By Debbie McGoldrick

The deadline for entering the annual DV-1 green card lottery is noon on Sunday, December 4.

Those who need last minute assistance with the rather complicated application, which must be filed electronically at the website www.dvlottery.state.gov, have several options at their disposal. The Irish immigration centers — Emerald Isle at 718-478-5502 or Aisling Irish at 914-237-5121 — have trained counselors at the ready at all times for any type of immigration issue.

The City of New York is also offering help. According to a press release from the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, several public library branches and nonprofit organizations are offering help with submitting the lottery application. Visit the site www.nyc.gov/immigrants for details.

Visa hopefuls can also call the city hotline 311 to request the names of organizations offering assistance or to file a complaint about potential scams.

Undocumented residents of the U.S. are once again cautioned to hold off on applying for a visa because of potential bars to re-entering the U.S., if an application is successful. All people in this situation are urged to seek legal advice if they are intent on entering the lottery.

Winners will be notified in the spring/early summer of 2006.