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.
December 11, 2021 at 08:54
Hi Brit,
Since you have said the visa bulletin might not get current at the end. I have seen that the holes in numbers are too many in the last few years 2019 , 2020, 2021 and might be the same in 2022, don’t you think that the visa bulletin will still move quickly? specially for Asia?
My case number is 2022AS00011XXX. and embassy is Abu Dhabi. Should I worry?
December 11, 2021 at 16:57
I can’t predict that.
December 16, 2021 at 10:53
Hi, Brit, my case number is AF29xxx, i submitted my DS260 form early on in June, and i got emailed by KCC on the 22 October about submitting further DV Documents required which i did already. i was wondering what this means because so far i know a few people with lower case numbers than mine, but they did not get the email yet?
December 17, 2021 at 06:32
You just need to be patient. You are not current yet.
December 17, 2021 at 17:27
Greetings to you Sir , I’m a 2022 DV winner with CN AF186xx , I submitted my DS260 in early June , then sent my Documents in early October without any email from KCC , after viewing the February Bulletin i found my CN current , my question is do you think i will receive my 2NL this month?
December 22, 2021 at 04:39
I don’t know.
December 22, 2021 at 17:08
Sir,
I am a DV2022 selectee and have two questions I need clarification from you if you please.
1. I do have a ridiculously long last name (Three Surnames) thus the surname line max out and I cannot type the last four letters of the the last name. When inquired, the embassy suggested putting an initial for one of the names and KCC later had replied to put as much as possible in the given space. What do you think I should do?? Embassy or KCC 🙁
2. DoS online form summary webpage has all my family members’ DS260s, but my husband is not migrating with us (Not even at a later date) as he is staying behind due to the profession he is in. Do I have to fill his DS-260 too even though he is not migrating? OR should I submit the rest of the DS-260s and leave his one as it is there in incomplete state??
Please advice.
Thank you, for helping people…
December 22, 2021 at 22:59
1. Embassy.
2. You don’t complete a DS260 for him.
December 23, 2021 at 03:03
Much obliged sir. Merry Christmas and a happy new year as well.
January 10, 2022 at 15:45
Hi Brit,
I have submitted my DS-260 before six months, I sent emails for the processing updates and got responses that “ allow several weeks to process the forms”.
– How long does it take normally?
– Am I getting a confirmation on completion of processing DS-260?
– Will I get a specific email asking to submit civil documents?
– Do I have to submit my civil documents?
Case# 2022AS0000200x
January 11, 2022 at 15:16
1. We are not in normal times.
2. Sometimes.
3. No
4. No
January 11, 2022 at 15:34
Thanks Brit!
So, if I am not receiving email for submitting my documents, and you said that I shouldn’t submit my documents.
How do I know that they have completed reviewing my DS-269 and approved it.
What’s your recommendations, please
January 11, 2022 at 15:37
You can wait, or email them.
January 12, 2022 at 18:15
Last question Sir!
I am living in my country since I was 14 years old. Do I need police clearance to be submitted with my documents?
If yes!
Taliban takeover the country and there is no police clearance anymore.
January 13, 2022 at 17:04
Read the reciprocity page for that country.
May 18, 2022 at 07:30
I also have the same case submited my DS260 just got confirmation that is submited, but till then no any response got from them, may i know if you emailed them to which address to follow up ?
January 22, 2022 at 11:29
Hi Brit
Thanks for your assistance as always .My case number is AF3K but unfortunately I submitted my DS 260 mid July 2021. When they say my interview date will be delayed because I have a low case number what does that mean?
1.Does it mean my interview date might prolong two months more than I was supposed to get? Or
2. They have to finish the other case numbers that submitted early then come to mine?
January 23, 2022 at 19:19
I don’t think you are repeating what they said correctly – but yes you could be delayed, and yes other people might be ahead of you.
February 3, 2022 at 18:48
Hi Brit!
My case number is AS0000200x, it means I have a lower case number. So, when should I expect the interview, earlier than most of the applicants or later than most of the applicants?
Thanks
February 3, 2022 at 19:17
Normally it would mean earlier – but this year – I don’t know.
February 23, 2022 at 21:34
Brit! My interview is scheduled in US embassy in Islamabad-Pakistan. Do I have to complete Medical Exam before interview and take them with me, or it’s require after interview?
Please advise
February 24, 2022 at 19:22
Normally before.
July 5, 2023 at 13:01
Hi,brit
I am dv lottery winner 2024 but i donot know anyone in the U.S then where will be my green card delivered?
July 5, 2023 at 15:19
On the DS260 you are expected to provide an address in the USA for GC delivery. Find a friend or friend of a friend that you can trust to receive your GC and hold it for you.
February 27, 2022 at 15:56
Dear Brit,
Thank you for the great work you are putting together. I have a case with a little twist and I could not find yet the correct approach; maybe you could help me. I have been selected for DV2022 and one of my children, aged 19, is already in US, as student on an F1 visa. The rest of the family is in my home country so we will apply for the local consulate interview, but I don’t know what is the best way to apply for permanent residency for the child already in US (so that we minimise the risk of disrupting his study program). If my understanding is correct, given that the student is derivative for the DV visa, he could apply for adjustment of status only after the principal applicant receives the visa and gets physically in the US. Also please advise on what would I have to answer to the DS260 questions “will immigrate with you in US” and “will follow you at a later date” if he would apply later using AOS.
1. we all apply for interview at the consulate – he would have to fly back for medical, then for interview and risks being blocked away from school for long time before the visa is issued, or worse, not getting the visa in time and losing the F1 status in the process
2. principal applies here, immigrates, student applies for AOS based on DV – time risk (to be finished until the end of September 2022)
3. principal applies here, immigrates, student applies for AOS based on family sponsorship – no time limit for September 2022, but longer processing time and he just turned 19 (risk of not obtaining the new status until turning 21)
Any additional insight you could give me would be really helpful.
Thank you,
Steve
February 27, 2022 at 21:36
1. This is the normal way of doing things.
2. That may be possible, but generally considered risky.
3. Yeah – that is around a 2+ year method.
You have the correct understanding of the options. I don’t think I can add anything.
March 8, 2022 at 14:51
We decided to move forward without this child – we do not want to risk his study program, the international student scholarship and generally his F1 status. He will follow his own path. The problem is that according to KCC instructions, the DS260 forms will be processed only after we all submit them, but my son does not want to endanger his future non-immigrant visas by submitting a DS260 form that he is not going to follow through anyway. I wrote to KCC to ask them on how to submit my application with only three DS260 forms instead of four but they did not reply properly (I suspect they used robots to give automated answers). Their answers were: “the consular officer will decide if your child is eligible or not” or “your forms were submitted and KCC will evaluate them…”. but my forms are not submitted, yet, are just filled-in waiting for my submission. The question is: Do you know how can I ensure that my DS260 forms are processed if I only submit 3 out of 4? I don’t want to submit the fourth one and thus declare “immigrate intention” and I also don’t want to submit the other three if nobody will consider them without the fourth one. Thank you.
March 20, 2022 at 19:21
Write to KCC making it clear that you will not submit that DS260 and asking them to schedule your case.
February 28, 2022 at 20:08
Hi Simon, my case number AF29xxx currently in Poland and my embassy of choice on DS260 is Warsaw. i am still waiting for 2NL.
Would you advice i should change my embassy to another maybe country of Origin (Cameroon) because of the War in Eastern Europe which could slow down interviews and Visas Issuance?
March 5, 2022 at 20:38
The situation is changing all the time. You need to decide for yourself.
May 8, 2022 at 01:35
Hello,
I just won the DV2023, however I don’t have a permanent US residential address to use, what do you suggest? Thanks
May 8, 2022 at 02:36
Find a friend, or friend of a friend. The address is needed so they can send the GC there when you become an LPR.
May 8, 2022 at 06:12
The selection letter I got links to a “how to fill-in the DS260” but no link TO the DS-260. Though Google says this is the link:
https://ceac.state.gov/IV/Login.aspx
Is this correct? I keep getting a “Your request cannot be processed at this time.” I assume this is because the system is being hit hard by everyone today (assuming its the right URL).
Thanks.
May 8, 2022 at 16:43
Yes that is the correct link, and yes the servers are overwhelmed.
May 8, 2022 at 09:04
Hie Simon, I won dv lottery 2023 and when i try to login today to start the DS260 form, it says your request can not be processed at this time. Does it mean the portal to complete the form is not open yet?
May 8, 2022 at 16:50
The CEAC system for the DS260 is overwhelmed. Try at different times of day or wait a couple of days.
May 9, 2022 at 09:03
I have question if my son 3 y old has british passport but me and my wife is Polish and we use polish passport and our son british passport is this any problem or will be ok ?
May 9, 2022 at 13:58
No problem.
May 9, 2022 at 09:56
Dear Simon, #DV 2023, when I m about to fill thé DS 260 form it’s saying « you request cannot be processed at this time » what does it mean?
May 9, 2022 at 14:09
The CEAC system for the DS260 is overwhelmed. Try at different times of day or wait a couple of days.
May 9, 2022 at 14:52
Is it better to fill DS260 asap ?
May 9, 2022 at 15:33
The DS260 is only important for CP processing. For AOS its optional. So – back to my answer of point 4.
May 9, 2022 at 12:13
Dear Brit,
Its so nice to know about your experience and extensive inputs you gave for DV winners and would like your expert advice for my doubts, I won DV23 my doubts are that I am on a student on F1 visa, in my case
1. will it be easier/faster to change status while in US or should I go for consulate processing in my country Japan (as I visit there from time to time for summer break etc) ?
2. When can I decide this is it after my number becomes current ?
3. For the US address is it changeable if the person moves …
4. Would submitting DS260 early make the processing faster my number is , I was confused where to put my interview location (embassy in Japan) or opt for adjustment in US
5. As in example above for medical examination I don’t have documentation if my vaccinations are according to US law so if opt “NO” would it be a problem ?
6. Lastly do I need English translations for birth/police records if so can I do the translation on my own or does it have to be by authorized translator.
May 9, 2022 at 14:36
1. AOS is a good method. It can take a little longer but there are advantages.
2. No – you need to decide early on and do some of the process in advance of being current.
3. Yes, but again, depends on your method of processing.
4. That is the fundamental decision you must make. AOS (USA) or CP (Japan)
5. No. That is the correct answer.
6. A competent third party
May 9, 2022 at 15:07
Thanks for the replies Brit, being on F1 status and doing AOS on my own is a bit challenging if I go for CP, do I have to be in Japan for just the interview ? can I go back for my studies in US when my passport gets PR stamp ?
If I go for AOS can I travel back for breaks to Japan ? how will it be advantageous for F1 student please guide if it can be done without attorney
May 9, 2022 at 15:36
There is a really good thread below you should check out. On the first post, SM1smom links a document that has information about the two methods. Well worth you reading.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2023-aos-adjustment-of-status-only.345837/
May 9, 2022 at 15:45
hi sir , greetings . I was selected for the dv lottery 2023. and there are some few i need clarification about. its stated somewhere that we need to prepare birth certificate, school history and work history. as well as address history. Is it actually the documents needed or its just the information needed. please im stuck because it say create a file so im confused what a file for address and work experience is all about?
May 9, 2022 at 15:48
In the DS260 you provide the info (history) of work, education and addresses. You don’t have to prove that history at this point, but they will ask about education and perhaps work history at interview.
May 9, 2022 at 18:30
Hi Simon,
My Spouse with DV 2023 for the EU category. (He is an Indian National and the claim of eligibility of his entry is My country of birth Germany as me holding Srilankan nationality). Case number is 2023EU19*** .
1. I have applied for the my Indian Citizenship and it may get processed in 6-12 months from now( Approx) , so if in case it get processed before I get my interview scheduled for my US Immigrant Visa then is there any deviation in my CN process, as there will be a change in my nationality (from Srilankan to Indian) but not in my country of birth (Germany) .
So the question is whether the Entry picked for my spouse in the EU category has any dependency on my Nationality(Srilanka) or my passport change? Or it does not have any dependency with my current and future nationality as it is categorized with Germany(EU) (country of birth).
2. Or is it advisable not to change the nationality as of now till I get the result of my interview, as My nationality (Srilankan) may somehow help me with my spouse CN process , in addition with his CN picked category (EU)? or this CN only dependednt on my country of birth?
2. As current 260 will have my nationality and passport number of srilankan document ID , in case I receive the Indian nationality after the interview and visa stamping in my current Srilankan passport How will I manage this ?
Please assist
Regards
Sharmi
May 10, 2022 at 11:07
Hi brit, thanks for always helping out. What about someone who decides to include a kid who’s above 21 yrs old but wasn’t mentioned in the DV lottery entry form? Will that b complicated? A friend has this situation
May 10, 2022 at 22:49
There was no need to include a child over 21 on the entry but that same child should be listed on the DS260.
May 10, 2022 at 15:28
1. No dependency.
2. Country of birth of the principal applicant. That’s all.
3. You are overthinking. They will stamp the passport you give them.
May 10, 2022 at 16:23
Hi Simon
Thank you for ur revert
Point 1 and 3 is understood but for 2 I dnt understand sorry about it because he (principle applicant) got selected claiming his spouse (Tat is myself country of birth Germany) and not his (principle applicant) country of birth which is India.
As per the Eligibility Criteria in DV instruction I gave made an entry in lottery with below criteria and he got selected……
Statement from DV 2023 Instruction:
If you are not a native of a country with historically low rates of immigration to the United States, there are two other ways you might be able to qualify.
Is your spouse a native of a country with historically low rates of immigration to the United States? If yes, you can claim your spouse’s country of birth – provided that you and your spouse are named on the selected entry, are found eligible and issued diversity visas, and enter the United States at the same time.
REGARDS
Sharmi
May 10, 2022 at 23:12
He can proceed using your country of birth. That’s fine. The only difference is that both of you will need to meet the education/work experience requirement.
May 10, 2022 at 13:25
Dear Brit, Im sorry for coming up again. It’s been up to 4 days now since i started trying to fill the Ds form but i can’t continue after the first page. it keeps telling( your request cannot be processed at this time) It has been like 4 days now. Please is there any other link I can use?
May 10, 2022 at 22:53
https://youtu.be/NYtq7T2tiYk
May 10, 2022 at 22:31
hi my brother when he registered to DV lottery he pot single. he made mistakes that he was married and have 2 daughters. so now your advice what he dose. dose he write single or married when apply application . please give best advice.
May 10, 2022 at 23:42
He should not continue to process the case since he will be disqualified.
May 11, 2022 at 13:51
Hi Brit, thanks for always coming up to reply. Someone helped to apply for me during the DV lottery program and later i realize that she made some mistakes in the education area. Like the school i attended and certificate and year obtained. There was a mix up. My question is will it be a problem if i register the accurate school now in the ds-260 form? Will that be a sort of complicated?
May 11, 2022 at 14:16
Your question doesn’t make sense because the DV entry doesn’t ask for school attended and year obtained. But complete the DS260 accurately.
May 11, 2022 at 18:07
I am a 2020 DV winner. Do I need to fill out five separate applications for spouse and all children when filling out DS 260? Should everyone in the family have the paperwork they receive after filling out the DS 260 at the interview? I am the only one who has the leaflet to receive after completing DS 260. DC letter received. Give advice.
May 11, 2022 at 19:39
DV2020?? Are you sure you don’t mean DV2023?
Anyway, yes, each person needs their own DS260.
May 11, 2022 at 21:15
Hello ,
Can I Put it my son ID card on DS-260 and after that brining On interview passport? Becouse we have to wait for his passport.
Native name and surname is mean I have to write : Ariel Jaśko??
And do you think my CN is 40xx will be very Quick???
And how can I do it with usa mailing adress if I dont have no one there ??
May 12, 2022 at 16:41
Number questions please!
1. Yes
2. Exactly what it says.
3. Without a region, your number is meaningless.
4. Find someone who can receive your GC for you. A friend or friend of a friend that you can trust.
May 12, 2022 at 09:44
Hi Brit, thank you very much for your extremely helpful advice and support in this DV journey! I have won the DV-2023 lottery with my case number being 2023EU17XXX. I am planning on submitting my DS-260 asap (ideally by June 1st), however cannot do this now for various reasons. Therefore, my question: I have heard from other European citizens that in the past two years many cases have become current immediately and it was thus more a question of who became DQ the earliest rather than the case numbers. Is this accurate? Would I need to rush with submitting the DS-260 as this will put me at a disadvantage otherwise? Thank you very much in advance!
May 12, 2022 at 21:56
No matter how fast you submitted your DS260 you would still have to wait for your case number to become current, which probably won’t happen in 2022. So, June is fine.
May 12, 2022 at 10:33
Hi brit,
I am the 2022 DV winner and my CN is 2022AF00020XXX. I have not submitted my DS260 because the passports for my kids (5) are taking long to come out.
1. Is it possible to submit the form DS260 without the kids’ passports? I have my passport with me.
2. Since the closure is scheduled for September 30. Is it too late for us if we get the passports in a month from now?
Thank You!
May 13, 2022 at 04:57
1. You have left this very late – possibly too late. If you wish to still submit, use the ID of the parents for the kids and update at the interview.
2. You will have to wait and see.
May 12, 2022 at 23:20
While filling in the DS-260, I submitted without being able to fill in the Selective Service form since I am under the age of 26 do I need to ask KCC to unlock my form so that I can fill it in now? Do you think that if I leave it as it is will become a problem?
Regards
Lethu
May 13, 2022 at 13:25
You do not fill in the form on the DS260. You simply had to click and read a note. Unless you did that, uyou would not have been able to submit the DS260, so relax. You register for SS when you move to the USA.
May 13, 2022 at 15:29
Hi Brit
Really appriciate your guidance. my case no i AS/7×××× My issue is my name is too long to be added in the space given. I have a family name in the front and given name in the midfle so I can not put my middle name due to insufficient space. Please advice what to do with this.
May 13, 2022 at 20:32
You might need to shorten it.
May 14, 2022 at 05:47
My full name is Nanayakkara Wasam Thelikada Palliyaguruge Nuwan Prabath Abeweera. My surname ia “Abeweera”. My family name is “Nanayakkara Wasam Thelikada Palliyaguruge” and my given name is ” Nuwan Prabath”
So what is the best option to put out of bellow
1.N W T P Nuwan Prabath ? Or
2.Nanayakkara Wasam Thelikada P N P? Or
3.Nanayakkara Wasam Thelikada pal
Pls help me..this is not clear for me at all.
May 15, 2022 at 20:15
I don’t know ythe norms in your country so I cannot advise you.
May 13, 2022 at 08:23
Hi brit
I am as7k 2022 winner from nepal,
Yesterday we got vb updated 6300, do u think nepal will reach my number ?
May 13, 2022 at 13:56
I don’t know.
May 14, 2022 at 06:03
Hello Simon , my wife is currently doing apprenticeship level 3 and we are wondering if we can add it on to her education ? Because the graduation date is not 100% sure yet, or she just needs to add the finished ones ?
Actually she wilk finish it around January-March 2022 ??
May 15, 2022 at 20:17
That section is for education COMPLETED. The apprenticeship is her current occupation.
May 14, 2022 at 23:57
Hi Brit, I have won the 2023 lottery but I’am a student at the University not yet completed. Is there an option for me under the work/ edication section.
And my case # is around 47***. thousand. Will my application delay
May 18, 2022 at 17:55
People at University can process a DV case, yes.
You don’t mention your region, but yes, assume a long wait.
May 15, 2022 at 11:14
Hi Brit,
Selectees are only required to meet the education OR work experience – you say we do not have to prove BOTH.
ERGO
in the PRESENT, I mark what I am doing today (work) & then the question does this job require 2 years of training or experience my answer is NO because I meet the education?
In previous I select NO on employed because I have a higher education? (but in the meantime I had a full time job, from 2012 to 2022)
Or rather in Previous I select YES previously employed (and I list all employers)
YES for secondary education (both cases correct in my case)?
Thanks
May 18, 2022 at 18:05
You just answer the questions. Really – no need to overthink this.
May 16, 2022 at 18:32
Would you be able to help me? My wife in her application did put the country that she travelled to in the last five years but it didn’t Save. When she submitted the application she didn’t check that one thing and it sent it with empty answer, so there is no Yes or No in this question. Can we get rejected by that mistake? She did e-mail them straight away to correct it, but we just worry now.
May 18, 2022 at 20:18
DV2023? Unlock and correct.
May 17, 2022 at 17:06
Hi Brit, thanks for always helping out. I have a worry. when i enter my case number to check my visa status, it indicates invalid case number . But actually its the right case number. Please any idea about that?
May 18, 2022 at 22:51
2023 cases are not in available in CEAC yet.
May 19, 2022 at 08:42
okay thank you. Are you then sure about when they’ll be available?
May 19, 2022 at 18:42
In previous years it has been January 1.
May 20, 2022 at 09:03
okay got it! Thank you.
May 17, 2022 at 23:17
Dear BritSimon, thanks for your help. I have an additional question. I have social security number obtained previously. How should I answer the question “Do you need a new card issued?” The question is also asked for kids 16 and 13. Should I answer yes for them? Thanks
May 18, 2022 at 22:57
No for you, yes for the kids.
May 18, 2022 at 03:05
Hello Mr Simon,
Thanks a lot for all the valuable information you are sharing on your blog and on Youtube. I am a selectee of DV2023 and I have 3 questions regarding DS-260.
1) My youngest son was born in the US and has an American passport. Shall I select “yes” or “no” to answer the following question: “Is this child immigrating to the U.S. with you?” (he is going to come with us, but he doesn’t need a green card since he is already a US Citizen)
2) How would you recommend I proceed with his own DS-260 (I included him in my DV entrance, so now I have a DS260 for him that I started to complete)?
3) We are currently living in the US but my husband is going to be transferred back to our country of origin this summer by his company. This means our personal situation will change as we will be moving out of the US. I have completed our DS-260 request with our current information (US address/current jobs/phone numbers). How shall we proceed once we are back to our country of origin? Will we need to update our DS-260?
I truly appreciate your help
May 19, 2022 at 04:36
1. Say “no”
2. You do not create a DS260 for a citizen.
3. Yes – and make it clear that the embassy selected is in your home country.
May 19, 2022 at 12:31
Thank you so much for your answer.
The thing is I didn’t create a DS-260 for my child born in the US, but since I included him in the DV entrance he already had an application ready to be completed for a DS260 (as an accompagny) when I first connected on CEAC website… And I made the mistake to start to fill his DS-260 but I didn’t submit it (so now his status for “IV application” is “incomplete” on CEAC website) … Shall I let it “incomplete”? Will our DS-260 (mine, my husband and my other son) still be reviewed? or shall I ask KCC to deleted his application?
Thank you in advance.
May 19, 2022 at 20:56
Incomplete is fine. KCC cannot delete it.
May 18, 2022 at 06:49
I’m a 2021 DV winner, but i have filled my DS260 just about 8 Months ago on August 2022 but still have not received any feedback from KCC after submission, i wanted to ask how can i follow up if there is any document required from my side as they have not yet contacted me since then.
May 19, 2022 at 04:40
Your dates are all wrong. Make it clear.
May 20, 2022 at 12:04
Hello,
Thank you for being available for Us????
do i have documentation if my vaccinations are according to US law, I chose YES in the dv206 for myself and all the accompanying members.
For my wife and myself we only have covid 19 vaccination cards
1. Will that prove be enough?
2. Do I have to unlock my case and change to No?
3. Can you receive vaccination during the medical examination?
May 21, 2022 at 16:15
1. I don’t know
2. No
3. Yes
May 24, 2022 at 00:03
Thank you for quick reply
please I realized that I I missed one of my accompanying member’s (wife) educational qualifications. She has degree qualification with work experience but I forgot to include the diploma qualification.
1. Do I have to unlock the case although she isn’t the principal sponsor
2. Can I take that certificate with me when we are called for an interview?
May 24, 2022 at 12:45
1. No
2. Yes
May 22, 2022 at 23:36
Dear Sir,
My wife is a dv2023 winner, cn as25k . I have a 7 years old daughter from previous marriage, this previous marriage has terminated in divorce, and my daughter is living with her mother. My current wife and I mentioned that daughter in our dv 2023 entry and in the ds260 of both of us , but we answered no for the question of does the kid traveling with you or join you later in both ds. I also filled the ds260 of the daughter based on her birth certificate and submitted it, but she will not immigrate with us as we answered in our ds260 and she also doesn’t have a passport yet.
Is that a problem?
Do I need to contact the kcc to delete the submitted ds260 of my daughter?
May 23, 2022 at 04:51
You can email KCC about your daughter to not include her. They can’t delete the DS260 for her.
May 23, 2022 at 12:55
Thank you very much Dear.
I have those further questions, please.
1. Are KCC going to unlock my case when I email them about my daughter, so that I have to resubmit my and my wife’s DS260 again?
2. Do I have to include my daughter birth certificate with our supporting documents when we are requested to send them?
3. Is it ok to brief the email to kcc with (“Our only Daughter in this DV case is not going to immigrate to U.S. with us, niether now nor later, please exclude her from farther processing. Thank you.”)?
Many thanks in advance.
May 24, 2022 at 12:19
1. You have to ask for unlocking.
2. No
3. Yes
May 24, 2022 at 12:49
Thank you very very much Boss for helping us.
Can I Email KCC to exclude my Daughter from farther processing without unlocking the case?
That is what I wanted to know in question no.1
We Do not need to unlock the case again since it is completed and there are no mistakes to be modified.
Thanks a million for your patience and for your generous support.
May 24, 2022 at 12:52
Yes.
May 26, 2022 at 18:25
Thanks Dear.
About the Email to KCC about not include my daughter in further processing(not to unlock the case), Should the subject of the email be the case number? or it is ok to write those information CN& PRINCIPAL APPLICANT NAME only in the head of the email body?
Is there a conventional form of the email that we will send to KCC other than the email form used for unlocking the case? I don’t want to be misunderstood by kcc and get my case unlocked since I do not want to unlock the case, I want just to inform them to exclude my daughter from further processing.
Thank you very much.
June 1, 2022 at 16:47
There is no standard format – but yes give your complete CN, name and DOB
June 24, 2022 at 00:09
Dear Mr. Brit
Thanks a lot for your generous support.
I eventually emailed kccdv as you told me and asked them not to include my daughter in processing because she will not immigrate with us.
The kcc replied with an email that says they can’t delete or remove any ds260 , but the only way that prevent a ds260 form of a specific applicant from being processed in the future is to not submit the form of that specific applicant.
But since I have already submitted the ds260 form of my daughter that will not immigrate with us, I replied to the kcc e mail with a request to unlock my daughter ds260 form only, and I will not resubmit it again after they unlock it because I don’t want it to be processed anymore because she is not immigrating with us.
The Question is: Did I do the right thing by requesting the kcc to unlock my daughter ds260 form in order to leave it open to prevent further processing?
Or
What should have I done instead?
June 26, 2022 at 18:18
Yes you did the right thing.
May 23, 2022 at 18:58
Hi Simon,
First off, thank you for answering my previous questions here.
A quick one regarding sending supporting documents. Do I send these now that I have submitted the DS 260 form, or do I need to wait for KCC to get back to me and actually request them? CN 2023EU7xxx.
Thank you.
May 24, 2022 at 12:40
https://youtu.be/XYmaOikEZJo
May 28, 2022 at 18:46
Hi
I am not using my father’s name but using my uncle name through out my days in school because he was the one that sponsor me in school. Will this be a problem at the interview?
June 1, 2022 at 17:40
No. But list the legal name AND the other name used in your DS260
June 2, 2022 at 21:03
Hi Brit!
I have 2 quick questions on DS260 forms…
1- On the section asking for my last 5 trips to the US I entered the information accurately about the 3 times I have been in the US. Latest being almost 5 years ago in 2018.
Moving forward on the form in the Work/Education/Training Information section it asks Have you traveled to any countries/regions within the last five years? and I undertood that question as related to the section as asking for work/education or training related travels… To which I answer no because that last trip was vacations… but now reviewing the PDF form it makes me wonder if it is asking for any travel? I don´t want it to look as contradicting information because I did provide the information of that trip in the previous section…
2- I traveled back in 2015 I think it was to Canada and did a layover in US… I didnot stayed in US but I did customs there (not really sure why) but it made me wonder if that stop that I did in US counts as a US visit? thinking specifically because I did customs there…
so I would like to know depending on your answers for those 2 questions if I should ask KCC to unlock my forms to update/correct that?
June 4, 2022 at 14:07
No need to unlock.
June 9, 2022 at 17:25
Brit, thank you for your help! In section about education I have to write my University as I am a student now and all years of elementary,midlle and high school or just high school years of study? Thank you!
June 9, 2022 at 22:48
Everything from age 12 and above.
June 9, 2022 at 18:53
Hello sir DV 2022 selectee with case # 2022AF41*** from Liberia I wrote kcc and this was my respond for them. Does this mean I will be scheduled before September 30 2022? Pls give me little light sir. And thanks so much for all you do. May God bless you ????
Thank you for your inquiry.
Your case number is now current for interview processing. Once the interview date has been scheduled, you will receive notification via email to check https://dvprogram.state.gov. If you need to make changes to your DS-260 you should contact the consular section where you will be interviewed, or bring the information about your changes to your interview appointment. Because your case is ready to be scheduled, KCC can no longer unlock your application
June 9, 2022 at 22:53
No it does not guarantee you an interview.
June 13, 2022 at 07:53
Hello Simon,
I’m a DV2023 selectee as AS10xxx.
Q1. Is there a high possibility for me to be selected to have an interview?
Q2. I was adopted when I was a baby (3 months old). Then, my adoptive parents changed my family name. So do I need to fill in 2 names in DS-260?
Q3. For the space of parents’ info, shall I fill in my adoptive parents or biological parents?
Thank you in advanced. I appreciate your help, Simon.
June 18, 2022 at 15:26
1. It is too early to know anything about DV2023 numbers.
2. You should use the current leagal name and use the other names used section of the form.
3. Adoptive.
June 16, 2022 at 03:00
Hi Brit,
My case number is 2022AS12xxx, the case is current since April 2022 and so far 2nl is not received. I have selected Abu dhabi embassy as the place for the interview and as per the statistics the embassy has not interviewed the cases below 5000 and no 2nl is sent for any cases above this number. My question is there still time to change the embassy from Abu Dhabi to Beirut as Beirut interviewed cases up to 32000. And if yes how much roughly it will take with KCC to perform the change.
June 18, 2022 at 17:57
If you received the email that says “current for interview processing”, then you cannot change.
June 27, 2022 at 16:54
Dear Mr. Simon, Hope you are good and sorry for the bother. I have one question. I read somewhere in your answers that the applicant can ask to unlock the DS-260 of the derivative and leave it without re-submitting. I have the same question, that I submitted it for a derivative who is aged out. Can this be done after the interview scheduled? (He is anyway not facing the interview.). I am concerned about the submitted DS 260 since I came to understand that such cause of action affects the future NIV. Appreciate your reply and thank you. God bless.
June 29, 2022 at 00:06
The damage is already done in terms of declaring immigrant intent.
July 2, 2022 at 11:08
Thank you so much for answering. I am grateful that you are always there to make things clear. It is not only myself, for everybody who does not familiar with this kind of process. God Bless Mr. Simon.
July 3, 2022 at 12:53
Dear simon
How are you?
I am from Ethiopia
i have two questions, please try to answer them
1. I accidentally forget to put my usernames of faceboom and twitter, so doest it affect my visa, do i must unblock and correct or can i tell tho CO during an interview?
2.after submitting the ds 260, if i travel to other country with student or tourist visa does this will affect my DV visa?
thank you in advance.
July 10, 2022 at 19:16
You must remember to include your case number to get accurate answers.
1. I would normally say unlock and correct, but the case number might change that answer.
2. No
June 30, 2022 at 18:06
Hi there ! In section about the last 5 visits, if I stay in the USA as a student should I write this visit as one of five ? Or only visits which already finished ? Thank you so much
July 9, 2022 at 22:41
5 visits
July 5, 2022 at 19:10
Hi I have question , I tried check my visa status after sending DS-260 in May, and show me invailed case number , but is correct. I am a winner DV2023 EU4xxx is it to early to check status ?
July 10, 2022 at 22:22
Yes it is too early. CEAC won’t have data until January 1.
July 18, 2022 at 15:26
Hello Brit
i didn’t received any email after completing the d-260 i hope is normal or did i made a mistake
my email is correct though
July 25, 2022 at 12:29
Nothing to worry about.
August 9, 2022 at 11:08
Heelo Britsimom, thanks for what you’re doing for the DV winners. I have one question concerning the filling in of the education/work history. I didn’t use the “backward” format, I rather started with High school then University. Is this going to pose a problem on my DS-260?
August 12, 2022 at 00:00
Not really, no.
August 12, 2022 at 01:02
Thank you so much. Another quick one though, I filled in the social media part with a my twitter account which was recently suspended for “violation of twitter rules”. The suspension happened over a month after I had filled in my ds – 260. Do you think this will cause me trouble?
August 12, 2022 at 03:17
No
August 23, 2022 at 08:39
Hi m from fiji my casenumber is 2023OC2569 completed Ds260 on 15th May and spouse n son completed on week after will it b problem
August 28, 2022 at 20:38
No
August 29, 2022 at 00:49
Sir I can’t understand that Oceania have case2503 and I have case number 2569 very high case number
August 29, 2022 at 04:13
I already replied to you.