How to read the Visa Bulletin for DV selectees
This question comes up surprisingly often – people get confused with how to read the visa bulletin. Once you know, it seems very obvious, but let’s just run through it.
If you prefer, you can watch a video explaining this topic – shown at the bottom of this page.
Each month (around the early to middle of the month) the visa bulletin is released. The bulletin covers more than just the DV lottery information, but the numbers we care about are in there. The link for the main visa bulletin index is here.
You will see a page as shown below – the current and the upcoming visa bulletin. The upcoming VB is the one we are interested in. It provides information on what cases will be interviewed in the upcoming months. For example, as I write this it is late November. The VB that was released a couple of weeks ago is the December visa bulletin and it gives numbers on January interviews. So – click the Upcoming visa bulletin link.
In the VB itself there is some information on other types of immigration. However, if you scroll down the page you will see there are two sections of numbers regarding the DV lottery. We want to look at the second set of numbers, lower down the page as I am showing below.
You can see I highlighted the fact that the second section (section C) covers the following month (6/7 weeks after the release of the VB). If you look at the section where I have highlighted Africa you can see there are numbers by each region. Africa shows 21000. That means that if your case number is 2015AF20999 of lower you are eligible to be interviewed in January (assuming your DS260 has completed processing when KCC need to schedule the interviews). The number will increase a little each month so every month a few more cases “become current”. So let us assume that a month later this number says 27000. In that case any African case number under 27000 (i.e. 26999 and below) is now current and may be scheduled for interview. It does NOT mean the 21000 and the 27000 are somehow added together. It also does not mean that numbers under 21000 have missed their chance. It simply means your CN must be less than the number shown for your region.
You can see I also highlighted two countries (Egypt and Ethiopia). This means that selectees chargeable to those two countries (regardless of where they will interview) are subject to a lower limit. This is done to slow down processing for countries with a high number of selectees to spread out the workload over a longer time. Typically these countries have been limited during the draw as I explain in my post about the draw process.
In previous years we have seen various regions going “CURRENT”. This means that KCC have calculated remaining likely demand and believe they have enough visas remaining to satisfy all remaining demand. Between 2009 and 2013, that was “normal”. However, the over selection of winners in DV2014 meant that the big 5 regions did not go current, and I expect the same thing to happen in DV2015. That means the final VB of the year (the August VB, released in July) will have a region cutoff that is lower than the highest case numbers and that will mean that some selectees will never be invited for interview. That was the case for many thousands of people in DV2014, in all regions. You can check previous years VB numbers for the 5 main regions in this post about historical VB data.
I hope that helps explain things….
Here is a video explaining this same topic.
April 18, 2015 at 12:56
i tesfaye worku from ethiopio nothing has come
April 18, 2015 at 16:42
2NLs have not been sent yet – wait a week.
May 21, 2015 at 23:40
Hi britsimon me tulasi 4m nepal my case number is 67xx. Do 2nd vb released or i must not apply.
May 22, 2015 at 00:57
It will be around 1 year before you are current.
August 12, 2015 at 17:38
Thanks for the information. I am one of the lucky winners for 2015 2016 year, but i have not process my visa application. When will you think will be the cut off line/ dead line for Visa application?
August 12, 2015 at 17:40
There is no deadline as such, but April/May starts to get a bit risky.
August 18, 2015 at 00:52
Hi BritSimon,
My Husband Case number is 2016AF00022XXX, so can you guess the month that we will be interviewed at? We are from Egypt and they already wrote at the bulletin that they will take 8000 for October, so do you think that every month they just take more 8000 persons or what. Thanks a lot in advance!
August 18, 2015 at 02:33
NO the 8000 pace will not continue. You are likely to be interviewed around April or May next year.
August 18, 2015 at 11:55
another question please, my husband, my 5 years old son and i already have the B1/B2 visa, so is it better for us to go to the states and proceed everything or to stay here in Egypt? Is there a way for doing this anyway? It’s all because our son has to go to school this year and we are afraid to take the wrong decision for this issue. I also heard that if we go to the states he can attend school there anyways. Thanks again!
August 18, 2015 at 15:27
No you should not do that. The B1/B2 presents timing issues that mean it is almost impossible to process DV within the timeline, AND you are not supposed to show immigrant intent – so you could create problems for yourself.
September 20, 2015 at 14:59
Hi Sir, how can one know whether their case number is current or not. My CN is 2016AF00048xxxxxxxx
September 20, 2015 at 15:01
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
September 20, 2015 at 18:29
Hi Sir, Thank you so much for the bulletin but it is complicated for me. Are you saying that if your CN is above 27000 you will not be issued visa
September 20, 2015 at 21:08
No of course it does not mean that! It is an explanation on how to read the visa bulletin for any given month using a previous bulletin.
September 22, 2015 at 12:59
Hi Sir, Thank you so much for your rapid responses. I really wanna know the total amount of persons that can be randomly selected each year around the world.
September 22, 2015 at 13:05
It varies by year. 140000 in DV2014, 125000 in DV2015, 93000 in DV2016.
September 22, 2015 at 17:24
Thanks alot sir, I thought it was 55000 for 2016. Thanks again
September 22, 2015 at 17:30
Sir, is it possible for me to know how many persons got selected for My country Liberia, West Africa. If possible please help me sir
September 22, 2015 at 18:02
There are 4430 selected for Liberia this year. Being selected does not guarantee a visa.
September 22, 2015 at 21:12
Thanks I appreciate
October 9, 2015 at 17:58
pls how will u check if you have been schedule for interview but you didn’t receive your 2nl letter
October 9, 2015 at 18:16
Check the ESC page.
October 12, 2015 at 00:24
hi sir my wife and I i want of the luckiest winner and our cn is 2016F053xxx, and we submitted our litter in August, sir I want to know the interview date. 10x in advance
October 12, 2015 at 04:07
That number is quite high. It won’t be current until September next year, and there is some risk that it never gets current (the DV2015 cutoff was 50000)
November 9, 2015 at 23:49
Dear Brits… Thanks for the analysis but pls I still can not understand, my cn is AS364, can u pls guess for me between when my interview date…. Thanks
November 9, 2015 at 23:54
It depends on when your submitted your DS260
November 10, 2015 at 00:04
i submitted my ds260 in May 12, 2015
November 10, 2015 at 00:00
Mr Brit, i made a mistake in my date of birth when playing the dv2016, now am one of the lucky winner… I have already corrected my date of birth in the ds260 form before submitting… My cn 2016AS36… Pls do I still have a chance in getting my second letter for interview and when my interview can be pls assume. Thanks Brit
November 10, 2015 at 00:23
Yes you will get your interview. When depends on when you submitted the DS260.
November 10, 2015 at 00:30
i submitted my ds260 in May 12, 2015 and my cn is AS364 pls guess I can have my second letter
November 10, 2015 at 00:35
i submitted my ds260 in May 12, 2015 and my cn is AS364 pls guess in between what month I can have my second letter. Thanks
November 10, 2015 at 08:49
Just recently i registered and submitted my form for 2017 but i don’t know what you mean here. Am i going to register again, tell me more or how am i getting my case number?
November 10, 2015 at 16:37
You will get a case number IF (and only if) you are selected for further processing. You will check that next May.
November 10, 2015 at 11:35
Attn Mr Brit, pls i submitted my ds260 form on May 12, 2015 and my cn is AS364x pls between what month do u think I can have my second letter… Bcos I do not know how to read the VB… Thanks
November 10, 2015 at 16:28
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
November 14, 2015 at 06:51
Brit,
AF30***! Prediction for 2nl Pls. My regards to Sofia
November 14, 2015 at 19:00
https://britsimonsays.com/when-will-i-have-an-interview/
November 16, 2015 at 10:31
where could i get examplaire the 2NL
November 17, 2015 at 20:58
Dear Brit, I am one of lucky winner for the DV 2016, am from Nigeria my wife is from Indonesia, pls regrading the police report, I have lived more then a year in Malaysia and Indonesia … currently I am living in Indonesia with my wife and 2 kids…. pls do I need to get police report from Nigeria, Malaysia and Indonesia, or just Indonesia police report will be ok for my interview. Secondly do I need to fill up any other form like I-130 form for petition for alien relatives ?
November 17, 2015 at 22:14
This is clearly stated in the dv selectee instructions. In your case you will need police reports from 3 countries.
December 8, 2015 at 22:04
Hi sir, A friend of mine filled the ds-260 form with a passport number but after some months he decided to change the passport pls what should he do
December 9, 2015 at 01:02
If his interview is not scheduled he can request KCC to unlock his DS260 (by email) and update the DS260 (then resubmit).
December 9, 2015 at 13:33
hi sir so you think africa shall not reach the cn 60xxxx so cases like me should abandon and continue with life rather than waitng for something which cant come true and after having maybe stress or frustration
December 9, 2015 at 21:31
What case number do you have?? I don’t think there are AF cases above 60XXX…
December 9, 2015 at 13:37
pls i am in camerooon howmany people won the dv2016 there and if concerning the 7percent how many shall have thier visas thank in advance
December 9, 2015 at 21:26
Cameroon had 3047 selectees. The 7% limit is not an issue.
December 24, 2015 at 11:17
Hello simon, I am also Cameroon; my CN is AF000536xxx, ok now by your analysis this is a risky number considering the cutoff number for DV2015 was 50000. I am trying to understand the relation between the number of selectees , 7% limit(each country get a fair share of the visa distribution) and Case number. Now with Cameroon having 3042 selectees below the 7% limit(3500). does this mean I can expect an interview?
Thanks
December 24, 2015 at 16:35
The 7 percent is not a fair share for each country, it is an upper limit for any single country. In other words, there are not 3500 visa being reserved for Cameroon or any other country. Cameroon won’t get anywhere close to the limit. Your chances depend on the africa cutoff only.
December 24, 2015 at 17:43
Thanks for the clarification Simon. I noticed the VB numbers are slower than the last two years. Is it a concern or might show increased pace later? Thanks again
December 24, 2015 at 18:30
Numbers always increase later, but actually not all regions are slow – EU for instance is going very fast. AF might appear to be going slow – but it is only a few thousand behind the pace – which is normal considering the speed increase expected later. The reason speed increases later is the reduced density of the cases. You can understand what I mean by density, by reading the link below.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2015-analysis/
December 11, 2015 at 01:40
Mr. Brit, my interview is schedule for January 7, 2016, but my police record is not out yet from other country Malaysia… How many days or weeks can I change my interview date, if is still not ready…. So I will not be late to I form the embassy…..pls advice.
December 11, 2015 at 03:03
Don’t change your appointment. Attend the interview and you will be put on AP until you produce the police report. Once produced, you would then get issued.
December 11, 2015 at 03:04
Mr. Britsimon, pls. Advice my interview is schedule for January 7 2016, my document are incomplete cos my police record from Malaysia is not out yet… Pls how many days or weeks to my interview date can I change my interview date if my document are still not ready ….so I will not be later to inform the embassy to change my date of interview.
December 11, 2015 at 03:07
Mr. Brit……thanks so much for the advice …… Pls what is AP.
December 13, 2015 at 10:02
Hi Sir. My CN is 2016AF00048 and I filled in the ds 260 on Dec. 10, 2015 due to some passport issues. I want u to please tell what to expect next from KCC. Please tell me whether My cn will be current.
December 13, 2015 at 19:45
I think you mean 2016AF00048XXX (48000 – right?).
That number will be one of the last to be interviewed – so August or September.
You will wait for several months.
December 13, 2015 at 21:31
Thank You so much sir. 2015 cutt off was 50000. Do u think 2016 cutt off will be the same because my friend CN is 2016AF00052
December 13, 2015 at 22:55
I can’t say precisely – your friend will have to wait and see.
January 20, 2016 at 12:00
Hi Brit. My case number is 2016af000049..When exactly would be my interview.
January 20, 2016 at 18:16
That number is current – so it is likely delayed because you submitted your DS260 late. So – when did you submit your DS260?
March 12, 2016 at 13:49
Hi Simon, i played DV2017, i am using chargebility country as place of my father’s birth. What will i need for the interview. Thanks in advance.
March 12, 2016 at 14:57
Well, first of all you have to win a lottery!
If you are selected we can go into detail about the specifics of your case – but unless you win, that’s a waste of time.
March 12, 2016 at 15:55
Thanks, i will wait till then.
April 8, 2016 at 17:24
I find your information very useful. Quick question: I had my NIW interview July 13 2015 in Montreal and ever since I have been in administrative processing hold. My cousin who did her family sponsored interview for green card 3 weeks after me in Dubai has already received her visa. I checked on FBI website and they say they process names in the order they are relieved. I am not sure how someone who was interviewed after me can get her visa before me. Is there different FBI processing centers around the world that maybe have different processing times? Thanks
April 8, 2016 at 18:09
I don’t advise on non DV cases.
April 20, 2016 at 00:14
Sir my CN 2016Af53369,sir pls tell me whether is current, I submitted my file July 12 2015.,and I want to no the interview date.
April 20, 2016 at 05:04
It is not current yet. IF it does get current it would be an August or September interview.
April 20, 2016 at 09:15
Thanks sir for making me to understand. But sir sorry for embracing u, I still want to no if the # will still be cut off to 50000
April 20, 2016 at 13:00
We all want to know that. But that hasn’t been decided yet – and we won’t know for sure until the VB published in July.
May 4, 2016 at 23:07
Hi I just won DV 2017 my case number is 2017EU00017*** when will i be interviewed? and do you think there will be enough visas for me to get one?
May 4, 2016 at 23:51
Timing is address in the link below.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-checking-results-tips-faqs/
You can also see historical visa bulletin numbers (link in the top menu) for a rough idea.
May 31, 2016 at 10:06
Sir I still have hope 2016Af53xxx , for July 2nl letter schedule for August or September interview.
May 31, 2016 at 14:08
Wait and see.
June 2, 2016 at 16:49
What does mean Invalid Case Number? I submitted my DS 260 Form on may 30. I didnt know i was selected. So please what will be solution? i m from Nepal.
June 2, 2016 at 18:39
Where are you seeing that message?
June 2, 2016 at 23:40
Ma CN s 2017AF000012xx nd i submitted ma DS260 on june 26th . why wll b d predision of ma interview date
June 3, 2016 at 00:01
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
June 3, 2016 at 17:55
hello sir my CN s 2017AF00024### nd i submitted my DS260 yesterday when do u think will be my interview date.
June 3, 2016 at 22:58
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
June 4, 2016 at 00:44
Hello BritSimon. Let me say. Great page! 🙂
My case number is 2017SA000003XX. Acording to the Historical Visa Bulletin my interview will be in October. To know the exact date of my interview my questions are:
1. When do you think I will approximately receive my 2NL?
2. What link can I follow to know my exact date of interview If I don’t receive my 2NL?
Thanks in advance.
Pd. I already sent the DS-260 form
June 4, 2016 at 01:50
1. End of August
2. The ESC page
May 16, 2017 at 10:14
I heard that interviews start on October so how come you are assuming that his/her interview will be scheduled in August?
I am a DV 2018 winner and my number is 162XX and I have submitted my DS260 on May 10th, when do you expect my interview to be
May 16, 2017 at 17:12
2NL is the interview notification, not the interview.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
June 5, 2016 at 08:16
Hi Brit
Finally,i got my 2NL last month after a long patient wait. My interview is scheduled on 21st July and I’ve already made a medical booking. Kindly,i was requesting to know if its possible at the moment for me to change my host who’s meant to receive me? If yes,what’s the procedure
Thank you in advance
June 5, 2016 at 14:59
Inform the CO of the change in the interview.
June 10, 2016 at 16:11
pls sir kindly help me explain the meaning of current.my number is AFooo480xx but on the july bullitin im seing current.do i still hv chances 4 interview?
June 10, 2016 at 16:37
Current means you will be interviewed
June 10, 2016 at 17:04
pls sir my number is 480xx.do i still hv chances 4 interview?
June 14, 2016 at 11:59
hello Simon
Thanks a lot for your wonderful informative page. My wife and I entered as married, submitted DS 260 jn June 2016 with CN 2017AF43XX.
1. when do you think we would be interviewed
2. what preparations would you suggest.
Thanks
June 14, 2016 at 13:25
Please check the articles I have already written….
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
https://britsimonsays.com/prepare-dv-lottery-interview-2/
June 27, 2016 at 17:26
Hi sir I am the winner 2017 dv lottery my case number is 2017AS000035## when will be my interview.thanks.
June 27, 2016 at 19:51
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
June 29, 2016 at 23:27
Sir 2016Af53xxx is current for interview for september.
June 29, 2016 at 23:53
August – and if not ready, then probably September as well.
July 5, 2016 at 00:39
Sir my wife n I were schedule for August 25 2016 Interview and she is d principal Applicant and she just took the the waec examination recently. Please give us idea what to do bcoz is ready worry us.
July 5, 2016 at 02:27
She must meet the education requirement at the time of interview.
July 7, 2016 at 00:18
Sir u can do ur medical at any hopital or a special hopital.
July 7, 2016 at 02:01
It has to be a physician trusted by the embassy – each embassy publishes their list of trusted physicians.
July 7, 2016 at 06:24
10x sir but i don’t still understand it, I want to still no that what u saying is that the embassy can deside where u talking d medical test.
July 7, 2016 at 14:41
The embassy publish a list of doctors where you can take the medical test. You book the medical with one of those doctors.
July 7, 2016 at 21:01
10x sir for ur ans but sir we didnot see any listing of the doctor in our letter, we only saw visa unit,interview date and the embassy where we will site for d interview and the time. Sir how can we get one of the doctor, please give us idea please sir.10x
July 7, 2016 at 22:18
WHAT EMBASSY????????
July 8, 2016 at 00:15
Sir futher more u can carry ur medical pepper n police clearence during ur interview day as part of the document too.10x God bless u.