DV lottery guide
This presentation above should answer most questions for DV2016 applicants. You will find links to some important articles and a guide on completing your DS260.
I will update the presentation with additional detail as needed – so feel free to ask questions and give me feedback.
If you cannot see the version above please use this link to access the article directly.
August 14, 2017 at 11:25 am
Dear Brit, We’ve been at interview since Thursday 3rd August and we left our passports there as the Consular Officer said all was in order and we should come on monday to get our visas (a family of 5 people). We went that monday 7th, but they said we should wait until they call us, and today again monday 14th, they still don’t call us. When I check from the status, it keeps saying READY. Do you know why is it taking that long? What should we do to find out what is happening?
August 14, 2017 at 2:12 pm
I don’t know why, or how long it will take.
September 4, 2017 at 5:24 pm
Hi Sabino . Did they finally call you for your visas.? Thanks
August 22, 2017 at 6:59 pm
Hello Simon!
Thank you for all your support!
I have passed the interview at Jerusalem US embassy three weeks ago and I had some documents missing. So I ordered them form my native country.
Now, I got the documents but I do not know how to send the documents to the US embassy.
Please, do you know what I have to do ?
Thanks again
August 22, 2017 at 7:04 pm
No I don’t – but presumably they told you how to send them the missing documents at the interview.
August 24, 2017 at 8:19 am
Yes indeed, I found the way to do. There are drop off courrier location with private delivery man.
Thank you Simon
September 3, 2017 at 10:01 am
Hello mr simon, i am from ethiopia. And my case number is af00002109 but still nothing for interview date……is there any special case for coming late
September 3, 2017 at 10:55 am
Hi Molla tikuye
your case number is greater than the October VB for Ethiopia. that means 2109 > 2100.
I think Mr Simon will say the same.
September 3, 2017 at 1:14 pm
You were current for October interviews, but I imagine they had not processed your DS260 in time – so it will mean an interview in a later month – depending on when your DS260 is processed.
September 21, 2017 at 10:26 pm
Dear Molla,have you gote 2NLs for november interview?
September 3, 2017 at 4:03 pm
Hello sir, i was recently Got Married, i am waiting for married certificate, and my wife Dont have passport also,
ds 260 spouse form ill need passport no?
September 3, 2017 at 4:34 pm
Yes she will need a passport.
September 5, 2017 at 8:44 pm
Dear Brit, I have submitted DS-260, received confirmations of the submission, my status and status of derivatives was changed to completed.
Now I visited ceac.state.gov page and saw that it is still possible to open/access all DS-260 applications. Also, when I click on the “completed” it is highlited the next: “The IV application has been submitted for this application.It will be reviewed once your civil documents have been submitted”.
Could you please advise what does this mean:
1. Will they review my DS-260, or are they waiting for some documents? If yes, how could I bring the documents before the interview scheduled?
2. Is that ok that I still could access my DS-260 when status changed to “completed” or something is going wrong?
3. On the confirmation of the DS-260 submission it is mentioned: ”
“Next Steps
All Diversity Visa applicants must:
Obtain required supporting civil documents.
Obtain photographs that meet the Department of State’s visa requirements.
Should I bring photos and all the documents only to the interview or before it scheduled?
Thank you.
September 5, 2017 at 9:29 pm
1. Ig nore that statement. They will review your documents at the interview.
2. Normal. It’s read only.
3. All documents/photos etc at the interview.
September 6, 2017 at 12:25 pm
dear simon
im dv 2017 winner and my interview after 10 days from now
are there any possibilities not getting the visa because the number of Visas has been exceeded this year
thank you
September 6, 2017 at 12:31 pm
sorry i mean if the number of VIsas has been exceeded
September 6, 2017 at 5:21 pm
No problem. Relax.
September 8, 2017 at 3:37 am
Hi britsimon……. When do u think dv 2019 begins
September 8, 2017 at 4:48 am
Registration will be in October.
September 14, 2017 at 2:57 pm
Thank’s I have been checking everyday on their page. I will wait for October . Hopefully it will be on. Thanks for all the great infos you share with all of us. Very kind of you.
September 8, 2017 at 11:31 am
In trump season there is no dv regisration o from now onwards…is this true.? mr
September 8, 2017 at 1:48 pm
No.
September 10, 2017 at 7:44 am
Hi Brit,
I am in the top 350 for Oceania and submitted my DS260 about five days after selections came out. I keep checking on the ceac visa tracker search engine although it keeps saying results show no data.
Should I start worrying about this just yet?
Thanks a bunch,
Simmi.
September 10, 2017 at 2:02 pm
CEAC won’t show 2018 case numbers until January.
Patience.
September 10, 2017 at 8:12 am
Dear Brit,
I am a winner of DV 2018 CN 2018 AF00024XXX. I am still waiting for the second letter after I sent the DS260 form
do you think I can be appointed for the interview as my CN is high. I am from ethiopia
September 10, 2017 at 2:02 pm
No problem, you just need to be patient.
September 10, 2017 at 8:59 am
Hi Simon my case number around 000044XX there will be change of coming second letter let me know plzzzzz
September 10, 2017 at 2:00 pm
Patience.
And when you give your case number, show the year, region and XX for the last two digits.
September 11, 2017 at 10:21 am
if my interview at 25th september for dv 2017 is this possible to get visa? i am from nepal
September 11, 2017 at 2:04 pm
Yes it is possible.
September 13, 2017 at 7:22 am
Hello. sorry, our number is 7xxx, when do you think the letter will come from the embassy?
September 13, 2017 at 1:41 pm
7:15am.
September 13, 2017 at 7:32 am
Hi Brit,
I have Usa visa b1b2 which is issued January 2015 and I used same photo,that is on visa,for dv2018 and I am already selectee for dv2018..I know I supposed to read instruction and I made mistake..is that can be problem?if so,is there any chance or way to fix that before my interview? My case number is 2018 eu28xxx
September 13, 2017 at 1:39 pm
It might be a problem if it is obvious it is an old photo. THere is no way to fix it. You will only know bu attending the interview.
September 13, 2017 at 11:35 am
Hello BritSimon, thank you for your useful blog.
I have questions with regard to photos:
I am a principal applicant for DV-2018. Now I have checked my files and found out that I couldn’t found a photo of my husband which I use while applying to take part in the DV-lottery (in 2016). I totally forgot if I have include this photo in the initial application. I begin to worry about it now.
1) It seems to me that I have submitted the photo of my husband with my application, otherwise if I haven’t submitted it I wouldn’t had a technical ability to submit an application at all. Am I right?
2) Could they disqualify application based on the quality of photos submitted initially or if the system accepted photos it is ok? I heard that photos should be not than 6 month old when submitting the application : if with this requirement is everything ok, does it matter anything else with regard to photos submitted initially?
3) Should we bring photos which we submitted with the initial application to the interview or we could have new photos?
Thanks a lot.
Kate
September 13, 2017 at 1:28 pm
I answered 1 and 2
For 3, Take new ones.
September 13, 2017 at 12:47 pm
Brit, to continue my previous post and to clarify: I have included my husband in the initial application, but I can’t find that photo of him now and forgot if I have attached it. I hope that I couldn’t technically submitted that application without photo attached. Just to make sure, because it is impossible to check the initial application and before the interview everyone becomes very nervous about grounds for disqualification.
Hope your answer will help. Thanks.
September 13, 2017 at 1:20 pm
You must have attached a photo. If the photo is incorrect (like a different person), it could cause a denial.
September 13, 2017 at 1:40 pm
Thank you Brit,
I meant I don’t remember if I have attached this photo at all.
That’s why I am asking:
1. Is the system allowing to submit application if I haven’t this photo attached at all (taking into account that the name of my husband was included in the application)?
If it is technically impossible, then I have attached the photo for sure, and it is just lost in my files. If the system allows to submit application without chosing photos of included family members then I have to worry until interview, because I can’t find that photo and can’t definitely remember if I have attached it (
Thanks.
September 13, 2017 at 2:34 pm
1. No
September 17, 2017 at 4:25 am
Dear Brit,
I have friend was born in Kuwait but his Egyptian, He should record Place of birth Kuwait and the eligible country should be Egypt.
Because as You know Kuwait is in Asia & Egypt is in Africa.
Thanks for your kind assistance.
September 17, 2017 at 4:42 am
NO! Just Kuwait. He would be Asia region.
September 18, 2017 at 9:21 pm
Hello simon
Im not here ro ask a question im just wanna thank you for all your support and efforts
I passed the interview and my visa has been issued
Thank you so much
September 18, 2017 at 9:39 pm
Congratulations. Best of luck!!
September 24, 2017 at 10:19 am
Hi Mr.Brit, I’m Lady from Indonesia. My spouse and I planning to enter DV 2019. He will be the principal.
My question is, does the derivatives needs to own their passport by the time the principal filling the DV2019 Registration form?
Note : my passport is expired and our three kids haven’t made one.
September 24, 2017 at 2:38 pm
No – you can apply for them IF you win.
September 24, 2017 at 11:03 pm
OK..thank you.
September 25, 2017 at 10:02 am
God bless you Bro. for the good work. Please Help me out with this few questions. I just noticed I am a selectee for the 2017/2018,
1. How long do I have to summit my DS260 ?. My case Number is 2017AF0004XXXX
2. How do I confirm my qualification ?
3. How do I get access to the DS260 Forms ?
THANK YOU
September 25, 2017 at 1:43 pm
1. You have several months to submit
2. Read the instructions given in your letter
3. See 2.
September 25, 2017 at 2:34 pm
hello Brit i am a dv winner 2018AFxx i have appointment for Nov i have done the online registration alreally and on the web page there is a section thats says (your appointment formation barcode most be the same with your DS160 barcode and your profile
1- i wish to know if this applies for DS260
-2 if yes i dont see any place where am ask for give the barcode
THANKS
September 25, 2017 at 3:30 pm
1. I don’t know what you mean by “this”.
2. You can’t “give” the barcode.
September 25, 2017 at 2:22 pm
Hello house, please those going to interview with Senior High School qualifications in GHANA shouldn’t bother themselves if they have D7, E8, F9 in their results, because they have been an update they accpet from A1 to C6 , at first those with ONLY F9 were not issued visa, but the new upgrade includes D7 and E8 respectively. Thank You
September 30, 2017 at 1:22 am
Pls contact me on 0245714452
Want us to chat
September 27, 2017 at 2:34 am
Hi brit. My wife was selected in dv2018. We are sa16xx . So my doubt is that I live in curacao from March 2006 to December 2006. 9 month so I will need a criminal récord from that country? Thanks
September 27, 2017 at 3:35 am
No
September 28, 2017 at 10:43 pm
Hi brit, I am a selectee and am scheduled to interview on Nov all my Documents are are laminated but all original , will it be ok the laminated documents
September 28, 2017 at 10:51 pm
Normally, not a problem.
October 4, 2017 at 5:56 am
Dear BritI have an Egyptian friend who was born in Kuwait.
When He apply He should mention to Kuwait as a place of birth . FOR QUESTIONS NO 6 He should ignore it because Egypt is eligible country for dv 2019 or he should mention to Egypt
Because as you know Egypt is in Africa & Kuwait is in Asia .
Thanks for your effort
October 4, 2017 at 10:40 am
Just Kuwait
October 4, 2017 at 9:38 am
hi brits u made me confidential in filling forms of ds 260…..10Q now my bro.is appointed for an interview…… next as a business i fill dv forms for other people……i cannot get the form that i was filling as the previous two years……does the present form different from the previous? or could u tell me the exact site….?
October 4, 2017 at 11:05 am
Google.
October 6, 2017 at 1:17 pm
I am a dv 2017 winner I went for my interview on 20 September 2017 and was asked to submit some documents, I submitted the documents to dhl on 25 September 2017. Since the programme ends on 30 September 2017 can my visa be approved
October 6, 2017 at 1:51 pm
If they did not approve the case before the end of the day on the 30th September, it cannot be approved after that date.
October 8, 2017 at 5:49 pm
Hi Brit, sorry to bother you, but just looked through my completed DS-260 at ceac.state.gov and was confused.
I have applied from Ukraine, my foreign state of chargeability: Ukraine, while completion ds-260 I have chosen Ukraine as an interview location. In the meantime I was born in Russia, but my parents and wife are from Ukraine, that’s why I chose Ukraine as a state of chargeability.
Now I looked through my DS-260, Review page, and there appeared Moscow, Russia as an interview location for all the family members. I haven’t received 2NL yet. In the meantime on the first page I see Your case currently at KCC,foreign state of chargeability Ukraine. My number is EU 48XX
1. How it could be if my state of chargeability is Ukraine?
2. What could I do know to change interview location?
3. Does that mean that my interview already scheduled and I can’t change the location?
Thank you.
October 9, 2017 at 3:19 am
1. You can’t change that now
2. Change the home address, and then ask KCC to change thelocation near that address.
October 8, 2017 at 5:57 pm
Hi brit. One question. Will I have a problem in my interview if I go to USA for 10 days for vacations? Thanks
October 9, 2017 at 3:17 am
No
October 11, 2017 at 12:24 pm
hi brit i wana ask u is there any chance for high case number for af region to get visa
October 11, 2017 at 1:39 pm
Wait and see.
October 11, 2017 at 7:06 pm
hi Brits, since 9/10/19 THE SYSTEM for entering dv2019 isnt responding please when probably is this going to be corrected?
October 11, 2017 at 7:42 pm
http://britsimonsays.com/dv-lottery-entry-site-maintenance/
October 13, 2017 at 3:55 pm
Hello good evening from Ghana, HI Brit, Is it true that those selected from Africa (GHANA) who are having D7, E8 in their Senior high school results are considered ineligible in getting visa after been selected for further processing? Thank You
October 13, 2017 at 4:21 pm
Several Ghanaians have reported that. That doesn’t seem Unlikely, but I cannot check with the embassy – you can email them and ask.
October 13, 2017 at 8:14 pm
When I viewed my DS260 forms below is what I saw
VISA CLASS: DV
YOUR CASE IS CURRENTLY AT: KCC
FOREIGN STATE OF CHARGEABILITY: GHANA
1. Does it mean that I’ll be scheduled for an interview soon?
2. Can I unlock my forms? I need to update certain information
October 13, 2017 at 8:31 pm
1. No – it does not mean that.
2. If you are not scheduled for interview, yes you can unlock.
October 14, 2017 at 4:48 pm
Hello,
I am 20 years old, and I will turn 21 on Mat 15, 2018. My mom already applied for DV 2019 and included me because I am still under 21.
I have two questions.
First, do you think I will be a winner, eventhough I turned 21, 14 days after the day ( May 1, 2018) that we can check the status ?
Second, can I applied for the DV 2019 also ? ( a separated from my mom,) or that would cancelled my mom’s entry and mine ?
Thanks.
October 14, 2017 at 5:33 pm
You will probably “age out” before you can process on your mothers entry. You can and should enter on your own entry.
October 14, 2017 at 11:04 pm
so do I have two chances to win ? my mother’s entry and mine ?
October 14, 2017 at 7:20 pm
Hi, BritSimon and thanks a lot for your useful blog. I have a question:
I recently changed my country of residency, so I had to ask the KCC to unlock my DS-260 to modify the address and embassy. The present moment I’m looking for a job and have some offers, should I register myself as “unemployed” this time? I’m afraid that it would somehow affect my chances for a visa at the interview.
October 14, 2017 at 7:27 pm
Telling the truth is always the best policy, so if you update the DS260 – update your work status. They don’t care whether you are working or not – you are going to stop working to emigrate soon!
October 15, 2017 at 6:00 pm
DV website is not working in Ethiopia, similarly is that not working all over the world?
or is there no diversity visa program anymore?
Mr Brit please answer my question, because the internet is not believe usually.
October 15, 2017 at 6:18 pm
http://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-entry-period-restarted/
October 16, 2017 at 10:35 am
Hi Brit,
I was born in DR Congo but my nationality is Rwandan, I put country of elligibility as Rwanda. Is that a problem for my selection?
October 16, 2017 at 1:17 pm
THat is wrong. The instructions say to put the country of birth. Luckily for you they are restarting DV2019. You have another chance to get it right.
http://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-entry-period-restarted/
October 16, 2017 at 1:39 pm
oooh I am glad to hear that. So please advise me…If I put my country of elligibility as DRC, when will i get to change the chargeability? because I will process everything from Rwanda
October 16, 2017 at 1:41 pm
You don’t change the chargeability, but IF SELECTED you will process where you live.
October 16, 2017 at 1:41 pm
Because on the entry form, they ask if the country of birth is the same as country of elligibility in this case what do I answer? yes or no?
October 16, 2017 at 5:08 pm
I have a question. If my parents are divorced and they are both doing separate applications do they both need to add me in their forms?
October 16, 2017 at 5:32 pm
Yes
October 16, 2017 at 8:13 pm
Hi Brit, i got dv 2018. My CN is AS66xx is it possible to get interview schedule and when, i mean w
hat month.
And now dv 2019 is open for registration, should i register again. Is it ok? Or i should wait until my dv 2018 finish.
I already complete my ds260, but haven’t receive anything yet. Please enlighten me. Thanks.
October 16, 2017 at 10:13 pm
I don’t know when you will be scheduled – but it is certainly months away.
No problem to enter DV2019 if you want.
October 17, 2017 at 2:44 pm
Hi Brit, I was wondering if I could register for the dv lottery independently as I am 18 and meet the education requirements, but also register under my parents ? or would this disqualify me from the lottery.
Thank you
October 17, 2017 at 3:42 pm
No problem in that.
October 17, 2017 at 4:02 pm
So this does not qualify for me,”The law allows only one entry by or for each person during each registration period. Individuals for whom more than one entry is submitted will be disqualified. The Department of State will employ sophisticated technology and other means to identify individuals who submit multiple entries during the registration period. People submitting more than one entry will be disqualified, and an electronic record will be permanently maintained by the Department of State.” ?
October 17, 2017 at 4:34 pm
Being a derivative on someone else’s entry is not an entry for you!