Registration for the 2019 Diversity Visa (DV) program will open on Tuesday, the US Department of State has announced.

According to a statement released by the US Embassy in Kathmandu on Monday, the application period for the 2019 Diversity Visa (DV) program opens at 9:45pm NST on Oct 3 and closes at 10:45 pm NST on Nov 7.  

Considering website delays due to heavy demands towards the closing week of the registration, the embassy urges: “We strongly encourage DV program entrants to apply early!” The embassy has also reminded applicants that there is no fee to enter the DV lottery and recommended against using a consultant to assist you with your application.

Entries for the 2019 DV lottery must be submitted electronically during the registration period. The embassy also asked aspirants to follow the electronic process while submitting applications.

Applicants are required to provide an e-mail address as part of their entry. “However, there is NO email notification sent to selectees informing them they were selected,” reads the statement. 

“The only method of determining whether you were selected for the DV is by entering your confirmation number at www.dvlottery.state.gov on or after May 1, 2018 (Baisakh 18, 2075).” Winners get their visas during the 2019 fiscal year that runs from Oct 1, 2018 to Sept 30, 2019. 

The embassy stressed the fact that simply being selected as a DV winner, and even the receipt of a second letter, does not guarantee a US visa.

“Even if you are selected as a DV winner, this does not guarantee that you will receive a visa. If you do get a visa interview, a Consular Officer will determine whether you meet the qualifications and are eligible for the DV under US immigration law.” Further information on the DV program may be obtained at www.dvlottery.state.gov or the US Embassy Kathmandu website at https://np.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/.