As an immigrant to the United States, you likely recognize the value that the Diversity Visa (DV) program provides. This program offers opportunities that many may not have access to otherwise. Diversity helps strengthen communities and allows for sharing of new ideas and perspectives.
What Is the Diversity Visa (DV) Program?
The Diversity Visa (DV) program is a congressionally-mandated program that provides up to 50,000 immigrant visas each fiscal year to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States. The visas are distributed among six geographic regions with no single country receiving more than seven percent of the available DV visas in any one year.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following basic requirements:
- Have a high school education or its equivalent.
- Have at least two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience within the past five years.
- Be 18-50 years of age. There are limited exemptions for certain occupations.
- Not be inadmissible to the United States under U.S. immigration law. Ineligible applicants include those with certain criminal records or who pose security risks.
How Does the Program Work?
Each year, millions of people around the world apply for the DV program. Applicants are selected at random if they meet the eligibility criteria. There is no cost to register for the DV program. Selectees pay a $330 diversity visa fee per person for immigrant visa processing.
Applicants can enter the DV program through an electronic registration system that is open for a limited period of time. The U.S. Department of State selects applicants at random and notifies selectees that they may apply for an immigrant visa. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services then determines if selectees are eligible for a visa. If so, selectees undergo required medical examinations and interviews before being issued an immigrant visa.
Top 5 Benefits of the Diversity Visa Program
The DV program provides opportunities for individuals from underrepresented countries to immigrate to the U.S. legally. It brings greater diversity to the U.S. population and exposes Americans to new cultures. It also gives hope and an opportunity for a better life to many people around the world. Overall, the DV program reflects the goodwill of the U.S. and its humanitarian spirit.
1. Increased Cultural Diversity
The Diversity Visa (DV) program brings increased cultural diversity to the U.S. by allowing entry to individuals from countries with historically low rates of immigration to the United States. Winners of the DV lottery add to the rich cultural diversity of American society.
2. Economic Growth
DV immigrants contribute to economic growth in the U.S. They fill important jobs, start businesses, pay taxes, buy homes, and contribute to local communities. Studies show that both high-skilled and low-skilled immigrants have either a small positive impact or no significant impact on native-born workers’ wages and employment.
3. Reunite Families
The DV program helps reunite families by allowing DV winners to bring their spouses and unmarried children under 21 to the U.S. Family reunification has long been an important part of U.S. immigration policy.
4. Opportunity for a Better Life
The DV program provides the opportunity for a better life to many immigrants from disadvantaged backgrounds. Winning a DV means the chance to escape poverty, oppression, war or lack of opportunity and build a new, prosperous life in America.
5. Supports U.S. Foreign Policy Goals
The DV program supports U.S. foreign policy goals by diversifying the immigrant population and promoting goodwill with people from other countries. The program helps foster positive relationships with other nations and improves America’s image abroad.
In summary, the Diversity Visa program has significant benefits, including promoting cultural diversity, economic growth, family reunification, and opportunity. The program aligns with key U.S. values and supports foreign policy goals. Overall, the DV program makes valuable contributions to American society.
How to Apply for Diversity Visa (DV) program
To apply for the Diversity Visa program, you must meet the eligibility criteria and submit an entry during the open registration period. The eligibility criteria include:
1. Education or Work Experience Requirements
You must have either a high school education or its equivalent, or within the past five years have two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience. The U.S. Department of Labor’s O*Net Online database will be used to determine qualifying work experience.
2. Country of Eligibility
You must be a native of a country with a historically low rate of immigration to the U.S. The list of eligible countries is published each year on the official program website. Native born citizens of countries no longer on the eligibility list may still apply, provided they have the required family relationship to a native of an eligible country.
3. Age Requirement
You must be at least 18 years old to enter the Diversity Visa program. There is no maximum age limit to apply, but the age of the applicant can affect their ability to qualify for a diversity visa. Applicants over 21 years old are given additional points in the selection process.
To submit an entry, you must complete and submit an electronic registration form (E-DV Entry Form or DS-5501) on the official E-DV website during the registration period each year. The form requires personal information for yourself and any derivatives (spouse and children) seeking a diversity visa. You will be required to upload a digital photo of yourself and pay the required $330 application fee for each visa applicant.
The annual DV registration period typically runs for about two months, from early October to early December. The specific dates of the registration period are published each year on the official E-DV website. During this time, you may submit one entry. Multiple entries will disqualify you from the selection process. The E-DV site will accept completed E-DV Entry Forms 24 hours a day from the start of the registration period until 12 noon (GMT) on the final day of registration.
If selected, you will be notified by the Kentucky Consular Center to proceed with applying for a diversity visa. Selection is based on a randomized computer drawing from among all qualified entries.
READ ALSO: The 2024 Guide to Winning the H-1B Visa Lottery
FAQs
What Is the Diversity Visa Program?
The Diversity Immigrant Visa Program, also known as the green card lottery, is a United States government program that provides up to 50,000 immigrant visas each year to individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. The visas are distributed through a lottery. Candidates are chosen at random from all qualified entries. The program aims to diversify the immigrant population in the U.S. by granting opportunities to underrepresented groups.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To be eligible for a diversity visa, you must be from a country that has sent fewer than 50,000 immigrants to the U.S. in the past five years. In addition, you need either a high school education or two years of work experience in an occupation that requires at least two years of training or experience. There are additional eligibility criteria regarding age, marital status, and previous immigration to the U.S.
How Does the Lottery Work?
Each year, millions of people register for the diversity visa lottery. The U.S. Department of State randomly selects applicants from each region and country. The selected applicants are invited to submit a formal visa application, including documents proving their eligibility. Visas are distributed among six geographic regions, and no single country may receive more than 7% of the available DVs in any one year.
What Are the Benefits of Winning the Lottery?
Winning the diversity visa lottery provides the opportunity to obtain a green card and establish permanent residence in the United States. Green card holders can live and work permanently in the U.S., own property, attend college, and travel abroad. After five years, green card holders can apply to become naturalized U.S. citizens. The diversity visa program provides people from underrepresented countries the chance to achieve the American dream and contribute to the multicultural fabric of American society.
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