When does DV2018 open?
The United States’ Diversity Visa Program will open for electronic entries on Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at 19:00 (Romania time). It only will remain open until Monday, November 7, 2016 at 19:00 (Romania time). To participate in this year’s program, please visit the Department of State’s web page: https://dvprogram.state.gov/ during this registration period. There you will find the entry form (E-DV) and complete instructions on submitting your entry
There is no fee! How do I enter?
The Department accepts entries ONLY through the E-DV site. We strongly encourage entrants to prepare and submit their own entries. Entrants may have someone submit the entry for them, though they should be cautious if the assistant tries to charge them a fee – remember, the online form is simple and there is NO COST to enter. Whether an individual submits an entry directly, or an attorney, friend, relative etc. provides assistance, only one entry may be submitted in the name of each individual.
Is it important to print my online confirmation page?
It is very important that entrants print their online confirmation page and keep it until September 30, 2018. This confirmation number is the only way to check whether an entry has been selected and to obtain visa application and appointment information, if selected. Entrants should not allow others to retain their confirmation page information for them, but should hold on to it themselves so they may independently check the status of their entry. Please be aware of a new requirement to submit a recent photograph (without eyeglasses) that has been taken within the last six months. Entries with duplicate photo submissions from a previous entry will be disqualified.
How will I know if I was selected?
Beginning May 2, 2017, DV-2018 entrants will be able to use their confirmation number to check the online Entrant Status Check at https://dvprogram.state.gov/ to see if their entry was selected. Entrant Status Check will inform successful entrants how to apply for their Diversity Visas for themselves and their eligible family members. The Department of State never uses email to notify entrants that they have been selected for the Diversity Visa. This information is available ONLY at the Entrant Status Check. You should not believe any email claiming you have been selected to apply for a visa under the DV program. These malicious emails are sent by criminal operators who seek to defraud individuals of their money. If you receive such a notification, pass it to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Please consult www.usvisas.state.gov/dv/fraud for complete information about the current Diversity Visa program.
Diversity Visa Lottery Program Dv-2018 Fact Sheet
When: Submit entries for DV-2018 beginning Tuesday, October 4, 2016 at 19:00 (Romania time) and before Monday, November 7, 2016 at 19:00 (Romania time).
Where: Electronic entries are accepted ONLY at https://dvprogram.state.gov/.
Fees: There is NO fee to enter the Diversity Visa Lottery Program.
How: Complete instructions can be found at https://dvprogram.state.gov/ or at the Department of State’s public webpage www.usvisas.state.gov/dv/instructions
How many times can I enter?: Only one entry per person during the registration period.
New rules: Entrants must submit a photo taken within 6 months. Entrants using the same photo from prior entries will be automatically disqualified. No eyeglasses can be worn in the photograph.
Winning: 50,000 entrants will be randomly selected and beginning May 2, 2017 entrants will be able to use their unique confirmation number to check if they’ve won only through the online Entrant Status Check at https://dvprogram.state.gov/. However, not everyone who is selected will apply or qualify for the visa, so additional winners may be drawn. Therefore you must keep your confirmation number until the last day of the DV-2018 program, September 30, 2018.
Be careful! The Department of State will NOT send notification that an entrant has won the visa lottery and will not ask for money through Western Union. This is fraud – don’t be a victim! Only use the Entrant Status Check at to learn if you were selected.
