In the past couple of days the DS260 has been updated, and whilst there may be a few subtle changes there has been one particularly interesting change – social media accounts.
The DS260 now has a section with the following question:
” Select from the list below each social media platform you have used within the last five years. In the space next to the platform’s name, enter the username or handle you have used on that platform “
DS260
This instruction is pretty clear if read it properly. They are expecting you to provide usernames or “handles” for each social media account you have held at any time over the last 5 years. These platforms are those such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and so on. As ever, it is important to be accurate and honest in the way you complete this info. Do not lie, or omit any account – that is more detrimental to your credibility than listing your accounts, and it is VERY easy to build an online profile for someone’s activity (I have been using such profile building tools for years”. So – I am certain they can compare your list to their list and mismatches could mean you are trying to hide something.
The fact that they are doing this is a good thing. Over the last year or two many people have been delayed by a LATER request (after interview) in a form called the DS5535. Collecting the info earlier will allow them to perform checks faster, and reduce delays later.
Why do they want this information, well they will use the information as another way to perform security screenings. Again, this is a good thing (unless you are an idiot that won the DV lottery and wish harm to the USA) .
So – no need to worry about this – if you are honest, there is no need for concern.
I have had a number of questions about this relating to DV2019 and some DV2020 cases.
- If you are a DV2019 case, have already submitted your DS260 and do not need to unlock your DS260 prior to interview, there is no need to do anything about the new questions. There is no need to unlock the form simply for these new questions. You completed the old version of the form and that will be acceptable. Some cases may still be asked for the DS5535, and I would personally recommend you download that form and take it prefilled to the interview, but they may not even ask for it.
- If you have already submitted your DS260 (as a DV2019 OR DV2020 case) and if you do unlock for any reason you will now be expected to complete the new questions. Do that. No big deal. If you do not need to unlock for any other reason, you do NOT need to unlock solely for adding social media accounts
- People that have not yet submitted the DS260 will see the new questions and will need to complete them.
June 2, 2019 at 17:40
This is a good step I’m one of the people the embassy asked to provide DS5535 form after they approved me in the interview.
It was the worst feeling also my interview was in Aug 16 and the form took over 25 days to process. I’m lucky they issued my visa late in Sep.
Good luck everyone.
June 2, 2019 at 17:53
Thanks for that confirmation of the impact.
June 2, 2019 at 19:13
Hello Brit. I think like what you said, it is a good thing to fill in social media info. I have had my DS 260 unlocked, but it doesn’t prompt me to fill in the social media question. But I’ll do it anyway, to avoid any further inconveniences.
June 2, 2019 at 18:15
Hi Brit, my interview is in 1st July.
Do I hand fill this or I type in?
June 2, 2019 at 20:59
Either.
June 2, 2019 at 23:10
Thank you
June 2, 2019 at 20:25
Hi Mr Brit,
Thank you for the new information.Wish to know if is alright at this early June to unlock form DS 260 filled in May 2018 and complete the section DS5535 before going for interview on the first week of July .I’m a DV winner of 2019.
Thanks in advance Sir.
June 2, 2019 at 21:05
If you are scheduled, you cant unlock.
June 3, 2019 at 01:37
Sir, why I this so important? So now it compulsory even if you are DV2019 winner?
June 3, 2019 at 01:57
Did you read what I wrote?
June 3, 2019 at 01:41
How about my DS260 of of DV 2020 that I alreay sign and submit with old template? Should I ask for unlock and do it again with new template?
Thanks,
June 3, 2019 at 01:57
Read the article.
June 3, 2019 at 01:50
Hey Brit, could you tell me please as a new GC holder how I’m supposed to rent or to get roommates since I have no Credit history? god bless you
June 3, 2019 at 01:58
You need to come prepared, have some money, perhaps have someone over here that can help. This is all up to you.
June 3, 2019 at 16:04
Rent at an airbnb, talk to local apartments and one of them will be willing to work with you, but you need money saved up.
Otherwise you can see if you can find a cheaper long term agreement with the airbnb. You can find roommates on craigslist, though be careful, some can be weird and sketchy.
June 4, 2019 at 01:27
do people from craigslist accept to rent with you even though you’re new and got no credit history ? thank you I appreciate your help.
June 4, 2019 at 01:42
Some do, some don’t.
June 3, 2019 at 01:53
With this new procedure I do beleive I will be in the second draw, surely more people won’t fill out their DS260.
Am the next winner in October 2019 ?
June 3, 2019 at 01:57
LOLOLOL.
Sure.
June 3, 2019 at 10:00
Are we going to have a second draw?
June 3, 2019 at 14:00
No
June 3, 2019 at 22:52
Sir, so it is sure no second draw?
June 3, 2019 at 22:54
Not “sure”, but it seems VERY clear they already have enough selectees, so really it isn’t worth thinking about.
June 3, 2019 at 03:06
Brit what information you posted naw, my interview is scheduled july24 I feeled old version ds 260. I need fill more new form? I don’t anderstood.
June 3, 2019 at 03:11
Read the article please.
June 5, 2019 at 08:02
Hy Irina,
If u av been scheduled for interview,u can’t unlock ur ds-260 & u don’t need to it.read d article carefully.
June 3, 2019 at 07:45
Hi Brit
I already submitted Ds260 and i am scheduled in July Should i submitted Ds5535 if yes only for principal or all members of family Should mail in embassy with other documents or take in interview
Thanks
June 3, 2019 at 09:12
God….i so hope only for Principal applicant… we travel a lot and we are 4 members.
June 3, 2019 at 09:14
am doing so since last 2 days… 🙁
June 3, 2019 at 13:58
Overprepare.
June 3, 2019 at 07:48
I got scraping
June 3, 2019 at 09:30
Dear Brit,
For DV2019 cases, do they normally ask about the social media accounts? If they do, do they take along time to check these accounts and does this delay issuing the visa?
June 3, 2019 at 09:34
I mean in the interview
June 3, 2019 at 13:59
Read the article.
June 3, 2019 at 11:40
what if we did not submit the social media links? will there be any other risk?
June 3, 2019 at 14:20
PLease read the article.
June 3, 2019 at 14:32
Hi brit Sorry but i am waiting your answer
June 3, 2019 at 15:08
I answered.
https://britsimonsays.com/ds260-changed-to-add-social-media-info/comment-page-1/#comment-184836
June 3, 2019 at 17:48
I read your articel very carefuly but there is nothing about my question Does principal submitt DS5535 or principal and derivates Should it mail in embassy with other doc or take in interview
Thanks
June 3, 2019 at 20:06
You didn’t read the article very well did you.
“Some cases may still be asked for the DS5535, and I would personally recommend you download that form and take it prefilled to the interview, but they may not even ask for it.”
June 3, 2019 at 17:02
I like This in the US immigration Process.
Now, People who claim to be Married and in real life are not Married are about to be Screen Through Social Accounts.
People who Play Single,and in real life have kids and Cohabitation( Living With Boyfriend/Girlfriend) and have photos uploaded of them and their kids are to be screen out.
People who play with Kids,and in real life never had such Kid are to be screen out.
Another Step I wish it to be put in place is during the Entry Period.
Let All Principal Applicant be ask to upload scan copy of Their Secondary Educational Documents( Diploma,Examination Result) and any post Secondary Education Achievement Result if possible.
plus,If Married during Entry Period,Submit Scan Copy Of Your Marriage Certificate.
This step Will reduced number of double entries,and fake entries by Agents
in This,it shall increase selection rate for all Region.
Is Time to be truth to yourself and the United States
June 4, 2019 at 01:16
This is the reason am still keeping hope I will be
June 3, 2019 at 17:59
Hi Simon,
This was the KCC’s official reply when inquired:
“If your DS-260 was submitted before the social media question was added, you will not be required to unlock your DS-260 to answer the question. If your DS-260 has not been submitted or is unlocked for any reason, you will need to answer all questions on the DS-260, including the social media question. You only need to select the social media that you have used in the last five years.”
Thanks!
June 3, 2019 at 18:37
Did you inquire KCC about this matter and got an official response?
June 4, 2019 at 00:09
Yes, Yevhen. I asked them when the breaking news appeared on BBC last Saturday and got the reply today 🙂
June 3, 2019 at 20:04
In other words, exactly what I already said, based on simple logic.
June 4, 2019 at 08:42
Does this mean that all the interviewees who have submitted DS-260 before adding the social media questions will be required to fill in DS-5535 forms?
June 4, 2019 at 18:40
No. I didn’t say that, nor anything like that. Some cases will be expected to submit DS5535.
June 3, 2019 at 23:53
hi brit AF20190037… SO DS260 SENT IN OCTOBER 2018.DOCUMENTS SENT IN 31 MAY 2019 THEY COMFIRM AUTOMATICLY.I DONT WANT TO DISTURB THEM WITH EMAILS I TAKE IT EASY AND WAIT
1-DID THEY CONFIRM ME IN FEW DAYS THAT THEY RECEIVED DOCUMENTS?
2-CAN I HAVE AN INTERVIEW IN AUGUST?.
3-WHEN DID THEY PUT ME READY?
June 4, 2019 at 00:00
1. In a few days you can ask them if they are satisfied with your documents.
2. Possibly, but it might be September.
3. When you are scheduled (2nd half of each month)
June 4, 2019 at 01:17
THANKYOU BRIT
June 4, 2019 at 06:58
Hi Brit
Thanks so much .you have been very helping. Even thought I wasn’t selected I still keep on reading your post. Will still have hopes for DV 2020 . Good luck to all winners
June 4, 2019 at 09:45
Hi Brit Does only principal submitt DS5535 or principal and derivates Waiting for your article about scraping Thanks
June 4, 2019 at 18:50
The rules are not clear – so they could ask all family to complete the form, although obviously they are unlikely to ask young children.
June 4, 2019 at 09:46
I already submitted DS260 and i am scheduled for July
June 5, 2019 at 03:26
Hi brit , Af2019000377** , confirmation of documents received on may , 10/ 2019 , do you think that i will receive the 2nl this month ?? Ans what do you think about this next VB , is it going to ne current or cutt off !? Thank u bro
June 5, 2019 at 05:31
Wait and see x 2.
June 5, 2019 at 05:15
Dear Simon,
I am dv20 winner, living in the USA. If i do adjusting of status, do i still have to prepare birth certificate and police certificate? or only submitting the adjusting status form would be okay? Thanks in advance
June 5, 2019 at 05:34
Everything you need to know is on this thread below, including a spreadsheet from post 1 in that thread.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2020-aos-only.340762/
June 5, 2019 at 11:50
Just a friendly suggestion,
why don’t you add one more sentence to your #2 point in the article where it now says – “If you have already submitted your DS260 (as a DV2019 OR DV2020 case) and if you do unlock for any reason you will now be expected to complete the new questions. Do that. No big deal.”
I think if you add – “If you do not need to unlock for any other reason, you do NOT need to unlock solely for adding social media accounts”.
I think it will be a lot clearer for everyone and you won’t have to read questions about this.
Thanks
June 5, 2019 at 13:14
Done. Thanks.
June 5, 2019 at 21:19
Hi brit,
Please i want to know your opinion, do you think case number 2019AF00018xxx, would be scheduled for interview in August having submitted DS260 and documents?
June 5, 2019 at 22:10
It depends when the documents were submitted and confirmed as being processed.
June 6, 2019 at 04:32
Hi Britsimon,
I had my interview on monday in Frankfurt, Germany and my visa got approved. The status also changed to “issued”. Thank you so much for helping us with your blog. It really helped me a LOT. I am so excited for this new journey in life.
God bless you.
Cheers,
Sara
June 6, 2019 at 13:45
Congratulations!
June 6, 2019 at 05:33
Thanks for this info Simon. I have never created any social media accounts, but I worry that I might not be believed. My friends and family are all aware I am not on social media, but I doubt US officials would take their word for it. Do you have any advice for people who have never been on social media?
June 6, 2019 at 13:48
Just tell the truth.
June 6, 2019 at 05:44
Hi Brit,
I have questions in regards to DS5535. As per your advice I am filling the form and my case number is 2019AF24*** my interview date is June 12.
1. In the form there is a request to write down all kinds of email addresses including work email, the organization in which I am working with employees are not allowed to share e-mail information apart from business issues that is also for the security purpose. What shall I do? I am working for an organization who’s headquarter is based in USA and funded by USAID. Shall I explain this at the time of interview if asked, because I am pretty sure they are also aware of the rules in regards of USA based organization IT security system.
2. Do I have to fill out all the question even if it in DS260?
Many thanks for your time.
June 6, 2019 at 13:49
1. If the email system is only used internally within the organization, you could omit that.
2. Yes
June 6, 2019 at 16:18
Hi Brit Just a friendly suggestion I – 134 form must be original not scan or e-mail
Thanks
June 6, 2019 at 18:16
Email is fine.
June 6, 2019 at 17:37
Hi Brit
my interview schedule on 2nd week of july. i just checked ds260 they have added social media column. what should we do now? i cant even remember some of my Facebook accounts and i have more than three accounts in different names so do i have to mention all? what is the purpose of asking these kinda questions?
June 6, 2019 at 20:03
Did you read the article above??
June 6, 2019 at 23:37
I read on one forum that it looks like unlocking ds260 refreshes something in their system and these cases get processed immediately. Friend of mine sent his ds20 last year in May and his forms are not even processed, although he is in 30k numbers. He called and there was no updates.
But very similar case got processed right after unlocking ds260. Any thoughts? 2
June 7, 2019 at 00:50
Idiotic.
June 12, 2019 at 02:33
I had the same experience
June 7, 2019 at 06:13
Hi Brit,
I had interview on may 28 unfortunately I got refused because of luck of educational required level or experience and I got the yellow card too so please advise me what should I do, i don’t want lose my chanse please.
June 7, 2019 at 14:41
You already asked this – https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-335/#comment-184619
June 7, 2019 at 14:55
If requested, who is expected to fill the form – only the selectee or each member of its family going into the interview?
June 7, 2019 at 15:11
Each person completing the DS260.
June 7, 2019 at 21:22
hello brit.
case 2019Af00018xxx
DS260 June 2018, submission Documents November 2018, return May 2019 confirmation May 20, 2019
Q / Can I have my interview in August? ? thanks to see Brit
June 7, 2019 at 21:24
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-337/#comment-185470
June 8, 2019 at 01:39
Dear fellow Bloggers
The US State Department Just published a New amended regulation that shall Governs Diversity Visa Lottery 2021 and Upward in the entry submission form.
It reads,All Principal Applicant shall Provide Information of their current and unexpired Passport( Passport Number,Country Of issuance,date Of issuance and date of Expiration) During entry submission period.
Failure to provide information of passport Information shall lead to disqualification of that Fiscal year.
Full link to published amended regulation can be found at US federal registry Below.
https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2019/06/05/2019-11762/visas-diversity-immigrants?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=subscription+mailing+list&utm_source=federalregister.gov
June 8, 2019 at 02:57
Yes – I know. But it doesn’t affect anyone until October at the earliest.
June 8, 2019 at 10:17
Hi Brit,
Thanks for this valuable information
I need to clarify this point please
Regarding social media question are they need my accounts used for more than 5 years or what?
Thanks in advance
June 8, 2019 at 13:45
The question says 5 years.
June 8, 2019 at 18:04
What about accounts less than 5 years should mention also or what
Thanks
June 8, 2019 at 19:43
It is accounts you have used in the last 5 years – PLEASE READ THE QUESTION CAREFULLY.
June 9, 2019 at 09:17
Hi brit
my case number is 2020af98**.i submitted my ds 260 3 weeks ago.
1)in which month kcc will email me to send my documents
2)can i get my 2nl and my interview this year?
June 9, 2019 at 15:12
1. I don’t know.
2. Wait and see.
June 10, 2019 at 11:09
Hi Brit,
With this new rule of entering your passport details, does that mean some of us who do not have passport can not register for DV2021 lottery?
June 10, 2019 at 17:58
Yes, unless there is a good reason why you cannot get a passport.
June 10, 2019 at 17:03
Hi Brit,
Pls with this new rule for the DV2021, does it mean those of us who do not have a passport can’t do the registration when it opens in October?
June 10, 2019 at 20:25
Yes
June 10, 2019 at 20:21
Hiii Brit , i really appreciate your help so much , thanks again doing such a great job.
I have a question which really do not know what to do in my ds-260 , please help .
Situation is, my wife won the lottery , but while applying she used her maiden surname , but in our marriage certificate she changed her surname , but not in a passport , so she registered as her maiden surname , after realizing her win i thought it would be better to change passport and to get passport as there should be marriage surname , ( in our marriage certificate she changed her surname now uses marriage name ) what we should do in this case ? Any suggestions regarding to this situation.
I haven’t done anything in my ds-260 , Should i include the new passport’s details?
In the future could this make any problem for us ?
Your help will be much appreciated , thanks for your time 🙂
June 10, 2019 at 21:20
She should complete the DS260 with the new name and in “other names” section of the DS260 she would mention the maiden name.
June 11, 2019 at 06:02
Thanks for your reply Brit , and clarification , i would do as you mentioned , also wanted to know this change could not lead for AP in the future ?
June 11, 2019 at 11:14
Could this be an issue ?
June 11, 2019 at 12:47
Incorrect answers are worse than corrected ones.
June 11, 2019 at 12:47
Incorrect answers are worse than corrected ones.
June 11, 2019 at 00:02
Good evening mr.brit
Your effort appreciated
My question is all about the location of the interview.
I read on one of your articles that the location of an interview specified according to filling present address.
And in the application ds260 there is a part( question) to specified the location of an interview
So before i get my 2NL. I have to be sure what are the roles they take to specify the location cuz i already change my present address to the location i chose for interview.
Thanks and appreciate.
June 11, 2019 at 00:13
Once you have changed the address, you can email KCC to ask them to move your interview at the “new” embassy, according to your address.
June 11, 2019 at 00:28
Even if i choose to be interviewed on new location
And even i answerd the question…
( is your mailing address the same as your present address?)
The answer was No .. and i put the new address.
It seems i almost will get my 2NL in August according to my case number AS201912***
June 11, 2019 at 06:48
Hi Brit
How long does the administrative processing normally take? and what happens if it takes more than 6 months?
June 11, 2019 at 12:53
It varies from a couple of weeks to many months. If the end of the year comes before the AP is finished, the case is never moved out of AP.
June 11, 2019 at 14:31
What if it is required from someone whose interview in September?
June 11, 2019 at 15:52
Then that case is at risk.
June 11, 2019 at 13:22
Hi brit,
I had my interview at american embassy in Cairo, interview and every thing went extremely well every document you could imagine we had them all certified and translated. We are very financially stable so we made sure everything was perfect! and we got approved.
But a day later, now i have AP, and i have no idea why. I have not told any of my family members yet because that means depression and extreme frustration for them and i’m planing inform them this week.
Do you think this will be resolved in a day or two, if it takes several weeks it would mean trouble for us because my mom who is the principal application works as a doctor abroad in Dubai and she has to go back if takes several weeks.
Thank you.
June 11, 2019 at 13:36
Did you read the FAQ? You should.
June 11, 2019 at 23:26
Yes in fact i did, can since they took our passports and CO told us our visa is approved do you think that will resolve itself within 4 business days or should i inform my family to the sad news.
June 11, 2019 at 23:50
How could I guess that?
June 12, 2019 at 00:00
Should i contact US consulate in Egypt or wait a little.
June 12, 2019 at 00:11
Wait.
June 13, 2019 at 06:01
Hi brit,
i actually remember something right after my interview the CO informed us our visa will be delayed from 1-2 weeks they have trouble with the website and hes unable to give us issued right now do you think that is the reason why we are on AP.
June 13, 2019 at 19:10
I don’t know. Really.
June 13, 2019 at 09:17
Never mind brit, its issued just now after two days for all of us and i saved the burden of AP on my family never told them about it!
June 13, 2019 at 19:32
Yup. Pretty much as explained in the FAQ – right?
June 11, 2019 at 20:23
Hello mr.brit! Currently, I fill a ds-260 form, but my youtube account was blocked a year ago and I don’t know any id of youtube which I could write. What Should I do? Could you give me advice?
June 11, 2019 at 20:37
Use your own judgement, and do the best you can.
June 12, 2019 at 14:47
Hi Brit,
Please my passport will expire February 2020. Can i use it for the DV2021 registration in October?
June 12, 2019 at 19:58
Yes
June 13, 2019 at 02:27
Hi Brit
Does the embassy send updates about AP?
June 13, 2019 at 02:38
No.
June 13, 2019 at 02:58
After sending the reply to the AP questions. I received an email with a screen shot from computer stating “IACT Red”. Nothing else is mentioned. Do you an idea about what that means?
June 13, 2019 at 19:02
Possibly. Who sent you that screenshot?
June 13, 2019 at 19:41
The embassy
June 13, 2019 at 04:05
One more question, please
At the interview, my son (19 years) was asked to provide answers for the supplementary questions (AP). I think the reason was because there was a Schengen visa on his passport that was never used. When the officer saw it, he asked him if travelled to Europe and he said no but he did not explain it. In fact he never travelled to Europe but he got the visa because he was accepted in a university in Czech republic and he was supposed to travel to study there, but after he got the visa we won the lottery and decided that he can get a better education in USA and so there was no need for him to to stay away from us, especially he never travelled alone. Finally, he applied to a university in Oman where we currently and we sent an apology to the university in Czech. Do you think the presence of Schengen visa on the passport was the reason of AP? Do you think I should send an email to the embassy explaining this t them and supporting it with the acceptance letter from the university?
June 13, 2019 at 19:09
Neither I nor you can guess (with certainty) the reason for the AP. You can “imagine” lots of things, but honestly – you should just wait.
June 13, 2019 at 07:53
Hi Brit, thanks for your kind gestures offering us.
Am selected applicant in the dv2020 but release I got my name wrongly typed by the first letter instead of (Roland Ackson)mistakenly typed Poland Ackson, please would it be a problem of filling the ds260 and what will be my chance of granting visa
June 13, 2019 at 19:26
You mean you mistyped it on the eDV entry. You can correct it on the DS260, and NORMALLY that would be OK, if there are no fraud concerns.
June 13, 2019 at 10:52
Hi Brit,
I have been scheduled for July interview. But i had an old passport which i never traveled with it. I used my new passport in filling the DS260. should i send both of the passport to the interview or just the new one?
June 13, 2019 at 21:01
Take both.
June 13, 2019 at 18:40
Good day Brit and all readers. I find the most demanding part of the DS5535 the one regarding the travel history. DS260 asks about travels to the US, this form any travel outside the country of residence in the last 15 years… difficult to remember all with details. I’m doing my best but what is not tracked like on passport, is sometimes a real challenge to remember.