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.
August 1, 2018 at 07:22
when I try to enter into ds-260 form with my case no, last name and year of birth correctly it says “Your request cannot be processed at this time.” So what shall do now?
August 1, 2018 at 18:44
Close all the browsers and try again. Then make sure you are entering the correct info.
August 7, 2018 at 07:32
when I have starting my DS-260 form partly filled and saved but not finish ,the website was stop working due to maintainance ,after the maintainance finished ,when I start to complete my application the massege sent to me was” your request cannot be processed at this time” so what shall I do?
August 7, 2018 at 13:42
Wait.
August 1, 2018 at 18:57
Hello Brit
1 My husband is the principal applicant and he won dv2019 ,so he provided all the documents of his education, me and my kids are going with him so am I supposed to prove my education?I am highschool complete but at this time we are living other country he did his best to collect his document but not easy now for me.
2 I mentioned my education in ds 260 but I don’t have the document is it danger? Or they need only my husband’s document since he is main applicant?
3 and my work place has no tells number so can I leave it blank?
Thanks
August 1, 2018 at 19:26
1. The instructions are really important, and you need to read them. If you had, this question would be unnecessary.
2. That is the same question as 1.
3. Yes
August 7, 2018 at 09:26
Hello Brit I need your help. I am a dv 2019 selectee when playing I included my spouse and my 3 children that are under 21 years old and now that I have won my wife and my last child will not immigrate with me .So I was asking when completing the ds260 I should complete the ds260 for every body even though as my wife and my last child will not go with me or I should I should complete for those who will go with me?
Also I wanted to know since my wife and my last child are not going with me will it affect my application? Because me I meet all the requirements to receive my visa I am a soft engineer with more than 10 years of working experience and I also have my highschool diploma
August 7, 2018 at 13:49
You complete your own DS260 and list your spouse and children.
You only create additional DS260s for derivatives if they want to emigrate.
September 21, 2018 at 11:06
Hello brit when playing î didnt included my daughter who is
18 years old now that î have won should î include her in my ds260 or should not include her? Please î need your help
September 21, 2018 at 16:33
Not including a child in the entry means disqualification.
September 23, 2018 at 13:52
Hello brit I hope you are doing well. I am a dv 2019 selectee and I have a problem when filing my ds 260 form. When entering the lottery I played with my wife and my 3 children who are under 21 .My problem is when filing the ds 260 where they ask do you have any child? What should I put there ?should I put only my children who are under 21 years old or I should put all my children even those who are above 21years ?
September 23, 2018 at 15:32
Follow the instructions on the form, exactly. Only create a DS260 for the children that are going with you.
August 10, 2018 at 02:12
Hi Brit,
I hope this finds you well.
I’m wondering if you could possibly shed some light on an issue I’m experiencing with the DS 260 submission. I’ve accessed the form three times since winning the lottery on May 15, however I have just tried to access the form again to finish completing it and received the following error message: “The case information you entered does not match our records. Please try again.” I’m aware of issues with the website being down, but wanted to know if you have any idea what may be happening. All information I’ve entered is correct, and I also tried the tip you mentioned in a separate post about omitting the zeros. I was told that there is no time limit to complete the form by, but now I’m growing very concerned.
Any advice you can offer would be much appreciated,
Many Thanks
August 10, 2018 at 03:55
Other have posted with the same problem – so it is likely not to do with your case. Wait for a couple of weeks.
August 10, 2018 at 04:51
Brit,
Thank you very much for your response – I’m incredibly appreciative of the time you’ve taken to answer my question.
I’m curious to know – has this ever happened before? If so, what was the cause? And were those affected able to successfully reaccess their applications to complete submission?
As always, I’m extremely thankful for your time and assistance.
August 10, 2018 at 05:40
I don’t know.
August 13, 2018 at 22:24
I have the same problem and I think it is going to be solved but let us hope to be soon.
August 10, 2018 at 06:17
Have a good day Brit.I completed and submitted Ds260.When filling out,I indicated both(about work also education information),As far as understand according to abovementioned post that you shared,It is enough to indicate only one of them.Does it cause any problem at interview appointment?
August 10, 2018 at 06:18
No
August 12, 2018 at 15:00
hello brit.. im about to fill out my ds260 one of this days.. but i cant start filling out because im confused what do i need to put on the surname will it be my married name or maiden.. because on my passport it was still my maiden name and i havent renewed my passport yet.. my passport will expire on april 2019.. but with regards with my id’ s twas all on my married name already.. hoping for your immediate response.. thank you
August 12, 2018 at 15:25
The DS260 should have your legal name, and there is a space for the maiden name (other names). You should renew your passport to match your new legal name.
August 12, 2018 at 15:29
so does it mean that i need to put on my married name first then my maiden name on the nextbox provided?
August 12, 2018 at 17:04
The form requires your LEGAL name – which is presumably the name changed by marriage.
August 13, 2018 at 00:18
what about on the civil doc.needed to submit in nvc thru online do i need to submit the final divorce decree of my husband? because he was previously married before
August 13, 2018 at 00:35
No, you don’t submit that online – take it to the interview.
August 12, 2018 at 21:14
Greetings Simon. Thanks for yr assistance. I have a worry. After submiting the DS260 form, I discovered that I made a mistake on my marriage date. Instead of putting the date my wife and i did court wedding which is indicated on my marriage certificate (17th Oct, 2015), I went and put the date of our church marriage blessing which occured 1 week later (24th Oct). The date that has remained in my subconscious memory is the church wedding date because my wife and I could only come together as husband and wife only after the church blessing.
My question then is:
How can I edit the DS260 to put the marriage certificate date rather than the church blessing date. Or is this error not a critical error that may jeopardize our chances?
August 12, 2018 at 23:10
If not already scheduled you can unlock and correct. Search the FAQ for unlocking.
August 17, 2018 at 07:52
Hi Brit,
my case number is 2019AF35 …when will i expect my interview
August 17, 2018 at 15:15
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
August 18, 2018 at 19:09
Hi Simon,
I have gone through the steps you explained in regards to complelting the DS260. Many thanks for that.
However, I am doing AOS, and i have a question please:
I am entering my travel history on DS 260, so Date Arrived (Of course I will put the actual date I have arrived) However, am still here in the U.S and that is why i am applying for AOS, so what shall I put in the “Length of Stay” ? It is a mandatory field and i can’t leave it blank!
Thanks in advance
August 18, 2018 at 19:21
Don’t overthink it. For an AOS case the DS260 ONLY opens the file at KCC. It is not important other than that.
August 19, 2018 at 02:24
Thanks!
August 22, 2018 at 03:02
Hi Simon
My daughter is a U.S Citizen and of course i have included her in the original DV 2019 application, However, when I log on the CEAC to complete the DS260, I see my daughter application is also listed under “applicants”, but when i try to fill her form I am not able to proceed because in the second page of the form “Personal information/Nationality” the United States Nationality is not listed in the options, so how can i proceed with her form ?
If your answer to be that I do not need to submit a DS260 for her because she is already a USC, then how can i submit my application while her application is not complete ?
Thanks in advance!
August 22, 2018 at 03:07
You don’t submit her DS260. You just submit yours.
August 22, 2018 at 14:31
I appreciate your inputs Simon, many thanks in deed!
I was not sure that I will be able to submit my application if one of my derivative’s application is not complete.
August 22, 2018 at 12:05
Hi Brit,
do i need to add my step child to my DS260 form? or only to my husband DS260 form alone.
I’m the principal applicant. i play with all children before in my initial eDV.
Thanks
August 23, 2018 at 15:50
Hi Simon ,
I am one of the selectee from Ethiopia 2019AF00006XXX, I already submitted the DS 260 form on May 28, 2018 . when I reviewed the DS 260 form I got one problem …, “previous US travel information” section of the Third Question, I.e. “Have you ever been refused a U.S. Visa, been refused admission to the United States, or withdrawn your application for admission at the port of entry? ” I answered No … BUT I REQUEST TRAVEL VISA A YEAR BEFORE TO USA AND I DIDN’T GET THE VISA.
DID IT NEGATIVELY AFFECT ME? OR… DID I REQUEST THE KCC TO UNLOCK THE DS 260 FORM AND ADJUST, DID I HAVE ENOUGH TIME ?
August 23, 2018 at 15:53
Yes you should unlock and correct that answer.
August 23, 2018 at 16:59
Hi Simon,
As an AOS, I am entering my travel history on DS 260 for all my previous visits to the U.S, However since I am doing AOS I have entered and I am still here, so I filled the actual date I have arrived in the “Date Arrived” , However, what shall I put in the “Length of Stay” while i am still here in the U.S . Do you think I should put the date of the day i submit the form ?
Many Thanks!
August 23, 2018 at 17:07
https://britsimonsays.com/completing-the-ds260-for-dv-lottery-entrants/comment-page-27/#comment-136902
August 23, 2018 at 17:14
Got it 🙂 I am trying not to overthink and I hate this trait in myself..but I always feel that getting and an advice from an expert is essential. Sorry to keep bugging you and I really appreciate your time and your response Simon!
August 23, 2018 at 17:23
Like I said – no one is going to even look at the DS260 (although you already had used common sense for the right approach anyway).
There are some landmines in this process – but we (Sm1smom, Susie or I) would tell you if you were near one.
August 23, 2018 at 17:35
Many Thanks to all of you. I can’t really find the right word to Thank you all!
Ok, So let me admit, although you have clarified this to me, but I have misunderstood the whole part, …First I understood that DS260 is not that important for AOSer, but I was thinking the FO is still going to validate the information I fill in it, but now i fully understand that they don’t even access it at all. Sorry for my silly understanding.
In this case I understand that only major major mistakes or fraudulent information might affect somehow, but little details such as this is not going to be a hurdle. Please correct me if am wrong. I will try not to ask any further question regarding DS260 🙂
Thanks Simon, Sm1smom, Susie!
August 23, 2018 at 17:45
You are correct. The DS260 establishes your KCC file, which the FO will later request. Filing the DS260 (I believe) speeds things up later, and allows KCC to warn the VO of AOS visa demand. Both those things are good.
THe data in the DS260 is largely ignored – so as with any immigration form, answer truthfully, but no need to stress over trivial details – especially when the design of the form is compromised by your using it for the wrong purpose (like the duration of stay not making sense in an AOS case).
August 23, 2018 at 18:15
Fantastic! Thanks a Million!
It is super clear now.
Regards
August 24, 2018 at 05:34
hi brit,
i just wanna ask if i need to submit the divorce decree of my husband who is my petitioner and if do i need to upload all the pages or some pages only? because it was 38 pages all in all.. if i need to upload it in ceac hows am i going to upload it? hoping for your immediate response.. thank you
August 24, 2018 at 14:05
You don’t upload it – you present all documents at interview.
August 26, 2018 at 14:13
Hello Brit
1. I want to now is there any problem if i go to visit my home country to visit my family for a month because we already summited our ds260. We are 2019 dv selectee. We lived here in other country for a year and half. Do you think traveling after summiting ds260 invite problem.
2 do you have any idea KCC started sending emils for interview because we sent our ds 260 before 3 weeks. And hopefully waiting
Thanks as usual
August 26, 2018 at 15:36
1. No problem.
2. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
August 26, 2018 at 14:16
Sory i forgot CN AF 19### dv 2019
August 28, 2018 at 05:53
How long before the interview, kcc will send an email?
August 28, 2018 at 14:11
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
August 29, 2018 at 20:58
Hell Brit, our sponsor who we mentioned him in our ds260 came to the country that we are living now, so what are the necessary documents that we need from him and is it better to have them now or stay until we got scheduled for interview send us later, I am so curios to know a lot coz we don’t need to miss this big opportunity. We are lucky to have you for a clear information thanks.
August 29, 2018 at 21:00
I-134
W2/1040
Payslips
Copy of photo ID
August 31, 2018 at 15:19
Dear Simon,
Would you be able to comment at all as to whether obtaining another citizenship in the course of one’s GC application is a good idea, or whether it’d be frowned upon as “lack of commitment/hedging one’s bets” etc.
My specific circumstances:
I currently have a single citizenship (continental European) I’ve held since birth. I’ve been living in the UK for the last 12 years but never applied for citizenship. If granted the GC I’d probably choose to move to US permanently but would definitely be retaining close ties to the UK as well (moved here at ~19 y/o, spent my entire adult life. feel enormous cultural, sentimental, historical connection to it. Large part of my intellectual development since “idiot teen” years is inextricably linked to Britain. etc)
Let me also note that, at the time of filling out ds260 the answer to the question: “do you, or have you ever held any other citizenships?” was (and still is, at the time of writing) an unambiguous “no”. So paperwork is by-the-book and pukka, any wrinkle that could emerge would be solely due to agents discretion (ie. seeing the application as not in “good faith”, “citizenship of convenience” or some such thing).
Please advise.
Kind Regards,
CulturallyAnglo
August 31, 2018 at 16:47
It doesn’t impact the GC process at all.
September 1, 2018 at 09:48
Dear britsimon,
Tahnks for your information about DV lottery.
I have one concern about it. I won a lottery this year but in my first entry i made one mistake on my husband name. It is wrong selling his sure name is Mark but I wrote Mark. I am the principle. So is it qualify for me to complete DS-260 form ? Can you give some recommendations about it that I have chance to get visa card?
Best Regards,
September 1, 2018 at 15:28
It isn’t a problem. Just complete the DS260s accurately.
September 5, 2018 at 06:37
When should I submit all the documents needed (example:police reports, educational qualifications ,medical reports ), before or after i’m informed of the interview?
September 5, 2018 at 14:07
Normally at the interview.
September 5, 2018 at 17:00
As per mentioned in the our embassy website, I’m supposed to post my education certificates to our embassy. Should I post the certificates before or after I’m informed of the interview?
September 5, 2018 at 17:16
Once scheduled the embassy will tell you what to do.
September 5, 2018 at 18:10
Hi Brit. I need a clarification for completing DS 260. In its “Present Work/Educational/Training Information” page, the first box is asking my “Primary Occupation” and further down more details about the occupation. When I intend to use my educational qualifications for the GC, I am not clear/confused at what point/place I should fill with my educational details. Can you help me on this please. Thanks in advance.
September 5, 2018 at 18:15
You are EITHER working or in education. If you are working, then you list your previous education. Just follow the form step by step. It is self-explanatory.
September 6, 2018 at 02:25
Thanks for the reply Brit.. So to reclarify.. This page is not a page I have to indicate my educational qualifications over occupation (as I am intending to qualify thru education), but rather just follow the steps and answer. Am I correct? Thanks.
September 6, 2018 at 04:50
Correct – you just answer the questions.
September 6, 2018 at 09:30
Thanks Brit.. I encountered another problem. The space provided as ‘given names’ is not enough for me to write down other names of my kids. What should I do? Thanks a lot Brit.
September 6, 2018 at 15:52
Use your own judgement.
September 5, 2018 at 18:33
Hello Brit, I am currently working and studying at the same time, so I filled both because I wanted to tell the truth about what I am doing right now. Also I pointed out that my job doesn’t require 2 years of training or experience as I will apply through education.
Will there be a problem due to the fact I filled both?
September 5, 2018 at 18:46
Just to clarify, I put study as primary occupation, then listed work as other occupations.
September 5, 2018 at 19:14
No
September 6, 2018 at 18:20
Hi Brit.. sorry for troubling again. If I already have a SSN card (it is with ‘valid for work only with DHS authorization’ annotation), do I have to answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ when answering ‘Do you need a new card issued?’ in the DS 260? Thanks again.
September 6, 2018 at 18:31
“No”.
Once you are an LPR you can visit the SSA and get a new card (same number)
September 7, 2018 at 02:30
Thanks loads Brit..
September 7, 2018 at 03:50
Hey Simmon,
In my last name ‘MALLA’ last letter ‘A’ is is missing in my academic documents and it is ‘MALL’ as i have studied in another country, and in my passport it is ‘MALLA’ so will that be a matter of rejection?
I have made alliance refering my title in the name is me from the authority.
September 7, 2018 at 05:23
Not a problem.
September 8, 2018 at 13:20
Thanks a lot.
September 9, 2018 at 18:46
Dear Simon
My parents second names were not recorded on their birth certificates (during Apartheid South Africa) and do not appear in their identity documents and passports. Officially only their ‘English’ names are ‘recognized’ so to speak. They do however use their second names frequently in daily life, on some documents, etc. On the DS-260 I provided their English names and second names in the ”given names” block. Is that OK? Would it be prudent to unlock the form and remove their second names?
September 9, 2018 at 20:44
The DS260 needs the legal name. Use the “other names used” section of the DS260.
September 10, 2018 at 07:16
hi Simon, nice to talk to you again
I was trying to fill out DS form. In doing so I need to add a newly born child of mine. But i found out i made a mistake in the (ADD section) sure name of the child. I am thinking that since I can correct it when i fully write the name it might not be as such a significant problem? could you give me your advice? Is that a problem?
Thanks
Correct Name was: Bitanya Solomon Yirgalem
Wrong name was: Bitanya Solomon Manne
Manne is my sur name
September 10, 2018 at 13:42
Correct it. It’s not a big problem.
September 10, 2018 at 07:39
When i try to open it again it says:
The Case Number entered is currently unavailable. Please try again later?
Am freaking out. What is wrong ?
September 10, 2018 at 13:44
Others are having problems with the DS260 system too. Wait for a few weeks or, if your number is low, contact KCC (who may tell you to contact the embassy).
September 12, 2018 at 07:53
Thanks Simon
Apparently, I emailed KCC first in my company mail and then in my gmail. This is what they said different answers:
1. “The Kentucky Consular Center is aware of the problem and is working diligently to resolve the issue. As soon as any information is available, we will be in touch”
2. “Thank you for your inquiry.
The case number you have provided is not a Diversity Visa Lottery case number.(which is not actually true because I copied and pasted the case number, date of birth and name as it is shown in my 1NL)
If you were selected for further consideration in the Diversity Visa Program, you should visit the website http://www.dvlottery.state.gov. Your 14 digit case number is located on the letter.”
But i emailed them again with the screen shot of my selection letter with the 14 digit. expecting their answer again
My question is how come same institution replied two opposing answer? is there a possibility that my case number will be lost in their database?
sorry for me consuming much of your time
September 12, 2018 at 14:08
They are humans. Sometimes they make mistakes.
September 11, 2018 at 11:48
Hi Brit.. One clarification from you. Under Medical and Health Information, the DS 260 has a question asking whether “Do you have documentation to establish that you have received vaccinations in accordance with U.S. law?” with answers “Yes” or “No”. What should be my answer as I don’t have at the moment but will have by the interview date? Thanks Brit.
September 11, 2018 at 14:51
Brit, I answered as “No” and wrote in the description that I will do all as necessary before the interview. I think that would be ok. Thanks.
September 11, 2018 at 16:16
“no”
September 11, 2018 at 17:51
Thank you Brit.. With your help DS 260s are completed and sent. Hoping for the best..
September 12, 2018 at 04:38
Hello brit! You said that the previous education should be writen backwards. But in your scrrenshot the highschool is first. Shouldn’t be bachelor the first? Sorry if i don’t understand! Thank you!
September 12, 2018 at 14:04
That is what I mean your latest school will appear first. That (to me) is backwards.
September 12, 2018 at 16:03
Thanks. For me Is the same like the adresses. First before your present adress( backwards). Thank you. Maybe is a missundersanding for me.
September 12, 2018 at 22:54
Hi Brit!
I was selected in DV-2019 and submitted DS-260 form. And only after that I realised that mi CN too high and I will not have interview.
I a year my B1/B2 visa will be expired and I will apply for new one.
1. What are my chances to get it? When I do travel trips I always return cause I don’t want to stay there illegally.
2. What should I answer on the DS-160 quesion: HAS ANYONE EVER FILED AN IMMIGRANT PETITION ON YOUR BEHALF?
Thank you!
September 12, 2018 at 23:29
1. Get what? THe B1/B2? I don’t know.
2. “Yes”
September 13, 2018 at 03:16
Hi Brit,
Just a question regarding the address I intend to live at upon arrival in the U.S. – I put down the address of a friend and submitted the DS260, however my friend has just told me that she will be moving before I have my interview (NOTE – I entered a different address for my gc to be mailed to which will not change before my interview). Can I explain this to the officer during my interview, or will I be bound to the address entered on my form? I plan on getting my own apartment once I arrive so only intended to stay with this friend temporarily. Can I tell the officer I will get my own place? How would you advise me to proceed?
September 13, 2018 at 03:38
Mention it at the interview.
September 13, 2018 at 03:48
Thanks very much, Brit. I don’t want to be penalized for not having the updated address on my form, but there have been problems with the DS260 so I don’t want to request to unlock it for fear of losing access. I’d rather explain at the interview but just wanted to make sure this won’t be a problem.
September 14, 2018 at 05:10
All the ds260 form submitted applicants, are there an interview or is there any second lottery among the ds260 form submitted applicants?
September 14, 2018 at 14:22
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
September 17, 2018 at 14:24
Hello Brits. Your anwers inspire me. I am a 2019 selectee. On submiting my DV lotery form, I mentioned that i have no child becqse my child is obove 21years. but in the DS 260, I accepted that i have a child and idicacted her age above 21yerars and will not be travelling with her. . will this penalise mee?
September 17, 2018 at 14:30
No problem.
September 17, 2018 at 18:20
Hello Brit! I went study in California last year and I am now a 2019 selectee. I got a ticket for driving on a stop sign. I paid it online right away and I didn’t have to go to the court. Should I state that i have been arrested or convicted then?
September 17, 2018 at 19:25
No, because that is not being arrested or convicted. It’s just a traffic ticket.
September 18, 2018 at 09:29
I am a little bit desperate; my case number 2019AF23XXX is still not working. emailed KCC again inquiring the probable waiting time. anyone facing the same problem?. anyone help me what to do?
Thanks all in advance
September 18, 2018 at 14:23
Stop worrying. Your number won’t be current for months. Either wait, or if you need to make changes to your form, ask KCC how you can do that. THere is a procedure for that.
September 19, 2018 at 07:01
Okay Simon. I will wait then. Thanks for the advice
September 19, 2018 at 07:21
…”or if you need to make changes to your form, ask KCC how you can do that. THere is a procedure for that.’ But i couldnt understand what that mean. Kindly can you brief me how to do it? or Waiting is better?
September 19, 2018 at 14:31
Do you **NEED** to make changes????
September 20, 2018 at 07:02
Dear Simon,
To be honest since I don’t know exactly what does making CHANGE mean, I couldn’t tell whether the risk and return of making that change. So, if i am not taking much of your time please take me through it.
Mean while, these is the meesage i received from KCC:
“Thank you for your inquiry.
In order to continue processing your case, the primary Diversity Visa applicant (DV-1) must schedule an appointment to appear in person at the United States Embassy in Addis Ababa. To schedule an appointment with the United States Embassy in Addis Ababa, please send your full name and DV case number to email address [email protected] / phone number 251 11 558 2424 (questions about scheduling only) or visit http://ais.usvisa-info.com. You will need to bring your valid passport with you to your appointment at the United States Embassy in Addis Ababa. This appointment is not a visa interview and you are not required to pay any fees at this time”
So my question here are:
1. How can i schedule appointment to appear in person with out completing DS260? and After seeing my case number 2019AF0023*** why they are suggesting this option knowing that my case number will not be current for months from now?- Does that mean they cant fix the problem any time soon?
2. Once i started communicating the embassy lets say they have fixed the problem in the meanwhile, can I stop communicating the embassy and proceed with filling the Ds form as normal?
.Thanks indeed Simon
September 20, 2018 at 16:56
Come on – you need to start applying some basic logic.
A “CHANGE” is making a change after you submitted the DS260 for the first time.
If you have never submitted your DS260, you don’t need to make a change. Now, READ their email, and re-read what I have already said to you. Stop asking me how and why when the email makes that clear.
September 21, 2018 at 05:55
okay Thanks Simon
September 21, 2018 at 01:29
Hi Brit,
I am trying to submit my DS260 but I am getting a error message as “The case information you entered does not match our records.” In the above comments, I saw some people had the issue in August I just wanna is that issue still there for others as well ?
Thanks,
September 21, 2018 at 03:43
Yes
September 22, 2018 at 21:13
Hi Brit,
I emailed to KCC regarding this issue and following is the reply from them.
+++++++++++++++++++++
If you are trying to access the DS-260 and receiving an error message stating that your date of birth is incorrect, it is because the date you are entering does not match the date from your original DV entry form. To access the DS-260 you must use the date of birth you used when you submitted your original electronic entry. The Kentucky Consular Center cannot provide this information for you. Please be sure that you are selecting the correct day, month, and year, in the format required by the form.
If the date you are entering is your correct date of birth, it is possible that you made an error on your original entry. If you do not know the date you used on your original entry form, you will not be able to access the DS-260 application. The DS-260 is required for visa processing in the DV program.
+++++++++++++++++++++
Thanks
September 23, 2018 at 00:13
Yes, that is true for some people, but there are others that have the correct data and still are having a problem.
September 23, 2018 at 12:37
Is there anything I can do to fix this issue ?, or I just have to wait until they fix it ?
September 23, 2018 at 15:29
It depends whether you NEED to change something. Some people have contacted KCC and been told to go to the embassy. Once they have done that, the form is made available to them. If not – just wait.
September 21, 2018 at 04:06
It’s been 3 months since i submit ds 260 of gc lotery and haven’t got reply.. What can i do to follow it up?
September 21, 2018 at 05:23
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
September 23, 2018 at 19:26
Hello Simon
I made a mistake when I fill my DS-260 form, I put my high school name wrongly only the name. Does it put my visa chance in danger? or is there any way I can fix it? But now I’m graduated from university and I’m working by my field.
Thank you for your time
September 24, 2018 at 00:27
If you have time, unlock and correct the DS260.
October 1, 2018 at 03:36
Hi,
My wife and I are going for AOS, When filling “Previous U.S. Travel Information” I filled my previous visits only(not included the current) but my wife has included her current as well, currently we both are in USA, Do we have to worry about that or is it just fine to leave it like this ?
Thanks,
October 1, 2018 at 03:57
It’s fine.
October 1, 2018 at 14:12
Dear Brit,
The form I-134 or financials to be shown at the time of the interview. u mentioned $25K are enough to show for the family two adults & two kids. Secondly the address for delivery of GC could be change than the address of the sponcer in US if we could manage to get the sponcer. Thirdly I am waiting to submit the DS-260 after the arrival of my kids and spouce to UAE, till than we have to wait as the form also need the day of living in a new country that may be 3rd week of October. I have nt open the form as I am waiting for their arrival and I also need to change the location of interview from Pakistan to UAE. Should I login and change the location of interview as well as all the information except the start of living date and soon as they come I just put the date and apply.
Regards
October 1, 2018 at 14:20
1. 25K is usually enough, but an I-134 is safest.
2. The last chance to update the GC delivery address is when you enter the USA to activate.
3. Your question is confused. If you have not submitted your DS260, just wait until you are all where you need to be – then no change is needed.
October 1, 2018 at 14:36
Thanks a lot brit. You are blessing in disguise. One more thing , When we will be altogether than I will request for change of location for interview.
October 1, 2018 at 19:48
Hello simon
I completed DS260 for dv program on may 2018..
I have printed the confirmation .. but i am not notified by email that confirm my form is completed.. i am worrying
October 1, 2018 at 20:17
That confirmation is not important.
October 1, 2018 at 20:34
hi , the visa bulletin for September show 39500 for AF region does this mean the numbers
2018 AF 39000 got the visas
October 1, 2018 at 21:08
It meant that people with case numbers above 39500 could not get an interview.
November 3, 2018 at 08:45
I am a DV 2019 selectee when playing the lottery i made an error on my daughter birth date even though she is not immigrating with me to the US .i did not completed her ds 260 because she is not going with me .Will it cause me a problèmes during the interview ?
November 3, 2018 at 12:55
No
October 5, 2018 at 07:47
Hi Simon,
Us embassy in Addis Ababa has emailed me the following about the problem I wrote about DS-260 form
” Dear DV Selectee,
You are scheduled to come to the US Embassy, Consular Section on October 10, 2018 at 02:00pm to have in person prescreening. Only you (the primary applicant) is required to appear in person before a consular officer. This is NOT a visa interview and there is NO fee required. The strong preference is for you to appear with the same passport you apply for the DV.
Sincerely,
1. What does prescreening mean?
Thanks
October 5, 2018 at 14:46
They just want to see you and maybe ask you a question or two. It’s nothing.
October 8, 2018 at 07:06
Okay, thanks Simon
November 24, 2018 at 09:49
Hi selemon,
I have the same problem like you.
Unavailable “eyalegn aschegirognal”
please contact me [email protected]
November 4, 2018 at 10:04
Hello brit I am a dv2019 selectee when playing I made an error on my daughter picture I submitted a wrong picture for her. It is only when I already submitted my dv entry that I notice that I have put someone else picture on her name and that was the only error I made. I have already completed my ds260 but I didn’t completed a ds260 for her because she is not immigrating with me .My question is will it cause me a problem during the interview ?
November 4, 2018 at 15:08
No (not usually)
October 6, 2018 at 04:42
Hello BritSimon, when I registered my eDV I copied for “spouse city of birth” from the “place of birth” in her passport. I found out the passport “place of birth” is actually a province, and the province-capital is of the same name. Her birth certificate mentions only subdistrict, district, province and country (no city). I thought the district was part of the province-capital since they touch on the map, but have different names. Now I learn the district might be a town in it’s own right (ie. City of Westminster & City of London under London province). Is it OK to correct “city of birth” on my DS 260 under spouse details (showing the district, not the province-capital)?
October 6, 2018 at 14:19
No problem.
October 6, 2018 at 06:46
Dear Brit , Your FAQs help us a lot in making to complete the things. There are some confusions also. As my wife is a principle applicant and she did not do any job she is housewife and i have selected homemaker as her primary occupation is it rite as a house wife. As selection is mandatory can we select not employed or homemaker? secondly she selected the occupation of education to work in USA.moreover she was not previously employed. she has master degree in finance.
one more thing our native language is Urdu and we can not write in urdu there so i selected does not apply as technology is not available.
Thirdly what we have to answer for the question of :Do u have documentation to establish that you have received the vaccination according to US law? as we do not have for the whole family according to us law but vaccination cards are available for children only and its from Pakistan , If we select NO the box comes need to be explain what we should write there????
regards and thanks alot
October 6, 2018 at 14:24
1. Just choose something. It’s a triviality.
2. Stop overthinking.
3. Anything you want.
Really – stop overthinking.