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.
February 4, 2017 at 15:31
Thank you for all the information and help! It is much appreciated during this prosess, where there’s a lot of preparing to be done and the prosess can be complicated!
February 6, 2017 at 02:45
Hi brit
I was pre-selected in Venezuela for the VD 2017 with a very high case number. (18XX) IN LATIN AMERICA just go for the 875 case. Is it possible that in the end they do not call me?
February 6, 2017 at 04:04
Yes that is possible. You just have to wait and see.
February 8, 2017 at 12:42
I wonder if it’s changed elsewhere but in Turkey you were supposed to send your documents “before” your interview and bring the originals with you. Now they changed this and require you to bring everything with you to the interview.
I wonder if this has changed elsewhere.
February 8, 2017 at 14:46
That is the normal procedure at most embassies.
February 10, 2017 at 09:00
hello simon,
thank you for this brilliant work.
question please,
am from AF region and i will be current in the next visa bulletin. i have submitted the ds form long ago.
my concern is, the birth date on my university degree is not correct. it doesn’t match with the date on birth certificate and passport. do you think
that will be a a problem?
thank you again
February 10, 2017 at 14:57
At most embassies that would not be a problem. The most obvious exception is Ghana.
February 21, 2017 at 23:23
Hello Simon,
That is an excellent guide. Great work, gathering all that information.
I have a few questions concerning the DV2017 edition:
1. My case no. is 28XXX (Europe), am I likely to be interviewed before July?
2. Can I fly to the USA straight away after I have been interviewed, or does it take a while before the visa is issued/passports are sent back to me?
3. Can I have my green card and SSN sent to an address in some different state than I intend to live in?
4. (Just rhetorically), is it possible to change the interview location from some embassy in Europe to a new location in the United States?
If yes, are there any unfavorable consequences of doing so?
Thank you!
Best regards
February 22, 2017 at 00:06
1. Maybe. I don’t have a prediction.
2. 1 to 2 weeks before you get your passport back.
3. Yes.
4. Basically, no. That is a switch of process to adjustment of status – a completely different process. You have to be able to adjust the visa you are on (H1 etc) and there are complications. Just don’t.
February 22, 2017 at 11:30
Hi sir,
Can i send a plaint/grievance to ambassador or general consular if I’m rejected in my dv interview?
What is the formularization of this plaint ?
February 22, 2017 at 14:10
You are entitled to send a letter of complaint, but the decision is final.
February 23, 2017 at 08:08
What is the best formula for this complaint?
February 23, 2017 at 13:49
I don’t have a formula.
February 24, 2017 at 08:44
hi Brit ,I get US visa through Dv lottery last week ,but i am still a student in my university ,i will graduate after 4 months which will left me on month before my visa expires, i want to graduate and finish my school but i am afraid with these new us laws , since i am from Ethiopia , what do you suggest that i do ? do you think that if i wait in the mean time ,some way may affect my entry to the unites states?
Regards
February 24, 2017 at 16:38
Well all you can do is wait and see what Trump does in the next few days.
February 25, 2017 at 18:00
Hey Brit do you think that Turkey also is going to be on the list of the banned countries by Trump??? İ’m wondering too much. My wife is a turkish so just imagine.
February 25, 2017 at 18:23
I don’t know.
March 2, 2017 at 04:12
Dear Brit,
Thanks indeed for all your sincere efforts and assistances.
To translate the documents such as birth certificate, marriage certificate etc., should they be attested by official authorities of country, or only translating by “translation bureau” is good enough?
Appreciating your help.
Best regards
March 2, 2017 at 09:01
Any competent person can translate the documents.
March 6, 2017 at 07:55
Dear Simon,
Should they be authorized/verified officially by our country’s ministry of foreign affairs or no need?
March 6, 2017 at 16:01
That depends on procedures in your country.
March 5, 2017 at 22:53
Hello Mr Simon,
Iam from AF region and iam actually waiting for the 2NL that will probably appear this week.
My problem is that i wrote my name in English alphabet whereas i should,ve wrote it in my native language; will this be a problem ?
March 6, 2017 at 01:08
No
March 9, 2017 at 23:23
Hi,
I had AOS interview this week and two days after uscis updated it says ” your case must be reviewed. We will mail you a notice if we make a decision or take further action”
I got some question about my separated wife kids as like their borth where they were born etc. I didn’t know the answers. So what does it mean and why my saparated wife related to my dv case.
March 9, 2017 at 23:32
I can’t guess without knowing the details of your case.
March 10, 2017 at 08:37
We married on april , separated around 6 months after. When officer asked the reason i told him cultural differences and family issues. Another question whose were our wedding ceremony witnesses ( her mom and her sister) ,my ex wife birthday etc i got those kind questions and i answered all but when he started to ask about her kids birthdays and where they were born etc. i didint know the asnwers. Even when he asked my birthday i were nervous and said mistakenly 94 and fixed it right away. it was pretty stressful from the beginning. He took all my transcripts. passport copies, and told me that i m not gonna have another interview but he said my case will review and i will receive a mail. And after 2 days uscis updated my case with the same not ” your case must reviewed. We will mail you a notice if we make a decision …
Thats all the details of my case.
PS. i didint file any application from my marriage. Dv lottery only the file i applied.
March 10, 2017 at 15:59
Right, I read about your case on the other forum. People there gave you good answers already – so I don’t know why you are asking here.
However, I agree with Susie that there is probably suspicion that your marriage to a citizen was fraudulent. You married a citizen, were obviously going to file for immigration then won the lottery. Once you had won the lottery you separated/divorced and know nothing about your ex spouse. It is OBVIOUSLY suspicious – and that is why they are reviewing your case.
March 16, 2017 at 11:13
hello Britsimon, can i get your mail address to check if you can check my lottery status for me i can’t get access at all.
March 16, 2017 at 13:42
britsimon3 at gmail. But I don’t understand what you can’t access.
March 17, 2017 at 20:06
thank you, anytime i type in my conformation number it says it says invalide conf number but it the correct one i do type and it 16 numbers too so i want you to check also and see if i am right or wrong
March 17, 2017 at 21:07
You have sent me a DV2018 entry confirmation! DV2018 results won’t be available until May – just as the instructions made clear.
March 18, 2017 at 21:42
ok sorry i thought it march rather. thanks again
March 26, 2017 at 05:39
Hello Simon
I’m from Sri Lanka and my number is AS00005254. My interview is scheduled on 12th of April 2017. Do I have a good chance of getting a visa interns of my number
Many thanks
Rasika
March 26, 2017 at 14:09
Your number now makes no difference. You are scheduled.
March 26, 2017 at 21:57
Hi Simon,
I have my interview schedule and I am in full process of getting my documents together. During this process I realized I entered my earlier name wrong on my application (I wrote Carlsson instead off Karlsson). My name was changed when I was a child so there has been a miscommunication between my parents and I. I also realized that later my parents added a middle name which I forgot to write. How important is the change of name in the application? and now when the interview is schedule should I email KCC or just let them know at the interview that I enter the information wrong?
My second question is that the document, change of name, is only provided in Swedish. I have some trouble finding someone to translate the document for me and my interview is in two weeks. If I don’t find someone who can translate it and legalize the translation in time, can I then send the document to the embassy later?
Best,
Carlsson
March 26, 2017 at 22:16
Some embassies would find the name confusion suspicious. They may delay your case while they check for duplicate entries. I would email kcc.
The delay of the translation could also cause delay.
March 26, 2017 at 22:20
Okay, thank you 🙂
April 6, 2017 at 13:57
Hi Britsmon,
How are you? hope you are fine. As I told you before i interviewed april 3,2017 and my visa is approved. they gave me red papers and congratulation paper. The Consoler officer told me to receive my visa on April 11 from DHL, but my case is still on AP. do you thing there is problem?
Thanks
April 15, 2017 at 16:12
Hi Britsimon
my wife won the lottery with work experience which is beauty therapist but no degree or high school diploma and I want to know our chances of being issued with visas. Thank u
April 15, 2017 at 16:14
Also I want to know what kind of proof she can use as work experience. Will a certificate of completion of training be enough???
April 21, 2017 at 10:52
good day mr Britsimon
thank you for all your articles which are very important to us.
my question is about name confusion, my husband and i get married 10 years ago, but i never changed my name , has to add his name to mine, i kept my 3 names instead of having 4 names … is it going to be an issue? as in our marriage certificate they added his name to mine, but all my school document, passport, birth certificate still have my 3 name given by my parents….
April 21, 2017 at 12:08
If your marriage document has the 4 names, that is a legal change of name. So – it isn’t a problem – BUT make sure your DS260 has both versions of the name.
April 25, 2017 at 12:01
Hi Mr simon i wrote the advanced level in 2016, in cameron and bc of the strike in the country, certificats are not yet avilabl 1:will the embasy accept my result slip? 2:is an afidavid of support needed on the dv interview date?
April 25, 2017 at 12:59
1. I don’t know.
2. That depends on the embassy and the CO.
April 30, 2017 at 21:08
…and the final countdown begins for DSV2018 selectees! Holding thumbs, been reading all the comments and feedback above, it’s awesome to know that there are support groups like this!
May 2, 2017 at 07:36
Hi Simon,
I just checked the DV2018 and it said my confirmation number is incorrect. But I’ve checked many times and I’m pretty sure I typed the correct number. Do you know what caused this? Thanks for your help!!!
May 2, 2017 at 13:56
The cause is that the checking has not started yet!!
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-draw-results/
May 3, 2017 at 03:09
Hi Simon, I am certain I am entering all my information correctly (I am copying it from a pdf printout of the confirmation page) but I am still getting the “The information entered is not valid.” error message. Any idea why this might be? Thanks, Dave
May 3, 2017 at 03:18
Send me the pdf to britsimon3 at gmail – I’ll check.
May 3, 2017 at 03:34
Sent you an email, thanks for letting me know 🙂
May 3, 2017 at 03:50
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-information-entered-not-valid/
May 3, 2017 at 20:39
Hi Brit
Thanks for the help. what to do when you have selected for DV program for 2018, how to process, which form do we need to fill out, do i need to go back to my country?. I am currently in USA with legal documentation ( F-2 status).
May 3, 2017 at 22:35
Check the top of this page and click the “Guide”. It will help.
May 3, 2017 at 20:49
Hi Mr BritSimon
I have a daughter how was born in Florida,USA.
Do i need to include her at the DS-260???
May 3, 2017 at 22:33
You should list her on your DS260 – but she does not need a DS260 of her own.
May 5, 2017 at 14:32
Hi Mr. Simon.
My husband is working in Doha, Qatar since a month ago, we dont know how long he is going to stay, but he is a rezident there.
I have to write present adress in doha or Tirana, Albania where i live with my daughter??
May 5, 2017 at 16:08
It’s up to you.
May 8, 2017 at 11:10
Elona does the ds 260 work for you? Mine wont submit because the case number is not correct, but im sure it is correct.
May 8, 2017 at 16:59
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 4, 2017 at 05:54
Should i make payments with account id to get a case number
May 4, 2017 at 06:06
Hello Mr Simon,
I am from Ethiopia which means AF region and i am actually waiting for the 2NL as you think AF41*** am I Safe?
May 4, 2017 at 06:23
I don’t know.
May 5, 2017 at 09:14
Hi Good person 🙂
1. As I told you before i am from Africa and my case number is AF00041XXX. So my question is am i selected 41XXX is that only from Africa? Or from all the world?
2. I am the student in university after I saw my DV i can’t concentrate on my education, So it is important to now the property of my case number So please tell me as you experience.
May 5, 2017 at 09:21
1. AFrica
2. Concentrate on your education! You have to wait at least a year to know anything about the lottery.
May 5, 2017 at 09:29
Sir, I talking about DV 2017 and current status June 2017 appointment
AFRICA Current Except:
Egypt: 26,250 and Ethiopia: 34,700
May 4, 2017 at 09:35
Hi ! I’m in a pretty confused situation. I just won the DV Lottery with number 2018EU00026XXX, so if I understand well, I will mostly be called for an interview around May 2018 (based on previous years data).
However, before finding out I won the lottery, I accepted a job offer for a 1.5y training in the US under a J1 Trainee visa starting in September. I still have not started the process for the J1.
Do you think I can do both process at the same time? And change my J1 status to a Green Card around May 2018?
Do you recommend to fill the DS260 form right away?
I’m kinda lost because I found no one in my case.
Thank you !
May 4, 2017 at 13:51
Do you have a 2 year home residency requirement under the J1? If so – that could be a problem. But other than that – it’s fine. No – do not complete the DS260 yet. Your case number will be at least May – so there is time to submit your DS260 AFTER the J1 starts (avoiding problems of immigrant intent).
May 4, 2017 at 14:16
Thank you very much ! No there is no 2 year home residency requirement under the J1. And I have a final question, is filling the DS260 not now but later (before end of Sept of course) reduce my chance to be called for an interview? Or the only factor taken into account is my actual rank number?
Thank you again for your quick answer !
May 4, 2017 at 14:39
No it won’t be a problem to delay.
May 4, 2017 at 10:20
Hi,
Thank you for a very useful guide!
I have been trying to check my entry but have so far not been successful. It just says invalid and gives me options on what might have been incorrect. Any idea whats up?
Thanks
May 4, 2017 at 13:36
Fixed now.
May 4, 2017 at 20:00
Hi Simon,
First of all – thank you for your awesome guide!
I was selected for further processing this year and my case number is EU00012XXX. I’m slightly confused by the whole timeline and the whole process and was wondering if you would be able to shed some light on my situation. I have just submitted my DS260 form and on the confirmation page it said that KCC would keep my case on file until a visa number is available and my case can be scheduled. When it is scheduled, I should receive an email to log into ESC for further instructions.
So my question is- what visa number are they talking about? I thought the case number is what matters? Also how long does it usually take for a case to get scheduled/till I have to take the next steps? Can I expect not to hear anything at all till later this summer?
Many thanks,
Nina
May 4, 2017 at 21:26
The *earliest* interviews for DV2018 will happen in October. Yours will be later, possibly December/January timeframe. You will be notified around 1.5 months before the interview.
May 5, 2017 at 06:13
Hi BritSimon,
Thanks for the blog! It has been massively helpful. I’m also on a work visa and in the US currently. I was selected for further processing for 2018. I’ll do the interview in the US. Does being in the US change anything in terms of timelines? Do I still wait until October 2017 and beyond?
Is your daughter still fundraising for the tree house 🙂 ?
Best!
May 5, 2017 at 08:44
October is the start date either way. Until then DV2017 is still underway. Yes still not started on the treehouse.
If you do AOS the link below has everything you need to know.
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2018-aos-only.336256/
May 5, 2017 at 22:22
Hi Britsmon,
Very concise and useful information. I live in EU and my number is 36xxx, Do you think is hope since in your presentation you said that the number of selected applicants can be much more than the safe number, for EU 30000.
Thanks
May 6, 2017 at 04:25
It is too early to know.
May 6, 2017 at 13:23
Dear Simon,
i got a letter on 2 may 2017 stating i was selected and my number is 944,firstly can i go ahead and send in my DS260 form and when do you think my interview might be please?
May 6, 2017 at 15:07
You can send in your DS260. Because you haven’t included your region I cannot say anything about times.
May 8, 2017 at 12:30
I have filled up DS-260 form and at the end while submitting the form it displays that case number doesn’t match with the case number i have entered ….
But i have entered the correct case number
Please anyone with a help
May 8, 2017 at 16:58
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 9, 2017 at 03:08
Ok will try this if that let me the submission i will let you know
May 9, 2017 at 12:12
Yes it worked but in my confirmation page the case number appered without four 0000 … hope thats correct and i will not have further problem on interview
May 8, 2017 at 20:08
Hi brit,
1. i was selected for dv 2018 then when i fill the form ds 260 i fill a different date of marriage on mine and my husbands form. will it be a problem?
2. I send email for the KCC about the mistake i made on my date of marrriage. does KCC make any delay on my case for requesting of correction for the mistake that i made?
Regards
Mahi
May 8, 2017 at 20:26
1. I would suggest you correct that.
2. Why worry about delays – no interviews will happen for months yet!
May 9, 2017 at 03:34
Ok good, how can I correct that?
May 9, 2017 at 04:35
Google Britsimon unlock DS260
May 9, 2017 at 05:10
I was worried about delay on my schedule because of the rumors on Kcc will sort out immediately to be checked later (after long time of period) those who request for correction.
May 9, 2017 at 14:11
That is untrue.
May 9, 2017 at 03:30
Thanks Simon for you answer re the DS 260 form my region is the Caribbean ,St.Lucia to be exact.
May 9, 2017 at 06:59
Hi BritSimon,
Thanks for the blog! I am selected for DV-2018. When I I first fill the application form I mistakenly fill my country in District/County/Province/State field. Is it good to adjust these data in DS-260 or retain the mistaken country name?
Samson
May 9, 2017 at 14:08
You will probably want to correct that at some time – perhaps when you are revising other information.
May 9, 2017 at 19:59
Thanks Brit for your help!!!!
May 10, 2017 at 09:08
I got the DV visa and intend to travel to US in July. I would like to know;
1. How long it will take to obtain the Green card.
2. Can i leave the country within one month of arrival to sort out matter back home before permanent residence in the US.
3. I have given my friends details fro posting the green card. Upon receiving the green card can my friend courier the card to my home country.
May 10, 2017 at 14:25
1. 3 to 4 months
2. Yes
3. Yes
May 10, 2017 at 14:14
HELLO BRIT I WON DV LOTTREY 2018 BUT I MADE MISTAKE ON THE NAME , THE REAL NAME IS LATIPOV BUT I PUT LATIFOV SO WHAT SHOULD I DO IS IT A BIG PROBLEM ? THANK YOU
May 10, 2017 at 17:01
Enter the name correctly in the DS260. With that, they will normally forgive the error.
May 10, 2017 at 21:00
Simon, when trying to submit my application it gives me an error on the case # entered. i have tried it over and over and still not working. what do you suggest?
May 10, 2017 at 22:26
Read
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 11, 2017 at 13:13
thank you Simon. i found it through your FAQ ..i do appreciate your help
May 11, 2017 at 18:17
Hi BritSimon. I have another doubt. As I wrote before, I’m from Venezuela, South America. So, everything is in spanish. I have to translate all my documents to english, including my degrees of high school and university. As we know that we have to send the DV Form as soon as possible (I haven’t done it yet, bacause I’m still checking data), I, myself, translate my university degree (which is in spanish) to english, the most accurate way possible, according to some deep research I did on the internet. The thing is, I still haven’t send my documents to be translated (I’m still in talks with the translator) and the thing I’m worried about is if the translation I did myself for my degree will be different from the future translation of the translator. I thought that I could send the form the way it is, with my translation on it and then, if the translation of the translator is different, I could write to the KCC to unlock my form and change the data? Or, in the interview I could explain what I told you and they could change the information and it’s no big deal? What’s your opinion? Thanks again in advance…
May 11, 2017 at 20:25
Documents can be presented in English OR the local language of the embassy – so you don’t need translations if interviewing in Venezuela.
If you do need translations – they should be done by a third party who must write a statement to say their are competent to perform the translation.
May 11, 2017 at 23:11
Sadly, I do need some translations… My doubt is, in the education part of the DV-260 Form, Present Work/Education/Training Information, I put in the degree, diploma or certificate received part, the name of my degree in english, because I know that except for adresses and names and some other things, everything in the Form, must be in english. My question is, if the translation I did myself for my degree just for the Form not the real paper, just for the Form, differ from the actual translation of the translator when he translate the real paper of my degree next week, What should I do? I should send an email to the KCC to unlock my Form and modify that part or, in the interview I explain what I told you and then, they change the information and it’s no a big problem? I hope you can help me BritSimon, Sorry for the troubles…and many thanks again…
May 12, 2017 at 00:08
It’s not a big problem. If the CO asks – just answer truthfully.
May 12, 2017 at 00:45
Thanks BritSimon! And thanks for your patience…I’m really grateful 🙂
May 12, 2017 at 02:23
Hi Vane10 Iam from Venezuela I had my interview last week, so if yor want you can emailed me [email protected]
May 11, 2017 at 20:41
Hey Simon,
i am trying to fill out the DS 260 form to send it in but it always seems to get timed out and all the info i have logged in is lost and i have to resort to doing everything all over i hope they don log me out indefinitely before i can put in all my info how do i avoid this please?
May 11, 2017 at 20:43
Close all browser windows, and save your progress as you go.
May 11, 2017 at 21:13
Hey simon
In putting educational records, i have selected university degree and put my bachelor and master degree and dont mention my high school or diploma, is it nessesary to mention them? Should i send an email to kcc to inlock my application?
Regards
May 11, 2017 at 21:16
Unlock and add high school etc (really al education after about age 12)
May 12, 2017 at 08:13
i have submitted the ds-260 online form. now can i know that when will we be notified that we are selected for interview and how??
May 12, 2017 at 13:57
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 13, 2017 at 09:53
HELLO BRIT WE ARE FAMLY DV LOTTOREY WINNER ! SO WE REGISTRED FOR DV GREEN CARD LAST YEAR MY SON WAS 20 YEARS OLD SO NOW MY SON IS TURNED TO 21 SO WHAT GONNA HAPPEN
May 13, 2017 at 13:41
Always check the FAQ!
https://britsimonsays.com/child-turn-21-can-heshe-get-visa/
May 15, 2017 at 14:35
thank you Brit i have another question about add an aplicant im winner have wife and 4 child should i need add an aplication for each ? thnk you Brit
May 15, 2017 at 15:10
Yes
May 15, 2017 at 15:11
Were all the children and spouse on your original entry?
May 15, 2017 at 16:50
yes we registred together ME and my wife together inclued my 4 child so my case won my wifes not so we are aplying for CEAC so here is asking me add an aplicant
May 16, 2017 at 16:20
dear Simon,
i have a feeling Africa this time got few selectees is it true?
May 16, 2017 at 22:34
No
May 17, 2017 at 19:26
hello brit..im samuel from togo,i won the 2018,lottery, my case number is 2018AF00008167,is there a chance that i will be interviewed in october and secondly when is the last day for me to submit my casenumber,because im currently on an employment visa in dubai and this end in july? thanks
May 18, 2017 at 03:52
Unless you have already submitted your DS260, you probably won’t have an October interview as there is a backlog that builds up quite fast. If you want an early interview – get on with your DS260.
May 18, 2017 at 04:55
Hi brit i am ashish from nepal, i have submitted my ds-260 last week and i am confused for further process. It say we need to have photos and documents, shall i start collecting documents or can i do it after the second letter ?
May 18, 2017 at 11:48
hi Britsimon
my name is danay. I’m from Ethiopia. i won 2018 dv lottery… but i can’t fill Ds 260 b/c of i forget the exact birth date of mine when i fill the form to register ….. so is there any method to solve or to get the exact date…..pleas help me….
May 18, 2017 at 12:57
Try all dates in that year.
May 18, 2017 at 16:58
Ato danay have your birth certificate and file DS 260