Completing the DS260 for DV lottery entrants
Completing the DS260 for DV lottery entrants
*** Note***
Upon submission, some people are getting an error message that the confirmation number doesn’t match. In that case – the solution is here:
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
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OK – so the main task to process your DV lottery win is to complete a form online that is your “application” for immigration benefit. That form is the DS260.
The form itself might seem daunting, and it may take about 2 hours to complete. It is important that you prepare your information, and enter the details as accurately as possible. You will be able to make changes later on, but it makes sense to spend a few extra minutes early on to get this right.
You will some documents to complete the process and mostly you will need those now so gather them now and create a special file to start creating your DV lottery paperwork:-
- Passport information for you and your family members.
- Birth certificates for you and your family members.
- Your education history
- Your work history
- Your address history
- An address in the USA of a friend or family member. This is where your Green Card will be sent.
Ready? OK now let me guide you through completing the form:-
Enter the form for the first time.
You need your case number which will be in the format of YEAR-REGION-CASENUMBER. For example 2016AS00001234. This is the FULL case number including the “leading zeroes” in this case before the 1234. (In online forums we suggest hiding the last 2 or 3 digigits and dropping the leading zeroes – so when quoting your case on a forum you would state this number as 2016AS1XXX or 2016AS12XX. This protects your identity.)
The form will expect your date of birth in day/month/year order. This is odd because Americans write date in month/day/year order.
Once in the form you will go through a number of sections where you will enter your details. Most of the information is self explanatory – but here are screenshots for each section of how the forms will look for a simple case – and some comments about some of the questions. Please remember it is important to make sure your answers are YOUR answers. Don’t just copy what I am suggesting if the answer does not agree with your circumstances.
1. Summary.
Here you will see a list of applicants attached to the case (based on the eDV entry). Click the link under “IV application” to complete the details for each applicant.
You can also add applicants from this page (if you have married since the original entry or had a child). Once you have added an applicant you cannot remove that applicant or change their name. So – please be careful about name spelling etc. It is also important to note that if you are adding a spouse or child that you already had prior to the original eDV entry but failed to mention in the original entry you will most probably be disqualified, as that is a critical error.
If you do have to add a child or spouse because of a birth or marriage while you are waiting to be interviewed, remember you will need to add an applicant AND in addition your own form will need to be unlocked so that you can add the new family relationship to your form.
2. Personal Information 1.
This is where you will enter your name information. It is a useful page to capture your name in English, but also in Native alphabet.
The names entered on this page should be as listed on your passport – but also use the “other names used” section to make sure you have covered combinations that appear in your documents. For example, if you have an education certificate that includes an additional family name, use the alias section to include that name. Also, use the alias section if you entered your name differently on the eDV entry. Entering your other names used here means USCIS have early notice to perform name checks on your various names used and therefore you can make sure your background check is comprehensive – which is exactly what you want to reduce the chances of being placed on AP or even refused for incomplete name information.
Complete the other details such as date of birth. If you somehow made a mistake on the eDV about your date of birth (for example during conversion from a different calendar) THIS is your opportunity to correct that mistake – please pay attention to that. This would normally agree with the date of birth on your birth certificate, but if that is not known, then use the date shown on your passport.
About city/state/country of birth. ON the eDV entry (where you entered the lottery) you will have entered something for your city of birth. The three levels are related to each other – so a CITY is sometimes denoted as being in a STATE (or province) and that STATE is within a COUNTRY. People sometimes are not sure what to enter so let me gives some examples.
You could have been born in Richmond which is a city/town in London, United Kingdom. So an acceptable answer (which should agree with the information on your birth certificate) would be:
CITY: Richmond
State/Province: London
Country: United Kingdom
Your passport should be valid for 6 months beyond the point of entry, but if your passport will expire during the DV process, you might be better submitting now with the current passport and updating later once you have the replacement passport. This is especially true if you have a low case number, and are therefore expecting an early interview. If you do need to renew your passport during the DV process, in many cases people have taken old and new passports to the interview without unlocking the form, but the preference would be to add the new passport details if time allows.
OK – hope that makes sense. Check what it says on your birth certificate. It is important that this information agrees to the birth certificate and the passport. By the way – your country of birth may not be the same as your nationality (which is on the next page). But your country of birth is what should have driven your entry into the lottery (eligibility is based on your country of birth, NOT your nationality).
The finished result should look something like this:-
3. Personal information 2
This page is about your travel documents (passport). Make sure you have the passport in front of you when you complete this page – accuracy is important as this will enable background checks.
Note, if you do not have a passport at this time you can complete the entry using another state issued ID, and then later unlock your forms to add the passport details. You WILL need a passport prior to interview as will any derivative (family member) of yours.
4. Present and previous address information
Try and complete this as accurately as possible. Provide all the address that you have LIVED at since the age of 16. If you stayed at a holiday home for a month or two, that does not need to be entered, but if you LIVED at an address for a few months then you should enter that address. You enter past address in reverse date order – meaning going backwards in time, one address at a time. Be as accurate as possible with the date you started living at each address (you can guess the dates within a month or two).
5. Mailing and Permanent Address Information
This is information about where you expect to stay in the USA OR the address of someone you can trust to receive your Green Card on your behalf. Most people can think of someone within their family or friends that could receive the GC for them. You should also know that you can change this address during the process – right up to the day your arrive in the USA for the first time.
6. Family information: Parents
OK – self explanatory information. I only show the top of the page in the screenshot below but you add your parents details and their addresses. THe data here should be accurate, but if you don’t know their birthdates etc. it is not a huge problem. Do the best you can.
7. Family information: Spouse and Previous Spouse
Enter the details as appropriate to your case. Remember, the information should be correct on the day you enter it. So, if you plan to marry in a month but want to submit your form today then you are SINGLE today. YOu can either delay submission of your form until you are married, or submit now as single and unlock your form later after the marriage. There is some information about marriage during the DV process here.
A previous spouse is entered when you divorced of a spouse passed away. You will be required to produce a divorce certificate or death certificate during the interview to tally with what you enter here.
8. Family information: Children
Fairly obviously you will need to enter information about each child you have, making sure their information ties with birth certificates and passports.
If your child is nearly 21 there may be special considerations for you. Please read this article on children aging out and their status under the CSPA.
If you are expecting a child to be born during the DV lottery processing period there are also procedures in place to obtain a Green Card for that child. I will address that with a new article.
One thing I would say, it is ESSENTIAL that you listed all your children in the eDV according to the instructions. If you made a mistake about that you may have caused yourself a problem. If you have a concern, contact me and explain your situation.
In the case shown in the screenshot below the applicant did not have any children.
9. Present work/education/training information
OK so this is important as education OR work experience are requirements of the DV lottery. Please read this article for more information about meeting the requirement. I cannot stress enough. You are only required to meet the education OR work experience – you do not have to prove BOTH. Of the two routes, education is the simplest and most reliable method, but some people cannot meet the education requirement – and although this may surprise you that includes me. I have had a very successful career in the IT field and have demonstrated my skills to earn a H1 visa (which is category of visa for highly educated or highly skilled workers), BUT I could not have met the DV lottery requirement on education! So – think carefully whether you do or not – and act accordingly.
Enter the information about work and education based on what you are doing at present. If you are entering work experience and hope to qualify through work experience you should consider carefully the question about “does this job require 2 years of training or experience”. Again, read the article above to understand that better.
10. Previous work/education/training information
OK – so this will vary depending on what you did before your present occupation. Maybe you had a different job, maybe you studied. Whichever is true you must enter that information here and create a complete history of your work, education and training. Try and get the dates to be accurate and make sure that those dates make sense with the address information you gave previously.
This page can end up being quite long and for the screenshots I have had to break it into two pieces. Just take your time and make it make sense. You can add another occupation (work or edication). Again, you enter going “backwards” in time.
11. Additional work/education/training information.
Answer the questions truthfully on this page. If you answer Yes and a box opens for further details there will be instructions of what further detail they want.
12. Security and Background: Medical and Health information
Answer these questions carefully and truthfully.
The second question (about vaccinations) causes some debate. Truthfully it WILL NOT MATTER whether you choose Yes or NO for that particular question. The right answer for 99% of people is NO, because you do not have “documentation to establish…”, even if you do have records of vaccinations. So, it is a subtle point but whether you answer yes or no it will not matter. The vaccinations you actually need will be decided by the panel physician at the time of your medical. So by all means gather whatever vaccination documentation you have.
13. Security and Background: Criminal
Answer these questions truthfully. Most criminal convictions will not cause disqualification, and you will have a chance to explain at the interview. The crimes that can cause disqualification are called “crimes of moral turpitude”. It is a vague term and perhaps one that I will write about to clarify but most people by far will not have a problem even if they have a criminal conviction. Previous immigration fraud is not surprisingly one of the crimes that can cause an issue which is why it is essential you always tell the truth on these applications.
14. Security and Background: Security 1
Again – answer these truthfully.
15. Security and Background: Security 2
Again – answer the questions truthfully.
16. Security and Background: Immigration law violations
As I mentioned earlier – they take immigration law violations seriously!
17. Security and Background: Miscellaneous 1
Again answer truthfully.
The skilled or unskilled labor question has sparked some debate. In reality if you intend to work in the USA then the answer to this is Yes – but this is another question that will not cause a problem no matter which response your choose.
18. Security and Background: Miscellaneous 2
Again these just need truthful answers.
The healthcare professional one is another question that really doesn’t matter how you answer it. If you are a healthcare worker don’t be afraid to admit that.
The public charge question should be answered NO. Public charge means financial assistance from the government. You must realize that the Green Card lottery winners should not be claiming “public assistance”. There are some exceptions to that statement, but in general you are expected to support yourself. The USA is a land of opportunity, not free gifts.
19. Social security number
Answer these three questions as shown below unless you already have a SSN from a previous period in the USA. USCIS will (in theory) forward your details to the social security administration (SSA) to apply for your SSN. In practice many people find this does not happen correctly and delays are caused in getting the SSN after you enter the USA. Since the SSN is so important for many purposes here in the USA that is a nuisance, so I always suggest people visit the SSA office after a couple of weeks to make sure your SSN is “in the system”. You should receive the SSN card itself about 2 to 3 weeks after entering the USA.
Submitting the form.
OK so you have completed your form. You do the same for each derivative (family member). Check all the forms carefully, take screenshots if you like and when you are ready, submit the form. You should then print the confirmation page. You will be able to review the form later in review mode and can also take screenshots at that point.
You may also be prompted to fill out a form for “selected service”. Any us resident male under 26 years old is required to register for selective service. This does not not mean you will need to serve in the military, but if there was some crisis that required additional military men under 26 years old will be picked by a lottery to be inducted into the military.
The form will become “locked” so that you will not be able to edit it although you will be able to review the information after you submitted it. If you need at any time prior to your interview to unlock the form you can do so by emailing KCC who generally respond within a few days. Once unlocked you can make changes.
Once KCC have your form they will “process” it. They conduct background checks based on the information you have told them and access to official records. The processing period in DV2015 took around 4 to 5 months because of the volume of forms submitted around the same time. So, if you have a very low case number and you delay the submission of your DS260 there is a chance you could delay the interview date – BUT don’t worry, you will simply be interviewed later. Interviews are conducted based on case number order but only from a pool of cases that have completed their DS260 processing.
August 4, 2020 at 07:39
Hello,
My husband had worked in volunteer forces as a professional however we answered for Q have you ever worked in army ?as No
Will that be an issue if his police clearance doesn’t mention it.?
Or will that be an issue if we correct it now
August 5, 2020 at 00:32
Your husband should decide whether his service was army or military.
August 4, 2020 at 12:48
HI Brit,
I have applied for the lottery with a passport that is expired now, I have a new passport now. I filled the application with the new passport information. At the end before signing and submit there are two box where I type my passport and case number. Just to confirm, shall I put my new passport number? It wont withdraw my application because its different from the passport number I applied with. I still have my old passport btw.
August 5, 2020 at 00:39
Enter the new number.
August 5, 2020 at 05:06
Hi Brit,
It seems ma that my previous comment didn’t go through properly. I apologise if this shows as a double post.
I recently had to quit my job and starting from September I’ll be unemployed (while I search for a new job).
If I fill in my DS260 now, is it better to a) write the current company I work at and then unlock the form when I get a new job or b) write unemployed even though that won’t be actually correct at the time of filling in the form.
Thank you.
Natasha
August 5, 2020 at 16:09
You complete the form with accuracy at the time of completion.
August 5, 2020 at 11:28
Hi Brit,
I’m a DV 2021 winner and I am at the stage of filling the DS 260 form.
Please, I have a sibling who is a resident in U.S. and has started an immigration application process for our mum almost 1yr now. she has 4 children and her annual income is between 73,000 – 83,000 USD.. My questions is
Would she be able to sponsor (sign an affidavit of support I-134) me too at the same time?. or should I look for a different sponsor?
August 5, 2020 at 16:48
There is a risk because she is already undertaking an affidavit of support for the other case. Personally, I would get another sponsor.
August 27, 2020 at 17:25
thanks for the reply, let me hasten to add this, please can she be my host whilst I look for a separate sponsor
August 27, 2020 at 22:05
Yes
August 28, 2020 at 01:03
thanks for the quick response…. I really appreciate your gargantuan support given to all of us
August 5, 2020 at 17:08
Hi Brit,
When do you need to upload documents? Is it at the time of submitting the DS260 or after? Am I able to submit the DS260 and then gather my documents?
Thanks
August 5, 2020 at 17:34
After you submit the DS260 you will (later) be asked to email documents. Please read the guides and FAQ – this would have been clear if you had done so.
August 7, 2020 at 01:09
Hello Mr. Simon, good morning, I am writing you because my brother in Cuba is filling out the DS260 form and he have both the educational requirement and two years of working experience, we are aware that only one of them would be enough to complete the document, but as he have to provide always all the right information he wants to make it clear that he meets both requirements. However, at this moment he is only able to provide the documentation the educational one. It would be a problem for him that even meeting with requirements he might only be able to demonstrate one? Thanks in advance Sir
August 7, 2020 at 03:16
No problem.
August 7, 2020 at 07:15
Hello Sir,
Iam a DV 2021 winner, when i was filling my initial DV application form, i mistakenly interned wrong birth date only the day was wrong (7 instead of 8) and now i want to fill the DS-260 what should i do. i have already submitted my passport Number in the initial form with right birth date on it, ia is m Africa and My case numbers is AF00044**** is itlow or High
Thanks
August 7, 2020 at 18:39
You can ask KCC to unlock your DS260 for corrections. YOur number is probably OK – but we will know better in a week or two.
August 8, 2020 at 10:04
i did not fill my DS260 yet, i made the mistake when i was applying for DV before selection, i am asking if i can fill the DS260 with the correct birth date as its written in my passport,
August 8, 2020 at 22:22
Yes – you must enter accurate info in the DS260
August 8, 2020 at 23:11
Thank you sir, we are really honored to have someone like you
August 22, 2020 at 15:37
Question: how people know if they made mistakes while filling the DV form, now that one is already submitted months ago?
August 22, 2020 at 18:31
They don’t. And that costs some people money. But it’s a simple form, so someone that followed instructions and told the truth should have no concern.
August 8, 2020 at 07:18
Hi Simon,
Thank you for your help in advance.
Should I start filling DS – 260 now or should I wait? my case number is 2021AF4xxxx.
August 8, 2020 at 22:16
You can decide the timing. PLease when you ask a question make your case number more clear – is that 4000 range, 40000 range or what?
August 9, 2020 at 18:57
sorry Simon, it is 40,000 rang. Is it good to start filling the DS260 on November or is it too late?
August 9, 2020 at 19:51
So you have months to wait for your number anyway, so November will be fine.
August 12, 2020 at 11:47
Dear Simon,
Everything is going understandable. And in my understanding my spouse and kids will be filled with me in the DS-260 in the spouse and children section. But do they need their own separate DS-260? I am a little bit confuse on this? Can you please give me clarification on this?
Thank you in advanced.
August 12, 2020 at 23:50
Each person that wants a Greencard must have their own DS260.
August 27, 2020 at 14:53
Hi simon,
Is possible to change he interview place for example my post is n Kenya and I want to be interviewed in Ethiopia?
Because Ethiopia is easy for me cost wise and travel a short distance for my family.
August 27, 2020 at 22:03
You can email KCC and explain.
August 8, 2020 at 20:00
Hello, I have an quick question about DV 2021. Where can I find DS 260 and it is too late to fill it up now?
August 8, 2020 at 22:50
No it is not too late. Follow the instructions you have been given or read my guides here.
August 12, 2020 at 06:36
Do you have documentation to establish that you have received vaccinations in accordance with U.S. law? Do I need to answer Yes or No? thank you.
August 12, 2020 at 23:45
No.
And you should be using my DS260 guide.
August 13, 2020 at 04:30
But I saw you answer Yes for that question.
August 13, 2020 at 15:46
No you did not!
August 9, 2020 at 06:03
Hello Brit, good morning.
Would you recommend filling out the DS260 form if the applicant doesn’t have yet some documents as the Birth Certificate and the Police Records due to Covid-19 restrictions? I am asking because my brother’s case number it’s over the #3000 in the region of South America. Knowing that would you recommend waiting until having all the documents with him to fill out the papers or start doing it regardless of that situation, thanks in advance.
August 9, 2020 at 19:32
His case number is high, so there is no advantage in rushing.
August 9, 2020 at 16:39
Andy; asectee 2021 and filed ds260 l finished high School but I have no work experience, is there aproble.
August 9, 2020 at 19:45
Not as long as you meet the education requirements.
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
August 9, 2020 at 20:10
Hi Simon, my case number is 2021SA0000205X is this number considered high?
August 9, 2020 at 22:37
Medium.
August 12, 2020 at 17:26
Hi Simon, I have already submitted my DS260 however I have mistakenly left out a previous place of employment. Can I email KCC to get my application unlocked? If so, is there a specific format? Thanks in advance. Cheers!
August 12, 2020 at 23:57
Yes – answered in the FAQ.
August 13, 2020 at 23:36
Hi Simon,
Before starting to fill out the DS 260 form, I tried to add my spouse via the “Add Applicant” button in the Summary section.
I logged in the CEAC site, clicked on “Add Applicant”, was asked to provide my spouse’s details, then provide my case number again and other info. After providing the information, my spouse wasn’t added. It shows only my name in the Applicant Information.
Is it allowed to add someone after one has completed their own DS 260 form?
Or should KCC approve the add first before it shows on the Applicant Information?
After this, I’ve started filling out the DS 260 form, but haven’t completed it yet.
Thank you.
August 13, 2020 at 23:51
I suspect you are missing something, but you can contact KCC.
August 14, 2020 at 13:37
Thanks Simon. I managed to add my spouse using a different browser.
August 14, 2020 at 08:27
Hello Sir…
Is it possible to unlock and update DS-260 form after someone had already sent supporting documents requested by KCC?
Regards
August 14, 2020 at 12:14
Yes
August 14, 2020 at 18:26
Hello sir,
Thank yoy for the information. Very helpful. Please I will love to know if after I played dv2021 with my passport which expires two months ago and I am making à new one. Will this issue post a problem? It will be out in two weeks and i have the old one with me, which of them do I need to fill the ds260 form? And my number is 12xxx, when is the latest date that I can submit the form? Waiting for your kind response. Thank you.
August 14, 2020 at 23:01
No problem – just submit documents for the old and new passport.
You can delay until March/April no problem.
August 14, 2020 at 23:25
Hello Brit,
I won the lottery with a case number 2021AF80XXX. What chance do I stand to be scheduled for interview?
Thanks
August 15, 2020 at 04:02
It’s a high number – but we don’t know how many selectees have been selected yet – so at the moment there is no way to know what your chances are. Wait a few days as I should have more info soon.
August 15, 2020 at 13:33
Hi! If I’m going by a different name professionally, being a makeup artist, I have to fill it on the question: have you ever used other names? I use it on social media, not to sign documents or other things. Thank you a lot!
August 15, 2020 at 15:45
Yes – used the other names section.
August 16, 2020 at 20:05
Hi Simon,
Very often when I read a comment by another member I start thinking that I didn’t fill out the form appropriately.
Is the short version of my name Aleksandar i.e. Alex in an email signature, or when people call you so, considered as ‘using different name’?
I don’t think that that is a different name though.
Thanks.
August 17, 2020 at 13:55
If you use that commonly, you could add that.
August 15, 2020 at 14:18
Hello Brit,
My case number is 2021AS15xxx.
1. Is this a low or a high case number?
2. Shall I wait till October to submit DS 260 or shall I submit before that?
Thanks for your help.
August 15, 2020 at 16:07
1. Medium
2. Makes no difference either way.
August 15, 2020 at 16:45
Shall I wait to know how many selectees have been selected this year?
Thanks, again!
August 15, 2020 at 16:52
Yes
August 15, 2020 at 21:38
Hello Mr.Brit,
Could you please advise me when my case number will become current
2021OCxxxxx,at the moment it states that my case is currently at KCC,what is the next process?
Kind Regards
Jacinta.
August 16, 2020 at 14:30
You have not given me the case number range. At least tell me the range like 2021OC19XX for the 1900 range.
August 16, 2020 at 21:56
Case number is 2021OC×××××352
Is it low or high.
Thanks
August 17, 2020 at 13:56
I think you could work that out.
August 16, 2020 at 10:38
Hi BritSimon,
Two questions:
1)I was born in a country which doesn’t offer citizenship and as per birth certificate of issuing authority of that country my “surname” is different to one I use/recognised in my country of nationality (country where I am leaving) i.e., identity cards, educational certificates etc. Should I put that in “other names used” or go for a legal procedure of country of nationality to get that surname added, don’t sure if it is possible to have 2 different surnames used at different occasions ,as in my case, in passport.
Need your guidance b/c at interview this question might be raised why is your surname different in passport to that in birth certificate.?
2) Do you see some delay in DV 2022 entrance as per current situation or will it happen as usual in October this year?
August 16, 2020 at 12:19
Missed one thing in part 1 of my question that my country of birth is eligible for DV lottery and is my country of chargeablity
August 16, 2020 at 15:00
1. Use the other names used and be prepared to show proof of why the names are different and that the birth cert is in fact yours.
2. Normal.
August 16, 2020 at 17:12
Thanks for your assistance but proving why surname is different shouldn’t be in the case when your country of birth and nationality are same. I left my country of birth when my father died and opted my father’s name as surname while registering in country of nationality. would this be justifiable reason?
August 17, 2020 at 13:51
The truth is what matters. THat’s all.
August 16, 2020 at 18:10
Hi Brit, how can I contact you privately?
August 17, 2020 at 13:53
If absoltely necessary – britsimon3 at gmail
August 16, 2020 at 18:31
Hello, i have submitted my ds260. I have a masters degree and a bachelor from my home country. I have studied on F1 in the US, finished 1 yr but havent finished my studies and came back to my homecountry without overstaying. Shall I unlock and add this in the form? Thank you for the feedback. Esther
August 17, 2020 at 13:53
Yes
August 17, 2020 at 06:44
DV 2020 winners have any good news or hopes
August 17, 2020 at 20:35
Hello again, Brit,
are they any news about DV 2021. Do we have a chance to get ineterview? All data sended a month ago.
Thanks and regards!
August 18, 2020 at 02:20
It’s early days. Be patient.
August 20, 2020 at 15:40
Hello Sir , My case no is below 1200 from Nepal, I filled DS 260 form just one month ago while case no 1800+ was getting further documents required mail from KCC and now its running 3800+ but I haven’t get mail till this day …were I skiped away or I will get the mail some time later ??
August 20, 2020 at 17:07
They will ask you. Just be patient.
August 21, 2020 at 03:08
Dear Simon, hope you are doing well, I already submitted DS260 at the end of June, till now I did not get an email from them to send my documents. When do I supposed to get the email from them? Please advise
August 21, 2020 at 04:53
Really, patience. What is your case number?
August 22, 2020 at 11:52
My case number is 2021AS26XXX
August 22, 2020 at 18:02
Then what the heck is your rush???
You have at around 1 year to wait anyway – so let them focus on lower cases.
August 21, 2020 at 03:21
Hello brit
I have submitted my DS-260 form on 7th July, it’s been so long that I haven’t receives any email form KCC about sending the needed documents.
My case no is about 24000+, how long should I wait for KCC or should I mail them about the matter ?
Thanks
Kyomers
August 21, 2020 at 04:48
Your number is meaningless without a region – but clearly it is not going to be current soon – so why are you impatient?
August 21, 2020 at 05:40
My region is Afghanistan
And also I want to know does KCC mail about sending documents according to the case no or according to DS-260 submission date ?
Thanks
August 21, 2020 at 05:44
Depends on how much backlog they have. But also understand that every case is different, so the processing time will vary from case to case.
August 21, 2020 at 05:45
Oh – and your number is high, so you have a LONG time to wait before interview – so there is no need to be impatient.
August 21, 2020 at 05:48
Will they mail about sending documents or for the interview cz everyone says that my case no is high and I’m concerned if i can get the chance or not that’s why I’m a bit impatient
August 21, 2020 at 08:07
Hi Simon, is it any kind of positive sign to have received the email requesting additional documents from KCC (police check etc), or is this just standard procedure and no indication of the likelihood of actually receiving an interview? (My case number is very high, OC region)
August 21, 2020 at 15:27
Not a positive sign. Just standard procedure. They prioritize work in case number order, but when the “pile” (backlog) of cases is low, any case number could be asked for documents.
If you have a case number over OC2XXX you are probably at risk.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2021-selectee-number-analysis/
August 21, 2020 at 11:24
Good day Mr BritSimon,
Thank you so much for an informative and helpful website.
May you please help and shade more light regarding my case # AF44XXX.
1. My wife is already in the US on a study visa. Does she need to complete DS260 or she completes a different set of forms?
2. When we are eventually scheduled for an interview does she need to leave the US to come and join me and our two children?
Kind regards.
August 21, 2020 at 15:54
More light – here – https://britsimonsays.com/dv2021-selectee-number-analysis/
1. Depends whether she is the winner or not.
2. If she is not the winner she should travel home to be with you for the interview.
August 22, 2020 at 13:19
Hi SImon!
With addresses i have spent 3 years consecutive heading to LA for pilot season only staying 3 months at a time. How do i include that in the present and previous address information?
The way its formatted it looks like i need to keep going back to my present address and then block out 3 months in LA address, then back to my current/present address. Is this right?
August 22, 2020 at 18:13
Keep the main address throughout the time and the work history will document the work assignments.
August 23, 2020 at 12:13
Hi, My case number is 2021AS30xxx..Is this a low or a high case number?
i will submit my DS 260 this week. Hope it is not too late.
August 23, 2020 at 21:06
High.
You have months to wait. Personally I would NOT submit until we were more sure about whether that number stands a chance of reaching an interview.
August 24, 2020 at 15:34
Hi Brit,
My wife lose a cousin at childbirth, the family is asking her to adopt the baby. Is it possible to add this month old baby to our Ds260 if we agreed to adopt?
I sent you a private email on this sometimes back but you did not respond. I have to do it here because your response will inform our decision.
August 25, 2020 at 04:49
I ignore emails that could have been asked here.
To be able to add an adopted child the child must have been legally adopted two years before the interview.
August 26, 2020 at 06:59
Awsome to have found your information here, thanks for providing so much help.
I submitted my ds 260 today OC00000xxx, i already have a b2 visa, would that be a positive at all ?
I have most of my documentation and 1 year old photos from getting the b2 visa, wondering if i should start the process of getting a new police check or wait until they ask for documents?
I can’t travel for interviews due to Corona any time soon…. will be interesting how the timing works out. Will keep reading your responses to others questions to learn more, thanks again
August 26, 2020 at 19:45
1. No
2. Yes start the process.
August 27, 2020 at 07:24
I think Lawsuit will fail. DV2020 will end september 30. No interview, No Visas. We will lost our hopes…..
August 28, 2020 at 01:27
hi Mr. Simon thanks for your kind information, I have a question I’m filling ds260 for my children below 3 years is it ok to use the e-mail address and mobile number the same as mine.
thanks in advance
August 28, 2020 at 05:21
Yes.
August 28, 2020 at 11:58
Thank you and another thing my case no. Is 2021AF34xxx is that low or high and when do you think my interview will be.
August 28, 2020 at 19:56
Please look at my recent articles/videos where I discuss this.
August 28, 2020 at 21:48
Hi there, Do you have advice for what to do with the DS-260 form/web page failing?’
Over 2 days I have only managed to fill in the first 2 pages, as it kicks me out 8/10 times. Now I don’t seem to make it half way into p3, then when I click to add another address, it again brings up this error:
Server Error in ‘/IV’ Application.
Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
Description: An unhandled exception occurred during the execution of the current web request. Please review the stack trace for more information about the error and where it originated in the code.
Exception Details: System.NullReferenceException: Object reference not set to an instance of an object.
I have tried Internet Explorer, Google Chrome and Microsoft – even different computers. Very frustrating.
August 29, 2020 at 03:26
I don’t know what is causing that. Try again in a week or two.
August 30, 2020 at 14:01
Hi Simon, I am currently on a temporary visa(visit visa) in the country of residence,
will that be okay for green card application?
August 30, 2020 at 14:34
Normally, yes, as long as you are not breaking any laws.
September 2, 2020 at 11:05
Ok, do you advise me to change “my visit visa” to “work permit”?
1) Will that make my case stronger? In other words, will they like “work permit visa” more than a visit visa? Though I will not work, I will only have the work permit visa on my passport.
I mean do you advise me to have a different visa other than a visit visa in the country I am in or the country I will be in.
I need to know about that so I prepare this from now because it takes time.
September 2, 2020 at 18:14
Again – the DV process does not care.
September 2, 2020 at 11:07
Hi Simon, or you think this is will not make any difference?
August 31, 2020 at 00:27
Someone who finished high school with a certiface and currently a medSchool Student 5th year but yet to get MBBS degree what would he fill in the section of Degree Diploma or Certifate received. Should i leave blank ??
August 31, 2020 at 17:44
Yes
August 31, 2020 at 01:09
Hello Brit,
Quick question, I am a bit confused in the topic that says: “Do you seek to enter the United States for the purpose of performing skilled or unskilled labor but have not yet been certified by Secretary of Labor”. Of course I am seeking to work in the United Stated as a professional, that’s why I don’t get this part of “being approved yet by Secretary of Labor”, I haven’t been approved obviously because I haven’t ask for this permission, maybe that stands for somebody that previously requested a Visa as a worker, what would you recommend to answer here, thanks in advance Sir.
August 31, 2020 at 17:44
If you had read my DS260 guide, you would see I advise people to answer YES to that question.
August 31, 2020 at 19:07
Thank you very much sir
September 2, 2020 at 11:12
Hi Simon, do you advise me to unlock my DS260 to answer Yes for this Question?
Because I answered NO for it.
September 1, 2020 at 05:56
Dear Sir,
I am not knowingly answered ‘NO’ for that particular question. Can I change it at interview time? And will it reduce chance to get visa?
Do you seek to enter the United States for the purpose of performing skilled or unskilled labor but have not yet been certified by Secretary of Labor”.
My second question:
My case number is AS22XXX.
I have submitted my DS-260 forms in mid June but till not received any email from KCC regarding supporting document. Is it normal?
September 1, 2020 at 19:13
1. Your answer will not cause difficulties.
2. You have a high number. There is no need for them to rush to process your case as it will be MONTHS before you are close to interview. So – relax.
September 1, 2020 at 20:02
Thank you so much for the information.
Sir,
I want to be clear about the above mentioned question number 1.
Do I have to request consular officer to change the answer No to Yes at the interview time or keep it as it is?
Thanking you
September 1, 2020 at 21:18
You can decide – it makes no difference.
September 1, 2020 at 21:37
Thank you so much Sir.
My last question.
As per my case number do i have chance of reaching an interview?
September 1, 2020 at 21:43
That is not certain – you will have to wait and see.
September 1, 2020 at 21:54
Sir,
Thank you so much for your time and info.
Have a good day ahead!
September 1, 2020 at 23:12
Hi Simon,
Regarding the social platforms inquiry.
What if there are other persons that I know of, that live in the same city that I live, and have the same Name and Surename like mine, that have a social platform account that i don’t have, and I don’t list one of course.
Should I notify KCC that it’s not my account?
September 1, 2020 at 23:54
No
September 2, 2020 at 16:18
Hi Simon.
My husband, who is a derivative, worked for about 15 years with his father as a mechanic. His father owned a
mechanic repair workshop. During this period, he wasn’t registered as an employee in the national database.
Is it ok to include this in the previous employment section of the form, since he wasn’t registered as an employee?
Thanks.
September 2, 2020 at 18:23
Yes
September 8, 2020 at 14:14
Dear Simon,
Recently I received the document request from KCC but I want to be clear on a part of the email. The email started with the following statement:
“You should review the list of required documents for processing below and send those to KCC to review as part of your application package, along with completing your DS-260. You will only be scheduled for interview at an overseas consular post after you have completed your DS-260 and submitted all documents required for your case and your visa rank number has become current.”
Does this mean, KCC hasn’t received my DS-260? But from my understanding, I should receive the document request only after KCC receives my DS-260, right?
And one more thing, I want to complete my graduate studies in my home country which is on march 2021(possibly can extend to August due to pandemic), so if I want to delay the DV process, from one of your videos I understood I can do this by delaying my reply to this email, so how far do you suggest me to delay the reply for me to complete my studies considering the possible extension to August?
And thanks for all the updates you provide regarding the matter.
Stay safe!
September 8, 2020 at 18:18
no case number, no answer.
September 8, 2020 at 18:57
Oh sorry about that, my CN is AS7***
September 9, 2020 at 12:28
1. They have your DS260.
2. You can delay until Feb/March
October 6, 2020 at 23:48
How long you waiter to receive from kcc after you submitted your app…thank you
September 10, 2020 at 09:26
Good morning Britsimon
Please my wife was pregnant when we fill the DS 260 and we were standing by for medicals when Covid-19 pupped up, now she gave birth and the child is not captured on any of my documents filled by then but I learnt very soon they will send all 2020 people who couldn’t finished message to prepare for medical and interview what can I do for this my little baby to be captured please.
Thanks sir
September 10, 2020 at 21:34
You can discuss with the embassy if you get an interview.
September 14, 2020 at 07:26
Hi Simon,
I have started and almost to finish my ds 260.But unfortunately my wife is pregnant about one month and hope to give birth in June. So what will be the best answer for the question is your family will come to US with you?
Thank you for your endless cooperation.
September 14, 2020 at 14:17
Until the birth it’s just the two of you. YOu can read the FAQ about adding a newborn.
September 16, 2020 at 02:08
Hello Simón, I am a winner of DV 2021, I had 12 years of studies (High School) and I finished a degree in accounting technician (Vocational School). In this article you say that a complete work or education history should be created. My question then is: Should I reflect on my DS all the schools I attended (there were 3) since my first years of studies when I was little?
September 16, 2020 at 02:25
document all schooling from age 12 and up.
September 16, 2020 at 12:41
Hello bro
What is the meaning , full name in native alphabet? Should i write my name in Arabic Language or What ?!
September 16, 2020 at 21:19
Yes
October 27, 2020 at 10:28
Dear Great! BritSimon, trust your doing good.
Is it campalsory to include our Name in native alphabet or its optional?
October 27, 2020 at 20:42
Well, kind of optional.
September 16, 2020 at 19:53
Hallo Britsimon, Thank you very much for the assistance. Just to make my question very clear so you can understand what I am trying to say, I have added something so please read carefully again, When I initially play the 2021 DV lottery, I entered my name order as follows, Surname as : Randy and Given Names as: Joe Sam and that is how it is on my birth certificate and new passport. But the problem is that, the passport which I used to play the DV 2021 which is now expired had my surname as : Joe Sam, Given Names as: Randy. Note that I am currently living in a schengen country in Europe as an Asylum seeker (Asylum application still in process) my name order in my Asylum temporary residence permit is Surname: Joe Sam and my given Names as: Randy, just as in my old expired passport, though I have officially submitted a request for the order of my Names to be changed which till now hasn’t been changed. What should I do? Should I make use of the section” Have you ever used another surname and given names and answer yes? and fill the section as it was on my old passport?
September 16, 2020 at 21:47
I already answered this, and I don’t see anything that changes my answer. Yes use the forms to add the old name.