Check the Big Brother eligibility requirements first, then fill out the application. See the Update info below.
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A couple of eligibility highlights to keep in mind: you must be 21 years of age at the time of application and you must be a US citizen living here in the States.
Update: Big Brother casting has released new info on BB14’s application process. Don’t submit your paper application! Instead, you need to check out all the details on the new Big Brother application website.
Full application instructions below the break:
Big Brother Application Instructions
Applications MUST be written clearly or typed and MUST be accompanied by a videotape. The videotape must meet the following restrictions:
1) Length: Maximum length is two (2) minutes. Anything over two minutes will not be considered.
2) Format: We will accept all formats with the exception of Hi-8, 8MM and Beta (VHS, mini DV, DVD are all welcome).
3) Content: Tell us who you are and why you would make the ultimate housemate on Big Brother. Be creative!
4) Deadline: There is no firm deadline at this time.All materials you send us (including videotape and photos) will be retained by Producers and become the property of the Producers and will not be returned to you whether or not you are selected as a participant. Any expenses you incur during the application process including postage, shipping and materials preparation (videotape, photos, etc.) are your sole responsibility. Producers will not reimburse you for these expenses. Only one entry per person is allowed. All decisions of the Producers are final and absolute and not subject to inquiry.
Applications will only be considered if they are complete. Complete applications consist of the following:
1) Completed Application Form
2) Two-minute videotape labeled clearly with your name and city/region number.
3) Two color photographs of yourself, each clearly labeled on the back with your name and city/region number. One must be a close-up of your face, the other must be a full-length photo of your entire (clothed) body. Polaroids are acceptable as long as we can clearly see you.
4) Identification – Attach a copy of your driver’s license, in addition to a social security card, passport or birth certificate.Send your application and videotape submission to the following address:
Big Brother (Region #___)
P.O. Box 520
11271 Ventura Blvd
Studio City, CA 91604In parenthesis after “Big Brother” on the mailing label, print the region number of the city located closest to your home:
1. Los Angeles, CA
2. Charleston, SC
3. New York, NY
4. Dallas, TX
5. Cincinnati, OH
6. Tampa, FL
7. San Francisco, CA
8. Nashville, TN
9. Chicago, IL
10. New Orleans, LA
11. Atlanta, GA
12. Denver, CO
13. Louisville, KY
14. Boston, MA
15. Phoenix, AZUnfortunately, we will not be able verify that we have received your application. If you like, you may wish to send your application package via an expedited courier (such as Fed Ex or UPS). They will provide a tracking number that you can use to verify the receipt of your package. Producers are not responsible for lost applications.
If you are selected for an interview, you will be advised so by the Producers shortly before the interview is scheduled. If you are selected to participate in the final selection process, you will be so advised by the Producers shortly before the final selection process is scheduled.
Producers reserve the right to change the terms of the application and the production schedule at anytime. Producers reserve the right to change the eligibility requirements and any other application rules in its sole discretion at any time with or without notice on a specific, case-by-case basis or across the entire applicant pool. Producers also reserve the right to not hold any participant applicant interviews, or to modify the manner in which it conducts participant applicant interviews, or to not produce the program Big Brother at all.
Good luck!
CBS has modified the region numbers in the off-season, so always verify the information posted above against the official rules and application docs linked above.
Best of luck to anyone who applies and let us know if you do!
What about us Canadians? We should be allowed to apply too!
Canadians aren’t allowed due to the rules from CBS. Although I’m sure, eventually, CBS will change the rules.
There are passport issues, financial issues, and customs issues I’m sure that CBS doesn’t want to deal with.
Canadians appear on Price is Right all the time, however, those Canadians have got there at their own expense.
That’s an interesting point about Price is Right. I wonder how they get around the tax issues.
Matt, I think the difference of winning prizes on the Price Is Right and on Big Brother is that the BB HG’s LIVE in the BB House for three months. The Typical Price contestant is just there for a couple hours. Also, the BB HG’s are really working actors on a reality show. On Price, they are true “contestants”.
Yep, BB contestants get a salary (something like $500/week). Cdns need a visa to work in the US and CBS doesn’t want to deal with that. I knew someone from my school who was on Price is Right and they gave him his prizes in cash to avoid custom duties. Its up to him to pay the taxes. Amazing Race almost had a Canadian poker player last season but pulled out because they couldn’t get the visas done in time.
I really wish that Canadians would be allowed to be on BB because they have such a huge fan base in Canada, and people hope they change it but I cant see them changing it now since its already been 13 seasons of the show
I really think they should have a candian big brother….maybe they can have it somewhere in canada so they wont have to deal with all those passport, financial and custom issues…just a thought
Big Brother casting director Robyn Kass has explained the situation: to be eligible to participate and win Big Brother you have to have a US issued Social Security Number. Without that you can’t pay taxes on the winnings. Hence, US-only participants.
Canadians are always welcome to head south and go through the arduous process to become eligible. :)
im sure there are a lot of canadians who cross the border for work and already qualify…
Maybe for the Price is Right they just have a pre-determined deduction off your winnings for taxes, if you’ve won something of monetary value, so there’s no need for the inner workings for Canadian participants. It’s unfortunate for Big Brother fans in Canada as there are many, the only way I’d see it happening is if they had an official Big Brother Canada, like they did for Wipeout and Deal or No Deal, but I don’t see that happening for Big Brother. About heading south…exactly, arduous is an understatement, especially when the rules say ‘US citizen living in the United States’. Becoming a citizen is extremely difficult.
Canadians don’t pay taxes on winnings for things like game shows and lotteries. We pay tax on the INTEREST it earns.
Why would a valid SSN be needed if the contestants are responsible for paying the taxes?
I’ve always thought they should have an English Canadian version of Big Brother, but I guess the networks up here don’t want to be bothered.
As for the Price is Right, the contestants from Canada have to pay to import the cars (if they win one), and the duties, etc, on everything. Also, if they win a trip, it will fly from LA, so they have to get themselves to LA at their own expense.
It’s not cheap to be a contestant on Price is Right for anyone. :)
@Drup: It wouldn’t matter much how taxes are handled in Canada (taxes on interest vs earnings). If you won that money in the US then you’d have to adhere to US tax policies. That’s exactly what Kass is saying.
Taxes owed are accounted for against a SSN. You couldn’t just send in a check with a note, “these are for John.” US taxpayers fill out tax forms and are identified by using their SSN.
As Wayne notes above, the different between Price is Right and BB could have something to do w/ living in the country for 3+ months while being on the show.
Not much Grodner, Kass, or I can do for Canadians on this. Nothing personal.
It definitely has to do with the length of time spent on Big Brother vs Price is Right. I visited LA and tried to get tickets to Price is Right (ended up with tickets for the now-gone Lopez Tonight show) but again, there on a two-week visit. Good luck telling US customs you’re spending 3-4 months in America with ‘being on Big Brother’ as your reason. This is of course playing within the scenario where taxes on winnings isn’t an issue, and is a testament to just how many obstacles there would be.
Because of associating tax-paying with SSN’s, you’re right, there isn’t much Grodner, Kass or anybody can do. The only answer (like Wipeout and Deal or No Deal) is to have an official Big Brother Canada, but I really don’t see that happening. I don’t know if it’s really about ‘the networks up here not wanting anything to do with it’ as it is that the show struggled for top ratings between 2004 and this year and that was with the wider US market behind it. So there’s clear reason to fear that a Canadian version wouldn’t do well enough for them to give it a shot, I’m sure it’s at least come up for discussion in the past, just probably shot down soon after.
Grodner and Endemol would still be behind a Canadian version if they tried it, but CBS likely wouldn’t be, even though Canadian television sets can tune in to CBS.
what about dual citizens? I live in canada, but pay my taxes in the us and have a Social Security Number?
@Joshua: I would guess you’re eligible, but again that’s just a guess. Apply and find out.
It doesn’t have a number for anything in North Carolina so does that mean that the only people that can apply are the people in the states listed?
No, put the region number CLOSEST to your home. My guess would be number two. You might do well. You remind me of Jordan :)
Wayne is correct. You are asked to pick the location nearest your own. If unsure, reference Google Maps.
Please be sure to thoroughly read and review both application documents. Applying to be on Big Brother is a very lengthy and difficult process. You’ll want to fully understand the steps before you start.
I’ve been abroad for college for the past 2 years I’ll be moving back christmas time finally! and since I’m finally 22 and living in the US again I’ll be able to apply! So excited!!!!
Chaz Bono was abroad for about 30 years and now he’s on Dancing With The Stars. So, hey, you never know.
lol!
Too funny Wayne! You need to apply!!! If you do, good luck!!!
LMAO
maybe dancing will help him loose some of that pork…. or a few less steroids…
@spark, Wayne or Chaz? :confused:
gee i dont know how big wayne is…. hmmmmm…..
Wow sarah! Ever heard of reading ALL the directions before starting? Good luck to you!!???
Wow Sarah, please don’t make ALL us from here in North Carolina look like that! Lol, please read before u ask questions like that
Good luck guys, maybe we’ll see some familiar faces (or hear of some familiar names more likely) in the house next year!
i sure hope not
I just hope the nice people apply.
the show needs new faces (like mine lol) it has been boring for a couple of years now with the same people
Very out going.and I am the biggest big brother fan I love the show.so please pick me…
You should definitely apply! They can’t pick you unless you try out.
If there is one more show with guests from previous shows instead of giving new people a chance to win like in the start of Big Brother my husband and friends including myself are not watching anymore.
Err.. okay. 8 new people with a chance to win this season. One of them got to the F2.
BB13 also had the highest ratings in years, so if it makes the network happy then you’ll probably see it again at some point. Sorry.
Anyway, I’d guess that if you’re a real fan of the show you’ll watch either way.
If you are not happy with vets coming back, then don’t watch. CBS is not going to stop producing high ratings because someone doesn’t like a big challenge
Since when is the age limit 21 years old? As I remember, Natalie (2009) and Danielle (2006) were both under 21 years old.
It has always been 21 years of age.
Natalie’s claim to be 18 years was a lie and a stupid one at that considering anyone who was paying attention would know she wouldn’t be in that house at that age.
Daniele turned 21 during her stay and was approved because it meant putting her in there with Evel as part of the twist.
Michelle in BB4 was the first sub-21 HG, but again that was part of the twist (David’s ex).
Oh. I really thought Natalie was 19, she looked so young.
So unless there is a twist requiring me to have an angry ex, I can’t participate for the next 5 seasons?
If you have already appeared on a previous BIG BROTHER, you need not apply.
If you intend on sleeping all day, forget it! If you are not in the least bit exciting or entertaining, then don’t do it. If you chew with your mouth open, please do not apply. If you insist in shaving your lady/man bits, do it where the cameras won’t see. And finally, if you apply and are accepted, please PLAY THE GAME!!
I wish they had a canadian version of big brother so in three years when im of age I could apply :(
I wish that too
THere is a Canadian version, unfortunately, it’s french only, and after some big game changes, they are switching the the FRANCE version for this season.
I’m getting a letter together to ask Alison Grodner to put some of the twists from the Canadian version into the American version. If it doesn’t increase ratings then Americans are really weird.
ya I know the one your talking about, its called loft story and filmed in quebec I think
just wish they had a show more similar to big brother usa and i dont see the big deal with creating a canadian version considering theres a uk version of the show
I heard the UK version was dead now, it’s still going?
And of course it seems everyone posting here who’s looking for a shot at this game as a Canadian, is asking for an English game, but also not one called Loft Story even if it is similar. An actual Big Brother Canada with the same minds and team behind it is what I think people here are looking for.
Maybe if Big Brother’s ratings in the USA continue to rise (as they got better this year) then one day they can consider a Canadian version. Just don’t hold your breath.
Im going to apply. I turn 21 in December so i will be sending in my application then! Love the show and everyone has told me i would be great on it
And if you don’t make BB you’re too old for Teen Mom.
20 is a lousy age to be. :(
were we ever that young??? i forget… hahahaha
They didn’t have TV then much less reality TV. Of course, there were very few Teen Moms.
do i have to admit i remember howdy doody… naw… not gonna do it….
Remain calm at all times, spark.
I’d recommend an Iced Coffee but it would keep you up past your bedtime noy to mention all those trips to the restroom.
Which reminds me, I saw a pic of Shelly over on FB. It was taken after she went to the toilet. She left the seat up. How many wimmen do that?
thats ok… iced coffee is my main drink at any hour… as to the other… i dont follow she-hes into the toilet so……
Its really not that bad to be 20 to me… im in college and i know i have a great life ahead of me… and im hoping that i will get into the BB house for a once in a lifetime experience!
Heather, hopefully you can get a job.
I hope I can get a job as well. But i have came from a family that even if you can’t, we just keep taking each day one at a time. I could be worse so i keep trying to be positive.
well i am much older than 21 but i think i will apply this year…my friends and family are excited at the idea and say i will be good on it so we will see
Did the live feeds show the wrap party last night? I can’t find it on flashback.
You need Leo. He’s over at the Survivor site.
no it’s on superpass, whatever that is lol i just read that is was here and there
dick also had a wrap party which he will load pics on his website
there’s pics up on facebook too, not sure of the links
Also, there are some of ED’s interviews on YouTube.
Thanks…I do have Superpass live feeds. It was supposed to be on last night (wrap party). Hmm. I wonder what happened. Thanks for your responses.
I watched the wrap party on the feeds…was interesting
flyonthewall…did you watch it on Superpass live feeds? (in case there is some other feed program)? If so, what time was it on? I’ve checked every hour on flashback! Frustrating.
I went to an open casting call this year in Baton Rouge (near where Shelly is from). I enjoyed the process, but when I send iny application for next summer I am definitely making my own video. They just asked me the same questions that were on the appication…but I’m excited to apply again!!!
Good luck to you! I hope you make it and have a crazy summer in the BB14 house. It was fun and frustrating to watch this summer. But, I’m glad about the outcome. I wanted Rachel to win. She deserved it after being trashed the entire time by most of the HG’s.
Were do I find the application at?
Go back to the top of this article. In the second, two-line paragraph (next to Julie’s smiling face) Matt highlighted the word ‘application’ in red. Click on that.
Does anyone know if you can apply if you’re a U.S. permanent resident? I’ve had a social security number since I was 6 but am not a citizen. I pay taxes like everyone else (just can’t vote). I could become a citizen before next summer but I’d rather not spend the $700 to do that if I don’t have to.
I believe you’re eligible, at least you should be, but I could be wrong so don’t take my word for it.
If you really want to be on the show bad enough and want to be sure, leave no doubt, etc, $700 isn’t bad (or at least could be a lot worse with the fees I’ve seen out there involving US Homeland Security)
just finished up my video tape!! cant wait to send all my application stuff in :) wish me luck!
Good luck!
good luck Ill b looking for your name Cecily
Can someone tell me if there is a place where I can go to have a 2 minute video / DVD made of myself so that I can send it to big brother along with the app I just filled out. I don’t own a camcorder or anything like it and at the moment don’t know anyone who owns one. Can someone help me please. Is there like a kinko’s for video taping yourself.
Maybe you could look in the phone book for someone who does wedding/graduation videos. I’m sure if they couldn’t do it they could direct you to someone who could.
im a very out going person and funny so please pick me to go on big brother
omggg they really need to make the age 18..do you guys think BB will be around til season 17?? Ive been watching since season 1 (when I was 6) and it will kill me if i dont even get the chance to try out because I KNOW I have what it takes lol
Can I put two numbers for the region closest to my home? I live in Texas but I am from Louisiana. I can be in either location if needed and I might be in Louisiana depending on the time of year. Any suggestions!
they want to know where you live now
Just pick one. If they want you on the show then they’ll find you.
I have been waiting since season 1 to be on the show and finally I’m old enough. I know there is a slim to none chance of being chosen but I must try. Can’t wait to find out if I can make it and I hope I can but I will keep trying year after year. I want to try my strategy I have been working on and redoing since the beginning. Hope I make it
I hope black people will stop trying to become a house guest of BB. Do not apply because you will never win! If you are aware of BB history, black houseguests have never made it to the final three. Whenever they were the HOH, BB turn it around whereas they would not have the power very long. Please think before applying.
sigh…i stumble back here because i was having BBN withdrawals..seeing if anyone has posted anything after all this time…and all i find is this nonsensical post…it’s unfortunate..
danielle from season 3 was black and was final 2
Wow, “DJ60,” you’re as ignorant as you are racist.
BB11: Kevin, Final 3, “Blasian” as he called it.
BB8: Jameka, Final 4
BB3: Danielle, Final 2
BB2: Monica, Final 3
Clearly you are not aware of BB history, but make up for it in blind racism. Go troll somewhere else.
I agree with you; however, I bothered to reply because I am sad that you mentioned Jameka as I am in the process of watching BB8 (I missed it). :( No worries, though. It’s my fault. This is like the 50th time this has happened. I should stop hanging around BB fansites until I watch all of the missed seasons, lol
stupid question placed app about month ago still no word. was wondering if those that didnt get choosen will here something back. thanks for you time.
I wouldn’t be surprised to not hear anything back until the spring when the casting process gets in to full motion. I’m sure they’re reviewing all apps, but might not say anything until things get going.
If you are not selected then there is NO response. They get too many apps to reply to the declined apps.
Sad you have to be 21 this season I have seen every episode of every season I’m a committed fan sad I can’t play big brother
You have always needed to be 21 to audition. That is not new at all for this season.
I really really wish there was a Canadian version of Big Brother. It sucks that we cant play the amrican bb :(
I don’t miss a season of BBrother.I love it. I can’t believe I see some of the guests smoking on camera inside the.I thought smoking was UNHEATHY !!
I AM FINISHING MY PACKAGE TODAY AND WILL FINALLY BE SENDING IT IN EARLY NEXT WEEK!!!!!!!! I am SO excited! I absolutely LOVE the whole concept of the show and have since day one! I am a HUGE Big Bro fan and am DYING to participate! Through the years I have gotten so many friends to hop the Big Bro train and now they all watch with me every season and they all want me to get on it so bad! I have so many people cheering me on, this is my dream, please pick me!
Has there ever been a deaf contestent on BB
Nope
Question: If I am filling out an application is it okay to add additional pictures or will you only look at two no matter what? I just wanted to know if it couldnt hurt? And is there still no deadline as of right now or should I hurry and send it in?
We do not review any applications. This is a fan site for Big Brother.
I would recommend following the instructions exactly as they are provided. If it says send 2 photos, then I would send 2.
Big Brother casting doesn’t pick up until next spring, so there’s no immediate rush.
Hiya, I’m samantha!!
im 18, live in london and my dream is to go on big brother!!!!! last year i got hit by a car and turned to have brain damage, but im better now and my dream is to be me and that what i am me!
It would be a dream to be on bb
If you canadins want to be BB so bad then move to the US or something.
Boo Boo to you Poo Poo.!
I’ll be sending my application. Wish me luck!
Good luck!
I want to me on big brother show.
Then you need to apply.
Why aren’t Canadians allowed to apply for big brother ?
Taxes. Canadians don’t have a US issued SSN. That info came from the BB casting director.
Hey matt I have a question for you…. I sent my application in last November… since then I have been put on the cover of a magazine… should I or can I send in the magazine to you guys
Don’t send anything to me. This is a fan site for the show.
I don’t think a magazine cover will influence whether or not you’re selected for the show.
Anyone know when BB starts making calls for Interveiws?
Or any info on the elimination process
Cannot wait
I agree with you all 100% that Canadians/ should have a right to play in any of those games – isn’t that along the lines of discrimination? They have had blacks as well as gay couples on there – sorry not I still considerate discriminatation – they can WORK IT OUT IF THEY CHOOSE TO THEY JUST CHOOSE NOT TO DEAL WITH IT
there was no twist with Daniel she was 20 rules are rules hmmmmm father did not stay.
Daniele was 20 when she was on BB8. She met the age requirement with no problem for this past season.
Please Follow me on my quest to become the very first Canadian Houseguest on Twitter (aTown_BB15) or Join my Facebook pageÂ
Canadian Houseguest for BB15!! !!
I watch BB religiously every season. It sucks that I’m not eligible to apply as a Canadian as I’m positive I’d be one of the best HG’s ever. Great back story that has shaped me into a very competitive and committed person. Love my country but hate the laws that prevent Canadians from being on BB :(
Absolutely Matt!!! I absolutely live the show… I heard the it is finally coming to Canada… Any information on how to apply/where to apply that would be absitively posilutely stupendous!!! ;)
Use a phone camera or someone else’s phone camera and then save it to a disc and send it in…
We r neighboring countries we Canadians 18 and and or younger teenage should b allowed 2 play
USA
im applying next year and i dont think ill win if i get accepted, I KNOW I WILL!!!!!!!
I love big brother
Hi …. What about Asian country ??? Do we have the chance to get involve in big brother?? ( Indonesia )