Diversity Visa Lottery

Every year, Congress makes available 50,000 immigrant visas (which are equivalent to green cards) to people from countries that are underrepresented when it comes to U.S. immigration. It is one of few ways that people who don’t already have strong ties to the United States can become eligible to live there.

However, the process isn’t as simple as getting a winning number and having a green card sent to you. You’ll need to first prepare an entry application that is complete and demonstrates that you meet the criteria regarding nationality and educational level. Then, if you win, you’ll need to prove that you meet the financial criteria for entry to the United States and are not “inadmissible” due to health, criminal, or other grounds.