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.
July 22, 2016 at 14:02
Hi Simon,
I am Rohit here. I have a question regarding ds 260 form. Like I fill that form on may 9th actually at that time I was working some where but now I left that job, i have mention that job in the present work in the form but I have high school certificate so do I actually need to worry about that job mentioned or can I tell interviewer that I left that job can you please make a correction. Thank you
July 22, 2016 at 14:32
No need to correct for now.
July 22, 2016 at 14:34
So do I need to tell during the interview. Thanks
July 22, 2016 at 14:48
In the interview you answer questions. Just relax!
July 22, 2016 at 14:54
Hi Simon
I have a problem of filling my Ds260because of name in my passport it
Name:malamu
Post Name :ntumba
Given name:Becky
in the end it(malamu^^^becky^^ntumba^)
How should I fill it in the Ds260 form: where is surname
And given name?
Please.
July 22, 2016 at 14:57
Malamu is your lastname/surname.
Becky is probably how friends address you – your given name or firstname.
ntumba seems like a middle name, but it probably also a given name.
July 22, 2016 at 15:08
Yes my freind a dress mi as Becky.
Should I write
Surname:Malamu
Givename :becky_ntumba
Or
Surname:malamu
Givename:ntumba becky.
Sorry for that.
July 22, 2016 at 22:11
Surname:Malamu
Givename :becky_ntumba
July 23, 2016 at 07:30
Dear BritSimon I have emailed the KCC to unlock my form and received outo reply message so does that mean they will unlock my form?
July 24, 2016 at 07:41
Thanks a lot onother question is If kcc unlock my form will they tell me by email that they unlocked the form or will I always log in my form to check if it is unlocked thanks again
July 24, 2016 at 15:40
Email.
July 26, 2016 at 06:21
Thanks BritSimon , I have received unlocked email from KCC and i have done the necessary changes, thanks for you help
July 26, 2016 at 00:30
Hi Simon.
Part 1:
From what I understood that only the selected individual is given a case number, but I am married.
Under the section “Family information: Children” of your post, you explained that I should fill the DS-260 for each member of my family. how can I fill the DS-260 for my 2 kids and my wife? without them having case numbers?
Isn’t every Case number winner has access to his/her form ? or when I select the “YES” on having kids the form expands more then I can fill up their details ? and what kind of details they’ll need ? same as my DS-260 ?
—-
Part 2:
One of my kids will turn 21 years old next April 2017, what is her condition ? should I submit the DS-260 now?
—
your input is highly appreciated 🙂
Best regards
July 26, 2016 at 00:41
Part 1. Each person has their own DS260 – the spouse and child get your case number.
Part 2. Yes. https://britsimonsays.com/child-turn-21-can-heshe-get-visa/
July 26, 2016 at 09:29
eDV OF BIRTH FEBRARY 25 1984 AFTER I WIN DV LOTTERY 2017 THEN GO TO MY EMIGRATION ORGANIZATION TO GAIN PASSPORT AFTER 3 MONTHS.MY PROBLEM eDV DATE OF BIRTH AND PASSPORT DATE OF BIRTH IS DIFFERENT BY 1 DAY..THIS IMPACT OF GREEN CARD
July 26, 2016 at 11:33
It might affect the DV process, it might not. But if it is a mistake – you should have it corrected.
August 30, 2016 at 21:29
Pls I have win Dvlottery2017 but unfortunately due to typing error my school certificate date of birth varys slightly from my birth and passport date of birth…. Pls will there be any effect
August 31, 2016 at 00:15
Maybe – I cannot say for certain. Some embassies (Accra being the most obvious example) is very suspicious of this sort of error, other embassies less so. Really – only the CO can say for sure.
July 27, 2016 at 04:29
Hi Simon
i have completed filling ds260 form but i haven’t mention my password in that form. i have selected “other type of travel document” in password section. can i show my password in interview insted of unlocking form. does passport matter. can show that i interview as a travel document.
July 27, 2016 at 14:43
If you are not yet scheduled it is much better to unlock and add the passport number.
August 13, 2016 at 03:15
does updating passport information cause any delay after updating ds260 form.
August 13, 2016 at 05:14
https://britsimonsays.com/does-unlocking-cause-delays/
July 27, 2016 at 16:58
Hi
I have a question.
I am a DV2017 winner….and I have a little concern about my passport. First of all on my passport I have one name and on my birth paper I have another name. But I have a change of name certificate because I got married…and so I changed my surname using the name on the birth certificate.
When I fill my forms I used my name on birth certificate and not the passport…..hoping to change the passport……but my passport will expire and so I need to change it before I travel to the US.
My question is…..should I change the passport after the ibterview or before the interview…..and if I renew the passport do I need to contact kcc to open my file so I can chamge to the new passpory number and expire date?
I hope you understand….I need help.
July 27, 2016 at 17:52
yes you should update your DS260 with changes such as a new passport number.
August 8, 2016 at 00:21
Hi Brit
I am planning on changing my paddport next month however because I have a low number I believe that I may be called for my interview beforeni change the passport.
My questions is……if I get interview date before I change passport can I jist bring the old and the new?
Currently I live outside my birth country and mist travel there to renew passport.
August 8, 2016 at 14:32
Yes you could bring old and new.
July 31, 2016 at 18:06
i would like your advice…………….. i dont have passport and i want to complete my DS-260 so what i should do
July 31, 2016 at 19:27
You can complete it using another government ID. BUT you should apply for a passport and when you get it you can update your DS260.
July 31, 2016 at 21:52
Hi Simon thanks for the information I would like to ask if I can include the one month stay in Dubai for visa processing in the form
August 1, 2016 at 00:54
If you want.
August 2, 2016 at 07:23
Hello BritSimon,
I have a question regarding my city of birth:
It’s one of those cities having an english version of it’s name – which is of course spelled differently on my birth certificate (like Köln –> Cologne).
I used the english variant on my lottery entry but now I’m not so sure anymore if that’s correct.
What’s your advise?
August 2, 2016 at 13:03
My advise – RELAX. It is obvious what is meant.
August 7, 2016 at 14:47
I submitted my application with a mistake! I only listed my university degree (BSc, zoology), and i forgot my secondary school details. I am also unemployed. is that gonna be a problem? is there a way to fix it?
August 7, 2016 at 14:56
Yes, you email KCC to unlock your form. Search my site (using magnifying glass search above) for unlock.
August 7, 2016 at 14:52
Also, my children are american but I listed them on my eDV form. I was told i don’t need to submit ds260 forms for them and I just simply should mention that they are not immigrating with me. however, their names are still listed on my case with the label (accompany, incomplete) and the case page says in order for my case to be processed, all names on the case should submit their forms first. how to fix this?
August 7, 2016 at 14:55
You don’st need to submit a DS260 for them, but the children should be listed on your DS260. Leave their DS260 “incomplete”.
August 8, 2016 at 01:36
I am Afarahim, I’m a selectee with my wife. I had a little problem. both my wife and my self have a common problem. we allowed someone to fill DV lottery forms on the net for us and the person interchanged the arrangement of our names. Our surnames where used as given names whilst the given names as surnames.
secondly, the month in my date of birth has also been changed. for instance, instead of April in has been changed to May.
please, we need your advice on what to do.
August 8, 2016 at 14:32
These are not little problems, they could cause denial.
If you want to proceed (accepting the risk), make sure the details are correct on the DS260.
August 8, 2016 at 15:57
What does it mean?
Do you have documentation to establish that you have received vaccination in accordance with you is low?
August 8, 2016 at 16:10
Answer “No”
August 8, 2016 at 16:00
Sorry, this is the correct spelling for law.
August 10, 2016 at 17:42
Hi there,
I have a question…I have been refused for (green card) visa at interview .Does this affect me if I apply now for tourist visa? My appointment interview has been 8 months ago.The problem was with my eDV AND DS260
August 10, 2016 at 18:13
If they think you lied for some reason, there may be an impact, but other than that, no.
August 13, 2016 at 15:17
hi there i have a problem. i am a winner of DV2017 . What is the last day to fill the ds260 form.
August 13, 2016 at 15:58
There is no specific date, but May of 2017 is about the latest to be safe.
August 15, 2016 at 16:55
I submitted the ds260 application last month when they should finish the processing.
August 16, 2016 at 03:47
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 16, 2016 at 02:10
Out of curiosity why do previous spouses have to be listed? What does an ex-wife or ex-husband have anything to do with a visa?
August 16, 2016 at 03:32
Your wedding could be a matter of public record. So – they need an explanation why the spouse is not listed – hence the need to document the divorce.
August 16, 2016 at 09:08
Hi Simon, I hope you’ll be able to answer my question. I’ve filled the ds260 months ago but just now realised that we have swapped the surname and given name round on the form of my partner. I guess we need to ask for it to be unlocked? Our case number indicates that we would be up for an interview in October.. this will most likely delay it I assume. Thanks in advance
August 16, 2016 at 12:12
Yes you should unlock and correct it ASAP. They may not unlock it if they have already scheduled you. Be CLEAR that you want the form unlocked for your spouse, but give all the details for the primary selectee.
August 16, 2016 at 12:25
Thank you Simon, much appreciated. I’ve just spoken to them and interviews have not been scheduled yet and they assured me I can unlock and make those changes. I’ve send the email with the request. One more question I am self employed which I have stated on the form. I do many short term jobs for companies for which I invoice or work through an agency. Should all those jobs be stated on the form or is self employed sufficient plus long term employment contracts. Thank you
August 16, 2016 at 16:23
They don’t need the fine detail – “self employed” is fine UNLESS you seek to qualify on work experience grounds rather than education.
August 18, 2016 at 18:50
How long did you have to wait until the KCC answered your question?
August 18, 2016 at 19:38
The time varies depending on their workload.
August 18, 2016 at 19:51
I received an email the same day. Unfortunately our interview had already been scheduled so it could no longer be unlocked. My details and my spouses on my from are all correct, so hopefully that will help. They told me to get in touch with the Embassy where I am having my interview.
August 18, 2016 at 18:46
I have sent an email to KCC to ask them to unlock my ds260 this evening. When do you think they will open it for me? The point is that they may start scheduling interviews before I edit the ds260.
August 18, 2016 at 19:38
I don’t know.
August 18, 2016 at 20:04
Hello brit sir,
I have mistaken address on the main dv form. It was bcoz we dont have divisions as in US but we have like zones, district and muncipalities. So I got confused.
I am bit worried so i want explain the case and I am from Nepal.
In my main form its like
birth city: Bheemdatt(municipality)
district/state/province: kanchanpur( we call it district here but its subdivision of STATE(here zone) so problem arised)
I have corrected it in ds 260 and it is like
birth city: kanchanpur
state/Province: Mahakali(zone)
address:Bheemdatt
Sorry for long post but It would be so much kind of you If you could express your view and sir how riky can it be?. Thanks
August 18, 2016 at 20:37
It’s not a big risk.
August 20, 2016 at 19:48
Hi Simon,
I am FY2017 AS83XX and glad to understand from you that most likely it will be current this year.
I have few questions:
1. I assume a USA MBA will comply with education and no need to bring also huh school papers…
2. If i got it correctly only the principal applicant (that is me) has to comply with education or work experience (i have both) and my wife and kids (under 18) do not need to proof the above in the interview (although as i recall when filling the DS260 my wife was asked to fill it).
3. When my wife filled her part of the DS260 she had a little mistake – she wrote that she never asked or got a Visa while she has a valid B1/B2 visa. Should we try to fix it before invitation to the interview or leave it for KCC to find and fix or to the interview (Jerusalem) itself ?
4. Assuming i am asking KCC to unlock the DS260 in order to fix the little mistake, would that worsten my place in the quoue for the interview ? asking amongst others since we have sent the DS260 about 48 hours post the official numbers released back in early May.
5. Will my kids under 14 need to pass X-Ray as part of the medical exam ? One of my boys is 5 years old… not sure how technically he will accept it…
Thanks in advance,
Giraffe
August 20, 2016 at 21:04
1. Your assumption is incorrect – take all education papers (including secondary schooling) to the interview. It should also be detailed on the DS260.
2. Correct
3. Unlock and correct the DS260
4. No impact, your timing will be based on your case number which means you will not be interviewed before summer 2017.
5. Yes.
August 21, 2016 at 07:09
Thanks Simon,
Much appreciate your crisp answers.
Re the timing i understand that the first order of timing is the case number, however i thought i have seen you writing that there is a reason to fill the DS260 quickly. My understanding although i must admit it was not written anywhere was that the second order of timing (actual time of interview within the month after your number arrived) is based on the time you have filled the DS260. I guess i was wrong.
Thanks also for confirming my nin written estimation for summer 2017. Any more detailed guess from you (i know it is only a guess and i should not base any decision on thay) but i wouod assume May-June based on passed years and your indication of the lower amount of numbers issued at year.
Thanks.
Girrafe
August 21, 2016 at 15:16
A late DS260 submission can slow down a case (with a low case number), but an early DS260 submission cannot speed up a case (with a high case number). To be scheduled the DS260 must be submitted, processed and the case number current.
No more detailed guess from me – we will have to wait and see. But yes – the last two years give a good clue.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 21, 2016 at 23:38
Regarding point five . . . I can’t find any mention on official resources of being able to change address the day I arrive in the US. I need to be sure (my situation doesn’t allow me to know where I will reside until July or August 2017); could you point me to some place where it’s said so for sure?
August 22, 2016 at 00:02
No I can’t point you to some place where it is said for sure. But it is for sure. I base that on several years experience of advising people to do that and it working for them EVERY TIME!
August 22, 2016 at 16:09
I REALLY hope you’re right . . . I’ve sent an email to the KCC asking about the chances available to change that address, and they only mentioned asking to reopen form DS260, or changing at the interview. No mention of changing it upon arrival in the US in their email.
Regardless, thank you.
August 22, 2016 at 18:42
Of course I’m right!
August 22, 2016 at 08:18
Dear BritSimon, I don’t understand the Statement Below:-
Special notice to Somalia applicants.
Somalia winners educational or work experiences can’t be verified by the U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa. Without such verification, it may not be possible to process such cases to completion.
Educational requirements are determined by the U.S. immigration law, and are not determined by the Embassy in Addis Ababa. ( http://www.dvlotteryhelp.com/DV-Lottery-for-Somalia.php)
Does this Mean that Somali Documents will not be accepted?
thanks
August 22, 2016 at 14:19
In some cases, yes.
August 23, 2016 at 05:33
in some cases, please explain . thanks
August 23, 2016 at 05:41
Some cases will not be approved. Some will. It is a case by case assessment.
August 23, 2016 at 09:24
This really stresses me , I have my secondary and bachelor in somalia and Mr Degree from Malaysia, people say the the embasies will not accept somali documents, if I am called at interveiew I am lossin money and even job , I am not alone I am with three children and wife , If you may just give me an example of the casses that will not be approved it will be helpful to me . Dear BritSimon you are the only person i get his ideas and thanks for you are supporting any one .please consult me thanks
August 23, 2016 at 13:42
I cannot be certain what they will or won’t accept. The situation for Somalis is clearly unusual. However the fact that you have a degree from a country that CAN be verified is very helpful. So – if I were in your shoes, I would take the risk. However, it is your decision.
August 24, 2016 at 06:05
Dear BritSimon, Really your encouragement is very helpful to me and I am thanking you for you have encouraged me I will never forget you
August 24, 2016 at 15:18
Thank you!
August 31, 2016 at 10:26
Pls how long will it take for you to receive your interview date after submitting your forms
August 31, 2016 at 15:06
It depends. Read this:
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
September 9, 2016 at 00:24
Hi Britsimon:
I have some question when fill ds260 for my parents.
1/ is your spouse immigration get to the U.S with you?
2/ is your spouse immigration get it the U.S at a late date to join you?
I sponsor my parents that 2 case number so above question I should put NO or YES?
Thank you very much.
September 9, 2016 at 02:38
Your question is a bit hard to understand. Basically that question is asking whether the spouse will go with the principal selectee or not.
September 9, 2016 at 12:33
Hi Simon,
Thanks for clarifying all the steps with clear details. you has really helped us, i appreciate your help. I just have a few questions if you don’t mind. I have completed the DS-260, and sent it to The Kentucky Consular Center, They confirmed my submission. I just need to know when will they send my interview date because it has been 2 months now since my submission, and will they send it by email ? should i start preparing my documents or after receiving my interview date ?
I’m sorry about my bad English. And thanks again for your help.
September 9, 2016 at 15:33
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
September 9, 2016 at 17:36
Hello there.
I found about your website couple days ago and you helped me tremendously already.
I filled out my ds260 last night. I am quite late. Didn’t realize I won Dv lottery until couple days ago. LOL In the last part of Ds260 the esignature section asked for kcc number.
My question is; is it my case number 2017EU00026XXX? I don’t want to make a mistake and disqualify because of that.
After finishing the form, I realized I have an Alien Number because I spent 5 years in the US for higher education. So, I emailed KCC asking to unlock my form. I included my case number, full name and my birthday. The next day they emailed me saying my case number is not a DV Lottery case number. Which is not the truth I checked the website, I won DV-2017 and I filled out the DS260. Then I called KCC and they were able to locate my case in the system and told me I have to email them to unlock my Ds260 and they cannot process my request over the phone. Hope this time they can find my case.
September 9, 2016 at 21:51
Yes, 2017EU00026XXX is your full case number
KCC are sometimes picky if you miss a leading zero (e.g. 2017EU0026XXX)
September 10, 2016 at 21:10
Hello BritSimon and thanks for all you do.
I’m a 2017 Dviste. My case number is 2017AF00034***. I married my wife in march 2016 and I want to travel with her. I’ve submitted my ds form the august 18th, 2016 and now I must submit for my wife. I’ve 2 problems.
1. My wife’s passport can takes 2 months again to be ready because of some few problems. So I want to know:
– Firstly, Since I’m the principle Applicant and have already send my DS260, I would like to know if the delay in the sending of my wife’s DS260 will delay my procedure.
– Secondly, Does the KCC is going to wait until obtain our two Ds260 before start to process our documents?
– Should I feel my wife’s form and choose OTHER DOCUMENTS. Then, come later to unlock his form and add his passport number?
–
2. does my mariage can be a problem? since we get married between the date I have played the DV and the date of the results.
September 10, 2016 at 21:45
1. No delay, no problem. Just choose other documents. Your case must wait months anyway because of your case number.
2. No problem.
September 10, 2016 at 22:23
Thanks a lot BritSimon
Since I’m supposed to be call around April or May, In according with your advice, I’m going to feel and send my wife’s DS260 form now and choose Other Documents. When she will obtain his passport In November 2016, I will unlock and update his DS260.
September 10, 2016 at 22:24
Correct
September 12, 2016 at 13:38
Hi Simon, I entered the 2017 Dv lottery and was selected in the second draw. 2017OC000014XX Im thinking chances are low but fingers crossed.
I forget if I had to enter a City of birth in the DV entry but I believe if I did it would be entered as Perth (Capital city of Western Australia, Australia) However as I am now trying to fill out the DS260 and need to enter the place of birth details I am confused as my birth certificate and passport list my place of birth as Viveash, which is a suburb (where I was born) within the City of Perth. I would always refer to myself as being born in the city of Perth though..
Any experience on this? Going forward I am thinking to now base my application on my passport and birth certificate rather than what I may have entered in the initial entry form. I have searched on this but cannot find a suitable answer.
Appreciate your site, been very helpful thus far.
September 12, 2016 at 15:16
Perth is fine, Viveash would also be fine. Relax.
September 12, 2016 at 23:01
Thanks for your reply, still confused though as it asks for City of birth and the location on my birth certificate and passport is a suburb within that city.. Maybe it would not hurt to put Perth, Viveash in the form?
Everything online makes you lean towards getting the form 100% correct in fear of disqualification, so I am being thorough.
September 12, 2016 at 23:47
I already said – either answer is fine. Stop stressing over trivial details.
September 13, 2016 at 02:08
I’ve submitted the ds 260 but i didn’t get any reply on email that my case on process ! is that normal ? + is there any other steps after submitting it or i just have to wait till the visa bulletin publish my number and they will inform me ?
September 13, 2016 at 05:18
It depends on your DS260 submission date and your case number – neither of which you have told me…
September 13, 2016 at 07:00
Hi Simon
Am kind of stock!Your advice please as they are always potent;
1 Send to attend a perfection course(30 days) in Tokyo by my employer;but i already send my ds 260 on june 18th(CN 2017AF000616).
I can not ask for reschedule of interview now because my file is still at KCC.I think i can get a Nov interview?or can i ask KCC to unlock my case so that i could could possibly change the embassy to go for my interview?
This is dif to decide.please give me the best advice fitting
September 13, 2016 at 13:59
I can’t be sure if your interview will be November or December.
September 16, 2016 at 12:31
Brit;my problem is the ticket to n fro Tokyo for the interview expense is heavy.Just one last question before i sealed my decision;any hope AF2017;CN 615 forwarded form June 18th can get interview Nov?i know its a guess but yours are better than mind please.
September 16, 2016 at 14:11
I don’t know.
September 15, 2016 at 08:56
who should be my affidavit sponsor?
September 15, 2016 at 13:27
Someone who has reason to sponsor you. A family member is ideal, if not a friend. It should be someone in the USA.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
September 15, 2016 at 13:22
what kind of relationship is required to be affidavit of support for the beneficiary?
September 15, 2016 at 14:01
A family member is ideal, if not, then a friend.
September 15, 2016 at 14:23
Dear BritSimon
thank you for your advise in advance.
1. Do I my sponsor fill the affidavit of support form before I submit DS260 form?
2. Because I don’t now how much time it take to file affidavit of support.
3. which one is appropriate for DV ( I-134 or I-864?)
September 15, 2016 at 14:54
1. No. You only need it at the interview.
2. You don’t file it – you take it to the interview
3. I-134
September 16, 2016 at 10:52
Hello BritSimon.
you are being very much helpful. I’ve another question if you don’t mind.
on DS260 form there is “5. Mailing and Permanent Address Information”
1. is that my sponsors address?
2. what if I don’t have it now? since I am still looking to find sponsor.
thank you
September 16, 2016 at 14:04
1. Possibly – that is an option
2. You need to provide a real addresss. Later your GC will be sent there, so it needs to be somewhere you can receive the GC safely. You will be able to change the address at the interview and then again at the port of entry.
September 16, 2016 at 13:57
I am on DV 2017. My quiz is, Must i have an invoice ID number from NVC before i access ds260 form?
September 16, 2016 at 14:40
No. You need your case number.
September 18, 2016 at 19:51
I like USA geern and mywife my son’s
September 19, 2016 at 05:30
Hello Brit
I applied as single and a date is out for any interview but still waiting for the final letter .I was dating with someone and added her as a spouse on add applicant on the May 10 2016 but unfortunately she died(RIP) on 16 May 2016 and i submited my ds-260 form on May 26 2016.I did not fill any form for her and i did not include her name in my form either.
1. Will they include her in my case?
2. Will this pose any risk in my interview?
Thanks.
September 19, 2016 at 11:59
I already answered.
https://britsimonsays.com/marital-status-getting-married-dv-lottery-process/comment-page-4/#comment-47801
September 19, 2016 at 07:49
Dear BritSimon, Once again let me interrupt you with questions. I have taken my Master of Business Administration from Malaysia as Distance learning . and I heard that if I bring the certificate at the interview they will ask the police letter and I dont have police letter from Malaysia since I didnot go, I can bring the police letter here in Mogadishu but that document isnot recognized by the emabsies so what shoul I do to prepare for that? thanks again
September 19, 2016 at 11:51
Take proof the course was distance learning.
September 20, 2016 at 01:28
Hi,
Quick Question:
I filed my DS-260 for DV-2017 before the VISA Bulletin has reached my lottery number (I thought I had been selected for the DV-2016, whoops!) Do you think this will effect my case?
Do I need to contact the KCC to make them aware of this error, or will I simply get called for an interview once there is a VISA available for my lottery number?
Thanks for the info you have been providing so far!
SurfingMonkey
September 20, 2016 at 03:11
You were supposed to do that – so you did it right.
September 20, 2016 at 19:45
I already select “SSN” unwanted as a mistake, can I correct it ?
September 21, 2016 at 03:30
Yes, but it is just as easy to apply for the SSN upon arrival in the USA.
September 21, 2016 at 10:50
Hi sir
What is the last day to fill DS260 Form,?
As i want to delay my date till next may ,
My case no is low ,,
September 21, 2016 at 13:49
Submitting in May would be fine.
October 4, 2016 at 16:57
Please my question is I have fill the day-260 form however, I used other travel documents instead of my passport because I will be using other documents apart from the passport. That is marriage certificate etc. Please advise
October 4, 2016 at 20:37
That is fine for now, but you will need a passport before the interview.
September 22, 2016 at 01:48
Hi Simon,
I got married after I entered the lottery and changed my last name. I will be completing the DS form now with my new last name. However, my selectee letter is issued to my maiden name. Will that be a problem? I should use my current last name to fill out the form, correct?
September 22, 2016 at 02:58
Use the new legal name and make sure the DS260 shows your maiden name as a previous name used. Then, no problem.
September 22, 2016 at 15:24
Hi Sir
My wife is the winer , she is rhe main applicant .
After getting the visa , it is ok for the husband to enter america first ??
Thank you.
September 22, 2016 at 15:25
No. The principal selectee must enter first or with you.