"The application period for the 2009 Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery will be between noon Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Wednesday, October 3, 2007 and noon Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5) Sunday, December 2, 2007. In order to submit an application, individuals should access the electronic Diversity Visa entry form at www.dvlottery.state.gov during the registration period. Paper entries will not be accepted. Do not wait until the last week to register as heavy demand may result in website delays and no entries will be accepted after noon EST on December 2, 2007." DOS Media Note, Sept. 25, 2007.

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 certain countries with low rates of immigration to the United States.

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.

Do not fall for any scams. You can register on your own for the DV lottery. You do not need assistance in registering; you should not pay anyone to assist you registering. No one can assist you and increase your odds of being selected. Do not fall for such advertisements or promises!

To determine if you are eligible to participate in the lottery, review the following DOS instructions: http://travel.state.gov/pdf/2009DVInstructions.pdf . Read all the instructions before you attempt to submit your registration, and carefully follow all instructions given. Each eligible individual may only register one time during each DV lottery registration period. Be sure to only submit ONE registration or all registrations will be voided. If you registered in a previously fiscal year, you are NOT barred from registering in FY2009. If your registration is selected, you will be assigned a case number and a priority date. If you are selected, you will receive notification by SNAIL MAIL only. If you receive an e-mail stating that you have "won" it is a fraudulent notification. Do NOT pay anyone to register. Registration is free. If you are not selected, you will NOT be notified by any means."

© 1999-2012, Jackson & Hertogs - All rights reserved