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.
July 30, 2020 at 14:35
Hello, Mr. Brit
I am new in this, l want to know when this year’s DV entry starts most of the comments l have read is about 2021 how can l get the instructions for the 2022 DV program? Thank you for your effort.
July 30, 2020 at 22:15
The instructions for DV2022 will be published in late September.
July 31, 2020 at 04:41
Hello Simon, I have a question. I lived in Japan for 2 years. Yesterday I received police certificate from Japanese embassy, which is sealed in envelope, and there is a warning on it which says that if envelope is open by me the police certificate is not valid anymore. KCC asks scanned copy of police certificate, so what should I do in this case? How to send scanned copy of the Police certificate from Japan? Thanks in advance.
July 31, 2020 at 21:50
Scan the envelope showing the warning. Send that with your documents.
July 31, 2020 at 08:51
Thanks for your help.
July 31, 2020 at 22:06
good day Mr BritSimon, please i just want to find if the is a update about AILA case this week .my appointment was cancel by the embassy on April 07 2020 .thanks for your time
July 31, 2020 at 23:03
We are still waiting. When there is an update to know, I will post.
August 1, 2020 at 17:10
Hello Mr Brit.
I saw in one of your posts a diagram that shows most aspirants have concentrated their entries towards the end of the date of entry . In another post someone made a comment on how they stop the selection when they get the first number of people they want that’s the allocated number he /she said. How can l go about this please l am confuse.
I am wandering whether to make my entry the first, second, third or the last week when the time comes. Kindly help.
Best regards.
August 2, 2020 at 04:14
If you did see the diagram, you should have understood that it shows the timing of the entry is completely unimportant, as the draw is totally random.
August 2, 2020 at 14:07
hi, how much time do i have to fill the form ds260? I am a winner dv 2021 and i havent yet fill the form ds 260. Am i late ? Is there a expiration date ? Thanks
August 3, 2020 at 03:39
You have several months – so no need to worry.
August 4, 2020 at 07:59
Hello Simon, Please What does it mean when you receive this message “the DV Case Number entered is currently unavailable”, when completing your DS 260 form
August 5, 2020 at 00:33
Usually it means the person is not following instructions well.
https://britsimonsays.com/for-people-who-cannot-submit-the-ds260-for-dv2021/
October 9, 2020 at 20:22
Hi Simon, my case number is 2021AF27xxx,I submitted my Ds260 on the 28th of July but since then I have not received an email requesting for supporting documents. Should I worry?
October 9, 2020 at 22:29
Only about your lack of patience.
March 11, 2021 at 07:11
have you fix it the problem of the DV Case Number entered is currently unavailable”, i face this problem too
August 6, 2020 at 01:56
Dear BritSimon
I’m 2021 DV lottery selectee, by the time I was applying I was studying in China now I’m back in my country I’m confused on whether I can choose Ethiopia for interview and main address. Foreign state of Chargeability is Ethiopia and below that says Post: Guangzhou.
August 6, 2020 at 02:58
The embassy is chosen based on your present address. If you have already submitted your DS260 you can unlock and change the address. Then KCC will pick the appropriate embassy.
August 6, 2020 at 03:59
Hi Brit.
My case number is low ( AF2×××) and I have already filled the DS260. I haven t received any mail since for documents submission. Is it normal ? Is it possible to submit documents before the mail from kcc? Thanks Simon
August 6, 2020 at 17:32
You should wait. The time to process a DS260 can vary from case to case – and there is no reason to rush.
September 5, 2020 at 19:36
Hello mr.Simon!
I am a winner ofdv2021. I have been arrested in 2005 for attempted assaulting to a police officer and was sentenced 15 days prison. Except that case I’ve been fined 2 times in 2004 and 2006 for contraband of live stock.
Beside those these cases don’t show up on my Police record. They show up only if I apply for a court record.
Should I declare those cases on my DS260 beside the fact that they don’t show up in the Police record? What are my chances of getting my visa approved?
Thank you
September 9, 2020 at 13:19
Jeez. With all your brushes with the law, have you really not learned your lesson yet?? Be truthful!
September 9, 2020 at 13:57
It’s better to be truthful than being found out during background check later and stripped of the greencard or citizenship later. It will save time and money and embarrassment. Good luck
September 10, 2020 at 16:02
Dear Britsimon,
Thank you for the good job you are doing. I am DV2021 winner case AF92*** i need your help concerning my names on how to fill in the DS260. I have already submitted and KCC sent me email requesting for documents. I would like to use letters so that you can be able to understand what appears on my documents.
Each letter will stand for a name for my 4 names- A B C D
my documents are as follows
Id- A B C D
Passport- A B C
School certificates- A B D
My employers out of my country use my names as per my passport.
I applied the DV lottery as my passport. On the first page of DS260 it indicates that one needs to fill page as per passport on the first page. Should i add my other name that is not on the passport on other name section?
Kindly assist. I have already requested KCC to unlock my DS260 form.
regards,
Idah
September 10, 2020 at 23:35
A B C D should be in the other names section of the DS260.
September 11, 2020 at 05:20
Thank you
September 15, 2020 at 17:15
Dear britsimon,
Thank you for your assistance.i need your guidance. My names are ABCD and my husbands name isnt among them should I add in my other names? So that the sir name will be His name or I keep it as my father’s name. I have not changed my documents to my husbands name. Please advise.
September 15, 2020 at 18:14
Your DS260 should have your legal name first and foremost, but other names can also be listed.
September 16, 2020 at 17:37
Hi brit, thank you, for everithing what you do for everyone, i have a question; firs i tell you I submitted ds 260 in july august kcc ask me next packets documents I scented and send them all, cuple day’s letter kcc send me message on my mail: Received you documents and we are satisfied, nothing also need from you. My case number is EU2021•••••32**, mot high when will be realized next visa bulettin? And if interviewe will start maybe January my case will be scheduled february or march? I’m intresting your analyzes. Thank you one mor time.
September 16, 2020 at 21:34
You will have to wait and see about when interviews will be.
September 18, 2020 at 19:40
Hi simon , thank you for the great effort that you’re doing. I filled the ds-260 in 24 june (more than 2 months) and I didn’t received yet a letter requesting for documents, my case number is AF307XX
Thank you .
September 19, 2020 at 00:42
Patience.
September 22, 2020 at 16:19
His BritSimome,
Do you have any whether there would be DV2022 and when it will start?
Thanks
September 23, 2020 at 00:14
October 1 start date – Nove 3 end.
September 23, 2020 at 02:10
Hi,
Could you please share the link to the DV2022 Program.
Thanks
God bless you
September 23, 2020 at 16:47
http://dvlottery.state.gov/
September 24, 2020 at 18:24
Hello Britsimon
I want to ask you about AP
I’m dv 2020 winner
I did my interview in 16 March 2020
But still in Administrative prossecing
If 30 September the end of dv2020 And still AP
It means no visa !!?
September 24, 2020 at 22:08
Yes – unles there is an extension. Have you asked the embassy?
September 25, 2020 at 06:27
Thanks for updating us. I wanted to know the number of 2021 DV LOTTERY winners from Uganda. IBRA from Uganda
September 25, 2020 at 12:50
908
September 27, 2020 at 19:16
Hi Simon! Can assault and battery conversion be ground of in admissibility? Thank you.
September 27, 2020 at 19:52
It could be – it would depend on the seriousness, and timing.
October 3, 2020 at 07:01
Hi Simon, My passport will expire in January 2021. Can I still use it to apply for DV 2022.
October 5, 2020 at 15:46
Yes
October 3, 2020 at 22:38
Mr BritSimon please when is dvlottery register is opening
October 5, 2020 at 18:13
October 7
October 4, 2020 at 17:00
I am in Somalia,
I want to apply the DV Lottery in this month and not married, can I apply as unmarried and so. Is it possible to be accepted?
October 5, 2020 at 21:46
Yes you can apply.
October 6, 2020 at 10:56
How and how is case number awarded?is it before or after completing ds260?
Or is it a random prove again?
October 6, 2020 at 23:18
Random
October 7, 2020 at 04:07
Is case number awarded to DV winners on basis of date of submission of application ?.
I assumed that those who submitted earlier can get lowest case number, if selected.
October 7, 2020 at 04:43
NO! It’s random.
October 6, 2020 at 05:03
Hey I am in Ethiopia and how can I apply online and how am I going to pay it online?
October 6, 2020 at 23:02
dvlottery.state.gov
October 7, 2020 at 00:18
Hi Brit. Thank you so much for this wonderful website filled with such valuable information. We are about to attempt the online entry for the 2022 DV Lottery. My husband has 3 children, but all are in their mid or late twenties. I just need to know if we must mention these children on the application or if we must enter “zero” children.
Also, when filling out the education section: If one is wishing to use work experience as the preferred option, rather than education, is this entered on the online application, or is this only applicable in the interview? I cannot seem to find a field where one enters work experience. Your advice would be highly appreciated and thank you so much.
October 7, 2020 at 04:48
Only include children under 21 and unmarried.
It’s just at the interview.
October 7, 2020 at 22:58
Thank you so much, Simon, for making this clear for us and answering our questions. You are a source of incredibly trustworthy information and you are doing a wonderful job to assist everyone with your podcasts and guidelines. Once again, thanks a million!!! 🙂
October 8, 2020 at 16:39
🙂
October 7, 2020 at 08:40
hello Mr Brit, I have a question about the DS-260 form, i work as a freelance on a website called freelancer.com do i have to mention it? if yes could you please tell me how because they say the adress, city and country… and the website is from Australia and i from Morocco. thanks for the clarification and best regards.
October 7, 2020 at 17:29
If that is not your full time occupation it does not need to be listed.
October 7, 2020 at 20:19
Hi simon. I m selected for 2021 . My cn is AS00006***
I m from nepal but residing in the USA. I m confused here regarding visa bulletin. How do i know that my case number is current because it says except nepal . Do they combine Asia and nepal for case number or just put separate numbers on each .For example there is 2900( Nepal) for November a,Asia 1600 .
How do i know that my case number is current ? Do i have to wait till it goes around 6k for nepal?
I hope you understand what i am trying to say.
Thank you
October 8, 2020 at 00:07
The number for Nepal must be above your number.
October 8, 2020 at 13:32
Hallo Brit, we just blessed with a baby this month and she has no passport. Can I include her in my DV application and how Do I go about it without a passport
October 8, 2020 at 22:03
Passport is not required to enter a derivative in the DV lottery.
October 8, 2020 at 15:19
I filled form on 2019 as a married with my girl friend but later we didnot got married so this time do i need to apply married status with same girl or i can apply unmarried.i was not selected.so does it makes any problem this time.i was supposed to be married so i filled the form but later we didnot married.
October 8, 2020 at 22:50
You should enter the truth – even if you lied before.
October 8, 2020 at 16:48
Hi, i am a dv 2021 selected. Can i apply again for dv 2022? Thanks
October 9, 2020 at 09:41
HI Brit , thanks for use full videos. and i’m confused of my education level , I reach 12 grade and now i’m 2nd year student in university which one is my eduction level to fill (high school, no degree or high school degree) which one is mine ?
Thank you.
October 9, 2020 at 20:30
Some university courses
October 14, 2020 at 04:25
It is my final year in university (degree). I will receive my bachelor’s degree diploma in June 2021.
What should I write about my educational level?
October 14, 2020 at 15:44
High School or some university courses.
October 10, 2020 at 12:06
hello mr simon! i got this letter, does it mean that i am not going through and will not receive my cherished card? or are we still waiting?
The inquiry you are making is regarding a case number and/or program year that is closed. KCC cannot provide any further information regarding this matter.
Registration for the 2022 Diversity Visa program (DV-2022) begins on or near October 7, 2020. Individuals who submit more than one entry during the registration period will be disqualified. The website at dvlottery.state.gov will be the only way to register for DV-2022. Entries will NOT be accepted through the U.S. Postal Service.
In order for the Kentucky Consular Center to assist with inquiries regarding a specific Diversity Visa (DV) case, you must provide the Principal Applicant’s full name, complete case number, and date of birth in the following format (MMDDYYYY) as entered on the original entry. Please remember that the Kentucky Consular Center does not have the authority to tell you whether or not your specific case will be disqualified. Only a consular officer can do that at the time of your visa interview. Do not send any paper documents to the Kentucky Consular Center.
For additional information, please refer to the following websites:
Diversity Visa Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry.html
Diversity Visa Instructions: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-instructions.html
DS-260 instructions: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-if-you-are-selected/diversity-visa-submit-your-iv-and-alien-registration-application.html
To enter the Diversity Visa lottery or to check for a selection notice: https://dvlottery.state.gov/
Kind regards,
The Kentucky Consular Center
From: Malika Achilova
Sent: Thursday, October 1, 2020 5:25:55 PM
To: KCC DV
Subject: 2020eu00044051
Thank you for your inquiry.
The inquiry you are making is regarding a case number and/or program year that is closed. KCC cannot provide any further information regarding this matter.
Registration for the 2022 Diversity Visa program (DV-2022) begins on or near October 7, 2020. Individuals who submit more than one entry during the registration period will be disqualified. The website at dvlottery.state.gov will be the only way to register for DV-2022. Entries will NOT be accepted through the U.S. Postal Service.
In order for the Kentucky Consular Center to assist with inquiries regarding a specific Diversity Visa (DV) case, you must provide the Principal Applicant’s full name, complete case number, and date of birth in the following format (MMDDYYYY) as entered on the original entry. Please remember that the Kentucky Consular Center does not have the authority to tell you whether or not your specific case will be disqualified. Only a consular officer can do that at the time of your visa interview. Do not send any paper documents to the Kentucky Consular Center.
For additional information, please refer to the following websites:
Diversity Visa Website: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry.html
Diversity Visa Instructions: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-instructions.html
DS-260 instructions: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-if-you-are-selected/diversity-visa-submit-your-iv-and-alien-registration-application.html
To enter the Diversity Visa lottery or to check for a selection notice: https://dvlottery.state.gov/
Kind regards,
The Kentucky Consular Center
From: Malika Achilova
Sent: Thursday, October 1, 2020 5:25:55 PM
To: KCC DV
Subject: 2020eu00044051
October 10, 2020 at 19:35
There is no point contacting KCC or the embassies at the moment. YOu just need to wait and see what happens with the lawsuits.
October 11, 2020 at 12:59
hi simon i just entered the dv lottery and the site was faulty, i had tried 7 times and then checked every detail was correct before submitting and then submitted, when it was successful it somehow took my wifes birthdate year and made it my year of birth she is 4 years younger than me is there any way this will disqualify me or can i change the year date
October 11, 2020 at 13:28
“Somehow”? You mean you made a mistake.
If selected you will correct this in the next phase.
October 12, 2020 at 17:02
Hi Brit, im about to fill the DV Form 2022, but at Number 13 which is education, where may I tick if I have the Diploma of Advanced Technician, named “Brevet de technicien supérieur” (BTS) in French, is a three-year post-secondary national professional degree without completing a high school degree. It is usually prepared in an advanced technician section during five semesters after the “Baccalauréat” in my country. By the way I am an electrician for 7 years of experiences. So please I need your assistance
October 13, 2020 at 03:06
The question is not critical – just pick an answer that seems close.
October 14, 2020 at 17:02
Hello Simon, I want to no that is a person eligible for visa if the person was convicted for carrying marijuana and stayed 1 month into the custody and bailed out paying penalty? IF “YES” THEN WHAT SHORTS OF DOCUMENTS HE HAS TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT? OR IF” NO” THEN WHAT IS SO AND WHAT COULD BE DONE? ANTICIPATING YOUR RESPONSE! THANK YOU!!
October 14, 2020 at 17:12
All cases have to provide police certificates and, if there is a conviction, court records. That doesn’t change in your case.
AS to whether your conviction could cause a problem or not – I don’t know. It would depend on the particulars of the case. Only the CO will be able to answer this question.
October 14, 2020 at 17:30
Hi sir,
when i try to submit the DV 2022 application, it says time out . I tired numerous times. Should i wait ?
October 14, 2020 at 23:39
You have to complete the entry faster, on a good internet connection, and perhaps try a different browser or PC.
October 14, 2020 at 17:55
Hi Simon.
I have a question about the photo.
My photo complies with the dimensions and general characteristics but I have noticed that you can see a thin gray line in a portion of the background, the background is totally white but you can see this line. Can I be disqualified for this?
Thank you very much.
October 14, 2020 at 23:41
Obviously, I haven’t seen the photo – but it doesn’t sound serious.
October 16, 2020 at 04:36
Let’s see me they put me in my ds in the part of the highest level reached vocational school and my degree is 12 degree bachelor in Pre-university but some people tell me that I have to put high school degree and other people tell me that it is vocational is almost we pamper him So from your point of view tell me if it is worth sending to unlock to change that, for me in the end when I showed the original document to the CO, he should already know I do not know what you recommend
October 16, 2020 at 04:43
In the DS260 you are supposed to list all the education. If you did that, no need to unlock.
October 16, 2020 at 15:13
Good morning Simon, I am Pre-university and I have a 12 degree bachelor degree but in my DS-260 they gave me vocational school is fine or I must unlock to put a high school degree
October 16, 2020 at 22:04
As long as you detailed the education correctly, as opposed to the selection of the option, no problem.
October 16, 2020 at 20:16
Hi sir, after wining the lottery, in the interview,do they need a bank account so they can see if i can support my self financially or not ? And if yes how much money i need to proof as minimum, because i’m student, and i just finished high school, and i don’t have bank account, i have sum money but as a cash,and i really did not have a real job before, and if i may ask another Q, Do i need a sponsor in the states, or i just can rent some mail box there so the green card will arrive there, or i have to have a sponsor or they will reject me!, thank you sir
October 16, 2020 at 22:14
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
October 17, 2020 at 19:01
If they ask for my bank statement,must my bank balance have accumulated over time ?do they have a problem with a one time deposit?
October 17, 2020 at 19:16
They could be suspicious of that – yes of course. YOu know the answer already.
October 18, 2020 at 10:23
Hi Britsimon.I am a dv winner in africa region. My case number is very low af2××× and soon get interview probably after the ban.but my wife is now pregnant of 7 months and likely will deliver baby at the interview time . Just first day of February 2021. So it can be just few days before interview or after interview. What should I do dear brother. Will I have a problem with this issue?? Thank you for your help.
October 18, 2020 at 23:12
Personally I would delay the interview to allow time to get the passports and birth cert for the child. Please read the FAQ to learn about the process of adding a newborn.
October 22, 2020 at 15:51
Hello Sir, in 2014 I applied for student visa for summer work in US, I included a CV with one summer job, I was a student back than. Now at DS 260 at work experience I don’t want do include that summer job because I don’t have any contact and information about that job. Is it a mistake do they have access in those information back than or it’s not relevant? I will qualify based on education if it does make any difference.
October 22, 2020 at 20:45
You should certainly list that job and visa.
October 26, 2020 at 15:30
Hi am currently having a valid i20 to study in USA. But due to the corona an the travel band I could not have an interview to the embassy in my country, I was rejected last year an the school give me another i20 currently my information is in the American embassy system. Will the previous rejection has any negative impact to my application of the 2021 DV lottery..
October 26, 2020 at 16:05
No
November 2, 2020 at 18:30
Hello , simon
I faced one issue while participating in the dv lottery , my last name includes apostrophe between letters , for example: A’BCD . So I couldn’t submit my entry. What to do !
Thanks
November 2, 2020 at 21:14
Either join the letters or swap the apostrophe for a single space.
November 3, 2020 at 03:27
My best friend got selected for dv2021 this year (Albania) He is #226xx. Where is KVCC with the DL2 at this point? Hes concerned that he has not received DnL2 yet.
Also, when he completed his DS260, he used a new email address (where he got the confirmation after completion), because couldn’t get access to the initial email address he used when he applied last year. Does he need to notify KVCC separately for the email change, or would putting the new email on his DS 260 covers that?
Thank you in advance, and thank you for the help you provide to people around the world.
November 3, 2020 at 19:34
He needs to learn some patience.
The email on the DS260 will be used.
November 8, 2020 at 09:03
Hi Brit Will the system disqualify my dvlottery application when the head of my photo is above 69%
November 8, 2020 at 23:38
Not usually.
April 12, 2021 at 01:22
Hello Brit,please when you recieve your 2NL,what is the next step to take? I know you have to do medicals ,but is there something you should do before that ?please if there is ,can you share the link.thanks
April 14, 2021 at 04:18
Book the medical and gather all your documents. Read the instructions.
December 1, 2020 at 07:31
Hi Simon ,I trust you are well. I am a dv21 winner and my case number is AF27XXX , I submitted my ds260 on July 28th but since then I have not received an email requesting documents from KCC.do you think I should worry?
December 1, 2020 at 14:54
No.
If you read my recent articles you would know that everyone is waiting.
January 14, 2021 at 11:16
Thanks Simon u teach us to be patient ?
December 1, 2020 at 15:25
Hi simon,
I sent documents to kcc including a court record For my baby before noticing that it was not needed given that the child is less than 16.
I will like to know if it may cause a disqualification of my documents.
December 4, 2020 at 11:40
hi simon
am DV winner from Ethiopia my case number was 2021AF21*** am submitting my ds260 i august 24 but still know am not get email from KCC for submitting document? what can i do?
December 4, 2020 at 16:56
What you should do is wait to be asked for documents.
January 1, 2021 at 12:58
You are the best information provider. I have insufficient words to express your polite
January 7, 2021 at 20:28
hello! i’ve submitted my ds260 form in june of 2020. 3 days after i found out i was selected for further processing. i havent heard anything yet or received my 2nl. however, i started to get worried thinking that along with my ds260 form, i was meant to submit my documents to the kcc. i read that i would only need to fill and submit my ds260 form and bring those documents to the embassy appointment. but then i read kcc would need to process these documents in order to give me a date. so im unsure of whether i need to send in documents to kcc in order to receive an embassy date. please let me know. id really appreciate it
January 7, 2021 at 23:01
Case number?
January 20, 2021 at 16:40
Hi Simon, first of all thank you for all your amazing advices. I live in Cuba and unfortunately we don’t have any US embassy or consulate, so my interview will be appointed at another country, in this case Guyana. All my documents (birth certificate etc.) are in Spanish, but Guyana official language is English. Do I have to bring a certified translation my documents to my interview in Guyana or is it ok if my documents are all in Spanish? Thank you.
January 20, 2021 at 17:10
You will need translations.