have to wait at least until after 1996.

The lottery, which comes under the 1990 US Immigration Act, each year allows the US to randomly select and grant permanent resident visas to 55,000 people from countries with low rates of immigration to the US.

But Bermuda, as was the case last year, was not included on the list of qualifying countries. Neither was the UK or most of its dependent territories.

However, more than 24,000 visas were granted to other European countries, including Ireland, Northern Ireland, Italy, Portugal and its dependent territories.

Another 20,426 were granted to African countries, including Nigeria, Rwanda, Somalia, South Africa, and Uganda.

And some 7,000 were offered to Asian countries, with the exception of China, India, South Korea, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

A spokesman from the US Consulate General's office said they had not received many inquiries about the lottery over the past year.

He attributed this to the fact that Bermuda had not been eligible last year and word of mouth that it would not be this year.

He also pointed out Bermuda residents from the qualifying countries could take part in the lottery.

In addition to being born in a qualifying country, applicants must have at least a high school education or its equivalent, or within the past five years have two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.

There is no application fee.

Those interested in the lottery should visit the US Consulate General office in Middle Road, Devonshire for registration instructions.

Entries must be received between January 31 and March 1.