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.
June 10, 2020 at 10:37
HI Simon and other, kindly help me how can I view my previous comment, I have asked questions but I am not finding my comment.
June 10, 2020 at 11:04
This is Done.
June 10, 2020 at 23:30
Just put in a little effort to read the comments. You should also register for alerts on repolies.
https://britsimonsays.com/completing-the-ds260-for-dv-lottery-entrants/comment-page-34/#comment-229164
June 10, 2020 at 10:46
Hi dear Simon, thank you so much for replying my first questions as I had no infomrationa and your answers helped me a lot.
My case number is XXXXXXXXXX26312
Is it save to wait to submit DS260 in November or 1st January? When my interview will be?
With my best regards to you Simon.
June 10, 2020 at 23:32
Your number without a region is meaningless.
But anyway – do some reading – you have time to wait.
June 10, 2020 at 12:52
Hi BritSimon, I appreciate what you are doing for others
I applied back in October 2019 and I was selected for 2021. When I checked my status, I got this..
You have been randomly selected for further processing in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program for the fiscal year 2021 (October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021). Selection does not guarantee that you will receive a visa because the number of applicants selected is greater than the number of visas available. Therefore, it is very important that you carefully follow instructions to increase your chances of possible visa issuance. The instructions are located on the Department of State website at http://dvselectee.state.gov. All DV applicants must use the online DS-260 Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application.
Your case will not be scheduled for an interview appointment until a visa number is available, you have submitted a complete and valid DS-260 application for each family member, and you have provided copies of all required documentation to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC). You will receive document submission instructions by e-mail after KCC processes and accepts the DS-260 application forms for you and any accompanying family members. If you are scheduled for an interview, you will receive an e-mail notification message. These important e-mails will be sent to the email address you provided on your initial application. Notify KCC at [email protected] if your e-mail address changes to ensure you receive all notifications regarding your Diversity Visa case.
If you need to contact the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) about your case, you may write to [email protected]. When writing to KCC, you must always include your name and case number as they appear below. You must also include your complete date of birth as stated on your original entry. You may call the Kentucky Consular Center at (+1)606-526-7500 between 7:30am and 4:00pm EST
MY QUESTION IS
1. What am I supposed to do? Find DS260 form from online and fill it or wait until I receive confirmation email with DS260 form link? People are advising me not to do anything until I receive confirmation email
2.if I were to wait for confirmation email, for how long shall I wait?
3. From the questions people are asking, those who were selected just last week have already started filling DS260, does it mean people receive confirmation emails such early time while others don’t?
4.when is the estimated latest time I can fill DS260?
Thank you.
June 11, 2020 at 00:13
1. You complete the DS260 online. That is clear if you read the instructions rather than asking people who don’t know anything.
2. see 1
3. No it means they read the instructions.
4. April/May 2021.
June 10, 2020 at 12:55
Hello dear Sir/Brit Simon
Please my sister birth date March 15th 1999 , a single
She can’t like live at USA alone, because my sister living with me at home , my sister a single
I can legally buy a green card from my sister and change name is derived from the green card for example my sister has your name, I can put it on my name, she agrees, she gives it to me, what can I do, how can I, I need a help, I can include DS 260
June 11, 2020 at 00:14
No you cannot buy a green card. And you can’t include your sister.
June 11, 2020 at 05:25
Dear sir/Brit Simon
But my sister agreed for giving me a chance and change name is derived from the green card , I can put it on my name, because my sister agreed, my sister gives it to me, please help me, how I can change for myself at Kentucky, it’s ruled??
My sister legally law give me a a chance, I need a help, because she can’t travel to USA, I don’t want to losing a chance, please I need a help
June 11, 2020 at 17:49
My answer wasn’t at all ambiguous.
June 12, 2020 at 00:44
Thank you for information
June 10, 2020 at 20:12
Hallo Brit iam expecting my firstborn child in 4 months time therefore
1:incase i fill in the DS-260 early should i write no child?
2:incase i wait untill October to fill will it be too late?
3:How does one unlock a form??since i submitted family name not in the passport
June 11, 2020 at 00:58
1. Of course.
2. No
3. Read the FAQ
June 10, 2020 at 23:45
Hi Simon, “Your Request cannot be processed at this time” keeps coming up after I have entered the case number etc at the beginning of the DS260 form (Roughly 10 times now) Im presuming it has got something to do with COVID and the site being overrun. Do you recommend that I wait or keep trying to get through? My case number is OC183 so I know I am one of the earlier ones.
June 11, 2020 at 01:38
Wait for a few days.
June 11, 2020 at 01:27
Hello Brit, thank you so much for your post. It is extremely helpful to everyone.
I have questions and will really appreciate your help.
Story:
I am in the USA and my father in Liberia just won the DV for himself and his family which includes his wife of 20 years and his two children in Liberia. My father worked all his life for the United Nation and retired in 2016 with full pension.
His most recent employment: National Officer For Public Affairs, United Nations Mission in Liberia, UNMIL(2004-2016)
My questions are:
1. Will my father be disqualified because he is retired? He is the primary applicant and plans to use his work experience. He cannot locate his high school documents.
2. Do he include my mother his ex-wife (whom is currently in the US) whom he divorced 30 years ago?
3. Do he include his 2 children currently residing in the US?
4. Will he need a financial sponsor?
June 11, 2020 at 01:56
1. Well he might be considered at risk of public charge unless he can prove self sufficiency at US levels of income.
2. No
3. He should list them
4. Possibly.
June 11, 2020 at 02:34
Thank you so much Brit.
As for financial, i own a company and willing to hire them all apon arrival. I will also be their sponsor.
Is there anywhere on the form where they can include that they have jobs waiting for them?
June 11, 2020 at 03:09
They can show job offers at the interview, or simply provide an I-134. However, the CO could still consider there to be a risk.
June 11, 2020 at 01:35
Brit my last and important question:
My father was in the USA over 30 years ago and had a social security number. He didn’t stay long and had to return home to Liberia for a great job offer.
1. Do he put that he previously had a social security number eventhough he cannot remember it?
June 11, 2020 at 01:54
Yes
June 11, 2020 at 06:14
Hi Simon, I have a question for my friend . She won the lottery for US and she is filling this form 260 but she doesn’t know what should write for petitioner part . She is married and has 2 kids so she is the petitioner?
Thanks
June 11, 2020 at 21:35
DV cases are “self petitioned”. You do not need a petitioner as you would in a family based or employment based case.
There is a possibility that they ask for financial support however, but that is not strictly speaking a petitioner.
June 11, 2020 at 08:41
HI ARE THERE HOPE FOR SELECTEE WITH NUMBER 2021AF80555
June 11, 2020 at 22:06
That is a high number. It is too early to know anything – in a few weeks we will know more.
June 11, 2020 at 10:46
Hello sir,
I have submitted DS-260. (For DV2021)
When should I start the following steps.
1. Obtain required supporting civil documents.
2. Obtain photographs that meet the Department of State’s visa requirements.
3. Review the information specific to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate General where your visa interview will occur.
4. I am a Sri Lankan But, currently I am living in Budapest. Hence, I chose Budapest as my interview location. Can I obtain police reports via online?
Thank you.
June 11, 2020 at 23:41
First you need to consider your case number and make sure you understand the instructions. So – what is your CN.
June 12, 2020 at 11:40
Hi.
My Case Number is 2021AS319XX
June 12, 2020 at 12:05
OK, so that is a high number and you have been too fast to submit your DS260.
You have a long time to wait, and your number may be too high anyway, so don’t do anything else yet – wait until we know more about selectee numbers at least (a few weeks from now).
June 11, 2020 at 11:52
Hi Simon, I got a lot of information from reading your blog as I’ve been searching a lot of website which did not provide a value like yours! you saved a lot of time.
1- my case number is 2021AS26XXX, is it safe to wait till November or to wait even till January?
((knowing that I am one from the banned countries, you answered others to wait till January 2021, is that safe for me or in November is enough? )).
2- I am going to travel from the country I am in, in around two months or 3 months, should I fill DS260 from the country I am going to soon, or fill it in the current country before I travel.
3- Should I translate all my certificate to English under certified translation? with other proofs that these certificate are true. or the certificate themselves are enough since the embassy will do its own background check to check from this.
4- Is that okay if I want to fill my education from 1st Grade till 12th Grade?
5- When should I prepare for my certificate and other documents, will I need to submit them online with Ds260 or I need them in the interview?
Warm Regards,
Looking forward to hear from you
Kika
June 11, 2020 at 23:53
1. Yes, as your number is high that won’t make ANY difference.
2. Doesn’t matter.
3. The instructions make that clear. Take time to read the instructions.
4. List age 12 and up.
5. Again – read the instructions.
June 11, 2020 at 12:36
Hie Brit lm just a little confused here.on writing my address which one is the correct order(will only put years)
A.2017-present
2012 -2017
2008-2012
B.2008-2012
2012-2017
2017-present
June 12, 2020 at 00:02
A
June 11, 2020 at 13:25
Hello Brit, thank you for helping us.
I submitted ds-260 form DV20221 cnEU32xxx, but I think I made a mistake. My surname in Passport is Çela. I added at the surnames section Cela, because I thought only English letters should be used, and I wrote Çela in the full name in Native Alphabet. Should I unlock ds260 and update my surname in Çela?
Thanks in advance.
June 12, 2020 at 00:14
You did it right.
June 11, 2020 at 13:36
thank you so much Brit for the information.
if i provided an address of a friend that i can trust to receive my Green Card on my behalf, does he has to do any thing from his side or fill in any form?
June 12, 2020 at 00:14
No
June 11, 2020 at 14:30
Dear Brit…Good day. I hope you doing well today. On behalf of all 2021 selectees, I appreciate your immense information on this initial daunting process. You have been very helpful as I chanced on your videos/articles today. So my question. Is AF55306, a high or low number? And what does this mean if any at all?
Also, is there any meaning to the confirmation number one receives after submitting a DS-260 form please?
Danke!
June 12, 2020 at 00:22
It is too soon to know how many selectees there are. Wait a few weeks to know more.
The DS260 confirmation number is not too important.
June 11, 2020 at 16:23
Hi Simon,
Thanks for all the helpful information. I have been watching your videos on youtube, and there is a video about public charge, which brings a new question. Do I need to fill out a I-134 form if I have significant savings (liquid assets + stocks)? Additionally, during my J-1 I was able to get a job in the US after completing my masters, and I stayed for Academic Training (AT) right after until I had to return to my home country. I am still employed by my US employer (and so is my wife), and the plan is to eventually return to the US after we have fulfilled the 2 year residency requirement anyway. So, in my specific case, do you think an I-134 form is necessary? Even with a significant amount of savings and if both myself and my wife have US jobs and most likely will keep our jobs by the time we have to return?
I read in one of your answers that a job offer might suffice, but just want to double check about your view on I-134, because you seem to stress out that it is very important nowadays to provide it at the interview.
Best,
– Frank
June 12, 2020 at 00:35
An I-134 makes things much easier. Why go the harder route?
June 11, 2020 at 18:51
Hi sir!
My wife got selected DV lottery, now she Will be completing DS 260 form however her passport no changed due to the immigration office technical error & mentioned previous passport no on the observation page, will that be a problem? She should use current passport no and fill out the form, is this correct?
Reply plz…
June 12, 2020 at 00:52
Yes she should use the current passport number and present any documentation about the old passport number at the interview.
June 11, 2020 at 19:21
Hi BritSimon,
I am DV-2021 lottery winner and I have submitted my DS 260 form before filling up accompany’s form. But they are included in my DV Lottery entry and as well as in DS 260 principal applicant form. So, will it reduce the chance to getting my visa?
And incase, if I got visa what’s the procedure to take them to USA once I reached there. Is it easier then other dependent? Because, their information status are in US database through my DV DS260 Principal Applicant Form. So, DV DS 260 principal applicant form helps them to immigrate USA?
Lastly thanks for helping us.
Thanking you
June 12, 2020 at 00:54
No problem.
But if you want them to go there include them in the DV case – much faster, less expensive and so on.
June 12, 2020 at 03:12
Sir, when should I have to include and how to include them in DV Case?
Your help would be highly appreciated.
June 12, 2020 at 03:17
You add DS260s for them.
June 12, 2020 at 03:51
When should I add DS260s? After my visa interview? And how to add?
Please, can you elaborate about it for me.
June 12, 2020 at 04:24
Come on. Use a little thought. What possible good would it be to add them after your interview.
June 12, 2020 at 01:45
Hello dear sir/Britsimon
My sister selected DV Lottery 2021
Filling form by certificate primary school
But I’m see at instruction DV Lottery 2021 need a high school education??
I don’t know, please help me
Because my sister selected , only certificate primary school
June 12, 2020 at 02:02
Your sister must meet the requirements.
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
June 12, 2020 at 07:43
Gday Simon,
I’ve been seleceted and am OC number 11, is it advisable to complete the DS260 now or wait until covid settles down a bit? Or it doesn’t really matter.
June 12, 2020 at 11:20
You have to decide – depends what sort of work you will want to do when you arrive. Some industries are more impacted than others.
June 12, 2020 at 09:04
Hello sir,
My brother won and I have some questions.
First, He lives in a third country, not our native country with me, 1 sister, 1 brother and our mother.
He wins alone, but we want to apply with him. We are 4 brothers and 2 sisters with our mother. As I mentioned above half of us in the third country, and the others in our native country.
My question is:
Can that be possible ? even for the first half of us.
And if that possible where can I find it in the application ? or what is the process
June 12, 2020 at 11:27
He cannot add parents, or siblings to his case.
June 12, 2020 at 09:17
Hi BritSimon,
My mother have single name and I have fill her name as Surname in DS260 form and submitted. Can I change it or will it may cause of my visa rejection?
June 12, 2020 at 11:30
The DS260 should have the complete legal name.
June 12, 2020 at 09:25
Dear Brit,
Please advise if case number OC19** is high number?
Will really appreciate your reply as am a bit nervous in regards to my case number.
REGARDS
NILU
June 12, 2020 at 11:32
https://britsimonsays.com/explaining-dv2021-case-numbers/
June 12, 2020 at 09:39
Dear Brit,
Sorry to be a pain but it will really ease my impatience of you can advise whether case njmber for ocenia region OC19** IS HIGH or still doable?
Thanking in advance
June 12, 2020 at 11:34
https://britsimonsays.com/explaining-dv2021-case-numbers/
June 12, 2020 at 10:40
HI Brit, my case number be like, 2021AF000237xx.
1.is there any chance to be interviewed,
2.am i have to rush applying this form now?? or do i have to wait until when??
3. is it a must to show a bank statement or document of your financial stability for interview ?
4. to meet the requirement! do i have to get police certificate from my born country and the country am leaving now at the same time? or police certificate from the place am ling now is enough as well as i stayed there for more than 18 moths???
June 12, 2020 at 11:53
1. Yes
2. No need to rush. You can wait if you prefer to delay your interview.
3. https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
4. It is a requirement to read the instructions, and when you do that, the answer to this question will be clear!
June 12, 2020 at 11:07
Hello Brit, There is mistake in my year of birth on my high school certificates. However, I corrected after university by swearing affidavit in 2013. Subsequent certificate (Masters) has my correct year of birth. Will the process be too risky for me?
June 12, 2020 at 12:00
Your birth certificate is where the date of birth is taken from. So no.
June 12, 2020 at 15:09
Thank you Brit. Currently, I have almost three years work experience in the banking industry. Kindly advise on the qualification (high school certificate or work qualification) that will increase my chances of success.
June 12, 2020 at 20:59
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
June 12, 2020 at 11:41
Mr Simon, please help me. My wife have been selected, but we want know about few things.
1, she play with the name, Elizabeth Kumba GBORIE
2, She have The same name on her passport
3, She have Elizabeth Kumba Kandakai
4,On her weac she have Elizabeth Kandakai, no middle named.
My question is, with that be a problem? If yes what she should do?
June 12, 2020 at 11:46
Sorry Mr Simon, point 3, she have Elizabeth Kumba Kandakai on her Birth certificate
June 12, 2020 at 12:06
No problem. Just complete the DS260 with the full legal name.
June 12, 2020 at 13:05
Dear sir.. I hope you doing well
I am from Asia and my case number is around 36K is there any chance for me to be called for the interview
I already filled the ds 260 depending on this blog post and really thank you for the information you give to us
June 12, 2020 at 13:24
2021 I assume.
Your number is very high, you should not have rushed to fill your DS260.
Now you will have to wait and see how many selectees we have and what chances you have for interview.
June 12, 2020 at 14:45
Dear Simon, I am staying now in a country more than one year, but before I’ve been travelling between my country and this country, in the address section, I wrote my current address which is this country and I wrote other address which is my country (is that correct) where I stayed there since the day I was born till 2014, knowing that between these years I’ve been in this new country for 6 months, anyway, should I mention like this one
From the day I was born till 2014 the address is my country
From 2014 till today (the address is the new country)
Knowing that in 2013, I’ve stayed for 6 months in the same new country, should I mention that or no need since I would for sure provide police certificate from the country I am in so now matter the 6 months there.
My Q: Should I mention the 6 months repeating and mentioning again the same current country?? Or since I am now at the same country I’ve been before for 6 months so no need to mention.
Actually I am confused because I’ve been traveling between my country and the current country multiple times in the past so I am not sure if I need to mention each period. Or to mention the current period as it is the longest.
June 12, 2020 at 20:54
Overly complex question. This is for you to answer. Just do the best you can to be honest about when you moved, especially as it relates to countries.
June 12, 2020 at 15:05
HI SIMON
June 12, 2020 at 18:49
Good day Mr. Simon
1-Does eDv form (first entry) has a question about holding 2 nationalities?
2- And if i won and i have 2 nationalities. does this reduce my chances in getting the visa, especially if the second nationality is for on of the banned countries but it is not the place of birth and i will apply with the eligible nationality?
3- what will be the additional required documents for 2 nationalities holders?
June 12, 2020 at 21:53
1. Not that I remember.
2. In that case it is GOOD you have 2 nationalities.
3. Passports as a minimum.
June 12, 2020 at 20:36
Hi Brit,
My apology if I keep coming back with more questions.
My daughter’s mom and I was never married but I have full custody of my daughter who lives with my wife and I. The mom and I have a good relationship.
Question
1. Do I have to provide any document on custody at interview?
2. Do I need any form of consent from her mom to take her along?
June 12, 2020 at 22:05
1 & 2. Possibly, yes.
June 12, 2020 at 23:21
Dear Simon,
Me and my wife both won dv 2021. Can we both submit our ds 260 as principal applicant’s?
Kind regards
June 13, 2020 at 05:54
Good morning Mr Simon
Please am part of 2020 and still I have not received date for medicals please any help pls
June 13, 2020 at 16:59
Well you book your own medical date, but not until you get the 2NL. The 2NLs are not being sent while embassies are closed. We don’t know when embassies will be reopened for immigrant interviews.
June 13, 2020 at 07:13
Dear Mr.Simon,
I am from Asia and my sister’s case number is 2020AS00013xxx. Until now I haven’t completed the form ds 260 yet.
1. Can I have the opportunity to get an interview if I am late to fill the form?
2. How many days that an interview appoinment will be scheduled?
Best Thank for your Reply!
June 13, 2020 at 17:19
1. You are too late. There are many people that did take steps at the right time, and even they are at risk because embassies are closed, so it wouldn’t make sense for you to start now.
June 13, 2020 at 13:45
hello, i am a d v llotery 2021 winner, i want to fill the ds 260 but i have some question.
1. i herad that you can fill the ds 260 in different time, how can you do that ? i mean you just click to save and than exit ? and then login again ?
2 do i need to pay a fee before strat fillin the ds 260 ?
thanks
June 13, 2020 at 17:50
1. Yes you can save and exit.
2. No
June 13, 2020 at 14:45
Hi Simon, I am sorry for the confusing part.
in 2012 I travelled to new country for 6 months.
In 2013 till 2014 I was in my country.
In 2014 till today I am in the new country (currently, same country I was before in 2012)
In general ( I’ve been living between two country here and there).
I will write, from 2014 till today I am in the new country.
From the date of birth till 2014 ( I was in my country).
1) Will that be correct? Or they will ask me about the period of 2012, the 6 months that I didn’t mention?
I mean there are many people who live between two countries. What we need to do.
For vaccine, “I have taken two vaccine when I was child and I dont have any documuntation with me because we lost the documents”
2) Shall I write this in the comment for Vaccine questions? Anytging else to write?Will they ask me to do again to do same Vaccine because I have no documents?
June 13, 2020 at 17:59
1. Provide complete history – don’t leave gaps.
2. You should answer that you do not have the documentation for vaccinations, but will get whatever the physician requires during the medical.
June 13, 2020 at 15:18
when you insert for the first time your case number to sing in, you should insert it with the zero or not ? thanks
June 13, 2020 at 18:03
Try it and see what works.
June 13, 2020 at 18:28
Hello Simon,
I just discovered your (very enlightening) website after submitting my DS-260 for DV2021 with a case number around EU22000.
I understand now that I actually had more time to send it. What are the actual cons of submitting it early?
Thank you.
June 13, 2020 at 19:08
Some people should wait because they have risky high numbers. Yours is OK, so no harm done.
June 13, 2020 at 19:38
Thank you for your quick answer.
June 13, 2020 at 21:53
Hello Simon.
Hope you are doing good and thanks for helping people.
I did not quite understand the delaying the interview part.
Imagine I have a low case number and I decide to submit my DS260 in 2021 only. How does it work? Am I required to apply within the prescribed timeframe of my batch?
You said they will not process case numbers higher than mine before mine is processed but I can’t hold the entire line of people after me, right?
I also read in comments that they still require highs school documents even if you have bachelor degree. They come consecutively one after another, meaning you had to have high school diploma to get bachelors.
Thank you so much.
June 14, 2020 at 00:53
I have never said they will hold others up. You can delay YOUR process, not others.
You are required to complete all education – so do that.
June 13, 2020 at 22:44
Thanks Mr. Simon
Please kindly help me to understand 2NL please
June 14, 2020 at 00:54
Please read the FAQ then…
June 13, 2020 at 22:53
Please Good Evening sir
Please I have served Navy for more than 15 years and I request to know if I will used working experience
June 14, 2020 at 00:54
Again – read the FAQ.
June 14, 2020 at 01:18
Hello Sir, I have been selected in the DV 2021, and I don’t know how to answer ” if I ever been issued a visa” since I emigrated before to the USA but entered with the Visa Waiver Program. So not sure what to write, and if that is considered a visa, what classification that one has? Would you know? thank you in advance! thanks for being so helpful to so many people!
June 14, 2020 at 04:07
Its a visa WAIVER program, meaning its not a visa.
June 14, 2020 at 20:41
Hi Simon,
My wife’s entry has been selected and my question is about the ds 260. I currently live in the UK but will go back to my home country in late August this year. So if I get a call for interview it will be in my home country. In this case should I submit the ds 260 now or can wait and submit in September this year or will it be better do it now.
Regards
June 14, 2020 at 20:57
Just wanted to add that I will be exiting UK and moving back to my home country in August this year.
June 15, 2020 at 02:52
Probably best to wait until you have relocated.
June 16, 2020 at 09:11
Hello if I used my old passport to fill in DV. Lottery then I later renew my passport which passport details should I use in DS 260 application the new or the old onea
June 16, 2020 at 18:32
The new one and be prepared to show the old one when you submit documents and at the interview.
June 14, 2020 at 01:32
Hey Simon,
If I completed ONE year at Uni, and didn’t get my degree, as it was only one year, what would I put in the section for ‘Degree, Diploma or Certificate Received’?
And course of study?
June 14, 2020 at 04:08
No diploma/certificate – course of study is whatever you were studying.
June 14, 2020 at 04:22
Thank you, so do you mean, I choose ‘diploma’ OR ‘certificate’ for that?
and I have graduated high school in AUS which is the high school diploma in US, so this is my ‘highest level of education received.’
In this, would I choose ‘certificate’ or ‘diploma’ (for the high school education) for the part: Degree, Diploma or Certificate Received
June 14, 2020 at 04:36
Don’t select something that isn’t correct. Use your best judgement.
June 14, 2020 at 04:03
Hi Brit,
Am selected from south Sudan currently.
questions,
1. Is my case number 2021AF93XX high or low?
2. Can I submit Ds 260 now or later by September this year?
3. I got my high school certificate after initial entry of Dv in 2019? will it cause problem Coz am beyond 16years old .
4. can I change my interview post Nairobi for Khartoum?
June 14, 2020 at 04:12
1. Low
2. Either is fine.
3. No problem, as long as this meets the requirement.
4. You interview where you live.
June 14, 2020 at 04:39
If I completed high school and graduated etc and then 2 years later did ONE year at Uni, what would I choose for ‘Highest Level of Education received?’
June 14, 2020 at 05:11
High school
June 14, 2020 at 05:55
Thank you!
And then for my 1 year at Uni I would add it in as well? in the option of other institutions attended? or leave it out? (as I didn’t get a degree or anything, I just passed the year)
(I’m getting lots of mixed opinions, so I appreciate your help).
June 14, 2020 at 15:55
Anna, you need to use some simple judgement now. No need to ask anyone any more questions.
June 14, 2020 at 14:26
Hi brit my name is liz…i won the 2021 dv lottery and i am qualifying with Education does it mean when i am filling the DS260 form i should leave the work related questions blank?
June 14, 2020 at 18:54
No. You answer all the questions.
June 14, 2020 at 18:11
Hello Sir,
I am Ansu, and my case number is 2021AF35XXX. I am an Electrical Engineer, and have being working (For a Telecoms company) before I even graduated in 2017. During my initial entry, I entered single as my marital status.
Since I now won the DV Lottery 2021, Is it safe if I marry my girlfriend (a Civil Engineer, and a Leuitenant in the Military) now, and include her in my application before submitting?
Please I want know since my case number is a bit high I think.
Regards!
June 14, 2020 at 19:21
Yes you can do that. Do it as early as possible, your case number is not as high as you think.
June 15, 2020 at 13:58
Ok sir… Thanks a lot
Cheers!
June 14, 2020 at 18:54
Hi, you wrote above that you need some documents, including this one, to complete the process: “Address of a friend or family member in the USA”, but in these screenshots I don’t see where I have to enter this friend’s address. Do I need to enter it when filling out the DS260 form, or will it be needed later? also my case number is 5XXX, when do you recommend filling out the DS-260 form? thank you so much in advance
June 14, 2020 at 19:26
You need a US address for the DS260.
Your number is meaningless without a region.
June 14, 2020 at 20:08
this is my number: 2021EU00005550, is it late to fill DS-260 form?
June 15, 2020 at 02:48
No