Every year, the U.S. makes a limited number of immigrant visas (which lead to U.S. green cards or lawful permanent residence) available to people from certain countries around the world. These are allotted through a random, lottery drawing. However, only citizens of certain countries (the ones that have sent the fewest immigrants to the U.S. in recent years) can apply. And you must meet certain educational and work requirements in order to apply or qualify. What's more, even if your name is drawn, you need to get through a complex, time-sensitive application process in order to succesfully collect your U.S. immigrant visa.
Winning a Green Card Through the Diversity Visa Lottery
It's not as random as you might expect: What exactly are the requirements for applying to the U.S. diversity visa lottery?
Spouses and Children of Visa Lottery Applicants Can Qualify for Derivative Green Cards
A spouse and children can accompany a diversity visa lottery winner to the U.S. -- but only if their information has been entered correctly in the DV registration process.
Do You Meet the Education or Work Experience Requirements of the Diversity Visa Program?
Before you enter the lottery, make sure that you will meet the U.S.'s education or work experience requirement to get a DV green card.
Beating the Odds: Increase the Chances for You and Your Family to Win the Diversity Visa Lottery
Legal, strategic ways to increase your chances of winning a U.S. green card in the annual lottery.
Reasons Your Diversity Lottery Visa Application Might Be Disqualified or Denied
Entering the visa lottery? Make sure that your initial online application doesn't contain errors that get you bumped out of the running.
What Do You Win When You Win the Diversity Visa Lottery?
Having your name drawn in the DV lottery registration is only the beginning -- and understanding the remaining hurdles is key to success at actually obtaining a green card.
Won the Diversity Visa Lottery and Living in the U.S.? Where to Process Your Green Card
If you're already living in the U.S. when you win the lottery, and allowed to "adjust status," find out whether to choose this processing route.
Won the Diversity Visa Lottery: Filing for a Green Card in the U.S.
Step-by-step procedures for adjusting status in the U.S. as a DV winner.
How Will You Know If You Have Been Selected for the DV Lottery?
Using the Entrant Status Check system.
How to Read the Diversity Visa Lottery Cutoff Numbers on the DOS Visa Bulletin
Even after winning the lottery, you must stand in line before submitting your green card application.
This comprehensive guide contains a chapter devoted to the diversity visa lottery.