FAQ: What Is The Diversity Visa Program?

Diversity Visa Program The lottery aims to diversify the immigrant population in the United States, by selecting applicants mostly from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States in the previous five years.

• The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV Program) makes up to 50,000 immigrant visas available annually, drawn from random selection among all entries to individuals who are from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The DV Program is administered by the U.S. Department of State (DOS).

Who is eligible for diversity visa program?

In order to qualify for the Diversity Visa, you must have been born in a country that sent less than 50,000 immigrants to the United States over the past 5 years.

What are the chances of winning the Diversity Visa Lottery?

Each world region receives a certain number of Green Cards. The average chance of winning a Green Card with The American Dream is about 1:25 to 1:75, depending on the region and year (for Europeans recently around 1:45).

What countries are eligible for diversity visa?

Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (including Hong Kong SAR), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.

What happens if you are selected for DV lottery?

If you receive notification through the E- DV website that you have been selected for further processing in the DV Program, and you are physically present in the United States, you may be eligible to adjust status to obtain permanent residence through the DV Program. For more information, see Adjustment of Status.

Which countries are eligible for green card lottery 2020?

Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland-born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, South Korea, United Kingdom (except Northern Ireland) and its dependent territories, and Vietnam.

Which countries are not eligible for DV Lottery 2022?

For DV – 2022 (the most recent lottery, with entry period in 2020), natives of the following nations are ineligible: Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (mainland and Hong Kong), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea,

How many green cards are issued per year?

Since the employment‐​based system has a cap of 140,000 green cards per year, this means that every year there are about twice as many petitions being filed for green cards for immigrants as there are green cards being issued to them.

How can I increase my chances of winning the green card lottery?

The best way to increase your family’s chances of success is to have all eligible family members register for the lottery. For details on who meets the country, educational, and other eligibility requirements, see Winning a Green Card Through the Visa Lottery.

Is Green Card Lottery really random?

Entering the green card lottery is free. The drawing is random and by computer. You can only find out whether you have won by going to www.dvlottery.state.gov (typically beginning May 1). If you win and are permitted to apply, you will have to pay a fee, but that will be in person at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

When can I apply for Diversity Visa 2022?

The online registration period for the DV – 2022 Program began on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (GMT-4), and will conclude on Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 12:00 noon, Eastern Standard Time (EST) (GMT-5).

Why is Nigeria not eligible for visa lottery?

It would have happened anyway it seems. Nigeria has been excluded because over 50,000 Nigerians have been issued green cards over the last five years. If a country exceeds this number then you are excluded from the Green Card Lottery. Please note that for those who are eligible the Green Card Lottery is currently open.

How do I register for 2020 lottery?

Applicants have to submit entries for the DV- 2020 program electronically at dvlottery.state.gov. There is no cost to register for the DV Program. Do not wait until the last week of the registration period to enter, as heavy demand may result in website delays. No late entries or paper entries will be accepted.

Can I get married after winning DV lottery?

If a dv lottery winner got married before his interview appointment can he add his wife information with his Ds 260 form? As others have said, you can do so, but your marriage WILL be thoroughly tested to see if it is genuine. If there is any hint of fraud, you will be declared inadmissible.

How can I pass DV Lottery interview?

The following steps should be taken in preparation for your visa interview.

1. Review Scheduling Information. Find your information under DV Entrant Status Check.
2. Review Embassy or Consulate Instructions.
3. Schedule a Medical Appointment.
4. Gather Required Documents.
5. Pay Visa Fees.

Is the DV Lottery 2020 Cancelled?

A presidential proclamation issued last week temporarily suspends the entry of certain immigrants and limits the issuance of immigrant visas by U.S. Consulates abroad until June 2020. Further, Diversity Visa lottery green card interviews will not be scheduled before October 1, 2020.