Some people are reporting receiving their 2NLs for January interviews. It will take a few hours – and possibly even a couple of days before all have gone out.
The email itself has no useful information. It simply tells you to check the ESC site for the interview details. Some will find the ESC site is not ready, those people should try again after a few hours.
It would be GREAT if those that received their 2NLs would add a reply to this message saying when they submitted their DS260. A survey like that helps us understand the processing time for the DS260 and let’s us understand the backlog.
Please add your first submission date, and if you unlocked please add that resubmission date and the data you changed. That is helpful for all.
Now – if you do not get your expected interview, please come back here and read updates to this page to see the feedback I will have received.
Based on last months feedback, we know that December interviews went to those people that had submitted up to the end of June or early July. Hopefully this month we will see the rest of July, and perhaps some early August submissions. I would like to hope the backlog will reduce either this month or next month as the greatest volume of DS260s will have been processed by that time.
By the way – these 2NLs are going out quite early. Some months have waited until the end of the month for 2NLs.
**** UPDATE *****
It looks like most DS260 submission dates were up to the end of July. This represents about 1 month movement in the last month – about the same pace as before.
November 19, 2015 at 11:51
brit, someone said he submitted his ds 260 in september and has received his 2nl and your comment is , its hard to get the truth in Ghana. some of us are not comfortable with such prejudiced judgements. if u doubt it , he can send the letter and the soft copy of the ds confirmation page to u…
November 19, 2015 at 17:50
“prejudiced judgements”. What on earth are you talking about?
You may not have noticed, but I am sitting here helping people from around the world – regardless of their religion, race, sexuality and so on. But you think you can accuse me of prejudice??? GROW UP and THINK!
The comment I made (WHICH IS 100% ACCURATE) is based on MY experience, and the FACTS that I have tracked on refusals in Ghana. The numbers speak for themselves, but my experience of HELPING people overcome their own mistakes also gives me the knowledge and credibility to make my statement with complete confidence. For you to take insult because I “dared” to speak the truth as I see it, is very silly. But then to accuse me of PREJUDICE is just damn RUDE and OBVIOUSLY not true! Think before you try to judge me!
November 19, 2015 at 12:15
Hi,
we are EU11XXX. Submitted on 19 JUN. Unlocked and resubmitted on 2 SEP to add a baby.
Still waiting 🙂
November 19, 2015 at 12:38
Hi brit,
I arrived to usa 5days ago. Please i want to know: what i have to do to get my security card. May i have to go to the immigration to register or i just have to wait that the send it to my address.
Thank for your help
November 19, 2015 at 17:52
If you chose the option to have USCIS apply for your SSN, it should happen automatically. But it takes 2 to 3 weeks.
November 19, 2015 at 14:23
Submission of DS-260 date 27th July,2015.reopened on 28th August, 2015 and submitted on that same day.2NL received on 17th November, 2015. Interview date 20th January, 2016
November 19, 2015 at 14:24
Hello Brit,
I believe you are not in any means trying paint Ghana black in the eyes of the whole world and discredit the story we posted concerning submission, unlocking and receipt of 2NL of Atia. I have tried replying to that unfortunate comment you made but my comments aren’t allow to appear. My friends and I were surprise the case got scheduled that fast so they advised we put it here for you to peruse it and use it your estimations and advices. Anyway what credit or benefit will we get if we post false information. concerning 2NL? We are prepared to send you the confirmation pages of the ds260 sent with the date on it and the 2NL. Kindly send me your email address. As soon as you received those documents kindly go to the page and apologized or retract those statements.
November 19, 2015 at 17:37
What is all this silly talk of my “unfortunate comment”. I’m not sure what comment you are even referring to, but please don’t be so defensive of Ghana! The first step of fixing a problem is recognizing you have a problem – so denying there is anything wrong in Ghana because of loyalty to a country you are keen to leave is really a waste of time.
By all means send me whatever you want to prove your point. britsimon3 at gmail dot com
November 19, 2015 at 18:05
So now reading another poster makes me think this was because I mentioned it is hard to get the truth in Ghana. IT IS!
IN DV2015 Ghana had nearly 3400 selectees. Significantly more than that by the time you add in new marriages and births. In the end about 80% of those cases failed to get their visas. The refusals are mostly based on inaccurate entries, fraudulent documents and so on. Agents are ruining the DV process and blackmailing people. I get emails and posts constantly from people who genuinely cannot understand what standards of accuracy are EXPECTED outside of Ghana.
It is not that I am trying to paint Ghana black in the eyes of the world – but let us be REALISTIC rather than unrealistically blind to the truth.
November 19, 2015 at 14:43
Hey Brit My case no was current from october. Submitted my DS-260 On 15 july
First reopened for mailing address change
Second to add education details
And third to add my passport details.
I didn’t received my 2NL this time.
Do i need to worry?
November 19, 2015 at 18:08
No, just more patience. One of your changes (probably the passport) could have caused them to redo background checks.
November 20, 2015 at 08:54
he is saying passport detail..what sort of detail??we just need to enter passport number, isnt it sir??
November 20, 2015 at 11:41
he meant passport number
November 23, 2015 at 16:11
What is form I-134?
November 19, 2015 at 15:14
Hey brit how are u.txs alot .my question is during submission amnot indicate the details of my passport .isit risk to getting nls?if it causes any problem what’s your advice?tnxs again.
November 19, 2015 at 18:10
You should add those details prior to the interview.
November 19, 2015 at 16:10
Hi Simon,
I am Egyptian living in Dubai and my interview is going to be in Cairo, Egypt.
Can I attend the interview and take the passport after the interview with me to travel back to Dubai, then send it via courier to US Embassy Cairo to put the issued visa (hopefully !) on my passport then send it to my address mentioned in DS260 ?
Or is it a must to keep passports at embassy throughout the whole process ?
I need to do this because I will have some urgent business issues that won’t allow me to stay in Cairo to wait for visa issuance process.
and I don’t want to be interviewed at US embassy in UAE.
Is that scenario valid ?
Kindly advise.
Thanks.
November 19, 2015 at 18:10
Some embassies have allowed that sort of thing before – discuss it with the CO.
November 28, 2015 at 14:34
Dear Mohamed , did you gotbthe chance to get an update from the US embassy in Egypt about this topic
November 19, 2015 at 16:30
This is unfortunate statement from Brit Simon concerning Ghanaians. The idea was to help you broaden your analysis base concerning KCC works. I have have seen it and it is true. It is a challenge to you now to confirm and add it to your analysis and don’t discredit our source to credit yourself.
Thanks
November 19, 2015 at 18:24
I’m truly amazed how protective Ghanaians are when anyone dares to say anything about Ghana. I find it very silly – especially when the comment is accurate.
So – the choices are these. The surveys of people receiving 2NLs show most people who got their 2NL for January were May, June and July submissions. Two I know of were from early August (which I consider to be outliers). There are some cases from June and July (even a couple from May) that are still not processed. That is the same for selectees from EVERY country, EVERY region. Through my blog, emails and FB pages I have over 100 responses (globally there would be about 3000 to 4000 interviews at most for January). The sample gives a pretty clear picture.
Then there is one case that is alleged to have been submitted on September 22. ONE CASE. Almost 2 months faster than the norm.
Now – I have not yet seen any proof about this alleged case – and whatever proof is shown may not be clear about the *original* submission date.
BUT – let’s be realistic. What is the most likely explanation of this?
November 19, 2015 at 21:37
OK – so I have seen the proof.
The submission date on the confirmation is 9/22, but it is not clear if that is the first submission or a resubmission.
INTERESTINGLY, a question was posted to my blog on July 16 by someone using the EXACT same email address as Atia is using now. The post asks about the how soon he can expect his DS260 form to be unlocked because the person has just asked for it to be unlocked. The IP address of that post is almost identical to the IP address of Atia’s latest posts – both of them located most likely in an internet café or office in Ghana (they trace back to Ghana). So, someone in the same room as Atia, with the same email address as Atia had already submitted their case prior to July 16.
Atia maintains the submission date of 9/22 was the first date despite the evidence of the earlier questions on my blog. People can decide for themselves whether this UNIQUE rapid processing actually took place, (unlike any other case in the world), or whether something else happened and there is some “confusion”.
My comment earlier was “It means it is hard to get the true story in Ghana.” This case could not have proven that statement more clearly.
November 19, 2015 at 18:09
brits hi , my concern is this: why 2nd letters are sent too early ?? with this development newsletters visas , do you think the number 510XX could have his interview thank you ???
November 19, 2015 at 18:24
Submitted DS260 on 31th july 2015
Unlocked it before two week and till now un complete
And received my 2nl yestarday
My interview in first week in january
Resubmited my form again or what?
November 19, 2015 at 18:26
Are you the principal selectee, or the derivative?
November 20, 2015 at 18:24
Derivative
November 20, 2015 at 18:57
Yes that makes sense then. Your form may be unlocked, but they schedule cases based on the principal selectee. So – your wifes form is probably locked and yours unlocked. You should lock yours asap and attend the interview as scheduled.
November 19, 2015 at 18:40
brits hi , my concern is this: why 2nd letters are sent too early ?? with this development newsletters visas , do you think the number 510XX could have his interview thank you ???
November 19, 2015 at 19:32
Too early??? what do you mean?
51XXX (2016 AF region I assume) is risky given the cutoff for last year, It is too early to be sure….
November 19, 2015 at 20:26
Those of you from Ghana pls come again
November 19, 2015 at 20:51
hello brit, i submitted my form with “other travellx document” and my paspprt will be available this month end. should i unlock and include pasport number when it is available and will it affect my 2nl?
2016AF00020***
November 19, 2015 at 20:52
hello brit, i submitted my form with “other travellx document” and my paspprt will be available this month end. should i unlock and include pasport number when it is available and will it affect my 2nl?
2016AF00020***
November 19, 2015 at 21:50
It might cause some small delay – but it doesn’t really matter – the important thing is to be accurate!
November 20, 2015 at 07:41
Hi Brit,
my case No. is AS11591. Do you think that i will get a interview.
November 20, 2015 at 08:50
u are lying…Asia dont have that much case number
November 20, 2015 at 11:36
Yes they do. YOU are incorrect.
November 20, 2015 at 11:38
There is obviously some risk. You will have to wait and see.
November 20, 2015 at 11:28
hi brit, we are friends who are all winners from Ghana , in view, we do share information. we were surprised when atia was scheduled taking into cognisance the fact that he did a late submission of his ds due to delays in acquiring his passport. so we wanted to share the info here since u said post of such nature helps to understand the processing times..
we acknowledge yr indefatigable knowledge in the dv process and taught it wise to tell u. truly, his initial entry date is 22/9. atia is a single man with no ttavel history… cn is Af 6***
November 20, 2015 at 11:44
Well no other case in the world has experienced that processing time and I certainly cannot suggest any other case will experience that processing time until the backlog is resolved (which it isn’t).
November 20, 2015 at 19:52
Evenif my 2nls arrieved before 4days the Embassy is nither call nor email to me for furthur processing or direction.
so what shall I do ?
Or I shall not expect any thing from embassy untill interview? day?
November 21, 2015 at 00:27
Sir, in nepal 2016 dv winners 3801 are principal + derivative or only principal?
November 21, 2015 at 04:39
Includes family.
November 21, 2015 at 04:59
Dear Brit.
I need you suggestion from Nepal. I have interview in December 12 . When I called IOM For my and my family medical they took all our details but they gave me 14 December for my children and 16 December for me and my wife. I requested them to make medical before my visa interview date but they told they have no previous date. And told me to attend the visa interview and inform to counsular about this. You can submit your medical after your visa interview. But i want to be sure with you how to face interview with consular in this condition?will it make any problem in my visa interview? May be there will be late in my visa issue?
Thank you.
November 21, 2015 at 16:09
I have advised you already. Follow my advice if you want – or don’t follow that advice – it is up to you.
November 22, 2015 at 04:03
Dear sofia father.
Good morning.
I did not get your advice before about this issue. I want to be sure with your suggestion. I am waiting for your suggestion. My visa interview in 12 December and medical is in 14 and 16 December.easily Medical is telling after your interview also I can submit my medical report(they are telling they have no date before 12 December). Please in this situation what is your suggestion.
Thank you.
November 21, 2015 at 05:05
Sir, I am from Ethiopia.
one question please……
Evenif my 2nls arrieved before 4days the Embassy is nither call nor email to me for furthur processing or direction.
so what shall I do ?
Or shall I not expect any thing from embassy untill interview date ? Thank you !
November 21, 2015 at 16:08
Some embassies send special instructions prior to the interview some don’t. In any case get your documents ready.
November 21, 2015 at 06:23
Sef don’t expect anything from embassy prepare all your documents with copy during your interview day and time
November 21, 2015 at 10:07
Hi gud day sir
November 21, 2015 at 12:23
Dear Mr
If you let me, I have a question about public charge support I-134
Seen my delay submission of my form ds 260 until last week of september ago, knowing that my case number is AF12xxx so I think my interview will be scheduled in march. please when I request to my sponsor to send me the support I-134?
it is obligatory also to present a document of bank?
Thanks in advance.
November 21, 2015 at 15:59
Get the I-134 nearer the time. If you have money in a bank account, show that.
November 21, 2015 at 19:40
Should I bring an I-134 even if not requested?
November 21, 2015 at 14:03
2NL received
Date of DS Submission : 24/07/2015
Case Number: 2016AF …..XXXX
Wish me good luck
and thank you very much Mr Simon for the help … have a nice day and good luck for the rest
November 22, 2015 at 07:01
Dear sofia father.
Good morning.
I did not get your advice before about this issue. I want to be sure with your suggestion. I am waiting for your suggestion. My visa interview in 12 December and medical is in 14 and 16 December.easily Medical is telling after your interview also I can submit my medical report(they are telling they have no date before 12 December). Please in this situation what is your suggestion. I am really worry.
Thank you.
November 22, 2015 at 15:38
Call the embassy and ask them what they want you to do.
November 22, 2015 at 12:35
Sir I m afraid that Nepal will increase by 50/100…will it happened again?
November 22, 2015 at 15:31
There should be a bigger increase for next VB – but wait and see.
November 22, 2015 at 13:45
Is it possible to sponsor another person that not include to DS260 ?
November 22, 2015 at 15:28
In some ways yes. A person that entered as single can get married for instance.
November 22, 2015 at 17:56
Should I bring an I-134 even if not requested? Thanks
November 22, 2015 at 20:21
Yes take it – that is wise.
November 22, 2015 at 19:46
hello sir. i am a dv winner qnd i submitted my form in july. resubmited in october 20 i had nt a paspot bt now dat i hav, should i unlock and include passport number or just wait for my interview letter? because i read on our embasy website stating that those without passpots can come along with their National Identity cards
cn AF00020XXX
November 22, 2015 at 20:21
I just answered you on FB. The answer is yes, unlock and add the passport.
November 23, 2015 at 04:22
My 2NL says “The Diversity Lottery Fee for each applicant and each member of the family must be paid in full before the visa interview.”, but I don’t find where to pay for it.. any idea? Thank you
November 23, 2015 at 05:45
You pay it on the day of the interview at the embassy.
November 23, 2015 at 06:48
HISIMON,I HAVE SOME QUESTIONS REGRADING MY DS260 FORMS.MY QUESTION IS SOMEBODY I GOT MY DV LOTTERY INFORMATION GO TO THE EMBASSY WEBSITE&FILL Z DS260 APPLICATION FORM&SUBMITTED.IN THIS CASE SAIDS INSTEAD OF SINGLE SAYS MARRIED &ALSO NOT GET FULL INFORMETION FOR EXAMPLE,NOT NOW MY BIRTH PLACE&MY OWNE INFORMETION.FOR THIS REASON I UNLOCK &FILL Z CORRECT ONE .SO I CONFUSED BCS IN ORGINAL ENTERY SAYS AS SINGLE BUT Z GUISE SAYS MARREID&WHEN I FILL Z CORECT SAYS SINGLE.BRITTSIMON PLC TELL ME ,DO HAVE A PROBLEM OR NOT?
November 23, 2015 at 16:19
Of course you have a problem. You should never have allowed someone to enter your form, and you have given someone the information to do just that.
You need to correct everything – and you might well be asked to explain (clearly) why your form had this incorrect information.
November 23, 2015 at 13:46
hi brits, i received 2NL on the 19 Nov, for a jan 21 interview, i called the person sponsoring me and told him to prepare me the I-134 form he told me not to worry as there is more time to prepare it and there will be no problem on his side he will prepare it to meetup wit jan. Do think he is right there is time? Secondly i went to the medical center assigned for medical in my country they gave me some information on how to pay the medical fees and the items the will need. Which is( passport , five 2″ by 2″ pic and my appointment letter) what intrigues most is that they suggested i come on Jan 5, 2016 for the medical. Do you think that will not be late?. how long will the police clearance and medical take bfore it expires?
November 23, 2015 at 16:12
Just remember with the I-134 it must be sent by post, not email. So – is there time – I have no idea – but you can decide.
The medical date sounds fine.
November 23, 2015 at 16:57
For embassy U.S in Freetown i dont think it is a problem for the affidavit to be mailed or E-mailed. Coz i had a friend who is now in the STATES he told me the I-134 was E-Mailed to him.
November 23, 2015 at 17:06
If you are comfortable taking that risk that is up to you.
November 23, 2015 at 14:20
Dear Brit , as per the information above it seems that I with case number 181xx will be current on December? Is my perception right?
Kind regards!
November 23, 2015 at 16:09
Maybe. We will know in about 2.5 weeks.
November 23, 2015 at 16:12
Thank you!
November 23, 2015 at 18:51
Greetings Mr Brit.hope you are bless.
please there is a slight misspelling of my name.i have it on my Ds260 as Frederick. .
but it should have been Fredrick which I have it on my birth certificate. .please can I wait and explain it to them on my interview date or what should I do?
November 23, 2015 at 20:21
That should be corrected on the DS260 to ensure the background check is performed on the correct name.
November 23, 2015 at 18:58
ok brits, i dont knw if its a risk, but i knew 3 peoples who went to the interview wit an e-mailed I-134 form and were approved the one even took her own I-134 after the interview bcoz it was not yet sent to her prior to the date. Am confused.
November 23, 2015 at 20:24
Like I said. It is a risk. The reason is that a wet signature (original document) is considered more legally enforceable than a photocopy. I understand that well and have known cases where the emailed copy has been inadequate. So – you don’t need to keep debating this with me – just make your decision.
November 24, 2015 at 09:19
Hi Brit,
I just saw here a conversation about the I-134. I have generally heard that there are 3 kinds of supporting documents: I-134, bank account statement and job offer. Getting a job offer is now difficult for me, receiving I-134 – also not easy. Do you think that showing just bank statement would be enough? Eventually I own a car which I could prove by showing the sales agreement if that’s acceptable at all?
thank you
November 24, 2015 at 15:50
Read this:
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
November 24, 2015 at 09:34
Dear Mr brit.
I found that the no. of nepali winners for 2016 is 3801 and number of iranian winner is 4501 why there is only limitation for nepal cases and not for Iranian? just curious about that.
thank you very much.
November 24, 2015 at 15:49
They are both actually limited and both at the same point.
The numbers you quote are including derivatives. The derivative rate for each country is different – 1.9 for Iran, 1.6 for Nepal (approximately). I based that assumption on historical entry data supplied by USCIS.
So – 4501/1.9 = 2369 predicted cases for Iran.
and 3801/1.6 = 2375 predicted cases for Nepal.
So – they are both probably pretty similar.
November 24, 2015 at 12:13
Gud day my boss. Thanks for everything
November 24, 2015 at 15:09
Ewi, Cameroonian. Cn;af100xx. ds suamit 6/08/15. Ds Of Wife Submited 19/08/15. When Can I Expect My 2nl? Thanks In Advance.
November 26, 2015 at 18:12
Maybe end of December for February interview, possibly a month later than that.
November 24, 2015 at 17:25
Hi simon ,
Can embassy give visa for passport valid only for 10 month at time of interview ?
November 24, 2015 at 17:43
Yes.
November 24, 2015 at 19:56
Please dont mind i am still confuse in one point ……..if we count month wise abroad stay period will be more then 1 year but if we count abroad stay period like date wise it will not cross 1 year …..i mean suppose if i travel i went in dubai in jan 29 2014 and return in 30 dec 2015 then if we see from month angle it is 12 month duration and if we see from actual days counting angle it only 11 month and 1 day only so which is applicable here do i need police report still? How the lengh of stay is decleared by counting month or by counting actual number of days of stay ? I hope u understand my confusion
November 24, 2015 at 20:46
Forget counting days. They can ask for a police report for 11.5 months if they want, or indeed, any time when they believe you entry/exit dates may not be precise. So – if you have been in a country close to one year – it makes sense to get the police report anyway – just in case they ask for it.
November 25, 2015 at 03:29
Hi Brit am miranda from cameroon.my cn is af39***.aftervthe submission of my ds260 form I got married n latter unlock and added my husband name but he is not accompany me that is why I didnot fill his own form.pls will it I affect my visa negatively. Thanks
November 25, 2015 at 21:20
It could do yes. They may question the validity of your marriage.
You entered single.
You submitted DS260 single.
Then you decided you had to marry.
But your husband won’t go with you to the States.
Put yourself in their shoes. Does it seem suspicious?
November 25, 2015 at 03:39
Also brit helpbme clearify this.I entered the dv with highest educational qualifications with university degree.but I just they said as concerning high school one must hv 2 papers without religion in one sitting. But I hv 3 paper with religion in 2 sitting. Pls will it also affect my visa? I didn’t apply with my high school result I apply with my university degree so I want to know if they will consider my high school result. Thanks
November 25, 2015 at 21:12
I cannot be certain how the CO will assess that. The requirements were recently revised in the 9 FAM manual to add the words “at least” to the requirement of “AT LEAST A “HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION OR EQUIVALENT””. That helps your case somewhat to qualify on the University degree.
If I were you I would print out the notes from the link below and take them to the interview.
http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/87838.pdf
November 25, 2015 at 05:08
how many month is said as closer to 1 year for the issue of police report if i stay for 9 month can it be said as close to 1 year? ….i am here is nepal since 6 months and neaver went back dubai and neaver stay for contineous for 6 months …… total stay is count by entire period of total visit of that country even people stay for short period time to time but neaver for six month contineous …..i dont want to loose my visa by this small issue and police report is very difficult to get from UAE if we r not there physically
November 25, 2015 at 20:52
PLEASE PLEASE read the instructions!!!!!!
The reciprocity page for UAE says this:-
“Available, only if applicant is physically present in the UAE.
Police certificates may be obtained by any person, regardless of nationality, by personally appearing at the Central Police Headquarters located in the emirate of residence or former residence. When appearing to request a police certificate, the applicant should provide recent photographs, a letter from the requesting authority, the date of residence in the emirate, and their passport.
Not available by mail. Post recommends that consular officers waive the general requirement to obtain police certificates unless the applicant lives in the UAE.”
So – it is not “difficult” – it is impossible and the instructions say the requirement will be waived!!!
November 26, 2015 at 02:12
the requirement will be waived!!!! means what ? i dont understand ….to whom they waived ?
November 26, 2015 at 17:54
Make sure you reply to the thread – otherwise I don’t know what you are talking about!
To waive a requirement means the requirement is not needed.
November 26, 2015 at 03:44
Dear brit,
Submitted my documents on 23 , my case no is AS41xx from Nepal, can u please guess when is it likely to get second letter?
Thanks
Ramesh
November 26, 2015 at 17:52
23 of what?
November 26, 2015 at 17:56
23 of june
November 26, 2015 at 18:14
So you will be processed by now, it is just a question of when you will be current. Maybe February interview.
November 26, 2015 at 10:46
hi britsimons,as usual i have also a question,after my medical report if i found to be TB positive are they going to deny me from the visa. am from Ethiopia
November 26, 2015 at 17:51
They could do yes. There is a treatment for TB. If you have time to complete that treatment before the end of the DV year you might then be approved.
November 26, 2015 at 13:55
Dear Brit,
During the first entry I mistakingly enter my date of birth as 15th May instead of 05th May. My passport and birth cert. bear 05th may so I want do affidavit to support. Pls will it I affect my visa negatively. Thanks
November 26, 2015 at 17:43
At some embassies that could cause denial and an affidavit is pointless. Make sure it is accurate in the DS260, and that will give the best chance of approval.
November 26, 2015 at 15:04
when a country goes limited, this mean it deserves to get 3500 visas and they try their best to issue those visas, isnt it sir??
November 26, 2015 at 17:28
No. No country “deserves” to get 3500, and being limited is not to protect that country…