The Diversity Visa Lottery Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is an annual initiative of the United States to promote diversity in its immigration policies. Through this program, individuals from countries with low U.S. immigration rates will have the opportunity to apply for permanent residency. Every year, up to 55,000 visas are made available through this program, which are selected randomly.
If you’re curious about this program and how you can qualify, then this article is for you. Here at Checklist Visa, we’ll help you understand the eligibility requirements of this program, along with the application process and other crucial information you need to know if you’re interested in pursuing your American dream through this unique opportunity.
What Is the Diversity Visa Lottery?
Also known as the Green Card Lottery, the Diversity Visa Lottery Program is the US Government’s way of promoting diversity in immigration. This program was established as a result of the Immigration Act of 1990. Ever since it was established, it annually provides up to 55,000 immigrant visas to lucky individuals from countries that have a historically low immigration rate to the United States. The Diversity Visa Lottery Program is one of the pathways to a US Residency Visa. Its primary goal is to ensure a broad representation of nationalities among US immigrants, resulting in a more diverse population.
The program uses a random selection. Furthermore, interested applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including education or work experience requirements. By offering the Diversity Visa Lottery, people worldwide, particularly from underrepresented regions, can contribute to and enrich the cultural fabric of the United States.
Who Qualifies for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
To be eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery, applicants must meet two main requirements – country of eligibility and education or work experience.
Country of Eligibility
To be eligible, applicants must be from a country with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Moreover, each year, a list of eligible countries is provided. Countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years are not included in the program.
Education or Work Experience
To qualify, applicants must hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. This means completion of 12 years of elementary and secondary education. Furthermore, they must demonstrate at least two years of work experience in the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience.
Additionally, all applicants must submit their personal information and meet the deadlines for application. More importantly, they should adhere to any specific requirements that tend to change each year. Only those who can meet these criteria can qualify for the lottery selection.
Application Process
If you qualify with the eligibility requirements mentioned above, you can start applying for the Diversity Visa Lottery. Refer to the official website of the U.S. Department of State for the Diversity Visa Instructions.
Here are the steps:
1. Submit Online Entry
The first step is to go online and complete the application form called Form DS-5501, which you can access from the website of the US Dept. of State. However, you can only access the form during the registration period, which should be between October and November each year. Also, note that there is no cost to apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery.
2. Provide Personal Information
When you fill out the form, make sure to provide your personal details such as name, birth date, country of birth, education, etc. Double-check to make sure that the information you entered is correct. In addition, the photos you will submit should meet the required specifications.
3. Receive Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation number upon submitting your application. Be sure to save this number since you will need it to check your entry status later.
4. Check Results
Keep track of your selection status by checking the official website where you lodged your application. You will be asked to enter the confirmation number that you received to check the status. Usually, the results will be announced in May of the following year.
5. Complete the Visa Application
If you have been lucky to be selected, the next step is to submit Form DS-260. This is the Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application, which you can access online. You will also have to pay the applicable fees.
6. Attend an Interview
You will then be asked to appear for an interview at the US embassy or consulate in your area. When you attend the interview, don’t forget to bring the required documents, such as proof of education or work experience. Also, you need to undergo medical examinations.
7. Receive Visa Decision
Once approved, you will receive the immigrant visa and can enter the United States using such a visa.
Selection Process
The process of selection for the Diversity Visa Lottery is random and computer-based. This is to ensure fairness and transparency. Every year, millions of eligible applicants from those countries that qualify will submit their entries during the registration period.
Once the application window ends, a computer randomly selects up to 55,000 lucky individuals. The selection will be based on geographic regions. No single country will receive more than 7% of the available immigrant visas. Note that being selected does not guarantee that you will receive the visa immediately. You still have to go through the process mentioned above, such as submitting your application and appearing for the interview.
Just like with applying for any visa, the applicant will be evaluated according to their eligibility and the supporting documentation they will submit. Only those who meet the criteria and available visa quotas will be given the Diversity Visa.
FAQs on Diversity Visa Lottery
Is there a fee to enter the Diversity Visa Lottery?
There is no fee to enter the Diversity Visa Lottery. The application for the lottery itself is free, and you can do this online on the United States Department of State website by filling in the entry form. However, selected applicants may have to pay certain fees to apply for an immigrant visa, along with paying for medical examination charges.
Can I submit more than one entry for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
No, you cannot submit more than one entry for the Diversity Visa Lottery. Everyone is allowed only one entry per registration period, and submitting multiple entries will get you disqualified from the lottery. Spouses, however, can apply separately if eligible. If one of you gets selected, then you can bring the other spouse in.
Can family members apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
Yes. Spouses and children of any age who are not married can be included in the application. Children who are under 21 years of age, unmarried, and are the offspring of the petitioners are also included. If a petitioner’s entry is selected, spouses and children may be eligible for visas as well. You and your spouse can even submit separate applications in case both are eligible so that there is a higher chance of selection for your family.
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