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 30, 2017 at 15:28
Brit on the Course of study for High school what should i type ? Academic or Just type High school ?
May 30, 2017 at 22:37
High school
May 31, 2017 at 04:38
Hi, regarding this field, it clearly says that for both school to writer “Academic”, no?
May 31, 2017 at 06:09
Then why ask me?
May 31, 2017 at 06:25
Hi, sorry, I was not the one who made the question, I was just commenting
May 30, 2017 at 16:29
Brit thanks for the help please I want my interview to be late like in one and harf year time so before completing dv260 I said let me ask you
Please help
May 30, 2017 at 22:33
If you want to delay your interview as late as possible (DV2018 I assume) you could hold back submitting your DS260 until May next year. THat will mean an August or September interview.
May 30, 2017 at 16:33
Dear sir
I married with my boyfriend after I won in lottery and then started to fill ds-260 form. In first step i used “add applicant” to add him in my case but i wrote his “given name” and “surname” vice versa. They added him to my case but with a wrong name and there is no where i can fix that. Would u pls help me with this problem. How should I correct his information? Thank u so much
May 30, 2017 at 22:29
YOu could leave that derivative alone as is and start another add applicant, and this time do it right.
May 30, 2017 at 22:51
Hi,
My father sent his DS260. If he gets the diversity visa he has 6 months to go to the USA, right? If he needs more time, is it possible to leave the USA (for a maximum period of 6 months) after one month in the USA? tks,
May 30, 2017 at 23:31
Yes
May 31, 2017 at 12:37
Hi BritSimon,
I am a DV selectee for the fiscal year 2018. I have a low case number where the last 4 didgets are below 2100, well I think that it is low. I am applying from Brazil and I will be in Brazil until 31st January 2018 when my current postdoc and Brazilian student visa expire. That means that the visa interview will have to be done at the US consulate in Rio de Janeiro in October 2017 to January 2018, otherwise I will have to reschedule the visa interview for Sydney, Australia. I am wondering what mailing address to put into my DS-260 form. It says ´´This is the address where we will send correspondence regarding your application´´. I could put my mother´s address in Austrália or I could put my current Brazilian WORK address at the University of São Paulo, that way it would be delivered derictly to me while I am at work. If I put my current Brazilian residential address it might be problematic for the postman because there is no letterbox at my rental property and a letter form me will probably be taken by another tenant and placed on the table in the communal kitchen, which is not very secure. What correspondence would be mailed to me between submission of the DS-260 form (which I will do in a couple of days time) and the 31st January 2018? If I need to can I telephone or email the KCC or US consulate in Rio or some other American immigration personnel and ask them to change the visa interview date and venue (to the US consulate in Sydney, Australia), and the mailing address or any other address? Also, how do I answer the question: ´´Do you seek to enter the United States for the purpose of performing skilled or unskilled labor but have not yet been certified by the Secretary of Labor?´´ I have a BSc, BSc (Hons 1) and a PhD, all in chemistry. I intend to get a job in the chemical industry or pharmaceutical industry or in R&D or a postdoc job at a university, in América. If I´m offered such a job then I will reside in América too. How should I answer this question in relation to the secretary of labor?
Thank you
Michael
May 31, 2017 at 13:10
Please use numbers to denote questions.
Also – when you talk about your case number being low – you have to give me the region to confirm that. From what you say, you could be OC region or SA region – and 2100 is not low in either of those regions. So – are you in another region – that would change the answer to the first part of your question.
For the labor cert question, Answer yes. That is explained in my DS260 guide.
May 31, 2017 at 13:35
My region is Oceania. I was born in Austrália. The case number says 2018OC0000 and the last 4 didgets are below 2100. So I suppose that my chances of getting a visa are low. Here are my questions again numbered:
(1) The case number says 2018OC0000 and the last 4 didgets are below 2100. Are my chances of getting a visa low?
(2) I am applying from Brazil and I will be in Brazil until 31st January 2018 when my current postdoc and Brazilian student visa expire. That means that the visa interview will have to be done at the US consulate in Rio de Janeiro in October 2017 to January 2018, otherwise I will have to reschedule the visa interview for Sydney, Australia. I am wondering what mailing address to put into my DS-260 form. It says ´´This is the address where we will send correspondence regarding your application´´. I could put my mother´s address in Austrália or I could put my current Brazilian WORK address at the University of São Paulo, that way it would be delivered derictly to me while I am at work. If I put my current Brazilian residential address it might be problematic for the postman because there is no letterbox at my rental property and a letter form me will probably be taken by another tenant and placed on the table in the communal kitchen, which is not very secure. What mailing address should I give, my mother´s address in Australia or my Brazilian work address?
(3) What correspondence would be mailed to me between submission of the DS-260 form (which I will do in a couple of days time) and the 31st January 2018?
(4) If I need to can I telephone or email the KCC or US consulate in Rio or some other American immigration personnel and ask them to change the visa interview date and venue (to the US consulate in Sydney, Australia), and the mailing address or any other address?
Thank you
Michael
May 31, 2017 at 14:57
1. Yes. THe maximum case number able to get an interview for the past few years has been less than 1500. I can’t see how 2100 can get an interview.
2. I would suggest you wait to submit your DS260 until you move back to Australia. There is no point in rushing to submit now.
3. None.
4. Because of previous answers this question is irrelevant.
Honestly – I would hold off submitting your DS260 for a long time. Submitting a DS260 is one aspect of showing immigrant intent, which can negatively impact future non immigrant visas. Sorry to be blunt, but at this time I do not think you will get an interview at all. So – there would be no point in submitting the DS260, and it would possibly cause negative impact. Over the next few months, things might change – but for now – that is my best advice.
June 8, 2017 at 23:17
Dear Simon,
I’m a DV2018 winner. My Case Number is : 2018EU18XX. Is this considered a low number for Europe region?
Thanks a lot
June 9, 2017 at 01:29
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions
May 31, 2017 at 13:28
I just checked your other questions (not a paragraph break in site, BTW), and found you refer to Australia as your home country. So – if your case is 2018OC21XX then your number is very high, not very low. It is doubtful that you will ever get an interview at all (because they have selected too many people), but if you did it would be in the final month or two of the fiscal year.
May 31, 2017 at 13:45
Here is my full case number 2018OC000021XX. Is this number high?
May 31, 2017 at 14:51
Yes.
May 31, 2017 at 15:00
Hi BritSimon,
Could you please delete my comment with my full case number in it.
Thank you
Michael
May 31, 2017 at 15:17
Edited
May 31, 2017 at 15:04
Can you please advise me about my case number if it is very high or normal 2018AF00023××× Africa as you can see.
Thanks
May 31, 2017 at 15:15
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 31, 2017 at 18:56
Dear Brit
Thank you for your help
Suppose the main applicant is home maker and she should show that she has high school diploma. But she also had university degree
In the part that the form ask your highest level of education she mentioned university degree and then high school is it ok or she should say just her diploma
Regards
Mory
May 31, 2017 at 19:42
She should list all the relevant education.
May 31, 2017 at 23:33
Hello Brit,
I’m a selectee for the DV 2018. While filling the form for me and my spouse , I found some difficulties to fill the “additional” tab for work/education/training => “Have you ever served in military?”. In fact my spouse is a Customs Inspector , they had a paramilitary training before starting their services . I don’t know if this is counted as “Military” ?
Thank you for your advice
May 31, 2017 at 23:40
I would not consider that military – but it may vary by country.
June 1, 2017 at 15:32
Good Afternoon Simons and thank you very much for all your help. I am helping a friend to file the DV260. Her number is 2018EU0000xx88. Question: She has a 40 years old son. Does she need to mention him in the DV260 form or only children under 21 years old must be informed? Please advise and thank you very much for all your great help! Marco
June 1, 2017 at 17:29
The son cannot be included in her application as a derivative but she can list the child on her own DS260.
June 1, 2017 at 17:36
Thank you Simon. As they ask if she has any children on the DS260 form, she will inform that she has a son, even if he is over 21 years old. Thank you again for all your help!
June 1, 2017 at 17:52
Yes – on her form she can list the son, but no need to submit a DS260 for her son.
June 1, 2017 at 18:32
Hello Simon
I was completed my ds 260 last week but I done the spelling mistake on my old address I typed Leicester to liecster? But my zip code street house number is correct shall I unlock and correct it or leave it !
Thanks
June 1, 2017 at 20:20
I wouldn’t unlock ONLY for that – but if you unlock for some other reason, then you can update that.
June 1, 2017 at 22:50
Thank you ? then I wouldn’t unlock it
June 1, 2017 at 19:25
Hello Simon, I have launched a request to unlock DS 260, how many days will I unlock it? Thank you.
June 1, 2017 at 20:17
2 days to 2 weeks.
June 2, 2017 at 04:33
Thank you for having Simon!
June 2, 2017 at 06:17
Hi simon,
I’ve been informed that i have a visa interview in the us embassy as a green card selectee. for the further processing steps i,m gonna have to get interview detalis . but when im trying to log into site(ESC) I was informed by below message
Invalid Confirmation Number: Please enter the correct confirmation number that is 16 characters long (example: 20181O0DZWY3DOV9)
But my confirmation no has only 14 characters
Please advise.
Thanks & Regards,
June 2, 2017 at 13:43
Your CASE number has 14 characters.
The ESC page wants the confirmation number you got when you entered the lottery.
June 2, 2017 at 08:02
Does the owner of the address in USA l provided on the Form where they will send the Green card has to write Affidavit to the Embassy or KCC?
June 2, 2017 at 13:42
No
June 2, 2017 at 15:36
Dear Lawyer Simon,
A friend of mine asked me this question: When applying DV lottery in the original entry he put his correct name as: Abdirashid Ahmed Farah, but in the selecion notification his name appeared like this: Abdirhashid Farah Ahmed. they put his last name as middle name. then he applied for a passport matching the name with the selection notification. now he has a passport matching the dv selection notification but different from the original entry. he did not summit the ds 260 yet
what can you advise him to do.?
thank you
June 2, 2017 at 16:12
First. Their system is not hand typed. Whatever your friend entered in terms of the order of the names is what is in their system. If there is a mistake – he made the mistake.
ions of the name in the
Second. His name is his name. Normally the birth cert will match the passport (unless there has been a name change). His documents should match – I cannot imagine someone not understanding that and obtaining documents such as a passport in what that person considered to be a mistaken name order.
Third. If there are variations of names, a person can help their case by listing additional versions of the names in the “other names used” section of the form.
June 2, 2017 at 20:19
Here I have very serious case which was raised by a whatsup group member:
His selection notification states that his foreign state of changeability is Sudan while he is Kenyan who lives in Sudan.
any solution what can he do to get things right ?
June 2, 2017 at 21:54
As they are both in AF region, it won’t matter.
June 3, 2017 at 01:47
Hi Brit! i m selected for dv2018. if u submit my form now, my interview will still be next year or it can happen this year and i may go to be going to the US this year (2017) and not next year (2018) ?
June 3, 2017 at 04:59
It depends on your case number.
June 3, 2017 at 04:04
Hi dear brit
We have heared the America will ask for our all masangers accoount for more control as we are in Iran so what should we prepare and when we should provide them and what informations they need ?
Do I have to do something in advance?
Regards
Thank you
June 3, 2017 at 05:02
I don’t know what you mean.
June 3, 2017 at 10:48
As I know we should fill ds 5535
Do you know about that?
June 4, 2017 at 04:51
Hi simon I greatly appreciate how you are helping people, I have questions concerning the working and education part.
Can I apply base on my education then at the section where they ask if you have any other occupation I indicate my current job which I have been working less than a year. Thank you.
June 4, 2017 at 05:44
In the DS260, you answer questions accurately – so that includes listing your current job.
June 4, 2017 at 14:01
Simon thanks but I am currently working and studying at the same time so am confused should I write my current education and place where it state do I have other occupation I just add my current job. Will I be fine
June 4, 2017 at 15:11
Use your own judgement.
June 4, 2017 at 10:45
Dear Sir,
My Name is:
Given Name :Sayed Khaled
Sure (Family) Name: Sajjady ( As mentioned in my passport and birth certificate )
I am one of the winner for DV lottery 2018 I have four Question kindly answer it:
1. As our native language is Dari ( Persian ) in my high school diploma when they issued my diploma they converted my name from Persian to English like this: S. Khaled instead of Sayed Khaled ( mean they shorted Sayed to S only ) does this effect in my case or interview ?
2. On the same diploma they have mistakenly converted my year of birth instead of 1986 to 1985 ( in my birth certificate, NID and passport its 1986/April/15 ) does this also a matter?
3. Should I fill the allies name when fill the DS 260 form due to the issue I have mentioned above.
4. My Case number is 2018AS00010XXX does this mean my case number is high and I have higher chance for win this lottery ?
I would be very thanks full for your kind answer and help?
June 4, 2017 at 13:03
1. No
2. No
3. I don’t know what you mean.
4. That case number is high which means you will wait a long time before getting an interview. Iranians have a high risk of lengthy AP processes, and if you were to get interviewed, there would not be time to complete AP – so your case is very risky.
June 4, 2017 at 13:33
Dear Sir
No I am not from iran I am from Afghanistan still i am or my case is high risk or no?
For the third question i mean there is an option in ds 260 form asking people for second name or an allais name if they have i mean should i write in the allais name my name like S. Khaled or not required and my complete name Sayed Khaled Sajjady is enough
June 4, 2017 at 13:55
OK, your risk is slightly less as an Afghan.
You meant alias. OK – no need.
June 4, 2017 at 10:58
what is the deadline for filling ds-260 form for winners of 2018?
June 4, 2017 at 13:04
There is no finite deadline – but people will submit as late as May of next year and still make it.
June 4, 2017 at 23:19
Hi brit thanks the help please on my ds260 the country of residence at the time i submitted my DV lottery entry, i was spain and it on my ds260 form that my interview will be scheduled at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in MADRID, SPAIN and you will be notified of the specific date and time by KCC when it is available.
Can I chose any of the embassy listed like my home country Senegal bcoz where my wife is right now and I want us to do interview together please help.
June 4, 2017 at 23:33
Your interview is normally scheduled to be near your current address. So – if you are moving back to Senegal – give the address there and choose the nearest embassy.
June 4, 2017 at 23:38
Thanks for help and again can I do my interview in Spain and my wife does her own at Senegal…… Thanks you once again
June 4, 2017 at 23:41
No – you must interview together.
June 4, 2017 at 23:43
OK thanks
June 5, 2017 at 02:29
Hi BritSimon! I’m a selectee for the DV 2018. On my DV form i did a mistake on my D.O.B instead of July i accidentally insert Jun (difference 1 month) . Now i am filling out DS 260 can i corrected here my mistake, is not going to be a problem an interview?
June 5, 2017 at 02:47
You must put the correct date in the DS260.
June 5, 2017 at 02:55
Thank you for quick respond.
In an interview should i say to officer that i did correction?
Could he disqualify my case. i am worry about it.
June 5, 2017 at 13:51
It should not be a problem.
June 5, 2017 at 09:15
hi, i’ve filled out the form ds-260 and now i am a little confused about the fees $88 and $230, these fees should be paid or not?
June 5, 2017 at 13:33
There are no fees of that amount, and nothing to be paid until the interview.
June 5, 2017 at 23:38
Hello brit can continue a ds-260 form, with work where I have over 5 years as a cooker where i have high school only with three years completed with diploma
June 5, 2017 at 23:53
Work as a cook, won’t qualify you – so only proceed if your education meets the requirements.
June 5, 2017 at 23:54
I m a medical doctor. Please should I answer yes to the question asking whether ‘I seek to practise in the states but yet to be certified’?. Thank you
June 5, 2017 at 23:56
Yes is probably the truth – right?
June 6, 2017 at 00:02
Hello Brit Simon,
I’m a certified body car repairer, I belong to the army in my country (Sweden), I have run my own roofing company for 4 consecutive years now, will that be enough qualification for work experience? What kind of proof should I get about my job other than tax reports?
June 7, 2017 at 00:10
Running the roofing company may not qualify you.
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
June 6, 2017 at 00:05
Hi brit do i qualify with my job as printing and driver – because I don’t have education requirements
June 7, 2017 at 00:09
You might not be qualified.
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
June 7, 2017 at 01:18
But I have two years of training in the printing press and experience and with the driving I went to driving school in europe which I had my driving landsin and working as driver……I check job zone and this two jobs are there as a qualify work.
Thanks for the help
June 7, 2017 at 01:54
But they are not in job zone 4.
June 7, 2017 at 05:43
I don’t understand by saying job zone 4?
And this is what appears on my screen when I search printing on on..net:-
Summary Report for:
51-5112.00 – Printing Press Operators
Set up and operate digital, letterpress, lithographic, flexographic, gravure, or other printing machines. Includes short-run offset printing presses.
Sample of reported job titles: 1st Pressman, 2nd Pressman, Flexographic Press Operator, Offset Pressman, Press Leader, Press Operator, Pressman, Printer, Printing Press Operator, Printing Pressman
June 7, 2017 at 05:57
Well I have given you a link to read that makes that clear – but you haven’t bothered to read it.
June 7, 2017 at 06:17
OK I read it that’s mean without job zone 4 you are not qualified?
And as I am principal applicant i dont have the high school requirements but my wife has it could that help?
June 7, 2017 at 06:31
Yes it means you cannot qualify, and no your wife’s qualifications don’t help.
June 6, 2017 at 05:13
Hi Brit,
Let me tell you first thing, You are doing a wonderful job by helping people out with your blog and spreading the knowledge you got. I salute you for this mate.
I have read so many comments and replies on your blog, but i still have some doubt so thought to ask you and rest my mind in peace.
1. I have won DV 2018 with case number As****4000 what you think my chances are. My chargeability is Nepal.
2. I am from Nepal but currently residing in Sydney. I got Nepalese passport (country of birth) and in next 3-4 months i am about to obtain Australian passport and australian citizenship. In Nepal, Dual citizenship is not allowed which means if i obtain Australian passport, automatically My Nepalese passport and citizenship will become void. As my state of Chargeability is Nepal, Will obtaining Australian passport is going to have any effect on My DV?? I am bit confused whether i should obtain Australian citizenship at this point of time or not.
3. As I am residing in Sydney (though being Nepalese by birth and Country of Chargeability Nepal),
I have chosen my interview location on Sydney, Do you think this will help me to get interview scheduled earlier compared to Nepal?
I will appreciate if you can answer my questions especially question number two.
June 6, 2017 at 23:19
Hi Brit,
Can you please reply for this. I am quite anxiously waiting for your reply and my whole australian citizenship depends on this reply now.
Will wait, Thanks
June 7, 2017 at 00:13
I was getting there!!
June 7, 2017 at 00:04
1. It’s fine.
2. DV has nothing to do with nationality – so your changes won’t affect your DV case at all.
3. No. It will be based on Nepal timing.
June 21, 2017 at 06:14
Hi Simon,
Hope you are doing well and thanks for the reply mate. I have gone through all your blogs and spent hours trying to get assured the impact of obtaining Australian Citizenship on my DV.
My case looks different as compared to other due to the fact that dual citizenship is not allowed in Nepal. Once i obtain the Australian citizenship (which is likely to happen in next two months), my nepalese passport will become void (dual citizenship is not allowed in Nepal) by virtue of Nepalese Constitution. I will have to surrender my nepalese passport (though practically no one does) and no longer i will be able to use Nepalese passport. This will mean even if i have to travel to Nepal, I will have to use Australian passport. My main doubt is, i am given the DV based on the fact that i am a Nepalese (chargeability to Nepal), but once i obtain the Australian passport I can no longer call myself a Nepalese, So doesn’t the visa officer disqualify me on the basis that my nepalese passport is void and I am not a Nepalese any more??Please give your valuable thought on this. I rang the US Consular in sydney, but they don’t seem to have the answer at this point of time.
June 21, 2017 at 06:30
I already answer this on June 7th. Read that reply again.
June 21, 2017 at 07:05
I am sorry Simon for repeating the same question but since this carries an utmost importance, I want to obtain this DV and fulfill my dream of travelling to USA.
Further to your reply, Please see below the further questions
1)does that mean you are 100% sure about my case??? IF you are 100% sure I wont bother
asking US Consular as well. I can trust you your blog for this
2) I have lodged Ds-260 with Nepalese passport, Which passport shall i use on the date of
Interview, Nepalese or australia?? or You think i should add Australian passport detail on DS-
260 by requesting the KCC to unlock my DS-260 after i receive australian passport.
I hope to receive a reply from you.
June 21, 2017 at 13:29
1. Yes
2. Aus. Unlock.
June 6, 2017 at 09:33
HI Brit! I am having an issue submitting my form.. it says “the case number is nt the same you used to log in”, but it s the one.. my case number is 2018AF*****141.
I wrote to the KCC but no answer yet.
June 6, 2017 at 23:49
Your answer is here:
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
June 6, 2017 at 11:36
Hi Brit,
this is the error message i get when submitting my ds-260 forms and trying to sign and submit my application. (Please correct all areas in error as indicated below. Once you have finished, click ”Sign and Submit Application’ to continue. “The case number you entered does not match the case number that you entered at Sign In”.) this is my case: 2017AF000XXXXX
what should I do please? Thank you
June 6, 2017 at 23:35
Answer is here:
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
June 6, 2017 at 15:05
pls..help me to decide i won 2018 dv still not submitted my ds-260 because of spelling error in my first name all my high school documents are (10 and 12 grade ) KUMNEGER but my degree is KUMENGER(here no letter e after letter n but is placed after letter m)..all other documents birth cetificate ,passport and dv entry are same is KUMENGER…i try to change my high school names but it is not allowe to change ..i feard my birth certificate and passport got after i see i won the dv ..and my attorney filled only degree no high school information he say it is not needed..i am late to submitte my case num AF12XXX..
PLSE quick guide
June 6, 2017 at 23:28
Your name should be accurate according to your passport and birth cert. The name on an educational document is not as important. Your lawyer is an idiot that doesn’t know how to answer the question. You are supposed to enter High School information.
June 7, 2017 at 08:34
THANK YOU brint i will add my high school info..and i will inform you
June 6, 2017 at 17:18
Hi, l have just filled my Ds206 form by putting my 1st Passport number in which near relative name is mistake. So i apply form to correct name in Passport but new Passport number is not same sa previous. Please suggest what happens dut to two passpnumber.
June 6, 2017 at 17:48
You can either update your DS260 with the new passport number or take old and new passports to the interview.
June 7, 2017 at 09:17
Hi, BritSimon
First of all I would like to thank you for your great Job.
1. I am DV selectee and my Case Number is 2018AS*****604. I am from Nepal. However, I am doing PhD in China and will graduate in December 2017. I have filled all the categories of DS-260 but did not submit the form finally. I want to held the interview for few months. I want to get interviewed after December 2017, when should I submit my DS-260 to get interview after Dec.
2. If I submit the DS-260 now and got interview earlier than Dec. 2017. It is possible to change the date of interview.
3. Currently, I am living in Chengdu (China, Sichuan) but my interview venue is Guangzhou (China). I want to change the venue of interview to Chengdu but in dropdown list I cannot find Chengdu (China, Sichuan). However, there is consulate office of America in Chengdu (China, Sichuan). It is possible to change the venue of interview to Chengdu, China.
With Regards
Manoj
June 7, 2017 at 13:44
1. Wait a month or two.
2. POssible, but difficult.
3. Not all consulates perform DV case interviews – check with KCC.
June 7, 2017 at 21:22
1.I finished Vocational School should type in course of study High School or vocational only thanks.
June 7, 2017 at 21:55
Btw i finished elementary school 9 years high school 3 years i got a diploma aswell so i think that might not be a problem
June 8, 2017 at 04:09
So – make a choice.
June 8, 2017 at 12:16
Hello,
I’m on my way to submit and sign the online form of Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. I already complete everything and I’m on the last page where I have to sign and submit but I have an issue with the KCC Case Number. The message says:
Please correct all areas in error as indicated below. Once you have finished, click ”Sign and Submit Application’ to continue.
The case number you entered does not match the case number that you entered at Sign In.
I don’t understand that message because until now I was using the same case number that I’ve got from you from the entrant status check. Please help me to find the solution.
Best regards,
Nataliya
June 8, 2017 at 20:56
The solution is described here
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
June 8, 2017 at 18:09
Hi, BritSimon thank you for cooperation in the Dv-Lottery program. My question is concerning case number for.ex. my case number is 2018AF000211XX from east Africa.Shall I fill the next DS-260 form? This case number has what type of chance is is low or high for getting visa?
June 8, 2017 at 18:49
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions
June 8, 2017 at 23:06
HELLO BRITSIMON
THANK YOU FOR YOUR ADVICE
I HAS BEEN SELECTED FOR DV2018. I GAVE BIRTH TO NEW CHILD AFTER THE ENTRING PROCESS. WHEN I WAS ADDING HIM AS A PARTICIPANT I ENTERED THE SURNAMES INSTEAD OF GIVEN NAMES. BUT THE REST OF INFORMATION I FILLED IT CORRECTLY
CAN THIS MISTAKE CAUSE A PROBLEM?
THANKS
June 9, 2017 at 01:27
It needs to be corrected in the DS260. It isn’t a risk of denial – BUT should be corrected.
June 9, 2017 at 09:33
PLEASE HOW SHOULD I CORRECT IT?
June 9, 2017 at 14:17
You need to start using the FAQ!
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
June 9, 2017 at 04:28
Hi BritSimon:
First of all, thank you for having so much and good information about this subject.
Second my current two questions (maybe I have more later on):
a) My mother was selected this year for DV. I’m her only one child and older than 40 years-old so she didn’t added me as a participant, for the DS260 she doesn’t need to add me either, right?
b) The electronic letter (that confirms she was selected for DV) assigned her to a Consular Office that isn’t the CO where she resides, when she started filling the DS260 form she opted for changing it to the closest Consular Office, can this cause any issue?
c) the documents for the interview are in the same language of the country where she resides, do they need translated to English?
Thanks
June 9, 2017 at 05:24
a. She should list you on her DS260.
b. No
3. No
June 10, 2017 at 11:08
Hi. I filled in my dv260 the 21 may but i still did not receive the confirmationn page is it normal?
June 10, 2017 at 14:11
Were you expecting the page to float in to your hands through your window? Log back in to the DS260 and you can get back to the confirmation page – then print it out.
June 10, 2017 at 15:00
A friend wanted to modify the interview location and requested from KCC to unlock his ds 260 but after unlocking he is not able to change it? Plz what should he do?
Thanks
June 10, 2017 at 15:06
Only KCC can update that field. So – once he resubmits the DS260 he must email KCC and ask for the embassy change and explain why.
June 11, 2017 at 03:36
I logged bag to the ds260 but i found uncompleted what that means, plz
June 11, 2017 at 15:39
It means you have not submitted it.
June 11, 2017 at 08:30
i sent ds 260 and it shows uncompleted because i did not sign it and submit it
and did not have the confermition page yet .from algeria peace to you all
June 11, 2017 at 15:06
Hi Simon,
I have a relatively low case number (<8000) for Europe. I checked the last three years' visa bulletin's and it seems that around 9000 was always the cutoff point for interviews in October. I have submitted my DS-260 mid May. Am I missing something or is it likely that I'll have my interview in October? In addition, I'm in London and since there will be less interviewers in London (since the UK is not eligible) will that additionally accelerate the interview date?
Cheers.
June 11, 2017 at 15:53
October or November interview. Relax and wait and see.
And no, London is not less busy – since they interview for many types of visas.
June 11, 2017 at 20:50
Brit while i going through the comments i have come to know that some countries cases are risky and have long AP time i am from pakistan (country of chargebility qatar) my case num is 2018asxxxx73xx is my case is risky …
June 12, 2017 at 00:22
How are you chargeable to Quatar – were you born there?
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
June 12, 2017 at 00:35
To comment on this : Ist must that you should born in the country of chargeability… i thought if you are an Asian your country of chargeability can be any country in Asia.for instance there was a question I asked you before about someone who is Kenyan but his country of charegeabilty is Sudan and you answered there is no problem as long ss it is in Africa. I apologise if I get you wrong..I’m just commenting to get more clarification.
June 12, 2017 at 01:22
You should charge to the country you are born in. IF you make a mistake and derive no benefit from that mistake, the CO can “forgive” that error *IF* they decide it was accidental. You don’t just choose the country you want to charge to.
June 12, 2017 at 02:16
Yes born in qatar but living in pakistan
June 12, 2017 at 02:05
Yes born there but living in pakistan
June 13, 2017 at 09:16
Dear BritSimon,
When I initially started the application and added the spouse (we had just been married), the municipality handed us a marriage certificate which was not the definite one (we didn’t know about that). Although at the end of the certificate my spouse has taken my surname, there are some minor differences on the other data. I haven’t submitted the application yet, but have uploaded the marriage certificate and added my spouse.
My questions:
1. Is there a way to change the certificates and upload the new one
2. Should I leave it and take both of certificates with me at the interview
3. What is the best action to take in my situation
Thanks a lot
Julian
June 13, 2017 at 13:47
1. Not that I know of
2. Yes
3. See 2
June 14, 2017 at 17:38
I have another issue with my application. I sent the form without completing the education history, high school and university (by mistake). I have completed the work history and told that I give lectures in university.
1. Do I have to write to kcc to open my application so I can fill the other information?
Feel so stupid about this mistake
June 14, 2017 at 02:50
dear BritSimon
i entered my daughter’s name in the lottery as Nadia youssef ahmed
bbut i entered it in ds260 as nadia selim youssed ahmed as written in the passport
1. can this be a reason for disqualification
2. they have already unlocked the applications twice for me, will asking them to unlock it again cause a problem
June 14, 2017 at 02:58
1. No
2. No
June 14, 2017 at 03:23
Dear simon
thank you so much for your quick reply
i have other questions
1. i work in IT but my bachelor degree is in electrical engineering, what should i choose in occupation?
2. my wife has a bachelor degree in medicine and is working as a teacher, but she doesn’t know if she will work or not if we go to the states. what should she choose as occupation?
3. what do i choose in the question about being a skilled worker but have not yet been approved by ministry of labor?
June 14, 2017 at 03:25
1. Your actual job.
2. Teacher
3. “yes”