****UPDATE – please read to the end to see who is affected****
So – in the last week to two weeks people from EU and AF (and some signs of OC region selectees receiving the same warning). regions are starting to receive notices as shown below. The notice is being sent to people who had interviews prior to the present month, and were placed on AP for any reason.
“The Congressionally-mandated Diversity Immigrant Visa Program makes available up to 55,000 diversity visas (DV) each year, drawn from random selection among all entries, to persons who meet strict eligibility requirements from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
The Department of State in Washington informed U.S. consular sections worldwide to halt processing DV cases whose initialappointment was scheduled prior to July 2018 .
We regret at this moment we are unable to continue processing of your DV 2018 application, however in September 2018 please check the visa bulletin(https://travel.state.gov/contel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html) for information regarding DV visa number availability. Visa application and associated fees cannot be refunded. In September 2018 we will review all DV 2018 case files and return passports and original civil documents through the courier service.
Selectees for DV 2018 who did not receive a visa may enroll again for the DV 2020 program in the fall of 2018.
Regards,
Immigrant Visa Unit
U.S. Embassy London”
The explanation is this.
First, we need to understand how visas are allocated – so I am going to describe a hypothetical situation. When KCC schedule cases for interview (CP not AOS), they pre-allocate a visa for each person on the case. So – a family of 5 would have 5 visas allocated. If an embassy had 4 interviews scheduled with a total headcount of (for example) 20, they would have 20 visas to account for. During the month, let’s say they approve two cases, place one case on AP and refuse one case.
10 visas of the 20 are approved, 5 are refused and 5 on AP. At the end of that month, the embassy must send back the unused visas, so that they “account for” all 20 visas allocated – 10 approved, 10 returned to KCC. If another case from a previous month was cleared on AP for a family of 3, the embassy might use 3 of the 10 visas to be returned, and return the remaining 7 OR they might return the 10 visas and ask KCC to reallocate 3 visas to the clearing AP family of 3. That reallocation process takes time, and involves communication between KCC and the embassy.
So – now we understand how that works, we can understand how the message above might happen.
Let’s take AF region to start with.
KCC (with the Visa Office) scheduled nearly 2200 interviews for August – those interviews haven’t started yet. From Xarthisius’ CEAC data we can see that 13500 visas were issued up to July 19th – it will be higher by now, but we need people to scrape the data to know the numbers. But in any case – take the 13500, or call it 14000, and add the AF scheduled interviews for August – that would be around 19000. Assume they have another 4000 people scheduled in September (1800 – 2000 cases), and we would seem to be at the quota. However, of the 5000 people scheduled in August, there will be no shows, refusals and AP cases. Those allocated visas will be returned to the pool at the end of August, so there is a chance for people to get visas allocated in September (from August interviews) or in August (from July interviews).
Even with all that, I think there will be a shortfall under the quota in AF region. Therefore, AF selectees told they have to wait for a visa to become available may have a decent chance of getting a visa.
KCC are acting like visas will run out because they have to assume all people interviewed will be approved. That won’t happen, so there will be a shortfall in the end in AF region. The question is whether they have time to re-allocate the visas. The unused visas from August interviews can be reallocated by KCC, but the September unused visas can only be used by the embassy for its own cases from previous months.
EU has a similar story – but the numbers are tighter. Therefore it is much more likely in EU region that cases will miss out. NOT cases scheduled already for August and September, but cases clearing AP, and perhaps cases on adjustment of status. Cases that enter AP during August could be impacted if the AP continues to September. Cases that enter AP in September are unaffected because their cases would time out anyway if not completed by September 30.
Cases on adjustment of status are similar to AP, in that they don’t have an allocated visa. So – AOS cases are also at risk.
The same might happen in other regions too (with the exception of Asia, I believe) but I don’t know for sure. Overall, the number of visas issued globally will not reach the 50,000 level. But because processing was so slow this year, there are too many interviews that have been left until too late in the year. I will write another article explaining why the processing has been so slow this year.
PLEASE. Before you ask for explanations about your region, please read the example about AF region. The same concept applies to all regions. FURTHERMORE, do not ask me about XXXX country. This is not at the country level, this is about regional quotas.
About the CEAC data. This data gives us important understanding of the process, and the remaining visas. Not enough people are doing the scraping, so we have not had an update for a while. Please go to The scraping site and give some of your time to scrape the numbers.
https://dvcharts.xarthisius.xyz/login.html
Who is affected?
- Cases from AS region should not be affected since their region is not going to reach the quota. So – exclude AS region from the following comments.
- Cases scheduled for August CP interviews are not affected if their case is approved by the end of August.
- Cases scheduled for September interviews are not affected at all, because their cases cannot continue processing after September anyway.
- Cases that are already in AP from any previous month up to and including July are affected.
- Cases still going through the AOS process are affected
Questions I am being asked:
Q: Does this mean it is over for cases affected?
A: NO! There is a risk to the affected cases, but that does not mean ALL the affected cases will not get visas. Some will. Some won’t. I cannot tell you about *your* case. YOu have to wait and see.
Q: Can any DV2018 case be approved after September 30th?
A: NO – under no circumstances.
Q: Why is there a difference for different regions?
A: Each region has its own quota.
AF is NOT near it’s quota, but KCC are “assuming” all scheduled cases will be approved. There are nearly 10000 people scheduled in August and September. THOUSANDS of those 10000 won’t be approved – hence there will be a shortfall. The unused visas from August will be returned to KCC at the end of August, and re-allocated in September – but we don’t know whether there will be enough of those to satisfy all remaining cases by then. Same thing will happen with unused visas from July interviews – but there are a LOT less of those because fewer cases were scheduled in July.
EU is very near it’s quota already, and and there are not many interviews scheduled. Success rate in EU is higher than AF, so the quota will be met.
AS is nowhere near its quota and has few interviews scheduled, so quota should NOT be a problem for AS. The visas are only allocated to AOS cases at the end of the process (drawn down from a system called IVAMS), and I am assuming (hoping) that the system is smart enough to be able to see the numbers available by region.
OC and SA are near the quota and have enough cases scheduled to reach or nearly reach the quota.
July 30, 2018 at 22:28
I think this has been the craziest DV year, in the history of GC
July 30, 2018 at 22:44
There’s any effect on Interviews in September for Egypt or AF
July 30, 2018 at 22:50
Read the article.
July 30, 2018 at 22:49
The Co who interview my sis told her that might be the visa will be end at the end of july . I think she was right. Iraq
July 30, 2018 at 22:55
I think Asia region has more visa because the travel ban. Does this affect Asia?
July 31, 2018 at 00:25
No. Asia will not be affected.
July 31, 2018 at 00:29
Asia people who process in AOS will not be affected?
July 31, 2018 at 03:37
My guess is no.
July 30, 2018 at 22:58
Hi brit, will this affect cases that are already sheduled for September in AF region ?
July 31, 2018 at 00:26
Please read the article.
July 30, 2018 at 23:04
Hi brit. Will this affect cases that are already scheduled for August interview please for a response
July 31, 2018 at 00:26
Please read the article.
July 30, 2018 at 23:13
I don’t understand I am in risk again?
July 30, 2018 at 23:14
SA
July 30, 2018 at 23:31
AS
July 31, 2018 at 00:09
SA south america
AS Asia
July 31, 2018 at 00:26
Only if you are in AP.
July 30, 2018 at 23:23
Hi Brit,
Could you tell me how this is going to affect DV AOSers? You said that for CP Cases, the visas are pre-allocated, which is nice. What about those doing AOS? How does it work for them, if there are no pre-allocated Visas?
My wife and I had an interview earlier (we’re doing AOS) and was told by the Interviewer to check in September if we have Visas available and he asked if I could ask my employer to sponsor GC for me as well since there’s no guarantee I’d get a visa. I’m AS00005XXX. I initially didn’t know what this meant and naively told the Interviewer that my number became current back in May so technically I should have Visas available immediately. After researching this further, now I think I get what the Interviewer meant by that – maybe Visas for AS Regions are running out too? I hope this is not the case. But again, since I’m doing AOS, I don’t know what this really means for me since as you said, there are no pre-allocated Visas for those doing AOS.
Thanks!
July 31, 2018 at 00:28
Visa have not and will not run out for AS region. The travel ban has made certain of that. You should schedule an infopass and explain that the the FO – who is probably reading the memo they have been sent without checking their visa allocation system.
July 31, 2018 at 00:36
Hi Brit,
Thanks, that certainly helped me breathe again… I have scheduled an InfoPass for next Monday and will ask the USCIS officer to look into this further again. And if my guess is correct, when you said “the travel ban has made certain of that”, were you saying that since a couple of Asian Countries are affected by the travel ban, the other Asian countries that are not banned now get a higher chance of getting a GC(s)?
Thanks!
July 31, 2018 at 00:39
The quota for AS for the year was 8500. There is no way for AS to get more than 5500 or 6000 at most, because Iranians, and Yemenis cannot proceed.
July 31, 2018 at 00:43
Hi Brit,
Do you mind clarifying one more time – you said “there’s no way for AS to get more than 5500 or 6000 at most”? I thought you earlier said Visas will not run out for AS, meaning, those even with numbers higher than 5500/6000 (and up to 8500 as you said earlier) should still be able to get their GCs?
Thanks!
July 31, 2018 at 01:41
It’s nothing to do with case numbers. It’s about visas approved.
July 31, 2018 at 03:46
By the way, at the infopass, you may have to be a little persistent, but polite. IOs don’t like knowing less than you do, but frankly, they are not experts on DV cases. The system they check for visa availability is called IVAMS. So – ask the IO to IGNORE the memo, and simply take a look in IVAMS. If you are otherwise approvable, that should not be a problem.
July 31, 2018 at 03:57
Thanks so much, Simon!
So you’re saying that IVAMS even knows about DV AOS’ Visa Availability?
That’s a really cool system!
I’ll mention about the IVAMS definitely. Thank you!
July 31, 2018 at 04:13
I believe so. And the system should force them to select the region.
July 31, 2018 at 15:54
Hi Simon,
Could you shed some lights on how Visa Allocation works for AOSers? I know that CPers get pre-allocated Visas, but that raises a question on how Visa Allocation works exactly for AOSers?
And also, if Visas for a particular region have been exhaused/pre-allocated to CPers let’s say, then will AOSers only get Visas from those CPers who, for example, fail to attend the Interview, get denied etc.?
If this has been answered or discussed somewhere, or if you’ve ever written an article about this, could you point me to the post/article?
Thanks a lot again!
July 31, 2018 at 16:01
I have kind of explained to you already. The IVAMS system controls the visa allocation for US based cases. AOSers go through the whole process, background checks, biometrics interview, and right at the very end the IO is happy to approve the case. At that point they check IVAMS to “draw down” a visa (or visas). At that point they know whether there is a visa or not.
My point to you was that the IO is ready a memo that talks about halting allocation, and he/she won’t understand that is actually region specific. My *hope* is that IVAMS knows it is region specific.
July 31, 2018 at 16:04
Cool, thanks a lot again, Simon. Sorry, my brain’s slow when it comes to processing all of these I guess, but you cleared it up for me so thanks again!
I’m preparing myself for the InfoPass Appointment and your insights have been invaluable.
July 31, 2018 at 21:11
Hi Simon,
Not sure how familiar you are with this, but I guess it doesn’t hurt to ask:
In what scenarios/situations is asking for help from the State Senators helpful? Do you know what would be the typical turn-around time if we send an an email asking for assistance from the State Senator(s)?
I’m not thinking of using this option right now, but if/when I become desperate enough, it seems like a good last resort.
In Mom’s Guide, there’s something that says, about AOS: “Access to others for help in making inquiries about your case – e.g. congressman/woman’s office”
Thanks!
July 31, 2018 at 21:40
In your case, no – I don’t think that would help. But your call.
July 31, 2018 at 22:11
Got it.
I found my IO on FB an his settings allow anyone to message/add him.
I’m going to do a coin toss tonight. Head = go for it, YOLO. Tail = nahhh.
JK. I’m still sane.
July 31, 2018 at 22:46
LOL
August 6, 2018 at 14:34
Hi Simon,
I had my InfoPass this morning and was told that what was holding my case back was the outdated I-693. My Spouse and I were interviewed on July 30th, and earlier the Officer told me that an RFE was mailed on July 31st. But we haven’t received it though even though it’s been almost a week.
Anyway, we brought the New/Latest I-693s and gave them to the InfoPass Officer who then passed them to the IO. I was told that the IO would review everything again (after receiving the new I-693s) and that he’s aware of the Sept. 30 deadline. I had specifically mentioned of the strict Sept. 30 deadline multiple times to the InfoPass Officer and so he asked the IO about this for us. The InfoPass Officer we met was very helpful.
I brought up about IVAMS but with the new I-693s just being submitted today, those need to be reviewed again first.
I have another InfoPass scheduled for next Monday, just in case.
Thanks!
August 6, 2018 at 17:40
OK. The visa availability is a MUCH bigger deal than the I-693.
July 30, 2018 at 23:25
I had the interview on July.17th , this for.sure will affect me , because I am on AP but CO told me.that my visa approved and i will receive it 2weeks ,
July 31, 2018 at 00:29
If you AP crosses from July to August, you will be affected.
July 30, 2018 at 23:42
Thanks for the info Brit ..
What about cases scheduled in September that goes to AP?
July 31, 2018 at 00:31
Those cases are scheduled – so they have a visa available to them – but cannot continue after September 30th. On that date everything stops.
July 31, 2018 at 08:05
Yea, but how long my case can be in AP? After what time they will relocate my visa and send back to KCC? My interview is sept. 19th. If (I hope) CO says that my visa is approved, as I know from this forum, it needs some time to go thru the system and change to ISSUED.
July 31, 2018 at 13:59
You must prepare well to avoid AP. You must be approved by Sept 30th or your chance is gone.
July 30, 2018 at 23:56
Hi Simon
In your post it says please to check visa bulletin in September 2018 does this means they will change the final cut off number for DV 2018.
July 31, 2018 at 00:31
No.
July 30, 2018 at 23:58
Dear, Simon I read U Article I thought that related to AP cases not all cases and this is logic as every year that AP cases when cleared then take from the next months visa but I want to ask
1- Which effect on cases sceduled in september for interview ?
2- Are u Thought that there are not visas for september for Egypt ? espicially cote for Egypt 3500 but till end of June just 2626 Issued for Egypt
July 31, 2018 at 00:32
1. Those cases scheduled in September have visas allocated to them.
2. I have never predicted a number for Egypt, but slower processing has lowered their approved cases.
July 31, 2018 at 00:31
Will this affect AOS cases from Asia?
July 31, 2018 at 00:52
Brit has said it’s not gonna affect Asia.
July 31, 2018 at 00:40
does it affect people have newly cleared ap in eu region
July 31, 2018 at 01:39
Yes
July 31, 2018 at 01:08
Hi Brit , we had interview on July 17th and medical report will be ready may be on august 8th, but we went hospital since June 21. We will be affected too?
July 31, 2018 at 01:09
hi Brit
How about those who are in AP for several months. I they are not affected Can they get visa re allocation.
Thank you
July 31, 2018 at 01:18
What are the potential effects for those who have interview in August but go to AP?
July 31, 2018 at 01:36
That is obviously risky.
July 31, 2018 at 01:24
My initial appointment was on March (got the visa) but married on June and have my visa canceled. Now have an appointment scheduled on 10th of August. Am I affected?
July 31, 2018 at 01:37
If yours is a DV case, yes.
July 31, 2018 at 01:40
So, being ready in the ceac system does not mean it is safe huh? I had a hope that rescheduled interview had me a visa assigned. EU region btw
July 31, 2018 at 02:09
Sent an email to the Ankara Embassy to confirm
İf my appointment is still on. Do you know for sure that İ am not getting a visa? I am neither in ap nor aos. Just had my visa canceled without prejudice to open my case and add my wife.
July 31, 2018 at 02:27
I don’t know. Deliberately canceling your visa was very unwise, frankly.
July 31, 2018 at 01:42
A friend of mine is schedule for an interview for mid Sept. in AF region. How does this apply to him Sir? Does he have to for approval to continue?
July 31, 2018 at 02:30
No it does not affect him. That should be clear from the article.
July 31, 2018 at 01:57
Slt brit I read your post and I would like to know if there is no more hope of having the visa for me who has been in AP since May … My passport and my documents will be given to me without a visa ? AF area
July 31, 2018 at 02:31
PLease read the article properly.
July 31, 2018 at 01:58
Can IO interviewing AOSers turn away applicants like consulates are doing it? If visas are pre-allocated, why are those people receiving those letters? They don’t follow the visa bulletin? I mean if USCIS IOs have to check with KCC before issuing the visa, wouldn’t be the same process and AOSers asked to wait as well?
July 31, 2018 at 02:32
AOS cases are now being told they might have to wait. Last year in early September, AOS cases were completed, but there were no visas left for them.
July 31, 2018 at 03:42
Everyone has to wait? Even from Asia? Why is that happening? Change of policy? Are there visas left now?
July 31, 2018 at 03:51
Not a change of policy. I explained why in the article. As you have already read, AS should not be affected.
July 31, 2018 at 04:03
So why they are being asked to wait if AS not affected?
July 31, 2018 at 04:13
Are you reading the article and my replies to other people at all?
July 31, 2018 at 04:48
you said “AOS cases are now being told they might have to wait” so why for AS if not affected?
Thank you.
July 31, 2018 at 04:49
Please read my other replies on this article.
July 31, 2018 at 06:53
Are AOS treated as AP since CP visas are allocated beforehand?
July 31, 2018 at 13:57
You know the answer. Please read before you ask questions.
July 31, 2018 at 02:10
somoeone to help guys because I do not understand this post at all. I had the interview on July 10 and my case is AF26. I am under Administartive processing. Does this mean I will not get a visa. Someone to expalin . I do not understand this post. I filled out DS 5535 and I send it on July 13
July 31, 2018 at 02:33
It means you might be at risk, yes.
July 31, 2018 at 03:52
what about people who had been in AP since October and November ? thanks
July 31, 2018 at 03:54
This obviously impacts them.
July 31, 2018 at 02:29
Hi Simon,Thank you for this new information.My question will be different.We are 3 in the family with the case nbr EU238XX and we 3 are scheduled for an interview in Turkey for September. As I did the registration for the interview date and courier,I could only do it for my self.As I called the embassy,the lady said I should wait for the 2nls of the rest of family members,they are still not ready for registration.As I asked how that possible is with only one given email adress and a child with 7, she wasn’t so sure anymore.So, is it one registration for one family, or registrations should be made seperatly to every person in the family???
July 31, 2018 at 02:34
One for a family I believe.
July 31, 2018 at 13:48
When you registered yourself for an interview you had an option to add a person. At the end you are able to print the page with everyone registered and all info about interview. I called consular office in my country to check for something else, and they were able to see all persons that I registered.
July 31, 2018 at 02:38
Hi Brit,
I am from AF region and did interview in Australia in June and my status is still AP, but yesterday I received an email from embassy saying that they will be giving us visa but they are requesting visa number next month. does this mean that I am at risky?
Thx
July 31, 2018 at 02:54
Yes.
July 31, 2018 at 04:55
I thought that there was also some AF countries that was affected by this travel ban. again why does the embassy tells you that you will be getting visa since they already know about this announcement?
July 31, 2018 at 05:02
Yes a few countries are affected in AF region, but the overall percentage of affected selectees is FAR higher in AS.
As for what the embassy said – they are not in control of what happens – so if they can’t get you a visa, they won’t be able to do anything about it. However, it does depend whether that embassy has other cases being refused in the month – as I explained in the article.
July 31, 2018 at 03:10
How do you explain that I had an update on July 25 and I am under administrative processing while the scary email which says they have stopped processing cases prior July was sent in on July 19. So if it was sent on july 19 and they still look at cases and update them this means that somehing is not ok with the info. This not personal at all. I might be confused and I am just asking. How do you explain updates after July 19 to cases under administartive processing. Someone got the scary email in July 19 and published it in VsaJourney.
July 31, 2018 at 03:52
I think you are confused. I did not say AP would stop processing – this is about visa issuance after AP has cleared.
July 31, 2018 at 03:29
Hi.please for the category DV 2018 , visas refusal cases, will ne redistributed for thé following cases even it superior AT 39500 , zone Africa? Thanks
July 31, 2018 at 03:53
No – 39500 and above will not get visas.
July 31, 2018 at 05:24
OMG, This DV thing was a real nightmare.I finally understood that selection does not mean anything it all depends on the case numbers.
Thanks Simon for your answers.
July 31, 2018 at 08:38
Same! When i was selected i thought i wongreen card
July 31, 2018 at 05:28
Hi Brit my case number 31000 for EU. Have I chance to be shadualed
July 31, 2018 at 05:51
No, the final VB has been released and your number didn’t make it.
July 31, 2018 at 06:17
Hi Simon. I really appreciate what you are doing here 🙂 My question is directed at two different interpretations of the same line of text. The sample letter contains a reference – “…whose initial appointment was scheduled prior to July 2018”. As the NVC *schedules* interviews 6 weeks ahead of a case going current, does this notice imply that cases that went current in June 2018 and received the 2NL in June 2018 (with an interview date for August 2018) are at rink of being affected? In other words, does the expression “whose initial appointment was scheduled” refer to the moment a 2NL with the scheduled interview date (i.e. June), or the actual interview date itself (i.e. August)? Pardon my insecurity, but my family’s case, 2018OC12XX, is up for interviewing in about two weeks from today.
July 31, 2018 at 06:25
As the article explained, cases scheduled for interview have visas allocated to them. This is only a problem for cases that go into (or are in) AP.
July 31, 2018 at 06:28
Thanks for the clarification, Simon. Best regards.
July 31, 2018 at 06:19
Hi! We had AP from Jan going on, recently it was aver. Now we have to go to medical evaluation again (since results are expired) and bring medical results and passport to the embassy when medical is ready. It’s supposed to be mid of August. Are we in danger? Europe region
July 31, 2018 at 06:24
Yes
July 31, 2018 at 06:37
Sorry, just re-read my message, want to be clear. The AP was OVER recently. And it’s still danger for us, right? Are there still any chances or not really?
July 31, 2018 at 13:56
Still risky.
July 31, 2018 at 12:48
Dear simon My case is in additional administrative processing since the October 2017 . Although my case very clear! Is it hopeless I am from Iraq
July 31, 2018 at 14:20
Well, obviously you are at risk.
July 31, 2018 at 14:11
Hi Olga, we have similar case to yours! However, we are still under AP. Could you please confirm when did you get info about your AP is over before of after “visas running out” letter?
July 31, 2018 at 06:33
I am from eu my interview is on 6 september. Is this risky for me? And will this affect on me?
July 31, 2018 at 13:55
No. READ THE ARTICLE.
July 31, 2018 at 14:28
Sorry i have bad English.thats reason why i asked
July 31, 2018 at 07:23
My brother case has been on AP since December 3rd 2017 from Afghanistan. Will his case be affected.
July 31, 2018 at 13:57
Yes
July 31, 2018 at 07:30
Hello brit someone from the African zone who had his interview on the 24th of July and who is put in PA will also be affected ??
July 31, 2018 at 13:57
Yes
July 31, 2018 at 07:56
Hy i m from asia i gave my interview on 5 june my case number is intial they kept my passport and put my case on adminstration process.now is 31 july still in adminstion process my case.is my case in risk.
July 31, 2018 at 13:58
Asia should not be affected like the other regions.
July 31, 2018 at 08:23
Good Day!
Please help me to clear the following issue: I’m the winner of the 2018 Green Card. My case number is EU27XXX, on the 16th of July, when it was already reported that the data for September, From the Visa service desk I received the following answer: (P.S. I had a question about whether or not our case would have been written, which we have answered)
Please be informed that your case is currently at the National Visa Center (NVC).
Please visit the instructions you received from the National Visa Center (NVC) to list the six steps you must take before NVC can schedule your visa interview appointment. This includes submitting to NVC various fees, forms and documents. Once NVC has received all the required items, they will know if anything is missing or incomplete. You can also find these instructions online at http://nvc.state.gov.
Please visit our website http://www.ustraveldocs.com for complete information, status tracking and appointment scheduling.
Sincerely,
U.S. Visa service desk
Why did they write me this mail “your case is currently at the National Visa Center”, if everything has been completed? Does it mean that I have any chance to discuss my case number and call on a consular interview?
Please answer me
Thanks in advance
Good Luck!!
July 31, 2018 at 14:00
The NVC status can be ignored – every case starts at that status. Your case number is too high and you will not get an interview.
July 31, 2018 at 08:39
Thank you Brits
This condition can affect the person receive visa under 2018 but did not arrive US?
July 31, 2018 at 14:01
No.
July 31, 2018 at 09:00
My interview is in 2nd August. AS12651 . For now , I haven’t receive any letter or notifications like that . Will this possibly happen to me ? Thanks
July 31, 2018 at 14:03
NO – you are scheduled! If you get approved at the interview, then you are fine.
August 2, 2018 at 06:08
Thank you Simon . I passed the interview today.But when I checked in CEAC , my status was issued but my spouse still on Ready . Is that normal ?
August 2, 2018 at 13:55
Yes
July 31, 2018 at 09:37
Hi Brit – “…..Even with all that, I think there will be a shortfall under the quota in AF region.” / “DV 2018 visas “running out”” – Clarify is it shortfall or run-out AF region as per your example?
July 31, 2018 at 14:06
KCC are acting like visas will run out because they have to assume all people interviewed will be approved. That won’t happen, so there will be a shortfall in the end. The question is whether they have time to re-allocate the visas. The unused visas from August interviews can be reallocated by KCC, but the September unused visas can only be used by the embassy for its own cases from previous months.
July 31, 2018 at 11:01
Hi brits
I am still confused. If I understandThere is not enough visas available for all Ap?
July 31, 2018 at 14:08
Correct.
July 31, 2018 at 11:14
Hi brit therefore, those who are in Ap before july will not except to get visa?
July 31, 2018 at 14:09
It means there is a risk.
July 31, 2018 at 11:30
i just wanna understand this policy how they allocated visas for people who will have the interview for august and Sep , it make no sense , we are before them , they should give us the priority, because my visas is approved and i give them all the documents that they asked for ,
July 31, 2018 at 14:13
That is not how it works. Your visa is safe for your interview and the rest of that month. Once you go into AP and delay to another month, you go to the back of the line.
July 31, 2018 at 11:32
Hi thanks brit
1: Does this mean that September interviewees are safe? Or it’s risky
2: i have interview on 19 September, what if my case be under AP process? Does that mean it’s over by the end of September or i still have the chance to get it since the interview was before 30 sep? Simply am i able to get my visa after 30 if an AP is cleared?
3: we want to avoid this AP as possible as we can. What actually makes it, is it lack of some Decm or waht?
Thanks again
July 31, 2018 at 14:15
1. Scheduled cases have visas allocated.
2. Processing ends on September 30th. If you are not approved by then you cannot be approved after that date.
3. Some people go on AP because they fail to prepare correctly, and miss required documents.
July 31, 2018 at 14:22
3. Some people go on AP because they fail to prepare correctly, and miss required documents.
not necessarily!
it is called Security Advisory Opinion (SAO) and can be forced if your education is Chemistry, Biology, Nuclear Physics. Also if you changed your name and lived in several countries! So in some cases it is unavoidable!
July 31, 2018 at 14:33
Obviously I know that – hence the term “Some people”!
July 31, 2018 at 11:38
Hello
I’m from AF region but currently I’m in the us on F1 visa my case no AF50XXX I mailed my documents for AOS it received to uscis in July 13 yesterday I received the receipt notification and they said you will receive another mail for fingerprints my question is that means my case will process normally even if my CN above AF39500
July 31, 2018 at 14:19
Unfortunately you will only know the outcome at the final moment. It is only at that time that the IO will check whether there is a visa for you or not – and then I don’t know how they will handle your case given it was current when you applied, but then retrogressed.
July 31, 2018 at 13:24
Hi Simon
What about Morocco, effected or not?
What about people who hadn’t received any message, they are effected or not?
July 31, 2018 at 14:22
I said don’t ask about countries.
I’ll update the article for who is affected.
July 31, 2018 at 14:07
Hi Simon, thanks again for the explanations! However, I believe this is complete bullshit, and in the case of AP visas should be kept until issued or refused. We applied for DV visas 222 days ago, had never criminal or any other offences. I don’t understand what exactly they are checking but it looks highly unprofessional and dishonest. It is lottery within lottery. Especially, bearing in mind that we had paid for medicals and visas fee around $5K.
July 31, 2018 at 14:39
Those are the rules and the process. Immigration is not a right – and they will do whatever they want to do to ensure the security of the country. You may think that sucks – but there is nothing you can do.
July 31, 2018 at 14:47
I understand that immigration is a priviledge not a right but their procedures are not right and against the common sense. As I said before until AP is over they must keep visas allocated. Also it would be nice to have medicals valid for 12 months (like in USA) not 6. Otherwise, it looks like very good bussiness, let everyone apply, charge for the fees, do nothing until end of September. Very profitable bussiness. Regarding the security, I have seen few times that terrorists were caught in US were cleared via UCSIS successfully, so I don’t believe their checks are good enough. In my case I offered them lie detector test, they never replied.
July 31, 2018 at 14:49
Well that is your opinion, I understand, but it is not how things are working.
July 31, 2018 at 14:07
Hi brit
There is a little chance for those been under AP for months to have visa re allocation? Or they visa journey is over Also?
July 31, 2018 at 14:38
Re-read the article as I have updated it.
July 31, 2018 at 17:42
Ok I see your updates. Nothing is losed yet. But What Iam wondered is Kcc said that they didn’t hear or know anythings about this mails and this changement. Is it Autentic mails?
Thanks again
July 31, 2018 at 17:49
Yes it’s authentic.
July 31, 2018 at 14:34
my first question is what what went wrong with this lottery ?
my second question is about visas the us fives 50 000 visas if 1 winner brings with him 2 other people its 3 visas or they calculate it as 1 visa 1 family
July 31, 2018 at 14:42
1. Lots of things. I’ll write an article about it when I can.
2. 3 visas.
July 31, 2018 at 15:03
hi simon ,
please what is the DS 261 ??
July 31, 2018 at 16:06
Nothing to do with DV.
July 31, 2018 at 15:38
Hello Mr BritSimon my case number is 43k is there any chance to get 2nd letter if there is many rejected visas.
July 31, 2018 at 16:01
No
July 31, 2018 at 16:45
Mr.simons
someone who goes to PA to verify the authenticity of a diploma …how long would it take for the embassy to check ??? the interview was given on 25 July …
July 31, 2018 at 16:45
It varies greatly – so I cannot give you a “usually”.