This archive report was first published on 27 September 2019.
The 2021 Diversity Visa program registration period is now open, running from October 2nd, 2019 to November 5th, 2019.
The State Department's Diversity Visa program allocates 50,000 permanent resident visas to nationals of countries with low immigration rates to the United States. To be eligible, countries must have a low immigration rate to the US over the past year. For DV-2021, the following countries are ineligible: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.
Entrants are urged to complete the entry form themselves without a “visa consultant,” “visa agent,” or other facilitator. If assistance is needed, the State Department advises being present to provide correct information and obtain a confirmation number.
Without a confirmation number, entrants will not be able to access the website to check if they won. The Department warns that some “agents” have been known to submit entries on behalf of individuals, sometimes unbeknownst to the individuals, and retain confirmation numbers, then charge exorbitant fees to the individuals to get their confirmation numbers.
Individuals who enter incorrect information or fail to provide required information will be disqualified from the program, adds the Department. Additionally, entrants are advised that there is no fee charged to enter the Diversity Visa program. The only fees that apply are visa application fees at the time of visa interview, for those who win the lottery.
