Completing the DS260 for DV lottery entrants
Completing the DS260 for DV lottery entrants
*** Note***
Upon submission, some people are getting an error message that the confirmation number doesn’t match. In that case – the solution is here:
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
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OK – so the main task to process your DV lottery win is to complete a form online that is your “application” for immigration benefit. That form is the DS260.
The form itself might seem daunting, and it may take about 2 hours to complete. It is important that you prepare your information, and enter the details as accurately as possible. You will be able to make changes later on, but it makes sense to spend a few extra minutes early on to get this right.
You will some documents to complete the process and mostly you will need those now so gather them now and create a special file to start creating your DV lottery paperwork:-
- Passport information for you and your family members.
- Birth certificates for you and your family members.
- Your education history
- Your work history
- Your address history
- An address in the USA of a friend or family member. This is where your Green Card will be sent.
Ready? OK now let me guide you through completing the form:-
Enter the form for the first time.
You need your case number which will be in the format of YEAR-REGION-CASENUMBER. For example 2016AS00001234. This is the FULL case number including the “leading zeroes” in this case before the 1234. (In online forums we suggest hiding the last 2 or 3 digigits and dropping the leading zeroes – so when quoting your case on a forum you would state this number as 2016AS1XXX or 2016AS12XX. This protects your identity.)
The form will expect your date of birth in day/month/year order. This is odd because Americans write date in month/day/year order.
Once in the form you will go through a number of sections where you will enter your details. Most of the information is self explanatory – but here are screenshots for each section of how the forms will look for a simple case – and some comments about some of the questions. Please remember it is important to make sure your answers are YOUR answers. Don’t just copy what I am suggesting if the answer does not agree with your circumstances.
1. Summary.
Here you will see a list of applicants attached to the case (based on the eDV entry). Click the link under “IV application” to complete the details for each applicant.
You can also add applicants from this page (if you have married since the original entry or had a child). Once you have added an applicant you cannot remove that applicant or change their name. So – please be careful about name spelling etc. It is also important to note that if you are adding a spouse or child that you already had prior to the original eDV entry but failed to mention in the original entry you will most probably be disqualified, as that is a critical error.
If you do have to add a child or spouse because of a birth or marriage while you are waiting to be interviewed, remember you will need to add an applicant AND in addition your own form will need to be unlocked so that you can add the new family relationship to your form.
2. Personal Information 1.
This is where you will enter your name information. It is a useful page to capture your name in English, but also in Native alphabet.
The names entered on this page should be as listed on your passport – but also use the “other names used” section to make sure you have covered combinations that appear in your documents. For example, if you have an education certificate that includes an additional family name, use the alias section to include that name. Also, use the alias section if you entered your name differently on the eDV entry. Entering your other names used here means USCIS have early notice to perform name checks on your various names used and therefore you can make sure your background check is comprehensive – which is exactly what you want to reduce the chances of being placed on AP or even refused for incomplete name information.
Complete the other details such as date of birth. If you somehow made a mistake on the eDV about your date of birth (for example during conversion from a different calendar) THIS is your opportunity to correct that mistake – please pay attention to that. This would normally agree with the date of birth on your birth certificate, but if that is not known, then use the date shown on your passport.
About city/state/country of birth. ON the eDV entry (where you entered the lottery) you will have entered something for your city of birth. The three levels are related to each other – so a CITY is sometimes denoted as being in a STATE (or province) and that STATE is within a COUNTRY. People sometimes are not sure what to enter so let me gives some examples.
You could have been born in Richmond which is a city/town in London, United Kingdom. So an acceptable answer (which should agree with the information on your birth certificate) would be:
CITY: Richmond
State/Province: London
Country: United Kingdom
Your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond the point of entry, but if your passport will expire during the DV process, you might be better submitting now with the current passport and updating later once you have the replacement passport. This is especially true if you have a low case number, and are therefore expecting an early interview. If you do need to renew your passport during the DV process, in many cases people have taken old and new passports to the interview without unlocking the form, but the preference would be to add the new passport details if time allows.
OK – hope that makes sense. Check what it says on your birth certificate. It is important that this information agrees to the birth certificate and the passport. By the way – your country of birth may not be the same as your nationality (which is on the next page). But your country of birth is what should have driven your entry into the lottery (eligibility is based on your country of birth, NOT your nationality).
The finished result should look something like this:-
3. Personal information 2
This page is about your travel documents (passport). Make sure you have the passport in front of you when you complete this page – accuracy is important as this will enable background checks.
Note, if you do not have a passport at this time you can complete the entry using another state issued ID, and then later unlock your forms to add the passport details. You WILL need a passport prior to interview as will any derivative (family member) of yours.
4. Present and previous address information
Try and complete this as accurately as possible. Provide all the address that you have LIVED at since the age of 16. If you stayed at a holiday home for a month or two, that does not need to be entered, but if you LIVED at an address for a few months then you should enter that address. You enter past address in reverse date order – meaning going backwards in time, one address at a time. Be as accurate as possible with the date you started living at each address (you can guess the dates within a month or two).
5. Mailing and Permanent Address Information
This is information about where you expect to stay in the USA OR the address of someone you can trust to receive your Green Card on your behalf. Most people can think of someone within their family or friends that could receive the GC for them. You should also know that you can change this address during the process – right up to the day your arrive in the USA for the first time.
6. Family information: Parents
OK – self explanatory information. I only show the top of the page in the screenshot below but you add your parents details and their addresses. THe data here should be accurate, but if you don’t know their birthdates etc. it is not a huge problem. Do the best you can.
7. Family information: Spouse and Previous Spouse
Enter the details as appropriate to your case. Remember, the information should be correct on the day you enter it. So, if you plan to marry in a month but want to submit your form today then you are SINGLE today. YOu can either delay submission of your form until you are married, or submit now as single and unlock your form later after the marriage. There is some information about marriage during the DV process here.
A previous spouse is entered when you divorced of a spouse passed away. You will be required to produce a divorce certificate or death certificate during the interview to tally with what you enter here.
8. Family information: Children
Fairly obviously you will need to enter information about each child you have, making sure their information ties with birth certificates and passports.
If your child is nearly 21 there may be special considerations for you. Please read this article on children aging out and their status under the CSPA.
If you are expecting a child to be born during the DV lottery processing period there are also procedures in place to obtain a Green Card for that child. I will address that with a new article.
One thing I would say, it is ESSENTIAL that you listed all your children in the eDV according to the instructions. If you made a mistake about that you may have caused yourself a problem. If you have a concern, contact me and explain your situation.
In the case shown in the screenshot below the applicant did not have any children.
9. Present work/education/training information
OK so this is important as education OR work experience are requirements of the DV lottery. Please read this article for more information about meeting the requirement. I cannot stress enough. You are only required to meet the education OR work experience – you do not have to prove BOTH. Of the two routes, education is the simplest and most reliable method, but some people cannot meet the education requirement – and although this may surprise you that includes me. I have had a very successful career in the IT field and have demonstrated my skills to earn a H1 visa (which is category of visa for highly educated or highly skilled workers), BUT I could not have met the DV lottery requirement on education! So – think carefully whether you do or not – and act accordingly.
Enter the information about work and education based on what you are doing at present. If you are entering work experience and hope to qualify through work experience you should consider carefully the question about “does this job require 2 years of training or experience”. Again, read the article above to understand that better.
10. Previous work/education/training information
OK – so this will vary depending on what you did before your present occupation. Maybe you had a different job, maybe you studied. Whichever is true you must enter that information here and create a complete history of your work, education and training. Try and get the dates to be accurate and make sure that those dates make sense with the address information you gave previously.
This page can end up being quite long and for the screenshots I have had to break it into two pieces. Just take your time and make it make sense. You can add another occupation (work or edication). Again, you enter going “backwards” in time.
11. Additional work/education/training information.
Answer the questions truthfully on this page. If you answer Yes and a box opens for further details there will be instructions of what further detail they want.
12. Security and Background: Medical and Health information
Answer these questions carefully and truthfully.
The second question (about vaccinations) causes some debate. Truthfully it WILL NOT MATTER whether you choose Yes or NO for that particular question. The right answer for 99% of people is NO, because you do not have “documentation to establish…”, even if you do have records of vaccinations. So, it is a subtle point but whether you answer yes or no it will not matter. The vaccinations you actually need will be decided by the panel physician at the time of your medical. So by all means gather whatever vaccination documentation you have.
13. Security and Background: Criminal
Answer these questions truthfully. Most criminal convictions will not cause disqualification, and you will have a chance to explain at the interview. The crimes that can cause disqualification are called “crimes of moral turpitude”. It is a vague term and perhaps one that I will write about to clarify but most people by far will not have a problem even if they have a criminal conviction. Previous immigration fraud is not surprisingly one of the crimes that can cause an issue which is why it is essential you always tell the truth on these applications.
14. Security and Background: Security 1
Again – answer these truthfully.
15. Security and Background: Security 2
Again – answer the questions truthfully.
16. Security and Background: Immigration law violations
As I mentioned earlier – they take immigration law violations seriously!
17. Security and Background: Miscellaneous 1
Again answer truthfully.
The skilled or unskilled labor question has sparked some debate. In reality if you intend to work in the USA then the answer to this is Yes – but this is another question that will not cause a problem no matter which response your choose.
18. Security and Background: Miscellaneous 2
Again these just need truthful answers.
The healthcare professional one is another question that really doesn’t matter how you answer it. If you are a healthcare worker don’t be afraid to admit that.
The public charge question should be answered NO. Public charge means financial assistance from the government. You must realize that the Green Card lottery winners should not be claiming “public assistance”. There are some exceptions to that statement, but in general you are expected to support yourself. The USA is a land of opportunity, not free gifts.
19. Social security number
Answer these three questions as shown below unless you already have a SSN from a previous period in the USA. USCIS will (in theory) forward your details to the social security administration (SSA) to apply for your SSN. In practice many people find this does not happen correctly and delays are caused in getting the SSN after you enter the USA. Since the SSN is so important for many purposes here in the USA that is a nuisance, so I always suggest people visit the SSA office after a couple of weeks to make sure your SSN is “in the system”. You should receive the SSN card itself about 2 to 3 weeks after entering the USA.
Submitting the form.
OK so you have completed your form. You do the same for each derivative (family member). Check all the forms carefully, take screenshots if you like and when you are ready, submit the form. You should then print the confirmation page. You will be able to review the form later in review mode and can also take screenshots at that point.
You may also be prompted to fill out a form for “selected service”. Any us resident male under 26 years old is required to register for selective service. This does not not mean you will need to serve in the military, but if there was some crisis that required additional military men under 26 years old will be picked by a lottery to be inducted into the military.
The form will become “locked” so that you will not be able to edit it although you will be able to review the information after you submitted it. If you need at any time prior to your interview to unlock the form you can do so by emailing KCC who generally respond within a few days. Once unlocked you can make changes.
Once KCC have your form they will “process” it. They conduct background checks based on the information you have told them and access to official records. The processing period in DV2015 took around 4 to 5 months because of the volume of forms submitted around the same time. So, if you have a very low case number and you delay the submission of your DS260 there is a chance you could delay the interview date – BUT don’t worry, you will simply be interviewed later. Interviews are conducted based on case number order but only from a pool of cases that have completed their DS260 processing.
May 12, 2016 at 14:42
IS E.SIGNATURE NECESSARY TO SUBMIT DS260, IF YES HOW CAN I GET IT.
May 12, 2016 at 15:10
You don’t need anything, you just click the form (and that is considered your “signature”.
May 12, 2016 at 17:27
Hi Brit,
First of all thanks for your great efforts helping all of us, i have a quick question, i’m from egypt we have one field for the name (full name) in the passport, i have total of six name (my name+ my father+grandfather+grandfather father+great grandfather+family name). when filing the ds-260 i enter the family name in the last name field, for the given name i cannot enter all of the five names (my name+ my father+grandfather+grandfather father+great grandfather) the field is small, the great grandfather name will be missing some characters. what should i do? should i remove the great grandfather name? in that case it will be different from the passport!
your help is really appreciated.
May 12, 2016 at 19:43
6 names??? Well some of them are “your” name. That should be enough – but if in doubt check what others have done.
May 12, 2016 at 19:53
1) If on her Birth Certificate it says Hannah but on her expired Passport and her High school diploma it says Ainnah. How bad is that? The passport name issue can be resloved by getting a new passport with the right name spelling?
2)Getting passports might delays the Ds-260 completion. In this article you stated that someone can temporarily use State issued ID and unlock their forms later to include their passport id.
May 12, 2016 at 22:37
1. The risk can be reduced that way – yes.
2. Yes. That is correct.
May 12, 2016 at 23:20
BritSimon make no mistake you are the Man (you are man though right? -_-).
I think i speak for everyone when I say you deserve an award for all the help you providing to us poor souls. Respect.
1)And what about the High school certificate? Get a new one and bring it along with the old one at the Interview?
2) the thing is: there is no option for state issued ID on the Ds-260 form, only “Passport (with ID number)” and “Other travel document” the latter which when selected does not ask for document number.
Thank you.
May 12, 2016 at 23:33
1. Having documentation in various names will start to create a suspicion in the COs mind. So – take genuine documents to the interview, but consider carefully whether a better approach is to present existing documents but explain any error previously made.
2. Choose Other travel document. You will update it later as you must have a passport for the process.
May 13, 2016 at 07:03
dear BritSimon
I’ve won the DV 2017. My case number is: 2016AF00034xxx, what is the date estimation for an interview?
May 13, 2016 at 12:26
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
May 14, 2016 at 03:32
Actually our wedding day was 16 may 2015 but Registration Date is later may 10 2016 can this issue will take problem for our interview andother problem or not ? We are winner of dv 2017. From asia CN 55×× please tell me . This number is save or not for Nepal.
May 14, 2016 at 06:08
No problem.
May 14, 2016 at 04:59
Hi there,
I’ll echo the sentiments above, fantastic website, unbelievable resource.
I’ve been fortunate to have been drawn in the 2017 lottery, and have completed my DS260.
Just have one enquiry, I’m from Australia, and where it asked to put in your name in your native alphabet I just wrote my name in english, though from what I can gather this is only meant for non-english names. I’m nitpicking I know, but just checking this will be no issue?
Cheers
May 14, 2016 at 06:00
No issue. It is to help with non latin character languages.
May 14, 2016 at 17:08
hello simon, i have been selected fof frurther processing in dvlottery 2017, Ihave a friend in the US but i can’t ask to stay with him, can i put his address in the application and staying in a hostel when i arrive the US?
May 14, 2016 at 20:48
Yes.
May 17, 2016 at 12:41
Dear BritSimon, I am in Mogadishu, Somalia and I am on my way of filling DS 260 form my post is in Nairobi Kenya , the enterence of Nairobi seems complicated recently so what about If I change my post to Ethiopia where I think I can go when I am completing my form? thanks
May 17, 2016 at 14:24
They will pick the embassy based on your home address. On your DS260 you can select the embassy you prefer – but they may not honor your choice.
May 18, 2016 at 17:41
Hello Brit.
Im from Venezuela, me wife passport says she was born in san francisco, and in the birth certificate says maracaibo, those are 2 different countys,(municipio in spanish) one next to the other, we live in san francisco but she was born In maracaibo, In the DS-260 in put Maracaibo of course.
Do you think is necessary ton cancel her passport and apply get another one?
That means that I’ll have to unlock her ds-260 and change that info.
The principal applicant Is her, I am the beneficiary.
Other thing is that my brother Is actually living in USA waiting for the asylum, but his interview Is on 2019.
I put his address, as the one I will live, also where they are going to send my green card.
The CO might asked for his status? that can be a problem for him or me?
May 18, 2016 at 18:14
No need to change her passport – as the beneficiary on your case it won’t be an issue.
No problem with the USA address
May 18, 2016 at 18:26
Hi Brit,
Thank you for all that you do and helping people who needs it.
I don’t have many question since you have done great job covering everything up.
About education, I have about 7 certifications, like photography, painting, sewing, real estate……. I have reached level 12th which is about American hight school. I failed hight school diploma, so I had to to use another alternatif ( university continuing education )which was studying from home. So, i got my hight school diploma and I am in college now.
1- Should I put all 7 certifications I mentioned?
2- Are they asking for a hight school diploma or just as long as you have 12 years of school is fine?
3- i had to redo my first year of hight school, should I mention that? Is it a problem?
Can I submit the ds260 form now?
Thank you again for all that you do,
May 18, 2016 at 22:16
You need to check the education requirements in your country on the local US embassy website. You must meet that requirement.
May 18, 2016 at 18:30
My passport its ok. the only problem its in her passport, and she is the principal applicant.
So? Its Ok? should I leave that like that?
May 18, 2016 at 20:30
Hi Simon,
I’m F-1 student and living here more than a year. I’m filling out the ds-260 form, I do not know my allien number. I’ve never gotten any number from homeland security. Do I need to get one and put in the form?
May 18, 2016 at 22:08
Look at the visa in your passport – there should be an ID number there.
May 19, 2016 at 05:38
I think, I dont have one. It supposed be 8-9 digit number that starts with A. On my visa Annotation and Control number exist.
May 19, 2016 at 12:44
Dear BritSimon,
I have some queries regarding marriage.
1) I got marriage before applying DV 2017 and applied DV from my side oct to nov 2015 with my spouse and I am selected too. Before applying ds260 form because of some problem in marital status we divorced. My question is consular might think I have done fake marriage or not even I will be providing divorce certificate during interview of my first marriage.
2) After lodging my ds260 being single, I am planning to marry a good guy to live my further life. This is going to happen before interview. Can I change my status in ds260 about new marriage? Changing in ds260 doesn’t delay my interview including my new spouse? This relation can get visa providing marriage certificate and other documents if second letter came on time.
Regards!
Ranju
May 19, 2016 at 13:17
1. Not a problem as long as you present the correct documents.
2. There will be more suspicion about that marriage since it happened so fast. But it is possible.
May 20, 2016 at 03:21
Dear Britsimon,
Thank you for answering some of the doubts very swiftly. I have again some of the questions concerned with document.
1) What are the documents require about past marriage while presenting in interview? Divorce certificate is enough or marriage certificate( court) is also needed while going in interview if marriage is conducted in court.
2) Visa officer think that court marriage is genuine in my case.
Ranju
May 20, 2016 at 05:43
1. Both documents (marriage and divorce)
2. I don’t know.
May 20, 2016 at 05:32
dear brit.. i won the dv-2017 lottery and i filled the present occupation section with the company currently i am working but now i am leaving the company. does it have a problem??
May 20, 2016 at 05:41
No
May 20, 2016 at 09:27
I forgot to enter an alias name for my spouse. i am the principal applicant ,i want to unlock it and enter it. will that cause trouble??
May 20, 2016 at 14:12
No
May 20, 2016 at 09:58
dear brit thanks for the respone but i have also a big doubt..my case number is 2017AF000355** from Ethiopia..do you think i will get interviewed and get a visa??thanks
May 20, 2016 at 14:09
You will get an interview.
May 20, 2016 at 11:55
is court marrige is genuine for usvisa or green card?
May 20, 2016 at 14:00
Yes
May 21, 2016 at 04:18
Dear BritSimon, I have filled part of my DS 260 form , My name is Ahmed Abdi Hassan when filling my form I have written my surname as Hassan and Given name as Ahmed Abdi then the confirmation says your given name Hasan Ahmed Hassan what does that mean ? thanks
May 21, 2016 at 14:31
You might have mixed your name order up on the original entry.
May 22, 2016 at 04:31
Dear BritSimon if I have mixed my name order then what should I do since I have submitted my form, what is your advise
thanks
May 22, 2016 at 13:51
As long as it was corrected in the DS260 you should be OK
May 22, 2016 at 06:27
Hello Brit, I am the DV-2017 winner from Iran (Asia) and my Case Number is 2017AS00005XXX. When do you think I will get chance for 2NL and then Interview.
May 22, 2016 at 13:48
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
May 22, 2016 at 06:43
Dear BritSimon, I have completted ds 260 form me the principle applicant and the accompany, I signed and the form says that all is complete so will the form be open as it is or will it be clossed ? on the other hand as I have already questioned you My first name is Ahmed middle name is Abdi and the last name is Hassan , and I have filled the form surname as Hassan and given name as Ahmed Abdi then the confirmation says Hassan Ahmed Hassan so will that cause problem ? if so what should I do now thanks alot
May 22, 2016 at 13:45
Showing “complete” means it is submitted (locked). That’s fine. Now you just wait.
The name issue should be OK.
May 22, 2016 at 07:15
Dear BritSimon, I have completted Ds 260 so when do i send other supporting documents, will I send not to kcc or bring them to the interview
thanks
May 22, 2016 at 13:42
You take everything to the interview.
May 22, 2016 at 13:59
Thanks a lot Mr BritSimon
May 23, 2016 at 15:25
Hi Brit,
Thanks for the valuable information, unfortunately I have seen your blog after I submitted my DS260 application for 2017, I have couple of questions.
1. Education system in my country is 13 years in the school then after university, We have GCE O/L and GCE A/L exam at that 13 year period (GCE A/L is the university entrance exam), in my application I have mentioned only my University Degree and my Masters Degree. My question is do I need to enter my school education on it as well? If so please advise me the process.
2. My case number is 2017AS000004XX, When will I get the visa interview as you think?
Many Thanks
Isu
May 23, 2016 at 17:40
1. Yes school education should be listed. Unlock and correct the form.
2. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
May 23, 2016 at 18:44
Hi Brit
Thanks for the quick response, One more question, may I please know the unblocking procedure of the submitted form? Do I need to email KCC with the details to unblock?
Thanks
Isu
May 23, 2016 at 19:24
That is in the FAQ. You have to learn to use the FAQ and search features.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
May 24, 2016 at 00:50
Hi Brit;
I am living in the US. My wife is selected in DV-2017, and she is living in Afghanistan now. To go further with the process of filling DS-260 I have some question. Please help me!
1- As I am living in US with J-1 visa, should I also submit DS-260 alongside my wife?
2- Am I eligible for status adjustment?
Thank you
May 24, 2016 at 04:10
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/#comment-37624
May 24, 2016 at 09:51
Dear Mr. Simons,
I am a selected 2017 dv lottery from Egypt, i will answer the question about vaccination : NO and as explanation : ( at the moment i do not have the vaccination documentation but i will have them available at the interview after doing my medical examination). is that fine?
May 24, 2016 at 14:25
Yes
May 24, 2016 at 10:05
Hi Simon, quick question.. My husband has lost his passport (does have a copy of the main page) and needs a new passport but the old one is on the DS 260 form. Do we ask to unlock it or just bring it along with the copy when we get our interview date? Thanks
May 24, 2016 at 14:24
Bring both to the interview.
May 24, 2016 at 10:24
Jude.
Hi Brit Simon, My wife entered the lottery as married (two of us) 🙂 . she’s been selected with CN 2017AF43XX. First, which month do you think we can be scheduled for an interview. Second, how do I fill my DS 260 after completing my wife’s. And finally what are the possible interview questions and preparations thereof. Big thanks 🙂
May 24, 2016 at 14:21
Please help me by taking some time to read the articles I already wrote. There are many of them – below are a couple.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
https://britsimonsays.com/prepare-dv-lottery-interview-2/
May 24, 2016 at 10:35
HI! I have a few questions:
1. What if I still don’t know in which State i’ll be travelling and I don’t know anyone there? Which adress should I fiil in for mailing the Green Card ?
2. Is it hard to get a visa if I don’t have an affidavit od support?
3.What if my children do not have passports yet, which informations should I fill in?
Thank You in advance
May 24, 2016 at 14:19
1. You have to have an address in the USA of a friend or someone you can trust.
2. That depends on your case, the embassy and so on.
3. Fill your passport number on their cases for now then later (once you have their passports) you can correct the DS260
May 24, 2016 at 20:07
My case number is 2017AF15XXX. when will my interview be scheduled.
Also I understand the interview date will be communicated via email; kindly confirm if that is correct.
May 24, 2016 at 20:23
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-does-the-2nl-look-like/
Please make sure you search my site for info…
May 25, 2016 at 07:43
Thank you for the information. I do have Immigration Law Violations 1 and 2 parts, and on both part I have more questions than you showed above on my form. Would it mean there is a problem with my case?? Thank you in advance.
May 25, 2016 at 14:18
Without knowing more I could not say.
May 26, 2016 at 07:16
Which information do need to know more so I can provide?
May 26, 2016 at 08:11
Dear BritSimon My case number is 2017AF00025*** I am from Somalia what is my chance? when will I be interviewed? I have seen the graph but still didnt understand. is there any afraid that I will not be interviewed ? thanks
May 26, 2016 at 13:52
You will be interviewed – some time in 2017. Read the basic questions article to understand when, or just wait…
May 26, 2016 at 08:31
Before fill ds260 need the passport?
May 26, 2016 at 13:49
No, but you will need one for the interview. You can complete the DS260 now, and update it once you have the passport.
May 27, 2016 at 05:19
Hi Simon thank you for the great forum. I have an issue regarding the city of birth section. I’ve written the place of birth that stated in my passaport. I tried to save it, the error is showed up ”city of birth is invalid”. Basically, the place I was borned is district of city that is stated in my I.D and passaport. How do I fix this problem thanks.
Case no: 2017EU00017XXX
May 27, 2016 at 06:05
I don’t know why that error is happening. Make sure there are no special characters in the name.
May 27, 2016 at 19:57
my full name wife is contain of 5 names in passport so which names i have to fill it in the sure names is this the last tow names??? and the first three names shall i fill them in the field of gaven names???
May 27, 2016 at 20:49
surname = family name = lastname
May 28, 2016 at 09:35
Hi Brit,
Would there be a request to conduct DNA test if one claims that a child or children is his/her.
May 28, 2016 at 13:50
Yes they have been known to do that.
May 29, 2016 at 01:43
Hey Brit, I have couple questions:
1. How should I answer about travel information, I have been living in the U.S more than a year. In this long period, I crossed the border to Mexico for a short time. Each time I was backed to the U.S on the same day. Should I add this trips as a arrival to the U.S in my travel history?
2. In the I-94 travel history missing arrival, it shows that I departured Jan 17 last year. Actually I was backed to U.S on the same day again. I went to Cbp office they said they can’t fix it. How I’m gonna deal with this? Do I need to add this arrival date, even though it s not exist in my travel history of I-94 document?
May 29, 2016 at 01:52
1. Yes
2. Yes
May 29, 2016 at 03:17
thanks you are awsome! I will add them to my travel history right?
May 29, 2016 at 13:23
Does Kentucky CC check the E-DV entrant form and Ds-260 form to see if they match and if there are any mismatch, do they inform people before the interview? I don’t know why they don’t let people access the info (just the info) on their E-DV forms if they are going to use it along with the DS-260 at the interview.
Accidentally picking the wrong option, typos on names, or picking the wrong birthday month/dates or marital status because of definitions issues or even glitchy computers. Imagine submitting that info on the E-DV form then unknowingly submitting your Ds-260 forms with an info free of the errors you made in the E-DV form, then going to the interview.
May 29, 2016 at 15:43
It is not their job to look for errors – so errors will only be apparent at the interview. The eDV is a simple form and if people answer it honestly there should be no problem with getting matching results later. Obviously anyone who was concerned was free to print their eDV during the entry period.
May 29, 2016 at 22:15
There is no room for oversights? It is just that in some countries it is near impossible to have access to a stable internet connection and the only way is to send your info to a friend or relative living abroad who will help you apply. Honest mistakes happen Brit. But i was wondering did anyone actually ask KCC and they said no?
May 29, 2016 at 23:11
No, there is no room for oversights – some people get rejected for honest mistakes. And yes people have asked to see their eDV and been told no.
May 30, 2016 at 01:03
Well I guess the concept of lottery isn’t lost at all when it comes to the DV.
Thanks my friend.
May 29, 2016 at 16:12
Dear Simon! I have a question… I filled my ds260 form and my wife did so. But what about our children? There are questions like telephone numbers, e-mail adress, education and etc. that must be filled but my children are 5 and 8 months old 🙂 What to fill in for them so i can sign and submit their aplications?
Thanks a lot for your help.
Best regards
May 29, 2016 at 16:34
Do I need to sign and submit my filled ds260 form and then start filling my wife’s and my childrens’ forms or we need to fill all forms and them submit? I don’t want to make a mistake, sorry for asking this.
May 29, 2016 at 19:19
If you want them to get Green Cards they each need a DS260. You complete the forms and submit on their behalf.
May 29, 2016 at 19:30
Ok, thank you, but I’m aware of that.My question was: 1. What are the steps because i don’t know what will happen if after filling my form i press “sign and submit” on my form first. Would I be able to submit theirs after that or I’ll have to contact Kentucky to unlock it? Or after submitting mine I will be able to submit theirs also…it won’t be locked or something?
2. My children are little, they do not have an education …what should i write there?
Sorry for bothering you, but i need to know that before i make a mistake.
May 29, 2016 at 20:51
You’ll have to just use some of your own best judgment. Many others have done this successfully – so don’t overthink it.
May 29, 2016 at 20:58
??? Is that your answer to question number 2? What should I fill for education for my 8 month old son and a 5 year old daughter ?
May 29, 2016 at 21:03
Nothing. It’s common sense. You are simply overthinking.
May 29, 2016 at 21:10
Yes I am overthinking, you are wright. But I don’t know what to do when it won’t let me continue with filling their forms because I left that empty and it keeps returning me back on that question saying I have to answer it 😀
Thank you Simon for your effort to help us all.
May 29, 2016 at 21:40
Done! I was wrong, thank you.
June 1, 2016 at 09:32
Dear/ BritSimon
first of all i would like to thank you for this great effort,
i was selected for 2017 lottery but i have one question here, my full name on my passport is khaled mohamed sabry medhat elsayed (this is the Egyptian way:D)
my name: khaled
father name: mohamed sabry (compound name)
grand father name: medhat
last name: elsayed
my question is, while i was filling my 2017DV lottery i put my family name as elsayed but on the DS-260 form they are asking for the surname not the family name so should i put medhat which is my grandfather’s name on the passport of elsayed which is my last name on my passport and family name on DV-lottery form.
regards.
June 1, 2016 at 13:05
DS260 should match your passport/birth cert. Other than that – use your best judgment.
June 2, 2016 at 12:44
Hi britsimon
Im damae yajjou from morocco.i have been selected for the dv lottery 2016. I filled out my ds216 form late on may 2016. Is that late will cause problem for the interview date. If not when could be my interview date?
Please
June 2, 2016 at 13:55
IT was late, yes, but it should be in time. The interview date will be arranged for August or more likely, September.
June 2, 2016 at 19:10
Thank you Britsimon.
I have one more question. We should fill out another form than ds 260? Because I saw on the website nvc.state.gov that we should do 6 steps before having the appointment for the interview and paying the fee for visa.
June 2, 2016 at 19:54
You have confused yourself by looking at instructions that don’t apply to DV cases.
June 2, 2016 at 19:09
Dear Mr. Simon,
thank you for your reply. I would like to ask one more question. I’m filling up the section about previous occupation. If I am self employed but only work for one company (not as an actual employee though), do I put the company initials or what do I put?
Thank you very much for your answer.
June 4, 2016 at 13:53
IS THERE A FEE AM TO PAY BEFORE THE INTERVIEW?
June 4, 2016 at 15:00
No, you pay at the interview.
June 6, 2016 at 20:57
Hi Simon, I got selected with CN 2017EU00019XXX. When is the latest I can submit my DS260 without delaying the interview? I shall move to a new address in a few weeks… Thx
June 6, 2016 at 21:13
I can’t be precise. However, if your interview gets delayed – so what?
June 6, 2016 at 21:26
I don’t know… a document is missing, something unexpected puts you in AP… Wouldn’t it be better to have the interview a few “buffer” months before the hard September deadline approaches?
June 6, 2016 at 21:28
Sure – but that is a LONG time from now!
June 6, 2016 at 21:50
Yes, true. But my mind is already in the US…or at least in US consulate! I will wait a couple of months and hopefully it won’t cause any big delay.
June 6, 2016 at 23:55
Well don’t forget that DS260s take a few months to process. This isn’t a race…
June 7, 2016 at 05:00
Dear BritSimon, During an interview the fee is required and I am with my wife and 3 children under 10 years of age , will they require similar fee as both my wife and me ? on the other hand during the interview will my children stay with me at the interview . thanks
June 7, 2016 at 05:57
Yes you will pay a fee for each person.
June 7, 2016 at 10:11
Hi BritSimon,
i have a question. i lived in usa for 3 months 6 years ago, and my husband lived in usa for a year 8 years ago for english course. also we traveled to usa sevaral times and when we wrote down enteries to usa there was no blank space to write these times. and for the adresses part we thought that they just want to know our permanent adresses in our native contury. so my question is we already signed up and our ds260 form is locked, Is it possible to mention it in interview or is it better to email KCC before interview? what is your suggestion? thanks for your help.
June 7, 2016 at 14:11
Unlock and correct your form.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/