The US Department of State annually offers a Diversity Visa Program allowing more than 50,000 foreign nationals to obtain a green card to live in the United States legally.
Each year, the Green Card Lottery allows randomly selected people to obtain their permanent residency (as long as they’re from valid countries for the program). While the application process is easier than other visas, it still has some nuances to navigate
Who can apply for a Diversity Visa?
A lottery applicant must possess a valid and unexpired passport and either a high school diploma or two years of qualifying work experience within the past five years.
Please note that spouses can each file a lottery application independently if they meet the eligibility requirements. If one spouse is selected, both will be eligible for green cards, as will all their minor children.
A “winner” can save his/her employer significant time, money, and aggravation by avoiding the normal green card process. Applicants possessing H or L visas need not worry about concurrently stating immigrant and nonimmigrant intent. Applicants currently possessing other types of visas should review this issue carefully before applying for the lottery.
What are the requirements to start the Green Card Lottery application
For eligible applicants, you will need to prepare below documents and requirements:
- Personal information, including your full name (exactly as it appears on your passport), gender, birth date, the city where you were born, and the country where you were born.
- A valid photograph. It must meet the same standards as U.S. Visa photos.
- Your mailing address (Physical mailing address).
- Valid email address. This is important to receive follow-up email communication from the Department of State
- Information about the highest level of education you have achieved (as of today).
- Information about your marital status and personal information of your spouse (depending on your marital status and if you’re applying with your spouse).
- The US Government may also require you to show proof of police clearance, birth certificates, financial support, education and work verification, and medical examination results.
This is what you need only for the application.
Foreign nationals eligible and interested in applying can find additional information on the State Department’s Diversity Visa Lottery website, including the Lottery Entry Form that must be completed online. There is no cost for foreign nationals to register for the Diversity Visa Lottery.