The Vice Consul at the U.S Embassy, Chris Santoro has explained that the postponement of the 2012 DV Visa Lottery had been necessitated by the detection of an anomaly with the computer used for the draw.
According to him, though the State Department has postponed the lottery for another draw period which begins in September/ October this year, those who initially applied do not need to reapply. He said such people can check online with their initial confirmation code on July 15.
Mr. Santoro however said ignorance of the processes involved in the DV Visa Lottery has resulted in people manipulating some applicants to pay huge sums of money under the pretext of assisting them to secure the visas.
Mr. Santoro, who expressed worry about such people warned against making any form of financial commitment to any person for a DV visa adding that the state department does not require any payment for the DV visa except the visa application fee which is paid at the Embassy on the day of the interview.
The U.S embassy is working with other stake holders to identify and bring to book fraudsters who are undermining the DV lottery; emphasizing the need to protect the applicants at all times.
On the assertion that the DV lottery is an attempt by the American government to drain the African continent of its best brains, the Vice Consul was quick to deny it adding that rather it affords qualified and skilled Africans the opportunity to experience other cultures and live better which will eventually help their countries of origin.
He said the U.S government is determined to improve the diversity of the American society by allowing people from countries to live in the country.
Mr. Santoro listed the requirement for the DV Visa Lottery including a WAEC Senior High School result with 5 passes including English and Mathematics, a first degree, Higher National Diploma (HND). He advised those with Middle school certificate against applying unless they write the WAEC exams.
Touching on the allegation that the State Department database had been hacked giving other people access to applicants’ details, Mr. Chris Santoro assured that that was not the case.
Asked about the recent changes in the general visa applications, Mr. Santoro emphasized the need for applicants to be honest and clear in information they provide to the embassy.
Though he acknowledged that it’s difficult for applicants to hide their emotions when they are refused visas, he emphasized that the embassy makes a lot to efforts to make the interview as private as possible without another person listening in.
Answering a questions on whether married couples are qualified for DV lottery, the Vice Consul advised couples who married prior to or after filing of their application to be honest about it during interview sessions.
He advised people who wish to acquire visas to provide a tangible reason for travelling to the United States as well as a reason to return to Ghana.
Additional requirements according to the American embassy are family ties, property or a good job the applicant intends to return to.
Contrary to public perception, Mr. Santoro said money is not the only requirement for issuing visas.
The U.S embassy has reminded applicants for the 2012 DV visa lottery to visit the state web site on www.dvlottery.state.gov to verify the state of their applications.
Story: Afia Pokuaa/Adom FM/Ghana
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