The more I think about this the more astounded I am how this has been handled – and I am beginning to wonder what the long term impacts will be…
DV2015 is the first year to use the DS-260 form for entry. Previous years required the selectee to submit some simple paperwork (DS-122 and DS-230). The switch to the new forms has caused several issues.
- The starting date of using the new form was May 19 – so that was at least two weeks of lost processing time.
- The DS-260 retained a number of non DV relevant questions that caused much concern and would have presented additional worry/stress for selectees.
- The majority of selectees submit their forms as soon as possible, so there is a flood of initial applications to process. I can understand that would normally cause some longer processing times but we are still hearing from some people that their forms are still processing almost 4 months after initial submission. That is worse (much worse) than the old system! This delay resulted in many interviews being delayed to later months that should have been scheduled in October or November.
- Some embassies have been unable to process early interviews due to not be able to access the new electronic forms. This has caused early October interviews to be pushed back.
I’m in IT. I know that “change” sometimes causes a settling in period and some delays, but this particular roll out has been very badly handled.
It is too early to know if we will pay a longer term price for the delays introduced by the switch to the new process, but even to this point is is clear this was a SNAFU* on a scale that only a government could create.
* SNAFU = Situation Normal, All F@#$% Up
June 15, 2016 at 04:28
BrtiSimon,
If I have a number which is 47**, and I have submitted my case in 22 of May, and then unlocked and fixed some stuff on the 08th of Jun – what would be your estimation ? and how much bad is it ?
Any answer would do mate…Thanks !
P.S –
My concerns are that the unlocking have “thrown” away my submission to the back of the line…
June 15, 2016 at 04:40
p.s – I am from Israel
June 15, 2016 at 05:52
Relax.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
June 15, 2016 at 06:50
Thanks for the prompt reply mate,
last question, since you are in the IT (like me) What does it mean vocational diploma ?
I have FCSNP / FCSNA (just like CCNA of cisco and CCNP but of fortigate) and I have other certificates of completion from collages, can I use that in the DS-260 form as “Vocational” diploma ?
Many thanks for your help man,
Yaniv.
June 15, 2016 at 13:53
You should list those things, but they don’t help you qualify for the education requirement.
September 8, 2016 at 12:52
Hi again,
Quick question – since I am in Israel I belong to Asia.
I can see that this month statistics shows :
Region
ASIA 2,100 Except:
July statistics shows :
ASIA 10,550
My number is 47**
Does that mean that I lost my count and I am out ?
September 8, 2016 at 16:25
Your question is impossible to answer without knowing which lottery – DV2016 or DV2017?
September 8, 2016 at 19:37
Hi sorry,
It is for 2017
September 8, 2016 at 21:36
The July number is for DV2016. Your number is not ready yet.
May 29, 2016 at 08:08
Hello ma case 2017AF0000XXXX and i submitted ma Ds 260 in d month of june. I wnt 2 knw if ma interview date can b in october.
May 29, 2016 at 15:47
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
September 10, 2015 at 05:56
Sailing in the same boat. Submitted mine August 2nd and CN AF26xx.It means should not expect anything less than Feb interviews.
July 30, 2015 at 01:15
My husband won and we submitted d forms everything is ready only to be told we submitted late.please help us we don’t knw what to do
July 30, 2015 at 01:22
You have to explain better.
What is your year/region/case number range?
When did you submit your DS260?
Who told you that you were too late?
June 6, 2015 at 21:40
Thanks for the reply Simon. Sorry for typos in my previous post. We are still trying to keep some hopes for him though be it slim, so I would like to know, please, based on what you said he’s too late? based on being late time-wise or that the cutoff number of VISAs has been reached?
1- As to the time, we could estimate the time of processing of his application to be around 3 months based on one of your previous statement that process has gotten faster. So that would still leave him all September to have an interview.
2- As to the cutoff number of Visas being reached, do you have a source that could tell us if this cutoff has been reached?
Plus, I have been told that case number (in his case 15996) has a bearing on which case goes first from a given batch of cases that is ready for processing, so I would imagine he would be given priority over bigger case numbers in same batch. Just trying to use some logic here that may or may not apply.
June 6, 2015 at 22:36
The time issue is that September interviews are scheduled based on cases current (with DS260s processed) at the beginning of July. These final interviews are scheduled in mid July – so your brothers form will not be completed by that time and KCC will allocate all available visa slots possible. So – the chances of being spare spaces or them arranging an interview for your brother are very low.
2. I publish the data that shows progress – but is is absolutely clear that more people want the visas than there are available visas. So – spaces will be filled up.
June 6, 2015 at 21:05
Hi Simon, My brother has case number 21015AF00015996, but unfortunately, he only realized that he was selected in middle of last month (May), he submitted his DS-269 May 20th, do you think he still has chance to make it for an interview before September 30?
June 6, 2015 at 21:15
This is the first year DV has been using the DS260 forms. It is hard to say what will happen exactly. If I had to guess I would say he is too late – but I guess we will find out…
May 29, 2015 at 13:31
Hi Simon . I was ilegal in USA and I got married after 3 years and after 4 month I got my ssn and workpermit so I worked almost a year in USA legally after 6 month we devorced before I got my green card and I moved back to my country ,and I changed my names coz I don’t like my old name and after a year I applyed Dv-lottery green card 2016 with my new name I won dv lottery 2016 so on ds 260 asking me if u have ssn or had other names put on application so I’m confused if I’m gonna pass interviw or not
May 29, 2015 at 16:44
You obviously have a complicated case and a number of issues. I could not comment whether you would pass or not. However, in order to even have a chance you are going to have to list all the names you have ever used, your SSN and detail the previous visa issues and overstay/illegal work. Those items will obviously cause concern for a CO.
May 8, 2015 at 01:40
BRITSIMON,use your intellectual knowledge here. I won the 2015dv and my case number is 2015AF00016xxx. The guy who played for me traveled to China and resurfaced last week. I visited him and asked for my confirmation number and realized I won. I believe with my early number my interview was around. March/April. I had no idea so I immediately filled out the DS260 and send it to KCC and i printed out the confirmation number. I have all my documents handy ready and trying to see if I can get another interview date since I just send my form.i also understands this window ends September 30th. 4months remaining. Tell me my chances and how soon to get an interview date. Am very much qualified educational wise and have my courts and other documents ready. What do u thing. Thanks.
May 8, 2015 at 01:46
So the question is whether they process your DS260 before July 1 or so. That is a 50-50 chance. If they don’t, you will miss out.
May 8, 2015 at 01:56
It is always processed immediately depending on the case number so yes it takes a week to get a fast response. Updates comes out every 10th on the month and since I am still with the window I will definitely not miss out cos I have a current case and entitled to my VISA and is not like a no show. Lol
May 8, 2015 at 05:58
You are badly misinformed about the DV lottery. Let me correct you on some of these misconceptions.
You are NOT “entitled” to a visa. You were invited to “apply” for one and you have left it so late, it is a total gamble at this point!
DS260s are NOT processed based on case number – they are processed in order they are received. Up to recently they have been taking an average of 4 to 5 months for processing. Luckily for you that has improved – but up to now they are still processing forms submitted in February. You will not be scheduled for an interview until your DS260 is processed – and that involves background checks and so on.
April 27, 2015 at 17:43
Hi here is serious would think those that have bigger. Will they reach in 60000 this year .
April 27, 2015 at 23:47
That is my assumption right now, yes.
May 22, 2015 at 13:23
hi my case number is 2015f0005776 my case .I am from Liberia is there ,when will be interview
May 22, 2015 at 14:07
Hopefully in September…
May 8, 2015 at 01:51
Yes. 7000 and below since 2011 has always be scheduled for interview
May 8, 2015 at 06:01
The only thing that stopped this from being another inaccurate post was that you said 7000 instead of the 70000 you obviously meant to say. REGARDLESS of what happened in previous years, there is a VERY real chance that we will see cases under 70000 that never go current in DV2015.
April 14, 2015 at 09:05
bonjour
svp, pouvez vous nous donner un poucentage sur le nombre de visa accodé pour le moment??
pour evaluer un peu mes chance mon cn 2015af78xxx
April 14, 2015 at 17:14
English please.
May 8, 2015 at 01:50
Mr. Leila,I understand you asking for the percentage and to know how long it will take to reach your number. You will be scheduled around mid August or early September 2015. So make sure u have every required documents so u can get a same day approval. Merci
May 8, 2015 at 05:45
That is simply not true. AF78XXX cannot possibly be current in August and is very risky even for September. Please be careful how you reply to people, if you cannot make the comments accurate, probably best to leave the advice to me.
May 8, 2015 at 13:36
I have lots and lots of immigration experience and DV lottery Mr.Britsimon.You don’t work in KCC to know how they process the forms. Form DS 260 is being processed weeks after they receive them but notify applicants with lower numbers earlier. Tell these people the honest truth which you have been doing. No one is notify my email nor cell phones also. Anyone who is selected and is qualified is entitled to his Visa not the other way round. I have every proof of what I say on your site not just misinforming people. We both are talking out of experience not working in KCC
May 8, 2015 at 13:59
Terry – I’m sorry, but you have no idea what you are talking about.
You seem to be unaware of the DS260 backlog which proves your point about informing lower numbers earlier is completely wrong. I have been tracking and understanding the backlog for about 10 months (since ANYONE understood it).
You seem to be unaware that people receive an email. That is called the 2NL. People discuss waiting for their 2NL to arrive and on the day it is sent we can track the exact moment it is sent. I am then able to produce numbers on exactly how many received the EMAIL that you say doesn’t exist.
Being qualified and selected is meaningless IF the person does not get current (which will happen to many this year) or submits their DS260 so late that they are too late to be processed in time, despite being current (which I have said is 50/50 likely to be the case in your situation).
So – you may have lots of immigration experience but you CLEARLY have no idea about DV so I will be deleting any of your posts/comments that I find inaccurate.
May 8, 2015 at 16:02
You are absolutely right there but I just called Kentucky and they told me they are currently working on my case and should be expecting my interview date Ina few weeks. I asked them about the delays the my told me not to be worried especially since my number is very current and still within the time frame I should not worry about what people say. Thanks BRITSIMON
March 20, 2015 at 11:54
Folks, what does it mean “your visa is current”
March 20, 2015 at 19:05
When a case is current it means the case number is below the number published on the visa bulletin and the case can be interviewed.
March 14, 2015 at 10:32
Hi Bristsimon, thank you for creating such an interactive site. I am from Liberia and my case number is 2015AF7429. Looking at how slowly the numbers are coming up, Do you think I could possibly stand a chance? I look forward to your response ASAP.
March 14, 2015 at 16:16
I think you mean 74XXX. If so – yes you stand a chance, albeit a small chance.
February 14, 2015 at 19:29
Hi Simon, thanks for the post! Do you think EU37xxx is too high? The cut-off number is 28,450 for April. 37xxx seems a bit risky, right?
February 15, 2015 at 00:51
There are 5 months left, and probably EU will move in four of those months. I think EU37XXX has a good chance.
February 26, 2015 at 23:39
Hi, I’m so happy to find you Simon, thank you for creating this website. In Croatia, where I’m from, DV Lottery is not so popular. That’s why it’s hard to find an information about it or to hear people experience. I feel like I’m the only one selected. And I didn’t even find the information how many visas are issued for Croatia. It seams you know everything Simon, he.. maybe you know that? Also, I’m wondering…My case number is a bit lower than Jim’s, 2000 lower. But does it makes a difference from which country we are in EU? And can I ask for your predictions; will I get 2nd Letter, that’s what we are waiting isn’t is? And when? Honestly, I have many questions. I’m still reading your site and finding out how this program works. Thank you once again. Tina
February 27, 2015 at 00:56
OK – Croatia has 87 people selected (probably around 50 winning entries, plus family members). Out of those, probably 30 to 40 will get Green Cards – which is roughly about “normal” for Croatia. Some won’t follow through with the process, some will get refused and so on. The reason there are so few selectees is not any bias against Croatia – it is purely the small number of entries.
The country you are from won’t impact you. If all 87 people had low numbers and all were interested and qualified, all 87 could get visas. If 500 had been selected – then more would get GCs. You only “compete” with EU as a whole.
Your number is good – very safe. I expect you to be current for a June interview, perhaps July latest. Assuming you sent your DS260 in before about October 31, you will get your 2NL in late April.
February 27, 2015 at 01:18
Thank you for the good news! Now this is becoming a real thing for me. …still reading your blog.
February 12, 2015 at 16:12
BritSimon my case number is around 7900 .I am from Nepal is there any chances to get second letter
February 12, 2015 at 16:35
7900 is less than the number I have predicted…. so what do you think?
March 27, 2015 at 06:22
I summited my form since January 16 and I receive the confarmation that I have successfuly summited my form, but since that time I have not receive not any other email about the visa lottery
March 27, 2015 at 15:59
You submitted your DS260 late – so it will not have been processed yet. You won’t get any notification until your form is processed AND your case is current.
March 27, 2015 at 16:20
Ok thank you very much, but plz I just want to know the right time the visa lottery start, because I don’t know if the something have already start before january 2015
March 27, 2015 at 17:45
Processing started in October 2015 and continues in case number order until September 30, 2015
May 8, 2015 at 04:56
KCC don’t notify nobody by email regardless of what is stated on the confirmation letter. Check ur ESC for interviews scheduling or reason may be your number is not yet current so until then be patient
May 8, 2015 at 05:47
Again that is incorrect. The 2NL is an email which tells people to check the ESC.
May 8, 2015 at 01:44
My cousins number was 85xxx and she is in the states so u good d pending your region
May 8, 2015 at 01:59
You cannot compare years like that – each year is different. AF85XXX this year (DV2015) has zero chance.