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.
December 14, 2015 at 19:21
Hi dear,
Two days ago I found that I am a winner in the lottery 2016. My case number is higher 2600 and lower 3000 and I filled and submitted the DS-260 form yesterday. My question is that because my case number interview date for the applicants who submitted their form on-time will be at January or February, what would be the approximate date of my interview? Is it in June or July? Ir it will be in January or February? Also, how could I know that when will be my interview date? Is it from an e-mail? And will KCC put my case number interview date exceptionaly in the visa bulletin? My other question is that if someone cannot gain the Visa before 30th of September 2016, will his/her closed? Or this date is the deadline for the interviews and not for U.S Visa exportation?
December 14, 2015 at 21:10
OK it will take around 3 months to process your DS260. So You may get your 2NL (interview notification email) in March (May interview),, but more likely would be a April 2NL June interview. YThe VB already went past your number, so the visa bulletin is irrelevant to your case.
The 30th September is the deadline for approval, not for travel. Your visa will have an expiry date up to 6 months after the issued date.
December 15, 2015 at 10:55
Hi Simo,
Sorry 4 bouncing back on da same issue bt I didn’t get u clearly on;
Now dat am current 4 Feb wen shld I expect da 2NL if my submission was 10th july?
Regards.
December 15, 2015 at 16:44
In a week or two.
December 18, 2015 at 00:00
Hi BritSimon,
We are doing AOS and have just received a notification email from KCC “Thank you for informing us…”.
After we filled the DS-260 we changed an address (moved to a different state inside US).
Question:
Do we need to ask KCC to open the DS-260 and update the address there or it does not matter since we are going to submit the AOS package that will indicate the new address? Won’t it be a problem that the address in DS-260 will be different?
Thanks a lot,
Michael.
December 18, 2015 at 06:17
It does not matter.
December 18, 2015 at 17:30
Thank you.
December 21, 2015 at 07:05
Dear simon,
where can i find my DS-260 number? is that the ds-260 confirmation number?
thanks
December 21, 2015 at 15:17
Yes
December 22, 2015 at 09:14
Hi Saimon
i have a question regarding
“Country/Authority that Issued Document”
my wife’s passport is Jordanian ( Nationality : Jordanian ) but her last issued passport ( Current One ) was issued from Jordan Consulate in Jeddah/Saudi Arabia.
do i have to put Saudi Arabia OR Jordan as an answer for the above question ?
Thanks
December 22, 2015 at 15:30
The current passport is what they are asking about….
December 22, 2015 at 21:57
This was not my question, my question is do I have to put Jordan or Saudi , where the passport was issued by Jordan consulate in Saudi Arabia ؟
December 23, 2015 at 05:34
Country/Authority issued – Jordan
Place of issuance – Saudi Arabia/Jeddah
December 23, 2015 at 05:58
Yes, and my answer was to that question. Give the details from the current passport.
December 23, 2015 at 08:14
Dear Saimon
i may didn’t explained the question in a right way , i Know that the last passport is what they are asking about , My question in only regarding the current passport .
the DS260 Question : “Country/Authority that Issued Document” confused me a bit , the CURRENT Passport is Jordanian Passport ( Jordan Nationality ) and it is ( the Current Passport ) Issued through the Jordanian Consulate in Saudi Arabia .
the right answer of this question should be
1-Jordan
2-Saudi Arabia.
all talking about is the CURRENT passport.
Thanks and sorry for bothering you.
December 24, 2015 at 17:28
It is a JORDANIAN passport – right – so that is therefore the issuing authority.
December 23, 2015 at 00:51
Thank you so much dear BritSimon for your very informative blog.
My case number is 2016AF0000260XX and i completed the DS260 on september 28, 2015
is it too late?
December 23, 2015 at 05:56
No, that is not too late. You’ll be fine.
December 24, 2015 at 08:50
Hi bloggers,
Anyone who has received Feb 2NL?
Merry X-Mas Simo!
December 24, 2015 at 17:02
I don’t believe so – we will wait a few more days….
December 25, 2015 at 08:30
Hi Simon. My CN is 2016AF9xx from Ethiopia. I lost my DS 260 form and reviewed and print from the consular website. Can this be a kind of unlock? TI fear if that made a delay on my interview schedule. BTW I filled the form on August 18 but there is no response. When do I expect to receive 2NL? Thanks.
December 25, 2015 at 11:37
let’s sort it out Dano,contact me on [email protected]
December 25, 2015 at 20:35
You can go back in to your form, if it is “completed” it isn’t unlocked. If it is unlocked however, your interview cannot be scheduled. Given your submission date, you might get a 2NL in the next few days OR it might go to the next month.
October 7, 2016 at 05:37
Dear Simon,
i have sent the Ds-260 on may 23,2016 and my case number is 2017AF00015***
When will my interview month be?
regards
October 7, 2016 at 13:54
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
December 29, 2015 at 18:22
in the course of filling the ds260,i mistakenly entered an invalid email address.i wish to know if that will be a problem for me.now that i’ve change my email address.what can i do?????
December 29, 2015 at 18:27
Email KCC to unlock your form and update the email address.
December 29, 2015 at 18:37
CAN I HAVE THEIR EMAIL PLEASE
December 29, 2015 at 19:10
https://britsimonsays.com/communicating-kcc/
January 1, 2016 at 19:23
Dear BritSimon
once again i need your help 🙂
Can you give me more explanations about the paper that i should bring with me in the interview ( i don’t understand i864 and form 1040) ?
Is it possible to change my DS260 after submission i would like to change my status and my permenant adress?
January 1, 2016 at 19:24
You MUST go through the instructions
http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/diversity-visa/if-you-are-selected.html
January 5, 2016 at 12:11
Hi there! I can’t seem to find my last post and your reply so I’ll just write it here. (2016OCxxxxx4xx
Firstly- thank you for your advice! I will wait to submit the ds260 until after my wedding in March when I can add my spouse on.
I just wanted to check one more thing. As my case number is quite low, once I submit my form will it be processed before all higher case numbers that are waiting to be processed? Or will it just wait in line, and once processed be scheduled for an interview ahead of all higher case numbers?
My understanding is that it goes by case number, at least for scheduling of interviews- it’s not just first come first serve for all numbers that’s are current.
(I.e if my number is OCxxxxx4xx and up until 1000 is current, I will still be scheduled before number 999 even if they submitted ds260 6 months before me)
Is this correct? Sorry it has probably been answered a million times, but I just wanted advice specific to my situation as there doesn’t seem to be a great deal of info/feedback from the Oceania region. Also I don’t like to make assumptions.
Thanks again… You are a legend and do so much to appease my anxieties over my situation!
January 5, 2016 at 18:00
I would actually recommend you submit as single In late January/early February, and then add your spouse after the weeding. That would be faster. However, if you don’t mind a bit of delay your plan is fine.
Your DS260 will be processed in the order received. That means others will certainly be scheduled ahead of you while your form is processed (which will take 2 to 3 months). As you are already current, once your form is processed you will be scheduled in the next monthly batch of interviews. You are NOT given preference in front of other cases that are current – why would they make everyone wait for your form that you submitted late? However, you are stressing over nothing – there are plenty of OC visas this year – they won’t run out. You have delayed the timing yourself, but that won’t cause you an issue.
January 6, 2016 at 00:42
Thank you 🙂 I might stick with my original plan, as we are in no major hurry to get there, our concern isn’t that visas will run out, it’s that we don’t submit the ds260 too late and therefore it’s not processed in time for us to actually be interviewed by september. So really I just want to make sure March isn’t too late to submit.
Just for curiosity sake, is i possible to give an estimate of when my interview might be for both scenarios? So;
A) submit first time after wedding in March
B) submit end of jan, and unlock right before or after the wedding and re submit sometime in March
January 6, 2016 at 01:05
Well it is hard to be precise, because DS260 processing time is reducing (since the majority of forms have already been submitted). So right now, the processing time I quote to around 3 months,. By the time you submit it could be 2 months – but I don’t know that for certain yet of course.
The timing of the interview is tricky. Your DS260 might squeeze into one month interviews on a Friday, but if it were delayed to the following Monday it could then slip into the next batch – a month later.
But having said all that, March submission would be fine. The September interviews will be based on forms ready by mid July. Last year some June submissions made it in time – so you will be OK.
March 6, 2016 at 08:37
Hi there!
Well the day has come… i got married on the 4th! and i’m now ready to submit the ds-260… FINALLY! First of all.. i just want to check i’m still safe to have an interview? (I’m assuming so, but while i’m here why not ask :))
My one last question is, we are going on our honeymoon to Hawaii from 17th-31st March. I just wanted to check there was so no problem entering the US during the time my application is being processed? It’s just something i didn’t think about as i booked the honeymoon so long ago 🙁
March 6, 2016 at 15:36
Congrats on the wedding!
While you have been waiting, OC has become virtually current (less than 10 cases not current) so will be current in the next few days. However, demand has been low as predicted so the region still has plenty of visas left. Processing time on the DS260 has become MUCH faster – you can expect your form to be processed between 4 to 8 weeks after submission. So, if you submit them both now you will probably get a June/July interview.
No problem for the Hawaii trip – plenty of others have done that on B1s or visa waivers.
March 7, 2016 at 06:24
oh thank you, so happy to finally be able to get going with all of this 🙂
glad to hear there will be a visa left for us :):):)
So if i just apply for a visa waiver and go for the 2 weeks (which will be before my interview is scheduled anyway) that will be fine no questions asked? I just know how touchy the US can be with people entering with intent to migrate and all of that… so don’t wanna put a foot wrong!
So thankful for all of your help 🙂
March 7, 2016 at 15:27
Yes that will be safe – lots of people have done that.
May 6, 2016 at 10:29
Just trying to get my documents together… I’m slightly confused about the financial documents. If my husband and have around $30,00 (as) in the bank, will we need an affidavit of support? or to fill out any other form relations to financial status? My husband has a savings account in his name with $30,000 plus I have a savings account in my name showing around $15,000. Just don’t want to miss a step!
May 6, 2016 at 15:11
That should be enough.
January 5, 2016 at 13:30
Dear Simon
once again i need your help
i have no one in USA (no family and no friends)
when i was trying to fill the DS260 at some point they asked me to give a permanent adresse and i was silly enough to give them a hotel adress 🙁 i was hoping to change it as soons as i find an apartement for rent (once i get there).
please can you help me fix all this mess
January 5, 2016 at 15:32
You need to find a better address. Perhaps you can find an agent.
January 6, 2016 at 01:08
Brilliant! I feel so much more confident now.. Felt like I was playing with fire for a while there!
Ok I can stop annoying you now! Haha I hope you had. A wonderful christmas & new year 🙂
Keep up the good work!
May 6, 2016 at 11:12
SUGAR sorry i replied on the wrong comment. Anyway disregard this- i found the email and subsequent letter 🙂 Was just a mother moment of panic on my part! All i need now is the answer to the finance question -ta 🙂
January 6, 2016 at 07:25
Hey Simon,
I have scheduled for Interview on February. The thing is I was in India for study for 3 years. I was in Ethiopia while DV results are announced. The thing is the police certificate from India seems impossible because the presence mandatory. How can I solve this problem Sir? I have my country’s certificate though. Thanks.
January 6, 2016 at 07:30
You should read the instructions. Since the Indian police report is known not to be available, you don’t need to provide it.
January 7, 2016 at 06:06
Dear Brit,
This site is really amazing and just precious. Thanks so much for the substantial amount of information.
As I was going through all the posts here on this blog, I realized that I have two questions about filling out the DS-260 form I am still struggling with:
1- I am an F1 student with a SSN and I am guessing that my number will remain the same after my DV application was approved. So, what is the better answer to the question: “Do you need a new card issued?” Yes or No.
2- Right now I am done with the medical exams; do I need to answer yes to the question “Do you have documentation to establish that you have received vaccinations in accordance with U.S. law?” (I know you have already answered this question in previous posts, but still not clear to me).
I really appreciate your continuous help.
January 7, 2016 at 07:04
1. Say no. You can get a new one with a simple visit to the SSA when you arrive.
2. Best answer is NO. You don’t have the documentation mentioned. However, answering yes or no won’t affect your process.
January 7, 2016 at 17:25
Thank you
January 12, 2016 at 16:59
hi BritSimon
i need some advice from you
my case number is 2016AF000260XX and i submitted my DS260 in late september 2016. i think that the interview will be scheduled around may/june ….am i right?
my problem is that i want to change the permanent address but i am afraid if i ask the KCC to unlock my DS260, the interview will be delayed. 🙁
my question is : is it possible to keep my DS 260 as it is and when i get to the interview i can inform them of the changment in the permanent address?
January 12, 2016 at 18:23
You have plenty of time to change the address and that won’t delay. Unlock and change.
January 12, 2016 at 20:05
Medical and Health Information has the following question:
“Do you have documentation to establish that you have received vaccinations in accordance with U.S. law?”
I simply answered as NO since I didn’t have/keep any vaccination records?
Would a medical examination report by embassy endorsed doctor suffice?
January 12, 2016 at 21:16
The correct answer is always no. The physician at the medical will take what records you have and administer additional vaccinations if needed.
January 16, 2016 at 20:11
Hi there – my husband has been selected for 2016. We have submitted the DS260 and our number is AF 27XXX. But he has recently changed employers and I am no longer working. We both have postgraduate degrees. Should we unlock the form and amend accordingly? Thanks so much
January 16, 2016 at 20:56
No need to amend it.
January 16, 2016 at 22:47
Hello
Mr Brit
I submitted ds260 form on 23 avgust 2015 and my cn 2016EU000237×× . Plz could you tell me which month of interview?
Thank you
January 16, 2016 at 23:50
April/May
January 22, 2016 at 14:42
Hi BritSimon
I have failed to get the visa in interview , cause I have not include my husband in DV-entry form the reason of Photo requirements, but only after I am selected ( I have include him in DS-260 ) for procedure.My question is Why the did not mention in my email before an interview ? They had my application form for both of us before,so why we should be penalized in this case?They need to be fair with this lottery ,if you won they can check before for further process,or just to send an email ”not allowed for further process for this reason”.Its time consuming and also very stressful and at the end Its nothing.
My second question : In this case is there any issue to get the visa or not at all?
Thank you very much for your time and consideration.
January 22, 2016 at 17:45
So you did not include your husband on the initial entry. The instructions are absolutely clear that you WILL BE disqualified if you leave your spouse off your eDV entry. They are being fair – you chose not to follow the instruction – and if you had asked me I would have explained it to you very clearly. The link below makes it clear.
https://britsimonsays.com/easiest-way-to-get-disqualified-from-dv-lottery/
January 22, 2016 at 19:03
Hello BritSimon
I am a winner of the lottery green card I got married after having been selected.
I mentioned in my form that I am married but I do not expect to leave with my wife I want her to join me 2 or 3 years after. in this case is that it fulfills its nessaire DS260. I am the main winner and I have already fulfilled my DS260
January 22, 2016 at 19:10
If she is not going you do not complete a DS260 for her.
January 22, 2016 at 19:12
good think you
January 23, 2016 at 00:24
I can understand this, but what I am saying its not fair again to invite for interview when it is not allowed in this case. If this rule its the biggest point in this lottery , they can figure before and just send an email disqualified. They are doing in the wrong way of human.Cause if i missed look to the structure, there is mentioned the application will be checked before and after they will invite for an interview right.
And the lottery its all about lucky, why they should put such a stupid rules, I did not expected to win and i have played just for fun.
May u answer my second question….Is there any issue to get my green card in this case?
January 23, 2016 at 00:30
They let someone have an interview because you have a right to be interviewed and explain if some mistake has been made on your form. That is a right of yours – and additionally they want to adjudicate your case in order to close the file – that is also important.
Now – for the question “Is there any issue to get my green card in this case?” – I don’t understand what you mean. You are not going to get a Green Card. You have been disqualified. That decision is final – and there is no chance of appeal.
January 23, 2016 at 07:11
hi BritSimon
my spouse and children not came to interview with me because they not imagrate with me now and not complete sd260 my question I should take there document birth certificate with me or only my doc thanks
January 23, 2016 at 15:50
Take all docs just in case they want to see them.
January 28, 2016 at 22:30
Sir, I appreciate you for putting your time and effort to help out confused and uninformed people like me. Here is my question, my case number is 2016AS47** and I assume it will be current in March as until now in the visa bulletin for the February the mentioned current number is 4500. I haven’t done anything since I understood I have been selected for the program as I had to complete my 12th year of education in high school. I have done that successfully in the last week and now rather than translating my documents and doing my vaccination, I think I am okay to fill out the DS-260 form. Now, by reading carefully multiple threads on your blog I understood it usually takes up to 3 months for KCC to review a DS-260 form since the submission and by that calculation it would surpass my current month (which will be March), did I lost my chance for the interview and for the whole thing? If not, could you please shed some light on how my case would proceed after I submit my DS-260 form ASAP?
P.S. please accept my apology for posting the same question under multiple posts. I am so stressed out!
January 28, 2016 at 23:40
You will not have lost your chance. Submit as soon as you can, and you will get an interview once your form is processed.
January 30, 2016 at 05:35
Dear BritSimon,
First I like to thank you for all your helps. I am the winner of DV2016 (my wife and I). I got the 2nd letter for March interview. I have these questions:
1- I got an Affidavit letter (I-134) from a relative in US. It consists of 3 pages, 2 pages for the form and the third page is stamped and signed. (by the way, the second page is signed only by my relative). I wanted to know if it is enough for interview or other documents from him also are required. I checked your post on I-134 but this question is a bit specific. Thanks for your help.
2- Second this that do I need to include a bank statement of about USD16000 (for two of us) in addition to I-134? I don’t have this money in my account now, but I try to borrow this money for short period (a month until my interview) to deposit in my bank account.
3- Finally, I have received emails from [email protected] to submit DS-230. Should I consider it as spam? I did so up to now.
Sorry for many question as I am worried about any shortcomings for the interview.
January 30, 2016 at 07:18
1. You need supporting income documents (W2/1040/Payslips) plus official ID
2. That is not a great plan as they will see it is a recent deposit
3. Yes spam
January 31, 2016 at 04:57
Thank you very much. for the Item 1, should I get all supporting documents including official ID through email? I mean, is the copy of each documents enough?
January 31, 2016 at 06:01
copies are fine for the supporting docs.
THe I-134 should be an original.
February 1, 2016 at 02:12
Thank you 🙂
February 16, 2016 at 06:41
Hi Dear Brit,
Thanks for helping us. I received supporting documents from our relative in the US. Based on the documents your mentioned in the comment above:
1- He sent W2 and 1040 only. Should I ask him again to send “payslips”?
2- Form “W2” is about half of a full page. Form “1040” also includes 2 pages. Are these forms should be like this?
3- The last question is about the form “I-134”. It is original and I have it now. But the thing is that the US passport no. is written by pen in the form (because it was missed at first and they added by pen) and the rest by computer. Is it sort of issue?
Thanks again : )
February 16, 2016 at 14:38
1. As long as the W2 is 2015 that is recent enough if you are interviewing soon. Payslips are needed when the annual forms are too old.
2. Yes.
3. That should be ok.
February 17, 2016 at 02:16
Many thanks Dear Brit 🙂
February 24, 2016 at 14:04
Dear Brit,
The supporting documents for I-134 that I received were “W2 and 1040” for 2013 and 2014. But for year 2015, I only have W2. I asked my relative, he said he didn’t have 1040 for 2015. Should I give the embassy W2 and 1040 for 2013 and 2014 only? In case, if I need to give them “W2” of 2015, what can be the reason of missed 1040 for 2015. My interview is on next week.
February 24, 2016 at 18:25
The 1040 is missing because most people have not filed yet – so it is normal and understandable. You will be fine with what you have.
January 31, 2016 at 16:24
my case number is AF00028xxx and i filled my ds260 form since may 28/2015.so when should i expect to recieved an email for further processing?
January 31, 2016 at 16:30
March/April
February 10, 2016 at 12:52
Hello Simon, I just got my ımmigrant visa but the birth year on the visa is wrong. ı send email to U.S. Embassy yesterday about this problem. what do you think about that case ?
February 10, 2016 at 14:17
You have to correct it. That is all.
February 10, 2016 at 16:28
Hi Brit, I am here to thank you for your all helpful information and to share my story about my name in DS-260
In my passport and my birth certificate I have 5 names (first , father, grandfather, grand grandfather, family)
First I applied on October 2014 with 3 names ( First (mine), Second name(father), Fifth name (family)
Second I filled out the DS-260 without changing or added any names, although there are 2 missed names not mentioned in my DS-260, I did successfully the interview in Cairo embassy and I got the Visa after 4 days, So what I want to say in Egypt its Okay if your passport or birth certificate is 5 or 6 names and DS-260 is only 3 names.
Example for passport and certificate 5 names as (1-2-3-4-5) or (1-2-3-4-5-6)
For DS-260 should filled out as (1-2-5) or (1-2-6)
Thanks so much and I hope this post will help all people form EGYPT
Best regards
Ahmed
February 10, 2016 at 17:58
People should first and foremost follow the instructions. That means including names as shown on the birth cert/passport. I’m glad it worked out for you, but in general people are better off if they don’t have that worry – particularly at embassies other than Cairo. Cairo is very lenient…
February 11, 2016 at 16:37
Thats right and well said, so I am talking specially to people in Egypt who didn’t know much in filling out their DS-260 and made like what I did and its too late to reopen and submit the DS form again and it was too late to discover this issue, I would like to say to them, I know your tense, worry and stress and please be clam don’t worry it will work with you guys
February 26, 2016 at 10:25
Hi Brit, I submitted my DS260 and forgot to fill up DS260 for my spouse? Further my interview is scheduled on April 2016? What am I suppose to do? Will they provide visa for my spouse as I have requested to unlock my DS260 to Embassy.
February 26, 2016 at 14:39
You are now in the hands of the embassy, and I can’t predict what they will do.
February 27, 2016 at 00:51
Hi, britsimon, I filled up my DS 260 form and I indicated the interview location as original country where I am citizen of that country, then I went to another country I requested to reopen my DS 260 and changed interview location. This time My interview has already scheduled where I do not live there at present, for some important reason I came back again to my home country now, and could I possibly change or address the interview location to my home country back again. Thank you
February 27, 2016 at 02:28
If you have already been scheduled the case can be transferred from one embassy from another BUT there is high chance that you will be delayed badly and the transfer of the case does not always go well. Its risky.
February 29, 2016 at 15:54
hi ..my dv case number i 2016as000xxxxx .i had immigration crime and its mention my police report .but when i filling ds 260 i didnt mention but i haveto reveal it at the intervies coz police report declere my offece ..but my court case finishe d….will i get the visa
February 29, 2016 at 16:08
Was the crime against the USA? If so that might have been a lifetime ban. Immigration offences against other governments might cause a problem, it depends on the level and details of the crime. Get court documents to show the CO. The fact that you did not mention it on your DS260 is bad also. If you are not yet scheduled, you should unlock and correct that.
February 29, 2016 at 23:10
HI Brit..I have a immigration crime case .7 years ago. i used other person;s passport to enter to UK ..it was happen from my homeland… i even didnt get into flight..so i got caught and has a court case finished almost 6 years before. i was and arrested for two three weeks.court finned me and penalty is active 10 years if i done same offence to two year imprisonment.but Dear Brit, I have no ban of travel abroad and any obligation than this active penalty..will be a problem at the interview..pls tell me what shall say to CO get a positive result.even i couldnt mention this courtcase in my DS 260 application..already i filled it and i have a interview date scheduled now..what to do dear…….BRITSIMON
February 29, 2016 at 23:26
The CO will want details of the crime and may decide that to be a serious enough crime to deny your case. You will only be sure when you face the CO.
March 2, 2016 at 10:56
Hi dear Britsimon, I want to defind more precisely about one thing please, if the DV applicant’s child was born on october 3, 2014, and his interview will take place on april 21, 2016, the applicant’s child was not included during the period of DV programm that was from 01 october 2014 to 03 November, 2014, is it OK he opened DS 260 form for his child. That time he had problem to take his child picture and get the child’s birth certificate as well. He got his child’s birth certificate on october 11, but the birth certificate was issued on october 07, 2014. He himself was entered with his spouse into the DV 2016 programm on october 07, 2014. The difference only 4 days. The child was in the baby center for 15 days. What do you think about that, does it work out or not? Could you possibly give some advise about that, please, I would appreciate. Thank you.
March 2, 2016 at 14:44
That case should be disqualified.
March 3, 2016 at 15:01
hi Brit..first of all i must thank for your valuable time for answering our problems.i didnt recieve police clearance report .if i didnt get it before interview date ,what should i do postpone the interveiw or partycipate for pending reults.
Than you verymuch
;
March 3, 2016 at 15:38
Don’t postpone. Attend the interview and you will be on AP until the report is provided.
March 7, 2016 at 17:55
Awesome! just a couple more questions before I click submit… I’ve looked around your forums and have found a few things related but just to be sure;
-husband just gets added to my form, doesn’t need to fill out his own da-260- correct?
-if I don’t change my name before submitting the form (as I know this is a lengthy process!) all of my documents will be in my maiden name- does this affect me changing my name in the future? Say if I wanted to change it straight after the visa is issued or during the process? Just not sure thre best way to go about it…
March 7, 2016 at 18:11
Hubby needs his own DS260 as well as being on your form. You add an applicant from the DS260 page.
Often, the marriage cert itself is the legal document that shows the name change (if you took your husbands name). *IF* you did do that, then your name has already changed, and you should reflect that in the form. There is a space to show other names used, so the current legal name should be the main one and the other names used should list the maiden name. If you are going to change your name, it would be better to do that now and start US life with the new name…
March 7, 2016 at 18:15
Awesome! Just a. Purple more questions before I click submit 🙂 I’ve had a look around your forums and found a few details but just to be clear:
-I just add my husband to my form, he doesn’t need to fill out his own ds-260 just the spouse page on mine- correct?
– I won’t change my name before the interview (as I know it’s a lengthy process and I won’t have time!) so all my documents will be in my maiden name (green card etc)… Will it be a problem if I change it after the interview or while it’s being processed/before I move? Or best to do it once I get there? Just not sure the best way to go about it…
March 7, 2016 at 18:22
Thank u! Sorry repeat post- I thought the first didn’t load. Apologies 🙂
We won’t have our certificate for a few weeks just because of church administration etc, but I believe to legally change your name it needs to be registered with Births/Deaths/Marriages…
If I were to sort this out and hold off submission another week or so would I still be safe?
Id like to not have the hassle of changing my name once I get there as it will be such a hassle amongst the huge move!
March 7, 2016 at 18:56
You have plenty of time…
March 7, 2016 at 19:00
And will all my documents (passport etc) need to reflect my new name also. When I submit the form? Or will it be ok if I lost my maiden name as another name I go by. As it takes so long to reorder a passport and change all bank accounts etc.
March 7, 2016 at 19:04
You only need to have the passport changed by the time of the interview. For other documents you can leave them in the old name – as you will be getting all new ID and stuff in the USA.
So – as long as you know the passport will be ready within a couple of months from now you can go ahead and use the new name. That way, your GC, SSN, bank accounts, driving license, credit cards etc will all be issued with the new name. Much easier.
March 28, 2016 at 00:56
Forms are all sent! Just wondering what the rules are if I were to get pregnant during he process (before or after the interview) and the baby is born here in Australia? Or if you have already answered this if you can direct me where to find it I will have a look 🙂
Thanks!
March 28, 2016 at 01:04
🙂
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
April 23, 2016 at 01:04
Hi Britsimon! SO i’ve received the 2nl for a June 14h interview… however it’s still all under my maiden name?!?! i’ve now changed my documents to reflect my married name so i’m not sure what to do… will i be disqualified? I did change my surname to my married name on my from, and put my maiden name as my “other” name or alias… but for some reason it never changed officially and they are still recognising only my maiden name! Please tell this won’t mean disqualification… i’m getting very worried!
April 23, 2016 at 04:32
It’s no problem – the 2NL is sent with the details from the original entry – that’s all – no problem.
May 6, 2016 at 10:50
One more thing! I can’t seem to find my 2nl when i check the status on the website…. or in an email? oh dear! was there a time given on it? Or do i arrange the time when i create my profile as directed by the checklist email? Or if you can just let me know another way to access the letter that would be great 🙂
sorry 🙁 I’m getting so confused with all this!
May 6, 2016 at 15:11
ESC site.
March 8, 2016 at 14:32
Hello Simon?
thanks for your help. actually i have a question.my question is this:
a friend of mine filled for me first entry with a different date of birth date he filled 15/9 instead of 8/9 which was difficult for me to get in DS 260 FORM. so my question is this can it be a reason to loose. because i am afraid to loose VISA and my money.what you advise me.thanks
March 8, 2016 at 14:57
Some people get denied for that mistake, many don’t. It partly depends on the embassy – which embassy will your interview take place?
March 9, 2016 at 21:55
Hello BritSimon, My name is Maria, I am a U.S citizen and I am my husbands petitioner. I’m filling out the DS-260 form but I’m very stressed out trying to figure this out. My husband has been self employed for many years Do I add that on the application for work or do I need to specify all the companies he has done jobs for. Will it affect in any way if I do not specify all the companies? Thank you in advance.
March 9, 2016 at 22:37
If he has been self employed, you put self employed.
March 11, 2016 at 01:52
And no problems having my ds-260 in a different name to my original dv lottery application?
March 11, 2016 at 02:39
Nope. You have a paper trail….
March 15, 2016 at 06:35
Thanks! Just quickly, if I put in a date of previous address or work history or study history and am out by more than a few months is this a big issue? Just as I had quite a few jobs when I was younger and it is hard to remember years let alone the months… And my partner studied a few courses but can’t find the paperwork for all of them so his dates are very rough guesses at this stage.
March 15, 2016 at 14:15
That’s fine. When you say partner – you mean husband – right??
March 15, 2016 at 21:28
Haha yes- I guess I’m not used to sayong husband yet! 🙂
Should I include this hawaii trip on my last 5 trips to the U.S.? I’m flying out tomorrow, but would like to submit my ds-260 today… So before I actually take the trip…….
March 15, 2016 at 21:28
No need to include the HI trip – they will know anyway….
March 15, 2016 at 21:30
I picked you up on the partner thing – because it is important you call him your husband in the interview….
March 15, 2016 at 18:14
hi Britsimon,
my num AF000260XX when will i receive my 2NL ?
thanks
March 15, 2016 at 18:22
In a week or so…
March 15, 2016 at 19:29
Hi Britsimon,
Did not realize i got in the lottery just filed ds260 last week after realizing i won, Case number 2016AS998X
What are the chances i would get and when? My country of birth is Bahrain. Currently living in India.
R
March 15, 2016 at 20:12
Your number is quite high. The same number last year would not have got a chance, so all you can do is wait to see if your number gets a chance this year.
March 15, 2016 at 21:44
Britsimon, Thank You for quick response! Also appreciate the great work you have been doing in the DV area. I have just started reading your blog and find it very useful. More questions later and will keep following your blog.
March 15, 2016 at 22:26
Thank you- I will absolutely make a conscious effort to use the word husband! 🙂
If my *husband* lived in England for 5 or 6 months a few years ago to play cricket, will he include that as an address? He didn’t have any mail or anything directed there it was more of a vacation to play sport, will we include that as well? I’m assuming as it’s another country it might be importan to list?
Also where it says do you seek to enter the U.S. for the purpose of performing skilled or unskilled labor but have not yet been certified by the secretary of labor… My husband is an electrician… Will the answer to this be yes? He is looking to be an electrician over there. I’m not sure what to answer as im not sure yet what he has to do to obtain work in that area or really what the question means…
And lastly when I travel to hawaii will I need to answer yes to the question regarding ever tried to migrate the the US? If my forms are submitted today and not been processed…
Sorry for all the last minute questions- as its down to the details now I want to make sure I don’t put a foot wrong!
March 15, 2016 at 23:00
Yes list the 5/6 months stay – better to “declare” everything.
The labor cert question should normally be answered yes – but truthfully, it does not matter whether you say yes or no (because it is not important for DV).
For the Hawaii question, I assume you already have an ESTA or B1 so they won’t ask additional questions, they only ask questions about this trip.
March 16, 2016 at 00:23
I’ve put my name as my married surname and maiden name as other on my form… But on the home page it still lists my maiden name as the applicant. Is this a problem?
Also, is vocational school higher than high school? I completed a certificate at TAFE (tertiary education) so I put my highest achievement as vocational, however not sure if you need high school to do this.
Or does t not really matter what I put as long as they can see I have completed high school?
March 16, 2016 at 00:32
Names are correct – fine.
Vocational education is excluded, so no it is not seen as “higher”. High school is where it’s at (as long as we are talking about the type of high school that completes at age 18 – just before University.
March 16, 2016 at 00:40
Thanks! So I will put high school diploma (higher school certificate here in Aus). My husband and I both attended university for less than 6 months… Is this necessary to list? Nothing was achieved from this or completed so can I just lost the courses we completed?
March 16, 2016 at 03:02
Yeah, list the course for Uni – but the HS is what you will need to qualify….
March 16, 2016 at 11:11
Awesome well I’ve definitely finished high school so there should be no reason a mistake on the other dates should be a problem!
Also just to be sure, as I mentioned before on the home page it says my full MAIDEN name as the principal applicant, and when I click and enter my form I’ve changed my name as my married name (because that is what it will be at the time of my interview on my passport etc). I’ve then listed my maiden name as other name im known as.
Is there a way I can change my name on the home page to my married name? Or is this just a minor technicality…
March 16, 2016 at 12:58
and ONE MORE THING I PROMISE!!! before i sign and submit…
I just want to be confident that if i forget to include a previous job, or a course i studied years ago at tertiary level, is this grounds for denial? My form is as accurate as possible to the best of my memory, but the dates are just incredibly hard to be accurate with and everywhere i’ve worked/studied is a lot to bring together!
Once i have the answers to these last few questions as well as the questioner; my name i promise i will leave you alone 🙂 Perhaps i am just overthinking and worrying?!
March 16, 2016 at 15:01
Yes you are overthinking. Your interview will last about 3.5 minutes. Questions range from none at all, to (at most) “how is the weather”. R-E-L-A-X.
March 16, 2016 at 15:04
It’s a minor technicality – but actually try re-opening the form – it may have been updated.
March 17, 2016 at 00:39
Hi… i would like to ask regarding middle names on the part of “family information: Spouse and Children” do i need to include their middle name as it appears on their passport and since we included their middle name on their own application do we need to write it the same?? thank you for your help in advance
March 17, 2016 at 01:22
The names should match their passports.
March 17, 2016 at 01:29
e.g. in passport
Surname : Diaz
Middle name : Mercado
Given Name : Roy andrew
When I write on Family information:
Surname : Diaz
Given Name : Roy Andrew Mercado
Is this correct?? tnx
March 26, 2016 at 00:32
Hello Simon?
thanks for your help. actually i have a question.my question is this:
The question is whether one helped you in this In filling out this form answered yes, according to my friendWho helped me Do will affect the day of the interview?
I submitted ds260 form on04 agust 2015 and my cn 2016AF00036××× . Plz could you tell me which month of interview?
March 26, 2016 at 01:10
No there will be no affect.
Possibly June, more likely July.
March 26, 2016 at 17:31
Thank you