A friend, Matina K, has suggested that some might benefit from a post about how to handle the situation when you have entered as single and want to get married at various points along the DV process.
Firstly, I should explain that the marital status question in the eDV entry is one of the critical questions on the form – a mistake on your marital status can (and typically does) cause disqualification – even if the mistake was innocuous/innocent. Some people, for instance, choose “legally separated” when they are in fact, married, but separated. Unless a separation is legally recorded (typically by a court) then you cannot claim to be separated. Similarly, if you enter married because you plan/expect to be married before the results are announced, that can also cause disqualification. It is essential that you take this question seriously and literally.
OK so what do you do if you are planning to get married before the results are announced OR you are selected and then realize that you want to take your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner. The process depends on the exact timing, between the original entry/registration (October), result announcement (May 1), your interview date (after October, according to when you are current) and the end of the DV year (September 30).
By the way, these comments relate to opposite sex, or same sex relationships. Since the repeal of DOMA the federal government has recognized same sex couples have the same rights for immigration benefit as opposite sex couples. US immigration law therefore respects marriage based on the laws and customs that govern in the place where the marriage was performed. If a marriage is considered legal in the place where it was performed then US immigration law treats the marriage as lawful. I will refer to your boyfriend/girlfriend/partner/fiancé all as partner from now on in this article.
Entry of an unmarried couple in DV lottery
First of all, if you are unmarried you cannot list your partner as a spouse. You can of course both enter the lottery and if either one wins then they have the option of marrying to confer the benefit of a visa (and then Green Card) on the other. Just be aware that each principal selectee (winner) has to meet the requirements in their own right (regarding). Whilst married couples can benefit from cross charging to a spouse’s country (if their own country is ineligible) that option is NOT available to single entrants that later marry. If you are unmarried but have children then both entries should include the children as derivatives.
Scenario 1: Marriage after registration, but before the results are announced.
This one is “easy”. Life happens, you don’t put your life on hold simply because you entered the DV lottery. So – you got married, then you found out you were selected so you simply fill in the DS260 as a married couple. There will be some “normal” scrutiny of the marriage – even people who have been married years have been lightly questioned about the marriage in DV interviews. Marriage prior to selection may get similar interest – and if you want to be extra prepared then take some proof of the marriage as I will describe below.
Scenario 2: Marriage after registration, and after the results are announced, but prior to interview.
OK – there is nothing wrong with this if the relationship is real. In fact it is absolutely the sensible thing to do in some cases as I will describe shortly. However, winning the DV lottery is a huge opportunity and there are plenty of people that have tried to manipulate the system to obtain two Green Cards based on a “sham” marriage. It is therefore up to the couple to demonstrate the genuine nature of the marriage and, especially in countries where fraud is more common, the couple should be prepared for extensive and deep scrutiny of the marriage. People have been prosecuted for immigration fraud based on sham marriages – so please don’t even consider that!
If you have plans to marry shortly after the announcement of the results, you may decide to hold back submission of your DS260 until you have married, so that you can include your spouse on the first submission of the forms. However, if you have already submitted your DS260 and marry while you are waiting for interview, you can request KCC to unlock your form (email is best) and then modify your DS260 to include your new spouse (including modifying your own entry to reflect your new marital status). In the email requesting the form unlocking, I would suggest including a scan of the marriage certificate which will be added to your KCC file (later sent to the embassy or Field office if doing adjustment of status).
If the marriage happens after the case has been passed to the embassy for a scheduled interview, you should still inform KCC as a precaution BUT your actual approach is to handle the change direct with the embassy. Some embassies are relaxed about who attends the interviews, others are very UNrelaxed – so in some cases you will have to contact the embassy or ask KCC to contact them on your behalf to get your spouse added to the interview schedule.
Scenario 3: Marriage after interview, before entry to the USA, and before the end of the year.
OK – you like to live on the edge don’t ya! This is still technically possible, but unwise. The process involves approaching the embassy that handled your case. However, this is a highly risky strategy as the embassy may not understand the rules, you might time out, visas may be exhausted and so on. The MUCH more preferable option is to bring forward the date of your marriage before the interview.
Scenario 4: Marriage after interview, after entry into the USA but before the end of the DV year (September 30th).
OK – this is rare, so rare that I am not even sure this would be technically possible/legal. If you have created this mess you may be able to process a derivative case but this would be highly risky since they would rightly wonder why you hadn’t handled this earlier (i.e. causing them severe doubt that the relationship is real).
Scenario 5: Marriage after the end of the year
This one no longer falls under DV lottery rules – a normal immigration process would need to be followed which is slower and more expensive.
Proof of relationship.
How can you prove your relationship is genuine and not just a sham to take advantage of a DV lottery win. Basically this is a matter of demonstrating your life together and the big events with documentary evidence. This can include the following suggestions.:
- Photos/Emails/Joint bills from the period of time before the marriage.
- Photos or other evidence from the wedding ceremony itself.
- Joint financial documents such as shared bank accounts.
- Knowledge of each other, your extended families and so on.
Get your thinking cap on – the burden is on you to prove the marriage is real. If there is doubt in the mind of the CO he/she is entitled to deny your visa with no appeal process (in consular processing cases).
Thank you to Matina for the suggestion on this topic – as usual, feel free to ask questions/comment on this article, check out my other posts and subscribe to my blog to be notified as I publish further articles.
DV lottery
January 3, 2021 at 10:12
Hi Brit, Thankyou for all of your info. I have a DV 2020 visa. (September applicant) I’m up to date with your advice on travel until Biden advises. Another issue – I’ve since met someone that I want to join me in the US. She’d just be my partner (not bride). At this stage, because I’ve had the interview- do you think I couldn’t put her on my green card at such a late stage ( after the dv year?) if not do you have a link that I could go to in the future to apply for an partner immigrant visa? Would we need to be married? Any advice will help. Thankyou, I so appreciate what you’re doing for us all.
January 3, 2021 at 15:56
Until you are married there is nothing you can do.
January 24, 2021 at 03:07
HI Brit,
This is about the 2021 DV program. When I was submitting the DS-260 application, I was single at the moment. But I am gonna get married next month. My interview has not scheduled yet (I hope it’s gonna take more few months. I didn’t get the email from the KCC yet.). So should I unlock my DS-260 application and change my Marital status or should I add the Applicant as a spouse to the APPLICANT INFORMATION? Please guide me to make these things right, that’s would be really helpful to us.
January 24, 2021 at 05:56
Why are you asking a question that is answered in the article above?
February 3, 2021 at 15:51
Hi brit This is about dv lottery I was reading ur page with a friend who needed help .when she was playing the lottery she wrote married she is traditionally married only and when the lottery came out she made it and now they need a marriage certificate can she make the court wedding now and fill her ds260 form or she will be rejected
February 3, 2021 at 18:58
It depends on the rules in her country. Getting legally married is wise to improve chances of approval.
March 2, 2021 at 20:41
Hı Brit, i couldnt get my DV2020 visa yet,
i get married last month,
if we can get visa bu Judge Mehta or anyway what should i do? Can i apply Gr card for my wife too, or should i wait?
March 3, 2021 at 03:06
You have to wait until the Gomez case is finalized. April.
March 4, 2021 at 23:24
Hi, brits,
last Wednesday I unlocked my DS-260 application and updated my marital status because 2nd of march I got married. so I updated spouse Information under the family section and submitted the DS-260 form. after that on the home page, on APPLICANT INFORMATION table I added applicant as a spouse and send it to review, but so far its been two days, and the application still under review, and 4th march I send an email to KCC and asked about that application, but they didn’t reply yet. I just wanna know its the process gonna take more time to add a spouse as an applicant?
March 5, 2021 at 17:01
Be patient.
March 5, 2021 at 17:31
Oh man I was about to post the exact same question/situation right now. Also waiting for my spouse’s addition to be ‘reviewed’ so we can fill in her DS-260. Thanks for the reassuring words and good luck @bhagyaperera!
March 6, 2021 at 11:48
Just a quick update – it just unlocked for my spouse!
March 6, 2021 at 15:40
Cool.
June 14, 2021 at 21:49
hi JUNAPB
how long did it take for kcc to unlock and add your spouse?
have you been scheduled for an interview?
May 12, 2021 at 06:34
hi,
any update on ur processing? i have also submitted my application and me and my partner are thinking of getting married next month and update it. please give me some suggestion.thank you
June 14, 2021 at 21:47
hi @bhagyaperera
could you please update us
i am thinking of same .
thank you
March 8, 2021 at 12:59
Dear Brit,
I’m Dv2021 winner with case no 2021AF20k (it’s current now as of April VB) and I’m planning to marry my girl friend in the next 1month (April 2021) but she had a previous traditional marriage with no legal certificate of marriage prior to we met each other and she had also 1 child from her previous relationship/marriage. my question is:
1. Since my CN is current now, can I unlock DS260 form now and add her to have another DS260 form for her to fill?
2. The child is 7 year old now and of course the child is living with her grand parents and she won’t travel with us, should I add her to the family member on DS260 form?, so what document is needed for her? birth certificate only or there are additional document?
3. Does my girl friend have to prepare a divorce certificate from her previous marriage, OR will KCC or Embassy ask for it in the future? in order to process the DS260 form and at the interview?
Thank you for the help in advance!
March 8, 2021 at 14:17
1. You can only add her once you are married.
2. If you are certain that the child won’t emigrate, then you don’t need documents for her, just add her to both your forms (after marriage, not before).
3. According to the laws in your country, yes.
March 8, 2021 at 21:31
Just one more thing I need to be clear, can I unlock the DS260 now even if my CN is current? and of course I will add her after marrying her.
March 9, 2021 at 04:43
You would have to explain why you want to unlock.
March 17, 2021 at 12:45
Thank you for sharing all these informations! Question: Can requesting the unlock of D260 for adding my spouse cause delay in my case? For example: DS260 unmarried status submitting in May, marriage in August, DS260 unlock in August and adding my spouse. Is it gonna be a ‘new submitting date’ since I change some informations and submit again?
March 18, 2021 at 03:15
No
March 23, 2021 at 12:30
Hi Britsimon, I live with my wife and 3kids. Our marriage is not legal and we are not married customarily either. I entered as unmarried and included our kids. Planning to legalize if selected. In Kenya, every marriage must be documented and ours in a cohabitation type of marriage. Will i be disqualified if I add her on form ds260?
March 24, 2021 at 05:35
You have to marry legally first and then you can add her safely.
March 24, 2021 at 15:08
Hi Brit
Thanks for the article, very helpful! DV2021EU18k
My spouse applied as single for DV Lottery. Then she got selected, and we got married before filling DS260.
Now I am submitting documents to KCC, but have the following questions:
1- She applied with old passport, with maiden surname. After we got married, she changed her surname and got a new passport. Then she filled DS260 with new surname and new passport information. Now, should i send both the passports to KCC (the one she applied and the one she filled DS 260)?
2- I filled DS260 ( July 2020) with the passport expiring in August 2021. Now since we are close to the expiration date, i applied and have a new passport. Should I submit boll the passports as well?
Thanks a lot!
March 25, 2021 at 20:45
1. Yes. The DS260 also had a space for the maiden name – so all should be clear.
2. Yes.
March 26, 2021 at 12:07
I have not filled maiden name of my spouse in DS260. Does this affect my application? Or should i go to unlock DS 260 and update the information.
Thanks
March 27, 2021 at 19:53
Yes update it.
March 25, 2021 at 18:37
Helo berit
is there all of dv 2020
Immigrant Visas
Home | Visas | Immigrant Visas
Disruption to Immigrant Visa Processing in Abu Dhabi for Iranian Nationals
Due to entry regulations enforced by the Abu Dhabi authorities, the Immigrant Visa Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Abu Dhabi must cancel all immigrant visa appointments for Iranian nationals who are not UAE residents. Immigrant visa scheduling for Iranian nationals will continue when the authorities in Abu Dhabi relax entry regulations into the Abu Dhabi emirate. All Iranian applicants who had an appointment in April, May, and June will be contacted regarding the cancellation of their appointment.
Resumption of Limited, Routine Immigrant Visa Processing in Abu Dhabi
Effective immediately, we have increased the range of immigrant visa services available and resumed limited, routine immigrant visa interviews. Among immigrant visa applications, we will prioritize emergency cases and then Immediate Relative family members of U.S. citizens including intercountry adoptions, fiancé(e)s of U.S. citizens, and certain Special Immigrant Visa applications.
Immigrant visa applicants whose petitions remain valid and who were previously interviewed but refused visas due to P.P. 10014 and/or P.P. 9645 should contact us at [email protected]. You must include your ABD case number in the subject line to get a response. We are currently experiencing a high-volume of inquiries and will review every inquiry in the order received. Multiple, identical inquiries will slow down case review and processing.
As we increase the range of our immigrant services available, we’ll be processing cases in the order that the National Visa Center determined the case to be “documentarily qualified.” When a case becomes documentarily qualified, the National Visa Center sends an email to notify you that it is complete and pending scheduling at the Embassy, so please review your past emails from the National Visa Center to determine what date your case became documentarily qualified. You may also check your CEAC account to find this date.
Diversity Visa 2020: Those holding diversity visas issued in 2020 that are still valid may seek entry to the United States immediately, despite the visa annotation, “Entry Subject to PP 10014.” All DV-2020 visa holders are encouraged to travel as soon as practicable.
Diversity Visa 2021: DV applicants for the 2021 fiscal year (DV-2021) should wait to be notified of the scheduling of an interview.
Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, and 10143
COVID-19-related Presidential Proclamations 9984, 9992, and 10143, which suspend entry into the United States of aliens who have been physically present in the People’s Republic of China, Islamic Republic of Iran, Schengen Area, United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Brazil, and South Africa, respectively, in the 14-day period prior to their entry or attempted entry into the United States, remain in effect. Visa categories IR/CR-1, IR/CR-2, IR/IH-3, IR/IH-4, and F2A applicants are explicitly excepted; all other IV applicants and K fiancé(e) nonimmigrant visa applicants remain subject to these three geographical COVID-19 Proclamations.
Thank you
March 27, 2021 at 09:26
Helo berit
Second, we want to see the outcome of our PI and class certification motions in the Jacob v Biden lawsuit. They have the potential to give us a vehicle to fix the DV2021 problem without another lawsuit.
Third, if the rumor is true and the next visa bulletin makes nearly all numbers current, it makes more sense to file a lawsuit with visa applicants whose numbers are current- if it only means waiting a few more weeks.
Fourth, and most importantly, my colleague Rafael Urena and I filed the first lawsuit for DV2020 in June of last year, and although others have copied and continue to copy our work, we know what we are doing. Plus now, we have assembled a team of almost 20 of the most committed attorneys, paralegals and staff members on the planet.
Thank you
March 27, 2021 at 20:56
I have asked you before to not copy/paste stuff. It’s not helpful.
April 14, 2021 at 17:33
Hi!!!
i got married after the selection i have a cn 37xxx and i have already received my documents ok.
1) since I have already received the Ok of the documents I unlock my ds260 and I insert my wife or I leave?
2) Where should I wait after receiving the 2NL? I inform the embassy and the Kcc that my situation has changed and that I wish to travel with them?
April 15, 2021 at 03:21
1. You must unlock and add your spouse. And then resend all your documents (yours and hers).
2. See 1.
May 14, 2021 at 00:10
Hi Brit.
I would like to ask you some que regarding Dv 2022 as i won Dv lottery of 2022.
My question is i filled my Dv form in year October 2020 and i get married Dec 2020 but till now i did not fill DS 260 form because My spouse dont have passport.
My case No is below 500 so upto when i can apply DS 260 FORM upto when i have time what should i do can you please suggest what can i do at this pandemic situation beacuse i cannt make my wife passport if i get 2 3 month its possible i can make passport during that period time.
May 14, 2021 at 01:51
Wait to get the passport then submit your DS260s
April 20, 2021 at 12:46
Hi!!!
i unlock my ds260 and add my wife. I Resubmitted the same day. now i would like to know how to fill my wife’s ds260?
April 20, 2021 at 20:39
You should have used the add applicant feature which you see when you sign in to CEAC.
April 20, 2021 at 12:54
Hi!!!
i unlock my ds260 and add my wife. I Resubmitted the same day. now i would like to know how to fill my wife’s ds260?
April 20, 2021 at 16:01
Hi Simon,
My current situation:
– case number: 2021AS25K
– have scheduled to marry my spouse in end of May
– haven’t submitted my DS260
Since all CN are now current, would need your advice on whether:
– I should submit the DS260 now and unlock the form after the marriage to add my spouse; or
– I should wait until end of May so I can include my spouse and submit the form in one go
Thanks a lot for all your information!
April 20, 2021 at 20:49
End of May will be too late to start, so if you want any chance at all you have to submit your DS260 now as single.
May 10, 2021 at 21:23
Hi there
I am noyle currently from Australia. I am selected on dv lottery 2022. I have got a question and help
Me and my partner are in genuine living relationships we are not married but we live together almost 4 years in New Zealand and currently living together in Australia. when we were in NZ my bf was dependent on my visa and now in Australia i am dependent on my bf visa. While filling the form i applied as a single. and we are thinking of getting married at court. our parents cannot travel to australia to attend our marriage due to covid and we dont know anyone here who can attend our marriage so in this case we wont have much photograph of our wedding but we are in genuine relationship we have already proved to NZ immigration and aus Immigration.
please give me your suggestion does case officer accept our relationship as genuine or doubt? do you think its a good idea to file ds 260 as married with just a marriage certificate?
and we do have other proof eg joint account, lease contract, insurance, and lots of photos since 2017. and proof we traveled together.
Regards
Noyle
May 11, 2021 at 00:38
They will accept that proof.
May 12, 2021 at 02:26
Hi Simon,
Incredible blog, thank-you!! I’ve just been selected for furthering processing for 2022. I am getting married June 19th 2021 (in just over a month to my partner of 10 years)… is this too long of a wait to submit my DS260 after I get married so I can include my partner? It does seem easier than doing the unlocking and resubmitting but obviously don’t want to miss out either.
Thank-you for all your advice!
May 12, 2021 at 04:36
It is no problem waiting until then. Depending on your case number you will probably be waiting anyway.
May 13, 2021 at 04:05
Fantastic, thank-you. I’m 2022OC000011XX. Thanks so much for your advice, incredible blog!
May 12, 2021 at 06:51
hi brit
i have submitted my ds 260 form as single on may 12. me and my partner are getting married next month. after getting married afte do u think it will be too late to email kcc to unlock and add my spouse on june 25? does that delay myprocess? and my cn is 7000. is 7000 cn is good for getting visa?
May 12, 2021 at 17:09
Impossible to answer without you giving year and region.
May 12, 2021 at 20:27
Hi brit
Year is 2022
Region asia
Thank you
May 13, 2021 at 05:15
So no problem to wait to submit your DS260.
May 13, 2021 at 06:28
no brit,
you didnot get it
i have already submitted my ds 260. me and my partner are getting married next month, is it all right to ask kcc to unlock my form and add my partner?
year 2022
region asia nepal
case 7000
May 14, 2021 at 00:09
Yes, you can do that.
May 12, 2021 at 07:15
Hi.
I appreciate all of the precious information and advice you shared. Your blog made me understand this visa system correctly. It helped me a lot and I want to say thank you a thousand more times.
All advice is very nice and enough though, I hope I could get your extra attention and advice in my specific situation.
Sorry about my poor English btw. If you can’t get my point, please let me know.
Our current situation:
1. My partner is selected on DV 2022.
2. He wants to take me with him.
3. I’m afraid that including me at this point will increase risk.
4. I have a nationality which is one of the ineligible countries.
5. We weren’t married before the results are announced.
6. We will get the marriage certificate this week if it will work.
Some evidence we’ve already got:
1. tons of photos and texts we made since the time we first met.
2. Joint bills for more than a year.
3. Knowledge of each other.
4. My move-in record to his previous residence region.
5. His alteration of residence record to my address (he is a foreigner here).
6. Airplane tickets reservation record for a domestic trip.
Some evidence we haven’t got yet:
1. Photos or other evidence from the wedding ceremony itself.
2. Joint financial documents such as shared bank accounts.
Questions: Which is a less risky choice for the two of us?
1. proceed his DV as a single and I start process immigrate separately after the DV process ends.
2. proceed his DV include me. (and which is the better option among below?)
2_1. submit the DS260 include me from the first.
2_2. submit the DS260 without me first, update the information later.
Best regards.
May 12, 2021 at 17:21
Get married, then submit the DS260 as married.
May 16, 2021 at 09:12
Hi Simon My partner case number is 2022EU27XX,she hasn’t fill ds forms yet and we are planning to get married in July
1.will it be too late by then
2.Since she is the one who sponsored my resident permit in her country, is this a plus for visa
3.Any possibility of getting interview by the end of this year
May 16, 2021 at 14:56
1. No
2. No
3. Maybe.
May 18, 2021 at 09:05
We applied as married couple but we were just engaged. How to proceed from here.
May 18, 2021 at 21:23
There is a chance of denial for claiming to being married when in fact you were not. If you accept that risk and want to continue, obviously marry asap, then submit DS260 as married and go from there.
May 18, 2021 at 20:52
Hi Simon,
My case number is 2022AF20xxx and I am planning to marry in the last week of August 2021. Will be too late if I wait in early September 2021 to my DS 260 after adding my partner?
Best regards,
May 18, 2021 at 23:28
No
May 19, 2021 at 08:42
Is there also a possibility that it could also be acceptable. Or it’s a 100% denial. Otherwise no need to apply for the visa then.
May 19, 2021 at 18:47
I said there is a chance of denial, not a certainty.
May 19, 2021 at 09:00
We applied as married but just engaged and one of us won so what do we do ?
May 19, 2021 at 18:52
As I explained to others, there is a chance of denial, but not a certainty. If you choose to proceed, you should marry, then submit as married.
May 20, 2021 at 18:12
Good morning,
Thanks for all informations about immigration.
My casenumber is 2022AF21XXX. I want to marry me in november but i would send my DS before like single for gaining Times and changing After this moment.
Please with this casenumber my interview could be in which month. Because i would like arrived to my interview aldready married.
Thanks
May 21, 2021 at 02:49
I can’t guess when that case would be interviewed, but probably not before 2022.
May 21, 2021 at 22:32
Hi, Simon,
How are you?
Can I ask you a question?
I was selected in DV 2022.
My case number is 2022EU20XXX
I have a boyfriend and we are planning to marry but usually we are travelling with H-2B visa.So if we travel this year and we will be back in our country in the end of october. ..so is it too late to marry in november and then to fill in the DS 260?
Thank you so much
I appreciate it!
May 22, 2021 at 01:47
No, that is not too late.
May 25, 2021 at 13:42
Hi Brit
1. Does unlocking your DS 260 (to adjust to married) decrease your chances in any way?
2. I am 2022AF23xxx CN and if I unlocked my DS 260 to get married in October would it slow my interview date?
Cheers
May 26, 2021 at 05:06
1. No
2. No
May 31, 2021 at 23:24
Hi Simon, I’m a DV2022 winner with CN AF36xxx. We entered the lottery as married (in fact, we married traditionally). We planned to have a civil union in December 2021. My husband is not immigrating with me and will not join me in a later time.
1. Will I need a marriage certificate?
2. Should I submit my DS-260 form?
3. Or should we marry officially and then submit it?
Thanks for your altruism
June 3, 2021 at 04:38
1. Yes
2. I would marry first, then submit
3. See 2
June 9, 2021 at 18:51
Hello, my girlfriend has a very low CN (2022EU1400) and we are planning to get married.
Based on the CN, we might have the interview in october 21 if we fill the form right now.
Ideally, we would prefer to have the interview later, but not too late ! We don’t want to take a risk and loose the advantage of our great CN ! The idea would be to get married before filling the form and we need a little time.
So, until when do you think we could fill the DS-260 form without risk ?
Thank you !
June 10, 2021 at 05:15
Up to around March April to be conservative.
June 10, 2021 at 14:43
Thank you ! So we can wait to fill the form ? There is absolutely no advantage to fill it first just for my girlfriend and then unlock it after the wedding ?
June 10, 2021 at 14:46
Please don’t ask “are you sure” questions.
June 10, 2021 at 16:47
No of course, just to understand the difference and consequence between filling in two times with unlock and filling in one time later. Sorry I didn’t find the answer 🙂
June 11, 2021 at 07:34
Hello Brit Simon
On submitting documents for DS260 (for my husband and myself in one email) – do I need to have a copy of our marriage certificate in his name and then the same copy in my name? Obviously our police records, passport and birth certificate are different. Not sure on the marriage one and if they ok to accept 1 for both or 1 in each name.
Thank you.
June 11, 2021 at 13:07
Dv2021
I had unlocked my Ds260 and added my wife in February, however, the kcc had already sent me confirmation of my documents.
1) Now as I added my wife and resend our documents again do I still have to wait for the new document confirmation?
2) where I’m just waiting for the 2NL
June 11, 2021 at 15:05
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-610/#comment-275608
June 11, 2021 at 14:42
One marriage cert for the principal.
June 14, 2021 at 04:15
I saw your response too late. I ended up sending the marriage certificate twice (under his name then under mine). Will we be disqualified for this?
June 15, 2021 at 05:25
Of course not.
June 14, 2021 at 09:14
Hi britsimon,
I am 2022 winner cn 7000 nepal
I am currently in Australia i filled my ds as single month ago, on june 30 i am getting married. We are in genuine relationship have joint bills insurance, lease, joint bank account
I have been told that if i unlock my ds and changed to married after getting married will cause an issue in getting visa. I have read ur blog and I understand its natural
But can u plz tell me can changing marital status be the reason for denial?
And have u seen cases as mine and got their visa?
I am really stressed as i dont want to miss this golden opportunity.
Thank you
June 15, 2021 at 05:35
People get married. That’s fine. Don’t listen to idiots.
June 14, 2021 at 22:05
Hello, BritSimon. Thanks a lot for all the effort you put in this blog! My sister recently won a DV2022 lottery. She has 2 kids with her boyfriend and both kids are listed as derivatives. She has not filled her DS260 yet. They are now planning to get married, but her boyfriend also has an under 21 child from the first marriage. That child will NOT be immigrating with them.
Once they marry, does my sister need to list his child on her DS260 or only her husband needs to list this child on his DS260?
Thanks again
June 15, 2021 at 06:20
Once they marry, both should list the child.
July 7, 2021 at 15:40
Hi Britsimon
Sir I’m 2021 DV lottery winner from sri lanka.
Sir I got married after I won the dv lottery. this is happened to both of us voluntarily and the parents did not come to our registration…Then I included her in my ds260 form as a spouse, And filled another DS260 form for her.. And all our documents and our marriage certificate were sent to KCC.But now she says she can’t go to the interview with me because we have some family issues right now. My question is
1)could I have a problem If I went to the interview without her? ??
2)Should I ask permission to edit DS260 and remove her DS260 form from it ? Is it possible? because I’ve already got a 2NL last week.
3)Could this situation affect my visa ?
4)If I tell the council officer the real scenario, will he Understand?
July 10, 2021 at 17:04
1. Possibly – they may suspect fraud.
2. You can’t remove her form, no.
3. Repeat of 1.
4. You should be honest.
July 12, 2021 at 12:08
Hi BritSimon,
Thank you so much for the blog, it is very helpful and lots of decent information!
I won the dv 2022 CN 2022AS5XX. My gf and I are planning to get married in Nov this year.
1. Can we submit DS260 just after we got married? just a bit afraid that waiting till Nov the CN might be passed.
2. My gf and I are in different countries right now, and after the marriage ceremony, we might still in 2 countries. Can we do the DV interview in the different country’s embassy? Or it needs to be the same embassy as the primary applicant chooses.
3. Do we need to submit the DS260 at the same time? Or it is Ok that my gf submit the DS260 later than I do?
Thank you!
July 13, 2021 at 05:19
1. No problem. You don’t lose your chance because they “pass” your number.
2. No – you will interview together. And if they see you are not living together, they may be suspicious about your marriage.
3. You can submit together OR submit yours earlier and add hers after the wedding.
July 12, 2021 at 13:35
Hi Brit,
Thank you so much for all the information. I have a simple but specific question –
My bf won the 2021 dv, and he’s in Taiwan while I’m in China (not a DV lottery country). Due to the covid-19, only Taiwanese can come to China, and no Chinese to Taiwan. We could get married in China before submitting the DS260, but I may not be able to do the interview with him in Taiwan.
So we wonder
1. Can we use China’s marriage license?
2. Is it possible that we do interviews separately in terms of time & location? (he in Taiwan and I in China)
Thanks a lot for your help!
Mimi
July 13, 2021 at 05:22
1. I assume so, but it cannot be in absence.
2. No
July 16, 2021 at 14:30
I am dv2021. My story is that my husband is an American citizen and we got married in February.
I had already submitted my documents in January and I no longer unlocked the DS due to the delay experienced by the KCC in the meantime. I just received my second letter for September. I want to clarify that we have a child together.
1-I wanted to know if this will be a problem for me during my interview. Or I don’t have to say that I got married
2- Are there any other documents besides the marriage certificate and the wedding photos that I must bring.
I really need your advice to guide me
Thank you
July 18, 2021 at 03:55
1. Of course you must tell them about your new situation. Contact the embassy and explain.
2. No
August 9, 2021 at 09:11
I called the embassy and they said it’s to the consul I should say during the interview.
Do you think this will affect my visa?
Do you have any advice for me?
August 12, 2021 at 22:49
I already told you what to do.
August 13, 2021 at 14:37
Okay thank you so much
July 22, 2021 at 08:26
Dv 2022 winners, currently living abroad with expired passport, but have extention labels on it, CN is AF32xxx, should I go back now and renew my passport knowing that I have not submitted my DS260 yet, and for some reason it’s hard for me to go back home these days, my question when it the deadline to submit DS260, and what is your advice to me.
Thanks
July 24, 2021 at 02:38
There is no deadline to submit the DS260, but obviously you should get your passport renewed asap.
August 9, 2021 at 12:41
Hi Simon,
My daughter is a DV 2022 winner. Her case number is 2022EU000003xx
She filled DS260 2 months ago.
She got married last Friday, and today she received a marriage certificate.
Two weeks ago, she sent a letter to KCC to open DS260 for review.
Today she got a letter from KCC to send them all docs.
She has all docs, but the DS260 is not open yet for review.
What should she do now?
1. Send all documents and wait for the opening of DS260?
2. Wait for the opening of DS260, make corrections and then send them documents?
Thanks
Seb (daughter’s father :-))
August 13, 2021 at 21:27
2.
August 13, 2021 at 21:44
Thank you!
August 22, 2021 at 14:53
Hi Simon,
I am a DV2022 winner and my former girlfriend during the original entry is now my wife. I am a German citizen, but she has a Mexican citizenship (but already lives for quite some time in Germany, we are a couple for 5 years now). I did not fill in the DS260 yet, but I am planning to do that soon.
I am refering to this sentence at the beginning of the article: “Whilst married couples can benefit from cross charging to a spouse’s country (if their own country is ineligible) that option is NOT available to single entrants that later marry.”
Does this mean she won’t be able to receive a green card?
If yes, how does this work out for me, do I also lose the right of receiving a green card?
Thanks for all your help, it is really useful!
August 22, 2021 at 16:37
You took that quote out of context and misunderstood it.
Get married, and she can be added to your case. It is wise to marry asap.
August 22, 2021 at 17:40
Good day Brit, how are u doing I hope all is well. Am winner of DV2020 and member of the Gomez case from Africa Region and am in category 4 that is my interview was scheduled by the Embassy it did hold due to Government ban by Former President Trump. I need clarifications to the following questions below:
1. All documents from my sponsor starting from i-134, 1040 forms, payment slips are in the year 2019. Should i ask for 2020 n 2021 1040 forms and payment slips too from my sponsor because of the two financial years that have rolled over?
2. Should I request for new I-134 for 2020 or 2021from my sponsor either the 2019 form is still valid for my interview?
Thanks for your attention
August 24, 2021 at 21:25
1. You will need updates, yes.
2. New one.
September 1, 2021 at 08:48
Hi Simon
2022AF23xxx
I have two questions
1. Would it be fine to get married now in September with a marriage certificate and send in the documents to KCC but have the ceremony next year around May month – which I believe, there may be a chance that it is after the interview. (just because covid has a few restrictions atm)
2. Would it be essential for the wife’s surname to change?
Thank you
September 3, 2021 at 18:16
1. Yes
2. No
September 13, 2021 at 13:56
Hi Simon, my case is within scenario 2 (marriage after registration, and after the results are announced, but prior to interview). i just got married but I do not have yet a marriage certificate.
Should I write to KCC asking them to unlock my case or should I wait until I got my marriage certificate scanned to email them?
Could you please provide me with a sample email to ask to unlock my case?
Many thanks,
Domenica
September 17, 2021 at 00:47
Unlock now. You don’t need a sample email.
September 25, 2021 at 16:24
Thanks Brit for the awesome work!
Most questions I had have been answered here. My Partner and I are entering the 2022/2023 lottery. We have 2 kids together, he has 1 from his previous marriage marriage. We will try to legalise the marriage early 2022. His previous marriage was legal and he legally divorced in 2006
Q1: Does he choose Divorced or Single when registering?
September 26, 2021 at 00:12
1. He is divorced.
November 1, 2021 at 11:36
Hi Simon.
2022AF23xxx
Recently unlocked my DS260 to add my spouse. We are currently still waiting for our unabridged marriage certificate from our country. Can we go ahead and send our DS260 forms or should we wait for our certificates to send with our DS260 forms. ?
Regards
November 3, 2021 at 20:24
You can submit your DS260 now.
November 22, 2021 at 10:32
Greetings,
I’ve completed 12th grades of school, last 4 grades count as high school. I’ve completed 11 grades regularly ( full time education), and I’ve completed the the 12th grade as a part-time education. As such, am I eligible to apply for DV lottery?
November 22, 2021 at 20:37
It depends on the system of education in your country. I cannot give a certain answer.
November 22, 2021 at 20:41
Hi Brit
I’m Mawuli, a Dvlottery winner of fiscal year 2022 with case No. 2022AF182XX as a single entry but I got married early this year January and I want to add my wife as a derivative in filling out the ds 260 but i unfortunately make a mistake by adding a different name which am very confuse now so am asking if I can update the name whiles filling the ds 260 application or is going to affect me even if I changed the name in filling out the ds 260 or is there anyway I can remove the derivative and add it again or leave that derivative blank and add a new one please. Please kindly advice me on that
January 13, 2022 at 10:39
Hi Brit,
I’ve been selected for the DV 2022. My case has arrived at the Embassy. I would like to update my marital status (I’m going to get married in a few days) Is it still possible right?
Do I have to contact the embassy or the KCC to inform about my new status and send them the marriage certificate?
Thanks
Regards
January 13, 2022 at 17:52
It is more difficult now that you have left it so late You will have to negotiate with the embassy.
April 24, 2022 at 20:06
Hi Brit.
We are at scenario 3 now. none of the prerequisite steps including the marriage itself are undertaken yet. Plus, the immigrant visa is going to expire in Jun 2022. Do you think the only option we can take at this point is going straight to a normal immigration process?
Thanks for your time.
April 25, 2022 at 04:43
Ask the embassy whether there is a possibility to include the spouse on the DV case, but do not let the visa expire.
May 5, 2022 at 08:07
Thanks for your reply!
I thought we can’t likely make it before the visa expires though, Do you think there still is a chance at this point…? I have no idea how much time would take to include spouse in DV case…
And, could I ask one more piece of your advice?
If we give up the accompanying, Can we go straight to the F2A process? or must we wait until this fiscal year ends?
May 6, 2022 at 22:25
Ask the embassy. F2A will take 2 to 3 years, perhaps more, and you will be apart while that proceeds.
May 8, 2022 at 09:50
Hi, I I have been selected for 2023DVOC16XX
I am getting married on June 10 to my partner… Should I wait and get married prior to filling out DS260 form or do I submit and then just edit my DS260 after we are married? given my not too urgent number I don’t think it should matter to wait a month or so?
May 8, 2022 at 16:59
No problem to wait a month or two – but some people would want to submit as single then unlock the application later. Either way is fine.
May 10, 2022 at 13:26
Hie Brit. Thank you so much for your valued advice. I got selected for the 2023 DV, 2023AF33xxx program and I included my wife as spouse. However, we are customarily married, meaning to say we do not have a marriage certificate. How then do I proceed with my DS-260 form where they require marriage certificate.
May 10, 2022 at 22:54
In some countries, customary marriage is officially recognized. If so, you could proceed but legally marry asap. There is some risk of denial.
October 5, 2022 at 15:15
Hi Brit,
I’m DV2023 selectee. I entered the dv program single however, I got married while waiting for the results. I don’t have a marriage certificate because it’s a customary marriage. I will be going for the interview alone anyway. My husband is not ready to move yet.
1.With this, should I still change my marital status to married?
2. Do I need to get a marriage certificate even though he is not coming with me?
October 6, 2022 at 18:12
1. Yes
2. Yes