I’ve gathered the Historical Visa Bulletin Numbers from various sources for a few years to give an idea of progression in previous years and I will maintain these numbers as future Visa Bulletins are released.
Knowing visa bulletin progression is sometimes a useful reference, and is certainly interesting. To use the data, click the tab for the region you are interested in and check the cutoff number for the month.
There may be some similarities with number progress from year to year, but there may not. So – don’t rely on these numbers as a predictive guide for this year. One thing that confuses people is that the selected numbers vary each year depending on entries and other factors. For instance, certain countries in the past have had huge entry numbers and once those countries are excluded from the lottery the range of numbers selected changes from one year to the next. That was the case in 2014 to 2015 in AF region when Nigeria was excluded, or in Asia in 2012 to 2013 when Bangladesh was excluded.
To understand how to read the Visa Bulletin works and can be read – please check out this article.
What does CURRENT mean? That is published when KCC believes that there are enough visas for all remaining demand. All case numbers can then be interviewed.
If you prefer a direct link to the data you can see that here.
May 7, 2017 at 17:30
Hi Brit, With the AF visa bulletin 2017, I could see March to be 28k and I’m having AF15k submitted October, 2017, but as I called KCC they told me to expect 2NL in July or September. Please is this normal?
Thanks.
May 7, 2017 at 17:34
Some cases are being delayed. They went current too early. Relax, patience.
May 7, 2017 at 17:38
Ok. I will exercise patience and please I also hope my CN isn’t that high anyway?
May 7, 2017 at 18:26
Hi , I’ve been selected fo DV 2018 , my bame in all documents is 4 names including surname but in my high school certificate is 5 names
Example :- adeb salem saleh alfahd
In high school doc is adeb salem saleh ali alfahd
Is there any issue with that , and what should i do ???
Thank you
May 7, 2017 at 18:27
No problem. Just make sure your DS260 has your legal name AND any aliases you want to show.
May 8, 2017 at 10:09
Hi Brit Simon. I was selected and have a case number AF26xxx. Does this mean I only submit the ds-290 when my number becomes available (below 26000) or does it mean I send ds-260 (now) for DV-2018 and I will get potentially contacted in that month for an interview? Thanks!!!
May 8, 2017 at 17:02
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 8, 2017 at 14:34
Hi Brit,
Would you please update the visa bulletin number? I am in ASIA region and so far is May and current, but your excel file hasn’t updated yet. Please? Your site is very wonderful and useful in every ways! Thank you!
May 11, 2017 at 20:25
my number is 2018AS00069XX
is it safe? do i expect interview in june according to above table or can it be earlier if i fill in the DS-260 early?
May 11, 2017 at 21:29
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 12, 2017 at 12:21
hi, i made some mistakes in ds-260 about my education… i listed high school diploma as highest education of me but in lines below i typed Degree. in my country i am still student in college but my high school was regular. can i correct this information in future and how?
May 12, 2017 at 13:25
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
May 13, 2017 at 10:41
what do you mean by current in above schedule? does it meant “they stop here”? or something else?
May 13, 2017 at 13:39
It means there are enough remaining visas to give all remaining numbers an interview.
May 23, 2017 at 12:06
Sorry I am still confused.
1. Does “current” actually means you are OKAY and interview will be scheduled? Even if you have number EU32XXX and you see current with last cut off 25100 so you should nothing to worry about?
2. Should I worry about my number (EU327XX)? I already sent ds-260 for dv-2018… I know I should not worry but this numbers make me nervous
May 23, 2017 at 13:26
1. Yes
2. Stop worrying.
May 15, 2017 at 15:38
Hi BritSimon,
I’m a “randomly selectee”. I get a 5 digit case number 2018EUxxx27XXX. I understand that it’s very high.
I was wondering whether or not the same case number in the past year was able to be scheduled for the interview…
May 15, 2017 at 16:27
Yes. Relax.
May 24, 2017 at 03:45
Hi BritSimon,
I won the Lottery Y2018 Diversity Visa Program. I have 2 questions to ask you:-
(1) I am currently residing in Japan but if I have previously stayed in United States for 11 years, do I need to obtain Police Certificate from United States as well?
(2) I submited DS260 form. But for my high school education, I only put 2 years of high school (i.e. doesn’t include elementary and junior high school). Is that ok? Or do I need to put a total of 11 years (elementary + secondary). (NOTE: My highest education is Degree and I have indicated on the Form).
May 24, 2017 at 03:46
1. No
2. I recommend including school from age 12 and up.
May 26, 2017 at 14:26
Many thanks for the work you do Simon
my case number is 2018AS00012xxx
I’ve already submitted the DS-260 a few days ago
can you please guess if i scheduled for the interview or do you think that my number is too high?
May 26, 2017 at 18:51
I don’t know. It is FAR to early to know.
June 1, 2017 at 19:46
Good Morning Simon,
We appreciate your time and your help.
May I ask you something? I’m currently F1 Visa study in US.
I won but my number is very high 2018AS11,XXX. I did not fill the DS-260 yet because I’m afraid to not be interviewed and then loose my F1 visa. Can you please give me your opinion in this case.
June 1, 2017 at 20:09
You don’t need to fill in your DS260 yet (and I suggest you don’t). You could wait a year from now and see whether your case gets current or not. At that time you could still do AOS – filing the DS260, I485 and so on more or less at the same time.
June 2, 2017 at 14:49
how can know that my case number is listed in second letter? is there any way to know to get notification on second letter announced?
June 2, 2017 at 15:36
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-does-the-2nl-look-like/
June 6, 2017 at 07:55
Hey there,
What do you think happens when you’re from a small country and you have a case number that cannot be called before December (according to the statistics at least)?
Even if you’re the only person in that country who was selected, you still need to wait until your number is reached by the bulletin right?
June 6, 2017 at 23:54
Yes. The process is not based on country – it is region.
June 8, 2017 at 19:17
Hello sir nice job u are dox here,i am from Cameroon, Africa and my case number is 2018AF00046527,should i be concerned that my case might not be considered for interview or since i am less than the 50000 persons needed i should b less worried
June 9, 2017 at 01:33
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions
June 10, 2017 at 02:18
Hi Simon
Can I just clarify what current means? does that mean for instance you have a number like 24XX in OC and the list goes current say June 2018 you can schedule an a 2NL? Just wanted to check my understanding
Thanks Amelia
June 10, 2017 at 14:31
That is what current means but OC will not be current in DV2018. They have selected FAR too many people – so many people will not get an interview.
June 17, 2017 at 08:27
Maybe there are holes in the Oceania selection 2018? That is why too many people are selected hmm…just a theory what do u think Mr Simon?
June 25, 2017 at 21:09
Hi and thank you for the great job , I applied for the DV in 2013 but I didn’t check, is there is a way to know if I was selected.
Thanks
June 25, 2017 at 21:41
No.
July 4, 2017 at 02:28
Hi britsmon,
First I would like to thank you for doing great things.
I am a dv 2018 winner of case number 2018AF000080XX and submitted the ds 260 on may 10 but during filling out the ds260 I wrongly filled the year I finished the highschool year (9_12th) ,I mean according to Ethiopian year which is 8 years behind and even according to Ethiopia it was not correct and also wrongly mistyped where I finished 9 and 10 th grade instead of filling mendi high school. My question is if I unlock ds260 and edit and resubmit it,would it cause delay or have impact on changing the day of my interview?
Thank you!!
July 4, 2017 at 03:07
It probably won’t cause dekay, but in any case, delay is better than denial.
July 5, 2017 at 17:39
Hi Brit,
This table is very useful, thank you! I have a question regarding when interviews are scheduled. If for example, in May 2016, somebody in Europe had a number between 28000 and 34000, would their interview be scheduled for May or for June? I’m asking this because I will be in two different locations in May and June and was wondering which location I should ask to be interviewed in. Once you receive the 2NL, are you given a selection of dates, or is it perhaps possible to push your interview by a week or two?
Best,
Paula
July 5, 2017 at 17:50
The case progress won’t be sure until nearer the time.
Changing an interview date is often not easy or wise. The best idea is attend the one date you are given.
July 12, 2017 at 07:48
My cn is AF2018 21XXX its a possible that it will a long time to receive a visa?
July 12, 2017 at 07:58
Don’t repeat questions needlessly.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-selectee-counts-released/comment-page-4/#comment-77361
July 19, 2017 at 14:45
Hello Simon,
Thanks for the wonderful job.
Is it possible to defer entry into the US beyond the date stated on the visa? If yes, what’s the procedure?
Thanks!
July 19, 2017 at 16:06
No, that is not possible.
July 24, 2017 at 04:35
Fonkwa.
Hi Simon, when filling the ds260 form, I accidentally put but a capital letter (M) on the first letter on my email address instead of a small letter (m), is there any problem with that ?. . Also , can you please help me how to update my ds260 form?. Thank you
July 24, 2017 at 13:08
No problem.
July 24, 2017 at 20:39
Dear BritSimon, for AF region 2017 i see the number is the same 28700 for Feb and March they did not add candidates or it s just typo mistake. Thanks and Regards
July 24, 2017 at 21:27
That is what happened. They only added candidates for Egypt and Ethiopia.
July 25, 2017 at 08:54
That’s mean will not proceed other countries cases?
July 25, 2017 at 13:43
They would still have performed interviews for people in other countries.
September 25, 2017 at 17:40
Raoufyou are from egypt & ur winner dv 2018
July 26, 2017 at 16:08
Hello Brit , In historical data , in 2017 column Asia region , there is figure 4700 for the month of March.Do this figure mean , number of visa issued , or number of petitioners or USIS allocated figure.Please would like be clear .
July 26, 2017 at 19:50
That number relates to the visa bulletin. Read the link below.
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
July 27, 2017 at 18:30
hi Brits thanks very much for your education
i have read numerous of your post and i must confess that am really satisfied.
please i need you to clarify something for me
if i understand you well in one of ur posts then it means it can happen that all winners from example a country like ghana may have their case numbers falling within a range, example from within 15000 โ25000 for a particular year
if it happens like this then from my understanding based on your education
1. you cannot be interviewed until the visa bulletin is released and the range covering your number is made current. so in this case in the begining of the interview when the visa bulletin will be released for example (october = 9000)
2. so does it mean that when the interview begins in october it can happen that ghana embassy will not have any interviews until the numbers between those range within which the ghanaians fall are ready to be interviewed?
July 28, 2017 at 04:20
Ghana will be in the first 15000 or 20000 numbers (i.e. from ZERO to 15000)
1. Yes
2. No – you misunderstood, there will be Ghanaians in the lowest number ranges.
July 30, 2017 at 04:33
Valencia.
Hi BriSimon, my case number is 2018AF14รรร can you please help and tell me when I can be call for a visa interview?.
2-I fill the ds260 form with other document cause my passport was not ready then, but I just collected the passport so can you please help and tell me what to do now?. Thanks
July 31, 2017 at 01:39
1. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
2. https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
August 9, 2017 at 11:36
Hi Brit!
After arriving in the US and being admitted, how long is it supposed to take before applying for social security and getting it as well?
August 9, 2017 at 14:23
There was an option on the DS260 to apply for the SSN automatically. If you selected yes to that option the SSN usually arrives within 2 to 3 weeks. If not, you wait a few days after arrival and go to the SSA office to apply.
August 12, 2017 at 22:39
Hi britsimon, I recently filled my Ds 260, and am expecting a baby early September, my issue will they ask me of the father of the child. Am still single? Should I give the child his father surname or will this cause any problem.
August 13, 2017 at 15:11
The child should have your surname. They will ask for the birth cert of the child, which may or may not have the fathers name depending on the situation and laws in your country.
August 15, 2017 at 17:42
Hello Brit,
1- Firstly, I’m a DV 2018 winner from Jordan and living in UAE. My case number is AS91XX, and i would like to know if I’m safe?
2- Secondly, I could not understand the VB numbering system: for example this month the Asia cut-off is 1,200 and maybe it will be 2,000 on next month! so, my confusion is the total 2NL number next month will be the different between (1,200-2,000=800) or it will be new 2,000 2NL?
Thanx in advance for positive reply and support.
August 15, 2017 at 18:05
1. I don’t know – wait and see.
2. It would be 800 in your example *PLUS* any people from the first 1200 that were not scheduled due to late submission of their DS260s.
August 16, 2017 at 01:07
Hey Simon,
Thank you for your precious work!
Could you please answer my question?
I am from Afghanistan but residing in India, my case number is 2018AS13xxx.
Will I be selected for interview?
And what is the full form of 2NL, if you could please shed some light?
Thanks
August 16, 2017 at 01:42
I don’t know whether you will get an interview – wait and see.
Please spend the time reading my FAQ where you could have found this:-
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-does-the-2nl-look-like/
September 3, 2017 at 17:18
Hi,
I think you will get your 2NL around summer 2018 because the highest case number for this year is 15997 for Asia Region and your case nr. is 13*** . I.e. Your case nr. is still lower than that number so there is hope for you!
Muaffaq bashi
September 5, 2017 at 17:35
Hello bro, my case number is in Asia region around 126**, do you think there is a chance for an interview?
And if the travel ban continued on the 7 countries, does it improve our chances to get 2nd letter, since iran itself get 4600 visas?!
Thank you
September 5, 2017 at 18:30
For your number, I don’t know – wait and see.
As for the travel ban – again – I don’t know.
August 16, 2017 at 08:07
Hi Brit,
So basis your above predictions, do you think i would have a chance of getting interviewed in 2018? My CN is AS000076xx
Thank you
August 16, 2017 at 15:22
The above are not predictions – I don’t have a prediction (although I have mentioned some numbers are “safe”. britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
August 16, 2017 at 19:00
Hi BritSimon,
Do you have any update for 2017 data for 2017 . I mean case number from April till Sep. Appreciate if you can update the excell table above. Thanks
August 18, 2017 at 16:52
Hi BritSimon
do you have any proposition why in the DV 2018 they starts by 1200 in asia and 2600 in europe in october , this is the less number that starts with
August 18, 2017 at 17:04
Explained here
https://britsimonsays.com/possible-early-notice-first-dv2018-visa-bulletin/
August 19, 2017 at 14:14
Britsimon, for dv 2017 all regions got current which is good news. Hope the same for dv 2018.
August 19, 2017 at 14:47
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
August 31, 2017 at 00:10
Good evening mrs simon. Thanks for this forum. I have been very useful. Acconding to your knowledge, I have opportunities if my case number is 2018SA18XX
August 31, 2017 at 00:14
I don’t know.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
September 2, 2017 at 00:29
Hello britsimon
My brother winner in 2018 DV he didn’t mention that he is previously married as he hate his previous wife and He is Married now with another one and already the new one is the one included in his application, so he is asking if the embassy during the interview will know any thing about his pervious marriage or not ?
Plz advice
September 2, 2017 at 00:45
My recommendation is to always tell the truth – but your brother doesn’t seem to understand that concept.
September 2, 2017 at 00:48
Thanks for your advice but what will happen during the interview is he is going to be refused or not
September 2, 2017 at 01:39
I don’t know.
September 3, 2017 at 11:49
Hello,
Could you please write the highest case number for Asia Region for 2018 dv lottery, since I want to know the approximate month of my interview date..
PS: I live in Tajikistan and my case number starts with ( EU***** ) so I wonder If it’s considered as Asian region or European region, since you know best, I’ll wait your response. Thank You
September 3, 2017 at 13:01
britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
September 3, 2017 at 13:02
You are EU region, by the way.
September 3, 2017 at 16:52
I live in Asia, how come I was selected as EU region?
By the link you wrote above I understood that there are 41706 selectees for the year 2018, is that so?
My case nr. is (EU17*** ) and I applied late july, out of your experience when should I expect the 2NL approximately?
Thank You
September 3, 2017 at 17:06
TAJIKISTAN is classified in the EU region.
This link shows DV2018 selectees by country/region
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin/2017/visa-bulletin-for-july-2017.html
As for timing – read this
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
September 11, 2017 at 14:02
Hi Simon,
1. what was the highest case number in the visa bulletin for 2017?
2. I m the winner of 2018, i included my wife and kids when i played and we have submitted our DS260 but because my case number is 2018AF350*0 my wife feels its not a safe number and want to play dvlottery next month and she wil include me, if she plays will it negatively affect my win ?
3. i have an honours degree of law from dublin city university, this is one of the public universities in the republic of ireland, with this qualification, could i find a job in the legal fiel?
Thanks.
September 11, 2017 at 14:16
1. All numbers were current.
2. It is safe, but you can enter DV2019 with no problem.
3. Possibly.
September 11, 2017 at 19:13
Johny have faith mine is even far off am AF515***
September 12, 2017 at 10:21
Visa Bulletin for November Interviews is out
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin/2018/visa-bulletin-for-october-2017.html
September 12, 2017 at 10:36
I see a declining trend of cutoff numbers. I hope Mr. Simon will help us make some sense of it.
September 12, 2017 at 12:58
https://britsimonsays.com/visa-bulletin-for-november-2017-interviews-released/
September 12, 2017 at 12:51
Hi Brit
Many thanks as usual
Visa Bulletin for October 2017 & November cut offs
Have few questions, Sir.
1- Why is the increment of AF is lower relatively in two way:
A- With other regions in November-October cutoffs: AF increases by 1.2% only (8600-8500/8500) while others increase by a larger figures in %ageโฆ like AS 49%, EU73%,NA50%, OC70% & SA71%?
B- With Last yearโs rough comparison: on DV2017 October cut off was 8000 for AF then 13500 on November increased by 5500 in one month , this month only by 100 (8500 to 8600).why ? As there is large number of selectees in DV2018, what shall we expect next? โwait and seeโ? lol
2- In AF only Egypt (from 2350 to 4400) & Ethiopian (2100 to 4700) cut offs almost doubled over with only 100 cut off additions for all other African countries. What does that mean?
3- Last but not least, why is Russia, DRC, Uzbekistan, Albania, Ukraine , Turkey etc. donโt have a separate cut off limits like Ethiopia, Egypt , Nepal or Iran as they have also the highest number on selectees ?
Loads of thanks brother!
September 12, 2017 at 13:09
Read this to answer ALL those questions.
https://britsimonsays.com/visa-bulletin-for-november-2017-interviews-released/
September 12, 2017 at 20:35
Hi Brit Simon;
I’m selected for DV 2018 but I was in U.S. with F-1 visa and was out of status more than a year. Am I subject to 10 bar or should I keep my hope?
September 12, 2017 at 20:37
You may be barred. You’ll only know at the interview.
September 15, 2017 at 08:40
Hi BritSimon,
Iโm a โrandomly selecteeโ. I get a 5 digit case number 2018EUxxx32XXX. I understand that itโs very high.
I was wondering whether or not the same case number in the past year was able to be scheduled for the interviewโฆ
September 15, 2017 at 13:34
Yes it has.
September 18, 2017 at 11:48
Hi, any plans to update the chart? Thanks.
September 18, 2017 at 16:38
Yes
September 19, 2017 at 17:35
Hi, sir i want a clarification about a case that i have while i filled the ds260 i entre 2 addrresses the one in the passport it’s not the same as the one i’m living actually is this could make any problem concerning the interview ?
September 19, 2017 at 18:05
No
September 23, 2017 at 22:27
HI I would like to ask you my number is 2018EU18XXX Im worry becouse seem like to big number at this moment in visa bulleting hase been in europe just 2 600 so know you dont know thinks for sure but I saw last years have been much bigger numbers in europe so if you dont know why is this number so small and if there is chance to get to interview if my number is so big ?
THX very much ๐
Have Great day
September 23, 2017 at 22:57
It’s fine. Relax. Be patient.
October 3, 2017 at 06:08
Hi Simon,
do you have any forecast for the numbers in DV2018? It would be helpful for me because depending on my interview time I might have to change my interview location.
Also do you know if it is possible to change the interview location twice if necessary?
Thanks a lot!
October 3, 2017 at 13:53
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
Don’t change the interview UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY. It is risky.
October 3, 2017 at 12:58
Hi sir, my rank is 2018 eu 32xxx. … according to previous years i can expect interview not sooner than on april, so my question is: when should i start to getting my support documents ready? (Doc. Exams, prison records). The thing is i dont want to get my documents out of date. Thank you
October 3, 2017 at 13:35
Wait until you get the 2NL
October 4, 2017 at 11:14
Hi simon,
My CN is 28xxx and i am a bit worried about not to given an interview date. So, this year my husband is thinking to try his chance. Does it affect our application?
October 4, 2017 at 12:26
No
October 9, 2017 at 15:18
Dear Brit,
This is great post. I have number of questions for you . 962 Winners in 2018 are from the banned countries in Africa ?
For Nov africa had only a 100 case ready for interview .
– Will they receive the 2NL. ?
– What is the impact of this on the interview progress on Africa winners other countries.
– Last year Africa went current too early. DO you think this year things will move faster than last year ?
– Do you think KCC will consider the decrease in winners due to ban when issuing embassies interviews quotas ?
– Africa winners are 49392 which is high number as you said it is high number of winners year. will this balance the number banned or it is still narrow and will not affect high number safely
Best,
MoSALAH
October 9, 2017 at 17:49
Well finally you have read the post I asked you to read 3 times.
Now for your other questions, we will have to wait and see. I have written many articles and you should read them to answer your analytical questions. I don’t have predictions for VB progress, and we will know more in January.
October 9, 2017 at 22:12
Thank you sir.
October 12, 2017 at 10:09
Visa bulletin is out.
Region All DV Chargeability Areas Except Those Listed Separately
AFRICA 10,000 Except:
Egypt: 6,200
Ethiopia: 6,300
ASIA 2,500 Except:
Iran: 2,100
Nepal: 2,000
EUROPE 6,000
NORTH AMERICA (BAHAMAS) 4
OCEANIA 400
SOUTH AMERICA,
and the CARIBBEAN 425
October 12, 2017 at 11:06
Wow, that’s dissapointing for EU. Although can’t say that I’m surprised. I have big hopes for next month (71XX)
October 13, 2017 at 11:23
Hello BritSimon,
My casenumber is 2018EU35XXX and after consulting the newest visa bulletin released (with cutoff number for Eu at 6,000) I am beginning to worry that I won’t be lucky enough to be scheduled for an interview.
Therefore, I am thinking of applying for DV2019, although I do realize that the chances of being selected again are extremely low.
So my question is… do you think that applying for DV2019 would affect in any way my case if I were to be scheduled for an interview for DV2018?
Thank you!
October 13, 2017 at 14:05
No.