By when must a diversity visa applicant adjust status or obtain an immigrant visa?

• A. By the end of the calendar year
• B. By the end of the fiscal year
• C. 12 months from their selection
• D. There is no time limit

Answer: (B)

A diversity visa applicant must adjust status or obtain an immigrant visa by the end of the fiscal year in which they are selected. This is crucial because the diversity visa program is tied to annual quotas, and each fiscal year runs from October 1 to September 30. If an applicant does not take the necessary steps to secure their status within this timeframe, they forfeit their opportunity to obtain a diversity visa for that year.

Choosing this option is grounded in the structured timeline of the diversity visa program, which strictly limits the validity of the visa selection to that fiscal year. Therefore, the applicant’s need to act within this deadline is a fundamental aspect of the program's regulations and procedures.