Oh my gosh. I have had way too many people asking about their 2NLs for ***APRIL*** interviews. I tell people to show some patience, but that seems impossible for many people. So – let me explain, and give some steps to take.
This month has been a little different than normal. The normal order of events is that 2NLs are sent some time in the second half of the month – that includes ALL THE WAY up to the end of the month. As soon as 2NLs are sent we can see that scheduled cases show “in transit” status, and once the embassy has received the case, they update CEAC to show the case in Ready status. 2NLs go out as a batch, although it can take a few hours or even a couple of days for all 2NLs to be sent. Within a few hours, the ESC page that showed the 1NL (selected) letter) is updated to show the appointment details. That is the normal sequence of events.
This month has been different.
Almost 2 weeks ago some (but not all) scheduled cases were marked as “in Transit”. Those cases have largely been marked as “Ready” now.
Yesterday, the 2NLs started going out – BUT some people have not received their 2NLs yet, even though those cases are in transit or ready.
Xarthisius has confirmed that MANY cases have been marked in transit in the past few days.
So – things are a little different. Of course, people have speculated it is something that means Trump has done something, or something wrong with their cases, or perhaps aliens have landed. That is all nonsense. There is nothing wrong. People need to just relax!!! People like to make this seem like the sky is falling but remember the Earliest April interviews are nearly 5 weeks away. Really – there is time.
So – some steps you can take if you are current.
- Check your case status on CEAC. Enter your case number without the leading zeros – like 2018AF1234.
- If your case status is in Transit or ready then you can be sure your interview is scheduled for April. Go on to step 2.
- If the case says at NVC, then it is likely that your case is NOT being scheduled for April. If so – relax and be patient. The next 2NLs will be out in about 1 month for May interviews. Sometimes that happens for various reasons – almost always NOTHING to do with the case itself. You can ignore all the instructions (6 steps) regarding NVC.
- Check the ESC page to see if your 1NL has been replaced by your 2NL yet. You may have missed the email, but that doesn’t matter, the appointment details are only ion the letter, not the email.
- Wait patiently. Take up yoga or something. There is NO NEED to waste anyone’s time with further questions. KCC will send out 2NLs in due course. Your calling them will just waste their time and give them less time to do their work. So DO NOT CALL KCC.
- You can start preparing for the interview. Arrange your medicals. If the physician asks for the 2NL they may not schedule the medical yet, although many physicians will. But, if your physician won’t schedule – wait – there is time.
KCC don’t communicate with me about these things. I don’t know any more than any of you – BUT if this process has taught you anything by now it should be how to exercise some patience. Just carry on showing patience for a few days and 2NLs should be sent out to everyone.
R E L A X!
February 28, 2018 at 22:09
Thanks
February 28, 2018 at 22:19
any affect on next visa bulletin
February 28, 2018 at 22:34
I don’t know
February 28, 2018 at 22:51
Thanks Brit, i just checked mine as you said and it says am on transit to the consular section. So i gon wait and see what comes next.
February 28, 2018 at 23:03
Excuse me sir, how do I know my case is at NVC , in transit or ready?
February 28, 2018 at 23:27
That is explained above.
February 28, 2018 at 23:13
What is this
U.S. Department of State
IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION
At NVC
Immigrant Visa Case Number: 2018EU00000
Please follow the instructions you received from the National Visa Center (NVC) that 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 let you know if anything is missing or incomplete. You can also find these instructions online at http://nvc.state.gov (English) and http://nvc.state.gov/espanol (Spanish). You will find contact information for NVC at http://nvc.state.gov/ask.
February 28, 2018 at 23:26
Ignore it.
February 28, 2018 at 23:47
Yes that is correct brit , it’s only some hours or one day more nooooo matter
March 1, 2018 at 00:44
Sir, thanks for the update on 2nl. I checked the CEAC and it says case in Transit then I went to check the Ds260 and it says case currently at Accra. I hope I’m scheduled and will definitely get the 2nl?
March 1, 2018 at 00:49
There is no need to ask this.
March 1, 2018 at 19:25
King join our DV Ghana group via this whatsapp link
https://chat.whatsapp.com/IbRM3jUD3nUC1zLRH3eEH9
March 13, 2018 at 04:53
Ghanaboi
I’ve been trying to join this group but it isn’t going through
March 1, 2018 at 06:08
morning what does this message mean when I enter my CEAC number-This below message comes up(I have not received a email or a2NL yet)
Please follow the instructions you received from the National Visa Center (NVC) that 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 let you know if anything is missing or incomplete. You can also find these instructions online at http://nvc.state.gov (English) and http://nvc.state.gov/espanol (Spanish). You will find contact information for NVC at http://nvc.state.gov/ask.
March 1, 2018 at 14:32
As the article explains, you are “at NVC”. That means do nothing – just wait.
March 1, 2018 at 07:25
from Nepal AS 44xx…still waiting for the elusive second letter…have anyone from Nepal received second letter for April interview…it seems I m the only one yet to receive:(
March 2, 2018 at 02:43
no Bihani none of Nepalese got 2nd letter just be patient ☺
March 2, 2018 at 02:46
Bihani mam fb ma connect hunush keep in touch just search kind kiran notify garna sajilo hunxa ?
March 2, 2018 at 04:06
51** ko yo month aauxa hola hai??
March 1, 2018 at 15:06
Dear all any new update about dv 2nl of nepal …..please if you have any new update then please share ……
March 1, 2018 at 15:30
Have you read the article. WAIT!
March 2, 2018 at 03:06
im from nepal too..
March 1, 2018 at 15:12
Thank you for the information! Yesterday I called KCC, and they told me when I will have an interview. so I have been informed that, tilk this Friday, 2NLs will be sent.
March 1, 2018 at 16:28
Hi rasul,they told to you they will send 2NL till this friday?or you think like that! Thanks
March 1, 2018 at 17:41
They just told me the date I will have an interview.
March 1, 2018 at 16:48
Dear Brit,
Based on last year scrapping, do you know what were the current numbers for May – September 2017 in Europe?
Thank you!
March 1, 2018 at 16:57
Xarthisius has published the 2017 data.
March 1, 2018 at 18:39
First of all I’d want to thank Brit for the immense help you’ve been rendering. Its not everyday that we come across people like you.
For lucidity sake, I’d want to ascertain as to if the 2NLs for the case numbers that are current for April(being it in transit or ready) will still be going out during the next couple of days to weeks prior to the next bulletin or they’re put on hold until after the next bulletin is released? Thanks in advance
March 1, 2018 at 18:57
The article above explains what I know. There is no point in speculating.
March 1, 2018 at 19:22
Very well. Thanks nevertheless 🙂
Oh just saw Rasul’s post too. It sort of answers my question
March 1, 2018 at 18:44
Thank you Rasul,
I had the same answer , they told me the interview date, and told me that the 2NL will be sent soon.
What I will do , I will wait couple of days then I will send an email, explaining that I am not able to do the medical examination without the 2NL. But I believe it is all ok, and just matter of logistics of sending the 2NL, but everything is going fine.
Good luck all, I am really excited, and as I mentioned in previous post that I am check both sites (ceac and DV lottery) day and night 🙂 but I believe whatever happens it would be the best interest for all of us… we are in this point of the process worrying like crazy about 4-5 days late letter while another 15 million person did not have this chance.. so let us be grateful and hopeful.. we are lucky , and I believe we will continue being lucky.
So do not worry and be happy 🙂
Thanks
March 1, 2018 at 18:58
Remember – there are still WEEKS before April. Don’t waste KCC’s time – that means less time to do the work we want them to do.
March 1, 2018 at 20:06
Brit,
Please accept my respect and appreciation for your effort. I do really appreciate your continues help and answers. Yet I do believe that us calling KCC is not wasting anyone time. The team who are answering our emails and phones should be and I believe is a complete different team from people who are processing our papers. So, I do not understand why you always insist on us not to communicate with KCC. But anyway your statement of “Wait and see ” is now a slogan that always rings in my mind, and makes my wait much more easier.
Thanks
March 1, 2018 at 20:12
What makes you think there are different teams handling scheduling etc versus picking up the phones??? You don’t know that – and based on my experience, I don’t think that is correct – it is a relatively small team, each person doing various duties. Really – “patience”.
March 1, 2018 at 22:04
Nothing concrete makes me believe that they are different teams…. but normally call centers (answering phones and emails) are different from operation team (who do the real processing of files).. and calling the front office employees (call center) can be like a ring for back office employees (operation) to get their job done in the right time. Of course these are all assumptions based on the normal managing business or government agencies practice. BUT honestly I do 200% agree with you “Patience” is the key, and at the end I will go with your assumption that they are limited small team, will not send anything and will”wait and see” 🙂
March 1, 2018 at 21:16
You are very welcome! Just ask them when you will have an interview date. They told my date so. Even I did not get 2NLs, I know the date. And I made an appoinment for the medical check up.
March 2, 2018 at 06:15
Really? Hi Rasul. How are u? I know you. You study in Deutschland.
March 3, 2018 at 04:54
Hey! Who are you? I have done my studies in Germany.
March 2, 2018 at 18:27
Haytham,kindly give me the contact which you used to contact them cos I’m also current and need to know my date of interview. thanks in advance
March 2, 2018 at 18:35
Why do you *need* to know the date of your interview. Have you checked the CEAC site and ESC page?
March 1, 2018 at 19:42
Hi Brit? What does it mean?
Next cut off will be a little?
March 1, 2018 at 20:13
I don’t know.
March 2, 2018 at 06:22
Hi Brit. Thanks you for all. Last time you were predict minimum VB 33k for Europe.
How much you were predict this time?
March 2, 2018 at 06:33
If I form a different view, I will post about it.
March 2, 2018 at 06:52
OK thank you.
March 2, 2018 at 12:09
Hi Brit
Thanks for all your advice and guidance. It is very much appreciated. I have and continue to be exercise patience in waiting for the 2nl, but it is nerve wrecking! My case has been in transit since 16th Feb, but what are your thoughts….a few more days maybe??
March 2, 2018 at 16:49
I don’t know.
March 2, 2018 at 13:31
Hi Brit!
My case is current in April, my ceac is Ready, my ds-260 has been processed so I just waiting for interview to be scheduled , not received 2nl yet, so my question is shall I start preparing my documents ,medicals..ect or wait to get the 2nl?
Thanks
March 2, 2018 at 16:54
Please read the article. If you had, you would have not needed to ask.
March 2, 2018 at 14:29
Hello Jeremy, just wait for the appointment letter first because without the letter or 2NL you can not go for the medicals.But for your documents you can start gathering them now. So just WAIT. Thanks
March 2, 2018 at 15:38
Thank you George for your reply, I’d ask last question please: Is it possible to receive the 2nl those days or shall I expect it at the second half of the month?
Thanks
March 2, 2018 at 16:55
In MOST countries the medical can be booked without the 2NL.
March 2, 2018 at 15:31
Guys , anyone received 2nl ? or will shifting to the next week ? Thanks
March 2, 2018 at 16:18
Same question looking for someone to answer ?
March 3, 2018 at 12:31
Still waiting. Did you receive?
March 2, 2018 at 16:56
Hi Jeremy / Hem, my CN is EU145xx and my case is shown as ready on the site. However, I did not receive my 2NL yet. My fear is that my interview will be very early in April and that I won’t have time to process all medical examination and stuff…
March 2, 2018 at 16:58
You can start processing now. You have nothing to fear.
March 3, 2018 at 13:05
Brit. Based on your experience is this normal for the 2nl to be released into the month after the VB was released?
Do you think that that this upcoming week letters will be sent to those current who haven’t received?
March 3, 2018 at 14:44
Read the article.
March 3, 2018 at 16:09
Hi Everyone,
We have received 2NLs by email with further instructions however the https://www.dvlottery.state.gov/ecs/ is not updated. FYI, case number EU14xxx
March 3, 2018 at 17:26
May I ask when did you receive the email?
Also Brit do you have any idea if only the primary entrant is receiving the email or both husband & wife? Thanks
March 3, 2018 at 17:33
Only the principal receives the email
March 3, 2018 at 18:37
When did you receive the letter? I still have not received anything
March 3, 2018 at 23:29
We received it on 1st march.
March 3, 2018 at 20:21
Hi Brit,
My interview will be in Paris with my wife (she is the primary entrant). I am not French citizen and I don’t have residence permit.
1. Nevertheless, do you think I can get all the medical examinations in France even if I’m not French?
2. I didn’t serve military in my home country yet. Even so do I need to get any records from the military service?
3. I have my own company. Do I need to bring my “company’s documents” to the interview and have them translated in English?
4. Also do I have to confirm translated “company’s documents” and “foreigner financial documents” in a NOTARY SERVICE? Or just adding a translator statement is enough like you mentioned in your FAQ about Translation requirements?
Thank you!
March 3, 2018 at 21:12
1. Yes.
2. That depends on procedures in your country.
3. No
4. You read my earlier comments.
March 4, 2018 at 15:44
Hi Brit sir greetings.my case shows ready for April interview. but it says invalid on the ESC page. I have entered everything correctly. Will u please tell me whats the problem?
March 4, 2018 at 15:45
Most likely – You haven’t entered everything correctly.
March 4, 2018 at 15:48
Thank u sir. I will check it again n try.
March 5, 2018 at 04:58
Sir, I’d say my case is entirely weird.
I just recieved email from local embassy to prepare package 4. They said they have rescheduled an interview appointment to me on 2 April. I don’t think this is 2NL. Then i i tried to check all mail along with junk mail. I found nothing from kcc. After that i checked again in dvlottery.state.gov. It has still shown me 1NLs.
CN : AS50xx
What should I do?
March 5, 2018 at 05:35
Have you checked if your case shows in transit or ready on CEAC?
Contact the embassy.
March 5, 2018 at 05:51
It shows Ready, included local embassy code.
March 5, 2018 at 17:18
OK – so the embassy know about your case. Contact them.
March 5, 2018 at 13:40
Hi,
I called NVC and our interview is scheduled for April 2. I have just come back from asking for an appointment for the medical certificate and they won´t schedule one without the 2NL.
They say I have only two more days to do it, because they have an international congress organized by the government and all doctors have to attend it. They´ll be gone for the rest of the month.
How can I get that “2NL”? I need it.
March 5, 2018 at 15:29
Sonia,
I have my interview as well 1st April, yet no 2NL, I am from Egypt. I called one hospital, one told me that I have to have my 2NL, the second asked me for my 2NL, when I told them it is not sent yet, they asked for my case number. So I would suggest the following:-
(1) Try another hospital or doctor (just make sure it is one of the Embassy certified doctor or hospital for such medical examination, you can check that on the Embassy website, or here https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/iv-dv-supplemental/KBL_Kabul.pdf ), try to explain your situation, and I would suggest to go there not by phone.
(2) Meantime, try to contact the embassy about your case, because I guess you are not the only one who would face such case.
Good luck
Haithem
March 5, 2018 at 15:30
Sorry Sonia, It was meant to Abdul Hadi below 🙂
March 5, 2018 at 15:32
Oh My god, I look so stupid 🙂 IT IS MEANT FOR YOU SONIA 🙂
March 5, 2018 at 15:56
Hi Sonya,
if I can ask, where are you from?
March 5, 2018 at 17:03
Options – – ONLY to be used in your case because of the doctors absence. No one else should follow this advice.
1. Contact alternative approved physicians.
2. Contact KCC and ask them to send you an email that the doctor might accept.
3. Call the embassy with the same request (only if CEAC shows your case as READY, meaning the embassy knows about your case.).
4. Schedule your medical once the doctors return – even if that means attending the interview without the medical. That might delay approval by a few days, but that isn’t a big problem.
March 5, 2018 at 14:34
Dear Brit,
Trust this note finds you well.
I am from Afghanistan and my case number ends with AS 44xx. The CEAC showS the status of my case (READY) and still I am waiting to receive the 2NL or any e-mail. My concern is, should I wait, because I have to get start to prepare the documents including the medical appointment. Delay in the process (2NL) may result to Administrative Process. Let me clear that, I am respecting your views and instruction and I am patient. But still seeking your advise in this regard.
Best Wishes,
March 5, 2018 at 16:51
Why are you asking me a question that I have answered in the article above?
March 5, 2018 at 16:35
hello simon
i hope you are fine
yesterday night i tried to check if my case is processing yet and i have seen
Your forms have been received and pending further embassy review for the continuation of your visa processing. 1 my forms are still processing or processed
2 have you seen any national from the banned country whom issued visa ?
March 5, 2018 at 16:45
1. Processed.
2. No. Only if the person has dual nationality.
March 5, 2018 at 17:39
Thank you. I´ll try those options. We are in Peru and our interview will be here but we are from Spain.
March 5, 2018 at 20:31
Hello,
My case is ready on the CEAC website but my 1NL is not updated to 2NL. Do you know if the emails are still going out at this time?
Thanks
March 5, 2018 at 20:48
The article above states what I know.
March 5, 2018 at 21:35
Thank you
March 5, 2018 at 20:52
do we know howmanycases have been made current by april, including cases from earlier numbers? Are we in line with regular path, or did alsp waylesscases become current wit the latest VB?
March 5, 2018 at 21:03
Xarthisius publishes the “diff” file. EU had less scheduled interviews than the month before. Hopefully the pace for the next VB will return to previous pace, but we will see.
March 5, 2018 at 21:16
thanks!
March 5, 2018 at 21:35
Hello Brit, do you maybe know the reason why EU had less scheduled interviews than the month before? Is there a specific reason? Every month we have some “suprises”…is it still the high density, reflecting on april interviews? Less capacity in the embassies? It is really sad 🙁
March 6, 2018 at 00:02
I don’t know why for sure. It could be because of relatively new security measures causing more time, or it could be a small number of embassies getting overwhelmed with interviews, and holding the whole region back. In any case – I can only speculate. As ever – “wait and see”.
March 5, 2018 at 21:47
less capacity I think Brit said. Because these 3 countries have so much more selectees, embassy in Russia, albania and Turkey cant schedule them all. I wonder why they dont process them slower, and put an “except: Russia” for example so embassies which still have a lot of capacity can continue processing?
March 5, 2018 at 22:04
If density drops they should be able to speed up…… I think , but who knows. I really try not to think about that but can’t help it
March 5, 2018 at 22:45
Yes, Rxy/Tom, because of less capacity in those three countries, entire EU is slow…
March 5, 2018 at 22:26
Only just got my email a minute ago! Site isn’t updated yet so will check again in an hour or so. They’re obviously still trickling in.
We’re EU14xxx.
March 5, 2018 at 22:26
Hi all,
Update… I received my 2NL right now (20 min ago , 12:05 AM Cairo Time , 6th March) to have my interview 1st of April (the same as the NVC told me over the phone couple of days ago) … Originally my status was “in Transit” by 13 Feb, changed to “Ready” by 25th Feb.
And I am from Egypt.
Thank you and good luck,
March 5, 2018 at 22:45
Hi Brit & everyone here
FYI.
Just we received the 2NL right now.Cairo time(12:10)
Good Luck To All of You.
March 5, 2018 at 23:48
Is it for Nepal?
March 6, 2018 at 00:05
He mentioned Cairo. BUT it seems like some others have just got 2NLs so maybe others will go out. No process is specific to Nepal – that is simply one of many countries.
March 5, 2018 at 23:21
Hey brit, thanks for the wonderful job you have been doing,i just got my 2NL, minutes ago. my name order has a mixed up, it was supposed to be for example peter john mike, but it is peter mike john. i had the same problem on my entry form and i corrected it in the ds260. i wish to ask the impact in my interview, can it affect my case ?
March 6, 2018 at 00:04
The original order (that YOU entered) is what is on the 1NL and 2NL. The correction from the DS260 should mean it is no problem at the interview.
March 6, 2018 at 17:50
thanks so much Brit
March 6, 2018 at 00:21
Hi Brit,
I just received 2NL letter. I have my name on it. However my husband doesn’t appear in the letter. It says “Beneficiaries: None” I can’t process medical appointment for my husband without 2NL. Do I need to contact consulate? Also I just checked every single page there is no e-mail address for US consulate in Paris, France.
March 6, 2018 at 00:39
I assume that means you married AFTER the initial entry – correct?
Some physicians will schedule the beneficiary by you showing the marriage cert and DS260 confirmation showing the added beneficiary. If they won’t then yes you would have to contact the embassy.
March 6, 2018 at 00:28
I don´t know if it´s been coincidence or not, but I sent the email to Kentucky this morning and this afternoon at 5:15 (Peruvian time) got the 2NL.
Thank you so much for your advice, Simon. This wouldn’t be possible without your help!!!!
March 6, 2018 at 00:40
Coincidence. A number of people are reporting getting their 2NLs in the last hour or so.
March 6, 2018 at 00:47
I too got the email and 2NL a couple hours ago, SA region. Much thanks Brit for all you advice.
March 6, 2018 at 01:11
I got my 2NL few hours back. I am from SA region. Hope others got their 2nl s too.
March 6, 2018 at 01:53
From Nepal,
we got 2nd letter thank you Brit
March 6, 2018 at 03:21
Hi Brit, thanks for your suggestion to wait the 2nl you will get that. I am from Nepal i got my second letter on 4:00 AM Nepali Time. I hope further i may also need your valuable suggestion during document preparation process. i am sure you will give me that valuable suggestion which i may need..
March 6, 2018 at 03:45
Hi Brit.Iam from Nepal . I get the 2nd letter.Thanks for your suggestion.
March 6, 2018 at 07:41
Hello BritSimon,
Last my wife got 2NL, but de problem is I’m NOT there, and then MARRIED after intial entry. So, both names her. What to do now. Thanks
March 6, 2018 at 14:41
That is normal. If you have submitted the DS260 for you both – print out those confirmations for the medical and interview.
March 7, 2018 at 04:24
Yeah i made it, and de problem is i sent twice 2DS260 form for my wife, and one for me, so i sent 3forms and they processed only 2forms, de one for her my wife, and mine they didn’t process KCC, and it seems and i wouldn’t present de Interview, because my form didn’t process de kcc, and de embassy they don’t hve my name and also my form DS260.
Thanks BritSimon.
March 6, 2018 at 13:01
I think all Mr Brit is saying to dv2018 selectees is to have Patience! I believe so too.. I applied for dv2019 tho .. taking advice and relaxing and being very very patient. Also all the best to all going for interviews! Good job Mr Brits.
March 6, 2018 at 14:44
we got 2nd letter thank you s
March 6, 2018 at 17:14
Hey everyone I received my 2nl.thanks to God and Mr Brit.af 18….
March 6, 2018 at 18:00
Dear Brit,
Trust this message finds you well. I received my 2NL and I made a medical appointment. I will work on preparation of documents. I hope everythings goes well. Thanks for your usual support. I will share my experience with you and other applicants.
Best Wishes,