The “March” visa bulletin has been published. It concerns the case numbers eligible for April interviews.
For those that are current, and have forms processed early enough, they can expect their 2NL in about 1 to 2 weeks from now. I know I am going to get a lot of people who will ask me this exact question – so let me say that again. 2NLs will be sent in about one or two weeks time – that means the latter part of the month. The schedule is that VBs are published between the 8th and the 15th of each month, and 2NLs go out from the 15th to the end of the month (most typically around the 20th to 24th)
It is possible that some people will be current for April interviews, but will not be scheduled in April because they submitted late, or there is a processing backlog that causes a delay. March interviews were based mainly on cases submitted up to early September.
To those new to looking at VBs, let me explain what the “except” XXX country means (for Iran Nepal, Egypt and Ethiopia).
Processing is spread out over the full year. You can see the progress of the two previous years in this post about basic questions. However, some countries have a high number of selectees and those selectees are concentrated in the lower case numbers. For various reasons, mainly to do with embassy capacity, KCC slow down certain countries as compared to the region. So – in Africa, any case with a case number shown as under the new number can be interviewed but for cases from Egypt or Ethiopia, that number is lower. That isn’t a big problem, it just “slows down” those countries a little more than the rest of the region. Since selectees from those countries all have lower case numbers, this slowing down does not present any risk. It does not (at this point) mean they won’t allow all selectees an interview from those countries.
To understand why some countries get lower case numbers, read this article about the lottery draw process.
Read this link if you are unsure how to read the visa bulletin.
February 8, 2017 at 23:47
Thank you Simon.
February 8, 2017 at 23:56
super job
February 9, 2017 at 00:06
Thank you for your hard work.
February 9, 2017 at 00:08
Thanks!
Looking at your historical visa bulletin numbers, numbers this month for Oceania, South America, and Europe are all lagging behind at least the previous 5 years. Any idea why that might be, and if it could impact on drawing numbers near the end of the queue?
February 9, 2017 at 00:36
The highest numbers drawn this year are lower than most previous 5 years. I have explained this in a number of articles, but don’t overthink it.
February 9, 2017 at 00:11
Thank you dear Simon; you are an awesome and on time as usual.
February 9, 2017 at 01:28
Hi brit sir can you please tell me is my case number is current as my case number is 2017AS49xx
February 9, 2017 at 01:31
Thnk you for your hard work may God blessed you sir.
Since the VB for AF region has increased this month drastically to 34000 .
Can I expect my 2nl in May?? given that my CN is AF414**.
Thks once more sir
February 9, 2017 at 01:37
You must know what I am going to say – right?
February 9, 2017 at 02:05
thank you Brit, my sisters case num is 32000 and she current, so that means she can go for medicals now?
February 9, 2017 at 04:28
Wait for 2NL.
February 9, 2017 at 02:59
Thanks Brit, at last my case is current now and I’ll expect my 2NL in two weeks time. Be blessed
February 9, 2017 at 03:13
Dear Brit,
My case number is EU 29*** 2nd draw submitted on November 5. Never opened.
Do you think my interview will be scheduled according to normal schedule of visa numbers? Or since it is 2nd draw and I submittrd it late, I will be scheduled later?
Is that a safe number?
Will I be scheduled for an interview if I do not pay in advance?
Or shall I pay visa fee now?
February 9, 2017 at 04:26
By the time your number is current the case will be processed. You pay at the time of interview.
February 9, 2017 at 08:35
Me too EU29xxx… We’ll see. Fingers crossed
February 10, 2017 at 10:45
Heey, EU29xxx here as well ! 🙂 Been reading BritSimonSays for a few month now, and always admired Brit staying calm and reasonable with answering the same questions for the 100th, perhaps 1000th time, from people not patient enough to thoroughly read articles with all the answers in them and just going to comment section to know immediately “Is my number safe??” (Although I do understand that anxiety being a high C/n myself and the reality of new Trump presidency 🙂
So yeah – we’ll have to wait and see, fingers crossed!
And thank you Brit for all your time and work put into this!
February 10, 2017 at 14:51
I understand the anxiety too – I was a DV derivative. That’s why I *try* to stay calm.
February 9, 2017 at 03:27
brit sir ,
actually i got confused regarding the april cut off means can you please explain in short regarding the above.
February 9, 2017 at 04:24
Explain what?
February 9, 2017 at 03:42
Thanks Sir Brits
February 9, 2017 at 04:43
Hey Brit!!
I am DV winner from Nepal and have my interview scheduled for 23rd March. I have my case processed through a consultancy as we normally do here and they have advised that the I-134 form, the affidavit of support isnot compulsory and instead of that a welcome letter from the sponsor stating the relationship with the winner and certain duties that he will do for the winner should be taken to interview. Can just a welcome letter be sufficient? Or should I ask for I-134 with my sponsors??
February 9, 2017 at 06:00
KDU is normally satisfied with the welcome letter.
February 9, 2017 at 05:09
Hello Britsimon.
How can I check if my My case number is current? When the case number is between the interval 28700 and 34900 for April example?
Thanks.
February 9, 2017 at 06:00
All numbers below 34900 EXCEPT cases charged to Ethiopia and Egypt.
February 9, 2017 at 10:27
Thanks BritSimon.
My number AF33xxx is current now.
Good Job and appreciate.
February 9, 2017 at 06:27
Hi Britsimon
Based on Mar Visa bulletin i will be current by April .My case No is AF34XXX-
my new Born child not yet have passport and i already add here and submit her DS260.
Passport for the child supposed to be issued within the coming 2 weeks . can they unlock my DS to update her details or as long at is shown in Vis Bulletin that it will be current by April i cant do it now .
February 9, 2017 at 14:52
Don’t unlock now. Just take the passport to the interview.
February 9, 2017 at 06:33
Hey Simon.. someone tell me Diversity Visa (DV) lottery is planned to shut down the system The bill was proposed by Republican Senator Tom Cotton and David paradiu. this news is real .. if yes can this process effect 2017 edv winners? Please Tell us .. i m from Nepal my cn is 55** can i hope 2nd letter in next month?
February 9, 2017 at 14:51
The bill is just a proposal at the moment, and in any case cannot affect DV2017 even if it were passed.
February 9, 2017 at 06:33
Means brits sir for asia its 5500 except nepal 4575 does it mean for nepal below 4575 is current or below 5500 is current which i was confused
February 9, 2017 at 06:35
below 4575 is current for NEPAL
February 9, 2017 at 11:41
it means nepal is limited to 4575. which means CNs less than or equal to 4575 might be scheduled.
February 9, 2017 at 14:29
Actually only less than, not equal to.
February 9, 2017 at 07:33
My case no is AS81** & I am from Nepal. Will my case no be current?
February 9, 2017 at 12:25
Dear Ash , wait n see. Are you selectee from first draw or additional draw . I m selectee from additional draw. My case no is 79**.
February 10, 2017 at 02:32
I am also a selectee from 2nd draw.
February 9, 2017 at 14:48
You simply have to wait and see. There is some risk that it does not get current.
February 10, 2017 at 03:12
Ohh…
February 9, 2017 at 08:34
Thanks so much again Simon
Now I know my 22600+ in Europe shall probably be scheduled in May, do not think they will run out of visas, also considering the second extraxtion.
What I wanted to ask you is something else. Have you seen this? https://thinkprogress.org/legal-immigration-bill-cotton-perdue-62681972dd49#.yufgnxilf Do yu have previous experiences of attempa to stop the dv lottery? Any ideas if, should this bill become a law, the 2017 program will be affected?
Thanks,
Nicola
February 9, 2017 at 14:45
No region will run out in May, they spread the visa processing out over the year.
I read the bill. I doubt it will pass, and it could not affect DV2017
February 9, 2017 at 09:38
Hi Simon
My case No. is AF23***and I had summit Ds-260 at 16th of June and reopened it and summit at 19th of October. can I expect my interview in April? Thanks
February 9, 2017 at 14:42
In a week or two you will know.
February 9, 2017 at 10:45
Hello Simon and thanks again for your invaluable help and support.
I read the RAISE ACT: http://static.politico.com/ad/1b/a981934c4278bfef730dc51b341b/raise-act-bill-text.pdf
SEC.2 ELIMINATION OF DIVERSITY VISA PROGRAM
EFFECTIVE DATE. – The amendments made by this section shall take effect on the first day of the first fiscal year beginning on or after the date of the enactment of this Act.
Simon I would like to ask you, if somehow they will manage to pass this BILL and as the fiscal year for US is (the 12-month period ending on 30 September of that year, having begun on 1 October of the previous calendar year), the statement above means that the DV-2017 will not be cancelled?
The beginning on or after is confusing, for example for SEC.4 FAMILY-SPONSORED it clearly states: the first day of the first year that begins after the date of the enactment of this Act meaning from 1st October 2017.
I’m 2nd draw EU25XXX and my concern is if this BILL (if passes) will have immediate act like they same they tried with the Executive order or will start from the DV-2018 in October 2018.
Thanks
Nikos
February 9, 2017 at 11:31
Hi, I asked the same questions a few lines above. Thanks for providing that text.
My reading (I am a translator bu, you know, when things concern you we lose our cool!) is that if there are some changes, they will enter in force from next fiscal year. It is a formula like saying “it will be effective on the same day if the amendment passes on October 1st and it will concern that year, if after October 1st, the following one. One general principles of the law is that it states for the future only.
Bu apart from this, it is no written “of the same fiscal year”, if you understand what I mean. Therefore, if my reasoning is correct, we should be safe. We are in the same boat my friend!
February 9, 2017 at 14:40
If that bill were passed and signed (which I doubt) then, as written, it would stop DV2018, not DV2017. However, since these things take time, I doubt it will pass and doubt it would be in that format. The bill is too aggressive and will meet strong defense from both sides of the house.
February 9, 2017 at 14:58
Thanks Simon
February 9, 2017 at 11:20
Hi Simon.
Is it safe to say now, due to the slow progress from SA, that it will not be current?
It seems impossible to hit the max case number in the next five months.
February 9, 2017 at 14:34
You cannot assume the final position from the month to month changes. However, I have already said that there is risk of not being current for SA.
February 9, 2017 at 11:37
Hello Brit,
In my first letter, “BASHESHWOR-01” is written but i realized yesterday, in my DS 260 I’ve written just “BASHESHWOR”. Should i unlock the DS 260 to revise this error?
February 9, 2017 at 14:31
Presumably BASHESHWOR is the correct name, so what would you revise since that is what the DS260 already has?
February 10, 2017 at 03:46
I could make it same as in the first letter by adding “01” in DS 260. What do you reckon now?
February 10, 2017 at 04:31
Is that your LEGAL name – i.e. with the 01???
February 10, 2017 at 06:30
Well, it’s “BASHESHWOR-01” on my passport, and first letter but only BASHESHWOR on DS 260. Can I change it during the interview? Or should I unlock it now? I am really perplexed.
February 10, 2017 at 06:32
And it’s not my name. It’s an address.
February 10, 2017 at 15:08
Just change it at the interview.
February 9, 2017 at 11:51
My case number is 2017AF10*** and submitted my ds260 forms on 2nd October
When should expect my 2nl
February 9, 2017 at 14:28
Maybe this month, maybe next month. Patience.
February 9, 2017 at 11:59
do i have the chance to be schedule for April interview, submitted on September 28, case #af235xx
February 9, 2017 at 14:27
Possibly.
February 9, 2017 at 12:11
Thanks Nicola my friend, I hope we are going to have a coffee next Summer in some place in US.
February 9, 2017 at 12:36
Well, why not? If you want, this is my email [email protected]
February 9, 2017 at 12:53
HI Brit
Thanks for your hard work . my case number is AF5XXX . submitted my ds260 in 12 novembre, am i going to get a 2NL this Month ? if not then when ? Thanks
February 9, 2017 at 14:24
I don’t know yet. Wait and see.
February 9, 2017 at 12:55
Hii
Did anyone get their interview rescheduled for February and March from the 7 affected countries?
Thanks
February 9, 2017 at 14:23
No one has told me yet.
February 9, 2017 at 13:47
hi simon,thanks for sharing your experience.my case number AF:28*** Mr,do you think my number will be scheduled next VB? I,m from Ethiopia
thanks.
February 9, 2017 at 14:19
I don’t have a prediction.
February 9, 2017 at 14:39
Hey Britsimon, Do you have any idea how the Trump fiasco is going to affect next year DV2018? Or will it be business as usual Trump next brainwave aside.
Thanks in advance.
February 9, 2017 at 15:02
Well if we pretend the manchild isn’t there, it will be business as usual. But Trump could easily throw another tantrum if someone doesn’t find something else to entertain him.
February 9, 2017 at 15:42
Dear Simon .
Can you please help me with this.
Do you know do we need also to put $5000 for each of our two children (4years twins)the same for two of us adults so total of $20k or just $10k is enough for the finansial siuation as a prove for the interview?
Thank you for all of your help
February 9, 2017 at 16:03
The normal MINIMUM amount that should be shown is 10k per adult and then something for children, so $25k would be about right for a family of four.
February 9, 2017 at 16:04
Hi simon
The VB is released my cAN is af260###submitted and October. ,do I have a chance for April interview?
February 9, 2017 at 16:55
Maybe.
February 9, 2017 at 16:39
I am afraid we that submitted on December 6 , and unlock then submitted January 9,case # af27XXX from Liberia
February 9, 2017 at 17:11
SA is moving so slowly, what’s your feeling on the number SA00001093? Do you think it might reach it? I know I should wait and see but what do you think? I will be applying for AOS if it becomes current.
February 9, 2017 at 17:11
HI Brit
Thanks for your hard work . my case number is AF31XXX . Re-submitted my ds260 in 12 jan, am i going to get a 2NL this Month ? if not then when ? Thanks
February 9, 2017 at 17:53
you still thinking that SA will hit 1958 CN?
February 9, 2017 at 18:35
“Still”?? You misunderstood what I wrote before. 1958 is the highest number assigned in SA – and I have previously said the region is at risk to not go current.
February 10, 2017 at 11:31
I really misunderstood, Brit, sorry about that. Just need to wait and see. We are in the 1600 🙁
May 18, 2017 at 02:57
Brit! Remember me? Well, we finally got our interview yesterday and thank god and all your help and advice we got our visas aproved!
I really can’t tell you how much all your posts helped to understand everything about DV Process.
The world needs more people like you, thanks to be that kind to people from all over the world.
Me and all my family sent the best vibes and greetihgs for you!
Ps: excuse my english!
May 18, 2017 at 03:03
Haha – happy to read this – congratulations!
February 9, 2017 at 18:11
Hi Simon, how are you?
I submitted the form on 12th of october and my cn is 38xx, can i recieve 2NL for this interview? can you guess for me plz?
thnx for your good job.
best regards…
February 9, 2017 at 18:34
I can’t guess. Wait and see.
February 9, 2017 at 18:41
Hi simion, I current in this visa bulliten. BT I am planning to get married. If I do, I should do before I get second letter? How delay will be my second letter if I open in last moment? Should i open or not? If I open it and update will I get second letter or not???? Plz help Simon. I am from Nepal. I submitted my ds260 on JUN 28. THANK U
February 9, 2017 at 19:22
I cannot understand why you have waited all this time to just now think about getting married! You are making an easy process more difficult because of delaying the marriage. Get on with it! The process is get married, unlock your DS260, add your spouse to your form and add a DS260 for the spouse. But once you receive the 2NL that is harder because KCC will no longer unlock your form. So – unless you do all this in the next couple of days, you will have to deal directly with the embassy.
By the way, they are bound to ask the question why you waited all this time to get married – and the suspicion will be you are only marrying to obtain an additional GC. You have increased that suspicion by your actions, and even though you have asked me lots of questions since May of last year, you never mentioned you were planning to marry – so even *I* am suspicious at your motives.
February 10, 2017 at 01:21
Simon, wat about to take wife after I reach there? What is procedure and how long will it take?
February 10, 2017 at 04:33
It takes about 2 years.
February 9, 2017 at 19:07
Hi Brit.
I am 2017AS65**. Is that possible I will not go current at all?
Please help.
Thank very much,
February 9, 2017 at 19:22
That is unlikely.
February 9, 2017 at 19:37
Hi Brit
My case no is 2017AF243xx DS submitted 24 may 2016
I’m from Ethiopia.
April interview for Ethiopia is is 24500 so shall I expect my 2NL for April?
Tanks see for ur responce
February 9, 2017 at 20:21
Probably.
February 9, 2017 at 23:05
Thank you Simon! Do you have a perspective on why Oceania is moving slowly this year, versus the past few years? Based on the past few years I was expecting to become current in June, but I am getting a little worried now (~1150 case number).
February 9, 2017 at 23:53
The month to month pace of the VB depends on the number of interview slots available and the number of cases available for interview that were current in a previous month. If you have 100 interview slots (because of capacity or because you are trying to spread out issuances over the full year), how many of those are filled by people that filed late and have been current for months. Say 80 interviews come from backlog, then you don’t need to make many more numbers current. That is the reason. It isn’t a problem, I have explained this before. There are FIVE months left in the year. Relax.
February 11, 2017 at 13:22
Hi BritSimon, just to clarify: does this mean that if hypothetically everyone with a lower case number, let’s just say for argument’s sake everyone with a case number lower than OC1000, submitted their DS260 late, that the embassies would just sit around and fiddle their thumbs and not proceed with any higher case numbers? In other words, if all the lower case numbers procrastinate and build up a big backlog, will they still have preference over the higher case numbers? (If so, I guess it could therefore happen that some higher case numbers never go current for the mere reason of too much backlog.) Many thanks
February 11, 2017 at 13:51
The lower case numbers would have preference once they had submitted their DS260’s (and were processed). The embassies wouldn’t be sitting around because KCC would have increased the VB faster to get more processed cases in for interviews. And obviously, people don’t know this, so when they read the selected letter that says to get your DS260 in quickly, most people actually do that (within the first 2 or 3 months). The backlog is a “flood” of early applications, which are processed in received order regardless of case number.
February 10, 2017 at 00:19
Case AS44## ..submitted on 13th may ..and never unlocked..m from nepal..can i expect 2nl on april interview.?? Sir
February 10, 2017 at 00:42
Probably.
February 10, 2017 at 11:25
Greetings Sir; am call roservelt. My case number is 33.201 when should i expect my schedule?
February 10, 2017 at 14:44
READ. THE. ARTICLE. ABOVE.
February 10, 2017 at 06:41
hello brit sir ,i am from nepal and i am the winner of edv2017 in 1st draw .my case no.is around 6700.can i hope for 2nd letter as my case no. is abit high? if yes at which month should i expect 2nd letter as i have submitted DS-260 form on 5th july 2016.
February 10, 2017 at 15:06
I think you should get an interview in a few months. Wait and see.
February 10, 2017 at 14:36
Hi BritSmon,
I hope you are doing great!
I am one of DV2017 selectees with case number 2017AF000027***.
After having a look at May Visa Bulletin for Fiscal years 2013-2016, I expect that my number might be current for May. Below are my questions.
1. May I ask my friend to send me affidavit of support? Btw, is it possible that he can send directly to the embassy?.or wait till the 2NL is ready?
2.Are Vaccination records from any hospital valid? Or am I supposed to get it done from the same Medical center the Embassy suggests for medical check up? I live abroad for a study and I will do the interview here. I have health insurance and thinking of getting vaccination records from my doctor here.
3. Is it possible that I can ask for Police certificates or wait till the 2NL is ready?
Thanks!
February 10, 2017 at 15:14
1. He sends the I-134 and supporting documents to you.
2. Take existing vaccination records to the medical. The doctor will then take that into account.
3. I generally suggest people wait until the 2NL, but apply earlier if you cannot stand the waiting.
February 10, 2017 at 16:06
Thank you Very Much BritSimon!
February 11, 2017 at 01:02
Dear Simon
Could you please share, what may be probable cut-off range for Nepal 🙂
February 11, 2017 at 01:07
I don’t have a prediction.
February 11, 2017 at 11:05
Case Number AF00015*** and submitted forms on 19 September. When will i get my interview letter and WHERE WILL I CHECK IT FROM?. Which site.
February 11, 2017 at 13:57
The same site you saw your selected letter.
February 11, 2017 at 18:30
Hi brit,the vb of march indicates
34900 for Africa and it tells
Except 24500 for ethopia then my case number is af29*** so is my case number is current for April interview ? May i expect 2nl next two weeks, am from ethopia
thinks
February 11, 2017 at 18:34
29000 is higher than 24500 – right??? So no, you are not current.
February 11, 2017 at 18:51
hi simon
confuse for vb i did read but i dont undestand it. af is34900 so with CN will be current ?and how to know that your num is current?
where to check for 2nl for interview.?
February 11, 2017 at 22:10
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
February 12, 2017 at 08:38
Thanks.
1. Please who is the sponsor in dv visa?.
2.The address where my gc will sent to is the sponsor or i need a sponsor ?.
3. What documents do i need from where my green card will be sent to before i go for my interview?. Thanks.
February 12, 2017 at 14:23
1. Technically, yourself. However, some people need to show they have a financial sponsor.
2. Possibly. Read the link below.
3. None – unless you need an I-134.
https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/