Completing the DS260 for DV lottery entrants
Completing the DS260 for DV lottery entrants
*** Note***
Upon submission, some people are getting an error message that the confirmation number doesn’t match. In that case – the solution is here:
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
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OK – so the main task to process your DV lottery win is to complete a form online that is your “application” for immigration benefit. That form is the DS260.
The form itself might seem daunting, and it may take about 2 hours to complete. It is important that you prepare your information, and enter the details as accurately as possible. You will be able to make changes later on, but it makes sense to spend a few extra minutes early on to get this right.
You will some documents to complete the process and mostly you will need those now so gather them now and create a special file to start creating your DV lottery paperwork:-
- Passport information for you and your family members.
- Birth certificates for you and your family members.
- Your education history
- Your work history
- Your address history
- An address in the USA of a friend or family member. This is where your Green Card will be sent.
Ready? OK now let me guide you through completing the form:-
Enter the form for the first time.
You need your case number which will be in the format of YEAR-REGION-CASENUMBER. For example 2016AS00001234. This is the FULL case number including the “leading zeroes” in this case before the 1234. (In online forums we suggest hiding the last 2 or 3 digigits and dropping the leading zeroes – so when quoting your case on a forum you would state this number as 2016AS1XXX or 2016AS12XX. This protects your identity.)
The form will expect your date of birth in day/month/year order. This is odd because Americans write date in month/day/year order.
Once in the form you will go through a number of sections where you will enter your details. Most of the information is self explanatory – but here are screenshots for each section of how the forms will look for a simple case – and some comments about some of the questions. Please remember it is important to make sure your answers are YOUR answers. Don’t just copy what I am suggesting if the answer does not agree with your circumstances.
1. Summary.
Here you will see a list of applicants attached to the case (based on the eDV entry). Click the link under “IV application” to complete the details for each applicant.
You can also add applicants from this page (if you have married since the original entry or had a child). Once you have added an applicant you cannot remove that applicant or change their name. So – please be careful about name spelling etc. It is also important to note that if you are adding a spouse or child that you already had prior to the original eDV entry but failed to mention in the original entry you will most probably be disqualified, as that is a critical error.
If you do have to add a child or spouse because of a birth or marriage while you are waiting to be interviewed, remember you will need to add an applicant AND in addition your own form will need to be unlocked so that you can add the new family relationship to your form.
2. Personal Information 1.
This is where you will enter your name information. It is a useful page to capture your name in English, but also in Native alphabet.
The names entered on this page should be as listed on your passport – but also use the “other names used” section to make sure you have covered combinations that appear in your documents. For example, if you have an education certificate that includes an additional family name, use the alias section to include that name. Also, use the alias section if you entered your name differently on the eDV entry. Entering your other names used here means USCIS have early notice to perform name checks on your various names used and therefore you can make sure your background check is comprehensive – which is exactly what you want to reduce the chances of being placed on AP or even refused for incomplete name information.
Complete the other details such as date of birth. If you somehow made a mistake on the eDV about your date of birth (for example during conversion from a different calendar) THIS is your opportunity to correct that mistake – please pay attention to that. This would normally agree with the date of birth on your birth certificate, but if that is not known, then use the date shown on your passport.
About city/state/country of birth. ON the eDV entry (where you entered the lottery) you will have entered something for your city of birth. The three levels are related to each other – so a CITY is sometimes denoted as being in a STATE (or province) and that STATE is within a COUNTRY. People sometimes are not sure what to enter so let me gives some examples.
You could have been born in Richmond which is a city/town in London, United Kingdom. So an acceptable answer (which should agree with the information on your birth certificate) would be:
CITY: Richmond
State/Province: London
Country: United Kingdom
Your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond the point of entry, but if your passport will expire during the DV process, you might be better submitting now with the current passport and updating later once you have the replacement passport. This is especially true if you have a low case number, and are therefore expecting an early interview. If you do need to renew your passport during the DV process, in many cases people have taken old and new passports to the interview without unlocking the form, but the preference would be to add the new passport details if time allows.
OK – hope that makes sense. Check what it says on your birth certificate. It is important that this information agrees to the birth certificate and the passport. By the way – your country of birth may not be the same as your nationality (which is on the next page). But your country of birth is what should have driven your entry into the lottery (eligibility is based on your country of birth, NOT your nationality).
The finished result should look something like this:-
3. Personal information 2
This page is about your travel documents (passport). Make sure you have the passport in front of you when you complete this page – accuracy is important as this will enable background checks.
Note, if you do not have a passport at this time you can complete the entry using another state issued ID, and then later unlock your forms to add the passport details. You WILL need a passport prior to interview as will any derivative (family member) of yours.
4. Present and previous address information
Try and complete this as accurately as possible. Provide all the address that you have LIVED at since the age of 16. If you stayed at a holiday home for a month or two, that does not need to be entered, but if you LIVED at an address for a few months then you should enter that address. You enter past address in reverse date order – meaning going backwards in time, one address at a time. Be as accurate as possible with the date you started living at each address (you can guess the dates within a month or two).
5. Mailing and Permanent Address Information
This is information about where you expect to stay in the USA OR the address of someone you can trust to receive your Green Card on your behalf. Most people can think of someone within their family or friends that could receive the GC for them. You should also know that you can change this address during the process – right up to the day your arrive in the USA for the first time.
6. Family information: Parents
OK – self explanatory information. I only show the top of the page in the screenshot below but you add your parents details and their addresses. THe data here should be accurate, but if you don’t know their birthdates etc. it is not a huge problem. Do the best you can.
7. Family information: Spouse and Previous Spouse
Enter the details as appropriate to your case. Remember, the information should be correct on the day you enter it. So, if you plan to marry in a month but want to submit your form today then you are SINGLE today. YOu can either delay submission of your form until you are married, or submit now as single and unlock your form later after the marriage. There is some information about marriage during the DV process here.
A previous spouse is entered when you divorced of a spouse passed away. You will be required to produce a divorce certificate or death certificate during the interview to tally with what you enter here.
8. Family information: Children
Fairly obviously you will need to enter information about each child you have, making sure their information ties with birth certificates and passports.
If your child is nearly 21 there may be special considerations for you. Please read this article on children aging out and their status under the CSPA.
If you are expecting a child to be born during the DV lottery processing period there are also procedures in place to obtain a Green Card for that child. I will address that with a new article.
One thing I would say, it is ESSENTIAL that you listed all your children in the eDV according to the instructions. If you made a mistake about that you may have caused yourself a problem. If you have a concern, contact me and explain your situation.
In the case shown in the screenshot below the applicant did not have any children.
9. Present work/education/training information
OK so this is important as education OR work experience are requirements of the DV lottery. Please read this article for more information about meeting the requirement. I cannot stress enough. You are only required to meet the education OR work experience – you do not have to prove BOTH. Of the two routes, education is the simplest and most reliable method, but some people cannot meet the education requirement – and although this may surprise you that includes me. I have had a very successful career in the IT field and have demonstrated my skills to earn a H1 visa (which is category of visa for highly educated or highly skilled workers), BUT I could not have met the DV lottery requirement on education! So – think carefully whether you do or not – and act accordingly.
Enter the information about work and education based on what you are doing at present. If you are entering work experience and hope to qualify through work experience you should consider carefully the question about “does this job require 2 years of training or experience”. Again, read the article above to understand that better.
10. Previous work/education/training information
OK – so this will vary depending on what you did before your present occupation. Maybe you had a different job, maybe you studied. Whichever is true you must enter that information here and create a complete history of your work, education and training. Try and get the dates to be accurate and make sure that those dates make sense with the address information you gave previously.
This page can end up being quite long and for the screenshots I have had to break it into two pieces. Just take your time and make it make sense. You can add another occupation (work or edication). Again, you enter going “backwards” in time.
11. Additional work/education/training information.
Answer the questions truthfully on this page. If you answer Yes and a box opens for further details there will be instructions of what further detail they want.
12. Security and Background: Medical and Health information
Answer these questions carefully and truthfully.
The second question (about vaccinations) causes some debate. Truthfully it WILL NOT MATTER whether you choose Yes or NO for that particular question. The right answer for 99% of people is NO, because you do not have “documentation to establish…”, even if you do have records of vaccinations. So, it is a subtle point but whether you answer yes or no it will not matter. The vaccinations you actually need will be decided by the panel physician at the time of your medical. So by all means gather whatever vaccination documentation you have.
13. Security and Background: Criminal
Answer these questions truthfully. Most criminal convictions will not cause disqualification, and you will have a chance to explain at the interview. The crimes that can cause disqualification are called “crimes of moral turpitude”. It is a vague term and perhaps one that I will write about to clarify but most people by far will not have a problem even if they have a criminal conviction. Previous immigration fraud is not surprisingly one of the crimes that can cause an issue which is why it is essential you always tell the truth on these applications.
14. Security and Background: Security 1
Again – answer these truthfully.
15. Security and Background: Security 2
Again – answer the questions truthfully.
16. Security and Background: Immigration law violations
As I mentioned earlier – they take immigration law violations seriously!
17. Security and Background: Miscellaneous 1
Again answer truthfully.
The skilled or unskilled labor question has sparked some debate. In reality if you intend to work in the USA then the answer to this is Yes – but this is another question that will not cause a problem no matter which response your choose.
18. Security and Background: Miscellaneous 2
Again these just need truthful answers.
The healthcare professional one is another question that really doesn’t matter how you answer it. If you are a healthcare worker don’t be afraid to admit that.
The public charge question should be answered NO. Public charge means financial assistance from the government. You must realize that the Green Card lottery winners should not be claiming “public assistance”. There are some exceptions to that statement, but in general you are expected to support yourself. The USA is a land of opportunity, not free gifts.
19. Social security number
Answer these three questions as shown below unless you already have a SSN from a previous period in the USA. USCIS will (in theory) forward your details to the social security administration (SSA) to apply for your SSN. In practice many people find this does not happen correctly and delays are caused in getting the SSN after you enter the USA. Since the SSN is so important for many purposes here in the USA that is a nuisance, so I always suggest people visit the SSA office after a couple of weeks to make sure your SSN is “in the system”. You should receive the SSN card itself about 2 to 3 weeks after entering the USA.
Submitting the form.
OK so you have completed your form. You do the same for each derivative (family member). Check all the forms carefully, take screenshots if you like and when you are ready, submit the form. You should then print the confirmation page. You will be able to review the form later in review mode and can also take screenshots at that point.
You may also be prompted to fill out a form for “selected service”. Any us resident male under 26 years old is required to register for selective service. This does not not mean you will need to serve in the military, but if there was some crisis that required additional military men under 26 years old will be picked by a lottery to be inducted into the military.
The form will become “locked” so that you will not be able to edit it although you will be able to review the information after you submitted it. If you need at any time prior to your interview to unlock the form you can do so by emailing KCC who generally respond within a few days. Once unlocked you can make changes.
Once KCC have your form they will “process” it. They conduct background checks based on the information you have told them and access to official records. The processing period in DV2015 took around 4 to 5 months because of the volume of forms submitted around the same time. So, if you have a very low case number and you delay the submission of your DS260 there is a chance you could delay the interview date – BUT don’t worry, you will simply be interviewed later. Interviews are conducted based on case number order but only from a pool of cases that have completed their DS260 processing.
May 23, 2018 at 04:55
do i need any sponsor?
May 23, 2018 at 05:10
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
May 23, 2018 at 09:29
Hi Simon,
Massively useful resource!
I’m a little stuck on how to answer the question “worked for, contributed to, belonged to any professional, social or charitable organisation”. On the face of it, this asks for any donation to charity I’ve ever made. I can see what they’re getting at, but the language could cover various everyday activities, possibly, to me. Is it credible to answer “no”? I maybe have a record of a couple of recent charitable donations made online. My thinking is to answer “yes” and add those charity names.
What do you think? Have you come across any problems with this?
May 23, 2018 at 14:49
Answer no unless you had some formal relationship with a charity.
May 23, 2018 at 10:28
Dear ….
Iam( Wrya Muhammad Ali) I would like to travel and stay at USA. with my wife and two son We are live at KRG at Iraq we have interesting for lives at USA and future of our sons…
May 23, 2018 at 14:54
I answer questions about the DV lottery here – no other visa types.
May 23, 2018 at 18:05
does my father’s property or bank statement work for proving that i won’t be public charge.
or do i need bank statement on my account.
and if i show bank statement will i still need to show property and should that be on my account.
May 23, 2018 at 19:51
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
May 23, 2018 at 19:59
dude I’ve been through that and it does not state answer to any of my questions.
can you please give some time for this.
May 23, 2018 at 20:12
Actually, yes it does. Read it again. Carefully.
May 23, 2018 at 20:49
Hi Simon,
Thanks for the answer to my first question. My case number is 2019AF13xxx. I want to fill in the DS260 but I am pregnant and expecting by November. Should I wait until November to fill in the form so as to include my baby?
May 23, 2018 at 21:51
That would probably be better.
May 24, 2018 at 04:03
Hi Simon,
I am married but currently seperated, no longer live with my spouse for many years. I have simply separated from my spouse, but have not yet divorced. I have been selected for further processing in DV program for the fiscal year 2019. Do i have to submit a visa application (Form Ds-260) for my spouse ?
Thank you so much
May 24, 2018 at 05:39
No. As long as you listed the spouse in your original entry.
May 25, 2018 at 05:29
Hi Simon,
My wife is a dentist, qualified in South Africa in 2003 and registered on the south african roll. She has not been working for 8 years as she is focusing on our young kids. I just want to make sure we answer this question correctly:
“Are you a graduate of a foreign medical school seeking to perform medical services in the united states but have not yet passed the national board of medical examiners examination or its equivalent?
Yes she is a graduate of a foreign medical school.
Yes she will be seeking to work as a dentist in the US (once all the kids are in school)
No she has not pass the national board of medical examiners
What do they mean by “or it’s equivalent?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
May 25, 2018 at 14:13
So answer Yes and move on.
May 25, 2018 at 05:35
Hi Simon (sorry another one for you please!)
I live in South Africa with my Family. We live in Cape Town and kids are in school there. However, I work in Nigeria on a 28 day on 28 day off rotational basis. When I’m in Nigeria I stay on site in a remote location. I do not reside in Nigeria, but I’m physically present in Nigeria for a few more days per year than in South Africa. Do I need a police clearance certificate for Nigeria? Also, do I somehow need to disclose that I work in Nigeria on the DS-260? I do not see any space for that. On my work history, the company that I work (who pays my salary) for is a South African company based in SA, so their address is in South Africa. I am seconded to a US company who has an address in Nigeria. Do I rather give the Nigerian address? Thanks so much for the help.
May 25, 2018 at 14:13
Normally you don’t list a work location that you visit. However, it might be worth getting a police cert and raising the issue in case they have noticed the frequent travel during background checks.
May 25, 2018 at 14:20
Thanks! Do I raise it at the interview or somewhere in the DS-260?
May 25, 2018 at 14:31
Your choice based on the circumstances.
May 28, 2018 at 11:40
it gives me error at “my case number” while attempting to sign the form, why?
May 28, 2018 at 12:21
Try taking out the leading zeros
May 28, 2018 at 12:45
hello, I have a university degree, do I have to fill the details of my school
May 28, 2018 at 12:50
Yes
May 28, 2018 at 17:32
Hi Simon, can I list a hotel as where I want my green card sent for the purposed of completing the DS260? I don’t have anyone I can have it sent to. I hope to find someone by the time I have my interview but for now I really don’t have anyone!
May 28, 2018 at 17:50
hey i was in the same condition but later my teacher whose sister is in Virginia helped me out would u like to join in. I am 18 yrs old and moving alone. what about you?
May 28, 2018 at 18:44
Oh Jeez – is this a dating site now??
May 29, 2018 at 04:39
I am just trying to help. That’s all.
May 29, 2018 at 05:08
Really – what relevance is your age and marital status then?
May 29, 2018 at 08:08
Thanks, I’m old and married 🙂 I wouldn’t want to impose on strangers – I will have someone it can be sent to when I arrive but I’m hoping its okay to use a hotel for now on the DS260? Would that cause any problems?
May 29, 2018 at 16:03
For the address listed on the DS260 use the address of a friend, as that is the address where your GC is sent.
May 29, 2018 at 16:44
Thanks, but if I don’t have a friend there at the moment can I use a hotel and then change it at the interview by which stage my friend will have moved over and should have an address? Or would they question the use of a hotel address in the DS260?
May 29, 2018 at 17:31
To submit the form you can use any address – then change it later (before you are scheduled).
May 29, 2018 at 11:01
Hi in my educational certificate they spaced my second name and used a last name that is not on my legal documents it now appears i have 4 names instead of two.
Tim ja mes john is what is written instead of Tim James.
Should i fill the other name part with ja mes john or john only which is not in my legal documents
thanks
May 29, 2018 at 16:11
Your correct legal name!
May 29, 2018 at 16:45
The education certificate they added my baptism name which is not on my passport they also spaced my middle name.
On the other names section I will add my baptism name what am trying to figure out given they spaced my middle name should I also put the the two initials “ja” and “mes” as other names given they appear separate.
May 29, 2018 at 17:32
Your name is not based around your education certificate. Your legal name is what you should use – as shown on your passport.
May 29, 2018 at 18:07
What about the other names used part given they spaced my middle name ( james) to (ja) and (mes) in my education certificate to look like 2 names should I input that in other names used part or will the CO understand it was a spacing error.
May 29, 2018 at 18:40
Why are you still talking about the education certificate!
May 29, 2018 at 17:37
Hi Brit,
I’m in middle of completing my DS-260.
I got below error on DS-260
Not showing the Line 1 on Family>Parents>mother’s current address in review page. Once I add it to line 2 it is showing in review page. What should I do?
Thanks
May 29, 2018 at 18:03
I don’t know. There should be some indication on the form/webpage.
May 29, 2018 at 20:23
hi simon,
i’m dv260 2018 winner, i’m supposed to be interviewed on the month of july yet i haven’t recieved any notification about the my interview date. last night i sent an email to the KCC asking about the date of my interview. howerever they sent me a confusing email as follow:
(The adjustment of status fee to the Department of State has been paid or indications on your DS-260 show that you wanted to adjust your status in the US. The payment of the adjustment of status fee indicates to KCC that you are residing in the US and wish to process your case at the local USCIS office. As a result, KCC did not continue the processing your case.)
i have never been out of my country ‘ Algeria’ and i’m not resident in the U.S so far.
would like guide me whar to do because i’m waiting for my email since the lottary result. thank you
May 30, 2018 at 02:00
Contact KCC again and ask them to check again as you are doing consular processing, not adjustment of status.
May 30, 2018 at 15:35
Dear Simon, thank you for all your efforts and time! I have two questions, if you don’t mind it.
I am one of the DV-2019 Green Card Lottery selectees for further processing. I have spent the last six years backpacking in 30+ countries around the world and I am really confused about the previous addresses section of the DS-260 form.
Do I need to include the countries that I have traveled on this trip as my previous addresses between 2012 and 2018 in the DS-260 form?
I have spent from a week up to three months in each country. Please note that I have not officially resided in any of these countries. I was only a tourist exploring the country from one end to the other and stayed in different hostels everywhere I went.
The DS-260 form doesn’t let me have a gap of more than a month between my previous addresses. So, am I supposed include all these random hostel/hotel addresses in 30+ countries that I have visited on this trip as my previous addresses? Or can I just put my official address in Turkey instead? – that is my officiaI resident address during this trip.
Similarly, I made another world tour of 20+ countries between 1999 and 2001. Unfortunately, that passport got lost and I had to get a new passport in 2002. Consequently, I don’t have my exact country entry and exit dates from that trip any more, although I can make guesses, if needed. I read that I had to bring all my old passports to the green card interview. Do you think the fact that I don’t have this one passport may be a problem?
Thanks again!
May 30, 2018 at 19:37
Use the fixed address in Turkey – but take proof of these travels to the interview if it comes up.
May 31, 2018 at 06:55
Hello Simon
I would like to ask when is the right time to fill the Ds 260 form… and after I fill the form, How long will it take to receive my interview schedule. I am a selectee in the 2019 DV
Thank u
May 31, 2018 at 15:48
The timing of your interview is based on your case number – so give me that (like 2019AF12XXX) and I can give a more accurate response.
May 31, 2018 at 16:42
Yes the case number is 2019AF12XXX
May 31, 2018 at 18:19
So the actual number happens to be the exact range I picked from the sky. Really?
Well that will probably interview late this year or early 2019.
May 31, 2018 at 13:15
Dear Simon, thank you for your effort and time, I have some questions if you please.
I am a winner of 2019 dv lottery I filled out my ds260 form with my passport details but after submitting I found that my passport and my international birth certificate have diffrerent birth date (day and month) but same year, will this be a problem in the visa process or should I change my passport to match my birth certificate and ask kcc to unlock ds260 to edit my info with the new passport.
It will take one month to get my new passport as I live abroad, is it possible to update my details next month.
Regards.
May 31, 2018 at 17:25
You will have to decide. In my experience a birth cert is needed to obtain a passport, so they normally match.
June 1, 2018 at 14:32
Hi BritSimon
Just have a question regarding previous address information- I can’t remember exact month and year to which I moved out for a time and then moved back to my family home again. If I give an approximate month and year do you think that will suffice? Should I state at interview that I am unsure, alternatively write something like ‘Can’t recall exact stat date/ end date’ on Address line 2 if it fits?
June 1, 2018 at 15:55
Give an approximate month and year
June 1, 2018 at 19:54
Dear Simon,
I am also a winner of DV2019. I reside in UAE, and I will be here in next 5-6 months, but I not sure what will happen after … Should I choose my native (Serbian) embassy for interview or I should stick to UAE. My Case number is 2019EU297xx ….
Also I am wondering which postal address should I provide if needed. It could be a case that I will not be at the same address in 5-6 month time…
Can you please suggest the right option? And could you estimate the time of interview also?
Thank you.
June 1, 2018 at 20:26
You have to decide, but you should understand your interview won’t be until about 1 year or more from now.
June 2, 2018 at 04:20
I’m a DV 2019 winner ! I want to know what would I do if I get a new job or change adress or leave my country to work in another country by the time I’m waiting for an interview!!!
June 2, 2018 at 05:10
Update your DS260
June 2, 2018 at 11:04
Dear Simon,
I am one of the DV-2019 selectees for further processing. My case number is around 2019EU5XXX (pretty low). The point is that I am planning to get married end of September. Can I wait until end of September/beginning October to fill the DS260 form? I am scared that after my wedding my interview will be scheduled (due to the low number) and that I can not unlock my DS260 form anymore.
If my case number is already in the October-bulletin and I did not still fill out the form yet. Does it mean that i am disqualified???Should i wait until all case numbers have their interview???
Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate 😉
June 2, 2018 at 13:03
You can safely delay the DS260 submission until after the wedding – and that would be my recommendation.
June 3, 2018 at 18:15
Thank you very much for your recommendation!
i would like to ask you one more question; What happens if you are the personselected and when you are invited to the interview you are pregnant?? Since you should pass a X-Ray exam as well as some vaccinations and in this case will not be possible. What will happen? they will wait until you give birth? but if the date of the birth is after September 2019?
Do you know already a case like this? I didn´t find this case in your FAQ.
Thanks again! 😉
June 3, 2018 at 18:25
You have the medical. The doctor will use a shield for the baby, and only administer vaccinations that are safe for the baby. If you decide you don’t want the medical and your case goes beyond September 30, you lose you chance.
June 2, 2018 at 11:40
Dear Simon,
I don´t know why, but my previous comment did not appear here. I will try it again:
I am selected for the DV-2019 further processing. My case number is around 2019EU5XXX (pretty low). I am planning to get married end of September.
My question is: Is it a problem if I fill out the DS-260 form end of September/beginning of October?? I am scared to fill out the form now (being single) and after end of September is already too late to unlock my form, cause the interview is already scheduled and my DS260 form already given to the embassy..
Is there any problem if I fill the form after my case number appears in the Visa-Bulletin. Will i be disqualified cause my number was already announced? Should we wait until all case numbers already have their interviews and risk our GC?
Thank you very much for your advice! I really appreciate 😉
Regards,
Patti
June 2, 2018 at 13:05
Comments don’t appear until I review them. I answered the earlier question just now.
June 3, 2018 at 15:33
Hi.
I have a question about filling previous education section. it is said to provide all the institutions i have attended. I have attended 4 different high schools each for one year. Is it necessary to enter all of the high schools or just the one I have received my diploma? If the answer is yes, what should I write in degree section for 9th to 11th grade?
Thank you
June 3, 2018 at 15:57
Yes.
General studies.
June 3, 2018 at 17:34
Should I write “General studies” in 9th to 11th grade?
June 4, 2018 at 06:18
Hi.
i have another question. I am not sure about the month I have started living in my previous addresses. Although, i’m sure about 95% for the year since it was a long time ago and it was all of the places from 20 years ago and before. I entered the month Jan (by the start of the year) . For example, I lived in a place during 1996-1998, for the month I entered from Jan 1996 to Jan 1998.
Does entering the date from the first month of the year have any problem and show me that i’m lying?
Thanks
June 4, 2018 at 13:53
No problem, just answer your best guess.
June 3, 2018 at 23:32
Hi thank you so much for an amazing resource.
I have been selected and just filled out my DS-260. I didn’t receive any confirmation email of next steps.
How long does it usually take to be notified if your DS260 was accepted?
Do I need to wait for this to book my interview appointment?
My number is 2019OC5XX so that seems pretty low.
Thanks
June 3, 2018 at 23:41
You do need to wait – and KCC will book your interview once your case number is ready. Expect that in early 2019.
June 3, 2018 at 23:45
Thanks. So for now there is nothing I need to do? Will I receive notification via email or will I need to check in somewhere for an update?
June 4, 2018 at 00:33
You will get an email. Lots of time to learn the process.
June 4, 2018 at 03:02
We are family of 5 , 2 adults and 3 children : ages 14 , 8, 1 month. We don’t have passports for children. What should we do with passport information on form ds 260 ? Thanks
June 4, 2018 at 04:37
You will need passports for the interview, but for now use the info from the parents. Unlock and correct later.
June 4, 2018 at 17:18
Hi
My name in native alphabet in my passport is different from my birth certificate. Which one should I enter?
June 4, 2018 at 18:51
That depends on why the name is different. The DS260 requires your legal name.
The DS260 has a place for the name in native alphabet.
June 4, 2018 at 17:48
Dear Brit
Trust you are great. Here is my dilemma
I am a Cameroonian winner of dv AF2018 434xx. I am high school teacher and I have been living and working legally in South Africa since 2012. Both my kids are born here in SOuth Africa though they are not recognized as citizens. Last year we applied for Permanent Residence. It was rejected and we appealed in September 2017. Giving the fact that our visas were due to expired in June 4, we submitted an application for Waiver (meaning you do not have to go to the Department of Labour to have a certain letter allowing you to apply for visas extension) with the Department of Home Affairs in February. Despite several requests both from the immigration Practitioner and mostly from my employer to process and approve my applications, they have not been finalized and now our visas have expired. My employer and myself are trying to explore a legal venue, which is to write a letter of appeal for overstay, but the immigration Practitioner is suggesting that we should depart from the country because it will be costly and risky to legalize our situation after the visas expire and going to Cameroon will also be costly and risky because of the anglophone crisis going on there.
1- We might be current for August interview and I will rather have it in Johannesburg. Is it possible?
2- Will the expiration of my work permit affect my outcome if I choose to have my interview here in South Africa as initially planned?
3-I read that it is unwise to unlock if you are going to be current because I wanted to explain this in my DS?
Dealing with Home Affairs in South Africa is a mission. I will like to hear from foreigners who had their interview in Johannesburg.
Thanks in advance.
June 4, 2018 at 18:24
1. It is possible, but I can’t be certain what will be the impact of your status. Take proof of the ongoing issue.
2. See 1.
3. Don’t unlock at this point.
June 5, 2018 at 03:28
Thanks Brit!
June 4, 2018 at 19:52
Dear Simon, thank you so much for your relentless effort in accommodating all these answers.
My question is my wife has been selected as the primary applicants of Dv 2019. We have a 2 years daughter that her name is already been included in the original application form. But when we check out the form that we filled out we found out that my daughter’s last/family name is mistakenly filled out the same as my last/family name that is
Incorrect one is : Manne, Solomon Danawit ( which is already been filled in the original application )
Correct one is: Yirgalem, Solomon Danawit as per her birth certificate .
So, is it possible just to send the correct one now in the DS260?
does the previous name still be cross checked with the one that we are filling now? Does that a cause for disqualification?
Thanks
June 4, 2018 at 19:55
It should not be a problem. Just make sure the name is correct on the DS260.
June 4, 2018 at 20:28
Thank you dear Simon
June 4, 2018 at 22:30
Hey BritSimon
In the DS260 form , at the personal information, what does mean by ” full name in native alphabet” ? is it about how your name is write in your country? for example in french style we start write the name by starting with the last and then first name. in American style First name and then last name,
thanks for your answer
June 4, 2018 at 23:03
The key word is ***ALPHABET****
June 4, 2018 at 22:45
hey Sir.
for the phone number do i have to put the country code?
June 4, 2018 at 23:05
Use your own judgement!
June 5, 2018 at 12:43
Hi sir Simon. I am so happy reading answers to alot of questions asked to you. Some of them have answered alot of my questions. i am a winner of dv 2019 with my family.I still have some other clarifications I will love to know. As a principal winner, is it possible to fill
DS-260 without going encouter any problems during interview? Equally, I will love to know my possible period for interview given that my case number is 2019AFxxx18xxx.
June 5, 2018 at 14:16
Your first question is too general.
Your second question – I don’t know year – but long enough wait for you to know more.
June 6, 2018 at 21:07
hi, i added my two daughters in the summary form registration but they weren’t part in my dv registration, is there any way i can stop providing their information and submit only my husband and i? pls any help on what to do ?
June 6, 2018 at 21:18
Are you asking me to help you commit immigration fraud by concealing the existence of your daughters?
June 6, 2018 at 21:51
No i want to know if i can be eligible to submit my husband and i, and leave my daughters behind?
June 6, 2018 at 23:46
By leaving them off your initial entry you broke the rules of the lottery and will be disqualified.
June 6, 2018 at 21:34
Hi I have mistakenly added my two daughters to the add applicant summary information but they weren’t part of my eDV registration and i haven’t provided their information yet. Pls is there a way i can can submit only my husband and i because he was part of my eDV registration and quit my daughters application?
June 6, 2018 at 21:55
Sir Simon,
My question is, can a principal winner fill dv 260 and send it without the information about the spouse and children?
June 6, 2018 at 23:45
Yes
June 6, 2018 at 22:01
I have won dv 2019 with case number 2019AFXXX18XXX, when can l possibly have my interview?
June 6, 2018 at 23:45
Early 2019
June 7, 2018 at 16:33
Dear Simon,
Salute for your invaluable answer once again.
My question is my wife is pregnant will give birth in July mid or so. Shall we wait to fill Ds260 so that we can incude the new baby or start filling now? thanks
June 7, 2018 at 17:00
DV2019? Wait.
June 7, 2018 at 23:56
Hi, I am currently in the 11th grade of IGCSE educational system, I will be at 12th grade in September and will completely finish my high school education by June 2019, apart from that I’ve been helping at a school as a librarian clerk for about 2 years and 3 months I stopped at March because I had exams that finish yesterday. luckily a librarian clerk is one from the required occupations needed. The question is, should I go with starting my application?
Thank you,
June 8, 2018 at 00:04
Helping at a school as a Librarian does not qualify you. Right now you probably don’t meet the requirement. Your best shot is to delay submission of your DS260 until about May 2019 . That way you will have completed school by the time you interview.
June 8, 2018 at 03:56
Hi Simon,
I am married but currently seperated, no longer live with my spouse for many years.
I have simply separated from my spouse, but have not yet divorced.
Now, I have been selected for further processing in DV 2019.
For your information :-
I have listed my spouse in the original entry because we have not divorced yet.
I am the principal entrant and he is my derivative.
My spouse will not immigrating to the U.S. with me.
The questions are :-
1.Do i have to submit DS-260 Form for my spouse ?
2.Does my spouse have to participate in the interview ?
Thank you so much and look forward to hearing from you.
June 8, 2018 at 05:15
1. No
2. No
June 8, 2018 at 12:25
One more question please , Am I qualify for issuing for the immigrant visa IF my spouse did not immigrate to the U.S. with me ? Thank you so much for your reply.
June 8, 2018 at 13:59
That is what your previous questions mean!
June 8, 2018 at 14:43
Hi Simon , I have made a mistake by submitting DS260 for my spouse before asking you a question ? What should I do ? Please kindly advise me, thank you so much and look forward to hearing from you again.
June 8, 2018 at 14:55
Sheesh. Everyone is in such a rush to do things before thinking…
Your spouse won’t interview with you, that’s all. You cannot remove the DS260 for her.
June 8, 2018 at 16:36
Thank you for quick response, Do i need to email KCC about this matter ? Or email the Embassy where i am going to have an interview ? I am so worry about this matter . SO, it means that on the day of Interview my spouse will not go interview with me ? Is this will be alright and will not cause me to disqualify or will deny my visa ? I really appreciate your help , thank you so much !
June 8, 2018 at 17:48
I already answered. Stop overthinking.
June 8, 2018 at 05:27
HELLO, REGRADING THE VACCINETION QUETION, I HAVE NOT TAKEN ANY VACCINATION AS OF DATE BUT WILL DO SO BEFORE ENTERING U.S. PLEASE ADVICE I HAVE FILED NO AND IN THE COLUM EXPLAINETION WRITEN THAT I WILL DO SO BEFORE ENTERING us IS IT OK
June 8, 2018 at 14:21
Yes
June 8, 2018 at 21:04
Hi Brit,
at my Family Information section where you fill in Mother’s Surnames at Birth. Is that the mothers birth or my birth? i.e are they asking for her maiden name or her surname after marriage to my farther?
June 8, 2018 at 21:14
Maiden name
June 8, 2018 at 21:47
Hi Brit,
For the question: do you seek to enter the US for the purpose of performing skilled or unskilled labor but have not yet been certified by the secretary of labour?
I’m an engineer in the oil and gas industry intending to work in the US. Do I answer yes? If so, what needs to be included in the “explanation”?
June 8, 2018 at 21:54
“Yes”. Any explanation you like.
June 9, 2018 at 10:56
I was picked by dv2019 and my age is 16 years, I am in first year at high school now I have just primary school. what can I do?
June 9, 2018 at 14:19
Nothing. You probably cannot meet the requirements.
June 10, 2018 at 08:31
Hi simon.im stuck at vaccination documentation section.i have documents according to albanian law,but i dont know if i am ok according to us law.should i answer yes or no?
June 10, 2018 at 14:30
Answer no – and read the guide!!!
June 11, 2018 at 14:52
Good evening Simon. I studied in only one elementary school in high school and when I was in primary school in 6th grade I did the entrance exam in 7th grade (this is an exam that will allow me to leave the primary school for college) and also arrived in the 10th class, I had also made an examination to enter the high school called Brevet of study for 1st cycle, after having obtained my brevet I do high school and it is in high school j ‘ I got the baccalaureate, it’s an exam that will allow me to go to university. My questions are as follows: In the DS at the level of education on the section number of educational institutions attended: I have to grab there 3 and fill for each exam despite it’s in one I have all these levels of study (primary, middle school, high school) or enter 1 by completing for the high school diploma but at the date I entered my date to go to school for the first time that of my high school exit only? 2nd question if I have to fill by examination (primary, middle and high school) at the level of the section of courses of study What I have to enter For primary, high school and high school (know in high school I did science experimental)? 3rd question on the section degree or diploma, must enter degree only or I will specify the name of the exam for example enter diploma of the undergraduate study certificate?
June 11, 2018 at 17:20
All that education, and no concept of paragraphs??
Look. Please use some of your own judgement. Most of this is common sense. If after applying some simple thinking you still have a question, ask that question clearly.
June 11, 2018 at 19:11
To make you understand I had 3 degree of study in a school (entry diploma in 7th, my undergraduate degree and my bachelor’s degree) I would like to know if I must enter in the form for each degree?
June 11, 2018 at 19:16
Hello Simon. I studied in one school. from primary school to high school and when I was in primary school in 6th grade I did the entrance exam in 7th (this is an exam that will allow me to leave the primary school) and also arrived in the 10th class I had also done an exam to enter the high school called Brevet d’étude for 1st cycle, after graduating from high school I graduated high school and I got the baccaleaureat
.My questions are: In the DS at the level of education on the section number of educational institutions attended: I have to enter there 3 and fill for each exam despite it’s in one I have all these levels of study (primary, middle school, high school) or enter 1 by completing for the high school diploma but at the date I entered my date to go to school for the 1st time that of my high school exit only
2nd question if I have to fill by examination (primary, col high school and high school) at the level of the courses of study section What should I enter For primary, high school and high school (know in high school I did theexperimental science) 3rd question on section degree or diploma, must enter degree only or I will specify the name of the exam for example enter diploma of the undergraduate study certificate?
June 11, 2018 at 15:14
hello again simon
I completed the ds260 and submited all aplicants
should i do something else now?
June 11, 2018 at 16:22
you just need to wait the visa bulletin for dv2019 to published each month until the number front your region equal or bigger than your number so you check the site you knew you have been selected in so you find the appointment for your interview than you do your medical exam and take all the documents needed to your interview date.
June 11, 2018 at 17:21
Wait. Read my FAQs.
June 11, 2018 at 15:16
cause there is this page:
Thank You
Your Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (DS-260) was sent to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) for
review.
Next Steps
All Diversity Visa applicants must:
1. Obtain required supporting civil documents.
2. Obtain photographs that meet the Department of State’s visa requirements.
3. Review the information specific to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate General where your visa interview will occur.
i must continue with ds 260 or i am finished?
June 12, 2018 at 03:25
hi dear,
i really hope you are getting paid well for this amazing work you are doing, because you deserve my friend! 🙂
in the last 5 years, i only worked as a self employed in eCommerce sector for about 3 years and i have no proofs for that.. in the primary occupation i don’t know if i should say business and write self-employed in the employer name, or choose other and say freelancer for example, or just say not-employed if that won’t make a problem.. what do you suggest?
thank you!
June 12, 2018 at 04:11
If you have education to meet the requirement, you can write whatever you think best describes your work experience. However if you don’t meet the education standards, and expect to pass on work experience, then you must do a lot more prep.
June 12, 2018 at 05:28
i have educational requirements.. it’s university, no degree! talking about this.. will i need an attestation to prove that i have studied in the university? or the high school degree attestation is enough?