PRESS RELEASES

2008 Diversity Visa Program Ends September 30, 2008

August 13, 2008

The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, popularly known as the visa lottery, will end on September 30, 2008.  Approximately 100,000 individuals from around the world were registered for further processing in the DV program, but only 50,000 slots are available. No one country can receive more than seven percent of the available diversity visas or 3,500 visas in any one year. 

Applicants chosen to participate in the 2008 DV program were assigned numbers, and interviews are scheduled beginning with those who have the lowest numbers.  As we near the end of the DV year, we would like to inform the public that visas are available only for applicants with DV regional lottery numbers BELOW the specified allocation cut-off number.  For Nigeria, that number is 18,450.  If your number is higher than 18,450, you will not be called for an interview for a visa.  For applicants whose number is below 18,450, you too may not be called for an interview if applicants with a lower number are successful in their applications for a permanent resident visa.  More information about the available numbers can be found at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4310.html. 

When DV winners are told of their selection in the Diversity Visa program, they are also informed that selection does not guarantee visa issuance.  More entries are picked than there are available visas to ensure that if applicants with lower numbers do not complete their paperwork or do not meet the requirements for the visa, there are additional applicants available to participate in the program.  The entry season for the 2009 DV program has already closed, but you are welcome to enter the DV lottery in future years. 

Individuals selected for DV interview who have questions regarding their cases may email the U.S. Consulate General in Lagos at lagosiv@state.gov.