DV Lottery- Which passport to use: from birth country (eligible) or 2nd citizenship (not eligible) when names don't match?

[oldinukshuk 0]

I would like to enter the DV lottery based on the country of birth eligibility, but I have two passports with different last names. Which one should I enter in the lottery application?

 

1) Valid passport from Country of Birth (Country A) but it has my original maiden name. Country A is eligible for DV lottery.

2) Valid passport from Country of 2nd Citizenship (Country B) but it has my current last name (legal name changed through marriage). Country B is not eligible for DV lottery. I got married in Country B but never really got a legal name changed in Country A.

 

I am currently in the US with a non-immigrant visa. I entered the US using passport from Country B. I feel that I should be entering the passport info from Country B because my name would be consistent. But does the DV lottery form look for the passport info that match the Country of Birth?

 

[Dashinka 23,237]

Not extremely familiar with the initial DV application, but if Country B is not eligible, I would think you need to apply as a citizen of Country A.  That being said, I expect you will have to disclose all citizenships when applying along with marital status, so that should take care of the name discrepancy between the two passports (marriage certificate).

 

Good Luck!

[arken 4,197]

It doesn't matter which passport you use as a primary one. Eligibility is based on the country of birth not based on current citizenship or residence. Maiden name or married name will be not be an issue as marriage certificate will prove the name change. As said, you have to disclose all citizenship information anyway at some point later.

 

I hope you are aware DV lottery may open toward October only.