The 2016 Diversity Visa (DV) Program registration period is open now through Monday, November 3, 2014 at noon (EST). All applications must be submitted electronically during the registration period using the official entry form available at www.dvlottery.state.gov.
The Department of State administers the annual DV Program. For the 2016 Diversity Immigrant Program, 50,000 visas will be available to nationals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Applicants are selected by the Department of State through a randomized computer drawing.
Natives of the following countries are not eligible to apply: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.
Please note that it is free to enter the DV lottery. Payment is only made once the winning entrant goes to an appointment at the appropriate U.S. Embassy. Entry status can only be checked on the official DV website, www.dvlottery.state.gov. Individuals will not be notified via mail or email.
Entrants are cautioned only to use the official online entry form. The Department of State warns that fraudulent websites and scams posing as government agencies have targeted DV entrants promising assistance with entry, increasing chances of winning, and/or winning entries in exchange for payment. Please visit http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/general/fraud.html for more information on scams. All known DV scams to date have been posted at: http://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0080-diversity-visa-lottery-scams.
