The “April” visa bulletin has been published. It concerns the case numbers eligible for May interviews. As you can see above all regions have gone current EXCEPT for the four countries identified (see below). It’s a big (and very welcome) surprise to see current so early in the year. What current means is that KCC have determined that there are enough visa slots to satisfy remaining demand for visas. So – all cases are “ready” for interviews (apart from those 4 countries listed individually).
This is particularly good news for the high numbers in SA region, as I was fearing there would not be enough visas for the demand in that region. Essentially it must mean that there has been a low response rate for the 2nd draw cases, particularly in that region. For other regions there may have been low response from the second draw (which would make sense as some people would not have checked). There is also a chance that the EO is having some impact also. If KCC believe they will have a lot of rescheduling work to do later (when the ban is lifted), they probably want to do as much as possible earlier in the year, so that later months will be about clearing up the cases from the 6 impacted countries. That seems like a wise precaution. Well done KCC!
For those that are current, and have forms processed early enough, they can expect their 2NL in about 1 to 2 weeks from now. I know I am going to get a lot of people who will ask me this exact question – so let me say that again. 2NLs will be sent in about one or two weeks time – that means the latter part of the month. The schedule is that VBs are published between the 8th and the 15th of each month, and 2NLs go out from the 15th to the end of the month (most typically around the 20th to 24th). This is the same every month, so there is no need to ask me.
As we know the 2NLs for last month were delayed, so that might cause a delay of the 2NLs for this month. KCC must still have a lot of work to do in dealing with the rescheduling of interviews previously cancelled.
It is possible that some people will be current for May interviews, but will not be scheduled in May because they submitted late, or there is a processing backlog that causes a delay. April interviews were based mainly on cases submitted up to early October.
To those new to looking at VBs, let me explain what the “except” XXX country means (for Iran Nepal, Egypt and Ethiopia).
Processing is spread out over the full year. You can see the progress of the two previous years in this post about basic questions. However, some countries have a high number of selectees and those selectees are concentrated in the lower case numbers. For various reasons, mainly to do with embassy capacity, KCC slow down certain countries as compared to the region. So – in Africa, any case with a case number shown as under the new number can be interviewed but for cases from Egypt or Ethiopia, that number is lower. That isn’t a big problem, it just “slows down” those countries a little more than the rest of the region. Since selectees from those countries all have lower case numbers, this slowing down does not present any risk. It does not (at this point) mean they won’t allow all selectees an interview from those countries.
To understand why some countries get lower case numbers, read this article about the lottery draw process.
Read this link if you are unsure how to read the visa bulletin.
March 12, 2017 at 13:15
Dear Brit,
As most of the selectees; my case is current I’m in Asia and not one of the banned countries; I didn’t receive my 2NL yet; I expected to interview in May as I submitted my DS 260 on 15th of May,2016 and never unlock; my passport will expire on the end of July 2017, my questions are:
1. As I submitted early (May,2016) and never unlock, Do you expect that my interview will be on May 2017?
2. I will try with the passport authorities here to renew my passport and keep the same passport number (extending the term) if I succeeded in this, shall I unlock my application and adjust the passport expiry date to the new date?
3. If I don’t succeed to renew the passport, then I will need to issue a new one; in this case, shall I unlock the application and adjust the passport number to the updated one, or shall I keep them both and present them during the interview
Thank you and best regards,
Sam
March 12, 2017 at 13:31
1. Yes
2. No
3. Simply take both to the interview.
March 12, 2017 at 13:37
Thanks
March 12, 2017 at 15:44
hi brit !!!
MY CN415** submitted in May 27 , unlocked and resubmitted in 30NOV.
when can i expect the 2NL to be sent.?
sincerely
March 12, 2017 at 16:04
Probably in 2 to 3 weeks.
March 12, 2017 at 15:58
Hello Simon ,
wish u all the best .
i m an applicant from ANKRA , my number is included in Visa Bulletin and i received the 2NL but when on website of ANK embassy i cant register for an appointment showing that my case number is not valid for appointment ( i print it with zero and without ) , my appointment is on next early April .
Thank u in advance
March 12, 2017 at 16:01
Your appointment is set by KCC. The site you register at is just for the courier – so don’t worry about the appointments, just get the account setup.
March 12, 2017 at 19:47
hello my friend i am also from ankara can i connect with you ?
March 12, 2017 at 18:00
Hi BritSimon,
I’m 2nd draw with CN 2017EU30xxx. I submitted the DS260 form early in September, then unlocked once to add some addresses and sent it back late in September. Shall I wait 2NL this month for May interview?
Thank you in advance!
March 12, 2017 at 18:43
Probably.
March 12, 2017 at 19:56
hello mr.britsimon i am an applicant and my interview will be in ankara , my case namber is asia 8300 , in which month do you think my 2nl will be?
March 13, 2017 at 03:37
I don’t know because it depends when you submitted your DS260 and what country you are from.
March 13, 2017 at 13:28
thank you mr.britsimon i submitted in june 2016 and i am from iraq
March 13, 2017 at 13:53
OK, then it is difficult to say. It might be in May or June. Patience
March 12, 2017 at 19:58
my friend thats my email [email protected] , i really need to connect with you because i do not know anyone in turkey have interview
March 13, 2017 at 01:22
Hi Simon,
Do you know if I should apostil a criminal record document? I am going to translate that document, but is not clear if I need to do something else. I appreciate your opinion. Thanks again
March 13, 2017 at 01:37
It depends on standards and procedures for each embassy – which I do not track.
March 13, 2017 at 02:55
Brit sir while submitting my ds 260 i have included my family but i have mentioned them they will travel later and have not filled the ds 260 but now my cn is current and if i wants to take them with me can i submit their ds 260 i need your opinion sir
March 13, 2017 at 03:36
You should be able to use “add applicant”. If you cannot, contact KCC asap to ask them to unlock.
March 13, 2017 at 04:51
Dear Brit, my mother-in-low died 10 March 2017 and I am current for April visa bulletin so will i update my ds to that report ? thanks
March 13, 2017 at 14:22
No need to do that.
March 13, 2017 at 12:12
Ariel Estrada if you are from Venezuela you dont have to apostil any document legalizar yes!!!!
March 13, 2017 at 13:58
Hi Venezuela Libre.
I’m from Venezuela and I already have the apostil in all my documents execept for the police certificate (antecedentes penales) because my case just became current.
So my question to you is: did you already have the interview in Caracas? If so, did the embassy tell you that the apostil was not necessary for all civil documents, including the police certificate?
March 13, 2017 at 15:17
Hi Miguel. I’m from venezuela too.
you must communicate whith the embassy by e-mail [email protected].
They told me that the documents shouldn’t be apostilled only legalized.
If you have another inquiry you must contact them
March 14, 2017 at 03:01
Venezuela Libre: Thanks for your answer! I am from Argentina. Best wishes!!
March 13, 2017 at 12:24
Hi Brit good day please I need your assistance, that’s my interview appointment is just tomorrow but because of financial problems I was unable to book my medical appointment so I couldn’t get money to do my medicals and my question can I go to the embassy I will be interviewed to extend my interview appointment to next month so that I can look for money to do the medical as well as the visa fees
I need your assistance on how I will do that because I want to do that today since tomorrow is the day
March 13, 2017 at 14:03
You can talk to the embassy.
March 13, 2017 at 12:56
Hello sir. My CN is current from Nepal. Submitted ds-260 in May. Can expect 2Nl at the end of this Month?
March 13, 2017 at 13:54
Probably.
March 13, 2017 at 14:41
Hi Miguel it is not necessary the embassy in caracas suspended the apostil because there weren’t given apoiments my cousin had her interview an it was ok you shoul contact the embassy and ask i dint apostil anything go to caracas embassy page it must be there the information
March 13, 2017 at 14:43
You need to click REPLY to their comments so they will be notified.
March 13, 2017 at 16:48
Hi Miguel it is not necessary the embassy in caracas suspended the apostil because there weren’t given apoiments my cousin had her interview an it was ok you shoul contact the embassy and ask i dint apostil anything go to caracas embassy page it must be there the information
March 13, 2017 at 23:35
Hello Venezuela Libre, do you know if it’s necessary to translate all documents to English. .(born certificates, marriage certificate, police certificate and others).
March 14, 2017 at 02:02
amgl22 yes everything!!!!
March 14, 2017 at 22:56
Venezuela Libre, Thank you!
March 13, 2017 at 16:55
Hi Brit, I’m current in May interview. AS64** and DS260 submitted in July 28 2016 as CP, never unlocked. I’m going to delivery my baby in end of April. If the interview will be scheduled in earlier May, can I reschedule later more than end of May? I’m wondering the embassy can consider reschedule or not for delivery reason. I want to avoid of danger if will not be rescheduled the interview until September 30 2017 due to I request the reschedule.
March 13, 2017 at 17:49
Rescheduling is a last resort. There is risk that comes with it of being pushed back months. In some cases that risk could mean a risk to the approval of the case (visas running out, not having enough time for AP if required). So – your best plan is to NOT reschedule.
March 13, 2017 at 18:14
dear brit !!!
CN 2017AF415** , how much time will i usually have before the interview takes place to prepare the required documents?
P.S: you told me that ill receive the 2NL in about 2 or 3 weeks from now.
THANKS for all the help you provide us
March 13, 2017 at 18:29
Normally 5/6 weeks at least.
March 14, 2017 at 01:46
Hi Brit, I would like to know what can cause your file after the interview at the US consulate in AP?
March 14, 2017 at 01:46
Missing documents, additional background checks and so on….
March 14, 2017 at 01:53
Brit currently I am studying in France but I am Togolese so I go back to Togo my country for the interview. So I have a French visa in my passport that expires in September and a French criminal record. Do you think these elements will be assets and will give credibility to my file, and that I have my American visa approved?
March 14, 2017 at 05:46
Awaiting moderation
CORRECTION
Awaiting moderation
Hi Brits how are u. Hope doing well.
Am an Ethiopian with a case no.of AF40*** and for the month May VB cut off No for Ethiopia is 29100. So sir is that has a risk due mine is high case no? if not when will be my interview. Thank you in advance . wish u a good day
March 14, 2017 at 05:48
I don’t have a prediction for when you will get your interview. Wait and see.
March 14, 2017 at 06:47
Please the meaning of 2NLs
March 14, 2017 at 14:53
Interview appointment letters.
March 14, 2017 at 11:19
ciao Brit,
sorry, but I don’t understand completly what is happening…
my case number is EU227xx and EU has stopped at 22100. now is CURRENT: what does it mean? they are going to call my number or not?
sorry, probably you have explained that in your article…
thank you for answering!
have a nice day 🙂
March 14, 2017 at 13:55
Read the article above.
March 14, 2017 at 15:44
sorry, I completely misunderstood the meaning of CURRENT.
thank you for your patience!
March 16, 2017 at 00:11
Elis
Current means everybody will call according to Case Number.
March 16, 2017 at 03:03
No. It means everyone whose DS260 is processed can be interviews. The interviews are not set in case number order.
March 14, 2017 at 12:24
Hi brintsimon I am from af region and my number is current for may interview so what is the next steps and what is the process for getting my affidavit from my sponsor
March 14, 2017 at 13:54
Look at this. https://britsimonsays.com/prepare-dv-lottery-interview-2
March 14, 2017 at 13:12
dear brit.
I revived my visa last week but I found a mistake in it so I send the passport back to them, yesterday they received my passport and today my status on CEAC is changed to AP again while it was issued what does this mean? will they issue it again or they may cancel it?
thank you
March 14, 2017 at 13:35
It’s not a problem. It will change to issued once printed.
March 14, 2017 at 14:41
Dear Brit
What is the AP mean?
Thank you.
March 14, 2017 at 15:12
https://britsimonsays.com/2017-ceac-system-available/
March 15, 2017 at 02:05
Dear Brit,
How many visa have issued for edv 2017 from Nepal? do you have any data? some people say nepal cut off number will be 5300, is it right? what is current? pls suggest
March 15, 2017 at 02:52
I don’t have data. The current month is 5300, but that will not be the final number.
March 15, 2017 at 03:04
Hello sir my case number is around 6700..nepal(1st draw).. Is it risky or not??
As per your experience and past data
March 15, 2017 at 05:34
In previous years that number has been interviewed.
March 15, 2017 at 03:27
Dear Simone,
Thanks for your kind support.
My case number is around AF 41*** from Ethiopia and we will have a baby at the end of March, would it be safe to unlock to add the new baby at the end of march/start of April, if my case number is going to be current in the next couple of months.
Best
March 15, 2017 at 09:20
Hi Simon
It is natural and logical that selectees from the 6 band countries should be very worried, upset, confused and could face a deadlock, therefore, i am quite sure they are in desperate need to clarifications and expert advises.
It will be much helpful if a post addressing all related issues is made. even a short paragraph to give these peopole a hope, please.
Thanks
March 15, 2017 at 13:34
I have written multiple articles about the ban every step of the way.
March 15, 2017 at 11:52
Hi Brits
I Actually have an interview later on April so i would like to be sure about the Birth Certificate
Which is in French no Translated but normally we get a Letter of translated Birth certificate from our embassy
So I would like to know if is Necessary to bring also the one not translated in french to the interview or i just have to bring the Translated birth certificate letter from our Embassy.
Thanks
March 15, 2017 at 13:32
Take the original and the embassy translation.
March 15, 2017 at 14:57
Ok but i don’t have the Old one when i was born which got lost
but i spoke to my parents and said they will make me another one.
1. Is that okay?
2. Do i need another proof to confirm it.
3. When i tended 16 years old i was already here abroad do i still need a police clearance from my country ?
March 15, 2017 at 15:03
Ok but i don’t the old one when i was born anymore which got lost
I have requested for a new one from parents back home
1. Do i need another document to support it?
2. I Tented 16 years old when i was already here abroad, so do i still need a Police Clearance form my Country?
March 15, 2017 at 15:58
1. I don’t know.
2. Yes
March 15, 2017 at 14:43
hi brit,
i just wanna ask if we get 2nd letter and we want to add new applicant is it possible or we have to do before.
March 15, 2017 at 15:59
Before is easy. After is hard.
March 15, 2017 at 20:22
Hello Brit, first of all thanks for answering all our questions, your information is very valuable for everyone.
I wanted to ask you this time, my CN SA14xx, DS-260 mid-September (never unlocked). I wrote to KCC and they replied “Your forms have been received and pending further embassy review for the continuation of your visa processing”. It means that I will have my 2NL for May interview. Thanks
March 15, 2017 at 21:05
Yes
March 15, 2017 at 21:12
Thank you so much
March 15, 2017 at 22:36
HI BRIT PLEAS I WANT TO KNOW IF A CAN SCHEDULE MY MEDICAL EXAME BEFORE I RECIVE MY 2NL HERE IN VENEZUELA THE RESULTS OF THE EXAMS ARE GETTING VERY DELAY
March 15, 2017 at 22:40
If the physician will allow it – then yes. Just remember that the expiry date on the visa is determined by adding 6 monhs to the date of the medical. So an early medical means less time for the activation.
March 15, 2017 at 22:39
I AM SA 9XX AND SUMITID IN JULY
March 16, 2017 at 02:09
Hi Simon. Just wanted to ask if you know about the flight tickets anything. For example if you get a round trip ticket would there be a problem or not? Thx
March 16, 2017 at 03:01
No problem.
March 16, 2017 at 02:13
So does that mean this year also final cutoff will be case no. More than 6700 right brit sir? Up to which case no. Is risk free in case of nepal?
Really glad and thanks for ur effort sir…..
March 16, 2017 at 03:01
I hope so. We will see…
March 16, 2017 at 12:06
Hi Brit, i submitted my ds260 in the process i had plans of getting married to my girl so i added spouse in it in the process
But due to some circumstances i am not sure the marriage can come on before i would get my interview date.
So what we did was i submitted my own without submitting spouse..
And now the KCC has started processing my case
So mu question is
1. Will they still process the spouse that i didnt not submit even though in my forms i am still single
2.if this will cause me problems then what is the best way for me to do
Thank you
March 16, 2017 at 13:41
1. No
2. Just answer questions honestly.
March 16, 2017 at 12:42
Hi Brit,
I am ones again back to bother you. Two questions this time.
1. I have lived in Burundi for 7 months working for the ethiopian peace keeping contingent as a translator and interpreter as part of the AU peace keeping mission there back in 2003. My question is do I need a police clearance certificate from Burundi since I was living in the contingent,s military camp? Furthermore my stay there was for 7 months.
2. Also, I was a civilian recruited translator and interpreter after completing my university study. So do my translation service there while living in a military camp can be considered as a military service? I have a feeling that this actually is a silly question but I really need to clear my mind on the points.
Many thanks for your feedback though.
March 16, 2017 at 13:35
1. If you had read the instructions you would know the answer. The answer is no, BUT you need to read the instructions!!
2. No
March 16, 2017 at 13:43
Dear Brit,
Thank you for the clarification. Yea, have read the instructions but really wanted to confirm in case I somehow didn’t get it right. However, Kindly accept my apologies for the dumb question. Sorry Brit.
March 16, 2017 at 12:57
Dear Simon a quick question i submitted DS260 on 5 Dec 2016 i should receive too my 2 NL . I’m from EU
Thanks Great job on site.
March 16, 2017 at 13:33
Maybe this month, but next month (for June interviews) is more likely.
March 16, 2017 at 13:00
Dear Brit .
Depending on my case number and visa bulletin I am supposed to have my interview in April , I submitted ds260 in June and never unlocked it but I did not recieve the second letter yet , I am from syria one of the 6 affected country by the EO
Is it normal and may I get the second letter before the end of this month ?
Thanks .
March 16, 2017 at 13:32
Check your ESC page just in case you missed the 2NL. Otherwise – wait for the next batch.
March 16, 2017 at 20:38
Thank you Brit and may God bless you …
1NL still appears so is it possible to have my interview in April and if not when should I expect it ?
Thank you again brit and may God bless you .
March 16, 2017 at 13:43
ammona
March 16, 2017 at 1:13 pm
Reply
dear simon, how are you? am fine.my cn is af 18xxx i ha taken the interview and issued visa.
1. after receiving my visa I want to change my sponsor as well as my state where am going to live. What can i do? Please help.
2. whom can i communicate?
March 16, 2017 at 18:10
Thank you for all the information shared! I noticed in a previous comment that you have 6 months to activate your green card starting at the medical exam date. Right?
So let’s assume that the medical exam date is 15th of April I go to the USA just to activate the green card on July/August that is to say within the 6 months and I get back just days after to my country of origin.
What is the period of time I can stay in my country of origin, after activating the green card, before loosing the residency right? (because I have to finish my studies next june/july 2018)
Thank you
March 16, 2017 at 19:26
You have up to 1 year for the absence. If you need longer than that, you can apply for a re-entry permit – but that is done FROM the USA – and means you would need to be in the USA for a few weeks.
March 16, 2017 at 19:50
Thank you Simon!
Just to be clear, The 1 year period start from the date of medical exam? Or the date when you activate your green card?
March 16, 2017 at 20:39
ABSENCE – meaning the day you leave the USA after you initially activated.
March 16, 2017 at 21:11
Great! Thank you very much Simon!
March 16, 2017 at 18:11
Hello Brit,
I have recently noticed that somehow i put wrong city name where my wife lived 2 years in DS260. but the city is in same country, i put country name and even street name correct but mechanically have done mistake in city. The city which i put by wrong the other city which she lives all other time. How do you think do i need to call Embassy or i will telll them during interview. I don’t think so its big issue, because both cities in same country but still have some concerns
March 16, 2017 at 19:16
Tell them in the interview. It’s not a big problem.
March 17, 2017 at 06:50
Dear Simon a quick question my CN AF30XXX i submitted DS260 on 21 June 2016 i should but the DS 260 unlocked is it a big problem????
March 17, 2017 at 14:29
No
March 17, 2017 at 13:25
Brit sir
i am current for may interview if i want to reopen my DS 260 do i have to sent email in KCC or [email protected] please advise as i have sent email in Support.
March 17, 2017 at 14:19
KCC, but they may not be able to unlock if you are scheduled.
March 18, 2017 at 10:11
Brit sir actually before i mentioned my wife and kid to travel later but yesterday i filled their ds 260 form and requested kcc to open my ds260 to mention my family to travel with me.
I am just worried and i wanna ask you will that be problem or effect my 2nd letter as i am current my cn is AS49xx from nepal or kcc won’t unlock my ds260 please brit sir advise me
March 18, 2017 at 12:37
I advise you to wait and see…
March 17, 2017 at 13:30
Dear sir my case number is as 60.. I submitted my application on 20/oct when I can get my 2NLS
March 17, 2017 at 14:19
Well, I don’t know whether you are current or not because you don’t mention your country or provide your case number correctly – but IF you are current you might get a May interview (2NL in the next 2 weeks), it might be June (2NL in about 6 weeks).
March 17, 2017 at 14:47
i am from Nepal and my CN is 2017AS49xx.
March 17, 2017 at 15:46
Im sorry sir for missing info yes im in current case and my cn is 2017AS60xx thank you .
March 17, 2017 at 16:07
Hi Brit
I tried to figure out the answer by articles. but there is one part I do not know.
I work in USA. The case number is AS57xx. I would use CP so the interview would be in Asia. For the upcoming month, I will have business trips on April, June and Sep; in this case, I will have new record reading come and leave USA. ( Travel history)
Since the visa bulletin is all current, in your opinion, is it necessary or required to unblock DS260 and update travel history?
I am just afraid if I keep reopen DS260, it would delay the interview time?
March 17, 2017 at 16:49
No need to update the travel history.
March 17, 2017 at 16:42
Hi Brit
I want to know abut cut off in Africa what the exact case are them upto now
Thanks for everything you doing for us.
March 17, 2017 at 16:49
Africa is now current for May (all numbers can be interviewed) with the exceptions for Ethiopia and Egypt.
March 17, 2017 at 16:49
Dear brit, I know that It is very hard to predict cut off number of Nepal. If there is enough selectees ( above 3500) for Nepal in first draw, why they select additional selectees in September draw ? would you like to elaborate this on coming post ?
March 17, 2017 at 19:24
If the sponsor is married. Do I need to fill out two i134forms? One from husband and other from wife? Thnx
March 17, 2017 at 21:07
The only embassy that expects that is Tirana.
March 17, 2017 at 20:36
Hello BritSimon NK Here.
I was interviewed on the 7th November, 2016 for an Immigrant Visa (DVL) @ the USA Embassy, Accra Ghana and my case was approved and was asked to pick up visa in a forthnigh after an email prompt. However I have not received any notification yet. What could be the resultant delay?
March 17, 2017 at 21:03
How could I possibly know?
March 18, 2017 at 04:42
Hello brit ! how r u doing?? hope u r fine.
yesterday when i was going through old document, i realized there was SANKHUWASAVA in place of SANKHUWASABHA in dristict name of my 1NL, though both spelling were used before and now its SANKHUWASABHA officially. It is mentioned as SANKHUWASABHA in all documents like ds-260, citizenship and passpoart etc. except 1NL.
Can this be a problem for me?
Thanks for your suggestion
March 18, 2017 at 04:59
No
March 18, 2017 at 11:20
Sir what was the last case number in 2016 from nepal or AS region
March 18, 2017 at 12:36
The link shows the max SELECTED numbers for each region.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-selectee-estimate-based-ceac-data/