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.
May 1, 2022 at 13:10
Hi Simon,
Greetings!
My case number is current in May, I submitted my DS-260 on jully 2021, but still didn’t received any email regarding interview, what should I do? Thank you.
May 2, 2022 at 04:03
Cross your fingers, and email KCC
May 25, 2023 at 01:28
Hi Simon i m dv 2024 winner but i still not complete ds 260 im about to complete it in june this year because im getting married what is your opinion do i need to complete ds 260 for myself right now and then unlock it later and add my spouse or im still okay with completing on june.Btw im EU 2024 31XXX
May 25, 2023 at 09:27
I would submit now and unlock once married.
May 3, 2022 at 08:41
Hi Simon,
I am scheduled for my interview this coming month and the embassy had requested an i134 form be filled, but there has been a delay with my sponsor as they still haven’t finished filing their taxes. To be on the safe side wanted to know how much I should have in my bank account?
Thank you for your help
May 3, 2022 at 15:59
There is no precise amount of savings that is considered a “safe” amount, but a minimum of $10,000 per person is about what you should be thinking.
May 8, 2022 at 09:06
Hi! sir
In Asia up to which number,case number has reached?
My case number is AS0028000. Do you think my Interview will be schedule in this month (May) ?
May 8, 2022 at 16:51
I cannot guess what will happen in your case.
May 10, 2022 at 20:45
Hi Simon, I’m Case number Af38k submitted Ds260 in August but no notification yet I don’t know why. I’m dam worried
May 10, 2022 at 23:39
Because everything is a mess. Lots of people will miss out in DV2022. It mostly depends on your embassy and how well they are working compared to their backlog.
May 11, 2022 at 09:19
What does it mean when trying to access DS-260 and it says Your request cannot be processed at this time.
May 11, 2022 at 14:10
https://youtu.be/NYtq7T2tiYk
May 14, 2022 at 11:01
Hi , I was born in Germany but have 2 nationalities, Australian and German (one parent for each) but have lived in Australia since 6 months of age. I applied to the OC region lottery and won (I didn’t know about the where you are born criteria ). Am I now ineligible ?
May 15, 2022 at 20:26
Yes you are ineligible UNLESS you were married to an Australian at the time of entry. By applying in OC region you massively increased your chance of selection, without justification, and the rules about that are inflexible.
May 15, 2022 at 21:22
Sir, in the Ds260 where we should mention all the educational institutions I have added the university degree ( bachelor) but I did not mentioned any this thing regarding the high school..then I submitted it, is this worth unlocking and update?
May 18, 2022 at 18:35
If you are a DV2023 case, yes.
May 18, 2022 at 19:41
Yes, dv 2023, If I request to unlock the Ds260, are they replying whin days for dv 2023?
May 19, 2022 at 04:54
The inbox is probably filling up rapidly so be patient.
May 15, 2022 at 22:25
hi simon
i applied with no passport for my data entry dv lottery , and i choice i can’t find pasport.
I won Dv-lottery2023 for further processing .
and now i took a new passport , did I apply that new pass to my DS-260 .
what should i do sir ,
is it possible to worry my interview.
May 18, 2022 at 18:36
The requirement to use a passport was blocked, so you can proceed.
May 16, 2022 at 07:09
Hi Simon,
I am a selectee for the FY 2023 from Iraq and my CN is 2023AS00025xxx. After submitting my DS-260 a week ago, I have sent a request to KCC to reassign my interview to Amman since the embassy in Baghdad, Iraq is not processing applications now.
I just want to know if I have a good chance to be scheduled for interview and if there is anything that I can do now.
May 18, 2022 at 19:34
You simply need to wait. It’s going to be a long time waiting.
May 18, 2022 at 13:42
Hi Brit,
I am working as a freelance developer on upwork bidding on different projects for the past two years. Should I list it as a work experience on DS-260? What can I show them if they ask me for work experience? The only thing I can get from upwork is my contract history. Can I use the screenshot or print out from the page containing my previous works and clients review as an evidence of my work experience?
May 19, 2022 at 04:44
That sounds like a part time thing. If so, don’t list it unless the income is sufficient for complete living expenses.
May 23, 2022 at 11:54
Hello sir , i am one of the dv 23 winners and after submitting my ds-260 the kcc ask not to send any documents , so shall we send it to save some time or stick with this instructions ,because many of experts advise to submitt the documents but i found it silly not to stick with KCC instructions at the confirmation email .if there is any updates about the documents please let us all know we trust you .thanks (btw my case is AF40k from Egypt ,, hopefully you have some good news for us
May 24, 2022 at 12:18
https://youtu.be/XYmaOikEZJo
May 28, 2022 at 05:51
Dear Brit thanks for making the procedure easier for us, I am DV2023 selectee and curious to know is my case number high, for EU region 14XXX?
June 1, 2022 at 17:27
Not high, although it is too early to know much about case numbers for DV2023.
June 17, 2022 at 10:46
Hey Brit!
I’m awaiting scheduling of my interview for DV lotto in country (US) and my passport is expired/invalid as I await renewed passport to come through.
With long passport delays I’m concerned the interview will come before the new passport
Can you proceed with DV interview without a current passport?
June 18, 2022 at 19:14
Yes, but you only have until the end of the fiscal year.
June 18, 2022 at 05:51
Dear Mr. Simon, Thank you so much for explaining about new I 134 which is effective from this month. I still have one question about the beneficiary’s income. I am eligible to get my pension. Don’t I have to list it? The problem is exact amount is calculated only at the time of resignation. In addition the Employee benefits and gratuity is calculated, and the statements are there for the most recent tax year (2021). And again, I have a land property, which is already valued. Listing these will be an advantage or disadvantage? What is your opinion please? I am asking, although I have a sponsor, I also have a derivative – a F1 student (though aged out now whom I financially support). I appreciate if you could give me your valuable view on this. Thank you and God Bless you.
June 18, 2022 at 19:23
The video makes it clear that listing additional things simply increases the amount of documentation needed, so use some common sense.
June 19, 2022 at 04:46
Thank you so much Mr. Simon. I specifically ask that question because of my derivative is an F-1 and I am the one who is currently financing him while being in my country. As you explained, I understand that he should be listed in the part 2-question 17 and I was thinking that might raise concerns whether the Sponsor would undertake financing an undergraduate too who is a F-1 international undergraduate student. Also, he will not be eligible for visa by the time of my interview since he already passed the CSPA period too. Thanks for your wise advise, I will leave it blank and follow your advice. I am grateful to you. God bless you.
June 19, 2022 at 21:22
I am a resident physician in J1 visa (Valid) and I came to know that I have been selected in DV Lottery Diversity Visa this year 2023. I want to know how I will start with my application .
Thanks for your consideration
June 20, 2022 at 18:46
First, you need to consider how you will process your case. CP or AOS. I suggest you click on the link above that is a guide.
June 21, 2022 at 22:14
Dear Mr. Simon, greetings.
I am in a situation that I wish you could guide me and give me your opinion based on your knowledge and experience.
My son’s wife has been the winner as Principal Applicant (and he my 2 grandchildren as derivative), in the Lottery of Visas of 2023, something has saddened this triumph and it is that in her second surname the letters “CH and Z” have been changed position, this evidently in an oversight when filling the form.
This error was dragged to communicate the result in the document (pdf) to the effect where he points out the number of the case in KCC, of course this error is also dragged to enter the page https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/ to fill out the form DS-260. We have filled out everyone’s DS-260 applications with the correct last name by the way.
It is at this point where we really realize the problem and I have thought to contact by email with Kentucky Consular Center and see if they are able to help me to correct the error, for this I will provide them with a photocopy of the new passport that should have been made and the old one with which it was registered, plus birth registration.
Do you think this step is correct?, do you consider any other option?, will it be a serious mistake to be disqualified?
Anyway, any help you can offer me will be welcome and very much appreciated.
Warmest, Raul
June 26, 2022 at 16:38
As long as the DS260 is correct, and there are no concerns about fraud, it should be OK.
June 27, 2022 at 22:17
As I have heard and commented in a post published today, it is clear to me that the decision to reopen the children’s DS-260s and correct the error in their mother’s second last name was correct.
However, I have been left with the doubt of how much the error could affect the future when filling out the participation in the DV 2023, and that is that in her second surname the letters “CH and Z” have changed position, this evidently in an oversight when filling out the form.
This error was dragged to the KCC to communicate the result in the document (pdf) to the effect in where it indicates the number of the case, of course also drags this error when entering to the page https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/ to fill the form DS-260, where the family appears, that is to say the Main Applicant, her husband and both children.
Can the KCC correct this error?, they will have to continue with the same until the interview with the Consular Officer?, they run serious risks of rejection?, I know it will be presumptions, but due to their long experience I believe they are authorized words.
Thank you very much.
June 29, 2022 at 00:12
If the DS260 is corrected that is all you need to think about.
June 29, 2022 at 15:02
Muchas gracias Mr. Brit
June 27, 2022 at 13:15
Hi Simon,
Appreciate what you are doing. Thank YOU.
I received 2NL on the 15 of JUNE and till now when I check on CEAC portal is still in TRANSIT. What does this signify??
June 28, 2022 at 23:36
That you need to relax. That status is normal, and will change to ready once the embassy updates CEAC.
July 10, 2022 at 16:09
Hi,
Is there any chance that I can do AOS.. I’m right now in USA on H2B visa (13apr2022-03oct2022). By i94 I entered USA 31maj2022 and I’m aloud to stay until 13oct2022.
Thx
July 10, 2022 at 23:37
CASE NUMBER!
July 11, 2022 at 17:16
2023EU18xxx
July 15, 2022 at 03:33
Your case number won’t be current until well into next year. So no – plan on CP.
July 15, 2022 at 23:59
GREETINGS FROM 2023SA8** ,FIRST AF ALL I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU AND CONGRATULATE YOUR KINDNESS, YOUR BLOG IS REALLY MEANT TO HELP AND IS SO INSPIRATIONAL FOR US THAT AS YOU ONE DAY START TO WALK THIS PATH OF FAITH I HAVE READ AND WATCHED A FEW VIDEOS AND IT ANSWERED MY QUESTION ABOUT HOW IT WORKS STEP BY STEP SO I WILL KEEP FOCUS AND SHARE AS WELL MY EXPERIENCE TOO. BLESSINGS AND GOOD LUCK FOR ALL THE DV 2022 AND DV 2023 PEOPLE SELECTED.
July 26, 2022 at 14:27
Greetings Simon,
I have a 2022AS11.. case and I just finished and submitted my application beginning of July. I have changed my embassy post to Islamabad since my home country does not operate anymore. KCC has confirmed that they recieved my post change. I have got my Visa from Pakistan ready. September is approaching and i have not heard from KCC regarding my interview.
Do you think I should move to Islamabad now or wait until my interview is confirmed? Or will my case even be considered since I completed my application just this month?
July 28, 2022 at 08:55
You can decide what to do. I can’t guess what will happen in your case.
August 10, 2022 at 06:24
Hello,
This error comes again and again while checking:
-The information entered is not valid.
Please review the Confirmation Number, your Last/Family Name, and Year of Birth to ensure you have entered them exactly as they appear on your DV Confirmation Page, including punctuation.
Several characters are often confused:
0 = zero, O = letter ‘O’, 1 = one, I = letter ‘I’ (like ‘Ice’), 5 = five, S = letter ‘S’, 6 = six, G = letter ‘G’, 8 = eight, B = letter ‘B’
What it could be?
Thanks!
August 12, 2022 at 00:26
A mistake in what you are entering.
August 16, 2022 at 10:08
Hi Brit, first of all, I want to thank you for all the information you have been providing all this time. There is a lot of misinformation on the internet as we all already know, but I managed to find out all the relevant information here.
I am this year’s winner of the Diversity Visa and my case number is 2023EU33k, the embassy of the interview is Belgrade, Serbia.
I saw on the live stream that you responded to someone who had a case number of 2023EU23k that it wasn’t a terribly high number and that it would most likely be scheduled for the interview, I assume that applies to my case number as well?
At one point I was really worried that I would never get my turn.
I also donated a symbolic amount as a small sign of appreciation.
August 22, 2022 at 04:02
Your number is significantly higher than the 23K case. I suspect yours is one of the highest numbers. However, we don’t know precisely how high the numbers go yet – we will know more on January 1.
August 22, 2022 at 04:36
Hi Mr.Simon
I have a friend who is a winner of DV 2022 , she interviewed on 7 August in Cairo,Egypt , the embassy issued the visa for her & her daughter but her husband & son under administration processing.
They asked for more information about the travel history , employment for 15 years & family details (brothers ,sisters & spouse) .now she is afraid because the financial year will be on 30 September . May the embassy will not issue the visas for son & husband . She asked if there is a way to finish the admin processing , her son is 11 years old & her husband is working in Kuwait.
Thanks & best regards
August 22, 2022 at 04:48
She will need to wait.
August 27, 2022 at 07:04
Hello,
Thanks for providing us with correct information with regards to the DV selectee process.
I have received my interview date in Sydney. They have not specifically requested an I-134. Does this mean I will not need to provide it?
I don’t know anyone in the US who could complete the I-134 for me anyway. Would my best bet be to have a large sum in my bank account?
Thanks for your help!
August 28, 2022 at 21:34
Sydney rarely ask for financials, but take bank statements just in case.
September 25, 2022 at 17:18
Hi Simon, I’m in US already and submitted DS260 from here. Heard you mention “someone’s mom” who specializes in DV-related AoS, but can’t find her info… could you please share 🙂
September 26, 2022 at 14:44
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2023-aos-adjustment-of-status-only.345837/
October 15, 2022 at 09:00
yes Mr. birth, i have a question about DVD lottery 2022 process, how the photo of the women seems? especially the ears, same one side there is no need to appear the ears? and other side the ears must no be hidden ) i am waiting your fast respond
October 23, 2022 at 15:00
Read the instructions there are a number of examples that answer your question completely.
October 21, 2022 at 14:16
Hi Brit,
My husband went to Australia after submitting DS260 for a job. Do I need to unlock my DS260 and update his details? I am the principal winner. Not my husband.
October 23, 2022 at 20:24
No. It was accurate when you submitted.
December 8, 2022 at 02:42
I am Dv 2022 lottery Winner so I have no any interview appointment letter from US Embassy of Addis Ababa -Ethiopia I ask to schedule for interview and to use this golden chance for the last month of 2022 also eve of new year 2023 that to have good luck for me.
December 9, 2022 at 08:58
DV2022 is over, your DV2022 chance is gone.
December 20, 2022 at 18:31
Hello Simon
Its my hope that your doing well
My young brother was selected for DV 2023 his number is within the January bulletin but he didn’t receive his appointment e mail yet? We was wondering if may be they are still sending or may be not yet sent? Please assist thanks
December 22, 2022 at 08:39
They will continue to send 2NLs until the end of the month. BUT they will only send 2NLs to people that have had their DS260 processed, and the embassy has capacity.
December 21, 2022 at 12:45
Hi Simon,
We have received the 2023DV visa interview in Montreal for Feb 2023. Now my wife has given birth to a new baby last month and we want to add him to the application. I contacted KCC but I didn’t get a clear answer. Do you know what would be the safe option to add him to the DV-260 application without getting a rejection at the time of the interview? And do we need to reject the inteview or postpone it? Appreciate your help.
December 22, 2022 at 08:52
Since you are already scheduled you should contact the embassy. You should have added the baby immediately.
January 13, 2023 at 14:56
Hey Mr BritSimon. I was born in Saudi Arabia but my nationality is Somali both of the countries are eligible to the dv lottery but I mistakenly choose Somalia as my country’s eligibility. So is there any other chances that can help me to pass the interview.
January 15, 2023 at 10:31
You have crossed from the AS region that you should have been in, to the AF region. You will be disqualified UNLESS you had good reason to choose Somalia, which can only be because your spouse (married at the time of entry) was Somalian.
January 18, 2023 at 21:41
Hi Britsimon,
He just said he is Somali National hence that’s his country of eligibility. I hope he doesn’t get qualified in this case because someone’s nationality makes it should be eligibility if am not wrong.
January 20, 2023 at 12:53
Yes, you are wrong. Place of birth matters, current nationality does not.
January 6, 2023 at 14:56
Dear Sir,thanks for fantastic site that you have, I am DV2023 selectee and curious to know is my case number high, for AS(Iran) region 51xx? Happy new year
January 6, 2023 at 23:27
https://britsimonsays.com/what-are-your-chances-for-your-case-number/
January 10, 2023 at 05:04
Hi simon,
I’m a winner from Ghana and my case number is 2023AF34XXXX. I’m a little bit worried as the slow pace of the embassy here working on the backlog. Will be advisable to charge my case to a different country in Africa and if so, does it have any effect or whatsoever on my case.
January 15, 2023 at 09:45
Ghana started interviews, but it is too soon to know whether they will take full capacity. Transferring normally is denied unless you have moved to another country.
January 27, 2023 at 04:18
Thank you for all the information, Simon.
Could you please tell me, if I am a Romanian citizen (living and studying in the UK) and I win, will my interview be scheduled in Romania or can I do it in the UK?
Thank you!
January 28, 2023 at 22:58
They generally schedule interviews where the applicant lives.
February 2, 2023 at 13:01
Hi Brit 👋
I’m a selectee of the DV-2023
But I played without a passport and I’m scheduled for interview in March, will that affect me even though the rule have been ruled out?
February 3, 2023 at 14:54
No
March 17, 2023 at 03:46
Hello Simon,
My cousin was selected on DV 2023 he had his visa interview on the 2nd this month and disqualified due to failure to submit education certificates, but he had proof of work experience over three years, my question is, is there a way to appeal? Why they didn’t consider his experience while is one of the qualification to be considered? Please assist us.
March 18, 2023 at 17:01
I obviously cannot be precise in my answer, but you must understand that not all work experience meets the standard required.
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
April 8, 2023 at 19:43
HI Brit,
I am from Ghana and my case number is part of February visa bulletin
But I am yet to receive a mail from KCC scheduling me for an interview
I have sent follow-up mails to KCC and they response is “still processing ”
What do you advice please?
April 14, 2023 at 12:45
Sadly Accra is not doing enough, all you can do is hope.
May 10, 2023 at 06:51
Hello ,
Highly appreciate your work !!!
My husband won DV lottery 2024 & his CN is AS70**. My question is , we got married in March’23 which is after filling DV lottery entry. Do we need to inform KCC regarding adding spouse by mail with relevant documents or Is it enough to mention in DS260 & add derivative?
May 10, 2023 at 09:06
No need to explain – they know life happens.
May 17, 2023 at 07:51
Hi Simon. What if you get married after the Results are out. For example in June 23. Before filling DS260?
May 18, 2023 at 10:48
You then include your spouse in your DS260 and use the add applicant button to create a DS260 for the spouse.
May 11, 2023 at 04:50
I can’t enter all my given names in the slot where I have to enter my name, parents name and such because it’s too long. Is this ok?
May 11, 2023 at 09:00
Yes
May 11, 2023 at 13:40
Hello,
I have been selected from the DV Program, and my case number is EU 666xx. I’m currently on US under F-1 OPT visa, and I’m confused on what steps to follow. I have read that is recommended to fill DS-260 even If I’m going with AOS process, but considering my case number when do you suggest I submit that form ? Does early June 2023 is good, or is too early?
Thanks!
May 12, 2023 at 17:15
If you are doing AOS you do not have to complete the DS260. All the AOS info you need is here:
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2024-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.346971
May 11, 2023 at 22:48
Hi Simon ,I’m 2024 DV winner from Africa and my case number is AF41000,do you think my case number is high ?
May 12, 2023 at 17:24
No
May 12, 2023 at 17:35
Hi Simon, my case is 2024EU00051××× as I understand there is a little chance for interview becouse of those holes between case numbers. Embassy Tajikistan, Dushanbe.
May 12, 2023 at 20:38
Maybe. We will know more in July/Aug
May 13, 2023 at 03:41
Dear Simon,
I’m a selectee from EU with quite a high number – 37***, however my embassy will be in Hong Kong.
Does the embassy location impact the process of the call for the interview ? Or it really depends on the case number?
Thank you
May 13, 2023 at 10:00
The case numbers control the flow.
May 13, 2023 at 23:37
Thank you. So I this case the submission of the DS with high case early or late hasn’t any impact as the case numbers control the flow
May 14, 2023 at 12:16
In the main, yes – BUT there are some circumstances where the late submission of the DS260 will cause a delay for a case.
May 18, 2023 at 11:22
Hello, I am Enock. DV 2024AF29XXX.
Is my case number good for Accra because I am from Ghana.
I made an error in the entry forms. My name Enock was spelt as Enoch. Can i correct it in the DS260 forms?
I have a daughter of less than 2 years whose mum is currently married in the UK. I did not add my daughter in the entry. What is your advise for me about that? Can i add her now without risking denial?
May 18, 2023 at 14:59
1. Yes you could correct that.
2. The existence of the child means certain disqualification.
Accra is working very badly in DV2023. Whether that continues or not, I can’t be sure.
May 24, 2023 at 21:11
Hi Simon , am a 2024 lottery winner , am filling my Ds260 now just finished the start and the first page and I would like to change the interview location how I can proceed to do so please let me know I appreciate it.
May 25, 2023 at 09:18
You pick an embassy in the DS260 (only the first time). However, they will actually select the embassy based on your current address.
May 25, 2023 at 13:26
I am in the U.S. and won 2024 whilst here in America. I came on F1 visa.Am I still required to fill in the DS-260 form if I will file for adjustment of status.Thank you !
May 27, 2023 at 10:56
It is optional for AOS cases.
Everything about AOS is here:
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2024-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.346971
May 31, 2023 at 16:29
Hi Simon, I am a 2024 Winner 2024EU53***. I was wondering while my visa is “pending” or not yet been selected for an interview, can i enter the US on a ESTA for a 2 week holiday or is this not allowed. I am from NI/UK.
May 31, 2023 at 17:49
Yes you can still enter as a tourist on ESTA in the meantime.
June 1, 2023 at 22:48
Even after showing immigrant intent by filing the DS-260 form?
June 2, 2023 at 15:08
Yes.
June 7, 2023 at 00:46
Hi Mr. Simon
I have friend who is DV 2024 winner case No AF 42xxx. His family does not like to immigrate with him. He should submit Ds260 for him only or for His family members too.
Best regards
June 7, 2023 at 12:56
Only create a DS260 for each person that wants the greencard.
June 7, 2023 at 23:53
Thanks Mr. Simon for Your kind response
June 10, 2023 at 03:46
Hi Mr. Simon
I m dv 2023 winner .my case number about 39000AF EGYPT . my case number apeare in visa bulletin (up to 42000) in july .the embassy interviews reached 20000 in cairo. what I want to ask about is cairo embassy have to reach all the number in this bulletin or it doesnt necessary, especcialy the interviews running slowley . anther question who tells the visa bulletin to reach
any number the embassy or ministry of foreign affairs
June 10, 2023 at 12:17
The embassy decides how many interviews it can accommodate in any given month. If they don’t interview enough cases, then a backlog builds up. Cairo are obviously backlogged about 3 months worth of cases, most of which will be ahead of you in the AV queue. So, unless Cairo takes a massive number of cases in August and September, you are at risk.
June 23, 2023 at 02:49
Submitted my DS260 in may, low case number OC15** how long to hear back?
June 23, 2023 at 09:49
Please always give the year with the number. I assume you are DV2024?
We don’t have selectee numbers yet, but I would assume that number is lower in DV2024 than the same number in DV2023 (because I think there are more holes to explain the higher case numbers we are hearing). So – that number became current in June for DV2023, and I would expect it to be earlier than that – but we will have a better idea when we know selectee numbers.