The Diversity Immigrant Visa (DV) Program, commonly known as the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. government initiative designed to promote immigration diversity by granting permanent residency (Green Cards) to individuals from countries with historically low levels of immigration to the United States. Created by the Immigration Act of 1990, the program allocates 55,000 diversity visas annually, offering winners the opportunity to live, work, and study in the U.S. permanently.
The program is open to eligible applicants worldwide and has become a crucial means for people from underrepresented regions to pursue the American Dream.
Each year, the U.S. Department of State opens a registration period during which eligible individuals can apply online for free. Applicants must submit accurate personal information and a recent photograph that meets strict specifications. After the registration period, the Department of State conducts a computer-based lottery to randomly select winners from each eligible country. Selected individuals and their immediate family members (spouse and children under 21) are then eligible to apply for U.S. permanent residency.
1. Eligibility Criteria
To participate in the DV Program, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements:
Country of Birth: Applicants must be natives of countries that have sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. over the past five years. This list changes annually, but common ineligible countries often include nations with high immigration rates, such as India, China, Mexico, the Philippines, and Brazil.
Education or Work Experience: In addition to nationality, applicants must also meet one of the following two requirements:
2. Education
Possess at least a high school diploma or its equivalent, meaning the completion of formal education comparable to a 12-year U.S. high school course.
3. Work Experience
If the educational requirement is not met, applicants can qualify if they have two years of work experience within the past five years in a job that requires at least two years of training or experience, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor’s job classification system.
4. Application Process
The application process for the Green Card Lottery is straightforward but highly regulated. Here’s how it works:
5. Registration Period
The U.S. Department of State opens a registration window every year, usually between October and November. Applications can only be submitted online through the official Department of State website. Importantly, applying for the DV Program is free, and applicants should avoid third-party websites that charge for assistance.
6. Application Requirements
Applicants must provide accurate personal information, including name, date of birth, gender, country of eligibility, and a current photograph that adheres to specific guidelines. Any inaccuracies or failure to follow guidelines can result in disqualification.
7. Selection Process
Once the application period closes, a computer randomly selects winners from each eligible country. The number of visas allocated per country is proportional to the population of the region, but no single country can receive more than 7% of the total available visas.
8. Notification and Next Steps
Applicants are notified of their selection through an Entrant Status Check on the official website, not by email or phone. If selected, the individual becomes eligible to apply for a diversity visa, but selection does not guarantee a visa, as there are further steps to complete.
9. Post-Selection Process
After being selected in the lottery, winners must go through a rigorous vetting process before they are granted a diversity visa:
10. Form DS-260
Selected applicants must complete Form DS-260, an online immigrant visa application that provides the U.S. government with detailed information about their personal history, including family, employment, and education details.
11. Visa Interview
Once the DS-260 form is reviewed, applicants must schedule a visa interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in their home country. During this interview, they must provide supporting documentation, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, proof of education or work experience, and a medical examination report. Consular officers assess the applicant’s eligibility, background, and overall qualification for permanent residency.
12. Financial Support
Applicants must demonstrate that they will not become a public charge in the U.S., meaning they must prove financial independence or have a U.S. sponsor willing to support them.
13. Final Approval and Entry
If the consulate approves the visa application, the individual receives a diversity visa that allows them to enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder). Upon entering the U.S., the applicant’s status changes to permanent resident, granting them the right to live, work, and eventually apply for U.S. citizenship after five years.