The “September” visa bulletin has been published – so this is the first bulletin for DV2017. It concerns the case numbers eligible for October interviews.
For those that are current, and have forms processed early enough, they can expect their 2NL in about 2 (maybe 3) weeks from now. I know I am going to get a lot of people who will ask me this exact question – so let me say that again. 2NLs for October interviews will be sent in about two or three weeks time.
It is possible that some people will be current for October interviews, but will not be scheduled in October because they submitted late, or there is a processing backlog that causes a delay. This has happened in the last 2 years, and although I am guessing the effect will be reduced this year (because of lower selectee numbers), it does mean that cases submitted in June onwards may not get their 2NLs. I will only know for sure what the backlog effect is once I start hearing from those that get scheduled, so – I will post when 2NLs start going out and survey those cases to estimate the backlog. Given these numbers are slightly lower than previous years, that re-enforces my assumption that backlog is there, but not quite as bad as previous years.
To those new to looking at VBs, let me explain what the “except” XXX country means (for Nepal, Egypt and Ethiopia).
Processing is spread out over the full year. You can see the progress of the two previous years in this post about basic questions. However, some countries have a high number of selectees and those selectees are concentrated in the lower case numbers. For various reasons, mainly to do with embassy capacity, KCC slow down certain countries as compared to the region. So – in Africa, any case with a case number of 8000 can be interviewed but for cases from Egypt or Ethiopia, that number is low (6000). That isn’t a big problem, it just “slows down” those countries a little more than the rest of the region. Since selectees from those countries all have lower case numbers, this slowing down does not present any risk. It does not (at this point) mean they won’t allow all selectees an interview from those countries. In fact, in DV2017, I think all regions and countries will go current (assuming no further draw).
To understand why some countries get lower case numbers, read this article about the lottery draw process.
Read this link if you are unsure how to read the visa bulletin.
AFRICA – 8000
Except:
Egypt – 6000
Ethiopia – 6000
ASIA – 2100
Except:
Nepal – 1900
EUROPE – 8500
OCEANIA – 300
SOUTH AMERICA, and the CARIBBEAN – 400
August 16, 2016 at 13:03
NO. I was not given any paper with refusal code Mr. Simon. She only took my police clearance and my medical report and told me that she can not continue the process on a piece of paper. Please tell me what is the will forward Simon? Should I write kcc?
August 16, 2016 at 16:18
KCC cannot help – they cannot override the embassy. CEAC status for the case number you gave shows refused for the principal and one derivative. So – that is final – there is no appeal.
August 16, 2016 at 13:35
Hi mr britsimon
Does have another chance the people that get not selected 2017 and when its possible to make second selection. thank you
August 16, 2016 at 16:05
Maybe, it has happened in the past, but it would be a small very number of winners if any at all. Check your case again in October.
August 16, 2016 at 15:47
Hi brits,
you are really helpful in your limitless reponses in every ones comment.
then i have something to ask, i am from Ethiopia and i have won 2017 dv lottery with the case number Af11*** and i have filled my DS-260 in May 17, 2017 so is there any possibility to my 2NL/second letter in August..or what is your guess month to get my 2NL. please say something!
Thank you very much!
August 16, 2016 at 15:59
🙂
It’s not limitless – I prefer people read what I had already spent time on writing….
Case in point.
britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 16, 2016 at 16:17
i am winner dvlettery 2017 with my case number is 2017AF11…and i have processed by Ds-260 in May 2017 do you think my 2NL will release in august if not what is your estimate month to get second letter/2NL
with many thanks
August 16, 2016 at 16:25
I’m not predicting timelines beyond this post – britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 16, 2016 at 16:58
1. Do you know when to fill DV lottery for 2018..what month
2. Is it possible there might not be one?
August 16, 2016 at 18:37
1. October
2. There is one.
August 16, 2016 at 22:06
Dear Simone our interview took place on 10 August but until now in CEAC our status is ready what is the mather please explain me i don’t know if i have to write them in order to inquire or wait.Verbally they put us in AP
August 17, 2016 at 01:19
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/interview-went-well-now-ceac-shows-ap-happening/
August 16, 2016 at 22:55
I took the interview in Algeria 1st August.
The visa was Issued 4th august, And today I got my passeport back with the Visa. Thank you very much for your help.
August 17, 2016 at 01:17
Great!
August 17, 2016 at 06:45
Hi Brit..
Long time !
my case number was 2016AF2852X and i had gotten already my visa since june 3 rd.
for instance for someone like me living in the US with a permanent residency status , and i met a foreigner girl student with a studiant visa in the US. and we wish to get married in the US. since i have a permanent residency status, how long will take for her to inherit my status? how will it go for her after our wedding since she was having before a student visa in US ?
Thanks !
August 17, 2016 at 13:47
THat process takes about 2 years – but yes it is possible. Do not marry to give someone a GC though – that is fraud! If caught you will be deported.
August 17, 2016 at 08:43
Hi brits i went for my interview on july 14 and my status was changed to issued on the 20 july and was last updated on the 11 August, but uptil today they have not called me for my passport, and i know some one who went fo the interview 12 days before and he got his yesterday, my question now could it be possible that am on AP. PLEASE AM A LITTLE BIT WORRIED
August 17, 2016 at 13:38
Have you contacted the embassy? Were you told to open an account with DHL before the interview – and did you do that?
August 17, 2016 at 14:07
I Contacted the embassy last week wednesday and they replied on thursday that, you will be notified upon completion to pick up your passport with the visa,but my case status is still showing ISSUED am wondering whethere i have been put on AP, is it possibe for some one to be on AP nad CEAC data showing ISSUED, am really worried now brits, because some one went twelve days after me and his visa was giving to him yesterday.
August 17, 2016 at 16:09
I thought this process would have taught you patience and relaxation techniques….
August 17, 2016 at 09:11
What is AP?????
August 17, 2016 at 13:36
Administrative Processing – a period of delay after the interview while missing documents are provided or additional background checks are performed.
August 17, 2016 at 17:54
Thanks
August 19, 2016 at 16:12
Hello Brit!I also figured out that if the Consulate is having technical problems regarding the printing of visas,they can also place you on AP.This happened to me after the CO instructed I should pick my visa two days after the interview was a success.I got a bit stressed until I found out by them.
August 19, 2016 at 17:15
That’s not “real” AP – it is just the status they mark in CEAC while the printing is happening – it normally lasts 1 to 2 days – but would be longer if they had printing issues.
August 17, 2016 at 10:32
Sorry twelve days after my interview
August 17, 2016 at 11:13
Brit Is 2017AS67xx case no is safe this year? I m from Nepal. In your many comments, you have made clear that this every region may go current. But why they choose low case no: upto 2100 ( and for Nepal 1900) for october visa bulletin? What conclusions can we conclude from this?
August 17, 2016 at 13:34
It is safe. The numbers are just to avoid overbooking of the embassy in Nepal.
August 17, 2016 at 11:14
Dear Brit,
We are so blessed that we have got our visa last week.
May I ask which line should we queue when we Go through US Immigration? Aliens or locals?
Thank you for your help. Have a good day!
August 17, 2016 at 13:33
First time you go through as an alien – after that – the other line (citizens and residents)
August 17, 2016 at 13:45
Hi Brit..
Long time !
my case number was 2016AF2852X and i had gotten already my visa since june 3 rd.
for instance for someone like me living in the US with a permanent residency status , and i met a foreigner girl student with a student visa in the US. and we wish to get married in the US. since i have a permanent residency status, how long will take for her to inherit my status? how will it go for her after our wedding since she was having before a student visa in US ?
Thanks !
August 17, 2016 at 13:50
Hi Brit,
When we arrive for the first time to States, we need to go to the immigration office. Is that office in airport for example in O’hare airport in Chicago, do you know ? Or where should we go after landing to States ?
And we wrote down to ds-260 we would be staying in New York when we arrive but we decided to go to Chicago. Is that a problem ?
Thanx a lot again !
August 17, 2016 at 13:55
At the airport you will go through immigration. It happens immediately when you get off the plane.
No problem on where you live/land.
August 17, 2016 at 18:31
Do we still need to apply ESTA ?
August 18, 2016 at 03:26
No
August 17, 2016 at 14:57
Hi Brit please when is the 2NLs for October coming out? Thanks
August 17, 2016 at 15:57
Approx the same time every month – the 8th to the 15th. The one that affects October interviews is the one discussed above.
August 17, 2016 at 16:24
Hi brits,
what does it mean current ? my case no. is 2017AF000114… is it current ?
August 18, 2016 at 03:42
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
August 17, 2016 at 16:49
Hello Simon, still remember me? My CN was actually among the highest in AF region…. but our interview was on 4th August 2016 at the Nairobi Embassy and we now have the visas except one family member awaiting medical results. Through you we have succeeded and therefore highly grateful…. we have learnt that patience pays, perseverance is the key and God always watches. We’ll payback for your selflessness ocw we land in the US
Be blessed abundantly always.
August 18, 2016 at 03:34
Glad to hear it got sorted out. I hope you get the medical clearance in time, if not, you have options….
August 17, 2016 at 17:15
Hi simon
Thx for your help.
I have a question about school
I did 7 years in high school than 6 because a double grade 7. (Did twice)so should I write from that year or the one I did passe.so it will be 6years of height school.
1993-1994
Is it to late if I submit my form in October?
August 18, 2016 at 03:33
Yes, detail the education accurately. October is not too late.
August 17, 2016 at 18:04
Hi Brit
My case numb is 2017af41***
I wish to ask if i make my police glearance in dubai now before my 2nl will it be denied
While waitx 2nl can i do police record now
August 18, 2016 at 03:30
It is very early to apply for that – it will be spring summer of next year before you are interviewed.
August 17, 2016 at 18:07
Dear Simon
My wife was selected in the dv lottery 2017,we have two children one of them was born in USA and held American nationality and passport.
I was instructed that there is no need to fill out the DS 260 form for my son who was born in united states but when we were filling the ds 260 for me and my wife we found the followings questions about our son i am not sure that our answers were correct or no:
1. is this child immigrating with you to U.S.? our answer was……NO
2. Is this child child immigrating to the U.S. at later date to join you? our answer was……NO
please advice if our answers were correct or no.
Finally we are very grateful for every single answer you reply for every one of us patiently and has made a big difference for each one of us.
THANK YOU
August 18, 2016 at 03:29
Your answers were correct – the CO will discuss it with you, but there will not be a problem.
August 18, 2016 at 06:01
Thank you for your reply, another question please for the ds form of our daughter there is a question that says did anyone assist you in filling out this application? my daughter is only 5 years old and we answer no because it is naturally we filled out her ds form is it ok or no?
August 18, 2016 at 14:10
Of course it is!!
August 18, 2016 at 01:03
Hi Simon,
We did interview yesterday, it was successful and consular said that your visa is approved and get your visa after 2 days. But today when i check CEAC status it comes out AP ?? Is it normal ?? should i contact with Embassy ??
August 18, 2016 at 03:22
FAQ!
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/interview-went-well-now-ceac-shows-ap-happening/
August 18, 2016 at 13:12
hello britsimon,i had my interview yesterday in Nairobi and my visa was issued.i checked CEAC site today and has changed to issued.thanks to this blog.
August 18, 2016 at 13:57
Great!
August 18, 2016 at 17:03
What is CEAC?
Is that something you check only after interview?
August 18, 2016 at 17:27
It is a status checking site BUT no DV2017 cases are there yet – they won’t be loaded until late December/January.
August 18, 2016 at 18:05
Thank you for your immediate response….i really appreciate what you do.
August 19, 2016 at 16:05
Hello Brit!Got a question or two.
1)What happens at the Port of Entry?Is one subjected to an interview or questions by the Immigration officers?
2)The address on the travel packages which I and my family members got by the Consulate is the same as the one I filled on the DS-260 but when we had our medicals,I did supply a different intended address because someone in a different state had to redo an AOS for me.Which address should I say I am going to if asked by the Immigration officer
3)On the travel package appears my Alias.I did disclose on the DS-260what other name I held in another country until I cancelled the documents under amnnesty declaired by that Country.The CO never asked me about it during the interview but can I be asked about this at the port of entry and might the immigration officer require proof I have revoked my aliases or they have already conferred or made with the country I once held citizenship?Anything to worry about?
August 19, 2016 at 17:17
1. Almost no questions. They open the sealed packet, look it over – not much more than that.
2. Whichever address you want to use for the delivery of the GC. If you saying nothing, it will be the address on the DS260.
3. Nothing to worry about.
August 19, 2016 at 21:25
Hey brit
August 20, 2016 at 14:32
hi Brest
In your opinion why dvistes who spend their interview in Ivory Coast and are Issued. Waiting almost 2 months for the withdrawal of their visa? Thank you
August 20, 2016 at 14:37
I don’t know.
August 20, 2016 at 17:01
Hi Simon, a general question here. I recently told my close family members that we’ll be living and working in the US. They discouraged me saying that all my salary there will go to paying rent, that i should not resign fron my job here ( monthly salary of USD 1500)… that life is unbearable there. Can i classify these people as agents of doom filled with jealousy? Am from Kenya. Many regards.
August 20, 2016 at 17:54
I have never lived in Kenya, so I cannot compare. However, I have spent the last 20 years living and working in Europe and America, so I have a perspective of someone used to “first world” living.
America is a land of opportunity. There are many people who are very wealthy, there are many who are very poor. Then there is the majority of people who I would call “middle class”. There is no doubt that a new immigrant here will have to work hard to establish him/herself and that may even mean taking a financial step backwards for some people. However, the middle class here are living a fortunate life. They will live in comfortable homes, drive nice cars, have money to enjoy leisure time and so on. A middle class person will (if they are smart with money), have enough to travel the world, live well and retire comfortably. So – a smart, hardworking person can aim to be middle class and be very comfortable.
Now, could it be harder than you think – yes of course. It is a land of opportunity – not a country where gold is lying on the ground waiting to be picked up. But if you do well her you will live a very nice life…
August 20, 2016 at 17:55
Hi brit , i know that next week will be sent 2nl for october interview ,but do you know will 2nl send in one day for all 8500 cases of europe or in different days , thank you for your help .
August 20, 2016 at 18:15
Hi Simon,
my case number is 2017EU0000079XX and I am from Ukraine. I submitted the form on the 5th of May (early). Just want to know if I understand you properly. As Europe case numbers eligible for October interviews are 8500 it is very high chance to be invited to interview in October (90-95%) unless there will be a backlog that causes a delay. Is that right? Or is it more likely to November?
Thank you
August 20, 2016 at 19:03
October. If there is a backlog (which won’t be as bad as previous years) you will be at the front of that line since you submitted early.
August 20, 2016 at 20:57
Hi Simon, my case # is 2017AF000021**, i want to know if my case will be interview this year or next year. 2. How do I know if my dv case is scheduled for interview
August 20, 2016 at 21:00
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 20, 2016 at 21:21
, I fill and submitted my DS_260 form may 21 2016 and I have not received a response. please advise me what to do.
August 20, 2016 at 21:58
Just wait….
The interview notification for DV2017 haven’t started yet!
August 20, 2016 at 21:44
Hi BritSimon, I appreciate for all what you doing for us!
I’m from Kyrgyz Republic, My case number is 2017EU000061XX, submitted on July12, little bit late with renewing my expiring passport. Now I’ve no idea when I’ll be appointed, but i’ll be happy to hear your opinion. Thank you!
August 20, 2016 at 21:59
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 21, 2016 at 09:46
HI Simon,
My cousin sent me the affidavit form, I have a concern here. Since he was immigrated from Pakistan and his place of birth is Pakistan in his passport although we are afghan, he put me as cousin in affidavit form. Will it make an issue for me because I am an afghan and my cousin is from Pakistan.
thanks
August 21, 2016 at 15:09
No problem.
August 21, 2016 at 14:36
Hi Simon , Police certificate from uk , has to be on paper , or can be via e-mail , thank you , they can provide both at the same price . Thank you
August 21, 2016 at 15:02
Get paper.
August 21, 2016 at 15:24
Hi Simon, I am the principal applicant and I have five childrens, three by women that I married and two by my two pass relationship, do I need to have a court documents for the two children mothers for them to go with me. When I play I did play with all five of my childrens. PLEASE HELP me with advice in this case.
August 21, 2016 at 15:27
Yes you would need to show custody papers or formalized permission from the mothers
August 21, 2016 at 17:57
Thanks Mr. Simon for your effort and sharing your knowledge and experience with us, finally i got my passport and docs today, I’m so happy ??? Hope to see you one day sir.
I do have a question if i may ask, the embassy asked me to log online and pay the fees of the green card and i have done it already, my question is i’m planning to travel next October so by that time should my green card be ready or the process will start after i enter US?
August 21, 2016 at 17:59
The GC will only start to be processed once you enter the USA. It takes 3 to 4 months to arrive.
August 22, 2016 at 20:02
Hi brit , i received my 2nl today , i am case number 2500eu , i have filled ds 260 at 9 may , thank you .
August 22, 2016 at 20:10
Great!!!
August 22, 2016 at 20:18
I am a winner 2016 , i have two children i would go with them to the unites states.record their green card and make that they return to cameroon for one year is possible
August 22, 2016 at 20:19
Yes. They can be absent for UP TO 1 year.
August 22, 2016 at 21:31
Hi semon.
Right now am in usa to day is almost 20 day am not comfortable leaving with my sponsor can i get social security visitor and get temorary sol until i start job and know the invironment or show me the best way u know….pls.
With best regards,
August 22, 2016 at 21:45
Have you applied for the SSN? If not, do so.
As for getting a job – there are plenty of jobs – but how to get one depends on what sort of work you want to do.
August 22, 2016 at 22:04
Yes i recived my ssn number its with me. But i dont wont to stay hear with my sponsor. This is the basic Q then i will find any job till i know very well the invironment. So what kind of support can i get from Gvt social security office …
August 22, 2016 at 23:30
You can’t get support from the social security office or government. You are supposed to be self supporting.
August 23, 2016 at 11:23
Dear Brit I have an inquiry I made a mistake in my children middle name and my highschool graduation date I asked for my form to be unlocked so I can correct those mistakes they told me that I can’t unlock because my case isdue to interview on the 4th of october do you think those mistakes will lessen my chchances of getting a visa
August 23, 2016 at 13:31
No
August 23, 2016 at 17:54
You are making us look bad find any job even if they pay you the minimum pay….until you find something better. You should not even think the government will help you…they already help you to come to the US. Be a man and find a job and support yourself.
August 22, 2016 at 21:31
Hi Simon
Keep the momentum, U R doing a great job.
I am a 2017 winner, however I’ve lived in the UK when I was a student; for about 8 years. I have a couple of questions:
1- Are the police records or certificate necessary for visa processing? When, where, and to whom it should be handed over.
2- Do I have to get the police records ONLY from my home country’s authorities OR from the UK as well?
3- IF I need to have it from UK, where to apply?
4- Should my spouse and children get the records as well?
Thanks
August 22, 2016 at 21:43
1. Yes. You provide that at the interview. Make sure you read the instructions!
2. Again – if you had read the instruction you would know the answer. It is likely to be at least two countries in your case.
3. Instructions….
4. Oh wow. Guess what I am going to say….
August 23, 2016 at 15:41
Hi Brit
My case num af201700041***
I have a quest
Am presently in Dubai.if it happens that my contract of work got finish and I made a police record to take to my ctry w out getting my 2nl
If I got the 2nl when my police record in Dubai has expired
Will it cause me an issue at my visa interview ?
Please held to advice me
August 23, 2016 at 16:03
That should be OK considering you will have left the country.
August 23, 2016 at 17:58
Hi Brit,
What’s the difference between the 2nl and the interview date?
August 23, 2016 at 18:29
Usually about 6 to 7 weeks.
August 25, 2016 at 12:24
Hi Brit
I winners in the DV2017 and filled form DS260,
passport’s my son a character different from me in the grandfather’s name and father to me instead (I) from an existing (E) Is this a problem.
my question
1- it possible to extract a new passport with the change of crafts
2- need to open DS260 or take with me both passport to interview
Thank you
August 25, 2016 at 15:15
The passport should be accurate and match the birth certificate. I don’t know whether that means it needs to be changed, but if it does, then yes you can take both to the interview.
August 26, 2016 at 14:05
Hey Simon,
My brother did 9th grade two times, in 2011&12 in two different cities but on the DS he ignored the first and started from the latter… Any issues??
Should we unlock it??
August 26, 2016 at 16:43
I would recommend to list both years to properly account for his age versus level of education. There could otherwise be a missing year. So – my advice would be to unlock, but it might be OK either way….
August 26, 2016 at 14:47
And also, Simon, assuming that he didn’t mention anything previous than that(like there’s no 8th grade and he started listing the addresses from the age of 16(that is in 2012)
I personally don’t see anything wrong with that..
But since I have little knowledge on the process, let’s here it from you
Thanx a lot…
August 26, 2016 at 17:19
1. What information is on the 2NL?
2. Do I receive an email from kcc?
August 26, 2016 at 20:54
FAQ!!! FAQ!!! FAQ!!! FAQ!!! FAQ!!! FAQ!!! FAQ!!! FAQ!!! FAQ!!! FAQ!!! FAQ!!! FAQ!!! FAQ!!! FAQ!!!
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-does-the-2nl-look-like/
August 26, 2016 at 20:47
Hi Brit
Thank you very much for the effort but unfortunately the counselor did not ask us,all she said was we should proof our marriage besides traditional wedding certificate which my husband did but she typed a little bit and telling us that she is providing information as to why our case is closed. My husband asked her what else do want and she said your interview is over????? finally the letter was provided telling us that we did not show a bonofart prove. I am frustrated and all the love and hope about America has passaway.
August 26, 2016 at 23:04
Oh Brits.
If we could just all read all your post we would be able to determine all the answers that we have even before we ask them.
I have been reading your posts..infact I have an allert for every new post so I can see all that is asked and answered.
I applaud you for your patience and the knowledge that you have passed on. I too am a DV2017 derivative and I have gathered all that I need from just reading…well I have asked a few questions but I habe caught on to the trend…..
Thanks once again.
We will be going to our interview very early in october…and because I am in a different area I will share my experience after…..
I just want to say…..great job….
August 27, 2016 at 00:00
Thank you for the comment – and the reading skills!!!
August 27, 2016 at 13:29
Hey Brits.
I need to clarify something. If someone does not have a sponsor and want to use their oen finances….wht is the minimum amount of funds can they prove to support their stay….for a couple.
August 27, 2016 at 14:08
AT LEAST $20,000 – but more would be better, and an I-134 is safer.
August 27, 2016 at 15:02
Thanks.
About US $30,000 can be produced on a bank statement or combined…I would believe this can do it….
August 27, 2016 at 15:44
Normally, yes.
August 27, 2016 at 14:57
Hello Brit, I need your advice please. What if you have a step child and that child was disown by the father since the mother got pregnant for that child. And you got married to the mother and u have ever responsible for that child, and the mother give you the right for the child to used your last name on the birth certificate, because since her pregnancy was denied by this guy. She didn’t see him anymore and there is no support form him, since she was pregnant. She said that, form the date she told he that she was pregnant for him and the guy response that he is married so he can’t take at outside child to his marriage home. That is how he left her that day and she never see him again. This child is been using my name since I got married to the mother and am the only father she knows. My question here is, do we need a document from the court?we want to do the right thing, because my name is on her birth certificate even before we played the dv and the father can’t be found. We are dv winner and we played as a family and she used my last name on the entrance. Thanks
August 27, 2016 at 15:47
Wow – that whole essay could have been boiled down to:
Can I include my step child on my case?
Answer, YES – you treat a step child (the child of your legally married spouse) in exactly the same way as any other children you have.
August 27, 2016 at 16:23
OK thanks Brit, I have been worring about it. So we don’t need any document from the court right?
August 27, 2016 at 20:35
I answered already. The only papers you need are the marriage cert and the child’s birth cert.