How Does the Green Card Lottery Work?

Each year, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) holds a green card lottery for the 50,000 diversity visas that are available.  In the year 2011 this number will increase to 55,000 available diversity visas.  These visas are not available through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), like most other visas.  Rather, you must apply for this type of visa through an online registration form, typically between the months of October and December.  DOS notifies you by mail if you win the lottery, and, so long as you otherwise qualify, you will then receive a visa to travel to the U.S.

Eligibility for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program

In order to be eligible for the diversity immigrant visa program, you must meet strict eligibility requirements, and be from a country with a low immigration rate to the United States.  Generally, these requirements are as follows:

• You must hold at least a high school diploma or its equivalent; OR
• You must have at least two years of work experience in the last five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience;
• You cannot be from a country that has sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the United States over the last five (5) years; and
• You must meet all other requirements for eligibility to enter the United States.

Entering the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program

In order to participate in the diversity immigrant visa program, you must participate in an electronic registration process.  The registration window for participating in the program typically runs through the last few months of the year.  In addition to submitting a basic application electronically, you must also electronically submit digital photographs of you, your spouse, and every unmarried child under the age of 21.  Once you have submitted your registration into the diversity immigrant visa program, you will receive a confirmation number.  At some point, a computer will randomly select the recipients of the available diversity immigrant visas, and you will be able to check your confirmation number online in order to determine whether you have received one of the visas.

Getting Legal Help

If you have questions or concerns about your eligibility for the diversity immigrant visa program, you may wish to contact an experienced immigration attorney for assistance.  An immigration attorney will have the most up-to-date information about the diversity immigrant visa process and procedures, and can best advise you as to your suitability for the program.