DV 2026 AOS (Adjustment of Status) Process Only

[Sm1smom]

Congratulations on your selection for DV 2026

This Thread is intended for DV 2026 selectees currently based in the US who wish to proceed with their selection by processing AOS (Adjustment of Status).

The AOS process may initially seem complicated and confusing; and you probably have a gazillion questions to ask. But before you start posting those questions, please take some time and go through the AOS Process Spreadsheet (link below). It has a step by step guide on DV based AOS process. Note, there are several tabs/sheets on the spreadsheet, you’re encouraged to go through them all. If you have follow up questions AFTER going through the spreadsheet, then feel free to post them on this Thread.

Be sure to also take advantage of the DV 2026 Timeline Spreadsheet for tracking your progress once you get started. Don't wait until you've completed the process before updating the spreadsheet, updating it as you progress along will be helpful to you and your fellow AOSers.

Another useful tool put together for your benefit is the DV Tracker - Unique Situations Spreadsheet - this spreadsheet contains summarized information about certain cases such as those denied due to early filing, outcome of cases for asylum pending DV filers, cases/FOs with waived interviews, follow to join (FTJ) outcomes, etc. You’re encouraged to review this tool also.

DISCLAIMER:
The spreadsheet is a GUIDE based on collections of experience - it is not USCIS sanctioned (but definitely more detailed than any information you can get directly from USCIS - either in person or on the phone). It is also a lot more reliable than what you will get from most immigration attorneys. However, please remember, while you may be relying on this spreadsheet and the subsequent guidance you will get in this forum free of charge, you're still personally responsible for your own case at the end of the day.

Good luck!

Link to AOS Process Spreadsheet
Link to DV Tracker - Unique Situations Spreadsheet
Link to DV 2025 AOS Timeline Spreadsheet
Link to DV 2026 AOS Timeline Spreadsheet


NOTE: DS260 form submission is not compulsory for AOSers, however, submitting it is encouraged/recommended - take a look at the FAQ tab of the AOS Process Spreadsheet to learn more about why this is recommended. And if you're wondering "how do I complete the DS260 form"? Completing the DS260 for DV lottery entrants by Simon is your go to source.

 

[sevenstars]

Hi mum,

I am in a somewhat unique situation. Apologies in advance if I missed something in the spreadsheets, this is all very fresh to me. I am an Australian, currently on a M1 Visa (non-immigrant student visa) and my current I-20/I-94 expires on the 31st of July this year. I estimate that I will finish my studies around October this year, thus will have to renew my I-20 once. Once finishing my studies, I had planned to return home to switch to the E3 Visa (non-immigrant Australian specialty work visa).
Today I saw that I had been selected in the lottery (2026OC12XX) and given that this is historically a fairly safe number but won’t have an interview until next year, I am wondering what my options are.

1. Finish my course, switch to the E3 visa and return to the US and complete a AoS. (I am concerned that in my E3 visa interview, they won’t be happy that I am in the process of applying for an immigrant visa while also applying for a non-immigrant visa)
2. Finish my course, do the CP route and stay in Australia until my interview. (Seems like the safer option?)

Apologies if you’ve answered this already, all of the somewhat similar ones were F1 visa situations. Please let me know what you think is the best course of action with this! Thank you for all your help

 

[66oo]

Hi mum,

I'm currently holding L1 visa in the US, which will expire in 2027Q3.
Wondering if i should choose CP or AOS to apply the DV.
My CN number is 2026AS12XXX.

 

[SusieQQQ]

Hi mum,

I am in a somewhat unique situation. Apologies in advance if I missed something in the spreadsheets, this is all very fresh to me. I am an Australian, currently on a M1 Visa (non-immigrant student visa) and my current I-20/I-94 expires on the 31st of July this year. I estimate that I will finish my studies around October this year, thus will have to renew my I-20 once. Once finishing my studies, I had planned to return home to switch to the E3 Visa (non-immigrant Australian specialty work visa).
Today I saw that I had been selected in the lottery (2026OC12XX) and given that this is historically a fairly safe number but won’t have an interview until next year, I am wondering what my options are.

1. Finish my course, switch to the E3 visa and return to the US and complete a AoS. (I am concerned that in my E3 visa interview, they won’t be happy that I am in the process of applying for an immigrant visa while also applying for a non-immigrant visa)
2. Finish my course, do the CP route and stay in Australia until my interview. (Seems like the safer option?)

Apologies if you’ve answered this already, all of the somewhat similar ones were F1 visa situations. Please let me know what you think is the best course of action with this! Thank you for all your help

1. You are correct this would likely be an issue -the E3 is non immigrant and not dual intent like some other work visas

 

[Xarthisius]

Hi mum,

I'm currently holding L1 visa in the US, which will expire in 2027Q3.
Wondering if i should choose CP or AOS to apply the DV.
My CN number is 2026AS12XXX.

We will know the last cutoff for dv26 mid July 2026. The entire process ends on 09/30/2026. That's a year before your visa/status ends.

 

[Sm1smom]

Hi mum,

I am in a somewhat unique situation. Apologies in advance if I missed something in the spreadsheets, this is all very fresh to me. I am an Australian, currently on a M1 Visa (non-immigrant student visa) and my current I-20/I-94 expires on the 31st of July this year. I estimate that I will finish my studies around October this year, thus will have to renew my I-20 once. Once finishing my studies, I had planned to return home to switch to the E3 Visa (non-immigrant Australian specialty work visa).
Today I saw that I had been selected in the lottery (2026OC12XX) and given that this is historically a fairly safe number but won’t have an interview until next year, I am wondering what my options are.

1. Finish my course, switch to the E3 visa and return to the US and complete a AoS. (I am concerned that in my E3 visa interview, they won’t be happy that I am in the process of applying for an immigrant visa while also applying for a non-immigrant visa)
2. Finish my course, do the CP route and stay in Australia until my interview. (Seems like the safer option?)

Apologies if you’ve answered this already, all of the somewhat similar ones were F1 visa situations. Please let me know what you think is the best course of action with this! Thank you for all your help

If I was in your shoes and I plan on processing my DV selection via AOS, I would refrain from submitting the DS260 form for now and proceed with my plan as is, all the way to getting the E3 visa and returning back to the US. Yes the E3 visa is a NIV, however there’s no need to inform the embassy about your DV selection while applying for the NIV unless they pointedly ask, in which case you’ll have to truthfully declare your intention.

 

[Sm1smom]

Hi mum,

I'm currently holding L1 visa in the US, which will expire in 2027Q3.
Wondering if i should choose CP or AOS to apply the DV.
My CN number is 2026AS12XXX.

I’m sorry I can’t help you decide as to the best option for you to go with. I recommend you take a look at the pros and cons of AOS vs. CP as listed in the AOS Process spreadsheet and make your own informed decision.

 

[aandrku]

Hi mum,

My girlfriend and me came to the USA approximately 2 years ago as UHP parolees. Yesterday my girlfriend was selected in the DV Lottery. Her number is 2026EU8XXX. We consider getting married and filing a DS260 after that, so we can get a green card together. The problem is that processing of AOS is suspended for parolees like us as of right now. We are not sure about what next step should we take. We are really worried that our application will not be processed once we apply. What would you do in such a situation?

I really appreciate all the help. Thank you so much!

 

[Sm1smom]

Hi mum,

My girlfriend and me came to the USA approximately 2 years ago as UHP parolees. Yesterday my girlfriend was selected in the DV Lottery. Her number is 2026EU8XXX. We consider getting married and filing a DS260 after that, so we can get a green card together. The problem is that processing of AOS is suspended for parolees like us as of right now. We are not sure about what next step should we take. We are really worried that our application will not be processed once we apply. What would you do in such a situation?

I really appreciate all the help. Thank you so much!

You’ll need to find a US embassy (like Canada for example) that will be willing to take on your case for CP even though you’re not currently based in such a country. This is what some 2025 selectees in similar situation are currently doing. Once you have an agreement in place with such an embassy, then go ahead and submit your DS260 with CP selected as the processing option.

 

[aandrku]

You’ll need to find a US embassy (like Canada for example) that will be willing to take on your case for CP even though you’re not currently based in such a country. This is what some 2025 selectees in similar situation are currently doing. Once you have an agreement in place with such an embassy, then go ahead and submit your DS260 with CP selected as the processing option.

So are you saying that it is possible to get a green card through consular processing without leaving the US? This is very crucial for us, since we have no other place to go, if we leave the US. We also have at least 5 month until the beginning of the next fiscal year, maybe we should just wait and hope that this pause will be lifted, before our time to apply comes.

 

[Sm1smom]

So are you saying that it is possible to get a green card through consular processing without leaving the US? This is very crucial for us, since we have no other place to go, if we leave the US. We also have at least 5 month until the beginning of the next fiscal year, maybe we should just wait and hope that this pause will be lifted, before our time to apply comes.

No, I’m not saying that is possible. You’ll need to leave the US to attend the CP interview if you’re able to find a US embassy in a country that is willing to accept your case without you being a resident of that country provided you’re able to enter such a country as a visitor.

 

[lamine123]

Hello, thanks for sharing the useful spreadsheets and resources. I have some follow up questions:
1. After receiving results in May 2025, as far as I understood there is no further action required until beginning October 2025-Sept2026 right ?
2. In Your spreasheet you recommend not to submit DV payment if your CN is higher, how would you define a high CN: is it starting from 30k ?
3. For people already in the US with non-immigrant, should they expect a 2nd NL from KCC if they haven't completed the DS-260 form ?
4. Is filling both DS-260 and AOS can jeorpardize your applicaiton ?

Thanks

 

[Xarthisius]

1. After receiving results in May 2025, as far as I understood there is no further action required until beginning October 2025-Sept2026 right ?
2. In Your spreasheet you recommend not to submit DV payment if your CN is higher, how would you define a high CN: is it starting from 30k ?
3. For people already in the US with non-immigrant, should they expect a 2nd NL from KCC if they haven't completed the DS-260 form ?
4. Is filling both DS-260 and AOS can jeorpardize your applicaiton ?

1. Further actions are explained in "AOS Process" tab. Steps 1-9 can all happen before October 2025.
2. Without region your number is meaningless. 30k in AS would typically be super-high, 30k AF is fairly low, EU30k is hard to gauge right now...
3. It's clearly stated in "AOS Process" / Step 4: If you don't submit DS-260 you won't get 2nl.
4. These are not mutually exclusive things. Again in "AOS Process" / Step 3 (notes), you're encouraged to file DS-260 if you're planning on doing AOS.

 

[lamine123]

1. Further actions are explained in "AOS Process" tab. Steps 1-9 can all happen before October 2025.
2. Without region your number is meaningless. 30k in AS would typically be super-high, 30k AF is fairly low, EU30k is hard to gauge right now...
3. It's clearly stated in "AOS Process" / Step 4: If you don't submit DS-260 you won't get 2nl.
4. These are not mutually exclusive things. Again in "AOS Process" / Step 3 (notes), you're encouraged to file DS-260 if you're planning on doing AOS.

Thank you !

 

[shyamnepali]

Thank you for sharing the spreadsheet—it was very helpful. I have a question after reviewing it.
In general, what is considered a high case number (CN) for the Asia region? My CN is AS15***, and I’d appreciate a second opinion on whether that would be considered high before I go ahead and submit the DS-260 form.

 

[lamine123]

My CN is 2026EU000209XX. Could anyone recommend when to start the process, ie pay the dv fees and if I have a chance with this CN?

 

[Sm1smom]

Thank you for sharing the spreadsheet—it was very helpful. I have a question after reviewing it.
In general, what is considered a high case number (CN) for the Asia region? My CN is AS15***, and I’d appreciate a second opinion on whether that would be considered high before I go ahead and submit the DS-260 form.

I don’t analyze CN range. I recommend you take a look at some of the VBs over the past couple of years to get an idea of if/when CNs within your range have become current.

 

[Sm1smom]

My CN is 2026EU000209XX. Could anyone recommend when to start the process, ie pay the dv fees and if I have a chance with this CN?

I recommend you take a look at some of the VBs over the past couple of years to get an idea of when CNs within your range have become current, to help you determine if/when to make the DV administrative fee payment.

 

[roroAUS]

G'day, I am on an E3 visa which is a non-immigrant visa. I was successful in the DV2026 lottery. With a case number of 2026OC13XX.

Unfortunately in my excitement I went and submitted my DS-260 form, unfortunately because my E3 is due for renewal in October 2026. The E3 is a non-immigrant intent visa. As I am in the US at the moment I opted for the USCIS interview.

I reached out to britsimon, after finding his webpage (awesome service and wish I had found it prior to lottery live day). He provided some info but he plugged this forum on one of his YT videos so thought I'd come here and ask too.

I guess I am wondering what my options are, is it possible to do a change of status at this point?

I appreciate any insight any of you can provide.

 

[Sm1smom]

G'day, I am on an E3 visa which is a non-immigrant visa. I was successful in the DV2026 lottery. With a case number of 2026OC13XX.

Unfortunately in my excitement I went and submitted my DS-260 form, unfortunately because my E3 is due for renewal in October 2026. The E3 is a non-immigrant intent visa. As I am in the US at the moment I opted for the USCIS interview.

I reached out to britsimon, after finding his webpage (awesome service and wish I had found it prior to lottery live day). He provided some info but he plugged this forum on one of his YT videos so thought I'd come here and ask too.

I guess I am wondering what my options are, is it possible to do a change of status at this point?

I appreciate any insight any of you can provide.

If your CN gets to be current, yes you’ll be eligible to process AOS. Your applicable DV FY would have been over anyways by the time your current E3 will need to be renewed in Oct. 2026.