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, 2017 at 19:23
Hi, I’m not selected in the green card lottery 2018, should I just forget the confirmation code or is there a chance of being selected?
May 3, 2017 at 22:48
I think there is almost no chance – but you can decide
May 3, 2017 at 10:41
If u are not selected …can u try again in the following month to check whether u are selected
May 3, 2017 at 02:18
i have the confirmation page in PDF (save on the day of my registration)…. but the site keep telling me that i made a mistake when entering my information , event when i copy paste all my information on that page.
same thing when i use the “forgot confirmation number” option.
May 3, 2017 at 02:24
it looks like i never made a registration but i have my confirmation page with my confirmation number and all of my personal information (all of them are correct)
May 3, 2017 at 03:58
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-information-entered-not-valid/
May 2, 2017 at 22:27
Hey Brit, Me again.. You where right about waiting until tomorrow. The site has been down all day.. If I do get processed for the next round and when I fill out the application do I need proof of education etc or do I bring all of that to the interview?
May 2, 2017 at 23:48
Interview.
May 3, 2017 at 06:48
Hey Brit, I didn’t get selected but thank you for all your information and well done to anyone here who did get selected.
May 2, 2017 at 21:10
HI “BRIT
I HAVE MY HIGH SCHOOL DOCUMENT WITH OUT WEST AFRICAN EXAMINATION DOCUMENT, IS THERE ANY PROBLEM WITH THAT?
PLEASE ARE NEED YOUR HELP
May 2, 2017 at 21:21
Yes there might be – it depends on which embassy you interview at, and what they set as a standard.
May 2, 2017 at 20:49
THE WEST AFRICAN EXAMINATION COUNCIL
WAEC
May 2, 2017 at 07:58
HI
I’AM A DRIVER HAVING HIGH SCHOOL DOCUMENT
WITH OUT WIRE DOCUMENT; IS THERE ANY PROBLEM WITH THAT?
PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS”
May 2, 2017 at 13:55
What do you mean by “wire document”
May 1, 2017 at 20:39
ME too Yvonne. It has been months I am following britsimon website to know more about dv. I intuitively think I will be selected this year. Update me if you are selected.good luck.
May 1, 2017 at 16:05
Hey. Brit, am Yvonne from Ghana .I registered for the lottery and been reading since then for the tips and requirements… I hope am being selected. So anxious.
May 1, 2017 at 14:54
Hey Brit! I’m from Ireland and am just wondering do you know the time of when the results are out tomorrow for the 2018 lottery results?
I’m trying to keep positive but looking through your replys im not really sure now. ?
May 1, 2017 at 15:10
It’s late afternoon your time – but the servers will be crashing for the first few hours – so check Wednesday.
May 1, 2017 at 18:51
Ok thank you! I don’t know if I’ll have the patience to but I’ll try. ?
April 18, 2017 at 06:39
I have another one, Is it possible to apply for the lottery for a disable person ?
April 18, 2017 at 13:48
Yes
April 18, 2017 at 17:56
What kind of sickness are the barriers for the visa ? And witch sicknesses are checking from the medical examination ?
April 19, 2017 at 03:01
ALWAYS check the FAQ
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-are-the-diseases-that-can-cause-denial/
April 19, 2017 at 04:28
Thank you Brit And i want to know, I have only primary education, But i have work experience more than 10 year, Is it possible to enter to the lottery and is there is a place to mention our work experience in the green card lottery application form ? (I’ve applied for the green card for 5th or 6th time in last year, But i didn’t get the chance yet, may be because of my less qualification, am i correct?)
April 19, 2017 at 05:24
In the entry you don’t have to justify how you are qualified – so your qualifications have NOTHING to do with why you have not been picked yet.
April 18, 2017 at 06:35
Thank you Brit
April 17, 2017 at 16:30
Hi Brit, I’ve applied for the lottery in 2016 and when the result is coming out ?
April 17, 2017 at 16:36
May. Just like the instructions said…
January 30, 2017 at 14:28
Hi britsimon what is the fate of the dv 2017 who have are still on process especially after the ban of refugee and immigrants for 120 days by the US PRESIDENT?
January 30, 2017 at 17:07
https://britsimonsays.com/kcc-statement-refarding-ban/
November 10, 2016 at 13:43
Hi Brit am one of the dv2017 winner and my case number is2017AF35XXX. also am applying DS260 form september 25 . when is my interview date please.
November 10, 2016 at 14:13
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
November 3, 2016 at 14:28
HI Brit,
I have been trying DV since early 90s and have never gotten it. I know I am doing everything right and I am qualified.
November 3, 2016 at 18:42
The chance of winning is less than 1 in 100 – so keep trying.
November 2, 2016 at 04:38
Hey Brit.Just here to thank you for bringing together these useful bits of information together for the rest of us.That said, I was a first time applicant for dv-2018, so for now it’s just fingers crossed till the results are out. Thanks again for answering our questions.
October 26, 2016 at 15:33
Hi Simon, I submitted my visa application (ds-260) on October 8, 2016. Was i late in submitting an application? will my case still be considered?
October 26, 2016 at 17:58
You were late – but not too late. You will be scheduled for interview when your DS260 is processed and your case number is current.
October 19, 2016 at 16:20
they send me the 2nls by the next month and i will get married in next week and i am so worried that it will cause visa decline bc at the time of application i was single
October 19, 2016 at 17:17
You should unlock your DS260 now and be ready to add your spouse once you are married.
October 24, 2016 at 11:28
Hi Brits my cn is 37k when do think that I wil be current
October 29, 2016 at 10:05
dose unlocking my DS 260 affect me getting visa ? and if i came to the interview with marrige certificate with out unlocking DS260 can cause visa decline ? and can my spouse have visa with me? sorry for my questions but iam so confused and worried that i may do something wrong. again sorry
October 29, 2016 at 19:52
If you have got married you need to unlock your DS260 to change your status and add a DS260 for the spouse. Do that!
October 8, 2016 at 15:04
hi , in my DS260 I wrote that iam single and i will get married after 6 month, is that a problem?? thank you
October 8, 2016 at 18:13
It’s ok, but you should get marid sooner to process a visa for your spouse.
October 4, 2016 at 04:48
Hi
I am sorry to distribute but I cannot get the dv lottery page is it not working
October 4, 2016 at 13:02
Online registration for the DV-2018 Program begins on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)!!!
October 2, 2016 at 12:32
Hi mr brits i wish to go in for the dv lottery 2018. And my son is 10 months and he can be stable for passport photograph snapshot as he is a teenage and can be stable. Can i put the picture any how like if his face is tilted at the sides??
October 2, 2016 at 14:50
Put the child on the floor and stand directly above him to take the photo.
September 29, 2016 at 23:05
Hi Brit Simon Am a selectee member from Ghana can you please help me feel my DS260
September 29, 2016 at 23:48
https://britsimonsays.com/completing-the-ds260-for-dv-lottery-entrants/
September 18, 2016 at 01:12
I used one of my fathers name in my high school Cert, the name isn’t in my birth certificate neither in my passport. But first two match with other documents. Since my father has four names. Is there any problem because i used different last names that belongs to my father?
September 18, 2016 at 05:23
Make sure the DS260 have your full legal name (that matches your passport)
September 16, 2016 at 22:43
Hi, I got CN AF00040xxx what is my chances ?
September 17, 2016 at 00:23
Fine.
September 17, 2016 at 13:52
So you mean this number can avoid the cut off ? as Egypt appears in except column in the visa bulletin. How can I expect the cut off numbers ? Sorry for asking more than a question. Thanks for your support.
September 17, 2016 at 14:00
It’s FINE. Relax.
September 14, 2016 at 22:05
I get “Based on the information provided, the Entry HAS NOT BEEN SELECTED ” for DV 2017 , should I try later or this is final ?
thank you
September 14, 2016 at 23:34
I think it is final – but you are welcome to try later.
July 13, 2016 at 00:48
hi brit, im have been trying to check my dv entry status and its says “session time out” plz tell me what is that means?
July 13, 2016 at 05:02
It means you are doing it wrong somehow. READ the tips.
July 8, 2016 at 12:30
Hello Brit Simon. If some one submitted her names wrongly during registration to the lottery and they are selected. Can she make a certificate of identification from a lawyer to identify that she is the real entrant into the lottery?
July 8, 2016 at 14:16
Depends how bad the difference of the name was, the explanation given and the credibility of the person.
July 3, 2016 at 12:01
my date of birth i used to register the lottery was 14th March which is wrong as my date of birth on my birth certificate and passport is 18th March. will it create a problem
July 3, 2016 at 15:04
It might create a problem at interview. Some embassies forgive such errors, others don’t. Make sure it is accurate on the DS260
July 3, 2016 at 15:12
What about the place of birth, if there is a mistake and doesn’t corresponds to the one for the original entry
July 3, 2016 at 18:16
If it is within the same country that would normally be OK. However, all these small errors add up to a suspicious case, so there is increased risk.
June 29, 2016 at 06:22
Hi Britsimon, Im selectee of 2017 from Ethiopia with case number 29***. What is the chance of getting visa & when to expect for interview.
June 29, 2016 at 14:31
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
June 17, 2016 at 17:10
My dream is to study in the United States but i don’t have any help. Can i get help somewhere?
June 17, 2016 at 17:32
You have to help yourself. Look into student visas.
June 17, 2016 at 17:02
Hi, Simon, each time i check my entry status it reads, “has not been selected for further processing. Does that means i am not selected?
Kusi from Ghana
June 17, 2016 at 17:30
Yes.
June 16, 2016 at 20:49
Hi Brit,
Thx a million for the support. Got interviewed Jun 14 in Monrovia, received the chap and told to pick up our package within a week.
Another case :my friend is PA, entered as single, had a child & got married. Was interviewed and placed on AP six weeks ago. Went back to home village to visit grand mother and while there, their child took sick and pass out (died) few days later. When they returned he got email ordering DNA on their case.
1.what could be your view or advice on this?
2. Is there anything he do?
June 16, 2016 at 22:22
1. My view is that a CO will see that as suspicious. They ask for DNA and then are told the child has died. They will ask for a birth and death cert for the child.
2. Provide GENUINE documentation.
June 16, 2016 at 14:24
Hello Brits, I applied for the DV 2017 but keep on receiving a message that I have not been selected for further proccessing this time.
Has the random selection for the DV 2017 been closed, as it says that we should retain our confirmation number till Sept 2017?
June 16, 2016 at 14:26
There might be a second draw in September/October so check one more time in October – but other than that, forget DV2017.
June 14, 2016 at 16:24
Hi Brit
When can they start the issuing of 2Nl to 2017 selectees?
June 14, 2016 at 18:08
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
June 11, 2016 at 08:02
Hi Brits, am Daniel from Ghana ,each time I check my status it keeps saying has not been selected at this time. Should I still continue to check or its all over?
June 11, 2016 at 14:24
Check once more in October.
June 10, 2016 at 18:31
Hi Brit,
I am sponsoring a family member, I live in the US. When filing the I-134 form, should I also have proofs of what I put in there? Like my income and the bank statements.
Thank you
Suggestion: Is it possible to have a pagination link for all these comments? It took me awhile to get to the bottom. 🙂
June 10, 2016 at 18:51
Provide Income proof – W2/1040/Payslip
PLUS a copy of your drivers license/passport.
Pagination switch on – check that out. Thanks for the suggestion.
June 6, 2016 at 19:26
Hi Brit ,
In 2003 I had a deportation and 10 years ban to US .Now successful winner of DV2017. Do I still have to file I-212 form , even if my ban expired 3 years ago ? Thank you , and i hope this will help somebody else in my situation.
June 6, 2016 at 21:27
No you don’t.
June 2, 2016 at 13:11
Hello britsimon , do you now anything about 2nl for dv2017 , have started or not , thank you
June 2, 2016 at 13:52
2NLs for the very first cases will start at the end of August.
June 2, 2016 at 11:56
hey Simon how you been??
there’s a section on the DS form saying “full name in native alphabet”
does it mean my name in my native languages letters???
June 2, 2016 at 13:58
Yes
May 28, 2016 at 14:41
Hi,can I add my two children and wife? I didn’t include their names when I was registering for the dv lottery.
May 28, 2016 at 15:21
https://britsimonsays.com/easiest-way-to-get-disqualified-from-dv-lottery/
May 25, 2016 at 21:38
which following tell me
dvlottery i am select or not select i can not see Session timed out
May 25, 2016 at 21:10
this my number 20172QUPSB5XXXXXX Warning: Session timed out. WHY
May 25, 2016 at 21:29
Because you are not following my tips above.
May 25, 2016 at 21:07
hi i am sri lanka i am not study a/l but i won what i can do
May 25, 2016 at 21:30
So which is it, you won or not?
May 25, 2016 at 15:40
OK thanks
May 25, 2016 at 15:21
Hi Simon, I got married 2014, But I didn’t go for my marriage certificate soon due to my busyness and my wife is also busy. I just received my certificate form the ministry and the marriage date is OK, but the issuing date is 2016. Is there any problem with that.
Thanks Simon
May 25, 2016 at 15:28
I don’t think that would be a problem.
May 24, 2016 at 00:21
Salut j’ai vérifier mais j’ai vu qu’on m’a Pa sélectionné es qu’il y aura une deuxième chance dans l’année ?si oui , ça sera quand ?
May 24, 2016 at 00:27
Es qu’il y aura une deuxieme chance dans l’anne ? Si oui ca sera quand?
May 24, 2016 at 04:08
English please.
May 23, 2016 at 19:20
Hi Brit,
Under section 13 (on DS-260 ) Security and background :Criminal , Q.Have you ever been arrested for any offence or crime…etc..I should include detention for removal (deportation) but I had no criminal offence what so ever .
Thank you !
May 23, 2016 at 19:23
If in doubt, include it. Let the CO decide whether it is important or not.
May 20, 2016 at 00:34
Dear BritSimon;
They just sent me an email to submission further processing! Does it mean I will prepare all translations documents & to check health? Please tell me, thanks!
May 20, 2016 at 00:41
Yes.
May 20, 2016 at 03:06
Thanks Sir!
May 14, 2016 at 10:17
The site gave me a 17 digit code instead of 16. Now I cant verify my entrance status
May 14, 2016 at 14:04
I doubt that. You are making the mistake.