Every year, the United States opens its doors to people worldwide through its diversity visa lottery. This is an opportunity for people who may not have otherwise had a chance to come to the United States. Our Washington, D.C. immigration team discusses what the diversity visa lottery is, how to apply for it, and what Law Group International can do to help you through the process!
What Is the Diversity Lottery Visa?
The diversity visa lottery, also known as the green card lottery, is a program established by the Immigration Act of 1990. This program allows up to 50,000 individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States to obtain a diversity visa and immigrate here each year. The application for DV-2024 opened on October 5th, 2022, and will close on November 8th, 2022. For a comprehensive list of the countries eligible, click here.
Who Is Eligible for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
To be eligible for the DV-2024 program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be a Native of countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States may be eligible to enter.
- Hold at least a high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of formal elementary and secondary education.
Additionally, you must have at least two years of work experience within the last five years. A minimum of two years of training must have been required for these jobs. You can check the U.S. Department of Labor's website for more information on meeting these requirements.
Those who have been convicted of a felony or serious crime have violated U.S. immigration laws or pose a national security threat to the United States.
Countries Not Eligible DV-2024
For DV-2024, natives of the following countries and areas are not eligible to apply because more than 50,000 natives of these countries immigrated to the United States in the previous five years:
- Bangladesh
- Brazil
- Canada
- China (including Hong Kong SAR)
- Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- El Salvador
- Haiti, Honduras
- India
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nigeria,
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Republic of Korea (South Korea)
- United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories,
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
Natives of Macau, SAR, and Taiwan are eligible.
How Do I Apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery?
The diversity visa lottery program opens for registration in October each year, with winners being selected and notified the following May. You can apply for the diversity visa lottery here through the official State Department website. Click here to be directed to the application. Be cautious of scams and fraudulent websites claiming to assist with the diversity visa lottery application process, as these are not legitimate. It is highly recommended that you consult an experienced immigration lawyer to guide you through the application process. This will ensure you submit the correct documentation and information, elevating your chances for success.
The diversity visa lottery application requires you to provide personal information such as your:
- name
- address
- birthdate
- country of birth
- number of children
- email address
You must also provide a digital photograph meeting specific requirements and submit any required documentation, such as proof of education or work experience.
How Can Law Group International Help with the Diversity Visa Lottery Process?
Navigating the diversity visa lottery process can be complicated and overwhelming, but our experienced immigration attorneys at Law Group International are here to guide you every step of the way. From evaluating your eligibility to submitting a strong and comprehensive diversity visa lottery application, our team is committed to helping you achieve your dream of living in the United States. Contact us today for a consultation.
We offer free consultations in English, Spanish, and Farsi. Contact us today by calling (703) 546-9300 or filling out our online contact form.