2025 Diversity Immigrant Visa Program – Your Guide to Applying
Many people are interested in immigrating to the United States but do not have a qualifying family member or employer to sponsor them. Applying for a diversity visa may help you realize your U.S. immigration dreams without having to be sponsored. Here are some common questions about the yearly Diversity Visa program.
Q: What is a Diversity Visa?
A diversity visa is an immigrant visa that is available through a program which makes a limited number of visas available by random selection to persons who meet strict eligibility requirements from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Guyana is a qualifying country!
Q: I’m interested! What are the eligibility requirements?
To be eligible, you must be from a country with historically low rates of immigration to the United States, such as Guyana.
Secondly, if you are from a qualifying country, you must meet the education/work experience requirement (a U.S. high school education equivalent OR two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform). Do NOT enter if you do not meet the qualifications.
Q: I think I meet the Diversity Visa Program requirements. How do I apply?
Applications for the 2025 program opened on October 04, 2023, and will close at noon on November 07, 2023. The only official way to apply is directly through the U.S. Department of State website https://dvprogram.state.gov/, during the specified and limited-time registration period.
Q: Do I increase my chances of selection if I submit multiple entries?
No. In fact, submitting more than one entry as the primary applicant will disqualify you from the program.
Q: How much does it cost to apply?
There is NO FEE to apply! Beware of those who claim they can improve your chances if you pay them. Avoid scammers and submit your entry yourself!
Q: How will I know if my entry was selected for visa processing in 2025?
In May 2024, the Department of State will randomly select individuals by computer from among qualified entries. To know if your entry was selected, you must access the official “Entrant Status Check” website at https://dvprogram.state.gov/. This is the ONLY way to see if you were selected. Do NOT be fooled by any letter or e-mail announcements; these are scams.
You will be able to check your entry from May 4, 2024, through at least September 30, 2025.
TIP: After you submit your completed DV2025 entry, keep the confirmation number. The confirmation number is the only way to check whether an entry has been selected.
Q: If selected, how do I get the visa?
If your entry is selected, you will be directed to a confirmation page which will provide visa application instructions, including information about fees connected with immigration to the United States. You will need to apply for and receive the visa before the program end date of September 30, 2025.
Good luck everyone!
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“Ask the Consul” is a monthly column from the U.S. Embassy answering questions about U.S. immigration law and visa issues. Detailed information about visas and travel can be viewed at https://gy.usembassy.gov/, https://ais.usvisa-info.com/ and https://travel.state.gov/. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prepare their own documents and avoid third-party advice. U.S. Consular rules change frequently, and non-U.S. government advisors often provide inadequate or inaccurate information. Please contact our Visa Information Service Center on toll free numbers: 1-877-246-6788 or 703-988-5765 if you have general visa questions.”
