What is the Diversity Visa Lottery Program and How Can It Help You?
If you want to immigrate to the United States but do not have a job offer lined up and do not have relatives who are able to sponsor you, the Diversity Visa Lottery may be an option for you. Every year, hopeful immigrants apply to be one of the 55,000 diversity immigrants who qualify to apply for a green card. If you are successful in the Diversity Visa Lottery Program, an immigration attorney can help you capitalize on your luck and become a lawful permanent resident.
To be eligible, you have to meet two criteria. First, you must have been born in one of the countries that are allowed to participate in the Diversity Visa Lottery Program. Countries that are eligible all have historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Second, you must have completed the equivalent of a U.S. high school education or have worked for at least two years within the last five in a qualifying occupation. Qualified occupations are those that require at least two years of training or experience to perform. While not specifically listed as one of the criteria, as of last year’s visa lottery, applicants now must have a valid, unexpired passport.
The DV lottery is available for a limited time each year. You must submit your application electronically at https://dvprogram.state.gov/ during that short time period. There is no fee to enter. You may only register for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program one time per year. If you attempt to apply more than once in a registration period, all of your entries for that year will be disqualified. However, you can apply year after year so long as your native country remains eligible.
You are not required to have an immigration lawyer or consultant help you complete your lottery application. If you do have someone help you apply, then you should make sure to be present when your entry is prepared to make sure that the correct information is entered. Once you complete your application, you will receive confirmation page with a unique confirmation number. You will need the confirmation page and confirmation number to access the online system and check to see if you have been selected. Be sure to keep this information in a secure location in your possession. The Department of State will not notify you if you have won the visa lottery. It is up to you to check the website.
If you win the DV lottery this year, then you will be eligible to apply for an immigrant visa. However, you must act quickly to be one of the first to qualify for their visas. Because it is possible that some of the 55,000 people who are originally selected will not be eligible for immigrant visas, the Department of State normally selects more than 55,000 entrants to ensure all of the visas are used. You do not want to be the diversity visa lottery winner who does not have a visa number. A green card attorney can help you take the steps you need to take advantage of the opportunity that you have been given.
If you registered in the fall of 2019 for DV2021 and you obtain a winning entry with a low number, you should contact an immigration attorney right away so that you are able to proceed as soon as your number becomes current. Whether you will be applying to adjust your status in the United States or you will be applying abroad, your immigration lawyer will assist you in reaching your goal of living in the United States.
Contact Julie Beth Jouben P.A. for more Information About the Diversity Visa Lottery
At Julie Beth Jouben, P.A., we can assist you with your application for adjustment of status or help you navigate through consular processing. Call immigration lawyer in Clearwater, Julie Beth Jouben, P.A. at our office and get the answers to all of your immigration law questions. Whether you have an issue obtaining your green card, bringing a family member to live in the United States, investing in a U.S. business from abroad, applying for K-1visas, or naturalizing to become a U.S. citizen, we can give you the information that you need to make informed decisions.