The registration period for DV2020 is about to open (about 1 hour from now) – so a few pointers to help make it successful.
- The entry period is from October 3 to November 6 and it opens at Noon EDT – East coast USA time – not the time where you might live. It also closes at noon on the USA east coast.
- Entry is FREE and it is very easy to enter yourself.
- Do not lie in this process, EVER. To clarify, a lie is when you don’t tell the truth, or omit a relevant detail. People who have lied (“forgetting” they are married or have a child for instance) often get offended when I point out they lied. Lies are toxic in this process.
- DO NOT let anyone enter for you. Every year I see cases of fraud, cases rejected and so on – simply because a third party entered the lottery.
- BEFORE you enter, read the instructions properly!
- The two biggest mistakes that people make are leaving a spouse or child off the entry (leading to certain denial) OR choosing the wrong country.
- Make sure you accurately choose your marital status correctly. Include your spouse and all children under 21 (including step children)
- Entry is based on country of birth. Not citizenship, country you are living at or ANYTHING else. The country where you were born. There are a couple of exceptions to that rule – but those are rarely used (and discussed here)
- Watch the video to know how to enter.
- You can enter even if you are already selected in DV2019. Anyone can enter.
- Enter here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry.html
- Take a new photo for the entry. Photo examples and instructions are here. The photo tool available there is a very useful tool to ensure the correct proportions and image size. You can take a photo with phone.
- Tell the truth as it is on the day of your entry. For example, if you are not married, but expect to be married within a few weeks, the reality is you are single so enter as single.
- Only enter once. A married couple can each enter and list the spouse as a derivative. Likewise a child of over 18 could be on the parents entry and have their own entry.
- It does not matter when you enter – the draw is random, there is no “best time” to enter, and I have proof of that statement.
- You don’t need to have a passport at the time of entry, but if selected you will need a passport to process your application.
- This is a lottery with a small chance of winning (being selected). Some people are selected on their first attempt, others could try 20 years and never get selected.
- You can enter the lottery from anywhere, on a computer/smartphone/similar device.
- There are no special tips to help get selected. Anyone who suggests otherwise is a fool, or trying to scam you. Just follow the VERY simple instructions and you may get lucky.
OK – that captures most of the questions I am typically asked.
October 3, 2018 at 15:07
Thank you very much for the juicy update Brit ,I was wondering when they will start because I have check several times today to no avail
October 3, 2018 at 15:32
Read the article.
October 3, 2018 at 15:13
Thank you brit, you are so helpful
October 3, 2018 at 15:17
Hi Brit,
My sister has been living with the father of her kids for the past 4yrs.They are not legally married.Should she include her spouse in her entry.Thanks
October 3, 2018 at 15:33
“They are not legally married”
So that is a NO then!
October 3, 2018 at 15:18
I love your posts. Thank you.
“Others could try 20 years and never get selected” is emotionally devastating.
October 3, 2018 at 15:34
Actually it was “optimistic”. The chance of selection is about once in 200 years.
October 5, 2018 at 01:47
I tryed over 24 years until I get selected, now I’m Green Card Holder
October 3, 2018 at 15:26
You are my No1
Be blessed
October 3, 2018 at 15:29
Simon, thank you again so much! I have a question that bothers me each year. I have a child who is a US citizen. The entry form is not clear: should I include him in the form or not?
October 3, 2018 at 15:38
That is clear in the instructions. No.
October 3, 2018 at 15:35
Hello,
If my children are citizen! Should i mention them in the application also?
October 3, 2018 at 15:37
No. That is covered in the instructions you obviously didn’t read. Read the instructions!
October 3, 2018 at 15:41
If you say people get .Selected once in 200 years ,then why are they bringing the issue of cut off case numbers and not give these selectees the chance for interview and possible visa issuance?
October 3, 2018 at 15:50
Because the process is run by laws and rules and within a given time period.
October 3, 2018 at 15:47
Will it be a problem if I fill my entry via mobile?? Will there be an opportunity to email my confirmation page??
October 3, 2018 at 15:51
No problem.
October 3, 2018 at 15:55
Hello .dv lotter 2018 has been ended.unluckyly my case was still show ready or the other one was in ap .i wana ask today is 3 oct.but the embassy didnt inform us when they are going to return our passport.todat we also emailed them in a humble way to send our passport.still no reply.give us advise
October 3, 2018 at 17:52
Wait.
October 3, 2018 at 16:26
Hi Brit,
I got randomly selected for the DV2019. Do you think I can still apply for DV2020
October 3, 2018 at 17:53
Read the article.
October 3, 2018 at 16:28
Dear Brit,
Does DS 260 demand the attachment of Scan copies of all the documents, like birth certificates, marriage certificates and education certificates???
October 3, 2018 at 17:53
No
October 3, 2018 at 16:41
I’m pregnant at this moment.How do I mark it?No children …??cause my boy will born after November 6
October 3, 2018 at 17:55
Read the article.
October 4, 2018 at 07:14
He says that You have to mark current status!
No Children.
October 3, 2018 at 17:08
Hello Brit, My wife was selected in the DV2019, would in any possible way affect our process if we apply again for the 2020 draw while we are in the DV2019 process? Thanks!
October 3, 2018 at 17:57
Read the article above.
October 3, 2018 at 17:45
Hello Mr Britsimon i have two Questions.
1- i want to apply DV2020 and i am student will graduate June 2019 University Degree, so in my Entry can i select University Degree.
2-What about Baned Countries to travel USA?
Thank you.
October 3, 2018 at 18:00
1. No, because that would be a lie.
2. Google it.
October 3, 2018 at 18:21
Sorry to ask this why wait?plz tell me some reasons?
October 3, 2018 at 18:23
Because that is all you can do.
October 3, 2018 at 18:35
Hi Brit.
Whlie I was filled out dv20 registration
Instead chose some university courses I chose highschool degree by mistake.
I have finished highschool since 2015.
But I didn’t finish university. Is there a problem?
October 3, 2018 at 19:26
No
October 3, 2018 at 20:13
I thought that I can I apply for someone else in another country?I heard that many people do that.If Iam a U.S citizen but the person Im applying for is in another country,is that ok?
October 3, 2018 at 21:55
Yes
October 3, 2018 at 20:14
We should donate for this blog. This so-friendly dude is giving gold information and not expecting anything in return.
October 3, 2018 at 21:59
Hi brit, am a winner already in USA, can i still play again with the intention of getting someone home through marriage. That’s if u succeed?
October 4, 2018 at 01:44
If you have a GC, you cannot process a win again. But you can marry and sponsor a wife (not through DV)
October 4, 2018 at 00:06
Great work as usual, BritSimon! Many thanks!
October 4, 2018 at 00:45
Hi Britsimon – I just entered 2020 but my photo which was absolutely the correct size etc. when uploaded seemed to be showing on the form as very large! I thought ‘well that just must be what it does’ but when my husband uploaded his photo it appeared as a passport size photo. I also didn’t put in city in the address in my form but again, when my husband submitted his it prompted him to include city. I had already submitted the form prior to seeing my husband’s application process so there was no going back but I did receive a confirmation with “success”. Do you think those are likely disqualifiers? It seemed like an issue with form (at least with regard to the photo).
October 4, 2018 at 02:34
I can’t really be sure.
October 4, 2018 at 02:25
hi BritSimon i have small problem for example my current name is john smith and i like to change my name to louis smith so which name i must enter the dv2020 lottory form and one more thing i don’t start name changing process until now and i plan to start the process in november and it take 4 or 6 month
October 4, 2018 at 02:36
Read the article above.
October 4, 2018 at 08:30
the link for dv entrance is not valid it says page not found pls try again what happend
October 4, 2018 at 14:21
It’s probably busy – try again in some days.
October 4, 2018 at 08:34
Hello.I’m pregnant at this moment.And my baby will born after November 6.How can I mark it?Like,No children ..Best regards
October 4, 2018 at 14:21
Please read the article!
October 4, 2018 at 10:04
Hi,
Mr Brist base on that( 4) point on the guide u just given above on how to enter the DVD lottery, can you ENTER for a brother, friend or relative who is out of network but private you his accurate information and picture size to try for him/her?
October 4, 2018 at 17:22
Yes.
October 4, 2018 at 12:08
Hi Brit I’m trying to apply for the 2020 dv lottery but it still shows the one of 2019 or the time has not yet reached?
October 4, 2018 at 17:24
It’s open.
October 4, 2018 at 18:17
Hello Brit,
Thank you so much for your great efforts
Appreciated
I need to ask a quick question
I’m living in US and need to apply for my all my family members
Could I use my location here instead of their location
I mean can i put my location like home address zip code and so on
Thank you again
October 4, 2018 at 18:25
Technically yes – but making the entry more accurate (their addresses) would be better.
October 5, 2018 at 00:07
Thank you
October 4, 2018 at 19:17
Thanks a lot
October 4, 2018 at 19:19
Sir my passport was expired i can apply?
October 4, 2018 at 19:39
Yes. If selected, you will have time to renew your passport.
October 4, 2018 at 20:22
Brit, hello once again, I have a friend born in Israel, came to south america at 3 months old, does he has to apply as an israelí? he has both passports, but in his SA passport says born in Israel
October 4, 2018 at 20:51
Did you read the article above?
October 4, 2018 at 23:33
Getting confirmation paper means ” i have submitted form successfully or … plz inform coz i didnt use the tool to check my photo ?Thanks.
October 5, 2018 at 00:03
You should have used the photo tool to ensure the composition was correct. But, if you read the instructions there should not be a problem.
October 5, 2018 at 01:41
My mistake, I fill names as lastnames and viceversa. Should I send the application again with the correct data?
October 5, 2018 at 03:40
No. If selected you can correct it later.
October 5, 2018 at 04:07
Dear Brit, thanks for sharing useful informations i am following your post since i have selected 2017, unfortunately my case closed due to the executive order travel ban, i still have hope to apply this time again, what is the chance for me? thank you so much
October 5, 2018 at 04:31
You can apply again. If selected you may well have the same problems if the travel ban is still in force.
October 5, 2018 at 13:09
Hi Brit and thanks for the great job, during my application last year(2017) I did not include my daughter because she was already 20 and choose to apply separately given the require age stated in the Diversity Visa eligibility document .Also since she was turning 21in 2018, we felt that she wouldn’t had been allow to be taken with me even if I win. Certainly, it turned out to be that I was successful . Now my fear is that even thou she turned 21 before the result came out this year, but since I didn’t mentioned and letting them decide her fate, I am afraid. Besides, I attempted years back in traveling with but she was denied and I was granted and visited the US more than three times but I’m worried that this shouldn’t cause any problem. So I will appreciate your advice or candid opinion on this please.
October 5, 2018 at 15:09
By not including her in your initial entry you broke the VERY CLEAR rule. So – you will be disqualified during the DV process. My advice is not to waste your money on proceeding.
October 6, 2018 at 20:15
Her age is 21 now and she can’t go with me as a child,that can be clearly explain though,cus was already close to her 21st birthday, will give it a trail. My records are very clean there and that could also speak for.
October 6, 2018 at 22:23
You are not paying attention to what you are being told. YOU WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. There is no fix.
October 5, 2018 at 10:21
I AM ENCOUNTERING SOME SETBACKS. THE DV ENTRANT PAGE IS OPEN, AFTER I HAVE PUT IN ME AND MY WIFE’S INFORMATION, AS I CLICK ON SUBMIT, BOOM!!!!!!!!!! IT POPS UP THAT THE SITE CANT BE REACHED…..I BEEN SEEING THIS SINCE YESTERDAY AND I HAVE NOT APPLIED YET…..WHAT MIGHT BE THE CAUSE?
October 5, 2018 at 15:01
You probably have multiple windows open. Restart your computer or device and try again.
October 5, 2018 at 17:32
Is it possible to play dv lottery when we already have the green card to bring his children in case we win? Thanks
October 5, 2018 at 18:12
No, but that makes no sense anyway. Look into family based immigration.
October 5, 2018 at 19:33
Hello,if my photo was received ,does this mean that my photo meets the requirements causa i did not use the photo tool?
October 5, 2018 at 19:43
No.
October 6, 2018 at 04:35
Hey brit how are u Im currently a permanent resident and my spouse is abroad when he was filling the dv 2020 form he notice this “If your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident, do not list him/her in your entry.” Does it mean he dont have to list my name or should he say what?? 10Q
October 6, 2018 at 14:18
It means exactly what it says, and the official FAQ clarifies it.
October 6, 2018 at 12:57
Hi I entered the wrong date n month of birth will it have a problem? Can u change if I am selected ?I entered 19/04 instead of 15/05
October 6, 2018 at 14:33
You can correct if selected.
October 6, 2018 at 19:07
Hello Mr. Brit,
My brother won dv2019 but he has discovered that he has Hepatitis B .
Can this lead to disqualification or he will be granted a visa although he is HB infecred winner.
Your reply is our happiness.
October 6, 2018 at 22:20
Not a problem. You can read about it in the FAQ.
October 6, 2018 at 22:39
Thanks so much ?
My 2nd question is that : The case No 2019AF45xxx will have a chance for interview ?
If yes it could be when ?
Be blessed Mr.Brit
October 7, 2018 at 01:08
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
October 7, 2018 at 12:04
Hi Brit…my is curious to know abt some fact before playing the Dv 2020.
1.Playing DV twice is a disqualification we all know but he is doubting whether previous double entry let’s say DV 2016, Dv 2017 and Dv 2018 can in anyway affect his case if played ONCE in DV 2020 and happen to be a winner?
2. Is there any relation between previous Edv entries and the current DV 2020 even when the fiscal years are completely different… Why is that record needed when the year is over and cases closed ?
October 7, 2018 at 13:59
I only help people be honest, I don’t provide answers on how to cheat, or answers to relax cheaters.
October 7, 2018 at 14:26
Hi Brit
I will finish Grade 12 in December but I want to apply for dv 2020 now. As they only ask for education details upon selection (after May 2019), should I just say that I have a high school degree? As otherwise my application would be automatically ineligible. Thanks
October 7, 2018 at 14:48
Tell the truth. Whatever education you select does not affect your selection. You would have to prove you meet the education standard at the interview.
October 7, 2018 at 14:54
Hello Brit. Our case number is AF19xxx. And that was our first time to participate on DV so shall we participate on DV2020, or that luck is enough just to behold to be interviewed. Just friendly request. Thanks
Secondly, we chose our interview location different from our current address. Is that a problem.
October 7, 2018 at 15:02
1. No harm in entering DV2020.
2. You will be scheduled according to your address.
October 7, 2018 at 16:12
Hello Brit I tried entering but I’m unable to include my photograph and the massage I receive is :unable to continue the previous operations due to low memory
I don’t what’s the problem and which I have enough space in my memory
October 8, 2018 at 02:59
Try a different device.
October 8, 2018 at 09:35
I don’t have recent photographs of my spouses and I don’t decide to take them recently if I am selected should I fill up as a single or not?
October 8, 2018 at 14:09
Spouses?
October 8, 2018 at 16:49
I mean that I don’t have photograph of my wife and doughter should I apply dv lottery as a single.
October 8, 2018 at 17:20
Did you even bother to read the article above? You really should.
October 9, 2018 at 12:00
If I do not have a high school diploma can’t I apply.
Advise on the work experience
October 9, 2018 at 13:57
You should enter the lottery and if you are selected, figure out your work experience.
October 11, 2018 at 04:37
Hi my brother is above 21 mean he is 24 anx not Married can i mention him in application form please reply me soon
October 11, 2018 at 14:05
No
October 11, 2018 at 04:41
and when ws can check dv2020 result
October 11, 2018 at 14:06
Read the instructions.
October 11, 2018 at 09:02
I’m about completing my university degree…should I select university degree as what I have attained with my education ..I will be done in April 2019
October 11, 2018 at 14:10
Did you read the article above??