A few days before the VB numbers were released I got “early notice” of the VB numbers and published them in this article. Many people doubted the numbers were real, partly because they were low numbers for several regions (all apart from AF). I speculated in that post about why those numbers might be so low, and as we now know, those numbers were confirmed as the official numbers. Well today I called KCC and confirmed my speculation was accurate. KCC have changed DS260 processing for this year to reduce the backlog (delays) we have seen in previous years. So – this article is to explain that further.
First – let me explain what was meant by “backlog”. Since the DS260 was introduced, people would immediately start submitting their DS260s starting the day that results were announced. Because the “you have been selected” letter says to respond quickly, it created an impression that there was some sort of race to submit the DS260. That isn’t really true – but it gave KCC a problem. Within the first couple of weeks after the announcement, a huge number of DS260s were submitted – for all winners across all regions and all case numbers. So – for illustration purposes, let’s imagine that 5,000 DS260’s were submitted in the first week, and that rate continued for the first couple of months. Let’s assume KCC could only start processing 1000 to 2000 per week. Within a few weeks a backlog of DS260s had built up – and by August there were many cases that had low case numbers, but were waiting in turn to be processed, because they submitted a few weeks after May. What happened is that those cases could not be scheduled for interview – and as a consequence, KCC had to release a larger VB number than they would have needed if all the DS260s were somehow processed.
So – the first few VBs were higher numbers and everyone was full of confidence about how fast numbers were progressing. Then, after 3 or 4 months we saw the VB pace would slow down. Some months we even saw NO increase for some regions. People panicked. I tried to explain and warn that this would happen – but nevertheless people remained confused – and saw no “logic” to the way the VB number was increasing. In fact, for a time (when I had access to the CEAC data) I was able to calculate the VB progress with remarkable accuracy. The VB was driven by how many interviews could be accommodated within a region (with KCC trying to space out processing over most of the year). One of the factors I had to calculate was how many interview slots would be taken each month by “backlog” cases – so the backlog had a very large influence on VB case number progress (pace).
Now – KCC have found a way to give priority to processing “lower” case numbers. So – if they received a small number of DS260s, they could process as the cases were received – but if they have too many cases they can choose to delay processing on high case numbers and instead give “priority” to cases at the lower end of the scale. After all – why rush to process a high case number when that case could not be interviewed until next summer anyway. Better to process the lower case numbers that could become current in the first few months of the year. This approach is very advantageous and smart. It also means that a high case number DS260 can make changes for life events (for example to add a newborn or change address), BEFORE the case has even started processing. This is a much better outcome.
Now – this does NOT mean there is any change to the basic rule of interview scheduling. To get scheduled a case must be current (lower than the VB number for the region/country) *AND* the DS260 is processed. A high case number submitted early cannot be scheduled early under the new processing method – and could not be scheduled early under the old method. However, a low case number submitted a little late won’t now have to be delayed months because of backlogs. So – case number order has become “fairer” through this new method.
I’m not sure exactly how KCC are prioritizing. There is a chance that the method has some teething problems and won’t work well in all cases to avoid backlog delays. But – this is a good change in my opinion. It is also nice to have it confirmed as the reason the VB numbers were so low.
August 11, 2017 at 00:26
Hello ,
My friend case number AS130xx is there a chance to get interview ? And if yes dose it suppose in year from now ?
August 11, 2017 at 00:46
I don’t know whether that number will get a chance or not – but yes – we will wait around 10 or 11 months to know.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions
August 11, 2017 at 00:38
Hello, my case number is 31***, should i be worried after this change ? I’m really confused
August 11, 2017 at 00:45
This change makes no difference to your case.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions
August 11, 2017 at 00:52
Thanks so much for the very clear explanation!
August 11, 2017 at 01:31
Brit,
hmmm interesting….kinda makes high case numbers loose hope… 🙂 considering that low case numbers will now be given priority even if high cases numbers are efficient and prompt with their ds260…
Do you think they might start with low vb case numbers now and increase the vb case numbers next summer anyway??….
Thanks bro for your awsome service.
August 11, 2017 at 02:07
It doesn’t mean what you have assumed. High case numbers have the same chance they had without this change. The VB numbers will increase each month over the whole year – the final VB being released in July of next year.
August 11, 2017 at 02:47
Hello sir my case no is 2018AS800**
was submitted ds 260 form 1st August, i ill add my wife after wedding next month,so i need to request to unlock form KCC, it ill delay my interview time?
August 11, 2017 at 02:58
https://britsimonsays.com/does-unlocking-cause-delays/
August 11, 2017 at 03:28
hi brit,
My case number is 2018AS108**
is there any chance to get 2nls?
when will i get 2NLs?
please prediction me
I am so worried
August 11, 2017 at 05:27
I am not predicting – so wait and see.
August 11, 2017 at 05:34
YUSHA are you in srilanka? i am also in srilanka
August 11, 2017 at 08:11
no
i am from Burma State
August 11, 2017 at 04:23
Thank you Brit for taking the time to call and find out about this info. You are a great help to us all!!
August 11, 2017 at 04:25
hi sir
My case number is 2018AS48**
my first submitted 12th of may….& i unlock my ds 260….re submitted 29th of june
when will i get 2NLs?
please prediction me
August 11, 2017 at 04:33
Wait and see.
August 11, 2017 at 09:22
Does unlocking ds260 have any delay effect?
August 11, 2017 at 14:16
Please read the FAQ!
https://britsimonsays.com/does-unlocking-cause-delays/
August 11, 2017 at 09:27
Sir,
They(KCC) have released the total number of selectees for each country; but is there any source available one can refer the distribution of these case numbers for a country in a certain region? Thank you.
August 11, 2017 at 14:13
No
August 11, 2017 at 05:34
vannja are you in srilanka? i am also in srilanka
August 11, 2017 at 06:03
Thanks so much for this information
August 11, 2017 at 06:30
Good morning Mr. Brit
please I would like to know if this impacted a ds-260 submitted on June 29 AF12 ## to be able to receive his 2NL this month !
thank you
August 11, 2017 at 06:50
Wait and see.
August 11, 2017 at 07:15
ok ! Thank you Mr.Brit
August 11, 2017 at 06:40
Hi Brit….I’m From Ethiopia and my case number is 2018AF90xx ,do i have a chance to get the 2NLs to be interviwed on october
August 11, 2017 at 06:49
No.
August 11, 2017 at 07:09
Do you think that I am gonna be scheduled on December ? 2018eu38xx
Submit ds260 on June 2.
August 11, 2017 at 07:24
Maybe – wait and see
August 11, 2017 at 07:12
Oky thanks
August 11, 2017 at 07:17
i am from ethiopia and my cn 2018AF 89xx i have submited ds form june 27/2017 do i have chance to get the 2NLs to be interviews on october or november ?? thanks simon
August 11, 2017 at 07:24
No. Patience.
August 11, 2017 at 07:52
Hi BritSimon
Do you think is it possible for you to post every month ‘early notice’ of coming visa bulletin? For some people its crucial to know if their are current on following month so we’d be very grateful. Like my number eu9xxx – I expected november interview but after changes it will be Jan or Dec. So thats not very good move from my perspective…
Many thanks
August 11, 2017 at 14:26
It isn’t “crucial” to anyone to know a few days earlier than normal. If I can’t get the numbers early, people will find out when the VB is released. That is perfectly fine.
As for the change and how it affected your case number – in the previous year you might have been current in October or November but waiting for your DS260 to be processed. So – this is better.
August 11, 2017 at 07:52
Hi Brit
1. My case number is 2018OC000013**. Is this case number safe?
2. When would be the possible interview month if its safe?
Thank you
August 11, 2017 at 14:23
1. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
2. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
August 11, 2017 at 08:23
HIi simon…iam from Ethiopia. My case number is 2018AF68XX ….do i have 2NLs for my interview in october?
August 11, 2017 at 14:22
No – because Ethiopia is shown as numbers up to 2100 on the VB.
August 11, 2017 at 09:24
Hi Britsimon thank you for your invaluable help to the DV winners. I have a question regarding traveling. My understanding is after the first visit to activate your papers any DV winner should not be away from the USA for more than 6months. (Please correct me if am wrong)
What happens if one travels in March 2017 (first visit to activate papers) leaves the states, comes back in June 2017 and leaves again. (Trying to close up some business in my home country before the big move)
When will the 6months elapse – will it be counted as from March -September or does it begin afresh from June -December?
We want to ensure there will no problems with the immigration at my return here to the States.
August 11, 2017 at 14:15
Each absence is counted individually. It is possible for an absence (at any time) to be up to 12 months – but an absence of 6 to 12 months might cause more questioning to establish that the person has maintained residence in the USA.
August 11, 2017 at 09:29
Hi, according to changes at DS 260 processing, I wonder your opionions about the cut off numbers, when will they get balanced? For example last year’s april cut off was 22100. Thinking the EU37000 forecast, April or May.
Your opinions are valuable for me and for our country’s forums.
August 11, 2017 at 14:12
I don’t have a prediction – without the backlog we will see more “logical” progression. Later months progress faster because the U2 countries would have been limited, creating lower density – but I don’t know exactly when those points will be reached – so “WAIT AND SEE”
August 11, 2017 at 10:52
Hi Brit….I’m From Srilanka and my case number is 2018AS85xx ,do i have a chance to get the 2NLs to be interviwed on December?
Submit ds260 on May 18
August 11, 2017 at 14:06
No.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
August 11, 2017 at 11:01
Dear Simon
Thank you so much for new update.
As I am from Nepal and case number is in range of 2018AS58XX. Since first VB for Nepal is very less as compared to previous years.
Is my case number is in safe zone ? Please share your prediction.
Thanks in advance.
August 11, 2017 at 14:06
Yes.
August 11, 2017 at 11:02
Hi Sam,my CN is AF0002xxxx n I submitted it on 10 may do I stand a chance to be schedule for an interview in 0ct-Dec.thank you.
August 11, 2017 at 14:05
Wait and see…
August 14, 2017 at 07:34
njeri ur email pls
August 11, 2017 at 11:11
Hi Brit how are you? I have 2018SA16XX in wich month do you think that I will have the interview. Thanks
August 11, 2017 at 14:04
That will be a LONG wait – so wait and see.
August 11, 2017 at 14:16
If there are 5000 pre selected in latinamerica and the caribbean but only 2500 will be aproved (if I assume that only 50% will be aproved) my number has big chance to get the interview? thanks
August 11, 2017 at 14:30
Read this
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
and this
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
August 11, 2017 at 11:19
hi brit
yes ,this question is repeated but really need answer (if unlock ds 260 and resubmit will affect the process even if low cause number ? i mean submitted in may unlocked and resubmit in august?
August 11, 2017 at 14:04
Normally no delay.
August 11, 2017 at 11:47
Hi Brit,
My case number EU59xx i submitted ds260 18 mai do I’ve chance to get interview before 2018 ?
Thank you !
August 11, 2017 at 14:02
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
August 11, 2017 at 16:25
Which part of EU?
August 11, 2017 at 18:47
What you mean when you say which part of EU ?
I am from Turkey.
August 11, 2017 at 12:02
Hi, my wife was a student in between the 2011-2015 but her address was located in another city since she was born including university time. Is this a problem for us ?
August 11, 2017 at 14:02
Not really. A CO might question it – but I doubt it.
August 11, 2017 at 16:18
So what you say ?
August 11, 2017 at 16:19
What do you suggest ? Should I unlock again ?
August 11, 2017 at 16:38
Like I said – the risk is low – so it is up to you. Accurate is always better.
August 11, 2017 at 18:35
So can I request to unlock the system after my interview scheduled not to lose time.
August 11, 2017 at 18:40
No! Once the interview is scheduled, they won’t unlock. Unlocking doesn’t cause delay.
August 12, 2017 at 13:07
So if my number gets current for December on October VB I’ll be scheduled no matter I unlocked the system in this week or not.
August 11, 2017 at 12:06
Hi Brit
Do you have any predictions on how many numbers they might be releasing each month? Do you think it would at least double each month?
Thanks
August 11, 2017 at 14:00
No predictions, no.
August 11, 2017 at 13:01
Lol so many wait and see cases ?
Me also wait and see so guy this year is new so let’s hope everyone gets the chance and good luck
Thanks Simon
August 11, 2017 at 13:07
Hi! Do you think that I have still a chance eu32xxx? Thank you!
August 11, 2017 at 13:56
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
August 11, 2017 at 13:10
My case number is 27000، when should I send the ds-260
August 11, 2017 at 13:56
That is up to you – others have already sent theirs.
August 11, 2017 at 13:36
My case number is 2018AF 9*** I was submitted my DS-260 form late May now I want to ask KCC to unlock to change some corrections.
1.Due to the new DS-260 processing principle may the unlock causes delay or not.
2. How much week or month is take to processing the ds-260 form
Thank you for your valuable support Mr Brit.
August 11, 2017 at 13:55
1. No
2. A few weeks.
August 11, 2017 at 14:02
Thanks for your very fast response .
August 11, 2017 at 14:08
Hello .
Thank you for your efforts on this site.
I am from Yemen and my case number is 16×× .
Yemen also knows among the countries banned from traveling to the United States. But the ban will expire at the end of September.
What are your expectations after the ban ends? Will we be allowed to enter the United States?
August 11, 2017 at 14:23
Hi Britsimon.
I have problem with DS 260 form, I can not upload the form today can you please tell me what’s the problem?
Thanks
August 11, 2017 at 14:28
Do you want to give me a clue about the problem, or shall I read your mind? Is there an error message?
August 11, 2017 at 15:03
Hi Britsimon.
I am from Yemen and a winner in DV2018 My case number 16××.
I have prepared DS260 mid June.
Because of the war in Yemen there is no US embassy or consulate and I have identified Djibouti as a venue for the interview , but one of the winning people in DV2017 told me that Djibouti does not accept the entry of Yemenis into its territory.
How will this issue be addressed?
August 11, 2017 at 15:06
You need ton have the interview in a place you can travel to. THat is mainly up to you to decide, although previously, KCC moved Yemeni interviews to a specific embassy. You could contact KCC and ask their suggestion.
August 16, 2017 at 13:02
Salam alykom Anwar
I am from Yemen too and and I am a winner I am now in Ukraine
Give me your Watsapp number or dlfacebook maybe we can help each other
September 21, 2017 at 20:06
Seven seven one seven nine nine nine one tow
August 11, 2017 at 15:13
Pls, if I don’t have a passport yet, can I fill “other travel documents” in the space for passport on my ds260 and submit and only take my passport to the interview after I must have obtained it? Or I must unlock latter and fill my passport infos ones I get the passport before resubmitting?
Thanks.
August 11, 2017 at 15:18
It is better to unlock and correct later if possible.
August 11, 2017 at 15:38
“It is better to unlock and correct later if possible.”
Which means I could just wait and fill the passport info when i obtain it before I submit.
That will be around December this year.
-will that be late? My cn is 2018AF467**
Thanks
August 11, 2017 at 16:01
Waiting won’t be a problem – because it will be a long time before your interview anyway (because of your case number).
August 11, 2017 at 16:56
Hi Simon, a quick one please – can one contact KCC to inquire whether or not his DS260 has been processed?
August 11, 2017 at 17:03
If you cannot contain your curiosity and would like to waste their time – yes.
August 11, 2017 at 17:30
Hi Brit,
1.Do I have to sent the mail to KCC to infrom the mistake which I have done in the entry form the month of my birthday?
2.After filling the DS 260 form, Is there any selection for interview?
August 11, 2017 at 17:46
1. You correct it in the DS260 – no need to email KCC as well.
2. You just wait for your DS260 to be processed and your case to become current.
August 11, 2017 at 17:59
I have tried to correct my month of brithday in ds 260 form but it was unable to do it.so i have send it without correcting so what can i do?
August 11, 2017 at 18:04
Unlock the DS260 and correct it!
August 11, 2017 at 17:37
Thanks for analytical clarification and you time. we just need time to see current numbers. my question is that I am principal applicant and my wife’s passport has been damaged last week and she took a new one. Should we update our application urgently or wait and updating information after interview date is clarified. What do you suggest? my case number EU5xxx
Thank you
August 11, 2017 at 17:45
Once you are scheduled you cannot unlock – so if you are going to unlock and correct the DS260 – do it asap.
August 11, 2017 at 18:17
Hi Simon, when i was filling the entry for the DV2018 I included my daughter’s middle names (2). I had not done birth cert and passport for her at the time. When I was selected and was going to do the birth cert and passport I was told by both birth registry and passport office that her names were too many (six in all) to fit on the birth cert and the passport so I had to take the two middle names out. However these two middle names somehow appeared on the DS260 I submitted – i think my forgetfulness or something.
1. Will this have any significant impact during my interview process?
2. If yes, how do I remove those two middle names from the DS260?
August 11, 2017 at 18:19
1. No
2. Just discuss it with the CO
August 11, 2017 at 18:37
Fab! Thanks so much Simon.
August 11, 2017 at 18:36
Sorry sir
I have done the mistake the month of my birthday when i applied green card lottery.
When i was filling ds 260 form my name and birthday was displayed.
So i was trying to correct it but did not allow to do it.
So wherther i can correct it if i unlock ds260 form because it was displayed by them.
Please kindly explain to me sir.
August 11, 2017 at 18:40
It can be corrected in the DS260.
August 11, 2017 at 21:18
Hi Brit,following the new system kcc is using do I stand a chance to receive the 2NL cus I filled and submitted my ds 260 on the 1st of this August, my cn is af30**from Cameroon.
August 11, 2017 at 22:17
That was probably too late – so it would be in a later month.
August 12, 2017 at 05:47
Thks for the reply I knew it won’t happen this Oct maybe I will receive 2NL in October for December interviews or in November for January interview pls is my guess correct.
August 12, 2017 at 07:43
Wait and see.
August 11, 2017 at 19:02
Thank you sir
August 11, 2017 at 22:39
I am really impressed by how dedicated you are to this tremendous blog you built up Mr. Brit. A big big thank you, i came accross different books on DV lottery process from A to Z, but i may come to the conclusion that even info is the same, your blog has it pretty straight forward plus the dynamic of comments AND your availability.
Once foot on US ground, i would be delighted to meet you or have a quick chat to learn more about your personal experience when you moved to US.
August 11, 2017 at 22:50
i couldnt agree more!!….your services BritSimon are very much appreciated, God bless you abundantly….
August 12, 2017 at 06:06
Hi. My case no is 2018AF490xx and have submitted the ds260 on 28 June, so what I could expect from VB process and 2NL?
August 12, 2017 at 07:43
You have a long wait.
britsimonsays.com/DV2018-basic-questions
August 12, 2017 at 06:09
Sorry to trouble u brit.
1. If i am scheduled how can i correct ds260 form?
2. What are the document are they expecting from the sponser?
August 12, 2017 at 07:42
1. You cannot.
2. britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
August 12, 2017 at 08:01
1.What can i do now to inform to kcc i have done the mistake ds260 form? What do u suggest.
August 12, 2017 at 14:39
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
August 12, 2017 at 10:16
I am from ASIA
case number about 13k
Is it possible to have an interview or high case number?
August 12, 2017 at 14:35
I don’t know. There is obviously risk.
August 12, 2017 at 12:47
Hi britsimon
August 12, 2017 at 12:52
Hi britsimon my cousin case number is 2018AF9247. Does he get any chance to be interviewed. If yes when approximately do you think it will be. He submitted his ds 260 in July.
Thanks
August 12, 2017 at 14:28
Yes he will get interview in a few months. Wait and see.
August 12, 2017 at 22:19
My case no is 2018AF00002688 from somalia and have submitted the ds 260 on 28 August, so do you is it possible to get my 2NL notification September or October ? if no when it can be possible
August 13, 2017 at 15:14
I don’t know. Mostly because you have your submission date wrong – but anyway – wait and see.