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.
It's not as random as you might expect: What exactly are the requirements for applying to the U.S. diversity visa lottery?
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.
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.
Legal, strategic ways to increase your chances of winning a U.S. green card in the annual lottery.
Entering the visa lottery? Make sure that your initial online application doesn't contain errors that get you bumped out of the running.
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.
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.
Step-by-step procedures for adjusting status in the U.S. as a DV winner.
Using the Entrant Status Check system.
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.
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