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.
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.
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.
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.
To participate in the Diversity Visa Program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:
To qualify, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:
Educational Requirement:
Work Experience Requirement:
The DV Lottery application process is straightforward but highly competitive due to the large number of applicants. The process includes the following steps:
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.
Winners must complete and submit the DS-260 form (Immigrant Visa Application) online.
The form collects biographical, educational, and employment history details.
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.
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.
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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