Completing the DS260 for DV lottery entrants
Completing the DS260 for DV lottery entrants
*** Note***
Upon submission, some people are getting an error message that the confirmation number doesn’t match. In that case – the solution is here:
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
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OK – so the main task to process your DV lottery win is to complete a form online that is your “application” for immigration benefit. That form is the DS260.
The form itself might seem daunting, and it may take about 2 hours to complete. It is important that you prepare your information, and enter the details as accurately as possible. You will be able to make changes later on, but it makes sense to spend a few extra minutes early on to get this right.
You will some documents to complete the process and mostly you will need those now so gather them now and create a special file to start creating your DV lottery paperwork:-
- Passport information for you and your family members.
- Birth certificates for you and your family members.
- Your education history
- Your work history
- Your address history
- An address in the USA of a friend or family member. This is where your Green Card will be sent.
Ready? OK now let me guide you through completing the form:-
Enter the form for the first time.
You need your case number which will be in the format of YEAR-REGION-CASENUMBER. For example 2016AS00001234. This is the FULL case number including the “leading zeroes” in this case before the 1234. (In online forums we suggest hiding the last 2 or 3 digigits and dropping the leading zeroes – so when quoting your case on a forum you would state this number as 2016AS1XXX or 2016AS12XX. This protects your identity.)
The form will expect your date of birth in day/month/year order. This is odd because Americans write date in month/day/year order.
Once in the form you will go through a number of sections where you will enter your details. Most of the information is self explanatory – but here are screenshots for each section of how the forms will look for a simple case – and some comments about some of the questions. Please remember it is important to make sure your answers are YOUR answers. Don’t just copy what I am suggesting if the answer does not agree with your circumstances.
1. Summary.
Here you will see a list of applicants attached to the case (based on the eDV entry). Click the link under “IV application” to complete the details for each applicant.
You can also add applicants from this page (if you have married since the original entry or had a child). Once you have added an applicant you cannot remove that applicant or change their name. So – please be careful about name spelling etc. It is also important to note that if you are adding a spouse or child that you already had prior to the original eDV entry but failed to mention in the original entry you will most probably be disqualified, as that is a critical error.
If you do have to add a child or spouse because of a birth or marriage while you are waiting to be interviewed, remember you will need to add an applicant AND in addition your own form will need to be unlocked so that you can add the new family relationship to your form.
2. Personal Information 1.
This is where you will enter your name information. It is a useful page to capture your name in English, but also in Native alphabet.
The names entered on this page should be as listed on your passport – but also use the “other names used” section to make sure you have covered combinations that appear in your documents. For example, if you have an education certificate that includes an additional family name, use the alias section to include that name. Also, use the alias section if you entered your name differently on the eDV entry. Entering your other names used here means USCIS have early notice to perform name checks on your various names used and therefore you can make sure your background check is comprehensive – which is exactly what you want to reduce the chances of being placed on AP or even refused for incomplete name information.
Complete the other details such as date of birth. If you somehow made a mistake on the eDV about your date of birth (for example during conversion from a different calendar) THIS is your opportunity to correct that mistake – please pay attention to that. This would normally agree with the date of birth on your birth certificate, but if that is not known, then use the date shown on your passport.
About city/state/country of birth. ON the eDV entry (where you entered the lottery) you will have entered something for your city of birth. The three levels are related to each other – so a CITY is sometimes denoted as being in a STATE (or province) and that STATE is within a COUNTRY. People sometimes are not sure what to enter so let me gives some examples.
You could have been born in Richmond which is a city/town in London, United Kingdom. So an acceptable answer (which should agree with the information on your birth certificate) would be:
CITY: Richmond
State/Province: London
Country: United Kingdom
Your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond the point of entry, but if your passport will expire during the DV process, you might be better submitting now with the current passport and updating later once you have the replacement passport. This is especially true if you have a low case number, and are therefore expecting an early interview. If you do need to renew your passport during the DV process, in many cases people have taken old and new passports to the interview without unlocking the form, but the preference would be to add the new passport details if time allows.
OK – hope that makes sense. Check what it says on your birth certificate. It is important that this information agrees to the birth certificate and the passport. By the way – your country of birth may not be the same as your nationality (which is on the next page). But your country of birth is what should have driven your entry into the lottery (eligibility is based on your country of birth, NOT your nationality).
The finished result should look something like this:-
3. Personal information 2
This page is about your travel documents (passport). Make sure you have the passport in front of you when you complete this page – accuracy is important as this will enable background checks.
Note, if you do not have a passport at this time you can complete the entry using another state issued ID, and then later unlock your forms to add the passport details. You WILL need a passport prior to interview as will any derivative (family member) of yours.
4. Present and previous address information
Try and complete this as accurately as possible. Provide all the address that you have LIVED at since the age of 16. If you stayed at a holiday home for a month or two, that does not need to be entered, but if you LIVED at an address for a few months then you should enter that address. You enter past address in reverse date order – meaning going backwards in time, one address at a time. Be as accurate as possible with the date you started living at each address (you can guess the dates within a month or two).
5. Mailing and Permanent Address Information
This is information about where you expect to stay in the USA OR the address of someone you can trust to receive your Green Card on your behalf. Most people can think of someone within their family or friends that could receive the GC for them. You should also know that you can change this address during the process – right up to the day your arrive in the USA for the first time.
6. Family information: Parents
OK – self explanatory information. I only show the top of the page in the screenshot below but you add your parents details and their addresses. THe data here should be accurate, but if you don’t know their birthdates etc. it is not a huge problem. Do the best you can.
7. Family information: Spouse and Previous Spouse
Enter the details as appropriate to your case. Remember, the information should be correct on the day you enter it. So, if you plan to marry in a month but want to submit your form today then you are SINGLE today. YOu can either delay submission of your form until you are married, or submit now as single and unlock your form later after the marriage. There is some information about marriage during the DV process here.
A previous spouse is entered when you divorced of a spouse passed away. You will be required to produce a divorce certificate or death certificate during the interview to tally with what you enter here.
8. Family information: Children
Fairly obviously you will need to enter information about each child you have, making sure their information ties with birth certificates and passports.
If your child is nearly 21 there may be special considerations for you. Please read this article on children aging out and their status under the CSPA.
If you are expecting a child to be born during the DV lottery processing period there are also procedures in place to obtain a Green Card for that child. I will address that with a new article.
One thing I would say, it is ESSENTIAL that you listed all your children in the eDV according to the instructions. If you made a mistake about that you may have caused yourself a problem. If you have a concern, contact me and explain your situation.
In the case shown in the screenshot below the applicant did not have any children.
9. Present work/education/training information
OK so this is important as education OR work experience are requirements of the DV lottery. Please read this article for more information about meeting the requirement. I cannot stress enough. You are only required to meet the education OR work experience – you do not have to prove BOTH. Of the two routes, education is the simplest and most reliable method, but some people cannot meet the education requirement – and although this may surprise you that includes me. I have had a very successful career in the IT field and have demonstrated my skills to earn a H1 visa (which is category of visa for highly educated or highly skilled workers), BUT I could not have met the DV lottery requirement on education! So – think carefully whether you do or not – and act accordingly.
Enter the information about work and education based on what you are doing at present. If you are entering work experience and hope to qualify through work experience you should consider carefully the question about “does this job require 2 years of training or experience”. Again, read the article above to understand that better.
10. Previous work/education/training information
OK – so this will vary depending on what you did before your present occupation. Maybe you had a different job, maybe you studied. Whichever is true you must enter that information here and create a complete history of your work, education and training. Try and get the dates to be accurate and make sure that those dates make sense with the address information you gave previously.
This page can end up being quite long and for the screenshots I have had to break it into two pieces. Just take your time and make it make sense. You can add another occupation (work or edication). Again, you enter going “backwards” in time.
11. Additional work/education/training information.
Answer the questions truthfully on this page. If you answer Yes and a box opens for further details there will be instructions of what further detail they want.
12. Security and Background: Medical and Health information
Answer these questions carefully and truthfully.
The second question (about vaccinations) causes some debate. Truthfully it WILL NOT MATTER whether you choose Yes or NO for that particular question. The right answer for 99% of people is NO, because you do not have “documentation to establish…”, even if you do have records of vaccinations. So, it is a subtle point but whether you answer yes or no it will not matter. The vaccinations you actually need will be decided by the panel physician at the time of your medical. So by all means gather whatever vaccination documentation you have.
13. Security and Background: Criminal
Answer these questions truthfully. Most criminal convictions will not cause disqualification, and you will have a chance to explain at the interview. The crimes that can cause disqualification are called “crimes of moral turpitude”. It is a vague term and perhaps one that I will write about to clarify but most people by far will not have a problem even if they have a criminal conviction. Previous immigration fraud is not surprisingly one of the crimes that can cause an issue which is why it is essential you always tell the truth on these applications.
14. Security and Background: Security 1
Again – answer these truthfully.
15. Security and Background: Security 2
Again – answer the questions truthfully.
16. Security and Background: Immigration law violations
As I mentioned earlier – they take immigration law violations seriously!
17. Security and Background: Miscellaneous 1
Again answer truthfully.
The skilled or unskilled labor question has sparked some debate. In reality if you intend to work in the USA then the answer to this is Yes – but this is another question that will not cause a problem no matter which response your choose.
18. Security and Background: Miscellaneous 2
Again these just need truthful answers.
The healthcare professional one is another question that really doesn’t matter how you answer it. If you are a healthcare worker don’t be afraid to admit that.
The public charge question should be answered NO. Public charge means financial assistance from the government. You must realize that the Green Card lottery winners should not be claiming “public assistance”. There are some exceptions to that statement, but in general you are expected to support yourself. The USA is a land of opportunity, not free gifts.
19. Social security number
Answer these three questions as shown below unless you already have a SSN from a previous period in the USA. USCIS will (in theory) forward your details to the social security administration (SSA) to apply for your SSN. In practice many people find this does not happen correctly and delays are caused in getting the SSN after you enter the USA. Since the SSN is so important for many purposes here in the USA that is a nuisance, so I always suggest people visit the SSA office after a couple of weeks to make sure your SSN is “in the system”. You should receive the SSN card itself about 2 to 3 weeks after entering the USA.
Submitting the form.
OK so you have completed your form. You do the same for each derivative (family member). Check all the forms carefully, take screenshots if you like and when you are ready, submit the form. You should then print the confirmation page. You will be able to review the form later in review mode and can also take screenshots at that point.
You may also be prompted to fill out a form for “selected service”. Any us resident male under 26 years old is required to register for selective service. This does not not mean you will need to serve in the military, but if there was some crisis that required additional military men under 26 years old will be picked by a lottery to be inducted into the military.
The form will become “locked” so that you will not be able to edit it although you will be able to review the information after you submitted it. If you need at any time prior to your interview to unlock the form you can do so by emailing KCC who generally respond within a few days. Once unlocked you can make changes.
Once KCC have your form they will “process” it. They conduct background checks based on the information you have told them and access to official records. The processing period in DV2015 took around 4 to 5 months because of the volume of forms submitted around the same time. So, if you have a very low case number and you delay the submission of your DS260 there is a chance you could delay the interview date – BUT don’t worry, you will simply be interviewed later. Interviews are conducted based on case number order but only from a pool of cases that have completed their DS260 processing.
October 30, 2017 at 16:34
Hello and thanks for all the information you provide to everyone. I am just looking for hope. My husband has an appointment to be interviewed in December . The problem is that we didn’t list all this children on the first DV lottery application. (They are not US citizens and they weren’t born after filling out the application) We listed them in the DS 160 forms though. We called the KCC and they said there’s a slight chance to not be disqualified, it all depends on the US consular at the time of the interview. We contacted the embassy where my husband will go for his interview and they said they can only refer us to the DV instructions and that my husband will have to go to the interview and they will make a decision there. The golden question now: Have you or has anyone ever heard about a case getting approved even if all children weren’t listed? Please let me know and hopefully give me some hope 🙁 . I know it was a dumb mistake 🙁
October 30, 2017 at 19:51
I think it would be wrong of me to give you any glimmer of hope. I think you should accept that there is NO chance of approval. If you can afford to lose the time and money, then feel free to test the theory – but I have never heard of anyone who has convinced the CO request permission to continue the case.
The guidance to CO’s instructs them to refuse cases like this. The “slight chance” is from this piece of the guidance that says:
“If post believes a case merits issuance despite apparent failure to comply with this instruction, post can submit the case for an advisory opinion to the Advisory Opinions Division (CA/VO/L/A).”
So the question is what excuse could your husband give that would “merit” a HIGHLY rare decision. Was there some incredibly compelling reason why your husband failed to follow the clear instructions?
October 31, 2017 at 12:40
Thanks Brits. My question is on submission of ds-260 on line form. I resubmitted the form on 31/10/2017 after correcting it. This re submission
can create a delay on interview time?
October 31, 2017 at 13:13
Not normally.
October 31, 2017 at 13:34
Thanks for your quick answer.
November 2, 2017 at 14:23
I answered NO to the question “Do you have any children?” but i do have a child.
I got confused on that part. I thought i should answer Yes if i have plans to petition my child in the future. My child is over 21 yrs old and as of now i have no plans petitioning him.
I have submitted already the DS 260.
Could i correct this on the interview scheduled date?
Will this cause delay or visa denied?
Hoping to help me on this matter.
November 2, 2017 at 15:44
NO problem. Discuss it at the interview.
November 3, 2017 at 14:12
My wife and children have address in passport different from my address in passport but I live in my wife’s address. when I fill ds 260 i must write the address in passport or I shoud modify my address
November 3, 2017 at 16:16
Your actual address.
November 5, 2017 at 17:37
Hi Brit, we were in Texas on vacation in September, should I ask KCC to unlock DS260 and add this trip? My case number is EU18xxx.
November 5, 2017 at 17:47
If you want to – it isn’t essential.
November 5, 2017 at 20:33
Hi Simon,
Thank you for being patient with all the questions we throw your way and taking your time to answer us. Your the real deal ??
Question 1, when should we start counting the 6 months visa validity before it expires if one does not enter USA by? Some people say Day 1 starts from the day you do your medicals others say Day 1 is from the date the visa is issued, what do you say??
Question 2, assuming someone is from United kindgdom by country of origin but lives and works in India, so when applying for green card the person gives adress for india for communications purposes but on the question that asks where he / she would like to attend the interview puts country of origin i.e. United Kingdom and he is able to travel home for the interview once the date is set would he be in trouble for not saying that he can do his interview in India? Is that a reason to worry ?
November 6, 2017 at 00:22
1. It’s medical date plus 6 months.
2. No problem, you interview where you live. Interestingly, you mention UK and India, neither of which is eligible for the lottery.
November 6, 2017 at 13:07
How can one apply for dv260
November 6, 2017 at 14:14
DV selectee instructions make hat clear. Read the instructions.
November 6, 2017 at 17:00
Hello,
I have two questions
First, if someone won the DV-2018, can he still apply for DV- 2019?
Second, my husband was on J1 visa which means he is subjected to two years home residency, he changed to F2 visa. Now my question is if he has a job offer and wants to change to J1 again, will there be two more additional years even if his fund will not be from our country?
Thanks,
November 6, 2017 at 19:45
1. Yes
2. I don’t know.
November 7, 2017 at 06:49
HI BRIT,GOD BLESS YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE. Please, i have three questions
1. Please can i use different email address to fill the DS260 form other than the one used o play the lottory?
2. If you mentioned that someone played the lottory for you, will you be denied the visa.
3. During the interview,do the COs ask questions on the information provided during the entry or the ones provided when filling the form DS260?
November 7, 2017 at 13:23
1. Yes
2. That is not accurate.
3. Potentially both.
November 8, 2017 at 05:57
Hi Brit, I don’t get the answer for question 2.
Probably,the question wasn’t clear.
The question is: if am I asked during the visa interview that,who played the lottery for you? And I answer that AN AGENT. will that deny me of getting the visa???
November 8, 2017 at 06:18
No
November 7, 2017 at 07:40
hello brit., can u only enter high school and university as your educational institution attended and leave out junior high school and primary?
November 7, 2017 at 13:24
If you enjoy not following instructions – sure!
February 28, 2018 at 18:50
where onthe form does it ask for primary education??? I just read “higher education” where i filled my university and high school. did i miss something?
February 28, 2018 at 18:57
just checked form again “Have you attended any educational institutions at a secondary level or above? “. there is nothing about elemantry school. do diffrent countries get diffrent questions?
February 28, 2018 at 22:07
Junior high is secondary.
February 28, 2018 at 22:18
ahh. “primary education” for me is basic education- in germany we jus have elementry school and high school. so, i didnt do anything wrong by just entering my high school and no primary school?
February 28, 2018 at 22:33
What matters is the American system. So – age 10 to 12 and up is secondary.
November 9, 2017 at 11:57
how to correct spelling mistake
November 9, 2017 at 13:52
delete the mistake and retype.
November 11, 2017 at 20:23
Hi Simon!
in connection with the terrible event in America
there are rumors that in an interview with the nationality of Uzbek, several candidates failed and didnt pass.
Do you think that there is some kind of non-public demand of the American authorities or bias in order not to allow a successful passage on the interview with the Uzbek nationality???
I am also Uzbek, but not from Uzbekistan, but from another country and I have scheduled an interview this coming Tuesday at the Embassy of the United States.
November 12, 2017 at 01:20
There are rumors but no truth to the silly rumors. Laws don’t change overnight, no matter what our idiot of a president thinks.
November 14, 2017 at 06:32
Hi Simon!
I have succeeded on interview, today!
Thank you very much for your support last 4-5 months fors answers to my questions.
God Bless you buddy!
November 15, 2017 at 17:06
Congratulations!!
November 23, 2017 at 21:15
Hello Simon
as you know I got visa and my family as well (4 people)
my question is: will I have some kind of problem if I go to USA first and after couple of month family call my family?
or there is some rule all family should travel to USA together?
November 23, 2017 at 21:53
No problem. The principal must enter *before* or with the derivatives.
November 11, 2017 at 22:19
Hi brit, im not the winner im the spouse of winner ….. due to temporary certificate i issued my passport and filled ds260 form by 1/1/63 by now they issued me acual birtdate certificatr 9/11/63 what i have to do my cn is af185xx i may be current by the comming soon bulletin
November 12, 2017 at 01:21
Unlock your DS26o and correct it. It won’t cause delay.
November 11, 2017 at 23:51
Hello simon
I have two questions please :
1- I have lived in us for 11 months as a student in 2003, I had two different adresses during this period, but I do not remember the exact adresses just the city and states. How should I enter this information in the ds260?
2- If I get my visa I expect to enter US for 15-20 days and then go back to settle things. Do you think it would work out faster to just answer “no” to the question concerning if I want a SSN issued, and go to the local SS administration and apply for one?
Thank you for you help
November 12, 2017 at 00:01
One more question plz
3- In my wife’s passeport, the PLACE of birth shows only the name of the district where she was born not the city, while on her birth certificate it shows the city’s name.
Of course she put the city in her ds260, but can this be an issue at interview if they see her passeport with a different place of birth?
thanks again
November 12, 2017 at 01:23
No problem.
November 12, 2017 at 01:23
1. Enter as best as you can remember.
2. Your choice.
November 12, 2017 at 23:24
Hello Mr Simon
I had some issues with immigration (nothing serious) but still ended up deported more than 10 years ago. my ban is now over
1- as a derivative, would this be a problem for me?
2- Should I add the detention facility as an adress for the over 2 month I passed there?
thank you
November 13, 2017 at 01:21
1. I cannot say for sure. You know your case, I dont.
2. 100% honesty.
November 15, 2017 at 23:58
Hello Simon.
I have a question related to DV lottery processing time. I have won DV2018. Due to lack of passports for my children, I had to wait for the papers and I have fulfilled DS260 month after the announcement of results. Until now I did not receive any email and my DS260 application status only showing “completed”. The ESC page also shows only winning notice (no other info). Since my case number is 2018EU00029XXX is there a chance of getting an invitation to an embassy or it is too late now?
November 16, 2017 at 00:05
You will get an interview once your number is current – but that won’t happen for a few months – so – patience.
November 16, 2017 at 08:03
I was afraid that delay in submitting DS260 form would negatively affect the whole process. Anyway, thank you for your answer.
November 16, 2017 at 07:13
My question is about names in ds-260 form.
1- My name entered for dv was missing my grandfather’s name which is listed in my passport. can I correct my mistake by listing my name as the passport in given names for ds-260.
2-on my educational certificates high school and university degree my great grandfather’s name is mentioned while it is not in the passport.should I mention my great grandfather’s name in other names or I just give them a prove that he is my father’s grandfather from my birth certificate.
November 16, 2017 at 14:30
1. Yes
2. Use other names to cover all options.
November 17, 2017 at 13:27
Hi sir
I want 2 fill education section for ds-260
Iam confused on how to write my history about university degree.
I want 2 tell u about the story.
I registered in two universities in the same time ust & liu I attended both for semster then I continued in Liu for one year and half ,after that i movied to their branch in lebanon studied for one year in there then I come back to the previous branch of liu in my country i studied there one more semester and left the university .I transfered my courses to ust which was the first university that I studied for semster then I graduated from there.
1-what is the number of institutions for these universities I have attended.
2-when i mention ust as institute as one or two institutions because i studied and left and i cameback.
3-I want to know the total number of institutions for university so i can add it to secondary school number.
November 17, 2017 at 15:20
1. 2 for those PLUS high school – so at least 3.
2. JUst use your best judgement (and the truth)
3. See 1
November 16, 2017 at 12:23
Please i have just submitted my DS 260 form but my passport will expire March 2018, will there be any problem when my interview date comes.
November 16, 2017 at 14:16
Renew your passport and take old and new to the interview.
November 17, 2017 at 17:41
Hello brit
I got a email from us green card lottery and they say my registration is not incomplete for 2019 personal information missing and photo missing
What should I do?
Do I have to register again? is it possible to register again?
Or do I have any option
November 17, 2017 at 21:28
If you registered early October, you may need to enter again. Check the website for dates and instructions.
November 21, 2017 at 05:15
I submitted visa lottery for my sister as she was on business trip and asked me to do that on her behalf.Unfortunately, I realized there was a typo in her email address and I am so worried now! Is there any way to correct her email address? From memory, further information will be sent to her email address if she be selected and that is the source of my concern!
November 21, 2017 at 06:08
Nothing will be sent to her address. No way to correct, but no concern either.
November 21, 2017 at 13:08
Hello Brit I just entered the 2019 DV lottery.
I have my confirmation number intact after a successful registration but upon cross-checking the information I provided in order to verify my entry, I mistakenly hit the enter button again and an authentication code popped up but I didn’t enter it does it mean I’ve made a double entry?
November 21, 2017 at 15:31
No
November 21, 2017 at 16:00
Whew! ? Thanks Brit, I hope my application hasn’t been breached because I was clearing a stubborn Google ad on my screen whiles there was the “submit button” at the bottom so I entered it and then the authentication code appeared,prompting me to enter..
November 21, 2017 at 13:20
Please I have submitted my DS-260 through your guidance on this page. Please i would like to know whether my friend in USA can start working on the affidavit of support for me or he should wait till I get schedule for interview.
I also want to know whether it is mandatory to live with your sponsor when you first enter USA ??
Thank you sir.
November 21, 2017 at 15:31
1. Wait until interview is scheduled.
2. No
November 21, 2017 at 16:12
Thank you for the quick response and may you be blessed.
Please help clear this doubts for me.
1.The passports for my wife and two kids are not yet ready but I submitted my ds-260 because of time.Can
I later write KCC so they could open my case for me to enter their respective passport numbers?
2.when interview is scheduled, Can the principal applicant have his medicals first to secure visa then later
his family?
3.Aside affidavit of support from a sponsor, is there any alternative means for that?
4. can you have a sponsor locally, i mean from your country ??
Bless you Sir
November 21, 2017 at 17:11
1. Yes
2. No
3. https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
4. No
November 22, 2017 at 17:24
Hello Brit,
two questions:
1. I have entered the DV lottery 2019 and after adding all the details and clicking the submit button the page just reloaded. I did not receive any confirmation codes, didnt see the success table, nothing. So I entered the details again and then the website said I am adding details that already exist. after 5 minutes I tried adding the details again and the website said success and I received my confirmation code. the only difference that I made is I added my name in the address space ‘for the attention of’. was my application duplicated?
2. I entered my details again as I didnt receive the confirmation number and had no proof that the application was submitted. Would the website allow me to submit the application twice?
November 22, 2017 at 22:18
1. I don’t know what you did – so I cannot give you an accurate answer.
2. Yes.
November 24, 2017 at 19:09
Please i qualify for the work experience and i processed my visa forms using that, so i want to know the work documents needed when i am going for the interview.
November 24, 2017 at 21:55
It varies by case. It is a matter for you to prove you have work experience that matches one of the roles described on O*Net. You have to prove you have been doing a similar job at the right level.
November 25, 2017 at 07:31
Please what are the documents needed to prove that you qualify
November 25, 2017 at 14:57
Read the instructions provided in the selected letter.
November 25, 2017 at 11:07
Hi Brit,
I just edited my ds 260 but it refuse to summit, when i click sign and summit
i recieve a a message above the page saying my case number is wrongly type. I enter the same case number to sign in.
Please help me
Thanks.
November 25, 2017 at 14:55
https://britsimonsays.com/DV2018-basic-questions/
November 29, 2017 at 13:48
Hi Simon,
First of all , Thank you so much for the help you provide to anyone trying to get through this Dv steps .
I have 3 questions about completing the DS 260 :
1) I’m currently a healthcare student and the manager of a start-up (for only a year); i’ve put primary occupation ‘student’ can i add business at ‘other occupation’ ?
2) if i’m the head of the company should i answer ‘no’ at the question ‘were you previously emplyeed?’
3) if i still don’t have a degree ‘ Medical doctor’ should i answer ‘Other’ at the ‘Highest Level of Education Completed’ and specify that i’m enrolled in the last year of studies ?
November 29, 2017 at 14:54
1. If that role provides a regular income, yes.
2. You know whether you were previously employed or not.
3. Enter the highest level completed!
December 15, 2017 at 20:35
i dont really understand this case number please explain more
December 15, 2017 at 20:42
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions
December 19, 2017 at 15:55
Dear Simon,
Regarding the Mailing and Permanent Address Information, I don’t have anyone that I know from the US. You said in the description ”you expect to stay in the USA OR the address of someone you can trust to receive your Green Card on your behalf”.
That is a problem as I know no one from the US and I’ve been thinking,
1) can I use a hotel/motel address?
My plan has always been on going to the US by myself. I’m turning 25 next year and so far, I never have the intention of marrying someone. I love being on my own and have no desire to change my status in the near future. I have never been in a relationship with anyone so I guess if I will ever get married, it might happen when I’m in my 40s or 50s.
As for education section, I only have certificates from High School and University(Foundation program and Bachelor Degree) only. I don’t have elementary school certificates. My question is,
2) will it be a problem if I didn’t provide elementary school certificates?
Thank you for spending your time to read my comment and I cannot express how grateful I am for your effort and tenacity in helping us to reach our dreams of becoming a citizen of one of the greatest countries in the world. For that, I thank you and forever am in your debt.
Really, thank you Simon 🙂
December 19, 2017 at 17:27
1. No. You obviously cannot “trust” a hotel/motel to receive your GC for you.
2. Possibly that would be a problem, yes. Contact the school or education authority to get the required proof.
December 20, 2017 at 08:24
Dear Simon,
Thank you for the reply.
As my question number 1, where you said that I can’t trust a hotel /motel to receive my GC, then what is the solution for my case where I don’t know anyone from the US? This worries me to no end 🙁
I’m afraid if I can’t provide an address for a trustee to receive my GC, it may jeopardize my chance of getting the GC.
Thank you Simon
December 20, 2017 at 15:29
You have to find some solution. A friend of a friend perhaps. Use your imagination.
December 19, 2017 at 18:07
Hello Brisimon,
One of your previous comments: Medicals after you receive the 2NL.
But you mentioned that AOS applicants do not receive 2NL.
So when do I get medicals done?
Thank you,
Bianca
December 19, 2017 at 18:15
For AOS that should be in your I-485 package. I *hope* you are following the guide at http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2018-aos-only.336256/ BUT if you were – you would not need to ask this question.
December 19, 2017 at 18:29
Got too much on the plate and just happened to have a day off to go over things. Completely forgot about this link. I will save and re-review it.
Thank you and have a nice day 🙂
December 23, 2017 at 13:49
Dear Brit,
I have a question, I renewed my passport after submitting my DS260 and my passport number, issue date and expiration date belong to my previous passport. I didn’t change my DS260 and have my interview scheduled on 6th of February. How should I proceed?
(For registering my interview with the embassy I had to update my profile in the embassy online system and my passport number and dates there reflect my new passport’s information)
Will there be any problem?
December 23, 2017 at 14:00
Just take both passports to the interview. No problem.
December 24, 2017 at 19:57
What should be done when i have misspell name?
December 24, 2017 at 20:40
It must be correct in the DS260. If it isn’t, unlock and correct it.
December 27, 2017 at 23:28
Hi
Actually I got a question ,,what if a person has just finished his/her college and have graduated and has no working experience will it affect during the time of the filling the DS260 ???
December 28, 2017 at 00:32
No
January 5, 2018 at 10:29
I am a dv selectee but i don’t want to go anymore so i want to transfer it to my twin brother, he has the same details as mine. Is it possible.
January 5, 2018 at 14:50
No
January 5, 2018 at 15:07
That is a clear case of impersonating and that is immigration fraud
January 7, 2018 at 00:56
Hello, my parents have enrolled in the lottery this year, one is 70 years old and my mother is 68, the one who is 70 has recently been diagnosed with mild Alzheimer’s, both meet the education requirements and have enough money to support themselves during their old age without working in good health, except for the one with Alzheimer’s. In the DS260 there is a question that says if you have a mental illness that threatens yourself or others, we do not know what to put, whether to hide it or not. The other doubt is because in the American embassy in Madrid, he says that if a person can not do the interview alone, they must notify a week before going to be allowed to enter accompanied. In this case I would go with my mother, his wife. The question is:
1. can they refuse the visa for one of them to have mild Alzheimer’s?
2. We thought to say it, because although the one who has Alzheimer parodoxically has still quite lucidity, we think it is not a serious risk for anyone or for himself. It is not schizophrenia or psychopathy, etc. what do you recommend?
3. Can they deny the visa because of their ages? (One finished the university and the other the high school)
Thanks for your help!
January 7, 2018 at 01:04
When you say they enrolled this year – do you mean they are selectees in DV2018? Or do you mean they entered in October/November a month or two ago?
January 7, 2018 at 02:15
yes they entered in october! sorry for the mistake. they have note been selecte yet, but we would like to know in case they were selected.
January 7, 2018 at 15:29
I was selected for the DV this year but my age is 27 will i be deniel for the VISA if am not married
January 7, 2018 at 16:14
No.
January 7, 2018 at 16:57
Sir, can you please help me with some frequently ask questions for the DV interview.
January 7, 2018 at 16:58
Already exists. Use the search.
January 8, 2018 at 01:04
Hello Sir, I’m DV 2018 winner and I graduated from high school 2012 and didn’t sit for the WAEC which is the major requirement for the program but in recent 2018 I site the test and passed it, will u be refuse Visa
January 8, 2018 at 03:52
That depends on the CO. Some CO’s have passed such cases, others have refused.
January 10, 2018 at 12:26
Is it force that you carry the confirmation page with you for the interview.
January 10, 2018 at 16:51
That is part of the instructions.
January 11, 2018 at 13:09
Hi sir I submitted my ds260 in July 2017 ,at that time I was in my final year at the university but had nt graduated yet.so I gave my highest level of education to be university no degree .now I have graduated n am now a degree holder.my question is that must I unlock my form to update my highest level of education? Am from Cameroon ..AF 25***
January 11, 2018 at 14:46
You can do that, but it isn’t a must.
January 16, 2018 at 16:14
Hey brit
I am Syrian and had my interview in29th of November and they said it is approved after a week the called me to say sorry we have to refuse and i should fill the form ds5535
they returned my passport with visa printed and canceled without prejudice.
When I checked my visa status I found it administrative processing it has been a month now I don’t have any idea what is the next step
January 16, 2018 at 16:34
Right now you cannot be issued a visa because of the travel ban. That won’t change unless the ban itself is removed.
January 16, 2018 at 16:37
You mean my case will remain AP till the ban is removed
January 16, 2018 at 17:01
If the ban is removed before September 30th, then MAYBE they will go back to cases like yours, but that is very unlikely. Once September 30th has passed, there is nothing that can be done to get you that visa.
January 16, 2018 at 17:04
They said fill the form ds5535 if the ploicy changed we will process your visa
January 17, 2018 at 13:54
Hello Sir, I’m DV 2018 winner and I graduated from high school 2017 and didn’t sit for the WAEC which is the major requirement for the program but in recent September 2017 I site the test and passed it, will i be refuse Visa
January 17, 2018 at 15:21
Probably not a problem.
January 18, 2018 at 15:01
Hi Brit,
I was unemployed for 3 years. I am a DV2018 winner and I completed the DS-260 last June 2017. Last November 2017 I got a job and started working until now. Should I contact KCC to unlock and update the DS-260 form and add the last job I have since November 2017? or it is not necessary?
thank you,
Kevin
January 18, 2018 at 15:48
No
January 22, 2018 at 14:29
Hello brit, I applied for the DV lottery with my fiance, but indicated i was married. Will it be a problem since we signed our marriage after the results were out.
January 22, 2018 at 14:32
Probably no problem.
January 23, 2018 at 20:25
Hi Brit, I’ve recently renewed my passport and changed my home address , shortly after I received the interview letter. I have to register on embassy website and state my passport details exactly as it was on ds-260 application (my old passport) what should I do? Enter old passport details or new? Would it effect my interview?
January 23, 2018 at 21:46
Try the old, if not – try the new. It doesn’t affect your interview.
February 18, 2018 at 04:51
Hi Britsimon.
Can I use nursing a my current occupation in the day 260 form?
February 18, 2018 at 04:59
If that is your current occupation – then yes!
February 18, 2018 at 14:00
Sorry that i am asking too much and thank you for your patience.
i am a registered nurse n going to school at the same time for public health.
a friend told me that i registered nurses are not allowed n that i should only use my education in filling ds260 form.
February 18, 2018 at 16:09
Your friend is confused. Nurses are allowed, it’s just that nursing doesn’t meet the criteria for qualifying for the lottery. So – you have to meet the requirement through education. But you still list your occupation.
February 19, 2018 at 22:38
I Made mastake on ds 260 concerning years of university studies (i don’t have diploma) .should i unlock ds 260 or waiting interview and correct it.
February 20, 2018 at 02:03
Either way is OK
February 20, 2018 at 18:26
Hello, does the number of educational institutions attended include primary school or only the secondary educations? And should it include even the ones that were not finished? Thank you.
February 20, 2018 at 18:54
Only secondary school. Include all relevant detail.
February 27, 2018 at 05:56
Hi Brit, I’m a DV 2018 winner with 5XXX number in Asia region , I’m expecting my interview in May or June ( fingers crossed ) , I filled my DS 260 form back in May 2017 and got reply from KCC “Your forms have been received and pending further embassy review for the continuation of your visa processing” , my question is that I have not entered the secondary education details as I have both BSC and Masters , and some of the dates I entered were not very accurate , for example date of marriage was the date of the actual celebration but the formal document has another date , do I need to unlock the DS260 form to correct these ?
many thanks
February 27, 2018 at 06:03
Since you are waiting anyway – why not unlock and correct those details. There is no delay.
March 13, 2018 at 15:38
Thanks Brit, is it a problem to ask KCC to open the form more than once ? I noticed “too late” that my high school certificate has one “letter” different in my first name.
I have already corrected the form due to the changes I explained above , would adding this name under others cause delay as they will be doing new background checks ?
March 13, 2018 at 16:11
No problem to unlock again.
February 28, 2018 at 18:32
Hi, I have a question, during my interview, they could ask me why I uncloked my DS260 3 times?
February 28, 2018 at 22:08
If they want – yes. They can ask anything.
June 10, 2020 at 22:12
Hello sir, i finished filling ds260 but the last click for confirmation page my wifi goes down, and the form didn’t came back, i tried it to re open but was locked, how can i get my confirmation page. ? Pl help.
June 11, 2020 at 01:09
Log in again. Try again – if you still have problems try again in a week.
March 10, 2018 at 18:13
Hi,
We completed the DS260, our number should be current in June/July but I noticed that my wife typed her first name without the accent (she only has 1 accent on her 3rd firstname), her first names are (as in the passport) : “xxx yyy christèle” but she type “xxx yyy christele”, does is matter? Should we ask to unlock the DS260?
If I remember well there is only 1 section where we can type accent in the “personal information” the “native alphabet” box.
We are currently living in the US and on all of her official US documents (EAD, visa, etc.) there is NO accent (US officials write xxx yyy christele), so we thought it didn’t matter but now we are worried that it could matter…
thanks a lot,
March 10, 2018 at 19:19
You are not expected to add the accent.
March 10, 2018 at 19:23
Thanks for your quick response, I am relieved 🙂 !
March 12, 2018 at 15:27
i made a family friend registered me for the dv lottery and unfortunately for me he entered my name Dominique instead of Dominic but i made corrections on the DS260 by writing Dominic as the correct name would i get problem at my interview. although i have sworn affidavit to support it.
March 12, 2018 at 16:01
If that is the only problem, most embassies would forgive the original mistake.
March 12, 2018 at 18:11
ok. thanks
March 17, 2018 at 11:30
Hi;
Okey, I entered an address in the states as my perm address but I want to get a plane ticket to Newark instead as it is cheaper than plane tickets to maryland (place of residence). Can I enter the US via newark airport instead though I wrote down maryland as my place of residence? Will this cause a problem with immigtation when I land?
March 17, 2018 at 14:29
No problem.