Diversity Visa (DV) Program/ Green Card Lottery

The Diversity Visa (DV) Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. government lottery program for receiving a United States Permanent Resident Card. The program is administered by the U.S. Department of State and aims to diversify the immigrant population in the United States by selecting applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S.

Key Features

• Permanent Residency: Winners of the DV lottery receive a green card, granting permanent residency in the United States.
• Random Selection: Applicants are chosen randomly through a computer-generated lottery system.
• Low Immigration Countries: The program is designed to encourage immigration from countries with historically low numbers of immigrants to the U.S.
• Family Inclusion: Winners can include their spouse and unmarried children under 21 in their application.

Eligibility Criteria

• Country of Birth: Applicants must be born in an eligible country. Countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years are not eligible.
• Education or Work Experience: Applicants must have at least a high school education or its equivalent, or two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience within the past five years.
• No Age Requirement: There is no specific age requirement, but the education/work experience requirement effectively disqualifies most applicants under 18.

Required Documents

• Passport: A valid, unexpired passport at the time of entry.
• Photograph: A recent digital photograph that meets U.S. visa photo requirements.
• Education or Work Experience Proof: Diplomas, transcripts, or work experience certificates to prove eligibility.
• Identity Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), and police clearance certificates.

Application Process

1. Entry Submission: Submit an entry through the official DV lottery website during the registration period, typically in October-November. The entry form is called the Electronic Diversity Visa Entry Form (DS-5501).
2. Confirmation Number: Receive a confirmation number upon successful submission of the entry form. Keep this number safe as it is required to check the status of your entry.
3. Check Results: Check the status of your entry on the DV lottery website in May of the following year using the confirmation number.
4. Submit DS-260 Form: If selected, complete the Online Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration Application (DS-260) form.
5. Prepare Documents: Gather all required documents, including passport, photographs, education/work experience proof, and identity documents.
6. Visa Interview: Attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Bring all required documents to the interview.
7. Medical Examination: Undergo a medical examination by an authorized physician.
8. Visa Decision: The consular officer will decide on your visa application based on the interview and submitted documents.
9. Receive Visa: If approved, receive an immigrant visa in your passport.
10. Travel to the U.S.: Travel to the U.S. and become a lawful permanent resident upon entry. Receive your green card by mail after arrival.

Cost

Expense	Cost (USD)
DV Lottery Entry Fee	Free
DS-260 Form Fee	$330
Medical Examination	Varies by country
Police Clearance Certificates	Varies by country
USCIS Immigrant Fee (post-approval)	$220

Visa Processing Time

• Entry Submission: October-November
• Result Announcement: May of the following year
• Visa Application Process: Can take several months after selection

Key Points to Remember

• Single Entry: Only one entry per person per year is allowed. Multiple entries will disqualify you.
• Valid Passport: A valid passport is required at the time of entry.
• Keep Confirmation Number Safe: You need the confirmation number to check your entry status.
• Be Prepared for Interviews: Be ready to attend a visa interview and provide all necessary documents.

Conclusion

The Diversity Visa Program offers a unique opportunity for individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States to obtain a green card. By understanding the eligibility requirements, preparing the necessary documents, and following the application process, you can maximize your chances of success in the DV lottery. Winning the lottery provides not only the chance for permanent residency but also a path to eventual U.S. citizenship.

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