DV lottery fees
Just a quick explanation of the fees you will incur during the DV lottery process.
Entry to the lottery or filling out the DS260
There are no fees to enter the lottery, nor to fill out the DS260. Please do not feel you need to use an agent or a lawyer as the vast majority of cases can be processed by the selectee themselves using online resources (including my blog of course!).
Prior to the interview
Each applicant (principal selectee, spouse and children included) you will need to undertake a medical exam, which must be performed by a panel physician designated by the embassy where you will interview. The cost varies by country. There may be additional vaccinations required, and the physician may charge additional fees for those vaccinations.
You may also have to pay some amounts for obtaining documents and translations. Again this varies by case.
Day of interview
You will pay the DV fee of $330 per person (principal selectee, spouse and children included). This is normally paid on the interview day, at the embassy, prior to the actual interview. If you are refused, that money is not refunded.
Once approved and activating your Green Card status
If approved you are given information for paying the Green Card fee that covers the costs of production of the Green Card itself. This costs $220 per person (principal selectee, spouse and children included). This fee is paid online, either before entry to the USA or it can be paid upon entry to the USA. You will not receive your actual Green Card until you have entered the USA and paid this fee.
Adjustment of Status cases
If you are already in the USA on a temporary visa you might be able to adjust your status. The fees for those in the USA are higher than those processing at consulates abroad. The $330 is still paid, but in addition there is a fee of $1225 per person and of course medicals in the USA aren’t cheap.
Other costs
You will obviously have to arrange and pay for travel and have savings or a plan to support yourself until you have found work in the USA. Those costs vary depending on your plans, current location and location where you will reside in America. You will not get any financial assistance with any of those costs from the US government.
August 31, 2023 at 04:32
Hi Brit,
This $220 can be paid by any country’s credit/debit card? OR only can be paid by a US credit/debit card?
August 31, 2023 at 10:19
Depends on the card.
April 5, 2023 at 03:31
Hi sir ,
I would like to ask you about green card fees.
If I pay it before I enter the USA (4 months are ok ?), also I want to change the address when I reach to POE, will paying the green card fees affect it ?
Thank you
April 14, 2023 at 12:34
No.
July 22, 2019 at 04:43
Dear Sir,
We are total 4 how much to pay before interview only 330$ for all ?
July 22, 2019 at 05:50
4 x 330.
November 4, 2018 at 17:26
Hello Brit am from Ethiopia, my name is habtamu, I need to know how can I pay visa fee? And also can I pay the fee by Ethiopian birr by cash at the Day of the interview? Thank you
November 4, 2018 at 18:26
Usually embassies accept local currency.
August 7, 2018 at 05:57
I assume there’s no problem paying with USD cash at the consulate on the day, despite being in another country.
August 7, 2018 at 06:03
Correct.
June 17, 2018 at 06:13
Is there anything to do after submitting the DS 260 form other than collecting documents? I mean are there any documents, money or emails that should be sent somewhere or any other steps to take?
Regards,
June 17, 2018 at 18:34
No – you wait and learn about the process. Read the FAQ
June 8, 2018 at 02:14
Hi Simon
In order to pay the USCIS fee – where do i find my A number and DOS ID? The consulate didnt give me anything apart from my passport and immigrant envelope not to be opened? “Your A-Number and Department of State Case ID (DOS Case ID) are both required and can be found in your visa packet ”
Thanks!
Lisa
June 8, 2018 at 02:46
On your visa.
May 18, 2018 at 01:41
Hi BritSimon,
my wife already has been selected for DV-2019. Her case number is EU18XX. Do you think is it good number? Thank you
May 18, 2018 at 02:14
Yes
May 13, 2018 at 21:24
Hi Mr.Simon
I have a few questions if you don’t mind:
1-when should I pay the 330$ for dv? Should I send it with AOS package or before of it? Because my visa will be current in August?.
2-can you tell me how much fees should I pay because in the spreadsheet it says $1140 personal check and $1225 for I-485 with disregard to the medical exam?.
I appreciate your help and your time.
May 14, 2018 at 03:24
Follow the instructions on the spreadsheet. If you know about that you should not need to ask me these questions.
May 2, 2018 at 07:43
Hi Brit,
Both I (primary applicant) and my husband are facing for the DV interview next week. They adviced to bring $330 bank draft as the fee. My question is do I need to take only 1 draft of $330 or 2 drafts ($330*2) for both? And also my case number is 2018ASxxxx, what do you think about this? Is it a good number? Thanks in advance.!
May 2, 2018 at 13:32
2 drafts.
April 27, 2018 at 23:59
Hi Brit, there is any difference between paying de USCIS immigrant fee before travelling to the United State or paying it after my entry? I’m going to move in June and I was considering to ask a relative to pay de fee in advance, around early May. But if it doesn’t make any difference I would prefer to pay it myself at the port of entry.
April 28, 2018 at 04:40
No real difference.
November 6, 2017 at 21:17
Hi BritSimon,
My spouse today received an email (2nd NL) from KCC titled “Diversity Visa Adjustment Letter”. We are planning to do AOS here in the U.S.
Now, we know that we have to pay the $330 fee/applicant, but my question is, can we combine the payments for the two applicants (for My Spouse – the primary applicant, and myself – the derivative) or should we send the payments separately?
Thanks!
November 6, 2017 at 21:27
I see you posted already on the AOS thread – so I’ll leave this to be answered there.
May 27, 2017 at 21:13
I did a spelling mistake by filling ds260.i wrote Alllam.iqbal instead of allama iqbal in adress.column.Can it b a problum
May 28, 2017 at 14:25
No
May 26, 2017 at 19:35
so does that means I can have name like “Jr” can be included on my Ds 260 form? or jus my actual name…?
May 26, 2017 at 15:33
Hi Sir, thnk you so much for your guidelines and help you are giving us… please I have a little doubt that is really a problem to me… It is about my name.. the name I used on the entry sheet is a bit different from the one my other document(High Diploma, birth certificate, Passport).. I uses Elijah Amah, Fayiah on the Entry, my other documents I have Elijah A. Fayiah Jr… so now the problem is my middle name( A= Armah).. is there a way that I can correct it.. I haven’t fill the Ds 260 form yet…
May 26, 2017 at 18:39
The DS260 should have the complete name. The other documents are not a problem.
May 4, 2017 at 11:28
Hello simon i am from nepal.
I want to apply ds260 form.
Plz give me advice about it. Such as fees
Document as need other
And when i should pay fees
May 4, 2017 at 13:23
Read my guide – link at the top of this page.
February 27, 2017 at 05:34
hi brit Simon can I pay the 220$ for USCIS green card after my entry to the USA since I am moving today
February 27, 2017 at 05:40
Yes.
November 30, 2016 at 12:09
Dear Brit,
Perhaps this is the best resource on-topic I could find 🙂 Especially your clarifications on comments.
Q1. What do you mean “a genuine job offer”?
Imagine the situation that some company (owned by my fellow) will offer me a 100K job. And because of the changed business circumstances, the proposal will be immediately revoked after my embassy interview. The question is how it could be checked whether it is a let’s call it fake offer or truthful one?
Q2. What if my current company (not located in the US) gives a statement to embassy that I work remotely. (i.e. can continue to work no matter country of residence). And original 2016 annual bank statement shows the remaining income of $60K after all the routine costs.
I understand that everything depends on CO. And sometimes on their subjective decision. But how would Q1&2 look in your sight and experience?
Thank you in advance,
requestor
November 30, 2016 at 14:56
1. An American company offering a job to someone that may be emigrating at some time in the next year is a suspicious thing. If they need an employee why would they wait for someone. So – immediately there is logical suspicion. So – don’t try to be “clever” – it will end badly UNLESS the offer is 100% real and the circumstances make sense.
2. That would not be a job based in the USA, not paying taxes and so on. Again. It’s not credible. Again, don’t try and be “clever”.
If I were a CO and someone suggested either of the scenarios in 1 or 2, I would be suspicious. The fact that you are testing scenarios tells me the whole thing is made up anyway. Don’t do that. Just get an I-134.
August 8, 2016 at 13:35
Hi, BirtSimon I would like to know if I only can apply with an job offer for the dv visa or I need An affivadid of support as well, I won the lottery this year and Its possible for me find a job offer in US but I dont have any sponsor. and how much money do I have to carry for 1 child and spouse? thanks
August 8, 2016 at 14:11
A GENUINE job offer can help – yes. But it must be real!!
If you want to pass on savings alone, you should show about $25,000.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
May 21, 2016 at 07:38
hi simon
is it mandatory to be vaccinated by all required vaccines? should the vaccinations be taken before the interview or only if you get the visa?
thanks in advance
May 21, 2016 at 14:25
Yes it is mandatory to have vaccinations. Missing ones will be given at the medical – and that is before the interview.
May 7, 2016 at 17:36
Brit, My wife got selected with an case number SA4XX, that a good case number for what I understand, when she will probably has the interview? Other question, In not married yet buy we have been living together for 3 years, now Im going to get married, so I can be a beneficiary, It is ok to fill the DS-260 and got married before the interview? that means that In the DS-260 I will fill it unmarried and in the interview I will be Married.
Also how much money would I need to have For my wife, My child and me? what others financial options are?
May 7, 2016 at 18:24
Read the FAQ
https://britsimonsays.com/dv-faq/
May 5, 2016 at 13:44
sir i won the dv lottery but in the form i misspelled my name i filled navin instead of nabin so is it safe to correct this or is there any way to correct this or if i try to do this do i have less chance of being selected
May 5, 2016 at 15:59
You must correct it in the DS260.
July 20, 2015 at 12:42
As I´m looking to all sorts of sites your might be the most informative one. Wit the Sept 1. finished we´ve already paid around 3300€ for the USAFIS costs and nobody is talking about that. Did you use a lawyer for the Step 2 process, because I´m thinking about doing this on my own, as attorney fees are around 4000$ ?
July 21, 2015 at 04:04
I only advise on DV lottery cases.
July 21, 2015 at 06:22
This is a DV lottery case.
We have been selected and are now at the lawyer processing phase.
July 21, 2015 at 10:42
This is crazy – you are paying enormous fees for something that costs very little to process. USAFIS have ripped you off – but that is the deal you made with them. You do not need a lawyer for processing. Please read this site and inform yourself – almost everyone does this process without a lawyer.
July 21, 2015 at 12:19
That´s what I thought.
Well, those bucks are gone.
Going with the DS-260 Form without the attorneys, of course.
Thnx.
July 21, 2015 at 12:44
Read this – and in particular the link for filling in the DS260. That is all you need – use the $4000 for the move!
https://britsimonsays.com/dv-lottery-guide/
July 21, 2015 at 12:47
Thnx…I already have all the info. It´s only money, ha ? 🙂
January 29, 2018 at 15:52
Hello Sasa, I also paid for a package of 10 years at USAFIS, did you won the lottery with them? I have read a lot of bad things about USAFIS
June 26, 2015 at 11:19
Quick question- when do I arrange the Medical? As soon as I have submitted the DS 260 or do I wait for them to give me the date of the interview before I take the medical? THANKS!
June 26, 2015 at 23:29
You wait until you get the 2NL for the medical/.
May 7, 2015 at 14:52
Dear mr Britismon
I have seen on your released ceac data for 25 April 2015 with AF max case number 89799, is this the total number of selectees from Africa? if so then how can they say the total selectees for DV 2015 is 125000 while Africa alone has about 4/5 of the total selectees.
Also for Africa region i have seen 39266 cases i dont know whether they are current or what you mean for Africa and issued 1842. Please explain the meaning of this figures for me while on the visa bulletin for April is 30,700
May 7, 2015 at 19:11
THe 87999 is the highest CASE NUMBER. However, there are many gaps between the 87799 cases. In total there are 39266 cases – so about 50k gaps. Each case includes the winner and family members if there are any so the 39266 contains the 58000 winners announced by KCC.
May 2, 2015 at 20:33
Dear Simon , please reply Shedrick
Shedrick
May 2, 2015 at 1:50 am
Hi Brit, because we have a high case number, often after read comments on your blog, I try to view my ds 260 form for any error. today I have discover a mistake in our form. Where they have given name on the form, we were to place the given name and any middle name as they are in our passport, but that was not done only the first name was place in the given name box. But the other box that has full name in native language, we place our full name including middle name. This I discover in both my wife and I form. Because of this error do we need to unlock our form and have the correction made at this time? Will unlocking our form delay our interview if we will have one given our case no. Af528xx
May 2, 2015 at 21:31
You have enough time to make that change – so yes – be sure to do so asap.
May 4, 2015 at 00:39
Dear BritSimon,
Thank you for your replying and support.
Please I seek your experience to advice regarding the expected time for receiving my 2Nl and scheduling the interview.
My Case Number is: AF30xxx
Completed On: 22 AUG 2014
Unlocked and Submitted again On : 17 FEB 2015 (I have updated my given names and surnames as I provided only the first and last name at the first submission).
May 4, 2015 at 00:44
If you are not from Ethiopia or Egypt I would have expected your interview to have been scheduled by now. Check that your DS260 is submitted, and if it is you should check the status by emailing KCC.
May 5, 2015 at 01:14
I am from Egypt.
I have checked my case number at https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx
and it says :At NVC.
should I contact KCC.
May 5, 2015 at 04:49
OK – so since you are from Egypt it is entirely normal that you are not yet scheduled because your case number is not current. There is no need to contact KCC, you must simply wait to see if and when your case number becomes current.
May 4, 2015 at 23:09
Look like we are in the same shoe thanks for calling Brit. At tension to my question I have email KCC to unlock my case the only message was Kindly unlock my “case” we are two on the case so will they unlock all two which Is what I want
May 2, 2015 at 18:28
hi Simon,
When can the CEAC update be expected?
Thanks!
May 2, 2015 at 18:40
A few minutes ago!
May 2, 2015 at 19:29
thanks! I saw it after I wrote this post).
May 2, 2015 at 10:37
Hello Brit,
What bank balance one should have for a family of six persons (Hasband, Spouse and four children 16, 13, 10 and 8 years old?
And if one meets the financial requirements, there will be no need for other aids?
May 2, 2015 at 18:35
I would say at least $30k – more preferably. If you exceed that number comfortably there should be no need for other financial information – but it is a decision for the CO.
May 3, 2015 at 07:07
Thank you Brit, and in all countries the visa fees $330 to be paid at embassy on the day of interview, right?
May 3, 2015 at 15:05
correct
May 2, 2015 at 10:28
Hi Brit
When you are going to publish CEAC data extract for April 30.
thanks in advance.
May 2, 2015 at 18:34
Just did! 🙂
May 2, 2015 at 09:51
Hi Brit i logged on to the CEAC website entered my case number AF minus the front zeros, got a reply that says at NVC what do that mean?
May 2, 2015 at 18:33
That is simply the “default” starting status – so every case starts that way. It will only change one you are scheduled.
May 2, 2015 at 09:30
please what do you think about my cn af 56***
May 2, 2015 at 18:33
Really good – safe number.
May 2, 2015 at 01:50
Hi Brit, because we have a high case number, often after read comments on your blog, I try to view my ds 260 form for any error. today I have discover a mistake in our form. Where they have given name on the form, we were to place the given name and any middle name as they are in our passport, but that was not done only the first name was place in the given name box. But the other box that has full name in native language, we place our full name including middle name. This I discover in both my wife and I form. Because of this error do we need to unlock our form and have the correction made at this time? Will unlocking our form delay our interview if we will have one given our case no. Af528xx
May 2, 2015 at 01:27
Hi Mr Simon,am AF23…,emailed my ds260 in March 2015.which month do u think i wud be get my 2NL?
May 2, 2015 at 18:41
Maybe June.
May 2, 2015 at 01:20
HI BRIT,I MAILED MY DS FORM ARND MARCH.ANYTIME I WANT TO CHECK MY STATUS,IT IS WRITTEN VISA HAS BEEN PRINTED MEANWHILE I HAVE NOT BEEN INTERVIEWED YET.PLEASE CAN U EXPLAIN THIS TO ME
May 2, 2015 at 18:29
Your status should say “at NVC” – is that correct?
May 2, 2015 at 18:53
No,it says visa has been printed
May 2, 2015 at 19:09
That is bizarre – if you are sure you are not making a mistake you should contact the embassy.
May 1, 2015 at 23:27
Mr Simon , what do you think about AF669XX is there any chance to be current ?? Thank again for your réponse
May 1, 2015 at 22:13
What about the cutt of number from Morocco 2015 ??
May 1, 2015 at 23:13
Morocco doesn’t have a cut off number of its own…
May 1, 2015 at 21:09
Simon,
Is it possible that a dv 2015 winner again wins in 2016? or the draw remembers the previous winners and avoids selecting them and their spouses in the next draw?
May 1, 2015 at 23:16
The draw is random. So yes – people have won 2 years running…
May 1, 2015 at 20:28
please what do you think about my cn af 61****
May 1, 2015 at 23:18
Pretty good number! should have a chance for interview in September although it isn’t 100% safe.
May 1, 2015 at 18:35
51000 af . What do u thinl?
Thanks.
May 1, 2015 at 20:19
Safe number.
May 1, 2015 at 17:53
One question please Mr Simon
-Next DV-LOTTERY result is gonna be released in 4 days .. do you think they take into consideration the previous DV-lottery (the current one ) before deciding how many they should select for further processing ?!
May 1, 2015 at 18:13
Not really – the DV2016 decisions and draw have been made some time ago – so they don’t really change things based on how DV2015 is going.
May 1, 2015 at 17:27
DS-260 is a simple form, I’m not sure why some people afraid of filling them self.
when you will post the CEAC data extract? I hope today, Thanks.
May 1, 2015 at 17:48
I chose to pay for it (approx. 30$) in Morocco , lol .. ”better safe than sorry”
May 1, 2015 at 20:47
I would never give anybody else except me to fill so important thing! Excuse me, but I believe more myself then some agent.
I don’t understand people who cannot fill such a simple form and they want to go and live in US?
May 1, 2015 at 21:39
Some questions are kinda confusing , and those agents happen to be more experienced at filling DS260 , plus it’s not tht expensive 😀
May 1, 2015 at 23:14
Some agents are pretty honest and some may even know their subject. But most don’t – especially those operating in West Africa.