Green Card Lottery open for registration

The diversity visa lottery programme also known as the Green Card Lottery was open for registration from yesterday. It is open until November 7.

The diversity visa lottery allows randomly selected applicants the opportunity to interview for an immigrant visa and become permanent residents of the United States.

The programme is the 2018 lottery as applicants register in 2016; interview in 2017 and if selected and approved will receive green cards in 2018.

The lottery is open to those born in Sri Lanka irrespective of the fact whether they are a citizen or a resident of Sri Lanka, US Embassy, Colombo, vice consul David Wagner told a press conference at the American Centre, Colombo.

He said applicants can only apply once and multiple entries will result in disqualification adding that applicants should keep the application confirmation number received after applying.

Wagner said registration for the Diversity Visa Lottery is free.

He warned applicants to be aware of scams by persons or companies claiming of affiliation with the U.S government and of those who promise improved odds of selection adding that no third party assistance is needed to complete and submit an application.

Applicants should visit the U.S embassy Colombo’s website at https://lk.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/diversity-visa/ for details about the programme, 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 2017, applicants may go online to the Entrant status and check the page www.dvlottery.state.gov. to see if they have been selected for the Diversity Visa programme.

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.