Understanding Diversity Visa Case Number
Perhaps the second most important piece of information included in a Diversity Visa selectee’s letter of selection – after the clause “you have randomly been selected” – is their case number. So what in essence is case number? How is it determined? What is its importance? . . . among others, are questions this article provides answers to. Let’s begin by explaining what a Diversity Visa case number actually is.
What is case number in DV Lottery, and how is it determined?
Diversity Visa case numbers actually come about during the selection process. Entries submitted during the DV Lottery are first grouped according to region. Then during the selection process, the entries in each group (region) are randomly assigned consecutive numbers by a computer system.
Said numbers remain ‘attached’ to the entries up to the end of the selection process. Entrants who end up not being selected in the process never get to know their assigned number.
Those on the other hand who are eventually selected get to ‘discover’ their assigned number in their letter of selection. It is this ‘assigned number’ from the selection process which eventually becomes – and is henceforth referred to as – the Diversity visa selectee’s case number.
The Result?
This reality generally results in nonconsecutive case numbers in each region. For example, in a given region, you may have the initial case numbers to be 5, 7, 8, 9, 13, 18, 20, etc. Meaning the missing numbers are actually the case numbers of entries which happened to not have been selected.
This indicates that having a case number like 20 from our example above does not mean that there are 19 cases before yours. Usually, there are far fewer cases than that. How many cases there are before your case depends on the number of entries with case numbers lower than yours that were actually selected during the selection process. If during the selection process for example, 12 cases with case numbers lower than yours were selected (the rest not being selected), then there will be 12 cases before yours after the results are published.
Regional Case Numbering Systems
It is worth noting that a case number system exists by region, with each regional numbering system different from the other, owing largely to the number of entrants the regions provide during the Lottery. The higher the number of entrants a region usually provides, the more extensive its case number range; and vice-versa.
For example, the Africa region which usually provides the highest number of entrants to the DV Lottery (see chart) has the most extensive case number range (extending up to more than 80,000 in some years). And North America (comprising only one country) which accounts for the lowest number of entrants every year has the least extensive case number range (the highest being low double digits); etc.
Case Number Length and Comparaison
The case number range of a region determines the length of the highest case number in that region. The highest case numbers in regions with less extensive number range comprise few digits, while those in regions with more extensive ranges comprise more digits – not counting the initial zeros. That is why the highest case numbers from regions such as Africa, Europe and Asia are longer than those from North America, South America and Oceania.
It must also be noted that case numbers can only be ‘compared’ within the same region and not across regions. What is considered a low case number in one region may be a high one in another region; and vice-versa.
Case Number Composition
Just by observing, you’ll realize that a case number comprises four parts. The first four digits are the program/visa year. That is, the fiscal year in which the selectee is eligible to apply for a Diversity Visa. Those four digits are followed by a two-letter abbreviation of the selectee’s region, then a number of zeros introduced to ensure that the case number has the same number of digits as others (8 digits); and finally the actual case number.
An example is 2021AF00007506, where 2021 is the visa year; AF is abbreviation for the Africa region; then the ‘intervening’ zeros; and 7506 is the selectee’s actual case number.
Note: When signing the DS-260 to submit it, the applicant is requird to enter his/her case number without the preceeding zeros. Failure to follow said instruction leads to an error message, thus preventing the form from being submitted.
Importance of Case Number
A selectee’s case number dictates at what time in the program year that selectee is supposed to be interviewed. It is paramount in knowing the chances he/she has when it comes to getting scheduled for an interview. Case numbers contribute more to the fate of Diversity Visa cases than does personal effort.
It is true that an individual has duties and responsibilities as a Diversity Visa applicant, but the fact remains that an applicant with a low case number stands a better chance of being interviewed than another with a high case number. All because interviews begin with the lowest case numbers and end with high ones in each region.
Case Number and DS-260 Submission
That is why unlike what is generally believed, an immediate submission of one’s DS-260 upon being selected is not the key to getting an early DV interview. But understanding the position of one’s case number in his/her region and knowing how to act accordingly always work in the best interest of an applicant’s Diversity Visa case.
SUGGESTED: To have an idea of the position of your case number, the chances you have of being interviewed, as well as the most-likely time of the program/fiscal year when you’ll be interviewed, READ THIS ARTICLE.
Hi I’m a DV winner of dv 2024 my case number is AF 60*** is there a chance of been interviewed
Yes, there is.
I am a DV lottery winner from Afghanistan my case number is 22000, will I be interviewed?
No-one can say. It largely depends on the post where you are to be interviewed.
Hi!
I wanna know for consular applicants. What’s the role of NVC cause i read on many sites that the applicant has to scan and email ds 260 and other docs to nvc and sometimes, submitting ds260 to kcc and supporting docs to kcc.
I’m completely confused, could someone make these two things explicit for me?
Hi Ibrahim:
There’s no need to be confused. KCC processes DIVERSITY VISA applications/deals with DIVERSITY VISA applicants; NVC processes all OTHER TYPES of US Immigrant Visa applications/deals with all OTHER TYPES of US Immigrant Visa applicants. That’s the difference.
FYI – my case number is 2023AF33xxx and my interview just got scheduled for 16 Feb 2023 in my home country.
To my surprise, KCC did not request any documents prior to scheduling the interview
It’s great to hear that your interview has been scheduled. It’s normal considering that the AF cut-off number set for February is 35,000.
I indicated in this article ( https://mydvprogram.com/dv-2023-no-documents-submission-confirmed ) that DV 2023 applicants were not required to submit documents to KCC. So it shouldn’t have been a surprise when you were not asked to do so.
Wishing you the very best at your interview!
Hi, I am EU29XXX of DV 2023, What are my chances? Thank you in advance.
Under normal circumstances, your chances should be poor to fair depending on the highest EU case number which we will get to know soon. However, considering how the cut-offs are being established, your chances could be much higher.
Thank you very much for your answer)
You’re most welcome!
I am EU23145 winner of Dv 2023 , what are my chances . I reside in USA cute
They’re good. Just go about the AOS process normally.
Hi my case number is AS589x.
According to current scenario what is your opinion about my chances ??
You will find my latest article helpful in answering this question: https://mydvprogram.com/dv-2023-when-will-i-be-interviewed
Hi brothers and sisters. I won DV 2023 with case number AF 81XX. according to the bulletin, cut off for africa for December is 9000. Up till now I have not received any notification. Is it normal??
Yes. Nowadays, it’s something normal.
IF MY CASE NUMBER IS AS18XXX WHAT ABOUT MY CHANCES TO GET INTERVIEWED?
Normally, that’s a high CN for Asia. But as things are happening currently, you do stand a good chance.
My case Number is 2023AF000555**
Do I have a chance to be called for the visa interview?
Yes, you do. Keep your fingers crossed.
My CN 2023AS12832, DS filled on 1 Aug 2022 and is now current for interview. Will I receive Interview??
It largely depends on the situation of your embassy. See this: https://mydvprogram.com/dv-2023-when-will-i-be-interviewed
Hi my case no is 2023AF00046*** is there a chance that I will be called for Visa interview?
Yes, there is.
I have entered wrong information on my application last name i wrote my first name and surname was entered as middle name what should i do?
Wait for the result and see if you’re selected first.
My wife was pregnant when she applied for a 2024 Dv lottery. Now she has giving birth, how do I add the baby details?
Thank you
Wait for the results and see if she’s selected first.
How do I get my CASE number for 2024 DV lottery applicant, although I have the confirmation number but don’t know if I’ve mistakenly lost the CASE number.
You only get a case number if you’re selected.
Hi I’m a DV winner of dv 2023 my case number is AF 59443 is there a chance of been interviewed
Yes, there is.
Hi !ani mo’ataa dv 2022 ti lakkoofsi dhimma koo AF27753 carraan interview godhamuu jiraa ?
If it’s DV 2022, then there’s no chance. DV 2022 is since over. But if it’s DV 2023, then there’s good chance for you.
You only get a case number if you’re selected.
Hello Brethren I applied for the 2024 DV lottery. I have my confirmation number but no case number. Is this normal?
Thank you
Yes, it is. You only get a case number if you’re selected.
Hello sir my 2023 case no for Asia is 2023AS00013×××.. is it considered for an interview or not ?
More explanation here: https://mydvprogram.com/low-and-high-case-numbers
My case number is AF22xxxxx pls is it good
Yes, it is. See this: https://mydvprogram.com/low-and-high-case-numbers
Hi, great work with your articles.. very detailed explanations
I wanted to ask if the case number letters example “AF” is developed based on where I am from .. or where I live? ie. Country of birth or Country of residence.
It’s based on one’s country of eligibility which in most cases is their country of birth.
My 2023 case number for Africa is 2023AF000003XX. Even though I have a very low case number, not scheduled for an interview till now. is it normal?
It may or may not be.
Did you finally get scheduled?
Dear Trodvies,
My 2023 case number for Europe is 2023EU00023XXX. Is this considered a high number for Europe? And my case would not be reviewed till the end of 2022? Thank you!
Close to being high. Here’s an article that provides details: https://mydvprogram.com/low-and-high-case-numbers. With your case number, your interview/scheduling will happen in 2023.
Thank you so much! And if I am in USA and will be doing Adjustment of status, would I still need to wait for my case number to become active to send the application?
Not necessarily. There’s what’s referred to as “early filing” which gives you the possibility of sending your application two months earlier.
Thank you very much for this important clarification!
You’re welcome!
Hi, do you mean filing I485 before your case number becomes active? I am also selected in the DV2023 lottery and in USA. I will be doing AOS too, just wanted to check as my case number is still not active if I can proceed and submit I485
No, that’s not what I meant.
I was speaking about the DS-260 submission. It’s optional for AOS cases. But you could submit it – if you chose to – before your case number becomes current. That’s what I meant.
However, if you choose to proceed straight with submitting your AOS package, then you have to wait until the VB showing when your case number will become current is published. By then, you can submit it.
And to answer your original question: YES, you’ll still get the chance to adjust your status if your CN gets current in January.
Hello sir ,i won dv lottery 2023 with case number Af 66** is it a good one ?
A very good one!
Hello. I used an agent to enter the lottery. I don’t have their email address to check myself but they showed me a letter which says that I have been selected. How do I check a case number is real?
You don’t need the agent’s email address to check. Didn’t they give you your (entry submission) confirmation information when they entered you in the Lottery? If they didn’t, then whether the case number is real or not, you’re now at their mercy. And if you were really selected, they will have demands – especially financial – you must meet before they turn your confirmation info over to you – unfortunately.
What does the word “current” mean in the VISA bulletin page when it mentioned in the table referring to the case number?
(https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin.html)
Does it mean that all case numbers selected in the region were called for an interview?
No, that’s not what it means. It means interview in that region is OPEN TO ALL CASES which have met the requirements for interview. Detailed explanation in this article: https://mydvprogram.com/what-is-visa-bulletin
Hello. i was selected for the dv 2023 program, my case number 2023AF60*** do i stand a chance of getting called up for visa interview?
60XXX is usually a high case number in the AF Region. But for now, we do not know the highest case numbers and can therefore not situate yours to predict your chances.
Hello Sir, when filling my ds260 form, the email address i used was different from the email i initially used when i was applying for dv lottery 2023. I wish to ask which of the email address will the kcc use to send me notifications on required documents and interview?
The one on the DS-260.
What would be a good “case number” for Italy? How do I know if i’m in a good position?
Read the following article for more information: https://mydvprogram.com/what-is-visa-bulletin
Then consider the EUROPE table. If your case number is found in the lower part, then it’s a low case number and you’re in a good position.
Hi, Thanks for your supporting guidelines. I won the DV lottery 2023 with case no 2023AS00013***. Should I consider an interview or not in this case no.? Please guide me
Your case number is high, but that doesn’t rule out that you could still be scheduled for interview.
Hello ! my 2022 case no for Africa is 2022AF277xx.. is it considered for an interview or not ?
DV 2022 ended since September 30, 2022. So your case – if indeed that number is correct – can no longer be considered for interview.
Hello,
My case number is 23023AS19XXX and I am still waiting for an interview but nothing has been scheduled. Do you think I will get an opportunity to have an interview?
Hi: You do have a chance of being interviewed; your interview will largely depend on how fast your embassy is interviewing Diversity Visa cases after your case number becomes current.