We will have many new selectees with very basic questions. Let me try and address the most frequent ones here in the hope that people will read this. If you ask a question and I give you a link to this page, it is to indicate that your question can be answered by reading this page and using some common sense. Please use the links in the title at the top of this page for Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and the DV lottery guide. There is LOTS of information available on my site – so a look through the FAQ and guide will take care of most questions.
Please read the ground rules at the bottom of this page.
Here are two links to help those still not able to check their entry:
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/checking-esc-page-check-without-mistakes/
And here is a video to explain how to check your entry result.
This one with tips about submitting the DS260.
And for those that cannot submit their DS260.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/ds260-case-number-doesnt-match-case-number/
Now – some questions.
Is there a deadline to submit my DS260?
There is no official deadline to submit your DS260. People will continue to submit DS260s cases well into next year. Submissions as late as April, May or perhaps (but more riskily) even June of next year will still get processed in time. Now – submitting as early as you can without rushing and making mistakes is always the “normal” advice, unless you want to delay your interview date for some reason (which does apply to some people).
How long does it take to process the DS260?
The actual processing time of the DS260 is quite short – probably 3 to 4 weeks, but since KCC are flooded with DS260s in May and June, there is a backlog that builds up meaning you will wait for them to even start processing your DS260. That backlog should be mostly removed by January or February at the latest.
Does every DS260 take the same time to process?
No. There is some background checks required on each case that vary according to the situation of the selectees. The precise details of the checks are not published, but we can guess they are mainly about ensuring security of the USA. That means they communicate with agencies and foreign governments about the details you provide on the DS260. Some countries co-operate with the USA, some don’t. In countries that don’t co-operate you can expect DS260 will take longer. So, some cases are very simple, and some not so simple. If a selectee was raised in Western Europe, works in an office and has never travelled to certain high risk countries we can expect the DS260 processing (once the case is ACTUALLY processed, not queued) to be quick. If on the other hand someone has travel history around certain countries in the Middle East or lists their work as “Nuclear weapons specialist”, well they can expect the US government to take longer over those checks.
So – never assume that all DS260s submitted on the same day will complete processing on the same day. There will be variations.
When will I be interviewed?
Interview timing is mainly based on your case number, and where that number is ranked within each region. If you submitted your DS260 early, but have a high case number within your region, you will wait until that case number is ready to be interviewed. So – if you are case number 10000 in AS region for example you can expect a long wait before being interviewed. However regions have their own numbering, SO that same number in AF region (where the highest case number could be a lot higher) that 10000 number would be very low. So “low or high” number is relative within the region.
When will interviews start and how will I be told of my interview date?
No interviews will happen before October 1 each year. Interviews will continue until September 30th the following year. So stop packing your bags. It’s a long process. Interview scheduled are notified in monthly batches about 6 weeks before the interview month. The notification for an interview is called the 2NL (which is simply an email telling you to check the ESC page).
When will KCC send the first 2NLs?
The first 2NLs (the interview notification) for the new year will go out in mid/late August. That will be for cases that have been processed AND are current for October (which will be very low case numbers). Then 2NLs will come in a monthly schedule, also late in each month. So – late in September for November interviews and so on.
When are the visa bulletins published?
The visa bulletins are published around the 8th to the 15th of each month. It can be a little earlier or later, so don’t get worked up if it hasn’t arrived on the 15th.
“My case number is XXXX when will I be scheduled?”
Oh man. These questions are tiring. I really expect people to use some thought process about this, and if you can’t do that, then asking me to think for you is not going to be warmly welcomed by me. I have made available more than enough information to get an idea of how scheduling works, but remember, cases are scheduled according to ALL the following three things.
- The case number. No case will EVER be scheduled until the case number is ready.
- DS260 submission. Until the DS260 is submitted AND PROCESSED, you will not be scheduled.
- Embassy capacity – the embassy must be open and have enough capacity to schedule all the cases that are current and processed. In fact the embassy capacity is currently the largest hindrance for many cases. We have seen some embassies that have built up backlogs hundreds of fully processed cases, and yet they still only accept a handful of cases each month. Unfortunately there does not seem to be any way to force them to do the correct amount of work, so people assigned to those underperforming embassies have a large risk.
How do KCC schedule the cases?
Roughly speaking all interviews are spread out over the year, starting in October and ending the following September. KCC release numbers via the visa bulletin to say which case numbers can be interviewed. Check out this article to understand how to read the visa bulletin.
KCC will increase the number made current on each region at a pace that ensures they have enough interviews to match the embassy capacity during each month.
The method means that lower case numbers have a better chance of getting an interview. That is deliberate, and is how the law is written.
So – to take an example. If OC had a highest case number of 1000, we could roughly expect to see that number increase by 100 each month. It might be 75 one month and 125 the next, but you get the general idea – it is a slow progression over the year.
Additionally it is important to understand that sometimes higher case numbers will be scheduled before lower case numbers. This is because of the timing of when the cases become current and are processed. Each embassy has an AV queue, which is an ordered list of cases waiting for scheduling. The way that queue is managed is described in this video:
https://youtu.be/8D5QzxAiXBI
Should I unlock my DS260 or will that cause a delay?
Unlocking generally causes no delay to cases. It is far more important to have an accurate DS260 than be worried about a delay, but unfortunately some inexperienced lawyers have misunderstood the process and comments made by government officials to give an impression that unlocking should be avoided. They are quite clearly incorrect. We have many people that have unlocked cases and have been fully processed. So – if you need to unlock, do so – but the best advice is to be careful in filling the DS260 in the first place.
More information about the bad advice to not unlock is here.
Will there be a second draw?
In some years it is possible that there would be a small second draw around September/October. We don’t know how likely that is for this year yet. It really only happens in years where the initial draw is a small number of selectees, and the last time it happened was DV2018.
Selectees, cases and case numbers
OK – so there is some confusion about this – so let me cover it here.
When the selectee numbers are published (in the July or August visa bulletin there is a number shown for each country within each region. That number is the number of *selectees – INCLUDING derivatives*. So – if a winner was single, that is one selectee on one case number. If the winner was married and had one child, that would count as three selectees. The global quota of visas is ~55,000, so if the three person family were to be approved, that is 3 out of 55,000.
Each winner gets a case number. The derivatives are on that same case number. Each region has it’s on set of case numbers – so there can be an AF1, AF2, AS1, AS2, EU1 and EU2 ands so on. So when you tell me your case number is case number 12345 – it is meaningless. I need the year and region.
As I explain in this post about holes theory – the case numbers assigned have “holes” (or gaps between them). So – case number 20000 does NOT have 19999 cases in front of them. The number will be less. However, there may be less case numbers – but each case has the selectee and derivatives.
To understand your “place in the line”, you have to understand the density of cases, number of derivatives on each case, how many cases will respond, how many will be approved and so on. There is a lot to understand. I wrote a series of articles a couple of years ago – and all can be understood by reading those – start with density analysis, and use the links at the bottom of that article to get to the others. The analysis was specific to DV2016 – but the principles are the same.
In the first few months of the new program year we don’t have much data. In January we get access to the CEAC data and then we will understand a lot more. The CEAC data is all the case status info for every case – but again we will not have CEAC data until January. In the meantime, you can see excellent visualizations of the previous years data at the site maintained by a smart guy call Xarthisius. The site illustrates well the density, response rate and so on, which are things you will hear me explain (and can read about on my site).
How many visas can be issued each year? How about XXX country?
According to the published information, there are almost 55,000 visas available globally. However, the visas are allocated through a quota system to each region. They are NOT allocated by country. However, no one country can receive more than 7% of the global allocation. – so regions have an allocation of the 55,000 global quota. This is explained in more detail here.
Can the lottery be stopped by Trump/Republicans/Aliens?
This was fully detailed in this post from August 2017. Since then, Trump and the Republicans have continued to achieve almost nothing, and there has been no credible progress toward immigration law changes. Please read that article, and don’t ask me the same questions again until an actual real law is passed.
Terminology
1NL – First Notification Letter (Selection letter)
221g – AP Refusal after interview, not final
2NL – Second notification letter (Interview letter)
AV – Visa numbers have been allocated, and the case is ready to be scheduled for appointment
CEAC – Consular Electronic Application Center
CN – Case Number
DOS – Department of State
DS260 – Immigrant Visa Application Form
DV – Diversity Visa
INTS – Case has been scheduled for an appointment
KCC – Kentucky Consular Center
NVC – National Visa Centre (who don’t have anything to do with DV cases)
PCC – Police Clearance Certificate
POE – Point of Entry
RV – Case processing is complete, and the case has been reported for the allocation of visa numbers
USCIS – United States Citizenship and Immigration Services
VB – Visa Bulletin
GROUND RULES for BritSimonSays.com
I don’t work for the government, I don’t get paid for this. I work for a living and I sleep sometimes. So – I expect people to respect my time. That means the following “rules” exist on my site.
- Read the DV lottery guide. It includes a link to my guide on how to complete the DS260, an overall rough idea of the process and so on.
- READ the FAQ (frequently asked questions). If you ask me a question that is covered in the FAQ, you are wasting my time. Please help me help you and others that need help
- Learn how to use the search feature and translation features of this site.
- Post your questions in English. Like many of you, I am multilingual but English is a common language – and most Americans ONLY speak English, and mostly, not very well (hehehe).
- If asking multiple questions, number your questions and consider how I can answer the question. Consider how I can answer with a simple yes or no or short answer – you will find I ALWAYS answer questions like that, because you considered how to make the answer easy for me to give. Give me enough detail to answer the question without making me read about your life history for 10 minutes. I do ignore some rambling questions that send me to sleep…
- Do NOT post “are you sure” type questions – I simply HATE that. It is a huge waste of my time to have to deal with that type of follow up. Read my answer 10 times if you need, but unless you are CONVINCED I misunderstood or answered incorrectly, don’t ask me the same thing I just answered.
- Post your question once and wait for a reply. Sometimes your post won’t show up on the public page until I approve it. That doesn’t mean you should post the same question 5 more times. Just wait.
- If following up to a question you already asked – use “REPLY” to keep the questions in context. I see an administrators view of the questions – I don’t always see that one question is close to your previous question, but I am able to jump to the thread if you use reply.
- Don’t expect me to know everything about life in all the countries around the world. You may not have left country A – but you should consider that the world does not all work the same way as country A.
- Tell the truth. Don’t lie to me. I hate it – and it is pointless. This process requires honesty. So do I.
- Keep your data private. Your case number should be quoted with region and year, but you don’t need to give me, or anyone else, a precise number. Give a range by “X-ing out” the last few digits. So – if your number is 2023AF000012345, you can quote your number as 2023AF12XXX. That tells me you are about the 12000 to 13000 range in AF region in 2023.
- Every year I get a few characters that drive me nuts. There is the person that asks every single question that pops into their head. If someone is making use of the info here, that should not be necessary. Take some responsibility for your own case. Second I get some smartasses that get uppity with me over one thing or another. I could argue for England, I enjoy a good argument, but this isn’t the place for that and I am too busy. I will not hesitate to delete messages I find annoying or damaging to other people’s chances. Some people are amazed when I do that – but this is my blog. If you want to argue because you think you know better, just find somewhere else to do that. I’m not interested in feeding your ego, and I don’t care if you think I am arrogant, mean, a tyrant or whatever. Really – I don’t care, so those “accusations” don’t hurt me.
- This space reserved for any other rules I think of, whenever I think of them.
October 1, 2024 at 12:59
Hello, I am an Egyptian citizen. Can I apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery if I have mandatory military service?
October 1, 2024 at 13:26
Yes
September 29, 2024 at 02:45
Hey Simon, I will graduate from high school in May next year. Will I still be able to apply for the DV lottery? The results will be announced at the time of my graduation, so by then I will have successfully completed high school. I don’t want to miss out on a one year of chance. Thank you!
September 29, 2024 at 09:44
Yes. You have to meet the requirement by the time of interview
September 27, 2024 at 13:38
Hi Simon! I have a question:
we received a notice indicating that the administration is processing our AOS case but we can’t obtain a feedback regarding next steps (before monday 30) – do you think it’s over ? Thanks
September 28, 2024 at 00:50
There will still be visas available on Monday.
September 20, 2024 at 02:17
Hi Simon! Please guide me what do I do? My case number is current so, I emailed KCC after watching your video and they replied my interview has been scheduled for 7 October and to wait for 2NL. Now after 10 days I still haven’t received my 2NL so, I write them back to which they replied my case has been forwarded to consulate at Stockholm, Sweden (I am from Nepal, I am in Sweden for study) so, KCC can no longer unlock my application. During the mean time I had also emailed the embassy twice already requesting to provide me information about my interview and time. But their response is nothing helpful or informative to me,
1st response,
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for writing to the US Visa Services Desk.
We understand that you would need assistance with your DV Lottery case.
With regard to your query, we would like to inform you that, as a U.S. Visa Service Desk we would be able to help you with the queries pertaining to U.S. visa applications and would not be able to advise you on your query.
2nd response,
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for writing to the US Visa Service Desk.
As per the conversation history, you received the email from NVC on September 10. It says “You will receive a notification letter by email within the next 7-10 days”. If you do not receive anything by Friday September 20, please let us know.
For further information about immigrant visas please visit the Visa Navigator of the US Embassy: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewQ6T__XPvwbvKFcnT7ggOE3UM8kntD7KOvSTZCAD_Db0wA/viewform.
I am waiting for their reply now as it’s already 20 September. I will let you know their response.
I have been writing to [email protected]. Am I writing at wrong address?.But what do you suggest I do for me to not miss on anything.
September 20, 2024 at 09:11
Correct address. Did you create an account? Some people have said this shows them the date and time of their interview. But if needed you will go to the embassy on the day of the interview first thing in the morning and wait.
September 11, 2024 at 12:11
Which DV photo tools are recommended for the 2025 DV lottery registration?
I found a free DV lottery photo checker tool online while searching for a suitable option. It’s important to note that many photo tools on the market use AI technology, which can lead to disqualification from the DV program. AI manipulation often results in rejected applications.
Please create a video tutorial about this website to help us with the upcoming DV lottery 2025 registration.
September 11, 2024 at 13:09
I do have a previous video available, but I will do a refresh shortly.
September 9, 2024 at 11:43
Hello Simon,
I am a DV 2024 AOS applicant with case number AS26xxx. I submitted my i485 along with my wife as beneficiary applicant(her’s on a separate i485) on August 22nd.
As of August 29th, my case status shows that biometrics were added to my case from previous records.
For my wife, her case status shows case was received on August 22nd. (USCIS also took her biometrics in 2022 for a separate case, not sure why her biometrics wasn’t added to this case).
We received i797 notices for case received and I received separate notice regarding biometrics added to case. Should I contact my house representative to find out update on both cases and to check when can we be called for an interview? Thank you.
September 9, 2024 at 15:06
Sounds like you wasted 5 or 6 weeks before you filed! That’s unfortunate.
All AOS questions should be asked here:
https://forums.immigration.com/threads/dv-2024-aos-adjustment-of-status-process-only.346971/
September 6, 2024 at 03:42
Hello simon I won the lottery 2024. I am from Jordan (Asia) but I live in Turkey, so I chose to do the interview in Turkey(EU) . My number is very close to ten thousand. Until now, I have not received an email for the interview. Is there any hope?
September 6, 2024 at 13:48
DV2024 is almost over. Do you mean DV2025?
September 3, 2024 at 19:22
Hello Brit,
Is it ok that the first 2NLs for DV2025 applicants haven’t been sent out yet?
Have there been similar cases in the past?
How might this affect the upcoming case numbers? Could they, for example, be delayed by a month?
As far as I understand, 2NLs are usually sent out 1.5-2 months before the interview, and now there’s less than a month left until October.
Thank you in advance for your response.
September 3, 2024 at 23:40
Watch out for a video shortly.
September 3, 2024 at 23:56
https://youtu.be/GkZNTI0mp3s
August 26, 2024 at 10:15
Hi Britsimon
I’m from Liberia with case number 2024AF35k.
My family and i had our diversity visa interview lately April, and after the interview we were told congratulations, and our passports left there to be pickup with the visa on May 1,2024.
Unfortunately for us on side date upon our arrival at the embassy we were told that our Visas aren’t ready,and we will be e-mail when it gets ready, just for my wife to received email of eleven questions which she answered the same day and replied,and the embassy replied with a mail that they have received her answers and if any other information is needed they will get back to us which up till now we haven’t hear anything from the embassy, and the time is almost to an end.
My daughter and I status are on READY,but my wife case is still on REFUSED.
I have called and send email on numerous occasions but no positive response, I’m just been told to wait,sometimes no response at all.
The good side of my case is that we didn’t lied in any of our information provided, but seeing the time coming to an end I’m worry.
What is your advise on my case?
Thank You
August 26, 2024 at 11:51
All you can do is remain patient.
August 8, 2024 at 02:52
hello , hope you are good
we have been scheduled for an interview at the beginning of September and it an AF case we are 5 in our case my Dad his the main applicant the beneficiary are My mother , me and my 2 stisters . one of my sister (she’s the elder ) are already in USA through Student visa ; at the end of july she was changing Her school and this new school she was going to ask her for medical checkups and they find out that she’s positive to TB at July 30 ( at this date we had already planned that she will come in our country and make medical checkups at OIM together then attend the interview together ) but now we are planning to go to the interview without her and explain to the CO why she can not be physically present at the interview by using her medical report to proove that she’s really sick and a risk while she’s still under treatment and we will proove that she’s in USA by showing her Attestation of attendance in the University she’s actually and her SSN.
1 Do you think by acting like that we will be issued ?. if you respond by No . Why ?
2. do you think they will put us in Ap or 221g ? if you respond by yes .Why ?
3. Do you think by acting like that we will be refused ? if you respond by yes . why?
4. if what I ask and write is confusing or not clear Can you advise us what we can do if what we are planning to do is not good (even though is not confusing can you give us your opinion of what we can do )
5. and also do you think it necessary for her to send us her passport and attend the interview with it?
August 8, 2024 at 13:51
1. Yes. The sister will have to adjust status later.
2. No
3. No
4. It was clear.
5. No
August 20, 2024 at 12:30
Thx for your reply .We have a new issue .My Mother is suspected of TB because she had contracted it 30 years ago they saw an anomaly in her lungs in the ray x and the doctor asked for additional tests to be sure that she is negative and as you know it takes between 2-8 weeks to get the results and there is no 8 weeks remaining. The Doctor said we can attend the interview
1. Is this true that can we attend the interview all Together without this result?
2. If the first question is yes will they put us in AP waiting for the Result of our Mother?
August 20, 2024 at 12:35
You need to clarify this with the physician. Is the physician saying your mother can be approved or not? Clarify it with them
August 20, 2024 at 13:45
he said that if the Results are sent before the 30th that there will be no problem for our Mother.
I’d like to know For the rest of us, what will happen on the day of the interview?
August 20, 2024 at 13:48
Well assuming your mother is not the winner, then the principal winner and other derivatives could be approved and visas issued. However, if your mother cannot get a clear report before the deadline (or before visas run out) then she would obviously not be able to emigrate. It could take years to reunite the family.
August 20, 2024 at 15:23
Thx
September 3, 2024 at 05:57
First of all thank U very much Simon for answering all my concerns, we were approved but our mother couldn’t because of the sputum test which takes 2 months. The CO said that we had to petition to bring her and that could take a couple of years as u said .And for the sister who is in the US (because she could not be physically present at interview because she had tuberculosis like i Said in the first question i ask), he said she will have to adjust her status by September 30 through USCIS. My question is:
1. How can she Adjust her Status?
2. Is it fast?
September 3, 2024 at 11:06
1. I think it is too late – but feel free to ask a lawyer.
2. No
September 3, 2024 at 13:41
I thought it will be different for her coz she’s not the main applicant. Isn’t it ?
September 3, 2024 at 23:38
Not that I know of.
July 29, 2024 at 14:29
I am a DV-2025 lottery winner with the case number AF31*** assigned to the Addis Ababa Embassy. Based on 2024 processing times I am concerned about the possibility of not being interviewed within the DV-2025. So here is my question
Question 1:
Should I wait until closer to (December/January) to assess the processing situation in Addis Ababa before considering a change of interview location to Nairobi, or would it be more advantageous to request a change to Nairobi sooner rather than later?
Also should i have to unlock my ds-260 and change my interview place or just email to Kcc that i want to change the interview place.
Question 2:
If I do decide to inform the KCC about the change of interview location, should I be completely transparent about the reason for the change, such as the processing speed at the Addis Ababa Embassy?
July 29, 2024 at 15:01
KCC schedules people where they reside. They don’t usually accept people’s requests to pick an embassy based on whatever reason. So – if you want to be scheduled somewhere else, then the best way is to move there.
July 30, 2024 at 01:41
Thx for your reply
Should I just wait and see how things go with the Addis Ababa embassy in 2025, or would it be smarter to change my interview location now?
July 30, 2024 at 09:52
You can afford to wait since your number won’t go current before January when we will have more data.
July 28, 2024 at 11:19
Hi Simon thank you very much for your videos, I watched the one you had about Armenia. My sister inlaw is 24xxxxx and I heard what you said about having a lawyer to sue KCC and I would agree to have her join any group that will be suing. I am here in Philadelphia is there anything I can do to help her call KCC or hire Lawyer here ect
Thank you very much
July 28, 2024 at 14:27
If you have a local immigration lawyer contact, feel free to get started. I’m looking for a lawyer that might be interested in a group case.
July 28, 2024 at 15:04
Thank you very much for your respond Simon I just talked to my sister inlaw and they do have a DV lottery whatsapp group with lots of cases between 21k to 27k in Armenia she will be working on getting a group together for the law sue. They all watch your videos and big fans thanks again for all you do and the help you offer all these people.
July 28, 2024 at 21:43
OK. I spoke to one lawyer who said this will be quite a big undertaking to put this case together, so finding a firm that could do this in the time available will be challenging. Also the costs will be fairly high, so it is essential to share the costs between a group.
July 29, 2024 at 09:52
Good morning Simon
They had a big protest today in front of the Embassy in Armenia and the counselor came out and advised that they will try and correct the issue. They will be protesting there everyday this week. As soon as I get big group together I will be hiring a lawyer.
Thank you very much
July 29, 2024 at 13:35
Well that’s interesting!!!
July 30, 2024 at 11:19
Hi Simon
the number is getting higher by the day protesting in front of the USA Embassy I might have a group very soon. I added a short of the protest in my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Cvo9kamx4jE
July 30, 2024 at 11:49
This is good. It looks like there was a representative there from the embassy. Has it been made clear to the staff that there were AS cases scheduled out of the proper order? Have they been shown the evidence?
July 30, 2024 at 12:01
Yes and I also sent this email to KCC
Subject: Urgent Concern Regarding Processing Priorities for Visa Cases
Dear KCC Team,
I hope this message finds you well.
I am writing to express my concern regarding a recent development in the visa processing priorities that seems to have significantly impacted the chances for applicants from Armenia. Specifically, it has come to my attention that the U.S. Embassy in Armenia has been processing cases from Asia that were not current before those from Europe.
This shift in priority has notably decreased the chances for Armenian applicants, who are now facing extended wait times and increased uncertainty about their visa applications. As you may appreciate, this situation places an undue burden on individuals and families who have been waiting for a considerable period, and it seems contrary to the established processing timelines and fairness principles.
Could you please provide clarification on the reasons for this change in priority? Additionally, any information on how the KCC plans to address this imbalance and support affected applicants would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and hope for a resolution that ensures equitable treatment for all applicants.
Best regards,
July 30, 2024 at 12:11
It’s not a change in priority, it’s a mistake.
August 5, 2024 at 10:31
Any progress from the embassy?
July 26, 2024 at 14:16
Hi Simon,
Many thanks for all your YouTube videos. They have been very helpful to many people like me.
I live in Sri Lanka, I’m 26 years old, and I was selected for the Diversity Visa Lottery 2024. My case number is 2024AS0001392X, but I still haven’t received my interview email (2NL). I am very much looking forward to hearing your opinion on this matter because I definitely want to take advantage of this opportunity. I am also considering the method you mentioned in your YouTube video [DV Lottery Green Card | This might be the last chance for some cases – ACT NOW!].
1. What is your opinion on receiving the interview email regarding my case number?
2 As you mentioned in that video, can I get both a B1 and B2 visa, enter the US, and then adjust my status to get a green card?
I am very much looking forward to your reply.
July 26, 2024 at 15:27
1. I don’t know whether you will get a 2NL or not.
2. If you don’t already have a NIV, then you probably cannot get one and enter USA and adjust in time. That method is only for those that already have the NIV.
July 23, 2024 at 18:18
Hi Simon!
I just wanted to say thank you for creating this page. I am from Australia and I have been wanting to live in NY since I was 8 years old. I worked back and forth for about 5 years between NY and Melbourne, Australia, from 2015 to 2019 and have been applying for the lottery for 6 years.
Last year in May I was selected and could not believe it. My dream was becoming a possibility. My husband and I have been waiting for a case number since July 31st last year when we sent in our forms.
Sadly no case number each month since the has been available (OC2299 is the number, it’s quite high)
We looked at the bulletin on the 11th of July this month to see the projections for September and cannot believe it jumped from 2000 to 2700!
We were relived to see those numbers as it’s the last month and it means we might have a chance!
I have read your blog a few times and know that you’ve said the 2NLS are sent towards the end of the month but also have read about the back logs too.
Every morning I’m waking up praying for this email from the CEAC.
My question is, if we don’t get the 2NL by the end of the month or start of August, should we just re enter the lottery again for this year? I know that might sound silly, it’s just mentally it’s been such a roller coaster as we have been in idle for so long which we don’t mind, but it’s just getting so nerve racking!
Once again thank you for creating this platform! Your knowledge and expertise has helped myself and my husband so very much as there’s not a lot of information out there!
Heath
July 23, 2024 at 23:43
If your number doesn’t get scheduled, then yes of course you should try again this October. OC has a VERY high chance of selection.
July 23, 2024 at 03:40
Hello Mr Simon, dv2025 selectee.
In completing the previous address area I keep getting an error message that there are gaps between the dates.
My questions
1. Since turning sixteen years, I have lived in our captital city since 2002( year I turned 16) to 2017 before I relocated to my current address which is another town, must I include all the street addresses I have lived at in our capital city or just one address
Current address
Caritas,lungi
Began living here: February 2017
Till: present
Last previous address before current address
Docoty community
Off Wilkinson Road
Freetown
From: 2013
To: 2017
How do I arrange these dates so I don’t get an error message
Thanks a million Mr Simon
July 23, 2024 at 10:00
Use your own judgement.
July 17, 2024 at 13:03
Hi Simon,
My friends won DV2025, and their cases are EU1XXX, and EU5XXX, the Embassy is Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. We have no idea about the backlog in that particular embassy. Could you, share your suggestions? The case numbers are pretty low, so in which period of time, do you think they’ll get their 2NL? Thanks!
July 17, 2024 at 15:19
As you say, their numbers are low, so they will probably get interviews early in the year.
July 15, 2024 at 20:10
Hi Simon.
My apologies, I may be overthinking but still, I’d like to ask you a question.
Is upcoming immigration law suggested by Trump will affect DV 2025, if he enters the white house?
Thank you.
July 16, 2024 at 00:34
Completely pointless to try and guess that.
July 9, 2024 at 08:47
Wow. I just read the August 2024 bulletin and I can’t wait for you to explain it! My family won DV 2025, but I’m following DV 2024 out of curiosity and I’m a bit confused by the two tables shown. Your expertise will be interesting to hear!
July 9, 2024 at 09:42
Just published. KCC woke up and chose chaos.
July 9, 2024 at 09:48
Woooo. This will be interesting!
June 27, 2024 at 03:02
Hi Brit,
I won the DV2024 with case number AF202428***. Even though I’m Ghanaian, I chose Ivory Coast as my place of interview when I filled the DS260 form. My case is current but i’m yet to be scheduled for an interview. How is the performance of the US embassy in Ivory Coast. Is there hopes of being scheduled anytime soon?
June 27, 2024 at 09:21
I suspect they ignored your choice and allocated you based on your current address. Abidjan is doing well and has scheduled cases right up to the VB number. You could email KCC and ask when you would get your interview at Abidjan as you had requested (explaining your original justification for that selection).
July 21, 2024 at 01:58
Hi simon
My case# 2024As24000 in Islamabad Pakistan,
Can have chance for interview in the month of September?
Or if I change my Address to Guanzhou China, will I have chance to have interview?
Please guide me I need your help.
July 21, 2024 at 10:02
It is too late to change, you will have to wait and see if ISL can reach your number. My guess is that they won’t be able to reach your number.
June 26, 2024 at 14:46
Hi Simon. Just wanna ask that my wife had put the wrong month when filling the DV lottery initially and is among the selected. Can she explain this to the visa officer during visa interview or may be reach out to the KCC to amend the error.
June 26, 2024 at 19:25
It must be corrected in the DS260. Just that.
June 25, 2024 at 14:36
Hi Simon, we just got successful with the DV2025. We are already in the USA and we want to adjust the status. I have gone through the AOS file Process and Documents excel sheet, but I couldn’t get an any guidance that addresses my particular question. We are applying through my wife, we got married 10 years ago but she never got to change her last name to mine. The only chance to change this where I come from is when we replace an expired passport. Her passport is due to expire and we wanted to replace it with the new last name. This would be different from the last name she used when she applied for the DV lottery or the current L2 visa that she holds. Would it be advisable to keep the current last name and only change after the whole green-card process is complete to avoid complications or will they still accommodate the last name change?
June 25, 2024 at 14:46
This is a matter for you to decide. I think it would be easier to make a legal name change before you go through the DV process.
June 24, 2024 at 09:33
Hi Simon!! My daughter is already a US citizen but I included her in the DV application on error. When I got selected for the DV. We filled our 260. Do we need to file D260 for her too? because he name and details are there in the application form so what should we do with the form ? leave it incomplete or inform the KCC ? Does this have an impact on our visa processing?
June 24, 2024 at 10:02
No you do not create a DS260 for the citizen. Leave it incomplete. No problems.
June 14, 2024 at 03:36
Dear Simon,
I’ve tried to fill my Ds 260 till point Personal, Address and phone information. Then, it showed an error. I tried to fill it several times, but it was error again and again. Can you help me please?
June 14, 2024 at 11:40
What error? Be specific. I can’t read your mind.
June 15, 2024 at 22:19
hi samreth1, I had the same issue. It took me days to fix it. You need to write down in a piece of paper of all the places u lived in the past 16years. say example….before your current address where did you lived? than you work yourself down from that current address.
June 10, 2024 at 01:48
Dear Britsimon,
I was randomly selected for DV 2025, and I not yet submit DS 260. I would like to ask you following question:
1. My wife is 2 months pregnancy, and my child is expected to be born around Feb 2025, how can I add my child to DS 260 ?
2. My case is 2025AS1xxxx, how long does it take to reach the interview stage?
Thank you, Britsimon
June 10, 2024 at 11:21
1. https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
2. Your number is quite vague. You seem to be saying your case number is in the range of 10000 to 19999. That is a huge range with months difference in timeline
June 11, 2024 at 20:22
Dear Britsimon,
I was randomly selected for DV 2025, and I not yet submit DS 260, and my case is in the range of 18,000 to 18,500. Due to my wife is 2 months pregnancy, and my child is expected to be born around Feb 2025. Can I submit Ds 260 before my new baby born and for my case, how long does it take to reach the interview stage?
Thank you, Britsimon
June 11, 2024 at 20:38
You should submit the DS260 now. You will add the newborn later at the right point (see below).
As for how long it will take – well wait and see, but if you give your case number include the year and region otherwise it is meaningless.
https://britsimonsays.com/how-to-add-a-newborn-child-to-the-dv-case/
June 11, 2024 at 22:18
MY area is Asia, 2025AS18xxx. How long does it take to reach the interview stage?
Thanks BritSimon,
June 11, 2024 at 22:30
About a year, but we will know better later.
June 11, 2024 at 23:45
Thanks you so much, Simon
June 3, 2024 at 11:47
Certainly! Here’s a modified version of your message:
—
Hi Simon,
I won the DV 2025 with a case number of AF20959. However, I realized that I made a mistake while filling out my DS-260 form in the education section. The starting date I entered for my high school attendance is different from the date on my school testimony.
Should I wait and correct this during my interview, or should I take steps to correct it now?
Thank you for your advice.
May 29, 2024 at 05:05
hello Brit, my case number is 2025AF00000400 less than 500, do i need to reschedule my interview from Accra? thank you.
May 29, 2024 at 19:01
No
May 25, 2024 at 05:16
Hi Simon,
My wife is a dv 2025 winner AF29***. what are our chances with Accra? when can is it possible to change locations?
May 25, 2024 at 07:26
If Accra behave the same way for DV2025 as they did for DV2024, then they will cost you the visa. You will probably need to move to another country, and I suggest you plan to do that in December/January.
May 19, 2024 at 17:13
Dear Simon,
I hope this message finds you well. I am pleased to inform you that I am a DV2025 lottery winner from Yemen. However, I am facing a challenge due to the current division of my country into two regions, North and South. The passport I initially used to fill out my DS-260 form is from the North, which is not accepted by the U.S. embassies. Only Southern passports are accepted.
Obtaining a Southern passport will take about a month. My case number is 3500. Once I receive my Southern passport, should I request to unlock my DS-260 form and update the passport information? Or should I wait until the 2nl letter to email the embassy to inform them about my new passport?
Thank you for your guidance.
May 20, 2024 at 06:49
Simply take the new one to the embassy.
May 14, 2024 at 03:31
Hi Simon, I was selected for the DV 2025, and my case number is AS00009XXX. I visited the United States in 2019 on a B1/B2 visa and again from June 29, 2023 to July 13, 2023 on a J1 visa, and I am subject to Section 212E. What should I do? Please advise.
May 14, 2024 at 09:48
You might need to apply for a waiver. You should discuss that with a lawyer.
May 9, 2024 at 05:29
Hi Simon, thanks for all your insights.In the DS 260 section on immigration offences if one has been previously deported from another country,I know one must select Yes and explain,my question is Should one still select yes on the criminal section question ‘have you ever been arrested……..?’ and give a similar comment?
May 9, 2024 at 07:41
If that is true, yes.
May 8, 2024 at 03:07
Hi Simon. Am the spouse of a DV2025 winner AF11*** . More that 5 Yrs ago we were deported from an African country is that likely to affect us negatively.
May 8, 2024 at 23:35
No
May 6, 2024 at 22:43
Hai bristimon
I went for an interview in 2015 with ex-wife.interview left on administrative processing until time got over.she was the principal applicant.
My present wife play along with our son as single mother and won the DV 2025.
In her ds-260, is going to be updated.
I don’t wish to travel with she and the kids immediately as I am busy doing business.
Is it advising to put my information as I already have Past interview record
May 6, 2024 at 22:53
Are you married?
May 7, 2024 at 03:42
She played as single mother with my son,and we both got married before results is announced.
I don’t want to complicate her winning with my past record.
I want her to go with my son,as I am doing okay.
What can I do?
May 7, 2024 at 08:33
Unless there is something you are not saying, you are making a silly assumption that your past record will affect the case. It won’t. However, at the very least she needs to submit as married since she is married. Telling the truth is most important.
May 7, 2024 at 07:25
Yes. We both got married before results is announced.
She played with our son as single mother.
May 6, 2024 at 09:36
How far dv2020
May 6, 2024 at 11:59
The appeal is continuing.
September 28, 2024 at 02:28
Hi sir i need your help please 🥺
September 28, 2024 at 09:51
So ask a question!
May 6, 2024 at 04:43
Hello Britsimon. If my wife is a 2023 selectee, processes to the embassy and is denied for one reason or the other, then I become a selectee in 2024,
1) will that her denial cause our visas, since I was her derivative then
May 6, 2024 at 11:41
It depends on the circumstances of the previous denial. You need to be more clear.
May 6, 2024 at 04:42
Hi Brit, I’m the winner of 2025.
please tell me if I have already sent the DS form (completed status) but in September I plan to travel to another country (hong kong) for a week, do I need to unlock the form and make changes to the list of countries I have been to in the last 10 years, or is this a minor change that needs to be notified directly at the interview
Thanks!
May 6, 2024 at 11:41
Just at interview.
May 6, 2024 at 03:54
Hi Brit, if you’re a couple and your wins in 2923 and you progressed to interview and you are refused visas and in 2024 you now win, will that denial affect your chances of a visa
May 6, 2024 at 09:57
It depends why you were denied before.
May 5, 2024 at 09:58
Thank you for your YouTube videos and blog. I am an American, but my husband’s family is Jordanian and my sister-in-law was selected in the 2025 lottery. Asia with 23XXX case number. In 2022, this would have been okay. In 2023, this would have fallen short. And in 2024, I am shocked to see the very low numbers still. I didn’t understand how the lottery worked until yesterday. We started out really excited and after your excellent education, I am substantially deflated. It seems her priority number gives little to no chance, given the trends. Have I deduced correctly?
May 5, 2024 at 10:02
It does sound high, yes you have understood correctly. However, we don’t know everything we need to know to be certain about exactly how high her case number is. But at least you can advise her to not sell the furniture yet, and wait until we know more.
FYI the case number survey is already suggesting we are in another overselected year, but that is just an assumption at the moment – we will know in July/August.
May 5, 2024 at 10:20
I am sorry that I accidentally double posted my question. I thought the first one was lost in the ether. Please delete my second post. So sorry!
May 5, 2024 at 10:38
No problem.
May 5, 2024 at 10:40
Another observation, which I don’t know is relevant. Maybe you can shed your light and opinions. For example, I saw in 2023 that case numbers went to about 27K and they interviewed up to 21K. In 2024, I saw that case numbers went to about 44K, and yet they have only opened interviews to about 9K so far. This seems very low considering the total case numbers, and I wonder if the 2024 folks could actually expect a surge over the summer and and maybe hit closer to 75% interviewed (33K). It’s just strange to me that they overselected by such a HUGE margin.
May 5, 2024 at 10:48
Yes, people often assume there is some logic to the madness of over selection. In DV2024 they selected 143K people (plus newborns and marriages), and there are only 55000 visas. It is a MASSIVE over selection.
Recent years have seen lots of disruption both globally and locally. So the over selection seems to be their strategy to handle “who knows what will happen”. The draw is performed well ahead of any processing, so their long range forecast seems to be very “conservative” – meaning having many selectees in reserve. BUT it is in some ways cruel, especially since not everyone hears or believes the information I try to give.
May 5, 2024 at 10:58
Well, I, for one, appreciate the information you are giving, and I will be watching the remaining 2024 fiscal year with interest (and more than a bit of concern). It helps set fair expectations. Although, I agree it is a little cruel to the “winners” who are far from winners until the fat lady sings, and it seems much farther this year than some prior.
May 5, 2024 at 10:51
By the way, in DV2023 there were too many people selected in AS region – it was known to be “too many”. Then they increased the AS region selectees in DV2024 by another 16%.
So they knew it was too many – and increased it anyway.
May 5, 2024 at 11:02
Ugh! Wow. That’s confusing.
May 5, 2024 at 05:45
Hey, Brit, thank you for your work.
Can you say when we will exactly know how many selecties were in dv 25?
My case is eu155xx, Warsaw and it’ll be helpful to think about my chances
Thankx
May 5, 2024 at 09:24
The per country selectee information will be published in July or August.
Your chances are excellent – I already know that.
May 4, 2024 at 23:46
Hi lovely job you’re doing. 2025 AF 19××× winner moved to Canada 3 months ago for school and thereafter work. Should I submit the D260 in Nairobi or Toronto for processing.
Cheers
May 5, 2024 at 08:30
The processing can happen anywhere. Generally they pick the embassy within the country where you currently are living – so Montreal is probably the place where you will interview.
May 4, 2024 at 11:10
Hi Simon! I have two questions
1) 2024 or 2025 or both?
I was selected for DV 2024 and DV 2025. For DV 2024, my case number was OC206* – so I think it is risky as to whether or not I will get an interview and GC this year. I still don’t even have an email that my DS260 has been processed yet.
I just found out for DV 2025, I am OC116*. I think I’m basically guaranteed a GC in the 2025 year.
My question is – should I try for 2024 if my number goes current, or just wait until 2025? I am a bit nervous about getting my 2NL/interview/spending money on a medical check in the last 2 or so months if I go current in 2024 round as I’m worried they will exhaust the visas before I get mine – therefore my thoughts are that it is better to wait for 2025.
I’m currently living somewhere I love (London) and am safe and comfortable. So whilst I’m keen to move to the US there is no rush for me, and I know I am extremely lucky to be able to say that!
2) Very basic question but do I need to fill in a DS260 for 2025 since I already filled one out for 2024?
May 4, 2024 at 16:01
1. If you get current (which has a good chance the 2024) then you should take that opportunity. You never know what could happen later. They won’t run out of visas in 2024 – in fact it looks like they are going to fall short of the target.
2. Yes you have to complete the DS260 again. I would do that.
Congratulations!!!
May 5, 2024 at 14:46
Thank you for your reply, I really appreciate your time and effort!
Another question re: 2024. The address I entered on my 2024 DS260 to have my GC delivered to, the person will move in a months time. Do I unlock my DS260 to change this address or can I do it at the interview or after I get the visa? Again as I have not even gotten an email confirming my 2024 DS260 has been processed (and I’m not yet current) – I am worried if I unlock at this stage that it might cause a delay in processing if I were to go current in the next VBs!
May 5, 2024 at 15:11
Update that at the interview.
May 5, 2024 at 20:08
Is there a secret to how you got selected 2 times in a row? I’ve been trying for 9 years with no luck
May 5, 2024 at 22:05
Nope. It’s random.
May 6, 2024 at 11:55
It’s a lottery/random selection. Just lucky!