This is what you need to know
about the DV Program this year!
Hi, my name is Jessica,
and I work in the consular section.
Today I’m interviewing Khalid
to better understand the DV Program.
Khalid, what is the DV Program
and when is the registration period this year?
The DV Program gives
50,000 people a year from all around the world
a chance to be selected to apply an immigrant visa.
The goal of the program
is to increase the diversity of the United States.
This year, registration will be open
from the evening of October 2nd until November 5th.
Do NOT wait until the last few days to register,
because there are often system problems because of heavy demand.
How does someone register,
and how much does it cost?
Please pay close attention here
because there are unfortunately many scams associated with the DV Program
The only website to register is dvlottery.state.gov.
It is completely free,
and you don’t pay a single cent to register.
it is extremely important that you keep your own confirmation number.
You will need it to see if you were selected next May
and if anyone does send you a message
to tell you that you have been selected,
, it is most likely a scam.
What are the required qualifications?
The most important qualification is that you need to have passed your baccalaureate (high school) exam.
If you are not qualified , You might be chosen during the drawing,
but then you will be definitely refused for a visa during your interview at the embassy.
There is one exception to this if you have a job which is high-skilled, but it is a difficult requirement to meet.
and we will explain this in a separate video,
So what are the policy changes, how is this year different from previous years?
First, you need a passport that is valid and unexpired as of the time you register.
If you don’t have a passport and you want to register, go out and get one.
This is only for the principal applicant – you do NOT need a valid passport for your children until the interview.
Secondly, any missing required entry information
will automatically disqualify you –
for instance all family members must be listed
and need photographs that are compliant with our requirements.
Thirdly, like all visa applicants,
selectees will have to prove that they will not be
dependent on US government assistance and financial support.
Some ways applicants can do that is by showing they have their own personal funds,
a job offer in the U.S.,
or sponsorship from a U.S. resident.
Is it really random?  How can someone increase their chances?
Yes, the selection is completely random and done by computer.
Each person can only enter the DV Program one time per year,
but if you have a high school degree,
and your husband has a high school degree,
you can each submit an entry as the principal applicant.
Any final advice?
Be very careful when you are writing your information into dvlottery.state.gov ,
because any mistakes could disqualify your application.
You can find more information at dvlottery.state.gov.
Thank you and we wish you all the best!
Thank you!
