The pace of DS260 processing appears to be slower this year than last year. Given the low number of selectees in the first draw, that is a surprise – because the volume of DS260 submissions would have been less than the past 2 years.
So far the interviews have been based on about 2 weeks worth or submissions per month.
- October interviews were on DS260 submissions up to around May 15/20 (2 weeks worth of submissions)
- November interviews were on DS260 submissions up to around May 31 ( a bit less than 2 weeks worth of submissions)
- December interviews were on DS260 submissions up to around June 12/15 (2 weeks worth of submissions).
- January interviews were on DS260 submissions up to around the end of June (about 2 weeks worth of submissions). The latest submissions I am aware of (that were scheduled) were just two cases for July 1 and July 2. There will have been some cases earlier than that NOT processed in time.
The impact of this is that many people are being delayed. Cases are scheduled according to the case number and visa bulletin. HOWEVER, no case can be scheduled if the Ds260 has not completed processing. So, a low case number could be delayed because of a late submission. The reverse is not true, so a high case number (not yet current) cannot be scheduled simply because the DS260 was already processed.
I do expect this pace to speed up at some point. The majority of selectees would have submitted in the first month or two after the May announcement of winners, so as the majority of cases are processed, the 2 weeks per month pace should increase to say 3 or 4 weeks of submissions per month – and possibly faster than that. However, there would have been another spike of submissions in September because of the 2nd draw, so that could slow processing again when those DS260s are being processed.
Let me address some frequently asked questions…
Q1. Does this delay matter?
Well it is frustrating, I understand that, but generally speaking there is no negative impact of this delay. The Green Cards for interviews in March are just as good those for January interviews. So – patience is key.
Q2. My friend submitted after me and his form was processed before mine. Why?
Not all cases are the same. Someone may have a more complicated travel history (perhaps involving countries with increased security risk or uncooperative governments), different education or work history or even a different name that requires additional background checking. So – two cases submitted on the exact same day probably won’t complete at the same time. There could be days and even weeks difference in the processing time between the two cases.
Q3. Why is this happening?
I can on guess – I don’t know for sure.This slowness leads me to believe there is some different security checking in place this year, or it’s the same checks being done more slowly. There is a possibility that it is something to do with checks on the photo because for DV2018 instructions there was a clearer instruction that re-using a photo from a previous could result in disqualification. That indicates there are doing more to check entries against existing data sources, including previous year entries. This enhanced security is more likely and easier due to the move to electronic forms.
Q4. What other impacts will this have?
The Visa Bulletin number progression will slow down at some point when the DS260 backlog decreases. This is because all the cases already current that couldn’t previously be scheduled due to late submissions will take up the available interview slots once those DS260s are processed. That means KCC will not have to advance the VB numbers so much in order to get enough visa interviews in a month. I do expect processing pace to “catch up” within a few more months so the pace of processing should not represent a challenge to cases submitted in good time. However, I do NOT recommend testing that theory! I advise people to treat May of next year as the hard deadline to submit the DS260 to assure processing can be completed in time to be scheduled for an interview before the end of the year.
Q5. Is this the same for all regions?
Yes and no. Theoretically the region shouldn’t matter, but in reality it might. Africa typically sees slow submissions (based on the several years I have observed). So – their VB pace is high and many AF region cases are waiting. However, I have a small amount of anecdotal evidence that AF cases are taking longer to process even on early submission dates. So – there might be a change – but again I think the enhanced security checks could be a part of that.
Q6. I can’t be bothered to be patient and I don’t want to read all this information. Please just tell me when MY case will be scheduled!
I get these sort of questions (as a demand sometimes) all the time. It’s frustrating, to be perfectly honest. I write all this information to explain the process and educate people about the process, but there are some that ignore the info and want me to do their thinking for them. I am a busy person, so honestly I don’t have time for those requests. So – if you ask, don’t be surprised if I tell you to read this article again, or the basic questions article that explains how cases are scheduled.
November 23, 2016 at 21:47
Thanks for the update. This does make me slightly uneasy as I did use the previous year’s picture (DV2017 winner). No excuse for it as I had read the rules and proceeded with the same picture anyway. If that’s what gets me in the interview, I had it coming…
November 23, 2016 at 21:52
dear Simon EU12xxx I submited DS in September. I am student in Taiwan now and Taiwan is the location I chose to have my interview. But becasue I submit DS late and maybe process is going slow, I haven’t get interview date yet. I will graduate in Fabruary and then I’m able to return my country. Do you recomment me change my interview location to my home country or wait in Taiwan? I read it can be more risky to have interview in other countries because those embassys maynot evaluate foreigners well.
November 23, 2016 at 23:34
Your interview is unlikely to be before March – so yes – you might as well update the address and ask them to schedule you for your home country.
November 24, 2016 at 06:38
Dear Simon thank you for the promt reply.
Do you know if it is a disadvantage to get the interview other than the home country embassy please?
November 24, 2016 at 07:07
Yes it is, in general.
November 24, 2016 at 10:17
hi simon What is disadvatage to have interview outside of your home country.
November 24, 2016 at 15:53
The embassy might not be used to seeing documents from that country and may not be familiar with the education standard. So – in many cases the embassy has to put the case on AP while they check on the paperwork.
November 23, 2016 at 21:57
Thank u for this great article sir
Once we r a 2017 dv winnirs there is no risk about photo we used in lottery I mean we r not gonna be asked about it for any reason ?
Thanks again 🙂
November 23, 2016 at 23:35
I don’t know what you mean.
November 23, 2016 at 22:53
Hello sir , i hope you are doing fine ,
my friend CN is AF 270XX from Algeria and he is going to submit his ds260 in the first week of December . do you this he is in danger and when he should expect his interview .
November 23, 2016 at 22:54
Thank you .
Best regards .
November 23, 2016 at 23:36
Read the article.
November 23, 2016 at 23:46
do you know anyone who got denied a visa at the interview because of re-using a photo from a previous entry.
November 24, 2016 at 02:45
Re-using an old photo – yes.
November 24, 2016 at 14:11
Hey Brit,
Has it worked the other way around as well?winning and getting the visa after having used an old entry photo?
November 24, 2016 at 15:42
Yes
November 24, 2016 at 00:00
Hello simon
My case number is 4949 from nepal
And i have summited my ds260 at 11 may 2016
Still heard nothing form them .
Abit worried .
Thanks
November 24, 2016 at 02:44
I keep answering you on this very same point. YOU ARE NOT CURRENT!!! The date you submitted is irrelevant. You won’t be scheduled for some months yet.
November 24, 2016 at 00:32
dear simon my case number is xxxxxx10930 i summt my applicationon november i make late summition will be able to schedule for interview
November 24, 2016 at 01:15
Thank you britsimon for all you do and all the time you take to explain everything in details. your blog really helped me during my whole DV process and thankfully i made it and we are finally in the USA with my family.may God bless you so much and keep up the good work.
November 24, 2016 at 02:43
Congratulations and welcome to the USA!
November 24, 2016 at 08:15
Hi simon
I am affraid now because i did choose SA for interview tham my country of birth.
As your respond to the one in taiwan he ask if he can change is interview place because it risk that the consulat officier can not evaluet well the foreigner well.
So can i change the interview location ?
I am living here for 7years now nd have kids.
Do you now any one or do you have a interview experience for congolese in South africa?
I dont want to spend money after that the denier us the visa for wrong choice of interview.
Please i reely reely need your help.
November 24, 2016 at 15:58
Relax. Congo and SA are not that far apart so there should be no problem.
November 24, 2016 at 08:40
Hi Brit Simon, I am I 2017 lottery winner, It was the first time I entered so my photo had not been used before, I also entered the 2018 lottery just incase, I used the same photo I used for the 2017 lottery, will this affect my current win?
November 24, 2016 at 15:57
No
November 24, 2016 at 13:31
hello
I have one question considering to the 2 draw the two numbers for example, 7000 Asia will be in the same time for a scheduled interview because one has submitted on May and another- 2 draw- has submitted in October ?
Best
November 24, 2016 at 15:46
Possibly, if there has been enough time for both cases to be processed.
November 24, 2016 at 19:10
Happy Thanksgiving All! Hopefully this time next year I’ll be able to celebrate it in the U.S. We never know, with the pace of our friends at KCC this time around…
November 24, 2016 at 19:25
hello Brit i have a question and sorry for bad english
i was a winner from second draw of DV2017 with case number EU24XXX and my ds260 is submited on september 20, when my interview will be?
Thank You Very Much
Regards
November 24, 2016 at 20:11
Read the article. Pay attention to Q6.
November 25, 2016 at 05:59
Hi Brit,
Just wondering if you fail the application because you reuse a photo even after being selected for further processing, at which stage will you fail?
November 25, 2016 at 14:36
No notified case is rejected before interview.
November 25, 2016 at 07:55
Chances of visa bulletin realease upto 7450 Nepal??????????
November 25, 2016 at 14:33
I am not predicting!!!!!!!!!
November 25, 2016 at 08:46
Have you ever heard about anyone, who got denied a visa at the interview, because of a bit wrong composition of photo? (too large face) or it will be depend of CO?
November 25, 2016 at 14:31
The composition would have to be REALLY bad. But yes, it is up to the CO.
November 25, 2016 at 10:37
dear brit much thanks to you for the help..im a dv winner with cn AF36***..and i have sent an email today to kcc to make some revision on my ds260 ..does it cause a delay for my interview??i think my interview will be around march..
November 25, 2016 at 14:27
Most unlocks do not cause a delay.
November 25, 2016 at 16:54
Hi BritSimon
in 2014 i have played dv lottery (dv 2016) and i was not selected but i used the same photo in 2015 for the (dv 2017) i’ve been selected do you think i am disqualified because i used the same picture?
thank for your time
November 25, 2016 at 18:35
Not necessarily. Disqualifications for re-using old photos have been rare up to now. So – the chances are low to get disqualified because of that.
November 26, 2016 at 09:50
Hi BritSimon
I recieved email on 12-10-2016
Dear Applicant,
Thank you for being a valued U.S. Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) customer. Your online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application Form(DS-260) has been submitted
I submitted my application on 11 September 2016
What is the meaning or value of this
November 26, 2016 at 16:07
It’s just a receipt. Don’t worry about it.
November 26, 2016 at 16:11
Hi Brit
I am dv winner of2016 and I came USA in October 14. I had been paid my Green Card when my visa issued.my question:
1. How many time will take to get Green card?
2. How Can I follow for it.
November 26, 2016 at 16:37
1. 3 to 4 months
2. You can’t follow it for at least 3 months. Just forget it for now and hopefully it will arrive in January/February.
November 26, 2016 at 18:18
Just want to assist in completing the picture:
EU99xx
DS260 last week of August
No interview scheduled yet.
Keep up the good work! 🙂
November 26, 2016 at 21:22
should i stay inside America till I get the green card or can I leave after 2 weeks or 1 month?
November 26, 2016 at 21:30
You can leave immediately – no need to stay.
November 27, 2016 at 00:01
How about this? My wife is an actual dv2017 winner and I am a derivative. If We get the visa, We’ll enter the USA together but my wife has to go back to my home country immediately because of her job. The question is “If I (a derivative) stay in the USA, my wife leaves and rejoin me 8-9 months later, does it become an issue?
Thanks
November 27, 2016 at 02:49
No issue.
November 27, 2016 at 04:00
Hi Sir
Can I submit my university degree at the interview? Even though I did not include it on my DS 260 form because I was still attending at the I won the DV.
November 27, 2016 at 06:09
Yes
November 27, 2016 at 14:38
Hi sir. I summited my Ds260 form on 20th of July this year.my case number is 2017Af00013xxx. I have not received any notification from kcc. I want you to please tell what’s the hold on.
November 27, 2016 at 15:52
You could read the article above for hidden clues.
November 28, 2016 at 03:15
It seems a bit unfair that Bahamas (North America) selections are so low. I mean come on, out of a 300,000+ populated country, the max I’ve seen is 16. It is slightly unfair to me.
November 28, 2016 at 03:23
You misunderstand. The low number of selectees is due to the low number of entries – typically 1700/1800 entries per year. Their chances of selection are similar to the other larger regions.
November 28, 2016 at 03:28
Ok, so what percentage is used per region?
November 28, 2016 at 04:41
It varies by region and year but EU/AF/AS are between 1 to 100 and 1 to 250. Some countries are further limited. Some further explanation here.
https://britsimonsays.com/the-lottery-draw-process-holes-theory-and-so-on/
There is also a formula that allocates visas to regions – but essentially NA region gets few selectees because it is small and has few entries. Nothing mysterious or unfair.
November 28, 2016 at 12:24
Dear brit
Do u have any idea about long processing for middle east countries ? I am from syria and I’ve lived in syria my whole life and still till now , my case is kind of simple as I am single and a university student with no travil history , submitted ds260 at 27 may , resubmitted 12 july and the update was a passport expiry only and didn’t get 2nl is it normal for u ?
Cn is 2017AS00000xxx
Thank u sir
November 28, 2016 at 14:42
Given country security concerns a longer processing time for middle eastern countries is not a surprise.
November 28, 2016 at 14:16
Hi brit
When i checked status Of My case number i got this
Summary information:-
Before we Can process your diversity visa application,each applicant in your case must complete Form Ds – 260,the online immigrant visa and alien registration application……..
I already summited my ds 260 form in may 6 . My question is does it mean I have to summit again?
November 28, 2016 at 14:38
No. If all your forms (for each person) say “Completed” on the summary page then you are fine.
December 2, 2016 at 12:00
Hi Simon
why is one of the form is completed(Single person) and the other one is not completed its is just added. will you not be appointed for that?
December 2, 2016 at 15:10
That would not stop the interview.
November 28, 2016 at 15:20
Hi Brit: I did not realize that reusing the photo has such serious implications… I did use the same photo for dv2016 dv2017 (where I got selected) and dv2018. Is this certain that I will get denied now? I should be current in March/April…… Should I prepare myself for the worse?
November 28, 2016 at 16:13
Not following the instructions is always a bad idea. However, it is not certain that you will be denied – so relax and wait for your interview. They may not notice the photo is older.
November 28, 2016 at 16:07
And also, at what stage they inform you that you are disqualified for re using the photo?
November 28, 2016 at 16:13
No case is disqualified before interview.
November 28, 2016 at 16:36
Ok. Thank you so much.
If they do notice that my photo is reused, can I still be awarded a GC? Do you know about any cases like that?
November 28, 2016 at 16:56
The CO can choose to overlook the mistake – and generally will if the appearance is not greatly changed. RELAX.
November 28, 2016 at 18:18
The “Relax” means a lot to me right now. Thank you for that, and thank you for all your help here!
November 29, 2016 at 09:29
Is GED is a valid course for diversity visa ? I wanna ask you that if a person doesn’t have a +2 and s/he have passed GED and s/he have all other required documents. How much there is chance to get visa ?
November 29, 2016 at 15:08
The instructions say it cannot be a GED or similar.
November 30, 2016 at 03:45
how many chance
i will get visa
November 30, 2016 at 04:04
Well you know your qualifications. If you cannot meet the requirements, you will not be approved.
November 29, 2016 at 09:42
Hi, Brit,
Our interview date is already schedule, my wife won the lottery,
Case no is 2017AF000XXXXX,
On submitting the ds-260 for each one of us? i made a mistake on my ds-260(derivative) instead of 2017AF000XXXXX I included 2017AFXXXXX?
WHAT’S YOUR ADVISE since my wife is the principal applicant and she did include me in her ds-260 form plus from the initial entry when applying the lottery am also included!
Regards
November 29, 2016 at 15:10
When your wife logs in to the the DS260 she should see DS260s with “comleted” status for each one of you. If so, that is fine.
December 2, 2016 at 05:38
Thanks Brit for the update.
November 29, 2016 at 15:19
Hi brit
First of all accept my opplogize if im asking my question in an irrevalent place. I have submited my ds260 form in may 29 ( case no 2017as000060**) with my wife who is the principal winner.first, In that time we hadnt move to our new place so we submitted our previous adress ( country still the same just our city has changed) second when we were filling up the forms i didnt have passport so i chose the other travel document for my passport number but now i have got my passport and third i was unemployed that time and now i am employed somewhere and have a part time job .my question is “is it neccessary to request for unlocking the form and update my job ,passport number and living adress or its not a big matter to need for unlocking the form”
I will appreciate it so much if you help me out.
November 29, 2016 at 15:51
Yes, unlock and correct those things.
https://britsimonsays.com/faq/how-do-i-unlock-my-ds260/
November 29, 2016 at 16:07
Do you think it will cause our case to be postponed for interview ? (Our Cn as60** from iran)
November 29, 2016 at 18:15
Brit, random hypothetical question here… just had a chat with a friend and we had different views. What happens if you change countries (let’s say US to Argentina for example), you make the change of address in the DS-260, but don’t email KCC about the change?
November 29, 2016 at 18:54
That would cause problems – so I would not advise you to test theory. In the case you give, that would also involve switching from Adjustment of Status to CP – and that means CP ye background checks would need to be started. Bottomline, people should simply follow the “normal” path.
November 30, 2016 at 08:15
Hi Brit, I am the dv winner 2017, actually last year 2016 lottery we had applied as single though we were married by mistakenly and nou in 2017 lottery we have applied as married and we win, does that past entry affect our present dv process , thank you
Hope you reply
November 30, 2016 at 15:06
They might ask you about it, but as long as you have all the required paperwork there should not be a problem.
November 30, 2016 at 15:19
That means, if we show our marriege certificate and wedding photographs that would not be a problem!!
November 30, 2016 at 08:18
hello
Is it possible this year will be in contour lack of visa in september as like as 2013 with the second draw , the reason that the expectation country like Iran has many low case numbers?
November 30, 2016 at 15:05
It is possible. We don’t know how many additional cases were added in the second draw.
November 30, 2016 at 14:32
dear simon,
my friend said The US president want to skip DV lottery.
This news is for today.
Do you hear any news about this?
November 30, 2016 at 14:47
There is a FAKE news site publishing that rumor as click bait.
November 30, 2016 at 19:09
if I got touristic visa since 25 years and I lost it (on 1993) and I applied after that and been refused on 1995. i never been in before and my wife is the one who won the lottery .. does this history affecting our case
November 30, 2016 at 19:10
sorry .. never been in America before
November 30, 2016 at 21:05
No
November 30, 2016 at 21:52
Dear Brit,
Please help me to understand if I have to unlock ds260 for second time.
1. Submitted on the 1st of Novemer unlocked and resubmitted once.
2. Now I noticed that address in USA was put in wrong way. I have put Burbank in the line with street address instead of putting it in “City” line and put Los Angeles in the “City” line which actually is county in this case where Burbank city is situated. But in the ds260 there is no line of “county” or “district”. So I was confused and made that mistake.
Do you think I have to unlock and correct it again?
Will the unlocking too many times will create problems?
My case number is 2017EU 00019xxx.
November 30, 2016 at 23:30
You don’t have to unlock for that.
December 1, 2016 at 09:00
Hi Simon I have a question if someone come in USA as a student and after long time all pepars and vise get expired can those apply for Dvlottery green card? Please let me know
December 1, 2016 at 18:05
If the person has overstayed and accrued illegal presence they will probably not be able to process a DV lottery win.
December 1, 2016 at 13:20
Dear Simon,
I was interviewed along with my spouse and daughter 4 days before..VO told us we were issued visa and given white cheat where visa was issued written.
But matter of fact i got mail from noreply yesterday to pick up mine and daughter only so i picked mine and daughter passport where visa was printed..But i am confused and scared why my spouse passport has not been returned for pickup..Do u please let me know why this could happen..Is there such cases happened before that pp picking is not called at a same time of all family members?
Please do help and suggest for solution.
December 1, 2016 at 17:55
The solution is to relax and exercise some patience. Wait a week and see what happens. Then if he does not get his passport, contact the embassy.
December 1, 2016 at 14:34
Great work you are doing…keep up and may God bless you. I am waiting for 2nl and am totally satisfied with your advice.
December 1, 2016 at 16:08
Dear Simon
thanks for your great work
I’m from Egypt ,DV2017 Winner , My Number is 203**
according to last two years visa bullten the expected interview at April 2017
I submitted my first DS-260 at May 2016 and unlocked and did a change on Oct 2016
I have a fair i need to attend on Canada on May 1st for a week
so i wonder if you can help from your experience if you were on my shoes should i register for this fair or no (do u think i can make it,,,i also worried if my case processed on April they may take my passport for sometime with them,,,,
pls if you have an answer let me know
Regards
December 1, 2016 at 17:51
I can’t predict that… you have to decide for yourself.
December 2, 2016 at 08:27
I know it’s hard to predict. Let me ask you other thing
If I went to the interview In April how long the embassy will keep my passport with them according to my understanding and please correct me if I’m wrong there is three possibilities 1. approved. 2 . Disapprovedo. 3.put on AP.
My question is in the three results how long will the embassy in Cairo keep my passport?
Thanks in advance for your help. It rare to find such a free professional help like u. GOD BLESS U.
December 2, 2016 at 15:14
If they approve you they normally would keep your passport although you can ask for it back immediately if you need it for travel. That would then slow down the issuance of the visa and cause a delay.
If it’s denied you get it back immediately.
If it’s AP they sometimes keep the passport, sometimes return it. Again, you can ask for it, again with a risk of additional delay.
There is no other outcome.
December 1, 2016 at 23:34
No. It’s a ridiculous quote from a ridiculous website.
December 2, 2016 at 13:07
Hi Brit, I have my interview next Wednesday, and my american address is going to change after this date (because my american friend is moving out) … Do you know if I can change it at the airport when I arrive in the United States, or do I need to find a new contact now to give the address during my interview at the embassy ?
Thank you for your answer !
December 2, 2016 at 15:01
You can change at the airport – but that is the last chance you will have.
December 2, 2016 at 14:36
Dear Simon is it obligatory as per the rules to update ds260 whenever you have changes in work or address. Cause I have sent ds in july and I have some changes regarding workplace,I am jobless now to be exact
December 2, 2016 at 14:57
No it is not obligatory.
December 2, 2016 at 16:49
Hello,
I have not yet received my interview notification. I submitted my ds260 in late August, but I’m beginning to doubt that it got submitted at all. What should it say if it has been properly finished and sent?
December 2, 2016 at 17:47
“Completed”
READ THE ARTICLE.
December 2, 2016 at 17:28
Dear BritSimon,
My Case Number is AF000010xx and I submitted DS 260 on 10 July. unlock and resubmitted on 12 July. What do you think, that I will get an interview on Feb or not? If not, should I write to KCC to ask them for my interview whether or not my case is scheduled for interview?
Thank you for your response!
December 2, 2016 at 17:46
What I think is in the article above. You should read Q6.
December 3, 2016 at 08:55
Dear Brit, thanks for your wonderful work. Through your advised I helped my sister to travel despite her reluctance as her case number was above 50000. I don’t know if you have any idea about winners from Cameroon in the second draw?.
December 3, 2016 at 15:17
I don’t know 2nd draw numbers.