We have many DV2018 selectees with very basic questions. Let me try and address the most frequent ones here in the hope that people will read this. If you ask a question and I give you a link to this page, it is to indicate that your question can be answered by reading this page and using some common sense. Please use the links in the title at the top of this page for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the DV lottery guide. There is LOTS of information available on my site – so a look through the FAQ and guide will take care of most questions.
By the way. VERY IMPORTANT. You can ask questions on any blog post I write. If you have to ask me a series of questions – please NUMBER the questions to make my work easier.
First – two links to help those still not able to check their entry:
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/checking-esc-page-check-without-mistakes/
And for those that cannot submit their DS260
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
Is there a deadline to submit my DS260?
There is no official deadline to submit your DS260. People will continue to submit DS260s for DV2018 cases well into 2018. Submissions as late as April or perhaps even May of next year will still get processed in time.
How long does it take to process the DS260?
Based on the past years (since the DS260 was introduced), we can be pretty confident in the following info.
The actual processing time of the DS260 is quite short – probably 3 to 4 weeks. However, because of the volume of DS260s that are received starting at the beginning of May, a backlog builds up very quickly. You can think of this as a queue. In the two past years, that queue or backlog has meant that DS260s were taking 4 to 5 months to process (obviously most of that time being spent waiting). So – for those that submit their DS260 in the first week or two after the initial draw, the processing time will be quite short. Then a backlog will build and processing times will build up to 4 or 5 month delay. Then, early next year, processing times will reduce again to being a few weeks.
Does every DS260 take the same time to process?
No. There is some background checks required on each case that vary according to the situation of the selectees. The precise details of the checks are not published, but we can guess they are mainly about ensuring security of the USA. That means they communicate with agencies and foreign governments about the details you provide on the DS260. Some countries co-operate with the USA, some don’t. In countries that don’t co-operate you can expect DS260 will take longer. So, some cases are very simple, and some not so simple. If a selectee was raised in Western Europe, works in an office and has never travelled to certain high risk countries we can expect the DS260 processing (once the case is ACTUALLY processed, not queued) to be quick. If on the other hand someone has travel history around certain countries in the middle East or lists their work as “Nuclear weapons specialist”, well they can expect the US government to take longer over those checks.
So – never assume that all DS260s submitted on the same day will complete processing on the same day. There will be variations.
When will I be interviewed? Is my number safe?
OK, first of all. Processing timing is mainly based on your case number, and where that number is ranked within each region. So – if you are case number 2000 in OC region for example (where the highest case number will probably be around 24XX) you are near the back of the line and can expect a long wait before being interviewed. However, that same number in AF region (where the highest case number could be 50,000 to 60000) would be very low. So “low or high” is relative within the region.
As it is very early in the year, I don’t currently know the highest case numbers in each region. Based on numbers I have seen the highest number in each region are at least these
AF 60XXX
EU 40XXX
AS 13XXX
SA 25XX
OC 26XX
So -= there is no need to ask me if your number is low or high. Compare your number to the highest numbers here – and apply some logical thinking.
Cases are called for interview in case number order, so a low number means the case could be interviewed earlier in the process *IF* the DS260 is processed.
HOWEVER, if a selectee with a low case number submits their DS260 late, it is possible their case will not be scheduled until a later month than their case number would suggest. No case will be scheduled unless the DS260 has been processed. In the case of someone with a low number who missed their “current” month because of DS260 backlogs, their case will be scheduled once the DS260 is processed. In some cases people might actually want to use this delay to cause a later interview (for instance if someone wants to get married prior to interview).
UPDATE: After this article was first published the government published data on how many selectees there are across regions. That allowed me to do some analysis, and I published some thoughts (INCLUDING NUMBERS THAT ARE VERY SAFE!) here: DV2018 Selectee Numbers
When will interviews start and how will I be told of my interview date?
No DV2018 interviews will happen before October 2017. DV2018 interviews will continue until September 30th 2018. So stop packing your bags. It’s a long process. Interview scheduled are notified in month batches about 6 weeks before the interview month. The notification is called the 2NL.
When will KCC send the first 2NLs?
The first 2NLs (the interview notification) for DV2018 will go out in late August. That will be for cases that have been processed AND are current for October. Then 2NLs will come in a monthly schedule, also late in each month. So – late in September for November interviews and so on.
When are the visa bulletins published?
The visa bulletins are published around the 8th to the 15th of each month. If you call KCC they will always respond that it is released on the 15th. They are not “late” until the 16th. Usually I get people lamenting “the sky is falling” and “why are they so late” around the 10th or 11th. That will happen every month – and no matter how many times I explain, people are impatient.
How do KCC schedule the cases?
Roughly speaking all interviews are spread out over the year, starting in October and ending the following September. KCC release numbers via the visa bulletin to say which case numbers can be interviewed. Check out this article to understand how to read the visa bulletin.
KCC will increase the number made current on each region at a pace that ensures they have enough interviews to match the embassy capacity during each month.
So – to take an example. If OC had a highest case number of 1000, we could roughly expect to see that number increase by 100 each month. However, due to DS260 backlogs (remember no case can be scheduled UNTIL the DS260 is processed), KCC might release a higher number to start with (for October and November for instance) and slow down later. So – we might see OC start at 200 in October, be 350 in November and then increase by 50 to 75 each month for a while.
The same thing will happen in each region. This effect is going to be particularly pronounced in AF region where selectees typically take a long time to submit their forms. So – AF will start with a high VB number. Many will rejoice and say how fast things are moving and then those same people will be confused when the pace decreases later on. I have tried to explain this many times, but people just don’t seem to understand the point. It ends up being mysterious and frustrating. So – people need to be ready to be patient.
You can look at the historical visa bulletin numbers from previous years to get an idea how things work. However, every year is different, so I would suggest only taking a look at DV2016 or DV2015 to try and anticipate when your number will be scheduled for interview. Please do that rather than asking me to predict your interview date. Use some judgment and common sense to allow me to spend my time on people that need help with more critical questions.
To encourage people to look for themselves I have taken the 2015 and 2016 numbers and plotted them onto charts. So – look for your number in your region and you can guess roughly when your case will be ready for interview.
May 20, 2017 at 15:47
Hello Brit
I have already submitted my DS260 but I found that:
1. I only mentioned 2 in the number of educational institutions attended while I am a Master s degree holder. I think I need to put 4 institutions from Middle school.
2. I also had doctoral courses for three years but didn’t graduate. Should I mention it in my Ds260?
3. Do I need to unlock my Ds260 to amend the above?
May 20, 2017 at 20:15
3. Yes.
May 23, 2017 at 01:09
Thank you Brit for your effort & time.
I am residing in another country so do I need to notarize the documents like Birth certificate/Criminal record at the embassy in my country or its enough to translate them into English?
May 23, 2017 at 02:25
It depends on requirements and procedures in those countries. So – I don’t know.
May 20, 2017 at 15:48
Hi Britt
I have seen lots of ppl saying that they will unlock the form and resubmit it again
1. How does this happen?
2. Will it delay their processing time ?
3. Does unlocking becomes an option when the interview time is approaching ?
May 20, 2017 at 20:17
1. https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
2. Typically no.
3. Once the interview is scheduled you cannot unlock.
May 21, 2017 at 13:14
Do you have a mental or physical disorder that poses or is likely to pose a threat to the safety or welfare of yourself or others?
1 I had epilepsy but i dont have it anymore should i mention it on DS-260 or its not considered as mental disorder?
May 21, 2017 at 17:34
“that poses or is likely to pose a threat”
Answer no.
May 21, 2017 at 18:17
yeah i answered no thank you so much brit!
May 21, 2017 at 14:36
Please I want to know if I qualify, I divorced prior to the lottery so I applied as single, unfortunately I didn’t include my child’s name, I ignored mother formal wife and daughter . Do that disqualifies me?
May 21, 2017 at 17:32
Yes
May 21, 2017 at 19:28
Dear sir
When I unlock and amend my DS260, Do I get other confirmation page or the first confirmation page when I submit the DS 260 is valid?
Thanks
May 21, 2017 at 20:11
It doesn’t matter which confirmation page you present.
May 21, 2017 at 20:00
Dear sir
I want to ask you something regarding my place of present residence
I wrote two addresses of present residence first and second line,now i found out that i wrote one of them incorrectly mistake in the street name,and the second one is correct, and i already submitted my DS260 form,Will that likely to cause a problem,if so i can unlock my DS form and correct it,if it will not cause a problem I leave as it is.
appreciate your help
May 22, 2017 at 18:17
I hope you can help me with question
May 22, 2017 at 18:21
Leave it as is.
May 22, 2017 at 18:32
Understood,thank you
May 22, 2017 at 06:58
sir, i have just submitted the DS -260 form. The problem is I have variation in surname between me and my father. All of my documents have the same variation. So , in the options called “Others name used” I typed the surname of my dad to match up the patterns of surname. Will this affect or should i cancel the surname that was typed in “Others name used” since that is not included in my document.
May 22, 2017 at 18:07
Keep it in other names used.
May 22, 2017 at 13:51
Dear BritSimon,
I am one of DV2017 selectees.
I am wondering if there is any new rule in tramp’s administration regarding changing sponsor at the port of entry when the previous sponsor whose details filled in DS-260 is not willing to sponsor.
Is it still possible to change the sponsor at the port of entry if I get an other sponsor? if yes what are the requirements?
Thank you!
May 22, 2017 at 14:07
Sorry, I am Dv 2016 selectee and I am issued the visa.
May 22, 2017 at 14:11
You don’t have to discuss your sponsor at the POE – so you live wherever you like.
August 6, 2018 at 21:37
Hi Brit, my friend is having problem similar to the question asked by “Begizew Yawukal”, she has been issued visa but now she has problems going to the sponsor filled in DS 260, so can she change the postal address (filled in DS 260, where the Green card was supposed to be posted) now at the POE as she has found other person who is ready to provide her acccomodation and job ?
Thanks in Advance ! And really appreciate your effort..
August 6, 2018 at 23:31
If she wants the GC to be sent somewhere else, then her last chance is at the POE.
August 7, 2018 at 03:18
Thanks a ton, means a lot as my friend is little relieved now…
One last question, so as long as her sponsor (who is present in her filled DS-260 form) does not show any concern,
1. can my friend can go without any hesitation or risk to her new address informed at POE ?
2. Do her new willing sponsor (the one who is not present in her filled DS-260 form) need to file an I-134 form or any other paperworks ?
Thanks again, she needs to leave for USA within couple of days from today , so could you please help us out by answering to the above question ?
Once again, thanks SIR !
August 7, 2018 at 03:57
1. Pointless question.
2. No
August 7, 2018 at 20:24
Thanks SIR for the quick reply, but I need your advice regarding one more question. IT’S REALLY URGENT..
1. My friend has been informed by her sponsor (filled in the form) that he wants to withdraw his sponsorship due to personal reasons. So, can my friend change her sponsor now ?
PS. I just got to know that she has not received her VISA packet and passport yet, and she still has some time left to pick it up.
Please SIR, its really urgent and she is totally frustrated right now !
August 7, 2018 at 22:23
She doesn’t need to change anything. No one will ask anything more about the sponsor.
May 23, 2017 at 03:32
Hi Brit,
I am a DV2018 selectee and have a problem in completing my son’s DS 260 form as I had included him when registered but he had passed early this year before May when the results was out. Do I have to complete our family DS 260 form except for his? As if I have completed all our DS 260 form, his status would be incomplete, Will I still be able to submit our DS 260 form?
Please if you may advise.
May 23, 2017 at 13:57
Yes, you can submit your form without his. You may be asked for a death certificate.
May 23, 2017 at 07:08
Mr. Brit Simon thanks for your blog really usefull, i was selected on DV2018 for SA Region with a case number 2018XX22XX above 2000, i read about the estimated time of the interview and it makes sense, my doubt if probably i will be out or not for the 2NL, there is no website with stats related on “how many people remains out after been selected”
May 23, 2017 at 13:50
Later on we will know more about how many are selected in each region.
May 23, 2017 at 10:38
I am about to submit Ds260 but I am moving to a new address in two weeks should I wait till I move and change my address in ds 260 or there is no problem to submit it now. I am 2018 winner.
May 23, 2017 at 13:31
No problem to submit now.
May 23, 2017 at 15:50
Dear BritSimon,
Can I reside at a different address than my Sponsor’s? And how does and early Ds -260 affect my visa availability?
May 23, 2017 at 22:41
1. Yes
2. Please read the article above.
May 23, 2017 at 17:06
Dear Britsimon,
My country of current residence where I did the interview is different from my country of origin. Can I make my flight to the USA from my home country?
I don’t know the rule but if possible I want to go back home and stay 2-3 months before I move to the USA.
Thank you!
May 23, 2017 at 20:36
Thànk Brit for the earlier response but I want to know if that will affect my chances of winning again? Since I won but got disqualified because of wrong information on the entry.
Thanks very much
May 23, 2017 at 21:19
Selection is completely random.
May 25, 2017 at 00:07
COULD YOU LET US KNOW YOUR REGION PLS
May 23, 2017 at 21:32
hey britsimon
thank you for the valuable information’s over here.
2018AF35xxx
1-i lived in many countries since the age of 16,, more than 6 months do i have to prepare police clearance from each country for the interview ?
2- there is differences in the place of birth between passport and birth certificate, eg. the city in the birth certificate and the locality in passsport , i submitted the ds260 as written in passport do i need to unlock it ?
3-despite reading your useful article and applying a logical thinking i still feel that my number wouldn’t be 100% safe, could you please explain its safety ?
many thanks.
May 23, 2017 at 23:19
1. You MUST read the instructions – if you doi – your question would not be needed.
2. No
3. It’s safe. Relax.
May 23, 2017 at 22:02
hello brit iam a winner of the 2018 dv lottery . from Cameroon. my case 2018AF00028xxxx .
submitted my form on the 14 may . when can I likely received my 2NL notification ?
May 23, 2017 at 23:08
There is no need to ask me this question if you read the article above.
May 24, 2017 at 00:32
ok thanks. is my case lower?
May 24, 2017 at 05:17
Hey mate – I’m one of the very high OC case numbers (24**). Literally the bottom of the barrel I guess. Do you know of any reason why they issued so many OC case numbers… and what’s your gut feel about them getting through it all? I.e., CURRENT. It’s such a strangely high case number it’s annoying not being able to plan ahead either way.
May 24, 2017 at 14:01
We don’t know why they swing the pendulum this way. We saw two years of over selection (2014 and 2015) then two years of under selection (16/17). There doesn’t seem to be any logic.
Gut feeling?? I would be surprised if you got an interview. Very surprised. Sorry.
May 24, 2017 at 23:14
Thanks – very odd and time will tell. Great website BTW… very little info or FAQ responses is openly out there from USA officials. Clandestine.
May 24, 2017 at 23:54
It’s not really “Clandestine”. The letter that says you are selected explains that they select more people than the 50,000 – and warns people not to bank on getting the GC.
May 24, 2017 at 05:28
BritSimon,
I have two questions
I have been selected for DV 2018 and i have a 3 yeasrs Bsc degree but the requirnment says 4 year degree. Am i still qualified?
May 24, 2017 at 13:59
Yes probably.
May 24, 2017 at 21:29
Mr Brit, I have a question. I submitted ds260 online form and it says “completed” under status. When the ds260 form will be processed by KCC, will it say “processed” under status, or it will always say “completed”?
May 24, 2017 at 22:10
Always completed.
May 30, 2017 at 13:49
Hi BritSimon!
Thanks for the website – it is fab! On the same note (the “completed” status) – I will need to change my son’s passport (due to renewal) – as I understand I need to contact KCC to do so (the “unlocking”). How can I know that it is unlocked if it’s showing “completed”? Will it look different? TIA
May 30, 2017 at 22:43
Yes it will show something else.
May 25, 2017 at 09:36
Dear Brit
me and my wife have filled our forms in DS 260, but in this question “YOUR SPOUSE IMMIGRATING TO THE U.S WITH YOU” we have both ticked YES
is this one correct ?
May 25, 2017 at 20:33
If that is the truth – then yes.
May 25, 2017 at 09:37
Hi Brit! Does Serving in the Military for your country increases your chance at the DV Interview or the Military Record is just for reference…Please advice
May 25, 2017 at 20:33
No
May 25, 2017 at 10:06
Hello, I have a few questions that bother me.
1. Educations i put 2 for High School and University is it ok not including Elementary?
2. I did a mistake at the date of attendace for High school should I unlock my case?
3. Course of study for University should i put Academic or that I’ve studied marketing.
4. Do you have docummentations to establish that you have recieved vaccinations in accordance with U.S law? I put No but I’ll have the docummentations before the Interview Is it Ok?
5. Is your spouse immigrating to the U.S with you? Should i put Yes. We aren’t Us citizens.
Thankyou.
May 25, 2017 at 20:30
1. That’s ok
2. if it is minor, don’t worry.
3. Your choice.
4. That is OK
5. You can answer with whatever is the truth!!
May 25, 2017 at 10:22
Hi Britt,
I have filled my DS260 with an address in Virginia State, am not thinking to choosing Texas instead.
1. Should I unlock it and change the address to the Dallas address without any obligation knowing that I can still have the Virginia address (i,e. will changing address defer my case interview). The address of Virgnia State is the address of my financial support Affiant of Support and the state that I wish to stay permanently is the Dallas address
2. Does the port of US entry has to be the same as written in my DS260. i.e. I must enter through Washington DC airport ? or can I travel directly from my country Sudan to Dallas , Texas? without entering through Virginia .
3. if I enter through Washington and get my Social security number and my Green card and then moved to another state. do I have to change all of my documents (green card and social security). changing residency will it defer my passport. The reason for asking because I heard that changing state will start my years in America from Zero again).
May 25, 2017 at 20:29
1. You can choose where to live later.
2. No – live where you want, arrive where planes arrive.
3. What you heard is idiotic. Changing state is no problem.
May 25, 2017 at 13:26
Hi Simon,
My husband and I got married on 3 March 2017, and I am the winner. I have added him as a derivative and changed my status to married, but I am unable to change my surname on the DS-260. My first name and surname seem to be the only tabs that are not able to be changed. All of my documents (passport, ID, bank account etc) are in my new married name now.
Question 1) I have filled in my new surname under other names, will this be alright or should I contact them to ask them to change my surname on the DS-260 application form.
Question 2) Since we found out that I have been selected, we have made a new budget to enable us to save as much as possible, however when I look at our calculations we will have just about $15 000 together should we get an interview during the average time that my number has been called AF25xxx. This does not include selling our cars. Is this enough or should we sell our cars before the interview, should we get one?
Thank you
Steph
May 25, 2017 at 20:22
1. Your new name should be entered in the form as your legal name. Your maiden name will be in other names used.
2. Financial requirements vary by embassy and even case to case. DO NOT sell cars or other assets prior to an interview. Read the link below.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
May 26, 2017 at 06:38
Thank you, I will unlock my form and change my name asap.
Unfortunately we only have family friends in the US, and they are not able to sponsor us at this time. We will make sure that we have at least $20 000 before our interview if we get one.
Thank you for your assistance and a great website.
May 25, 2017 at 20:38
Dear Simon
How long does it takes them to unlock my DS 260? It has been for days since I request them to unlock for me
Thanks
May 25, 2017 at 20:46
Up to 2 weeks in busy times.
May 26, 2017 at 16:00
Hi Mr Simon
My name is abdirisak and i am one of the 2018 winners sir i filled the first application as married un intentionally and i filled my name again an the space of spouse now i have two ds 260 of my name so i would like to ask you how can i correct it or remove it. Thank you
May 26, 2017 at 18:38
You cannot remove the second name. Simply fill in the DS260 as single and hopefully the CO will understand the error was an innocent mistake.
May 27, 2017 at 02:45
Thank you so much sir I really do appreciate your answer but sir is there any thing that KCC can do if i informed them this error
May 27, 2017 at 15:48
No.
May 26, 2017 at 17:28
Hello there,
Greetings.
I’m Filmon and I want to ask a question regarding my DS260 application. My case no is AF25xxx, could you give me info when will be my interviw.?
Thanks for your help in advance.
May 26, 2017 at 18:28
The article above explains that.
May 26, 2017 at 18:28
Read the article
May 26, 2017 at 22:29
I am DV 2018 Winner I live in Ethiopia i have TVET Certificate in IT field and i have more than 2 years work experience with this field in government organization so far i am confused to submit ds-260 can i meet the requirements to continue next step sorry for my bad English thank you so much
May 27, 2017 at 01:00
I don’t know the requirements in individual countries.
May 26, 2017 at 22:44
Hello sir again
thank you for your continuous help I found out something that bothers me and i hope you help me
In my passport my name is written AL AFIF,MOHAMMED NAJIB ALI
but in my application for the entry I wrote just AL AFIF,MOHAMMED NAJIB
ALI is the name of my grandfather,what should I write in the DS260
will it cause a problem that I wrote just AL AFIF,MOHAMMED NAJIB for the entrance application
thank you
May 26, 2017 at 22:49
Is there possibility that will be a reason to be disqualified?
May 26, 2017 at 22:56
write the same name as it appear on your official document like birth certificate , school certificate, diploma , passport etc.
May 27, 2017 at 00:23
Thank you Dear Kankan,appreciate your help)
I would like also if Rr brit will conform that
May 27, 2017 at 00:58
Confirmed.
May 27, 2017 at 01:45
Sir while going through your articles today i got bunch of questions and i hope you can help
1-Do i need a statement or affidavit from the person i provided his name and address in US?
2-the question regarding the secondary education institutions or above i have attended,I have attended two high schools and received the high school diploma and i am now studying 3d year in the medical university and i still have three more years to finish the bachelor degree,should i mention the university or it is enough to mention it in the section of present employer(i am attending now)as i put the occupation is student and name of the university as the name of the present employer
3-regarding these two questions,what my answer should be as I am now medical student in the the third year and havent graduated yet?
Are you graduate of foreign school medical seeking to perform medical services in the US but have not yet passed the National board of medical examiners examination or its equivalent?”
“Are you a healthcare worker seeking to perform such work in the US but have not yet received certification from the Commission of Graduates of Foreign Nursing schools or from an equivalent approved independent credentialing organization?
4- regarding the DS-1810 that relates to the military when I should fill it?
thank you a lot
May 27, 2017 at 15:49
1. Read this https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
2. Yes – current occupation is student – which explains your University attendance.
3. It does not matter whether you answer yes or no.
4. In the USA.
May 27, 2017 at 17:03
Thank you
I tried to understand the article but I am still confused
How I know that I will be required to show affidavit or bank statements and if I am required when I should present them,as I understood from the article not everyone required to provide affidavit or bank statements only if asked,I hope you clarify this for me
May 27, 2017 at 17:13
As the article explains. The approach varies by embassy. I can’t say exactly what you will be asked for, so you prepare as best as you can.
May 27, 2017 at 19:14
Thank you for the explanation
May 28, 2017 at 14:48
About the the question
In which occupation do intended to to work in the US
I answered I will look for a job that pays enough to pay my bills and help continue my university study
Is this satisfying answer or should I be more specific
Thank you again
May 28, 2017 at 15:14
It’s fine.
May 27, 2017 at 01:14
Thank you
May 27, 2017 at 16:35
Hii britsimon how are you
I have one question
1- if applicant was married and got divorce and again married and having a child and applicant fill the ds-260 form as name of second husband as a spouse and child also from second husband is there any problem if they didn’t mention previous spouse in ds-260 form.
2-If not mentioning the previous spouse is there any problem or any chances of rejected for that.
3- Give me some information about it, what to do in this case.
May 27, 2017 at 16:43
No problem
May 27, 2017 at 16:50
You mean no need to mention previous spouse.
May 28, 2017 at 03:41
Hi pls can any one educate me about how I can submit or apply my DV forms
May 28, 2017 at 14:07
Read the DV lottery guide (link at the top of this page).
May 28, 2017 at 12:06
Hi Simon.
I have submitted form ds260 but I discovered that I had written my graduation date “June 2008” by mistake but the correct one is “October 2008”
1-should I correct it or it doesn’t matter?
2-how can I open the form again to make the correction if necessary?
3-does reopening the form affect on the process or giving me the visa?
Thanks in advance
May 28, 2017 at 13:48
1. Doesn’t matter
2. Google britsimon unlock DS260
3. No
May 28, 2017 at 19:41
Thanks a lot. Appreciate your help?
May 28, 2017 at 20:06
Hello,
I made a mistake in my DS260. I was on a J-1 visa and have been back in my home country for almost two years. At the question where they ask if you you have met your 2 year home residence requirement I answered with no, and explained that i will be as off this summer, before the fiscal year of 2018 starts. I think I used the wrong date in my explanation though, the official enddate of my visa was July 2nd and i put that in my DS260, but i left the United States 3 days before that on June 29th. Should I unlock and alter my explanation?
Thank you in advance!
May 28, 2017 at 20:34
No need.
May 28, 2017 at 20:20
Hello Simon,
When I was six years old my parent decided to change the surname,
So my surname in my birth certificate is different than my username in my passport and ID
Can you kindly advice for the best way how to specify this is on my DS-260 form?
Thanks
May 28, 2017 at 20:32
You need to gather paperwork that explains the change of name. I assume that was done via a court process is something. In the DS260, you would list your legal name (that matches your passport).
May 28, 2017 at 23:52
Hello Simon
I was submitted my ds 260 yesterday I know it’s silly question what is next?
in the ds 260 form status showing is complete for 3 of us (me husband and son) I’m Asian srilankan my CN 2018AS18xx I’m new to this ! What will happen next ?
May 29, 2017 at 04:09
Now you wait. While you are waiting, you can read the guide (link above) which will explain more.
May 29, 2017 at 17:44
I am DV 2018 Winner and I would like to ask if we(my husband and me) have to submit the form ds260 because I am pregnant ( 6 month)or we have to wait until our baby is born? Thank you in advance for your answer.
May 30, 2017 at 02:13
You can submit now and add the baby later – OR wait for the birth to submit all together. The latter option wil be slower, but is simpler.
May 29, 2017 at 21:21
Hello Simon,
I’m from Sri Lanka and my cn is 2018as4xxx.
I submitted ds-260 about a week ago. I changed my surname before my A/L(2009). My A/L certificate and passport include my new surname. Do I need to mention my old surname in the other names section on the ds-260?(I filled ds-260 with my new name) Do I need to unlock and update the DS-260?
May 29, 2017 at 21:27
By the way my birth certificate shows my new name in the section of ‘Names inserted or substituted after registration.
May 30, 2017 at 02:22
Yes you should unlock and make sure that both your legal name is accurate and you have put your old name in other names used. You will need to show proof of the name change.
May 30, 2017 at 06:21
Thanks a lot for yr valuable time Simon. I appreciate yr work here.
My birth certificate is updated after the name change. Is it sufficient as a proof?
May 30, 2017 at 23:25
Maybe. It depends on procedures in your country.
May 29, 2017 at 21:46
Hello Brit,
I am not sure my question is for that section but I will write it. Based on your experince, do you think there will be a second draw for DV Lottery 2018?
May 30, 2017 at 02:22
No
May 29, 2017 at 23:40
Dear Sir,
I am a winner of the DV 2018, I received an email from [email protected] given me case number WAC2017xxxxxx which is is different than the one I received from the DV2018. They requested me to fill the DS-230 form and submit it to the email [email protected]. Moreover, they requested me to pay $330 at the embassy and the USCIS immigrant Visa Application filling fee $465.
In fact I filled the D260 form in the https://ceac.state.gov/IV/ I am wondering, is this email is correct or wrong.
Is the form ds 230 is required even I filled ds 260.
Regards,
May 30, 2017 at 02:29
It is a scam. Don’t pay them. Don’t fill in their form.
May 30, 2017 at 22:12
Brit on the Course of study for High school what should i type ? Academic or Just type High school ?
May 31, 2017 at 15:57
Hi brit thanks for the help– if my case number is in eu region can i chose any region to do my interview example (i am living in europe where i apply dv 2018 and where my case number is but my wife is in africa so that been the cause I want us to do interview at the same place. What can I do please
Thanks
May 31, 2017 at 16:17
You must interview together – either your wife with you in EU or you with her in Africa.
As a matter of interest – did you get an EU number because you were born in EU or were you born in Africa?
May 31, 2017 at 16:25
Hello Brit….please when can I summit the 2018 dv-260 form
May 31, 2017 at 16:28
Anytime up until about May next year.
May 31, 2017 at 16:45
Thanks so much brit
May 31, 2017 at 17:03
Hi Britt
After submitting my da 260 I discovered that the name of my mother in my original birth certificate is different in spelling than the one she is currently using in her passport
My question is
Shall I do another birth certificate with the same name as it shown in her passport (this will means doing illegal thing)
Or do they accept legal court letters showing that these two name are for the same person
(Sulxxxx and selixxxx) difference in u and Eli
May 31, 2017 at 21:22
Hi Britt,
first of all thank you for your wonderful and helpful site!
I have a question for you, My husband has a passport, but he didnt save his old passport that includes the visa that he had to the usa, therfore when we need to fill the data for the questions about the visa to the usa ,he doesn’t have the exact day that the visa was issued, and expired,and he also doesnt know the number of the visa, because he didnt save this passport that contain that (he renewed the passport and by the time he also became a EU citizen ,so when he travel to the usa about 2 years ago he used ESTA approval). So our question is what should we fill in this fields? we asked this information from the US embassy at Tel Aviv(ISRAEL), but they only knew the month and year of the visa (from February 2006 till June 2010) and not the exact days and number of the visa. unfortunatly I have heard that incomplete fields could lead to a rejection of the request, so I am afraid of making a critical mistake.
(needless to say that the old visa is invalid). I would be glad for your kind help on what should we write in this part of the form DS-260. thanks in advance!
May 31, 2017 at 22:38
If you don’t know the exact date, just use your best estimate. You are making a much bigger deal out of this than it really deserves.
May 31, 2017 at 23:47
Hi Brit
If I have postgraduate degree do I need to include my secondary school certificate informations while filling ds 260 or the university and the postgraduate degrees should be fine ?
June 1, 2017 at 01:08
Include everything.
June 1, 2017 at 05:23
ds 260 already submitted without any information about the high school i just include the bachelor and masters do i need to UNLOCK ? or just bringing the high school certificate in he interview will be enough ?
June 1, 2017 at 13:05
I would unlock and correct.
June 1, 2017 at 22:25
What does SBU in a submitted ds260 means ?
June 1, 2017 at 22:58
I don’t know what you are talking about.
June 1, 2017 at 23:11
Sensitive but unclassified !!!
June 2, 2017 at 00:42
OK.
June 2, 2017 at 18:26
i phoned KCC ,to ask about if its necessary to unlock ds260 to mention information’s about high school certificate and the lady replied that ,( you dont have to do that just bring your high school certificate with you on the date of your interview.) and her reply made me confused because you asked me to unlock, kindly explain which is better ?
June 2, 2017 at 18:34
OBVIOUSLY, my answer is better!
June 2, 2017 at 18:43
i will unlock .
many thanks.
June 1, 2017 at 04:24
Hey Brit, I mistook my date of birth as march 10 while submitting the entry, but actually it’s march 09 (in all my legal documents, birth certificate, High school documents)
1)What should I enter in the online DS 260 form?
2)Will it affect my visa process?
3)Can I re-edit my date of birth?
June 1, 2017 at 13:06
1. The correct date.
2. Not normally
3. Try.
June 1, 2017 at 15:09
How can I adjust the DOB??
Should it be adjusted while completing the DS 260 form or requires any other process???
June 1, 2017 at 17:19
Just enter the correct DOB on the DS260.
June 7, 2017 at 15:51
Actually I’m just 16, my A-levels results will be published in August 2017.
Is there any age restrictions?
June 8, 2017 at 03:56
No age restriction – but a 16 year old might be at risk for public charge concerns.
June 1, 2017 at 09:38
Hi Brit, a friend of mine just realize that he gat hepatitis B and he is schedule for medical, if identify in the medical, will it cause his denial or lower chance of obtaining his visa.
June 1, 2017 at 12:43
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-are-the-diseases-that-can-cause-denial/
June 1, 2017 at 11:38
Hi brit again, 1 more question is it important to include spouse academics in ds 260,, they really go through the academics of spouse??
June 1, 2017 at 12:32
It is important to complete the form accurately, but they won’t check the spouse academics.
June 1, 2017 at 13:57
Thanks for info..
June 1, 2017 at 19:28
Dear Brit
My wife got selected on DV2018, case number 2018AF00003xxx (we are Egyptians).
She applied while we were just engaged and we got married on 6th of this May.
Actually we found out about being selected on 22nd May!! after coming back from our honeymoon!
She added me on the DS-260 form and attached marriage certificate (in Arabic) and they took only two days and they added me and I filled the DS-260 for myself.
Now, we found out BIG news after filling the DS-260 forms ….She got pregnant!!
She is on the 2nd week now.
I’m very confused and worried. I read here and on other communities, we should be able to get interview on October and by then she would be in her 20~21st week (5 months) and as I read the instructions, we get a visa valid for only 6 months to first entry to US.
1-Would that effect our application anyhow?
2-Should we edit our DS-260 and add the unborn baby, is that an option?
3-If we decided to deliver the baby in the US not in Egypt, would that be acceptable? or the best option?
4-Would we have medical insurance coverage or we will need to save up for doing these medical care on our own cost (I know it may cost A LOT!)??
Thanks for helping,
Shady
June 1, 2017 at 20:16
1. Not really. An unborn baby doesn’t change anything about the process (apart from the medical where they will provide a protective shield when they take the XRay)
2. No
3. It’s an option, but due to the costs of medical care and lack of family support, that is probably not the best plan. The best plan would be either delay the interview OR to enter the USA very quickly after the interview (hopefully in the 2nd trimester) then return to your home country immediately to give birth. After the baby is born all three could return to the USA and the baby will automatically get a Green Card.
4. You might be able to get medical coverage BUT rules are possibly changing – so I cannot predict the scenario at that time. Uninsured costs are extreme.
June 1, 2017 at 23:01
britsimon, pls when will uscis announce dv2019 requirementnofficially
June 2, 2017 at 00:42
September.