This is a recent update posted on the Official Twitter account of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) concerning how to apply U.S Work Permit if Paroled as a Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, or Venezuelan.

Its read…..

“If you were paroled into the U.S. through the processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans, then you can apply for a work permit. You can begin the application process by creating a USCIS online account and filing Form-I-765 online.”

Paroled into the U.S. as a Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan, or Venezuelan? With this recent update from USCIS, you can now Apply for a Work Permit.

The recent update from USCIS further state below:

You are likely eligible to apply for an employment authorization document (EAD) to legally work in the United States if:

• You were recently paroled into the United States and that parole remains valid; or
• You have applied for asylum and that application has been pending for at least 150 days.

If you have not already started the EAD application process, you can begin by creating a USCIS account online and filing Form-I-765. USCIS will mail your work permit to the address you provided in your application if your application is approved. If necessary, you can file a paper application for Form I-765 instead.

If you are an Afghan national paroled into the United States and you are applying for employment authorization, you will need a Social Security number (SSN) to work in the United States. Your SSN allows employers to report your earnings to the U.S. government.

Apply for an SSN (or replacement SSN card) using Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and following the form instructions.

If you do not request an SSN in Part 2 (Items 14-17.b) of your Form I-765, you must make an appointment to visit a Social Security Administration office in person to apply for your SSN after you receive your Employment Authorization Document (Form I-766).

Certain noncitizens who are in the United States may file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, to request an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Other noncitizens whose immigration status authorizes them to work in the United States without restrictions may also use Form I-765 to apply for an EAD that shows such authorization.

See more about the I-765, Application for Employment Authorization update from USCIS here.

What Is Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization?

Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, is a form submitted to USCIS to request employment authorization and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

To explain more about what Form I-765 is, how it’s used, who can file the form, how to complete it, what supporting documents to include, and how much it costs.

Form I-765 is main official form you use to apply for a work permit. A work permit is formally called an Employment Authorization Document or EAD. To receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), you need to file Form I-765 with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

USCIS uses this form to collect information from people applying for work authorization to assess whether or not they are eligible for a work permit.

You can’t get an EAD without filing Form I-765 with USCIS. Without work authorization, you can’t work for any employer in the United States. When USCIS processes and approves your Form I-765 application, they will issue you a card that you can use as proof of your eligibility to work for employers in the United States. You’ll also use Form I-765 to renew an expired EAD or to replace a missing or damaged EAD.

Do You Need To Include Any Supporting Documents With Form I-765?

You’ll need to include some supporting documents with Form I-765 when you file it with USCIS. The documents you need will depend on the work permit eligibility category you’re applying under. The USCIS website has a full, comprehensive list of the specific documents they want from you based on your eligibility category.

Required Supporting Documents for Form I-765

All applicants must submit these documents:

• Two recent passport-sized photographs
• A photocopy of your I-94 record (front and back)
• Arrival/Departure Record
• A copy of your passport or travel document
• A photocopy of your most recent EAD card if you have or ever had one.

Review these requirements before completing and submitting your form. Do not send original documents unless specifically requested in the form instructions or applicable regulations.

If you submit any documents (copies or original documents, if requested) in a foreign language, you must include a full English translation along with a certification from the translator verifying that the translation is complete and accurate, and that they are competent to translate from the foreign language to English.

Disclaimer: This is not the official website of USCIS and this site is not affiliated to USCIS. The information above are extracted from USCIS Official Twitter account and officially webpage.

In this very important job interview post, you will learn how to answer “Tell me about yourself” in interview, both for Freshers (those people with no previous work experience) and Experienced Candidates.

Right at the very start of your job interview, the hiring manager will say to you, tell me about yourself, how you answer this first question could be the difference between a pass or fail.

How to answer “Tell me about yourself” in an interview

To help you answer the interview question, tell me about yourself, to not only get the highest scores possible, but also impress the hiring manager, this post will cover the following three things:

• Reasons why the hiring manager will say to you at the start of your job interview, Tell me about yourself. There are two reasons why they will ask you this tough question.
• Four (4) things you should include in your answer to the interview question, “tell me about yourself”, including a brilliant, easy to remember structure you can use.
• Two brilliant, top scoring answers to that question, Tell me about yourself. One of the answers is for experienced candidates and the other answer is for fresh graduates (those who have no previous work experience).

Reasons why is the hiring manager going to say to you at the start of your job interview, “Tell me about yourself”?

There are two reasons.

Reason #1: Because getting you to talk about something you should know a lot about yourself will help to reduce your interview nerves. You will be the most nervous at the start of your job interview, so when the hiring manager says to you, “tell me about yourself”, it gives you the opportunity to start talking.

Make sure you practice your answer to the question “tell me about yourself”” several times before your interview.

Reason #2: Because it quickly allows them to assess your communication skills and to determine whether or not you are going to be a good fit for their team.

That is why your answer must be confident and contain four important areas.

HOW TO ANSWER TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF (SEAT STRUCTURE)

Four important areas you should include in your answer

1. Skills

Talk about the skills you have that match the job description.

2. Education and experience

Briefly mention the educational qualifications you have and also any relevant experience you can bring to the company.

3. Achievements

Talk about any significant achievements you have gained in your work or personal life. If the hiring manager sees you are a high achiever with a track record of success, they will definitely be more likely to hire you.

4. The type of person you are

Tell the hiring manager the type of person you are and what you will do for their company.

Those four things stand for SEAT.

How to answer a Tell me about yourself question during an interview

Below are two brilliant, top scoring answers to that interview question, “tell me about yourself”.

Tell Me About Yourself Sample Answer For Experienced Candidates

“Thank you for this opportunity. I am a positive, supportive and dynamic employee with the skills to match the job description. I am a fast worker and good communicator, will solve problems quickly, and have the relevant customer service skills to make a difference in the position.

I graduated from college with qualifications in subjects that will benefit me in this role. I have experience managing multiple tasks in teams and am competent in using all Microsoft Office applications.

I have a track record of achievement. I have won several sporting events with my team and have won employee of the month in my previous job.

If you hire me, I will be a great role model for the company brand and take responsibility for my ongoing professional development, so I’m always a great asset to the team.

I promise to commit to the company long term to ensure you see a great return on your investment and assist you in becoming the market leader.”

Tell Me About Yourself Sample Answer For Freshers (Fresh Graduates) and those people with no previous work experience

“My name is Steve [Insert Your Name], and I want to express my gratitude for the opportunity to be interviewed for a position at your company today.

I recently graduated from college with qualifications in mathematics, psychology and computer science. During my time at college, I learned the important values of discipline, maintaining high standards and providing support to other students in their pursuit of success.

My personal characteristics can be summarized as positive, enthusiastic, determined and resilient. I am always eager to take ownership of challenging situations as they arise.

Approaching my career with an open mind, I come to you as a blank canvas, free from preconceived ideas about the workplace. I am excited about the prospect of being trained to excel as a valuable member of your team.

If I am fortunate enough to join your organization, I am committed to building a long term career here. My goal is to become a dependable and trustworthy employee who consistently adds value to the business and supports its daily operations.”

There’s two brilliant answers to that first very difficult interview question, “tell me about yourself”.

I wish you all the best for passing your job interview.

Mastercard University of Oxford AfOx Scholarships 2024/2025 for African Students.

Application Deadline: AfOx strongly recommends you submit your application form and all of your supporting documents at least a week before the earliest deadline for your course.

About Mastercard University Of Oxford AfOx Scholarships

The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship programme supports passionate, locally rooted and globally minded African young people to undertake graduate studies at the University of Oxford.

The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship programme is grounded in the Mastercard Foundation, and AfOx shared values of collegiality, empathy, commitment, inclusion and community.

The Scholarship is part of the broader AfOx Graduate Scholars Program, which aims to support African students to access opportunities at Oxford and to thrive both during and after their time at the University.

The Scholarship funds a rigorous one-year taught Master’s course at Oxford aimed at equipping the Scholars with relevant technical, entrepreneurial and leadership skills and connecting them to world-leading resources in their respective sectors.

Key elements of the scholarship programme include adequate support and preparation for students to take up their studies, intensive emphasis on life skills beyond academia and support for a lifelong network of alumni.

Each Scholar will benefit from the highest calibre training in specific disciplines critical to solving pressing problems, including food systems, health sciences, sustainable water and energy systems, governance and public policy, and entrepreneurship, among others.

Their programs will centre the four AfOx themes relevant to Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals: Healthy People, Integrated Societies, Green Futures, and Innovation for Prosperity.

Which Countries Are Eligible?

African countries

Where Will Award Take Place?

UK (United Kingdom)

What Type Of Award Is This?

Scholarship

Who Is Eligible For Mastercard University Of Oxford AfOx Scholarships?

The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship enables students from all African countries to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford. All students with an African nationality and residence who receive a conditional offer from the University will be eligible for the scholarship.

How Applicants Are Selected

The scholarship emphasises explicitly groups who have historically been under-represented, including but not limited to female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and disabled scholars. Necessary residence considerations will be made for students from refugee and displaced backgrounds.

Benefit Of Mastercard University Of Oxford AfOx Scholarships

This full-cost scholarship is available to Master’s students, covering tuition fees and living expenses for international students.

The scholarship also provides logistics support, including an economy return flight, visa and Immigration Health Surcharge fees, settling down allowance, and access to a Thrive Fund for emergencies.

The first year includes a rigorous academic Master’s course at Oxford and a Leadership and Impact Programme, which support the scholars in developing collaborative leadership qualities needed to build cross-sector, interdisciplinary solutions to address complex social and environmental problems.

After completing their Master’s Program, Scholars will be supported to take up 4-6 months placements in leading Africa-based organisations for their Ubuntu Period of Service. The scholars will work on initiatives in Africa, receiving mentoring from leading Africa-based academics and practitioners, enabling the Scholars to develop pathways to building impactful careers in Africa.

The Scholars benefit from a bespoke Leadership and Impact Program delivered in partnership with the Skoll Centre for Social Enterprise and tailored academic and social support throughout their studies. Beyond their studies, Scholars will join the AfOx Alumni Network, where they can continue to draw on and contribute to the community of African Scholars linked to the University of Oxford.

In addition to the peer support from the Scholar Community, the Scholars have access to mentorship and career support from AfOx Research and Innovation Fellows and the more comprehensive AfOx network of research leaders and entrepreneurs.

How To Apply For Mastercard University Of Oxford AfOx Scholarships:

The Mastercard Foundation AfOx Scholarship enables students from all African countries to pursue graduate studies at the University of Oxford. All students with an African nationality and residence who receive a conditional offer from the University will be eligible for the scholarship.

The scholarship emphasises explicitly groups who have historically been under-represented, including but not limited to female scholars, people from refugee and displaced backgrounds and disabled scholars. Necessary residence considerations will be made for students from refugee and displaced backgrounds.

(a) To be considered for this scholarship, submit your application for graduate study to the University of Oxford via the graduate admissions portal by the deadline for your chosen course of study. Read the Application Guide in detail ahead of making the application. You are strongly recommend to submit your application form and all of your supporting documents at least a week before the December/January for your course.

(b) Eligible candidates who receive a conditional offer from their course will be then invited to apply for the AfOx Graduate Scholarship Program. All invited candidates will be expected to fill in the AfOx Graduate Scholarship questionnaire during the application process.

(c) Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed virtually before decisions are made, and the timelines will be communicated at the interview stage.

The University of Oxford has an extensive database of frequently asked questions and you are recommend to look there in the first instance. See FAQs.

For more details, visit Award Webpage.

The University of Toronto (Canada) MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme is offering Undergraduate scholarship to sub-Saharan African Students for 2024/2025 academic session.

Application Deadline: 10th December 2023 (Deadline Varies across different courses)

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible Field of Study: First-entry undergraduate programs in either the Faculty of Arts and Science or the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering

About University of Toronto MasterCard Foundation Scholarship

If you are a student from Sub-Saharan Africa who has demonstrated your academic talent, are personally committed to giving back to your country, yet face significant economic barriers, then you are advised to apply to The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme.

The University of Toronto MasterCard Foundation offers The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme at the University of Toronto to develop Africa’s next generation of leaders.

Thanks to the Foundation’s visionary support, U of T can now provide 67 African students with one of the world’s top-ranked educations, in one of the world’s most multi-cultural cities. The MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme opens up boundless opportunities for young Africans from economically disadvantaged communities, but with academic talent, potential to lead, and motivation to make a difference. As U of T graduates and global citizens, they will return to Africa with the tools to change lives within their communities and across borders.

In 2024/2025 session, applications opens to one of the following areas:

• Master of Health Informatics(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Health Administration(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Occupational and Environmental Health(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Social and Behavioural Health Sciences(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Health Administration(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Financial Insurance(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Engineering (Biomedical)(opens in a new tab)
• Master of Biotechnology(opens in a new tab)

To apply for the Doctorate in Public Health program, please find the application form here.

The University of Toronto (U of T) is collaborating with eight leading African universities to support their efforts to train and prepare young professionals for the meaningful work of growing African health sectors, with an emphasis on employment opportunities for women.

The African Higher Education Health Collaborative partners include:

• Addis Ababa University(opens in a new tab)
• Ashesi University(opens in a new tab)
• African Institute for Mathematical Sciences(opens in a new tab)
• African Leadership University (opens in a new tab)
• Amref International University/Amref Health Africa(opens in a new tab)
• Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology(opens in a new tab)
• Moi University(opens in a new tab)
• University of Cape Town

Offered Since:  2013/2014 academic year

Type: Undergraduate Scholarships for African students

Selection Criteria and Eligibility: The Toronto MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme is open to you if you are a resident and citizen of a Sub-Saharan Africa country. You must be a first-time applicant to the University of Toronto who has not yet begun university study elsewhere. If you are a transfer student, you are not eligible for the Program.

In order to be eligible for the Toronto MasterCard Foundation Scholars Programme, you must:

• be a resident and a graduating high school student of a country within Sub-Saharan Africa;
• demonstrate financial need correspondent to that of the lowest two quintiles of your country;
• have very strong academic results within your school system;
• have a record of leadership and extracurricular involvement;
• maintain a strong desire to return to Africa to assist and work towards enhanced regional socioeconomic development;
• be graduating from a recognized secondary school, or have completed the necessary academic requirements; and
• fulfill the necessary English requirements (dependent on country);

Please note that both academic and English requirements differ based on the country and educational system you are coming from.

Number of Scholarships: Numerous

Value of University of Toronto MasterCard Foundation Scholarship:

• If selected, you will receive a scholarship equivalent to the costs related to attaining a Bachelor’s degree, including travel, tuition, textbooks, housing, food, and living expenses.
• You will also receive financial, academic, social, and post-graduation support which will enable you to build experiences and competencies critical for academic success.

University Of Toronto MasterCard Foundation Internships: The program includes two unpaid internships.

• The first will take place in the Toronto area for three months during your second summer to provide local practical work experience and skills.
• The second internship will take place in Africa during your third summer.

There will be funding available to help you with the cost of a passport. If you do not own a passport, the program will aid in passport applications and related costs.

Duration of Scholarship: for a four-year undergraduate degree

Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan Africa

To be taken at (country): University of Toronto. Canada

How to Apply for University of Toronto MasterCard Foundation Scholarship

To apply for the scholarship and for admission, you must submit an online application.

They are pleased to announce the start of the 2024-2025 Mastercard Foundation graduate scholarship recruitment at the University of Toronto. To learn more about the scholarship and eligibility, please register to attend one of their information sessions.

A completed application includes the following components:

• A completed online application – all applicable sections must be filled out, including contact information, financial information, personal details and responses to essay questions.
• Financial documents – upload a scanned copy of financial documentation.
• Transcript – upload a scanned copy of your secondary school transcript and any other academic information.
• Two references – provide the names and contact details of two individuals who will serve as your referees. They will contact your referees directly and ask them to submit their letter of reference through a secure website.

For more details, Visit the Scholarship Webpage.

NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship 2023/2024: The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has announced the commencement of the application process for its 2023/2024 Foreign Masters and PhD Scholarships Programme.

About NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship

As part of their Human Resource Development initiatives, the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, is commencing the 2023 Post-Graduate Foreign Scholarship Programme, to equip Niger Deltans with relevant training and skills for effective participation in the Local Content programme of the Federal Government, as well as compete globally in various professional fields.

Application Deadline: 2nd November 2023

Offered annually? Yes

Eligible Countries: Niger Deltan states in Nigeria which includes Akwa Ibom State, Bayelsa State, Cross River State, Delta State, Edo State and Rivers State.

Scholarship to be taken at (country): Universities Abroad

Eligible Fields of Study: The Scheme is for suitably qualified applicants with relevant Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree(s) from recognized universities in the following professional disciplines:

1. Engineering
2. Agricultural Science
3. Law
4. Medical Sciences
5. Geosciences
6. Environmental Sciences
7. Management sciences
8. ICT
9. Education
10. Humanities

Type: Masters, PhD

Eligibility/Criteria:

• First degree with minimum of 2nd Class Lower Division for those wishing to undertake a Master’s Degree programme and a good Master’s Degree for PhD candidates from a recognized University.
• Applicants must have gained admission for a Post Graduate Programme in any of the listed disciplines above, in a foreign University.
• Applicants who have already enrolled in Overseas’ Universities are NOT eligible to apply.
• Guarantor’s written consent of good conduct of the applicant from any of the following persons from the applicant’s community/clan.

1. Member of National Assembly/State House of Assembly
2. Chairman of the LGA
3. First Class Traditional Ruler
4. High Court Judge

• Persons with evidence of cult membership or criminal record shall not be considered for the award.
• Applicants must have completed the mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC).

Number of Scholarships: Several

Value of NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship: Full-fee scholarship

Duration of Scholarship: For the period of the programme

NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship Selection Process:

Candidates will undergo a comprehensive selection process, including preliminary shortlisting, a computer-based test in Rivers State, and final verification through respective Local Government Areas and Community Development Committees.

How to Apply for NDDC Foreign Postgraduate Scholarship:

• Application must be made on-line at the Commission’s website: (www.nddc.gov.ng) with the following attachments:

1. Recent passport photograph
2. Local Government Identification Letter
3. Post Graduate admission letter from a recognized Oversea University. Relevant degrees from recognized Universities.
4. NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate.

• Successfully complete application form will be assigned a registration number automatically.
• Print the hard copy of the on-line generated acknowledgement for ease of reference.

All shortlisted applicants will be posted on NDDC website (www.nddc.gov.ng)

For more details, visit Scholarship Webpage.

This post will teach how to DESCRIBE YOURSELF in a Job Interview by using powerful words and sentences that will impress any hiring manager.

Right at the very start of your interview, the hiring manager will say to you, “How would you describe yourself”. The answer you give will be the difference between a pass or fail.

If you have an interview coming up soon for any role or company, read this post very well because it to help you pass at the very first attempt.

To help you pass your job interview at the first attempt, below are things this post will cover:

• 11 incredibly powerful words to use to describe yourself in an interview and explain what each one means.

If you use any of these 11 words when answering that difficult interview question, how would you describe yourself? They will definitely make the hiring manager sit up and listen.

• Three powerful answers to that interview question, “How would you describe yourself”

11 BEST WORDS TO USE TO DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN A JOB INTERVIEW

• Performance-driven

If you are a performance-driven employee, it means all of your work is focused on achieving positive results for your employer and getting things done.

• Cost-conscious

If you are cost-conscious, it means you never waste company supplies and resources. Instead, you are a frugal worker who takes care of supplies and resources and tries to streamline company systems and processes to help your employer save money and increase profits.

• Resourceful

Someone that is resourceful has the ability to quickly find clever ways to overcome challenges and problems. Most employees leave problems for others to deal with, but a resourceful person will take ownership of the problem and create a solution.

• Versatile

An employee who is versatile can do many things and they are not afraid to try out new tasks or take on responsibilities because it broadens their skill set and widens their knowledge.

Hiring managers love to hire versatile employees because they give so much more back to a company than the average person.

• Detail-oriented

If you are detail-oriented, it means you rarely make mistakes and can be trusted to get on with your work and complete it to a very high standard. Detail-oriented people are great to have in a team because they bring the standards up of everyone else.

• Troubleshooter

Someone who is a troubleshooter loves to solve difficult problems and challenges. Troubleshooters enjoy solving problems and they are great to have working in companies because they quickly find ways to help a team or organization progress.

• Passionate

I love employing passionate people in my business because they are positive, love their work, get more work completed than the average person, and they are reliable.

• Trustworthy

All hiring managers want to employ people that are trustworthy. If you are trustworthy, it means you will do your work without being supervised, are honest, loyal to the company brand, and will never disclose confidential information or give away company secrets.

• Goal-oriented

I am a goal-oriented person. Every week, I set myself several goals to achieve and I never fail. Goal-oriented people are focused on reaching a specific objective and accomplishing their task in the fastest time possible.

• Commercially aware

If someone is commercially aware, it means they have a basic understanding of how a business operates and that they must do a good job to help their employer become the market leader. Commercially aware employees are vital in teams because they care about the success of the business.

• Innovative

Someone who is innovative will introduce new and original ideas to the team. They will be creative in their thinking and seek opportunities in the industry to help the company improve, grow, and succeed.

There’s 11 incredibly powerful words to use when describing yourself in your job interview.

How to Answer Describe Yourself in a Job Interview

Below are three powerful answers to this interview question.

Question: How would you describe yourself?

How Would You Describe Yourself Best Answer 1:

“I would describe myself as a passionate and trustworthy employee who loves their work, wants to make a positive difference to their team, and who thrives when under pressure.

I am commercially aware, meaning I understand how a business operates and that I must do a great job for you to ensure you become the market leader.

Finally, I would describe myself as performance-driven. I am someone who gets their work completed quickly to a high standard and can be relied upon to achieve challenging goals every week.”

How Would You Describe Yourself Best Answer 2:

“I would describe myself as positive, loyal, supportive, and driven.

In my last job, my manager often praised me for my attention to detail, versatility, and my willingness to carry out tasks that were outside of my job description.

I would also describe myself as attentive. I am someone who never makes mistakes, and my innovative approach to work means I will bring new and original ideas to the team to ensure your business continually grows and thrives.”

How Would You Describe Yourself Best Answer 3:

“I would describe myself as goal-oriented, cost-conscious, trustworthy, and data-driven. I always set myself goals to achieve, which will ensure you see a positive return on your investment if you hire me.

I seek ways to help my employer save money by being frugal with company supplies and resources, and I always analyze information and data carefully to ensure the right decisions are made and the team can take advantage of opportunities in the industry.”

There’s three brilliant top scoring answers to that very difficult question, how to describe yourself in a job interview.

Thank you for reading this post. I wish you all the best for passing your job interview.

Can I Update or Change my DV Lottery application if after submitting I realize I made a mistake? Can I edit my DV lottery application after submission?

Can I go ahead and do another DV lottery application, if I found out I’ve made a mistake, a technical error, misspelling of my name, or I did a mistake maybe on my date of birth, or I put a wrong passport photo, will I be able to go back and edit the application?

Can I go and do another application without having any repacaution or any punishment on that?

Those are much related, similar questions, which will be answer in this guide.

Can I edit my DV lottery application after submission?

The diversity visa lottery application is different from the visa form like the DS-260, which is the Department of State form number 260, the visa form (immigrant visa form).

Whether you are applying for student visa, DS-160, non-immigrant visa form, or the immigrant visa form (DS-260), when you are filling those type of visa form, after winning or you want to visit U.S, those types of form are the form you create account first before you start the application.

By creating account, you have a username, you have a login information. You can log in, do the application, sign out, come back later and continue the application. That can be done when filling a visa form, maybe after winning or you want to go as a student or you want to go as a tourist or you are married to American citizens and you have to go to America to join your family.

But if you are applying for the diversity visa, DV lottery, Green Card Lottery application, unfortunately, is not the form where you are going to create the account.

If you are filling the DV lottery form and you end up in the middle of the form application, that application is not registered. That is incomplete application, is not a full successful application.

There is no way you can fill DV lottery application form halfway, then go out, maybe to eat or do something else and then come back to continue. No, it doesn’t work that way. When you stop in the middle of the application, maybe you went out, if you come back, you will start a brand new application. There is no login or create account information.

A successful diversity visa application is the application which is done through the government-authorised official website, dvprogram.state.gov.

Once you finish applying, it will give the word of “success”. It will give you a last name, year of birth, and confirmation number. That is a successful complete application.

Let’s say after the successful completion of DV lottery application, you come back to realize that when you was writing your email, maybe you put an incorrect email address, if you do that type of mistake, there is no way you can be able to correct your application.

What if when you are filling the form, you put a wrong spelling in your names? or maybe you put wrong date of birth in dv lottery, maybe you start with the date, month, year (which is wrong), instead of month, day and year (which is correct). Are you going to change that? No, you can’t change that.

You can correct those information after winning, when filling DS-260 form. But once the DV lottery submission is complete, is a successful application, there is no way you can correct, or can edit anything.

You can make a mistake of the spelling, you can make the mistake of date of birth, but if you put the incorrect passport photo, even if you win the diversity visa lottery, you’ll be denied.

Don’t rush to do the application, make out time and fill the form properly without distraction. Just make sure that you put the correct passport photo, make sure you have the correct date of birth, make sure you have correct name spelling, make sure you fill the correct number of children you have and you put their names, the correct names, date of birth, place of birth, and their photos. Put the correct information about your spouse.

Once you click the button Submit and it say Success, you cannot do anything.

Some people, when they encounter error while filling the form, they do another application thinking that if they do another application, they will be able to correct that information. That’s wrong.

The computer, the Department of State has no way to determine that when you put your correct or wrong email address, wrong or correct date of birth, they are not going to match with that. Let say you were born April 1, 1998, and you filled February 2, 1998, they are not going to know that you’re supposed to fill April 1, 1998. They are not going to know that it was supposed to be the correct information.

Once you put that information for them, that is the correct information. Don’t try to do another application because when do another application, it will be a duplicate application.

Even if the date of birth might be different, they are going to track you with your passport photo. They will be able to match you with your name. There is a software using all the old information like face cognition. The photo you put in, they will match it as been registered into the system.

Nowadays, they may tell you that your information has been stored into the system. If you go ahead to apply, it is at your own risk, you are going to do a duplicate application. For that particular case, you are going to be denied. So don’t do a duplicate application. Don’t do a second application. Don’t try to play smart to do another application.

Even by changing the name or changing the date of birth or changing the country of birth, you are not going to change your face. There is a face recognition feature software to be determining whether you did another application.

If you make any mistake, leave it that way. Win and correct that information when filling DS-260 form. But don’t try to correct it by doing another application.

Can I edit my DV lottery application after submission? I hope this question is now answered.

Thank you so much and I wish you all the best in the DV-2025 lottery application.

DISCLAIMER: This post and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. This site is not offering any Diversity Visa and is not the official site for DV Lottery program. The information presented in this post should not be construed to be formal legal advice.

What is the selection process for DV-2025 lottery program?

Based on the allocations of available visas in each region and country, the U.S Department of State randomly select individuals by computer from among qualified entries.

DV-Lottery winners are randomly selected by computer, it’s just by a computer program that knows nothing about the time you entered the lottery or the day, but only the numbers that are given and then randomly selects or picks from those numbers.

A lottery is used as a fair, unbiased method to choose DV Lottery participants for the opportunity to continue the U.S immigration process.

There are Factors that will not affect your chances of getting selected in the DV (Green Card) lottery process, see more details>>>

Process of Checking DV lottery results

All DV-2025 entrants must go to the Entrant Status Check using their unique confirmation number saved from their DV-2025 online entry registration to find out whether their entry has been selected in the DV program.

Entrant Status Check will be available on the E-DV website at dvprogram.state.gov from May 4, 2024, through at least September 30, 2025. If your entry is selected, you will be directed to a confirmation page providing further instructions, including information about fees connected with immigration to the United States.

Entrant Status Check will be the ONLY means by which the U.S Department of State notifies selectees of their selection for DV-2025.

The Department of State will not mail notification letters or notify selectees by email. U.S. embassies and consulates will not provide a list of selectees. Individuals who have not been selected also ONLY will be notified through Entrant Status Check. All applicants are strongly encouraged to access Entrant Status Check their self. Don’t rely on someone else to check and inform you.

In order to immigrate, DV selectees must be admissible to the United States. The DS-260, Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, electronically, and the consular officer, in person, will ask you questions about your eligibility to immigrate under U.S. law. These questions include criminal and security-related topics.

READ: DV Lottery (Green Card) Interview Questions and Answers

All selectees, including family members, must be issued visas by September 30, 2025. Under no circumstances can the Department of State issue DVs nor can USCIS approve adjustments after this date, nor can family members obtain DVs to follow-to-join the principal applicant in the United States after this date.

The U.S. government only authorizes issuance of approximately 55,000 diversity visas each year. Given the limited number of visas available, selectees should act promptly in submitting their materials and pursuing their application.

READ: What are the next steps after winning DV lottery?

 How do I know if I am selected?

You must use your confirmation number to access the Entrant Status Check available on the E-DV website at dvprogram.state.gov from May 4, 2024, through September 30, 2025. Entrant Status Check is the sole means by which the Department of State will notify you if you are selected, provide further instructions on your visa application, and notify you of your immigrant visa interview appointment date and time.

To ensure the use of all available visas, the Department of State may use Entrant Status Check to notify additional selectees after May 4, 2024. Retain your confirmation number until September 30, 2025, in case of any updates. The only authorized Department of State website for official online entry in the Diversity Visa Program and Entrant Status Check is dvprogram.state.gov.

The Department of State will NOT contact you to tell you that you have been selected.

How will I know if I am not selected? Will I be notified?

The Department of State will NOT notify you directly if your entry is not selected. You must use the Entrant Status Check to learn whether you were selected. You may check the status of your DV2025 entry through the Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website from May 4, 2024, until September 30, 2025.

Keep your confirmation number until at least September 30, 2025. (Status information for the previous year’s DV program, DV-2024, is available online through September 30, 2024.)

What if I lose my confirmation number?

You must have your confirmation number to access Entrant Status Check. A tool is now available in Entrant Status Check on the E-DV website that will allow you to retrieve your confirmation number via the email address with which you registered by entering certain personal information to confirm your identity.

Find out more details about How To Retrieve Lost DV Lottery Confirmation Number here

U.S. embassies and consulates and the Kentucky Consular Center are unable to check your selection status for you or provide your confirmation number to you directly (other than through the Entrant Status Check retrieval tool). The Department of State is NOT able to provide a list of those selected to continue the visa process.

Source: DV-2025 Lottery Program Selection Process Instructions faqs

In conclusion

Being randomly selected in the Diversity Visa Lottery does not mean that you have won a Green Card; however, it does bring you and your family one step closer to becoming Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States.

After you have been chosen in the DV-Lottery, you must file the DS-260 Form with the U.S State Department’s Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) so that the consular interview can be scheduled at the U.S Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence.

If the consular official approve you for U.S immigration, a Diversity Immigrant Visa will be placed on a page of your passport.

You will also need to pay the online Immigrant Fee to U.S Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) so you can receive your plastic Permanent Resident Green Card.

If all of this sounds a bit complicated, don’t worry, visit this site always for new and updated information.

DISCLAIMER: This post and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. This site is not offering any Diversity Visa and is not the official site for DV Lottery program. The information presented in this post should not be construed to be formal legal advice.

There are certain things that can lead to your visa denial during the interview, and among these is issue regarding the diseases. In this guide, we will go through the type of diseases or conditions that can lead to your visa denial, during DV Medical Examination.

Note: It is hard for a certain disease to cost you your diversity visa, but there are others that can really make you inadmissible to the United States.

The main type of disease that can cause you not to get your diversity visa approved are the diseases that are of public harm and these are the diseases that can become contagious and can be transmitted to other people.

Example of these diseases that are communicable include tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea, and the Hansen disease (i.e leprosy).

Tuberculosis generally causes a spot or the chest spot, although there are other diseases that can cause the chest spot. Once the chest spot is detected and it has been caused by tuberculosis, what happens is that, the civil surgeons that did your examination will know what type of tuberculosis you have. You might be having the active one, which means that it can spread to other people, or you might be having the passive one.

The passive means you might be infected by TB, but there are no signs or no symptoms showing up and this is called passive. This means that it cannot be transmitted from you to the public.

Therefore, once the surgeons have known what type of TB you have, then they will recommend the necessary medication and you will have to be treated before you return for your diversity visa interview.

How will tuberculosis cost you your diversity visa?

Once TB is detected in you, there is a period that TB takes to be cured and this period varies from three months all the way to six months.

Let’s say, for example, your diversity visa interview is scheduled in the month of January. If at that moment you are diagnosed with TB, then you are put under medication and it will last from three months to six months. It means you have February, March, April, May, June and July. You can get treated and attend your interview within the fiscal year for you to receive your diversity visa.

But let’s say, for example, your interview is in July and you get diagnosed with TB, you only have roughly two months for your diversity visa fiscal year to expire, and that means even if you are put under the TB treatment, the time will lapse for the diversity visa before you get full treatment.

By so you won’t receive your diversity visa, you will have to be put under medication and get treated before you can attend your interview. If you get treated and you pass through the interview, then you will receive your visa.

The other category of diseases that can lead to your visa denial are grouped into two classes:

The first class of diseases that will cost you your diversity visa is quarantinable diseases, the diseases that can cause you to be put into quarantine.

The second class of the disease that will revoke or prevent you from receiving your diversity visa approval is the diseases that have been declared by World Health Organization (WHO) as a public emergency.

If any disease has emerged and has been declared as a public emergency, that disease can cause you to get denied your diversity visa approval.

Majorly, all those that have discussed are the different types of diseases that can lead to your visa denial or your visa cancellation.

Therefore, if you realize that you are suffering from these communicable diseases, it is the highest chance that you take the necessary measure or the necessary step to ensure that you get treated.

The earlier you do it, the better for you, before the DV lottery medical examination.

DISCLAIMER: This post and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. This site is not offering any Diversity Visa and is not the official site for DV Lottery program. The information presented in this post should not be construed to be formal legal advice.

Top 7 behavioural interview questions and answers: In this job interview post, you will learn brilliant answers to seven (7) common but really difficult behavioral interview questions.

If you have an interview coming up anytime soon for any role or company, read this post well because the answers here will help you easily beat the competition.

Top 7 Behavioural Interview Questions and Answers

Whenever you answer behavioral interview questions such as, tell me about a time when you worked under pressure, Tell me about a time when you made a decision with limited information, and tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a co-worker.

You should always make sure you use the STAR technique, S-T-A-R, to structure your answer. But what does the STAR technique stand for?

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action and Result.

– You start your answer and outline the SITUATION you were faced with.

– You then talk about the TASK that needed doing.

– Next, give details about the ACTION you took to complete the task.

– Before finally finishing your answer and revealing the RESULTS following your actions.

Always make sure you use the S.T.A.R technique when answering behavioral interview questions because is the best structure to use for answering behavioral interview questions.

How to Answer Behavioral Interview Questions

Below are some powerful top scoring answers to the hardest behavioral questions asked in job interviews.

Behavioral Interview Question 1: Tell me about a time when you worked on a team task.

Below is a top scoring answer that uses the S.T.A.R technique.

SITUATION: In my previous job while working for Company ABC, I was tasked with launching a new company product as part of a team.

TASK: It was our job to launch the product successfully to ensure it quickly made a profit.

ACTION: As a team, we came up with five different ideas to promote the product. These included social media advertising, offering a discount to previous customers, and selling the product through affiliates who earned a commission.

RESULT: By collaborating closely as a team, supporting each other, and using everyone’s ideas, we achieved the best ever sales for the new product launch.

Behavioral Interview Question 2: Tell me about a time when you made a mistake.

Below is a brilliant answer that uses the S.T.A.R technique.

SITUATION: When I started work in my previous job, a customer asked for details of products we had for sale that suited their requirements.

TASK: It was my task to send them a comprehensive list of products that I thought would meet their needs.

ACTION: Unfortunately, because I did not check our stock availability, I sent them an email that contained some products that were out of stock. As soon as I realized my mistake, I called the customer on the phone, apologized for my mistake, and resent a new email with only products that were ready for immediate dispatch.

RESULT: Although I was disappointed that I had made a mistake, I learned from the situation and developed a checklist to ensure the same situation never happened again.

Behavioral Interview Question 3: Tell me about a time when you had a conflict with a co-worker.

Below is a brilliant S.T.A.R technique answer.

SITUATION: I overheard a co-worker making derogatory remarks about a team member who was off sick.

TASK: It was my task to speak to my co-worker to express my disapproval of his comments because they were disrespectful, inappropriate, and they went against company policy.

ACTION: I asked to speak to my co-worker in private. I told him that I disapproved of his comments and that our co-worker, who was off sick, was not here to defend herself. He initially told me to mind my own business, but I remained confident and resilient.

RESULT: Eventually, he apologized and accepted he was wrong and promised to never be disrespectful to our co-worker again.

Behavioral Interview Question 4: Describe a situation when you had to resolve a difficult problem at work.

Below is a brilliant response that uses that star technique.

SITUATION: I was working on a team project when I noticed one of my coworkers was constantly late with his work. His lateness was starting to impact the project deadline.

TASK: Because the project was important to our company, I decided to speak to my co-worker and establish the reason for his late work.

ACTION: I spoke to him in private and discussed tactfully my concerns. I asked him if he was experiencing any problems. He told me that he hadn’t received the right training for his project tasks, so I offered to help him. I had some previous experience in complete his tasks, so I spent several hours providing guidance and training.

RESULT: As a result of raising my concerns and providing him with appropriate training and support, he soon got back on track and started delivering on his tasks in a timely manner.

Behavioral Interview Question 5: Give an example of a time when you deliver excellent customer service.

This question comes up all the time, below is a brilliant response that uses that S.T.A.R technique.

SITUATION: I was helping an elderly customer on the telephone who wasn’t very good with technology. She wanted to place an order on our website but lacked the confidence and knowledge to do so.

TASK: It was my task to reassure her and walk her through each step of the ordering process.

ACTION: I started by reassuring her before explaining how the ordering system worked and that it was safe and secure. I spoke slowly and talked her through each step of the process, giving her every opportunity to ask me questions.

RESULT: After spending 15 minutes on the phone helping the customer, she learned how to place an order independently and she went on to become a long-term customer of our business.

Behavioral Interview Question 6. Tell me about a time when you had to multitask.

Below is a great answer:

SITUATION: I was working in a busy office when my manager asked for a volunteer to cover the duties of a coworker for the day who was away on a training course. I volunteered.

TASK: It was my task to prioritize both mine and my coworker’s duties to ensure everything got completed by the end of the working day.

ACTION: I created a list of our combined tasks. I then put the tasks in order of priority and colour coded them. Red tasks needed to be completed immediately, orange tasks came second, and green tasks could be left for the end of the working day.

RESULT: By being methodical in my approach to the additional duties, I managed to multitask successfully and complete everything on time.

Behavioral Interview Question 7: Describe a stressful situation and what you did about it.

Below is a brilliant response that uses that S.T.A.R technique.

SITUATION: In my last job, we had been getting ready for an important weekend online sale. It was Friday lunchtime when all of a sudden the website developed a technical fault. This was a stressful situation because we did not have an IT department and it wasn’t long before the sale was due to start.

TASK: It was my task to analyze the problem, find a solution and get the website back functioning again before the end of the working day.

ACTION: After researching online and asking questions on IT forums, I managed to establish the cause of the problem. I then went online and hired a qualified web developer to fix the problem, and he managed to get the website back working again before the 5:00 PM deadline.

RESULT: By remaining calm, working methodically, and using assistance of IT experts, I was able to get the website ready in time for the weekend sale, which was a great result for the company.

These are the top 7 behavioural interview questions and answers.

I wish you best of luck.

How can i select correctly the level of education in DV Lottery Application Form? Having a high school diploma or be a skilled worker in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience is a basic requirement for a successful DV lottery entry. No further education is required.

Many DV Lottery applicants have education level, but they don’t really know how to select proper education level, in the DV Lottery Application Form.

What is the highest level of education you have achieved, as of today?

In today’s guide, you will learn how you can select correctly the level of education in the DV lottery application.

You will find this question in Part one section, in number 12, in the DV lottery application form.

The U.S State Department Web site for the 2025 Diversity Visa Program (DV-2025) is now open. The entry submission period for DV-2025 is from 12:00PM EDT (GMT -4) on October 4, 2023 to 12:00PM EST (GMT -5) on November 7, 2023. The entry form will only be available for submission during this period and this period only.

How to Select the Correct Education Level in DV Entry

• Primary School Only

In number 12 of DV lottery application form, the first category you’ll see is the “Primary School Only”.

The people who are supposed to select primary school only are the people who stopped in the primary, either you completed your primary and you did not join the secondary school.

Those people who did not even go to school or you started your primary school, but you did not complete, or even when you started your primary school, you completed it, but you failed, you also supposed to select primary school only.

• High school, no degree

People who are supposed to select high school, no degree are the people who attended HSC or high school and did not complete to achieve their certificate or their degree, as they call it in USA.

If you know you did not complete your High School or HSC (Higher Secondary Certificate), as it be call in some Africa countries, you are supposed to select high school, no degree.

Even those people who finished ‘O level and you did not attend HSC, you are supposed to select high school, no degree.

• High School Degree

High school degree is for those people who finished the high school and have their certificate. As some country call it certificate, in USA they call it degree. If we know you completed your high school, you have your certificate, you can select high school degree.

Even if you sat for your final examination and you failed, you are supposed also to select high school degree because you have your certificate, despite the fact that you failed, but you have your certificate for high school. You completed that level of high school. You can select high school degree.

Even if you completed but you not pick your certificate from the school, that certificate is still there. When you go and ask them, they will give you a certificate. In some countries, you just pick the pass lip, which shows the results. But when you go back to your school, there is your certificate.

So even if you have not picked your certificate from the school, but it is there. So you select high school degree.

• Vocational School

Vocational school, they don’t even qualify to apply, but it is option here. Vocational school are not qualifying to apply DV lottery.

The reason why vocational school are not qualifying is because some of the vocational, they are just providing technical skills whereby even someone from primary school can go and attend vocational school. He/she can go there and get some skills, or programming, or carpentry, mechanical, they don’t require high school qualification to go there to study.

Even a primary school or someone who did not go to school can go in a vocation and get some skills there, and start making money.

• Some University Courses

If you completed your high school and you went to university, but you are still pursuing your degree and you also did some certificate or you did a certificate course from the university, after completing your high school and you also did a diploma. If you did your diploma, your certificate and you are still in the process of finishing your degree, you can select “Some University Courses”.

• University Degree

This is self-explanatory. If you know you’ve finished, you have your degree, you select this one.

• Some Graduate Level Courses

Here, you should be still pursuing your masters, you have not yet completed your master’s degree, but you are still in the process to finish. So you are supposed to select some graduate-level courses. You have not yet graduated, but you are soon to graduate, but not yet graduated. You just select “Some Graduate-Level Courses.

• Master’s Degree

If you already have your Master’s Degree, you select this one direct.

• Some Doctorate-Level Courses

If you are still pursuing your doctorate, not yet completed, you select some doctorate level courses.

• Doctorate Degree

That is when you completed your doctorate degree, then you select this one.

Note: You must have a minimum of a high school diploma reflecting the completion of a full course of study (vocation schools or equivalency degrees are not acceptable) or be a skilled worker in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to qualify (visit http://www.onetonline.org/ to see if your occupation qualifies) for a Diversity Visa.

That is how you can select those options. Avoid selecting wrong options in your DV lottery application. Another thing, if you know like you are in your last year, like high school, you are in the last year, you are yet to sit your final exams, you can also apply because by the time results will come in May, you do have attend your certificate.

I hope the information is clear for you.

DISCLAIMER: This post and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. This site is not offering any Diversity Visa and is not the official site for DV Lottery program. The information presented in this post should not be construed to be formal legal advice.

DV-2025 Lottery FAQs: This post will focus mainly on some very important frequently asked questions about Diversity Visa (DV) lottery program.

DV-2025 Lottery FAQs: Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Question: Can I still apply if I was not born in a qualifying country?

Answer: There are two circumstances in which you still might be eligible to apply. First, if your derivative spouse was born in an eligible country, you may claim chargeability to that country. As your eligibility is based on your spouse, you will only be issued an immigrant visa if your spouse is also eligible for and issued an immigrant visa. Both of you must enter the United States together, using your DVs.

Similarly, your minor dependent child can be “charged” to a parent’s country of birth.

Second, you can be “charged” to the country of birth of either of your parents as long as neither of your parents was born in or a resident of your country of birth at the time of your birth.

People are not generally considered residents of a country in which they were not born or legally naturalized. For example, persons simply visiting, studying, or temporarily working in a country are not generally considered residents.

If you claim alternate chargeability through either of the above, you must provide an explanation on the E-DV Entry Form.

Listing an incorrect country of eligibility or chargeability (i.e., one to which you cannot establish a valid claim) will make you ineligible for a DV.

Question: Why do natives of certain countries not qualify for the DV program?

Answer: DVs are intended to provide an immigration opportunity for persons who are not from “high admission” countries. U.S. law defines “high admission countries” as those from which a total of 50,000 persons in the Family-Sponsored and Employment-Based visa categories immigrated to the United States during the previous five years.

Each year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) counts the family and employment immigrant admission and adjustment of status numbers for the previous five years to identify the countries that are considered “high admission” and whose natives will therefore be ineligible for the annual Diversity Visa program.

Since DHS makes this calculation annually, the list of countries whose natives are eligible or not eligible may change from one year to the next.

Question: Is there a minimum age to apply for the E-DV Program?

Answer: There is no minimum age to apply, but the requirement of a high school education or work experience for each principal applicant at the time of application will effectively disqualify most persons who are under age 18.

Question: I am in the United States. Can I enter the DV program?

Answer: Yes, an entrant may apply while in the United States or another country.  An entrant may submit an entry from any location.

Question: Can I only enter once during the registration period?

Answer: Yes, the law allows only one entry per person during each registration period. The Department of State uses sophisticated technology to detect multiple entries. Individuals with more than one entry will be ineligible for a DV.

Question: May my spouse and I each submit a separate entry?

Answer: Yes, each spouse may each submit one entry if each meets the eligibility requirements. If either spouse is selected, the other is entitled to apply as a derivative dependent.

Question: Which family members must I include in my DV entry?

Answer:

Spouse: If you are legally married, you must list your spouse regardless of whether they live with you or intend to immigrate to the United States. You must list your spouse even if you currently are separated from them unless you are legally separated. Legal separation is an arrangement when a couple remains married but lives apart, following a court order.

If you and your spouse are legally separated, your spouse will not be able to immigrate with you through the Diversity Visa program. You will not be penalized if you choose to enter the name of a spouse from whom you are legally separated.

If you are not legally separated by a court order, you must include your spouse even if you plan to be divorced before you apply for the Diversity Visa, or your spouse does not intend to immigrate.

Failure to list your eligible spouse or listing someone who is not your spouse will make you ineligible for a DV.

If you are not married at the time of entry but plan on getting married in the future, do not list a spouse on your entry form, as this would make you ineligible for a DV. If you are divorced or your spouse is deceased, you do not have to list your former spouse.

The only exception to this requirement is if your spouse is already a U.S. citizen or U.S. Lawful Permanent Resident. If your spouse is a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident, do not list them in your entry.

A spouse who is already a U.S. citizen or a Lawful Permanent Resident will not require or be issued a DV.

Therefore, if you select “married and my spouse IS a U.S. citizen or U.S. LPR” on your entry, you will not be able to include further information on your spouse.

Children: You must list ALL your living children who are unmarried and under 21 years of age at the time of your initial DV entry, whether they are your natural children, your stepchildren (even if you are now divorced from that child’s parent), your spouse’s children, or children you have formally adopted in accordance with the applicable laws.

List all children under 21 years of age at the time of your electronic entry, even if they no longer reside with you or you do not intend for them to immigrate under the DV program.

You are not required to list children who are already U.S. citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents, though you will not be penalized if you do include them. Parents and siblings of the entrant are ineligible to receive DV visas as dependents, and you should not include them in your entry.

If you list family members on your entry, they are not required to apply for a visa or to immigrate or travel with you. However, if you fail to include an eligible dependent on your original entry or list someone who is not your dependent, you may be ineligible for a DV, in which case your spouse and children will be ineligible for derivative DVs. This only applies to those who were family members at the time the entry was submitted, not those acquired at a later date.

Your spouse, if eligible to enter, may still submit a separate entry even though they are listed on your entry, and both entries must include details about all dependents in your family.

Question: Must I submit my own entry, or can someone else do it for me?

Answer: Interested applicants are encourage to prepare and submit their own entry, but you may have someone submit the entry for you. Regardless of whether you submit your own entry, or an attorney, friend, relative, or someone else submits it on your behalf, only one entry may be submitted in your name.

You, as the entrant, are responsible for ensuring that information in the entry is correct and complete; entries that are not correct or complete may be disqualified. Entrants should keep their confirmation number, so they are able to check the status of their entry independently, using Entrant Status Check at dvprogram.state.gov. Entrants should retain access to the email account used in the E-DV submission.

Question: I’m already registered for an immigrant visa in another category. Can I still apply for the DV program?

Answer: Yes.

Question: Can I download and save the E-DV entry form into a word processing program and finish it later? 

Answer: No, you will not be able to save the form into another program for completion and submission later. The E-DV Entry Form is a web-form only. You must fill in the information and submit it while online.

Question: Can I save the form online and finish it later?

Answer: No. The E-DV Entry Form is designed to be completed and submitted at one time. You will have 60 minutes, starting from when you download the form, to complete and submit your entry through the EDV website.

If you exceed the 60-minute limit and have not submitted your complete entry electronically, the system discards any information already entered. The system deletes any partial entries so that they are not accidentally identified as duplicates of a later, complete entry.

Read the DV instructions completely before you start to complete the form online so that you know exactly what information you will need.

Question: I don’t have a scanner. Can I send photographs to someone else to scan them, save them, and email them back to me so I can use them in my entry?

Answer: Yes, as long as the photograph meets the requirements in the instructions and is electronically submitted with, and at the same time as, the E-DV online entry. You must already have the scanned photograph file when you submit the entry online; it cannot be submitted separately from the online application.

The entire entry (photograph and application together) can be submitted electronically from the United States or from overseas.

Question: If the E-DV system rejects my entry, can I resubmit my entry?

Answer: Yes, you can resubmit your entry as long as your submission is completed by 12:00 pm (noon) Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5) on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. You will not be penalized for submitting a duplicate entry if the E-DV system rejects your initial entry.

Given the unpredictable nature of the Internet, you may not receive the rejection notice immediately. You can try to submit an application as many times as is necessary until a complete application is received and the confirmation notice sent. Once you receive a confirmation notice, your entry is complete, and you should NOT submit any additional entries.

Question: How soon after I submit my entry will I receive the electronic confirmation notice?

Answer: You should receive the confirmation notice immediately, including a confirmation number that you must record and keep. However, the unpredictable nature of the Internet can result in delays.

You can hit the “Submit” button as many times as is necessary until a complete application is sent and you receive the confirmation notice. However, once you receive a confirmation notice, do not resubmit your information.

Question: I hit the “Submit” button but did not receive a confirmation number. If I submit another entry, will I be disqualified?

Answer: If you did not receive a confirmation number, your entry was not recorded. You must submit another entry. It will not be counted as a duplicate. Once you receive a confirmation number, do not resubmit your information.

Checkout more DV-2025 Lottery FAQs: Answers to Your Most Common Questions.

DISCLAIMER: This post and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. This site is not offering any Diversity Visa and is not the official site for DV Lottery program. The information presented in this post should not be construed to be formal legal advice.

Each DV applicant must meet the education/work experience requirement of the 2025 DV lottery program by having either: 

• at least a high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of formal elementary and secondary education;

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. The Department of State will use the U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net Online database to determine qualifying work experience.

Education/Work Experience Requirement for DV Lottery

The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program requires the principal DV applicant to have a high school education, or its equivalent, or two years of qualifying work experience as defined under provisions of U.S. law.

If you do not have either the required education or qualifying work experience, you are not eligible for a diversity visa. (Only you, as the principal applicant, must meet this requirement. Your spouse and children do not have to meet this requirement.)

You should consider not pursuing a DV application if you do not meet the qualifying education or work experience requirements explained in this guide, as you may not be eligible for a diversity visa and any fees you pay for the visa application will not be refunded.

High School Education: A high school education means successful completion of a formal course of elementary and secondary education comparable to a 12-year course in the United States.  Only formal courses of study meet this requirement; equivalency certificates (such as the G.E.D.) are not acceptable.

GED is a General Educational Development program that’s an alternative to a high school diploma. People who are unable to complete high school can obtain a GED as an equivalent to a grade 12 education.

In Africa, G.E.D equivalents are the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the General Certificate of Education (GCE).

Work Experience: If you are qualifying with work experience, you must have two years of experience in the last five years, in an occupation which, by U.S. Department of Labor definitions, requires at least two years of training or experience that is designated as Job Zone 4 or 5, classified in a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) rating of 7.0 or higher.

What occupations qualify for the DV program? 

The Department of State will use the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) O*Net OnLine database to determine qualifying work experience.  The O*Net OnLine database categorizes job experience into five “job zones.”  While the DOL website lists many occupations, not all occupations qualify for the DV program.

To qualify for a DV on the basis of your work experience, you must have, within the past five years, two years of experience in an occupation classified in a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) range of 7.0 or higher.

If you do not meet the requirements for education or work experience, you will be ineligible for a DV, and your spouse and children will be ineligible for derivative DVs.

How can I find the qualifying DV occupations in the Department of Labor’s O*Net OnLine database?

When you are in O*Net OnLine, follow these steps to determine if your occupation qualifies:

1. Under “Find Occupations,” select “Job Family” from the pull down menu;
2. Browse by “Job Family,” make your selection, and click “GO”.
3. Click on the link for your specific occupation; and
4. Select the tab “Job Zone” to find the designated Job Zone number and Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) rating range.

For example, select Civil Engineers, at the bottom of the Summary Report for Civil Engineers, under the Job Zone section, you will find the designated Job Zone 4, SVP Range, 7.0 to < 8.0. Using this example, Civil Engineering is a qualifying occupation.

You should not submit an entry to the DV program unless you meet both of these requirements.

The DV-2025 entry period will run from 12:00 pm (noon), Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT4), Wednesday, October 4, 2023, until 12:00 pm (noon), Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT5), Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

Each year, millions of people submit entries. Restricting the entry period to these dates ensures selectees receive notification in a timely manner and gives both the visa applicants and the embassies and consulates time to prepare and complete cases for visa issuance.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to enter early during the registration period. Excessive demand at end of the registration period may slow the processing system. Entries will not be accepted after noon EST on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

DISCLAIMER: This post and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. This site is not offering any Diversity Visa and is not the official site for DV Lottery program. The information presented in this post should not be construed to be formal legal advice.

How to Fill DV Lottery Application Form | Part Two: Derivatives Section

This is how to fill the Part two of the DV lottery application form, which is famously known as the DS-5501, the electronic diversity visa application form or entry form. This part two is called the Derivatives section.

Part two will depend if the main applicant has derivative. Derivative means dependence. So part two will depend if the person has dependence, if the person either has children or the person has got married in that particular way.

If you are married or if you have children, party two is open for you. But if you are not married, if you don’t have children, that means you apply as unmarried with no dependence, you will fill just part one, not part two.

See How to Fill Part One Section of DV Lottery Application Form: Entrant Information>>>

How to Properly Fill Out the DV Lottery Application Form (DS-5501)

Part Two: Derivatives

If you open this section of DV lottery form, it starts with the following:

13. Spouse 

Fill your spouse name, i.e your husband or wife name.

Find out more about Who to Add As Spouse in The Diversity Visa (DV-2025) Lottery Application

13a. Birth Date

Fill your spouse (husband or wife) date of birth, start with month first, day and then the year, e.g 10/30/1990.

13b. Gender

Choose your spouse gender, i.e Male or Female

13c. City Where Spouse Was Born

Fill in the city where your spouse was born, enter birth city only, do not enter District/Country/Province/State.

13d. Country Where Spouse Was Born.

Choose the country where your spouse was born.

13e. Spouse Photograph

Photographs must be submitted at the time of eDV entry. Photographs that do not comply with all specifications, including but not limited to recency of the photos (must be taken in the last six months), composition of the photos, and unacceptable backgrounds are grounds for disqualification of the entire entry.

Any manipulation of photographs that alters the facial characteristics is grounds for disqualification of the entire entry. See examples on the Photo Examples page.

Please refer to the Instructions for the 2025 Diversity Immigrant Visa program (DV-2025) for technical specifications and compositional specifications for the digital image.

You will use one of the following methods to enter the image into eDV:

• Take a new digital image.
• Use a digital scanner to scan a recent photograph.

See Link to Photo Instructions/Photo Examples page

14. Child #1 Name

Fill in the name of your first child, starting with last name, first name and middle name.

Find out more about Which Children To Add As Derivatives in DV Lottery Application

14a. Birth Date

Fill the date of birth of your first child, starting with month, day and year, e.g 09/25/1995.

14b. Gender

Choose your first child gender, male or female.

14c. City Where Child Was Born

Fill in the city where your first child was born, enter birth city only, do not enter District/Country/Province/State.

14d. Country Where Child Was Born

Select the country where your child was born.

14e. Child Photograph

Refer to same instructions in 13e above.

Click Continue

A page will appear where you will preview everything you have filled, make sure you through everything very well, confirm if everything is filled correctly, then you can click SUBMIT and then you have your success page.

If all parts are completed successfully, the entry will be submitted to the DV-2025 Processing Center. After you submit a complete entry, you will see a confirmation screen containing your name and a unique confirmation number. Make sure you print this confirmation screen for your records.

You must use your confirmation number to access the Entrant Status Check available on the E-DV website at dvprogram.state.gov from May 4, 2024, through September 30, 2025.  Entrant Status Check is the sole means by which the Department of State will notify you if you are selected, provide further instructions on your visa application, and notify you of your immigrant visa interview appointment date and time.

To ensure the use of all available visas, the Department of State may use Entrant Status Check to notify additional selectees after May 4, 2024.  Retain your confirmation number until September 30, 2025, in case of any updates.  The only authorized Department of State website for official online entry in the Diversity Visa Program and Entrant Status Check is dvprogram.state.gov.

DISCLAIMER: This post and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. This site is not offering any Diversity Visa and is not the official site for DV Lottery program. The information presented in this post should not be construed to be formal legal advice.

DV-2023 and DV-2024 lessons: If you are a DV lottery 2024 winner and you’re waiting for your interview because the interview period is just about to begin, that is exactly from October 1st to next year, September 30, 2024.

Also, if you are planning to take part in the DV lottery 2025, from 12:00PM EDT (GMT -4) on October 4, 2023 to 12:00PM EST (GMT -5) on November 7, 2023, then read this post well because you are going to learn much and it will help you even in this process.

What can we learn from the already concluded DV lottery 2023?

Remember, this is the DV lottery that was terminated or ended before the 30th of September as is usual. It was terminated exactly on 6th September this year, and that came as a surprise to lot of people.

What can we learn from this?

There are five lessons to learn from this concluded diversity visa lottery 2023.

KCC can exceed the limit: We all know that there are 55,000 visas allocated for the diversity visa lottery, for  last year DV 2022 and the DV 2023, and we’ve clearly seen KCC exceeding this limit.

For example, in this year, they have exceeded the 55,000 visa limit by about a thousand. So sometimes they can exceed the limit, and these visas include those from the embassy level, the consulate level, and also the adjustment of status.

The totality for this year exceeded the 55,000 mark by around 1,000 cases. That’s the first the things we can learn from the DV lottery 2023.

The next thing we can learn, and this is a painful one, is that KCC can terminate the process even before the fiscal year ends for that visa program. For this year, they terminated it on September 6.

It’s now clear that once the cap reached the limit, the 55,000 visa plus the few that they exit, they can terminate regardless of whether the period has ended or not. That’s what we can learn. They can terminate the process once they suffice what they’re supposed to do.

The third thing that we can learn from this, is that, after the termination of the process, before the fiscal year ends, even those that were scheduled for an interview, their interviews are canceled.

We have seen several interviews canceled once the process was terminated. This comes as a pain because when you get your second notification letter (2NL), the appointment to the interview, which means your interview has been scheduled and you know the date.

You need to visit the link inside the 2NL and follow all the steps. The steps include you certifying your documents and that requires money. It includes also you going for the medicals and the medicals are not as cheap. It also includes many steps that will cost you some money.

So regardless of whether you have gone through all those steps that prepares you for the interview, that is not an issue. Your interview will be canceled.

Once they terminate the process, regardless of the expenses that you have incurred, they will terminate and cancel your interview, and that is so painful.

Having known that, the other thing that we need to really learn from this, is that you should not do nothing that will put your interview at risk, that will put your visa approval at risk.

Having known all those things regarding the DV Lottery 2023, what we learned from it, know that you should not mess up with anything. When you get your appointment, do everything that is needed for you to have your visa approved.

Because if, for example, you come without one of the documents, the supporting documents, that normally lead you to be put to the 221G visa refusal. Let’s say you are put to that refusal, and it normally does not take a short time to be resolved. If you’re put on that and then time runs on you, once they terminate the process, then you will get your visa ruined.

There are many cases that were on 221G visa refusal and are waiting for the month of September for them to be processed. For those 221Gs that were to be processed in the month of September, they were not because time ran off them. After it was terminated, their visas were doomed.

So if you have won a DV lottery, you must do everything possible to ensure you have all the details and all the documents and everything that is required for a successful interview and visa approval.

The last thing is that, once the program has been terminated before the end of the year, and of course, your interview has been canceled, if you had been scheduled for that interview, there is nothing you can do, in embassy or KCC. Because the limit has been reached. The visas have been exhausted.

There’s nothing you can do once your interview has been canceled because the process has been terminated on the reason that the visas have been exhausted.

You just need try and apply this Diversity Visa Lottery 2025.

DISCLAIMER: This post and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. This site is not offering any Diversity Visa and is not the official site for DV Lottery program. The information presented in this post should not be construed to be formal legal advice.

What happens if a child is born after DV lottery application? What if the applicant is pregnant during DV lottery application? This guide will answer these two questions.

What happens if a child is born after DV lottery application?

Let say for example, at the time of DV lottery application, assume you (i.e DV lottery application) are married, assume you are engaged and your spouse or you are person who is engaged to, is pregnant. You cannot put the photo to say you have a child, you cannot use another person photo in place of your unborn child.

After application in October, maybe the month of November or December the child is born or after the DV lottery result is out and the child is born. How are you going to do? How are you going to navigate that?

There is no need stressing yourself in any way. When there’s a change of status after applying DV lottery, it doesn’t affect you from being given the visa. You’ll be able to add that child born after the DV lottery application or after the results, in the visa form called the DS-260 form, and you’ll be able to go with that child to United States of America.

The problem is if you have a child born already, on the time of application and you lie to say that you don’t have a child, but if a child is born two days later, a day later, or few hours later after applying DV lottery, there is no problem. The child can be added in the DV lottery visa form called the DS-260 form, and upon successful processes, you can go together with the child to United States of America.

DISCLAIMER: This post and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. This site is not offering any Diversity Visa and is not the official site for DV Lottery program. The information presented in this post should not be construed to be formal legal advice.

DV lottery 2025 Eligible Countries List

The list below shows the countries and areas whose natives are eligible for DV-2025, grouped by geographic region. Dependent areas overseas are included within the region of the governing country.

AFRICA

Algeria, Angola, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, The Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote D’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Djibouti, Egypt*, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

ASIA

Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel*, Japan***, Jordan*, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria*, Taiwan**, Thailand, Timor-Leste, United Arab Emirates, Yemen.

*Persons born in the areas administered prior to June 1967 by Israel, Jordan, Syria, and Egypt are chargeable, respectively, to Israel, Jordan, Syria, and Egypt.  Persons born in the Gaza Strip are chargeable to Egypt; persons born in the West Bank are chargeable to Jordan; persons born in the Golan Heights are chargeable to Syria.

** Macau S.A.R. (Europe region, chargeable to Portugal) and Taiwan (Asia region) do qualify and are listed. For the purposes of the diversity program only, persons born in Macau S.A.R. derive eligibility from Portugal.

***Persons born in the Habomai Islands, Shikotan, Kunashiri, and Etorofu are chargeable to Japan. Persons born in Southern Sakhalin are chargeable to Russia.

EUROPE

Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (including components and dependent areas overseas), Estonia, Finland, France (including components and dependent areas overseas), Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau Special Administrative Region**, North Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands (including components and dependent areas overseas),  Northern Ireland***, Norway (including components and   dependent areas overseas), Poland,  Portugal (including components and dependent areas overseas), Romania  Russia****, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom (including dependent areas), Uzbekistan, Vatican City.

** Macau S.A.R. does qualify and is listed above and for the purposes of the diversity program only; persons born in Macau S.A.R. derive eligibility from Portugal.

***For purposes of the diversity program only, Northern Ireland is treated separately. Northern Ireland does qualify and is listed among the qualifying areas.

**** Persons born in the Habomai Islands, Shikotan, Kunashiri, and Etorofu are chargeable to Japan.  Persons born in Southern Sakhalin are chargeable to Russia. Great Britain (United Kingdom) and its dependent areas do qualify for DV-2025.

Great Britain (United Kingdom) includes the following dependent areas: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, British Indian Ocean Territory, Cayman Islands, Falkland Islands, Gibraltar, Montserrat, Pitcairn, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, St. Helena, and Turks and Caicos Islands.

NORTH AMERICA 

The Bahamas

OCEANIA 

Australia (including components and dependent areas overseas), Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Federated States of  Nauru, New Zealand (including components and dependent areas overseas), Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu.

SOUTH AMERICA, CENTRAL AMERICA, AND THE CARIBBEAN

Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominica, Ecuador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay.

Those are the DV lottery 2025 eligible countries list.

See List of Countries and Areas whose Natives are NOT Eligible for DV-2025>>>>

When can I apply for DV Lottery 2025?

The U.S Department of State Web site for the 2025 Diversity Visa Program (DV-2025) is open for interested individuals who are eligible are encouraged to apply, including selectees who were unable to obtain a visa during a prior program year. The choice of winners of the U.S diversity visa lottery is completely random. The entry form will only be available for submission during this period and this period only.

Find out DV-2025 photo requirements.

DISCLAIMER: This post and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. This site is not offering any Diversity Visa and is not the official site for DV Lottery program. The information presented in this post should not be construed to be formal legal advice.

Which countries are not eligible for DV Lottery 2025?

Countries in these regions whose natives are not eligible for this year’s (DV-2025) DV program are listed below. The list shows the countries and areas whose natives are not eligible for DV-2025, grouped by geographic region.

Africa

In Africa, natives of Nigeria are not eligible for this year’s (2025) Diversity Visa program.

Asia

Natives of the following Asia Region countries are not eligible for this year’s Diversity Visa program:

Bangladesh, China (including Hong Kong), India, Pakistan, South Korea, Philippines, and Vietnam.

NORTH AMERICA

In North America, natives of Canada and Mexico are not eligible for this year’s DV program.

SOUTH AMERICA, CENTRAL AMERICA, AND THE CARIBBEAN

Countries in this region whose natives are not eligible for this year’s DV program:

Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, and Venezuela.

LIST OF COUNTRIES/AREAS BY REGION WHOSE NATIVES ARE ELIGIBLE FOR DV-2025

SEE DV LOTTERY 2025 ELIGIBLE COUNTRIES LIST>>>

When can I apply for DV Lottery 2025?

The U.S Department of State Web site for the 2025 Diversity Visa Program (DV-2025) is open for interested individuals who are eligible are encouraged to apply, including selectees who were unable to obtain a visa during a prior program year. The choice of winners of the U.S diversity visa lottery is completely random. The entry form will only be available for submission during this period and this period only.

Some frequently asked questions about Diversity Visa Lottery Eligibility

Question 1: Can I still apply if I was not born in a qualifying country?

Answer: There are two circumstances in which you still might be eligible to apply. First, if your derivative spouse was born in an eligible country, you may claim chargeability to that country.

As your eligibility is based on your spouse, you will only be issued an immigrant visa if your spouse is also eligible for and issued an immigrant visa.  Both of you must enter the United States together, using your DVs.

Similarly, your minor dependent child can be “charged” to a parent’s country of birth.

Second, you can be “charged” to the country of birth of either of your parents as long as neither of your parents was born in or a resident of your country of birth at the time of your birth.  People are not generally considered residents of a country in which they were not born or legally naturalized.

For example, persons simply visiting, studying, or temporarily working in a country are not generally considered residents.

If you claim alternate chargeability through either of the above, you must provide an explanation on the E-DV Entry Form, in question #6.

Listing an incorrect country of eligibility or chargeability (i.e., one to which you cannot establish a valid claim) will make you ineligible for a DV.

Question 2: Why do natives of certain countries not qualify for the DV program?

Answer: DVs are intended to provide an immigration opportunity for persons who are not from “high admission” countries. U.S. law defines “high admission countries” as those from which a total of 50,000 persons in the Family-Sponsored and Employment-Based visa categories immigrated to the United States during the previous five years.

Each year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) counts the family and employment immigrant admission and adjustment of status numbers for the previous five years to identify the countries that are considered “high admission” and whose natives will therefore be ineligible for the annual Diversity Visa program.

Since DHS makes this calculation annually, the list of countries whose natives are eligible or not eligible may change from one year to the next.

Question 3: If I apply for a DV, but don’t qualify to receive one, can I get a refund of the visa fees I paid?

Answer: No. Visa application fees cannot be refunded. You must meet all qualifications for the visa as detailed in these instructions. If a consular officer determines you do not meet requirements for the visa, or you are otherwise ineligible for the DV under U.S. law, the officer cannot issue a visa and you will forfeit all fees paid.

DISCLAIMER: This post and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. This site is not offering any Diversity Visa and is not the official site for DV Lottery program. The information presented in this post should not be construed to be formal legal advice.

Scholarship in Germany: As part of the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship Programme, DAAD offers scholarships for PhD & Masters studies.

Application Deadline: 23rd November 2023

Eligible Countries: Sub-Saharan African Countries

To be Taken at: Sub-Saharan African Countries

About the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters & PhD Scholarships

The programme is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and aims at university staff in the first line, without neglecting the public sector demand of academically trained personnel.

Aims/Objectives

The DAAD In-Country/In-Region programme aims at fostering strong, internationally oriented higher education systems in Sub-Saharan Africa with the capacity to contribute to sustainable development. To this end, scholarships are granted for development-related Master or doctoral studies for individuals who plan to pursue a career in teaching and / or research at a higher education institution in Sub-Saharan Africa.

By training future academic and professional leaders, the programme contributes to the following long-term impacts:

• Qualified professionals’ involvement in the solution of development-related problems in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Graduates strengthening education and research in Sub-Saharan Africa
• Structural strengthening and regional networking of partner institutions and partner universities

To achieve these long-term impacts, the following outcomes have been formulated as programme objectives:

Programme objective 1: Graduates have qualified to take over responsible positions in their, or for their, region of origin

Programme objective 2: The participation of women and underprivileged groups is reinforced

Programme objective 3: Organizational, financial and personal capacities of partner institutions are strengthened

Type: Masters, PhD

Eligibility:

• The target group for DAAD In-Country/In-Region scholarships are graduates and postgraduates from Sub-Saharan Africa with a first academic degree, if applying for a Master’s programme, or with a Master’s degree if applying for a doctoral programme who want to pursue Master’s or PhD courses in their home country (so called In-Country scholarships) or in another Sub-Saharan African country (In-Region scholarships).
• Female applicants and candidates from less privileged regions or groups are especially encouraged to participate in the programme.

Number of Awards: Numerous

Value of Award: Generally:

• Monthly allowance
• Study and research allowance
• Printing allowance
• Tuition fees

Only applicable for In-Region scholarship holders:

• Travel allowance
• Health insurance

Duration of Award: DAAD In-Country/In-Region Funding is provided for the usual duration of a course – generally, up to two years for Masters and up to three years for the PhD degree programmes

How to Apply DAAD In-Country/In-Region Masters & PhD Scholarships

Please find below the list of degree programmes funded within this scholarship programme in the regions West and Central Africa, Eastern Africa and Southern Africa, including the links to the respective calls for applications.

West and Central Africa

i. Benin

University of Abomey – Calavi (UAC) Faculty of Agronomic Sciences, Subject fields:

• Master: Statistics, Major Biostatistics
• PhD: Agronomic Sciences, Major Biometry

ii. Cameroon

University of Dschang, Subject fields:

• PhD: Parasitology
• PhD: Pharmacology

iii. Ghana

Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research (ISSER), University of Ghana, Subject field:

• PhD: Development Studies

West African Center for Crop Improvement (WACCI), University of Ghana, Subject field:

• Master: Seed Science and Technology

West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens (WACCBIP), University of Ghana, Subject field:

• Master: Molecular Cell Biology of Infectious Diseases

iv. Nigeria

Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Subject fields:

• Master: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
• PhD: Metallurgical and Materials Engineering

Benue State University Makurdi (BSUM), Subject fields:

• Master: Food Chemistry
• PhD: Food Chemistry

Eastern Africa

i. Kenya

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Subject field:

• Master: Energy Technology

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), Subject fields:

• Master: Soil and Water Engineering
• PhD: Soil and Water Engineering

Moi University, Subject field:

• PhD: Biostatistics

East and South African-German Centre of Excellence for Educational Research Methodologies and Management (CERM-ESA) – Moi University, Subject field:

• Master: Education in Research

Dedan Kimathi University of Technology (DeKUT), Subject field:

• Master: Food Science and Technology

Partnership for African Social and Governance Research (PASGR)*, Subject field:

• Master: Research and Public Policy (MRPP) *at the following universities: Egerton University, University of Lagos, Maseno University, Mzumbe University, University of Ibadan

Pwani University; Subject field:

• Master: Bioinformatics

ii. Tanzania

Ardhi University, Subject field:

• Master: Geomatics

Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), Subject fields:

• Master: Embedded and Mobile Systems

iii. Uganda

Busitema University, Subject field:

• Master: Public Health

Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST), Subject fields:

• Master: Biology (Natural Resources Ecology, Management and Conservation)
• Master: Biology (Microbiology and Parasitology) (MAP)

Southern Africa

i. Botswana

Botswana International University of Science and Technology (BIUST), Subject field:

• Master: Physics (by research)

ii. Malawi

Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), Subject field:

• Master: Aquaculture and Fisheries Science

Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS), Subject field:

• Master: Environmental Health

iii. Namibia

Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), Subject field:

• PhD: Computer Science

South Africa

(In-Region scholarships only; In-Country scholarships for South Africa are addressed in a separate call for applications -> daad.de/go/en/stipa10000279)

Stellenbosch University (SUN), Subject fields:

• Master: Molecular Biology and Human Genetics (MBHG)

University of Cape Town (UCT), Subject fields:

• Master: Urban Studies – Southern Urbanism

University of the Western Cape (UWC), Subject fields:

• Master: Development Studies at ISD
• PhD: Development Studies at ISD

For more details about the DAAD Masters & PhD Scholarships, visit the Webpage for Details.

In this post, we will learn the differences between the country of birth and the country of citizenship, when entering the DV Lottery, and also the importance of Country of Birth and Country of Eligibility in DV Lottery.

These two terms are very important and understanding them will help you avoid many mistakes that could emerge during the application of the diversity visa.

• For DV-2025, natives of the following countries and areas are eligible to apply…..view list
• For DV-2025, natives of the following countries and areas are not eligible to apply…..view list

Importance of Country of Birth and Country of Eligibility in DV Lottery

In the application form you will find this page below.

This means that the first item that we are going to cover will be the country of birth. The country of birth is that country in which you are born. To be specific, it is that country that is indicated on your birth certificate, and that is how important you should have your birth certificate during application.

The country indicated on the birth certificate, that is the country of your birth and that is the country that you insert in item number five, in the application, i.e the place where it says country where you are born.

Don’t make any mistake in choosing the country in which you are born. Select the country indicated on the birth certificate, this is regardless of whether you are living in that country or you immigrated to a different country. Even if you took the citizenship of a different country, the birth country remains as it is on the birth certificate.

In most cases, majority of the cases, the country of birth is what country qualifies you for eligibility in the DV Lottery. It is the country of birth that qualifies many people into the DV Lottery.

Also, in this second part country of eligibility. If the country in which you are born is eligible to enter into the DV Lottery for that year, then selecting the correct country of birth will also qualify you in the eligibility category.

Therefore, in that case, you would select the same country of your birth. But remember, you can qualify based on a country of chargeability of either your spouse or your parents. So it’s not a must that the country of your birth be the country of eligibility. That is the importance of the country of birth.

Country of citizenship

From the image below, in item number nine in the DV Lottery application form, and it says mailing address.

The country of citizenship is that country in which you have immigrated and taken citizenship. It might also be the country of your birth if you have not immigrated.

But if you have attained citizenship of a different country from that of your birth, and you are currently living and working in that country of citizenship, which is not your birth country, then it comes in handy when filling in the mailing address.

In the mailing address, you indicate your current address, in whichever country you are in and you are living at the moment.

So the mailing address is not based on the country of birth. It is based on where you are currently residing and this helps KCC to know where to schedule your interview. This is also important to note, that if you are currently living in a certain country, you cannot select the mailing address of a different country in which you are not living in, as at present.

Some people can decide to select some other country because they had their embassies work faster. No, don’t do such mistake. If you do that mistake, then you risk being denied the visa.

The current country in which you are living in at the time you are making your application that is the country that you will use in filling in the mailing address.

Country where you live today section

This can be the country of your citizenship, it can also be the country where you are working, even though you are not a citizen there. It can also be your country of birth if you are still living in the country where you are born in.

So, the country of citizenship may also be important in this area. The country of birth may also be important in this area, only that you are currently living in that place in which you are indicating here.

I hope the information about Importance of Country of Birth and Country of Eligibility in DV Lottery is clear.

Question: What if I did a mistake during the process of typing my place of birth can I correct it before the results comes out and please how?

Answer: You will do it on DS-260, if selected.

DISCLAIMER: This post and content is designed for general information only and is NOT legal advice. This site is not offering any Diversity Visa and is not the official site for DV Lottery program. The information presented in this post should not be construed to be formal legal advice.