OK, so I am getting overwhelmed with a flood of 2017 selectees with very basic questions. Let me try and address the most frequent ones here in the hope that people will read this. If you ask a question and I give you a link to this page, it is to indicate that your question can be answered by reading this page and using some common sense.
By the way. VERY IMPORTANT. If you have to ask me more than one question – please NUMBER the questions to make my work easier.
Is there a deadline to submit my DS260?
There is no official deadline to submit your DS260. People will continue to submit DS260s for DV2017 cases well into 2017. Submissions as late as April or perhaps even May of next year will still get processed in time.
How long does it take to process the DS260?
Based on the past 2 years (since the DS260 was introduced), we can be pretty confident in the following info.
The actual processing time of the DS260 is quite short – probably 3 to 4 weeks. However, because of the volume of DS260s that are received starting at the beginning of May, a backlog builds up very quickly. You can think of this as a queue. In the two past years, that queue or backlog has meant that DS260s were taking 4 to 5 months to process (obviously most of that time being spent waiting). So – for those that submit their DS260 in the first week or two after the initial draw, the processing time will be quite short. Then a backlog will build and processing times will build up to 4 or 5 month delay. Then, early next year, processing times will reduce again to being a few weeks.
Does every DS260 take the same time to process?
No. There is some background checks required on each case that vary according to the situation of the selectees. The precise details of the checks are not published, but we can guess they are mainly about ensuring security of the USA. That means they communicate with agencies and foreign governments about the details you provide on the DS260. Some countries co-operate with the USA, some don’t. In countries that don’t co-operate you can expect DS260 will take longer. So, some cases are very simple, and some not so simple. If a selectee was raised in Western Europe, works in an office and has never travelled to certain high risk countries we can expect the DS260 processing (once the case is ACTUALLY processed, not queued) to be quick. If on the other hand someone has travel history around certain countries in the middle East or lists their work as “Nuclear weapons specialist”, well they can expect the US government to take longer over those checks.
So – never assume that all DS260s submitted on the same day will complete processing on the same day. There will be variations.
When will I be interviewed? Is my number safe?
OK, first of all. Processing timing is mainly based on your case number, and where that number is ranked within each region. So – if you are case number 900 in OC region for example (where the highest case number will probably be around 1000) you are near the back of the line and can expect a long wait before being interviewed. However, that same number in AF region (where the highest case number could be 50,000 to 60000) would be very low. A low number means the case could be interviewed earlier.
HOWEVER, if a selectee with a low case number submits their DS260 late, it is possible their case will not be scheduled until a later month than their case number would suggest. No case will be scheduled unless the DS260 has been processed. However, in the case of someone with a low number who missed their “current” month because of DS260 backlogs, their case will be scheduled once the DS260 is processed. In some cases people might actually want to use this delay to cause a later interview (for instance if someone wants to get married prior to interview).
When will KCC send the first 2NLs?
The first 2NLs (the interview notification) for DV2017 will go out in late August. That will be for cases that have been processed AND are current for October. Then 2NLs will come in a monthly schedule, also late in each month. So – late in September for November interviews and so on.
When are the visa bulletins published?
The visa bulletins are published around the 8th to the 15th of each month. If you call KCC they will always respond that it is released on the 15th. They are not “late” until the 16th. Usually I get people lamenting “the sky is falling” and “why are they so late” around the 10th or 11th. That will happen every month – and no matter how many times I explain, people are impatient.
How do KCC schedule the cases?
Roughly speaking all interviews are spread out over the year, starting in October and ending the following September. KCC release numbers via the visa bulletin to say which case numbers can be interviewed. Check out this article to understand how to read the visa bulletin.
KCC will increase the number made current on each region at a pace that ensures they have enough interviews to match the embassy capacity during each month.
So – to take an example. If OC had a highest case number of 1000, we could roughly expect to see that number increase by 100 each month. However, due to DS260 backlogs (remember no case can be scheduled UNTIL the DS260 is processed), KCC might release a higher number to start with (for October and November for instance) and slow down later. So – we might see OC start at 200 in October, be 350 in November and then increase by 50 to 75 each month for a while.
The same thing will happen in each region. This effect is going to be particularly pronounced in AF region where selectees typically take a long time to submit their forms. So – AF will start with a high VB number. Many will rejoice and say how fast things are moving and then those same people will be confused when the pace decreases later on. I have tried to explain this many times, but people just don’t seem to understand the point. It ends up being mysterious and frustrating. So – people need to be ready to be patient.
You can look at the historical visa bulletin numbers from previous years to get an idea how things work. However, every year is different, so I would suggest only taking a look at DV2016 or DV2015 to try and anticipate when your number will be scheduled for interview. Please do that rather than asking me to predict your interview date. Use some judgment and common sense to allow me to spend my time on people that need help with more critical questions.
To encourage people to look for themselves I have taken the 2015 and 2016 numbers and plotted them onto charts. So – look for your number in your region and you can guess roughly when your case will be ready for interview.
October 3, 2016 at 20:41
Dear Brit
my name is khaled and I didnt send my ds yet because i need to finish school case num AF0060xx
first i want to know my interview date if i submit ds 260 this 15 october
second : how late do people submit their ds in africa and get interview in the end
last thing : do they run out of visas ? so late submitions dont get ones ?
Thanks
October 3, 2016 at 21:07
1. Spring sometime.
2. Some as late as May/June
3. It’s possible.
October 3, 2016 at 21:43
for the first quastion what if i submit ds in 15 nouvembre ? i dont know exact date of spring ! thats all and thanks for your help means alot
October 3, 2016 at 23:06
It isn’t something I can answer with precision. So – Spring means April/May/June.
October 3, 2016 at 23:44
Hi Brit,
My case number is AS0065xx.
Submitted ds on 14th Aug. No interview notification yet. Should I be worried? When would be my interview if any?
Thank you very much.
October 3, 2016 at 23:58
You have several MONTHS to wait.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
October 4, 2016 at 18:38
i wanted to submit my application to the dv 2018 lottery but in the end it say submission in progress and my confirmation does not appear what should i do?
October 4, 2016 at 19:10
See the update above.
October 5, 2016 at 02:42
BritSimon: I am panicking a bit. My CaseNumber is 2017EU000235xx and if I am lucky enough, I can start AOS process in March/April 2017. According to statistics, the numbers for EU region are lower every year. Don`t you think that more applicants are more eligible every year which may lower the last number interviewed significantly?
October 5, 2016 at 05:04
No it doesn’t work like that. Relex, you’ll be fine.
October 7, 2016 at 13:09
Hello, my case numer is 2017EU00013***, but i entered the DS260 in june 5, (a month after winning the lottery) so when do you think i will get an interview date. thank you
October 7, 2016 at 13:33
Interview in December (2NL is 2 to 3 weeks), possibly January (2NL in late November).
October 7, 2016 at 14:29
Hi Brit, When is the Dec visa bulletin coming out?
October 7, 2016 at 15:05
They always come out between the 8th and the 15th of each month.
October 9, 2016 at 18:15
Hi Brit,
My DV Case Number is 2017AF000073XX and I submitted my DS260 on September 25 2016, when do I expect to be scheduled for the interview? Thank You
October 10, 2016 at 04:21
Spring 2017.
October 10, 2016 at 04:12
I want inquiry have finished filling out a form the DS260 in June and you modify and correct some errors in the DS260 September, you will take the form of a new DS260 processing time or calculated from the previous period, which is the month of June, with the knowledge that the issues of the approximate number AF2017 3XXX
Thank you
October 10, 2016 at 04:27
June. Wait and see.
October 11, 2016 at 08:46
Hi Simon,
Thanks for the great work you are doing.
My case No. Is 2017AF41*** from kenya.
Am l safe from the cut off point?
October 11, 2016 at 23:18
Probably.
October 11, 2016 at 16:28
Hi Brit,
My DV Case Number is 2017AF35XXX and I submitted my DS260 FORM on Agust 15 2016, when do I expect to be scheduled for the interview? Thank You
October 12, 2016 at 05:43
Read the article above!
October 14, 2016 at 18:51
Hello Simon,
There is something that confuses me here. People keep saying ” My DV Case Number is… ” and then ask you when that number will be released. I see you answer something saying that it might take “several months”..or “it might take only a few months”. How can you tell if they are not specifying which region they belong to?
Thank you,
Juan
October 15, 2016 at 05:18
I can sometimes figure it out. Mostly I ask for clarification.
October 17, 2016 at 13:26
Hi Brit,
My DV Case Number is 2017EU000085xx and I submitted my DS260 form on 16th of September 2016. When do I expect to be scheduled for the interview? Thank you so much for your time and support!
October 17, 2016 at 18:25
Several months. They have taken 3 months to get from May and early June submissions.
October 17, 2016 at 17:55
Hi Brit,
When can I be interviewed approximately if I submitted ds260 on 31 August and my case number 2017EU3XXX?
October 17, 2016 at 19:25
March-ish
October 18, 2016 at 11:23
hi britsmon!
please help me
i got passport after i submitt my ds-260 for dvlottery 2017.does it has an effect on my case?
October 18, 2016 at 14:14
No.
October 18, 2016 at 15:21
CN 15,000, AF region, ethiopia Ds submitted june 6 ,probably when to be interviewed( expectation for 2NL?)
October 18, 2016 at 19:22
I don’t have a prediction. Watch the Ethiopia number on the visa bulletin. Wait and see.
October 18, 2016 at 19:58
Hello Brit,
Thank you for your help.
1-I want to know if someone do medical examinaton early can it affect visa which has 6 months,if he or she failed to go in time?
2-What is good time to do medicals examination if you receive 2nl?
3-After how many months does medicals for Dv get expired?is it equal to Dv visa (6months)
October 18, 2016 at 20:24
1. The expiry date of the VISA is based on the medical date plus 6 months – so yes. If someone fails to use the visa by the expiry date, the Green Card is forfeited.
October 18, 2016 at 20:54
Brit: I am in the U.S. on H3 visa which expires in September 2017. According to statistics my number should be current in March. When is the best time to do medical exam. And also: is the Green Card effective immediately or will I have to wait until October 2017?
October 18, 2016 at 23:04
You must remember that 95% of DV winners are processing CP cases (outside of the USA). The process is different for AOS cases (processed inside the USA). Given that you are here already you can use AOS (or choose CP if you prefer). So – questions and answers for other people might not be correct for your case.
So – are you processing AOS?
October 18, 2016 at 23:29
Yes I am processing AOS
October 18, 2016 at 20:36
Thank you for your reply,
Let say if my interview date is on Dec15 ,is it okay to do medical examination early November?
Or i can do anytime from now?
Waiting to hear from you again.
Thank you.
October 18, 2016 at 21:28
The expiry date on the visa is based on the medical date plus 6 months. So – earlier medical = shorter visa validity.
October 18, 2016 at 21:54
Hello Brit – Great site, extremely useful…thanks much.
Q1 – perhaps out of scope but here goes…Would a refusal of the DV have any effect on a 10 year non-immigrant visa that you already have? Stories have always been that if your immigrant visa gets denied the embassy would cancel your non-immigrant visa…since you have now shown intent on staying in the US. Any experience on that front?
I am the winner (no immigrant visa) but my wife has a 10 year one….and we are afraid to jeapordize it.
Q2 – Something I don’t understand about some people asking of their ability to leave the US and go back once they have a green card. Why is this an issue? I was under the impression that once you win the DV and get your green card…you can come an go and stay in the US or Outside as you wish?
October 18, 2016 at 22:59
1. It would not normally cause cancellation of the NIV
2. You misunderstand. The Green Card is not a super flexible non immigrant visa. It is an immigrant visa. You are expected to live and work in the USA – and that comes with rights and responsibilities. So – you can leave and return, but your main residence is supposed to be in the USA.
October 19, 2016 at 06:52
hi britsimon!!
thank you for your help
but now i have two question again
1,I submit my ds-260 on 19 July 2016.my case number is 2017AF00005xxx.when they will schedule my case for interview?
2, i submit my DS-260 without a passport.how can i add my passport to ds-260?
i waiting hearing from you
thanks!!!!
October 19, 2016 at 15:20
1. Around February (December 2NL)
2. Unlock https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
October 20, 2016 at 16:13
Hi BritSimon,
With the current backlog, when can I expect an interview date if I submitted my DS-260 on August 16 and my Case Number is 2017AF00003910 from Morocco.
Many thanks.
October 21, 2016 at 00:11
Around March approximately.
October 21, 2016 at 11:38
hi Britsimon
l am Dv 2017 winner my case case number is 2017AF00005XXXXXX And i submit Ds 260 on 28 July, still l didn’t get my 2NL .
my question is when l get my 2nl and interview appointment
October 21, 2016 at 14:49
2NL 2 months from now, February interview.
October 21, 2016 at 14:36
Hi BritSimon,
1- When can I be interviewed approximately if I submitted DS 260 on 05 MAY and my case number 201700013286?
2- We are waiting for a baby what if she came before receiving the 2NL ?
thanks
October 21, 2016 at 15:47
1. You don’t give me the region.
2. https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
October 21, 2016 at 16:54
sorry : AF region
October 21, 2016 at 18:25
So – I suspect you are from Ethiopia or Egypt in that case – because your number would otherwise be current. Read this:
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
I am not going to predict the progress.
October 21, 2016 at 15:00
Hello Brit
I wish to ask if its possible that 2 people from one region but dift ctries can hav the same CN?
Thks
October 21, 2016 at 15:46
Of course not.
October 21, 2016 at 17:43
Hello Brit,
Someone told me in “IOM Nairobi Migration Health Assessment Centre” ,when you are making an appointment for medical examination they need first to give them or send them the following:
1- a. Copy of valid passport’s bio-data page (for all applicants).
. b Letter from the US consular which has your case number and date of visa appointment.
c. Scanned recent digital passport size photo (showing both ears, forehead and neck – on a white background).
d. Please indicate your telephone number
e. Also a form to fill with details names ,birth place,tel,case number, cases size passport number,address etc.
2- what is the different between case number and case size? or what is case size mean?
3-Is it okay to send letter from US consular to anyone before doing an interview because of having case number which should be secrete.
I will be very greatful to hear from you.
October 21, 2016 at 18:20
1. OK – I see the list – is there a question?
2. I have no idea what you mean by case size.
3. You should be careful with your case number.
October 21, 2016 at 18:54
Thank you for your reply.
1-My question about medical examination , is it okay to give or send Letter which got from the US consular which has case number and date of appointment for an interview to” IOM Migration Health Assessment ” as required to have medical appointment?
2-Do you have an ideal other IOM health assement required to have those things in in order to get appointment for medicals.
3-They want to fill case no…………………also Case size………………. is included in the form which you fill during the appointment for medical examination.
October 21, 2016 at 19:05
1. I suppose that is required, so yes.
2. Again – I don’t understand the question.
3. I don’t know what they mean by case size – talk to them.
October 22, 2016 at 12:03
HELLO Brit
I am one of the winner DV2017 unfortunately filled DS260 at 5 september 2016 my case no is
2017AFXX029XX my question is when will get my 2NL
Thanks for your help
October 22, 2016 at 14:57
Probably 3 months from now, possibly 4.
October 22, 2016 at 13:42
Hi Brit
My case is 2017AF0000344*
I submitted my ds 260 on June 14
But detected mistake and wanna write to kcc to unlock the form so I do the correction
Will this be possible
And when will my interview probably be scheduled
Tanx
October 22, 2016 at 14:55
If you want to unlock your form you must do it immediately – your interview will probably be in the next batch (2NL in about 4 weeks), interview January.
October 22, 2016 at 16:22
Ok
Tanx
October 23, 2016 at 18:43
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
Your interview will be scheduled for January, so unlock immediately.
October 22, 2016 at 15:24
HI RRIT
WHEN CAN I BE MY INTERVIEWED APPROXIMATELY IF I SUBMITTED DS260 ON 5 SEP. AND WHEN IS MY 2NL MY CASE NO AFXX0029XXX
October 23, 2016 at 18:39
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
October 23, 2016 at 06:49
Hi Brit
My CN number is AS000038## and I submit my DS260 form in 15 may do think I will receive my 2NL in late November for January interview
Thanks.azimi
October 23, 2016 at 14:27
Probably
October 23, 2016 at 13:28
Hi Briti
My first Submission 8th of May & reopened with correct and my Last submission on 5th of August but according the my case number & visa bulletin. My Interview must be Scheduled on November
still not Received Interview Letter.
any rejection will come ?
October 23, 2016 at 14:18
No. Patience.
October 24, 2016 at 11:47
thanks Britisimon
October 23, 2016 at 15:29
My case no 2017AF000004**
Submitted ds in June and unlock twice in September up to now interview letter for December I worried alot
October 23, 2016 at 18:51
That is normal. They have only processed DS260s submitted up to the first week or two in June.
October 23, 2016 at 15:34
I mean no 2nl letter for December
October 23, 2016 at 20:57
About intervene fee i will pay also my wife , What about my 3 kids ( 10 , 8 & 6 years old) also included.
thanks
October 23, 2016 at 23:01
The fee is per person.
October 24, 2016 at 11:56
What is next after iam interviewed. How long will i wait after interview? Thanks alot
October 24, 2016 at 14:17
They deliver the passport with visa in 1 to 2 weeks
October 24, 2016 at 15:25
Hi Brit
Will the KCC notify you if your DS260 has been rejected?
October 24, 2016 at 16:13
A DS260 is never rejected.
October 25, 2016 at 10:29
Hi brit
I have 2 questions
1)my case no is AF11*** and submited the DS260 end of July,is there a chance to receive the 2NL in November.
2)if the interview is scheduled in January,we shall be having a 2 months old baby,will we have to pay full interview amount for the kid and full medical report.
October 25, 2016 at 13:29
1. Probably not.
2. YEs.
October 25, 2016 at 18:07
MY CASE NUMBER IS 2017EU00029xxx .I WANT TO KNOW IF MY CASE NUMBER IS SAFE OR AMONG THE RIGHT CASES TO BE SCHEDULE FOR INTERVIEW.
October 25, 2016 at 18:47
Should be OK. Wait and see.
October 26, 2016 at 11:16
I’m winner of dv lottery 2017 and my case number is AF53** I have submited on 24 july. But when i was filling up my ds 260 i did a small mistake in the previous address the avenue is right but the country no, so should i unlock my ds 260 or i can correct it in the interview? But i will get the police clearance of the both country.
October 26, 2016 at 13:56
Correct it asap.
October 26, 2016 at 19:28
Brit i did not understand your answer…
October 26, 2016 at 22:08
unlock your ds 260
October 27, 2016 at 06:04
Thanks brit, a derivatives can also unlock ds 260? Or he should wait the main winner to do it for him?
October 27, 2016 at 16:27
The main winner requests the unlock and specifies which form to unlock.
October 28, 2016 at 12:15
HI BRITSIMON!!
THANK YOU FOR UR HELP
AGAIN I HAVE QUESTION
MY CASE NO IS 2017AF00005XXX AND I SUBMITTED MY DS-26O ON JULY 19,2016.I GOT THE PASSPORT AFTER I HAD SUBMITTED MY DS -260.
1,can i add the passport at the time of interview?
2,if i ask kcc to unlock my form and add passport does it has effect to delay my interview date?
3,wich one is better? 1 or 2?
i am waiting to hear from you!!
with best regards
October 28, 2016 at 14:01
1. Yes
2. Not normally
3. 1.
October 28, 2016 at 23:09
Hello Brit
my case num is 2017AF00009xxx i submitted the form DS260 23 may and make Unlock to make necessary change unluck time 19 june and submitted 20 june so Still i didnt receive my 2NL what happend to my 2NL.
THNK BRIT BRO !!
October 28, 2016 at 23:15
Which country are you charged to?
October 29, 2016 at 06:34
From Somalia
October 30, 2016 at 13:28
Hello, i would like to ask if my sponsor in usa is married, should his wife also apply the I-134 form? I also am married so how does they apply the I-134 form for both of us?
October 30, 2016 at 14:35
Unless your interview is at Tirana embassy, only one I-134 is needed In that case.
October 30, 2016 at 19:11
Hi mr simon
My CN is 2017AF00041xxx , please if you could estimate the period that i might be scheduled for an interview. I know u r tired of these questions. Its just that im still studying and i want to know so ican decide whether i study this coming spring or declare a semester off to be ready for the interview and gather documents. Thank you best regards
October 31, 2016 at 04:46
REad the article above. THat’s all you need to do.
October 30, 2016 at 23:02
Hello Brit
my case num is 2017AF00009xxx From Somalia i submitted the form DS260 23 may and make Unlock to make necessary change unluck time 19 june and submitted 20 june so Still i didnt receive my 2NL what happend to my 2NL.
Thanks.
October 31, 2016 at 04:41
Patience. Probably in 1 month.
October 31, 2016 at 10:29
Yeah Am Keeeping Patience bro Recieve call the Kcc said Check Back Nov 15 and also as they said my case almost finish Actober 15 so Am Afraid another delay
November 1, 2016 at 09:14
I’m a winner of dv 2017 while awaiting my, 2nl for interview can still play dv 2018 with my same family
November 1, 2016 at 18:13
Yes
November 1, 2016 at 09:44
Hi mr simon
I’m a winner of dv 2017, my case num is 2017AF000132xx from Egypt .
Still i didnt receive my 2NL ,my question is : Does the embassy send the second letter to the winner useing our E-mail only or conferming receving with SMS to our recording mobiles numbers.
thanks
November 1, 2016 at 18:13
Email.
November 2, 2016 at 13:22
HELLO BRIT
I wanna ask you if summit the interview location the previous location
For Example My Previous Location was KENYA so than and the Ds260 i submitted my current adress is MUSCUT
So which one they will send my interview appointment
November 2, 2016 at 14:49
Based on current address.
November 2, 2016 at 15:52
Once Thank You Brit have 2 questions
1.How many Weeks does it take Embassy Review Or Embassy Processing. ?
2. kCC Said ” Case Number Is Current and Allmost Completed the Processing ”
Once Thank You BritSimom ☺
November 2, 2016 at 16:06
What’s up Brit, is there any dealing for submission of ds 260? My case number is 2017AF6*** and I want to submit early January. Will that affect my case?
November 2, 2016 at 16:39
That is OK.