The “December” visa bulletin has been published. It concerns the case numbers eligible for January interviews.
For those that are current, and have forms processed early enough, they can expect their 2NL in about 1 to 2 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 will be sent in about one or two weeks time.
It is possible that some people will be current for January interviews, but will not be scheduled in January because they submitted late, or there is a processing backlog that causes a delay. December interviews were based mainly on cases submitted up to mid June. I expect the January interviews to be allocated to cases submitted up to (roughly) mid July. That is an educated guess, we will be able to confirm that when the 2NLs start to come out.
To those new to looking at VBs, let me explain what the “except” XXX country means (for Iran 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 13500 can be interviewed but for cases from Egypt or Ethiopia, that number is lower. 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.
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.
Now, I am sure I am also going to get asked about the presidential election that was held a few hours ago. Staggeringly, Trump won. He has been very vocal about some, frankly, very misinformed policies he would like to enact. People will be fearful that the DV program will be cancelled immediately. It won’t be. It is run by laws, not presidential whim. The president cannot act in a unilateral way. So – whilst there has been a desire by some to reform immigration for years, that process cannot happen overnight. Therefore DV2017 and DV2018 will both go ahead unaffected. My guess is that DV2019 will also, because that lottery starts just a few months after Trump will come to power and there would not be any time to change the laws by that time. So the earliest change possible to the DV program is for the DV2020 year – and even that is not clear. So for now, nothing changes regarding the DV program.
November 9, 2016 at 14:23
Can my second letter be included 2017 29000
November 9, 2016 at 14:38
Patience!
November 9, 2016 at 14:32
Thanks!
“. I expect the December interviews to be allocated to cases submitted up to (roughly) mid July. ”
Perhaps you meant January?
A question for the public charge:
Do you think that they will accept a job offer and a letter from my employer as proof?
Thank you for all the help! the blog is my new best friend:)
Cheers!
November 9, 2016 at 14:37
Thanks for the correction.
A job offer can be compelling evidence, but it must be REAL (as it is very unusual).
November 9, 2016 at 14:54
I can prove this too, I think- I’ve been with the local office of the company for nearly 10 years and I will be doing the same job in the American office. it’s real.
Thank you again!
November 9, 2016 at 14:33
Will Nepal’s VB will hit CN 7500
November 9, 2016 at 14:35
I don’t know.
November 9, 2016 at 14:48
Hi – looks like I’m going to be invited for a December interview. I want to push my interview out until May/June as I need to buy some time before I move over to the US. Do you know the chances of visas running out?
November 9, 2016 at 15:13
If you wanted to delay your interview you should have delayed your DS260 submission. Asking the embassy to delay sometimes gets people delayed way past when they want. Visa processing is spread out over the year, so visas don’t run out until September.
November 9, 2016 at 15:04
Hello brit,
I want to share this info I learnt just to pay it forward : fellows from Ethiopia , kindly note that no affidavit is needed. I have a message request to the consular in ET and they conformed that only sponsor is needed for Ethiopian DV lottery winners.
Good luck.
November 9, 2016 at 15:54
Actually the best way to pay it forward it by spreading accurate information. Yes, Ethiopia “respects” the host system. BUT they have been known to request the I-134. So – the I-134 is still the best way to meet the public charge concerns. Having a sponsor (a host) is usually enough, but not always.
November 13, 2016 at 12:52
yeah bro, I have also asked the embassy and the agents(in-front of the embassy) as well, they responded the same to me too.
November 13, 2016 at 14:04
My comments still stand.
November 9, 2016 at 15:15
Hi Brit
I take this moment to appreciate your continuous updates on Diversity Visa each year. Personally,you played a key role in my smooth transition to the US. I was so naive with the whole process not until i got to your site and made all enquiries. I travelled on September to New Jersey and now am settled,trying to make a living. I pray God to guide you and bless the work of your hands.
God bless
November 9, 2016 at 15:54
Best of luck in your new home!
November 9, 2016 at 15:20
My case no 12***
Submitted may 24 never unlock it
From Ethiopia
Am waiting for my 2nl best [email protected]@@
November 11, 2016 at 10:51
am from Eth also am happy if we keep in touch for info .my mail: [email protected]
November 9, 2016 at 16:06
HI Brit,
my case number is 15xxx i have submitted DS 260 May 24 then unlocked in June to correct educational information. Then unlocked it again in September to update the sponsers address following a change of address. will this affect the timing of interview 2NL. Ethiopia
November 11, 2016 at 19:15
Hi muna, i am also dv 2017 winner from Ethiopia..
Here is my email…
Contact me for details….
?
[email protected]
November 9, 2016 at 17:36
Hi Brit: again, I have a few questions/concerns:
1) Cutoff number for Europe for January is lower than in previous years. Does that mean anything? That not all of the numbers will be current this year?
2) In ds-260 when they ask if my current job in the us required 2 years of experience and I accidentally put ‘yes’ instead of ‘no’- may this cause a problem and should I unlock ds260 to correct it?
3) Also, they asked for a date of the last visa. I put the date of my I-797A Notice changing my status, not actual visa. Should I unlock my ds 260 for that?
Thank you!
November 9, 2016 at 18:36
1. Don’t read anything into it.
2. No
3. I would correct it if it were my case.
November 15, 2016 at 16:47
3. So I sent an e-mail to KCC with the request to unlock my ds260. Do I have to wait for their e-mail with the confirmation that the ds260 has been unlocked?
Thanks Simon!
November 15, 2016 at 17:34
Yes.
November 9, 2016 at 20:31
Simon, whats the difference between the host system and I-134? I know I-134 is an affidavit.
November 9, 2016 at 20:56
britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
November 9, 2016 at 22:37
Submitted my DS260 on July 5 2016 I am a DV winner of 2017.case no is Af000041xx
Will I sit interview in January?? Pls clear my doubt
November 10, 2016 at 00:06
I can’t be certain. In two weeks you will know.
November 11, 2016 at 11:50
Thanks
November 10, 2016 at 00:31
Hi Brit, first thank you for this page its really helpful.i want to ask this -my CN will be for sure in the next bulletin in december -like i will for sure have interview in feb since i am not living in my native country and i need to really plan it ahead when you think i can write or call kcc earliest to tell me at least my date? Perhaps first days of december? Or they wont say until the bulletin is officially published?
Thanx
November 10, 2016 at 00:55
They won’t know until later. So your question would be pointless.
November 10, 2016 at 03:07
hi simon sir
Submitted my DS260 on jun 25 2016
I am a DV winner of 2017.
case no is AS00002xx
Will I sit interview in January?? Pls clear my doubt
November 10, 2016 at 04:21
The article has your answer.
November 10, 2016 at 04:06
Thank you for the answer .then what you think is there any logic that they call the first numbers from the bulletin the first days of the month and so on?like for example now with this bulletin the numbers closer to 15900 will be interviewd towards the end of january and those in the 14000ish in the beginning of the month?or this is not the case they just schedule the interviews in their own pace?
Thank you hope my question is clear
November 10, 2016 at 04:20
There is no logic that that.
November 10, 2016 at 04:28
i expect my interview in January, simon sir
November 10, 2016 at 06:09
I simon.as the VB for january publish 25,800
I did submit my ds260 late case nub is 2017af26×××
Mean that soon i can except to receve 2nl by february?
November 10, 2016 at 14:33
It means your case number will be current next month BUT I don’t know when you submitted.
November 10, 2016 at 15:29
I submit late 31 october.
Because of passport.that mean i can expect my interview soon.
November 10, 2016 at 17:14
It means you will wait some months while they process your form.
November 10, 2016 at 17:57
Thank you for your reply simon.
I can wait for 3 to 4month .
November 10, 2016 at 08:04
hi Britsimon my name is Kebede Gemechis am from ethiopia my case no is AF7XXX i sumit my ds260 on August but still no get my 2nd letter
November 10, 2016 at 14:29
The article above explains why.
November 10, 2016 at 08:29
Hi Simon,
I’ve send a message to the Counseler office in Cairo asking about public charge requirements in Dv program. And this was their answer:
“What is required for the DV is the high school certificate, as for the Arabic documents it has to be stamped from Ministry of foreign affairs, and please note that no financial documents needed for the DV applicants.
Regards,
Consular Staff”
So, the question is “Do I still need to prove them that I will not be a public charge?!”
November 10, 2016 at 14:28
Cairo is quite lenient, but you might be asked something about finances. If it were my case I would be prepared just in case – it’s up to you.
November 10, 2016 at 10:11
Hi BritSimon,
First of all, Thank you for doing this valuable work. This is the only resource for finding answers to questions and concerns during this long process.
I submitted the DS260 in mid-May and have the number EU000018XXX. Two questions:
1. Does the early submission make any difference or is it only the cut-off numbers that gives an indication on when the application might get processed? (judging from previous years cut-off numbers, this seems to take place around Feb/March).
2. How long is the wait usually from interview (given everything is ok) and having the paperwork ready for travel. Some weeks?
Thanks a lot!
November 10, 2016 at 14:25
1. The case number decides the timing but a LATE submission can delay a low case number because the cases must be processed before scheduling.
2. 6/7 weeks roughly.
November 11, 2016 at 15:15
Thanks a lot! So just to confirm: it can take 6-7 weeks from being at the interview at the US Embassy before I get my Passport back and can actually travel? (I somehow assumed it would take some days, maximum 1-2 weeks)?
November 11, 2016 at 16:44
Ahh I see, I misunderstood your question – yes – 1 to 2 weeks.
November 10, 2016 at 10:29
Simon my case number is AS1XXX and i submitted ds-260 form on 20 July .
when u guess they sent my second letter ?
November 10, 2016 at 14:23
Maybe this month, maybe next month.
November 10, 2016 at 12:10
Dear Simon,
My case number is AF22XXX, country of chargeability is Egypt, i choosed the interview to be in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. any chance my interview will be scheduled in January since the embassy in Riyadh has much less processing load or .
November 10, 2016 at 14:22
No chance at all. It is limited by the country of chargeability .
November 10, 2016 at 12:15
HI brit
I am winner of DV 2017 my case number is 2017 AF00001xxx .I submitted the DS- 260s june 16 when i follow the web site my case will not be scheduled for interview please give me information when is my is my interview day.
November 10, 2016 at 14:20
You will probably be notified in about 1 to 2 weeks.
November 10, 2016 at 12:34
Hi BritSimon,
Thank you i see and then one more last question-once the bulletin is out i read you can call KCC and ask them the date they should know it by that time.?is that so?
November 10, 2016 at 14:19
No not really. The scheduling starts when the VB is released and takes a week or two. At some point there is a time where your interview date is known but the emails have not been sent yet. But if KCC spend all their time answering the phone to people who cannot show a little bit of patience, the process of scheduling interviews will take longer. PATIENCE!!!
November 10, 2016 at 13:49
y do NACARA need 5000 visas?
The NACARA stipulates that beginning with DV-99, and for as long as necessary, up to 5,000 of the 55,000 annually-allocated diversity visas will be made available for use under the NACARA program. This resulted in reduction of the DV-2017 annual limit to 50,000.
November 10, 2016 at 14:12
Because years ago the NACARA program was introduced and needed a source of visas. So, they took an allocation from DV. They don’t use all that allocation so we actually get more than 50,000 visas before the visas run out.
November 10, 2016 at 14:48
Hi Simon,
Thanks for your words about the presidential election.
What I am most concerned is not the fact that he may cancel the DV but the xenophobia that may easier be expressed.
What I mean by that is that after we may get the stamp on the passport for entering the US under the green card status, we might find unexplained resistance at the customs at the airport.
If I have read correctly any official at the airport can simply deny to provide you entrance. Is this correct?
Thank you,
Alex
November 10, 2016 at 14:53
No. Stop being silly.
November 11, 2016 at 17:40
Haha! Good, I won’t anymore 🙂
Thank you
November 10, 2016 at 16:20
Hi brit …this time Nepal second letter is calling by 550 …it looks all selectees gone be called …hoping to cal up to 8400 from nepal …any chances up to 8400…what do u think ..give a maximum predection calling number from nepal ..as u have said nepalese selectes highest case number is 8600 from nepal including second draw….many thanks
November 10, 2016 at 17:35
I don’t have a prediction for Nepal final numbers.
November 10, 2016 at 16:33
hi brit This Year is going really faster than last year right?
November 10, 2016 at 17:50
AF is – but don’t read too much into that – the pace will slow in the next couple of months.
November 10, 2016 at 17:37
Simon
As far as I know I understand that once you send your AOS package to the Chicago Lockbox , KCC does not have anything to do with it and the USCIS will handle everyting once the NOA is received , am I correct or worng?
Thanks
November 10, 2016 at 17:55
Correct.
November 11, 2016 at 01:30
any nepalese got notification around case no. 2300 .. please let me know
November 11, 2016 at 02:39
2NLs have not gone out yet – as made clear in the article above.
November 11, 2016 at 09:38
hii. I know that I have asked a lot of questions..but I have two more questions:
1)I have left Iraq (my country of chargebility) for 4 years and I have never been there again..now I live in Turkey..I had a police clearance from Iraq in 2012(it has been 4 years since we had it)..is it enough or should we get a new one before the interview?
2)If we have to get a new one..should we get it now or after we get the 2NL?
November 11, 2016 at 09:39
Thanks alot for all your help
November 11, 2016 at 15:00
Asmaaa, i guess that you should provide a new police clearence. Please check the link which i gave below:
In first link, you can clearly see that. it is available to get police document from Iraq. But one comment: it is not possible to get it from outside of country. I think it means that you should get it by hand in the country.
Second link shows the instructions for Turkish Ankara Embassy. If you check the page 9, could be seen Iraq is not on the list of forbidden/impossible countries to get police clearence.
These are my opinions. But i guess so links say that you should renew it.
I just try to write what i know about the issue. If there was any wrong information, Dear Brit Simon can correct my mistake i think. Sorry if i wrote wrong information.
Have a good day.
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/fees/reciprocity-by-country/IZ.html
http://photos.state.gov/libraries/turkey/5/instruction_packages/DV%20V__ZE%20BA__VURU%20SAH__PLER__%20______N%20Y__NERGELER-%20SEP%202013_001.pdf
November 11, 2016 at 16:33
1. Given that applicant outside Iraq cannot obtain police certs, your old police cert will probably be acceptable. “Probably”.
2. If you were able to get a new one, do so – this would be a good backup plan. You could do it now.
November 11, 2016 at 09:51
Hi Simon,
thanks about your helping, i’m a 2017 DV winner and i’m from syria. My case number is As49** and i’m worried that new american administration will ban people from some countries including syria from entering USA. can you give me your opinion about that.
November 11, 2016 at 16:34
As I mentioned in the article above, no changes will happen overnight. Don’t be concerned about it.
November 11, 2016 at 10:59
hi dear Simon, after I consulting u I decided to unlock .I editted the ds 260 ,rectified! my 1st submission was june 6 but unlocked nresubmitted on Nov 10,2016. my case is just about AF 15***(ethiopia). I guess visa bulletein of january will current my case . so, does my unlock will affect my future schedule?
with Brgrds!
November 11, 2016 at 16:36
No
November 11, 2016 at 17:23
tks a lot! probably if u could ,pls guess my Queue for CN AF just about 15,000.Ethiopia ,1 st submitted june 6, unlocked and resubmitted yesterday,Nov 11,2016, when to get 2NL n probable month of interview?
again brgards!
November 11, 2016 at 21:26
Probably February interview.
November 12, 2016 at 05:00
Gr8! tks dear simon,for yr valuable contribution for those who need yr hand!
November 11, 2016 at 15:20
Wow African number is going high, sure am go hve 2l February or march , hw do u see??
November 11, 2016 at 16:43
The number is high due to late submissions. AF region selectees always do this to themselves. What that means is that I expect the progress to slow down, the fast pace will not continue.
November 11, 2016 at 17:57
Does not have a question 🙂
just here to tell ya’ have a nice day champ!
most appreciated all your efforts and generosity.
November 11, 2016 at 21:22
🙂
November 12, 2016 at 00:20
Hello
What is wrong with th embassy of usa in algeria?? Until now no one has his interview at the embassy (they did not receive 2NL , same for lower CN ) or the problem is from kcc ?
November 12, 2016 at 01:28
How do you know that “no one” has had their interview??? Clearly if applicants delay submitting their DS260, they get delayed. Simple.
November 12, 2016 at 08:27
Hello
I have two friends who submited thei ds260 on 10 mai 2016 and they have CV 30xx, they did not receive 2NL , and I went the the embassy in algiers to ask about interviews For dv programme , they told me that no one has pass an interview until now ,
November 12, 2016 at 14:20
OK – so that is “unreliable”.
November 12, 2016 at 14:25
Im too from algeria and i know a lot of persons have passe their interviews in US embassy of algiers.since thé first day of october
November 12, 2016 at 15:58
Malikovinsky
Ok thank you ,but in embassy they told me that they did not start interviews for programe dv ??? Why ? And you told me that you know many friends who pass their interview
November 12, 2016 at 16:17
What you’re saying is not credible. It’s incorrect. Relax.
November 12, 2016 at 07:10
this is the highest number in Africa (25800) since 2012 or before
November 12, 2016 at 08:58
Peace be with you Dear Brits. Thanks in advance for your valuable support for all. I am DV 2017 winner from Ethiopia CN 94XX. I fill DS 260 in July 30/2016. When did you expect my interview day?
Remain Blessed
November 12, 2016 at 14:19
Maybe this bext batch, but more likely the batch after – February interview.
November 12, 2016 at 11:09
Dear Brit. I submitted my ds260 form in September 6. In seriously hoping I get an interview before April Cus that’s only when I can travel. My num is Af24***. Its current now. When can I expect a 2nl. Thanks
November 12, 2016 at 14:16
It depends how fast they clear the backlog. I can’t guess that precisely. Wait and see.
November 13, 2016 at 04:24
Hi Brits. Thanks for your valuable support. I am DV 2017 winner from Kenya CN 32XX. I filled DS 260 in 27th May and 25800 it the highest number in Africa though the cuttoff numbers reduced from Dec. Do you think the backlog has just started in January and they will keep reducing? When do you expect my interview day?
Be Blessed
November 13, 2016 at 14:36
Your number is current already and I would have expected you to get your 2NL based on your submission date. Check the ESC site in case you missed the 2NL email. If not, I would expect you to be in the next batch (2NLs in 1 to 2 weeks)
November 13, 2016 at 15:21
Hello… correction please… My number is 32XXX NOT 32XX as I posted earlier. Could 32XXX be current still basing on the submission date? or when do I expect to get the 2NL?
November 13, 2016 at 15:40
Ah ok – then no. You will wait some more months.
November 14, 2016 at 15:34
Please Brit carry my doubt. I want to approximate the interview month given that I submitted DS260 in 27th May and my case number is 32XXX
November 14, 2016 at 15:40
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
November 13, 2016 at 06:31
Hi Simon
I email K CC 28 SEPTEMBER and this was their reply to me
“Your forms have been received and are currently processing. Allow several weeks for processing. Interviews are scheduled numerically based on case numbers that have completed processing.”
1) i submitted DS 260 form JUN 24
2) CN 2xx (Nepal)
So i am worried b/s 100% i expect my interview on January.
November 13, 2016 at 14:33
No need to worry – just be patient.
November 13, 2016 at 12:52
CN:AF000025XX
MY SPONSOR HAS CHANGED AN ADDRESS RECENTLY WHICH I SUBMITTED ON MY DS-260(OLD ADDRESS),SO IS IT POSSIBLE TO TELL ON MY INTERVIEW DAY THE NEW ONE OR SHOULD I UNLOCK AND EDIT IT ON MY FORM NOW?
THANKS!;)
November 13, 2016 at 14:03
You can change on the day of interview.
November 14, 2016 at 07:24
THANKS SIR! 🙂
November 13, 2016 at 16:22
Hello
Whene I send an e-mail to kcc , I,have to include my CN my full name and DOB, region and preferance categorie and post,
I sent an,e-mail since 3 days they don’t respond me , how much does take to redpond me ?
Thank you
November 14, 2016 at 05:41
It can take a week or two at busy times.
November 14, 2016 at 06:38
Thank you mr for your help you are doing a great job , good bless you . have a nice day
November 14, 2016 at 04:16
Decided not to read the article then?
November 14, 2016 at 13:36
Hello Brit
Finaly I recieve Mail from KCC they say “Your case number is now current for interview processing. Once the interview date has been scheduled, you will receive notification via email to check http://www.dvlottery.state.gov.
So I think 2NL is on the way
Thank You Simon.
November 14, 2016 at 14:03
When did you submit your DS260?
November 14, 2016 at 16:40
I Submitted June 20
November 14, 2016 at 16:53
OK thanks!
November 14, 2016 at 17:34
could you share the interview date when they set?
November 14, 2016 at 16:42
hi brit if u summit your ds260 form around september and your case number is AF201700015000 when will you receive your letter?
November 14, 2016 at 16:52
Several months from now – depends on the progress they make with the backlog.
November 14, 2016 at 17:12
Hi!
After KCC have completed the case and sent it to the embassy Where I will be interview; So it take how many days before I receive my appointment???
November 14, 2016 at 18:55
KCC schedule the appointments and send out the 2NLs around 6 to 7 weeks before the interview.
November 14, 2016 at 19:12
My problem is, I’m not yet receive any appointment date. I wrote email to KCC and they sent me this ” Your case number is now current for interview processing. Once the interview date has been scheduled, you will receive notification via email to check http://www.dvlottery.state.gov.” I’m confused
November 14, 2016 at 20:09
That isn’t a problem. It simply means you will get a 2NL when they send them out for the next batch – that will be in a week or two. Patience.
November 15, 2016 at 19:09
It’s two weeks from today 15 january still don’t receive my appointment date, I was really expecting it today. Please till me what exactly happening?
November 15, 2016 at 19:13
Sorry mistake on the first comment. It’s two weeks from today 15 November still don’t receive my appointment date, I was really expecting it today. Please till me what exactly happening?
November 15, 2016 at 19:24
I already told you. You will get your interview notification in the next week or two. They only send notifications once per month.
November 14, 2016 at 17:40
Dear Sir
I did the change of name, and scan the document and sent the email attachment to KCC. Later on I carefully read the last paragraph of the KCC old emailed say’s that, do not send any paperwork to KCC.
Please I’m worry, would this mistake cause me problem?
November 14, 2016 at 18:54
No.
November 15, 2016 at 01:11
Dear brit sir,
I have read your article and i have gone through the internet article regarding the cancellation of Edv if what you say is correct it will be relief for all the Edv selectee which i think all want but small doubt and got curosity if actully trump decided to cancell it will 2017 all selectee will be unprocessed.
November 15, 2016 at 01:42
Like I said. That isn’t legally possible.
November 15, 2016 at 01:48
Again Brit,
I was going thru my Ds forms as the PA and just found out that my daughter DOB is 9feb 2006,instead of 2feb 2006 the correct DOB as in her BC and with which she entered the DV.This typo date error is in my Ds,her mum’s Ds and the Ds of herself b/c I filled all the forms and the error was in the 3forms
I am the winner and my case is in stage 3 for your definitions of KCC emails
can I write to the embassy to ask for unlock,inform them? or leave it out for the interview?I have never unlocked since June.can this be a problem?if yes,please what is your best option?dear BRIT
THANKS
November 15, 2016 at 03:24
She is a derivative, so it is not critical, but the correct date of birth is always better just in case you forget to change it in the interview. So – unlock and correct it.
November 16, 2016 at 08:08
Dear simon
My cn is 2017AS00000xxx wich is current , ds260 submitted in 27 may unlocked 12 july , 2 days ago I asked kcc about my case and they answered (Your forms have been received and are currently processing. Allow several weeks for processing) wich means they didn’t finish processing…
Do I still have a chance for january interview ?!!
Best regards
November 16, 2016 at 14:58
Wait and see.