The US department of state has opened the Diversity Lottery Program https://dvprogram.state.gov/ for applicants seeking to live and work in the US. Here is an overview of the key information related to the DV Program 2025:
- Registration Period: The registration period for the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery for fiscal year 2025 will open on October 4, 2023, and will continue to accept registrations until November 7, 2023. This period typically lasts for one month each year.
- Free Registration: The online registration for the DV lottery program is free, and interested individuals can submit their applications online during the specified registration window.
- Green Card Availability: For fiscal year 2025, the U.S. Department of State will make 55,000 green cards available to foreign citizens through the DV program.
- Eligibility: The DV program is designed to provide an opportunity for immigrants from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Eligibility is determined based on the applicant’s country of birth.
- Eligible Countries: Countries that are eligible for the DV lottery include, but may not be limited to, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China (including mainland and Hong Kong born), Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Venezuela, Vietnam, Macau SAR, and Taiwan.
- Application Process: All DV lottery registrations must be completed online and include a digital photograph. Applicants are allowed to include their spouses and children when entering the lottery. Only one entry per person is permitted, and multiple registrations from the same person will result in disqualification.
- Confirmation Numbers: Registrants should print and save their unique confirmation numbers for future reference. The State Department will not email or directly notify DV lottery selections, and applicants must check their status using their confirmation numbers.
- Educational or Work Requirements: Entrants must have either at least a high school education or two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.
- Checking Lottery Status: Starting on May 4, 2024, registrants can check their lottery status using their unique confirmation numbers on the State Department’s DV lottery entrant status page.
Step by step process on How to apply for DV Lottery
Follow the below steps: https://bit.ly/45ekt8R
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Determine Eligibility: Check if you meet the eligibility criteria for a Green Card, which may include family sponsorship, employment-based, refugee/asylee status, diversity visa (DV) lottery, or other special programs. |
| 2 | Choose the Appropriate Category: Select the specific category that applies to your situation (e.g., family-sponsored, employment-based, DV lottery, etc.). |
| 3 | File Immigrant Petition: If required, have a qualifying family member or employer file an immigrant petition on your behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). |
| 4 | Wait for USCIS Approval: Wait for USCIS to process the immigrant petition. This may involve a waiting period depending on the category. |
| 5 | Check Visa Bulletin: Monitor the Visa Bulletin published by the U.S. Department of State to track when a visa number becomes available for your category and country of chargeability. |
| 6 | File Form DS-260: Complete and submit Form DS-260 (Online Immigrant Visa Application) through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) if you are applying for an immigrant visa abroad. |
| 7 | Pay Fees: Pay the appropriate fees, including visa fees and any other required fees, as indicated by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will have your interview. |
| 8 | Attend Medical Examination: Schedule and undergo a medical examination with an approved panel physician. |
| 9 | Attend Visa Interview: Attend an in-person visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Bring all required documents and forms, including the DS-260 confirmation page, passport, and supporting documents. |
| 10 | Wait for Visa Approval: After a successful interview, wait for the consular officer to approve your immigrant visa application. |
| 11 | Pay USCIS Immigrant Fee: Pay the USCIS Immigrant Fee online before traveling to the United States. |
| 12 | Receive Visa Packet: Upon visa approval, you will receive a sealed immigrant visa packet from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Do not open this packet. |
| 13 | Travel to the United States: Arrive in the United States before the expiration date on your visa, where you will be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry. |
| 14 | Receive Your Green Card: After arrival, USCIS will mail your physical Green Card to your U.S. address. This serves as your proof of lawful permanent residency. |
| 15 | Attend USCIS Biometrics Appointment: If requested, attend a biometrics appointment at a USCIS Application Support Center (ASC). |
| 16 | Attend USCIS Interview (if required): If you are asked to attend an interview with USCIS, do so as scheduled. |
| 17 | Fulfill Residency Requirements: Maintain compliance with U.S. residency requirements for lawful permanent residents. |
Requirements for DV Lottery application
When applying for the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, you will need several essential items and information to complete your application accurately.
1. A Valid Passport:
You will need a valid passport with a minimum of six months of validity beyond the intended travel date. Additionally, you will need to provide a scanned copy of your passport as part of the application.
2. A Valid Email Address:
You should have a valid email address that you regularly check. This email address will be used to receive your confirmation number and important updates regarding your application.
3. Digital Photograph:
A digital photograph that meets the U.S. Department of State’s specifications is required. Typically, this should be a recent passport-sized photo with a plain background, adhering to specific size and quality requirements. Some third-party services may offer assistance in taking or processing this photo.
4. Payment Method:
You will need a means of payment to cover the processing fee for the application. This can typically be done through a PayPal account or a credit/debit card.
5. Work Experience:
In an occupation that according to the U.S. Department of Labor definitions, requires at least two years of training or experience is designated as Job Zone 4 or 5, classified in a Specific Vocational Preparation (SVP) rating of 7.0 or higher.
6. Education:
All applicants need to have completed a formal course of elementary and secondary school education comparable to a 12-year course in the United States. Also, only formal courses of study meet this requirement, and equivalency certificates such as the General Educational Development (G.E.D) are not acceptable. Although there is no age limit, you need to be above 16 years to be eligible to satisfy that you have completed at least 12 years of both formal primary and secondary schooling
What next after Green card lottery application
After you submit your Diversity Visa Lottery Application, the next steps typically include the following:
1. Confirmation Number:
Once your application is successfully submitted, you will receive a confirmation number. This number is essential for checking the status of your application and for further communication with the U.S. Department of State.
2. Preparation Guide:
You will also receive a preparation guide via email. This guide will provide you with detailed instructions on the steps you need to follow next in the application process. It is crucial to read and follow these instructions carefully.
3. Application Status Check:
Starting in May of the following year (e.g., May 2024 for applications submitted in 2023), you can check the status of your Diversity Visa Lottery Application. You will need to use your confirmation number to access this information. The U.S. Department of State typically provides an online portal for checking your application status.
4. Selection Notification:
If you are selected in the Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery, you will receive a notification indicating that you have been chosen. This is a significant milestone in the process.
5. Visa Interview:
After being selected, you will need to schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. During this interview, a consular officer will review your application and supporting documents to determine your eligibility for a diversity visa. Be prepared to provide documentation proving your qualifications and eligibility.
6. Application Approval:
If you meet all the requirements and are approved during the visa interview, you will be issued a diversity visa. This visa allows you to enter the United States and apply for lawful permanent residency (a green card) upon arrival.
It’s essential to follow all instructions provided by the U.S. Department of State throughout the application process and to be diligent in checking your application status and any notifications. Keep all required documents and information readily available for your visa interview.
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