Questions about DS-230 form

[k1x]

My main concern is when to write in "N/A". I am really confused and do not want to mess this up, so I am asking for your help, since many of you have already gone through this.

2. Other Names Used or Aliases (If married woman, give maiden name)
and
3. Full Name in Native Alphabet (If Roman letters not used)

Should I put "N/A" even though it says "(If.." ? One might imply that if no, one should skip it.


10. Permanent address in the United States where you intend to live, if
known (street address including ZIP code). Include the name of a person
who currently lives there.

I believe it is the telephone number of the person who currently lives there, not mine, right?


11. Address in the United States where you want your Permanent
Resident Card (Green Card) mailed, if different from address in item #10
(include the name of a person who currently lives there).

If it is the same as 10., should I write in "N/A"?


Questions 14 to 18

If I do not have a spouse, "N/A" into all the boxes?


13. Present Address (Street Address) (City or Town) (Province) (Country)

Can I write in my CELL PHONE number into the HOME PHONE number box?

If there is no office telephone number, "N/A"?


29. List Names, Dates and Places of Birth, and Addresses of ALL Children.

a) If I do not have children, should I say "No children" or "N/A"?

b) Into which boxes do the answers go?


30. List below all places you have lived for at least six months since reaching the age of 16, including places in your country of nationality. Begin with your present residence.

It says "...since reaching the age of 16..." So does that mean that I should only name my living places after turning 16?


31a. Person(s) named in 14 and 29 who will accompany you to the United States now.
and
31b. Person(s) named in 14 and 29 who will follow you to the United States at a later date.

If none, that both "N/A"?


33. List below all educational institutions attended.

I understand how a course of study applies to a university program, but what should I write in the high school box for the course of study? And elementary school for that matter?


34. Previous Military Service

If "No", than "N/A" into all other fields?


35. List dates of all previous visits to or residence in the United States. (If never, write "never") Give type of visa status, if known. Give DHS "A" number if any.

a) If I cannot fit all the different cities (they are sort of far from each other) I have been to during one visit, should I write them in different lines? What did you do?

b) I believe "A" Number (If known) does not apply if I traveled using a Visa Waiver Program, am I right?


39. Name and Address of Petitioner

Who would be the petitioner? Am I the petitioner? I am all alone, no family whatsoever. What should I write in this one? And the telephone number and email address - whose: mine or the petitioner's? Please help me with this one..


41. Have you ever been charged, arrested or convicted of any offense or crime? (If answer is Yes, please explain)

Does it include driving fines? I apologize for these silly questions, I just want to make everything go smoothly.


43a. Have you ever applied for a Social Security Number (SSN)?
and
43b. Consent to Disclosure

Should I answer "Yes" to 43b. and request for a SSN in 43a. ? Does this in any way affect my application process?



I hope someone will find some spare time to help me and others having troubles in this process..

 

[k1x]

Anyone?

 

[Momo1980]

Hey k1x, I will try to help you as best as I can using my blank form so read carefully. I have put my answers next to your questions below:

My main concern is when to write in "N/A". I am really confused and do not want to mess this up, so I am asking for your help, since many of you have already gone through this.

2. Other Names Used or Aliases (If married woman, give maiden name) -

If you're a female then put your surname from birth i.e. before you were married. If you have already entered your surname/last name and your first name (as per your passport) then just write N/A for other names used.

and

3. Full Name in Native Alphabet (If Roman letters not used)

Should I put "N/A" even though it says "(If.." ? One might imply that if no, one should skip it. -

Write N/A because Roman letters would be English unless you speak Sanskrit or Croat or French etc.


10. Permanent address in the United States where you intend to live, if known (street address including ZIP code). Include the name of a person who currently lives there.

I believe it is the telephone number of the person who currently lives there, not mine, right? -

You have to put the full address so house number, street/road name, post code, state and the name of the person who currently resides there and their phone number.


11. Address in the United States where you want your Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) mailed, if different from address in item #10 (include the name of a person who currently lives there).

If it is the same as 10., should I write in "N/A"? -

Write same address as on left or simply re-write the address that you have already put down (that's what I did). Once you have your Green Card and SSN mailed there and have found alternative accommodation and a job you can move out.


Questions 14 to 18


If I do not have a spouse, "N/A" into all the boxes?

Correct write N/A if you are not married.


13. Present Address (Street Address) (City or Town) (Province) (Country)

This should be your residential address.


Can I write in my CELL PHONE number into the HOME PHONE number box?

Yes you may provided you indicate the full number with the country code and area code.

If there is no office telephone number, "N/A"?

Correct N/A


29. List Names, Dates and Places of Birth, and Addresses of ALL Children.

a) If I do not have children, should I say "No children" or "N/A"?

Write N/A - No Children (just like I have put it)

b) Into which boxes do the answers go?

Put N/A - No Children in the name column.


30. List below all places you have lived for at least six months since reaching the age of 16, including places in your country of nationality. Begin with your present residence.

It says "...since reaching the age of 16..." So does that mean that I should only name my living places after turning 16?

Yes you put the full addresses of places you have lived since you were 16.



31a. Person(s) named in 14 and 29 who will accompany you to the United States now.
and
31b. Person(s) named in 14 and 29 who will follow you to the United States at a later date.

If none, that both "N/A"?

Correct write N/A.


33. List below all educational institutions attended.

I understand how a course of study applies to a university program, but what should I write in the high school box for the course of study? And elementary school for that matter?

There are four rows in that question so do it sequentially from elementary school, high school and university. Make sure you put the months and years attended.


34. Previous Military Service

If "No", than "N/A" into all other fields?

Correct N/A


35. List dates of all previous visits to or residence in the United States. (If never, write "never") Give type of visa status, if known. Give DHS "A" number if any.

a) If I cannot fit all the different cities (they are sort of far from each other) I have been to during one visit, should I write them in different lines? What did you do?

Take a separate sheet of paper and put down all your visa/visa numbers and dates of entry into the US. I did it like a table format i.e. the visa number, date of entry, cities visited, duration of stay. Make sure you put your DV award letter information in the top right hand corner as shown on your DV letter of May 1st.

b) I believe "A" Number (If known) does not apply if I traveled using a Visa Waiver Program, am I right?

If you traveled under a visa waiver program write: N/A - traveled under visa waiver program.


39. Name and Address of Petitioner

Who would be the petitioner? Am I the petitioner? I am all alone, no family whatsoever. What should I write in this one? And the telephone number and email address - whose: mine or the petitioner's? Please help me with this one..

This is the person who will be supporting you i.e. your host in the US (if applicable). If you have a host and are planning to submit an I-134 form then the petitioner will be your host. In my case I am my own petitioner so I wrote "self" because I am paying my own way through the DV process.


41. Have you ever been charged, arrested or convicted of any offense or crime? (If answer is Yes, please explain)

Does it include driving fines? I apologize for these silly questions, I just want to make everything go smoothly.


This is tricky because driving fines can be major or no big deal. I would be honest in telling them that you've had some driving fines because if it is on your police record they will pick it up.


43a. Have you ever applied for a Social Security Number (SSN)?

Click on No because none of us DV applicants have social security numbers and in the section where it asks do you want the SSN administration to give you a number click on yes.

and

43b. Consent to Disclosure

Click on yes because the information must be given to Homeland Security to do a background check on you.


Should I answer "Yes" to 43b. and request for a SSN in 43a. ? Does this in any way affect my application process?



I hope someone will find some spare time to help me and others having troubles in this process..

If you need more help, drop me a private message and I'll give you my e-mail address and guide you through if necessary.

Best of luck my friend


Case No - DV2013AF0007XXXX (applied the first time and got it the first time - lucky me lol)
Entry Checked - 1st May 2012
Forms Sent To KCC - 10th May 2012
Received By KCC - 12th May 2012
Confirmation From KCC - 25th May 2012 after I sent them an email
2nd NL - Not Yet
Police Clearance - Not Yet
Medicals - Not Yet
Interviews - Hopefully in mid-August
Visa Pick up - Hopefully in mid-August
Port of Entry - New York JFK

 

[k1x]

Thank you Momo1980

Okay, I think I am done, ready to send the papers. Just one last thing.

You mentioned that "...driving fines can be major or no big deal." I have 3 fines ($30, $30, and $50). If I answered "Yes" to Questions 41-43, I would automatically draw unnecessary attention, and it is not like I am a murderer or a terrorist...

On the other hand, I do not want to hide anything since, well, I really have nothing to hide, and these records WILL appear in my police report as you mentioned.

Maybe I should mark "No", add a supplemental paper, list my parking fines, and explain different possible interpretations of, let us say, fixed penalty notices or spent criminal records in different countries, just to insure myself.

Let me know if you have any thoughts.

Thanks again

 

[Momo1980]

Thank you Momo1980

Okay, I think I am done, ready to send the papers. Just one last thing.

You mentioned that "...driving fines can be major or no big deal." I have 3 fines ($30, $30, and $50). If I answered "Yes" to Questions 41-43, I would automatically draw unnecessary attention, and it is not like I am a murderer or a terrorist...

On the other hand, I do not want to hide anything since, well, I really have nothing to hide, and these records WILL appear in my police report as you mentioned.

Maybe I should mark "No", add a supplemental paper, list my parking fines, and explain different possible interpretations of, let us say, fixed penalty notices or spent criminal records in different countries, just to insure myself.

Let me know if you have any thoughts.

Thanks again

k1x my pleasure to be of service.

Don't be in a rush to send the papers like tomorrow tomorrow. Check them again and again over 1-2 days and the night before sending them check them again and make sure all the information matches any documents you have e.g. birth certificates, passport(s) etc. just to be safe.

With regards to the matter of driving fines, you may do what you have indicated i.e. say "no" on the form and add your driving/parking fines information on a supplemental sheet of paper along with the correlating ticket number and amount. You can take the originals and one copy of each to the interview.

Driving/parking fines aren't exactly a "criminal offense" like you broke some Federal law or UK Statute and everyone gets pulled over speeding or parking wrongly or driving a little foolishly in their lives.

Whereabouts are you applying from bro?



Case No - DV2013AF0007XXXX (applied the first time and got it the first time - lucky me lol)
Entry Checked - 1st May 2012
Forms Sent To KCC - 10th May 2012
Received By KCC - 12th May 2012
Confirmation From KCC - 25th May 2012 after I sent them an email
2nd NL - Not Yet
Police Clearance - Not Yet
Medicals - Not Yet
Interviews - Hopefully in mid-August
Visa Pick up - Hopefully in mid-August
Port of Entry - New York JFK

 

[k1x]

Well, I am not rushing, actually waiting for Monday for decent photos anyway. But the sooner the better, you know.

I am applying from Europe

Since my next step is mailing the letter, I suppose you could give us, rookies, tips on how to do that? I mean the whole "enclosed self-adhesive return address label" thing?

I comprehend this much:
1. I fill, print, and sign DS-230 I and II ant DSP-122;
2. I add supplementary pages, in case answers do not fit (or the crime thing), 2 passport type photos, the notification letter with the barcode;
3. I write my Case Number in the top right corner of every page of DS-230 and any supplementary papers (<---together with name, of course);
4. I buy a few envelopes, since I will probably spoil the first one, in the middle write

U.S. Department of State
Kentucky Consular Center
3505 North Highway 25W
Williamsburg, KY 40769
U.S.A.

and in the upper left write my own address (this is where "enclosed self-adhesive return address label" worries me a little).

5. I put all files into the envelope, add necessary stamps, and mail it in my nearest PO.


What did I miss?


I guess I could have created a fresh thread for it but this seems like a very appropriate journey.. Plus people will be able to find much information in one thread.

 

[Momo1980]

Well, I am not rushing, actually waiting for Monday for decent photos anyway. But the sooner the better, you know.

I am applying from Europe

Since my next step is mailing the letter, I suppose you could give us, rookies, tips on how to do that? I mean the whole "enclosed self-adhesive return address label" thing?

I comprehend this much:
1. I fill, print, and sign DS-230 I and II ant DSP-122;
2. I add supplementary pages, in case answers do not fit (or the crime thing), 2 passport type photos, the notification letter with the barcode;
3. I write my Case Number in the top right corner of every page of DS-230 and any supplementary papers (<---together with name, of course);
4. I buy a few envelopes, since I will probably spoil the first one, in the middle write

U.S. Department of State
Kentucky Consular Center
3505 North Highway 25W
Williamsburg, KY 40769
U.S.A.

and in the upper left write my own address (this is where "enclosed self-adhesive return address label" worries me a little).

5. I put all files into the envelope, add necessary stamps, and mail it in my nearest PO.


What did I miss?


I guess I could have created a fresh thread for it but this seems like a very appropriate journey.. Plus people will be able to find much information in one thread.

With regards to the photos make sure they adhere to the guidelines (your photo studio should know the photo requirements for US visas so ask them).

Fill both forms but you DO NOT sign DS-230 Part II (you'll see the section at the bottom where it says do not write or sign below this, the consular officer will assist you) - that big you DO NOT sign. That will be done during the interview.

Supplementary pages - check

Notification letter with barcode - check

DO NOT write your case number on the forms - write NOTHING on the forms. Only fill the fields in and no extra written stuff. You're not supposed to write on the forms at all (no handwriting).

Speaking of the above you're not supposed to handwrite on these forms. They are PDF based on you should be able to type on them.

Did you download the Supplemental Registration for The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program form? Your case number will go in area two (rank order number).

Write on the KCC address on the front of the envelope - check.

Write your information on the top right hand corner or on the back of the envelope.

 

[k1x]

1. DO NOT write your case number on the forms - write NOTHING on the forms. Only fill the fields in and no extra written stuff. You're not supposed to write on the forms at all (no handwriting).

2. Did you download the Supplemental Registration for The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program form? Your case number will go in area two (rank order number).

1. I read someone say we should write our CNs on every form in case they get lost.. Hmm, I will leave it clean then (besides the signature).


2. I believe this is the DSP-122 you are talking about. In that case, yes. It has my CN as an answer, whereas DS-230 does not include a CN. I guess they could have asked for one if they needed it.

 

[Sm1smom]

DO NOT write your case number on the forms - write NOTHING on the forms. Only fill the fields in and no extra written stuff. You're not supposed to write on the forms at all (no handwriting).

Speaking of the above you're not supposed to handwrite on these forms. They are PDF based on you should be able to type on them.

Do you mind shedding more light on where you got the information that people are not allowed to hand-fill/write on the forms? If I recall correctly, the instructions on those forms say "Print or Type" answers to the questions.

 

[Momo1980]

Do you mind shedding more light on where you got the information that people are not allowed to hand-fill/write on the forms? If I recall correctly, the instructions on those forms say "Print or Type" answers to the questions.

Truth be told I haven't got this information from anywhere. I know from one DV winner that in the past people would write in the information but now the DV forms (and all other visa forms) are all computerised and can be filled on the computer.

Also being from a printing background the words print or type mean quite literally print or type so I filled the information in on my computer but I supposed people have different interpretations of the terms.

 

[Sm1smom]

Truth be told I haven't got this information from anywhere. I know from one DV winner that in the past people would write in the information but now the DV forms (and all other visa forms) are all computerised and can be filled on the computer.

Also being from a printing background the words print or type mean quite literally print or type so I filled the information in on my computer but I supposed people have different interpretations of the terms.

Indeed the form, though a PDF format, can be typed directly into. Typing on the form is nicer and neater, howwever no one will get penalied for hand filling any portion of it. Instructions on filling most forms in the US will be to Print or Type, and PRINT in this case means to write legibly, without using cursive writing (one can even take it a step further by writing everything in upper case).

 

[casper21]

Expire Date on Forms

Hi,
I noticed there is expire date written on the forms.

DSP-122: Expire 03/31/2013
DS-230: Expire 02/29/2012

Are these valid to use?

 

[macemk]

Mine had expiration date + I filled them using pen + I made few mistakes and no big deal I guess. I'm still scheduled an interview and if they want me to correct the mindless mistakes during that time, no problem, i will. You got that option too. Well unless you make mistakes on something big like not including some info that is important or anything. the rest can be corrected and there you go. So much stress over such insignificant matters. They only need people with (at least) high school, no criminal records, some money with them or someone to sponsor them and proofs of all of this. that's it! Good luck!

 

[Momo1980]

Indeed the form, though a PDF format, can be typed directly into. Typing on the form is nicer and neater, howwever no one will get penalied for hand filling any portion of it. Instructions on filling most forms in the US will be to Print or Type, and PRINT in this case means to write legibly, without using cursive writing (one can even take it a step further by writing everything in upper case).

Fair enough, my misunderstanding

 

[casper21]

No. 39

What should I put for No.39 in DS-230?
My name or the person giving i134?

 

[Sm1smom]

What should I put for No.39 in DS-230?
My name or the person giving i134?

There's been some misconception/misunderstanding as to question No.39 on the DS-230 form. The petitioner is YOU, the main applicant/DV Selectee, it has nothing to do with who supplies you with an affidavit of support. Please remember that this form is not specifically created for DV selectees only, it's also used for GC applicants in other categories. For marriage based GC applicants, the Petitioner would be the spouse, employment based GC application will have your employer as the Petitioner, Family based GC applicants would have the applicable family member listed as the Petitioner.

If you have dependents applying with you, they need to be able to tie their applications to yours, so you put your name their as the main applicant. Even if you're applying alone, you still need to put your own name and contact information in the Petitioner section.

 

[BurundiWinner]

I think Q 30 requires only the city or town, province, country and dates. Not the full addresses of where you have lived.

 

[Momo1980]

There's been some misconception/misunderstanding as to question No.39 on the DS-230 form. The petitioner is YOU, the main applicant/DV Selectee, it has nothing to do with who supplies you with an affidavit of support. Please remember that this form is not specifically created for DV selectees only, it's also used for GC applicants in other categories. For marriage based GC applicants, the Petitioner would be the spouse, employment based GC application will have your employer as the Petitioner, Family based GC applicants would have the applicable family member listed as the Petitioner.

If you have dependents applying with you, they need to be able to tie their applications to yours, so you put your name their as the main applicant. Even if you're applying alone, you still need to put your own name and contact information in the Petitioner section.

Hello Sm1smom, I am pretty certain that petitioner has two meanings i.e. one being a self-petitioner or someone in the US who is your petitioner and I know I read it somewhere on this forum and off the forum (where I can't remember).

True that the form isn't only for DV selectees but technically our applications are DV based and I'm guessing would be regarded as so therefore I presume either we are self-petitioners or have someone in the US who is a petitioner.

Then again I could be wrong so I'll need to do some digging on this over the weekend when I get time...

 

[Sm1smom]

Hello Sm1smom, I am pretty certain that petitioner has two meanings i.e. one being a self-petitioner or someone in the US who is your petitioner and I know I read it somewhere on this forum and off the forum (where I can't remember).

True that the form isn't only for DV selectees but technically our applications are DV based and I'm guessing would be regarded as so therefore I presume either we are self-petitioners or have someone in the US who is a petitioner.

Then again I could be wrong so I'll need to do some digging on this over the weekend when I get time...

I think you're confusing a Petitioner with a Sponsor.

A Petitioner is different from a Sponsor. DV based GC applications are self petitioned by the selectee. Having a Petitioner in a GC process involves someone submitting an I-130 form requesting to initiate a GC processing on your behalf, and this form has to be approved before GC application proceedings can take effect. This is not the case with the GC application

 

[RgbLed]

Momo1980, or other person, please tell me something.


I'm going to apply for the dv-2015 and I've read the instructions both in english and in spanish, but I have a doubt in the first question.

In the instructions in english it says "Last/Family Name", and that we should "Enter your name exactly as listed on your passport". Whereas in the spanish instructions it only says "apellido" (surname).

I have two surnames, mother surname + father surname, as is traditional in some coutries, and there's where my doubt is.

Should I put both surnames, or just one?


In some forums I've read, it is advised that we should write just one surname to avoid strange things farther on, while other people say that they will put both surnames.

Also I know that in the United States it would be better to follow the american naming format, as it would alleviate potential complications like applying for a social security number or getting a driving license.


Thanks in advance