Completing the DS260 for DV lottery entrants
Completing the DS260 for DV lottery entrants
*** Note***
Upon submission, some people are getting an error message that the confirmation number doesn’t match. In that case – the solution is here:
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
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OK – so the main task to process your DV lottery win is to complete a form online that is your “application” for immigration benefit. That form is the DS260.
The form itself might seem daunting, and it may take about 2 hours to complete. It is important that you prepare your information, and enter the details as accurately as possible. You will be able to make changes later on, but it makes sense to spend a few extra minutes early on to get this right.
You will some documents to complete the process and mostly you will need those now so gather them now and create a special file to start creating your DV lottery paperwork:-
- Passport information for you and your family members.
- Birth certificates for you and your family members.
- Your education history
- Your work history
- Your address history
- An address in the USA of a friend or family member. This is where your Green Card will be sent.
Ready? OK now let me guide you through completing the form:-
Enter the form for the first time.
You need your case number which will be in the format of YEAR-REGION-CASENUMBER. For example 2016AS00001234. This is the FULL case number including the “leading zeroes” in this case before the 1234. (In online forums we suggest hiding the last 2 or 3 digigits and dropping the leading zeroes – so when quoting your case on a forum you would state this number as 2016AS1XXX or 2016AS12XX. This protects your identity.)
The form will expect your date of birth in day/month/year order. This is odd because Americans write date in month/day/year order.
Once in the form you will go through a number of sections where you will enter your details. Most of the information is self explanatory – but here are screenshots for each section of how the forms will look for a simple case – and some comments about some of the questions. Please remember it is important to make sure your answers are YOUR answers. Don’t just copy what I am suggesting if the answer does not agree with your circumstances.
1. Summary.
Here you will see a list of applicants attached to the case (based on the eDV entry). Click the link under “IV application” to complete the details for each applicant.
You can also add applicants from this page (if you have married since the original entry or had a child). Once you have added an applicant you cannot remove that applicant or change their name. So – please be careful about name spelling etc. It is also important to note that if you are adding a spouse or child that you already had prior to the original eDV entry but failed to mention in the original entry you will most probably be disqualified, as that is a critical error.
If you do have to add a child or spouse because of a birth or marriage while you are waiting to be interviewed, remember you will need to add an applicant AND in addition your own form will need to be unlocked so that you can add the new family relationship to your form.
2. Personal Information 1.
This is where you will enter your name information. It is a useful page to capture your name in English, but also in Native alphabet.
The names entered on this page should be as listed on your passport – but also use the “other names used” section to make sure you have covered combinations that appear in your documents. For example, if you have an education certificate that includes an additional family name, use the alias section to include that name. Also, use the alias section if you entered your name differently on the eDV entry. Entering your other names used here means USCIS have early notice to perform name checks on your various names used and therefore you can make sure your background check is comprehensive – which is exactly what you want to reduce the chances of being placed on AP or even refused for incomplete name information.
Complete the other details such as date of birth. If you somehow made a mistake on the eDV about your date of birth (for example during conversion from a different calendar) THIS is your opportunity to correct that mistake – please pay attention to that. This would normally agree with the date of birth on your birth certificate, but if that is not known, then use the date shown on your passport.
About city/state/country of birth. ON the eDV entry (where you entered the lottery) you will have entered something for your city of birth. The three levels are related to each other – so a CITY is sometimes denoted as being in a STATE (or province) and that STATE is within a COUNTRY. People sometimes are not sure what to enter so let me gives some examples.
You could have been born in Richmond which is a city/town in London, United Kingdom. So an acceptable answer (which should agree with the information on your birth certificate) would be:
CITY: Richmond
State/Province: London
Country: United Kingdom
Your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond the point of entry, but if your passport will expire during the DV process, you might be better submitting now with the current passport and updating later once you have the replacement passport. This is especially true if you have a low case number, and are therefore expecting an early interview. If you do need to renew your passport during the DV process, in many cases people have taken old and new passports to the interview without unlocking the form, but the preference would be to add the new passport details if time allows.
OK – hope that makes sense. Check what it says on your birth certificate. It is important that this information agrees to the birth certificate and the passport. By the way – your country of birth may not be the same as your nationality (which is on the next page). But your country of birth is what should have driven your entry into the lottery (eligibility is based on your country of birth, NOT your nationality).
The finished result should look something like this:-
3. Personal information 2
This page is about your travel documents (passport). Make sure you have the passport in front of you when you complete this page – accuracy is important as this will enable background checks.
Note, if you do not have a passport at this time you can complete the entry using another state issued ID, and then later unlock your forms to add the passport details. You WILL need a passport prior to interview as will any derivative (family member) of yours.
4. Present and previous address information
Try and complete this as accurately as possible. Provide all the address that you have LIVED at since the age of 16. If you stayed at a holiday home for a month or two, that does not need to be entered, but if you LIVED at an address for a few months then you should enter that address. You enter past address in reverse date order – meaning going backwards in time, one address at a time. Be as accurate as possible with the date you started living at each address (you can guess the dates within a month or two).
5. Mailing and Permanent Address Information
This is information about where you expect to stay in the USA OR the address of someone you can trust to receive your Green Card on your behalf. Most people can think of someone within their family or friends that could receive the GC for them. You should also know that you can change this address during the process – right up to the day your arrive in the USA for the first time.
6. Family information: Parents
OK – self explanatory information. I only show the top of the page in the screenshot below but you add your parents details and their addresses. THe data here should be accurate, but if you don’t know their birthdates etc. it is not a huge problem. Do the best you can.
7. Family information: Spouse and Previous Spouse
Enter the details as appropriate to your case. Remember, the information should be correct on the day you enter it. So, if you plan to marry in a month but want to submit your form today then you are SINGLE today. YOu can either delay submission of your form until you are married, or submit now as single and unlock your form later after the marriage. There is some information about marriage during the DV process here.
A previous spouse is entered when you divorced of a spouse passed away. You will be required to produce a divorce certificate or death certificate during the interview to tally with what you enter here.
8. Family information: Children
Fairly obviously you will need to enter information about each child you have, making sure their information ties with birth certificates and passports.
If your child is nearly 21 there may be special considerations for you. Please read this article on children aging out and their status under the CSPA.
If you are expecting a child to be born during the DV lottery processing period there are also procedures in place to obtain a Green Card for that child. I will address that with a new article.
One thing I would say, it is ESSENTIAL that you listed all your children in the eDV according to the instructions. If you made a mistake about that you may have caused yourself a problem. If you have a concern, contact me and explain your situation.
In the case shown in the screenshot below the applicant did not have any children.
9. Present work/education/training information
OK so this is important as education OR work experience are requirements of the DV lottery. Please read this article for more information about meeting the requirement. I cannot stress enough. You are only required to meet the education OR work experience – you do not have to prove BOTH. Of the two routes, education is the simplest and most reliable method, but some people cannot meet the education requirement – and although this may surprise you that includes me. I have had a very successful career in the IT field and have demonstrated my skills to earn a H1 visa (which is category of visa for highly educated or highly skilled workers), BUT I could not have met the DV lottery requirement on education! So – think carefully whether you do or not – and act accordingly.
Enter the information about work and education based on what you are doing at present. If you are entering work experience and hope to qualify through work experience you should consider carefully the question about “does this job require 2 years of training or experience”. Again, read the article above to understand that better.
10. Previous work/education/training information
OK – so this will vary depending on what you did before your present occupation. Maybe you had a different job, maybe you studied. Whichever is true you must enter that information here and create a complete history of your work, education and training. Try and get the dates to be accurate and make sure that those dates make sense with the address information you gave previously.
This page can end up being quite long and for the screenshots I have had to break it into two pieces. Just take your time and make it make sense. You can add another occupation (work or edication). Again, you enter going “backwards” in time.
11. Additional work/education/training information.
Answer the questions truthfully on this page. If you answer Yes and a box opens for further details there will be instructions of what further detail they want.
12. Security and Background: Medical and Health information
Answer these questions carefully and truthfully.
The second question (about vaccinations) causes some debate. Truthfully it WILL NOT MATTER whether you choose Yes or NO for that particular question. The right answer for 99% of people is NO, because you do not have “documentation to establish…”, even if you do have records of vaccinations. So, it is a subtle point but whether you answer yes or no it will not matter. The vaccinations you actually need will be decided by the panel physician at the time of your medical. So by all means gather whatever vaccination documentation you have.
13. Security and Background: Criminal
Answer these questions truthfully. Most criminal convictions will not cause disqualification, and you will have a chance to explain at the interview. The crimes that can cause disqualification are called “crimes of moral turpitude”. It is a vague term and perhaps one that I will write about to clarify but most people by far will not have a problem even if they have a criminal conviction. Previous immigration fraud is not surprisingly one of the crimes that can cause an issue which is why it is essential you always tell the truth on these applications.
14. Security and Background: Security 1
Again – answer these truthfully.
15. Security and Background: Security 2
Again – answer the questions truthfully.
16. Security and Background: Immigration law violations
As I mentioned earlier – they take immigration law violations seriously!
17. Security and Background: Miscellaneous 1
Again answer truthfully.
The skilled or unskilled labor question has sparked some debate. In reality if you intend to work in the USA then the answer to this is Yes – but this is another question that will not cause a problem no matter which response your choose.
18. Security and Background: Miscellaneous 2
Again these just need truthful answers.
The healthcare professional one is another question that really doesn’t matter how you answer it. If you are a healthcare worker don’t be afraid to admit that.
The public charge question should be answered NO. Public charge means financial assistance from the government. You must realize that the Green Card lottery winners should not be claiming “public assistance”. There are some exceptions to that statement, but in general you are expected to support yourself. The USA is a land of opportunity, not free gifts.
19. Social security number
Answer these three questions as shown below unless you already have a SSN from a previous period in the USA. USCIS will (in theory) forward your details to the social security administration (SSA) to apply for your SSN. In practice many people find this does not happen correctly and delays are caused in getting the SSN after you enter the USA. Since the SSN is so important for many purposes here in the USA that is a nuisance, so I always suggest people visit the SSA office after a couple of weeks to make sure your SSN is “in the system”. You should receive the SSN card itself about 2 to 3 weeks after entering the USA.
Submitting the form.
OK so you have completed your form. You do the same for each derivative (family member). Check all the forms carefully, take screenshots if you like and when you are ready, submit the form. You should then print the confirmation page. You will be able to review the form later in review mode and can also take screenshots at that point.
You may also be prompted to fill out a form for “selected service”. Any us resident male under 26 years old is required to register for selective service. This does not not mean you will need to serve in the military, but if there was some crisis that required additional military men under 26 years old will be picked by a lottery to be inducted into the military.
The form will become “locked” so that you will not be able to edit it although you will be able to review the information after you submitted it. If you need at any time prior to your interview to unlock the form you can do so by emailing KCC who generally respond within a few days. Once unlocked you can make changes.
Once KCC have your form they will “process” it. They conduct background checks based on the information you have told them and access to official records. The processing period in DV2015 took around 4 to 5 months because of the volume of forms submitted around the same time. So, if you have a very low case number and you delay the submission of your DS260 there is a chance you could delay the interview date – BUT don’t worry, you will simply be interviewed later. Interviews are conducted based on case number order but only from a pool of cases that have completed their DS260 processing.
May 5, 2020 at 13:09
Hi Brit,
My number is 2020AS24XXX, so it’s current now. I have submitted the ds260 and sent the documents to KCC long time, however I didn’t receive the confirmation email of processing and reviewing my documents.
I sent to KCC yesterday asking about the status of my DS and documents and why I didn’t receive the confirmation email of reviewing my docs. They responded today as following “Your DS-260 has been processed. You should have received, or will soon receive, an email from the Kentucky Consular Center giving you instructions to complete order for your case to continue processing.. ”
So my question are:
1- What’s meant by ds260 is processed?
2- Is that meant my documents are reviewed as well without any issues?
3- The email they are talking about, which I should receive soon, is that the confirmation email of reviewing my documents or something else?
Here is the complete response of KCC:
————————————————–
After sending documents to [email protected], you will receive an automatic reply to your email. If there are no attachments, the auto reply explains there are no documents attached to the email. If there are attachments, the auto reply explains we received your email and are currently processing your documents. Please allow time for processing of your documents. Documents are processed in numerical order, based on lottery rank number. Once KCC has processed your documents, we will let you know if anything is missing or if we have received everything needed.
Your DS-260 has been processed. You should have received, or will soon receive, an email from the Kentucky Consular Center giving you instructions to complete in order for your case to continue processing. Please follow the instructions in the email. Interviews are scheduled numerically based on case numbers that have completed processing. Interviews for the DV 2020 program will begin in October 2019 and conclude on September 30, 2020. Please refer to the visa bulletin at https://www.travel.state.gov to locate the current numbers being processed. This bulletin is updated after the 15th day of each month. Once an interview date has been scheduled, you will receive notification via email to check https://www.dvlottery.state.gov.
Due to the novel COVID-19 outbreak all interviews for the DV program have been suspended, it is undetermined when scheduling will resume.
Please monitor http://www.travel.state.gov for any updates and contact your DV embassy/consulate if you have additional questions.
In order for the Kentucky Consular Center to assist with inquiries regarding a specific Diversity Visa (DV) case, you must provide the Principal Applicant’s full name, complete case number, and date of birth in the following format (MMDDYYYY) as entered on the original entry. Please remember that the Kentucky Consular Center does not have the authority to tell you whether or not your specific case will be disqualified. Only a consular officer can do that at the time of your visa interview. Do not send any paper documents to the Kentucky Consular Center.
May 5, 2020 at 23:54
1. Finished processing – ready for the next step.
2 & 3. Your documents are not processed according to this email. If you are sure you sent them, you should now wait.
May 7, 2020 at 07:06
Hello Simon,
I have question that I’m going to ask using example names. On my birth certificate I have “John Paul Brown” and on all my subsequent documents like high school diploma, BSc degree, Masters degree and Passport, I have “John King Brown”.
1. Will the difference in my middle name on my birth certificate and other documents leads to disqualification?
2. Can I just add the middle name on my birth certificate under “other names”?
3. Although I was born in West Africa, I did my undergraduate degree in another country in Southern Africa for 5 years and a Masters in Asia for two years and I’m now back home. Do i really need to get a police certificates from those two countries considering I have no means of going back there to get the certificates? Can I only use the police certificates from my home country?
Thanks
May 7, 2020 at 18:41
1. Not usually.
2. You should do that, yes.
3. You will need to follow the rules. That means reading the instructions on how to get the police certs from each country.
May 8, 2020 at 10:12
Hello Simon
Do I need my child’s passport who is 2 years of age while filling the ds260 or will I be able to unlock the form later to fill the passport details? Is it even possible to do so ? Or should I have my child’s passport ready prior to fill the Ds260 form?
May 8, 2020 at 20:03
The child will need a passport at interview – but people have successfully submitted DS260s with a parents passport number – so you can submit that way and correct the passport number when you have it.
May 27, 2020 at 10:21
Good day
1. Please when i saw entering the lottery, i was not married but i married some months after the entering the lottery. Adding my wife after winning, will it create problem fore me?
2. i have heard that, after winning the lottery you have to DS 5440 together with DS 260. is that true or you only fill the DS 260
May 27, 2020 at 17:06
1. No
2. Both
May 27, 2020 at 17:40
Dear mr. Simon
I’ve filled ds-260 on may 2019, but i didn’t fill DS 5440.
My question is when should i fill it? should i bring it with me to the interview or what? since it’s a pdf file not like ds-260 you processed it online.
May 27, 2020 at 17:47
Thank you just found the link to it
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-the-ds-5540/
May 31, 2020 at 13:45
I have been selected for dv 2020. But not filled ds-260 form yet. What to do now? Is there any last date for ds-260 form?
May 31, 2020 at 21:11
You have probably left it too late. You can try, but I am not confident they would process you in time.
June 1, 2020 at 01:53
hello simon!
Do my kids have to fill a ds-260 form too? if yes do i just skip over the work experince and marriage questions? they are both teens
June 1, 2020 at 02:28
Yes. The form will adjust for them.
June 7, 2020 at 00:00
Hello Simon,
I have dual citizenship. Will I be required to provide passports for both nationalities (including the one I haven’t used for the DV application) ?
June 7, 2020 at 00:04
No
June 8, 2020 at 15:49
Hey simon..what if i have dual citizenship but didn’t mention one of them in the ds260 do i have to reopen it and add it? and i sent my documents without the other passport as well should i send it again too?
June 8, 2020 at 19:26
Your DS260 should be accurate, yes.
June 7, 2020 at 10:29
Hello,
I recently been accepted and I was trying to complete my DS-260 form but I faced a problem regarding my passport,
Since I didn’t have passport (and couldn’t get from my government because at the time my military duty wasn’t finished) and I checked the box for exemption:
“Nationals of a Communist-controlled country: If, on your DV entry, you checked the box corresponding to this exemption, you must provide evidence to establish that you are unable to obtain a passport from the government of your country of nationality.”
So my military service will be finished in 3 months and I can get my passport , but in DV Lottery website it says If I selected this exemption only because I get my passport with delay , I should no longer continue for the program.
I believe the rule of my country (Iran) about issuing passport is somehow communist, because they don’t issue passport for every male who is +18 years old until they finish their military duty.
Now that I can have my passport in around 4 months tops , Is it possible that I select other document and when my passport is ready I edit my DS-260 form for entering my passport data , then in interview I explain my situation? Is there any chance that they accept my case?
Thanks a lot and sorry for the long explanation.
June 7, 2020 at 14:31
You can try if you want. Somehow communist is not communist, but you could try and explain. If you fail you will lose your fees.
June 7, 2020 at 10:35
Hello Simon! My passport has expired in 2020/4/6. Should I enter my new passport information?
June 7, 2020 at 14:32
Yes. Keep the proof of the old passport.
June 7, 2020 at 11:15
I finished high school, elementry and secondary school total years (12 years) should I write the first education part start date from the day I entered the prmary school till the day I graduated from seconday school ( 12 years) ?? or just write the start date of my last year of secondary school??
Please I need help with this information and will appreciate that.
Knwoing that I already graduated from my bachelor degree.
June 7, 2020 at 14:43
List education from about age 12 and up.
June 7, 2020 at 16:47
When will the embassy’s open please
Thanks
June 7, 2020 at 17:14
I don’t know.
June 7, 2020 at 17:05
Hi, I was just selected for DV lottery 2021. I currently reside in the US in student visa. Should I have to fill DS 260 form ?
June 7, 2020 at 17:57
You can adjust status, and if you do that the DS260 is optional.
More info on AOS here:
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2021-aos-only.342993
June 9, 2020 at 15:31
Thanks for the link. My case number is AS000081**. What is the probability to get second letter ? I planned not to fill the DS 160 form. Can I fill the I-485 before 2 months according to visa bulletin ? If I didn’t fill the DS 160, can I still get the second letter ? Sorry, I am confused.
June 9, 2020 at 20:46
The number is fine. Read the link I gave you and your questions will become clear.
June 7, 2020 at 17:23
Good morning Brit,
I have been selected for the DV2021 Lottery. However, I am subject to a 2 year home residency requirement, that I will be fulfilling by the end of August 2021. I am currently in my home country since August of 2019, and plan to stay here until I complete the requirement. My understanding is that I should be able to obtain a green card if I can complete all the steps before Sep 30th 2021. I have a few questions:
1. Can I fill out and submit the DS-260 form while I am still subject to the 2 year home residency requirement?
2. If that’s possible, can I delay the consulate interview until after I have fulfilled my 2 year home residency requirement (Sept 2021).
3. When does the change of status happens? Is it right after the consular officer approves the visa, or is it when you activate the visa at your point of entry?
I know my case is a little unfortunate, but I am hoping that timing will magically work out for me.
Thanks,
– Frank
June 7, 2020 at 18:00
1. If I were you, I would delay doing that in order to delay your interview to August or September. That means filing the DS260 in April or early May next year – and sending documents immediately after filing.
2. See 1.
3. Upon entry to the USA
June 7, 2020 at 18:59
Thanks, this is really useful
I have a question please.. I have won the 2021 lottery, by the time I submitted my dv entry in October I was in my homeland,. December I moved to another country which address/embassy should submit in the DS 260 form
Another one pls.. I am a citizen of the Six banned countries I have have heard the ban itself signed for 60 days .. should I wait till then or submit my DS 260 anyway
Thanks again
June 7, 2020 at 19:38
The DS260 is performed online – not to a specific embassy. The interviewing embassy will be chosen based on where you currently live.
Regarding the ban – I suggest you wait. If Trump loses the election Biden will probably remove the bans in January.
June 7, 2020 at 19:43
I was selected yesterday and tried today to fill the da 260 form. So I entered my case number and click continue to open the next window, but after entering my surname name, dvl confirmation number, date of birth and choosing the section of me being the applicant, I click next and then it says my application cannot be processed at this time?
I want to know if it is too early to start filling the ds 260 form online since I was selected a day ago?
June 7, 2020 at 23:19
Wait for a few days the system is busy.
June 9, 2020 at 22:24
Hello Dominic, i have the same problem, I would like to Know if the situation has resolved for you? how many days did it take? thank you in advance for your reply
June 8, 2020 at 01:23
Hi Simon,
Is there a way to retrieve the information submitted during the DV 2021 application process? I want to make sure all the data is correct so I can proceed with the application in the future.
Best,
– Frank
June 8, 2020 at 02:32
No
June 8, 2020 at 04:03
Hi sir, thanks for responding to my questions. Please as regarding your advice not to fill Ds260 very early I have Case number 82000 and am single also have all my documents with me. When exactly can I fill the form? When living my country to my present location I obtained police certificate will still apply for a new one because since then I haven’t gone back to my country yet thanks
June 8, 2020 at 05:34
Your number is high, so you can safely wait for at least 6 months before submitting the DS260 – I suggest you wait that long to see more about whether you have a chance or not.
June 8, 2020 at 15:40
Your number is very high, I suggest you wait a few months until we know more how risky your number is.
June 8, 2020 at 05:09
Morning Simon thanks for everything
Please in October I played the lottery with my bachelor of technology I graduated in August and by then I had no work contract but after that in November I finally had a contract which the employer decided to add September to be my starting date whereas I didn’t mentioned that in the DV lottery entry form. So how can I handle that??
June 8, 2020 at 05:41
It won’t be a problem. Just complete the DS260 honestly.
June 8, 2020 at 07:20
I am a holder of green card before maybe 15 years ago, I was a kid back then.
I remember that I had a SSN but of course I don’t have now and don’t know what is the number.
Shall I mention that I had SSN?
June 8, 2020 at 15:52
Yes.
June 8, 2020 at 12:22
Hi Simon, I should to fill the DS-260. My number for GC 2021 is 32 XXX. I have some questions to you:
1. I apply with my current passport, which is valid until 21.05.2021. I was approved with it. Should I change my passport now, before to fill the DS260? I am with number 32 XXX, which means, that I will eventually go on interview next summer, when my current passport will be expired?
2. The passport of my husband and daughter has expired now at 20.05.2020. What to do for them, should they make a new ones?
Thank you!
June 8, 2020 at 17:06
There is no need to rush as you have to wait for your number anyway – so renew the passports then submit.
June 9, 2020 at 15:41
Hi Brit,
Its me again. I have similar situation like Maya above and almost the same case number. For clarity, should I submit my ds260 with the new passport number?
June 9, 2020 at 20:47
So you have the same situation and the nearly the same number. Were you thinking I would answer differently?
June 8, 2020 at 16:44
Hello dear BritSimon
While I want to enter to online DS260 application form after filling my case number, surname, birth date … it says “Your request cannot be processed at this time.” is it something wrong with my entry or the system has some technical issues.
Thank you
June 8, 2020 at 19:20
Hi there , did you give the answer ?? I have the same problem
June 8, 2020 at 20:36
Try in a few days time
June 8, 2020 at 17:12
Hie Brit,l would like to ask regarding filling up information on thr DS 260.In my case l have two kids still below 21 so does it mean l have to fill 4 different forms under my case number?if so how would l do that.
June 8, 2020 at 21:01
Yes. They will all be listed on your login page. Just click the links one by one.
June 8, 2020 at 19:04
Hello Mr brit,
I have a question about the mailing address where i should be expecting my green card, and since i don’t have any family or friends there, is there any other solution or i must have an address?
Thank you.
June 8, 2020 at 21:16
You will need an address.
June 8, 2020 at 19:14
hi there , I faced with the message :your request cant not be proceed at this time
June 8, 2020 at 19:34
Brit,
Thank you for this forum. A few questions and clarity on some issues for DV2021
1. I was a J1 scholar, have completed my study and since returned in June 2017. I am sure I meet the 2-year residence requirement. Is this right?
2. I also had SSN while studying should I include this on my ds260?
3. Thank you for recommending my daughter inclusion on my Entry application. My intention is for her to join me at a later date should I be granted an immigration visa. Will this be a problem for me during submission of ds260 or interview?
4. My number is AF34XXX how should I start my ds260 now or give it some time? How soon am I due to be interview
5. Can I add a child I adopted a day ago?
June 8, 2020 at 21:54
1. Surely you can add 2 onto 2017.
2. Yes.
3. No – but just know that normal processing outside of DV will take around 2 years.
4. No need to rush. You will not be interviewed until 2021.
5. No. You would need to have adopted the child 2 years ago.
June 8, 2020 at 19:53
Hi,
My sister’s case number is 2021AS2XXX, and she is from one of the countries included in travel ban. I wanted to ask when you think it’s the best time to submit DS260 form to increase her chances? What is the latest time she can submit DS260 to make sure the total allocated GC for 2021 are not finished?
Thank you
June 8, 2020 at 22:01
Wait until the elections in November. If Trump loses, there is a reasonable expectation that Biden will remove the bans.
June 9, 2020 at 09:27
Dear BritSimon
I changed my School several times as I moved to different locations whether I have to list all of them on the ds260 form, or i should list the last one that I got 12th grade graduation Certificate from, I should say other schools do not provide any certification until one finishes the 12th grade.
Thank you very much your videos and blog are so helpful.
June 9, 2020 at 12:16
also I have graduated from university and in order to go to university you need to finish 12 years of school education, so as one of your video says listing just the last school will be sufficient, or there is something else?
June 9, 2020 at 17:37
Create the history from around age 12.
June 8, 2020 at 20:05
Hello Britsimon,
I was wondering if you could kindly answer some questions as I am new to this whole GC process.
1. I just checked the DV lottery website and I was selected for further processing. I received a case number which is 2021EU000027xxx. Do you think it’s a high number and I shouldn’t bother continuing trying to apply for a GC or do I have a chance to be selected for an interview at some point?
2. Should I fill the ds-260 form immediately or should I wait until my number shows up on the visa bulletin board?
3. When are you supposed to fill the other form ds-5440?
4. I want to choose education over work for the DV lottery requirement as I have graduated last year from university with a degree in architecture and I don’t have a lot of work experience. I don’t understand what exactly I have to fill out in the form regarding Present work/education/training information. Is that where I am supposed to add the university address and info? I can’t add present work information because I am currently unemployed due to the pandemic situation and it’s hard to find another job for an architect intern position at the moment. I have previously worked for about 2 years during my final years in college and I also had summer jobs in the US while I was on a student visa. Am I supposed to write all these previous jobs in the Previous work/education/training information category or is the main job I had during college as a junior architect enough?
5. Just to make it short, it’s unclear to me what to add in the Present work/education/training information because I graduated last year so I am no longer a student and I am currently unemployed. Am I supposed to pick Not employed from the list and give them a reason why?
Thanks in advance.
June 8, 2020 at 22:09
1. It’s not that high.
2. Something in between. No need to rush.
3. It’s something you might need to present at the interview.
4. You simply detail all education and work experience. You don’t “choose” how to meet the requirement. The CO will first consider your education and if that were no good they would only then look at work experience. But either way – tell the complete accurate story in your DS260.
5. See 4.
June 9, 2020 at 18:18
Thank you so much for making time to answer all our questions. I really appreciate that!
I’ve looked at the historical data of the visa bulletin and I do have a high chance to take the interview. 2018 seemed the only year where the demand was much higher since the cut-off for September was 25775. But like you previously said, the situation changes ever year based on different factors and circumstances.
1. So basically if I am still unemployed when I will be filling out the ds-260 form for Present work/education/training information I will just simply choose ‘Not employed’ from the list and explain why. If I do find work in the meantime I will just add the current work info. Do you think it’s going to be a problem if the CO sees currently unemployed?
2. By all education experience you mean all the way back from elementary and highschool to university listed backwards?
3. All work experience must also include temporary jobs like summer jobs also? I think that’s what you mean by complete accurate story. I’ve had many seasonal jobs and I don’t know it’s necessary to list all of them, just the important ones.
4. I’m just curious what your thoughts are on this – do you think there will be a slow demand for DV2021 with what’s going on in the US right now because of the pandemic, the protests and the political crazyness? Maybe people won’t feel safe anymore to go and live in the states.
June 9, 2020 at 21:44
1. No.
2. Yes
3. Main ones is OK.
4. I don’t know. Only time will tell. Hopefully the idiot in the WH will be looking for a new place to live in January and things will return to decency.
June 8, 2020 at 23:55
Hello!
I got through in the lottery (DV 2021) and immediately submitted my DS-260 form (the instructions said to move quickly with it so I did, but my rank is OC13XX, so I probably have a good while before I’m interviewed, if at all). My passport expires in July 2021, so even though I will have had my interview by then, I need to have six months left on it when I enter the US. Because of this, I will renew my passport before I go to the interview – do I then unlock the DS-260 to update the info, or do I just take both passports to the interview? Do I need to email anybody explaining all this or is updating the info in the form enough? Is it a problem that my DS-260 will then no longer match the details I originally submitted into the lottery?
Thank you so much!
June 9, 2020 at 14:36
Depends on timing. If you have time you update the DS260, if you don’t you just take old and new passports to the interview.
June 9, 2020 at 15:31
Okay wonderful, thank you so much for your help!
June 9, 2020 at 00:12
Hello Simon,
I have 2 quick questions (since I am selected for 2021):
1) I applied twice for the tourist visa and got rejected both times because my brother lives in US (he have gc via work). Will that be a problem for me again?
2) I have high school diploma (3 years) but I have 4 years of experience in specific IT field. Do you think that diploma would be a problem?
Thank you!
June 9, 2020 at 14:43
1. You were rejected because they believed you would try and overstay or emigrate the the USA. THat is not a factor in DV application.
2. Read the FAQ to make sure you understand how to meet the education/work experience requirement.
June 9, 2020 at 02:06
Hello Brit,
I have been selected for further processing in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program for the fiscal year 2021.
I applied for the lottery on 04th November 2019 and my newborn(DOB 12th October 2019) daughter’s name was not finalized at that time.
Therefore we inserted her name in the application as Dulanya Yuvindee Munasinghe.
But during her birth registration on 15th November 2019, we change our mind and named her as Duleesha Yuvindee Munasinghe.
Therefore, now there is a discrepancy in her name in the birth certificate and in the DV entry. Birth Certificate first name is Duleesha and in the DV entry we have entered as Dulanya.
Hence, I want to know whether my application will be rejected due to this reason.
June 9, 2020 at 14:51
No problem. It’s understandable, and only about a derivative child.
June 9, 2020 at 02:23
Hie Brit,l have a queation.
1.as we are all aware of thr covid 19 pandemic,so lets assume l have submitted all the documents and my interview is scheduled for lets say October,what will happen if the consulate or embassy is still closed.
Will the interview be re scheduled to a later date?
June 9, 2020 at 14:54
Well that’s a daft scenario because if the embassies were to remain closed you would not have been scheduled in the first place.
But for people that had scheduled appointments earlier this year, those people are waiting to be rescheduled.
June 9, 2020 at 03:18
Hi ,
I have a question,I got a baby few weeks ago and yesterday found out I was selected.I am wondering if I should add her to my file when filling the DS 260 .
June 9, 2020 at 15:58
Of course.
June 9, 2020 at 03:36
Greetings,
I face problem regarding the question below.
“Is your Mailing Address the same as your present address?”
Could you please explain this question?
I mean what they mean by present address?
June 9, 2020 at 11:14
Hi Sajad, present address means where do you live right now? Where are you now? Which country, street name. Let’s say you are in Pakistan right now, so write the address in Pakistan. Hope this information will help you.
June 9, 2020 at 14:56
Where you live today.
June 9, 2020 at 03:53
Hello Britsimon, at the Personal information 2 section, the authority on my passport is LONDON UK, because i renewed my Ghanaian passport while i was studying in UK, my country/nationality is Ghana. At the Country/Authority that issued document (Passport), what should i put at that space when filling the form?
2) on my dv lottery application form i stated Country/Authority of Issuance as Ghana and i hope no issue with that?
3) My wife, when she was young she started using a name that was not originally on the names on her birth certificate and this name is on her passport, but not on her birth certificate and it was not also entered on the dv lottery application form, since it was not on her passport. Please what can i do about this when filling the ds260 form and should in case the CO inquire of this during the interview?
THANK YOU
June 9, 2020 at 14:58
1. Ghana
2. That’s correct.
3. There is a place on the DS260 to list other names used.
June 9, 2020 at 08:26
Hello sir,
Kindly advice me on following queries.
1. I hope below are the steps of DV20201
A. Eligibility check
B. File DS-260
C. Submitting supporting documents
D. Interview
2. I have received the letter for DV-20201 further processing. When should I complete the DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application) ? As per DV2021 instructions (FAQ #31) should I wait till October 2020 or can I do it now?
3. Currently I am out of my country for higher studies purpose. I will be back in my home country by next year October. In that case, how should I carry out the interview, medical process etc.? Should I come to my country for those? if so how many times should I make visits?
3. How should I get the police reports when I am not present in my home country?
4. In what stage I have to make the payment?
Please respond. Thanks in advance.
June 9, 2020 at 16:06
1. Correct. Step D is a medical and the interview.
2. You can do it now, but no need to rush.
3. What do you mean October next year – do you mean this year?
3 again. Read the reciprocity page instructions.
4. Interview.
June 9, 2020 at 09:19
Hi my name is liz…i just won the dv 2020 and im a ghanaian i wanted to find out if i can you my university degree.
June 9, 2020 at 16:26
Yes – but they will also want proof you completed the required HS education.
June 9, 2020 at 10:18
Greetings,
One of my children is over the age of 21 and I also didn’t include him in the lottery as it was a condition to not include your children if they are over the age of 21.
Now I won the lottery, my question is that may I include him in the Ds 260 form or not?
Thanks in advance
June 9, 2020 at 17:53
You answer the question on the form. Does it say anything about age on the question?
June 9, 2020 at 11:09
Hi, it seems this is useful place to ask. I need help! I won two days ago,
1)when is the deadline to submit DS260? I am from the banned countries, till when should I wait before the deadline? November or after that?
2) For education part, I wrote in first box this comment (from 7th grade to 9th grade, 3 years in same instituation), secondary school, is that correct? Or they need only to write about the one last year of high school?
3) I am not sure when is the exact date and month of my secondary and high school education, but I am sure about the year in my certificate. Will that be okay to write 1/1/2009 or any close date. In my certificate, it is written (2009-2010). No date mentioned!
June 9, 2020 at 17:58
1. There is no formal deadline, but given the election in November, I would recommend waiting until after that date. If Trump loses, the bans will probably be removed in early 2021.
2. History from age 12 to last schooling.
3. Yes – best guess.
June 9, 2020 at 11:50
Hello Mr. Simon,
Thanks a lot for your thorough guidance and assistance. I would like to ask a question concerning the ‘Present work/education/training information’ on the DS-260 form for someone who is not currently working or in school but fulfils the eduction requrement. Since the selectee is done with the required education and currently not in schhol and or work, how is it advisable to fill in this section because there is a different section for ‘Previous work/education/training information’ Thanks again.
June 9, 2020 at 19:40
Just honestly. If you are currently unemployed – you list unemployed. Then you provide education or work history for what you did in the past.
June 9, 2020 at 13:24
Hello brit , I’m wondering if my case number is not to high to proceed and fill out the ds260 later .
My case number is 2021AS 33XXX.
So you think i have a chance to be interviewed?
Thanks
June 9, 2020 at 19:50
It is too early to know.
June 9, 2020 at 16:34
My child is over 21 year old, should I add him in the form?
June 9, 2020 at 21:19
Read the questions, answer the questions.
June 9, 2020 at 18:40
Hi brother Simon…happy to be back again….thank you soo much for the great work u are doing..in 2014 my girlfriend was selected, he attached me after we got married, I was the beneficiary but we were denied visa at the Embassy, I never lost hope…been applying since then, found out that have won again with my wife and daughter now….it’s like a miracle..hope it will easier now at the embassy…..i read your articles alot and it has really been of great help ..may God bless you abundantly. Hope this time
June 9, 2020 at 21:51
Lightning does strike twice!
Good luck!
June 9, 2020 at 19:50
My case number is AS000081**. What is the probability to get second letter ? I planned not to fill the DS 160 form as I am in the US in F1 visa. Can I fill the I-485 before 2 months according to visa bulletin ? If I didn’t fill the DS 160, can I still get the second letter ? Sorry, I am confused.
June 9, 2020 at 21:59
Asked over and over again.
June 9, 2020 at 22:37
Hi Simon, i submitted ds-260 form but at the educational institutions section I added high school (grade 10-12) and university. I forgot to add the secondary school (grade 5-9). Is is a big problem?
June 9, 2020 at 22:53
No
June 10, 2020 at 12:45
Hi simon, i am confusing on the date of my high school admission and completion, in my transcript only the year is mentioned, what will be the completion date? My last exam date?
June 11, 2020 at 00:10
Stop overthinking. Just pick a date.
June 11, 2020 at 09:06
Hi, Mr Simon.
I have a University degree whilst my Senior High School certificate is not available.
Can I use only the degree certificate without the High School certificate?
June 11, 2020 at 22:09
That is risky – some COs will insist on seeing HS documents.
June 9, 2020 at 22:41
Hello Mr. Simon,
I was selected yesterday and tried today to fill the DS 260 form.
I was filling out my DS 260 form, and on the fourth page the following message was displayed: ” your request cannot be processed at this time” I tried several times to reconnect to continue filling out my form without success. I am worried, I would like to know if this happens often and how long it can take for me to be able to connect again? is it because it is tie early? for information my cas number is XXX 28132, I have already started before discovered your website and your advices and instructions.Thank you for your reply
June 9, 2020 at 22:54
You have plenty of time. Wait for a while.
June 13, 2020 at 21:23
Hi Simon,
I made an error in my child’s second name. How can I rectify this.
June 14, 2020 at 00:48
Make it correct on the DS260
June 9, 2020 at 23:09
hi sir my high school cert got damaged by water,i went to WAEC office for a new one but was told to go for a letter at my high school,i went there telling me the administration is not working due to the out break of the virus .luckily i scanned it and sent it to my dad years ago when he was in another region .my quetion is will it be a problem submitting a coloured copy of my cert from the email during the interview?
June 9, 2020 at 23:15
I don’t know.
June 10, 2020 at 01:47
in personal information 2, it have document number.. It mean passport numer or other one please tell me
June 10, 2020 at 03:35
I don’t know what field you are looking at. Be clear.
June 10, 2020 at 03:54
3. Personal information 2
Below to document type..
‘Document Id’
June 10, 2020 at 04:14
Passport probably.
June 10, 2020 at 04:16
thank you
June 10, 2020 at 03:36
Hi Sir,
I was selected for the DV-2021 program and i was filling the DS260 form and i had a few questions
1) for any person outside of the US, do we need a ‘sponsor’ and fill out the corresponding form (possibly I-134) and 2) regarding the permanent residence in US, does it need to be of someone who is a legal resident of the US or can it be someone who is under student visa (I ask this cuz i dont have any known contact of a legal resident of the country)
P.S. by legal resident i mean someone who is a permanent resident of the country (not having a citizenship but is a GC holder)
June 10, 2020 at 03:52
1. Yes.
June 10, 2020 at 04:30
If so then could you tell me when and how should i access and fill up the form for the sponsor.
(and what about the second question i posted)
Thanks in advance
June 10, 2020 at 05:02
The sponsor completes the form once you get your 2NL.
2. Yes.
June 10, 2020 at 12:49
Dear Sir/Britsimon
Is there any chance, even a slight possibility, that I can give my US DV lottery grant to my single brother whose birthday is (Jun 1st, 1994)? In othet words, Can my brother be accepted with the DV lottery instead of me?
June 11, 2020 at 00:11
No. Not even slight.
June 10, 2020 at 08:24
Hello. I was able to complete the DS 260 form and the confirmation page wrote that I have to wait for an email to notify me how to upload my civil documents. My question is, which one is the longer wait, after submitting the civil documents and waiting for an interview date or awaiting the email to allow me to upload my civil documents. Which process takes months for confirmation and when do you think I’ll be able to receive a confirmation to upload my civil documents?
June 10, 2020 at 23:18
It depends on your case number.
June 11, 2020 at 01:16
My case number is 2021OC00002901. How long will it take before I receive an email on instructions on how to upload my civil documents after I submit my DS 260 form
June 11, 2020 at 01:59
That’s a high number. I suggest you wait before submitting your DS260. We will know more info in a month or two. There is nothing to be gained by submitting now.
June 10, 2020 at 08:29
How long does the ds 260 foam is processed by kcc
June 10, 2020 at 23:16
It varies from a few weeks to 3 months, depending on their workload.