U.S. Citizenship and Green Card Lottery Winners

1. What is the U.S. green card lottery?


The U.S. green card lottery is an annual lottery run by the U.S. government that awards up to 50,000 permanent resident visas, or “green cards,” to people from around the world. Participants enter the lottery online and successful applicants are then allowed to live, work and study in the United States on a permanent basis.

2. How do I enter the green card lottery?


To enter the green card lottery, you must complete and submit an online form known as the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery Entry Form. You must also meet the eligibility requirements for the green card lottery, which are based on country of birth, educational qualifications, and other criteria. Depending on the program, you may also need to provide additional documentation such as a birth certificate or passport.

3. How can I find out if I’m eligible for the green card lottery?


The best way to determine if you are eligible for the green card lottery is to visit the U.S. Department of State Diversity Visa (DV) Program website. Here, you can review the list of countries that are eligible for the lottery and find out more information on the eligibility requirements.

4. What criteria must I meet to be eligible for the U.S. green card lottery?


To be eligible for the U.S. green card lottery, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be a native of a country that is eligible to participate in the lottery.

• You must meet the education/training requirements as defined by the Department of State.

• You must have at least two years of work experience in an occupation that is designated as being in demand in the United States.

• You must not have a criminal record or have been found to be inadmissible to the United States.

5. How many people are selected in the green card lottery each year?


The U.S. Department of State’s Diversity Visa Lottery (also known as the Green Card Lottery) makes 50,000 permanent resident visas available each year.

6. Is there an age requirement to participate in the U.S. green card lottery?


Yes, there is an age requirement for the U.S. green card lottery. You must be between the ages of 18 and 50 to be eligible to participate.

7. How long does it take to receive a green card after winning the lottery?


Once you win the lottery, it usually takes about 8 to 12 months to receive your green card.

8. What happens if I am not selected in the green card lottery?


If you are not selected in the green card lottery, you will not be able to obtain a green card through this particular program. You may, however, be eligible for other ways to get a green card. You can explore other options and consult with an immigration attorney to determine if you are eligible for any other way to get a green card.

9. What are the chances of winning the green card lottery?


The chances of winning the green card lottery, officially known as the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program (DV), are extremely low. Every year, only about 50,000 Diversity Visas are available, and the odds of winning the lottery are estimated to be about 1 in 1,000.

10. What is the process for becoming a U.S. citizen after winning the green card lottery?


The process for becoming a U.S. citizen after winning the green card lottery is as follows:

1. Submit the necessary documentation to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to obtain your green card.

2. Maintain continuous residence in the United States for at least five years, while being physically present in the country for half that time.

3. File an application for naturalization with USCIS, providing evidence that you have maintained good moral character during the five years of residence.

4. Attend a naturalization interview with USCIS and pass a civics and English language test.

5. Take an oath of allegiance to the US, and receive your naturalization certificate approving your US citizenship.

11. Are there any fees associated with applying for a green card through the lottery?


Yes, there are fees associated with applying for a green card through the lottery. The fee is $330 and must be paid before the application is submitted.

12. Is there an education or work experience requirement to win the green card lottery?


No, there is no education or work experience requirement to win the green card lottery. However, you must meet certain basic eligibility requirements, such as being a native of an eligible country and having a high school diploma or its equivalent.

13. Can I bring my family members with me if I win the green card lottery?


Yes, you can bring your family members with you if you win the green card lottery. Your family members can include your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21.

14. Can I bring my dependents with me if I win the green card lottery?


Yes, if you win the green card lottery you can bring your spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21.

15. How will I know if I won the green card lottery?


If you have won the green card lottery, you will receive an invitation to apply for a green card from the U.S. Department of State (DOS). DOS will send you a Notification of Selection by mail to the address you provided on your entry form. The invitation will include instructions on how to complete the application process.

16. What documents do I need to submit to apply for a green card after winning in the lottery?


In order to apply for a green card after winning the lottery, you will need to provide documents that prove your eligibility for the lottery, such as your passport, proof of identity (such as a driver’s license or birth certificate), and proof of your relationship to any family members you wish to sponsor. You may also need to provide additional documents such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and evidence of financial support.

17. How long does it take to become a U.S. citizen after winning the green card lottery?


The time it takes to become a U.S. citizen after winning the green card lottery depends on many factors, such as whether you are already in the U.S. or in your home country, the time it takes to process your application, and other eligibility requirements that must be met. Generally, it can take anywhere from 6 months to 5 years to become a U.S. citizen after winning the green card lottery.

18. What is the process for getting a green card if I am not selected in the lottery?


If you are not selected in the green card lottery, you can still apply for a U.S. green card through other avenues. These include family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, refugee or asylee status, or humanitarian programs. Depending on your situation, you would need to submit the appropriate forms and/or evidence to USCIS. You may also need to attend an in-person interview.

19. Are there any risks associated with applying for the green card lottery?


Yes, there are risks associated with applying for the green card lottery. Fraudulent organizations may send emails or other solicitations claiming to be associated with the green card lottery program in order to steal personal information or money. Therefore, it is important to be aware of these scams and only use the official U.S. government website to apply for the lottery. Additionally, due to the popularity of the lottery, it is important for applicants to understand that the odds of actually winning are extremely low.

20. How can I prepare myself for becoming a U.S. citizen after receiving a green card through the lottery?


To become a U.S. citizen, you must first become a lawful permanent resident (LPR) by obtaining a green card through the lottery. Once you have your green card, you will need to meet certain residency and eligibility requirements to be eligible to apply for naturalization, the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.

You will need to be at least 18 years of age, be able to speak, read, and write basic English and have a basic understanding of the U.S. government and history. You will need to demonstrate “good moral character” in order to be eligible for naturalization. Additionally, you will need to have maintained physical presence in the United States for at least 30 months out of the 5 years prior to filing your application and must have been a resident of the same state or USCIS district for at least 3 months prior to filing your application.

It is important to be familiar with the naturalization process and all required documents before you apply. You will also need to pass a citizenship test, which covers both history and English language proficiency. You may want to take classes or practice on your own with study materials that cover both topics in preparation for your interview and test.