1. What is the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
The Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery) is a United States government program which annually grants up to 55,000 visas to people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements in order to be considered for a visa. The program is also known as the Green Card Lottery or Diversity Immigrant Visa Program.
2. How do I enter the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
To enter the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery), you must submit an online application through the official DV Lottery website. The application period is typically open for a few months each year, and the deadline varies from year to year. To learn more about the DV Lottery program and to access the application, visit the Department of State’s website at www.dvlottery.state.gov.
3. When is the registration period for the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
The registration period for the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery) typically runs from early October through early November each year.
4. What is the eligibility criteria for applying for the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
To be eligible for the Diversity Visa (DV) Program, an applicant must:
1. Be a native of an eligible country.
2. Have at least a high school education or its equivalent, defined as successful completion of a 12-year course of formal elementary and secondary education; OR
3. Have two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience to perform.
4. Meet the minimum requirements for the job you are seeking.
5. Not be subject to any of the grounds of inadmissibility under US immigration law.
5. How many diversity visas are issued through the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery) each year?
The U.S. Department of State issues up to 50,000 diversity visas (DV Lottery) each year.
6. How do I know if my application to the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery) has been accepted?
You will only know if your application for the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery) has been accepted if you are one of the selected winners. The U.S. Department of State will send you a notification letter and an entry-confirmation number to the address you included on your application if your application is accepted.
7. How long does it take to process an application to the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
It usually takes between six and eight months to process an application to the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery).
8. What happens if my application to the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery) is selected in the lottery?
If your application to the DV Lottery is selected in the lottery, you will be notified by the U.S. Department of State and you will be given instructions on how to apply for a Diversity Visa. To receive a Diversity Visa, you must meet eligibility requirements and you must submit the required documents to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be interviewed by a consular officer. If approved, you will receive a Diversity Visa and may then apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for permanent resident status in the United States.
9. Are there any requirements for a successful applicant of the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
Yes, successful applicants of the Diversity Visa Program must meet certain education or work experience requirements in order to be eligible. They must have either a high school education (or its equivalent) or two years of work experience in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or experience. Additionally, they must be from an eligible country and meet all other program eligibility requirements.
10. Can I bring my family members with me when I immigrate under the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
Yes, you may bring your family members with you if you are selected in the Diversity Visa Program. Eligible family members include your spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21.
11. What documents will I need to provide when applying for a visa under the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
You will need to provide a valid passport, a completed visa application form, two passport-style photographs, a birth certificate, evidence of your education and/or work experience, and proof of the civil or military service of any spouse or parent. You may also need to submit other evidence to prove that you meet the eligibility requirements for the Diversity Visa Program (DV).
12. Is there a fee associated with applying for a visa under the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
Yes, there is a fee associated with applying for a visa under the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery). The fee is $330 USD per application, and is non-refundable.
13. What is the processing time for a visa application under the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
The processing time for a visa application under the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery) can vary depending on the country of origin as well as the countries of residence of the applicant. Generally, most applications are processed within 8-12 months, although some can take longer.
14. Are there any restrictions on who can apply for a visa under the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
Yes, there are restrictions on who can apply for a visa under the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery). You must meet two basic requirements:
1. You must have been born in an eligible country; and
2. You must have at least a high school education or its equivalent, or within the past five years have two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.
You are also not eligible to apply if you are from a country that sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. over the previous five years, or if you are a dual citizen of a disqualified country.
15. How will I know when my visa application under the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery) has been approved?
You will receive an email notification from U.S. Department of State that your visa application has been approved. You will also receive a letter of notification.
16. What are the consequences if I violate any terms of my visa granted through the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
If you violate any of the terms of the visa granted through the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery), you could face immigration consequences including, but not limited to, a revocation of your visa, removal proceedings, or detention. In certain cases, a violation could result in criminal charges and a possible jail sentence.
17. Can I work in the US with a visa granted through the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
Yes, you can work in the US with a visa granted through the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery). However, you must first obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This document will allow you to legally work in the US during your stay.
18. How do I renew my visa granted through the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
Visas issued through the Diversity Visa Program are valid for up to 6 months, and cannot be renewed. If you want to remain in the United States after your visa expires, you must apply for an extension of stay or a change of status.
19. Do I need to pass an English language test to be eligible for a visa under the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
No, you do not need to pass an English language test to be eligible for a visa under the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery). However, you must meet all the other eligibility requirements for the visa, such as having a high school diploma, meeting the required annual income levels, and so on.
20. Is there a minimum education requirement for a visa granted through the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery)?
No, there is no minimum education requirement for a visa granted through the Diversity Visa Program (DV Lottery). However, applicants must meet certain basic eligibility requirements, including having a high school education or its equivalent, and having two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience.