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.
June 13, 2018 at 22:43
Hi britsimon thanks for the good work.. I went for my dv lottery interview and passed however I was put on administrative processing the consular said ther was a duplicate of my passport in the system later I got an email asking me to co firm abt an email I had used in the past but wasn’t active anymore I confirmed but was denied a visa first they gave mi a reason of bonafide relationship which I asked how it comes abt in a dv lottery later I was told ther multiple applications some one had applied for dvlottery using the other email address however this person even applied for 2019 I’ve written to the embassy to review my case again at least to compare the passport photos they say ther decesion is final now I don’t knw what to do I can’t apply for future programmes coz some one out there also applies with the same names and still I’ve been denied my visa yet I provided every detail needed of mi.
June 14, 2018 at 00:04
So – what is the question?
June 16, 2018 at 19:29
HI can you guide me as to which form my supporter should give the affidavit of support and where do I download the same this is for the DV visas
June 16, 2018 at 20:04
Read the FAQ
July 23, 2018 at 02:34
you answer people with arrogance, just try to be polite even if you are running this blog for free. thanks
July 23, 2018 at 04:58
I’ll behave how I want to behave. If you don’t like that – go somewhere else.
June 16, 2018 at 21:25
Hi Britsimon,
My wife is the principal applicant (DV lottery) and she can prove that she has 12 years of school (high school diploma and university degree). However, she is currently not working and does not intend to work in the US, because we have three young children and I make enough to support the family. for the question: In which occupation do you intend to work in the US, she intends to put “homemaker”, Can this answer negatively affect her application? She is a dentist but does not necessarily intend to work as a dentist in the us and she will have to write numerous exams before being able to practice there.
Thanks for all the help!
June 16, 2018 at 23:54
It doesn’t make any difference.
June 17, 2018 at 16:41
Dear Simon,
Thanks in advance for your relentless effort in accommodating my questions.
1. My family has been selected for dv2019. My case # is AF 23***. i planned to fill out the ds form even though my wife will give birth in one and half months later that will be after we send the filled ds. So my question is can I update my Ds260 so as to include the new born baby? If so you could I do that?
2. If I couldn’t update my ds can i bring all the docs that substantiate the new bays birth and the new baby itself to the interview?
Thanks for your time once again
June 17, 2018 at 18:47
1. There is a FAQ that explains that – but there is no advantage or need to fill it in so early. You might as well wait until the child is born, then file the DS260.
2. See 1.
June 17, 2018 at 20:40
Thank you Simon for your expertise answer . The reason why i asked you is that because People are advising me to fill the ds as much early as possible to take advantage of being interviewed early.
Probably I have so little knowledge about this issue that is why I keep asking.
Anyways, I will take your advice instead of them.
Finally, my last question is if I understood it correctly, you are saying I Will not harvest any advantage if I fill out the ds so early even though I leapfrog those winners who have low numbers than me? When will be the deadline for sending ds for dv2019? given my number?
I started reading the faq. It is amazing of YOU
June 18, 2018 at 03:29
A High case number who submits early still has to wait until their number is current – so – there is no advantage in submitting early. THere is no deadline for submission – but people have successfully submitted as late as June and July – 1 year after the results announcement.
June 18, 2018 at 05:01
Thank you Simon . You are really an asset for this site.
June 18, 2018 at 06:03
hi, i have made a small mistake, i have given current name of my mother rather than the name at her birth, the current name is there in my passport, should I unlock and give her name at birth, only the surname changes her name is the same. please guide, i do not have any evidence of her name at birth.
June 18, 2018 at 13:45
If you are DV2018 and don’t unlock for that. If you are DV2019 unlock it. Make sure you tell me year region and number when asking questions.
June 19, 2018 at 07:47
i am 2019 winner as suggested would I get rejected as I have not given my mothers name at birth , while I have given the current name as appearing in my passport so according to you I should unlock and resubmit DS260
June 19, 2018 at 07:59
i am a 2019 winner and 2019AFxxx35xxx please guide would i be rejected if the mothers name is incorrect at birth and as suggested by you should i unlock and edit the page please inform i am confused
June 19, 2018 at 17:44
I did NOT suggest that would cause rejection. But since uyou are waiting anyway you have plenty of time to get your DS260 correct – so do that.
June 18, 2018 at 14:14
I’m asking on behalf of a friend who is a 2019 winner. She has absolutely no one in US to provide adress and she plans on showing savings. Can she leave the adress of us sponsor blank? Her cn is low and expects interview in october so she doesnt have time for delay or unlocking.
June 18, 2018 at 19:30
No, she must give a US address.
June 18, 2018 at 15:34
Dear Simon,
I know that this is a stupid question yet asking it believe you will answer me.
Do you encountered,probably from one of your subscribers, a scenario that a case # like mine 2019AF23*** not interviewed?
Thank you so much probably that will be my last Q as your FAQ already answered most of my questions .
June 18, 2018 at 15:57
Relax. That number is good (assuming you are not from Egypt).
June 18, 2018 at 16:44
HI Simon,
I have doubts for previous addresses and work locations.
I was working for multinational company and I’ve changed place of work quite frequently. However, I’ve never stayed in one place/country more than 3 consecutive months and usually I stayed in hotels. (e.g. I’ve spent some time in Saudi Arabia /with several 90 days Saudi working visa/ in the the same city/project. Each stay was not longer than 3 months, but overall it was more than one year.)
Do I need to include all these places/projects in the working history and addresses history and what is the criteria for the place to be included?
Thank you.
June 18, 2018 at 20:04
No – when you are sent to some other place for a few weeks for work, your home address is still your permanent address. If you move somewhere for a year or two though – that is a change of address.
June 19, 2018 at 17:37
Sorry for being annoying, but it seems that I was not clear enough.
I have spent almost 2 years in Saudi, by doing 3 months(work)/3weeks(vacation) rotations. I never had a Saudi residence visa, only short-term 90days working visa.
My old passport is full of these working visas, and I am in doubt what to do and what to mention. Especially that Saudi is very particular subject worldwide …
Please advise.
Thanks.
June 19, 2018 at 18:22
I already answered.
June 20, 2018 at 05:50
Hi Simon.
Thanks for the good work that you have been doing. My question is, is it a problem for me if my sons birth certificate has his father’s names whom i did not include since my application. Here’s the thing, I’ m a single mom since my child’s birth. I did not provide his fathers details since i have never set my eyes on him since i gave birth. is this a problem for me because i filled in as a single mom? we never married though i have no legal documentation to show full custody.
Thanks in advance.
June 20, 2018 at 14:27
Well it might be – depending on local procedures. In my country, a single mother could not just list any man on a birth cert. The man had to be present or a husband – thus assuming responsibility.
Perhaps it is different in your country – I don’t know.
June 22, 2018 at 07:54
Thanks for getting back to me. Last question, I already submitted my Ds260. The thing is, i just filled all the blanks and submitted and received a confirmation. Do I need to fill another Ds260 for my son? Or did I just mess up the whole situation?
June 22, 2018 at 08:24
Yes your son needs a DS260
June 22, 2018 at 08:27
Thank you so much! I’ll go ahead and fill his part. Does that mean I will have to go with two prints out for confirmation (mine and my son’s)
June 22, 2018 at 13:34
Use your own judgement.
June 22, 2018 at 12:50
Can I select other travelling document for my sons part because he doesn’t have a passport at the moment please?
June 22, 2018 at 13:55
Yes or use your passport number
June 22, 2018 at 18:30
Thank you so much, I used my passport number. May God bless you abundantly for your help. Now patiently and hopefully waiting for the best.
Thank you!
June 22, 2018 at 19:08
Hi big brother thanks for your multiple assistance i am a cameroonian dv AF201900030***
While completing my ds260 i faced a problem with my parents place of birth ( city, province…) it doesn’t figure on my birth certificate. Shoud i select i dont know or rely on my parents saying? Thanks beforehand
June 22, 2018 at 21:47
Match what is on your birth cert.
June 23, 2018 at 11:39
Hello Brit,
I understand there is background check, so I am kindly requesting an email address of USCIS. I want to send them an email concerning the middle name of my child so as to be on the safe side.
June 23, 2018 at 15:05
Email KCC, not USCIS.
June 23, 2018 at 18:15
Thanks a bunch?
June 24, 2018 at 01:45
Hello Simon,
i was selected in DV2019, I have a high school diploma, in my country the high school is three years, the diploma is issued in grade 12 after passing “High school final exams”
i have the following Q if you don’t mind:
in “From – To” date of attendance, is it the final year OR the whole three years of high school?
Thank you.
June 24, 2018 at 06:10
Use your own judgement.
June 26, 2018 at 21:50
Hello dear Simon, I have a question regarding the “Course of study” field, my wife is the main applicant and we are not really sure what to input there as she graduated in Argentina?
June 27, 2018 at 04:07
Whatever the course was – “general studies” for instance?
June 27, 2018 at 18:03
Thank you Simon, also I wanted to ask you, is it necessary the she fills her primary education information? Or just the secondary education?
June 27, 2018 at 21:56
Her DS260 should be accurate and complete.
June 29, 2018 at 20:26
Hello dear Simon, I earned my master degree after closing the Ds 260 But I didn’t receive my certificate till now. My interview well be next week shall I mention that at the interview or no need.
June 29, 2018 at 20:32
You should mention it.
June 30, 2018 at 20:33
Thanks,
June 30, 2018 at 16:34
my case number is 2019AS69*** and i submitted the ds260 on jun23 . Can I face the interview before end of the 2018.
June 30, 2018 at 17:41
Well for a start, you are representing your number as 69 THOUSAND range, whilst it is probably 69 HUNDRED range. So – no, it won’t be in 2018 – you have around 1 year to wait.
July 1, 2018 at 00:16
Britsimo. Please i need help. What the passport number i put to sign the ds260 of my wilf and minor childrens. Their or min. What i answr yes or no for the question to sign and submit. Thanks
July 1, 2018 at 01:47
Theirs. If your children don’t have one yet, you can put your number on their DS260 and update it later.
July 1, 2018 at 02:58
thank you very much BritSimon. but for the last question of the ds 260 of my childrens “did anyone assist you in filling out this application ??”.. what I answer? Yes or no. if I answer yes, I have to put my coordinates and mentioned me as preparer and and mentioned me as a father in the relationship. ??? thanks
July 1, 2018 at 03:44
Did they fill it themselves?
Always just tell the truth.
July 1, 2018 at 03:47
Dear BritSimon
my interview has been scheduled on August 07 2018 I have some mistake on DS 260 from I not included my child now it possible to bring edit in 260 form
July 1, 2018 at 05:21
You would have to contact the embassy and ask them.
July 1, 2018 at 05:24
by which email contact with embassy
July 1, 2018 at 05:28
I don’t know.
July 1, 2018 at 12:14
Dear sir
I filled out my DS-260 form 5 months ago and my interviw also schedual how i can to add applicant to DS 260 form
July 1, 2018 at 14:35
I already told you what to do.
July 1, 2018 at 12:15
my case number is 2019AS77**. Can I face my interview before end this year?
July 1, 2018 at 14:36
Before end of 2018? No
Before the end of 2019? Yes
July 1, 2018 at 17:40
On which month will the interview normally be?
July 1, 2018 at 17:43
Wait and see.
July 2, 2018 at 08:11
Hey Simon!
Following my submission of form ds260 for my son, I did
not receive an email confirmation as it was my ds260 confirmation. On the
http://www.dvselectee.state.gov/ site, shows that my son’s ds260 is complete and
already processing. Should I be concerned if I did not receive an email confirmation
despite that the site shows it was confirmed? Please advice.
Second: My case no. is 2019AF00020****. Should I expect my interview before the end of 2018?
Thank You.
July 2, 2018 at 13:46
1. No
2. No
July 3, 2018 at 03:13
Hi Simon .
Please I am done filling the formsforms but can’t sign .They have indicated a red arrow on my case number but its correct too.i have tried it several times but can’t submit the form.
July 3, 2018 at 04:06
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
July 3, 2018 at 10:38
Thanks.That was very helpful
July 3, 2018 at 05:28
Hey Simon!
I filled all form for me and my spouse and about to submit but when I was adding my spouse, this message show up :
“When adding family members to your case, you will need to upload a document to prove your relationship to the family member being added”
But I cant find upload option in anywhere.
Thank you !
July 3, 2018 at 14:47
See if you can proceed without uploading. If not, make sure pop up blockers are not stopping something.
July 3, 2018 at 07:00
HelIo Simon,
I pass the DV 2018 and my number is in 46xxx but havent receive any mail yet to start my process amd I have summited the DS 260 already…what do you think is the problem.
July 3, 2018 at 14:45
Like thousands of others, you are waiting to be scheduled. Read my recent articles.
July 3, 2018 at 09:19
Hi Simon,
Looking for your opinion on a mistake we have made on the DS260 submission related to previous criminal record.
My wife is the main applicant. Stupidly, in hindsight, we indicated that I have no criminal record which we thought to be the case. I had a driving conviction following an accident and it went to court (in UK) where I was found guilty of something along the lines of driving without due care and consideration. We thought that driving convictions were not considered ‘criminal’ convictions and therefore said no to this question in the DS260. Genuinely an honest mistake on our behalf and not an attempt to hide anything.
Following our case number AF48*** going current, we have started to get all the supporting information together and it turns out that this will be included on my criminal record check. Our interview has not been scheduled yet, but guessing it is too late to change/unlock the DS260? Is this now a huge risk or something that ca be changed at interview without much concern? Is there any point investing further money in the process and attending our interview in London (if scheduled!!!)?
Would very much appreciate you advice or opinion here.
Kind regards.
G
July 3, 2018 at 14:41
Generally, driving offences are not criminal – unless it is something like drink driving etc.
July 3, 2018 at 14:56
Well that is what I thought too, hence I didn’t mention it. It was a car accident (and motorbike) where I was judged to be at fault. Went to court as a result of a large insurance claim by the other party I believe. No other circumstances.
It looks like this will definitely show on my criminal record check as after applying for the record check they have questioned why I ticked ‘no’ to previous convictions.
My worry is that it looks like we have lied on the DS260. Is this now a big risk or is it likely that we can draw it to there attention and explain at the interview?
Thanks very much for the response. Extremely concerned that this might trip us up at this stage! Would rather not be scheduled for an interview than be rejected for something so simple.
G
July 3, 2018 at 16:17
You are worrying for nothing.
July 3, 2018 at 14:13
my Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application from expire date is 04/30/2019. Can I face my interview before that date?
July 3, 2018 at 14:24
THat form expiry date doesn’t matter.
July 5, 2018 at 13:03
Hi BritSimon,
In sign and submit page I fill my KCC number and click next but it not successful.
But I definitely that number is correct so what should I do. I would appreciate for your help 🙂
Thanks,
July 5, 2018 at 14:37
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
July 6, 2018 at 12:36
hi can you inform if I get my form i-134 completed now for DV 2019 interview what is the validity of the affidavit or I should get the form signed only early 2019.
July 6, 2018 at 14:35
Once you get the 2NL
July 6, 2018 at 18:02
Hello Simon, I already have my I-134 form completed for DV 2019, will I have to ask my sponsor to do it again? Or will that form still work for the interview?
July 7, 2018 at 15:06
Far too early – so yes you will need to do it once you get the 2NL.
July 6, 2018 at 13:58
I have submitted ds260 completely and I have received conformation email. I have all the details with me that match their criteria, they had requested in the ds260 form. What is the chance of me passing the interview?
July 6, 2018 at 14:06
I know nothing about your case.
July 6, 2018 at 14:08
If I failed the interview, Can I apply again from my case number?
July 6, 2018 at 14:39
No
July 6, 2018 at 15:10
If I failed the interview. Will I lost my dv chance to immigration?
July 6, 2018 at 15:27
Yes.
July 6, 2018 at 15:21
Simon,
We are family of five and all our DS-260’s were completed and submitted 2 weeks ago. At each applicant, under IV Application it states, “Completed” and were are able to print the DS-260 confirmations for all of us. However, none of us have received a confirmation email yet. Is this normal? Is it bad not to receive one?
July 6, 2018 at 15:27
Doesn’t matter.
July 6, 2018 at 17:16
Hello Simon.
Happens that I can see the ”edit” on the ”review” part of my ds260 is till active. Does that mean that I can edit again even after submission?
Thanks in advance!
July 7, 2018 at 15:05
That means it was either not submitted, or it has been unlocked.
July 10, 2018 at 02:43
Hello mate,
OC2019005XX here.
Thanks for the great article. I’m heading over to the US next month on my O1 visa, which was only just approved, and i’m assuming i may be called for an interview in February/March 2019. I have already submitted my DS260 prior to me being approved for my O1, so would i need to unlock to update “previous US trips” and “previous US visas”, or would that be ok to leave as is? I’ve selected Consular Processing back in Australia, so if I fly back for it technically a previous US trip would end as soon as I land back in Australia in 2019.
Should i unlock now, or should i leave it as it?
Thanks for your time, mate. 🙂
July 10, 2018 at 04:10
Leave it as is – they will know what trips you have made to the usa.
July 10, 2018 at 16:31
What are the facts for failed the interview?
July 10, 2018 at 16:43
There are various reasons a case can be refused.
Not meeting the requirements such as education/work experience
Failing to correctly follow the process.
Presenting false documents
Security concerns (background checks)
July 11, 2018 at 04:39
Hi Brit,
When I was completing the DS260 and got to the military service form it wouldn’t actually allow me to fill it out online, will I need to print it and bring it to the interview? Thanks!
July 11, 2018 at 05:00
No – you register online after activation.
July 11, 2018 at 05:19
Thanks very much!
July 11, 2018 at 12:26
Hello Simon, where online do we have to register for the Selected Service? Or we have to register personally within 30 days of arriving in the United States? Thanks!
July 11, 2018 at 15:29
Try google.
July 11, 2018 at 14:32
I want to update my passport details to ds260. But in this situation form is locked. How I write an email to KCC to unlock form?
July 11, 2018 at 15:36
Instructions in the FAQ
July 12, 2018 at 14:58
i have attended one educational Institution for primary education and two Institutions for secondary education. What should I give the number for ‘Number of Educational Institutions Attended’?. Should I also add the primary educational details?
July 12, 2018 at 15:18
No
July 12, 2018 at 19:40
Thanks so much man, for the wonderfull job u do
July 14, 2018 at 10:10
dear brit
i have 2 questions
1- my father surname in his passport different than the one on my all documents even my birth certificate so what shall i write on the ds260 as per his passport or my birth certificate (specially on the parents page)
2- in dv entry i put building number wrong shall i corrected on the ds260 ? will be a problem??
thanks for your effort.
July 14, 2018 at 14:49
1. Legal name (passport)
2. No
July 14, 2018 at 14:41
The names on my passport/birth certificate are XXXX YYYY
I have an additional name in my education certificate ZZZZ
I intend to use the other names part on the DS260 to list it.
On the given space/s of other names should i input
XXXX YYYY ZZZZ or
ZZZZ ONLY.
Also given there are 2 section for other names
1.Other Surnames Used (maiden, religious, professional, aliases, etc.)
2.Other Given Names Used
Do i fill the
NO 1 ,
NO 2 or
both
July 14, 2018 at 15:09
Use yiour own judgement, based on what sort of name it is, and following the instructions on the form.
July 14, 2018 at 15:10
Use your own judgement, based on what sort of name it is, and reading the instructions on the form.
July 16, 2018 at 17:47
HELLO FREND,
I HAVE A QUESTION ABOUT MARRIAGE SERTIFICATE. SHOULD I UPLOAD IT SOMEWHERE OR NOT? BECAUSE WHEN I PRESSED ADD APLICANT IT DIDNT ASKED FOR IT ?
THANK YOU
July 16, 2018 at 18:02
If the form didn’t ask, then don’t worry about it.
July 20, 2018 at 05:43
Hello BritSimon,
My friend won DV lottery and he is a principal applicant. His wife’s and child’s names in the application are different from their passport, because they didn’t have passports during filling application. There’s mistake only in one letter for each.
Will this be the reason for disqualification?
Thanks
July 20, 2018 at 13:06
As they are derivatives, it should be OK.
July 20, 2018 at 14:46
Hello Simon, how can I know my DS260 current status and if it has been processed correctly? As the information in the CEAC webpage is not available yet. Thanks.
July 20, 2018 at 15:32
You just wait.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
July 21, 2018 at 15:07
Hi Simon,
Excellent work – extremely helpful. Many thanks for making time for it. I was selected in the DV2018 program and I am preparing my documents in preparation for the interview. Where can I get police certificates for the period I lived in the UK? And how long does it take to be issued and sent?
July 21, 2018 at 21:08
Do you really mean DV2018 – that is almost over.
July 21, 2018 at 22:05
Yes – interviewing endof july
July 22, 2018 at 17:05
Mohamed, here’s the link that gives you all the info. Check if you need to have it notarized and legalized for use in your country embassy for interview.
If so, you get it, you have it notarized, and then legalized by commonwealth office (ie foreign ministry in UK) then the embassy of the country where you will use it for interview. And finally the foreign ministry in your country before it can be used at the US Embassy for the interview.
I had it done, but it took about a MONTH with all the above, as I was not in the UK and could not enter but a friend helped. I had it sent to him and follow up with notary public while I did all the online stuff.
I am most certain that most documents that come from another country have to go through that process to be recognized by any embassy in your country excluding UK embassy most probably.
BUT……
don’t solely take my word for it, check the embassy specific instructions, and reciprocaty page.
The above is based on my own experience.
I hope it helps.
July 22, 2018 at 17:08
Link:
https://www.acro.police.uk/police_certificates.aspx
I hope it can work out, just saw that your interview is within days. Maybe after you can submit.
Best of luck!
July 22, 2018 at 19:12
Thanks MaK. I followed the link and it allows me to apply online. Many thanks
July 22, 2018 at 17:26
@Mohammed. I’m hoping there is some confusion in the month or something – otherwise you have created a problem through lack of preparation. Mak has provide the accro link. But it will probably take a few weeks to get that. When you attend your interview without it, you will be on AP. Your reserved visa will be reassigned at the end of July. Then once you supply it (in August I assume), the embassy will have to request a visa. They are already being instructed to tell people that no more visas are being given. So – there is a real chance you will not get the visa. Only attend the interview if you understand and accept that risk.
July 22, 2018 at 19:18
Thanks Simon. The reason for the confusion is that I already have another document called “Police Registration” which we had to apply for and get when we resided in the uk. I thought that this is the document required as part of the application process. Someone advised me that they might be looking in fact for a document which is closer to a ‘criminal record’ (the link that MaK sent) rather than just a mere police certification showing the addresses we stayed at while in the uk.
I am applying for it now but it will apparently take time to get in post and get notorized. What do think is the right course for me given the situation?
July 22, 2018 at 19:26
The right course of action would have been to read the instructions, which would have led you to the UK reciprocity page, where you would have known exactly what to do. Now – you have delayed so long that AP is likely. Therefore you have created a real risk. It’s clear what you have to do – but the risk is there and you must decide how to proceed.
July 22, 2018 at 19:27
Do NOT waste time on notarization.
July 21, 2018 at 19:30
I should have to go to Australia within April 2019 and I should stay there for few months. My case number is 2019AS75** and Can I face my interview before April 2019.
July 21, 2018 at 21:19
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
July 22, 2018 at 19:56
Thx – what does AP stand for?
July 22, 2018 at 20:05
Administrative Processing.
July 22, 2018 at 20:12
Mohammed, I went to check how long it took me to get the certificate delivered after application.
Applied on 23/3 and was delivered to my friend (in UK) on 27/3.
Make sure to choose fastest delivery options to wherever you are, UK or abroad.
And take simon’s advice for it. Don’t notarize. Just get it!
Apply now! Don’t wait until tmrw and make sure your documentation/requirements for the online application are OK!!!
Best of luck!
July 23, 2018 at 13:47
Thanks MaK. I made the application and selected the expedited service and courier return – a bit pricey but hope it does the trick and get in time.
I much appreciate your support.
I will provide an update post the interview to share any learnings from my case.
July 22, 2018 at 23:14
Simon, please what about you making post about the technical terms and abbreviations at this site
E.g.: AP, 1nl, 2nl etc
July 22, 2018 at 23:26
Something else people won’t read – I have all those terms explained in various places. But yeah I’ll do something.
July 24, 2018 at 22:57
Hello everyone,
What’s the deadline for the DS260 for the DV Lottery 2019?
Thank you
July 24, 2018 at 23:39
Did you check the FAQ?
July 25, 2018 at 18:07
Hello dear
I realy appriciate your petience and hard work to inform innocent people like me
I was about to finish and submitte my DS 260 I just took time to collect my documents and my two kids and wife pasports and birthcertificates but ceac is currently undergoing maintenance so i’m afraid if i might loose my chance for being interviewed. I felt like late .I am selected in dv2019 and my case number is AF19xxx.
2. What is the chance for being intervied and when could it be the probability of interview time if i got interviewed.
3. Can my friend make my accomodation who has US citizen but has no house of him self working as a software devoloper in USA
July 25, 2018 at 18:12
1. There is plenty of time to submit. MONTHS.
2. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
3. He has no house? How will he accommodate you?
July 27, 2018 at 01:07
Thank you Brit for your response. What I mean he has no house is that he has a house where he lives which doesn’t owns it but he pay rent.
Thanks again..
July 27, 2018 at 01:42
So that’s no problem.
July 25, 2018 at 22:57
I believe your interview will be in December or January latest by February
July 26, 2018 at 09:17
Ds 260 page is not working, and I have an interview on Monday, and I need to change my marriage status what can I do, they dont know when it will be active again?
July 26, 2018 at 14:27
You can’t unlock your DS260 this late. You can email the embassy to let them know your marital status has changed.
July 27, 2018 at 13:07
One more question Brit.. Who is supposed to prove the police certificate free from any crime during the interview ? The main applicant or both wife and husband?
July 27, 2018 at 14:22
Everyone over 16
July 27, 2018 at 14:28
Thanks Brit..
July 28, 2018 at 16:41
Ds -260 is not working, I didn’t submit the application form, I won DV 2019. And my case number is very near, so up to when can I submit ds 260 form please?
July 28, 2018 at 20:29
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/