How many visas are distributed to each country?
What is the Green-Card-Lottery
program?
Each year, the U.S. Diversity Visa program makes permanent residence visas
available to persons meeting the eligibility requirements. Applicants for
Diversity Visas are initially chosen through a random computer-generated
lottery drawing.
top
Can I check if I am eligible
to participate before I submit the form?
Yes of course. Click here
to test whether you are eligible before you submit your participation request.
The service is free of charge and will ensure that your request will not
be disqualified.
top
How much time should it takes
to complete the process?
Altogether it shouldn't take longer than 5-10 minutes.
top
Are there any minimum requirements
to participate?
Yes. Applicant must be a native of a qualifying country and must meet either
the education or training requirement of the program. Click
here to test whether you are eligible before you submit your participation
request.
top
If I don't meet the minimum requirements,
should I submit the form anyway?
No. If you do not meet these requirements, you should NOT submit an entry
to the program.
top
How many entries (forms) can
I submit?
Only ONE entry form may be submitted by or for each applicant.
top
What if I live in a different
country than where I was born?
This is OK. The automated process application will guarantee that
all such cases will be handled in a way that will protect your entry from
being disqualified.
top
What can I do if I was born in
a country that is not qualified?
You can claim nativity through spouse or parent (provided they were born
in a qualified country). Click
here to test whether you are eligible before you submit your participation
request.
top
Can I pay more and increase my
chances to win?
No, All applicants receivet the same chance. They are selected at random
by computer from among all qualified entries.
top
How do I know if I win?
Those winners will be notified by regular mail sent to the mailing address
they provided during registration. Persons not selected will NOT
be notified. U.S. embassies and consulates will not be able to provide a
list of successful applicants.
top
Are there any additional fees?
There are no additional fees except for the use of the automated USGCLVA
process.
top
Why do certain countries not
qualify for the green card lottery?
Diversity visas are intended to provide an immigration opportunity for persons
from countries other than the countries which send large numbers of immigrants
to the U.S. The law states that no diversity visas shall be provided for
"high admission" countries. These countries are those from which a total
of 50,000 persons in the Family-Sponsored and Employment-Based visa categories
immigrated to the United States during the previous five years.
top
What information should I provide
in order to participate?
You should provide name, date and place of birth of yourself, your spouse
(wife or husband) and your children (unmarried under 21 years of age); full
mailing address; recent photograph (of yourself, spouse and children) and
signature (of yourself only). Failure to provide all of this information
will disqualify your applicantion.
top
Is the signature required for
each family member?
No. Only the principal applicant must sign the application.
top
Is a photograph required for
each family member?
Yes. You have to include a photograph of yourself, your spouse (wife or
husband) and children (unmarried under 21 years of age).
top
How do I send you the Application,
photograph and signature?
Once you have completed the process you receive a designated mailing address
and clear instructions as to where to send the application.
top
How can I be sure that my entry
has all the information required?
The automated process will not submit your request and will not charge the
participation fee unless all information is available.
top
Are there any specific formats
for the form, envelop, photos etc?
Yes there are, but you don't have to worry about that provided you are using
the automated process. All preparations are done by USGCLVA (provided
the participation fee has been paid) and all you should do is follow very
simple instructions.
top
What family members must I be
sure to include in my entry?
You must list your spouse, that is husband or wife, and all children who
are unmarried and under age 21. You must list your spouse even if you are
currently separated from him/her. However, if you are formally divorced,
you do not need to list your former spouse. For customary marriages, the
important date is the date of the original marriage ceremony, not the date
on which the marriage is registered. You must list ALL your unmarried children
under age 21, whether they are your natural children, your spouse's children
by a previous marriage, or children you have formally adopted in accordance
with the laws of your country. Even children in the above categories not
currently living with you must be listed on the entry, And even if both
the spouse and children do not plan to immigrate with you to the united
states, they still need to be added to the form.
top
What happened if I complete
the process after the submitting period is over?
In such cases USGCLVA will hold your form until the following DV Date. You
will not be charged twice and are protected against price changes.
top
I live in the U.S. - Can I participate?
Yes, an applicant may be in the U.S. or in another country, and the entry
may be mailed from the U.S. or from abroad.
top
May a husband and a wife each
submit separate form?
Yes, if both qualify, a husband and a wife may each submit one entry. If
either one is selected, the other would be entitled to derivative status.
Note: Husbands and wives may not sign for each other. Each one must sign
his or her own entry application.
top
If I win, do I have to travel
with my family?
No. The fact that you have listed family members on your entry does not
mean that they later must travel with you. They may choose to remain behind;
however, if you include an eligible dependent on your visa application forms
whom you failed to include on your original entry, your case will be disqualified.
(This only applies to persons who were dependents at the time the original
application was submitted, not those acquired at a later date.) Listing
ineligible persons (a brother or sister, a child over 21, a child living
with you but not formally adopted, etc.) on your entry will not disqualify
the entry, but it will not make such persons eligible for a visa. Your spouse
may still submit a separate entry, even though he or she is listed on your
entry, as long as both entries include details on all dependents in your
family. When applying via the USGCLVA application you are given the option
to submit a double application (for both yourself and your spouse) where
the information needs to be entered by yourself only once.
top
Must I submit my own entry,
or may someone act on my behalf?
Applicants may prepare and submit their own entries, or have someone submit
the entry for them. Regardless of whether an entry is submitted by the applicant
directly, or assistance is provided by an attorney, friend, relative, etc.,
only one entry may be submitted in the name of each person. The applicant's
original signature is required on the entry, regardless whether it is prepared
and submitted by the applicant or by someone else. If the applicant does
not personally sign the entry with his or her usual and customary signature,
the entry will be disqualified. If the entry is selected, only one notification
letter will be sent, to the address provided on the entry.
top
What are the requirements for
the education or work experience?
The law and regulations require that every applicant 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 requiring at least two
years training or experience. A "high school education or equivalent" is
defined as successful completion of a twelve-year course of elementary and
secondary education in the United States or successful completion in another
country of a formal course of elementary and secondary education comparable
to a high school education in the United States. Determination of qualifying
work experience shall be based upon the most recent edition of the Dictionary
of Occupational Titles published by the Employment and Training Administration
of the United States Department of Labor. Documentary proof of education
or work experience is not needed with the lottery entry, but must be presented
to the consular officer at the time of immigrant visa interview.
top
Is there a minimum of age to
apply?
There is no minimum age to apply for the program, but the requirement of
a high school education or work experience for each principal applicant
at the time of application will effectively disqualify most persons who
are under 18 years old.
top
Is it important when I send
my form?
Yes. Entries received before or after the receiving period will be disqualified
regardless of when they are postmarked. Also, entries mailed to any address
other than the official Consular Center address will be disqualified. When
submitting via the usafis automated process the organization makes sure
that your application reaches the correct Consular Center on time.
top
What about my spouse and children?
If you won, your spouses and unmarried children under age 21 may also apply
for visas to accompany or follow to join you.
top
Does using the USGCLVA submission
process guarantee my winning or increase my chances?
No. The USGCLVA service is provided to ensure the minimum requirements are
meet, to format the form, envelop and delivery method as required and to
meet the mailing period. The merely existence of the service is to minimize
the number of disqualified entries.
top
What does Native of a Qualifying
Country means?
In most cases this means the country in which the applicant was born. However,
if a person was born in an ineligible country but his/her spouse was born
in an eligible country, such person can claim the spouse's country of birth
providing both the applicant and spouse are issued visas and enter the U.S.
simultaneously. Also, if a person was born in an ineligible country, but
neither of his/her parents was born there or resided there at the time of
the birth, such person may be able to claim nativity in one of the parents'
country of birth. Click here
to test whether you are eligible before you submit your participation request.
top
What are the Education or Training
requirements?
An applicant must have EITHER a high school education or its equivalent,
defined in the U.S. as successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary
and secondary education; OR two years of work experience within the past
five years in an occupation requiring at least two years of training or
experience to perform. U.S. Department of Labor definitions will apply.
Click here to test whether
you are eligible before you submit your participation request.
top
Why do certain countries not
qualify for the program?
Diversity visas are intended to provide an immigration opportunity for persons
from countries other than the countries which send large numbers of immigrants
to the U.S. The law states that no diversity visas shall be provided for
"high admission" countries. Those are countries from which during the previous
five years there were more than 50,000 immigrants in the Family-Sponsored
and Employment-Based visa categories. Each year, the Immigration and Naturalization
Service adds the family and employment immigrant admission figures for the
previous five years, to identify the countries that must be excluded from
the annual diversity lottery. Because there is a separate determination
made before each lottery application period, the list of countries that
do not qualify may change from one year to the next.
top
When are entries for the program
accepted?
The month-long application period will be held each fall beginning at noon
on the first Monday in October. Each year millions of applicants apply for
the program during the mail-in registration period. The massive volume of
entries creates an enormous amount of work in selecting and processing successful
applicants. Holding the application period in the fall will ensure successful
applicants are notified in a more timely manner, and give both them and
our embassies and consulates overseas more time to prepare and complete
the entries for visa issuance.
top
How will winners be selected?
At the Kentucky Consular Center all mail received will be separated into
one of six geographic regions and individually numbered. After the end of
the application period, a computer will randomly select entries from among
all the mail received for each geographic region. Within each region, the
first letter randomly selected will be the first case registered, the second
letter selected the second registration, etc. It makes no difference whether
an entry is received early or late in the application period; all entries
received during the mail-in period will have an equal chance of being selected
within each region. When an entry has been selected, the applicant will
be sent a notification letter by the Kentucky Consular Center, which will
provide visa application instructions. The Kentucky Consular Center will
continue to process the case until those who are selected are instructed
to appear for their visa interviews at a U.S. consular office or until those
able to do so apply at an INS office in the United States for change of
status.
top
May winners adjust their status
with the Immigration and Naturalization Service?
Yes, provided they are otherwise eligible to adjust status under the terms
of Section 245 of the INA, selected applicants who are physically present
in the United States may apply to the Immigration and Naturalization Service
for adjustment of status to permanent resident.
top
How many applicants will be
selected?
There are 50,000 visas available but more than that number of individuals
will be selected. Because it is likely that some of the first 50,000 persons
who are selected will not pursue their cases to visa issuance, selecting
a larger number of entries should ensure use of all numbers, but it also
risks some selected persons being left out.
top
Are applicants specially entitled
to apply for a waiver of any of the grounds of the visa ineligibility?
No. Applicants are subject to all grounds of ineligibility for immigrant
visas specified in the Immigration and Nationality Act. There are no special
provisions for the waiver of any ground of visa ineligibility other than
those ordinarily provided in the Act.
top
May persons who are already
registered form an immigrant visa in another category apply for this program?
Yes, such persons may apply for the program through this registration as
well.
top
How many visas are distributed
to each country?
Visas are distributed among six geographic regions with a greater number
of visas going to regions with lower rates of immigration, and no visas
going to countries sending more than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the
past five years. No one country can receive more than seven percent of the
available Diversity Visas in any one year.
top
What is a Green Card?
A Green Card is an Immigrant Visa which legally entitles the holder to work
and live permanently in the United States of America. There is NO time restriction
as long as the holder is a permanent resident in the USA. The holder has
the same rights and benefits as a US Citizen except the holder cannot vote
or run for President. This is why a US Green Card is the most sought after
document in the world! A new Green Card could literally change a holder's
life significantly for the better. It is issued in a similar form/size to
a credit card.
top
What is the Green Card Lottery?
The Green Card Lottery, officially called Diversity Visa Lottery Program
is a lottery to people who come from countries with low rates of immigration
to the United States. Each year 50,000 immigrant visas are made available
through this program. None of these visas are available for people who come
from countries that have sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the United
States in the past five years. The State Department's National Visa Center
holds the lottery every year and chooses winners randomly from all qualified
entries. Anyone who is selected under this lottery will be given the opportunity
to apply for permanent residence. If permanent residence is granted, then
the individual will be authorized to live and work permanently in the United
States. You will also be allowed to bring your spouse and any unmarried
children under the age of 21 to the United States.
top
How do I participate in the Green Card Lottery?
You must meet the requirements,
fill out an online form, and mail (by regular mail) the entry form and a
photograph to USGCLVA, which will then submit your application to the U.S.
Government. Click here to apply.
top
What is the processing fee and how can I pay
it?
The US Government does not charge an application fee. To guarantee that
your Green Card Lottery application is prepared correctly and submitted
on time, USGCLVA charges a nominal fee to cover administrative and
processing expenses incurred in conjunction with the careful preparation
and submission of every lottery application. The fee is $50 per single application
(unmarried person WITHOUT children), or $70 per family (legally married
couple with or with children, AND single parents). We also offer you the
option of having your application sent automatically to the immigration
for 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 consecutive years. Click
here to find out more about our fees and payment options.
top
If I am not successful this year can I also
apply for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program again in the future?
YES, your application will just be for this year's Diversity Visa Program
(unless you apply for more than one year - read next question). You may
apply again the next year's Diversity Visa Program without any penalty or
restrictions.
top
How many applications can I submit and what's
the difference between a 1 year application and a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 year
applications?
By law, you are allowed to submit only ONE application per year. However,
USGCLVA offers you the option of having your application automatically
submitted to the US government EVERY YEAR for up to 7 years. This way you
guarantee that your application will be submitted every year. If you are
selected on the lottery, and obtain a Green Card, your Green Card will give
you the right to live in the United State permanently, regardless of the
type of application you select. For example, if you choose to apply for
1 year, that means that USGCLVA will submit your application to
the Green Card Lottery only once, only for this year's Green Card Lottery.
It does NOT mean that if you are selected, your Green Card will be valid
for only one year.
top
How can a married couple increase their chances
of being selected?
If you are married, you must submit a "family application". To increase
your chances, you and your spouse can each file separate applications. On
one application, the husband is the primary applicant, and on the other
application the wife is the primary applicant. Submitting separate applications
doubles your chance of winning the lottery. To file a dual application,
both you and your spouse should meet the lottery requirements. You must
then file separate application and pay the processing fee individually.
top
What does the law say?
The legal foundation for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program comes from the
Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Please see
The Law for more information.
top
By applying for the Diversity Visa Lottery Program,
will this affect any other visa applications?
Normally not, this is a separate application process, although if you are
applying for a another type of visa at the American embassy/consulate in
your country you might be asked if you have also applied for the Green Card
Lottery.
top
Do you need my supporting documents with my Application?
No, supporting documents (i.e. birth, marriage, education certificates,
etc.) only need to be produced if you are selected in the Green Card Lottery.
You will receive further instructions at that time.
top
If I am selected in the Green Card Lottery, how
long will it take before I can emigrate to the USA?
On average the process takes about 6-12 months.
top
I'm eligible to apply but I'm currently living in
an ineligible country - can I still apply?
Yes, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements (country of birth
and education), then you may apply from anywhere in the world.
top
For how long is a US Green Card valid?
It is valid indefinitely as long as you maintain your US residence. In other
words there is no time restriction on how long you may stay in the USA.
top
If I get my US Green Card, may I also get US
Citizenship?
You may apply for US Citizenship after 5 years of continuous residence in
the USA. Application for citizenship is optional.
top
Who is eligible to enter the Diversity Visa Lottery?
You or your spouse must be a native of a country that is eligible [
list of eligible countries ] to participate in the Diversity Visa Lottery.
You are also be eligible to apply if one of your parents was born in a country
that is eligible to participate. The State Department publishes the names
of countries that are eligible to participate before each year's lottery.
You must have a high school diploma or the equivalent, defined in the United
States as successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary
education OR you must have two years of work experience within the last
five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training
or experience to perform. See the State Department information on the Green
Card Lottery program. Click here
for more details.
top
Which countries cannot participate in the upcoming
Green Card Lottery?
Almost every country in the world is in the Green Card Lottery. The following
countries are excluded from participating
in this year's Green Card Lottery:
| - Canada |
- Jamaica |
| - China (mainland-born) * |
- Mexico |
| - Colombia |
- Pakistan |
| - Dominican Republic |
- Philippines |
| - El Salvador |
- South Korea |
| - Haiti |
- United Kingdom and its dependent territories ** |
| - India |
- Vietnam |
* Persons born in Hong Kong SAR, Macao SAR and
Taiwan are eligible.
** Northern Ireland is eligible.
top
How Can I Find Out If I Won?
Only the winners will be notified by mail at the addresses listed on their
applications. Winners will be sent instructions and information on fees.
Being selected as a winner in the diversity visa lottery does not automatically
guarantee that you will be issued a visa, even if you are qualified. The
number of entries selected is greater than the number of immigrant visas
available because not everyone selected will be qualified for the visa
or will choose to complete the processing. Once all 50,000 visas have
been issued, the diversity visa program for the year will end.
top
Do I qualify to enter the Green Card Lottery?
An applicant must be able to:
I) claim nativity in an eligible country,
AND
II) must meet either the education or training
requirement
Click here for more details.
top
Is there a minimum age to apply?
There is no minimum age. However, the education or work experience requirement
for the principal applicant will probably exclude most people under 18
from applying.
top
What is the correct photo size and specifications?
The photo must be between 1 ˝ by 1 ˝ and 2 by 2 inches (37-50 mm) square,
with the applicant’s, spouse's, or child's name and date of birth printed
on the back. Applicant, spouse, or child must be directly facing the camera;
the head of the person being photographed should not be tilted up, down
or to the side, and should cover about 50% of the area of the photo. The
photo should be taken with the person being photographed in front of a
neutral, light-colored background. Photos taken with very dark or patterned,
busy backgrounds will not be accepted. Photos in which the face of the
person being photographed is not in focus will not be accepted. Photos
in which the person being photographed is wearing sunglasses or other
paraphernalia which detracts from the face will not be accepted. Photos
of applicants wearing head coverings or hats are only acceptable due to
religious beliefs, and even then, may not obscure any portion of the face
of the applicant. Photos of applicants with tribal or other headgear not
specifically religious in nature is not acceptable. Photos of military,
airline or other personnel wearing hats will not be accepted. Photos may
be either color or black and white.
top
May persons who are in the United States apply?
Yes, an applicant may be in the United States or in another country.
top
