DS-260 Immigrant Visa Electronic Application Guide

1. What is Form DS-260?

Form DS-260 (Immigrant Visa Electronic Application) is an extensive online form administered through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC). It collects detailed biographical, residential, educational, work, and security history for every applicant seeking an immigrant visa.

2. Accessing the CEAC Portal

To access your DS-260, go to ceac.state.gov/IV and enter:

• Case Number: Your 14-character Case Number without spaces (e.g. 2026AF00012345 or 2026EU00008765).
• Invoice ID Number: For DV applicants, your Invoice ID is your Principal Entrant Year of Birth (YYYY).
• Select your role as "Applicant" and complete the CAPTCHA.

3. When Should You Submit Form DS-260?

The Department of State selects approximately 100,000 to 140,000 applicants worldwide for only 55,000 available visas. Visas are issued strictly on a first-come, first-served basis according to regional Case Numbers:

4. Derivative Applications (Spouses & Children)

A separate DS-260 form must be submitted for EACH family member immigrating with you. The primary applicant and all accompanying derivatives must complete their individual forms before KCC will schedule an interview appointment.

If you got married or had a child after submitting your initial lottery entry in October, you can add them to your CEAC case by notifying the Kentucky Consular Center with certified birth/marriage certificates.

5. How to Unlock a Submitted DS-260

Once you sign and submit Form DS-260, it becomes read-only. If you discover a significant error or change your passport details, you must contact KCC (or the embassy if your case has already been transferred) to request that your form be unlocked:

• Email: KCCDV@state.gov
• Subject: Case Number: 2026AF00012345 - Unlock DS-260 Request
• Include Principal Applicant full name, date of birth, and exact reason for the correction.