The new Visa Bulletin has been released. This one is for interviews in May, and there is good progress in the numbers.
What is encouraging for me though is that they have released the VB “on time”. That hasn’t happened in a year, and shows that things are returning to normal. Since the last VB we also saw some interviews scheduled for April (around 600 interviews), so we will see how many interviews they can get scheduled for May.
Remember any case which is UNDER the VB number for the region (or country where there is an “Except” number) can be scheduled for interview. However, they will ONLY schedule interviews where the case is “ready for scheduling” (meaning the DS260 and documents have been processed), AND the embassy is operating (open) to accept the interview.
To those new to looking at VBs, let me explain what the “except” XXX country means. Some countries have been called out as “exceptions” meaning that selectees chargeable to those two countries (regardless of where they will interview) are subject to a lower VB number for the month than the rest of the region. This is done to slow down processing for countries with a high number of selectees to spread out the workload over a longer time. Please read this linked article on how to read the visa bulletin.
March 14, 2021 at 18:40
Hello! Mr Britsimon I’m a dv winner for 2021 and my number is current for May interview
I haven’t received any message requesting for supporting documents, I just wanna ask if it’s early cus they dealing with March interviews now and probably will deal with April interviews next during the month of April and I should be expecting 2Nl towards the end of the month of April like two weeks before may .
March 15, 2021 at 03:09
Send your documents.
March 19, 2021 at 11:31
Hello … i lived in China for 6years and they can’t find my police certificate for my last year. Instead of getting a police certificate going from 2013-2018, i got one going from 2013-2017. What can i do ? Is it a reason to be denied the visa ?
March 19, 2021 at 21:45
Read the reciprocity page instructions for China.
March 14, 2021 at 21:26
Hi brit, i would like to appreciate your wonderful work and timely information for dv selectees.
My case number is 2021AF30xxx, i sent my document to KCC 2days ago.
1. On naming the police certificate i miss the name of country XXX.(but country name is found in certificate)
Could it be a problem? Shall i re send it by correcting the name?
2. the scanned documents are in .jpg format with average size 400kbs. Do the format and the size(small) are acceptable?
thank you in advance for your great work.
March 15, 2021 at 03:14
1. No problem.
2. No problem.
March 15, 2021 at 00:02
Good morning, do you have any predictions/ideas on visas running out towards August/September for AOSers? My FO seems to group all interviews towards those months
March 15, 2021 at 03:21
I can’t see any way the visas will be exhausted this year.
March 15, 2021 at 02:11
Hi Brits, What could be the reasons for an embassy not to schedule DV interviews? Our country is not greatly effected by covid or any other issues. All government and private institutes are operating normally since last year. Is there a way to send a complaint to KCC?
March 15, 2021 at 03:17
No. The embassies have the right to decide what is best for the safety of their staff and the public.
March 15, 2021 at 04:20
Thank you sir.
March 15, 2021 at 04:35
Brit i can see 2nls are being sent out for case numbers over 200 mine is 162 and have not received anything yet but was ready for scheduling in august than i unlocked my forms to correct my son mew passport details sennt again to kcc received ready schedule interview again on the 29th sep.
Do i need to contact them again?
March 16, 2021 at 02:21
I suggest you remain patient until the end of the month.
March 16, 2021 at 06:24
Thanks brit will do
March 15, 2021 at 06:27
Hi Brit. We are 2021 dv winners and our case#19***. However we still havent received any request from kcc to send them scanned documents. Moreover the US emassy is closed in our country. Does KCC process the cases even if conuslate is closed?
March 16, 2021 at 02:22
Yes, send the documents.
March 16, 2021 at 19:29
Which documents should we send?
March 17, 2021 at 03:18
https://britsimonsays.com/document-procedure-modification/
March 15, 2021 at 07:01
Dear Brit,
Thank you for your wonderful works!
I am DV 2021 selectee with CN AF59XXX, so shall I send my documents?
I done DS260 early June.
Thanks!
March 16, 2021 at 02:22
Yes
March 15, 2021 at 09:33
Dear Simon,
My DV number is AS 19793. (now in May is 13000)
I plan to study in the US so if I send my DS260 and do not get the green card, Perhaps I will be rejected to get the student visa.
I haven’t submitted my DS260 to KCC, Shall I submit?
Do I have the chance to interview and finally get the green card?
Or I will wait for visa bulletin number till next month, June and decide again?
March 16, 2021 at 02:29
I can’t be certain if you will get current or not. You can waiyt for next VB, and then decide, but you will still be gambling, most likely.
March 15, 2021 at 15:33
Hi Brit,
We are winners from SA and our number is not current yet (2021SA24xx). We haven’t sent our DS-260 or documents yet.
1. When you say send in your documents now, does it apply to people who haven’t sent their DS-260 yet? ( I assume no )
2. My daughter and I have dual citizenship (Ecuador and Chile). My wife is the winner and she is Ecuadorian. Since the Chilean embassy has started scheduling interviews, can we choose Santiago, Chile for our interview location?
3. Are we allowed to take medical from one country (Ecuador) to a different country (Chile)?
Thanks,
– Francisco
March 16, 2021 at 02:42
1. No
2. You can try – but they will schedule based on the address given in the DS260. So if you have an address in Chile you could use that.
3. No
March 15, 2021 at 18:39
Hello BritSimon,
1. My case is current and since I submitted my DS 260 last week, it still says “At NVC”. Can I still submit my documents to their email anyway? Even if I just submitted by DS260?
2. Do you think I have to submit multiple police certificates? My passport is African but I have not lived there since I was 15. My interview is scheduled in Europe.
Thank you in advance if you reply.
March 16, 2021 at 02:55
1. Yes
2. You might have to, yes – please read the instructions.
March 16, 2021 at 13:28
Hi which country is your interview scheduled in?
March 15, 2021 at 19:28
The police certificate valid only for 3 month from our country and my case number is not current yet by you said no harm to send the documents now. So what will happen if I submitted my documents now and when they my case number become current and KCC opened the police certificate and found it expired what shall I do? they will ask me to update it or I have to bring the updated one on the interview? or they will cancel my case since one of the document is expired? Please your advice.
March 16, 2021 at 03:06
They accept police certs up to 12 months old.
March 15, 2021 at 19:30
The police certificate valid only for 3 month from our country and my case number is not current yet by you said no harm to send the documents now. So what will happen if I submitted my documents now and when they my case number become current and KCC opened the police certificate and found it expired what shall I do? they will ask me to update it or I have to bring the updated one on the interview? or they will cancel my case since one of the document is expired? Please your advice.
March 15, 2021 at 21:36
Dear Brit Simon,
1. DS260 says birth certificate needed with both parents. Mine only shows my mother, even thought I know my father and entered his details. Do you think this will be a problem/suspicious?
2. I submitted my DS260 only a week ago, so it is still “At NVC”. Can I still submit documents to their email even though my form hasn’t been processed?
3. I have an African passport, but haven’t lived there since I was a teen. I live in Switzerland, but studied in the UK for 4 years. Do you think I need police certification from all 3 countries?
4. Does everyone need to be prepared with I-134? Or need to submit financial documents? Sorry if that’s already been answered.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and hopefully answer me.
March 16, 2021 at 03:10
1. It might mean you have the wrong type of birth cert. The type they want has a space for both parents.
2. Yes
3. Probably. Read the instructions.
4. Pretty much everyone should have one in case they are asked.
March 16, 2021 at 00:30
unlike most people my case number is 2021AF50K and I have recieved the ready for interview email since August 2020 as I sent ds and documents very early like 3 days after results were announced.
March 16, 2021 at 03:16
Yup. Yours is one example why I tell people to not pay too much attention to what case numbers got processed.
March 16, 2021 at 15:13
yeah I know people like me with AF64K AND AF70K they also got ready for inteview email last summer. KCC used to process even high case numbers. now they go by order I think. one question brit does this mean when my case number 50K becomes current I’ll have a chance to be scheduled for an interview quickly as I am documentarily ready a long time ago ?
March 17, 2021 at 03:09
It depends on your embassy. Just wait and see.
March 16, 2021 at 04:38
@mogha
Please could you contact me via email ? I need you for further consultation.
Just put your email hear.
Mine is. [email protected]
Thank you!
March 16, 2021 at 15:22
I emailed you bro.
March 16, 2021 at 05:02
I’m a spouse not the principle applicant , i submitted my D260 with my old passport number that i play with before it would expired , can i request to reopen my D260 to put in my new passport number before i submit my document ? my number is current AF30****
March 17, 2021 at 02:50
Submit old and new passports.
March 16, 2021 at 09:30
Hello Brit thanks for all the info you’ve been providing it’s really been helpful. I wanted to ask if I’m not contacting kcc well cos anytime I text it comes back as an auto reply. Is this okay?
March 17, 2021 at 02:59
The auto reply is just that – automatic. Now you should wait for the answer.
March 16, 2021 at 11:34
Dear Mr. Brit,
Do you have any update about the Dv 2020 cases.
What awaits us ?
Thank you!
March 17, 2021 at 03:03
No. Just waiting.
March 16, 2021 at 13:12
Dear Brit ,
Thanks for the efforts of updating us in regards to Diversity visa.
My case number is 2021AF80****.
I did send my DS260 on sept 2020.
Is it the right time to send the documents?
Please advise
March 17, 2021 at 03:07
Yes
March 16, 2021 at 14:10
Greetings BritSimon
I have received ready for schedule mail from Kcc in mid January and my case number is 2021AF11XXX and current at the moment but I haven’t received my 2NL. Should I be worried?
March 17, 2021 at 03:08
No. Patient.
March 16, 2021 at 15:27
Hi Brit my friend’s wife win dv 2021 case number AF23 but my friend won dv 2020 and got 221 (g) refused about high school diploma now he’s worry about if his wife take him as husband will there be problem at the interview?
March 17, 2021 at 03:10
I don’t know.
March 16, 2021 at 18:24
Hello sir, I just watched a video by Charles Kuck, Greg Siskind and his team. When asked about consular posts that are not starting interviews, they reputedly said that the applicants can request to change the interviewing post under any valid reason and if the post accepts the request, the interview can happen in that location. They said that there are rules in some consulates regarding such situations like having to have a permeant address but some will not really care and might actually accept the interview if they have the capacity and willingness. They also said that the acting assistant sectary of consular affairs has asked to do so.
March 17, 2021 at 03:15
***IF*** the post accepts the request.
March 17, 2021 at 13:53
Thank you sir. IF the post accepts the request do I need to change anything on the DS-260?
March 18, 2021 at 03:16
No
March 18, 2021 at 10:57
Thank you sir!
March 16, 2021 at 23:22
Dear Brit,
I am a DV2021 AF8,xxx, I am named plaintiff in the JacobvBiden case, I am documentary qualified and I am only awaiting 2nl for interview.
The website of the U.S in my country was not specific but it updated saying they have resumed immigrant visa appointment.
Part of the fees when joining the lawsuit talk about their involvement in consular processing, do you think now is the time to ask the lawyer (Curtis and team) to get involve and request my interview from KCC or the embassy??
March 17, 2021 at 03:26
You can ask Curtis that question.
March 16, 2021 at 23:33
Hi Mr Simons
I am concerned, because Kcc Requested my documents on July 2020, on August I sent it and in the same month they told me that all is OK and wait for the interview, but my case number is SA28xx, do you think if its possible that they send me the 2NL if I don’t current yet?
March 17, 2021 at 03:26
No. You have to be current.
March 17, 2021 at 06:30
How do you know if you’re “ready for scheduling”?
When I login it doesn’t say this, just that my application is complete. I was asked for and have submitted my documents. I received a “ Congratulations! Our records indicate that you have submitted all documentation required” email but that was last July..
My number I had been current since November.. but nothing yet and I’m not sure if I’m reading the statuses wrong?
Or if I’m stressing over nothing and should.. be patient?
March 18, 2021 at 03:10
Be patient. If your embassy is accepting interviews, you will probably be scheduled this month (for May interview).
March 17, 2021 at 07:16
Hi Simon, OC seems to be moving very well. Could there be a reason for the increase for May Bulletine?
March 18, 2021 at 03:11
I believe they are falsely assuming low response rate because people have not submitted documents. That would cause them to raise the VB fast.
March 17, 2021 at 13:27
Hello Brit, I am a DV2021 with case number 2021AF8,7xx. I am documentary qualified and only awaiting 2nl for interview. I am a named plantiff in the JacobvBiden lawsuit.
The U.S. embassy updated their website that they have resumed immigrant visa appointment.
Before joining the lawsuit, we were told that part of the fees to join the lawsuit will enable the lawyers (Curtis and team) to be involve in consular processing.
At which point do you think they will be involved with the consular processing? I am thinking of asking them to write KCC about my interview, do you think it’s the appropriate time ask the lawyers now to contact KCC or the US embassy about my interview?
March 18, 2021 at 03:16
You can ask Curtis.
March 17, 2021 at 17:47
How long does it take for KCC to review your documents and have you “ready for schedule” once you email them the documents? Thanks
March 18, 2021 at 03:20
It varies.
March 17, 2021 at 20:40
Hi Simon,
military service question : in my country we have had an obligatory basic military training that I’ve participated in. However, I was never in an active military (action, war, etc)
Q: should I provide an official Ministry of defense confirmation of that military training participation?
Much appreciated ?
March 18, 2021 at 09:30
Hi Brit,
My case number is AS32XXX and I have not yet filled my DS260 due to my high case number. Is it still okay for me to wait until the number on VB gets closer to my case number? Or do you suggest for me to fill them now?
March 19, 2021 at 04:04
You are really going to have to decide in the next couple of weeks. I think there will be a large backlog of documents to process, so you will have to decide whether to gamble or not. The guy who decides the VB numbers thinks all regions will be current – but I actually think that would be his mistake.
March 18, 2021 at 14:00
Hi, Simon,
My number case number is 2021EU19XXX. Last three numbers are really in the last so, it is almost 20K.
My question is. Does my number become current with 19XXX or in 20XXX.
Thanks,
Chaz
March 19, 2021 at 04:09
The VB number has to be GREATER than your number.
March 18, 2021 at 20:06
Dear Brit ,
Thanks for the efforts of updating us in regards to Diversity visa.
My case number is 2021AS18*** and I applied for Adjustment of Status in USA.
I received an email from KCC about the adjustment of status.
Is it the right time to send the documents?
Please advise
March 19, 2021 at 04:21
1. You do not send documents to KCC.
2. You can only submit your I-485 once your case number is shown in the VB.
March 18, 2021 at 21:35
Hi, thanks for everything again! I followed your advice and sent the (bloody) documents couple of weeks ago. Now, I’m not sure if I’m paranoid, but now I look at my scans to triple-check everything and I noticed that my passport scan is a 2-3 millimeters (like 0.1 inch) cut off. All personal information is clearly visible, but just the edge of the passport page is slightly outside the scan area. I’ve looked at the examples at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/the-immigrant-visa-process/step-8-scan-collected-documents.html and it does not provide examples what cut off is acceptable and what not.
Also the scan is on the bottom of a A4 page, so that the first half of the page is blank followed by my passport in the second half of the page. I started worrying that KCC is going to open the file, see the blank first half of the page in the beginning and miss the second half of the page with the passport.
I’d fix it and send the documents again, but I’m worried it’s going to reset my position in the documents processing queue and I’m going to lose two weeks, or more. Sorry, I realize those can be silly questions, but I feel like I’m starting to go crazy over here trying to be 110% sure everything is alright. Thank you!
March 19, 2021 at 04:26
Probably the worst case of overthinking I have seen in a while.
March 19, 2021 at 10:03
It’s been such a roller-coaster year with all the uncertainty and waiting that now obsessing over even such a minute details of the process became new normal for me. Thanks for snapping me out of it. 🙂 I may print your comment and frame it on the wall, just to remember to keep it sane 😉
March 19, 2021 at 13:41
Hi Brits
I am 2021 winner with case AF647xx l want to find out from you. l run my own business and on the ds260 forms there is nothing like self employment so in this case what do l select unemployed or employed by my own company.
March 19, 2021 at 21:50
Job title of “Self Employed”
March 19, 2021 at 13:48
Dear Brit,
as you have suggested I’ve sent my supporting documents to KCC, even if I’m not current yet.
Unfortunately, I do not receive any automatic reply where “kccdvdocuments” tells me that they have received my docs.
Should I send it again?
Thanks,
March 19, 2021 at 21:50
Wait for some time, then ask KCC if they are satisfied.
March 19, 2021 at 17:54
Hi Brit,
Thank you so much for your work!
I have a question about the police certificate validity. I have lived in Germany for more than 6 months and received a police certificate there just before moving away to a different country. I haven’t lived in Germany since that police certificate was received but now it’s 13 months old. Do I need to request a new one or would the old one be enough?
Thanks!
March 19, 2021 at 21:57
Ideally, get a new one.
March 19, 2021 at 20:06
Just wanted to pop past and let you know that Sydney is starting to schedule – my case has been moved to “in transit” I’ll keep you updated 🙂
March 19, 2021 at 22:40
Cool
March 19, 2021 at 22:36
hello dear siomon we hope you are fine. i have a question.if someone has small mistaken on ds 260 . at the time of interview . can correct it or no . does the consular officer allow to correct it or no
March 19, 2021 at 23:00
Yes
March 24, 2021 at 11:40
Hi Brit. Please after sending my DS 260, i have not heard anything from KCC. My CN is AF53XXXX. should i send my documents?
March 25, 2021 at 20:26
#SendTheBloodyDocuments
March 24, 2021 at 11:58
Hi Simon,
I was submitted my DS 260 on October and still didn’t get any reply from KCC. My case number is 2021AF42XXX. Do I need to contact KCC and send my documents or still to wait for any reply from them. I am Just upset. Thank you in advance for your endless help.
March 25, 2021 at 20:27
#SendTheBloodyDocuments
March 29, 2021 at 09:46
Hey Brit! My case number is AS32XXX. I have not submitted my DS-260. What are the consequence of submitting DS-260 but having the case number not current until the end of fiscal year? Will it have any impact on future visa issuances if that is the case? When will be the latest for me to submit my DS-260 given my high case number?
March 30, 2021 at 20:55
Submitting a DS260 shows you would like to emigrate to the USA, so in future NON immigrant applications it is a factor that creates some suspicion that you will try and stay in the USA.
We are getting pretty close to the point where you should submit if you are going to do so. So – you will have to gamble – probably no later than mid to late April.
March 30, 2021 at 07:24
Hello Brit, please what is the reason behind advising applicants, even those with higher CN to go ahead to submit their documents, when KCC has still not requested for documents?
March 30, 2021 at 21:02
Because people that don’t send their documents won’t get a Greencard – and time is rapidly running out.
March 30, 2021 at 11:25
Hello Brit!
My friend followed your advice. He finised his medical visit today. Now, he’s waiting for the 6th of april for his interview.
We hope he will be issued a visa.
He will present a new passport at the interview. It’s in Yaoundé.
March 30, 2021 at 21:05
Fingers crossed for him.
March 30, 2021 at 21:39
Fingers crossed for him. Please what’s his case number. I am also a winner from Cameroon. Stay blessed.
March 30, 2021 at 17:01
Dear Brit,
I have received the email since October that my documents are ok and my case is ready for scheduling and I have a very low number (2021EU4xxx), but my case hasn’t been scheduled, yet. I know that my country’s embassy has very limited operations due to COVID. Do you think that this is the reason that I haven’t received my scheduling email yet? Do you think that my case will eventually go forward by September?
Thank you.
March 30, 2021 at 21:11
It could be because of the Schengen ban, or simply because of restricted operations at that embassy. I cannot predict what will happen over the coming months.
March 31, 2021 at 23:58
thank you
April 1, 2021 at 21:50
hello dear simon. i appreciate your wonderful work.i have a question about surname .my friend is dv 2021 winner from Afghanistan.his surname is wali in his passport but his wife surname is not the same spelling in her passport as the surname appears on the principal applicant passport.his wife surname is ahmadi in her passport. in your view is that a big matter on the day of interview . please advise me what does he do.
April 3, 2021 at 19:29
No.
April 4, 2021 at 02:06
hello dear simon. how are you donig i appreciate your wonderful work god bless you
April 5, 2021 at 09:51
Hi Brit, I haven’t received my 2nl email but I went to the kcc website and I have been scheduled an interview for next month. I hope my letter will come soon. My case has been current since Nov. 2020
April 5, 2021 at 14:35
You obviously missed your 2NL. If the ESC page shows your interview details that is all you need – there is no other letter coming!
April 5, 2021 at 17:54
Hello Brits!
I am still patient and waiting for my cn to be current . AF352**.
When do you think the visa bulletin will be out for june interview?
April 5, 2021 at 18:06
Well last month it was releases on the 12th, so probably around that date. On normal years the bulletin is updated around this date as well.
April 6, 2021 at 02:55
By the 15th probably.
April 6, 2021 at 01:50
hello dear simon . i appreciate your wonderful work .my friend school certificate has a small mistake.his school name has misspelled on his high school certificate .his school name is pazhwak but it has written pahwak on his school certificate . he has written pahwak in his ds 260 .if my friend to correct that mistake on his school certificate now . must he reopen his ds 260 or not .what he does now please advise me i will tell him
April 6, 2021 at 03:02
Its not a problem.
April 6, 2021 at 21:19
Dear Simon,
I am able to produce the CSV format used in the dvcharts website. I can produce the CSV for a very small cost (that I can pay for), and I should be able to produce the data daily (if needed) or whatever cadency is desired.
Let me know if this is of any interest to you or if you’d like to discuss any technical details about my approach to produce the data.
Best,
April 6, 2021 at 21:39
Thats interesting Francisco, but its not really the cost that stops us extracting daily, its just there is no need. People might think that is somehow more important than it is. But feel free to go ahead if you like.