How to Fill Out Form DS-260 for DV Lottery Winners (Step-by-Step Guide)

Congratulations on winning the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery!
The next big step toward your green card is completing Form DS-260, the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application. This online form is required for the principal DV applicant and each accompanying family member.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed – don’t worry! This guide will walk you through every page of the DS-260 form and every single question, explaining what information is needed and how to answer based on your personal situation. We’ll also highlight tricky parts (like aliases, address and employment history, social media, and “public charge” questions) and share tips to avoid mistakes. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to fill out your DS-260 correctly and confidently.

Before You Begin

Make sure you have the following on hand:

• Your DV case number
• Passport(s)
• Travel history
• Dates for your past addresses and jobs
• Family member information
• Any other personal documents

You will access the DS-260 through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) using your case number.
(Tip: Enter your case number exactly as shown in your selection notice. DV case numbers include the year and region code, e.g., 2025AF00012345.)

Important Reminders:

• The form must be completed in English (use English characters only).
• Most fields are mandatory; the system won’t let you submit if you leave them blank.
• If a question doesn’t apply, either select “Does Not Apply” or enter “N/A” as instructed (do not leave it empty).
• Save your work frequently – the DS-260 can time out if you’re inactive, which could erase unsaved data.

Okay, let’s get started with the DS-260 for DV Lottery step-by-step! We’ll go section by section (page by page) in the order of the form. Grab a cup of coffee, and follow along as we fill out the DS-260 together.

Page 1: Personal Information and Address Details

Personal Information

Full Name:

• Enter your surname (last name) and given names exactly as they appear on your passport. This should match the name you used in the DV lottery entry and on your documents.
• If the form asks for other names used (such as maiden name, alias, or previous legal names), be sure to list all variations of your name you have ever used.
  • Example: If you got married and changed your last name, list your maiden name. If you have a nickname or tribal name that was officially used on documents, include it.
  • If you’ve never used any other names, select “Does Not Apply” or enter “N/A” as appropriate.
  • (Note: Leaving this blank when it doesn’t apply will trigger an error.)
• The form may also have a field for your name in your native alphabet. This is usually for applicants whose names are written in a non-Latin script (e.g., Chinese, Arabic, Cyrillic). If your native language uses a different alphabet, input your full name in your native language; otherwise, check “Does Not Apply” or leave it blank if the system allows.
  (Remember: Aside from the native-name field, all answers must be in English letters.)

Personal Details (Birth & Nationality)

• Date and Place of Birth:
  Provide your date of birth (in the format requested, usually MM/DD/YYYY) and place of birth (city/town, state/province, and country). These details should match your birth certificate.
  (If you don’t have a state or province or it’s not applicable, you might see a checkbox for “Does Not Apply.”)
• Nationality/Citizenship:
  Select your nationality. This is typically the country of your passport. If you hold dual citizenship or have held other nationalities, list them as well.
  • Example: If you were born in Country A but later naturalized in Country B, list both.
• Gender and Marital Status:
  Choose from the dropdown (Single, Married, Divorced, Widowed, etc.).
  • (Note: If you are married, you will later input your spouse’s details. If you have been married before, the DS-260 will prompt you for previous spouse information.)
  • Only legal marriages count (non-marital relationships like fiancés or partners are not included).

Passport/Travel Document Information

• Passport Details:
  • Enter your passport number carefully (double-check every digit).
  • Include the country of issuance, passport issuance date, and expiration date.
  • Ensure your passport is valid well beyond your interview date; if expiring soon, consider renewing it, but use your current passport details and update the consulate with the new passport at the interview.
  • The form will ask for the passport “book” type (usually “Regular” unless you have a diplomatic or other special passport).
  • If you do not have a passport due to an exemption (rare cases), the form might allow a selection of “other travel document.”

Current and Permanent Address Information

• Current Address:
  • Fill in the address where you currently reside, including street, city, state/province, postal code, and country.
  • This should be your physical address where you live, even if it’s temporary.
  • If your mailing address is different (e.g., a P.O. box or relative’s address), enter it separately.
  • Ensure the address is one where you can reliably receive mail over the next year or so.
• Permanent U.S. Address (Where You Intend to Live):
  • Provide the U.S. address where you plan to live when you come to the U.S.
  • If you already have a fixed address, enter it; if not, you may use a friend’s or relative’s address (with their permission).
  • This address is critical because your physical Green Card will be mailed here.
  • You will also indicate if this is the address where you want your permanent resident card mailed.
  • Tip: Choose an address valid for at least 6–12 months; you can update it later if needed.
• Previous Addresses:
  • List every address where you have lived since age 16 (for at least a few months or where you had official residence).
  • Do not include short-term stays such as vacations or business trips.
  • List addresses sequentially without gaps (e.g., if you moved from high school to college and then back home, include all addresses).
  • If exact details (like house numbers or zip codes) are missing, try to locate that information (from old bills or contacting friends).
  • Tip: Do not list addresses in a country where you were just a tourist.
• Contact Information (Phone and Email):
  • Provide your primary phone number (include country code if outside the U.S.).
  • Enter an email address you check frequently; this is important for receiving communication.
  • You may be asked to list any additional email addresses used in the past five years.
• Review:
  Before moving on, review all personal information for accuracy—ensure your names match your passport, birth details are correct, and every previous address is included with proper dates.

Page 2: Family Information (Parents, Spouse, Children)

Parent Information

• Enter Details for Both Parents:
  • Provide full name, date of birth, place of birth, and current status for your mother and father.
  • If a parent is still living, you may need to provide their current address or at least select the country of residence.
  • If deceased, indicate so (you may be prompted to enter the year or full date of death).
  • It’s important to list your biological parents as per your birth certificate, even if you have step-parents or were adopted later.
  • If only one parent’s information is available, fill in what you can (e.g., use “FNU” or “LNU” if truly unknown).

Marital Information (Spouse)

• Spouse Details:
  • If you are currently married, enter your spouse’s full name, date and place of birth, address, and nationality.
  • Include the date of marriage and, if required, where you were married.
  • Indicate if your spouse will be immigrating with you immediately (accompany) or later (follow-to-join).
  • (Important: If you were married before the DV lottery entry and did not list your spouse on the entry, you could be disqualified.)
  • Listing someone as a spouse who wasn’t actually your spouse is misrepresentation and cannot be fixed by DS-260 submission alone.
• Previous Marriages:
  • If applicable, provide details for each previous spouse, including full name, date of marriage, date the marriage ended, and the reason (divorce, annulment, or death).
  • This information should match your legal documents such as divorce decrees or death certificates.
  • Tip: Do not omit prior marriages; failure to disclose can be a serious issue.

Children Information

• List All Children:
  • Provide each child’s full name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, and current address.
  • Include every child, regardless of whether they will immigrate with you, if they were under 21 and unmarried at the time of your DV entry.
  • This applies to biological children, stepchildren (if your spouse’s children were under 21 and unmarried when you entered the lottery), and legally adopted children.
  • If a child has turned 21 since you entered, still list them (the form may ask for all children).
  • Do not list miscarriages, stillbirths, or foster children (unless legally adopted).
• New Family Members:
  • If a new baby was born after your DV entry, add the newborn by using the “Add Applicant” option on CEAC.
  • Upload proof (e.g., birth certificate) and bring the original to your interview.
  • The same applies if you got married after entering—the new spouse needs their own DS-260 and a marriage certificate.
• Review:
  Double-check all names, dates, and information against your original entrant status page.

Page 3: Previous U.S. Travel History and U.S. Visa History

U.S. Visits – Last Five Trips

• Provide Details of Up to Five Visits:
  • List the date of arrival in the U.S. for each trip.
  • Include the length of stay or the departure date.
  • State the purpose of each trip (e.g., tourism, business, study).
  • Indicate the type of visa used (e.g., B2, F1, ESTA).
  • List each visit in reverse chronological order.
  • Tip: If you stayed in the U.S. for a long period (such as during a multi-year study), consider that as one visit.

U.S. Visa Issuance

• Answer Whether You Have Been Issued a U.S. Visa:
  • If yes, provide details of the most recent visa:
    • Type of visa (e.g., B1/B2, F1, J1)
    • Visa number (usually 8 alphanumeric characters from the visa stamp)
    • Issuance date and, if requested, the expiration date
  • If you have multiple visas, usually only the latest is required.
  • If never issued a U.S. visa, answer “No.”

U.S. Visa Status Questions

• Additional Follow-Ups:
  • Has your U.S. visa ever been lost or stolen? If yes, explain briefly.
  • Has your U.S. visa ever been cancelled or revoked? If yes, provide a short explanation (e.g., “My J-1 visa was revoked in 2020 due to program violation”).
  • Have you ever been refused admission at a U.S. port of entry? If yes, explain the circumstances.
  • Have you ever been refused a U.S. visa? If yes, include details (e.g., “B2 tourist visa refused in July 2019 at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi under Section 214(b)”).

U.S. Immigration History

• Previous Immigrant Petitions:
  • Answer if you have ever filed an immigrant petition or had one filed on your behalf (usually “No” for DV applicants).

International Travel History

• Travel to Other Countries:
  • List each country or region you have visited in the past five years (apart from your home country).
  • Include even short trips, as this list is used for enhanced security screening.
  • Ensure accuracy by checking your passport stamps or email itineraries.

Page 4: Work, Education, and Training History

Primary Occupation (Current Job or Activity)

• Select Your Primary Occupation:
  • Choose from categories such as Student, Homemaker, Not Employed, Retired, Engineer, Teacher, Businessperson, etc.
  • Provide additional details if required:
    • Employer’s name and address
    • Job title and start date
  • If you are not employed, select “Not Employed” (and note the period of unemployment if asked).

Educational History

• Educational Institutions Attended:
  • Answer “Yes” if you attended any educational institution at a secondary level or above.
  • Provide:
    • Name of institution (e.g., “Springfield High School,” “University of XYZ”)
    • Address (city, and country or full address if required)
    • Course of study or degree obtained (e.g., “High School Diploma,” “B.Sc. in Computer Science”)
    • Attendance dates (start and graduation or last attended)
  • Tip: List your high school if that is your highest education level; many DV applicants meet the requirement with a high school diploma.
  • Ensure consistency with your address and work history timelines.

Previous Work History (Last 10 Years)

• Employment Details:
  • List all jobs held in the past 10 years in reverse chronological order.
  • For each job, include:
    • Employer name and address
    • Job title (or a brief description if no formal title)
    • Supervisor’s name and telephone number (if available)
    • Start and end dates (month and year)
  • If you have gaps (e.g., unemployment, schooling, homemaking), you can optionally note these as “Unemployed” with dates.
  • Example:
    • Job 1: Software Developer at TechCorp Inc., 123 Tech Park, Lagos, Nigeria; Supervisor: John Doe; Tel: +234123456789; From June 2019 to Present.
    • Job 2: IT Support Specialist at XYZ Solutions, Lagos, Nigeria; Supervisor: Jane Smith; Tel: +234987654321; From January 2017 to May 2019.
    • Job 3: Intern at ABC Tech; From August 2016 to December 2016.

Intended Employment in the U.S.

• Future Work Plans:
  • Describe what type of work you plan to do in the U.S.
  • If you have a job offer, include details (e.g., “I have an offer as a Junior Engineer at XYZ Company in California”).
  • If not, state your general field or plan (e.g., “Plan to seek employment in accounting” or “Interested in working in the IT sector”).

Military Service (if applicable)

• Military Service Details:
  • Answer “Yes” if you have served in any military or armed forces, otherwise “No.”
  • If yes, provide:
    • Country served (e.g., “Republic of Korea”)
    • Branch of service (Army, Navy, Air Force, etc.)
    • Rank/Position at the time of discharge (e.g., Sergeant)
    • Military specialty (e.g., Infantry, Signals, Artillery, or “Radio Technician”)
    • Start and end dates of service (if still serving, indicate “Present” or anticipated end date)
    • Possibly include serial or service number (if required)
  • Important: Always provide truthful and accurate information, as military records will be verified at the interview.

Page 5: Petitioner Information (For Family-Based Cases; DV Self-Petitioned)

Since DV Lottery winners are considered to be self-petitioning, you typically do not have a traditional petitioner.

• Petitioner Details:
  • If the form requires input, you may enter your own name or “Not Applicable.”
  • For petitioner address, phone, and email, either use your own contact details or “N/A.”
  • When asked for your relationship to the petitioner, indicate “SELF” or “DV Lottery – no petitioner.”
  • You can also leave a note in the additional info box stating “DV case – no petitioner (self).”
• Sponsor/Affidavit of Support:
  • Note that DV cases generally do not require Form I‑864 (Affidavit of Support). Some embassies might request Form I‑134 or similar evidence, but that will be addressed at the interview.

Page 6: Security and Background Questions (Inadmissibility Yes/No Questions)

This section requires you to answer a series of yes/no questions about health, criminal history, security, immigration law compliance, and public charge.

1. Medical/Health-Related Questions

• Communicable Diseases:
  • Answer whether you have any communicable disease of public health significance (e.g., active tuberculosis). Most healthy applicants answer “No.”
• Vaccination Documentation:
  • State whether you have documentation proving you have received all required vaccinations (e.g., MMR, polio, tetanus, COVID-19 as applicable).
  • If unsure or missing some vaccines, answer “No” so that the panel physician can administer any needed shots during your medical exam.
• Mental Disorders:
  • Answer if you have any mental or physical disorder that poses a threat to yourself or others. Most applicants answer “No.”
  • If you have a condition (for example, a history of violent behavior linked to a mental illness), answer “Yes” and provide a brief explanation.
• Drug Abuse:
  • Answer whether you have ever been a drug abuser or addict.
  • Briefly explain if necessary (experimenting once or twice is typically not considered abuse, but habitual use is).

2. Criminal History and Legal Violations

• Arrests or Convictions:
  • Disclose any arrests or convictions anywhere in the world—even if pardoned, subject to amnesty, or expunged.
  • If you answer “Yes,” provide a brief explanation (e.g., “Arrested on January 5, 2015 for disorderly conduct; no charges filed” or “Convicted of shoplifting in 2010, fined $100, received pardon in 2015”).
• Drug Offenses:
  • Answer if you have violated laws related to controlled substances (e.g., being charged with marijuana possession).
• Money Laundering & Immigration Fraud:
  • Answer whether you have been involved in money laundering or have committed immigration fraud/misrepresentation. If not, answer “No.”

3. Security and Espionage/Terrorism Questions

• Security-Related Activities:
  • Answer “No” if you have not been involved in espionage, sabotage, terrorism, genocide, or recruiting child soldiers.
• Membership in Organizations:
  • If asked about membership in political, professional, social, or charitable organizations (for example, Communist Party membership), answer truthfully. Most DV applicants answer “No.”

4. Immigration Law Violations

• Overstays/Unlawful Presence:
  • Disclose if you have ever overstayed a visa or remained in the U.S. longer than authorized (e.g., “Stayed 2 months past B2 visa expiry in 2018 due to illness”).
• Deportation or Illegal Entry:
  • Answer if you have ever been deported or removed from the U.S. or attempted illegal entry (most applicants answer “No”).
• Previous Immigrant Petitions:
  • Indicate if you have ever filed an immigrant petition or had one filed on your behalf (typically “No” for DV applicants).

5. Public Charge Question

• Financial Self-Sufficiency:
  • Answer “No” to the question “Are you likely to become a public charge after you are admitted to the United States?”
  • Explain that you plan to work, have savings, or have a sponsor’s support if needed.
  • Note: Answering “Yes” can lead to visa refusal.

Additional Security Questions

• Other Questions:
  • Answer “No” to questions about being a beneficiary of human trafficking, violating export control laws, engaging in espionage or sabotage, being a member of a terrorist organization, ordering/inciting genocide, or helping someone else enter the U.S. illegally.
• Explanation:
  • For any “Yes” answer, you must provide a brief explanation in the text box provided. Ensure all “Yes” responses are clearly explained.

Review all your answers carefully before proceeding.

Page 7: Review, Sign, and Submit the DS-260

Reviewing Your DS-260

• The system will present you with a summary of all the information you entered.
• Carefully review for any typos or errors, especially in names, dates, and numbers.
• Verify that all required fields are complete.
• Check that all addresses, dates, and yes/no answers are consistent.
• Ask a friend or family member to review the summary if possible.

Certification and Electronic Signature

• Certification:
  Check the box certifying that all the information provided is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.
• Electronic Signature:
  • You will be required to enter your DV case number again (without the leading zeros; e.g., type 2025AF1234 instead of 2025AF00001234).
  • Follow any additional prompts (e.g., entering your passport number or answering a security question).
  • Click the “Sign and Submit” button to complete the submission.
• Confirmation Page:
  After submission, a confirmation page will appear with a barcode, your case number, and a confirmation number.
  • Save and print this page. It is required for your visa interview.
  • Note that if you submitted DS-260s for your family members, each one will have its own confirmation page.

Correcting Mistakes After Submission

• Minor Errors:
  If you notice a small mistake (e.g., a typo in an address), you may correct it at the time of your interview by informing the consular officer.
• Major Errors:
  If you realize a significant error (e.g., an incorrect “No” where it should have been “Yes”), contact the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) by email and request that they unlock your DS-260. Include your name, date of birth, and case number, and briefly explain the needed correction.
• If Already Scheduled:
  If your interview is already scheduled and KCC cannot unlock your form, inform the consular officer of the corrections at the interview. Bringing a printed letter explaining the corrections can be helpful.

At this stage, your DS-260 should show as “Completed” or “Submitted” for each family member. Congratulations—you’re done with the form!

After Submission: Next Steps and Tips

Save Your Confirmation Number

• Keep your DS-260 confirmation page and number in a safe place for future correspondence.

Visa Fee Payment

• DV selectees do not pay the visa fee at the time of DS-260 submission.
• The $330 visa fee (per person) is paid later, usually on the day of your interview at the embassy.

Processing at KCC

• After submission, the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) processes your DS-260.
• KCC will review your form and contact you if anything is missing.
• Prepare all your civil documents (birth certificates, police certificates, marriage certificates, etc.) to bring to your interview.

Supporting Documents

Gather the following:

• Birth Certificate (original + translation if not in English)
• Marriage Certificate or Divorce Decrees (if applicable)
• Police Certificates from every country where you lived 6+ months since age 16
• Military Records (if served)
• Valid Passport (ensure it remains valid)
• Passport-style Photos (as per guidelines)
• Education Documents (high school diploma, transcripts, etc.)
• Employment Letters (if using work experience to qualify)
• Documents for Derivatives (e.g., children’s birth certificates, spouse’s marriage certificate)

Interview Scheduling

• DV interviews are scheduled based on your case number’s status in the Visa Bulletin.
• You will receive an email notification when your interview is scheduled.
• Check the Entrant Status page for your appointment letter (often called the 2NL – second notification letter).
• Interviews are typically scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis among current cases.

Medical Examination

• Schedule your medical exam with an authorized panel physician in your country once your interview is near.
• Ensure the exam is completed within the required timeframe (medical results usually expire after 6 months).

Financial Preparedness

• Gather evidence of your financial support (bank statements, a sponsor’s Form I‑134 if applicable) to demonstrate you will not become a public charge.
• These documents are for your interview, not for DS-260 submission.

Keep Contact Information Updated

• If your email, phone, or mailing address changes after submission, notify KCC or the embassy immediately.
• Also, if your U.S. address (for Green Card delivery) changes, update it through KCC or inform the consular officer at your interview.

Practice Interview Questions

• Review your DS-260 responses and prepare answers for potential interview questions (e.g., “When did you graduate high school?”, “What do you plan to do in the U.S.?”, “Tell me about your travel history”, or “Who is the friend whose address you’re using?”).
• Bring all original documents and any additional supporting evidence to your interview.

Stay Informed

• Regularly check your email (and spam folder) for updates.
• Monitor the CEAC status page for changes.
• If you experience delays and your case number is current but no interview is scheduled, consider contacting KCC.

Conclusion

Filling out the DS-260 form can seem daunting, but breaking it down page by page—from Personal Information, Family Details, and Travel History to Work/Education and Security Questions—helps simplify the process. Remember these key points:

• Answer all questions truthfully, completely, and consistently with your life history.
• Use “Does Not Apply” or “N/A” where appropriate.
• Double-check every detail before submitting.

This extensive DS-260 guide (updated as of March 23, 2025) reflects the current DS-260 format and DV process. By following this detailed step-by-step walkthrough, you increase your chances of a smooth DV Lottery visa process. Good luck at your interview, and soon you could be on your way to the United States as a new permanent resident! Welcome to your American journey!

Disclaimer:
The information presented in this guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an official statement or representation by any government agency. The content is based on our internal analysis and is not verified by any official or governmental source. We make no guarantees regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Users should independently verify all details with official sources—such as ceac.state.gov/IV and travel.state.gov—before making any decisions based on this guide. By using this information, you agree that we are not liable for any errors or omissions, and that it should not be relied upon as legal or official guidance.