Hello All

A friend of mine won the American visa lottery in 2002 but didn't do anything about it.

I was wondering if there is a time frame for processing the visa or if there is an expiration date for it.

Any advice would be most appreciated.

I do not think that the individual still qualifies for the Visa. Take a look at this Q&A I found on the internet. Note that it is not a Government Body website.

http://www.americanvisaprogramme.com/QandA.php

22. HOW LONG DO APPLICANTS WHO ARE SELECTED REMAIN ENTITLED TO APPLY FOR VISAS IN THE DV CATEGORY?

Persons selected in the DV-2008 draw (which is scheduled to take place no later than March 2007) are entitled to apply for visa issuance only during fiscal year 2008, i.e., from October 2007 through September 2008. Applicants must obtain the Diversity Visa or adjust status by the end of the fiscal year (September 30, 2008). There is no carry-over of DV benefits into the next year for persons who are selected but who do not obtain visas during FY-2008. Also, spouses and children who derive status from a DV-2008 registration can only obtain visas in the DV category between October 2007 and September 2008.