The Diversity Visa Program
The Diversity Visa (DV) Program makes 50,000 diversity visas available annually, drawn from random selection among entries of individuals who are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The purpose of the program is to diversify the U.S. immigrant population by granting permanent residence to aliens of countries with a low rate of immigration to the U.S. For that reason, citizens of countries with high rates of immigration are ineligible for the lottery.
Application Process
Your application must be filed electronically with the Department of State (DOS) during the online entry registration period, which typically runs from October through December of each year. Attorney assistance is advised, since the rules and requirements are complex and any error or omission may result in disqualification. The following May, applicants can determine if they were selected to continue with DV processing by checking their status online at http://www.dvlottery.state.gov. Typically, about 100,000 winners are selected, because some of the first 50,000 winners will not qualify for an immigrant visa or will decide not to pursue their cases to visa issuance. Thus, not all eligible selectees will have the opportunity to apply for a visa.
Visa Eligibility Criteria
You may be eligible to obtain a green card (permanent residence) through the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program if you meet all of the following conditions:
- You were selected for the DV Program by the U.S. Department of State;
- An immigrant visa is immediately available to you at the time you file for consular processing or adjustment of status, which can be determined by reviewing the Visa Bulletin;
- You have a high school education or have successfully completed a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education, or can show at least two years of work experience within the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform;
- You can prove that you and any derivative beneficiaries (i.e. spouse and children) will not become a public charge;
- You are admissible to the United States.
A summary of the steps required to obtain an immigrant visa after you are selected in the lottery is available here. For more details, please see our Diversity Visa FAQs or call us now at 847-763-8500.
Beware DV Scams!
The Department of State has issued a scam alert after an increase in fraudulent emails and letters attempting to extort payment from DV applicants. Please beware of communications telling you that you are a “winner” and asking you for money to obtain your visa.
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