U.S. 2019 Diversity Visa Lottery Begins

 The U.S. Embassy in Colombo today announced the start of the 2019 Diversity Visa Lottery Program, also known as the “Green Card” Lottery.

 The program will be open for online registration from October 3, 2017 to November 7, 2017.  The Diversity Visa Lottery allows randomly selected applicants the opportunity to interview for an immigrant visa and become legal permanent residents of the United States. 

The program is the “2019” lottery because applicants enter in 2017, interview in 2018, and—if selected and approved—receive Green Cards in 2019.
 
The Embassy said in a news release said that there is no cost to register for the Diversity Visa Lottery.  Beware of scams, of persons or companies making claims of affiliation with the U.S. Government, and of those who promise improved odds of selection.  No third party assistance is needed to complete and submit an application.

More information can be obtained at the U.S. Embassy Colombo’s website at https://lk.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/diversity-visa/ to find out more about the program, including qualification requirements and detailed instructions on how to apply in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.  The only way to apply is online at www.dvlottery.state.gov.
 
Beginning in early May 2018, applicants may go online to the Entrant Status Check page on www.dvlottery.state.gov to see if they have been selected for the Diversity Visa program.  Those selected will be asked to submit additional information and will be notified when they are selected for an interview.  

The in-person interview will be with a U.S. Consular Officer, who will decide if the applicant is eligible to receive the visa – documents required will include medical and police clearance and payment of visa fees at the Embassy.

(CK)