The Impact of Being Selected Twice in the DV Lottery: Navigating Validity and Visa Selection

The United States Diversity Visa (DV) lottery is designed to provide a pathway for immigrants from certain countries with low rates of immigration. Occasionally, candidates may find themselves selected twice through this process, which can lead to confusion and uncertainty. Here, we clarify the outcomes for such a situation and provide guidance to those involved.

Understanding the DV Lottery

The DV lottery operates annually, offering a chance for successful applicants to apply for immigrant visas and potentially start a new life in the United States. The key to understanding the lottery lies in its rules and the processes involved.

Rules Governing the DV Lottery

According to the DV program guidelines, each applicant can only submit one entry per year, and this entry should be completed accurately to avoid disqualification. Any attempt to submit multiple entries is considered improper behavior, and both entries will be invalidated.

What Happens if You Apply Twice in One Year?

If an individual applies as a primary applicant twice in the same year, the computer system does not automatically detect this as fraudulent behavior. In such circumstances, both applications will be invalidated under the program rules. This means that neither application will be considered, and the applicant will not be eligible for a visa selection in this or future lotteries.

Legal Scenarios of Being Selected Twice

However, there is a unique scenario where a candidate could be selected twice legally. This involves a dual application setup where both applicants are selecting each other as derivatives. Here’s how it works:

Primary Applicant Scenario: The first individual applies as the primary applicant and includes their spouse as a derivative. Derivative Applicant Scenario: The spouse, in the separate primary application, selects the first individual as a derivative.

In this situation, if both the primary and derivative applications are selected, both applications will proceed. The primary applicant can travel first to conduct job and housing research, while the spouse and children can follow later. It's important to coordinate effectively and ensure clear communication to avoid any missteps.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Being selected twice in the DV lottery is a rare but not impossible scenario. It can lead to confusion, but navigating it requires clear understanding and proper communication. If you or your spouse face this situation, the best course of action is to coordinate your plans and ensure that all the necessary documentation is in place.

For those seeking guidance on this issue, it is highly recommended to consult with a knowledgeable immigration attorney. They can provide personalized advice and help you navigate the complexities of the DV lottery process.

Keywords: DV Lottery, Visas, Immigration