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 18, 2017 at 08:25
you announced 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. I am afraid the readability of the news. If so I am looking forward to the new entry.
October 18, 2017 at 13:03
It’s on the official entry page.
October 18, 2017 at 15:02
Oh yeah! I saw it right now, thank you a lot Brit
October 18, 2017 at 16:48
1-Are medically prescribed glasses; worn permanently all the time; allowed in DV2018?
2-Were they allowed in DV17?
3-If no, does this disqualify in 17?
Thanks a lot
October 18, 2017 at 17:11
The photo specifications page has a very simple statement about that. Read it.
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/photos.html
October 18, 2017 at 20:56
You can read about Facial Recognition 9 FAM 303.6-2(A)(1) Photo Standards (7) which take place in DVL processing:
“(7) (U) Eyeglasses: Effective for applications filed on or after November 1, 2016, eyeglasses must not be worn in a photo provided for a visa application, except in rare circumstances when eyeglasses cannot be removed for medical reasons; e.g., the applicant has recently had ocular surgery and the eyeglasses are necessary to protect the applicant’s eyes. A medical statement signed by a medical professional/health practitioner must be provided in these cases. If the eyeglasses are accepted for medical reasons:
(a) (U) The frames of the eyeglasses must not cover the eye(s) (consistent with International Civil Aviation Organization guidelines; see 7 FAM 1340 Appendix E paragraph e)).
(b) (U) There must not be glare on eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s).
(c) (U) There must not be shadows or refraction from the eyeglasses that obscures the eye(s).”
https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/policy_updates/16-STATE-106142.pdf
and
https://fam.state.gov/FAM/09FAM/09FAM030306.html
October 18, 2017 at 16:58
Hi, I’m 17 years old, can I make my own entry?
October 18, 2017 at 17:09
Yes. If selected you must meet the requirements by the time of your interview – but that won’t happen for at least 1 year from now.
October 18, 2017 at 18:24
Hi brit its necessary to writ my name and all the rest of information in capital letters??
October 18, 2017 at 18:26
Follow instructions on the form.
October 18, 2017 at 18:34
Okey , please I mad a mistake when sending msg here, I put my email by mistake, please delet it . From the website ^_^
October 18, 2017 at 18:49
Hi there
I am the computer science student and I will get my degree on August so can I make the DV entry by university degree…cuz the selection will be open in June or July so does it effect my selection …..pls tell me
October 18, 2017 at 19:38
It doesn’t affect the selection – so tell the truth rather than lying to “predict” that you will pass.
October 19, 2017 at 06:30
Hi brit I want to apply for dv 2019 my question is this in form they asked street address street 1 street 2 but in place where I live they have not street nomber and zip code I have not zip code
October 19, 2017 at 12:40
Just enter the address as you normally would.
October 19, 2017 at 14:08
Ok thank u brit and zip code I have not any zip code
October 19, 2017 at 14:23
Already answered.
October 19, 2017 at 07:13
Seriously i want to take a moment to thank you for keeping us updated specially about the dv restart, i never in a million years would imagine this will happen but thanks to you, i knew and submitted again today. You are truly dedicated to what you do, gracias: )
October 19, 2017 at 08:18
Hello Mr. Brit! I do appreciate the work you’re doing. I’ve been reading all your replies and i find that very helful. My question is: can I register for dv2019 with two different entries if have a dual citizenship with different names in each country and meet all the requirement ?
October 19, 2017 at 12:36
No. One entry. It’s based on country of birth, not citizenship.
October 19, 2017 at 11:30
Hello Brit!!! If I have U.S. visa for 10 years, can I apply for the DV lottery?
Thank you in advance and want to thank you for your useful articles!!!
October 19, 2017 at 12:23
Yes you can.
October 19, 2017 at 12:19
I am from Iran, if I am selected, will visa be issued for me?! I mean because of ban 3!?
October 19, 2017 at 12:21
Right now there is no ban 3. As for the future – who knows.
October 19, 2017 at 12:29
Can I know your nationality?! Thank you for your efforts
October 19, 2017 at 12:49
British.
October 19, 2017 at 18:53
He Mr Brit i submitted my application on 7th and i have not gotten any notification email about the restart of dv 2019 so should i re_apply again or i should wait for the notification
October 19, 2017 at 20:23
Read the writing in red in the article above.
October 20, 2017 at 06:10
Okay Thanks
October 20, 2017 at 06:24
Pheew, lucky that I subscribed for any comment and article here, and dvlottery sites seems nice to me as well lol, I read regarding new entry after 18, and dvlottery sites is emailed me as well
Done resubmitting for me and wife, and now, finger crossed
Thanks Simon, for all the hard work
October 20, 2017 at 12:23
RE: “We strongly encourage you to enter early during the registration period.”
If one submits their DV entry say, 2 weeks after day 1 of the registration period, will it lower their odds of being selected for further processing, vs. someone who submits their entry within the very first hour of the opening of registration period?
i.e. Are the odds of someone submitting their entry say 2 weeks after the start of the registration period any different to the odds of someone submitting their entry within the first hour of the start of the registration period?
Cheerio.
October 20, 2017 at 12:46
No
October 20, 2017 at 20:13
If the photo attached to the form is not according to their specifications will it be rejected on the spot or they will take it and later decide it is not acceptable. I mean if I put a photo and I was able to complete the application that mean it was accepted.
October 20, 2017 at 22:40
It could be rejected in the draw process, or if selected, at the interview, depending on how bad the photo is.
October 21, 2017 at 22:56
Is the draw process fully
automatic ?
October 22, 2017 at 03:37
I don’t know what you mean.
October 21, 2017 at 06:11
Hello Brit,
I really appreciate the support you provided here. After submitting an application, and thru the validity period ( one year +) i only check my status every 3 or 4 months. do you think that is enough?
October 21, 2017 at 12:38
I don’t know what you mean. What status?
October 21, 2017 at 15:10
I mean if i am selected or not.
October 21, 2017 at 15:11
Check in May and again in October.
October 21, 2017 at 08:20
Hi brit, I only received the email notification concerning the new entry period though I registered on october 18. Does it still nullify my entry? Am a bit confused here. I expect my entry to count since it’s timing within the new entry period. Can you please direct me on what to do?
October 21, 2017 at 12:34
If you entered after the restart, you do not need to enter again.
October 21, 2017 at 13:29
Ooh okay. Thanks for the response.
October 21, 2017 at 13:46
Hi brit, im not sure i got your answer before.. so if i selected on 2018 and still waiting for.interview. should i register again for 2019. Is it gonna be a problem. Thanks
October 21, 2017 at 13:53
No problem
October 22, 2017 at 01:46
Hi Kwesi. Are you South African?
October 21, 2017 at 16:00
Sorry my bad. I mean im selected on 2018, but still waiting for interview schedule since my number around next year. I think, i should back up incase i dont get the interview. So i.would like to register again for 2019.
October 22, 2017 at 03:46
No problem.
October 22, 2017 at 08:29
Hi Brit,
first of all thank you.
I have a question – when I enter the address unfortunately I can not write the street + number (my address has a long enough name so I do not have room in the form for an extra digit of the home number)
Tips?
October 22, 2017 at 15:17
abbreviate the name
October 22, 2017 at 21:15
Hello Brit…I recently submitted an application for Dv Lottery 2019. I was born in Nigeria but my Mom is from Ghana.
Any chances of being picked?
October 22, 2017 at 23:26
You will find out in May.
October 23, 2017 at 10:02
Hi Mr Simon,
Just a little worry..
I’m a 2018 dv winner with CN 48xxx and have gone in for dv 2019 e a use your CN is very high. Now my worries are;
1. Should I succeed dv 2019…say with CN 2000 and after feeling the DS 260 form, say around July, kcc programs my 2018 interview for august or september with my 2018 dv, won’t it complicate my case…considering that results of dv 2019 will be published in May 2018 and at that time, I will be a winner for two different dv that may be curent at he same time?
October 23, 2017 at 13:23
No problem.
October 23, 2017 at 13:19
Please can a woman wear ear ring for the dv lottery photo
October 23, 2017 at 13:40
Yes
October 24, 2017 at 08:24
Please will they send me another confirmation number or I have to go over the process again?
October 24, 2017 at 12:27
If you entered before October 10th, you have to re-enter.
October 24, 2017 at 23:06
Hey..
one my friend after entering information for the US DV lottery forgot which email address that he used on the online form. the one he used it was a recent email address that he created. in fact he has been creating many email addresses so that he can apply for this DV lottery on behalf of his brothers and sisters. and that is one of the reason he got confused and forgot to write down his email address that he used to enter information for the DV lottery.
do you have any clue how to handle such kind of situation for a person who forgets the email address that he used?
October 25, 2017 at 00:34
If he has the confirmation numbers, that is not a problem (you don’t need any emails). If he has not got the conf number NOR the email address, then there is no solution.
October 25, 2017 at 00:57
he has not yet won. he just applied online yesterday for this DV lottery. he was worrying in case he wins the next year. since he does not remember how his email address looks like, he is afraid to not know the date of his interview in case he happens to win. because people find out about the day of their interview via their email addresses that they entered. but for him he does not remember how his email address looks like..
October 25, 2017 at 01:11
Like I said. It is not a problem. He has a very small chance of selection anyway – so wait until selected to think about this.
October 25, 2017 at 10:35
Hello BritSimon
I used my middle name initial only on the dv entry. is it problematic? (my first and family names are entered in full; only in the middle name slot I used the initial)
Thank you
October 25, 2017 at 13:40
No, it’s not a problem.
October 27, 2017 at 14:12
Hi brit how r u can I check my photo for dv lottery 20019 in green card photo check is this website realy check photos for dv lottery
October 27, 2017 at 14:57
https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/photos.html
October 28, 2017 at 07:03
Hello. a married person but who is not in the same country with his spouse, she does not have the picture of her spouse and can not obtain it, given the distance, which option she will tick at level of the “what is your current marital status?” option and does she have the right to return to an embassy with her spouse when she will be pre-selected ?
October 28, 2017 at 13:06
Telling the truth isn’t “optional”. A person that cannot get a photo of the spouse should not enter the lottery.
October 28, 2017 at 17:55
Hello BritSimon,
Thanks a LOT for all of your answers, very helpful !!
I am a DV2018 winner but I would like to be backed in case my CN doesn’t become current, so I would like to apply for DV2019. In the older posts I see it’s not an issue to apply for DV2019 if I am a DV2018 winner but can I use the same photo I used for the DV2018 or should I use a new one?
Thanks
October 29, 2017 at 05:17
You can enter with a new photo.
October 28, 2017 at 20:59
Hi Brit, please l want to know if I can still register the lottery with the information provided during the first period
October 29, 2017 at 05:08
Yes – exactly as the instructions say…
October 29, 2017 at 07:54
Hi Brit,
My friend applied in the 2019 DV Lottery, but he made a mistake: He filled in his first name in lieu of his family name and his family name instead of his first name.
Do you suggest he reapply with the correct details? Can he use the same photo if he is to reapply?
Thank you,
October 29, 2017 at 08:02
Btw, he applied on Oct 24
October 29, 2017 at 15:16
No he should not re-enter. If selected he can fix the error later.
October 29, 2017 at 19:16
Hi Brit!
My brother is 17 years old. He will be 18 in July 2018. He is currently studying at high school in US. Can he apply for DV19 or can he only be included under my parents application since he is not 18 at the moment?
Thanks
October 29, 2017 at 21:19
He can apply through the parentsame AND his own application.
October 30, 2017 at 03:46
I have submitted my dv lottery 2019 but i did mistake, i wrote my first name in family name. Can i resubmit another form? please suggest me. Thanks
October 30, 2017 at 13:03
No. 1 entry only.
October 30, 2017 at 10:49
Hi brit how r u my question is this I take aphoto for dv lottery 20019 but my camera date and year was incorrect when I send it to my laptop my photo date is 12 5 2014 do I inter with this photo for dv lottery
October 30, 2017 at 12:50
Take a new photo.
October 30, 2017 at 11:40
Hi Brit
I already applied for DV with my husband. But we haven’t got our marriage license yet. If in case we are chosen, do you think it will be a problem that the certificate will be dated on a later date than when we filled out the DV application?
October 30, 2017 at 12:48
No
November 5, 2017 at 05:18
Hi Brit I am trying to apply from 3/4 days and every time after I completely fill all the form for all my family it gave me error while trying to submit and come again later!!
November 5, 2017 at 16:18
So – try again later. Try a different browser and make sure you don’t have a lot of browser sessions. Other people are managing to enter – so the problem is with you.
November 5, 2017 at 14:37
Hello , good day to you ! I heard lottrry 2019 has been canceled! Because of NY city Terror attacks! It is said it is useless to register this year is it true?! So worried tnx
November 5, 2017 at 16:05
No that is not true.
November 6, 2017 at 09:22
Hi Britsimon
In Ethiopia the DV Lottery 2019 is not work from Saturday be for two day what am i doing sir?
“The connection has timed out
The server at travel.state.gov is taking too long to respond.
The site could be temporarily unavailable or too busy. Try again in a few moments.
If you are unable to load any pages, check your computer’s network connection.
If your computer or network is protected by a firewall or proxy, make sure that Firefox is permitted to access the Web.””
November 6, 2017 at 14:07
You have network problems – nothing to do with the lottery site.
November 10, 2017 at 03:29
Hi brit how r u I thake my family photo in front white certain is it ok for dv lottery 20019 thnx
November 10, 2017 at 03:35
Yes
November 10, 2017 at 10:43
HI SIMON
ON THE DS 260 ASKED ME SAY DID U LIVE IN OTHER COUNTRY I SAY YES AND I MENTIONED THE COUNTRY but I LIVED IN THAT COUNTRY ONLY ABOUT 135 DAYS SO PLEASE DO I NEED TO CORRECT IT UN LOOK THE FORM OR IT IS OK.
November 10, 2017 at 10:44
2018AF29+++ DV WINNER .
November 13, 2017 at 16:24
Hi brist. How u doing am sure great. I made 2018 with case number 52xxx can I get a chance for an interview. Or should I just go in for 2019
November 13, 2017 at 16:28
You may get an interview but there is no harm to apply for DV2019 – so do that too.
November 16, 2017 at 11:28
May I selected or not if I enter again by changing photo and simply mistake in date of birth and in name.?
November 16, 2017 at 14:19
Hopefully you would be caught and banned from winning ever again.
November 17, 2017 at 00:13
But how did they find it in such a different entry also.
November 17, 2017 at 04:08
Yeah right – I should tell you how to avoid being caught??? LOL.
November 17, 2017 at 05:16
From what I heard:
1. They have state of the art computer software with facial recognition
2. If you manage to pass this software, there is still manual check
Friendly advice, CHEATING is not worth it, I have applied for so many times and yet no success yet, but keep on submitting, hoping one day God gives me one single chance to get one, and to have much better life for my family
November 18, 2017 at 12:56
One more question:
if my wife also fill dv lottery form. if she selected as winner but she have no high school pass then can she Able for further procedures but I have high school.
November 18, 2017 at 14:23
She would have to meet the requirement herself.
November 17, 2017 at 03:47
Hi Brit, please I want to find out from you about the photo requirement.The maximum image file size should be 240 kilobytes (240) KB so if your image file size is less, ranging from 100 to 220 KB would it be accepted.
2.can you edit the background shadows or dark spots areas to make it clear of your photo thanks.
November 17, 2017 at 04:03
1. Yes – as long as it meets the other requirements.
2. No.
November 18, 2017 at 22:10
Can I enter for my spouse a picture of the last year application, known that for my photo the primary entrant I got a new photo from last year?
November 18, 2017 at 23:23
The instructions specifically say NOT to do that. Why risk it?
November 20, 2017 at 20:34
hello brit when entering my brother dv entry for this year a committed an error on his first name . instead of writing batabo I wrote bataro . and I realize it when I have already submit. what will happen if he is selected in may 2019
November 20, 2017 at 20:40
It’s a lottery. get selected first!
November 23, 2017 at 10:59
Hi
How many people has participated in 2018 edv visa lottery and how many people has participated in 2019 edv visa lottery? Please replay
November 23, 2017 at 14:53
No one has the 2019 numbers. 2018 was over 20 million.
November 27, 2017 at 12:23
In which dressed photo will get the little bit more value or all colour photos will treated equally? ?
November 24, 2017 at 06:15
I have submitted new entry at 11:18:12 pm EDT on 18 October. Is is okay or not
I have heard the new submission will go from 12:00 pm EDT OR WHAT??
November 24, 2017 at 06:54
its ok
November 24, 2017 at 07:45
Thanks alot.
November 27, 2017 at 12:27
In which dressed colour photos will get little bit more value or all dressed colour will treated equally? ?in edv processes
November 27, 2017 at 20:27
OBVIOUSLY, no difference.
December 15, 2017 at 19:17
Hello mr Brit . I had passed some courses in university but i have not document to prove because i didnt finished university.it it ok to just prove i passed high school ?
And my name is mohammad sharangi chaleshtori . In pasport wrote sharangi chaleshtori as my surn name and there is no place for middle name. In lottery form i wrote sharangi as my middle name and chaleshtori as surn name .is it going to be a problem?
December 15, 2017 at 20:36
Both issues should be OK.
December 16, 2017 at 04:26
Hi Mr. Brit should we only proof our 10+2 education or all certificates from lower levels we need
December 16, 2017 at 06:20
Take more certificates than you think you might need.
January 22, 2018 at 06:36
Hi Ms Brit
I and my wife submitted our DV lottery 2019 on October 6 we did not got a notification that the entry between October 3-10 are invalid is there still hope on our entry
January 22, 2018 at 15:03
No
January 22, 2018 at 15:37
Oh man that really sucks. I intially entered on the 7th October. Did you put your email address in , the one that said optional? If not, I think it maybe the cause because otherwise you would have received the notification.
Really sorry hey, wait for DV 2020 later this year.