Immigration Law - How does the US Diversity Lottery Process Work
The U.S. Diversity Lottery, also sometimes known as the Green Card Lottery, is a system in which 55,000 immigrant visas are made available on an annual basis. The program is mandated by Congress and makes visas available to persons from countries that have low immigration rates. The lottery is conducted by the United States State Department.
How the Diversity Lottery Works
Each year 110,000 applicants are selected on a random basis from the total number of qualified entries. Although the number of visas issued through the lottery is limited to 55,000, a total of 110,000 applications are selected to account for the number of applicants that may not be able to complete the immigration process. Individuals who receive an immigrant visa through the lottery will become authorized to permanently live and work in the United States. Such individuals will also be allowed to bring their spouse as well as all unmarried minor children with them to the U.S.
Lottery Eligibility Guidelines
Persons who apply for a visa through the diversity lottery program must either be native to the eligible country or have a spouse that is native to that country. Individuals who have a parent that was born in the eligible country may also apply for a visa under the lottery. A list of countries that are considered to be eligible under the program is published on an annual basis by the State Department. Along with the previously mentioned eligibility guidelines, individuals must also have a high school diploma or have completed a twelve year course of study. Two years of work experience during the preceding five years within a field that requires at least two years of training may also be substituted for the high school diploma requirement. All applicants are required to submit a digital photograph for identification purposes.
Precise instructions and guidelines are published by the State Department annually regarding the procedures for applying for the lottery. In most instances, these guidelines are published each August and can also be found in the Federal Register as well as press releases from the State Department. The registration period for the lottery usually begins in October. All winners of the lottery are notified by the State Department via mail. Notification to winners is usually made during the following spring and/or fall.
