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.
August 28, 2017 at 16:13
Brit thanks for your help.when filling the Ds 260 form i was unable to get the month of birth of my mum and dad so I had to guest a month and fill.will dat cause me a promble
August 28, 2017 at 19:03
It shouldn’t cause a promble, or a problem.
August 28, 2017 at 16:40
I had filled the DS-260 as you recommend on your post. I did it on May the 18th and my application was correctly sent to the KCC.
I have a confirmation that they are reviewing it.
Now.. when it’s supposed to have news from them? and How do I know if I’m still being considerated for a visa number?
Thank you very much!
Ana
August 28, 2017 at 20:37
So then the timing of your interview depends on when your case number is current.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions
August 28, 2017 at 21:15
Thank you Simon.
My case number is EU33XXX.
Based on your article, I should be good and just wait until September or October to be contacted by KCC?
I just want to be sure that I’ve understood everything.
.
August 28, 2017 at 21:21
Because your case number is fairly high, you won’t hear anything from KCC until mid 2018.
August 28, 2017 at 21:30
Really?
Wow! I wasn’t expecting that much…
Is there any way to speed up the process?
August 28, 2017 at 22:31
No. You just have to wait your turn.
August 29, 2017 at 08:58
Thanks for your help Simon.
best wishes!
August 29, 2017 at 07:26
Hi,
I have filled too the ds-260 but i do want to know how did you get the confirmation. I can see only completed application status.!!!
August 29, 2017 at 09:02
I wasn’t sure about doing it well, so I contacted the KCC by mail, asking if everything was OK and if they’ve received my application.
They answered confirming all very fast.
In your confirmation letter you will find the email address and instructions about how to contact KCC correctly.
August 29, 2017 at 09:49
Thanks a lot
August 29, 2017 at 07:40
Hi briton,
While i was filling the ds-260 form for my son, appeared “selective service form ” but i did not filled it because my son is 10 months old. I submitted the application.
Does it posses any risk for denying my application ?
Thanks
August 29, 2017 at 12:43
No
August 29, 2017 at 23:52
Hi, BritSimon. I checked if this was asked before but didn’t see it:
What if I put “University degree” as “Highest level of education completed” and then 1 (one) in “Number of Educational Institutions Attended”? I didn’t know that in this case high school was taken into consideration, should I ask the KCC to unlock in order to change it?
August 30, 2017 at 00:19
The requirements are based on High school completion – so although a Uni degree is higher than that, some COs are picky. So – it is best to answer the question accurately – which should include secondary schools (from about age 12 and above). Unlock and correct it.
September 3, 2017 at 14:02
Hi BritSimon,
I just saw your reply to Bardamu. For my additional question besides HK SAR vs BNO, I shall select “University Degree” as the highest level according to my Master’s degree, correct? Please kindly confirm.
Thank you,
B
August 30, 2017 at 11:42
Please I wish to know with my case,how will I b aware kcc have my form?
August 30, 2017 at 14:00
The DS260 says completed.
August 31, 2017 at 17:01
Hi BritSimon,
Did you notice that EU for October 2018 was only 2,600? Isnt that very low? My number is 23877 so that is going to become current more or less between March-April right?
Also I submitted my DS-260 May 5th but I now need to change the US Address i provided because this relative is leaving the US after Christmas, do you think it will delay my application? am i right to assume that since it’s now almost September, that they will have enough months ahead of them(until March-April when 23877 will be current) to process my application once I resubmit it and that it will not cause any delay for me?
Thanks for doing this, I by no means take your help for granted and I really appreciate what youre doing here.
August 31, 2017 at 17:31
LOL – yes I “noticed”. I wrote an explanation here – https://britsimonsays.com/possible-early-notice-first-dv2018-visa-bulletin/
As for timing – we have to wait and see. Things have changed this year, but I expect the pace to work out so we finish at the same place as usual by the end of the year.
Changing the address will not cause delay.
September 3, 2017 at 21:13
Hi Brit, I completed the ds260 form and in the “mailing and permanent address information” section, I included the address of a relative in a city of a state. This is not the address that I am going to stay, because I am planning to stay in other city of the same state. I will not know the exact address of the place I will be living in the US, until I move there. When I move to the US, I plan to leave in a hotel for the first days, before finding an apartment to stay.
As I know the last chance that I have to change the “mailing and permanent address information” is at the port of entry. Since by that time, I will not know the place/address I will be leaving, what do you suggest to do? If they also ask me at the interview if the “mailing and permanent address” is correct, what should I do? This is important because it is the address they need to mail the correspondence regarding the application.
Thank you for helping us,
Mikael
September 4, 2017 at 14:19
Have the address as your relative – and they will send the GC there.
September 4, 2017 at 22:44
Really thank you Brit! But will they send the GC there, without me living in the home/address of my relative? I mean I will be living in other city of the state when I will move to the US.
I am scared that they need you to live there to mail the GC, otherwise they won’t mail it.
Thank you for your advice in advance,
Mikael
September 4, 2017 at 22:51
I don’t just make these things up you know…
September 4, 2017 at 10:05
Hi Simon!
In the clause “Work/Education/Trainings” I have specifiyed my High Level University Degree only – my question is: should I also specify my “Primary School Education” as well???
Thank you in advance!
September 4, 2017 at 14:08
List education from about age 12.
September 4, 2017 at 16:39
Simon, it is already 4th time I will request for unlock – there is no risk to be discvolified for so many time requests to unlock, right?
thank you in advance
September 4, 2017 at 17:01
No problem.
October 8, 2017 at 09:24
Helo Brit.. My problem now is, after I completed my DS-260 form, I forgot to print my selective service form that was opened to me.. Pls how can I retrieve that form and print?
Also should I do my medicals before my interview date is given to me or I should wait till my date is scheduled before I do the medicals?
October 8, 2017 at 13:59
You don’t need to print the selective service form.
Medicals after you receive the 2NL
September 4, 2017 at 13:58
i can’t access the DS 260 due to a typographical error of (1884) my year of birth, i have tried severally to open my account on the DS 260 but to no avail. i really need your assistance BritSimon
Thank you
September 4, 2017 at 14:01
The date of birth is shown on your eDV confirmation. Use that to access your DS260
September 4, 2017 at 14:08
yes and when i use it, i get a feedback of “Sign In Failed• The Applicant’s date of birth is invalid.”
September 4, 2017 at 14:25
So it is not the year – but the month or day!
September 7, 2017 at 10:40
Halo Brit.
I have attended Primary, High school and college but In my DS260 on Education part i entered only one educational institution (High school) as i used it as my qualification for the Greencard.
1. Should i send an unlock request to KCC to add primary school and college?
2. Since i already submitted my DS260 on May 19th and i don’t know whether or not my case has been scheduled in their system what should i do? My case no is 2018AF00029XXX.
September 7, 2017 at 14:47
1. Yes
2. Hurry up and make the change.
September 7, 2017 at 16:04
I have entered just high school , university degree and work experience. Do i need to unlock and add primary school !!!!
September 7, 2017 at 17:10
No
September 8, 2017 at 09:26
thanks a lot
February 28, 2018 at 19:01
why did kevin need to unlock to add primary school and burim didnt? im confused.
February 28, 2018 at 22:06
Kevin left off college.
September 9, 2017 at 06:56
dear Simon
Thanks for your valuable answers.now what i want to ask you is,
1,I am helping my friend filling the Ds-260 form who has already won for the Dv 2018 and his case number is among the first ones, so do we need to fill this form within a short time?
2,My friend’s wife is not going to travel with him within this 6 months so what shall I do to his form,may i feel the Ds-260 form of his only?
thanks
September 9, 2017 at 11:44
1. No – the later he fills it in, the later the interview. But that’s no problem.
2. She must be on his DS260, but would not need a DS260 of her own in that case. But – If your friend doesn’t include her now, and wants to bring her later, it will cost a lot more money and take around 2 years. So he should consider that carefully.
September 12, 2017 at 15:28
hey again Simon,
When starting processing the ds-260 for me, the principal applicant and for my child, I had to choose the embassy location for interview where I live right now, knowing though that the counselor service of US embassy in Sanaa is closed due to the ongoing war. I thought I would be able to change embassy location later once I decide well which alternative country to choose for interview location, of course before submitting the ds-260. When I go to “get started page”, it is locked.
Is there a way to change the interview location while the ds 260 has not been submitted yet?
Now that I still have two more applicants not started yet, I wonder if I choose Amman, Jordan as the interview location for the other two applicants would not confuse the counselor especially when the first two applicants interview location already set in Yemen, OR should I just choose the same location Yemen then send an email to KCC asking for interview location change.
Thanks
Hani
September 12, 2017 at 16:08
They schedule the cases based on current address. You can ask to change that later – but if you know where you would prefer (given that Yemen is not an option) you can email them after DS260 submission and ask for a consulate that you are sure you can get to. Consider visas for entering that country.
September 12, 2017 at 22:43
I have been in USA on student program before 9 years. I had Social security number, but I am not sure if I keep It. Can you tell me in this case, how to answer on these three questions in section 19. Social security number. Plese tell me for each question.
September 12, 2017 at 23:00
You will re-use the old SSN
September 13, 2017 at 05:35
so the answers should be:
1. Yes,
2. Yes,
3. Yes ??
September 13, 2017 at 13:47
I don’t have the form to hand. Use your judgement.
September 17, 2017 at 21:35
Hi Simon,
I filled my Ds-260 one week ago, when I entered my father’s birth date (which I only have the year – no day or month – in all official documents, the system did not accept the year only so I had to tick the unknown tab. Do you think it would be a problem. If yes what do you advise please?
Thanks
September 18, 2017 at 03:58
No problem.
September 20, 2017 at 09:48
Hi Simon,
I have completed the DS 260 application but the “sign in and submit” continue to be inactive. Thus, I am unable to submit the form. What do I do?
September 20, 2017 at 12:58
Clixk the link on the last page about selective service.
September 21, 2017 at 12:06
Thank you so much.. It worked
September 23, 2017 at 16:03
Hi, BritSimon
I just changed my country of residency, could I unblock the DS260 to change my address and the embassy in which I’d like to have the interview? Will there be any problema if I do that?
September 23, 2017 at 17:05
Yes you should do that. No problem.
September 25, 2017 at 13:38
Have dual citizenship but can’t really call which one I used to fill the forms.. any idea on how to know that.. in other to complete d ds260
September 26, 2017 at 21:08
Dear Simon,
I’ve read carefully your advices for the DS260. You mentionned there was no official deadline. Though, how to know if I can still apply for the the Dv 2018 early next year? You’re sure I would still be on the loop?
I also wanted to know if it would be predictable to “activate” my greencard without using it. I would loose it but would it prevent me to travel or work in the future in the country with another visa?
Many thanks for your time Simon.
Agathe
September 26, 2017 at 21:24
1. You can file the DS260 within the first few months of next year with no problems.
2. To activate your GC you have to enter the USA. Once activated you have to comply with several obligations, some of which deals with becoming a resident. You also have to file tax reports in the USA and so on. Don’t take the GC if you are thinking it would be a really cool visitors visa.
September 26, 2017 at 21:59
Thank you for your quick reply!
September 26, 2017 at 21:28
Hello
I am from syria and you know the ban will take effect on 18th of October my interview has scheduled on 29th of November but I don’t know what to do now
September 27, 2017 at 00:07
There is nothing you can do. Unless you qualify for a waiver or have another nationality you will be placed on AP. The AP will continue until the ban is removed.
October 10, 2017 at 22:40
What does “AP” stand for?
October 11, 2017 at 03:38
Administrative Processing
September 27, 2017 at 00:12
What are the waiver qualifications, and if I’m not qualified my chance will be lost or it will last till the end of fiscal year 2018
September 27, 2017 at 00:24
Please read the article and check the links. As for how long the ban will last – I don’t know.
September 27, 2017 at 00:31
Ok thank you
September 27, 2017 at 08:03
I got married after selection and when filling the DS260 form for my wife,the last page before submission says” Enter your KCC Case Number”.Do i put my case number since iam the principle applicant or iam supposed to request for another case number for my wife who is a derivative.
September 27, 2017 at 12:16
Your case number
September 28, 2017 at 19:22
Hi sir I made a mistake with my date of birth , I play the dv lottery January 12 instead of February 10 , and know I want to apply for my interview appointment, what is your advice
October 1, 2017 at 13:10
Hello Brit,
Could you help us our with few questions that we faced filling the form?
1. What is the difference between “Academic” and “Vacational”? is there a big difference here?
2. If I have quit my university before graduating and earning a degree should we still enter it in the form. If yes should we just write “No degree” in the degree field? The same if I have transferred schools during my high-school year should I note that with “No degree” as well?
3. Question regarding communicable disease the questions ask do you have any kind of now. If I had the latent form of TBC when I was younger should I mention it somewhere or I can simply write NO, since I do not have it now.
4. Regarding thee mailing address, is it better to write down the same address we live in or can we simply note down our parents address to be on the safe side if we would move to a different place?
Thank you for your feedback in advance.
October 1, 2017 at 13:55
1. Academic is general studies. Vocational is education for a specific job (like studying to be a nurse)
2. Yes, be accurate/truthful.
3. Again – accurate and truthful
4. It isn’t what is “better”. Accurate and truthful.
October 1, 2017 at 13:39
Hello,
My Interview is on October 3, 2017. I have one concern: in my DS-260 homepage there are 2 application entries, one says ‘completed’, the other says ‘incomplete’. I am wondering why I have 1 extra entry? Thank you.
October 1, 2017 at 13:52
That happens often. Ignore the incomplete one.
October 2, 2017 at 04:08
Hi, my wife won DV lottery. I’m wondering do we need to fill out DS-260 if we are already in the USA on H1B VISA and are going to proceed through AOS?
Thanks a lot!
October 2, 2017 at 04:13
I always recommend that you do.
October 7, 2017 at 09:50
Dear Brit,
Sir I want to say thank you about your advice.
1. I am 2018 winner CN ÂF2018 00024XXX .I am from Ethiopia .I sent the form on may 17 2017.while filling the form I filled high school(9-12) and university degree Including two work experiences .
A. Does this has a problem ?
on the form it says ” Does this job require at least 2 years of training or experience ? I said YES as lately I found out that my job doesn’t need this.
B. Does this has an impact on my interview? .Thanks in advance
October 7, 2017 at 12:41
a. No
B. No
October 7, 2017 at 12:17
Hi Brit,
My present address starts with the number “2/1A”, however the form DS-260 does not allow the character “/”(Forward slash). Due to that i had to enter my address as “2-1A”.
However my application is already processed by KCC and is scheduled for an interview with the Embassy on October 17.
Would this be a issue at the interview?
I wrote to KCC about this and as they have already processed the informed me to contact the embassy regarding this.
Thank you very much
October 7, 2017 at 12:38
No problem.
October 8, 2017 at 11:58
Dear Simon, I have read and learn a lot from this sites, a question here, I just recently go to doctor, and he said, I got diabetes type II, non insulin dependent, will it affect my chances of winning dvlottery? And no other health issue,
Thank you, and God Bless
October 8, 2017 at 14:01
No problem.
October 9, 2017 at 02:58
Thank you Simon, submitted my application and wife yesterday, finger crossed then
October 8, 2017 at 14:33
mr simon
my mother won in dv 2018 and her case AF20xxx from egypt
Q1: next year i wiil be 20 years old. this will make me a problem?
Q2: Now i am second grade first term in faculty of dentisitry and i wrote in ds-260 that i had passed first grade and I will make a stop to my education in second term .
there is a problem of doing that because at this time i will be out of my college and the embassy may think that i lie to them because i wrote that i am at facult of dentistry and in interview i will be out of this college to travel??
October 8, 2017 at 15:24
1. No
2. It won’t matter – as a derivative they are not interested in your education – only that of your mother.
October 8, 2017 at 14:38
hello mr simon
if someone has a virus c .this make a problem at interview??
October 8, 2017 at 15:23
Virus c??
October 8, 2017 at 15:31
yes virus c (disease)
October 8, 2017 at 18:07
Hi Mr Brit am having troubles with filling my ds-260.
1.My name appear on the edv appointment letter as Sumani Abdul-Fatawu Braimah but Sumani is my ground father name which is not part of my legal names so I kept it in other surnames used but live the other given names used blanket, after everything I click next page button and it keep giving me a red arrow showing to my first name which I don’t understand
2.is your present address the same as your mailing address I answered yes, but I used our house address as my present address please am I on the right path with my answer
3. I have school in a different region but within the same country please can I used my school address as previous address
Many thanks
October 9, 2017 at 03:14
1. I don’t understand either.
2. Yes
3. Not unless you LIVED there.
October 8, 2017 at 18:09
Please can I get your email address
October 8, 2017 at 18:10
Hii brit sir, I’m from nepal. I just want to know that i haven’t mentioned my place zipcode in the ds 260 form? Would that be a problem? Should i unlock the form and put that?
October 9, 2017 at 03:11
NO problem.
October 9, 2017 at 07:55
Hello Mr Brit this is the message that appear when I was trying to move to the next page on my ds260. Correct all errors
1.Given names invalid. Valid characters from A-Z and single space in between names
2.Other given names not completed
I used my ground father name Sumani on other surnames used
This was what display with red letters when I was trying to move to the next page and a red arrow was pointing to my first name Sumani Abdul-Fatawu and other given names used
Please Mr Simon can you tell me what maybe wrong and am seeing this message? in fact it really giving me a top time. Am 29yrs of age
October 9, 2017 at 13:49
I already answered your later question about this.
October 9, 2017 at 09:16
Sorry for troubling you with my question I did my mandatory national service at lands commission for one year
1. Can I answer yes to the question were you previously employed on the DS
2. Do I need to provide address of that place as my previous address since I was there for full one year
3. Am not working nor schooling so can I put unemployed as primary occupation
October 9, 2017 at 13:45
Please rely on your own judgement!!!
October 9, 2017 at 10:21
Hi BritSimon,
I am an Iranian living in Kuwait for the past 16 years. I have won the 2018 lottery, and after learning I had been selected, I immediately filled in the forms and submitted them (May 7th). My case number is rather low (AS16**); however, as by now, I haven’t received the email for the interview.
I have two questions:
1. Is it normal that I haven’t received the interview email yet, after 5 months?
2. Will those Iranians who have traveled to the USA in the past get through the travel ban more easily? I have been to the US twice in 2015 and 2016. I didn’t face any difficulty for getting a US visa then. Will it be considered as a privilege?
Thanks in advance for your reply.
October 9, 2017 at 13:42
1. Yes
2. That won’t help. If you don’t have dual citizenship, you probably won’t get approved.
October 9, 2017 at 10:56
Dear Brit, my CN is EU 349XX
I was re-checking my ds 260 (completed on 25 May) again just to be sure, and i found somewhere that i should check “No” at the question:
“is your spouse immigrating to the U.S with you ?”
I’ve checked YES, because i want my spouse to immigrate with me to U.S, and before asking this, I’ve scrolled through comments but i did not found a question like mine, so i had to write..
1. Should i let that box as “YES” since i want my wife to be with me in U.S ?
2. Regarding to Case Number, I’ve read in your articles that CN under 37k are safe? Do you think this still applicable, and if yes, i predict that our interview will be on July or August?
Thank you for the information ! BR
October 9, 2017 at 13:39
1. Yes.
2. I haven’t changed that range yet.
October 9, 2017 at 11:46
Hello Mr Brit I have a questions for to address
1. My name is Abdul-Fatawu on my passport and birth certificate but the system doesn’t allow me to put the acent – on the DS-260 wouldn’t this cause a problem
2. A. Other surnames used. ……
B. Other first names used….. .
The name used on edv is Sumani Abdul-Fatawu but the sumani is not part of my legal names so please how do I fill it on the other names used A and B above
I need your urgent response
Thank you
October 9, 2017 at 13:37
1. No problem.
2. Use your judgement.
October 9, 2017 at 22:44
Hi Mr Brit please correct me if am wrong full name: Braimah Sumani Abdul-Fatawu
A. Other surnames used: Braimah
B. Other first names used: Sumani
Please am I correct with the above answers A&B
Note Sumani is not my legal name
October 9, 2017 at 23:32
You keep asking me over and over and I have already answered you.
October 14, 2017 at 07:57
Dear Brit
while filling the dv form i have mistakenly entered mistake date of birth of spouse and if bychance i got selected for dv lottery then how can i correct the mistake while submitting document?
October 14, 2017 at 12:16
If you win, you would correct it on the next stage.
October 15, 2017 at 09:31
Hi Birtismon! I am from ethiopia my surname on education document is written as shibbiru where as that was written on passport & ds260 is shibiru has it problem? thank you.
October 15, 2017 at 12:49
Normally, no problem.
October 15, 2017 at 17:58
Hi Simon,
So me and my husband will qualify through our educational background. I am just confused about filling out D260. Do we have to fill out both work and educational history or just the educational history? I assume we still have to put down our current occupation?
Our daughter is 2 years old….so I put not applicable in fields such as education etc?
October 15, 2017 at 18:19
Both fill out the education information, only the winner will have to prove it.
For the child – what do you think?
October 17, 2017 at 18:30
Hi Simon
I was previously using two names which appears on my previous high school certificate and am now using an additional middle name making it three names appearing on my current diploma certificate. I would like to find out if this will be a problem on the day of interview and if so what I can do about it to increase my chances??
I am now filling my forms for 2018.
October 17, 2017 at 19:32
A CO may have concerns to prove the education certificates are yours. Other than that the most important thing is that the DS260 has your full legal name and you can use the “other names used” section if needed.
October 18, 2017 at 09:46
Thanks for your assistance.
In that instance if I am to present a sworn affidavit or a Gazette will that be considered as proof enough to indicate am the same person?
Also at the work/ educational/ training field, I used work experience ( nursing ) and entered only one educational institution which is my current highest education ( diploma in nursing). Would it be necessary to add previous education such as senior high school attended?
October 18, 2017 at 13:00
Take whatever steps you want to prove identity.
Yes update to add education since that is what the form asked for.
October 18, 2017 at 19:09
Hi Simon! As I told you before in my some comments that I and my wife won Green card for 2018, I have filled application with full details of my family as primary applicant including my wife as spouse secondary applicant and I have already scheduled for interview on 8th of November 2017 – all documents are ready
Mi wife also has filled as primary applicant with full details of family including me as spouse secondary applicant – today my wife also received an email for interview on 5th of December
Is there any risk to be discvolified or something like this?
What do you advise?
October 18, 2017 at 19:36
No problem. Process on the 8th, and if approved, no need to attend the December 5.
October 18, 2017 at 19:59
and if not approved on 8th of Nov with me as primary applicant then we can try to attend on 5th of Dec as primary applicant my wife?
October 18, 2017 at 23:23
Yes
October 19, 2017 at 03:56
Hi Britsimon! sendig documents copy to nvc for dv lottery case is must? if it is must when we send after or befor second letter come?
October 19, 2017 at 04:59
No, you don’t send anything to NVC
October 19, 2017 at 23:26
Hi, BritSimon
I know the first advice is always to follow common sense but at the end it’s not really that common. So I wanted to ask you:
I move recently from South America to Europe and I’m planning to stay here for a few months and then return next year; in my DS260, should I put my address (residence) in Europe and the embassy in South America for the interview because I probably will be there anyways? Wouldn’t this difference between country of residency and country of interview cause a conflict? Thanks again for your time and valuable help.
October 19, 2017 at 23:30
*I forgot to mention that last year I apply originally in the eDV with my address in SA, which is also my region of eligibility.
October 19, 2017 at 23:43
The answer depends on your case number. Normally the DS260 should have the EU address, and then KCC would choose the closest embassy, regardless of what embassy you pick in the DS260. But depending on your case number, you should probably think that through and try and make sure your timing doesn’t get messed up. So – what is your CN, and what do you mean by being in EU a few months?
October 20, 2017 at 00:05
My CN is actually a little bit high (18xx) and I’m in Europe (second nationality) working and looking for some short courses. I believe no more than 8 months and then back. I was thinking of using my address back in SA but want to be truthful in the whole process.
October 20, 2017 at 00:23
Hmmm. Your interview will probably be in August or September, BUT that means you would be scheduled in June or July – so depending on travel plans, you could submit now, but make sure you update the address ASAP in May at the latest – even if that means changing the address back a little early.
October 19, 2017 at 23:59
Hello,
My husband won in the lottery-DV2018. He came to US on J1 visa. Now he is on F2 visa . what is our chance to get the green card?
October 20, 2017 at 00:20
There is nothing you have told me that let’s me guess your chance.J1 holder can adjust, so can F2 holders.
October 20, 2017 at 13:19
What do you mean by adjust? He was a PhD student on J1 visa and I was J2 visa
then I started my PhD after he finished so I changed to F1 and he is F2 now.so now after he won , how we can adust? Is the lotrery overrule the two years condition? Do you think we still have time to fix that or we still have the chance to get it before the fiscal year ends.
October 20, 2017 at 14:00
You need to learn about this process.
Read the thread below, pay attention to the spreadsheet linked from the first post in that thread.
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2018-aos-only.336256/
October 24, 2017 at 10:56
Hi Brit, I would want to know if it ok to play for friends and family members using the same email address i used to play for myself. meaning if its wrong to use one email address to pal for different people
October 24, 2017 at 12:28
No problem.
October 24, 2017 at 16:22
Can I apply DV lottery 2019 if I won it in 2017 and still waiting for the interview?
October 24, 2017 at 16:23
Yes
October 29, 2017 at 13:20
Dear Brit,
I asked KCC to unlock my new born child DS-260 to change his passport number, but they emailed me and mentioned that my case has been forwarded to the American Embassy and the interview is scheduled on November 5th 2017, but I have not received yet any official notification letter from the embassy to do my medical check, take police certificate and so on, what is your recommendation for me in this regard, I really don’t know what to do.
Please also tell me will they write me on the email address which I provided in the DS-260 forms or to any other.
Thank you,
October 29, 2017 at 15:02
You somehow missed their email. Log in to the ESC page yp get your interview details. Book the medical (you do that for yourself), and apply for police certs. You may not have everything by the 5th, but attend the interview anyway. The embassy will ask you to submit missing documents after the interview.
November 11, 2017 at 14:44
Dear Simon,
Thank you very much for your valued guides and information provided for me, I went and passed my interview. I am waiting for my result but I can’t check my result on the link provided to me by the US embassy. I really don’t know the ID or case number to be used to check the result. I wondered if you provide me the instruction.
Thank you in advance,
Karim
November 11, 2017 at 20:10
Just be patient, you cannot check for now.
November 15, 2017 at 16:50
Dear Sir,
Thank you for your response, could you please let me know that how long will it take time to check my visa application status.
And I used my case number to check it but it says it is Invalid Immigrant Visa Case Number. what number do you think it will be.
Thank you,
November 15, 2017 at 23:04
I don’t know how long it will take. Exercise some patience.
CEAC won’t allow you to check at this time.
October 30, 2017 at 04:03
Hi BritSimon,
Thank you for all your supports. Have two questions:
1. When I rechecked the ESC page, it still shows the 1NL (selected). Would ESC page reveal all the updated details after KCC sent out the 2NL, or would it remain the same as 1NL?
2. I left home country for study aboard in U.K. when 14. Then, transferred to U.S. when 16. I have lived in U.S. since I came (would visit home country occasionally from time to time). How would I obtain a police certificate? Do I still need from home country and the two years in U.K.?
Thank you.
October 30, 2017 at 13:02
1. The 1NL is replaced by the 2NL
2. Police certs not required for USA. But you need home and UK most likely (read the instructions)
October 30, 2017 at 16:25
Thank you, I understand now about the 1NL and 2NL on ESC! I will reread the instruction about the police certs.