May 17, 2011

2012 DIVERSITY LOTTERY PROGRAM

Due to a computer programming problem, the results of the 2012 Diversity Lottery that were previously posted on the website have been voided. They were not valid and were posted in error. The results were not valid because
they did not represent a fair, random selection of entrants, as required by U.S. law.

A new selection process will be conducted based on the original entries for the 2012 program

Frequently Asked Questions
about 2012 Diversity Lottery:



Q: Why was it necessary to invalidate the names that were selected?



U.S. law requires that Diversity Immigrant visas be made available through a strictly random process. A computer programming error resulted in a selection that was not truly random.


Since the computer programming error caused an outcome that was not random, the outcome did not meet the requirements of the law, and would have been unfair to many DV entrants.



Q: Is the 2012 Diversity Visa Program cancelled?


No. The 2012 program will continue. The computer programming error has been identified and corrected. The Department of State will run a new selection using all the qualified entries (ones received between October 5, 2010 and November 3, 2010) it received for the 2012 program.



Q: Do I have to submit a new application?


No. You may not submit a new application. Authority will use all qualified entries received during the October 5 to November 3, 2010 registration period.



Q: Will you open a new entry period?


New entries will not be accepted.



Q: I checked the Entry Status Check website after May 1 and it said I had been selected. Can I apply for a DV visa?


Unfortunately results previously posted on The website were not valid because the selection process was not fair or random. Authority will take the entries of all individuals who sent in their registration during the original October 5 to November 3, 2010 time period and run a new lottery.    Expected new results to be available on the website on or about July 15, 2011.



Q: How can I check the results of the new selection?


The new results should be available on the website on or about July 15, 2011. The confirmation code you received when you registered is still valid for use on the website.



Q: Was the Department of State hacked? Was my personal information at risk?


There is no evidence that this problem was caused by any intentional act. No unauthorized party accessed data related to the DV program.


This appears to be solely the result of a computer programming error.

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