State Department adjusts Diversity Visa Lottery registration period

The State Department has revised the online registration period for the 2019 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, citing a technical problem from earlier this month.

Key points:

• Electronic entries will now be accepted until 12 noon EST on Nov. 22.
• Those who registered before Oct. 18 will be required to submit another entry if they have not already done so.

Background: The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program provides 55,000 immigrant visas (green cards) to people from countries with historically low levels of immigration to the United States. Applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and are selected through a randomized computer drawing. This year’s registration period initially opened on Oct. 3, but a technical problem related to the acceptance of entries forced the State Department to restart the application period on Oct. 18.

BAL Analysis: Anyone who attempted to register online for the program before Oct. 18 must re-register if they have not already done so. Although the registration period has been extended, entrants are nonetheless advised to register well ahead of the deadline in order to avoid problems that may arise at the last minute. Other than the changes to the registration period, other eligibility requirements remain the same. Those interested in entering the lottery may wish to review the State Department’s Diversity Visa Instructions page.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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