The Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program, also known as the green card lottery, is a way for people from countries with low immigration rates to the United States to apply for a green card. Each year, around 50,000 green cards are available through the DV lottery program. There is no cost to enter the lottery, but applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements.
Can you make changes to a submitted DV lottery application?
In general, no changes or edits can be made to a DV lottery application after it has been submitted. The entry period for submitting the lottery application is only open for a short period each year, usually in October. Once the entry period closes, no further applications are accepted and no changes can be made.
There are a few key pieces of information on the DV lottery application that cannot be edited after submission:
- Name
- Birth date
- Gender
- City/town of birth
- Country of birth
- Photograph
These details are crucial for identity verification purposes. The photograph in particular must meet the specifications when submitted, as it cannot be changed. The entry also cannot be transferred to another person after it is submitted.
However, there are some pieces of information on the application that can potentially be updated or corrected:
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Marital status
- Number of children
Applicants are advised to notify the Kentucky Consular Center of any changes to contact information after submitting their entry. This ensures any correspondence regarding the application can reach the applicant.
Can you submit multiple DV lottery applications?
No, applicants can only submit one DV lottery entry per annual registration period. Duplicate or multiple submissions will result in disqualification. The lottery uses sophisticated computer software to detect multiple entries from the same individual.
Some key indicators the software uses to catch duplicate submissions:
- Name
- Birth date
- Photograph
- Mailing address
- Email address
- Phone number
- Passport number
Even small differences like spelling variations will be flagged. Applicants who submit more than one entry face complete disqualification from that year’s visa lottery.
What mistakes can disqualify a DV lottery entry?
There are a few common mistakes applicants should avoid that will lead to a disqualified entry:
- Submitting after the deadline – Any applications submitted after the registration period closes are automatically invalid.
- Incomplete/incorrect photo – The submitted digital photo must meet all technical specs like size, resolution, etc. Omitting the photo is grounds for disqualification.
- Inaccurate/incomplete information – Applicants must give truthful and complete responses. Lying or omitting info can invalidate the entry.
- Not meeting eligibility criteria – Applicants must meet all requirements related to country of birth, education, and work experience.
In addition, applicants are responsible for any technical errors that prevent their entry from processing properly. Mistakes like an invalid email address or failure of the photography to upload correctly can also lead to disqualification.
Can a disqualified DV lottery applicant apply again in the future?
Yes, applicants who are disqualified from the DV lottery are still eligible to enter again in future years, provided they continue meeting the eligibility criteria. Common reasons for disqualification, like multiple entries or a missed deadline, do not result in permanent bans from the program.
Applicants who are denied should carefully review the instructions and requirements before submitting a new entry. It is advisable to apply as soon as possible once the next DV lottery registration period opens. Application photographs and information should also be double-checked.
However, applicants who are refused due to fraud or attempted visa/immigration fraud will face permanent ineligibility for any future immigrant visa applications. Such deception is the only offense that leads to lifetime bans.
What are the steps for completing the DV lottery entry?
Submitting a complete and valid DV lottery entry involves the following steps:
- Determine eligibility – Applicants must confirm they meet all requirements for education, work experience, and country of birth before proceeding.
- Have documents ready – Photograph, birth date/place, passport details should be prepared in advance to complete the form accurately.
- Fill out online entry – Using the official online form, applicants input all required information during the registration period.
- Submit entry – Double check all inputs and upload photo, then submit the completed electronic entry.
- Save confirmation – Retain the confirmation number and printout after submission.
- Check status – Use the confirmation number to check the entry status in May of the following year.
Following these steps carefully improves the chances of a valid, properly processed entry. Rushing through the process often leads to disqualifying mistakes.
What information is required to complete the DV lottery application?
The following personal details and information are required from each applicant to complete the DV lottery entry form:
- Full name – Given name and surname exactly as on passport
- Gender – Male or female
- Birth date – Day, month, and year
- City of birth
- Country of birth – Must be eligible based on low immigration rate
- Country of eligibility/residence
- Photograph – Recent, digital file meeting technical specifications
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Email address
- Marital status
- Number of children
- Education level
- Work experience
Other details like passport number and criminal record are optional. The photograph must be less than 6 months old. All other information should reflect the applicant’s current status.
What are the eligibility requirements to enter the DV lottery?
Applicants for the DV lottery must meet the following eligibility requirements set by the U.S. government:
- Born in an eligible country – Nation must have low rates of immigration to the U.S. in past 5 years.
- Education or work experience – Must have a high school education or 2 years of qualifying work experience.
- Admissible to the U.S. – Must meet requirements related to health, criminal background, and national security.
In addition, the entry must be submitted electronically during the specified registration period, and applicants can only submit one entry. Only citizens of eligible countries can apply. Ineligible countries include Canada, China, India, Mexico, Philippines, and others.
What are the steps after winning the DV lottery?
If an entry is selected in the DV lottery, the applicant must complete the following steps to get their immigrant visa:
- Confirm selection – Check online using the confirmation number and complete required processing steps.
- Submit DS-260 – Complete and submit the immigrant visa application form.
- Gather documents – Obtain police certificates, court records, and other required documents.
- Attend interview – Appear at the local U.S. consulate once the appointment is scheduled.
- Obtain medical exam – Undergo the required medical examination by an approved doctor.
- Receive visa – If approved, the consulate will issue an immigrant visa in the passport.
- Enter U.S. – The visa holder can then enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident.
The visa application and process must be completed within the fiscal year. Delays can lead to loss of the diversity visa.
Can the DV lottery winner change their status after the visa interview?
DV lottery winners cannot make significant changes to their immigrant visa application after the consular interview except in limited cases. For example:
- Changes in contact information can be updated as needed.
- Minor spelling corrections in names/documents may be made.
- A lost or expired passport can be renewed and updated.
However, major changes like in marital status or family composition are generally not permitted after the interview. Dependents typically cannot be added either. Switching from consular processing to adjustment of status is also usually not allowed after the interview.
Overall, DV lottery winners must take care to ensure their visa application is accurate and complete prior to the consular interview. After the interview has been conducted, the scope for any changes is very limited.
If you get divorced after winning DV lottery can you still get the visa?
Getting divorced after winning the DV lottery does not automatically disqualify someone from receiving their green card, but the process requires additional steps:
- The spouse can no longer receive a derivative green card based on the primary applicant.
- The spouse must request the KCC to remove them from the visa application.
- The spouse then loses eligibility to immigrate as a DV lottery winner.
- The primary applicant can still pursue the green card alone if otherwise eligible.
- Prior to visa issuance, they must update their case to reflect the divorce.
In some cases, a divorced spouse may still be eligible to receive a green card through other immigration avenues like employment or family sponsorship. But they could not obtain permanent residency as a DV lottery winner derivative.
The divorce must be disclosed and the visa application updated accurately. Attempting to conceal the divorce would be considered immigrant visa fraud.
Can you bring your parents if you win the DV lottery?
Bringing parents to the U.S. as derivatives on a DV lottery green card is only possible in certain situations. In general, eligible derivatives include:
- Spouse
- Unmarried children under 21
Parents and siblings do not qualify as eligible derivatives for DV lottery winners. However, parents may still be able to immigrate in the following cases:
- If the parent is a widow/widower and has no other children besides the primary applicant.
- If the parent is legally the primary applicant’s step-parent through marriage.
- If the applicant is adopted and the parent is their legal adoptive parent.
Outside of these specific situations, parents can only immigrate later through other visa options like family sponsorship green cards. They cannot derive status from someone who won the diversity visa lottery.
What happens if a DV lottery winner dies before getting the visa?
Unfortunately, if a DV lottery selectee dies before they are able to obtain their green card, the visa eligibility ends. Some key points:
- Any eligible spouse and/or children derivatives would also lose eligibility.
- The diversity visa is no longer available to the deceased winner’s family.
- However, they may be eligible for humanitarian reinstatement and can contact USCIS.
In most cases, the death of the primary DV lottery selectee results in termination of the case, and the visa returns to the pool. However, USCIS has discretion to reinstate family members in certain humanitarian circumstances.
Table on DV Lottery Eligibility and Requirements
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Country of Birth | Must be born in an eligible country based on low immigration rate to U.S. |
| Education | High school graduate minimum or equivalent work experience |
| Photograph | Must meet specifications, less than 6 months old |
| Entry Period | Must submit entry online during specified registration period |
| Number of Entries | Only one entry per applicant per year |
| Inadmissibility | Must meet requirements related to health, criminal past, national security |
Conclusion
The DV lottery green card program offers valuable immigration opportunities for millions of people each year. However, the application process and requirements are strict. Generally, no changes can be made after submitting the online entry form during the registration period. Applicants must provide accurate and complete details up front.
Once selected, visa applicants must complete all steps punctually and carefully to obtain approval. Significant changes like divorce or death of the selectee can complicate or derail the process. Understanding the eligibility criteria and restrictions is crucial for all applicants pursuing a green card through the Diversity Visa program.
