Various factors can affect the waitlist status of an application. For example, an application will move up the waitlist (number gets smaller and closer to top) if an application above it receives an offer or is withdrawn/cancelled. In certain situations. an application may move down the waitlist (number gets larger and further from the top) if an application with a higher priority is submitted.
For more details on the lottery process and parameters, visit our Resources page to view the following documents:
How the Lottery Works (FAQ)
Overview of Lottery/Selection Categories & Priorities