People are often confused about how the case numbers are assigned and where they are in “the list” to get one of the elusive 50,000 Green Cards. To answer that properly it is worth explaining the lottery process itself.
There is an entry period of around one month, typically in October of each year. During that time people from all over the world will enter as there is no cost to entering the lottery and it is a pretty simple process.
Between the end of the entry period and the announcement in the following May, the “winners” and (selectees) are chosen. The process is like this.
Entries are sorted into their respective regions, Africa, Europe, Asia, South America and Oceania. The rules say that there should be an equal chance of winning within each region. There is a target of the number of selectees that will be chosen. The actual chance at this point is affected therefore by the number of entries a given region receives, compare to the number of selectees that will be picked for the first stage.
So – let’s look at some examples.
Let’s say that Africa receives 5 million entries (each entry can be for a single person or can include derivatives). It might be decided to pick 100,000 entries for the initial stage. That would mean a 2% chance of getting to that stage (100,000/5,000,000*100). Another region might have a higher percentage chance of winning per entry but get far fewer entries.
This is probably best explained by looking at some real data from 2013. The reason to use 2013 data is because that is the latest year that we currently have complete data – both entries and selectees.
So – first of all take a look at how many entries each country in the OC region had. I used official entry data and official selectee data.
Because the published selectee data includes derivatives (family members) I use a formula to calculate the family selectees and then use that to calculate how many cases were picked from the entries (because the lottery is per entry, not per derivative).
OK so now we can see that in 2013 the region as a whole enjoyed a 5.9% chance of winning a place as a selectee. I have shown the resulting chances per country but as I stated before the actual chance of winning is the same across the whole region (mandated by law). There are variations of course such as Nauru which appears to have had a winning chance of greater than 10%. However, what really happened is just coincidental – they seem to have got 9 cases selected, rather than the 5 cases they would have expected. That is due to the nature of a random draw – nothing to get worked up about!
OK, how about a larger region for the same year – let’s take AF region.
Now there is something to get excited about! I have highlighted four countries than have unusually low winning chances and enormous number of entries. If the draw is “fair” then Nigeria (which has 1.35 million entries!) should have around 13 times the number of winners than Algeria (with about 100k entries). They don’t – so what is going on?
Well the answer is that during the draw process, an artificial limit is imposed (in some way) on the four countries who would otherwise have received a huge portion of the overall selectee count. The last line shows that the four limited countries had 70% of the entries for the region but only received 40% of the selectees. So – they are being limited, for sure. In DV2013 and DV2014 this limit was around 6000 selectees per country (including family). In DV2015 they have lowered the limit to 5000.
So what impact does that limiting have on the process?
Well for applicants from the limited countries it means they have a lot less chance of being selected than people in other countries within the region. I cannot find where that result is supported by law, but I suppose the justification would be the 7% country limit. However, only one country (Nepal) has a realistic chance (high probability in actual fact) of hitting the 7% limit with 5000 selectees in DV2015. The four limited African countries were unable to hit the 7% limit even with >6000 selectees in DV2013 and DV2014 due to low response and success rates.
In addition the strategy of limiting countries creates holes and a concentration of selectees from the limited countries to the lower case numbers. To understand why, it is helpful to understand the draw process.
How is the draw performed.
The draw itself is a multi step process – the steps being:-
- Separate the entries into their regions
- A computer randomly orders every case for each region, assigning a region specific rank number (case number). This would start at 1 for the highest ranked entry and continue right down to the very last entry (which is why we have leading zeros on our case numbers). So a number could be be like 2015AF00021123. The numbers are consecutive at this point, with no gaps between case numbers. The numbering is region specific so just as my example if for an AF number, that same number could exist in different regions (for example 2015EU00021123, and 2015AS00021123). Remember, each case represents a single selectee and their derivatives.
- Next there are steps applied to identify and remove fraudulent entries. This is done by photo biometric matching processes, database searches on the names and other information within the entries. Those entries removed create gaps or “holes” in the numbers. These holes are randomly distributed throughout the number range. We often discuss the “density” of the cases versus holes. If a lot of fraud within a region, then the density of the cases will be low.
- The next step is to decide the selectees that will be notified. A computer process takes the entries in rank number order, keeping a count for each country as well as an overall count. There seems to be a count on the individual selectees and also one on the derivatives for each selected case. At some point a country will reach a point where it will be limited. From that point onward the process will knock out further entries for that country. Again this produces holes after the point that a country maxes out, and of course, this means the density of real cases will be lower in higher case number ranges (at least in AS, EU and AF regions which each have limited countries).
- Once enough selectees are chosen for the region, the selection process stops and they are ready to notify the selectees.
The above steps have been deduced from reading publicly available information and also apply a bit of common sense.
I hope than de-mystifies the process somewhat.
Update July 12, 2019 – I am including a link for this video that explains that process in a simplified way.
The data shown above is available for download here.
February 3, 2015 at 17:40
What will happen if I unlocked my ds 260 form because i was open them befor 5 months but i didnt change anything so i need to advice me what i have to do. Plzzzz help me
February 3, 2015 at 18:34
If you leave your form unlocked, it probably will not be processed.
March 13, 2015 at 11:03
Hey Simon, just question if you have and could post these tables for other regions as well?
Thank you
March 13, 2015 at 15:43
I have posted LOTS of info on all regions. Take a look at this. https://britsimonsays.com/dv2015-analysis/
May 8, 2015 at 17:14
Hello;
I want to know if I still have a chance, short, I’ve realized that I was the DVLOTTERY select the 05/05/2015 & I validate my DS-260 before yesterday (Completed On: 06 MAY 2015 ), I am in Algeria and My CN: 2015AF47 ***
is this-I will always have a chance of being accepted by comparing my CN?
I am late or I always hoped my chance?
aproximately, for when I have my second confirmation letter from KCC?
————————————- Please help me I am lost ————————————
Thank you.
May 8, 2015 at 20:30
It is 50/50 whether they can complete your DS260 processing in time…..
You will know in July – good luck!
May 8, 2015 at 23:07
Thank you 🙂
May 8, 2015 at 23:17
When you say it is 50/50, what do you mean exactly?
May 9, 2015 at 00:52
50/50 means maybe maybe not – equal chance either way.
May 8, 2015 at 23:40
Just to inform you that I have tried to follow the status of my application via the website: ceac.state.gov/ceac/ (Visa Check My Application Status)
Here is the message that was displayed:
—- >> (Please follow the instructions you received from the National Visa Center (NVC) for the next step in the processing of your visa petition. If you-have misplaced the instructions sent to you by the NVC gold About did not recevoir em , please contact us at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3177.html for additional information.)
What means? my CN is not current? or I’m just waiting for the number increases, and it will be current and will deal again?
May 9, 2015 at 00:23
It is just a standard message – meaning you are not yet scheduled. When you are current and scheduled it will change.
May 12, 2015 at 18:47
hello iam AF00040XXX, what chance do i have in the selection process
May 12, 2015 at 19:47
excellent chance
July 5, 2015 at 03:39
Hi
I’m from EGYPT and me and my family are 5. My case number is 2016AF000163××.
Can you tell me about my chance and in which month I’ll get my 2nl
thanks
July 5, 2015 at 06:49
100% chance of interview – probably around spring 2016
July 5, 2015 at 07:26
Thanks Brit Simon
August 11, 2015 at 14:25
Hi Simon,
following the steps and sense applied , what is the interpretation of having remarkable fluctuation in Cut-offs and monthly bulletin per the last 10 years as example for asia.
i.e in 2011 in Asia the first bulletin issued reached CN9000 , same thing happened in 2102 with reaching to Case 8000 in first bulletin, then dramatically goes down in 2013 by calling up to Case 1900 only in first month.
this is contradicting the idea of point 4 above ( A computer process takes the entries in rank number order ) assuming the following
– have same ( or similar ) percentage of fraud in the above 3 years ( 2011,2012 and 2013 )
– the pickup of selected winners is taken in RANK order , i.e start looking to CN00001 at first and so on)
if my explanation is not clear , please let me know so i can phrase it in another way.
August 11, 2015 at 14:58
I am 100% certain about the process – it is described in law and published information and backed up by facts. The fluctuations in numbers is because of the countries eligible to enter in the various years. Certain countries swelled the numbers massively. For instance, Nigeria was excluded in DV2015 – and that one country accounted for around 25000 case numbers based on their entries. Asia was similarly affected by Bangladesh, and their exclusion dropped the AS region range.
The other aspect is that the make up of entries and the relative derivative ratios change year to year. For instance, Nepal and Iran have switched places in DV2014 to DV2015 in terms of most entries. Different countries have different derivative ratios, different fraud ratios and so on.
So – in short – don’t try to compare one year to another – especially when those years are a few years apart.
August 11, 2015 at 15:47
Thanks for the explanation , it make sense now for sure .
I do fully respect your experience and deep knowledge on this .
-Which countries out of the big ones are included in 2016 ( i .e the one makes massive affect to the CN’s ) ?
– is the reduction on the number of selectee in 2016 (91,500 ) going to impact positively / negatively in the cut offs of Asia in 2016 for example ?
Thanks
August 11, 2015 at 16:33
There is no change for DV2016 from DV2015 (unlike comparing to 2013 – so the only difference between DV2015 and DV2016 for Asia will be the relative number of entries between Iran, Nepal and ROA (rest of Asia).
At this point it is likely that AS will be broadly similar to DV2015.
The global selectee count has reduced, but a large part of that reduction is not impactful to Asia. Asia will still have too many selectees – so we can assume there will be a cutoff in place for AS region at the final month.
August 11, 2015 at 16:47
Thus , AS83** will be a bit risky after seeing 2015 cut off .?
August 11, 2015 at 16:49
Yes – a bit risky. Just like DV2015, the fate of that number will be decided based on how Iranian cases are processed.
August 11, 2015 at 17:51
Thanks a lot ,
Do you have any of your articles talking and explaining how such countries ( Iran and Nepal ) would affect the AS and ROA specifically
August 11, 2015 at 18:13
Yes several – use the search feature (near the top right side of each page – a magnifying glass)
August 12, 2015 at 13:10
Hi again
Is this number safe2016 AS45XX
and if yes when I should get the 2NL
August 12, 2015 at 13:41
https://britsimonsays.com/when-will-i-have-an-interview/
October 9, 2015 at 19:05
Hi Simon,
Thanks for the great blog! May I ask if only the chance of winning the lottery for a given region (or a country) is mandated to be and is actually equal for every applicant within that region or the chance of getting any rank number is equal too? I mean is there any relationship between the time of application and the received confirmation number, and the rank number of the selectees? Is there any information out there to make sure that this is not the case? Though I highly doubt it to be true, I’m only asking because I remember reading something on the net a few years ago which implied that those who apply sooner for the lottery in the one month registration period would get a lower rank number and a higher chance of an interview scheduled. Thanks again!
October 9, 2015 at 19:09
Selection is random. In my CEAC files you can see the entry date of every selectee that processes. I wrote about that here:
https://britsimonsays.com/entering-the-dv-lottery-does-the-timing-of-the-entry-matter/
October 9, 2015 at 19:29
Many thanks for your reassuring reply & all the best to you!
November 5, 2015 at 14:24
Hi Simon. I want to know,
1) is it possible for one to get selected and after submitting DS260, then fails to get an appointment for any interview.
2) If so, what is the cause. Is it caused by delay in submitting DS260 or not;
3) Assuming i get the interview date, do i need an affidavit of support at the interview?
4) On the affidavit of support, if my friend in america attaches a tax return, will it be sufficient as a document of financial support
November 6, 2015 at 01:10
1. Yes
2. Either VERY late submission, or the case number never getting current.
3. https://britsimonsays.com/?s=134
4. He needs 1040/W2/Payslips and a copy of his passport.
November 6, 2015 at 11:56
On medical examination. Which particular diseases or medical condition will make someone to have his Visa rejected
November 6, 2015 at 19:03
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-are-the-diseases-that-can-cause-denial/
November 15, 2015 at 03:11
Hi Mr Simon,
From what I read at USCIS website and here at your blog, it seems like 50.000 worldwide annual visas are granted to CN entries, not counting derivatives. Hence the final number of visas including family members would be greater than 50k. Is this correct?
November 16, 2015 at 03:24
No. The 50K includes family.
March 8, 2016 at 07:45
Salut brit.mon case est 52xxx j’aurai mon entrevu quant?
March 8, 2016 at 13:59
Please post in English.
September.
May 19, 2016 at 03:24
Hey my case no. is AS000028xx, I’m Nepalese, 20 years old with no real job experience to fill up in the ds-260 form, what are my chances?
May 19, 2016 at 03:39
Fine if you meet the education requirement.
May 24, 2016 at 07:48
Hello there, I am from Nepal. I won the dv lottery 2017 and my case number in AS000040xx, my bf is in student visa in Japan and we are planning to marry after he comes Nepal completing his course i.e March 2017. Before that it is hard for him to come as he recently came for a vacation 2 months back. We are having lots of confusions, will it be okay if we get married after receiving the second letter but prior to interview ? Or will it be a complication for us?
May 24, 2016 at 15:27
That would be unwise. Get married earlier.
May 25, 2016 at 04:48
I think the safest way would be me not getting married at all as it might bring complication. But I heard we cant call our spouse till 5 years, that is quiet a long time!
May 25, 2016 at 05:27
Well I disagree completely – but it’s your case.
May 26, 2016 at 00:00
Thank you for the reply.
1.Won’t it be a problem or hindrance for receiving a second letter if I get married on the dv process? Many people here suggested me if I get married they might take me in negative way. Can you please suggest me, thanks.
2. Can I call my bf from Japan after I get the notification for second letter? As my case number is 2017AS00004xxx, I might receive my second letter tentatively on March, so what might be the right time for me to get married in the process. We are in a big dillema, please help.
May 26, 2016 at 00:11
1. I already told you – get married earlier. Stop listening to other people that have no idea what they are talking about.
2. No, that will surely mess things up. For the last time. get married earlier.
https://britsimonsays.com/marital-status-getting-married-dv-lottery-process/
September 26, 2017 at 13:48
Hy Vaidya,
Your case is similar to mine. I am from Nepal aswell. What was your outcome? Did you get married? If yes. Did you get the visa?
May 27, 2016 at 21:13
A colleague won the 2017 dv lottery, had to include two kids of family members living with her along with her spouse, but she’s worried now that these children are not here biological children. What best could she do?
May 27, 2016 at 21:33
Step children (through legal marriage) should be treated as children.
May 27, 2016 at 21:47
I meant after her marriage with the spouse, the took two of their relative children to live with them, now during the edv2017 they decided to included these relative children stay with them. Now that she has won it’s becoming a worry for her.
They are not actually her step children.
May 27, 2016 at 22:17
The children have to be biological children of one of the married adults OR legally adopted at least 2 years ago.
May 27, 2016 at 22:26
Thanks Brit,
June 14, 2016 at 08:04
Hi Simon
I know the drawing was may 1st 2016 but I was wondering if there is another one beside the first one
Thank you
June 14, 2016 at 13:38
Sometimes there is a small second draw about September/October.
July 24, 2016 at 09:07
I’m 2017AF0015XXX what’s my chances and when will be my interview?
July 24, 2016 at 15:40
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
July 24, 2016 at 15:57
Thanks for reply . but can you tell please
July 24, 2016 at 20:10
No. Click and read.
August 13, 2016 at 18:25
hi britsimon..thanks for your good works
Im in Ghana about filling my forms and Ghana is partitioned into regions eg….Eastern and western region not State/Province.
(1) Should i write it there or tick does not apply
(2)in Ghana when you complete high school you are given a certificate.So should i write certificate or diploma
August 13, 2016 at 18:37
For both questions, they are not critical – just use your best judgement.
September 30, 2016 at 07:24
Dear Simon,
I’m very frustrated and regret my ignorant of filling my DV online form. Through “Entrant Status Check”, I realized I have been randomly selected for further processing on around May, 2015.
But I make a great misunderstand,….from the email, I saw “All DV-2016 applicants must use the online DS-260 immigrant visa and alien registration application.” I misunderstand that DS-260 application form is the one I filled at the very beginning when I participated DV lottery in November, 2014.
So I keep on checking my status on “Entrant Status Check” and hopefully can see interview time and details. But until September, 2016, I start nervous as the 2016 Diversity Visa Lottery program will close on 30 September, I start to read the instruction again and again, (I’m very regret I overlook before when I read that instruction) until I saw a FAQ, I get a sense that this DS-260 is not the one I filled in 2014.
I feel very worry and immediately fill in that detailed DS-260 form on mid of September, 2016. Now I feel very regret, dillema, please help what I can do next! I received their confirmation of my DS-260 but didn’t got any interview details.
1) My CN is 2016AS00010XXX, is it very probably if I am not misunderstand?
2) During May 2015 to June 2016, in fact I email to them two time :
a) April 2016: regarding to changing my address and enquiry my status
b) June 2016: regarding my status
Both response are advise me to following the instruction, but didn’t expicitly tell me my DS-260 not yet open and fill out this form.
Under the above two enquiry email, can I do something or write email to KCC to ask them give me a chance for interview?
3) I understand only around 2% people can be selected, in fact, I should be very delighted but my ignorant leading today….Simon can you please tell me what I can do? I don’t think I will be that lucky in the future. What i can do now to grasp my opportunity, it will affect my remaining life.
Million of thanks.
September 30, 2016 at 13:19
I don’t really understand how you managed to misunderstand and delay things. Your description is very confused. However, today is the last day for approvals of DV2016 cases. If you have not already interviewed, there is NO WAY your case can be processed in time and the opportunity is lost. There is no possible extension of time. Not from KCC, not from a lawyer, not even the President of the USA could extend the time. You have missed your chance.
You can try again in future lotteries (one starts in a few days). But please pay more careful attention to the instructions.
October 9, 2016 at 15:27
Hi, I want to play the Dv for 2018 and I am pregnant, will that affect me when I summit and after some few months I put to birth, if I win will I be rejected for that?? Thanks so much simon
October 10, 2016 at 04:24
No.
October 13, 2016 at 14:26
I’m 2017AS0005XXX that I was born in UAE But I am Egyptian and lives in Egypt what’s my chances and when will be my interview?
October 13, 2016 at 15:31
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
October 19, 2016 at 10:30
i’ve been selected on DV2017case number 2017AF000004××
u filled down my application in 14 August.
when do you expect that i will recieve the appointment email?
u didn’t get it till now U think I’m save
October 19, 2016 at 14:07
You submitted your DS260 late – so your interview will be delayed until around March.
October 20, 2016 at 12:58
So kind of you
October 24, 2016 at 11:16
After iam selected what documents am i needed to prepare???
October 24, 2016 at 14:20
https://britsimonsays.com/prepare-dv-lottery-interview-2/
November 17, 2016 at 01:28
Hello Simon! I have been selected with the case number DV2017SA00001732. I am from Argentina so my entry is in South America group. I could see my status in October, not before, because in the page appears “Session time out”.
When I could finally enter and I realized that I was selected, I sent inmediatly the DS260 form.
I want to know if with this case number (high for my region, I suppossed), I have chances of reaching the interview. I would like to know where is the number of visas available for my region so that I can estimate my chance better.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Regards,
Andrea
November 17, 2016 at 14:39
Yes your number is high. THere are around 1500 visas for SA region, but many selectees are not successful. Wait and see is the only sensible answer I can give you.
January 5, 2017 at 15:47
Hi Brit
I’ve been doing a bit of research and have noticed that the numbering in the draw process is also random. I would have thought that numbering is done according to when entering the lottery is done, as in earlier entries get lower numbers. Maybe there is a shuffling process that is done first. I discovered this by entering random numbers on the CEAC system. Am assuming case creation date shown is the date when the EDV application was submitted. I noticed that some entries had lower numbers when they were submitted later during the entry period while others had higher numbers while they were submitted earlier during the entry period. I will not state any CN numbers as they are real personal numbers. I don’t know if u have also observed this or you already have an explanation.
Thanx and have a great year.
January 5, 2017 at 16:08
No research was needed. I have explained many times, the draw is random. An earlier entry does NOT mean a lower case number. I explain the draw process here.
https://britsimonsays.com/the-lottery-draw-process-holes-theory-and-so-on/
January 8, 2017 at 11:52
Hi Simon,is there any chance to get the 2NL or I should forget it? Thank you very much.
C.N: 2017AF00008XXX
DS260 submission:06 September 2016. From ALGERIA
January 8, 2017 at 14:11
Hi Hichem , I’m from ALGERIA too , you shouldn’t forget your 2NL , you will get it just you submitted your DS260 late good luck
January 8, 2017 at 14:42
Of course you will get it. Please don’t keep asking the questions I already answered.
https://britsimonsays.com/ask-questions/comment-page-62/#comment-56561
January 26, 2017 at 14:07
Since Trump says he’s going to limit immigration from countries like Iran, that would change the asian region a lot wouldn’t it?
January 26, 2017 at 15:38
He hasn’t said that. So let’s not speculate.
January 30, 2017 at 18:16
What is the form OS115A mean in USCIS Web page?
January 30, 2017 at 18:31
I don’t know.
February 9, 2017 at 07:52
Hi Simon
As there are a large number of selectees from Uzbekistan
What do you think will the country hit the 7 percent limit?
February 9, 2017 at 14:48
No. Many don’t proceed or if they do, get denied.
April 8, 2017 at 14:09
Hello Brit,
Can the photo pass if its not in 5in x 5in size while applying? I have already on the way interview, but this photo doubt digging my brain. If it is not 5 x 5 i can be invited to the interview and get refuse there, or i should disqualified and should received ‘has not been selected’ page when i checked in May 2016?
April 8, 2017 at 14:53
The photo size is not 5in x 5in – but anyway – stop worrying about this.
April 8, 2017 at 15:15
Probably i confused with units so i stopped,lol after 3 days interview all kind of wrong opinions is coming to my brain
April 19, 2017 at 10:24
Dear Brit Simon
I have 2 general questions not regarding a specific case
1. You say on your diseases page -“the physician is responsible for checking the vaccinations of the immigrant to meet the list of vaccine preventable diseases”, how do they check your vaccinations, must the applicant provide documentation or is there a central registry of all patients and vaccinations?
2. If possible up to what case number would you say is almost 100% guaranteed to get an interview, then up to what number has a good chance and over what number the chance is highly unlikely?
Thank in advance
April 19, 2017 at 10:26
I was referring to case numbers in AF
April 19, 2017 at 13:20
1. They make sensible decisions based on documentation provided OR vaccination programs that exist in the area. If there is doubt, they re-vaccinate.
2. AF is current (apart from the two limited countries). So, apart from those two countries) all AF numbers are certain.
May 5, 2017 at 22:41
Hello Simon,
Thank you for the great resource here. I’ve been randomly selected in the 2018 DV and my case number is 2018OC000022XX just wondering if this is a high case number for Oceania? Is it likely to even reach an interview stage?
Many thanks.
May 6, 2017 at 04:23
It is too early to be sure – but yes, it is a very high number with high risk.
May 6, 2017 at 13:28
Ahh ok, that’s a shame. Thank you for replying so quickly.
May 12, 2017 at 22:38
Thank you for all the valuable informations here , I have been selected Dv2018 case number is AF34xxx , I submitted a ds260 around May 5 , what shout I do next ?
And is 34xxx consider a high number for Africa ?
May 13, 2017 at 04:45
Now you wait
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions
May 13, 2017 at 10:53
Thanks. The link is informative but , to have some required papers ready i need to travel to another country is this high case number worth to travel ?
May 13, 2017 at 13:37
With what you have told me – I can’t say anything. It’s up to you to decide. However, you only need the documents when you get scheduled for interview.
May 22, 2017 at 18:02
When will be the estimated time for interview for af34xxx if any
May 22, 2017 at 18:12
YEAR????
May 22, 2017 at 18:23
For 2018, many thanks
May 22, 2017 at 20:51
OK – read this
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 18, 2017 at 08:18
Hello simon great work!
We are 3 members family. My case number is 2018AS000016xx. Ds 260 submitted on may 17th. When we can expect our interview
May 18, 2017 at 13:10
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
May 22, 2017 at 14:21
Hello Simon,,
I have been selected with the case number DV2018AS00009xxx. I am from Yemen
What are my chances in winning ?
And i have another question if you don’t mind . the bulletin rises every year isn’t that right ..
like for example
the bulletin number for asia in 2015 reached 7500
and africa reached 50,000
why africa has a higher number than asia ??
May 22, 2017 at 17:08
You have a fairly high case number – so you will have to wait and see whether you get an interview or not.
Each region is different. The number ranges are different (so there can be an AS region case 100 and the same case number can exist (for different winner) in other regions such as AF or EU. Quotas vary by region too – so – AF region gets more visas than AS region.
July 21, 2017 at 11:45
Am David,if u are denied it is possible for you to play the other year and win again
July 21, 2017 at 11:52
Yes
August 14, 2017 at 13:52
hi sir, im a bit confuse.. please clear my doubts… after submitting your ds 260 form, are you going to email the confirmation page and other supporting documents including your photo to the embassy? and when do your petitioner send your affidavit of support after submitting your ds 260 form?
August 14, 2017 at 13:57
No. You present everything at the interview.
September 12, 2017 at 18:01
Hello
Bro simon
I am winner of 2018 dv
And my case number about AS13k
Just wondering if this case is highe and impossible to be scheduled for an interview
Please help
September 12, 2017 at 18:20
Yes it is high/risky. All you can do is wait and see.
October 25, 2017 at 17:13
Hello Simon, thank you for your website, I found it very useful. I have been selected and my case number is 2018EU0003536x. When could I expect the interview?
Have a great day!
October 25, 2017 at 17:48
It will be summer 2018 – I don’t know exactly when.
October 26, 2017 at 16:14
I sent you a message on facebook about my previous post. Please check it. Thank you!
December 1, 2017 at 19:25
Hi Brit i’m selected for Dv-2018 lottery. if i am victim of any kind of disease like cancer,diabetic or HIV……. is it make any problem on my interview?
December 1, 2017 at 21:23
Always check the FAQ
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-are-the-diseases-that-can-cause-denial/
December 15, 2017 at 07:25
Hey brit.my case no is 2018as8898 is high rosky case no or small risky?? Or it ill get interview??
December 15, 2017 at 15:24
Wait and see
January 19, 2018 at 10:56
Hello Simon
My numer is 2018EU17XXX
I want to know if you have any prediction if my interview will be in January or February
January 19, 2018 at 14:59
I am 100% certain you won’t be interviewed in January, February or March even.
October 29, 2018 at 09:02
Hi Brit
My case number is 2019AF00010270.i want to know when I will be schedule for interview
October 29, 2018 at 14:01
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2019-basic-questions/
February 4, 2018 at 05:46
Hello Simon
My case number is 2018EU24XXX.
Can you tell me about our chance ? We are 5 people from Albania
February 4, 2018 at 14:39
You are OBVIOUSLY safe.
February 6, 2018 at 15:24
Thanks Simon for answering!
So we might get interviewed late in the summer ? I guess the process is going really slowly this year
February 6, 2018 at 17:23
Patience.
February 7, 2018 at 19:39
I have one last question .
May the Trump’s proposal for cutting off the American lottery system affect the winners’ of 2017 process?
February 7, 2018 at 19:58
No
March 13, 2018 at 15:05
Dear Brit Simon,
It seems that the process is going pretty slow. Our case number is 2018EU248XX and according to visa bulletin numbers for May it seems that our number is in risk. Will there be interviews for September and will we have chances for interview?
Thank you in advance.
March 13, 2018 at 15:11
No risk. Patience.
March 13, 2018 at 15:58
Thank you very much.
February 5, 2018 at 12:45
Hi Brit,
My case number is 23XX for South America. Can you please tell me my chance?
If there is a chance, when should I get the interview?
Thank You
February 5, 2018 at 15:28
I think your number is too high to get an interview – but wait and see.
February 7, 2018 at 17:46
Why do you think that way? They are many times South America get Current status. Don’t you think it will happen again?
Thank You.
February 7, 2018 at 17:52
Because SA region had 4995 people selected this year. That is more than double the selectees from DV2017, and nearly 2000 more than DV2016. So – there are too many selectees. More info here.
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
February 7, 2018 at 18:10
Thanks for the answer. So, You mean 15XX is very safe for SA but also possible max number is 30XX. Am I correct?
February 7, 2018 at 18:38
15XX is safe – but numbers above that have risk. There are 1908 cases below SA2300, but only 145 cases above SA2300. Each case includes the winner plus derivatives, so ALL the 4995 people are in just 2056 cases. That means you have around 4600 people in front of you, and a quota of around 1500/1600. So your number is very unlikely to become current.
February 9, 2018 at 00:15
my Number is 49XX for zimbabwe. how safe
February 9, 2018 at 01:22
Less than 5000? Safe. Nearly 50,000? Risky.
February 9, 2018 at 07:11
Hi Brit,
My case number is 46XX for Kenya. Can you please tell me my chance?
Thank You
February 9, 2018 at 14:49
That number is already current.
February 9, 2018 at 15:39
Sorry it’s AF46XXX
February 9, 2018 at 17:12
So wait and see.
February 12, 2018 at 20:40
Hello Brit , my number is 29800 , is this safe ? What about interview ?
Thank if u answer !!
February 12, 2018 at 22:16
Wait and see, and if you want to ask anything, list the year and region along with the number..
February 14, 2018 at 03:03
Hi Brit,
My case number is 10XX for South America.
Can you tell me about our chance ? We are 4 people from Venezuela
February 14, 2018 at 03:42
You are certain to get an interview.
February 16, 2018 at 15:59
Hi Brit, my case number is 2018AF00034,am I safe, and when will probably be my interview?
February 16, 2018 at 16:01
From Kenya
February 16, 2018 at 17:54
I assume you mean 2018AF00034XXX.
Wait and see.
March 9, 2018 at 18:43
Hi Brit,
My DV2018 number is 30XXX from Africa
So what is the chance to get interview and when should I get my medical exam done? Thank you
March 9, 2018 at 18:57
You will get current. Once you receive your 2NL you book the medical.
March 20, 2018 at 15:27
Dear Simon,
I am quite curious about the commonalities between people who had won the lottery but couldn’t complete the process -for some reason and re-apply and win again the following year.
They do exist, right?
Best wishes!
March 20, 2018 at 16:50
Yes that can happen. It’s a lottery – chance.