Email Gambia News to a friend
Print version
Comment on This Gambia News

Gambia News: 2009 U.S. Visa Lottery Opens, Consular Advises The Public

The United States Consular in The Gambia, Wendy A. Kennedy, has said entry forms for the 2009 US Diversity Visa (CV) or green card lottery is now open. She said anyone who wishes to apply could do so from now on to the 2 December 2007. The US Consular made these remarks on Friday at a Press briefing held at the US Embassy's conference hall.

Madam Kennedy pointed out that no fee is involved in the application process. She said the only time a fee is required is when one receives a notification through mail that one has won the lottery, which will be between May and July 2008. The minimum qualification for one to succeed in this process she noted is a High School education and two years working or training experience. This lottery programme she said, is intended to give people around the world travelling opportunities. She added that if one happens to win he/ she is expected to stay permanently in the US with his or her family, which will include a wife and children below 21 years, legally or adopted ones.

She also added that if the person wishes he or she can maintain his/her citizenship while staying there or can even naturalize later. Madam Kennedy noted that once one receives a notification through mail, he/she will be asked to apply for immigrant visa and for one to qualify, he or she should be able to take care of him/herself while staying there and also his/her extended family back home. The US Consul revealed that 55,000 entries worldwide would be selected.

She remarked that the US Government does not employ or hire any individual or organisation in this programme. She warned Gambians not to apply through, or send money to any individual or website, on the Internet for this programme, which people are fond of doing. She added that they should not also answer to any mail on the Internet or phone call where some people claim to be agents or officials designated to handle such matters, as such pretensions are false and swindling. The US consular noted that the only way one can get correct information is on the website. www. Dvlottery.state.gov

She advised prospective applicants to apply immediately rather than wait till the last minute.