Press Release

2011 U.S. Diversity Visa Program: U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam Urges All Eligible Tanzanians to Apply

October 7, 2009

Millions of foreign visitors travel to the U.S. each year, and others choose to live in the U.S. permanently. International visitors and immigrants add greatly to the cultural, education and economic life of the United States, and we welcome them.

In the Diversity Visa Program, 55,000 persons from among all entrants worldwide are selected for immigrant visa processing. Those found eligible can immigrate to the United States where they may reside, work, and study. After a period of residence, they may, if they wish, apply for American citizenship. A person selected may bring his or her spouse and minor unmarried children, provided these individuals are listed on the original application.

Entries for the DV-2011 Diversity Visa lottery must be submitted electronically between noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), Friday, October 2, 2009, and noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5), Monday, November 30, 2009. Applicants may access the electronic Diversity Visa entry form (E-DV) at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/ during the registration period. Paper entries will not be accepted. Applicants are strongly encouraged not to wait until the last week of the registration period to enter. Heavy demand may result in website delays. No entries will be accepted after noon EST on November 30, 2009.

Historically, Tanzanians have not applied for this program. The program costs nothing to enter and involves only completing a simple form. The Embassy encourages all Tanzanians who meet the eligibility requirements and have an interest in immigrating to the United States to apply. To be eligible, applicants must have completed 12 years of education equivalent to an American high school diploma or have worked for two-years in a position requiring at least two years of training as defined by the United States Department of Labor.

The Department of State implemented the electronic registration system beginning with DV-2005 in order to make the Diversity Visa process more efficient and secure. Special technology and other means are used to identify those who commit fraud for the purposes of illegal immigration or those who submit multiple entries. DV-2011 applicants may check the status of entries online and determine whether their entries are selected or not selected. Successful entrants will continue to receive notification letters by mail.

Applicants are encouraged to double check their application, whether they submit it themselves or have someone submit it on their behalf. Any violations of the rules and requirements, even if unintentional, will result in the applicant’s disqualification. For example, biographical information entered in the application must match the information on an applicant’s passport exactly.

For detailed information about entry requirements, along with frequently asked questions about the DV lottery, please see the instructions for the DV-2011 DV lottery available at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/ .