The Diversity Immigrant Visa Lottery, also known as the green card lottery, is an annual event where 50,000 applicants are selected at random to be given the right to work and reside in the United States of America.
Sponsored by the US government, this card gives the rights of residency to the winners and their dependents. This program is not open to residents of all countries, however. Even though the program is meant to do its best to help people, there are a few strict requirements for entry into the lottery. To see if you are eligible, check off these criteria.
Are you from one of the eligible areas?
Although the USA grants eligibility to 6 different geographical areas of the world, you are not allowed to enter into the lottery if you are from a nation that has already sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the country within the last 5 years. This is to ensure that the visas are spread equally and fairly amongst all areas.
Are you from an ineligible country?
Some of the ineligible nations due to the 50,000 immigrant policy include the UK, Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, and China. The rest of the nations can be found here.
Do you have a high school education?
Persons wishing to enter into the lottery must have at least the equivalent of high school education so that they can support themselves upon arrival in the country – either that or you must have at least two years of experience or training in a particular skill. A G.E.D is not accepted. For a comprehensive list of jobs that qualify, please see here.
Do you have a criminal record?
Safe to say that it would be against US national interests to allow those with criminal backgrounds into the nation. If you have a history of prior convictions, then you will not be allowed to enter into the visa lottery.
Can you pass a medical exam?
If you win the lottery, it doesn’t stop there. You must then pass medical examinations to ensure that you are healthy enough to live a productive life in the USA, and not drain the system. Make sure that you have good health before getting your hopes up.
Winning the Visa lottery is a dream come true for many people looking to start a better life in the United States of America, and the US government wants to do all it can to help. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t some strict requirements though. Aside from these, there is nothing else you need to be. If you are eligible, then feel free to apply. And best of luck to you, and your family. Should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at Mirian Law.