Due to a technical issue, the DV-2019 entry period that began on October 3 has been closed. Entries submitted during October 3-10 are not valid and have been excluded from the system; they will not count as a duplicate entry. The technical issue has been resolved and a new full entry period will begin at noon, U.S. Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday October 18, 2017 and will run until noon Eastern Standard Time on Wednesday November 22, 2017. Only entries submitted during this period will be accepted and considered for selection in the lottery. Please throw away any confirmation number or other documentation that you have if you submitted an entry during Oct. 3-10.
Update: This announcement is now on the official site. https://dvlottery.state.gov/
I’m guessing we will see the same announcement on travel.state.gov over the weekend or on Monday. I would say Ecuador has posted this information slightly early, but I’m sure it will be accurate.
The announcement from Ecuador embassy has some interesting detail – so I am posting it in full here. There is also now a similar announcement from Jordan embassy – and other’s will announce tomorrow.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Due to technical problems, the enrollment period for the DV-2019 program has been restarted and all registrations made before October 18, 2017 will need to be reworked to be considered. We apologize for the inconvenience. To ensure impartiality and to protect the integrity of the process for all involved, we must restart the registration process for this year (DV-2019).
The new enrollment period for the DV-2019 program is noon on Wednesday, October 18, 2017 and ends at noon on Wednesday, November 22, 2017.
If you registered before Wednesday, October 18, 2017 your registration will not be considered and you need to submit another one during the new registration period. You can submit a new record without being disqualified. Persons who submit more than one registration during this new term will be disqualified.
Applicants may enter the electronic form (E-DV) on the official https://dvlottery.state.gov/ page during the new enrollment period. Instructions are available on this page of the State Departmenthttps://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/diversity-visa/instructions.html
All other eligibility requirements remain the same.
Beginning May 15, 2018, participants in the DV-2019 program will be able to use the unique confirmation number provided to log on to https://dvlottery.state.gov/ and verify that their enrollment has been selected. On that page you will be informed how to apply for the Diversity Visa for them and the eligible members of your family. The Department will also confirm appointments for the visa interview through that same page.
Frequent questions:
Q: What can you tell us about technical problems? Were records lost? Was this an attempt at piracy?
The technical problem was a failure to select the country of eligibility if the applicant selected a country of eligibility different from the country of birth, which is allowed in certain limited circumstances. It was not the result of outside interference or an attempt at piracy.
Q: How many registrations were received before the technical problem?
Due to these technical problems we can not reliably calculate how many valid registrations have been received so far. To protect the integrity of the process and ensure a fair opportunity for all participants, we are restarting the enrollment period.
Q: How many enrollments for the program does the Department expect to receive by 2019?
In 2018, the last year we have statistics available, we received more than 14 million entries from top applicants.
Q: How will the Department notify applicants whose records are not valid?
The Department will send an automatic email notification to any participant whose enrollment was received by October 18, 2017, using the email provided on the visa lottery form, asking them to visit https://dvlottery.state .gov / and read an important notice.
We will also work with our Embassies and Consulates to inform potential participants about this situation and about the new enrollment period through social media and the local press.
Q: Will this delay the 2019 Diversity Visa process?
The selection for the DV-2019 is scheduled to begin on May 15, 2018.
At this time we do not expect delays in the process.
October 14, 2017 at 13:14
Thank you dear for the update
Just to confirm wheather this effect all entries from all over the world?
Thanks again
October 14, 2017 at 13:18
Yes. Everywhere.
October 14, 2017 at 14:13
I have already submit before the technical fault, I am from Nepal and should i resubmit again and doesn’t it effect later on.
October 14, 2017 at 14:16
Did you read the article?
October 14, 2017 at 13:22
Hello Brit,I already submitted dv lottery form on October 04
1.if i need to register dv lottery form again?
2.what ill happen for my old dv lottery form,
October 14, 2017 at 13:24
1. Yes. I thought that was clear where I said, in red letters “ALL previous entries will not be considered – so everyone will need to RE-ENTER once the site re-opens”
2. I don’t know.
October 14, 2017 at 13:59
Thank you Brit for the Updates!
October 14, 2017 at 14:20
Do you have a link to an official government website about this? I can’t find any information about the restart of DV2019 on the website of the US embassy in Ecuador and it would be nice to read this information directly from the US Government.
October 14, 2017 at 14:30
There is a link in the article above!
October 14, 2017 at 15:04
I am sorry, I didn’t see that. I am just a little bit confused because I find it somewhat strange that the embassy in Ecuador is the only one with that information on their Website. Nevermind, thank you for the reply.
October 14, 2017 at 15:12
It’s not unusual to have an embassy lead with important announcements. The news is passed to embassies first, then it is a matter of which website is updated first. Obviously I consider all of that before I say something.
October 14, 2017 at 17:29
it’s a weekend in most US embassies in the world will be closed, i think you’re right concerning by Monday or Tuesday will be announced.
October 14, 2017 at 14:56
Thanks at all
The message is accurate sir!
October 14, 2017 at 15:07
If they Restart like this, we have to be reapply twice time. And i suggest that they should reselection 2018 for twice and this will be good. LoL.
October 14, 2017 at 15:23
the page isn’t working why
October 14, 2017 at 17:36
Are you asking why the entry page isn’t working???? Seriously?
October 14, 2017 at 18:06
Hahahaha, Mr.Brit don’t mind him. think he doesn’t knows whats going on.
October 14, 2017 at 22:22
Hi Simon,
** Edited **
All the Best
October 14, 2017 at 22:47
For the sake of harmony I have deleted your comments – but yeah, agreed!
October 15, 2017 at 14:09
No, problem Simon. We are in a public forum here. I understand you
and your position here like Website’s Admin. But that man deserves that words.
All the best Simon, and a very special wish for your little Sophia
October 15, 2017 at 14:10
Thanks!
October 14, 2017 at 16:19
Thanks for this post
October 14, 2017 at 17:36
You have a mistake in the name of the country 🙂 Ecuador is correct
October 14, 2017 at 18:06
Thanks
October 14, 2017 at 18:18
Thank you Brit.
Could we resubmit with the same picture?
October 14, 2017 at 18:23
Yes
October 14, 2017 at 19:35
Thanks MR Simon
October 14, 2017 at 21:30
I think this is the time for all those who made mistakes in the entry and were disturbing Brit to correct them once and for all. Those concerning names, date of births, city of births and the rest. You have been given a second chance. Don’t mess it up and come crushing questions on him again concerning petty mistakes you could’ve avoided.
October 14, 2017 at 21:38
Very true.
October 15, 2017 at 01:36
Hello, I understand all, except one thing, I was searching in the internet and by mistake found that web-site https://www.dvlottery.com
I thought they was trying to modification the officiel website, adding new languages, hhhh, then I examination again the web site, I noticed that isnt the same web site I saw the first time and its a little bit different to https://www.dvlottery.state.gov
So please Mr Simon can you explain me that second website? It a wrong website?? Or what??
Have another question, even I understand all the comments here, I am with doubt, I cant lie to you that, maybe if all the people had registered before this problem on the website, maybe if they register again, they can be descualified, the official web site can consider that is a fraud , then to be sure of all these news, the director of this dvlottery 2019 must writ it in this website that registring again will not.make us a problem, just to make sure that register again will not discualife us, this is a big problematic.
October 15, 2017 at 03:35
The state.gov website is the only website you should use.
AS for your other comments, if you read the link above you would see the statement you want to see.
October 15, 2017 at 09:26
Okey thank you a lot ^_^
October 15, 2017 at 01:52
Useful info.. big thank
October 15, 2017 at 02:02
Yeah , now I am just waiting the answer.
I am really surprised, bcs I had searched in google using my 4 languages in Spanish in french in Arabic and also English, but I found not this new there at all, this means all the people in the worls maybe had registered before almost all of them dont have any Idea about this new, the website is responsible for that, im sorry to say that.
October 15, 2017 at 03:36
Again – the statement says they are sending everyone who has entered an email. Did you just not bother to read any of the post?
October 15, 2017 at 09:22
First of I would that you of all the best your doing to help us, Im really thankfull to you. I am just asking you about that.
Mr Simon I had already read that, but how can I know that email’s adress is really from the official website, ??
And why the web site did not put any news msg there informing us about the news???
October 15, 2017 at 12:51
You don’t seem to believe anything I say. So wait for the page to be re-opened with the explanation on the website.
October 15, 2017 at 04:53
Thanks Mr Brit! I always appreciate what you are doing.
October 15, 2017 at 06:17
First of all thank you if not for you i wouldnt have known this, second, i submitted my form on 3 october and i didnt chose my country of birth (asia) as my eligibility instead i chose my real country ( nationality) which is( africa)
My question is, is it a mistake to chose your nationality to claim eligibililty to participate in the lotter?
October 15, 2017 at 12:59
So you are lucky that you are going to get a second chance of entry. Your first entry would have resulted in disqualification.
Read the instructions where is specifically asks for place of BIRTH!
October 15, 2017 at 15:31
OMG!! LIKE REALLY? ?
then why there is a question on the entry form says ” are you claiming the eligibility based on country of birth ” then there was a choice yes or no, and i chose no and selected my country ( nationality)
Wow, i feel stupid n lucky
October 15, 2017 at 17:34
Some pick can claim eligibility through a spouse, that is why the question is there, but it assumed you have read the instructions. You should do so!
October 15, 2017 at 06:59
I think that the citizens of Ecuador do not have the right to participate in the lottery
October 15, 2017 at 12:58
That has nothing to do with anything!
October 15, 2017 at 08:24
Do you Think Trump has anything to do with the lottery since the Embassy in Ecuador said that the lottery shall restart on October 18th?
This is the same date where the new Trump’s decision will be activated; the Embassy didn’t mention that literally in its statement.
October 15, 2017 at 12:56
The two things have nothing to do with each other!
October 15, 2017 at 10:42
I’m not to happy for the down for Maintenance, they should have say we have apologized for any inconvenience but we are currently down for Maintenance. My main point now is if I’ve not be selected for 2019, i’m i going to re-registered again in 2018?
October 15, 2017 at 12:47
You’re “not happy”?? This is a privilege, not a right.
The article above explains everything.
October 15, 2017 at 11:14
Hello. My ex-wife and I are going to apply for DV lottery separately. Can we use the same photo of our children ?
October 15, 2017 at 12:43
Yes
October 15, 2017 at 11:29
Hi thanks so much for the update. We just can’t pay u for this kind gesture.
October 15, 2017 at 12:38
Dear Simon; I have a question: I was born in Saudi Arabia but I have an Egyptian citizenship because Saudi Arabia doesn’t give citizenship by birth so what’s my country of eligibility? Egypt or Saudi Arabia
October 15, 2017 at 12:40
SA
October 15, 2017 at 14:47
Hello Mr Simon I am sorry, it’s okey I believe you, and have a lot of confidence, thank you about everything ^_^.
October 15, 2017 at 14:59
Other embassies are now publishing the same information.
October 15, 2017 at 18:35
Well a lot of thanks, I only was worried bcs I registered in the 4 october immediatly when the website opened, and now I will do the same thing hhhh
Hey Mr Brit Simon if I win you are the only person that can give me information, so I am keeping contact with your website, not only if I won even if I loose, I will try again and again ^_^.
I have a question, it s necessary to have someone there in USA??? Bcs I have no person there, I only speak English, Spanish French and Arabic, and also graduated from high school, and have 2 diploms Moroccan and spanish.
October 15, 2017 at 18:43
If you win, ask questions then. The chance of winning is very small.
October 15, 2017 at 15:17
HI sir
I registered dv2019 as a single person. I didnt no the rules then pls can I add my family to the new entry
October 15, 2017 at 17:32
Yes. Just tell the truth.
October 15, 2017 at 20:01
Thank you sir am greatful
October 15, 2017 at 15:32
thank you Mr Simon
October 15, 2017 at 15:58
Can we enter form twice the time by CHANGING photo,emails, address
What about chances
October 15, 2017 at 17:36
No. That would be fraud.
October 15, 2017 at 16:13
Hey Brit, sorry its gonna be out of topic
Can i go to another country for 5 months after submitting DS260? Should i re-edit and re-send it?
October 15, 2017 at 17:36
You can do that, and either update or not. Updating is safer.
October 15, 2017 at 17:44
tyvm
October 15, 2017 at 16:15
Hi..can you give a website te check that my photo is ok.
October 15, 2017 at 17:38
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/photos.html
October 15, 2017 at 16:59
Any news from those who passed October interview ?
October 15, 2017 at 17:41
There have been some responses. Nothing about the photos yet.
October 15, 2017 at 19:36
Hi bristom. i have a question. would the choice between applying in your country of origin or another country affect the probability of winning? Example i am in USA but want to apply for my mother who is in kenya?
October 16, 2017 at 16:17
No difference at all.
October 15, 2017 at 20:16
Hi sir. Can I use the photo that I used before the technical fault on October 18, 2017.
October 16, 2017 at 03:15
Yes
October 16, 2017 at 04:32
You are Amazing person, Brit. Who can answer all the questions everyone is asking ? Thank you is not enough to thank you. God bless you really! Keep your good work!
October 16, 2017 at 13:31
Thanks!
October 16, 2017 at 06:30
Good day Brit
The travel.state.gov website still says application dates is from 3 Oct till 7 Nov. They dont mention the technical error or that people should re-submit. My concern is that if the news about re-submitting is inaccurate every person that submits a new application would automatically be disqualified for applying twice, where-as if it is accurate, everyone that does not re-apply would lose their chance of entering.
Without any news about re-applying on the official website I am sceptical about entering again and risk being disqualified.
Have you seen any official posts by the US gov regarding this?
October 16, 2017 at 10:30
Lol, did u read the article?
October 16, 2017 at 13:27
Do you think I just made the whole restarting story up for fun??? Really?
Read the article. Click the links.
October 16, 2017 at 07:05
this news gives a good opportunity to those people who entered wrongly their information. this is their a kind of new chance to be careful and enter their information correctly…
October 16, 2017 at 13:24
Yes – and many of those will repeat the same mistake….
October 16, 2017 at 07:53
Thanks a lot for the great relief. i’m from Equatorial Guinea (Malabo). i don’t understand when u said Wednesday at noon. i belief the timeline in the state is different from that in Africa. pls i’ll like to know when(time) precisely. if u don’t mind.
October 16, 2017 at 13:23
Forget precisely. Wait a day extra!
October 16, 2017 at 10:43
Dears,
We have received the same announcement from the embassy in Egypt.
October 16, 2017 at 11:29
Hi,
Does anyone receive any email? I am asking because I never got any confirmation email from them.
Thanks!
October 16, 2017 at 12:58
when america start for misuse state document and maintenance down for a week, this is a way to stop the lottery so soon
October 16, 2017 at 13:04
I don’t know what you are talking about.
October 16, 2017 at 13:14
Patience!
October 16, 2017 at 11:55
First they made mistakes in May, now in October. Progress. They step on the rake again and again….
October 16, 2017 at 13:11
Yep!
October 16, 2017 at 11:59
Hello
Hello, I am from Iran.! I have BA! Can I take part in lottery 2018 in spite of President Trump’ s travel ban?! No close family in there! if I win lottery, visa won’t be issued for me because of lack of having close family there?! Highly appreciated you ! If Iranians won’t be given visa, why is the name of Iran in the list countries validated for DV2019?! Please help me! Thank you! So worried !
October 16, 2017 at 13:11
No need for the exclamation marks everywhere! Try a full stop!
You can enter DV-2019. However, while the ban is on, Iranians can be selected and interviewed, but will be denied if they don’t have dual citizenship or qualify for a waiver somehow.
October 16, 2017 at 12:17
“Q: How will the Department notify applicants whose records are not valid?
The Department will send an automatic email notification to any participant whose enrollment was received by October 18, 2017, using the email provided on the visa lottery form, asking them to visit https://dvlottery.state .gov / and read an important notice.”
Would that mean that if you don’t receive an email from them you should not re-enter and risk having duplicate entries?
October 16, 2017 at 13:08
No – ALL entries made before are discarded and will need to be re-entered, whether you get the email or not.
October 16, 2017 at 13:19
Thank you
October 16, 2017 at 13:28
Hi all,
We have received the same announcement from the embassy in Sri Lanka today.
Cheers
October 16, 2017 at 15:02
Thank you Mr Britsimons may God bless you for your unselfish service you do to people
October 16, 2017 at 16:50
Bro 18th At what time application ill reopened? do you know the time GMT
October 16, 2017 at 17:27
Why the need to know? It is open for over a month.
October 16, 2017 at 17:43
Ok brit cool.what is the time of application got high chance for select dv lottry?
October 16, 2017 at 17:51
There is no time within the period that gives an advantage. The lottery draw is RANDOM.
October 16, 2017 at 17:52
Here you go – proof of that.
https://britsimonsays.com/entering-the-dv-lottery-does-the-timing-of-the-entry-matter/
October 16, 2017 at 20:49
based on the current situation America is in, is it still worth moving to the US? I am DV 2017 winner
.
October 16, 2017 at 22:05
That is up to you.
October 17, 2017 at 02:39
Hello, what i am reading in all forums is that i have to wait an email from the “Lottery” where they say I can re-apply. My friend got the email, why not me? If i won’t get it, should re apply or not? I sent the application the october 4th
October 17, 2017 at 02:54
Email or not – oince it re-opens in a couple of days – re-apply.
October 17, 2017 at 17:34
Sir plz help .. I am Anup sharma from India ..my native are from nepal…so i want to apply for dv 2019.. …I have completed my class 10th that is I think after that i have join 3 year diploma in electrical engineering (persuing) …what should i write in my eduaction qualifiaction?
October 17, 2017 at 17:59
It doesn’t matter. Just pick an option.
October 17, 2017 at 20:31
Hello Mr brit how are you after my question do you have news about the travel ban
October 17, 2017 at 20:43
https://britsimonsays.com/latest-travel-ban-fought/
October 18, 2017 at 02:35
Hey Brit, hope you’re well. Really appreciate your hard work in keeping us informed. I wanted your advice on my name for the DV Lottery by the way. So my passport only has my First Name as ‘Bharat’ and my Surname entry is blank… How do you suggest I go about putting my name on the form? Should it be ‘FNU Bharat’ (Where FNU stands for First Name Unknown)? I have my other US legal documents listing me as ‘Bharat Bharat’ so should I use that instead? Just wondering and would really appreciate your perspective on this. Thanks!
October 18, 2017 at 02:50
You know your name and procedure sin your country better than I do. Use your own judgement.
October 18, 2017 at 03:54
Hi brit, im selected for dv 2018, but havent receive any news yet, should i enter dv 2019 again. Is it gonna cause any problem if they call.me for interview? Thanks
October 18, 2017 at 04:40
You can enter DV2019. No problem.
October 18, 2017 at 04:12
brit how u i have one question plz am allways dupting about this question.
am filling a dv l ottory for my brather. his country of birth is eritrea and thats his nationality too.
so in the country of eligiablity do we have to fill yes or no.
Than you so much
October 18, 2017 at 04:53
Answer Yes.
October 18, 2017 at 07:42
Hello Brit,
When I re-apply now (I have already applied on 4th of October), can I use the same photo that I used on 4th or I should take other new photos?
Just for info, the photos I used on 4th were taken quite a day before so they were pretty fresh.
Thanks a lot,
Olsi.
October 18, 2017 at 13:05
You can use the same photo.
October 18, 2017 at 13:58
Thank you!
November 4, 2017 at 15:00
modified photoshop image of the background knowing that facial features have not been modified