If you’re planning on migrating to the U.S, here is an opportunity to visit:  www.dvlottery.state.gov.  Every year, the U.S. Government makes available 50,000 permanent resident visas to citizens of countries that have a low rate of immigration to the United States, known as the Green Card Lottery. The Diversity Visa Lottery is mandated by the U.S. Congress and administered by the Department of State.  The purpose of the Visa Lottery is to diversify our immigrant population in the U.S. Therefore, the Visa Lottery is open to countries whose natives number is less than 50,000 immigrants during the previous five years.

Also the number of eligible countries change from year to year. According to Deputy Assistant Secretary for services David Donahue, there are a few changes to the program this year, South Sudan and Poland will participate in the 2013 program,  while Bangladesh no longer qualifies and will therefore not participate this year because of high rates of immigration to the U.S.

The online registration period for the 2013 Diversity Visa Program (DV-2013) began on Tuesday, October 4, at noon, eastern daylight time and will conclude on Saturday, November 5, at noon, according to the department’s website. There is no charge to complete the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form, as usual fraudulent websites are posing as official U.S. government sites.

Some companies, even Law firms are posing as the U.S. government and asking for money  to complete DV entry forms. Any e-mail requesting an applicant pay a fee up front is fraudulent. The entire process will be done electronically, from registration to the interview scheduling process.  It is very important that you keep and save your confirmation, or registration number.  If you are selected, the website will also be where you  should go to find information on the date, location, and time of your visa interview.

You will need to complete the immigrant visa application, submit required documents and forms, pay required fees, complete a medical examination, and be interviewed by a consular officer at the U.S. embassy or consulate to demonstrate you qualify for a diversity visa. While those who file for adjustment of status in the United States will receive separate instructions on how to mail DV fees to a U.S. bank.  Any omissions on the application, particularly names of dependents, may result in disqualification of the applicant.

The Kentucky Consular Center will provide application information either by mail (for DV-2011 selectees) or online through the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website www.dvlottery.state.gov (for DV-2012 selectees). After you receive instructions, you will need to demonstrate you are eligible to receive a visa by qualifying based on education, work, and other requirements. The law and regulations require that every DV entrant must have at least:

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’ training or experience.

It is important to understand that as soon as you confirm that you have been successful in the process, you should pursue the immigrant visa immediately because it must be completed by the deadline of September 30, 2013. If the deadline is missed, so will the opportunity to immigrate. Also be aware that typically more than 55,000 winners are selected, but only 50,000 visas may be issued, so there is a rush to complete the process. It is a first come, first served basis.

Good luck to all DV applicants.