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.
March 30, 2016 at 16:40
Hi Britsmon, Help me, I need your advise. I have been to the united states for 4 years, I am a legeal permenent resident of US. 2 years ago I finished talk with lawer in the United States to bring my spouse here to US. Everthing is done with documents here and my spouse is scheduled at US embassy in her home country, he gathered all her documents and translated into English and ready for an interview, the question is, what kind of forms does he need to fill out, may be DS 160, or anything else. Or may be she doesn’t need it?
Thank you.
March 30, 2016 at 19:13
I only advise on DV lottery related immigration. Your lawyer should guide you.
March 30, 2016 at 19:53
Hi Sir,
I wish you are doing well!
I have a question please!
In your knowledgment, do I have to submit my high school cretificate in addition to my bachelor dgree with i485 form, or that fine to submit my bachelor dgree with i485 form only?
Regards!
March 30, 2016 at 22:08
High school is essential.
March 31, 2016 at 02:47
Thank you so much for your adivce!
I am sorry to ask you another question!
If you do not mind, I need your advice!
On my Marriage Contract I have two mistakes that were made by the Marriage officer the mistakes are:-
1) My mither’s name written as First Name, middle name, middle name , and he forget to put the Last name.
I put her name on all Forms such DS260 as First name middle, last name. What is your advice in this issue?
2) The marriage officer made a mistake in my place of residence in my country; he has written another city instead of the city that I was living in on the Marriage Contract.
What is your advice here?
Yours Sincerely,
March 31, 2016 at 04:19
1. No issue.
2. No issue.
March 31, 2016 at 04:29
Thank so much!
I understand that I can submit it with all confidence with no fears from delay or reject. Am I right?
March 31, 2016 at 06:12
Not from the things you have mentioned….
March 31, 2016 at 13:46
I am sorry I could not understand the answer!
May you explain please!
March 31, 2016 at 14:42
No fears.
March 31, 2016 at 22:03
I highly appreciate your help!
Lastly, I am in the USA and will submit all requirments and supporting evidence here from the USA; do I have to wait the 2NL to submit or can submit without it?
Best Wishes,
March 31, 2016 at 23:10
With CP interviews you normally don’t submit any documents until the interview UNLESS the embassy asks for it.
April 1, 2016 at 04:22
Highly appreciate your help!
Many thanks,
April 2, 2016 at 04:31
Please I have one question still making me confused
On the DS260 there is a question says, “are you a graduate of a foreign medical school seeking to perform medical services in the United States, but have not yet passed the national board of medical examiners examination or its equivalent?”
I am in the USA with F2 visa ( F2 visa not allowed to work), and I have graduated from medical school from my country. Now, I am preparing for the American National Board (Medical exam) and need to perform medical services after pass the American National Board.
Note: I have not, and I will not seek perform medical services until I pass the American National Board.
What would be the answer YES or NO?
I highly appreciat you response!
April 2, 2016 at 05:01
Answer yes, because that is the truth. It won’t make any difference to your process.
April 2, 2016 at 05:12
I answered yes and submited last may.
It seemed that I did not understand the question as it states. I tought it meant that i was seeking perform medical examiners in that time.
What do you think I should do now?
April 2, 2016 at 05:14
Relax and stop overthinking.
April 2, 2016 at 05:18
Please last advice!
Do you encourage me to leave it as I answered it and fix it on the interview day?
Thank alot!
April 2, 2016 at 05:24
Fixed Comment
I answered NO and submited last may.
It seemed that I did not understand the question as it states. I tought it meant that i was seeking perform medical examiners in that time.
What do you think I should do now?
April 2, 2016 at 05:34
R
E
L
A
X
There is no problem.
April 2, 2016 at 05:40
I’m trying to do so 🙂 🙂
Thank you!
April 7, 2016 at 03:54
Hi BRITSIMON !! Hope you are fine! Thank you very much for all this valuable information and help! My girlfriend and I entered to the DV 2017 process, and hopefully we will receive the good news on May 3rd 🙂 I read your blog and I was wondering if you could give some advices or tips? I am a Physical therapist from South America and I have just received my US physical therapist equivalency certificate issued by the foreign credentialing commission on physical therapy. However, I must pass the national physical therapy examination in order to earn a license and be able to practice. I have registered for this exam, and it will be on July 20th 2016 in Miami FL. So, Hypothetically, if I am randomly selected for further processing:
1)Will there be a problem if I travel to the United States with my valid Visitor’s Visa B1/B2 in order to take this exam, after submitting the DS-260 application? I have read that the DS -260 should be submitted as soon as possible, but I need to travel to the states in order to take this exam on July.
2) What is the deadline to submit the DS-260 application to KCC? Is it true that it must be submitted 6 months (3 to 4 months KCC processing time + 2 months for interview letter) before the predicted interview date according to the CN?
3) Since I have received an equivalency certificate from the Foreign credentialing commission on physical therapy(approved agency by the USCIS) , I should answer “NO”on this question, right? : “Are you a health care worker seeking to perform such work in the United States but have not yet received certification from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools or from an equivalent approved independent credentialing organization? …. I am a health worker seeking to perform in the US and I have already received certification of equivalency.
4)What should I answer on this question: “Do you seek to enter the United States for the purpose of performing skilled or unskilled labor but have not yet been certified by the Secretary of Labor?” I have read that the occupations of a registered nurse and physical therapist are “pre-certified” by the Department of Labor, but I am not sure if that is true.
Thank you very much for all your help and information!
Regards
Chris
April 7, 2016 at 04:11
You are way ahead of yourself in all this planning. Its a lottery. But some quick answers….
1. No issue.
2. You can delay the DS260 and that delays the interview.
3 & 4. Answer honestly. Your answers won’t affect the case in any way.
April 8, 2016 at 09:19
first of all thank you for giving this chance
i fulfill those form everything needed but there is no answer until this day
what happen?
April 8, 2016 at 14:19
I don’t know. What is your case number.
April 9, 2016 at 05:29
Hi Brit
We got our visas yesterday
I just wanna thank you
Without your guidance it would be much much harder you made it a straight forward journey
Thanks for every thing ?????
April 9, 2016 at 10:24
Hi Simon,
I entered the usa in 1999 under F43 visa category and both my GC and SSN are expired because I didn’t stay in the states and didn’t renew them so what I am suppose to write in the SSN field ? should I mention it or ignore it since its already expired ?
April 9, 2016 at 15:36
A SSN doesn’t expire, ever.
April 9, 2016 at 15:47
Oh I thought its 10yrs as the GC
do you think mentioning it in the ds260 will affect my case or it doesn’t matter ?
April 9, 2016 at 16:28
Telling the truth is important. Do that.
April 17, 2016 at 17:18
Dear BritSimon,
I’ve already fulfilled DS-260 since last October,2015 till now I d get any news from KCC yet & my case number is 2016AS000085xx, so I want to know that my case number has already cut out for this year??? Please tell me… Thanks!
April 17, 2016 at 17:24
Your number is not yet current. The region is now processing numbers below 8000 for JUNE interviews. You may get a July interview.
April 18, 2016 at 02:56
Million thanks BritSimon!
April 22, 2016 at 07:04
Thanks a lot for your info. But still i have some doubt plz clarify.
I have to fill ds260 for my parents. They are retired from the job but in ur screenshot there is no option in present occupation to ignore that because it doesnt apply for my parents as they are retired. Moreover in previous educational fields it is very difficult to get the exact dates as they are old enough that the data of their education is present in school or college so what should be filled out there
April 22, 2016 at 07:07
We belong from India
April 22, 2016 at 22:01
Is this a DV case?
Their job is unemployed.
You don’t have to be exact on the dates. Best estimate.
April 25, 2016 at 17:43
HI simon, i am waiting the result 3/5/2016. i made a mistake on my previous entry on my date of birth if i become selectee is there any solution??
April 25, 2016 at 17:46
Mosty selectees that have made similar mistakes can still get approved. See if you are selected…
April 29, 2016 at 23:41
Hi Mr. BritSimon,
Thank you for the information, it really helps a lot! I have a proble, hope you know how to solve it.
My baby born after I received the interview notification, I’ve contacted the office by email, they asked me send my baby’s birth certificate and complete the form ds-260 for the baby. I already provided the birth certificate, but the ds-260 is locked, and I never got any response after it from the interview office. Do you know what should I do? Thank you so much!
April 29, 2016 at 23:51
You need to follow instructions from the embassy, if the instructions are not clear, contact the embassy and clarify them.
May 1, 2016 at 05:31
Dear Brit,
we (my wife and I) had interview in Malaysia on 4th of March 2016 and our case became AP. They gave us a questionnaire (a pink form) and we filled it out and submitted it to the embassy just a couple of days later. They responded and said to us that the process would take about 8 weeks. Now, it is May 2016 and we are expecting any call from the US embassy as it has passed almost 8 weeks. The thing is that we will go to Japan for vacation on 9th of May for a week stay (as we scheduled this trip a year ago) and we are worried the embassy would call us at the time of our stay in Japan. We don’t know what to do? Should we cancel our journey and stay in Malaysia? I appreciate your help and sorry for my long question.
May 1, 2016 at 14:49
I can’t guess when the AP will finish. They have no control over the timeline – so the 8 weeks is not something they can be sure about.
May 1, 2016 at 19:45
Hi again, I see. In any case, we thought it would be better to keep cellphones ON during our stay in Japan.
1- Dear Brit, In case they call us, should we return to Malaysia immediately?
2- Will they inform us by call or by email?
Many thanks again
May 1, 2016 at 19:50
1. That is up to you.
2. I don’t know.
May 2, 2016 at 03:53
Thank you for the reply dear Brit.
May 3, 2016 at 05:20
Hi,
Thank you for your great job!
Have a question please!
Do you think unpaid credit card debt (crruntly paying it off in a payment plan), will affect the chance of getting Green Card?
Thanks,
May 3, 2016 at 05:38
No impact.
May 4, 2016 at 10:34
case number 2017AF00037XXX – too high?
May 4, 2016 at 16:34
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-checking-results-tips-faqs/
May 5, 2016 at 03:06
Hi Simon,
I found your blog very informative. Thanks very much for your time and effort.
I am a DV2017 selectee, and my case number is 2017AS000049xx. Currently, I am in US on F1 visa. I was single when I applied for the lottery (and I still am, as of today). However, I plan to go to my home country and tie-the-knot in July 2016. Ideally, I would want to add my (to be) spouse in the DS-260 form, but then, I believe I would have to wait until I get married before filling the DS-260. Please correct me if I am wrong. In any case, I do not want to endanger my chance of getting a GC.
1. Do you think waiting until July (or August) to submit the DS-260 will delay the NL2 and interview?
2. Also, do I risk myself from getting a GC by changing the marital status?
3. How would you proceed if you were in my place?
Thanks a lot in advance.
May 5, 2016 at 04:17
1. Probably not – but if it causes a delay – so what?
2. No. Not unless your marriage is fraudulent.
3. Get married. Submit my DS260.
May 5, 2016 at 15:39
Thanks very much!
May 5, 2016 at 10:15
Hi mr BritSimon,
really this is helpful comments… so i am asking 5 questions and i hope to be answer if ALLAH wills
.1 .. please classify surname ,given name and full name in native alphabet example my last name is MOHAMED and first name QEYS NOR hopefully u understood
2.. i am selected one so is it must to provide my 2 children’s passport numbers also my wife in this form? …..but i now that is needed later as physically
3… how can i go Ds-260 i mean the web … to fill the form
4…… How can i change my post …. means where i will go to interview
5…… i have graduated now days i am waiting for celebration ceremony but i can get transcript
another sub question of this is the form has date attendance from and date attendance to
i started the university 28 feb 2012 and i my last day of university was 21 January 2016 and i don’t now what what the university will use as dates
May 5, 2016 at 13:49
1. I don’t understand your question.
2. You will each need passports.
3. Google is wonderful.
4. You will be scheduled in an embassy close to your home address.
5. That won’t matter.
May 6, 2016 at 05:19
Mr BritSimon
the question 1 is plz classify the surname , given name and full name in native
another question is my case number is 2017AF000116xx when is seems to be interviewed
anothe question is how can i change interview location
thakz
May 5, 2016 at 13:52
dear simon, i won the dv 2017 am trying to access the ds260 form.when i fill out all my information my cASE NUMBER,AND DATE,MONTH AND YEAR OF BIRTH IT KEEPS SAYING,FOUND NO RECORD. HOW DO I GO FROM THERE AND ON THE OTHERHAND INCASE I MADE A MISTAKE WITH MY DATE OF BIRTH OR MONTH CAN IT BE CORRECTED.
May 5, 2016 at 14:44
If you want, email me with your complete case number, date of birth and real name. I could probably access your form.
britsimon3 at gmail
May 5, 2016 at 15:16
I got everything now, but i made a mistake with ma date of birth,while accesing and filling out the ds260 form can i put in the correct one.
May 5, 2016 at 15:20
I just noticed i filled the wrong day of birth,the form has now open so can i fill in the write one in ds260 form
May 5, 2016 at 15:24
Great
May 5, 2016 at 15:27
Hi simon please can i put in the correct date of birth while filling the ds260 form or should i maintain the wrong one.
May 5, 2016 at 15:53
You must correct it yourself in the DS260.
May 5, 2016 at 15:29
Or can i call Kentucky and will the correct it for me, is it possible
May 5, 2016 at 18:21
Hi there
I appreciate the info.
i have a question.
In the form there is a question of Address in US where we will stay. Is this the one we intend to live on? I believe it is the one that they will send the Green cards on. Do we need to have address?
Another question was Petitioner. Employer, family member or Self. Do we need to have job prior? It is hardly possible.
thx
May 5, 2016 at 19:36
Yes you need a US address (friend, family member etc.
You do not need a job prior. You are self petitioned.
May 6, 2016 at 05:24
Mr BritSimon
the question 1 is plz classify the surname , given name and full name in native
another question is my case number is 2017AF000116xx when is seems to be interviewed
anothe question is how can i change interview location
thakz
May 6, 2016 at 10:45
Hi; Qeys congratulation ! but can i know where you from please. i guess you from Somalia. if yes could you please help me with your email address or contact. I really need to get some more insights
May 7, 2016 at 05:50
Mr BritSimon
the question 1 is plz classify the surname , given name and full name in native
another question is my case number is 2017AF000116xx when is seems to be interviewed
anothe question is how can i change interview location
thankz
Keyse i from somalia ,Mogadishu…..facebook …..abuu safwaan kulane
May 7, 2016 at 05:55
I don’t understand this question about names.
Interview about November
It makes no sense to ask about changing location – you haven’t even started yet.
May 7, 2016 at 06:17
mr.BritSimon
how about education ?
in somalia we use secondry cerificate for the last 4 classes so the form Ds260 has date from and date to ……the question is when i am filling the is it must to provide about 12 years or ony the secondry 4 classes
another question is ……is my 4 classes secondry certificate enough for me or just to get full 12 year classes ?
thankz
May 7, 2016 at 18:43
Check the US embassy website.
May 7, 2016 at 15:49
Dear simon,
Greeting
I’m a winner of the 2017 Dv lottery,but i got my surname spelled wrongly during application and it all went against my Document.
To just clarify you my surname the right one is spelled as “HADERO” where as the wrongly filled one is “HEDARO”
can i make amendment for the surname during the DS- 260 application or just let it as it is?
Regards!!
May 7, 2016 at 15:58
Dear simon,
Greeting
I’m a winner of the 2017 Dv lottery,but i got my surname spelled wrong during early Dv lottery application and it all went against my educational Document.
To just clarify you, the right surname is spelled as “HADERO” where as the wrong one is “HEDARO” .
can i make amendment for the surname during the DS- 260 application or just let it as it is?
Regards!!
May 7, 2016 at 18:28
You must correct it in the DS260.
May 9, 2016 at 05:11
Dear Simon,
Greetings
how can i notify them (the Kentucky) that i made an amendment to my sure name during the DS 260 application or just they understand it?
I now feel that I have two options
1. to make my documents surname the same as the eDV Surname because I will get my passport and birth certificate later this week before the Ds 260 application
2. as of your good suggestion i have the chance to make my eDV surname the same as my document surname during DS 260 application
which way is the best way?
regards
May 9, 2016 at 06:00
You cannot change what was entered on the eDV (that is the original entry). You should not change documents to suit whatever you want. Your LEGAL name should be on the DS260 – and that should match what is in your passport/birth cert.
May 8, 2016 at 02:00
Dear Brit,
On my ds260 education part I filled out only my high education which I have accomplished – a bachelor degree from a university.
I did not mention and provide high school details at all. (I was confused as to what secondary education in the US refers to)
Should I unlock it and add high school information?
Thank you.
May 8, 2016 at 02:05
Yes.
May 8, 2016 at 04:11
Hello Mr. Brit,
Need your help if you do not mind?
In my country, we dont have Zip Code, street Number, or even House /Building number LOLOL!! We only have streets/roads names!!
I am filling my applications, and they ask for a complete address; in your opinion what should to write?
(I am just trying to type down STREET NAME, CITY, AND COUNTRY AS A COMPLETE ADDRESS)
THANKS ALOT!
May 8, 2016 at 05:04
JUst fill in what is needed to be the complete postal address.
May 8, 2016 at 16:24
As I told you we do not have streets numbers and buildings numbers in my country and the application asks for them?
May 8, 2016 at 16:36
REally – I already answered.
May 8, 2016 at 16:08
Mr. BritSimon,
Really valuable information in this blog, thank you for it!
You wrote that handling of DS260 takes 4-5 months in the beginning when there are a lot of selectees sending their forms in. However, do you have past information on how long will it take for forms filled later in the year (like during September or October)?
May 8, 2016 at 16:37
Late (next year) processing goes down to 1 to 2 months.
May 8, 2016 at 16:11
can u help me out here? my wife won the dv lottery but in the dependents application we wrote district instead of city. so can we change that in this ds260 form??
May 8, 2016 at 16:36
Yes
May 8, 2016 at 18:35
Hi Simon, what a brilliant website, thank you so much for all the detailed info. I’m from the Netherlands and filled out the ds260 form as I’ve been picked and hold a case number in the 5000.
In the education section I have filled out the equivalent high school diploma in the Netherlands but stated: diploma not degree.. is that a problem?
May 8, 2016 at 20:42
No problem.
May 9, 2016 at 07:18
Hi Simon,
Mine’s a bit confusing. I was born in the former Soviet Union (now Uzbekistan) moved to Greece at age 2, then moved to Australia at Age 4. Technically the country I was born in doesn’t exist anymore, but on my Australian passport my nationality is Australian. I once had both a Greek and a Soviet Union passport but they expired almost 20 years ago and I have no idea what their numbers are.
I was selected in DV-2017 and my case number is 2017EU000001XX. I am also getting married on the 2nd of October, 2016, just to make matters more complicated! By using your website I am guessing I’ll be interviewed in October sometime, correct? It’s such a low number, do you think it could be September even?
Should I list my name in both Greek and Russian alphabet, even though neither of these are technically my nationality any more? And do you think I’m going to need to track down these old expired passports from when I was a little child? I honestly don’t know where to start with those.
Lastly – I’m not putting my future spouse on my 260 application yet as we won’t be married till October, but do you think there will be enough time between my wedding on the 2nd Oct and my interview to unlock the application and include him?
May 9, 2016 at 16:39
No 2017 interview will happen before October. If you cannot bring your wedding date forward, I would suggest you delay your own case by submitting the DS260 after the marriage. It will mean a much later interview, but so what. Better to get both of you through….
List all names you have used. That has nothing to do with old passports. Just present your current passport.
May 9, 2016 at 09:21
Hey Simon, am reading your posts since early 2016 and have loaded with all the infos you kindly provided here. Am a winner of 2017 now and just have a quick question though i know it’s still early to know precisely. What do you think of AS000052xx. Thanks a lot
May 9, 2016 at 16:33
Good number.
May 9, 2016 at 10:51
hi
I have been randomly selected for further processing in the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program for the fiscal year 2017.And i tried to fill online DS260 Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application.whereas in the end where i’m getting confirmation didn’t seem to work properly.
i need to know that should i wait to apply online DS260 Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application after october 2016, since it is the fiscal year of us government.And am i supposed to pay fee at the same time while i applying dv 260 form.
actually when should i pay
May 9, 2016 at 15:10
You don’t need to wait to submit the form. You pay fees at the interview, not when you submit.
May 9, 2016 at 15:20
Hi Simon , I can see my question here nither the answer from you. With a lot of thanks for your amazing blog just wated your Idea how safe this number is 2017AS000052xx
May 9, 2016 at 16:17
Safe.
May 9, 2016 at 16:38
Hi BritSimon,
I’m from Australia and received my first notification last week. My case number is in the low 700s, so from what I have read on this site, I have an alright shot at getting an interview if all goes well with my application.
I am finding the process of filling out the DS-260 very stressful though, so much so that I have wondered whether I have the energy to go through with it! It would be easy if I was living a conventional life, living at the same address, studying one educational course and then working the same job since then.
However that it not me. I enjoy casual work, and I love learning, so I have worked many jobs and studied at many courses, so many that I don’t think it is possible to remember every single one of them. So I am hoping you can give me some advice. Do you know how comprehensive I need to be? Should I try to remember every 2 day temp job I have ever worked in the last 10 years, or vocational or uni course I started but did not finish? I have already called the Kentucky office twice tonight to ask questions, and even they cannot give me comprehensive answers.
I am ready to give up. I have been entering the DV lottery every year since 2011 and have dreamt about living in the US my whole life, but I feel like there is no way I can complete this form!
Thanks in advance.
May 9, 2016 at 16:48
Well let me answer a couple of ways.
First you don’t have to be absolutely precise in the work history. So relax about that.
But now let me switch to a slightly different comment that you may not be expecting.
Emigrating is very hard. You will face lots of challenges.
From your work history, and many courses started but not finished, and the fact that you are considering giving up on filling out a form to change your life, I think you need to stop and consider whether you have what it takes to go through the challenges you will face. It sounds like you don’t see things through – so without meaning to be insulting to you, my best advice is to think long and hard whether this is really for you.
May 9, 2016 at 17:20
Hi again,
Fair comment re saying things through, and I can understand how a stranger with a different life experience would see it that way. I won’t bother to justify myself, there is no point – we’re all different and our own experiences shape our perceptions of others.
On starting to fill out the form, of course I got worried. I enjoy temp and casual work and there is no way I can remember every assignment I have done in the last 10 years. I was concerned that if I forgot something, it would ruin my chances and that’s it, I’m out. So it is good to know that I don’t have to be too precise. That’s all I needed to know.
What about for education though? Do you have any knowledge on this area about how precise I need to be with this?
Having never emigrated anywhere before, I have no experience of the challenges, so I am clearly about to learn.
Cheers again.
May 9, 2016 at 17:30
Education should be more precise. We are talking formal education. secondary school, further education. In education I don’t think you need list every 2 day course you did… just “important” courses. Dates you finished school don’t have to be precise, but the big picture should be accurate.
About the perception point – yes I agree, but don’t forget, you will have an interview with a CO that will make similar without really knowing you. Because of that they may be more concerned about “public charge” issues. Just as an FYI.
May 9, 2016 at 20:19
Hi
I am selected for the further process for dv2017. During the registration process I have made spelling mistake about my last name and date of birth
as you see(my last name is Yousofi,i have written yuosofi)
and(my birth date is the Jul the 22th 1993,I have written the May 23th 1993)
and I also mistakenly added MOHHA at the end of my name.
pleas give me an advice!
May 9, 2016 at 22:45
With 3 errors like that you will have created the impression that you were hiding your identity (perhaps in an attempt to submit multiple entries). So – you can proceed if you want, but there is a risk of denial, and if you have submitted multiple entries I would advise you to not try and process your case.
If you decide to proceed, all those details should be corrected in the DS260.
May 11, 2016 at 02:44
The first 2 mistakes can be justified. But how can someone mistakenly add MOHHA at the end of your name. That is very suspicious.
May 10, 2016 at 06:59
Thanks in advance Brit. Do you know if someone can access that information they entered when they first applied in order to be selected for the DV? I need to look back at what i exactly entered for the address, phone number among other things.
May 10, 2016 at 13:37
No you cannot see the eDV entry.
May 11, 2016 at 01:59
Thank you but why can’t we? About the passport, what if we do not have any, never really traveled.
May 11, 2016 at 05:22
You just can’t see the eDV. That’s all.
You need a passport.
May 11, 2016 at 18:26
I understand we need to bring a passport at the interview. There are two options on the DS 260: 1) passport and 2) other travel document. I am assuming if a passport is not available at the moment, someone can process the form with option #2 for now.
May 10, 2016 at 21:17
Hello simon.i got selected for DV 2017 and i got confused because i saw a sample of DS 260 online and
1. there was a section where said ‘beneficiary ID ‘ what is it and where can i find it?i have no clue.
2. There is also said to include adress and everything of petitioner what if i am self petitioner is that a must to have someone support you in US?what should i fill in that?
3. And where it says name and lastname in native language should i write it same as english?
4. another question that got me confused is that,i am sorry but DS 260 got my mind blowing that’s why i am making so many questions ,i just want to be sure i am scared of filling something wrong ,i haven’t finished university yet should i just fill high schoo ?i speak english too and speak well in the question asked what language beside your native do you know should i add english?i haven’t got a english languge certificate though.thank you alot for taking your time and answering us!
May 10, 2016 at 21:31
You can see I numbered your questions – please ensure you do that in future.
1. Case Number e.g. 2017AF00012345
2. Just use an address in the USA. In some cases you will need a “sponsor”. https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
3. Native language means YOU name language. This is for selectees whose names are not in the “standard” latin alphabet (A, B C D…)
4. Put High school and also the course you are currently on.
May 10, 2016 at 22:43
hi again 🙂 i am sorry you are right about the numbers.1)so,i should skip the question about name in native language? 2)at dvlottery.state.gov i think i read that we should have a support formular filled for each applicant not only the won who won but also the derivates.little confused here.is this true or what you said?you helped alot,thank you so much!
May 11, 2016 at 00:09
1. You can decide whether is needs the native language or not.
2. I’m not sure what you mean. A DS260 needs to be filled out for each selectee plus each derivative.
May 11, 2016 at 03:31
Hi Simon,
First, thank you for this website , that help a lot.
My case number is 2017EU00010XXX So according to last year buletin I should be called for interview around november as november allocation cut-off number shown for EU was 12,500, right ?
Could you also help me with the following ?
1. – I was in transit waiting for connection in LAX airport couple of time but never went out the airport , should I mention that as a travel to the USA ?
2. -I really dont have adress in the USA to inform , may I enter unknow for the moment
3. -What does Full Name in Native Alphabet means ? for instance my name has an accent that is not allowed in given names should I write my full name with an accent in that field ?
4. How recent must be the document ( police records , birth certificate etc…) that i will bring to the interview ?
Thank you
May 11, 2016 at 05:20
Please number questions…
1. No
2. No, you need an address – any address for the form for now.
3. Yes
4. police records must be obtained shortly before the interview. The other docs are usually old.
May 11, 2016 at 13:12
Hello Simon
Thank you for your prompt answer and the time you are dedicating helping out people
Could you also tell me if I am write about the possible interview date based on my case number
Thank you
May 11, 2016 at 14:00
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
May 11, 2016 at 04:09
I have a very confusing questions.
1. What would happen if someone is about to register for an interview for F1 visa and has just been notified that he has been selected as one of the 20k who will have the opportunity to apply for a green card?!
2. Can he still apply for an F1? If so is it better to apply for Adjustment of status once the f1 visa is obtained (hopefully)?
3. What are the differences btw applying for dv lottery in the country you’ve been selected and getting f1 visa and go do AoS in U.S? How soon can you apply for an AoS?
Thanks!
May 11, 2016 at 05:18
F1 is a temporary visa, DV is immigrant. It is possible to do F1 and then later do AOS but you need to leave a gap (90 days) between arriving in the USA under F1 and starting the DV process.
May 11, 2016 at 08:46
hi simon,i meant should the one that sponsors me should sponsor my derivates too or he should fill I-134 just for me?
May 11, 2016 at 14:13
Just for you. It includes the family.
May 11, 2016 at 14:13
I am dv 2017 selectees , i want to fill ds 260 form three weeks later since may three is that possible
May 11, 2016 at 15:48
Yes
May 11, 2016 at 17:03
Thanks for instructions! I was selected DV-2017, in may applicants list there are my children’s names also( they are 4 and 2). Should I submit their data also, because their are a lot of questions that refer to adults.
May 11, 2016 at 17:37
Each person needs their own DS260.
May 11, 2016 at 17:46
Thanks a lot!
May 11, 2016 at 22:29
hello sir,I had a question. Please help me,,I applied cr1 visa and Im about to fill up ds260 form.but the problem is i dont have my passport yet with me.its my first time to get it and dfa needs cfo certificate to get passport. my cfo certificate been hold for awhile for i eed to submit moms corrected birth certificate from nso ,her name got misspelled.And,it took 3months process.can i still fill up ds260 form without my passport yet?thank you for your great help. 🙂
May 12, 2016 at 00:15
I don’t advise on non DV lottery cases.
May 12, 2016 at 06:04
Dear BritSimon,
Will they send email to us before interview for 1-2months, right?
My case number is 2016AS000085xx till now I d get any news yet!
Thanks!
May 12, 2016 at 13:37
Yes – 2NLs will be sent in a couple of weeks.
May 12, 2016 at 16:28
Any way, do you know I sti have a chance to get an interview or not?
June 12, 2016 at 14:22
Hi I am also from Cambodia, I just selected 2017AS87XX.. And Can I know some information about u ?? because I want to know about ur DV process , I have no experience..
Thanks in Advance..
May 12, 2016 at 07:38
Thanks Brit, you indirectly answered one of my question about submitting the DS form for the DV lottery without an available passport at that moment. Someone can get one later on but before the interview of course.
May 12, 2016 at 08:30
hi BritSimon..I’ve won the DV 2017.
My case number is: 2016AF00035xxx, what is the date estimation for an interview? I’ve completed my ds-260 on 12/05/2016.
and also by misunderstanding i did not fill right the social security number section, from the three questions i answered ‘NO’ for all of them.
please give me an advise on how to correct it with ‘YES’ FOR THE TWO QUESTIONS??
thanks
May 12, 2016 at 13:29
For your first question – https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
For your second question – search my site or check the FAQ for “how to unlock”
May 12, 2016 at 11:28
Hi Brit. Thank again the help you giving. We have won dv 2017, and the CN is AF16xx. When do you think we can be interviewed.
May 12, 2016 at 13:23
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/