US visa lottery could mean legal entry for almost 4,000 Irish people next year

UP TO 3,850 Irish people could receive US visas under next year's Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery programme.

UP TO 3,850 Irish people could receive US visas under next year's Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery programme.

About 55,000 immigrant visas will be distributed worldwide, with up to 3,850 distributed at random to eligible countries. The registration period will be between February 3rd and March 5th, 1997.

Applicants must have a pass Leaving Certificate or two years work experience in a skilled occupation. They must be of good health and character and be capable of supporting themselves in the United States.

Applicants must be born in an eligible country, including Ireland, and all entries must be posted to a central processing centre in New Hampshire.

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Only one entry per person can be submitted and applicants should write their name and address on a piece of paper, attach a passport sized photograph with clear tape, and sign the entry.

The US embassy stressed the programme is a pure lottery and those offering visa assistance cannot help in any way.

Recorded information on entries will be available from today at 01 667 2707 or 668 8049. An information sheet is available from the consular section of the embassy and can be collected personally or by sending a stamped, self addressed envelope.

Information also can be obtained on the US embassy's home page at: http://www.indigo.ie/usembassy-usis/