People have today started 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 people that receive the email will find the ESC site is not ready, those people should try again after a few hours. Also, some people find the email itself goes to a trash or spam folder or somehow miss it. So – if you think you may have been scheduled but missed your email, you can check the ESC site, just in case. The 1NL (you have been selected letter) is replaced by a new letter which gives the appointment details.
For those that received their interview notice, now is the time to start preparing for the interview. Gathering documents, scheduling the medical and so on. To learn how to prepare please view my guide on preparing for the interview.
If you have received your 2NL – please take a moment to reply to this post and add your region/case number range PLUS the date of submission and whether you unlocked at any point. This helps me gauge the backlog and DS260 processing times. Last month it was clear that cases submitted later than mid June had a chance not to be scheduled because of backlog on DS260 processing. We will see how far that backlog has been handled. Hopefully, this month the backlog will have been reduced.
November 23, 2016 at 12:15
hi Mr. brit case no. AF 9*** from Ethiopia DS submitted on June 7 interview scheduled on January 3.
one question can i see the photo, name and date of birth submitted during the entry am just want to check everything is right
November 23, 2016 at 13:06
hi ethio,
am from Eth , addis
good luck! if u could I want to share yr embassy interview experience , other info related to type of doc where u authonticate at addis ababa bye [email protected]
November 23, 2016 at 14:26
No, that is not possible.
November 23, 2016 at 12:21
I feel that kcc is considering an unlock and resubmition as a new date to study the form as u see all ppl who unlocked up to end of june got 2nl if they r corrent !
November 23, 2016 at 14:26
That is clearly not correct. You only have to read a few responses to know that makes no sense.
November 23, 2016 at 17:07
Hi Britsimon if someone has a pending petition for alien relative visa (I-130) that has not been processed will it cancel the DV-LOTTERY win?
November 23, 2016 at 17:14
No
November 23, 2016 at 17:09
hello Brit, i submitted ds 260 on june 17 and unlocked it 4 times for some trivial things… My case is current but haven’t got the 2 NL….. So what’s your say on this Brit? what might have slowed down my case processing? Im from ethiopia…… Thanks a lot
November 23, 2016 at 17:16
Well it is possible that something about your case requires longer background checks or the unlocks were timed in a way that caused some delay (just by coincidence). The point is patience is key!
November 23, 2016 at 18:16
i sent my forms in the first week of june and two month later unlocked only once for a small thing. no 2nl yet. still believe unlocking affect 2nd letter.this assumption at least might be true for this year.
November 23, 2016 at 18:52
NO! If you READ the responses you can see plenty of people who unlocked and got the 2NL. There is a general delay.
November 23, 2016 at 17:16
Hi Brit,
My case number is 2017AF22XXXX00.
I submitted my DS260 form on September 2.
I haven’t receive my 2nl even though my case number is current for January interview.
Will it be possible to be schedule for January interview looking at the date of submission?
I tried donating but my country Liberia is not mentioned on the list of countries.
I want to use money gram please send me your full name.
Thanks
Abdu
Monrovia, Liberia
November 23, 2016 at 17:47
The date of submission is causing delay. The January interviews only included current cases where the DS260 was submitted prior to about the beginning of July. So – it will probably be several months before your case is scheduled. I will be posting a more detailed explanation today on the blog.
Don’t worry about donating now. When you live in the USA you can do it then! 🙂
November 23, 2016 at 19:00
hello brit
i submitted my ds in 4th of july and i am current , so i am expecting to be interviewed february and i would like to unlock my file to change my current address but not my interview location ,how could that match ?
November 23, 2016 at 19:09
Well if the address is in the same country there would not be a change. Otherwise I would suggest to not update your address to ensure the interview remains at the correct embassy. You can correct the address at the interview.
November 23, 2016 at 19:15
Brit ive a problem the 2nls has arrived ive notice the name of my child that i did mention or add but i did specify that he will follow me later what can i do on the interview
Thanks
November 23, 2016 at 19:27
I’m not exactly clear on the problem. Explain more clearly…
November 23, 2016 at 19:45
hello Simon
i got my 2nl Nov 21 so my interview in January 9 i am expecting to send interview location In OMAN they sent NAIROBI so now i stay in Oman how can i change interview location from Nairobi to Muscat.
please help that issue i have 40 days go police clearance and medical exam.
THANKS BRIT
November 23, 2016 at 19:52
You have to contact the Muscat embassy to see if they will accept you, and then the Nairobi embassy to ask them to pass your details to Muscat. KCC can’t help.
May 17, 2017 at 22:04
Hello,
If you had the interview in Muscat, may I ask about it. What were the requirements?
November 24, 2016 at 06:29
Dear Brit,
I scheduled for interview in January 2017. Consider medical examination, I used to smoke. Will this affect the result of my medical check up?
Thanks
November 24, 2016 at 07:07
No
November 24, 2016 at 13:07
Hello Brit.
My interview is scheduled for mid january.
My sponsor has just told me that his documents are confidential. So he is planning to send them in a sealed envelop that only the consular officer is authorised to open.
I’m affraid doing so, as I won’t know the content of the documents.
What’s your point of view on this?
Which advice can you give to me?
November 24, 2016 at 13:17
Good luck with your interview
When did you submit your DS260?can you tell us
November 24, 2016 at 13:26
Thanks
Cn af9xxx
1st submission: 30 may
2nd submission: 27 june
2nl received on 21 november for mid january
November 24, 2016 at 15:51
Well if that is what he is willing to do, you should accept the offer. The poverty guidelines are very low, so most people exceed them if they or you don’t have a large family. Obviously it is a risk, but it is better than nothing.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
November 24, 2016 at 16:30
Thanks Simon for your kind reply
November 24, 2016 at 13:21
Hello Simon
I have a serious Issue here from Nepal.Though I m married and With Children,I filled up the form as SINGLE from very beginning this time.Although, In previous years i used to fill all my family.My interview dates to Jan 23. Can I get a Visa?
November 24, 2016 at 15:48
No.
https://britsimonsays.com/easiest-way-to-get-disqualified-from-dv-lottery
November 24, 2016 at 13:40
hi brit
i am so glad about your site due to amount of support.i have a question
1 if i got a green card and went to states can i come back the following year to marry from my home country.
201700090***received my 2nd nl 22nov,,,,interview is last week of january.send 260 form on 27 july.never unlocked
November 24, 2016 at 15:44
1. Yes, that is fine.
About your submission date – are you mistaken about that date – did you mean 27 June?
November 25, 2016 at 15:00
No I submitted my do 260 on July 27
November 25, 2016 at 15:09
Yeah it’s June not July…. I have just confirmed
November 25, 2016 at 08:00
Did you really submit your form late in July? Please can you answer?
November 25, 2016 at 14:32
I’m sure that is a mistake.
November 25, 2016 at 15:13
Yeah it was a mistake it’s June not July
November 25, 2016 at 15:23
Thanks for the confirmation.
November 24, 2016 at 16:05
My case number is 2017AF00007000
I submitted my DS260 form onJuly 02, 2016.
I haven’t receive my 2nl even though my case number is current for January interview.
November 24, 2016 at 16:25
https://britsimonsays.com/update-ds260-processing/
November 25, 2016 at 06:20
Hi Mr Brit. Thank you again for the help this blog is giving us.
These are my questions.
(1) I’m reading commands here that say
( “my case is current but have not received2nl”)
so how do I really know that my case is current?
(2) as my case number is very small below 9000 from Africa region and submission of ds260 was on September 7,2016, u told me I will be scheduled early 2017 but have not received any letter, Do you really mean February or march? I will appreciate answers. Thanks
November 25, 2016 at 14:35
1. https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
2. Read the update below. Because of your submission it could be some time before you’re scheduled.
https://britsimonsays.com/update-ds260-processing/
November 25, 2016 at 09:37
Hi britsimon i want to change medical location is it possible because m living in dubai.
November 25, 2016 at 14:28
The medical has to be performed at a physician approved by the embassy where you will interview.
November 25, 2016 at 15:41
Yo ma men sorry not posting. …
Am from Ethiopia I hope you know me well am asking a lots questions about my case….
Submitted Ds260 on may 24
Never unlock
At last I received my 2NLs at Nov 22!!
Interview for first January. ….
I have one question bro
I didn’t get any information about affidavits of support for us embassy at Addis abeba;Ethiopia?
Wich affidavits do they need from the two i-134 or i-864?…..I can’t find it; as always I want u help me with this one
November 25, 2016 at 15:59
The I-134 is the only one used for DV cases. The embassy may not even ask for it, but having it is a wise precaution.
November 25, 2016 at 16:11
Thanks a lots brother. ….
U r the man at the right at the right place!!!
GOD bless! !!
November 25, 2016 at 20:16
Thanks a lot Mr. Brit. your information has been very resourceful.. i submitted my ds 260 on 11th june. n unlocked it n resubmitted it in 8th july. stil didnt get my 2NL so i emailed Kcc last week n got a maik that says its pending further embassy review . hope i am save and will be scheduled for February interview.. thank you once again
November 25, 2016 at 21:19
hi brit
i got mail from Nairobi Embassy they say as follow
Please find below the procedures for file transfer to your desired post:-
1.First you are required to get in touch with the Consulate/Embassy where you would like the file to be transferred, to request them to allow you to transfer your file to their office.
2.Once they have accepted your request, they will then send us an official request for the transfer of the file.
3.After receiving the formal request, we will in turn send them the file; And you can begin the Visa process from that post.
so brit i would like to help the formal request letter to the embassy in OMAN
Once thank you brit
November 26, 2016 at 02:39
Your English is fine – you don’t need my help for the letter.
November 26, 2016 at 00:53
Dear Simon,
My brother and his family passed the interview and they got the US Visa on their passports; he want to go first in December for two weeks than in mid of January 2017 he will travel with his family.
My question is; since the Green Card takes between 45 to 120 days to arrive. How can he return to US after he used his visa? Will the immigration upon arrival give him temporary card?
Thank you
November 26, 2016 at 02:36
The temporary visa in the passport is endorsed upon arrival, so that becomes proof of LPR status until the GC itself is received.
November 26, 2016 at 06:48
Thank Brit
but am afraid they does not accept any DV lottery visa that embassy in Oman do you thing that becouse i never hard people who is there with that Programe bro.
so how do i know if they accept the dv lottery programe or if not ?
November 26, 2016 at 07:04
They do. Relax.
November 26, 2016 at 15:24
Hi brit
Here is the problem
1 i have a child that i dont stay with him he stays with his mother i am staying with my wife. When i win the dv i started fill the ds form from add. I did add him because is my son. But you know in the form there is a question asking if you taking him with you or immigrate with him same time i said no he will follow me after there is also a place you need to say he can follow later.
Now that the 2nls came his name is there and i can not bring him to the interview because am not going with him now he will follow later.
My questions is is it going to create problem?
Do i have to pay for his visa at the same time or later.?
But am taking his photos and his birthday ( do i have to present to the officer in case he ask for him? Or what )
2 is the police clearence i have been staying is south africa for almost 10years now i have the SA police clearance is out my question is do i have to do also congolese police clearence? Because i went to the embasy the say they dont take finger print here i must bring the one from here.
What is your advise.
Thanks for help in answers
November 26, 2016 at 15:59
1. It’s OK not to take him. You won’t pay for medicals etc for the child.
2. You need to provide police certs according to the instructions. So – read the dvselectee instructions and reciprocity page to determine how to get the police certs.
November 26, 2016 at 19:06
Hi Brit,
Before DS260 i got married and changed my surname. In the singup for Interview Appointment i should write my actual surname or my father’s surname?
Thank you!
November 26, 2016 at 19:15
Your current legal name.
November 26, 2016 at 19:22
Should my spouse complete this singup too?
November 26, 2016 at 19:08
Ok thanks but my embsay said their going to approuve write sort of acceptance that is as same as police clearance to aprouve that am ok but i need to bring both SA police and that one from congo embasy is that ok
Because i cannot travel to go to congo for that and come back because they need my finger print
November 26, 2016 at 19:15
I can only refer you to the instructions as I already have. I don’t know what the embassy will or won’t accept.
November 27, 2016 at 06:48
hellow sir hw u doing
1.it is a must to write my case no: on the right upper part of the documents;so do i need to write my case no in both my copy and original document?
2.when do i create DHL account?
November 27, 2016 at 16:01
1. I have not heard of that – don’t write on your originals.
2. Before the interview.
November 27, 2016 at 20:58
Hi Brit,
My case no. is 2017AF00017xxx, I understand that it is too early for me as I submitted my DS in first week of October and I have a family of 5 including me. The question do I still need to have I-134 form (i.e sponsor) even if i have savings more than 30000 USD in my bank account. I can have a bank statement during the interview?
thanks in advance
November 28, 2016 at 03:26
Having an I-134 is a wise precaution if they are not satisfied by your proof of savings. So – it’s up to you.
November 28, 2016 at 11:54
HI brit, i appreciate your effort to help all of us.
I have received 2NL for January interview with case number 2017AF00011xxx.
Now my concern is i did typing error when filling the DS260, i said cericte instead of certificate for my high school certificate. so is it could a problem during my interview?
thanks
November 28, 2016 at 14:44
No
November 28, 2016 at 12:15
Hi Brit, Ok I submitted on Sep 19, my case number is in the cut off for Africa Jan, does it mean I will be scheduled around Feb/Mar?
And does the CO pay attention to death certificates? Lost my parents at a very tender age and my uncles took possession of the certificates but misplaced them with time. And where I am you can’t be issued a 2nd death certificate of a relative or so…
November 28, 2016 at 14:44
I expect your interview to be around March or April at the earliest, possibly May.
I answered about death certs – not needed.
November 28, 2016 at 12:19
Hi Brit. Does the CO pay attention to death certificates? I lost my parents at a very tender age and my uncles took possession of the death certificates but later misplaced them…
November 28, 2016 at 14:42
They don’t normally ask for death certificates.
November 29, 2016 at 10:58
Hello Simon,
I know I alreay made you aware, in my previous comment, that I got an appointment for the interview for January. One question:
I am in Hong Kong now, moved to HK in August; however, the current address in DS260 is Nepal. The DS260 was submitted in June. The discrepancy is seen when the CO sees my passport which reveals my stay in HK for the past few months (although this does not necessitate a police report) and that my current address in not Nepal. I don’t think this is not a fraud case even though there is a discrepancy.
Could you please, please help me out?
Thanking you.
November 29, 2016 at 11:00
Corrigendum:
…I don’t think this is a fraud case…
November 29, 2016 at 15:41
It should be OK, although it would have been better to update your address to HK – but you cannot do that now.
November 29, 2016 at 11:17
Hi Britsimon,I have one question for you.two years ago I changed my name when i was in university.My name in grade 10 and 12th documents is different from the name in my Bsc degree and Dv lottery.But I have authenticated the new name in court.Is there any problem during my interview time,Being two name.please give me your experienced advise.
November 29, 2016 at 15:44
It will be up to the CO to be satisfied that the paperwork is in order. So, that is a matter of your credibility and the completeness of the paperwork you show.
November 30, 2016 at 15:22
Hi Mr bri
hope you are doing well
sorry SIr jst one question
i am a DV winner 2017
i did submit yesterday
so am i really late of submitting this time?
Thnx
November 30, 2016 at 15:45
You are late, but not too late.
November 30, 2016 at 15:26
And when can i be scheduled for interview?
November 30, 2016 at 15:46
It won’t be for several months, but depends on your case number.
November 30, 2016 at 15:46
britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
November 30, 2016 at 16:15
My case number is 2017af00009500
November 30, 2016 at 16:21
OK, then the waiting will be as long as it takes to process your DS260. I can’t predict exactly when that will be done, but it will still be some months. Your interview will not be before March/April – and maybe later than that.
November 30, 2016 at 16:37
Thnx a lots Mr brit for replying to me
December 1, 2016 at 08:07
I’m Somalian Married to an Eritrean. We won the 2017 DV, we where given Interview appointment on December 5, 2016 at the US Embassy in Addis Ababa Ethiopia but we are currently in the Republic of the Sudan. the Ethiopian Embassy couldn’t give us Visa Entry to Ethiopia we are now planing to go to Kenya. I can’t make the appointment that was given to us. so what shall I do and how shall I do?. Thanks.
December 1, 2016 at 18:09
You must contact the embassy immediately to let them know you cannot attend and discuss options with them.
December 2, 2016 at 21:50
Hi,
i have 45 years old and i did stay with my father in Saudi Arabia for one year using his resident from his work in Jeddah, i was 17 years of age that time , how do i get a police record from Saudi Arabia ?the system has changed there!
December 2, 2016 at 21:52
Follow the instructions on the reciprocity page.
December 2, 2016 at 22:22
and what about the family interview do they interview separately ?
December 2, 2016 at 23:07
No.
December 3, 2016 at 19:23
Thanks simon !!! You are delivering best opinion by blog …simon got my second letter CASE No AS26** FROM nepal INTERVIEW one 24 Jan … but Iam facing problem to get PCC from india coz I did my schooling from india itself …will CO will ask for indian PCC ???? ..(.Help me out if anybody who faced the same problem and got solved then pizzazz let me know how to get PCC )
December 3, 2016 at 22:36
Google reciprocity page India.
December 4, 2016 at 01:27
I already checked that but it’s not helpful any other alternate ????
December 4, 2016 at 03:54
That is the OFFICIAL source. No need for any alternate!
December 4, 2016 at 07:21
Write me with e-mail i Will guide U ([email protected])
December 5, 2016 at 14:07
HELLO BRIST THANKS SO MUCH FOR EVERY INFO.. IV RECEIVED MY 2NL AND MY DATE OF INTERVIEW IS 17 JAN. 2017. BUT IN THE 2NL, IT SAYS I SHOULD BRING ALONG WITH ME ALL MY FAMILY MEMBERS ALONG WITH ME. IM SINGLE. SO WHAT SHOULD I DO ABOUT THIS? THANK YOU.
December 5, 2016 at 14:39
Nothing. It’s a standard letter.
December 5, 2016 at 14:24
DEAR BRIST THIS IS HOW IT READ,
Dear DV Applicant,
This is the official notice for you to pursue your application for a DV-2017 visa. An appointment has been scheduled for you at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate stated below. You and all members of your family who wish to apply for a Diversity Visa must appear at the appointed date and time for your interview. Please notify the office listed if you cannot keep the appointment.
You and any eligible family members will be required to submit sufficient proof of identity upon arrival. If you fail to obtain a DV-2017 visa by September 30, 2017, your registration will expire. Your family members must also obtain their visas prior to September 30, 2017, or they will not be permitted to join you in the United States under the DV-2017 program.
Please follow all of the instructions provided at http://www.dvselectee.state.gov to prepare for your interview. It is very important that you follow the instructions carefully and completely. The Diversity Lottery Fee for each applicant and each member of the family must be paid in full at the Consulate or Embassy at the time of your interview. There is only one fee and you should only make a payment at the Embassy or Consulate when instructed to do so at the time of your interview. The fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused for any reason.
The Kentucky Consular Center has completed the processing of your case and forwarded it to the interviewing office. Further inquiries should be addressed to the interviewing office. When communicating with the Embassy/Consulate, always refer to your name and case number exactly as they appear below. Contact information for the consular section in —— can be found on usembassy.gov.
BRIST YOU KNOW WHAT, IM SINGLE SO WHY DO THEY WANT ME TO BRING MY FAMILY MEMBER? I HAVE NO WIFE AND KIDS. I DONT GET THEM IN THIS REGARDS. CAN YOU GIVE ME SOME CLARIFICATIONS PLEASE.
IN MY DS260, I SAID IM SINGLE AND I AM INDEED.
December 5, 2016 at 14:38
It’s just a standard letter that everyone gets. Relax.
December 5, 2016 at 21:16
DEAR BRITI,
I thank you sir for all the information you provide.
I made a mistake on the place of the interview .and than i contacted kcc to change my location interviwes
kcc told me that my location interview has been chenged from usa to algiers don’t not appear on my ds
and i have selected usa instend of algiers.
my question is can kcc send me in algiers
thanks
December 5, 2016 at 21:52
KCC told you they have changed the location – right? So – what are you expecting me to say?
December 6, 2016 at 14:30
DS-260 summit on july 22 so when is the interiview
December 6, 2016 at 14:31
https://britsimonsays.com/update-ds260-processing/
December 6, 2016 at 14:48
ok thanks but let for me guess for the period for interviwe
also i have one question for you about the education is that nesserily need 5 subject pass or the gross result is enough
December 6, 2016 at 15:03
The education standards are set by each embassy. Check your embassy to see if they publish the requirements.
December 6, 2016 at 17:02
Hello Brit, I submitted my DS-260 form on the 15th August never unlocked. My case number 2017AF00001124. I’m in Cameroon , i haven’t read from KCC yet regarding my interview. Why is mine delaying so much ? While I see some other cases submit their DS -260 form and are booked for appointment 3-4 months later. What can you say about my case ?
December 6, 2016 at 20:19
https://britsimonsays.com/update-ds260-processing/
December 6, 2016 at 17:50
hi brit
jst one question
when you submit
you have to submit with your pictures at the same time?
December 6, 2016 at 20:18
Are we talking about the DS260 submission – then no, you do not submit photos with the DS260.
December 7, 2016 at 03:11
Hi Brit what about a dv winner who do not get the sponsor?
December 7, 2016 at 03:38
That is sometimes OK – depending on the embassy.
December 8, 2016 at 03:32
I am married. I have got 2nl for 3 january interview. My case number is AF13***. Anyone who will share me interview experiance from ethiopia us embassy?
December 8, 2016 at 05:43
Read the stories here:
https://britsimonsays.com/interview-experience-stories/
December 8, 2016 at 09:47
HI BRIST. THANKS FOR EVERY MUCH FOR YOUR HELP. IM FROM AFRICA, I ENTERED THE DRAW AS UNMARRIED PERSON.MY INTERVIEW HAS BEEN SCHEDULE IN JAN. MY GIRL FRIEND AND I GOT MARRIED LAST MONTH. WE DID CUSTOMARY MARRIAGE AND WE WERE GIVEN A MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE BCOS WE REGISTERED IT AT THE REGISTER GENERALS DEPARTMENT OF MARRIAGE. SINCE MY STATUS HAS CHANGED, CAN I SEND MY WIFE WITH ME TO MY INTERVIEW?
December 8, 2016 at 14:41
You should have married before being scheduled. However, you can contact the embassy and see if they will allow her to attend the interview.
December 10, 2016 at 04:34
hi birt can u tell me what case numbers are current in ethiopia? please..
December 10, 2016 at 06:59
Read the VB.
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
December 10, 2016 at 06:38
hi dear simon
i heart the elected peresident of us has plan to cancelling dv lottery from next year, so i want know is this true news or not?
December 10, 2016 at 06:54
NO.
December 10, 2016 at 19:42
dear Simon,
i am from Ethiopia, now i am studying somewhere in Asia. 3 month before i unlocked my DS form and change my current location and interview location also here.
but now i have planed to change my interview location (country) from Asia to Ethiopia( home country).
can i do it without unlocking and changing my current location information ?
b/c i will stay here up to my interview scheduled in Ethiopia (2 month ahead from interview day).
In short interview location and current location information of someones case can be different ? and required documents should be based on which country ?
December 10, 2016 at 21:24
The interview is normally scheduled based on current location.
December 11, 2016 at 11:31
I am from asia. my case number is 2017AS7***.when will my interview scheduled?
December 11, 2016 at 15:07
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/