And the final VB of DV2016 has now been released. All regions and all countries are current. This is happy news for everyone – and very exciting to see a year where every number has gone current. We have seen some toughern years where high case numbers missed out, meaning literally thousands of people who were selected waited patiently only to finally realize their waiting was for nothing. I’m glad that did not happen this year, and I am certain DV2017 will be a good year also…
I hope my website helped some people this year, I will continue to help as much as I can. Some of you may not know that I got my Green Card through this program so this website is a way for me to pass on that good fortune, and hopefully help some people to avoid making silly mistakes that would cost them the Green Card!
Congratulations to all DV2016 winners – and the next visa bulletin will be the first notification for DV2017!
October 22, 2016 at 12:48
Hi Brit I been following you from the I started my DV prosse up to the end now I thanks God got my visa now the problem that worry me is my birth date in my passport and the visa are different I have in passport Nov 5 ,and the visa NoV 15 and all my civil documents are November 5 for wife is OK please advice me THANKS
October 22, 2016 at 14:57
Go to the embassy to correct it.
September 21, 2016 at 15:56
Ye they assigned up to 8500 i heard ..but i have no idea how many dv case numbers was assigned for the year of 2016 and now they took interview up to 7100 from nepal ..if you have any data for the year of 2016 ..what was the last case number for nepal it would be great to calculate for us sis there any chances from nepal up to the limit brit..many thanks
September 21, 2016 at 16:26
I have done the calculations as well as anyone can do them. But each year is slightly different. That is why I am saying there is some risk above 7000.
September 19, 2016 at 15:41
i Heard today till 8500 they are calling for interview from nepal ..i done know is it true or not ?
September 19, 2016 at 18:25
Do you mean they have assigned numbers for DV2017 up to 8500. That might be true. But DV2016 was limited to 7100 for Nepal.
September 16, 2016 at 14:42
All region and country is current that means all nepales cases are also scheduled for interview? Or the cases upto 7100
September 16, 2016 at 14:48
In DV2016 Asia went current (all cases can be interviewed) EXCEPT Nepal cases which had to be below the 7100 Nepal number.
September 10, 2016 at 23:41
Hi Brit
after 4 months of AP , I am now cleared and close to get my visa printed. I want to THANK YOU FOR YOUR GREAT AND SINCERE HELPS . I WAS ONE OF THOSE ” SESSION TIMED OUT ” at the time of checking and you gave me a great confidence of being selected as well as further steps.
Thanks Brit the great and kiss Sophia
September 11, 2016 at 03:35
Congratulations…
September 9, 2016 at 08:56
Dear Britsimon
I had an interview on April 06 this year at U.S embassy in Ankara and the consular said me some Administrative processing is needed before issuance of my visa and till that day I’ve sent 4 e-mails to the embassy which in the last response which was at last days of July, consular asked me not to send repetitive e-mails which they’ll inform me if my AP being completed. Now it is only 10 days left before 30th of September ( due to the religious holidays in Ankara, Turkey from 10 to 18th of September which U.S embassy is also closed in these days) and I’m still under AP. So I’m worry that my case won’t be cleared prior to the deadline of taking visas because I haven’t had any updates on my case except whenever I’ve sent e-mails. Please tell me what should I now? Is it a good idea to send another e-mail to the embassy and ask them what is going on on my case?
September 9, 2016 at 16:40
It is up to you whether you send an email or not.
September 9, 2016 at 17:04
Then what is your opinin? Would it have bad effect on my case or not?
Thank you
September 9, 2016 at 22:05
I don’t know.
September 2, 2016 at 14:39
FINALLY I AM OUT FREOM THE DARK HOLE THANKS ALOT BRIT MAY THE almighty continue to bless u
September 1, 2016 at 18:47
HELLO BRITS,
THE STATUS OF MY CASE HAS BEEN SHOWING READY ONE WEEK NOW AFTER MY INTERVIEW. NOW I WANT TO MAKE A CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR MY GREEN CARD BEFORE THE ISSUANCE OF MY VISA, AS THE ADDRESS IN THE DS-260 HAS A MISTAKE, CAN IT BE POSSIBLE NOW? IF YES HOW ?
September 1, 2016 at 19:17
No it is not possible now. Change the address at the POE (arrival airport)
August 30, 2016 at 12:17
hi brits my ase hase gone on ap
August 30, 2016 at 14:30
From the FAQ!
My interview went well, but now CEAC shows AP – what is happening?
Many people experience this. The interview goes well, the CO says you are approved and then within a day or two the CEAC system shows the status has been updated to AP (Administrative Processing). So – that means one of two things is happening.
The usual thing is that the CEAC is updated to AP during the finalization of the processing. That typically lasts one or two days (work days, not counting weekends), and then the status is updated to “Issued”. For the majority of cases this is what happens, it is nothing to worry about. Some people never even notice the brief period in AP, and some people just see the status stay on ready for days after the interview, then it is updated to Issued OR the passport is delivered. None of that is a problem!
The second case is where a case is “approved” in the interview and then the case needs some time in “real” AP. This can happen when the supervisors at the embassy review the cases approved by the CO and decide a case needs some checks. That type of AP can last days, weeks, even months – and is obviously very worrying for the selectee. So – if you case stays in AP after a successful interview for several days (let’s say a week), then the second type of AP has started. There is NOTHING you can do about that – you just have to wait.
August 26, 2016 at 10:19
Thank you. It has work now and its shows ready. what will be the next step?
August 26, 2016 at 16:59
Waiting….
August 26, 2016 at 03:32
Hi BritSimon,
Thank u for the good work, I have been following your advice closely until I have my interview yesterday (25 August 2016). My visa was approved and was given a pick up for the 15 September. Now when I checked my visa status they keep telling of invalid visa case number. I have checked all my information, they all correct.
Please help me suggest a way out or is this a problem?
August 26, 2016 at 04:02
Take out the leading zeros.
August 21, 2016 at 13:00
Dear Brit, we did accordingly as you have suggested for place of interview. Visa has been issued.
We got wrong in visa of baby. His birth place of South Korea while he is a Nepalese national. In DS260, passport and birth certificate all have place of birth is republic of Korea and nationality is Nepalese. We do have birth certificate issued from Korean Hospital and passport is issued from Nepal.
While in visa, they entered as Place of Birth: KOR and Nationality: KOR, so that we filled the correction slip and sent for visa correction. New visa has been issued as Place of Birth: NEP and Nationality: NEP. Our concern is will it effect him at port of entry?
August 21, 2016 at 15:07
It won’t be a problem.
August 16, 2016 at 05:53
hi there, brit I was interviewed as I told you, and consular said that my visa will brocessed with in a week, the week has finished now and did not get any infornation about the visa is there a site or some where else where I could follow up the status of my visa? when the interview finished the consular told me that I have sign up with DHL branch where I will pick up my visa and did that so will DHL communicate with when they receive my visa or should I go to the DHL branch that I have signed up? over all of that I want to know the status of my visa so could I please?
August 16, 2016 at 12:20
https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx
August 12, 2016 at 22:54
hi my statut of my visa is READY-PA-READY-PA PLZ IS NORMAL AND WHY
August 12, 2016 at 23:54
It’s normal for your case.
You just have to be patient.
August 12, 2016 at 21:00
Hi there. I filled online 269 form for myself and wife and kids except my son. His application isn’t working sign and submit bottom. I dont know why. And when it can be interview for 2017EU00009XXX
August 12, 2016 at 21:05
Your son’s form is not submitting because of the “selective service” information. There is a link on the last page about selective service – you have to click that link. Once you have done that, the form will submit.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 12, 2016 at 21:11
Ohhh thanks for ur information. It works now. I did as u said. When it can be interview for 2017EU000099XX
August 12, 2016 at 21:25
Read the link I gave you.
August 11, 2016 at 00:03
Hi one more question. Because we are movung ti Denver not Los Angeles which is on our DS 260 where can we get our SSN ?
August 11, 2016 at 01:16
If you selected the option to have USCIS apply for the SSN on your behalf, it will be sent to the address on your DS260. Alternatively you can go to the SSA office after being ikn the country for at least a week.
August 10, 2016 at 03:50
Hi Mr Simon. Thank you very much for everything you do through this site. I have been learning a lot from you. Me and my family got our dv visa and planning to go US soon. We received our packed letter on which therei is a los angeles address. But we decided to go to Denver. Are we going to be questioned about the changes of address at the border?
August 10, 2016 at 05:39
No.
August 9, 2016 at 18:23
Hi muhand where are you from please ? My case is similar I had my interview on July 14 the officer said your visa is approved and you will get you passport in few days but till now nothing from the Ambassy I sent three or four email to check about my case but no reply
Is there in similar case Brit ??? Please
Why the officer said congratulation and 25 days later no passport
August 9, 2016 at 20:50
There are lots of cases like that. You are on AP. There is nothing you can do except wait.
August 10, 2016 at 07:32
Ok thanks for your reply I ll wait and see
August 10, 2016 at 14:56
Hi Brit
Today my status changed from AP TO ready After 28 days please can you tell me what does it mean this READY
August 10, 2016 at 16:32
It might mean the AP has ended, and you will (hopefully) get issued. But – just be patient…
August 10, 2016 at 16:35
Hi Brit
Crazy status
It changes from ready to AP just now it is so frustrating just one day in ready
August 10, 2016 at 17:22
Simple solution. Stop checking it all the time!
August 10, 2016 at 17:31
???thank s
August 11, 2016 at 20:05
Hi Brit finally I received today an email from the Ambassy that our visa was approved but not printed yet and we will get our passports in the coming 10days
Thank a lot
August 11, 2016 at 20:23
Great!
August 9, 2016 at 06:50
Dear Mr Brit,
Finally my visa is been issued in ceac. I had interview last Tuesday and they asked my sponsor’s Tax documents and i emailed it.Now finally it is done.hope they will contact me to collect passport.
THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR GREAT SUPPORT THROUGH OUT THE PROCESS.ME ALLAH GIVE YOU STRENGTH TO CONTINUE THIS GREAT PROCESS IN THE FUTURE.GIVE MY REGARDS TO YOUR DAUGHTER SOPIA.
Regards
as usual dv sl from sri lanka
August 9, 2016 at 14:54
Congratulations!
August 6, 2016 at 18:12
Hi,sir my friend ask a question he didn’t go to interview for 2 august because of many for medical and fees visa he need your help
August 6, 2016 at 18:41
What can I do about that?
August 6, 2016 at 17:26
Any applicants from Tanania here?
Anybody used a photo more than 6mo old in their initial E-DV entry and ended up getting rejected a visa because of that?
August 5, 2016 at 15:20
Hi, am ado I lose my appointment the 2august 2016 because of fees visa il call ambessy for change my appointement no one pic up phone il dont no what say il need to change that for 20 september 2016 am rady this date please can new help me
August 5, 2016 at 22:50
The embassy may reschedule you – you have to deal with them. They may decide to give your place to someone else since you failed to show up.
August 4, 2016 at 16:08
my friend won DV2017 and he has 4 credits in GCE O’leve pus a certificate in pharmacy, university Diploma in pharmacy plus 5 years work experience as pharmacy technician. he is expecting to go for an interview can he be given visa?
August 3, 2016 at 15:08
Thank you for the wonderful site, I learned a lot about the process as whole. I have been selected for dv 2017 with a very low number and submitted my ds260 in May. When can I expect to receive a notification about my interview? Is it true that they usually let you know 60 days prior the interview? Thanks
August 3, 2016 at 15:27
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 3, 2016 at 10:49
Dear BritSimon, I have Somali Secondary Certificate, Bachelor Degree from Somalia as well as Master Degree from Malaysia and I heard that some embasies example Kenya and Ethiopia dont regognize Somali Secondary certificate I am not sure that but some people told me . so my question is do you think they will deny my documents or since I have regonized Master degree the others from somalia is not so important ?
August 3, 2016 at 15:41
All education documents are important – some COs would take the higher degree, others will still inspect the High School documents.
August 1, 2016 at 17:22
hi Brit , Can i affidavit support of 1-134 and the supporting documents can be sent through email (scanned) and printed it from here?
August 1, 2016 at 17:38
The I-134 should be mailed. The other documents can be scanned.
August 1, 2016 at 14:02
Hello Brit, I went for interview on the 28th of July 2016. they took my photo copy documents and they gave me my passport and attach my photo on it. but, i was given a note which reads that my document need further processing after which they will call me, and they promise me hopefully that they will call in a month time. my question is: why did they give me my passport and photos? is there any chances that i will make it? do i need to fear cuz i have spend a lot? however, my confidence is that my documents are authentic. please give me your view on this
August 1, 2016 at 15:34
Returning your passport is somewhat common in cases that need additional background checks. Now – how much chance you have, or how long the checking will take – I don’t know.
August 1, 2016 at 10:59
Hello 🙁
Sad day for me. I was denied a visa and given a red piece of paper. Reasons were I didn’t meet the educational and work experience requirements as well as not having an affidavit of support.
To anyone else going for an interview using your employment experience, be prepared for many questions especially in Nairobi office where they expect you to be interviewed based on your educational background.
Guess I just have to move on wiand life here.
Good luck everyone else
August 1, 2016 at 12:37
Hi Sangonini. Sorry about that. Are you Kenyan or from another country but interviewed in Nairobi.
August 1, 2016 at 16:35
HI Sangonin , i m sorry for the denial , , Do Nairobi embassy ask for Affidavit of Support of 1-134? or you mean the affidavit of birth
August 1, 2016 at 16:44
Both
August 1, 2016 at 16:42
Am Kenyan
August 2, 2016 at 08:51
What were your level of education and as well of your work of experience? ,
August 4, 2016 at 17:50
13 years work experience with an internatinal media house as a journalist and for education I had a GED high school equivalency diploma, certificate in peace and conflict from a univerity and currently studying for a degree. I was told work and education was not sufficient enough. Then given a very red big A4 paper for everyone to see hahaha. I hid it at the counter before taking the walk of shame out.
August 1, 2016 at 14:08
Sorry to hear that.
July 31, 2016 at 06:39
Dear brit i able to find another sponsor since my last sponsor income was not sufficient.
I found us citizen to sponsor me and he sent me his tax return, passport and I 134.
In I 134 he type all things except insurance surrender value he wrote by black pen.will it be ok or i have to get new one?
July 31, 2016 at 16:20
It’s OK.
July 28, 2016 at 11:22
I won the lottery on 03 /05/ 2016 but not bacalora i have bts senior technician in computer maintenancei have 03 years of experience in this domain jatten your look back and thank you dava
July 28, 2016 at 14:36
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/eligibility-education-or-work-experience/
July 25, 2016 at 21:16
Good evening, Mr. Simon, I met with the consul on July 14 and until now, the situation is still ready will not happen renovation of the day of the interview that it’s your opinion?
July 25, 2016 at 22:58
My opinion is that you need to wait….
August 9, 2016 at 18:18
Hi muhand where are you from please ? My case is similar I had my interview on July 14 the officer said your visa is approved and you will get you passport in few days but till now nothing from the Ambassy I sent three or four email to check about my case but no reply
Is there in similar case Brit ??? Please
Why the officer said congratulation and 25 days later no passport
July 24, 2016 at 16:03
Hi,
About SSN.
Do we need to fill out applications for it or does it comes automaticly with green card ?
July 24, 2016 at 20:10
It does not come WITH the Green Card, but in your DS260 you selected whether you want USCIS to apply for the SSN for you. If you chose that option it normally arrives 2 to 3 weeks after entry. The GC takes 2 to 3 months.
July 25, 2016 at 09:40
“After entry”…do you mean after we arrive to States ? And does it come to that address we wrote down to DS-260 ?
July 25, 2016 at 14:40
Yes & Yes
July 24, 2016 at 03:47
dear sir, thanks again and again,
I have two questions:
1- My status is ready for interview and i have my appointment on the end of Aug. so, do i need to pay processing fees for NVC as mentioned in this link:
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/immigrant-process/approved/step_2_pay_fees.html
2- for affidavit, we are family of 7 person and i contacted my closer family but they couldn’t help. then one of american friends offer to give the affidavit for me and my family because he is a friend of my brother. is it problem during the interview that i dont know this american guy?
Thanks again for your valuable support.
July 24, 2016 at 15:43
1. That process is for different visa types. Read ONLY the instructions linked from your selected letter!!
2. It isn’t good – they will that believe that a stranger is willing to support you.
July 26, 2016 at 07:17
Thanks alot my dear for your unlimited support.
July 26, 2016 at 07:25
is it possible for three of my family to provide me with the affidavit support. for example:
one of them give for me and my wife and the other two give for my childern?
sorry for bothering you and thanks for your kind reply.
July 26, 2016 at 11:35
No – you present one affidavit of support.
July 23, 2016 at 02:11
Hi Simon,
Actually I am from Nepal, my wife won the edv 2017 from Nepal but since 3 years I am in Australia so to do medical do I need to go back to Nepal or I can do my medical from Australia? If I have to go back Nepal can i do my medical just before 1 week of interview?
Can we obtain our police clearance 2 mnth before the interview? do I need to get police clearance from Nepal also?
July 23, 2016 at 02:53
You do the medical with the physician listed by the embassy where you will interview.
Yes you can get them early – READ the instructions about how many you need.
July 22, 2016 at 15:00
Hi BritSimon
i would like to know, the summary information that appears in the home page of the immigration website where we sign in, does that info concerns me or not? because it saying this “before we process your diversity visa application you should add applicants etc…” while i’m only alone and already submitted my DS260 on 26 May 2016 and it said completed. so i’am a bit confused. i have no spouse and no kids.
July 22, 2016 at 22:12
If you have no spouse and no kids you don’t need to add any!
July 22, 2016 at 06:30
Hi Brit, l would like to thank you for your help and support you provided. We already in the USA a month ego in Phoenix Arizona. God bless you!!!
July 22, 2016 at 13:48
Excellent!
July 21, 2016 at 19:14
Hi Brit,
Thanks for your time and patience in providing us useful and accurate information here
My DS260 was submitted on 22nd May, requested for UNLOCK on 27th June and resubmitted the same day (27th).
Today I received my 2NL for interview on 1st September
Thank to God, thanks to Brit and thanks to all for keeping the updates coming in.
July 21, 2016 at 14:16
do you know why the AP take to long this year ?
before 2017 they are work better .
i read last years comment about AP and all the people said they got their
visa about 90 to 120 days
but this years they didn’t give so much visa to those who goes for
interview in January, February, March…
even some people’s process isn’t finish from October or November
I’m in AP for almost 245 days
and also some of my friends like me 180.210.260…
PS. I’m from Iran and do military service but as i said before , cases like me got their visa sooner then now
do you know the risen ? why it take to long ?
July 21, 2016 at 19:41
I am not certain the process is taking longer. There have been other cases I have known in previous years with 200+ days of AP. However, there is a lot of security concerns in the world these days so it shouldn’t be surprising if the USA is being more cautious to check the background of people that want to come here.
July 21, 2016 at 21:39
Dear brit ,I dont want to be pessimistic but I think there is no plan to clear iranian who have interviewed from january to march. I know this idea is not reasonable but up to now no one even one case is not cleared from people who interviewed between january to march . It is no matter what is your case no one is cleared. Only two cases from more than 150 cases are cleared it is not fair while we have been waiting more than 6 months. Now we are so frustrated and we dont know why they are not going to clear us ? We are so disappointed
July 21, 2016 at 14:04
Hello brit ,thank you for your efforts,
I have high school certification(failed),and I want to ask is that will be cause for rejection my case?my interview will be in 29 August.
Thank you sir
July 21, 2016 at 19:42
If you don’t meet the requirements of the lottery, then yes of course you will be rejected.
July 21, 2016 at 21:47
I do that . But my fortifications . Not clear it’s failed …(less than 50%)
July 21, 2016 at 09:25
You are the man 🙂 thanks for being out anchor and guide through this journey.
July 21, 2016 at 08:49
Hi sir. A friend of mine is schedule for August 2016 interview. But he has decided not to show up for the interview because he is short of a document. Just in case he don’t show up, can he play the 2018 dv lottery. Since his records are with the embassy, won’t they denie him if only he win the dv 2018.
July 21, 2016 at 20:11
He can play again, no problem.
July 21, 2016 at 00:35
When approximately will be send the 2NLS for the first DV2017?
July 21, 2016 at 03:47
About 5 or 6 weeks from now.
July 20, 2016 at 09:24
Dear BritSimon
I wanted to ask you during the interview whether when asked for all my names I include also other names as the one I gave on ds 260…
July 20, 2016 at 13:33
Is that a question?
July 20, 2016 at 05:21
Dear Simon,
I would like to thank you a lot for all the support you provided through this site. We successfully passed our interview on Monday (family). Happy now!!
Just 1 question: The consular said we can pass this Friday to pick our passport but our status is still showing “ready” since Monday (it has not changed since). Is there anything wrong? (We can expect it to change this Friday)?
Wish to meet u 1 day once in US
July 20, 2016 at 05:46
The CEAC site isn’t always updated quickly – don’t worry about what status it shows.
July 20, 2016 at 14:35
Thank you Sir
July 19, 2016 at 11:38
So, Nepal is also current. Does it mean that there were high number of visa rejection in 2017? Otherwise how is it possible for all the cases to be current isn’t it? I am selectee of edv 2017, hope to see the bulletin soon
July 19, 2016 at 14:08
Possibly higher rejection rates…
July 19, 2016 at 05:02
Dear Simon,
my interview is scheduled on 17th of August. But ceac status is still in transit. When i check it with embassy they said they have not received the my cased electronically from KCC. Also embassy inform they will confirm the interview again with us and will give us medical exam instruction. Only 1 month to left to have interview . Do have any suggestion what should i do ??
July 19, 2016 at 14:17
Just wait. Nothing went wrong.
July 18, 2016 at 15:58
pls wat do u advise me to do
July 18, 2016 at 17:25
Ask the embassy – also please make sure you post questions, you reply to the existing conversation.