US Embassy clarifies visa lottery requirements

Accra, Sept. 4, GNA - The US Embassy in Accra on Thursday said that winning the US Diversity Visa Lottery does not mean an applicant would automatically receive a visa.

In a statement issued in Accra, the Embassy said in its annual instructions on entering the lottery, the State Department emphasises that winners receive the opportunity to attend an interview for a diversity visa.

"To qualify for a diversity visa, applicants have to either have completed 12 years of formal education or have two years job experience within the last five years in a profession that requires two years of training or experience to perform."

The statement said applicants who are not sure if their profession qualifies are referred to the State Department's website (www.travel.state.gov) for more information.

"The State Department's DV instructions clearly state that if an applicant cannot meet the education or work requirements, he or she should not submit an entry to the DV programme."

The Embassy said in cases where an applicant does not meet the requirements outlined by the State Department, the visa lottery number goes on to another applicant.

It said each year, the State Department selects more than 50,000 applicants with the expectation that not all applicants would pursue their application or qualify for the Diversity Visa.

The Embassy said to assist applicants in Ghana, the Consular Section regularly releases a list of professions approved under the Diversity Visa programme.

"Unfortunately, many DV applicants are tempted to submit multiple applications, fabricate professional and academic qualifications - and even enter into fraudulent marriages in an attempt to obtain visas for persons, who are not legally qualified.

"When evidence of attempted fraud is detected, the applicants involved are automatically disqualified."