Tomorrow we will see the results of the DV-2017 Green Card lottery. It’s an exciting time for those thousands of people that will get the good news they have been hoping for. Many many more people will see the “dreaded” message that says “not selected”.
OK – so a few bullet points to make that will cover some of the questions I will get…
- The system will allow checking of the results from noon (EDT – East coast USA) on May 3. It is not based on your timezone.
- The system opens for everyone at the same time. This means the system is normally very busy for a few hours, and this can mean the website is slow. If you have problems – wait a few hours and check again.
- Not selected means not selected. The winning chance per entry is quite low – so out of over 10 million entries, only 50,000 or 60,000 people will be seeing the selected letter.
- In some earlier years, there has been a small “2nd draw” (actually just revealing the next cases in case number order). This is the reason that people are advised to keep their confirmation codes and check again in a few months time.
- Each winning case can include family members (spouse and children only), so total number of “selectees” will be 80,000 to 140,000 people.
- Winners (selectees) will see a letter saying they have been selected for further processing.
- That “selected” letter (called the 1NL) shows a case number in the form of YEAR, Region, Number – for instance 2017AF000012345.
- Keep your case number private. When discussing that case number in an internet forum or even with me, hide the last 2 or 3 digits, so 2017AF000012345 would be quoted as 2017AF12XXX.
- The first indication we will have of the number of selectees is on the letter that will be displayed for winners. It will give an estimate of how many selectees there are (this number includes family). This number is typically inaccurate. Last year, the letter said 84,000 but when results were published there were over 91,000 selectees. In previous years even more selectees have been notified as being winners.
- Being selected does not guarantee a Green Card. You have to follow an application process, and wait to be processed. Cases are processed in an order, based on the case number.
- The earliest interviews (for the lowest case numbers) start in October 2016. Case processing is spread out over the following 12 months, finishing by September 30, 2017.
- Selectees must complete and submit a DS260 form online to apply for further processing. Delaying the submission of that form could delay your interview, but filling that form in badly could RUIN your interview (and could get you disqualified). So – take some time to learn how to complete the form correctly. I have produced a guide to the process, instructions on completing the DS260, and have a series of answers to frequently asked questions. PLEASE take some time to read those things to understand the process before rushing to complete your DS260!
Congratulations to the winners, and for the ones not selected – better luck next year.
May 3, 2016 at 20:36
” HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED ”
May 3, 2016 at 20:40
You think that is all ? or should we check again ?
May 3, 2016 at 20:48
Read the bullet points above.
May 3, 2016 at 20:59
“[…] HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED […] at this time.”
Isn’t that kind of a dick move? If not selected clearly means not selected, why add “at this time”?
May 3, 2016 at 21:09
Did you read above (2nd draw)?
May 3, 2016 at 21:36
If we’re not selected this year, are we allowed to put our names in again this October or must we wait until 2017 (since they said no double entries, and to keep our current confirmation number until 2017). Essentially, if I put my name in again in October 2016, will that count as “multiple entries”?
May 3, 2016 at 23:55
No, that is not a double entry – you can try again.
May 3, 2016 at 22:17
Hi sir I really wanna know how many VISA bulletin left for dv 2016
May 3, 2016 at 23:55
3
May 3, 2016 at 22:30
Dear Mr SIMON,
I am selected for dv2017 and my CASE is 2017AF22XX and i want to know the documents that will need for ambassy. I think that i have a good case number and i want to anticipate.
Best Regard
May 3, 2016 at 23:54
Please click the links in the article above. It explains everything….
May 4, 2016 at 15:12
do you think that i have a good case .
May 4, 2016 at 01:53
Please I Need A Help My Name Is Bin Bruno Kedze In The Space For Names,which Is The Last Family Name Or I’m I Suppose To Write My Full Names As In The Primary Entrant
May 3, 2016 at 23:00
out of 10 1is selected
May 4, 2016 at 01:38
That’d be 1 million selectees (10million entries) , which is wrong .
May 4, 2016 at 00:34
any estimations for the next vb Mr.Simon despite the absence of ceac data ?
May 4, 2016 at 03:41
AF should jump by about 7000. Other than that, wait and see.
May 4, 2016 at 01:11
Hello Brit Simon
Being a fellow Brit, where did you/ and where would you/ recommend getting the photo taken? I suspect my photo was not up to scratch. I have scanned the ones from the booth and the ones from a professional studio, but neither seem to qualify…. I tried that tool on the dv website and configured it, but for some strange reason, I feel it was still not up to the mark so therefore I was disqualified.
May 4, 2016 at 03:40
A cell phone is fine….
May 4, 2016 at 03:40
A cell phone is fine….
May 4, 2016 at 01:23
Sorry just to clarify, is it possible to have a successful submission to the dv, despite the fact, that a photo, even through the photo selector, was submittted, was grounds for disqualification because it was the wrong color or size and therefore the entry would be disqualified… thnx
May 4, 2016 at 03:39
Kind of yes. The photo could cause a case to be disqualified if it is not a true likeness.
May 4, 2016 at 08:55
Many thanks for that.
Out of curiosity, do you have any inkling as to when the random selecting actually takes place after the November deadline?
Cheers again
May 4, 2016 at 16:37
December/January as a guess.
May 4, 2016 at 01:28
I am selected for the DV2017 with case number AS21xx . The first try for me . In the winning letter , there is no total number . It just said you have been randomly selected . Thank everyone
May 4, 2016 at 03:39
Congrats!
May 4, 2016 at 01:29
Session timed out” what does it mean?
May 4, 2016 at 03:38
It means you are not using a new browser session. Close browser windows and try again.
May 4, 2016 at 01:44
the Entry HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED for further processing for the Electronic Diversity Visa program at this time… sad.. N good luck to other
selectees…!!
Anyone selected from Sri Lanka ?
May 4, 2016 at 02:57
Oh I’ve just check my aunt case and she is selected , case number as53** from iran
May 4, 2016 at 03:37
Great!
May 4, 2016 at 03:40
Not Selected but happy for all of them selected. Better luck next time for people like me.
Britsimon you rock!!!!
May 4, 2016 at 05:41
Can’t check mine !!!
May 4, 2016 at 05:44
Hi Simon, My husband and I trying to log in with 2 confirmation no. as we applied as 2 different applicants. However, the message keep saying information error. I would need your kind assistance to check what went wrong. Can I email you our Confirmation no. and full name ?Your email address please ? Thank you in advance.
May 4, 2016 at 05:51
britsimon3 at gmail
May 4, 2016 at 05:46
Congrats to all who have made it so far….mine still loading ….having a tof time
May 4, 2016 at 06:13
Hi Simon
Pls they keep saying my entry is invalid. I’m I suppose to write out my full names in the space of FAMILY NAME/ LAST NAME?? Or just one name
May 4, 2016 at 06:21
One name. The one before the comma
May 4, 2016 at 06:52
Thank you Simon for helping. Your experience is really beneficial to many.
We did not get it this 1st time application. Any one from Malaysia get it ? All the very best to all.
May 4, 2016 at 07:09
Ok Simon thanks ….lemme try again
May 4, 2016 at 07:29
hello
I just want to know how many selectees for africa for 2017 thanks.
May 4, 2016 at 16:39
I don’t know.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-checking-results-tips-faqs/
May 4, 2016 at 08:00
Hi Simon,
I keep on getting ‘The information entered is not valid’ error message in chrome and ‘session timed out in Safari’.
I am copying the info correctly from confirmation email (I have tried about 100 times),
Can you identify another problem with this?
Thanks for your hard work.
May 4, 2016 at 16:38
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-checking-results-tips-faqs/
May 4, 2016 at 08:29
HI Brit,
would like to know if there was a second draw in the previous years? particular for 2015 2016. please clarify
May 4, 2016 at 09:52
I would also like to know this. Also: when does this 2nd draw happens?
May 4, 2016 at 16:35
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-checking-results-tips-faqs/
May 4, 2016 at 16:38
Last time was DV2013.
May 4, 2016 at 12:35
How come they didn’t provide the total number of selectees this year
May 4, 2016 at 14:25
I don’t know. We will know soon.
May 4, 2016 at 16:33
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-checking-results-tips-faqs/
May 4, 2016 at 13:08
Hi simon , i lost my initial number for 2017 , im sure im typing every thing correct , name email and date of birth but it is saying vaild information , y is it like that ? Thanks for your time
May 4, 2016 at 13:10
Sorry , not vaild information
May 4, 2016 at 14:24
You are doing something wrong.
May 4, 2016 at 15:18
Simon im checking and giving my last name , first name , no middle name , month day year and email address, even for 2016 that i was not seleted says invalid information. Im really suprised
May 4, 2016 at 15:20
Even check the the box of middle name , its not so difficult process , but im confused
May 4, 2016 at 16:28
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-checking-results-tips-faqs/
May 4, 2016 at 14:10
Dear Simon. when I review the site it says sesiion timed out, I review my daughter´s application and inmediately it says that “NOT SELECTED”. is that normal?
May 4, 2016 at 14:22
Yes. Start the browser.
May 4, 2016 at 14:36
Hi maybe you will see good news later
May 4, 2016 at 14:17
Hi Brit,
is there a chance for me to see my Electronic Diversity Visa Application Form? I have written down my confirmation number however I could not print the respective form by the time I filled it. Would KCC help me to view the form in case I send an e mail?
Thank you.
May 4, 2016 at 14:22
No.
May 4, 2016 at 14:58
Do they want me to take the e-dv application form to the interview with me?
May 4, 2016 at 16:30
The DS260, not the eDV
May 4, 2016 at 14:20
hi Simon,
I checked and they said ”NOT SELECTED”… AT THIS TIME. Does it imply that there will be a second draw? thks.
May 4, 2016 at 14:21
That message is the same every year. They sometimes have a small second draw.
May 4, 2016 at 14:34
Dear Brit,
I have been selected for DV 2017 however in education part of the application form I said I have a masters degree ( i thought that i would graduate by the time the dv lottery is announced) but I am still a student in graduate school and still have a bachelor degree. Would it be a problem during interview?
May 4, 2016 at 16:32
No problem.
May 4, 2016 at 14:53
THKS
May 4, 2016 at 16:18
Warning: Session timed out.
May 4, 2016 at 16:25
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-checking-results-tips-faqs/
May 4, 2016 at 16:19
What does indicates ?
May 4, 2016 at 16:25
That you are doing something wrong.
May 4, 2016 at 18:33
Hi Simon , long time no see , somebody from “upstairs” , gave me the chance to win after 21 years of trying.Q? 0000eu7xxx , means an interview when ? just to make myself an idea . Thank you !
May 4, 2016 at 18:47
Maybe October or November. Get your DS260 in soon, otherwise DS260 processing could delay your interview.
May 4, 2016 at 21:26
Hawa y kamara can you please tell me the date of my interview. Case number :AF0000035210
May 4, 2016 at 23:59
READ this:
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-checking-results-tips-faqs/
May 5, 2016 at 05:05
The Dv 2017 Statistics released or not
May 5, 2016 at 05:12
Not.
May 5, 2016 at 12:42
hy brit sir I m thedv2016 winner from nepal with cn672x how many %I have chance to get 2nd letter
May 5, 2016 at 13:33
I don’t do percentage guesses other than 100% or 0%. Your chance is between those numbers – so I won’t guess.
May 5, 2016 at 15:50
Hi simon i have been selected in dv 2017, i have two children one of them was born in united stated and holding american passport.
I included my two children in the entry should i remove my child who was born in US i dv 260 application or just leave him. please advice
May 5, 2016 at 15:59
List him on your DS260’s, but there is no need to create a DS260 for him.
May 6, 2016 at 12:03
Hello,
I am the principal aplicant for the DV 2017 , I am married and I have a girl. I was selected for further processing in DV 2017.1. My hasband and my daughter dont want to come with me in USA, so can I proceed with further process for visa without them or I have to add them in all the other steps ?2. what I have to do because I want to take the visa and them not? 3.Will this be a barrier for me ?
May 6, 2016 at 15:06
You just don’t submit a DS260 for them (but you do list them in yours).
But, do you really want to leave your family????
May 6, 2016 at 19:36
I have been selected 🙂
May 6, 2016 at 19:40
i don’t wanna share my photo 🙂
May 7, 2016 at 11:51
hey brit i just found out that i won with a CN-2017AF9××× which i think is low enough(correct me if im wrong). so now i just have these 3 things i need to be clear with..
1. when should i complete filling and submit the DS 260 form( upto when is it appropriate to submit the DS260 considering my CN)??
2. when do u think will be my interview ??
3. i have a BA degree on which my family name is written as– ” WOLDEYESUS” while on my DV entry form and on my highschool certificate it appears to be “WOLDEEYESUS” (the letter ‘E’ in the middle is doubled)
so what could probably be the risk? what should i do to avoid that risk?( like when completing the ds 260)
thanks in ADVANCE
May 7, 2016 at 18:36
1. Now.
2. Later this year if you submit your DS260 now. Possible October/November
3. Enter the name accurately on the DS260.
May 7, 2016 at 13:59
How do I get the result? Via e-mail or what
May 7, 2016 at 18:34
Check the DV lottery ESC site. (Google it)
May 8, 2016 at 06:11
Hi Simon
I am a DV 2016 winner. and I have a couple of doubts. I have two kids which I included their names at the time I registered for the DV lottery. I am 50 years old and a single mother.
1. Since the entry level time states on the confirmation letter that its between October 1st 2016 to september 30th 2017, when am I suppose to submit my DS 260?
2. How long does it take for me to be scheduled for an interview and how long can it take for me to receive a visa after submission of my DS 260?
3. will I need an affidavit of attorney from the US citizen who solicited to my care at the time i registered for the US lottery?
4. will i need a bank statement stating that I can be able to support my self and my kids when i arrive the united states at the interview?
5. How much is the interview fee and the IV fee?
6. one of my children is not my biological child, its my adopted the child after both parents died, will there be a DNA test to confirm my children? will I need adoption papers at the interview?
7. if I am issued a visa how long can it take me to enter the united states can I leave my kids in Cameroon, enter the united states before i bring them later on?
thanks a lot
May 8, 2016 at 06:53
1. As soon as you like.
2. Your interview schedule is based on the DS260 being completed, and your case number.
3. No
4. That would be best
5. $330 for the interview and $165 IV – per person.
6. They may ask for DNA testing, they will want adoption papers.
7. Yes.
May 8, 2016 at 11:17
thanks a lot BritSimon.
I am happy to be part of this forum. its so helpful. i wish to know. I am 50 years old and i have been an elementary school for close to 40 years now. I have a cap certificate equivalence of the Cameroon ordinary level certificate and a baccalaureate certificate equivalence of the Cameroon advanced level certificate. I also have a grade one certificate and I have worked with two agencies for close to 30 years. according to the United states labour rule,
1. will i need my CV at the interview or the certificates I have acquired.
2. Also can i have a a preview of the how the form DS 260 looks like to get to know possible ways to fill it?
3. Also my friends tell me that I will need some one who has lived in the united states and who has an asylum or a residency permit or a citizen to solicit for me. is that true?
4. can you in your own good will list the documents you think I will need before i can complete my form ds 260 and have my interview?
May 8, 2016 at 15:13
1. Yes
2. PLEASE read the FAQ! https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-complete-the-ds260/
3. Sometimes, yes, read about public charge. https://britsimonsays.com/dv-faq/
4. http://dvselectee.state.gov
Please take some time to read what I have already written. Your case is your responsibility.
May 8, 2016 at 11:22
5.I also need to know the cost of the application fee, how and where I can pay it?
sorry for asking too many questions. I wish to be accurate and know what i will be facing before i go into it. sincerely Verlah Angela
May 8, 2016 at 14:29
You pay the fee I mentioned ($330 per person) at the embassy.
Please start reading. You are asking questions that are already written both here and on the official website. REading will make sure you get everything…
May 9, 2016 at 00:13
Hi Simon,
Couple of questions:
1. Did I read this correct, DS 260 form now costs $165? Pay this after the form is submitted on the .gov website?
2. What date of the interview am I looking at: 2017EU00020xxx
Thx so much for your time!
May 9, 2016 at 02:12
Filing the DS260 Is free.
The fee for the interview is $330 per person (plus the cost of the medical – varies by country)
The fee for the Green Card (once approved) is $165 per person.
Too early to be precise on the interview date – but roughly spring 2017
May 9, 2016 at 05:14
Hey Brit.Thanks for the support.
I am Jackson from Kenya and I have a couple of questions that I request your assistance
1.My case Number is 2017AFxxx when am I likely to be scheduled for an interview?
2.Do you have a link that shows the cost of Interview, medical,visa fee in Kenya?
3.I have already filled theDV260 form and submitted does that make me stand a chance for an early interview.
4.I saw a clause “limited visa available” does this mean some people will be left out despite their documents being in order.
May 9, 2016 at 06:05
1. If your case is below 1000, then you will most likely get an October interview.
2. Interview is $330, the Green Card fee (if approved) is $165. I don’t know the medical cost in Kenya – you can check with the physician.
3. Sort of. Your case number determines the timing. By submitting early you have probably made sure there is no delay.
4. Yes. But, lower case numbers are safe.
May 9, 2016 at 12:40
Thanks for the reply Brit.
I have to confess I am abit confused in the following areas
1.How do I tell if my Case no.is in the lower case.Could you please give me an example of a lower case case number?
2.How can I identify my case number is below 1000.
Thanks for your support
May 9, 2016 at 14:40
The numbers vary by region. Just tell me your number….
May 9, 2016 at 21:39
The case number is 2017AFOOO21xxx
May 10, 2016 at 13:45
Hi Brit,my names is susan,a Kenyan,i have been trying to check for my status but the system always says wrong information entered,i have a printout of the application.please help.
May 10, 2016 at 13:47
The system is fine. You are doing something wrong – most likely entering the wrong name.
If your name was John Wayne, the confirmation would show that as Wayne, John. You would only enter Wayne.
May 11, 2016 at 06:18
thankyou,in this case,my names are susan wamaingi mungai,which name should i put as my last name?
May 11, 2016 at 15:31
Probably Mungai if you completed the lottery entry correctly.
May 11, 2016 at 06:35
what else should i do after putting the correct information?
May 11, 2016 at 15:30
Follow instructions.
May 11, 2016 at 10:14
hello ,BritSimon
i have tried checking my Dv2017 and error massage keep coming but everything is correct..is there any trick for checking..?help me Mariam
May 11, 2016 at 14:11
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-checking-results-tips-faqs/