Updated on 3/23/2025: Please see the detailed updated version of “How to Fill Out Form DS-260 for DV Lottery Winners (Step-by-Step Guide).”
Congratulations on winning the DV Lottery! Your next step is to fill out the DS-260 form, which the U.S. government uses to collect your personal and family information before your visa interview. This guide breaks down the DS-260 into 12 steps. Each step includes practical examples to show you exactly what to do. By the end, you’ll be ready to submit your form and move closer to your dream of living in the United States.
Important: The DS-260 form on the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) usually logs you out after about 20 minutes of inactivity. If you don’t click “Save” or move to a new page within that time, any unsaved information may be lost. To avoid losing your work:
- Gather your documents before starting.
- Save often, especially if you need to pause.
- If you have long answers, consider typing them in a separate document, then copying them into the form.
This way, you won’t have to re-enter details if your session times out.
Gather Your Documents
Before starting, it’s wise to have all important documents at hand. You’ll need your valid passport (unexpired), birth certificate, any marriage or divorce certificates, and your DV Lottery case number (for example, 2027AF00012345). If you’ve traveled to the United States before, keep old visa details ready as well. Having everything in front of you will help you avoid mistakes when entering data.
Step 1: Access the DS-260 Online
To begin, go to the official Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) at ceac.state.gov/IV. Look for “DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application.” After clicking this link, you’ll be asked for your Case Number (for example, 2027AF00012345). Enter it carefully, complete any security checks (like a CAPTCHA), and choose “Start Application” if this is your first time. If you’ve logged in before, select “Edit Application” to continue where you left off.
Step 2: Provide Basic Personal Information
The DS-260 begins by asking about your identity. Enter your full name exactly as it appears in your passport. For example, if your passport says “Amina Bintu Yusuf,” make sure to use that spelling. If you’ve ever used other names (like a maiden name), include them too. You’ll then enter your date of birth (pay attention to day/month/year order), along with the city and country where you were born. The form also asks for your gender and marital status (single, married, divorced, widowed). Double-check everything to match your official documents.
Step 3: Additional Personal Details
Next, the form requests more information about your nationality and contact details. If you hold more than one nationality, the system will ask you to list them. You must also provide an email address you check often, since important updates may arrive there. Then, give your phone number with the country code (for example, “+234 80 1234 5678” if you’re in Nigeria). You’ll also enter your home address, which is the place you currently live. If your mailing address differs, you can specify it. Lastly, if you already know the U.S. address where you plan to stay, write it down. If you’re not sure, you can write “Will provide at interview.”
Step 4: Enter Your Passport Information
In this section, you’ll type your passport number, the expiration date, and the country that issued it. Check for typos, since a small mistake can cause big delays later. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended arrival in the United States, unless your country is exempt from this rule. If you’ve ever lost or had a passport stolen, the DS-260 will prompt you to mention those details.
Step 5: Fill in Travel Details
Here, you’ll select the purpose of travel—choose “Diversity Visa (DV).” You may also enter an intended date of arrival in the U.S., but it’s not binding if you don’t have an exact plan yet. Some people write an approximate date, like “01/05/2027,” to show they expect to arrive in May 2027. The form might ask who arranged your travel. If you’re planning it yourself, choose “Self.” If a family member or friend is helping, you can mention them.
Step 6: Past Visits to the United States
If you’ve traveled to the U.S. before, the DS-260 will ask for the dates and purpose of those visits. For instance, you might write that you entered on 10/05/2018 for a two-week stay on a tourist visa. If you were ever refused a visa, you must include that date and visa type (for example, “Student Visa denied in March 2017”). You’ll also mention any overstays or immigration violations. Honesty is important—hiding information can cause bigger problems later.
Step 7: Family Information
In this part, list your spouse (if married) and children (biological, step, or adopted), even if they don’t plan to immigrate. If you’re married to “Mohamed Yusuf,” you’d write his full name, date of birth, and place of birth. If you have a daughter named “Fatima,” you’d give her details as well. Some DS-260 forms also ask for your parents’ names and birth dates, so keep those handy. It’s crucial to be complete here; failing to mention a spouse or child can lead to visa denial for misrepresentation.
Step 8: Work, Education, and Training Background
The DS-260 will then ask for your current occupation, whether it’s “Accountant,” “Student,” or “Unemployed.” You’ll provide the names of your employers, addresses, job titles, and start/end dates for each relevant position. If you’re “Amina Yusuf,” you might say you’ve worked at “XYZ Bank, Lagos, as an Accountant from January 2018 to present.” For education, list your highest level of schooling, such as “University of Lagos, BSc in Accounting, 2010–2014.” If you have special training or certificates, mention them in the spaces provided.
Step 9: Security and Background Questions
This section covers various topics, including health conditions (like serious communicable diseases), any criminal history (arrests or convictions), and immigration violations (previous overstays or deportations). You’ll also see questions about national security issues, such as terrorism or espionage. Always answer honestly. If you’re unsure about a question, provide the most truthful answer possible. Lying or hiding details can cause your application to be refused.
Step 10: Review Your Entire DS-260
Before submitting, carefully review everything. Make sure names, birth dates, passport numbers, and spelling match your official documents. Check that your listed spouse and children match the information you gave when you entered the DV Lottery. If you see an error, fix it. Also, remember to save your progress occasionally; the website may time out if you remain inactive for too long.
Step 11: Sign and Submit
When you’re satisfied that all information is correct, you’ll be asked to electronically sign the DS-260 by entering your Case Number again. After clicking “Submit,” a confirmation page with a barcode will appear. This page is extremely important—you must print or save it as proof you completed the DS-260. You’ll need to bring it to your visa interview.
Step 12: After Submission
Once your DS-260 is submitted, begin collecting original documents (like birth certificates, marriage certificates, and police certificates). Keep an eye on the Visa Bulletin at travel.state.gov to see when your case number becomes “current.” At that point, you can expect to receive an interview notice by email. You’ll also schedule a medical exam with an approved panel physician. On the interview day, bring your DS-260 confirmation page, passport, photos, and all supporting documents. Answer questions truthfully and clearly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One major pitfall is not listing all children or a spouse. Even if they don’t plan to immigrate, they must appear on your DS-260. Typos in passport numbers are also frequent errors—be sure every digit is correct. Some applicants forget to print the confirmation page, which can cause trouble at the embassy. Others overlook how important it is to keep their details consistent with their original DV Lottery entry, especially regarding the number of children.
Official U.S. Government Sources
To confirm any detail or see the latest updates, visit the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) at ceac.state.gov/IV and the Bureau of Consular Affairs website at travel.state.gov. Each U.S. embassy or consulate also has its own website (found at usembassy.gov) with local instructions, including how to book medical exams. These are the best places to find accurate, up-to-date information on DV Lottery procedures.
Conclusion
Filling out the DS-260 is a key step for DV Lottery winners on their path to a U.S. immigrant visa. By following these 12 steps—starting from accessing the CEAC website, entering your personal details, listing your family, reviewing your form, and finally submitting—you can avoid many common mistakes. Always double-check that names, dates, and passport numbers match your official documents. Keep your DS-260 confirmation page safe, gather your original records, and watch the Visa Bulletin for your interview date. If you ever feel unsure, refer to the official U.S. Department of State instructions or contact your local U.S. embassy.
We wish you success on your DV Lottery journey. If you have any questions or experiences to share, please leave a comment below. Let’s help each other achieve our dreams of a new life in America.
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Disclaimer: This guide is for general understanding. If you see any difference between this guide and the official State Department sources, always follow ceac.state.gov/IV and travel.state.gov.
