The (DV) Green Card Lottery 2015 opened Tuesday October 1, 2013 and applications can be submitted until November 2, 2013.

50,000 green cards will be issued to lucky winners. The requirements are basic and include nationality of a country from a limited list published by the Department of State as well as the need to meet specific education or work experience requirements and the submission of a digital picture.

You may access the electronic DV Entry Form at http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1318.html and please be sure to read the instructions carefully as the program is highly technical and the slightest error will result in disqualification. In the past, the government reported that many entries were disqualified for failing to follow technical instructions. I encourage you to apply early, as in the past, system delays caused by extremely heavy demand in the final days of the registration period have prevented some applicants from registering for the program.

Entrants will be able to check online at www.dvlottery.state.gov by entering their confirmation number to see if they were selected beginning May 1, 2014. The Department of State does not send selectee notifications or letters by regular postal mail or by e-mail. It is therefore of utmost importance that you keep a record of your confirmation number.

Please note that it is not necessary to pay an immigration lawyer or any other service in order to apply. However, if you are selected as a “winner”, you may want to consider hiring an immigration lawyer to ensure the correct and timely submission of your paperwork. If you like to have my office assist you in the process or with any other immigration matter, please contact me at your convenience.

Good luck to all of you who play!