Hold on there Tiger!!!!
Let’s talk a little about chances of winning and timing if you do “win” – this post addressing those entering now or wanting to understand the timing a bit better.
First of all, this is a lottery. Not everyone “wins” (which really is getting selected for further processing), the chances vary by region. For example in Oceania region a single qualified entry has about a 5% chance of winning – 1 in 20. However in Africa, that same chance is something less than 2% – 1 in 50, but certain countries have an enormous number of entries and in those countries the chances can be much lower – about 1 in 200 or worse (I’ll explain that better in another post). So – just because you entered, don’t pin your hopes on being one of the lucky ones. In reality some people will enter every year and still never get picked. A couple can increase their chances by each of them entering individually, and if they are married by the time of processing they can get a Green Card for their spouse and their children.
Next, let’s talk about timing. Let’s say you just entered the current lottery (currently called “DV2016”). The results won’t be available until the following May (May 2015 for DV2016). Then you will need to wait your turn for processing which is by case number order. The earliest cases to be processing will be in October – around 1 year after the entry into the lottery. However, the majority of cases will be processed spread out of the full year of processing (so between October 1 and September 30). So – it could be nearly 2 years after the DV entry that a winner will receive their visa – and someone should make plans to travel ONLY when they have the visa in their hand. So – be warned – this process is going to take a long time!!!!
October 11, 2020 at 13:17
Thanks comrade for the solidarity
My question is;, is it a must to have a person you know in the US where you will stay after winning the lottery!??
October 11, 2020 at 13:31
No – but you need to give an address where the GC will be sent.
October 2, 2020 at 13:55
Hello sir,
Please hel me with DV photo editing link
October 3, 2020 at 01:11
It’s in the offical instructions.
May 2, 2018 at 16:23
Hi Simon
So just to confirm. You saying after results are announced the first round of interviews is usually October?
May 2, 2018 at 16:42
ALWAYS, not “usually” – but interviews are spaced out over a year – ordered by case number rank.
April 3, 2018 at 06:36
Dear Brit
What is the chance for a Malaysian ( South East Asia ) to get pick in the draw ?
Thank you for the reply.
Jenny
April 3, 2018 at 07:06
It’s a lottery – chances are low.
April 7, 2017 at 10:39
Brit! I was wondering what the chances are for entrants from Asia (Middle East), from Bahrain specifically.
I just thought I’d ask since you mentioned the chances of OC and Africa entrants.
Thank you
April 7, 2017 at 14:09
Less than one in one hundred.
September 21, 2016 at 22:47
Should I bring a departure letter to the interview from your current work ?
September 21, 2016 at 22:53
No.
In fact DO NOT resign prior to the interview.
November 4, 2015 at 09:34
hi simon, it’s safe for 2016AS5XXX case number because Asia high case number is AS8XXX? i mean if i am single and i have university plus work experience? it’s high chance to get visa ?
November 4, 2015 at 16:34
High chance, yes.