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/
*********
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.
September 24, 2016 at 11:09
Am asylee I should i need to file ds 260
September 24, 2016 at 13:31
If you are a DV selectee…
September 24, 2016 at 17:21
Hi Sir,
I am the principal selectee. My case number is 2017…4xxx. I didn’t know that I could submit DS-260 earlier than October, so I did it a couple of days ago. Currently, my great son is 19. And he has a deferment from army until April, 2017. So, after April 1 he won’t be able to leave the country until September, 2017. In this case what can I do to be interviewed earlier?
Thanks in advance.
September 24, 2016 at 20:53
You cannot be interviewed until your DS260 is processed. Your delay in submitting the DS260 means that you will probably be interviewed around March or April. Your timing couldn’t have been worse really as you should have either submitted early and got interviewed early or delayed submission until much later to have a later interview. There is nothing you can do to be interviewed earlier, but you can cause a delay in your process….
Now, you will be have 6 months after the medical date to enter the USA, so maybe you can delayed your issuance this way.
Let’s say you are scheduled for a March interview. Arrive at the interview with your son. However, do not arrive with completed medicals. The embassy will give a a 221(g) denial (which is AP) pending the production of the medical report. Delay the medicals until April or May. Once the medicals are received by the embassy they will process your case and you will receive your visas after some delay (maybe a month or two). The visas will have an expiry date of the medical date PLUS 6 months. So – you will then have a small window of time to all enter the USA together. This is an unorthodox approach, but this plan has worked for other people.
September 24, 2016 at 22:39
hi, i have completed my ds 260, 2 months ago. But now i change the office where i work. So can i add this information in my ds 260 form,if yes how ?? and can this change decrease my chances to have the green card ?
September 24, 2016 at 23:25
No need to unlock for that.
September 26, 2016 at 20:31
Hi, I filled the form for my spouse and I noticed I did not enter her previous name before marriage. And also her uni. graduation dates are not correct. Should I unlock her form in order to change these?
Actually I have sent an e-mail to KCC for this but they have not responded.
Here is what I have sent:
——
Subject: Unlock request – Case Number: 2017EU00015xxx
Name: (my surname, my name here)
Date of Birth: (my birth date here)
Dear Sir/Madam,
Please unlock DS260 form that is for my spouse (her surname, her name here) as we would like to make some revisions.
Thank you.
——
September 26, 2016 at 20:38
Yes, unlock and correct.
September 30, 2016 at 16:02
Hello, I have three questions,
1. if I am completing the form for my sister-in-law, do I select third party agent at the beginning of the form.
2. Also, if she lived in a different country for a year outside of her native country, would I add this to the list of previous addresses.
3. Third question, if she has completed her Master’s would I list her Master’s school information, Bachelor, and her High school information?
Thank you!
September 30, 2016 at 16:50
Number them, like I have edited your post.
1. It doesn’t matter either way.
2. Yes
3. Yes – in fact all education from around age 11 or 12.
September 30, 2016 at 16:20
Hi Mr. Simon. İ am from Ethiopia. My case number is 2017AF000017xx I submitted ds260 on june 02/2016. But on july 27/2016 i have unlocked to change passport number since the previous one was lost. Still i have not received an e mail about interview schedule. Q1. When do you think i will receive an e mail concering interview? Q2. İs it possible to email kcc and ask wheather it is scheduled for interview or not? Thank you in advance.
September 30, 2016 at 16:51
1. In about 3 to 4 weeks time.
2. It’s possible, but pointless. Patience.
September 30, 2016 at 17:15
Thank you Mr. Simon for your immediate and clear response. Ok i will wait. Thank you again.
September 30, 2016 at 17:24
Hi Simon!
Let me first say: thank you!
I just discovered your website, the advice you’re giving is priceless, thank you so much for taking your time do help so many people, I can assure you this is very appreciated 🙂
I’ve got 2 quick questions regarding my case:
#Question 1:
– I was selected for further processing in the DV-2017 lottery
– I have not filled the DS-260 form yet
– I would like to move to the US in October 2017
> Would it then be sensible to fill the DS-260 form around let’s say November 2016? So that:
1. I get an interview date 5 months later (estimate: let’s say June 2017)
2. They give me a 6-months VISA, valid until end of November 2017
3. I move in the US in October 2017
Just after writing my question, I’ve actually read your post here https://britsimonsays.com/ds260-time-running-submit/ which seems to confirm what I have just said (assuming, as you have said, that there is no decrease in the speed), but I would just like your opinion 🙂
#Question 2:
Once I am in the US with my 6 months VISA, I have read on one of your other posts here https://britsimonsays.com/successful-interview-length-visa-validity-leaving-usa-arriving/ (and this is where I realized that your website is so helpful) that I could actually go back to my country for an other year, and potentially (in the scenario of my question 2) only definitely move to the US in October 2018, am I correct?
Let me know your thoughts, and thanks again for your precious time 🙂
Best regards
Anthony
September 30, 2016 at 17:26
Sorry I meant to say “(in the scenario of my question 1*)”
September 30, 2016 at 18:01
Q1. I would suggest you delay much longer than November (the time running out post is old). You haven’t included your case number, but I’ll assume it is low. You would want to delay the interview until June, remember the backlog will be significantly less in the later months, so a November submission (couple with a low case number) could get an interview as early as March/April. I would suggest you delay the submission until February, or even March. June interviews are scheduled in April, and if we assume the backlog is largely gone by then, DS260 processing will be down to around 1 month, 2 at most. There is NO risk in this plan. I advise people to submit the DS260 by end of May in general, but in reality, people have succeeded in getting interviews with July submissions, and even one case in August.
Q2, yes you are correct. Plenty of people take that 12 months after the first entry to tidy up loose ends. There is also a 2 year option, but it involves getting prior permission (form I-131) which would require you to be in the USA for a few weeks.
One last point, if you delay submission until late April or May (causing a July/August/September interview) you would still have no risk AND be able to defer your first entry until 2018. The point of that would be to avoid having to file tax reports for 2017.
October 14, 2016 at 19:22
Thanks Simon!
Q1. (About the timeline to fill the DS260 form)
– My case number is 2017EU00021XXX.
– Looking at the VB for November 2016 (https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin/2017/visa-bulletin-for-november-2016.html) and specifically at the category “C. THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANT CATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFS WHICH WILL APPLY IN DECEMBER”, Europe is at 14000
– So, as you said, there is NO risk in waiting, since I’m not even current and would have to wait until April 2017 (I’m guessing/estimating) so that my Case Number gets current (i.e. above 22000 for EU).
Q2. (about the “12 months” time to move from the day you get the Green Card)
– When I get to the US with my 6 months VISA delivered by the ambassy, I fly to the US (hopefully within the 6 months 🙂 ), and then go somewhere to “exchange” my VISA for a Green Card (I’m assuming a specific US Institution?) (apologies if you’ve explained this somewhere else).
– However, it takes some time (2 weeks) to get delivered (by post?), and I would need to provide the address of someone I know (which is ok).
– But how would you recommend people to cope with this, in case it takes longer for me to receive the Green Card? Could I go back to Europe, and ask my friend to send me the Green Card? I’m assuming this is not possible… But at the same, if I don’t receive the Green Card in 2 weeks for any reason (if the post fails), that means I would have to delay my flight, which could be quite expensive, or be away from work (if I’m still working) for longer…
Q3. (your last point about the tax report)
– Understood, you’re absolutely right. If I can avoid filling a tax report for 2017, I will 🙂
– Am I correct assuming the Tax Report “duty” starts from the day i am allocated my Green Card (and not the Visa)?
I just wanna states this again: I’ve read multiple website about the Green Card lottery. Yours is the BEST 🙂 thanks again for all your advice.
Anthony
October 15, 2016 at 05:12
Q1. I don’t see a question there.
Q2. You are processed at the arrival airport – they will endorse the visa in the passport. THe GC is sent by mail 3 to 4 months later. In the meantime you can use the endorsed visa for travel. Since the endorsement is good for 1 year you can have someone send you the GC.
Q3. The day you enter the USA.
October 16, 2016 at 14:26
Q1. Thanks, it was just for confirmation 🙂
Q2. In that case I guess I don’t need for someone to send me the GC, I can just use the endorsed VISA to come back within 12 months can’t I?
Q3. Ok, makes sense.
October 16, 2016 at 16:08
2. Yes
March 24, 2017 at 14:32
Hi Simon, just a quick follow-up on my previous questions, I’m going to submit my DS260 this weekend (as my case number is 2017EU00021XXX, it is going to be current in April).
I hope it won’t be too late, as I read about the process slowing down in your article here https://britsimonsays.com/update-ds260-processing/.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
March 24, 2017 at 17:21
Hi Simon, my DS260 is ready to go, but I’ve read some more comments on your site and I’m undecided now: if I don’t want to file a tax report in 2017, and if I “unfortunately” get an interview scheduled in June, I’ll have to get my visa endorsed by December and then file a tax report for 2017 isn’t it?
Should I consequently wait a bit more? I wouldn’t want to take any unnecessary risks…
Thanks again for your precious help.
March 24, 2017 at 18:24
Wait another couple of weeks before submission to be certain that the interview could not *possibly* be in June.
October 1, 2016 at 16:38
Hello, i would like to know if im not working anymore at this time but i filled in DS260 that i work somewhere (but after 2 months after filling this form they fired me from my job) is there a problem?
October 1, 2016 at 17:13
No.
October 1, 2016 at 19:57
So i dont have to unlock the DS260 form? Thank you for your response
October 1, 2016 at 23:31
Accurate DS260 is better.
October 2, 2016 at 00:49
Firstly – a great site! Thanks
Two questions:
1. I couldn’t find any advice regarding “Previous U.S. Travel” section of DS260. I ask because have traveled to the U.S. quite a few times (8+) over the last 20+ years and I’m really not able to accurately remember/determine exact years/months, let alone dates. Therefore, any suggestions as to how best to complete this section?
2. One of my earliest trips (over 20 yrs ago) was on a J-1 Visa and I recall being given a (“temporary”?) Social Security Number. So just wanted to confirm that I should reply Yes to the question “Have you ever applied for a Social Security Number”.
October 2, 2016 at 03:27
1. Best estimates on dates. You might also get details from the cbp site. Google cbp i94.
October 3, 2016 at 15:14
Thanks for super fast response and CBP I-94 tip. Unfortunately, appears CBP site only goes back five (5) years. It is the much older trips that I’m going to have a struggle with 🙂
October 3, 2016 at 16:04
OK – approximate dates then.
October 2, 2016 at 02:53
Hi brit…. I am the 2nd draw winner from nepal and I have completed my ds260 on september 9 and I was bit confused about if I have filled the education part of my form correctly .. I have mention my 2 school name and address correctly but about course of study, I have mentioned “Academic” course of study on both school.. and on degree or diploma, I have mentioned “School leaving certificate” and “higher Secondary education board certificate” which are degree certificate we receive here in nepal after completed of high school…. Are these information correct or do I need to make changes by unlocking DS260… Thank you
October 2, 2016 at 03:25
It sounds ok.
October 2, 2016 at 06:26
Thank you brit
October 4, 2016 at 10:58
Hi Sir
I currently do not have a passport, can I use my Lebanese ID? which does not have an expiration date as demanded in the screen shot above
thanks
October 4, 2016 at 12:47
Yes you can use that. Change it later for a passport.
October 5, 2016 at 00:09
Hi, Simon,
I have a similar question to Anthony above (https://britsimonsays.com/completing-the-ds260-for-dv-lottery-entrants/comment-page-13/#comment-48998) as timing is important for us and the process/conditions are not entirely clear to me. Our case number is 2017OC00000xxx (and in the lower quarter of that range).
My wife is not particularly keen to relocate to the US (we have lived there before) soon as we’ve got two 6-month old babies and two sets of grandparents within a 10 minute drive. So we would want to delay any permanent move as long as possible.
Question 1. Is being “selected for further processing” essentially a rubber stamp (as we easily meet all the requirements), or is it essentially just entering another lottery with better odds ?
Question 2. Should I do the DV-260 as quickly as possibly to ensure we are in with the best chance of final approval, or is there no worry in delaying completing it until sometime next year to be interviewed and approved as late as possible ? Your answer above suggests that delaying completion of the DV-260 has no bearing on whether or not a GC will be approved, but my understanding was that there were more cases “selected for further processing” than the total quota of GCs available – so surely getting a DV-260 submitted ASAP to get into the queue is desirable ?
Question 3. Is this sort of timeline (give or take a month) feasible:
1. Delay submitting DV-260 until late April or May 2017, to get an interview ca. August 2017.
2. 6-month visa issued after interview (hopefully). Enter US for the first time near the end of that 6-month period, say Feb 2018 (or do we need to enter the first time in 2017 ?).
3. Stay in the US for a couple of weeks, get GCs, submit I-131 to get a 2-year re-entry permit. Return to Australia.
4. Approx two years later (say, early January 2020) relocate to US permanently to take up GC.
Finally:
Question 4. Do you know what the possible consequences of going through far enough to get the GCs, but then not returning permanently to the US at the beginning of 2020 – ie: “abandoning” them ? Would this mean a future DV lottery win might see us denied at the interview stage ?
October 5, 2016 at 00:20
Q1. It’s almost a rubber stamp IF your number is current and you meet requirements.
Q2. Since you want to delay as long as possible you should delay DS260 submission. The visas don’t get exhausted until September if at all.
Q3.1 Correct
Q3.2 Correct – 2018 entry is OK (as long as it is within the visa validity which is medical date + six months)
Q3.3 You would have to stay 5 or 6 weeks to start the I-131 process. Approval of the I-131 is not always a given.
Q3.4 Yup.
Q4. Well being an LPR has obligations (such as US tax reporting on GLOBAL income). So – it is not something you would take lightly.
October 6, 2016 at 00:53
Thanks for the prompt response.
1. I’ve seen this terminology – “number is current” – several times in different forums, but it’s unclear to me exactly what it means from context and I haven’t been able to find a definitiond. Can you elaborate, please ?
2. Does everyone (or anyone) involved need to stay within the US for the duration of the I-131 process, or would it be possible to enter, submit the I-131, then return a month or two later to finalise ?
3. Are there any rules of thumb around what might lead to approval or denial of a request for a re-entry after 2 years ?
4. I have some understanding of the implications of being an LPR from a previous stint living in the US (didn’t apply for GC at that time but looked into it). My question is more along the lines of a situation where we get well into the process and then pull out before the final relocation to the US. Would that potentially lead to problems trying again in the future ? Somewhat relatedly, is there any problem submitting an entry for DV-2018 now that we’ve been select in DV-2017 ?
October 6, 2016 at 05:46
1. https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
2. You should stay there after submission until they call you for biometrics.
3. I haven’t got data on that.
4. Once you enter and activate you are a LPR – with all obligations. I can’t speculate all the potential problems – and I think you are over thinking things. Anyone can enter the lottery – even previous winners.
October 5, 2016 at 02:40
Wow, thanks for all of that information. From what I read, I’m guessing I must start and finish the application in one sitting, versus start it one night and come back to finish it the next day. Am I correct?
October 5, 2016 at 05:04
No, you can save it from time to time.
October 5, 2016 at 08:38
Hi Simon,
I applied for the DV lottery for my mom. When I filed the forms, I used her first name and her maiden last name which is what her birth certificate shows.
However on her passport, her last name is a combination of her maiden name + my dad’s last name.
Also the birth certificate states in the bottom that she is married to my dad but her last name still is her maiden name. Obviously, they’ve been married for about 30 years so technically, I think I should’ve used the combination of her last name + my dad’s last name (as shown on her passport) but I missed that.
She was picked by the lottery and I am planning to proceed with Form DS-260. When I logged in to file the application, it asked for the first/last name as stated on her passport not birth certificate.
Obviously I will have to use the passport name which has her first name + her maiden name + my dad’s last name.
However knowing that in the eDV application, I used her first/last maiden name only (as on her birth certificate) and that she won based on that, could this difference cause the case to be denied (assuming everything else is good)? or would this be okay? If it is okay, would USCIS use her birth certificate first/last name or passport first/last name (maiden + married)?
Also the case is around 37000 Africa and I know that would be current around probably April/Mai/June, do you think filing DS-260 now is too early or a bit late?
Thanks
October 5, 2016 at 13:54
Match the name on the passport (that is the legal name) and add the maiden name in the other names section.
It is fine to submit the DS260 now.
October 5, 2016 at 19:37
Hi Simon…. When i fill the work &education section … I fill it with (not employed) …now I am employed… Do I need to unlock ds-260
October 5, 2016 at 20:58
No. It does not need to be right up to date – although if you want to unlock and correct it you can do so.
October 6, 2016 at 14:36
Hi Simon .. My case no 2017AFxx,
I noticed that I won in lottery in october , my profile contains four applicants (me, spouse, two children) .
We successfully completed DS-260 for all,
My question is that three of four applicants profiles were signed and subbmitted successfully but the fourth was signed but the site didnot accept the submission ( confimation button is not working although the site responses to any other button)
I tried multiple browsers and pcs but the same problem ( confirmation button is not responding).
I have another question: In my profile as a main applicant I put my 10 years work experience and my bachelor degree, do I have to unlock the profile to put my high school education?
October 6, 2016 at 14:51
I am going to guess the one that did not submit is a male aged under 26. In that case you must click the link on the last page of the DS260 about selective service. Once you have done that the form will submit.
You should list your complete education as asked in the instructions.
October 6, 2016 at 17:52
you are absolutely right, he is a male. and his profile is now signed and complete.
But one more clarification as selective service should be for male between 18 & 26, while he is 2 years old only. So should we fill in DS-1810 anyway
Thanks
October 6, 2016 at 18:23
Every citizen/perm resident male under 26 is obliged to complete the form. However, the embassy simply leave that obligation to you, they will not want the form.
October 6, 2016 at 14:44
Hi… Just now I confirmed my DV 2018 lottery form and I have confirmation number. I want to ask you that I completed 3& half years nursing school(vocational school) but I put only high school degree in DV form because it was clearly written that vocational school or equivalent are not eligible . Did I made a mistake? If yes then how can I change that?? If I am select, will I have a problem with visa interview if I issue my nursing certificate?? Please help me .
October 6, 2016 at 14:49
I would suggest you unlock and correct the DS260 form.
July 3, 2019 at 02:04
when i complete the form for my friend dv 2020 i have used birth date which i can not remember and do not much with his birth date and recently we are unable to process DS 260 is there any option to remember birth date and moth that i have used?
July 3, 2019 at 03:57
No.
October 6, 2016 at 20:07
I haven’t fill up my DS 260 form. I just put my entry into DV lottery 2018 today only. How do I unlock it? How do I edit my DV lottery form?? Will I have a problem later on??
October 6, 2016 at 21:03
You cannot edit your DV 2018 entry.
October 7, 2016 at 08:34
Hi simon.
I have some question.
When you have a refugee passport or assylum in another country living as refugee;play dv lottery nd your are selected.
You decide to go back to your country of chargabibility for interview.is it fine?
2..when doing police clearance that country will use the id in the refugee pasport or assylum to fill y our identite.
My question is
Is there any probleme when going to interview in your country with that police clearance with refugee identity on it end you have your home country passport.it a risk or not?
October 7, 2016 at 13:46
1. Yes
2. No risk to the DV process.
October 7, 2016 at 15:01
Thx simon for your help.
I fund out that my husband passport and birth certificat have the same place of birth that fine but in is diplome of high school and university have another place of birth
Is it a probeme to be affraid of.
Or it fine because is not the selected one.i am the selected .
October 7, 2016 at 15:06
No it is not a problem.
October 7, 2016 at 18:49
Hi Brit!After we submit ds 260 ,we can do save and sing out how times we want?No problem?
October 7, 2016 at 19:24
Yes, no problem.
October 7, 2016 at 18:54
Hi Brit!If i am in university which is my highest education finished high school or university?
October 7, 2016 at 19:24
Doesn’t really matter either way…
October 7, 2016 at 19:40
Higjest level of education completed? University??No problem i think.
October 7, 2016 at 20:20
Sorry simon in course of study are we suppose to mention subject.
Because i see one post sameone saying i did fell in one subject is it going to be disqualify.
My question is if you have passe your 12years of school is not that all ?
October 7, 2016 at 22:34
The criteria varies by embassy. So check the embassy in the country where your education took place to understand the required level of education..
October 8, 2016 at 04:54
Dear Simon,
I have filled and sent my DS-260 ON MAY 23 ,2016 and my case number is 2017AF00015***,When will my probable interview date be?
regards
October 8, 2016 at 06:35
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
October 11, 2016 at 15:56
Hello simon I need to know
When filling the present address nd put any date because you don’t live there want to go only when scheduled for interview ,can I put someone’s (familly member) phone number as primary or secondary phone is it a probleme .because of background check.
Unlocking the form if you want to fill the baby passport can hi delay the process. .
October 12, 2016 at 05:45
Yes about phone numbers./
Unlocking doesn’t normally delay.
October 12, 2016 at 14:51
Hi, Simon. Thanks for your webside which provide me a lot of useful informaiton! For the DS-260 Form completion, How can I know it is completed? Is it present like the first picture on this page?(IV application: completed.) If yes, what can I do for the next? prepare for the interview and wait for the 2NL? Should I complete the other form or do something?
Thanks again for your help!
October 12, 2016 at 18:10
If it says completed, it is completed. Now you wait.
October 12, 2016 at 18:14
I am selected for further processing in DV- 2017 with my wife and 3 children. I didn’t include my fourth child in the first lottery entry as he was already 23. Now in the DS-260 form, “Family Information: Children” section, it asks to fill all your children. So do i need to fill my fourth child name there or not? thanks in advance.
October 12, 2016 at 18:33
Fill in the fourth child.
October 14, 2016 at 17:58
Hey Simon:
I completed each form, but I’m uncertain whether they were submitted or not. How do I know that I’ve already submitted Form DS-260 and now it’s processing? Also, when am I going to be notified about the Interview?
Thanks in advance/
October 15, 2016 at 05:34
If it says completed, its submitted.
Read this.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
October 15, 2016 at 12:40
Hi Simon
Q1-when filling ds-260 made mistake in the spelling of my secondary school name ..education section so unlock the ds-260and correct the spelling or leave and correct it in the interview
Q2-filling the ds-260 for my children… What about this Q.(. Did any one help you to fill this form )…for my children I reply no…
Is it OK.. Or unlock and change it to( yes )…and say their father help them and write my name?
REPLY
October 15, 2016 at 14:20
1 Interview.
2. It doesn’t matter.
October 16, 2016 at 01:00
Hi I just learnt that I won the DV-2017 lottery when I was applying for DV-2018 and checking my status 🙂 and the surprising thing is my case number is low. I found that it will be current in Nov according to the advance Visa bulletin (for the month of November). I’m currently in the US with legal status and confirmed that I’m eligible to adjust my status, can I do so without submitting the DS-260?
I called KCC and they said it’s advisable to submit DS-260 but not necessary so I made a money order with the DV fee payment of $330 to DOS as the first step without submitting DS-260 to KCC, is that fine? Thank you so much.
October 16, 2016 at 14:07
I would recommend you submit the DS260.
October 16, 2016 at 17:17
Hello! I DON’T HAVE ANY RELATIVES IN THE USA TO RECIEVE MY GC OR A PLACE TO STAY.
WHAT CAN I DO TO RECIEVE MY GC?
October 16, 2016 at 18:13
You will need to provide an address where to send the GC. It should be someone you can trust. Relative, a friend, or friend of a friend.
October 16, 2016 at 20:18
If i have completed ds260 for 3 of 4 aplicants and need to do changes in some completed aplicants can?FOR example i have done a mistake with my grondmother place of birth?Its a problem or not?
October 16, 2016 at 20:41
I don’t understand why you are discussing your grandmother. If you are a DV lottery selectee, you cannot include your Grandmother as your derivative. But anyway – make sure the details of your DS260 are accurate.
October 16, 2016 at 21:33
Mother of mother information parents brit.My mother parents.Is this a huge problem if i do a mistake for place of birth?
October 16, 2016 at 22:23
No.
October 16, 2016 at 22:05
Brit if i do a mistake in ds 260 after submit can i correct it again?
October 16, 2016 at 22:18
Once submitted you then have to email KCC and ask them to unlock it.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
October 16, 2016 at 22:07
I fill it today.
October 16, 2016 at 22:25
But i have printed my submit page.Is the same?
October 16, 2016 at 22:33
That is irrelevant.
October 17, 2016 at 05:52
Why is irrelevant.Its important question.
October 17, 2016 at 19:09
First, you need to learn to use the REPLY functionality. If you don’t do that I have to search to find your previous question – and I am getting tired of doing that. Which brings me to my next point. Why do you keep asking questions as a different user? You have asked questions (often repeatedly) as Pol, Smith, Sem, Trek and Johnie. Do you change the username so I don’t get frustrated with the stream of basic questions that would be answered by reading the instructions or using some common sense??? My time is limited and valuable. Please do not waste my time.
October 17, 2016 at 16:28
Please can you explain the difference between high school,no diploma and high school diploma?I have a high school certificate (wassce) from Ghana but I selected high school no diploma
If u select high school no diploma, does it mean your educational doesn’t fit the minimum standard of kcc??
October 17, 2016 at 16:46
I don’t know all the education levels for every country. When you select the education level, your choice does not affect the processing of your case. If you are selected, you are given a chance to prove your education meets the requirements.
October 18, 2016 at 13:34
Hi Simon,
I re-submitted my ds260 yesterday.
I was a student in a Business School in France from Sept 2009 to Sept 2013.
My issue is: I have been on an exchange (in a partner university in Canada) as a part of my business school program from sept 2011 to apr 2012, but I was technically still enrolled and attending courses at my French bus. school.
So on my DS260, for the question “which institution did you attend” I only put my secondary schools with my high school diploma and my business school in France from 2009 to 2013 from which I got my Master’s.
Did I do good?
Tank you,
October 18, 2016 at 14:10
That is Ok.
October 18, 2016 at 14:24
Thank you so much Simon! 🙂
If it works I’ll have to pay you a drink.
October 18, 2016 at 19:34
Thnx.For the education information in my country we do 3 years gymnasium and 3 years high school.Do i have to put them both in my education information? They are both secondary education
October 18, 2016 at 20:27
Since they ask for secondary school – yes.
October 19, 2016 at 15:14
I have been in US for three times but I don’t really know what to answer this question (Were you issued an Alien Registration Number by the Department of Homeland Security?) I did not apply for SSN because i have only visitor visa B1/B2 type.
October 19, 2016 at 15:23
Answer NO
October 19, 2016 at 15:53
thanks, this is indeed what i did by sense but wanted to confirm
October 19, 2016 at 17:47
Thnx for the help
October 19, 2016 at 22:10
If u take a Vissa after how time(max period) you can go to USA?If u have won dv lottery.
October 19, 2016 at 23:37
If approved at interview, the visa has an expiry date of 6 months after the medical. The medical is typically performed one to three weeks before the interview. So – you have just under 6 months to travel to the USA for the first time.
October 20, 2016 at 06:19
5-6 months ok.Thank Brit.
October 20, 2016 at 10:16
Hi
My Qsn is on the part to fill in present work/education/training if I’m qualifying through education were it says employer or school name is that we’re I enter my high school information which I’m using as a basis for my qualification?
October 20, 2016 at 17:24
Yes. Just as the instructions explain.
October 20, 2016 at 15:20
Hi my case number is AF 39xxx and I filled by DS260 on the 2oth of July and I am to go Guinea for one month in December but don’t know if it will be ok for me
October 20, 2016 at 16:41
Your interview won’t be held until next summer.
October 21, 2016 at 07:08
Hello!My case number is EU 24XXX.I filled ds 260 this month.Any prediction for interview date?
October 21, 2016 at 15:08
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
October 21, 2016 at 11:50
Dear Sir
I hope doing fine
I am Applicant DV2016 2017 I request unlock, KCC opened Unlock for my ds260, I made Revision i hava not change any think, is there any problems
my second question
again I went to request KCC Reopen my spouse also there is a problems
thank you
October 21, 2016 at 14:48
No problem.
October 21, 2016 at 12:50
Hi Simon,
A couple of years ago I took a 6 week summer session class at an American University and for that time was assigned a room in a campus residence hall.
Should I unlock my DS260 and include this address?
I only took one course which is below the threshold for a student
visa hence was able to stay on an I-94 visa waiver. I am a German national.
To my understanding this goes beyond a holiday home but does it qualify as a residence?
Should I include it just to be on the safe side?
This would be my only U.S. address.
This is my first post here but I have been using the heck out of your website over the past couple of month.
Hard to imagine that you have time for anything else besides this.
Thank you so much and I just made a small donation.
Kind regards,
Matt
Case number: 2017EU22XXX
October 21, 2016 at 14:04
The 6 week trip is not classed as residence, so you do not list the address.
Thank you for the kind donation!