What is the Visa Lottery?
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery program grants 50,000 permanent visas (green cards) per year to qualified immigrants. In order to apply, you must be from a qualifying nation. Different countries qualify each year based on which countries in the world sent the fewest immigrants to the U.S. during the five previous years. Am I Eligible for the Visa Lottery?
The applying immigrant must have either a high school diploma or two years of job experience that would have required training in the United States. Also, you must not be inadmissible to the United States. You are inadmissible if you have been convicted of certain violent crimes, drug offenses, or are afflicted with certain illnesses. How Do I Apply?
You must apply online (and submit a digital photo) through the U.S. State Department website. There is no fee to apply. If you do not win the lottery in the year that you apply, you may apply the following year If you are selected in the lottery, you must apply for your permanent visa immediately. There will be more people chosen in the lottery than there are available visas. If you win the lottery, you will be notified at the address listed on your application. Do I Need an Immigration Lawyer?
Immigration laws are very complicated and change every year. An experienced immigration attorney can help explain how the law affects you and your status in the United States. An immigration lawyer can also represent you in court and help you file necessary paperwork. |
