Possible to apply for lottery while travelling to the US on the Visa Waiver Program and NIV?

[luckwhereareyou]

I plan to visit the US twice over the next few weeks. First on the Visa Waiver Program and later on an non-immigrant visa. I am wondering if applying to the Diversity Lottery would impact entry on the VWP or via the non-immigrant visa (in other words, does the Lottery show immigration intent?)? I would be grateful if anybody has some information/knowledge to share in this regard. Thank you!!!

 

[Britsimon]

I plan to visit the US twice over the next few weeks. First on the Visa Waiver Program and later on an non-immigrant visa. I am wondering if applying to the Diversity Lottery would impact entry on the VWP or via the non-immigrant visa (in other words, does the Lottery show immigration intent?)? I would be grateful if anybody has some information/knowledge to share in this regard. Thank you!!!

The "normal" advice is that immigration intent is shown when you submit your 122/230 papers after you have been selected as a winner in the lottery. In other words, entering the lottery does not cause a problem to other visas, but proceeding with the process after winning can. Some have said that even entering the lottery can cause issues - but that makes no sense at all, in my humble opinion! As some have said that is like you buying a lotto ticket and the taxman expects you to pay the taxes on the millions up front.

 

[Crawf33]

I'm currently in the United States on the VWP (and have been here since August 28). I am a DV2014 selectee and my interview is next month.

I had no problem whatsoever entering the country at LAX. You still fill out the form for immigration control saying you have no intention of permanent migration to the US, because on THIS trip you don't. It's just a vacation.

I also confirmed this with the US consulate at home before I left. As long as your VWP authorization has sufficient time left on it, you're fine.

 

[Britsimon]

And actually that is a point I should have made more clear. Even when you have declared immigrant intent by submitting forms in the DV process it won't necessarily ruin your chances of obtaining a temp visa (or using the VWP as Crawf33 describes). SusieQQQ was able to applying for and obtain a temp visa after her DV win and form submission. She did that by clearly showing (as Crawf33 says) that she had no intention of emigrating until the DV process completed. She demonstrated ties to her home country such as maintaining a house and job etc....

 

[Ghanaman]

When I was going to USA this year I thought my immigrant intent that I expressed after I sent my forms earlier this year would cause me visa denial. It was my fourth time of going to US on nonimmigrant visa. Even filling the visa form you are asked: "Has Anyone Ever Filed an Immigrant Visa Petition on Your Behalf?" I answered yes, it did not cause me a problem. I was given the visa. I travelled and I am back in my country. So I believe you will be fine, if they ask you any question related to your dv you should answer honestly. But mere entering in the lottery has no issues, after selection may not be a problem as well.