Green Card Through the Diversity Visa Lottery
The Diversity Visa Lottery, also known as the Green Card
Lottery, is a program that provides about 50,000 green cards (a permit that allows foreign nationals to live and
work permanently in the US) annually to people from all around the world. The Diversity Visa Lottery is a
government run program through the US State Department. It is one of the easiest ways to gain US citizenship, as
you simply enter the lottery then await the computer generated results. Although the Diversity Visa Lottery is
one of the simplest ways to gain a green card, the eligibility requirements are strict.
Who is Eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
To be eligible to enter the United States Diversity Visa Lottery you must meet specific requirements. First and foremost you must be from a country with historically low immigration rates as identified each year by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Individuals who were not born in a country whose natives qualify have two other ways they could be able to qualify:
- Have a high school education, or its equivalent. This is defined as having completed 12 years of formal elementary and secondary education.
- Within the past five years have had at least two years work experience at a job that requires two years worth of training or experience to perform.
A second key requirement you must meet before applying to the Diversity Visa Lottery is have adequate education or work experience. Applicants must meet one of the following:
- Have a high school education, or its equivalent. This is defined as having completed 12 years of formal elementary and secondary education.
- Within the past five years have had at least two years work experience at a job that requires two years worth of training or experience to perform.
How to Apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery
All entries must be submitted online at dvlottery.state.gov. Individuals must submit their entry online before the deadline and are limited to one entry per registration period. Paper entries are not accepted and it’s suggested that applications are submitted before the week prior to the deadline. Applications that are not completed in full will not be accepted. Additionally, individuals who submit an application more than once will be disqualified from the lottery.
To check on your entry you must access the Diversity Visa Lottery online system. Because of this, it’s important to keep your confirmation page and unique confirmation number after submitting your entry.
Avoid Diversity Visa Lottery Scams
The Diversity Visa Lottery does not cost to register. Any fees during the Diversity Visa Lottery will be paid directly to the U.S. Embassy or consulate cashier when you schedule your appointment. Be cautious of third party companies offering to help you register for the Diversity Visa Lottery for a fee as they’re often scams.
For complete details on the Diversity Visa Lottery including eligibility and how to apply visit the US Department of State.
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