GREEN CARD LOTTERY
2009 DIVERSITY IMMIGRANT VISA PROGRAM (DV-2009)

Important Notes:

  • Applications are only accepted online
  • Applications require a digital photo of the applicant, as well as any spouse/children
  • Begins October 3, 2007 and ends December 2, 2007 at 12 noon
  • Do not submit an application for an individual more than once, or all submissions for that individual will be disqualified

Who is eligible and what are the requirements?

See the U.S. Department of State's website at:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_1318.html

BEWARE: There are a number of other official-looking websites that claim to provide special assistance with the application. They are not affiliated with the U.S. Government, may charge a fee, and will not improve an applicant's chances of being chosen.

How do I begin the application process?

It is highly recommended you make sure your digital photo(s) meet all the requirements (see questions below) before you attempt to fill out the application. Once you have done all the necessary preparation, you can click this link to begin the online application:

http://www.dvlottery.state.gov

How do I know my digital photo(s) meet the requirements?

Like passport photos, there are strict requirements for the composition, format and size of the photos you upload as part of the application. See the following website for tips and examples of proper composition:

http://travel.state.gov/passport/pptphotos/composition_checklist.html

If your digital photos meet the composition requirements, you can use this "photo check" to make sure they also meet the format (JPEG) and size requirements (320x240 for digital photos or 300x300 for scanned photos):

http://www.dvlottery.state.gov/photo.aspx

My digital photo(s) do not meet the requirements. Can I fix it at the library?

Yes. If you only need to change the format or size, or remove (“crop”) extra space around the sides, and if you feel comfortable following the instructions below, you can make an appointment and do this on a library computer:

Fixing a digital photo using the library's computers [PDF]

If you require more assistance with your digital photos, it is highly recommended you visit the library at the locations and times listed below, where more help can be provided.

I do not have digital photos. Can the library help me?

Yes. There are three library branches that can take a digital photo of you. The Bronx Library Center can also scan an existing photo onto a disk. This service is only available during limited hours, as listed below.

The Bronx:

Bronx Library Center
Digital photos and scanning available.
(718) 579-4244
310 East Kingsbridge Road, 10458

Saturday, November 3, 11 am - 4 pm
Wednesday, November 14, 4 pm - 8 pm
Saturday, November 17, 2 pm - 6 pm
Monday, November 19, 10 am - 1 pm

Manhattan:

Donnell Library Center
Digital photos only; no scanner available.
(212) 621-0618
20 West 53rd Street
New York, NY 10019-6185

Saturday, October 20, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday, October 27, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday, November 3, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday, November 10, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday, November 17, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday, November 24, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Saturday, December 1, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Staten Island:

St. George Library Center
Digital photos only; no scanner available.
(718) 442-8560
5 Central Avenue [near Borough Hall]
Staten Island, NY 10301

Saturday, November 17, 2 pm - 5 pm
Saturday, November 24, 2 pm - 5 pm
Saturday, December 1, 2 pm - 5 pm