2008 Press Releases

The following should serve as a reply to the "Open Letter to U.S. Embassy in Freetown," from concerned citizen, Mr. Tejan Sheku, published in the African Champion.

The United States Embassy in Freetown regrets any financial strain or inconvenience faced by applicants who must travel to Abidjan for their Diversity Visa (DV) interviews.  Since the resumption of Embassy operations after the war, the Consular Section has worked diligently to resume visa adjudication.  The Embassy began processing non-immigrant visas approximately two years ago.  Now, we are preparing for the resumption of DV interviews in 2009.

DV lottery winners notified by mail between May and July 2008 were provided detailed instructions, including information on fees, and were specifically informed that the visa is not guaranteed even for those who won the lottery.  The U.S. Embassy does not encourage anyone to liquidate assets to pay for expenses associated with the DV interview.  The DV program makes visas available to persons meeting the simple but strict eligibility requirements.  Applicants must have at least a high school education or have worked two of the last five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of formal training or experience.  Specific details about educational, occupational, and other qualifications can be found on the DV website, www.dvlottery.state.gov.

The U.S. Embassy is aware that many Sierra Leoneans grapple with issues of poverty and recovery from civil war.  Our Consular Section is working diligently to resume full visa operations in Freetown as soon as possible, and we appreciate your cooperation in that process.

Sincerely,

Danna Van Brandt
Public Affairs Officer
United States Embassy
Freetown, Sierra Leone