U.S. EMBASSY SUVA
Office of Public Affairs

MR: (Immediate) Oct 30, 2007

BEWARE OF MISLEADING ‘GREEN CARD’ SITES

The Embassy of the United States of America wishes to advise the public about websites and emails which may mislead people interested in the U.S. Government’s annual Diversity Visa, or “green card,” program.

The annual Diversity Visa Program is administered solely by the U.S. Department of State.  The program provides a maximum of up to 55,000 Diversity Visas each year, world-wide, to persons meeting simple, but strict, eligibility requirements.  A computer-generated random lottery drawing chooses selectees for diversity visas.

The program is free of charge.  The U.S. Government employs no outside consultants or private services to operate the DV program.  Any intermediaries or others who offer assistance to prepare DV entry forms do so without the authority or consent of the U.S. Government.  Since the DV entry form is straight-forward, no paid assistance should be necessary.  All communication with successful applicants is by mail.  No processing fee is collected until the applicant appears in person for an interview.

The public are advised to be cautious in all dealings with companies that claim to offer any assistance in obtaining U.S. visas.  Only U.S. Embassies and consulates process U.S. Diversity Visas.

Additional information on the Diversity Visa Program is available on the following official website: www.dvlottery.state.gov.