DV lottery guide
This presentation above should answer most questions for DV2016 applicants. You will find links to some important articles and a guide on completing your DS260.
I will update the presentation with additional detail as needed – so feel free to ask questions and give me feedback.
If you cannot see the version above please use this link to access the article directly.
August 30, 2019 at 08:39
Hello Mr Brit .
thank you for your work. I am 2020 dv winner with CN around AS79xx . I have two Qs :
1: I did a mistake in edv form that is I have entered a different city of birth instead of submitting my village/town because of misconception . we have four types geographical units starts from village to district to the province and finally the country . and our province has a center . I was born in a village far from the center(city) of the province . and I submitted the name of the center of the province because there was a sentence in edv form which was( please do not enter your district/province/country just enter the city of birth).in ds 260 I have entered (city of birth=my district, province=my province name , and my country). is this a problem and will cause my visa deniel ?.
2: I want to just change my passport number by the end of october 2019 and will unlock my form again .will it delay my case ?. thanks
August 30, 2019 at 13:46
1. No
2. Maybe.
September 1, 2019 at 05:22
hi brit.
I am already in the U.S BUT I DO NOT KNOW THE WEBSITE TO APPLY FOR MY GREEN CARD, BECAUSE THE DOCUMENT THAT WAS GIVEN ME BY THE EMBASSY WAS TAKEN FROM ME AT THE AIRPORT. SO CAN YOU PLEASE HELP ME WITH THE WEBSITE
September 1, 2019 at 13:05
You don’t apply for the GC – that happens automatically (as long as you have paid the $220 fee
September 1, 2019 at 14:04
how and where do i pay
September 1, 2019 at 14:37
Google uscis elis system
September 4, 2019 at 02:39
am having issues,please tell me how to place in my case number 2020
September 4, 2019 at 04:26
Make yourself clear.
September 4, 2019 at 03:25
Hi Brit,
My husband played the DV as single; we were not marry by than. we got marry before the DV result came out and he won. Can he add me and my two years old son on the DS 260 form, even though the child is not his biological son? and what explanation do we give for that on the DS 260 form?
September 4, 2019 at 04:25
Yes he can add you both. The child is his step child through marriage.
September 4, 2019 at 14:14
hi, i applied for dv lottery 2019 and i am receiving this error “Warning: The information entered is not valid” in the intrant statuts check.
Please help me
September 5, 2019 at 01:37
Please check here:
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2020-basic-questions/
September 5, 2019 at 07:22
Hi Simon. I have a question. If my passport expires July2020 and I already received email for documents submission. Should I renew passport and submit new one or I can submit my old one and bring new for interview. Thank you
September 5, 2019 at 12:59
Either way works.
September 7, 2019 at 05:26
Did I understand correctly in one of your videos that if you weren’t selected in May there is a chance more applicants will become winners in October if the quota hasn’t been filled for your region? Thanking you
September 7, 2019 at 14:06
Maybe
September 7, 2019 at 14:09
Wonderful! Thank you!
September 7, 2019 at 15:15
Hello Brit good morning. Am in the US and I have a 9 year old with a guy in my home country. He was one refused a DV Visa and permanently banned from entering USA .because at that time he was married and the documents they presented to the embassy were kind of fraudulent.
He is now divorced to the girl and we are working out this together for the sake of our daughter. My question is is there any chance that if I file for him he could be given a Visa when he was permanently banned? Can marriage and the daughter we have change his status am a permanent resident
September 7, 2019 at 16:50
I only answer DV questions, but clearly this person doesn’t respect the US laws, so why would they give him another chance to disrespect them.
September 8, 2019 at 15:25
Hello Simon good morning I would like to ask a question I left selected in the DV 2020 at the time of filling out the form DS260 an agent did it and in the part where they ask for the data of the husbands I put the date of marriage for the church that was January of 2019 and I think the right thing is to put the marriage by the civilian that was January 2018 cres k should unlock the ds260 and correct the error will not bring this any problem at the time of my interview? Thanks for your time.
September 8, 2019 at 20:27
Correct it.
September 12, 2019 at 14:26
Hi Brit
I have just learned that the DV 2021 lottery registration will be mandatory with a valid passport. Is this true?
September 12, 2019 at 16:11
That is the new rule. We won’t see the new instructions for another week or two.
October 2, 2019 at 14:47
Please does what you are saying means the new rule concerning passport inclusion will be taken out, or there won’t be any additional rules?
October 3, 2019 at 02:08
Passport is now required.
September 13, 2019 at 18:29
Hey Brit! I want to let you know that my brother just got his Visa. Thank for all your advices. I have one question or two. As We are moving next month, my question is :
1- for the immagration fee, I will fill with my current address, but like I said at the end of the next month I will get a new one. What should I do in that case?
2- is that possible for my brother to land at New York instead of Texas? Because on his documents Dallas is where he should be.
Best regards
September 13, 2019 at 19:44
1. The address where the GC is sent is the address in the DS260 – so they can change that when they enter.
2. Yes
September 13, 2019 at 20:04
Got it. But probably he will be here next week. Should I wait to pay the immagration fee until I move into my new apartment or I should pay Right now.
He is supposed to live and get his GC at the same address as mentioned in the DS-260. But The thing is my lease expires at the middle of the next month, and I will move in a new apartment with a new address. So,…I don’t know what to do.
September 13, 2019 at 20:12
Maybe use another address.
September 13, 2019 at 23:55
Thank you
September 16, 2019 at 08:02
Hi BritSimon
Thank you for taking your time to provide such invaluable information.
I’m considering entering the DV Lottery 2021
My question relates to chargeability and citizenship
I was born in South Africa but have since migrated and become a citizen of Australia.
I’m a citizen of both South Africa and Australia
1.Do you foresee it being problematic that I’m a citizen of more than one country?
2.If I apply Country of Birth: South Africa should I use my Australian passport details or South African?
September 16, 2019 at 17:15
1. No
2. You MUST apply under SA as your place of birth but you can use either passport.
September 25, 2019 at 08:46
Hi Brit,
Hope you are fine.My interview date is on october 21.I won the dv lottery single and still I am..but I want to add my lifepartner too..In my case I have a boyfriend and as soon as possible we are going to marry..want to come us with him..so my question is..is it late to submit documents related to him ??within how many days can I submit ds260 form???Is there risknor not? If it is possible I want to add him..plz guide me.What can I do?? Thank you so much brit.
September 26, 2019 at 00:51
You have probably left this too late to add him before the interview. If he is your life partner, why did you not marry and add him immediately?
You can contact the embassy and ask if they can let you add him, but otherwise you will need to sponsor him through an I-130 process once you are in the USA. It will take around 2 years.
September 25, 2019 at 11:29
Hi MrBrit – question based on the above. Could you elaborate more on what you meant regarding those denied in May possibly winning a spot in October if the country quota hasn’t been filled? I applied based on being born in Turkey but I’ve lived in the UK all my life and hold both passports. I was not successful in May and assumed I would have to wait till this October to submit another application but I saw another question above and your response saying some additional winners might be announced.
What did you mean? And how would you know if you have now won?
September 26, 2019 at 03:18
THere might be a small second draw and people can check in Ocgtober. But again. SMALL number.
September 26, 2019 at 06:32
By small you mean 10k or 4k?
September 26, 2019 at 14:15
How would I know that????
September 26, 2019 at 15:20
Do you just check the portal come October 1st to see if you won as part of last years application? This is the first website i’ve come across with this information or actually this much detailed information to begin with.
September 27, 2019 at 22:16
You can check that yes.
September 26, 2019 at 05:04
Thank you Brit..I could not marry soon because he is in abroad..may be its late I think so that I asked..
September 26, 2019 at 11:42
Hello Simon… ,,, Am intending to apply for dv2021 as a South sudanes citizen but southsudanese passports always have extra names they add on the holders names,, they add the grandfather’s names as the holders new surname and also add the holder’s father’s name,, to make four names,,, so how do I go about that
Thanks
September 26, 2019 at 14:23
You enter your legal name.
September 27, 2019 at 19:27
Hi Simon!
In DS 260, what to fill into “number of educational institutions attended” field? just University and High school? or indicate only high shcool?.
I’ve a Bachelor degree, and now I’m attending the master but I haven’t got the diploma yet, so should I put “University degree” or ” some graduate level courses”?
Thank’s! 🙂
September 28, 2019 at 04:30
1. Schools since age 12.
2. some graduate level courses
September 28, 2019 at 03:22
I have learned a lot from your advice and I formation Brits…. I applied for DV lottery for the first time in 2009 at that time I included my two kids. For the last two years I have applied for the lottery without them because I didn’t have their photos given that the entry period falls within a period they are away in boarding school. For the 2021 entry I want to include them because I have taken their photos. My question is will be disqualified since in the previous entries I haven’t mentioned them?
September 28, 2019 at 04:41
I don;t know
September 29, 2019 at 16:00
Please, am a2020 selected and would like to submit the ds-260 form. I have realised that during the first entry I mistakenly interchanged my home town and the place of birth.I would like to know if it is possible to make the corrections on the Dr 260 form.
Thank you
September 29, 2019 at 16:05
Enter accurate info on the DS260. As long as both places are in the same country, there is no problem.
September 30, 2019 at 21:45
is 2020AF00028xxx low or high and where will be interveiw ?
October 1, 2019 at 03:37
Medium. Early 2020.
October 2, 2019 at 00:11
Hello Simon,
I know that DV lottery winners have to provide their social media account details when they submit the ds260. Yesterday I deleted by accident a lot of tweets, I know that my Twitter account will be analyzed, and I’m afraid of being suspected to hide something because of deleting a lot of tweets.
What do you think mate?
October 2, 2019 at 04:58
I don’t know.
October 2, 2019 at 13:01
Hi,,does they consider photos as 1st priority during selection?
October 3, 2019 at 02:01
I have no idea what you mean.
October 2, 2019 at 13:03
Hi Simon
Am writing this from from Ethiopia , I saw ur Video Today for the 1st time about DV lottery entry DV 2021 & I get nice information & I have a question ? I try DV lottery 4 or 5 times but I fill different information(My Birth Date), when i filled the 1st DV compared to the others so Is there any chance to affect my this year chance ? Thank You!
October 3, 2019 at 02:01
Yeah if you cheated in other years it can affect you. Lying doesn’t pay.
October 2, 2019 at 15:57
Hi,
I am an Australian citizen but is currently residing in South Korea for a short term.
Will this be an issue to apply for this years DVP?
October 3, 2019 at 02:14
No
October 2, 2019 at 22:42
Good evening Sir .. Thanks a lot for this platform. if you are a bachelor’s degree holder, what option am I to take as my level of education.
*high school degree
*high school no degree,
*some university courses or
*university degree?
October 3, 2019 at 04:14
4
October 3, 2019 at 06:35
Hi Simon,
My passport expires in 2021.
Can I use it for the DV 2021 registration?
October 3, 2019 at 15:46
Yes
October 3, 2019 at 08:21
Hi Simon
Want to enter the DV2021 lottery but have a question for you.
I was born in South Africa. I have two passports one been South Africa and the other British. My South African passport is expired but my British is still valid. Can I use my British to enter the DV2021 lottery or do I need to renew my South African passport.
Thanks in advance
Wayne
October 3, 2019 at 15:52
Use the British one.
October 3, 2019 at 19:33
Hi Britt,
Thank you so much for your useful information and your great work. I would like to ask you if you know how many draws there is? Because in the entry received it is written that the entry status check is between 5 of May 2020 to 30 September 2021? Is that mean that we need to check many times during this period if we are selected?
Thank you for your help and I wish you a great day.
Sincerely,
Antonino
October 3, 2019 at 21:17
One draw announced in May, and sometimes another draw in September. It seems that 2nd draw did not happen in DV2020.
October 3, 2019 at 20:37
Hey Brit, was wondering if you could answer some questions for me – I can’t seem to find definite answers online!
1) Both of my parents were born and raised in an eligible country (New Zealand) but moved to England for a few years for an OE – which is where I was born. A few weeks after I was born my parents moved back home to raise me. Since they were both born in New Zealand and didn’t plan on living in England permanently does that mean I am eligible for the lottery? I don’t have a UK passport or citizenship, only New Zealand.
2) On the “Choose your highest level of education today” section of the DV form it doesn’t have a proper answer for what I have. After high school I went and did a two year graphic design diploma at a design college, which is what people would call an associates degree. I ended up just selecting “high school degree” instead of any of the other options because I technically haven’t studied at a university so I didn’t want to choose “some university courses” or “university degree” and for vocational school it says it is not acceptable so I figured that they are talking about the alternative to finishing high school and not post secondary education. I didn’t want it to seem like I made out that I have more than what I actually do, incase if I were to be disqualified. Did I make the right choice?
3) Is the location of the interviews strictly in the country you have applied through? Or can you choose to do it at an embassy overseas if you aren’t living in your home country at the time?
Thanks!
October 3, 2019 at 21:49
1. Yes – you will need to provide proof the trip was temporary, but that should be easy as you left so soon after.
2. It doesn’t matter what you choose, as long as you meet the education criteria or work experience at the interview.
3. You interview where you live.
October 4, 2019 at 09:57
Hello there, I am applying for the DV2021 lottery and I don’t know what to put at the Birth City section…
At my Birth certificate, it’s: Place of Birth: Laknas, Tirana, ALB
At my passport it’s: Place of Birth: Laknas, ALB
Laknas is actually a village in the capital (Tirana)
October 4, 2019 at 21:28
Tirana
October 5, 2019 at 16:41
Hey Brit! I hope you are doing well. I want to ask you about the social security. Is it good to request it now or we should wait until we get the Green card.
Best regards,
October 5, 2019 at 20:06
How can I answer that when I don’t know your circumstances?
October 5, 2019 at 22:47
I asked questions many times in your forum. My brother just got here through the DV lottery (2019). And you helped a lot. my question was to know about the time he should request for his social security. Because I think that he should wait for his green card first before apply for a social security card.
October 6, 2019 at 15:20
You are incorrect. He may have selected an option to have the SSN automatically applied for (DS260), but if not he can visit the SSA within a few days of arrival. The GC may take weeks or months to arrive.
October 6, 2019 at 17:24
He had already selected that option. So no need to go at the SSA office to apply? If I understand he should receive it automatically .
October 6, 2019 at 18:30
Correct.
October 6, 2019 at 13:35
If the father and mother won the 2020 Lottery and their son is over 21 years old, single ( unmarried)
He added himself with his father and her mother in form ds 260 because his father is old man and he wants to be with him because he can support him in America.
Is there any exception ?
October 6, 2019 at 16:13
No.
October 6, 2019 at 21:20
Why no? What about family care category?
October 7, 2019 at 03:43
Why no. Because of the age, THe child has to be under 21.
Once in the USA the family can start a family based process, but that will take many years.
October 6, 2019 at 19:28
Got it. thank you Brit
October 7, 2019 at 04:31
Hi Simon
I have friend who completed vocational secondary school . in Egypt who obtained this certificate means He completed 12 years in education . He is quilfy to apply for Dv 2021
and he should select high school or vocational school .
best regards
October 8, 2019 at 03:05
High school.
October 7, 2019 at 05:26
What is meant by the “mailing address” on the DV form? Is it the address in the US in which the green card will be sent or is it the address of your current home?
October 8, 2019 at 03:09
Current home.
October 7, 2019 at 12:02
Dear simon
Please answer me..
I’ d like to inform you that my Educational Qualification was be written incorrect (Primary school) in the form of DV-2020 electronic entry in October of last year. This was done unintentionally .My correct Educational Qualification (Vocational education, holder of a commercial diploma), and I completed my DS-260 form with the correct data.
Is there a problem in selecting the wrong educational stage and correcting it in the form ds 260 ?
Thank you ..
October 8, 2019 at 04:38
You have repeated this so many times I lost count. I answered one time – that should be enough. Stop repeating it.
October 7, 2019 at 17:59
Hi Brit, ! I hope you are doing well. in DV2021 lottery I realised that I selected university degree instead of masters after submitting the application. I took screen shot of the pages . In DV2020,2019 I gave education level as masters. It was a negligence. Will i get rejected due to discrepancies in the previous submitted application with the present one. Is there any way to correct the submitted application or shall I give another new dv2021 application.
October 8, 2019 at 05:03
No problem. Do not enter again.
October 7, 2019 at 20:16
Hello Brit, thanks for helping us firts.!
I have couple of questions, what If I apply for DV now and after one or two months I will live in another country?
Second questions is, I have finished Association Degree, which of types of educations I should chose?
Last one, I have a photo that I took 5 months ago when I applied for USA Study Visa (they refused my visa btw) and I want to know If I can use that photo or I should take new one?
Thank you
October 8, 2019 at 05:14
1. No problem
2. Some University.
3. Use that one.
October 10, 2019 at 04:44
i have a friend in usa that want to play my dv from there and i am in cameroon ;pleas which mailing address is he going to fill mine or his ?
October 10, 2019 at 04:47
Is this a quiz? How exciting!
October 10, 2019 at 04:47
good day sir if a fiend from usa want to help me and play my dv lotterry ,which current mailling addres is he going to use mine or his ?
October 10, 2019 at 04:56
sir i mean i want to do my application for the dv entry 2021 and a friend already in usa want to help me fill the form from there; please i wich to know which address is going to be use since he is applying for me but from usa?
October 11, 2019 at 03:16
Your address.
October 31, 2019 at 13:11
Hi Brit many thanks for your blog. pls I am a 2020 selected and i have already submitted my D260 forms.
My case number is 2020AF00033xxx
my question was i supposed to add a picture to the forms and also when will i be interviewed
October 31, 2019 at 18:44
Interview spring 2020. No photo for the DS260. PLEASE read the instructions.
October 10, 2019 at 17:42
Hello Simon, How’re you!
I’m confused. look, I’ve been selected in The DV2020, when I applied, I put in “zip code” the code of the city where I live, and now, I’ve to fill out the ds260, and I think I’ve to put the zip code of the state/province not the city, I’m confused mate, so which is the right one?.
Thank you.
October 11, 2019 at 03:56
A zip code is part of an address. If you don’t use them, don’t enter it.
December 24, 2019 at 05:08
Hi Simon. I’m the case number SA17XX And want know my posibility for interviene notification . I’m winner un the dv 2020 programa. And i see that in the Monty january to be for the numero 1150. When i have interview? I’m cuba. If the next month is current i’ll have a imterview notificación?
How much dv visas have been give?
Will i have visa avilitabily?
Thanks And sorry for my English
December 24, 2019 at 06:04
Your number is not current yet, so it will be another couple of months before you are able to be scheduled.
October 10, 2019 at 18:34
Hi Brit,
I have been selected for the us lottery 2020.
Can I still apply for the us lottery 2021?
October 11, 2019 at 03:57
Yes
October 11, 2019 at 10:45
Hi Simon .
I tried many times to apply for new dv 2021 . after complete the application I can’t.. the web page is not available .
October 12, 2019 at 00:10
Hello sir. I want to play 2021 Dv with my girlfriend but we’re not married. Is it possible to play with her?
October 12, 2019 at 03:14
No. Enter as two unmarried people. If either of you wins, get married and process together.
October 12, 2019 at 12:47
I have quetions that my name written in two types 1,on my passport SUFIYAN ALIYI AHMED 2, ON MY certificate SUFIAN ALIYE AHMED which one I prefer when I use entry form DV 2021 to apply?
October 12, 2019 at 19:41
Whichever is your correct legal name. Normally passport.
October 16, 2019 at 22:59
Hi sir, ill pls like to ask that what if my given name is not on my passport?
I mean i have my sure name as: Sadisou Sali
but my given name is: Nothing
Can i separate them or just follow it as on the passport?
Thanks
October 17, 2019 at 03:40
Use your own judgement.
October 12, 2019 at 12:50
he sir? Yesterday evening in Europe, KCC received 17k 29k 32k emails and more about sending what happened. Thank you
October 12, 2019 at 19:41
Nothing unusual.
October 12, 2019 at 19:45
I have never heard of receiving emails in such great times CN 30K …….. So I think it’s something else the KCC is doing this year
October 12, 2019 at 19:57
The documents process was only introduced a few months ago – so I have no idea what you think is “something else”.
October 13, 2019 at 17:54
Hello Sir help me plz
Can you tell me how I can view this process?!
October 13, 2019 at 18:10
View what process? What do you mean?
October 13, 2019 at 18:22
The documents process was only introduced a few months ago!! where is it presented? where can i see it? thnx SIR
October 14, 2019 at 02:03
Click the link for ARCHIVE at the top of the page and start reading.
October 16, 2019 at 05:29
Hi Simon! We have EU00012**** number but we don’t have any email from KCC… Other applicants with higher and lower numbers recieved emails… I am a bit worried, whats goin on?
October 17, 2019 at 03:04
There is no need to worry. If you want – email them.
October 13, 2019 at 04:41
Hey Bris, I have tried feeling my form so many times and went I summit it doesn’t go saying ” can’t be reached “
October 13, 2019 at 15:16
Try at a different time of day, different browser and so on.
October 13, 2019 at 05:11
Hi Brit
My wife’s won 2020 already, so I become beneficiary of her dv2020.
Do I need to apply for 2021 myself, ?
Appreciate!
Thanks
Pi Lon
October 13, 2019 at 15:18
“need to” no – but no harm in doing so.