The visa bulletin for October interviews (DV2018 cases) has been released with the exact numbers I had given a few days ago in this post
AFRICA: 8,500 Except: Egypt 2,350
Ethiopia 2,100
ASIA: 1,200 Except: Iran 750
Nepal 750
EUROPE: 2,600
NORTH AMERICA: 2
OCEANIA: 185
SOUTH AMERICA: 190
Please read the other post to see my explanation of why the numbers are so low. Since I published that post, people have doubted those numbers, and now the numbers are the official numbers, those people need to understand my explanation.
Having low numbers like this does not signify anything much about the final numbers. This is a 12 month process, so there is no need to panic at the first month.
People that are now current AND submitted their DS260 early enough will receive 2NLs (interview notices) by email in about 2 weeks from now. This is the same every month – the VB is released between the 8th and 15th, and the 2NLs are sent between the 15th and the end of the month. It is ALWAYS like that – so there is no need to ask me when the 2NLs will be sent.
August 9, 2017 at 14:52
wow good to know. iam patient
August 9, 2017 at 14:52
Can you send me a link where i can see VB for october 2018 please?
August 9, 2017 at 15:00
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin/2017/visa-bulletin-for-september-2017.html
Under the section : “C. THE DIVERSITY (DV) IMMIGRANT CATEGORY RANK CUT-OFFS
WHICH WILL APPLY IN OCTOBER”
August 9, 2017 at 15:06
Google uscis visa bulletin
August 9, 2017 at 15:20
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/law-and-policy/bulletin/2017/visa-bulletin-for-september-2017.html
August 9, 2017 at 14:57
Here is a question for you Simon.My number is not current as just under 5000 for EU region,but I sent my DS260 within 3 days of lottery results in May so does it mean I have no chance for October interview because it’s above 2600? Thanks
August 9, 2017 at 14:58
there is surely an explanation to that . the KCC has really change things this time
August 9, 2017 at 15:02
brit said EUROPE: 2,600 for October interview
August 9, 2017 at 15:05
No chance at all.
August 9, 2017 at 15:12
Do you think the EU numbers will go up in 2000-3000 increments or faster due to the low starting point?
August 9, 2017 at 15:22
I don’t have a prediction.
August 9, 2017 at 16:07
Gotta wait and see I guess.
August 12, 2017 at 17:49
You’d think they have to increase faster, otherwise it was REALLY a head-scratcher why so many selectees were drawn in the first place. I am pretty sure they weren’t just going for a LARGER number of disappointed selectees at the end.
If it only goes up by the same number each month, then it puts my number behind by a good 3-4 months (vs Simon’s charts) which would mean LOWER numbers than ever before would become current by the end of the year – so then why would they have drawn MORE selectees?! It doesn’t make sense.
I’m anticipating the increases will keep the numbers roughly in line with past processing times. The changes they made weren’t intended to lower the final numbers, rather to streamline the use of KCC time.
August 13, 2017 at 15:34
Density (actual cases per 1000 case numbers) will decrease in some regions as countries limited in the draw (Like Nepal, Egypt, Uzbekistan) run out of selectees. When density decreases, the numbers can go faster – BUT it is clear that there is an over selection this year – at least in some regions. They have done it before, and seem to have a two year cycle of under selection, then over selection. They over select KNOWING that will lead to disappointed people – but over selection let’s them find the max levels they can use in subsequent years (the 2 year cycle).
August 9, 2017 at 15:12
Now there is another interesting question (rhetorical). What will be November cut off? Is it going to jump to around 3700 or 5000 for example? I’m already waiting 🙂
August 9, 2017 at 15:22
The guessing game begins…
August 9, 2017 at 15:24
lol
August 9, 2017 at 17:23
There is one guy on Russian forum who said that today he wrote to KCC and they told him he has interview scheduled on October 24th and he’ll receive official confirmation later this week. His case is around 1000 and he send DS260 on June 16th.
Honestly, i doubt he didn’t mess anything but, it’s new year and we are already seeing low Cut Off. It might be even true. Will see.
August 9, 2017 at 17:42
Yeah – that could be true – why not?
August 9, 2017 at 15:24
We need your analysis on how they going to process 115000 selectees if they started this slow and even slower than last year?
August 9, 2017 at 15:25
What makes you think they need to process 115,000 selectees. They don’t.
And read my other link for an explanation of why the number is lower.
August 9, 2017 at 15:26
HI simon. I have one question.
iam from Ethiopia and iam winner of DV2018. My case number is 2018AF68XX …now can i gate my interview notice for october?
August 9, 2017 at 15:30
No, because 68XX is above 2100.
August 9, 2017 at 22:58
Brit…I think the answer is rather YES if the DS260 form was filled early enough. It’s an AF number with 8,500 cut off.
August 9, 2017 at 23:39
FROM ETHIOPIA – 2100.
August 10, 2017 at 12:30
Ooops sorry. I missed the Ethiopia.
August 9, 2017 at 15:27
I am a 2018 winner from Kenya,I am trying to access the status check of CEAC but when i put my Case Number it says invalid number still
August 9, 2017 at 15:29
The CEAC system won’t have 2018 numbers until January 1.
August 9, 2017 at 22:55
Hello Brit, it seems to work for 2018 winners. I am a 2018 AF winner and I have been logging in to check my status since last 2 days.
August 9, 2017 at 23:39
To check status people look at this site – https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx
August 10, 2017 at 12:36
Oh ok. Thank link says “Invalid Immigrant Visa Case Number”. I was using this site – https://ceac.state.gov/IV/login.aspx rather.
August 10, 2017 at 13:43
Yes I understand. But to get status you would use the link I posted – and that is not yet loaded.
August 13, 2017 at 20:37
Thank you Brits. This website is functional to check visa status from different countries? DV 2018.
August 13, 2017 at 20:49
What website? What do you mean?
August 9, 2017 at 15:45
Are they slowing down the process in Europe ? There is about the same amount of selectee in Africa and Europe, except that Africa cut off starts at 8000 and EU 2800
August 9, 2017 at 15:49
No. Africans are (in general) slower to submit their DS260s, and processing of the DS260’s for applicants from some African countries take longer because the information is not as easily accessed. So – KCC needed a bigger number in AF region to yield the appropriate number of interviews.
In addition, the selectees from Ethiopia and Egypt take up a lot of the early numbers and with so many AF embassies, KCC can afford to increase the number without swamping the embassies.
August 9, 2017 at 15:54
Oh I see. Does that mean the ” safe case number ” are changing this year or are they still the same ?
August 9, 2017 at 16:08
The same.
August 9, 2017 at 15:45
thank you BRIT
you are the best
God bless
August 9, 2017 at 15:56
My case number is 32— when my interview gonna be
August 9, 2017 at 15:57
My case number is af32xxx when my interview gonna be
August 9, 2017 at 16:04
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-basic-questions/
August 10, 2017 at 03:17
Chemsou are u from Algeria ?
August 13, 2017 at 07:55
@Kiko
Coulb our funny Cheikh Chmissou , or the one who doesn’t want to jump 😀
And I am a selectee from algeria confused as hell lol
But with the help Brit, things are getting clearer.
August 9, 2017 at 16:10
Hello Brit,thanks for your work on this blog.My case number is AF 10,XXX.Can I get a November interview?Please do not tell me to wait and see Brit.Give me your best guess.Pretty please,,
August 9, 2017 at 16:11
Wait and see is the only sensible answer.
August 9, 2017 at 16:19
Hello,
My visa is already approved. At the time of interview, I said to Consular officer I wanted to go to Chicago.
Now, I want to go to New York to my new sponsor.
Can I change my address at Portof entry?
Where will be my SSN and GC mailed?
Thank you.
August 9, 2017 at 16:21
Yes change at the POE – make sure you do. If you do that, the GC and SSN will go to that new address.
August 12, 2017 at 04:44
Who should I tell? Is it going be the address in I 94 form?
August 12, 2017 at 04:48
The immigration officer will process your envelope from the embassy – that is when you mention the change.
August 12, 2017 at 12:07
Sorry, but I don’t understand.?
August 12, 2017 at 14:29
When you go through immigration at the POE you can change the address by talking to the immigration officer.
August 9, 2017 at 16:29
I closed my form in 23/5 is that and my CN about 800 is that affect my interview date ??
August 9, 2017 at 16:33
Your number is meaningless without the year/region.
August 9, 2017 at 16:31
Am thrilled by your wisdom, man. I wonder how u do this. Keep it up. Hope the reach AF46***. Say something to keep up my hopes man. Hahaha
August 9, 2017 at 16:41
It’s a long process… patience is key.
August 9, 2017 at 16:34
iam from Djibouti and iam winner of DV2018. My case number is 2018AF000067XX
can i gate my interview notice for october?
August 9, 2017 at 16:38
Yes, possibly.
August 9, 2017 at 16:37
So to go EU 25xxx will take till june or something damn i hope they dont go this slow on EU.
What do you thing Britt i know there isnt any exact answer but pretending what do you think! Thanks for the time and value 🙂
August 9, 2017 at 16:38
Have you noticed I say “wait and see” very often? Guess what I am going to say to you…
August 9, 2017 at 16:42
Yeah sorry i see you getting a lot of comments about the this topic all the times , but its stressful but anyways Thanks for your time and value and you are right the best thing for all of us is to wait with patience and see what will happen. 😀
August 9, 2017 at 16:43
I do keep remembering simon has said once that lottery will let u learn patience
And yes it is 🙂
August 9, 2017 at 16:51
I have said that many more times than once – that is certain. 🙂
August 9, 2017 at 16:43
Hello, I can’t understand Egypt number it was 36.500 at September then October 2000
August 9, 2017 at 16:50
Dear Amani
It was 36000 for dv2017
It is now 2000 for dv2018
August 9, 2017 at 16:50
October interviews are for DV2018. The 36500 number was the last number for DV2017 (September interviews).
August 9, 2017 at 16:45
In fiscal year 2017 visa bulletin of AF regions for october 2016 interview were 8000. This year (8500). I dont get how this number is low it looks higher
August 9, 2017 at 16:49
AF is “normal”. The other regions are low.
August 9, 2017 at 16:45
Hi Simon!
I’m happy to see the visa bulletin for October interviews ( dv 2018). I’m hoping to receive 2NL as they start going out later.
Case Number: 2018AF60**
Ds260 submission date: June 05 2017
* My hope lies on the visa bulletin numbers.
August 9, 2017 at 16:45
I don’t know about others, but for me seeing this Visa Bulletin was heartbreaking. My case # is EU34xxx and according to the statistics for the past 10 years I thought it was a safe number and was expecting interview in July or August next year.
Now I think that my chances are slim to none. I know that cut-off quotas may fluctuate from month to month, but even if this is really about avoiding backlog by prioritizing lower case numbers, 2600 still seems to be a bit low. I’m afraid that turnout is a bit higher this year.
August 9, 2017 at 16:49
You are worrying for no reason, because you don’t understand. The numbers speed up later in EU once the density decreases. RELAX!
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
August 9, 2017 at 16:48
Hi Brit. Firstly i would like to commend you on a great job. In an earlier analysis, you indicated that you believe up to SA1500 is conservatively safe for being interviewed in that region. Do you still maintain that analysis in spite of the low figure in the September bulletin?
August 9, 2017 at 16:52
Yes.
August 9, 2017 at 17:22
Hi Brit, So is that analysis still valid for EU region (for 37000)?
August 9, 2017 at 17:42
YES! All regions. NOTHING changed!!!
August 9, 2017 at 17:21
Sir for AS6600 case from nepal can we expect 2nd letter with such low cases?
Thanks u sir…really worried
August 9, 2017 at 17:45
Nothing has changed. This is a TWELVE month process!!!!
August 9, 2017 at 17:51
Just for my knowledge sir is there any chance that 6600 will get letterr
August 13, 2017 at 18:50
Aaux hola bro mero jhan 6756 ho next year jun July Samma aaux hola hamro
August 9, 2017 at 17:49
hi brits, good work keep it up
i know u dnt like this but pls just guess tell me if my guess is right
AF17xxx
am anticipating being interviewed in december
can it be?
August 9, 2017 at 17:57
You’re correct about this – I don’t like guessing when have access to the same information as me and know their guess is as good as mine.
August 10, 2017 at 17:52
@Akoto r u from Gh? my CN num is 2018AF17xxx
August 9, 2017 at 18:02
Hi Brit can u tell me that what’s the highest case number from Nepal
August 9, 2017 at 18:09
I don’t know.
August 9, 2017 at 19:08
There will be a second draw !!!!!!
August 9, 2017 at 21:41
Why on earth do you think that. If we already have too many winners this year – why would they select more???
August 9, 2017 at 20:06
2018AF62xx and hoping to be called in October, thanks Brit you are a man.
August 9, 2017 at 20:09
Hi Brit
2018AF12xx Egypt, DS260 was submitted 2 June, according to the VB I was expecting my appointment will be on October.
•In these circumstances do you think it would after Oct?
Thanks and best regards
August 9, 2017 at 21:40
I wouold expect October – wait and see.
August 9, 2017 at 20:14
Hi BritSimon
How are you??? My sister case number is 2018Af000012××, so can she submit her document to USCIS for adjustment of status right now???because we live in U.S precisely in Seattle Washington and when may she be called for interview???some people told us she can be called in october is that right??? thanks
August 9, 2017 at 21:39
Theoretically she could submit her I-485 now – because of the early filing policy. However, there is an increased chance of rejection because DV2018 hasn’t started yet – so I would advise waiting until October.
August 10, 2017 at 20:39
Thanks for your advice BritSimon
August 9, 2017 at 20:55
I choose Nairobi as my embassy when filling the ds260 and after I signed it showed Nairobi as my interview embassy but at first my friend when I got the first letter to let me know that was selected my friend had put Johannesburg as my post. I need to be clarified on that do I need to write to KCC or since I choose Nairobi when . Filling the ds-form and it showed that it’s my embassy I shouldn’t worry.thanks once again
August 9, 2017 at 21:20
They will choose the embassy close to where you live.
August 10, 2017 at 04:45
Hello brit we are grateful with no pay and give us this wonderful offer…God bless u ..i am a 2018 select , finished A level but with low grades..begore I entered the lottery,I was already at the college pursuing my diploma in computer science and I have just finished my first y’r.. 1.do u think I will be approved on education , remember I finished high school with low grades though I was awarded certificate but now remaining with one yr upgrading to a diploma.Am from Uganda and case 2018AF23059.
2.As for my case no, do u think I have a sure call for my interview.?
3. Is it possible if am processed to be called before December?
Please thank u so much .. rule forever..
August 10, 2017 at 05:21
1. Check education requirements in your country.
2. Yes
3. I don’t know.
August 10, 2017 at 05:51
Hello Simon
your estimation was correct and really appreciated!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
here is my question The visa bulletin for October interviews (DV2018 cases) has been released with the exact numbers I had given a few days ago in this post
AFRICA: 8,500 Except: Egypt 2,350
Ethiopia 2,100
1) is that saying case numbers having below 2100 are only seen ?
2) please explain in detail what is 2100 mean?
thank you!!!
August 10, 2017 at 06:15
https://britsimonsays.com/read-visa-bulletin/
August 10, 2017 at 07:34
Hi Simon,
Is it “reasonable” to expect the November cut off number to be above 5000 for EU or do you think it it is unlikely to start picking up speed so early?
August 10, 2017 at 14:00
https://britsimonsays.com/DV2018-basic-questions
August 10, 2017 at 14:05
Can I email KCC with a new email different from the one I used when filling the ds-form because I can’t access it anymore and I need to email KCC please advise.thanks
August 10, 2017 at 14:06
Yes
August 10, 2017 at 07:37
Hi simon,
I am from Nepal and my case number is less than 100 so, can i be sure of gettiing the second letter or i have to wait since there is an another section saying EXCEPT NEPAL : 750
August 10, 2017 at 13:59
Is 100 less than 750?
August 11, 2017 at 04:49
yes 100 is less than 750
August 12, 2017 at 01:47
Aakash you will get man.
August 13, 2017 at 04:43
thank you Pom 🙂
August 10, 2017 at 10:22
Ethiopia DV 2018 Winners
Hey guys we can chat on this blog
http://forums.immigration.com/threads/all-ethiopian-2018-dv-winners-meet-here.336276/unread
britsimon is also there!
August 10, 2017 at 11:10
Hi Simon,
1,If I am called for interview am I supposed to bring original university bachelor degree certificate because I have temporary degree on my hand. Please answer me reviewing previously interviewed selectee.
thx,
God bless U
August 10, 2017 at 13:54
Take the original if you can, or whatever you have.
August 10, 2017 at 11:27
Mr Simon what you doing is very thankful !!!
In the above post i.e. “Visa Bulletin for October interview is released”
AFRICA: 8,500 Except: Egypt 2,350
Ethiopia 2,100
1.does the November VB is continue like this? mean like October VB.
2.How can I guess when my interview is schedule whether the VB continues like October VB or not? because I’m from Ethiopia with CN AF14XXX.
I asked you before and you already answered and sent me a link now I confused with the post.
I want to apologize for wasting your time
August 10, 2017 at 13:53
1. It will vary, month to month.
2. Wait and see. Patience.
August 10, 2017 at 12:00
Hello Simon, I can’t understand about Egypt cut off September was 36.500 now the number 2350 !! What doe that mean because my number is 37.000 and I know I’m out ? Thank you
August 10, 2017 at 13:50
THe 2350 is about DV2018. The final Egypt number for DV2017 was the 36500 – so yes – it means you are out. Sorry.
August 10, 2017 at 16:36
hello Simon, if is true that KCC have found a way of processing case numbers due to case number and submission date,
1. will that mean a case number AF11XXX submitted today will be processed before case number AF15XXX submitted on the first week in may?
2. will this number AF11XXX submitted today be processed once a VB number greater than it is released?
August 10, 2017 at 17:09
Hi Sam, if KCC is now working according to Simon’s suggestion (and this is a big IF) then yes, DS260 for AF11XXX submitted today will be processed before AF15XXX submitted in May as it will make no sense processing AF15XXX when AF11XXX will have VB number issued earlier than that of AF15XXX.
Hope am right, Simon…..
August 10, 2017 at 18:49
No you have misinterpreted a little. I just now contacted KCC (Thanks Erica!!) and they confirmed that they have changed things this year and they found a way to prioritize DS260 processing by case number. I don’t know the specifics of how they are doing that, but we must remember that they are not quite certain of the VB numbers so in the example given it is possible that 11XXX and 15XXX would both be around the same time anyway (if the VB moved from 8500 to 16000 in one month, for example). BUT we must also remember this is the first year they are doing this, and not all DS260s process at the same speed, so there may be some surprises in store.
August 10, 2017 at 19:06
So you mean that any cases can be call if ds 260 is proceed if vb fluctuate
August 10, 2017 at 19:08
No. Cases can ONLY be scheduled if their DS260 is processed *AND* their case number is current.
August 10, 2017 at 19:58
Got it thanks
August 10, 2017 at 21:03
Hey Brit, thanks for this information, you are great and your blog is amazing :). One quick question for you for which I have been unable to find clear answers on the internet or other forums. I’m a DV2018 living in a foreign country (France) on a student visa. If upon my student visa expiration in a few months I find no other way to stay here (work visa for example) and decide to apply for asylum since I’m afraid to go back to my own country, can still process here in France if I’m living as an asylum seeker? Or is asylum seeking a status that’s not eligible for processing in a foreign country embassy? Thank you and best regards!
August 10, 2017 at 21:44
That could inject risk, as the US CO will want to be sure you have not abused immigration law. So – if possible, avoid asylum.
August 10, 2017 at 21:33
Hi Simon, thanks for everything. I am from ECUADOR and my case is SA7XX.
1.- Is it possible that between 4 and 5 months my 2NL arrives? (Based on possible 190 monthly interviews)
2.- Or it is possible that they call me before because I did my application one week after the results (?).
Thank you very much again.
August 10, 2017 at 21:45
1. Possibly.
2. You cannot be interviewed before your case number is current.
August 11, 2017 at 06:54
Hi Brit,
Thanks in advance for your prompt reply.
My case number is 2018AF23xx, submitted end of July. Delay due to medical condition.
Further medical (surgery) is scheduled in October abroad ( not country of interview).
Questions:
1- is it possible to get called for October, if yes can I request a delay?
2- if called while abroad, can I change the location?
Best Regards,
Osman
August 11, 2017 at 07:26
I think it will be after October.
August 13, 2017 at 02:41
hi simon im from nepal case number 3300 fro 2018 is it chance to get 2nn letter plz
August 13, 2017 at 04:22
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2018-selectee-numbers-published/
August 13, 2017 at 20:20
Hi Brit,
My case number is 2018AF14xxx, submitted Ds260 on 15th of July. Is it possible to get called for October interview?
August 13, 2017 at 20:49
No. Because your number is higher than the VB number.
August 14, 2017 at 01:04
My friend has been to USA several times on non immigrant visa ,this type of visa is still valid now and she has never overstayed her visa.
She noted mistakenly she is married on ds 160 but she was engaged during her non immigrant visa application.she said she could have correct her marital status if she was had been asked during her non immigrant visa interview but the office consular did not ask her .
Now she is single,she broke up with her BF and she won DV 2017 ,and she filled that she is single during her initial DV Lottery registration as well as when she filled her ds 260 ,she noted also single ,
The question Mr BritSimon ,can her marital status during her non immigrant application affect during her DV lottery interview ?knowing that she has now her celibacy document and proof?
August 14, 2017 at 01:08
Yes, it could cause questions, but there is no way to know other than attend the interview.
August 14, 2017 at 01:14
So it can be solved that it was only a misunderstanding or mistake ,if she was asked about so during her DV lottery application ?
August 14, 2017 at 01:42
There is no way to know.
August 14, 2017 at 01:15
So it can be solved that it was only a misunderstanding or mistake ,if she was asked about so during her DV lottery interview ?