Immigrant Visas

Diversity Visa Lottery

The Congressionally mandated Diversity Immigrant Visa Program makes available 50,000 permanent resident visas annually, drawn from random selection among all entries to persons who meet strict eligibility requirements from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The program, designed to bring greater racial and ethnic diversity to the United States, offers permanent residency visas to citizens who apply. Persons seeking to enter the lottery program must register online through the designated Web site (www.dvlottery.state.gov) during the registration period. Registration is free of charge. The State Department will notify winning entrants by mail.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Registration for the 2009 Diversity Visa Lottery will be open beginning at noon Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Wednesday, October 3, 2007 and remain open until noon Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5) Sunday, December 2, 2007.  For people in France, the start time is 6 p.m. on October 3, 2007. You many review the instructions, access the Diversity Visa electronic Entry Form and view additional information on the 2009 Diversity Visa Immigrant program on the State Department web site: Diversity Visa Lottery Instructions.

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.