Each year, the Diversity Visa Program makes about 50,000 visas available. These are randomly distributed among migrants from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Now, what is the Green Card visa lottery and how does it work? Today we will look at what you need to know to start your immigration process informed.
There are several ways to obtain residency and each of these processes has its own steps, requirements and specific documentation. For this reason, it is important to have the advice of an attorney to choose the best legal avenue available. At Urbina Immigration Law we can help you. Tell us about your case and take the first step towards your gren card.
Table Of Contents
What is the Green Card Visa Lottery?
Also known as the “diversity visa program,” the visa lottery is a way for individuals and families to obtain a Green Card. In it, 50,000 individuals from low-immigration countries are randomly selected for permanent residency.
Eligibility Requirements for the Green Card Visa Lottery
There are two basic eligibility requirements for the green card visa lottery. These are:
- Country of origin: The applicant must be a native of a country with a low rate of immigration to the United States. In other words, you must be born in a country that has sent fewer than 50,000 migrants to the United States during the past 5 years.
- Educational level/work capacity: Applicant must have at least a high school diploma (or equivalent), or two years of work experience in a profession requiring at least two years of training.
Eligible countries change every year and that there are other ways to obtain a green card. Therefore, it is important to consult with an immigration attorney to determine the best legal avenue available for your case. At Urbina Immigration Law we can help you. Talk to an attorney today and take the first step towards permanent residency.
How does the Green Card visa lottery work?
In the DV lottery, winners are chosen at random by a computer program. In addition, a certain number of visas are assigned to each region of the world. This ensures that no country receives more than 7 percent of the diversity visas available annually.
How to participate in the Green Card visa lottery?
To participate in the Green Card visa lottery, you must follow the steps below:
Step 1: Access to the form
First, access the Department of State website during the application period. This usually runs from October through early November. Once there, look for the DV lottery application form.
Step 2: Complete the form
Once you have found the Form, you must fill it out by providing your personal information (country of origin, photographs, etc.), information about your family members (even if they do not live or plan to immigrate with you) and documentation showing that you meet the above education and/or work requirements (e.g., your high school diploma).
Step 4: Submission of the form and confirmation number
Once you have completed all the fields, submit the application form to register for the green card visa lottery. Remember to keep your confirmation number, as this will be the only way to know if you have been selected.
Step 5: Proceed with the Green Card application process.
Please note that even if you are selected, this does not guarantee that you will get a green card. Once you have been notified, you must continue the process and meet the same requirements as any other applicant.
For this reason, it is extremely important to have the assistance of an immigration attorney who will accompany you every step of the way. Don’t risk your future and that of your family by dealing with the complexities of the immigration system on your own. At Urbina Immigration Law we can help you. Contact us and get the legal help you need.
Which countries are not eligible for the Green Card visa lottery?
While the countries eligible for the visa lottery change from year to year, the following will never appear on the list:
- Canada
- China
- India
- Mexico
- United Kingdom
When do the DV lottery results come out?
Generally, green card visa lottery winners are notified 7 months after submitting their application. Once selected, it can take up to another 14 months to schedule the interview and receive the visa.
Remember that even if you are selected, you and your family members must meet the same requirements as any other applicant. Therefore, for any cause of ineligibility, it is best to consult with an immigration attorney. At Urbina Immigration Law we can help you. Talk to a lawyer and take the first step towards your green card.
Green Card Visa Lottery Scams
Be extremely wary of emails and phone calls from immigration scammers. They pose as State Department officials and ask for money to “process the application. Participating in the diversity visa lottery is free, and the only way to find out if you have been selected is by using the Online Status Checker.
Do not respond to any suspicious emails or calls. Report it to the authorities and contact a reputable attorney. He can advise you on the official forms of communication and means of payment. At Urbina Immigration Law we can help you. Contact us and get legal help to avoid immigration scams.
What is the visa bulletin?
The Visa Bulletin is a monthly report published by the U.S. Department of State that shows the current cut-off dates for each immigrant visa category based on the date the application was filed. It helps determine when applicants can move forward in the immigration process.
Is there a minimum age to apply for the visa lottery?
No, there is no minimum age requirement to participate in the green card visa lottery. The only requirements are to be a native of a country with a low rate of immigration to the United States and to have a high school education or work experience.
What if I have family ties to the United States?
You can apply for the green card visa lottery if you are married to a U.S. citizen. However, this does not bring too many advantages, as it is simpler to apply for a green card by marriage.
In contrast, some other family-based immigration categories take a long time. Therefore, if another member of your family can be your sponsor, it may be worthwhile to participate in the visa lottery to speed up the process.
Can I enter the visa lottery if I am in the United States?
Yes, whether you are in or out of the United States, you can enter the visa lottery. However, please note that, if selected, the green card process may vary depending on whether you are in or out of the country.
What happens if I lose my confirmation number?
If you should lose your confirmation number, you can retrieve it using the email address you used to register for the DV visa lottery. Be very careful not to misplace this number, as it is the only means of accessing the online application status checker.
What happens after being drawn in the Green Card visa lottery?
Once you are selected in the green card visa lottery you will receive a numerical rank and you can consult the visa bulletin to find out when to apply. However, winning the lottery does not guarantee that you will be granted permanent residency. To do so, you must meet the requirements and follow the process like any other applicant.
Therefore, it is best to seek professional legal advice and continue the process accompanied by an immigration attorney. A mistake could complicate your situation and jeopardize your application. Don’t risk your future and that of your family. At Urbina Immigration Law we can help you. Talk to an attorney today and take the first step toward residency.
Sources
Department of State – The Visa Bulletin
USCIS – Permanent Residency through the Diversity Visa Program
Other Resources
What is the difference between Green Card and citizenship?
How to obtain a Green Card in the United States – Updated Guide
What are the Green Card categories?
How to apply for American residency by family petition, step by step
Green card by marriage in the United States, in detail
Family sponsorship limits: How many family members can I bring to the United States?
How to recognize and prevent scams in immigration procedures
