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.
July 11, 2017 at 19:41
Dear Simon,
Before moving to Qatar last year, I had lived all the time at one place ONLY. However, I studied university (from 2003 to 2007) in a town that is 700 Km’s away from the place where I had always lived, and I used to stay up to three months at the university campus, but I never considered that to be “my address”. Should I mention the university campus as “my address” between 2003 and 2007 so there is no contradiction between my study history and my previous addresses? Thank you
July 11, 2017 at 20:54
Also, it seems both my University and My High school changed names since I finished studies and obtained my high school diploma and my university degree. Should I type in the old names of both institutions that I still have on my diplomas or the new names as they exist, thus easily traceable, today? To make my question more understandable, let me give you an example: My University used to be called “l’Institut National de Commerce” (Which translates as:”The National Institute of Trade”), however, two years after I had obtained my Licentiate Degree (The equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree), it changed name and became: “l’Ecole des Hautes Etudes Commerciales” (Roughly translates as: “School for High Commercial Studies”).
One last question: Should I put the name of my high school and university in English or in my native languages (Arabic & French)?
Sorry for abusing of your time Simon.
Thank you so much
July 11, 2017 at 22:15
I would use the old names and translate to English.
July 11, 2017 at 22:17
Yes
July 12, 2017 at 18:16
Hi
Plz guide me about institutions
Number of institution that I have attended.
I have passed my 10th standard and then 2 years in college and then 4 years bachelor’s from university .So I must have to mention these three institutions ???
And sir my mother is widow and I have a younger brother and a sister .And m the only support to them .Is there any procedure to mention them.Or any other way ????
July 12, 2017 at 18:40
Yes you need to list institutions from age 12 onwards.
You will not be able to take your family members.
July 20, 2017 at 08:49
Salam Shoaib, I am also dv winner for 2018 from Afghanistan. lets help each other to complete it together.
July 13, 2017 at 23:22
I had a problem in my family name and and it has just been solved in my passport i have just delivered a few days ago , is time still valid to complete the form now or it is too late
July 14, 2017 at 06:47
For DV2017 it is probably too late – For DV2018 – there is plenty of time.
July 29, 2017 at 07:46
Hi Simon,
I will submit my DS 260 forms for 2018 entry in August, 2017.
My case number is 2018AF00024xxx. Please considering the fact that i have a five digit case number and the fact that i am submitting the forms a bit late, do I stand any chance of been called for an interview.
Taken your 2015 analysis above into considerations, i would expect to be called for an interview somewhere in January, 2018. thus assuming the processing of the forms takes 4 to 5 months.
July 29, 2017 at 08:12
You have read what I have said – why are you asking?
July 13, 2017 at 23:59
There is something else, i have been engaged after my submission for the DV Lottery in October 2016, is it possible to submit for my fiancee in the DS 260 to be able to get GC also or it will not be possible , thank you
July 14, 2017 at 06:36
You have to get married.
July 19, 2017 at 00:29
Can i get married during completing my procedures , i mean if there is any problem to get married in September , i.e. before the meeting in the Consulate which will start from the beginning of October 2017 as the my status will be changed from single to be married, Please inform me necessarily fast
because it is very important as you see, Thank you
July 19, 2017 at 00:37
https://britsimonsays.com/marital-status-getting-married-dv-lottery-process/
July 15, 2017 at 10:25
Hi Simon,
Many thanks for your cooperation and assistant for the DV Winners, highly appreciated.
I have one more question to my given name especially my grandfather name is typed in my university certificate (e.g. DQAQFF) as indicated to my first passport (2005), but in my current and previous passports is typed (DQAAQF) as I mentioned in DV entry but in my native language (Arabic) is typed in same spelling in both documents, so my question is, should I unlock DS260 to add this misspelling my grandfather name to the (other names used) or keep it as it is?
And kindly clarify my this statement (if you have other surnames to enter, enter the same given names as above, conversely, if you only have other given names to enter, enter the same surnames as above), so my understanding to this statement is (as above means the current passport -valid one- for given names and surname) if so, that means I have to add (two other names used) as below ( because I have other surname and I have other given name (if you advised me as stated above) :
1-Other surname (in other documents), current given names (in the current passport-valid one and DV entry used) (as above).
2-Current surname (in the current passport-valid one and DV entry used) (as above), other given names (in the university certificate and first passport 2005).
Your immediate reply to my above concern is highly appreciated.
Thanking you.
July 15, 2017 at 11:59
The name in your DS260 should be the CORRECT, LEGAL name. Make sure it is that way.
You can use other names section for variations.
July 15, 2017 at 13:22
Thanks a lot dear Simon, and noted for the LEGAL name.
But, kindly clarify me what i have stated above in both cases that it is right or not?
July 15, 2017 at 14:39
You can decide what you want to add for other names.
July 15, 2017 at 13:43
Or can i include both other surname and my grandfather (misspelling) in one other name used?
July 17, 2017 at 15:05
Hello, I have some questions regarding my DS-260:
1- I qualify to the requirements with my High School diploma. I think some of my experiences requires two years experience but I am not sure. Can I just answer ‘no’ to does this job require 2 years of training or experience?’
2- I left the US 3 times this year for holidays in different contries (for 1-2 weeks). To the question regarding the 5 last visits: should I list each time I reentered in the US this year under my J1 visa OR should I consider the first entry to the J1 program as an ‘entry’ and list the entries before this one?
3- My case number is around 7000, I am submitting my DS-260 this week. Any idea when my interview will be held?
Thanks in advance for your help, your blog is really helpul! Sophie
July 18, 2017 at 13:21
1. No or yes won’t matter.
2. All entries.
3. You haven’t made clear if that number is in AF, EU, or AS region, so no – I have no way to tell. But you can read the link – https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
July 17, 2017 at 15:09
And a last question 🙂 I currently have a social security number that I was issued for the J1 program. Should I request a new one or not? Is a social security number valid for life? thanks!
July 18, 2017 at 13:19
One SSN for life – you will use the same number.
July 19, 2017 at 16:43
Hi Brit,
I recently unlocked my DS 260 as recommended by you and made necessary edit.
Will this delay the processing of my application? Knowing that I have a very advanced case number (DV2018) and initially submitted my DS 260 in May the 6th, 2017.
Another question please:
I know I will need to submit either a Bank Statement or an Affidavit of Support or both to the embassy.
Does the Bank statement need to cover a period of 3 to 6 months? Or how many months precisely?
Thank Simon
July 19, 2017 at 17:12
No delay.
No precise time period for the statements – take more than you think you need.
July 21, 2017 at 06:17
Hi Britsimon. I have a question but wouldn’t like to ask on the forum. Will I be possible to have your e-mail address to ask please?
July 21, 2017 at 12:08
britsimon3 at gmail
July 22, 2017 at 14:17
Hey Simon – we’ve found your blog SUPER helpful in our application. Thanks!
One question – for EDUCATION, would you suggest we include courses that are incomplete if we are currently studying? If so, what would you put in the ‘Degree, Diploma or Certificate Received’ section and the ‘Date Attendance To’ section?
You mention this is section is very important so we’re keen to get it right! Thank you!
July 22, 2017 at 16:47
If you are currently studying, that info should be under current occupation.
Then the education history relates to what is completed.
July 23, 2017 at 08:38
Great, thank you again!
July 23, 2017 at 08:19
Hi simon
Please can you explain more of the previous addresses.
I didn’t get the part where you said I have to enter the dates in reverse. Do you mean for example:
Sept 2016-May 2016
May 2016-Dec 2015
Dec 2015-Apr 2015
Apr 2015-Dec 2014?
Is that how you mean and from and from my most recent address??
Thanks
July 23, 2017 at 12:51
No. Like this.
May 2016- Sept 2016
Dec 2015 – May 2016
and so on
July 24, 2017 at 21:41
Hi, i was just wondering what an advances case number is and what one may look like? i only just realised the case number i have had is the one that is what will be used for me through out the process. Any help would be much appreciated as i would love to know if my case number is one that is a good one to have that ups mu chances.
July 25, 2017 at 02:57
Your number is fine.
July 27, 2017 at 07:59
Greetings Brit!
I recently submitted my DS-260 for DV2018.
However I accidentally omitted one of my travel dates to the U.S. which was in the 1980’s.
1. Do I have to adjust my travel information?
2. Will making a change cause a delay to my application?
July 27, 2017 at 08:55
1. Given the age of the trip – no.
2. No it probably would not.
July 27, 2017 at 17:08
Thank you kindly for your feedback
July 28, 2017 at 11:36
Hi Britsimon. I already submitted my DS 260 application yesterday. How can I know my schedule interview date and how long I have to wait for it?
July 28, 2017 at 13:58
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
July 28, 2017 at 15:21
hey Brits,
I am one of the selectees of DVlottery 2018, unfortunately I am from Yemen, one of the six countries banned by E.O. Anyhow, I didn’t fill DS 260 yet in hope the ban will be lifted after the 90 days.
So would you recommend me to fill the DS 260 form as soon as possible or just wait and see what will happen?..I know in both cases, it depends on what will happen next after the 90 days of ban.
One more thing, if I submit the DS 260 now, would I have the chance to be scheduled for an interview even if I don’t have a bona fide nor a business entity relationship in the US?
There is another question, I had a child after submitting the entry form, and If I want to add an applicant, it asks for documents to prove the relationship! Can I submit a passport of my newly born child, and the birth certificate, although the birth certificate is in the native arabic language?
Appreciating your help and kind efforts for clearing out
Hani
July 28, 2017 at 21:53
1. I would suggest you submit the DS260 now. You might need additional time for enhanced background checks, so you want the earliest interview date possible. They will schedule the interview even if the ban is in place.
2. Translate the birth cert (to English) and upload it.
July 30, 2017 at 14:24
Thanks a lot. I appreciate it.
July 29, 2017 at 07:29
Hi Simon
1. During the filling out my wife’s information, I filled her name with the current family name and through the dash wrote her maiden family name – is it allowed to do so? or should I request to unlock ro correct it?
2. How many time it is allowed to request for unlock?
Thank you in advance
July 29, 2017 at 08:12
1. I don’t understand what you wrote.
2. 1753
July 29, 2017 at 09:11
sorry then
1. Whats the rule of filling my wife’s information if she previousely had maiden name?
should I specify it? i.e spouse’s block of information this is how I filled:
“Sojida (first name) Boikeva (current family name) – Sarmusokova (maiden name)”
is this correct way to fill the her name?
July 29, 2017 at 15:15
Fill her correct legal name without the maiden name – then list the maiden name in the other names used section of the DS260
July 29, 2017 at 09:31
hi brit
thanks for your unforgetful help, my question is :is the son of my mothers brother considered as a family relationship ? if for example, the supreme court say that DV2018 winner must have a family relationship. your answer is stress relieving,
July 29, 2017 at 15:16
Yes – that is a direct cousin.
August 1, 2017 at 09:27
hI ,I TRY TO UNLOCK MY DV , AND THE REPLAY WAS
(The Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) has received your email. This email address, [email protected] is for case-specific Diversity Visa inquires only. If you would like to check the status of your entry, please do so at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/ESC. This website is the definitive means of determining whether or not you were selected for possible further processing. You must see a notice that is addressed to you by name as proof of selection to process further in the DV program.
For inquiries about specific cases, please ensure that you have included your case number, first and last name, and date of birth with your inquiry. If this information is not provided or is inaccurate, KCC will be unable to process your inquiry.)
ALREADY DOUBLE CHECK THE DATA THEY ARE ASKING .
PLEASE ADVICE.
August 1, 2017 at 13:13
This is an automated reply to say they got your email. Now wait.
August 4, 2017 at 15:26
Hi sir,
I was asking what is the earliest possible time that I can be issued affidavit of support documents like tax return, income statement and the I-134 form? can it be issued on August for example for DV 2018?
also what is the latest edition forms for Affidavit of support?
thank you
August 4, 2017 at 16:24
Get the aos closer to the interview. It needs recent payslips. Google I-134 for the official site – and use that version.
August 4, 2017 at 23:54
Hey BritSimon, quick question. My mom has a case number of 13000 in the Asia region, any idea about the chances for her to get a green card. I apologize in advance if this is out of context.
August 5, 2017 at 00:09
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
August 5, 2017 at 13:56
Dear BritSimon please kindly advise how to go about cancelling an application for DV2018? I had already completed the Form DS260 online in May 2017 however due to family circumstances I will not be able to go through with the process.
Additionally please kindly advise whether will this cancellation will affect my chances of getting other visas in future such as holiday visas to the US?
Many thanks, Regards
August 5, 2017 at 14:42
You can’t cancel the application – you simply don’t follow through. The fact that you applied (filled out the DS260) can affect future non immigrant visas. You MUST be truthful if asked.
August 5, 2017 at 20:41
Dear Simon,
I have contacted the KCC about whether my spouse should submit the ds 260 if she is not traveling along with me and will join me when I arrive at USA and they informed that each applicant in your case must fill and and submit the ds 260 form so that our case is processed. However, I did not get clear and specific answer for my issue
May you please advise me whether my spouse should fill the form and send if she is not traveling with me.. If she doesn’t, does that can affect my application knowing that I am the principal applicant
August 5, 2017 at 22:25
To get clear and specific answers, you have to ask clear and specific questions.
What do you mean – she won’t travel with you – exactly how much later do you expect her to travel?
August 6, 2017 at 12:22
I want her to travel after six months of my arrival to the USA just need time to look for work and being able to cover bills and rents…that is before the end of the dv 2018…I am expecting her to join me before dv 2018 lottery expires.
August 6, 2017 at 14:32
You can’t do that. To get a visa through your DV win, she must interview with you. If you don’t do that it will take 2 years and a lot more complexity/money to sponsor her.
August 6, 2017 at 01:39
dear simon in 2016 i was in relationship with an american women who filled a petition for alien fiance (the alien fiance is me) and the petition was denied because we did not send request of evidence to uscis and we forget about it now i am applying for green card in ds 260 there is a question said have you been visa refused or been refused your admission at the port of entry what i should answer this question yes or no they asking about visa refusal so should i tell them about my petion denial i am very confused other wise what is the reason from this question thank you very much
August 6, 2017 at 01:57
Answer yes.
August 6, 2017 at 02:12
so you mean petition denial mean a visa refusal for me the benificary
August 6, 2017 at 02:15
my case did not go to visa center or us ambessy just stop in uscis
August 7, 2017 at 19:06
Hi Simon
If couple husbend and wife both won Green card, should they both fill DS260 separately including each other as second spouse?
Thank you in advance!
August 7, 2017 at 19:57
They would normally process on one case or another – lowest case number first. That assumes that selectee meets all the requirements. The spouse is then the derivative.
August 8, 2017 at 09:56
Could you clarify a bit, can they both to take their chance and fill DS260?
August 8, 2017 at 15:23
They can do that – but if the first case is good – there is usually no need for the second.
August 8, 2017 at 11:40
Hello Simon!I believe that you are well. I want to know in my education history, I must also give the name of my primary school or only for high school. And must I give the school name in english or the way is writting on the diploma.thanks
August 8, 2017 at 15:17
List schools from about age 12 onwards.
August 8, 2017 at 16:56
how can a petition denial count a visa refusal need explain please
August 9, 2017 at 00:27
Stop asking the same question that I already answered!
August 8, 2017 at 18:51
Hello Simon, am I looking forward to the September newsletter? We are already days true?
August 8, 2017 at 20:02
https://britsimonsays.com/possible-early-notice-first-dv2018-visa-bulletin/
August 9, 2017 at 01:43
dear simon
i have a question
1). i am dv winner 2018 and am currently living abroad for study will be graduated 2019. so i want my interview will be in my home country with my spouse and my kid
how can i fill the previous and present address?
thank you in advance
August 9, 2017 at 01:48
Fill in the DS260 accurately and then contact KCC explaining why you want an interview in your home country.
August 9, 2017 at 13:25
Thank you Simon
August 9, 2017 at 23:16
Hey Simon. I am a derivative of my dad who is a DV 2018 winner. My date of birth is July 1996. Our case number is pretty high so we expect our interview to be around July(not sure). Would I still be eligible by August of 2018?
August 9, 2017 at 23:37
No – you will age out in January or February – so you won’t get a GC as a derivative. Once your parents live in the USA they could sponsor you, but it will take several years.
August 10, 2017 at 01:12
Thank you for your reply, although it is devastating news. I am from Srilanka, do you have any idea as to how long the sponsorship process takes? I’ve heard people being sponsored by companies and getting it in 1 to 2 years.
August 10, 2017 at 03:32
It will be MUCH longer than that. Your case would be family based – nothing to do with employment based. Each type of relationship is put in a category – your case would be categorized as F2B. If you check the current visa bulletin the waiting period for F2B is about 7 years.
August 10, 2017 at 14:32
Hi Simon, I want to find whether DS260 for DV2018 selectee will be processed even if sent before the application processes for DV2017 selectees end or it will be processed after September 30, 2017. And also how long does it take for KCC to respond when DS260 is submitted? Am asking this because I assisted a friend to submit his DS260 as DV 2018 selectee in May but he has had no response yet.
August 10, 2017 at 14:37
My friend’s case number is in the 16 thousand column……2018AF0000016…
August 10, 2017 at 15:03
Right – so that is not current yet.
August 10, 2017 at 15:01
The DS260 will have been processed – BUT interviews won’t start until October – and then they will be done in case number order.
https://britsimonsays.com/DV2018-basic-questions
August 11, 2017 at 08:42
Hello Simon!
What a wonderful Blog, it will be certainly be very useful.
My Italian Husband ( I’m Canadian and my country isn’t listed ) wants to fill the form.
I had 2 questions
– do we need any documents to be translated from foreign language to English? (Ex : Birth certificate etc)
– I am a little confused about “when” to fill ? Am I mistaken but read until this August 17th For 2018? If not I had read that it was this coming October or November. Please enlight me ??
Thanks for your time and effort in helping out everyone. That is very generous of you !
Manon and Angelo
August 11, 2017 at 14:21
Your limited information has me wondering if you understand the process.
If your husband was selected (with an 2018EU number – I assume), you are eligible to apply with him also – even though you are Canadian.
You need documents translated to English OR the official language where you will interview. So – that could mean documents in French don’t need to be translated to English if you are interviewing in Canada, for instance.
Regarding “when to fill”. Be clear about what form you are talking about. Do you mean the DS260? If so there is not a deadline for that form.
August 11, 2017 at 17:04
Hi,
I would like to ask you about the attached respond received from KCC, what is the meaning of permanent lock? is it means my DS260 will be closed for ever and will not process or means it will process and i will get interview appointment as usual but will not be able to do changes on my DS260 ON THE FUTURE?
Once the applicant submits a DS-260 it remains locked unless the applicant requests it to be unlocked for corrections. If the applicant requests it KCC can place a permanent lock on the case. If this lock is placed on the case then neither the applicant, nor any other person can unlock the case. Please advise if you choose to take this action.
August 11, 2017 at 17:07
The “permanent lock” means you cannot make ANY changes after that point, but the interview will go ahead once current. I never recommend it – but if you have been foolish enough to allow someone else to access your case and are concerned about that – then that is an option.
August 15, 2017 at 16:53
PERFECT EVERNING SIMON
I HAVE A CHILD OF 4 YEARS OLD.I WANT TO KNOW IF I CAN FILL THE FORM FOR HER AS IT REQUIRED THAT ALL THE APPLICANT MUST FILL THE FORM.
August 15, 2017 at 18:06
LOL. I do think that a child could complete these forms better than adults sometimes – but no – as her parent, you fill in the form for her.
August 16, 2017 at 15:32
THANK YOU SIMON
August 16, 2017 at 18:11
Hi Simon
After submitted application, few days later my accompanies (Wife and my childrens) are going to get the second citizenship (Russian) – should I reqest Unlock to make revisions in their second citizenship information?
August 16, 2017 at 21:55
Yes
August 18, 2017 at 15:58
Hi Simon, thank you!
and one more^ if I previousely have already requested 2 times to reunlock, is there any chance or risk to be disqualified if I request 3rd time?
thank you in advance!
August 18, 2017 at 17:09
No
August 17, 2017 at 20:29
Hi Simon
I have been trying to complete the DS-260 form but I was getting an error msg that the case number doesn’t match the case number… I have removed the zeros in front of the case number but it’s still not going through when I hit the sign and submit button. Any experience on this matter?
P.S. your services are much appreciated. Thank you
August 17, 2017 at 21:10
You are probably a male under 26. If so, you must click the link about selective service just before you click submit.
August 18, 2017 at 00:20
It worked. Thanks a lot. I’m in the U.S and going for an adjustment of status. At what point should I register for the service? when I get the residency card, correct?
August 18, 2017 at 00:45
Yes
August 18, 2017 at 12:09
Dear BritSimon,
I and my wife health professionals what will be our answer related to health professionals seeking job in us without obtaining equivalent yet. Ahould we answer yes and in the comment we wrote we will work if we obtain authorisation or equivalent from us government?
August 18, 2017 at 14:22
Yes, the answer is yes.
August 20, 2017 at 03:47
Hi Simon,
I would like to add my new born son, his birth date is 15 Aug 2017, I clicked on the new applicant and wrote his name, surname and country of birth and submitted it but there appears this message, “You have encountered an application error. Please try again later”
I tried it many times, could you please help me with its solution,
Thank you,
August 20, 2017 at 04:21
I don’t know why you are getting that message. I don’t have any solution.
August 24, 2017 at 17:10
Dear Simon,
I solved this issue, but faced again to another problem, I filled the DS 260 Form for him I mean for my new born son, I used my passport number for him for now as i have not got his passport yet, but at the end in the section of sign and submit the button of sign and submit is not working, I did it for me, my spouse and for my daughter it worked properly and i got the confirmation letter too. If you know anythings in this regards please help me,
Thank you in advance,
Karim
August 24, 2017 at 17:13
Click the selective service link on the final page before you submit. Then it will work.
August 25, 2017 at 16:30
Thank you very much, it worked and done.
August 26, 2017 at 00:40
I submitted my DS 260 but I didn’t mention the high school and other institutes , i only mentioned the university, my interview will be in November and kcc told me my case is already processed and opening it will delay my interview
What should i do after telling them to unlock it i told them not to because i want to have my interview in November
August 26, 2017 at 02:13
Unlock and correct it. Ignore what they told you. Get on with it.
August 26, 2017 at 05:11
Thanks for your great work… I am filling ds260. I have 7 parts in my name. 7th is the surname. No space for 5th and 6th in other names column. Is it explainable at the interview. In my EDV also same.
August 26, 2017 at 05:24
Yes.
August 26, 2017 at 05:36
It means I will not include my 5th and 6th parts of my name in ds260 ANYWHERE and explain with my bith certificate and passport at the interview. Is my understanding correct sir?
August 26, 2017 at 14:01
Yes. As a precaution, email KCC with a copy of your birth cert and an explanation.
August 26, 2017 at 14:21
Thank you sir..
August 26, 2017 at 14:10
If i put only one institute in the education and it is a university degree (bachelor) I didn’t puf the pre university in my ds260 this could eliminate my form cuz if i want to open it now i will have a delaying in my interview i am sure , also i asked them first through email to unlock it then i called them they said : my form already processed and you can take the documents with you to the interview ( the missing institutions certifications)
and changing anything would delay my interview a month.
I want to know if i left it as it is what is the problem
August 26, 2017 at 14:27
I already told you my advice.
August 26, 2017 at 14:29
I know but if i left it my case will be eliminated
Cuz I don’t want to have any delaying
August 27, 2017 at 22:18
I have filled the DS-260 but i can not submit it because it says that my case number is different with the one at the Sign in…. what should i do ? however i have entered the same case number every time
August 28, 2017 at 02:53
Your answer is here:
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
August 28, 2017 at 15:34
At Additional Work/Education/Training Information it showed me only this question:
Have you ever served in the military?
Yes No
Is it a problem not being asked the next questions as they are at your screenshot here?
Thank you
August 28, 2017 at 15:42
The form will change depending on previous answers. Just answer the questions honestly and accurately.
August 28, 2017 at 15:46
Do you think the winners from six countries will get the visa after the 90 days of ban my interview will be in November and i am from syria the travel ban will end 24th of September
August 28, 2017 at 19:01
I really have no idea.