A technical glitch has resulted in the loss of all US Diversity Immigrant Visa Program entries submitted between the dates 3 – 10 October. People who submitted applications between those dates are encouraged to put in another application for their US visas.
The US State Department website now carries a message telling applicants that all entries submitted between those dates are invalid and will not be classified as duplicate entries, which can be grounds for disqualifying applicants. The website adds that the loss was down to a technical problem, now resolved and that a new full entry period will begin at noon on 18 October until noon on 22 November. Applicants were also instructed to discard any documentation or confirmation numbers given during those dates.
Automated email notifications will be sent by the State Department to all those who applied for the US visa program in early October, with instructions to check out the dvlottery.state.gov website for an announcement, according to a spokesperson, Pooja Jhunjhunwala.
Jhunjhunwala said that the Department will also work with their consulates and embassies to ensure potential entrants are informed about the situation and made aware of the new registration period with the use of local media outlets and social media. Many experts are concerned that, in spite of the new extension to the application period, some entrants may be unaware that they will need to resubmit their application.