What is a Green Card through the Lottery?
The Diversity Lottery Program makes 50,000 immigrant visas available through a
lottery to people who come from countries with low rates of immigration to the
United States. The State Department’s National Visa Center holds the lottery
every year, and randomly selects applicants from all qualified entries. Once
50,000 are issued or the fiscal year ends, the program is closed. If you receive
a visa through the Diversity Visa Lottery Program you will be authorized to live
and work permanently in the United States.
Principal Requirements:
You or your spouse must be a native of a country that is eligible to participate
in the Diversity Visa Lottery. You may also be eligible to apply if your parent
was born in a country that is eligible to participate. The State Department will
publish the names of countries that are eligible to participate before each
year's lottery.
You must have a high school diploma or the equivalent, defined in the United
States as successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary
education; OR you must have 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.
Applicants will be selected at random by computer from among all qualified
entries. Those selected will be notified by mail and will be provided further
instructions; including information on fees connected with immigration to the
U.S. Persons not selected will NOT receive any notification.
Can I Bring My Spouse and Children with Me to the United States?
You will be allowed to bring your spouse and any unmarried children under the
age of 21 to the United States.
How Do I Apply?
Before each year's lottery drawing, the Department of State will publish
explicit instructions on how to apply. Instructions are usually posted in
August, and the registration period is usually held in October each year.
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