Decoding The Diversity Visa: The US Green Card Lottery System Explained (2024)

The Green Card Lottery system, officially known as the Diversity Visa/Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, is the gateway for other nationalities to migrate and obtain permanent residency in the United States. Every year, up to 55,000 immigrant visas are made available through a random selection process.

The Diversity Visa is a tough nut to crack, with its reputation for rejecting viable candidates due to the system’s random selection. If you have been planning to move to the US or are actively participating in the Green Card Lottery system, this guide will help you learn all about the crucial steps involved in applying for a US Diversity visa.

What is the Diversity Visa? Decoding the US Green Card Lottery System

The Diversity Visa Program, also known as the Green Card Lottery, is a lottery system created by the US government to award Permanent Resident Cards (Green Cards) to immigrants. The programme aims to diversify the US population by granting visas to individuals from countries with historically low immigration rates. Applicants are chosen randomly to sit for the Green Card process.

Established by the Immigration Act of 1990, the Diversity Visa program began operation in the fiscal year 1995. It’s important to note that registering for the Green Card Lottery is free. Application visa fees for the Green Card are only required if you’re selected through the random computerised drawing.

How to enter the Green Card Lottery System?

Diversity Visa eligibility and timeline: Who can participate and when?

Applicants must meet specific eligibility requirements to participate in theGreen Card Lottery system.

Basic eligibility:

• Be a citizen of a country with a low immigration rate.
• High school graduate/its equivalent/two years of work experience.

However, some eligibility criteria change annually, like the list of eligible and ineligible countries.

For Diversity Visa Program 2025, the nationals from the following countries are not eligible, as more than 50,000 natives of these countries have immigrated to the US in the past five years: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, South Korea,the Philippines, Hong Kong, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Canada, Nigeria and Venezuela.

Entry submission:

• Submission of entries was open from October 4, 2023, to November 7, 2023.
• Only one entry is permitted per person.

Date of lottery result:

Applicants can check lottery results under “Entrant Status Check” on the official website starting May 4, 2024. The US government does not send an email to share the result.

Information required for the Diversity Visa Program (Green Card Lottery System)

• Full name as mentioned on the passport.
• Gender
• Birth date
• The birth city and country must be the same as one of the countries of eligibility for the year.
• Latest photograph
• Mailing address
• The current country where the applicant resides.
• Email address
• Proof of education
• Marital status

US’ Permanent Resident Card: What is the Green Card process?

Being chosen in the Green Card Lottery doesn’t guarantee a visa. It only allows you to proceed with the formal application process. A limited number of visas are available each year, but selection within those numbers remains random.

Visa numbers are allocated by category and country. Allocations are revised monthly based on the number of visas issued. Applicants can check availability on the Visa Bulletin.

Selected applicants from across the world

Selected applicants will need to submit a completed DS-260 form online. When a visa number becomes available for your country, you’ll be notified to schedule an interview, complete a medical exam, and gather supporting documents.

After that, you need to attend the interview and bring along the following documents:

• Appointment letter
• DS-260 Confirmation Page
• Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended arrival date in the US
• Two passport photos that meet the required specifications
• Medical exam results
• Original and supporting documents (along with the English translations)
• Visa application fees

Once the visa is issued, it will be valid for six months from the date of issuance. You must enter the US before it expires. While a visa is required for entry, immigration officials at the port of entry have the authority to deny admission.

At the port of entry in the US, present your passport with the issued visas, and sealed immigrant packet (containing documents, USCIS immigrant fee, vaccination records, and X-rays) to the immigration officers. Admitted immigrants are officially considered Lawful Permanent Residents, also known as Green Card holders. The Green Card shall be issued within 90 days of arrival.

Selected applicants already in the US

If you are already residing in the US with a non-immigrant visa and won the Green Card Lottery, the process differs slightly. You will need to file Form I-485, along with the following supporting documents:

• Two passport photos that meet the required specifications
• Copy of birth certificate
• Form I-693, report of medical examination and vaccination record
• Copy of passport page with nonimmigrant visa (if applicable)
• Copy of passport page with admission (entry) or parole stamp (if applicable)
• Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record
• Certified copies of court records (if the individual has been arrested)
• Copy of the principal applicant’s selection letter for the Diversity Visa lottery from DOS
• Copy of the receipt from DOS for the Diversity Visa lottery processing fee
• Form I-601, Application for Waiver of Grounds of Inadmissibility (if applicable)
• Applicable fees

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Scams related to Diversity Visa

• Emails: The US government doesn’t send emails about selection or rejection in the DV program. It is fraudulent if you receive an email saying you were selected or not. However, you may receive reminders to go to the “Entrant Status Check”.
• Avoid visa consultants who falsify information: The entire application process can be completed independently. Avoid visa consultants who promise to boost your chances by falsifying information, as this can lead to your application being disqualified.

(Feature image credit: Artiom Photo/Shutterstock)

Related:Golden Visas: Your Gateway To Residency In These Countries

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

– How does the DV Lottery selection process work?
The DV Lottery selection process works through a randomised computer system, selecting immigrants from countries with low immigration rates to the United States to apply for the Green Card.

– What is the cost of the Diversity Visa?
There is no cost or fee payment involved for entering the Green Card Lottery system.

– What happens if I am selected in the DV lottery?
If you get selected, you can apply for the Green Card.

– How often does the DV lottery take place?
The DV lottery takes place once a year.

– Can an Indian citizen apply for a US Diversity Visa?
For 2025, Indians are not eligible for the US Diversity Visa.

– Am I eligible for the Green Card lottery if I’m married to a US citizen or have another family in the United States?
If you are married to a US citizen or have other family members in the US, you are eligible for the Green Card Lottery. However, you don’t have to choose this option; you can apply for the Green Card through other processes as well.

– How many Diversity Visas will go to each eligible country?
Each eligible country shall receive no more than 7 percent of the Diversity Visas in a year.

– Can I enter the Diversity Visa lottery if I am already in the United States?
Yes, you can enter the Green Card Lottery system from anywhere, even if you are already in the US.

– Can my spouse and I each submit separate entries?
Spouses are supposed to submit applications separately.

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