Green Card Lottery (Diversity Immigrant Visa Program)
What is the Green Card Lottery
The Green Card Lottery is designed to diversify the immigrant population in the United States by selecting applicants from countries with low numbers of immigrants in the previous five years. The program aims to bring in people from diverse backgrounds and contribute to the multicultural fabric of the U.S.Each year, the program issues up to 55,000 Diversity Visas (DVs) through a lottery system.
Benefits of the Green Card Lottery
The Green Card Lottery offers numerous benefits, including:
- Permanent Residency: Allows individuals to live and work permanently in the U.S.
- Path to Citizenship: Green Card holders can apply for U.S. citizenship after five years.
- Family Benefits: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can also obtain Green Cards as dependents.
- Employment Flexibility: Freedom to change employers after obtaining the Green Card.
Eligibility Criteria of the Green Card Lottery
To be eligible for the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, applicants must meet two main requirements:
- Country of Origin: Applicants must be natives of countries that have sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years. The list of eligible countries is updated annually by the U.S. Department of State.
- Education/Work Experience: Applicants must have either:
- A high school education or its equivalent, which means the successful completion of a 12-year course of elementary and secondary education.
- Two years of work experience within the past five years in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience to perform.
Validity Period
The Green Card is typically issued as a permanent resident card, the card itself is valid for 10 years from the date of issuance.
What We Do
- Eligibility Assessment: We provide an initial consultation to assess your eligibility for the Diversity Visa Lottery and determine your chances of success.
- Application Preparation: We assist with completing and submitting the online entry form, ensuring accuracy and compliance with program requirements.
- Document Compilation: We help gather and organize supporting documentation, such as proof of identity and education/work experience records, to accompany your application.
- Interview Preparation: If selected as a Diversity Visa Lottery winner, we provide guidance and support to prepare for the visa interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy.
- Follow-Up and Communication: We stay in regular communication with you throughout the lottery process, providing updates and guidance as needed until your visa is approved.
The Green Card Lottery is a unique opportunity for individuals from underrepresented countries to achieve their dream of living and working in the United States.
Why Choose Us
- Expert Guidance: Our knowledgeable attorneys will walk you through the entire process, answering any questions you may have along the way.
- Tailored Support: We take the time to understand your specific circumstances and provide solutions that fit your needs.
- Peace of Mind: With our support, you can feel confident that your application is in good hands.
Ready to try your luck in the lottery of a lifetime? Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced immigration attorneys.
Application Process
The application process for the Green Card Lottery involves several steps:
Step 1 | Submit an Entry
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Step 2 | Selection
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Step 3 | Submit a Visa Application
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Step 4 | Interview
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What qualifies as specialized knowledge for the L-1B visa?
Specialized knowledge is knowledge that is unique or advanced and not readily available in the U.S. labor market. It may be related to the company’s products, services, research, equipment, techniques, management, or other interests. It is knowledge that is essential to the company’s operations and not easily transferable to another individual.
- Can I work while waiting for my F2A Green Card?
Generally, F2A visa holders do not receive automatic work authorization. However, you may be eligible to apply for a work permit (Form I-765) based on your pending adjustment of status application.
- Can I travel outside the U.S. while my F2A Green Card application is pending?
Yes, but if you leave the U.S. while your adjustment of status application is pending, you may abandon your application unless you have obtained advance parole (Form I-131) before leaving.
- Will my F2A Green Card have any conditions attached to it?
No, F2A Green Cards are not subject to conditional permanent residence. However, if you obtained your green card through marriage to an LPR, you may be subject to conditional permanent residence if you were married for less than two years at the time of approval.
- What is a priority date, and how does it affect my F2A Green Card application?
The priority date is the date USCIS receives the Form I-130 petition filed by your LPR family member. It establishes your place in the queue for an immigrant visa (green card). The availability of visas is determined by the Visa Bulletin published monthly by the Department of State.
