USA EDV online application DV Lottery U.S. visa application

How To Apply For EDV Online

The Electronic Diversity Visa (EDV) program, also known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, is a U.S. government initiative that provides a chance for people from countries with low immigration rates to the United States to apply for a U.S. visa. Winning the DV Lottery can grant you the opportunity to become a permanent resident in the United States. To participate in the DV Lottery, you need to apply online. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to apply for EDV online.

Prerequisites

Before you begin your online EDV application, make sure you have the following prerequisites in place:

  • Eligibility: Check if you are eligible for the DV Lottery. You must be from an eligible country, and you should meet the education or work experience requirements. The principal Entrant must be at least 13 years old at the time of your electronic entry.

  • Digital Passport Photo: You will need a recent, high-quality digital passport photo for your application. The photo should meet the specific requirements outlined in the application guidelines.

  • Valid Email Address: You will need a valid email address to receive notifications and updates about your application.

  • Passport Information: Ensure you have your passport details readily available, as you’ll need to enter them during the application process.

Application Process

Now that you’ve gathered all the necessary prerequisites, here’s how you can apply for the DV Lottery online:

  1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the Official U.S. Department of State Electronic Diversity Visa Lottery website to access the online application form.

  2. Read Instructions Carefully: Before starting your application, read the instructions provided on the website carefully. Understanding the requirements and procedures is crucial.

  3. Complete the Electronic Entry Form (DS-5501): Fill out the online DS-5501 Electronic Entry Form. You will need to provide your personal information, including your full name, date of birth, gender, country of birth, and other required details.

  4. Upload Passport Photo: Upload your digital passport photo as per the specified guidelines. Ensure it meets the necessary requirements, such as size and resolution.

    1. You can crop your photo that will properly meet EDV requirements by visiting this https://tsg.phototool.state.gov/photo
    2. The photo size should be 600X600 pixels

  5. Submit Your Entry: Once you’ve filled out the form and uploaded your photo, click the “Submit” button. Make sure you double-check all the information you’ve provided for accuracy.

  6. Print and Save Confirmation: After submitting your entry, you will receive a confirmation page with a unique confirmation number. Print this page and keep it in a safe place. You will need this number to check the status of your application later.

  7. Check the Status: You can check the status of your application online using the unique confirmation number. Keep in mind that the status can be checked only during the specified time period, so mark your calendar.

  8. Wait for the Results: The results of the DV Lottery will be announced on the website. If you are selected, you will receive further instructions on the subsequent steps in the process.

Important Links

To make your application process smoother, here are some important links you may need:

Applying for the DV Lottery is a straightforward process, but it’s crucial to follow the guidelines and ensure that your application is submitted accurately. Remember that winning the lottery is just the first step in the immigration process, and there are additional steps to follow to obtain your U.S. visa and achieve your dream of becoming a permanent resident in the United States. Good luck with your application!