U.S. Embassy Announces 2009 Diversity Visa Lottery

October 2, 2007
No. 46/07

Addis Ababa (U.S. Embassy) – The U.S. Department of State will begin accepting applications for the 2009 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program on October 3, 2007 at 12 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Daylight Time).  Applications will be accepted until December 2, 2007 at 12 p.m. (U.S. Eastern Standard Time). 

Applications for the 2009 Diversity Immigration Visa Program (DV Program) must be submitted via the Internet.  Paper entries will not be accepted.  The U.S. Department of State has established a dedicated website for the submission of electronic Diversity Visa entries, at www.dvlottery.state.gov  All entries must be made at this site.  Applicants are encouraged to apply early in order to avoid any delays that may occur in the final days of the registration period.  No entries will be accepted after 12 p.m. U.S. Eastern Standard Time on December 2, 2007. 

The rules for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program are very clear.  Complete details can be found at www.dvlottery.state.gov.  Applicants are advised to read all the rules carefully before entering.  Errors made in the application automatically disqualify the individual from being issued a visa.  Applicants should carefully review the qualifications for a Diversity Visa.  Individuals who do not clearly qualify for a Diversity Visa based on their education and/or work experience, or who will not be able to present clear evidence of such qualifications at their interview, should not apply.  Applicants whose names are drawn will be required to pay an application fee when they appear for their visa interview.  This application fee is not refundable.  Applicants who are denied a visa at their interview because they do not possess the required education or work experience, or for any other reason, will not receive a refund of their application fee. 

A Diversity Visa applicant may prepare and submit his or her own entry, or someone may assist the applicant to submit the entry.  Each applicant is allowed to enter only one time, regardless of whether the applicant directly submits the entry, or is assisted by an attorney, friend, relative, etc.  Applicants who submit more than one entry for themselves will be automatically disqualified.  It is essential that applicants ensure that all information on the entry form is complete and correct as required by 2009 DV Program guidelines.  Any errors or omissions will result in disqualification.  Each applicant who properly submits his/her DV Program application will receive a notification letter at the mailing address provided on the application.

Diversity Visa winners (those applicants whose names are drawn) will be notified by mail of their interview dates.  They should not contact the U.S. Embassy regarding their interviews.  It is very important that DV winners arrive for their interview date and time as directed.  DV winners who miss their appointments will have to reschedule.  This will be possible only on a space-available basis.

Complete information about the 2009 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program is available at www.dvlottery.state.gov.

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