At the time of writing it is a few days after the DV2020 results were made available. People have noticed that I am suggesting people don’t rush to submit their DS260. I would even say that the majority of cases should NOT be submitting their DS260 – and I want to explain that advice.
As I have mentioned in a couple of other articles, we are seeing some VERY high case numbers in all regions, and that could mean this is a very over selected year. There are 50,000 visas available. It is “normal” to select more than that as winners (because some cases won’t continue the process), but a good number would be less than 90k or 100k at most. In some previous years we have seen KCC select 125k and even 140k. If they have done that again this year it will be INEVITABLE that some cases will not become current (i.e. will not get an interview).
So – we will see selectee numbers (by country and region) in one of the next 3 Visa Bulletins. There is one to be released this week, then about the same time in the coming months. So – one of those VBs will give us an important number – the selectee number. From that we can determine whether this is a normal selection year with a lot more holes than usual (because of some new procedure). OR this is an over selected year.
Until then people should hold back their DS260 unless their case number is very low. Why? Well several reasons.
- Submitting the DS260 early does not speed up your case. You cannot be interviewed before your case number is ready. Not under any circumstances.
- Most people haven’t bothered to read and understand the procedure so they will rush and later realize they made mistakes, some of which will cause problems.
- Submitting a DS260 is a serious thing. It is an immigrant application, and once that has been submitted you forever have to declare you have made an application to emigrate to the USA. If you do not get a GC through the lottery will will have declared “immigrant intent” which can make future NON immigrant visa applications harder to get approved. Not impossible, but harder.
So – unless your number is LOW, I would recommend you wait a couple of months at least. It won’t harm you by waiting, this is not first come first served, and it could save you some pain later.
By “low” I mean the following by region.
EU and AF region Under 15,000.
AS region under 5000
SA and OC under 500.
Numbers higher than that will probably not even be current (eligible for interview) in 2019. They would get interviews in 2020 only. So why rush???
May 11, 2019 at 18:59
Hi Brit, do you mean that they will 2020 selectee numbers in the one of the coming 3 VBs?
May 11, 2019 at 19:51
I said that, yes.
May 11, 2019 at 19:07
Hello.
In my home country I have 1 bachelor degree (3years)and 1 master degree (2years). In the ds 260, do I have to declare master degree? Also, my case number is UE 27XX. Do you suggest to send the ds 260 before june?
May 11, 2019 at 19:50
List all education.
You can submit early if you want.
May 11, 2019 at 19:50
This is important, my case number was eu26035 in 2018, I paid the fees, but never become current so keep your money until is it about to be current.
May 11, 2019 at 23:20
Case 2019AF0006xx did not know that I won the dv until lately. Is it late for me.
May 11, 2019 at 23:39
You have time if you get on with it immediately. You need to file your DS260 ASAP and get your documents ready.
May 12, 2019 at 00:56
Not too late, file your DS260 and get your documents ready as fast as you can like right now. Your case is extremely low, you have an amazing case number in fact, you will get interview appointment in july, if you wotk hard and fast.
May 12, 2019 at 02:55
@Youssef. Please leave the answering to me. There is NO WAY a case could be submitted now and be scheduled for July. August or September.
May 14, 2019 at 19:58
It’s your blog your rules, but sometimes your not being specific with your answers so i like to give a helping hand and in third countries that you will never experience that feeling of poverty some people live in desperate situations so desperate measures so make sure you get them satisfied with your answers or don’t help at all.
May 14, 2019 at 20:32
As you say – my blog, my rules. I also decide how I spend my time, thanks.
May 12, 2019 at 21:00
Am curious carol at what day did you apply last yr during the registration period??
May 13, 2019 at 01:42
The day or entry makes NO difference at all. If you read the FAQ you would see that I have proven that.
May 11, 2019 at 23:52
Turkish DV2020 winners list;
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Lshia067qJy9QKKDqB7Fi9YLgnt2RJtwwPdP0Ebj4Po/edit#gid=0
case no so high!
May 12, 2019 at 00:30
Hi Brit, one of my friend won the DV lottery 2020 with unmarried status from AS. His case no is less than 500. Actually he is married and has spouse and a kid. Now he is worried about them. So, question is can he add them while filing DS260 ? If, yes what’s the procedure? Any recommendations will be highly appropriated.
May 12, 2019 at 00:51
No. He lied. The procedure is that he will be disqualified.
May 12, 2019 at 02:26
Sir,
You said if you fail dv interview that is mean it is an intent immigrant, knowing my case is the same I would like to apply for master degree for one or two year. Be sure I don’t want to be illegal immigrant, I just wanna improve my English as teacher then get back home to serve here
May 12, 2019 at 03:09
There is no question there..
May 12, 2019 at 10:54
Sorry, my question is do you believe if I tried to get a Visa student the CO will still refuse thinking that I won’t get back home?
May 12, 2019 at 14:01
Possibly – but you are being so hopelessly vague I cannot answer properly. If you want answers, be clear and precise.
May 12, 2019 at 16:12
Okay,
First my wife and I we attempted DV2012 she was the principal but we were putted on AP until it expired, since we re-enter but no chance yet to reselect. Yersterday I red your new post and I saw there if you fail obtaining GC you will be considered intent immigrant and getting NIV will be harde.
Now I would like to try get an admission in a university so that I will improve my Englsih and computer sciences. My question is do you think the CO will still refuse?
Honestly I like US English and I will be very glad to pronounce it like them, and I after my training I will get back because I know being an illegal immigrant is too risky
May 12, 2019 at 16:14
So yes your earlier immigrant application will be a factor when they consider your NIV. Not the only factor though. I cannot predict the outcome.
May 12, 2019 at 22:12
Thank you,
In case if I tried I will tell you the outcome the result.
I learnt one thing from you: “tell truth always”.
Thanks for all
May 12, 2019 at 03:21
Hello brit ,my sponsor is single and age 27. He lives in US with his parents.please tell me his income enough for sponsor to me as a single person. But not enough for 3 members ( He, his father and mother) .
What can i do for this ? Is this sponsor not Suitable ?
May 12, 2019 at 03:32
This is the EIGHTH TIME you posted this question or related ion the last 12 hours. I answered the first, and posted a follow up. It seems you think you are being funny or something, but you are disrespectfully wasting my time. Don’t you DARE post this again or you can figure the rest of this process out for yourself.
May 12, 2019 at 10:42
Hello brit, please im sorry. Please understand me . This is not a joke sir. You told me you answered me my question. Please sir i did not seek your answer sir. Please reply me one more time. Please sir this is not a joke sir. Please understand me. One more time reply me sir. Sorry
May 12, 2019 at 13:59
You answered to my reply! 1 was my answer based on your question. Don’t waste any more of my time.
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-326/#comment-179801
May 12, 2019 at 05:15
Hi my number is 35xxx I am current in June but have not received 2NL, documents submitted and confirmation received, concerned and worried ,are there any instances that even if you are current , you do not get the interview at all ,look forward to you answer
May 12, 2019 at 05:52
Patience.
May 12, 2019 at 05:59
Hi,
My case number is 2020AS00013XXX. I know it is quite high for the Asian region. Just wondering till when should I wait before submitting the DS-260?
Thanks!
May 12, 2019 at 06:00
Read the article above.
May 12, 2019 at 11:06
Hi Brit my friend won Dv 2020 Af 45××× is this case is fine for visa?
May 12, 2019 at 14:05
It is too early to know for sure.
May 13, 2019 at 01:49
Thabks ton Brit. Your page has been very informative. Can you do me a favor and delete my comment. I didn’t realize I had mentioned my case number. Sorry for the trouble.
May 12, 2019 at 06:41
Hi Brit,
Will there be a second draw for dv2020?
May 12, 2019 at 13:26
No
May 12, 2019 at 11:03
Hello brit, please im sorry for wasted your time sir. Please understand me.this is not a joke. You told me you already answered my question but sir i did not seek your answer. Please sir kindly request from you please reply me my question one more time if you can. please again tell me sir this is not a joke. this is not a game. This your blog very helpful for us. Please relpy me one more time. Please sir .
May 12, 2019 at 14:04
So you posted TWICE MORE! Jeez.
May 12, 2019 at 11:30
Hi Brit, I’m a 2020 selectee with a very high case of 000049xxx do you think I will be call for interview?
May 12, 2019 at 14:32
It is too early to know.
May 12, 2019 at 14:40
Hi simon
I have concern. I don’t know what to expect for my selection. I was born in country B ,but I am a country C citizen and both are AF region.both country share the border. I played the lottery .Now in my 1NL and DS260 file it said country of chargeability is C. Can this be an issue since they are all in AF region, I believe the chargeability country should be B instead of C
May 12, 2019 at 14:43
Well it says that because you entered C.
However, as they are both in AF it should not be a problem.
May 12, 2019 at 17:03
Hi BritSimon, thank you so much for this service, and your analysis.
I’ve just found out that I’ve been selected for DV2020 (!!), with a number I thought was low until I read through your website (Oceania, above 1600). I have not yet filed the DS-260.
I’ve not seen this situation described before: I applied with my Oceania nationality, but I live in France, and they have listed Paris as my post.
1. My number is well above the Oceania cut-off for May 2019 (900) but well below the cut-off for Europe (26,000-ish). I assume I should refer to the Oceania cut-off, even though my interview would be through the Paris post?
2. I am wondering whether this disconnect between countries will disadvantage me? – and perhaps I should plan to interview in my home country. I could not see details for Paris in your fantastic league table of posts. If you have heard of this situation before, I would be grateful for any tips.
3. I’m confused by some statements that interviewing for DV2019 will continue into early 2020, yet the cut-off for DV 2020 is September 2020. Has the system changed – or which is correct?
Thank you again for the excellent information.
May 12, 2019 at 17:28
1. Yes. OC
2. The only concern would be whether Paris can understand your education, but as the AUS system is somewhat similar to the UK system it won’t be that unusual to them.
3. I have not said DV2019 will interview in 2020. Based on your number (which is all you need to think about), you would not expect an interview until summer 2020 (if at all).
May 12, 2019 at 17:33
Thanks very much for the info. The comments must have been from someone else. This certainly clears it up. Much appreciated.
May 12, 2019 at 18:42
Hi I can’t open advice 260 and says your information doesn’t much with our record can you help me ?
May 13, 2019 at 01:14
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2020-basic-questions/
May 12, 2019 at 20:59
Hi VritSimon, my case number is 2020EU00040 ***, I understand that I need to wait for the interview not earlier than 2021 and that is a very small chance, so I want to apply again for DV-2021 this fall, should I do it? Will I have problems then if theoretically I won but I submitted another application?
May 13, 2019 at 01:42
No problem.
May 12, 2019 at 21:12
Hello Brit,,I applied for the DV 2020 but didn’t manage the cut,,I need your honest open minded and undivided opinion on this issue I want to apply for a F1 visa in sep this year question is,,is it okay for me to state i haven’t applied for GC in the application form due to the implications of wanting to immigrate even though that’s not entirely the case,,because I treat the GC one in a life opportunity but still I don’t want to compromise my chances of getting a visa due to GC assumptions..
May 13, 2019 at 01:44
Entering the lottery is NOT an immigrant application.
May 13, 2019 at 02:10
Hello,
I am a 2020 DV Winner with case number 2020AF0010***. While entering my info in the DV Entry form last year, I made a mistake by stating my place of birth as X instead of Y.
Will this be a problem?
Should I just fill the correct place of birth in the DS 260 or I need a new passport with X as my place of birth?
May 13, 2019 at 02:44
It depends on what the two countries are.
May 13, 2019 at 12:40
It’s an issue of town/city and not country. My country is Ghana and during the DV entry process I made a mistake of submitting Cape coast (a town in Ghana) instead of “Accra” (city in Ghana) as place of birth.
May 13, 2019 at 14:41
Not normally a problem, although in Ghana the COs are looking for inconsistencies that reveal liars.
May 13, 2019 at 05:02
Hi brit, just wondering what’s the drawback of submitting earlier even if the number is high. As long as the form is submitted correctly, it should have no issue, right? We just have to wait longer
May 13, 2019 at 14:05
Read the article above.
May 13, 2019 at 09:17
Hellow, my case no 2020AF0000007X,
Can I wait to submit? do I have to fill in my ds 260 I should also fill my family or they should have their forms
May 13, 2019 at 14:23
You can submit now if you want, your number is very low obviously.
You should have a DS260 for each person travelling. Read the lottery guide linked above and use the ds260 guide..
May 13, 2019 at 12:51
Hello Brit
i got the DV 2020 , cn AF58xxx , i’m studying abroad in china and i’m gonna graduate in July 2020 and i suppose to go back home , question i wanna have my interview in my home country , what should i do cause i’m afraid they will schedule an interview for me in china .
thanks for your efforts
May 13, 2019 at 14:43
Then don’t submit your ds260 yet for one thing, and when you do you should explain to KCC that you need to schedule in your home country. But you certainly don’t need to rush.
May 13, 2019 at 14:07
Hello Brit,
Qtn, they say 7% visaz for each country in the lottery. How does it wak with countries where interviews are even done in neighbouring countries for instance ugandans go to kenya for diversity interviews. Does it mean the 7% is shared between Uganda and Kenya??
Thanx Brit
May 13, 2019 at 15:53
I never said 7% for EACH country. I said that was a max limit that no country could exceed! That is different.
May 13, 2019 at 14:28
Hi Brit
1) it is permissible to edit DV photo background from poor background to plain white background by using a computer?
2) does the entry has any advantage over the selection process? For example the DV 2020 entry period was between October to November 6, I assume from October 3 to October 7 as quick entry period and October 27 to November 5 as late entry period.
May 13, 2019 at 15:55
1. The instructions clearly say no edits, so why are you asking me?
2. The date of entry makes no difference to a RANDOM draw process.
May 13, 2019 at 15:16
Hi Brit, I own a DV lottery 2020 and my case number are AF00037XX. I have started to complete the DS 260 but I think the website has some problems. Can you help me find out what should I do to fix the web problem and how soon should I complete my DS 260.
May 13, 2019 at 16:01
If I may advise, don’t use any special characters while filling the DS260 form fields. Don’t use “,” “-“ “.” etc otherwise the site will crash and you have to start over. Just leave (space) instead of using any of these characters.
Best wishes
May 13, 2019 at 19:07
Thank you
May 13, 2019 at 16:03
So I am supposed to know what web problem from that explanation? Please use some common sense.
May 13, 2019 at 22:56
Ok it’s fine Brit. Now can you tell me the chances for me to get the green card based on my case number and what do you mean when you say that a number is low or high. Thanks
May 13, 2019 at 23:14
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2020-basic-questions/
May 13, 2019 at 18:33
Hi Brit, Case 2020AF00035XXX, do i stand any chance, this or next year? Thank you
May 13, 2019 at 19:09
Yes
May 13, 2019 at 20:00
Brit, apologies, but i have another concern. on my DS260 i only stated my university degree, as it’s my highest education achievement.(never stated anything below, just said, “i have a Uni. degree on such and started at such date and finished at such date) do you think it will be a problem?
May 13, 2019 at 20:59
So now you will need to ask them to unlock the DS260 so that you can complete it properly.
This is why I tell people to SLOW DOWN. You have no chance of interview until well into 2020, so there was no reason to rush to submit your DS260.
May 13, 2019 at 21:07
Thanks Brit, i have not submitted yet, just saved it. my question is, do i have to history my academic years or just, say, i have a university degree?
May 13, 2019 at 21:18
Please get into the habit of clicking reply so that conversations stay in context.
The form asks for education from secondary level and up. Do that.
May 13, 2019 at 21:13
Brit, kindly, to learn, do we have to list Primary, secondary (or high school)? Or University is enough?
May 13, 2019 at 21:20
From around age 11 or 12 and up.
May 13, 2019 at 21:33
Thank you. We are lucky that we found your website. We are learning a lot.
May 13, 2019 at 23:15
With the CEAC data in January, do you also get the DV2020 numbers of the cases that were processed? For example if one has a high EU number 2020EU51xxx does it become clear how many holes there are and how likely one could get in interview in 2021? Realisticly with such a high number the chance are really low, right?
May 13, 2019 at 23:31
Yes we will have ALL the case numbers in January, and know all the holes. The number itself is unimportant. if your case was 51XXX, but there are 40,000 holes before that number it would be a great number. However, we don’t know how many holes there are yet – and for now you just have to remain patient.
May 14, 2019 at 07:16
Thanks for the quick reply. BTW you have a great blog! I assume January 2020 will be the first time that case numbers will be officially made available to get a sense of the holes this year? Won’t we know which case numbers were invited for interviews monthly once the interviews start in October? For last years DV2019 data, are the EU case numbers available to view somewhere? https://britsimonsays.com/historical-visa-bulletin-numbers/ How do one check the holes or numbering pattern from a previous year. For example how can one check the highest case numbers for a region (EU) from a previous years.
May 14, 2019 at 13:39
We will know more in the next couple of months once we see the selectee numbers. That will let us guess the rough numbers of holes, but January is when we will know precisely.
Check old data here:
https://dvcharts.xarthisius.xyz/ceacFY19.html
May 14, 2019 at 14:19
Thanks! That’s really insightful. I’ll check-in again in a couple of months about the selectee numbers. The historical charts are great, it’s just not great to see the chances for high DV numbers in the EU. EU numbers above 45xxx appear a bit unlucky, but best to just wait till January then.
May 13, 2019 at 23:46
hey Simon I am From Ethiopia, I am Selected DV2020 but My Country says Estonia my case comes Like 2020EU000004** so how can change to Africa is that is Possible ? My 2NL comes In Addis Ababa Ethiopia Please help Me.
May 13, 2019 at 23:50
No it is not possible. It sounds like you misselected Estonia during the entry, and therefore got allocated in the EU draw. Unless you have some legitimate reason to list Estonia, you are 100% CERTAIN to be disqualified. Proceeding would be a waste of time and money.
May 14, 2019 at 01:02
OK Thank You!!!
May 14, 2019 at 09:30
Actually I’ve just found your past analysis. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-ceac-analysis/ My conclusion is that with a high case number realisticly one has a really low chance (almost impossible) but just wait for the the CEAC data in January before losing all hope.
May 14, 2019 at 09:42
Hy brit
My CN is AS12*** from Nepal
Any chance?
May 14, 2019 at 13:49
britsimonsays.com/dv2020-basic-questions/
May 14, 2019 at 13:08
hey brit MY CASE NUMBER IS AF00021XXX UNTIL NOW I DIDNT GET RECEIVE NOTIFICATION IN MY EMAIL COULD YOU HELP ME PLEASE
May 14, 2019 at 15:12
Year?
May 14, 2019 at 13:14
First of all thank you for your support, I’ve questions about DV2019
My CN is AF21xxx and I’ve sent my documents on March 12 but still only auto-reply has sent for me what is wrong with it? Even I asked KCC two times whether my documents are satisfied or not but still nothing they said what is happening please? give me your best advice as before. Thank you so much!!!
May 14, 2019 at 15:13
You have to ask them.
May 14, 2019 at 16:23
Kindly send with a different device. It happened to me 5 times and when I send with a different computer and called KCC they told me they got it. My case number is AF 00025***Hope this will help you.
May 14, 2019 at 14:29
Dear Simon,
Does a country (non-region) affect?
For example, there is a country where only 200 winners. And there the case numbers were distributed as follows: 100, 1000, 10000, 40,000, 50,000 etc. Does this mean that even if there are few participants in this country, then still there are no chances for 50k?
Or suppose in this country all 200 wins received large case numbers, then everyone will not get a visa?
Thank you!
May 14, 2019 at 15:22
It has nothing to do with the country. The order of the VB is by region.
May 14, 2019 at 15:12
HI Brit,
I have a question: if I win the lottery, and at the time that I discover to be a winner of the lottery I have an American baby (citizen), am I in title to apply as a family-sponsored preferences, so “skip” the line or not?
Thanks
May 14, 2019 at 15:51
You don’t skip the DV line.
May 14, 2019 at 18:12
Hi Brit,
I have 2 questions.
My number is 2020AS000112xx which looks high, do you think there would be chances of interview for me?
My Password expires on Dec, 2020. shall I apply for new passport and put the new passport number in DS260 or there is a way to change during interview? will they issue issue visa in passport with 3 months validity?
Thanks for your time and waiting for your reply
May 14, 2019 at 19:20
You have a long time to wait – you certainly won’t get an interview in 2019. So – relax, read and learn.
May 14, 2019 at 19:44
Thanks, I would appreciate your help in second question
May 14, 2019 at 20:02
From my first answer it should be obvious that your passport will be expired before you interview so you obviously have to renew it. Personally I would do that before submission.
May 15, 2019 at 00:50
Hello, dear Brit!
Perhaps you know about such situations – if a person won Green Card while in the US, but unfortunately by the time he won, he was out of status for up to 180 days, there was a B1 visa. Thank you very much for your attention! Is it possible for such a person to get GK?
May 15, 2019 at 03:36
That person would be an idiot. Being out of status will stop him adjusting status, and the overstay will result in a ban. He should leave immediately and learn to respect the immigration laws of the USA if he expects to enjoy the benefits of those same laws.
May 15, 2019 at 03:16
Hi, my case number is 2020eu000550xx do i have any chance?
May 15, 2019 at 04:07
Too soon to know.
May 15, 2019 at 04:03
Dear Sir,
What is the lowest case no for AS region in your information and what is the chance to get visa if case no is more then 12000?
May 15, 2019 at 04:09
Year?
May 15, 2019 at 07:54
hi Brit
my case no. is AS13XXX . what are my chances of getting second letter.
May 15, 2019 at 14:24
What year????
May 15, 2019 at 08:08
2020
May 15, 2019 at 14:25
Then it is too early to know. Wait.
May 16, 2019 at 04:17
thank you Brit for your advice
May 15, 2019 at 09:52
2020
May 15, 2019 at 13:09
Thank you Brit for this piece of advice which sounds great.Better to wait rather than….Keep up update us when exactly for 2020 selectees may submit their DS-260
May 15, 2019 at 19:22
Hi brit
Do u think the maximum number of Visa will be used up by da end of September for Oceania region???
May 15, 2019 at 19:40
Not for DV2019, no
May 15, 2019 at 20:09
Hello sir, i greatly appreciate what you are doing. We are lucky we won the lottery but even luckier we have you.
My question is what will happen if i can not come up with a work experience document after stating it on the DS 260 form?
P.S : i have a bachelor’s degree therefore i qualify the education requirement and the reason i can’t get my work experience is because the company terminated me and there is a commitment issue. Thanks!
May 16, 2019 at 03:49
No problem.