We will have many DV2021 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.
Please read the ground rules at the bottom of this page.
Here are two links to help those still not able to check their entry:
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/checking-esc-page-check-without-mistakes/
And here is a video to explain how to check your entry result.
This video is specifcally showing the process for DV2021:
This is a video for people that find they are selected!
And for those that cannot submit their DS260.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
Now – some questions.
Is there a deadline to submit my DS260?
There is no official deadline to submit your DS260. People will continue to submit DS260s for DV2021 cases well into 2021. Submissions as late as April, May or perhaps (but more riskily) even June of next year will still get processed in time.
How long does it take to process the DS260?
The way DS260’s are processed was changed for DV2018. In addition there was a recent change to the process about submitting documents to KCC AFTER the DS260.
The actual processing time of the DS260 is quite short – probably 3 to 4 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?
Interview timing is mainly based on your case number, and where that number is ranked within each region. If you submitted your DS260 early, but have a high case number within your region, you will wait until that case number is ready to be interviewed. So – if you are case number 10000 in AS region for example you can expect a long wait before being interviewed. However regions have their own numbering, SO that same number in AF region (where the highest case number could be a lot higher) that 10000 number would be very low. So “low or high” number is relative within the region.
When will interviews start and how will I be told of my interview date?
No DV2021 interviews will happen before October 2020. DV2021 interviews will continue until September 30th 2021. So stop packing your bags. It’s a long process. Interview scheduled are notified in monthly 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 DV2020 will go out in mid/late August. That will be for cases that have been processed AND are current for October, AND have submitted their documents. 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 15th of each month.
“My case number is XXXX when will I be scheduled?”
Oh man. These questions are tiring. I really expect people to use some thought process about this, and if you can’t do that, then asking me to think for you is not going to be warmly welcomed by me. I have made available more than enough information to get an idea of how scheduling works, but remember, cases are scheduled according to ALL the following three things.
- The case number. No case will EVER be scheduled until the case number is ready.
- DS260 submission. Until the DS260 is submitted AND PROCESSED, you will not be scheduled.
- Submitted documents to KCC (new process). Until your documents are submitted to KCC you will not be processed. Read about the new procedure here.
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. It might be 75 one month and 125 the next, but you get the general idea – it is a slow progression over the year.
Will there be a second draw?
In some years it is possible that there would be a small second draw around September/October. We don’t know how likely that is for DV2021 yet.
Selectees, cases and case numbers
OK – so there is some confusion about this – so let me cover it here.
When the selectee numbers are published (in the July or August visa bulletin there is a number shown for each country within each region. That number is the number of *selectees – INCLUDING derivatives*. So – if a winner was single, that is one selectee on one case number. If the winner was married and had one child, that would count as three selectees. The global quota of visas is 50,000, so if the three person family were to be approved, that is 3 out of 50,000.
Each winner gets a case number. The derivatives are on that same case number. Each region has it’s on set of case numbers – so there can be an AF1, AF2, AS1, AS2, EU1 and EU2 ands so on. So when you tell me your case number is case number 12345 – it is meaningless. I need the year and region.
As I explain in this post about holes theory – the case numbers assigned have “holes” (or gaps between them). So – case number 2019EU20000 does NOT have 19999 cases in front of them. The number will be less. However, there may be less case numbers – but each case has the selectee and derivatives.
To understand your “place in the line”, you have to understand the density of cases, number of derivatives on each case, how many cases will respond, how many will be approved and so on. There is a lot to understand. I wrote a series of articles a couple of years ago – and all can be understood by reading those – start with density analysis, and use the links at the bottom of that article to get to the others. The analysis was specific to DV2016 – but the principles are the same.
In the first few months of the new program year we don’t have much data. In January we get access to the CEAC data and then we will understand a lot more. The CEAC data is all the case status info for every case – but again we will not have DV2020 CEAC data until January 2020. In the meantime, you can see excellent visualizations of the DV2018 and 2019 data at the site maintained by a smart guy call Xarthisius. The site illustrates well the density, response rate and so on, which are things you will hear me explain (and can read about on my site).
How many visas can be issued for DV2021? How about XXX country?
According to the published information, there are almost 55,000 visas available globally. However, the visas are allocated through a quota system to each region. They are NOT allocated by country. However, no one country can receive more than 7% of the global allocation. – so regions have an allocation of the 55,000 global quota. This is explained in more detail here.
Can DV2021 be stopped by Trump/Republicans/Aliens?
This was fully detailed in this post from August 2017. Since then, Trump and the Republicans have continued to achieve almost nothing, and there has been no credible progress toward immigration law changes. Please read that article, and don’t ask me the same questions again until an actual real law is passed.
GROUND RULES for BritSimonSays.com
I don’t work for the government, I don’t get paid for this. I work for a living and I sleep sometimes. So – I expect people to respect my time. That means the following “rules” exist on my site.
- Read the DV lottery guide. It includes a link to my guide on how to complete the DS260, an overall rough idea of the process and so on.
- READ the FAQ (frequently asked questions). If you ask me a question that is covered in the FAQ, you are wasting my time. Please help me help you and others that need help
- Learn how to use the search feature and translation features of this site.
- Post your questions in English. Like many of you, I am multilingual but English is a common language – and most Americans ONLY speak English, and mostly, not very well 😉
- If asking multiple questions, number your questions and consider how I can answer the question. Consider how I can answer with a simple yes or no or short answer – you will find I ALWAYS answer questions like that, because you considered how to make the answer easy for me to give. Give me enough detail to answer the question without making me read about your life history for 10 minutes. I do ignore some rambling questions that send me to sleep…
- Do NOT post “are you sure” type questions – I simply HATE that. It is a huge waste of my time to have to deal with that type of follow up. Read my answer 10 times if you need, but unless you are CONVINCED I misunderstood or answered incorrectly, don’t ask me the same thing I just answered.
- Post your question once and wait for a reply. Sometimes your post won’t show up on the public page until I approve it. That doesn’t mean you should post the same question 5 more times. Just wait.
- If following up to a question you already asked – use “REPLY” to keep the questions in context. I see an administrators view of the questions – I don’t always see that one question is close to your previous question, but I am able to jump to the thread if you use reply.
- Don’t expect me to know everything about life in all the countries around the world. You may not have left country A – but you should consider that the world does not all work the same way as country A.
- Tell the truth. Don’t lie to me. I hate it – and it is pointless. This process requires honesty. So do I.
- Keep your data private. Your case number should be quoted with region and year, but you don’t need to give me, or anyone else, a precise number. Give a range by “X-ing out” the last few digits. So – if your number is 2019AF000012345, you can quote your number as 2019AF12XXX. That tells me you are about the 12000 to 13000 range in AF region in 2019.
- Every year I get a few characters that drive me nuts. There is the person that asks every single question that pops into their head. If someone is making use of the info here, that should not be necessary. Take some responsibility for your own case. Second I get some smartasses that get uppity with me over one thing or another. I could argue for England, I enjoy a good argument, but this isn’t the place for that and I am too busy. I will not hesitate to delete messages I find annoying or damaging to other people’s chances. Some people are amazed when I do that – but this is my blog. If you want to argue because you think you know better, just find somewhere else to do that. I’m not interested in feeding your ego, and I don’t care if you think I am arrogant, mean, a tyrant or whatever. Really – I don’t care, so those “accusations” don’t hurt me.
- This space reserved for any other rules I think of, whenever I think of them.
June 9, 2020 at 12:37
Someone said that once the visa bulletin showed “Current”, it is your submission date of DS-260 that will decide the interview date (first come, first serve), not your case number. Is that true?
June 9, 2020 at 19:41
No
June 9, 2020 at 14:03
1) My case number is 2021AF00081XXX. How likely I am to get a visa?
June 9, 2020 at 19:52
Note how I edited your case number. Use that format for your privacy.
It is too early to know how many were selected and so on. Wait and see.
June 9, 2020 at 15:12
Just saw on https://twitter.com/TravelGov/with_replies?lang=en
Travel – State Dept
“@TravelGov: Hello, there will be no second selection for the 2021 Diversity Visa Program.”
June 9, 2020 at 16:19
Hi all,
Won 2021 with a relatively low case number (~4500). Everyone is saying act quickly (submit DS260), but what does quickly mean? Is it days or weeks or I have a few months? The thing is, ceac.state.gov website is not so responsive, i’d say it is having technical difficulties (obviously all DS260 winners are trying to submit the form simultaneously). So i do not want to be late, but at the same time i’m tried of trying to login and complete the form without any luck.
So would appreciate any advice on what does “act quickly” mean.
Thank!
June 9, 2020 at 20:51
First – DS260.
And for those that cannot submit their DS260
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
As for how fast is fast. You don’t have to go fast if you don’t want to. Going slow simply means a slightly later interview. No problem.
June 9, 2020 at 16:34
Hi Simon, I’ve been selected for DV2021 and your blog has been a huge help to try and understand how it all works, thank you so much!
My questions are;
1. Would you consider my case number high or low in rank OC18XX?
2. Do you think I could expect an interview before March 2021 with this case number? I should not have much trouble with submitting documents as I am a single applicant. Currently working on the DS260.
I’ll be checking back on your blog for more insight throughout the year!
June 9, 2020 at 21:19
1. It is too early to be precise, but it’s probably OK.
2. Probably not.
June 9, 2020 at 17:03
Hi Brit, first i appreciate what you are doing here. My question is when i`m starting to fill the DS-260 form after i entered my case number, surname, and confirmation number and tried continue i get this”Your request cannot be processed at this time.” So what`s wrong? Thanks for the help.
June 9, 2020 at 21:22
Read the page above and click the link for the DS260 – see if that helps.
June 9, 2020 at 17:21
Hi Brit,could you tell me what`s wrong? I get this when i try to proceed from the first page asking for case number, surname and confirmation number “Your request cannot be processed at this time.”
June 9, 2020 at 21:26
Try a different browser, make sure you have no open windows.
June 9, 2020 at 19:38
Hello Thanks for all the information. Please i no longer have access to the email used for the dventry. If i provide a new email in my ds260, will that be ok ?
June 9, 2020 at 21:58
Yes
June 10, 2020 at 02:43
Dear Brit,
Can I check my status 2021 early or late? which one id good to have a chance?
June 10, 2020 at 03:41
Huh?
June 11, 2020 at 14:42
Can I check my status for 2021 late or early?
June 12, 2020 at 00:24
Now.
June 10, 2020 at 13:26
dear sir
i have tow question
1- my number AF33XXX what are may chances
2- i m fro Sudan witch recently trump added my country to the restricted countries to get visa, so it will be a embassy appointment and then they will decide to refuse u if no new decision or they will refuse u from the start
thanks
June 11, 2020 at 00:18
1. The number is good.
2. Banned is banned. But If Trump loses the election (which becomes more likely every time he opens his mouth), then Biden will probably remove the bans.
June 10, 2020 at 14:49
Dear Brit ,
I was selected in dv2021 with a number 110…
Is it a good number to get the interview
June 11, 2020 at 00:21
No idea. Meaningless without the region and a proper idea of the scale of the number.
June 10, 2020 at 16:58
Namaste Brit,
I am a DV 2020 winner with case number 10### (NEPAL). I have been flowing your blogs and videos from the start. It had helped me a lot on understanding the process. I have huge admiration for your selfless work here.
my interview was scheduled for april 8th but as you already know it was postponed due to covid 19 pandemic. My query is that what if my interview is not not rescheduled by the end of September ? will i lose my chances of getting a green card ? Or it is mandatory of US embassy to reschedule my interview as i had received my 2nl already.
Thank you.
love from NEPAL ?
June 11, 2020 at 00:45
If you are not approved by October 1 you will lose your chance.
June 10, 2020 at 20:53
My baby boy is aged 1to2 years?
When I fill DS-260, it requires passport?
Is it must to have passport for the baby?
June 11, 2020 at 01:00
Yes
June 11, 2020 at 10:24
Hello Simon,
I’ve been selected for Dv-2021 and I have a question.
The passport I used during entry, expired in May 2020. Now that I won, I’m about to get the new passport and naturally it’s gonna have new number, expiration date, etc. When I fill out DS-260 I’m gonna use new passport number.
My question is, is it gonna pose any problem during the acceptance of DS-260, because the passport number of DV-2021 and DS-260 will be different? Or is it not that important during DS-260 acceptance stage? If I make to the interview stage I plan on taking both old and new passports with me to avoid any kind of confusion and possible disqualification. The only thing I’m worried about is, if it will be a problem during the acceptance of DS-260 (and now that I watched you video about case numbers, I’m little worried about my almost EU36k number).
Because this whole passport information is new, I couldn’t find the information anywhere and finally wrote email to KCCDV yesterday, asking the similar question. Most likely it’s not gonna have any negative consequences, but because of my negative personality it added to my worries. I wish I found your blog earlier. 🙁
June 11, 2020 at 22:24
Not a problem. You simply show proof of old passport at the interview.
June 12, 2020 at 13:08
This is written in their instructions and for the answer regarding the mail I wrote to them, they just copy-pasted those instructions. Not that I expected more, but still. This is what the instructions say:
–
If your passport number changes for any reason, you will have to provide evidence of why it has changed to KCC before they will schedule your DV interview. If you entered a false, inaccurate, or invalid passport number on your DV entry, your case will be disqualified or your DV application refused.
–
It says that I have to provide them with the evidence BEFORE they will schedule my interview, but they didn’t say how. Judging from that, it looks like exactly what I was afraid of, that because of the passport number mismatch, I won’t even be able to reach the interview stage, where I’ll be able to show both passports. It seems I should provide KCC with the proof before they schedule my interview.
So, do you know how it should be handled? should I send them the scan of my old passport with all the other documents after I submit my DS-260? I’m a little confused.
June 12, 2020 at 13:26
You are making a fuss out of nothing. When you send documents, send old and new. Simple.
June 11, 2020 at 12:25
Hi brit, i know your probably sick of answering this question, but i’m so invested into this dv lottery. I have been applying for the lottery every year since 1998. So after 22 years of trying i have finally won with a case number of 2021AS11XXX. I’m from Jordan, a country that has a huge number of people applying for the DV lottery. In your opinion how high are my chances of receiving an Interview?. And based on previous years and your experience has anyone with this number never made it to an interview? I’m currently residing outside of Jordan but i have decided to make the interview in Jordan because i still need to get a police certificate and to gather other needed documents. So i’m more than willing to leave my current house, Job and life for this opportunity. But it would be nice to know my chances ahead of time.
June 11, 2020 at 23:58
Number is fine. Highest AS numbers seem to be around 2021AS35XXX
June 11, 2020 at 14:48
a friend won the dv 2021 but played with an imaginary passport number. What is her fate and she has a relatively low case number of 6k from AF.
June 12, 2020 at 00:25
An “imaginary passport number”. That’s a nice way of saying he lied to the US government!
What do you think the outcome would be?
June 14, 2020 at 04:53
Hi Brit,
i won dv lottery for 2021 with case no.AS80## from Nepal. Do you consider this a safe no. as in the past years even AS7000 was not safe. Humbly waiting for your response.
June 14, 2020 at 05:09
Probably.
June 15, 2020 at 11:52
Haha well she’s going to get an “Imaginary Green Card ” …….simple as that
June 11, 2020 at 15:15
Hi Simon, I’ve been selected thank you so much for your explanation!
I won with 2021AF2XXX and I will submit my DS260 this week. My question do you think I could expect an interview in October 2020 with this case number?
June 12, 2020 at 00:27
Maybe, but it’s likely there will be few October interviews. Doesn’t matter though, the GCs issued in November and December are just as good as those issued in October.
June 11, 2020 at 16:07
Hi simon,
Am a DV2021 winner. I would like to seek your advice, I am 6 months pregnant. My case number is 2021AF3XXX
1-So Should submit my DS-260 form now.
2-What are the chances of me being interviewed in October 2020?
June 12, 2020 at 00:33
If I were you I would delay submission to make sure you can easily add the baby and have a slightly later interview. Read the FAQ about adding the baby.
June 11, 2020 at 18:21
Dear Brit.
1-My case no is AF46XXX. Do you think that I have a good chance?
2- There is something rumors that when the case number is too high the chance to be Interviewed and get a Visa is low. Is that?
June 11, 2020 at 19:19
For DV 2021 is AF46XXX high case number??
Thank you!
June 12, 2020 at 00:53
Not particularly high
June 12, 2020 at 00:46
I will assume 2021 – please make that clear in future.
1. Maybe. Too soon to know.
2. True. Some years there are too many selectees – we don’t know about this year yet.
June 12, 2020 at 02:17
Thanks Simon for the good work.
1.My case number is 2021AF00019XXX. Please I want to know if this could be considered a low case number on a general basis.
2. Secondly, I did a traditional marriage on 1st may but did not do a marriage certificate. If I apply for it now, it will take some time and this will delay the DS-260 submission. I however do not intend to travel with my wife now if successful ( she might join later). In that case, do I have to change my marital status to ‘married” or it’s ok to maintain it as “single” since I don’t have prove for now and would she be called for interview if I was invited for one?
Thanks for your time sir.
June 12, 2020 at 02:36
1. Pretty good.
2. It’s important you tell the truth.
June 12, 2020 at 03:58
Hi Simon!
I’ve been selected in the DV2021 🙂 and my case number is: 2021OC00002XXX. I have two questions.
1. The passport in which I applied with is expiring in a couple months. Should I renew my passport before I fill out the DS260 or is it okay to complete it with my existing passport and hopefully at the interview, I’ll provide them with both?
2. From your experience, when would you suspect an interview from this case number?
Thank you, this blog is so great. All the information is highly appreciated.
Thanks,
Alex 🙂
June 12, 2020 at 04:25
1. Renew first then submit.
2. Summer 2021 – but that might change when we know more about numbers.
June 15, 2020 at 14:08
Thank you! 🙂
June 12, 2020 at 08:31
When will we know the number of people who has been selected!?
What is the highest number of eu ?
June 12, 2020 at 11:25
In a few weeks.
I don’t know.
June 12, 2020 at 14:33
Understand thank you.
And what the highest number did you read in your comment section for eu?
June 12, 2020 at 17:47
I’ve seen some 50’s
June 13, 2020 at 14:01
Hi Simon, i am 2021 Dv selectee,my worry is during entry i choose married but didn’t have a marriage certificate.entered my spouse and 2 children.we married the year 2013 under customay laws in our country with valid Affidavit of support.will this mistake cost my process. 2. we plan to legalize our marriage inorder to obtain a marriage certificate.from your previous comment i saw you saying ” in big trouble” does this mean will be disqualified.
June 13, 2020 at 17:54
The laws about customary marriage vary by country. If your country treats that marriage as a legal marriage, then the US immigration will respect that.
However, you say you plan to legalize it – which suggests otherwise. In that case you have some risk. You legalize the marriage as soon as possible and maintain in the interview that you believed yourself to be married – hence the entry as married. A CO would have some discretion to accept that, although there is some risk that they won’t. The only way to be sure is attend the interview.
June 13, 2020 at 18:40
ok,tha thanks
June 13, 2020 at 19:40
Hi Simon and thanks for all the precise info you are sharing.
My wife and I were borne in Iran and are Australian citizens.
When we applied for DVLottery 2021 we were living in Australia but since January 2020 we are living in the US while my wife is studying in a University in US.
She won the lottery (2021AS000012xxx) and the Post (consulate) is Sydney, happy days so far.
The question pops up here:
1) Should we Submit DS-260 and go back to Australia for interview or Is it better to submit I-485 and continue our case inside US?
2) what is the process of bringing our case into US? Should we submit DS-260 then I-485 or there is another procedure we’re not aware of?
Appreciate your response in advance
June 14, 2020 at 00:42
1. I can’t decide for you, you must weigh the pros and cons of each method and decide for yourself. The link below includes a link to a spreadsheet with lots of information to help you decide, and full instructions if you decide on AOS.
2. Read the link below.
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2021-aos-only.342993/
June 14, 2020 at 07:00
Really appreciate the info you and respectful Sm1smom have provided ?
June 12, 2020 at 10:37
Hey brit, I am a winner of 2021 Dv lottery. I got selected with my family (we are 3 btw). And my case number is 2021AF00074***. Is it save? Are we going to be scheduled for the interview ? Thanks.
June 12, 2020 at 11:51
It’s a high number. Wait a few weeks when we will know more.
June 12, 2020 at 11:53
Okay Thanks.
June 12, 2020 at 15:47
Hello Simon.
Since DS260 application has to be submitted for each family members (starting with the randomly selected one, then his / her spouse, and for every children), do all family members use the same Case number when they start filling their DS260 application?
June 12, 2020 at 21:09
Yes
June 12, 2020 at 16:09
Hi simon i am winner dv 2020 case number EU42XXX. But i also win in dv 2021 and that time my case number is EU28XXX. 1 what you think it is better to submit DS260 after september ? of cours if i dont get visa from dv 2020. 2. Case number EU 28XXX for dv 2021 good ?
June 12, 2020 at 21:12
Yeah – wait until after DV2020. That won’t cause any delay with EU28XXX.
June 12, 2020 at 23:29
Dear Simon,
Me and my wife both got selected for dv 2021. Can we both apply as principal applicant’s?
Kind regards
June 12, 2020 at 23:55
Well yes – but WHY????
June 14, 2020 at 14:39
Choose the applicant with the lowest case number
June 13, 2020 at 00:31
Hello, a very close friend finally was selected, for DV2021. Her number is EU00031XXX. Based on what you said was the highest entry so far for EU, it seems she is in the middle of the pack, and so I assume has an excellent chance (but let me know if you think it’s too soon to be so certain). She has four derivatives on her application…her husband and three children. Here are my questions (and my apologies if they are dumb ones!):
1. Is there *any* advantage to her getting her DS260 submitted and complete before October?
2. Is she at any disadvantage for having so many derivatives? She is worried that this puts her well outside the norm.
3. She holds a teaching license in her country, and the US state where she would like to move to has a process for those with foreign certifications to transfer them here. Would doing so in advance give her an advantage to having her application approved?
June 13, 2020 at 04:49
1. No
2. No
3. No
June 13, 2020 at 05:30
Hello Simon,
Thanks a lot for all your help. I just thought I’d drop my case number here as an example of what I guess is a very high number for the SA region:
2021SA000044XX
Kind regards.
June 13, 2020 at 16:54
Yes it’s a high number. Once we know how many selectees there are we will be able to assess risk, to some extent.
June 13, 2020 at 08:48
Can I change my mailing address after winning the lottery (i.e. different address in the DS 260 form than the address used lottery application)?
I moved from one country in to another (different continent) after I a have submit my DV lottery application
June 13, 2020 at 17:30
Yes. You list the address where you are currently living.
June 13, 2020 at 12:35
Dear Simon,
If a DV winner applies with the job option, is it requred to declare or have the High School graduation document? Does the CO ask for that during the interview?
Thanks in advance
June 13, 2020 at 17:47
Education is the normal way to meet the requirement. If the person cannot meet education then the CO will ask about work experience. A properly prepared work experience case can get approval.
https://britsimonsays.com/education-or-work-experience-qualifying-for-the-dv-lottery/
June 13, 2020 at 19:12
Thanks for your prompt reply.
I understood that a DV winner has to apply with all school documents that he has and if not enough, could base his request on work experience, well prepared as suggested. Is that right?
Or is it possible to apply only with work experience without school degree?
Thanks again.
June 13, 2020 at 17:45
Hi Simon
My case number is 2021AS10xxx
I was entried married with one child right now I have upcoming baby near days should I wait until borned of new baby or should fill my Ds,260 form right now .
Please inform me .
June 13, 2020 at 18:07
Personally I would wait for the birth.
June 13, 2020 at 21:25
Hello Simon
I have a question regarding the ds260 education/work section. I am currently working as a freelancer but also have previous work experience.
How should I approach filling the supervisor number and adress as I don’t have any, just a website where I have my account and offer my services (fiverr).
Regarding the present work/education, should I write about the schools I have finished (bachelors and full time high school) or the current job.
Thanks in advance!
June 14, 2020 at 00:50
Present means now. What is your occupation NOW.
Then provide work and education history as the form requires.
June 14, 2020 at 10:26
Thanks for confirming this!
Do you have any suggestion regarding the occupation being a freelancer, since there is no supervisor or phone number?
June 14, 2020 at 18:35
Leave those fields blank.
June 13, 2020 at 21:29
Hi Simon
I won the visa 2021 lottery with my wife and child.
At the beginning we put respectively Accountant and Sociologist as being on our identity cards.
But in reality we are unemployed.
Our child is less than 2 years old.
my case number is 2021AF00055XXX
Questions:
1- when can we fill the DS260 form?
2-when filling out the DS260 form ,can we write only the education levels?
3-During the interview do I pay the maintenance fees for the child?
My deeep respect.
June 14, 2020 at 00:51
1. Any time from now, or in a few months. No rush.
2. Answer fully.
3. Interview and medical fees are payable for the child too.
June 13, 2020 at 21:45
Another question:
I hit “Start Now”but I came out,because I’m not ready yet.
Can this cause a problem?
Plese……
June 14, 2020 at 00:51
No
June 14, 2020 at 02:39
My Friend won DV 2021 with the CN of AF51xxx
1.from your previous experience, was there a chance for interview with this number?
Thank you!
June 14, 2020 at 04:10
Possibly. It’s too soon to be sure.
June 14, 2020 at 03:37
So I checked my DV earlier and I was told that I wasn’t selected. I also understand you can keep checking your status until September 30,2020. Is it possible for me to be selected if I checked later despite not being selected earlier? Have everyone experienced this before?
June 14, 2020 at 04:11
It’s possible, not likely, but possible.
June 14, 2020 at 05:37
Hi, Simon! Love ur blog! That’s cool what u do. I’ve got a number For DV-2021 – EU34***. Is it a good chance ?
June 14, 2020 at 15:52
Probably, but it’s too early to be sure.
June 14, 2020 at 07:46
Hi Brit
My number is as high as ÀS 32xxx. Is there a chance for me to get an interview or is it unlikely to get an interview?
June 14, 2020 at 16:19
Too early to know.
June 14, 2020 at 10:12
Hi Simon !
Well, I just been recently selected For DV-2021 and I’m about to fill up the ds-260. My question here that I’ve been in US for the year of 2018-2019 under j-1 visa (exchange student), do you think this may affect my selection for DV- lottery visa ( I mean decrease my chance to get the immigrant visa) or no ?
Knowing that I’m required to finish the two years of stay at my own country and I will be asked on that through this qst ‘if you had a J visa and doesn’t yet fulfilled the two year foreign residence requirement’ so should I answer by Yes here?
Thanks in advance!
June 14, 2020 at 18:33
If you have a two year home requirement you could have a problem. Answer yes, but you may need a waiver OR calculate when the two years is up and file your DS260/documents to have an interview after that date.
June 14, 2020 at 10:28
Hi Brit,
I have won DV lottery for 2021 with case number AS80## and i am from Nepal. Do you consider this a safe no. for 2nd letter as in the past years even 7000 was not safe? Eagerly wating for your say on this.
June 14, 2020 at 18:35
It’s fine.
June 14, 2020 at 11:09
Dear sir
GOOD DAY
I have done mistakes in my DS260 my name as in the passport is sumia hashim salih (on my origin win page my name is also sumia hashim salih)
1- I wrote the surname salih but in the given name i wrote sumia salih
2- also for my children i wrote the same for my name and for their name
is this mistakes can effect my admission ( even all this names are included in the passport )
June 14, 2020 at 18:38
If necessary, unlock the DS260 to make sure the names are correct. Use the other names used if needed.
June 14, 2020 at 11:52
Hey britsimon,
I was wondering if it would be a good idea if you could create a poll on your blog with case numbers (example: ranged from 1-5000, 5000-10000, 20k-30k and so on) of each region where people can tick their CN. This way it’s easier to see how high a case number can go in a region, oddball possibilities and generally offering a better understanding and analysis of the situation, rather than having to read through comments all the time.
I am a dv2021 winner from Europe and I haven’t seen that many people commenting about their cases, it’s mostly selectees from AF and AS asking a lot of questions. Thanks.
June 14, 2020 at 18:39
In a few weeks we will know more.
June 14, 2020 at 17:56
Hello! I’ve got a case number in DV-2021 EU 34***. How do u think, do I have a chance for the interview with that high case number?
June 14, 2020 at 19:18
Too early to be certain
June 14, 2020 at 19:27
my surname in my passoprt is ALMAQADM but in DV-2021 Submission i wrote ALMAQDAM
What is name that i write in the form DS260?
June 14, 2020 at 19:49
The correct legal name.
June 14, 2020 at 21:06
Hi Brit,
I’ve got a case number in DV-2021 EU 39***.
Two questions considering that, if I will be selected for interview, probably will be for next March/April 2021:
1) can I travel to USA with esta this August without problems? We have booked flights for March 2020 but due to covid have been postponed at the end of this summer hoping it will be possibile to enter again in USA for holiday.
2) can I register me again for DV2022 considering that until next year we are not sure to be safe with case obtained in DV2021?
Thanks a lot and congrats for your website.
June 15, 2020 at 02:54
1. Yes
2. Yes
June 15, 2020 at 04:06
Hi Brit, thanks again for all the information you give us. My case number is 2021SA1XX and I will go through an adjustment of status, When can I submit the form I-485?
June 15, 2020 at 05:09
Wait until October. There is an early filing policy, but chances of rejection are high before the start of the year.
Full AOS info here:
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2021-aos-only.342993
June 15, 2020 at 05:38
Dear Simon, I found the Historical VB is highly informative. Thank you very much for that. But my question is
1. I have seen a countries (Egypt and Ethiopia) which are subjected for limiteing entries. And what it says as an example mentioned is Except “Ethiopia and Egypt”. Therefore, is the Historical VB is for these countries also???? Or is the Historical VB works for these countries ???
Kind regards!
June 15, 2020 at 17:12
I have not documents the “except” countries/numbers. They are available in the official data if you can be bothered to look. BUT I would caution you, the numbers are different year to year – so don’t get too focussed on historical numbers. You cannot predict anything because this year seems to behave like some previous year.
June 16, 2020 at 01:33
Thank you Sir
June 15, 2020 at 06:03
Hi Simon,
This year is see case numbers upto 2021AF84×××. Has this ever happened before? I was a winner in 2019 and have been a keen follower of your page ever since then. I’m surprised because I don’t think I’ve seen those kind of high case numbers before for Africa
June 15, 2020 at 17:16
We used to see numbers like that – but that is not the point. The numbers have changed, so we can only compare to DV2020 – and clearly the numbers are higher than DV2020. We have to wait until we know more.
June 15, 2020 at 06:49
Hi brit.
I have a question regarding my sibling. Can I take my under 21 sibling after once I reach out there.
June 15, 2020 at 17:18
No
June 15, 2020 at 11:23
Hi Brit:
I have won the 2021 lottery but my daughter is a college student in the USA at the moment. If we are called for an interview at any point in time….do I have to let my daughter travel back home (Ghana where we are located for the interview) for the interview or she can have hers in the US? Am scared it might delay her transition if she does not go along with us for an interview in Ghana. Any advice? Thanks.
June 15, 2020 at 22:33
She should interview with you.
June 15, 2020 at 19:19
Hi brit i have asked you this before, well i changed browsers and devices but still getting this”your request can not be processed at this time”is there anyone with the same problem?what else solution can you insist on this?thanks.
June 16, 2020 at 00:00
The only thing I can suggest is send all the details to me to check. britsimon3 at gmail