The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program makes up to 55,000 diversity visas (DVs) available annually to randomly selected applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.
A computer will randomly select applicants who apply beginning May 1, 2014. However, registration opens on October 1, 2013 and closes on November 2, 2013.
Q: Who is eligible for the Diversity Lottery?
A: Persons wishing to apply must meet the following requirements to be considered for the Diversity Lottery:
Requirement 1: Applicants must have been born in a qualifying country. The Country List can be found on page 15 of the DV_2015 instruction form.
Natives of the following countries are NOT eligible: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.
Exceptions: Persons born in Hong Kong SAR, Macau SAR, and Taiwan are eligible.
Requirement 2: Applicants must meet an education/work experience standard by having the following: a high school education or its equivalent, or two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience to perform.
Q: When is the Entry Period?
A: The entry period begins October 1, 2013 at noon and ends November 2, 2013 at noon Eastern Standard Time. Applicants should give themselves plenty of time for the application process and remember there may be delays with the computer system due to heavy traffic with applicants – especially as the deadline nears.
Q: How can I apply for the Diversity Lottery?
A: The Diversity Visa Entry Form must be submitted electronically at www.dvlottery.state.gov. The form is known as the E-DV Entry Form or the DS-5501 and you must submit a complete form in order to be considered. Be sure to have all of your information available when you are completing the form which can be found on pages 3-5 of the DV_2015 instruction form. Be sure to apply only once – if you submit more than one entry you will be disqualified.
Q: Is there a Filing Fee or Cost for the Diversity Lottery?
A: It is free, there is no charge to submit the Diversity Entry Form
Q: How will I know if I am selected?
A: After you have submitted your entry form you will receive a confirmation number (keep it safe), which can be used to check the status of your entry from May 1, 2014 until June 30, 2015 at www.dvlottery.state.gov.
WARNING: The Department of State will NOT contact you to tell you that you have been selected.
Q: What do I do if I win the lottery?
A: Winning the lottery will be the first step in the process. Once you have determined you have been selected, please be sure and take note of what fees, documents and additional forms you will need. All of this information will be given to you once you know you have been selected.
ACT FAST
If you do win the lottery and you are selected as an applicant please keep in mind you only have a short amount of time that you are entitled to apply for visa issuance. You only have from October 1, 2014 until September 30, 2015 to complete all necessary steps.
Be aware of fraud and scams – many are center on the Diversity Lottery, and could negatively impact your chances of winning the Diversity Lottery.