The CEAC system has been updated with the case data. Interestingly this was made available at the exactly the same date as last year, and the year before.
This confirms my suspicion that there is a logic switch to only make the 2017 data available from 2017 (in pseudo code, show DV year data where year <= year extracted from sysdate). This is really BIZARRE programming – and as I have stated before the US government really needs some help on their IT side!!!
Anyway – a recap for those that are not aware of what the CEAC data is. CEAC is a government database/web page that allows people to enter their case number and get some basic status information. The site can be access at this link and you can enter the case number without leading zeros. So – if your number is 2017AF00012345, you would enter that as 2017AF12345. If you enter a real case (not a “hole”) a window pops up with some basic case status information. From this, for cases which are scheduled, we can see the number of derivatives on each case, the embassy, the original entry date, last updated date and so on.
So what do the status codes mean.
The first status for every case is “AT NVC”. You can ignore the text on the case – the case has not been passed to NVC. What this status means is that the case is in one of the following situations.
- The case is not yet current.
- The case is current, BUT the DS260 has not be submitted at all, or it was submitted but not processed yet – and therefore not scheduled.
- The case is current, the form is processed, but it is waiting to be scheduled (typically because the cases have not yet been sent to the embassies yet).
“In Transit”
This status is shown for a brief period when KCC has scheduled the interview, and transferred the case to the embassy. However, the embassy has not yet updated CEAC to acknowledge they have received the case.
“READY”
This is the next status after in transit. It means the case has arrived at the embassy for interview. Sometimes a case will continue to show ready even after the interview.
“Issued”
Pretty obviously – this is the status we all want to see! The interview took place, was successful and the visa has been approved/issued.
“Refused”
This is the status no one wants to see, meaning the interview took place and the selectee was denied. A derivative can be refused, while the principal is approved. However, if the principal is refused – all the derivatives are refused also – even if the embassy fails to update CEAC.
“Administrative Processing”
This is when someone did not have all the documents at the interview OR some additional checks are needed before the case can be adjudicated. AP can last a few days or several months. The status updates during that time are meaningless.
Derivative number.
For cases that are scheduled we can see the related derivative numbers. Case 01 is the principal and derivatives are case 02, 03 and so on.
January 1, 2017 at 16:27
Hi Brit,
I contacted the KCC a few days ago and I received the following email: “Your forms have been received and pending further embassy review for the continuation of your visa processing ….”.
And now I just checked the “Visa Status Check” website and my status is “AT NVC”.
please what does it mean?
My CN is AF17XXX
DS260 submit on july 4th and re submited on August 23rd.
You think I will receive my 2NL in January 2017?
Thank you
January 1, 2017 at 16:36
It means you will get a 2NL in January and March interview. The FAQ covers this.
January 1, 2017 at 16:28
Sir
Hoping this recent updates won’t change things
January 1, 2017 at 16:32
Sir
1) how do one know his/her case has being submitted and processed?.
Is it after one has submitted and printed the confirmation page?
2) after having the confirmation page can one only expect the 2NL at the end?
Thks for clearing my doubts
January 1, 2017 at 16:38
1. If it says “completed”, it means submitted. It takes months to process it.
2. You have asked many questions on my site – but you don’t seem to have read much. Please read my recent blog posts so you don’t need to ask such BASIC questions. Really – it is YOUR case!
January 21, 2017 at 07:58
Hi Brit…
Thanks for your prompt answers, I got my 2no a little earlier than I expected… I got it yesterday for an interview on the 9th of March…
My case number is AF48**, I submitted my 2nl first sometime in Sep, unlocked and resubmitted on the 28th of sep… I am really excited, thanks again!
January 1, 2017 at 16:36
AT NVC
January 1, 2017 at 17:04
at NVC ….
Ds submitted on 25th august , CN = AF9***
still waiting …
January 1, 2017 at 17:05
At NVC
(Submitted sept 29)
January 1, 2017 at 19:44
Our status is Ready
2017AF00001XXX
Interview date and location : January 10th at Dakar US Embassy
Principal applicant and spouse
January 1, 2017 at 20:38
Hi Brit,I follow all steps on The CEAC system but i have received instantly a rectangle containing this text: immigrant visa applicant
AT NVC
Immigrant visa case number:2017AF8XXX.
Please follow the instruction you received from the NVC that lists the six steps….etc.
What that mean?
January 1, 2017 at 21:00
Read the article.
January 1, 2017 at 22:15
Ok.I have understand .
January 1, 2017 at 21:06
Hi BritSimon.
Happy new year. I need your help desperately. I am still waiting for 2NL. When I enter my case number for checking the status, It is telling me that the case number does not exist!
What does it mean? I am so stressed. Please.
January 1, 2017 at 21:21
Well, you don’t mention where you are checking the status. I don’t know what case number you have (or whether you are entering it correctly). So – I don’t know. Make yourself more clear.
What system are you using?
How are you entering your case number?
If using CEAC status check, did you take out the leading zeros?
When did you submit your DS260?
January 1, 2017 at 22:09
There is a link in the email you sent out, I checked there. My case number is 2017AS6***. I tried with zeros and without, the same result. I submitted my DS26 in August.
Please help.
January 1, 2017 at 23:03
OK, you haven’t got the 2NL because of the late DS260 submission. As for why the CEAC status check doesn’t work for you – I have no idea, but it’s software, and it is working for me, so the most likely explanation is that you are doing something wrong. Check your case number. Try again. All it will show is “at NVC”.
January 2, 2017 at 01:06
Could late ds260 submission be an issue? Should I be worried? Should I contact them? What you suggest? Thank you so much.
January 2, 2017 at 01:13
I suggest you read some of the articles I have already written that discuss this at length!
January 1, 2017 at 22:06
There is a link in the email you sent out, I checked there. My case number is 2017AS6***. I tried with zeros and without, the same result. I submitted my DS26 in August.
Please help.
January 2, 2017 at 04:07
This year vb gon a slow in nepal
Any idea?
January 2, 2017 at 06:58
Hey Brit simon, thanks for all your updates and info. Just curious about the process – my case number starts with 2017OC, I am in Australia. My case number is below 650, which is the current cutoff for Oceania in dec/jan bulletin.
should I have heard anything by now?
January 2, 2017 at 07:14
Your case cannot be scheduled unless your number is current *AND* your DS260 is processed. There is a long delay for the processing of the DS260. For February interviews they had got to late July submissions, so you probably submitted later than that. That is the reason you have not been scheduled.
January 3, 2017 at 23:06
Fabulous and thank you. I see you get heaps of questions. It’s a lot of information. The CEAC is asking me to follow 6 steps. It involves visa payment with information I don’t have. All I have is confirmation my DS260 form has been received and is in process and I’ll be notified of an interview. I was under the impression the only fees I would be paying would be at the interview. Now I am seeing this link to NVC. Have I missed paying something I was supposed to prior to the interview? What article of yours explains this? Thanks!
January 4, 2017 at 01:06
The article above! Read what it says about NVC.
January 3, 2017 at 01:14
hi mark my case # 800 oc pls adv when you go for interview and tell me your experience – [email protected]
January 2, 2017 at 08:27
HI Brit….
I am From Ethiopia My Case No.248**.And now I just checked the “Visa Status Check” website and my status is “AT NVC”. DS 260 submit on 1st May 27th and re-submitted on July 28th.
You think I will receive my 2 NL in Feb or March 2017?
Thank you
January 2, 2017 at 16:38
I don’t know how the VB will progress for Ethiopia.
January 2, 2017 at 10:14
Enter your comment here…Hi Sir. I enter my case number on CEAC site but it said ‘invalid case number’ I did it several time without succes. I’m so stressed
January 2, 2017 at 10:18
Hi Sir. I enter my case number on CEAC site but it said ‘invalid case number’ I did it several time without succes. I’m so stressed
January 2, 2017 at 10:40
My case number is 2017AF38***
DS submitted in June 14th.
January 2, 2017 at 16:31
OK, first of all, your number is not current yet. So – CEAC will simply show “at NVC”.
January 2, 2017 at 12:09
Hi simon will this time VB will increase for Nepal as it has gone quite slow in earlier month what do you predict..
January 2, 2017 at 16:27
I have no prediction.
January 2, 2017 at 12:23
Hi brit. I have a confusion, and I’m seeking your assistance. I’m a 2017 DV winner from Af and I have submitted my ds20 since October 21, 2016. I play as single and got married before the result. I have added my wife on the ds260 form ;my case is 2017Af11xxx when should I be expecting my 2nl. For interview?
January 2, 2017 at 15:27
You have asked me this several times – and I have answered several times. Stop asking this question.
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-61/#comment-56254
January 2, 2017 at 14:07
Hi simon will there little hope for case no 75** from nepal?this case no is selected in first draw ,is there any difference between the chances of first draw and second draw??
January 2, 2017 at 15:22
First draw numbers are lower than second draw. So there is a chance for that number.
April 12, 2017 at 07:57
Hi brit , is it still possible to have chance for that number As75** to get second letter from nepal?
April 12, 2017 at 12:46
Wait and see
January 2, 2017 at 21:50
Sir the 2018 DV result will be up by may this year, what effect will it have on an individual who is a selectee in 2017 and awaiting 2nl after may and is again selected for 2018 dv? . Could there be a contradiction of informations from one program to the other. Example. Processing 2017 dv program as marry, and play 2018 as single. Can this be avail in the CEAC DATABASE?
January 2, 2017 at 23:59
That can only be a problem if someone was unwise enough to lie.
January 3, 2017 at 07:11
hi,thanks alot for your info..i checked my CEAC status check and it was “At NVC’. Should i ignore the 6 steps told below the Át NVC’? Kindly reply coz am in panic about the 6 steps? What is DS 261 form,is it for DV lottery winners? My CN is 2017AF00025XXX and i submitted my DS260 in 17th August.
January 3, 2017 at 07:48
Instead of being “in a panic”, simply READ the article above.
January 3, 2017 at 07:45
Hi Brit…
How Many Times checked the “Visa Status Check” website??.
January 3, 2017 at 09:53
Hi Simon;
I am DV 2017 case. I have interview on Nov 1st. I just check the CEAC website and saw that my case is under administrative processing. we are 3 people my son , my wife and me as principle. when I check ceac website it show case (01) administrative processing (02) Ready (03) Ready .
1.It is already 60 days, do you think it is good to contact to embassy by email to inquires about case status?
2.Do they update the website very often? when I check the ceac website on Status Updated Date it still show in 20 dec 2016. So until it is almost two week.
thanks
January 3, 2017 at 15:15
1. You can contact the embassy if you like. Typically they have nothing to say (AP is usually out of their hands).
2. Don’t get obsessed with the updates. The update date will change now and then while you are on AP – you cannot infer ANYTHING from the updates.
January 4, 2017 at 03:03
Hi Simon;
What you mean Out of their hand? you mean that my case not on the embassy?
thanks
January 4, 2017 at 03:23
Correct. If they need background checks or to check on education they rely on other departments for those verifications. So – the embassy rarely can predict when AP will end.
January 4, 2017 at 03:54
thank you very much Simon
January 3, 2017 at 12:50
Dear Simon,
EU10XXX
1ST submission 15/07.
Re-opening 30/08.
2nd submission 09/09.
Just called KCC , they have now finished to process my case ( end of December) , and they told me maybe March interview but very likely April and that they will know for sure after the 15/01.
That the second time they mention the 15/01 so I believe the 15 might be a sort of cutoff date (maybe to receive Consulate answer).
Keep you informed.
All the best for 2017.
January 3, 2017 at 12:52
Just to amend 1St submission 15/06
January 3, 2017 at 15:11
So yours took longer than most.
The 15th is a “standard” day they advise people. It’s the same day they tell people the VB will be published (it’s almost always earlier), and it’s the day they tell people they have the 2NLs ready (I have known that date to be much later). But – it gives them “something” to say.
January 3, 2017 at 15:51
Simon
Actual processing did not take long , the 19/12 they told me they had started to process my case the week before , so assuming they started around the 12/12 it took them 3 weeks to complete processing and my case have been queuing around 5 months.
I do not understand why March interview is not unlikely as my case has been processed any Idea ?
Thank you
January 3, 2017 at 15:55
Correcting
I do not understand why March interview is unlikely as my case has been processed any Idea ?
January 3, 2017 at 16:02
They like setting low/slow expectations.
January 3, 2017 at 16:03
I would take what they say with a pinch of salt.
January 3, 2017 at 17:01
Thanks Brit for ur updates.I successfully had access to my visa statues cheack.
It was At NVC
CN af41xxx
Submitted 18 May ,reopened July 20 submitted July 21st.
Hopefully am waiting 2Nl by God’s grace
January 4, 2017 at 03:56
Dear simon
I had interview yesterday at america embassy in ethiopia.I and my wife tell all truthfully but they tell us they will remain adminstative issue by return back passport and all original doc except high school leaving cetificate.they took the whole document copy. When I check my status it say Adminstative process
So what does adminstative process mean mr simon?
Does it take a long mean?
Thank U
January 4, 2017 at 04:08
In addition to my comment they told us they will call us when they finish the adminstative process by taking only the High school certificate original.
January 4, 2017 at 06:10
AP times vary greatly. All you can do is wait…
January 23, 2017 at 02:20
When I check CEAS status my status changes from AP to Issued..Thankyou very much mr simon because u gave me a lot about my case!! Finally i want ask u something that is
How long does it take to receive my issued visa?
January 23, 2017 at 02:59
A week or two.
January 5, 2017 at 20:44
Hi dear Simon;
I am a DV 2017 lottery winner. I had interview on the 8th of Nov and when i check the CEAC website I saw that my case is still under administrative processing. we are 2 people my wife and me as principals
the 1st update of my case in CEAC website is related to 17th Nov
i just what to know from your point of view normally how longs take the AP be clear
also should i contact embassy or no need
thank for your support bro
BR
January 6, 2017 at 01:22
AP times vary. Since I don’t know anything about why you are on AP, I can’t predict anything.
January 6, 2017 at 09:18
actually from my point of view there is 2 issues for AP, first i’m liveing in iran and secound i have long time experience in telecom field
January 6, 2017 at 15:05
So you can expect AP to last about 5 months.
January 7, 2017 at 06:33
you mean maybe 5 months tack time my AP clear? and no need to send email to kcc or embassy ?
January 7, 2017 at 16:57
It might take that long. I can’t predict the outcome, I am just informing you of the chance of a long wait. No need to send emails to the embassy or KCC.
January 6, 2017 at 08:44
tnx to god finally i got my visa i need to express my deep gratitude for great brit simon for his constructive advise and support may God provide u all with what u want
January 6, 2017 at 13:19
Hi Mr Brit
Hope to be fine & happy new year
I am dv winner 2017, I submitted Ds260 on 6 August and my case number is AF12*** when will have my interview March or April ?
Thank you in advance
January 6, 2017 at 15:03
Most likely March, but maybe April.
January 6, 2017 at 15:41
Hi Brit,
why maybe April ?
January 6, 2017 at 17:16
Because not all cases take the same time for processing.
January 6, 2017 at 19:49
Hi brit thank you for everything about that you’re helping us.
I have one issue to be clear because I am so worried. I have been interviewed in last January 3 in Ethiopia and after the interview the consular officer said that you’re successfully passed the interview and also he said your VISA has been approved. Finally he said even welcome to USA and you can pick up your passport with the package next week from selected DHL office but now I checking my status online it says on administrative process. My VISA is in danger? Should I worried? Please brit say something??
Thank you!
January 7, 2017 at 05:20
Be patient.
January 7, 2017 at 03:58
Please answer my question above?
January 7, 2017 at 05:17
PATIENCE!
January 7, 2017 at 17:29
HI Abeba, I am also an Ethiopian and selected for DV2017 but I didn’t do the interview yet as my case number is not current. Is it possible that you share your interview experience?
Thank you!
Dear Simon, sorry for the spam!
January 7, 2017 at 18:25
I have taken the email address out. When people share experience by email, it helps one person. When that same story is shared at the link below it helps more than 1 person.
https://britsimonsays.com/interview-experience-stories/
January 7, 2017 at 21:55
Dear Simon,
I am really sorry for posting my email address, and I agree on the fact that the experience should be shared among others too.
Thanks!
January 8, 2017 at 07:49
Hi Sir,
I tried the CEAC website and I got this message
“Please follow the instructions you received from the National Visa Center (NVC) that list the six steps you must take before NVC can schedule your visa interview appointment. This includes submitting to NVC various fees, forms and documents. Once NVC has received all the required items, they will let you know if anything is missing or incomplete. You can also find these instructions online at http://nvc.state.gov (English) and http://nvc.state.gov/espanol (Spanish). You will find contact information for NVC at http://nvc.state.gov/ask.”
please help me in this as I don’t understand what to do? do I need to pay fees ?
January 8, 2017 at 14:49
READ THE ARTICLE ABOVE!
January 9, 2017 at 06:19
Mine is also same when I check, I have read again and again the article above but I couldn’t find the answer for the above question. Kindly, can you please elaborate this issue please?
January 9, 2017 at 06:22
Does this not explain it???
The first status for every case is “AT NVC”. You can ignore the text on the case – the case has not been passed to NVC. What this status means is that the case is in one of the following situations.
The case is not yet current.
The case is current, BUT the DS260 has not be submitted at all, or it was submitted but not processed yet – and therefore not scheduled.
The case is current, the form is processed, but it is waiting to be scheduled (typically because the cases have not yet been sent to the embassies yet).
January 9, 2017 at 12:56
Hello Brit ,
i just checked my visa status and it shows issued since 13-11 and till now i don’t receive any email .Tmrw i’m planning to go and ask about my passport .
i need your advise.
Thank You .
January 9, 2017 at 14:21
Talk to the embassy.
January 10, 2017 at 10:04
H dear Simon,
I passed my interview on Dec 14,2016 in Abu Dhabi.
My interview result is A.P. and embassy officer said “your visa will be ready after 3 or 4 months.” He said “check the website to know about your status.”
I check my status everyday but embassy site did not know my case number.
I can check my status on CEAC but not on Abu Dhabi embassy site.
What can I do ?
January 10, 2017 at 13:39
Wait. Your checking doesn’t make the AP process any faster.
January 11, 2017 at 03:19
yes, I know.
But why my case number is available on CEAC, but there is nothing on Abu-Dhabi embassy website?
Isn’t it strange?
January 11, 2017 at 05:31
No it’s not strange.
January 11, 2017 at 10:54
Hi simon.
My freind think that she make a misteke in dv lottery entry when filling the qualification.that she have a bachelor degree in nursing that true but when asking the question that the job need 2years if experience she says yes but the nursing job doent need 2years of experience.
When filling the Ds260 form she did change and be qualify under university diploma.
1 :The question is that since we cant revue the entry form to be sure but you ; you can help.
Is there any risque of disqualification for that because she did correct in the form? Only the officier can see that.
2.how long is the duration of police clereance(6or1years).
Thx
January 11, 2017 at 13:40
1. THe answer to the question before won’t cause disqualification BUT she must meet the education or work experience requirements.
2. Varies by country. More recent is better.
January 18, 2017 at 06:31
Hi brit. I tried several times on CEAC but it is showing that my Id is not correct. What is wrong with my application? Please help.
January 18, 2017 at 06:37
You are entering it incorrectly. Take off the leading zeros.
January 18, 2017 at 19:35
I did with and without zeros. The same. I am worried to dead. Please help me.
January 18, 2017 at 20:52
Post your case number here or email it to britsimon3 at gmail dot com
January 21, 2017 at 17:17
Sir
I wish to ask for clearification.I got this message: your forms have been received and pending further embassy review for the continuation of ur visa processing.
My case num AF414**
Does it mean my 2nl will be send shortly from now or a few months to come? By which month will I get it sir?
Sorry for distributing you
Just say a word and my prb will be solved.
Thanks
January 21, 2017 at 17:24
You will not be scheduled until your number is current.
January 23, 2017 at 05:30
Hello Brit,
Hope you’re fine. I had a mistake at the date (10 Jan 2017) of interview. My medical examination took place on 24th of Dec but I have mentioned that my medical was on 23rd of Dec. When I left the embassy I found that 23rd of Dec. is Friday. lol good mistake!
I have send an email regading this issue to the embassy. No reply yet!
Should I do anything else or have to wait?
Thanks 🙂
January 23, 2017 at 06:14
Just wait…
January 25, 2017 at 08:34
Today I have checked my status through ceac.state.gov/ceac
The status updated date changed from 10 to 24 Jan. What does it mean?
January 25, 2017 at 16:29
Nothing. It’s just an update. Don’t obsess about updates.
January 26, 2017 at 07:14
But I think it has some meaning cause my visa is issued after updating.
However, thank you so much Brit. You were the one who could make me aware of all changes
Thanks ALOT
January 26, 2017 at 16:12
The ISSUED status is the only update that matters.
January 28, 2017 at 04:35
Hi Simon, thank you for making easier life for so many people with information you post. I am from the 2nd draw and ny number is EU23xxx . I have submitted ds260 in September. My status now is at NVC which doesn’t meant much really and they told me on the phone couple of weeks ago that my case is being processed. It varies from case to case but I am wondering if you would have any clue where I stand? Also, I have seven years old daughter. Does she have to be present at interview if we ever get one? Thanks ver much Simon
January 28, 2017 at 06:13
Your case number is not current yet, so you must wait. Your daughter should attend the interview.
January 28, 2017 at 05:53
Hi Simon,
I looked at my status that says at NVC.
Underneath it says: Please follow the instructions you received from the National Visa Center (NVC) that list the six steps you must take before NVC can schedule your visa interview appointment. This includes submitting to NVC various fees, forms and documents. Once NVC has received all the required items, they will let you know if anything is missing or incomplete. You can also find these instructions online at http://nvc.state.gov (English) and http://nvc.state.gov/espanol (Spanish). You will find contact information for NVC at http://nvc.state.gov/ask.
Is this the information I am suppose to ignore or should I follow these instructions?
Best,
Mel
January 28, 2017 at 06:10
Ignore all of that.
February 9, 2017 at 08:33
Hi simon. I did my interview with my wife and we were approved it been 1 week ago. But when i check my statu in the web it’s showing ” adminstrative processing”. Its possible to have that status after you are approved?????
February 9, 2017 at 14:46
Yes. It is common to see AP for a day or two before seeing Issued.
February 17, 2017 at 11:24
hi simon.i am current in april as my no is 2017EU20XXX but my case at ceac data shows :at NVC.it only takes three days i think till the 2NL will be sent to me.Why it still shows at NVC,is there any problem?Thank you.
February 17, 2017 at 14:17
2NLs have not been sent yet.
February 17, 2017 at 15:56
Helloo sir
Since I submitted my ds260 on 19th may 2016 each time I check my visa statue it’s still at NVC hope there’s no problem ?
Does change of visa statue apply only when the 2NL has been released?
Thks in advance for putting me through.
February 17, 2017 at 16:06
You have asked me this MANY times. I have told you MANY times. You don’t seem to care about my answers.
February 20, 2017 at 06:48
Dear brit
i have followed how the 2NL are released and on every 20th of the previous month is released for the coming month meaning 20Feb should have for April . my number is coming for April( AF29XXX) . how will i know if KCC has my case submitted. it just says AT NVC.
thank you.
N.B i do have my confirmation page of DS260
February 20, 2017 at 16:32
You haven’t followed very well. It is not always the 20th. Your CEAC status will change once the 2NLs go out.
March 6, 2017 at 18:00
Hi Brit,
We have received the 2NL for 5th April in 2017 and had started our preparations. we have checked our status in CEAC and it says it is in transit. We know from your article that it is not sent to embassy. The website says that if you continue to receive this message send an email to “[email protected]”. We have also get our confirmation for our medical examination for 18th March. Do you think we should be patient or proceed as suggested.
Thanks for your help in advance
Best Regards
Tevfik
March 6, 2017 at 18:03
Patience.
March 18, 2017 at 16:47
friend bit, my number is EU22XXX, 2NL I’ve fulfilled by 10 June 2016 I still have not received the email, I am worried
March 18, 2017 at 18:47
Patience.
March 18, 2017 at 19:50
Hi Brit, I have seem some cases in the page that are in status “issued” and they have the letters “CRS” at the end of the number case. and I saw a case that have the letters “LPZ”,
What are the meanings of that letters? Especially “LPZ”??
Thanks
March 18, 2017 at 20:01
By the way, the case with letters “LPZ” is in status Ready.
March 18, 2017 at 20:51
The three letter denote the embassy. LPZ is La Paz, CRS is Caracas.
March 18, 2017 at 22:05
Other one is “BNS” with status Ready.
Regards
March 18, 2017 at 22:06
Thank you