
- Your education history
- Your work history
- Your address history
- An address in the USA of a friend or family member. This is where your Green Card will be sent.
Ready? OK now let me guide you through completing the form:-
Enter the form for the first time.
You need your case number which will be in the format of YEAR-REGION-CASENUMBER. For example 2016AS00001234. This is the FULL case number including the “leading zeroes” in this case before the 1234. (In online forums we suggest hiding the last 2 or 3 digigits and dropping the leading zeroes – so when quoting your case on a forum you would state this number as 2016AS1XXX or 2016AS12XX. This protects your identity.)
The form will expect your date of birth in day/month/year order. This is odd because Americans write date in month/day/year order.
Once in the form you will go through a number of sections where you will enter your details. Most of the information is self explanatory – but here are screenshots for each section of how the forms will look for a simple case – and some comments about some of the questions. Please remember it is important to make sure your answers are YOUR answers. Don’t just copy what I am suggesting if the answer does not agree with your circumstances.
1. Summary.
Here you will see a list of applicants attached to the case (based on the eDV entry). Click the link under “IV application” to complete the details for each applicant.
You can also add applicants from this page (if you have married since the original entry or had a child). Once you have added an applicant you cannot remove that applicant or change their name. So – please be careful about name spelling etc. It is also important to note that if you are adding a spouse or child that you already had prior to the original eDV entry but failed to mention in the original entry you will most probably be disqualified, as that is a critical error.
If you do have to add a child or spouse because of a birth or marriage while you are waiting to be interviewed, remember you will need to add an applicant AND in addition your own form will need to be unlocked so that you can add the new family relationship to your form.
2. Personal Information 1.
This is where you will enter your name information. It is a useful page to capture your name in English, but also in Native alphabet.
The names entered on this page should be as listed on your passport – but also use the “other names used” section to make sure you have covered combinations that appear in your documents. For example, if you have an education certificate that includes an additional family name, use the alias section to include that name. Also, use the alias section if you entered your name differently on the eDV entry. Entering your other names used here means USCIS have early notice to perform name checks on your various names used and therefore you can make sure your background check is comprehensive – which is exactly what you want to reduce the chances of being placed on AP or even refused for incomplete name information.
Complete the other details such as date of birth. If you somehow made a mistake on the eDV about your date of birth (for example during conversion from a different calendar) THIS is your opportunity to correct that mistake – please pay attention to that. This would normally agree with the date of birth on your birth certificate, but if that is not known, then use the date shown on your passport.
About city/state/country of birth. ON the eDV entry (where you entered the lottery) you will have entered something for your city of birth. The three levels are related to each other – so a CITY is sometimes denoted as being in a STATE (or province) and that STATE is within a COUNTRY. People sometimes are not sure what to enter so let me gives some examples.
You could have been born in Richmond which is a city/town in London, United Kingdom. So an acceptable answer (which should agree with the information on your birth certificate) would be:
CITY: Richmond
State/Province: London
Country: United Kingdom
Your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond the point of entry, but if your passport will expire during the DV process, you might be better submitting now with the current passport and updating later once you have the replacement passport. This is especially true if you have a low case number, and are therefore expecting an early interview. If you do need to renew your passport during the DV process, in many cases people have taken old and new passports to the interview without unlocking the form, but the preference would be to add the new passport details if time allows.
OK – hope that makes sense. Check what it says on your birth certificate. It is important that this information agrees to the birth certificate and the passport. By the way – your country of birth may not be the same as your nationality (which is on the next page). But your country of birth is what should have driven your entry into the lottery (eligibility is based on your country of birth, NOT your nationality).
The finished result should look something like this:-
3. Personal information 2
This page is about your travel documents (passport). Make sure you have the passport in front of you when you complete this page – accuracy is important as this will enable background checks.
Note, if you do not have a passport at this time you can complete the entry using another state issued ID, and then later unlock your forms to add the passport details. You WILL need a passport prior to interview as will any derivative (family member) of yours.
4. Present and previous address information
Try and complete this as accurately as possible. Provide all the address that you have LIVED at since the age of 16. If you stayed at a holiday home for a month or two, that does not need to be entered, but if you LIVED at an address for a few months then you should enter that address. You enter past address in reverse date order – meaning going backwards in time, one address at a time. Be as accurate as possible with the date you started living at each address (you can guess the dates within a month or two).
5. Mailing and Permanent Address Information
This is information about where you expect to stay in the USA OR the address of someone you can trust to receive your Green Card on your behalf. Most people can think of someone within their family or friends that could receive the GC for them. You should also know that you can change this address during the process – right up to the day your arrive in the USA for the first time.
6. Family information: Parents
OK – self explanatory information. I only show the top of the page in the screenshot below but you add your parents details and their addresses. THe data here should be accurate, but if you don’t know their birthdates etc. it is not a huge problem. Do the best you can.
7. Family information: Spouse and Previous Spouse
Enter the details as appropriate to your case. Remember, the information should be correct on the day you enter it. So, if you plan to marry in a month but want to submit your form today then you are SINGLE today. YOu can either delay submission of your form until you are married, or submit now as single and unlock your form later after the marriage. There is some information about marriage during the DV process here.
A previous spouse is entered when you divorced of a spouse passed away. You will be required to produce a divorce certificate or death certificate during the interview to tally with what you enter here.
8. Family information: Children
Fairly obviously you will need to enter information about each child you have, making sure their information ties with birth certificates and passports.
If your child is nearly 21 there may be special considerations for you. Please read this article on children aging out and their status under the CSPA.
If you are expecting a child to be born during the DV lottery processing period there are also procedures in place to obtain a Green Card for that child. I will address that with a new article.
One thing I would say, it is ESSENTIAL that you listed all your children in the eDV according to the instructions. If you made a mistake about that you may have caused yourself a problem. If you have a concern, contact me and explain your situation.
In the case shown in the screenshot below the applicant did not have any children.
9. Present work/education/training information
OK so this is important as education OR work experience are requirements of the DV lottery. Please read this article for more information about meeting the requirement. I cannot stress enough. You are only required to meet the education OR work experience – you do not have to prove BOTH. Of the two routes, education is the simplest and most reliable method, but some people cannot meet the education requirement – and although this may surprise you that includes me. I have had a very successful career in the IT field and have demonstrated my skills to earn a H1 visa (which is category of visa for highly educated or highly skilled workers), BUT I could not have met the DV lottery requirement on education! So – think carefully whether you do or not – and act accordingly.
Enter the information about work and education based on what you are doing at present. If you are entering work experience and hope to qualify through work experience you should consider carefully the question about “does this job require 2 years of training or experience”. Again, read the article above to understand that better.
10. Previous work/education/training information
OK – so this will vary depending on what you did before your present occupation. Maybe you had a different job, maybe you studied. Whichever is true you must enter that information here and create a complete history of your work, education and training. Try and get the dates to be accurate and make sure that those dates make sense with the address information you gave previously.
This page can end up being quite long and for the screenshots I have had to break it into two pieces. Just take your time and make it make sense. You can add another occupation (work or edication). Again, you enter going “backwards” in time.
11. Additional work/education/training information.
Answer the questions truthfully on this page. If you answer Yes and a box opens for further details there will be instructions of what further detail they want.
12. Security and Background: Medical and Health information
Answer these questions carefully and truthfully.
The second question (about vaccinations) causes some debate. Truthfully it WILL NOT MATTER whether you choose Yes or NO for that particular question. The right answer for 99% of people is NO, because you do not have “documentation to establish…”, even if you do have records of vaccinations. So, it is a subtle point but whether you answer yes or no it will not matter. The vaccinations you actually need will be decided by the panel physician at the time of your medical. So by all means gather whatever vaccination documentation you have.
13. Security and Background: Criminal
Answer these questions truthfully. Most criminal convictions will not cause disqualification, and you will have a chance to explain at the interview. The crimes that can cause disqualification are called “crimes of moral turpitude”. It is a vague term and perhaps one that I will write about to clarify but most people by far will not have a problem even if they have a criminal conviction. Previous immigration fraud is not surprisingly one of the crimes that can cause an issue which is why it is essential you always tell the truth on these applications.
14. Security and Background: Security 1
Again – answer these truthfully.
15. Security and Background: Security 2
Again – answer the questions truthfully.
16. Security and Background: Immigration law violations
As I mentioned earlier – they take immigration law violations seriously!
17. Security and Background: Miscellaneous 1
Again answer truthfully.
The skilled or unskilled labor question has sparked some debate. In reality if you intend to work in the USA then the answer to this is Yes – but this is another question that will not cause a problem no matter which response your choose.
18. Security and Background: Miscellaneous 2
Again these just need truthful answers.
The healthcare professional one is another question that really doesn’t matter how you answer it. If you are a healthcare worker don’t be afraid to admit that.
The public charge question should be answered NO. Public charge means financial assistance from the government. You must realize that the Green Card lottery winners should not be claiming “public assistance”. There are some exceptions to that statement, but in general you are expected to support yourself. The USA is a land of opportunity, not free gifts.
19. Social security number
Answer these three questions as shown below unless you already have a SSN from a previous period in the USA. USCIS will (in theory) forward your details to the social security administration (SSA) to apply for your SSN. In practice many people find this does not happen correctly and delays are caused in getting the SSN after you enter the USA. Since the SSN is so important for many purposes here in the USA that is a nuisance, so I always suggest people visit the SSA office after a couple of weeks to make sure your SSN is “in the system”. You should receive the SSN card itself about 2 to 3 weeks after entering the USA.
Submitting the form.
OK so you have completed your form. You do the same for each derivative (family member). Check all the forms carefully, take screenshots if you like and when you are ready, submit the form. You should then print the confirmation page. You will be able to review the form later in review mode and can also take screenshots at that point.
You may also be prompted to fill out a form for “selected service”. Any us resident male under 26 years old is required to register for selective service. This does not not mean you will need to serve in the military, but if there was some crisis that required additional military men under 26 years old will be picked by a lottery to be inducted into the military.
The form will become “locked” so that you will not be able to edit it although you will be able to review the information after you submitted it. If you need at any time prior to your interview to unlock the form you can do so by emailing KCC who generally respond within a few days. Once unlocked you can make changes.
Once KCC have your form they will “process” it. They conduct background checks based on the information you have told them and access to official records. The processing period in DV2015 took around 4 to 5 months because of the volume of forms submitted around the same time. So, if you have a very low case number and you delay the submission of your DS260 there is a chance you could delay the interview date – BUT don’t worry, you will simply be interviewed later. Interviews are conducted based on case number order but only from a pool of cases that have completed their DS260 processing.
October 22, 2016 at 14:32
Dear Sir
I hope doing fine for all
Many thanks for you helping us always
I would like to ask one more question if its Possible
My question is my case is 2017AF00015xxx still no appointment my case is too small
what Can I Do
My Second Question is I have Sent DS260 on September.
yesterday I request unlock Kcc begin for my DS260 on September or the day of Reopen 21 october 2016
many thank for your respecting me always
Best Regards
Abdikhadar
October 23, 2016 at 18:41
You haven’t got an appointment yet because you waited until September to submit your DS260. Your interview will not be before March.
October 22, 2016 at 20:56
Hi, is it a big deal if I apply now for dvlottery with name spelling “IULIIA” from my current passport, then in a 6-7 month i’m going to change my passport to new biometrical one but according to new transliteration law my name spelling will be “YULIIA” so in case I win how should I fill DS 260 form?
October 23, 2016 at 14:38
Fill it in with your current legal name.
October 23, 2016 at 09:54
Hi!Brit when i open DS260 now says COMPLETED for every applicant.Everything ok?Now i just need to wait for interview date?
October 23, 2016 at 14:26
Yes
October 23, 2016 at 19:48
If i am a winner of september and filled ds 260 in october can u guess my interview month with case number 23XXX EU.
October 23, 2016 at 23:06
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
October 24, 2016 at 05:43
I have read this.I need a answer from you.
October 24, 2016 at 06:35
The article is my answer.
October 24, 2016 at 17:26
So based on your article my interview can be in February or March.If i am a September winner before March i cant get an interview?
October 25, 2016 at 16:17
??????
October 25, 2016 at 09:50
Am confused. When do i apply for a DS260 FORM.i applied for the DV2018 program me,so don’t i have to wait until i have won the lottery?or i fill this form immediately.
October 25, 2016 at 13:30
Only if you are selected – so you wait until May to check the result.
October 27, 2016 at 08:05
I have sent Ds260 completed
what is the next steps?
Is there any documents to send kcc or NVC before interview?
Where can I send photo requirments need KCC or NVC?
Kcc or NVC need for us marriage certificates, police record, Birth certificate
Is there any fees before Embassy to pay?
many thanks
October 27, 2016 at 16:24
Now you wait for the interview notification (2NL) and get ready for the interview.
https://britsimonsays.com/prepare-dv-lottery-interview-2/
October 27, 2016 at 08:15
I visited Visa bulletin website on
October 2016 current visa 8000, peaple have an interview , next month on November 13500 have interview, next month on December 20200
upcoming visa November 13500
December 20200′ our case is 15xxx, our case through the on December, depent on Visa bulletin side
Thank you
October 27, 2016 at 16:22
Is this a question?
October 29, 2016 at 07:12
Dear sir, I have been randomly selected for 2017 Dv programme. My second child was born on 17th Jan 16. Kindly inform me what I’m suppose to do.
October 29, 2016 at 07:36
Follow the guide to complete the DS260s.
October 30, 2016 at 21:42
I traveled to the us on a Esta visa waiver. So would I put no visa but just the dates entered and left? What were stamped on my passport?
October 31, 2016 at 04:41
ESTA is not a visa – so yes.
October 31, 2016 at 04:47
Dear mr simmons
I hv a question away of dv lottery but concerning family based immigration .
If the husband of an anerican wife have a case of joinig hs wife ? What tybe of visa he is under at the visa bulletein ?
F2 tybe or what ?
Thank u
October 31, 2016 at 14:04
Hi BritSimon, Dv 2017 winner of Ethiopia pleas suggest about below
According to Ethiopia Embassy
1. You must possess one of the following as evidence of your educational qualifications
· Proof of graduation from 12th grade (including an Ethiopian Leaving Certificate Examination, a University Entrance Exam, or a Higher Education Qualification Exam), showing at least 5 passing grades, (or)
· Proof of graduation from a four-year university (or)
You must submit official copies of school transcripts along with the above certificates. These requirements are determined by U.S. immigration law, and are not determined by this Embassy.
I have filled in DS 260 forms in Educational section
Have you attended any educational institutions at a secondary level or above? “YES”
Highest Level of Education Completed “BA Degree”
Number of Educational Institutions Attended “5”
1. Name of institution is XXXXX for Degree date 01/10/2005-24/07/2009
2. Name of institution is XXXXX for Diploma date 02/09/2002-02/10/2004
3. Name of institution is National Organization for Examination-NOE for Ethiopian Leaving Certificate Examination (ESCLCE) certificate date 28/06/2012-01/09/2002
4. Name of institution is XXXXX for Grade 11-12 date 01/10/1999-27/06/2002
5. Name of institution is XXXXX for Grade 10 date 01/10/1998-31/08/1999
So in No.3 is there problem i have write the name of institution from Top of ESCLCE Certificate what does u think any suggestion?
October 31, 2016 at 14:12
I don’t see any problem apart from the dates in number 3. So what is your quesion?
October 31, 2016 at 15:34
Hello Simon,
Got a question. I recently re-opened and re-submitted my DS 260.
CN EU22***
I called the KCC, and my case is fully processed and fully updated 🙂
I included my previous addresses along with my previous jobs where I got Paid.
My 1st question is:
In the previous employment part.
I had 2 internships, one in 2010 and one in 2013 (2 months and 5 months) which were part of my student courses to get my Master (you’re technically still in college when doing these). They are not considered employment in France since you do no receive a salary, so I did not include these.
Would it be a problem?
October 31, 2016 at 17:53
No
October 31, 2016 at 18:29
Thank you Simon!
November 1, 2016 at 06:20
Hi BritSimon
I have been randomly selected for the DV 2017 program and I am filling the form on may 28, 2016 and Re-open July 27, 2016 DS260.My question is
1)In Number (4) I have filled in the form DS 260 about my education for Grade 11-12 date 01/10/1999-27/06/2002, I should be included in the field, “The institution attended”, name of school I attended for one year in order to obtain my ESCLCE certificate
But in Number (3) in the field “The institution attended”, National Organization for Examination (NOE) is a branch of Ministry of Education (MOE) the organization that issued the ESCLCE certificate. All my documents are genuine and notarized.
So is not considered as an institution? And is there any impact at date of interview?
Thank you!
November 1, 2016 at 18:21
1 school/university = 1 institution.
November 1, 2016 at 19:40
Hi Simon,
I am from France.
I already submitted my DS 260 and it has been processed according to KCC.
My concern is you cannot enter Hyphen in the name section. So my middle name reads like “HENRY MARTIN” instead of “HENRY-MARTIN” as written in my passport.
What to do in this case?
Thank you for your help.
November 1, 2016 at 19:47
I should precise, my CN is not current yet.
November 1, 2016 at 20:33
Be known as Mr HENRY MARTIN in the USA.
November 1, 2016 at 20:46
I mean they seem to be finicky. I was wondering about that since there is an option to write in you native alphabet (I thought it was for non latin alphabet). So not a problem?
November 1, 2016 at 21:42
No.
November 3, 2016 at 16:11
Hello Mr Simmon and thanks for all you do.
Please last time I sent the Ds form of my wife without put his Passport ID. Today she has obtained his passport and I want to update his DS form if necessary.
I would like to know if I must request the KCC and precise that I want to unlock just my DS wife and not my one?
or if it is better that she request the KCC with his email address and his name?
Does this unlock can delay our interview?
Thanks
My case is 2017AF00034***. I sent my DS in august and his one in september
November 3, 2016 at 17:56
The principal winner must ask to unlock the form and be specific about which form to unlock. It will not cause delay.
November 9, 2016 at 16:22
Hello Mr. BritSimon
Thanks for your answer. Today My spouse DS form has been unlock.
I’ve another preoccupation concerning how to fill the case concerning my wife’s name. In his passport and his ID card, my name has been added to his one (Example: TATSOU MAFO epse TSOMENE CLAIR MIGNONE) my name is TSOMENE so the part epse TSOMENE has been added.
In his birth certificate his name his just TATSOU MAFO CLAIR MIGNONE. my questions are:
-1 In my form, in filling my spouse information I must put his birth certificate name or his passport name? I precise that In his form, in their personal information, it is asked to put the name exactly like it is in the passport.
2- I’ve already send my DS Form. Should I re unlock it to change his name?( Last time, I sent my DS form and his one with just his birth certificate name. ). or Now that I’ve unlock his form I can just update his name as it is done in his passport and leave my DS form. (I precise that in this case, his name in my form is his birth certificate name and his name in his form is his passport name).
Thanks a lot
November 5, 2016 at 19:03
Hi Mr Simon, Thanks a lot for all your help and support. Your website is amazing.
I am a DV2017 Selectee, my number is 2017AF00002XXX however I was late in my DS260 submission (Submitted in October) yeah I know :(… If I had submitted earlier, I could have had my interview in October or November. Anyways, hope there is still a chance for me.
Q1: Based on what I have been reading, I should expect the 2NL in mid to late Feb and the interview around the March timeline. Am I right?
Q2: Aside from filling the DS260s, I don’t need to scan any documents and email them to KCC?
Q3: 2NL would be approx 1month before the interview? I should do the medical when I get it and not before that?
November 5, 2016 at 23:45
1. Later – April or May interview.
2. No
3. 6 to 8 weeks before.
November 5, 2016 at 20:25
Hello
Thanks for the information in this website, In the electronic application I didn’t put my son which is 20 years old and he refused to apply for the DV 2016 Lottery, Did i applied wrong?
November 5, 2016 at 23:49
Yes. If selected, you will be disqualified.
November 7, 2016 at 18:37
Hi Simon,
Should I list a university where I went for an Erasmus/exchange semester?
Thank
November 7, 2016 at 20:34
It would not harm if you did.
November 9, 2016 at 21:48
Hello Mr. BritSimon
Thanks for your answer. Today My spouse DS form has been unlock.
I’ve another preoccupation concerning how to fill the case concerning my wife’s name. In his passport and his ID card, my name has been added to his one (Example: TATSOU MAFO epse TSOMENE CLAIR MIGNONE) my name is TSOMENE so the part epse TSOMENE has been added.
In his birth certificate his name his just TATSOU MAFO CLAIR MIGNONE. my questions are:
-1 In my form, in filling my spouse information I must put his birth certificate name or his passport name? I precise that In his form, in their personal information, it is asked to put the name exactly like it is in the passport.
2- I’ve already send my DS Form. Should I re unlock it to change his name?( Last time, I sent my DS form and his one with just his birth certificate name. ). or Now that I’ve unlock his form I can just update his name as it is done in his passport and leave my DS form. (I precise that in this case, his name in my form is his birth certificate name and his name in his form is his passport name).
Thanks a lot
November 10, 2016 at 00:44
1. It should be the actual legal name. That would normally match the birth cert and passport – you know local customs better than I do, so you have to decide for yourself.
2. If the DS260 is not accurate – unlock.
November 10, 2016 at 14:38
hi thanks for your assistance my case number is 2017AF0003xxxx so i mistakenly write my first name in the section of family name so how can i handle that problem
November 10, 2016 at 14:54
Make sure it is correct in the DS260. If you submitted already, unlock it.
November 13, 2016 at 14:29
thanks sir, i have chosen that option and i will take the risk
November 16, 2016 at 03:42
Hi sir,
My Question is
1.Can i do unlock DS260 form through mobile and do corrections?
Is it possible?
2.Is there anything that i shoud printout after doing corrections?
3.Should i send email to KCC by the same email that i have written in DS260 form?
Thankyou;
November 16, 2016 at 04:04
1. You email KCC to get it unlocked. I don’t know whether you could modify through a mobile.
2. The final confirmation page if you want.
3. You can – but it is not required.
November 16, 2016 at 10:26
Hi Simon
My case is DV and I have completed my interview two weeks back.I passed the interview and they gave a letter of pick up on 15th November 2016,I went there yesterday and they told me they will call me.The problem I have now am trying to check for my visa status but when i entered my case number they said invalid immigrant case number which for sure is the current case number.Please advice what might have be problem.
Thanks.
November 16, 2016 at 14:54
The CEAC system does not have any DV2017 cases yet, so you cannot check. THat means you just have to be patient. So be patient!
November 23, 2016 at 10:57
hello.
i requested kcc to unlock my ds260 form a 2 days ago which they did.
i then made the necessary changes i needed to make and saved everything.I have tried accessing the form so as to submit but i keep getting an error message each time i click on the incomplete iv application
Kindly advice.
Thanks.
November 23, 2016 at 14:32
The error message should tell you what is wrong. If you are a male under 26 years old, the problem is probably the selective service info.
For males under 26 the form will not submit until you have reviewed the selective service information on the last page (just before you submit). Read the text and when you see a link about selective service (possibly military duty), click the link, read that info. The form will then allow the submission.
November 24, 2016 at 18:44
Dear Simon
My wife she a principal applicant she apply as single while we were dating now we got married and we did submit ds-260 form with expired pass-port we still waiting for a new pass-port yo be issue as our country (RD of Congo) facing political issues for now is it possible to make some changing once we get a new pass-port?
Thanks a lot.
November 24, 2016 at 20:12
Yes, you can update the DS260 later.
November 24, 2016 at 23:52
Thanks a lot for your help.
Dear I would like to ask this?
I’ve been outside of my country 5 years ago for some short courses training in South Africa should I mention it?
November 25, 2016 at 05:48
If the courses were less than a few weeks, then no.
November 28, 2016 at 17:06
hi dear, is it possible for me to unlock my application form and re-change any information on it
November 28, 2016 at 18:47
Yes, we call that unlocking.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
November 29, 2016 at 10:59
Hi Dear,
I am one of DV selectee for 2017. Until today i haven’t submit yet for DS-260 form. I would like to know the deadline date for DS-260 form.
November 29, 2016 at 15:42
There is no official deadline, but in practice you should submit no later than early May
November 29, 2016 at 18:07
I have entered for dv-2018 but have signed up for notifications from your very helpful site so that I can keep an eye out for any significant developments. Your comment to deadline question caught my eye and just wanted to make sure you mean early May 2017. I ask because if I’m lucky enough to be selected as early as start of DV-2018 selections (May 2, 2017) for a number of reasons I was not planning on submitting DS-260 until probably Jan 2018. Thanks
November 29, 2016 at 19:01
Yes I meant May 2017. But obviously that is for DV2017 cases. If you win, you would need to consider May 2018 as your deadline to file the DS260.
December 1, 2016 at 20:25
hi, in order to make some revisions i have requested to unlock my form ,but they have just unlocked my form (principal applicant) and not my spouse , how can i request to unlock his form too, he needs to make some revisions should he himself request or what? thanks
December 8, 2016 at 15:40
Hi Britsimon
What happens if I move house (likely) or travel to the USA for work/leisure after I submit by DS-260 and while it’s being processed. Do I need to unlock the form and update the addresses I’ve live at previously and the prior travel history to the USA (the last 5). Does unlocking , editing and resubmitting start the whole waiting process again, thereby adding a delay?
Thanks.
December 8, 2016 at 23:43
No, those sort of updates don’t cause a delay. So, use your judgement about when to update.
December 10, 2016 at 02:03
The section of the D260 form that asks “Do you have children?” is confusing. This is because two of my children have died. Do I put their names on the form?
December 10, 2016 at 06:59
No. Do you “have” – present tense.
December 14, 2016 at 10:17
Hi , I summitted my DV application this month , is there any prediction for getting interview date in March ..?thanks .
December 14, 2016 at 15:38
Yes. 100% that you won’t have an interview in March.
December 14, 2016 at 10:26
Hi, I have summitted my DV application this month is there any chance of getting an interview date in March ? What are the documents my wife has to take alone during the interview date since am the principal who won the lottery .thanks .
December 14, 2016 at 15:38
There is no chance of being interviewed ion March. Your late submission will delay the interview for a few months.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-to-prepare-for-the-interview/
December 14, 2016 at 16:17
Hi sir .do my wife has to take along birth certificate and passport only during the interview since I am the principal who won the lottery ? 2. Or is there additional documents she need to take ?
December 14, 2016 at 17:04
I already replied.
December 15, 2016 at 12:11
Thanks for your help so far Britsimon.
I have two more questions I was hoping you could help with:
1. Name with hyphen
My middle name “Thomas-Harvey” has a hyphen in it. Should I just replace the hyphen with a space?
E.g. “Tim Thomas-Harvey Smith” on the passport becomes Lastname: “Smith” Given names: “Tim Thomas Harvey”
2. Travel History
Does a transit via the USA i.e. from Toronto, Canada to Australia via LAX count as a visit? I am inclined to think so and put a 7 hour transit as a 1 day visit.
Thank you.
Tim
December 15, 2016 at 15:02
1. Yes
2. If you were processed into USA through immigration, then yes.
December 17, 2016 at 05:21
hello brit.
My Case Number is 2017AS000063xx.
when do you think that i’m gonna be interviewed.
Please response
thanks.
December 17, 2016 at 15:04
I don’t know.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
December 18, 2016 at 15:37
hi Mr brit
jst one question
which website should i use
if i want to ask about my DS-260 have been received
December 18, 2016 at 18:18
If your DS260 says “completed” it is received.
December 18, 2016 at 18:46
thnx brit
December 18, 2016 at 23:27
Hi Mr. Brit
My case number is 20179***
And my problem is i have won the lottery since April through an agent
But his is requesting for a lotand due to that he hijacked the whole process of filling the DS260..
But because i got hold the case number even without the confirmation i have filled the DS260 with a help of another agent
Now my main problem is i am single and with no child as i filled it..
Is there any way he (the agent) can go and add another applicant without my knowledge even though i have completed the whole thing??
Thank you
December 19, 2016 at 01:50
Possibly, yes. You can check your DS260 periodically. I’m stunned you went to a SECOND agent after the experience with the first. There is NO reason to use agents.
December 24, 2016 at 21:31
Hello, i am in the USA now, i’m living in New York. What i want to say to everybody, according to my personnal experience is the purpose of the interview is not to refuse you your visas, or to looking for what happend not good on you. The interwiew is just there because they need to see you, to see if you are able to simply have a social conversation and finally, if your documentd are goods. In my case, here is what occur
– hello
– hello
Ok first, register your biometry, finger print………
– right hand’s up and swear to respect the american’s institutions……
(I do it)… and he says
– how are you
– fine
– ok let us check your documents…..
That’s good. How old are you?
– (answer)
– ok what will you in the USA?
– 3D films, i like that technology.
– that’s good. Have u done that before?
– yea i have a film on youtube.
– ok your documents are good, good health, ( he is cheking my medical report )
– ok all is good, welcome to the USA, give us 2 weeks, time to established your documents…. (i am seriously astonished…)
– hey… you refuse now? What’s happend…. (he laught)
– ok thank you…
– you wellcome
I stand up…. and go back home….
December 25, 2016 at 01:59
Well, it is a little more than a social conversation, but yes, if you have followed the rules and meet the requirements it is the easiest process to get a Green Card.
December 27, 2016 at 11:14
I WILL LIKE TO KNOW WHICH NUMBER THEY ARE TO PRESENTLY?
December 27, 2016 at 16:17
You only have to read my recent posts…
https://britsimonsays.com/january-2017-visa-bulletin-released/
December 27, 2016 at 11:27
Goodmoring Brit, my case number is AF 20182 and I filled my DS260 on the 13th, could you please tell me when i will be process for interview?
December 27, 2016 at 16:08
December 13th?? Then several months from now.
December 28, 2016 at 10:05
Yes December 13, 2016. I am not understanding when u say several month from now? could you please give me an estimated date or time i will be process for my interview?
December 28, 2016 at 15:49
I don’t know how fast DS260 processing will take for a DS260 submitted that late. That is why I gave you a vague answer – because I don’t know exactly. So – wait and see.
January 1, 2017 at 01:24
Thanks for your help so far BritSimon.
On the Parent section it asks for country of birth. My mother was born in Hong Kong in the 1950’s – it doesn’t let me select Hong Kong but rather ‘Hong Kong SAR’ or ‘Hong Kong BNO’. After doing a fair amount of reading, I didn’t get a straight answer. Since it was under British rule when she was born I’m inclined to select Hong Kong BNO.
Any ideas which it could be or would I be safer selecting ‘I don’t know’ and stating Hong Kong as the City and State on the form?
Thank you.
Tim
January 1, 2017 at 03:46
It doesn’t matter. They are interested in YOUR place of birth, not your parents, so choose what seems most accurate and move on.
January 1, 2017 at 15:42
Thanks Britsimon.
I thought I’d also ask:
1. Are approximate months for past work experience ok? Some of my past jobs were casual so a start and finish date is difficult to get exactly right, not to mention a long time ago.
2. I notice that the Educational Institutions section doesn’t let you set an open date if you’re still currently studying (in my case a Masters degree). I’ve just put the to date to the current date. Can you see any issue with that?
January 1, 2017 at 16:12
1. Yes, best guess.
2. No, that is correct.
September 2, 2017 at 15:13
Hi BritSimon,
Your response to Tim says, “They are interested in YOUR place of birth…” Shall the applicant select Hong Kong SAR or BNO on Personal page (the DV instruction only lists Hong Kong SAR is eligible)? Please confirm asap.
Thank you.
B
September 2, 2017 at 19:13
It depends on your age. If born prior to 1997, it would be BNO.
September 3, 2017 at 13:53
Good morning BritSimon,
Thank you for your reply. My question is that the DV instruction only lists HK SAR as eligible but never mention HK BNO. Does it mean HK BNO is not eligible?
In addition, “Highest Level of Education Completed” – I have couple degree diplomas (one of them is Master’s) from few different universities. Do I select the highest level although the DV requirement is the High School completion?
Thank you,
B
September 3, 2017 at 14:00
No – it means the instructions were written after 1997. People born in HK are eligible.
You select the highest level completed – exactly as the question asks.
You will list all education from secondary school upwards.
September 3, 2017 at 14:06
Hi BritSimon,
Please discard the second post question regarding to Highest Level. I sent it as the exact same time as you replied my first post. Sorry for the repeat.
Thank you for clarifying the HK.
Yes, I will select “University Degree” and include the secondary school information.
Thank you and have a great Labor Day weekend,
B
PS: I gratefully appreciate we have someone like you, who is willing to help others in need.
January 1, 2017 at 10:16
Hi Simon,
I have recently re opened my DS260 (after initially submitting back in June) to make a change and I have realised I have in fact answered the health care question in Security and background NO when I should have answered YES. I am not a nurse or doctor of any kind but currently a care worker and in hindsight I think I must have been thrown with the wordy reference in particular to nursing.
Besides this I don’t necessarily intend to work in health care but..
– Do you suggest I change it to YES or what would be your advice here?
Thank you
January 1, 2017 at 15:13
Forget about that answer – it is trivial.
January 1, 2017 at 16:16
Thank you and apologies as I saw you’ve got a FAQ on this already. Cheers.
January 1, 2017 at 16:35
Well thanks for checking that anyway 🙂
January 1, 2017 at 14:43
Hey simon.
In my 2kids birth certificate i notice that in both certificate they did write my husband surname and first name only on middle name is it a probleme?
2.in the same birth certificate they did reverse my name.
Maidename they write: surname and middle name
Forename .:first name .
But fou the second birth certificate it is
Maidename :middle name
Forename:it first name and surname.
I am scared to be disqualify for that.
Is it fine ?because the kids name are in nice disposition only parent name are confusing.
Please need your suggestion.
January 1, 2017 at 15:09
1. No.
2. That should be OK too.
January 4, 2017 at 08:29
Hi Simon,
I couldn’t find the exact birth date I have posted during the DV2017 lottery. How can I find it.
January 4, 2017 at 15:23
Well presumably you told the truth. So look on your birth certificate.
January 5, 2017 at 12:39
i m writing you this for just clarification on how will i receive or be notified for the 2NL , i have field the DS-260 on june and my case number is AF0002XXXX. and when will i get my interview .
January 5, 2017 at 13:31
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-does-the-2nl-look-like/
Your number may not be current yet. Once it is you should get your interview.
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
January 6, 2017 at 07:35
Brit , i am sure it will come soon, thank you very much sir for your reply,
January 18, 2017 at 23:31
Hi Brit, I don’t want to move to US with my wife, should I include her in my 260 now?
January 19, 2017 at 00:32
She would be listed as your spouse on your DS260, but would not need a DS260 of her own.
January 21, 2017 at 15:54
Hello Simon. Thank you so much for all this information.
My case number is 2017EU00021XXX but i sent the ds260 late October, based on the historical data provided:
1- Is it possible that i might get 2nl email at March?
2- I was denied a student visa 2 years ago and I said ‘yes’ at ds260 if i was denied a visa before,
will that influence the dv and should i bring any letter regarding this situation?
3- I cant finance myself, and i want the sponsor to cover it all whats the amount of money he should use, and is it much better if i ask my sponsor to bring me a letter that i will be hired at his business?
4- Should i start preparing documents already?
4- I have been told that i lose points with the fact that i finished a music school but luckily i just graduated with a business management bachelor is this true?
Thank you once again for your time and help.
Best regards
January 21, 2017 at 16:25
1. March 2NL for May interview, yes.
2. Normally no problem since non immigrant visas are typically refused for different reasons.
3. Use an I-134 britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
4. Don’t get times documents yet (like the I-134 and police certs). Don’t do the medical yet.
5. It is not about “losing points”. The requirements are either met or not met. Your schooling was presumably general education, so take documents to show that. Take your Bachelors proof also.