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Diversity Visa (DV) Program:
A Comprehensive Guide

The Diversity Visa (DV) Program, commonly referred to as the DV Lottery or the Green Card Lottery, is a U.S. immigration initiative designed to provide a pathway to permanent residency for individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Established under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and administered by the U.S. Department of State, this program plays a crucial role in promoting diversity within the U.S. immigrant population.

Each year, up to 55,000 Diversity Visas (DVs) are made available through a randomized selection process. The program allows winners to obtain lawful permanent resident (LPR) status, commonly known as a green card, which grants them the right to live, work, and study in the United States.

People holding American flags

Features of the Diversity Visa Program

Person excited about lottery

Annual Lottery System

Unlike other U.S. visa categories that require sponsorship from an employer or a family member, the Diversity Visa Program is unique because it is based on a lottery system. Each year, eligible individuals from qualifying countries can submit an application online, and winners are selected through a computer- generated random draw.

Diverse group of people

Promoting Immigration Diversity

The primary purpose of the DV Lottery is to increase the diversity of the immigrant population by offering visas to individuals from countries with low immigration rates to the United States. The U.S. government determines which countries qualify for the program based on historical immigration trends over the previous five years. The program aims to bring 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. within that time frame. Its nationals become ineligible for the DV Lottery in the following year.

Green card and passport

Pathway to a U.S. Green Card

Winners of the Diversity Visa Lottery have the opportunity to apply for lawful permanent residence, which grants them a green card. This status provides a range of benefits, including:

• The ability to live and work permanently in the U.S.
• Access to public education and social benefits
• The opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship after meeting residency requirements.

Couple looking at globe

Eligibility Criteria for the Diversity Visa Lottery

To participate in the Diversity Visa Program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

Country of Birth Requirement

  • Only individuals born in eligible countries can apply.
  • The U.S. Department of State publishes a list of eligible and ineligible countries each year based on immigration data from the past five years.
  • If an individual's country of birth is ineligible, they may still qualify by claiming eligibility through their spouse or one of their parents if certain conditions are met.

Educational or Work Experience Requirement

To qualify, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

Educational Requirement:

  • Applicants must have at least a high school diploma (or an equivalent qualification).
  • The diploma must be from an accredited institution and must reflect 12 years of formal primary and secondary education.

Work Experience Requirement:

  • If an applicant does not meet the educational requirement, they must have at least two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.
  • The work experience must be in a field classified under Skill Level 4 or 5 by the U.S. Department of Labor's O*Net database.

The Application Process for the Diversity Visa Lottery

The DV Lottery application process is straightforward but highly competitive due to the large number of applicants. The process includes the following steps:

People at immigration office

What Happens If You Win the DV Lottery?

Winning the Diversity Visa Lottery does not guarantee a green card. Winners must complete additional steps to successfully obtain their visa and enter the U.S.

Submission of DS-260 Form

Winners must complete and submit the DS-260 form (Immigrant Visa Application) online.

The form collects biographical, educational, and employment history details.

DS-260 Form
Visa interview

Scheduling and Attending a Visa Interview

Winners must schedule and attend an immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.

They must bring required documents, including a valid passport, birth certificate, police clearance certificates, and medical examination results.

Background and Security Checks

The U.S. government conducts background checks to verify the applicant's eligibility.

Applicants with certain criminal records, security concerns, or previous U.S. immigration violations may be denied a visa.

Security check process

Visa Issuance and U.S. Entry

Visa application form

If approved, the applicant receives an immigrant visa and must enter the U.S. within the validity period of the visa.

Upon arrival, they are granted lawful permanent resident status and will receive their green card by mail.

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