I get a lot of people asking the same question – here is my case number – when will I get interviewed? It is tiring answering that same question so let me try and explain my thoughts so that people can figure this out for themselves.
Every year is different, the case numbers reached in one year does not necessarily indicate a maximum number in the following year – many factors affect that. So – the most accurate answer to the question being asked is – I DON’T KNOW FOR SURE!
However, I do understand that people want to know something – so those of us that are experienced in DV lottery will often look at the previous year to give an approximate timeline. This isn’t a certain method – but it is possibly better than giving no answer at all – as long as people realize it is just a guess.
So – using the assumption that DV2016 will be approximately similar to DV2015 and applying some lessons learned I have created the charts below to give an APPROXIMATE idea of when processing will get to each number range per month. Now this is a GUESS. It is not 100% accurate!! Just a guess – OK?
You will note I have only taken the numbers up to August. That is because I do not want to give concern about where cutoffs will fall – and we are so early in the process NO ONE really has any certain idea of the final numbers.
So to find your APPROXIMATE date of interview find your number range in your region on the left scale and see where it falls on the month scale. At this point it could be a month wrong either way, so treat these dates as GUESSES.
The other question is when will the 2NL arrive. The 2NLs are sent around 5 weeks before the start of the interview month. So – the first DV2016 2NLs doe October interviews will be sent around late August. Then the 2NLs sent in late September will be for November interviews.
Lastly, late submission of your DS260 could change these dates. So, your case number might indicate an October interview, but that won’t happen if you don’t send in your DS260 until August. I hope that is clear.
I hope this will help and I will encourage people to check this post rather than answering this question multiple times every day.
One last point, the early months progress was faster than it should have been (because of the delays in processing DS260). So early months are AHEAD of these guesses below, and over time the monthly progress will slow down so that later months are more in line with the guesses. So – look at the VB and understand what has happened by the early fast progress.
So – here we go:-
Note: Ethiopia and Egypt will probably be slowed down a little behind these numbers.
When will I have an interview
September 12, 2015 at 21:39
Dear Simon, I’d check this myself but I’m using a screen reader and graphs are not always very accessible… so hear goes: if my case number is 2016SA000012XX, and I submitted my application around May 8th, when can I expect an interview? Also, should my official documents such as birth certificate and police clearing also be translated, or are they fine in the country’s language? Thanks in advance!
September 13, 2015 at 02:11
Your interview will be next summer – June/July ish.
The documents vcan be in the official local language or English.
September 13, 2015 at 14:36
So it’s not too high? Whew! Thanks for the prompt and relieving reply!
September 17, 2015 at 03:35
I hate to bug you with this too, but… how safe do you think my SA00001258 is? Shouldn’t have kept reading other comments, sorry!
September 17, 2015 at 04:43
It is too early to be certain….
September 12, 2015 at 22:23
Hi MR Brit
Why The winner person dv2016..7900 has get the date interview and another person with low case number(dv…5110) has not get the interview date yet.
September 13, 2015 at 02:08
Because the person with the lower number probably submitted their DS260 late.
September 13, 2015 at 07:23
Hello,first congratulation for your blog.
I am a dv 2016 lottery winner in Europe with the case number 2016EU00009xxx.I completed ds260 on 22 May 2015.When can i get the interview date from KCC.
Have a nice day.
September 13, 2015 at 16:13
You should receive your 2NL in about 2 weeks time for a November interview.
September 14, 2015 at 15:37
cn.2016AS00006xxx any chance but from NepaL.
September 14, 2015 at 16:47
It is too early to be sure.
September 14, 2015 at 17:23
when i will get my 2NL ,can you guess plz
September 14, 2015 at 19:08
Sometime around summer next year. Patience.
September 15, 2015 at 18:36
Hello Brit, is AF44xxx safe ? Is there a chance that that number might not become current ?
September 15, 2015 at 18:39
It is too early for me to be certain that number is safe – even though it should have a good chance.
September 16, 2015 at 14:38
hi Brit,
I submitted my ds260 on July 3 and my case number is AF00002**. As of now I have not received the 2nl. With this case number and the date of submission, when do I expect an interview?
September 16, 2015 at 21:31
Maybe late October for a December interview….
September 16, 2015 at 18:58
is this mean that CN above AF45*** won’t have the chance to be interviewed or what ?
thanks in advanced Mr Brit
September 16, 2015 at 20:10
No it does not mean that. I deliberately did not show September interviews….
September 21, 2015 at 10:41
Hi,Brit.My CN is 2016 EU21***Do you think it’s safe?Thank you
September 21, 2015 at 13:12
Yes.
September 26, 2015 at 00:03
Hi sir, what is cutt off and which case number is highly affected.
September 26, 2015 at 00:13
cut off for what?
October 3, 2015 at 20:04
sup simon Tnx Fo Ur Blog i Need Some Answer About My CN AF10*** N Submitted Ds260 on 26th may but i have n’t recived 2nl …when do u think i may recive it?? tnx
October 4, 2015 at 04:10
I would expect you to have received it by now – check the ESC site, just in case you missed the email.
October 9, 2015 at 16:25
Hi
Visa bulletin is going to move faster than that you have predicted for Europe. For the December interviews number went to the 14000.
I don’t understand why this trend of visa bulletin when the number of the selectees is smaller this year for Europe.
Thank you Brit for your amazing work.
October 9, 2015 at 16:58
I have already predicted and explained exactly why this is happening – the backlog. My simple chart was linear – and we are “above the line” due to the backlog, but there is a very clear deceleration in the pace of increase – due to the backlog. To understand better read this post:-
https://britsimonsays.com/backlog-effect-on-visa-bulletin-explained/
October 19, 2015 at 19:10
I am a 2016 winner, my case # is AS49** , I submit my DS-260 on 07th of August and i get email confirmation, so, when do you expect my interview will be ? and do you think that my case number is safe ?
Thank you
October 19, 2015 at 19:20
Yes safe
https://britsimonsays.com/when-will-i-have-an-interview/
November 4, 2015 at 04:16
Hi mr brit based of information above so when can I have my interview because I filled my DS260 late november…tks for your advice
November 4, 2015 at 04:20
It is the 3rd of November today…. so do you mean you are going to complete it in a few weeks time?
Also – what is your year/region/case number
August 30, 2016 at 13:20
Hi mate, could you tell me when did you get your interview please? I have the same situation as yours for Dv-2017.
August 30, 2016 at 14:19
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
February 4, 2017 at 18:29
please my case number is 617….. Safe or not for the interview
February 4, 2017 at 20:31
You don’t mention the region but that number is already current in every region – so safe.
November 8, 2015 at 08:16
Dear Brit,
My case no is AS547*(nepal), Is my number safe or not, what do u think???
thanks
November 8, 2015 at 15:11
Most likely yes – but wait and see…
November 8, 2015 at 16:59
Sorry brit I mean I filled my ds260 on the end of october and my cn is 2016af00026***
November 8, 2015 at 19:31
Ok, so you have to wait several months…
November 13, 2015 at 03:27
Hi.Brit.thanks for lots advice. My brother entered his name wrong as lost a letter in Dv lottery 2017 . In that case if he selected, is that possible to fix it and send DS 260? What happens for such as case??
November 13, 2015 at 04:18
There is a small chance of disqualification for such an error, but if that is the only serious mistake and it is corrected in the DS260, then the chance of approval becomes good.
November 13, 2015 at 08:02
Hi again,
I am winner of 2016, waiting for 2nd NL. I have applied us visa in 2009, but refused. Can it be any bad action or reason of refusal?
2.do we need bank statement for 10k $ for each member? I have read no statement need dv visa? Which is true?
November 13, 2015 at 14:48
1. THat won’t normally be a problem.
2. Yes you need to show financial support if asked at the interview.
November 14, 2015 at 10:00
Thank you very much!
November 14, 2015 at 16:03
Thank you Sr Simon for you hel our problems day to day! and I have question!
When I filled DS260 on my Dv 2016 form I forgotten on question which:
asks on form said:
List native language in you country! Is it effect for on 2NL? Can I correct during interview time? and it ask about US vaccination and I was” Yes” on my answer also it said explain but I did not explained! sorry is it fail my interview? help me please!
November 14, 2015 at 18:54
These issues are trivial. No problem.
November 14, 2015 at 19:19
Hi uncle brit, where my familly can find the document affidavit of support because they want to fill and send it to me then I will handle at interview day
November 14, 2015 at 21:41
It’s online. Google I-134
November 15, 2015 at 07:17
hello Brit. I submited my ds260 form with my names (eg A, B C) bt my principal applicant name on 1st letter is C, A B. and names on paspot is A B C. is this a problem?
November 16, 2015 at 03:22
No problem – that shows your name in lastname, firstname middlename order.
November 16, 2015 at 08:27
Hi Brit, I submitted my DS-260 ON JULY 15TH and my case number is 2016AF749…. when is probable interview date?
November 16, 2015 at 14:48
January.
Expect your 2NL in around 2 weeks or less.
November 17, 2015 at 11:10
Perfect mate, I got the 2NL Last night, you got it so on point, its early January. thank you bro!
November 16, 2015 at 15:18
Dear Simon, I have submitted the DS on July 25 & my case no. Is Af13700 may I expect January interview?
November 16, 2015 at 16:02
Yes, most likely.
November 22, 2015 at 13:16
mine af18### when interview?
November 22, 2015 at 15:30
https://britsimonsays.com/when-will-i-have-an-interview/
January 1, 2016 at 22:51
hi brit,thanx 4 all your efforts its been helpfull.i am a dv2016 winner ,my interview should be in mar,and i have a letter misspelling in my family name only one letter should that be a prob?
January 1, 2016 at 23:27
Probably not a problem.
January 1, 2016 at 22:58
only in my high school certicate (passport,birth and collage r ok)?would that be a prob?
January 3, 2016 at 17:38
Alhassan
Hi Mr Simon!
We really appreciate the good work you have been doing. May God richly bless you and give you long life and prosperity.
Now my questions are as follows;
1. My case number AF0000556# and I submitted DS360 on. 24 Aug. 2015. In the first place is the number safe? and when will I get my 2nl?
2. In the form I stated my job status as student, though I completed my first degree in 2012 and I am jobless now. Is that appropriate response?
3. With such a status do I need to include bank statement in my dox?
4. I have also realised that I changed the surnames of both my parent- first names as surnames and vice versa- won’t that cause any inconveniences to me during the interview?
Thank you sir.
January 3, 2016 at 17:46
1. Your number is already current – so of course it is “safe”. 2NL at the end of this month, most likely.
2. It’s ok.
3. You should – some people need a sponsor too. https://britsimonsays.com/all-about-public-charge-affidavit-of-support-i-134/
4. No
January 3, 2016 at 22:28
Thank you Mr Simon for your guidance. I have just received my 2nl this evening.
May God bless you, Sir.
January 11, 2016 at 10:33
hi BritSimon
i have three questions.
I won the dv lottery program, kcc send the case number 2015xxxxxxxxxxxx
1- why do I do now,
2- when appointment interview consulate and how i know.
3- ds 260 form when and where to get.
January 11, 2016 at 21:23
Check your number – does it start 2015 (not 2016)? If so, you have left it too late.
January 12, 2016 at 09:42
Britsimon hello again I want that information to you.
The number of cases is 2015xxxxxxxxxxxx
I check the number – it does not start
I’ve left it too late, but when the second opens. thank you for much.
January 12, 2016 at 18:43
It is too late.
January 12, 2016 at 19:17
Dear briti greetings,
Our interview was held at jan 11 2016 and the officer said congratulation your visa is approved then instruct us to collect our passport via DHL within 4or 5 working days. Hiwever, when i check our visa status it says AP. Is it something wrong or what please.
?
January 12, 2016 at 20:02
Quite often, AP is shown for about 2 days just before the status reads issued.
January 25, 2016 at 08:03
Dear Mr Simon,
My question is for The one from Ethiopia.
Dear “WONDEM’ (Brother), could you please be specific about your experience? Am from Ethiopian and i have some question.
What documents did you submit (they ask you)?
Have they asked you any document from US regarding your sponsor(I-130) or bank statement?
Thank you bro.
“Amesegnalehu”.
February 9, 2016 at 12:01
Hello,
Case no AFXXXX18XXX.
Filled DS 260 on 14 Nov 2016 and never unlocked.
Received 2 NL on 25 Jan 2016 FOR AN INTERVIEW ON 7 March.
Thank you for all your help Brit.
I will post my interview exp when don with it.
Wish me luck.
February 9, 2016 at 12:07
Sorry i forget to share something .
By the way i did not get any mail notification through my email. I just logged in to the web i received 1 NL in and saw the 2 NL.
So please don’t wait for a notification just check the web regularly.
Thank you again.
February 9, 2016 at 14:34
The emails are sent – but some people miss them…
February 10, 2016 at 15:24
hi Simon
when can cn30000 be current?
February 10, 2016 at 15:55
May or June interviews.
April 5, 2016 at 10:04
Hi Simon,
Thanks alot for all ur help
I have applied for Dv 2017.
1. My birth name is Tayyaba Ahmed
2.Name on my education certificates is Hafiza Tayyaba Ahmed( Hafiza was a title given to me after 5th grade)
3.After marriage i changed my name from Tayyaba Ahmed to Tayyaba Atif (Changed my surname to my Husband’s name)
Will it create a problem for me?
April 5, 2016 at 15:30
As long as you have documents that show the name change in point 3 that should be ok.
April 5, 2016 at 16:10
Thankns alot for ur reply may God bless u
April 30, 2016 at 13:04
Hi Brit,
Thanks for all you do. I just found out that I won the DV 2016 my case number is AF229XX. Do I still have a chance to process and submit my DS260 and what is my deadline. Your advice will be appreciated.
Stay well.
April 30, 2016 at 16:12
Yes you have time. Complete the DS260 asap.
May 4, 2016 at 10:12
Hi Brit,
That’s great news thank you so much. Another thing I wanted to ask my passport and the DV application have the same names except my school and other papers they do not carry my middle name I hardly use it. Is there any concern about this because it’s almost impossible to get new papers with my middle name..
Please confirm this issue for me so I can start gathering the necessary documents to complete the DS260.
Have a great day. God bless you.
Regards
May 4, 2016 at 16:35
Usually no issue.
May 4, 2016 at 16:40
Thank you so much BritSimon.
We will then go ahead to start collecting them cuz some of them I don’t have right away.
Many thanks.
Best Regards
June 3, 2016 at 08:58
Hi Brit,
Many thanks for your help. Am about to submit my DS260 for 2016 DV. I found out that my name is missplet on my original external exams certificate slip, It was an error in the database a letter was left out instead of KHA They input is as KA. And the database is maintained in Ghana. It’s almost impossible to rectify it because it’s long time ago. My interview will be in Nairobi after the 2NL is received. Is this going to affect me?
Please let me know.
Thanks
Best Regards
Santos
June 3, 2016 at 13:50
I cannot say with certainty – only the CO can decide.
May 18, 2016 at 14:37
I am in somalia , what about if I change my Interview location to djibouti during DS 260 , what is the risk for that as I am afaraid that the visas to Kenya may be difficult and much expense than djibouti , what is your advice to that ?
thanks a lot
May 18, 2016 at 15:33
You can try that.
May 30, 2016 at 10:24
DEBY
Hi Brit thank you a lot for the advise your are giving to us its really of good help.
well i have been selected for the dv lottery 2017 and my CN is 2017AFXXX32++. When should i expect my interviews and if am to send in my DS-260 application form in late May, When can i get my application confirmed to get an interview appointment?
Thank you.
May 30, 2016 at 15:43
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
June 17, 2016 at 18:21
Hi Brit.
A colleague during the 2017 dv entry included two of his brother’s children staying with him as his children and luckly won the DV2017 program but now his brother has taken away the children but their names are on the DS 260 form what can he do?
Thanks
June 17, 2016 at 18:51
He will be questioned why he entered those children on the original entry. He will have to explain.
June 17, 2016 at 21:39
Brit,
Thè father of the kids travels very often to do business and mother of the children is late, so the father of the children as the brother to allow the children live with his and while schooling. The wife of the brother has gotten so used to the child and always mention them as her children. This is how she included them during the dv2017 entry on her case.
Do you think she can continue with the program in spite of this?
June 17, 2016 at 22:27
He can continue, but has some risk…
June 18, 2016 at 01:08
1. In that case, what will be entered into the children information on the DS 260 form?
2. If the family try to talk with the brother n if he decides to return the children, what will be required of the selectee at the interview as claim of the children?
June 18, 2016 at 01:14
He cannot “claim” the children – he should not have tried. They should not be on the DS260 form.
July 15, 2016 at 15:28
Hi Brit,
Is it possible to have affidavit of support for two members of a four persons family if at all its not possible to have affidavit of support for the whole family?
July 15, 2016 at 16:13
One affidavit covers the principal and all the derivatives.
July 17, 2016 at 13:55
Hi Brit, thanks for your support.
A friend paid the bride price for his wife but didn’t do an official western marriage to obtain their matriage certificate but have been living together with the wife since then, thou they have planned do when things get better, so during the dv lottery 2017 they played as partner now they have won. Will going to prepare the marriage certificate this time for their case be right? Do you have any suggestion as to what can be done in their case?
July 17, 2016 at 22:45
They should get legally married asap.
July 18, 2016 at 00:40
Hi britsimon, how are you, I have just one question for you, I have a interview soon and I need to know if I have to translate my police record certificate and my bith certificate? They are in French, thanks
July 18, 2016 at 03:30
The instructions explain that. So – if you haven’t read the instructions you need to do so!!
The documents should be in English OR the official language where the embassy is located.
August 13, 2016 at 21:36
Hi Brit Simon, thanks in advance for all the fantastic information you provide. My wife was accepted for the dv2017 case number : 2017eu00004xxx. She only checked it he other day so we have just filled out the form (with the help of your website) just wondering have we diminished our chances by not applying straight away? Thanks again. George
August 13, 2016 at 23:25
Not at all – you’ll be fine – the only impact of the late submission is a later interview than others with your number. Expect to interview in early 2017.
August 13, 2016 at 23:29
Thanks a million really appreciate that.
August 17, 2016 at 07:04
Hi. My sister won the US lottery 2017, her bumber is EU###127**. So in the 12.000 range. When can she expect an interview please? Thank you so much
August 17, 2016 at 13:45
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
August 27, 2016 at 18:50
Hi Brit,
I submitted my DS 260 for DV 2017 at the beginning of May. My case No is 2017EU00018xxx.
When should I expect to hear about an interview date?
Thanks so much
August 27, 2016 at 20:32
https://britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
December 23, 2016 at 10:08
Hi Brit, I submit DS 260 for DV 2017 at biginning my case number is 2017AF00027xxx when I get interview date? thanks
December 23, 2016 at 14:25
When you case is current.
britsimonsays.com/dv2017-basic-questions/
December 29, 2016 at 21:07
Yosief
My CN is AF201713xxxxx and I submitted DS 260 in August 18 but unlocked and resubmitted Nov 16 after changing living country from my previous country.Sofar not given 2NLs.When would you think?Thanks.
December 29, 2016 at 21:30
2NL in a month or two.
December 29, 2016 at 21:14
Yosief
To correct my cn 2017AF00013xxx
February 14, 2017 at 12:45
hi … I am from Egypt my CN AF00034xxx ….. and submmited my ds -260 on 28 September 2016
when do you think will be my interview ?
February 14, 2017 at 15:23
I don’t know.
February 21, 2017 at 22:49
you don’t know because of EGYPT or because you got bored from such type of questions ?
February 21, 2017 at 23:59
Because the number is not current yet and I am not predicting VB progress this year.
February 21, 2017 at 23:00
Dear Mr. Brit,
1- my number is Case no. 2017AF00020xxx from Egypt , January VB includes my number but Except: Egypt: 12700
does it mean except all Egypt or only the Egyptians with case number up to 12700!!! and i’m current , kindly explain
2- if i’m not current now for being Egyptian ; what is my chance to get visa and when
3- what is the other way to receive notification for interview rather than email ” if any ”
thanks in advance
February 22, 2017 at 00:03
1. Your number is current in the MARCH VB (April interviews). If you submitted your DS260 early enough (prior to October) you should get an April interview.
2. You are current.
3. https://britsimonsays.com/faq/what-does-the-2nl-look-like/
February 21, 2017 at 23:04
kindly note that i have completed the application on 27 AUG 2016
thanks
March 16, 2017 at 02:53
Brit! Sorry for my ignorance! But what’s with everyone saying if they are “safe”?
Thanks and regards
March 16, 2017 at 02:58
It’s mainly people being overly nervous (often for no reason at all). In previous years there has been a cutoff in place which meant some people were selected, but were never scheduled for interview. This year, that could happen to Nepal, but probably no other country – so that is what they mean.
March 16, 2017 at 03:02
1. Any specific reason why it would happen to Nepal this year? Just curious!
2. I read that applicants using DV-2017 photos will get disqualified. Is that a sure thing for this year? Is it up to the CO ? or they wouldn’t be selected in the first place automatically?
Thanks again!
March 16, 2017 at 03:06
1. Lots of Nepal selectees and a very high response and approval rate for Nepalese. Same as previous years.
2. It is not a sure thing, and it is not new. Just the rules have been made more clear but some people still don’t follow the instructions.
2.