Are you dreaming of living and working in the United States? If so, you may have heard of the DV program or green card lottery. This program, administered by the U.S. Department of State, provides an opportunity for individuals from lower immigration rate’s countries to the US to apply for a Green Card, or permanent resident status.
In this article, we'll provide a comprehensive overview of the Green Card Lottery, including who is eligible to apply, the application process, and what you can expect if you’re selected.
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card, is a Permanent Resident Card issued by the United States that allows an individual to work and live in the country permanently. It allows you to be the "lawful permanent US resident", and have many of the same rights as U.S. citizens, including the right to work, attend school, and access specific government benefits.
However, they are not eligible to vote or hold certain government positions, and they must maintain their permanent resident status in order to continue living and working in the United States.
US Green Card Lottery – Eligibility Criteria
The diversity visa lottery is open to individuals from lower immigration rate’s countries to the US. The list of eligible countries is determined based on the number of individuals from each country who have received a Green Card in the previous five years.
To be eligible to apply for the Green Card Lottery, you must meet the following requirements:
Be a native of an eligible country
Meet the education or work experience requirement
Meet the other eligibility requirements for a Green Card
It's important to note that being eligible to apply for the Green Card Lottery doesn’t guarantee that you’ll be selected or that you will be issued a resident card.
How to Apply for the Green Card Lottery
The application process for the diversity visa program is relatively straightforward, but it's important to be careful and follow all instructions to ensure that your application is complete and accurate.
Here are the steps you'll need to follow to apply for this immigrant visa:
Check your eligibility - As mentioned above, there are certain requirements you must meet in order to be eligible to apply for the Green Card Lottery. Make sure you meet these requirements before you start the application process.
Gather the required documents - You'll need to provide certain documents as part of your application, including proof of your education or work experience, as well as passport-style photos of yourself and any family members who are applying with you.
Complete the online application - The Green Card Lottery application is completed online through VisaHQ website. You'll need to provide personal information, including full name, place of birth, and date of birth, , as well as information related to your work experience and education background. You'll also need to upload your required documents and photos.
Pay the application fee - There is a fee to apply for the Green Card Lottery. You can pay the fee online using a credit card or debit card.
Submit your application - Once you've completed and reviewed your application, you can submit it online. Make sure to double-check your application for any errors or missing information before you submit it, as incomplete or inaccurate applications will be disqualified.
After the application period closes, the U.S. Department of State will randomly select a certain number of applicants from each eligible country. If you’re selected, you will be notified by the Department of State and provided with instructions on how to proceed with the DV lottery process.
What If You Are Selected for Green Card?
If you’re selected for the diversity immigrant visa program, you will get a notification by the U.S. Department of State and provided with instructions on how to proceed with the Green Card process. This will include submitting additional documents, such as proof of your education and work experience, as well as undergoing a medical examination and a background check.
It's important to note that being selected for the Green Card Lottery does not guarantee that you will be issued a Green Card. The final decision on whether to issue a Green Card is made by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which will review your application and determine whether you are admissible to the United States and eligible for a Green Card.
If USCIS approves your application, you will be issued a Green Card and can begin living and working in the United States on a permanent basis. If your application is denied, you will not be able to proceed with the Green Card process and will need to explore other options for living and working in the United States.