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.
May 2, 2017 at 11:18
Very useful! Thanks.
So if I understand, a marriage after VISA selection but before DS260 completion can easily compiled adding spouse name in summary section. Did I miss something?
May 2, 2017 at 13:49
No – that is correct.
May 2, 2017 at 14:59
Thanks Brit for the brilliant reply.
But if my friend decided not to include is wife in the DS260 form and decided to pursue the DV lottery process him alone . There will be any problem during his interview time and decided to file later for his wife.
May 2, 2017 at 15:31
No problem – but sponsoring the wife later will take a lot longer (around 2 years) and cost more money.
March 6, 2020 at 21:22
Like roughly how much would it cost to sponsor a spouse and a minor
March 6, 2020 at 22:55
The fees are more expensive, but since it is a more complicated process you might need a lawyer. I can’t estimate those additional expenses.
May 3, 2017 at 02:36
hello
I am selected for 2018 green card for europe region. when i was entering my information last year, mistakenly I wrote the city where my family lives as may city of birth.
can this be a reason to reject. or can i fix it on ds260.
May 3, 2017 at 03:57
No it will be OK – what is your approximate case number? Write like 2018EU123XX
May 3, 2017 at 04:22
i answered but i don’t see it here. it is 2018eu25xxx
May 3, 2017 at 11:49
Hey Brit,
Just want to confirm that if I have a number like OC00001xxx (1500-1999) that I don’t have to submit my DS-260 for some months and it won’t effect my visa interview? (assuming that I won’t get an interview until next year based on research)
May 3, 2017 at 11:51
(or my chances for an interview)
May 3, 2017 at 14:39
Correct – you have plenty of time.
May 3, 2017 at 20:28
I have questions I have all the information to use the DS-260 and me and my wife both have passport the problem my son 2Year old he don’t have passport can I enter the information for him or not ?
Many thanks to all
May 3, 2017 at 22:37
You must enter himin your forms and add a DS260 for him. For now use your passport number – you can change that once you have his passport.
May 4, 2017 at 05:27
how can i change the passport information after i enter the information ??
May 4, 2017 at 05:28
You would unlock your DS260 (an email to KCC), make the changes and resubmit.
May 3, 2017 at 20:48
I completed the DS-260 application but at the final step “sign and submit” it keeps showing me an error and it says that the case number i entered does not match the case number i entered when i signed in even though it is!…I checked multiple times and I tried to fix this problem but nothing is working!….is anyone else experiencing this? help!
May 3, 2017 at 22:33
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-information-entered-not-valid-update-2/
May 4, 2017 at 06:45
Hi Simon, thanks for the link – is this issue related to the DS-260 form? When you hit submit it is saying that your case number does not match the case number you entered when signing in.
May 4, 2017 at 08:11
Oh thank you! I’m relieved 🙂
I also want to ask you, is it really an issue using an old picture even though it doesn’t look old at all?
May 4, 2017 at 10:19
Thanks for the update! I had a friend who was part of the redraw in 2012 and lost the selection! Question: I’m living In the states and was selected for 2018 Australian region – can I apply for Status adjustment? Do I still need to fill in the DS 260?
May 4, 2017 at 13:37
You can do adjustment of status if you are “in status” here.
May 4, 2017 at 06:53
I have your problem !!!
Help us !
May 4, 2017 at 10:26
Hi Sall.
i also have that issue, let me know how to solve that if you have solved that.
thanks in advance
May 5, 2017 at 16:10
Hi, I had the same problem than you and i emailed te KCC.
You can read their answer below:
“Thank you for your inquiry.
We regret that you experienced this technical error. When entering your case number on the last page of the DS-260 there should be no zeroes between the region code and the actual case number (2018NA00999999 is incorrect, 2018NA999999 is correct). If you attempt to submit your entry now, and continue to experience the same technical issue, please try closing your Internet browser and reopening the website. If that does not resolve the issue, please let us know.”
And it worked for me !
May 3, 2017 at 23:30
Hi Simon
I travelled to America on a J-1 Student visa (12 month working Visa) back in 2011, & was issued a SSN as part of the application. I still have a record of this (& the original card), & that is fine – however I just wanted to confirm whether this would still be valid (I did hear from somebody that any issued SSN issued is yours life, regardless of the type of Visa you were on when you received it.) Just wanted to confirm if this is the case, & therefore I would not select “No” for whether I want to apply for a SSN.
Cheers
May 3, 2017 at 23:35
You don’t get a new SSN. But when you are in the USA after you are an LPR, you get your card reprinted to remove the restriction text on the card itself.
May 4, 2017 at 01:12
Hi. Thanks for the guide. In a case when both husband and wife have been selected, do they only fill out one DS260 by choosing one principal applicant from among them, or do they both need to fill out separate applications? Would appreciate your response.
May 4, 2017 at 03:26
Typically they would pick one of the case numbers and submit DS260s as principal and derivative under that case. That is the simplest. The main thing is that the principal has to meet the education or work experience criteria.
May 4, 2017 at 09:00
Than for your briefly explanation,
My wife won the dvlotter-2018, she mentioed me and our baby in the dv lottery form, as I understood: we’ve to submit 2 DS-260 forms, one for her and the second for me, this is right???
Also for our baby he born in USA so he have the US passport(nationality) do we need to submit application for him or just mentioned him as child in our forms??
May 4, 2017 at 13:53
Yes 2 forms. Those forms will list the child, but the US citizen child does not need a DS260.
May 4, 2017 at 14:06
Thanks for your reply.
Is it durable to put the same case number for two different forms?
May 4, 2017 at 14:43
For a principal and then derivative – yes.
May 4, 2017 at 16:04
How can I map the derivative with the principal, I mean how can I mention that the derivative is related to this principal
May 4, 2017 at 09:59
Hi Britsimon,
Am a selectee of DV2018 from Africa region, I have a question on the family information/parents. My dad has been in the US for 10years now and not a LPR/USC, i intend to fill in his correct current address as to be in the US, although illegally;
1. Would this affect my DV as to cause a denial?
2. Can i use his address on the permanent address part so that my GC can be sent to his address or rather use a legal relatives address?
Your opinion/advise will be highly appreciated.
May 4, 2017 at 13:45
1. No
2. Either is OK.
May 4, 2017 at 10:23
Hi BritSimon,
Yesterday I’ve filled out DS-260 and submitted this morning. I’ve checked every page 5-6 times to avoid any mistakes. And afterwards, I found your website and found out that there’s a mistake, not one that I made though.
In the Additional work/education/training information section, I had only one question asking if I’ve ever served in the military. The remaining questions were not there. It doesn’t look likely that they’ve changed the form this year and decided not to ask them.
I’ve tried to check all the questions before asking you but couldn’t see. Have you ever seen such a problem?
So I’ve written to KCC about it and asked them how to solve the problem as just asking them to reactivate my form probably won’t work, no reply yet.
Do you have any other advice?
May 4, 2017 at 13:34
The form changes based on how you enter other questions. So – that is probably what has happened. If you have it wrong – you will be able to unlock and correct.
May 4, 2017 at 14:37
Hello
Is it duable to submit 2 DS260 forms with the same case number?
May 4, 2017 at 16:03
Hello BritSimon, I have been permitted(Unlocked DS- 260 form) to change my US mailing address . How should i do it? I did it but CEAC says me as a incomplete? How can i make it complete . Thank you
May 4, 2017 at 19:07
You resubmit the DS260 – go through all pages and resign/submit the form.
May 5, 2017 at 02:11
Thank you for you reply.
Resubmit means” From Getting started to sign/submit the form?”
May 5, 2017 at 02:17
Yes
May 4, 2017 at 16:52
Hi BritSimon,
Is there any time limit to change the mistake( In my case to change the US mailing address) in unlocked DS 260 form by KCC? I have a interview on 6th june 2017.
May 4, 2017 at 18:55
You can change at the interview – and then finally at the arrival airport (POE)
May 4, 2017 at 18:40
Hi , i have selected for dv 2018 based on my place of birth but currently living in pakistan , the problem is that my passport expired on feb 2018 and it will take 3 to 4 weeks for passport renewal resulting in the delay of form submission is there is any issue at all
May 4, 2017 at 18:44
No – this is a LONG process.
May 4, 2017 at 19:20
Dear Sir,
Many thanks for your support and your effort,
My wife is winner of dv-2018, do we need sponsor in US to process our visa?
May 4, 2017 at 19:38
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
May 4, 2017 at 19:24
Hi! I have a problem with the DS-260 form. After I’ve finished completing the form, when I want to submit it says that “The case number does not match the case number you entered at Sign In.” But it does match… What I should do?
May 4, 2017 at 19:39
Take out the leading zeros.
May 4, 2017 at 20:16
I don’t have any. My number is 2018EU000XXXXX. Are you saying I should remove the 0’s in between?
May 4, 2017 at 21:07
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
May 5, 2017 at 05:13
Thanks for your help!!
May 4, 2017 at 20:26
It worked!!!thank you so much!!!!I took out the three “zero” after EU….
May 4, 2017 at 21:01
Great. Thanks for confirming.
May 4, 2017 at 19:34
1. while filling the DS-260 form , the system doesn’t take the name with apostrophe like “ Dia’a Fuqaha’a ” and it is exist in the passport like that , so I deleted the apostrophes to continue , will I have any problem because of these changes ?
2. if I don’t have any address right now can I mention a hotel address where I will stay then change it when I will be in US ? if yes , does it take more much time ? And if I don’t have anybody I can trust to receive my green card right now, will that be a problem?
3. If i mention someone he is living illegal without a green card or US citizenship , will that be a problem for me or him ?
May 4, 2017 at 20:00
1. No
2. You will have to change it at the interview or POE (arrival airport) to a real address that is for someone you can trust to receive the GC for you.
3. It’s just an address – nothing to do with status.
May 4, 2017 at 20:11
WHEN I SIGN AND SUBMIT THE APPLICATION IT SAYS THAT THE CASE NUMBER DOESN’T MATCH WITH THE CASE NUMBER THAT I USED TO SIGN IN. I CHECKED MANY TIMES AND IT’S THE SAME NUMBER!!! WHAT SHOULD I DO?
May 4, 2017 at 21:24
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
May 5, 2017 at 00:32
Dear BritSimon,
Firstly, thank you very much for the invaluable service you’re providing anyone who comes across this page (and those who pose questions). I believe I speak for everyone when I say your efforts are tremendously appreciated.
Secondly, a relative’s eDV application had just been selected for further processing; an application that I filled out on his behalf. In it, I used his surname as it appears on his birth certificate.
Now, he’s filling out form DS-260, and it asks for the full name as it appears on his passport (which includes an extra surname. My government has decreed that all passports must have 4 names; without exception). The discrepancy is driving my relative insane as he fears it will result in his DS-260′ rejection. This, in turn, is causing me some grief and torment because I filled the eDV form, and it will be my fault if his application gets rejected for this very reason.
Can you please confirm that all he needs to do now is put the full-name used in eDV form in the alias field in DS-260? As an added good measure, I advised him to get a document from the local court confirming that both names (with different surnames) belong to him.
You already covered this in your blog post, and I also read you FAQ about “making xxx mistakes in application.” My apolgoies for having you repeat yourself, but you’ll be doing us (him and I) and our respective mental-health a huge favor, and we’ll be indebted to your kindness.
Thanks and regards,
AK
May 5, 2017 at 00:46
They ask for the passport name because the assumption is that that is the current legal name. If that isn’t true (and you want to treat it as an alias) that should be OK. 3 names on legal name. 4 name version in alias. Just remember that GC would be issued according to the legal name field – so you might want to match that to the 4 name version and use the 3 name version in alias.
Explain to the CO if asked – but really – this should not present a problem at interview (as long as you are not interviewing in Accra).
May 5, 2017 at 00:56
Dear BritSimon,
Excellent! Thanks a million for the advice and the prompt reply. Much appreciated.
Cheers,
AK
May 5, 2017 at 02:26
Hi, we submitted our DV260 last night and have a low case number (aus). How long does it usually take to find out when your interview is? And what method of contact do they use? Email?
May 5, 2017 at 02:33
Please use the FAQ
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
The first DV2018 interviews will take place in October – and those will get 2NLs in August.
May 5, 2017 at 10:15
Hi Brit,
Awesome site you have here! Thank you so much.
I am encountering an error after I have completed the application. I click email confirmation (as I cannot print at home) and after selecting that the email address they supplied is correct (or adding another) it tells me I have encountered an error and then I am booted out to the initial login screen.
Is there anything I can do or is this likely a site error? As I have not been able to print my confirmation.
Thanks again,
Kelly.
May 5, 2017 at 16:22
Haven’t heard that one before. Take the confirmation some other way (print to pdf)
May 5, 2017 at 13:30
Hi, i have selected for dv 2018. Does my child have to fill DS-260 form? she will not come with me if i get a visa? She will be 21 years old in October.
May 5, 2017 at 14:29
You don’t have to fill out a DS260 for her if she doesn’t want to go- but if she wanted to go, she would be able to get approved for a few months after her birthday.
May 5, 2017 at 14:12
Hello Mr.Simon,
Thank you very much for this blog,extremely helpful!!
I’d like to ask you if you can tell me when you think my interview might be scheduled?
this is my case number : 2018EU000308XX
Thank you
May 5, 2017 at 14:27
About this time next year.
May 5, 2017 at 16:52
Awesome!, Thank you very much for replying
And if I get the visa,I will have to travel to the US within the next 6 months after the time of the interview or right away?? or will they schedule the exact time of the flight?
Thanks!
May 5, 2017 at 18:01
You get 6 months – they don’t schedule anything – it is up to you!
May 5, 2017 at 21:03
Perfect!
Thank you!
May 5, 2017 at 19:57
Hello, I’m struggle with one question and can you help me, please?… In section 10 there is a question: ” Have you attended any educational institutions at a secondary level or above?” should I include university that I’m attending right now? I will finish my masters degree in 2 months. Thanks
May 6, 2017 at 04:31
Yes include all education.
May 5, 2017 at 21:10
Hello Sim,
I tried to check maximum case number fordv lottery, i tried 2018AS00550000!!
Is yhis mean for Asia there’s 550 000 winners? Or the case number is mixed for dv lottery, family based and all other kind of visas???
My case number is 2018AS000090xx
And I submit my form? When do you think my interview will be?
May 5, 2017 at 21:25
There is nowhere to check that – so where were you checking?
May 5, 2017 at 21:39
https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx
When do you think my interview will be
2018AS000090Xx
May 5, 2017 at 22:21
You cannot check numbers through that site.
You will wait around 1 year or more.
May 5, 2017 at 21:32
Hello Sim,
I tried to check maximum case number fordv lottery, i tried 2018AS00550000!!
Is yhis mean for Asia there’s 550 000 winners? Or the case number is mixed for dv lottery, family based and all other kind of visas???
My case number is 2018AS000090xx
And I submit my form? When do you think my interview will be?
May 5, 2017 at 22:24
Hi, I am currently living in the US on a J1 visa and won the DV2018 lottery (2018EU00025XXX).
I plan to do adjustment of status. From what I understand, once I will submit my DS260 I wont be able to travel abroad and reenter the US on my J1 visa. Is there a risk if I postpone submitting the DS260 and I-485 until october so I can travel abroad before that ? or should I submit the DS260 as soon as possible ?
Cheers,
May 6, 2017 at 04:24
No risk to postpone. IN fact you won’t be able to submit your I-485 until mid 2018 (once your number is current).
May 8, 2017 at 16:13
thanks for your reply.
So the DS260 do not need to be processed first before I can submit the I485 ? Can I submit both at the same time when my number becomes current ?
As my case will have to be processed before the end of september 2018 to get approved, do you think this is likely to happen if my number becomes current only in May ? (only 4-5 months to process at the USCIS office…)
thanks
May 8, 2017 at 16:15
Correct
Yes
It will be fine.
May 6, 2017 at 02:22
Greetings Sim,
I have been selected for DV 2018 and my case# is 2018AS000128XX. I submitted my DS-260 on May, 1st. Do you think I have a high chance to receive a visa? If so, when do you estimate my interview date would be? I have been dreaming to go to America for a long time.
May 6, 2017 at 03:53
You have a high number, so there is risk. It will be a year before you know more.
May 6, 2017 at 12:14
Sim,
Do you think I should have waited on submitting my DS-260, because I have a high case number? I am single, no wife, no daughter, no son. Just one single applicant. Do you think I have a good chance to receive interview appointment any time soon? I appreciate your insight.
May 6, 2017 at 16:15
There is no harm in waiting, no advantage to rushing.
May 6, 2017 at 04:45
Hi Simon, hope you are doing well, i read your guide for dv lottery winners, i have one question regarding my case number which is 2018AS000123xx, you have written that less than 5000 is on safe side. should i apply and when should i fill out DS-260? thanks a lot.
May 6, 2017 at 04:54
It’s probably a risky number – you have at least a year to wait – so no need to rush the DS20
May 6, 2017 at 16:08
Dear Brit,
I double checked my case number it,s 2018AS000129xx. I am a single applicant, no wife and children. I have already submitted my DS 260 on May 3rd. Do you think I have a good chance to be called for an interview? If so, when do you think I will receive my interview date? Thank you very much for your opinion.
May 6, 2017 at 12:20
Hello Samim,
I also have a high case number 2018AS000128xx, I am wondering if you and I will have a chance to be called for interview, I filled out my forms and sent couple days ago. let’s be in touch and share thoughts about the process.
May 6, 2017 at 10:27
I’am trying to sign and submit the application , and the system wants my KCC case number ! but the system is telling me there is no matching with my case number that I have entered
is it the same number that I have got in selected check screen ?
May 6, 2017 at 11:15
Hi Simon,
First of all thanks for the info you have put together on your website.
Apologies if I missed this in your FAQ or website but are the case numbers assigned on the country you are currently living in or the country you are born in? My wife, who is from an asian country but lives in Australia (oceania) got a 2018OCXXXXX number – is this right?
TIA,
Col
May 6, 2017 at 16:23
No, it shows there was a mistake made at the time of entry. She is “charged” to a country in OC region (hence the number), and unless she has reason to be charged to OC (through marriage to an Australian for example), then she will be disqualified at interview.
May 7, 2017 at 00:11
Thanks Simon,
I am a dual national with one of those being Australian so I assume that will be ok? When I filled in the spouse part I entered details for both those nationalities.
May 7, 2017 at 01:58
It is about where you were BORN.not nationality.
May 7, 2017 at 02:14
To be clear, if you were not born in OC region, you will be disqualified.
May 6, 2017 at 12:28
Dear Brit,
I double checked my case number it,s 2018AS000129xx. I am a single applicant, no wife and children. I have already submitted my DS 260 on May 3rd. Do you think I have a good chance to be called for an interview? If so, when do you think I will receive my interview date? Thank you very much for your opinion.
May 6, 2017 at 16:14
Your number is high, and therefore risky. It will be at least a year before you know anything, and *IF* you were to be interviewed it would be in the last month or two of the fiscal year (i.e. August or September 2018)
May 6, 2017 at 13:50
Hello Brits
Right now I’m a medical student but I will graduate in a few month, at the time of interview I would be a doctor, what do I have to select about my education in DS260, just high school or something else?
May 6, 2017 at 15:03
Whatever makes most sense. It’s not that important.
May 6, 2017 at 14:29
Hi, Simon,
May I offer a suggestion to improve this guide ?
While filling out the DS260 I encountered a question about previous travel to the US, which asked to document the last five trips (specifically, arrival date and length of stay), if one had visited the US in the past. This does not seem to be mentioned in your guide details, nor in the introduction bullet points about gathering the necessary information beforehand.
May I suggest you add a bullet point about this, as for people like me who have travelled to the US numerous times before, recollecting the trips and dates could be difficult; it took me several hours of trawling through old emails and calendars to identify the last five US trips for myself and my wife. Had one of our last five trips predated our GMail accounts and calendars, it would probably have taken days (or not been feasible at all) !
On a similar note, there is a question in the process about any previously held US visas, which also does not seem to be mentioned in the guide. Again, I think it would be useful to make note of this in the intro as information to have on hand, as people who have held US visas previously may struggle to find that information “on the spot”. I had previously held an E3 visa, but kept little documentation of that since (eg: they ask for issue date and visa number) except the visa sticker in my old, expired passport (which I had only kept by chance and took much more than twenty minutes to locate 😉 ).
Cheers.
May 6, 2017 at 14:59
Yep – I’ll edit if I get the chance, The trips is easy – https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/#/home
May 7, 2017 at 01:50
That site only seems to report the most recent trip to the US rather than a full history (or, at least, that’s all it’s returning for my wife and I).
Possibly because several of the previous trips were made while we had E3 visas ?
May 7, 2017 at 01:57
I have seen more history than tgat. You are looking at the hI story section – right?
May 7, 2017 at 22:00
Yeah. On reading the fine print it’s because the site only reports travel for the last five years and the most of my US travel predates that.
What’s more interesting is that on closer examination, the trip that it reports as my most recent one, is actually not. It’s the second last one. On top of this the dates are wrong (as in, way wrong – like a year out). Hopefully I’ve still got some stamps in my old passport to verify my version. 🙂
May 6, 2017 at 16:27
Hi Simon,
I have entered in my ds-260 that I qualify by both secondary education and through work experience (put in education section my high school diploma and university degree, but also marked on the work experience section for all 3 jobs that I have had for the last 10 years that “required more than 2 year of experience”, describing duties as well. Is it enough on interview to bring only high school diploma, or I need to prove experience as it was part of the ds 260 form?
May 6, 2017 at 17:36
If you meet the education requirement they won’t ask about work experience.
May 6, 2017 at 17:00
Hello Mr.Simon
So I have a slightly different name combination on my birth certificate and it’s also written in another language , should I mention it in the “other names” section? and If I should mention it then I only need one space but it provides two and asks me to fill in the other one as well which I don’t need? and also it wouldn’t allow me to write anything other than english in the space so I can’t really provide them with the exact name written on my birth certificate.
and I was wondering, what is the highest Case number for Europe?
Thanks in Advance!
May 6, 2017 at 17:34
Use your legal name for the DS260 and use other names section for other variations. Use your best judgement how to do that.
The highest EU CN I have seen in around 40XXX
May 6, 2017 at 18:22
Hello Brit,
1. My case number is 2018AS000068xx and my native is Nepal. Do I need to rush to fill the ds 260 form? When is my interview likely to get scheduled?
2. I will be completing my masters degree in a month and my results will be on hand by August. So can i include masters degree as my highest degree?
3. There is change in my permanent address from what i entered while filling the dv form (not shifted but ) but by the government. Which address do i need to write now?
I would be grateful for your help.
May 6, 2017 at 18:28
1. No rush – your number won’t be ready for about a year.
2. Yes – once you have passed the course.
3. Your real actual address.
May 6, 2017 at 18:47
But i want to fill my ds 260 form now. will it be a problem if i mention masters as i my highest degree attained?
What is the cutoff level for Nepal? My friend has a case number very low case number , does this mean all the case number starting from 1 to my case number are from Nepal?
What is the probability of getting visa for me?
May 6, 2017 at 18:58
It would be a LIE to say you attained that now. Why lie?
As for the questions about case numbers – all AS region has AS numbers, not just Nepal. I don’t know where the cutoff will be. Wait and see.
May 6, 2017 at 19:17
Hi brit can this form 260 be completed partially i mean my kids passports are in process but i have passport so i fill my part and save it and then fill later my kids info after 2 weeks when passports are being received
May 6, 2017 at 19:25
You can save progress as you go along. When you are ready – submit all the same time.
May 6, 2017 at 20:58
Good afternoon. Thanks for your valuable help on this forum.
I have two questions:
1. I currently live in the US. I have a pending asylum case and I won the visa lottery. I got a high rank number, so I want to get the visa at an embassy overseas, not through an adjustment of status. Since I am not supposed to visit my home country due to asylum provisions, can I select another country for my visa interview? There is a country where I lived 3 years and I can provide an address over there. Citizens of that country are not eligible to apply for the DV Lottery though, does it matter for purposes of scheduling my interview there? The reason for doing this is that I would not like to drop my asylum case until I have secured my DV green card. Basically, in case anything goes wrong.
2. I have several visas with a stamp that says: “cancelled without prejudice”. Should I answer YES to the question about having a visa cancelled and explain that give an explanation in the box provided for that purpose? or should I answer NO because the cancellation was just for visa type changes/renewals?
Thanks in advance.
Regards
May 6, 2017 at 21:07
1. You can do that – BUT you may risk your asylum case. You should be very careful. AoS would be safer.
2. Answering yes won’t cause a problem.
May 7, 2017 at 11:15
Dear Sir,
I have been selected for DV 2018 from Afghanistan, I don’t have my and my family passports in hand to fill the DS 260 forms, could you please tell me until what date can I have chance to fill the form.
Thank you in advance,
May 7, 2017 at 11:24
Salam Karim
i am also selected from Afghanistan for DV-2018,
it depends on our case number that how high or low it is
mine is AS00012xxx, what is yours?
Thanks!
May 7, 2017 at 11:44
Salam Shir Beradar,
mine is 2018AS000003xx, I really don’t know about the process, could you please help me in this regard,
Thank you,
May 7, 2017 at 12:06
Dear Karim
anything i know is that you have a big chance because of your low case number and you will be interviewed soon, so you should complete your Form asap!.
May 7, 2017 at 12:29
Dear Shir,
Thank you, hope you also have the chance to reach your goal, I think it will take about 1 month to take passport to me and to my family and use the ID for filling the form,
What do you think is it not so late?
Thanks
May 7, 2017 at 14:16
Get your passports then submit. THat will be no problem.
May 7, 2017 at 11:54
Dear Sir,
Kindly when I fill dv lottery form I mentioned my child as derivative, and my child is a US citizen by birth, when I tried ti fill the Ds260 form now, I fiund that my child mentioned as applicabt with me!!! Ciuld you please advise if I’ve to fill ds260 for him or what to do now? I am confused
May 7, 2017 at 14:19
You list the child on your DS260 but do not submit a DS260 for the child.
May 7, 2017 at 14:58
It’s ok about list the child in my ds260.
I think my form will stay not complete since there’s one form not submited, there’s no way to deete the child from mine list of applicant?
May 7, 2017 at 15:07
There is no way to delete – but you can submit without submitted all derivatives.
May 7, 2017 at 16:16
Sir thanks for you reply
One more question my passport will expire on june 2018 and according to my case number It’s after 2018AS9000, till my interview come after one year i think my passport will be expired, do you afvise to renew my passport before submit the ds260 and put new passport no, ot It’s ok to submit with current one and later on I’ll renew my passport???
May 7, 2017 at 17:41
You can do either way – submit now and update it or delay DS260 submission until you have the new passport.
May 7, 2017 at 16:34
Hi Brit , thank you very much for the fruitful article , i have question regarding the addreess of the company i work for , my company is an IT company located in kuwait and all my employment papers are there , but acctualy am living and working in sudan supporting our clients here. Should i write the address of the HQ of the company in kuwait , or should i write the address of our local office here noting that the company is not registered in sudan.
May 7, 2017 at 17:37
Use your own judgement.
May 7, 2017 at 17:42
Dear SIr,
Thank you for your reply, i have two more questions kindly please advice me to do accordingly,
1. Should I fill the DS-260 forms for my wife and my child or only for myself?
2. My wife was not pregnant before I entered to the lottery but now she is pregnant and our second child will be born on Aug-2017, so what to do with him to do not lose our chance.
Thank you very much in advance,
May 7, 2017 at 17:53
1. Each person that wants a GC needs their own DS260.
2. Once your child is born you will add the child to your case. Relax!
May 7, 2017 at 18:30
Hi,
My former surname has a with two dots, should I write a or ae?
Should my new husband fill out my daughter his DS260? My daughter is 20 years old and doesn’t live with us any more.
May 7, 2017 at 19:38
Dear Sir,
I selected by green card DV lottery on 6th May 2017. I checked my case number. I already won green card. NVC gave me direction for fillout DS 260 form. Now I submiting fill out DS260 form. After that i fill out form, What will i do? . Just wait from receive email or download pay fees from? Please help me
May 8, 2017 at 00:15
You didn’t already win the Green Card. You will be interviewed later – depending on your case number.
May 8, 2017 at 00:15
Read the guide (linked at the top of this page)
May 7, 2017 at 19:45
Dear Sir,
I have received my dv letter. I have one question I don’t have any kind of relation in US and also don’t have financial statement. Tell me what to do.
May 7, 2017 at 21:46
Google britsimon 134
May 12, 2017 at 16:07
[email protected]
May 13, 2017 at 06:41
Hi Brit .Is the DS 160 form have any link to the DS 260 form .2.Do the consulate considere DS 160 information when dealing with DS 260 information. 3.Is the DS 260 information is the only one that is for Dv lottery interview .
May 13, 2017 at 13:51
All data goes into their databases and can be compared.
May 7, 2017 at 20:08
Dear Birt,
Thank you for your replay , i have one more question regarding the first section. in my passport the full name contains four names. and during my registration for the visa i used my second name as the middle name and my third name as the last name. but now am wondering if i should replace the last name with my 4th name or not?
Thank you in advance.
May 7, 2017 at 21:45
Use the correct legal name and alias section if needed.
May 7, 2017 at 23:57
Hi, Simon,
A clarification on the education vs work experience questions.
I am intending to use the education qualifications (completed secondary school + Bachelor degree), but the preset and prior work questions all ask if that job requires two years of training or experience. Is it OK to enter “no” here even if the job clearly does require 2+ years of training or experience (eg: Engineer) ?
May 8, 2017 at 00:04
Yes or no won’t matter.