People started receiving their 2NLs for March 2017 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 late July had a chance not to be scheduled because of backlog on DS260 processing. I expect we will see a good amount of progress until September submissions – so some feedback will be useful to determine that accurately.
January 20, 2017 at 18:45
2017EU00099xx. Filed Aug 11, changed us address on Nov 29. And got interview for March 2
January 20, 2017 at 18:50
Dear Mr Simon
Case No : AS24xx
Submit: 18,Aug, no unlock
Interview: 23th March
Interview location : KUALA LUMPUR
1-With the new I-134 Form,what i should do?
Thank you so much
January 20, 2017 at 18:52
Use the new form.
January 20, 2017 at 19:00
Sorry Mr
i have the old one and you mean i have to replace it with the new ?
Appreciating your help
January 20, 2017 at 20:18
Yes. The old one is not valid for March interviews.
January 20, 2017 at 21:52
Thank you
January 21, 2017 at 03:16
Hi Aduaisss
I am in Kuala Lumpur as well. May I have your email address for contacting and exchange the information?
Regards,
Mostafa
January 20, 2017 at 19:01
Hi Britsimon
Case no. AF0006xxx
Submitted: 19 June and unlock once on 8 August
Interview: 13 March in Nairobi
Thanks
January 20, 2017 at 19:14
hello, i got my 2L , i’m so happy, thank you for your help and your answers.
interview for march 6 in algeria, AF9***, last submitted on august 25 ( unlocked it 2 times),
i have a little question, i’m living in france, can i do the medical exams here and take it with me to algeria for the interview ?
thank you
January 20, 2017 at 20:15
No, the medical must be done at the physicians approved by the embassy (meaning local).
January 20, 2017 at 22:23
thank you,
and one last question, how much time it takes to know, after the interview, that we have the visa, i mean when do we recover our passport ? just to know when i’ll come back in france …. thank you for your help 🙂
January 20, 2017 at 22:31
1 to 2 weeks.
January 20, 2017 at 22:33
Thanks you very much for your precious help.
January 20, 2017 at 19:19
thank you brit,
AF17XXX
submited: jully 04
resubmited: august 23
interview march 27
thank you
January 20, 2017 at 19:20
Hi Simon,
Reposting in the right post.
CN2017EU10XXX (Current since Nov/16)
My wife from Brazil won (France as country of chargeability)
I am French and play since 2008 never won
15/06/16 First submission
30/08/16 Re-opening
09/09/16 2nd Submission
20/01/17 2nd letter
07/03/17 Interview at US consulate RIO
20/01/17 CEAC status change for “in Transit” with the following message.
Your case is in transit to the Consular Section. Your interview date was provided to you by the National Visa Center.
I keep you posted of any progress.
Thanks a lot Simon.
January 20, 2017 at 19:27
Hello,
Today we got our interview date.
We submitted August 23 rd and we were scheduled for March 13 th, in Athens Greece.
Supposing everything will go as planed, wow many months from the interview we will get the green card to the US address?
Thanks
January 20, 2017 at 19:29
hey Brit,
I sent kcc an email yesterday and got a replay that says “your form has been received and is pending embassy review”
so i was expecting this months’ 2nl, but there’s nothing yet..
is this happening because of a bad timing and should i just wait for Apr. interview?
thanks a lot!!
January 20, 2017 at 20:12
Your processing was probably not completed in time for the March batch. So yes, April.
January 20, 2017 at 20:12
The GC arrives 3 to 4 months after your first entry to the USA.
January 20, 2017 at 19:51
Hi Brit.
Till when submitted are receiving 2nl for March interview?
Thank you
January 20, 2017 at 20:08
There have been a few early September submissions.
January 20, 2017 at 19:51
Hi Brit, did you receive any information about South America 2NL’s and his date of submissions?
Right here I just saw comments of people who submitted nearly september but all of them were others regions cases.
We submitted on September 11 and have 16XX CN (I know is not current but I would like to know how the process is going in SA cases)
January 20, 2017 at 20:08
The processing is not varied per region. So – the comments stand for SA.
January 20, 2017 at 23:23
It is possible to get the 2NL only for the date of submission? I just ask because there are cases submitted in september.
CN SA16XX
Submitted: september 11
(2nd draw)
January 21, 2017 at 00:11
No. If the case number is not current the case will not be scheduled.
January 21, 2017 at 01:11
Thnank you brit!
January 20, 2017 at 19:54
Case N:2017AF00008XXX
-DS260 Form:submitted on the 6th September 2016.
-2NL:01/20/2017
January 20, 2017 at 20:06
I got my 2nl today
Case No. 2017AF000087xx
Submission date: 12-08-16
Interview date: 7-03-17
Location: Ghana
January 20, 2017 at 21:14
Can we share contact in order to share experience?
January 21, 2017 at 13:14
Kelly can we also share interview experience?? Am also from Ghana..email me ur number through XXXXXXXXXX
January 21, 2017 at 16:57
Please refrain from contacting Ghana winners like this. If you want to interact with Ghana winners, use a forum designed for such a purpose.
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2017-selectees-from-ghana.331296/
January 20, 2017 at 21:48
Nana am Prince from Ghana….contact me with ur num through [email protected]
January 20, 2017 at 20:30
2017EU00018xxx
DS 260 submission: 24/05/16
Unlock and resubmitted: 07/06/16
Unlock and resubmitted again on: 08/11/16
2nl received today: 8th March
Location: London
January 20, 2017 at 20:52
what is the sender name how it appear
January 20, 2017 at 22:29
You can check the ESC site directly.
January 20, 2017 at 21:19
Dear sir
Does the DV lottery give the Immigrate visa to 50000 winners including the derivatives or 50000 winners excluding the derivatives? Thank you for your support
January 20, 2017 at 22:28
It includes derivatives.
January 20, 2017 at 21:19
Hi Mr Simon
I have a question sir. We have seen in the March VB there was no increase in AF region as whole, but there was the exception of Egypt and Ethiopia. And now, we see that some cases( in AF region) submitted their cases late in August and others early September( I think these two months are the most known of numerous submissions in AF) does it mean that the backlog is decreased? and if so, can we expect a good improvement in April Vb for AF? wish you answer 🙂
January 20, 2017 at 22:28
I don’t have a prediction for the April interviews.
January 20, 2017 at 21:21
Hey Britt,
I recall that I read in your blog that the first absence after the first entry could be 12 months without any problems, my questions are:
1-Do we have to apply for this exception?
2- What is the legal background for this excuse? which law, article support this excuse?
Thank you for your efforts
Sam
January 20, 2017 at 22:27
1. No.
2. It is part of normal law. It’s not that unusual. Immigration Officers typically question people after 6 months absence, the absence being the first absence after the initial entry is an understandable reason.
January 21, 2017 at 08:19
Thank you Brit,
another question please:
what if I deliver a new baby during my absence abroad after the first entry,
1-will the new born get a green card as well or shall I apply for a normal tourist visa?
2- If a tourist visa, then how can the baby lives with the family legally in USA?
Regards,
January 21, 2017 at 17:05
1. Upon you *FIRST* return after the birth the child will be processed for a GC at the airport. There is a standard procedure for this. Most airlines should be aware.
2. See 1.
January 20, 2017 at 21:36
You told us that,it will take even a couple of days for 2nl all to gone out.
1.Is it consider this weekends or starting from Monday?
Thank you.
January 20, 2017 at 22:25
Some might still be going out by Monday, but typically not.
January 20, 2017 at 21:45
Dear Simon
case number : AF 134XX
First submission : 25/July
Re-opening : 23/Aug
Re-opening again : 1/Oct.
Please can I receive 2nl for march interview ???
Thanks
January 20, 2017 at 22:24
Check the ESC site in case you missed the email. If not, it must have needed more time.
January 21, 2017 at 06:15
Dear Simon
case number : AF 134XX
First submission : 25/July
Re-opening : 23/Aug
Re-opening again : 1/Oct.
Please can I receive 2nl for march interview ???
Thanks
January 20, 2017 at 21:47
cn:af2017000025xx
ds-260 submitted:first on June,04,2016 then unlocked it two times on august,14,2016 and January,04,2017
Interview date:March,07,2017
Good Luck Folks!!
January 20, 2017 at 21:53
Case Number: EU5XXX
DS-260 submitted on August 22 or thereabouts.
Got an interview for March 21.
Though it seems a bit weird to me – the other answers so far all mention interviews in the first week of March, not as late as mine. Should I double check somewhere or something?
Also, still somewhat stoked. I’ll have to get informed on the documents to get/bring asap, I suppose
January 20, 2017 at 22:23
Nothing weird. Interviews are spaced out throughout the month.
January 21, 2017 at 04:08
Is there any thing Trump could do to screw up things for me and us applicants, at least from here to the end of March?
For example, he’s just fired every US ambassador without replacing them. And given that the interview is carried out at consulates and embassies . . . I dunno if this would have a direct impact or if it’s related to green cards. But it’s just an example.
January 21, 2017 at 05:08
No impact.
January 20, 2017 at 22:38
2NL for March interview arrived today. EU2xxx, submitted ds260 on 8/22/16, interview March 7th.
Thanks for your site Simon!
January 20, 2017 at 23:23
CN: EU000182XX
DS260: initial submit 07 MAY – Unlocked and resubmitted on 08 OCT (to add a new born, change of address in US, change of password and minor corrections)
One question: when we applied to lottery in oct 2015 we had 0 kids, the unlock from 8 oct was to add our new born and he shows as depended in DS260 with completed status but in 2nl only me and my wife appears in the list.
Should I contact the embassy?
PS: Thanks for your valuable information from this blog and from your replies on the forum.
January 21, 2017 at 00:10
Missing derivatives added after the initial entry on the 2NL is pretty much normal. No need to contact the embassy. The baby will need a medical, so you might need to print the DS260 summary page to show the physicians as some of the physicians think they are more important than they actually are.
January 21, 2017 at 00:41
Hi Simon,
AF3XXX
DS submited: june 20
Unlocked and resubmited: september 16
interview: march 15
thank you
January 21, 2017 at 01:17
Dear Simon,
I would like to ask you something. Submitted the app in late august and received 2nl for 8th March, case numberEU00008***, location London
My question is that I am pregnant at the moment and my due date is 28th Feb. What shall we do, shall we contact the embassy or wait and see what is going to happen?
And if we ask to be given another date for the interview, is they a chance they ran out of visas and we never get the 2nd date ?
And as our interview will take place in London, all our documents such as marrige certificate, etc. do they need to be translated in english (i am from Bulgaria)?
Thank you.
January 21, 2017 at 05:16
Do NOT reschedule. Once the baby is born, notify the embassy, and attend the interview with the baby. There will be a delay because I assume you won’t have the passport immediately. But get the birth certificate and have a medical for the baby.
January 21, 2017 at 03:09
Case Number: 2017AS000038XX
Country: Nepal
DS-360 Submitted on: 8th June, 2016 (no resubmissions)
2L: 20th January, 2017
Thank you Simon! 😀
January 21, 2017 at 03:40
To how much CN is the turn for march 2NL for Nepal sir?
January 21, 2017 at 05:11
March interviews are up to 3850 for Nepal. THe visa bulletin is available online…
January 21, 2017 at 03:50
Brit,
Submitted on June 5, unlocked July 13 and also on August 20. Emailed KCC about a change from AOS to CP in mid-September.
Case SA3XX
2NL for March 8th
January 21, 2017 at 05:09
That was surprisingly quick considering the switch to CP.
January 21, 2017 at 03:56
2017AF19XXX
Submitted: 2nd September 2016, Never Unlocked.
2NL received 20/01/2017
Interview 2nd week of March.
January 21, 2017 at 06:23
Dear Simon
case number : AF 134XX
First submission : 25/July
Re-opening : 23/Aug
Re-opening again : 1/Oct.
Please can I receive 2nl for march interview ???
Thanks
January 21, 2017 at 07:20
hi
submit 24 june, unlocked and resubmit 05 dec
thanks i receive 2nl of interview march first week
January 21, 2017 at 07:21
my case n 97xx
January 21, 2017 at 08:06
Hi Brit.
My wife is principle applicant and she is russian. And i am from Turkey.
We submitted our ds form at 04 august and never unlocked. We got 2NL for March 21st.
for me interview date is little bit late actually when i have seen first week of march invitations for september submissions. I was expecting our date at least first week of march. But anyway finally we got the date and how works KCC made my mind goes blank :))
Case number: 2017EU6XXX
DS submission: 04 August 2016 (never unlocked)
Interview : 21 March 2017 Moscow, Russia
This above information for your feedback.
Thanks a lot, regards.
January 21, 2017 at 08:44
Hi brit i recived an email i assumed it is the 2NL it just only say go to z ESC site like u say but i hv tried many times to open it using the first confirmation no they sent us what can i do
January 21, 2017 at 17:04
Follow the instructions correctly. This is the same site you entered for the selected letter.
January 21, 2017 at 09:37
Hi Brit, Just to confirm. I tried registering on the passport return service (London Consulate) https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-gb/iv/information/iv_services , but the site did not recognize my case number; I guess its cos its too early, as I just got the 2nl yesterday. Do I need to wait for a specific time before registering on the site or how do i need to contact the embassy?
Thanks
January 21, 2017 at 10:46
Same here – Got the 2NL yesterday – tried registering today and get message on following lines … “The Immigrant Visa case number provided is not ready to schedule an appointment. If you have not received an appointment letter from the National Visa Center (NVC), you can check the status of your IV case at http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/immigrate/nvc.html.
If you have received an appointment letter from the NVC or an instruction letter from the Consular Section directing you to this website to schedule an appointment, please make sure to correctly enter your IV case number.”
January 21, 2017 at 17:01
You are only trying to create an account.
January 21, 2017 at 17:03
Choose options that allow you to setup an account but without asking for an appointment. It is just for the courier.
January 21, 2017 at 10:02
Hi
I returned my forms may last year, as a single mother and my son last year. A lot has changed over the months, I have made up.with my son’s father and we are planning to get married.
1.He doesn’t know I had won the visa lottery.
2. If I was to include him in our papers would it possible after we get married plans are still underway.
What is you’re advise.
January 21, 2017 at 17:02
1. Not a question
2. It is possible if you hurry up.
January 21, 2017 at 10:43
2017EU00017xxx. Filed Aug 29, Not unlocked. And got interview for March 8
January 21, 2017 at 12:04
2017AF×××××××××8
sub 8 August
App 8 March
January 21, 2017 at 12:06
Dear brit what is the next step after appointment?
January 21, 2017 at 17:00
https://britsimonsays.com/prepare-dv-lottery-interview-2/
January 21, 2017 at 20:30
Thank you so much
You’re really doing great job
January 21, 2017 at 13:20
Hi Simon,
I Submitted my ds260 form on the 18 august and unlock once on the 27 October for small changes of my qualifications and Passport Number and submitted at the same day but i haven’t receive my 2NL yet for march interview and secondly I’m a Congolese but i live in Algeria i just realize now that i made a mistake on the country of issue of my passport i put Algeria instead of putting D.R.Congo So should i unlock the form to make change or it won’t cause any problem or that’s not the problem that is caused a delay on second letter.
Thanks
January 21, 2017 at 16:55
Unlock immediately and correct the information. Delay is better than denial.
January 21, 2017 at 22:22
Thanks Simon,
1. Is the reason why i didn’t receive my 2NL?
2. after unlocking and submitting it back this month when am i going to get my 2NL?
January 22, 2017 at 04:10
1. I don’t know.
2. See 1.
January 22, 2017 at 12:22
Q1. What do you mean See 1?
Q2. can i phone them to find out what is going on? because I’m a bit confused and lost hope
January 22, 2017 at 16:50
1. I meant I don’t know for BOTH questions.
2. Yes you can. Or you could just be patient.
January 21, 2017 at 14:29
2017EU00133xx. Submitted September 10. Never unlocked. 2NL received on 20 January. Interview scheduled on March 14
January 21, 2017 at 14:39
Dear Simon,
I have interview on march and I’m trying to register on the embassy website for the interview appointment but I got multiple choices and I’m confusing between these two
1- I have received a letter from the consular section with instructions to schedule an immigrant visa appointment.
2- I have received a letter to register or schedule a Diversity Lottery visa appointment
what should I choose not that I’m DV 2017 winner
I hope you answer me ASAP so I can complete my registration
January 21, 2017 at 16:48
For goodness sake! DV = Diversity Lottery
January 21, 2017 at 14:57
I received my 2nl yesterday
Submitted sometime in September, resubmitted on the 28th of September…
CN: AF48**
Country: Liberia
January 21, 2017 at 15:23
Hey brit, I checked ESC site but it shows conformation code is not valid
My case number is 2017AS00003156
January 21, 2017 at 16:44
You didn’t take off the leading zeros. Enter 2017AS3156. In Transit.
https://britsimonsays.com/2017-ceac-system-available/
January 22, 2017 at 09:40
Finally got my second letter
My interview will be on 20 march
Thanks brit?
January 21, 2017 at 17:44
Glory to God. Thanks Brit for your valuable support by giving tangible info during our pace.
I am from Ethiopia with Case Number AF94XX. Submitting DS260 on July 29/2016. Getting 2NL Yesterday. Interview will be on March 07/2017. at the Addis Ababa US Embassy.
January 21, 2017 at 18:07
Simon, I have seen 10 September as the latest submission date for march interviews. Do you think the backlog is cleared?
January 21, 2017 at 18:18
Obviously not. If the latest date is in September then there are all the submissions between then and now (which is also “backlog”. But relax about the word “backlog”, it is all a normal part of the process that happens each year.
January 21, 2017 at 19:14
I see, I was thinking this might harm those with high case numbers
January 21, 2017 at 19:19
No, there is always a delay for processing.
January 21, 2017 at 18:52
Hello brit
Some 2NL still coming on monday?
January 21, 2017 at 19:18
Maybe. Most likely no.
January 21, 2017 at 19:57
So Brit, you mean, once i create the initial account with email and password on that site, nothing else is needed. Means I do not need to select any IV service? Also do I need to create account for every member of the family or just myself?
This is the Snap shot of the screen after creating account with email and password:
Please select the service type that fits your needs.
– I need to register an Immigrant Visa appointment
– I have received a letter from the consular section with instructions to schedule an immigrant visa appointment.
– I have received a letter from the consular section with instructions to register or schedule a K visa appointment.
– I am a Returning Resident outside the U.S. for longer than one year
Warning: K Visa applicants will be required to pay a nonrefundable Visa application fee. If you do not know which service you require, do not continue. Verify the visa classification written on your appointment letter.
Thanks
January 21, 2017 at 21:59
I don’t know the site. You just need to use your own judgment regarding what I said.
January 22, 2017 at 01:02
Submitted: 24th August, 2016
Completed: 17th September, 2016
Interview Date: 15th March, 2017
Location: Accra, Ghana
Case Number: 2017AF53**
wish me luck guys???
January 22, 2017 at 04:30
Hi brit last week i receive my new passport do i have to change the number or i take the new an the old one to the interview
January 22, 2017 at 05:32
Since you are not yet current the wise move is to unlock and correct the DS260.
January 22, 2017 at 07:45
Dear Simon
case number : 2017AF00005XXX
First submission DS260 : 28/July
Re-opening : 05 OCT
Resubmit 04 Oct
still l didn’t get 2nl what happen ?
Please can I receive 2nl for march interview ?
Thanks
January 22, 2017 at 07:49
Probably your case needed a bit longer to process.