Small increase for Asia in December VB explained
OK – so I am being asked about why Asia has had such a small increase in the December visa bulletin (from 3200 to 3250).
You would have to have had your head under a rock to not notice that this year has seen extensive delays due to the introduction of the DS260. I explained this in a blog post about the delay in 2NL which you can read if you don’t know what has happened.
OK – so imagine the backlog of interviews that has built up around the world. Lots of interviews that should have taken place in October, November and December are now going to scheduled in January or perhaps even later.
The backlog would be no issue in Europe because the DV population is pretty spread out among all the countries. So – each EU embassy could increase capacity a bit and the backlog could be cleared pretty easily. The same can be said for all other regions except Asia.
Why is Asia different?
Well if you have read my post about the way the draw process works you will know that some countries have massive number of entries in comparison to the region. Those countries are limited during the draw which means they can have very high density of winners in the early numbers. In DV2014 for example Iran and Nepal had 40% each of the early numbers (until they were cut off). So – for every 1000 interviews, 400 would be Iranian and 400 would be from Nepal. The other 200 would be in the rest of Asia.
Iranian selectees are not processed in Iran obviously, most Iranians are processed in 3 neighboring countries. Nepal however has to process almost all its DV selectees in one embassy – Kathmandu. Nepal is therefore the capacity limitation for all of Asia. If Kathmandu cannot increase capacity to deal with the backlog, they have no choice but to limit the Vis Bulletin progress for ALL of Asia.
In terms of numbers Nepal has 5000 selectees (about 25% of all of Asia), but all those 5000 (with family) are concentrated in the first 10000 case numbers. Iran is somewhat similar. I have written about this before, and it is the reason why I say I hope KCC learns a lesson from DV2014 and limits Nepal earlier otherwise Asia processing cannot reach its full potential.
April 8, 2015 at 09:11
A question: I am from Asia( Not from Nepal and Iran). But I am living in Europe. My case number is 18XXX. Can I get interview? Would be nice if KCC schedual interview from those who are in other place and where there is not much load in the embassy otherwise Asia will not proceed ahead(only two embassy)
April 8, 2015 at 16:40
It is almost impossible for you to get an interview. It is not that things are slow because of processing in one embassy, it is a question of your case number. There are at least 11150 cases ion from of you, plus family – so approximately 17000 people. They are all entitled to be interviewed before you, no matter what embassy you can interview at. There are only 8500 visas for Asia – so even with people not proceeding or getting refused, it is extremely unlikely (almost impossible) that 9000 of the 17000 people ahead of you won’t take their visa slot. I’m sorry – I hope you entered DV2016 – and good luck!
April 9, 2015 at 09:24
Should’s it be good not to choose so many numbers if there in only visa available for 8500. Many people would be happy if KCC select around 10000 people instead double. This is help for all. I feeling. I think many other peple feels the same.
April 9, 2015 at 13:56
I think 10000 would not be enough, but I see your point. Sadly they don’t listen to us!
May 13, 2015 at 04:51
hello i am from nepal recently the June visa bulletin says that asia CN increased upto 6850 except Nepal 6475. Does this mean that now there will be no more chance for selectees greater than CN 6475..
My CN is 758. ?
Please Reply.
May 13, 2015 at 05:02
I expect Nepal to increase above 6475 – but I am not certain if your number will be reached.
May 13, 2015 at 07:02
I am from Asia living in Europe. I have higher case number.I would be nice if they see this possibilities to give opportunity for asian winners. US Embassy in europe has place for interview. If they see this possibilities it would be nice otherwise it is hard for asia winners.
May 13, 2015 at 21:51
The regional numbers are processed based on the number ion the region – not current location and embassy capacity where you live.
May 13, 2015 at 08:57
If KCC limits Nepal and Iran, rest of Asia can still go current. I am from asia with high case number at present living in Europe, US embassy in europe has space for interview. What do you this? is this possible ?
May 13, 2015 at 20:37
Asia cannot go current. How high is your case number?
May 26, 2015 at 15:34
Thanks simon..im qualified in education already frm nepal certificate….so i dont need to show australian work experience ?does it matter if i show it .
May 26, 2015 at 22:01
If you meet the education requirement they will not ask about work experience proof.
June 21, 2015 at 07:55
hi , my case num is AS105XX, Is there any possibility of calling that case number for the interview
June 21, 2015 at 15:05
A possibility yes, just wait and see…. 3 weeks time.
June 22, 2015 at 03:12
thank you very much, actually this case num is my mom’s , so sad this time its too late, all our hopes going to end!!!!!!!!!!!! i was a winner of 2014, from SL, now in California, i was so happy when i heard my mom too won the lottery 2015. last yr they interviewed up to 13000 i guess, bt this year bad luck,
September 11, 2015 at 15:32
Hi Mr bristmon I just from my interview all my document was ok but I was told by co that your case is subject to further administrative processing now the time is short I don’t know.pls clear my doubt.thanks
September 11, 2015 at 17:13
What is the reason for the AP?