Diversity Visa Program
1. Entry Submission
You can register for the Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program only during a specific time frame each fiscal year. The Department of State provides detailed instructions, including registration dates, annually. All entries must be submitted electronically through the Electronic Diversity Visa (E-DV) website during the designated period. Late or paper entries will not be accepted, and each individual can submit only one entry. The Department of State uses advanced technology to detect duplicate entries; multiple submissions will lead to disqualification. The E-DV website becomes active only at the specified date and time mentioned in the DV Instructions. Detailed guidance for completing the online entry form is included in these instructions.
After submitting a complete entry, you will see a confirmation screen with your name and a unique confirmation number. It’s crucial to print and keep this confirmation, as you’ll need it to check your entry status and for further instructions or visa interview scheduling if selected. Registration for the DV Program is free. It is highly recommended that you complete the entry form yourself without assistance from “Visa Consultants” or agents. If you do seek help, ensure you are present during the process to provide accurate information and retain the confirmation page and number.
Selection Process
Each year, the Department of State randomly selects applicants from registered entries based on visa allocations for various regions and countries. On or around May 4, 2024, you can check your entry status on the E-DV website using your confirmation number. If you lose your confirmation number, you will not be able to check your status, and the number cannot be resent. The Department of State does not send notification letters or emails; U.S. embassies and consulates also do not provide selectee lists. The only method for notification is through the Entrant Status Check. Those not selected will also be notified only via this method. It’s advised to personally check your status rather than relying on someone else.
If selected, you should promptly complete the online DS-260 application to schedule an interview at the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The confirmation page you receive after selection will contain further instructions, including visa-related fees.
If Selected
Selected entrants should fill out the DS-260 application as soon as possible to arrange an interview at the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Remember, notifications are only given through the E-DV website. If you are in the United States when notified of your selection, you may qualify for a status adjustment to obtain permanent residence through the DV Program. However, selection does not guarantee visa approval; all U.S. eligibility requirements must still be met.
Confirm Your Qualifications
To qualify for the Diversity Immigrant Visa, the principal applicant must have either a high school education or two years of qualifying work experience as defined by U.S. law. If you do not meet these educational or work experience criteria, you are ineligible for a diversity visa. Only the principal applicant must satisfy this requirement; spouses and children do not need to.
- High School Education: This entails successful completion of a formal education equivalent to a U.S. 12-year education. Equivalency certificates like the GED are not accepted.
- Work Experience: Qualifying work experience requires two years of employment in the past five years in an occupation that typically demands at least two years of training or experience classified as Job Zone 4 or 5, with a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) rating of 7.0 or higher. More information about job classifications can be found on the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net Online database.
If you don’t meet these qualifications, pursuing a DV application may not be advisable, as you might not be eligible, and fees paid will not be refunded.
Submit Your Immigrant Visa Application
All principal applicants and family members must complete Form DS-260. You’ll need your DV case number to access and update your information. If your family situation has changed since your original entry (e.g., marriage or having a child), you must add new family members, providing documents to prove your relationship.
It’s crucial to accurately report family members on your original entry. Failing to include a spouse or child may result in ineligibility for a diversity visa. If family circumstances change legitimately after your initial entry, you must add those members for their applications to be reviewed.
On the DS-260 Sign and Submit page, re-enter your DV case number without any leading zeros (e.g., 2023AF0000012345 becomes 2023AF12345). After submitting, print the confirmation page to bring to your visa interview. KCC can confirm if your form has been processed but cannot determine eligibility; that decision is made during your consular interview.
To contact KCC, include your name, birthdate, and case number in your email. KCC only accepts inquiries via email and will not process paper correspondence.
Prepare Supporting Documents
As of fiscal year 2024 (DV-2024), DV selectees are not required to submit supporting documents to KCC, although they must still complete the DS-260 application. Once KCC processes the DS-260, you’ll receive instructions on submitting any required documents. Applicants and accompanying family members must prepare original documents and translations for the visa interview.
