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 4, 2016 at 16:15
Tajocha
Hi Brit
I am a selectee of Dv 2017 with case number 2017AF00002779. Waiting to write baccalaureate this year which the results are to be out by July 2017 will I still have a chance to stand for a Visa? Hoping to receive a reply from you. Thanks in advance
August 4, 2016 at 21:19
Yes. You can try now, or delay the process until July.
August 10, 2016 at 07:49
hi can a UK citizen apply for this?
August 10, 2016 at 13:51
People born in the UK cannot enter the lottery UNLESS they are married to someone from an eligible country. It is not about citizenship – it is based on place of birth.
August 25, 2016 at 09:16
Hi brits , my case number is 2017AF000038xx, i submitted my ds260 onJune 20th, can I receive my interview email by ending September as presumed by you.?? Thanks
August 25, 2016 at 15:17
https://britsimonsays.com/2nls-october-interviews-sent
August 15, 2016 at 11:01
Dear BritSimon , I have entered my name in a wrong way in the intial entery for DV2016
i switch names ,i put my middle name as my family name and my middle name as my family name ..
i got selected for DV2016 and my interview will be on Sept 2016 .
Can i explain to the counselor in the embassy or i have a problem and disqualified !
Thank’s and regards
August 15, 2016 at 13:05
You can explain, as long as the issue is correct in the DS260. Some embassies are strict about it and may refuse you, others will let it pass. Which embassy?
August 15, 2016 at 17:17
Hello, I’ve been successful and received selection for DV2017. I have just submitted by DS-260 but my circumstances have changes slightly and I need to know:
– Can I withdraw the form and re-submit it later?
– If I email to make changes does this effectively put my form “on hold” until I re-submit with the new information or will it still be scheduled for an interview?
– If I need to cancel my request for an interview (and therefore forgo my right to the greencard) will I be able to reapply for the lottery next year?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can share on the matter…
August 16, 2016 at 03:47
1. No
2. Sometimes – if you unlock it before it is processed.
3. Yes.
August 17, 2016 at 14:07
Two more questions from me –
– I have submitted my DS260 but we are now going to get married in a month. Should I unlock my form and update it now as “married” with the date in a month or update it after we actually are married?
– What forms will my husband be required to present at the interview? Will he also need a medical?
Thanks so much
August 17, 2016 at 16:08
1. No, only update when you are actually married. Unlock now if you like.
2. He will need a DS260, medical and normal documents such as birth cert passport etc. The only thing he won’t need is the education proof.
August 21, 2016 at 16:14
Dont do that Kate. You must be reject your visa because when you first applied your DV lottery, you fill up that in single status. So you can only allow legally to come and live in usa.
You first go to usa and when you receive green card and then go back your country and make marriage and after that try your husband to come to you.
If you reopen your ds260 and fillup with marriage and if you try your unfill husband with you in the interview know that your interview must be reject.
ask brit that when he applied dv lottery he fillup with his spouse and his child with him?
Please follow dv lottery rule so that your usa dream will be come true.
Again, you applied your DV lottery for single so it is not legal for your husband.
August 21, 2016 at 17:00
Andrew, your statements are completely incorrect. You clearly do not understand how the process works, and I would appreciate if you would leave the answering to me.
https://britsimonsays.com/marital-status-getting-married-dv-lottery-process/
August 21, 2016 at 17:39
Hi brother Brit
you are right. My apologise for big mistaken. And really appreciate your help for everyone.
Again i am so sorry.
August 17, 2016 at 14:56
Hello brit
Thank you very much for all ur article its very useful
I m currently in australia in temporary visa but i m from nepal..i got my dv2017 n my case number ends with 41xx ..wht u think do i have chance to called for interview n by when..
August 17, 2016 at 15:56
britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 19, 2016 at 12:47
Hi Brit
I wasn’t chosen in the 2017 dv lottery. Will that initial dv lottery application disapprove me for a NIV?
August 19, 2016 at 17:27
No. Just like buying a lottery ticket does not make you liable to pay the taxes on the winnings.
August 20, 2016 at 07:52
hello Brit
thanks very much for your articles it has being a source of relief to me and better understanding of the DV program and thanks for your reply. i am a selectee of DV 2017 with case number 2017AF000053xx. i entered the DV lottery with my siblings as my children and you advice my not to apply for a visa for them now my questions are
1) when filling my DS260 form should i include them as my children
2) does it reduce my chances of obtaining a visa
3) can i travel to the US and come back to my country before 6 months to complete my studies since i have just a year to finish
4) how long does a DV visa takes to expire
i hope to receive a reply from you before filling my DS260 form thanks. my regards to your daughter sofia
August 20, 2016 at 14:48
1. No – that would be a lie.
2. Possibly (since they may be annoyed you lied on the eDV).
3. Yes.
4. Your initial entry must be by the expiry date on the visa – which is 6 months after the medical.
September 9, 2016 at 16:28
I have a concern in Venezuela the embassy asked to apostillar all documents but the govierno stoped the process there not goin to do it and i dont know what to do
September 9, 2016 at 16:48
Do everything you can to get the documents stamped, and if not possible take them to the embassy unstamped.
September 10, 2016 at 07:23
hi brit many thanks ma questions
1/ we add our child in our DS 260 form but we haven’t created her own ds260 is it a problem?
2/ is there any age limit for spouse not principal winner?
September 10, 2016 at 22:12
1. The child should have their own DS260 if you want the child top get a Green Card.
2. No
September 10, 2016 at 07:30
CN 6** submitted in may 27 /2016 I hop November interview?
September 10, 2016 at 22:11
Possibly. But I don’t know because you seem to think I can guess your region.
September 14, 2016 at 22:39
Hello, Brit! My husband is in US now in political asylum pending status. He is legal and had no unlawful presence while was apply for asylum case. He won the DV 2017 and we want to send I-485 for adjustment of status to be eligible to apply for DV Lottery.
Here is the main question: Should he first apply for adjustment of status and than fiil the DS-260? I couldn’t find this information.
Looking for reply.
Best regards.
September 14, 2016 at 23:30
Please check the link below. It has a spreadsheet on post 1 of the thread with important instructions on AOS cases.
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2017-aos-only.331328/
September 16, 2016 at 16:46
Hi Brit, can i continue to check with my confirmation number in the dv 2017 i was not selected . Can still check again if i would be selected
September 16, 2016 at 22:15
You can of course check as often as you like, but I don’t think any new cases will be selected.
September 21, 2016 at 11:29
hi BritSimon,
I came again to ask a question that I couldn’t understand on DS-260 form.
what does that mean by :
“Do you have documentation to establish that you have received vaccinations in accordance with U.S. law? ”
I have taken some vaccinations that I can’t remember however i don’t have that documentation. So when shall I get the vaccination documents and what is the U.S. law on this??
thank you so much
September 21, 2016 at 13:47
Answer no. In the explanation box say “I will have vaccinations as needed”.
September 22, 2016 at 07:12
thank you so much BritSimon. I’ve no word to express about what you are doing. GOD bless you.
September 23, 2016 at 03:57
Execuse me Britsimon i am a selectee of DV 2017 with case number 2017AS00002XX. Submitte the DS 260 form may 25, i didn’t receive the interview date yet. im not qualified DV 2017.
September 23, 2016 at 05:06
Read this:
https://britsimonsays.com/2nls-november-interviews-sent/
September 24, 2016 at 11:21
1.Vocational will be in qualifay? 2.my age is 22 can i win that age? My dream to live u.s.a Enter your comment here…
September 24, 2016 at 13:28
1. Clarify your question
2. Yes
October 1, 2016 at 09:08
Hi,
I am AS83XX.
I have submitted the DS260, asked to open it for fixes and they resubmitted it for me to fixes. haven’t fixed yet (partially also since my wife and two of my kids heading to two weeks in the USA in about two weeks and i would like to fill in that visit when they return).
Some chances i will be sent to the USA on L1A BEFORE they will reach my number for DV (spring-summer).
What are the consideratioms i will need to consider if i do not want to harm the L1A nor the DV ?
If i will relocate on L1A should i change interview place ? How different is the interview (i assume some of the paper work such as education would have been done for L1A).
My employer will pay for the L1A fees while i will need to pay for he DV fees…
I assume proof of work will be eaiser 😉
I also wonder should i translate all documents to the domestic interview ? i know in the consulate here they accept in local official language (for DV).
Any advice would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Giraffe.
October 1, 2016 at 17:00
OK a few clarifications.
Your case number won’t be current until quite late in the year. Probably July/August as a rough guess. If you are Iranian or Nepalese, let me know.
The L visas are “dual intent” visas, which means it is acceptable to have intent to immigrate as well as processing the L visa. H visas are similar in that respect. So – there really is no danger of “harm” to the L1 – but you should inform your company lawyer that is handling the L case.
Now – if you were to be in the USA on the L1A prior to the DV case becoming current, you could switch to AOS processing (adjustment of status, which is processed in the USA). However, AOS is a completely different process. There are pros and cons to that process, but switching from one to the other late in the fiscal year has some risk. So – you may want to continue to do CP processing back in your home country. An excellent resource for AOS and the differences between CP and AOS can be seen at the link below.
Regarding documents, I would recommend you get them translated – as you might have other needs for those documents.
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2017-aos-only.331328/
October 3, 2016 at 19:49
Hi,
Thank you so much for doing this. I have been reading through the comments but i dont think any of these cases are applicable to me.
Am i eligible to apply for dv program if only one of my parents is born in an eligible country(hong kong sar)? I was born in my mom’s country which is Vietnam.
Thank you so much!
October 3, 2016 at 19:54
No, you cannot enter the lottery. The only way you could become eligible is through marriage to someone from an eligible country.
October 3, 2016 at 19:57
Thank you for the quick reply!
How about if I hold a hong kong passport? Does it help at all?
October 4, 2016 at 09:06
Hi Sir,
Good day to you, I’m from Malaysia and going to apply DV2018. Question: I finished primary and secondary with certificate total 12 years education. Do I qualified for the DV2018? Thanks
October 4, 2016 at 12:51
Probably.
October 4, 2016 at 20:40
Hi Simon, I have a few questions to ask you.
1.I want to know if my sure name can cause an issue. There are three ways to write it. 1. Gebre Michael 2. Gebremichael 3. G/Michael. I used 1 on my DS260 but it is written as in 2 on my passport and on some educational docs it is written as 3. it is not an issue here in Ethiopia. So shall i go and correct it on my DS260.
2. how can I unlock my DS260?
thank you as always.
October 5, 2016 at 01:46
HI, thanks for all your help, i have a few questions of my own case, i recently fill out my ds-260 forms, but my wife is pregnant and due for late february, if i sumited the form by the end of september, when do you estimed, i would get the interview and what would happen if i get by the interview and my wife give birth before going to the US?
October 5, 2016 at 05:08
What is your region/case number.
October 5, 2016 at 10:52
Hello Mr. Simon,
I’d like to ask you if there is a way to postpone my interview. According to my number I assume I will be called around January, therefore I’d have to move to US no later than mid 2017 – July. Ideally I would like to stay in my country for the whole 2017 because of a great career opportunity that I just got here and move in January 2018.
Another way is going to US mid 2017 only to activate my green card and taking the 6 months out of a year that I have to be present in US to finish things in my home country. Do you think that is possible?
Thank you very much for your time and answer.
October 5, 2016 at 13:44
The best way to postpone things is to delay submission of the DS260. However, if you have already submitted that, you can ask the embassy to reschedule. It is then up to them if and when they reschedule you. The other thing you could do is have the interview and take a quick activation trip to the USA, you can then leave and stay out for up to 12 months.
October 7, 2016 at 16:27
Thank you very much, that is very helpful.
October 6, 2016 at 15:14
Hello,I asked a question but you were not give answer to my question. My wife want to enter for dv entry & she will be the principal applicant because of her eligibility but she has not be bearing my surname yet due to fact that we haven’t legally married. Please cab she still add my name as derivative under her,you know she is not yet bearing my surname please put me through what to do on that before we enter for dv entry. Thanks
October 6, 2016 at 17:40
I already answered!
https://britsimonsays.com/official-dv-2018-instructions-released/comment-page-1/#comment-49692
October 7, 2016 at 00:21
Hello Brit,
please made an error typing…my date of birth is 1994 but appeared on my form as 1996…what should I do? And my case number is 2017xxxxxxx0761…and about to apply for when interviwe..please when do You think I will be scheduled..
October 7, 2016 at 01:26
Make sure your date of birth is correct on the DS260.
DS260 processing is backlogged at the moment, so the interview date depends when you submit the DS260.
October 9, 2016 at 00:57
What do I mention in the education section if I have high school degree and studying in the university ( do not have a diploma yet, in the proccess of my study)
October 9, 2016 at 05:11
Some university – use your best judgement.
October 9, 2016 at 05:33
Hello Brit,
My Name on the Passport is KHALED M. S. ABUHELO
I going to apply for the DV lottery 2018 and the question is could i enter my middle name as mentioned on my passport in abbreviation form to be (M. S.)?
or i have to mention the full middle name.
my first name is KHALED
and the last name ABUHELO
October 9, 2016 at 14:09
Full name, not abbreviation.
October 9, 2016 at 19:17
if i have 2 last names… Maria Gabriela Perez Zambrano.. how can I fill that part?
October 10, 2016 at 04:18
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/name-confusion/
October 11, 2016 at 07:51
Good day Brit….. do you have an idea what type of people do really USA is looking for through DV Program !!!. I mean meddle Class! , Family of four or six! not that much qualified or they are looking for individuals, Married, highly qualified and TAX payers? or whats your point… Thanks.
October 11, 2016 at 23:21
The selection is RANDOM. It is called the diversity lottery to get diversity!!
October 11, 2016 at 09:05
Hi Brit, I submitted my ds-260 in late September. Please when will I be called for interview
October 11, 2016 at 23:17
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
October 14, 2016 at 18:10
hi brit.. i have just gotten my passport and other supporting documents. 1. will there be any problem submitted my DS260 as this time?
2.after filing the ds260 form what can i do?
i need your advise please
October 15, 2016 at 05:32
1. No
2. You just wait a few months while they process your DS260.
October 19, 2016 at 04:44
my case no is 74XX . is there chance to get second letter?
October 19, 2016 at 05:36
Wait and see.
October 20, 2016 at 01:34
Hi Brit Simon
my sister win DV 2016 and her interview was scheduled in us embassy in Ethiopia on October 17,2016 which was beyond Sep. 30,2016. she was from so remote area to tell the the truth where no internet.please give me tangible information for her heart breaking situation how to be resolved.my question too is how the did the site accept schedule beyond September, 30, 2016 for DV 2016?
i hope i will hear good news from u
October 20, 2016 at 18:01
Ahhh, I answered a similar question from you earlier. It sounds like your sister made an appointment on the DHL website and did not attend the appointment made by KCC. That was an unfortunate mistake that she made. But, regardless of the reason, her DV2016 case cannot be approved.
October 24, 2016 at 08:53
Hello Simon,
I have a question to you. My name is Özgür and as you see it contains some türkish letters like “Ö” and “Ü”. In the application guide there is a remark about writing your name as on your passport. But many forums suggest not use any other letters then english ones. So I am comfused about that topic. May I learn your opinion about using türkish letters on application form.
Thanx.
October 24, 2016 at 14:25
Omit the accent.
There is a section for native alphabet – write it there.
October 26, 2016 at 13:23
Hi, i have a case around nr EU5000 and submitted my DS260 at the end of july. i read on you blog that there might be delays up to 4 to 5 months with the scheduling of interviews. I just wonder how much time between when you get the second letter about the interview and when the interview actually take place, how much time will they give you in-between?
The reason i am asking is because I am going on a family vacation over christmas and new years and I am afraid that the interview would take place during that time.
Best,
M
October 26, 2016 at 13:55
The next interviews they schedule will be for January interviews – so they give you 6 to 7 weeks notice. I doubt you will be in that batch – probably February.
November 10, 2016 at 21:22
Okay, Thank you for you help 🙂
October 30, 2016 at 06:24
hello Brit,
how are you and your daughter sofia? i am a selectee of dv 2017 with case number 2017AF000053XX. please Brit i need some clarification about the visa fee i read it online that each applicant is to pay $330. i am the principal applicant and i intend traveling with my husband and son.
1. would my husband and son also pay this $330 individually or
2. will i be the only one to pay the $330. waiting for your reply thanks in advance.
October 30, 2016 at 14:51
Each person will pay – a total in your case of $990. You will also pay 3x medical fees and 3x Green Card fees ($165 each) if approved.
November 1, 2016 at 17:46
MY CASE NO IS 2017AS0XXX6XXX. How much time it will take to get 2nd letter .
November 1, 2016 at 18:04
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
November 1, 2016 at 20:15
Dear simon goodnight! I wanted to fill the ds 260 but I have a concern. On my diploma is I have the name of Aimee and my marriage certificate and my passport is the Aimérance name. How can I fill my DS260? I am writing to KCC and he asked me to fill with the names on the documents Officials Surnames in fields other names. Please help me. I gagnate 2017 CN with 31xxx. Thank you
November 1, 2016 at 20:32
Your DS260 should match your passport/birth certificate. You can use the “other names used” section for the name shown on education papers.
November 5, 2016 at 11:55
hi brit
i am a selectee of dv 2017 with case number 2017af5xxx. please i need some clarification about this sentence “Before we can process your Diversity Visa application, each applicant in your case must complete Form DS-260, the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application”. i have submitted my ds-260 form for my husband, son and i but did not submit for my other children (2)
1) my question is with regards to the statement above would my DS-260 form be processed even though i did not submit for my other 2 children? since i do not intend to travel with them.
November 5, 2016 at 13:56
Yes. The other children are not “requesting” visas.
November 5, 2016 at 23:53
Hello Simon, good job you’re doing here. I want to register for dvlottery 2018, but have no country of eligibility. Although, i have a cousin(same surname) who’s a U.S citizen, he won dvlottery years back. Please any possible alternatives. Thanks
November 6, 2016 at 00:58
https://britsimonsays.com/country-of-chargeability-for-dv-lottery/
November 7, 2016 at 00:28
Hi dear Brit,
well i am one those selected with a case number 2017AF00020XXX i had a late submission of my DS260 on 1 October last month. i did answered YES unknowingly to this question” Do you have documentation to establish that you have received vaccinations in accordance with U.S. law?” under Medical and Health Information
my Question is do i have to request for my DS260 to be open so i can edit and resend ?
thanks for the help and assistance
November 7, 2016 at 00:29
No need to unlock for that.
November 7, 2016 at 00:37
Please note that i did not received vaccinations in accordance with U.S. law yet
November 7, 2016 at 00:43
Thanks for the prompt reply
November 7, 2016 at 17:38
Hi Bret
I applied for the most recent dv lottery and I’ve submitted my form. I made a mistake in choosing the wrong country of eligibility, is there any possible way I can fix this?
November 7, 2016 at 17:43
No. If the country is in the same region as your country of birth the mistake might be forgiven. I would need to know the two countries to be sure. However, it’s a lottery. No need to worry about it unless you are selected.
November 12, 2016 at 22:05
Hi Simon,
Thank you creating this website. its been helping me a lot.
I have a few questions
1. I had KCC unlocking my application because I visit the US (they opened it I changed the information and closed it the same day). Does this mean that it will take longer time to get scheduled for an interview now?
2. I am planning to go back to the US over thanksgiving. If I get an interview scheduled before I come back from the US what do I do then? can i have KCC unlock the application still or do I just let them know I’ve been visiting the states at the interview instead?
Best,
M
November 13, 2016 at 14:37
1. No
2. You don’t have to unlock for that.
December 11, 2016 at 20:51
Hi Simon,
Will I need to wear formal business attire for the interview?
December 11, 2016 at 21:48
Whatever you want, but not too casual.
December 23, 2016 at 10:00
Hi Mr BritSimon i am the dv 2017 and my case number is 2017AF00029### and i add my wife then when we fill the ds260 we chose the current address Djabouti then we made a mistake we wrote city:DJabouti ,Country/Region:(Somalia) .the right answer wad to write Djibouti .so does that cause us a problem to lose the visa
December 23, 2016 at 14:26
No
January 4, 2017 at 10:12
Thanks so much for this Informative site Brit.
January 21, 2017 at 11:10
Hi Mr BritSimon
I missed the first letter of passport number in DS260,what I Do?
a)unlock request to kcc and edit the mistake
b)explain it to officer on interview?
please help me
January 21, 2017 at 17:00
A!
January 25, 2017 at 22:28
Hello
I am from Iran
And now the peresident comes and he wants to change everything in visa for muslem ,
Everthing was stoped for us? And there is any way to come tu the usa?
I planned for my life and i wanted to work there and continue my lesson in there , but now?
It is not fair.
U said u are a winner and 8 mounths later u said don,t come , beacuse u are iranian,
Even we love peace,we are kind peaple and we want to use our chance , it is not fair and i really sorry for these rules.
January 26, 2017 at 00:53
The executive order has not yet been signed. When it is signed it will probably halt immigration from several countries (including Iran) for a period of time. However, we have to wait to see what gets implemented.
January 26, 2017 at 07:00
Thank you Brit, it is your kindness. Thanks for your suporting and answering.
I really sad for this and i should wait for this, i have talked with a teacher for my scholarship in there i spent alot of money for my lesson and we know that Iranian are kind people and they never bother some one it is so bad for a country to say you are winner and after that say my mind was changed , don’t come i don’t like you.:(
If i can send a Email to UN cheif and ask for helping.
It is against the rules and it is discrimination.
Any way thanks for you attention
January 26, 2017 at 16:16
The executive order is not signed yet. IF it gets signed, it calls for a pause of 30 days for people from several countries. That is a PAUSE. We don’t know anything beyond that. Although I don’t agree with the intention of that order, it is legal. There is no one that will overrule that decision because you send them an email.
January 26, 2017 at 17:17
Hey up Brit,
My family and I received our Visa’s recently, and we were told to pay a 165$ fee for filling and processing of the Green card application, unfortunately i don’t know which form we need fill, and also the cost of all it, as we were told to pay the fees before we actually travel to the US.
Your help will be much appreciated.
Cheers mate.
January 26, 2017 at 18:44
The fee has now increased to $220. When you got your visas, instructions were attached on how to pay the fee.