Diversity Lottery Program
Each year, the Diversity Lottery (DV) Program makes 55,000 immigrant visas available through a lottery to people who come from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Of such visas, 5,000 are allocated for use under NACARA beginning with DV '99. The State Department (DOS) holds the lottery every year, and randomly selects approximately 110,000 applicants from all qualified entries. The DOS selects the approximately 110,000 applications since many will not complete the visa process. However once 55,000 are issued or the fiscal year ends, the DV program is closed. If you receive a visa through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program you will be authorized to live and work permanently in the United States. You will also be allowed to bring your spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States.
Entering the Diversity Visa Lottery
You cannot enter the Diversity Visa Lottery through the USCIS website or by filing any application with USCIS. The program is managed by the U.S. Department of State.
The 2009 Lottery online entry begins at Noon Eastern Daylight Time, on October 3, 2007, and ends at Noon Eastern Standard Time on December 2, 2007. Further information will be posted here when the U.S. Department of State makes it available.
Please Note: There have been instances of fraudulent websites posing as official U.S. Government sites. Some companies posing as the U.S. Government have sought money in order to "complete" lottery entry forms. There is no charge to download and complete the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form. The Department of State notifies successful Diversity Visa applicants by letter, and NOT by email. To learn more see the Department of State Warning and the Federal Trade Commission Warning.
How We Serve Our Clients
The Wenger law firm's experienced professionals can assist you and your family in completing the application for the diversity lottery program or answer any questions in that regard. If you win the lottery, our attorneys will consult with you regarding the perceived advantages of Consular Processing and Adjustment of Status regarding your particular matter. We take into account such issues as your preferences, ability to travel abroad, current non-immigrant and marital status, final non-immigrant status date, and employment situation. We will thoroughly discuss with you all options and strategies to ensure that you can make an informed decision in the matter. Our staff with also work with you to prepare all required documentation and prepare you for interviews by United States government officials, and if desired one of our attorneys can represent you at the interview. We are also available via telephone or e-mail to answer any questions as they arise.
Diversity Lottery Eligibility
You or your spouse must be a native of a country that is eligible to participate in the Diversity Visa Lottery. You may also be eligible to apply if your parent was born in a country that is eligible to participate. (The State Department will publish the names of countries that are eligible to participate before each year's lottery.) You must have a high school diploma or the equivalent, defined in the United States as successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education; OR you must have two years of work experience within the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.
See the State Department information on the DV program.
How Do I Apply?
Before each year's lottery drawing, the Department of State will publish explicit instructions on how to apply in press releases and the Federal Register. Please follow all directions exactly. Millions of applicants are rejected each year for failure to follow the directions. Please watch the State Department Website for more information on the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. Instructions are usually posted in August, and the registration period is usually held in October each year.
How Much Does the Lottery Cost?
There is no fee for entering the diversity visa lottery. If you win, you must pay a fee for an immigrant visa and a separate visa lottery surcharge.
How Can I Find Out If I Won?
Only the winners will be notified by mail at the addresses listed on their applications. Winners will be sent instructions and information on fees. Being selected as a winner in the diversity visa lottery does not automatically guarantee that you will be issued a visa, even if you are qualified. The number of entries selected is greater than the number of immigrant visas available, because not everyone selected will be qualified for the visa or will choose to complete the processing. Once all 50,000 visas have been issued, the diversity visa program for the year will end.
Please be aware: Winners are not notified by electronic mail. Please see the Department of State Fraud Warning in the Related Links section of this page.
How Can I Find Out More Information?
Please watch the State Department Website for more information on the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. You may also call the State Department's Visa Lottery Information Center at 1-900-884-8840 for more information. Please note: There is a charge for each call. You may also contact your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. A listing of U.S. Embassies and Consulates can be found on the State Department website.
