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.
October 13, 2015 at 18:17
hello Sir BritSimon, my girl friend is phillipina. we re not married yt and i process like a single guy. my question is if my process goes well and iif i travel in good conditions, i will travel in philipines before december 2016 to marry her abd when she sill become my wife. how many times must i wait before making her coming with me in the USA? and with our wedding certificate, could she come with me later like my wife? i’m a 2016 applicant and i’m from Africa, what is the process in that case????? that means what must do a guy who was single when he precess but who ger married after. can his wife come to joined him? and if possible how many times must he wait???
October 13, 2015 at 23:04
If you marry before the DV interview there is no waiting time. If you marry after the DV process, it will take around 2 years to sponsor her.
October 14, 2015 at 04:46
thank you sir BritSimon and may i know the list of vaccinations u must do for the process because i answered yes in the Ds-260 and i want to do them on November 2015 because according to the graphic, i will be interviewed in the middle of 2016, 2016AF00042XXX?
October 14, 2015 at 05:48
The vaccinations you need are determined by the physician.
October 14, 2015 at 05:24
Dear BritSimon,
Thank you for the very useful blog. My case number is: 2016EU22xxx.
1) I’m going to fill the DS260 only now. Will such a delay cause a problem?
2) Is there a chance that my case won’t be scheduled for the interview? Since in this post: “https://britsimonsays.com/when-will-i-have-an-interview/” the EU graph ends at about 23000…
Thanks a lot!
October 14, 2015 at 05:47
1. THat will have caused a delay, but the delay is no problem.
2. It ends that way a month early. I expect EU to go current (all case numbers called)
October 14, 2015 at 11:28
Hello BritSimon,
Like Michael I have selected with a high number. My case number is 2016EU25XXX. Do you think I will be current?
Thank you a lot for your help!
October 14, 2015 at 13:57
All EU will be current.
October 14, 2015 at 16:52
Thanks a lot BritSimon!
October 15, 2015 at 03:54
Dear BritSimon,
We are already 1.5 years in the US (i.e., we are doing the AOS path) and now filling the DS260 forms.
I have the following questions:
1) “Present and Previous Address Information” – we are going to move to a different state in about a month and we still don’t know the new address. Should we fill our current address or an address of our relatives in US? We filled this relatives’ address for the “Mailing and Permanent Address”, so should we also fill it as a “Present address”?
2) “Previous U.S. Travel Information” – we are in US already 1.5 years and had a 1 month vacation in the middle in our home country. Should we fill this as two visits? And how we can specify that the last visit continues until now?
Thanks a lot,
Michael.
October 15, 2015 at 13:17
1. Put the actual present address. This won’t be the address used in the AoS process anyway – since AoS cases provide another form (I-485) when they submit the adjustment application.
2. List both trips and put the current date as the last date.
By the way – everything you need to know about AoS is available here:
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2016-aos-only.326148/
No need to get a lawyer.
October 16, 2015 at 04:51
Thanks for the reply BritSimon. I have another question:
The company has just submitted the O-1 visa petition for me. Is it ok to submit DS-260 now (during the O-1 processing at USCIS) or it is better to wait until I get the O-1 visa?
October 16, 2015 at 05:34
I would wait – no need to rush. If you plan AoS the DS260 needs almost no processing – and you file the adjustment package at the time that suits (once the VB makes your number current).
October 20, 2015 at 17:47
Thanks for the reply BritSimon. The lawyer who is handling my O-1 case said that there is no problem of submitting DS-260 at the same ti as O-1 is being processed.
Is there a special reason you suggested to wait? I want just to be sure not to spoil the O-1 process and from the other hand not to miss the greencard opportunity….
October 20, 2015 at 18:11
The O1 visa is a “dual intent” type of visa – so I was not suggesting to wait for that reason – but I was pointing out there is no need to rush the DV process. Assuming your O1 will be completed soon I would personally want to progress that first. However, it is up to you and your lawyer – there is no technical concern I have that your lawyer would not be aware of.
October 15, 2015 at 08:42
Hi Simo!
I hv bn reading yo blog site of DV 2015.
Yo interaction wid one, Terryjones hs made me laugh my head off.
Terryjones was a nut crack, a mediocre bt refusing to accept.
Anyway,
I am wondering, does DV has a limit on the number of derivatives one should have?
Or
Do many derivatives hv a negative bearing on issuance of the DV?
Thanks.
October 15, 2015 at 13:10
No there is no limit – I think we saw one family of 9. The only negative bearing could be on the costs of the process, the flights and so on, and a slightly higher standard of money that the selectee would need to show but no impact on the approval process as such.
October 15, 2015 at 11:35
Hello Uncle Brit,
Thanks a lot for your relentless efforts. As a regular follower of your post and comments by winners and non alike, I have a concern.
My number is AF20169*** and am currently not in Africa. But still I can’t get my 2nd NL though my number is current base on the visa bulletin. I filled and completed the form since late June. “What should I do? ”
Best regards…
October 15, 2015 at 12:54
No need to do anything. The reason you have not received your 2NL is because of the late June submission. November 2NLs were only sent to cases with a submission date of about mid June. So – you will get a December interview and will receive a 2NL in about 2 weeks.
October 15, 2015 at 11:59
Hellooo BritSimon, thank you for the time you spend for helping us, my question is about the sponsor and what goes with, and so, if i do not have a sponsor in USA, can i go to the interview with traveller’s money like ‘chèques de voyage’ in french, traveller’s cheque i think in english? and if yes, how much must i have? and if i have a job contract, can i use that? or simple, when they say ‘the applicant must justifie that he have ressources for his establishment in the USA’, what does that means????? thank you
October 15, 2015 at 12:57
All explained here:-
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
October 15, 2015 at 12:02
Hi Brit,
Pliz allow me to advise Dembs.
Dembs, this is quite an abnormal situation given that u’r current in the first VB, if true;
U submitted at said time and no errors u corrected thereafter.
U got a confirmation page.
Suggestions;
U check the ESC page u neva know.
U call the KCC.
Reason;
U couldn’t hv bn late to submit in June, even then by now they ought to hv processed yo DS-260.
Brit I beg to be corrected, thxs.
October 15, 2015 at 12:55
Whilst I see you are trying to help, it is typically best to let me answer. Late submission is the issue – the one thing you thought it couldn’t have been.
October 15, 2015 at 19:44
True Simo, however, it jst feels good to know sm thing that others dnt n on a gd day I feel like helping those dat need jst like u did 4 me.
However, as I said am nt an expert at this that’s y I asked 4 yo correction if any.
I hope am not like Terryjones who amused me bt later irritated wen he asked 4 yo expertise at a very simple issue n after a second he became Yo advisor. Lol
Keep on Simo u’r da best at this.
October 15, 2015 at 23:54
Cheers Danny.
October 18, 2015 at 14:06
Hello Brit,
My wife and I submitted our DS260 last month, our case number AF00012xxx
I taught in in vocational school for one year 2013/2014 and I forgot to add to my previous work experiences.
1. should i unlock and add it?
2. would it delay scheduling interview if we add it the same day they unlock and send it that same day?
October 18, 2015 at 14:58
1. Yes
2. Since you sent so late anyway they probably haven’t started processing your form yet. So, no, it won’t delay, but regardless of the delay it needs to be right!
October 18, 2015 at 18:51
Hellooo Brit, i have completed my online DS 260, i have a hight school Degree, we called that the Baccalaureat, and i have made 3 years of University, when i filled my online 260 i choose University no degree. it is real because of the 3 years i made in University after my hight school Diploma, i hope i will not have problem for that, i filled 3rth Years Transcript… it is my more highest school paper i have. may i change that by considered only my hight school degree??????
October 18, 2015 at 19:05
That will be OK. Don’t stress yourself over that.
October 21, 2015 at 15:59
Hello Brit..i forgot to include my middle name during my dv entry..
but it is in all my other documents.. so i dont know what to do..
October 21, 2015 at 16:33
You should add that name to the DS260 to allow the background checks to be performed. At most embassies this by itself would not cause refusal, although combined with other mistakes and without the DS260 being accurate it could cause suspicion of an attempt to hide your identity.
October 23, 2015 at 00:09
Dear BritSimon. I won lottery 2016 in May 05, 2015.
My case number is 2016EU00008xxx
But check my entry late in August. In 21 August I fill DS260. after need some corrections, I contact to KKC and they unlock my ds260. and in September 1 in submit my DS 260. How is my situation and When will I have an interview? Please write me. Thanks.
October 23, 2015 at 00:47
You are fine, but you will not have an interview until around February…
October 23, 2015 at 09:09
Thank you very much BritSimon. what about correction som info in my ds260. I registered my passport in ds 260, it valid 2018 years, but this passport is not biometrical (with chip), and I want to change renew my passport to biometrical with chip, and of corse it need change info about my new passport number in DS260 and correct som info about my Diploma and adress of University. But i correct my ds260 in September. Can I correct it again???? or it’s limited or will be some problem in intervew or intervew date… Do you sagest me renew passport to biometrical with chip or stay my old passport. In inervew I can have both passport. P.S. Sorry for my English I hope you understand me. Thanks a lot.
October 24, 2015 at 21:36
I don’t have a suggestion – it is your choice.
October 23, 2015 at 22:00
Hi Simo,
Well done!
Today I hv recv’d an email with a confirmation 4 my DS-260 submitted on 10th July, n I hd even printed pages wid a confirmation barcode on.
Does this mean KCC hs jst recv’d it or it’s a jst a formality it was already recv’d wen I submitted!
By the way! Is 10th July, submission ok 4 Jan interview?
Cheers Simo.
October 23, 2015 at 22:48
I’m not sure why they sent that now. Odd, but nothing to worry about.
October 23, 2015 at 22:10
Sorry Simo!
I am certain my case is going current in next VB.
So, is my 10th July appn submission ok 4 Jan interview?
Best Regards.
October 23, 2015 at 22:47
It should be OK – but some June submissions did not make the December interviews – so I cannot be 100% sure.
October 24, 2015 at 06:48
Thanks Simo.
But I will die a little if I dnt get a 2NL 4 Jan interview coz I can’t wait to get out of here. My country is messed up by corruption.
October 24, 2015 at 14:30
Yep – waiting sucks.
October 25, 2015 at 01:24
Dear BriSimon,
My case number is 2016AS000085xx. I want to know that if when I can get an interview. And I d still fill ds- 260 yet.
October 25, 2015 at 02:52
Your number is quite high. If you get an interview at all it will be September 2016. You would have to submit your DS260 of course if that is to happen.
October 24, 2015 at 21:29
what about my quastion?
October 25, 2015 at 05:16
Thanks BritSimon!
I don’t stil to check and fulfill ds-260, so I don’t know clearly if I should fill sponsor name and exactly address in USA. My relatives just took exam to get citizens and USA told him that he passed, but he doesn’t get a citizens paper. If I take his name as my sponsor, it’s a problem with interview or not? His income can support me indeed.
October 25, 2015 at 15:17
That is no problem. Get him to complete an I-134 – he does not need to be a citizen.
October 26, 2015 at 09:38
Million thanks BritSimon! What diseases won’t we can pass visa to USA???
October 26, 2015 at 13:49
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-are-the-diseases-that-can-cause-denial/
October 27, 2015 at 02:40
BritSimon, thank you so much!
October 27, 2015 at 05:46
Dear BritSimon; I wa to ask you more.
1) I’ve gotten Master degree, so will I sele university degree or other?
2) Do the place to get green card and a sponsor relate each other or not? DZoe’s it affect to the interview? I don’t still to fulfill DS-260.
October 27, 2015 at 05:54
1. Degree is fine.
2. It can be different addresses.
October 27, 2015 at 09:02
Thank you so much!
October 27, 2015 at 06:03
BritSimon Can I unlock my DS 260 second times. I need some corrections. Will be problem after second unlock in interview or date of interview. Thanks.
October 27, 2015 at 15:35
That is no problem.
October 27, 2015 at 14:50
britsimon can i unlock my ds260 for the first time.i need one correction .when i submited an complited ds260 26 june 2015 american embassy in kartoum ,sudan was not oppend for 20 years dv program prosesing .we go to other countries like cairo,egypt. But now opening. so. i wont to delate inteview place cairo,egypt and replace by current living country Khartoum,sudan.my case number 2016Af28xxx .please help me your advise?. or the problem can kcc undrstood i leave it as it is?
thanks
October 27, 2015 at 15:23
I don’t think you need to change anything, but unlocking and changing won’t delay – so up to you.
October 27, 2015 at 23:19
Hi BritSimon,
My number is 2016EU22xxx and I’m currently in US, i.e., will do AOS.
I still didn’t submit the DS-260 form since only today I was approved the O-1 visa (previously I held J-1). In 3 weeks we are moving to another state so I’m considering to wait until I have the new “present address” and the O-1 visa number (I just got an approval notice, so don’t know the visa number yet).
The question is – whether it is safe to wait for additional 3 or 4 weeks before submitting the DS-260 form? Or it is better to submit it now with the current address and the J-1 visa number?
Thanks a lot,
Michael.
October 28, 2015 at 00:34
It is safe to wait. The timing of the DS260 does not affect the AoS cases like it does for the CP cases. In fact, your DS260 submission will get fast processing and you will submit according to the VB anyway.
October 28, 2015 at 04:16
Great, thank you!
October 28, 2015 at 02:44
Dear BritSimon,
Can I put address in the different state in USA? For example, I put address in California to get Green Card, but I wil live in Texas. Cuz I’m not sure where I will live in USA after i get visa if I pass.
October 28, 2015 at 03:47
Yes, no problem.
October 29, 2015 at 09:30
Thanks BritSimon! If can we keep the address to get Green Card Empty? We will fulfill at interview time.
October 29, 2015 at 18:39
You must put something – but you can change it later.
October 30, 2015 at 07:52
Thanks BritSimon! Can I app for DV2017 more for now? Cuz I’m afraid I don’t get a chance to interview. My case number is so high and don’t fulfill it yet, but I will finish fulfilling by the end of October.
October 30, 2015 at 22:44
Yes, no problem…
October 30, 2015 at 08:47
And one more question I want to ask you BritSimon is that : is your Mailing address the same as your Present Address? I answer Yes or No? While I nev change it, but I used to study abroad… I’m waiting for your help! Thanks!
October 30, 2015 at 22:41
It means where do you want to have mail sent….
October 29, 2015 at 15:53
Dear britsimon ,
I’m DV 2016 winner ( as single ) and I finished the interview all and I received my visa and I will travel to USA during December .
Now I’m going to marry a divorced woman , she have a daughter ( about 5 years ) and we are planning to live together in USA (me , wife , her daughter ).
it’s easy after my traveling to USA to get a immigration visa to my wife and her daughter -or not ? and what a required procedures ?
thank you
October 29, 2015 at 18:32
You should have done that before the interview. Talk to the embassy to see if they will add the wife and child now before you travel. The paperwork to sponsor them later takes about 2 years.
October 31, 2015 at 00:44
Thanks BritSimon! It is ok now. I’ve already fulfill and sent to KCC.
November 2, 2015 at 12:31
Hello britsimon
I am from liberia and my case number is 2016AF000105XX I got my 2NL and my interview is schedule for December do I need to submit affidavit on the day of my interview? How do I make the payment of my visa fee
November 2, 2015 at 19:10
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
You pay the fee at the embassy in cash.
November 2, 2015 at 17:23
Hi BritSimon,I applied for American lottery a week ago.I have done sth wrong.in the field IN CASE OPTIONAL OF I have written the name of my country instead of zagri samela.can this mistake exclude me from the chance of winning the lottery
Thanks
November 2, 2015 at 19:28
I don’t think that will be a problem.
November 3, 2015 at 00:15
Dear BritSimon,
I’ve some questions to ask you here.
1) How can I check the time interview with the range case number (for example:2016AS000085xx)? I’ve tried to check with check visa title below DS-260 form, but I can’t.
2) I’ve applied for DV2017 and my case number for DV2016 is so high(2016AS000085xxx) . And if I get interview maybe in September(next year) and if I is selected for DV-2017 again, how can I do? Or I will fulfill for DS-260 for DV-2017 too and waiting for the time for interview DV2016(if I’m available)????
November 3, 2015 at 00:19
1. You won’t know the interview time until the number goes current. Since that is likely to be very late in the year, if at all, you won’t know until June or July next year.
2. Yes you could enter the DS260 if needed – but let’s discuss that IF it happens.
November 3, 2015 at 06:19
Thanks BritSimon! But I ju want to know if we can know range number for interview for example from :2016AS00000000-2016AS00002000, how can we check on the website??? I really want to know!
November 3, 2015 at 15:20
The CEAC system allows that BUT it is not loaded yet – and will not be loaded for a month or two.
November 4, 2015 at 15:09
Thanks BritSimon!
November 3, 2015 at 00:52
Hi BritSimon,I applied for American lottery a week ago..in the field the city where you were born I have written the name city and also the name of state . is this a problem.
Thanks
November 3, 2015 at 05:31
Dear BritSimon,
My status was just updated from J-1 to O-1, but since I’m currently in US, I won’t get the O-1 visa stamp until I go out of US and claim the O-1 visa at an embassy.
So, my question is what to answer for the following question in DS260: “Provide the following information on your last U.S. visa”
Should I describe here the J-1? It is probably not valid anymore since my status is already O-1.
Should I describe O-1? But I actually don’t have the visa itself and thus don’t have visa number which is required.
Thanks,
Michael.
November 3, 2015 at 15:22
Don’t overthink it. Just enter the J1 details and move on…. You can correct it later…
November 4, 2015 at 03:37
Great, thanks!
November 3, 2015 at 13:57
Dear Simon,
Here is my Case Number: 2016AF000117XX. and when may i get interviewed ?
Regards !!!
November 3, 2015 at 14:54
Since you are current already it depends on when you submitted your DS260.
November 4, 2015 at 05:45
i have completed and sent it early on July 2015
Regards!!
November 4, 2015 at 17:11
I have an issue that i just saw after unlocking. My mom has two last names (nees-before marriage to my dad) but I just noticed my birth certificate has my mom’s last name C***, that is different from the one I used M*** in my recent marriage where I was required to list her last name before she was marriage. I now dont know what to do since my marriage certificate shows the other name. I am just thinking of changing my birth certificate. Do you think this is an issue that may coz disqulification?
November 5, 2015 at 21:40
Dear Simon,
The data of Ds-260 should be the same as that included at the DV application ! Or we can modify if the DV application data was wrong (birth date) ? I mean does changing the data on Ds form ( correcting the intial DV application data ) affect the whole process of getting the visa ?
November 5, 2015 at 22:55
If you arrive at the interview with documents that are contrary to the ds260 and edv you risk refusal. So it is best to make correction s in the Ds260 so at least background checks can be per formed.
November 6, 2015 at 00:56
I am winner of dv2016 submited form ds260 June 2015 with case number 2016AF28xxx
I am unmerraied but I have 2 children from one unmerraied girl .only my 2 children with me submited eDV and submited form da260 . When I was compliting my ds260 form only now I immigrat to USA but my 2 children later . Because my children not alive with me they are in my country Eritrea. my current adders is sudan.
My children can’t immigrate to me legality with the law of our government .becouse of that problem I submited form ds 260 for my children proses to immigrat later only me to go. Brit what you can help me your advice?
Thanks for I will be hear from you .
November 6, 2015 at 01:06
I’m struggling to understand your post.
1. Did you include your two children on the eDV?
2. Did you include them on YOUR DS260?
November 6, 2015 at 01:27
1.yes 2 children include on the eDV.
2.yes 2 children include on my form ds260.
November 6, 2015 at 01:32
OK good. So – you have done it right – what is the problem?
November 8, 2015 at 09:35
My problem I was writting continue below date 6 /11/2015 at 2:17 am was messaging
November 6, 2015 at 02:07
First of all I am greatly appreciate you and Our God blessed you for ever Brit.
My problem :-
When I was reading information about decomments preparing to the interview place /Embassy of United States khartoum,sudan/ My all decomments originally and copy ready and fits with the eDV and ds260 submited and complited forms ,
But my problem is Birth Certifcate of my 2 children Not with me .The information says wether or not immigrate the children with spouse their birth Certifcate bring to the interview.
But I was submited my children Later to immigrate to USA.
What can you advice me ?
Thanks
November 6, 2015 at 10:42
Dear Simon,
Here is my Case Number: 2016AF000117XX. and when may i get interviewed ? I have completed and sent it early on July 2015
Regards !!!
November 6, 2015 at 22:26
You can expect a 2NL in about 2 to 3 weeks from now, for a January interview.
November 9, 2015 at 20:33
Hi Simo,
Man, I am soooo pissed wid KCC!!!!!!!
What a meager increment this is 4 AF zone!!!!
Unbelievable! Europe adds 2,450, AF only 1000!
What’s happening to KCC coz tmr it may add only 500, next 100, till it says no more additions.
They behave like they’re tired of this program bt constitution under INA act is imposing it on them.
Simo, believe me very soon these guys will petition congress to scrap this prog. coz they’re so unmotivated n that sucks to sm of us.
SO ANNOYING!!!!!!!!!!!
November 9, 2015 at 21:25
I’m sorry you are frustrated – but the speed should not be a concern. We are FOUR months into a TWELVE month process. AF started very fast because too many people submitted their DS260 late. As those case have become ready for interview there is no need to increase the VB number to yield the correct number of interviews. All very understandable – and just as I had explained this would happen. So – relax, and wait. stop being so concerned with the relative progress between regions. It does not mean what you think/fear it means.
November 10, 2015 at 05:13
Thanks Simo,
I hope that comforts me else am a little devastated due to the issues in my country I mentioned earlier. Thanks though.
November 10, 2015 at 08:01
One more little thing.
Using yo scientific analysis n prediction, u think next month addn will b >=500 or <=1000?
And
Assume one's case is current 4 Feb interview, is there a possibility of getting 2NL of a month after Feb if one submitted DS-260 btn June-Aug?
And
If let's say case comes current in Dec 4 Feb interview, n appn was sent btn June-Aug, wen does KCC send 2NL 4 Feb interview n wen does KCC send 2NL 4 an interview after Feb (of course 4 da case broadcast current in Dec).
I hope am not sounding desperately ambiguous!
Gd Day.
November 10, 2015 at 16:41
Yeah, that is all too confused.
People get interviews in their month of going current BUT if they delayed submission of their DS260 that can delay the interview. KCC are churning through the backlog of DS260s and eventually they will catch up. We just have to watch for the DS260 progress point to understand the delay….
If this doesn’t make sense – just wait…. there is a saying – a watched kettle never boils.
November 17, 2015 at 11:12
Ha ha haaa….true!
Seriously I hv laughed at my last part of da qn. I must hv constructed it out of angered emotions.
But to put it simple.
1. What is yo prediction 4 next increment, >=500 or <=1000?
Out of context – jst curious.
2. Can this current influx of immigrants frm Syria n sm African countries to US ever hv impact on this DV immigration program?
November 17, 2015 at 15:09
1. I don’t have a prediction.
2. No.
November 22, 2015 at 04:53
Hi BritSimon,
How long does it take to get a notice from USCIS after submitting the DS-260 as AOS? And how should I get the notice (email or regular mail to the “mailing address” I specified in the form)?
Thanks a lot,
Michael.
November 22, 2015 at 15:43
In AoS cases KCC send a letter that says thanks for informing them of your intention to do AoS (that is the 2NL for AoS cases). The timeline for that letter varies – but receipt of that letter is NOT IMPORTANT. You submit your AoS paperwork when you are current regardless of the AoS 2NL. It is an email.
November 23, 2015 at 02:13
I see. Thanks a lot.
November 23, 2015 at 23:44
Hello friends, my case number is 2016AF17XXX and I submitted my form on the 30th of may but haven’t received an email as at now. Should I be worried?
Thanks for your assistance.
November 24, 2015 at 03:25
No, it is perfectly normal. You aren’t current yet.
November 24, 2015 at 18:29
Can we anticipate what time my number will be current?
November 24, 2015 at 18:54
https://britsimonsays.com/when-will-i-have-an-interview/
November 28, 2015 at 23:12
Hi Simon,
Thanks for this very helpful blog.I already submitted the DS260 form and I will have to renew my passport in few days. Do I have to unlock the DS260 to update this info or i could leave the old passport number.
PS : I am currently in the US and going for the AOS process.
Many thanks.
November 29, 2015 at 01:49
Don’t bother updating the DS260 – that form is disconnected from the AoS process – which relies instead on the I-485.
November 30, 2015 at 01:47
in the ” Previous work/education/training information ” i just entered the last job its 4 years duration
later i realized that they asked for the last 10 years of work
when i submitted the eDV entry, i wrote my third name as a family name
in the passport, the family name is the fourth name, that what i wrote in the DS 260
should i unlock the form DS 260 to correct this
Thanks
November 30, 2015 at 02:00
Also, When i emailing the KCC, should i mention the reason?
Thanks
November 30, 2015 at 03:04
Yes unlock, no need to say why.
November 30, 2015 at 04:42
One more question, Regarding your table in this link
https://britsimonsays.com/ds260-time-running-submit/
i’ll be interviewed on July
the DV Process will end on 30 Septemper
is that means, i should travel to the USA within two monthes
or it depend on the visa validity and no matter for ” 30 September” ??
Regards
November 30, 2015 at 14:38
THe 30 September deadline does not affect visa validity – so you can enter past that date.
November 30, 2015 at 18:38
For the Work Information, do i need to prove that with documents ?
If so, what i can do if i do not have evidence for my work history?
November 30, 2015 at 18:45
If you intend to qualify by work experience (not education) you must prepare good evidence of your experience.
November 30, 2015 at 19:58
No, I have the General secondary school certificate
but i just ask for the Previous work history, do i need to prove it ?
because when i wrote my work history, i just wrote the last job because this is what i have documents that prove it
i worked many jobs but with no documents
also my job is not mentioned in my Passport
in my passport ….. bachelor degree … no jobs
What should i write in this field
Thanks
November 30, 2015 at 23:32
If you meet the education requirements, they will not check experience.
December 1, 2015 at 21:47
Thank you bro. I’ve 2qs. Ca No AF18xxx, I filled z Ds260 on 14 nov2015.1qes. I made a mistake while filling z Da260, I studied my masters from 2009-2013 by wrote 2005- 2013 on ds260 this overlaps with my BA degree(2005-2008). My I unlook and correct this or take the correct doc in z interview. Will it delay my interview that much if I unlook? 2nd question when shall I expect my interview.
December 2, 2015 at 04:40
Well you only just submitted your DS260 – they won’t have started processing yet – so unlocking and fixing won’t make any difference.
However, because you submitted so late you should not expect your interview before April or perhaps May.
December 3, 2015 at 07:49
Hello.
Am from African have an interview scheduled AFTER THREE WEEKS. i have more that two years experience and a diploma and a degree which makes me eligible for DV.
Unfortunately when i check my ds260 that i filed i realised that i made a mistake on the date i filled for my BA degree i attended BA Degree for 5 year but wrote 9 years. As the previous commenter my diploma and BA degree years of attendance overlaps too. will it create a problem, will i be denied for this?if yes, what can i do now.
December 3, 2015 at 15:09
It should not be a problem – and you cannot change it before the interview now anyway since you are scheduled.
December 3, 2015 at 14:43
Does the DS-260 form requires photo submission or will photo be submitted during the interview
December 3, 2015 at 15:00
no photo with the ds260. You will provide photos at the interview.
December 10, 2015 at 09:33
Hi Simon
i am sure that this question has been raised to you many times but i can’t find the answer here within the site , my wife ( the main applicant ) has renewed her passport recently after the last submission we did for the DS260 .
do we need to ask for unlocking it and do the changes of new passport information or No ?
CN AS8***
Many Thanks
December 11, 2015 at 04:12
It is better to unlock if you have time. Since your case number is quite high, you have time to wait anyway, so it is better to unlock and update the form.
December 13, 2015 at 08:55
Hi Simo,
At long last I hv come alive!
I am current for Feb.
Two things;
1. When do u think I will get 2NL if submission was 10th July?
2. Is it definite I will be scheduled 4 Feb interview or it cld be month(s) after Feb. given my appn submission date?
Best Regards.
December 13, 2015 at 19:48
1. Yes
2. February.
December 14, 2015 at 09:00
Simo, thxs for responding however, da 1st question was, when?
Regards.