We have many DV2018 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. Please use the links in the title at the top of this page for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the DV lottery guide. There is LOTS of information available on my site – so a look through the FAQ and guide will take care of most questions.
By the way. VERY IMPORTANT. You can ask questions on any blog post I write. If you have to ask me a series of questions – please NUMBER the questions to make my work easier.
First – two links to help those still not able to check their entry:
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/checking-esc-page-check-without-mistakes/
And for those that cannot submit their DS260
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
Is there a deadline to submit my DS260?
There is no official deadline to submit your DS260. People will continue to submit DS260s for DV2018 cases well into 2018. 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 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 2000 in OC region for example (where the highest case number will probably be around 24XX) 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. So “low or high” is relative within the region.
As it is very early in the year, I don’t currently know the highest case numbers in each region. Based on numbers I have seen the highest number in each region are at least these
AF 60XXX
EU 40XXX
AS 13XXX
SA 25XX
OC 26XX
So -= there is no need to ask me if your number is low or high. Compare your number to the highest numbers here – and apply some logical thinking.
Cases are called for interview in case number order, so a low number means the case could be interviewed earlier in the process *IF* the DS260 is processed.
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. 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).
UPDATE: After this article was first published the government published data on how many selectees there are across regions. That allowed me to do some analysis, and I published some thoughts (INCLUDING NUMBERS THAT ARE VERY SAFE!) here: DV2018 Selectee Numbers
When will interviews start and how will I be told of my interview date?
No DV2018 interviews will happen before October 2017. DV2018 interviews will continue until September 30th 2018. So stop packing your bags. It’s a long process. Interview scheduled are notified in month batches about 6 weeks before the interview month. The notification is called the 2NL.
When will KCC send the first 2NLs?
The first 2NLs (the interview notification) for DV2018 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 25, 2017 at 15:31
Any last minute interview tip, sir?
October 25, 2017 at 17:48
No – just prepare well.
October 26, 2017 at 04:58
How can I get the sponser’s documents ( I- 134 , IRS Transcript , PR card copy ) to my interview ? I mean can I get all these through the E-mail from the sponser and take print out to summit to my interview ??
Is it acceptable way ?
October 26, 2017 at 05:27
Mail is best
October 26, 2017 at 05:46
Oh thanks..
Did you mean post the documents through mail ?
Please I need clarification brit !
October 26, 2017 at 12:25
Yes that is what I meant.
October 26, 2017 at 21:59
Hey birt
I need to know that spelling error will make disqualify for example on my educational document my last name is wondemenh but on my dv form it Say’s wondemnhe
Tnx
October 26, 2017 at 22:24
Normally that would not cause denial.
October 27, 2017 at 19:05
Tnx brit,
But you mean there is no problem
October 29, 2017 at 12:13
Or shall I unlock my ds-260 tnx in advance
October 29, 2017 at 17:21
Hi BritSimon,
God richly bless you for your great assistance,
I will like to know if I need to provide my deceased parents Death Certificates when going for the interview ?
October 29, 2017 at 17:39
No
October 30, 2017 at 07:05
Hello Britt Simon. Hope you are doing good. Assuming you sent your ds form and you made a mistake and you want to unlock it but they have already sent you a 2nl.. will you be able to unlock it before you go for the interview..
October 30, 2017 at 12:58
No
November 1, 2017 at 13:43
Dear britsimon,
My spouse’s chest xray had scars, her report will come after 2 months, but our interview is in this 21st, can me and my child go in interview for our visas(me and my childs’) in 21st without my spouse?
November 1, 2017 at 13:45
I’m the principle applicant
November 1, 2017 at 16:19
You should all attend the interview (spouse too). Your spouse will be on AP until the medical is cleared. You and your child could be issued with a visa earlier – but you should wait for your spouse for the simplest option.
November 2, 2017 at 13:35
1. Will this effect our getting visa chance?
2. Can we not travel to US until her medical is cleared, if we receive visa?
November 2, 2017 at 19:27
1. Possibly.
2. Visas won’t be issued until until medicals are cleared.
November 3, 2017 at 05:14
We(me and my child) too will not get visas untll her medical is cleared, sir?
November 3, 2017 at 14:20
I already answered that!!!! You need to discuss that with the CO.
November 1, 2017 at 16:51
Good Morning, my name is Wanda, i am adjusting my status base on the dv 2018, i have done my finger print. I see the visa bulletin reads that 8600 from Africa are current, and my number is 2018AF00006673, does it means that visa is available for me? When can i expect to be interviewed? Thanks
November 1, 2017 at 17:27
Yes you are current BUT it is up to the FO when they schedule you. I can’t predict that.
November 2, 2017 at 01:12
can i write my present adress at the place of mailling adress in dv lottery entry form 2019 or i have to write permanent adress.
November 2, 2017 at 02:30
Present address.
November 2, 2017 at 12:24
hi britsmon,i am selected for dv lottery 2018 and my case scheduled for next week. submitting sponsorship document is optional or it has to be submitted with other documents?
November 2, 2017 at 12:31
It depends whether they ask for it or not. It is better to be over prepared at the interview.
November 3, 2017 at 06:15
Hi Simon,
I am a DV 2018 Selectee. After the attack in NYC trump has decided to end the program this year. Will the 2018 selectees get affected? Do i still stand a chance to get an interview since my number is AF25xxx.
kindly let me know your feedback on this. Appreciate your help as always.
Aqib
November 3, 2017 at 14:17
No impact.
November 3, 2017 at 19:41
Hi, I hope you’re fine.
please I would like to ask a question:
for the $ 330 maintenance fee
is it the same for children where there is a difference.
I mean a couple who will spend their interview on Monday 6/11 with 2 children adult expenses c the same for children or not?
Thank you for answering me.
November 3, 2017 at 20:12
The fee is the same for children and adults.
November 4, 2017 at 11:07
Hi Brit tanx for the wonderful job u r doing,may the good lord richly bless u,i am 2018 Dv winner and I won with my baby girl but the mother doesn’t support me going with the girl,but I hv intention to go and later come for her,here comes my qtn 1.Can this affect my visa.
2.how many years can I file for her to join me wen I enter the state
November 4, 2017 at 13:59
1. No
2. You could file anytime – but that won’t do any good if you don’t have legal custody.
November 4, 2017 at 16:15
hi
i submited my ds 260 form and i mentioned that i have document that show I have done my vaccination in accordance with US law . the probleme that i didn’t do them yet but i’m gonna to do it before the inteview that will be more likely in mai or june . Is this will cause a probleme the of interview because they may say that you don’t have the documenet the day of submition of ds 260 form thank’s
November 4, 2017 at 16:29
No problem.
November 4, 2017 at 16:40
Brit I was denied with B2 visa wen I was legally not separated but my wife was hvn two children be4 we gave one making three children, so wen I was filling the 160 form as at that time,i indicated that i was hvn three children but we legally separated be4 the 2018 initial entry that makes me indicated am on the form that am hvn only one child whom I won with.therefore my old records on the systems shows I was three children and the new one also shows am hvn one child and that is true and nothing by that and there is no fraud in it.qtn…….. What is my chance of getting the visa,can this create a denied for my case pls I need ur advice
November 4, 2017 at 20:12
If you have always told the truth, there is no problem.
November 5, 2017 at 06:29
Hi Brit,
For interview, should we create visa profile?
If yes, in Visa type which one we should choose? Is it “IV Address Registration”- DV1/DV2 ?
November 5, 2017 at 16:16
Some embassies ask you to create a profile. If so – follow their instructions.
November 5, 2017 at 07:25
Hi dear Brit.
My wife is Canadian citizen and I have PR and she is the applicant.
I applied for visitor visa and is still under AP.
1-When I get clearance for AP, for how long is valid and can officer use it for DV interview if it’s valid or he apples for new AP?
2-When I get my visitor visa, we want travel to US and stay there for 6 months, if our interview schedule for this time, can we change the location’s interview to inside of US or do we should back to Canada?
Thanks so much.
November 5, 2017 at 16:15
I only answer questions about DV lottery.
November 5, 2017 at 20:15
My question are about DV too.
simple:
1-If I have my AP clearance, can use for my DV interview?
2-If I’m in US do I should change my interview location to inside of US or back to original location?
November 6, 2017 at 00:23
1. No
2. Your choice.
November 5, 2017 at 21:19
Hi Dear Britsimon I have a question: I am DV2018 Winner from Somalia and planning to take interview at US EMBASSY IN ETHIOPIA so there is a quote saying that the US EMBASSY IN ETHIOPIA CAN’T VERIFY EDUCATIONAL OR WORK EXPERIENCE THAT OCCURED IN SOMALIA so it possible not to process my case to completion . Please clarify to me as I am confused thanks a lot Brit.
November 6, 2017 at 00:20
It means that people from Somalia have additional risk in the interview. You may decide it isonly worth proceeding IF you have another way to prove education (for instance, later degree in another country)
November 6, 2017 at 05:35
You are right but i Live in Hargeisa , Somaliland which is broke a way from Somalia but still not recognized where i studied my Bachelor in Engineering
November 6, 2017 at 14:01
So you have to decide whether to take the risk or not.
November 7, 2017 at 12:18
Dear Brit I’ve one question for you please ! My file schuceled 5 th December embassy to Ankara turkey in past I was live in another country less than 9 months so do I need Police report for it ? Because one guy who had interviewed said that ” they asking if you have live it abroad more than 6 months ” do you have any information about it ? Thanks !
November 7, 2017 at 13:29
You should read the dv selectee instructions. The link is in your 1NL.
November 8, 2017 at 14:18
Hie Btit
I am a DV 2018 Selected and my interviews was supposed to be on November 7 2027 so the consular sector reschedule my interviews and it will be on November 13 2017. so after the attack Trump wants to end the program. does this rescheduling my interviews refers to the ATTACK? Will the 2018 selects get affected? Do i still stand a chance to attend my interviews?
your help will be appreciated
November 8, 2017 at 14:36
https://britsimonsays.com/idiotic-comments-trump-dv-lottery/
November 9, 2017 at 11:10
Dear Brit I am a DV 2018 selectee from Ethiopia with case number 207XX. I have questions
1. While i was filling the DS-260 i filled the university degrees only but i did not add my high school details. will this be a problem? if so should i unlock and add my high school details?
November 9, 2017 at 13:58
Yes unlock and complete the form correctly.
November 9, 2017 at 11:20
Hello Simon my friend had an interview last Monday and they told her she is passed and they give her the yeleow card already .. after 3 days they called her to come to the embassy and the officer told her he couldn’t give her the visa .. I don’t know what’s there reason though if u can help her with your idea please
November 9, 2017 at 13:57
I have replied to your later post. The explanation is clear.
November 9, 2017 at 13:23
Dear Betelhem,
According to our records, Ms. Geleta was interviewed at U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa on November 1, 2017. The applicant’s previous application contains a false or incorrect statement(s), which would constitute a ground of ineligibility under INA 212(a)(6)(C). Ms. Geleta visa was refused under Section 212(a)(6)(c)(i) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, which prohibits the issuance of a visa to anyone who sought or obtained a visa or entry to the United States by fraud or willful misrepresentation of a material fact to a consular or immigration officer.
They texted her this but she said she don’t have any fake docments
November 9, 2017 at 13:49
The refusal is final. It relates to a PREVIOUS application – and a permanent ineligibility.
November 9, 2017 at 14:17
It means there is nothing to be changed how ever her document is real?
November 9, 2017 at 14:23
No appeal, no changing the decision. She lied or presented false documents on a previous application – so now she is finding there is a cost to lying. Hard lesson. Telling the truth is easier,
November 9, 2017 at 14:34
Dear britsimon, if i have taken a course, but couldn’t pass the course, should i include it in ds260?
November 9, 2017 at 14:37
If it was full time education, yes.
November 9, 2017 at 15:00
I hadnt passed a course, so i didn’t mentioned it in ds260 though it was full time education, so should i not bring that course’s certificate in my interview??
November 9, 2017 at 15:05
It ios just a matter of explaining what you were doing at that time.
November 9, 2017 at 15:13
So should i bring, sir?
November 9, 2017 at 15:47
If you want. Really – you can decide what to do!
November 9, 2017 at 14:38
If she lied something why did they give her the yellow card first then they delied her what am confused is that why didn’t they tell her at the first interview ?
November 9, 2017 at 14:49
After interviews there is a process for a second check of the cases seen each day. Obviously the issue came up during that check.
November 9, 2017 at 14:56
Okay simon thanks a lot and btw when is gonna be released for January??
November 9, 2017 at 14:58
By the 15th, same as every month…
November 9, 2017 at 15:17
Hello Brit,
I just realized about an important issue and got extremely worried about that
My wife is a winner of DV2018 and obviously she is the main applicant, so my question is, last year a friend of mine applied dv2018 on behalf of me, it was a single application since I was not maried at that time, so in the ”city of birth” field he wrote Tajikistan as I’m a Tajikistan citizen and live here since my childhood but my birth place is Afghanistan not Tajikistan. But now my wife got selected and we completed the DS260 and sent in July and now waiting for the interview to be scheduled.
So, is it going to make me/us trouble for the visa?
November 9, 2017 at 15:47
No
November 9, 2017 at 17:48
Thank You so much Brit, so the mistake in my ”birth city/country” from my own single application is not a big deal in our case?
Is it because my wife is a main applicant right?
November 9, 2017 at 18:03
Correct
November 10, 2017 at 08:17
Hi brit I requested kcc to unlock my ds-260 but kcc replied “This email is Sensitive but Unclassified based on the definitions provided in 12 FAM 540” and they told me not to reply.
1. Brit what does kcc telling me?
2. will they unlock my ds-260? or should i request again?
November 10, 2017 at 14:25
1. Nothing – it is a standard automated reply.
2. Wait. When they have unlocked they will email again.
November 10, 2017 at 10:21
Hi Brit , thanks for your great efforts. My wife is a winner of Dv 2018 her case Number AF 22xxx her full name is Wafa Salim Ahmed Hamid but in enterance form she wrote her name like this
Last name: Hamid
First Name: Wafa
Middle name : Salim
She did not write Ahmed in the middle name. Could this issue make her unqualified in the interview. Pls. Advice
November 10, 2017 at 14:21
It should be OK if she enters the name correctly on the DS260
November 10, 2017 at 15:46
Many thanks for your quick reply.
November 10, 2017 at 13:11
Hi Brit
Do Visa Bulletins’ release on weekends? or only on week days?
Thanks Brother
November 10, 2017 at 14:16
Weekdays only
November 10, 2017 at 21:13
Hi
What if somebody missed their interview
Can this be fixed ??
November 10, 2017 at 22:55
Yes, you contact the embassy and ask them to reschedule. It will cause delay.
November 11, 2017 at 05:10
Do we have to give reasons for missing the interview
How long does the delay usually be
Thanks in advance
November 11, 2017 at 05:34
the delay varies – there is no “usually”. They may ask reasons.
November 11, 2017 at 17:53
Hi outside Dubai need to get police repost for dv
November 11, 2017 at 20:08
Read the instructions you were given in the 1NL.
November 13, 2017 at 12:11
Hi Sir,
SHALL WE EXPECT the Visa bulletin for,z first month of the new year,2018 interviews, TODAY(Nov 13)?
Regards,
November 13, 2017 at 15:14
Possibly – but certainly by the 15th.
November 13, 2017 at 15:05
Hi Brit my sis was selected for the dv 2028.case number is 2018AF5144x.she played when she was in a relationship and got married in April so when she was selected, to avoid complications she agreed with her husband and completed her ds260 without changing her statues.
1, is her case number dangerous.?
2, will her statues maintainance cause her problem ?
3, if she is scheduled should she takes her married certificate with her?
November 13, 2017 at 15:32
The first rule is DO NOT LIE. Saying she is single in the DS260 is a lie – and MUST be corrected.
November 13, 2017 at 15:44
OK so her chances are limited to get the visa.?or can she take her credential including her wedding pics so that she can proof her self.
November 13, 2017 at 16:30
I already told you. Lying creates problems. She has time to fix it, so she should do as I said.
November 13, 2017 at 15:47
Is her case number safe ? I mean af51xxx
November 13, 2017 at 16:30
I can’t say it is safe.
November 13, 2017 at 17:01
Hallo brit am a dv 2018,i wrote an email to kcc to unlock our DS260,i forgot and wrote My Ds260 instead of our ds260 with my spouse,now kcc today opened my ds260,can i write another email to open my spouse`s ds260 separetly or I include both of us in the details?
November 13, 2017 at 20:46
Make it very clear what forms you want opened. You can write a second email if needed.
November 13, 2017 at 18:08
I feel like If KCC is delaying with DV bulletine for january and possibly might release it on 15th, altough last day, could you shed some light, Is it possible that they might work harder and release bigger number than previous months, like 9 000 for EU ? ?
November 13, 2017 at 20:46
8200
November 13, 2017 at 19:25
Brit , please let everybody know that the visa bulletin is out for January
November 13, 2017 at 19:36
AFRICA 13,000 Except:
Egypt: 8,300
Ethiopia: 9,200
November 13, 2017 at 20:51
Good idea! 🙂
November 14, 2017 at 10:01
Hi Brit,
I submitted my online application on June 6, and my CN is 2018AF000223xx. In which month is it likely for me to attend interview?
November 15, 2017 at 17:17
Wait and see
November 14, 2017 at 14:14
Hi Brit
Good Day
As you know that visa bulletin has been issued for Jan 2018. My wife is a winner of Dv 2018 under case number AF22XXX. Assume we got the interview on May 2018 to be done in our home country. Can we request the consulate office there to pospond the interview date untill 30th of Jun 2018 due to the following reasons:
1. Our KIDs exam will be scheduled in May 2018 till 15th Jun 2018 in our country of residence not home country.
2. Our residence visa(s) will be expired on 30th of June 2018.
3.Can we lost our chance If we reqested to pospond our interview.
We need your advie
November 15, 2017 at 17:35
You can ask to postpone, but you will be creating a risk for your case. It is up to you.
November 15, 2017 at 01:27
Noza we had interview and we havd offical all nut we didnt celenration wedding as my grandfather was ďead now they asked us for document I asked which document they said we dont know .what we should do
November 15, 2017 at 18:47
They are trying to prove your marriage is real – so think about that.
November 15, 2017 at 05:30
I am selected for 2018 dv lottery program my case nbr is AS11XXX approximately
when will I have an interview?
November 15, 2017 at 19:06
Wait and see.
November 15, 2017 at 11:57
Hi simon,
I have a question that if we get interviewed and in the interview change the city that we had selected in the dv document or dv260 or anything it is called?
Like if i had selected calfronia and change it to virgina?
November 15, 2017 at 19:30
No problem.
November 15, 2017 at 14:23
I am Smalian in South Africa and i was appointed at the empassy on Dec. 2017
And then i called the USA empassy in South Africa to let me know requirement letter but the telephone wasnot get through. ok let me what to do now or may i have other way to connect the empassy?
Look forward Kind help thanks.
November 15, 2017 at 23:17
I don’t have any special means of contacting each embassy.
November 15, 2017 at 14:41
HI I HAVE SELECTED TO DV 2018 MY CASE NO2018AF0001917 WHEN SHOULD INTERVIEW SORRY
November 15, 2017 at 23:16
Wait and see
November 16, 2017 at 11:47
hallo brit,kcc unlocked our ds 260s with my spouse,now when I was creating my ds260 for my son,there were errors in the system I found two ds 260 forms which tells me start now.what can I do sir ?
1.can I fill one and ignore the second ?
2.what will happen when the second I left hanging?tnx a lot sir brit
November 16, 2017 at 14:19
1. Yes
2. No problem
November 16, 2017 at 11:53
Dear Simon,
Thank you for your kind assistance. I have noticed that my passport expires in 01.2019 and I expect to have an interview around May 2018. This Passport number is submitted in the DS-260 of me and my family. In case I issue a new passport in the meanwhile, should I ask for unlocking of all DS-260 forms we have already submitted.
Kind regards,
Mila
November 16, 2017 at 14:18
You can take old and new to the interview.