The July visa bulletin contains the data on how many selectees have been notified for DV2017. It’s a LOW number – 10,000 less than DV2016. So, considering DV2016 has just gone current, it seems certain (at first glance) that DV2017 will be current for all regions also – so that takes away a worry that has plagued the DV lottery over recent years. There is no need for “high case numbers” to be worried (apart from maybe a few cases in Nepal).
To be clear, there will be enough visas in DV2017 for all. There is no country (other than Nepal) that can hit the 7% country limit at these levels.
Regional breakdown (plus 2016 numbers):
AF – 38500 (45034)
EU – 28500 (27011)
AS – 13499 (15002)
SA – 1954 (3000)
OC – 1450 (1500)
These numbers represent winners and family members.
This low number should reduce DS260 backlog times.
The country breakdown can be seen at
One last point. 84000 is a low number of selectees. There may be a plan to release a few more selectees later in the year (sometimes referred to as a 2nd draw), but it is not certain. If it happens it may be something like 5000 to 10000 more winners in the world (so a small number compared with the initial draw). Now, I do not know if that will happen! It has happened in some previous years, but we can’t be certain. So – for those not selected they can check again around October.
July 3, 2016 at 20:03
Mr britt,
Thanks once again. I asked a question about having E in english in my high school certificate and you said there is a risk. Pls i wanted to know if they dont accept resit in high school exams. I am asking because i took the same high school exams and passed very well in the English as a private candidate. I took both exams in the same year. I have both certificates to show the C.O that i have passed the English. Thank you
July 3, 2016 at 20:39
That will be up to the CO – I can’t predict the reaction.
July 9, 2016 at 08:01
DEAR BRITSIMON,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT HELP AGAIN.
COUPLE OF QUESTIONS, PLEASE
1. I AM A DV 2017 SELECTEE. SOME MONTHS BEFORE DV 2017 SELECTION DRAW WAS ANNOUNCED I TRIED TO GET VISA IN F1/F2 BASIS. I DIDN’T MADE AN INTERVIEW BECAUSE THE REASON FOR MY JOURNEY WAS OVER BEFORE MY SCHEDULE FOR INTERVIEW. BACK THEN I WAS LIVING WITH MY FORMER GIRLFRIEND. WE WERE NOT LEGALLY MARRIED AND NOW WE ARE NO MORE TOGETHER. WHEN I FILLED THE DS-160 I SAID I WAS MARRIED. NOW ON MY DS260, SHOULD I SAY I AM DIVORCED, AS I SAID WE WERE NOT LEGALLY MARRIED. DO YOU THINK MY INFORMATION IN THE DS160 WILL HAUNT ME DOWN?
2. I HAVE GOT MA DEGREE AND I HAVE DOCUMENTS FOR THAT, BUT I HAVE LOST MY BA DEGREE DOCUMENTS. DO YOU THINK THE CO WILL PUT ME IN PROBLEM FOR THAT?
July 9, 2016 at 14:02
1. Don’t tell ANY more lies. If the CO asks you about the earlier married status, you just say it was a mistake.
2. POssibly, yes – get the documents replaced.
July 12, 2016 at 10:15
hi when will 2NLs start for dv2017
July 12, 2016 at 14:00
Late August.
July 12, 2016 at 22:36
When will be the schedule date for those in the forty thousand range (40,000)? I mean interview date.
July 13, 2016 at 05:04
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
July 13, 2016 at 10:53
I am dv2017 selectee my case # is 2017AF13xxx so when will be reached 2NL? Thankyou
July 13, 2016 at 13:42
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
July 15, 2016 at 06:22
Hello Mr Brit,
I wish to ask plse for ur assistance
Am a dv2017 winner cn 41***
1)I wish to ask which means or how will i see my 2Nl after submitx my ds260 .i submited it on 18 may.pls help me so that I will knw to trace my 2nl when its sent to me.
Thks for ur hlp.
July 15, 2016 at 14:21
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-does-the-2nl-look-like/
July 15, 2016 at 15:13
Thks Brit
July 16, 2016 at 01:42
Hi sir,
Am sorry for disturbing you.i need only a word from you and my body shall hav a good temperature.
1)After filling my ds 260 form it shows COMPLETED after submission .and a confirmation page was given which i printed.
Those it mean my ds260 has been submitted??
Or is there any other thing i have to do??
2)at this point should i be waiting only the 2NL??
Help clear my doubt sir.
July 16, 2016 at 02:13
1. That is all for now.
2. Yes
July 16, 2016 at 02:35
Mr Brit
Thks very much may God bless u with
WISDOM
July 17, 2016 at 22:09
“There is no need for “high case numbers” to be worried (apart from maybe a few cases in Nepal).”
What do you think about Iran? The Iranian selectees are more than Nepal. (4500 vs 4000).
July 17, 2016 at 22:37
Iranian cases suffer a different problem. AP is very common for Iranian cases and can take several months to resolve. So – Iranian cases with high case numbers (interviewing later than March or April each year) start to be at risk for not completing AP in time. For that reason (and denial/response rates) the 7% limit is not a problem for Iranians.
July 21, 2016 at 16:29
Hello Brit,
As 2nl shall start late august as u said
When do u expect cases from 40000 to get their 2nl
July 21, 2016 at 19:34
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
July 24, 2016 at 03:23
Hi Brit.
I am a 2017 selectee. My number is very high within the range of 130 to 150…..seriously high. Am I expected to be called for interview for October?
July 24, 2016 at 15:44
That is a LOW number, not high.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
July 29, 2016 at 07:33
Hey Brit want to know if been pregnant is a risk to been disqualify at the interview 2) what if someone in engaged to be married soon probably before leavx but played as single n still filled the ds260 as single will it disturb in the future like in case they wanna invite their spouse
July 29, 2016 at 15:40
No issue for either point.
July 30, 2016 at 04:38
Sorry Brit but didnt understand what u mean by no issue .it is like de is no problems for both point
July 30, 2016 at 13:58
No issue = no problem.
August 2, 2016 at 07:45
Hey Brit want to know wat to do after my 2nls is given and wat I need to put together
August 2, 2016 at 13:01
https://britsimonsays.com/prepare-dv-lottery-interview-2/
August 3, 2016 at 13:30
hello brit need ur help actually i took the advance level gce in two schools the first yr i passed but my results were low so i wrote the ffx year in a different school and i had better results and thats the advanced level certificate that am using now my problem is when i was feeling for the school i attended i di fill that school which i first had the advance level though low but i made a spelling mistake with the school name and i wrote the name of the division instead of the town what am i to do
should i go baxck and unlock that form and correct the pblem
August 3, 2016 at 15:35
Unlock and correct the DS260.
August 3, 2016 at 15:56
What I forgot to tell u is that I don’t use the advanced level cos I repeated the ffx to improve my grades and I did de new advance level which am using I filled de name of de skull correctly w no mistake.2)if I really have to correct how di I unlock
August 3, 2016 at 16:33
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
August 3, 2016 at 18:03
my wory now is my ds260 ,may not be unluck cos my case no is 19xxx hv written to kcc as u directed so if i dont get unluck what shd i do
August 3, 2016 at 18:17
Wait.
August 4, 2016 at 05:10
Hello Brit still waitx on kcc to unlock my case for correction. How will I know my ds260 is unluck how do I proceed
August 4, 2016 at 05:48
They will email you once it is done.
August 3, 2016 at 15:36
For de school name I omitted es that is I wrote Augustin instead of Augustine’s. Also my dad place of birth was wrongly spelled to on my birth certificate instead of g the wrote z and I can’t tamper w it have been using it like that but while filling my form I wrote de correct spelling that is with the g is that going to be a problem to
August 5, 2016 at 10:50
thanks succeeded to do the corrections and i have resubmitted
August 3, 2016 at 03:22
Hello Brit,
I wish to verify my case
My case num is 41***
Is it a High Case number OR a LOW CASE number?
Please hlp me sir i wish to clearify my doubt.
Thks
August 3, 2016 at 03:35
It’s a fairly high number, but it doesn’t really matter as I expect all DV2017 regions to be current (enough visas for all cases).
August 3, 2016 at 14:07
hello Brit, i am a winner for dv2017 still am not replied the confirmation b/ce am waiting my original papers from my home country,can u tell me last date to fill the form.
August 3, 2016 at 15:33
Around April/May of 2017.
August 3, 2016 at 03:41
Thanks Mr Brit u are blessed
August 4, 2016 at 12:58
Hello simon.
I need your help in present address, I want my interview to be in my home country,
But for now still living here in S.A.. and filling the ds260 from
For me to go home only when I get my date of interview.
My preoccupation is that :
How can I fill my present address because they ask for date.
August 4, 2016 at 21:46
They will base your embassy on the home address, so you need to give an address in the country where you want to be interviewed
August 4, 2016 at 14:28
Helloo Brit,
I wish to clear my doubt
The 2nl of 2017 will start going out late august
When will the last 2nl for 2017 can be sent?
August 4, 2016 at 21:23
July 2017
August 4, 2016 at 22:57
Hi Simon
It has been published on many sites that winners must provide an Affidavit of Support at the time of the visa interview from an American Citizen or American LPR holder. The questions are:
1- Is the Affidavit essential requirement? or just to help getting the visa?
2- Do you think that the applicant could be disqualified if he or she didn’t provide the Affidavit at the time of interview?
3-If an applicant have no relatives at all in the USA, does that mean he or she have no chance to be qualified? then how can such poor guy get an Affidavit?
4- is the Affidavit required only for the principal applicant himself ? or also for every derivative individually?
thanks
August 4, 2016 at 23:51
1. In some cases it is required.
2. Some fail to provide it at the interview and are put on AP until they provide it. If that happens in an interview toward the end of the year, the visa chance is lost.
3. A Family friend or so on. An applicant can also show savings
4. Just one I-134 covers the applicant and all family.
britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
August 5, 2016 at 22:36
How long before they will call for an interview…..
August 6, 2016 at 03:11
Hello Brit,
I have worries
1)I filled my form 260 may 18. In number of educational institutions attended i wrote 2 .thats my high school and my teacher training school.without mentioning my ordinary level institution
2)in my high school course from 2006 to 2008 i mad an error to type 2001 to 2008.
Will it cause a prb
3) if i should unlock how do i go about it
August 6, 2016 at 05:55
Unlock. Use the search feature above, or google “Britsimon Unlock”
August 6, 2016 at 03:19
I didn’t include my ordinary level because qualification was advance level
And i was ask the duration i used to have my advance thats why i included the yrs i spend to my ordinary level with that of my advance level.
Hope it wont cause me a prb
August 6, 2016 at 11:10
Brit
I have email KCC to unlock my 260 form.how long does it take them to unlock my form to do my corrections
If I do the correction.will I have to resubmit as I initially did?
August 6, 2016 at 14:38
It takes a few days to unlock. ONce you finished editing, you resubmit.
August 7, 2016 at 01:54
Hello
1) When I was playing the lottery I wrote highest qualification to be high school diploma .of which i had a teacher traiming certificate.
2)But when filling my ds 260 i mention high school diplom first before teachers training certificate
3) Or do i hav to unlock and classify it in order despite the fact that i register advance level to be highest qualufication initially
Your respond shall solv my prb.
August 7, 2016 at 07:40
Document all the education above primary school.
August 7, 2016 at 18:14
Dear Mr. Simon
My wife was selected in 2017 diversity lottery program, she travelled with me to foreign country for nearly 9 months but this was on three times like 2 or 4 months then return back for couple of weeks vacation then travel again:
1. Is it necessary for her to get a police certificate from this country or no.?
2. Should we write in ds260 form each period separately and the vacations as the dates in the passport entries stamp?
3. For me, I travelled to several foreign countries in the same way “traveling for three to four months then return back to my country for couple of weeks then travel again” so must I write in the ds260 form each period like the dates in the passport entries stamp? if I do that It will be around 50 periods I have to add with different address, please advice.
August 7, 2016 at 19:00
1. Technically, no – read the instructions!
2. Ideally yes – at least the main trips.
3. List the main trips at least.
August 14, 2016 at 21:36
Hi Brit am a winner in 2017 Dv lottery my case number is 2017AFxxx10938 is a low number or high
August 15, 2016 at 13:28
It’s good – read this
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 20, 2016 at 14:57
Enter your comment here…instead of form I-134, can I obtain an employment letter to show that I already have a job in the USA?
August 20, 2016 at 15:22
If that is true – yes.
August 26, 2016 at 12:10
Most of my people in America want me to come and stay with them but don’t want to reveal their income secret,.. etc i.e I-134….. All of them can give assurance of staying with them. NOW
1. Is it possible to instruct them to send the document I-134 directly to the embassy
2. Can my father (at home) do an affidavit for me showing the list of engagements, properties, proof of ownership etc.
3. Can a friend as well do as above no 2 for me.
4 What other alternatives could be feasible?
August 26, 2016 at 16:56
1. No.
2. No.
3. No.
4. Someone who trusts you and wants to support you will have no problem completing the I-134 for you. If they have a problem, the relationship is probably not strong enough anyway.
August 20, 2016 at 16:39
my case no. is 2017AF00002xxx. the charge ability is Ghana. Interview lagos. I filled form DS 260 on 30 July 2016. When likely do I expect 2NL?
August 20, 2016 at 17:55
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 25, 2016 at 20:56
HI BRITSMON..
MY CASE NUMBER IS 2017AS15##.SO MY NUMBER ALREADY SCHEDULE FOR AN INTERVIEW OF 05th OCTOMBER.BUT THERE IS A ONE MISTAKE IN MY MOTHER’S NAME,IS IT POSSIBLE TO CORRECT IT NOW OR IT NOT WILL BE A HAPPEN…PLEASE ADVICE ME.
THANK YOU
August 25, 2016 at 23:13
No, you cannot correct it now. You must simply explain to the CO at the interview.
August 26, 2016 at 22:14
HI BRITSMON..
WILL IT BE A HAPPEN FOR MY VISA APPROVEL AND WHAT CAN I DO.I AM AFRAID ABOUT THIS.
THANK YOU
August 27, 2016 at 00:07
Relax. Is isn’t a problem.
August 31, 2016 at 10:55
I am a dv2017 selectee.
1. A friend having a private firm in America assured me of immediate employment on getting there. I will rather use such letter instead of I-134. He requested of how such a letter will be drafted. Pls can i have a guideline?
2. Is it compulsory to have a police clearance certificate also
August 31, 2016 at 14:59
1. Any genuine company or business owner would know what to write – I am not going to give an example. Do not get a friend to write a letter for a fake job and think that will solve the problem.
2. It is compulsory to follow the instructions!
Are you serious about the opportunity you are being presented with? Read the instructions and be careful to be 100% honest in the process – otherwise you will ruin this once in a lifetime chance.
September 16, 2016 at 19:56
Hi Brit..do you have any idea for the nepal , what was the last case number for the 2016 they drew the number …
September 16, 2016 at 20:46
The highest assigned number was probably slightly over 7100
September 16, 2016 at 21:56
Hi Britsimon..
In instruction they re asking to register a post office for return our passport after visa approve,but i cannot register over there because when i trying to register showing one error massage as your case number still not register.
Please advice me.
September 16, 2016 at 22:20
Choose a different visa type that does not expect the case number to schedule an interview. You only need the account, not an appointment.
September 28, 2016 at 14:33
Hello,
I’m from Nepal with case number of 7300. What are my chances for DV Lottery 2017? I’m too worried. This case number looks really high to me. Please reply.
Thanks
September 28, 2016 at 14:47
There are some Nepal specific comments in my article here:
https://britsimonsays.com/more-info-about-dv2017-2nd-draw/
October 3, 2016 at 04:37
Hello Simon
I stayed in Florida with J1 visa last year
Now I am back to my country
I do have some saving in BOA account $10,000/- plus
I am the applicant and During DV 2017 visa interview this month if I show the bank balance statement is it ok or do I still need to find affidavit and fill up form.
Thank you
October 3, 2016 at 05:26
An I-134 is safer, but $10k may be enough. It’s up to you…
October 16, 2016 at 05:48
dear simon
i have some questions.
1. why would you presume that ‘There is no need for “high case numbers” to be worried (apart from maybe a few cases in Nepal)’ when there are more selectees from Iran than from Nepal?
2. what is the highest case number (you encountered) from Iran this year?
3. in AS region there are 13499 selectees, does the case number AS13499 have 13498 people ahead of it? i added up all the selectees from all countries and got exact 13499!!
thanks
October 16, 2016 at 13:58
1. Bear in mind this article was written prior to the 2nd draw. But, to answer your question, the success rate of Nepal cases is far higher than Iranian cases. Iranian cases will be refused more often and often placed on AP without enough time to clear. So – Nepal are more at risk of hitinng the 7% limit than Iran even if they have fewer selectees.
2. I don’t know.
3. There were 13499 selectees – yes – but that would NOT mean the max case number is 13499. Each case concerns a selectee PLUS derivatives (all counting toward the 13499), plus there are gaps between the numbers.
October 24, 2016 at 08:52
Hi Brit Simon
Last time I told you that I was living in UK as Asylum seekers, but now thanks to God I got my leave to remain and work permit status. And my DV2017 and and already fill DS 260 last June.
Brit I just want ask you some questions with regards to DV2017 can you tell ne what documents should I prepare before my interview and is there any documents should i prepare from police department of UK and when should I prepare that document?
Thanks
October 24, 2016 at 14:26
https://britsimonsays.com/prepare-dv-lottery-interview-2/
October 24, 2016 at 17:41
Thanks a lot
November 6, 2016 at 19:10
Hi Simon,
So If I understand correctly, “current” means all the seletees for the region have had their DS260s processed and have been scheduled an appointment. Which is a good thing.
i.e: Current means: All DV Ranks for that region have been scheduled an interview. Did I get this right?
November 6, 2016 at 19:16
There are two definitions of current. One is when *your* case is current – meaning *your* case can be scheduled for interview (if the DS260 has completed processing).
Then there is a region showing CURRENT on the visa bulletin. That means all remaining demand for visas in a region can be met. So cases of any case number in that region can be scheduled IF their DS260 is processed.
In neither case does the word current suggest the DS260’s are processed.
November 6, 2016 at 20:00
Thanks for clarifying and speedy response.
Sorry I wasn’t clear. I meant the second ‘current’ Region showing as CURRENT on the visa bulletin.
Q1: So lower case numbers have better chances than higher ones assuming they submitted their forms earlier and had no problems in their processing. Right?
Q2: If a lower case number that is current (current this month) delayed in forms submission (or form taking longer time in processing), they can be rescheduled in a later month. Right?
Again thanks a lot for your support. Placed a small donation to your great website.
November 6, 2016 at 20:06
Additional complex Q (sorry – I am sure you understand the pressure and state the people who are using your website are :S)
Q3: Lower case number who was late in DS260 submission, is he granted priority in the interview schedule when his forms are processed over a higher case numbers who are also current in the month his forms are done?
November 7, 2016 at 02:25
No, no priority. JUst gets scheduled in the first monthly batch after the DS260 is processed.
November 7, 2016 at 02:26
1. Yes.
2. Yes.
And thanks for the donation/support!
November 27, 2016 at 13:38
Hello brit in the requirements we r told to came w a photo for de interview and it was mensioned that it shd be six months old or so. Does that means while waitx for my case to Schedule i shd take a photo ?also i dnt hv the photo i used in playing last year anymore is it a pbem?
November 27, 2016 at 15:52
Take new photos.
November 27, 2016 at 16:14
Wanted to also know if it is the kcc that sends de email to notify you if your interview is Schedule
November 27, 2016 at 16:29
Yes, KCC schedules the interview and notifies people visa email.
December 7, 2016 at 17:29
Hellooo brit
I wish to verify if there is any other payment of money to be done after the interview apart from the interview fee
Thks
December 8, 2016 at 01:58
Hi I brit
After finishing all the required interview process and a visa is warded
How long can I stay before going to u.s or will the visa expire before 4 months time?
Thks for clearing my doubts
December 8, 2016 at 05:44
The visa is valid for 6 months after the date of the medical.
December 8, 2016 at 15:18
Thanks Mr Brit
December 11, 2016 at 06:06
Hi brit
I can’t get new comments on my email I dnt knw what’s happening
December 11, 2016 at 06:33
If my email is the prb for me not receiving my comments can I change the email??
Will it affect me from receiving my 2 NL
Only say a word and my doubt are cleared sir.
December 11, 2016 at 07:16
You don’t need the email. When you hear 2NLs are being sent, simply check the ESC site for the interview details.
December 11, 2016 at 13:34
Thks brit
December 27, 2016 at 19:30
Sir
I wish you happy New year in all ur strength u hav being putting to guide us towards success. God blex u.
December 29, 2016 at 06:24
Brit you are doing excellent work for dv winners. This site is all in one for dv winners. Your site is far more informative than those information provided by these consultancy who are money minded.
No to to express your humanity.
God bless you.
February 10, 2017 at 12:42
“The year of entitlement for all applicants registered for the DV-2017 program ends as of September 30, 2017. DV visas may not be issued to DV-2017 applicants after that date. Similarly, spouses and children accompanying or following to join DV-2017 principals are only entitled to derivative DV status until September 30, 2017″
hi simon i took this cut from the visa bulletin the last part is my question does this mean that the 50k dv visa are different from the derivative visa
February 10, 2017 at 14:31
No. The 50k includes all visas, selectees and derivatives.
February 16, 2017 at 14:01
When could my interview of C.N 2017AF00026xxx
February 16, 2017 at 14:28
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
April 20, 2017 at 13:34
Hello Brit
my case number is 2017AF39XXX, 2nd draw, but my region is Egypt which shows slow rate among the cut offs
would you explain it and your anticipation
thanks
April 20, 2017 at 14:54
Egypt has a lot of cases. The processing is spread out over the full year. I don’t have a prediction.
May 10, 2017 at 11:22
Hi , Simon
I have written for you yesterday the problem with my dependents form that i have not received the confirmation for DS- 260 on line form although i have reached to the last step then a message come that your case number does not match the case number that you entered at the beginning please inform me by soonest option because my spouses and one my children i have received the confirmation ,but not for my other 4 children.
Your soon response will be highly appreciated.
Thanks for your prompt action in this regard in advance
May 10, 2017 at 13:50
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 12, 2017 at 09:26
I am a dv 2018 winner
my case number is around 11000
is it high number or low number?
my state is Myanmar(Burma).
When will coming my interview date?
can i check visa status by my dv case number?
May 12, 2017 at 13:48
High
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 12, 2017 at 09:56
When the time i can check my dv case number for visa status check?
May 12, 2017 at 13:44
2017 cases can be checked now. 2018 cases won’t be in the system for months.