The “November” visa bulletin has been published – so this is the third bulletin for DV2017. It concerns the case numbers eligible for December 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 for December interviews will be sent in about one or two weeks time.
It is possible that some people will be current for December interviews, but will not be scheduled in Decemberbecause they submitted late, or there is a processing backlog that causes a delay. November interviews were based mainly on cases submitted up to late May. I expect the December interviews to be allocated to cases submitted in (roughly) the first half of June. That is an educated guess, we will be able to confirm thatwhen the 2NLs start to come out.
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 of 13500 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.
October 12, 2016 at 18:23
Tq dear Simon. I am from Iran and actually I surprised with November visa bullet. Besides, my number is 5***. I surprised because I thought after second draw and selected more winner, they will current more numbers also. But, they did current just 200 cases for Iran and 500 for Asia.
1- Do you think is it possible they will current more case numbers in next visa bullets during next months?
2- Do you think due to more selected winners, is it possible all cases will not be current? Specially with cases with 6000 or 7000 plus?
3- Do you think because in November Iran also join in “exception” countries, till end of the lottery 2017, Iran will remain within exception countries Or is it possible Iran will be current like other Asian countries?
Thank you
October 12, 2016 at 18:32
1. Of course. This is month 3 of a 12 month process!
2. Yes. 2nd draw cases are more at risk.
3. You are mixing two different things. One is the restriction on countries such as Iran and Nepal at this point – which is down to reduce load on certain embassies month to month. The restriction on a country at the end of the year could be because a country limit has been hit. I cannot predict that at this point.
October 13, 2016 at 00:20
Thank you
October 12, 2016 at 18:48
Hi Brit,
1) Do you see AF high case no limit in December seems normal? If Compared to last year stats. Where only 1k increase vs 7k in this year,
2) 2nd draw are more at risk in their country cases but in regain isn’t it?
October 12, 2016 at 22:56
1. I understand it. It is “normal” that the VB pace fluctuates. Don’t worry about it.
2. 2nd draw have more risk, yes.
October 13, 2016 at 01:27
Thanks.
October 14, 2016 at 09:10
Hi, BrithSmon,
Previously I thought you said “All cases are ranked in the 1 draw. The second draw is a “revealing” of more winners according to their rank number.” If that is so,
1. what could be the reason of revealing more winners?
2. I it has risk (more) why they announce it in a first place?.
Thank you so much
October 14, 2016 at 14:04
1. Because the first draw was a number they considered too small
2. There are about 50,000 visas available. Some selectees don’t go through the process or get refused so they need to select more winners than they need. The first draw was about 84000 people. They knew that was too few, so they added some more. At some point, there is risk for the highest case numbers. In recent years they have selected many more, and MANY were disappointed. So – they like to select more than they need to make sure the 50000 are all used.
October 12, 2016 at 19:47
Brit, any key takeaways from the pace of cutoff increases this month? Does it give any insight into the backlog?
October 12, 2016 at 22:50
Yes, the relatively fast pace in AF region shows the AF region selectees submitted later than other regions. Continuing backlog requires faster VB pace.
October 12, 2016 at 21:47
GOOD DAY MR. BritSimon,
Im Abruquah from ghana. i submitted my ds260 on the 20th of june. im a networking student. im curious.
when do u think my 2nd letter will be available on the entrant status?
ON BEHALVE OF ALL DV WINNER, I SAY THANK YOU. KIND REGAR
October 12, 2016 at 22:59
It depends on your case number…
October 12, 2016 at 23:11
please i have unlock my ds forms two times will that delay my second letter. the first unlock was 25th June 2016 and second was 7th October. i did it to correct some minor mistake like education and experience
October 12, 2016 at 23:25
Like I said to the comment immediately above yours (!) – “It depends on your case number…”
October 12, 2016 at 23:20
Hello brit,
Iam a dv 2017 winner from egypt ( second draw). My case number is AF32xxx. As you said second draw selectees are more at risk. Do you think i will get 2NL?
October 12, 2016 at 23:23
I expect so, but I cannot be certain. Wait and see.
October 13, 2016 at 00:00
Thank you for your response
October 13, 2016 at 09:25
Hi Brit, u r the best.
What about my Number af42xxx from egypt, i know that i am at risk but what do think about my chance for 2NL ?
Thanks…
October 13, 2016 at 16:06
You will have to wait and see.
October 13, 2016 at 13:00
Hey Brit , how come there is 1st draw winners in Egypt with case numbers over 40,000 and a there is a second draw winner as this one with a case number in 32xxx range ?!
October 13, 2016 at 15:36
People are not always accurate in what they say. Don’t jump to illogical conclusions because of that.
October 14, 2016 at 00:07
Do you think iam wasting your time asking something thats not accurate
October 13, 2016 at 03:18
Hi Simon,
my Case Number is AS308*
I unlocked and submitted my DS260 form on 1st of Oct due to my new born baby, shall i consider my case is current and do I expect to receive the 2NL in next 2 weeks for December interviews.
Thanks
October 13, 2016 at 04:46
You don’t mention when you first submitted the DS260.
October 14, 2016 at 04:31
Sorry, on May i submitted the first time
October 14, 2016 at 05:32
So then probably December interview.
October 13, 2016 at 04:35
Hi Brit,
Its been long that I don’t get any email notifications of the comments on the post and newer posts.
At this pace I wonder my case No. AS 50XX will be current at June or July!
October 13, 2016 at 07:19
hi Big Brit
Good day Sir.2017AF00000616,submitted forms on June 2016.please help me guide this out.Any hope for a December interview?i got some plans+travels to do and want to be plan things out
Thanks BritSIMON
October 13, 2016 at 16:12
Wait 1 to 2 weeks to know for sure.
October 14, 2016 at 13:35
Thanks Great Brit.
October 13, 2016 at 08:07
Hi Simon,
My Case Number is 2017EU52**..DS260 for my family wife and children submitted on 29 MAY 2016 for myself as a selected winner DS260 submitted on 26 JUNE 2016 a month later …what do you think when we gone get a 2NL ?.
October 13, 2016 at 16:10
I don’t know for sure. Wait and see.
October 14, 2016 at 09:30
Thnx mate , far as I can see I think that I am not gone receive the 2NL (if I have luck) till December /January for February/ March interview coz this month KCC is processing May DS260 submittted and I’m a month later with DS260 so that means KCC will begin processing my case in after 2-3 month.
Thnx for your support man .
October 13, 2016 at 09:05
Hello Brit,
Wow just seen this blog!! Thanks a lot!!
So I am a DV 2017 winner and I and my husband have submit our DS260 in the second week of may 2015 and my case number is AF 19***. Can I expect to receive my 2NL in two weeks for an interview in December?
Many thanks!!
Jody
October 13, 2016 at 16:08
No, because your number is not current yet.
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
October 13, 2016 at 09:08
HI MR. BRIST,
MY CASE NUMBER AF2017000058XX AND I SUBMITTED MY DS260 DURING THE LAST BUT ONE WEEK OF JUNE. WHEN SHOULD I EXPECT MY 2ND LETTER. THANKS, MARY.
October 13, 2016 at 16:07
Maybe for December interview maybe January. Patience.
October 13, 2016 at 09:09
*Sorry we had submit our DS 260 in the second week of may 2016.
October 13, 2016 at 09:15
Hi brit
I am the winner of dv2017 from Iran with the case number of As60xx . Due to putting a limitation and slowing down the Iran numbers do u think this number is at risk ? Do u think this slowing down on iran numbers will continue to the end of the year comparing to the other asian numbers.
Thanks
October 13, 2016 at 16:06
No, it is about embassy capacity/regulating the work. Not about 7% limit. Relax.
October 13, 2016 at 09:38
Hi Brit, my case number is EUXXX145
looking back at the previous VB I believed my number would have been in this new one. Is it normal it incresed only 1k while in the previous 2 months they arrived at 13k?
Should I expect to be scheduled for January interview?
Thanks
October 13, 2016 at 16:05
Probably. Wait and see.
October 13, 2016 at 09:48
Hi !
Still waiting for my 2 NL
for the stats :
DS-260 (me and daughter) submited 8th of may
reopened 10th of may
Re-submitted (me, daughter and wife) on july 3rd after adding my wife (married july 2nd ^^)
Re-opened and resubmitted on october 7th to correct a letter in one of my fisrt names
I’m current since september by my CN.
Thanks to your post i estimated i will receive 2NL on December, is it Correct ?
Thanks again
October 13, 2016 at 16:03
In a week or two you will know.
October 13, 2016 at 11:39
Your case number is now current for interview processing. Once the interview date has been scheduled, you will receive notification via email to check http://www.dvlottery.state.gov. If you need to make changes to your DS-260 you should contact the consular section where you will be interviewed, or bring the information about your changes to your interview appointment. Because your case is ready to be scheduled, KCC can no longer unlock your application. what does it mean? and I try to see ur communctions page, but its not clear for me. when I expect the interview time ?
October 13, 2016 at 15:39
It means you will get your 2NL in 1 to 2 weeks.
October 13, 2016 at 17:58
Real , thanks .
October 14, 2016 at 15:33
Where did you get that message?
October 13, 2016 at 13:11
Hi BritSimen,
can you please explain what the numbers mean on the visa bulletin? for instance November’s VB shows 9000 for Ethiopia..
1. What does the number refers to?
2. Does it mean 9000 cases will be interviewed?
3. Are DV case numbers included?
October 13, 2016 at 15:35
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
October 13, 2016 at 13:30
Thanks Brit
October 13, 2016 at 15:04
Hello Brit Thank you so much for your blog. It helps a lot to all the dv selectees. My question is regarding the bold letters on the visa bulletin… 2017 selections has been sorted from 55000 to 50000. I could not understand it Because second draws has been taken out from almost all the reasons And NARCARA has again gave the details regarding the dv selectees sorted to 50000. As you say Due to the backlog creation Asia case number is moving very slowly. Do you think there is any more changes? Brit Will you make a analysis and elaborate it.
October 13, 2016 at 15:26
The 5000 reduction for Nacara has been happening for years. What is your concern?
Asia numbers will increase – we are only in month 3 of a 12 month process. Relax.
October 13, 2016 at 19:28
Hi BritSimon
I was selected for DV-2017 and have submitted my DS-260. I have been trying to check the status of my application at the Entrant Status Check site for the past 7 days, however I continually receive a ‘session timed out’ error message. I have tried logging on at different times, from from different devices, and from PC and mac, however always receive the “Session Timed Out” message. I am sure the information I am entering is correct (if i enter incorrect information it says “information not valid”, apposed to the session timed out message that i am recieving. I have emailed the centre to ask for assistance but they just respond with a generic response. I am worried I may have an interview and just can’t see the information! Have you heard of this before?
October 14, 2016 at 01:25
Yes. People cause their own problems by having multiple sessions. But you may not be anywhere near an interview depending on when you submitted your DS260 and case number.
October 14, 2016 at 07:09
what do you mean by having multiple sessions? I have tried every morning over the past 8 days and I always receive the time out message. Is there a solution?
October 14, 2016 at 15:00
Multiple browser sessions. THeir system is not broken. You should have answered my question.
October 14, 2016 at 15:01
Try Internet Explorer.
October 13, 2016 at 20:16
Hi Simon,
my number is EU25xxx. I will be going to the US in January until June for an exchange semester. It is highly likely that I will be in the US when my number becomes current. How will this affect things? Will they let me do my interview in the US? Should I inform them of this somewhere on my form / should I contact the KCS about this? Or is the process slower than I’m thinking right now and will my number be current next summer when I’m back home?
Thank you, and thank you for this website! 🙂
October 14, 2016 at 01:22
The process for someone in the US is called adjustment of status. It’s a vastly different process, so you should delay your interview until you return home. If you have not already submitted your DS260, you should wait. That would then delay your interview. Delaying that way is easier/safer than delaying after they have scheduled it.
October 13, 2016 at 20:45
Hello Brit.,
1.winner in first draw,CN – 74## from Nepal.In your view,what is the probability of Visa bulletin for my case number?
2.What is the highest CN in first draw from Nepal?
3.Does slowing down VB means Getting Low VB in this year from Nepal?
October 14, 2016 at 01:18
1. Wait and see.
2. About 7600
3. No.
October 13, 2016 at 22:01
Hi Simon,
In the table above it is shown under Africa and All DV chargeabilityis 20400 except Egypt and Ethiopia. I understood from this that all case numbers below this figure from 1 to 20339 in Africa region are current, some will soon receive the 2NL, but others may not and have to wait until the next month.
Am I correct?
October 14, 2016 at 01:12
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
October 14, 2016 at 01:03
Hi brit
My case number is as 49xx from nepal but the slow down of vb for nepal is making me little worried can you please tell me wether my number is safe and when can i expect my 2nd letter. Please answer me
October 14, 2016 at 01:08
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
October 14, 2016 at 06:44
Dear Simon,
I have a case no. EU50XX, and I sent my DS260 at the end of June, three months passed and I’m still not called for interview, which I expected since I have a low case no. Should I be worried ?
Thanks
Ami
October 14, 2016 at 15:04
No. Patience.
October 14, 2016 at 07:04
hi simon
hope ur good my wife is american citizen living in the states.i got selected for the dv 2017 we have decided to continue with this process rather apply for k-3 so to give me enough time wind up some of the things am doing my question is…
1) will i still be needing affidavit of support still?
October 14, 2016 at 15:02
POssibly.
October 14, 2016 at 07:49
hi Brit, i dont understand what 20,400 for africa stands for, does that mean that is number to be interviewed by December??….am cn number 2017AF00033*** can i hve a 2nl as from February? Thanks
October 14, 2016 at 14:56
How to read the bulletin – https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
Will your number be current for February interviews? I don’t know, but I doubt it. Wait and see.
October 14, 2016 at 08:02
This visa bulletin is scary!! I have tried to observe VB history I saw case # something 86000. and I still don’t get it what that mean!! Because only 55,000 qualified winners are expected. in most cases the highest cace # before CURRENT something 50000 or 60000. What so ever the reason, my question is:
For DV 2017 winners if the Sep 2017 bulletin for AF goes to 55,000 and if there is “except countries XXX 40,000 does it mean those case numbers >=400,000 will not be interviewed?
October 14, 2016 at 08:05
I mean >=40,000
October 14, 2016 at 14:20
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
FYI the case numbers are not consecutive. So – case number 40000 does not have 39999 case in front of it. Further, each region has their own numbers so there can be AF100, EU100 and so on.
So… RELAX!
October 14, 2016 at 09:13
Hi Simon,
What does it mean when they say 20400 for Africa and except 9000 for Egypt and Ethiopia ? I thought African case number is continues with AF******** or is there a different case number for the two countries?
thank you for your answer
October 14, 2016 at 13:57
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
October 14, 2016 at 09:38
Hi simon,
I can understand from your article that those exception countries like Egypt and who is his interview in Egypt will be slowed down due to pressure on the embassy in Egypt,
Now I’m asking about who is Egyptian and his interview outside Egypt, where he will be counted, under Egypt or Africa ???
Thanks,
October 14, 2016 at 13:55
Egypt.
October 14, 2016 at 11:56
Hi
sorry to bother you again…
I received today a letter fram US ambassy in my country.
(i had sent them my ds-2001 form few weeks ago)
They return me my ds-2001 and explain me that they don’t find my file in their database and invite me to send this form to KCC.
i’m a bit lost…
any idea ?
Thank you
October 14, 2016 at 13:50
The embassy don’t know anything about your case until the 2NLs are sent. KCC don’t care about your DS-2001. So…. wait.
October 14, 2016 at 13:54
ok… stressfull enough yet and they give wrong infos ?!
we are blessed to have you ^^
October 14, 2016 at 16:04
I too got this letter back. You say wait? But we are told that we have to send this form to KCC or embassy otherwise an interview in our country can’t be scheduled? Should we not now forward it to the KCC
October 15, 2016 at 05:50
JUst as I said….
October 14, 2016 at 15:54
Hi Brit,
I am from Africa and my case number is AF000078XX. I have submitted my DS-260 on May 10th and I have made it open for two days on Sep 8th for a little correction. I know I am current and I have received this email ” You have received this email notification to inform you that you have updates available at http: //www.dvlottery.state.gov/ESC. Please log in using your confirmation number from your original application to complete further processing.”. There was no greeting line , nor a signature and it looks phony. It is simply my name and this script I have attached. The email source seem legitimate though. I still don’t see any change on the ESC page and kindly confirm if this is the message text one has to get for 2NL.
I appreciate your support and I pay it forward 🙂
October 15, 2016 at 05:53
It was the 2NL.
October 14, 2016 at 16:03
hI Brit, I got letter today from [email protected] that said ” You have received this email notification to inform you that you have updates available at http: //www.dvlottery.state.gov/ESC. Please log in using your confirmation number from your original application to complete further processing.” and I checked my status on ESC but It was previous letter . do you have any idea what does that mean? Thanks
October 15, 2016 at 05:52
2NL
October 14, 2016 at 16:04
Hi Brit Sir,
My interview has been scheduled for november. I had already unlocked twice for correcting some mistakes of present address and work experience.
1.Now I again have to change sponsor name and address as previous sponsor was not interested.So how to change sponsor address now in this situation as 2Nl had came and interview has also been scheduled?
2.Sir, Changing and correcting mistakes again and again now for sponser address makes negative impression and may chances to have rejected or not?
Please do let me help in this matter.
October 15, 2016 at 05:48
You can now only change details at the interview. Regardless of the impression – you need to do it.
October 14, 2016 at 16:05
MY FULL NAME
You have received this email notification to inform you that you have updates available at http: //www.dvlottery.state.gov/ESC. Please log in using your confirmation number from your original application to complete further processing. Today , i recived the above message but when I login via my confirmation number, I did not get 2NL. i got the 1st selections letter. what is the problem
October 14, 2016 at 16:09
Case Number: 2017AF000028XX
DS Applications : June 10, 2016
October 14, 2016 at 16:10
Hi Britsimon! I’ve just received a message that there are updates available. I’ve checked my email but there are no changes. What do u think about it?
October 14, 2016 at 16:34
Give it sometime…also got that but after sometime in received my 2nl
October 14, 2016 at 16:26
Hi BritSimon. You are doing a really great job. Thanks for preaching patience in this process, it’s needed. Our Case # is AF000012XXX, submitted DS260 June 1ST we chose to do adjustment of status, then July 6th we unlocked to adjust interview for Nairobi, Kenya. We just now got confirmation for a December interview.
October 14, 2016 at 16:32
Hey brit,
Just to update you that I received my 2nl today.
Case no:AF2***
Filled in ds260 on 3rd May, 2016
Unlocked on 15th May, 2016
Submitted ds260 on 4th June, 2016
Appointment scheduled for 15th December, 2016
Thanks.
October 14, 2016 at 16:35
Hi Brit !!
Just to let you know, I just received my 2NL.
My CN is 2017EU00007XXX, DS260 was sent on 29th May and never unlocked.
I am so happy !!
Thank you for all your advice and patience !!! And good luck to everyone 🙂
October 14, 2016 at 16:54
am dv 2017 winner.my case 14,9** , AF region,Ethiopia, possibly when interview will be ?
October 15, 2016 at 05:42
Wait and see.
October 14, 2016 at 16:54
Hi Brit, I am a bit of confuse, I unlock my ds 260 and locked it again few days back but it’s still showing incomplete.
October 15, 2016 at 05:41
Contact KCC.
October 14, 2016 at 16:58
Hi Brit,
Just to let you know I have just received 2NL.
CN: EU11xxxx
Submitted on May 14
Unlocked twice: June 7th (resubmitted on the same day) and September 23rd (resubmitted on the same day).
Interview scheduled for December 2nd in Bern (Switzerland)
Wish me luck!
Good luck to you all DV2017 winners!
October 14, 2016 at 17:30
What if I live in Egypt and will have my interview at Egypt but my number 2017AS 54XX as I was born at UAE when I can expect my interview
October 14, 2016 at 17:39
I received 2nl today
my case no AS18xx
DS :4june and
unlock:Aug and
DOI: 1 of Dec
October 14, 2016 at 19:09
Hello Simon,
I am currently living in the US and I will be applying for adjustment of status if my number becomes current. I submitted my DS-260 form on September 9 because I was selected in the second draw I believe. My number is SA10XX, do you think I have any chances?
Thank you for your time.
October 15, 2016 at 05:17
Yes.
October 14, 2016 at 19:13
Dear Britsimon,
Today I received my 2nd NL. Please see my info below:
CN: 2017EU00013xxx
1st DS-260 submission: May 5
2nd DS-260 submission: May 29
Thank you for your support!!
PS. don’t know why but, I do not receive your blog post updates via email for almost 3 weeks. Is there anything wrong with subscription system?
Best regards,
Ram
October 15, 2016 at 05:15
I’ll check it.
October 14, 2016 at 19:27
Case Number: 2017AF000028XX
DS-260 Applications : June 10, 2016
Status: recieved the 2NL,
Date of intreview, Dec, 6
thanks, simon, real ur comment was prefect
October 14, 2016 at 19:30
Hello, I received my second Notification Letter Today for December Interview. Submitted my DS 260 form in May 12 and opened on June 1st for which I resubmitted the same day. CN 2017AF0015xxx. Remember me in prayers guys