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 29, 2019 at 12:14
Hi BritSimon,
My wife has delived baby recently and caring child. And her Work contract terminated. But Emloyer is going to employ after sometime, when she thinks she can start work. Can i can i choose on “Present Employment” – “Other” and write as explanation “Office manager at XXX company. Due to child birth work contract has been temproraly ceased during child care period”. Or i have to choose “not employed”. But i want to emphasis that she is not working because currently she is taking care of new born child.
Thanks
August 29, 2019 at 18:36
“Unemployed”. No need to overthink this…
August 29, 2019 at 17:20
Hi Sir,
If i started work after DS260, do i need to unlock and to add it. Or i can just say it at the interview?
August 29, 2019 at 20:05
At interview is fine.
August 30, 2019 at 04:19
hi brit
I have some mistake in ds 260 form my address and spouse address but kcc sent me Mail for submit require document what can i do in this situation? and also clear me about present and privious address information which address i will be fill up,?and next question my ds form is before single but now married i was filled in this form spouse details in my form i was filled my husband details and vice versa its right or wrong?
August 30, 2019 at 13:34
Your question is quite unclear, but if you need to make changes on your DS260, ask them to unlock. Your husband should be added to your own DS260 AND create a DS260 for him. Only after all that is done should you send documents.
August 30, 2019 at 07:20
Hello Brit
Currently I am working on my private professional small company for the past 2 years and on ds 260 I put my present work information about my company so what kind of letter of employment should I send to kcc b/c it’s my company?
August 30, 2019 at 13:39
I’m not sure why you want to prove the company exists or your job.. But you can take proof of the company such as accounts etc.
August 31, 2019 at 14:01
hi dear,
could you tell when is the deadline of submitting D-260 form for 2020 winners?
August 31, 2019 at 15:24
There is no formal deadline, but May of 2020 is about as late as I would recommend.
August 31, 2019 at 16:50
Hi, Brit
thanks a lot for the time you dedicate to this blog.
I’ll try to be quick. 2020EU000520xx here, on filling DS-260 couple of questions popped up.
During summer breaks at college I went twice to the US and had a J1 visa to get a summer job, I also got a social security number that I still keeping.
1. Would you consider those summer months as actually a period of time worth mentioning as living addresses? (around 2-3 months each time).
2. Same questions regarding to that, should I mention those jobs as part of my working experience since I even was issued a social security number?
Thanks again for this magnificent blog! 🙂
August 31, 2019 at 20:15
1. No. You were visiting.
2. Yes
August 31, 2019 at 19:45
Hi, Brit
should I write the name of the place where I worked as my “Employer name” or should I write the name of that places CEO as my “Employer name”?
waiting for your reply.
August 31, 2019 at 20:20
The company.
September 1, 2019 at 11:08
I won DV 2020 and received my case number through the system two months before, i wanted to fill the DS 260, but it is not accepting my case number, i tried a lot without zero and sent email to KCC, but they are not providing helpful answers.
I have not lost my case number/forgot, but they says to check once again your status through forgot case number, when i checked, it shows i am not selected. I think there is fraud in the system as for the first time, i was selected and received my case number, after two months it is invalid.
Please kindly advice to whom i should contact to do the investigation .
September 1, 2019 at 13:07
KCC. So make sure you are carefully explaining to them.
September 1, 2019 at 18:18
Thank you so much for replying!
my wife has filled her form and has submitted it as my accompany and she has written her CEO as her “Employer name”.
Is there anyway I can edit that? will it affect our case if I can’t make changes in her ds-260 form?
waiting for your reply!
September 2, 2019 at 17:29
It doesn’t really matter, but you can unlock the DS260 and correct it if you want.
September 5, 2019 at 20:40
thanks again for replying!
I can’t make changes on her ds-260 form since she has already submitted it. so how can I unlock it and make changes in it?
waiting for your reply!
September 6, 2019 at 14:59
Please read the FAQ.
September 2, 2019 at 06:58
Dear Mr. BritSimon
When I am trying to fill the DS-260, there is a page about “Previous U.S. Travel Information”.
It asks : Have you ever been issued a U.S. Visa?
My answer is “Yes”.
Then I am asked to fill the Date Visa Was Issued of Last U.S. Visa
That visa was issued around 20 years ago (be issued on May 2000) , the old passport with that visa was massing long time ago.
But I have the trip dates was from 11 May 2000 to 17 May 2000, a 7 days trip for tourism.
My question is : Do you have any idea where I can inquire the previous visa information? Or can I just put the 11 May 2000 as the issued date and make an explanation at interview?
Thank you very much for your kindness and your time.
September 2, 2019 at 17:41
Just list it as best as you can remember.
September 3, 2019 at 14:15
Dear Brit
thanks a lot for your the time and the info.
I won DV 2020 and filled the DS 260 on 14 of May.
I had no passport at the time and put “other type of document”.
Now I have a passport. Do you advise me to ask to unlock and update?
Then erroneously not given any data on the various media I use (facebook, instagram, etc.)
Do I have to / can I update this data too?
Thank you in advance for your valuable help.
Era
September 4, 2019 at 00:45
Yes, unlock and correct all of that.
September 4, 2019 at 00:55
Hi Brit,
Do you know how long it takes the KCC to get back to you after submitting the DS-260 application ?
September 4, 2019 at 04:29
It varies by case.
September 4, 2019 at 12:01
Hi,
Q1: please tell me if i wrote in ds260 form the residence address (we had indicated other separately addresses by documents)but not present address were we live. it’s a mistake? what we need to wrote : husband and wife – the same present address were we live at the moment?
Q2: if our parents moved on to other address – we need to add new address in ds 260?
Thanks a lot.
September 4, 2019 at 22:30
1. Current address should be the address you live at currently. If it isn’t – fix it.
2. If you move – Yes.
September 4, 2019 at 15:33
Hello Brit,
I might be over thinking this, but, anyway your opinion will set me free.
I submitted the DS260 Form today with a help of an Agent and later on i noticed she has made a minor spelling mistakes, like on U.S sponsors Address “HAROB ” Instead of “HARBOR” and on Highschool name “SECONDAR” Instead of “SECONDARY” she also skipped Name in Native language so should i Unlock and correct it or it’s okay as its?
Thanks very much for your priceless help here.
September 5, 2019 at 01:40
It’s pretty trivial, but better to unlock and get it right.
September 5, 2019 at 22:09
Hey Brit,am DV2020selecte.when i was filling the DV form in education part i said i reached vacational training but i didnt do the final exam but i have high school certificate.now i want to fill form DS-260 should i fill vacational or high school as highest level of education.please help.
September 6, 2019 at 18:32
You did not complete the vocational education, so you highest level attained is High School.
September 5, 2019 at 20:31
Hi Brit
I have submitted my DS-260 form and I noticed that I have made a mistake there.
is it possible to fix those mistakes? if so then how?
please help me with that.
September 6, 2019 at 14:59
Read the FAQ about unlocking.
September 5, 2019 at 21:59
Hello sir,
I am selected for DV2020, and when applying for that I didn’t add my child(she’s not newborn and she’s under 21). the question I have is that will this(not adding her on my applying form as my child) will disqualify me(my case)? and If not, then can I add her on my ds-260 form?
Thank you in advance.
September 6, 2019 at 15:03
That means certain disqualification.
September 10, 2019 at 23:10
Hi Brit,
I have the same kind of question, but in my case my child was over 21 when I entered DV lottery, that’s why I didn’t mentioned him there. does that mean I’m disqualified too? if not, should I add him on my ds-260 form since they ask to list all the children regardless of age ?
September 10, 2019 at 23:25
No – the instructions say to list all children UNDER 21.
September 11, 2019 at 00:06
Dear Simon, in DS260 can i fill the same email address in all forms including spouse and kids or must fill the exact personal email address of each applicant. Thanks
September 11, 2019 at 02:43
One email address for all is fine.
September 11, 2019 at 03:15
Hi Simon,
I am dv2020 winner. Have queries on naming issue.
My wife’s first name=”X” “Y” surname= “Z” which is based on her passport at that time. When I entered dv lottery form, i entered my wife’s name accordingly.
But now since her name doesn’t match based on her academic document and correct name would be first name= “X” surname=”Y” “Z” and I have filled and submitted DS260 which corrected name and have also received new passport for her with corrected name.
I see that in summary of DS260 it is still showing old name that I used while filling up the dv lottery. Is it normal and will be corrected by KCC later and need to correct myself.
Seek your advise to clear out all doubts mentioned here.
September 11, 2019 at 03:39
Doesn’t matter.
September 11, 2019 at 03:43
Didn’t get you, would you mine to explain briefly.
September 11, 2019 at 14:56
Hi Simon,
Received email from kcc today they are asking for passport, police report and military doc only. Is it all what need to provide ? What about academic doc and others.
September 11, 2019 at 16:12
They provide a list of documents. Just provide those. Nothing more. Other documents will be shown at interview.
October 2, 2019 at 15:50
Hi Simon,
Sent an documents what they’ve asked for and what implies in my case.
1. Do we get any confirmation that they’re satisfied with the document supplied?
2. My CN 2020AS6XXX. what would be next step in my case ?
3. what should i expect from kcc now ? Should i work on photo requirements or wait for next VB ?
Kindly advise
October 3, 2019 at 02:12
1. If you ask them – yes.
2. Wait – and read the guide!
3. Again – READ THE GUIDE.
September 11, 2019 at 08:55
Sir, a funny thing just happened. Yesterday from my friend I get to know I won the DV for 2020. My friend have been taking part in DV for 6-7 years now and he insisted me last year maybe around this time when we were chilling at his house during my vacation. He took a photo of me and filled it. Yesterday, like last year as my vacation started, I went my hometown and eventually went his home and when the topic of going abroad after bachelor degree came the DV topic came also came and he said he didn’t win this year too and I said I haven’t checked mine yet and when we checked… guess what… there was a letter telling I randomly won the lottery…I am very very happy at the moment. My friend had already did a detail study of these whole process. But the thing is my case number is 2020AS457 from Nepal and it is already current. So am I late ? Will I get a chance as I filled my DS260 today morning. My friend was also telling about the document mailing procedures. I have all the documents with me right now except the police report (which I have already went to police office and requested to make). Should I wait for KCC to send me mail (as I found they will do so) or should I send myself. I got information that cases below me are already scheduled for interview… so did I lose the chance? I never believed in luck but the greed to get to US just like that is making me nuts. So kind sir… please clear my doubt.
September 11, 2019 at 15:49
Slow down. You are rushing for no need. You are not “late” the processing year hasn’t even started yet.
So – assuming you haven’t made any mistakes on your DS260 which you unwisely rushed through, you can just wait for KCC to email you for documents. All in good time. No need to rush.
September 11, 2019 at 17:50
Hello BritSimon. I am healthcare professional (pharmacist).
So in my case How to answer to these three quetions.
1-Do you seek to enter the United States for the purpose of performing skilled or unskilled labor but have not yet been certified by the Secretary of Labor? Yes or NO
If Yes Exlanation for that
2-Are you a graduate of a foreign medical school seeking to perform medical
services in the United States but have not yet passed the National Board of
Medical Examiners examination or its equivalent?
Yes or NO
If Yes Exlanation for that
3-Are you a health care worker seeking to perform such work in the United
States but have not yet received certification from the Commission on
Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools or from an equivalent approved
independent credentialing organization?
Yes or NO
If Yes Exlanation for that
It would be great if any comment or advice you can give me.
Thank you in advance. I am highly appreciate your support.
September 11, 2019 at 18:43
You can answer these questions directly. My suggestions assuming you would want to continue your profession would be:
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
You can put whatever you think in the explanations.
September 15, 2019 at 14:03
Hi Brit,
Visited one of the consultancy in a hope that they would guide in processing. They advised me that I am late to process since case no. 5K+ a and 7K+already been processed. My case # is 2020AS6XXX from Nepal.
Kindly advise if I am actually late or will my case will be delayed?
September 15, 2019 at 14:54
You are not late. You will not be delayed.
September 15, 2019 at 15:14
Hi Brit,
I have corrected my spouse name while filling up the DS260 form but still when logged in to DS260 form it is listing old name.
1. what should be done to correct the name ?
2. I got an email from KCC last Thursday and they’re asking to send the documents. My wife stayed abroad for higher studies from 2009 to 2016 and after 2016 she is now in home country. Should I get the Police report from abroad ? Do I need to include police report from both countries ?
3. I believe toady we will be provided VB for Oct. Can you predict the 2NL for my case# 2020as6XXX when shall I be scheduled ?
September 15, 2019 at 15:28
1. Check if the name INSIDE the form is changed.
2. Yes. Read the instructions!
3. Today is Sunday, so not today – tomorrow. Wait and see.
September 17, 2019 at 01:09
Hello, please allow me to ask a question, my girlfriend filled her DS-260 and sent it, after 2 or 3 days KCC sent her an email asking for the necessary documents, before sending them the documents she unlocked the DS-260 to correct some data and sent it again, my question, should she wait once again for kcc to send her to request the documents again or can she already send them as requested in the previous mail sent by them? Thanks in advance
September 17, 2019 at 03:57
She can send now.
September 19, 2019 at 11:28
Dear Brit,
1. I’ve transferred 2 times during my undergraduate studies. Shall I mention all 3 universities (incomplete studying, different majors), or mention the study where I get my degree?
2. I and my wife (married after lottery result) are doing graduate studies now. We both have dormitory rooms on different campuses, but within a city. Actually we live in one together, but are registered separetely. Shall we still mention the two different address, which is legally correct? I believe I can explain all this in the inverview. Should we also mention our apartment in the home town, in parrallel?
Thank you
September 19, 2019 at 14:23
1. All
2. You have to decide.
September 21, 2019 at 11:20
Hi Simon I won DV 2020 and received my case number through the system check since few Months ago, i keep trying to fill the DS -260, but it is not accepting my case number, i tried a lot of time without zero and sent email to KCC, but they are not providing helpful answers…..
I have my first entrant confirmation page right here with me also, but they keep saying my case number not found in their system but when i check my status it show i am selected for DV2020 please i need your help.. when i checked, it shows i am selected and i received my case number its valid.
Please kindly advice me to whom i should contact to be a great help to me sir.
Best regard,
Grace.
September 21, 2019 at 15:28
If you want send me the information, and I can try for you.
britsimon3 at gmail
September 21, 2019 at 21:50
Hello Britt
My DV lottery interview date is set to be in november and when i submitted my ds-260 form i wrote the permanent address to be in Portland Oregon, but i want to change it to Chicago so my question is: should i ask the KCC to unlock my ds260 to edit my permanent address before the interview ?? and if yes will it affect my interview ? Or should i tell the counselor at the interview that i want to change my permanent address ??
Thank you so much for your help
September 22, 2019 at 00:33
You can update at interview.
September 23, 2019 at 21:44
Thank you for your help, two more questions if i may, If i made a large deposite in my bank account a month before my interview will i be affected ? And if i authenticated and had an equivalence of my B.A degree will it help me in my interview ?
And again i really THANK YOU for your time and effort
September 23, 2019 at 22:05
1. No
2. Maybe.
September 23, 2019 at 12:07
Dear Brit,
My Friend won a green card lottery 2020, he has a four kids.One already usa citizen, others not, out of other three two of them above 21 years old.
my questions are
01.Does he need to include his us citizen daughter in visa application?
02.Does he need to include other two kids who are above 21 years old?
03.if not at least does he need to mention about his kids including above kids i mentioned anywhere in his application?
September 23, 2019 at 19:40
1. No
2. No (but read the instructions carefully)
3. No
September 23, 2019 at 20:15
1. For first question, he should mention her in his DS260 application without having separate ds application for her. Moreover, there is a question in child form saying “will your child immigrate with you”, he should answer this question by “No” and the following question also “No” which is saying if this child will immigrate in the future to Us.
September 23, 2019 at 20:22
Correct
September 23, 2019 at 13:28
Hi Brit, all of my Educational documents bear the name ‘F Paulson Moinsema’ and my Passport and Birth Certificate has the name ‘ Flomo Paulson Moinsema’ because the system in my country can’t use a single letter to represent name, can I be denial a visa for that?
September 23, 2019 at 19:46
No problem.
September 27, 2019 at 11:48
Thank you for your help. I have a concern. My husband is the winner and we got married after the result and we want to get into the file. I redid my identity card and I wear my husband’s name now in my passport. maiden name is kengne bertine and today i mappelle kengne wife ebollo in my documents while filling the ds260 at the level of my name should i put kengne wife ebollo bertine? or should i put ebollo bertine?
September 27, 2019 at 23:39
You can choose.
September 28, 2019 at 09:59
Hi SIMON! I can put my name which is on the passport ie when filling my husband’s ds260 I can put my name kengne marries ebollo? Here’s how my passport is structured:
Name: KENGNE marries EBOLLO
PRENOM: Bertine
When filling my spouse’s ds260 at my level where I have my name filled out I put what is written on the passport or my maiden name KENGNE Bertine?
September 28, 2019 at 15:04
Again, In the DS260 you write your legal name. Then you also list your maiden name. So – between those – you have everything.
September 28, 2019 at 03:37
Dear brit,
Basically , I’m from Nepal. In nepal , due to the political changes , all previous locality address has been changed with new naming. I have a national identity , passport with a previous old address, but birth certificate , marriage certificate have with a new one address. I want to join in 2021 dv lottery program but I am confusing that which address should I fill up in initial dv entry ? Follow with old adress passport ? Or newly given address? Hoping for your response. I think your reply will cover all confusion applicant who are from Nepal cause to addressing the permanent address.
September 28, 2019 at 04:42
Current address
September 28, 2019 at 11:30
Hello Mr. BritSimon
I have lived in the USA before, from 1997 to 1999 or from 1998 to 2000, not very sure about which date is correct and them from 2002 to 2005. I was there with my family as my dad works for Chevron and he was sent there for work assignment.
My concerns are, I dont remember which type of visa we had (as i know they asked you if you have been to the usa before and with which type of visa) and I dont remember my SSN, is there a way that we can check online for a SSN?
Thanks for the help
September 28, 2019 at 15:17
You would have to go to the SSA office for the SSN.
As for the visa – you can say you don’t know as you were a child.
September 29, 2019 at 19:46
Hi Brit,
I have a question regarding the address on the application. I am a F1 student and I use my uncle’s address for my government documents. However, I have rented at a couple different places.. should I list them both ? since I said the I lived at my uncle’s too.
September 30, 2019 at 04:10
Just the main address.
October 1, 2019 at 21:04
Hello Brit
I would like to ask you if i used one of the services that provide you with an US address to use for reshipment by those who live outside the states as the address that i will receive my green card at and told the counselor about it since i don’t know anyone in the US to use his address, and that i will change it once i get there and find a place to live in, will that get me rejected?? And does it really matter to them that i know someone in the USA ?
October 2, 2019 at 04:52
They will not deliver the GC to such an address.
October 2, 2019 at 15:22
Will it be ok to tell the counselor that i will change my address that i will receive the GC at once i arrive there and get a place ??
October 3, 2019 at 02:11
No. You must have that address accurate for when you enter the USA.
October 4, 2019 at 08:30
Hi, do you or anyone knows if we require passport number for each children when filling out the DS260. I just had a newborn and got his birth certificate. It’s so bloody hard taking photo of a baby.
If we are not required passport number for kids, then I will wait for another couple of months. My interview may be in May/June.
October 4, 2019 at 09:12
If you choose that the child will travel with a passport , then yes . He/she will need to put a passport number before submitting ( election signing ) the DS-260 .
It happened to me and I had to wait for a few months to get my child a passport .
October 4, 2019 at 20:31
You can enter the passport number of the parent to start with, and update later.
October 5, 2019 at 18:46
Hi Simon
I have a little worry, my father’s name is not written on my birth certificate so I wish to ask;
1) Should I leave out my father’s infomation out of the ds260 form?
And again my master’s diploma carries my father’s name, so I also wish to ask;
2) If the answer to question (1) is YES, will my master’s diploma contradicts my ds260 form?
Thanks and looking forward to your prompt reply.
October 5, 2019 at 20:19
1&2. You must choose. Is your fathers name missing because you have the wrong type of birth certificate, or it is missing because he did not take parental responsibility at the time of your birth. There is a difference there…
October 5, 2019 at 21:11
Simon yes he didn’t take care of parental responsibility. But he is death though.
October 5, 2019 at 21:47
I would not list him then.
October 5, 2019 at 21:52
Thanks Simon I just pray everything goes well with my master’s diploma. Stay blessed
October 7, 2019 at 17:16
Hello Simon
Am From Kenya, I am a graduate with college Diploma and that’s my highest level of education as per now. The course normally takes 2yrs to graduate after high school..
While applying for my eDV what level of education should I choose?
(1)Some university courses,
(2) University degree,
(3) Some graduate level courses,
Kindly help.
Thanks
October 8, 2019 at 05:04
1
October 10, 2019 at 16:37
Hi Brit, what do I need to do if my Passport and birth certificate surname is mureithi whereas my education certificate surname is muriithi. The birth certificate of my kid ( mother section) my names are XXX yyy muriithi.
October 11, 2019 at 03:51
Just present your documents as they are.
October 11, 2019 at 04:27
Hi Brit Simon, Sorryif you’ve already answered this question but- on the question “Have you ever been granted a US Visa” do I select yes if I have been issued an ESTA as part of the Visa Waiver program?
Thank you,
Isabella
October 11, 2019 at 14:17
No – because the ESTA is not a visa.
October 15, 2019 at 11:40
Hi Brit,
There are few new questions in DS260 regarding other email addresses, other phone numbers and other social media applications/websites that are being used in last 5 years.
For the question of other social media apps/websites, I have added my dropbox and google drive accounts but I forgot to add my whatsapp and telegram accounts which I am actually using them but it didn’t got to my mind to add them while answering the question.
I have already closed the DS260 two days ago, so do you think should I reopen it and add my whatsapp and telegram accounts or it’s a minor information and doesn’t matter.
Regards,
Ahmed
October 15, 2019 at 16:09
They don’t ask for those accounts do they – so don’t worry about it.
October 17, 2019 at 20:30
Dear Simon,
Greetings from London!
I am a DV2020 lottery winner with case EU51xxx. I completed and sent my DS-260 in May. This summer I fell in love with a guy who has now moved to NYC for work. I would really like to visit him before my interview but I know that it can be problematic. What are the chances of me being able to do so?
Many thanks.
Kind regards,
Claire
October 17, 2019 at 22:29
No problem at all. Go on an ESTA
November 6, 2019 at 10:20
Hello Simon, and thank you!
1/ I am going to the States for two weeks in January. Do I need to unlock my DS-260 to add this trip to the ‘Previous U.S. Travel Information’ section? If so, when is the best time to do this?
2/ I haven’t received any Document email yet. Should I worry?
3/ How can I remove my surname from my previous post (October 17 – please see above)?
Many thanks.
Kind Regards,
Claire
November 6, 2019 at 14:04
1. No
2. No. You can email them if you want.
3. I’ll look and edit.
November 6, 2019 at 23:22
Hello Simon,
Thank you very much for this.
Coincidentally I have just received the Document email.
If I decide to marry my boyfriend, do you think it might be best to do so in the US, the UK or France?
He has a Filipino passport, and currently resides in NYC on a working visa.
I am a French national who has been living in London for the past 15 years.
Many thanks.
Kind regards,
Claire
November 7, 2019 at 02:11
Any of those is fine.
November 8, 2019 at 09:44
Thank you very much, Simon.
1/ Could I please ask you to delete my post below (November 6)? Thank you.
2/ I have a MA in Translation studies. Am I authorized to do certified translations of my own documents or do I need to ask a fellow translator?
Thanks again and have a beautiful day ahead!
November 9, 2019 at 04:50
1. THat is the second time you did the same thing. I won’t edit again.
2. Ask someone else.
October 18, 2019 at 22:24
Hi mrs Simon, my friend is trying to submit his 2020 dv ds260 but is unable, are there any fees or account to open before proceeding with the form?it’s looks like many things have changed in this 2020 DC process. Your help will be much appreciated.
October 19, 2019 at 03:38
No fees.
October 20, 2019 at 04:57
Hello and regards Mr Simon
I have a question that in school period required in ds260 what should I enter I mean the period between 1st class and 12th class or just the last three years ? or does it necessary to add my high school if I have entered bachelor degree details I mean they should know that if i am bachelor I must completed the high school as well am i right ? have I enter both of them or just bachelor? my case is 2020AS78xx.
October 20, 2019 at 17:13
From age 12 upwards.
October 21, 2019 at 13:35
Hi Brit,
On my birth certificate my dad’s name is not written in full that is one of his middle names is missing. Would that be a problem ?
October 22, 2019 at 03:18
No
October 22, 2019 at 02:43
Hello,
Selected for DV2020, submitted DS260 in May, documents scanned and submitted in August, waiting for the interview now (EU3200 number)
I was just granted Citizenship of Canada today (have been a permanent resident there for 5 years) and will get my Canadian passport in the next few weeks. I still want to proceed with the DV Green Card process.
Should I contact KCC now to unlock my DS260 or wait until I have my new Canadian passport?
October 22, 2019 at 04:47
Update now.
October 23, 2019 at 08:06
I am the principle applicant of DV2020. I submitted DS 260 form in June. They send a mail to submitting the required documents now. So, I am in the process of collecting the required civil documents for submitting.
I have a few issues regarding these documents,
A. My spouse is Divorce one. Is her previous marriage certificate and legal divorce decree should need to submit?
B. I am previous married, she died, and do I need to submit my previous marriage certificate?
C. Do I need to submit a Police Certificate for my spouse (older than 16 years)?
October 23, 2019 at 16:07
The email you received answers literally all these questions! Please read it.
October 24, 2019 at 05:29
Good morning Brit!
I have problem in filling my DS 260 form, they keep tell my case number is in valid while trying to fill my form, I don’t know what the problem.
Please I need your help.
Case number AF22xxx
October 24, 2019 at 15:58
You should have started here:
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2020-basic-questions/
November 6, 2019 at 12:15
Hey Don, I got same case number as yours. Do you received 2nl yet?
October 24, 2019 at 14:22
Hello Sir, I’m not able to sign and Submit DS-260 form Application Although my wife and daughter submitted successfully need your help please I have enter my KCC Case number as 2020AS22xx (2020AS00022xx)
October 24, 2019 at 16:18
Are you male under 26. If yes, you probably have not clicked on the selective service link on the last page of the DS260 – you must do that to be able to submit.
October 24, 2019 at 19:41
I am a female and I am 24 years old.
October 24, 2019 at 22:13
Then you have missed some other required field.
November 6, 2019 at 12:20
Please review every step you went through, eventfully you should fill your case number as this way, 2020af12345
delete the zeros
October 24, 2019 at 14:32
Hello Sir ! Thanks it works now when I download the DS-180 form then it allowed me to click but in DS-180 form there is an Acknowledgement what should we do with it?
October 24, 2019 at 16:20
I don’t know what a DS-180 is.
October 25, 2019 at 14:58
Hi brit,
I have selected for DV2020, after email came from KCC only i knew that i have been selected. Because i didn’t check before that am i selected or not! So i didn’t send any form still now. Now im collecting all documents that are needed for DS260. Is there any problem because of i didn’t send any DS260 form still now????
October 26, 2019 at 02:13
No problem at all.