Visas
Important Notification Regarding the 2012 Diversity Visa Program
***Attention ***
The results of the selection process for the 2012 Diversity Visa (DV-2012) program have been voided. Results previously available via the Entry Status Check (ESC) function on the Department of State website, dvlottery.state.gov, were posted in error and are now invalid. The results were not valid because, owing to a computer error, they did not represent a fair, random selection of entrants, as required by U.S. law.
This means that we have rescinded all notices informing entrants that they had been selected for further processing in DV-2012; if you received such a notice via ESC on dvlottery.state.gov, it is no longer valid.
A new random selection process will be conducted based on the original entries for the DV-2012 program. If you submitted a qualified entry from October 5, 2010, to November 3, 2010, you do not need to reapply. Your entry will be included in the new random selection. Your confirmation number, which is required to determine the status of your entry, remains the same. We are not accepting new entries for the DV-2012 program.
We expect the results of the new random selection process to be available by July 15, 2011, via the ESC function on dvlottery.state.gov.
We regret any inconvenience this might have caused.
For further information and future updates on the 2012 DV program, please see:
Who Needs a Visa?
Anyone who is not eligible to enter the United States visa free under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). Please note: Travelers born in the United States and those who hold dual citizenship with the United States must enter and depart the United States on U.S. passports.
What types of Visas are Available?
The Athens Consular Section processes applications for both non-immigrant and immigrant visas to the United States
Immigrant visa: An immigrant visa is required by anyone seeking to take up indefinite or permanent residence in the United States. Upon entry into the United States, an immigrant visa holder is processed for a Permanent Resident Card (PRC) commonly known as a green card.
Non-immigrant visa: A Nonimmigrant visa is required by anyone seeking temporary admission into the United States who is not eligible to travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program. Nonimmigrant visas cover visits for tourism, business, work or study. The type of visa required will depend on the purpose of your travel.
Visa Waiver Program: Greece recently entered the VWP, allowing some Greek travelers going to the U.S. for business or tourism to travel visa free.
On occasion, some travelers may experience delays at the port of entry due to the result of extended computer checks and/or secondary inspection by the Department of Homeland Security. The U.S. State Department does not have the authority to intervene with DHS on the behalf of individual travelers.
However, if you feel you have been subject, in error, to a delay at the port of entry, you may request an audit of your case by visiting the DHS redress website.
Notice to Holders of Greek Passports
According to the Hellenic Ministry of Public Order, all Greek passports issued by the local Greek Nomarchies prior to December 31, 2005 will be invalid for travel from January 1, 2007. To obtain a new passport, please inquire at your nearest police precinct or through the Greek Police/Passports (DIED) website.