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.
November 2, 2016 at 16:11
Brit, If I submit that time, when do you think I will really my appointment letter?
November 2, 2016 at 16:27
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 ” What you Think Is going to be ?
Once Thank You BritSimom
November 2, 2016 at 16:38
1. KCC processed the DS260, not the embassy.
2. I don’t know.
November 4, 2016 at 05:11
Hellooo Brit
As we are waiting our 2NL to be send to us .by which means we gonna get them.
1) will they be send in the emails we use in fillx our Ds 260
Or its gonna replace the 1NL
Am confuse plsss kindly clear my doubt sir.
November 4, 2016 at 05:57
FAQ!!
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-does-the-2nl-look-like/
November 4, 2016 at 17:09
Hello,
I have submitted my ds-260 already.But I wrote in the adress “not known yet”. As this is the truth. Do I need to unlock the form or I can change it in the interview ?
Thanks 🙂
November 4, 2016 at 18:44
I would change it before, but you can change at the interview. You will need an address.
November 9, 2016 at 16:04
Hello Brit
Please I submitted my form in June but unlocked it late last month to do some corrections and submitted back on 2/11/2016
Will this affect the processing time of my form?
Case number is 344*
Thanks
November 10, 2016 at 12:46
Hello Brit,
1- what is the right time to get my bank statement from Bank which i want to use during my interview for example if my date of my interview is 22 /11/2016?
2-If i have two passports old(expired) and new passport ,should all take to my interview time?
3- Questions sometimes from consular if can ask, why have you applied diversity lottery visa or green card? which is the best answer to say?
4-If also ask, what are you going to do in America? which is the best answer?
5- Do normally consular call the people which we used for Address in America or where you going to stay know our relationship between them before we do an interview?
I will be verygreatful for your Answers.
Looking forward to hearing from you soon.
Thanks.
November 10, 2016 at 14:16
1. A week or two before the interview (and get 2 or 3 months of statements).
2. Just the active one UNLESS the expired one has been mentioned in the process.
3. Whatever is YOUR reason – not MY reason.
4. See 3.
5. They will sometimes ask about your relationship and if they did not believe you they might investigate further.
November 11, 2016 at 06:56
Thank you Brit for your reply.
1- Is it okay to my brother to deposit the 10k$ as a non refunded gifit the day iam going to get my Bank statement from Bank?
2- The documents iam going to take to embassy,should also include my C.V?
3-How many copies for each document should embassy require?
I will be very greatful to hear from you again.
Thank you.
November 11, 2016 at 07:25
1. That will obviously seem suspicious.
2. Not usually – but you can if you want.
3. One.
November 12, 2016 at 17:58
Thank you for your reply Brit,
1- If my brother is going to give me 10k$ as a gift ,what is the right time to deposit that money in my account and to be acompained his letter as a non refundable gift?
2- Or should i deposit that money in my name instead my brother? Please help me that iam confused?
3-if i want to use my work expericence and i worked in four compaines,should each company get all appointment letters or recommedations,or i just gather documents for one company which i filled as a primary job.
Hoping to hear from you again.
Thank you.
November 12, 2016 at 20:35
1. The sooner the better.
2. It needs to be your money.
3. or work experience you need to show at least 2 years worth of experience with letters, payslips and any other evidence. It MUST be at the right level, according to O*Net.
November 13, 2016 at 07:00
On my first entry form select some university course I’m a junior student,but not in this semester and have the following document. High diploma, letter of admission at the university of Liberia, my junior student ID card and my grade sheet and my planning sheet. Do I stall need letter from the Dean of my department
November 13, 2016 at 14:32
I would not have thought so – but it is up to you.
November 17, 2016 at 09:08
Hello Brit
my case number is 2017AF000035xxx From ethiopia i submitted the form DS260 15 Agust when is my interview appointment date please?
November 17, 2016 at 14:27
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
November 17, 2016 at 11:31
Hello Brits
i wanted to know,
1.do u think that logging in into the immigrant visa application anytime can delay my 2NL?
November 17, 2016 at 14:21
No.
November 18, 2016 at 14:43
Hello Brit
my case number is 2017AF00013286 From ُEgypt. i submitted the form DS 260 05 MAY when is my interview appointment date please?
November 18, 2016 at 14:53
Maybe February or March – watch the visa bulletin
November 18, 2016 at 22:07
hello Brit
on my frist dv entry form I wrote ” lm living now in Cairo ” by mistake , I was in dubai at that time , and now I am starting to submit ds260 ,should I correct it now or leave it and continue pretending I was in Cairo?
November 19, 2016 at 00:39
The DS260 should be honest and accurate.
November 20, 2016 at 18:54
ok thank you
I will write it accurately. is that affect my chance?
November 21, 2016 at 07:52
Hii
Is it normal that when I open the http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/ESC website I still get the same information when I first got selected?
That I have randomly been selected and I should follow the instruction carefully and must use form ds260.
Even though we submitted it about three months ago..
Does everyone get the same message? When It supposes to be change?
Thanks
Have a good day
November 21, 2016 at 15:59
Yes it’s normal. It changes when you are scheduled for interview.
November 24, 2016 at 13:33
hi im from ethiopia my case number 2017Af00025xxxx when was interview date please
November 24, 2016 at 15:45
I don’t know. The article above helps.
November 24, 2016 at 18:00
Hello brit
I would like to know to you regester for appointment day for an interview there is where they say:
Text Alerts Agree to the terms of service if you wish to receive text message alerts regarding events that affect your visa processing. Message and data rates may apply.
• I Agree to the CSRA SMS Terms of Service
1-Should i tick agree?
2- what is CSRA mean?
Waiting to hear from you soon.
Arthur.
November 24, 2016 at 18:09
1. Up to you!!!
2. Just the organization who run the website.
November 26, 2016 at 11:25
hello
dear brit
I AM FROM ETHIOPIA
brit in the first place i would like to tank you for giving nice info and advice for those needs
look Bri me and my families played the dv 2017 game we are selected by am name all 3kid and husband my questions is
1. can i add a cosponsor on my ds260 or it is better to demonstrate on the interview time the new sponsor?
2. me and my families we are totally 5 are a little bit treble we might be in danger in usa because of finance to support our kids and our-self so Do you have any information that the family based immigrant can get any kind of help?
3. as of i am an Ethiopian when they say for dv 2017..4500 applicant are selected from Ethiopia does this number includes my 3kid and my husband or only me?
4. how many CO will appear on the interview to ask and is there any special room for interview case or it will end on the windows and all my 3kids age of 5 year, 3 year and 2 year kids will be interviewed or not?
5. is the background check from ds260 includes all my families ?
November 26, 2016 at 16:04
1. At interview.
2. There is no “help” for new immigrants. That is why they expect you to have a sponsor. You will need help from a sponsor and to have some money to bring with you. Upon arrival you will need to find work quickly.
3. You are 5 of the 4500.
4. You take the kids with you, you are all interviewed together. The interview is very short.
5. Yes.
November 26, 2016 at 16:20
Hello Brit,
1-Does it affect registration for appointment day,if i dont tick that ” I Agree to the CSRA SMS Terms of Service”
3- Or its amust or a rule to tick “I Agree to the CSRA SMS Terms of Service”
2-There is where they ask to fill DS-260 number they say it starts with 0A…….,Is it the same number for confirmation of application for DS-260?
Waiting to hear from you again.
Thank you.
Arthur.
November 26, 2016 at 16:28
1. Good grief. Just tick it.
2. I imagine it is your case number.
November 26, 2016 at 17:33
Thank you for you quick reply,
1-They need to fill Case number ……………………..
2-And also Ds-260 number which starts with 0A…………………
November 27, 2016 at 20:26
dear Mr simon
i just red the selectee count of 2017 , i had no idea that they publish that it was shocked!!!!
MY CN is AF415xx .
please tell me if this case number is safe or not!,?
Best regards
November 27, 2016 at 20:34
It’s probably OK. Relax.
November 28, 2016 at 22:28
hi britsimon first of all i want to thank for your cooperation i have a serious problem wth my case i am one of the dv winners of 2017 and i made a mistake on my birth date on the first entrance because of this i submit my application very late on november i submit my ds 260 with the wrong date of birth that i got on my first entrance but all my decuments related to my correct birth date so to make correction what should i do plz i need your guide
November 28, 2016 at 23:43
You MUST unlock and correct your date of birth on the DS260.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
November 29, 2016 at 13:55
what do you mean unlock
November 29, 2016 at 15:48
The DS260 is locked once it is submitted. To make corrections you have to unlock.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
November 29, 2016 at 14:33
Helloo brit
I wish to ask if am notified for an interview with my appointment letter at hand.Do I still hav to notify my embassy b4 am interviewed or I just hav to attend my interview on the date of my appointment?
Help clarify my doubts sir.
Thks
November 29, 2016 at 15:49
Normally you simply attend the interview at the stated time. Some embassies contact you to obtain documents prior to the interview.
November 30, 2016 at 08:49
Can I unlock three times my Ds
November 30, 2016 at 15:05
Yes. Or 30 times.
December 1, 2016 at 19:27
Hello, i have a concern, My husband won the DV lottery and when filling the ds 260 he put that he stayed 5 months in stead of 3 months in de usa by mistake. Can he correct that error if he writes to KCC? or should he wait for the interview?
December 1, 2016 at 19:42
Wait for the interview.
December 1, 2016 at 19:45
We have not been schedule yet for an interviene, should i still wait or should i Unlock the ds 260?
December 1, 2016 at 19:57
Same answer.
December 4, 2016 at 16:43
Hi Brit tanx for the great work u doing for us on this page
Pls my case has been scheduled for interview in January and I went for my police report but unfortunately on my way home I left my birth certificate and passport in car but has not found it for a week so I applied for replacement birth certificate and passport
Pls should my new passport number change from the one on the DS260 will i be disqualified or I have to inform the embassy about the development
Tanx once again
December 4, 2016 at 20:54
That doesn’t meant automatic disqualification. If possible (i.e. if you are not already scheduled) unlock your DS260 and update the passport number. If that isn’t possible just take the new one to the interview and a copy documentation from when you reported the passport lost.
December 5, 2016 at 07:11
Ok
Tanx
Have been scheduled for interview in January
Then I will go with the copy documentation as u stated
Tanx again
December 5, 2016 at 13:50
hi brit my question till interview time doing the birth,marriage certificate stamp to for arguing correct
or will have probably expire shall have waiting till second notification come many thanks
December 5, 2016 at 14:40
I don’t understand your question.
December 7, 2016 at 17:14
hi brit i have one question which i confused that is first i submitted my ds 260 form on july 9/2016 and unlock it on november 9/2016 and submitted in november 24/2016 so if you tell me my 2NL message date and interview date i’m joyeful THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 7, 2016 at 17:37
So – the DS260 will probably be completed or almost completed by now. Now your interview date depends on your case number – and for that you can read the article above.
December 7, 2016 at 17:37
Hello Brit
my case number is 2017AF000132xx From ُEgypt. i submitted the form DS 260 05 MAY.
1- when is my interview appointment date please?
2- thank god , we received new born yesterday,SARA would you please advise me what am going to do with my application form after submitted ?
thanks
December 12, 2016 at 20:36
my name is Tamirat Andargachew Delelle my question is congratulations was receive on June but but I don’t know reality result selects or not please help thanks
December 12, 2016 at 23:51
I don’t understand your question.
December 14, 2016 at 20:50
hello Simon my case number is Af322xx from Ethiopia.I Submitted my Ds260 at 09Aug2016,when is the shedule. time? Thanks a Great
December 14, 2016 at 23:02
I don’t know when that number will be current.
December 15, 2016 at 18:16
hi Simon i have one question
1, i gave wrong birth date on my first entry if i submit ds-260 with my correct birth date what will be the result
2,to correct my birth date from the orginal entry what should i do
,
December 15, 2016 at 20:09
1. The result will be having a better chance of approval.
2. You can’t. You can only make sure the DS260 is accurate.
December 15, 2016 at 22:15
thank you very much
December 19, 2016 at 13:59
Hello brit.. i sent my ds260 on 24 september.. so when will my 2nls date come
December 19, 2016 at 15:18
If you are already current, your delayed submission means a few months waiting.
December 19, 2016 at 22:16
hy dear brit in the frist place I would like to thank you giving good info and advice for those needs my case number is 2017AF3225x from Ethiopia.I submitted my ds260 with wrong mounth that I got on my frist entrane but my correct decuments related to ds260.my question is
1,what shall I do pls?
2,when will my 2nls date come ?
3,Is the result good or bad?
December 19, 2016 at 23:57
I don’t understand the problem.
December 28, 2016 at 07:13
1. Just make sure that the information you enter on the DS-260 and document in your hand are the same. If not unlock and correct accordingly.
2. your will wait several month before you receive 2NL.
3. you will be fine.
December 20, 2016 at 01:47
Hi Brits I send unlock request to kcc but i didnt recieve any answer how do i know if it is unlocked should i wait a message from kcc pls i need your advice
December 20, 2016 at 05:47
It can take up to 2 weeks at busy times.
December 27, 2016 at 14:57
Hi Brit
Pls as I said in my last message to you that I lost my passport and now working on a replacement passport and my interview too is on the 3rd of January
The new passport is in the process and I realize I can’t make it to the interview on January 3 but have sent mail to the embassy several times and no automatic reply and response from the embassy, I have also sent printed letter through EMS to the embassy but still no response from them
Pls what other step should I take after all these efforts failed
Tanx
December 27, 2016 at 16:05
Attend the interview anyway, and then follow up with missing documentation.
December 27, 2016 at 17:15
Ok
Thanks
January 3, 2017 at 16:20
My sponsor in the u s a have little problem with her phone number she told me, and sent me her new phone number but on my ds form is the old number is this a problem for me
January 3, 2017 at 16:31
No
January 15, 2017 at 03:57
I’m a bit confused when it comes to my civics documents I’m Monrovia and have the following documents : West Africa examination certificate, high school diploma, university admission letter birth certificate, marriage certificate police clearance letter of recommendation from my working place, what more do I need before my interview please help me out.
January 15, 2017 at 04:19
https://britsimonsays.com/prepare-dv-lottery-interview-2/
December 27, 2016 at 18:49
Dear Simson.
When I submited my DS260 l was asked to sign a form regarding military service since I am under 22 years old. Unfortunately I lost the form and I don’t know how to download it? Would you please give me the link to download it?
Thanks very much for your time. Happy New year
December 27, 2016 at 19:52
https://www.sss.gov/
December 28, 2016 at 04:45
Thanks for your reply
I am so sorry. It seems to me the form I received during DS260 looked different. That form didn’t include much information. I am still confused.
Thanks for your time
December 28, 2016 at 06:53
The form isn’t important. Registering is what is important. Use the link I gave you, and get it done.
December 28, 2016 at 09:35
Do I have to register before my interview or I can register when I arrive USA?
THanks very much
December 28, 2016 at 15:50
In USA is OK.
December 28, 2016 at 16:25
hi brit i wish u happy new year then i m from Ethiopia probably i hope the second notification comes at April then up to that time is there possibleauthenticate the document early or some one said expire authenticate if you are early approved what does about this issue
December 28, 2016 at 17:59
I don’t understand the question.
December 29, 2016 at 07:12
why always said my question not understand
December 29, 2016 at 07:36
Because your English is not very good. Try and rephrase it.
December 29, 2016 at 22:59
In a visa bulletin always there is an exception for Ethiopia and Egypt. I am from Eritrea but my interview location is Ethiopia. Am I catagorized under Ethiopia or Africa for the interview?
December 29, 2016 at 23:08
Africa.
January 9, 2017 at 12:59
Dear Simson.
Exactly when the financial sponsor sends me Form 1040 & I-134 from USA .
Is it among my papers when the official Ambassador interview at the consulate or what?
thanks
January 9, 2017 at 14:25
You present those documents at the interview.
January 10, 2017 at 09:58
Hi Brit,I am married and have added my wife and child in the DS260.I have a new child on board.Do i have to fill a separate Ds260 for my wife my first and second child?
If so why do you have to fill separate ds260 for all your derivatives??
January 10, 2017 at 13:39
Each person that needs a GC needs their own DS260.
January 13, 2017 at 21:54
HI Brit
My case number in AF0005xxx and i submited my ds260 in 12/novembre its 2months now so should i be expecting an interview letter any day now giving that my case num was skipped ? or should i wait more ? Thanks
January 13, 2017 at 22:10
You will wait longer because of your late DS260 submission. Expect to wait at least 2 to 3 months more before getting your 2NL
January 14, 2017 at 20:06
hello Simon my case number is 2017EU129X .I Submitted my Ds60 at 29Aug2016,when is the shedule. time? Thanks a Great
January 14, 2017 at 22:48
Maybe March, possibly April
January 15, 2017 at 19:22
Hello Brit,
I resheduled my interview appointment on 22 Dec 2016 but i havent got any notification message up to now..
I would like to give me your advice,what should i do now?
Thank you,
Waiting to hear from you.
January 16, 2017 at 01:27
All you can do is wait.Sometimes rescheduling cause several months of delay, which is why I tell people to attend their appointment.
January 16, 2017 at 05:33
Hi britsimon
My husband and I lived in australia from Oct 2008 until ay 2009. Is it necessary to provide police record for that period?
January 16, 2017 at 05:45
What do the instructions say?
January 21, 2017 at 06:58
I don’t understand exactly.
It has mentioned for residents less than 12 months it is not necessary.
I would be grateful if you could guide me.
January 21, 2017 at 07:38
You have your answer.
January 17, 2017 at 18:01
Hello Brit,
As i told you yesterday that i resheduled my interview appointment on 22 Dec 2016 but i havent got any notification message up to now.when i contacted them, they said i reshedule again.
1- Resheduling again can it cause any problem?
January 17, 2017 at 18:41
Right now you don’t have an appointment – so you need to schedule it.
January 17, 2017 at 19:43
Hello Brit,
Thank you for your answer.
January 18, 2017 at 11:26
Hello Brit,
Today i tried to reschedule again but when i log into website and sign in my email address it gives me only the applicant summarry page with my last detalis which i rescheduled on December 20,2016.
1- Which way can i reschedule again because the applicant summary page with my details is only one appeared when i sign in my address?
Please advise.
Waiting to hear from you again.
January 18, 2017 at 15:08
CALL. THE. EMBASSY.
January 18, 2017 at 16:50
Hello Brit,
Thank you for your reply.
Iam using Nairobi Embassy,do you know any other link i can use for rescheduling appointment?
Thank you.
January 18, 2017 at 17:59
No. Telephone them.