OK – it’s that time of year again – we are two hours in to the results process and history is repeating in some obvious ways.
- First, the servers are overwhelmed with people checking. The site is crashing. This will get better in a day or two. So – try again later.
- Next, people are having session timeout problems. If this is your problem, close ALL your browser windows, start a session with one window only. If that doesn’t work, try a different browser client (like Firefox, chrome or whatever).
- Make sure you are entering the right details. This post will help.
- Some people are just realizing the entry period was restarted. There was a technical problem in early October. The entry period was restarted and any entry from before the restart is not valid. They sent emails to people to warn people to enter again. The restart was from October 18 – so make sure your entry was not from before that date.
- If you have forgotten your confirmation code – use the lost confirmation link on the ESC page. There is no other way to retrieve your confirmation code.
- I am aware of people that have been selected. So – the system appears to be working at this point, apart from being busy.
Also – people often ask “will there be a second draw” or “should I keep checking”. In some years, they select a low number of people in the first draw and “top it up” with a second draw in September/October. I don’t know whether that will happen this year or not. So – check again in late October.
For those selected – please DO NOT rush to submit your DS260. There is no need to do that and no advantage doing that. Take your time to make sure you understand the process.
October 17, 2018 at 09:49
Britsimon off course u are correct it is a matter of chance. But, either any other alternative to win the dvlottery which is filled in embassy?….. i heard such kind of information is that correct sir?
October 17, 2018 at 14:48
You have to be clear to get an answer.
September 18, 2018 at 13:36
hay sir, i am from Ethiopia which is the pillar of heros. And, i fill dvlottery for seven yours but i left with zero chance. so, i think this is impossible……………..therefore from now on ward i am not willing to fill this fuken game
September 18, 2018 at 14:32
Right on. Enter a lottery with a 1 in 200 chance of winning and give up after 7 times, calling it impossible. Makes sense to me.
September 19, 2018 at 01:26
I blv this website is created for **ONLY**dv lottery winners, i have been playing the dv lottery since year 2005 without *GIVEN UP* and i am a winner for 2018 , and someone play for just 7 times and already complaining??fed up? loose focus? who knows if your pictures is inaccurate during time of filling the application form… as long as your country is eligble and the dv is still on going.. keep trying and hope for the best… and blv me it will come at the right time things will be more easy for you..
October 8, 2018 at 12:20
Hay britsimon, actually internally i am not to mean it is impossible. every things are possible which is found below moon. Yeah of course i am from those who are chance less …. and i am not insulting for this game but for my chance. …….having this i would like to say thanks for your positive attitude sir.
September 18, 2018 at 14:39
well,
for Africa (depending of dv lottery year) your chances of being drawn are 0,41% to 1,27% each year.
So let say you need to fill registration more than 100year for saying it’s bad luck. you can take into account by your own, what are the chances of being lucky.
September 18, 2018 at 20:56
Just to give you a scenario, I filled this DV lottery since 1998 while still single, application was paper-based, and very cumbersome to just get it in and had not stopped until we (husband and I) got pre-selected for DV 2017, now living our dream in the U.S. of A. Just remember: It is NOT heaven but much much much better than most African countries with autocratic leadership systems like where I am from. You need to have perseverance and a positive attitude towards things in life. Being pessimistic is not the answer of how to live in this world that we are all temporarily passing through day to day.
October 8, 2018 at 12:04
so, u mean i must fill 200 times to have a possibility of winning ….ohhhh my god this is too much tydious. anyway i would like to say thanks for your positive attitude. Never give up sir.
October 8, 2018 at 14:17
No, 1 in 200 chance does not mean you cannot win on the first time nor does it mean that you WILL win if you entered for 200 years. It’s CHANCE.
August 13, 2018 at 02:13
Hlw Sir ..
My case num is AS 32** ..can u guess 2nd letter and interview time … ? jst guess … Thank You
August 13, 2018 at 04:40
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
July 22, 2018 at 12:55
Hi Britt my name is Marion ,I was selected in dv2018 but I had a high case number I am AF00052*** Luckily I applied again and got selected for dv2019 with a better one I am cnAF00017*** (thanks to Jesus) because of the cut off I won’t be called for an interview for dv2018 .do you think having won before will affect my chances for dv 2019?
July 22, 2018 at 16:12
No
July 18, 2018 at 17:55
Hello Simon,
My brother has won the dvlottery for 2018/2019 and the confirmation letter is with someone.The person want to attached a female to him(marriage) and he(my brother)is insisting he prefer him given his letter to him even for charge he is ready to pay but the person don’t want to give the letter out.He is confused.Is there any suggestions.thanks
July 18, 2018 at 18:29
What can I suggest???? He needs to be careful – you say your brother won – but clearly someone else used his details to enter, and is now blackmailing him. Marrying someone for that is a serious crime and will cause a lifetime ban at minimum. If he gets the winning case number, he can proceed – but how does he know that the idiot agent entered the correct details for him.
Your brother was foolish to let someone enter for him.
July 20, 2018 at 06:52
I suggest to search the case at http://www.ceac.state one by one. Enter your date of birth and just start searching your case number from 1 to 30000. It depends on your area. Af.eu. etc. Hope it will help you. Certain that’s gonna work out.
August 13, 2018 at 02:16
You dnt need that .. jst use confirmation forgot tool and get new con. Page simply …
July 18, 2018 at 09:05
T.S
Hello
My wife won the DV2019 but we were not marry by than the person that did her entry used her father last name as my daughter last name we are married now and she want to include me on the program what can we do now please advice.
July 18, 2018 at 15:04
You can proceed and explain. There is some risk of denial.
July 11, 2018 at 03:55
according to the 2018 August 2NL in AS
we can see this result in finally
“AS;13393;2018AS13393;CLM;Ready;05-Nov-2016;21-Jun-2018;0;0;4;0;0;0;0”
Dear brit,so ,
1. Is that mean 13393 number of case ID 13393 in Asia ,all are interviewed?
2.normally how many visas will be issued for Asia in 2018 ?
July 11, 2018 at 04:14
1. No, that data is about ONE case
2. Normally about 8500, but not this year because of the ban.
July 13, 2018 at 16:06
Hi Brit, any possibility for second draw 2019 ?
July 13, 2018 at 16:36
Yes
July 13, 2018 at 16:55
Can you explain why is that possible? Thanks.
July 13, 2018 at 16:58
I am writing about it. Patience.
July 13, 2018 at 23:29
which month should we be expecting that to take place? or do they announce it to public?
July 14, 2018 at 00:35
If it happens it would be in September or October. It would be small though – so don’t build your hopes up.
July 9, 2018 at 07:57
Hey Simon,
Does a backlog or delay in interviews for the 2018 program mean that the 2019 program interviews will be delayed? I am in Australia with a low 300s number and you mentioned previously that I’d likely interview later in the year but would that remain the case if they are behind on interviews?
I hope this makes sense!
Thanks so much
Emily 🙂
July 9, 2018 at 14:16
I don’t know.
July 9, 2018 at 23:27
Ok! Thank you 🙂
July 8, 2018 at 20:05
Hello everyone:
What is the biggest number we have seen reported for Asia?Thanks.
July 7, 2018 at 18:06
Is there anyway by which we would know…if we were disqualified because of incorrect photo or entry wasnt selected as a matter of chance
July 7, 2018 at 18:24
No
July 9, 2018 at 04:25
Hi Brit, my case no 2019AS000014xx , can i summit the ds260 mid next year?
July 9, 2018 at 05:30
Yes
July 9, 2018 at 04:36
Is your Mailing Address the same as your Present Address? what does this really mean?
July 9, 2018 at 05:31
Some people have a different address for mail.
July 9, 2018 at 05:45
is this address my resident addresss or address in the usa?
July 9, 2018 at 14:10
Come on. Read the questions and apply some logic.
July 6, 2018 at 22:36
hello
i need help because since the opening of the results i tried every day to check my status but didn’t work. Every they told me ”the information entered are not valid”. Help please
July 7, 2018 at 15:25
Really – read the tips PROPERLY and the official instructions.
July 7, 2018 at 19:19
i did exactly the instructions but still not working what can i do now?
July 7, 2018 at 19:23
OK send the confirmation (pdf or screenshot) to britsimon3 at gmail
July 7, 2018 at 19:32
i did it. did you receive?
July 7, 2018 at 19:35
Yes. You DID NOT bother reading my tips. If you had, you would have read the following –
“Some people are just realizing the entry period was restarted. There was a technical problem in early October. The entry period was restarted and any entry from before the restart is not valid. They sent emails to people to warn people to enter again. The restart was from October 18 – so make sure your entry was not from before that date.”
Your screenshot shows the entry was made on October 5.
July 7, 2018 at 19:39
ok thanks you thanks i’m gonna check this
July 7, 2018 at 19:41
Check what??????
July 6, 2018 at 09:22
Hello Simon, how is important picture resolutions? because photo size 600×600 pixels in dimension is mention when fillup dv but not mention resolutions. So any resolutions is valid or not? Thanks
July 6, 2018 at 14:16
If your photo was technically not correct you would have been disqualified before selection.
July 3, 2018 at 10:43
HI BRIT
HAW DO I KNOW THET KCC HEV ANLOCKED MY DS 260 FOR CORECTIONS
July 3, 2018 at 14:30
They send you an email, but it is also obvious if you log in to the DS260
July 4, 2018 at 06:19
Thnx
Brit they send me the e mail in 24 houers
thet was greate
June 28, 2018 at 10:52
Hello simon, Please advice me that my case is AS15XX Last number. i was fillup ds260 on 1st june. till which months my second letter will arrived if i selected. Suggest me
June 28, 2018 at 15:32
I don’t know – wait and see.
July 2, 2018 at 00:58
Hi Darshan, i also won the dv2019 lottery my case number AS14XX from Malaysia, but yet to summit my ds260.. which country are you from ? let me know if your 2NL arrive
July 6, 2018 at 09:13
Hello, i am waiting july news. If not. then August news will notify any message. lets wait n see
June 24, 2018 at 10:35
Hi Am from Uganda i entered the DV lottery on October 23 2017, also printed the confirmation page. bt every time i try to check my status I get this Err MSG
Warning: 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’
June 24, 2018 at 14:15
OK. REad the tips and stop doing it wrong.
June 21, 2018 at 10:46
Hi i am from ghana i want to know why ee are asked to check our entrant status from may to july
Regards
Shadrack
June 21, 2018 at 13:56
I didn’t ask you to do that.
June 18, 2018 at 13:37
hi am timothy and i won dv 2019 lottery but unfortunately after trying to open ds260 , i realized that i don’t remember the dates and month of birth that i applied with. kindly how can i retrieve my dates and month of birth that i applied with
June 18, 2018 at 20:30
You can’t. The only thing you can do is try one by one.
June 18, 2018 at 21:27
Aren’t you supposed to apply with your birthdate? How is it possible to forget that?
June 18, 2018 at 21:30
Some people are converting date formats and do it wrong, or just carelessly enter a date. Others have less honest reasons for not knowing the date.
July 2, 2018 at 12:38
this series of questions , dont remember date of birth really sounds funny, does it means that some people have multiple date of birth?
July 8, 2018 at 02:28
they might apply several times with different date of birth (DOB) though the website said it’s gonna withdraw all applications, it seems not if you keep changing the DOB in each entry!
Seriously What other reason will let a person forgot his date of birth?!
June 17, 2018 at 18:32
Hi Simon, I have submitted my DS260 for about 3weeks ago. And I jus realized that I made a mistake about the address where I want my green card to be sent to. The mistake is on the city. Instead of Frederick, I typed Fredrick.
1. Is there anything I can do?
2. Will it cause a problem?
June 17, 2018 at 18:51
1. You can unlock and correct – see the FAQ
2. No
June 12, 2018 at 16:12
Hi
I wanted to ask you how many days you will have a new visa
June 12, 2018 at 19:28
Ask who???
June 11, 2018 at 20:44
Hi am ismael I got selected for DV 2019 the problem is I don’t remember my date of birth in my first entry and can’t fill my ds260 what cn I do
June 11, 2018 at 21:32
Try all the dates.
July 2, 2018 at 12:36
Ismael, its funny you did not know the date of birth? mean you are not sure of your birth date?
June 10, 2018 at 13:42
Hi BritSimon,
My family got “selected” for further processing. Country Egypt, case number AF182xx
I’ve done a lot of research and reading, your site is the best explaining things out.
Considering Egypt specific quotes, and the data from previous years I consider this number to be border-line safe if this turns out to be an overly subscribed year “following the two yearly swing patter”.
What do you think?
June 10, 2018 at 14:05
DV2019? With what we know so far (which isn’t much) that seems a reasonable guess
June 10, 2018 at 14:15
Yes Sir,
2019, I think I made a mistake this comment was intended for the DV2019 case numbers reporting. Do I need to repost the number there or you’ve taken notice of it already? (I opened way too much tabs and was reading them one by one 🙂
You’re doing one hell of job here man, I think I will have to contribute something to this wonderful site further ahead in the future, maybe translate some documents into Arabic as I see a lot of confusion going around.
June 10, 2018 at 14:39
No need to repost.
June 7, 2018 at 14:38
Many thanks for the reply. Finger crossed eh?
Kindest Regards
June 7, 2018 at 12:18
Hey Britsimon, I am from Ireland. From your previous years experience of DV, do you think that a second draw is possible and if so when?
I am not expecting from you a yes/no answer, just your insight please.
Kindest Regards
June 7, 2018 at 14:20
We will know whether a second draw could happen when we see the selectee numbers in a couple of weeks.
June 3, 2018 at 01:49
Hi Simon ..Pls i ve been in this country for 3yrs with GC .do i qualify to apply for fiance visa for my girlfriend .thank you!
June 3, 2018 at 15:40
I only answer DV lottery questions.
June 1, 2018 at 04:57
Hello Brit,
Till when I have to check when the response is always” the Information is not valid”.
June 1, 2018 at 05:14
It will do that until you enter the information correctly.
May 31, 2018 at 18:49
HI Brit is a slashed zero a must
May 31, 2018 at 20:27
A must where????
May 28, 2018 at 09:22
Hi Simon,
is it too early for the CEAC Visa Status Check to load. When I enter my case number it says invalid visa immigrant case number. Just wondering if it is too early to check, or if the case number I am entering is wrong?
I am assuming my case number is 2019OC4**. Look forward to your response.
May 28, 2018 at 12:17
Too early. Previous years it was not checkable until January.
May 26, 2018 at 13:53
brits why is that when you type in wrong characters at the authentication and you press enter it goes through that is when you checking the DV2019 results.
May 26, 2018 at 14:33
Junior programmers.
May 25, 2018 at 17:58
My case number is 2019AF2***** does that mean anything
May 25, 2018 at 18:05
No, because that gives no idea of whether it is 200, 200, 20000 and so on.
May 23, 2018 at 18:41
Hi brit, I al from the región SA How many draws can there be? they would make a second draw this year? thanks
May 23, 2018 at 19:57
There may be a second draw. It is not certain. Check again in October.
May 22, 2018 at 16:16
I quote you
“For those selected – please DO NOT rush to submit your DS260. There is no need to do that and no advantage doing that. Take your time to make sure you understand the process”
I quote travel.state.gov
“Selected entrants are encouraged to complete the online DS-260 application immediately to schedule an interview appointment at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate”
Why they stress – immediately-?
thanks
May 22, 2018 at 17:10
Because it suits them. But I advise that you do what suits you.
May 22, 2018 at 18:32
How long can I wait until I submit DS260? Would I be able to delay until early next year or will that jeopardise my application? Thanks
May 22, 2018 at 18:48
You can wait for about 1 year from now.
May 22, 2018 at 19:18
Thanks
May 23, 2018 at 01:28
How woud I know when the cut off date is??
Rgs carlo
May 23, 2018 at 04:44
There is not a formal cutoff date. So – up to late May is the latest you should consider.
May 22, 2018 at 14:52
I have done my 10th from nepal and have recently given my final year diploma exam(3 year diploma) from india, result will be out within few days(10-15 days max), will my 3 year diploma be considered as highschool in usa, as I can get admission in second year in btech in colleges in india,am I eligible to process further after getting selected in diversity visa??
May 22, 2018 at 15:03
I don’t know about Indian qualifications – but if they meet the standard required, you can proceed.
May 21, 2018 at 16:14
Britsimons i am from ethiopia i lost my confirmation number and i proceed lost confirmation number tab on esc dv but i think i miss some letters from my name but i cannt retrive it so what shall i do?
May 21, 2018 at 16:46
There is nothing else you can do apart from that lost confirmation number link.
May 21, 2018 at 05:11
I did read your information very carefully, word by word 3 times, and again when I enter the confirmation code, Last Name, Year of Birth and the Captcha Words it’s still give the “not valid” info error. I did it several times very carefully, entered it letter by letter and number by number. I don’t know why. Anyway many other people are having the same problem. This is Frustration.
May 21, 2018 at 16:15
Some people have asked me to check after following instructions. Every single time I either have immediate success, or realize they applied before the restart date of October 18. Every single time.
If you want me to try – send it to britsimon3 at gmail.
May 21, 2018 at 04:42
Sir Simon
If so, why no one is selected among 500 entries at my school and same case as my friend’s school 750 entries with no slectee. Is there a special dv rule for Cambodia? Thx u with best luck
May 21, 2018 at 04:48
I don’t know anything about those schools, but the draw is random.
May 21, 2018 at 03:37
Hey Brit
Do you know what are the chances of a Cambodia being selected?
thank you
May 21, 2018 at 04:34
Same as other countries in the region – probably about 1 in 100.
May 21, 2018 at 03:07
Hi Simon
I am from AS region.
i am wondering if there are some error occurred for dv19 result as i have never seen winner from this region as well. My school selected 500 student to applied for dv19 but till now no is selected.
May 21, 2018 at 03:33
There are plenty of winners from AS region.
May 19, 2018 at 19:00
Kamil, I have been applying since 1998 as single applicant using paper-based applications and as married couples since 2005. We got pre-selected in 2017 and worked out way to move to the U.S of A. We believe it is the favor of our God in heaven that gave us this unique opportunity of becoming permanent residents of this much much better country than our 3rd world nation in E.Africa. BritSimons blog was an excellent resource for us too. So just keep applying as long as it is available.. Do not quit. And if you are a Christian like me keep the faith.
May 19, 2018 at 14:19
Dear sir /Madam
I was applying for DV lottery since 2000 up to now 2019 but it is not arrived me .so why ? Thank you
May 19, 2018 at 15:23
It’s a random draw.
May 18, 2018 at 17:48
Noob question please,
My confirmation Number is: 20195DG8DHKXXXXX
I have checked but it says the Entry HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED, a friend told me that this is a 2019 application and I have to wait to May 2019 to see, Im confused..
May 18, 2018 at 20:16
Not selected means not selected.
May 18, 2018 at 17:08
Finally I won it. But my question is, when applying for the lottery I typed my child’s middle name as Junior but in the birth certificate it reads a different name. Can I fill in form DS260 with the legal names as they appear on the birth certificate? Or it will tamper the whole process? Will this make the two of us disqualified? Or can go a head and process leaving the child’s part unprocessed?
Kindly help.
May 18, 2018 at 17:50
It isn’t a problem. Just correct it on the DS260 and continue.
May 30, 2018 at 06:13
Thanks much and be blessed for the good work.
May 18, 2018 at 11:45
when I inter my conf.number it says the information you inter is not valid.
May 18, 2018 at 15:04
So you should read the post above carefully.
May 18, 2018 at 10:32
Hi brit
Travel state dep Twitter :
There is not a date set at this time, but there may be additional selections made later.
May 18, 2018 at 14:28
Standard response.
May 18, 2018 at 08:52
Finally I won it, with case number AS102XX . Can you please advise with the possibilities of selecting for the visa interview
May 18, 2018 at 14:23
It is too early to know anything so far.
May 18, 2018 at 04:18
Tnks Brits for the wonderful job. 2018AF40xxx. Just checked and won again. 2019AF17xxx. Ure indeed a legend! Keep up the good work.
May 18, 2018 at 04:47
Nice!
May 18, 2018 at 05:57
Hi Mirian which date did you apply for your entry .I have never lucky this my 3rd time in vain lol.as in do you enter late or early which specific date did you do it .hahhaha
May 18, 2018 at 09:09
HI Delphine, i did it on Oct 25th. Like Brit explained in FAQ, entry date does not really matter. It’s a game of luck, den God too. Don’t be discouraged, keep trying.
I pray you succeed too next time. Best of wishes.
May 18, 2018 at 13:55
The draw is **RANDOM**
May 18, 2018 at 21:55
What you mean?
May 17, 2018 at 17:28
Millidv2019
Hi beit is that mean second draw higher case nomber. Thanks
May 17, 2018 at 17:37
A second draw (if it happened, which is unlikely) would start with numbers higher than where the first draw ended.
May 17, 2018 at 08:50
Why I am not winning the DV? I have been applying since 2005. Will be DV this year in October?
May 17, 2018 at 16:11
The chance of selection in AS region is about 1 in 100. So – you could apply for 100 years and, theoretically, only win once.
June 24, 2018 at 17:44
Read “The Power of the Subconscious Mind” by Joseph Murphy. Also, read success stories of DV winners, and the details of the process. I applied for 7 years and this year I actually got selected. The only difference between this time and all the other times was that I believed without a shadow of a doubt that I would win. Also, I read the book I mentioned above. I put sticky notes all over the house saying “I will win the green card on May 15th 2018” so I saw it a million times a day. In my phone, I wrote down a calendar appointment for when you could check whether you were selected. I wrote the appointment down as “You have been selected.” I told all of my friends and loved ones I was coming back at the end of this year. (I lived in the US as a student). Good luck next year!
June 24, 2018 at 18:12
Yeah, I see hundreds and thousands of people who practice the same positivity. They too are convinced that they will win – in fact, that is why people enter a lottery – because none of us would do that unless we thought we could win. I see this every year.
Funnily enough though, the people that are *convinced* that they will win and do the post it note thing and so on, get picked at the same rate as those that do nothing.
Because it is a random draw, and has NOTHING to do with how much you want it, believe it, need it, or post it note the house to oblivion.
R A N D O M.
July 8, 2018 at 18:12
You are so funny.
I bet you can also win money lottery by doing the same.
August 5, 2018 at 21:40
That’s positive attitude! Always be positive, thanks for your post!
May 17, 2018 at 05:47
Wow so frustrating – I did not know of the entry restart until reading your post, I did not get an e-mail warning me to re-enter. This is the 11th year in a row I have entered, I was one of those who won in 2011 and was canceled… Man what a circus!
Thanks for posting this up.
May 16, 2018 at 23:43
Hi Simon,
I have a very specific case situation for a friend. She lives in the US, married to 3 children, one of which is a US citizen, and she has seeked asylum – but her case hasn’t been processed yet. Now she found out that she has won the DV19 lottery. But she is not sure if she is still eligible to move forward with her green card application. What do you think?
Thank you.
May 16, 2018 at 23:50
She can apply for DV AOS. But if she is working with a lawyer on the asylum case, she should discuss that with the lawyer.
May 17, 2018 at 03:06
What is that exactly? DV AOS?
May 17, 2018 at 03:20
Adjustment of status – for people in the USA already.
DV – diversity visa lottery.
May 22, 2018 at 14:06
hello sir,
I got dv lottery for 2019. I am here in USA. To go further process, I have to adjust my status. I came here B1 B2 visa, applied asylum. It’s denied, because of TPS, my case did not forward in court. After tps approved, I took travel document, went to my country and came back again. That’s all my status right now. So may I eligible to go next step for DV lottery ? Can you plz kindly advise me ? It would be great help for me sir.
Sanu
May 22, 2018 at 14:34
You must not overstay your visa. Read the guide about the DV lottery process – you probably need to process in your home country.
May 16, 2018 at 21:42
Hi BritSimon I am from Ethiopia ,when I inter my conf.number it says the information you inter is not valid.what can I do please please help me kindly thank you.
May 16, 2018 at 22:56
Read the article above very carefully.