This is interesting. This morning I received a message from a reader called Fayola who had contacted KCC and been sent what appears to be the DV lottery section of the next Visa bulletin. I would normally treat this with caution, unless I have some way to corroborate it with another source. However, I have had some people (three I believe) that have asked to unlock their cases and KCC have said no because their case is already current for scheduling. This is common when the VB number has been released – but up until now I have never heard that before the VB was actually released. Then – this month – I have heard of three such cases. So – it *is* possible that KCC are indeed working from the set of numbers below – and that these might well be the numbers we will see released in a few days.
Please understand that these are not “official” until we see them in the published VB – but the format is accurate, so I am inclined to “trust” this information. KCC could *of course* change these numbers, but with that said, have a look a the numbers and then read my comments below the VB.
——————————————————————————–
For October, immigrant numbers in the DV category are available to qualified DV-2018 applicants chargeable to all regions/eligible countries as follows. When an allocation cut-off number is shown, visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery rank numbers BELOW the specified allocation cut-off number:
AFRICA: 8,500 Except: Egypt 2,350
Ethiopia 2,100
ASIA: 1,200 Except: Iran 750
Nepal 750
EUROPE: 2,600
NORTH AMERICA: 2
OCEANIA: 185
SOUTH AMERICA: 190
The Visa Bulletin at http://www.travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/law-and-policy/bulletin.html is updated monthly and contains the current allocation cut-off numbers as well as other important information.
Interviews for the DV 2018 program will begin in October 2017 and will conclude on September 30, 2018. KCC cannot provide information as to when an interview date may become available for your case. Interviews are scheduled numerically according to assigned case numbers which have completed processing. The Department of State designates how many interviews will be scheduled each month according to visa availability. You may refer to the visa bulletin at http://www.travel.state.gov for the list of current numbers. This information is updated on the 15th day of each month thereafter.
OK – now for some comments.
These numbers are surprisingly low compared to other recent years. Having said that, these numbers seem sensible *IF* there are no DS260 “backlogs”.
Let me explain. The backlog is a term I use to describe a case where many DS260s are waiting to be processed. Many people submit their DS260s in the first few days after results are announced, and KCC can’t process those submissions fast enough, so a “backlog” develops – meaning cases waiting in queue for processing.
Normally the first few VBs of the year have higher numbers – because the backlog means KCC have to have a high number to get the number of interviews they need, due to delays in processing the flood of DS260s submitted in the early days after the results are announced. If these numbers are correct it shows they have yielded enough processed cases from these low numbers to fill the interview slots available in October. If that is correct, it means one of the following:
- DS260 processing throughput has been massively increased, meaning little or no backlog.
- KCC have found a way to prioritize DS260 processing based on submission date AND case number. That would be a smart move if they have been able to do that.
To explain – since the introduction of the DS260, we have seen processing backlogs for the first few months of the year. If someone with a case number like 2018AF45XXX submitted their DS260 in the first few days in May, that DS260 would be processed (background checks) before lower case numbers submitted days or weeks later, even though the high case number could not be interviewed early. So – if 2018AF1XXX were submitted in June or July – that case would not able to be interviewed in October, because there would be a backlog of cases to process based on earlier submissions. That was wasteful and frustrating – because the later case numbers (like 2018AF45XXX ) would have to wait until they were current – so their rapid processing was pointless. KCC might have found a way to prioritize the processing early case numbers. This is just a guess, but I hope that it is correct! To the “ladies of KCC” – please feel free to let me know if I am wrong or right!!! 🙂
Now – this has the effect of reducing the VB number because if a higher percentage of cases in the first numbers are ready for interviews, KCC can set the VB number at lower levels and still get enough interviews to meet the embassy capacity.
With all that explained – these numbers are pretty much what I would expect if most cases were ready for scheduling. The countries that specially slowed (Nepal, Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia), all have so many selectees in the early number ranges that they are slowed down for processing.
For instance, Nepal will have about 40% of the early numbers – so out of the first 750 case numbers about 300 will be Nepalese cases. Each case has the selectee and the derivatives of that person – so 300 cases would be about 500 people. NOt ALL of the 300 cases would be ready for interview, but the Nepal embassy can probably handle about 200 to 250 DV interviews in a month. So – limiting the VB to 750 is about what I would expect. The same calculation technique (although not at 40%) could be applied to the other countries limited in this way.
I hope that explains and helps people understand the process a little better.
Lastly, thanks to Fayola for forwarding this to me so I could pass on this information to my readers.
August 5, 2017 at 17:09
Hell
August 5, 2017 at 17:12
Such a nice surprise, thank you for this guys,
August 5, 2017 at 17:15
Hello I got my visa one day ago….But
1. I want to change my sponser is that a problem??
2.my husband and I has different sponser do u this that will cause us a problem in our entry in us?
Hope to hear your response soon
Thanks
August 5, 2017 at 17:22
1. No
2. No
August 5, 2017 at 17:27
750 is Ridiculously low 🙁 mine is 19xx. Nepal. Possible that this becomes wronf?
When would my turn be if this is true? Guess?
August 5, 2017 at 18:02
Calm down – and wait and see.
August 5, 2017 at 17:33
Hello Brit,
So what you basicaclly saying is that as example that CN AS7xxx will probably will not be invited to the Interview?
Sorry if i misunderstood it.
August 5, 2017 at 18:02
I did not say anything like that.
August 5, 2017 at 17:42
Hi Simon
It doesn’t look too good for OC & SA…
Specially for SA which has an increased quota for this year…
Isn’t Simon??
August 5, 2017 at 18:06
LOL!!! Don’t you think that making assumptions after seeing month ONE of a TWELVE month processes is a bit soon to panic?
Now – I have said that OC will probably not go beyond 1400 to 1500. So – divide that by 12 – and you can see that 100 to 150 per month is MORE than enough speed for OC.
August 5, 2017 at 18:35
LOL…Too late. You just opened the panic door.
I follow the process for SA region.
I’ll continue reading you as always (I guess you are saying…. wait and see)
P.D I admire your patience, dedication AND humor 🙂
August 5, 2017 at 18:43
LOL.
Imagine SA had increases of 190 for each of the 12 months – that would get us to above 2000 – which shows there is enough time to fill the quota at that pace.
So – what is your SA case number?
August 5, 2017 at 19:06
22xx …so let’s pray for at least SA2300
Thanks for the information 🙂
August 5, 2017 at 19:17
Ahh yes – you have reason to be nervous. Honestly, thinking about the pace from month to month will consume you. You would be better off to forget about this whole process until about May of next year. Enter DV2019, check the results in May, and about that same time – check again on progress of DV2018. Fingers crossed for you.
August 5, 2017 at 22:48
Hi Brit,
Just to add to your comment, it is also possible that DV Bulletin for OC might stick with 180 or something a month for the next 12 months right?….that way OC can cutoff can go over 1500 at least…what you think?
August 5, 2017 at 23:18
Think about filling a bucket with water. You can fill it slowly, or you can fill it fast. But regardless of the speed – it will only hold the same amount of water. So – the pace of the VB should not be determined to be a good indicator of the final number.
August 5, 2017 at 17:43
hello simon i have two questions
1. is there any problem if my sponsor is self-employed?
2. te time after you receive 2nl is sufficient to complete all documents required?
August 5, 2017 at 18:06
1. No – as long as his 1040 shows enough income.
2. Yes.
August 5, 2017 at 18:11
Tnx for your new information,am dv winner for 2018 fiscal year,from Ethiopia,CN 59XX,submitted ds260 on may 20. Is may CN will available for October interview?
August 5, 2017 at 18:19
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
August 5, 2017 at 18:13
hi Simon.
iam from Ethiopia and DV 2018 winner. My Case number is 2018AF6825. i was fill DS 260 form on june.
My dear, know i would like to know in wich month my interwiew session is held?
August 5, 2017 at 18:20
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
August 5, 2017 at 18:22
this is a disaster for high case number i am not going to unlock for my high school name is change what i put in ds-260 different some how a little ..correct if i am wrong brit
August 5, 2017 at 18:32
It isn’t a disaster – calm down.
As for unlocking – it is your choice.
August 5, 2017 at 19:39
Hi Brit, even based on this information I don’t think that might be any worries for EU 48XX (Ukraine) ?
Am I right?
I just have one question: should I be in a rush with my DS-260 or even if I will submit it in the late August this year I will be interviewed anyway early next year?
Thanks.
August 5, 2017 at 21:23
No worries.,
If you delay submission your interview is delayed – no problem.
August 5, 2017 at 19:59
Hi brit, I am a DV 2018 winner with CN 2018AF40XX. Please i have some doubts
1. Do i need a sponsor as a requirement for the DV?
2. My brother in US gave me his address which i used in the ds260, now he is planning to move to a house he acquire by the end of this month but still in the same state. will i have any problem with the change of address at the embassy?
Thanks, hope to hear from you!
August 5, 2017 at 21:24
1. https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
2. No problem
August 5, 2017 at 20:18
Hi Brit, so you’re saying most probably the number will not be beyond the 3000 for EU. Am I right?
August 5, 2017 at 21:25
Nonsense.
August 5, 2017 at 21:42
her is my question then, my case number is 2018eu38xx. And I submit my ds 260 on June 2. What you think for an interview on October for me ?
August 5, 2017 at 22:33
38XX is above 2600 – so NO you won’t get an interview in October.
August 5, 2017 at 20:20
hi simon, my dv case number is 2018AF37xxx, so is it safe?
August 5, 2017 at 22:22
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
August 5, 2017 at 20:33
Hello
Mr.simon
i have a questin
I wond the lottery for 2018
Asian
Case number about 13k
Is there any chance to get interview or this big number
Thanks
August 5, 2017 at 22:23
There is risk…
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
August 5, 2017 at 20:33
You are a genius man. I just added you on my list of ‘high profile people’ I will like to meet in the future. Though my case number is 2018AF46*** which is higher than 2018AF45***, I am still hopeful. See ya in the US when I get my visa. God bless ya!!
August 5, 2017 at 20:36
Hi Brits
There is a lot of sense in your guess. If the visa bulletin does not deviate much from what we have here then, I can also quess that cases that were submitted up till mid June and are current will be interviewed in October
August 5, 2017 at 22:24
Of course – that is what it would mean.
August 5, 2017 at 20:46
As for high numbers who submitted early in May, and based on ur analysis that they might already processed and ready for interview earlier than lower numbers who submitted late, how they will know because the visa bulliten shows exat serial numbers?
August 5, 2017 at 22:27
If your number is higher than the region or country number published in the VB, you will not be interviewed until later.
August 5, 2017 at 21:42
Has this happened before? I mean KCC sharing this information days before visa bulletin is released?
August 5, 2017 at 22:34
Not really. I used to get advanced notice of the numbers verbally – so I know they have them sometimes – but I have never known them release the details in this written format.
August 5, 2017 at 22:08
My number is high DV20180003xxxx I filled it up DS260 25 Juli I’m a contact KCC They replaced the state in an interview.I was wrong in DS260 They say they will not change anything in DS260 That they will change into in KCC In the office, it’s automatic and do not touch DS260.
They were pulled out of my country 92 Winner DV2018
I would like to get an appointment.I have a family in America My family has a company in America.I have a sister, an American citizen .And my wife has a senior finishing school for a bookkeeper of finance.
I finished high school.
We are a happy young family.
My grandmother died in America
My mom has a tourist visa for the United States for 10 years.And visits my sister in America.
We would be happy to live in America
I could have an American dream with my family.My family would be a happy and proud American citizen.We love America We like the American people love American dream and freedom.
August 5, 2017 at 23:17
Hello Brit case number for SA is 2XX and I had the great hope that in October my interview, reading everything you think sea until November? Thank you
August 5, 2017 at 23:25
Probably November
August 6, 2017 at 00:27
Hello Brit case number EU is 25xxx I submited my Ds260 in june.
I know i should be patient but when can my interview happen. THank you for your time and effort
August 6, 2017 at 01:53
Wait and see
August 6, 2017 at 00:59
Hello Simon ? I hope for interview in October now its changed ! My CN AS1989 Srilanka ds260 sent May 30 when I hope for my 2nl ? Any statistics thanks still September VB not realised
August 6, 2017 at 01:55
So – it will be later. No big deal!!
August 6, 2017 at 01:50
Hi Brit, I am Manoj and I am DV selectee of 2018 and my case number is 2018AS000006**. Accordingly, I filled DS-260 in July 15th but few days later I found some mistake in it.
1. I am from Nepal and completed my Bachelors degree from Bangladesh and my exit date was March 1st but I mentioned April in DS-260. Is it a big mistake ? This can cause denial of VIS ?
2. I contacted KCC to unlock my DS-260 so that I can possible changes but they told me my case number is current and scheduling for the interview. It means I am going to get 2NL ?
3. They also informed my if you need correction can contact to consular section of your region. If I contact them with this issue there is problem in visa processing ?
With Regards
Manoj
August 6, 2017 at 01:58
You already asked – I already answered!
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-133/#comment-79381
August 6, 2017 at 03:11
helo britsimon
my case number is 2018AF000069xx , As i see the batch of african region is 8500 and my number is below this ,Does is it possible that i will be interviewed in octobar?
August 6, 2017 at 05:09
haha Brit this has become at least a good distraction from the Raise act bill worries. 🙂
August 6, 2017 at 05:43
Hello Simon,
I am from Nepal and had submitted DS-260 form on May 2017 and my case no. is 2018AS16**. So, what are the chances of 2NL and interview on/before October 2017 ?
Thanks.
August 6, 2017 at 14:51
Zero percent. Because that number is higher than 750.
August 6, 2017 at 16:37
So that means it would take a couple of months right ?
August 6, 2017 at 17:38
Probably
August 6, 2017 at 06:29
Greeting Brit, As I was advice by you before to unlock my DS-260 form to make some revisions, I have been finding it difficult! For every time I sent my mail, I will be told that “Recipient inbox full and my massage could not be delivered to KCCDV@state. com right now”. Since July to now I have been trying and getting confuse. I’m a winner of DV 2018 from West Africa. Advice please again.
August 6, 2017 at 12:36
I think you are writing the address in the wrong way “KCCDV@state. com” ….It should be witen by this way “[email protected]” ….no space before typing “com”
August 6, 2017 at 12:41
As well as removing unnecessary messages from ur inbox and try to send agian
August 6, 2017 at 14:49
Correct the email address you are sending to – you have a space before the com.
August 6, 2017 at 14:59
Try [email protected]
August 6, 2017 at 15:27
Good catch!
August 6, 2017 at 06:40
Hi, i want to know whether the number you post may CN or not? I.e as your new post you updated that Africa 8500,except Egypt 2350 and Ethiopia 2100, is that means CN 2101 in Ethiopia may not interview on october? Or not more than 2100 Ethiopian will not interview on october?
August 6, 2017 at 09:08
Nimona
If your CN is below 2018AF00002101 you will receive your 2NL though your DS 260 needs to be processed first
August 6, 2017 at 14:48
It relates to the CASE number, not the number of people. So – if these numbers are confirmed, then Ethiopian cases of CN2100 and above won’t be interviewed in October.
August 6, 2017 at 06:43
Hello brit I am from Nepal….
Normally around case no of 7500 are able to get interviewed…does 750 in 1st VB affect that number ????
August 6, 2017 at 14:46
No
August 6, 2017 at 07:24
Hi Brit,
It means I dont have any chance for interview in October.
1. Right?
My number is 2018 AS 13xx from Nepal.
2. If 750 are taken for october, then I have chance for November. Is it?
TIA.
August 6, 2017 at 13:29
Sam
Let’s Wait and see!!!
August 6, 2017 at 14:46
1. Correct
2. Yes
August 6, 2017 at 08:26
Wow, amazing . but u said if we have to correct our forms its not going to affect the scheduling right? Like to add a new derivative.? And then what if by the time we’re scheduled the baby has not had a birth certificate for us to add to our case?
August 6, 2017 at 14:46
Once a case is scheduled KCC won’t unlock.
August 6, 2017 at 09:03
Hope it’s change!
August 6, 2017 at 10:53
Hi Brit
Wonderful to see the first DV2018 VB being sent!
Do you think the KCC has done this early in case of the Raise Act you mentioned in your previous post maybe providing any difficulties if the VB was released at a later date?
AF31xxx here waiting patiently for my turn 😀
August 6, 2017 at 13:33
Connor
It hasn’t started my friend this is speculation, but starts soon with actual cut offs, am hoping an increased cut off!
August 6, 2017 at 14:39
I am certain this is NOTHING to do with the Raise Act.
August 6, 2017 at 11:28
Hello Simon,
Thanks for the valuable information. I just wonder, if Europe below 13XXX is still a safe number? If they prioritize low case numbers, it means chances are getting slimmer for those with high numbers and invited to interview in previous years. Am i right?
August 6, 2017 at 14:38
No you are not right. But your number is OBVIOUSLY safe!!!
August 6, 2017 at 12:03
So if they are considering ds260 posting dates too, that means high numbers like mine(eu39xxx) can have a chance! I wish you’re right on this Britt!
August 6, 2017 at 14:37
You are confused. The case number drives everything. sending a DS260 early does not mean a high case number can interview early.
August 6, 2017 at 17:31
my only wish is to get an interview anytime possible 😀
August 6, 2017 at 12:18
Hi Brit,
My case number is AS000076xx – if the above numbers are correct, this means i cant expect an interview in 2018. Probably mid 2019?
Thanks for the help!
August 6, 2017 at 14:34
Nonsense. The DV2018 lottery will end on September 30 2018.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
August 6, 2017 at 12:27
Hello
Do you think that in this case it is possible to use the same as for the DV2017
August 6, 2017 at 14:53
Same dress, same pencil? Same what – be clear!
August 6, 2017 at 12:38
Hi Simon.
Do You think US GOV. or Donald Trump can cancel DV2018?
August 6, 2017 at 14:29
https://britsimonsays.com/discussing-trumps-raise-act/
August 6, 2017 at 13:28
That means in case of Nepal it is now less likely to get interviewed for cases more than 6000+ if first vb will be 9f 750..is it so?
August 6, 2017 at 14:28
No. That is nonsense.
August 6, 2017 at 14:30
Then what does this low and also first low vb till date means…?? Thanks in ad5
August 6, 2017 at 14:32
This blog belongs to Brit and he is the expert here. Pls guys let him do the ANSWERING & CLARIFUCATIONS so that others can benefit. Thanks
August 7, 2017 at 00:05
You’re right, sorry!?
August 6, 2017 at 15:15
hello brit iam from Cameroon my case is AF28XXX. do you think I will be interview in October ?
August 6, 2017 at 15:26
No!
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
August 6, 2017 at 15:37
ok I submitted on 14 may
August 6, 2017 at 15:56
Hi Brit, my Cn is very high about eu39k. I had a comment before your newest post, but your post dramatically destroyed it without starting. Based on your possibly true 1st VB numbers, What do you think about my chance after that. Should i not be hopeful? Thank you very much.
August 6, 2017 at 16:51
You can’t judge anything by one VB, or even 10. The pace of VB progress does not tell us what the final cutoff will be.
August 6, 2017 at 16:03
Hi
I have completed the DS260 in early May and the forms say ‘completed ‘ . I understand that we only receive the 2NL when we are closer to the possible interview. However my question is, how do we know if our DS260 is officially ‘processed ‘ by KCC?
Thank you
August 6, 2017 at 16:49
There is no update that signifies processed. Patience is key.
August 6, 2017 at 17:04
Thanks a mill
August 6, 2017 at 16:48
Hey Simon. What do you think about EU38XXX (submitted at 4th of May) according to these estimations?
Please do not write “Wait and see.” 🙂
Cheers.
August 6, 2017 at 17:29
The only sensible answer is what you don’t want me to write.
August 6, 2017 at 18:10
Dear Brit,
Is this the official visa bulletin for DV2018 or your estimation?
August 6, 2017 at 20:54
I address that in the article.
August 6, 2017 at 18:13
I honestly dont believe these numbers because
1)The EU section is 3 times less that normal (it is usually 8500)
2)Why would KCC send that person the VB?
August 6, 2017 at 20:55
Ok. We will see in a few days time.
August 6, 2017 at 18:27
Dear Simon;
I have a question regarding the administrative processing, I had the interview 21 May in Cairo, The officer told me that there was no problem in my case but he needs to study it more and told me he will call me in two weeks to send my passport.
After about 55 days the embassy called me to send my passport and I did that, now 3 weeks passed and I’m still on administrative processing, do you think they called me to stamp the visa or they’re still studying my case ?
Thanks for your time and effort
August 6, 2017 at 20:55
I don’t know. You just have to remain patient.
August 6, 2017 at 20:11
Hi Simon, my name is wanda and my presently in the us. Am a winner of the dv lottery 2018, my case number is 2018AF00006673, i am filing my DS260 or my adjustment of status on the 15th of this month. Is it possible that am gonna get interview October or before this year ends?
August 6, 2017 at 21:03
That is possible, yes.