Submitting a Diversity Visa (DV) entry properly is crucial, as even minor errors can lead to disqualification. Here are essential tips to ensure a successful submission:
- Before You Begin – Preparation is Key:
- Read the Official Instructions Carefully: This is the most important tip. Each year, the U.S. Department of State publishes detailed instructions for the upcoming DV program (e.g., DV-2027 instructions will be available in early October 2025). Read them thoroughly before doing anything else. They contain the exact dates, eligible countries, photo specifications, and all other vital information. Access them at dvprogram.state.gov.
- Check Eligibility:
- Country of Birth/Eligibility: Confirm your country of birth is eligible for the specific DV year. The list changes. If your birth country is ineligible, you might be able to claim eligibility through your spouse’s or parents’ country of birth under specific circumstances – check the instructions for these “chargeability” rules.
- Education/Work Experience: Ensure you meet one of the two requirements:
- A high school education or its equivalent (completion of a 12-year formal primary and secondary education).
- Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience, as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net Online database (Job Zone 4 or 5, with an SVP of 7.0 or higher). Research your occupation on O*Net if you’re relying on work experience.
- Gather All Necessary Information: Have the following details ready for yourself, your spouse, and all eligible children (biological, legally adopted, and step-children under 21 at the time of entry, regardless of whether they live with you or intend to immigrate):
- Full name (exactly as it appears on your passport, if you have one)
- Gender
- Date of birth
- City of birth
- Country of birth
- Country of eligibility (usually country of birth)
- Email address (one you have direct, ongoing access to)
- Highest level of education achieved
- Marital status (and details for spouse if applicable)
- Number of children (and details for each child)
- Prepare Your Photos (and family members’ photos) According to Strict Specifications: This is a very common reason for disqualification.
- Recent: Photos must be taken within the last six months to reflect your current appearance. Do NOT use a photo from a previous DV entry.
- Color: In color.
- Background: Plain white or off-white background. No patterns, shadows, or busy backgrounds.
- Head Position: Full-face view, directly facing the camera. Head must not be tilted.
- Facial Expression: Neutral facial expression, both eyes open. No smiling.
- No Obstructions: No hats or head coverings (unless for religious purposes, and then they must not obscure any facial features and must not cast shadows). No glasses, sunglasses, headphones, or other items that obstruct the face.
- Lighting: Evenly lit, no shadows on the face or background.
- Digital Specifications:
- JPEG (.jpg) format
- Equal to or less than 240 kB file size
- Square aspect ratio (height equals width)
- 600×600 pixels in dimension.
- Use the Department of State’s Photo Tool: The Department of State often provides a free photo tool on their website (travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/photos/photo-tool-passports-visas.html) that can help you crop and resize your photo to meet the exact specifications. Use it!
- Consider a Professional: If unsure, get your photos taken by a professional who is familiar with U.S. visa photo requirements.
- During Submission – Accuracy and Caution:
- Use Only the Official Website: The only official website to submit your DV entry is dvprogram.state.gov. Be extremely wary of any other websites claiming to be for the DV lottery.
- Submit During the Official Window: Entries are only accepted during the specified registration period (e.g., early October to early November for DV-2027). Late entries are automatically disqualified.
- Do NOT Submit Multiple Entries: The law allows only one entry per person during each registration period. Submitting more than one entry for yourself will disqualify ALL your entries. However, spouses can each submit one entry as the principal applicant, listing the other spouse and children as derivatives on their respective entries. This doubles the family’s chances.
- Complete the Form Yourself (or Be Present): While a “visa consultant” might offer to help, it’s strongly encouraged to complete the entry form yourself. If someone assists you, ensure you are present to provide accurate answers and, crucially, to retain your unique confirmation number.
- Be Accurate and Consistent:
- Enter all names exactly as they appear on official documents.
- Double-check all dates (birth dates, etc.).
- Ensure consistency with information you might provide on future visa application forms (DS-260) if selected.
- Include All Eligible Family Members: This is a major reason for disqualification. You must list your spouse and all unmarried children under the age of 21 (biological, legally adopted, and step-children), even if they do not live with you, or you do not intend for them to immigrate. Failure to list an eligible family member will disqualify your entire entry.
- Proofread Everything: Before clicking “Submit,” review every field for typos or errors.
III. After Submission – Crucial Steps:
- SAVE Your Confirmation Number: After successfully submitting your entry, you will receive a confirmation screen with a unique confirmation number. Print this screen or save it digitally in multiple secure locations. This number is absolutely essential to check your status later. Without it, you cannot know if you were selected.
- Understand How Results are Announced: The U.S. government will not send you a notification (email, letter, or phone call) if you are selected. You must use the Entrant Status Check tool on dvprogram.state.gov using your confirmation number to see your status (typically in May of the following year).
- Be Aware of Scams: Since the government doesn’t notify winners directly, scammers often send fake “winning” notifications asking for money or personal information. Remember:
- Entry is free.
- Notifications are only via the official website’s Entrant Status Check.
- The U.S. government will never ask you to send money via services like Western Union or MoneyGram.
By following these tips and diligently adhering to the official instructions, you significantly increase your chances of a properly submitted Diversity Visa entry.
